Women who wanted to continue the connections they had made in Newcomers, an organization for new families in town, founded Milldames over 40 years ago. Both organizations provide a social and community service outlet. Over the years Milldames has been involved in many service projects. Members have volunteered at the hospital and the library.

Members provide two lunches each year to the Council on Aging, they serve at the Open Table, and they have helped with Concord Prison Outreach. Many of the original FISH volunteers came from Milldames and there are many still involved. FISH is an organization that provides rides to and from medical appointments in or near Concord for those who are unable to drive themselves. FISH will be covered in a later column.

The group also has fun. They have a book group and a bridge group. When Milldames started there was a potluck lunch group that has morphed and members now have the opportunity to try different area restaurants. Once a month Milldames has an ”event,” such as a tour of the Alcott House, Nov. 4. Past events included museum trips and lectures. A newsletter, with Louise Haldeman as editor, is published monthly.

For further information contact Rosemary Lionetta, president, 978-369-2101, conclion539@aim.com. or Polly Murray, treasurer, 978 369 6937, murray945@comcast.net. Dues are $20 per year. Each year Milldames awards scholarships to two special needs graduates of our high school who are planning to attend college.

The next time you go to the Concord Main Public Library note the bench at the Sudbury Road entrance. The Milldames gave the bench to the library on its 40th birthday.