December 19, 2024 CI by Smckenna

Players offer free workshops

enhancingdepthandauthenticityinyourperformance.

Contact:cynthia.dickinson@communityplayersofconcord.org

TheCommunityPlayers ofConcord(CPC)will offeraseriesoffree workshopsdesignedtodevelopandenhancetheater skillsforparticipantsofall levels.RunningfromDecemberthroughJune,the workshopscovertopicssuch asacting,setdesign,and Shakespeare.Allsessionswill takeplaceatthePlayers’ Studio.

Toreserveaspot,email CindyDickinsonatcynthia.dickinson@communityplayersofconcord.org, specifyingtheworkshops youwishtoattendandincludingaphonenumber. WorkshopSchedule

Emotions and Acting

PresentedbyWaylandBunnell

DatesTBD

Exploretheemotionaldi-

mensionsofactinginthis one-dayworkshopfocusing onidentifying,feeling,and projectingemotions.

Contact:wtarrytown@ aol.comorcall603-6685466.

Staging Scenes

PresentedbyBettyLent

Saturday,Jan.25,2025,9 a.m.–1p.m.

Thisinteractivesessionexploreseffectivescene staging,allowingparticipantstopracticeandunderstandchoicesinstaging.

Contact:bettylent54@ gmail.com

Creating Your Backstory

PresentedbyCindyDickinson

Saturday,Feb.8,2025,9 a.m.–noon

Learntocreateadetailed backstoryforyourcharacter,

Set Design: Theory & Practice

PresentedbyWallyPineault andJimWebber

Saturday,Mar.15,2025,10 a.m.–1p.m.

Diveintosetdesignessentials,includingtheory,communication,budgeting,and collaborationwithtechnical teams.

Contact:jbw1026@ aol.comorwpineault@comcast.net

Shakespeare’s Comic Wit

PresentedbyBettyLent Saturday,Apr.19,2025,9 a.m.–1p.m.

Discoverthehumorin Shakespeare’scomedies throughhands-onexplorationandstaging.Noprior experiencerequired.

Contact:bettylent54@ gmail.com

Scenery Construction

PresentedbyRickSilverberg Tuesday,May6,13,and20, 2025,7p.m.–9p.m.

Learnhands-onscenery constructiontechniques,includingtheuseoftoolsand buildingmaterials,whilecreatingflatsandplatforms.

Contact:rsilverberg54@ gmail.com.

Singing Songs

PresentedbyWaylandBunnell

SpringDateTBD

Aone-daysessioncoveringphrasing,subtext,and emotionalexpressionin

singing,withanaccompanist.

Contact:wtarrytown@ aol.comorcall603-6685466.

About CPC Instructors

Workshopleadersinclude experiencedCPCmembers andprofessionalswithextensivebackgroundsindirecting,acting,design,and construction.

Formoredetailsonindividualworkshops,contact thelistedpresenters.Join CPCtosharpenyourskills andconnectwiththelocal theatercommunity.

Annual popsicle bridge competition

OnNov.13,NHTI–Concord’sCommunityCollegehosted theannualNewHampshire DepartmentofTransportation(NHDOT)Popsicle StickBridgeCompetition onitsConcordcampus.The eventfeatured43teams fromhighschoolsacross thestate,includingConcord HighSchool,Gorham MiddleHighSchool,HopkintonHighSchool,Milford HighSchool,NashuaHigh SchoolSouth,PlymouthRegionalHighSchool,and WinnisquamRegional MiddleSchool. Studentsworked throughoutthefallterm underthementorshipof NHDOTengineerstodesignandconstructbridges usingonlypopsiclesticks, hotglue,andcreativity.The bridgesweretestedfortheir loadcapacityandefficiency, withthegoalofholdingthe

highestloadrelativetotheir weight.

Thecompetitiontook placeinSweeneyHallAuditorium,whereeachteam registeredtheirbridgewith NHDOTandthenplacedit onatestingrig.Therigdistributedloadevenlyacross thestructurewhiletheteam membersmonitoreditsperformance.Winningbridges demonstratedexceptional strengthandefficiency.

Thisyear’swinnerswere:

■ FirstPlace:Hopkinton HighSchool

■ SecondPlace:HopkintonHighSchool

■ ThirdPlace:Milford HighSchool

Thecompetitionispartof theAmericanAssociation ofStateHighwayandTransportationOfficials (AASHTO)STEMOutreach SolutionsProgram. Throughthisinitiative,state transportationdepartments

collaboratewithhigh schools,providingcurricula,resources,andengineermentorstoinspirestudentsandhighlighttherole ofmathandscienceinengineering.

