Patriots Weekend: Concord250 Events & More!

April 2, 2024/0 Comments/in anniversary, Arts, birthday, Celebration, Concord, MA, Concord250, Concord250th, education, free, history, holiday, music, pancake, party, Patriots Day, Umbrella Arts, Umbrella Community Center, Uncategorized, women /by pollymeyer

April 13, Saturday

A Fight for Freedom: Patriots of Color Walking Tour

10AM

In this 90 minute walking tour we will examine the known history and stories of these Patriots of Color who fought for freedom locally both during the American Revolution and beyond. Minuteman National Park, Robbins House and Concord Visitors Center staff will lead this tour examining the incredible stories of individuals who risked everything during their struggle for liberty, equality, and freedom for all.

Tour meets at the North Bridge Lower Lot. All ages are welcome.

This walking tour is co-sponsored by Minuteman National Park, The Robbins House, and The Concord Visitors Center as a Concord250 Event

Donations in support of Black History Month in Concord may be made to The Robbins House here: https://robbinshouse.org/donate/

Learn More about Patriots of Color :

https://robbinshouse.org/wp-content/uploads/PatriotsofColor-web.pdf

https://www.nps.gov/mima/patriotsofcolor.htm

From Pasadena to Concord: Telling The Whole Story

2:00—3:30 PM

For 129 years, Black educator and activist Ellen Garrison lay unsung and forgotten in an unmarked grave in Altadena, California’s Mountain View Cemetery.

Ellen Garrison, native daughter of Concord, was the granddaughter of a freedman who fought in the Revolutionary War and spent years traveling alone through the South to teach formerly enslaved people how to read and write, protected only by a paper “passport” to show she was a free person.

The residents of Altadena knew little of this hidden history, but they were willing to learn, listen, and honor this heroine in their midst. Veronica Jones, Vice Chair of the Town Council, decided to act. Ms. Jones has a deep passion for uncovering hidden histories. Through her work with the Altadena Historical Society, she spearheaded the placement of headstones on the graves of Ellen Garrison, her husband, and her sister. Additionally, two scholarships are awarded to local Altadena students in memory of Ellen Garrison. Thanks to the Altadena Historical Society and Veronica Jones, Ellen Garrison is celebrated every year on Juneteenth, honoring the hidden histories of Altadena.

This process her community has gone through creates lasting change and deeper inclusion for all segments of her community. Veronica will share their journey and lessons learned and discuss how this work can impact us all, no matter where we live.

Veronica Jones is a retired life-long resident of Altadena, California with vast experience in community development. She has worked extensively on public safety, infrastructure improvements, community-police relations, economic development, diversity and inclusion, and re-establishing relationships with local, state, and federal government. She is highly regarded in her community as a change agent, promoting integrity and economic growth.

Please visit The Robbins House and the Altadena Historical Society to learn more.

This event is co-sponsored by Robbins House, Concord250, and The Concord Free Public Library’s William Munroe Special Collections.

LINK

Concord Band performs its annual Spring Pops

51 Walden presents the Concord Band performing its annual Spring Pops concert as a fundraiser for 51 Walden building renovations. The concert will be held on Saturday April 13, 2024, at 7:00 pm on the music stage of the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord.

The program will feature a guest artist, Ukrainian soprano Olga Lisovska, singing opera and popular solos including The Kyiv Waltz and George Gershwin’s Somebody Loves Me.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

3:00- 5:00pm

Ellen Garrison Day in Concord

Come join us and celebrate and afternoon of words, music, art and song as we Stand up for Ellen on the anniversary of her birth at the Concord Armory!

MONDAY, APRIL 15, PATRIOTS’ DAY

Patriots’ Day Pancake Breakfast at First Parish

8:30-11:00 Patriots Day Parade and North Bridge Ceremony

https://concordma.gov/1159/Patriots-Day-Parade

Patriots Day at the Wright Tavern

Patriots’ Day at the Concord Museum

Enjoy free admission to the Museum and visit the immersive April 19, 1775 gallery to see the “One if by land, two if by sea” lantern hung in the North Church to signal Paul Revere on his midnight ride. During your visit, participate in drop-in activities to learn about life and craft in the colonies. Sponsored by the Highland Street Foundation.

