The world was a much different place five years ago. John Lynch was governor. The United States was at war with Iraq. Estelle Cresthaven was a cranky old coot. And one fine October day, the Insider was born. It’s been a wild ride ever since. The current Insider staff contains few holdovers from those halcyon days of our youth, but we know how to pay tribute. We’ve tracked down our…

Sixth annual event featured more than 30 local eateries and raised over $30,000 for the Concord Boys & Girls Club.

The Food Snob recently received a tip about a new eatery in town in a surprising location. According to our tipster, the new Banks Chevrolet dealership on Manchester Street features a little cafe on the premises. We weren't in the market for a new car, but nonetheless, we headed down to the dealership, dining companion in tow.We were admittedly skeptical during our drive over to…

Most wildflowers have more than one name, but the flower commonly called jewel-weed seems to be loaded with monikers. It must be that the exquisite and dainty blossoms make one's imagination go wild. The golden orange flowers dangle delightfully from the tips of the branches like earrings, and the plant has been called "lady's eardrops."The dark red spots on the blossoms…

The Concord Hospital Center for Health Promotion was once cute enough that you'd just want to squeeze its little cheek, a humble venture initially designed to educate expecting parents on childbirth.Oh, how they grow up so quickly.The CHP has since expanded to include programs and education for the entire family, and Aug. 15 it moved into brand-new digs in the Smile Building at 49…

Name: Conrad Young.Age: 75.Title: Former owner of Young Associates, current full-time watercolor artist who has had his work featured on puzzles and Christmas cards, among other things.How long were you in the advertising business, and when did you leave the field?Forty-five years. In January of 2010 I made the transition to painting full-time.What kind of advertising did you handle?Full…