RECENT NEWS

New and Again Thrift Store for Charity celebrates 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Sat. 5/9  10 a m - 3 p m. Join us for special sales, refreshments, and great deals. Sure to be a fun time!

 

Cornerstone VNA Invites Family Caregivers to a Free Event

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit home health provider, is pleased to announce the tenth annual Caregivers Connect, a special supportive event for family caregivers in the community. This free in-person event will take place at the Cochecho Country Club in Dover on Wednesday, May 13, from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm and continues to be generously underwritten by First Seacoast Bank.

 

Caregiver attendees will hear from guest author and speaker Bonnie Brooks Dudley on “Strong Enough to Care: Emotions, Communication, and Resilience.” Caregivers will gain practical tools to navigate the ups, downs, and changes of caregiving and discover how emotions shape conversations, strengthen communication, reduce stress, and build more compassionate connections. The first fifty caregiver registrants will receive a copy of the book Working It Out by Dudley. Whether you are new to caregiving or deep in the day-to-day, this presentation will provide guidance, reassurance, and actionable skills to support you at every stage. In addition, each caregiver registrant who attends this event on May 13^th will choose and receive a special quilt from the Cocheco Quilters Guild and create a beautiful bouquet from Nowadays Flower Farm’s flower bar.

Jennifer Ufkin RN, MSN, BC-NC, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA shares, “We are proud to host this special annual event for family caregivers in our community. This year, we’re highlighting the power of communication and showing how it can foster more meaningful connections, helping caregivers engage more thoughtfully with their loved ones and with themselves." Katie Michaud, MS, OTR/L, Community & Life Care Director at Cornerstone VNA adds, “We are so excited to share the news about our 10th Caregivers Connect Event! At Cornerstone VNA, we are deeply committed to supporting family caregivers by providing meaningful education, helpful resources, and a powerful sense of community. We understand that caring for a loved one can be both rewarding and challenging, and no one should have to navigate that journey alone. Our goal is to help caregivers stay healthy, informed, and connected every step of the way, and our annual Caregivers Connect event is one of the ways we bring that support to life.”

 

To register for Caregivers Connect or to learn more, call 603-332-1133 x1109 or visit https://cornerstonevna.org/event/caregivers-connect-26/ . In addition to this special annual event, Cornerstone VNA provides family caregiver support throughout the year, including monthly Caregiver Cafés in collaboration with six local libraries in Farmington, Strafford, Dover, Wolfeboro, Barrington, and North Hampton. Learn more about caregiver resources and support at https://cornerstonevna.org/caregiver-support/ .

 

Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization 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 113 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

Cornerstone VNA Clinician Receives National Acclaim

 

Rochester, NH — Local nonprofit Cornerstone VNA is proud to announce that Todd Burnett, PT, DPT, CLT, WCC, Lymphedema and Wound Management Coordinator, has been honored with the Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice from the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management, which is a component of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This prestigious award recognizes an Academy member who has excelled in clinical practice, improved the quality of patient care, and supported the multidisciplinary care of patients.

 

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes painful swelling in the arms and legs due to a compromised lymphatic system. Todd and his colleagues treat patients with this condition in their homes, teaching them exercises, self-manual lymph drainage, and how to use compression garments, all of which make a world of difference in their daily lives.

 

Todd was recognized for this achievement in Anaheim, California, where he also took the stage at the Annual APTA Conference in February alongside fellow Lymphedema and Wound Management Coordinator Allyson Alexander, PT, DPT, CLT, WCC, and Maureen Watkins, PT, DPT, LMT, MBA, Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy, Human Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences at Northeastern University. Their session, Systems in Crisis: Review of Systems and Treatment of Venolymphatic Disorders and Wounds in Homecare, explored the complexities of managing venous and lymphatic conditions within the homecare setting. During the presentation, they shared how an innovative device was created, which enabled a Cornerstone VNA home care patient to independently apply his own compression stockings, an ingenuity that will subsequently be modeled in homecare settings throughout the country.

 

Rehab Director Karen Krause, PT, COS-C, AIB-VRC, shares, "Todd consistently strives to enhance the standard of care he provides, always looking for ways to refine processes and improve patient outcomes. He demonstrates strong leadership and guides and educates his Home Care team with purpose to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care and the best possible results." Todd believes much of his success stems from the trust and flexibility his team has been given by senior leadership at Cornerstone VNA, empowering them to put solutions in place that are both sustainable and genuinely impactful for patients.

