Arts and Recreation

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" Screens at The Park This Friday as Tribute to the Late Robert Redford

Jaffrey, NH theatre to present 4K restored version of Oscar® winning film on October 24

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (October 20, 2025)The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire honors the late Robert Redford with a special screening of the 4K restored classic, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It is scheduled for Friday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m.

This classic American Western, directed by George Roy Hill, stars the legendary actor Robert Redford (1936-2025) as the sharp-shooting Sundance Kid alongside charismatic co-star Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy. Katharine Ross and Strother Martin round out the renowned cast in this cinematic masterpiece.

Originally released in 1969 and now brilliantly restored in ultra-high-definition, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid--clocking in at 112 minutes with a PG rating--blends humor, action, and drama in a revisionist take on the Western genre. Praised for its innovative subversion of traditional Western tropes, the film helped usher in the era of the anti-hero buddy film and won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay (William Goldman), Best Cinematography (Conrad Hall), Best Original Score (Burt Bacharach), and Best Original Song for "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

The film's significance endures, earning a place in the U.S. National Film Registry and continued acclaim from critics for its charm, pacing, and star-powered cast. Recent reviews tout it as "lots of fun" with "perfect cast, pacing," and describe it as a "majestic, dramady, western classic" that showcases the best of 1960s filmmaking.

"We hope fans will join us to honor Robert Redford's indelible legacy and enjoy one of Hollywood's greatest classics in stunning 4K restoration," said Steve Jackson, CEO and Managing Director of The Park.

Tickets are $10 General Admission, $9 Seniors, children, students, teachers, and active military. For more information and tickets, go to theparktheatre.org/butch-sundance or call (603) 532-8888.

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. The facility is fully accessible and it has concession and a lounge bar.

Park Theatre Hosts Special Screening of New Documentary 'Age Group Winner' with Filmmaker

Filmmaker Alexandra Helgerson makes documentary about her marathon world record holder father

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (October 21, 2025) The Park Theatre announced the next installment in its Filmmaker Series: a special screening of the new documentary Age Group Winner, directed by Alexandra Helgerson. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM at The Park Theatre, located at 19 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH. Helgerson will be in attendance to introduce the film and participate in a Q&A session following the screening.

Age Group Winner is a captivating cinema-verité documentary that spans a decade in the making. The film follows Helgerson's father, Jay Helgerson, a legendary marathon runner who in 1980 became the first person to complete a marathon each week for an entire year--all under three hours per race. As Alexandra shadows her eccentric father with a camera, the documentary delves into his anxieties, struggles with aging, and relentless training for the Boston Marathon. The project takes an unexpected turn when Alexandra faces a life-threatening illness, sarcoma, nearly derailing the film. Ultimately, Age Group Winner emerges as an intimate portrait of a father-daughter relationship transformed by their shared passion for running and an affirmation of the will to live.

Alexandra Helgerson, a multifaceted talent as a filmmaker, actor, and musician, makes her directorial debut with this deeply personal project. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she played basketball, Helgerson transitioned from publishing in New York City to acting. Her notable roles include Viola and Rosaline for the American Shakespeare Center, and Brynne in the horror-comedyHappy Ending. A recent survivor of sarcoma, she drew inspiration from Taylor Swift's songwriting during her chemotherapy, influencing her upcoming debut album Halcyon Days, set for release in the fall of 2025.

This screening is part of the film's 2025 Fall Tour, visiting 52 theaters in honor of Jay Helgerson's remarkable 52-marathon feat, with the director attending select Northeast screenings for discussions with local running communities. Tickets for the event are priced at $15 and can be purchased online or at the box office.

For more information about the screening, tickets, or The Park Theatre's upcoming events, visit theparktheatre.org or call the box office at (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA. The facility is fully accessible and it has concession and a lounge bar.

Park Theatre Announces Grand Prize Winners of 2025 New England Animation Festival

Grand Prize winners come from Marblehead, Massachusetts and France

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (October 20, 2025) The Park Theatre proudly announced the Grand Prize winners of the 2025 New England Animation Festival on Saturday night. The awards were presented by Steve Jackson, CEO and Managing Director of The Park Theatre, culminating a film festival celebrating animated storytelling from across the region and the world.

In the New England based filmmaker category, the Grand Prize went to Dogs of Bishkek, directed by Viktor Niksdorf of Marblehead, Massachusetts. On a journey home from the market, a young boy Sasha is being stalked and chased by the ruthless monster dog of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan during a cold, foggy, winter night. This evocative work captivated audiences and judges alike with its distinctive style and poignant storytelling.

