Arts and Recreation
Theatre at the Mount Presents One-Day-Only Musical Event: "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?"
The cast of Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
Photo copyright Theatre at the Mount
GARDNER, MA--Get ready for a bucket-load of fun! Theatre at the Mount invites audiences of all ages to a heartwarming, high-energy performance of Have You Filled a Bucket Today?--a musical celebration of kindness, compassion, and community. With just one performance only on Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m., this one-hour show is the perfect weekend treat for families looking to laugh, sing, and leave with full hearts.
Based on Carol McCloud's award-winning books and Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead's The Bucket Filling Fairy, this colorful production brings the beloved concept of "bucket-filling" to life on stage. Through catchy songs, playful characters, and uplifting storytelling, the show teaches children (and reminds adults!) how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Whether you're five or ninety-five, this joyful musical will leave you smiling--and maybe even inspire a few extra hugs on the way home.
Tickets are just $10 for all seats, so bring the kids, bring the grandparents, and don't miss this feel-good theatrical event!
For tickets and more information, visit https://mwcc.universitytickets.com/ or call the box office at 978-630-9388. Theatre at the Mount is part of Mount Wachusett Community College and is located at 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA.
Theatre at the Mount Announces Auditions for Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Gardner, MA - October 15, 2025 - It's alive! Theatre at the Mount invites performers to bring the electrifying hilarity of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein to life on stage. Auditions for this monstrously funny musical will be held Monday, December 1 and Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 PM in Room A110 (formerly Room 182) at Mount Wachusett Community College.
Directed by Terrie Hyde, Young Frankenstein is a wickedly inspired reimagining of the classic horror film, bursting with high-voltage comedy, catchy tunes, and outrageous characters. From the brainy Dr. Frankenstein to the tap-dancing monster, this production promises thrills, chills, and plenty of laughs.
CAST REQUIREMENTS:
- 10 principal roles plus ensemble
- Ages 18 and up
- Location: Mount Wachusett Community College, Room A110 (formerly Room 182)
- Dates: Monday, December 1 and Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.
- By Appointment Only - To schedule an audition, call 978-630-9388 or email box-office@mwcc.mass.edu
- A short vocal selection that best showcases your abilities and range (bring sheet music if not singing from the show)
- Comfortable clothing and footwear for the dance audition
- Tap shoes if you are a tapper
- Be prepared for cold readings from the script for key roles
March 8 at 2:00 p.m.
TENTATIVE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
- Sundays from 6:00 - 9:00 PM
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 - 10:00 PM
For more information, visit https://mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam/auditions/ or contact the box office at 978-630-9388.
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
Join us Friday, October 17 for an evening of theatrical rock and multimedia performances, and return Sunday, October 19 for a night of intimate, songwriter-driven music
Photo courtesy of Nova Arts
On Friday, October 17, Nova Arts presents The Leafies You Gave Me with Crankies Bonanza. For over a decade, The Leafies have built a reputation as one of the Northeast's most adventurous live acts as a ten-piece theatrical rock ensemble.
The Leafies band blends sounds of psychedelic rock operas, heartfelt ballads, free-jazz interludes, and offbeat comedy into one seamless act. Completed with DIY props, costumes, and surreal characters, their shows transform the stage into a place where anything can happen.
Opening the night is Crankies, featuring "The Handless Maiden, Part One," the first act of a three-part traditional folktale.The Crankies bring their performance to life through scrolling panoramas, shadow animation, and puppetry. Acts from Monadnock artist Storm Welch and UNIMA-USA award-winner Sarah Frechette combine visual art and performance to create a captivating blend of fantasy and reality.
If you're looking for an evening of intimacy, join us Sunday, October 19 when Nova Arts welcomes acclaimed songwriter Joan Shelley, joined by Will Lawrence.
From Kentucky, Joan Shelley crafts music rooted in British and Appalachian folk traditions, guided by the sharp storytelling of artists like Dolly Parton and Roger Miller. Her seventh album, Real Warmth, recorded in Toronto with producer Ben Whiteley (The Weather Station), arrives this September and features collaborations from across the city's fertile music scene.
