Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Concord’s beloved holiday pop-up suddenly vanished after 14 festive years

Also check out Jazz Sanctuary Christmas Special on the Concord Patch calendar

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Greetings Concord! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Concord’s beloved holiday pop-up suddenly vanished after 14 festive years
  • Why a major fraud case is landing in Concord’s federal court
  • How a 21-point night against Concord showcased Pinkerton’s new leader

Also on today's calendar: Jazz Sanctuary Christmas Special and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 41 and low of 16 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Mostly sunny; windy, colder, temps: high: 28, low: 20.
  • Tuesday: Intermittent snow, 2-4", with a high of 30 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Holiday pop-up shop Concord Handmade closes after 14 years (concordmonitor.com) — Downtown Concord’s holiday shopping scene is missing a familiar favorite this year, as the Concord Handmade pop-up shop has closed after 14 seasons of showcasing dozens of New England artists. Founder Alison Murphy says juggling her Goffstown store and the seasonal shop became unsustainable, but she hopes someone new might revive the concept and keep Concord’s creative, buy-local spirit thriving.
   

2. Former newspaper publisher indicted for Ponzi fraud (vermontdailychronicle.com) — A high-profile federal fraud case tied to a former New Hampshire newspaper publisher is headed to U.S. District Court in Concord, where Jay Lucas is expected to appear following his indictment. Prosecutors say he diverted millions in investor funds to personal expenses, a struggling Claremont paper, and a luxury skincare business, while he maintains the presumption of innocence as the case proceeds.
   

3. From young star to leader: Benz guiding youthful Pinkerton girls basketball team (unionleader.com) — Pinkerton Academy senior Brooke Benz is emerging as a key leader for a very young Astros girls basketball team, highlighted by her 21-point performance in a 70-24 win over Concord. The roundup also notes Concord Christian’s dominant 70-19 victory over Memorial, with Emma Smith scoring 26 points, plus other NH girls hoops results.
   

4. Autopsy: Suspect in Brown University shooting died by suicide days before he was found (inklink.news) — Concord-based state officials have released autopsy findings for the man identified as the suspected Brown University gunman, confirming he died by suicide from a gunshot wound. Investigators estimate he died on December 16, and his body was later found in a Salem storage unit. Authorities also link him to a separate fatal shooting in Brookline, Massachusetts.
   

5. Executive Council Approves $5M For Firefighter Screenings; Budget Cuts Criticized (patch.com) — Key state decisions made in Concord this week will shape health care, firefighter cancer screenings, and social services across New Hampshire, including funding cuts critics say will strain local communities. The Executive Council approved $5 million for firefighter health screenings and advanced a major rural health initiative, while advocates blasted DHHS contract reductions they argue will hurt vulnerable residents and shift costs onto towns.
   

📸 Around Concord

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Washburn: Another City Of Concord Giveaway —Robert Washburn Read on Patch
  • National security agency backs NHTI’s cybersecurity program —Emily Marsh Read on Patch
  • New Hampshire Public Health Association Announces Newly Elected Board Members —See New Hampshire Read on Patch
  • Last Box of 2025...
    Started this one on November 30, finished it yesterday... Woods used were: Tiger Wood for the sides, Ash for the top and bottom panels, Mahogany … (Nextdoor South Main)
  • On behalf of Concord Historical Society:
    Did you know 2026 marks a major milestone for Concord and New Hampshire? In 2026, Concord will celebrate its 300th anniversary, while New Hampshire… (Nextdoor WestSide Concord)
  • Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. posted a job opening for Activities Assistant in Concord. Apply here.
  • Luxury Bath Technologies posted a job opening for In-Home Design Consultant in Concord. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Concord here.

Ok Concord! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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