Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why a retiring Portsmouth officer just earned statewide recognition
Coming up on the Portsmouth Patch calendar: Juston McKinney
Coffee in hand, Portsmouth? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why a retiring Portsmouth officer just earned statewide recognition
- How could a new pay scale reshape Portsmouth police staffing?
- How a Portsmouth Naval Shipyard overhaul extended a submarine’s life
Also on today's calendar: Holiday Hygge Pop-up! and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Not as cold, becoming breezy, with a high of 36 and low of 8 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Friday: Colder, temps: high: 22, low: 16.
- Saturday: A bit of morning snow; cold, with a high of 23 and low of 14 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Granite Stater award goes to longtime Portsmouth police officer (seacoastonline.com) — A lifelong Portsmouth resident and police officer, Kevin Semprini has been named December’s Granite Stater of the Month for decades of work protecting local children. From launching school safety lessons to helping pilot New Hampshire’s first DARE program, his 46-year career has shaped how Portsmouth and the state approach youth safety and community policing. 
2. Portsmouth Police Department proposes new pay structures to hire and retain officers (wmur.com) — Portsmouth’s police department is considering a new pay structure to better attract and keep officers, as it currently operates seven officers below its approved staffing level of 70. With three officers leaving since July 1, leaders are rethinking the 18‑step, 18‑year pay scale that governs how quickly officers can reach top pay, hoping changes will improve recruitment and retention for the city.
3. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard work extends service of USS Cheyenne (seacoastonline.com) — Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers in Kittery have finished overhauling the USS Cheyenne nearly two months early, extending the attack submarine’s service life beyond 44 years. The project showcases the shipyard’s growing role in critical Navy refueling and modernization work, reinforcing its importance to jobs and the regional economy around Portsmouth.
4. Which New Hampshire grocery stores are open on Christmas? See hours. (seacoastonline.com) — If you’re hoping to grab last-minute groceries in Portsmouth on Christmas Day, note that most Hannaford locations, including Portsmouth, will be closed, along with major chains like Market Basket, Walmart, and Whole Foods. The piece urges residents to call ahead, since only select gas stations, pharmacies, and convenience stores may be open with limited hours.
5. Popular MA Furniture Retailer Abruptly Closes (patch.com) — Portsmouth shoppers and employees are directly affected as Circle Furniture has abruptly closed all its locations, including the Portsmouth store, just before Christmas. The New England retailer says it can no longer afford to operate and has laid off staff, with no timeline yet for reopening.
📸 Around Portsmouth
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Portsmouth
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Juston McKinney
The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH, 28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth
7:00 pm
Friday December 26
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- 35th Annual GINGERBREAD House Contest and Exhibition
Portsmouth Historical Society , 10 Middle Street , Portsmouth
10:00 am - Sarah Gordon Q2
Langdon Library , 328 Nimble Hill Road , Newington
12:00 pm - BEER WEEK: Fat Kid Culinary Food Specials at Loaded Question Brewing
Loaded Question Brewing
1:00 pm - Cardboard City
Langdon Library , 328 Nimble Hill Road , Newington
2:30 pm - FOOD & BEVERAGE: Happy Hour at Toscana
Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce , 3 Pleasant Street , Portsmouth
4:00 pm - 35th Annual GINGERBREAD House Contest and Exhibition
Portsmouth Historical Society , 10 Middle Street , Portsmouth
10:00 am - Holiday Hygge Pop-up!
Portsmouth Public Library , 175 Parrott Ave , Portsmouth
10:00 am
Friday December 26
Saturday December 27
📣 Portsmouth Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Move & Groove w/Olivia Allen Dance
Olivia Allen Dance & Fitness LLC , 437 Portsmouth Ave #1b , Greenland
9:00 am - LIBRARY CLOSED
Langdon Library , 328 Nimble Hill Road , Newington
10:00 am - FIT OVER 50: Balance & Coordination
Fox Run Dance Hall , 50 Fox Run Rd , Newington
10:00 am - FOOD & BEVERAGE: Happy Hour at Toscana
Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce , 3 Pleasant Street , Portsmouth
4:00 pm
Thursday December 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Portsmouth PatchAM possible:
- RSP Studio Custom Framing — (603) 978-6702
RSP Studio Custom Framing – for all your framing needs. - Dogtopia of North Hampton — (475) 338-3501
Dogtopia – Dog Daycare, Boarding, Spa & Wellness - Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible! - Total Basement Finishing, a Blackdog Affiliate — (603) 458-7962
Basement Remodeling Experts in NH, MA and ME
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- I posted a few items for sale and I’m getting bombarded with messages all very similar.
Asking for my full cell phone, asking me to take down the posting and they will pay thru Zelle and send a driver. Since they are very similar I feel… (Nextdoor Sherburne)
- Colwen Hotels posted a job opening for Housekeeper - Hampton Inn Portsmouth in Portsmouth. Apply here.
- Lonza, Inc. posted a job opening for QA PM II-Operations in Portsmouth. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portsmouth here.
Ok Portsmouth! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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