RECENT NEWS

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.

The Seacoast Half Marathon, one of coastal New Hampshire’s longest-running half marathons, has announced that the race will be going virtual in 2020. The Seacoast Half Marathon Race Committee, comprised of twelve local volunteer members, made the decision to shift their annual November race to a virtual event due to continued public health concerns related to COVID-19. Hosting a virtual race will enable the committee to continue their philanthropic tradition of supporting a local nonprofit beneficiary, as well as keeping the beloved autumn race tradition intact. Each year, 100% of the net proceeds are donated to a mindfully selected seacoast nonprofit organization.

This year’s beneficiary is Cornerstone VNA, an independent nonprofit organization providing home care, hospice care, palliative care, private duty services, and community health and wellness programs. As a local health care provider, Cornerstone VNA has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for patients of all ages, from birth through end-of-life. “It is truly an honor to be the nonprofit beneficiary of the 2020 Seacoast Half Marathon,” states Erika Lee, Advancement Director at Cornerstone VNA. Lee adds, “Although we would all prefer to have an in-person race, we know that a virtual race is the best decision, and the Race Committee has developed some great ideas to make this year’s event a memorable one.”

To add excitement to this year’s event, the Race Committee is offering several distance options for the Seacoast Half Marathon’s ‘Virtual Edition’. Runners and walkers can choose between a 5K (3.1 miles), a quarter marathon (6.55 miles), or a half marathon (13.1 miles). As an added benefit, participants can compete their distance between Saturday, October 31st and Sunday, November 8th. The registration fees range from $15 to $40, giving runners and walkers the flexibility to select their preferred distance, and event swag offerings. To further support Cornerstone VNA, individuals can add a donation of any amount to their registration fee. There is also an option for registrants to set up their own fundraising page to encourage additional donations from family and friends.

According to Jay Diener, Seacoast Half Marathon Race Director, “One of the things the Seacoast Half Marathon Race Committee is proudest of is that we donate all of our revenue (after expenses) each year to local nonprofit organizations. In the 14 years we have held the race, we have donated over $1,350,000. Under any circumstances, Cornerstone VNA would have been a great choice for our beneficiary this year. But, with all of the issues related to the coronavirus, it is even more important to highlight and support the critical work that they do.” Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO at Cornerstone VNA adds, “We have been given an amazing opportunity with this race. It lets us highlight to participants the important work that we do daily caring for the vulnerable in our community. The generous proceeds will enable us to continue to provide care to them, regardless of their ability to pay, and will help us grow and strengthen our programs and services.”

To register, visit www.seacoasthalfmarathon.com. The website is also a great place to learn more about the virtual race and how participation, either as a sponsor or as a runner/walker, helps Cornerstone VNA.

Concord, NH – Today, the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR), in conjunction with the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) and New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES), announced the opening of the New Hampshire Self Employed Livelihood Fund (SELF) application period. The New Hampshire SELF program builds off of the success of the Main Street Relief Fund. It is part of the State’s overall strategy to ensure the self-employed, a critical part of the backbone of New Hampshire’s economy, can better tackle the economic challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
“Self-employed Granite Staters and their businesses are an important part of what makes the 603 such a special place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “After reviewing the data from the Main Street Relief Fund, we acted quickly to ensure that self-employed individuals are provided the opportunity to apply for these relief funds, providing further support following our expansion of unemployment benefits in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
 
“We were able to utilize the data collected during the Main Street Relief Fund, to create the New Hampshire SELF program,” added Executive Director Jerry Little. “We are confident this approach will ensure it addresses the economic challenges self-employed individuals face due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
 
“Granite Staters seeking to apply, can now do so by visiting our department’s website at revenue.nh.gov until July 17th at 4 PM,” said Commissioner Lindsey Stepp. “Additionally, DRA staff will be available in the call center to answer any questions or assist in filling out the application.”
 