 

That impact is felt deeply by the patients and families he serves. One patient's wife recently shared her appreciation, noting that Todd not only cared for her husband's condition but also looked after his overall well-being — teaching her lymph massage techniques and helping make their home safer for him to navigate.

 

For more information about Cornerstone VNA's expert wound care and lymphedema services, as well as other home health services, visit www.cornerstonevna.org.

 

 

Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization 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 113 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

Cornerstone VNA Celebrates 37 Years of Service by Janice Howard and Welcomes Katie Michaud as Community and Life Care Director

 

Rochester, NH — Cornerstone VNA proudly recognizes and celebrates the remarkable 37-year career of Janice Howard, Life Care Director, as she retires from the organization, and announces Katie Michaud, MS, OTR/L, as the new Community and Life Care Director, effective January 5, 2026.

 

Janice began her career with Cornerstone VNA in 1988 as a Certified Nursing Assistant with what was then the Rural District VNA in Farmington. Over the years, her dedication, leadership, and compassion for patients led to multiple promotions and expanded responsibilities. In 2005, Janice became Support Services Manager, where she was instrumental in launching the organization’s Adult Day Center. As patient needs evolved, she later stepped into the role of Director of Life Care – Private Duty, leading the program for the past 12 years and helping countless individuals remain safely and comfortably at home.

 

“Janice exemplifies the heart and culture of Cornerstone VNA,” said Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. “Her 37 years of service, leadership, and commitment to those we serve have left a lasting legacy. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”

 

Cornerstone VNA is pleased to welcome Katie Michaud into the role of Community and Life Care Director. Katie has been part of the Cornerstone VNA team since 2013, beginning her career as a field Occupational Therapist. Over the past decade, she has grown into a respected leader, most recently serving as Mental Health & Matter of Balance Coordinator and Community Care Director.

 

The Community and Life Care Departments provide community education, support programs, volunteer services, and private duty services designed to help individuals age safely and confidently in their homes. In addition to the Director, the department includes personal care service providers, homemakers, Licensed Nursing Assistants, a Life Care Manager, Life Care Coordinator, Wellness Nurse, and Volunteer Coordinator, all working together to support patients, caregivers, and the broader community.

 

Katie is widely known for her work in fall prevention, mental health education, and community outreach. She leads Cornerstone VNA’s Mental Health Team and oversees all community programs and educational series. Katie is a certified Older Adult, Adult, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, a NAMI Connect Suicide Prevention Trainer, a Steering Committee member of the Dover Mental Health Alliance, and Chair of the Rochester Mental Health Alliance.

 

“I am honored to step into this role and build upon the strong foundation Janice has created,” said Michaud. “I look forward to continuing to expand our Community and Life Care programs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring individuals and families have the support they need to live safely and confidently at home.”

 

“Katie brings vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to education and whole-person care,” added Ufkin. “We are excited to have her lead this important work as we look to the future.”

 

Cornerstone VNA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Janice Howard for her extraordinary career and looks forward to the continued growth of its Community and Life Care services under Katie Michaud’s leadership.

 

 

Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization 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 113 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

Cornerstone VNA Expands Hospice Care with Reiki and Essential Oils to Support Comfort, Peace, and Emotional Wellbeing

 

Rochester, NH — Cornerstone VNA is proud to announce the expansion of its Hospice Care program to include two new specialty services aimed at enhancing comfort and emotional support for patients and their families: Reiki therapy and aromatherapy using essential oils.

 

These holistic services complement Cornerstone VNA’s expert clinical care by addressing the emotional, spiritual, and sensory needs of patients at end of life. Reiki services were introduced in late summer 2025, and aromatherapy officially launched on December 1, 2025.

 

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy therapy that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and a sense of peace. Provided by Cornerstone VNA Hospice Nurse and Reiki practitioner Kelly Scribner, RN, Reiki has already made a meaningful impact for patients receiving hospice care.

 

Since introducing Reiki, patients have reported significant benefits from receiving this service. Scribner shared, “My patients often feel more at peace and more comfortable, both physically and emotionally.” She added, “One of my patients had been minimally responsive for weeks, but responded to me after a Reiki session.”

 

One patient recently shared this testimonial after receiving Reiki services: “I never expected it to actually work, but I can feel a difference from when she starts to when she leaves. It’s just wild that you can actually feel it when it starts. It’s such a cool experience. I’m so glad you guys do it.”

