Arts and Recreation

East Wing Gallery Presents Anna Slezak: Mother's Altar - An Exhibition of Mixed Media Quilts

GARDNER, MA - October 3, 2025 - The East Wing Gallery at Mount Wachusett Community College announces its upcoming exhibition, Mother's Altar, featuring new works by multidisciplinary artist Anna Slezak. The show will run from October 5 through October 31, 2025, with a public reception from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, October 9.

In this collection of mixed media quilts, Slezak explores themes of balance, thresholds, and transformation. Each piece emerges as a contemplative space--an altar--honoring life's transitions and the unseen yet deeply felt energies that shape our journeys.

"Creating each quilt is like spiritual practice, a sort of pilgrimage in search of enlightenment from the fabrics, colors, and shapes," Slezak explains. "At the meeting point where craft and fine art blend together, each piece becomes a physical representation of unseen yet deeply felt currents."

Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Slezak grew up in a creative household with two artist parents. She studied fine arts at Parsons School of Design and UMASS Amherst and is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at Greenfield Community College. Alongside her artistic practice, she works at The Greenfield Center School and Waterway Arts in Turners Falls, MA. Slezak lives in Great Falls, Massachusetts, with her two daughters. More information about her work is available on her website at annaslezak.com. For more information about the East Wing Gallery and upcoming exhibits, please visit mwcc.edu.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

On Saturday, October 11, Nova Arts welcomes Flynn Cohen & Laura Orshaw along with The Wooden Nickels

Cohen and Orshaw will perform a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass on guitar, fiddle, and mandolin, marking the 20th anniversary re-release of Cohen's acclaimed 2005 solo album Mellow Yell. With collaborators such as Aoife O'Donovan, Rushad Eggleston, and Mark Schatz, the record earned recognition from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine as "A masterpiece of contemporary bluegrass."

Opening the night are The Wooden Nickels, a group of longtime friends and acoustic players known for their lively brand of bluegrass and Americana, including members of Princess Kikou and Poor Monroe.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music will start around 7:30 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.)

The show is all ages and seating is first come first served.

Tickets will be available at novaarts.org/event

Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.

Regional News

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce now offering electric vehicle charging stations at South Street location

Ribbon cutting ceremony marked exciting step toward a greener future for the region

North Central, Mass. - The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting on September 30, to commemorate the installation of two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The event, which was held at the Chamber's headquarters located at 860 South Street in Fitchburg, featured a luncheon with the region's business, civic and community leaders.

The project was a collaboration with Unitil, DMH Electric and Fuse Energy. Unitil provided a grant to fund a majority of the project while DMH Electric performed the installation and Fuse Energy helped with negotiating the energy contract. All of the companies are Chamber members and sponsors of the charging stations.

"This project represents exactly what makes our region special--Chamber members stepping up to support one another and invest in our shared future," said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. "By working together to install these EV charging stations near major travel routes, we're enhancing our commitment to sustainability while making North Central Massachusetts more accessible to electric vehicle drivers. I'm grateful to DMH Electric for their exceptional project management and generous sponsorship, and to Unitil and Fuse Energy for making this vision a reality. When our members collaborate like this, we all win."

The EV charging stations are available for EV drivers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The two chargers provide space for up to four EVs to charge at the same time. Payment can be made via an app, contactless card or QR code, and pricing varies based on charging speed, energy and/or time.

"Establishing a comprehensive regional network of EV charging stations is essential for promoting sustainable transportation for the region, which reduces carbon emissions and enhances access to electric vehicles. We are pleased to have provided technical assistance during the planning and implementation phases, as well as financial support through a rebate. By working collaboratively, these types of initiatives become feasible for businesses and local governments to invest in this vital infrastructure," said Arianna MacNeill, municipal and community services executive for Unitil.

"DMH Electric is happy to support the Chamber on this project," said David Hinckley Jr., director of EV sales and operations, DMH Electric. "Installing these charging stations was a great collaboration, and we appreciate working with Fuse Energy to help power these units and make EV charging more accessible in our region. It's rewarding to work on infrastructure that benefits our community."

"At the heart of Fuse Energy is our commitment to making a difference in our communities and supporting organizations committed to a more sustainable world," said Steve Janes, founder and managing partner, Fuse Energy. "We are proud to be part of this project with the Chamber to advance renewable energy in the North Central Massachusetts region through the installation of these EV charging stations."

Treasurer's Office of Economic Empowerment, Division of Banks Announce 2026 Funding for High School Financial Education Fairs

Massachusetts high schools can apply to receive a grant to host a financial education fair for their students

BOSTON - The State Treasurer's Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE), in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Banks (DOB) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), announced funding for the 2025 Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant. Created in 2015, the Financial Education Innovation Fund provides students with the opportunity to experience real-world financial simulations without the real-world consequences.

Credit for Life Fairs include interactive simulations that offer a fun and unique opportunity for students to learn about personal finance. These fairs often serve as a supplement or capstone to financial education classes and engage students in real-world saving, spending, and budgeting. Student participants either choose or are assigned an occupation and make a variety of financial decisions, ranging from where to live and how to save for retirement to buying a television or owning a pet.

Massachusetts public or charter high schools and special education programs approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) are eligible to apply. Applicants looking to start a new program can receive up to $6,400, and those enhancing or expanding an existing fair can receive up to $3,200.

Schools that have over 50% of a student population considered low-to-moderate income, as designated by DESE, can apply for additional funding of $500.

Applications are open until Friday, November 14, 2025 at 5pm. Schools can learn more and apply by visiting mass.gov/CreditForLife.

