RECENT NEWS

And the Winner is: The Barrington branch of Edward Jones Investments has announced the winner of the annual year end Dow Jones Average prediction. The contest held during the Holiday Soiree, invites participants to predict what the Dow Jones Average will be at years end. On the day of the Soiree, December 6^th it closed at 44,642. This years winner is Ted Bergeron of Barrington. His guess of 43,304 was the closest to the actual year end Dow close of 42,544. Congratulations to Ted who along with a nice gift basket has bragging rights till next year.  

Cornerstone VNA Announces Leadership Transition: Jennifer Ufkin to Become President/CEO

 

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA, a trusted nonprofit home health provider, announces an important leadership transition. On January 3, 2025, Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, will retire after over 30 years of dedicated service, including 12 years as President/CEO. Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, a 23-year veteran of Cornerstone VNA, will succeed Julie as the next President/CEO, continuing the organization's mission of excellence in home health care.

 

Julie shares, “I am thrilled that our Board of Directors selected Jen as the next leader of this organization. As part of our succession plan, I have been mentoring Jen since the board officially offered her the position in January, and I am confident that this will be a very smooth leadership transition.”

 

Julie joined Cornerstone VNA in 1994 and received several promotions before becoming the CEO in January 2013. Under her leadership, Cornerstone VNA received numerous accolades, including Business NH Magazine’s 2020 Health Care Business of the Decade. Julie herself was honored with awards such as the 2020 Excellence in Nursing Award from NH Magazine and the 2024 Home Care Service Award from the Home Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care Alliance of NH. During her tenure as CEO, Julie has navigated the complexities of the home healthcare sector with unparalleled expertise and insight. Over the past 12 years, the organization has more than doubled in size in both service area and staffing, and has made important investments in professional staff development and specialty care services.

 

Julie shares, “Being the CEO at Cornerstone VNA has been the greatest honor of my life. I am leaving a legacy that I know will continue for another 111 years and beyond. I am enormously proud of the organization that Cornerstone VNA has become, and I know we are poised for greater things ahead.”

 

Jen began her career as a Home Care nurse in 2001, shortly after graduating from the University of New Hampshire. Over two decades, she has risen through the ranks, most recently serving as Vice President of Operations. Throughout her career she has gained experience in healthcare management, strategic planning, and telehealth implementation. Jen has led her home health teams to achieve significant improvements in financial performance and patient satisfaction and is passionate about finding innovative ways to provide the best care to patients at home.

 

Jen share, “This is an incredible opportunity to lead Cornerstone VNA during such an exciting time of growth and innovation.” Jen adds, “For more than a century, this organization has been guided by incredible leaders, and I am proud to follow in their footsteps, and keep Cornerstone VNA at the forefront of advanced care at home.”

 

Jen’s career highlights include implementing evidence-based programs, reducing hospitalization rates, promoting staff development, and advancing telehealth technology. Jen also holds leadership roles on several boards, underscoring her commitment to improving the health and wellness of our local communities. With a master’s degree in nursing and a wealth of certifications and awards, Jen continues to strive for excellence in improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for all.

 

As Julie reflects on her career with pride, she is confident in the organization's future under Jen’s capable leadership. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and compassionate care, Cornerstone VNA is poised for continued growth and success. Julie adds, “Jen and the Cornerstone VNA team have an exciting and rewarding journey ahead as they continue to explore new opportunities to advance our mission.”

 

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For more than 111 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.

Giving Thanks to Home Health Heroes

 

Thanksgiving week is the perfect time to give thanks and recognize the home health heroes during National Care at Home Month, which celebrates the various types of in-home care, including home health care, private duty home care, hospice care, and palliative care. This special month also honors the care and support family caregivers provide to their loved ones. Throughout November, Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association has been paying tribute to these healthcare heroes.

 

National Family Caregiver’s Day – November 1

 

According to Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, Cornerstone VNA President/CEO, “Family caregivers play a critical role in helping people stay at home, where most prefer to be cared for. At Cornerstone VNA we see firsthand the struggles and sacrifices that caregivers go through each day along with compassion in caring for their loved ones. Caregivers need support and resources to help them get through. Cornerstone VNA is here for our community of caregivers with education, training, and support. If you know someone caring for a loved one at home, each day is a good day to recognize their efforts and support them in any way you can.” Cornerstone VNA proudly supports Caregivers throughout the year through monthly Caregiver Cafés, an Annual Caregivers Connect event, special trainings, workshops, and quarterly e-newsletters.

