Arts and Recreation

New England Cider & Strings Festival at Red Apple Farm, June 20-21

Red Apple Farm will host the New England Cider and Strings Festival the weekend of June 20-21, with free admission and the tag line, "Rooted in the American Revolution." The Festival will run from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. both days.

Brittany Porter from the Farm writes,

"As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we wanted to create an event that celebrates New England's rich history and traditions while highlighting the farm's historic character. Our goal is to give guests the opportunity to step back in time and experience a unique celebration of cider, music, craftsmanship, and community.

"Guests can spend the day exploring the orchard, enjoying live string music, and experiencing traditional demonstrations, including ox pulls, blacksmithing, and timber framing. Visitors can also participate in a themed Hard Cider Passport, browse local vendors offering handmade goods, and enjoy historical presentations by Jane French.

"In addition to the festival activities, guests can enjoy karaoke in the Cider Garden on Saturday, June 20, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. On Sunday, June 21, Red Apple Farm will host a one-day disc golf tournament on the farm's newest attraction, offering visitors another unique way to experience the property.

"Whether attendees come for the music, the cider, the history, or the family-friendly atmosphere, there will be something to discover around every corner."

Festival highlights include:

• Hard Cider Passport
• Live fiddle and string music
• Ox Pulls
• Historical presentations by Jane French from the Phillipston Historical Society
• Timber framing demonstrations
• Blacksmithing demonstrations
• Karaoke in the Cider Garden (Saturday, June 20, 5:00–8:00 p.m.)
• One-Day Disc Golf Tournament (Sunday, June 21)
• Local vendors featuring handmade and homemade goods

Red Apple Farm is located 455 Highland Ave, Phillipston, MA. Their website is www.redapplefarm.com and their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/RedAppleFarm.

Time Capsule To Be Buried As Part of Park Theatre's "America 250 Cultural Fair"

Public is being asked for ideas of what's to be included in time capsule being buried on July 4, 2026

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (June 8, 2026) A time capsule will be buried on the grounds of The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, as part of their America 250 Cultural Fair, which is commemorating the 250th birthday of our nation. The public is asked for ideas on what's to be included in the America 250 Time Capsule. It will be buried alongside the theatre's parking lot on River Street at 2:50pm on Saturday, July 4. The public is invited to watch the ceremony.

The idea for time capsules dates back to ancient times, when pharaohs and emperors buried treasures and mementos, often for use in the afterlife. The United States' oldest known time capsule was the work of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. In late 2014, a repairman fixing a water leak in a Massachusetts steakhouse uncovered a brass box the two former Sons of Liberty had placed in a cornerstone in 1795. It had already been opened once in 1855 for cleaning and the addition of new artifacts (History.com).

Items in the time capsule might include newspapers, voice and/or music recordings, photographs, historical artifacts, and much more. People can submit their ideas starting today by emailing them along with their name and telephone number to timecapsule250@theparktheatre.org. Ideas must be emailed or given by hand no later than 12 pm on Monday, June 29, 2026.

"America's story has never been written by one hand. This time capsule belongs to all of us--because 250 years from now, the greatest gift we can leave is the truth of who we were, told in our own words," said Steve Jackson, CEO of The Park Theatre.

The Jaffrey Historical Society (JHS) has partnered with The Park Theatre to administer the time capsule. The JHS will have its own ideas for items to be put in the time capsule. They will also help judge the ideas for final selection. Time capsule idea entry forms will be available at the theatre box office and lobby during hours when it is open.

Instructions for the time capsule and its first opening will be engraved on the capsule. It will have its inaugural opening in 100 years on July 4, 2126. The contents will be reviewed, and any new items will be added before it is resealed. Subsequently, the instructions will require it to be opened every 50 years thereafter.

The America 250 Cultural Fair runs from July 2 through July 4. There will be movies, exhibits, a Fred Marple variety show, a cookout, and more. Go to theparktheatre.org/america-250 for information and tickets, Call the box office with any questions about the time capsule or the events. (603) 532-8888.

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!).

Regional News

Voters Make Holden the 88th Community to Back Massachusetts Flag and Seal Change

The Town of Holden on Monday became the 88th municipality in Massachusetts to call for an immediate change to the Commonwealth's flag and official seal which currently depict a sword being brandished by a white hand over the head of an Indigenous man.

Holden's town meeting vote means that one-quarter of the Massachusetts cities and towns have now passed the measure, which proponents termed "a major milestone in the growing call to the Legislature and Governor to change this vile and shameful symbol of violence and oppression against Native people."

"I have a toddler who will one day soon enter our public schools," said resident Hannan Lipper, a proponent of the measure. "I would like to imagine a future for her where she has an opportunity both to learn of our state's history but also ways in which we sought to make amends for past injustices."

