APRIL 17-23
Our Wellness issue
A summer for sports lovers
Camps, fitness communities to keep the whole family active this season
23RD ANNUAL May 7, 2025
6PM at the State House Plaza Concord, NH
5K RUN/WALK OR 1-MILE WALK
WILLIAM & SONS COFFEE CO.
Weekly Crossword April 24, 2025
SOLVE THE CROSSWORD BY APRIL 26 FOR A FREE DRINK OF CHOICE AT OUR CONCORD OR MANCHESTER LOCATIONS
4. Detected by the olfactory receptors in your nose. It plays a huge role in how we perceive flavor.
7. A response to sodium ions dancing on your tongue.
8. This coffee experience is detected by the gustatory system (taste), olfactory system (smell), and trigeminal system (texture, temperature, and chemical irritants like spiciness from capsaicin or cooling from menthol).
10. Tool used to pack grounds with pressure.
11. The savory sense triggered by glutamates, like in broth or aged cheese.
14. Signals acidity in coffee — often from hydrogen ions in citrus.
16. A place to feel safe, warm, and caffeinated.
20. Concord restaurant that recently celebrated its 40th anniversary (concordmonitor.com)
21. Lots of forgiveness for bad brews but zero for lack of this.
22. Volunteer group featured in a Concord Monitor story about helping the homeless clean their camp (concordmonitor.com)
24. Where your beans begin their journey.
26. Town that reinstated most of its budget on April 5 after previously eliminating it (concordmonitor.com)
27. Detected by receptors drawn to energy-rich sugars.
28. Caffeinated island in the Indonesian archipelago that gave your coffee its nickname.
29. More than a crowd — it’s a coffee-fueled bond.
30. Cozy little nook of the neighborhood.
Down
1. A tasting note about how coffee feels in your mouth.
2. The hum of connection at peak hours.
3. Composes the five basic flavors detected by the receptors on your tongue
5. The bubbly first step in a perfect pour-over.
6. Tiny cup spoon, big espresso energy.
9. A possible warning — but also a coffee lover’s delight.
12. The famous animals in the origin of coffee myth that ate the coffee cherries and danced for joy.
13. Golden layer that crowns a well-pulled shot.
15. Outdoor seating with a side of sunshine.
17. This reality that everyone is talking about could affect future prices of coffee.
18. Artisanal movement that was bean appreciation for some but snobbery for others that is in transition.
19. _____origin — a one-bean variety, location, farm and farmer spotlight.
23. What happens when stories meet over mugs.
25. A writer’s best friend beside a latte.
Crossword introductory note from ‘13 Down’
Editor Rachel Wachman explains what you see to your left and how she became a clue
By RACHEL WACHMAN Insider staff
Atthestartofthenew year,Ihadthepleasureof writingastoryaboutthe openingofWilliam&Sons CoffeeCo.inConcord.IinterviewedownerJonathan Hutchinsandhiswife, Patty,andlearnedabout theirconnectiontocoffee anddedicationtohelping customerslearnaboutthe originsofthedrinksthey order.
I’vebecomeaFriday morningregularatthe
coffeeshopinthemonths since.Recently,Iwassurprisedandquitehonoredto findmynameasoneofthe cluestoWilliam&Sons brandnewweeklycrossword:“13down:Concord reporterwhofirstbrokethe storyofWilliam&Sons CoffeeCo.intheConcord Monitor.”(Spoileralert:the answerwas“Rachel.”)
InasubsequentconversationwithJonathan,Ihadan idea:whatifweembedded Monitorcluesinthecrosswordandencouraged
CONCORD INSIDER EDITOR RACHELWACHMAN(rwachman@cmonitor.com)
DESIGN EDITOR RACHELSHEPARD(rshepard@cmonitor.com)
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR STEVEPARE(spare@cmonitor.com,369-3229)
The Concord Insider is published weekly by the Concord Monitor. Our offices are located at 1 Monitor Drive, Concord, NH. Our postal address is P.O. Box 1177, Concord, NH, 03302-1177.
peopletosearchthenewspaperforanswers?Then, theideabecameeven better:whatifwepublished thecrosswordintheConcordInsidereachweek? AndthusCoffeeCross-
wordwasborn!Thisweek marksthefirstpublication oftheWilliam&SonscreationintheInsider.Keep aneyeoutforiteach Thursdayandgetreadyto putyoursolvinghatson.
We knew Jonathan Hutchins could make a good coffee. It turns out he’sa crosswordmaker, too.
Whoevercompletesthe crosswordwithinthegiven timeframecanbringtheir worktothecoffeeshopto receiveafreedrinkof choice.
Wehopeyouenjoy!
Annie Harnett back at Gibson’s
AnnieHartnettreturnstoConcordtovisitGibson’s Bookstorewithhernewnovel,“TheRoadtoTender Hearts,”onThursday,May1.Thenewreleaseadarkly comicandwarm-heartednovelaboutanoldmanona cross-countrymissiontoreunitewithhishighschool crush bringingtogetherhisadult daughter,twoorphanedkids,andacat whocanpredictdeath!Hartnettwillbe joinedinconversationbyLibertyHardy (aseniorcontributingeditoratBook Riot).