Inadditiontothehigh schoolcompetition,NHTI studentsfromtheArchitectureandCivilEngineering Technologyprograms showcasedtheirskillsby designingandbuildingaluminumbridgesaspartof theirSteelandTimberDesigncourse.Thesecollegelevelbridges,whilenotpart ofthecompetition,demonstratedtheadvancedtechniquesstudentsdevelopin highereducation.

Formoreinformationon thecompetitionortoobtain detailedresults,contact NHTI’sArchitectureand CivilEngineeringTechnologyprogramsatvtcarter@ccsnh.edu.

NHTI students display their popsicle bridge design.

Local author’s novel is finalist for two awards book awards

“BeautifulandTerrible Things”byS.M.Stevens, publishedbyBlackRose Writing,hasbeennameda finalistintwomajorbook competitions:the2024 “ShelfUnbound”BestIndie BookCompetitionandthe

2024AmericanWriting Awards. The“ShelfUnbound” competitionselectedthe novelasoneoffivefinalists acrossallgenres,with awardsbasedoncreativity, writingquality,originality,

andimpact.Thewinnersare featuredintheWinter2024 issueofthemagazine, whichreachesover125,000 readersworldwide.The issueincludesafour-page spreadonStevens,featuring anauthorinterview,biography,andexcerptfromthe novel.

“Thisrecognition,spanningallgenres,isagreat honor,”Stevenssaid.

IntheAmericanWriting Awards,“BeautifulandTerribleThings”wasnameda finalistintheLGBTQcategory.Thiscompetitionevaluatesbooksonstorytelling ability,pacing,characterdevelopment,andoverallimpact.Thenovel,whichfeaturesadiversegroupofsix

friends,includingtwo LGBTQ+characters,wasselectedfromarecord numberofsubmissions across82categories.

About the novel

PublishedinJuly2024, “BeautifulandTerrible Things”(ISBN978-168513-447-1,$24.95)explorescontemporarysocial issuesthroughtheinterconnectedlivesofitscharacters.Ithasearnedmultiple accolades,includingHonorableMentionintheReaders’ FavoriteInternationalBook AwardContestandfinalist statusinthe2024American FictionAwards.

Availableintradepaperback,ebook,andaudiobook

formats,thenovelisdistributedthroughmajorretailerssuchasAmazon, Barnes&Noble,andBookshop.org.

About the author

S.M.Stevens,aWashington,N.H.,residentand boardmemberoftheMonadnockWriters’Group, beganwritingfictionduring personalhealthcrises.Her previousworksinclude HorseshoesandHand GrenadesandtheawardwinningnoveletteTheWallaceHouseofPain.Learn moreatAuthorSMStevens.com

Formoreinformation, visitBlackRoseWriting.com

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Last-minute holiday gifts shop concord

By ARIANNA MacNEILL Insider staff

Theholidaysareso closethatyoucanalmost hearthefaintringofbells wornbySanta’sreindeeras heglidesthroughthesky. Butforthoseofuswho playSanta(becausethere’s alittlebitofholidayspirit inusall,right?),andalso procrastinate,findingthose last-minutegiftscanfeela tadstressful. That’swhereweatthe Insiderhaveyoucovered! Luckily,Concordhasa

GEOFF FORESTER/MONITOR STAFF, FILE

Sky Hubbard of Pitchfork Records in downtown Concord strings up the lights for their window display on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

uniqueblendofshopswith avarietyofitemsforyouto choosefrom,becausewhat makesagoodmother-inlawgiftanyway?Youhave manyoptions: WalkingintoViking Houseprovidestheunique experienceofbeingableto buyEuropeanproducts withouthavingtostepona plane.

Forthelovedoneconstantlytryingtobattlethe coldofaNewEngland winter,theshophasavarietyofwarmweathergear –fluffyhats,not-sofluffyyetstillwarmlookinghats,andmittens andglovescomingfromas farawayasPolandand Sweden.

Thatfoodiefriendon yourlistmaylovesome freshcheese,whileany childreninyourlifemay enjoyoneofthestore’svarietyoftoys.

