Action Unlimited

New “ Patient Navigator “ Program Offers Concord’s Older Adults Ability to Live Independently – Volunteers Needed

CONCORD: The Concord Council on Aging (COA) announces a new program and volunteer opportunity that makes a significant difference in the lives of older adults.

“Patient Navigator” is a unique program that matches up a dedicated volunteer with an older adult in need of assistance with medical appointments. A Patient Navigator will give most of their time preparing the older adult for medical appointments; providing transportation and accompanying the older adult to the appointments; review the information discussed and help to ensure there is a plan for the follow through of the medical recommendations. This program will lead to improvement in the older adult’s quality of life and ability to live independently in the community.

Interested volunteers are asked to attend five hours of comprehensive training and make a minimum 6-month time commitment. Volunteers will need to present a valid driver’s license and a copy of their auto insurance. Seniors served will be over 60 yrs. of age, able to enter and exit a vehicle on their own and identified by the by the COA.

Lauren Barretta, COA Assistant Director, adds “…the COA is excited to offer the Patient Navigator program, which has been a goal of ours for some time. It is well known that having an advocate or support person can positively impact the care an older person receives. This is an opportunity to help Concord’s older residents remain independent and feel supported by their community. We are hoping a wide array of people will step up and volunteer for this worthy program. “

COA Geriatric Nurse Valerie Boggia, will coordinate the Patient Navigator program and can be reached for information Tuesday-Thursday at 978-318-3016; vboggia@concordma.gov. Potential volunteers may also call the Concord COA at 978-318-3020 during weekday business hours.

Concord Conservatory's New Chamber Music Ensemble Program Beings this Fall

CONCORD: Music students can unlock opportunities for advancement, skill development, and fun by joining a chamber music ensemble this fall at Concord Conservatory. Once matched with other intermediate to advanced strings, winds, and piano musicians, they’ll take their playing to a higher level. Here’s their chance to play with their peers and develop as an individual in an engaging music program. Kids ages 10+ and adults get weekly coaching plus access to excellent workshops and performance opportunities. Musicians will be grouped by age, ability, and instrumentation to get the most out of this rewarding learning experience. Students will develop skills in technique, music reading, and solo performing, in addition to:

Learning about teamwork, being prepared, and how to contribute to a music group'
Developing leadership and interpersonal skills'
Learning about instruments other than their own and what these instruments bring to the group.

Guarantee a challenging, fulfilling and memorable musical experience with an ongoing supportive and immersive learning experience. For Program details, visit www.concordconservatory.org/Kids_Chamber_Music_Ensembles.
The Concord Conservatory of Music is located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. For info, visit www.ConcordConservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010. Financial assistance is available.

Mark Mahnfeldt Joins Emerson Hospital

CONCORD: Mark Mahnfeldt, RN-BC, MBA, MSN NEC-A, recently joined Emerson Hospital as its Chief Nursing Officer. In this role, he is responsible for the planning, growth, and operations of nursing and patient care services throughout Emerson’s health system.

“I am delighted to welcome Mark to Emerson,” said Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and CEO, Emerson Hospital. “He brings a wealth of leadership experience in acute care and outpatient ambulatory services, and a deep commitment to outstanding patient care. Mark’s tremendous knowledge of nursing and his ability to collaborate with clinicians and patients, while developing strong relationships, align well with Emerson’s focus on providing outstanding care.”

Since 2016, Mark served as Vice President of Acute Care Nursing Operations at South Shore Hospital, During this time, the hospital received numerous awards for exemplary acute care and nursing excellence. Prior to this role, Mark was South Shore Hospital’s Director of Medical/Surgical/Critical Care/ Cardiovascular Nursing, Inpatient Surgical, and Ambulatory Surgical Services. He has also held nurse leadership positions at Hallmark Health, Melrose-Wakefield Healthcare, and North Shore Medical Center.

“I am very excited to join Emerson, a health system I have long-admired for its dedication to providing the best care to patients at every spectrum of life,” said Mark Mahnfeldt. “One of the aspects working in a community health setting that I enjoy most is creating relationships with people who live and work in the area. I look forward to serving the community and continuing Emerson’s focus as the hospital of choice for everyone in its service area.”

