Arts and Recreation

Park Theatre's CEO Adapts Charles Dickens' Travelogue in America Book To A One-Man Play

"Dickens' America" will have a one-night only staged reading on Saturday, December 13

Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (December 2, 2025) The Park Theatre in historic Jaffrey, New Hampshire, is proud to announce the debut staged reading of Dickens' America, an original one-man play written by the theatre's own Chief Executive Officer, Steve Jackson. The special one-night-only event will take place on the Eppes Stage at The Park Theatre on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. It is part of the New England Dickens Fest from December 5 - 21.

Performed by acclaimed actor Adam Sowers in the role of Charles Dickens and directed by Lisa Bostnar, Dickens' America brings to life the celebrated author's 1842 tour of the young United States. Through Dickens' sharp wit and keen observations, the play explores the promise and contradictions of a nation still finding its identity--themes that resonate as powerfully today as they did nearly two centuries ago. Mr. Jackson adapted the play from Dickens travelogue book of his 1842 trip called, American Notes for General Circulation. The play takes the audience on Dickens trip that starts in Boston, and travels through New England and the mid-Atlantic.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at theparktheatre.org/dickens-america, by phone at (603) 532-8888, or in person at the box office.

"This play has been a passion project for years," said Steve Jackson, author and CEO of The Park Theatre. "Bringing Charles Dickens' own words and experiences to the stage--performed by the extraordinary Adam Sowers and shaped by Lisa Bostnar's brilliant direction--is a dream come true for our theatre and our community."

Dickens' America is part of The Park Theatre's New England Dickens Fest that runs from December 5th until the 21st. It is sponsored by Viking Voyages.

The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 95 minutes from downtown Boston and 30 minutes from Worcester, MA. The facility is fully accessible and has a bar lounge.

About Adam Sowers (Charles Dickens)
Adam Sowers is a versatile theatre artist known primarily as an actor, with credits spanning Off-Broadway (Donogoo, Mint Theater) and regional stages including Bristol Riverside Theatre (The 39 Steps), Peterborough Players (Grand Horizons, The Producers, Mass Appeal), and many others. A Texas native and University of Houston graduate, he trained in acting, directing, and Shakespeare studies. Adam spent eight seasons as Master Electrician and lighting designer for the Peterborough Players (designs include Fully Committed, Rose, and The Dork Knight) and previously performed improv with the award-winning Houston/Chicago troupe, Glaundor. Mr. Sowers currently is part of The Park Theatre's staff handling tech for live shows and films.

About Lisa Bostnar (Director)
Lisa Bostnar is an award-winning actress of the stage, screen and television as well as voice-overs. Lisa has played at the Mint Theatre, Peterborough Players and Capital Rep among many professional theaters in New York City and across America. She has guest starred on the tv shows Law & Order, Blindspot, Blacklist & Pan Am. Lisa is in Oscar-winner Ernest Thompson's (On Golden Pond) new short film, The Constituent, which stars Mr. Thompson and Emmy winner, Gordon Clapp (NYPD Blue). Lisa just completed co-starring in a new independent film, Pointing Fingers, the story of 2 non-speaking autistic lovers who are accused of murder. LisaBostnar.com

About Steve Jackson (Playwright)
Steve has been the CEO and Managing Director of The Park Theatre performing arts center in Jaffrey, NH for the past 10 years. For over 25 years, he worked at the DDB advertising Agency in Chicago and New York. He managed the Anheuser-Busch account (Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra) globally for the agency. He also wrote and produced commercials with his own marketing consultancy, Pell Partners.

Get in the TRUE "Holiday Spirit" with a Public Paranormal Investigation at the SK Mansion in Gardner

Photo copyright Monique Toosoon

On Saturday, December 20 into the wee hours of Sunday, December 21, you can experience "A Nightmare Before Christmas" at the SK Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion, led by Monique Toosoon, Rob Gutro and the Paraclauses (dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus to connect with the children ghosts).

Participate in a historical tour of the infamous SK Pierce Mansion and a 7-hour full-scale ghost hunt with Monique Toosoon, medium Rob Gutro and The ParaClauses. Spaces are very limited and are $100 per person--adults over 18 only. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sk-pierce-mansion-paranormal-investigation-tickets-1805278248839.

