News
City of Portsmouth NH inauguration Monday, Jan. 5
PORTSMOUTH – The public is invited to the Inauguration for the City Council, Fire Commission, Police Commission, and School Board to be held in the Eileen Dondero Foley Council Chambers at City Hall (One Junkins Ave.) on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at 7 p.m.The inauguration program includes music from the Portsmouth High School instrumental ensemble, conducted by Eric Gagnon, the National Anthem sung by Angelynne Hinson, the posting of colors by the Portsmouth Police and Fire Department Honor Guards, and an
'Seeing Violet': A gripping world premiere uncovers hidden histories at Players’ Ring Theatre
PORTSMOUTH – Spanning centuries and peeling back layers of denial, “Seeing Violet” is a gripping new drama about memory, reckoning, and the cost of looking away. Written by Peter Snoad and directed by Sandi Clark Kaddy, the play runs at the Players’ Ring Theatre from Jan. 9 through Jan. 25. When Betsy and John Marsh (played by Jordan Raymond and Allan Mayo) inherit an 18th-century New England home, they make a series of discoveries – including a freedom paper for an enslaved woman named Violet (played
Cornerstone VNA expands Hospice Care with Reiki and essential oils to support comfort, peace, and emotional wellbeing
Cornerstone VNA is proud to announce the expansion of its Hospice Care program to include two new specialty services aimed at enhancing comfort and emotional support for patients and their families: Reiki therapy and aromatherapy using essential oils. These holistic services complement Cornerstone VNA’s expert clinical care by addressing the emotional, spiritual, and sensory needs of patients at end of life. Reiki services were introduced in late summer 2025, and aromatherapy officially launched on Dec.
Oliveteal Arts Launches New Winter Art Classes
PORTSMOUTH - Oliveteal Arts is a beautiful, welcoming art studio offering classes and custom art in Portsmouth, NH. Karen Rosania, owner, decided to pursue a lifelong dream of opening her own art studio after spending 30+ years in healthcare. She invites the Seacoast community to discover their inner artist in her bright and homey studio space, where classes include 1:1 instruction, complimentary drinks and bites, relaxing music, and the chance to learn something new in a fun, inclusive environment. Karen
MD Esthetics celebrates Portsmouth grand opening with ribbon cutting
PORTSMOUTH— MD Esthetics, a physician-led aesthetics and wellness practice known for its advanced technology and patient-centered care, celebrated its official introduction to the Seacoast community on Dec. 4 with a festive open house at their downtown Portsmouth location. The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth welcomed them to the area with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local leaders, community members, and wellness enthusiasts visited MD Esthetics’ new state-of-the-art Portsmouth location
Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity Announces Partnership
PORTSMOUTH– Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity (SENH Habitat) is delighted to announce that their organization has partnered with the Service Credit Union Impact Foundation (SCUIF) to build homes in the Granite state. SENH Habitat and SCUIF together provide safe affordable housing for families in need. “This collaboration with SENH Habitat reflects the very heart of our mission at the SCUIF, said Sarah Kuhl, director of the SCUIF. “By donating all proceeds from our upcoming Spring Gala to support
Enter to win a 22lb. Chocolate Santa from Kilwins Portsmouth
Enter your chance to win this giant 22 pound Kilwins Heritage Chocolate Santa. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Our Place NH. Each raffle ticket is $5. Buy as many chances as you would like. The lucky winner will be picked at 10 a.m. onDec. 21 and can pick up the Santa anytime before 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. The winner must be able to pick up the Chocolate Santa at Kilwins in Market Square Portsmouth, NH. Get your raffle tickets here! www.OurPlaceNH.org/chocolate-santa
City of Portsmouth NH announces parking and road closure details for Pro Portsmouth’s First Night Portsmouth on Dec. 31, 2025
PORTSMOUTH – Pro Portsmouth’s First Night 2026 takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 from 3 to 8 pm, culminating with the annual fireworks show at 7:30 p.m. at South Mill Pond. Artist Jeff Day and his team will create an ice sculpture in front of North Church between 2 and 4 p.m. The sculpture will remain on display into January.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 am on
SAGE Portsmouth is pleased to extend a special 2025 Holiday Sale.
