October 2009 Archives

By The Concord Indies

Local independent businesses are an under-recognized resources for combating global warming. Concord's Indies are working to be more sustainable in ways you may not realize. We're community members; we want to reduce negative impacts we have on our neighbors. As business owners, we're not powerlessly following wasteful corporate policies we had no hand in creating. We can quickly make decisions and take actions kinder to the environment. Here's what came back from an informal survey about what some Concord Indies are doing to be more environmentally friendly.

1. Reducing Waste. Far beyond the usual (though important) paper recycling, we're reusing materials and reducing how much goes into the waste stream. Bring a vase to the Concord Flower Shop, they'll recycle it and you'll receive a thank-you rose. Cynthia Cosmetics & More gives customers a 10% incentive to recycle their empty cosmetic packaging. Andrews & Andrews donates clothing hangers to local charities and surplus inventory to MinuteMan ARC so clients go to work appropriately dressed. Debra's Natural Gourmet's organic waste goes to feed customers' livestock and pets. Many of us reuse packing material in as many ways possible.

2. Reducing Toxic Chemicals. Cynthia Cosmetics has chosen its main product line because of the safety and purity of its ingredients, and its mission to help reduce skin cancer. When it can't source locally, the Concord Flower Shop uses growers certified to have strict standards of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Debra's core business revolves around purity and unadulterated ingredients.

3. Sourcing Locally. Rude Bridge Construction buys over 95% of its materials from local Indie businesses, and uses 100% local Indie subcontractors. Lots of Debra's goods are made in New England: cheeses, cereals, meats, lotions and potions. The Flower Shop chooses local organic growers when possible.

4. Offering Recycled and Repurposed Goods.  Some of our Indies sell 100% recycled goods, including Thoreauly Antiques, Upstairs Antiques and Reflections Consignment Shop. Their quality of materials and workmanship can be better than new goods offered at higher prices. Old architectural pieces are made into lamps, vintage buttons are incorporated into jewelry and handbags, linens become window treatments, duvet covers and decorative pillows. Debra's offers items that repurpose our waste into purses, bracelets and hairbrushes.

5. Reducing Use of Non-Renewable Resources. Montague Gallery changed to LED spotlights, far more efficient than even compact fluorescents.  Debra's chose plant-, not petroleum-based, flooring during its expansion last year. Sales Renewal helps small businesses increase their sales through better website use, allowing customers to do business without driving.

6. Walkable Villages.  Our wonderful villages are still predominantly populated by Indie businesses in retail, service and other sectors.  More folks are out on foot these days, both for their health and to reduce their carbon footprint. As much as a mile from a village center is not too far for many to walk. Stacy Mitchell, senior researcher with the New Rules Project (www.NewRules.com) points out the importance of keeping walkable Indie business areas alive: increases in fuel economy are easily negated by increases in driving - a trend we've seen as total US miles driven rose 60% between 1987 and 2007. In Concord, we are truly blessed to have the option of doing business locally.

Concord Indies' members want many more ways to be part of the solution, and it's frustrating that some methods are not yet known.  Debra's wants fully bio-degradable, heat-resistant take-out containers.  Spiral Beading needs information on greener material sources that is truly reliable. Many Indies are searching for workable ways to do more local sourcing. We invite community members to dialogue with us on this topic.

Find out more about the Concord Indies and the $2 bills floating around town stamped with "Spend Local" at www.ConcordIndies.org or email info@ConcordIndies.org.

Editor's Note: On October 27, the Town of Concord and the MBTA were awarded a citation by the Massachusetts Historical Commission for the recent splendid work on the West Concord Depot.

But what has not been told until now is that this is the second time this building's restoration has been given the same award.  In 1990, a citizens' group was given the same award for historic preservation.  Around that same time, they also placed the building on the National Register of Historic Places.

