"Exhibition on Screen" Art Film Series Begins in May at Park Theatre

Monthly series of art & artist documentaries debuts at Jaffrey performing arts center

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 18, 2023) The acclaimed documentary series about art and artists, EXHIBITION ON SCREEN, will debut at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey on May 10 with Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition. The 8-part series will present one new documentary film each month, May through December on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. They will be screened in the 333-seat Eppes Auditorium with its 27-foot wide screen and 17-speaker surround sound.

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN is the originator and pioneer of bringing exhibition-based art films to the cinema. Working with top international museums and galleries, EXHIBITION ON SCREEN creates films that offer a cinematic immersion into the world's best-loved art, accompanied by insights from leading historians and critics. Since launching in 2011, EXHIBITION ON SCREEN has released 26 films that have been shown in over 66 countries across the globe, and over two million seats have been sold.

The 8-part series begins with Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition on May 10 at 1:30 p.m. In the spring of 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam opened its doors to the largest Vermeer exhibition in history. The show sold out within days of going on sale. This film offers the filmgoer the chance to experience the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition on the big screen.

The series continues with films featuring Mary Cassatt (6/14), Japanese Art (7/12), Monet & Matisse (8/9), Frida Kahlo (9/13), David Hockney (10/11), Leonardo da Vinci (11/08), and Edward Hopper (12/13).

"We are so proud to present this amazing series of art films. Exhibition on Screen documentaries regularly receive 4-star reviews for their films from critics around the world. The films will look magnificent with our state-of-the-art digital projection and sound system. It will be a visual treat for all art lovers. Plus, a second series will begin in 2024." said Steve Jackson, CEO & Managing Director of The Park Theatre.

Tickets for each film are $15. A subscription to the entire series of 8 films is $96, a 20% savings.

Tickets can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org/eos or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. Group sales and private screenings are available.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The facility is fully accessible.

New Documentary About Wildfire Screens At Park Theatre

Earth Day Weekend screening at Jaffrey's performing arts center

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 18, 2023) In honor of Earth Day Weekend, The Park Theatre in Jaffrey will present the acclaimed new documentary film about wildfire this Sunday, April 23, at 4:00 p.m.

Filmed across the West and narrated by Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actor David Oyelowo, Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire (84 min) takes viewers on a journey with the top experts in the nation to better understand fire. The film follows the harrowing escape from Paradise, California, as the town ignited from wind-driven embers and burned within a few hours of the fire's start. It continues to the even more recent fires of the last two years when Oregon, California, and Colorado suffered their worst wildfires in recorded history.

Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire includes the voices of climate experts, Indigenous people, and fire survivors and asks us to reimagine our relationship with wildfire as we prepare for an increasingly hotter future. Former United States Forest Service Chief Michael Dombeck says of the documentary:

"Elemental is an outstanding film that deserves the widest possible viewing. In a visually stunning manner, it distills what we've learned about wildland fire over the decades and provides a road-map for badly needed changes that will benefit thousands of people, particularly in fire-prone communities."

In the wake of destructive fires across the nation, Elemental is an essential look at discovering how everyone can reimagine their relationship with wildfire, and keep homes and communities safe. The solutions are now more timely and urgent than ever.

Elemental director Trip Jennings founded Balance Media and has worked with National Geographic for over a decade. His films have won dozens of awards worldwide and aired on major networks on every continent. For nearly two decades, co-writer Ralph Bloemers has worked on wildfire and community safety, restored burned trails, and assisted the scientific community with bringing their knowledge and research to the public.

Tickets for Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire are $9/$8. A large audience is expected for this important film. Advance tickets are recommended. They can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The facility is fully accessible.

This Week at Nova Arts

Friday, April 21, one of Nova Arts personal favorites, Murphy's Blues, is returning to our stage! Jim Murphy is the band's lead man and he's been playing music for decades. His love of music and art has come together to concoct the perfect Blues sound. He has brought his music all over the Monadnock region and his passion for art into his own family, often playing with his son Jeff. Murphy's Blues are a fun-loving and artistic band that believe the music they play encourages community. Joining Murphy's Blues on Friday's lineup is JJ Slater! The born and raised New Englander has a song for each season, and has mastered the art of storytelling and image painting through his music. He has a folk music sound with a hint of spacey wonder that complements his lyrical style beautifully. Tickets on sale online or at the door for $15. Doors are at 7:00 p.m., music will begin by 8:00. Seating is first come first served, and there will be room for dancing!

Sunday, April 23, Jon Stephens is a Keene local that went from corporate suit to unpredictable musical non-conformist. John's music keeps the reality of life in focus as he weaves musical swagger, country, and rock n' roll to show the world's brutal beauty. We also have Afton Wolfe all the way from Mississippi. Afton takes his southern roots and incorporates them into the music he plays; giving the audience bluesy rock n' roll, with a foundation in country. You'll also notice a hit of Cajun sound from Afton's time in Louisiana. Tickets on sale online or at the door; $15. This is a special early show; doors open at 5:00 p.m. and music will start soon thereafter. Seating is first come first served.

