About Town: Back in the Saddle and a Native Son Honored

Hello everyone and welcome to the final stretch of the school year for Concord Public Schools. I saw lots of dedicated students poring over study guides and books at the library. No doubt all that hard work paid off.

Coming Full Cycle

Sending the warmest get well wishes to our dear friend Alice Lehmann. Thursday, June 14, Alice was struck by a car while cycling through the intersection of Sudbury Road and Thoreau Street. The good news is that, though Alice was injured, she is well enough to recover at home and is in the excellent care of her loving husband Bill.

I’ve written frequently about Alice and Bill Lehmann. They are ardent supporters of our local patisseries, particularly Sally Anne’s and La Provence. They make strenuous workouts look like fun at the Beede Swim & Fitness Center. They sing with the Concord Chorus, count lady slippers every spring in the Hapgood Wright Town Forest, observe the ducks in the early mornings at Walden Pond, and - one of my favorites - toast every full moon with a glass of wine. Alice and Bill certainly know how to enjoy life’s pleasures, and have no plans to let last Thursday’s incident set them back. We’re all looking forward to seeing Alice come full cycle and landing back in the bike saddle soon.

Race for Justice

Concordian Marta Brooks is once again helping promote the Merrimack Valley Legal Services Race for Justice. Marta is a lawyer whose underserved clients are dependent on legal aid, To help them receive the justice they deserve, Marta and her colleagues have organized a 5K-walk/run and 10- run fundraiser.

The scenic course begins on John Street in Lowell at 5 p.m., on Sunday, June 24 and finishes up along the Riverwalk. Top finishers will receive awards. Entry fee is $25 by June 22 and $30 on the day of the race. You may register online at www.active.com, and you may email zsharfman@mvlegal.org if you have questions.

Kudos to Marta for the hard work she does for her clients both in and out of the law office.

Honoring a Native Son

This year’s Musketaquid Arts and Environment annual summer solstice event will be dedicated to the memory of Nat Marden. Nat, a longtime friend of Musketaquid Arts and Environment, passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. He was a true steward of the land and surrounding waters in his hometown of Concord,

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a picnic on the grounds of the Old Manse. Bring food, drink, and a blanket, and relax while listening to music performed by the Voices for the Earth Chorus, Snow Crow, among others.

At 8 p.m. launch your canoe,rowboat, or kayak for an illuminated flotilla up the Concord River to the confluence of the Assabet and Sudbury rivers at Egg Rock. Bring along a candle lanter that you can attach to your boat. In all, more than 60 vessels are expected to take part .

For those who plan to join the flotilla, please arrive at the North Bridge area for the picnic and music and in time for the 8 p.m. launch. For those who want to participate without getting wet, the best viewing spot is from the Lowell Road Bridge just outside Concord Center. You are also welcome to participate in the Drum and Dance Circle, conducted by the Earth Drum Council, which will be held nearby at the Old Calf Pasture. The Dance and Drum Circle also begins at 8:30 p.m..

This River Solstice, presented on Thursday June 21 in collaboration with OARS (Organization for the Assabet Sudbury and Concord Rivers), is the kickoff event leading into RiverFest, which is produced by OARS and takes place the weekend of June 23-24. More information can be found at http://www.oars3rivers.org/.

That’s it for me until next Tuesday. Stay tuned for Stefanie’s fine piece Thursday.

Have a wonderful week,everyone.

Do you have something you would like to share? Contact Stefanie at stefanieac@comcast.net or me at mcb23@comcast.net, and we will be happy to help you spread the good news. And follow us on Twitter: I am @cosmo1162, Stefanie is  @stefanie3131.