Arts and Recreation

"Feud" Game Show Comes To Park Stage

'Feud Gone Wild' comes to the Jaffrey, NH, performing arts center this Saturday, February 28

Jaffrey, New Hampshire (February 24, 2026) Feud Gone Wild is a hilarious adaptation of the classic, long-running game show in which two teams try to guess the top six answers on the board. A live version that is wildly popular all over the U.S. and New England is coming to The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, this Saturday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29. It's great fun to watch and even more fun to participate in.

This game show is by far one of the most popular game shows ever produced. Feud Gone Wild includes a centerpiece "Face Off" player position, Pass or Play, and The Steal.

Our interactive Game Show Host will present this game show just as you see on TV with plenty of laughs and surprises, and prizes, too!

Friends, organizations, or companies can register their team of 6 with the theatre. Teams are limited. So, if you are ready for some game show action, register right now by calling 603-532-8888 or emailing Christine at boxoffice@theparktheatre.org.

Tickets for the staged reading of Feud Gone Wild are available online at theparktheatre.org/feud-gone-wild/ or call The Park Theatre box office at (603) 532-8888. You can also buy at the door starting at 6pm on show day.

Before the performance, singer/songwriter Eve Pierce performs in the theatre's Lounge room starting at 6 pm. Free to the public. Bar is open (ID required). Concessions open as well.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located in downtown Jaffrey at 19 Main Street--just 95 minutes from Boston and a one-hour drive from Worcester, MA. The facility is fully accessible. Additional information about the theatre is available at parknh.org.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Punk Rock at Nova Arts This Saturday Night, February 28!
JONEE EARTHQUAKE BAND / PHROGS / COFFIN FLOP

Jonee Earthquake Band is an American punk band that began in 1979, originally opening for GG Allin and The Jabbers. Decades later, the group remains a fixture of the Northern New England punk scene, known for playing exclusively all-ages shows and for actively encouraging and supporting younger, emerging punk bands.

Phrogs blends experimental rock with Latin melodies, gothic punk, and old-school rock and roll. The Claremont, NH quartet, featuring Edd-Phrog on vocals and guitar, (Lil) Jake on bass, Riley (Dick) Dickinson on trombone, and Loren on drums, has been making music together for nearly a decade. Known for high-energy, goofy, awkward sets, and for always being booked with punk bands (although Eddy denies that they are punk).

Rounding out the night is Coffin Flop, a Keene, NH-based band self-described as makers of "doomy swamp sludge." Drawing inspiration from heavyweights like Crowbar and Sleep, their sound leans thick, slow, and unrelentingly heavy. Equal parts trudging riffs and irreverent stage banter, Coffin Flop delivers a set that embraces distortion, density, and a healthy dose of dark humor.

Together, the three bands promise an evening of loud, genre-blurring music rooted in punk ethos, underground experimentation, and unapologetic heaviness.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and music begins at 7:30 p.m. This show is all ages and seating is limited and also first come first served.

Access For All tickets available thanks to support from Savings Bank of Walpole. (Note: To purchase more than one Access For All ticket, each must be done in a separate transaction.)

Shows are all ages and seating is first come first served.

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

Next week: Cooperative Action Monadnock and The Wooden Nickels!

Next week join us for some acoustic music as well as an empowering discussion!

On Thursday March 5, our partnership with Cooperative Action Monadnock continues with the second installment of What Can We Do About It Here?, a public discussion series focused on political crisis and community solidarity.

Session Two, titled: From the Rule of Billionaires to the Price of Groceries: Unaffordability, Unsustainability, and the Roots of Inequality, will examine the economic forces shaping daily life, from rising food costs to widening wealth gaps, and explore how local communities can respond. As with the first session, the evening will feature three community panelists speaking on key aspects of the issue, followed by an open public discussion.

The program runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

On Friday, March 6, we are hosting a great night of music featuring The Wooden Nickels, a collective of acoustic musicians and longtime friends whose rousing take on traditional bluegrass and Americana feels both deeply rooted and joyfully alive. Featuring members of Princess Kikou and Poor Monroe, the group's sets move easily between reverent tradition and spirited reinterpretation.

