DOVER, NH – Mass General Brigham has named Darin C. Roark, an accomplished executive with more than 23 years of health care experience, as its newest president and chief operating officer effective July 24.

“Darin's extensive experience in health care management aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Mass General Brigham,” said Dr. Gregg Meyer, president of Mass General Brigham’s community division. “With his strong leadership and collaborative approach, we are confident that he will further enhance the hospital's ability to serve the community and provide exceptional care."

Roark is currently serving in a dual role as hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Clay in Fleming Island, Florida and as system vice president of ambulatory campuses & emergency services for Baptist Health, a non-profit health system headquartered in Jacksonville. He has overseen tremendous growth since arriving at Baptist Health, leading the emergency department service line through a rise in tens of thousands of annual visits, while overseeing the addition of three new satellite ERs and an inpatient bed tower.

"I am deeply honored and excited to join an organization with such a strong reputation for providing outstanding healthcare services - and I am committed to building on that legacy,” said Roark. “I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Wentworth-Douglass as they continue to deliver high-quality care, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen our bonds with the Seacoast community."

Roark previously served as vice president of Baptist’s oncology service line and administrator of the emergency service line. He also worked as director of director of emergency services at Orange Park Medical Center and held leadership and nursing positions in Illinois and Wisconsin. Roark has long been involved in researching best practices, centered on patient safety, and his work has been published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing, the American Journal of Nursing, and Nursing Management.

“Darin’s commitment to community health, and his dedication to serving patients, are central to his leadership approach. He recognizes the importance of building strong relationships with medical staff, employees, and community stakeholders to ensure the community has access to exceptional health care,” said Dr. David Roberts, president and COO of Mass General Brigham Medical Group. “He will be an excellent addition to Wentworth-Douglass and the surrounding community.”

"Darin brings exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape. His strategic mindset and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care make him the perfect candidate to lead Wentworth-Douglass Hospital into the future,” added John Salmon, chairman of Wentworth-Douglass’ board of trustees. “We are thrilled to welcome Darin and his family to the Seacoast."

Roark will succeed current president & COO Jeff Hughes, who has led the hospital since 2020.  Hughes announced his retirement in March and will continue to serve in a consultant role to ensure a successful transition.

“Jeff was instrumental in bringing Wentworth-Douglass into the Mass General Brigham system back in 2017, and has remained at the forefront of our integration efforts ever since,” said Meyer. “We would like to again thank him for his significant contributions to the success of Wentworth-Douglass, his commitment to our patients on the Seacoast, and wish him well in retirement.”

Roark has a bachelor of arts in business marketing from North Central College and a bachor of science in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also has a masters of business administraion from Northern Illinois University and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Roarke, his wife Natasha, and their three children will be relocating to the Seacoast area where they look forward to enjoying the seasons and the outdoor activities New Hampshire offers - especially skiing, snowboarding, and fishing.

Darin C. Roark, President of MGB

 From left, Marcus Weeks, MVSB President, and Lori Borrin, MVSB Vice President & Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS# 165814, present a donation to Carmen Lorentz, Lakes Region Community Developers Executive Director, in honor of National Healthy Homes Month in June. Lakes Region Community Developers creates opportunities for the Lakes Region to thrive by developing healthy homes, creating vibrant community assets, and engaging residents. Go to lrcommunitydevelopers.org to learn more. Courtesy Photo

ROCHESTER – The Monarch School of New England is proud to announce the establishment of the James P. Carolan Endowment Fund. This fund is the first of its kind for the organization.

James (Jim) Carolan served for over ten years on the Monarch School of New England’s Board of Directors, and for many of those years as President. Carolan passed away in 2017, shortly after the opening of the school’s high school / vocational center campus. His leadership and guidance were instrumental in establishing those facilities, which allowed the school to expand its enrollment and services.

Carolan was a mentor to the Monarch School of New England’s Executive Director, Diane Bessey. Bessey shared; “Jim strongly believed that an endowment was essential to ensuring the school will always be there to support the students who need the type of education that only Monarch can provide. I’m so proud that we were able to create this fund before my retirement, and to name it in Jim’s memory.” Bessey has announced she will retire June 30, 2023, after 25 years with the Monarch School of New England.

A recent gift to the school from Gail Vanhoy Carolan, Jim’s widow, continues his dedication to helping students with special needs to reach their greatest potential. She shared; “Jim often said his time with Monarch was the most meaningful work of his career. He was inspired by each student’s individuality and the opportunity to realize, in a holistic way, their greatest potential. Helping the school build a sustainable model, and supporting Diane and her staff in their vision was a labor of love. Jim would be so enormously proud of all that they have accomplished and aspire to.”

