History for the week of Jan. 25, 2024
Jan. 25, 2002: Area lawmakers approve $24.2 million worth of renovations and additions to the Merrimack County jail, wrapping up years of discussion on whether and how much county taxpayers should pay to reduce the facility’s crowding. Jan. 25, 2000: Concord receives nearly 9 inches of snow, hardly an extraordinary occurrence for late January; however, it is the first significant snowstorm of the season, and for that to come in...
Book review: ‘Manner of Death’ by Robin Cook
‘Manner of Death,’ by Robin Cook (2023, 337pages, genre: medical thriller) Dr. Jack Stapleton and NYC Chief Medical Examiner Laurie Montgomery are back with another chapter in the medical examiner’s office in NYC. What starts out as a simple way to interest a senior pathology resident in his required month of rotation at the office turns as the resident, looking to avoid actually attending autopsies, proposes a research project...
Bulletin board for week of Jan. 18, 2024
Food bank receives $10K donation Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) is helping to fight hunger, and its root causes, with a $10,000 donation to New Hampshire Food Bank. The contribution will not only feed families and individuals across the Granite State, it will also support programming and education to those in need. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA), an estimated 6.2% of New Hampshire...
Bulletin board for the week of Jan. 18, 2024
Dr. Lloyd Sederer visits Gibson’s Dr. Lloyd Sederer, a Concord author, visits Gibson’s Bookstore to share the inspiring true story of how a small group of dedicated leaders achieved radical and relentless change to save McLean, Harvard’s historic psychiatric hospital from for-profit changes. Caught in the Crosshairs of American Healthcare shows readers that, with grit, brains, and support, we can still change our world. Sederer...
Book review: ‘The Chinese Shawl’
‘The Chinese Shawl’ By Patricia Wentworth (1943, 270 pages, genre: mystery) Laura Fane comes of age in England and inherits a property called the Priory. Her older cousin Agnes lives there, and Agnes wants to buy it from Laura. Agnes is a formidable woman and was once engaged to Laura’s father. Laura’s father broke the engagement in order to marry Laura’s mother. Agnes never married and has hung onto her heartbreak and anger....
This week in history for Jan. 18, 2024
Jan. 18, 2002: A frustrated House majority declared that landmark court rulings requiring the state to pay for schools were wrong, the Monitor reports. While the resolution has no legal effect, supporters see it as a first step to taking back control over school funding from the state Supreme Court. Jan. 18, 1782: Daniel Webster is born. His parents are Abigail (Nabby) Webster and Captain Ebenezer Webster. The future U.S. senator and...
Week in history for Jan. 11, 2024
Jan. 11, 2002: Dozens of residents from small towns between Concord and the Seacoast are expected to meet in Barrington with state officials to review options for stopping, or scaling back, what could be the state’s largest water-bottling operation, the Monitor reports. USA Springs, the Pelham based company that hopes to construct a water-bottling plant on 100 acres it owns on the Barrington/Nottingham town line, wants state...
Bulletin board for week of Jan. 11, 2024
NHTI introduces Workforce Education NHTI is introducing Workforce Education, a new collaborative educational department to expand the college’s efforts in providing essential skillsets and continuing education. The goals include increased opportunities and empowerment for community members looking to expand their career knowledge and learn a new skill. Previously known as the Business Training Center, the new Workforce Education...
A year in review: Merrimack County 2023
County of Merrimack Many people wonder what the role of county government is. For some, the answer is apparent; for others the answer may not be so clear. A look back at the major achievements and celebrations of Merrimack County during 2023 will shed some light on our role – to support a healthy, vibrant, safe, and resilient life for all Merrimack County residents. Health: County nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer...
This week in history for Jan. 4, 2023
Jan. 4, 2003: A federal judge has denied Gary Sampson’s plea to escape the death penalty, the Monitor reports. Sampson is accused of killing Robert “Eli” Whitney of Penacook along with two Massachusetts’s men. He will be found guilty in Massachusetts and sentenced to death, the first time the state has issued such a sentence since 1973. Jan. 4, 1859: The Coos Republican of Lancaster prints a list of all town residents who had died the...
Bulletin board for the week of Jan. 4, 2024
Curbside Christmas tree collection begins Concord residents with curbside trash and recycling collection can place their Christmas trees curbside for disposal on their trash collection day starting on Jan. 2. Christmas trees will be collected for two weeks through Jan. 12. Due to the New Year’s Day holiday on Monday, trash and tree collection will be delayed by one day throughout the first week. Trees must be placed at the curb with...
This week in Concord history
Dec. 28, 1863: Henry Plummer Brooks, a Pittsfield boy of 14 years 10 months, enlists in the Third Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. After fighting in two battles, he will die of illness in North Carolina. A history of the town’s Civil War soldiers will assert that although there were younger drummer boys during the war, Plummer was the youngest by 10 months of any soldier who carried a rifle. Thus the town will claim both...