Witness the brave Acton Minutemen company in an encampment outside the Museum as they drill with muskets to prepare for battle, cook over a firepit, and demonstrate colonial
spinning and sewing. Supported by the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.

Beware of a Red Coat from the British Army roaming the galleries looking for Provincial rebels. Talk with him about the experiences of the Red Coats on April 19, 1775. Supported by
the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.

Check out the line up of events at Minute Man National Historical Park

Photo: Amanda Pollock, Minuteman National Historical Park

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

6 to 7:30 pm Concord, There Is More To Our Story

FRIDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 19 & 21

A Fight for Freedom: Patriots of Color Walking Tour

10am

In this 90 minute walking tour we will examine the known history and stories of these Patriots of Color who fought for freedom locally both during the American Revolution and beyond. Minuteman National Park, Robbins House and Concord Visitors Center staff will lead this tour examining the incredible stories of individuals who risked everything during their struggle for liberty, equality, and freedom for all.

Tour meets at the North Bridge Lower Lot

All ages are welcome.

This walking tour is co-sponsored by Minuteman National Park, The Robbins House, and The Concord Visitors Center as a Concord250 Event

Donations in support of Black History Month in Concord may be made to The Robbins House here: https://robbinshouse.org/donate/

Learn More about Patriots of Color :

https://robbinshouse.org/wp-content/uploads/PatriotsofColor-web.pdf

https://www.nps.gov/mima/patriotsofcolor.htm

List of Concord’s Houses of Worship Holiday Services

December 18, 2023/0 Comments/in holiday, Uncategorized /by pollymeyer

Schedule of Services at Concord’s Houses of Worship

First Church of Christ, Scientist

7 Lowell Road, Concord

Sunday services 10:15

First Parish in Concord

20 Lexington Rd. 978 369-9602

Sunday services at 10 a.m.
Dec. 24 services

4pm:Rev. Paul Langston-Daley and music by the Gospel Choir

8PM: Rev. Seth Carrier-Ladd and music by the First Parish Choir

Holy Family Parish

12 Monument Sq., Concord

Dec. 24 services at 4pm, 6pm and 10:30pm
Dec. 25 services at 9:30am

Kerem Shalom

December 13, 5-6pm: Chanukah Celebration at Rideout Park

New Life Community Church

221 Baker Ave.
Worship services Sundays 10:15 a.m.

December 24: 6pm service

Redeemer Presbyterian Church

1276 Main St. 978 254 7353

Worship services Sundays, 11 a.m.

St. Irene Parish

181 East St., Carlisle

Dec. 24 services at 4pm and 7:30pm
Dec. 25 services at 11am

Trinitarian Congregational Church

54 Walden St. 978 369 4837

Christmas Eve Services

5 pm Family Service

Congregational Carol Sing (at 4:50 pm)

Vocal solos and duets by Piper and Alden Harring.

Anthems by our children’s choir, with percussionist Carter Hack

8 pm Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols

Prelude Concert (at 7:40 pm) featuring our choir and soloists.

Music by the Lawson Family with Cheryl Shea, and flutist Emily Roos

11 pm Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols

Prelude Concert (at 10:40 pm) of music for organ and flute (Emily Roos)

Duets by tenor Lucas Hickman and soprano Sage Stoakley

Trinity Episcopal Church

81 Elm St. 978 369 3715

Dec. 24, Christmas Eve –

10am Advent 4 Holy Eucharist

3pm Holy Eucharist with all ages pageant

5pm Holy Eucharist with Choir and Instruments

10pm Holy Eucharist with Hymns

West Concord Union Church

1317 Main St. 978 369 6309

Dec. 24 – No morning service

3;30pm Preludes begin

4pm; All Ages Christmas Eve Service

7:40pm: Preludes begin

8pm: Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Holidays Under The Umbrella

November 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Arts, Concord, MA, free, holiday, music, Umbrella Arts, Umbrella Community Center /by admin

The Umbrella Arts Center kicks off the holiday season this week with the return of Concord’s traditional Umbrella Winter Market, an annual three-day show and sale of artist, artisan, and hand-crafted work on all three floors of its beautifully renovated space at 40 Stow Street. It features dozens of Umbrella Studio Artists, regional Guest Artists, an annual “Off-the-Wall” show with small works under $350, a Ceramics Program holiday sale, Arts Education Free Drop-In Family Day info table, prizes drawing, and more.

