Cornerstone VNA announces leadership transition: Jennifer Ufkin to become President/CEO
ROCHESTER – Cornerstone VNA, a trusted nonprofit home health provider, announces an important leadership transition. On Jan. 3, 2025, Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, will retire after over 30 years of dedicated service, including 12 years as President/CEO. Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, a 23-year veteran of Cornerstone VNA, will succeed Julie as the next President/CEO, continuing the organization's mission of excellence in home health care. Julie shares, “I am thrilled that our Board of Directors selected Jen as the
Plan to ‘be connected to the elected’ at The Elected Officials Reception on Jan. 14
PORTSMOUTH—The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth will hold an annual favorite event at a new location on Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Chamber Collaborative’s Public Policy Committee and Chief Collaborator Ben VanCampinvite you to the Elected Officials Reception presented by Novocureat the Novocure Rooftop Pavilion, 180 Hanover St., Portsmouth. Remarks will be made by SenateMinority Leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, Mayor Deaglan McEachern, and VanCamp. “This is an
2025 Citizen Police Academy applications due Jan. 8
Interested in attending the 2025 Citizen Police Academy. With 20 open slots as of 12/20, here's the link with the application, waiver, and additional information. https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/police/2025-citizens-police-academy Note: They will NOT hold classes during the week of February vacation.
C&J to Roll Out Fee-Based Parking in Portsmouth and Dover Locations Starting Jan. 13, 2025
PORTSMOUTH – C&J Bus Lines, a leading provider of transportation services in New England, is announcing the implementation of fee-based parking at our Portsmouth and Dover locations, beginning Jan. 13, 2025. This move marks an important step forward in enhancing security, managing parking availability, and ensuring that C&J’s facilities meet the highest standards of quality and convenience for all riders. C&J will implement key initiatives, including: Fee-Based Parking Rollout: A $4 per day fee at
Greater Seacoast Community Health Announces CEO Transition
SOMERSWORTH and PORTSMOUTH – Jim Avrett, CEO of Greater Seacoast Community Health, informed the organization’s Board of Directors this fall that he will leave his position at the end of 2024, for personal reasons. The Board is in the final stages of naming an interim CEO and will announce the selection shortly. Avrett joined Greater Seacoast in September 2021 as Chief Operating Officer. He then assumed the CEO role following Janet Laatsch’s retirement last year. “These have been among the most
'Whispering to Dostoevsky' --a love story comes to the Players’ Ring Theatre
PORTSMOUTH – The extraordinary love story of Fyodor Dostoevsky and the woman who became “the architect of his life,” will be on stage at the Players’ Ring Theatre from Jan. 3 through the 19, written and directed by Richard McElvain. When his unscrupulous publisher had a gun to his head to complete a book in a month, Fyodor Dostoevsky reached out to a school that taught a new science called stenography. The woman he hired, Anna, would soon become his indispensable collaborator, his lover, his wife and
It’s a Gingerbread Wonderland at the Portsmouth Historical Society through Dec. 30
PORTSMOUTH--The holiday season has arrived and with it comes the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition. On Friday, Dec. 6, at the Gingerbread Reception and Community Judges’ Awards, the following edible creations have emerged victorious:Adult– Greenhouse at Snug Harbor Farm by Alex Lewis, Ali White, Doreen LewisMulti-Generational- Bus Adventure by The ReisdorfsTeen- Winter Wonderland by Elin Maffee and Zola PezzettiYouth- Puddle Dock Barnyard by Cole
Connections Peer Support receives grant from Jen and Eric Chinburg Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
PORTSMOUTH – Connections Peer Support, a nonprofit mental health organization located in the heart of Portsmouth (544 Islington St.) and in Northwood, recently received a $5,000 grant from the Jen and Eric Chinburg Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Per their website; “Chinburg is a talented and passionate team, dedicated to transforming the landscape for the better, by creating unique places for people to live, work and play. This company's vision is informed by over 30 years of
CSX RAILROAD CROSSING WORK ON MARKET STREET EXTENSION
PORTSMOUTH—Railroad owner CSX will begin critical repair work at the railroad crossing on Market Street to replace their tracks into the Port Authority. CSX has advised the City that this is emergency work and could not wait until January when the work could have been more optimally coordinated. Traffic flow will be maintained on Market Street during initial work on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Beginning at 9:15 am on Wednesday, Dec. 18 and throughout the day on Thursday, Dec. 19, the area in the immediate
