Arts and Recreation

The Park Theatre Invites Art Lovers to Experience "MUNCH: Exhibition on Screen"--A Captivating Journey into Edvard Munch's Iconic World

2 screenings on Wednesday, November 12 at the performing arts center in Jaffrey, NH

Jaffrey, New Hampshire (October 28, 2025) The Park Theatre has announced two exclusive screenings of MUNCH: Exhibition on Screen, a mesmerizing documentary that brings the haunting genius of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch to life on the big screen. As part of the acclaimed Exhibition on Screen series, this 90-minute film offers an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at the "Munch 150" exhibition, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Munch's birth with the largest-ever gathering of his 220 paintings. The screenings are on Wednesday, November 12, at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at The Park Theatre, 19 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH. It promises to be an afternoon or evening immersed in the raw emotions of masterpieces like The Scream, Madonna, and The Sick Child.

Hosted by renowned art critic Tim Marlow and enriched with insights from top curators and scholars, MUNCH traces the artist's evolution from 19th-century European influences to his pioneering role in Expressionism, exploring profound themes of anxiety, love, and mortality through personal stories and stunning close-up visuals. Produced in collaboration with the Munch Museum and National Gallery in Oslo, the film captures the electric cultural buzz around the 2013 exhibition--further amplified by the record-breaking $120 million auction of a Scream version.

Boasting an impressive IMDb rating of 8.2/10, critics rave about the film's transformative power: "A captivating documentary that masterfully balances scholarly depth with visual splendor, making the once-in-a-lifetime gathering of works feel immediate and urgent." Another calls it "a fantastic overview of Munch's work," igniting a desire to witness the originals while illuminating the emotional undercurrents that fueled his oeuvre. As one reviewer sums it up, it's "a precious documentary about one of the most important artists in the history of painting," essential for unraveling the mind behind The Scream.

Tickets for this special event are priced at just $18 and available now through their secure online box office at theparktheatre.org/munch-eosor by calling (603) 532-8888. Enhance your experience by grabbing lunch beforehand--pre-order options available at parklunch.org. ParkLunch is prepared by renowned local chef Carolyn Edwards and her team at Sunflowers Catering.

Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious about the man who redefined modern emotion, MUNCH promises to leave a lasting impression.

The Park Theatre is an award-winning state-of-the-art performing arts center in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment and community events to the Monadnock region. With its Eppes Auditorium with giant screen and the King Cabaret/Screening Room, the theatre offers an unparalleled cinematic experience. The facility is fully accessible and it has concession and a lounge bar.

Park Theatre Presents "Story Songs of the 70s" Tribute to Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, and Harry Chapin Featuring Tom DiMenna

One-night only performance on November 14 in the award-winning Jaffrey, NH performing arts center

Jaffrey, New Hampshire (October 28, 2025) Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music as Maine-based singer/songwriter Tom DiMenna and his talented band bring the iconic Story Songs of The 70s to life at The Park Theatre. One-performance only on Friday, November 14 at 7:30pm. This heartfelt tribute to Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, and Harry Chapin showcases DiMenna's remarkable ability to channel the vocal and musical style of these legendary artists. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to their music, this performance promises to stir your soul, get your toes tapping, and have you humming along to the songs that defined a generation.

Performing timeless classics such as "If You Could Read My Mind," "Sundown," "Cat's in the Cradle," "Taxi," "Father and Son," and "Wild World," DiMenna is joined by a skilled ensemble including Eddie Holm on bass and Frank Fotusky on guitar. Together, they recreate the magic of these unforgettable tracks--from the gentle wisdom of Cat Stevens to the poetic narratives of Gordon Lightfoot and the poignant tales of Harry Chapin--making them resonate as deeply today as they did decades ago.

DiMenna has been captivating audiences with his rich voice, masterful guitar playing, and knack for storytelling. His debut album, You Know Me, My Devil Says, was released in 2020, followed by a sold-out 2021 tour of Cat Stevens' classics. Now expanding his repertoire, he celebrates the broader legacy of 1970s story songs in this must-see show for lovers of meaningful music.

But there's more to Tom than his musical prowess. His fascinating journey includes signaling plays as a "lowly hand signaler" on his college football team, quarterbacking the Bologna Warriors in a year of semi-pro football in Italy (an experience he later turned into a movie), and honing comedic talents at Second City and improv schools in Chicago, L.A., and New York. One sketch--hilariously portraying the ghost of Telly Savalas in a lounge act--evolved into an off-Broadway show that ran for several years. Eventually, Tom returned to his first love: music, settling in Maine with his partner, Lauren, and sharing his extraordinary gifts with audiences far and wide.

"This tribute isn't just a concert--it's a celebration of the emotional depth and humanity that made these songs endure," said Park Theatre CEO Steve Jackson. "Tom DiMenna brings them back to life with authenticity and heart."