Also performing are Liam Grant, a New England guitarist and improviser working in the American Primitive tradition, and Sam Boston, a Connecticut-based musician who builds instruments, tools, and sound sculptures with a focus on resonance and long-duration experimentation.

Together, these three acts offer an evening that moves from high-energy bluegrass to intricate solo guitar to immersive experimental sound--a night that highlights both tradition and exploration within contemporary acoustic music.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music begins at 7:30 p.m.! Seating is first come first serve!

Access For All tickets available thanks to support from Savings Bank of Walpole. (Note: To purchase more than one Access For All ticket, each must be done in a separate transaction.)

Shows are all ages and seating is first come first served.

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

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

Regional News

Mount Wachusett Community College to Host Massachusetts Agricultural Resource Fair

GARDNER, MA - February 25, 2026 - Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) will host the Massachusetts Agricultural Resource Fair on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., welcoming farmers, agricultural businesses, and community members from across the region to its Gardner campus at 444 Green Street.

Organized by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), the Agricultural Resource Fair is a free, drop-in event designed to connect the agricultural community with vital state and federal resources, technical assistance, and funding opportunities that support the long-term sustainability of farming in the Commonwealth.

"We are proud to serve as the host site for this important event that brings together farmers, service providers, and agency partners in one place," said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. "Agriculture is a critical part of our regional economy, and hosting the Agricultural Resource Fair aligns with MWCC's mission to support workforce development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement."

MWCC's role as host reflects the College's growing leadership in environmental conservation and regenerative agriculture education. The College offers hands-on academic and workforce training programs focused on sustainable land management, soil health, food systems, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. These programs are supported by MWCC's on-campus greenhouse, student-maintained gardens, and orchards, which serve as living laboratories for experiential learning and community partnerships.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from MDAR divisions and partner organizations offering expertise in areas such as farm viability, land access, food safety, animal health, pest management, business development, and grant funding. The fair also provides valuable networking opportunities for farmers at every stage, from beginning growers to established operations.

For additional information about the event, please contact Mackenzie May at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at Mackenzie.A.May@mass.gov.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Latest Release of Unclaimed Property Listings

Over 50,000 Names Added to Unclaimed Property List since August

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg has announced the latest grouping of names added to the state's list of unclaimed property owners. Over 50,000 new properties worth millions of dollars are owed to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100.

"There is $3.4 billion in unclaimed property here in Massachusetts, and some of it could belong to you," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "So check the list, go online, or call our office to begin the process. Even if you have checked before, check again because we are always adding new names and you never know!"

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Last year, Treasury processed over 118,000 claims and returned $237 million in property to its rightful owners.

Treasurer Goldberg urges all citizens to check www.findmassmoney.gov for a complete list of over 10 million properties or call our live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277).

The full list of the new individuals, businesses, and nonprofits added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on March 1st and in the Boston Herald on March 8th . In addition, the list of names will be published in regional and local papers in following weeks.

The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed property assets every six months as the new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

Financial Focus®

Unlock the full potential of your 401(k)

Your 401(k) is one of the most powerful tools for securing your financial future. The question is: Are you using it to its full potential?

Here are some strategies to help you maximize its benefits:

• Earn your employer's match.
It's a good idea to contribute as much as you can afford to your 401(k) plan. (In 2026, you can put in up to $24,500, or $32,500 if you're 50 or older. If your plan allows, there's also a "super catch-up" contribution of $11,250 for people aged 60 to 63, for a total contribution limit of $35,750). At least put in enough to earn a matching contribution if one is offered. Otherwise, you're shortchanging yourself. For example: Your employer matches 50% of your contribution up to $5,000. If put in $8,000, your employer's 50% match is $4,000, and you're leaving $1,000 "on the table."
• Give your plan a raise.
When your income increases, consider increasing contributions to your 401(k). When you get a bonus or a tax refund, you could use some or all of that to boost your retirement savings.
• Evaluate the Roth option.
When you invest in a traditional 401(k), you contribute pre-tax dollars, lowering your taxable income that year. Your earnings grow tax-deferred and are taxed when you withdraw. If your employer offers a Roth 401(k), you contribute after-tax dollars, so your taxable income doesn't drop that year. However, withdrawals in retirement, contributions and earnings alike, are generally tax-free. (Employer matching contributions and related earnings remain taxable.) If you expect a higher tax bracket in retirement or want to diversify tax treatment for flexibility in retirement, consider the Roth option. In 2026, the Roth option must be used for catch-up contributions if you earn more than $150,000 and you are 50 or older. Consult your tax advisor before deciding.
• Build an appropriate investment mix.
You may have multiple investment options in your 401(k). The driving principle early on is growth so your plan can fund a long retirement. But growth-oriented investments are naturally riskier than fixed-income vehicles. When starting your career, you may prefer a portfolio weighted toward aggressive growth, as you have years to recover from downturns. Nearing retirement, though, consider shifting to a more conservative mix. A financial advisor can help you choose an appropriate mix at different stages, based on your risk tolerance, time horizon and goals.
• Keep your plan intact.
At times, you may feel a financial pinch that leads you to consider taking out loans or early withdrawals from your 401(k). However, this can cause you to incur taxes and penalties and will likely slow the growth needed to help reach your retirement savings goals. Taking steps to prepare for unexpected expenses, such as building an emergency fund containing three to six months' worth of living expenses, can help you avoid dipping into your 401(k). You may also be able to find other ways to access cash.

By following these steps, you can unlock the full potential of your 401(k) and position it as a cornerstone of your retirement income.

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 Your Own Fresh Vegetables and Save

by Melinda Myers
With escalating food prices, now is a great time to start growing some of your own vegetables. Not only can you save money, but you'll enjoy great flavor and maximum nutritional value.

Take time to do a bit of planning. Your first trip to the garden center can result in buying more plants than the space and time you have available to grow and tend. Consider growing what you and your family like to eat fresh. Some vegetables, like greens, broccoli and peas, taste best when harvested from the garden and served the same day.

Include vegetables that are used in many of your favorite recipes. Even a few garden-fresh vegetables can boost the flavor of any dish.

Focus on vegetables that help reduce your food budget. Grow those that are more expensive to purchase or provide a large harvest for the available space. Tomatoes, greens, and sweet peppers are a few favorites to consider. Sweet corn is fun and delicious to grow but requires more space than a single tomato plant which can produce an average of eight pounds or more of tomatoes per plant.

Once you have your list of vegetables you want to grow, start laying out the garden. Vegetables that produce fruit we eat, like tomatoes, peppers and squash, produce best when grown in full sun. Root crops, like radishes and carrots, prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade, while greens are the most shade tolerant.

Check spacing requirements for each vegetable as you plan your garden. Seed packets, plant tags, gardening catalogs, and websites, including your local University Extension Service, can help. More compact varieties need less space than their larger counterparts. Consider growing these if space is limited or when gardening in containers and elevated planters.

If you are feeling stuck, check out one of the many preplanned gardens you can find online. You may not find exactly what you are looking for, but you may find it easier to adapt an existing plan than starting from scratch.

Increase your harvest without expanding your garden with space-saving growing techniques. Grow vegetables in wide rows, providing the plants with just enough space to reach full size. Make sure all parts are accessible from the surrounding pathways.

Plant short-season vegetables, like lettuce, radishes and beets, in between those that need more space like tomatoes and peppers. You'll be harvesting the quick-maturing vegetables by the time the bigger plants need the space.

Train vining crops, like cucumber, squash and melons, onto a support. You'll save valuable garden space, reduce the risk of disease and make harvesting much easier. Create a sling from cloth or macramé and attach it to the support to prevent the weight of large squash and melons from breaking the vines.

Save even more time and money by talking with your gardening friends and family. Gardeners are some of the most generous people who are willing to share their knowledge, tools, seeds and transplants.

Learn more about growing your own fresh produce by attending my free webinar Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens on March 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM CT. It's free but you must register (register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_46cylzi_R32_YBBOh3cbZA#/registration). Visit my website MelindaMyers.com for details and if you can't attend live, the recording and handout will be available at your convenience.

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 her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.