For a self-employed business to qualify for a SELF Grant, it must:

• Be a “self-employed” business;
  • Please note: For purposes of the New Hampshire SELF Program, a “self-employed” business is a business that does not have any employees except owners at any time during the year, including any furloughed, laid-off, or seasonal employees. The business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). If one or more non-owner employees typically work for a business at any time during the year, including any furloughed, laid-off, or seasonal employees, the business is not a “self-employed” business. Independent contractors are not employees; an independent contractor has a “self-employed” business.
• Be a for-profit business;
• Have its principal place of business in New Hampshire;
• Have been in operation for at least one year before July 17, 2020;
• Anticipate a loss of gross receipts from 2019 to 2020 due to COVID-19;
• Have total 2019 gross receipts of less than $1,000,000;
• Not be currently in bankruptcy;
• Not have permanently ceased operations; and
• Not have been awarded a Main Street Relief Fund Grant.

In addition, the following types of “self-employed” businesses are not eligible for grants under the New Hampshire SELF Program:

• Nonprofits;
• Franchises or national chains;
• Famers, growers, or maple producers;
• Childcare providers;
• Elementary or secondary schools;
• Institutions of higher education; and
• Hospitals or other healthcare providers.

Note: Additional information about the New Hampshire SELF program can be found here.

June 19, 2020 (Manchester, NH) – The New Hampshire Credit Unions recently presented a $125,000 donation to its charitable partner, Make-A-Wish New Hampshire, an organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. The amount raised marks a 24-year total of more than $3.1 million raised by the state’s 15 credit unions, members of the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA). The New Hampshire Credit Unions remain the largest corporate partner of Make-A-Wish New Hampshire.

In a time where social distancing and limited in-person gatherings are the norm, the check presentation included participation from credit union CEOs and representatives from the safety of their remote locations as a “virtual” event live streamed to YouTube (https://youtu.be/bZrUE4hRtGE). The agenda included via video a congratulatory message from CCUA President/CEO Ronald McLean and highlighted personal moments and memories from New Hampshire Credit Unions.

Make-A-Wish New Hampshire President/CEO Julie Baron commended the credit unions for their commitment. “We thank the New Hampshire Credit Unions for their passionate leadership and life sustaining contributions to the success of Make-A-Wish New Hampshire and the wish children we serve. The threads of hope they provide are powerful. Each wish they empower transforms the life of everyone who plays a part and gives each child facing a critical illness the tools they need to mount their fight against illness. Hope is powerful medicine. We thank each Credit Union, their staff, and their members for leading with their hearts.

The donation was a collaborative effort by the New Hampshire Credit Unions through a series of state-wide and local fundraising initiatives. CCUA President/CEO Ronald McLean congratulated the credit unions for their recent effort. “The New Hampshire Credit Unions are deeply rooted in the philosophy of “people helping people” as evident by the donation and $3 million milestone for Make-A-Wish New Hampshire. Together, they have the passion, energy, and collaborative spirit that is necessary to help so many children’s heartfelt dreams come true.” He continued, “The countless smiles, the hope, the strength and the joy that a wish brings for children and their families is the inspiration that drives the New Hampshire Credit Unions to be part of a great cause with a powerful mission.”

Closing the event featured thank you videos from several Wish Children including Ally, Katelyn, Jack, Padraic, and Hannah. Wish Child Hannah had a special message to the credit unions, “Thank you for your continuous support of Make-A-Wish New Hampshire and because of you, the credit unions, kids like me can have their dreams come true.” Hannah’s wish, granted in 2012, was to meet the Disney Princesses and her favorite part was to just feel like a normal kid and living her life. She ended by saying, “It makes me so happy to know that the credit unions have our backs and will continue to help kids’ dreams come true. Please know it makes a big difference. You’re changing lives.”

According to New Hampshire Credit Unions’ Social Responsibility Committee Chairman Brian Hughes, “Our committee is a very passionate and collaborative group. Every year we raise the bar so we can help Make-A-Wish New Hampshire achieve their goal to grant a wish for every child in the state with a critical illness. We have witnessed first-hand the power of a wish and I’m proud of the work our New Hampshire Credit Unions do to bring wishes to life.”

Wishes come true with NH CUs!

New Hampshire Social Responsibility Committee Chairman Brian Hughes from HRCU in Rochester presents a $125,000 donation on behalf of the New Hampshire Credit Unions to Make-A-Wish New Hampshire President/CEO Julie Baron during a special “virtual” event that was livestreamed on YouTube. The amount raised marks a 24-year total of more than $3.1 Million. The New Hampshire Credit Unions remain the largest corporate partner of Make-A-Wish New Hampshire.

