Arts and Recreation
Jaffrey's Park Theatre Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Day-Long "Tootsie" Marathon and Community Celebration
Award-Winning Performing Arts Center Marks Five Years Since Grand Reopening After Complete Rebuild
Photo courtesy of The Park TheatreJAFFREY, New Hampshire (July 27, 2026) Jaffrey's Park Theatre, the award-winning performing arts center that rose from the ground up and first opened its doors on August 5, 2021, will mark its fifth anniversary on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, with a full day of festivities centered on continuous free screenings of the classic 1982 comedy Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, and Bill Murray.
Screenings begin at 10 a.m. and continue nonstop into the evening. At 5 p.m., the theatre will host a community celebration featuring live music, balloons, brief remarks, and cake for up to 100 fans. Raffles offering gift certificates will round out the afternoon festivities.
"Five years ago we welcomed audiences back into a completely reimagined space built for both cinema and live performance," said Steve Jackson, CEO and Managing Director of The Park Theatre. "This anniversary is our way of thanking the community that has supported us from day one. Tootsie is pure fun, and we can't wait to share the day with everyone."
Jaffrey's Park Theatre houses three distinct performance spaces:
- Eppes Auditorium - A 330-seat main house featuring a 30-foot-wide proscenium stage and a 27-foot-wide cinema screen paired with a 17-speaker 7.1 ultra-surround sound system.
- The King Screening Room and Cabaret - An intimate 55-seat theater equipped with a 4K cinema system and comfortable upholstered swivel seats. Used for film and live performance including the monthly Open Mic nights.
- The Lounge - A versatile 30-seat performance and get-together space located just off the bar and the box office.
The fifth-anniversary celebration is free and open to the public; cake and festivities are limited to the first 100 guests. No tickets are required for the continuous Tootsie screenings.
About Jaffrey's Park Theatre
First built in 1922 as a silent movie and vaudeville theatre, it was rebuilt from the ground up and opened on August 5, 2021, Jaffrey's Park Theatre is an award-winning performing arts center dedicated to presenting the best in film, live performance, and community events in three flexible venues. It is known as "The unique showplace for live performance and film." The theater is located at 19 Main Street in Jaffrey, NH, just 90 minutes from Boston and 60 minutes from Worcester. The theatre is fully accessible.
If you have questions about the 5th Anniversary events, call the box office at (603) 532-8888.
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
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.
Casting Call for "White Christmas" at Theatre At The Mount
Step into a winter wonderland with White Christmas, the heartwarming stage musical brimming with nostalgia, romance, and dazzling holiday cheer. Based on the beloved film, this Broadway-style production features classic Irving Berlin songs like "Blue Skies," "Sisters," and the timeless title tune "White Christmas." Follow two showbiz buddies as they team up with a pair of talented sisters to save a Vermont inn--and discover love and laughter along the way. With stunning choreography, sweeping melodies, and a flurry of festive spirit, White Christmas is a sparkling celebration that's sure to warm hearts and lift spirits all season long.
Director - Rob Houle
Music Director - Joanne Landry
Choreographer - Dawn Ross
CAST REQUIREMENTS - large adult cast and ensemble (ages 16 and up); one young girl (age 8 - 13)
Auditions will be held at Mount Wachusett Community College, room A110 (formerly 182), Tuesday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. All auditions are by appointment only.
Please prepare a short vocal selection that best shows your abilities and range (bring sheet music if selection is not from the show). Wear appropriate footwear for dance audition. If you are a tapper, please bring tap shoes.
To schedule an audition appointment, call 978 630-9388 or email your request to box-office@mwcc.mass.edu
Performance Dates: November 27, 28 and December 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m.; November 29 and December 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Special Sensory-Friendly Performance - December 5 @ 2:00 p.m.
Tentative Rehearsal Schedule: Sundays from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.; beginning September 13
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Bob Wallace - A major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. Despite occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for true love. Baritone.
Phil Davis - The fun-loving song-and-dance partner of the team Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown, operator, and incorrigible ladies' man who has a boyish charm and sex appeal. Strong ballroom, jazz and tap-dancing needed. Baritone-tenor.
Betty Haynes - Sensible, responsible half of the Haynes sisters act. Classic elegance of quiet beauty and charm with a rich chest mix and soprano extension. Must move well.
