Arts and Recreation

Park Theatre Becomes "Haunted" For Halloweenie Weekend

Jaffrey theatre becomes ghostly for their Halloweenie Weekend of movies

Park Theatre Event and Box Officer Manager Christine Witham puts the final touches on the Corpse Bride and Groom
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre

Jaffrey, New Hampshire - October 23, 2025 - Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloweenie Weekend at The Park Theatre on October 31 and November 1, 2025! The theatre will be transformed into a haunted haven, decked out with eerie decorations including skeletons, an 8-foot black cat, giant spiders, and more. Adding to the excitement, life-size animatronic recreations of Corpse Bride's Emily and Victor will be on hand, delighting children of all ages with photo and video opportunities. Join us for two days of spine-chilling entertainment featuring four iconic horror films, spooky decorations, and family-friendly fun!

Friday, October 31 - Halloween!

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Jaffrey Downtown Trick or Treat
The 10th year of The Park participating in this beloved community tradition. Stop by the front of the theatre on Main Street and grab some sweet treats and meet our monsters! Lots of photo opps for the children (and adults).

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Eve Pierce in The Haunted Lounge
Acclaimed local singer/composer/musician, Eve Pierce, serenades you with some wonderful songs...and chilling excitement!

7:00 p.m. - The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) - Giant Screen.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Frankenstein films, this horror classic stars Boris Karloff as the Monster and Elsa Lanchester as the iconic Bride. Fully restored and presented on our giant screen, this horror masterpiece is a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

7:15 p.m. - The House on Haunted Hill (1959) - King Screening Room.
Ranked among the top horror films of all time, this Vincent Price gem features a sinister mansion owner who offers $1,000,000 to anyone who can survive a night locked in his creepy mansion (a real Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home). Expect screams and surprises!

Saturday, November 1

2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - Corpse Bride (2005) - Giant screen.
Tim Burton's hauntingly beautiful stop-motion animated film follows Victor Van Dort (voiced by Johnny Depp), who accidentally marries the deceased Emily (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter) in a gloomy Victorian village. This gothic fairy tale blends dark humor and romance, perfect for all ages.

7:00 p.m. - The Screaming Skull (1959) - King Screening Room.
This chilling tale follows Jenni, a newlywed tormented by what seems to be the ghost of her husband's first wife. As screams and skulls haunt her, a sinister plot unravels, culminating in a shocking climax with a disclaimer warning that it may be too terrifying to survive!

Spooky Extras and Community Fun

The Park Theatre's lounge and lobby will be adorned with spooky decorations, creating the perfect atmosphere for a hauntingly good time. Don't miss the chance to snap photos with the animatronic Corpse Bride characters, Emily and Victor, who will be interacting with guests of all ages. Prizes will be raffled off, and exclusive Bride of Frankenstein t-shirts will be available for purchase.

Tickets are available at theparktheatre.org/halloweenie. For more information about Halloweenie Weekend, tickets, or The Park Theatre's upcoming events, visit theparktheatre.org or call (603) 532-8888.

Don't miss this thrilling weekend of cinematic scares, family-friendly activities, and Halloween spirit at The Park Theatre. Get your tickets now and prepare for a hauntingly unforgettable experience!

The Park Theatre is an award-winning state-of-the-art performing arts center in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment and community events to the Monadnock region. With its Eppes Auditorium with giant screen and the King Screening Room, the theatre offers an unparalleled cinematic experience.

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.

In Honor of Veterans Day, Park Theatre Hosts Free Screening of "Where Eagles Dare"

Complimentary pizza for will also be served for Veterans and Military

Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton in Where Eagles Dare
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre

Jaffrey, New Hampshire (October 27, 2025) The Park Theatre has announced their special annual Veterans Day event, featuring this year, free screenings of the classic 1968 war thriller Where Eagles Dare, directed by Brian G. Hutton and starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. The screenings will take place on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Park Theatre. Additionally, the theatre will also offer free pizza to veterans and all military personnel in the lobby starting at 12:00 p.m., immediately following the 11:00 a.m. Jaffrey Veterans Day Commemorative Service on the Park Common across from the theatre.

