Category: Durham-Newmarket

CFA Cat Show on May 2nd & 3rd hosted by the Seacoast Cat Club at the Douglass Everett Arena in Concord. New Hampshire’s biggest cat show is back.

The CFF Cat Show is on March 14^th at the American Legion Post #47, 551 Foundry rd, Rollinsford.

Blessing of the Bikes on May 9^th at 11 am. Meet at the Newmarket American Legion Post #67.

Cornerstone VNA Celebrates 37 Years of Service by Janice Howard and Welcomes Katie Michaud as Community and Life Care Director

 

Rochester, NH — Cornerstone VNA proudly recognizes and celebrates the remarkable 37-year career of Janice Howard, Life Care Director, as she retires from the organization, and announces Katie Michaud, MS, OTR/L, as the new Community and Life Care Director, effective January 5, 2026.

 

Janice began her career with Cornerstone VNA in 1988 as a Certified Nursing Assistant with what was then the Rural District VNA in Farmington. Over the years, her dedication, leadership, and compassion for patients led to multiple promotions and expanded responsibilities. In 2005, Janice became Support Services Manager, where she was instrumental in launching the organization’s Adult Day Center. As patient needs evolved, she later stepped into the role of Director of Life Care – Private Duty, leading the program for the past 12 years and helping countless individuals remain safely and comfortably at home.

 

“Janice exemplifies the heart and culture of Cornerstone VNA,” said Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. “Her 37 years of service, leadership, and commitment to those we serve have left a lasting legacy. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”

 

Cornerstone VNA is pleased to welcome Katie Michaud into the role of Community and Life Care Director. Katie has been part of the Cornerstone VNA team since 2013, beginning her career as a field Occupational Therapist. Over the past decade, she has grown into a respected leader, most recently serving as Mental Health & Matter of Balance Coordinator and Community Care Director.

 

The Community and Life Care Departments provide community education, support programs, volunteer services, and private duty services designed to help individuals age safely and confidently in their homes. In addition to the Director, the department includes personal care service providers, homemakers, Licensed Nursing Assistants, a Life Care Manager, Life Care Coordinator, Wellness Nurse, and Volunteer Coordinator, all working together to support patients, caregivers, and the broader community.

 

Katie is widely known for her work in fall prevention, mental health education, and community outreach. She leads Cornerstone VNA’s Mental Health Team and oversees all community programs and educational series. Katie is a certified Older Adult, Adult, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, a NAMI Connect Suicide Prevention Trainer, a Steering Committee member of the Dover Mental Health Alliance, and Chair of the Rochester Mental Health Alliance.

 

“I am honored to step into this role and build upon the strong foundation Janice has created,” said Michaud. “I look forward to continuing to expand our Community and Life Care programs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring individuals and families have the support they need to live safely and confidently at home.”

 

“Katie brings vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to education and whole-person care,” added Ufkin. “We are excited to have her lead this important work as we look to the future.”

 

Cornerstone VNA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Janice Howard for her extraordinary career and looks forward to the continued growth of its Community and Life Care services under Katie Michaud’s leadership.

 

 

Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care – Private Duty, and Community Care. For over 113 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

Cornerstone VNA Expands Hospice Care with Reiki and Essential Oils to Support Comfort, Peace, and Emotional Wellbeing

 

Rochester, NH — Cornerstone VNA is proud to announce the expansion of its Hospice Care program to include two new specialty services aimed at enhancing comfort and emotional support for patients and their families: Reiki therapy and aromatherapy using essential oils.

 

These holistic services complement Cornerstone VNA’s expert clinical care by addressing the emotional, spiritual, and sensory needs of patients at end of life. Reiki services were introduced in late summer 2025, and aromatherapy officially launched on December 1, 2025.

 

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy therapy that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and a sense of peace. Provided by Cornerstone VNA Hospice Nurse and Reiki practitioner Kelly Scribner, RN, Reiki has already made a meaningful impact for patients receiving hospice care.

 

Since introducing Reiki, patients have reported significant benefits from receiving this service. Scribner shared, “My patients often feel more at peace and more comfortable, both physically and emotionally.” She added, “One of my patients had been minimally responsive for weeks, but responded to me after a Reiki session.”

 

One patient recently shared this testimonial after receiving Reiki services: “I never expected it to actually work, but I can feel a difference from when she starts to when she leaves. It’s just wild that you can actually feel it when it starts. It’s such a cool experience. I’m so glad you guys do it.”

 

In addition to Reiki, Cornerstone VNA is now offering essential oils as part of symptom management and comfort care. Aromatherapy can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, ease restlessness, support breathing comfort, and uplift mood. Oils most commonly used include lavender, peppermint, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, and frankincense.

 

Families receive education and guidance on safe use, including proper placement of oils and application. Oils are typically used by placing a few drops on a cotton ball or similar material near the patient to gently release scent into the room.

 

“These services reflect our whole-person philosophy of care,” said Lisa Nichols, Hospice and Palliative Care Director at Cornerstone VNA. “Hospice is not only about managing symptoms, it’s about supporting dignity, peace, and comfort in every possible way, for both patients and their loved ones.”

 

For more information about Hospice Care or these new services, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

 

Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care – Private Duty, and Community Care. For over 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.