Concord has always been a very special place.  The people who call this town home have never shied away from a challenge, nor have they hesitated to do the right thing in trying times. From mustering the courage to fire the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” to creating a space which fostered a generation of literary legends, to standing up to fight for the abolition of slavery, Concordians are steadfast in the face of adversity.

With a triple crisis of COVID-19, an economic shutdown, and a heightened demand for social justice, one might think that people would turn inward and hide away until the threat had passed. And yet, the spirit of the Minuteman endures. The stories of compassion, community, and innovation are too many to list here – but they all weave together to show the true nature of the Concord spirit.

“The people of Concord are – at a minute’s notice – dropping their metaphorical ploughs and taking up metaphorical arms to aid their fellow citizens,” said Concord Town Manager Stephen Crane. “It is so clear to me that it is built right into the DNA of this town…the amazing people who live here truly believe that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Their willingness to put community above self – to jump in and help where needed – is inspiring and gives us all a sense of hope and pride.”

Compassion

All across Concord, people have stepped up to do their part to help. Costume makers, dry cleaners, tailors, and volunteers jumped in to sew masks when they were suddenly scarce. Groups of private citizens rallied to raise funds or volunteered to help everything from food banks, to hospital workers, to small businesses in crisis.

Concord’s youngest citizens have been just as active. Teenagers wrote letters and sent treats to lonely nursing home residents and helped deliver meals and thank you notes to stressed and tired health care workers. Children as young as eight took to social media to raise money for local food pantries. College students stuck at home gave their time and talent to help families with online tutoring for younger children. The Council on Aging was flooded with young volunteers happy to do grocery shopping – or even do spring cleaning yardwork - for older residents at higher risk.

Tea Time at Barrow Bookstore

Community

Like so many others across the country, the Concord Carlisle High School was obligated to cancel many of the rights-of-passage that mark the transition into adulthood for graduating Seniors. The community rallied around these young adults – posting congratulatory signs at the home of every graduating senior, putting together a ‘parade’ of cars emblazoned with the universities where students were bound, and even creating a special CCHS Facemask for use at a delayed (outdoor) graduation ceremony.

To help maintain a feeling of connection, the Barrow Bookstore hosted regular 4pm “Tea Time” on their social media outlets, with characters ranging from Piglet and Owl to May Alcott and featuring tips on how to make a perfect cup of tea. Virtual movie hour encouraged homebound families to revisit classic films such as Anne of Green Gables or the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Early in the pandemic, residents craned their necks when driving through an otherwise empty Concord Center when they noticed a series of inspirational messages suddenly start to appear on the “Stairway to Nesting.” Each week, Wendi Snider of this charming little shop (Nesting) would surprise passers-by with a new phrase of hope or inspiration.

Strawberry picking at Verrill Farms

| © Pierre Chiha Photography

Innovation

Essential businesses mean more than a place to purchase items in Concord. They are often the very fabric of their neighborhoods. Debra’s Natural Gourmet, Verrill Farm, and the Concord Market all stayed open throughout the pandemic, determined to be there for the community. These family run businesses quickly pivoted, mid-pandemic, to offer curbside no-contact pickup, delivery services, and special time slots for older shoppers to ensure that Concordians could eat well, at home. The stress and strain of keeping staff and guests safe – while adding extra tasks to clean, sanitize, and even shop on behalf of customers – has been difficult all around. But the outpouring of gratitude from residents makes it worth it.

Farfalle Italian Marketplace and Café owner Gina Nasson was an early innovator in the COVID-19 crisis – partnering with fellow busines owners at Copper Penny Flowers and Revolutionary Concord to bring some joy to Concord families in lockdown. Hand delivered care packages (dropped at doorsteps, no-contact) created a ‘fun night in” that included a family meal with dessert, a toy or puzzle for the kids, and beautiful flowers to brighten everyone’s spirits.

The Umbrella Arts Center, sensing the need for parents to give their children an alternative to Zoom calls and schoolyear distance learning, launched a series of free, at-your-own-pace activities for kids of different ages. They also lit up their newly renovated building with messages of deep gratitude for the essential workers who kept the town going through the crisis.

And finally, a beloved Concord tradition was rescued when Verrill Farms found a way to allow ‘pick your own strawberries’ to happen in a world of social distancing. The team there cordoned off mini strawberry patches and used a new reservation system to ensure that families were not placed next to each other while picking the precious fruit. “The system worked so well – everything went so smoothly – that I think we will use it again next year!” said owner Steve Verrill.

Safety first at the Umbrella Arts Center

Knowing What’s Important

Keeping a community united isn’t always about one single leader or initiative. It’s often the many gestures of goodwill, and the outpouring of care from so many unsung heroes, that come together to inspire courage and fortitude in the face of difficulty.  

Years – decades – from now, scholars and historians will look back on 2020 as a a defining moment in the character of “small town America.” Let it be remembered that our town was filled with creativity and compassion when called to step up and support one another.  Let it be remembered that the spirit of the Minuteman still runs strong here in Concord.