Arts and Recreation

Concert Film Dedicated To Joe Cocker Presented at Jaffrey's Park Theatre with Filmmaker on June 28

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (June 23, 2025) The Park Theatre is proud to announce a special screening of Mad Dogs and Englishmen, a captivating concert documentary directed by Marty Walsh, assistant professor at Berklee College of Music. The film, which captures a vibrant performance by Berklee students and alumni recreating the iconic 1970 Joe Cocker and Leon Russell tour, will be shown at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, on Saturday, June 28 at 2:00 p.m. The documentary is part of The Park Theatre's Filmmaker Series.

Filmed at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston on November 1, 2022, Mad Dogs and Englishmen showcases the raw energy and soulful spirit of the legendary tour through the talents of current Berklee students and returning alumni, under Walsh's expert direction. The documentary marks Walsh's debut into filmmaking, blending his extensive experience as a veteran studio musician with his passion for music education. Known for his work with artists like Dolly Parton, Donna Summer, and Supertramp, Walsh brings a unique perspective to this project, celebrating the chaotic, communal vibe of the original tour while highlighting the next generation of musical talent.

"Marty Walsh has created a film that not only pays homage to a pivotal moment in music history but also showcases the incredible artistry of Berklee's students," said Steve Jackson, CEO of The Park Theatre. "We're excited to share this dynamic documentary with our audience, complete with a special Q&A session with Marty Walsh following the screening."

The Park Theatre, a beautifully reimagined concert and film venue known for its commitment to diverse arts and entertainment, provides the perfect setting for this cinematic celebration of music. Tickets for the screening are priced at $15 and can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office at (603) 532-8888.

For more information about the film, visit www.martywalsh.com.

About Marty Walsh Marty Walsh is an assistant professor in the Ensemble and Music Production departments at Berklee College of Music and a seasoned guitarist with a storied career in the LA studio scene. His credits include hits with artists such as Neil Diamond, John Denver, and Leann Rimes. Walsh's transition to filmmaking reflects his dedication to preserving and sharing musical legacies, as seen in his directorial debut, Mad Dogs and Englishmen.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Friday, June 27: Delicate Steve comes to Keene with Modern Fools!

Steve Marion, the critically acclaimed--and completely wordless--songwriter and guitarist known as Delicate Steve, has unveiled a new album called Delicate Steve Sings. Is the album title a reference to the instantly recognizable "voice" of his guitar? Does he actually sing this time? Has he not been singing all along? That's the crux of Sings--Marion is the rare guitarist where you can put on any of his records and know exactly who's playing. In an indie rock landscape stuffed end-to-end with guitars and amplifiers, nobody else sounds like this.

That unique voice has kept Steve busy in an unpredictable variety of settings. The sheer spread of his work outside his own records--collaborating with Miley Cyrus and Paul Simon, playing in Amen Dunes and the Black Keys, and being sampled by Kanye--doesn't mean Steve's a chameleon. It means he's singular.

Despite their name, there's nothing particularly modern or foolish about the songs of this New Hampshire foursome. Unless you count devising their name by trying to fit letters into the Waffle House logo. Since that fateful, syrup-soaked morning, they've been refining a sound best described as "seriously retro, cosmic Americana", with songs that meld together the country rock of Gram Parsons with the song-craft and harmonies of Dr. Dog.

The group's members have been making music together for between 1 and 16 years, depending on which combination you pick... But as Modern Fools, this iteration took shape in 2019, and has continued to hone in on their particular brand of dream country, while opening for the likes of Steve Earle, Charlie Parr, Ryan Montbleau and Bonnie "Prince" Billy.

This show is happening Friday 6/27 at Nova Arts in Keene NH! 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, these shows have 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

Massachusetts Legislature Invests $1.39 Billion into Public Transportation and Education

MBTA, Regional Transit, Local Aid, Vocational Education Investments from Fair Share Surtax

BOSTON (June 24, 2025) The Massachusetts Legislature approved $1.39 billion in new investments in public transportation and public education across the Commonwealth. The supplemental budget--funded by surplus revenue from the Fair Share surtax on incomes over $1 million, allocates $716 million for transportation and $593.5 million for education at every level.

To allocate the surplus, this supplemental budget makes significant investments in the MBTA, Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), water transportation, roads, and bridges--with the goal of advancing affordable, safe, and reliable transit for all residents. It also provides critical support for public colleges and universities, expands vocational education programs, and strengthens services for students with disabilities.

"Ensuring that every Massachusetts resident has access to a safe and reliable public transportation system, and that every student in the Commonwealth receives a high-quality education, are two of the most fundamental responsibilities that we have as elected officials. The investments being made in this supplemental budget are representative of the Legislature's continued focus on meeting those responsibilities," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for working diligently to get this vital funding to the Governor's desk for her signature. The House looks forward to building on these investments, and to continuing to deliver improvements to the Commonwealth's most fundamental institutions and services."

