A PASSION FOR POTTERY
Hobby potter Jess Smith shares insight into working with clay
WILLIAM & SONS COFFEE CO.
COFFEE & COMMUNITY CROSSWORD AUGUST 21, 2025
SOLVE THE CROSSWORD BY FOR A FREE DRINK OF CHOICE AT OUR CONCORD OR MANCHESTER LOCATIONS.
2. Early crops like corn and tomatoes are ready
6. Sweet syrup flavor often used in fall treats
8. Still fired up for burgers and corn
10. Orange squash featured in pies and lattes 11. A warming spice found in many fall recipes 15. Insects you hear more often as nights cool 17. Type of squash known for its creamy texture 18. Photographer who captured the faces of the Friendly Kitchen, featured in the Concord Monitor
19. Often intense during mid-to-late summer
20. A juicy fruit often paired with spices in fall desserts
23. Spiced apple drink, served warm or cold
24. Summer event with rides, animals, and fried food
26. A cool escape from hot days
27. Chilled version of your favorite brew
1. Savory vegetable roasted or pureed in fall soups
3. A common time for summer travel
4. Classic fruit picked fresh in early fall
5. Smooth coffee steeped in cold water for hours
7. Happens a little earlier each evening in August
9. What cold coffee does on a hot day
11. Where marshmallows meet flames
12. Cold brew infused with creamy nitrogen
13. Concord Monitor Hometown Hero who leads State House tours
14. Earthy spice used in pumpkin and apple dishes
16. Latest group of people interviewed for the Concord Monitor's Disconnected series on phone bans in schools
21. A sign that school is around the corner
22. Herb used in stuffing and autumn roasts
25. What you do slowly on a sunny patio
Cappies launches Top Cap competition announcement
Fifteenyearsago,TheConcordInsiderlaunchedthe Cappies,aseriesoflocalbusinessawardsvotedonbythe communityeachsummer.Thisyear,to markadecadeandahalf,we’reopening upvotingforaspecialextraround. FromAugust16-31,youwillhavethe opportunitytocastyourballotforthe reigningsub-categorywinners,competingforthefirst-evercategorychampiontitle,TheTopCap.Thisadditional competitionwillculminateinacelebrationonSeptember16forallofour2025Cappiesparticipants.
Upcoming events at Shaker Village
By Canterbury Shaker Village
For the Insider
CanterburyShakerVillage hasaseriesofexcitingupcomingevents.Here’sthree happeningbeforetheendof AugustatthehistoriclocationinCanterbury.
NatureJournaling(Saturday,August23at10:30 a.m.)
JoininstructorHeidiColburn,acertifiedNature JournalEducator,forafun andengagingintroductory workshop.
Naturejournalingisa greatwaytosparkcuriosity anddeepenyourconnection withnatureusingjustapen orpencilandanotebook. Thispracticehasbeen foundtohavepositivephysical,emotional,andenvironmentalimpacts!
Thiseventisopentoall ages.Wewillbeoutsidefor anhour,sodressappropriately.Heidiwillteachyou aboutnaturejournalingand howtobegin.Youwillalso havetimetopracticenature journaling.Cost:$15per person.$10forMembers.
DudleyLaufman+The CanterburyCountryDance Orchestra(Sunday,August 24at4p.m.)
Thisconcertfeatures DudleyLaufman+TheCan-
terburyCountryDanceOrchestra,whocontinuetobe fullyengagedina70-year careerasadancecallerfor localcountrydances throughoutNewEngland. Dudleyhastherareability tobothcalladancewhile alsoplayinganinstrument. Heplaysmelodeon,harmonicaandsometimes, whenhisfingersallow,his fiddle!
Cost:Freeadmissionwith asuggesteddonationof$20.
SummerSpecialTourSeries:Atticsandbasements (Tuesday,August26,2 p.m.)
Haveyoueverwanteda chancetogobehind-thescenesatCanterburyShaker Village?Whodoesn’tlike exploringthehiddentreasuresofanatticorbasement?
JoinDirectorofEducation KyleSandlerasheexplores someofthemostinteresting “off-limits”spaceswhile discussingtheimportant rolethatatticsandbasement playedinthedailylifeofthe Village.
Cost:$30perperson.$15 forMembers.IncludesregularVillageadmission.