PLUS, view the “Fresh Ink: Contemporary Explorations in Printmaking” Gallery Exhibition, live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and refreshments in the cafe provided by Sudbury Coffee Works. And on Friday Noon – 4PM, stop by J.McLaughlin in Concord, where 15% of your purchases will go to support the work of the non-profit arts center.

AND in Performing Arts news, The Umbrella Stage Company has announced the return of its popular Holiday Pops Concert series, featuring the award-winning Firebird Pops Orchestra and Firebird Vox choir. Performances Friday, December 15 at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 16 at 3:00pm, and December 17 at 3:00pm.

See https://theumbrellaarts.org

List of Concord’s Houses of Worship End-of-year & Holiday Services

December 17, 2022/0 Comments/in holiday, Uncategorized /by pollymeyer

Schedule of Services at Concord’s Houses of Worship

First Parish in Concord

20 Lexington Rd. 978 369-9602

Sunday services at 10 a.m.
Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. Impromptu “pick up” pageant.
Dec. 24 services at 7 p.m. candlelight service with the Gospel choir and 9 p.m. candlelight service with regular choir and Concords.

West Concord Union Church

1317 Main St. 978 369 6309

Sunday, Dec. 18
9:45 a.m. Advent worship, 3:30 p.m. bonfire and carols
Saturday, Dec. 24
4 p.m. service with Young People’s Music 8 p.m. Candlelight communion service with senior & bell choirs
Sunday, Dec. 25
No worship service

Redeemer Presbyterian Church

1276 Main St. 978 254 7353

Worship services Sundays, 11 a.m.

New Life Community Church

221 Baker Ave.
Worship services Sundays 10:15 a.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church

81 Elm St. 978 369 3715

Sunday services at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Dec. 24, Christmas Eve – Family Pageant with Holy Eucharist at 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 25 Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m.

Trinitarian Congregational Church

54 Walden St. 978 369 4837

Sunday services at 10 a.m.
Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Holy Family and St. Irene Parishes

12 Monument Sq., 181 East St., Carlisle

Dec. 24 services at 4 p.m., 6 p.m.10:30 p.m. in Concord; 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m in Carlisle
Dec. 25 services at 9:30 a.m. in Concord and 11 a.m. in Carlisle.

First Church of Christ, Scientist

7 Lowell Rd. 978 369 4117

Services on Sundays from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Kerem Shalom

Chanukah celebration Sunday Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.
Town-wide celebration, Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. Rideout Field

Holiday Happenings at the Concord Museum!

November 17, 2021/0 Comments/in holiday, Uncategorized /by pollymeyer

A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

Concord Museum’s 26th Annual Family Trees

Join the Concord Museum to celebrate the 26^th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature opening to the public on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022. Admire 32 fancifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths inspired by acclaimed works of children’s literature.

“Family Trees was started at the Concord Museum 26 years ago to give a creative twist to Concord’s esteemed literary history and to share one of life’s greatest pleasures- reading to a child. Since then, we have brought over 800 children’s book titles to life using trees and wreaths of all shapes and sizes as the canvas,” explained Carol Haines, Manager of Exhibitions and Design at the Concord Museum. “Such an endeavor is made possible by the talented and dedicated volunteers who organize the event and design and decorate the trees, and by our many generous sponsors, including Barefoot Books. “

This year’s Honorary Chair of Family Trees is award-winning author and illustrator Grace Lin. whose work has been named by a Caldecott Honor and a Newbery Honor among others. Grace Lin explained, “Family Trees is such a joyous celebration of the holidays, and books. It’s so much fun to see your book come to life on a tree.” Past Honorary Chairs of Family Trees have included Tomie dePaola, Gregory Maguire, Peter Reynolds, Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi Stemple, Cokie Roberts, Jerry Pinkney, D.B. Johnson, Melissa Sweet, Pamela Zagarenski and Nicole Tadgell.

