Arts and Recreation
Garrison Keillor Returns to The Park Theatre with Special Guest Richard Dworsky
Dworsky was Keillor's Prarie Home Companion musical director for over two decades
Garrison Keillow
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (May 27, 2025) The Park Theatre is thrilled to announce the return of America's beloved storyteller, Garrison Keillor, for a special performance on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. This marks Keillor's third appearance at The Park Theatre, and he will be joined by a very special guest, his longtime musical director, Richard Dworsky, for an evening of poetry, limericks, sing-alongs, and the iconic stories from Lake Wobegon.
Garrison Keillor, the legendary host of A Prairie Home Companion for over 40 years, has captivated millions with his warm humor, evocative storytelling, and timeless radio variety show. A native of Anoka, Minnesota, Keillor is an acclaimed author of over two dozen books, including Lake Wobegon Days, That Time of Year: A Minnesota Life, and Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80. His performances blend wit, music, and nostalgia, creating a unique connection with audiences. Critics have praised his work, with BookLife from Publishers Weekly calling his memoir, Cheerfulness "a charming memoir by a beloved humorist that reflects unabashed happiness in defiance of age, loss, and the weight of life's unpredictability". Foreword Clarion Reviews lauded it as "a humorous, insightful perspective on life that showcases Keillor's signature cocktail of droll storytelling and wry commentary".
Joining Keillor is Richard Dworsky, the virtuoso pianist and music director who served as the musical backbone of A Prairie Home Companion for 23 years. A St. Paul, Minnesota native, Dworsky is renowned for his original theatrical underscoring, leading the house band, and accompanying luminaries like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Yo-Yo Ma, and Renée Fleming. His seamless blend of jazz, folk, and classical influences brings a rich, dynamic layer to Keillor's performances.
"We feel so honored to have Garrison back for a third time," said Steve Jackson, CEO and Managing Director of The Park Theatre. "His unique ability to weave humor, heart, and music into an evening of pure joy & nostalgia is unmatched, and with Richard Dworsky's extraordinary talent at the keyboard, this show promises to be a truly special experience for our community."
Tickets are now on sale for this event and they are priced at $45, $55, and $65 and are available for purchase at The Park Theatre box office or online at theparktheatre.org. Given the popularity of Keillor's previous sold-out performances, early booking is highly recommended.
Don't miss this chance to experience Garrison Keillor and Richard Dworsky live, bringing the magic of A Prairie Home Companion to Jaffrey for an evening of laughter, music, and storytelling.
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.
Next up on the Theatre at the Mount stage: A Theatrical Showdown for a Great Cause!
Theatre at the Mount has been bringing the magic of live theatre to our community for years, but last summer, during our production of The Prom, an unexpected scenery mishap left us with a large L-shaped gash in our beloved black scrim. This essential piece of equipment is a staple in our productions, and replacing it comes with a hefty price tag--over $6,000.
That's where Broadway Feud comes in! This thrilling, laugh-out-loud game night is more than just a battle of Broadway buffs--it's a fundraiser to help Theatre at the Mount purchase a brand-new scrim. Join us for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and Broadway-themed antics while making a real difference for the future of live theatre in our community.
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Location: Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
How can you help?
Grab your tickets, gather your friends, and enjoy an unforgettable night--all while supporting the magic of the stage. Your participation and contributions ensure that Theatre at the Mount continues to create spectacular productions for years to come.
Don't miss out on the fun. Show your love for live theatre and help us get back on track. Get your tickets today at https://mwcc.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1594
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
Friday night, June 6, at Nova Arts, it's time to DANCE & get ready for Barefoot Music Fest!
Princess Kikou is a New Hampshire based World Beat group which draws heavily from Afro-Caribbean influences. Made up of a core trio; Simon Gray on guitar, Jon Tshibambi on bass, and Garth Tichy on drums, Princess Kikou also features a rotating ensemble of guest players. Blending together the globe-spanning influences of each of its members, Princess Kikou creates a unique, danceable sound, full of multi-lingual harmonies and syncopated rhythms.
