City newsletter: Municipal offices closed for the holidays
The city manager’s office sent out the City Manager’s Newsletter last Friday. The full newsletter can be found by going to concordnh.gov and clicking the “Newsletter” button. Here are some highlights: Holiday closings and reminders City offices will be closing at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. City offices will be closing at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, through Friday,...
This Week in Concord History
March 5, 1740: After years of disputes over Massachusetts claims on New Hampshire, King George II approves the boundary between the two colonies. The decision increases New Hampshire’s size by 3,500 square miles and costs Massachusetts 28 chartered towns, including Suncook, Bow, Concord, Penacook, Webster, Salisbury, Dunbarton, Weare, Hopkinton, Warner and Bradford. March 6, 1991: With five seconds left in the state Class I semifinal...
Natural scenes on exhibit at chamber gallery
New Hampshire Art Association pastel artist Chris Reid will have her work on display in an exhibit titled, “The View Through My Eyes,” at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center beginning Dec. 22. “My work is a conversation with nature,” Reid said. “My paintings are more than simple depictions of place. Rather, they invite a choreographed dance of the eyes, where the viewer is invited to look deep into the depths of...
It’s time to start sprucing up inside the house
We’re in sort of an awkward phase of the year right now. It’s still technically winter, but by the end of this week we’ll be in March, when many people start to think about spring and all its trappings. You never know what you’re going to get around here in terms of weather – it could be in the 20s and snowing one day and up to 60 degrees the next. That can make it sort of tough to plan for anything that’s going to be outside.That’s...
Photos: A season all aglow
The holiday season is upon us and across the city families have decked the halls in anticipation. While some homes have had astounding displays for years, many more are all dressed up as more people stay home. Here are just a few of the outdoor lighting displays you can see: Borough Road 9 Peterson Circle 90 Primrose Lane 29 Winterberry Lane 45 Jackson Street Alice Drive and Kyle Street Elm Street Email news@theconcordinsider.com if...
Symphony NH to perform at Concord City Auditorium with acclaimed soloist Marza Merophi Wilks
We give a lot of ink in these pages to bar bands, comedy shows and plays, but the city hosts plenty of classical music, too. On that note (get it, note?), we’re here to get you ready for a big show coming to Concord City Auditorium next week, March 10, to be exact. Symphony New Hampshire will perform Mozart 40 and Elgar Cello Concerto with Grammy-nominated cellist Marza Merophi Wilks and guest conductor Stefano Sarzani next Sunday,...
Book of the Week: Expert guide on crafting a tale
On Writing and Worldbuilding By Timothy Hickson (233 pages, nonfiction, 2019) If you’re looking to up your writing game, this book is great for learning more advanced techniques. You may know how to craft character and plot already, but find out how your characters affect plot and vice versa. Learn how to use exposition in a way that will make your writing look like the pros. Explore the link between your characters and...
Strings and Things has some really high-end guitars, and a few free events coming up
If you’re a musician who lives in or around Concord, you’re probably familiar with Strings & Things Music Store, the shop on South Main Street that sells all kinds of instruments (not just stringed ones) and gives lessons. While many smaller stores – pretty much anything not called Guitar Center – tend to have limited selections and mostly specialize in selling strings and picks, Strings & Things is really a full-service shop...
At nightfall, the lamplighter makes rounds
Main Street in Concord is pictured here on a dark night, back on July 25, 1953. This photograph was taken shortly after Concord Electric installed new electric street lights on Main Street. Main Street wasn’t always so bright, light was indeed a luxury not easily afforded to our ancestors. In the 1880s, the Concord lamplighter still walked the old cobbled streets of downtown Concord. A lonely, solitary man fortunate to have a job...
Making Good Health Simple: Happiness – It’s a big deal, and it’s part of your health
Health is an umbrella that encompasses many aspects of your life. There are obvious benefits of making healthy choices that you can see, however there are many more that you cannot. You’ve probably heard the correlation between exercising and feeling great. Maybe you have heard the term “runner’s high?” If you haven’t experienced it yet, skeptics beware. It is a real thing. Are you happy? I mean how do you know if you are? Would you...