Forafulleventcalendar andregistrationlinks,visit https://www.shakers.org/ event-calendar/
artist spotlight
Hobby potter Jess Smith
By Rachel Wachman Concord Monitor
Thisweek’sartistspotlight,broughttoyou throughacollaboration withtheConcordInsider andtheConcordArts Market,focusesonpotter JessSmith,wholivesin Concord.
Q:Tellusalittleabout yourself.I’mtheartistbehindEmersonSt.Pottery.I amahobbypotterandhave asmallstudioinmyhome inbeautifulNewHampshire.Myartisfunand quirkyandweirdandtruly notyourtypicalceramic display.ThoughIenjoya goodpotterywheelsession,hand-buildingwith clayisreallymypassion.I findIcanmakesomany things,frommugstomagnetstosculptureand more!
Ifyouarefamiliarwith mywork,youknowthatI oftenincludemessagesof loveandinclusion.Thisis veryimportanttome.Ialso intentionallymakeeachof mypiecesdifferentfrom thenextandthismeans thatyougetaone-of-a-kind pieceofartthatyoucan cherishforaverylong time.
Q:Whatdoesartmean toyou?Artisaformofself expressionandrepresentation.Serious,silly,weird or,whatever!It’sanopportunitytocreatesomething uniqueandthensharethat withcommunity.
Q:Howdidyoufirstget intoyourcraft?Ihavebeen amultimediaartistformost ofmylifeandreallybegan tofocusonclayasmyprimarymediumasanadult. Thereissomethingabout bringinglifetoalumpof claythathasmehooked!
Q:Wheredoyoufindinspiration?Iaminspiredby myfamilyandbythings thatIenjoy.Sometimesa randomideawillpopinto myheadandIrunwithit.
Q:Whatdoesyourcreativeprocesslooklike?I amdefinitelynotaplanner
andIrarelyhavealistof thingsthatIneedorwant tomake.Rather,I’llsitin mystudiowithapieceof clayandletmyhandsbegin buildingorsculpting.Ireallyappreciatethatin-themomentcreativityandfind
A Senior Living Community
henniker
Macrotones to perform
By Henniker Concert Series For the Insider
Boston’s10-piecegroove machine,TheMacrotones, blendfunk,soul,andglobal rhythmsintowhattheycall “imperialfunk”and“astrobeat.”Withpowerful horns,grittyvocals,anddancefloor-fillingenergy, they’vesharedthestage withLeeFields,Durand Jones,andmore.TheyrecentlyheadlinedatJimmy’s, Portsmouth’spremierjazz
Club.TheirlatestEPBloodyHandsshowcasestheirsignatureedgeandinfectious
sound.Besuretomarkyour calendarsfortheirHenniker debutonTuesday,August 26attheAngelaRobinson Bandstand.
Anewerafortheband beganin2019whenfriend andoccasionalguestvocalistPhilDesistojoined full-time.Phil’scommandingandgrittyvocals, drawingcomparisonsto BobbyWomack,sawthe bandembracemoreclassic soulsoundsfromthe’60s and’70s,whileretaining theiredgyfunk.
Recordingandperforminghavebeentheir hallmarkssincetheinceptionoftheband.Whilethe pandemicmadeanylivecelebrationsoftheir2020
studioworkBloody Handsnearlyimpossible, thebandinsteadperformedandfilmeda45minutesetinthewoodsof NewHampshire,debuting neworiginalsandacouple
covers.Thebandisbackto steadygiggingandhasfinallycompletedtheirfirst vocalfulllength,Fromthe Void,outonMusicADDin 2024. TheHennikerSummer MusicSeriesissponsored
bythetownofHenniker, alongwithtonight’s sponsor,89Donuts,which isproudtobeapartofthe communityinHenniker since2008andtakespride inprovidingthebestincoffees,espressos,bakedgoods andsandwiches,sevendays aweek.
WeareindebtedtoWhite Birchforlettingususetheir busestoprovidethisservice andtotheAngelaRobinson MusicFundandNHCharitableFoundationforthe grantmakingthisproject possible.
