Arts and Recreation

The Park Theatre Brings Back an Epic Encore: Lord of the Rings Marathon For Its 25th Anniversary

The powerhouse trilogy is shown at the Jaffrey theatre on Saturday April 25th on their big screen

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 14, 2026) Fans of Middle-earth, rejoice! The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, is proud to present a special encore screening of the beloved Lord of the Rings Movie Marathon, featuring the complete extended editions of Peter Jackson's iconic trilogy on the big screen with giant sound. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the series.

Note your calendars for Saturday, April 25, 2026. The all-day event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. and immerses audiences in the full epic journey from the Shire to Mount Doom:

- 9:00 a.m. -- The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition)
- 1:00 p.m. -- The Two Towers (Extended Edition)
- 6:00 p.m. -- The Return of the King (Extended Edition)

This is a rare opportunity to experience the award-winning films in their longest, most detailed versions--complete with additional scenes that deepen the story--all in one unforgettable day on The Park Theatre's historic giant screen.

Ticket options are available to fit every fan's adventure:

- VIP Package -- $100 (premium experience for the full day, includes commemorative t-shirt)
- Full Trilogy (3 Films) -- $55
- Single Film Tickets -- $20 each

Whether you're a lifelong Ring-bearer or discovering the trilogy for the first time, this marathon promises hours of cinematic magic, fellowship, and epic battles. Dress-up is encouraged!

"The Lord of the Rings trilogy holds a special place in the hearts of so many," said Steve Jackson, CEO of The Park Theatre. "We're thrilled to bring back this popular marathon as an encore by popular demand, giving local fans and visitors alike the chance to relive the adventure together in a true theater setting."

Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell quickly. Purchase online at https://theparktheatre.org or call the box office at 603-532-8888. For more information, visit theparktheatre.org or email boxoffice@theparktheatre.org.

The theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey. The facility is totally accessible. Beers, wines, and alcoholic canned drinks are available in The Lounge at the theatre. ID is required. Traditional concessions as well.

Founded in 1922, and rebuilt & reimagined (2021) as a premier performing arts center, The Park Theatre hosts a dynamic mix of live performances, independent films, and arts-focused screenings. Located in historic downtown Jaffrey, it serves as a vibrant hub for the Monadnock Region's cultural scene.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Friday, April 17, RONG / KENDRA / B|_ANK!--April 18, Crankies!

On Friday, April 17, Nova Arts presents RONG / KENDRA / B|_ANK, a night of boundary-pushing sound featuring three artists at the forefront of experimental and noise-driven music.

Headlining the evening is Rong, a Massachusetts-based noise rock band known for their chaotic, politically charged sound and explosive live performances. Joining them is Kendra, a two-piece from New Hampshire and Boston whose music blends rhythm, distortion, and dynamic composition into a genre-defying sonic experience. Opening the night is B|_ank, the solo electroacoustic percussion project of Will Hicks, combining live drumming, synthesizers, and electronic textures into an intense and immersive performance.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music begins at 7:30 p.m.

Then on Saturday, April 18, Nova Arts presents Crankies!, an evening of innovative visual storytelling and puppetry featuring a lineup of acclaimed puppet artists and performers.

The event will showcase work from artists including Mackenzie Doss, Madison J. Cripps, Kay Kinderman, Storm Welch, and Anatar M. Gagné ,each bringing their own unique approach to puppetry, storytelling, and performance. From handcrafted marionettes to shadow puppetry and crankie storytelling, audiences can expect an imaginative evening celebrating visual narrative and live performance.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

Access For All tickets are available thanks to support from Savings Bank of Walpole. Please note: to purchase more than one Access For All ticket, each must be completed in a separate transaction.

Shows are all ages, and seating is first come, first served.

Tickets and more info available at www.novaarts.org/events

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

Regional News

Second Chance to Host Low-Cost Fitchburg Pet Vaccine Clinic April 25

Clinic Honors the Memory of Jeffrey Stephens of Leominster

FITCHBURG, MA (April 14, 2026) - Local pet owners can now register for Second Chance Animal Services' upcoming low-cost pet vaccine clinic on Saturday, April 25, at the Fitchburg Fire Department Headquarters. The clinic will offer $19 rabies and free distemper/parvo vaccines, along with microchipping for $22, to help protect pets and keep families together.

This event, dedicated to the late Jeffrey Stephens--who co-founded the Fitchburg vaccine clinic series in 2011--is organized in partnership with Be PAWsitive Therapy Pets and Friends of Fitchburg DOGS Inc.

Second Chance is committed to making veterinary care accessible for all pet owners. These vaccines protect pets from preventable and often deadly diseases, helping them live longer, healthier lives. With an estimated 30 percent of pet owners unable to bring their pets to a veterinarian each year for preventive care, many animals remain at risk for serious illnesses such as rabies, and parvovirus in dogs and panleukopenia in cats.

Parvovirus is highly contagious and can be deadly, especially for young or unvaccinated dogs. Cats face similar risks from viruses that can cause severe illness. Vaccinating pets helps reduce the spread of disease and keeps more animals healthy in the community.

Microchipping offers a simple and reliable way to identify pets if they become lost. Pets with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their owners, giving families peace of mind and helping lost pets return home safely.

"More than 50 million pets in the United States live with families who do not have access to veterinary care," said Lindsay Doray of Second Chance Animal Services. "Second Chance operates four veterinary hospitals that provide affordable care, including subsidized pricing for those who qualify, but we know many pet owners still face barriers to getting that care. Our local clinics bring life saving vaccines into the community to protect pets from diseases like parvo and distemper, along with microchips that help lost pets find their way back home."