Judy Haynes - Younger, more ambitious and slightly scheming other sister. Wholesome and adorable, sexy and flirty. Strong jazz and tap dancer. Strong singer with a chest mix.
General Henry Waverly - Retired Army general with a curmudgeonly military exterior, adjusting to retired life in post WW II America. Precise and orderly, a man of integrity.
Martha Watson - Once a Broadway star, now the General's housekeeper. Very dry wit and frank with a wisecracking sense of humor. Strong singer and mover, Broadway belter.
Susan Waverly - (young girl 9 to 12 to play 9 years old) - The General's granddaughter. Lovable and outgoing. Excellent belt voice, must move very well.
Ralph Sheldrake - Jokester Army buddy of Bob and Phil's, now a major television executive. Fast talking, loud, brash New York professional with a good head on his shoulders.
Rita and Rhoda - Bob and Phil's two star chorus showgirls. Brash, sexy and fun.
Ezekiel Foster - Practical, the ultimate laid back New Englander. A man of few words.
Mike - Bob and Phil's Stage Manager. Can be overly dramatic and often hysterical, but gets the job done.
Tessie - Young Character woman to play Bob and Phil's secretary. Mezzo-soprano, belter.
Male and Female Ensemble - to play assorted speaking roles as well as being a strong singing ensemble. Strong in Ballroom, Jazz and Tap. Dance style is 1950's Hollywood movie musical style.
For more information contact Professor Gail Steele at 978 630-9162 or at g_steele@mwcc.mass.edu
Regional News
Low-Cost Community Pet Vaccine Clinics Coming to Athol and Winchendon on August 22
ATHOL/WINCHENDON, Mass. (July 30, 2026) - Pet owners in Athol, Winchendon, and surrounding communities will have two opportunities to access affordable preventive care when Second Chance Animal Services hosts Community Vaccine Clinics in both communities on Saturday, August 22.
The Athol clinic, originally scheduled for July, has been rescheduled and will now be held from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the back parking lot of Athol Public Library, 568 Main Street. A second clinic will take place the same day from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 637 River Street in Winchendon.
Both clinics will offer free distemper/parvo vaccines, $5 rabies vaccines, $19 leptospirosis vaccines, and microchips for $22, making it easy and affordable for pet owners to protect their pets.
Many families face barriers to accessing veterinary care, leaving pets vulnerable to diseases that can be prevented with routine vaccinations. By bringing these services directly into the community, Second Chance helps more pets receive the care they need to stay healthy.
Distemper and parvovirus are highly contagious diseases that can be deadly, particularly for puppies, kittens, and unvaccinated pets. Vaccinating pets not only protects them from serious illness but also helps reduce the spread of disease throughout the community.
Microchipping is another simple step that can make a lasting difference. A permanent form of identification, a microchip greatly increases the chances that a lost pet will be reunited with the family waiting for them at home.
"Second Chance operates four veterinary hospitals that provide affordable care, including subsidized pricing for those who qualify, but we know many pet owners still face barriers to getting that care," said Lindsay Doray, Chief Veterinary Officer at Second Chance Animal Services. "Our community vaccine clinics bring life-saving vaccines directly into local neighborhoods to protect pets from diseases like parvo and distemper, along with low-cost microchips that help lost pets find their way back home."
The clinics are open to all pet owners, regardless of where they live. Advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Walk-ins will be permitted as time allows.
Pet owners can register online at https://www.secondchanceanimals.org/scasconnect-north-brookfield/.
These Community Vaccine Clinics are made possible in part by Petco Love, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, and the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation.
For more information about Second Chance Animal Services and its affordable veterinary programs, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org.
Local Residents to Participate in 2026 Pan-Mass Challenge to Support Cancer Research
NEEDHAM, MA (07/23/2026)-- This August 1 and 2, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) will bring together more than 6,000 cyclists and 4,000 volunteers on August 1-2 to raise money for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Participants from local communities will be among those helping support the PMC's mission to fund lifesaving cancer research and treatment.
Local Participants Include:
Chris Peahl of Rindge (https://profile.pmc.org/CP0194)
Jillian Davis of Winchendon (https://profile.pmc.org/JD0410)
Phil Brady of Winchendon (https://profile.pmc.org/PB0319)
Gretheline Bolandrina of Athol (https://profile.pmc.org/GB0139)
Jessica Pietroniro of Athol (https://profile.pmc.org/JB0865)
Andrew Laughlin of Philipston (https://profile.pmc.org/AL0360)
The PMC, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraiser in the world, is aiming to raise more than ever this year, with a fundraising goal of $79 million.
