What's happening in town this week

New interim Thoreau principal named
Nancy Peterson has been named interim principal at Thoreau School starting in early August. Superintendent Diana Rigby announced that Peterson will replace Kelly Clough, who resigned at the end of the school year. The search for a new principal will begin in January 2014. Peterson recently worked as interim principal at the Davis Elementary School in Bedford for two years. Rigby said the public will have a chance to meet Peterson in the near future. No date was announced.

From the library
Phil Rossoni, author of Build and Pilot Your Own Walkalong Gliders, will give a talk and workshop at our Fowler Branch Library on Monday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.

Wednesday, July 31: Learn Origami with Michael LaFosse. Participants will fold several shapes as you learn this Japanese art form. 7 to 8:30 p.m. No registration required. Just come and have fun. At main library, 129 Main St.

From the Council on Aging

Ice Cream Social! Thursday, July 25th at 2:30 p.m. Come join us on the patio at the HWCC for our annual Ice Cream Social. We will have plenty of ice cream and toppings to “Make your own Sundae.” A jazz band from Wayland High School will perform a variety of music including swing, ballads, and bebop. Thank you to the Concord Friends of the Aging for providing the delicious treats - this event is FREE OF CHARGE to Concord seniors. Please call to reserve a spot.

COA Summer Barbeque! Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. Join us for our annual summer barbeque at the HWCC on Wednesday, August 21st at 5:00 PM. As always there will be delicious food and wonderful entertainment. Just like last year, we will have the Concord Rotary Club grilling our hamburgers and hotdogs, and there will be salads and yummy desserts. We will also have a band on hand to spice up the evening. This event will cost just $5 (cash) per person due to the generosity of the Concord Friends of the Aging who will be picking up the rest of the tab. Please note that due to this event, lunch will not be served on Wednesday, August 21. A van will be available to take people to the barbeque in the evening. Please call to sign up.

Free Concord River Pontoon Boat Rides Wednesdays, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Martha Rohan has generously offered to take Concord seniors on a scenic ride on the Concord River in her pontoon boat. Three rides are scheduled - one each in July, August and September. Each ride will take one hour and Martha will provide lemonade and a cookie to each senior. The meeting place is the South Bridge Boat House at 502 Main Street in Concord. Each boat ride is limited to 20 people each, so please call the COA to reserve your spot. There is no charge and the ride will be cancelled in the case of rain. Please note there will be no COA staff on these boat rides.

COA Cinema, Fridays at 2 p.m.

July 26 – Les Miserables
Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway star in this critically-acclaimed adaptation of the epic musical phenomenon. In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert, after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever.

Aug. 9 – Pitch Perfect
This music-steeped comedy draws on the world of a-cappella groups to tell the story of an intense competition between three ensembles. Anna Kendrick stars in this airy look at an age-old art form that's steadily gaining modern popularity.

Aug. 23 – Anna Karenina
Oscar winner Tom Stoppard penned this adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel about a vibrant and beautiful 19th-century Russian aristocrat who enters into a passionate and forbidden love affair with the well-heeled Count Vronsky. The film stars Keira Knightley and Jude Law.

COA trips

Essex River Cruise and Lunch at Shea’s Riverside Restaurant Tuesday, July 30th Leaving HWCC at 9 a.m. Discover the beauty and heritage of Essex and the Great Marsh, cruising the pristine sheltered waters of the Essex River. After the cruise, we will have lunch nearby at Shea’s Riverside restaurant. The cost of the cruise is $22, the van is $3, and lunch is on your own. Limited to 14 people. Please bring cash on the day of the trip. Call to reserve your spot.

American Textile History Museum “Brides and their Dresses” Exhibit, Friday, Aug. 2 Leaving HWCC at 10 a.m. We will travel by van to Lowell to the American Textile Museum for a guided Art and Textile tour, and to see the “Brides and Their Dresses” Exhibit. The exhibit explores how brides, over more than 100 years, have chosen their wedding dresses, and how their decisions have been shaped by fashion, family and finances. Concord’s own Judy Clark has her wedding dress on display. Lunch will be on your own at the Family Affair Café at the museum. The cost is $9 per person, and the van is $3. Please bring cash on the day of the trip. Please call to reserve a spot, limited to 14 people.

Town-wide Summer Sidewalk Sale

In Concord Center, Thoreau Street and West Concord. Sponsored by the Concord Chamber of Commerce. Aug. 3 Saturday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Join your neighbors and friends for a day of bargains, sales, music, fun activities and entertainment, food and fun! Over 45 participating businesses - two music stages - events for children - and more. Walden Street will be closed from Main Street to Hubbard Street.

Click on their website wwww.marrybride.com for more information.