DOVER, N.H. – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is among just 455 hospitals nationwide, and the only one on the Seacoast, to receive a five-star rating in the most recent 2021 ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Just 455 of the more than 3,200 hospitals included in the rankings received five stars.

The only other hospitals in New Hampshire with five-star ratings were Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon and Concord Hospital.

The Overall Hospital Quality Star rating (overall star rating) summarizes a variety of measures across five areas of quality into a single star rating for each hospital. The rating system assigns stars based on an average of 37 measures in the following five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care.

Only hospitals that have at least three measures within three measure groups with at least one of those groups being Mortality or Safety of Care, are eligible for an overall star rating.

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.

The SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute have teamed up for a series of webinars that will help your business get back on track. Join us for our next session on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. ET: Resources and Relief for Your Small Business - Supporting Women Business Owners and Women’s Programs. 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

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October 8, 2021

More than $42 million in payments to 245 Maine municipalities have already been issued

The Mills Administration is encouraging local governments across Maine to apply for $119.2 million in Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which passed the U.S. Senate by one vote. The ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Program is a State pathway to infuse Federal funds into Maine towns and cities to support a variety of their economic recovery priorities, such as investing in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure or addressing the public health impacts of COVID-19, including replacing lost public sector revenue, providing financial resources to affected small businesses, or providing premium pay to public health and safety employees performing essential work during the pandemic, like 911 operators or EMS staff.

Since the program opened in Maine on August 25, payments have been issued to 245 municipalities, representing $42.8 million in Federal monies flowing to towns and cities out of the $59.6 million available for immediate distribution. The application process has been completed by an additional 48 municipalities, and those payments are scheduled to be issued early next week, while an additional 152 Maine municipalities are engaged in the process of requesting this Federal funding.

“This unprecedented investment through the American Rescue Plan will help towns and cities across Maine rebuild infrastructure, provide critical services, strengthen their economies, and make a real difference in the lives of their citizens,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I strongly encourage municipalities to apply for these critical funds.”

“When the Senate passed the American Rescue Plan in March, we delivered much-needed resources to local governments across our state that saw reduced revenues or incurred unexpected costs due to the unprecedented strain from the pandemic. Now, it’s time for local governments to collect these funds,” said U.S. Senator Angus King. “The additional federal support will provide Maine cities and towns the assistance they need to keep Maine people healthy, restore local economies, strengthen our state’s infrastructure, and help families in need. I’m grateful for the Mills Administration’s commitment to distribute this important aid, and urge Maine municipalities to apply before October 24th.”

“The American Rescue Plan is one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress will ever pass. I proudly voted for this bill because the economic damage caused by COVID-19 would last well beyond the pandemic without federal support for our cities and towns. I encourage Maine municipalities to apply for this relief as soon as possible,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

“Local officials should consider forming local consortiums to combine funds with other towns, or could explore an investment in projects in their area which have an overlap with existing statewide initiatives such as building out childcare and/or broadband infrastructure or supporting small businesses through existing or forthcoming workforce development initiatives. This approach may be especially relevant for those towns that the Federal government has slated for lower funding allocations,” said Kirsten Figueroa, Commissioner for the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. “The Mills Administration is committed to getting these crucial Federal funds into Maine communities as quickly as possible, and is available as a partner or resource in putting these funds to use immediately on behalf of local residents.”

“Municipalities are not required to specify how the funds will be used in order to receive them, and we are strongly urging all Maine towns to access their share. NEUs still have more than two weeks to apply for this unprecedented local of funding to local communities across the State, and Maine Municipal Association continues to strongly urge municipal officials across the state to apply by October 24, 2021 via the State’s simple online portal,” said Catherine Conlow, Executive Director of Maine Municipal Association. “Even for areas expected to receive smaller payments, municipal officials from across the State have been exploring opportunities for synergies. Regardless of their use – whether for projects that increase the affordable housing stock, address the impacts of climate change, improve infrastructure, or expand access to broadband – investments that will benefit the residents of Maine for decades.”