And now, the Monarch School of New England’s James P. Carolan Endowment Fund will honor his vision, ensuring a bright future for the school and for all students, for years to come.

Left: Gail Vanhoy Carolan Right: Diane Bessey, MSNE Executive Director

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.

In 1852, abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass delivered one of his most famous speeches, “What to the slave is your Fourth of July,” a blistering indictment of an American idealism that ignored and accepted the inhuman treatment of enslaved African Americans. In collaboration with the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, a community reading of this historic protest speech will take place at noon on Saturday, July 1 at the Colonel Paul Wentworth House in Rollinsford, NH.

The public is encouraged to mark the start of the Fourth of July weekend in a meaningful way by participating in this event, which takes roughly one hour and is one of several community readings taking place across the Granite State on the same day.

To volunteer to read a section of the speech, or to request additional information, send an email to paulwentworthhouse@gmail.com.

The circa 1701 Wentworth House is located on Water Street in Rollinsford and is maintained by the nonprofit Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH).

When Dr. Marc Bard recently retired from his 50-year medical career, he was excited to have more time to pursue two of his passions, watercolor painting and enjoying the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. But he wanted a way to combine these efforts to help support local charitable organizations, and that is when the “Paintings for a Purpose” art show was born.

For the past three years, Dr. Bard has gathered support from local businesses and community members to host the annual art show with all proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.

“As I approached the fifth quarter of a gratifying career, I was fortunate to be able to return to my artistic roots and pursue a medium I have always wanted to try – watercolor painting,” said Marc. “Today, many of my paintings depict the tranquil environs of Squam Lake and Winnipesaukee communities.”

This year’s show will be held at MVSB’s Main Office at 24 NH Route 25 in Meredith. The public is invited to a special preview night from 4-7 pm Thursday, June 29 and art will also be on display in the lobby from June 30-August 1. All are welcome to stop in during business hours to view and purchase the artwork.

The Meredith Frame Shop in downtown Meredith has been a proud host for the show - but when a recent burst pipe caused water damage in the studio, Marc found himself searching for a new space this year. Marcus Weeks, MVSB President, met with Marc and offered the Bank’s Meredith Main Office lobby space for this year’s art show. The Bank will also match up to $5,000 in support of the fundraiser.

“Marc is a wonderful artist and has such passion for showcasing this beautiful region we call home,” said Marcus. “We jumped at the chance to help host this unique opportunity that will also give back to those in need.”

All proceeds from the sale of the art will benefit the Meredith Food Pantry. MVSB employees will be collecting cash or check payments for art sold or donations to the pantry.

“I would like to offer a special thank you to MVSB, Moulton Farm, Meredith Frame Shop and other community partners for all their support of this year’s event,” said Marc. “The community outreach for this project has been overwhelming and I am forever grateful. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Bank throughout the month of July.”

Go to benjylevine07.wixsite.com/paintingforapurpose to view samples of Marc’s paintings and to read more about Marc. 

Caption: From left, local artist Dr. Marc Bard presents a watercolor depiction of Meredith Bay to Marcus Weeks, MVSB President. The 2023 “Paintings for a Purpose” art show preview night is open to the public from 4-7 pm Thursday, June 29 at the MVSB Main Office, 24 NH Route 25. Art will also be on display in the lobby from June 30-August 1 during business hours.

Dr. Marc Bard earned his medical school tuition illustrating medical books and journal articles. During his residency he participated in a novel program sponsored by the Harvard teaching hospitals, in which he actively participated in its design. After residency Dr. Bard served as the first director of ambulatory services at Mount Auburn Hospital and in 1980 he was recruited to be Chief of Internal Medicine at Harvard Community Health Plan where he built a spectacular department of clinicians. As a result of the innovative programs designed for the department, he was invited to consult to Kaiser Permanente, thereby launching an over forty-year healthcare consulting career. By 1997 his practice expanded into a consulting firm where he served as Founder and CEO for the next 12 years until it was acquired by Navigant Consulting. He served as Chief Innovation Officer for Navigant, taking a brief sabbatical to write one of the first published books on the Affordable Care Act. He was recruited by the Bloomberg administration in New York to be the initial CEO of the 2400-strong physician practice serving the New York public hospital system. Today, Dr. Bard divides his time between a limited consulting practice, painting, exercise, volunteer work, and active participation in the lives of his wonderful grandchildren.

