A tree grows in Rochester: Community effort fosters downtown spirit, vibrancy

Bartlett's owner Ssan Rice outside her North Main Street store. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Festival of Trees, sponsored by Rochester Main Street, recently had a family anonymously donate a tree and decorations.
The family suggested that downtown businesses, who might not participate in purchasing and decorating a tree on their own, might offer gift certificates instead to assist Main Street with their efforts.
Now known affectionately as the "Community Tree," its collection point for gift certificates is Bartlett's at 30 North Main St.
Rochester Main Street is an organization that works to enhance Rochester's downtown through lights, events, flower planters and other endeavors.
The Festival of Trees is one of the major fund-raisers to help support these projects.
Businesses and individuals are invited to be a part of the Community Tree.
Any business or individual who wants to donate a gift certificate can contact Susan Rice of Bartlett's at ricesusanj@yahoo.com, or by phone at 603-234-3991.
Bartlett's will be open today-Sunday this week and Wednesday-Thursday next week for drop off of gift certificates. The Festival of Trees will be held on Dec. 1-2 at Studley's Greenhouse on Wakefield Street. More info can be found on the Rochester Main Street website at http://www.rochestermainstreet.org