Brogan: We all have much to be thankful for!

Concord, like everyplace in the world, has evolved and changed throughout the decades. This was dictated by the necessary re-examining of long held beliefs and recognizing that change can be a good thing. Our city has accepted, sometimes reluctantly but ultimately for the better of its citizens, that the proper growth does not necessarily need to eradicate the heart and soul that have enriched and touched so many lives over the decades.

We remain a community on the banks of the Merrimack, that provides a wonderful buffet of something for every taste. Whether it is sports, restaurants, entertainment forums, places to shop, and organizations that are committed to making life better, it can all be found within the confines of Concord and its neighboring communities.

What has never changed, however, is the deeply caring nature of the people of Concord and their genuine belief that one person or entity can make a difference.

This past weekend, I saw it up close and personal and it again reminded me as to why I sing the praises of Concord every chance I get.

In just a few years, The Community Players of Concord, New Hampshire will be marking their 100th anniversary. For generations of local theatergoers, they have presented hundreds of performances that run the gamut from serious drama to hilarious comedy, not to mention mounting breathtaking musical productions, worthy of Broadway. The talent, both on-stage and behind the scenes, comes together to mesmerize thousands, who fill the Concord City Auditorium and respond with great enthusiasm. And they do it for free.

My mom and dad were both involved with the organization for many, many years. Dad built sets, worked backstage, venturing on-stage three times, and served on their Board and on other committees.

Mom did everything from being the rehearsal pianist, to a goat wrangler, and worked costumes, make-up, sold tickets, performed in the chorus, had leading roles, created a summer theater program in 1970 and directed numerous productions. When she directed, she always told that cast and crew that everyone who worked on a production was equal in helping the production achieve success. There were no stars. Everyone pitched in and were an important component in making the end result something they could all be proud of.

My parents were adamant about the value of giving your time freely to organizations that needed volunteers and at the top of their list were The Community Players.

On Sunday, November 19, The Players, as they are affectionately known by many, gave mom the most wonderful 100th birthday gift she could ever have asked for. She turns 100 on December 31st.

She returned to the stage of the City Auditorium to play a cameo role in their beautiful production of "The Sound of Music". In doing so, she became the oldest person to ever appear in a production presented by The Players. However, even more than that, she challenged herself, less than 2 weeks after being discharged from Concord Hospital, to be an active member of the organization she has loved for nearly 70 years, one more time.

When approached about her taking a small role, The Players proved once again why they are rooted so solidly in our community. Jim Webber, who also designed the beautiful set for this show, as he has done for the organization many times previously, enthusiastically approached the Board that he serves on. Their enthusiasm was matched by the show's Director, Cynthia Dickinson who welcomed mom to the company.

The performance went flawlessly and the entire cast, crew, backstage personnel, and the great Friends of the Audi volunteers, were amazing to a person. I should not have been surprised since I have watched the Players for decades as they have nurtured talent, supported members and shown unwavering joy in making theater in Concord both interesting and affordable.

There are dozens of other organizations in our community that, daily, make that extra effort to make someone's life better or to create awareness, or just show that they care.

You don't need to be a theater aficionado to know who The Community Players are. However, check out their website: the Community Players of Concord, NH and find out about their legendary history. Consider trying out for a production or volunteering or even attending one of their future productions. You may find a very welcoming niche.

In the meantime, on Thanksgiving, be thankful that we all live in a place that is filled with the kind of caring people that are everywhere. We are fortunate.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.