Meredith Food Pantry is located at 147 Main Street in Meredith, NH and serves the communities of Meredith, New Hampton and Center Harbor. For more information, all 603-279-1115.

SOMERSWORTH – Pediatrician Pam Udomprasert, MD, will begin practicing at Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth in mid-June. Before joining the community health center, she was with Rochester Pediatric Associates.

Dr. Udomprasert has almost 20 years of experience working in primary care pediatrics and inpatient medicine, including attending deliveries and caring for newborns in the hospital. A graduate of SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn, she completed her pediatric residency at University of Connecticut. Dr. Udomprasert is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Pediatric patients at Goodwin Community health and its partner health center, Families First in Portsmouth, have access to well-child care, fast access to care during illness, a child-development specialist, family support services and many more health and wellness services for the whole family. The centers accept private insurance and Medicaid and offer a sliding fee scale for uninsured or underinsured patients. For information about becoming a patient of Dr. Udomprasert, visit the “Become a Patient” section at GetCommunityHealth.org  or call (603) 749-2346 ext. 2752. Telehealth as well as in-person visits are available.

“Bringing Dr. Udomprasert to Goodwin is a win-win for our community,” said Tim Jones, chief executive officer at Frisbie Memorial Hospital. “It provides another pediatrician for the Greater Rochester community, in addition to our own pediatrics team at Frisbie, and also another mentor for our family medicine residents who do a rotation at Goodwin Community Health.”

 

Pediatrician Pam Udomprasert, MD, will join Goodwin Community Health in mid-June.

Goodwin Community Health is part of Greater Seacoast Community Health, 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. The network also includes Families First Health & Support Center in Portsmouth, the Strafford County Public Health Network and SOS Recovery Community Organization. Services are open to everyone and aim to be respectful, recovery-friendly, LGBTQ-affirming and trauma-informed. For more information, visit GetCommunityHealth.org.

The public is invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy Songs of Old New Hampshire, a program of ballads, love songs and comic pieces by well-known singer and folklorist Jeff Warner, on Thursday, June 15 at 6:30 pm in the garden of the historic Colonel Paul Wentworth House on Water Street in Rollinsford, NH. Funded by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities, this program is free and open to the public, and no pre-registration is required. 

Drawing heavily on the repertoire of traditional singer Lena Bourne Fish (1873-1945) of Jaffrey and Temple, New Hampshire, Jeff will present songs and stories that reveal the experiences and emotions of daily life in the days before movies, sound recordings and, for some, books. Songs from the lumber camps, the decks of sailing ships, the textile mills, and the war between the sexes offer views of pre-industrial New England and a chance to hear living artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Jeff accompanies his songs on concertina, banjo, guitar, and several pocket instruments, such as bones and spoons. A Folklorist and Community Scholar for the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, a former State Arts Council Fellow, and a founder of the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, Jeff has toured nationally for the Smithsonian Institution and has recorded for Flying Fish, Rounder Records and other labels.  

The circa 1701 Wentworth House is maintained by the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH). Current and prospective ARCH members are invited to attend the ARCH Annual Meeting immediately before Jeff’s program at 6:15 pm. For more information about other programs at the Wentworth House, check the ARCH website at www.paulwentworthhouse.org. In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors. 

Folklorist Jeff Warner

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.  

ROCHESTER, NH (June 2, 2023) – HRCU, a credit union headquartered in Rochester, NH with additional locations in Farmington, Dover, and Spaulding High School, was recently honored by MemberXP, a CX program offered by CU Solutions Group. The credit union was named one of North America’s best credit unions for its performance in two categories: new member experience and mortgage loan experience.

Annually, the Best of the Best award is given to the highest-performing credit unions that consistently provide extraordinary service, as reported by their own members. More than 300,000 surveys were completed by the membership of these credit unions in 2022, providing data on key performance indicators and specific feedback regarding financial experiences, such as opening an account or applying for a loan.

“Our focus on member service is what sets HRCU apart,” said HRCU President and CEO Brian Hughes. “We are here to help our members achieve their financial goals by delivering exceptional service. It is truly gratifying that they report great experiences specifically as new members learning about HRCU and when they secure a mortgage loan with us, which is the largest investment most people will ever make. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and their dedication to serving our members with professionalism and compassion.”

“The member experience feedback that MemberXP collects from our membership is invaluable to us, and we are honored to receive the ‘Best of the Best’ awards for the second year in a row and remain committed to maintaining our high level of service.”