ReadersmayrememberHartnett’s “UnlikelyAnimals”asthe2024Concord Readscommunitybookclubselection. Ticketsare$5(whichturnsintoa$5 coupononthenightoftheevent)orare includedforfreewithyourpurchaseof“TheRoadto TenderHearts”fromGibson’sBookstore(letusknowin yourordercommentsifyouplantocome,we’llputyouon TheList!).Book-includedticketsdonotturnintoa$5 coupon.
Gibson’sBookstoreislocatedat45S.MainSt.,indowntownConcord.Call224-0562formoreinformation.
NHTI’s Friday Night at the Movies
May 2 at 7 p.m. – The Conversation ‘PG’ (1974) 113 min
ThelateGeneHackman–inoneofhisbestperformances–isHarryCaulinFrancisFordCoppola’sparanoic masterpiece,TheConversation.Aningeniousandfrighteningpsychologicalthrillerexploring–amongother things–wiretappingandinvasionofprivacy–TheConversationcapturesbothHackmanandCoppolaintopform inanessentialandiconicfilm.SaysBBC’sAdamScovill,a filmperhapsevenmorerelevanttodaythanwhenfirstreleased.
SweeneyHallAuditorium(S-122)onthecampusof NHTI,Concord’sCommunityCollege,31CollegeDrive. NHTIStudentsfreewithvalidNHTIID,allothers$10, cashorcheck,noadvanceticketsales.Foradditionalinformation,contactSteveAmbraatsambra@ccsnh.edu.
Effort underway to launch new Lions Club April Programs
Anewopportunityforcommunityservice istakingrootasagroupoflocalresidents workstoestablishaLionsClubserving Tilton,Northfield,andSanbornton.Theeffortisbeingledbypassionatevolunteerswho seeaneed andanopportunity to strengthenthefabricofthecommunity throughservice,outreach,andfellowship.
LionsClubsInternational,theworld’s largestserviceorganization,isknownfor itsmotto,"WeServe."Withmorethan1.4 millionmembersworldwide,LionsClubs tackleawiderangeofneeds,includingvisioncare,hungerrelief,youthprograms, disasterresponse,andsupportforveterans andtheenvironment.Now,residentsofthe Tri-Townareaaresteppinguptobringthat samespiritofserviceclosertohome.
“Weknowtherearemanypeoplein Tilton,Northfield,andSanborntonwho caredeeplyaboutthiscommunityandwant togiveback,”saidAlGoldstein,oneofthe organizersofthenewclubeffort.“Starting aLionsClubheregivesusawaytochannel
thatenergyandmakearealdifference rightwherewelive.”
Inrecentmonths,interesthasbeen growingamongcommunitymembers, smallbusinessowners,andcivicleaders whoarelookingforwaystoconnect,collaborate,andserve.ALionsClubcantakeon projectstailoredtolocalneeds,whetherit's supportingschools,helpingfamiliesin need,addressingfoodinsecurity,ororganizingcommunityevents.
“Nospecialskillsarerequired justa willingnesstoserveandaheartforthe community,”Goldsteinsaid.“We’re buildingsomethingthatcanhavealasting, positiveimpactforyearstocome.”
Together,withthehelpofdedicatedresidents,theTilton-Northfield-Sanbornton areaispoisedtobecomethehomeofavibrantnewLionsClub andastronger, moreconnectedcommunity.
Tolearnmoreorexpressinterestin joining,contactAlGoldsteinat603-9131281ora1goldstein@comcast.net.
Saturday April 19 - 9:30am
Program: Vegetable Gardening Seminar through UNH. Open to anyone free of charge. Extension Master Gardeners
Saturday April 26 - 10am
Program: Getting the Garden ready for Spring - Open to anyone free of charge. Come learn with a Master Gardener
(603) 228-8294
91 Sheep Davis Rd, Pembroke NH
Mon - Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm nicolesgreenhouseandflorist.com
Time to think about spring 5Ks
Avid runner or just getting started? Concord offers weekly events open to all
By ELLEN RAFFIO
For the Insider
Aswarmerweatherandlonger daylighthoursarrive,it’sagreat timetoconsidertrainingforyour firstspring5K!Completinga5K, whichis3.1mileslong,isanachievablegoalforanyoneinterestedin runningorwalking.Ifyou’reinthe Concordarea,you’refortunatetobe partofoneofthebestrunningcommunitiesinthecountry,with5K eventsandrunningopportunities availableeveryweek.
Join a running group
Localrunninggroupsofferavarietyofmeet-upoptionsforalldistances.Onehighlightisaweekly trackworkoutledbyprofessional triathleteAmberFerreira, whosharedthatthissummer’s focuswillbepreppingeveryonefor thearea5Ks.Herfavoritething abouttheworkoutsisbringing peopletogethertoexercise,which shestatesisgoodforbothphysical andmentalhealth!
TheConcordCrew,organizedby HeatherGeisser,hostsSaturday morningruns.Geisserdesigns loopsonroadsrangingfrom3to20 milestoaccommodaterunnersof alllevels.TheConcordCrewwelcomesparticipantsofallpaces!
Geisserrecentlysaidthat“Concordnevergetsold!There’ssomethingaboutbeingdowntownbefore everyoneelseinthemorning,and it’sbeautiful!”