Wewillbeproviding shuttleserviceto/fromthe concertforHennikerresidents.Theshuttleswillstop attheKnollsandRush
Squaretoaccommodatenondrivingresidentsandinfront oftheGrangeforpeoplewho parktheircarsintheHennikerCommunitySchool parkinglot.Thisistohelpalleviatesomeoftheparking problemsthesehigherattendedshowscreateandto makeitpossibleformore non-drivingresidentstoattendtheconcerts.Wehave flyersatourtableshowing theshuttleroutesandapproximatetimesofpickup.
Allconcertsarefree(althoughdonationsarewelcome),beginat6p.m.and takeplaceattheAngela RobinsonBandstandat CommunityParkonMain Street.Ifthereisinclement weather,concertswillmove indoorstotheadjacent CommunityCenter.Bringa chair,spreadablanket,visit alocalrestaurant,havea picnicsupperonthelawnor samplesomeofthefareprovidedbythisweek’sFood VendorCountrySpirit Restaurant.Joinyourneighborsandfriendsinthis community-buildingevent atourbandstand.Thecompletesummerscheduleand weeklyweatherupdatesare availableontheTownof Hennikerwebsite: www.henniker.organdon ourFacebookpage: https://facebook.com/HennikerConcert.
thatmybestwork arepiecesthatI hadn’tplannedbeforehand.
Q:Whatadvice doyouhaveforaspiringartists?If artisyourpassion, thengoforit!
JessSmithwillbe attheConcordArts Market’sArtsinthe ParkonSaturday, September13in RollinsPark.For moreinformation onherwork,visit https://www.emersonstpottery.net/.
Miss NH hopes to make history for Granite State
XanthiRussell,MissNew Hampshire2025,willbe competinginthenational MissAmericacompetition Sept.2to7.Theambitious 23-year-oldaccomplished 4,000+hoursincommunity servicewhilesimultaneouslyearningherassociate degreeinNHTI-Concord CommunityCollege’sprestigiousparalegalprogram. Shegraduatedwithhonors justweeksafterbeing crowned.
SinceMissAmericabegan in1921,MissNewHampshirehasneverwonthe competition.Russellhopes tobethefirsttobringhome thecrown,gainingrecognitionforherstateand changingsociety’sviewstowardsyoungwomenwho valuefashionalongsideintellect,professionalachievements,andvolunteerism.
Russellwasdrawntothe MissNewHampshirecompetitionbecauseofitspurposeasascholarshipprogram.Shehasearned $61,000throughthecompetitionandgraduateddebt-
freefromNHTIinMay.She madeitaprioritytoinvest thesefundsinthebestacademicopportunitiesavailable.
“Communitycollegewas ano-brainer,”saidRussell, whotransferredtoNHTI fromatraditionalfour-year college.ShefoundNHTI’s paralegalprogramoffered thebestvalueforherhardearnedscholarshipfunds. “ItwasanightanddaydifferenceinhowIwaseducated,”shesaid.“Theeducationismoretailoredtoyour needs.You’renotjusta nameonarosterinaclassof 100students.”Shehopes
theMissAmericacompetitioncanhelpfundherfutureplansforabachelor’s andlawdegree. Inpreparationforthe MissAmericacompetition inearlySeptember,Russell iscurrentlyworkingontap dancechoreographyforher talentshowperformanceat theWaltDisneyTheaterin Orlando.Shehasgonethe extramilebyrecordingher ownsoundtrackforthe show.“Thegratitudeoutweighsthenerves,”shesaid whendiscussingtheupcominghigh-pressureenvironmentofthenational competition.
Irrigation Technician(s)
**$1,000.00 Hiring Bonus**
Capital Well Company, Inc
Located 5 minutes west of Concord is a family owned and operated company since 1986 and currently seeking to hire experienced Irrigation Technicians with both full-time and seasonal opportunities available. If you like working outside, and with a dynamic team we might have a job for you!
-Experience preferred, but willing to train the right person!
-Part time/seasonal and full -time job opportunities available.
-100% employer paid Medical, Dental & Eye Care for Full Time employees-Hours are M-F / 7am - 5pm +/-
To Apply:Please call Jon @ 603-451-6050
Email: jswain@capitalwell.com Website: Capitalwell.com
RN, LNA, LPN, CCHT needed for kidney dialysis. Dialysis experience preferred, but not a must.