Mark earned a BSN from Northeastern University, and received his MSN and MBA from Salem State College. He lives with his family in Lynnfield, MA.

Rotary Club of Concord Awards 6 Scholarships

CONCORD: The Rotary Club of Concord has announced six winners of 2021 Rotary Scholarships, awarded with thanks to the sponsors, donors and golfers who supported of its underwriting Covid-Safe 2020 Golf Tournament.

2021 CCHS graduate Sofia Congram won the Thomas Hudner scholarship. Sofia will be studying at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR where she plans to study environmental science and architecture as she explores the possibilities of home as a natural biome.
Marin Gerstmyer will use her second Rotary Scholarship as a junior at the University of Delaware where she is majoring in communications and psychology. She experienced the challenges of online learning this past year and is now looking forward to regular classes and an internship. Winner of the William L. Eaton Memorial Scholarship, Marin is committed to community service and working with children.
Sara Fein will be a junior at the New School – Parsons School of Design in New York City where she is majoring in strategic design and management. She was awarded the Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Scholarship, her second Rotary scholarship, because of her commitment to international peace and communication and her involvement in community service.
Janesse Asare-Danquah, winning a Richard Hale Rotary Scholarship for the second time, will continue her studies as a sophomore at UMass Boston where she is majoring in biology. She aspires to work in a healthcare profession. Jamesse was selected for her involvement in community service and her desire to help people by providing healthcare.
Sofia Raffel won an Interact Scholarship. Interact is a club for young people who want to connect with others in their community and school. The CCHS Interact club carries out service projects and learns about the world. While CCHS’s Interact receives guidance from the Rotary Club of Concord it governs and supports itself. As 2020-2021 President of the Interact Club Sofia led projects for Worthy Village in Guatemala, a food drive for Lazarus House and a fund raiser for Operation Gratitude. Her scholarship is in honor of Capt. Thomas J. Hudner, Jr.
Ryan Nigborowicz won an Interact Scholarship. As an Interact member and a busy volunteer, Ryan has participated in many programs to eliminate food insecurity including Rise Against Hunger, Open Table and Lazarus House. His many volunteer contributions include raising money for Operation Gratitude to send care packages to people in the military and working for Cradles to Crayons to provide toys and clothing to underprivileged children.

This year the Rotary Club of Concord will hold its 33rd Annual Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday August 30, 2021 at the Concord Country Club. As in the past, the event will benefit the Rotary Scholarship Fund and Rotary charitable projects. To register to play in or learn more about the event, visit ww.rotaryclubofconcord.org and click on Golf in the banner at the top of the page.

Go Out Doors @ Minute Man National Historical Park: Call for Proposals

CONCORD: Mission: “Go Out Doors” inspires discovery and exploration of outdoors spaces and trails, and the intersection of place, history, community, spirit, and nature.

What happens if you open the door at the end of challenging times and step outside to reflect and engage with nature, each other, and the past? What might we discover if, on foot or wheel, alone or with friends, we find ourselves on a path through woods, gardens or parks – off the roads we travel daily? What happens if we leave our electronics behind, reconnect with natural settings and inspiring stories? What might we feel? What might change? How can we, as artists, inspire more people as we re-emerge from the pandemic and rediscover the joys of travel, nature, and places like our National Parks?

Go Out Doors @ MMNHP extends The Umbrella's "Go Out Doors – Neighbors" regional exhibition of artfully upcycled, painted doors installed in towns throughout Battle Road, Metrowest and beyond. Site specific designs are sought that combine a sense of place and history to bear on contemporary conditions and personal reflection. Non-literal, non-politicized designs that convey inspiration, whimsy, irony, reflection, connection, curiosity, spirituality, traditionally underrepresented perspectives and/or joy are particularly welcomed. The Umbrella invites designs for a temporary art installation that are inspired by, respond to, and creatively interpret themes from one of 4 major sites in the Park. While researching each site here are some questions to consider:

The literary families who made The Wayside a famous home of written word and thought influenced and mirrored society as a whole for centuries, from the Revolutionary War to the Underground Railroad to its gifting to the Park in the 60s. What writing influences your thoughts today? Who came before you in your artistic history? Who will come after? What text from those authors still feels relevant to your life today?
As stewards of history, Minute Man Visitor Center reveals the stories of the past to foster connection and meaning to the present day. Consider the story of Parker's Revenge, and the Park's efforts to rediscover its true location. How do you mark the sites of important moments in your life? What personal discovery in your life brought you to a place of greater understanding? Where and for what do you stand and fight?
In Buttrick Garden, people find beauty in their relationship with the outdoors. How do you interact and make meaningful connections with nature? What role do gardens play?
On April 19th, 1775, at Old North Bridge, families and individuals found courage and took action for what they believed in. How do you summon courage and decide what matters to you? What brings your community together and what do you fight for?

Specs:

Standard Doors (@ 30” x 80”) can be provided. Note: most doors will be paneled surface; hollow-core doors are brittle and should be avoided unless necessary for design and reinforced.
Doors must be submitted ready to install – weather-proofed as needed to last the duration of the exhibit. The back side should be painted, even if it is painted a solid color.
Chosen exhibitors will help install doors in Park-approved areas where people can pause and enjoy the art.
Stipend and Park interpreter consultation will be provided to chosen exhibitors.

For some past examples, visit TheUmbrellaArts.org/Go-Out-Doors-Neighbors.

Originally inspired by the spring 2020 En Plein Air door installation on NYC’s High Line, Go Out Doors – Neighbors expands on The Umbrella's summer 2020 installation celebrating the opening of The West Concord section of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Additional "Go Out Doors" projects were later commissioned and previewed last fall in neighboring Concord Center, and the towns of Arlington and Lexington, and have now blossomed in several more towns celebrating outdoors art and healthful outdoors activities as the region re-emerges from Covid isolation.

Submit via the form below by July 23, 2021 for early consideration, or on a rolling basis through July 31 pending capacity. If you have any trouble with form, contact Nicole@MonkeyhouseLovesMe.com .

Go Out Doors @ Minute Man National Historical Park: August 15, 2021 – November 15, 2021

Karl Kussin New Rotary President

CONCORD: Karl Kussin has accepted the reins as President of the Rotary Club of Concord from Immediate Past President David Robertson at an Installation Banquet at Verrill Farm. Kussin’s current position as Vice President of Development and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Emerson Hospital as well as previous experience as Director of Development at Nashoba Brooks School, Suffolk University, and Minuteman Arc will serve him well as he leads the Club in its 90th year of service. 33 years ago Kussin chaired the first Rotary Golf Tournament and in recent years has again chaired successful Tournaments.

2020-2021 President David Robinson steered the Rotary Club through a successful year despite the many constraints of the pandemic. New members were added, the Club started an Interact (Rotary) Club at Concord Middle School, distributed masks and shields to crucial locations, held a Covid-safe Golf Tournament to support scholarships, supported bed building for disadvantaged children at “Sleep in Heavenly Peace”, prepared meals for Open Table and Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen in Waltham, moved to complete landscaping and installation of a water fountain at Monument Square Veteran’s Memorial Park, and initiated its 90th Anniversary with a special program. During the year Rotary awarded scholarships to CCHS graduating seniors and sophomore college students, presented Class Act awards to CCHS students and Academic Awards to 8th grade Middle School students.

As starters for the 2021-2022 year, Rotarians will embark on many service projects including holding a field day at the Boys and Girls Club of Assabet Valley, participating in a Build Day at Habitat for Humanity’s home in West Concord and continuing to prepare meals for Open Table families and the homeless in Waltham. A highlight of the summer is Rotary’s Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Golf Tournament Monday August 30 at the Concord Country Club.

Rotary invites the public to play or support the Aug. 30 Golf Tournament. To registers visit rotaryclubofconcord.org and click on Golf in the top banner.

