From the Newsroom: Seacoastonline - Fosters.com

Matt Gerding and Coty Donohue are 20-something teachers and a married couple. They call Somersworth one of the most welcoming places they've lived. Check out our special project at fosters.com/rainbowcity or seacoastonline.com/rainbowcity.

Gerri Cannon is a transgender activist who has been elected to the Somersworth School Board and the New Hampshire House. In 2018, she helped advocate successfully for a transgender anti-discrimination bill, which became law in the Granite State. Check out our special project at fosters.com/rainbowcity or seacoastonline.com/rainbowcity.

Dana Hilliard, mayor of Somersworth and principal of the city's middle school, has a lot to do with creating a welcoming atmosphere in the city. Check out our special project at fosters.com/rainbowcity or seacoastonline.com/rainbowcity.

Somersworth Middle School eighth-graders shared their thoughts on whether they think the city they live in is welcoming to the LGBTQ community and also what they think about their principal, Dana Hilliard, being gay. They were all supportive. Check out our special project at fosters.com/rainbowcity or seacoastonline.com/rainbowcity.

Chamber Collaborative President and Chief Collaborator Valerie Rochon and Digital Engagement and Events Special Jen Stevens talk about the Collaborative's first Holiday Tasting that will take place Wednesday, Dec. 19.

State Reps.-elect Lisa Bunker of Exeter, left, and Gerri Cannon of Somersworth will be the first two transgender women to serve in the New Hampshire House.

Eighteen-year-old Pablo Orellano arrived in Kittery, Maine this September after fleeing violence and political turmoil in his home country of Nicaragua. He now seeks political asylum.

Dover Middle School students recently did Chores for Charity as part of the school's Spirit of Giving theme, donating to the Fire Department's Toys for Tots program. Fifth-grade teacher Jillian Brickley and some of her students describe their efforts.

Bob Lyons, 94, now living in Dover, shares his story of being aboard the US Howorth DD-592, when under fire by Japanese suicide bombers in Okinawa harbor in April 1945. He received a Purple Heart.