“Because the U. S. Treasury’s guidelines guarantee municipalities only 60 days to apply for the revenue, Maine Municipal Association strongly urges communities to start the process sooner rather than later,” said James Gardner, Jr., President of Maine Municipal Association and Easton Town Manager. “Our municipal finance directors, town clerks, town managers, selectmen, and other designees have found the process both straightforward and manageable, and the resources available for those who need a bit more handholding have been impeccable. There really is no excuse not to apply for these funds on behalf of your community.”

States across the nation must apply for these Local Fiscal Recovery funds and serve as the pass-through entity for disbursement to local governments. The Mills Administration applied for and received the first tranche of funding, $59.6 million, with a second tranche of equal value expected in approximately one year and to be distributed at that time.

All Maine towns and cities, along with many other tribal and other local government entities, are eligible for federal payments through ARRA, with a total of 477 Maine towns and cities eligible for funding via this pass-through from the State; the remainder of payments funnel directly from the U.S. Treasury to the government entity.

Per U.S. Treasury’s guidelines, municipalities are guaranteed 60 days to apply for these federal funds, which, in Maine, will elapse on October 24, 2021. Municipalities may apply via the online portal – and for support or with questions may contact: (888) 804-2544 or Maine.ARPAsupport@hornellp.com.

The Local Fiscal Recovery Program is part of a more than $4.5 billion Federal investment in Maine from ARPA, which also includes stimulus payments to Maine families, recovery efforts like bolstering public health including COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, broadband infrastructure, and direct payments to Maine’s county governments and so-called “entitlement” cities. The remaining approximately $1 billion in ARPA funding to Maine will be used to deploy the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, the Mills Administration’s historic investment into strategic priorities such as childcare, workforce housing, clean drinking water, workforce development, energy efficiency, and heritage industries, among other priorities identified to sustain and grow Maine’s economy.

View a listing of Maine communities to which payments have been issued (PDF).

DOVER, N.H. – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is seeking volunteers from the community to assist with our mission of delivering patient-centered care to the Seacoast Community.

Volunteers can assist in a wide variety of areas across the organization, including positions that interact with patients.

Wentworth-Douglass creates a rewarding environment for volunteers who wish to serve the community and will find tasks suitable to you and your skillset.

Anyone interested should contact Jackie Small at Jacquelyn.Small@WDHospital.org or 603-740-2837.

Please note that all volunteers must be fully vaccinated from COVID-19 and willing to wear a mask, among other requirements.

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.

October 8, 2021

The Mills Administration today announced a call for proposals for conservation and recreation projects through the Lands for Maine’s Future Program (LMF).

This LMF funding opportunity is the first since 2017 and is the direct result of Governor Mills’ proposing and lawmakers approving $40 million over four years to replenish the program in the most recent biennial budget. LMF is the State's primary funding vehicle for conserving land for its natural and recreational value.

“As we push full speed ahead on our economic recovery, now is the time to conserve in perpetuity the natural resources that form the backbone of our rural economy,” said Governor Janet Mills. “To sustain our heritage — our farms, forests and working waterfronts, saving them from development and making sure they are forever available to fishermen, families and farmers of Maine – I am excited to issue the first call for proposals since 2017 for the Land for Maine’s Future Program. Preserving and protecting our cherished lands is one of our highest callings, and I encourage all who are interested to consider the program.”

"The LMF Program has a lengthy history of protecting Maine's natural resources, and with this new infusion of funding, will continue advancing its important work on behalf of the people of Maine," commented DACF Commissioner Beal. "This call for proposals will bring forth the next generation of land conservation, including supporting our state climate objectives."

"The LMF board and program staff are committed to making funds available to our applicant community as quickly as possible while maintaining a fair and equitable process that focuses on targeted conservation priorities," LMF Director Sarah Demers.

“This opportunity to invest 40 million dollars in Maine’s special lands and waters and to work with our amazing conservation partners is a welcome and exciting challenge. Maine people have a long-standing record of supporting the LMF Program, and we all appreciate the leadership of both Governor Mills and the Legislature for making the protection of our state’s natural resources a top priority,” LMF Board Member Barbara Trafton.

“Maine has made considerable progress in conserving land but there is much more to do. Land for Maine’s Future assures that we continue to make progress conserving what we all know and love for future generations,”LMF Board Member Don Kleiner.