To help with Rotary’s outreach projects, send a message to info@rotaryclubofconcord.

Iris Society Plant Sale

CONCORD: Looking for beautiful irises to add to your garden? Now is the time to plant. The Iris Society of Mass. (ISM) is having a sale in Concord on Sat. July 31 from 11 am to 3 pm at Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Road. You will be able to choose from a large selection of named irises, all of which are from gardens of society members and grow well in our area. There will be bearded irises, from tiny miniature dwarfs to tall beardeds, as well as beardless siberian irises, woodland iris cristata, and many other types. And, the price is right – very reasonable. Cash and checks only.

There will be color pictures of all the irises. So, if you are looking for a specific named iris or just irises of a particular color to compliment your garden, you can easily find what you want. But come early for the best selection!

Members of the society will be available to help with making selections and to provide information on the planting and care of the irises. There will a demonstration on dividing and transplanting irises.

ISM is an affiliate of the American Iris Society and is a not-for-profit organization. Funds raised from this plant sale go toward the expenses for iris shows, meetings, and speakers. All ISM meetings are free and open to the public. ISM welcomes new members. Membership information, as well as directions to the plant sale and other upcoming events, can be found on the ISM website: www.massirises.org.

Beyond the Notes Brings Collaborative Multimedia Concerts to The Umbrella Arts Center

CONCORD: This summer, Concord native and violinist Sarah Whitney will take The Umbrella Arts Center stage with guest cellist Ani Kalayjian with her highly acclaimed concert series Beyond the Notes for an unforgettable weekend of indoor and outdoor concerts! The two performers will take the audience on an extraordinary journey with an eclectic program of solos and duos that highlights the works of Black composers. The program will also feature a unique collaboration with experimental animator Sarah E. Jenkins, one of the many artists represented in The Umbrella's mixed media exhibition gallery, Dazzleship.

The series will be presented live on Saturday, July 31 at 7:30pm indoors on The Umbrella’s newly constructed Main Stage with limited capacity to allow for distancing and on Sunday, August 1 at 3:00pm outdoors under a tent. Sunday’s outdoor concert will be followed by a private tour of the exhibition led by Dazzleship curator Michael MacMahon. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty nonprofit advancing policy solutions for low-income people. CLASP develops practical yet visionary strategies for reducing poverty, promoting economic opportunity, and addressing barriers faced by people of color.

Praised by the Washington Post for her "marvelous violin acrobatics," violinist Sarah Whitney is known for her musical versatility and has been heard worldwide across stages in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and the United States. She is recognized as a performer, teacher, entrepreneur and advocate for bringing fresh new ideas to classical music. She is a member of the acclaimed string quintet SYBARITE5, one of the fastest-rising chamber-music ensembles in the United States, whose latest album reached #2 on the Classical Billboard Charts.

Tickets are $30/person; $15/students and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Sunday attendance includes free admission to a post-show curator’s tour of the Dazzleship art exhibition in The Umbrella Main Gallery. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.theumbrellaarts.org/BTN.

Robin Wall Kimmerer to Receive 2021 Thoreau Prize

CONCORD: The Thoreau Society announced today that the botanist and best-selling author Robin Wall Kimmerer will receive the 2021 Thoreau Prize for Excellence in Nature Writing. The $2,500 prize and commemorative gift will be awarded in Concord on October 29, as part of the Concord Festival of Authors.

On July 10 during its annual conference, the society will also honor the 2020 Thoreau Prize winner, the conservationist, author and internationally recognized field biologist George Schaller. The awarding of the prize last July was cancelled due to the pandemic. This year’s conference of the 80-year-old society devoted to Thoreau will be held virtually.

Kimmerer, a forest ecologist, and advocate for the rights of native peoples, is the author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. She is a professor of environmental biology at the College of Environmental Science and Forestry of the State University of New York and is the founder and director of its Center for Native Peoples and the Environment.

