Rochester, NH – Maureen E. Steer MDiv, Holistic Disciplines Manager at Cornerstone VNA, is proud to share that her beloved Australian Shepherd, Lucy, has recently achieved certification as a therapy dog. Lucy's training was comprehensive, and she graduated with great reports. Starting as a puppy, she trained for over a year and became certified as a K-9 Good Citizen by Inspire K-9 in Barnstead. She was officially certified as a therapy dog by Love on a Leash, a national program. According to Love on a Leash, “A therapy pet is trained and certified with its owner as a team to provide comfort and stress relief to others in a variety of situations.”

Lucy will now be lending her compassionate presence and unwavering support to Hospice patients. Moreover, she will play a special role in bereavement sessions and group grief support meetings, offering comfort and solace to those in need. The addition of Lucy to the Cornerstone VNA team will undoubtedly enhance their ability to provide holistic care and bring moments of joy and healing to those they serve.

Lucy has spent the last year working on a variety of competencies and situations in the community and in the Cornerstone VNA office, where she was surrounded by a supportive and caring team. Whenever Lucy arrives at the office, team members can be heard exclaiming, “Oh good, I needed a Lucy day today.”

Cornerstone VNA is proud of the response they’ve received from this wonderful Therapy Dog Volunteer duo of Maureen and Lucy. Katherine Michaud MS, OTR/L, Cornerstone VNA Behavioral Health Coordinator explains, “Pet therapy dogs provide comfort, encourage communication, decrease stress, and reduce loneliness. A visit from a dog can really brighten someone’s day.” The pet companion volunteer opportunity is a wonderful way for volunteers and their dogs to provide support and friendship to patients and community members. For more information about the pet companion volunteer team, contact Ann Vennard at 603-994-6941 or AVennard@cornerstonevna.org.

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 110 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to providing 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.

Maureen E. Steer MDiv, Holistic Disciplines Manager at Cornerstone VNA pictured with  Australian Shepherd, Lucy

Rollinsford NH - The public is invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy Songs of Emigration, a program of traditional Irish music by Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki on Wednesday, August 23 at 6:30 pm in the garden of Rollinsford’s historic Colonel Paul Wentworth House.

Through traditional music Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki will relay the adventures, misadventures, and emotions experienced by Irish emigrants, explain the historical context of these songs, and intersperse their stories with tunes from Ireland that made their way into New England’s musical repertoire. An award-winning New Hampshire-based fiddler/singer, Jordan has performed across the US and Ireland, and has released multiple recordings of Celtic music that can be heard on radio stations in Ireland and Scotland as well as around New England. He is also an Emmy®-nominated composer who has written soundtracks for audiobooks and television and appeared as a guest on over 75 albums.

Funded by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities, this program is free and open to the public, and no pre-registration is required. In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors.

Located on Water Street in Rollinsford, NH, the circa 1701 Wentworth House is maintained by the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH). For more information about this and other programs at the Wentworth House, check the ARCH website at www.paulwentworthhouse.org.

New Hampshire Humanities nurtures the joy of learning and inspires community engagement by bringing life-enhancing ideas from the humanities to the people of New Hampshire. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org

Save Rollinsford’s Historic Pear Yard School 

To gauge the level of community interest in and support for preserving Rollinsford’s historic Pear Yard School, the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH) will host an informational meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday, August 22 at the Colonel Paul Wentworth House on Water Street in Rollinsford. 

The Pear Yard School on Rollins Road was built in 1854 to replace an earlier 18^th century schoolhouse which stood near a pear orchard belonging to Andrew Rollins. Until the construction of Rollinsford Grade School in 1936, the Pear Yard School was one of four one-room schoolhouses where children living in the rural areas of Rollinsford were educated, and as such it represents a tangible link to Rollinsford’s agricultural and educational past.  

An important outcome of the meeting will be the formation of a steering committee of local citizens who would be interested in working on the project. Agenda items for the meeting include the feasibility of preserving and restoring the schoolhouse; the costs involved and possible sources of funding for the project; potential uses of the building; and its eligibility for the state historic register.  Also, because the schoolhouse must be moved from its current location, another important topic will be the logistics of moving the building and possible new sites.  

ARCH has applied for a mini grant from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance to hire a consultant to prepare a condition assessment of the schoolhouse, and Andrew Cushing from the Preservation Alliance will attend the meeting to report on the results of the study, provide guidance, and answer questions.  

