Arts and Recreation
Sneak Preview of Revolutionary New Independent Feature Film In Production Coming To Park Theatre
"Pointing Fingers," a film whose main two stars are played by minimally speaking autistic actors, to be previewed with clips & discussed by writer, director, and cast on April 26 as part of Park Theatre's "Filmmakers Series"
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 24, 2025): The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, will host an exclusive sneak peek into a revolutionary new movie whose script is written by and the main two stars are played by minimally speaking autistic actors. The free event will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m.
The film, Pointing Fingers, is currently in production in Massachusetts. It is about a young man and woman in love and the challenges of starting a life together. The story then turns into a suspense murder mystery.
This is not just a film; it's a bold artistic statement and a testament to the untapped potential within the autism community.
The event will look at the ongoing production of the film.
- Witness never-before-seen clips from this groundbreaking production.
- Hear firsthand from the visionary director, the innovative writer, and the inspiring cast about the journey to bring this cinematic marvel to life.
- Be part of history by contributing to the nonprofit fundraising efforts needed to complete this transformative independent film.
"For people with autism, at least in my experience, the most important good is connecting with other people. This movie project allows me so much opportunity to connect: First in my imagination while writing, now in production with so many artists bringing their own creativity to build on mine, and finally when the film is finished to amuse people with a good story that actually takes place in the world of nonspeakers, what a connection to the world that will be! Come meet us, enjoy what we are up to, and help if you can," said Dan Bergmann, writer, and actor of Pointing Fingers.
After the clips, there will be a talkback Q&A. Finally, there will be a wine reception and a chance for attendees to talk to the writer, director, and cast.
"We are proud to bring this groundbreaking film production to our audience's attention. It can have a bold effect on the way films are cast and produced in the future," said Steve Jackson, CEO & Managing Director of The Park Theatre.
The Pointing Fingers official website:
https://pointingfingersmovie.com/
To reserve free tickets to this Park Theatre Filmmaker Series event Pointing Fingers, go to theparktheatre.org 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 & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.
Judy Collins Coming To Jaffrey's Park Theatre in August
Music legend Judy Collins performs at Jaffrey's performing arts center on August 23
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 25, 2025) The Park Theatre announced this morning that music legend Judy Collins will perform at the Jaffrey, New Hampshire performing arts center on Saturday, August 23, at 7:30 p.m.
"We are so proud to have the legendary Judy Collins grace The Park Theatre with her timeless voice and powerful music--a moment of pure magic that will echo through these walls forever. With the intimate nature of the size of the auditorium combined with our acclaimed acoustics, it will be an historic evening," said Steve Jackson, CEO & Managing Director of The Park Theatre.
In her 50-plus years in music, Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work and take inspiration from her spiritual discipline.
The award-winning singer-songwriter has garnered several top ten hits gold and platinum-selling albums and is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" from her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, has been entered into the Grammy® Hall of Fame. Judy won Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammy® Awards for her intimate version of "Send in the Clowns," a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical A Little Night Music.
Her 55th release, Spellbound, finds Judy enjoying an artistic renaissance. Spellbound is an introspective and impressionistic album, and it marks the first time that every song on the album is written by her. The album revisits the thrilling 1960s Greenwich Village years, recreates breathtaking moments in the wilds of Colorado during Judy's childhood, snapshots of her hell-raising years, and frames quiet moments of nature from just a few years back.
Tickets are $89, $78, and $68. Please note there is an 8-ticket limit per customer. To purchase tickets, go to theparktheatre.org 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 & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
Friday, March 28 at Nova Arts, Splendid Torch with Dinger!
Don't miss Splendid Torch and Dinger Friday 3/28 at Nova Arts for a night of eclectic sounds, unforgettable performances, and unexpected musical magic!
Massachusetts-based band Splendid Torch thrives on spontaneity and blending different sounds, creating a surprisingly diverse style. The group features multi-instrumentalists Lily Sexton (lead vocals, fiddle, guitar), Sean Davis (acoustic & electric guitar, vocals), Karl Helander (percussion), and Josh Ballard (bass). Their music is marked by deep lyrics, a strong sense of rhythm, and powerful vocals, drawing on influences from George Harrison, Emmylou Harris, The Band, and John Hartford. Their debut album, "ICON", is set for release in the spring of 2025.
Dinger writes music about everything from inanimate objects and wild animals to strange emotions. What started as a lo-fi home recording project by Seth Blake and Adria Bregani in 2019 has grown into something wonderful. After releasing the Meals Ready-to-Eat EP in 2020 and Dreaming Can Be Taken Lying Down in 2023, the band now includes guitarist Tom Lusted (Zero Front) and multi-instrumentalist/producer Rory Hurley (Party of the Sun, Youngest Sun). They're currently working on a new album. Their sound blends garage rock, post-punk, krautrock, and DIY influences, and they proudly claim to be southern New Hampshire's only post-exotic rock band.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the music starts at 8:00 p.m. sharp. This show is all ages! For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/splendidtorch. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Get ready for the three C's: Chodus, Carton, and Coffin Flop, Friday April 4! You won't want to miss this Nova Arts show!