City news: Winter has arrived for the capital city
The city manager’s office sent out the City Manager’s Newsletter last Friday. The full newsletter can be found by going to concordnh.gov and clicking the “Newsletter” button. Here are some highlights: Holiday closings and reminders City offices will be closing at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. City offices will be closing at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, through Friday,...
Concord Community Music School to host March Mandolin Festival this weekend
Concord’s 17th annual March Mandolin Festival is set for March 1 to 3, with two days of workshops at Concord Community Music School and two concerts featuring world-class musicians from near and far. The March Mandolin Festival Workshops on Saturday and Sunday are full to capacity, with more than 50 participants coming from as far away as Quebec, New Brunswick and California. As part of the festival, everyone can enjoy two fantastic...
Concluding the year with virtual activities
Jazz Sanctuary continues virtually This Sunday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m., “Holiday Music and the Jazz of Connection (While Apart)” will air virtually as a YouTube premier. During the pandemic, Jazz Sanctuary has launched a monthly themed “Conversation and Tunes,” and this month’s production samples album cuts from 11 consecutive years of holiday “friends and family” CDs shared annually by WildVine Jazz (Tim Wildman and Jock Irvine). Pastor...
Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce announces 2019 student leadership class
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce welcomed 24 students selected to take part in Capital Area Student Leadership (CASL) 2019 during a reception held at the Chamber’s 49 S. Main St. office in Concord on Feb. 20, also attended by parents, guardians, CASL committee members and Chamber staff program liaisons. CASL is New Hampshire’s only regional student leadership and civics program. It is offered annually by the Chamber for high...
This week in Concord history
Dec. 17, 1979: New Hampshire’s multi-million dollar ski industry, already plagued by high fuel prices, is getting nervous about the winter. With just five days until the start of Christmas vacation, only six of the state’s 35 ski areas are open. Not only has there been a shortage of natural snow, but warm weather has hindered artificial snowmaking operations. Ski area operators are praying for a heavy snowfall before Christmas to bail...
Bulletin Board: Discovery Center open for winter break, discussion groups and more
VNA to offer Walk-In Wednesday Concord Regional VNA offers Walk-In Wednesday on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at Horseshoe Pond Place Senior Resource Center, 26 Commercial St. Walk-In Wednesday is held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the same time. Walk-In Wednesday is an opportunity to get your questions answered. A Concord Regional VNA team member is available to meet with people individually regarding their specific...
Santa Paws is coming to town
Your dogs and cats may already be feeling spoiled over the last year with extra walks and time spent with you at home, but they’re family and you may want to spoil your furry companion a bit extra over the holidays. We headed over to locally-owned Sandy’s Pet Food Center to see what we could find. Well, it was a lot, so you’ll have to check it out for yourself, but here are some highlights:
City Manager’s Newsletter: Concord Reads, golf tips, last call for skating and more
Last Friday, the city’s public information officer, Stefanie Breton, sent out the City Manager’s Newsletter. The letter was too long to print in its entirety here, but you can access the full version at concordnh.gov by clicking the “Newsletter” button on the homepage. Library announces title, schedule for Concord Reads This year’s selection for Concord Reads, the annual citywide literary event organized by Concord Public Library and...
City Newsletter: New video game leagues available
The city manager’s office sent out the City Manager’s Newsletter last Friday. The full newsletter can be found by going to concordnh.gov and clicking the “Newsletter” button. Here are some highlights: COVID Fund NH Community Development Finance Authority tentatively awarded $499,899 to the City of Concord, and its partners, special COVID-19 Community Development Block Grant funds made available via the Cares Act to provide public...
Entertainment: A slew of stage shows in an otherwise fairly light week
We’re very close to the end of the month, which means some of the music venues around here have only posted their shows through Thursday, the last day of the month. But, we more than make up for that with an absolute trove of theatrical performances on all of the city’s main stages. Have a look: Music Tuesday Scott Solsky at Hermanos at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Poor Howard at Hermanos at 6:30 p.m. Thursday Joel Cage at Hermanos at 6:30...
