Master Magician Peter Boie at The Park Theatre On June 23

Nationally acclaimed magician comes to Jaffrey performing arts center

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (June 16, 2023) You may not believe in magic, but this magician might change your mind. Nationally acclaimed magician Peter Boie is bringing his "Magician for Non-Believers" show to The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH, on Friday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m.

Peter first became fascinated with magic at the age of eleven when he stumbled across a magic book at his local library. He now travels around the country performing his award-winning magic that will defy your reality. Peter's show is about astonishing magic and having a good time; he doesn't skimp on either. You might recognize him by his trademark orange sneakers or by the people around him freaking out at his magic and having a good time. The title Magician for Non-Believers is about being honest with his audience. Magic isn't real but Peter will make you believe it is for the length of his show. Combining original mind-blowing magic and a heavy dose of humor is his secret to success and why it's made him one of the top-booked college acts around the country.

Peter recently showcased his talents on national TV, where he performed for the CW Network's hit show, Penn & Teller Fool Us. He was also nominated for "Entertainer of the Year Award" from Campus Activities Magazine. Other nominations include 'Best Variety Performer' (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), 'Fastest Rising Star' (2010 & 2012), and 'Best Male Performer' (2011 & 2012).

He has performed for such celebrities as legendary musician Neil Young, quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots football team and ownership.

Peter Boie: Magician for Non-Believers is presented in the 333-seat Eppes Auditorium at The Park Theatre. All tickets for the show are $25. They can be purchased in advance online at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office at (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 95 minutes from downtown Boston. The theatre's bar, The Lounge, will be open at 5:30pm on June 23 with live free music from Park favorite Tom Hsu.

Coming Up at Nova Arts

Friday, June 23 is the first in what we hope will be an ongoing series featuring experimental music; we're calling it Sound Machine. This one will see sound artist, composer, and instrument builder Kristina Warren, from Providence RI. Warren has performed all over the world to significant renown. Also featured this time around will be Monadnock area performers Katie Semro, and Vein Melter. This is going to be an adventurous evening, so come prepared to hear new sounds and ideas!

For all shows, tickets are available at novaarts.org/events or at Brewbakers / Terra Nova Coffee.

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

Nonprofit's New 'Family Resource Center' to Hold Open House in Gardner June 29

Clinical & Support Options will showcase its FRC and available parent support groups, social activities, educational support, and basic needs resources. Magician Eddie Raymond to entertain with family-friendly show

GARDNER - Local nonprofit community behavioral health agency Clinical & Support Options (CSO) is holding an Open House event for its brand-new Family Resource Center (205 School Street, Suite 302, Gardner) on Thursday, June 29 from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Service providers, community partners, and local families are all welcome to explore the facility, meet staff, enjoy some lunch, and learn about the region's newest Family Resource Center. Local magician Eddie Raymond will perform for children and families between 12:30-1:30pm.

Massachusetts Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are the brainchild of the Mass. Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Mass. Department of Children and Families (DCF). An FRC is a place where people of all ages, incomes, and abilities are welcome to develop helpful and caring connections with each other. They are staffed by trained professionals dedicated to helping parents, children, and families find emotional support and practical assistance to succeed. All services are entirely free to any family with children (0-18).

CSO was awarded the FRC contract for the new Gardner location, marking the nonprofit agency's third FRC (with others in Amherst and Great Barrington). To date, more than 30 FRCs have been created across all 14 counties in the Commonwealth.

"CSO has served the North County region from our outpatient clinic in Gardner for more than seven years now," CSO President & CEO Karin Jeffers said. "In that time, we've seen the need for local services grow."

Jeffers added, "I really like the Family Resource Center model. There's no long intake process. There's no insurance requirement. It's just a well-staffed, family-friendly environment waiting to help people. Families can just walk in, meet with staff, and get support for a wide range of challenges--or just enjoy meeting other parents and families and sharing their journey."

Leading the new FRC staff will be Paula Spivey, LMHC, a longtime clinical supervisor and Family Support Services provider for CSO.

"North County families mean so much to me," Spivey said. "I've been working with families here for a decade, and it's just so rewarding to now bring them this robust, free solution. For busy parents juggling a wide range of responsibilities and challenges, the FRC represents a drop-in problem-solver and support center. It's also a place where families can meet each other, share ideas and experiences, and make friends."

