The Department of Peace (DOP) in Rochester is the latest group to hold a weekly peace vigil on the Seacoast. The group meets every Friday in front of the Parson Main statue in Rochester from 5 to 6 p.m.

Pat Frisella, a DOP member and Farmington resident, organized the vigil. Turnout was strong at the first vigil three weeks ago, but the frigid temperatures have kept people inside, she said. There are about 25 members of the DOP, and Frisella expects more people at the vigil once the weather warms up. Last Friday night, Farmington residents Manny Krasner and Gary White were with Frisella for the vigil. The three held candles and propped up a sign with the word "Peace" written on it in simple lettering.

"We're trying to get people thinking about (peace) as an option," she said. "A lot of people honk and wave and give us the peace sign."

The group held vigils and maintained a visible presence during the presidential campaign, Frisella said.

"We felt it really had an impact on people who saw us out there," she said, explaining why the DOP decided to continue holding the weekly vigil.

"It makes people stop and think for themselves, and not just swallow everything that's on TV," she said.