Opening the evening is Will Lawrence, a New York-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose fifth studio album Rooftops in the Centerfold will be released September 19, 2025. Lawrence is also known for his work with The Felice Brothers, Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band, and John Early and the Lemon Squares.
Doors for both shows open at 7:00 p.m. and music will start around 7:30 p.m. Access For All tickets available thanks to a grant from the TD Charitable Foundation. (Note: To purchase more than one Access For All ticket, each must be done in a separate transaction.)
Both shows are all ages and seating is first come first served.
Tickets will be available at novaarts.org/event
Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Regional News
Treasurer Goldberg and M&T Bank Announce Small Business Empowerment Series
Series will provide valuable insights and resources to empower small businesses
BOSTON - In collaboration with M&T Bank, State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg's Small Business Initiative (SBI) opened online registration for its Fall 2025 Small Business Empowerment Series. The series includes two free virtual workshops that will help Massachusetts entrepreneurs becoming business owners and protect themselves from fraud. Both workshops will be presented in English with live interpretation in Spanish.
"Small, growing businesses need access to the right kind of information, tools and support when starting out," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "That is why our empowerment webinars, developed to support our state's entrepreneurs, are so critical to their long-term success. We thank M&T Bank for partnering with us on this important work."
"M&T Bank is proud to partner with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offering a series of informative webinars that help protect small business owners from fraud and empower them to grow. We're deeply committed to serving and supporting the people and small businesses of the Bay State to help build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive," said Jeff Carpenter, M&T Bank's Interim Regional President in Massachusetts.
The series will kick off on October 27, 2025 with recorded remarks from Treasurer Goldberg and Kim Gainsboro, Head of Government Banking at M&T Bank, and will conclude on November 3rd, 2025. During the series, participants will attend virtual trainings presented by experts at M&T Bank who will cover topics related to expanding access to business ownership and fraud prevention.
You can register for one or both of the following sessions at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IOUkGcKdQT-2fofsPNNiww#/.
Entrepreneurship through Acquisition: Expanding Access to Business Ownership (Emprendimiento a través de la Adquisición: Ampliar el Acceso a la Propiedad Empresarial)
Monday, October 27, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM
Business Fraud Awareness & Prevention Strategies (Estrategias de prevención y concienciación sobre el fraude Empresarial)
Monday, November 3, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM
The first webinar, Entrepreneurship through Acquisition, is a collaborative initiative designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by providing structured pathways to acquire and lead existing small businesses. This approach not only accelerates entrepreneurial success but also strengthens local economies by preserving and growing established enterprises. During the second webinar on Fraud Awareness & Prevention, presenters will highlight the current fraud landscape, including a review of different methods that scammers are using to target business customers, as well as tips and strategies to avoid being victimized.
About the Small Business Initiative
Under the direction of Treasurer Goldberg, SBI was designed to provide a range of relevant, important information that is often needed when starting a small business for the first time. Typically, it is challenging to find resources and advisors that can help lead to success. The toolkit and webinars offered by SBI provide valuable educational materials on how to plan, maintain, and grow a successful small business.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank provides banking products and services across more than 60 branches in Massachusetts. In 2024, The M&T Bank Charitable Foundation provided $4.5 million to 364 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts. Our employees also contributed 7302 in volunteer hours with an economic impact of $244.4K.
Financial Focus®
Open enrollment: What to know before you enroll
For many people, fall brings an important opportunity: open enrollment. While it may not sound as exciting as planning for the holidays, taking a careful look at your workplace benefits now could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars next year.
Open enrollment is the period when you will choose your medical and other workplace benefits for the year ahead. Most employers hold it in the fall, with elections taking effect in January. Once the window closes, you usually can't make changes unless you experience a major life event like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or when a dependent has become an emancipated adult.
While it may be easy to simply renew last year's choices, that could be a costly mistake. Your employer's plans, providers or costs may have changed. It's also possible your own circumstances are different than they were a year ago--for example, if you had a baby, got married or expect new medical needs. Taking a fresh look helps ensure your benefits match your life today.
Here are a few tips for navigating open enrollment.
