News

PorchFest Portsmouth returns Sept. 20 with expanded lineup and community spirit

PORTSMOUTH – The second annual Portsmouth PorchFest will take place this year on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m.- to 5 p.m. in the residential neighborhoods of downtown Portsmouth, according to a group of grassroots advocates.   PorchFest is a local, outdoor music festival that hosts bands in unconventional performance spaces such as porches, back yards and driveways. This free public event is designed to strengthen the Portsmouth community, build connections between neighbors, and provide exposure for

The Key Collective celebrates 40 program partners

EXETER — The KEY Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to sports and other out-of-school activities for Seacoast-area youth, is proud to announce it has reached a new milestone: 40 Program Partners.   Through its flagship #areuin? card program, The KEY Collective connects K–12 students from low-income families with a myriad of organizations that offer scholarships and discounts to sports, art programs, summer camps, and more - always without any red tape or social stigma attached.   The

Grown-up Fun at Children's Museum of NH

DOVER--Local artist and Illustrator Sean Bixby, whose art is featured in the Children's Museum of NH's current Gallery 6 art exhibition "Curious Creatures," is offering a grown-up only Art Workshop at the museum on Saturday, July 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m.   "Curious Creatures" explores art featuring critters of all kinds doing things they wouldn't normally do, so Sean's workshop highlights this theme. "Designing Animal Characters" is a fast-paced 2-hour art workshop in which adults will learn how to design

Community Power Coalition of NH announces increase in Portsmouth Community Power Rates, effective Aug. 1, 2025

 PORTSMOUTH– The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has advised its member municipalities, including Portsmouth Community Power, that the electricity supply rates for the rate period Aug. 1, 2025 through Jan. 31, 2026 will increase, as are all electric rates from utilities across the state. Eversource, the default utility in Portsmouth, has announced an increase to 11.196 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The new CPCNH Granite Basic default rate for residential and small commercial customers

Freedom to Be: Ann Trainor Domingue’s Summer exhibit opens July 11 at Kennedy Gallery

  Freedom to Be Ann Trainor Domingue   Please join us on Friday, July 11 for  an opening reception for Ann Trainor Domingue from 5 to 8pm.   Please browse through Ann Trainor Domingue's "Freedom to Be" exhibit catalog. Ann's original paintings will be available to view at the Kennedy Gallery July 4 - July 26. To see more of her works, please visit our website. If you would like to purchase any of Ann's paintings, click the image to send an inquiry, send us a general email, or give us a call at (603)

Taste the Past: A Historic Tasting Tour at Portsmouth’s Iconic Library Restaurant

PORTSMOUTH—Introducing a Memorable Portsmouth Tasting Experience that is surrounded by history and architectural treasures. For 90 minutes immerse yourself in the story of the Library Restaurant, 401 State St.,  Portsmouth, which is a landmark that has stood since 1785. One bite at a time.Guided by the charismatic duo, Cassandra and Andrew, you’ll uncover layers of history woven into the walls of this Portsmouth gem. Savor curated wines from their collection, perfectly paired with gourmet bites from their

Strawbery Banke Museum’s Vintage & Vine Wine Festival (Sept. 4) tickets now on sale

PORTSMOUTH - Strawbery Banke Museum is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for the 37th annual Vintage & Vine: A Wine Festival in Historic Style, taking place on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, on the Museum’s grounds. Proceeds from this signature fundraising event support the Museum’s preservation and education initiatives. Tickets are available at StrawberyBanke.org/vintage-vine. This year’s festival showcases a curated selection of fine wines and gourmet bites from wineries, chefs, caterers, and

Newly Restored – the Yellow Chamber at the Moffatt-Ladd House in Portsmouth, NH

The Moffatt-Ladd House, 154 Market St., Portsmouth, is a National Historic Landmark open to the public as a museum since 1912.    PORTSMOUTH—Consider yourself family or intimate friend when you enter the Yellow Chamber of Sarah Catherine Mason Moffatt. This space would have been reserved for those closest to her heart. Here, quiet conversation and pleasant refreshments were shared. Here, some of life’s most private events occurred – births, deaths and familial care. Today, the exquisite taste of

The Seacoast Comes Together For One Unforgettable Night -- street.life! 2025!

