The Minutemen Would be Proud:
Concordians Answer the Call
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Concord has always been a very special place. The people who call this town home have never shied away from a challenge, nor have they hesitated to do the right thing in trying times. From mustering the courage to fire the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” to creating a space which fostered a generation of literary legends, to standing up to fight for the abolition of slavery, Concordians are steadfast in the face of adversity. With a triple crisis of COVID-19, an economic shutdown, and a heightened demand for social justice, one might think that people would turn inward and hide away until the threat had passed. And yet, the spirit of the Minuteman endures. The stories of compassion, community, and innovation are too many to list here – but they all weave together to show the true nature of the Concord spirit. “The people of Concord are – at a minute’s notice – dropping their metaphorical ploughs and taking up metaphorical arms to aid their fellow citizens,” said Concord Town Manager Stephen Crane. “It is so clear to me that it is built right into the DNA of this town…the amazing people who live here truly believe that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Their willingness to put community above self – to jump in and help where needed – is inspiring and gives us all a sense of hope and pride.”
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Discover CONCORD
| Summer 2020
BY JENNIFER C. SCHÜNEMANN
Messages of gratitude at the Umbrella Arts Center
COMPASSION All across Concord, people have stepped up to do their part to help. Costume makers, dry cleaners, tailors, and volunteers jumped in to sew masks when they were suddenly scarce. Groups of private citizens rallied to raise funds or volunteered to help everything from food banks, to hospital workers, to small businesses in crisis. Concord’s youngest citizens have been just as active. Teenagers wrote letters and sent treats to lonely nursing home residents and helped deliver meals and thank you notes to
stressed and tired health care workers. Children as young as eight took to social media to raise money for local food pantries. College students stuck at home gave their time and talent to help families with online tutoring for younger children. The Council on Aging was flooded with young volunteers happy to do grocery shopping – or even do spring cleaning yardwork - for older residents at higher risk.
