Comedian-Actor Lenny Clarke Performs Live at The Park Theatre on September 16

Acclaimed comedian and actor brings his Boston "saloon comedy" to Jaffrey performing arts center

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (September 8, 2023) Legendary comedian and actor Lenny Clarke performs on the Eppes stage at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire on Saturday, September 16 at 8:00 p.m.

In the entertainment industry, Lenny Clarke is best recognized for his biting social commentary, anecdotal comedy, and thick Boston accent, as well as his part as Uncle Teddy in the successful FX series RESCUE ME. Additionally, he has acted in his own sitcom, LENNY. He has appeared on the big screen in movies like MONUMENT AVE, FEVER PITCH, and SOUTHIE.

Alongside Salma Hayek and Kevin James, he starred in the full-length movie HERE COMES THE BOOM. In the 2006 film, WHEN STANDUP STOOD OUT, Clarke's standing as the most well-known "saloon comic" in Boston during the 1980s was documented. The story describes his early professional life and connections to other Boston comedians, including his close friends Steven Wright and Denis Leary.

Tickets for Lenny Clarke are $35, and seats are reserved. 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 facility is completely accessible. The theatre's bar, The Lounge, will be open at 5:30 pm on the day of Mr. Clarke's performance with live free music from Bernie & Louise Watson.

World Premiere Of Mount Monadnock Documentary at Park Theatre

The first definitive documentary about the world's 2nd most climbed mountain debuts at Jaffrey performing arts center on October 6

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (September 11, 2023) Mount Monadnock has a special meaning for those who climb it, paint it, write about it, or live near it year-round or on vacation. Over ten years in the making, a new documentary about this majestic giant will make its world premiere next month in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Monadnock: The Mountain that Stands Alone will have a special debut screening on Friday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the 333-seat Eppes Auditorium at The Park Theatre. There will be a Q&A panel with the filmmakers after the screening. The event is a fundraiser for the theatre.

New Hampshire based Rabbit Ear Films and filmmaker Daniel J. White produced this one-hour documentary.

Filmed over ten years on and around the mountain, the documentary Monadnock: The Mountain that Stands Alone uses live cinematography, original music, and historical archival imagery to tell the story of the original inhabitants of the region, those who were inspired by the mountain--Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Abbott Thayer, Amos Fortune, Willa Cather...and the hard work of those to preserve the mountain-including money from children's piggy banks to save "our" mountain.

The film will have its television premiere on NH PBS in November 2023.

Filmmakers' bios:

Daniel J. White grew up in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, and has worked in film for twenty-five years on over 20 films as an editor, producer, cinematographer, and director.

Steve Hooper is a retired Keene Sentinel photographer. Hooper produced an award-winning documentary, An American Nurse at War.

Artist Miranda Nelken will have her artwork that was used in the documentary on display in the theatre during the premiere event.

A special VIP reception with the filmmakers and funders will start at 5:30 p.m. There will be music and food with a cash bar during the reception. Tickets for the VIP reception (including the movie) are $35 each. Regular premiere night tickets are $20, and seats are reserved.

The film will also have two regular screenings the following day, October 7, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets for those screenings are $10/$9.

Due to the nature of this event, tickets should be purchased in advance whether online at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office at (603) 532-8888.

The film is part of The Park Theatre's Filmmaker Series.

The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 95 minutes from downtown Boston. The facility is completely accessible.

Global Theatrical Phenomenon Comes to Jaffrey's Park Theatre for Third Time

6 ten-minute plays written and produced in 24 hours

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (September 13, 2023) The Park Theatre will present The 24 Hours Plays: MONADNOCK! on Saturday, September 30, at Jaffrey, New Hampshire's acclaimed Park Theatre performing arts center.

The 24 Hour Plays is a global theatrical experience licensed to theatre groups around the world. High schools, universities, community theaters, and professional theaters produce their own 24 Hour Plays productions. Over the past ten years, productions have been mounted in London, Athens, Florence, Dublin, Edinburgh, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Mexico City, New York and numerous other U.S. cities. Participants around the world have included Tim Daly, Anthony Edwards, Kathy Bates, Rachel Dratch, Justin Long, Marcia Gay Harden, Hugh Dancy, and your neighborhood dentist.

Over 30 local writers, directors, actors, stage managers, and tech staff come together for the first time at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29. They collaborate and, over the next 24 hours, produce six brand new ten-minute plays that debut for one night only at the Park Theatre in downtown Jaffrey on Saturday, September 30.

