Arts and Recreation

Stratton Players Takes "The Cliffnotes of Insanity" on Tour Across North Central Massachusetts

PHILLIPSTON, Mass. (May 2026) -- Fresh off a successful run at the Enchanted Orchard Renaissance Faire at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Stratton Players is bringing The Cliffnotes of Insanity--a fast-paced, comedic take on the beloved classic The Princess Bride--to audiences in three North Central Massachusetts communities this May.

With "everything: fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles--and a few surprises," the production delivers a different experience each time. The original script, written by M. Ray Robinson and directed by Chelsey Patriss, is performed by an energetic cast who don't mind making their own sound effects, asking for help from the audience, and using flowers and fish as weapons.

"When I first found this script, I knew it was perfect for a Ren faire," said director Chelsey Patriss. "This year, we decided to turn it into dinner theater so people who weren't attending the faire would have a chance to see it, too."

Tour Dates & Locations

• Thursday, May 14 - The Hub at the Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Drive, Winchendon. Buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance. Tickets: $30; available in advance via the event listing and at the door.
• Sunday, May 17 - Polish American Citizens Club, Gardner. Sober-friendly event with lunch at 1:00 p.m. Tickets: available at the door; advance purchase encouraged via the event listing.
• Friday, May 22 - New Dawn Arts Center, Ashburnham. Performance at 7:30 p.m. (no dinner). Tickets: donation of any amount; available via the event listing and at the door.

About Stratton Players
Stratton Players is a community theater group celebrating its 100th season in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, producing performances that bring people together through live storytelling, humor, and local collaboration. Tickets for all shows can be purchased at facebook.com/strattonplayers.

Maine filmmaker's Mockumentary "Canoe Dig It?" Screens at Jaffrey's Park Theatre...Spoofs "Canoe Dancing"

New movie produced in Maine, "Canoe Dig It?," will have a single showing on May 22 at Park Theatre in Jaffrey with director/writer/actor holding Q&A afterwards

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (May 14, 2026) The Park Theatre is proud to present a special screening of the acclaimed mockumentary comedy Canoe Dig It? on Friday, May 22 at 6:30 p,m. Produced in Maine and inspired by the style of Christopher Guest films such as Best in Show and This Is Spinal Tap, the film delivers sharp satire and laugh-out-loud humor centered on the eccentric world of competitive "freestyle" canoeing, a real sport.

The film follows a quirky cast of characters obsessed with the sport, capturing their rivalries, eccentric traditions, and over-the-top personalities in a hilarious fly-on-the-wall style. Canoe Dig It? has earned widespread praise from audiences, currently holding an impressive 9.4 out of 10 rating on IMDb.

As part of the Park Theatre's popular Filmmaker Series, this special event will feature writer, director, and actor Sam Dunning in person. Dunning will introduce the film and participate in a lively Q&A session with the audience immediately following the screening.

Information about Mr. Dunning can be found at his website, https://www.samuelfddunning.com. Information about the film can be found at https://www.samuelfddunning.com/canoe-dig-it

For this screening, the theatre is partnering with Monadnock Paddle (monadnockpaddle.com), a canoe and kayak rental facility in Fitzwilliam, NH. Free gift certificates for canoe/kayak rentals will be raffled off during the Q&A. And, a canoe from Monadnock Paddle will be on display in the theatre lobby for the week prior to the screening to promote attendance.

Tickets are available now at the Park Theatre box office or online. This is a unique opportunity to see a standout independent comedy on the big screen and engage directly with its creator.

"We're thrilled to bring Canoe Dig It? to Jaffrey as part of our Filmmaker Series," said Steve Jackson, CEO and Managing Director of The Park Theatre. "Sam Dunning's film is smart, funny, and perfectly captures the mockumentary spirit. Having him here for a Q&A makes this a must-attend event for comedy fans and local film enthusiasts."

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Park Theatre website (parknh.org) or call the box office (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre, located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, is New England's unique showplace for live entertainment and film. The theatre is a historic, award-winning venue, dedicated to presenting diverse live performances, classic and contemporary films, and community events in a beautifully reimagined 330-seat auditorium that opened its doors five years ago.

Regional News

Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass to Host Community Listening Session on Mental and Behavioral Health Services

Community forum will provide timely updates on planned service transitions and pathways for ongoing access to care

LEOMINSTER, Mass. (May 6, 2026) - The Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass will host a Community Listening Session on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Leominster City Hall Auditorium (25 West Street) to share information and hear community priorities about mental and behavioral health services in the region, including planned transitions affecting select service lines.