Ifyouenjoytrailrunning,you mightwanttojointheConcord TrailRunners,whichmeetson Wednesdayeveningsandisledby JennessaBissonnette.Thisgroup exploresavarietyoftrails,includingBrokenGroundTrails,MarjorySwopePark,andWinantPark. Occasionally,theymeetontheBow Trails,BearBrookStateParkorrun throughmyfavoritetrailsinthe beautifulMastYardStateForest.
MarathonSports(formerly Runner'sAlley)hostsapopular runninggroupeveryThursdayat6
Concord hasampleopportunities forpeopleinterestedinrunning. TheConcordTrailgroupis
opportunities.
So you want to run a 5K? Here’s a training plan!
Soyouwanttoruna5k?Here aresometipsandatrainingplanto getyoustarted!
■ Listentoyourbodyandrest whenyouneedtostayhydrated.
■ Findarunningbuddyorjoina runninggroupformotivationand support.
■ Signupforalocal5K!
■ You’vegotthis.Staypositive. Seeyouatthefinishline!
Week1-2:
Monday:Rest
Tuesday:Walk/runintervals (20minutes)+strengthtraining (15minutes)
Wednesday:Walk/runintervals (20minutes)
Thursday:Walk/runintervals (20minutes)+strengthtraining (15minutes)
Friday:Rest
p.m.attheirstore,locatedat142 NorthMainStreetinConcord.Participantscanchoosetoruneither3 or5miles.Justshowup–allpaces arewelcome!
Saturday:Longwalk/run(30 minutes)
Sunday:Walk(20minutes) Week3-4
Monday:Rest
Tuesday:Run/walkintervals (25minutes)+strengthtraining (15minutes)
Wednesday:Strengthtraining (30minutes)
Thursday:Run/walkintervals (25minutes)+strengthtraining (15minutes)
Friday:Rest
Saturday:Longrun/walk(45 minutes)
Sunday:Walk(25minutes)
Week5-6
Monday:Rest
Tuesday:Runintervals(30minutes)+strengthtraining(15minutes)
A love of running
Runningalonecertainlyhasits benefits.Itcanbetherapeutic!I oftencomeupwiththebestideas whileI’moutforarun.It’sperfectly
Wednesday:Strengthtraining (30minutes)
Thursday:Runintervals(30 minutes)+strengthtraining(15 minutes)
Friday:Rest
Saturday:Longrun(45minutes) Sunday:Walk(30minutes) Week7-8
Monday:Rest
Tuesday:Run/walk(30minutes)+strengthtraining(15minutes)
Wednesday:Strengthtraining (30minutes)
Thursday:Easyrun(30minutes)
Friday:Rest
Saturday:Restor2-mileshakeoutjog
Sunday:5Kraceday!Run/walk asneeded.Thegoalistofinish!
finetorunsolo.Sometimes,this maybetheonlytimewetrulyhave toourselves.Anythingthatseems impossiblebeforetherunusually
ELLEN RAFFIO/ Courtesy
oneofthese
CARE ROOTED IN EMPATHY AND EXPERIENCE
A local Doctor provides truly compassionate care and proven solutions for chronic pain and complicated conditions.
Do you ever wonder what it is that makes some doctors so incredibly compassionate?
In the case of Dr. Kristen Markwith, D.Ac., L.Ac., of Trend Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, it is a case of true empathy. “I suffered from cluster migraines in my teens and twenties,” she explains.
Cluster migraines are named such for their debilitating pain that is a step above the norm. “I had migraine headaches 3-5 days a week that were so intense I was often bedridden and would become physically sick.”
Being that migraine is one of those complicated conditions that is not fully understood, Dr. Markwith’s options were prescription medications that did not work and lifestyle changes to limit triggers that could cause migraine. “It was no way to live,” she shares. “I was young and should’ve been living a bright, vibrant life. Instead I was monitoring my daily caffeine intake, avoiding long exposure to fluorescent lights, and doing my best to prepare for changing weather conditions.
As you can imagine, Spring and Fall were especially rough. It wasn’t until her primary care doctor sent her to an acupuncturist that she found real relief.
“This is why I often refer to my practice as ‘The Last Resort With The Best Results.’ You’ve been everywhere else and been given the same disheartening prognosis, prescribed the same medications, and told: ‘This is just something you’re going to have to learn to live with.’”
OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH PAIN RELIEVING TREATMENTS SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE!
Soon after her incredible experience with the healing arts, she made the life changing decision to pursue her doctorate in acupuncture. “Acupuncture quite literally saved my life and I wanted to share that with the world,” she proclaims.
While in school she watched as her grandmother began to suffer from peripheral neuropathy. “Your golden years should be golden, not plagued with insufferable pain while doctors and specialists tell you there is nothing they can do.”
Understanding where Eastern Medicine excels with outcomes, Dr. Markwith set forth to develop treatment protocols for all variations of Peripheral Neuropathy (including diabetic and chemotherapyinduced) and now has a 90% success rate in treating this once difficult to manage condition.
“I was tired of seeing the older generation suffer unnecessarily,” shares Dr. Markwith. “Diagnosing them as ‘just getting older’ and giving them a treatment plan of ‘you’re just going to have to get used to it’ has never sat well with me so I wanted to offer them a real option for treatment and care.”
And what do those in her care have to say?
