40th Annual Lights of Love Event Held December 2

ROCHESTER – Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit provider of high-quality, skilled care at home, invites the community to celebrate the 40th Annual Jane Cooper Fall Lights of Love Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Rochester, NH at 34 South Main St. For a $5 donation per tribute name, community members can honor and remember loved ones, including beloved pets, as part of this cherished holiday tradition.
 
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for a Lights of Love tag-making station, and guests are invited to enjoy homemade refreshments before and after the program. Orders received by November 23 will be included in the printed event program. Those wishing to have tribute notification cards mailed on their behalf should place their orders by Nov. 13.
 
For four decades, Lights of Love has been a cherished community tradition, founded through the dedication and vision of Jane Cooper Fall. Jane established this special gathering as a way for community members to pay tribute to those who have touched their lives in meaningful ways. Although Jane passed away in October 2018, her legacy continues through the ongoing efforts of Cornerstone VNA staff, volunteers from the former Frisbie Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board, community members, parishioners at the First United Methodist Church, and Jane’s many dear friends.
 
“Each year, this gathering serves as a beautiful reminder of Jane’s lasting impact and the compassion, kindness, and sense of community she inspired,” said Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, BC-NC, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. “At Cornerstone VNA, we are honored to carry her vision forward by bringing people together to remember, reflect, and celebrate a legacy that continues to touch so many lives.”
 
This year, the celebration will also pay tribute to someone very special: Dr. Bob Rubino, who passed away in March. From the very beginning of Lights of Love, Bob played a special role in this cherished tradition alongside Jane, organizing and leading the men's choral group whose music helped make the celebration so meaningful year after year. Erika Lee, Advancement Director at Cornerstone VNA, shares, “His dedication, musical leadership, and the memories he helped create will always be part of the heart of Lights of Love. We will miss him, and we are grateful for the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.”
 
The celebration will feature music by the Choir of the First United Methodist Church and the Witherell Hand Bell Choir. Cornerstone VNA is grateful to First United Methodist Church for graciously hosting this special evening and sharing their beautiful music as we “Light the Lights” and usher in the holiday season together.
 
To order Lights of Love tributes and to RSVP for the event, visit cornerstonevna.org/lightsoflove. Paper order forms can also be downloaded from the website or requested by calling 603-332-1133 x1109.
 
All are welcome to attend the celebration in person. Those unable to attend may view a recording of the event, which will be posted at cornerstonevna.org/lightsoflove a few days after the celebration.
 
About Cornerstone VNA:
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.