Book of the Week: ‘A Library Book for Bear’
A Library Book for Bear Bonny Becker 2014, 32 pages Fiction In this children’s book, Bear is sure that his seven “very nice books” are all the books that he would ever need. But his friend Mouse is insistent that they visit the library. Bear had promised, so he reluctantly takes Mouse to the library and says that “There are far too many books in there” . . . “Most excessive!” But Mouse persists, and while in the library Bear makes an...
A look at nature through the lens of photographer Roger Irwin
If you couldn’t tell, photographer Roger Irwin sure does seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time when it comes to capturing some of nature’s greatest moments. That or more likely he spends a lot of time sitting around in the woods just waiting for something cool to walk by. Irwin’s work is currently showing at the Audubon’s McLane Center through Dec. 31.
We found some tasty looking competition at Presidential Oaks
Presidential Oaks held its Gingerbread House Competition again this year, and all nine entries in the adult and youth categories were judged during the annual Christmas Fair on Saturday. Unfortunately, Insider Land (read more about it on page 10) didn’t bring home the grand prize, but at least we didn’t finish in last. But as you can see, we were up against some pretty tasty looking competition. The top adult took home $250 and the...
You should go check out the Kimball Jenkins student show
If you’ve been keeping track, this marks the 16th year in a row that Kimball Jenkins has used the month of December to show off its students work. The annual student exhibition features over 100 pieces and since you can see that less than a tenth of those are shown on these two pages, there’s a lot more to see. And you’re in luck ’cause the show will be on display in the Carolyn Jenkins Gallery through Jan. 3.
Learn what it’s like to make a movie and take in ‘The Nutcracker’
Tuesday There will be an interfaith service from 6 to 7 p.m. at Blossom Hill Cemetery. This service will focus on the approaching season of winter, its gifts and challenges as well as its comforts and constraints in Perkins Chapel. Wednesday Concord’s own Pedro Pimentel will be the guest speaker at this month’s Wednesdays Wisdom event at Kimball Jenkins at 6 p.m. The topic of discussion will center around the process and plight of a...
The Bulletin Board
10th annual artisans fair at Bishop Brady Saturday Bishop Brady High School will host its 10th Annual Christmas Artisan Fair on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair features 74 artisans, and will include raffles, a cookie walk, food and a Christmas Shop for children 12 and under. Admission is free. Proceeds from the fair benefit Bishop Brady’s Habitat for Humanity Service Program. For more info visit, bishopbrady.edu. Maureen...
City Briefly
City Manager Tom Aspell usually sends out a newsletter each week full of updates and little tidbits about what’s going on in the city. And this past week was no exception, so here are some of the highlights. Hey, that’s our cover story Bridge work continues This past week, concrete was placed for the footing at the south bridge abutment and the steel decking was dismantled on the north truss of the existing bridge. In addition,...
Book of the Week: ‘The Red Collar’
The Red Collar Jean Christophe Rufin 2015, 158 pages Fiction If you had to explain to someone what it means to be human, you could give them this book. The Red Collar is about Wilhelm, a briard sheepdog mix, who followed Jacques Morlac when he was mobilized to fight in the French army in 1915. When the book opens, Morlac is in prison and Wilhelm is outside “baying relentlessly.” Major Hugues Lantier du Grez is the officer...
Another year, another fantastic display at the Fez-tival of Trees
It was another banner year for the Bektash Shrine Center’s Fez-tival of Trees, held last week. Although there were fewer trees than last year, the event still drew big crowds every day and much fun was had by all.
Make sure to fill out a passport for your chance to Win the Window
If you missed the train on last year’s inaugural Win the Window, we have good news: it’s back for a second year. All you have to do is pick up a passport at a downtown business or print one off Intown Concord’s website and get to stamping. You need 20 stamps from participating businesses on North Main Street and another eight from ones on Pleasant and South Main streets. There’s no purchase necessary and you have a chance to win one...
We stopped by Concord Handmade to see what’s on the shelves
For the fifth year in a row, Alison Murphy was able to find an open storefront somewhere in the downtown area, which means her pop-up holiday shop, Concord Handmade, is up and running. Inside the 26 Pleasant St. location, you’ll find clothing and earrings, magnets and coffee cups – along with some other stuff that may be just the creation you’ve always wanted, but never knew about. More than 50 New England-based artists are featured...
Missed Connections
We searched craigslist high and low last week for some of the best and most recent Missed Connections. Here, unedited, is just a sampling of what we found (and could print). tuesdays – m4w (concord) hello my name is randy i was at tuesday and you were a bartender. i thought we may have shared a moment and would love to talk to you if you even check this. tell me what was in your hair if this is you? Target concord 11/21 –...
Book of the Week: ‘Carry On’
Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow Rainbow Rowell 2015, 522 pages Fiction The latest book by Rainbow Rowell is everything you could expect from one of her books; it has the same wit, charm, pacing and relatable characters, with the added touch of fantasy. Carry On is a mashup of common tropes, and a few unexpected twists. As a stand-alone novel, it’s an enjoyable read, something exciting and fun to take you to a new world that...