Performing for more than a decade, Chodus is a three piece alternative rock band based out of Claremont, NH. If you're a fan of Nirvana, Built To Spill, or They Might Be Giants, Chodus is right up your alley. Chodus combines heavy riffs with soaring melodies, making you want to thrash and weep all at once. With a no-nonsense, DIY spirit: no label, no limits. They keep it raw, real, and unapologetically fun.
Also performing will be the band Carton. Hailing from Windsor, Vermont, Carton has been crafting alternative rock music since 2012. Featuring members of The Pilgrims, McAsh, Faux in Love, Giant Travel Avant Garde, and the psych/drone band Heavy Winged. Their ability to blend punk, emo, and heavier rock into an incredible sound is both a powerful and unpredictable experience."Carton possesses that true spirit of alternative rock... they have dynamics, they have chops and, best of all, they have the songs." - Chris Farnsworth, Seven Days
Their latest single, "When the Sun Starts to Shine" (2023), gives us a peek into their upcoming EP, recorded at Guilford Sound with Dave Snyder and Matt Hall, and mastered by Jer Coons.
From the Swamps of Keene, New Hampshire returns Coffin Flop: A doomy punk band that last performed at Nova Arts in June of 2024. We're thrilled to have them back!
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30. This show is all ages! For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/chodus44. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
mssv (featuring MIKE WATT!!!) are coming Tuesday April 8 to Nova Arts in Keene!
Come jam out with mssv with Landowner! Composed of guitarist Mike Bagetta, drummer Stephen Hodges, and bassist Mike Watt, mssv is a powerful punk trio. The dreamy experimental rock band creates a mix of punk, describing themselves as "post-genre". Their last album Human Reaction is a wonderful medley of noir-tinged music and vocals from Bagetta. Their music takes on a personality of its own, with Hodges and Watt also participating in the vocals. Hodges' drumming is inspired by his days spent with Tom Waits and David Lynch. Watts incorporates his incredible career with MINUTEMEN, fIREHOSE, and The Stooges, into the sound of mssv. Premier Guitar states: "Pressure, combustion, power, and hissing clouds of sonic poetry". They fearlessly explore different themes, sounds, and subjects while crafting their vision. J Macis, Petra Haden, and Neil Cline can be found in their previous releases. mssv's 3rd full-length studio album comes out Spring 2025 on BIG EGO Records.
Western Massachusetts band Landowner delivers a sharp, minimalist punk sound that's both abrasive but clean. Originally conceived as a drum-machine-driven solo project by vocalist Dan Shaw on the 2016 Impressive Almanac cassette, the project evolved into a full band in 2017—without losing its signature stripped-down intensity. Their commitment to this aesthetic shaped Blatant, their 2018 LP and the first release from Born Yesterday Records. Two years later, they followed up with Consultant, their third full-length album. Landowner's music is a framework for lyrics that dissect the global systems we navigate and the absurdities we often overlook.
We recommend getting tickets in advance, and this show is all ages! Doors at 7:00 p.m. and music will start around 7:30ish. Seating super limited because we are expecting it'll be a bouncy one. For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/mssv. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Regional News
Second Chance to Host Low-Cost Fitchburg Pet Vaccine Clinic April 26
Clinic Honors the Memory of Jeffrey Stephens of Leominster
FITCHBURG, MA (March 24, 2025) - Local pet owners can now register for Second Chance Animal Services' upcoming low-cost pet vaccine clinic on Friday, April 26, at the Fitchburg Fire Department Headquarters. This event, dedicated to the late Jeffrey Stephens--who co-founded the Fitchburg vaccine clinic series in 2011--is organized in partnership with Be PAWsitive Therapy Pets and Friends of Fitchburg DOGS Inc.
Second Chance urges pet owners to review their pets' vaccine records and take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their pets are up to date on essential vaccinations. "We are committed to bringing affordable veterinary care to pets who need it most," said Second Chance CEO and founder Sheryl Blancato. "We hope this clinic will help more pets stay protected against preventable diseases."
An estimated 30 percent of pet owners do not take their pets to the vet annually for preventive care, leaving them vulnerable to serious and often fatal illnesses such as parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats.
The clinic is open to pets from all communities and will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fitchburg Fire Department Headquarters, located at 33 North Street. Rabies and distemper vaccines will be available for $18 each, and microchips for $22. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. Limited same-day availability may be offered.
To register, visit http://www.secondchanceanimals.org/scasconnect-southbridge.
