MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) recently purchased $20,000 in tax credits through the New Hampshire Community Development Authority (CDFA) to support the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests’(Forest Society) fundraising campaign. The Forest Society is in the process of renovating the 1884 Carriage Barn as a new program and event center, which will be known as the Forest Society North at The Rocks. The Rocks is a 1,400-acre property that serves as the organization’s northern New Hampshire campus and is an economic driver for the region.

“A fire in 2019 destroyed several buildings at The Rocks and we saw it as an opportunity to rebuild and renovate the space,” said Jack Savage, Forest Society President. “The Carriage Barn will retain the historic exterior but convert the interior into a net-zero energy efficient building and feature event space, classrooms, offices, and Christmas tree sales. We are thrilled with the show of support for this project from community partners like MVSB.”

“Serving on the Forest Society’s Board, I have seen firsthand the vital impact the organization makes to protect the more than one million acres of open space and promote land stewardship,” said Jason Hicks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Risk Officer for New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp, the shared services organization for MVSB. “We are proud to support this project and we are excited to see the completed renovations this summer.”

The Forest Society’s investment at The Rocks will also allow professional conservation staff serving the North Country to be based at The Rocks. The Forest Society owns 17 forest reservations in the North Country and is in the process of purchasing 3,750 acres in Shelburne, known as the Mahoosuc Highlands.

The Forest Society is a nonprofit membership statewide land conservation organization dedicated to protecting the state's most important landscapes while promoting the wise use of its renewable natural resources. Go to forestsociety.org for more information.

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: From left, Jason Hicks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Risk Officer for New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp, and Marcus Weeks, MVSB President present a check to Jack Savage, Forest Society President and Anne Truslow, Forest Society Vice President for Development.

ROCHESTER, NH – This December, HRCU, on behalf of members, staff and volunteers, donated $30,000 to local non-profit organizations as a part of their 9th-annual Christmas Caring Campaign (CCC). This marks a total of $260,000 in donations since the campaign’s inception in 2014.

“We are so proud and thankful to have come so far in just a short amount of time with our Christmas Caring Campaign,” said Brian Hughes, CEO & President of HRCU. “As challenges continue to face our community, we take pride in lending a hand this holiday season to help our neighbors in need. And for almost ten years, we have helped over 70 non-profit organizations in the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine communities.”

One of the donation recipients, Donald “Skip” Smith, Executive Director of the Rochester SHARE Fund said, “We have seen a 53% increase in the number of households requesting food assistance this year – And support from HRCU helps us to help our Neighbors in Need… This donation will ensure over 200 households continued support!”

Heidi Chase, Executive Director of Friends in Action in Durham, NH, was another recipient in this year’s Christmas Caring Campaign. She said, “The donation from HRCU was such a welcome surprise. It is great to have a community business that looks after its nonprofits... Our donation will be used to support social and recreational activities for people with developmental disabilities. We really appreciate it!”

This year, HRCU supported 32 non-profit organizations These organizations include food pantry services, shelters for the homeless, addiction recovery centers, and mental health and wellness services; each is committed to lifting the people up, keeping the community well, warm, and fed. For a full list of organizations who received donations, please visit www.HRCU.org/ChristmasCaring. 

Dover, NH – Ridership on COAST’s fixed route and advance reservation demand response services grew by 7.6% over their past fiscal year (October 2021 – September 2022). This despite providing significantly less fixed route service due to ongoing service suspensions implemented earlier in 2022. This demonstrates that despite reduced service options demand is increasing. Luckily the tide has been turning for COAST and they have incrementally been lifting suspensions through the fall.

During the final quarter of FY22, COAST’s average weekday fixed route ridership was at its highest level since March 2020. This is a key ridership measure that has thus far continued into the first part of FY23. Over the past year fixed route ridership grew by 6.6%. It is hoped that when service suspensions are lifted, which has slowly been happening through the fall, ridership will grow proportionately but that may also take some time.

Ridership on COAST’s demand response services, generally targeted to older adults and individuals living with disabilities, grew 21.4% over the previous year and has been hovering just below or at pre-pandemic ridership levels over the past few months. Prior to 2020, these services had been seeing the strongest ridership growth and it appears that trend is beginning again.

COAST’s recently approved FY23 operating budget was developed with the goals of rebuilding their workforce and resuming more suspended services. The budget included notable wage increases that should significantly increase COAST’s competitiveness in the highly competitive job market for bus operators, including the addition of a second shift pay differential.

“With significant improvements to bus operator wages and benefits, COAST expects to be able to rebuild our workforce on the timeline we have established. We have already seen a significant uptick in applicants through referrals from our own employees.” commented Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director. “At this point we are planning on lifting more service suspensions in mid-January as in the last few weeks we have successfully hired and are now training a number of new staff.”

In other COAST news –

With the passage of COAST’s FY23 operating budget the very successful and well-received free transfer pilot program was extended again. This time through September 30, 2023.

Riders can now follow COAST buses in real-time on the Passio GO! app. The Passio GO! app can be downloaded from free from the Google Play or App Store. More information is available at https://coastbus.org/PassioGO .

