Meals on Wheels makes sure seniors always get their grub on
Everybody has to eat. For many people, that’s as easy as running to the grocery store or hitting up the drive-through. But for some seniors, it’s not quite so easy. That’s where Meals on Wheels comes in. The program delivers meals up to five times a week to seniors at least 60 years old who need them. A wellness check is also included as part of the delivery, and is considered equally important, said Joan Baretto, assistant director...
It’s fake trees and prizes galore at the 15th annual Fez-tival of Trees
Dozens of fake Christmas trees set up in a function hall, decorated with ice cream cones, scratch tickets, candles and more. It can only mean one thing: the Bektash Shriners’ Fez-tival of Trees is back for another year – its 15th, to be exact (wouldn’t be 2015 without a milestone anniversary in Concord). Since we told you about the Fez-tival after it happened last year, we decided to fill you in ahead of time this year – so you can go...
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...
Ladies and gentlemen, meet ConcordTV’s newest Junior Hosts
It’s not every day that you get to meet the future TV and movie stars of America, or maybe even the world. That’s why it’s a big deal that we’re introducing you to ConcordTV’s newest Junior Hosts. The local television station put out the word about Junior Host auditions a few months ago (with a little help from the Insider), and the talent showed up in droves, said Executive Director Doris Ballard. Unlike in past years where there has...
There’s a new look to New Hampshire history, and it’s on the web
If you haven’t checked out the New Hampshire Historical Society’s website recently, it might be a good idea to take a quick gander. We know what you’re thinking: “It’s history, how much can it possibly have changed?” Well, the answer is quite a bit – at least the way the website looks, functions and what’s on it after the society launched a brand new one a little over a week ago. The address is still the same (nhhistory.org), and...
Do you need to get on the Prescribe the Y train?
Penny and James Maurer and their daughter Ava, age 12, were like a lot of today’s American families. Both Penny and James have jobs where a computer demands their attention, and they sit at their desks a lot. With their hectic lives, they often grabbed food on the go and found it difficult to find the time to exercise. Then their pediatrician recommended their family for a pilot program at the Concord Family YMCA called “Prescribe the...
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.
With shelters closed, coalition to end homelessness feels the pressure
When we get cold, we turn the heat on. When it’s snowing or raining outside, we snuggle up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa. And when we’re hungry, we go to our refrigerator and make something to eat. But unfortunately, there are many people in and around Concord that don’t have that luxury. The issue of homelessness in the capital city is a real thing, and those involved with the Concord Coalition to End...
It’s always hard to say goodbye, but we must to Hargate Gallery
If you happen to be a fan of the Hargate Gallery at St. Paul’s School, you might want to stop in for a visit. ’Cause if you don’t get there by Saturday, then the school’s longtime home for art exhibits simply won’t be there – at least how you remember it. The final exhibit in Hargate history, appropriately named Farewell to Hargate, closes this weekend and after that there won’t be another art show on the campus for who knows how...
In case you didn’t know we’re famous, here’s proof – on Instagram
We like to think we do good enough work that we’ll get a few thank-yous now and again. Sure we get emails from time to time and hear nice things when we’re bee boppin’ around town – we’ve even gotten a couple boxes of homemade cookies. But when those niceties spill over to social media for the whole world to see (or at least a small section of it), you know you’ve arrived. To our pleasant surprise, there’s been a recent run of...
Book of the Week: ‘Reading Like a Writer’
Reading Like a Writer: A Guide For People Who Love Books And For Those Who Want To Write Them Francine Prose 2006, 273 pages Nonfiction Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose reads like an introductory college course – and it almost is, since she wrote it while teaching. It’s packed with examples and passages from classic works of literature and one mainstream bestseller. Each chapter focuses on one particular aspect of writing and...
City Briefly
Last week, City Manager Tom Aspell thought long and hard about how he’d want to make a difference this year. So Aspell did what he does best and that’s put together his weekly city memo and pass it along for everyone to read and enjoy. Watch your step Clean up after your pooch The city’s cemeteries are a beautiful place to visit and many take advantage of their safe walking paths. There has been an increased amount of people allowing...
The Bulletin Board
The bulletin board: a place for readers to post
Instagram Photo of the Week
That’s two weeks in a row now of epic sunset shots taken in Concord. What a colorful city.
This Week in Concord History
Nov. 17, 1965: Opening Day at Concord’s Everett Arena draws thousands of skaters. “They came streaming across the river bridge and down the hill from the Heights – the moppets and the middle-aged and here and there and old-timer. . . . This community, long known in sports circles as the ‘Cradle of American Hockey,’ celebrated in a mood of holiday revelry,” the Monitor reports. Nov. 17, 2001: The plan to build a senior center in...
