October 2025

Boards & Committee Meetings this Month

Though I had hoped it would never come to this, unfortunately the City of Somersworth is now beginning to feel the impacts of the Federal budget cuts and funding claw-backs conducted by the Trump Administration and members of Congress.

Only a few weeks ago - on the heels of a proclamation celebrating the importance of GEAR UP NH in our city - I learned that the Trump Administration ended the funding for this critical program. This is a huge blow to Somersworth’s students and hardworking families. Programs like GEAR UP New Hampshire open doors for low-income students to pursue college and careers after high school, but now thanks to bureaucrats in Washington those doors are being slammed shut. This program was funded to help students in our schools for at least another 4 years, but as of Oct. 1st funding is cut, and our students and educators are scrambling to find answers to save this program. The loss of this program, its staff, and the opportunities they provide is sad, but I am most heartbroken that our kids have to pay the price for reckless decision-making by folks in Washington.

Also within the same week, I learned that the US Senate Appropriations Committee rejected our city’s proposal to fund an expansion and renovation to the Somersworth Library. Though we were aware the money was not guaranteed, it is yet another blow to our community to learn this project was cut at the eleventh hour. I commend the leadership of US Senator Jeanne Shaheen who championed this project from the beginning, however, I am disappointed that others on the Senate Appropriations Committee did not see the value and impact this project would have on Somersworth. It was our hope that this expansion and renovation would help make our library more accessible to the whole community, more kid- and family-friendly, and would further enrich the lives of citizens here in our great city. It feels like yet another sad example of dysfunction and poor decision-making in Washington.

As disappointed as I am about these two setbacks, I want folks throughout the city to know that I will always fight for Somersworth, and have already taken huge steps to ensure that progress is being made on these issues.

First and foremost, I have been coordinating with the entire NH Federal Delegation that represents Somersworth - US Senator Maggie Hassan, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and US Congressman Chris Pappas - to advocate for funding for GEAR UP NH. The NH Federal Delegation has written a joint letter to the Trump Administration and the Department of Education on behalf of GEAR UP NH, asking that funding be restored. I owe special thanks to Senator Hassan who felt these efforts were so important that she visited Somersworth High School and Middle School on September 24th to meet with me, school administrators, and teachers to discuss the loss of the program, and to also hear directly from our students about the benefits of GEAR UP NH.

But my efforts didn’t stop there. I also made sure to call Governor Ayotte’s Office and ask that the Governor reach out to the Trump Administration in support of GEAR UP NH. I was happy to learn that Governor Ayotte ultimately decided to personally appeal the decision made by the Trump Administration and is fully in favor of GEAR UP NH. Unified, bi-partisan support for this program is critical, and I hope our joint efforts allow funding to be restored and GEAR UP NH to return.

The same can be said for the Library expansion and renovation project. Though we may not have secured funding help from the federal government, it does not mean that hope is lost. It is my intention to find alternative grants and funding sources to offset the costs of the project so that ground can be broken, our community can get the library it desperately deserves, and taxpayers won’t have to pay for the neglect by Washington. I’m happy to roll up my sleeves, think creatively, and do what it takes to get this project off the ground. As Mayor, I’ll keep doing everything I can to bring our community together, to protect our most vulnerable, and to make sure every child, person, and family has the chance to thrive. The importance of the library, as well as all of our great city resources, is not lost on me and I am committed to our continued improvement and advancement.

As always, I will make sure to share any updates as I have them.

Best to everyone,

  Mayor Matt Gerding 

The City of Somersworth and Strafford Regional Planning Commission recently launched a 2025 Master Plan Survey to inform the update of several elements of the Master Plan and key zoning changes in 2025 and 2026. Survey questions focus on experiences with transportation, housing, the local economy, and historic and cultural resources. Participants will have the opportunity to provide an email address at the end of the survey to receive updates on the City’s master plan and zoning efforts. Attached please find the survey flyer with a QR code and hyperlink to the survey. The survey link is also posted below. A hard-copy version of the survey is available by calling the Somersworth Planning Office at 603-692-9519 or emailing astockman@somersworthnh.gov

To participate in the Somersworth Master Plan Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hilltopcity

To build on these initiatives, the City of Somersworth is hosting a Community Forum at the Somersworth High School on Thursday, November 13th, 2025. Stay tuned for more event details in the coming weeks!

Somersworth Police Department

We send out Nixle Alerts for parking bans and other important information to cell phones and emails. You can sign up for free Nixle at www.Nixle.com.

Somersworth Police Facebook Page

Check out Somersworth Police Department’s Facebook page. We use it to let you know about important community information including crime information, road closures, snow emergencies/ parking bans, and community events. Here is the link:  https://www.facebook.com/SomersworthPoliceDepartment/

Somersworth Crime Line: You can leave crime tips or anonymous information at 603-692-9111

Somersworth Fire Department

For more information about any of the Recreation Department Programs please call (603) 692-9507 or (603) 692-9508.

✨🍁 Hello, October! 🍁✨

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and it's time for good books, creative programs, and plenty of fall fun at the library! Read on to see what we have in store for you this month.

Certified yoga instructor Gail leads this session of Vinyasa Yoga, focusing on various breathing techniques, yoga postures, stretches, and meditations. Participants should bring their own yoga mat.

*No registration required. Instructor donation appreciated!

   NEW!

