Arts and Recreation
New John Lennon & Yoko Ono Documentary/Concert Film Screens at Park Theatre
New documentary "One to One: John & Yoko" plays in Jaffrey on May 2 & 3
John Lennon and Yoko Ono (at piano)
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 25, 2025) The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire will screen the new, critically acclaimed documentary about John Lennon & Yoko Ono on its giant screen on Friday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
One to One: John & Yoko, directed by Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards, offers an immersive and intimate exploration of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's transformative 18-month period in New York City's Greenwich Village during 1971-1972.
Centered around the historic One to One benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden on August 30, 1972--Lennon's only full-length performances post-Beatles--the film weaves together restored concert footage, previously unseen home movies, and private phone call recordings to paint a vivid portrait of the couple's personal, artistic, and political evolution. The documentary captures their passionate activism, inspired by events like Geraldo Rivera's exposé on the Willowbrook State School, and their deep engagement with the era's countercultural movements, set against a backdrop of Vietnam War protests and Nixon's America.
Sean Ono Lennon's remixed audio enhances the electrifying performances, including hits like "Imagine" and "Give Peace a Chance," making the film a powerful tribute to the couple's enduring legacy. "One to One: John & Yoko becomes not just an enormously moving historical portrait but a freshly relevant and cathartic one," praises Metacritic, highlighting its emotional depth and contemporary resonance.
Macdonald's innovative approach, blending a dizzying array of archival TV clips with a meticulously reconstructed model of the couple's Bank Street apartment, creates a sensory time capsule that feels both nostalgic and startlingly immediate. The film avoids conventional documentary tropes like talking heads, instead letting Lennon and Ono's own words and images guide the narrative, offering fresh insights into their creative partnership and radical idealism. From their interactions with figures like Jerry Rubin and Allen Ginsberg to Ono's struggles with her daughter Kyoko's custody, the documentary humanizes these icons while reflecting the turbulent socio-political landscape of the early 1970s. Critics have lauded its vibrant energy and unique perspective: "It's the movie you didn't think you'd want that turns out to be one of the few recent Beatles products you'll need," declares Rolling Stone, while The Guardian calls it "a fun, fierce and full-blooded take” that “makes Lennon feel somehow vital again."
With its premiere at the Venice Film Festival and screenings at Sundance, One to One: John & Yoko is a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.
Tickets for One to One: John & Yoko are $10/$9. Purchase in advance by going 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.
SNOW WHITE--A very special live cinema event at Jaffrey's Park Theatre on May 4
The 1916 silent film with a live score performed on harp and viola
Snow White and the Witch from Snow White
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 7, 2025) In a captivating revival of cinematic history, the 1916 silent film Snow White has been brought back to life with a breathtaking live score composed and performed by harpist Leslie McMichael, accompanied by her sister Barbara McMichael on viola. This special event will take place Sunday, May 4, at 4:00 p.m., at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey.
The 1916 film, Snow White, which inspired a young Walt Disney to create his iconic 1937 animated masterpiece, had long been considered lost to time, rumored to have perished in a vault fire due to its flammable nitrate film stock. But a single theatrical print was discovered in the Netherlands in 1992, and a heroic restoration was performed by the George Eastman House film archive.
Leslie McMichael's magical score seamlessly intertwines with the film's expressive silent-era acting, enhancing the fairy tale's timeless charm. The project began when Seattle's Northwest Film Forum commissioned Leslie in 2016 to craft an original soundtrack for the film's centennial, a debut that premiered to acclaim at the Children's Film Festival Seattle. Performing together, the McMichael sisters have toured this unique presentation across the country, enchanting audiences with their delicate yet powerful musical interplay.
The press has showered this innovative pairing of silent film and live music with glowing praise, emphasizing the sisters' ability to evoke the story's emotional depth. Critics have noted Leslie's meticulous approach--using modern tools like a DVD remote and digital timer to align her compositions with the film's every scene--resulting in a soundtrack that feels both spontaneous and perfectly synchronized. "It's thrilling to play live and pair the visuals of the film with my music," Leslie shared in an interview, a sentiment echoed by reviewers who call the experience "spellbinding" (Epsilon Spires). Audiences of all ages have been delighted by this fresh take on a classic, with the McMichaels' performances creating a cozy, family-friendly event that celebrates both film and fairy tale history.
