In your face! The G-man errs
I had to look no further than my own column in last week's Insider to immediately find fault – with myself. I wrote that “people seem adverse to simply putting an s on a word ending in i – witness all those bar menus that describe specialty martini's.”Adverse should have been averse.Adverse means hostile or unfavorable. Adverse weather conditions should make us drive more slowly, and an adverse reaction...
The city that sometimes doesn't sleep
I don't want to belabor that old phrase about the sidewalks rolling up at 5 p.m., because usually, when you repeat old dead things, they take on more importance than they deserve. That old charmer really needs to be ignored into oblivion. Change is apparent here in Concord, and I for one, really appreciate and enjoy it.I'd like to give a shout out to some (mostly downtown) Concord businesses that are open later. Not to 2 a.m....
Fred Graf is mad about Mounsey
Dear Insiders, (In reference to the Tara Mounsey Q&A in the Black Ice issue): Tara Mounsey did not skate circles around the boys. I doubt she could have, but in any case it was not her role on the team. Her role was to move the TEAM out of the defensive zone with speed and in position to attack. She was superb at it. She was a better skater than any boy she played against and used that ability to make great passes to her team,...
Host families needed
Families in Transition seeks applications from agencies throughout New Hampshire that are interested in becoming a host site of a professional AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in 2011. VISTA host sites benefit from receiving the support of a full-time staff member, a VISTA volunteer, without the high cost of salary and benefits.AmeriCorps VISTA, a program of the Corporation for National & Community Service , comprises a nationwide...
Take it to the church
To honor Black History month, the First Congregational Church is inviting all to a free dinner and jazz evening on Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. This event will be held in the Guild room, accessible through the Washington Street entrance.The evening's entertainers will be Ben Green and Jim and Tim Wildman.Child care will be available. A donation of canned food to the food pantry would be appreciated. Those interested in attending the event...
Lions and tigers and rattlesnakes – oh my!
Gather 'round the fire, kiddies, it's time for some Concord Fables. The Insider dug up stories of Concord's legendary figures, and we think these historical heroes are every bit as exciting as Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett. Those guys just had better representation. We've taken these stories, with little or no editing, straight from the pages of “The History of Concord,” written by Nathaniel Bouton in 1856....
Darlingside brings strings to Concord
The Insider caught up with string-rock quintet Darlingside last week to talk about the band's upcoming show at the Capitol Center for the Arts. They answered questions about their influences and plans for the future.Where does the name Darlingside come from?Harris Paseltiner (cello, guitar, vocals): There's a quote about the artistic process: “Kill your darlings.” In composing music, we might find ourselves...
Health by the 100s
On Feb. 10, Second Start Alternative High School celebrated the 100th day of school by working together to walk 100 miles at the Racquet Club of Concord. Students and staff walked, ran, biked, and ellipticalled together and compiled 104.5 miles as part of a “Healthy Choices” campaign surrounding the 100th day of school. The campaign, which also includes getting students to think of 100 things they want out of life, and a...
Dollars for dugouts
Attention all supporters and alumni of Concord High softball! It's time to make new memories at Memorial Field!The diamond where Concord High softball teams have won five state titles has undergone a facelift. Key to the improvements in 2011 will be new dugouts to be built by CHS voc-ed students. To make this happen this spring, the CHS Softball Booster Club has pledged to help raise an additional $3,000 to cover the costs of the...
Dramatic storm hits
As if this winter isn't providing enough drama, PAGE TO STAGE is returning for a third season, storming back into Concord City Auditorium like the proverbial March lion to present three staged readings of new plays by New Hampshire playwrights.Aimed at developing new works for the stage, fostering new playwrights, and presenting new theatre works, PAGE TO STAGE holds forth on Sunday afternoons, March 6, 13, and 27, from 3 to 5...
Is a pond-based economy in the works?
Congratulations – whether you're reading this week's Insider online or in print, you almost certainly stepped through several feet of snow and ice in the bitter cold to do so. You are a hardy New Englander! If you walked five miles uphill in the snow to read the issue, you may also be Abe Lincoln. (I'm impressed that you've kept up with your reading even after being assassinated.)The seasonal showdown is always...
Pump it up
Every week, City Manager Tom Aspell writes up a memo, keeping us posted on what's happening around Concord. Then he puts it in an envelope, seals it with a kiss, and hand-delivers it to the Insider. At least, that's what we wish he did.let's get physicalThe city's Wellness Program will be sponsoring a Wellness Fair on Feb. 16 at the Green Street Community Center, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is open to city...
This Week in Concord History
Feb. 15, 1943: As a war measure, Concord's Mayor Charles McKee recommends that stoplights be eliminated at city intersections. Posting stop signs in their places will conserve gasoline, he says.Feb. 16, 1942: Eighty centers are set up around the state to register men aged 20 and 36-44 for the draft. Gov. Robert O. Blood's son, Robert Jr., a junior at Dartmouth, has already registered, as has Styles Bridges Jr., son of the...
Out of the cold
Art and Lisa looked like any other happy couple when the Insider caught up with them last week. Lisa's engagement ring glinted on her finger as they told the story of how they first met. Art ordered some half-sour pickles from the convenience store where Lisa was working, caught a glimpse of her, and the rest was history.”I couldn't say anything,” said Art. “She took my breath away.”But just like the...
Book of the week
concord public libraryFor more information about the Concord Public Library, visit concordpubliclibrary.net.Fatal UndertakingMark De Castrique2010, 232 pagesFictionFormer Charlotte cop Barry Clayton (nicknamed Buryin' Barry in grade school) has returned to his hometown in the North Carolina mountains to help run the family funeral parlor and serve as a part-time sheriff's deputy. The body in Barry's casket at the...
Spaghetti supper
The public is invited to a spaghetti supper at Grace Church, 30 Eastman St., on Feb. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free with a donation. The East Concord church plans to host additional neighborhood evening meals throughout the year. Don't miss the first!
Fundraising sale
It's time for Merrimack County Conservation District's fundraising sale of trees, shrubs, perennials, books, tools and equipment. The annual sale features native and locally grown plants suitable for Merrimack County's growing conditions. Native plants improve water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, reduce wind and soil erosion, help clean the air, reduce energy costs and beautify your property.This...