Admission: During this benefit event, Concord Museum admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors & students; $8 Youth (6-17); Children $5 (3 to 5); Children (2 and under) free. Members Free. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. (Also open Monday, December 27; Closed November 25,December 24 and December 25). Walk-ins welcome. Go to www.concordmuseum.org for more information and this year’s Family Tree’s Booklist. For questions 978-369-9763 x222

Family Trees is organized by the Concord Museum’s Guild of Volunteers as a benefit for the Museum’s education initiatives.

A special thank you to our lead sponsor Barefoot Books and to our media sponsor Boston Parents.

Family Trees Programs

Page to Stage Puppet Show

Saturday, December 4 | 11:00 – 11:45 am

Free with Museum admission

Colorful and beloved characters from stories around the world come alive on the puppet stage. Some stories are interactive, some hilarious, all have positive messages!

Constellation Craft

Sunday, December 5 |10:00 – 12:00 pm

Free with Museum admission

During Family Trees, families can drop in to read Ada and the Galaxies and imagine the universe we live in. Design your own constellation of stars while exploring the galaxy.

An Afternoon with Authors & Illustrators

Sunday, December 5 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Free with Museum Admission

Meet some of the accomplished authors and illustrators who books are featured in Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. Explore the decorated forest of trees throughout the Museum and visit with authors and illustrators as they sign your books. In partnership with the Concord Bookshop.

Reach for the Stars Stargazing Event

Sunday, December 5 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Free with Museum Admission

Explore the galaxies without having to leave Earth! Join Jim Zebrowski of the Aldrich Astronomical Society for a demonstration of how telescopes help us see far, far away, all in honor of the new picture book, Ada and the Galaxies.

11th Annual Holiday House Tour- Inside Out!
Saturday, December 11, 2021

Join the Guild of Volunteers for the 11^th Annual Holiday House Tour on Saturday, December 11! We are thrilled to return this year’s event to an in-person format, with the exciting twist of featuring a variety of beautifully decorated outdoor spaces sure to delight and inspire. Hidden and often overlooked spaces, like patios, porches, doorways, barns, and gazebos, will take center stage for this showcase of outdoor winter wonderlands. Concord’s holiday charm will be on full display in these unique settings, with the magic of twinkling lights and richness of abundant greens enhanced by the seasonal atmosphere. Gather your friends and bundle up to enjoy this one-of-a-kind holiday tour!

Tickets: $30 Museum Members/$35 General Public

Inclement weather date: Sunday, December 12

Please note: Attendees will not have access to home interiors. The event will take place entirely outdoors.

For more information and tickets click here.

Drop-In Flower Design

Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Free with Museum Admission

Families can design their own flowers while reading Have You Ever See a Flower? And Welcome Flower Child: The Magic of Your Birth Flower. Learn about the different types of flowers and the symbolism behind them.

Holiday Members Night

Tuesday, December 14 | 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Free and Exclusive to Concord Museum Members

Celebrate the winter season with an evening of viewing Family Trees and enjoying festive treats. Stop by pop-up shops throughout the Museum to find unique gifts and take advantage of discounted holiday shopping. This event is open to all members of the Concord Museum.

Let’s Talk Turkey!

November 2, 2021/0 Comments/in holiday /by pollymeyer

Thanksgiving is around the corner and you know what that means…

Lots of Turkey Talk!

Do you know about Concord Recreation’s Turkey Hunt?

Once a week, turkey photos will be hidden around town. Find one? Call the Rec Dept. 978-287-1050 and receive a free, fresh turkey! Look for hints on social media every Monday in November!

Time to plan your Thanksgiving Supper!

Concord Cheese Shop is offering a Thanksgiving Menu

See their selection of cheese boards, soups, sides & desserts!

