Arts and Recreation
Park Theatre Presents New Downton Abbey Film With A Monadnock Region Celebration
Jaffrey, NH performing arts center kicks off celebration with a special advance screening of the new Downton film on Thursday, September 11
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (August 26, 2025) The Park Theatre is delighted to announce the Downton Abbey Monadnock Celebration, a vibrant three-week event from September 11 to October 2, 2025, featuring the debut of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Directed by Simon Curtis and written by Julian Fellowes, this highly anticipated film concludes the Crawley family's saga in the 1930s and will be screened in The Park's award-winning 330-seat Eppes Auditorium, featuring a giant screen and a 17-speaker ULTRA surround sound system.
The celebration begins with a special advance screening on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., debuting the film one day before its official release on September 12. This exclusive event will feature raffles, prizes, and surprises, setting the tone for a festive celebration. The event continues with exciting activities, including a Period Dress Contest on Saturday, September 13, where attendees can showcase their best Downton-inspired attire, and a Butler's Race on Saturday, September 20, open to all, where participants carry trays of champagne in a fun, themed competition. Local restaurants will offer special Downton-inspired menus, and The Park Theatre's bar will serve Downton Martinis. Additional prizes and surprises will enhance the experience throughout the celebration. For full details, visit theparktheatre.org/downton-abbey.
Open caption (English subtitles) matinee screenings will be offered every Wednesday during the run to ensure accessibility for all.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale follows the Crawley family and their staff as they navigate Lady Mary's public divorce scandal and financial challenges threatening their legacy. Featuring returning stars Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Laura Carmichael, alongside newcomers Joely Richardson and Alessandro Nivola, the film delivers an emotional farewell to the beloved series that began in 2010.
Tickets for the film are priced at $10 for general admission and $9 for seniors/children/students/teachers/active military. The Park Theatre, located at 19 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH, invites the Monadnock community to join this grand celebration of a global cultural phenomenon.
For tickets and more information, visit theparktheatre.org or contact the box office at (603) 532-8888 or boxoffice@theparktheatre.org. Don't miss this unforgettable Downton Abbey experience in the state-of-the-art Eppes Auditorium!
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
Sound, Soul and Electrifying Performances from Emerging Artists September 4 and 5!
On Thursday, September 4 we welcome Peter Mulvey, a talented world renowned performer. Mulvey has spent over three decades traveling the country playing thousands of shows and releasing more than twenty albums. From the streets of Dublin, Boston subway platforms and to NPR broadcasts, Mulvey's sharp lyrics and multi-genre sound have earned him a devoted following.
Mulvey has played numerous gigs alongside Emmylou Harris, Ani DiFranco, and Greg Brown. His "Lamplighter Sessions" and annual bicycle tours speak to his devotion to collaboration, community, and craft.
Opening for Mulvey, McGettigan & Gilbert will bring their signature blend of folk, rock, and jazz. McGettigan, a New Hampshire native, writes songs filled with life, humor, and heart. Gilbert, a well seasoned guitarist from north of Boston, compliments their performances with soulful technique and a fluid musical range.Together, the duo creates reimagined covers and originals with a unique sound.
If you are looking to continue your week with some fresh sound, come join us again on Friday, September 5 to hear some local Keene bands and their fresh styles!
Born out of frustration, creative friction, and a shared love of melody and chaos, Stagnox emerged in 2025 as an alternative pop duo. Founders Keaton Walsh (guitar, vox) and Ben Robison (bass, vox) bonded over a mutual love of several genres including, pop, goth, punk, metal, and electronic music. Stagnox plays with urgency and power, never asking for your attention, only demanding it.
Opening will be Blowflies, a rising experimental act from Keene State College, who just released their debut EP Hypnagogic Rope on Bandcamp. The band features Alonzo Smith on vocals, May Cassidy on bass and backing vocals, Nathan Welsh on guitar, and Matthew Palmer (a ConVal music student) on drums. The band brings fresh noise and bold sounds, ensuring a performance to keep the audience on their feet.
Come see a night of emerging artists showcasing their talents!
Thursday, September 4, doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music will start around 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be
available at novaarts.org/events
Friday, September 5, doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music will start around 8:00 p.m.
Access For All tickets available thanks to a grant from the TD Charitable Foundation. (Note: To purchase more than one Access For All ticket, each must be done in a separate transaction.)
Both shows are all ages and seating is first come first served.
Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Theatre at the Mount Offering "Three-Pack" Ticket Deal
If you love musicals, you can now get a three pack of shows in one deal from Theatre at the Mount. For just $70--a 10 percent discount from regular admission--you can reserve your seats for Anything Goes in October, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in November/December, and Young Frankenstein in February/March.
Anything Goes: Set sail on a comedic romp aboard the S.S. American! This delightful musical, brimming with Cole Porter's iconic songs like "Anything Goes" and "I Get a Kick Out of You," follows the charming antics of characters navigating romance and disguise. With dazzling dance numbers and witty humor, it's smooth sailing from start to finish.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Dive into the Biblical story of Joseph, his prophetic dreams, and his multicolored coat in this vibrant and captivating musical. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this show blends various musical styles and features beloved songs like "Any Dream Will Do." It's a kaleidoscope of color, music, and storytelling.
Young Frankenstein: From the comic genius of Mel Brooks comes this hilarious musical adaptation of the classic film. Follow Dr. Frankenstein's grandson as he attempts to bring a creature to life with comically monstrous results. With side-splitting humor, catchy tunes like "Puttin' on the Ritz," and unforgettable characters, it's a monstrously good time.
To purchase your three-pack, go to mwcc.universitytickets.com/w/packages/Packages.aspx.
