DOVER, N.H. – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been named among the best hospitals in the United States for the third straight year, according to Newsweek’s 2023 “World’s Best Hospitals” rankings published today.

Wentworth-Douglass was ranked 189^th of the 414 American hospitals rated on the publication’s US-based list – it’s highest ranking ever. The hospital was ranked 191^st in 2022, 217^th in 2021, 196^th in 2020. The only other Seacoast hospital on the list is Portsmouth Regional at #414.

“It’s very humbling to once again be ranked by Newsweek – especially in the Top 200 once again,” said Jeff Hughes, President and COO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. “All our rankings and awards are a testament to our employees and their unwavering commitment to our patients and our community. I couldn’t be more proud that they are receiving this national recognition.”

The publication also noted that Wentworth-Douglass performed “above average” in its infection prevention measures.

The rankings, which debuted in 2019, were compiled by market and consumer data company Statista. In the 2023 edition, 28 countries and over 2,300 hospitals are featured in total, the most extensive and international edition to date. Every hospital in each country was rated by a score, which is based on four data sources: recommendations from medical experts (doctors, hospitals managers, health care professionals), patient satisfaction data, hospital quality metrics, and Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) implementation surveys.

“The world's best hospitals consistently attract the best people and provide the best outcomes for patients as well as the most important new therapies and research. Of all the hospitals in the world, relatively few can do all those things year in and year out. The best belong to a very exclusive club,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek on the publication’s website.

“The goal of this study is to provide a data-based comparison of hospital reputation and performance across countries. We hope this will be useful to patients and families seeking the best care for themselves and loved ones, as well as to hospitals as they benchmark themselves against their peers.”

You can see the full rankings online: https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-hospitals-2023

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Are you looking to take your career from good to great? Don’t just look for a job, consider a career where you empower people to enhance their financial well-being and make a difference to our communities. As an employee of HRCU, every day is an opportunity to thrive, and be part of a team working to ensure our organization is providing world class service to our members, employees, and our communities. Joining HRCU is more than being an employee; it’s about being a part of the HRCU family. We believe in empowering our associates, collaborating, and transparency.

We are currently looking for a Senior Secondary Market Administrator to join our team, reporting to the Vice President of Lending.  The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled professional with experience onboarding, servicing, and reconciling loans being sold on the secondary market, specifically, Fannie Mae (FNMA). Must be able to provide investor oversight of post-closing activities including but not limited to resolving investor, warehouse, and custodian due diligence as an addition to the day-to-day mortgage loan operations department. Help to develop the team in understanding their responsibilities in the secondary (GSE) market to allow us to continue to better serve our members and prepare ourselves for continued growth in the mortgage department. This individual is expected to maintain a thorough knowledge of lending programs, policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, demonstrating a commitment to professional ethics, and complying with all Federal and State compliance policies.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of the secondary market and experience with first and second mortgage residential real estate lending; must have proven track record of selling and servicing loans. Minimum three years of experience required.
• Experience using Fannie Mae platforms/systems for reporting and communication.
• DU automated engine experience required. 
• College degree preferred but could be substituted for extensive training and completion of course work in secondary market lending and specifically FNMA. The course work must be current with certifications.
• Must have working knowledge of regulations affecting mortgage lending and experience working in compliance.
• Experience working directly with all mortgage staff including originators, training of staff and not afraid to roll up your sleeves to get the job done. 
• Be proficiency in multiple software programs (Fannie Mae, Ellie Mae Encompass and  Microsoft Office Suite.
• High level written and verbal communication skills. Experience preparing reports for management. 
• Possess well-developed communication skills where the importance of discretion, accuracy and clarity is substantial. 
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

The Four Paws Inn in Meredith has opened a second location in Albany called Albany Four Paws Inn with financing from MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank). The new location is convenient to the Mount Washington Valley and offers year-round doggie daycare, including all-day, cage-free playtime as well as overnight boarding and grooming services.

 

Caption: From left, Cristy Martel, Albany Four Paws Inn owner, stands with Dan Osetek, MVSB Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Leader, and Charlotte Murdock, Albany Four Paws Inn employee, at their new location at 1760 NH Route 16 in Albany.

MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) is proud to donate $1,000 to the New Hampshire Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation. The NH Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation serves New Hampshire residents in need of vision and hearing assistance with screenings, hearings aids and cataract surgeries who have no means of purchasing these services.

 

Steve Middlemiss, Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation President (right), stands with David McMahon, MVSB Branch & Business Development Manager, and Kayley Fouts, MVSB Branch Services Supervisor.

Rochester, NH – SHARE Fund has been selected as a beneficiary of the Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program for the month of March.

The Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, which launched in August 2021, is an easy way for shoppers to give back. Every Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker sold supports a nonprofit organization local to the Hannaford in which it was purchased.

SHARE Fund (aka Gerrys Food Pantry) was selected as the March beneficiary by local store leadership at both local Hannaford stores located 290 North Main Street, Rochester NH and Lilac Mall #2, Rochester NH . SHARE Fund will receive a $1 donation for every Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker purchased at these Hannaford locations beginning March 1^st throughout the entire month.

“Flowers can make someone’s day, brighten a room, spread a smile or offer hope,” said Skip Smith, Executive Director of SHARE Fund. “Now they can give back to help offer hope and support to our Neighbors in Need, too. Purchase a Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet at either Rochester   Hannaford in March to help our organization support our community better. ”

SHARE Fund, Inc is a nonprofit based in Rochester, NH. Founded in 1993, SHARE Fund provides

services  to meet the basic needs of our most vulnerable community members. The SHARE Fund operates

three programs: Gerry’s Emergency Food Pantry to provide food and personal/household supplies as well

 as function as the distribution center for our Community Diaper Bank; the Community Clothing Shop, a

thrift store which generates program income and also offers free shopping for families in need; and

Emergency Financial Assistance, which provides payments to vendors for housing, basic utilities,

emergency heating, and urgent medical needs.

Learn more about SHARE Fund by visiting www.sharefund.org.

For more information about the Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, please visit hannaford.2givelocal.com.

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

February 22, 2023
Contact: Rad Nichols, Executive Director, COAST
603-743-5777

Dover, NH – Due to the winter storm that is predicted to arrive overnight and result in moderate to heavy snow, with expected accumulating sleet and additional ice glazing, the decision has been made to curtail all service on Thursday, February 23, 2023. “The snowfall, accumulating sleet and ice, along with visibility concerns make it look like travel will be very messy Thursday. We feel this is the most sensible decision we could make based on the predicted conditions,” stated Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director.

Based on the current forecast, COAST plans to return to normal operations on Friday. When COAST resumes service, expect delays as storm cleanup may still be affecting the roads and walkways.

Nichols commented further, “As always, when traveling after the storm, please be safe on your way to and from bus stops. Please do not wait for the bus on top of snowbanks. Find the nearest driveway opening; make sure you are visible to the bus operator and wave as the bus approaches. In low light conditions wave a lit cell phone or flashlight to make you more visible to the bus operator.” COAST recommends wearing bright clothing, having reflectors and carrying a flashlight.

For updated information on COAST services, please tune in to area radio and television news outlets. COAST will also be using its website at www.coastbus.org, Facebook page at www.facebook.com/COASTbus and twitter account @COASTbus to provide additional updates.

The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) has provided public transit service to the Seacoast New Hampshire region since 1982. COAST is a public, non-profit transit system that relies primarily on federal and local government support to operate. COAST is governed by a board of directors representing the communities served, two regional planning commissions, and many local and state agencies.

MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) is proud to announce the promotion of Adam McKinney to Branch & Business Development Manager at the Bank’s Main Office at 24 NH Route 25 in Meredith. Adam previously served as Branch Services Supervisor at the same location and will take the place of Cathy Sleeper, who was recently promoted to Regional Vice President.

“Adam cares deeply about the success of our community, and he is well regarded by customers for exceptional service and by his fellow team members as a dependable colleague and a strong leader,” said Sleeper. “We are pleased to recognize his hard work and dedication with this well-deserved promotion.”

“MVSB has been serving the Meredith community for 154 years and I am proud to have the opportunity to continue that legacy of service both in the branch and by supporting clients with the latest online tools and technology,” said Adam. “We have an outstanding team here at the branch as well and I am excited for what the future holds.”

