Choose Rochester, NH

In this episode, Matt talks to End 68 Hours of Hunger founder and volunteer Executive Director Claire Bloom. End 68 Hours of Hunger is a public not-for-profit effort to confront the approximately 68 hours of hunger that some school children experience between the free lunch they receive at school on Friday afternoon and the free breakfast they receive at school on Monday morning.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk with outgoing IT Director Sonja Gonzalez about what she likes to read, how she went from being a mechanical engineer to CIO for the City of Rochester, her stint as interim library director, and what's ahead for when she leaves Rochester next week.

In this episode, Matt talks to Deputy City Manager and Finance Director Katie Ambrose about the City Manager's proposed budget, what it means for taxpayers, and how residents can make their voices heard during the budget process.

In this episode, Matt talks to Shanna B. Saunders, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Rochester, Senior Planner Ryan O'Connor, and Tom Morgan, about updating the Natural Resource and Cultural & Historic Resource Chapters of the Master Plan. At this point in the process, public input is imperative. Visit www.rochesternh.gov/planning-development/master-plan-updates to take the surveys and make your voice heard.

In this episode, Matt talks to Director of Rehabilitation Services Melanie Bieniek, at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, about the new Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Center, the difference between a Skilled Nursing Facility and Acute Rehab, why it's so important for the community, and what inspired her to follow this career path.

In this episode, Matt welcomes Shanna B. Saunders and Ryan O'Connor, from the Rochester Planning & Development Department, to talk about the city's efforts to improve downtown parking. The Parking Review Group, a City Manager's self-directed workgroup, is soliciting public input in the form of an online survey and public listening session on Wednesday, March 22nd (6-8 pm) at the Rochester Performance & Arts Center (RPAC), located at 32 North Main Street.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine are excited to talk about some major changes coming to the Rochester Public Library. Over the next few months, librarians will be moving the collection around, creating additional space for new programming and materials. In addition, new art will be added by the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts. 

In this episode, Matt has a conversation with Steve Golson about the Atari art exhibit at the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, which remains on view until March 3. Golson is a game designer who worked for General Computer Corporation in the early 1980s. Throughout the conversation, Golson talks about how he landed a job at Atari after being sued for copyright infringement, his connection to the iconic arcade classic Ms. Pac-Man, and what he thinks of the gaming industry today.

In this episode, Dr. William Morgan talks about relocating to New England, what brought him to Frisbie Memorial Hospital, and why he chose to be a general surgeon. Morgan also talks about technological advancements that have made some procedures less invasive and easier for patients to recover.

In this episode, Director of Economic Development Michael Scala returns to give an update on downtown revitalization, the state-wide housing crisis, and other development projects. He also predicts where Rochester could be in 5 years.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk to programming librarian Abby Rosselli about her background, how she fell in love with reading, and what made her want to become a librarian. There is also an impromptu appearance by Economic Development Director Michael Scala. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Amy Malone (City Council, Waypoint) and Nicole Rodler (Rochester Police Department) about the Opioid Abatement committee and its efforts to support programs associated with the prevention, treatment, and recovery of substance use disorders.

In this episode, Matt talks to Dr. Michelle Garcia, from Frisbie Memorial Hospital, about why it's important to have a primary care physician, how to find one, and what's happening with Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk about their favorite cookbooks, favorite home recipes, and go-to dinner ideas. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Jerry Rainville, chairman of the SHARE Fund, about the organization, its mission, and why it's so important for him to be involved in the community. To learn more about the SHARE Fund, visit www.sharefund.org. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Justin Looser (Frisbie Memorial Hospital) about seasonal affective disorder, more commonly known as seasonal depression. Justin talks about why it sets in, how to identify it, and what resources are available to people.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk about comfort reads, re-reads, and other book recommendations. 

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk to children's librarian Christina Paquette about her work in and outside the library, and why fostering nurturing and enriching programming in community spaces is so important to her. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Kelly Walters, Rochester City Clerk, about how to vote in Rochester. Also, this episode includes the audio version of a recent Candidates Forum hosted by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Jeff Bisson, a longtime Rochester Main Street board member. Jeff talks about the upcoming Zombie Bash on 10/29, how downtown Rochester has changed since he started volunteering, and other projects Main Street is working on.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk to Fire Chief Dennis Dube about what he's reading, what made him want to become a firefighter, and the importance of fire safety and prevention.

In this episode, Matt talks to Ray Negron from Positive Transitions, a sober living home located on Pine Street in Rochester. Positive Transitions offers safe, supportive, and structured housing for men in recovery from substance use disorder through community connection, family living, and all abstinence-based pathways to recovery.

In this episode, Matt talks to Jenry Towle, star of The Great American Trailer Park Musical, at the Rochester Opera House. 

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk about non-traditional reading materials, such as comic books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and more.

In this episode, Matt talks to Tracy Warren about Revival Day of Hope, a community event scheduled for September 10th at the Rochester Common.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk to Rochester City Manager Blaine Cox about local government, why he entered municipal administration, and what he's reading right now.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk to Matt Wyatt about the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts and art in the Library.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk about "going down rabbit holes" of books, authors, and other various subjects. One thing leads to another as Marie and Katherine discuss their favorite non-fiction titles. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Jenry Towle from the Rochester Opera House about the return of the Summer Theatre series. They also talk about PorchFest, Pack the House, and Summer Theatre Camp.

In this episode, Matt talks to Chris Bowlen who is retiring from the Rochester Recreation & Arena after 30+ years of service. Bowlen discusses his future plans, successes, and his hopes for the department moving forward.

In this episode, Matt talks to Todd Radict, founder of Rochester Rise Up, owner of Skeletone Records, and Rochester Main Street board member. Todd talks about Record Store Day, downtown vibrancy, and partnering with neighboring businesses to draw more people downtown. 

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk about the difficulties of operating a Public Library during the COVID-19 shutdown, amid staffing turnover and changes to the operational structure.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk about movie adaptations of their favorite books. 

In this episode, Marie and Katherine speak to Pam Hubbard. Pam is a longtime Library Trustee and [beloved] retired Spaulding High School English teacher. 

In this episode, Marie and Katherine chat about librarian stereotypes, audiobooks, and much more!