The Open House event will be held from 12-2 p.m. at the Gardner FRC (205 School Street, Suite 302, Gardner) on Thursday, June 29. Attendees will enjoy a tasty taco bar, healthy snacks, music, face-painting, and games and activities for children. No RSVP necessary, but questions are welcome--call 978 730-1275 or send an email to Director Paula Spivey at paula.spivey@csoinc.org.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND AT THE FRC
Family Resource Centers, like CSO's new School Street location, are designed to be accessible solutions for families seeking health, safety, educational and employment services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all of these services continue, but many are available remotely.

CSO's team at the Gardner FRC are trained and ready to help local families with a broad range of concerns, including:

• Career--Find help looking for employment, exploring career options, and discovering which jobs are a good fit.
• Child Care--Attend parenting groups with onsite child care.
• Early Childhood--Develop positive parenting skills that will improve a child's growth and development. Participate in playgroups and activities.
• Education--Get study support for adult GED testing as well as information about career training.
• Family Support--Obtain direct assistance or referrals to groups that promote family unity and successful life skills.
• Financial--Attend workshops and consultations to manage a budget, save for the future, or repair credit.
• Housing--Navigate the system to find ways of meeting housing needs.
• Legal--Get help working with local juvenile courts to identify services for youth.
• LGBTQ--Join supportive, social networking groups for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer teens and families.
• Medical--Identify potential medical services.
• Mental Health--Engage in an atmosphere of support and wellness, with clinical referrals available.
• Peer Support--Connect and learn from other parents/guardians, grandparents, and youth.
• School Services, Homework Help & Special Ed--Ensure children receive the support and resources they need with homework, school plans, and more.
• Recovery Resources--Access local support groups. Connect with outpatient and/or residential treatment programs.

North Central Massachusetts Chamber Received 5-Star Accreditation

Left to right are members of the Board of Directors of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber's 39th Annual Meeting celebrating the Chamber's recent 5-Star accreditation. First row: Roy Nascimento, president & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Rodrigo Souza, owner of Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse. Second Row: Dr. Richard Lapidus, president of Fitchburg State University; Bruce Platzman, co-founder of AIS, Inc.; Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO of Leominster Credit Union; Melissa Glenny, president of Franklin Professional Associates; Jackie Cullen, co-owner of River Styx Brewing; Rachel Lopez, president & CEO of Resource Management, Inc; Christopher McCarthy of Fidelity Bank; Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith's Country Cheese; Nicole Moorshead, general manager of the Chocksett Inn and the Colonial Hotel. Back Row: Matthew Fournier, president of Elite Construction & Design; Henry Tessman, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge New England; Nick Haritos, president & CEO of AIS, Inc.; John Heroux, president of Micro Machine & Electronics; Steven Rocheleau, president & CEO of Rocheleau Tool & Die; Dr. James L. Vander Hooven, President of Mount Wachusett Community College; Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group; and Lori Richardson, president of Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts. Not pictured: Michael Johansen, president & CEO of Bemis Associates.
Photo courtesy of Roy Nascimento

North Central Mass. - The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a 5-star Accreditation as a result of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community by the Accrediting Board of the United States Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made to an audience of nearly 300 business and community leaders at the Chamber's Annual Business Meeting earlier this month.

Accreditation is the only national program to recognize chambers of commerce for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to achieve this recognition, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications and technology. This comprehensive self-review was conducted over a four-month period and required preparation of an extensive application, including compilation and review of volumes of materials required by the Accrediting Board, and demonstration of competency in nine core areas ranging from finance to facilities.

Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the U.S., there are currently only 140 5-Star rated chambers, which represent the top three percent of all chambers in the country. In Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only two chambers with this prestigious accreditation.

"When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership," said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber vice president, Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. "This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber's policies, operations, and programming. Accredited chambers are recognized for their continued advocacy of free enterprise, and for their commitment to serving members and their local business communities. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment."

"We are incredibly honored to receive this national designation which places us among the best chambers of commerce in the country," said Roy M. Nascimento, president & CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. "We challenged ourselves to improve our Chamber for the betterment of our members and our region. Receiving this accreditation only motivates us to continue to remain engaged, active and innovative on behalf of our members and communities in North Central Massachusetts."

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board.

The accreditation report noted the North Central Massachusetts Chamber has demonstrated an excellent track record of operating a successful chamber and achieving desirable results for its members. Several of the Chamber's programs, events and initiatives were highlighted for special recognition, including its leadership role in helping members and the community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Chamber's leadership in talent and workforce development. The Chamber also received special recognition for its thoughtful and impactful efforts around government affairs and volunteer recognition, and for investments it has made in technology.