Since 2015, over 65,000 Massachusetts students have attended Credit for Life Fairs funded by the Financial Education Innovation Fund. The Grant was established as an ongoing effort to strengthen access to financial literacy throughout Massachusetts. This financial education program is funded by the Division of Banks through the Expendable Trust.

About the Division of Banks
The Division of Banks (DOB) is the chartering authority and primary regulator for financial service providers in Massachusetts. DOB's primary mission is to ensure a sound, competitive, and accessible financial services environment throughout the Commonwealth.

About the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation protects and empowers consumers through advocacy and education and ensures a fair playing field for the Massachusetts businesses its agencies regulate.

About the Office of Economic Empowerment
Treasurer Goldberg created the Office of Economic Empowerment, led by a deputy treasurer, with the deliberate goal of implementing a range of economic empowerment initiatives that include closing the race and gender wage gap, addressing racial equity, increasing access to financial education, and creating pathways to economically stable futures for all residents across the state.

Financial Focus®

Making the most of Medicare open enrollment

When you turn 65, Medicare becomes a vital part of your health care coverage. But signing up is just the beginning. Many people don't realize that Medicare isn't a "set it and forget it" program. In fact, you have the opportunity--and often the need--to review and adjust your coverage every single year.

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year, is your chance to take a fresh look at your health care needs and make sure your Medicare plan still fits your life. Then you can determine whether your medical and prescription plans need to be switched or dropped.

Just like your health can change from year to year, so can Medicare plans. Insurance companies may adjust their coverage and costs or even discontinue certain plans entirely. By taking time during the open enrollment period to compare your options, you might discover a plan that saves money, offers better coverage or both.

As a reminder, you have several options when it comes to your Medicare coverage.

• Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital stays and medical services such as doctor visits. Part A typically comes with no monthly premium if you've worked for at least 10 years. Part B requires monthly premiums--$206.50 or more in 2026, depending on your income. They may also be copays and deductibles.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) offers an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies. They often bundle together hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage. They may also include extra benefits like vision, dental and wellness programs that Original Medicare doesn't cover.
• Medicare Part D provides standalone prescription drug coverage for those who stick with Original Medicare.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay, such as copayments and deductibles.

When shopping for Medicare plans, there are several important areas you should consider to determine which options are right for you:

• Out-of-pocket costs such as monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments and any other expenses Medicare doesn't cover. Sometimes a plan with a higher premium saves you money overall because of lower copays.
• Prescription drug coverage deserves special attention. All Medicare plans for 2026 will include a $2,100 cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered prescription drugs, up from $2,000 in 2025. However, this cap only applies to drugs that your plan covers, making it crucial to verify your medications are included.
• Your health care needs for the coming year matter too. Do you have surgeries planned? New health conditions to manage? You'll want to make sure your potential plan covers the care you expect to need.
• Travel plans can also influence your choice. Original Medicare typically doesn't cover services overseas, so frequent travelers might want supplemental coverage for emergencies abroad.

If you don't make any changes during open enrollment, you'll likely be automatically reenrolled in your current plan for the following year, as long as it's still available and you continue paying required premiums.

Don't let your Medicare plan run on autopilot. Take advantage of the annual open enrollment period--between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7--to ensure your coverage continues to serve you well in the year ahead.

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.

Gardening

Collect and Save Some Heirloom Vegetable Seeds

by Melinda Myers
Be a part of history and save money when planting next year's garden. Collect and save the seeds from your favorite heirloom tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas this fall.

Seeds of heirloom plants have been collected and passed along for generations, producing offspring identical to the parent plant. Hybrids on the other hand involve crossing different plants to create a unique or improved variety. Saved seeds from hybrid plants do not grow into plants with all the same characteristics as the parent plant.

Heirloom peas and beans are generally self-pollinated, so they form seeds that will grow into plants like the parent plant. Allow the peas and beans you plan on saving to dry on the plant. Once the pods turn brown and the seeds rattle inside, they are ready to harvest. This is about six weeks after you harvest snap beans for eating and about four weeks after the normal picking stage for peas.

Protect plants from frost or pull them out of the ground and hang them in a cool dry location, so the pods can finish drying if needed. Remove the pods from the plants, spread them out and allow them to further dry indoors for about two weeks.

Remove the seeds from the dried pods, store in an airtight opaque container in a cool dark location. You may want to store different varieties separately in paper packets and all the packets in one large airtight container. Label the seeds with the varietal name and date they were collected. Store in a cool location.

Saving seeds from tomatoes requires different preparation. Once the fruit is fully ripe, scoop out the gelatinous center. Place this in a container of water set in a warm location to ferment. Swirl or stir the contents twice a day. After about a week the good seeds will sink to the bottom of the container.

Remove and compost the layer of fermented tomato waste and the inferior seeds floating on the surface. Pour the remaining water and the good seeds sitting on the bottom of the container through a fine mesh strainer. Rinse the seeds, removing any of the gelatinous material that may remain. Spread the seeds on a piece of paper to dry.

Once dry, place the seeds in an envelope labeled with the date and variety and set in a sealed jar or plastic container. Store in the refrigerator or other consistently cool location until it's time to start them for next season.

Use your saved seeds the following year for the best results. Then repeat each season.

Start with these and then consider trying other open-pollinated vegetables, flowers and even tree and shrub seeds. You'll find helpful information in books, online and on the Seed Savers Exchange website. Saving your own seeds can help you save money while preserving and planting a bit of gardening history.

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 website is www.MelindaMyers.com.