Arts and Recreation
Beloved Musical Favorites "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins" Return to The Park Theatre's Big Screen with On-Screen Lyrics for Inter active Sing-A-Long Fun!
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
Jaffrey, New Hampshire (November 17, 2025) The Park Theatre performing arts center in Jaffrey, New Hampshire is bringing extra joy to the holiday season with two special "sing-a-long" presentations of the most cherished family musicals of all time, both starring the legendary Julie Andrews.
On Sunday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m., the hills will be alive once again when The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long fills the theatre with the voices of audience members of all ages belting out "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss," and more. Christopher Plummer co-stars. The film won 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise).
Then, on Saturday, November 29 at 1:30 p.m., grab your chimney brush and carpet bag for the Mary Poppins Sing-A-Long, where guests are encouraged to join in on "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "Let's Go Fly a Kite," and every magical tune in between. This is the 60th Anniversary of the landmark film. The film won 5 Academy Awards including Best Actress for Julie Andrews. Dick Van Dyke's performance won him a Grammy Award for his songs.
These special screenings feature the original beloved films with on-screen lyrics so everyone can sing along without missing a word. Costumes, props, and unbridled enthusiasm are not only welcomed—they're practically perfect in every way!
"We can't think of a better way to kick off the holiday spirit than gathering together to sing these timeless songs on our big screen," said Steve Jackson, CEO and Managing Director of The Park Theatre. "Julie Andrews gave us two of the greatest gifts in movie history, and now our community gets to celebrate them together--out loud!"
Both Sing-A-Long events will be held in the theatre's award-winning 330-seat Eppes Auditorium, featuring state-of-the-art projection and sound.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $9 for seniors, students, children 12 & under, & active military and are on sale now at www.parknh.org or by calling the box office at (603) 532-8888. The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452. The theatre is completely accessible.
Bring the whole family, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to fill the theatre with music!
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
A Couple of Fantastic Shows this Weekend at Nova Arts!
Join us Friday, November 21 for a night of heartfelt songwriting and Americana storytelling, and Saturday, November 22 for an evening of experimental rock and immersive sound.
On Friday, November 21, Nova Arts welcomes Ian Galipeau & The Views, joined by Joanne the Band and Coyote Smoke.
Galipeau celebrates the release of his new album, Something About A Horse, a collection of songs that balance energetic tracks with softer, emotional ones, all rooted in alt-country and thoughtful songwriting.
Supported by his new backing band, The Views--Jon Braught (Modern Fools, Murphy's Blues), Ethan McBrien (Party of the Sun), and Jeff Costello (Hug The Dog)--Galipeau's performance brings new life to a decade's worth of songwriting.
Opening the night is Joanne the Band, a Boston-based indie folk duo made up of Anna VanValkenburgh and Jocelyn Bailey, whose debut project Neither All or In Between explores themes of rejection, grief, and acceptance. Their work doubles as a creative collective for New England artists, fostering community and collaboration.
Rounding out the lineup is Coyote Smoke, a Seacoast band whose blend of indie Americana and rock brings raw, honest energy to the stage. Their spirited six-piece lineup delivers soulful harmonies, and irresistible rhythm that invites everyone along for the ride.
If you're looking to expand your weekend of music, join us Saturday, November 22 when Nova Arts presents Omoo Omoo, Masma Dream World, and Sunken Cages.
Omoo Omoo, a psych-rock band from New England, returns after a brief hiatus with a refreshed energy and a sound that blends elements of psychedelic, progressive, and jazz rock. Formed in 2009, the four-piece band creates immersive, evolving live performances rooted in exploration and improvisation.
They are joined by Masma Dream World, the project of Devi Mambouka, whose performances mix dark, emotional rituals with experimental sound and personal storytelling. Their music explores pain, healing, and transformation, creating an experience that is both haunting and uplifting.
Closing the night is Sunken Cages, the solo project of drummer and producer Ravish Momin. His music blends electronic drums with global dance rhythms, connecting his jazz background to underground sounds from places like São Paulo, Durban, and Mumbai. Signed to Akuphone Records (France), Momin brings a fresh mix of Indian, Black, and electronic music traditions to the stage.
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
East Wing Gallery at Mount Wachusett Community College Presents Recent Work by Megan Marden & Amanda Case Millis
GARDNER, MA - November 14, 2025 - The East Wing Gallery at Mount Wachusett Community College announces its new exhibition featuring recent works by painters Megan Marden and Amanda Case Millis. The exhibit is open now through December 6, when it will close with a public reception from noon until 2:00 p.m.
Megan Marden is a Connecticut-based painter who works from life, found images, and constructed setups. Her paintings are grounded in careful observation and disrupted by memory and revision. Her work has been featured in Art Spiel, Two Coats of Paint, and other publications. Marden was a Four Pillars Artist-in-Residence at the Mount Gretna School of Art in Pennsylvania. She earned both her BA and MFA degrees in Painting from Western Connecticut State University and pursued additional study in drawing and painting at the New York Studio School.