City of Portsmouth NH DPW Hosts Vaughan Mall Project Design Public Meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025

PORTSMOUTH – The City of Portsmouth NH will start urgent work in Vaughan Mall to replace the heavily deteriorated sewer and water lines. While the Mall is under construction, the City will also be upsizing the stormwater system to accommodate the additional flows that will be generated during future phases of the Fleet Street Reconstruction Project.Construction on Vaughan Mall is scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, and will continue through early December. To ensure accessibility during the winter

Give Your Employees the Benefit of Financial Empowerment

PORTSMOUTH — Becoming a Select Employer Group (SEG) with Service Credit Union enhances your employee benefit offerings by providing financial empowerment, education, loan discounts,* higher yields on savings, and more. Are you an employee of a Select Employer Group with Service CU? Click here to learn more. DISCLAIMER: Shared on behalf of a member. This content was not created by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. Here's how to share your member news.

St. Mary’s Bank Awards Scholarships to Support Future Leaders

MANCHESTER – St. Mary’s Bank is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 – 2026 academic year scholarship program. This year, 15 outstanding students, each members, were awarded a total of $22,500 in recognition of their academic achievements, community involvement, and dedication to personal growth.  The scholarship program, which has been a cornerstone of St. Mary’s Bank’s community outreach efforts, aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education for its members remarks. “By investing

Devine Millimet Welcomes New Of Counsel Attorney K. Garth Corriveau

MANCHESTER – Devine Millimet welcomes our newest Of Counsel attorney, K. Garth Corriveau.Garth attained his Juris Doctor from University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law and comes to us with 20 years of experience.Garth’s legal practice focuses on serving the needs of businesses in corporate law and real estate - including the purchase, financing, sale, leasing, and development of commercial and residential properties. He has collaborated with stakeholders to advance several housing

Devine Millimet Welcomes New Of Counsel Attorney Kyle Robidas

MANCHESTER – Devine Millimet welcomes our newest Of Counsel attorney, Kyle Robidas, to the firm's Manchester office.Kyle attained his Juris Doctor from University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law and comes to us with over a decade of litigation experience.Prior to joining Devine Millimet, Kyle spent 12 years with the New Hampshire Public Defender, serving in a variety of roles with the most recent role being Director of Professional Development.Kyle will use his professional expertise to

Prescott Park Arts Festival's signature summer musical Disney's Freaky Friday on stage through Aug. 10

  DISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAYPresented by Service Credit Union Running most Thursdays - Sundays through Aug. 10  PORTSMOUTH — Prescott Park Arts Festival's summer musical, Disney’s Freaky Friday, presented by Service Credit Union. This high-energy, heartwarming production will light up the stage in Prescott Park most Thursdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. through Aug. 10, with select matinee and American Sign Language (ASL)-supported performances available. In keeping with the Arts Festival’s mission

City of Portsmouth NH announces Carl Weber as deputy city manager

PORTSMOUTH – With the planned transition of Deputy City Manager and Regulatory Counsel Suzanne Woodland at the end of the current fiscal year, City Manager Karen S. Conard is pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Weber as the City’s next Deputy City Manager, effective June 30, 2025.Weber brings a wealth of experience in public service, innovation, and organizational leadership to the role. As deputy city manager, he will serve as a key strategist in shaping the future of municipal service delivery in

City of Portsmouth NH Plans Independence Day Fireworks for Thursday, July 3, 2025

PORTSMOUTH – The City of Portsmouth presents the annual fireworks display on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at South Mill Pond with a rain date of Saturday, July 5. This celebration is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event. The City has not allocated funds for fireworks in next year’s budget. Unless a private donor steps forward to sponsor the event, this year’s celebration will mark the final Independence Day fireworks display.The celebration starts at 7 p.m. at Leary Field with the Music and Game Zone which

The Gallery at Jimmy's Presents The Alchemy of a Life: Selected Works by Thorpe Feidt

  PORTSMOUTH -- This summer, The Gallery at Jimmy's invites guests to experience The Alchemy of a Life, a powerful and intimate retrospective of painter Thorpe Feidt (1940–2024). The exhibition opens with a public reception on Wednesday, July 3 at 6 p.m., featuring a live performance by The Alchemy 5, an interpretive jazz quintet featuring musicians from The Orchestra on the Hill. It remains on exhibit through Aug. 22 and will culminate in a special immersive orchestral concert on August 10 at Jimmy's Jazz

Golden Dog Adventure Co. partners with Cornerstone VNA to support Pet Peace of Mind Program