Book review: ‘The Last Tale of the Flower Bride’
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride By Roshani Chokshi (292 pages, fantasy, 2023) Rooted in fairy tales and folklore, “The Last Tale of the Flower Bride” can leave the reader wondering what really happened. Is there magic? Did it touch the two narrators? I’m still thinking about the events in the story. The first narrator we meet is The Bridegroom. We never learn his name. He’s a scholar of folklore and fairy tales who has traced...
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” –...
This week in history for Dec. 21, 2023
Dec. 21, 1833: Benjamin Brown French of Chester, who will serve for many years in Washington, D.C., arrives there for his first job as a clerk in the U.S. House. He writes: “I entered the Capitol today, for the first time, and I viewed it with thoughts and emotions which I cannot express – will it always be the capitol of my happy country?” Dec. 22, 1840: Belknap County is established. Dec. 23, 1999:The Monitor reports that Gov....
Bulletin board for the week of Dec. 21, 2023
Holiday conversations and oral history The Pembroke Historical Society is offering some suggestions for families to address their oral histories at upcoming holiday gatherings. “The Basics of Video Interviews” and lists of potential questions are now available on the PHS website to help facilitate discussions with family members, neighbors and friends. “The holidays are a perfect time to ask about family stories and histories,” says...
Book review: ‘Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman’
‘Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman’ by Lucy Worsley (2022, 415 pages, biography) “Once I’ve been dead ten years, I’m sure no one will ever have heard of me.” This statement wouldn’t be nearly so ironic, had it not been uttered by one of the 20th century’s best-known authors: Agatha Christie. Even today, nearly half a century after her death, Christie is a household name. She has been identified by UNESCO as the world’s best-selling...
City newsletter for the week of Dec. 11
Here’s a look at what was included in the last city newsletter: Meetings City meetings are held in person in Council Chambers at 37 Green Street (unless otherwise specified on the City’s calendar). Upcoming meetings include: Planning Board: Wednesday, December 20, 7 p.m. Visit https://concordnh.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx for City Council and Planning Board agendas, which are posted prior to the meetings. View the City calendar...
Zach Nugent’s Dead Set to perform
It usually only takes one show to understand why Zach Nugent is one of the most sought after guitarists in the live music scene. Since touring as de-facto Garcia expert with Melvin Seals and JGB, he continues to build his dedicated following, putting together and leading multifaceted groups for special runs and festival appearances. Never one to shy away from new and challenging ideas, his performances promise intensity and beauty in...
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...
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”...
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...
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...
Week in history for Dec. 14, 2023
Dec. 14, 2001: William King, former chairman of the state Republican Party, a state delegate and manager of Merrill Lynch on Main Street, dies at the age of 90. Dec. 14, 1999: For the first time in more than a decade, the Concord teachers union authorizes its leadership to call for a strike vote if a settlement on a new three-year contract is not reached within the week. Dec. 14, 1774: A crowd of 400, led by Thomas Pickering, a...
Thank you: A magical Midnight Merriment
Thank you for turning Midnight Merriment into a magical night despite the rain. Your attendance, volunteerism, sponsorship, and overall support made it a very special event that brought our community together. Shopping locally during the holidays strengthens our community and boosts the local economy. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Xfinity, and Capitol Center for the Arts for providing a rain location for Santa and Mrs....
Book review: ‘Erik vs. Everything’
“Erik vs. Everything” by Christina Uss (2021, 282 pages, Juvenile Fiction) Erik Sheepflattener is a worrier. Unfortunately (or fortunately, as it turns out), he is a worrier who was born into a family of warriors of Viking descent! His sisters (Brunhilde and Allyson), parents, and extended family love a good brawl and there is no challenge or sport they are not willing to tackle. Erik on the other hand, is afraid of almost...
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...
Embracing the darkness in winter
PILLAR Gallery + Projects is a new exhibition space in Concord. Its second exhibition, “As the Light Wanes,” opens Dec. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m.The group exhibition explores nocturnes, quieter reflections, personal narrative and yearning as the days get shorter.Artists include Mia Bergeron, Rachel Burgess, Doug Breault, Erica Walker, Ellina Chetverikova, Boyan Moskov and Melody S. Boone. Media includes monotype, paintings, experimental...
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...
Book review: ‘The Secret Bridesmaid’
‘The Secret Bridesmaid’ By: Katy Birchall (2021, 400 pages, romance) Sophie Breeze is a bridesmaid who lives in London. She is not your average bridesmaid, though, she is a professional. That’s right – not a wedding planner but a professional bridesmaid. Her job is to let brides and their families make the plans they want while she unobtrusively works out all of the details so that the wedding goes off without a hitch. She is so good...