In the global based filmmaker category, the honor was awarded to Madame Yvette, an animated film from France directed by Camille Gournay, Laetitia Merleni, Loup Vial, and Léa Lacombe. The film tells the story of Yvette, a slightly bitter elderly lady is about to take the train, she meets Elios, a devoted train conductor who will help her in the difficulties she will encounter. The trip that Yvette will make is not quite ordinary. The film was recognized for its artistry and emotional resonance.

A total of 865 filmmakers submitted their animated films to this year's competition, representing an extraordinary range of creativity and talent. "The judges had a very difficult process to narrow it down to the two winners," said Steve Jackson. "The talent is so remarkable--regionally and around the globe."

The festival's Audience Award for both categories was also won by the same winners, Dogs of Bishkek (New England) and Madame Yvette (Global).

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.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Jason Anderson w/ Lady Pills & Footings Saturday Oct 25!

Join us, Saturday, October 25, for a night of indie folk, poetic lyricism, and emotional connection that you won't want to miss!

Nova Arts is thrilled to welcome Jason Anderson, an award-winning singer-songwriter whose emotionally charged live performances have turned him into a fixture of the indie-folk underground. Based in Eastern Canada, Anderson has collaborated with Mount Eerie, toured with Joyce Manor, played guitar on Conan, and released music through acclaimed underground labels including Salinas and K Records.

Anderson's shows are renowned for their energy and intimacy, through their equal parts poetry, catharsis, and celebration. His music channels the uplifting spirit of Springsteen and the lyrical genius of The Weakerthans, delivering what The Psychic Garden calls "legendary experiences" and Union + Co describes as "the kind that gives you goosebumps and wedges itself in your heart."

Supporting Anderson is Footings, the solo project of Eric Gagne (Death to Tyrants, Dweller on the Threshold), who is known for his moving songwriting and deep roots in New England's underground music scene. Gagne has toured with Bonnie Prince Billy, and Mirah, as well as opening for J Mascis, and Mount Eerie, weaving a quiet intensity that perfectly complements Anderson's commanding presence.

Opening the night is Lady Pills, the indie pop-rock project of Ella Boissonnault. The set mixes straightforward, honest lyrics with a tight, energetic sound that pulls from punk and pop. Lady Pills offers an unforgettable mix of raw emotion and unique tone.

Come experience a night of powerful songwriting and unforgettable performances from three artists who bring honesty, heart, and intensity to every note.

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.)

All ages are welcome 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

Comerford receives Thomas Menino Award for Public Service from the Disability Policy Consortium

Boston, MA (October 21, 2025) - Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) received the Thomas Menino Award for Public Service from the statewide Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) on Thursday, October 16, at DPC's annual John Winske Memorial Awards ceremony.

Comerford was recognized for her leadership in passing sweeping legislation to overhaul the state's MassHealth Estate Recovery Program.

In her acceptance speech, Comerford praised her partnership with the DPC and characterized the urgency of reforming the state's MassHealth Estate Recovery program, "DPC is a watchdog when government fails, and a steadfast partner when it's willing to do better.

"When we set out together to scale back Massachusetts' MassHealth Estate Recovery Program, the goal was simple: to bring fairness, compassion, and humanity back into a policy that for too long caused unnecessary pain for people living with disabilities, for the elderly, for people who are low income.

"The reforms we passed reduce the scope of estate recovery to just what's federally required. They create transparency, clearer exemptions, and--most importantly--real protections for individuals and families who are low-income and who already bear more than their share of hardship."

Since 1996, DPC (https://www.dpcma.org/about) has been a leading, high-impact disability rights organization in the Commonwealth, ensuring "that people with disabilities have a seat at the table when laws are written and public policy changes are considered."

Awarded annually, the Thomas Menino Public Service award is named for former Mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino, and honors public officials who have been champions of disability rights. Previous winners have included Senate President Karen Spilka, and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley.

Comerford was honored to receive this award with her legislative partner in reforming MassHealth Estate Recovery, Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville).

Financial Focus®

The real meaning of diversification in investing

In the world of investing, we've all heard the phrase, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." It's solid advice that emphasizes the importance of diversifying your investments. Unfortunately, some people misinterpret this wisdom to mean they should avoid consolidating their investment accounts and keep their money spread across multiple financial institutions, often working with several different financial advisors.

However, when financial professionals talk about diversification, they're referring to diversifying your investment assets, not your accounts. There's a big difference between the two, and confusing them could hurt your financial future.

Scattered accounts may affect costs, paperwork and advice. When your assets are spread among multiple financial institutions, you could face several drawbacks. First, you're likely paying more in fees than necessary. Multiple providers often mean multiple account fees, transaction costs and mutual fund expenses that can add up quickly. Generally, the more assets you have with one financial provider, the more opportunities you have for reducing or eliminating these costs.

