Arts and Recreation

Acclaimed Actor Adam Sowers Brings Charles Dickens to Vivid Life in New Play at The Park Theatre

Sowers dazzles in a new one-man play adapted from Dickens' 1842 travelogue book of his first trip to America and New England

Jaffrey, New Hampshire (December 9, 2025) The Park Theatre is presenting a special one-night staged reading of the new play Dickens' America, featuring celebrated actor Adam Sowers in the role of Charles Dickens himself. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at The Park Theatre, 19 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Tickets are $25. The play is part of Dickens Fest, sponsored by Viking Voyages.

In Dickens' America, Adam Sowers embodies the legendary Victorian author as he tours New England and the Northeast in 1842, delivering insights (town-by-town) about a very young America that shines but also reveals harrowing conditions of the poor, child factory workers, and enslaved people. The play was adapted from Dickens' book, American Notes for General Circulation, by The Park's CEO, Steve Jackson. Stage/TV/film actor Lisa Bostnar directs it.

Known for his commanding stage presence, sharp comic timing, and deep emotional range, Sowers is uniquely suited to capture both the wit and moral fire of Charles Dickens.

A veteran of Off-Broadway and regional performer, Sowers has earned acclaim in roles ranging from the farcical (The 39 Steps, The Producers) to the dramatic (The Crucible, Mass Appeal). He enjoys a long and celebrated relationship with New Hampshire's own Peterborough Players, where audiences recently saw him as Tommy in Grand Horizons and in past productions including Scapino!, The Admirable Crichton, and Measure for Measure. In addition to his acting, Sowers is an accomplished lighting designer and served eight seasons as Master Electrician for the Peterborough Players, designing lights for shows such as Fully Committed, Rose, and The Dork Knight.

"Adam Sowers is one of the most versatile theatre artists working in New England today," said Steve Jackson, CEO & Managing Director of The Park Theatre. "To have him step into the shoes of Charles Dickens on our stage is a genuine treat for our community and an exciting preview of this new play I developed."

Tickets for the staged reading of Dickens' America are available now. For full details and to purchase tickets, visit theparktheatre.org/dickens-america or call The Park Theatre box office at (603) 532-8888.

Before the stage performance, singer/songwriter Eve Pierce performs in the theatre's Lounge room starting at 6 pm. Free to the public. Bar is open (ID required). Concessions open as well.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located in downtown Jaffrey at 19 Main Street—just 95 minutes from Boston and a one-hour drive from Worcester, MA. The facility is fully accessible. Additional information about the theatre is available at parknh.org.

Regional News

DA Urges Participation in 24th Annual Worcester County Gun Buyback Program

WORCESTER - Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. is urging participation in the 24th annual Guns to Gardens program, an opportunity for members of the community to turn in unwanted firearms at participating police departments on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Since the program's start in the City of Worcester in 2002, more than 4,000 guns have been voluntarily turned in across the county. This annual program encourages participants from all of Worcester County to turn in firearms at participating police department headquarters stations in Charlton, Fitchburg, Northborough, Milford, Worcester, or City Welding & Fabrication, 10 Arant Street, Worcester.

Anyone who turns in an operable firearm will receive a gift card in exchange ($50 for a rifle, $100 for a pistol, and $150 for an automatic or semi-automatic weapon). Free gun locks are also available, even if you are not turning in a firearm.

"By getting unwanted and unsecured firearms out of the house and safely disposed of, we can help prevent accidental tragedies, theft or misuse. This not only helps reduce gun-related tragedies and save lives, but also avoid the high costs of medically treating gunshot victims," said District Attorney Early. "I commend Worcester Division of Public Health Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh, who started this program, and all our local police departments for their continued efforts to advocate for gun safety and protect our communities."

"Every gun that we can get out of homes that are not safely secured or not in an environment where it is safe to keep them at home is a win for a peaceful holiday season in the Woo," said Dr. Hirsh.

As in the past, Mr. Early will relax law enforcement of the law prohibiting the carrying of firearms for those participating in the program. Participants may bring firearms without any registration requirement, and anonymity is guaranteed for everyone. All weapons should be brought unloaded and wrapped up or in a bag. Replica guns and ammunition will also be accepted. Ammunition should be separately bagged. Residents are reminded to treat all firearms as though they are loaded and dangerous.

Participants can watch their weapons be destroyed at the City Welding & Fabrication location. In recent years, these destroyed firearms have been turned into garden tools to be used in the UMass community garden, which is maintained by members of the UMass community and produces fresh produce that is donated to those in need.

Guns to Gardens is sponsored by the Worcester County District Attorney's Office, UMass Memorial Medical Group, the City of Worcester, the Worcester Police Department, and the Worcester Department of Public Health.

Firearms can be turned in at the following locations during the specific hours:

- Charlton Police Department from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Fitchburg Police Department from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Milford Police Department from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Northborough Police Department from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Worcester Police Department from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Worcester City Welding & Fabrication (10 Arant St., Worcester) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m

Financial Focus®

AI in personal finance: The promise and the limits

Your smartphone buzzes with an alert: Your budgeting app has spotted an unusual spending pattern and suggests transferring $50 from your savings account to your checking account. Later that day, a robo-advisor automatically rebalances your investment portfolio. Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence (AI) in personal finance, where technology is reshaping how we manage money.

