Is it Christmas?
New officers, extra-long weekly memo
Last Friday, City Manager Tom Aspell sent out his weekly memo and we got quite the pleasant surprise. Eyes locked on the computer screen, we eagerly read every word for two entire pages. Satisfied, we went to click out of the document, but something caught our eye.
“What’s this?” we said, our voice quivering with excitement. “Is there a third page to Tom’s memo?”
We scrolled down, and there – the most beautiful sight we had seen all week – was a third page.
After breathing slowly into a paper bag, we were able to compile some highlights for you.
As of July 31, three new police officers graduated from the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Academy, Tom wrote.
“Officers Kaila Buffis, Brian Womersley and Andrew Kievlicz completed their training program and now enter their fieldtraining program, which will prepare them for their next assignment to the patrol pision,” he added.
Feeling oh-so-well protected, Tom slept like a baby after writing this portion of the memo.
Backpacks donated
In Tom’s book (or memo) the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #1631 is pretty awesome. The post donated 25 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Concord Human Services Department.
The Human Services Department will distribute the backpacks to families in the community that struggle to meet this expense.
Nice work, ladies.
Sept. 14: It’s coming soon!
We know you’re all eagerly anticipating Sept. 14. No, it’s not The Insider’s birthday (that’s in October, silly), it’s state primary election day!
In the memo, Tom gave the heads up that new polling hours will go into effect on Sept. 14. Polling locations within the city will now open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., Tom wrote.
Don’t know where to cast your votes? Polling locations are assigned to residents based on where they reside. Find a street listing at concordnh.gov/elections or call the city clerk’s office at 225-8500 for more information.
And don’t forget: Absentee ballots are available at the city clerk’s office for registered voters who are unable to get to the polls on election day.
Get your golf on
We’re not sure if Tom is much of a golfer, but we bet he looks great in plaid.
If you, too, look spiffy in checkered fabric you may be interested in the following specials
taking place at the Beaver Meadow Golf Course this month:
– On Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring yourself and three friends to get 18 holes of golf (with cart) for $120.
– Spend some quality time with the spouse and kids and partake in the Family T-Program – a new program designed to allow families to play golf together from the same set of tees.
Here’s the small print: Each group will be spaced at least 12 minutes apart. This is available Saturdays and Sundays after 4 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis. Adults are $20; juniors (15 and younger), accompanied by a paying adult, are free. Nine holes are included.
For more information, contact the Beaver Meadow Golf Course at 228-8954.
Rubber duckies, kayaking and more
The recreation department will hold its ninth annual River Jamboree on Aug. 14 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Kiwanis River Front Park at the Everett Arena.
This free event will include kayak and canoe trips on the Merrimack River, face painting, kids’ games, community information booths and – Tom’s favorite event – a rubber ducky race.
“Try your duck luck and enter a duck or two in the race for a chance to win a kayak package generously donated by Haggett’s Marine,” Tom wrote, clearly proud of his rhyming skills.
Participating organizations include Concord Crew, Contoocook River Canoe Company, Haggett’s Marine, Trout Unlimited, Broosa Looney Balloon Twister, Arnie’s Place, the New Hampshire National Guard, The Friends Program, the Merrimack County Conservation District, the Sierra Club and more.
An after-school club we want to belong to
Ah, if only we were in grades K-8, because then we could belong to the after school LEGO Club. The club, which meets the second Thursday of every month, is an opportunity to meet new friends and, well, play with LEGOS. How awesome is that?
The next meeting will be held in the Concord Public Library’s auditorium on Aug. 12 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is not required.
