New Documentary About William Shatner Screens at Jaffrey's Comic Con

"William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill" plays a marathon day at Monadnock Comic Con on May 4

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 29, 2024) The premiere Monadnock Comic Con will present the new hit documentary about William "Captain Kirk" Shatner this Saturday, with continuous showings starting at noon (until 8 pm) at The Park Theatre in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill is the critically acclaimed new documentary about the larger-than-life actor William Shatner. It is an intimate portrait of Shatner's personal journey over 93 years on this Earth. You Can Call Me Bill strips away all the masks to reveal the life, lessons, and man behind it all.

From a make-believe starship captain to a real-life rocketman, William Shatner has led one of the most unique and best-lived lives on the planet. And while the actor William Shatner may be recognizable around the globe, the man behind the masks is even more interesting than the iconic roles he's played. The film is produced by the award-winning documentary team at Exhibit A Pictures (Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist, Memory: The Origins of Alien, 78/52: Hitchcock's Shower Scene). They have created this fascinating look at one of the most illustrious actors of our time.

This film is being played in tandem with two of the Spider-Verse series audience beloved films, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018), and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023). Those films will play in the 333-seat Eppes Auditorium with its giant screen and 17-speaker surround sound.

These three films are part of the first-ever Monadnock Comic Con, a two-day event (May 3 & 4) in Jaffrey produced by The Park Theatre, Escape Hatch Books, and Team Jaffrey. There will be free comics, characters in costume, vendors (comic books, posters, collectibles), food, music, and the movies. Events happen at the theatre, the Escape Hatch Book Store and on Main Street between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day.

The William Shatner documentary will be screened in The Park's King Screening Room. Tickets are $10 ($9 for seniors, students, children, teachers and active military). To purchase advance tickets go to theparktheatre.org/comic-con or call the box office (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston.

Marathon Screenings of Original Superman Cartoons at Jaffrey's Comic Con

The entire celebrated 1940s cartoon series screened at Park Theatre, May 3

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 30, 2024) When the Fleischer Brothers Studios and Paramount Pictures debuted the first cartoon series of the popular Superman comic books in the fall for 1941, it was an instant success. The cartoons were presented before feature films in theaters with movie trailers and newsreels. The acclaimed series ran from 1941 to 1943 and received an Academy Award nomination. In honor of the debut of Monadnock Comic Con in Jaffrey, the complete 17-episode series will be presented nonstop with four screenings on Friday, May 3, starting at 11am in the King Screening Room at The Park Theatre.

Dave and Max Fleischer had a celebrated Hollywood animation studio with popular characters Betty Boop, and Popeye, and Superman but they were always in the shadow of Walt Disney. However, anyone who has seen their feature-length film of Gulliver's Travels would agree that Disney had a formidable competitor capable of stunning animation, stories, and music.

Screenings of Superman The Original Cartoons will begin at 11am on May 3. They will continue through the day and into the night. Tickets are $5, and each ticketed patron receives a free regular popcorn. Patrons may come and go to the screenings as they wish. To purchase advance tickets go to to theparktheatre.org/comic-con or call the box office (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre, Escape Hatch Books, and Team Jaffrey are producing Monadnock Comic-Con, the new 2-day event including movies, free comics, comic book and collectible sellers & other vendors, live cartoonists, food, music and characters in costume. The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

"That Thing in the Spring" Happening May 16-19

From Thursday May 16 through Sunday May 19, the Thing in the Spring will be unfolding at Nova Arts in Keene NH; it's the 16th Thing, and the 3rd since it moved to Keene. Both weekend passes and single day tickets are available now at thethinginthespring.com and at Brewbakers / Terra Nova Coffee.

As usual, the Thing's programming offers audiences an eclectic curation of performances throughout the four day festival, as well as within just a single day. This way, no matter what someone is able to attend, there is a unique opportunity awaiting them. Each day on its own is an exciting combination of world renowned artists and regional acts; string four days of this together and what you have is a truly special resource for the Monadnock region.

This year's festivities begin with a kickoff party hosted by the folks at Cooper's Hill - they'll be making the trip to Keene and emceeing the show which features eight performances from groups spread all around New England. The evening is headlined by the region's own Modern Fools.

Friday has a lean toward jazz and avant garde music, featuring jazz trumpet legend Wadada Leo Smith, pioneering hiphop producer Prefuse 73, and capped off my avant garde guitar maestro Marc Ribot, as well as the Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis. The Messthetics feature the rhythm section of Fugazi, and Lewis is the biggest name on tenor sax currently, as well as a former MacDowell fellow.

Saturday will see the very first New Hampshire appearance by stoner / doom innovators Earth, as well as composer and master violist Jessica Pavone, favorites the Huntress and Holder of Hands, and psychedelic lifers Sunburned Hand of the Man. There will also be a deep poetry review & a book event with Chelsea Granger at Toadstool.