“Dr. Markwith looked me in my eyes and wanted to know about me, not just my condition. I feel like a person, not just a patient,” shares Mike. “In fact I don’t think she ever used the word patient.”
Dr. Kristen Markwith has a long personal history in complicated, difficult conditions, and understands how tragic it can all be if left untreated. “I have sat where my patients sit during their initial consultation. I’ve experienced their pain and suffering in a very real way. I know the frustration of feeling hopeless on an intimate level. And it brings me incredible joy when I get to say ‘I can help you!’”
Dr. Markwith and her staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions, and autoimmune diseases. Ready to schedule?
Call (603) 456-8294 to schedule a consultation or visit trendacupuncture.com. Now accepting Care Credit.
163 MANCHESTER ST Concord, NH 03301
It’s a great time to consider training for your first spring 5K
feelsachievableafterward. Problemsgoaway.Oneof myfavoritequotesis,“You arejustonerunawayfroma goodmood,”whichistrue everytime!
Idiscoveredmylovefor runningwhileonthecrosscountryteamatHopkinton HighSchool.Imadea promisetomyselftoalways beabletoruna5K,andfor thepast40years,Ihave keptthatpromise.Thisdecisionhastrulybeenoneof thebestI’veevermade. Runninghashelpedme throughmydarkestdays andhasmadethehappymomentsevenmorespecial. Oneofmyfavoritethings afteraraceisseeingthejoy onthefacesofothersand hearingabouttheirsuccesses.
Runninga5kisforall ages.OneofthemostinspiringmomentsIwitnessedlastyearwasConcord’sDavidEkholm,whois 84yearsold,completinghis first5Kinhonorofthefirst anniversaryofhis daughter’spassing.Itwas oneofthehottestdaysin June,butheperseveredand finishedtherace.AlthoughI hadnevermethimbefore theevent,hisdetermination leftalastingimpressionon me.Itearedupwatching himcrossthefinishlineand feltsoproudofhim.
Thispastwinter,ourHopkintonWinter5KSeries
runwillbeworthit!You’ll beprovingtoyourselfthat youarecapableofmore thanyourealize.Onceyou startrunning,you’llnever lookback.
Don’tbetoohardon yourselfifyoumissa workout you’renotalone. Everyrunnerhasexperiencedthesamechallenges. Sograbyourrunningshoes, andgetouttheretoconquer that5K!
tookplaceonsomeofthe coldestSundaysinJanuary. Thelasteventstartedwitha temperatureof-10degrees, yetseveralrunnersunder age10stillshowedupand completedthe5K.Thatis prettyamazing!
5Ks in Concord
Concordhoststwo summer5Kseries.TheCapitalAreaRaceSeries (CARS)hasbeenestablishedforyearsandincludes nineraces.Alloftheseraces arewalker-friendlyandcontributefundstovarious charities.www.runcarsnh.com
TheBringontheHeat5K
Seriesisanewadditionthis yearandconsistsofeight races.Thisserieswillprovidecashawardsforthetop tenmenandwomenandage groupawards.Additionally, itwillrecognizethelastfive participantswhohave crossedthefinishline!!Like
theCARSSeries,itis walker-friendlyandraises fundsforlocalcharities. (www.bringontheheat5k.com)
Trainingforyourfirst5K beginswithtakingthatinitialstep.Itrequirescourage andperseverance,butevery
EllenRaffioistheWellness CoordinatoratNortheast DeltaDental,whereshemanagestheTomWaltonFitness Centerandorganizesapproximately12to15community raceseachyear.Ellenhasa strongpassionforwriting andrunning.Shehasauthoredtwochildren'sbooks andco-authoredabookabout runningwithherhusband, Tom.Inherfreetime,she lovesspendingtimewithher twograndchildren,Havanna andEthan.EllenalsoparticipatesinraceswithTom;together,theycompeteevery weekendthroughouttheyear.
ELLEN RAFFIO/ Courtesy
Concord NH has ample opportunities for people interested in running. Amber Ferreira runs a weekly track workout. (Photo from October 2024)
A summer for sports lovers
By ALEXANDER RAPP Insider staff
Inandaroundthecapital city,thereareopportunities inthesummerforkidsofall agestospendtimeoutside whiledoingwhattheylove most.Thefollowinglistisa compilationofvarious summersportscampsencompassingmultiplesports, agegroupsandinterests.
ConcordParksand Recreation:
ParksandRecoffersmany summercampoptionsfor sportslovers,suchasa soccercampincollaborationwithSeacoastUnited SoccerClub,TIDEBasketballCamps,LearntoRow withConcordCrew,Bluey DanceCampandCamp Wild“foraweekofwildnatureexploration.”
CapitalCitySportsand Fitness
CCSFhasalarge,8weekYouthSummerCamp forkidsagessixtotwelve yearsold.Thisprogramoffersover10differentsports throughoutitsduration.It willalsohaveyouthvolleyballandfutsalcampsofferedatlaterdates.
ProjectS.T.O.R.Y.(SupportingTalentsofRising Youth)
Thisisavolunteerorganization“dedicatedtoempoweringandassisting youthfromdiversebackgroundsinConcord.”They
Concord Ninjaisagrowingsport, similartoobstaclecourse racingandgymnastics.The localUSANinjaChallenge gyminConcordwillhave week-longsummer campsMonday throughFridayfrom9a.m. to12p.m.fordifferentage groupsfromsixto13years oldandateencampforkids over12.Thesecampsstart asearlyasJune23andend August8.
