RECENT NEWS

On October 15, 2020 Cornerstone VNA, a nonprofit home health and hospice care organization, broke ground on an important capital project to expand their building and renovate their existing space. This project marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s 108 year history, and positions them for continued success in the future.

Cornerstone VNA has been in their current location at 178 Farmington Road, Rochester, NH since 2001. Over the last 20 years, Cornerstone VNA has experienced significant growth. According to Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA, “Over the past ten years, we have more than doubled our service area from 19 to 43 communities, and the number of patients served each year continues to climb - from 1,750 to over 5,500 in the last 10 years.” Reynolds shares that the organization has also grown in staffing from 85 employees in 2010 to over 170 employees today.

“As we’ve grown, we have managed our spatial needs by reconfiguring offices and renovating our basement in 2018, but the time has come to expand our building to better support our staff, our patients and our community”, says Reynolds. This project will ensure the continued success of Cornerstone VNA’s award-winning programs and services, the care provided by their frontline workers, and essential training of all staff.

In the words of Rochester NH Mayor, Caroline McCarley, “The City is so excited that Cornerstone VNA is doing this expansion. I began my time with the VNA way back when I first moved to town, as a volunteer in the well-child clinic, and the work they have done and the expansion is just amazing.”

Cornerstone VNA is proud to be working with SMP Architecture of Concord, Groen Construction of Rochester, and First Seacoast Bank, who have all teamed up to build a new wing for the Hospice, Palliative Care and Intake Departments, as well as larger community meeting and training spaces. Additional renovations will be made to the existing building to address administrative staffing needs, for improved family support, and to enhance building safety and accessibility.

President of Groen Construction, Fenton Groen is thrilled that Cornerstone VNA selected Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) for their new addition. “Compared to conventional wood construction, the use of ICFs will minimize the total cost of the building by increasing the speed of construction, higher safety ratings and increased energy efficiency,” he explains.

In fact, the new ICF addition with continuous insulation and solid concrete walls will assist in reducing the long-term operating expenses for Cornerstone VNA by reducing heat and cooling costs of that space by at least 30%.

Tamara Crooks-Faulkingham, RN, BSN, Hospice Director says , “It will be extremely helpful to have the added space to better serve our patients. It will allow us to work more efficiently as a team, which will lead to enhanced coordination of care.” Barb Boulton, RN, MSN, Program Support Director & Compliance Officer adds, “The Intake Department’s role as the initiator of the patients’ electronic health record and our active participation in coordination of care requires a detail-oriented mind and calm work environment with minimal interruptions. Our new space will create an environment which encourages high quality work that is essential to documentation integrity.”

Cornerstone VNA’s goal is to raise $2 million for this important project. To date, the organization has garnered support from their Board of Directors, the Cogswell Benevolent Trust, local businesses and over 100 generous donors. As the 2020 beneficiary of the 15th Annual Seacoast Half Marathon, Cornerstone VNA has dedicated the race proceeds to support this expansion and renovation.

According to Advancement Director, Erika Lee, “We are a healthy organization, but the support we receive will help us reduce the debt and length of debt incurred.” Lee adds, “Donations for our capital project will be key to our success. They will enable us to focus on investing in emerging opportunities to benefit our patients and to be prepared to weather unexpected challenges, such as the current pandemic.”

Cornerstone VNA recognizes that the heart of healing begins at home and stands poised and committed to providing home health and hospice care to their New Hampshire and Maine service area communities for generations to come. For those who are interested in supporting Cornerstone VNA’s important building expansion and renovation project, Cornerstone VNA offers a variety of flexible giving options and can guide donors in making a meaningful investment that aligns with their philanthropic goals. Additional details and project photos can be found at cornerstonevna.org/buildingourfuture.

About Cornerstone VNA:

Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, currently serving 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 108 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.

(Concord, NH) NH Federal Credit Union’s Santa for Seniors Giving Tree donation drive was held Monday, November 30, through Friday, December 11, 2020. The community responded by contributing gift cards and homemade holiday cards, which were placed on “Giving Trees” in each NHFCU lobby for two weeks. In Mid-December, Santa delivered over $1,500 in gift card donations and homemade cards to nine senior facilities in the NHFCU services areas. Though most facilities are in lockdown due to COVID-19, many residents and staff had the pleasure of waving to Santa from inside.