Representatives from New Hampshire Credit Unions participate live on screen for “virtual” check presentation made to Make-A-Wish New Hampshire. The donation was a collaborative effort from the credit unions through a series of state-wide and local fundraising initiatives.

New Hampshire Social Responsibility Committee Chairman Brian Hughes from HRCU in Rochester presents a $125,000 donation on behalf of the New Hampshire Credit Unions to Make-A-Wish New Hampshire President/CEO Julie Baron as representatives from New Hampshire Credit Unions watch from above online.

(Concord, NH) New Hampshire Federal Credit Union kicks off Feed the Need Community Challenge for Meals-on-Wheels Services in NH

Join New Hampshire Federal Credit Union’s Community Challenge to raise dollars for Meals-on-Wheels services to seniors in Merrimack, Belknap and Strafford counties. NHFCU will double down to feed the need by matching people’s contributions.

The funds being raised will help the Community Action Program Belknap/Merrimack counties and Strafford County Meals-on-Wheels feed the need for meal preparations, delivery and for items needed by these agencies.

Before COVID-19, seniors living alone visited with friends at a local senior center for hot, nutritious meals and socialization. Those less active received daily visits providing social contact and important safety and nutrition check-ins by qualified meals drivers.

Since COVID-19, hundreds of seniors have been home alone with little to no human contact, no hot meal deliveries or visits – instead, they’ve been receiving a packet of five meals to last a week. And fear of illness has added to anxiety for many.

While the climate is uncertain moving forward, it’s certain that seniors’ needs will escalate as we enter the fall and winter months. The Meals-on-Wheels programs are seeing fewer private donations as their key fundraisers have had to be set aside thanks to social distancing requirements. NHFCU has issued a community challenge to ensure these important services continue for senior friends and neighbors. All contributions will feed the need for at-risk seniors in Merrimack, Belknap and Strafford counties and NHFCU is matching dollar for dollar to make an even larger impact.

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.

(Concord, NH) NH Federal Credit Union (NHFCU) held its first virtual annual meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. At 5:15 pm, Chairman James P. Fredyma called our first-ever "virtual" (online) 78th NHFCU Annual Meeting to order.

After twice postponing our meeting from March due to COVID-19 concerns, Chairman Fredyma spoke poignantly about how COVID-19 has affected our members, staff and communities. He also thanked the NHFCU staff, who have been onsite throughout the pandemic in all NHFCU locations, for their dedication to members during this changing and challenging time.

Elements of past annual meetings were incorporated during the virtual event, with prize drawings and the opportunity for members to speak directly with NHFCU's leadership. In addition, Meghan Noone, Senior Financial Wellness Coach for NHFCU's Centers for Finance & Education, provided an overview of the free webinars NHFCU's Center is offering in the wake of COVID-19. As she explained to the audience, these webinars offer flexibility for attendees who can attend classes live, online, or simply review the recorded versions of the programs, to help improve their finances. And, NHFCU's Centers continue to provide one-on-one coaching - just via phone or online meetings.

The following members were elected to serve on the Board for three-year terms: Heather E. Brown, Allan Clark, and George C. Gendron, Jr.

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.

(Concord, NH) - Pamela (Pam) Roy, New Hampshire Federal Credit Union (NHFCU) Vice President, Member Service and Human Resources, earned her Master of Business Administration Degree in May, 2020, from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Pam holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies from SNHU, which she received in 1999. She also earned her Professional in Human Resources certification in June, 2016.

Pam joined NHFCU in 2007 as an executive assistant to the President/CEO. At that time, she brought 22 years of prior banking experience to NHFCU, including business expertise from lending, to retail management, to human resources. In December 2016, Pam was appointed Vice President of Member Service and Human Resources. Today, Pam oversees the day to day service to NHFCU members, as well as all aspects of human resources. NHFCU congratulates Pam on her latest achievement.

NH Federal Credit Union (NHFCU) is a $300 million dollar full-service cooperative financial institution with offices in Concord and Lee, NH, including the Centers for Finance & Education where education and coaching are available to the public on topics like debt management, budgeting

and retirement planning. To learn more about NHFCU and the Center for Finance & Education, call (603) 224-7731 or visit their website, www.nhfcu.org.