DOVER, N.H. – Dr. Marcus Ortega, board-certified OB/GYN, is bringing his urogynecology expertise to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Center for Women’s Health and Wellness.

 

Twice a month, Dr. Ortega will see patients with a wide variety of pelvic floor disorders which range from pelvic organ prolapse, including vaginal prolapse, to urinary and fecal incontinence for clinical appointments and office procedures. The formal name for urogynecology is “Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS).”

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ortega to our Center for Women’s Health and Wellness. He will make an excellent addition to our already highly-skilled team of gynecologic surgeons that have built a tremendous rapport with the Seacoast community,” said Nicole Pendenza, BSN, RNC-NIC, Assistant Vice President of Women’s and Children's Services.

 

“Practicing at the Center for Women’s Health & Wellness in Portsmouth will allow patients to be able to receive the same state-of-the-art care offered at Massachusetts General Hospital closer to their own community,” said Dr. Ortega.

 

Ortega, recently completed his Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and is now an attending physician and faculty member at the Mass General Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

 

“I was drawn to this specialty because there is a big focus on quality of life—treatments can have an immediate impact on a patient’s health, comfort and enjoyment and that’s very rewarding to me,” Dr. Ortega said.

 

The Center for Women’s Health & Wellness is made up of an integrated team with a passion for women’s wellbeing, serving adolescent girls and women through all stages of life. It is located at 67 Corporate Drive, Suite 300 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

To book an appointment with Dr. Ortega, call 857-238-8496.

 

About Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (wdhospital.org) is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit charitable health care organization located in Dover, New Hampshire with a 115-year history of compassionate care and innovation. A member of the Mass General Brigham system, Wentworth-Douglass is strategically located in the heart of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine, which it has served since 1906. The organization is a family of more than 3,500 employees, including more than 400 physicians and advanced practice providers, dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of the region’s residents and visitors. The organization includes a 178-bed hospital, more than 30 primary and specialty provider practices and clinic sites, multiple express and prompt care facilities, an ambulatory surgery center, several medical office buildings, The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, and the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation.

# # #

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association is pleased to announce David Emberley as their new Finance Director. As a key member of the executive management team, David assumes a strategic role in his position to optimize the revenue cycle, reduce expenses, and comply with laws, regulations, and accrediting standards in all financial areas of Cornerstone VNA. He is also responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all financial-related activities of the agency. In addition, David manages the business office staff, and provides support to the organization’s Board of Directors and the management team.

 

David received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from New Hampshire College and has over 35 years of experience in various finance and accounting roles. Most recently, David worked as the Chief Financial Officer and Controller for Granite VNA in Concord, NH for nearly 10 years. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Cornerstone VNA with his experience in home health and hospice. According to David, “I am excited to join the team at Cornerstone VNA. With its deep commitment to providing high quality care, Cornerstone VNA continues to be recognized for excellence.” Additionally, he is a past board member and treasurer of the Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance of New Hampshire and is currently a member of the Alliance’s Finance Committee.

 

According to Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, Cornerstone VNA President/CEO, “We are very fortunate to have David on our team especially during these very challenging times.” Reynolds adds, “He comes to us with a depth of knowledge in our industry and a passion for the work that we do to ensure our financial sustainability in the non-profit healthcare sector.”

 

Cornerstone VNA is a non-profit 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 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.

 

 

DOVER, N.H. – Award-winning surgeon, Hany Takla, MD, FACS, FASMBS has joined Wentworth Health Partners General Surgery and the Wentworth-Douglass Center for Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery.

            Dr. Takla worked as the Medical Director of Robotic Surgery at Winchester Hospital in Winchester, Mass. prior to joining Wentworth-Douglass. He brings years of global experience to the hospital and has fellowship training in robotic surgery. He is a Fellow of American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as well as the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Takla has completed internships, residencies, and fellowships at: Cairo University Hospital in Egypt; the University of Washington in Seattle; the University of Massachusetts in Worcester, Mass., and the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz.

            Dr. Takla has been published in nine medical journals and was featured in Boston Magazine as a Top Doctor in 2019.

At Wentworth Health Partners General Surgery, Dr. Takla performs minimally invasive robotic surgery for hernias, reflux disease, appendicitis, diverticulitis, gall bladder disease, different types of cancer, and colorectal diseases. To learn more about Wentworth Health Partners General Surgery, visit whpgeneralsurgery.org.   