What AI can do for your wallet. From tracking every latte to forecasting next month's bills, AI-powered tools are making financial management more accessible than ever. Some apps categorize transactions automatically, while other platforms offer conversational financial advice through text messages. These tools can monitor your credit score, suggest budget adjustments and even negotiate lower bills on services like cable and internet.

The investing landscape has transformed as well. Robo-advisors use algorithms to build diversified portfolios, automatically rebalance holdings and apply strategies to minimize tax bills. Educational tools powered by AI can explain complex concepts through interactive games and simple question-and-answer formats, making financial literacy more accessible.

Where AI falls short. Here's what the algorithms can't do: understand what truly matters to you.

AI doesn't know whether you value sustainable investing over maximum returns. It can't weigh the emotional complexity of saving for a child's education versus retiring early. When sudden illness strikes or a job change upends your plans, AI lacks the context and empathy to guide you through those human moments.

Technology can crunch numbers brilliantly, but it can't offer wisdom. It can't replace human judgment, experience or ethical reasoning. Robo-advisors' predetermined algorithms may not suit investors with complex financial needs like estate planning or comprehensive tax planning.

The human touch still matters. This is where human financial advisors remain indispensable. They provide what technology can't:

• Long-term perspective: Help you maintain focus when markets get volatile and emotions run high
• Goal coordination: Balance competing priorities, help partners merge their financial visions and remind you of goals you've tucked away and didn't know still mattered
• Accountability: Keep you on track with your financial strategy through life's inevitable changes
• Emotional support: Offer reassurance and wisdom during major financial decisions

Research validates it: Those who regularly work with a financial advisor and have a financial strategy are more likely to feel optimistic about their financial future than those who manage finances on their own, according to 2025 research from Edward Jones and Morning Consult.

Find the right balance. The future likely lies in a hybrid approach: combining data-driven AI insights with the human wisdom of a financial advisor who understands your values, priorities and life's inevitable curveballs. Think of AI as a powerful calculator and your financial advisor as the mathematician who knows which equations to use.

As these technologies evolve, the key is treating AI as a tool, not a guide.

Stay curious about what technology can do for your finances. Stay critical of its limitations. And remember: What matters most in your financial life is something only you can define.



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

Experience the Many Benefits from Time in Nature

by Melinda Myers
Take a break in nature from the stresses of everyday life and the hectic holiday season. Research has found spending time in nature, conservatories, botanic gardens and other green spaces can have a positive impact on mental and physical health.

Work, school, and other aspects of daily life may have you suffering from a bit of mental fatigue. Surrounding yourself with plants and spending time in green spaces can serve as a distraction and help reduce this fatigue. Being immersed in nature elevates your mood and helps reduce the risk of developing and experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Scientists also found a strong correlation between green space and illnesses in a community. The more green space that's available, the lower the level of disease in a community.

Spending time in gardens and nature is also good for the youngsters in our lives. It helps them develop social, emotional and cognitive skills. "Green Time" can also reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children and can act as an effective supplement to traditional medicinal and behavioral treatments.

Finding access to nature can be challenging in some locations and at certain times of the year when harsh weather tends to keep us indoors. Parks, botanic gardens and conservatories help improve access to nature.

Many botanical gardens and parks host year-round events encouraging everyone to get outside, move and enjoy nature. You will find yoga classes, walking groups, gardening classes and nature walks offered at many of these public green spaces. Encourage youngsters in your life to join you in nature and participate in youth-focused activities.

Conservatories provide year-round access no matter the weather. Collections of plants are housed under glass, providing opportunities to immerse yourself in greenery.

The Mitchell Park Domes is a great example of providing the public with green space. In its original charter Milwaukee County stated: "Let us provide for the public the ultimate in experiencing nature in the city. Plant life of many kinds must be sustained throughout all seasons...". The Conservatory continues inspiring people through plants with its permanent collection of over 1,800 plant species from around the globe. These are housed in three domes, featuring desert, tropical and temperate zone plants. Visitors not only can immerse themselves in greenery but can experience the climate and vegetation of various locations around the world. This along with the changing displays in the floral dome encourages year-round visits.

Take time now and all year to experience the benefits of green space. Add a few indoor plants to your home. You will enjoy the added greenery while elevating your mood. Walk in a nearby park or botanic garden and if you are near a conservatory, make this a routine part of your schedule.

Make it easy and affordable to visit botanic gardens and conservatories in your community and around the country. Consider becoming a member. You'll help support their mission and are likely to visit more often and take advantage of all they have to offer.

No matter where you live, becoming a member of the Milwaukee Domes Alliance, provides free access to over 360 other botanical gardens and conservatories across the country, including the Mitchell Park Domes. It's a great way to save money as you explore other gardens and conservatories across the country.

Take a break today and enjoy the many benefits that connecting with nature provides. Once refreshed you will be better able to tackle the daily demands and handle the stresses of everyday life.

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.