The food pantry ministry at St. Peter’s Church, 135 N. State St., has decided to have our food pantry open on Wednesday evenings, from 6:30-8 p.m., in addition to our openings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. We began the Wednesday-evening sessions in December and will continue to offer this session in 2009. George Weber Director, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

The holiday season in Germany is rather different from the one I’ve experienced for the past 18 years. There are definitely a few things I miss about Concord this time of year, but a lot of stuff here is new and intriguing, and I’m having a total blast during German Christmastime. That’s probably one of the biggest differences, that December is Christmastime and not much else.…

If you miss the beauty of the Christmas of your youth – candles, beautiful music with traditional hymns, elegant liturgy – join the parish of All Saints Anglican Church in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at the Solemn High Mass on Christmas Eve at 10 p.m., or the simpler mass on Christmas day, 8 a.m., at the church. The musical offering will be enhanced by Jane Cormier of The Lakes Region Opera Company. Jane is an internationally recognized opera professional, and she hosts a local radio program on WKXL 1450 originating here in Concord. The parish worships at 211 N. Main St. in Concord,…

We're all a little bit strapped for cash these days, so we decided to cobble together a new column, "Pesos in Your Pocket." (We love alliteration.) In this space, readers, you can share your own money-saving tips with others. Together, we'll get out of this financial rut and start spending money like there's no tomorrow, because apparently that's how you save the economy. Three cheers for fiscal irresponsibility! But…

Christmas, if nothing else, generates tons of trash and excellent opportunities to recycle. Please note that during Christmas week, the trash and recycling schedule has changed. Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s routes will be collected as usual, however, there will be no collection on Thursday. (Hey, trash collectors deserve a day off, too!) No need to fret though, Thursday’s route will be picked up on Friday and Friday’s route will be picked up on Saturday. We just thought you should know.

Love your generator? Listen up! Each week, we bring you the finest in wisdom from our saintly city manager, Tom Aspell. This week is no exception. Aspell doesn't waste time making nice in his latest column, but that's because, like any superhero, he's got lives to save. In a serious tone, he tell us that due to the loss of power suffered by many in our community recently, generator use has been at an all-time high. "The Code Administration Office cautions that, while tremendously helpful, generators can pose serious life safety risks," Aspell says, shaking his index finger back and forth. "One…