SAGE Portsmouth is pleased to extend a special 2025 Holiday Sale. ’Tis the season to welcome new neighbors home with exclusive availability and pricing on select move-in-ready homes, including studios, 1 & 2-bed residences. This limited-time holiday offering is available through Dec. 31, 2025. SAGE also offers workforce one-bed opportunities. Visit Model Homes:· Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.· Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.· Location: 2454 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth (GPS)Awarded
Strawbery Banke Museum presents Ice Dance International’s free Holiday Party on Ice
PORTSMOUTH– Strawbery Banke Museum is proud to present Ice Dance International (IDI) for a magical evening of world-class skating and festive entertainment with their free Holiday Party on Ice show. The public is invited to attend the performance on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond on the grounds of the historic Strawbery Banke Museum. The event is free to attend and does not require registration. The Holiday Party on Ice show promises to be an
Holiday Cheer Comes to North Hampton: St. Mary’s Bank Welcomes Santa for a Free Community Celebration on Dec. 13
NORTH HAMPTON — The season of joy is coming to town, and St. Mary’s Bank is thrilled to invite the community to a free, family-friendly holiday event at our North Hampton branch. Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 65 Lafayette Road for an afternoon filled with holiday festivities, including: · Santa letter-writing station and mailbox · Complimentary photos with Santa · Touch-A-Truck experience with the North Hampton Fire Department and Hampton Police Department · Hot cocoa and
Portsmouth’s Rooftop at The Envio Launches Rooftop Glow & Après-Ski Igloos
A luminous winter retreat with seasonal cocktails, full-service dining, and heated igloos PORTSMOUTH- Rooftop Glow, a brand-new winter activation at Rooftop at The Envio, runs now through January 31, 2026. This limited-time experience transforms the rooftop into a photogenic winter escape, with snow-dusted décor, soft candlelight, shimmering silver finishes, and private heated igloos with a playful Après-Ski theme, featuring cozy, alpine-inspired touches perfect for small gatherings. Guests can
Cornerstone VNA honors Amy Coombs, RN and FedPoint at annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast
Cornerstone VNA recently honored two exceptional award recipients during its annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast on Nov. 18, 2025, at The Oaks in Somersworth. Amy Coombs, RN, BSN, OMS, received the 2025 Florence Nightingale Award, and FedPoint was recognized with the 2025 Cornerstone Award. The Florence Nightingale Award recognizes a nurse who exemplifies excellence in clinical practice, mentorship, leadership, and compassion. Amy Coombs has been part of Cornerstone VNA for eight years and is highly
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The RiverWoods Group Announces Conditional Approval for Expansion of RiverWoods Durham Campus
DURHAM — The RiverWoods Group, Northern New England’s largest family of nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), is proud to announce a major expansion of its RiverWoods Durham campus. Located on Stone Quarry Drive in Durham, NH, the expansion will include 55 new independent living homes across two beautifully designed buildings, along with a stand-alone community center offering inviting resident common spaces, dining services, and a wide range of social and recreational
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Experience the Impossible: Andrew Pinard’s Discovering Magic premieres at NHTP Dec. 26–28
PORTSMOUTH—New Hampshire Theatre Project will present Discovering Magic with Andrew Pinard on Dec. 26, 27, and 28 with Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7:30 and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at www.nhtheatreproject.org/onstagenow Once upon a time. In the beginning. A long time ago. Memorable stories start with a great opening line. While the performing arts tend to focus on telling stories in which the audience are mainly observers, the
Portsmouth Rotary Club’s Christmas tree and ornament sale returns to spread holiday cheer and support local community
PORTSMOUTH— The Portsmouth Rotary Club is pleased to announce the return of its highly anticipated Annual Christmas Tree Sale, a cherished Seacoast tradition that has brought holiday warmth, community connection, and charitable support to the region for decades. Beginning the day before Thanksgiving, the Planet Fitness parking lot at 775 Lafayette Road has once again been transformed into a festive destination filled with the scent of vfresh-cut Christmas trees and the spirit of giving. This year’s sale
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Devine, Millimet & Brance, P.A. recognized as a 2026 Best Law Firm
MANCHESTER – The 2026 edition of Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” has named Devine Millimet a Tier 1 firm in twelve practice areas in Manchester, a Tier 2 firm in seven practice areas in Manchester and Concord, 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