Interested persons who are not able to attend the meeting or who have additional questions are encouraged to send an email to ARCH at paulwentworthhouse@gmail.com. 

DOVER, NH – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been named “High Performing” in the treatment of heart failure, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Hospitals rankings released today.

This is the highest award a hospital can earn in the publisher’s Common Adult Procedure and Condition Ratings.

“Earning this recognition from U.S. News speaks to the relentless commitment of our entire workforce to the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Darin Roark, president and chief operating officer, “We’re proud to receive this designation and even more proud that we continue to deliver nationally recognized care right here in Dover and beyond.”

U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 21 procedures and conditions; only 12% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

Mass General Brigham is honored to have five hospitals nationally recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals rankings. Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital once again earned spots on the Honor Roll among the top hospitals in the country. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is ranked #1 in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology. Three Mass General Brigham specialty hospitals – McLean Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation and Mass Eye and Ear – are also recognized for national excellence. McLean Hospital is ranked #1 in psychiatry. Spaulding Rehabilitation is #2 in rehabilitation. Mass Eye and Ear is ranked #4 in ophthalmology and #7 in otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat). 

Earlier this year, Mass General Brigham launched For Every Patient, a systemwide unified quality strategy that seeks to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient. For Every Patient is a multi-year, evidence-based, data driven effort that will provide high-quality care that is effective, safe, personalized, and rooted in equity at every touchpoint, for every patient. 

Additional details about the U.S. News & World Report ranking system can be found here. 

Teddy Bear Clinic & Picnic

Thursday, August 10, Clinic: 9-11am, Snack in the park: 11-11:30am

Kids and their favorite stuffed friends are invited to join the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire for our annual Teddy Bear Clinic, a fun event that helps educate kids about what happens at the doctor’s office. Each child’s stuffed animal is checked-in and given an ID bracelet, then children take their animals to meet with a volunteer doctor or nurse for a check-up. If needed, animals can be taken to the surgical table for stitches, band-aids and ribbons. Each animal receives a certificate of good health at the end of the process. Upon leaving the museum, children will be offered snacks-to-go that they can enjoy on the way home, or outside in the park. Online reservations are required. Please reserve for the morning play session from 9am-noon online at www.childrens-museum.org. Thank you to our Teddy Bear Clinic Sponsor, Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) is proud to announce that Brittany Hodge, Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS# 2387835, was recently named a 2023-2024 New Hampshire Housing Fellow.

Ten New Hampshire professionals who work with homebuyers were accepted in the program, which offers an opportunity for participants to explore the mortgage finance system and participate in workshops about housing and public policy, housing and economic development, state government issues and New Hampshire Housing’s homeownership programs.

“Staying in tune with local home buying programs and resources helps us give our clients a leg up in the buying process,” said Charlie Dowd, Vice President Residential Mortgage Sales, NMLS# 737415. “We are excited to have Brittany deepen her understanding of residential lending and affordable housing options by participating in this wonderful program.”

Brittany joined MVSB in 2022 and serves customers in the Mount Washington Valley and surrounding communities with their mortgage lending needs. She volunteers her time with Vaughan Learning Center and serves as secretary on the John Fuller Elementary Parent Teacher Organization. She has an Associate Degree in Business Management from Lakes Region Community College.

 

Brittany Hodge, MVSB Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS# 2387835 - 2023/24 New Hampshire Housing Fellow.

MVSB has been serving the essential banking needs of people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities for over 150 years. As a mutual savings bank, MVSB has no stock-holders but rather operates for the benefit of its customers, employees and community. Since our founding, one thing has always remained true: caring is at the heart of everything we do. By building and nurturing relationships, we believe that we can cultivate a community where we all thrive. It all starts with caring about our customers and neighbors. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in New Hampshire in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

Progress has announced that Palmer Gas & Oil has been selected for the ‘Best Website Portal’ in their global 2023 Sitefinity Website of the Year awards!

Our new digital experience, developed by SilverTech, has allowed us to enhance our online customer service experience by making it as simple and efficient as possible for customers of all technical abilities to self-serve personalized account information.

Read more: https://palmergas.com/pgo-2023-site-of-the-year/

DOVER, NH – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is proud to announce that it successfully performed its first Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure on July 14, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's commitment to providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments to the Seacoast community.