Please call 603-528-3738 or send resume to Central NH Kidney Center, 87 Spring St, Laconia, NH 03246 99 Clinton Street, Concord * Two bedroom gardenstyle and townhouse apartments in a
* Covered parking and storage available
om
Business/Commercial
Fox Pond Plaza Rt 106, 1st flr retail 300+ sqft/ht/ac/elec inc 798-3128
Mental Health Clinician
Residential Counselor
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Carpentry Masonry
Garages, Additions, Roofing & Siding, Decks, Remodeling call Eric 264-1035
RALPH A. POTTER Building, Remodeling. Decks, Small jobs. Roofing & Metal Roofing
603-228-2366
Dump Runs
LOOSENZ
Junk, Appliances, Furniture, Cleanouts, Small Moves, Houses, Garages, Basements & Attics From Truck Loads to Dumpsters
Serving Central New Hampshire 7 Days a Week 603-753-8555 603-568-7291
Handyman Services Projects & Repairs
Personalized Handyman Program Available
CW MASONRY EXPERTS
Roof Repairs Chimney Sweeping & all Masonry needs 603-674-0492
Home Improvement
STEVE'S BUILDING REPAIRS
Specializing in small home repairs 45 years experience in building and remodeling Custom Additions
Replacement Decks
Kitchen Installs
Bath Remodels Trim Work
Replacement Doors Hardwood & Laminate call (603) 748-4902 or email: sedgecomb01@gmail.com for more information
Pest Control
Experienced, dependable, reasonably priced and licensed Wildlife Control Operator. Humane wildlife removal.
Field Mowing Construction
EPSOM PAINTING AND CONSTRUCTION
Pressure washing, Roof repair, Home repair, Gutter cleaning, Decks, Tree & brush removal. All aspects of construction. Fully insured
Call Neal 603-416-0669
Roofing
ASPHALT,
CEDAR,
WINDOWS, DECKS AND HOME IMPROVEMENTS SEAMLESS GUTTERS CALL FOR A QUOTE 603-554-5253 FULLY INSURED
TRACTOR FOR HIRE WITH OPERATOR
SERVING HENNIKER & SURROUNDING TOWNS
DRIVEWAYS: Does your driveway need help? We do Hardpack Grading Leveling
MOWING: Fields Pastures Overgrowth List of jobs that can be done is long!
Dennis Lanphear Call 603-470-6660 Call for a free estimate
Pressure Washing
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Avoid Wait Times You Choose 1-8 hrs Monthly
For Details Visit www.FixPaintEtc.com 603-203-4800 FixPaintEtc@gmail.com
Start thinking about Fall Clean Up Power Washing Tree trimming
Brush hog mowing small paint jobs
Woodchucks, porcupines, skunks, raccoons, possums.
Feel free to call for wildlife advice! 603-491-6044
Remote locations & family plots Fully Insured Call Neal 603-416-0669 MJG HANDYMAN LLC
Interior painting & odd jobs Call mike 603-491-8676
Headstone Cleaning & Repair Gravesite Maintenance, Pressure washing, Painting, tree & brush removal
Balancing Birth: How Chiropractic Care Supports Breech Babies Through the Correction
of
Vertebral Subluxation
System
Few experiences are as transformative and complex as pregnancy. As the body adapts to carry and nurture new life, it undergoes countless changes—hormonally, structurally, and neurologically. One of the most important aspects of this journey is the positioning of the baby in utero, especially as labor approaches. Ideally, babies move into a head-down, or vertex, position in preparation for birth. However, in some cases, they remain in a breech position—feet or buttocks down—leading to concerns about birth complications and often resulting in cesarean delivery.
While breech presentation has several known contributing factors, including uterine anomalies and muscular tension, emerging research and clinical experience point to the importance of maternal spinal and pelvic alignment in supporting optimal fetal positioning. This is where chiropractic care, specifically focused on the detection and correction of vertebral subluxation, plays a unique and valuable role.
Understanding Breech Presentation
Breech presentation occurs in approximately 3-4% of fullterm pregnancies. It can present in different forms—complete, frank, or footling breech—each with its own implications for delivery. While some breech presentations may spontaneously correct, others remain unresolved despite various interventions. Traditional medical approaches may include the external cephalic version (ECV), a manual technique used to turn the baby from the outside, or surgical delivery when repositioning is unsuccessful or contraindicated.