Braiding Sweetgrass weaves together indigenous Native American and traditional Western scientific ways of looking at nature. The Thoreau Prize committee noted that its focus on the reciprocal and ethical relationship between people and plants captured the spirit of Thoreau’s nature writing. Braiding Sweetgrass became a New York Times Bestseller in January 2020, seven years after Milkweed Editions published it in 2013.

A specialist in mosses and the author of numerous scientific articles, Kimmerer describes herself on her website first as a mother, then as a scientist, professor and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her first book, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses, won the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing. In 2015 she addressed the general assembly of the United Nations on a central theme of both her work and of Thoreau’s writing, “Healing Our Relationship with Nature.”

The German-born Schaller, one of the world’s preeminent field biologists, is a wildlife researcher specializing in mammals. His books include The Year of the Gorilla, The Serengeti Lion, which won a National Book Award, The Last Panda, and Tibet’s Hidden Wilderness. Schaller has received National Geographic's Lifetime Achievement Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship and the World Wildlife Fund Gold Medal for promoting understanding and the conserving of endangered species.

The Henry David Thoreau Prize for Excellence in Nature Writing was established as an annual award in 2010 by Dale Peterson to honor a writer of fiction, nonfiction or poetry whose work embodies Thoreau’s legacy as a gifted stylist, keen naturalist and social thinker. The Thoreau Society became administrator of the prize last year.

It is named for Thoreau, who wrote, “I wish to speak a word for nature, for absolute freedom and wildness, as contrasted with a freedom and culture merely civil” and who said one of his aims was to “regard man as an inhabitant, or a part and parcel of Nature, rather than a member of society.”

It is given as a lifetime achievement award or to honor mid-career nature writers of exceptional promise. Previous winners of the Thoreau Prize have included the poets Mary Oliver and Gary Snyder, the author-naturalists Sy Montgomery, Peter Matthiessen, Diane Ackerman and Gretel Ehrlich, the poet, novelist and essayist Linda Hogan, biologist E.O. Wilson and the ecologist and nature writer Bernd Heinrich.

The Thoreau Society is the oldest and largest independent author society in the nation.

AARP Massachusetts Fraud Watch Update: July 2021

Did you know that someone’s identity gets stolen every two seconds? The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides you with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud so you can protect yourself and your family. Our watchdog alerts will keep you up to date on con artists’ latest tricks. It’s free of charge for everyone: AARP members, non-members, and people of all ages. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.

SCAM ALERT #1: DOOR TO DOOR SCAMS
Warm weather is here which means door-to-door sales crews are here, too. But what they’re selling isn’t always legit. Be cautious anytime a stranger comes knocking, especially if the visitor is trying to sell you goods or services. Be wary of contractors who say they stopped by because they just happened to be in the neighborhood. The good ones are usually too busy to roam around in search of work. Also be on guard for high pressure tactics to make a quick decision for a steep discount, and requests for payment upfront. Your best bet is to proactively seek out services if you need them, versus reacting to an unexpected sales pitch. It’s always okay to explain you don’t do business at your front door (or to not answer when strangers knock).

SCAM ALERT #2: PROTECT YOUR DEVICE, PROTECT YOURSELF
Many scams originate right at your fingertips through your computer or smartphone. The good news is the way to block them is also within your grasp. Here are three tips to keep your devices safe from criminals. Make sure your devices’ operating systems are up to date; you should be able to set an auto-update feature that downloads the latest software when available. Next, make sure to change the password on your Wi-Fi router so it’s different from the password it came with. If you have a lot of devices connected to it, they could be vulnerable if the router is compromised. Lastly, a password manager is a great way to create unique and hard-to-guess passwords for all of your online accounts and apps.

SCAM ALERT #3: RENTAL CAR SCAMS
America is open for business again and millions of people are traveling, or planning to. One thing you may run into is sticker shock – especially with rental cars. The lack of travel in 2020 led rental companies to sell a lot of their inventory of cars. Now that demand has spiked, supply is tight and prices are high.
Unfortunately, criminals are paying attention and posting fake rental car deals at rock bottom prices online. While everyone loves a good deal, doing business with an entity you aren’t familiar with could be risky. Whatever your travel needs, stick to reputable websites with proven track records. If you do find a deal with an unfamiliar provider, do your research: look up the company name with “scam” or “complaint” and see what appears, and check out reviews.