Much of what you see at the station -- inside and out -- was put in place or preserved by this group. It is only due to their efforts (about which you will read below) that the current restoration had so much of the original historic fabric to work with. Without the 1990 award-winning project, there would have been no recent restoration of the Depot and therefore no second award. There is ample reason for us to have great pride in everyone's combined accomplishments... bravo to all!

We should take this situation as a warning about how important it is to hold onto the facts of our own history... how quickly it can evaporate from living memory, even though most of the players are still alive and dwelling in Concord. It's for this reason that The Concord Magazine Blog asked Mari Weinberg, the 1990-award restoration chair, to make us all aware of how the West Concord Depot fits into the long Concord tradition of citizen-driven historic preservation.

October 29, 2009: A few days ago I attended a regional meeting regarding our Fitchberg Rail line. The West Concord Depot was used as an example of a positive  process.

When I heard them use the West Concord Depot  (and included it in the minutes) as an example of "collaborative citizen participation process" I thought I'd share what actually happened (back in the last century!) in the 1980's.  For two years there was no collaboration with our Town; which is why Barbara Ramsey, Lou Hills and I were desperate and went directly to the Governor's office for help. Then things began to happen... eventually, in the end, yes, our Town totally supported the project... but it took 3 years!!!

Now, twenty years later, it's the Town of Concord  and the MBTA that sees the importance of our train stations -- that they remain public and preserved. Originally owned by the B&M Railroad, then sold to private use around 1961;  the MBTA bought back the building in 1989 and still owns it today.

I know that the late Barbara Ramsey who worked tirelessly -- along with Lou Hills -- to put the WC Depot on the National Register of Historic Places would be so proud. Their hard work was not in vain.  I don't know if Lou Hills is aware of this latest award given to the West Concord Depot, but I believe he would agree with me that we three, who were so graciously honored with this award in 1990 at a special evening reception at the State House, are so very pleased to have the care given to preserve the West Concord Depot acknowledged  and honored once again!

In 1990, West Concord residents Lou Hills,  Barbara Ramsey, and I received the exact same award -- The 1990 Mass. Historical Commission Award  as a "major grass roots effort to save the WC Depot from abandonment, disrepair, or drastic alteration...."  A Concord Journal article on May 10,1990 stated: "Ten awards are being presented throughout Massachusetts this year... however... the award to the West Concord trio... is the only one being given to a grass-roots effort to save a public building for public use."  Then it was just the citizens who worked  to preserve a building that had been overlooked and neglected for so long.
 
Along the way, we successfully convinced the MBTA to re-purchase the building to secure its role as a public train station. We submitted to them the now-present parking lot lights (rejecting the galvanized steel flood lights previously accepted by the Town), and reduced their energy needs, saving the Town thousands of dollars in power expenses.
 
We submitted to the MBTA the actual design and fabrication details of the inter-track fence in place today, after refusing to accept the original galvanized chain link design approved by the Town. We "nicely" insisted that a concrete ramp with galvanized railings and no cover was not acceptable as a handicap ramp to the train; upon request from the MBTA, researched the style of what is there today, drew up the new interior plan to incorporate the required handicap bathroom in a more pleasing design. 

We found new lighting for the interior space, benches for the commuters, gathered donations from Concord citizens and businesses for the round "community table" that still sits in the corner inside the station. We found the original plans for the Depot, discovered the original missing door in the basement that opened up the space once again to the Junction Park side. We submitted all the interior details to the MBTA. we worked with our State Senator's office to create the new lease with opening hours that benefit the commuters.

In the past two weeks I've received personal "congratulations" relating to the recent 2009 Mass. Historic Preservation award our little West Concord Depot has received from the State. I want to say to everyone how very happy I am to see it receive such love and care, and acknowledged importance as a vital public train station. It's wonderful to see so many efforts create something positive.

Photos: Taken before the recent restoration began. The brick facade erected by a tenant protected the original siding for decades, so it could be restored and seen now.  ©Rich Stevenson

Three more of Emily Wheeler's gorgeous photos of the autumnal splendor of the Town forest, named Fairyland by the Alcott sisters. Thanks to Emily for sharing her photos with us this week.