Mal Maïz is a Vermont based musical group that explores the psychedelic side of Latin music, weaving modern and traditional rhythms from Central and South America. The story telling behind each song is designed in a poetic way, elaborating the complexity of the myths and legends that one time were part of the oral culture of Central America. Maiz "Brujo" Vargas started this group 10 years ago at the epicenter of the Vermont music scene: Burlington, selecting a group of some of the most professional musicians that Vermont has brought to the contemporary music Scene. Mal Maïz delivers explosive and complex sounds that will make you dance, celebrate and heal your soul.
The folks from the Barefoot Music Festival will be on hand with info, tickets, and Aerialist Hattie Gunther!!
Doors are at 7:00 pm and music will begin at 7:30! Seating is first come first served!
Thanks to a grant from TD Charitable Foundation, this show has an Access For All option which lets you name your price (you can't buy multiples of this option at the same time, so to buy more than one ticket, it is necessary to do each additional ticket in a different transaction).
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
MA Senate Passes Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
Comerford secures $840,000 in state funding for local organizations
(BOSTON, MA) - On Thursday, May 22, the Massachusetts Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget by a vote of 38 - 2. The $61.4 billion budget contains key investments in public education, public health, local aid to cities and towns, regional transit authorities and transportation pilots, rural school funding, and roads and bridges. For a full budget summary, please see this blog post.
In addition to the funds that will flow to the region from various line-items, Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) secured funding for local projects and organizations totaling $840,000.
"This budget is a testament to the Senate's collective values and our shared responsibility to invest in every community, every person in the Commonwealth--from the Connecticut River Valley to Cape Cod. By prioritizing education, transportation, health care, and supporting municipalities, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and resilient Commonwealth, amid a time of great national turbulence and strife," said Comerford, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and their teams for leading this responsive, steadfast, and compassionate budget. Our work is far from over, but we are moving forward with the goal of ensuring that all Massachusetts residents have the opportunity to thrive."
Comerford celebrated the following local funding:
$110,00 for LifePath to support 10 village neighbors in Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester counties.
"The Villages are an integral component in the complex web of community-based support for older adults and caregivers, which is itself an already stressed system," said Gary Yuhas, Executive Director of LifePath. "We are thankful for the Villages and partner with them to help to fill gaps in essential needs like transportation and home repair, allowing individuals to remain in their homes and communities. This earmark is an acknowledgement of their important work and an investment in the future of the Villages and the communities they serve, and its impact will be felt for years to come."
$100,000 for the North Quabbin Food Connector.
"Quabbin Food Connector is excited about this funding and plans to use funds to restart its Protein Bundle Project that works with local farmers, partner organizations, low-income households and Quabbin Harvest Food Coop in the North Quabbin region," said Pat Larson, Quabbin Food Connector, Inc. Board of Directors Chair. "We piloted this project in 2022-24 to supply monthly bundles that included plant and animal based protein along with produce through grants but could not continue in January, 2025 with no funding. This funding will allow us to continue and also refine the Protein Bundles Project, continue work with Valuing Our Children, ARRSD Family and Community Center along with new community partners, farmers and others to move toward a resilient regional food system."
$50,000 for the Rural Network to End Domestic Violence task forces serving Franklin County.
"This earmark will support Franklin county's participation in the Rural Network to End Domestic Violence," said Monica Moran, Co-Coordinator, Rural Network to End Domestic Violence (RNEDV). "The RNEDV provides life-saving support by working with rural communities across Western and North Central Massachusetts to connect and strengthen rural groups dedicated to ending domestic violence. By coordinating efforts and advocating for rural needs statewide, our communities become less isolated, more resilient, and safer."
$40,000 for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.
