Catholic Charities NH Mardi Gras set for Feb. 10
The 18th Annual Mardi Gras will be making its return to Concord on Feb. 10 at the Grappone Conference Center, bringing together the community to support NH neighbors facing poverty, homelessness, mental health challenges, and other timely issues impacting communities statewide. The evening will include a variety of authentic Cajun cuisine, games, live and silent auction items, dancing and more. The live auction will feature vacations...
‘A great neighborhood activity’: Outdoor hockey and nearly two decades of memories
Tom Philbrick’s basement has become something of a hockey sporting goods warehouse. Goalie equipment, sticks, skates, pucks – you name it, it’s probably down there. Oh, and don’t forget about all the hockey pucks not in the basement. “Hundreds of pucks around the neighborhood,” Philbrick said. “You find pucks from 10, 15 years ago stuck. I found them on my roof, found them on my neighbor’s roof. It’s unbelievable.” It’s a little more...
Concord Winter Fest returns for its sixth year
The Hotel Concord and Intown Concord are thrilled to announce the return of Concord NH Winter Fest for its sixth consecutive year, Jan. 26 to 28. The event promises a weekend filled with ice-carving demonstrations, competitions, vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Friday, Jan. 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Art & Bloom at Kimball Jenkins 3 to 9 p.m.: Sponsored ice carvings – State House Lawn 5 to 7 p.m.: Free wine tasting...
New show opening at Two Villages Art Society
February 3 to March 2 The upcoming exhibition at TVAS features the work of Susan Rock, of Bow. The exhibit, “An Artist’s Musings on Lincoln Today and Mixed Media,” opens Feb. 3. Rock is a multimedia artist whose work has been exhibited throughout New Hampshire. One of her watercolor scenes received an Artist of Merit Award in Two Villages Art Society’s Summer Member Show. An avid gardener, Rock often depicts garden scenes and still...
Art contest shines spotlight on youth mental health
Children’s System of Care Submissions are now open for the New Hampshire Children’s System of Care (CSoC) sixth annual Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest. Now through April 21, New Hampshire students in fifth through 12th grade are invited to submit a creative piece about their experiences and connections to mental health. An initiative of CSoC, Magnify Voices raises awareness, erases stigma, and effects change to help ensure the...
Concord Garden Club’s Art and Bloom event returns to downtown
The Concord Garden Club is excited to announce its upcoming 21st Annual Art and Bloom exhibit. Art and Bloom is a Concord mid-winter tradition that attracts art and flower lovers to enjoy beautiful floral arrangements paired with works of art. This year, the club is partnering with the Kimball Jenkins Estate (kimballjenkins.com), which is where the event will be held. Club members and local floral professionals will create floral...
NH Theatre Projects premiers ‘In the Garden of Z’
In the Garden of Z makes its world premiere at Portsmouth’s New Hampshire Theatre Project on Jan. 19. This powerful new drama is the story of one Russian girl’s reaction and response to the horrors of the War in Ukraine and how it motivates her to examine her family, her culture, history, war and the nature of propaganda- how it affects our lives and divides our communities. The play is written by Russian-Latvian immigrant Jelizaveta...
Purple Finches Youth Chorus present open sing
Calling all prospective Purple Finches. Ever wonder what it’d be like to participate in a community-wide musical group and make new musical friends? Try it and see for yourself on Monday, Jan. 29. The Purple Finches Youth Chorus (grades K-8), led by Maria Isaak, includes three age levels — the Fledglings, the Fliers, and the Finches. The three groups allow an age-appropriate sequence of musical development, as students learn...
CYPN: Chloé LaCasse inspires and advocates in Concord
Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to the “Young Professional of the Month,” Chloé LaCasse. Each month, the CYPN Steering Committee recommends individual in the community it thinks readers would enjoy getting to know better. Chloé LaCasse Where do you live? The southside of Concord. Where do you currently work? I’m self-employed as a Motivational Speaker at The Making of Self, offering thoughtful, inclusive...
‘What can the spirit believe?’: Music school to host event
Join the Concord Community Music School for an evening of works by hometown Concord composer William Fletcher on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. A selection of vocal and chamber music will range from his earliest to his most recent pieces. Many of the pieces were written for long-term friends and colleagues, often at their request and with their particular gifts and tastes in mind. Featured performers are Peggo Horstmann-Hodes, Calvin Herst,...
