We received this old Concord Monitor staff photo from Sue Faretra. Here’s what she wrote: “Thought I would share an old pic with you – these are your former coworkers, most of them are gone now. My dad, Mike Faretra, is second from the left in the front row. I think I also know a few others in the photo – the first two ladies in the second row are Hannah Hill and Marie Fortier.…

This Sunday, Feb. 22, Red Rivers Theatres will hold an official Oscar party. The theater is one of approximately 50 venues in the country to be designated an official party location ahead of about 600 other venues on the waiting list (someone at the theater did some very successful string pulling). The event will be hosted by Ernest Thompson, Academy Award winning writer of “On Golden Pond.” Thompson’s Oscar…

We support you . . . National Guard Troops City Manager Tom Aspell, on behalf of the City of Concord, gave a shout out to the state’s National Guard and Reserve troops. In his recent city memo, Aspell writes, “I signed a ‘Statement of Support,’ which is also signed by the secretary of defense and the chairman of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. In formally signing this statement of support, the City pledges to: 1.) fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA); 2.) provide our managers and supervisors…

Dear Elders, Do you think plastic bags should be banned? Signed, Secret Shopper Steve Leavenworth Dear Shopper, I sometimes think ALL plastic should be banned. Then we wouldn’t have cheap plastic toys made in China that break the first time Junior hits his brother over the head. On the other hand, if the toy was unbreakable metal, his brother would have a concussion and health care…

Young New Hampshire artists in kindergarten through grade 12 are invited to submit original artwork depicting North American waterfowl to the NH Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. The NH Fish and Game Department runs the statewide competition, which is part of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Contest of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The contest gives students a chance to show off their artistic talents and learn about conservation. The art competition is open to public, private and home-schooled New Hampshire students. Entries must be postmarked by March 16. For competition…

Kathleen Golding (age 8), member of the Sailfish Swim Team of the Concord Family YMCA, broke the record set in 1998 for the 50 freestyle for 8 years old and younger. Swimming at the New England Regionals, Kathleen's hard work training all year paid off with a time of 33.47. Her name is proudly displayed on the record wall at the Concord YMCA. According to her coach, Liz Macbride, "Kathleen has such heart and determination…