Arts and Recreation

Oscar Winner to Perform His One-Man Play at Park Theatre

Ernest Thompson brings his new play to the Jaffrey, NH performing arts center stage on August 2

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (July 14, 2025) Many may not know that the classic film On Golden Pond started as a play in 1979 on the New York stage starring Frances Sternhagen and Tom Aldredge. It continues to be performed all over the world in multiple languages. The author of the play, Ernest Thompson, adapted the play into a film starring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda. It won many awards including multiple Oscars including one for Mr. Thompson's screenplay. Mr. Thompson has written many plays since then and he is on a world premiere tour of his newest work, Archie Parish's Parting Words. The play will have one performance at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 p.m.

In this powerful one-man show, directed by and starring the author, Ernest Thompson performs a cast of characters as hilarious, imperfectly human and heartrending as those in his most iconic work--On Golden Pond--his three dozen other plays, ten films and two novels. Movement is a metaphor in Archie Parish's Parting Words and audiences will find inspiration from the not young but youthful writer/actor/director and long-ago dancer, fearless in demonstrating that it really is possible in our lives, at any stage, to move (on).

The production is presented by Sunstreet Productions and Beyond the Barn.

Tickets for this unforgettable evening are priced at $35 and all seats are reserved. Secure your seats early to experience this remarkable performance in The Park Theatre's state-of-the-art venue. Tickets can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office at (603) 532-8888.

The theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH. It is a 90 minute drive from Boston and 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.

About Ernest Thompson
Ernest Thompson's work has won an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, Writers Guild and Broadway Drama Guild Awards and been nominated for a Tony, an Emmy and a British Academy Award. His plays have been seen in theatres around the world, his most enduring, On Golden Pond, translated into 30 languages and presented in more than 40 countries. Current projects include an On Golden Pond Broadway revival, directed by and starring the author, true also of his new one-man play, Archie Parish's Parting Words, now on tour in the Northeast, the short film The Constituent, and the long-awaited sequel, Home On Golden Pond. His novel Out Clause arrives on October 7th, 2025. With his writer wife Kerrin Thompson, he established Rescind Recidivism, a prison writing program giving inmates a chance to feel creative as well as human, capable and worthy.

Learn more at www.ErnestThompson.us.

A Night of Live Music and Song Requests at The Park Theatre Featuring Beloved New England Musician

Ryan Hood plays the King Cabaret Room at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey on July 25

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (July16, 2025) The Park Theatre is thrilled to announce An Evening With Ryan Hood, an intimate solo concert featuring the versatile and beloved New England musician Ryan Hood. This special performance will take place in the King Cabaret Room at the iconic Park Theatre, located in the heart of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25 and can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office at 603-532-8888.

Prepare for an unforgettable evening as Ryan Hood takes the stage, delivering a dynamic performance spanning decades and genres. From the timeless classics of Frank Sinatra to the modern hits of Luke Combs and Taylor Swift, Ryan's repertoire of over 1,200 songs ensures there's something for everyone. Adding to the excitement, Ryan will be taking live song requests throughout the show, creating a personalized and engaging experience for the audience. Whether it's a forgotten gem or a chart-topping favorite, Ryan's versatility and charisma will keep the energy high all night long.

Seating is limited in the intimate King Cabaret Room, offering both lounge-style and traditional venue seating options. Attendees can also enjoy a cash bar (ID required) and a selection of appetizers to enhance the evening. With limited tickets available, early booking is highly recommended to secure your spot for this one-of-a-kind performance.

Hailing from the small town of Royalston, Massachusetts, where he still resides with his wife Katie and their family, Ryan Hood's musical journey began at age five under the tutelage of renowned music teacher Janet Paoletti. A multi-instrumentalist, Ryan mastered the piano, learned the trumpet, and honed his skills in songwriting and singing throughout his youth. His high school years saw him performing in various school bands and co-writing his senior class song, showcasing his early talent for collaboration and creativity.

After a hiatus from music to focus on his career and family in the South, Ryan returned to his musical roots, performing with local bands like the acclaimed City Limits and leading worship teams in churches. Back in Royalston, he recorded his debut studio album, Coming Home, and has since built a thriving career performing hundreds of shows annually across New England. Known for his expansive song catalog and engaging stage presence, Ryan has become a regional favorite, captivating audiences with his ability to seamlessly blend genres and eras. Currently, he is preparing a video audition for The Voice, a testament to his ambition and passion for music. Follow Ryan's journey and check his performance schedule on his Facebook page: Ryan Hood Entertainment.

Don't miss this chance to experience Ryan Hood's incredible talent in the intimate setting of the King Cabaret Room. Get your tickets now and join us for a night of music, memories, and surprises at The Park Theatre!

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Friday, July 18: Four singular artists join for a night of song and sound

Heather Lynn is an artist from the Blue Ridge of Virginia, based in Portland, Maine. Weaving dynamic vocals and fingerstyle guitar, she creates gritty melodies rooted in folk and rock sounds. Her lyrics echo childhood memories and the harsh but beautiful world surrounding.

