Apple Picking Season is here!

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Within just 30 minutes from Concord you can find a variety of orchards and all sorts of options for apple picking, cider donuts, farm stands and pumpkin patches.

      

 

Many offer hayrides, mazes, farm animals, pumpkin patches and stores stocked with variety of seasonal merchandise and delicious fresh cider donuts, pies, fruit and cider.

   

Make a day of it – pack a picnic or pick up lunch at some of these spots.

We compiled a list of some PYO spots within a short drive from Concord:

Autumn Hills Orchard, 495 Chicopee Row, Groton

PYO and online shop. There are picnic tables up on the high ridge where you can sit, relax and enjoy the view. Trails and paths circle the farm. Walk, pick fruit, enjoy the view!

   

 

Berlin Orchards, 310 Sawyer Hill Road, Berlin

PYO, farm store & wagon rides Monday-Friday. Gorgeous views, perfect picnic spot. Bonus – you may see farm animals.

 

Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road, Harvard

If you visit on a weekend, you’ll have an option to pick up a bite to eat from one of the visiting food trucks.

     

 

Carver Hill Orchard 101 Brookside Road, Stow

A family run orchard  – visit the farm store for apples, cider donuts, mum plants, pumpkins, ice cream, cider & more!

 

Derby Ridge, 438 Great Rd., Stow

Pick your own, farmstore and donuts Friday-Sunday

 

 

Doe Orchard, 327 Ayer Rd., Westford

 

 

Hill Orchard, 4 Hunt Rd. Westford

Open Saturday & Sunday

   

 

Honeypot Hill Orchard, 138 Sudbury Rd, Stow

Mazes, Hayrides, Pick our Own, Farm Animals

 

Nagog Hill Farm, 74 Nagog Hill Rd., Littleton, 978-486-3835

   

 

Schartner Farm, 279 W. Berlin Rd., Bolton

Open weekends, pyo apples and corn maze, Lion Club makes fresh cider donuts

 

Shelburne Farm, 106 West Acton Road

Warm Cider Donuts made fresh all day every day!
Visit the farm animals, tractor playground, and story walk, PYO apples & pumpkins.

 

Westward Orchards, 178 Mass Ave, Harvard

Pick your own apples & pumpkins. Farmstore – porch & curbside pick-up only now.

Gather up your family & friends, you’ll need some extra hands to carry all those delicious apples you’ll pick!

And start planning the apple pie, apple crumble, apple sauce, caramel apples… you plan to make.

Happy Apple Picking!

 

Concord’s Climate Preparedness Week

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Climate Preparedness Week begins September 23!

Climate Preparedness Week banner

Concord recognizes September 23-30, 2020 as “Climate Preparedness Week”

Concord has committed to taking action on climate by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 and preparing to be resilient to the changes to our climate that we are already experiencing, including extreme heat, extreme precipitation, intense storms, and increased flooding.

For the second year, Concord Free Public Library and the Sustainability Division are collaborating to participate in Climate Preparedness Week, a nationwide initiative organized by CREW (Communities Responding to Extreme Weather).

We invite and encourage all residents to join us in recognizing Climate Preparedness Week by participating in events hosted by Concord Free Public Library.

Join us for a week of virtual events! Learn more on the CFPL Events Calendar.

The Climate Ribbon Project

All week 9/23-9/30 – Outside Concord Free Public Library

The Climate Ribbon is an arts ritual to grieve what each of us stands to lose to Climate Chaos, and affirm our solidarity as we unite to fight against it. Share what you most love and don’t want to lose to climate change. Write and share what you most love and don’t want to lose to climate change on a 2-foot ribbon. Use a ribbon or strip of fabric from home or pick one up from the Main Library’s Sudbury entrance area. Drop off your completed ribbon in the collection box at the Main Library’s Sudbury entrance area, or tie your ribbon with the other ribbons on display.

ribbonproject
sept23climaterealitypresentation

The Climate Reality & How to Talk to Your Kids About It

Virtual presentations by long-time Climate Reality mentors:

Keith Bergman, Concord Resident, retired municipal manager, MAPC past president

Harriet Shugarman, Executive Director of Climate Mama and Author of Talking to Your Kids about Climate Change, Turning Angst to Action

Wednesday, September 23rd at 10:00 AM (Premiering on Facebook Live)

Tune in for virtual presentations from two influencers and leaders in the climate movement, Keith Bergman and Harriet Shugarman– both long-time mentors with The Climate Reality Project founded by former Vice President Al Gore.