Tickets for SNOW WHITE are $15 for adults, $10 for children. 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 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, May 2 at Nova Arts: Dead Gowns w/ Rick Rude and Footings
On her first full-length album, "It's Summer, I Love You, and I'm Surrounded by Snow", Dead Gowns' Genevieve Beaudoin explores the tender, often aching pain of desire. Through twelve haunting tracks, Beaudoin captures the feeling of longing, whether for touch, understanding, or reminiscing on the past with lyrical intimacy and poetic verses.
Atlanta based magazine Paste writes about her hit single on the album "In The Haze" calling it "a blizzard of expression—a pairing of the caterwauling rasp of Beaudoin's crushing vocal with a metallic, dreamy guitar melody." Beaudoin's artistry paints a picture of her hometown in Maine. The ragged, granite-strewn coastlines and long winters serve as metaphors in her lyrics. "We get swept up in the blizzard, and then we are set down in the hot salty haze of August," Beaudoin reflects, capturing the disorientating feelings that arise throughout life experiences.
The album's title, inspired from a poem by Eileen Myles, reveals the dichotomy between warmth and cold, love and loss. By its end, Beaudoin doesn't resolve her longing, she learns to lives within it. It's Summer, I Love You, and I'm Surrounded by Snow is not just an album, but a journey through the seasons of yearning and acceptance, one that leaves listeners deeply moved.
Rick Rude started in a living room in York, Maine in the fall of 2013. Ten years later, the band is still bringing friends together with their signature blend of old school rock 'n' roll. Their third studio album, "Laverne", was released in winter 2024, a record made for meeting new people or falling deeper in love with the ones you already know. The group's core songwriting comes from Jordan Holtz (bass, vocals) and Ben Troy (guitar, vocals), with Chris Kennedy (guitar, vocals) and Ryan Harrison (drums) completing the quartet.
Footings is the songwriting project of Eric Gagne, sometimes a full band, sometimes just him. A longtime singer, guitarist, and performer, Eric has been making records since 2003. He's released four LPs on labels like Sophomore Lounge, Don't Live Like Me, and Feeding Tube Records, and also made albums with Redwing Blackbird, Dweller on the Threshold and Death to Tyrants. He has shared the stage with Bonnie Prince Billy, Marisa Anderson, Mount Eerie, J Mascis, Diane Cluck, Waxahatchee, Califone, and more. The current lineup is Eric (guitar, vocals), Clement (guitar, keys, vocals), Mia Govoni (drums), and Jordan Holtz (bass, vocals).
Doors are at 7:00 p.m. and music will begin at 7:30 p.m. sharp! All ages! For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/deadgowns52. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Saturday, May 3 at Nova Arts: The Gaslight Tinkers w/ Miles Hewitt
Blending African, Caribbean, Funk, Reggae, and Latin grooves with traditional New England and Celtic fiddle music, The Gaslight Tinkers create an energetic, danceable sound that bridges cultures and generations. Their music celebrates the future of folk by reinventing the past, bringing together global rhythms and American roots into something fresh, joyful, and unexpected! Formed in 2012, the band has brought their high-energy performances to stages across the East and West Coasts, the Caribbean, and even national television in Trinidad.
Whether headlining festivals or lighting up local dance floors, The Gaslight Tinkers are known for shows full of surprises and fun sound! The group features Peter Siegel, Garrett Sawyer, I-shea, Eliezer Martinez, and Clara Stickney--accomplished artists who have shared stages and collaborated with legends like Pete Seeger, Soca Monarchs of the Caribbean, Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary), The Alchemystics, and renowned fiddlers worldwide. As The Valley Advocate said, their sound "fizzes and pops with unexpected textures and turns." The Gaslight Tinkers are not just a band, they're a celebration, guaranteed to lift your feet and your spirits.
Miles Hewitt is a singer-songwriter and poet residing in Brooklyn, NY. His debut record, Heartfall, drew critical raves, including from The Boston Globe, who named it one of the 50 Best Albums of 2022 and wrote: "A simply brilliant debut . . . by turns intimate and epic, lush with strings and delicate fingerpicked guitar, languid psychedelia and dreamy pedal-steel painted soundscapes." Heresiarch proclaimed that "Hewitt is truly in league with the likes of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen" and named it their favorite album of 2022.
