Arts and Recreation

Explore the soul of a monster--and be prepared to fall in love.
KING KONG comes to the Big Screen at Jaffrey's Park Theatre!

The original all-time classic SHOWN ON THE PARK THEATRE'S GIANT SCREEN.

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 29, 2025) A Monster of Creation's Dawn Breaks Loose in Our World Today! The 1933 film King Kong is a landmark in cinematic history, celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling storytelling. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, the movie follows the ambitious filmmaker Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong) as he leads an expedition to the mysterious Skull Island, where they encounter the colossal ape, Kong. Fay Wray stars as Ann Darrow, the actress who becomes the object of Kong's affection, while Max Steiner's iconic score heightens the film's emotional and dramatic impact. The film blends adventure, romance, and horror, culminating in Kong's tragic climb atop the Empire State Building. The pioneering stop-motion animation by Willis O'Brien brought the titular creature to life, setting a new standard for monster movies and captivating audiences of its time.

Upon its release, King Kong received widespread acclaim, with critics praising its innovation and spectacle. A 1933 review from Variety declared, "The sheer audacity of its conception and the skill with which it has been executed make it a picture that will be talked about for years." This sentiment has endured, as the film remains a cultural touchstone nearly a century later. Modern critics continue to laud its legacy, with film historian Leonard Maltin writing in his review, "King Kong is a timeless marvel, a testament to the power of imagination and technical ingenuity that still thrills audiences today." Its influence on cinema is undeniable, inspiring countless remakes, homages, and the monster movie genre as a whole, solidifying its status as a classic that transcends generations. In 1991, the film was deemed "culturally, historically and aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. In 2010 it was ranked by Rotten Tomatoes as the greatest horror film of all time and the fifty-sixth greatest film of all time.

KING KONG shows on The Park Theatre's giant screen on Friday, April 4, at 7:00 pm.

Tickets for KING KING are $10/$9. Purchase in advance by going to theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. You can buy at the door as well. The theatre doors will open at 6:30 pm.

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.

Witness the sun rise on a new era of art

The Dawn of Impressionism: Paris, 1874 comes to the Big Screen at Jaffrey's Park Theatre!

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 29, 2025) - The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history--millions flock every year to marvel at their masterpieces. But, to begin with, they were scorned, penniless outsiders. 1874 was the year that changed everything; the first Impressionists, "hungry for independence", broke the mold by holding their own exhibition outside official channels. Impressionism was born and the art world was changed forever.

What led to that first groundbreaking show 150 years ago? Who were the maverick personalities that wielded their brushes in such a radical and provocative way? The spectacular Musée d'Orsay exhibition brings fresh eyes to this extraordinary tale of passion and rebellion. The story is told not by historians and curators but in the words of those who witnessed the dawn of Impressionism: the artists, press and people of Paris, 1874. See the show that changed everything. Exhibitions on Screen The Dawn of Impressionism shows at The Park Theatre on Wednesday, April 9, at 1:30pm.

Made in close collaboration with the Musée d'Orsay and National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

Directed by Ali Ray - Produced by Phil Grabsky

Carolyn Edwards' Lunch at the Park will begin at the Theatre at 12 noon prior to the screening. You can see the menu and pre-order by going to park lunch.org.

Tickets for The Dawn of Impressionism are $15, and all seats are reserved. Purchase in advance by going to theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. You can buy at the door as well. The theatre doors will open at 12:00 pm.

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, April 11: Hiroya Tsukamoto and James Parison: A Night of Fingerstyle Guitar and and Masterful Storytelling at Nova Arts

Hiroya Tsukamoto, an internationally acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist and composer, has captivated audiences worldwide with his intricate craftsmanship and evocative storytelling. Originally from Japan, Tsukamoto moved to the United States in 2000 to attend Berklee College of Music, where he refined his distinctive sound, creating a seamless blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth. His work had graced some of the world's most renowned stages, including New York City's iconic Blue Note, the United Nations, and Japanese National Television (NHK). He has also earned top honors, securing second place at the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in both 2018 and 2022.