 

Palliative and Advanced Care Week – November 4-8

 

Through Cornerstone VNA’s Palliative Care program, their skilled Nurse Practitioners specialize in chronic care management and geropsychiatric care, helping patients enhance their quality of life while reducing hospital visits through effective symptom management and education. According to a Palliative Care Patient, “I don’t think people really understand the benefit of Palliative Care. I think they often panic and think it means that they are ready for hospice, but that’s not the case. Through Palliative Care, my Nurse Practitioner has helped me manage my chronic illness so that I can have a better quality of life and be more comfortable.”

 

Hospice Week – November 11-15

 

Cornerstone VNA is honored to serve patients in the community and provide compassionate care and comfort at the end of life. Their dedicated Hospice Care team is available 24/7 to provide individualized support for patients of all ages and their families. As a proud Pet Peace of Mind Partner, Cornerstone VNA also helps patients care for their beloved pets through this journey. Additionally, as a Level Five Partner with the ‘We Honor Veterans’ program, they ensure that veterans receive the respect and quality end-of-life care they deserve.

 

Home Health Week – November 18-22

 

As Cornerstone VNA’s largest program, the Home Care team cares for nearly 4,000 patients per year, and provides over 58,600 home visits. The Home Care team includes skilled nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, medical social workers, licensed nursing assistants, and companion volunteers, who help patients recover and thrive in the comfort of their own homes. There have been many advancements in home health services over the years, which have greatly enhanced the care provided to patients and their families. Cornerstone VNA provides remote monitoring of high-risk patients through a Telehealth program, and many clinicians are certified in specialty areas such as wound care, ostomy care, IV therapy, lymphedema, vestibular, pediatrics, and more, which is important for treating a variety of complex conditions.

 

Private Duty Home Care Week – November 25-29

 

Life Care is Cornerstone VNA’s private duty non-medical program offering supportive services to help people stay independent and comfortable at home. The program is perfect for individuals wishing to age in place, or for caregivers in need of support for their loved ones.

 

According to Jennifer Ufkin, VP of Operations and Incoming President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA, “The care provided in the home has evolved significantly, especially over the past two decades. Thanks to advanced technology applications and a steady focus on the continuing education of our staff to provide specialized services, we are committed to meeting the diverse health and wellness needs of our local communities. It is an honor to work with such an amazing team and recognize them all during National Care at Home Month.”

About Cornerstone VNA:

Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, currently serving over 45 towns Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty and Community Care. For over 111 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.

We are delighted to announce the successful grand opening of the newly relocated Verizon Wireless Zone store in the Market Basket plaza located at 54 Calef Highway, Lee, NH! The event, held on Friday, November 22, 2024, was a fantastic celebration, thanks to the overwhelming support from the Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce and the community.

Event Highlights:

·        Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: The ceremony was attended by Greater Barrington Chamber members, community members, and Verizon and Wireless Zone representatives who marked the official opening.

·        Exclusive Promotions and Giveaways: The event kicked off the start of special promotions on the latest devices, exclusive Black Friday deals, and exciting giveaways that added to the day's excitement.

Our expert team was on hand to provide live demonstrations of our newest products and services, ensuring every visitor received personalized attention and support.

We are excited to continue serving the Lee community with the best in connectivity, technology, and customer service at our new location. Our goal remains to provide exceptional service and to help you stay connected with what matters most.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the grand opening a memorable event. We look forward to welcoming you back to our new store.

Front Row left to right: Derek Small (Wildlife Encounters), Apil Esposito (Verizon Wireless), Unknow customer, Travis Archie (Owner), Ryan Archie (Owner), Robert Grumbles (Zero Three Security), Al Johnson (Breezeline Communications), Roy Fairbanks (Coffee News).

Back Row left to right: Dave Haryasz (Wireless Zone), Jared Green (Wireless Zone), Mark Ferullo (District Store Manager), Gina DeNuzzio (First Seacoast Bank), Heather Watson (Unified Executive Search)

For Immediate Release

First Seacoast Bank Underwrites Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce and Becomes First 2024 Executive Circle Member

April 9, 2024 (Barrington, New Hampshire) First Seacoast Bank has become the first member of the Barrington Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) to Join the 2024 Executive Circle by making a $5,000 underwriting commitment to the organization. 