Family New Year's Eve Celebration
Family New Year’s Eve Celebration Tuesday, December 31, 9–11:30 a,m, or 12:30–3 p.m. DOVER -- Join us for our special ticketed family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration and ring in the New Year before bedtime! Enjoy “countdowns to midnight” at 10:30 a.m. during the morning event (9–11:30 a.m.), or at 2 p.m. during the afternoon event (12:30–3 p.m.)—we’ll lower our glittery disco ball, confetti will fly through the air, and wish blimps made by visitors will gently fall to the ground—it’s always a
CSX work replacing Market Street railroad tracks will close Market Street on Wednesday, Dec. 18 and Thursday, Dec. 19
PORTSMOUTH—CSX Transportation will begin work on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to replace the tracks into the Port Authority. On Wednesday, Dec. 18 and Thursday, Dec. 19 that section of Market Street will be completely closed down. The road will reopen as soon as the repaving is completed. Market Street extension inbound will not be able to get downtown Portsmouth. The inbound detour will route traffic to the Route 1 Bypass. Outbound traffic will not be able to get to I-95 or beyond. Seek alternate
Better Together! Empower New Hampshire’s Youth: Turn your tax dollars into a powerful force for change
The teen mental health crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. NH’s teens are facing stressors no generation before them ever did. But you can change their futures. Arts In Reach is responding to the call by building a new creative center, where teens facing adversity can build confidence, resilience, and connection. You have an opportunity to be a fundamental part of bringing this facility to fruition with your tax dollars. These are our daughters, neighbors, and our community's
City of Portsmouth NH announces parking and road closure details for Pro Portsmouth’s First Night Portsmouth on Dec. 31, 2024
PORTSMOUTH – Pro Portsmouth’s First Night 2025 takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 from 3 to 8 p.m., highlighted by the annual fireworks show at 7:30 p.m. at South Mill Pond. Due to construction barricades in front of North Church, there will be no ice sculptures on display this year.To facilitate a safe and entertaining First Night, the dog park, courts, and a large portion of the parking lot near the South Mill Pond Playground will close at 8 a.m. on Dec. 31 to allow for safely staging the fireworks.
Year-end donations and 2025 sponsorship opportunities available to support local patients affected by breast cancer
Support local patients and families affected by breast cancer with a year-end donation or 2025 event sponsorship. Contact My Breast Cancer Support, a local non-profit dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to patients and their families here on the seacoast of NH and in southern Maine, to see how you can help. Event Sponsorships are available now for:The Fashion Show: April 13, 2025Evening by the Sea Gala: August 2025Celebrate Pink 5K: September 21, 2025 Contact Tina Saltmarsh at
St. Mary’s Bank announces new assistant vice president, associate regional manager promotion
PORTSMOUTH – St. Mary’s Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Auburn Herrgesell to AVP, Associate Regional Manager for the Seacoast region. Auburn, who joined St. Mary’s Bank in September 2021 as Business Development and Retail Sales Manager for the Portsmouth location, has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to driving exceptional results. During her time at the Portsmouth branch, Auburn has made a significant impact, fostering deep relationships within the Seacoast
Prescott Park Arts Festival announces the 2025 summer music theater production
PRESCOTT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2025 SUMMER MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION OFDISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAYPresented by Service Credit Union Opening Friday, June 20 and running through Sunday, August 10, 2025 PORTSMOUTH— Prescott Park Arts Festival, an independent non-profit arts organization, will return to its picturesque waterfront setting in downtown Portsmouth next summer with Disney's Freaky Friday as its signature musical theatre production, presented by Service Credit Union. The new
Step Up Parents spinning to raise funds and awareness
PORTSMOUTH - On Dec. 13, Step Up Parents will ride for a cause for the fourth year in a row during LizFit's Spinning Generosity! Spinning Generosity is a seven-day indoor cycling fundraiser where riders and sponsors raise money for seven local organizations. This year, Step Up Parents has increased their fundraising goal to $25,000, which will support their mission to assist kinship families caring for children affected by parental substance use disorder. With early generous support from Service Credit
Business Community celebrates at Collaborative Awards
