The DoBros Band come to Henniker’s Angela Robinson Bandstand on June 29 at 6:30 p.m. Consisting of the brothers Dobrowski: Luke on banjo/mandolin/drums/vocals, Ben playing guitar/resonator guitar/keyboards/vocals as well as Colin Nevins on guitar/vocals, and Chris Spann-Weitz playing bass, this Warner-based quartet performs both acoustic and electric music with a collection of original tunes and a healthy dose of classic covers. Each show is deeply rooted in improvisation, creating a unique and organic experience. The Henniker Summer Music Series is sponsored by the town of Henniker. All concerts are free (although donations to the Town of Henniker are welcome), begin at 6:30 p.m. and take place at the Angela Robinson Bandstand at Community Park, Main Street. We continue to follow current best practices from the CDC as we plan for an exciting and safe summer series. As we see increases in vaccination rates and a decrease in infection rates, the Henniker board of selectmen approved removing the fencing around Community Park and the need to mark out squares for the Summer Concert Series. We ask you to use your own judgment in deciding whether or not to wear masks and/or to socially distance. There is no provision for moving indoors this summer, so if there is inclement weather, the concert will be canceled and, if possible, rescheduled. Bring a chair, spread a blanket, visit a local restaurant or have a picnic supper on the lawn and join your neighbors and friends in this community-building event at our bandstand. The complete summer schedule is available on the Town of Henniker website, henniker.org. For more information, contact hennikerconcerts@henniker.org. Check Facebook.com/HennikerConcertSeries the day of the concert to receive updated weather information regarding cancelation.
The scholarship committee of The Rotary Club of Concord is pleased to award the 2021 Noah J. and Evelyn P Arell Rotary Scholarships to 13 recipients: Zoe Alberici, Mt. Holyoke College; Erik Bishop, Saint Anselm’s College; Kylar Buchholz, University of New Hampshire; Caitlyn Fortier, Keene State University; Jaymee Guinard, Laconia Adult Education; Emma Hall, Roger Williams University; James Huffman Jr., University of New Hampshire; Abigail Kenison, Plymouth State University; Myana Keuson, St. Lawrence University; Ahmed Ismael, University of New Hampshire; Alina Longever, Keene State University; Richael Steed, University of Massachusetts Boston; and Annonciata Uwihoreye, Granite State College. The Noah J. and Evelyn P Arell Rotary Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students who are either residents of the city of Concord or are recent graduates of a high school within the city limits of the city of Concord, for the purpose of attending a college, university, or vocational school. Evelyn Arell, a professional hairdresser, passed away at the age of 96. Her husband Noah, an accountant, predeceased her. They did not have children. On Mrs. Arell’s passing, the couple’s $5 million trust fund, which had been established through the couple’s careful savings and business acumen, was left to 24 local charities and organizations. One recipient of a portion of the Arell trust funds, the Rotary Club of Concord combined these funds with the Rotary Club of Concord’s Scholarship Fund to create the Arell Scholarship Fund, a diverse and benevolent scholarship program to serve a wide array of students.
There is a growing curiosity and interest in Black history in response to Black Lives Matter and the events of the past two years. When, on June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation establishing June 19 Juneteenth National Independence Day, thereby declaring it a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., another historic milestone was reached for African Americans and the descendants of slavery and for the country as a whole. The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire offers yet another opportunity to learn about Black history. Please join in one of thirteen community readings of what is considered by many to be a “rhetorical masterpiece,” as we take time to reflect on the significance of July 4, 1776. This year’s readings will take place in Claremont, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Hopkinton, Lebanon, Nashua, Manchester, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Rochester, Rollinsford, and Warner. In the famous speech in which he asked, “What to the slave is your Fourth of July?” Frederick Douglass delivered a blistering indictment of an American idealism that ignored and accepted the inhuman treatment of enslaved African Americans as part of the nation’s identity and economy. His words still ring with an unsettling power today. For the past several years, on July 3, the BHTNH has collaborated with community leaders around the Granite State to bring people together to read Douglass’s historic protest speech and to reflect on its meaning. It is the hope of the BHTNH that these readings will provide opportunities for all of us to engage in deeper conversations that will lead to actions toward building more inclusive and just communities today. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery sometime around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. He became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time, advising presidents and lecturing to thousands on a range of causes, including women’s rights and Irish home rule. A fiery orator, Douglass’s speeches were often published in various abolitionist newspapers. Among his well-known speeches is “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,” presented in Rochester, New York, on July 5, 1852, a version of which he published as a booklet. There were approximately 500 people in attendance. Douglass had been invited to speak about what the Fourth of July means for America’s Black population, and while the first part of his speech praised what the founding fathers did for this country, his speech soon developed into a condemnation of the attitude of American society toward slavery. With recent events, this mission is more important now than ever. It is in this spirit that you are invited to join a live, in-person community reading at one of the group gatherings across the state on July 3. For more information about times and locations, please go to blackheritagetrailnh.org or call (603)-570-8469.
Celebrate the 4th of July at a fabulous craft fair at Gunstock Mountain Resort on July 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 80 exhibitors with an array of interesting arts and crafts will be present, including chainsaw wood carvings by Elise who will hold demonstrations both days! Some of the other items include beautiful handpainted decor, cedar furniture, macrame chairs, personal care products, CBD products, wildlife photography, handpainted tiles, jewelry, amazing cannoli, abstract artwork, handpainted lanterns, wood carved black bears/signs, cribbage boards, cutting boards, soy candles, stained glass, gourmet foods, kettle corn and lots more. Free admission. Rain or shine under canopies. Friendly, leashed pets welcome. Gunstock is located at 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford. For more information, call (603) 387-1510.
Join Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (68 N. State St., Concord) for our July Greek Dinner to Go: Greek sausage, rice, roll, and a Greek Salad. The cost is $15 per meal. Pick up for the meal is July 11 at the church between noon and 1 p.m.; cut off for ordering is July 7. Order by phone at 603-953-3051; email ordermygreekfood@gmail.com; or on the website holytrinitynh.org. Kali orexi! Good appetite!