Interested in being in a show yourself? Auditions are open and information on upcoming auditions can be found at mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam/auditions/. Auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be held September 2, 3 and 4 at the Mount. Theatre at the Mount auditions and roles are open to ALL.
Theatre at the Mount is part of Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St, Gardner, MA.
Financial Focus®
Life insurance: Protecting what matters most
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month and the perfect time to consider whether you have adequate coverage to protect your loved ones. While no one likes to think about what would happen if they weren't around, doing so is an act of love.
Life insurance is fundamentally about protecting your loved ones should something happen to you. If you pass away, your family will not only face the challenges of grief and loss but they could also find themselves financially strapped. Life insurance can help provide them with financial security in the event you no longer can.
Who needs life insurance: You're a good candidate if you have a spouse or partner who depends on your income or if there are children or other loved ones whom you support. Insurance protection can also be a solution if you have outstanding debts like a mortgage, credit cards or a car loan, or if you simply don't want to burden your loved ones with your final expenses.
Insurance through work: While many people have life insurance through their employers, this coverage may not be enough for you, depending on your situation. Among employers who offer group life insurance, only 2% offer more than two times the employee's annual salary--essentially just two years of income--according to the Guardian's 2023 Workplace Benefits Study. And remember that it's only good as long as you're employed there. With all this in mind, many people purchase individual insurance as a supplement to their workplace coverage.
How much: You might hear that you need life insurance equal to about seven to 10 times your pretax annual salary. That's not a bad "ballpark" figure, but not everyone is playing in the same ballpark. To get a true sense of how much of a death benefit is right for you, use the "L-I-F-E" guide to calculate your needs:
- Liabilities: Will your family need to pay off a mortgage, credit cards, car loan or other debt?
- Income: Will your family need to replace your income for a period of years?
- Final expenses: Do you have the resources to cover funeral and burial expenses?
- Education needs: Do you need to put children through a private school or college?
Life insurance needs can change over time, so it's important to review your coverage every three to five years or after major life events like marriage or birth of a child. Consider working with a financial advisor who can look at your complete financial situation and help you choose a policy that truly fits your family's needs. Taking action sooner rather than later could be one of the most important gifts you give your loved ones.
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.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Regional News
Ashburnham Rainbow Dinners for Seniors Celebrates 3rd Anniversary
Three years ago, Pastor Liz Magill and members of the Ashburnham Community Church observed LGBTQ+ seniors often felt isolated in the rural communities of Central Massachusetts. In an effort to address this issue the church wanted to provide a venue where they could come together, socialize, and enjoy a nice meal. They came together to devise a plan to accomplish those goals.
Hoping to reach out to the larger community the congregation invited members of the LGBTQ+ in the area to plan monthly senior dinners for LGBTQ+ community at the Ashburnham Community Church. The group met during the Spring and Summer to begin planning. They decided dinners would be held on the second Friday of each month, with the exception of January, February and March. They would serve lunch these months for the safety of our seniors who would not need to drive in winter conditions at night. All dinners would have a special theme.
The group planned an outdoor BBQ for July to cap off the year. The group of volunteers would take the month of August off.
After several months of planning, the first meal was served on Friday, September 9, 2022. Twenty people attended the “Italian Night” dinner, with high praises to the volunteers for bringing this opportunity to socialize and enjoy some delicious food.
Over the course of the year, an average of 20 - 30 seniors attended the dinners and lunches. The guests consistently gave glowing reviews of the meals, with thanks to the volunteers.
There are currently 10 active volunteers in the Rainbow group. They generously give of their time, and money, to provide this service to the senior LGBTQ+ communities in the North Central area.
The Rainbow Dinners (and Lunches) are for LGBTQIA+ Seniors (50+) and their friends and families. They are held at the New Dawn Art Center, 84 Main Street, Ashburnham, MA. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the dinners. The dinners are funded by the Ashburnham Community Church and the Montachusett Suicide Prevention Task Force. Donations are gratefully accepted but not required--meals are free to all.
Diners are asked to RSVP so that the kitchen crew can plan the amount of food. To RSVP, call 978-827-5553 or email ashburnhamcommunitychurch@gmail.com.
Upcoming dinner themes are:
Friday, September 12: Italian Night
Friday, October 10: Soups and Stews
Friday, November 14: Harvest Dinner
Friday, December 12: Comfort Foods
Freedom's Way National Heritage Area Offers Free Webinar Series on Developing and Sustaining Education Programs for School Audiences
DEVENS, MA, August 19, 2025 - Registration is now open for Heritage in Action: Engaging the Next Generation through Educational Programs and Activities, a three-part webinar series hosted by the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area this September.
The informational series is designed to support cultural, environmental and history organizations in developing and sustaining education programs for school audiences; a recommendation put forth in a recent comprehensive assessment of the educational opportunities available to students in the Heritage Area conducted for Freedom's Way by Elisabeth Nevins of Seed/Ed Consulting.
Webinar topics include school program development for K-12 students, youth and family audience engagement at local heritage sites, and the creation of accessible experiences for visitors of all abilities and were developed with input from an advisory panel comprised of multi-disciplinary educators at heritage area partner organizations from across the region. Our speakers are experts in their fields and work for a variety of local institutions including Discovery Museum, Fitchburg Art Museum, Lexington History Museums, Mass Audubon, Mass Cultural Council, and the USS Constitution Museum.
The series is free and open to all. Content is relevant to both staffed and all-volunteer organizations within and beyond the Heritage Area's geographical boundaries. Recordings will be shared with registrants following each session and additional educational resources and templates will be made available on the Freedom's Way website for all to access.
The hour-long webinars are scheduled for Tuesdays in September at 2:00 PM EDT. Visit freedomsway.org/heritage-in-action for details and registration.