SCAM ALERT #4: FREE TRIAL OFFERS, NEGATIVE OPTIONS
Who doesn’t love something for free? But beware, that “free trial offer” might mean months of payments that you didn’t know you signed up for and will have a hard time canceling. These types of sales tactics are called negative options – a customer signs up for a free trial and unwittingly accepts a subscription – sometimes for a questionable product – often by not seeing a pre-checked box in the very tiny print. When it comes to free trials, research before you enroll. Fully understand the terms and conditions by reading the fine print. Keep a close eye on your credit and debit card statements so you spot unexpected charges right away. Contact your bank or credit card company to address the issue; calling the company you inadvertently signed up for a subscription with will likely get you nowhere.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

Local Residents Named
to Spring 2021 Dean’s List
at Saint Michael’s College

CONCORD: The following local students were named to the Dean’s List at Saint Michael’s College for the Spring 2021 semester.

* Danielle Butler, a senior biology major from Acton (01720) and a graduate of Acton Boxborough Regional High School.

* Daniel Armstrong, a junior criminology major from Acton (01720) and a graduate of Acton Boxborough Regional High School.

* Clea Edelman, a May 2021 graduate art and design major from Concord (01742) and a graduate of Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School.

* William Meehan, a senior business administration & economics major from Concord (01742) and a graduate of Concord Carlisle Regional High School.

Saint Michael’s College, founded in the great Catholic intellectual tradition, which also recognizes the principles of social justice and compassion, is a selective, fully residential Catholic college in Vermont’s beautiful Green Mountains. Our closely connected community delivers internationally-respected liberal arts and graduate education near Burlington, one of the country’s best college towns. To prepare for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, young adults here grow intellectually, socially, and morally, learning to be responsible for themselves, each other and their world.

Concord Conservatory's Fall Group Classes and New Programs

CONCORD: Get inspired and tap into your music potential with a group class. CCM’s highly accomplished faculty build a strong foundation of technique, theory, and musicality, which encourages a lifetime of continued musical education and enjoyment. Plan to join a fun group class and connect with other musicians who value music like you! Sign-up today for a social and collaborative learning experience.

CCM’s group classes offer an opportunity for all ages and ability levels—some with no experience necessary. From singing, guitar, and keyboard classes for kids to banjo, ukulele, and acoustic guitar classes for teens and adults, you can choose the right course for all family members. Secure your place in the class now.

Introducing New Early Childhood Group Classes at CCM! Engage and motivate your young learner with CCM’s Music Makers class for 3 year-olds or the Musical Gateway class for 4 and 5 year-olds. Your kids will be immersed in a positive and supportive learning experience while soaking up musical knowledge and getting active!

CCM’s West Side Strings Program! Young violinists and cellists benefit greatly from this ongoing supportive and immersive CCM learning experience. They’ll receive benefits from both private lessons as well as the group class experience. Organized by age and experience, students will develop skills in technique, music reading, solo performing, and ensemble participation.

Chamber Music Ensemble Program! Intermediate to advanced strings, winds, and piano players can now join a weekly Chamber Music Ensemble—guaranteeing them a challenging, rewarding, and memorable musical experience. Taking part in an ensemble assures the development of their leadership and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and being an integral part of a team. With weekly coaching sessions, master classes, special events, and performing, musicians will elevate their playing to the next level.

Maybe a jazz or rock ensemble interests you or your kids more? CCM can help there too. If you’re dreaming of cranking out a Miles Davis Quintet piece or a Rolling Stones song, we’ll provide expert coaching and instruction so you can master the music you want to play.

The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. Explore CCM offerings or set up private lessons at www.ConcordConservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010. Financial assistance is available.