The intimate 330-seat venue provides the perfect setting for an evening of reflection, nostalgia, and live musical excellence. The legend lives on!

Tickets are $28-$38 and can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org/story-songs. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with free music by KOTA in the Lounge. Concessions, including beer, wine, and light snacks, will be available (ID required).

The Park Theatre is an award-winning state-of-the-art performing arts center in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment and community events to the Monadnock region. With its Eppes Auditorium with giant screen and the King Cabaret & Screening Room, the theatre offers an unparalleled cinematic experience. The facility is fully accessible and it has a concession area and a lounge bar.

The Ultimate U2 Tribute Band Lights Up Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH

Jaffrey, New Hampshire (November 5, 2025) - U2 fans in New England, prepare for an epic night of rock anthems! I Will Follow, the acclaimed tribute band devoted to the legendary Irish rockers, brings its high-energy, full-production show to the historic Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, on Saturday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Boston-based I Will Follow has earned rave reviews for its breathtakingly authentic recreations of U2's timeless sound and electrifying stage presence. The band performs with the precision and passion that have made them a must-see act for U2 devotees nationwide.

As highlighted on their website (iwillfollowu2.com) and Facebook, I Will Follow curates setlists spanning U2's storied catalog--from the raw urgency of Boy and War to the stadium-sized majesty of The Joshua Tree, and Achtung Baby. Expect powerhouse renditions of With or Without You, Beautiful Day, Where the Streets Have No Name, Pride (In the Name of Love), and many more. "We're not just covering songs--we're reliving the moments that made U2 icons," says the band. "Every show is a celebration of their music and message."

The performance takes place at the award-winning Park Theatre, a cultural gem located at 19 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH. This intimate 330-seat venue, originally opened in 1922 and lovingly rebuilt in 2020, offers exceptional acoustics, comfortable seating, and a warm, community-focused atmosphere. Fully accessible. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.. Tickets are $25 and available online at theparktheatre.org, by phone at (603) 532-8888, or at the box office.

Don't miss this rare chance to experience U2's greatest hits performed with unmatched fidelity in the heart of the Monadnock Region. As I Will Follow declares on their site: "We follow the music--come walk with us."

Moon Hill Brewing & Gardner Ale House Host Veterans Day Release Party for "From America, With Love" Imperial Stout

Proceeds Benefit Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC)

Gardner, MA - This Veterans Day, Moon Hill Brewing and Gardner Ale House will once again raise a glass to those who have served with the release of their annual imperial stout, From America, With Love. The release party will take place on Tuesday, November 11 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Gardner Ale House in Downtown Gardner.

Each year, this special brew is released in partnership with the Black Ale Project, a national craft beer initiative that supports veteran-focused nonprofits. As part of the project, Moon Hill Brewing donates $1 from every pint sold of From America, With Love to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC), a Gardner-based organization providing housing, counseling, and essential services to local veterans and their families.

"Supporting MVOC has become an important annual tradition for us," said Rick Walton, Owner and President of Moon Hill Brewing and Gardner Ale House. "This beer is our small way of saying thank you to the veterans who have served and a way to support to an organization that's doing incredible work right here in our community, which is what we're all about."

Last year's proceeds resulted in a donation of over $1,600 to MVOC. This year, Moon Hill Brewing hopes to continue that momentum with the help of its loyal patrons and local supporters.

Guests are invited to Moon Hill Brewing and Gardner Ale House for the Veterans Day celebration, where From America, With Love will be available on tap and in cans.

For more information, please contact:
Moon Hill Brewing & Gardner Ale House
74 Parker St, Gardner, MA 01440
Phone: 978-669-0122
moonhillbrewing.com

Regional News

Blais, Comerford Appointed to Governor's Commission on State-Owned Land PILOT Program

(Boston, MA)--November 5, 2025--Representative Natalie M. Blais (D-Deerfield) and Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) recently accepted appointments to Governor Maura Healey's Commission on Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for State-Owned Land (SOL).

The Commission, created through an Executive Order signed on August 13, will advise Governor Healey and her Administration on potential reforms to the PILOT program to ensure geographic fairness in the allocation of PILOT funding

"Rural communities have been disproportionately disadvantaged by a flawed formula in the State Owned Land Payment in Lieu of Taxes program," said Blais, appointed to serve on the Commission on behalf of the House. "While we have made tremendous progress in adequately funding the program, the establishment of this Commission by the Healey-Driscoll Administration is welcome to ensure that the communities who are stewarding our natural and working lands are appropriately compensated for their service to the Commonwealth. I am grateful to Speaker Ronald Mariano for providing me with this opportunity to serve."