Amanda Case Millis is a Boston-based oil painter who works largely from life and is deeply inspired by light and place. For well over a decade, her work has been recognized in exhibitions throughout the US, Australia, and Europe, including a solo show in Germany in 2023. Amanda has been awarded numerous residencies in the US and abroad including PLAYA, Hambidge, Monson Arts, VCCA, the Eastern Frontier Educational Foundation, Mount Gretna School of Art, Monhegan Artists Residency, Kloster Bentlage (Germany), Jentel, and Arte Ventura (Spain). In 2024 she was elected as a St. Botolph Fellow in Boston and received the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant in painting. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, The Provincetown Independent and the Portland Press Herald. Case Millis received her MFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, a post baccalaureate from Brandeis University and a BA from Smith College. She works between her studio in Waltham, MA and seasonally in South Yarmouth, MA.
For more information about the East Wing Gallery and upcoming exhibits, please or visit mwcc.edu.
Mass. Senate Passes Bill Guarding Against Politically Motivated Book Bans
Bill guards against political bias in library decisions, protects librarians from reprisals
(BOSTON—11/13/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today took action to protect freedom of thought in Massachusetts schools and public libraries and safeguard open access to books and other educational materials as part of its Response 2025 initiative to respond to federal threats.
As school libraries are increasingly faced with politically-charged debates over banning access to particular library books, the bill--An Act regarding free expression, S.2696--creates clear guidelines for how schools and libraries decide which books to make available, and how local leaders determine whether a book is appropriate or should be removed from the shelf.
The legislation requires that school library materials be age-appropriate, serve an educational purpose, and be chosen based on a teacher or employee's professional training--leaving aside personal, political, or doctrinal views which could affect their decision to place the book on the shelf.
"I'm proud to stand with my Senate colleagues today in support of this bipartisan bill to protect values we hold so dear: the freedom to create, to think for one's self, to explore ourselves and our world through books and art, and pass the legacy of free expression to our children and grandchildren," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This bill is just one of many that the Senate is prioritizing and passing this session as part of our Response 2025 initiative to protect our residents, defend our values and lead Massachusetts during these dark days when our basic civil and constitutional rights are under constant attack. I'd like to thank Senator Cyr for his impassioned leadership on this issue, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues for his careful work on this bill, Senator Oliveira for his incredible advocacy, Senator Mark for prioritizing getting this bill to the floor quickly, and all of my Senate colleagues for recognizing just how important free expression is to our democracy, our Commonwealth, and our children. Finally, I'd like to thank librarians throughout Massachusetts for the incredible service they provide every single day."
"By requiring our schools and libraries to develop comprehensive review policies, this legislation combats censorship efforts, safeguards librarians, ensures due process for books under scrutiny, and protects the integrity of reading materials for children and adults across the Commonwealth," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "As someone who loves to read and firmly believes in the right to free expression, I am grateful that the Senate has passed this meaningful bill, demonstrating our commitment to protecting literature in our schools and libraries."
"I am thrilled that the Senate has taken decisive bipartisan action to push back against cowardly attempts to ban books in our schools and public libraries. Massachusetts is not immune from the un-American panic gripping the nation in recent years. Today, the Senate defends the right to read and ensures that decisions about library materials are made by trained professionals, not political actors. This bill is about protecting the people who make our libraries and schools places of discovery, inclusion and belonging," said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), the lead sponsor of the bill. "I'm profoundly grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka for her trust and guidance in advancing this legislation, to Senator Jake Oliveira, my steadfast partner and co-sponsor in this effort, my colleagues and the scores of librarians and authors who made this bill possible. Today's vote is a powerful statement: in the Commonwealth, we don't ban books—we champion them."
Local school districts and municipal public libraries would have the flexibility to craft their own policies that align with state protocols and the standards of the American Library Association. For school libraries, an appropriate process for considering whether to remove a book would include assurance that a challenged book remains available to library patrons while the process plays out, guarding against frivolous or unfounded complaints.
The bill would protect librarians and school employees from retaliation over their selection of library books, ensuring that they do not suffer professional, civil, or criminal penalties if they have acted in good faith and followed their library materials policy. To help the state track challenges to books in libraries around the state, the bill also calls for data on such proceedings to be compiled annually and filed with the Legislature.
"Libraries are an invaluable space for learning, education, and in rural parts of the state, also a crucial hub for our communities," said Senator Paul W. Mark (D-Becket), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. "Protecting the integrity of free speech and expression is so important in a democracy, and in recognition of that, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with my colleagues and stakeholders from all over Massachusetts to quickly move this bill favorably from committee and onto the Senate floor today."
"Free expression is at the heart of a healthy democracy. Everyone deserves the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories and ideas available in our public and school libraries," said Senator Jacob R. Oliveira (D-Ludlow). "This bill ensures that the materials on our shelves are chosen by trained library professionals, not for political or personal reasons. When we trust our librarians to do their jobs, we ensure that every voice, every story, and every reader has a place in our Commonwealth."
During the course of today's debate, Senators voted on a 37-0 roll call to add language to the bill (Amendment 4) strengthening the voice of authors to make their work available to the public. As amended, the bill now gives book authors and creators the right to challenge their book's removal from a school library in court.