Multicultural Festival: A message of gratitude as we look toward the New Year
A message of gratitude as we look toward the New Year Every year, the Concord Multicultural Festival brings people from all backgrounds together to share and celebrate diverse cultures with food, music, art, and activities. The Festival is a beacon of joy, a favorite of many, and a place where warm memories and meaningful connections are made. During and after the 2023 Festival, we heard many times: “This was the best year ever!” –...
Book review: ‘The Spectacular’
The Spectacular By Fiona Davis (368 pages, historical fiction, 2023) If you like historical fiction, the latest offering from Fiona Davis would be a great choice. “The Spectacular” combines a backstage Radio City Music Hall story set in 1950’s New York with an unsolved police hunt for a mad bomber and delivers a truly engaging read. The heroine, Marion Brooks, defies the conventions of the day to join the Rockettes and becomes...
Concord Winter Fest returns to downtown
The Hotel Concord and Intown Concord are excited to announce Concord NH Winter Fest will be returning for its sixth year in a row! Enjoy ice-carving demonstrations and meet some of New England’s most talented ice carvers on Friday, Jan. 26 followed by an ice carving competition and Concord NH Winter Fest on Saturday, Jan. 27, and Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is an outdoor event so be prepared for the elements....
Downtown holiday spree contest wrapup
Winners of the downtown Concord holiday spree include Bob Bussiere of Concord, Karen Landes of Henniker and Debra Samaha of Concord. Winners got $10 gift cards from the following downtown businesses: Concord Co-op; Goldsmiths Gallery; Runners Alley; She’s A Lady/Spruce; Wine on Main; Joe Kings Shoe Store; Granite State Candy; Britches of Concord; Viking House; Cobblestone; Simply Birkenstock; Indigo Blues; Gems 1st; Fabulous Looks;...
Book review: ‘Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?’
‘Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?’ By Dr. Julie Smith (351 pages, self help, 2022) “Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?” is a concise and accessible self-help book for folks looking to strengthen their personal repertoire for dealing with life’s ups and downs. “People should not have to pay to come and see someone like me just to get access to…education about how their mind works,” says the author, clinical psychologist Dr....
Concord Crew, Red River co-host evening showing of ‘Boys in the Boat’
Concord Crew and Red River Theatre are co-hosting the movie “Boys in the Boat” for the evening showing on Tuesday, Dec. 26. During Depression-era America, an underdog rowing team at the University of Washington amazingly defies all odds and achieves the ability to represent the USA at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Director George Clooney deftly delivers a heartwarming and bold depiction of perseverance and unity in “Boys in the Boat” –...
Five local young professionals are creating community in Concord
Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to the “Young Professional of the Month,” the CYPN Ambassadors Committee. Each month, the CYPN Steering Committee recommends a young professional in the community it thinks readers would enjoy getting to know better, and this month it will highlight all five members of the CYPN Ambassador Committee. These local volunteers ensure that everyone is welcomed at CYPN events, new...
Don’t miss these local holiday performances
Dec. 15 A Celtic Family Christmas Award-winning fiddle virtuosos Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy celebrate the holidays with an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and storytelling for the young and the young at heart. To fans of fiddle music, MacMaster needs no introduction. Throughout a 25-year recording career, this Order of Canada recipient has released 11 albums. She has won two JUNO Awards and 11 East Coast Music Awards...
Red River showcases holiday movies
Red River presents your holiday movie favorites! Classically crafted to enhance your holiday season you’ll love them regardless of how many times you may have watched them. Especially enjoyable when seen on a big theater screen with an appreciative audience! And since we’re in the holiday spirit, we’re offering Polar Express tickets for only $6 which includes free hot cocoa and festive fun, so bring the whole family! “Polar Express”...
Shop holiday gift baskets downtown
Caring Gifts, a gift basket store in downtown Concord, carries a large assortment of gourmet foods, wine, champagne, specialty gift baskets, chocolates, baby clothes and much more. Below are some baskets currently on sale this holiday season. Peruse their seasonal offers at 18 N. Main St., Suite 101, in Concord. Santa’s Holiday Sleigh Christmas box of nuts, peppermint bark, double chocolate cocoa, Santa snack mix, chocolates, and...
