Gingerbread House Contest with The Discover Portsmouth Center! From November 20th through December 22nd. Houses are available for viewing at Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center during open hours, 10am to 4pm and 7pm on Fridays. Visit www.PortsmouthHistory.org or Call 603.436.8433 for details.
The Lights of Love Will Shine Bright at Cornerstone VNA This Year
Rochester, NH: Cornerstone VNA is pleased to announce the 34th Annual Jane Cooper Fall Lights of Love Celebration, carrying on the event traditionally hosted by the Frisbie Memorial Hospital (FMH) Auxiliary Board. Due to COVID-19, the event will be held virtually on December 2, 2020 at 4:30 pm. Live-stream event details will be available on cornerstonevna.org/lightsoflove. In addition, a recording of the celebration will be made available to the community afterwards.
Jane Cooper Fall created this poignant event in 1986 as a way to pay tribute to the people who have had a special impact on our lives. Lights of Love has continued to be an important community event due to the hard work of Jane, Dr. Robert Rubino, and the FMH Auxiliary Board. With each $5 donation, individuals can honor a loved one, whose name will be added to a holiday light at Cornerstone VNA. Hundreds of lights will be strung throughout the beautiful grounds of Cornerstone VNA. Each light shining warmly upon each tribute name throughout the entire holiday season. The last day to reserve your lights is November 22.
It is with honor and respect that the 2020 Lights of Love event will pay special tribute to: Jane Cooper Fall, Lights of Love Founder, Elizabeth Hart, FMH Volunteer, Jean Hilton, FMH Auxiliary Board Member and Nancy Wyman, FMH Auxiliary Board Member.
According to Erika Lee, MHA, Director of Advancement at Cornerstone VNA, “We are honored to carry on this wonderful holiday tradition, and despite the current challenges we are facing, we are pleased to provide a special way to still pay tribute to those we love.” Lee adds, “It’s a beautifully creative event this year and I’m excited to see it come together for our community.”
Please visit cornerstonevna.org/lightsoflove for more information and to sign up to receive special event notifications.
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 107 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.
Cornerstone VNA Announces Nightingale Award Recipient
Rochester, NH: Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, recently recognized June Gallup, RN, MS, HCS-D, COS-C, BCHH-C, COQS, Quality Improvement Director, with the 2020 Nightingale Award. The Nightingale Award is presented to a person who exemplifies Florence Nightingale’s work through best practice, mentorship, education and change. Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) is known for her work in fundamentally changing the role of nursing and introduced the concept of nursing standards.
According to Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO, “When reflecting on our past several months and who would best fit this year’s award, the one and only June Gallup came to mind.” Reynolds added, “Like Nightingale, she is not afraid to do what it takes to get things done. She gets involved, researches, shares resources and collaborates all in an effort to make sure we can meet our mission and improve when needed.” Julie describes June has having a wealth of knowledge from all her years as a nurse, manager and director. Her expertise during the pandemic was instrumental in Cornerstone VNAs success. June organized, planned, collaborated, secured personal protective equipment, educated and kept all staff informed about COVID-19.
Florence Nightingale earned the nickname, the “Lady with the Lamp” due to her long night-time walks to check on the condition of wounded soldiers. Julie adds, “I see carrying that lamp as a symbol that reflects the work that June does each day.”
According to June, “Despite all of the uncertainty over the past year, I work with a team that continues to provide the highest level of quality care possible. Cornerstone VNAs team’s dedication and commitment to our patients and the community is a true inspiration, and I am honored to help lead the COVID-19 response for this organization and truly honored to receive this award.”
About Cornerstone VNA:
Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, 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 107 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 2020 CANDLELIGHT STROLL UNDER THE STARS at Strawbery Banke runs from: Friday Dec. 11 & 18, 4-8 PM, Saturday Dec. 12 & 19, 4-8 PM and Sunday Dec. 13 & 20, 4-8 PM. Outdoor-only experience. One-hour, self-guided tours. Adults $15; Children (ages 5-17) $10; Children under 5 free – ticket required must be purchased in advance at www.strawberybanke.org/ and begin Monday, November 16, at 10 AM EST.
Cornerstone VNA Names Lynne Gauron as LNA of the Year
Rochester, NH: Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, has named Lynne Gauron as their Licensed Nursing Assistant of the Year. Gauron, who joined Cornerstone VNA 5 years ago, possesses great knowledge in her field and is being recognized for the care, compassion and professionalism she demonstrates as an LNA.
