Sip & Shop: Love is in the Air in West Concord!

Join West Concord’s Sip & Shop

February 9th, 4-7pm!

Show a little love by wearing something RED, there may be a surprise at each individual business! Red balloons will be outside each of the participating businesses.

Participating businesses are all women owned!

 

       

Read about these local shops & shopkeepers…

Belle on Heels a French inspired boutique owned by Melissa Evans has been in business for 5 years in West Concord located at 23 Commonwealth Ave. Her inspiration came from her frequent travels to France and her love for provincial style. Melissa works with French companies and carries gourmet foods and body products from the countryside. She also has a wide variety of original art as well as antiques, home decor and gifts. She chose this location due to its vibrant, warm community. The Village has always been one of her favorites to shop and stroll.

 

Concord Firefly has an extensive selection of gifts and accessories… be sure to stop in, you’ll find a wonderful array of gifts and something special for yourself. Fabulous scarves, socks, jewelry, clothing, handbags, novelty, hats, mittens, bags and more! Kids will love the candy room in the back!

    

 

Joy Street    Life + Home is a distinctive gift boutique located in the Cultural District of West Concord, Massachusetts. It’s a welcoming shopping destination to find the perfect present, decor for your own home and a special little pick me up.

Opened in Spring 2017, Joy Street Life + Home was born out of passion to bring designers and customers together in a warm and friendly space. The boutique features products from more than 250 companies including women-owned businesses, New England-based businesses, and Fair Trade lines. Each and every product is carefully selected for the store to spark those moments of joy when you find that perfectly special something. With locally themed and handmade goods as well as standout essentials, we have exactly what you didn’t even know you were hoping to find!

 

Vintages Adventures in Wine has been selling world-class wines in West Concord for 23 years and counting. We specialize in classic wines from Piedmont Italy, fine Burgundies and Champagne from France, as well as a carefully curated collection of other established wine regions around the world. We also offer a unique selection of spirits and craft beer. We enjoy being a part of the dynamic West Concord neighborhood because it truly has something for everyone and are excited to see it continue to thrive!

 

A New Leaf specializes in “Redesigned & Consigned Home Furnishings”. Owner Meg Gaudet freshens up old classics and offers array of charming home furnishings, home decor and gifts.

 

J’Aim  is your local go-to for home decor, tabletop, textiles, apothecary, local art, hand crafted goods & jewelry. Owner & curator, Jaimee Healy’s shop offers unique and beautiful gifts and pieces for your home or wardrobe.

 

Reflections  is the best consignment Store Concord MA and Award-winning regional favorite – 27 years and still going!

We have a personal approach to in person consignment shopping and we also have an extensive online shop! Our consignors bring nothing but the best from modern casual and boho items to upscale designers.  We carry styles to match every taste, and LOVE the artisan and one of a kind. Some favorite brands Include: J Jill, Eileen Fisher, J. McLaughlin, Habitat, Ralph Lauren and more!  Secondhand fashion never looked so good!

Add the perfect accessory to complete your outfit – purses, totes and travel bags at serious discounts;  Unique statement handbags, Jewelry in Sterling silver or Gold from Brand names and Artisan makers, Estate Jewelry;  Shoes and boots for every day or occasions.  Why pay full price?  Reflections offers the best value!

Whether you’re shopping, consigning or both – you’ll feel the difference at Reflections!

  

 

Doe + Fawn offers a selection of toys, books and clothing with a deep connection to the natural world. Designed for young children and their caretakers, our thoughtful and engaging collection of goods is curated from the creative minds of artists, makers and producers with a love of nature, play and design.

Owner Amy Noordzij shares her background and inspiration for opening Doe + Fawn….

“There have been many life experiences that inspired my desire to open a children’s shop in West Concord. One of the more recent sparks for me was when I listened to a podcast called 1,800 Days. This podcast  is about the first 1,800 days of every child’s life- the time from birth to kindergarten- the most intense period of development in their lives. While the podcast goes deeper into the early childhood education system in the US, it got me thinking about what if I could open a store that embraced this time period through play and reading while also having a connection to the natural world.

I have M.ED and I was a Kindergarten teacher and worked in Environmental Education for a number of years prior to starting a family. I have served on the Board of Gaining Ground and Concord Education Fund. Most recently, I taught plant based cooking classes for The Healing Garden, Emerson Auxiliary, a local elementary school and was a private chef, with an emphasis on food and healing. This particular passion can be found in the “Farmer’s Market “section of the shop!  My hope for the shop is to connect my experiences in education while staying true to the mission, offer a welcoming space and build deeper community relationships. “

Loveday offers a thoughtfully curated collection of women’s apparel, sourced primarily from independent designer brands across Europe and the UK.