Through a Climate Reality “Truth in 10” presentation, learn about the climate crisis and its solutions from Concord resident Keith Bergman, one of the first fifty trained by Mr. Gore in 2006, and a leader of Climate Reality’s Boston Metro Chapter.

Learn how to talk to your kids about climate change from author Harriet Shugarman, Executive Director of ClimateMama, chair of Climate Reality’s New York City Metro Chapter, and recipient of Climate Reality’s 2017 Green Ring Award.

Community Idea Session – Sustainability and Climate Action for Concord Free Public Library

Friday, September 25th at 12:00 PM (Register for Zoom Meeting)

Wednesday, September 30th at 7:00 PM (Register for Zoom Meeting)

Join us for a 1-hour online community input session about the Library Corporation’s sustainability planning work. Learn about the sustainability baselining that the committee has done and share your ideas for a sustainable Concord Free Public Library.

sept25communitysessions
sept29callofforest

Film Discussion – Call of the Forest

Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00 PM (Register for film and Zoom discussion)

Join us for a discussion of the film, Call of the Forest. Take a walk in the woods with beloved Irish-Canadian scientist and author, Diana Beresford-Kroeger, as she reveals our profound human connection to the ancient & sacred northern forests and the essential role that they play in sustaining the health of our planet. Screen the film in advance between 9/23 and 9/29. Register here and we will send you a link to the film and the Zoom discussion.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

Children’s Story Hour

Wednesday September 23rd at 10:00 AM (Zoom)

Join Library staff on Zoom for some short stories, songs, & rhymes! This program is geared for pre-schoolers, but all ages are welcome to join. The stories this week will focus on sustainability and gratitude for our earth. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Nature Connection Storytimes

Tuesday September 29th at 10:30 AM (Register for Zoom)

Tuesday September 29th at 3:00 PM (Register for Zoom)

Wednesday September 30th at 4:00 PM (Register for Zoom)

Join The Nature Connection through Zoom as we explore plants and animals, geek out over nature, and connect with ourselves and those around us in new ways – all through nature-based stories and poems! 3 storytimes are available for different age groups.

The Nature Connection believes everyone (of all abilities and backgrounds) should have access to nature, and offers accessible and inclusive programs, incorporates mindfulness, and facilitates social connection.

Join us during Climate Preparedness Week as we explore how plants and animals respond to changes in their environment, the importance of bio-diversity and amazing resiliency of nature.

childrenstorytime

Pandemic: Changes & new offerings we have embraced and liked

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We all want the Pandemic to come to an end… But what about things that have come about or were started due to the Pandemic that we don’t want to end? Here are some thoughts…

One Concord resident wrote this: “Overall, I think people are much more friendly and kind, here and elsewhere. Seems the ‘We are all in this together’ idea is bringing out best in so many.”

Living Concord followers sent us some of their favorite things:

Curbside pick-up at Concord Library

Messages on staircase leading to Nesting shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor classrooms

Eating Lunch outside at schools

Birthday Parades

 

Small, social distance concerts at your home. Some local musicians can come to your home to perform for you and small group.