Adam joined MVSB in 2019. He is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Lakes Region and currently serves as a Board Member for the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce.

Unlike a stock bank, MVSB is a mutual savings bank that operates for the benefit of its depositors, borrowers and surrounding communities. As a result, MVSB has remained steadfast in fostering the economic health and well-being of the community since it was founded in 1869. For over 150 years, Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB), has been serving the people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities of New Hampshire. MVSB and its employees are guided by the values of accountability, mutuality, excellence, respect, integrity, teamwork and stewardship. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

 

Caption: Adam McKinney, Branch & Business Development Manager at MVSB Meredith Main Office

Rollinsford, NH- Take a break from cabin fever with stimulating conversation and a classic card game at the annual cribbage tournament at Rollinsford’s historic Colonel Paul Wentworth House on Saturday, March 4.

All skill ranges are welcome, from beginner to seasoned expert. Guests are invited to come as a team or as individuals; solo players will be paired up with a partner on the afternoon of the tournament. Registration is at 1:00 pm and play begins at 1:30 pm. The entry fee is $30 per team or $20 per person, and a cash prize of $50 will be awarded to the tournament champion. Players are also asked to bring some food to share and the beverage of your choice. Paper goods and utensils will be provided.

The cribbage tournament is a great opportunity to show support for the Colonel Paul Wentworth House, meet new people and have a fun time. Seating is limited so reserve your spot by sending an email to paulwentworthhouse@gmail.com or by calling Mike at 603-817-4545 or John at 207-475-6150. When registering, please provide your name and the number in your party.

The circa 1701 Wentworth House is located on Water Street in Rollinsford and is maintained by the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH). For more information about this and other events at the Wentworth House, consult the ARCH website at paulwentworthhouse.org.

DOVER, N.H. – Kevin Sweeney, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Director of Imaging, was awarded the 2022 President’s Award last Thursday – the organization’s highest honor.

Sweeney has worked at Wentworth-Douglass for more than 14 years, leading the medical imaging team that conducts diagnostic scans for patients.

“Kevin is a long-serving leader with a tremendous and consistent record of success,” said Jeff Hughes, President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass. “He is patient, understanding, a good listener, and exemplifies all aspects of an amazing leader. Not only does Kevin juggle a busy and growing department, but he also cares for his staff and is genuinely concerned about their happiness.

Sweeney, who was surprised during the ceremony by his wife Maria, said he was “in a state of shock.”

“It’s so extraordinary just to be nominated. The thought of winning it never would have come into my imagination,” Sweeney said. “We talk about values all the time. That’s something that we press ever single day. And I have to tell you that makes a difference. That sense of value drives all of us. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is a very, very special place.”

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Hughes mentioned that Sweeney can often be seen talking to patients while they anxiously await their exams, offering comfort and even transporting them to other departments if needed.

“His kindness, compassion, and knowledge really make him stand out, said Hughes.

Sweeney also promotes the field of radiology in the community, partnering with Dover High School and NHTI to showcase imaging technology and partner on clinical placement for additional training on state-of-the art equipment.

This was the first time an individual has received the award since Stacey Savage in 2020. The award was given, for the first time, to all employees in 2021 in recognition of their contributions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Video of the ceremony can be found here: https://vimeo.com/797787859/0c4b92320d

The MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) Fund at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has awarded $124,500 in grant funding to 39 local nonprofit organizations. This includes $108,500 donated to 23 local agencies and $16,000 to 16 area food pantries. The grants are in addition to MVSB’s contributions throughout the year in the form of donations, sponsorships, scholarships and volunteer efforts by employees.

“Each year, grants from the MVSB Fund help our local nonprofit organizations make meaningful improvements, add programming and simply keep up with demand, which has been especially challenging in recent years,” said Marcus Weeks, MVSB President. “We are grateful to our local non-profits for the quality services they bring to local individuals and families and we are proud to extend our support with this funding.” 

