Arts and Recreation

Critically Acclaimed Dublin, Ireland Roots Band I Draw Slow Brings Their Dynamic Live Show to The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (July 6, 2026) The Park Theatre is thrilled to welcome I Draw Slow, the award-winning five-piece roots ensemble from Dublin, Ireland, for a special live concert on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 7:30 PM in their award-winning Eppes Auditorium.

Fronted by the brother-sister songwriting duo of Dave Holden (guitar, vocals) and Louise Holden (vocals), I Draw Slow has established itself as one of the most distinctive and compelling voices in contemporary roots music. The band masterfully blends traditional Irish folk with Appalachian influences, creating a sound that is both timeless and strikingly original. Over more than a decade, they have consistently redefined acoustic roots music through four celebrated albums, with their most recent release, "Turn Your Face to the Sun," reaching No. 1 on the Irish Independent Chart. Their songs have amassed millions of streams worldwide, earned placements in film, TV, and advertising (including a prominent Kerrygold butter commercial), and have been widely covered by other artists.

I Draw Slow is currently on a U.S. tour, captivating audiences with their emotionally charged performances that seamlessly shift from exquisite balladry to high-energy, bass-driven dance traditions. The band's lineup also features Konrad Liddle (upright bass), Adrian Hart (fiddle), and Colin Derham (clawhammer banjo). Signed to the esteemed Nashville label Compass Records, they have become a staple on the North American acoustic scene, appearing at major festivals such as MerleFest, Pickathon, and Grey Fox.

"I Draw Slow have fully established themselves on the North American acoustic music scene," notes the band's bio. Their high-production music videos, featuring talents like Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones), further underscore their artistic depth and appeal.

The band's significance in Ireland and beyond is marked by widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated following. They bridge cultural traditions in a fresh, contemporary way, earning praise for their innovative songcraft and live prowess.

Press Highlights Include:

"Old-time Appalachian roots with an Irish edge; this Dublin five-piece don't make mistakes." -- The Sunday Times
"Gritty as it is beautiful." -- Country Music Television (US)
"I can see no reason why they can't be as big as Alison Krauss or Abigail Washburn... pure gold." -- Folk Radio UK
"No band more successfully bridges the gap between Ireland and Nashville than Americana band I Draw Slow." -- Broadway World
"Warm, engaging, beautifully played, great songs." -- Americana UK
Tickets for the July 18 concert are $25 and available now at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office at 603-532-8888. Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of Americana and roots music's most captivating live acts in the intimate and historic setting of The Park Theatre.

For more information on I Draw Slow, visit www.idrawslow.com.

Tickets for I Draw Slow are $25 and, all seats are general admission. Purchase by going to theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. The concert begins at 7:30pm. Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of Americana and roots music's most captivating live acts in the intimate and historic setting of The Park Theatre.

Doors to the theatre open at 6:00 p.m. with renowned local singer/songwriter/musician Eve Piece playing in the theatre's Lounge Room (free admission). Beer, wine and canned cocktails are available, ID required.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston and 60 minutes from Worcester.

Park Theatre Places Time Capsule In Ground To Honor America's 250 Birthday

Newspaper, recordings, maps, yearbook and more placed for 100 years

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (July 6, 2026) At 2:50pm on Saturday, July 4, The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire placed their America 250 Cultural Fair Time Capsule into the ground next to their building. The time capsule was one of the pivotal events of their 3-day America 250 Fair.

Residents of the Monadnock region were asked to participate in the event be recommending what would go in the time capsule. The Jaffrey Historical Society partnered with the theatre to help select what items would go into the time capsule.