Doors are at 7:00 p.m. and music will begin at 7:30 p.m.! All ages! Seating will be limited and first come first served! For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/thegaslighttinkers53. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Regional News
Blais, Comerford call on the Healey/Driscoll Administration to Reform Formula of State-Owned Land Payments in Lieu of Taxes
(Boston, MA) - On April 25, Representative Natalie Blais (D-Deerfield) and Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) sent a timely letter to Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll calling on the Administration to reform the State-Owned Land Payments in Lieu of Taxes (SOL PILOT) formula in the forthcoming Environmental Bond legislation, expected to be filed this spring.
In the letter, Blais and Comerford request that the Administration consider including language from An Act to reform payments in lieu of taxes for state-owned land (H.3032/S.1939), filed by the legislators, in the current and previous legislative sessions:
Amending the current formula so that municipalities receive SOL PILOT reimbursements that are based upon the value of their state-owned land, instead of based upon how their state-owned land values compare to other state-owned land values; and
Creating a task force, with a short timeline, charged with making recommendations for further amendments to the SOL PILOT formula so that it appropriately values the "ecosystem services" provided by certain parcels of state-owned land.
The following is an excerpt from the letter:
"...We have met with members of your Administration since you were first in office to detail the gross inequities in the current formula and the ways it dramatically shortchanges Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Worcester Counties, while rewarding urban and suburban communities in eastern Massachusetts.
During each budget season, we advocate for additional SOL PILOT funding, and we are grateful for your Administration's commitment to maintaining adequate funding. However, our communities do not benefit equitably."
The full letter is available at senatorjocomerford.org/joint-letter-from-sen-comerford-and-rep-blais-to-the-healey-driscoll-administration-regarding-the-urgent-need-for-reform-of-the-state-owned-land-pilot-formula/.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Statewide Job Fair and Rapid Response Office Hours
MassHire Department of Career Services will hold weekly virtual office hours for workers across the state
BOSTON (April 29, 2025) - Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) is launching a series of virtual office hours for workers. For laid-off federal employees, EOLWD's MassHire Department of Career Services (MassHire DCS) will host virtual office hours beginning Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and continue weekly every Tuesday through May 27, 2025. For other workers, including those impacted indirectly by federal government funding cuts, MassHire DCS will host virtual office hours beginning Thursday, May 15, 2025, and continue weekly every Thursday. Additionally, MassHire DCS' Rapid Response team will host a statewide virtual job fair in early summer. More information on the office hours and job fairs can be found at mass.gov/fedup.
"The Trump Administration's funding cuts to research programs, child care programs, federal and state agencies, and more will have a significant impact on Massachusetts workers, employers and our economy," said Governor Maura Healey. "We know that beyond direct layoffs of federal employees, funding cuts can, and have, resulted in Massachusetts residents losing their jobs, and we want to help these skilled workers with local employers from the private sector in regions across the state."
"We know the Trump cuts have resulted in layoffs, including for our researchers, educators, veterans, and more," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Our administration is committed to making it easier for skilled workers to get the information they need to connect with employers ready and looking for talent."
During the weekly virtual office hours, impacted workers will be introduced to resources available through the MassHire Career Centers, including career coaching and resume support, connection to hiring private sector employers, overview of free training programs, and guidance to apply for unemployment insurance, health coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector, among other resources. Rapid Response services are available to workers from all industries affected by layoffs or closures in Massachusetts. You can learn more about Rapid Response by visiting mass.gov/rapidresponse.
"Massachusetts has world class talent, and we want to keep that talent here. By launching office hours combined with hosting a statewide job fair, we want to help bridge connections and resources for impacted workers," said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. "The Healey-Driscoll administration leads with our values, underscoring the appreciation of all workers and the opportunity to leverage existing skills that will benefit many Massachusetts employers."
Learn more about upcoming office hours and stay connected to learn more details about the upcoming job fair at mass.gov/fedup.
Some Heroes Have Four Legs, But They Need a Human to Believe in Them
Dash is back at Second Chance where he's learning to feel safe again. The right person is out there who will help him finish his journey.
Photo courtesy of Second Chance
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (April 24, 2025)--It's been six months since Second Chance Animal Services rescued 27 small dogs from a heartbreaking situation with an overwhelmed owner. While many of these dogs have found loving homes, a few are still waiting--for someone special who understands that healing takes time.
These dogs didn't grow up like most. They missed out on early socialization, and everyday things like walking on a leash, greeting strangers, or even understanding the concept of a couch are completely new. They're learning what it means to feel safe, to trust, and to be loved.
They're not broken. They're just discovering the world for the first time.