Where Eagles Dare, adapted from Alistair MacLean's bestselling novel, is a gripping WWII espionage epic that follows Allied commandos on a high-stakes mission to rescue a U.S. general from a Nazi fortress in the Bavarian Alps. With its pulse-pounding action, stunning aerial sequences, and unexpected twists, the film is a perfect tribute to the bravery and sacrifice celebrated on Veterans Day.

"We're proud to once again honor our veterans and military with this special event," said Steve Jackson, CEO and Managing Directing of The Park Theatre. "Offering free pizza and screenings of Where Eagles Dare is our way of saying thank you to those who have served, while bringing our community together for a memorable cinematic experience in our large auditorium."

The screenings are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with doors opening 30 minutes prior to each showtime. Veterans and military personnel are invited to enjoy complimentary pizza in the lobby starting at 12:00 p.m., fostering a warm community gathering after the Jaffrey Park Common Veterans Day service. For more information, visit theparktheatre.org/where-eagles-dare or call (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre is an award-winning state-of-the-art performing arts center in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment and community events to the Monadnock region. With its Eppes Auditorium with giant screen and the King Screening Room, the theatre offers an unparalleled cinematic experience.

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.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Sat Nov 1, Dub Apocalypse with Adam and the Flood at Nova Arts!

Join us on Saturday, November 1 for a night of deep grooves, live improvisation, and genre-bending energy!

Nova Arts is proud to present Dub Apocalypse, the powerhouse instrumental dub reggae collective from Boston, MA, joined by Adam & The Flood, led by veteran rapper and producer Adam Arnone. Together, these two acts promise an unforgettable evening of rhythm, improvisation, and musical exploration.

Formed in 2007, Dub Apocalypse brings together some of Boston's most accomplished musicians: drummer Tommy Benedetti (John Brown's Body), guitarist Johnny Trama, saxophonist/bassist Timo Shanko, bassist Aaron Bellamy, and guitarist Van Martin. Their sound blends deep reggae and dub grooves with blues, funk, and jazz elements, creating live sets that are both dynamic and immersive.

Benedetti, a founding member of John Brown's Body, drives the band with decades of experience in reggae and dub, while Trama's soulful guitar and Bellamy's precise funk grooves help shape the band's solid rhythm. Shanko's sax and Martin's guitar add a creative edge to the band's sound.

With multiple Boston Music Awards and three full-length albums (Road to Oblivion, Frozen Planet, Sound the Alarm), Dub Apocalypse has earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying live bands in New England. Sharing stages with legends like Papa Michigan, Carlton Livingston, Jahdan Blakkamoore, and Mad Professor, Dub Apocalypses has a reputation worth seeing.

Opening the night is Adam & The Flood, the latest project from New Hampshire hip-hop artist Adam Arnone (formerly of Glue and Adeem). With over 30 years in the indie hip-hop world, Arnone has performed nationwide. From the Warped Tour to The X Games, Arnone continues to evolve his craft through live instrumentation and production.

Blending honest song writing and live band energy, Adam & The Flood creates a sound that bridges classic hip-hop storytelling with modern production of organic full-band energy. Arnone's work now includes his creative agency, Echo Finch, and a new collaboration with DJ D-Styles on Chasing Gods.

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

Next Week at Nova! Open Mic Thurs Nov 6, Indie Rock Sat Nov 8!

Join us Thursday, November 6 for an evening of community creativity and expression, and return Saturday, November 8 for bold immersive instrumentals and creative rock.

On Thursday, November 6, Nova Arts welcomes performers of all kinds for Open Mic Night, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.. Music, poetry, comedy, storytelling, and writing are all encouraged. Sets should run about five minutes each. There's no required fee for entry.

Sign up to perform at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7qUgbOysmicX8aEU6_GjpNxKWVkCAZX21duzpYSB_aQTQzA/viewformmutualaidkeene@gmail.com or on Instagram/Facebook @keenemutualaid.

If you're looking for a night of adventurous sound, join us Saturday November 8 when Nova Arts presents Terraces, Hot Dirt, and Dinger.

From Easthampton, MA, Hot Dirt is a four-piece experimental rock band formed in 2010 by Jeff Gilmartin, Brittany Brideau, Zachary Scoble, and Joshua Daniel. With collaborative, unpredictable songwriting, Hot Dirt combines rock energy and experimental sounds into music that keeps moving forward.The band will soon release their first new material in ten years.