According to Janice Howard, Life Care – Private Duty Director at Cornerstone VNA, “Lynne strives each day to make a difference for her patients by taking extra care to meet their physical and emotional needs.” Howard adds, “Lynne is aware that Home Care patients are often times isolated. Keeping that in mind, she is always sure to go in the home with lighthearted conversation.” As her supervisor, Howard shares that Lynne is driven to provide a little sunshine along with making sure she does her best to help her patients’ live safely at home for as long as possible.
Colleague Sandy Powers, RN, says, “She is great at what she does, following the plan of care and going above and beyond for her patients. She is not afraid to ask questions about her patients and she is a true advocate as well. She provides excellent care and her patients love her!” One of Lynne’s patients describes her as, “Courteous, neat and on time” and remarks that “She offers her words of encouragement for any problems I might have, we enjoy her coming and helping us.”
Licensed Nursing Assistants, like Lynne Gauron, provide basic patient care and assist with nursing procedures and often include helping with “activities of daily living,” including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and assistance with self-administration of medicine. For seniors and adults with disabilities, LNAs are often the unsung heroes who provide the care needed to help individuals age in place in their homes.
About Cornerstone VNA:
Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, 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 107 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.
Fall Fundraiser Celebrates Maine Bicentennial
South Berwick, Maine- Old Berwick Historical Society is hosting on online auction in lieu of its usual in-person History Games fundraiser this fall. The pandemic has forced so many non-profits to reimagine their fundraising strategies, and the local society is no exception. The auction will run from November 1st to November 7 th. The link to the auction is available on the OBHS website, www.oldberwick.org, and on the society’s Facebook page.
The fundraising committee at OBHS chose to offer items that relate to Maine, in celebration of Maine’s Bicentennial year. Items range from blueberry pie, to art, to household items featuring blacks bears, and many things in between. There are over 25 items to bid on. All proceeds go directly to the maintenance of the Counting House Museum and its archives, as well as to support programs and exhibits.
“We have solicited a variety of fun Maine-themed items, all donated by local businesses and community members,” says Cari Quater, executive director of the society. “We wanted to do something fun, yet practical, since times are tight for everyone. This is a great way to get some early holiday shopping done while supporting our preservation and presentation of local history.”
The Counting House Museum is currently open by appointment only. More information is available by calling 207-384-0000.
Welcome Andrew Kunkemueller, MD, Palliative Care Medical Director at Cornerstone VNA
Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit provider of high-quality, skilled care at home, is pleased to welcome their newest medical provider to their Palliative Care Team, Dr. Andrew Kunkemueller, MD, Palliative Care Medical Director.
“The Palliative Care Medical Director is a new position within our growing Palliative Care Department,” explains Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. “We are so pleased to have a physician joining our Palliative Care team, especially Dr. Kunkemueller, who is returning to Cornerstone VNA and eager to help us expand this important program.”
Dr. Kunkemueller graduated from Dartmouth School of Medicine in 1997 and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in 2000. As a board certified Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Kunkemueller worked in a primary care setting for seven years before transitioning to hospital-based medicine in 2007. While working as a hospitalist at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Dr. Kunkemueller was able to treat patients at various stages of their recovery or illness, including those at end-of-life. It was here that he began to show a deeper interest in, and appreciation for, Hospice Care. “In 2010, Cornerstone VNA reinstated their hospice license due to a growing need for hospice services, and in 2011, I was pleased to join their team as the Associate Hospice Medical Director,” shares Kunkemueller.
Dr. Kunkemueller worked as the Associate Hospice Medical Director at Cornerstone VNA until 2018, and then went to Exeter Hospital. Since that time, Dr. Kunkemueller has continued to work closely with Cornerstone VNA as a referral partner, and has been intrigued by how Palliative Care positively impacts the lives of people living with chronic illnesses by providing improved coordination of care and symptom management. In his new role as Palliative Care Medical Director, Dr. Kunkemueller will be instrumental in fostering relationships with referral partners, and educating patients and medical professionals of the benefits of Palliative Care. Additionally, he will be providing Palliative Care consultations at both Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital. As a valuable member of the Cornerstone VNA medical team, he will also provide support and guidance to the Hospice Medical Director and Hospice Team as needed.