VenturingintoPitchfork Recordsisalwaysamusical adventure.Fromusedvinyl tonewjams,thestore –itmarked50yearsdown-

townthisyear!–hasmany selectionsforeventhe mostuniquetastesof music-lovingfriends.Or, maybeyou’dliketogift someonewiththeirown musicsetup.Theyhavea varietyofturntables,too. PlusthereareusedCDsand DVDs,forthosewhoprefer multipleformsofphysical media.

Ormaybeyou’reshoppingforthatfriendwhose noseisalwaysinabook. Gibson’scaterstothe newestreaderstothosealwaysscanningtheNew YorkTimesbestsellerslist. Thepopularbookstoreoffersfiction,non-fiction, travelguides,coffeetable bookstoleafthrough,and more. Inaddition,thestaff ofbooksellersisalways happytomakearecommendation.

Plus,there’sthecafeto pickupahotbeverageof choiceortreat,toenjoy yourselfwhileyoushopfor others.

Forthoseofuswholike togiveactivegifts,whynot

anightoutatthemovies? RedRiverTheatresisthe primeplaceforfilminConcord,especiallyafterthe Regalclosedearlierthis year,restinpeace. RedRiverhasgiftcards, whetherforamoviebuff –weallknowatleastone –orthosejustlookingfora relaxingtimeinfrontofthe silverscreen(unlessyou’re seeingahorrormovie,then maybenot.)

Fromcriticaldarlingsto blockbusters,RedRiver caterstomanytastes.Plus theseatsarecomfy,always awin.

Fortheoutdoorenthusiastslookingforgiftsunder thetree,Concordrecently welcomedtheoff-priceretailerofoutdoorgearand apparelSierratoLoudon Road.Andjustdownthe roadisatime-honored storesellingeverything fromcanoestothrowrugs –theL.L.Beanoutleton FortEddyRoad.

BackdowntownJoe King’shaseverything anyoneneedstokeeptheir

feetcomfyanddry.Trythe cellarifyouarelookingfor alast-minutedealona budget.FurtherdownMain Street,UnitedShoeRepair offersleather-goodsmade righthereinNewHampshirefromDeerfield Leathers.Theslippersare awesome(trustus)andthe beltswilllastlongerthan yourcar.

Happyholidays!

Purchase gift cards in-store from November 29 - December 31 and receive 20% of your total purchase back on a Common Man Bonus Card!* Available at Common Man locations.** Purchase online starting Cyber Monday, December 2 at theCman.com.

Delivered to their inbox or yours! For every $25 in Common Man EGift Card purchases from November 29 - December 31, you receive a $5 EGift Bonus Card*. That's 20% back for you! Available online at theCman.com.

$10 DO GOOD COUPON BOOK

GIFTS AT OUR CO. STORE

Toys • Books • House-made Fudge • Foodstuffs NH Products

Packed with $400 worth of deals that last all year long! A portion of proceeds benefits NH Food Bank.*** Available at C-MAN family locations and online at shop.theCman.com

Mugs & Drinkware • Common Man & Uncommon Woman Gear Shop in store at 59 Main Street, Ashland, NH or online at shop.theCman.com

Dec.

■ Concord Handmade PopUp Shop: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join Concord Handmade for handmade goods from 30+ artists local to New England. Open at 3 Bicentennial Sq., Concord. concordhandmade@ gmail.com.

■ Crafting Joy: The Art of Optimism Exhibition: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 49 South Main St., Suite 100, Concord.

■ The Greg and The Morning Buzz Ball: 7 p.m. Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord.

Main St., Concord.

■ Lego Club: 3:30 p.m. Free. Concord Public Library, 45 Green St., Concord. jsalemy@ concordnh.gov.

■ The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight: 8 p.m. Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord.

■ Technology One on One: 9 a.m. to noon. 30 minute oneon-one session where participant can ask questions on any device (computer, phone or tablet) Call 603-228-6630 to regsiter. $15. GoodLife Programs & Activities, 254 North State St., Unit L, Concord. kgagnon@goodlifenh.org.

Dec. 21

■ Winter Solstice Soirée: 4 to 7 p.m. USD. Nature Conservancy (inside The Hotel Concord), 11 South Main St., Concord.

Dec. 20

■ CCMS Student Recitals: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St., Concord. reception@ ccmusicschool.org.

■ CCMS String Department Student Recital: 6 to 7 p.m. Free. Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St., Concord. reception@ccmusicschool.org.