SeacoastUnitedSoccer Club
offeroutdoorsoccerprogramsinthesummer,and basketballanddanceprogramsthroughouttheyear.
Rundlett/DeerfieldAdvantageTennis
ConcordHighSchool’s tenniscoachesGregMalette andKevinParsonsstarted theRundlett/Deerfield TennisCampandpartnered
withthenonprofitAdvantageKidstodevelopa summercamp.Thecamps willstartJune17andrun untilJuly24intwogroups forfirsttothirdgradersand fourthtoeighthgraders. Theyhavealsopartnered withProjectS.T.O.R.Yto provideanintrototennis campinthesummer–dates
yettobeannounced. EpsomYouthAthletic Association
TheEpsomYouthAthleticAssociationofferssoccer,basketball,softball,baseball,andteeball programsforEpsomchildrenwhorangebetween pre-Kandeighthgrade.
USANinjaChallenge
NewHampshire’spremierandonlysemi-professionalsoccerteamwilloffer co-eddaycampsinJuneand Augustforkidsagessixto 14.
NewHampshireFisher Cats
InManchester,theFisher Catswillhavemultiple campsforkidsagedsixto 15andwillbefrom8a.m.to 11a.m.daily.
‘Fresher is always better’
Concord Farmers’ Market offers chance to eat local and healthy
By REBECA PEREIRA Monitor staff
Whenasked,WayneHalldoesn’t mindrevealingthesecrettohis sweettomatoes.
Hisadviceishardlyproprietary, andhedolesitoutfreelyathis boothattheConcordFarmers’ Market:fertilizetheplantwith spoiledmilk.Thequestionshe greetswiththemostenthusiasm, though,arequeriesaboutwhatto dowithhistomatoesoncethey’ve arrivedatacustomer’slovinghome –howtocookthem,whattopair themwith,howtoknowwhen they’rejustripeenoughforconsumption.
“EveryfarmerIknow,they’realwayswillingtotellyoutheirfavoriterecipes,howtheyliketheir zucchiniortheirtomatoes.Icantell youwithmytomatoesandanother farm’soilsacrossthestreet,you haveagreat,freshsalad,”Hallsaid.
HallownsRockeyOle’Farmin Concordandhasservedaspresidentofthefarmers’marketfor12 years.ComeSaturday,May3,the market’sopeningday,he’llbesurroundedbyleafygreens,lettuces andradishesathisboothonCapitol Street,oppositefromtheState Houselawn.
Themarket’sofferingsarebound toevolveaswarmerweatherushers intomato,cucumberandberryharvests,yetfromthefirstSaturdayin MaytothelastSaturdayinOctober, itsmissionwillremainthesame:to
“Every farmer I know, they’re always willing to tell you their favorite recipes. ... I can tell you with my tomatoes and another farm’s oils across the street, you have a great, fresh salad.”
Wayne Hall, owner of Rockey Ole’ Farm in Concord
providethefreshestseasonalproduceandbakedgoodsandtopromotelocalagriculture.
Forcustomers,thisavailabilityof farm-freshfoodspresentsnotonly anopportunitytosupportthelocal foodeconomybutalsotoeatmore conscientiously.
AttheMerrimackCountyConservationDistrict’sbooth,marketgoerscanexchangeSupplemental NutritionAssistanceProgram (SNAP/ElectronicBenefitTransfer
(EBT),creditordebitcarddollars forwoodentokensthatcanbeused tomakepurchasesfromvendors whoonlyacceptcash.GraniteState MarketMatch,anincentiveprogramthatdoublesSupplemental NutritionAssistanceProgramdollarsspentonfreshproduce,andthe VeteransValueBucksprogramwill beavailableattheConcord Farmer’sMarket.
Veterans,theirspousesortheir
caregiverscanreceive$20inVeteransValueBucksattheconservationdistrict’sboothbypresentinga DD214,aVeteranHealthIdentificationCard,anactivedutyIDoranotherrelatedidentificationcard.
TheprogramsreflectHall’sbelief that“everyonedeservesaccessto local,fresh,healthyfoods fresher isalwaysbetter.”
STEVE PFOST / FILE
Kristen Bruno, left, and DanCurren, far right, purchase plants from Joan O’Connor, center,at the farmers Market on Capitol Street on June 5.
Hallsaidfarmerswelcomequestionsabout cookingwiththeirproduce.Someevenkeepfliers attheirboothswithrecipe suggestionsthatemphasize healthyeatingandspotlight thefoodthey’vegrown.The bestwaytofindinspiration toeathealthyatafarmer’s market,hesaid,issimplyto makeconversation.
“It’sokaytohearsomeone elsetellyoueatingfreshis goodforyou,butifyou’re talkingtothepersonthat’s donethegrowing,theycan reallytellyouwhat’sgood foryou,”Halladded.