Born in Walpole, NH, Terraces crafts expansive instrumental soundscapes that blend stillness and motion. Their music invites listeners into a deep immersive sound.

Dinger began as a lo-fi home recording project by Seth Blake and Adria Bregani in 2019 and has grown into a full-band lineup with Tom Lusted (Zero Front) and Rory Hurley (Party of the Sun, Youngest Sun). Their music draws from garage rock, post-punk, krautrock, and DIY, combining humor, heart, and strangeness into what they describe as "southern New Hampshire's only post-exotic rock."

The doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music will start around 7:30.

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.

Tickets and more info available at novaarts.org/event.

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

Regional News

United Way of North Central Massachusetts Responds to SNAP Funding Threat

FITCHBURG, MA (October 28, 2025) - United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) is joining United Ways across the Commonwealth to address a critical threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Beginning November 1, due to the government shutdown, federal SNAP payments to states will stop--putting 1 in 4 residents in North Central Massachusetts at risk of going hungry.

To help fill the gap left by federal resources, the United Ways of Massachusetts have launched the United Response Fund, supporting local food programs serving families during this funding interruption.

In Massachusetts, more than 1.1 million people rely on SNAP each month--including children (32%), seniors (26%), and people with disabilities (31%). Local farms and businesses also depend on the program. This disruption is unprecedented, as previous federal shutdowns have never halted SNAP, a program long recognized as essential for feeding Americans.

The funding stoppage coincides with new eligibility requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which could reduce or eliminate benefits for many residents once funding resumes.

"One of the reasons I love this state is that the people of Massachusetts always step up to help neighbors in need. I encourage anyone with the means to do so to support our incredible philanthropic organizations, like United Way, and food banks who are doing heroic work to make sure that no one goes hungry," said Governor Healey.

Kory Eng, President and CEO of UWNCM and member of the Governor's Anti-Hunger Task Force, said of the November 1 SNAP funding cutoff, "This hardship will have a devastating impact on many of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. They rely on this program to put food on the table."

UWNCM has long fought food insecurity in the region, working with food pantries, community meals, and local farms. The United Response Fund, along with UWNCM's ongoing Fall Food Drive, will help fill the gap left by federal resources.

Residents can help by donating to the United Response Fund or joining the Fall Food Drive at www.uwncm.org.

If you need food support, dial 211 to learn about local food pantries and resources--free, confidential, and available 24/7.

About United Way of North Central Massachusetts
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts mobilizes people and resources to improve the lives of individuals and families in 22 communities throughout the region. By investing in education, financial stability, and health, UWNCM helps create lasting change and stronger communities for all.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for The Vice

A new café located in downtown Westminster

North Central Mass. (October 30, 2025) - The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved financing of $30,000 to The Vice, a startup business located in Westminster. Business planning was provided by NewVue Communities in Fitchburg.

The Vice, a new café located at 134 Main Street in Westminster, has officially opened its doors. Owned and operated by Amanda Davidson, The Vice brings a fresh new spot for locals to enjoy pastries, ice cream, freshly prepared deli sandwiches, charcuterie boards, craft coffee, espresso, and dirty sodas!

To help with start-up costs, Davidson received a $30,000 loan from NCMDC. The financing supported the purchase of deli and kitchen equipment, inventory, and supplies needed to launch the café.

Located next to Westminster Pharmacy, The Vice offers both indoor seating and seasonal outdoor seating. The café is designed to be a welcoming gathering place for residents, workers, and visitors in Westminster Center.

"I wanted to create a space where people can enjoy great food, coffee, and community," said Davidson. "I'm grateful for the support from NCMDC and NewVue Communities, which made it possible to bring this dream to life."

For more information, visit www.thevice.biz or 978.668.5045.

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion, and, working with our banking partners, to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

Financial Focus®

A financial roadmap for veterans entering civilian life

The transition from military to civilian life brings countless adjustments. It also marks a good time to review how you're taking charge of your financial future. Veteran Saves Week is Nov. 4-7 and an opportunity to focus on building financial confidence and creating a solid foundation for your new chapter.

Now in its second year, Veteran Saves Week centers around one core message: No matter where you are on your financial journey, small steps can lead to lasting change. Here are a few tips to help:

Understand the financial shift. If you've recently re-entered civilian life, it's important to identify any gaps between your income and expenses. A key part of this gap often comes from the loss of military allowances, such as the Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence. You may also lose commissary and exchange privileges where groceries and goods were purchased tax-free.