The Park Theatre is co-producing the theatrical event with Jaffrey's community theatre group, The Matchbook Players. Paige Johnson is a familiar participant with local theatre groups, including The Edge Ensemble, Theater Kapow, and Peterborough Players. Paige Johnson started The Matchbook Players in 2016 in hopes of fundraising for The Park Theatre to ensure the Monadnock region had a space to create and produce live theatre.

“This is the type of unique theatrical experience The Park Theatre wants to bring to the Monadnock region," said Steve Jackson, CEO and Managing Director of The Park Theatre. "We want to give our theatre audiences something unexpected, thrilling and community-focused," Jackson added.

"We are very excited to partner with The Park Theatre for this next production and look forward to the future. The new theatre is a blessing for theatre performers and fans throughout the Monadnock region," said Paige Johnson, founder and Artistic Director of The Matchbook Players.

The 24 Hour Plays: MONADNOCK! is produced under the authority of The 24 Hour Company, Inc. of New York City.

The one-night-only performance of The 24 Hour Plays: MONADNOCK! will be performed in The Park's 333-seat Eppes Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Tickets for the single performance are $12.00 each. (Student, teacher, child, and military discount tickets are $10) Tickets can be purchased by going to 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 has a lounge bar and is fully accessible.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

KEENE, NH - Nova Arts excitedly announces the warm welcome of the talented Jeffrey Foucault and Zak Trojano on Saturday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. at 48 Emerald St. in Keene, NH.

Nova Arts truly knows how to spread satisfying sounds into Keene's community. Opening up is Zak Trojano, who is a musically gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose calm confidence guarantees a captivating show. Followed by Jeffrey Foucault, who will present his mastery of technique as he unwinds a deeply patient collection of songs at the borderlands of memory and desire.

"In two decades on the road, Jeffrey Foucault has become one of the most distinctive voices in American music, refining a sound instantly recognizable for its simplicity and emotional power, a decidedly Midwestern amalgam of blues, country, rock'n'roll, and folk." Those who listen to his music feel the sensation and force it holds, and the familiarity of his tone creates a safe space for his listeners. Foucault is praised for his sheer and literate songs, which are perceived to be as wide open as the landscape of his native Midwest.

Foucault's crisp and differentiating music has allowed him to build an international touring career on multiple studio albums, traveling countless miles. He is described as "Quietly brilliant" (The Irish Times), while catching the ear of everyone from Van Dyke Parks to Greil Marcus, to Don Henley, who regularly covers Foucault in his live set. The collection BLOOD BROTHERS is the sixth collection of original songs in a career.

Zak Trojano has developed a fascination for creating music of his own. Being surrounded by the sounds of his drummer father who had his own regular country gig, Trojano was bound to pick up a sixth sense of music. "After a while, it seemed like he ought to write some songs, and he did: heavy songs with a light touch; an AM radio throwback voice and an intricate finger-style technique framed by a drummer's rhythm."

In over a decade of writing, recording, and performing music professionally while sharing studios and stages with his band Rusty Belle, Zak Trojano has evolved his own musical artistry. "A warm baritone paired with an old Martin guitar, floating above spare lines of cello and lap steel, horns, and brushes, with a deceptively simple lyricism." His music is soothing and certainly worth the listen.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., music begins at 8:00. Seating is first come first served. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the show. For more information and ticket purchases please visit NovaArts.org.

https://jeffreyfoucault.com/news

Rindge Community Conversations

The Rindge Bridging Differences Group will be leading Community Conversations on Fourth Tuesdays at the Rindge Meeting House from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The first gathering will be September 26, with additional meetings October 24, January 23, February 27, March 26.

Each conversation will have a topic of discussion and a facilitator. The goal is to hear from each other about difference, and dealing with difference. The September 26 conversation will focus on getting to know each other and our experiences with difference.

The Bridging Differences Group is an informal gathering of people interested in figuring out how we in Rindge can be more intentional about talking to each other, getting to know each other, and respecting the great variety of people and opinions around us.

The Bridging Differences Group is non-religious and non-political.

Light Refreshments will be provided by Rindge Congregational Church. Everyone is welcome.

The Bridging Differences Group formed after Ingalls Memorial Library offered a racial justice discussion. They sponsored a workshop on Non-Violent Communication, and then, with financial support from Rindge Congregational Church, they offered Active-Bystander Training at the Cathedral of the Pines.