"We deeply appreciate this investment from the Commonwealth at such a pivotal moment for our local businesses," said Jacob Robinson, Executive Director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. "This flexible funding enables us to swiftly respond to emerging challenges facing small businesses, helping us advance our Chamber's strategic goals of strengthening local economic resilience, fostering community connections, and supporting sustainable growth. With this support, we'll continue providing essential resources and innovative solutions to help our community thrive."
$40,000 for the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.
"This budget earmark underscores Senator Comerford's unwavering commitment to strengthening local small businesses, ensuring they have the resources to navigate economic uncertainty and thrive," said Vince Jackson, Executive Director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. "By investing in our small businesses and local economy, we are investing in the resilience and prosperity of our entire community."
In addition to:
$250,000 for Baystate Health to operate a Family Medicine Residency program in Greenfield
$95,000 for economic development in the town of Orange
$90,000 for a juvenile firesetter prevention program
$40,000 for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
$25,000 for the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
Healey-Driscoll Administration Declares May 30 "Growing Wild Day"
Massachusetts Expands Free Growing Wild Starter Kit Program to 27 Locations; DCR, MDAR, and MNLA Encourage Residents to 'Pledge Your Garden' and Help Restore Pollinator Habitats
BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Department of Agricultural Resources and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) today announced the launch of the fifth year of the Growing Wild program, encouraging the public to preserve and protect pollinator habitats by inspiring residents to plant native species and pledge their gardens in support of pollinators. To commemorate this initiative, Governor Maura Healey proclaimed May 30 as "Growing Wild Day" in Massachusetts, marking a major milestone in the state's expanding effort to protect native species and restore pollinator habitats.
As part of this year's program, Growing Wild is offering free pollinator starter kits at 18 nurseries and six DCR parks across the state starting on Friday, May 30, 2025. Additionally, DCR, for the first time, has partnered with Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, and Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe to offer plants to Indigenous communities for their use and enjoyment. Native plants like Milkweed and Joe Pye Weed are valued in Indigenous culture and traditions. In honor of the program's fifth year, state and local leaders will gather at Rogers Spring Hill Garden Center in Haverhill for a public launch event celebrating the program's continued growth and impact across the state.
"Growing native plants and attracting pollinators in our gardens is a great way to show our commitment to protecting nature and wildlife," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "The Growing Wild program helps us to transform lawns into safe havens for pollinators like bees and butterflies. I am proud to be a part of the Growing Wild community and to use native plants in my own backyard."
As part of this year's initiative, and in celebration of the start of National Pollinators Month in June, Growing Wild is offering free starter kits that include two one-gallon native perennial plants, native seed packets, and educational resources on pollinator-friendly gardening. Kits will be available starting on Friday, May 30, while supplies last at 18 participating nurseries and three Tribal community sites, participating in the program for the first time this year. Kits will also be available at the six DCR parks on the following days and times:
- Holyoke Heritage State Park - Wednesday, June 4, 12-2 p.m.
- Mt. Greylock Reservation in Lanesborough- Wednesday, June 4, 1-3 p.m.
- Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in East Falmouth- Wednesday, June 4, 2-4 p.m.
- Middlesex Fells State Reservation in Stoneham - Thursday, June 5, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center in Worcester - Thursday, June 5, 1 - 3 p.m.
- Lawrence Heritage State Park - Monday, June 9, 1 - 3 p.m.
"We are excited to see the Growing Wild program grow year after year," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "Residents who plant native and supporting pollinators are helping to build a more resilient food system, so this kind of public engagement initiative is important for agricultural sustainability in Massachusetts."
Pollinators--primarily bees, butterflies, and other insects--are critical to our ecosystems. Approximately 75% of flowering plants and 35% of the crops we consume depend on them to reproduce. In Massachusetts, native pollinators are essential to sustaining biodiversity and ensuring a healthy food system. Yet, these species face mounting threats from habitat loss, invasive plants, pesticide use, and climate change. Growing Wild offers residents a powerful way to help reverse this trend--one native plant at a time.