ROCHESTER — Golden Dog Adventure Co. and Cornerstone VNA are proud to announce a partnership to raise awareness and funding for the Pet Peace of Mind® (PPOM) program at Cornerstone VNA, a compassionate initiative that ensures hospice patients can keep their beloved pets by their side during end-of-life care.Through this collaboration, Golden Dog Adventure Co. will leverage its community of dog lovers to support Cornerstone VNA’s PPOM program through volunteer recruitment, awareness campaigns, and

City of Portsmouth NH DPW Parks & Greenery Department program to control Canada Geese in place

PORTSMOUTH – The Department of Public Works Parks & Greenery Group continues to apply a variety of measures intended to control the impact Canada Geese are having at Four Tree Island, Prescott Park, and Bohenko Gateway Park.  New families of geese and the greater seasonal public use of the parks have attracted attention to this long-standing problem. Past control efforts that were successful only temporarily have included small scale, directed fireworks, dogs to chase the geese, and shooting blanks from a

City of Portsmouth NH continues Mosquito & Tick Control Program

PORTSMOUTH – As the Seacoast experiences wet conditions conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes, the City of Portsmouth is continuing its annual mosquito control program, active since April. The program includes larval monitoring and the application of larvicide in identified risk areas, such as wetlands and salt marshes. The City’s consultant Dragon Mosquito Control, Inc. is not recommending any other treatment, such as spraying for adult mosquitoes. They indicate that larvicidal control is the most

NH Art Association July Exhibitions and Sheafe Warehouse Gallery Opening!

Clay & Ink - Ceramics & Printmaking Open Juried Exhibition The New Hampshire Art Association is pleased to present Clay & Ink, a juried exhibition that examines two tactile, process-driven mediums rooted in transformation. On view from July 2 to 27, the show features over 60 works that highlight the diverse ways artists use surface and form to tell visual stories.  The exhibition was juried by two accomplished artists: Erica Hood, a ceramicist with over 15 years of experience whose work often

Leadership Seacoast Class of 2025 Graduates!

PORTSMOUTH -- Leadership Seacoast honored the most recent group of 39 emerging and existing leaders with a graduation ceremony at The Atlantic Grill on June 11, 2025. The Class of 2025 is the 37th class to graduate from the community leadership program, which is framed around regional issues that have a direct impact on the lives of Seacoast residents. Over seven months, the group engaged in daylong interactive presentations and discussions, shared experiences, events, socials, and individual learning

Strawbery Banke Museum Presents SAACC at 25, A Special Exhibit in the Rowland Gallery

PORTSMOUTH — Strawbery Banke Museum is honored to present SAACC at 25: A Quarter Century of Sharing the Black Experience, an exhibition celebrating 25 years of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center—New Hampshire’s first Black arts and culture center. The exhibit opened on Juneteenth, June 19, 2025, in the Rowland Gallery, this exhibition spans two locations—at SAACC’s home inside the Portsmouth Historical Society and Strawbery Banke Museum. The installation in the Rowland Gallery is included with

Strawbery Banke Museum hosts Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, July 4

PORTSMOUTH - Strawbery Banke Museum in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is excited to celebrate Independence Day by welcoming 100 new citizens in a naturalization ceremony on Friday, July 4, 2025. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Museum grounds and is free and open to the public. Additionally, visitors may also tour Strawbery Banke’s historic houses and gardens at no charge.   Citizenship connects people to civic ideals and a belief in the rights and freedom guaranteed by

Players’ Ring Theatre announces its Mainstage Season 2025-26

PORTSMOUTH – Looking for thought-provoking drama, romantic horror, classic Shakespeare and maybe even a recipe for hope?   The Players’ Ring Theatre announces its Mainstage Season for 2025-26 promising to deliver all of this and more. (See sidebar)  Every year, the theater holds the so called “Ring-Toss,” a community event where theatermakers – playwrights, directors, performers, producers – have the opportunity to pitch their works and ideas.   This year was no different, with 93 submissions received,

New Hampshire Career Academy holds Community Information Meeting at Great Bay, June 18

New Hampshire Career Academy has reached out to the membership with an opportunity to join them at an information meeting at Great Bay Community College on June 18. "We hope to have representation from all parts of the community including nonprofits and businesses. We want the community to know that we are here to help!" said Robert Grant, Regional Academic Advisor. It will be held this Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., in the Student Success Center, at Great Bay Community College

City of Portsmouth NH extends Juneteenth observances with Dinah Chase Whipple Headstone ceremony on June 13, 2025