The voice-vote to affirm the motion followed an earlier attempt, which failed on a standing count of 153-25, to table the matter. David Detmold of Montague, who has traversed the state on behalf of the campaign to change the flag and seal, said Holden's votes should serve as a message to retiring state Rep. Kimberly Ferguson and state Senator Peter Durant, both Republicans. Durant has voiced opposition to the change, writing in a Facebook post last August, "the Massachusetts state flag is not up for debate--it is a proud symbol of our history, our values and the foundation on which this state was built."

In response, Detmold said, "The Massachusetts state flag was very much up for debate last night in one of the bedrock communities of (Durant's) district. The voters there are not proud of holding a sword of settler colonialism--Myles Standish's own broadsword--over the heads of their Nipmuc neighbors. The history that particular sword represents is a history of genocide, land theft and enslavement. That is the foundation on which this state and this nation were built, and those values were rejected overwhelmingly by the town meeting voters of Holden on Monday night."

Detmold urged supporters to contact Gov. Maura Healy "to uphold her inaugural pledge: to remove barriers of structural racism wherever they exist within the Commonwealth." He noted that a state advisory commission charged with choosing a new design for the flag and seal, chaired by her Education Secretary, Stephen Zrike, and Director of Travel and Tourism, Kate Fox, has failed to hold a meeting since December of last year.

The commission needs to be reactivated, he said.

"Let's get this done, Gov. Healy," said Detmold. "These 88 towns and cities have all taken formal votes, like the vote in Holden on Monday, June 8, calling on the legislature--and you--to remove the most enduring symbol of structural racism and white supremacy in Massachusetts, indeed in America, today. They are calling for a new, aspirational and inclusive flag and seal to represent the highest ideals of Massachusetts for peace, justice, and harmony between all people who now call the Commonwealth their home."

Quick Link to interactive map of cities and towns that have voted for (88) and against (8) resolutions of support for changing the flag and seal of Massachusetts. https://changethemassflag.com/?da_image=2106

Click on any town to find relevant information on dates and vote counts.

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

Grow, Prepare and Enjoy Hot Peppers

by Melinda Myers
Some like it hot and that includes the spicy heat of hot peppers added to entrees, beverages and desserts. Others value hot peppers for their help with pain relief and other health benefits. For those who can't stand the heat, proper pepper selection, care and preparation can help turn down the heat as needed.

The spicy heat of hot peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU) named after Wilbur Scoville. The heat units were originally determined by a panel of individual tasters. Chili peppers were ground and added to a sugar-water solution. The solution was continually diluted until the panelists found the solution no longer burned their mouth. Each pepper was assigned a number based on the amount of sugar-water solution needed to reach that point. Today, a more accurate, less subjective high-performance liquid chromatography method can be used for measuring the pungency of hot peppers.

Poblano and Siracha rate between 1,000 to 2,500, jalapenos up to 8,000, cayenne and Tabasco can peak at 50,000, Thai peppers 50,000 to 100,000, and habaneros up to 350,000. Some of the hottest peppers include the Carolina Reaper at 2,300,000, Dragon's Breath at 2,500,000 and Pepper X at 3,180,000. For a bit of a surprise, try Shishito peppers where only one out of ten peppers are rated at 1,000 or higher SHU. The only way to tell which one is hot is by taking a bite. To enjoy the citrusy flavor of habanero peppers but not the heat, grow the All-America Selections winner Roulette.

Ornamental peppers are edible as well as pretty. Most will rate anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 SHU. Chilly Chili ornamental pepper produces an abundance of attractive yellow, orange and red upright fruit on 10 to 12" plants. As the name suggests, they have almost no heat.

Weather influences productivity and the heat in peppers. They grow and produce best when day temperatures are 70° to 80° F and night temperatures are 60° to 70° F. Cold, heat and drought are the most common cause of blossom drop, misshapen fruit and a poor harvest. When summer is filled with long, hot days, hot peppers tend to be even hotter.

Harvest most hot peppers when fully mature and red for the strongest flavor. Green chili and jalapeno peppers are harvested when green. And some, like jalapeno, habanero and Anaheim, are hot whether they are harvested when green or red.

Label hot peppers when growing, harvesting and storing them. Many sweet and hot pepper varieties look similar and confusing the two could be unpleasant. Consider planting them in separate spaces in the garden to further avoid misidentification and keep a glass of milk handy in case you need to neutralize the sting.

If desired, the heat of peppers can be turned down when preparing favorite recipes. Most of the capsaicin that gives hot peppers their heat is in the white membrane that houses the seeds, so removing this along with the seeds will provide the flavor with less heat.

Wear rubber gloves and avoid touching your face and eyes when working with hot peppers as they can burn. Wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards when finished.

Adding hot peppers to your meals will also provide many health benefits. Use them fresh and can, freeze or dry the surplus to enjoy later or share with family and friends.

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.