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Center for Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery offers physical and nutritional guidance through weight management programs, or weight loss surgery with a multidisciplinary team where patients work closely with their care team to create a personalized plan to help live a healthier and happier life. To learn more about the Wentworth-Douglass Center for Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery, visit wdhospital.org/newme. 

About Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (wdhospital.org) is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit charitable health care organization located in Dover, New Hampshire with a 115-year history of compassionate care and innovation. A member of the Mass General Brigham system, Wentworth-Douglass is strategically located in the heart of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine, which it has served since 1906. The organization is a family of more than 3,500 employees, including more than 400 physicians and advanced practice providers, dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of the region’s residents and visitors. The organization includes a 178-bed hospital, more than 30 primary and specialty provider practices and clinic sites, multiple express and prompt care facilities, an ambulatory surgery center, several medical office buildings, The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, and the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation.

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association is pleased to welcome and introduce the newest members of their Board of Directors, Attorney R. Casey O’Kane of North Hampton, and Jill Johnstone of Rochester.

 

Casey received his Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law and is the principal and owner of the Law Offices of R. Casey O'Kane. He is a member of ElderCounsel, a national organization of elder law practitioners, and advocates for the elderly, persons with special needs or disabilities, veterans, their families, and estate planning for all.  Formerly, Casey was a corporate lawyer specializing in technology, finance, international business and managing other lawyers.

 

According to Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, CEO, “We are very pleased to have Casey and Jill join our Board of Directors, both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization.” Reynolds adds, “Casey and Jill are joining at a pivotal time as we implement an updated strategic plan and look ahead to the future.”

 

Jill is the Assistant Vice President and Training Specialist with Marsh McLennan Agency Private Client Services. For nearly 18 years, Jill has been serving the insurance and risk management needs of clients, providing expert personal insurance advice and advocacy for affluent individuals and families in the Boston and New Hampshire Seacoast areas. As a training specialist, Jill educates new colleagues on how to create and manage complex insurance programs on behalf of their clients. In her spare time, Jill participates in fundraising activities for the American Diabetes Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New England Disabled Sports, and the ALS association. Her bucket list includes creating a non-profit organization to advocate for the elderly and disabled. Additionally, Jill served two terms as Chair of the Board of Directors of Area Home Care in Portsmouth, NH.

 

According to Jill, “After experiencing Cornerstone VNA services firsthand for my brother and mother, and attending appreciation events where I was able to meet the staff, I knew I wanted to be part of this organization.  I am honored to be part of a group that is meticulous in everything they do from the care and empathy they provide, how they give back to the community, and how organized and well managed operations are behind the scenes.  I am beyond excited and proud to be part of Cornerstone VNA.”

 

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.

 

The Falls Chamber of Commerce is seeking an upbeat and enthusiastic people-person with excellent written and public-speaking skills to join our team as Executive Director. 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, view the full job posting: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?t=executive+director&jk=cce2651db4a83ac2&_ga=2.226075098.1161677378.1641310865-335375489.1640636978

Please feel free to share with anyone you know who may be interested! 

From Somersworth Economic Development Manager, Robin Comstock:

Thank you for all you do and make possible for the culture and economy of Somersworth!

Sincerely,

Robin A. Comstock, Economic Development Manager

City of Somersworth

One Government Way

Somersworth, NH. 03878

O (603) 692-9516|M (603) 496-5841

rcomstock@Somersworth.com

Dear Chamber Members, 

With the New Year comes big changes for our Chamber. The biggest change will be in leadership, as I have made the difficult decision to step down from my position as Executive Director by the end of February. 

While I love this community and I am passionate about the work I have done to contribute to it, I have been presented with an opportunity to fulfill my life-long dream of moving to a warmer climate.  With this new door opening, it is time for me to close the door on my journey with The Falls Chamber of Commerce and pass the baton to the next generation.

In the coming weeks, I will be working closely with the Board of Directors to carefully and thoughtfully select a new Executive Director, knowing that the right person will do great things and take the Falls Chamber to the next level. Rest assured, my exit will be slow by design, to maintain continuity for our members and to ensure that the incoming ED will have the tools, resources, and support necessary to succeed. 

Somersworth, Berwick, and the entire "Falls" community will always have a place in my heart. The love that I have for this community and our Chamber Members has made this decision so much more difficult.  I will forever be grateful for the amazing opportunities that came with this position. I have learned so much, met some amazing people, made lifelong friends, and accomplished what I first set out to do, help people.

