News

The nonprofit Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, recently released its 2024 Annual Impact Report. The report details dramatic increases in demand and ridership across both their fixed route and demand response services in FY24. In addition, COAST’s direct, indirect, and induced effects on spending, as well as the economic impact of access […]

The Rochester Public Library Teen Room is hosting a variety of activities for teens aged 12-18 throughout the month of January. Highlights include: Winter Teen Book Challenge (starting January 1): Participants can win raffle prizes and receive a free book upon completing the challenge by May 5. Maker Mondays (January 6 and 13): Drop-in crafts […]

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM, the Rochester and Dover Elks hosted their Annual Lodge Hoop Shoot Contest at the Rochester Recreation Gym. Rhoda Rivera, Esteemed Loyal Knight of the Rochester Elks, served as the event chairperson for Rochester Lodge #1393. District Chairs Scott Welch and Jim Clark, both members of the Rochester […]

Participants in Easterseals NH’s Adult Day Program in Rochester, NH, recently enjoyed a unique opportunity to explore traditional African-style drumming with Randy Armstrong, a renowned performer specializing in traditional instruments from around the world. Armstrong is leading a six-week class, running from November 12 through December 17, to share the mental and physical wellness benefits […]

First Church Congregational, UCC, Rochester, has announced the unexpected passing of Linda Maynard, who served as the church’s secretary for over 40 years. Maynard passed away on Sunday following a sudden illness. Linda Maynard was a pillar of the church community, providing steadfast leadership and support, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. A […]

The Rochester Historical Society (RHS) invites the community to its annual Christmas Tea on December 12th, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event will feature tea, coffee, and light refreshments, along with a chance to meet RHS Board members, explore exhibits, and connect with others in the community. Attendees are encouraged to share […]

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, 16 members of the Rochester Elks volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army at the Rochester Ridge Outlets. This marks over 37 years of the Rochester Elks supporting the Salvation Army at various locations in the Lilac City. The Rochester Elks are dedicated to community projects that benefit those […]

The City of Rochester invites eligible organizations to submit proposals under RFP 25-16 for innovative opioid abatement strategies. With over $300,000 in opioid settlement funds available, the city seeks impactful projects to combat the opioid crisis and improve community health outcomes. This funding stems from a class-action settlement against opioid manufacturers, aimed at addressing the […]

Rochester Main Street is pleased to announce the return of Festival of Trees at Studley’s Flower Gardens on Friday, December 6 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 7 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Enjoy caroling, refreshments, and a visit from Santa while admiring beautifully decorated trees donated by local businesses, often filled […]

The Rochester Elks conducted their annual memorial service on Sunday, December 1st, 2024 at 7pm in the Lodge Hall on Columbus Avenue. This service is performed by the Elks Officers and is a tribute to those members who have passed away in the last year. This year, the Rochester Elks had 21 members who passed […]

Rochester Recreation & Arena invites families and skating enthusiasts to experience the festive spirit at this year’s Holiday Public Skate on Saturday, December 21. To ensure the availability of skate rentals, the event will be divided into two sessions: the first from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and the second from 12:15 pm to 1:30 […]

The Rochester Rotary Club recently spread holiday cheer by creating and delivering approximately 215 “Santa Sacks” for seniors living in public housing. Each Santa Sack included household and personal care items such as toiletries, soaps, laundry pods, tissues, and a fleece blanket, packed into a reusable shopping bag. Rotarians also added a personalized card and […]

Get a chance to win extra cash, just in time for your holiday shopping this year! The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s First Annual “Christmas Cash Dash 50/50” Holiday Raffle, underwritten by Meredith Village Savings Bank, is underway, and the jackpot is growing. Tickets are available for just $25 each, and each ticket gives you […]

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to kick off the season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The ceremony will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Square in downtown Rochester. This event, underwritten by Lighthouse Credit Union, will feature the lighting of Rochester’s tree to […]

The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 N. Main Street in Rochester, will host an exhibit during the month of December featuring the work of New England artist Trie Michaud.  An opening reception will be held on Friday, December 6 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  The public is invited to come and view […]

Three area nonprofits are collaborating to host the second annual Thanksgiving distribution event, which raised nearly $20,000 and benefited over 1,000 local families last year. Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, SHARE Fund, and Grace Community Church are seeking public support to ensure a memorable holiday for recipients. Local bank and community partner MVSB (Meredith […]

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that First Seacoast Bank will host a Holiday Business After Hours on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. First Seacoast Bank invites chamber members to join them for this festive holiday Business After Hours to enjoy holiday cheer while networking with fellow […]