"No matter where you live in Massachusetts, you deserve reliable transportation and an education that opens doors of opportunities," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This funding moves us closer to a Commonwealth where everyone has access to both. At a time when the federal government's commitment to safe transit and strong public education is in doubt, this legislation invests directly in local communities, our school systems, and infrastructure projects that keep Massachusetts moving forward. I'm grateful to Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Comerford, Senator O'Connor, our Senate colleagues, and our partners in the House for advancing this critical legislation. I look forward to seeing the impact of these investments in communities across the state."

"The use of these one-time surplus of funds are a unique opportunity for us to better strength the Commonwealth in numerous ways. By further improving our educational and transportation sectors we will build off the work we have done in the last several budget cycles with a judicious use of the Fair Share funds," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means. "I want to thank Speaker Mariano and all our House colleagues for their input and support on this critical funding legislation. I also want to thank my Senate counterpart Senator Rodrigues for his partnership in working towards a timely resolution towards this critical piece of legislation."

"I'm pleased the Fair Share supplemental budget reached by the House and Senate supports key public education initiatives, while also greatly strengthening our transportation infrastructure. Smartly utilizing almost $1.4 billion in one-time surplus surtax revenues, the proposal strengthens the Commonwealth's economic foundation, prioritizing regional equity and maintaining fiscal discipline during these highly uncertain times," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "This budget plan reaffirms the Legislature's strong commitment to educational excellence, provides significant resources for special education, and makes substantial investments in the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities. It goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone gets a 'fair share'.'"

The supplemental budget passed today is a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the bill. It utilizes above estimated revenues generated from the Fair Share ballot initiative approved by voters in November 2022, which established a new surtax of four percent on annual income above $1 million to improve the state's education and transportation sectors. It also utilizes one-time revenues from the Student Opportunity Act Investment Fund and the Transitional Escrow Fund.

"Targeted investments in public transit, transportation infrastructure, early education, and special education relief through the circuit breaker program reflect the Commonwealth's commitment to opportunity and supporting every resident's potential," said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. "These are the kinds of forward-looking policy decisions that help make Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

"In a time of national turbulence and damaging federal cuts, the conference committee has delivered a meaningful compromise that honors the will of Massachusetts voters and invests Fair Share funds equitably across Massachusetts," said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of Senate Ways and Means. "This supplemental budget reflects a Senate commitment to regional equity--providing meaningful support for K-12 schools grappling with strained budgets, addressing long-overdue maintenance on public higher education campuses, and delivering much-needed transportation solutions for communities across the Commonwealth."

"I believe we reached a fair and reasonable compromise on the Fair Share bill," said Representative Todd M. Smola (R-Warren), Ranking Minority member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. "Our cities and towns asked for a bigger investment in transportation and education dollars. The adoption of this proposal works toward those goals by providing additional support for infrastructure like roads and bridges as well as strengthening our Regional Transit Authorities. It also reinforces our long-standing commitment to education with greater resources going to special education, career technical education, early education and literacy."

"As a member of the joint conference committee, I'm proud to have played a significant role in the process that reflects the values and priorities of communities, such as those on the South Shore that I represent," said Senator Patrick M. O'Connor (R-Weymouth), Ranking Minority member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "This legislation directs historic and groundbreaking Fair Share investments toward career and technical education, local infrastructure, and regional transportation, which directly benefits our schools, our roads, and our economy. These are the type of investments made by the state that keep our residents and infrastructure flourishing. Those not just living on the South Shore, but across the Commonwealth, have long called for smart, equitable investments, and this package delivers."

Key Transportation Investments

MBTA Upgrades. $535 million for improvements and infrastructure upgrades across the MBTA system, including:

• $300 million to support the MBTA budget reserve.
• $175 million in workforce and safety funding to implement improvements recommended by the Federal Transit Administration.
• $40 million for MBTA physical infrastructure upgrades.
• $20 million for the MBTA's low-income fare relief program.

Aid For Cities and Towns. $103 million for regionally equitable, shovel-ready transportation improvements, including:

• $80 million for supplemental Chapter 90 aid to ensure every city and town receives funding to maintain local roads and bridges, including $40 million to help support small and rural communities by distributing funds based solely on road mileage.
• $16.4 million for municipally owned small bridges and culverts.
• $7 million for the improvement and maintenance of unpaved roads.

