Arts and Recreation
Park Theatre Hosts Second Annual Monadnock Comic Con on May 24
Monadnock Comic Con returns with a restored Batman plus classic movie serial including FLASH GORDON
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (May 13, 2025) The Park Theatre will host its Second Annual Monadnock Comic Con on Saturday, May 24, 2025, transforming 19 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire into a vibrant celebration of pop culture from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
This full-day event, co-sponsored by Team Jaffrey and Escape Hatch Comic Books, offers an exciting lineup of cinematic screenings, including a stunning 4K restored edition of Tim Burton's 1989 Batman, starring Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. It was a groundbreaking superhero film that redefined the genre with its dark tone and iconic production design.
Attendees can also enjoy A Minecraft Movie, the world's number one box office hit that debuted last month, bringing the beloved game to life. Additionally, the event features rare screenings of three classic 1930s and 1940s serials--Flash Gordon, The Shadow, and King of the Rocket Men--offering a sampling of action-packed chapters of vintage sci-fi and adventure. Admission to each of the movies on the giant screen is $10/$9, admission to the serials is $5 each, while all other activities are free. Tickets are available at theparktheatre.org or by calling (603) 532-8888.
The Monadnock Comic Con promises a dynamic experience with vendors selling comics, collectibles, movie posters, and memorabilia, alongside food stalls, live music, and characters in costume roaming the venue. Fans can grab free comic books, participate in cosplay contests, and immerse themselves in a nostalgic celebration of comic book and film history.
Critics have praised Batman (1989) for its cultural impact, with Variety noting,"Jack Nicholson stole every scene," and Roger Ebert calling it "a triumph of design." Minecraft: The Movie has been lauded as "a vibrant, family-friendly adventure" by The Hollywood Reporter. The classic serials, including Flash Gordon, were hailed by records as staples of early comic book fan conventions, inspiring generations of sci-fi enthusiasts. Join us for a day of cinematic treasures, community, and fun at Monadnock Comic Con, where there's something for every fan.
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
Next weekend at Nova Arts, we have members of Cave In & some great jazz!
On Thursday, May 29, we welcome back Stephen Brodsky and Adam McGrath, of the mighty Boston metal/hardcore juggernaut Cave In. They formed the band back in 1995 and began performing as a duo while touring to support the "Antenna" album in 2003. This iteration was born somewhat out of necessity, when high profile FM radio stations would request exclusive performances in their closet-sized studio spaces at ungodly hours of the morning. Faced with these challenging conditions, the stripped down 2-person operation was easier to manage than a full band set-up. From there, the duo spawned into something unto its own--branching out into covers and collaborating on originals, while continuing to pull from Cave In's catalog for live shows. This show will also feature performances by indie singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Audrey Ryan, and punk folk drifter Taylor Paradis!
And then on Friday, May 30, The Tom Gershwin Quintet presents Wellspring, celebrating the currents of energy that flow around us and within us. Drawing inspiration from these sources, Wellspring offers a reservoir of opportunities for deep listening and presence. Trumpeter and composer Tom Gershwin presents expressive compositions that are rooted in jazz, and invites listeners into a space of potential and connection. This music is brought to life by performers who possess technical mastery of their instrument and delight in improvisational settings. They have the ability to empathetically navigate between the worlds of musical precision and open improvisation.
David Ambrosio- Bass
Mike Bjella- Saxophone
Tom Gershwin- Trumpet & Compositions
Grant Gordy- Guitar
Colin Stranahan- Drums
Also performing will be the Liminal Trio, featuring local legends Steve Cady on bass, Draa Hobbs on guitar, and Brian Quinn on drums.
As always, shows are all ages, and we encourage you to get tickets in advance via https://www.novaarts.org/events or at Brewbakers / Terra Nova Coffee. They are also available at the door! Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Regional News
Comerford awarded two statewide honors
(BOSTON, MA) - Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) was awarded two statewide honors: On May 15, Disability Law Center's 2025 Senate Legislator of the Year; and on May 21, Children's League of Massachusetts' 2025 Senate Champion for Children Award.