Choice Ribeye Steak

6oz Fillet of Oscar Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus Baked Stuffed Filet of Sole with Newburg Sauce

Lobster Mac and Cheese with Sirloin Tips

Broiled Jumbo Lump Crabcakes

Mustard Crusted Cedar Plank Salmon

Pork Ribeye with Sauteed Onion and Mushroom

Crispy Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo with Broccoli

Vegetable Creama Rosa with Penne Pasta

Grilled Swordfish Steak with Lemon Butter

Chicken Piccata with Mushroom Risotto Marinated Greek Chicken Tenders over Rice

Lobster Ravioli with Cream Sherry Sauce

Baked Stuffed Artichoke Hearts

Baked Stuffed Clams

Marinated Greek Shrimp

■ Concord Handmade PopUp Shop: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join Concord Handmade for handmade goods from 30+ artists local to New England. Open at 3 Bicentennial Sq., Concord. concordhandmade@gmail.com.

■ DeSoL: 7:30 p.m. Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South

■ Concord contra dance: 7 to 10 p.m. Christmas contra dance with Dudley Laufman. Saturday, City-Wide Community Center, 14 Canterbury Rd., Concord. Ages 15-25 are $5, under age 15 are free. CityWide Community Center, 14 Canterbury Rd., Concord. 603225-4917. concordnhcontra@ gmail.com.

■ Concord Handmade PopUp Shop: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Join Concord Handmade for handmade goods from 30+ artists local to New England. Open at 3 Bicentennial Sq., Concord. concordhandmade@ gmail.com.

■ Heather Pierson: 7 p.m. BNH Stage, 16 South Main St., Concord.

■ The Heather Pierson Trio w/ A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas: 2 p.m. Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord.

■ The Heather Pierson Trio w/ A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas: 7 p.m. Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord.

■ Meet Santa at The Paper Store!: 10 a.m. to noon. Free. The Paper Store, 68 Fort Eddy Rd., Concord. (603) 225-6767.

■ Storytime Stations at the Heights: 9:30 a.m. Free. Heights Branch Library, 14 Canterbury Rd, Concord. jsalemy@concordnh.gov.

■ Winter Solstice: 1 p.m. White Park - Merrimack Lodge, 10 White St, Concord.

Dec. 22

■ Service of Lessons and Carols: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free. St Paul’s Church, 21 Centre St., Concord. (603) 224-2523. office@stpaulsconcord.org.

Dec. 23

■ Concord Handmade PopUp Shop: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Join Concord Handmade for handmade goods from 30+ artists local to New England. Open at 3 Bicentennial Sq.,, Concord. concordhandmade@ gmail.com.

■ Crafting Joy: The Art of Optimism Exhibition: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 49 South Main Street, Suite 100, Concord.

cca events

Here’swhat’scomingup attheCapitolCenterforthe Artsthroughtheendofthe month:

Buzz Ball

■ 7p.m.,Dec.19,Chubb Theatre deSol

■ 7:30p.m.,Dec.20,BNH Stage

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

■ 8p.m.,Dec.20,Chubb Theatre

Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas

■ 2p.m.and7p.m.,Dec. 21,BNHStage

Zach Nugent’s Dead Set

■ 8p.m.,Dec.27,Chubb Theatre

R-Rated Comedy Hypnotist Frank Santos Jr.

■ 8p.m.,Dec.28,BNH Stage

Joe Gatto: Let's Get Into It featuring Mark Jigarjian

■ 7p.m.,Dec.30,Chubb Theatre

The Big Easy New Year's Eve

■ 8p.m.,Dec.31,BNH Stage

Dec.19,1774:TheBritish frigateScarborougharrives atPortsmouthHarbor,the secondoftwoshipswhose presencequellsaninsurrection.Intworaidsduringthe week,dissidentcolonists havetakenlightcannons, musketsandgunpowder fromFortWilliamand Mary.Thepresenceofthe Britishshipsiscreditedwith keepingthedissidentsfrom returningtoseizethefort’s 45heavycannons.

Dec.19,1975:Thestate acceptsasagiftthehistoric JohnLangdonhousein Portsmouth,birthplaceof anearlyNewHampshire

governor.

Dec.20,1863:New HampshiremanBenjamin BrownFrenchattends“the mostbrilliant”receptionin histimeasaWhiteHouse aidetoPresidentLincoln. Congress,theCabinetand theSupremeCourtareallon hand.Theguestsofhonor:a Russiandelegationvisiting thecapital.“TheRussianofficersweremagnificently uniformed,”writesFrench, “andexceedinglypoliteand stiffintheirmanners,asall foreignersappeartobetous free-and-easy‘Yankees.’”