PORTSMOUTH — On Friday, June 13, the Portsmouth community gathered with Laurel Yancey, a descendant of Dinah Chase Whipple to unveil a headstone to mark the grave of this woman who founded the first school for Black children in New Hampshire that operated from 1808 to 1846. She was believe buried next to her husband Prince Whipple in North Cemetery in Portsmouth and the ceremony marked that spot. In a program hosted by Deputy City Manager Suzanne Woodland, speakers included Royaline Edwards, Councilor Kate

Chasing the Calendar: Seasonal Promotions Done Right for Small Businesses

Tapping into the rhythm of the calendar has long been a cornerstone of retail success. But for smaller operations, where every marketing dollar needs to count, seasonal promotions can either be a strategic coup or a time-sucking flop. Making the most of these opportunities requires more than slapping red and green on a homepage come December. It calls for timing, creativity, and a genuine understanding of how customers behave when the seasons shift. With a little planning and a lot of authenticity,

110 Grill's New Seasonal Features are Here!

Join us for a taste of summer at 110 Grill!  Our latest chef-curated dishes bring bold flavors and fresh combinations to your table. At The Start   TUNA POKE | 17 Diced Saku Tuna, Diced Cucumber, Pineapple And Julienned Fresh Vegetables In A Soy Chili Avocado Dressing Topped With Sriracha Aioli, Sesame Seeds And Scallions.   Between The Bread   SURF & TURF BURGER | 28 CAB Burger Topped With Lobster Knuckle And Claw Meat In Lemon Aioli On A Garlic Butter Griddled Sweet Onion Roll With Artisan

My Breast Cancer Support marks 20 years of service to local breast cancer patients and families

My Breast Cancer Support, a local nonprofit dedicated to easing the financial and emotional burdens of breast cancer, proudly marks its 20th year of serving patients and families on the seacoast of New Hampshire and in southern Maine. Since its founding by local breast cancer survivor, Wendy McCoole, My Breast Cancer Support has provided more than $1.44 million in direct financial support to local individuals and families battling breast cancer. The organization’s impactful programs include the

Devine Millimet Welcomes New Associate Seth Corwin

MANCHESTER – Devine Millimet welcomes our newest associate, Seth Corwin, to the firm's Manchester office. Corwin earned his Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law and his Sports Law Certificate from the University of New Hampshire’s Sports and Entertainment Law Institute. While in law school he served as the editor-in-chief for The University of New Hampshire Law Review and as the president of the UNH Sports and Entertainment Law Society.Corwin began his career at a

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café Celebrates 25 Years in Downtown Portsmouth

Guests invited to join the celebration with a champagne toast, limited-time dishes, and a look back at the memories that made the restaurant a local favorite PORTSMOUTH— Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café, a cornerstone of Portsmouth’s vibrant dining scene since 2000, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the restaurant is inviting guests to be part of the celebration with a series of special events, limited-time offerings, and a look back at the stories that shaped its legacy. On

Paddleboarders Invited to Join August Conservation Paddle Event

Paddlerboarders of all levels are invited to participate in NH coastal paddle to benefit the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation and the Jetty Rock Foundation.   The Seacoast Paddleboard Club will host the “Seacoast Paddle for Conservation,” on Sunday, August 3, 2025. This community-driven initiative is focused on supporting two prominent marine conservation organizations: the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation and the Jetty Rock Foundation.   The event welcomes participants of all skill

Shields Up: Guarding Intellectual Property in the Age of Screens

The modern marketplace rewards ideas as much as—or more than—products. Whether it’s a brand concept, an algorithm, a slogan, or a signature design, intellectual property is the lifeblood of many businesses operating in a digital-first world. But when everything is online, exposure becomes vulnerability. A casual click can result in a logo being duplicated, a trade secret stolen, or an entire product line cloned. This is where strategy matters, and protection isn’t just about lawyers and paperwork

Magic, Robots, and STEAM Fun Await at Sages Entertainment Summer Camps in Berwick and Rye!

Magic, Robots, and STEAM Fun Await at Sages Entertainment Summer Camps in Berwick and Rye!Unforgettable experiences now enrolling for families across the Seacoast PORTSMOUTH, NH — Families across the Seacoast are in for a magical summer as Sages Entertainment brings its award-winning blend of education and excitement to Berwick Academy in South Berwick, ME, and the Rye Recreation Department in Rye, NH. Running from June through August 2025, these camps offer children hands-on experiences in magic,

The Art of Earning Loyalty: Small Business Strategies That Actually Work

In an age of over-automated interactions and digital detachment, small businesses still hold one distinct advantage: they can make people feel seen. That emotional edge matters more than ever. Customer engagement isn't about flooding inboxes or offering the biggest discounts—it's about building relationships that outlast the transaction. The most effective small business strategies are the ones that create meaningful, memorable touchpoints in a world full of noise. Start with Listening, Not SellingToo