Western Massachusetts legislators submit letter to Governor Healey to address judicial vacancies and representation on the Judicial Nominating Commission
Northampton, MA) - On March 26, legislators representing the four western counties of Massachusetts sent a letter to Governor Maura Healey asking her to prioritize the nomination process for western Massachusetts judicial applicants and to ensure the vacant seats in the region are filled as quickly as possible.
Currently, four of the 11 seats on the western Massachusetts Superior Court are vacant, with an additional seat on the District Court serving both Northern and Southern Berkshire County also vacant.
In addition to filling the vacant judicial seats in western Massachusetts, the legislators also asked that the Governor increase the number of western Massachusetts residents on the Judicial Nominating Commission. As of now, only one representative from the four western counties sits on the Commission, a decrease from four individuals during the previous term.
The letter is signed by the following legislators:
- Senator Jo Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district
- Representative Todd Smola, 1st Hampden district
- Senator Adam Gomez, Hampden district
- Senator Paul Mark, Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire district
- Senator Jake Oliveira, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester district
- Senator John Velis, Hampden and Hampshire distric
- Representative Shirley Arriaga, 8th Hampden district
- Representative Donald Berthiaume, 5th Worcester district
- Representative Natalie Blais, 1st Franklin district
- Representative Nicholas Boldyga, 3rd Hampden district
- Representative Leigh Davis, 3rd Berkshire district
- Representative Mindy Domb, 3rd Hampshire district
- Representative Patricia Duffy, 5th Hampden district
- Representative Kelly Pease, 4th Hampden district
- Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, 1st Hampshire district
- Representative Susannah Whipps, 2nd Franklin district
- Representative Brian Ashe, 2nd Hampden district
- Representative John Barrett, 1st Berkshire district
Gardening
Grow, Harvest, and Enjoy All Parts of Cilantro
Cilantro is a favorite ingredient in guacamole, tacos, rice dishes, and salsa, but as summer temperatures rise, cilantro quickly goes to seed.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Growing cilantro is easy, but this cool-weather herb quickly flowers and goes to seed as temperatures rise. This can be frustrating as some vegetables typically combined with cilantro, like tomatoes and peppers, ripen during the warmer summer months. Try making multiple plantings, using all parts of the plant, or growing more heat-tolerant options to extend your enjoyment.
Sow seeds every three to four weeks throughout the summer for continual harvests if your summers are relatively cool. Gardeners in hotter regions will have the best results growing cilantro in spring, fall, and even winter when temperatures are cooler. Grow cilantro in full sun or light shade as temperatures climb and in moist, well-drained soil for best results.
Mulching the soil with leaves or evergreen needles helps keep the roots cool and moist, helping delay flowering. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Cilantro grows quickly, and its leaves can be harvested when the plants are four to six inches tall. Harvest as needed and as much as a third of the plant at one time to allow it to keep producing. Or cut the whole plant back to an inch above the ground and wait for it to regrow. Cilantro should be harvested often to encourage new growth and before the plants flower for the best flavor.
Store freshly cut leaves like a bouquet in a glass of fresh water. Place in the refrigerator to use for the upcoming week. Hang leaves upside down to dry or freeze. Just wash the leaves, pat dry, and place them in a freezer bag or air-tight container in the freezer. Or chop up the rinsed cilantro into smaller pieces, place in ice cube trays, and top with a splash of water before placing in the freezer.
Don't be surprised as temperatures rise, the plant will flower and set seed. Look at this as an opportunity to utilize the other parts of this plant. Enjoy the beauty and flavor of the lacy white flowers that attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Seeds will appear after the flowers fade. Wait for the plants and seeds to turn brown if you plan to harvest and use the seeds, known as coriander. Cut off the seed heads, place them in a paper bag, and allow the seeds to drop to the bottom. The seeds are ground and used in breads, cakes, pickling spices, and Asian food. Store in sealed containers until ready to use.
You can also let the plant self-seed. Allow the seeds to drop to the ground in the garden and grow new cilantro plants to harvest and enjoy. Cilantro seeds sprout readily when soil temperatures are 55° to 68° F and the plants can withstand a light frost.
Don't forget to harvest the roots. These have a strong peppery, citrus spicy flavor, so are often used for seasoning Thai and Vietnamese food. They taste best when harvested in the fall.
Extend the season by growing more heat-tolerant varieties that are slower to develop flowers and seeds like Slo-Bolt, Longstanding, Cruiser, and Santo. Papalo, also known as summer cilantro, has a similar but stronger flavor than cilantro with a hint of citrus and mint and thrives in hot weather. You will only need one or two plants since this annual grows up to five feet tall and several feet wide. Harvest young leaves for the best flavor and use only 1/2 or 1/3 the amount of cilantro called for in recipes.
Extend your cilantro harvest and enjoyment by utilizing every part of the plant. Adjust your cilantro growing techniques and plant selection to help beat the heat.
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.