Briana Marela is a Peruvian American composer, vocalist, and performing artist based out of Oakland, CA. Using her voice as a focal point, she makes use of visually engaging elements of tech augmented gestures and objects to compose and perform her music live.

Matthew Thornton makes proggy folk pop using a cello, a looper and a whole lotta hubris. Think Andrew Bird, King Crimson, and Nick Drake all fighting for control of some guy with a cello.

Becca Myari is a singer/songwriter, percussive acoustic guitarist, Irish pennywhistle player, and loop station artist.

Doors are at 7:00 p.m. 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.

Friday, July 25: A great night for Two-Step and Honkytonk!

The Rear Defrosters are back at Nova! The best country and western outfit around, they're deft and capable of breathing new life into every nook and cranny of honkytonk, and they also have a deep bag of originals. They always put on a killer show. This night they'll have Ida Mae Specker to open things up too!

Ida Mae Specker is an old-time fiddler, folk singer and songwriter from Andover, Vermont. Her music fuses original, contemporary, and traditional material, bringing heartfelt new life and relevance to the chain of American folk music.

Doors are at 7:00 p.m. 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.

Finances

PSA: Should You Trust a 'Finfluencer'?

In the age of social media, it's easy to find advice on just about everything--including how to manage your money.

Content creators known as "fin-fluencers"--short for "financial influencers"--use platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Some may have formal training or credentials. Many do not.

When you hear financial advice on social media, here are some warning signs:

• Unrealistic "get-rich" promises: Claims like, "Turn $500 into $50,000 in a year," are unrealistic and may indicate a scam.
• Pressure to act fast: Important financial decisions shouldn't be rushed.
• Flashy displays of wealth. Images of luxury cars, watches or cash can be more about generating views, or making a profit, than offering sound advice.

Fin-fluencers can make financial topics more engaging. Younger investors or older investors with substantial savings sometimes like these platforms because they're easily accessible. But all investors should do their homework. Take the time to verify, research and, when in doubt, seek advice from a professional.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Jordyn Lynds, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 978-297-7452 or stop by 113 Central St. Winchendon, MA 01475.

Member SIPC

Gardening

Reduce Maintenance and Boost Your Garden Enjoyment

by Melinda Myers
Every gardener has personal reasons for gardening whether it be the hope that their garden brings joy, productivity, beauty, or peace throughout the growing season. Embrace what makes you happy as you tend, view, and enjoy every aspect of your garden.

Weather, busy schedules, and life in general can interfere with the best laid plans for any garden and landscape. Take some time now to evaluate what is working so you can do more of that and decide what needs changing in your garden plantings, designs, and maintenance.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the maintenance but still want seasonal interest, consider filling garden beds with shrubs. Look for low maintenance varieties suited to your growing conditions and climate. Select those with multiple seasons of beauty from flowers, foliage, fall color, and interesting form and bark. Include some that provide birds with food, shelter, and protection from predators. You'll appreciate the beauty and motion these winged visitors provide.

Consider using fewer species of low-maintenance perennials and more of each. You'll have fewer plants to try to identify as the garden comes to life in spring and as you weed throughout the growing season. Look for those that are disease and insect-pest resistant, need minimal or no deadheading and pruning, and attract and support pollinators as well as provide winter interest and food for songbirds in the winter.

Then add season-long color with pockets or containers of annuals. With fewer to buy and maintain you may decide your schedule and budget will allow you to change them out as the seasons change.

Accept and embrace the beauty of a less-than-perfect garden. Most visitors won't notice the imperfections unless you point them out. Plus, faded flowers and seed pods can provide unique texture and food for songbirds.

Do minimal cleanup that is better for the plants, pollinators and songbirds. Do remove or cut back diseased and insect-infested plant material as needed. Leave fall leaves in the garden to serve as mulch, a home for some beneficial insects, and insulation for toads, queen bumblebees, and others that overwinter underground. Allow perennials to stand for winter, increasing hardiness, providing homes for beneficial insects, food for songbirds, and adding winter interest. Leave some of these stems standing throughout the upcoming growing season to serve as homes for some of the native bees.

Ask for or hire help if needed. As much as you love gardening, securing help for some of the larger tasks or those that just aren't getting done can help boost your enjoyment. It can be hard to find gardening help so you may need to get creative. Consider sharing your gardening space with someone who loves to garden but lacks a garden. Barter your knowledge and skills for help in your garden. Or plan a round robin of fun and gardening with a few friends. Take turns visiting and tending each other's gardens. You'll enjoy the time spent together in each other's gardens as you tackle a gardening task or two. Then top off the visit with a favorite beverage and snack or meal.

Don't let your list of unaccomplished tasks or weeds stop you from enjoying your garden and what you have accomplished. Relish every bloom, fresh tomato, or visiting bird or butterfly.

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" instant video 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.