June 26, 2003: Matt Bonner, who led the Concord High basketball team to three straight state championships before evolving into a star at the University of Florida, realizes a lifelong dream when he's selected in the NBA draft. Initially drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round, he's soon traded to the Toronto Raptors.June 27, 1835: The Concord Railroad Corp. obtains a charter for a railroad between Nashua and Concord. The Boston and Maine Railroad also obtains a charter on this date. The Concord corporation will be delayed by the Panic of 1837 and other factors, and the first train will…

Each week, City Manager Tom Aspell jumps into one of Concord's seven public pools, swims to the bottom and holds his breath. We pull him out, lay him on a towel and lean over to give him CPR. That's when he reveals his ruse. He grabs our head, pulls us close, and makes his move - whispering the city memo into our ear. We guess we're no Wendy Pfeffercorn. Don't miss the free showswing into summerThe New Legacy Swing Band will perform at Eagle Square on June 28 at 7 p.m., Aspell writes. With five saxophones, six brass instruments, one of the region's most experienced rhythm…

Concord Hospital Therapeutic Arts and Activity Services recently received a $3,000 grant from the Smyth Trust to provide live therapeutic music at the bedside to patients who are experiencing pain, anxiety or complications as a result of illness or hospitalization. Music has direct and immediate benefit to people who are contending with a difficult hospital stay, and since May 2008, Concord Hospital has offered live music to hospitalized patients from independent, certified music practitioners, who are accomplished musicians trained to use their musicianship therapeutically in a clinical setting.…

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center has kicked off a new Stars of Summer program from now until Labor Day to give families all sorts of indoor and outdoor adventures. The Discovery Center is now open seven days a week through Sept. 2, with the exception of the 4th of July. From camps to shows, to programs, there is something for everyone. Stars of Summer highlights include: New Planetarium show "Perfect Little Planet." Imagine the ultimate space vacation! Discover our solar system through a new set of eyes - a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the…

For more information about the Concord Public Library, visit concordpubliclibrary.net.Rescuing Regina: The Battle to Save a Friend from Deportation and DeathJosephe Marie Flynn2011, 340 pagesNonfictionSister Josephe Flynn met the Bakala family from Congo when they came to her parish to have their baby, Lydia, baptized. Lydia's mother, Regina, had been raised as a Catholic in Congo and was happy to find a parish near their home. During the five years since the baby's baptism, Sister Josephe developed a close friendship with the thriving family. She learned that both Regina and her husband, David,…

Concord Public Library's summer hours, effective July 1 through Sept. 2, are: Monday - Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.