This year's PMC comes at an especially critical time, with federal research support shrinking, grant approval rates reaching historic lows, and cancer cases continuing to rise. For the 20th consecutive year, 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar will go directly to Dana-Farber, one of the nation's top three hospitals for cancer research and care.
"The theme for this year's PMC, which is 'now, more than ever,' underscores the paramount importance of every single dollar raised in fueling the search for a cure," said Billy Starr, founder and chairman of the PMC. "We are endlessly grateful to every rider, volunteer, donor, and sponsor who makes the PMC possible. Because of their training miles, long hours of volunteering, generous support, and unwavering commitment, we are moving ever closer to a world without cancer."
Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber, making it the organization's largest single contributor and accounting for 67 percent of the annual revenue of The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber's community-driven fundraising arm. This unrestricted annual funding has empowered and accelerated advancements in cancer research, deeply benefitting patients across the world.
During each annual PMC weekend, thousands of cyclists and volunteers come together from across the world, hailing from 47 US states and 12 countries, with a shared purpose of raising as much money as possible for Dana-Farber. Cyclists ride routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles. Included among these participants is the PMC Living Proof community, riders and volunteers who were previously treated or are currently undergoing cancer treatment and serve as Living Proof of the progress made through raising funds for cancer research and treatment.
There is still time to participate in this year's Pan-Mass Challenge. Folks interested in getting involved can learn more and register at PMC.org.
Gardening
Caring for Established Trees in Hot Dry Weather
The Kentucky Coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a large, deciduous tree native to North America.
Photo courtesy of www.MelindaMyers.com
Trees form the framework in our landscapes, providing shade, cleaning our air of dust and pollutants, absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, protecting our soil and helping to manage storm water. Once established, they are often overlooked when hot dry weather has us dragging hoses to water flower and vegetable gardens to keep them alive.
Make ongoing care of trees part of your gardening routine, especially during extremely hot dry weather. Proper care will help keep your trees healthy and reduce the risk of insect pests and diseases that often attack drought-stressed trees for the following years.
Let the weather, soil type, and type of tree determine the watering schedule. High temperatures and fast draining soils dry out quickly and trees will need more frequent watering. Cooler temperatures and slow or poorly drained soils stay moist longer. Established trees with larger root systems and drought tolerant trees need less frequent watering than moisture lovers and new plantings.
Check the soil moisture and water established trees when the top few inches of soil are dry. Always water thoroughly, moistening the top 12 inches of soil under the canopy of deciduous trees. Do the same for evergreens, extending the area three to five feet beyond the dripline.
To do this, apply 10 gallons of water for every inch diameter of trunk measured at 4.5 feet above the soil surface. For example, a 4-inch diameter tree should receive about 40 gallons of water.
Apply the water directly to the soil surface using a soaker hose. Set the soaker hose in wide circles under the tree, starting several feet away from the trunk with the loops several feet apart. Or make your own drip irrigation system with 5-gallon buckets. Drill several holes in the bottom of the buckets, set around the tree, fill with water and let gravity do the rest.
Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of wood chips or other organic mulch over the soil surface. Pull the mulch away from the trunk of the tree to prevent rotting and disease. You'll help keep the soil and roots cool and moist, suppress weeds and improve the soil as the mulch decomposes.
Create as large a mulch or planting bed around your trees as you can tolerate. You'll help eliminate competition from the grass and damage caused by weed whips and mowers that get a little too close. You'll also save time by eliminating the need to hand trim around individual plants.
If large beds of mulch do not fit your landscape design, create a beautiful garden in the shade of your trees. Shade tolerant groundcovers, perennials and shrubs can dress up the space with additional texture and color. Be careful when planting under mature trees. Do not cover the roots with soil as this can result in the decline and even death of your tree in coming years. Avoid deep tilling that can damage the surface roots and fine feeder roots used to absorb water and nutrients. Instead, dig relatively small holes to accommodate the plant, mulch and spot water new plantings. It may take a bit longer for them to fill in, but your tree will be healthier and longer lived.
Your investment of time and care with be rewarded with years of beauty and the many benefits mature trees provide.
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.