TheConcord Farmers’Marketwilltake placeeverySaturdayfrom 8:30a.m.tonoon,beginning onMay3andendingonOctober25.Here’salistof someofthevendorsyou mayfindthere:
SwallowRidge;NewEnglandFishMongers;Coffin CellarsWinery;SunFox Farm;BreadPeddler;Potter Farm;FreshStartFarms; MeadowViewFarm;Wild BerryFarm;GarrisonCity NutWorks;TurningMill Farm;Prodigal
Brewing;BirchRiseFarm; KYSFoodforDogs;Meta MicroGreens;ConcordBee Co;HorseFeathersOstrich; AppleHillFarm;Blakeneys Bakery;MorrillFarm;PottersBeefFarm;RockeyOle Farm;CelesteOliva;Mrs Beasley'sDog Treats;GraniteLedge Coffee;MtDearborn Farm;HickoryNutFarm; LindonGarlicFarm;Savvy Sweets;HopNHen Farm;GrowLoveTulips; EastCoastSales;Grand ViewFarm;TiltonHillGoat Farm;AbbottCreamery; Woodsman'sArtisan Bakery;N.H.Mushroom Co.;KearsargeGore Farm;ClaytonsWay Farm;YakumHill Farm;TwistedMallow Co.;TamworthDistillery;Abigail's Bakery;EarthMadeBody Care;SweetBeets Farm;ChichesterCountry Store.
Formoreinformation, visitwww.concordfarmersmarket.com.
RebecaPereiracanbe reachedatrpereira@cmonitor.com
5 tips to integrate mindfulness into your everyday routine
By Matthew Harkins For the Insider
Mindfulnesscanhappeninamyriadof ways.It’saboutpresence,beinginthe momentandbridgingtheconnectionbetweenyourbodyandyourmind.MindfulnessinstructorMatthewHarkinsdefinesmindfulnessasan“awarenessofthe presentfeelingsinthebodyandmind withoutjudgment.”Forhim,it’sabout “sensingthephysicalsensations, thoughts,andemotionswithoutneeding toactuponimpulse.”
Harkinssharedsometipsforeveryday waystodevelopthesepractices.
1.Brushyourteeth
Slowlyandgentlyfeelthebristleson yourteethandgums.Enjoythecleansing sensationasyouprepareforyourday.
2.Commutetowork
Feelingrushedandoverwhelmed?Feel yourhandsonthesteeringwheel,thevibrationoftheengine,yourbodyresting intheseat.
3.Washyourhands
Feelthetemperatureofthewateron yourhandsasyouslowlyrinse.Enjoythe privilegeofhavingtemperature-controlledwateratyourfingertips(literally
&figuratively).
4.Eat
Beforedevouringyourtacosorsalad, takeamoment.Amomenttosmellthe aromasandadmirethecolorsonyour plate.Manyhandshavehelpedthatfood gettoyourplate.
5.Breathe
Somethingyouhavewithyouatevery moment.Takeafewmomentstofeelthe airenterandleaveyourbody.Itwilldo wondersforyou
Anoteonmindfulness:Ontheoutside,doingonethingatatimemayseem inefficient.Wheninreality,itallowsfor deeperfocusandhigh-qualityworkfor eachsubsequenttask.Inoureasilydistractibleworld,it’seasyforustobounce betweenmanytasksatonce.Bypracticingmindfulness,weallowourselvesto dropintothenow.Afterall,thatiswhere everythinghappens.
MatthewHarkinsfoundmindfulnessasa waytohealphysicalandmentalinjuries/illnesses.Hisprivatepractice,MindfulMortals,inspiresthoselookingtostepbackinto thedriver’sseatsoftheirlivesthroughfoundationalmovementpatterns,strength building,andstressmanagement.
Monitor staff share their insights
Whilecompilingthis wellnessguide,wefound thatwellness,likemost things,issubjective.In ordertodelvemoredeeply intotheideaofhealthy habitsandself-care,we askedourstafftoshare whatwellnessmeansto them.Everyonehadadifferentanswer,demonstratingjusthowfarreachingandvaryingwellnesscanbe.
Rebeca Pereira, Engagement Editor
AsmuchasI’dliketolive alonglife, mypriority islivinga healthyone withwhatevertime I’mgiven. Defining “healthy”is difficult–it variesfrompersonto person,andthere’salways anoverwhelmingabun-
danceofarmchairnutritionistsandself-helpgurus onlinewillingtopitchcompetingnarrativesabout what“healthy”really shouldmean.Tome,“wellness”isacontinuousactof personalmaintenance,and likeacar,Ifeel“well”when mybody,mymindandmy spiritaretunedup.Ilift weights;Igoforwalks;Iget outside;Ibakeandcook;I gotochurch;Iread.Ispend timewithmyboyfriend,my familyandmyfriends.Itry toremindmyselfthathowI spendmydaysishowI spendmylife,andthat helpsputthingsintoperspective.
David Brooks, Granite Geek
Reporter
Thoseofuswhohave reachedtheGoldenYears shiftourhealth/wellness goalfrom“I’mgetting bettereveryday”to“I’m notgettingworseevery
day.”That’s me.Idoa littleexercise–about halfasoften asIshould–eata‘good’ dietbut nothingradical(realfood,mostly plants,nottoomuch)and, mostimportantly,keep moving.Notmarathonsor mountaineeringbutjust movingduringtheday, fromusingavariable stand/sitdesktotakingthe stairstowalkingaround.