Sunday features Big Thief songwriter / guitarist / singer Buck Meek, as well as singer/songwriters Nina Nastasia, Jolie Holland, and Song Exploder helmer and the One AM Radio himself, Hrishikesh Hirway. There will also be a city bird walk led by the Harris Center, and celebration of the new book of Dan Blakeslee's rock posters!

This all amounts to around 35 bands on 2 stages all at 48 Emerald St, with backdrops by Nathaniel Russell, and a tap takeover by Post and Beam Brewing! We hope to see you there.

Making Opportunity Count Unveils New Logo to Mark a New Era of Expanded Services

Fitchburg, MA - Making Opportunity Count, a leader in human services and early education across the North Central region, has announced the launch of its new logo, symbolizing a fresh chapter in the organization's storied history of community service. This comprehensive rebrand showcases the organization's growth and the broadening of its mission to encompass a wider array of critical offerings, from health services to homeless intervention programs.

"We are proud to introduce a logo that prominently displays 'Opportunity' as the core of who we are," said Kevin Reed, CEO of Making Opportunity Count. "This new logo represents our interconnected work and is symbolic of upward mobility for clients and staff. It comes at a time when our services, especially in integrated care, are more crucial than ever."

Making Opportunity Count has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues such as homelessness, health services, and early education needs. In the past year alone, the organization responded to the state's call to action by opening seven new shelters, significantly bolstering efforts to manage the homelessness crisis. Further, the expansion into mental health and sexual & reproductive health programs marks a significant broadening of the organization's community-based health services, addressing urgent community needs with comprehensive solutions.

The new logo, featuring vibrant colors and a modern design, replaces the previous version adopted in 2019 during the transition from Montachusett Opportunity Council to Making Opportunity Count. While the earlier logo refresh retained elements of the original, the latest redesign boldly steps forward, embracing a new identity that mirrors the depth and breadth of services now offered.

"This design captures the essence of our mission--placing opportunity at the heart of everything we do," added Reed. "As we turn this new page, we hope our renewed visual identity will inspire and unite our staff, partners, and the communities we serve."

For more information about Making Opportunity Count and its services, please visit www.mocinc.org.

Freedom's Way National Heritage Area Announces the 2024 Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History

DEVENS, MA, April 29, 2024 - Freedom's Way National Heritage Area is pleased to announce the 2024 Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History.

Offered during the month of May, "Hidden Treasures" showcases the people, places and stories that make the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area a special place to live, work and visit. With more than 55 programs and events organized by nearly 70 nonprofit, local, state, and federal partners there's something for everyone.

The Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History provides an opportunity to explore a region rich in history and natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy a guided walk, tour a museum, visit a farm, and so much more—all for free!

"Offering a wide range of experiences, Hidden Treasures is a unique way to experience the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area and learn about the region's role in shaping America's story," explained Patrice Todisco, Executive Director of Freedom's Way. "It's a great way to learn something new, discover a 'treasure' hidden in plain sight and have fun."

Engage with the past, find inspiration for the future, and make memories while exploring the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area during the month of May. Share your favorite treasures for a chance to win a prize by emailing photos to hiddentreasures@freedomsway.org.

Hidden Treasures events and activities are featured on the Freedom's Way website's Community Calendar and Interactive Map, as well as in the free mobile app "Explore Freedom's Way" and an online brochure, enhancing the ability to plan your adventure across the Heritage Area's 45 communities.

Visit https://freedomsway.org/hidden-treasuresfreedomsway.org/hidden-treasures for more information.

The 2024 Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History is sponsored in part by Enterprise Bank, with branches in Acton, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lexington, Nashua, Westford, and more!

Freedom's Way National Heritage Area works in partnership with the National Park Service to protect and promote the regional identity of 45 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including: Acton, MA; Amherst, NH; Arlington, MA; Ashburnham, MA; Ashby, MA; Ayer, MA; Bedford, MA; Bolton, MA; Boxborough, MA; Brookline, NH; Carlisle, MA; Clinton, MA; Concord, MA; Devens, MA; Dunstable, MA; Fitchburg, MA; Gardner, MA; Greenville, NH; Groton, MA; Harvard, MA; Hollis, NH; Hudson, MA; Lancaster, MA; Leominster, MA; Lexington, MA; Lincoln, MA; Littleton, MA; Lunenburg, MA; Malden, MA; Mason, NH; Maynard, MA; Medford, MA; Milford, NH; Nashua, NH; New Ipswich, NH; Pepperell, MA; Princeton, MA; Shirley, MA; Sterling, MA; Stow, MA; Sudbury, MA; Townsend, MA; Westford, MA; Westminster, MA; Winchendon, MA; Woburn, MA