Announcer: Welcome back to another rich and robust episode of Coffee on the Couch.

You know that feeling when you walk into a place and instantly sense the heartbeat of a community? That’s the magic we’re diving into today.

Our guest is someone who knows how to blend passion, purpose, and local pride into something truly special.

But before we get to that, let’s get things brewing with the man behind the mic—your host, the one and only, Chris.

Coffee on the Couch will be starting in five, four, three, two, one… and we’re live.

Chris (Host): Hello and welcome back to Coffee on the Couch. Today, I’m excited to share the spotlight with someone whose work truly embodies the spirit of community and connection.

Justin Somma, Marketplace Manager at Hannah Grimes Marketplace, has been leading the charge in championing local artisans and businesses since stepping into his role in October 2022. His dedication to the “buy local” mindset is inspiring, and I can’t wait to hear the stories and insights he has to share.

So pour yourself a cup, get comfortable, and join us for a conversation that celebrates the power of supporting local.

So, welcome, Justin.

Justin Somma: Welcome. It’s good to be here.

Chris (Host): Yeah, for sure.
____________________________

HGM Hannah Grimes Marketplace

Justin Somma: So yeah, it’s good that you saw fit to reach out and get this conversation started. I’m always eager to talk to people, share what I do, and spread awareness about buying local and that mindset.

Chris (Host): For sure, for sure. That’s a good approach, especially in a place like Keene with so many different shops and businesses around.

Justin Somma: Well, Keene’s great. It has a really activated downtown, and that’s what drew me to the region.

I grew up in New York City, so I’m familiar with big urban environments. From there, I moved into the suburbs, so I’ve seen that infrastructure and how it works. I’ve also lived in more exurban and rural areas.

So, to now be in a smaller urban space that coexists harmoniously with the surrounding rural area—it’s a gem. I think Keene is a great example of that balance.

Really happy to be a part of it. Ending up on Keene’s Main Street as the manager of a retail institution like Hannah Grimes Marketplace—it’s the culmination of a dream for me. So yeah, I’m really excited about where I am and what I’m doing.

Chris (Host): That’s good. Yeah, Keene’s a very special place. I remember going for the Halloween events when they had all the pumpkins out and everything.

Justin Somma: Let me jump in actually, because the Pumpkin Fest you’re referring to—it did go away for a while, but it’s back now.

And it’s back in its original form, with that big, wide footprint. It’s a huge event that really drives autumn tourism in the area.

It just came back thanks to a former city councilor, Mike Giacomo. He heads up the group Let It Shine, which sponsors the Pumpkin Fest.

Back in 2014, the event went away for a bit because there were some disturbances—just overly exuberant crowds. So it went quiet for a while. Then it came back in a smaller, more school-based format, just up at Central Square.

But over time, it kept growing and growing, and now it’s back in its former glory. We’re out there putting thousands of pumpkins on Main Street.

Lee Johndrow-2014 Pumpkin Festival with my grandson, Jacob

_________________