Across North Central Massachusetts, providers and partners are actively responding to challenges in the mental and behavioral health system. The Health Equity Partnership is convening this session to support clear, timely communication, highlight continuity of care, and encourage ongoing coordination among organizations so community members know where to turn for services.

The Health Equity Partnership invites mental and behavioral health providers, related service organizations, policymakers, and community members to take part in a constructive conversation focused on access to care, addressing capacity challenges, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Participants will discuss what is working well and what additional support may be needed, including staffing, funding, communication pathways, and potential policy considerations.

The session will feature a panel discussion moderated by Chelsey Patriss, Executive Director of the Health Equity Partnership.

Following the panel, there will be time for comments from referring agencies and community members. Leominster Access Television will stream and record the session so residents who cannot attend in person can view it. Written comments may be submitted online at chna9.org. The Health Equity Partnership will also share post-session updates through its regular communication channels as more information becomes available.

Narragansett Regional High School Invites Public to Memorial Day Observance on May 22

On Friday, May 22, 2026, beginning at 1:15 p.m., the Narragansett High and Middle Schools will hold a Memorial Day Observance in Elinor J. Putnam Gymnasium (464 Baldwinville Rd., Baldwinville). This observance has been coordinated by retired Music Director Stephen Babineau in cooperation with the Narragansett Administration and the Baldwinville American Legion Post since 2011.

The program is essentially the same format as the one at the Winchendon Veterans' Cemetery. The Legion Honor Guard will have a "silent fire" salute. This year's guest speakers Lt. Col Scott W. Geer, retired Army disabled veteran, and Sgt. Marilyn Geer Rivera, retired army nurse. The public is invited to this event. The facility is handicapped accessible. Veterans are encouraged to wear insignia showing their branch of service.

Gardening

Flavorful Herb Gardens Enhance Outdoor Gatherings

by Melinda Myers
Make it fun and convenient to add some homegrown flavor to cookouts, garden parties and meals. Grow a few herbs in containers on a patio, deck or balcony.

Set a pot near the grill and fill it with favorite grilling herbs. Include some barbeque Rosemary known for its especially good flavor and aroma suited to cooking. Plus, the strong stems make the perfect skewer, something guests are sure to remember.

Grow herbs like basil, marjoram, oregano and thyme for seasoning vegetables when grilling. Use pots of these and other favorites, like chives, set on the table as an edible centerpiece. Include snips and suggestions for guests to use for seasoning their own dishes.

Dress up beverages with fresh herbs like mint or basil in lemonade. Grow lemongrass as a vertical accent in containers and boil the stalks to make hot or iced tea. Use thyme as a trailer in containers and pair it with citrusy drinks or gin, vodka or bourbon for an earthy and minty enhancement. Sweeten beverages with fresh stevia leaves. Use them to create a simple syrup, steep into tea or muddle with other herbs to flavor drinks.

Enjoy their added flavor in beverages, entrees and desserts and a variety of health benefits they provide. Benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of basil and Rosemary, vitamins and minerals in thyme, antioxidants in mint and calming effects of lavender.

Most herbs prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but some, like mint, thyme, chives, parsley and lemon balm, will tolerate some shade. A bit of afternoon shade is welcomed by many sun-loving plants growing in hotter regions. Check the plant tag or seed packet for detailed planting information.

Grow herbs in containers that have drainage holes and are filled with a quality potting mix. Incorporate a certified organic and sustainable amendment, like Wild Valley Farms' wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com). This soil amendment made from wool waste reduces watering by up to 25%, adds nutrients, organic matter and increases air space for better plant growth.

Grow individual plants in their own container or combine several in one pot. Place three to four plants in a 10-12" pot, four to six in a 14-16" container and six to eight in a 16 to 20" planter. Adjust this number based on the size of the transplants used and the mature size and growth habit of those included.

Harvest a few leaves and stems as needed throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting encourages more growth for the future. Herbs have the most intense flavor when harvested just before flowering. However, the flavor and pollinators that visit can still be enjoyed once flowering begins. Most herbs' flowers are edible but be sure to check before adding any to beverages and meals.

Using herbs to flavor dishes and beverages makes every meal a special occasion. Plus, family and friends will have fun seasoning their meal with tasty fresh herbs within easy reach.

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 Wild Valley Farms for her expertise to write this article. Myers' website is www.MelindaMyers.com.