Free rides for veterans, entries sought for holiday parade: Community news update

Portsmouth city clerk announces use of electronic voter check-in for election

PORTSMOUTH – City Clerk Kelli Barnaby announced the city will use electronic voter registration and check-in on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 7.

New Hampshire state law RSA 652:27 authorizes the use of Electronic Poll Books, referred to as “poll pads.”

Voters arriving at each of the city’s ward polling places on Nov. 7 will provide their names and photo IDs as usual and then the poll worker will be able to quickly confirm the name and identity on the poll pad instead of having to use a paper voter list, as before. The voters will receive printed confirmations of their authorization to vote, which they provide to the poll worker distributing ballots. They then mark their ballots as instructed on the form. The paper list will be kept at each polling place in case it is needed, but the electronic check-in will speed up the process.

For more information on voting, registration requirements, a sample ballot and other details, visit: portsnh.co/votinginfo.

COAST offers free rides to polls: Veterans also ride free on Nov. 11

DOVER — Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, is offering free rides on any of their regular routes and ADA paratransit services to adults on their way to, or returning from, voting on Nov. 7, during polling hours.

In addition, on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 14, all United States military personnel who are currently active, or who have previously served, are able to board any COAST bus or service for free. This includes spouses and dependents boarding with military personnel.

Information: coastbus.org.

Entries sought for Rochester’s ‘A Polar Express Christmas’ 2023 holiday parade

ROCHESTER — The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking entries for this year’s “A Polar Express Christmas” holiday parade being held on Sunday, Dec. 3, beginning at 3 p.m., underwritten by Service Credit Union. Rochester’s parade features an array of floats from businesses, organizations, and youth organizations as well as high school marching bands, marching units, mobile units and more.

Entries for floats, marching, mobile and equestrian units are currently being sought for individuals, youth groups, schools, organizations, and businesses interested in participating in the parade. There is no cost to enter. Those entering floats are encouraged to decorate their entry in keeping with the theme of the parade. Floats that are lined up in the assembly area by 1 p.m. will be judged on creativity, craftsmanship, theme and overall appearance.

Entries will be accepted through Nov. 30. For more information or to receive an entry, call the chamber at 603-332-5080. Information: rochesternh.org/parade.

The Chase Home announces ninth Annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting

PORTSMOUTH — On Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club, The Chase Home will host its 9th annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting. Raising more than $400,000 for at-risk kids since its inception, the annual fundraiser is responsible for approximately half of the gap in The Chase Home’s annual budget.

Taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m., the event is sponsored in part by LeMay Family Goodworks, Seacoast Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Centers, J.Group Hospitality, Kennebunk Savings, Service CU, and Centrus Digital.

VIP and regular admission tickets are $150 and $100, respectively, with sponsorship opportunities beginning at $250. To purchase tickets, or learn more about the auction, visit chasehome.org.

Hope on Haven Hill hosts successful Trunk or Treat celebration

ROCHESTER – On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Hope on Haven Hill hosted the agency’s annual Halloween Trunk or Treat celebration at the HHH Center for Hope and Wellness, located at 40 Charles St., Rochester. Free food provided by Red’s Good Vibes and community resources from SOS Recovery and HHH were new additions to this year’s event.

Gov. Chris Sununu and Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan judged the trunk decorating and costume contest, with teams comprising individuals from local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, clients, and staff.

Employees from Kennebunk Savings turned a HHH minivan that was recently purchased due in large part to a $25,000 grant from the bank into a Jurassic Park themed vehicle. Additional community organizations participating were Rochester Rotary Club, Pope Memorial Humane Society – Cocheco Valley, and Early Head Start. Kalamata’s Kitchen generously provided special gift bags.

Red’s Good Vibes is a free food truck serving local communities. HHH and Red’s Good Vibes have been offering monthly community outreach gatherings offering free prepared meals, food, diapers, wipes, clothing, shoes, and connections to community resources. The next Red’s Good Vibes and HHH outreach event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 19.

For information, visit hopeonhavenhill.org or email Kerry Norton at KNorton@hopeonhavenhill.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Free rides for vets, entries sought for parade: Community news