Please place your orders by Friday, November 19, 2021.

Items may be picked up Tuesday the 23rd or Wednesday the 24th

Concord Market has you covered from Thanksgiving breakfast to the turkey, sides and don’t forget, pies! Order by and pick up November 20th and pick up November 24rd and 24th.

Concord Teacakes has you covered whether it’s Thanksgiving morning scones or bundt cake to adorable turkey cookies for the table and Thanksgiving pies & cakes.

Farfalle Italian Market has full menu – from chestnut soup to sage roasted turkey and traditional pies! to Pick up is Wednesday November 24th from 12pm – 3pm.

Debra’s Natural Gourmet has a holiday menu that covers appetizers, sides, sauces, quiche, desserts and more!

Saltbox Kitchen is offering hors d’oeuvres to sides to desserts… along with growlers & cocktails to go! Order by 11/18, 6pm; Pick-up is Wednesday, 11/24.

Verrill Farm can take care of all your Thanksgiving needs from Fresh Stonewood Farm Turkeys to our famous Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Pie! Order by 11/18! This year all orders must be placed ONLINE and will be for CURBSIDE pickup only on 11/23 & 11/24.

Concord Colonial Inn is open for the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner!

Concord’s Colonial Inn will be serving up a three-course meal for the whole family featuring our Traditional Turkey Dinner, and other seasonal favorites like our Pumpkin Ravioli and Carrot & Butternut Squash Soup. Reservations are required, and demand is high, so we recommend booking your time slot with us today by calling Anthony Scott, our Director of Food and Beverage at (978)-341-8202.

Sign up with Concord-Carlisle Adult & Community Ed and Make your own from-scratch apple and blueberry pies (BONUS: make a third – pumpkin pie too!). Adrienne will teach you how to make a superb pie dough! You will also make the filling to your own individual taste, ready to pop in the oven for Thanksgiving or freeze to use at a later date! An ingredient and basic kitchen tool list will be provided.

Thanksgiving Day CCHS Home Football Game!

November 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

CCHS Patriots take on Lexington!

Bring the whole family and enjoy cheering on the Patriots before your Thanksgiving meal!

Halloween Happenings around town!

October 27, 2021/0 Comments/in holiday /by pollymeyer

Halloween Happenings – no shortages of treats around town this week!

Spooky Tours, Ghost Stories, Trunk-or-Treat, Sleepy Hollow 5K Fun Run, Scarecrow Fest, Salem Witch Trial Talk, Halloween Eve at Hartwell Tavern, Outdoor Concert…. And much more!

Check out Scarecrow Fest on lawns of the Concord Main & Fowler Libraries…

Sign up for spooky tours of local cemetery or ghost stories & Halloween story hours. Here are just a few of the Halloween theme offerings:

Ghosts in the Gloaming at the Colonial Inn

The Salem Witch Trials in a Nutshell

Concord Tour Company presents: Grave Addiction — An evening walking tour through historic Concord’s graveyards

Encounter the literary spirits of The Old Manse Friday and Saturday of Halloween weekend. Join us for attic tours, art activities for children and families, readings of spooky stories written by Nathanial Hawthorne, and stay for s’mores around our fire pit!

On Friday, October 29th, The Library is offering spooky stories, crafts, cookies and a pumpkin decorating contest. All ages are welcome.

Do you believe in ghosts? Do you like history? Jack o’ Lanterns? Musket firing? Then come visit us at Hartwell Tavern on Halloween Eve.

Concord Tour Company presents: Grave Detectives! Concord’s only cemetery tour for kids.

What could be more fun than running through Sleepy Hollow cemetery in costume? Sign up for this Fun Run that happens Saturday!

Thanks to Concord Rec for offering Trunk or Treat again – a fabulous event!

This free event welcomes participants to decorate their vehicle/tailgate and pass out candy to kids walking with family from car to car. Trick or treating allows kids to have all the fun of trick or treating in a safe, controlled environment.

How about Three Cemeteries Tour the afternoon of Halloween? Hear the voices of the silent stones in concord’s cemeteries on this 90 minute tour.

