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Rochester Economic Development Team Takes Part in Intensive Training Programs

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  City of Rochester
Blaine Cox, City Manager
31 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, Nov. 16, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Economic Development Team Takes Part in Intensive Training Programs

ROCHESTER — City Manager Blaine Cox is pleased to announce that two members of the city’s economic development team recently attended in-depth training sessions that will help them in their roles.

On Nov. 1-2, Executive Secretary Jennifer Murphy Aubin attended the two-day Real Estate Development and Reuse course in Phoenix, hosted by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). There she expanded her expertise of the fundamental skills economic developers need, including sessions on markets, site analysis and financial feasibility.

The courses also emphasized the importance of working with diverse stakeholders to foster successful redevelopment in the types of areas that Rochester features, from downtown settings to industrial parks. Since returning home from her trip, Murphy Aubin is connecting with her counterparts from places like Kansas, Colorado, Arizona and Washington, D.C. to solicit feedback on best practices for real-world questions about development initiatives in Rochester.

“The opportunity to connect with other economic developers is invaluable, and share proactive strategies to cultivate and attract successful developments throughout the community, while maintaining the unique character of Rochester,” Murphy Aubin said. “I’m grateful for the city’s commitment to our office and the work we do, which will ultimately benefit our businesses and stakeholders.”

In late October, Economic Development Specialist Jennifer Marsh attended the IEDC’s Leadership Summit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. At the summit, she had the opportunity to network with peers from communities both large and small and solicit feedback on the work Rochester is doing to overcome economic development challenges.

“One big takeaway for me is that many of the strategies discussed during the sessions were reflective of work we’ve already begun undertaking here in Rochester to strengthen our downtown and attract businesses and development throughout the city,” Marsh said. “That said, I learned a lot from both the courses and my discussions with other economic development leaders and have built lasting relationships that will only enhance what we are doing.”

Both Murphy Aubin and Marsh are working toward becoming certified economic developers, and their participation in these programs represents progress toward that goal.

“IEDC courses are intense in the way that they prepare professionals to understand that complexities of economic and community development and the concerns of entrepreneurs of all sizes and industries,” said Economic Development Manager Karen Pollard. “This training provides a competitive advantage for the City of Rochester because we’re uniquely equipped with a well-educated staff to be direct points of contact for businesses to get support, so that they thrive and grow in our city.”

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Rochester Receives Downtown Christmas Tree Following Resident’s Donation

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  City of Rochester
Blaine Cox, City Manager
31 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Receives Downtown Christmas Tree Following Resident’s Donation

ROCHESTER — City Manager Blaine Cox is pleased to announce that the City of Rochester’s Christmas tree arrived downtown this week, and the annual lighting will occur at the end of the month.

The tree lighting event will be held on Friday, Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

This year, resident Richard Rioux, of Salmon Falls Road, graciously donated the 22-foot blue spruce. Rioux planted the tree in his yard in 2000 when he purchased his home. At the time, it was only 2 feet tall.

Over the last 18 years, the tree became so large that it began to block natural light from his home. Impressed with its perfect shape, Rioux figured it would be a great addition to the city’s downtown holiday display.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the tree made its way downtown. Per tradition, Urban Tree Company sent Doug Gunnison, Josh Fuller and Tom Healey to cut down the spruce from Rioux’s yard, while SUR Construction sent their low bed trailer operated by Tim Watson to transport it.

Rochester Police escorted the trailer from Rioux’s home to downtown to ensure a safe transport, and once on site, Dave Desjardin, Paul Michaud, Joseph Sanborn and Tom Martineau from the Rochester Department of Public Works got the tree in perfect position.

On Monday, Nov. 19, students from the Monarch School of New England will be on hand to assist with the trimming and decorating of the tree. Each year, the City of Rochester and local school children work together to make homemade decorations and bows for the Christmas tree.

Rochester Childcare Center, the REACH Preschool, the University of Maine team from the Rochester Middle School and the Rochester Elementary Schools created this year’s decorations.

“We greatly appreciate all the members of our city departments, businesses and schools who donate their time every year to help make the holiday season a little brighter with our downtown Christmas tree,” City Manager Cox said. “We’re so looking forward to the tree lighting and can’t wait to see what students come up with for decorations.”

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Rochester Middle School Hosts Annual Veterans Day Assembly

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Rochester Public Schools
Michael L. Hopkins, Superintendent
31 Wakefield St.
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Middle School Hosts Annual Veterans Day Assembly

ROCHESTER — Principal Adam Houghton is pleased to announce that Rochester Middle School students recognized veterans for their service at the school’s annual Veterans Day Assembly.

To mark the holiday, Rochester Middle School welcomed a variety of guests, including World War II veteran Jim Van Splunder while students performed tributes to veterans, fallen soldiers and the nation. This year’s ceremony, on Nov. 7, was dedicated to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

“This assembly is one of our most cherished annual traditions because it gives our students a chance to thank veterans directly for their service while developing a stronger understanding of why Veterans Day is so important,” Principal Houghton said. “I’m grateful for everyone who contributed to making this year’s event possible, and especially for the veterans who took time to join us for the celebration.”

The event included performances and participation from numerous RMS and Spaulding High School students, including the eighth grade band, seventh and eighth grade chorus, the Spaulding High Junior Air Force ROTC and the RMS Video Club.

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Rochester Police Arrest Armed Man Following Search in Woods Near Walmart

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  Rochester Police Department
Paul Toussaint, Chief
23 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Nov. 12, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Police Arrest Armed Man Following Search in Woods Near Walmart

Rochester Police have taken Christopher Thomas into custody. (Courtesy Photo Rochester Police Department)

ROCHESTER — Chief Paul Toussaint reports that the Rochester Police Department arrested the armed suspect in the woods near Walmart.

CHRISTOPHER L. THOMAS, AGE 27, HOMELESS, is charged with four counts of Reckless Conduct with a Deadly Weapon (Felony). He also has three warrants for Criminal Threatening, along with four warrants for Theft.

At 10:20 a.m., members of the SWAT teams approached THOMAS, who surrendered without incident. No injuries were reported.

Businesses are now able to open and Ten Rod Road has been deemed safe for hunters.

On Sunday, Nov. 11, at 12:11 p.m., Rochester Police received a report that a man, armed with a rifle, was seen in the rear parking lot of Walmart, 116 Farmington Road, before disappearing into the woods.

Overnight, THOMAS fired shots at police. Rochester Police and members of the SWAT teams then established a perimeter around his location, ultimately allowing them to take THOMAS into custody this morning.

“We appreciate community members’ patience as we located the suspect and resolved this situation,” Chief Toussaint said. “This was a true collaborative effort between the Rochester Police Department, Strafford County and Seacoast CERT SWAT teams, the New Hampshire and Maine State Police, and the Manchester Police Department.”

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