Items included:

• The July 2, 2026 issue of the Monadnock Ledger
• Store sales flyers for Belletetes, Dollar General, and the Monadnock Co-Op
• 2026/1976 commemorative nickel
• A penny
• Cathedral of The Pine medallion
• Conant 2026 High School Yearbook
• CD recordings of Bernie Watson, Eve Pierce, and Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson
• A Millipore Sigma beaker
• Maps of Jaffrey
• Melville School, Jaffrey Civic Center, and Jaffrey Women's Club, Little Red School House brochures
• Over 100 personal postcards from residents with messages to future generations

There were so many items, that the metal capsule could not contain them. A time capsule box container was used instead. The hermetically sealed container was placed in the Bernie & Louise Watson Garden on the River Street side of the theatre. A permanent bronze marker will be placed there with instructions to open the time capsule in 100 years on July 4, 2126.

The theatre was very grateful to Nero Wealth Group for sponsoring the America 250 Time Capsule.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston and 60 minutes from Worcester.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

July 17: Nova Arts Presents: Caitlin Wilder & Wes Aldrich

On Friday, July 17, 2026, Nova Arts invites you to an evening of gorgeous indie folksong. This special performance features songwriters Caitlin Wilder and Wes Aldrich, with music described as sounds that use "a time machine, a ouija board, and a periscope connected to the human heart!"

Caitlin Wilder is a New Hampshire-based singer-songwriter whose music alchemizes beautiful life experiences into song. In 2026, she released her debut album, Omen, recorded in Dublin, NH at Psychic Heart Sound.

Wes Aldrich brings a soulful blend of alternative folk and indie rock to the stage. Drawing inspiration from artists like Kurt Vile, John Prine, and Neil Young, his music is characterized by a raw, authentic quality that resonates deeply with audiences.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m., concluding at 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $20, with pay-what-you-can "Access For All" options available, supported by Savings Bank of Walpole. Seating is first come, first served.

For more information about Nova Arts, upcoming events, and the "Access for All" initiative, please visit www.novaarts.org/events.

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

"Footloose: The Musical" at The Mount

Theatre at the Mount is turning up the volume this summer with the electrifying musical Footloose, led by Chase Bolduc as Ren McCormack and Tori Rich as Ariel Moore. Audiences can expect all the iconic songs, high-energy choreography, and heartfelt storytelling that have made Footloose a fan favorite for decades. Bolduc brings a fresh, charismatic spark to Ren, while Rich delivers a powerful and emotionally grounded Ariel--together anchoring a production packed with standout performances from a dynamic ensemble.

Footloose runs August 7-16 at Theatre at the Mount. Tickets are now on sale by calling the Box-Office at 978-630-9162 or visiting mwcc.universitytickets.com.

Financial Focus®

Small habits help shape a stronger financial future

Financial security doesn't have to come from a big salary, a lucky investment or some dramatic turning point. For most people, wealth is built more simply, through small habits repeated many times over.

If you're like many young people, you may feel you don't have enough money to start investing. The reality is that you're in a great position to build the small habits that will help you create lasting wealth. Here are five tips to help you get started.

1. Automate savings before you spend. One of the most powerful financial habits you can build is among the easiest. Set up an automatic transfer such as by contributing to an employer retirement plan or exploring if you can direct part of your paycheck to a savings or investment account.
   
   This helps remove the temptation to spend that money instead of saving it. Even setting aside 1% to 5% of your income can help build momentum over time.
   
   
2. Watch the small stuff. It's easy to dismiss a $15-a-month streaming service or a $6 coffee twice a week. But those small purchases add up. Forgotten subscriptions, food delivery fees and impulse buys can quietly drain your bank account.
   
   "Just $25 a week, if invested well, can grow into the thousands in a few short years." Scan your recurring charges regularly, cancel what you don't use and put that money to work instead.
   
   
3. Don't let your lifestyle outpace your income. When you get a raise or bonus, it's tempting to upgrade your apartment, car or everyday spending. This "lifestyle creep" can be a significant hindrance to building wealth.
   
   Here's an alternate approach: Every time your income goes up, increase your savings rate before anything else. Even saving half of a raise while spending the rest puts you ahead.
   