 

In addition to Reiki, Cornerstone VNA is now offering essential oils as part of symptom management and comfort care. Aromatherapy can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, ease restlessness, support breathing comfort, and uplift mood. Oils most commonly used include lavender, peppermint, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, and frankincense.

 

Families receive education and guidance on safe use, including proper placement of oils and application. Oils are typically used by placing a few drops on a cotton ball or similar material near the patient to gently release scent into the room.

 

“These services reflect our whole-person philosophy of care,” said Lisa Nichols, Hospice and Palliative Care Director at Cornerstone VNA. “Hospice is not only about managing symptoms, it’s about supporting dignity, peace, and comfort in every possible way, for both patients and their loved ones.”

 

For more information about Hospice Care or these new services, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

 

Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization 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 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

First Seacoast Bank is excited to share that our new Durham location is now open! We’ve moved just a few doors down to the other end of Mill Plaza and are now located in Unit 7K.

 

Our new space is larger, brand new, and designed to better serve you. We’re thrilled to welcome you in and show you around.

 

We also want to let you know that our ATM is now a drive-up and accepts deposits. While the drive-up service window is not quite ready yet, the ATM is fully operational, and you are always welcome to come inside for service in the meantime. 

Cornerstone VNA Honors Amy Coombs, RN and FedPoint at Annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast

 

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA recently honored two exceptional award recipients during its annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast on November 18, 2025, at The Oaks in Somersworth, NH. Amy Coombs, RN, BSN, OMS, received the 2025 Florence Nightingale Award, and FedPoint was recognized with the 2025 Cornerstone Award.

 

The Florence Nightingale Award recognizes a nurse who exemplifies excellence in clinical practice, mentorship, leadership, and compassion. Amy Coombs has been part of Cornerstone VNA for eight years and is highly regarded for her clinical expertise, particularly as a certified ostomy nurse. She is also known for her extraordinary commitment to mentoring new nurses, frequently precepting new graduates and providing steady leadership during staffing challenges, including stepping in as a backup team manager over the past year.

 

“Amy embodies the very heart of nursing,” shared Senior Home Care Director, Stacey Genest, MSN, RN, WCC. “Her skill, compassion, and unwavering presence inspire confidence in patients and colleagues alike. She leads with trust, and in doing so, empowers everyone around her.”

 

The next award presented at the event was the Cornerstone Award, which is given annually to an individual or organization in recognition of outstanding support and commitment to advancing the mission of Cornerstone VNA. The 2025 award was presented to FedPoint, which administers large-scale federal benefits programs and has been a long-time partner and supporter whose generosity and collaboration have had a lasting impact on the organization.

 

“FedPoint is honored to be recognized as this year’s Cornerstone Award recipient,” said FedPoint’s Director of Corporate Giving, Brian Frankenfield, who accepted the award. “But more than the recognition itself, what truly matters is the partnership we’ve built and the care that Cornerstone VNA provides every single day to people who need it most. From funding caregiver training and bereavement spaces to supporting clinical technology and encouraging future nurses into the profession, it’s always felt less like ‘giving back’ and more like joining a mission we deeply believe in.”

 

“FedPoint has been an incredible partner since 2017,” said Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. “Their generosity, trust, and collaboration have truly strengthened our ability to serve patients and families in the community. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership.”

 

FedPoint is also represented on the Cornerstone VNA Board of Directors by Marilyn Staff, RN, Director of Care Coordination, and collaborates with Cornerstone VNA through shared education and scholarship review efforts. Marilyn shared, “These contributions strengthen the foundation of care, provide resources where they are most needed, and remind us that generosity is a powerful force for change.”

 

Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization 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 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

Our December Chamber Business After Hours is hosted by Maria Shute of Remax- Shoreline. If you have the Holiday Spirit, this is the event for you.  Learn More about Maria Shute at Remax Shoreline click here

Visit the Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce booth at the Soiree up by the Christmas Dove. We'll have warm cider, a fire and raffle tickets available for our Christmas Tree Prize decorated with approximately $600 in gift certificates to local businesses. Tickets only $20 each. And will be available at our Monthly membership meeting.     For more information e-mail office@barringtonchamber.org