The lifestyle store includes a collection of contemporary fine jewelry, creative lifestyle goods and an apothecary. Owner Kirsten Ball, a resident of Carlisle and a jewelry designer, travels to Europe on a fairly regular basis to visit family and keep her pulse on the latest in European fashion. She brings boutique brands back with her to Concord Massachusetts!

  

 

Concord Art and Antiques owners Bobbi Benson and Joy Moore, antique dealers for over 30 yrs, opened this past August and could not be happier in our new space at 129 Commonwealth.  We have room to curate our extensive collection of fine art, estate jewelry, botanicals, and quality antiques and collectibles. Open Wednesday thru Sunday 11-5.

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Clay Art & Concept owner, Michal Adar-Orgad, is a ceramic artist that always wanted to open a working studio combined with a shop where she can create and display her work. This little dream of hers came to life October 2022 in  amazing West Concord.

Michal says “The ‘rawness’ and the variety of stores and artists around, seemed  like the right place for me. The community and the business owners are so nice, welcoming and support one another. It looks like we are all sharing the same idea of shopping and eating local at unique, one of a kind shops. I love simple, basic designs – contemporary styles that are colorful, dynamic and sophisticated.

My pieces are handmade and feel natural and organic to the touch. I was hoping to create a space that will feel like everybody’s home, a place to come, visit and shop as needed.”.

   

 

 

LOVE LOCAL

SHOP LOCAL

Lets support our local small businesses!

 

Unite with Light – January 29th

Please join us to gather as a community and Unite with Light on Sunday, January 29th. Children raising funds for Children’s charities.

Purchase luminaries at www.unitewithlight.org

Pick up materials at one of 8 spots around town –  listed here

Light your luminaries on Sunday night!

All proceeds go to www.brainhealthbootcamp.org, an organization started in honor of Chase Bjork.

This year you pick the donation amount and pick up whatever number of luminaries you would like! See details below.

In remembrance of Chase Bjork and in support of children’s mental health.

Since 2017 Unite with Light has gathered the community to light candles in an act of togetherness and in support of children’s charities.  For the past two years we have done so in remembrance of Chase Bjork a friend, son, brother who died from suicide on January 30, 2020.

As with all things, the event is changing and evolving as the times and our lives change. We are simplifying the event while prioritizing the opportunity for people to light a candle and take a moment to reflect on the gift of Chase’s life, our own peace and how we can positively impact the brain health of others, particularly children.

In the past each luminary kit was $20 and contained 10 luminaries.

 

This year participants can donate any amount they would like at Unitewithlight.org or paypal (QR code below) and then pick up luminaries at any one of the 8 luminary pick up bins.  Participants choose the amount to donate and the number of luminaries you would like.  It’s the honor system – no kits, just take what you want / need.

On the night of January 29th, we may see homes with one candle on the steps or 20 along the walkway.  Both will be beautiful and allow us time to reflect, pray and progress.

Supplies are limited; we encourage participants to pick up early.

 

Donate here

New Year is great time to register for classes/courses/workshops/teams!

Concord Art

Concord-Carlisle Adult Community Education

Concord-Carlisle Youth Baseball / Softball

Concord Youth Lacrosse

 

Concord-Carlisle Youth Soccer

CCYSoccer

Concord Conservatory of Music

Concord Public Library

Concord Recreation

Concord Youth Theater

Umbrella Arts

 

 

2023 CMS Building Project Event Information

A New Year, Another Special Town Meeting

 Happy New Year from the Concord Middle School Building Committee!  As you know, Special Town Meeting on January 19th is fast approaching, and Concordians will be called upon to vote whether to approve allocating additional budget dollars towards the project’s budget.  A vote like this is important, and requires Concordians to be informed.  What’s contributing to the increased budget? Has the finance committee endorsed the article?  What happens if the article doesn’t pass? Please join us at a Public Forum or Informational Coffee to understand all the factors at play!  

 The full schedule remaining is as follows:  

 

Thursday, Jan 5, 7:00pm: Informational Coffee on Zoom, with co-chair Pat Nelson

and CMSBC member Steve Stasheski.  

