NHBR About Town: Week of April 10, 2026

Business and event happenings around the state of NH

1. Merrimack County Savings Bank announced its support for renovations to the Franklin Opera House and efforts to expand its performing arts. The bank has pledged $25,000 toward the improvement project, which was funded through the Community Development Finance Authority. This project will restore more than 450 children’s programs and attract a broader range of performances. The Opera House is anticipated to open in November. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Winnick.

2. Pope Memorial Library in North Conway recently celebrated a $5,000 sponsorship from Meredith Village Savings Bank. From left, Jessica Ruel, MVSB AVP branch and business development manager, and right, Lori Cote, MVSB VP commercial loan officer, meet with Pope Memorial Library staff members Sharon Wroblewski, Sydney Rose, Melissa Linne, Donna Dunn, Angela Callahan, Nancy Ekse and Clarence Odbody (the library’s resident canine).

3. Franklin Savings Bank recently granted $6,000 to Tapply-Thompson Community Center for the purchase of new furnishings for their new music room including instruments and other music gear. They are also adding lights, soundproofing equipment, furniture and instrument storage. The Tapply-Thompson Community Center offers youth activities including summer day camps, youth sports, after-school programs, teen programming, special events and enrichment programs, such as their new music offering, The Learn to Love Music Program.

4. Elliot Health System is celebrating the opening of its new, 12-bed Adult Step-Down Unit, which opened on Tuesday, March 17. The newly renovated space will expand Elliot Hospital’s capacity and serve patients with varying critical care needs and those who need a higher level of hospital-based services.

5. Monadnock Peer Support (MPS) announced a $500 grant award from the Rotary Club of Keene in support of its new programming kitchen. This funding will help to install a range hood, an essential component that will allow the space to safely host cooking and life skills programming for community members. Adding this fully functional programming kitchen is a key part of Monadnock Peer Support’s efforts to expand its programming, including life skills classes and healthy cooking classes.

6. The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of HOTWORX, at 203 South Broadway, Unit 1, Salem. HOTWORX offers 24/7 access to virtually guided infrared sauna workouts, in 15– to 30-minute sessions, that are designed to help burn more calories and recover faster. Pictured: Michelle Sundman, owner of HOTWORX, surrounded by Chamber members, friends and family.