Arts and Recreation
Renowned Cellist Edward Arron Brings World-Class Chamber Music to The Park Theatre
Internationally recognized cellist featured in a special Ashuelot Concerts performance "Piano Trios by Grieg and Tchaikovsky" at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH on June 7
Louisa Stonehill, Nicholas Burns and Edward Arron
Photo courtesy of the Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (June 1, 2026) On Sunday, June 7, Ashuelot Concerts welcomes internationally acclaimed cellist Edward Arron to The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire for a powerful afternoon of chamber music alongside violinist Louisa Stonehill and pianist Nicholas Burns. Tickets for the 3:00 p.m. concert are $35 & $50 ($10 for young adults & free for K-12).
Recognized worldwide for his "elegant musicianship, impassioned performances, and creative programming," Edward Arron has become one of the leading cellists of his generation. His performances have taken him to many of the world's most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Wigmore Hall in London, and major festivals across Europe, Asia, and North America. A longtime collaborator with some of classical music's most distinguished artists, Arron is also a member of the renowned Ehnes String Quartet and co-Artistic Director of the Performing Artists in Residence series at the Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts. Despite an international schedule, Arron remains deeply committed to the intimacy and emotional depth of chamber music in a rural setting--something audiences in Jaffrey will experience firsthand.
The June 7 performance features two monumental works for piano trio: Grieg's Andante con Moto in C minor and Tchaikovsky's Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 50. Written in memory of thecomposer's dear friend Nikolai Rubinstein, Tchaikovsky's Trio is one of the most emotionally expansive chamber works ever composed--moving from profound lyricism to dazzling virtuosity and heartbreaking reflection.
Arron joins Ashuelot Concerts Artistic Directors Louisa Stonehill and Nicholas Burns, whose performances have been praised for their intensity, warmth, and communicative power. Together, the Trio promises an unforgettable afternoon of sweeping Romantic masterworks performed with exceptional artistry and emotional depth.
Ashuelot Concerts has become known for bringing internationally celebrated musicians to intimate New England venues, creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences. Edward Arron's appearance continues that tradition--offering local audiences the rare opportunity to hear one of today's most distinguished cellists in an intimate, acoustically-acclaimed setting.
Tickets are $35 and $50 (plus $10 for young adults 18-30 & free for K-12 students). They are available through Ashuelot Concerts' website ashuelotconcerts.org. They may also be purchased in the lobby of The Park Theatre on the day of the concert. Theatre doors open one hour before the concert.
The Park Theatre is located in downtown Jaffrey, NH at 19 Main Street. Ample free parking is available on Min Street. The facility is fully accessible, and there is a bar (ID required) with numerous wines, as well as imported/craft/domestic beers. The theatre is centrally located in New England and is a one-hour drive from Worcester, MA and 95 minutes from Boston. More information can be obtained by calling The Park's box office at (603) 532-8888.
Elton John Tribute Concert Returns To Park Theatre Stage
Elton tribute artist Bill Connors brings his internationally acclaimed tribute show back to Jaffrey, NH on June 26
Bill Connors as Elton John
photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (May 27, 2026) Elton John is one our greatest musical artists of all time. His music, singing, showmanship and humanitarian efforts have placed him in the rare air of super star. On Friday, June 26, "Elton John" returns to The Park Theatre stage in Jaffrey, New Hampshire via an acclaimed tribute show by Bill Connors. Bill is one of the most requested artists asked to return to the theatre.
For over 16 years and more than 3000 performances as a professional vocalist/pianist Bill Connors has perfected the art of portraying Sir Elton John. Every mannerism, voice inflection and nuance has been carefully studied and recreated. Bill also has what can't be learned by impersonators: an uncanny resemblance to Captain Fantastic.
This one-of-a-kind concert includes the costumes, the color, the fabulous showmanship, time tested hit songs and it's all captured by Bill, making this the perfect show for any Elton enthusiast.
American Elton aka Bill Connors has portrayed the Rocket Man from Hawaii to England, San Francisco to Florida. Featured on America's Got Talent and currently in 'The Greatest Piano Men' show in Vegas and a former artist from Legends in Concert.
This 1 hour 45 minute performance will be a memorable experience. Bill will take you through Elton John's entire career from the very first song to today's chart topping hits.
Tickets for The Elton John Tribute Show are $30 and all seats are reserved. Purchase by going to theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. The concert begins at 7:30pm. Doors to the theatre open at 6:00 p.m. with the theatre's Lounge Bar available for beer, wine and canned cocktails, ID required.
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston.