This year’s MVSB Fund grant recipients include:

Annie's Angels Memorial Fund, Stratham

Awarded $5,000 to help families and individuals who are facing challenging circumstances heat their homes this winter. The mission of Annie’s Angels Memorial Fund is to help local families struggling financially through a life threatening disease, illness or disability. They have various programs that serve the diverse needs of the community.

Articine, Newfields

Awarded $5,000 to hire 2-3 Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) artists as content creators to collaborate on a video series specific to the BIPOC healthcare worker. By telling human stories through performances and workshops, Articine integrates the arts and medicine to inspire healthcare providers to deliver more empathetic and effective patient care.

Arts In Reach, Portsmouth

Awarded $5,000 to support after-school and artists programs for underserved and at-risk teens. Arts In Reach is an out-of-school program committed to closing opportunity gaps for teens who face inequities and lack access to high-quality programming based on gender identity, health, neurodiversity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

The Bearcamp Center for Sustainable Community, South Tamworth

Awarded $4,500 to move and renovate the center’s kitchen to a newer wing. The Bearcamp Center for Sustainable Community is an organization located on the historic Perkins Farm in South Tamworth, doing good works in the heart of Carroll County, especially to address food insecurity, out-of-school education programming and elder initiatives.

Belknap House, Laconia

Awarded $5,000 for case management services that support families to become self-sufficient in order to acquire housing. Belknap House's mission is to provide families in Belknap County a safe shelter, when children are particularly at-risk during homelessness, and to empower families to become self-sufficient and independent by providing opportunities of education and resources available to them.

Camp Resilience, Gilford

Awarded $5,000 to fund a Winter 2023 Veteran Health and Wellness Retreat. Camp Resilience leverages the scenic outdoors of the Lakes Region to improve the physical, social, mental and emotional well-being of military service members, military veterans, first responders and their families.

Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County, Portsmouth

Awarded $5,000 to expand its prevention and wrap around services to families impacted by abuse and violence and keep children safe and healthy. The Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County works to provide a safe environment for the evaluation of alleged abuse of children 3 to 18 years of age.

Community Wellness Center, Laconia

Awarded $5,000 to assist in the purchase of needed exercise equipment. The Community Wellness Center is a nonprofit organization available to serve the health and fitness needs of everyone.

Foster and Adoptive Resource Exchange, Manchester

Awarded $5,000 to increase the number of normalcy grants awarded, extending opportunities for foster and adoptive children to participate in activities. The mission of Foster and Adoptive Resource Exchange is to strengthen and unify foster, adoptive and kinship families with support, education and services to encourage normalcy and create moments that matter. 

Got Lunch, Ashland and Holderness

Awarded $2,000 to provide food and milk vouchers to children from low- to moderate-income families during school breaks. Got Lunch is a community-based program serving Ashland and Holderness that provides healthy lunches to children during their summer and winter break.

Granite State Adaptive, Mirror Lake

Awarded $4,000 to support after-school and weekend youth programing. Granite State Adaptive’s mission is to provide individuals who have a disability the opportunity to develop independence, confidence, life skills and fitness through participation in sports, therapy, training and recreation programs.

Inter-Lakes Middle High School / The Lakerbots – First Robotics Competition Team 8046, Meredith

Awarded $5,000 to purchase manufacturing equipment, electronics and storage. The Lakerbots’ mission is to inspire young people to be responsible contributing citizens by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, technology, engineering, art and math skills that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership.

Mid-State Health Center, Plymouth

Awarded $5,000 to fund the Feed the Need program, which utilizes evidence-based screening methods to identify and assist patients who are food insecure at the time of their visit. The mission of Mid-State Health Center is to provide sound primary health care to the community accessible to all regardless of the ability to pay.

Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center, Center Conway

Awarded $5,000 to underwrite the cost of enrollment, care, transportation and therapeutic programs at the center. Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center’s mission is to provide exceptional compassionate care and companionship to older adults with degenerative conditions or dementia challenges and to provide their family and caregivers confident respite.

New Beginnings - Without Violence & Abuse, Laconia

Awarded $5,000 to support the survivor empowerment program which offers 24-hour crisis intervention, accompaniment, safe shelter for victims and their children, weekly support groups for all ages, transitional housing, financial empowerment programming and systems advocacy. New Beginnings – Without Violence & Abuse is dedicated to ending sexual, domestic, and stalking violence through the provision of safe and effective services, including emergency refuge and support; and works toward social change by promoting an effective community response to violence.