Greater Seacoast Community Health Welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Segil as Director of Women’s Health Services
PORTSMOUTH—Greater Seacoast Community Health is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Segil, MD, will soon join the organization as director of Women’s Health Services, a new position at the community health center network. Working at both Families First Health Center in Portsmouthand Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth, he will help to expand access to comprehensive women’s health care across the Seacoast region. Greater Seacoast Community Health has a strong reputation for its quality care for women,
Estate Planning Attorney Christopher J. Nelson Joins Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer
Christopher J. Nelson Joins Primmer’s Estate Planning Practice Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer is pleased to announce that Christopher J. Nelson has joined the firm as Of Counsel. He has joined the firm’s Estate Planning & Administration practice group, and will work out of the Manchester, NH office. Nelson has been practicing law in his own private practice in the Concord area for the past 12 years. His primary focus has been on estate planning, estate administration and tax planning for families and
Devine Millimet Welcomes New Associate Kayla Ryan
MANCHESTER – Devine Millimet welcomes our newest Associate attorney, Kayla Ryan, to the firm's Manchester office.Kayla previously worked with us both as a summer associate and as an Intern, and we are fortunate to now have her continue her career here at Devine Millimet.As part of our Corporate Team, Kayla will join our Trusts & Estates practice group as well as assist with municipal bond work. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to her contributions to our team and clients. About Devine
Scaling Smart: How to Manage Business Growth at Every Stage
Growing your business isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Whether you're launching your first product, onboarding your tenth hire, or preparing for multi-location expansion, managing growth requires tailored strategies at each stage. From infrastructure to hiring and compliance, the right decisions at the right time can mean the difference between sustainable scaling and avoidable setbacks. Below, we outline practical approaches businesses can take to manage growth intelligently—supported by insights,
Colliers appoints Abigail Bachman as managing broker of its Portsmouth office
PORTSMOUTH – Colliers, a global leader in commercial real estate services, is pleased to announce the promotion of Abigail Bachman to managing broker of its Portsmouth, New Hampshire office. In this role, Bachman will lead brokerage operations in the Seacoast region, supporting advisors and driving business development across all asset classes. Since joining Colliers in 2018, Bachman has consistently been a top-performing producer, bringing exceptional market knowledge and client service to every
Colliers moves Portsmouth office to new location at 210 Commerce Way
PORTSMOUTH—Colliers, a global leader in commercial real estate services, is pleased to announce the relocation of its Portsmouth office to 210 Commerce Way, Suite 350, Portsmouth, effective Aug. 15. The move positions the Colliers New Hampshire team for continued growth in the Seacoast area. The new location offers modern, Class A space within a dynamic business park setting. Located just minutes from downtown Portsmouth with direct access to I-95 and the Spaulding Turnpike, the new location positions the
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
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,
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
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
The Digital Toolbox: Essential Tech for Running a Modern Contracting Business
If you're a general contractor, you know the grind. Managing crews, juggling clients, keeping track of materials—it’s a lot. And if you’re still relying on paper invoices, endless email chains, or, God forbid, a whiteboard in the office, you’re making your life harder than it needs to be. The right tech won’t just streamline operations; it’ll save you time, cut costs, and keep your business competitive in an industry where efficiency is king. While there are plenty of software solutions out there, let’s
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
Supercharge Your Strategy Using Data Intelligence
In the contemporary business landscape, data analytics has emerged as a cornerstone for strategic decision-making. The ability to interpret and apply data insights can significantly enhance operational efficiency and market responsiveness. Businesses that integrate data analytics into their core processes can better anticipate market trends, optimize resource allocation, and refine customer engagement strategies. This article delves into the multifaceted applications of data analytics, illustrating how it
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
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
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