Anchor Down: The Campaign to Support Emerson Hospital's Behavioral Health Services in a Year of Unprecedented Storm

CONCORD: The Auxiliary's flagship behavioral health fundraiser, EmerSong, is cancelled this year due to COVID-19. Yet they are proud to announce Anchor Down, their fundraising appeal designed to continue this vital mission of supporting mental health services -- at a time when our community needs it most. They encourage you to watch these videos produced exclusively for the Auxiliary. The goal for this campaign is two-fold: first to raise funds to support those in our community struggling with mental health; and second to share with you a global view of the state of mental health services in Massachusetts, particularly the pandemic's impact on it, and Emerson Hospital’s role in this crisis. Join the Auxiliary, contribute to Anchor Down, and learn how your donations can fill the gaps to support inpatient and emergency Behavioral Health care. To learn more, please visit: EmersonHospital.org/SupportMentalHealth

Bullet Journaling at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library will host a free four-part class on Bullet Journaling for ages 12 and up beginning on July 12 at 4pm. The workshops will take place on Mondays at 4pm on July 12, 19, 26 and August 2 at the Main Library Sudbury Road Garden.

Participants will learn the basics of bullet journaling and explore the different elements of bullet journaling. Participants will set up weekly spreads, create lots of cool trackers, and play around with different styles of journaling. Each participant will receive a free packet of supplies. Space is limited so register in advance: https://concordlibrary.org/news-events/events-calendar.

Instructor Claire Sun is a local artist from Carlisle (MA) who has been brush lettering and bullet journaling for over five years. She's taught multiple workshops at local libraries and organizations and runs the bullet journal Instagram account (@suncerulean) with over 9k followers. Other than her artistic endeavors, Claire also enjoys listening to podcasts and playing the guitar. She's very excited to share her passions with this community!

For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), sign up for our e-Newsletter, or visit us online at www.concordlibrary.org.

Teen Driver Safety Classes at Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library invites teens to driver safety classes, Wednesdays, July 14, 21 and 28 at 4pm. This is a free series hosted by AAA to learn about driving safety. Attend one, two or all three workshops. Teens will learn about the risks of driving while impaired by marijuana. Attitudes about the use of marijuana have shifted in recent years. Marijuana is now prescribed for medicinal purposes and the legalization or decriminalization of recreational marijuana in many states resulted in greater societal acceptance of the drug’s use. This curriculum also intends to correct misconceptions about marijuana’s potential risks to teenagers.

On July 21, teens will learn how to handle driving emergencies. Knowing what to do in an emergency is something every driver should know. This program will advise drivers what to do if they break down, how to stay safe on the road, and items to keep in your vehicles.

On July 28, teens will learn about the risks of distractions. Get tips to avoid becoming a distracted driver. Every day, motorists who read or send a text while driving take their eyes off the road for up to 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes shut. Texting - along with other activities like phone calls, eating, drinking, setting your GPS or working your car's entertainment system - takes your mind and your eyes off the road.

To receive a Zoom link, register at https://concordlibrary.org/news-events/events-calendar. For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Read to Luna the Dog Live! at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library invites children to Read to Luna the Dog on the Main Library lawn the second Friday of each month beginning in June between 11:30am-12:30pm. Luna is a certified therapy dog through Pets & People Foundation, Inc. Did you know that reading to dogs boosts reading skills and emotional and social skills for children? This event is for children ages 5+. Children are invited to register for their own individual 15 minute session with Luna. Register in advance by visiting the library's events calendar online at www.concordlibrary.org.

Local Residents Receive Academic Honors

CONCORD: Northeastern University is pleased to recognize those students who distinguish themselves academically during the course of the school year. The following students were recently named to the University's dean's list for the Spring semester, which ended in May 2021.

In addition to achieving distinction through the dean's list, these students are members of the University Honors Program, which offers high caliber students the chance to further hone their studies and interests, live in special interest residential communities, participate in enriched, interdisciplinary courses, and engage in research and creative endeavors, service, and global experiences. Invitation into the University Honors Program is highly competitive and students must maintain a high GPA to maintain membership.

To achieve the dean's list distinction, students must carry a full program of at least four courses, have a quality point average of 3.5 or greater out of a possible 4.0 and carry no single grade lower than a C- during the course of their college career. Each student receives a letter of commendation and congratulation from their college dean.