Treats for adults…

Join CFA Mystery Night emcee and celebrated author Kate Flora to discover how to create suspense in fiction with mystery writers Susan Oleksiw, Dale Phillips and Susan Smith.

Celebrate Fall & support Concord Ed Fund…. Saltbox Kitchen offering: An Apple a Day Old Fashioned and apple hand pies available now through November 7th – take-out or dine in, 100% of proceeds will benefit the Concord Ed Fund!

Decorate & gather items for BOO Bags at local shops such as Joy Street, Revolutionary Concord, Patina Green, Dotted i, Priscilla’s & Graem!

Time to get those pumpkins & start carving! With numerous farm stands and markets in Concord, you have plenty of spots to pick your pumpkins!

Mother’s Day – so many ways to celebrate Mom!

May 5, 2021/0 Comments/in Celebration, holiday /by pollymeyer

Looking for ideas for Mother’s Day? Everything you need to celebrate your Mom can be found right here in Concord!

Whether you are looking for a special gift or activity, here are a few ideas:

The Umbrella Open Studios on front law of The Umbrella

May 1, 2, 8 & 9 – 10:30AM – 4:30PM

Limited capacity. RSVP for free timed slot through Artfest App (recommended) or web ticketing (May 8 or May 9) up to 30 minutes before the day’s events start.

Yoga outdoors on lawn at Clark Farm Market with On The Mat Yoga

On the Mat will return to Clark Farm Market in Carlisle for Yoga on the Farm this spring and summer. We will be back on the fields at Clark Farm Market beginning May 8th. We are dreaming of spring and cannot wait to see you in the farm fields!

The cost for each class is $18 to drop in or you can use your existing studio 10-, 20-class pass. Virtual passes do not apply. REGISTER NOW .

Take Mom on Art Walk!

The Art Walk exhibits outdoor, air-inspired artwork by several regional artists that engages the element of Air — whether banner, windchime, pinwheel, or any other creative forms. Explore the air-inspired art scattered throughout Concord Center’s conservation land, and use the QR codes on exhibition signs or the Artfest Kidstrack coloring activity sheet, self-guided audio tour Google Map, or our new Artfest App to listen to the artists discuss their work and inspirations.

Featured Artists

BARD | A Symphony of Wind @ Heywood Meadow, Ford Park [audio]

Laurie Bogdan | Winds of Change @ Reformatory Bike Path [audio]

Nayda Cuevas | Wish for Change @ Chamberlin Park [audio]

Liz Helfer | Lightweight @ Millbrook Way [audio]

Leah Medin | Medium Green @ Heywood Meadow [audio]

Karen Krolak and Nicole Harris | aWays to Fathom: Middlesex edition @ Nashawtuc Hill [audio]

Piano Recital with Tanya Bartevyan, 3-4pm on Mother’s Day

Felicia-Buitenwerf, Unsplash

Rent a boat at the South Bridge Boat House

Rent a canoe or kayak and explore miles of peaceful waterways on the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord Rivers.

Get her garden ready! Try one of the many farm stands or nurseries in town – there is a fabulous selection!

Take a hike on a trail or through a local park. Or pump up tires on mom’s bike and take the rail trail.

Take the Women of Concord Tour!

In a town famous for the independent spirit of its people, Concord’s women have always been leaders, fighting for justice and creating a uniquely American vision in literature and art. Come with us to hear the stories of these remarkable women, and see the places where they made their mark.

Tours are offered Saturdays May 1, 8 and 15 at 1:00 -2:30pm. Price $40 per person. Each guest will receive a complimentary ticket to “Every Path Laid Open,” a special exhibit opening May 7th at the Concord Museum and the tour ends with a visit to Concord’s Colonial Inn for a slice of cake and pot of tea. Tours offered by the Concord Visitor Center and in partnership with the Robbins House and the Concord Museum.

There is no better spot than Concord to find an array of beautiful gifts for mom. From fashion to home decor to jewelry, gourmet chocolates – you’ll find it all right here in town!