Photos: ©2009 Emily Wheeler

Teddy Humphreys has penned and performs a ballad (with able back-up work by brother Harry) about this legendary annual autumn rite-of-passage for CCHS's Earth Science class. (Safari users: are you seeing this video on the page twice? We do too, but can't explain [or fix] it!)

Trinity Church (81 Elm St, Concord, MA) will be holding its All Hallows' Eve Fayre on Saturday, October 31 from 9 am - 2 pm. The Fayre will feature Jewelry, Linens, Baked Goods, Music/Movies/Books, Toys and Games, Handcrafts, Treasures (antiques, collectibles, china, art), and White Elephants. There will be Halloween Games with prizes for the children from 10 - 2.

Special feature this year - the Haunted House (hours 10 - 5) enter if you dare!

Proceeds from the Fayre will be used to support four food pantries and local organizations serving the needs of the homeless and children; a portion will be used for Trinity projects and funding for the youth pilgrimage to Ireland.

Nationally known Thoreau re-enactor, Kevin Radaker (at right), will portray Thoreau in a one-person dramatic presentation. (Praise for Kevin Radaker's Performances)

John Brown and New England is a series of public programs commemorating the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry. John Brown and New England is a collaborative project of the American Antiquarian Society, the Massachusetts Historical Society,
the Thoreau Society, The First Parish (Concord) Transcendental Committee,
Worcester State College, and Mechanics Hall. This program is funded in part by the Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This program is free and open to the public.

Directions:

First Parish in Concord is located at 20 Lexington Road, Concord, Massachusetts.

From the WEST: Take Route 2 EAST (Concord Turnpike) towards Boston. Take a left on Elm Street. Bear left on Main Street. At the rotary in the center of town, bear right onto Lexington Road. First Parish with be on your right.

From the EAST: Take Route 2 WEST (Concord Turnpike) towards Fitchburg. At the base of the hill when Route 2 turns left, go straight on the Cambridge Turnpike. At the stop sign, turn left onto Lexington Road.

Saturday October 24 was wet and chilly, but hundreds nonetheless attended the regional 350 Rally at the North Bridge. Over 500 ConcordCAN petitions were signed at this event, and around 250 "Messages to Copenhagen" were written on flags, to be sent to Copenhagen. Group photo during the event is below.
        
Photo: Courtesy of ConcordCAN

Did you know that there is a labyrinth being maintained on Cousins Field? It is free and open to the public to use.

Combining a circle with a spiral, a labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness, mystery, purpose, and journeying on one's path. The Labyrinth Society says that "[a] labyrinth is a single path or universal tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation."

Labyrinth-keeper, Concordian Pam Swing, says this on her website (www.BlueMoonCreativity.com) about the Cousins Field site:
 

This seven-circuit labyrinth changes with the seasons. In the winter, it is stamped out of snow. The rest of the year, it is painted on the grass.

I began stamping out a labyrinth in the snow in Cousin's Field a few years ago just for fun. It soon started to be walked by friends and neighbors. You would also often see the footprints of dogs and children entering at odd points, following the path for a bit, and then exiting again. In the spring of 2009, I received permission from Concord Natural Resources to trace a labyrinth in the grass at the same spot during the rest of the year. I have been experimenting with using athletic field marking paint, which does not harm the grass. I repaint it when it has faded from mowing and heavy rains.

This labyrinth is open to the public--please contact me if you would like information on how to locate it in the field. Because this labyrinth is dependent on the elements, it may not always be there.

Pam is holding a facilitated labyrinth walk for a small group of women scheduled for December 5 called "Pausing before the holiday rush labyrinth walk".  See her site for more info or to register.

 Photo Credits: Snowy labyrinth photo courtesy of and by Pam Swing. Other photos courtesy of and by Emily Wheeler.