City Briefly
City Manager Tom Aspell has been pretty busy lately between the opening of North Main Street and, you know, running the rest of the city. It’s surprising, then, that he found the time to write us a nice letter keeping us abreast of what’s going on. Since this is the season of giving, we decided we’d share the news with you. Consider it an early Christmas present. Flip the switch Penacook to light it up The Penacook Village Association...
The Bulletin Board
Holiday craft fair Saturday at Merrimack Valley The Merrimack Valley High School KEY Club is hosting a holiday craft fair this weekend in the school’s cafeteria. The fair runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. There will be handmade crafts, baked goods, antiques, jewelry, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple and more Breakfast will be available while supplies last starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday and a hot brunch...
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. . . . Main Street!
After a long construction process, work has finally wrapped up on North Main Street. No more trucks, slabs of bricks and pavers, crews of (friendly) construction workers or open ditches. No more one-way traffic on the main road, either, which is nice. But really it was worth it cause the whole thing looks nice, so kudos to the city and Severino Trucking for doing such a fine job. Also, kudos to everyone else who showed patience during...
Take a trip through the ‘Seasons’ with Sandy Wadlington
New England is known for its four seasons, and Sandy Wadlington has spent years capturing the scenery spring, summer, fall and winter create. And if the impending winter has got you missing the other three seasons a little bit more these days, then check out Wadlington’s exhibit at McGowan Fine Art. It includes a variety of media, pastel, caran d’ache and colored pencil drawings and will be on display through Dec. 19.
Book of the Week: ‘Ana of California’
Ana of California Andi Teran 2015, 353 pages Fiction Ana of California, which is “inspired” by Anne of Green Gables, is both familiar and fresh. Ana Cortez is an orphan from Boyle Heights in East L.A. She’s almost 16, the age when she can “emancipate” out of the foster care system. In the meantime, she’s in trouble for telling off her latest foster mother. Her social worker suggests Garber Farm in northern California, owned by brother...
City Briefly
Last week, City Manager Tom Aspell spent much of his time walking up and down North Main Street admiring all the shiny new amenities while taking breaks to pen his last city memo before the Thanksgiving holiday on the strategically placed red benches. And here it is for your consumption. Just think of it as your turkey day appetizer that you can’t eat. Holiday time City offices closed In observance of Thanksgiving, all city offices...
Instagram photo of the week
Instagram user @steffiezera took this shot of a crane putting up a gigantic Christmas tree in front of the State House last week. It sure will be nice not to see that crane again for a few months.
The Bulletin Board
Concord Chorale to perform holiday concerts The Concord Chorale welcomes the holiday season with “Laud to the Nativity.” The chorale will perform Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 27 Pleasant St. The concert is also performed on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m., at Christ Church, 43 Pine St., Exeter. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors and students, and available at...
The people have voted, and here’s who took home the SNOB awards
In case you missed last week’s issue of the Insider (shame on you) and all those signs around town, the Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival was held this past weekend. With more than 70 films shown during the four-day festival and three beer tastings, Red River Theatres was quite busy to say the least. There was also three nights of music, capped off with a bash at the Barley House for the awards ceremony. And since we couldn’t...
Mill Brook to close season with ‘Reflections: Five Visions’ exhibit
Before the snowflakes start to fly and winter sets in for what will probably feel like an eternity, Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Center is hosting one final exhibition for 2015, “Reflections: Five Visions.” It features the work of Sean Beavers, Judith Cooper, Sydney Bella Sparrow, David Preston Wells and Lindley Briggs, and will be on display through Christmas Eve. With a mixture of sculptures and paintings, the work spans...
The Granite United Way Guide to Gifts and Giving
It’s almost time for the latest and greatest toys, electronics and deals to dominate the television airwaves for what will likely feel like months on end, and that can only mean one thing – the holidays are upon us. But while many of us make our way to store after store looking for the perfect gift for everyone on our shopping list, there are lots of people out there not as fortunate. Many of our community members won’t find any gifts...
We found more fun stuff to do this week
Wednesday Do you have a song you’ve just been waiting for the world to hear? Well here’s your chance. The Concord Community Music School will let you record up to five minutes of your soon to be No. 1 billboard sensation from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the studio. If you’re interested in learning all about hiking when it’s really cold out then you might want to head down to the Concord library tonight as 6 p.m. for a little introduction with...
Mario the Magician mesmerized the audience at the Concord library
That Mario the Magician (sometimes known by his non-magician name, Mario Marchese) puts on quite the show. And that’s a double meaning, since he both performs magic shows and makes movies. He was at the Concord Public Library last Thursday to show some kids his tricks, and he also had his documentary film, “Building Magic,” play at the SNOB Film Festival. Not a bad way to spend a weekend.