It has been an honor to serve this community, to meet so many great people, and to work with an incredible Board of Directors. I strongly believe in the chamber’s mission and purpose in our community, and the Board’s ability to continue to steer the ship in the right direction. I am confident that we’ll find an exceptional replacement to continue to build on the foundation that I am proud to have helped pave.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I wish you all nothing but the best in your business ventures and I will remember you all fondly.

 

Respectfully, 

Allison St. Laurent

Executive Director

DOVER, N.H. – The staff of Dover Fire & Rescue will be better prepared to manage and treat medical emergencies thanks to a $37,000 donation from Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

The grant is part of the hospital’s continued support and advancement of Dover Fire & Rescue’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Program. 

“Quality care at Wentworth-Douglass begins with our local EMS workers. We see their professionalism firsthand, and this is a small way for us to say thank you for the life-saving work they do every day in our community,” said Jeff Hughes, President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

“Ongoing education, and continuous quality improvement, is central to our mission. Once again, I’m extremely grateful to Wentworth-Douglass,” said Chief Paul Hass, who also serves as the city’s Emergency Management Director. “Wentworth-Douglass’ continued collaboration, and support of our EMS system, is an invaluable asset supporting those we serve each day. We’re lucky to have such a great community partner.”

Wentworth-Douglass conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment every three years as part of its commitment to the community’s well-being. Significant community health needs are identified and are directly addressed by these grants. 

Dover Fire & Rescue has used previous grants from Wentworth-Douglass to support a variety of initiatives, including monthly EMS trainings on topics like pediatrics, seizure and diabetic emergencies, trauma triage, and caring for at-risk populations and those with special healthcare needs. Grants have also been used for new and re-certifications of staffers.

“We’ve supported this program for many years, because we know it continues to have a meaningful impact on the health of our community,” said Michelle Hanson, Director of Strategic Planning & Community Benefit. “EMS workers have to be prepared to manage all types of medical emergencies, and we want them to know they have our support.”

The funds donated are approved by the hospital’s Community Benefit Funding Disbursement Committee and are not raised through any public or private donations.

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About Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (wdhospital.org) is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit charitable health care organization located in Dover, New Hampshire with a 115-year history of compassionate care and innovation. A member of the Mass General Brigham system, Wentworth-Douglass is strategically located in the heart of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine, which it has served since 1906. The organization is a family of more than 3,500 employees, including more than 400 physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of the region’s residents and visitors. The organization includes a 178-bed hospital, more than 30 primary and specialty provider practices and clinic sites, multiple express and prompt care facilities, an ambulatory surgery center, several medical office buildings, The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, and the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation.

 

New England Sports Hub Event Honors First Responders

Somersworth, NH – A local cornhole tournament raised $3,000 for the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation, as well as other charitable causes benefitting service dogs and local sports organizations.

 

The ‘King of the Hilltop Cornhole Throwdown’ was hosted by New England Sports Hub in September, and featured hundreds of cornhole enthusiasts gathered at Hilltop Fun Center in Somersworth – the site of the organization’s future 135,000 square foot sports dome. The event honored first responders and the funds to support Wentworth-Douglass will be used to support The Lawson Family Mobile EMS Simulation Center.

 

“From the get-go, the Sports Hub team pledged to donate all registration proceeds to the local teams and organizations that helped us drive participation,” said Craig Riotto, Principal of New England Sports Hub. “Since the event was set to take place on 9/11, we also wanted to both honor and give back to first responders. That’s when Wentworth-Douglass Charitable Foundation raised its hand and told us about their mobile simulation center. It was a perfect fit.”

 

The Lawson Family Mobile EMS Simulation Center provides state-of-the-art, real-time training directly to EMS responders and Fire and Rescue personnel in the field, that is both cost-effective and community based.

“Our Lawson Family Mobile EMS Simulation Center has been an invaluable community partnership between Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and emergency first responders from Dover, Durham and surrounding Fire and Rescue teams,” says Brian Nicholson, Emergency Services Coordinator. “The training provided mimics emergency situations they see in the field that provide immediate critical care to patients in need.”

 

Emergency first responders receive continued education and are equipped with real-time training that saves lives and supports a healthy and strong community. Airway management, cardiac simulation, delivering a newborn and team training are some of the simulated training exercises that local providers have participated in.