Concordian Emily Wheeler stumbled upon this magnificent sight near Fairyland Pond.  Her glorious photos with the golden leaves were taken a day after than the only-acorn-garnished ones.  Also, the site expanded into a second downed tree's rootball during that time.  She named it the "Acorn Palace."

In Celtic mythology, the oak acts as a gateway between worlds. Fairyland was named by the Alcott girls who used to play there.  Combining this ancient mythology and this year's bumper crop of acorns, we say: Fairyland, indeed! (click on any image to launch a pop-up window with a larger view)

The 13th annual Holiday Art and Craft Fair will be held November 14th at the Concord Scout House, 74 Walden St from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is free.

The fair will be followed by a contra dance from 8 to 11pm. Admission to the dance is $10. Several of the craft tables will remain open throughout the evening. No previous dance experience is required, singles are welcome. Please bring a pair of low, clean, indoor shoes for dancing. The hall is handicap accessible. Both events are sponsored by the Country Dance Society, Boston Center.

Metro-West artists will present a diverse collection of work for sale including fine art, handmade paper, candles, ceramics, jewelry, doll's clothing, soft sculpture, quilts, handmade soap, ornaments, sculptured boxes, toys, dried flower arrangements, wooden items, etc.

There is still room for more crafters and artisans. For information about the craft fair call Gaetana at 978-369-2212. For information about the dance call Mark at 617-802-2905 or Cal at 781-272-0396.

Three eminent historians will celebrate the life and work of David Herbert Donald at the Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main Street, Saturday, October 24, 7:30 p.m.

Donald, renowned for his study of Abraham Lincoln and the people around him, was a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.  He will be honored posthumously at the library with the Ruth Ratner Miller Memorial Award for Excellence in American History, presented annually by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.

Three scholars will speak in honor of Donald as a scholar and collaborator:

• John Stauffer, Professor of English and American Literature and Language, Harvard University
• Nina Silber, Professor of History, Boston University
• Bernard Bailyn, Adams University Professor and James Duncan Phillips Professor of Early American History, emeritus, at Harvard University

 
The program, titled "David Herbert Donald, Lincoln, and the American Experience," will begin with a 20-minute piano concert by noted solist Biljana Milovanovic, a founder of the Ibis Camerata. Milovanovic will perform European and American music popular during the Civil War period.

"David Herbert Donald, Lincoln, and the American Experience" is a benefit for the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. Tickets are $15, free for students. Proceeds support museum passes; adult and children's programs at the library; and additions to the library collection, including books, DVDs, and CDs. Tickets are available at the library and at the Concord Bookshop. For information, email friends@concordlibrary.org or call (978)318-3301.
 
 

Photo Gallery by West Concordian, David Karr

David takes to our waterways in his kayak in the early mornings. Here is Warner's Pond in the early day's light during this past weekend, mist still on the water visible in some of the shots. Note that both photos in the second row below display the work of the local beaver population. Click on any of the photos here for a larger view in a pop-up window.

By The Concord Indies as published on September 17, 2009 in the Concord Journal

This marks the start of a regular column that the Concord Journal has been kind enough to allow the Concord Independent Business Alliance ("The Concord Indies") to write. In fact, the Concord Journal has been a stalwart supporter of the independent business environment in our dear town, and this is another example of their interest.  They understood early on what we Indies have been trying to do: to preserve and enhance the many wonderful, varied, locally-owned, vital and storied businesses that operate in such great numbers in Concord, contributing substantially to the town's unique character.   We thank them heartily.

A Bold Claim is Made
What a time to be in business, and to be forming our Indie alliance.  Who knew when we decided to launch ourselves in June 2008 that we would all soon be thrown on the rails of the world's economy.  But it's not all bad news: while there have been some casualties among our ranks, Concord still has just about every type of business a person (family, household, or business) might need.