Theatre at the Mount is Looking for "100 Volts for Young Frankenstein"

Theatre at the Mount is looking for 100 generous supporters to sponsor a costume piece for $50 (or more) to help defray the cost of professional costumes for our upcoming production of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. From lab coats to lederhosen, every contribution helps bring Mel Brooks' hilarious monster to life on our stage.

Aside from royalties, costumes are one of our biggest single expenses, and a donation of any amount is greatly appreciated.

Our "Monster Makers" donors will be recognized for their support in the Young Frankenstein playbill--proof that you helped dress the monster, Igor, and the villagers in style!

With your support, we'll ensure that every laugh is matched with a look worthy of Broadway. To make a donation (thank you!) go to https://mwcc.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1631&isDonation=1.

Performances of Young Frankenstein will be February 27 and 28, and March 6, 7 and 8, 2026. For information and tickets, see https://mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam/shows/

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

This Week and Next!!

Join us Friday, December 5 when Nova Arts presents Midnight Betty with Mr. Bill.

Midnight Betty is the Vermont-based duo of Chelle Martinez (vocals, guitar) and Oriana Barros (vocals, banjo, keyboard), known for their mix of folk, country, indie, and pop covers and originals.

Inspired by artists like Lucius, The Wailin' Jennys, and The Secret Sisters, their shimmering vocal harmonies and heartfelt arrangements make each performance distinctly their own.

They'll be joined by their full band--Dave Schottland (lead guitar), Paul Martinez (bass), and Josh Francis (drums), promising an event full of creativeness.

Next weekend, join us Saturday, December 13 for the first annual GoldTooth Holiday Spectacular, a beach-themed holiday party packed with live music, good vibes, and community spirit.

Celebrate the season with GoldTooth, featuring Jon Braught, Jimmy Hendricks, Paul Martinez, and Dave Maclean, as they debut brand-new material and bring their signature mix of classic rock, country grit, and punk edge.

Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt and help support our community by bringing a canned good for our holiday food drive.

The night also features sets from Jentri Jollimore and Ray & the Lovers. Jentri Jollimore is a self-taught guitarist and songwriter from southwestern New Hampshire whose music blends folk influences and a flair for the dramatic.

After a decade-long detour into corporate life, she's returned to writing honest, original songs and creating sound for short films ranging from horror to absurdist comedy.

Ray & the Lovers, a soul band based in Boston and fronted by powerhouse vocalist Ray Hendricks, bring electrifying performances and emotionally charged songwriting.

Their blend of classic R&B, blues, and modern influences creates a sound that is both fresh and warmly nostalgic, an energy that has earned them a devoted audience across New England.

On December 5 and 13, 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

Belletetes of Brookline Celebrates New Store Opening December 1st with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

From left to right: Eddie Olson, Branch Manager, Derek Shea, Millwork Manager, Chris LeBlanc, Assistant Branch Manager, Matt Shea, Vice President, Sara Belletete, Vice President of Branch Development, Mike Shea, President & CEO, Jack Belletete, Senior Vice President, David Belletete, Vice President, Rebekah Bingham, Administrative Support, Tom Bingham, Product Manager.
Photo by Loretta Jackson

Brookline, NH--December 1, 2025--Belletetes, a trusted name in building materials and hardware since 1898, proudly announces the opening of its newest location in Brookline, NH. The celebration took place on Monday, December 1, 2025, beginning with a 9:00 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony to officially welcome the community into the new store.

Family members, Town of Brookline officials, representatives from TD Bank, team members from Digz and Hutter Construction, Orgill representatives, and Belletetes employees, who were instrumental in readying the store for opening, were in attendance. Their combined dedication and support helped bring this project to life, marking an exciting new chapter for both Belletetes and the Brookline community.

"We are thrilled to open our doors in Brookline," said Mike Shea, President and CEO of Belletetes. "This store represents the hard work of many partners and team members, and we look forward to providing quality products, exceptional service, and strong community engagement."