Rachel
Wachman,
Community Editor
I’vealwaysloved spending timeoutdoors.Fresh airfeedsthe bodyaswell asthesoul. Tome,well-
Our experienced guides offer a supportive environment that makes it easy for kids ages 8–17 to explore the exciting world of rock climbing. Whether they’re beginners or returning climbers, kids will gain new skills, build friendships, learn to push themselves, and have tons of fun along the way.
nessmeansprioritizingmy connectiontomyself,andI findthiseasiesttoachieve whileoutside–beit walkingthroughapark, hikingamountainorsitting underatreewhilereadinga book.Iequatewellnesswith self-care.Whilethereisa physicalcomponenttothis throughstayingactive,I findtheotherpartofwellnesstobemoreholistic, suchasnourishingmybody withhealthyfoodsor simplygettingenoughrest. Likeeverything,it’sawork inprogress.Ratherthana destination,Ibelievewellnessisajourney.
Charlotte Matherly, State House Reporter
Thismaysoundabit boring.Butwellness,for me,isfound inroutine. Creating habitsthat prioritize health,joy andrelaxationallows metofall backon thosesystemswhenlifegets upended.Thatoftenlooks likeplanningmymealsfor theweekonaSundayto avoidstresslateron,or makingtimetogetoutside
orhitthegym–notjustfor thephysicalbenefitsof movingmybodybutto makethementalswitch fromworktimeto“me time.”Routinescarryme throughthestressorsofeverydaylife,butIliketoremindmyselfthatwhenI’m feelingtheneedtoshake thingsup,Ihavethe freedomtodothat.Assuch, I’vebecomeanexpert(and advocate)ofthedaytrip. Whenlifestartstofeel crushinglymundane,Ifind myselfontheroad,offto exploresomenewcornerof NHorNewEngland.
Catherine McLaughlin, Concord Reporter
Rapp
Wellness formeislisteningto whatmy bodyis askingofme overeverythingelse:I trynottolet
myphone’sdistractions drownoutthatIfeeltired. WhenI’mhungry,Itryto eatsomethingthatwillkeep mefull,nomatterhowbusy thedaybecomes.WhenI’m thirsty,Itrytodrinksomethingthatwillhydrateme, evenifIreallywouldprefer anothercoffee.WhenI’m feelingtightorantsyor anxious,Iexercisetorelieveit.WhenI’mstressed ordown,Igooutinnature orcallafriend.Thismight soundalittlesimplistic, evenglib(youcouldeven saythosethingsare“DUH” statements).I’msureI’m notaloneinknowingthat thesethingsarefareasier saidthandone,butIfeel likeI’matmybest,mentally,emotionallyandphysically,whenI’mdoingthem.
Alexander Rapp, Sports Reporter
Asasportsreporter,I’ve hadtheopportunitytounderstandwhatwellness meanstomanydifferent
peopleofall agesand backgrounds acrossthe greaterConcordarea.It hasopened myeyesand mindtodifferentapproachestowellness,but forme,wellnesswillalways befoundinsoccer.Growing up,itallowedmetoforge lifelongfriendshipsby playinginthestreetorat mylocalpark,and,asIgot older,ithelpedmestay physicallyactivewhile beingapsychologicalreleaseforstress,anxietyand negativeemotions.Ifeela deeppassionforthesport becauseitconnectsmeto mybody,myemotions,my friends,myfamily,mycommunityandevenmy country.Wellnessisfinding theroadthatleadsyouto yourhappyplace–inside andout–andsocceristhat forme.
Matherly
McLaughlin
book of the week
Author:SeijiYoshida
Title:Houseswitha Story:ADragon’sDen,a GhostlyMansion,aLibrary ofLostBooks,and30More AmazingPlacestoExplore
Date:2020
Pages:123
Genre:Children’sNonFiction
SeijiYoshida,aJapanese illustratorandbackground artistforvideogames,has wonderfulmemoriesof structuresthatexistedinhis favoritechildhoodbooks. FromHeidi’sAlpinecottage toHuckFinn’shideout,he lovedtheillustrationsand theworldstheyopenedup tohim.
Asanadult,Yoshidahas createdabeautifulbook calledHouseswithAStory inthehopesthatother imaginationswillbecapturedbythebeautyand mysteryofanimaginary place.Variouslocations, genresandtimeperiodsare representedsothat,in Yoshida’swords,thereader will“encounteranentirely
newstorywitheachturnof thepage.”Therearealso sidebarsectionsabout,for example,differentkindsof roofsandtheartist’sstudio aswellasastepbystepwalk throughofhisprocessin drawingbyhandandthen coloringonthecomputer. Thehousesrangefrom JapantoEuropetothe AmericanWest;froma Japanesebookshoptothe
sevendwarves’house;a housedesignedforpeople
whokeepdragonsaspets andarailcarfortwo dieselpunksisters.Thegorgeousillustrationsinclude exteriorsandinteriorsas wellasthecharacterswho liveinthem,andtheauthor’snotesabouttheplace, theinhabitants,andamenities(orlackofthem)in eachspace.
Takeatripwithoutever
leavingyourhomeby browsingthepagesofthis imaginativeandgorgeously illustratedbook.Youcan finditinthechildren’snonfictionroomattheConcord PublicLibrary.