* Concord (01742) resident Kasey Lee, majoring in computer science/ mathematics

* Acton (01720) resident Christina Pathrose, majoring in computer science

* Acton (01720) resident Iris Wang, majoring in electrical and computer engineering

* Acton (01720) resident Summer Weidman, majoring in environmental studies/political science

* Acton (01720) resident Joshua Chun, majoring in undeclared

June is PTSD Awareness Month

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Though most often associated with veterans who experienced atrocities of war, anyone, including children and teens, can suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children typically recover quickly from stressful events, but when it comes to severe stress, especially serious injuries, the death of a close family member or friend, sexual assault, living through a disaster, or witnessing a violent act such as a school shooting, children can often suffer the long-term effects of PTSD.
The National Center for PTSD estimates that 7-8% of people will experience PTSD during their lives. Worse yet, over 65% of children who are exposed to a traumatic event will, at some point, attempt to take their own lives.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the symptoms of PTSD are different for young children than those of older teens and adults. Children younger than 6 will often wet the bed, forget how or refuse to talk, act out the traumatic event during routine play, or become unusually clingy with a parent or other adult.

Research shows that depression rates increase after a trauma and tend to be especially high among children with PTSD. If your child or someone you love is struggling with depression or thinking about suicide, get help now. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis. Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.

The Jason Foundation is another available resource. The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth. Many times, a young person will exhibit clear warnings signs prior to an attempt. By knowing the warning signs, and knowing how to help, you could save a life. Visit The Jason Foundation’s website to learn more about youth suicide, the warning signs, and how you can help make a difference. The Jason Foundation has never charged a school, community, or individual for the use of their programs or resources. http://www.jasonfoundation.com

Emerson Hospital & IMPACT Melanoma Team Up to Protect the Public

CONCORD: Emerson Hospital and IMPACT Melanoma, a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of melanoma, have teamed for the third consecutive year to protect residents from skin cancer. The organizations have deployed touchless, automatic sunscreen dispensers at 16 high-traffic locations, including parks and recreation facilities, beaches, rail trails, and athletic fields throughout Concord and the greater area. The dispensers provide complementary sunscreen throughout Acton (at The Discovery Museum), Bedford, Chelmsford, Concord, Harvard, Hudson, Maynard and Westford.

Jen Melanson, Community Service Coordinator for the town of Chelmsford, reported after the 2020 season, “The program was so well received, we had positive feedback on social media and from citizens who were very excited and appreciative. We are grateful to Emerson Hospital for providing the dispensers and are excited to support the program again this year.”

“We are pleased to work with Emerson Hospital on this invaluable initiative for the third year,” said Deb Girard, IMPACT’s Executive Director. “It is imperative to educate communities at all levels – residents, government, employees, and visitors – to create a broad sense of sun-safe practices aimed at healthier lifestyle choices for our skin. With this initiative in motion, we can achieve exactly that with the fleet of free sunscreen dispensers, and educational messaging. We are excited and hope that neighboring towns take notice. Together we can make a great IMPACT and practice of safe skin.”

Emerson Hospital is sponsoring bright yellow sunscreen dispensers that are filled with SPF 30 sunscreen. The dispensers are monitored regularly and replenished as needed, ensuring that everyone in the area who needs sunscreen has easy access to it. SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is rated and recommended for use by children ages six-months and up, and adults. All sunscreen ingredients are safe and approved by the FDA.

“Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in our service area, according to our latest Community Health Assessment,” notes Christine Gallery, Senior Vice President, Planning and Chief Strategy Officer, Emerson Hospital. “We are proud to support IMPACT Melanoma again this year, so that people throughout our towns can have fun this summer, while easily protecting themselves from skin cancer. We anticipate the community will use the sunscreen often and it will become a routine part of their summer safety regimen. We encourage the community to be in touch with a physician with any questions or concerns about their skin.”

To learn more about the importance of sunscreen and where the complimentary sunscreen dispensers are located, please visit www.emersonhospital.org/sunscreen.