The clinic is open to pets from all communities and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fitchburg Fire Department Headquarters, located at 33 North Street. Advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Walk-ins will be permitted as time allows. Pet owners can register online at www.secondchanceanimals.org/scasconnect-north-brookfield/.

Fitchburg pet owners can also purchase a dog license on site from the city clerk during the clinic. The cost is $9 for a spayed or neutered dog and $15 for intact.

This Community Vaccine Clinic is funded in part by Petco Love.

For more information, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org.

Financial Focus®

Risks threatening Gen Z's retirement--and how to tackle them

While older generations worry about having enough money for retirement, many Gen Z workers aren't even starting to save. Research in 2025 by Edward Jones and Morning Consult shows that nearly half haven't begun setting money aside for their golden years, and only 22% are contributing to a workplace retirement plan.

The culprit is a perfect storm of financial pressures that can make saving for the future feel impossible.

One of the biggest challenges this generation faces is debt. High-interest credit card balances and persistent student loan payments leave many feeling they're just trying to stay afloat, rather than planning decades ahead.

The cost of living doesn't help either. Nearly 60% of Gen Z renters are considered "rent-burdened," spending more than 30% of their pre-tax income on rent, according to a StreetEasy analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Rising prices driven by inflation and tariffs squeeze budgets further, moving retirement savings down the priority list.

The nature of work has also changed. Gen Z is more likely than previous generations to hold gig jobs, contract positions or other flexible work arrangements that often don't include employer retirement plans, according to Pew Research. Even when plans are available, only 22% participate. Feeling overwhelmed by jargon, confused by investment choices or focusing only on today's experiences and technology can all delay participation. These early gaps may lead to catch-up needs later in life.

Unfortunately, Gen Z has little faith in the retirement safety net. Only about a third of Gen Z-ers say they believe Social Security will still exist when they retire, according to the latest information from the CATO Institute.

Fortunately, there are steps Gen Z can take now to get their retirement savings off to a good start:

• Start small: Even a few dollars per paycheck builds a savings habit and gets compounding interest working in their favor. Early momentum matters more than starting big.
• Let compounding do its work: Small, consistent contributions can grow dramatically over time, especially when they have decades to accumulate.
• Use a workplace retirement account: For anyone with access to a plan, enroll and contribute at least enough to receive any employer match. It's one of the few forms of "free money" available.
• Open an IRA: If no plan is available through work, take charge by opening an individual retirement account (IRA).
• Simplify investing: If the choices feel confusing, consider options such as a target date fund, which reduces complexity and helps keep you properly invested without needing expert advice.
• Use found money: Direct tax refunds, bonuses or gig income into retirement savings to boost progress without straining the monthly budget.
• Automate contributions: Automatic transfers make saving effortless. Review this annually and increase contributions as income grows.
• Build confidence: If investing feels overwhelming, look for quick financial education resources from an employer, plan provider or reputable nonprofit organization. Even a little knowledge can make decisions easier.

The path to retirement doesn't require perfection--just progress. Building consistency early helps create choices, security and financial breathing room later in life.



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

Tips for Transforming a Patio, Balcony or Deck into an Outdoor Oasis

by Melinda Myers
You don't need much space to create a bit of paradise on your balcony, patio or deck. Fill the space with a collection of plants that provide texture, color, and privacy. Then add comfortable seating, a fountain and lighting for additional ambiance and relaxation.

Start by evaluating the space you want to transform and how the surrounding views and noise will impact your enjoyment. Before enclosing the whole space, identify the views you need to screen and those you want to keep. Perhaps a view of your favorite flower garden, the park across the street or your neighbor's water feature extends your enjoyment beyond the limits of your garden oasis.

Use tall grasses, large tropical plants, vines trained on trellises and upright shrubs and trees to define the space. These can be grown in weather-proof containers if no in-ground planting space is available. Just make sure your balcony or deck can handle the weight of the planters once filled with soil and plants.

Select plants that provide multiple benefits. Look for plants that deliver several seasons of beauty with flowers, colorful foliage, seedheads and fall color. Include fragrant plants for aromatherapy and those that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to add motion and color.

Decide how you plan to use the space. Are you longing for a quiet area to relax and read, one to entertain or a space to accommodate all your outdoor activities? Select furnishings with the color, form, and style that will create your desired look and feel. Then select plants, containers and accessories that complement the furnishings for your outdoor oasis.

Add a stand-alone or wall-mounted fountain or container water garden to the space. The sound of moving water helps create a sense of peace and relaxation, calming the mind, reviving the spirit and masking noise pollution.

No need to worry about mosquitoes taking residency in your water feature. Moving water is less appealing and adding an organic product like Summit® Mosquito Dunks® to water features prevents mosquitoes from breeding there. Just toss this donut-shaped cake of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) into the water. This naturally occurring bacteria only kills the mosquito larvae but doesn't harm people, pets, fish or wildlife.

Further reduce mosquito problems by lighting a few citronella candles and placing them near you and others enjoying the space. Use a fan to help keep you cool and the weak-flying mosquitoes away.

Extend your enjoyment into the evening with some lighting. Be mindful of birds and night-flying insects by using shields to point light down to the ground instead of into the night sky. Select lights with lower lumens that aren't as bright but still provide sufficient light and ambiance for you. Avoid white and blue light and opt for amber and yellow greens that are less disruptive to the birds and night-flying pollinators.

Like any decorating or gardening project, be ready to make needed adjustments. While fine-tuning your design, be sure to take time to relax and enjoy your new space.

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 Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers' website is www.MelindaMyers.com.