Does that seem too bold to claim? While no one knows exact number of retail, wholesale, agricultural, non-profit, manufacturing, service, entertainment and other establishments that call Concord home, our educated guess is at least 2,000.  That's one business for every eight residents.  Not a bad ratio for what many think of as little more than a sleepy bedroom of Boston.

Think about it. Retailers and service businesses are busy on the Milldam, Thoreau Street and Sudbury Road, West Concord Village and Nine Acre Corner. Light manufacturing operates on Bradford and Beherrall Streets.  Health care practitioners practice everywhere, including the area of Emerson Hospital (itself an Indie). Major corporations and small- to medium-sized enterprises are based on Baker Ave, Virginia Road, Domino Drive and Junction Park to name just a few. Hundreds of writers, artists, and consultants of every stripe work at Emerson Umbrella, in offices in our busy village centers, and in home-based businesses throughout town.  Restaurants, hotels and inns; farms of various types and sizes; educational institutions, financial services, building trades: you can find nearly everything you need in Concord. And so many are Indies!
 
Because Concord has such business diversity there's really not much reason to travel anywhere else to meet our needs. Therefore, we invite you to take the Indie challenge: name a type of business that we do not have within the borders of Concord (let's leave aside ones like abalone diving, crocodile wrangling, deep sea fishing and others not applicable here), and we'll consider your entries for a future column.

We also want to hear from readers about experiences you've had with Concord's Indie businesses that were extraordinary... the kind you don't have when dealing with huge, faceless chains from out of town.  Please send us your stories, or let us know you have one to tell and we'll interview you.

For more information about or to contact The Concord Indies, go to www.ConcordIndies.org or email them at info@ConcordIndies.org.

 

...Looking upriver, I saw a large silhouette in the distance, near the shore of a backwater. At first I thought it might be a large deer, but looking through my binoculars I saw it was a moose! A moose, right here in West Concord! He was pulling down tree branches and munching the leaves....

"Mr. Trashpaddler" (aka, "Suasco Al") thus documents spotting a moose along the Assabet on Sunday morning on his blog at http://www.trashpaddler.com/2009/10/moose-on-loose-on-assabet.html (good spotting of his post, Enid!).

Of himself, Suasco Al says he's "primarily a 'lone wolf' paddler on the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers who decided to pickup the trash I encounter, rather than paddle past it."

Eating Well magazine has an article about locavore and chef extraordinaire Alice Waters' visit to Concord's Gaining Ground called "Giving Back, a Harvest Dinner". Find it here: http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/seasonal_local/giving_back_a_harvest_dinner

The program opens Friday, October 16th, at 7 pm at the Concord School of Philosophy on the grounds of Orchard House, 399 Lexington Road, with a keynote address by the Danish Philosopher and author of Culture Strife, Oskar Borgman Hansen. The theme of Hansen's talk is: How to Build Foundations for Confidence & Understanding between Extremes.
 
Saturday's program in the Trustees' Room of the Concord Free Public Library in Concord Center addresses the heart of the death penalty debate between the Left and the Right and the role of art, music, including Mozart's Requiem, in bridging the divide. Saturday evening's program, 7 pm at the Concord School of Philosophy, will explore the world views of the Left and the Right and the common vision that would unite them.
 
On Sunday morning the convocation will take up the health care debate at the Concord School of Philosophy, drawing on perspectives of citizens and health care professionals. The convocation concludes Sunday afternoon 3-5 at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St., with a community forum devoted to the enduring promise of health care reform. (Note: Please park behind the Center.)
 
For detailed information, visit http://www.concordconcordium.us/convocation/schedule.htm or call 978-406-1353.
 
There is no fee for this program. 

By REUSIT, sponsors of our twice-yearly DropOff/SwapOff event.

With less than two weeks to go, we still have MANY volunteer positions left to fill for the October 17 DropOff and SwapOff Day. Please consider helping out. Thanks to all who have already volunteered.

