Welcome to Townie Talk where we sit down (or Zoom in) with a local resident in our community to get the inside scoop and find out why …out of all the places in the world and in Greater Derry, New Hampshire, they chose their specific town. Their opinions are their own. So, if you disagree about their favorite spots, you’ll just have to battle it out on social media in your local townie Facebook Group … j/k We use “kind words” here at Macaroni Kid.
We have several townie rankings at Mac Kid Derrry. Elizabeth and her husband moved to Derry 8 years ago from Boston, so like many she's a Townie in Training! She has a master’s in early childhood education and has worked as a teacher and education coordinator for Bright Horizons in Cambridge. She is also a certified Tinkergarten leader who focuses on raising healthy, confident and capable kids. The couple has two children, Owen almost 8, and Aiden 4 ½.
In her own words:
Macaroni Kid: What is it about your town that you love?
Elizabeth: We were looking for a home with an easy commute to Boston for Colin’s job. We could afford a lot more in Derry, and I fell in love with our house. Derry has great schools and plenty of local businesses. We have privacy in our neighborhood but also a sense of community.
MK: What local kid-friendly spot in your town can you not live without?
E: We love camping and hiking, and there is so much nearby. The Depot Road Field playground in Hampstead is a favorite. The Robert Frost Farm (Historic Site) in Derry has little trails, a great place for family walks.
MK: In addition to being a local mom, tell us about your business
E: After we moved, and I was a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom), I was desperate for something to do, so my friend Lindsay and I started making resin letters to be used in learning activities. We called our business ROOLA, made up from the first letters of our kids’ names. After Lindsay left, I wanted something more. I love working with children, and I was aware of some sensory processing struggles, so I searched and found Marisa Delhay and Teaching Totes. I now have my own business as a specialist providing Teaching Totes in the Greater Derry area. A teach at home parent can rent a themed curriculum kit developed by The Teach at Home Mom. A tote, filled with crafts, games and activities, can be picked up or delivered, used for two weeks, and returned for another creative kit. Rental is $25. With themes like coding, electronics, dinosaurs, it’s learning and play for toddlers to early grade school children.
MK: Other than your business, what top local business do you suggest checking out?
E: The Coffee Factory is where we took our kids on their first outings. The Grind has muffins from local farms, bagels and hot chocolate. My kids are obsessed with their bread that comes from the Nomad Bakery. (Besides feeding her family love of coffee, Elizabeth looks for small local shops.) The New England Tie Dye Company, owned by Jenn Lague in Derry has shirts, pillowcases and so much more.
MK: Thanks, Elizabeth. Can’t wait to experience a Teaching Tote with my grandkids!
Elizabeth’s favorite local places:
The Depot Road Field playground in Hampstead
The Robert Frost Farm (Historic Site) in Derry has little trails, a great place for family walks.
The Coffee Factory, 25 Crystal Ave, Derry
The Grind, Next to the Derry Rail Trail
Nomad Bakery, Check site for where it's on the menu
The New England Tie Dye Company, owned by Jenn Lague in Derry has shirts, pillowcases and so much more.
Publisher’s Note:
We have several TOWNIE TALK rankings -
New Kid on the Block - Less than 5 years resident
Townie in Training - Between 5 - 20 years resident
True Townie - 20+ years resident, bonus for generational heritage
Honorary Townie - Technically not a resident, but you could have fooled us!
Love Derry, too? Looking for more awesome local businesses? Check out our Local Business Directory!
------------
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE!
Love this article? Want more like it and to get the latest on local Greater Derry area events? Subscribe HERE to receive our free, weekly Macaroni Kid Derry newsletter in your inbox every Thursday morning. Our goal is to bring you all of the best family-friendly events, activities, and businesses in our area. We proudly serve the towns of Derry, Londonderry, Hampstead, East Hampstead, Windham, Salem, Chester, Candia, Atkinson, Auburn, Sandown, Pelham and Plaistow! Contact us anytime (karynm@macaronikid.com) with your ideas, event listings, and suggestions. Have a small business and want to reach thousands of local families? Advertise with us!