Surprise presentation of the City of the Open Door Award capped off the event PORTSMOUTH--The Portsmouth business community gathered Dec. 2 to celebrate the year in business, from small to large, from volunteer to collaborator to non-profit with 41 nominees and four ultimate award recipients, and one surprise. The awards luncheon hosted by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth at the Colwen Hotels, and Ben VanCamp, president and chief collaborator of the Chamber Collaborative of
Krempels and NRHN launch survivor produced podcast about brain injury
PORTSMOUTH– Thanks to the generosity of Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network, members of the Krempels Brain Injury Center spent the summer meeting weekly in the Let’s “Talk Radio” Podcasting group, planning, recording, and re-recording to produce a podcast created by survivors to accurately shed light on life after brain injury. “This group is about talking and listening,” says Nick Ho, CTRS, who is a program coordinator at Krempels. Since the first Let’s “Talk Radio” podcast pilot group in the
Celebrate Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue at Seacoast Seltzer collaboration release party on Thursday, Dec. 5
RYE–Dec. 3 is Giving Tuesday! During this day-long celebration of generosity, we at Seacoast Science Center kindly ask you to support our Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) program, and all the work that our amazing MMR team and volunteers do. This Giving Tuesday, we are excited to announce that SSC Marine Mammal Rescue has teamed up with Seacoast Seltzer on a limited release hard seltzer! Black Cherry Lemon hard seltzer celebrates the marine conservation and educational efforts of the SSC Marine Mammal Rescue
Coastal MI-BOX and Bridges Bros Movers announce strategic partnership to expand service capabilities and enhance client experience
NORTH HAMPTON— Coastal MI-BOX, a leader in portable storage solutions, and Bridges Bros Movers, a full-service moving company with a 105-year history, announced a strategic partnership that will create efficiency and leverage operational synergies to provide clients with ‘best-in-class’ value. The partnership enables the two companies to create a unique offering in the residential and commercial moving industry that will streamline the moving process, providing time and cost savings for clients
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond kicks off 10th Anniversary Season with opening on 'Frozen Friday' on Nov. 29
PORTSMOUTH — Strawbery Banke Museum’s outdoor skating rink, Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, is ready to welcome the community back for its 10th anniversary season. The 2024–2025 season is set to open with “Frozen Friday” on Nov. 29, 2024, at 9 a.m., weather permitting. This winter, skaters of all ages and abilities can enjoy daily public skating, lessons, private rink rentals, and adaptive skating sessions on the rink’s professionally maintained ice, complete with a chilling system and
FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline: 01/01/2025 - Portsmouth, NH Businesses Should File Now to Avoid Fines
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to increase transparency and prevent illicit financial activities. As of Nov. 27, 2024, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—don’t delay, or you could face fines of $500 per day. What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses are
Giving Thanks to Home Health Heroes
Thanksgiving week is the perfect time to give thanks and recognize the home health heroes during National Care at Home Month, which celebrates the various types of in-home care, including home health care, private duty home care, hospice care, and palliative care. This special month also honors the care and support family caregivers provide to their loved ones. Throughout November, Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association has been paying tribute to these healthcare heroes. National Family Caregiver’s Day –
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
'Discovering Magic' at the Players' Ring Theatre Dec. 27-29
PORTSMOUTH – Andrew Pinard's “Discovering Magic” is back at the Players’ Ring Theatre for three days, Dec. 27, 28 and 29. The show is produced by Absolutely Magic. Leave the mundane world behind and enter a magical realm where nothing is what it seems. Award-winning performer and theater artist Pinard will act as the tour guide to the impossible and absurd, inviting you to explore the mystical and magical world of perception and deception. Audience members actively participate in the performance making
Devine, Millimet & Branch, P.A. recognized as a 2025 Best Law Firm
MANCHESTER – The 2025 edition of Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” has named Devine Millimet a Tier 1 firm in 13 practice areas in Manchester and Concord, a Tier 2 firm in eight practice areas in Manchester, and a Tier 3 firm in three practice areas in Manchester. Ranked firms, presented in tiers, are listed on a national and/or metropolitan scale. Receiving a tier designation reflects the high level of respect a firm has earned among other leading lawyers and clients in the same communities and the same
Host your holiday party at Stroll Cafe!
