Week in Review: Walden Grille Closes; Concord Players Mourn a Member; New Columnists Come to Town

The first week of the new year started off on a pretty sad note for many Concordians. On Tuesday, we announced the , a favored local pub of many people in town as well as visitors who frequented the establishment on trips to Concord. Readers shared their thoughts on the restaurant's closing, and on what might be a good fit for the .

Tuesday was also a tragic day for the theatrical community of eastern Massachusetts as , a member of the and Sudbury Savoyards was killed in a car accident on Rte. 9 in Framingham.

This week also saw a call for local residents to step up and help save the lives of people in the area by donating blood at Blood Donor Center. In recognition of , anyone who donates a pint during January will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Donelan's Supermarket in Acton.

To take a more active roll in helping people, cyclists are already gearing up for the annual to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. While the ride is not until August, registration for the cross-commonwealth bike-a-thon opens Jan. 17.

Concord Patch was also introduced to a couple new columns this week. First, readers got a taste of . Each week Sheila Duggan Chabot will present a new, delicious recipe to try in your own kitchen. This week: Rosemont Street Stuffed Mushrooms.

Local mom Audra Myerberg's column will help parents with creative tips on how to keep your kids happy, safe, and well-adjusted. Appropriately, for the start of the new year, Audra's column this week offered up ways to get your kids back into a routine after the frivolity of the holiday season.

The announced some significant changes coming to commuter rail service in an attempt to fill in a projected $161 million budget gap. Two scenarios are currently under examination by the MBTA, and whichever one in chosen will result in cuts in service and a hike in rates.

Concord also announced the will be open extended hours this weekend and next for the disposal of Christmas trees and recycling of packaging materials.