The DropOff needs more help with:

• Traffic Control (9-11, 11-1),
• Check In (all three shifts),
• Electronics (11-1, 1-3, plus a morning Team Leader),
• Pricing (11-1, 1-3),
• Scrap Metal (all three shifts, plus an afternoon Team Leader),
• Oversize Waste (all three shifts),
• Styrofoam (11-1, 1-3, plus a morning Team Leader),
• Small Stuff (9-11, 1-3)
• We can always use more help with Clean Up!
• Especially needed: help with Traffic/Unloading (9-11:30 or 11:30-1:30).

DropOff and SwapOff Day really does depend on the generous support of well over 100 volunteers to make this event work. If you can spare as little as 2 hours on Saturday, October 17, we can use your help! No special skills required. And you don't have to be a burly football player -- most volunteer tasks don't require heavy lifting. It's a fun way to help the community and the environment, while interacting with many of your friends and neighbors.

If you have not signed up yet, or are willing to volunteer for an additional shift, please visit http://www.REUSIT.org and sign up now! Or send us an email at dropoff@REUSIT.org.

By Debbie Bier, editor of this blog.

We just received a call from Deputy Chief Paul Macone and he asked us to convey the following information.

This morning, the Acton Police called and to say that a hiker had found what turned out to be Richard Nethercut's remains in the woods.  Preliminary information is that there is no indication of foul play.

Dick Nethercutt was a beloved and much valued member of our community, and we are so sad that he has passed away -- and that there has been so much pain because no one knew his location or condition.  That open-ended grieving can be just heart-breaking.  At least that part of the mystery is over, with his having been found.  

We will post more info as it becomes available.  

Does the potential for H1N1 flu in our community make you wish you were better prepared to respond to an emergency? Did last year's wide-spread ice storm make you wonder how to keep your family and our community safe and comfortable in a similar disaster?

"All hazards" planning by individuals, families and neighborhoods can make emergencies more smooth, safe, and comfortable. This is planning that is fairly simple, and involves preparations that anyone can begin right now.

This two-part workshop will start you on your way to making your home ready to "weather" many types of emergencies.  It will be taught free of charge by staff from Concord's Emergency Management Agency.  Learn concrete, hands-on ways you can help yourself, your family, your neighborhood, and our community to become better prepared. Monday, October 19 and November 2, 7-9 PM, First Parish in Concord, Parish Hall. Space is limited and registration is required. Contact The First Parish at 978-369-9602 to register.

The public is invited to attend "Lets Talk Trash: A Fresh Look at Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" on Wednesday, October 14, at 7pm at the Concord Academy Chapel.  It's the first program in "Life in the Balance," a public forum series on issues related to climate change and sustainability. (download the image at right as a poster here)

"Lets Talk Trash" will trace the life cycle of trash and its impact on our resources, environment and economy. Learn why trash is trouble and how we can dig our way out from under its growing piles. Learn, connect and act on climate change issues that affect us all!

The program features keynote speaker Lynne Pledger (Sierra Club Zero Waste Committee; Don't Waste Massachusetts) and a panel including State Rep. Cory Atkins, Brooke Nash (MassDEP), Ann Dorfman (consultant and former Concord official), and Amy Perlmutter (consultant and former official in numerous posts around the U.S.).  Further details on our distinguished presenters are included on the program flyer (click to download) and at http://lwvcc.com/lifeinthebalance.html.

Concord Academy is located at 166 Main St. in Concord, and parking is available on Main Street.

The series will continue with "Food For Thought" on November 6 and 20, and "Powering the Future" on January 8 and 22. All programs in the series are free and open to the public.

"Life in the Balance": A Public Forum Series is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle, ConcordCAN (Concord Climate Action Network), Carlisle Climate Action and Concord-Carlisle Adult & Community Education. For more information, visit http://lwvcc.com/lifeinthebalance.html, email Green_Initiatives@lwvcc.com or call 978-369-3842.