The Disability Law Center (https://www.dlc-ma.org/) is a statewide "private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities." Comerford received statewide recognition for her leadership in passing legislation to curtail the state's draconian MassHealth Estate Recovery practices, which were in excess of the federally required minimum, her continued efforts to allow spouses to be paid family caregivers, and her commitment to supporting young adults living with disabilities through the Blue Envelope Program she championed.
The Children's League of Massachusetts (https://www.childrensleague.org/) is a statewide "non-profit association of child and family organizations that collectively advocate for public policies and quality services that are in the best interest of children, youth, and families in the Commonwealth." Comerford received statewide recognition for her leadership of legislation to protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care and her leadership on a foster children's bill of rights.
Comerford's remarks to the Disability Law Center and wider community may be read at https://senatorjocomerford.org/celebrating-with-the-disability-law-center/.
Comerford's remarks to the Children's League of Massachusetts and wider community may be read at https://senatorjocomerford.org/recognizing-ongoing-work-on-behalf-of-the-commonwealths-children/.
"The legislation propelled by each organization and led by me and by our team is tremendously important. Passage of these bills will mean that life in Massachusetts is a little bit more just and compassionate to those who need and deserve justice and compassion. At a time when the U.S. presidency appears devoid of humanity, we here in Massachusetts must redouble our efforts to ensure that the Commonwealth is a place where everyone can thrive," noted Comerford.
Gardening
Weekend Updates for Your Landscape
Corner shelves adorned with plants dress up this home's front porch.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Adding new life to your landscape can seem overwhelming. Tackling small achievable upgrades in a weekend can get the momentum started and make a big difference in the overall curb appeal.
Start with your door. Painting or staining the door can add new life to a tired entrance. Look at your home's style, siding and trim to guide you in the process. Select a durable paint or stain suitable for this purpose. Then dress it up with a seasonal wreath and fresh new door mat.
Add a few container gardens to the steps. These make a colorful welcome for family and friends. Include flowers that complement the door color and your home's siding and trim. Use reds, oranges and yellows to draw attention, energize, and evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Create a sense of calm with blues, purples, and greens.
Use containers that are scale appropriate for your home. Make sure you can easily open the door when placing pots on the front landing. Select containers large enough to support the plants you want to grow. Choose tall and narrow pots to make a bold statement in a narrow space and bigger containers or groupings to make an impact at larger entries.
Include a few fragrant flowers to elevate the mood of everyone entering your home. Sweet alyssum, heliotrope, nicotiana, and nemesia are a few fragrant annuals to consider. Add some herbs like lavender, Rosemary, and thyme as well as scented geraniums that are sure to invite a gentle pet to release their welcome fragrance.
Freshen your garden beds with a bit of weeding and mulch. Weeds compete with your desirable plants for water, nutrients and sunlight. Many weeds also serve as hosts for insect pests and diseases. Removing them improves the look and health of your garden beds.
Once weeded, consider spreading a layer of organic mulch like leaves, evergreen needles, or shredded bark over the soil surface. Organic mulches help keep plant roots cool and moist, suppress weeds, conserve moisture and, as they break down, improve the soil. The finer the mulch, the thinner the layer needed, and generally, it should be no more than two to three inches deep.
Edge planting beds as time allows. You'll define the space, make it easier to mow around, and slow the infiltration of grass and weeds into the garden. Use a sharp spade or edging shovel to create a V-shaped trench around the garden. Fill it with the same mulch used in the garden. For larger projects, consider renting an edging machine. You and your neighbors may want to join forces and rent the equipment for the weekend for all to use. You'll share the cost, and no one has to store and maintain this additional piece of landscape equipment.
Update your address numbers, making them larger if needed so delivery people, emergency services, and others can find your home. You can purchase the numbers and craft your own sign or order one online.
As you accomplish some or all these quick upgrades, you are more likely to tackle larger projects that require more time, energy, and perhaps money. You'll appreciate each of these improvements every time you enter your front door.
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.