Regional News
Health Equity Partnership & 100% Massachusetts Announce New Partnership to Advance "Community as Prevention" Housing Model
This new innovative collaboration aligns public health, affordable housing, and community partnerships to ensure families have access to the 10 vital services crucial for their overall health, resilience, and success
The Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass (CHNA 9) and 100% Massachusetts today announced a new partnership to pilot a 100% Village in North Central Mass. The planned multigenerational community provides affordable housing for families led by Parents Under 25 and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. The innovative model pairs stable housing with on-site staff and wraparound supports, while also creating opportunities for 100% Village neighbors--including social workers, teachers, and healthcare workers--to live in affordable workforce housing and help create a thriving, connected community.
Chelsey Patriss, Executive Director of the Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass (CHNA 9), said,
"The mental health crisis, the housing crisis, and the economic crisis are not separate problems. They are all connected. We are excited to be working with another organization that understands this and has a proven track record of creating intentional communities that provide natural support for our families who need it most--grandparents raising grandchildren and parents under 25. By piloting the 100% Village model, North Central Mass will lead Massachusetts and the country in community as prevention and housing as healthcare."
Judy Cockerton, Founder/CEO of 100% Massachusetts, said, "Ensuring that all families have access to the 10 vital services they need to thrive is our top priority. We are delighted to partner with CHNA 9 to invest in public health, affordable housing, and well-being innovation. Together, we will work with regional partners to pilot the groundbreaking 100% Villages community model. Our intentional 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' approach weaves additional people supports into every family's social safety net to boost resiliency, reduce isolation, and build meaningful relationships among neighbors of all generations."
This exciting new partnership connects the Health Equity Partnership's community-driven health priorities with the 100% Massachusetts Initiative, which translates the social determinants of health into a clear set of ten "vital services." Together, partners will use this framework to coordinate local efforts, identify service gaps, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and support community development projects that improve health, safety, and opportunity for residents across North Central Massachusetts.
The partnership envisions thriving neighborhoods with embedded access to the services families need to survive and thrive--including healthcare, behavioral health care, safe housing, nutritious food, reliable transportation, family supports, early childhood programs, community schools, youth mentors, and job training. Research shows that communities with a village model spend less money on law enforcement, incarceration, health care, remedial and special education while experiencing greater social satisfaction and economic stability.
To learn more about the Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass, go to https://chna9.org/.
To learn more about 100% Massachusetts, go to https://www.100mass.org/.
Mount Wachusett Community College to Host Screening of "Shattered Ice" to Raise Awareness of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
All Proceeds Benefit LUK, Inc.
Image courtesy of MWCCGARDNER, MA - June 2, 2026 - Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC), in collaboration with the Reliant Foundation and TaraVista Behavioral Health Center, will host a special screening of the award-winning film Shattered Ice followed by a conversation with special guests on Wednesday, June 17, at 6:00 p.m. at Theatre at the Mount in Gardner.
The event aims to spark important conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, grief, and resilience among young people and their families. Shattered Ice tells the story of a small-town New England teenage hockey player struggling to navigate high school life after the suicide of his best friend. Through its powerful narrative, the film explores the profound impact of loss, the importance of seeking support, and the role communities can play in fostering hope and healing.
Proceeds from all ticket sales will be donated to the LUK Crisis Center, supporting its mission to provide critical crisis intervention, mental health, and prevention services throughout Central Massachusetts. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased online at mwcc.universitytickets.com.
"We are grateful to partner with the Reliant Foundation and TaraVista Behavioral Health Center to bring this important film to our community," said Lauren Clifford, Wellness Outreach Coordinator at Mount Wachusett Community College. "Shattered Ice addresses difficult but essential conversations surrounding mental health, loss, and suicide prevention. By sharing this story and supporting the LUK Crisis Center, we hope to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and remind individuals and families that support is available. This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, learn, and promote hope and healing."
The screening is open to the public. Community members, educators, healthcare professionals, students, and families are encouraged to attend. Learn more about the film at officialshatteredicethemovie.com.
From a Simple Conversation to a Growing Opportunity: Senator Kennedy Visits Hadley Asparagus Field Alongside Senator Comerford and Rep Gomez
How Simple Conversation Sprouted Into Something Bigger
In March, I (Amanda Berg) visited Senator Robyn K. Kennedy's office to eagerly await the reading of a very important piece of advocacy. As we waited for our time to speak, I asked for her support for an exciting legislative initiative developed by the third graders at Hadley Elementary School. As part of their civics education, the students researched local agriculture and championed a proposal to make asparagus the official state vegetable of Massachusetts. Their project reflected not only pride in their community but also the power of young people to engage in the legislative process and advocate for meaningful change.