Purchasing bus tickets to donate to area non-profit agencies for the holidays? As part of the COAST Cares program, COAST will match individual contributions this holiday season, doubling the impact of these generous gifts. Simple actions with meaningful impacts can go a long way to helping those in need, especially in today’s economy. Nichols commented, “we have done this for years, and always to the surprise of those who are generously donating these tickets to area nonprofits.”

The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) has provided public transit service to the Seacoast New Hampshire region since 1982. COAST is a non-profit agency, operating a regional public 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. COAST’s vision is to be an innovative leader in providing a broad range of public transportation services, connecting, and coordinating a robust network of transportation options for everyone.

Photo Credit: Erin Thomas

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit home health and hospice care organization, recently received a generous donation of over $8,500 from The Fabulous Find, a boutique style resale shop at 139 State Rd (Route One) in Kittery, ME.  This unique resale boutique partners with different worthy, local nonprofit organizations each month, as determined by their Board of Directors, and Cornerstone VNA was selected as one of four nonprofit recipients for the month of October, alongside the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, Triangle Club and Pro Portsmouth. All four nonprofits received a check for over $8,500 each, which represents the total profits from the month of October.  Marcye Philbrook, Board President of The Fabulous Find notes, “The Fabulous Find is so happy to be able to partner with Cornerstone VNA. Most of us have had family members or people we know who have benefitted from the amazing care of visiting nurses. Cornerstone VNA is one of those quiet organizations that do so much good in our community.”

Erika Lee, MHA, Director of Advancement shares, “Cornerstone VNA was so honored to have been chosen by this wonderfully resourceful store that gives so much to local nonprofits.” Lee adds, “The generous funds they awarded us will be used to support underfunded programs such as Palliative Care, non-reimbursable specialty training, such as lymphedema, as well as access to care for those in need.”

Founded in 2010 by a small group of Seacoast Maine and New Hampshire women, The Fabulous Find has given over 2.3 million dollars to well over 150 area nonprofits. In addition to their monthly partners, there are schools and other organizations that they give smaller gifts to. To learn more about The Fabulous Find and how you can help, visit www.thefabulousfind.org or call (207) 439-8669.

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 109 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.

Ann Vennard, Assistant Director of Advancement at Cornerstone VNA (r) accepts a generous donation from Anne Hunter of The Fabulous Find.

About NH PFML and Getting a Quote

NH PFML insurance is available to all NH employers and NH workers.  NHPFML provides covered NH workers with up to 60% wage replacement for up to 6 weeks per year for absences from work for covered common life events.  NH PFML insurance can be purchased from MetLife, the state’s NH PFML partner.  NH employers that purchase NH PFML from MetLife are eligible for a BET tax credit of up to 50% of the premium they pay on behalf of their workers. Beginning this month, employers can contact MetLife for a NH PFML insurance policy quote and may purchase coverage for their workers at any time.

If an employer does not offer NH PFML or equivalent coverage, workers can decide to purchase a NH PFML individual plan for themselves during an open enrollment period.  Open Enrollment for the NH PFML individual plan for 2023 coverage will be held from 1/1/23-3/2/23. Open Enrollment for 2024 coverage will take place in the Fall of 2023.

The withholding of applicable premium deductions from employee pay and payment submission to MetLife is required of large employers (50+ employees) whether a worker is covered under an employer-sponsored plan or through an individual plan.

For more information about NH PFML, go to www.paidfamilymedicalleave.nh.gov or call the MetLife customer Solution Center at 1-866-595-PFML (7365).

DOVER, N.H. – Nurse Practitioner Dr. Aaron Kahn and Physician Assistant Kim Kasten are joining Dover Family Practice this month, offering primary care services to the community.

Dr. Kahn has nearly 15 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner, most recently at Rochester Hill Family Practice and at Core Physicians in Stratham. He also worked at White Mountain Medical Center in Sanbornville during his 11-year career in the Frisbie Hospital organization. Dr. Kahn also spent many years serving patients in New York state, including in North Massapequa, Port Jefferson, Corfu, and Buffalo.

He has received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Chemistry from Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Kahn also received his Master of Science as a Family Health Nurse Practitioner from SUNY-Buffalo and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of New Hampshire.

Kasten has 10 years of experience in health care, most recently as a physician assistant for six years at Southern Maine Health Care/Maine Health in Sanford. She also worked as a PA at Lincoln Medical Partners in Waldoboro, ME and as an Emergency Medical Technician in Los Angeles, CA.

She received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA.

Both Dr. Aaron Kahn and Kim Kasten will be exclusively practicing at Dover Family Practice and are accepting new patients. Those interested in establishing primary care should call (603) 742-3174.

Rochester, NH- Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, recently recognized Cheryl Bonar, RN, with the 2022 Nightingale Award. Cornerstone VNA created this award for their nurses in 2015, which is presented to a person who exemplifies Florence Nightingale’s work through best practice, mentorship, education and change. Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) is known for her work in fundamentally changing the role of nursing and introduced the concept of nursing standards.