The newest Belletetes' location offers a 20,000 sq.ft. selection of building materials, hardware, tools, home improvement supplies, and customer-focused services designed to support homeowners, contractors, and local businesses. Also, the site features a 30,000 sq.ft. drive-thru lumberyard. The opening reflects Belletetes' continued commitment to serving New England communities with reliable products and knowledgeable, friendly service.

Belletetes of Brookline will continue to manufacture custom wood flooring and processing reclaimed lumber. Attendees at the opening had the opportunity to explore the new store, meet the Belletetes team, and celebrate with company leadership and community partners.

From humble beginnings in 1898 as a general store, Belletetes has grown into one of the largest lumber and building materials retailers in the Northeast, servicing New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and southern Maine. With ten locations across New Hampshire and Massachusetts, 400 dedicated employees, and a fleet of over 70 delivery vehicles, the company believes in providing excellent customer service that creates long-lasting relationships.

For more information about Belletetes and its locations, please visit belletetes.com.

Financial Focus®

Managing risk at different stages of life

As an investor, risk is always part of the journey--but how you manage it can depend on where you are in life.

Early in your career, you can invest for growth and take on more risk, knowing you have time to recover from market downturns.

In midlife, with goals like retirement and college savings, it's generally time to balance growth with stability.

Near retirement, preserving wealth becomes key--though growth still matters to help keep up with inflation.

And in retirement, you may want to reduce risk, but not eliminate it entirely. A balanced mix in your portfolio and a smart income withdrawal strategy can help your money last.

And while you'll seek balance based on your life stage, even a diversified portfolio doesn't fully protect against loss.

Risk tolerance changes over time, and your strategy should too. Staying informed and flexible can help you better navigate market volatility and stay on track toward maintaining long-term financial success.

Gardening

DIY Place Markers for Holiday Gatherings

Guide guests to their spot at the table with a Princettia poinsettia flower tucked into a napkin with ribbon containing the guest's name.
Photo courtesy of Suntory Flowers

by Melinda Myers
Make each guest and family member feel special when serving up a holiday meal. Mark their place at the table with something special they can take home and enjoy for the following days or weeks.

Dress up each place setting with a small plant, fragrant herb or flower. Purchase one of the many miniature holiday plants available from your favorite florist or garden center. You can find miniature specimens of orchids, cyclamen, kalanchoes, poinsettias, azaleas and others. Just set each plant in its own terra cotta pot or decorative foil if you need to dress it up a bit. Add a tag with the guest's name and send them home with plant care instructions. It will remind them of your gathering and provide weeks of added enjoyment.

Make it easy for you and each guest with low-maintenance Tillandsia air plants. These popular plants need indirect sunlight and a half hour weekly soak in tepid water to thrive. Set a plant on each plate or in a decorative glass, vase or container. Add a bit of holiday flair by placing each one in an open orb ornament or miniature terrarium. Include other small holiday items and top it with a ribbon.

Give each guest their own cut flower to enjoy and take home. All you need is a bouquet of flowers, a few floral water picks (water-filled tubes used by florists), greens and ribbon. Cut the flowers to the desired length and place them in a floral water pick. Tuck the bloom into a napkin set on each plate and add ribbon and perhaps a bit of greens. Use any remaining blooms to fill containers in rooms and on tables throughout your home.

Include a holiday favorite, the poinsettia, at each guest's place setting. Simply cut the flowers off a potted poinsettia plant to the desired length. Place it in a floral water pick tucked into their napkin or set it in a small bud vase with some greens. Try searing the cut end before placing it in water to help extend the life of the cut poinsettia. Send them home with your guests as a remembrance of your gathering.

Consider purchasing and using small transplants or seeds of herbs to dress up the table. Set transplants in a small container you have on hand, purchase or create. Paint, decoupage or dress up empty fruit and vegetable cans, wrap them in burlap and secure with a ribbon or wrap in foil. Set a few seeds secured with a ribbon on or next to each plate. Your guests will enjoy growing and harvesting them in an indoor herb garden this winter or in their gardens and containers during the growing season.

Use bits and pieces of greens from your Christmas tree, garland and wreaths. Arrange these in small containers or vases. Combine with small berry-laden stems, cones, candy canes or colorful holiday picks. Gather a few evergreen twigs, add a fragrant cinnamon stick and secure with a ribbon.

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.