           Meeting ID:962 7329 9483 with Passcode:

141129

Monday,

Jan 9, 2023 7 p.m. Public Forum on Zoom, with Superintendent Laurie Hunter,

co-chairs Dawn Guarriello and Pat Nelson, and CMSBC member Steve Stasheski

           Meeting ID: 975 6857 8967 and Passcode: 948723

Wednesday, Jan 11, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. in person at Fowler Library, with

co-chair Pat Nelson and CMSBC member Alexa Anderson  

Tuesday,

Jan 17, 2023 at 12 p.m. on Zoom with

CMSBC members Alexa Anderson and Steve Stasheski

            Meeting ID: 968 9317 4463 and Passcode: 977904

See you at the Coffees, and certainly at Special Town Meeting on January 19th!

 

– The CMSBC

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

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

IT’S THE SEASON OF GIVING – FIND WAYS TO GIVE LOCALLY

PLEASE HOLIDAY GIFT CARD PROGRAM!

Give to your Community – Donate to the Holiday Gift Card Program!

Each year, the Town of Concord’s Community Services Division, in collaboration with the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, organizes a town-wide Holiday Gift Card Program to provide low-income families financial support during the holiday season. Please consider donating a gift card, in any amount, to a family in need. Gift cards from local merchants are especially welcome, as are gift cards from supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, or big box stores.

Donations will be accepted through December 11th. Gift card donations can be mailed to Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator, 55 Church Street, Concord, or they may be placed in the donation drop boxes located at:

• Town House, 22 Monument Square, drop box in entry lobby to the left
• Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, 19 Main Street, Suite #2
• 55 Church Street in West Concord, drop box outside to the right of entry

Questions? Contact Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator at tel. 978-318-3034, or bwilbur@concordma.gov

OPEN TABLE FAMILY-TO-FAMILY HOLIDAY DRIVE 

This year we again invite you to create a holiday gift bag for either a local family or a senior who may be struggling this year. Many past donors have said, “Thank you! This is the most meaningful activity my family does during the holidays!” With demand for our services up significantly Open Table needs more participants to ensure that each of our clients receives a gift bag.

You will be provided with a list of suggested items to fill a gift bag. And we will send reminders and other information each of the first 12 days of December.

Gift bags will be collected in Maynard on Friday, December 16, 2-6pm and at Crosby’s Market in Concord on Saturday, December 17, 10am-1pm. Clients will receive gift bags with the final food distribution of 2022.

Thoreau Elementary Toy Swap – Come & Shop!

On Saturday, December 10 from 3-6 pm, come shop in the Thoreau Elementary cafeteria for “new-to-you” toys, games and much more! All proceeds benefit class programming, events and more for students at Thoreau Elementary.

 

The CCHS Football Team is participating in the Toy Drive with the Concord Fire-EMS Department. 

 

HOLIDAY SPIRIT CLOTHING DRIVE FOR LOCAL KIDS 

Help PreK – 12th Grade children and their families in Boston who are economically and emotionally impacted this school year.

  • New & gently used clothing Youth sizes 4-20 and Teen Sizes XS – 3X
  • New full size toiletries

 

CONCORD HOLIDAY SEASON 2022!

COUNTDOWN TO THE HOLIDAYS!

FAMILY TREES EXHIBIT AT THE CONCORD MUSEUM

Visit the 27th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature at the Concord Museum through Monday, January 2, 2023. Admire 34 fancifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths inspired by acclaimed works of children’s literature.

CONCORD LIBRARY HOLIDAY BOOK SALE 

Friends of the Concord Free Public Library invite you to the Annual Holiday Book Sale! December 2nd, 3rd & 4th

UMBRELLA WINTER MARKET December 2-4

Unique, handmade gifts by dozens of Studio and Guest Artists and Artisans, Ceramics Studio Sale, Holiday Cafe, Maker Demos and Arts & Environment Family Drop-In Day on December 4th.

     

Concord Museum: The Fête – Friday, December 2nd

The Concord Museum transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland. As one of the Museum’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Fête is a chance to celebrate the season with fellow friends and supporters.

CONCORD MUSEUM HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR – December 3rd

Concord’s holiday charm will be on full display in these festive, unique houses. Gather your friends and bundle up to enjoy this one-of-a-kind holiday tour! The theme for 2022’s Holiday House Tour is “Concord Through the Ages”.

