Concord is home to seven – count ’em, seven – public pools. That may seem like a lot, and it is. Recreation Director David Gill told us that he believes Concord to be the only city of its size in New England, and perhaps the United States, with that many pools. But, he said, having a swimming pool within walking distance of every neighborhood in Concord is vital to the quality of life of our residents. We can’t…

Kayla Denison, 18Lifeguard, White's PoolHow long have you been a lifeguard?This is my first year.What made you want to be a lifeguard?I like to swim, I like to be around water so this is good for me.What SPF sunblock do you use on the job?50.Have you ever had to rescue anybody?Not yet - it's the first week.What are some common things you have to look out for around the pool?A…

The Salon De Concord is part of the Kimball-Jenkins Estate, 66 N. Main St. Gallery hours are: Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call 225-3932 or visit kimballjenkins.com.

The Food Snob is no fuddy duddy. Sometimes eating traditional menu items from familiar restaurants isn't quite enough to get the Snob juices flowing. We need excitement, people!To that end, there are many food-based celebrations the Snob enjoys. Generally any event with a suffix such as "fair" or "palooza" is sure to draw our attention.And fests. We love fests.…

Barbara Palilki Kent of Concord is a biophilatelist, a stamp collector specializing in stamps that depict plants, animals and other wildlife themes. She and her husband, David Kent, are both members of the Merrimack County Stamp Collectors Club.Kent grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where as a child she often visited the Toledo Zoo. Over the years, she never outgrew her fascination with the birds, mammals and reptiles she…

Dear Ball and Chain,For weeks, I suspected that my girlfriend was going through my cell phone when I wasn't paying attention, no doubt checking pictures and text messages for any signs of straying on my part. Our relationship seems solid to me, but I let my frustration get the best of me and planted some pictures of another woman in my phone, hoping to bust my girlfriend for snooping. Well, it worked - sort of. She found the pictures, but now she doesn't believe me when I tell her I planted them there on purpose. What have I gotten myself into?Dear We Don't Believe You Either,First of all, your…