The Friends Program has been matching volunteers with community members in need since 1975. Over the past decade, its fundraising auction has been an annual tradition for the Who's Who of Concord. This year will be no different.The 2012 auction will take place on May 18 at the Grappone Confreence Center - although you may not recognize the room when you get there. It will be transformed…

Eleanor Emery already knows what you think of her.She's never had the pleasure of introducing herself, but she's well aware that her daily attire and, more strikingly, her address at the State Prison for Women in Goffstown, paint a certain vivid picture to the average viewer.Which makes it that much more fitting that she and seven other prisoners are doing their best to change…

Mark Ruddy has been commissioned to paint dozens of murals in some rather swank digs in New York City during an art career that began in the early '80s. Concord, though, has always been home.So when the opportunity to contribute to the annual Friends Program Auction presented itself, he jumped in with both feet.Ruddy will create a portrait - approximately 24-by-20-inches - for the…

Lots of cool wildlife was on display at the annual Fish and Game expo.

Lucy MorrisArchery instructor, New England School of Archery and SuppliesHow long have you been involved in archery? How long have you been an instructor?I did a little when I was a kid, but really started as an adult. I took lessons with Marcia Wyman, and she asked if I'd like to teach. And I actually said, 'No, that seems too scary.' That was 4 ½ years ago, and I've…

My interview with Lucy Morris, accomplished archer and the highest-level instructor of the sport in the area, was moving along rather pleasantly last Friday when she asked me, innocuously enough, if I'd like to journey outside and shoot a few arrows.Gulp.The first image that raced through my mind was me, casually taking aim at the bulls-eye, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves as…