CONCORD’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY PARADE IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, 3-6PM

 

 

CONCORD ART HOLIDAY ART SALE

Join us for our Holiday Art Sale! This is a perfect opportunity to shop for your loved ones for the holidays. The opening reception will held December 1st, at 5:30pm. Runs December 1st – December 18th!

SANTA VISITS VERRILL FARM December 3rd

16th ANNUAL BARN BOUTIQUE

OPEN TABLE FAMILY-TO-FAMILY HOLIDAY DRIVE 

This year we again invite you to create a holiday gift bag for either a local family or a senior who may be struggling this year. Many past donors have said, “Thank you! This is the most meaningful activity my family does during the holidays!” With demand for our services up significantly Open Table needs more participants to ensure that each of our clients receives a gift bag.

You will be provided with a list of suggested items to fill a gift bag. And we will send reminders and other information each of the first 12 days of December.

Gift bags will be collected in Maynard on Friday, December 16, 2-6pm and at Crosby’s Market in Concord on Saturday, December 17, 10am-1pm. Clients will receive gift bags with the final food distribution of 2022.

CCM COMMUNITY SING SERIES

One-Hour Singing Sessions and Performance Opportunity for All Ages! There’s no fee to participate, just a love of singing! The Concord Conservatory of Music presents the Community Sing Series.

MUSKETAQUID FULL MOON LANTERN CELEBRATION

Join The Umbrella Arts Center and The Old Manse under the light of the full moon on December 7.

Come by to partake in a lantern-making craft, enjoy hot chocolate by the bonfire while listening to moon-inspired stories, and then bring your newly crafted lanterns on a silent, meditative walk through the meadow as the moon rises over the trees, led by C.C. King.

Thoreau Elementary Toy Swap – Come & Shop!

On Saturday, December 10 from 3-6 pm, come shop in the Thoreau Elementary cafeteria for “new-to-you” toys, games and much more! All proceeds benefit class programming, events and more for students at Thoreau Elementary.

WEST CONCORD  VILLAGE HOLIDAY STROLL DECEMBER 10th

Join the West Concord businesses as they celebrate the Holiday Season – carolers, crafts, cocoas, special holiday fare from all of your favorite West Concord shops, and more!

CONCORD CHORUS – WINTER HOLIDAY CONCERTS

The Concord Chorus, conducted by Dr. Kevin Leong, is pleased to present its annual Winter Holiday Concerts on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 2:00 and 5:00 PM at the Middlesex School’s Memorial Chapel, 1400 Lowell Road

CONCORD BAND HOLIDAY POPS

Enjoy some musical holiday cheer with the Concord Band Holiday Pops, a Concord tradition since 1976. Under the direction of Music Director James O’Dell, the Concord Band will perform a mixture of traditional holiday favorites and some new songs for the season.

A Christmas Carol, featuring actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby at the Concord Free Public Library

Join actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby for a funny, heartfelt journey through Charles’ Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. The event will take place on Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 PM at the Concord Free Public Library.

CONCORD FAMILY NETWORK HOLIDAY PARTY

Join Concord Family Network’s holiday party, Thursday, December 15th at the TriCon Church (though the celebration is non-denominational and all are welcome) in Concord Center, stop by anytime 430-630pm. The event will include festive activities such as a winter craft, a photo booth and holiday music, pizza will be provided. Children (and adults) should plan to wear holiday jammies (adults are welcome to as well :))

This event is free for members, $10 per family for non-members.

 

HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT – December 16th & 18th

The Umbrella Stage Company in partnership with Firebird Pops Orchestra is thrilled to announce our first ever holiday pops concert!

Together with the Firebird Vox choir, the orchestra will sweep you away with magical scores from favorite seasonal blockbusters Home Alone and The Polar Express, classic favorites including Sleigh RideThe NutcrackerCarol of the Bells, and more!

The Grinch

December 17 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Join us for a delightful interactive theater experience!

CYT actors will inspire you with new and improved versions of familiar children’s stories, complete with a sing-a-long! Outgoing audience members may even join the actors on stage to tell a joke or share a special talent. And everyone gets a prize at the end!!! So put on your performing hats and come play with us!!! Suggested audience ages 2 – 9.

Playtime Theater performs at 53 Church Street, West Concord. All shows begin at 10:30 am.

Tickets: $5.00 per person at the door, cash or check only – no advance sales

Costume Character Day with the Grinch at the Concord Museum December 17th, 1-3pm

Come by the Concord Museum to meet the Grinch! Your heart will grow three sizes when you meet Dr. Seuss’s famous holiday character! Visitors can meet the Grinch and hear the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas! While you’re there, visit Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. Free with Museum admission. Members visit free.