Colliers Facilitates Industrial Building Sale in Bow, NH for $3.05M

Colliers, a global leader in commercial real estate services, is pleased to announce the successful sale of 161 River Road in Bow. The 31,649± SF, meticulously maintained industrial facility was acquired by the Edward Jewett Revocable Trust of 2002 for $3,050,000, according to records filed with the Merrimack County Registry of Deeds. The transaction was facilitated by Chris Pascucci of SPERRY-Commercial Realty Associates, who represented the seller, and David Choate and Abby Bachman of Colliers, who

Colliers facilitates sale of 40 Winter St., Rochester, NH

PORTSMOUTH—Colliers, a global leader in commercial real estate services, is pleased to announce the successful sale of 40 Winter St., a 30,000 SF multi-tenant commercial building in Rochester, NH. The property was sold in an off-market transaction. David Choate, executive vice president, and Abigail Bachman, senior associate, of Colliers represented the seller, 40 Winter Street, LLC, and assisted the buyer, The Red Brick Realty, LLC. The transaction marks a significant milestone for the property, as The

2024 End-of-Year Awards at Colliers

PORTSMOUTH—Colliers, a global leader in commercial real estate services, is pleased to announce its 2024 award winners in the Colliers New Hampshire and Maine offices.   Doug Martin, vice president and principal in New Hampshire, received the 2024 Top Producer Award, recognizing his exceptional performance and leadership in the market.   Doug Martin and Bob Rohrer, managing director and principal in New Hampshire, took home the Deal of the Year Award for their role in the $6.9 million sale of 299 Pepsi

Seacoast Dermatology welcomes Arthur Marka, MD

SEACOAST NH -  Seacoast Dermatology is pleased to announce that Arthur Marka, MD is joining the local medical dermatology practice. He is currently accepting new patients. Marka is focused on providing comprehensive dermatologic care to patients. A strong medical foundation in internal medicine and specialization in dermatology, he’s intent on providing accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies for all skin cancers. He’s also proficient at diagnosing and developing management strategies for a

Colliers brokers sale of 959 Islington St. in Portsmouth to Chinburg Properties

PORTSMOUTH — Colliers, a global leader in commercial real estate services, is pleased to announce the sale of 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The 7,500± SF commercial building was acquired by PWED 2, LLC, an affiliate of Chinburg Properties, for $1,800,000 according to the Rockingham County Registry of Deeds. The transaction was facilitated by listing agents David Choate and Abby Bachman of Colliers, with Jared Trayer, of Chinburg Properties, representing the buyer. Located in Portsmouth’s

Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical at The Music Hall

Experience the pure wonder of Broadway when Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall presents Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical. From the renowned producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, this extraordinary production promises an unforgettable theatrical journey. Prepare to be captivated by a thrilling and genuinely moving performance that The New Yorker describes as “simply magical!” With sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen delivers a truly

Planning for Growth: Crucial Steps for Small Business Expansion

Choosing to expand your business is a pivotal moment that holds the promise of new opportunities and growth. However, this exciting venture also demands meticulous planning and strategic foresight. Every step you take can significantly impact the success of your expansion efforts. In this article, we’ll explore the crucial factors that will help you pave a smooth path toward successful business growth. Let’s delve into the essential considerations that will empower you to expand with confidence and

Chamber holds great annual meeting in an ‘Amazing’ setting

We kick off summer with Annual Membership meeting on the Rep set of ‘Joseph’    PORTSMOUTH--The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth held its annual meeting in the theatrical setting of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Seacoast Repertory Theatre on June 20—but the program was down to business.  President and Chief Collaborator Ben VanCamp spoke of the Chamber’s accomplishments of the past fiscal year and goals for year ahead.   The Chamber has stressed, and will expand upon

EASY PEASY: How to Submit a News Release to the Chamber Collaborative Website

Submitting a news release to the Chamber Collaborative website is quick and simple! Just follow these step-by-step instructions:&##128421; Step 1: Log In to ChamberMaster Go to chambermaster.com Click "Login" (right) Choose "ChamberMaster Login" (left) and sign into your account &##128161; Need help logging in or resetting your password? Email Jennifer at Jennifer @PortsmouthCollaborative.org. She’ll send you a reset prompt.&##128204; Step 2: Access the Member Information Center (MIC) In the upper