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It’s Friday, Concord! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Vehicle inspection program paused, Granite State Challenge returns despite cuts, and houseplant bingo blooms + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Concord protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

How a contract impasse unfolded: New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection program remains suspended amid a court fight and a lapsed vendor contract. For now, Concord drivers aren’t required to get inspection stickers, but that could change — get all the details.

Legacy of service recognized: CCSNH will honor the Stebbins family with the 2026 Walter R. Peterson Award on April 22 at Great Bay Community College’s 80th anniversary, celebrating their leadership and New Hampshire philanthropy — learn about the award and celebration.

Questions, buzzers, bragging rights: Granite State Challenge is back on NHPBS for its 44th season, airing weekly through May 21, despite federal cuts. Bow High School teacher Jon Cannon hosts as 16 teams compete — see what’s planned this season.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Create DIY sugar scrubs and salts
• Hunt bargains at Concord’s indoor yard sale
• Discuss The First Ladies at Gibson’s
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Handmade finds, solved: League of NH Craftsmen – Concord Fine Craft Gallery brings soul to rooms and gift lists with ceramics, handblown glass, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, and prints from juried artisans. Thoughtful, not fussy… pieces that feel special without being precious. Something unexpected might catch your eye.

Backyard refresh, simplified: In Concord, Visual Changes, LLC builds and installs sturdy, good-looking decks and classic farmer’s porches, backed by 30+ years of craftsmanship. They also handle siding, windows, and roofing, keeping your exterior cohesive and low‑maintenance from top to bottom.

Craving the real catch? Makris Lobster & Steakhouse is a family-owned Concord standby for fresh lobster, crisp fried seafood platters, and warm, we-got-you service. The patio tiki bar lets you pretend it’s July. Ideal for a low-key night when cooking feels optional.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🍎 Pruning Mature Apple Trees Workshop @ Canterbury Shaker Village | Friday (3/13) at 10:00 AM – Learn to tame those gnarly old apple trees in the historic Canterbury Shaker Village orchard with UNH fruit specialist Jeremy Delisle. Bring labeled pruners, gloves, layers, and real boots, maybe snowshoes. Team up, make clean cuts, and leave feeling smug in the best way.

🐾 Party Animals Exhibit Reception @ McLane Center | Friday (3/13) at 4:00 PM – Whether you know your loon from your lynx or like prints, swing by McLane Center for a reception celebrating Party Animals with Concord teacher and printmaker Bethany Clarke. Handprinted linocuts of New Hampshire flora and fauna, light refreshments, a raffle, and zero pretension, cat approved.

📚 Lecture and Book Signing: Grappone Automotive: The Founding @ New Hampshire Historical Society | Saturday (3/14) at 2:00 PM – Pop in for a free talk and book signing with Amanda Grappone Osmer, charting her family’s journey from Italian hill towns to New Hampshire’s go-to dealerships. If you’ve ever bought a car here, you’re basically family, so come for the stories, stay for the signatures.

🔨 Sjrs 33rd Annual Auction Gala @ The Barn at Bull Meadow | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Break out your semi-fancy shoes for the SJRS 33rd Annual Auction Gala at The Barn at Bull Meadow, the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Expect lively bidding, neighborly mingling, and feel-good giving, and if you cannot attend, sponsor a teacher or donate anyway.

🎓 St. Paddy’s Day Fundraiser @ Chamberlin House | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Swap the green beer for good deeds. The Woman’s Club’s St. Paddy’s fundraiser has supported local girls’ scholarships for over 50 years, with food, a silent and live auction, Red Sox tickets, lake escapes, and a Christy quilt. Men welcome, tickets $60 at wccnh.com.

🌿 Houseplant Bingo @ Black Forest Nursery (Boscawen) | Sunday (3/15) at 1:00 PM – Houseplant Bingo is sprouting at Black Forest Nursery with snacks, refreshments, and prizes from 2-inch terrarium minis to 10-inch monsteras. Your $15 gets a reusable card, extras are $2, sessions cap at 30, so the odds, and your windowsill, look unusually robust.

🎳 Bowling Down Cancer @ Boutwell’s Bowling Center | Sunday (3/15) at 1:00 PM – Think your bowling arm still remembers league nights? Lace up, roll a few honest frames, and help fund cancer research at Bowling Down Cancer. Low pressure, high fives, and real community vibes, with bragging rights, friendly ribbing, and feel-good fundraising.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 CCMS Student Recital – Mar 13, 2026 @ Concord Community Music School – 7:00 PM
• 3/13 Church of Cash @ Bank of New Hampshire – 7:30 PM
• 3/14 Swing Dance Night @ Capitol Center for the Arts – 6:30 PM
• 3/14 Boomsoss @ Penuche’s Ale House – 9:00 PM
• 3/15 Live at Flannel Tavern @ Flannel Tavern – 4:00 PM
• 3/17 Fam Jam Family Dance Party @ Concord NH Parks & Recreation Department – 10:30 AM
• 3/17 Music in Our Schools Month – District-Wide String Orchestra Concert @ Capitol Center for the Arts – 6:30 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Concord report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 41°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 43%

A chance of snow after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Snow likely before 2am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 43°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 35%

A chance of rain before 8am, then a slight chance of snow between 8am and 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. West wind 5 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 21.

This house is wild

Move-in ready 3-bedroom end-unit condo in Island Shores near the back entrance, the first building for quick access to mailboxes and guest parking. Assigned parking across from the door leads to a mudroom. A pass-through kitchen connects dining and living with a half bath. Upstairs has two bedrooms, a full bath, and an office nook, plus a private top-floor bedroom.

Take a peek inside →

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