This year’s final First Thursday is coming up this week, with several events centered over near the Swamp Locks on Thorndike/Dutton.  A special Lowell Walk, live music, ethnic food, and a creative lighting of the Swamp Locks canal complex are all on the schedule.

After the recent power outage downtown, there’s now a link on the “Links” page of this site that will take you to the National Grid Outage Map where you can find out if they know of the problem and if a repair crew has been assigned.  Of course, if you’re dependent on your home computer to get online and the power’s out, this isn’t going to do you much good, but for those of you with smart phones, it may be useful.

Lowell has replaced their old emergency notification system with a new one called Civic Ready.  You can subscribe to receive announcements about a range of issues via  e-mail, phone, or text messages.  I found the old system very useful for learning of snow emergencies, water main breaks, and other traffic/parking issues. Here’s hoping the new one is equally helpful.

The Cultural Organization of Lowell recently opened a cute little storefront on Merrimack St.  The hours are still in flux, but I recommend checking it out.  Should be a great place for Christmas shopping this season (and they have my dance history book available too!)

And speaking of unique shopping opportunities, try stopping by the weekly Sunday farmer’s market at Mill no. 5.  It’s got a tempting selection, live music, and great atmosphere.  Next Sunday’s holiday weekend Farmer’s Market should be extra special.  And next Saturday is Open Studios at Western Ave as well as a flea market at Mill no. 5—both events run noon to five.  Lots of fun things to do within walking distance as the summer comes to a close!