Praised by Acoustic Guitar magazine for his "delicate, fluid, and beautifully detailed" playing, Tsukamoto crafts immersive musical experiences that resonates deeply with audiences. His concerts are more than just performances, they are journeys, weaving intricate melodies with intimate storytelling. His ability to transform the guitar into an entire orchestra at his fingertips has earned him widespread acclaim, with the Boston Herald hailing his work as an "impressionistic journey."

New England artist James Parson has been creating music since the early 2000s. His enigmatic lyrics paint a picture of existentialism, paradox, dualism, spirituality, and love. His inspirations, such as Radiohead, The Stones, Kurt Vile, Steely Dan, The Strokes, and Lou Reed can all be found within his style.

Doors are at 7:00 pm and music will begin around 7:30 or so. Seating is first come first served and this show is all ages. For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/hiroya411. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.

Regional News

Second Chance Hosting Back-to-Back Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics in Barre and Templeton on April 19

BARRE & TEMPLETON, MA (April 3, 2025) - Second Chance Animal Services is making it easier for pet owners to keep their pets healthy with two low-cost vaccine clinics on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The first clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Barre Public Safety Building, located at 655 South Street in Barre. Later that afternoon, a second clinic will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Templeton, co-hosted by the Winchendon/Templeton Regional Animal Control at 381 Baldwinville Road in Templeton.

Rabies and distemper vaccines will be available for $18 each, and microchips for $22. Second Chance CEO and founder Sheryl Blancato emphasized the importance of accessible veterinary care, stating, "We know that access to veterinary care is a challenge for many pet owners. By bringing these clinics directly to communities, we can help more pets stay protected from preventable diseases."

An estimated 30 percent of pet owners do not take their pets to a veterinarian annually for preventive care, leaving them vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses like parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats. These clinics provide an affordable way to keep pets safe and up to date on essential vaccines.

Both clinics are open to cats and dogs from any community. Advance registration is recommended, as space is limited, and same-day availability is not guaranteed. Pet owners can register online at www.secondchanceanimals.org/scasconnect-north-brookfield

Massachusetts Senate Launches RESPONSE 2025 to Counter Federal Threats

Effort focuses on safeguarding residents, the Massachusetts economy, and state operations

BOSTON, MA - [April 1, 2025] - In response to federal actions under the second Trump Administration that threaten critical programs and institutions, the Massachusetts Senate is launching RESPONSE 2025, a coordinated effort to protect residents, defend the Commonwealth's values, and lead Massachusetts through a potentially difficult time.

Under the direction of Senate President Karen Spilka, the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy will spearhead this effort, working closely with Senate committee chairs and policy experts. The RESPONSE 2025 initiative will focus on four key goals:

• Assessing federal actions to determine their real-world impact on Massachusetts.
• Identifying policy solutions to mitigate potential harm and safeguard residents.
• Prioritizing state responses based on need, feasibility, and effectiveness.
• Providing clarity to the public by cutting through misinformation and helping residents understand the state's role in protecting their rights and services.

"With this initiative, the Senate wants to state unequivocally that we are committed to protecting our residents, defending our values, and leading Massachusetts through the uncertainty of federal action," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "We are watching the systematic erosion of programs, supports and institutions that are critical to the wellbeing of our residents, the health of our economy, and the effective operations of our state--which is consistently ranked high on quality-of-life metrics like education, public safety, healthcare, and veterans' services, among many things. Our economy is consistently strong thanks to the diversity of industries we support here. But I am worried about the reckless and cruel actions of the current administration and their potential negative impact on the things we value. That's why the Senate will not sit idly by--we have heard the concerns of our residents, and we are prepared to act. I'd like to thank Senator Friedman and Senator Comerford for their leadership, and to the entire Senate for answering this call."

