Staff reports 8:56 a.m.
Saturday, August 18, 2018 8:55 am

ROCHESTER - The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Rotary Club, Holy Rosary Credit Union, American Legion Unit 7 Women's Auxiliary and Rochester Main Street are partnering in a city-wide celebration to "Paint the City Blue." This celebration is planned in recognition and appreciation for our Rochester police officers on National Thank A Police Officer Day on Sept. 15.

Public spaces will be decorated with blue ribbons, bows and lights including the Rochester Common, Parson Main, downtown light poles and green space along a portion of Columbus Avenue. Portions of other arterial roads including Wakefield, South Main, North Main Streets will also be decorated. Many are volunteering to help with this effort and some local schools are developing artwork that will be displayed at several downtown businesses.

This group invites residents and businesses to join them in showing their support of the members of our Rochester Police Department by hanging a blue ribbon, bow, or balloon on a tree or mailbox which is visible from the street, replace a porch or walkway light bulb with a blue one, string blue Christmas lights on a small tree or shrub, put up a yard sign, or anything else in the spirit of the event. The group has purchased for distribution a limited number of bows, light bulbs, and yard signs. They are now available at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce at 18 South Main St., Granite Steak & Grill at 11 Farmington Road and Holy Rosary Credit Union at 133 Brock Street in Rochester. The items are free, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds will be applied to additional supplies and any excess funds will be donated to the Rochester Police Benevolent Association. Rochester Rotary Charities is acting as the fiduciary for the coalition.

For additional details on how you can participate in Rochester's Paint the City Blue effort, visit www.rochesternh.org/NTPOD and/or www.facebook.com/ThankARochesterCop or call committee Co-Chair Lisa Stanley during regular business hours at 603-332-5506.