The GBCC Executive Circle is an exclusive group of chamber members that have financially committed to support the mission of the chamber. First Seacoast Bank (FSB), a long-time member and supporter of the chamber, wasted no time in making the commitment just a few weeks after the new tier levels were announced.

“Our institution is delighted to come alongside the GBCC and support our local business community,” expressed Gina DeNuzzio, Senior VP and Barrington Branch Manager. “We believe in, and support the mission of the Greater Barrington Chamber, with more than just dollars. Our staff members participate in and volunteer at many chamber events throughout the year. I recently joined the board of directors and have thoroughly enjoyed serving the business community through this great organization.”

“First Seacoast Bank and the wonderful people that work there are simply fabulous; it's just the right word to describe them,” remarked Scot Villeneuve, Chairman of the GBCC board of directors. “Without the support of community-minded businesses, the chamber would not exist; we are thrilled to have FSB in our Executive Circle.”

In addition to the Executive Circle Tiers, the Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce has many supporting members ranging in size from 1-person 'side-hustle' businesses through corporations with hundreds of employees. Our chamber community thrives because of the diverse backgrounds of each and every member.  The Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary partnership of business and professional people working together to advance the economic/social growth and well being of member businesses and the community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit the GBCC website: www.barringtonchamber.org

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

For more information contact:
Cornerstone VNA

Erika Lee, Director of Advancement

Phone: 603-994-7012
Email:  elee@cornerstonevna.org

 

Cornerstone VNA Offers FREE Webinar on Advance Directives

Rochester, NH – In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16^th, Cornerstone VNA is offering a free “lunch and learn” webinar for community members on the topic of Advance Directives. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 16 from 12:00-1:00pm. Learn how to inform family, friends, and health professionals about the kind of health care you want and who will make decisions for you if you are too ill to speak for yourself by using legal documents called advance directives. This special webinar will be presented by Cornerstone VNA Social Worker, Anna Shultz, LICSW, CMC, who will help attendees learn the types and resources available to get their advance directives completed.

Julie Reynolds RN, MS, Cornerstone VNA President/CEO, emphasizes, “Community education lies at the heart of our mission. It is crucial to empower individuals to take charge of their medical care and ensure their healthcare preferences are honored, particularly as their health conditions may change.” As part of National Health Care Decisions Day, local health care organizations like Cornerstone VNA are actively advocating for Advance Care planning throughout the month of April.

For more information about the Advance Directives webinar, call 800-691-1133 x1109 or email avennard@cornerstonevna.org. You can also register at https://cornerstonevna.org/event/advance-directives-webinar-april-16/ .

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For over 111 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.

 

Please join with us in congratulating our newest employee of the month, Meghan Noone! Meghan was nominated because of her willingness to tackle any project. She uses her presentation skills to deliver financial wellness education to members, students and groups in our community. Additionally, she uses her 17 years of past branch manager experience to deliver a variety of training classes to her coworkers. Meghan is passionate about financial wellness education as a means for delivering more than what people expect - every day.

Thank you for all you do, Meghan, each and every day to keep us moving forward.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

For more information contact:
Cornerstone VNA

Erika Lee, Director of Advancement

Phone: 603-994-7012 or 603-332-1133 x1203
Email: elee@cornerstonevna.org

37^th Annual Lights of Love Returns to In-person

 

Rochester, NH:  Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit provider of high-quality, skilled care at home, is pleased to announce that the 37th Annual Jane Cooper Fall Lights of Love Celebration will be held in person at the First United Methodist Church in Rochester on December 6th at 4:30 p.m.

 

For over three decades, Lights of Love has flourished as a special community gathering, thanks to the dedicated efforts and visionary leadership of Jane Cooper Fall. Jane Cooper Fall served as the driving force behind Lights of Love, providing a platform for community members to pay heartfelt tributes to those who have positively impacted their lives. While Jane passed away in October 2018, her legacy is proudly and reverently upheld by the Cornerstone VNA team, along with volunteers from the former Frisbie Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board, community members, and Jane's cherished friends.