Hello Chamber Members! The holidays are creeping up quickly and we would love to extend some holiday cheer by offering our chamber friends 25% off our venue rental fees for both Stroll locations. Venue rentals must be booked between Nov. 15, 2024 through Jan. 31, 2025. Add on Stroll catering to make it a complete event! In addition to the breakfast and lunch catering many members know us for, we offer heavy hors d'oeuvres, boards, and sweet treats for parties of all sizes and for all occasions. Please reach
Devine Millimet welcomes new associate John S. Galle
MANCHESTER – Devine Millimet welcomes our newest associate, John S. Galle, to the firm's Manchester office. John participated in the firm's 2023 Summer Associate Program and was offered a full-time position upon graduation.John S. Galle recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Franklin Pierce School of Law in Concord, attaining his Juris Doctor. John is the newest member of the corporate team with a focus on Mergers & Acquisitions, Real Estate and Taxation. Devine Millimet's Summer Associate Program is
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
Your Guide to Success: How to Assemble an Impressive Job Application Package
In today’s highly competitive job market, making a lasting first impression can be the difference between landing your dream job and being overlooked. Crafting the perfect job application package—complete with a captivating cover letter, an eye-catching resume, and a compelling portfolio—is your ticket to standing out. But what exactly does it take to create an application that not only grabs attention but also showcases your qualifications in the best light? Join us on this journey as we explore the
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
Devine Millimet attorney Tabitha Croscut appears before Senate Small Business Committee
On Jan. 24, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, chaired by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), held a hearing titled “Succession Planning: Opportunities to Build Wealth and Keep Jobs in Local Communities.”Devine Millimet attorney Tabitha Croscut was asked to be a witness and provide testimony at the hearing. Devine Millimet’s president, Anu Mullikin, reported internally that "Tabitha was one of four [witnesses] on a panel, and she brilliantly testified to the benefits of small business
High Honors: Businesses recognized for their outstanding work in 2023 by Chamber Collaborative
Members of the PortsmouthNH 400 celebrate with their unique trophy marking their Lighting the Way Award at the Oct. 30 Collaboration Awards held by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. (Photo by Will Zimmermann) High Honors: Businesses recognized for their outstanding work in 2023 by Chamber Collaborative PORTSMOUTH—Capped off by a special recognition of the Portsmouth NH 400 organization called the Lighting the Way Award, the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth celebrated its
Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth Selects its Small but MIGHTY Business of November
PORTSMOUTH—A moving company that started on a card table in an apartment in Dover has now expanded to the Eastern Seaboard. Mike Carlton, president of Calling All Cargo Moving & Storage has added two tractor-trailers to his fleet to help transport anything and everything from their Dover and Greenland facilities all the way to their brand-new branch in West Palm Beach, Fla. (a city that he now calls home.) Carlton is proud of his company, and also very proud of his military background as a U.S.
Farewell to our friend Tom, a great man and restaurateur
ABOVE: Tom Perron at the March 11, 2020 Restaurant Week Summit. The photograph is taken from the upper floor of his restaurant, Mombo, where he said the photographer would have a much better vantage point. BELOW: Tom shared his love of the kitchen with the Portsmouth High School Career Technical Education students, pictured here Tom was leading CTE students in making a dessert as he volunteered in December at the Career Pathways program.Farewell to our friend Tom, a great man and restaurateur Thoughtful
EASY PEASY: How to Submit a News Release to the Chamber Collaborative Website
· Log on to ChamberMaster (chambermaster.com)Click "Login"Click ChamberMaster login and click and sign into your account (Need help with your sign on or password? Email Jennifer@PortsmouthCollaborative.org and she can send you a prompt to reset it.) · In the upper right-hand corner, look for the the letters “MIC” (Member Information Center) o Click on it · Once in MIC, go to the menu column on the left-hand side o Click “News Release” from this menu · After you are in “News Release,” click on “Add