“I am so pleased to be coming back to Cornerstone VNA to help them further expand their Palliative Care program,” Kunkemueller shares. “As a nonprofit organization, Cornerstone VNA is well-anchored in the community and has a solid reputation for providing high-quality care at home.” Kunkemueller added that he is looking forward to spending more time with patients, getting to know their health goals, and working with them to develop an appropriate care path.
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 107 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, NH – With more than 65 years of history, the story of Great Bay Services is the story of disability rights and services in New Hampshire.
Founded as a small family school for children with disabilities, GBS has expanded to supporting more than 150 adults with disabilities in Strafford, Rockingham and York Counties with community participation services, employment supports, case management and independent living assistance.
Learn more about Great Bay Services and all they offer at the Trail Tale. Walk the Dover Community Trail beginning at the Dover Rotary Trailhead, 33 Chestnut Street, Dover, NH. Along the route read signs and scan QR codes to learn more about the story of GBS and how our clients are a valuable and integrated part of our communities. The QR codes link to interviews with GBS guardians, clients and staff who talk about the many aspects of Great Bay Services.
The event takes place from November 1-7, to allow supporters to do the walk at a time that is convenient to them. This also removes all concerns of large groups.
The Trail Tale is sponsored by Bottomline, with support from CGI Business Solutions, Coastal Copier, DF Richard, Dover Paint & Varnish, Dupont’s Service Center, Kennebunk Savings, Market Square Group at Morgan Stanley, Martel Plumbing, and Mr. Electric. Thanks to the City of Dover.
Great Bay Services is asking walkers to donate $20 each to support its programs. Donations can be made to the nonprofit at www.greatbayservices.org or by mailed check to 23 Cataract Avenue, Suite 1, Dover, NH 03820.
Great Bay Services was founded in 1954 by a group of parents who refused to send their children with disabilities to the state institutions. Today, GBS is still on the forefront of innovative and progressive programs for adults with disabilities.
Any families with loved ones searching for adult services in New Hampshire or Maine are welcome to contact Great Bay Services at 603-842-5344.
TASC Volunteer Drivers Make a Difference One Ride at a Time!
Imagine for a moment that you could no longer drive—ever! Your friends all work; your family lives far away. How would you go anywhere? For countless adults this is not an imaginary exercise but an everyday reality. Advancing age, chronic health challenges, injuries or disabilities all conspire to keep them off the road. Transportation Assistance for Seacoast Citizens (TASC) volunteer drivers help make their lives easier one ride at a time!
TASC volunteer drivers choose the rides they are able to provide making it the perfect volunteer opportunity for busy people who think they don’t have time to volunteer. To learn more, give us a call at (603) 926-9026 or visit our website, www.tasc-rides.org. We’d love to have you come along for the ride! We’ll even provide the PPE…….
Lecture and Tours Focus on South Berwick’s Fire of 1870
South Berwick, Maine- On Thursday, October 22, at 7:30pm, local historian Wendy Pirsig will present an online account of this dramatic community story in treasured photos, maps and eyewitness accounts from the Old Berwick Historical Society archives. One hundred fifty years ago, South Berwick’s town center lay in ruins following a cataclysmic fire on the night of July 25-26, 1870. Citizens then pulled together and raised the iconic brick business block that defines the village today.
Participants will sign up on the Old Berwick Historical Society’s website or by calling the Counting House Museum. Admission is free to members, and $5 suggested donation to non-members.
Wendy Pirsig has spent 30 years studying local history through the Old Berwick Historical Society archives. In 1989, Pirsig began cataloguing thousands of documents in the Counting House. She served on OBHS board as well as collections, fundraising, properties and finance committees and has been OBHS past vice president and president. Pirsig has contributed endless hours to many exhibits and lectures, as well as material for the Hike through History and OBHS website. She also edited the 2007 OBHS publication The Placenames of South Berwick.
In conjunction with the lecture, there will also be two History Strolls about the Fire of 1870, on Saturday, October 17 & Saturday, October 24, both at 10am. OBHS archivist John Demos will present the tours. Limited to 6 people per tour, masks & reservations required. Meet in the parking lot of the South Berwick Post Office. Tour is open to the public and free of charge, $5 suggested donation for non-members. Sign-up on the OBHS website or call the museum.
The Counting House Museum is currently open by appointment only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Old Berwick Historical Society’s 2020 lectures are generously sponsored by Kennebunk Savings and supported by historical society members and donors. More information is available by calling 207-384-0000 or at www.oldberwick.org.