Contributing to Santa for Seniors this year was an opportunity to deliver hope and holiday cheer to seniors in our communities. Hundreds of seniors in long-term care facilities have not been able to visit with family since last spring.

NHFCU is grateful to our members, staff, and the public, who generously helped make a difference for seniors in an especially challenging year.

Your donations helped put smiles on the faces of seniors and those who care for them during the holiday season.

NH Federal Credit Union (NHFCU) is a $300 million full-service cooperative financial institution with offices in Concord, and Lee, NH, offering free financial education and one-on-one coaching through its Centers for Finance & Education. To learn more about NHFCU and the Centers for Finance & Education, call (603) 224-7731 or visit their website, www.nhfcu.org.

At Riverside Rest Home in Dover, Santa delivers donations to Maria Ayer.

At Harris Hill Center in Concord, Chrissy Avila accepts donations from Santa as residents enjoy the exchange from inside their rooms.

L to R, LuAnn Chapman, Santa, Karen Murphy and Carolyn Allhiser hand off Donations to Santa

(Concord, NH)   NH Federal Credit Union’s Santa for Seniors Giving Tree donation drive kicks off Monday, November 30, 2020.

Make a positive difference during this especially challenging year.  Join New Hampshire Federal Credit Union in delivering holiday smiles to local seniors.  You can participate by donating a gift card in any denomination or, you can create a homemade holiday card.  Contributing to Santa for Seniors is a way to deliver hope and holiday cheer to seniors in our community, many of whom have not been able to visit with family since spring.  Santa himself will deliver the gift cards and homemade holiday cards NHFCU collects to nine local NH senior facilities on December 12 & 13.   NHFCU is accepting donations beginning Monday, November 30, through Friday, December 11, 2020 at all three of their locations:  70 Airport Road and 47 N Main Street in Concord, NH, and 71 Calef Highway in Lee, NH.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the senior facilities NHFCU is partnering with have requested donations of gift cards rather than physical items. A “Giving Tree” in each NHFCU lobby will temporarily house the gift cards and homemade holiday cards until delivery.    

Gift cards in any denomination are welcome and may include grocery stores, VISA/MasterCard, department stores and pharmacies.  Please knock on our door and an employee will meet you to accept your donation.  Help us fill our Giving Trees with your support and generosity this holiday season.  

NH Federal Credit Union (NHFCU) is a $300 million full-service cooperative financial institution with offices in Concord, and Lee, NH, offering free financial education and one-on-one coaching through its Centers for Finance & Education.  To learn more about NHFCU and the Centers for Finance & Education, call (603) 224-7731 or visit their website, www.nhfcu.org.

Rochester, NH –HRCU is proud to present Community Partners with a donation of $2,500 to support the Dover Mental Health Alliance (DMHA). The DMHA is a community collaboration to educate and inform all citizens about mental health, mental illness and suicide prevention.

“We know that mental health is an area that needs a great deal of attention and focus in the community, and by supporting the Dover Mental Health Alliance and Community Partners it was a great way for HRCU to start to get involved”, said HRCU President & CEO Brian Hughes.

The DMHA is comprised of area business leaders, educators, administrators, civic leaders, therapists, community members, nonprofit staff, faith leaders, and frontline workers who have joined forces for the purpose of delivering education and awareness of mental health and its challenges to the Dover Community. They aim is to work with all facets of the community to empower its citizens to be able to recognize the signs of a mental health challenge and respond appropriately.

“When we understand and internalize that our mental health is part of, and as important as our physical health, then we can change the perceptions of what our society has long believed to be what mental health and mental illness is”, said Suzanne Weete of Community Partners.  “HRCU is a leader in understanding that more work needs to be done to change our culture so that people can get the help they need without feeling shame or discrimination. The DMHA thanks HRCU for their generous support”, Weete added.

To learn more about the Dover Mental Health Alliance, you can visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DoverMHA/.Community Partners is the state designated nonprofit Community Mental Health Center in Strafford County. For more information about all of Community Partners’ services and programs, please go to www.communitypartnersnh.org. 

Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit provider of high-quality, skilled care at home, is pleased to welcome their newest medical provider to their Palliative Care Team, Dr. Andrew Kunkemueller, MD, Palliative Care Medical Director.

“The Palliative Care Medical Director is a new position within our growing Palliative Care Department,” explains Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. “We are so pleased to have a physician joining our Palliative Care team, especially Dr. Kunkemueller, who is returning to Cornerstone VNA and eager to help us expand this important program.”

Dr. Kunkemueller graduated from Dartmouth School of Medicine in 1997 and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in 2000. As a board certified Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Kunkemueller worked in a primary care setting for seven years before transitioning to hospital-based medicine in 2007. While working as a hospitalist at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Dr. Kunkemueller was able to treat patients at various stages of their recovery or illness, including those at end-of-life. It was here that he began to show a deeper interest in, and appreciation for, Hospice Care. “In 2010, Cornerstone VNA reinstated their hospice license due to a growing need for hospice services, and in 2011, I was pleased to join their team as the Associate Hospice Medical Director,” shares Kunkemueller.

Dr. Kunkemueller worked as the Associate Hospice Medical Director at Cornerstone VNA until 2018, and then went to Exeter Hospital. Since that time, Dr. Kunkemueller has continued to work closely with Cornerstone VNA as a referral partner, and has been intrigued by how Palliative Care positively impacts the lives of people living with chronic illnesses by providing improved coordination of care and symptom management. In his new role as Palliative Care Medical Director, Dr. Kunkemueller will be instrumental in fostering relationships with referral partners, and educating patients and medical professionals of the benefits of Palliative Care. Additionally, he will be providing Palliative Care consultations at both Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital. As a valuable member of the Cornerstone VNA medical team, he will also provide support and guidance to the Hospice Medical Director and Hospice Team as needed.

“I am so pleased to be coming back to Cornerstone VNA to help them further expand their Palliative Care program,” Kunkemueller shares. “As a nonprofit organization, Cornerstone VNA is well-anchored in the community and has a solid reputation for providing high-quality care at home.” Kunkemueller added that he is looking forward to spending more time with patients, getting to know their health goals, and working with them to develop an appropriate care path.

Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit organization currently serving 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 107 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.

Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit provider of high-quality, skilled care at home, is pleased to welcome their newest medical provider to their Hospice and Palliative Care Teams, Hayley Bustos, RN, FNP-C, ACHPN, Nurse Practitioner.

Hayley recently relocated to New England from the Midwest to be closer to the ocean and her family in Canada. She has been working in Hospice and Palliative Care since 2015 and is passionate about end of life care and providing holistic, person centered care. Hayley is also passionate about education, herbalism and alternative therapies.

Hayley holds a master’s degree from Purdue University and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience in critical care and cardiology as well as Palliative Care, a unique program that specializes in providing pain and symptom management for individuals with chronic medical conditions. She is one of twenty-two providers in the State of New Hampshire who is certified as an Advanced Hospice and Palliative Nurse, and she is also a member of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association. She is dedicated to providing high quality care and supporting her team of coworkers.

Hayley states, “In my search to move back to the East Coast, I was excited to find an opportunity to work at Cornerstone VNA.” Bustos adds, “I felt a strong connection to the organization’s mission and was encouraged by their successful Hospice program, as well as their well-established Palliative Care program and its potential for continued growth.”

According to Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA, “We are thrilled to have Hayley join our organization, especially with her prior experience in building a successful Palliative Care program.” Reynolds adds, “Hayley brings a diverse skillset, which further strengthens our program and adds to the breadth of knowledge of our expert Hospice and Palliative Care Teams.”

Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit organization currently serving 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 107 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.

Rochester, NH – HRCU has donated copies of the book “Amazing Masks” written by William Allen School 2nd Grade Teacher Jennifer Brock, to Rochester Elementary schools, as well as, local pediatric offices, dentists, daycares, and the Rochester Library.

“The goal of Amazing Masks is to help ensure that our most precious resource, our children, are as emotionally prepared as possible as they enter the upcoming school year and the new normal of wearing masks. The hope is this book will ease anxiety, create smiles and happiness, and make the return to school a little easier. We are thrilled at the support we have received from HRCU. We cannot thank them enough for supporting our communities,” stated Brock.