Children’s story filled with good themes
Mice Skating By Annie Silvestro; Illustrations by Teagan White (12 pages, children’s fiction, 2017) I wish I could wrap this book around myself like a cozy woolen scarf! The story follows Lucy, an adventurous field mouse with a predilection for outdoor winter fun, as she tries to convince her friends to leave their snug winter burrow and experience the joys of the snowy outdoors. Lucy takes it upon herself to knit winter hats for each...
Concord Coalition to End Homelessness in search of contestants for first-ever talent show
Concord-area performers: If you’ve dreamt of showcasing your special talent, the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness wants to shine a spotlight on you. CCEH is recruiting performers of all types to participate in its first-ever talent show in October. The fundraising event will showcase a variety of talents through a round of live auditions and the final show Oct. 5 on the Capitol Center for the Arts’ newly renovated Bank of New...
Keep your pets healthy during holidays
The holidays are a time of great celebration for many people, but for pets it can also be a time overwhelmed by new noises, sights, smells and visitors. Here are some tips from the ASPCA to keep your furry pals safe during the season: Plants, decor Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water — which may contain...
Toastmasters to host public speaking forum, free raffle at NEC Concord on Thursday
Toastmasters is where distinguished leaders are made. The Concord area Toastmasters welcome you to a Public Speaking Forum and free raffle on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at New England College’s 62 N. Main St. location in Concord. These events will showcase great public speakers and impromptu speaking, along with tips about how to organize a speech, effectively move an audience and to think on your feet. The program will be informal but...
Exotic animals may be good option for some
It’s gift-giving season, and you may be considering giving someone you love a pet. Before you run to the pet store or shelter, here are some things to consider. Since COVID-19 broke out, pet ownership has soared as evidenced by the number of new pet adoptions at humane societies. At the same time, the costs of pet ownership are also causing an increase in pets being surrendered to shelters. Small or exotic pets may be a good...
Blast From the Past: Paying respects to Eddie Quinn, the boy soldier
The Third Regiment New Hampshire Infantry was organized in Concord and mustered in on Aug. 23, 1861, serving their country bravely until they were mustered out on July 25, 1865. When the time came to sign up at Concord, there was a young teenaged boy who wanted to serve. He was persistent until the recruiter finally acknowledged him and assigned him to Company C as a “waiter,” to serve the company food and take care of the tasks at...
This week in Concord history
Dec. 10, 1883: Nervous customers make a run on the China Savings Bank of Suncook. “The bank had heretofore borne a reputation of soundness, but of late there has been some acknowledged mistakes in the management of the institution,” the Weekly Union of Manchester reports. The presence of state bank commissioners makes depositors nervous, and by 10 a.m. 200 are waiting in line, demanding their savings in full. “Their deposits range...
Book of the Week: ‘Becoming’
BecomingMichelle Obama2018, 426 pagesNonfiction/Autobiography In Michelle Obama’s superbly written autobiography, she invites readers into her world, from growing up in the South Side of Chicago with a working-class family to the romantic relationship that blossomed between her and Barack. Michelle doesn’t hold back on the tumultuous ride on which life has taken her. She is open and honest about her feelings on politics and her...
New game, a big thank you
Room to play Escape Room Concord NH has been tinkering with the escape room and for a variety of reasons, decided to separate out the Lion’s Den from the Library. So, no more Library Part 2, but the Lion’s Den will now be a stand-alone game with it’s own storyline. There are a few new puzzles in the room too. If you want to check out the storyline and pictures, please visit escaperoomconcordnh.com. The next project will be to continue...
This Week in Concord History
Feb. 26, 1942: The H.J. Heinz Co. runs a large ad in the Monitor telling readers: “Blame Hitler, Hirohito, and Benito! . . . Don’t Blame Your Grocer.” The problem? Because of the shortage of sugar and other commodities, many of Heinz’s 57 varieties may be missing from the shelves. Feb. 26, 1973: The Concord city manager proposes increasing downtown parking fines from $1 to $2. Feb. 27, 1733: The Massachusetts General Court creates a...