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES Over the fall we've had lot's of activity on membership. The Greater Barrington Chamber Thanks the following members for continuing to be a part of our organization: Straight Forward Financial Group, Rich Hilow Luminate Home Loans, Edward Mertens Middleton Chiropractic, Alex Marquignon Rochester Massage Therapy, Christine Kennedy Score, Scott Shepard Blue Dolphin Screen printing and Embroidery, Scott Behan Verizon of Lee, Ryan Archie Combined Insurance, Katherine McLaughlin Major Waldron's Sportsman Association, Robert Grumbles  The Greater Barrington Chamber Thanks the following new and returning members for becoming a part of our organization: The Printing Press of Dover, Heather Bartle BYNT Properties, Catherine Brower Peace of the Planet, Tracy Radack do Terra Independent Consultant, Kathy Waterhouse Town of Barrington, Ernie Creveling Lockworks Llc, Jeff Refinati

Business After Hours and Membership Meeting Speaker Opportunities will soon be scheduled for 2026 If you would either like to host a business after hours or morning mixer contact Roy Fairbanks, 603-923-3063, rfairbanks@greatbaycn.com. If you would like to be a featured speaker during one of our monthly membership meetings contact Ryan Archie, 207-351-5650.

First Seacoast Bank Donates $5,000 to Pope Memorial Humane Society – Cocheco Valley Through October Account Campaign

Dover, NH — [Nov. 25] — First Seacoast Bank (FSB) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its October community initiative, raising $5,000 for Pope Memorial Humane Society – Cocheco Valley. During the campaign, community members who opened new personal checking or savings accounts helped the bank contribute $50 per account to support the local humane society. This initiative built on FSB’s earlier support in October, when the bank donated its Apple Harvest Day table to Pope Memorial Humane Society – Cocheco Valley.

“Thanks to our customers’ participation, we were able to make a real impact in the lives of animals in our community,” said First Seacoast Bank Assistant Vice President and Dover Branch Manager, Amanda Gagne. “We’re thrilled to support Pope Memorial Humane Society – Cocheco Valley and help provide care and second chances for pets waiting for their forever homes.”

The $5,000 donation will help fund medical care, shelter needs, and adoption services for animals in need. Every dollar donated contributes directly to improving the lives of pets in the Cocheco Valley area.

FSB’s October campaign is part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. From supporting local non-profits and sponsoring community events to encouraging employee volunteerism, FSB actively seeks opportunities to make a positive impact. The bank strives to create meaningful connections and contribute to initiatives that improve the well-being of the communities it serves. For more information about FSB’s charitable initiatives, visit https://www.firstseacoastbank.com/charitable-giving.

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 its 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.

 

About Pope Memorial Humane Society

Pope Memorial Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals in the Seacoast region. Through sheltering, adoption, education, and community outreach, the organization works to provide compassionate care and find loving homes for animals in need. Pope Memorial Humane Society relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners to continue its mission of creating a better life for pets and the people who love them. Please visit www.popememorialcvhs.org for further information.

39^th Annual Lights of Love Event Held December 3

 

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit provider of high-quality, skilled care at home, is pleased to announce the 39th Annual Jane Cooper Fall Lights of Love Celebration, taking place on Wednesday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Rochester, NH.

 

Cornerstone VNA is delighted to return to this welcoming church to “Light the Lights” and usher in the holiday season. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for a newly added Lights of Love tag-making station, and guests are invited to enjoy homemade refreshments before and after the program.

 

For nearly four decades, Lights of Love has been a cherished community tradition, founded through the dedication and vision of Jane Cooper Fall. Jane established this special gathering as a way for community members to pay tribute to those who have touched their lives in meaningful ways. Although Jane passed away in October 2018, her legacy continues through the ongoing efforts of Cornerstone VNA staff, volunteers from the former Frisbie Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board, community members, and Jane’s many dear friends.

 

“Cornerstone VNA is proud to uphold Jane’s enduring vision through this event, preserving her legacy of compassion and community for generations to come,” said Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, BC-NC, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. “It is an honor to create a comforting space for remembrance and celebration each year.”

 

Community members are invited to participate in this heartfelt holiday tradition to remember, honor, and celebrate loved ones, and even beloved pets. With a $5 donation per name, participants can pay tribute to someone special. Orders received by November 24 will be included in the printed event program. To order Lights of Love, visit cornerstonevna.org/lightsoflove. Paper order forms can also be downloaded from the website or requested by calling 603-332-1133 x1109.

 

All are welcome to attend the Lights of Love Celebration in person, featuring music by the Choir of the First United Methodist Church and the Witherell Hand Bell Choir. To register, please call 603-332-1133 x1109. Those unable to attend in person may view a recording of the event, which will be posted to cornerstonevna.org/lightsoflove a few days after the celebration.

 

Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization 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 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.