The Community Conversations are intended to be more discussion and less training focused. For more information contact Rindgerj@gmail.com.

Massachusetts Girl Returns Home to Pour her Wines from California

Connect with Gardner native, Kali Kopley, for a tasting at Anthony's Liquor Mart October 5. Stop by to taste Lumen Wines and hear more about Kali's businesses in California.

Growing up in Gardner, Massachusetts, Kali Kopley never imagined that she would become a successful winery owner in California. After graduating from Gardner High School, she wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life. In 2001 Kali applied for a job as a social worker with Catholic Charities in California which led her to Lake Tahoe. Here she developed an exciting career in the Lake Tahoe food and wine industry.

In 2006 Kali asked her father, Ken Kopley, for a small loan. He declined, saying $15,000 was a lot of money, and he thought law school would be a better option for her. Despite this setback, Kali persevered and at age 29 she felt confident about this business opportunity. Being an entrepreneur himself, Ken flew to California to help his daughter open her first wine shop, Uncorked in Olympic Valley, California.

Kali took a leap of faith with her first wine shop where she also happened to meet her husband, Will Henry. "My first wine shop was a risky decision, but I was determined to make it work. I spent countless hours working, tasting wine and learning about wine regions around the world, varieties and techniques in wine making. Honestly, I would do it all over again, the food and wine industry is so fun."

Will's father also helped him get his start in the wine industry. As one of California's top wine importers and distributors of fine wine, Will's father had all the right connections (including Kali). When Will said he wanted to make Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County, Warner Henry knew just who to call.

Lumen Wines is primarily known as a Pinot Noir producer located in Santa Barbara County. The small, boutique winery focused on organic and regenerative farming and winemaking practices. "There is a lot to learn in the vineyards," said Kopley, "Our climate in the Santa Maria Valley allows us to grow food crops year round. We have tomatoes growing until the end of October, olive and avocado trees, and we harvest citrus and strawberries throughout the year. The ocean influence creates cooler days and warmer nights, the sandy soils provide minerality in the wines. The perfect terroir for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay."

The climate must be perfect as Lumen Wines consistently earns top scores from Wine Enthusiast. The current release of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are on the shelves in Massachusetts, both received over 90 points. Kali and Will also produce Pinot Gris (yes, think pinot grigio) and Grenache.

Kali is proud to say that she is a successful winery owner, and their wines are poured in some of the best restaurants and wine bars across the world. It's been an exciting food and wine journey, and she wouldn't have it any other way. "I am grateful for the support of my family and friends, and I am excited to pour our wines in Massachusetts in October."

You can reunite with Kali (Gardner High graduate 1994) at Anthony's Liquor Mart at 12 Pearson Blvd., Gardner, MA, on October 5, 2023. Anthony's carries five of the Lumen wines. All will be sampled between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Treasurer Goldberg and Citizens Announce Small Business Financial Empowerment Series

Series will focus on how to plan, maintain, and grow a successful small business

n collaboration with Citizens, State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg s Small Business Initiative (SBI) opened its online registration for its Small Business Financial Empowerment Series. These free virtual workshops will equip Massachusetts entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills necessary to create a strategy, implement successful planning, and make wise financial choices, to keep the business stable and growing.

The series will kick off on September 13, 2023, with an event featuring Treasurer Goldberg and leadership from Citizens, and will run through October 4. Each week, participants will attend virtual trainings presented by experts from Citizens, who will cover topics related to creating a business strategy, implementing business operations and financial management tools, and how to communicate to reach your target market.

You can register for one or more of the following sessions at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5ns3zA_wQ_q0hZT4mCMGow#/registration

Creating a business strategy
September 13 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Business operations
September 20 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Financial management
September 27 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Communicating your business
October 4 3:00pm - 4:00pm

"These webinars will provide entrepreneurs with access to quality resources that will help them to start up and grow their own businesses," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "By providing this kind of support from the beginning, we will help ensure greater opportunities for them, their local communities and the state's economy overall."

In November 2022, Treasurer Goldberg announced a newly designed Small Business Resource Toolkit website through SBI. The toolkit provides access to comprehensive resources and materials for small business owners and future businesspersons in Massachusetts.

Under the direction of Treasurer Goldberg, SBI was designed to provide a range of relevant, important information, often needed, when facing the enormous challenge of starting a small business for the first time. Typically, it is challenging to easily find the resources and advisors that can help lead to success. The website and webinars offer valuable educational materials on how to plan, maintain and grow a successful small business.