✨ BYOC: Bring Your Own Craft ✨

Bring your latest project—knitting, drawing, scrapbooking, or anything you love—and join us for an open hour of creativity every Thursday at 2pm. This self-guided, relaxed environment is the perfect space to:

• Work on your own craft

• Connect with fellow makers

• Share ideas & inspiration

All skill levels welcome. Just bring yourself, your supplies, and your creativity!

The library offers book groups that meet regularly. All community members are welcome to join. For more details about these groups, please visit our website. ↓

The Dover-Somersworth NH Meaningful Conversations group will meet on Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18, & 25. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are welcome! No registration is required. Learn more about this group on their website!

Teen Programs

Ready to level up your snack game? Join us after school to learn how to whip up tasty recipes using just a microwave and toaster oven! Each month features a new recipe to try—no experience needed, just bring your appetite (and a friend or two!). Recommended for grades 7-12.

Light up your creativity! Kids in grades 6–12 are invited to join Joanna for Glow Art:

Paint your own glow-in-the-dark sugar skulls

Create neon friendship bracelets that glow under blacklight

No registration required.

Children's Programs 

🎃👻 Dare to enter… if you’re brave enough! The library's 3rd annual Halloween Hoopla will take place on Wednesday, October 29th at 5 PM.

Expect an evening of frightful fun and ghostly giggles with:

🧪 Creepy Taste Testing

✂️ Spooky Crafts

🎁 Mystery Boxes

🍪 Cookie Decorating with the "Zombie Chef Extraordinaire"

🔦 Haunted Flashlight Walk

🗝️ The Witch’s Code: A Halloween Treasure Hunt

Costumes encouraged… courage required. 🦇🕸️

👀Please note: The library will close to regular business at 3 PM and reopen at 5 PM for this special event! 👀

Coming this October: Kids CREW

Create • Read • Explore • Work Together

Come be part of Kids CREW, led by the amazing Ms. Tanya, where imagination and teamwork come to life. Every session is a new adventure!

What to Expect:

  • Hands-on crafts

  • Creative group projects

  • New friends and fun teamwork

  • A new theme each session!

Register for one session or all five—whatever fits your schedule. Recommended for ages 7-12.

Next Session: Wednesday, October 1st at 5:30 PM 

Pokémon Club is leveling up this fall at the library! 🍂✨

Join us the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30pm for battles, trades, and trainer fun. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own deck—we’ve got a shared set of cards so everyone can play!

🎁 Fall Freebies:

Oct. 1 – Get a free Trick or Trade card 👻

Nov. 5 – Snag a free Pokémon medallion 🥇

Dec. 3 – Take home a festive snowflake card holder ❄️

No registration required—just drop in!

👉 Recommended for ages 6+

Catch ’em all at Pokémon Club this fall!

Parents, are you looking for fun and enriching activities for your young children this fall? We've got a variety of FREE programs to choose from—no registration required! Recommended ages are listed below, but siblings are always welcome. Choose from:

Tiny Tales • Tuesdays at 10:30am

Big fun for little readers! Enjoy an engaging storytime with Tanya, followed by a hands-on enrichment activity. Recommended for ages 3-5.

Imagination Lab • Wednesdays at 10:30am

Explore, create, and play! Imagination Lab is a hands-on program led by the creative Ms. Jo Jo, featuring a mix of art, STEM, and sensory play designed to spark curiosity and learning in young minds. Best for ages 2-5.

Baby Buddies • Thursdays at 10:30am

This informal playgroup is designed for babies under 2 and their caregivers. Meet in our Children's Room for relaxed playtime with age-appropriate toys that support early development.

Shake, Rattle, & Roll • Fridays at 10:30am

Toddlers, get ready to move, groove, and giggle with Ms. Jo Jo! This music and movement program features singing, dancing, rhythm games, and tons of fun, all designed to support early learning and motor skills. Best for ages 2-3.

Weekend Builders • Saturdays at 10:30am

Drop in and build something awesome! Weekend Builders is an informal, all-ages program where kids can unleash their creativity using LEGOs, Magna-Tiles, and other fun building toys.  

NH Navigator, a grant-funded non-profit initiative of the Foundation for Healthy Communities, will be on-site at the library on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9am - 12pm. Their mission is to support and assist NH residents with learning about, applying for and enrolling in publicly available health coverage options like state Medicaid programs and the health insurance marketplace. No appointment is needed - stop by to have your health coverage questions answered!

Did you know we have discounted museum passes available for our patrons? You can reserve the passes ahead of time so that you're well prepared for your excursion. Current available passes include:

• SEE Science Center
• New England Aquarium
• Bedrock Gardens
• Children's Museum of NH
• Seacoast Science Center
• NH State Parks
• Strawbery Banke

• Access to Libby, a free app where you can enjoy e-books, digital audiobooks, and magazines using your Library card
• Access to Hoopla, a free media streaming platform for audiobooks, comics, e-books, movies, music, and TV
• Access to ABCMouse, a digital education program for children ages 2–8, which can be used on any computer within the Library
• Laptops for in-Library use
• 4 iPads available for checkout by any Somersworth Public Library patron
• Wii gaming system, which is always available for use in our Young Adult section
• Seed Library and Plant Propagation station, giving patrons access to a living Library of items at no cost 

Call Human Resources at 603-692-9529

Or Visit City Website to View Openings