ROCHESTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

News

Cornerstone VNA Hospice Nurses Earn CHPN Certification

Cornerstone VNA Hospice Nurses Earn CHPN Certification

Cornerstone VNA is proud to announce that four of its hospice nurses have recently achieved their Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) credential. Congratulations to Ingrid Dietrich, RN, CHPN; Karen Baldiga, RN, CHPN; Teresa Ferry, RN, OMS, CHPN, Hospice Quality & Education Coordinator; and Linda Dalessandri, RN, CHPN for successfully completing the rigorous CHPN examination. […]

PorchFest Returns to Rochester with 50+ Performances to Benefit Youth Arts Scholarships

PorchFest Returns to Rochester with 50+ Performances to Benefit Youth Arts Scholarships

The Rochester Opera House invites the community to PorchFest, a free outdoor music festival featuring more than 50 local bands, duos, and solo artists performing on over 20 stages throughout downtown Rochester on Sunday, September 28, 2025. According to organizers, the participating musicians are generously donating their time and talents to support the RPAC Scholarship […]

Rochester NH History Podcast: Remembering the Scenic Theater

Rochester NH History Podcast: Remembering the Scenic Theater

Before generic multiplexes became the norm, you could always spot a movie theater, even if it was your first time in town. A large illuminated sign announced the cinema’s name, and the marquee below listed the film that was playing. Even if the movie itself was a flop, the glowing sign out front often lured […]

Public Works: Hydrant Flushing to begin 9/14

Public Works: Hydrant Flushing to begin 9/14

The City of Rochester will be flushing fire hydrants beginning September 14, 2025, and will run through October 31, 2025. The majority of flushing will be scheduled from 11PM to 7AM and should be completed within 6 weeks. As a result of flushing, some slight discoloration may be noticed in your water.  If discoloration occurs […]

Rochester Resident Zoey Cormican to Begin Peace Corps Service in North Macedonia

Rochester Resident Zoey Cormican to Begin Peace Corps Service in North Macedonia

Zoey Cormican of Rochester, New Hampshire, has been accepted into the Peace Corps. She will depart for North Macedonia on September 20 to begin training as an English language co-teacher. Cormican is a graduate of Roger Williams University with bachelor’s degrees in legal studies and political science. “I have always been driven by a commitment […]

More Than Books: Rochester Library Expands with “Library of Things”

More Than Books: Rochester Library Expands with “Library of Things”

The Rochester Public Library is expanding its services with the all-new “Library of Things”, a collection that allows patrons to borrow more than just books, magazines, and movies. According to Library Director Marie Lejuene, the new collection is a “great way to try things out without having to buy them yourself.”  “Most of us have […]

Temporary Closure of Recreation Main Entrance at James W. Foley Memorial Community Center, Patrons Asked to Use Entrance A

Temporary Closure of Recreation Main Entrance at James W. Foley Memorial Community Center, Patrons Asked to Use Entrance A

The Rochester Recreation Department is notifying the public of a temporary entrance closure at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center. Entrance B (the Recreation Main Entrance) will be closed for concrete construction work from Thursday, September 11, through Sunday, September 21, with an anticipated reopening on Monday, September 22. While Community Way and the […]

The Franklin Gallery presents “Color Speaks” featuring works by Alisa Marie

The Franklin Gallery presents “Color Speaks” featuring works by Alisa Marie

Now through the end of September, the Franklin Gallery, 33 N. Main Street in Rochester, is proud to present Color Speaks, a solo exhibition by local artist Alisa Marie, on view September 4–30, 2025. The public is warmly invited to an opening reception on Thursday, September 11, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.  Light refreshments will […]

Local Artist Jackie Hanson Featured at Rochester Public Library in September

Local Artist Jackie Hanson Featured at Rochester Public Library in September

The Rochester Public Library will showcase the work of local artist Jackie Hanson throughout September. Raised in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Jackie grew up surrounded by art, creativity, and the natural beauty of New England—lakes, mountains, farms, and seaside day trips—all of which continue to inspire her work today. Using a variety of media, she […]

Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with Exclusive Discounts at Local Businesses

Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with Exclusive Discounts at Local Businesses

The Rochester Public Library is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month throughout September with the support of local businesses. This year’s theme, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” highlights how a library card can open doors for everyone, whether you’re exploring a new hobby, finding your next favorite book, learning tech skills, or helping your child succeed in […]

Rochester Historical Society to Host Special Presentation on Sports Hall of Fame History

Rochester Historical Society to Host Special Presentation on Sports Hall of Fame History

The Rochester Historical Society is pleased to announce a special program highlighting the history of Rochester’s Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The evening’s presentation will be led by Mr. Al Benton and Mr. Robert “Cider” Berry, two well-known community members with a deep connection to Rochester’s athletic heritage. […]

Rochester Public Library Teen Room Celebrates Success of 2025 Teen Summer Reading Program

Rochester Public Library Teen Room Celebrates Success of 2025 Teen Summer Reading Program

The Rochester Public Library’s Teen Room is pleased to announce the success of its 2025 Teen Summer Reading Program. This year’s program resulted in a total of 216,413 minutes of reading, with participation doubling compared to last year! “We have a great relationship with the Rochester School District and have a growing group of kids […]

Award-Winning Duo MeCa to Perform at Rochester’s 10th Annual “A Hometown Christmas”

Award-Winning Duo MeCa to Perform at Rochester’s 10th Annual “A Hometown Christmas”

First United Methodist Church (34 South Main St., Rochester, NH) will host its 10th Annual “A Hometown Christmas” musical celebration in the church sanctuary. This family-friendly evening, open to the public, will feature national award-winning duo and recording artists MeCa in a festive performance to welcome the holiday season. Proceeds will support a wide range […]

Granite State Fair Returns September 11–21, Bridge Street Closure May Impact Vehicular Traffic

Granite State Fair Returns September 11–21, Bridge Street Closure May Impact Vehicular Traffic

The Granite State Fair, originally established as the Rochester Fair, returns on Thursday, September 11 and runs until September 21, 2025. According to its website, the fair began as a community initiative to highlight agricultural and mechanical displays. Today, it upholds these traditional exhibits and competitions while expanding to include many modern attractions. “Visitors can […]

Save on Heating and Electric Costs: CAPSC to host Enrollment Sessions at Rochester Public Library

Save on Heating and Electric Costs: CAPSC to host Enrollment Sessions at Rochester Public Library

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) is offering Fuel and Electric Assistance to help households reduce heating and electricity costs. Eligible families can save up to 86% on electricity bills and receive discounted heating fuel rates during the winter months. Upcoming enrollment sessions include: Friday, September 5, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM […]

Governor appoints Rochester Economic Development Director Chair of New Hampshire Housing

Governor appoints Rochester Economic Development Director Chair of New Hampshire Housing

The City of Rochester is proud to announce that Governor Kelly Ayotte has appointed Director of Economic Development Michael Scala, CEcD, Chair of the Board of Directors for New Hampshire Housing. New Hampshire Housing is a self-supporting public corporation established by statute in 1981 that promotes, finances, and supports housing solutions for the people of […]

Rochester Prepares to Celebrate National Thank a Police Officer Day on September 20

Rochester Prepares to Celebrate National Thank a Police Officer Day on September 20

The volunteer-run Thank a Rochester Cop committee is once again preparing to celebrate National Thank a Police Officer Day on Friday, September 20, 2025. This annual effort invites residents, businesses, and organizations to show appreciation for the Rochester Police Department and the work officers do to keep the community safe. The committee’s mission is simple: […]

Vouchers for Veterans Returns to Farmers Markets This September 2025

Vouchers for Veterans Returns to Farmers Markets This September 2025

Rochester-based Vouchers for Veterans is proud to announce its return to local farmers markets and farm stands this September, honoring Veterans and active duty service members by providing $20 in vouchers each week to spend directly with local farmers and food producers. Throughout the month of September, Veterans and active duty service members living in […]