 

“We are grateful to New England Sports Hub and Hilltop Fun Center for hosting such a fun event that raised critical funds and increased awareness of the importance of well-trained first responders and the impact they have on the community,” says Jackie Eastwood, Chair, Foundation Board of Directors.  “The funds raised from the King of the Hilltop Cornhole Throwdown will support continued education and training with local fire and rescue departments which ultimately improves patients’ outcomes and the health of our community.”

 

Along with a competitive tournament format, the event featured barbecue, a gelato truck, a beer tent, vendors, and all the attractions of the Hilltop Fun Center. Over twenty local/regional businesses partnered with Sports Hub to sponsor the event, with Atlantic Broadband, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, and Bournival Jeep headlining the fields on event day.

 

(Photo: Durham Fire Department conduct EMS training with Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Lawson Family Mobile EMS Simulation unit.)

About Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (wdhospital.org) is a not-for-profit charitable health care organization located in Dover, New Hampshire with a 115-year history of compassionate care and innovation. Serving the Seacoast communities since 1906, it is a family of 3,000 employees including 500+ registered nurses and a medical staff of over 480 physicians and advanced practitioners dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of residents and visitors to the Seacoast area of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital was awarded Magnet® designation in 2016, which was renewed in 2021, joined the Massachusetts General Hospital family in 2017 and includes a 178-bed hospital, several urgent care and walk-in facilities, multiple testing centers, Wentworth Health Partners (primary and specialty provider practices), The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, and the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation.

 

COVID EIDL Applicants: Join SBA's COVID EIDL Application Completion Office Hours for information about the application process and get your questions answered to apply for COVID EIDL funds.  Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - 3:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. ET Join here Friendly reminder! The SBA strongly encourages submission of Supplemental Targeted Advance applications by today, December 10, 2021. For more information about the COVID EIDL application deadline and more, visit the SBA website.    This week, Administrator Guzman visited New York, New York to meet inspiring small business owners and theatres who were able to pivot, recover and grow with help from SBA programs and resources. Follow the Administrator on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to see photos and videos of all her visits to small businesses across America. Council on Underserved Communities Earlier this week, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the leaders who will serve on the reconvened Council on Underserved Communities (CUC) authorized under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), including its appointed Chair, John W. Rogers Jr., Chairman, and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, LLC. The CUC will work to further the equity priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration by making programmatic and policy recommendations to Administrator Guzman and the SBA to increase access and opportunity across SBA’s programs and initiatives to help level the playing field for all of America’s entrepreneurs. Learn more The National Small Business Week awards are back! The SBA is now accepting nominations for its 2022 National Small Business Week Awards, including the Small Business Person of the Year. Could you be our next winner? Submit your nomination today. All nominations must be submitted no later than January 11, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Learn more   A great business plan can impress potential investors and pave the way for your business’s success. In SBA's latest blog, check out the four questions every effective business plan should answer. Learn more   Earlier this week, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced that the SBA intends to elevate its Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) to directly report to the Office of the Administrator. Under Administrator Guzman, the SBA has also expanded the number of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) to a record 140 locations nationwide. The newest WBC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, opened its doors on December 8, 2021. WBCs offer a network of extensive on-the-ground resources that include free to low-cost counseling, training, business development technical assistance and are dedicated to assisting women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and expand their enterprises.  Learn more Small businesses power America's economy. Today, there are over 32.5 million small businesses in the United States, and they need our help more than ever. Support small businesses in your community and shop small throughout the holiday season. Follow the SBA on Twitter, @SBAgov for the latest updates and help spread the word to shop small with the hashtag, #25daysofsmallbiz.   SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute have teamed up for a series of webinars that highlight programs and services to help small businesses grow and thrive. Join us for the next session on Wednesday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m. ET: COVID EIDL and Information Regarding International Trade, Investment and Innovation During this webinar, you will: Learn more about COVID EIDL and how you can take advantage before December 31, 2021 Discover tools and resources you can use to start and grow your business Have your questions answered by SBA leadership and small business experts Learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community Get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration Register for the webinar   Paycheck Protection Program borrowers: If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using our online portal. Follow the steps below. Find out if your lender is participating.  Watch a video about how to use the portal. Apply for forgiveness. For additional information, visit the SBA website.   Thanks to vaccines, small businesses across America have opened back up. Keep the momentum going by getting vaccinated. Find a vaccine provider near you.  Learn more