Health benefits represent another shift. While you received health care through TRICARE on active duty, you might be eligible for TRICARE for Life and Veterans Administration benefits, but you may still need to supplement this coverage with a group health care plan from your employer or purchase it independently.

Build a budget. Getting a clear picture of your finances helps you make informed decisions. Look at your monthly income, expenses and savings to understand your starting point.

One strategy you may find useful is the 50/30/20 rule. With this, you divide your monthly take-home pay into three parts: 50% for needs like housing, utilities, food and insurance, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and debt repayment.

Take essential financial steps. Your monthly budget should include building an emergency fund, paying down high-rate debt and saving for retirement. It may help to use budgeting apps that categorize expenses and identify areas where you can cut back when necessary.

Building an emergency fund becomes even more critical during transition. Aim for three to six months of cash savings to provide a safety net for living expenses while you establish your civilian career.

Don't overlook the available retirement planning tools. Even if you will have a pension, you might consider putting money into an IRA, or a 401k if one is available to you through a new employer, or into stocks and bonds to keep building toward your long-term goals. It's also important to obtain a current Social Security statement since active-duty military pay FICA taxes.

Leverage available resources. There are transition support programs through the military and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which also offer debt relief programs and financial counseling services.

Consider connecting with a financial advisor who understands the unique challenges veterans face during and after transition. They can help you create a strategy that maximizes your benefits and helps position you for long-term success.

Move forward with confidence. As Veteran Saves Week reminds us, small steps lead to lasting change. Your service has prepared you to overcome challenges--financial planning is just another mission you're equipped to complete successfully.

Gardening

Gardening Gifts That Keep Giving

Kids gardening tools make a great gift for the youngsters in your life.
Photo courtesy of Corona Tools

by Melinda Myers
Gift the gardeners in your life with tools that are sure to make them smile as they put them to work throughout the coming years. No matter your budget, you are sure to find the perfect gift for your favorite gardener.

Help gardeners track the weather and rainfall in their backyard. You can find decorative and functional low- and high-tech thermometers in a wide range of prices. Consider giving them a rain gauge to help monitor rainfall so they know when and how much to water.

For the indoor gardener, paint a pot, preferably one with drainage holes, that they can use to display their favorite plant. If your budget allows, add potting mix and a plant or gift certificate so they can select a new or favorite plant from the garden center. Include a pair of snips to help them trim, groom and keep their indoor plants looking their best.

Purchase a fun watering can or decorate one with decoupage. This is a fun gift for kids and adults to make for family and teachers. Just select a plastic or metal watering can, gather pictures, and secure and seal them to the watering can with a suitable material found at craft stores.

Dress up your favorite gardener's gear with colorful tools like the British Meadow Pruner & Holster Set endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society. The pruners have a comfort grip and are perfect for cutting small branches and stems and the floral holster will keep them handy when gardening. This makes a great gift for gardeners that appreciate aesthetics as well as quality tools.

And what gardener doesn't need a good bypass hand pruner with two sharp blades to make clean cuts. Look for one with a large 1/4" cutting capacity if your gardener does extensive pruning. Select one with narrow, comfortable nonslip grips like those on the ClassicCUT® Bypass Pruner for those with small- to medium-sized hands. Stuff one in their stocking, combine it with a new garden book, or wrap it up as it makes a great gift on its own.

Don't forget the youngsters on your list. Research shows children exposed to the outdoors and gardening are more focused, do better in school, and have less severe ADHD symptoms. Girls raised in a landscaped environment are more confident and less subject to peer pressure. By encouraging them to garden you might be helping them acquire a lifelong skill and get help planning, planting and tending the garden.

Giving them their own kid-sized garden gear (coronatools.com) can make gardening more fun and easier as they garden by your side or in their own garden plot or container. Look for tools designed to fit children's hands like Corona's kids 3-piece garden tool set that has everything a young gardener needs to dig, explore, plant and tend their garden. A kid-sized wheelbarrow is just the right size for hauling plants, soil and mulch.

Don't let the hustle of the holiday season put a damper on your gift giving. Keep in mind this act of kindness generates happiness in ourselves and others.

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 was commissioned by Corona Tools for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.