Compare health plans carefully. Employers often offer more than one health, dental or vision option. Look at differences in provider networks, prescription coverage and premiums. If you and your spouse both have coverage options, compare plans across employers. Just be mindful that some companies charge a fee if you enroll a partner who has their own workplace coverage. Many plans offer wellness discounts on monthly premiums based on your personal health condition.
Check your life insurance. Many employers provide a base level of life insurance, with the option to buy more. If your family has grown or your financial responsibilities have increased, now is the time to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your loved ones.
Consider disability coverage. A short-term disability plan can help cover income gaps for up to 12 months during recovery from surgery, illness or childbirth. Long-term disability insurance offers protection if you're unable to work again for an extended period up to age 65. Ideally, coverage should replace up to 60% of your pre-tax income.
Understand supplemental options. Some employers also offer accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. While it can provide peace of mind, remember that it's not a substitute for life or disability insurance, since it only covers specific accidents.
Take advantage of tax-friendly accounts. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) let you use pretax dollars for eligible medical expenses. If you have young children or other dependents, ask whether your employer offers a dependent care FSA to help offset care costs. Note that these are use-it-or-lose-it, so contribute only what you expect to spend every year. HSAs, available with high-deductible health plans, are more flexible, since unused funds roll over from year to year and can even serve as long-term savings.
Review your retirement savings. While your retirement plan usually isn't part of open enrollment, this is a good time to revisit it. Make sure you're contributing enough to earn your employer's match. Small increases can make a big difference over time.
Open enrollment may not be the most thrilling item on your fall to-do list, but it could be one of the most important. Taking a little time now to review your employee group benefits could give you greater financial security and extra savings throughout the year.
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
Mark the Location of Late Emerging Perennials
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) has red, orange, or yellow flowers and can be late to emerge in spring.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
As you prepare your gardens for winter, consider marking the location of late emerging perennials to avoid accidentally weeding them out next spring. Use bulbs, commercial or DIY plant labels, stones or simply leave their stems intact to help guide your cleanup efforts next spring.
These late emerging perennials may have you worried they died overwinter. Lingering winter weather and cooler than normal spring temperatures can further delay their appearance. Be patient and know this adaptation allows them to avoid damage from late spring frosts as they wait for the soil to warm and begin growing.
Hardy hibiscus, balloon flower (Platycodon), leadwort (Ceratostostigma), Crocosmia, Red-hot poker (Kniphofia), whirling butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri), Butterfly bush (Buddleia), Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), and blue spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis) are a few you may have growing in your garden. Many native plants like butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Culver's root (Veronicastrum), Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica), Joe-pye weed (Eutrochium spp. formerly Eupatorium), asters, liatris, and goldenrods can also be late to emerge. It's easy to accidentally weed these out during spring clean-up.
These plants are worth the wait since they add extra color to our mid and late season gardens. They extend the beauty, pollinator appeal and food source for many insects, and songbirds visiting your gardens.
Try leaving the stems or a portion of the stems of these plants intact until the new growth emerges. Unfortunately, many of us have accidentally removed these, too.
Plant tags will identify the plant and mark their location but can be unsightly. Try placing a colorful dowel rod, golf tee or short bamboo stake at the base of these plants. Number each and mark them on your garden plans to help track the plant's identity.
Stones or shells, where they are abundant, can be placed next to or surrounding these plants to mark the location. These tend to stay put and may be less obtrusive than plant tags. Just be sure to alert anyone helping in the garden of their purpose and that they need to stay put.
Or mark their spot with bulbs. Plant spring flowering bulbs like daffodils, hyacinths and alliums next to these plants to extend your garden's bloom time and help prevent damage to the perennial plants.
Avoid tulips, crocus and other bulbs that animals love. Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and deer may move or eat your marker.
Consider using a mix of early, mid and late spring flowering bulbs to further extend the color in your garden. Or skirt these late emerging plants with early spring blooming perennials like woodland and creeping phlox, candytuft or rockcress. You'll enjoy the added color as you wait for the other plants to make their appearance later in the spring.
When spring arrives, exercise patience as you wait for the return of beautiful, late emerging perennials.
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.