The TIF procedure is a cutting-edge technique that offers a revolutionary approach to the treatment of heartburn (acid reflux) and other chronic symptoms associated with GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease). Unlike traditional surgeries, which often require large incisions and extensive recovery periods, the TIF procedure is performed entirely through the mouth, eliminating the need for external incisions. This groundbreaking technique not only reduces the risk of complications, but also offers patients a faster recovery time and a quicker return to their daily activities.

The goal of anti-reflux surgery is to restore the normal functions of the junction between the esophagus and the stomach by creating a new anti-reflux valve. This is carried out by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach (the fundus) around the esophagus, either partially or totally.

"The introduction of this procedure at Wentworth-Douglass represents a major breakthrough for us locally in the management of GERD. By offering a less invasive alternative, we hope to empower patients to take control of their condition and improve their quality of life,” said Dr.Hany Takla, medical director for surgical services at Wentworth-Douglass. “It really has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for our current GERD patients and hopefully encourages those who need it to seek treatment as well.”

The TIF procedure exemplifies Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's dedication to adopting innovative medical technologies that enhance patient care and improve outcomes.

“This is a game-changer for many of our patients who have chronic acid reflux,” said Khushboo Munot, MD, Gastroenterologist and TIF Specialist at Atlantic Digestive Specialists and Wentworth Douglass Hospital. “The procedure is non-invasive, and patients often can go home the same day. It can be a great treatment option for people who have been dealing with this issue for many years and can provide them with a better quality of life.”

SOMERSWORTH - Three years after becoming the first community health center in New Hampshire to train medical residents as part of the Portsmouth Family Medicine Residency Program, Greater Seacoast Community Health recently welcomed its first Associate Residency Program Director and its fourth cohort of family medicine residents.

The Associate Program Director, Michael Samaan, MD, has two decades of experience in family medicine at hospitals and practices in Alaska and Texas. He also served on the faculty of the Alaska Family Medicine Residency and is a Marine Corps veteran. In his faculty and administrative role, he will he will oversee residents’ training and supervise them directly in the clinical setting. Dr. Samaan also sees patients as a primary care provider at Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth, one of two community health centers -- along with Families First Health Center in Portsmouth – that comprises the Greater Seacoast network.

“I have always felt that the patient/physician relationship should be rooted in a genuine feeling of mutual respect, with both parties able to express their frustrations and hopes and to work together in achieving health related goals,” said Dr. Samaan. “A similar relationship can be applied to the medical education environment in preparing new doctors to enter the extremely challenging and dynamic practice of family medicine.”

Joining the program this summer are new resident physicians Samuel Backman, MD, a graduate of Saba University School of Medicine in the Caribbean; Charelle Allen, MD, from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada; Anna Byrne, DO, a graduate of Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine; and Antara Chakraborty, from Calcutta National Medical College in India.

The 12 residents based at Goodwin serve more than 2,500 patients as one of six primary-care teams at Goodwin Community Health and Families First Health Center. In addition, they complete rotations in the prenatal, mobile health, medication-assisted recovery and psychiatric programs at Greater Seacoast and at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and local specialty practices.

Supervising the new residents along with Dr. Samaan are Greater Seacoast Community Health Chief Medical Officer Joann Buonomano, MD, and Portsmouth Regional Hospital core faculty and community physicians, including Nancy Braese, DO; David Gagnon, MD; and Robert Mathes, MD.

About the Residency Program

The Portsmouth Family Medicine Residency Program, which began in 2020, is a partnership between the American College of Graduate Medical Education at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, which is an affiliate member of Tufts University School of Medicine; Greater Seacoast Community Health; and other local family and internal medicine practices.

“The partnership has been a major asset for our organization as it has allowed us to keep up-to- date with newer medical innovations that come from being affiliated with a hospital network and Tufts University,” said Dr. Buonomano.

“It’s the full scope of traditional family physician experience,” said Dr. Buonomano.

How Resident Physicians Benefit

The three-year Family Medicine Residency Program in the Seacoast attracts applicants from far and wide, with 500 candidates applying each year for eight positions. Greater Seacoast Community Health is currently the only Federally Qualified Health Center in New Hampshire to formally partner with a residency program.

