Felice Belman
A young friend shipped out to sleep-away camp for the first time last week, and it hit me harder than you might imagine. I was delighted by her 9-year-old spunk. I was optimistic that she wouldn’t lose her sneakers in the lake or get melted marshmallow tangled in her hair. (Believe me, it can happen.) But more than that, I was ridiculously overcome with jealousy. Adulthood has its charms, but this time of year, sleep-away camp is...
Meg Heckman
I spent a few happy summers at Camp Takodah, a quirky little place the YMCA ran out near Keene. Although I had my pick of several sessions, I always chose the one that fell on my birthday. Even at 8 years old, I realized that strategy would get me at least two separate parties, one at camp and one with my family when I returned home. When the big day arrived, I missed my parents . . . but not too much. The whole mess hall sang “Happy...
Bigfoot
For me, being a young Sasquatch in a world of humans, the issue had always been fitting in. Remember, it’s only been since 1967 that one of my kind had even been captured on film. It was just a mere 20 years later that I, at 9 years old, was trying to be like human kids and attended summer camp. My family and I selected Camp Biped for its reputation of assimilating people and hominids. So, that brings me to the turning point in my...
Cassie Pappathan
Badges and delicious cookies aside, the real reason I loved being a Girl Scout was the camping. Admittedly, I only got to go camping once because I quit the following year, but I still remember that one highly-anticipated trip as the highlight of my Girl Scout career. It was the summer before fifth grade . . . or maybe the summer before fourth. I don’t remember where we camped, how long we were there or what we scouts did during the...
The Guv gives Concord TV its own holiday
To kick off the 10th anniversary of Concord TV, Gov. John Lynch has proclaimed the month of August 2009 as Concord Community Television month. Here's the proclamation Lynch read: Whereas, Concord Community Television is a nonprofit organization, incorporated in 1998, to manage Concord's community television center and its three channels: 6, 17 and 22: and Whereas, Concord Community Television provides an on-air community...
You inspire us, Friends Program
In support of its area youth mentoring participants, the Junior Senior Friends Program will distribute 60 backpacks to youth in the greater Concord area program. This project was made possible by a grant from the Junior Service League of Concord. In addition, the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Clinic of Concord employees collected school supplies to place in each bag. Junior Friends will pick up their backpacks at Arnie's Place. Tom...
Ask the Elders: E-mail response time
Dear Elders, What, in your opinion, is the maximum amount of time in which to respond to an e-mail? – Waiting, electronically Roioli Schweiker Dear Waiting, E-mails are just another form of communication like letters or phone. How soon would you answer one of them? Some people read their e-mail every hour, some people every day or week and some once a month. Since I still receive many I am not interested in, and delete them without...
Our tribute to summer camp
Is there anything more memorable from our formative years than summer camp? Well, maybe, but camp definitely ranks in the top five. With school just a few weeks away and the camp season coming to close, we decided to pay tribute to that timeless tradition with some tales from camp. First, Monitor editor-in-chief Felice Belman tells all about winning camper-of-the-year (multiple times!). Then check out some other memories from...
Maisie O'Shea
Camp was a huge experience for me. The first day of camp there is the lice check, meet the counselors, the emotional goodbyes, and then you are left in a place where you sit on a swing and cry. Through the next couple of days I got used to the routine, and then my guardian angel took a vacation. We went down to the beach to have a sand castle competition. I was sitting under the kayak racks and a girl from my cabin yelled, “Get over...
Book of the week
Find this book and many others at the library. Visit onconcord.com/library for hours and other important information. Sherlock Holmes in America Martin H. Greenberg, editor 2009, 378 pages Setting: America, late 1800s and early 1900s The Sherlock Holmes books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle contain many American characters. In fact, Doyle was an enthusiastic admirer of the United States and made four visits to our shores. This volume brings...
Stop answering the phone and start making s'mores
It's high summer and, although you'd much rather be queuing up for swim lessons or marching off to Hobby Nook, you're stuck in the cubicle, slaving away on your next fun-packed publication. Sure, you skipped the pantyhose this morning and might throw something on the grill for dinner, but it's 2 p.m. and you need a little summer fun. Right now. We've got you covered. A quick trip to a well-stocked convenience...
The story behind Indian Pipes
Hikers along woodland trails this summer are apt to see pure white waxy plants about 6 to 10 inches tall that are shaped like pipes. They are called by various names, the most common of which is Indian Pipes. Although they look much like fungi, they are actually non-chlorophyll flowering plants in the heath family. The Indian Pipe flower derives its nutrients from a fungus that in turn gets its food from the roots of such trees as...
Reading green
Your typical college student could show us all a thing or two about the benefits of reuse. You don't see brand new textbooks flying off the shelves of the campus bookstore. I'm sure the same is true at amazon.com and other sites scoured for bargains. With college costs skyrocketing, many see no reason to add to the pain by buying everything new. This thinking easily extends to those of us not caught up in the whirlwind of...
What do young adults want?
Lest you think this area of the state is devoid of young people, allow us to present Exhibit A, the Concord Young Professionals Network. The group, started by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, gathers once a month at various locations in Concord for socializing, snacking and a generally enjoyable time networking with peers. The meetings attract a large crowd with new faces every time. In addition to monthly networking meetings,...
Everyone who's anyone knows Ron Ford
You might be asking yourself right now who Ron Ford is. Because we favor enlightenment around here, we're going to tell you. Well, his daughter, Kathryn Ford, is going to tell you: “Ron is a Concord native who was public works director from the late '60s into the early '80s. Bev (Ed. – That's Ron's wife, Beverly) did many things, including being secretary to a former speaker of the house. They...
Get in touch with your inner art critic
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce invites members of the community and visitors to its next Art Concord art tour. A growing number of local art galleries and other art venues across the city will join forces to offer the Art Concord collaborative gallery tour on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5-8 p.m. A brochure and map will be available at each gallery, as well as refreshments. This event is free and open to the public. Participating...
Model railroad show
The Concord Model Railroad Club will hold its annual train show at Everett Arena on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be many operating model train layouts, including HO and O Scale, and one of Thomas the Train for the kids to watch. Vendors will be selling model trains and accessories for anyone interested in the hobby. There will be a raffle for a handmade twin-size quilt of trains lined up in a train yard for...
Lemonade stand time
Colton Beevers, Evelyn Beevers (Pembroke) and Kaelyn Snair (Washington) know how to spend a hot day: making and selling lemonade. Given their competitive pricing, we can only assume these kiddos did some brisk business. Saving for a Slip 'N Slide, perhaps? A Super Soaker Aquakshock Hydroblitz? A Banzai Titan Blast Rocket? Okay, we're done browsing the Toys 'R Us website now. It was fun while we knew what we were talking...
Family fun night
On Aug. 25, from 5-8 p.m., West Congregational Church will offer a family fun night at Friendly's on Loudon Road. There will be face painting, door prizes and raffles. Please join us for fun and dinner. Bring your family and friends out to eat and tell your neighbors. One free door prize entry for all who mention this notice.
Fireworks in the garden
We received this photo from Norm Graves. He aptly calls it “Fireworks in the Garden.” Send your pretty garden photography to news@theconcordinsider.com. If we all pull together, we can squeeze every ounce of goodness from what's left of our rain-soaked summer!
Volunteer corner
The New Hampshire Association for the Blind needs YOU! Wanted: People to volunteer for reception duties. You will be trained and oriented. The help you give this statewide nonprofit located in Concord will be gratifying; there is a choice of days and hours available. Call Nancy Druke, 224-4039, ext. 311.