However, what is often overlooked is the internal environment that either facilitates or hinders the baby’s ability to move freely into the ideal position. The alignment of the maternal pelvis, the tension in supporting ligaments, and the balance of surrounding musculature all influence the space and conditions within the uterus. Chiropractic care addresses these biomechanical and neurological elements by focusing on the spine and nervous system.
What Is Vertebral Subluxation?
The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves, and it is this obstruction—called vertebral subluxations—that chiropractors correct. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.
Vertebral subluxations may be subtle, yet their impact can be profound. In the context of pregnancy, subluxations affecting the sacrum, pelvis, or lumbar spine may result in imbalances in pelvic alignment or tension in the ligaments that support the uterus, such as the round ligaments and uterosacral ligaments. These imbalances may create intrauterine constraint, reducing the
baby’s ability to assume a vertex position naturally.
How Chiropractic Supports Breech Cases
One chiropractic approach known for its use in pregnancy is the Webster Technique. This technique involves gentle, specific adjustments to the sacrum, along with analysis and correction of associated soft tissue tension. While chiropractic does not aim to “turn the baby,” the goal is to create an environment in the pelvis and uterus that allows the baby to move into the best possible position on its own.
Research and case studies have consistently shown positive outcomes when chiropractic care is included in the care plan for breech pregnancies. In many cases, pregnant individuals receiving Webster-based chiropractic care have reported changes in fetal positioning following adjustments, with subsequent vaginal deliveries. These outcomes speak to the power of restoring alignment and reducing nerve interference to support the body’s natural processes.
Chiropractic Is Not a Treatment for Breech
It is important to understand that chiropractic care does not treat breech presentation or attempt to reposition the baby directly. Instead, chiropractic is focused on the location and reduction of vertebral subluxation, allowing the body to heal itself. This distinction is vital. Chiropractors do not manipulate the fetus or force any changes but work with the nervous system to help the body function as it was designed to. By removing nerve interference and restoring balance to the spine and pelvis, the body is better able to support the positioning and development of the fetus.
This approach is grounded in the principle that the body is selfhealing and self-regulating. When interference to the nervous system is removed, the body can return to a state of better function—whether that means reduced pain, improved mobility, or creating the optimal conditions for a baby to move freely.
The Role of the Nervous System
Pregnancy is not only a physical journey but also a neurological one. The nervous system governs every aspect of development, movement, and adaptation. For both the mother and the growing baby, optimal nerve function is essential. Vertebral subluxations disrupt the flow of communication between the brain and body, often without immediate symptoms. In the context of pregnancy, this disruption may manifest as discomfort, pelvic tension, or even abnormal fetal positioning.
By correcting vertebral subluxations, chiropractic care enhances the function of the nervous system. For the pregnant individual, this can mean greater comfort, improved mobility, and reduced pelvic imbalance. For the baby, it may mean increased space, freedom of movement, and the ability to assume the ideal position for birth.
Collaboration and Evidence
Chiropractors often work collaboratively with midwives, obstetricians, and other birth professionals. In fact, a growing number of midwives now refer their clients to chiropractors who are trained in prenatal care. One recent case report in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic (Hosaka & Alcantara, 2025) described a successful vaginal birth following chiropractic care using the Webster Technique for a woman whose baby was in a transverse lie. The patient’s pelvis was structurally imbalanced, and chiropractic adjustments led to improved fetal positioning, allowing for a safer and more natural birth outcome. This case is one of many highlighting the powerful role that chiropractic can play in supporting natural, healthy pregnancies. As more research is published and more providers integrate chiropractic into prenatal care, awareness continues to grow around the benefits of this holistic, non-invasive approach.
A Natural Path to Better Birth Outcomes
Chiropractic care offers a safe and gentle way to support the pregnant body through one of the most important transitions of life. By focusing on the nervous system and the structural integrity of the spine and pelvis, chiropractors provide essential care that helps both mother and baby function at their best.
For those facing breech presentation, chiropractic offers hope— not by treating the condition directly, but by restoring the body’s ability to adapt and self-correct. As we continue to learn more about the relationship between vertebral subluxation, nervous system function, and birth outcomes, one thing is clear: supporting the body from within can lead to powerful changes from the outside.
Caroline Klaar Photography