"For too long, the SOL PILOT formula has shortchanged rural communities in western and central Massachusetts, despite the enormous contributions these communities make in stewarding the Commonwealth's forests, farms, and watersheds," said Comerford, appointed to serve on the Commission on behalf of the Senate. "This Commission is a welcome and necessary step toward a fair, climate-forward formula--one that values the ecosystem services our lands provide and recognizes the fiscal realities facing all 351 of our cities and towns. I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka for this appointment and look forward to the work ahead."

To learn more about the Commission and its scope, visit www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-creates-commission-on-state-owned-land-pilot-program-to-ensure-geographic-fairness.

Financial Focus®

Smart financial moves to make before year-end

As the year winds down, it's the perfect time to make some smart moves before the calendar flips to 2026. Think of it as a financial tune-up that could help with saving money and setting you up for success in the months ahead. Here are some things to consider.

• Don't forget about required withdrawals. If you're 73 or older, you'll need to take your required minimum distribution from traditional retirement accounts to avoid a 25% penalty on any amount you should have withdrawn but didn't. This rule also applies to some people who inherited retirement accounts, including certain Roth accounts.
• Use your flexible spending money. Got money sitting in a flexible spending account at work? Remember, these accounts follow a "use it or lose it" rule. Check with your HR department about your plan's specific deadlines for spending the money and submitting receipts. Whether it's that dental work you've been putting off or new prescription glasses you need, now's the time to use those funds before they disappear.
• Boost your retirement savings. Consider ramping up your pretax retirement contributions before year-end. Not only will this help your future self, but it might also reduce your current tax bill. If your workplace plan allows it, you can even set up automatic increases for next year so you won't have to remember to do it later.
• Share the wealth through gifting. In 2025, the current tax rules let you give family or friends up to $19,000 per person without affecting your lifetime gift tax exemption. Married couples can combine their allowances to give up to $38,000 per person. Plus, you can pay someone's tuition or medical bills directly without these payments counting against your gift limits at all.
• Navigate new tax changes. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act has made several tax provisions permanent, including lower individual tax rates and higher standard deductions. However, it also introduces new changes that might affect your situation. It's worth sitting down with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how these updates impact your specific circumstances.
• Examine your investments. Take some time to review your investment portfolio. Ask yourself: Did your investments perform as expected this year? Do they still match your goals and comfort level with risk? You might need to rebalance things to get back on track.
• Build up your emergency fund. It's ideal to have enough cash saved to cover three to six months of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This safety net can prevent you from having to raid your retirement savings when unexpected expenses pop up.
• Review your estate planning documents. This is especially important if you've had major life changes like marriage, divorce or a new baby. Don't forget to check the beneficiary designations on all your bank and brokerage accounts as well as life insurance policies--these often override what's written in your will.

Taking care of these financial housekeeping tasks now can help you start the new year on solid ground.



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

Dress Up Your Holiday Gatherings with a Few Succulents

by Melinda Myers
Add a bit of life to your holiday gatherings with the help of succulents. You and your guests will enjoy the easy-care beauty of succulents. Their subtle colors and dramatic form make them great gifts and decorations now and throughout the year.

Small-scale succulents provide a multitude of opportunities for incorporating them into your holiday celebrations. Just select containers that complement, but don't overpower their charm.

Create a succulent garden to use as a centerpiece for the table. A shallow container filled with a variety of succulents with different shapes and colors is sure to capture everyone's attention. Set the container on a saucer to protect the table and add a complementary table runner for even greater impact.

Consider using succulents as party favors for guests to take home and enjoy for years to come. But first, use them to decorate the table by making them into place cards for your guests. Simply add a name to the decorative pot.

Or display them all together in a tray, terra cotta saucer or other shallow container to use as a centerpiece throughout the evening. When the party is over, each guest can pick their own plant to take home.

Add a unique flair to the table by placing cocktail glasses filled with succulents next to each guest's place setting. This makes a unique table decoration and party favor for guests to take home as a reminder of your fun gathering. Use a few planted cocktail glasses to decorate the beverage table or bar.

Grow these plants in a cacti and succulent potting mix. These fast-draining mixes help reduce the risk of overwatering. Further reduce this risk by using containers with drainage holes that are only slightly larger than the succulents' root system. Growing them in too large of a container for the plant size will retain moisture longer that can lead to root rot, decline, and even the death of your plants.

After the party continue to provide proper care so your centerpiece will be ready for your next event. Move the succulent planter to a cool, draft-free location near an unobstructed south-, west- or east-facing window. If light is limited, consider adding artificial lights.

Water thoroughly but only when the top few inches of soil are dry and just often enough to keep the plants from shriveling. These winter-growing conditions often encourage a spring display of colorful and unique flowers.

Share these directions with your guest and if possible, the name of the succulent. This helps your guest keep the plants alive to enjoy for years to come.

With a trip to your favorite garden center and your imagination you can create fun holiday décor and party favors. You and your guests will enjoy their beauty throughout the holidays and beyond.

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 Corona Tools for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.