Managing scattered accounts also could create a paperwork nightmare. You'll receive multiple monthly statements and numerous tax forms, making it much harder to see the big picture of your financial health. This complexity can lead to missed opportunities and poor decision-making.

Perhaps most important, working with multiple financial advisors may result in conflicting advice and duplicated investment strategies. Without a comprehensive view of your entire portfolio, each financial advisor may recommend investments that don't work well together, potentially delaying your progress toward reaching financial goals.

There's strength in consolidation. Consolidating your accounts with a single financial advisor offers numerous benefits. You'll have opportunities to develop a closer, more comprehensive relationship with someone who understands your complete financial picture. This financial advisor can provide informed guidance and help eliminate the conflicting advice that may come from working with multiple professionals.

Consolidation also makes it easier to implement a well-diversified portfolio that fits your level of risk tolerance. When all your investments are in one place, you can see exactly how your assets are allocated and make strategic adjustments as needed. It becomes simpler to gauge aggregate investment returns, assess your portfolio assets and rebalance when necessary.

For retirement planning, consolidation can be especially valuable. IRAs at different providers can be consolidated at any time without tax consequences when assets are transferred directly between providers. When you retire, your 401(k) can typically be rolled over into an IRA, streamlining your retirement income strategy.

True diversification still matters. While consolidating accounts makes sense, diversifying your actual investments remains crucial. A good financial advisor will help you carefully build a balanced mix of stocks and bonds appropriate for your age and goals. As you approach retirement, this typically means shifting toward a more balanced portfolio that still provides growth to combat inflation while offering stability and income.

Diversification goes beyond just stocks and bonds. Take bonds, for instance: You can diversify by bond type (municipal, corporate and government), bond maturity (through a strategy called "laddering") and bond sector to spread risk across different parts of the economy.

How to get started. If your retirement savings and investment accounts are scattered among various financial institutions, consider consolidating everything with one trusted financial advisor. The streamlined record-keeping, potential for reduced fees and comprehensive financial guidance can help improve your wealth-building potential while making your financial life simpler to manage.

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

Fight the Winter Blues with Double Amaryllis

by Melinda Myers
Add unique flare to this winter's indoor garden and décor with double amaryllis. The several layers of colorful petals are sure to make a statement wherever they are displayed.

Start the amaryllis season with early blooming varieties grown in the southern hemisphere. Double Alaska features frilly, fully double white flowers with a lime green center. Order bulbs early, store them in a cool, dry, dark location and plant these early blooming bulbs by November 1st if you want flowers for the holiday.

Keep the color coming throughout the winter by growing a variety of other double amaryllis grown in the Northern hemisphere that begin blooming in January. Plant a few bulbs every three weeks to extend your enjoyment for several months.

Watch the colors change on Double Giant Amadeus amaryllis. The petals start as mostly white with a fine red outline. As the flowers mature, the color intensifies to a blushing pink, coral and salmon.

Grow Double Sweet Nymph (longfield-gardens.com) for a bit of a romantic charm. The layers of creamy white petals are covered with coral pink stripes.

If you like the traditional red amaryllis, you will enjoy the giant red flowers of Double King. Each bulb produces three stems with four or more blooms that open at different times to extend your enjoyment.

The candy cane striped narrow petals of Double Doublet are sure to catch your attention. Each flower is a bit different, adding to its uniqueness. Watch as the three stems grow, producing as many as a dozen flowers from each bulb.

Enjoy weeks of artistic blooms when you grow Double Aphrodite amaryllis. The ruffled white petals have a narrow red edge and lime green center. The fine red brushstrokes that extend from the petal tips add to this amaryllis's charm.

Plant your amaryllis bulbs in a quality potting mix with the top half above the soil surface. Grow a single bulb in a pot that is seven to eight inches deep and five to six inches across with drainage holes. Or group several bulbs together in a larger container. Water the potting mix thoroughly and place the container in a cool sunny location. Continue to water thoroughly but only often enough to keep the soil barely moist.

Add a bit of elegance and ease of care by going soilless. Place several inches of pebbles in the bottom of a glass vase or watertight container. Cover the pebbles with water. Set the bulb on top of the pebbles, adding more stones around the bulb to hold it in place. Leave the top one third of the bulb exposed. Add water as needed to maintain the water level just below the bulb.

Now relax and wait a month or more for your amaryllis bulb to wake up and start growing. Water more often once sprouts appear. Enjoy the transformation as the bulb turns into a flowering plant over the next few weeks.

Growing amaryllis indoors will keep you gardening all year long, providing mood-boosting benefits and stress relief. Plus, the colorful blossoms are sure to brighten your winter days.

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.