Arts and Recreation

"America 250 Cultural Fair" Announced By Jaffrey's Park Theatre

The July 2 - 4 event includes music, movies, comedy, magic, exhibits, speakers, and a cookout

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (May 28, 2026) The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire announced today the line-up for its America 250 Cultural Fair. The fair will commemorate America's 250th birthday and will run from July 2 through July 4. The fair will feature movies, a Salute To America live variety entertainment show, historical exhibits, and a cookout on July 3.

Festivities begin Thursday, July 2 at 6:30pm on the big screen in the Eppes Auditorium with an advance screening of the new movie, Young Washington. The film stars Ben Kingsley, Mary-Louise Parker, and William Franklyn-Miller as Washington. The film chronicles how the young George Washington tests his honor, loyalty, and courage by fighting in the Revolutionary War. Young Washington will also play on July 3 and 4 in the 4K upgraded King Screening Room.

Friday, July 3 features the Monadnock 250 Main Street Cookout from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This outdoor cookout will offer a wide variety of traditional Independence Day foods for sale, including hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst sausage, homemade chili, salads, chips, sweets, and more. The Kona Ice Truck will be on hand to serve up traditional Hawaiian shaved ice in a variety of flavors, from classic to exotic. The theatre's bar will open as well (ID is required).

Later on Friday, July 3 at 7:00 p.m., the theatre presents a variety show salute to America hosted by "Fred Marple" (Ken Sheldon), the fictional New England character who has charmed audiences for decades with his stories of the mythical town "Frost Heaves." The Fred Marple Salute To America Variety Show has a power line-up of talent, including magician Ben Pratt, the Cheshiremen Barbershop Chorus, Ivy and Chum & The Puppets, comedian Jody Sloan, and pianist Kyle Trombley. More talent to be announced. Tickets are $30 (children under 12 are $20.)

At 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, the theatre will present on its giant screen, the restored classic musical movie, 1776. Originally a highly successful Broadway musical that debuted in 1969, it was produced as a movie in 1972. The Warner Bros. film stars many actors from the Broadway cast, including William Daniels, John Cullum, Howard da Silva, and Ken Howard. 1776 follows the Founding Fathers as they debate and shape the birth of the United States in a lively musical adaptation of the Broadway hit. Gathering in Philadelphia, leaders like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams urge Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence announcing freedom from British rule.

Additionally, the fair will include an exhibit of the key documents concerning the birth of America. The National Archives' "Freedom Plane National Tour" is taking original Founding-Era documents around the U.S. this summer. The Park Theatre has obtained copies of the documents and large blow-up posters of the items will be put on display in the theatre lobby from July 2 - 4. The admission is free. They include:

• Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1823
• Articles of Association, 1774: Signed by all 53 delegates.
• George Washington's, Alexander Hamilton's, and Aaron Burr's Oaths of Allegiance, 1778.
• Treaty of Paris, 1783: Signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay.
• Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form, 1787: A rare copy of the U.S. Constitution in draft form
• Tally of Votes Approving the Constitution, 1787. Resolutions, and eventual vote on the final text that would become the Constitution.

Tickets for the fair are available through The Park Theatre's website, theparktheatre.org or by visiting or calling the box office (603) 532-8888. Ticket pricing for the films is $10 general admission and $9 for seniors, children 12 and under, students, teachers and active military.

The theatre is located at 19 Main Street in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The facility is completely accessible and there is a bar (ID required) as well as the best popcorn in New Hampshire (with real butter!).

The Park Theatre Announces Retirement of CEO and Managing Director Steve Jackson

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (June 16, 2026) The Park Theatre Board of Trustees today announced that Steve Jackson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Park Theatre, will retire on December 31, 2026, concluding more than a decade of transformative leadership.

Jackson first became involved with The Park Theatre in 2013, providing pro bono marketing support to the organization. Recognizing his vision and commitment, the Board appointed him CEO and Managing Director in February 2016. The Park Theatre was rebuilt from the ground up into a state-of-the-art performing arts center and has since, under his leadership, become a cultural cornerstone of the Monadnock Region and New England.

During his tenure, Jackson has developed and curated a diverse and ambitious programming slate, bringing internationally recognized artists such as Garrison Keillor and Judy Collins to Jaffrey, along with premieres of major Hollywood films.

In addition, Jackson established the theatre's artistic partnerships, hosting presenting organizations including the Ashuelot Concerts series, the Peterborough Folk Music Society, Electric Earth Concerts, and Project Shakespeare. He also launched signature community events such as Shamrock Fest and Dickens Fest, and created the Filmmakers Series, which has established The Park Theatre as a hub for filmmakers to present and discuss their work in person.

Jackson remarked about his retirement, "Serving The Park Theatre and this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life," said Jackson. "What began as a volunteer effort grew into a shared vision that has brought people together through the arts. I am deeply proud of what we have built and excited to see how the theatre continues to grow in the years ahead."

The Board of Trustees has initiated a search for Jackson's successor. Board President Nancy Belletete is forming a search committee composed of board members and external community representatives to identify qualified candidates.

"Steve's leadership has been extraordinary, and his impact on The Park Theatre and the broader community cannot be overstated," said Belletete. "We are grateful for his dedication and vision, and we are committed to conducting a thoughtful and thorough search to find the next leader who will build on this strong foundation," said Nancy Belletete.

