News

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’ […]

This episode explores a lesser-known and somber chapter of Rochester’s history: the presence of slavery during the 1700s. Although slavery did not thrive in New Hampshire, it was nonetheless accepted, and even beloved individuals such as Parson Main held enslaved people. The Rochester Historical Society and Museum is located on Hanson Street. Visit www.rochesternh.gov/history for hours of […]

Lighthouse Credit Union (formally Northeast Credit Union) will host the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s next Business After Hours on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Lighthouse Credit Union invites chamber members to join them for this Business After Hours at their Rochester facility, located at 694 Columbus Ave in Rochester, […]

The Franklin Gallery, located at 33 North Main Street in Rochester, will host an exhibit throughout November titled The Beauty of Nature, featuring work by New Hampshire North Country artist Sarah Eastman. From her earliest memories, award-winning artist Sarah Eastman has loved all things visual. Her first art teacher taught her to carefully observe each […]

To recognize National Family Caregiver Month, the Rochester Public Library, in collaboration with Cornerstone VNA, is pleased to present a Caregiver Café Pop-Up. The event will take place in the Community Room on Thursday, November 7, from 1-3 pm. Family caregivers are encouraged to attend for support, education, and conversation. To rsvp, call (603) 332-1428 […]

The Rochester School District is thrilled to announce that four talented students have won the New Hampshire Department of Education’s state-wide art competition. Junior Addison Delano, sophomore Cassilly Gould, sophomore Arianna Malaquias, and junior Shannon Connolly were awarded top honors for their creative design, which will be transformed into a mural at the New Hampshire […]

The Rochester Public Library is pleased to announce a free Mediumship Gallery Event on Saturday, November 23 at 2:00 pm in the Community Room. Join psychic medium Carolyn Rose at the Rochester Public Library for an insightful journey into mediumship. This event includes a brief introduction to mediumship, followed by an audience-style reading, offering attendees a […]

The Children’s Room at the Rochester Public Library, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works (DPW), invites children and families to ‘Touch-a-Truck’ on November 6 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at 209 Chestnut Hill Road. Families are invited to an event where they can get up close to various vehicles and sit in […]

The Rochester Historical Society invites the community to attend an engaging presentation on French immigration to Manchester, New Hampshire, on Thursday, November 14, at 6:00 pm. Robert Perreault will present a look at the history and cultural impact of French immigrants in Manchester. Sponsored by the Rochester Historical Society in partnership with New Hampshire Humanities, […]

Are you working from home or caring for a loved one and feeling overwhelmed by the clutter around you? Now is the perfect time to tackle that excess “stuff” with practical tips to help clear your space and ease your mind. The Rochester Public Library, in collaboration with AARP NH, is pleased to present a […]

Eastcoast Evolution Leadership invites the Tri-City community of Dover, Rochester, and Somersworth to attend a public meeting on Wednesday, November 6, at 6:00 p.m. at the Somersworth High School Career Technical Center, 18 Cemetery Road, Somersworth, NH. The meeting aims to introduce Eastcoast Evolution Leadership as the new operations team for the Willand Road Warming […]

The Rochester Mental Health Alliance is pleased to announce the availability of free suicide prevention training sessions through NAMI NH Connect and Connor’s Climb Foundation. These trainings, open to anyone 18 years or older from Rochester and surrounding communities, aim to equip participants with the skills to recognize signs of suicidal ideation and intervene to […]

On Tuesday, October 29, during a special City Council meeting, Mayor Paul Callaghan began with a moment of silence to remember longtime City Councilor Ralph W. Torr, who passed away on October 27, 2024, after a brief illness. Born on August 8, 1931, in Rochester, he was raised on his family homestead by his parents, […]

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 3:00 PM, Exalted Ruler Mark Guilmett and his officers of the Rochester Elks Lodge #1393 initiated 33 new members into the Order, bringing the Rochester membership to over 1,000. The ceremony also marked the District Deputy Visitation of Matthew Sanborn, a Past Exalted Ruler of the Rochester Elks and […]

The Historic District Commission for the City of Rochester is pleased to announce a ride-along van tour of downtown Rochester, highlighting significant historical buildings and sites recently featured as part of a walking tour that included several interactive sign markers. The tour, led by HDC member Martha Wingate, is designed as a companion to the […]

Cinco’s Cantina, a family-owned Mexican restaurant with locations in Rochester, Dover, and Epping, has demonstrated its commitment to community growth by donating $1,000 to the Rochester Main Street Program. This contribution will directly support initiatives aimed at enhancing downtown development, preserving local heritage, and boosting small businesses in the area. The funds were raised from […]

Citywide Trick-or-Treat will take place on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, rain or shine. For the safety of everyone, we encourage parents and guardians to accompany children door to door. Motorists are advised to slow down and use extreme caution.

City Manager Katie Ambrose is pleased to announce that starting at 10:00 am on Friday, October 25, the City of Rochester will open the parking lot at the former Ben Franklin building, located at 60 Wakefield Street, to accommodate Halloween festivities organized by Rochester Main Street. The refurbished lot, which includes night sky-compliant lighting and […]

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America’s more than 34 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, announced $20 million in State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants have been awarded to 43 state and territory international trade agencies to provide financial support to small businesses […]

The Rochester Public Library’s Children’s Room recently worked with Easterseals Rochester to bring together older community members and some of the library’s youngest patrons. Children’s Librarian Christina Pauquette led a Story Time session that included movement activities, followed by snacks and time for participants to socialize. Paquette reports that approximately 20 senior clients warmly welcomed […]

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to light up the season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Square in downtown Rochester. Generously underwritten by Lighthouse Credit Union, this festive event will mark the first […]

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its annual Holiday Parade, with this year’s theme, “Holiday Parade of Lights.” Generously underwritten by First Seacoast Bank, the parade will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, starting at 4:00 p.m. This beloved community event will feature a vibrant mix of floats, high school […]