"They're adorable and people fall in love with their photos, but it takes more than love to help them thrive," said Sheryl Blancato, CEO and founder of Second Chance. "They need time, patience, and consistency. These dogs didn't get to live normal lives before, and now we're helping them make up for lost time."
Some of the dogs have been returned due to behavioral challenges, not because they were "bad" dogs, but because they weren't ready for environments that expected them to know things they've never learned.
Take Dash, for example. He bonded deeply with his new owner--so deeply that he began guarding her from everyone else. He wasn't trying to be difficult; he was scared and doing what he thought he needed to do to stay safe. Dash is now back with us, learning to feel secure in a world that once overwhelmed him.
"Dash is a great example of how trauma can affect behavior. He's not a bad dog--he's scared and trying to protect the only thing he knew," Blancato explained. "We're helping him understand that he's safe now, and that there's a bigger world out there where he can feel secure."
These dogs are not for everyone. But for the right person, they will be everything.
They need experienced, patient adopters who understand that progress may come in inches, not miles--but who also know the deep joy that comes from watching a frightened dog grow into their confidence.
Sheryl Blancato knows this journey firsthand. She personally adopted one of these dogs, understanding the challenges some of them have with not knowing much about the world. "It took four months just to get Lily to understand housebreaking rules, but now she's great," said Blancato. "She loves us and her canine and feline siblings. She's getting better every day."
She's still frightened of strangers but typically seeks the safety of her humans or canine family to protect her. "She slowly gets curious, and as long as people give her space, she'll eventually come forward out of curiosity. I'm sure in a little while longer she'll be more accepting of strangers in the house. She is the sweetest."
According to Blancato, once she discovered the doggie toy box, it was like a whole new world opened up. "Now, she's obsessed with carrying around stuffed animals twice her size and chewing on toys meant for much bigger dogs. She makes us laugh every day with her antics, and it fills our hearts to see her discovering joy in things she never had before. We are honored to be a part of this new world of hers."
These dogs may not come housebroken. They may not know how to greet you with a wagging tail. But with the right person, they'll give you something far more rewarding: the transformation that comes from trust, built one gentle moment at a time.
If you're the kind of person who believes in second chances--and you're ready to be the steady presence these dogs need--Second Chance would love to hear from you.
Adopt. Foster. Donate.
Those interested in adopting or fostering can learn more at www.secondchanceanimals.org. Donations are also welcome to support continued behavioral training and care for dogs like Dash who are still on their path to a forever home.
Second Chance Urges Public to Consider the Full Commitment of Pet Adoption
Shelters Are Full--Now More Than Ever, Preparation and Patience Are Key
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (April 29, 2025) - As shelters and rescues across the country continue to operate under immense strain, Second Chance Animal Services is calling on the public to take a thoughtful, long-term approach to pet adoption. The organization is using this moment to raise awareness of the daily realities facing shelters--and to emphasize that preparation, patience, and commitment are essential to making adoption truly forever.
"Right now, shelters are full -- dealing with a flood of emergency cases, owner surrenders, and pets with medical or behavioral challenges,” said Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance. “Our teams are working around the clock, and one of the best ways the public can help is by making informed, committed decisions when bringing a pet home."
What Shelters Are Facing Behind the Scenes
While the public sees the happy faces of adopted pets, they may not realize the complexity of what happens behind the scenes. Every day, shelters like Second Chance are treating pets with life-threatening injuries, managing behavioral rehabilitation, responding to cruelty cases, and supporting families in crisis who don't want to give up their beloved pets but feel they have no other choice. Space is limited, resources are stretched, and the need is constant.
Why Preparation Matters
Adopting a pet is a wonderful act of compassion, but it also comes with responsibility. Second Chance encourages prospective adopters to take the time to understand what a pet truly needs--not just in the first week, but for years to come. Considerations should include time for training, cost of veterinary care, lifestyle compatibility, and willingness to provide patience during the pet's transition into their new home.
Adjustment Takes Time
Many adopted pets need a period of decompression. A new environment, unfamiliar people, and changes in routine can be overwhelming. Some pets may hide, act out, or show signs of stress. This is normal. Second Chance emphasizes that patience, consistent routines, and gentle reassurance can go a long way in helping pets settle in and thrive.
Ask for Help Early
One of the most important things adopters can do is reach out for help at the first sign of trouble."So often, issues that lead to a return could have been resolved with early support," said Blancato. "Whether it's a training need, anxiety, or just an overwhelmed pet parent, we're here to help. But we need people to ask for that help before it becomes a crisis."
