PENACOOK Violinist concert ■On July 6, Jessica Myers, violinist, will perform at 6:30 p.m. at United Church of Penacook as part of Avaloch Farm Music Institute’s community outreach. Additional information about Jessica Myers can be found at jessicameyermusic.com. The church is located at 21 Merrimack St., Penacook, directions are available at ucpnh.org.
CHERYL STINSON
news03303@aol.com
WEST SIDE 4th of July celebration ■The city of Concord will celebrate Independence Day on Monday night at Memorial Field starting at 6 p.m. with food vendors. The Nevers’ Band concert will begin playing at 7:45 p.m. and fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. (dusk). For more information, visit concordparksandrec.com. The rain date is July 5.
■The Pierce Brigade is having a summer concert on the lawn at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Pierce Manse (14 Horseshoe Pond Lane) with an ice cream social starting at 6 p.m. Featured music by the Honey Bees Trio. The program is free and open to the public; bring a chair. For more information, visit piercemanse.org or call (603) 225-4555.
■The Concord Public Library would like you to join other book lovers at Books and Brew on Wednesday at Concord Craft (117 Storrs St.) Chat about what you’ve been reading, and listen to suggestions and recommendations from other readers. There are no assigned books in this group; just come and share your latest reads! The program will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and library staff will be on hand to take notes and, will share the group’s recommendations on the library’s website. For more information, call (603) 225-8670.
■Enjoy a Greek Meal from the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (68 North State Street) with pick up on July 10 from noon to 1 p.m. The July meal to-go is chicken with orzo, Greek salad and a roll. You can order your meal by email at ordermygreekfood@gmail.com, by phone at (603) 953-3051 or online at holytrinitynh.org. The cost of the meal is $15 and the ordering deadline is Wednesday.
■There will be no trash and recycling collected on Monday (Independence Day) due to the holiday. All routes will be moved one day forward to conclude on Saturday with Friday’s route.
■Friends of the Concord City Auditorium are holding its annual meeting on July 10 at 6 p.m. The evening begins with a pot luck supper. Bring a salad, main dish or dessert to share. Following supper, hear about the annual pitch-in, winch project and election of officers. The night will conclude with the presentation of the Friend of the Year and Pineapple Awards. For more information, call (603) 344-4747. This event is open to all.
■The Pope Memorial SPCA of Merrimack County will be having a Meet and Greet on July 16 at Sandy’s Pet Food Center (141 Old Turnpike Road) from 10 a.m. to noon. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the organization and meet some adoptable pets. Sandy’s will also be offering a discount for those who stop to donate. For more information, call (603) 856-8756.
LYNDA PLANTE
717-1632
soxpatscats@gmail.com
SOUTH END History talks ■The Concord Historical Society’s second Thursday programs will continue during the summer months with two documentary presentations. On July 14 at 7 p.m., they will present “A History of Page Belting Company,” followed by a discussion led by the current president of Page, Mark Coen. On Aug. 11 at 7 p.m., we will present the documentary “World War Two New Hampshire” about life on the home front during that war. Producer and Concord Historical Society Director, John Gfroerer, will follow the showing with a brief discussion and allow audience members time to share their stories. Join them at the Kimball Jenkins Carriage House.
■The Concord Historical Society has compiled a timeline of Concord History. Available on the Concord Historical Society’s website, you can now follow a clear line of important events that make up Concord’s path from the past to today, starting in 1621. We plan to continue making improvements on it over time. Let us know what you think. Go to concordhistoricalsociety.org/concord-nh-timeline.
■K.J. Dell’Antonia visits Gibson’s Bookstore to present her newest novel, “In Her Boots!” On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., in store, hear a delightfully entertaining story about a ruse that goes awry and a chaotic homecoming that proves that confronting your past can sometimes set you free.
■On July 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Gibson’s Bookstore, Joyce Maynard returns to Gibson’s Bookstore to present the paperback release of “Count the Ways: A Novel” in an after-hours event! It’s free and open to the public.
■Come for an in-store book signing on July 13 at 4:30 p.m. at Gibsons! It’s free and open to the public. Local teacher Kari Allen is back again, this time with her first picture book, “The Boy Who Loved Maps!” If you have already preordered a copy (thank you!), now would be a convenient time for you to come give Kari a hug on her big day. This will not be a traditional seated author event. This enchanting picture book about a map-making boy who is stumped when a girl asks him for a map of the “perfect place” helps readers appreciate the charms of their own neighborhood, and even shows them how to make a map of it!
■Outdoor Preschool Storytime on Wednesday includes stories, fingerplays, and songs, all designed to strengthen children’s reading or pre-reading skills. It’s from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Rollins Park. There’s parking at 33 Bow St. It happens again on July 13 at Merrill Park.
■Books and Brew will happen on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Concord Craft, 117 Storrs St. Join them for a low-pressure book club! Come talk about whatever you’ve been reading and get some great recommendations.
■The Golden Circle Society celebrates alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago from Keene State College and Keene Teachers College. Throughout the year, alumni stay connected via classmates, alumni activities and more. Each summer, several Golden Circle Luncheons are held across New Hampshire and in the New England area. Join this one on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Common Man Restaurant, 25 Water St.
■Since the first talking film in 1927, the movies have brought an amazing array of music to the public. Some of the songs have won Oscars, and others have become pop hits. For two weeks, we’ll enjoy some of the best that Hollywood had to offer from the 1930s through the 1980s. “Memorable Music from the Movies” showcases stars from Bing Crosby to Frank Sinatra, not to mention Judy Garland, Doris Day, Barbra Streisand and Fred and Ginger to name but a few. Be prepared to leave humming on July 13 and 20, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The cost/registration is $20. You must register in advance by calling (603) 228-6630 or email info@GoodLifeNH.org.
■The second coming of local favorites, Lamont Smooth, blends funk, blues and psychedelic rock as they explore the improvisational boundaries of their classic originals while embracing a more modern sound. All while feeding off the energy of the audience during their live performances. See them at the Capitol Center for the Arts on Thursday at 8 p.m. There’s more information at ccanh.com.
■Join the Merrimack River Watershed Council on Thursday for a walking tour of the large champion trees that grow in downtown Concord. Champion trees are the biggest individuals of their species on the county, state and national levels, and Concord is home to a number of impressive specimens. The walk will be one mile, starting at the state offices campus and ending at the capitol building. Afterward, we will head to Concord Craft Brewing Company at 5 p.m. for drinks. Please bring sun protection and water. Meet us at the state offices campus across from 1 Barberry Lane at 4 p.m. There is free parking on Merrimack Street and Pine Street.
■On Saturday look for the street closure for the Concord Farmers Market from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Capitol Street, from Green Street to North State Street.
■Overheard in the South End: Have you thought about what a great town we live in lately? My new friend and new Town Crier fan at the South End Market shared this recent story with me. A man who lives in Boston was invited to Market Days. He moved here from France five years ago seeking the American Dream. While content to the south of Concord, he found something special here. He fell in love with our town and wants to join the community. Way to impress, Concord! Bienvenue, Monsieur!
■Happy Birthday, America! See you at the Nevers Band!
JEAN VER HOEVEN
856-304-5830
jeanann@voicenet.com