Arts and Recreation
Park Theatre Hosts Special Fundraising Screening of Ken Burns' Acclaimed Jackie Robinson Documentary with Filmmaker Q&A
Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (July 16, 2026) The Park Theatre in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire is proud to present a special fundraising screening of Ken Burns' award-winning documentary Jackie Robinson on Sunday, August 9, at 4:00 p.m. This special event, made possible by Ken Burns and Florentine Films, offers a unique opportunity to experience the inspiring story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson on the big screen, followed by an exclusive Q&A with the filmmakers.
A condensed, one-hour highlight version of the acclaimed two-part miniseries will be presented. The film chronicles how Jack Roosevelt Robinson rose from humble origins to break baseball's color barrier in 1947, becoming one of the most beloved and influential figures in American history. A fierce advocate for civil rights, Robinson used his platform to challenge discrimination both on and off the field.
Following the screening, audiences will enjoy a live talkback/Q&A with directors, producers, and writers Sarah Burns and David McMahon. The discussion and audience questions will be moderated by Emmy Award-winning writer Dayton Duncan, a longtime collaborator who has written many of Ken Burns' landmark films. Attendees will gain behind-the-scenes insights into the making of this powerful documentary.
Regular Admission (includes film and Q&A), $25. VIP Wine Reception (3:00 p.m., includes film and Q&A): $40.
Tickets are available at theparktheatre.org/ken-burns-jackie-robinson or by calling the box office at (603) 532-8888. This event is part of the Park Theatre's Summer Baseball Movie Series and directly supports the theater's ongoing operations as New England's unique showplace for live performances and films.
"The Park Theatre is thrilled to bring this important story and these distinguished filmmakers to our community," said Steve Jackson, CEO of The Park Theatre. "This special screening not only celebrates Jackie Robinson's legacy but also helps sustain vital arts right here in Jaffrey. We deeply thank Ken and everyone at Florentine films for making this happen."
The Park Theatre, New England's unique showplace for live performance and film, is located at 19 Main Street in Jaffrey, NH, just 90 minutes from Boston and 60 minutes from Worcester. The theatre is fully accessible.
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
Honky Tonk July 24 at Nova Arts!
Nova Arts is pleased to announce an upcoming evening of live music featuring The Rear Defrosters.
On Friday, July 24, join us for a night dedicated to the gems of 1970s country and western music. Whether you are looking for a night of two-stepping or just want to hear the best honkytonk band around, this performance promises an authentic and energetic experience.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Nova Arts is an all-ages venue located at 48 Emerald Street, Keene, NH. Seating is first come, first served. Access For All / Pay What You Can tickets are available thanks to support from Savings Bank of Walpole, but we encourage you to pay full price if you are able.
For more information about Nova Arts, upcoming events, and the "Access for All" initiative, please visit www.novaarts.org/events.
Indie Rock Saturday, August 1 at Nova Arts!
Nova Arts is pleased to announce an upcoming evening of live music featuring TIFFY, All Feels, and Afterthought.
On Saturday, August 1, join us for a night of fuzzy and melancholic indie rock from Boston and western Massachusetts, with some local young punks in the mix as well. Both TIFFY and All Feels have been playing and releasing important entries in New England underground music for years. Join us in welcoming them both back, and also Afterthought for their first full set at Nova!
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Nova Arts is an all-ages venue located at 48 Emerald Street, Keene, NH. Seating is first come, first served. Access For All / Pay What You Can tickets are available thanks to support from Savings Bank of Walpole, but we encourage you to pay full price if you are able. For tickets and more information, visit www.novaarts.org/events.
Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald Street, Keene, NH.
Theatre At The Mount Improving Accessibility for Audience Members
Theatre at the Mount is committed to expanding accessibility for all audience members. We are beginning a survey of Deaf and hard-of-hearing theatre patrons to better understand their experiences, needs, and the accommodations that support them best.
If you or someone you know are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or who use hearing-related accommodations at performances, please take/share this brief survey. Your feedback will directly shape future accessibility improvements at TAM.
Thank you for helping us make Theatre at the Mount more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Click the link below to take the survey.
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=tzz8xkSoXUKurzXZOnIIhn8HhA6a7pJJgcfUwDI03ERUN0lHTkNKWEpJSTY5SEVKM0RRNzI0VDFVTC4u&origin=lprLink)&route=shorturl
We're piloting a brand-new captioning system at the performance of Footloose at Theatre at the Mount on Saturday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m., and have a limited number of complimentary tickets available for deaf or hard-of-hearing audience members who'd like to join us and share feedback after the show.
If captioning would support your theatre experience, we'd love to have you with us.
Email the Box Office to reserve your comp ticket: box-office@mwcc.mass.edu .
Regional News
Financial Focus®
Debunking five common Social Security myths
Social Security is often one of the most important income sources in retirement. Yet widespread myths about how it works can lead to confusion, unnecessary worry and poor planning decisions. Here's the truth behind five of the most common misconceptions.