"The Massachusetts Senate has listened to the concerns of our constituents in every corner of the Commonwealth," said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. "From funding cuts, to policy changes, and masked ICE raids, the chaos of the Trump Administration is depriving Massachusetts residents of stability, instead instilling fear in their daily lives. Our constituents deserve action, and the Massachusetts Senate today begins deploying a targeted, comprehensive set of efforts that will protect our residents, defend our values, and lead our Commonwealth through this turbulent time. I am grateful for Senate President Spilka's trust in me to lead this work through the Committee on Steering and Policy, as we work to foster the fighting spirit Massachusetts has always been known for."

"At this moment of great peril for our nation, states like Massachusetts can and should provide lines of defense for our residents," stated Senator Joanne M. Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. "Each day brings more federal attacks on the wellbeing of our constituents. The Senate is fighting back. I am thankful to Senate President Karen Spilka for once again driving the Senate to rise to the acute challenges of this time and to be pro-active, solution-oriented, and stronger together as a team."

The Senate, at the direction of the Senate President, has done this work previously. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate President Spilka formed a comprehensive COVID-19 Senate Working Group, which was tasked with identifying, prioritizing, and making recommendations on how to respond to immediate COVID-related issues. Similarly, the Senate prepared for federal action by the first Trump Administration by enacting policies to protect residents, and also prepared for fallout from extremist Supreme Court decisions by passing legislation to protect providers, residents, and visitors to the Commonwealth who engage in reproductive and gender-affirming health care.

The Senate Committee on Steering and Policy will soon begin meeting with Senate committee chairs to outline next steps and priorities. By leading a response to federal action, the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy can help committee chairs address concerns about Trump Administration policies while allowing chairs to continue working on the policy meant to move Massachusetts forward.

Massachusetts Unemployment & Job Estimates for February 2025

Labor Force Increases by 6,600; 2,700 more individuals employed

BOSTON, MA - [March 28, 2025] - The state's February total unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, a 0.1 percentage point increase from the revised January estimate of 4.2 percent, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced Friday. The Massachusetts unemployment rate was 0.2 percentage points above the national rate of 4.1 percent reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over-the-year, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was up by 0.5 percentage points. The March unemployment and job estimates will be released on April 18, 2025.

At the same time, the labor force increased by an estimated 6,600 from the revised estimate of 3,925,800 in January. The state's labor force participation rate - the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks - remained unchanged at 66.5 percent. Compared to February 2024, the labor force participation rate increased by 0.5 percentage points over-the-year. Massachusetts Labor Force Participation Rate was 4.1 percentage points higher than the national rate.

According to preliminary data from BLS, 2,700 more Massachusetts residents were employed in February. This follows a January increase of 6,600 employed residents. This data includes individuals who are self-employed, including contractors, construction managers, physicians, and drivers.

The BLS preliminary payroll job estimates for Massachusetts decreased by 2,400 jobs in February. This follows January's revised loss of 3,300 payroll jobs. The largest over-the-month private sector payroll job losses were in Leisure and Hospitality, Financial Activities, and Professional, Scientific, and Business Services. Payroll employment now stands at 3,716,500. Massachusetts gained 659,700 payroll jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

February 2025 Payroll Employment Overview

Education and Health Services gained 2,600 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 10,400 were added.
Construction gained 1,400 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 4,400 were lost.
Information gained 1,000 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 2,500 were lost.
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities gained 100 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 4,700 were lost.
Manufacturing lost 100 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 2,900 were lost.
Other Services lost 100 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 600 were lost.
Government lost 500 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 4,100 were added.
Financial Activities lost 1,100 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 600 were lost.
Professional, Scientific, and Business Services lost 1,100 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 7,100 were lost.
Leisure and Hospitality lost 4,600 jobs over-the-month. Over-the-year, 100 were added.