While donating the books to the Rochester School District, HRCU also donated Staples gift cards to be used to provide school supplies for students that may be in need.

“As the Superintendent of Schools in Rochester, I am so fortunate to have community partners like HRCU. Their support has never waned even during the pandemic and our school community is deeply appreciative of HRCU’s constant support to our students, staff and families”, said Kyle Repucci, Superintendent of Schools for SAU 54.

Todd Civin, of Civin Media Relations and Publishing Services, the publisher of Amazing Masks, also donated backpacks with supplies through the program “KushCares Children in the Community”.

“I am thrilled to find a company like HRCU to supplement what we are doing for children in Southern NH. To work with a group who has similar goals regarding children in our communities is especially exciting. We hope to partner on additional joint ventures in the future”, said Civin, who also is the Director for KushCares Children in the Community.

You can purchase your own copy of Amazing Masks at:

www.civinmediarelations.com/product-page/amazing-masks-by-jennifer-brock

Holy Rosary Credit Union - HRCU is a state-chartered and federally insured community credit union serving the New Hampshire community since its inception in 1962 and now York County Maine. With several locations and 24,000 members throughout the seacoast and beyond, HRCU prides itself on helping its members achieve their financial goals through convenient, up-to-date services and a compassionate, personalized approach.

Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit provider of high-quality, skilled home health and hospice care, is pleased to welcome new Hospice Care Director, Tamara “Tammy” Crooks-Faulkingham, RN, BSN.

Tammy began her career in health care working as a nursing assistant when she was just 16 years old. Tammy shares, “From a very young age, I really enjoyed caring for people, and that passion for helping others has carried me through my entire career.” Crooks-Faulkingham worked as an LPN before graduating with her BSN in 2000 from Salem State College.

As an accomplished nurse working at a skilled nursing facility for nearly a decade, Tammy transitioned to a new role with Merrimack Valley Hospice in Lawrence, MA. It was here that Tammy fell in love with hospice. Tammy adds, “I was working as an after-hours triage nurse and I really felt as though I was making a difference, working with patients and their families at end-of-life.”

Tammy has been in a hospice leadership position for over 10 years, where she enjoys helping others optimize their skills and expertise, and brings a wealth of experience to Cornerstone VNA. According to Tammy, “Cornerstone VNA delivers a variety of expert care. I am proud to be a part of a team that has a true interest in the well-being of the individuals in the communities it serves.”

“We are thrilled to have Tammy join the Cornerstone VNA family as our new Hospice Director,” states Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. Reynolds adds, “Our Hospice Care program has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and Tammy’s leadership skills, passion for caring, and alignment with our mission, will contribute to the continued success of this important program.”

Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit organization currently serving 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 107 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.

Business NH Magazine recently named Cornerstone VNA as the Business of the Decade in the Health Care Industry. Business NH Magazine invited the winners of their Business of the Year and Business Leader of the Year awards between 2011 and 2019 to apply for the Business of the Decade competition. Cornerstone VNA was the 2019 Healthcare Business of the Year and eligible to apply. Nearly 50 judges participated in scoring the applications through two rounds of judging to determine the winners. Cornerstone VNA, a nonprofit home health and hospice care organization, was selected for this esteemed award for their business success, their contributions to the community, and their leadership within their industry. This award is a reflection of Cornerstone VNA’s commitment to ensuring that patients and their families receive the very best care, not only in the last decade but the last century as well.

As a nonprofit organization, Cornerstone VNA places great value transforming the home health care experience and works tirelessly to provide programs and services that promote healthy and informed communities. Their team identifies opportunities to provide the most advanced care at home, such as high-tech telehealth technology and expert clinical specialties. They are on the cutting edge of care with their sepsis protocol and training and well-respected Community Palliative Care program.

According to Board Chair, Paul Drager, “This award shines a light on the organization’s work of providing high quality care, innovative services, and support for our local communities.” Drager continues, “It is an honor to receive recognition as Business of the Decade and I congratulate the entire Cornerstone VNA team and volunteers, as well as our individual donors, businesses and foundations who support this important nonprofit. In addition, we are grateful for the tremendous community support we have been given throughout the years.”

Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone VNA shares, “I have such gratitude for our staff and for their continued passion for caring, not only for our patients and the community, but for each other.” Reynolds adds, “We have experienced significant growth since our 100 year anniversary in 2013, and this prestigious award is a wonderful way to celebrate and proudly reflect on our achievements over the past decade.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of everyone, and health care organizations in particular have had to make important adjustments in order to keep their staff and patients safe and healthy. According to Reynolds, “This pandemic was not something we ever expected, but I am so impressed by our team and how quickly and efficiently they responded to this incredible challenge.” Reynolds credits much of the organization’s success, particularly during this public health crisis, to their continued commitment to professional staff development, ongoing improvements in technology infrastructure, a strong focus on emergency preparedness, and a caring and supportive community.

The competition and event are a partnership between Business NH Magazine and the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce executives. All businesses must be nominated by a chamber of commerce executive. Fellow award winners include:

• Business Leader of the Year: Howard Brodsky, Chair and CEO of CCA Global Partners
• Business Services: McLane Middleton in Manchester
• Construction/Engineering/Real Estate: Nobis Group in Concord
• Education/Nonprofit: Catholic Charities NH in Manchester
• Financial Services/Insurance: Bank of NH in Laconia
• Health Care: Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association in Rochester
• Hospitality/Tourism: Great NH Restaurants in Bedford
• Manufacturing/Technology: Hypertherm in Hanover
• Retail/Wholesale: Palmer Gas & Oil in Atkinson
• Business Assistance Organization: NH Small Business Development Center in Durham

Awards will be presented at a special soiree on Tuesday, October 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Hotel in Manchester. Sponsors include Presenting Sponsor People’s United Bank; Platinum Sponsors Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Eversource; Nonprofit Sponsor NH Charitable Foundation; Gold Sponsor Anagnost Companies. The Program Sponsor is Northeast Delta Dental, the Centerpiece Sponsor is Sheehan Phinney and the Napkin Sponsor is Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Tickets are $95 per person or $950 for a table of 10.

A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives scholarship fund. To register, please visit www.businessnhmagazine.com/events/business-of-the-decade.

Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit organization currently serving 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 107 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.

(Concord NH) New Hampshire Federal Credit Union’s Feed the Need Community Challenge, in June, raises over $8,000 for Meals-on-Wheels Services in NH

New Hampshire Federal Credit Union’s Community Challenge to raise dollars for continued Meals-on-Wheels services to seniors in Merrimack, Belknap and Strafford counties resulted in over $8,000 in donations in a two-week period. NHFCU “doubled down” to feed the need by matching community contributions.  NHFCU and Binnie Media radio stations in the greater Concord and Lee area teamed up to promote much needed donations to help the Community Action Program Belknap/Merrimack counties and Strafford county Meals-on-Wheels. Contributions will feed the need for meal prep, delivery and for items desperately needed by these agencies to continue to feed the need. 
Before COVID-19, seniors living alone visited with friends at a local senior center to enjoy hot, nutritious meals and socialization. Those less active had daily visits alongside kind, encouraging words, and a safety and nutrition check-in by a qualified meals driver. Since COVID-19, hundreds of seniors have been alone with little to no human

contact, no hot meal deliveries or visits, just a packet of five meals to last a week. While the climate is uncertain moving forward, it’s certain that seniors’ needs will escalate as we enter the fall and winter months.  Thanks to the generosity of the public, and NHFCU members and staff, these important services will continue for senior friends and neighbors in NHFCU’s service areas.  All contributions will feed the need for at-risk seniors in Merrimack, Belknap and Strafford counties and will ensure seniors continue to hear that knock on the door and a friendly voice saying “Meals-on-Wheels is here.” New Hampshire Federal Credit Union – making a positive difference in our communities to feed the need.

NH Federal Credit Union (NHFCU) is a $300 million dollar full-service cooperative financial institution with offices in Concord, and Lee, NH, that also features services like free financial education and one-on-one coaching through its Centers for Finance & Education. Education and coaching services include debt management, retirement planning and budgeting. To learn more about NHFCU and the Centers for Finance & Education, call (603) 224-7731 or visit their website, www.nhfcu.org.