 

In the words of Julie Reynolds, Cornerstone VNA President/CEO, "We are deeply honored to continue organizing this event in line with Jane's enduring vision for many years to come, ensuring that her spirit of goodwill lives on as a lasting legacy."

 

Community members can participate in this annual holiday tradition to honor, remember, and celebrate those who have had a special impact on their lives. With each $5 donation, tribute names will be included as part of the special Lights of Love event. Visit cornerstonevna.org/lightsoflove for more information and to order your Lights of Love. If you prefer to mail in a paper copy of the order form with a check, you can download the form from the Cornerstone VNA website or call 603-332-1133 x1109. All orders must be received by November 27^th to be included in the event program.

 

Community members are welcome to attend Lights of Love in person, which will include music by the Choir of the First United Methodist Church and the Witherell Hand Bell Choir. Please register by calling 603-332-1133 x1109. If you are unable to attend, the event will be recorded and posted to cornerstonevna.org/lightsoflove a few days following the event.

 

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty and Community Care. For 110 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.

 

37th Annual Jane Cooper Fall Lights of Love Celebration Dec 6 at 4:30 pm Cornerstone VNA is pleased to announce the 37th Annual Jane Cooper Fall Lights of Love Celebration on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 4:30 pm, held at the First United Methodist Church, 34 S Main St, Rochester, NH. Join us for this special event to remember, honor, and celebrate your loved ones. Order Your Lights of Love With each $5 donation, your loved one’s name(s) will be included as part of our special Lights of Love event.   ORDER FORM   To order your Lights of Love via check, please click here to download our paper order form. All orders received by November 27th will be included in the event program. If you would like us to mail tribute notification cards on your behalf, orders must be received by November 17th. Thank you! 2023 Lights of Love

For Immediate Release:

First Seacoast Bank Sponsors Small Business Award as Part of Upcoming CelebrateHER Event

November 2, 2023 - Dover, NH - First Seacoast Bank (FSB) is thrilled to announce that they will be working in conjunction with The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth and the Women’s Business League as a sponsor of the CelebrateHER Luncheon. The event takes place at the Atlantic Grill in Rye on Wednesday, November 8, from 12-2 p.m.

First Seacoast Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Small Business Award, which will be presented at the luncheon.

CelebrateHER marks the commencement of a new educational series aimed at addressing the unique obstacles and trials faced by women in business. This inaugural event will feature a diverse panel of speakers, each an expert in their respective fields – non-profit organizations, large corporations, the arts, and small business ownership. The purpose of this series is to equip women with the necessary tools and resources that can aid them in achieving success in their desired profession. The shared experiences and stories of panelists speaking at this exclusive luncheon will serve as a source of inspiration for our community.

“It’s great to have businesses like First Seacoast Bank so eager to help sponsor this event,” said Liz LaBrecque, Events Manager of The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. “Diversity in an economy is always better, and we want to collectively showcase groups that have felt marginalized in the past and help them grow within their business and industry. It’s in the interest of the overall economy here within the Seacoast to promote that and further prosper inclusive growth.”

First Seacoast Bank is proud to be a part of this important endeavor dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of women in business within the Seacoast region. This gathering provides an opportunity to build connections, network with peers, and acknowledge each other's significant achievements. Following the panel presentation, the aforementioned awards ceremony will commence.

“It’s an essential part of First Seacoast Bank’s mission to lift fellow community business organizations and leaders and play a small role in shining the spotlight on those making the communities that we call home such a special place,” said James R. Brannen, President & CEO of First Seacoast Bank. “We are thrilled to support this event and its impressive and worthy cause by showcasing inspiring women business leaders here in the Seacoast.”

Proceeds from this event will contribute towards a scholarship fund at Portsmouth High School. For more information and to obtain tickets, please visit: https://bit.ly/celebrateherluncheon

About First Seacoast Bank

First Seacoast Bank (FSB) is one of the oldest community banks in the region, serving individuals, businesses, and non-profit customers with a range of deposit, investment, and loan products and services. Founded in 1890, FSB has headquarters in Dover, New Hampshire, with additional branch locations and ATMs in Durham, Barrington, Rochester, and Portsmouth. First Seacoast Bank is online at www.firstseacoastbank.com.