Candidates interested in the position are invited to submit their CVs to hr@theparktheatre.org.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Friday, June 19 - Wolfman Jack with Jair-Rohm Parker Wells & Dei Xhrist

On Friday, June 19, join us at Nova Arts for a special event featuring two sets of primal Grateful Dead by Wolfman Jack. We also are presenting an extraordinary treat with Jair-Rohm Parker Wells and Dei Xhrist performing interpretations of Ned Lagin's Seastones.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event concludes at 10:00 p.m.

Nova Arts is an all-ages venue located at 48 Emerald Street, Keene, NH. Seating is first come, first served. Access For All tickets are available thanks to support from Savings Bank of Walpole.

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

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

Regional News

Financial Focus®

Ten financial steps to take before and after your wedding day

Getting married is a major decision that comes with a financial to-do list that's arguably more important than choosing a venue or a cake. Talking openly about money can help set you and your partner up for a stronger future.

What financial conversations should I have with my fiancé?

Head into your marriage with honest conversations about money, including these four topics:

1. Discuss how your families handled finances when you were young, whether you're a spender or saver and what debt you're willing to take on.
2. Share how much you each earn, spend and save. Discuss assets and debts, including mortgages, student or auto loans and credit card balances; your partner's debt can become joint debt after marriage.
3. Align on a budget as a couple that reflects the life you want to build--where you'll live; what you'll spend on housing, travel and hobbies; and how often you'll review your finances together.
4. Talk through your goals. Make separate lists of short-, medium- and long-term financial dreams and compare them. You'll likely find some common ground, and where you don't, look for ways to compromise. A financial advisor can help.

Should I ask for a prenup?

Couples with significantly different assets or debts, those expecting large inheritances or those blending families are more likely to want to consider a prenuptial agreement. A prenup outlines how assets, debts, future income, inheritance and even spousal support will be handled during the marriage and if it ends, but it cannot address child custody.

Should my new spouse and I blend our finances?

Regarding couples blending finances, there's no one right answer. Some couples combine everything, others keep accounts separate and many land somewhere in between. Agree on who pays which bills, how major decisions get made and what spending threshold triggers a check-in.

What financial tasks should we complete after getting married?

Once you're married, these six tasks deserve attention.

1. Take advantage of the special enrollment period, which typically lasts 30 days after getting married, to update employer benefits such as health insurance. Revisit retirement plan contributions if your combined income has grown.
2. Review insurance coverage. Combining homeowners or renters, auto and umbrella policies can often reduce costs. Make sure you have enough life insurance.
3. Update beneficiaries on insurance policies, retirement plans, investment accounts, bank accounts and real estate.
4. If you change your name, order multiple copies of your marriage certificate. You'll need them to update your Social Security card, financial accounts, and employer and medical records.
5. Update your W-4 withholding to reflect your new marital status and ask a tax professional whether filing jointly or separately makes more sense.
6. Work with an attorney to create or update your will, medical directive, and financial and health care powers of attorney. Your estate plan should reflect your new life together.

Marriage is a fresh start.

With honest conversations, careful planning and the right professional support, you can build a financial foundation as strong as your relationship.



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

Five North American Native Shrubs for the Garden

by Melinda Myers
Here are a few of the many North American shrubs you may want to include in your landscape. As always, make sure each is suitable for the growing conditions, hardy for your location and will fit the available space once mature.

Support a wide range of pollinators and songbirds with buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) which is native to much of North and Central America. It grows 5 to 8 feet tall, prefers full to part sun, moist to wet soil and is tolerant of heat and compaction. It is late to leaf out but your patience is rewarded when the 1" diameter, fragrant white flowers appear in summer, attracting a variety of pollinators. The flower heads mature to red and the round seed heads provide food for songbirds.

Consider including one or more of the North American native roses to your landscape. Look for those species native to your area and ones that complement your garden design. Grow them in a sunny location with plenty of space and good air circulation for the best flowering and fewest disease problems. Enjoy the flowers and many pollinators that visit and the colorful fruit (rose hips) that songbirds enjoy.

When looking for a drought tolerant shrub consider ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius. Watch for white or pinkish flowers and visiting pollinators and songbirds dining on the seeds. Place the plant where you can appreciate the exfoliating bark which reveals layers of reddish to light brown inner bark and looks great against a winter sky. Hardy in zones 2 to 8, it prefers full sun in northern locations and benefits from a bit of afternoon shade in the south.

Plant common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) if you need a vigorous plant to control erosion, support pollinators and songbirds and naturalize large spaces. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, it tolerates both wet and dry soil and is often included in rain gardens. The fragrant white flowers appear in summer and are used to make elderflower water. The purple-black fruit is used to make jams, jellies and wine and is eaten by birds.

The fruit of another native elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is also black and not considered as tasty as those of the common elderberry. Always cook or ferment the fruit of both as eating uncooked fruit can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. The flowers are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Give elderberries plenty of space as they quickly grow and spread. Regularly remove suckers and seedlings if you need to contain the size of these vigorous plants.

Add year-round greenery along with shelter and food for songbirds by growing one of the North American native junipers. They tolerate full sun and well drained to dry soil once established. Songbirds and small mammals feast upon their fleshy cones that have also been used to flavor gin and season some foods.

Check with your local garden centers and plant nurseries as more of them are selling native plant species. You will also find cultivars of native plants being bred for unique features or more compact growth to better fit into urban and suburban landscapes. Find out more about native plants at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflowers Center website www.wildflower.org and from your local extension service.

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.