Ossipee Concerned Citizens, Center Ossipee

Awarded $5,000 to offset cost of increasing food and utility prices for community programs. Ossipee Concerned Citizens is a human services agency that offers the Elderly Nutrition Program, Ossipee Concerned Citizens Senior Center and the Ossipee Concerned Citizens Child Care Center.

Pemi Youth Center, Plymouth

Awarded $2,500 to support the Center’s life skills programming for youth. The mission of the Pemi Youth Center is to provide a safe and welcoming environment where our youth may gather outside of school and gain a sense of community, belonging and self-esteem.

Plymouth Area Recovery Connection (PARC), Plymouth

Awarded $5,000 to help build staffing capacity to support their recovery community organization services, which includes expanding outreach to create individualized care plans shaped by client-driven goals. The Plymouth Area Recovery Connection provides a caring and supportive environment for anyone seeking assistance with substance use along with referrals for their loved ones.

SHARE Fund, Rochester

Awarded $7,500 to support the fresh dairy program for food pantry participants. SHARE Fund’s mission is to provide material and financial assistance to address emergency basic needs and inspire people to become financially self-sufficient.

SOS Recovery Community Organization, Rochester

Awarded $5,000 to provide scholarship opportunities for the Peer Assisted Recovery curriculum. The curriculum is an extensive multiday boot camp that focuses on providing peer-based supports, suicide prevention, ethical considerations, HIV and Hepatitis C awareness and motivational interviewing. The mission of SOS Recovery Community Organization is to support all people affected by substance use with peer-based solutions and advocacy to reduce the harm and stigma of drugs.

Tamworth Community Nurse Association, Tamworth

Awarded $5,000 to support the first steps toward expanding capacity for their residents and disseminating their model of care to nearby communities. Tamworth Community Nurse Association is a free skilled nursing service founded to ensure no one in the town of Tamworth would go without healthcare due to financial difficulties or the lack of access to the healthcare system. They offer support for the physical, social and mental health of every citizen by providing skilled nursing care and coordination of available services all with no fee for service.

Transportation Assistance for Seacoast Citizens, Hampton

Awarded $3,000 to defray the cost of marketing and volunteer mileage reimbursement for transportation services. Transportation Assistance for Seacoast Citizens helps people maintain their health, independence and dignity by mobilizing volunteer drivers to provide rides to eligible residents of the Seacoast communities they serve.

White Horse Recovery Center, Center Ossipee

Awarded $5,000 to provide recovery services scholarships to those unable to pay for treatment. The mission of White Horse Recovery is to provide behavioral health services that meet the individual needs of those they serve, offering a path to a better tomorrow.

Food Pantries

Sixteen local food pantries that serve the same communities as MVSB will also share a donation of $16,000.

The MVSB Fund was established in 1997 under the leadership of John Starrett, then President and CEO of the Bank. Since then, 486 grants totaling $1,928,748 have been awarded to a wide range of environmental, social, educational and historic projects throughout the Greater Lakes Region, Plymouth and NH Seacoast areas. Over the years, the Fund has supported literacy programs, after-school programs, environmental monitoring and education, restoration of historic structures, organizations that provide support for individuals and families in challenging circumstances and equipment that helps save lives. The deadline for consideration in the next grant cycle is October 15, 2023. Applications are available at mvsb.com.

Unlike a stock bank, MVSB is a mutual savings bank that operates for the benefit of its depositors, borrowers and surrounding communities. As a result, MVSB has remained steadfast in fostering the economic health and well-being of the community since it was founded in 1869. For over 150 years, Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB), has been serving the people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities of New Hampshire. MVSB and its employees are guided by the values of accountability, mutuality, excellence, respect, integrity, teamwork and stewardship. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

Caption: Marcus Weeks, MVSB President, (second from left) stands with MVSB Fund Committee members (from left) Carmen Lorentz, Charley Hanson and Rachel Xavier. (Not pictured: Committee members Michael O’Leary and Rick Alphers). Courtesy Photo