LMF project awards include the conservation of working forests, farms, and commercial waterfronts, public access to our woods and waters, and the protection and management of wildlife.

Several program priorities and practices were formalized through the budget bill, including establishing a Community Conservation funding category to replace the local and regional significance categories. Projects addressing climate change and deer habitat will have priority. Additionally, it is now a statutory requirement that, except for working farms and working waterfronts, lands acquired with LMF funds may not prohibit public access, hunting, fishing, and trapping, which has been the practice since the program started more than 30 years ago.

LMF is the State of Maine's primary funding vehicle for conserving land for its natural and recreational value. The program was established in 1987 when Maine citizens approved a bond to fund $35 million for the purchase of lands, and the program’s priority is to conserve Maine landscape, recognizing that working lands and public access to these lands is critical to preserving Maine's quality of life.

Since then, LMF has conserved nearly 604,000 acres of land, more than half of which – 333,425 acres – has been working lands. This includes 41 farms and 9,755 acres of farmlands and 26 commercial working waterfront properties, along with 1,272 miles of shorelines of rivers, lakes and ponds, 58 miles of coastline, and 158 miles of former railroad corridors for recreational trails.

Prior to this $40 million infusion, the fund was nearly depleted. Now that it is replenished, LMF can continue its robust conservation efforts, leveraging Federal funding enacted last year through The Great American Outdoors Act, which is expected to send tens of millions of dollars to the state for protection and conservation efforts.

Full details about the types of projects supported, who is eligible to apply, the application process, and the 2021 LMF Proposal Workbook are available now on the LMF webpage.

Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association is pleased to offer the community a drive-through flu clinic on Friday, October 22 from 10:00am until 1:00pm. The clinic will be held outside in the parking lot at their main office at 178 Farmington Road in Rochester, NH. Community members will follow the entrance to the Cornerstone VNA building and turn left, following the orange cones. Cornerstone VNA clinical staff will be on hand to administer the flu vaccine.  Flu vaccines are covered by most major insurances, including Medicare, but unfortunately, they are unable to accept the Medicare Advantage Plan or Cigna. Please bring your insurance card. The cost for the flu vaccine is $40 without insurance, and $70 for the high dose.

“We held our first drive through flu clinic last year, which was a convenient and safe option for our local community members,” shares Sandy Powers, RN, Health and Wellness Nurse. Powers adds, “We are pleased to be able to provide this service once again to help protect folks during the flu season.”

With the continued impact of COVID-19, the influenza vaccination is even more important for everyone. Keeping flu infections down will greatly benefit our local health care organizations, who continue to be on the frontlines of treating patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

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 108 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.

October 7, 2021

Contract provides a six percent pay raise in total, improves base pay to $15 per hour, and doubles paid parental leave, among other benefits

Members of the Maine Service Employees Association Local 1989 (MSEA-SEIU 1989) tonight voted to ratify a labor agreement with the Mills Administration for the 2021-2023 contract period. The approval of the contract follows the ratification of a similar contract by members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME 93). Together, the contracts will cover more than 9,000 employees within the State’s Executive Branch.

“From public health nurses to child protective services caseworkers to plow truck drivers to corrections officers and many more, State of Maine employees work hard day in and day out to provide essential services to Maine people. I applaud the members of MSEA and AFSCME for approving these agreements, which make further progress toward ensuring that public service jobs are competitive with private sector work and does so while living within our means,” said Governor Janet Mills. “My Administration believes deeply in the value of public service and in promoting public sector work as a meaningful career, and we will continue to support State of Maine employees moving forward.”

“Unlike many other states, this Administration ensured that no State worker was laid off, furloughed, or suffered a pay freeze amid the pandemic, and we continue to make significant progress toward resolving the pay-gap that exists both for unionized and non-unionized employees across State government,” said Kirsten Figueroa, Commissioner for the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. “This is a mutual and fair deal for State employees that makes steady progress toward closing the pay-gap for public servants while spending within our means by utilizing funds that had already been budgeted and set aside for this purpose.”