Mobile ordering @ Haute Coffee

Curbside pick-up options at so many shops & restaurants

 

Al fresco dining, more outdoor seating options

Seeing many more people walking & biking

Library lawn cafe tables and chairs set up for safe social distance small gatherings

Free parking in town

Easier commutes (b/c less traffic) or no commute

No business travel

Graduation Parades & CCHS Administration stopping by each Graduate’s home in the Graduation Celebration School Bus

Drive-in movies at CCHS, from Concord Recreation

Concord Ag Week (not just Ag Day)

Less activities has allowed for more family dinners, more free time, more game nights

Zoom calls with family & friends

Concord-Carlisle Community Chest Driveway Project

Celebratory take out dinner options offered by local businesses

Chalk messages & more messages of gratitude and kindness around town

Playing games like Kahoot or Risk with friends and family

Being in your pajamas longer and having more leisurely mornings

All the new library offerings

Special take-out dinner offerings / “celebration dinners” from local restaurants

Sidewalk sales / sidewalk displays

Outdoor town meeting (with no presentations)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Umbrella’s productions you can watch via Zoom

Summer Quest

Concord Together, Concord Solstice and Fall In Love with Concord

Paperless menus  – just scan QR code with your phone.

All the new Umbrella offerings

More options to sit around town

Go Out Doors along the Rail Trail

People seem less in a hurry, kinder.

These are just a few of the good things that we have learned, started and liked during this trying time. Thank you to all of you who have worked so hard to make these things happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kicks For Cancer 2020

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Dear Friends and neighbors,

On behalf of the Kicks for Cancer 2020 Committee, we are reaching out to ask for your support!  It is important and will make a difference in our collective fight against cancer.  And as cancer research doesn’t take a break during a pandemic, neither does Kicks for Cancer!

Kicks for Cancer is an annual event held at Concord-Carlisle High School that has been raising funds for women’s cancer research and ovarian cancer research for 14 years.  The event began in honor of Lois Wells of Concord, MA, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2007.  It honors all those affected by cancer in our community and beyond and has raised over $490,000 to fund research.

Normally, Kicks is an all-day soccer and field hockey tournament at CCHS; however, this year, due to health and safety concerns, the event will be virtual.  We believe our presence in the community is more important than ever this year!  Here is how you can help support Kicks:

  • Kicks Lawn Signs: Join the community and purchase a Kicks lawn sign.  Signs are $25 each and come in pink or teal.  Honor a loved one by writing their name on the back.  Sign pick-up is at Emerson Field in Concord on Saturday, September 19th from 10am – 2pm.
  • Kicks Merchandise:  Get your kicks on by shopping for Kicks merchandiseincluding shirts, lanyards, car magnets, scarves, and headbands.
  • Donate:  Please consider making a Kicks donation.  Any amount is greatly appreciated!
  • Visit our website:  Check out Kicks player “shirt stories,” alumni memories, and the history of Kicks to learn more.
  • Sponsor: Do you know any local businesses that would like to help sponsor Kicks?  The company’s logo will appear on our Kicks website, social media, email marketing, and press coverage.  Please contact: Trish Siefer at thesiefers@gmail.com.

Kicks for Cancer continues to partner with The Mighty Moose event to fuel funding for ovarian cancer research. You can hear the backstory and impact of funding from Dr. Kevin Elias here. “Philanthropy is vital to helping move this work forward.”

Thank you for helping us keep the Kicks for Cancer tradition alive in our community!

With gratitude,

The Kicks for Cancer 2020 Committee

Concord Bike Rodeo & Bike to School Concord Organization

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Concord Bike Rodeo

September 5th, 11am-1pm

Bring your masks, bikes, helmets, and all your gear as we’ll be instructing kids from any school to develop and practice skills that will help them to become better bicyclists right away. You and your kids will leave with more confidence and bike-savvy, ready to
have more fun than ever on two wheels. Parents and kids participating in Concord’s Bike-to-School Events will learn about local bike routes and plans and prizes for biking to school beginning on Day 1 of the Fall 2020 school semester!

What YOU will bring:
– Kids (parents are good too, dogs welcome)
– Masks
– Bikes
– Helmets
– Water and snacks
– Floor pump for bike tires (optional)

What WE will bring:
– Traffic cones
– Sidewalk chalk
– Sample road signs
– An extra kid bike or two just to have available
– Handouts, stickers, and swag

What EVERYONE will bring:
– An excellent attitude!!!

(Inclement weather will postpone until Sunday Sept 6th. Check back here if the weather looks questionable on Saturday morning.)

Get ready to start biking to School!

Starting September 8th!

