1) Take a trip to spaceNewt Gingrich promises that Americans will be living on the moon by 2020. Something tells us that's going to cost a little more than $20. Fortunately, there are more wallet-friendly options for space exploration right here in Concord at the McAuliffe-Shephard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive). Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for kids, and $8 for students…

Saad Hindal has officially closed the door on a life without freedom in a war-torn homeland.And he painted a lock to ensure it.Hindal spent the better part of two months painting a mural that spans the entire front of the Concord Farm convenience store and gas station, an image that represents his emotional journey from the Middle East to Concord, complete with personal elements that…

Each winter, the snowshoe hare's coat turns white - even when no snow is on the ground. One day while I was hiking through the woods during a snowless period in December, I came within a few feet of a white snowshoe hare that was snugly hunkered down in the underbrush. Amid the drabness of bare earth and dead leaves, his whiteness almost sparkled. Instinct was telling him to remain…

Avid Insider readers will remember our recent article about Girls Inc., a fun afterschool group for local girls ("Girls Inc. brings out the smart, strong and bold in local little ladies," Nov. 11). Well, each month, the girls and staff choose a "Girl of the Month" who exemplifies their motto: "Strong. Smart. Bold." This month, that girl is Kara Laramee. We caught up with her and asked…

Name: Scott RaymondGeneral Services DepartmentHow long have you been driving the sidewalk plow?About 10 years.Is there a name for the device?There are three different kinds we use: a Holder, a Trackless and a Bobcat. The Holder and Trackless are larger, and the Bobcat is the smallest one we use.What exactly are your duties when you drive the plow?It depends on which plow I'm in.…

Jan. 31, 1892: Rev. John E. Barry, pastor of Concord's St. John's Church, announces that his French parishioners may form their own church.The next day, Rev. Joseph-Noel Plante arrives from the North Country to celebrate Mass at Phenix Hall. He announces that the new church will be called Sacred Heart. A brick chapel will open on Pleasant Street two years later, and the Gothic structure will be built in 1934.Jan. 31, 1952: The Concord City Council debates plans for the construction of Storrs Street to relieve traffic downtown. There is no name yet for the new street, so it is referred to…