Highlights of the Mills Administration’s labor agreements with AFSCME and MSEA for the 2021-2023 period include:

• Raising pay for employees by two percent this December;
• Raising pay for employees by an additional four percent in July 2022;
• Issuing a one-time $2,000 payment to employees this December (this will be prorated for seasonal, part-time, and/or intermittent employees);
• Increasing base pay to $15 per hour;
• Improving paid parental leave from two weeks to four weeks; and
• Expanding the eligibility criteria for the childcare reimbursement program.

These are in addition to improvements already made by the Mills Administration for MSEA and AFSCME workers during the 2019-2021 period, which included: raising pay for employees by three percent; raising pay for employees by an additional four percent, on average; eliminating the bottom salary step, ensuring that no employee will be hired at that minimum rate moving forward; and enhancing employee benefits amid the pandemic, including implementing additional paid leave.

When combined with pay increases previously made by the Mills Administration for the 2019-2021 biennium, the recently ratified agreements for 2021-2023 make considerable progress in bringing State employee salaries to par with private sector counterparts. Preliminary results of an ongoing classification and compensation study of the State government workforce show that, as of 2020, State employees were making 15 percent less than their private sector peers, on average.

These ratified labor agreements, in combination with all other laws and appropriations, maintain the State’s balanced budget through Fiscal Year 2023 without raising taxes.

Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mills Administration avoided State employee layoffs and prioritized preserving both jobs and critical services – like public health, public safety, education, and health care – for all Maine people.

Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings has reaffirmed Maine’s strong credit ratings and stable outlooks despite downgrades in at least 22 other states and, under Governor Mills’ leadership, the State’s Budget Stabilization, or so-called “Rainy Day” Fund, has increased to an historic high of $491.9 million.

Somersworth, NH – The Honorable Governor Chris Sununu, Senate President Chuck Morse, NH State Senator David Watters and Somersworth Mayor Dana Hilliard were all on hand this week to help Palmer Gas & Oil (PGO) owner Bill Ermer and his team cut the red ribbon on the company’s newest fuel storage facility in Somersworth, NH.

This latest storage facility ensures that there will be plenty of fuel on hand for PGO customers even during challenging supply times and harsh New England weather.

Also on hand for the ribbon cutting were Allison St. Laurent, Executive Director of the Falls Chamber, and PGO General Manager Peter Iacobucci along with Bill’s son Charlie Ermer, VP Business Operations, and daughter Joanne Ermer, VP Human Resources and IT. The awardwinning Palmer Gas & Oil has been in the Ermer family for four generations. “We’ve kept families warm for over 89 years,” says Bill Ermer. “This new facility will ensure that we continue to keep them warm for the next 89.”

In addition to facilities in Atkinson, NH, North Hampton, NH and this latest storage facility in Somersworth, Palmer Gas & Oil also has an additional storage facility in Raymond, NH.

Family-owned Palmer Gas & Oil is one of the largest providers of commercial and residential fuel, service, sales and installation in the area.

For further information, please see PalmerGas.com.

Palmer Gas & Oil (PGO) is a family-owned and operated propane and oil delivery and service company based in Atkinson, New Hampshire with an over-89-year history serving New Hampshire, Northern Massachusetts and Southern Maine. PGO's automatic delivery, easy payment and scheduled maintenance plans make it simple for its customers to keep their tanks full and their equipment serviced. A full sales, service and equipment installation business, PGO is unique to the industry in that it is truly a one-stop shop. PGO is a Business NH Magazine Business of the Decade winner in the Retail/Wholesale category, a five-time consecutive winner of the Best of Business (BOB) awards for best fuel provider, a 2020 Business Excellence Award winner in consumer services for large organizations from NH Business Review, a Readers’ Choice winner in propane delivery from The Union Leader and has an accredited A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. PGO’s leader, Bill Ermer was recognized as the 2021 William A. Brown Businessperson of the Year by the Salem, NH Chamber of Commerce. 

The Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR) announced that the application deadline for the COVID-19 Expenses Relief Program will be extended by one week, to allow for eligible businesses to apply for reimbursement of a portion of their eligible expenses until 4 PM on Friday, October 8, 2021, via the GOFERR portal.

More information on the program, including eligibility information, can be found here.