The legislation was advanced by a 17-0 vote of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on November 6, 2025, following a 6-0 vote and favorable report from the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development on August 14, 2025.
The Senate voted 35-3 to approve the bill and send it to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Financial Focus®
Making the most of your health savings account
When it comes to saving for healthcare costs, few tools are as powerful as a Health Savings Account (HSA). Yet many Americans don't take full advantage of it.
HSAs offer a rare triple-tax benefit. You don't pay taxes when you contribute money, your earnings grow tax-free, and you don't pay taxes when you withdraw funds for qualified medical expenses.
It's like a retirement account specifically for healthcare costs. Since out-of-pocket healthcare costs for couples in retirement can be high (over $375,000 for those with Medicare and Medigap and nearly $200,000 for those with Advantage plans, according to 2025 Milliman Retiree Health Cost Index), maximizing your HSA should be a priority.
Here are some things to consider:
- Ensure your eligibility. To contribute, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan and cannot be on Medicare or claimed as someone else's dependent. You also can't have other health insurance coverage, though dental, vision and disability insurance are allowed.
- Think long-term. Many people treat their HSA like a checking account, spending the money as soon as medical bills arrive.
This strategy transforms your HSA from a spending account into a powerful savings tool. You can always reimburse yourself later for those out-of-pocket medical expenses, even years down the road, so long as you keep your receipts.
- Invest for growth. Most HSAs offer investment options, yet only 9% of account holders take advantage of them according to a 2025 Devenir HSA survey. The remaining 91% keep their entire balance in cash, missing out on potential growth opportunities.
- Avoid early penalties. Before age 65, taking HSA money for non-medical expenses means paying income tax plus a 20% penalty. But once you hit 65, that penalty disappears, and your HSA works much like a traditional IRA for non-medical withdrawals.
- The bottom line: With healthcare costs continuing to rise, an HSA offers an opportunity to save money while reducing your tax burden. Whether you're planning for next year's medical bills or healthcare costs decades away, maximizing your HSA contributions could be one of the smartest financial moves you make.
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
Bring a Bit of Spring Indoors this Winter
A container of forced grape hyacinth, daffodil and tulip bulbs.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Pot them up, give them a chill and enjoy spring flowering bulbs indoors or outside on a patio, deck or porch. Forcing spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths and crocus is a great way to use those bulbs that didn’t get planted in the garden or were on sale late in the season.
All you need is a suitable container, some well-drained potting mix, the bulbs and a place to give the bulbs the chill necessary to force them to bloom. Gather all your supplies and clear a space to assemble your bulb planter.
Select a container with drainage holes that is deep enough to accommodate the largest bulbs. Shorter varieties are less likely to flop but taller ones can be held upright with stakes, twigs and other decorative supports. Cover the bottom of the container with two inches of a well-drained potting mix. Place the bulbs close together about one half the bulb width apart with the neck of larger bulbs at or just below the soil surface. Set tulips with the flat side of the bulb facing the pot for a better display.
Create a spring garden in a larger container by using a deep container and planting the bulbs in layers. Select a variety of bulbs that bloom at the same time for greater impact or use a combination of early-, mid- and late-blooming spring-flowering bulbs to extend the bloom time and your enjoyment. The package usually lists the color, height and bloom time of the bulbs.
Place an inch or two of soil in the bottom and set the largest bulbs in place. Cover these bulbs with soil and add the smaller bulbs, like grape hyacinths and crocus, on the next level. Plant these bulbs close together for greater impact. Cover this layer with at least an inch of soil. Water thoroughly until the excess water drains out the bottom of the pot.
Move your bulb-filled containers to a cool location where temperatures remain above freezing and between 35 to 45°F for 12 to 15 weeks. A spare refrigerator works well for this. Just avoid storing the bulbs with fruit, like apples and pears, that emit ethylene gas that can negatively impact flowering. If refrigerator space is limited, you can store the unplanted bulbs in a paper bag, so they take up less space in the fridge for the needed chill before planting.
Those gardening in colder climates can also store the pots in an unheated garage. Just water the containers whenever the soil is thawed and dry. Or sink the container into a vacant garden space in your landscape. Mulch the soil once the ground starts to freeze with evergreen boughs. The winter mulch makes retrieving the container easier in winter or early spring.
Begin moving the containers out of cold storage once the 12- to 15-week chilling period is complete. Extend your enjoyment and the bloom time by removing one or just a few pots every week. Place the pot in a cool, bright location to encourage more compact growth. Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Soon the leaves will begin to sprout, and flowers will appear in about three to four weeks.
Provide ongoing care if you plan on moving the bulbs into the garden. Remove the faded flowers, place the leafy plants in a sunny window and water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Fertilize with a dilute solution of any flowering houseplant fertilizer. Move them into the garden once the danger of frost has passed. Be patient because it may be a year or two before they bloom again.
Plant plenty for you to enjoy and share with others. Everyone will appreciate the extra spring color the forced bulbs provide.
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.