VisitConcordPublicLibraryatwww.concordpubliclibrary.net
Julia Miller Concord Public Library
Sierra Hubbard is the professional of the month
Concord Young Professionals Network’s local highlight
ConcordYoungProfessionalsNetwork(CYPN)introducesyoutothe“Young ProfessionaloftheMonth,” SierraHubbard.Each month,thesteeringcommitteerecommendsanindividualinthecommunityit thinksreaderswouldenjoy gettingtoknowbetter.
Q:Howoldareyou?30
Q:Wheredoyoulive? Pinardville/Goffstown
Q:Wheredoyoucurrentlywork?Currently,I’m seekingaroleinprogram
managementoroperations atanagencythatserves peopleexperiencinghomelessness.Intheinterim,I’m acontractedleasingagent withapropertymanagementcompany,DoorFund.
Q:Tellusalittlebit aboutyourselfandwhat youdo.I’maGeorgiapeach, bornandraisedintheexurbswestofAtlanta.My backgroundisinjournalism. Incollege,IinternedatThe
AtlantaJournal-Constitution,ranthestudentnewspaper,andfreelancedfor multipleoutlets.WhenI graduatedfromKennesaw StateUniversityattheend of2017,Iimmediately movednorthwithmynowhusbandandmytwocatsto beareporteratTheKeene Sentinel.
Wantingabreakbefore movingtoabiggernewspaper,Iunknowinglybegan mycareerinhousingand homelessnessfiveyearsago whenIstartedworking overnightshiftsatashelter. Iwassoonofferedacase managementgig,andthe restishistory.Sincethen, I’veworkedinmultiple NewHampshirecommunitieswithpeoplewhoare unhoused,aswellaswith thoseinsupportive housing.Mostrecently,I managedtheSupportive
HousingProgramatConcordCoalitiontoEnd Homelessness.
I’maproponentoftheevidence-basedHousingFirst model,whichprovesthat removingbarriersto housingandprovidingintensiveongoingsupport leadstobetteroutcomes: programparticipantswho arehealthierandhappier. I’mavocaladvocatefor trauma-informedworkplacesbecausefront-line staffarethebackboneof thisfieldandmustfeelfully supportedtodotheirwork. Ibelievehousingisahuman right.Simultaneously,Ibelievewemustacknowledge thenuancesandcomplicationsofthisworkandgenuinelyengageeveryonein thesolutionwithempathy notonlyclients,butalso landlords,electedofficials, businessownersandneigh-
concordmonitor.com/hometown-heroes
Hubbard is professional of month
bors.
Q:What’syourfavorite memoryinConcord?Oddly enough,thefirsttimeIsaw thecourtyardoutsideof Brothers’Cortado,it stoppedmeinmytracks it’ssuchabeautifulspace tuckedawaybetweenthe buildingsandhiddenfrom theMainStreettraffic,andI instantlylovedit.
Q:Whatissomething youwouldliketoseeadded orbroughttoConcord?I’d lovetoseeayear-round low-barrieremergency shelter,whichcouldbeaviablealternativetoencampmentsforsomepeopleexperiencinghomelessness.
Q:What’syourfavorite restaurantinConcord?The staffatthecafeinGibson’s Bookstorearewonderful andsofriendly,andthey nevergivemeahardtime overmycomplicatedsandwichorder Ihighlyrecommend!
Q:Whatdoyouliketodo forfun?I’mahugenerd,soI
spendagoodchunkoftime playingvideogames.Likeso manyothers,I’mcurrently plaguedbyanobsession withKingdomCome:Deliverance2.Everyother Sunday,Irunatabletop roleplayinggamecalled Pathfinder(similartoDungeons&Dragons) we’rea yearandahalfintothat campaign!Myhusbandand IgotoAtlantaeveryyearfor ahugecosplayconvention calledDragonCon,andwe typicallycramallofour preparationandcrafting intothelastfewweeksof summer.
Q:Ifyoucouldvisitany country,wherewouldyou go?Ifyou’daskedmetwo monthsago,Iwould’vesaid Ireland,butmycurrent videogameobsessionhas sparkedaninterestinvisitingBohemiaintheCzech Republic.
Q:Favoriteplacestobe? We’verentedthesame cabininDanville,VT,multipletimesthroughAirbnb, andweliketopretendit’s ourvacationhome.It’ssecludedwithabeautifulview oftheWhiteMountains, andeveryvisithealsour spirits.
Sierra Hubbard is the April2025 Young Professional of the Month.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Carpentry
Garages, Additions, Roofing & Siding, Decks, Remodeling call Eric 264-1035
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 Mowing
Serving Central New Hampshire 7 Days a Week 603-753-8555 603-568-7291
Handyperson Services
Interior Handyman Services Projects & Repairs
Personalized Handyman Program Available
Avoid Wait Times You Choose 1-8 hrs Monthly
For Details Visit www.FixPaintEtc.com
603-203-4800 FixPaintEtc@gmail.com
Home Improvement
STEVE'S BUILDING REPAIRS
Specializing in small home repairs 45 years experience in building and remodeling Custom Additions Replacement Decks Kitchen Installs Bath Remodels Trim Work Replacement Doors Hardwood & Laminate Flooring Painting 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
WILDLIFE 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
Roofing
SPRING CLEANUP
Power Washing Tree trimming Brush hog mowing small paint jobs
Interior painting & odd jobs Call mike 603-491-8676
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.