Bulletin board for the week of Dec. 7, 2023
Veterans to be honored The Pierce Brigade, the membership organization dedicated to preserving the home and legacy of President Franklin Pierce, has adopted Old North Cemetery on North State Street as part of Wreaths Across America. Wreaths will be laid on the graves of 200 veterans located in the historic cemetery. On Saturday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m., the public is invited to join representatives from each of the eight military service...
Shop for books by Granite State writers
Know a book worm who’s looking for some more pages to flip? Check out these novels written by members of the New Hampshire Writers’ Project. Non-Fiction Covered Bridges of NH By Kim Varney Chandler Covered Bridges of New Hampshire is a must have book for covered bridge enthusiasts and historians. The book is an engaging and well-illustrated history of the remaining covered bridges in the Granite State. It is the most...
Winterfox Market is a collaboration of artists
Joining DIY Craft and Thrift in the former CVS on Main Street is an artistic pop-up shop, which will be open through the end of December. Winterfox Market is a community of artists working together including illustrator and graphic designer Ty Meier of Hopkinton, wood-burning expert Jo Grubman of Hopkinton, furniture-maker Eli Sproles, sheep-shearing wool-spinner and knitter Kris McCosh of Raymond, painter Charlotte Thibault of...
Concord Chorale holds December concert
On Dec. 9 and 10, Concord Chorale will be performing a concert titled “A Testament to Peace.” This concert focuses on the themes of peace and gratitude and features brass, organ, piano, and percussion. Joining Concord Chorale will be the young voices of The Purple Finches, a youth choir from Concord Community Music School under the direction of Maria Isaak. The concert will also feature a set showcasing the talents of the chorale’s...
Holiday happenings
Through Dec. 23 ‘A Christmas Carol’ Come celebrate the holiday season as the Palace Theatre tradition continues with Charles Dickens’ classic story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Tickets, $28 – $49, and showtimes at palacetheatre.org. Through Dec. 10 ‘It’s a Wonderful Life” Joe Landry has re-envisioned the beloved film classic as a 1940’s style radio play. Five seasoned...
Midnight Merriment returns to downtown Dec. 1
The enchanting Midnight Merriment is poised to make its triumphant return to downtown Concord on Friday, Dec. 1. From 5 p.m. until midnight, the streets will come alive with the joy and magic of the holiday season, welcoming residents and visitors to partake in a festive celebration. As the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, Midnight Merriment symbolizes a time of hope for downtown businesses and eager shoppers alike. The...
Spread Joy, Shop Concord for the holidays
In an age dominated by online shopping, the personal touch and sense of community that comes with supporting local businesses can often be overlooked. Engaging with business owners, retail workers, and fellow shoppers contributes significantly to the holiday spirit and the quest for the perfect gifts. Fortunately, Concord’s retail stores continue to thrive, offering a warm, small-town ambiance that fosters a strong sense of community...
Discover the Legacy of Joseph Plumer
On Nov. 25 at 10 a.m., Bob Manley, co-founder of Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, invites you to join him on a hike to visit the grave site of Joseph Plumer, the renowned Hermit of Meredith Hill. Joseph, who passed away in 1862 at the age of 88, rests beside the foundation of his house and barn in the heart of the Hermit Town Forest — an area that played a pivotal role in inspiring the name of Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery. A...
‘Christmas Carol’ returns
“Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” adapted by Jill Pinard returns to the Hatbox from Dec. 1 to 17. For some, the spooky season is over, but at Hatbox Theatre, it’s just getting started. “A Christmas Carol” will haunt the Hatbox stage; for this incarnation, Jill Pinard of Three Witches Productions takes the helm once again directing the script she adapted for Hatbox in 2016. In this original adaption of the holiday classic, Hatbox Theatre...
Capital Region Food Program celebrates 50th Holiday Project
This year, the Capital Region Food Program (CRFP) marks a milestone 50th edition of its Holiday Project. The Holiday Project has been a cornerstone of CRFP’s efforts to combat food insecurity. Through five decades of tremendous support from volunteers, donors, and the community, CRFP has been able to provid food for over 250,000 individuals facing food insecurities in our community year round. That’s more than 3,500 tons, or $5.1...