According to Jen Gullison, RN, MSN, Vice President of Operations at Cornerstone VNA, “Cheryl helps Cornerstone VNA keep its operations flowing seamlessly, 24/7, including providing direct patient care to those with an active COVID-19 diagnosis.” Gullison continues, “She works with very young kids who require home infusion therapy to older adults who need teaching to be able to self-manage their disease or condition.”

Julie Reynolds RN, MS, President/CEO adds, “As a team member at Cornerstone VNA for over 28 years, Cheryl has been a role model to many nurses because of how skilled she is in her nursing practice. She performs co-visits with other nurses to train them in skills such as intravenous therapy, complicated wound care, and other complex procedures.” In response to the honor of this award, Cheryl shared, “The patients keep me going in this career, I love meeting new people and caring for them.”

In addition to the Nightingale Award, Cheryl Bonar also received the 2022 New Hampshire Healthcare Hero award for the Seacoast Region. Since late 2020, NH Healthcare Heroes has honored dozens of those working in healthcare who repeatedly go above and beyond the call of duty. This special award was presented to Cheryl by NH Healthcare Hero Committee Member, John Desmond of Cookson Communications. During a special pinning ceremony at the Cornerstone VNA office, Desmond shared, “We continue to recognize these Heroes for their powerful stories and the inspiration they provide to others considering a career in healthcare.”

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 over 109 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.

Nightingale Award from l to r: Jennifer Gullison, RN, MSN, VP of Operations, Cheryl Bonar, RN, Michael Carleton, RN, Home Care Team Manager, Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO

NH Healthcare Hero Award from l to r: John Desmond, Cookson Communications, Cheryl Bonar, RN, Michael Carleton, RN

DOVER, N.H. – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital was awarded seven 2023 Women’s Choice Awards Thursday, including a national rank of 32 of 1,012 medium-sized hospitals in patient satisfaction.

Wentworth-Douglass was honored with the “100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience,” and garnered additional awards for bariatrics, cancer care, mammogram imaging, minimally invasive surgery, obstetrics, and stroke care.

The hospitals’ Breast Health Center in Portsmouth, and Women’s Life Imaging in Somersworth, were both honored for their mammography centers as well.

Among the findings of the group, 83% of patients reported they would “definitely recommend” Wentworth-Douglass. The hospital was also ranked within the top 6% in all the categories in which it was honored, including in the top 1% in mammogram imaging and the top 2% in cancer care, of 4,729 facilities.

The Women’s Choice Awards is the only national list focused on female patients. The awards’ methodology utilizes the most recent publicly available information from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as accreditation information.  In some cases, the awards utilize surveys of tens of thousands of women, as well as research conducted in partnership with the Wharton School of Business.

DOVER, N.H. – For the second-consecutive year, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been named among U.S. News & World Reports’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. The hospital was recognized as ‘High Performing’ in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy), the highest award a hospital can earn.

The annual evaluation is designed to assist expectant parents and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care. Wentworth-Douglass earned a ‘High Performing’ designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as newborn complication rates.

“Wentworth-Douglass has consistently been the Seacoast’s leader in maternity care, and this is an outstanding recognition once again for our Women & Children’s Center,” said Jeff Hughes, President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass. “It’s the incredible commitment of our staff, and the continued support of our community, that makes this sustained success possible.”

Wentworth-Douglass set a birthing record in 2021, with 1,491 deliveries. The hospital delivered more babies than Exeter Hospital, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and York Hospital combined.

“From the moment a baby is born and through all stages of their life, we are here to support the entire family,” said Nicole Pendenza, Assistant Vice President of Women and Children's Services. “We have a strong commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care, so it’s very rewarding to see our staff and the Women and Children’s service line honored with this designation.”

This is the second time U.S. News has published a list of Best Hospitals for Maternity. Of the hospitals who submitted maternity data this year, U.S. News says that less than half earned the top ‘High Performing’ rating.

“When expectant parents are considering their options for welcoming a baby to the world, the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care are designed to help them identify hospitals that excel in delivering babies for uncomplicated pregnancies,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A hospital that hasearned a High Performing designation may be a good option for parents, in consultation withtheir medical provider, to consider.”

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates, among other measures.

More information on the rating is available online at: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/nh/wentworth-douglass-hospital-6120080/maternity.

Rochester, N.H. – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital will now be offering OBGYN services from Dr. Michelle Ciarlo at the satellite office Primary Care of Rochester, a Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center located at The Ridge Marketplace.

Wentworth-Douglass opened their first Rochester location in September, following recent closures of other primary care practices in the area.

“We opened our Rochester location, because we know there’s a need for health care services in that area,” said Melisa Bartlett, assistant vice president of Wentworth Health Partners. “Expanding our offerings into OBGYN is part of our commitment to improving access to care for not only expectant moms, but the entire Seacoast community.”

Dr. Ciarlo is experienced in high-risk obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, infertility, and menopause. She joined Wentworth-Douglass in 2020 and previously provided care for the Rochester community for eight years at Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Dr. Ciarlo received her Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biological Sciences from Stonehill College in Easton, MA. She received her Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and completed her residency at the Saint Peter’s Healthcare System in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

OBGYN services will be available beginning December 13 and patients can establish care by calling 603-610-8079.