Community health centers like Families First and Goodwin are desirable places for residents to practice primary care after completing their training, because working at a community health center makes them eligible for loan repayment as part of the National Health Service Corps.

“Residents are passionate about delivering care to patients with complex medical challenges and other obstacles related to the social determinants of health,” said Dr. Buonomano. “The enthusiasm of these young doctors coming out of medical school has been inspiring and builds a foundation of hope for the future of compassionate health care.”

How Patients Benefit

Through the residency program, Greater Seacoast offers a community-based, full-time primary care clinic at Goodwin, called the Continuity Clinic.  Dr. Buonomano, previously a full-scope rural family physician, sees the value that the residents’ hospital experience brings to the outpatient Continuity Clinic.

“The residents provide a bridge for patients hospitalized at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and help us fulfill our advocacy role as primary-care providers within this complex health care setting,” she said.

One way patients benefit from having a resident physician as their primary care provider is that they are also seen by the resident’s preceptor or teacher, another physician who supervises their clinical experience. Patients get the best of both worlds: residents who have the latest medical knowledge, and the wisdom of physicians who have been practicing medicine for many years.

“This program is a growing asset as we become more seasoned as a faculty team,” said Dr. Buonomano. “We have been successful in attracting skilled core faculty and skilled community preceptors who are passionate about the critical role of primary care within an increasingly complex and specialized industry.”

In addition to participating in the medical residency program, Greater Seacoast Community Health’s work as a teaching environment includes hosting dental students from both Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and University of New England College; nurse practitioner students from the University of New Hampshire; and physician assistant students from University of New England.

Greater Seacoast Community Health is a network of community health centers providing primary care, pediatrics, dental care, prenatal care, behavioral health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, mobile health services, WIC, social work services, a pharmacy, parenting classes, playgroups and home visiting. For more information, visit GetCommunityHealth.org.

Michael Samaan, MD, is the new Associate Residency Program Director at Greater Seacoast Community Health.

Resident physicians joining Greater Seacoast Community Health this summer are, from left to right, Samuel Backman, Antara Chakraborty, Charelle Allen and Anna Byrne.

ROCHESTER – The Monarch School of New England is pleased to announce that as of July 1st, newly appointed Executive Director Jeanette Souther has assumed her role at the school.

Jean Parsons, President of the Monarch School of New England Board of Directors, led the yearlong hiring process along with a committee of Board members. This hiring committee was instrumental in identifying the qualities needed in a leader who could further the school’s mission and build upon its strong foundation.

Parsons shared; “Jeanette’s passion for special education comes from a unique intersection of professional experiences and personal connections. In addition to being a highly respected leader, she demonstrates a genuine, strong alignment with the school’s values that all students can learn and deserve the opportunity to grow to reach their greatest potential. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Monarch School of New England.”

Souther brings more than 20 years of leadership, special education, and administrative experience to the Monarch School of New England. Her extensive career has encompassed all aspects of the special education system, from direct classroom instruction to administration. She has held educational leadership roles in at least three states, providing her with comprehensive knowledge of the current best practices, laws, policies, and issues in special education. Most recently, Souther served for eight years as the Portsmouth School District’s Director of Pupil Supports.

“I’m delighted to join the Monarch School of New England and to return, in a way, to my ‘professional roots’ as a special education teacher. I look forward to being part of a school community that celebrates each student’s individual strengths. Being an engaged leader, I will work with the dedicated staff to ensure students have the support they need to be successful in reaching their goals,” shared Souther.

Souther also shared that joining the Monarch School of New England resonates strongly for her on a personal level. She grew up watching her parents and grandmother advocate on behalf of her paternal aunt, who developed significant physical and cognitive disabilities following a debilitating childhood illness. And most meaningful personally is her oldest son, whose achievements as a young adult with Down syndrome continually inspire her.

Given Souther’s professional leadership experiences, personal commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities, and shared values with the school community, the Monarch School of New England is in a strong place to move forward with her guidance and continue providing unlimited possibilities for students with special needs.

 

New Executive Director greets MSNE students during her first week

About the Monarch School of New England

The Monarch School of New England is a nonprofit day school for students 5-22 years of age with significant disabilities. The school supports students with special needs to reach their greatest potential, through a comprehensive approach which integrates both education and therapy, ensuring successful transitions to school and the community. To learn more, visit: monarchschoolne.org