About HRCU

HRCU (Holy Rosary Credit Union) is a state-chartered and federally insured community credit union serving more than 24,000 members throughout New Hampshire and York County, Maine. Established in 1962, HRCU has several branches in the NH Seacoast region with assets exceeding $400 million. HRCU prides itself on helping its members achieve their financial goals through convenient, technology-driven services and a compassionate, personalized approach.

About CU Solutions Group 

CU Solutions Group is an award-winning credit union service organization that offers products and services in the areas of Martech Solutions (Technology & Marketing), HR Performance Solutions, and Consumer Rewards. The organization is home to national credit union-focused brands including Love My Credit Union Rewards, Save to Win, MemberXP, Compease and Performance Pro. The company has numerous investors comprised of credit unions, credit union leagues and credit union system organizations and maintains strategic partnerships with Intuit TurboTax®, Marquis, CU Risk Intelligence, and more. For more information, visit CUSolutionsGroup.com. 

About MemberXP 

MemberXP, a product of CU Solutions Group, is the pioneer and market leader in Credit Union Experience Management. The MemberXP technology platform enables credit unions to collect, manage and act on member experience data collected via digital surveys and mystery shoppers. Using the suite of experience management tools offered by MemberXP, credit unions can engage employees, reduce churn, turn detractors into promoters and create clear and potent returns on investment. Over 120 credit unions nationwide, rely on MemberXP to consistently build services members love, deepen member loyalty, develop an outstanding employee culture, and deliver on their brand promises. For more information, visit MemberXP.com. 

MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) is proud to introduce Marc Fils-Aime as Branch & Business Development Manager. Marc will oversee the Bank’s Center Harbor office, located at 28 New Hampshire Route 25 - supporting the location’s customers and employees, and cultivating business and community relationships in Center Harbor and surrounding communities.

“Marc is an enthusiastic and caring leader whose previous experience made him a top candidate,” said Cathy Sleeper, Regional Vice President. “We are confident he will do an excellent job supporting our customers and the community while seeking new opportunities to grow.”  

“The Center Harbor team is passionate about providing high quality, caring service and I am excited to be a part of that,” said Marc. “I am eager to hit the ground running and immerse myself in the local community.”

Marc graduated from Norwich University and has several years of sales experience. He is recently married and enjoys fishing, kayaking and taking in all the outdoor views that New Hampshire has to offer.

Marc Fils-Aime, MVSB Branch & Business Development Manager in Center Harbor

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.

DOVER, NH – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has debuted New Hampshire’s first patient driving simulator, providing patients a first-of-its-kind opportunity to test whether they are physically able to get back behind the wheel.

The STISIM Drive simulator will allow up to 1,000 patients annually, who have experienced a physical or neurological injury, the ability to test and re-learn driving skills in an immersive simulated environment. The simulator detects a person’s driving capability using virtual reality and more than 100 different real-world driving scenarios.

The new simulator is just the second of its kind in New England and the only driving simulator in the region north of Rhode Island. The state-of-the-art system will be added to the hospital’s suite of rehabilitation services, allowing occupational therapists to safely assess and re-train patients of all ages.

“Bringing this technology to the Seacoast, and the state, is an absolute game-changer for so many of our patients,” said Kendra Langus, senior director of rehab services and integrative therapies. “After an accident, or due to a physical disability, many patients and their loved ones question whether they can still drive. Prior to today, there was no similar program available in New Hampshire for patients who needed to determine whether they could still drive. This technology will give many of them the answers they need, while making our roads safer for all of us.”

In the past, the only way for patients to determine readiness to continue driving was an often-impractical road test that could place both the patient and the public at risk. The simulator eliminates those risks, while providing real-time data that detects impairments such as attention deficits, visual field losses, and delayed reaction times.

The simulator, which will be used to evaluate as many as six patients per day, will assist those battling with a wide variety of physical and mental challenges including concussions, multiple sclerosis, cognitive decline, and those recovering from surgery. Driver data will be stored in the patient’s individual electronic medical record, informing providers as they develop the patient’s rehabilitation plan.

Financial support for the simulator and training for the hospital’s therapists, which cost more than $86,000, was raised by the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation. Major donors to the project included the WDH Auxiliary and attendees of the Seacoast Culinary Challenge, held last spring. 

“I am so incredibly thankful to all of the donors who stepped up to make this happen,” said Cristine More, vice president for philanthropy. “The ability to drive is crucial in maintaining an independent lifestyle, particularly in the Southern Maine/New Hampshire Seacoast region, which lacks robust public transportation. I can’t tell you how many people have approached us and said this technology could have really benefitted a loved one and now it’s a reality."