Myth 1: Social Security is going broke. You've probably heard this one, but the full picture is more nuanced. According to the 2026 Social Security Board of Trustees Report, if Congress does nothing, the program would need to reduce benefits starting in 2032, paying roughly 78 cents for every dollar owed.
But that's just one scenario. Congress could raise the combined payroll tax from 12.4% to 16.65%, which the trustees estimate would secure full benefits through 2100. Other options include eliminating the earnings cap subject to payroll tax or adjusting retirement ages. Lawmakers have tools to address this.
Myth 2: Social Security will cover all your retirement needs. Think of Social Security as a financial foundation, not the full building. According to the Social Security Administration, benefits replace only about 40% of pre-retirement income for a median earner. That means you'll likely need to account for most of your retirement income yourself. Building a strong personal savings strategy now can help close that gap.
Myth 3: You lose benefits permanently if you keep working. Not true. Social Security does have an "earnings test" that can temporarily reduce benefits for people who claim early and keep working. If your earnings exceed a set annual cap--which changes each year--Social Security will withhold a portion of your benefits. But once you reach full retirement age, the Social Security Administration adjusts your monthly check higher to repay those withheld amounts over time.
Myth 4: An ex-spouse's benefits come out of your own. If you were married for at least 10 years and are currently unmarried, your former spouse may be eligible to collect on your earnings record, or you may be able to collect on theirs. Divorced spouse benefits can be up to 50% of the other person's full retirement benefit. But those payments don't affect yours. Your monthly benefit is not reduced by anything paid to an ex-spouse or even a current spouse.
Myth 5: Social Security benefits are no longer taxed. Recent legislation caused some confusion here. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. If your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, you'll still owe taxes on a portion of your benefits.
The law also created a temporary deduction (available through 2028) for people 65 and older. Eligible taxpayers can deduct $6,000 per qualifying filer if their modified adjusted gross income is $75,000 or less for singles or $150,000 for couples. The deduction phases out at $175,000 for singles and $250,000 for joint filers.
The more you understand Social Security, the more control you have over your retirement outcome. Grounding your decisions in facts rather than assumptions can make a meaningful difference in your long-term financial security.
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
Enjoy the Flavor of Homegrown Herbs Year-Round
Sage is a versatile herb, enhancing flavors in both savory and sweet recipes.
Photo courtesy of www.MelindaMyers.com
Add homegrown flavor to any meal with garden fresh herbs that will elevate any dish. Continue enjoying them well past the end of the season by preserving favorites to use in winter meals.
Snip a few leaves or leaf-covered stems as needed for cooking or garnishing a favorite dish throughout the growing season. Adjust the quantity of herbs used to allow for variations in flavor intensity and preference. In general, two to three times more fresh herbs are needed than dried, except for Rosemary which has an equally strong flavor, fresh or dried. For example, if the recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried thyme use one Tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of fresh thyme leaves.
Harvest before plants begin flowering to encourage more tender growth. The concentration of flavor will be greatest when the plant has formed buds, but before they open. Don't discard the flowers if you wait too long. Enjoy the beauty and added flavor of basil, lavender, lovage, monarda, oregano, Rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram and thyme blossoms.
Use a pair of garden scissors, snips or bypass pruners for harvesting. Make the cuts above a set of healthy leaves. The wound will close faster, and the remaining plant will look better. Rinse off the clippings and remove tough stems and bad leaves.
Store extra unwashed leafy herbs in a vase of water and loosely cover with a plastic bag. Keep basil on the kitchen counter and cold-tolerant herbs, like parsley and cilantro, in the refrigerator. Wrap thicker-leafed herbs, like sage and thyme, in a paper towel set inside a plastic bag and place in a warmer section of the fridge.
Keep harvesting throughout the growing season to encourage new growth for future harvests. Just leave enough foliage to maintain plant growth. Harvest as much as 50 to 75% from established annual herbs and one third of perennial herbs at a time.
Freeze sprigs, whole leaves or chopped clean herbs on a cookie sheet. Or pack clean diced herbs in ice cube trays and fill the empty spaces with water. These are great for use in soups and stews. Store the frozen herbs and ice cubes in an airtight container or baggie in the freezer.
Or dry herbs by bundling several stems together, secure them with a rubber band and use a spring-type clothespin to hang them in a warm, dry place to dry out. A drying rack can be made from an old embroidery hoop, string, and S hooks.
Get creative and use some herbs to make a fragrant edible wreath. Use fresh herbs that are flexible and easier to shape into a wreath. They will dry in place and can be harvested as needed.
Speed up the drying process in the microwave. Place herbs on a paper plate and cover it with a paper towel. Start with one to two minutes on high. Repeat for 30 seconds as needed until the herbs are brittle. Store dried herbs in an airtight plastic or glass jar.
Share extra fresh and dried herbs with family and friends. They make great hostess and holiday gifts.
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.