Lest you think this area of the state is devoid of young people, allow us to present Exhibit A, the Concord Young Professionals Network.
The group, started by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, gathers once a month at various locations in Concord for socializing, snacking and a generally enjoyable time networking with peers. The meetings attract a large crowd with new faces every time.
In addition to monthly networking meetings, held on the third Wednesday of the month, the group also offers a bi-monthly enrichment series. Topics range from resume writing to wine and art appreciation. The next topic is how to turn good ideas into businesses. It will be held at Red River Theatres on Oct. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farm is the guest speaker.
Ready to start meeting some fellow young people sooner than that? You're in luck! The next meeting of CYPN (pronounced “sip-in”), will be held at the Grappone Conference Center, 270 Constitution Ave. It's a garden party and barbecue with special guest 92.5 The River, an independent radio station.
For more information and to sign up, visit concordypn.org.
Because we can't pass up the chance to ask a gathering of young people for their two cents, we asked July's networking event attendees what one thing they feel Concord is missing for young people. The answers skewed toward night-life options, but that's not to discount the spots in town that do offer a place to hang out after work and on the weekend. So don't shoot the messenger, local bars/restaurants, okay?
Jessica Hardy, 33, Deerfield
Arcade type place that features games anywhere from Nintendo to the Wii, without excluding Atari games.
Alison Wanta, 31, Concord
Revitalized downtown Concord with more shops, coffee houses and restaurants.
Mike Gallant, 24, Concord
Nightlife.
Noelle Kjellman. 27, Concord
Dancing.
Mohamed Kamara, 40, Concord
Cross-culture.
Jonathan Hanley, 26, East Kingston
Nightlife.
Jane Susman, 28, Concord
Nightlife.
Jordan Brammer, 27
Active nightlife.
Antony Sayess, 36, Concord
Upscale dance club.
Shawn Burnham, 23, Concord
Employment opportunities other than fast food and retail.
Chad Miller, 30, Concord
Active nightlife.
Jodi Wolfe, 27, Bow
A nightclub or night venues that cater to young people.
Joshua Robinson, 29, Concord
A 24-hour diner, like Red Arrow in Manchester.
Samantha Mahoney, 23
A great spot to hang out after work.
Lindsay Johnson, 24, Concord
Nightlife/after hours events.
Greg Legier, 39, Warner
Professional sports team.
Matthew Becker, 28, Concord
Live music/nightlife/sports.
Shawn Mills, 33, Hopkinton
Roller rink.
Polina Sayess, 32, Concord
A good disco.
Chris Gintof, 25, Goffstown
Nightlife and entertainment.
Michael Bussiere, 27, Concord
More nightly social gatherings with a stimulating atmosphere.
Jon Fogg, 32, Concord
A respectable place to hang out and dance.
Eric Tolbert, 32, Concord
In terms of attracting and retaining a young workforce, I think the lack of affordable housing remains Concord’s, if not New Hampshire’s, biggest problem.
Nathan Dempsey, 27, Manchester
A better website that lists citywide information/events.
Krista Robichaud, 36, Pembroke
A dance club.