Whether using a Growing Wild starter kit or purchasing native plants independently, Massachusetts residents can help make an environmental impact by registering their gardens on the Massachusetts Pollinator Map, a growing visual record of native plantings across the state. The statewide pollinator map not only shows this collective progress but also reinforces Massachusetts' leadership in sustainability and climate resilience.
"As green industry professionals, we're proud to support residents in creating beautiful, healthy, and environmentally responsible landscapes," said MNLA Executive Director Rena Sumner. "Local nurseries across Massachusetts are here to help people identify native plants and make pollinator-friendly choices that have a real impact."
Since its launch, Growing Wild has distributed nearly 6,000 starter kits since 2021, totaling an estimated 6.5 acres of pollinator habitat across the state. To learn more, find educational materials, native plant guides, find a nursery, pledge your garden, and for a full list of participating nurseries visit the MNLA Growing Wild website, mnla.com/growingwild.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. The agency's mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@mass.gov.
Gardening
The Why and How of Deadheading
A gardener using an Ergocut dead header in the garden.
Photo courtesy of Corona Tools
Keep your flowers blooming longer and your garden a bit tidier with deadheading. Removing faded flowers can promote repeat bloom on some plants, encourage fuller, more compact growth, and tidy up the garden.
Use a bypass hand pruner, garden snips or other dead-heading tool to remove faded flowers. Bypass tools have two sharp blades like scissors, resulting in a clean cut that closes quickly, leaving your plant looking its best. Corona Tool's Ergocut dead header (coronatools.com) has a finger loop that provides better control and an ergonomic design for less stress on your hands and wrist.
The type of flower will influence how and where to make the cut. In general, remove the stem of faded blooms back to the first set of healthy leaves or nearby flower buds.
Remove the flower stem of salvias, speedwells (Veronicas), and snapdragons as the blooms begin to fade. Cut below the spike of flowers just above the first set of leaves or the side shoots where the new flower buds are forming.
Encourage additional blossoms and improve Shasta daisy's appearance by removing faded flowers. Prune back just above a set of healthy leaves.
Cut the flowers of plants like Armeria and coral bells back to the base of the flower stems that arise from the foliage. This improves the appearance and encourages more blooms on some of this type of flowering perennial.
Plants like daylilies and balloon flowers require a bit different care. Remove the individual blooms as they fade if you don't like looking at the faded flowers. Once all the individual flowers have bloomed out, you can cut the flower stem back at the base.
Removing fading flowers of fuchsia and lantana will prevent the plants from going to seed and encourage more blooms. Remove any berries that do form to keep these plants flowering throughout the growing season.
Deadheading peonies is strictly for aesthetics and won't extend the bloom time. Remove the faded flowers or seedpods as they form. Cut just above a healthy set of leaves to keep the stems more upright and create a tidier appearance in your garden.
Prevent some flowers, like columbine, Amsonia, and Alliums from reseeding and spreading throughout the garden by removing the faded flowers. Even though it won't promote additional blooms, it will help eliminate unwanted seedlings in next year's garden.
Remove flowers as they appear on coleus, grown for its colorful foliage, to promote more compact growth. Late blooming, flowerless varieties and self-branching coleus hybrids reduce or eliminate time spent on this task.
Reduce time spent deadheading by including some self-cleaning, also called free-flowering plants, like impatiens, fibrous begonias, Calibrachoa, and moss rose. Lobelia, many of the newer petunias, and verbenas are also self-cleaning but may benefit from a bit of grooming. Prune back heat-stressed lobelia and verbena that get leggy and petunia stems that need to be kept in bounds.
Allow seedheads to develop on coneflowers, rudbeckias, and other plants that provide winter interest and food for the birds. And consider skipping the deadheading of late blooming perennials. This allows them to prepare for winter and form seedpods for additional winter interest.
And while you are out in the garden deadheading, pick a few flowers at their peak to enjoy in a summer bouquet indoors.
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 and was commissioned by Corona Tools for her expertise to write this article. Myers' web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.