City of Rochester Updates Park Rules at Hanson Pines Basketball Court for Public Safety

City of Rochester Updates Park Rules at Hanson Pines Basketball Court for Public Safety

The Rochester Recreation Department, in coordination with the Rochester Police Department, announces updated park hours at the Hanson Pines Basketball Court and Playground to address recent incidents and public safety concerns. Effective immediately, the basketball court and playground at Hanson Pines will be closed daily from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. In addition, court lights […]

Local Author Mike Whaley to Discuss New Book at Rochester Public Library

Local Author Mike Whaley to Discuss New Book at Rochester Public Library

Longtime local sportswriter and sports editor Mike Whaley (Rochester Courier, Rochester Times, Foster’s Daily Democrat) will appear at the Rochester Public Library on Tuesday, October 7, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss and sign copies of his new book, Floor Burns: A Wild Journey Across the Forgotten Backroads of NAIA Basketball in New England. Whaley’s book […]

Rochester Fire Danger Downgraded to HIGH; Only Small Campfires Permitted

Rochester Fire Danger Downgraded to HIGH; Only Small Campfires Permitted

The Rochester Fire Department is announcing that as of August 19, 2025, the Fire Danger level has been downgraded from VERY HIGH to HIGH. ONLY contained campfires no greater than 2 feet in diameter are allowed today. These are considered Category 1 fires. Categories 2 and 3 are NOT permitted. DO NOT leave any fire […]

Monarch School of New England and Great Bay Services Launch “Connections that Count” Collaborative Initiative

Monarch School of New England and Great Bay Services Launch “Connections that Count” Collaborative Initiative

Individuals from Great Bay Services recently joined Monarch School of New England students for a hands-on garden project, exploring Monarch’s fully accessible therapeutic garden. Together, they created small container gardens planted with tomatoes, basil, and chives — all the key ingredients for pizza sauce — while blending sensory exploration, creativity, and fun. The visit reflected […]

Greater Rochester Chamber Announces Winners of 2025 Raffle Bash

Greater Rochester Chamber Announces Winners of 2025 Raffle Bash

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the results of this year’s Chamber Raffle! All 350 tickets for the raffle sold out prior to the event. Underwritten by Deepa Reddy DMD, PLLC, and D.F. Richard Energy, Barbie’s Dream Raffle was held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Rochester Elks. In addition […]

First United Methodist Church Seeks Community Support to Restore Historic Steeple and Clock

First United Methodist Church Seeks Community Support to Restore Historic Steeple and Clock

The First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Rochester is excited to announce a major steeple renovation project aimed at restoring its historic steeple and beloved city clock. This essential effort to preserve a more than 200-year-old legacy will be completed in phases, with an estimated total cost of $800,000. Since its founding in 1868, the […]

Rochester NH History Podcast: The Legacy of Dominicus Hanson

Rochester NH History Podcast: The Legacy of Dominicus Hanson

Dominicus Hanson was a wealthy and respected resident of Rochester, remembered as one of the city’s greatest benefactors. His most enduring gift to the community is the magnificent stretch of land along the Cocheco River known as Hanson Pines. This hidden gem, located near Spaulding High School, spans 30 acres of old-growth pine forest with […]

LILA Productions Announces 5th Annual Dance Festival in Rochester on 8/23

LILA Productions Announces 5th Annual Dance Festival in Rochester on 8/23

LILA Productions is proud to announce its 5th Annual LILA Dance Festival, taking place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Rochester Commons Park in Rochester, New Hampshire. This vibrant, free outdoor celebration of dance, artistry, and community brings together both local and international talent to engage audiences of all ages. LILA Productions, a nonprofit organization […]

Rochester NH History Podcast: Forgotten Businesses of Yesteryear

Rochester NH History Podcast: Forgotten Businesses of Yesteryear

Rochester has seen many businesses come and go over the years. Some were lost to events like the Great Depression, while others simply faded as the world moved on. After all, there’s not much demand for blacksmiths or horse stables these days. In this episode, we’ll take a nostalgic look back at the shops and […]