Nova Arts is supported by and under the fiscal sponsorship of Arts Alive, and is supported by the Putnam Foundation and the Osier Fund. Events take place at 48 Emerald St, within Brewbakers Cafe & Terra Nova Coffee. novaarts.org

Mount Wachusett Community College April Events

All events are open to the community, free of charge.

Kevin Hines, Suicide Prevention Speaker
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
1:00 - 3:30 pm
South Café
Details: Hines' personal story includes his own suicide attempt in 2000 by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. After his remarkable survival, he has dedicated his life to sharing his story and teaching people the importance of wellness.

State Treasurer Goldberg Announces Massachusetts Receives Credit Rating Increase from Standard & Poor's

(April 14, 2023) State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg announced today that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has received a credit upgrade from the rating agency, Standard & Poor's (S&P), moving the Massachusetts general obligation bonds to AA+ (stable outlook) from AA (positive outlook). Additionally, S&P raised their long-term ratings to AAA from AA+ on the Commonwealth Transportation Fund (CTF) outstanding revenue bonds.

In its notice to investors, S&P said, "The upgrade reflects our view that the Commonwealth's commitment to strengthen its budget management practices supported by the state's improved reserves and strong economy will be sustained through near-term recessionary pressures."

"We are extremely pleased that the S&P credit rating is now aligned with the other ratings for the Commonwealth's General Obligation bonds," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "The Governor's proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget sent a strong signal that the state's commitment to prudent financial management continues across Administrations. Our Rainy-Day Fund Balance has reached an historic high of approximately $7.1 billion with additional deposits forthcoming, providing excellent coverage for when, no doubt, it will rain again. And we have made progress toward tackling and improving the state's pension liability, lowering the actuarial rate of return to 7% and adopting the new three-year funding schedule."

"I'm thrilled to see S&P recognize the work that we have been doing with the Legislature and Treasurer Goldberg in just a short time to continue to build the state's reserves, while also investing in programs and people to ensure that our economy remains strong and vibrant," said Governor Maura Healey. "We will continue to lean on these best practices to put Massachusetts in the strongest position possible for short- and long-term success."

In addition to a sustainable fiscal year 2024 budget proposal built on sound financial principles, the Healey-Driscoll administration filed a supplement budget last month that would make an additional $100 million transfer to the pension fund. Done in coordination with partners in the House and Senate, this would enable Massachusetts to fully pay down pension liabilities attributable to the 2015 Early Retirement Incentive Program ahead of schedule.

"This upgrade demonstrates how our commitment to responsible budget management can pay dividends to the people of Massachusetts," said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. "It is also proof that a state like Massachusetts can prudently build its reserves, cover long-term liabilities and still invest in priorities like child care, schools, roads, and housing while balancing its books."

State general obligation ratings are largely based on several factors: the state's economy, governmental framework, budgetary performance, financial management, and debt and liability profile. Massachusetts' strong financial management practices and Budget Stabilization Fund levels are generally viewed as credit strengths for the Commonwealth.

State Treasurer's Office Renames and Enhances Small Business Banking Partnership

Invest MA will help revitalize the current program and expand opportunities

Boston (April 19, 2023) - Today, State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg announced the launch of a newly renamed state program, Investing for the Long Term (Invest MA). Previously referred to as the Small Business Banking Partnership (SBBP), Invest MA will enhance the existing guidelines by promoting and strengthening small business growth throughout the state. This initiative shifts state cash deposits under the control of the Treasurer to Massachusetts banks that are willing to expand their small business lending.

Tightened credit markets, and Federal Reserve interest rate increases, represent additional difficulties for owners seeking loans. However, local and regional banks have continued to maintain or expand their loan portfolios, providing critical support for the Massachusetts economy. Invest MA will increase the previous total available funds for deposit to participating banks to $500 million, with an expansion to individual financial institutions, that meet criteria, of up to $15 million.

"By supporting the growth of small businesses, we not only positively impact their own development, but also our local communities and the state's economy, in many positive ways," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "Enhancing our current program ensures that more entrepreneurs have the necessary resources to start, grow, and build their businesses in Massachusetts."

The Treasurer's office is revitalizing and expanding opportunities upon its current scope. According to state data, small businesses and sole proprietorships make up 85% of companies in our Commonwealth. Supporting this specific sector through more robust banking opportunities will be extraordinarily helpful for the state's economic future.

Today's announcement builds on the progress Treasurer Goldberg has made in supporting our state's small businesses. In November, the Treasurer's office launched the Small Business Resource Toolkit, designed to provide a range of relevant, important information, often needed for the challenges that entrepreneurs will encounter. The website offers valuable educational materials on how to plan, maintain, and grow successfully.

The Treasurer's office is now accepting applications for new banking partnerships for Invest MA.