posted on 12/5/2025

The Tri-City mayors of Dover, Rochester and Somersworth continued a seasonal tradition by gathering to read the classic children’s book "The Mitten" and share warm holiday wishes with residents across the region.

Somersworth Mayor Matt Gerding, Dover Mayor Robert Carrier, and Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan appear together in the video, offering greetings before taking turns reading Jan Brett’s beloved winter tale about a lost mitten, a determined boy, and the woodland animals who find shelter inside it.

The joint reading, shared with all three communities, highlights the mayors’ ongoing commitment to spreading goodwill during the holiday season. After the story, each mayor offers personal messages of cheer.

The full video of the reading can be viewed here.