Regional Equity in Transportation. $73 million for regional transit initiatives, specifically:

• $25 million for capital improvements to equipment and facilities at Regional Transit Authorities, which serve and connect all regions of the Commonwealth.
• $25 million for efforts to improve workforce recruitment and retention at the Regional Transit Authorities.
• $13 million for public ferry infrastructure improvements.
• $10 million for on-demand micro-transit shuttles and Last Mile grants fostering an innovative multimodal transit system.

World Cup Preparations: $5 million for transportation improvements associated with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Key Education Investments

Special Education. $248 million for special education costs, including Circuit Breaker reimbursements to local school districts.

Public Higher Education Deferred Maintenance. $115 million for public higher education infrastructure investments, including $10 million for lab modernization capital improvements and upgrades at community colleges, helping ensure community colleges have the needed resources to provide a first-class education to the surge of students signing up after passage of MassEducate, which provides free community college to Massachusetts residents.

Career Technical Education Capital Grants. $100 million to expand capacity and accommodate additional career technical education school opportunities, including $15 million for a pilot program to support career and vocational technical annex buildings on comprehensive high school campuses.

EEC Workforce, Affordability, and Quality Improvement. $45 million for initiatives to support workforce development, affordability and quality improvements in the early education and care sector, including $20 million for rate increases to support early education providers.

Literacy Growth. $25 million for high dosage tutoring to support accelerated literacy growth and success for students in kindergarten through grade 3.

Endowment Match. $20 million for the endowment incentive match program to leverage public funds to encourage private fundraising by the state's public higher education institutions to support accessible and affordable education programming, including $10 million for a Department of Higher Education (DHE) endowment incentive match and $10 million for the University of Massachusetts endowment incentive program.

English Language Learning Programs. $10 million for educational grants to help speakers of languages other than English to learn English--and subsequently aid in filling in-demand jobs--by reducing the waitlist for services.

Holocaust Museum Boston. $10 million to support the Holocaust Museum Boston.

Green SchoolWorks. $10 million for grants to eligible local school districts for clean energy infrastructure improvements and upgrades.

Regional School Transportation. $8.1 million to support regional school transportation costs.

Tomorrow's Teachers Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness. $2.475 million for scholarships and loan forgiveness initiatives to encourage qualified high school and currently-enrolled college students to seek teaching in the Massachusetts public school system as a career pathway.

Gardening

Gardening in Extreme Heat

by Melinda Myers
The recent heat wave that swept across much of the country is a good reminder to take extra care of our plants and ourselves as temperatures climb. Extreme temperatures can take their toll even on plants normally suited to the growing conditions.

Many plants suffer when short- or long-term temperatures exceed 86°F. You will see withering, leaf and flower drop, stunting and more on heat stressed plants. The longer the heat wave persists the greater the risk of damage.

When daytime temperatures rise above 90°F and night temperatures remain above 70°F blossoms drop, and poor fruit development may occur on tomatoes.

Temperature extremes also impact pepper productivity. When temperatures climb to 95°F or higher the pollen is sterile, and flowers may drop. Small fruit may also fall from the plant during such hot spells.

We can't change the weather, but we can help our plants cope when temperatures soar. Provide some midday and afternoon shade for plants struggling with the heat. Move containers to a shady location and use a patio umbrella or shade cloth suspended on hoops or stakes to provide your permanent plantings with a bit of relief.

Mulch the soil to conserve water, keep plant roots cooler, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as it decomposes. Spread a one-to-three-inch layer of leaves, evergreen needles, woodchips and other organic matter on the soil surface surrounding plants. The coarser the material, the thicker the layer of mulch needed. Pull mulch away from the trunk of trees and the stems of shrubs and other plants. You obtain multiple benefits from this one task while burning a few calories and strengthening your muscles.

Water plants thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist. Plants will develop deeper roots able to access water from a larger area, making them more drought tolerant and pest resistant. Avoid frequent light watering that encourages shallow roots more susceptible to drought stress. Make sure new plantings, moisture lovers, and stressed plants are the first to receive a good, long drink.

Don't overlook established trees and shrubs that need a helping hand during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Soak the area under the tree's dripline when the top four to six inches of soil are crumbly and slightly moist. Provide ten gallons of water per inch diameter of tree trunk measured at 4.5 feet high.

Water early in the day, when possible, to reduce moisture loss to evaporation. Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation whenever possible. You'll use less water by applying it right to the soil where it is needed.

Check container gardens daily. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil is dry.

Take care of yourself when gardening especially during hot weather. Try to work in the garden when temperatures are cooler and in the shady spots in your landscape. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.

Cover up your skin with brightly colored, loose-fitting clothing made of densely woven fabrics. Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your skin and UV-blocking sunglasses for the health of your eyes.

Apply a broad-spectrum UVA & UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours. You'll prevent sunburn and skin damage while making it easier to return to the garden each day.

With proper care, you and your plants will be better able to withstand the summer 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 and her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.