As we discussed the students' vision and the significance of asparagus to the Commonwealth, the conversation naturally turned to the crop itself. A simple question emerged: Did Senator Kennedy know how asparagus was grown?
As a proud Hadley native, I suggested that there was no better way to understand the importance of the students' proposal than to see the process firsthand. I offered to bring Senator Kennedy to Hadley to visit the fields, meet local farmers, and experience the agricultural heritage that has made the town synonymous with asparagus for generations.
What started as a simple conversation quickly blossomed into plans for a field visit that would connect policymakers directly with the people and traditions behind the students' bill. Joining Senator Kennedy were local legislative leaders, Senator Jo Comerford and Representative Homar Gomez, demonstrating the strong support for both agricultural education and local farming communities.
The visit will be hosted by Kevin Jekanowski and his son, Ben Jekanowski, one of the third-grade students whose class helped inspire the legislation. Their family's story embodies the rich agricultural legacy that the students hoped to honor. Kevin and his brother Paul are both fourth-generation farmers, while Ben proudly represents the fifth generation. The family farm traces its roots back to 1899, when it was founded by Peter and James Jekanowski. Peter Jekanowski, Kevin's great-grandfather, helped establish what would become a lasting legacy of farming in Hadley that continues more than a century later.
The opportunity to stand in the asparagus fields alongside multiple generations of farmers brought the students' classroom learning to life. It demonstrated how agriculture, history, family, and civic engagement are deeply connected within the Hadley community.
While many people enjoy asparagus on their dinner tables, few have the opportunity to witness the remarkable process behind its cultivation or meet the families who have dedicated generations to growing it. The visit provides a unique opportunity for elected officials to learn directly from local growers, gain a deeper appreciation for Massachusetts agriculture, and celebrate the hardworking farming families who continue to sustain this important tradition.
The visit will take place Saturday June 6 at 12:00-1:30 p.m., at
Jekanowski Farm
38 Roosevelt St.
Hadley Ma 01035
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Berg
413-531-6697
Amandaberg1316@gmail.com
Gardening
Avoid Tree Root Conflicts
Hostas planted in between tree roots.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Roots erupting through the soil surface beyond the tree trunk irritate gardeners when trying to grow and mow grass under trees. Save time, reduce frustration and be kind to your trees when dealing with these surface roots. These roots are a normal part of aging for shallow rooted trees and are important to their health and stability.
As roots age, they increase in circumference just like the tree's branches and trunk. The upper portion of the roots eventually appear above the soil surface. Covering the roots with soil is only a temporary solution and adding too much, even a couple inches, can be detrimental to the health of the tree. Your tree may look fine the first few years after installing that raised planting bed, but eventually the tree's leaves get smaller and drop earlier in the fall. And after five or ten years the tree may even die.
Do not cut, dig up or shave off these important roots. Damaging the roots creates entryways for insects and diseases to move in and cause trees to decline and possibly shorten their life.
Mulch is a simple solution. Use a 2-to-4-inch layer of organic mulch like leaves, evergreen needles and woodchips on the soil surface surrounding the tree. The finer the mulch material the thinner the layer needed. Apply the mulch throughout the area under the tree's dripline, if possible, or in a circle extending at least 3 feet all the way around the tree. Pull the mulch away from the tree trunk to avoid insect, disease and rodent problems.
Eliminating grass and covering the soil with mulch is also better for the tree and less work for you in the long run. Grass competes with the tree for water and nutrients and as you may have discovered, growing grass in the shade of some trees can be challenging. You also eliminate the need to hand trim grass growing near the tree, saving you time while protecting your tree from weed whip and mower damage.
Consider shade-tolerant perennials and groundcovers if mulched beds do not fit your design style. These plants eliminate the need to mow over surface roots. They are less competitive than lawn grass, protect the soil from erosion, help manage storm water and add seasonal interest to your landscape.
Select plants suited to the growing conditions and hardy for your climate. Use caution when planting under mature trees. Avoid deep tilling that can damage not only the surface roots, but also the fine feeder roots that absorb water and nutrients. Instead, dig relatively small holes between major roots and allow the plants to fill in the area.
Mulch the soil surfaces around these groundcover plants with leaves, evergreen needles or other organic mulch. Water thoroughly once the plants are in the ground and often enough to keep their roots slightly moist throughout the summer. Gradually extend the time between watering to encourage the plants to develop a robust root system.
Invest a bit of time now to reduce ongoing maintenance, improve the health of your trees, and add beauty to your landscape.
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. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.