RECENT NEWS

Newsletter Sponsored By Coming Soon.... Information on how you can be part of the 2025 Peeper Race and Family Fun Day. The Annual Chamber Open House was a success with around 30 attendees throughout the evening. All the committees had information and sign up sheets available. Several committees recruited some new volunteers, a few members signed up to host business after hours events and be our featured member speaker at the Monthly Membership meeting.  Our featured new member from the event is Garth Swenson with the Christmas Dove. Though he's not really a "new" member, he's been a part of the chamber for many years from it's beginning 30 years ago. What inspires Garth to return as a member is a couple of initiatives the board is working on to reach out beyond the Barrington area. We're excited to have Garth back on board. You can learn more about the Christmas Dove here:  https://www.facebook.com/christmasdove. The Next Monthly Membership Meeting will be held on March 5th at Nippo Lake Golf Club from 12 to 1:30 pm. Buffet Lunch for $15. Looks like we have a lot of stuff to cover this month including Business after Hours , a new shooting event, The Peeper and Golf Tournament as well as.... Our Featured Member Speaker will be Barrington Town Administrator Connor MacIver. Come learn about what's on the ballot this March, network with fellow members, have something to eat and learn about the current activities of the chamber. Sign up click here. And BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!    50/50 Raffle     $5 per ticket, so bring cash :) The Golf Tournament Committee has room for more volunteers and are already regularly meeting at Nippo Lake Golf Club to prepare for this exceptional event scheduled for June 6th this year. To become part of the Tournament committee, become a sponsor, donate a raffle prize or become a golfer Contact Tina Maorino at 603-664-7616. Here's the current list of golf tournament sponsorship opportunities Click Here The March Business After Hours will be hosted by Renaissance Firearms. Details TBA shortly. Also in the works for March with Renaissance Firearms, a Chamber Target Shooting Fundraiser Event. More details on this to come shortly as well. Business After Hours Opportunities We’re taking reservations for Business after Hour events at your facility or Chamber office for 2025 Are you interested in hosting one of these events? Talk to a board member or contact us at office@barringtonchamber.org and someone will respond to help get that set up. The Line-up So Far: March: Renaissance Firearms April: Barrington Community Foundation/ Peeper Race May: De Novo Insurance June: Zero Three Security July usually no BAH as everyone is away on vacation or really busy. August, September, October, November available December: Remax Shoreline

Cornhole Tournament to support On the Hunt-Veteran Strong on Saturday, April 19^th beginning at 11am at the Barrington Elementary School Gym. Raffles, 50/50, Fresh game with Smoke Master Mike and more. Register at Scoreholio.com. Have questions? Stop in at Renaissance Firearms and ask.

New and Again Thrift Store for Charity, 585 Calef Hwy, Barrington is celebrating MARDI GRAS on Tuesday March 4th, 10 a m - 5 p m. All clothes on the racks - $1 each. Enter raffle to win a beautiful Tea Basket. Refreshments served. See you there!

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA, a trusted local nonprofit home health and hospice provider, is pleased to share that the agency’s Home Care program has achieved a 5-star rating for patient satisfaction by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The survey asks patients (or their family or friends) about their home health care, and if they would recommend Cornerstone VNA to someone else. The patient satisfaction survey is one of two ratings CMS shares on their Medicare Compare website that allows patients and families to research local home health providers based on quality and patient satisfaction ratings.

Cornerstone VNA is one of five home health care agencies in the State of New Hampshire that has received a 5-star patient satisfaction rating. Quality and Education Director, Lisa Romanovitz, RN, BSN, shares, “Our team is dedicated to providing an outstanding patient experience, and they have worked so hard to ensure our patients feel supported in their care, every step of the way. I am extremely proud of their amazing work.” Home Care Director, Stacey Genest, RN, MSN, WCC, adds, “We are honored to achieve this important distinction, and it motivates our team to continue delivering high-quality, compassionate care.”

An important contributor to a high patient satisfaction rating is the number of specialized services provided by the Cornerstone VNA team. Many clinicians have received certifications in a variety of specialty care services, such as wound care, lymphedema, vestibular, IV therapy, chronic care management, and more. By offering a high level of care in the home, Cornerstone VNA is well-prepared to meet the complex care needs of its most vulnerable patients. Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, President/CEO, shares, “A 5-star patient satisfaction rating is a significant achievement, and is a testament to the work of our incredible team to ensure our patients and their family members receive the best, and most advanced care, at home.”

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 112 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.

On January 29th Beth McCann of Bay Equity Home Loans hosted her first Business after Hours and Ribbon Cutting to celebrate opening her new office here in Barrington. Bay Equity has sub leased an unused room at the Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce office. The event had over 30 visitors from the chamber, her business groups and real estate colleagues Beth works worth with regularly. As a long time resident of Barrington Beth is excited to be able to help her neighbors with all their mortgage needs and questions. Beth can be reached at (603) 507-1465. Office located at 748 Calef Highway, Barrington, NH.

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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