On your mark, get set, scavenge!
All right, you little scavengers, it’s time to strap on your burliest pair of sneakers, throw a few of your brightest flares in a backpack and head into the wilds of Concord, also known as the city’s parks. When we set out last week document the parks for this assignment, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves in to. “A scavenger hunt in the city parks?” we scoffed. “Sounds like a breeze. How many are there, like, four of...
Police log
Mind the ‘death stick’ Richard Cresta, 32, of Watertown, Mass., was arrested June 26 and charged with prowling after the police received complaints that he was attempting to go through cars near Shaws on Fort Eddy Road, according to a police report. When a police officer approached Cresta and asked where he was going, Cresta stared blankly, the report said. When the officer asked Cresta if he had any weapons, Cresta said, “Yes, due to...
City briefly
Back to the grind Who needs fireworks when you can be stimulated by the wise words of City Manager Tom Aspell? That’s right, folks, we spent our weekend reading Tom’s weekly memo. Jealous? If you didn’t get a chance to read it, here are the highlights: While driving along North State Street on Monday you may have noticed a Fourth of July miracle . . . no construction was being done! We hope you enjoyed a day off from sitting in...
Praise for Ball & Chain; rest in peace, kitty cat
Hi Ya Guys, “Ball & Chain” is a good column – like a Dear Abby only by men this time. That’s okay. “The Elders” column was great, but change is a fact of life; time to move on. I’ll be reading Ball & Chain but probably will not submit questions. I don’t have relationship problems. I only associate with birds and squirrels these days. They never give me a hard time. I must say it’s ironic: The last question to the Elders was...
Yoga class provides seniors an escape
If you want pretzels, you won’t find them during Tom Sherman’s weekly yoga class at Concord’s Centennial Senior Center, but you’ll sure feel like one after stretching for 45 minutes. Every Tuesday afternoon, Sherman and the center’s director, Kim Murdoch, invite the surrounding community to find their inner peace. For three bucks a session, participants have a chance to regain a steadfast calm that can get lost in the daily grind. “It...
Eat your vegetables!
Kids from the Head 2 Toe Learning Center in Concord show off the fruits of their labor. The children planted the vegetable garden from seeds and are learning how to care for it.
Book of the week
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand Helen Simonson 2010, 358 pages Setting: Village of Edgecombe St. Mary, present day When he hears of his brother's sudden death, Major Pettigrew is helped by Mrs. Ali, the Pakistani village shopkeeper who happened to come to his door that morning on an errand. Major Pettigrew is a widower, and Mrs. Ali's husband died a year ago. They begin spending some time together, and their improbable...
Photo exhibit takes an up-close look at the small things
Three gravestones catch my eye. Each one has a single word printed across it. Brother. Mother. Father. The stones are simple yet profound, which is why I stop. “When I die, will people sum me up with just one word?” I think to myself. This is a weighty thought for 1 p.m. on a Wednesday. I’m usually thinking about the Lean Cuisine waiting for me in the freezer. You can find these particular stones at Blossom Hill Cemetery, but I saw...
Our very own Abe Lincoln; the death penalty lives on
July 6, 1849 – The Legislature officially gives Concord permission to become a full-fledged city. An argument in favor of abandoning the town meeting form of government is that there is no place big enough to accommodate all the town's voters. – July 10, 1927 – A U.S. Army flying school opens at Concord airport with the arrival of the first class of 20 pilots in training. – July 10, 1879 – John B....
Piano player, teacher tells story
This month, “Meet a Senior’s” Anita Hickey talked to Dorothy Bottalico, a classical pianist who has been active in Concord’s performing arts community. How did music play a part in your life as a child? At the age of 6 I was taking both dancing and piano lessons. (I was) 9 at the beginning of the Great Depression. My mother . . . selected piano for me because it was something that she felt I could enjoy throughout my life. While in...
Got something to sell?
Are you a crafter or do you have a few things boxed up for a yardsale? A community flea market and craft sale will be held July 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 177 N. Main St. Tables are $10 to $20, depending on size. For more information, call 224-2851 or e-mail louleep@gmail.com.
Way to be, Eagles
The Fraternal Order of the Eagles donated $7,000 to Concord Hospital Trust to support the pediatric department and the Regional Early Activation Care Team. Two thousand dollars of the gift came from the Eagles' Jimmy Durante Children's Fund and will partially fund the purchase of a much-needed treatment table for Concord Hospital's recently renovated pediatric patient care unit. The remaining $5,000 came from the...
Meet the Y's newest development director
The Concord Family YMCA would like to extend a warm welcome to Anne Omundson as the new development director. Anne brings more than 30 years of experience working with families and children including her past 10 years working for The Friends Program. Anne's proven fundraising skills, strong commitment, generosity and kind heart will help her to build and sustain quality-based programs and services at the YMCA. Anne will help...
Hang out in Chichester
BNI Granite Referrals (a group of business owners and company representatives) meets Tuesdays from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Community Building in Chichester. For more information, call 391-1498
The United Way of Merrimack County raised lots of dough in '09
Through the generosity of the community, the United Way of Merrimack County raised $2.12 million during the 2009 campaign. The announcement was made at the United Way's annual meeting. The annual campaign depends on the caring power of hundreds of volunteers and staff. However, it is the vision, determination and leadership of the campaign chair that guides that team to success. Jim Bassett of Orr & Reno, the 2009 campaign...
Where The Insider goes, nobody knows!
In April, we let Insider ad rep Sherri Cote and ad designer Brenda Larson out of the office to cruise it up. We're not insanely jealous or anything. Here's a picture of the ladies (and friends) rubbing it in that we weren't there. From left: Denise Bickford, Jerry Cote, Sherri, Dale Lafond, Brenda, Madison Cote and Devan Bickford in St. Martin. E-mail your travel pictures to news@theconcordinsider.com. Please include...