Dec.21,1999:EncouragedbyaVermontSupreme

Courtrulingthedaybefore, gayrightsadvocatesinthis statesaytheywillintroduce legislationtoconferon same-sexcouplesthesame rightsasmarriedcouples. Otheradvocatessayitwould bebettertowaitfortheVermontlegislaturetorespond tothecourtrulingbefore acting.

Dec.22,2000:Former NashuaaldermanPhil Grandmaisonisamong59 peoplegrantedpardonsby PresidentClinton.Grandmaisonservedninemonths inprisonforlobbyingtwo colleaguesonbehalfofthe constructioncompany

whereheworked.His brotherJoeisaformerstate DemocraticPartychairman whoworkedfortheClinton administration.

Dec.22,1840:Belknap Countyisestablished.

Dec.22,1939:Firedestroysthefirststeamer MountWashington.

Dec.23,1865:Homeat lasteightmonthsafterthe

lastshotsoftheCivilWar werefired,theSecondNew HampshireVolunteerInfantryRegimentparades throughthestreetsofConcord.Gov.FrederickSmyth andotherdignitariestoast theregiment.Threedays later,theSecondwillbepaid offanddischarged,having servedlongerthananyother NewHampshireregiment.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Carpentry Home Improvement

RALPH A. POTTER Building, Remodeling. Decks, Small jobs. Roofing & Metal Roofing 603-228-2366

Dump Runs

LOOSENZ

Junk, Appliances, Furniture, Cleanouts, Small Moves, Houses, Garages, Basements & Attics From Truck Loads to Dumpsters Snow Plowing

Serving Central New Hampshire 7 Days a Week 603-753-8555 603-568-7291

Handyperson Services

STEVE'S BUILDING REPAIRS

Specializing in small home repairs 45 years experience in building and remodeling

Replacement Decks Kitchen Installs

Bath Remodels Trim Work

Replacement Doors call (603) 748-4902 or email: sedgecomb01@gmail.com for more information

Masonry

CW MASONRY EXPERTS

Roof Repairs Chimney Sweeping & all Masonry needs 603-674-0492

Pest Control

REMOVAL

Experienced, dependable, reasonably priced and licensed Wildlife Control Operator. Humane wildlife removal. Woodchucks, porcupines, skunks, raccoons, possums. Feel free to call for wildlife advice! 603-491-6044

EMPLOYMENT

99 Clinton Street, Concord

* Two bedroom gardenstyle and townhouse apartments in a beautiful country setting

* fitness facility and tennis court

* Covered parking and storage available

* Garden-style units include heat

Call (603) 224-2268 for hours and info.

www.MesitiRealEstate.c om Loudon: Fox Pond Plaza Rt 106, 1st flr retail 300+ sqft/ht/ac/elec inc 798-3128

Deerfield Fair in Deerfield, NH is seeking an Office Assistant. Candidate must be highly organized w/attention to detail possessing exc. communication skills. This is a PT position is 20 hrs per wk during the Fair's off season from Nov. thru June & 40 hrs per wk for the months of July thru Oct. as we prepare for & complete work following the annual Fair. The candidate will provide clerical support & outstanding Customer Service while assisting vendors, customers, Department Superintendents & Deerfield Fair's Board of Officers and Directors. This is a dynamic position w/varied work duties throughout the year. Hourly wage is w/experience.commensurate Interested parties may apply by sending a cover letter & resume to secretary@deerfieldfair.com.

THE WHITFIELD HOUSE, 86-86 1/2 Pleasant St.,Concord. Semi-Private Lodging. 603-225-9734 Rooms

Another Crossroads Success Story

I came into Crossroads Chiropractic with severe neck and back pain. Within a few weeks I could feel a difference. My pain was less and I was walking around less hunched over. I highly recommend Crossroads Chiropractic!

- Melissa S.

We believe people deserve more than a guess. That’s why we perform a careful examination before we adjust. We value the private consultation to understand people’s concerns and take our own x-rays when they’re necessary before adjusting the spine. We don’t casually “crack backs” here. We are thorough, specific and create a PLAN for correction. That’s one reason we’ve been voted best chiropractor year after year.We adjust tiny newborns to seniors and everyone in between because we believe in creating a healthier community through natural chiropractic care.