In this special episode, Mayor Paul Callaghan and City Manager Katie Ambrose highlight the City of Rochester’s recent achievements, discuss ongoing challenges, and provide an overall status update for the community. The event was organized by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and hosted at the Lilac Club Casino.
Children regularly practice fire drills at school, but many families overlook planning at home, where most fires actually happen. In this episode, Maria Busuito shares crucial tips from the Rochester Fire Department on creating a family fire escape plan, practicing it together, and keeping your loved ones safe.
In this episode, hear Interim Superintendent Jared Fulgoni introduce himself to City Council on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Fulgoni, 58, lives in Eliot, Maine. He earned a Master of Education from the University of New Hampshire, a Bachelor of Arts from Plymouth State University, and completed graduate coursework at Harvard University.
He holds administrative certifications in Massachusetts, New York, and New Hampshire, including licensure as a superintendent and principal.
Fulgoni’s recent positions include Superintendent of Schools for Regional School Unit #63 in Maine and previously for Amesbury Public Schools in Massachusetts. In these roles, he led strategic planning initiatives, introduced new pre-K and special education programs, and oversaw multimillion-dollar school construction projects.
In this episode, Matt talks with Kay Wright, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Rochester. They discuss the role of the Community Development Division within the Economic Development Department and highlight current initiatives, including updates to the CDBG Annual Action Plan. Learn how these efforts support local needs and how residents can get involved.
During the City Council Workshop on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Mayor Paul Callaghan welcomed Carlton Cooper of the Rochester Veterans Council to speak about the upcoming Memorial Day activities.
In this episode, Rochester historian Patrick Connelly returns to discuss his research and to promote an upcoming presentation on Friday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m. at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center. The public is encouraged to attend. Visit www.rnhcc.com to learn more.
In this episode, Matt talks to Frisbie Memorial Hospital CEO Tom Bowden as he approaches his first 100 days on the job. They reflect on the past five years since HCA Healthcare acquired Frisbie, highlighting key milestones and successes. Tom shares his vision for the hospital’s future, the deepening ties between HCA and the Rochester community, and exciting updates on services like cardiology, inpatient rehab, total joint replacement, and the reopened sleep lab. They also touch on the importance of stroke and mental health awareness, and what leadership and community involvement mean to Tom as he settles into his new role.
On April 15, Rochester City Manager Katie Ambrose presented the proposed operating and capital budgets for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 at the City Council workshop meeting. The proposed budget, inclusive of City, County, and School appropriations, comes in $337,280 below the tax cap and reflects a continued commitment to strong fiscal health. The proposed budget is based on the allowable FY 2026 tax effort of $79,552,624, an increase of $3,447,725 (4.5%) over FY 2025, calculated per City Charter requirements by applying 2.95% CPI and 1.58% Net New Construction to the FY 2025 tax effort of $76,104,899.
In this episode, Matt sits down with Rad Nichols, Executive Director of COAST Bus, and Vanessa Polychronis, Community & Employee Relations Manager, to explore the vital work COAST does as a nonprofit public transit provider. They discuss the diverse range of services COAST offers, the exciting plans behind their ongoing capital campaign for a new facility, and how you can get involved, whether you're new to public transit or a seasoned rider. Tune in to learn how COAST is driving community connection and how you can support their mission.
In this episode, Matt talks to Laura Ring, President of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, to reflect on her 35-year journey with the Chamber and how Rochester's business community has evolved over the decades. Laura also shares information on the Chamber’s current initiatives, upcoming events, and ways local businesses can get involved. To learn more about the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, visit www.rochesternh.org.
In this special episode, listen to audio from the March 18 City Council meeting, where Mayor Callaghan introduces Thomas Bowden, the newly appointed CEO of Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Bowden stepped into the role in February 2025, bringing extensive leadership experience from his time at Steward Healthcare. Most recently, he served as president of Rockledge Regional Medical Center in Florida, where he previously held key leadership roles, including chief administrative officer and chief operating officer.
In this episode, Matt welcomes SHARE Fund chairman Jerry Rainville, who introduces LeeAnn Bruneau as the organization's new executive director. LeeAnn first joined SHARE Fund as a volunteer and later became Assistant Director under Skip Smith, who is now stepping into a new role as pastor of the Congregational Church in York, Maine. LeeAnn is eager to lead the organization and help people in need.
In this episode, Matt talks to Library Director Marie Lejeune and Patron Services Supervisor Katherine Parker from the Rochester Public Library about potential funding changes to IMLS and their impact on various services— including audiobooks, a service that is widely used in Rochester. In 2024 alone, 895 users accessed audiobooks, totaling nearly 13,000 checkouts. With digital resources like eBooks (8,202 checkouts) and magazines (2,502 checkouts) also in high demand, the conversation explores how potential funding changes could affect access to vital library services.
In this episode, Matt talks with Jerry Rainville and Ashley Truong about the SHARE Fund’s upcoming charity hockey game featuring the Bruins Alumni Association. The game takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Rochester Arena, where the SHARE Fund Marvels will take the ice against former Bruins players for an afternoon of fun and fundraising. Jerry and Ashley also share updates on the organization's work, ways to get involved, and details on how attendees can support the cause through raffles, a silent auction, and food donations at the event.
On Tuesday, October 15, Interim Assessor Mary Beth Walker provided an update on the 2024 City-wide Revaluation during the City Council Workshop. Walker highlighted the ongoing work to ensure property assessments are adjusted to reflect the rising real estate market, aiming to bring assessments close to 100% of full, fair market value. She also emphasized that while property values are expected to increase, this does not necessarily mean a corresponding increase in property taxes.
In this episode, Matt sits down with author, researcher, and Rochester historian Patrick O. Connelly to delve into the rich history of Rochester, New Hampshire, from its early days as a frontier territory to its emergence as a thriving township. Connelly shares insights from his books, Rochester, New Hampshire: Territory to Township and Rochester, N.H.: In Their Own Words, which span the years 1620-1799.
In this episode, Matt talks to Tax Collector Rachel Laughner to explore the tax deeding process in the City of Rochester. They break down what happens when property taxes go unpaid, starting with tax liens and leading up to a property being taken by the City through a tax deed. Rachel explains the step-by-step process, from receiving tax bills to the final notice of impending tax deed, and offers practical advice on how to avoid losing your property.
In this episode, Matt interviews popular scenic photographer John Gisis, a Rochester native who began drone photography as a hobby and has since turned it into much more. John’s beautiful aerial shots have been included in publications and other various initiatives across New Hampshire. He also releases an annual calendar, with a portion of the proceeds supporting local charities.
In this episode, Matt talks to Clinical Coordinator Ramsay Dean about Frisbie's Partial Hospitalization Program, the stress and anxiety that often accompany the back-to-school season, and other resources for people seeking help for stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
In this episode, Matt talks to Katherine Michaud MS, OTR/L, Mental Health & Matter of Balance Coordinator, Cornerstone VNA, about her involvement with Cornerstone VNA, occupational therapy, and community mental health for people of all ages. Katherine also talks about her involvement with the Rochester Mental Health Alliance and the events and initiatives the group organizes.