 

The CCHS Football Team is participating in the Toy Drive with the Concord Fire-EMS Department. 

 

Visit the  Gingerbread House at the Main Library Lobby!

Dr. Andrea Resciniti’s giant gingerbread house is now on display in the Main Library Lobby throughout the month of December.  This is the 24th gingerbread house Dr. Resciniti, a surgeon at Emerson Hospital, has donated to the Concord Free Public Library since 1982.

Please contribute to the Holiday Gift Card Program!

Give to your Community – Donate to the Holiday Gift Card Program!

Each year, the Town of Concord’s Community Services Division, in collaboration with the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, organizes a town-wide Holiday Gift Card Program to provide low-income families financial support during the holiday season. Please consider donating a gift card, in any amount, to a family in need. Gift cards from local merchants are especially welcome, as are gift cards from supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, or big box stores.

Donations will be accepted through December 11th. Gift card donations can be mailed to Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator, 55 Church Street, Concord, or they may be placed in the donation drop boxes located at:

• Town House, 22 Monument Square, drop box in entry lobby to the left
• Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, 19 Main Street, Suite #2
• 55 Church Street in West Concord, drop box outside to the right of entry

Questions? Contact Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator at tel. 978-318-3034, or bwilbur@concordma.gov

SHOP LOCAL!

 

Concord Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade!

All are welcome at the Town of Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting.  This year’s event will be host to a variety of outdoor entertainment, a parade and festive store fronts. Santa will make his way down Main Street aboard one of Concord’s Fire Trucks to light the Town Tree.

Join the fun & festivities!

 

The Concord Scout House: A Unique and Historic Gem!

The Concord Scout House Website is now selling tickets for our annual fundraiser, the Concord Cuisine Raffle. 4 Big Bundles of gift certificates worth hundreds of dollars will be raffled off this coming December, but there are just 600 tickets available! Gift Certificates include Concord-area restaurants, cafes, bakeries, delis, liquor stores, creameries, and pizzerias. All proceeds directly benefit the Concord Scout House. Raffle Tickets are $10 each or 5 for $40. Tickets are limited and are available

 

The Concord Scout House, a 19th Century historic structure on Walden Street in downtown Concord, is almost hidden from view by tall pines. The renovated former dairy barn has brought the wider community together since 1930, when the building was converted to a hall by funds raised by Mary Chamberlin (during the Great Depression!). In 1931, local Girl Scouts used the building, with local Boy Scout Groups joining on in 1988. The Co-operative nursery-the Barn School has used the barn basement since 1980, and throughout the decades, the great hall has hosted dances of every kind, including social dance classes for Concord school children since the 1940’s.

The Scout House still provides space for weekly scout meetings, but also offers a place to meet for those seeking a rustic hall for parties, weddings, meetings, milestones, and celebrations of life, as well as arts & craft fairs, plays, and, recently, movies and tv shows. As an historic structure, the Scout House is a unique building in a town known for it’s history and architecture. To learn more about the Concord Scout House, it’s beginnings and current activities, visit www.concordscouthouse.org

 

Of course, a 19th century building requires ongoing improvements, and the Scout House’s annual Concord Cuisine Raffle of gift certificates to area eateries helps raise much needed funds.  Learn more about the Scout House and the Raffle at www.concordscouthouse.org.

 

Concord-Carlisle Community Chest celebrates 75 years – be a part of it by ordering your Concord Bangle!

Happy 75th to the  Concord-Carlisle Community Chest  – celebrating 75 years of work engaging neighbors to help neighbors. The Concord-Carlisle Community Chest is uniquely positioned to truly effect change for another seventy-five years.

Designed by Meg Carter of megcarterdesigns.com, the hand painted artwork captures images of many of the historic sites in Concord, MA including the Old North Bridge, Ralph Waldo Emerson House, Orchard House, Concord Free Public Library, Colonial Inn, and Old Manse.

Meg’s artwork has been reproduced as electroplated gold over a stainless steel bangle. The inside diameter is 6.4 cm, the outside circumference measures 23 cm.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this bangle support the Bridge to the Future Campaign ensuring every dollar raised through our Annual Fund is directed back into the community.

 

Order below and arrange pickup at the Community Chest office, or purchase onsite at local retailers J’aimBlue Dry Goods, or Joy Street Life & Home.

Click here to purchase!