Returns Are Sometimes Necessary--But Space Is Limited
Second Chance remains committed to being a no-kill shelter. That means no pet is euthanized for time or space--but that also means every kennel is a lifeline, and space must be managed carefully. The shelter does accept returns, when necessary, but urges adopters to exhaust all support options first. Pets who pose safety concerns, such as those with a history of unprovoked aggression, may not be eligible for rehoming--making early intervention even more critical.
Before surrendering to any shelter, be sure that you understand the policies of that shelter. Open admission shelters accept every animal brought to them, regardless of age, health, behavior, or space availability. While this ensures pets in need have a place to go, it can lead to difficult decisions, including euthanasia when space or resources run out. In contrast, no-kill shelters like Second Chance commit to saving every adoptable and treatable animal, only considering euthanasia in cases of severe illness or aggression that cannot be safely managed. Because no-kill shelters do not euthanize for space, they often operate at or near capacity and must manage admissions carefully to ensure they can continue providing high-quality care and support for every animal they take in.
Supporting Pets and Their People, For Life
Adoption is just the beginning. Second Chance provides affordable veterinary care through its Community Veterinary Hospitals, as well as access to behavioral support and community outreach programs. The organization stands beside its adopters, offering guidance every step of the way.
"We believe in second chances--for pets and people alike," said Blancato. "If you're thinking about adoption, we encourage you to take that step. Just make sure you're ready for the commitment and know that we're here to support you."
For more information, or to learn how you can support shelter pets, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org.
Gardening
Always Room for Tomatoes
If gardening space is limited, grow tomatoes in hanging baskets or containers.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Nothing beats the flavor of fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes. Keep them close at hand by growing one or more in containers on your patio, balcony, or front steps.
Any tomato can be grown in a pot, but determinate varieties are shorter and more compact, making them a bit easier to manage in a container. They produce fruit in a relatively short period of time, making them great choices for preserving as well as using fresh. Look for a D or determinate on the plant tag, seed packet or in the catalog description.
Indeterminate tomatoes, often designated with an I, are usually much taller and continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit until frost kills the plant or you pinch out the growing tip. These are usually staked or grown in wire cages to save space, reduce pest problems and make harvesting easier. Many new containers have built-in trellises or creative gardeners craft their own, making it easier and more attractive to grow these bigger plants in pots.
Semi-determinate varieties are in between these two. They are compact like determinates, often trailing but produce fruit throughout the growing season like indeterminate varieties.
You can now find compact varieties often sold as miniature and dwarf plants that grow well in small 4 to 8" pots. They are a great option for those with limited space, gardening on balconies, indoors in a sunny window or just about anywhere. Kitchen Mini tomatoes, Heartbreakers, Red Velvet and Micro Tom Thumb are just a few.
Grow one tomato per container for maximum productivity. Use a 5-gallon or bigger container for large varieties and at least a two to three gallon or similar size pot for smaller varieties. Some research suggests growing tomatoes in a pot that is at least 14 inches but preferably 20 inches wide will yield greater results. Adding flowers and herbs to the container boosts the beauty and diversity of your container garden but will reduce the number of tomatoes produced.
Growing tomatoes in containers also allows you to start the season earlier. Just move the planter inside when the weather is harsh and back outside when the weather is warm and sunny. As the weather turns cold at the end of the growing season, cover the planter or move it into a frost-free location as needed. Some gardeners even move a pot or two inside to finish off the tomato season.
Plant tomatoes in a container with drainage holes and fill it with a quality potting mix. Reduce the time spent watering with a self-watering pot that has a reservoir to hold water and extend the time between watering. Further reduce the need to water by adding an organic, sustainable soil amendment like certified organic Wild Valley Farms' wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com) to the potting mix. Made from wool waste, this product reduces watering by up to 25%.
Water thoroughly when the top few inches begin to dry. Mulch the soil with evergreen needles, shredded leaves, or other organic mulch to keep the soil consistently moist and suppress weeds. Consistent soil moisture encourages more flowering and fruiting, while reducing the risk of blossom end rot, cracking, and misshapen fruit.
Harvest tomatoes when fully colored or leave them on the plant a few more days for an even sweeter flavor. You'll enjoy the convenience of harvesting fresh tomatoes right outside your door for use in salads, sauces, and other favorite recipes.
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.