During the City Council workshop on Tuesday, November 20, Director of Economic Development Michael Scala introduced Jeff Lefkovich, Executive Director of Real Estate Services and Housing Development for Catholic Charities New Hampshire. Lefkovich presented a proposal to develop affordable housing on the site of the former Public Works facility at 45 Old Dover Road. Catholic […]

The Rochester Public Library Teen Room invites teens aged 12-18 to enjoy a variety of events and activities throughout the month of December. Upcoming Events: Maker Mondays: Drop in every Monday from 2:30 to 4:00 pm for hands-on activities, with a special 3D pen session on the last Monday of the month. Elf Interactive Movie […]

The City of Rochester is pleased to announce that the parking lot at the former Ben Franklin property, located at 60 Wakefield Street, is open and available for public use. The lot features new night sky-compliant lighting and more than 100 parking spaces, including several spaces for motorcycles. In April, City Council voted to unseal […]

The Rochester Department of Public Works has selected the 2024 Christmas tree for the Downtown Holiday display. This year’s tree will be donated by the Williams family from 273 Chestnut Hill Road. Lynn Torr Williams shared that the property has been in the Torr family since the 1800s. In the 1960s, Mr. Franklin Torr sold […]

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking entries for this year’s “Holiday Parade of Lights” holiday parade being held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, beginning at 4:00pm, underwritten by First Seacoast Bank. Rochester’s parade features an array of floats from businesses, organizations, and youth organizations as well as high school marching bands, marching […]

In this episode of the Rochester NH History Podcast, take a tour of the Gonic Village Cemetery, located across the street from the Gonic Fire Station. Enclosed by a strong metal fence, this medium-sized cemetery has a history dating back to 1817, with some of the earliest burials in the area. The Rochester Historical Society […]

The First United Methodist Church of Rochester, NH, is excited to announce the return of its 9th Annual “A Hometown Christmas” musical celebration. This family-friendly event will be open to the public and will occur in the church sanctuary at 34 South Main Street. This year’s celebration will feature a special performance by the nationally […]

The Rochester Public Library is pleased to announce a “Holiday Bows 101” workshop on Tuesday, December 3, at 5:30 pm in the Community Room, on the second floor. Led by skilled bow maker Gwen Steele, the workshop teaches participants how to create beautiful, professional-looking bows for wreaths and holiday gifts. Participants are encouraged to register […]

The First United Methodist Church invites the community to its annual Holiday Fair, offering a day of festive shopping, dining, and holiday cheer, on Saturday, November 23 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The event features a variety of seasonal shopping opportunities, including Attic Treasures, Games & Toys, Books, Gifts & Crafts, and a dedicated […]

The Economic Development Department for the City of Rochester is celebrating the opening of several new businesses throughout the community and introducing a new initiative to streamline commercial development, strengthening and improving its reputation as a business-friendly community. Through new Pre-Certificate of Occupancy (Pre-CO) meetings, designed for larger projects requiring approval from multiple departments, city […]

The Rochester Public Library is pleased to exhibit the artwork of Suzanne Jolin, a lifelong New Hampshire resident and self-taught artist, on the main floor in November. Jolin’s passion for art began at a young age, evolving from copying coloring books to drawing anything that captured her attention. Starting with pencil, pen and ink, and […]

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is launching its 2024 Small Business Season, a community-wide initiative sponsored by Rochester Economic Development. This effort aims to highlight the importance of supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season. Beginning on November 1 and continuing through the end of the year, Small Business Season encourages residents to rediscover […]

The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts is pleased to announce “Weekend Wanderings: Explorations Not Too Far Off the Main Trail”, an art exhibition featuring works by Matt Gerding in the Bernier Room, at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center, starting November 4, 2024. Matt is a painter, educator, and Mayor from Somersworth, whose work […]

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Holiday Events Committee is pleased to announce a Holiday Collection to benefit Hope on Haven Hill. The Chamber is collecting donations to support those in need. Donations of the items listed below may be dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce, located at 18 South Main Street in Rochester, […]

Thank you to Veterans Rochester Recreation & Arena is honored to recognize the dedicated service and sacrifice of their coworkers and volunteers who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including: Recreation & Arena Staff Steve Hyzer, Sergeant, US Army, 1978-1981 Llew Millette, Chief Master Sergeant, US Army, 1964-1967 & NH Air National Guard, 1977-2004 […]

The Monarch School of New England is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 school year. The Board of Directors provides governance, oversight, and leadership, as the school fulfills its mission to support students with disabilities to reach their greatest potential. Jeanette Souther, Executive Director, expressed her gratitude for the Board members’ […]