   
4. Start now, even imperfectly. Don't wait to start investing. Even if you can only set aside a small amount each month, do it. Starting just five to 10 years earlier can result in significantly more wealth down the line, even if the early contributions are small, thanks to compounding.
   
   Compounding means your contributions earn interest, and even that interest earns interest. Over decades, that snowball effect can make a world of difference.
   
   
5. Stay aware, not obsessed. You don't necessarily need to track every dollar you spend. But you do need to be aware of your money habits. A quick weekly or monthly check-in on your accounts, spending patterns and progress toward savings goals can help you catch problems early.
   
   Financial awareness also means protecting what you build. An emergency fund covering three to six months of total expenses keeps one bad month from becoming a financial crisis. Avoiding high-interest debt does the same. These defensive habits make everything else possible.
   
   Your financial future likely won't be shaped by one big decision. Instead, it will probably be built by small choices you make every day. And the best time to start making good choices is now.
   
   

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.

ass="headline1">Gardening

Maintain the Flavor and Freshness of This Year's Harvest

by Melinda Myers
Keep homegrown vegetables and those purchased at the farmer's market fresh and tasting their best. Selecting and harvesting vegetables at their peak and storing them properly will provide maximum flavor and nutritional value from every bite.

Check the garden regularly and harvest vegetables as recommended for the best flavor and nutritional value. Look for harvesting guidelines from reliable sources like your local extension service.

Harvest ripe vegetables early in the morning for the best quality and when the plants are dry to avoid spreading disease. Take a basket or container large enough to accommodate the harvest to minimize stacking that can lead to bruising that shortens the storage life. Use a knife, snips or pruners for harvesting vegetables that can't easily be removed from the plant. You'll reduce the risk of damaging the plant during harvest. Move the harvest to a cool, shaded location or properly store to extend its shelf life.

When purchasing fresh vegetables from the farmer's market, buy what will be consumed or preserved in the next few days. Canning, freezing and dehydrating excess produce is a great way to enjoy vegetables long after the harvest season has passed.

Regular harvesting keeps the plant producing. Do remove and compost those past their prime. Leaving them in the garden to rot attracts unwanted insects and increases the risk of disease.

Wait to wash vegetables until right before preparation. In the meantime, store them properly to help extend their shelf life. Onions, garlic, white and sweet potatoes and tomatoes are best stored out of the refrigerator. Onions and garlic lose their crispness; tomatoes turn mealy and they all can develop unsavory flavor and texture when exposed to cold temperatures. Store lettuce, greens, broccoli and its relatives, root crops and similar vegetables in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Placing vegetables in perforated plastic bags provides cold moist conditions for the short term. Don't use unperforated sealed bags that create too much humidity and condensation that can lead to mold and bacterial growth.

Thoroughly wash and rinse vegetables under running water right before preparation to remove dirt and pesticide residue. Use a small brush for potatoes, cucumbers or other vegetables with skins that contain nutrients and fiber. If you opt to immerse the vegetables in water, use a clean bowl as your sink drain may harbor microorganisms.

For longer term storage, match the storage temperature and humidity to the vegetables. Some vegetables like lettuce, other greens, and leeks prefer 32 to 41 degrees F and high humidity. Others, like cucumbers, snap beans and peppers, prefer a bit warmer temperatures, 45 to 55 degrees F and humid conditions. Pumpkins, winter squash and potatoes prefer a bit warmer temperatures at 50 to 60 degrees and lower humidity. Store dry garlic and onions at room temperature (65 to 70 degrees F) and out of direct sunlight.

Carrots, turnips, and parsnips are all cool-season root vegetables that thrive in cooler soil temperatures and can be left in the garden longer for an even sweeter flavor. Spread mulch around these plantings once the soil around the plants is cool to protect the plants from temperature extremes and make winter harvesting much easier. Finish harvesting before the ground freezes and damages the roots.

Enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits fresh-from-the-garden vegetables provide. Then extend these benefits with proper handling and storage.

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.