 

Safe Rides to School – Check out this Mass.gov link for information on safe places for children to walk and bike, starting with their trip to school.

Check out the Town of Concord site for rules of the road

Read up on the wonderful Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

TrailLink is a great source for more info on trails around Massachusetts

 

The Umbrella Arts Center announces new series of fall classes!

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The Umbrella @ Home Offers Flexible Online Art Class Options
#StayHome #StaySafe #StayCreative – Since its spring closure due to COVID-19, The Umbrella Arts Center has directed its energies to transforming its expansive array of arts programs – from classes, summer camps and stage productions to gala events and public festivals — into virtual, asynchronous or social-distanced outdoors formats.

For this fall, instead of emphasizing a return to in-person classes, the organization has continued to invest in and refine The Umbrella @ Home offerings, delivering virtual arts education experiences through a variety of distance-learning methods and platforms.

Using a combination of Zoom, asynchronous video demos, DIY activity kits and other tools, The Umbrella’s teachers have created dozens of course offerings for all ages in Painting, Fiber, Drawing, Design and Dance/Movement. The Umbrella’s expanded Ceramics program offers virtual and video instruction, as well as local curbside clay pickup and drop-off kiln firing services at 40 Stow Street. Performing Arts offerings range from jazz and Bollywood dance classes and private theater audition coaching. And, The Umbrella Arts & Environment program has expanded its popular outdoors arts and nature exploration programs.

To inspire its community to remain creative through the pandemic, the organization is also inviting all class participants, teachers and community artists share their favorite creations in a fall exhibition, #DiscoverYourArts Showcase.

Fall I session adult classes start as early as September 11. Explore and register for the variety of classes at TheUmbrellaArts.org/Classes or contact 978-371-0820 x204.

Day Trip: Newburyport

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Day Trip: Newburyport

In just one hour from Concord, you can get to the lovely coastal town of Newburyport – so much to see and do!

The Newburyport Waterfront Park is a vibrant 4.4 acre park in the center of Newburyport’s downtown waterfront. The Park includes six public access points from the heart of downtown to a 1100 foot boardwalk and its memorial benches along the Merrimac River, a sculpture park, and a large grass area fronting on the Merrimac River.

Visit the Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water Street, Newburyport

Open Thursdays – Sundays this year

The CHMM is a dynamic maritime history museum; education and cultural center; emerging research facility; and a meeting place for people seeking a unique venue for professional or social gatherings. We connect our vibrant past to our living present through our relationships with local educational, artistic, business, and environmental organizations.

Housed in this historic structure, the CHMM’s unique collection of maritime objects, art, models, and historical documents reflect the rich history of the region from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. (www.customhousemaritimemuseum.org)

Current Exhibit: Entertainment for Man and Horse

Victuals Libations and Distractions in an Early American Tavern open JULY 2020 – JULY  2021

     

How about a Whale Watch? Check out Newburyport Whale Watch  (54 Merrimac Street, Newburyport)  – they’ll take you on the   Merrimack River and into the Gulf of Maine where we can find a variety of marine life such as  Humpback, Finback, & Minke Whales as well as Porpoise, Seals, Sharks and an array of Sea Birds. The season runs from May through October. Directly Book Online or please call 1-800-848-1111 or 1-978-499-0832 (outside New England) to make your reservation today!

The Parker River Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. It is most commonly associated with Plum Island – a barrier beach island – the refuge is comprised of more than 4700 acres of diverse habitats including sandy beach and dune, cranberry bog, maritime forest and shrub land, and freshwater marsh. The most abundant habitat on the refuge is its 3,000+ acres of salt marsh, one of the most productive ecosystems in nature. Parker River provides pristine coastal habitat for over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as a large variety of mammals, insects, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The refuge also provides critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.

The refuge headquarters and visitor center is located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA, 01950.  Phone: (978) 465-5753.  General email address: parkerriver@fws.gov.

Explore the beautiful barrier island, Plum Island nearby!

Pick up picnic items or take-out from one of these spots in Newburyport:

Check out www.Newburyport.com  – a great resource for more info about Newburyport.

Have a fabulous day in Newburyport!