Labor Force Overview

The February estimates show 3,763,700 Massachusetts residents were employed and 168,700 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,932,400. The unemployment rate at 4.3 percent was 0.1 percentage point higher than the revised January rate of 4.2 percent. Over-the-month, the February labor force increased by 6,600 from 3,925,800 in January, with 2,700 more residents employed and 3,900 more residents unemployed. The labor force participation rate, the share of the working age population employed and unemployed, remained at 66.5 percent. The labor force was up 60,800 from the February 2024 estimate of 3,871,600 following the annual revision, with 38,700 more employed residents, and 22,000 more unemployed residents.

The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers. As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different monthly trends.

NOTES:

The labor force is the sum of the numbers of employed residents and those unemployed, that is, residents not working but actively seeking work in the last four weeks. Estimates may not add up to the total labor force due to rounding.

For further information on seasonal adjustment methodology, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics websitehttps://www.bls.gov.

Detailed labor market information is available at www.mass.gov/economicresearch.

Gardening

Be a Waterwise Gardener

by Melinda Myers
Too much or not enough water and never when your garden needs it. This is a common complaint of gardeners no matter where they live. Make a few changes in your plant selection and garden care to help manage water use while growing healthy plants.

All plants need sufficient moisture after planting and for several months to a year or two to develop a robust root system. Those labeled as drought tolerant are better able to tolerate periods of drought once established. Always water the area surrounding new plantings thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist. Gradually reduce the frequency, and once the plants are established, you'll need to water less often.

Moisture-loving plants are good choices for areas receiving sufficient and consistent moisture throughout the growing season to meet their needs. In locations where this is not the case, consider grouping moisture-loving plants together so you use less water and can concentrate watering efforts to just one or two locations in your landscape.

Fluctuating periods of excessive and insufficient rainfall add to the challenge. Many native plants, once established, tolerate periods of wet and dry soil and can be found on lists of rain garden plants suited to your area.

Keep water in the garden, out of the storm sewers, and reduce the risk of flooding while improving your garden. Adding several inches of compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil increases the soil's ability to absorb and retain water. It also improves drainage in heavy soils.

Top dress existing gardens by spreading an inch of compost over the soil surface. Soil organisms will help move it into the soil to improve plant growth. Lend nature a hand by using an auger bit on a drill to aerate compacted soil. This pushes some compost into the top four to six inches of soil.

Mulching the soil with leaves, evergreen needles, or other organic matter also helps. This task has many benefits, including conserving moisture, reducing the risk of erosion and compaction, suppressing weeds, and as the mulch decomposes, improving the soil. A one-to-three-inch layer over the soil surface is all you need. The finer the mulch material, the thinner the layer of mulch that is needed.

Collect rainwater in rain barrels or cisterns when it is plentiful and store it until needed. Use this to water ornamental containers and plantings. Always check with your municipality first, since some restrict this practice while others offer rebates or rain barrels at a discounted price.

You won't need to worry about mosquitoes breeding inside your rain barrel if you place an organic mosquito control product like Mosquito Dunks® (SummitResponsibleSolutions.com) in rain barrels and other water features. Mosquito Dunks provide 30 days of control, are natural and organic, and won't harm pets, fish, wildlife, or children.

Periods of heavy rainfall create another challenge. Covering the soil with plants and mulch helps protect your soil from compaction and erosion that often happens during these events. Planting trees, shrubs, and groundcovers will slow the flow of rainwater, increase the amount of water that stays in your landscape for plants to use, and help filter dust and pollutants out of rainwater before it enters groundwater.

Rain gardens are another strategy for managing water in your yard. These are designed to capture excessive rainfall, drain within 24 to 36 hours, tolerate dry and wet periods, and filter pollutants from the rainwater before it enters the groundwater.

Start by incorporating one or more of these strategies to help manage rainwater in your landscape. Continue to monitor success, adapt as needed, and include more options to help you successfully garden even during periods of excessive or limited rainfall.

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.