Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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DAYVILLE — Westview Health Care Center has once again been ranked to be among the Best Nursing Homes in the United States with a 5 Star Overall Rating, according to US News and World Report. This is the facility’s sixth year running.
“We are very proud to have maintained a consistency of quality that has been recognized nationally since the inception of the nursing home ranking system,” said Westview Administrator David T. Panteleakos. “It is the result of surrounding our residents and patients with an amazingly skilled, dedicated, and compassionate staff.”
The report, now in its sixth year, bases its findings from the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Nursing Home Compare data on nearly 16,000 nationwide Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes in the country. CMS sets and enforces standards for nursing homes enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. Each facility’s profile displays health and fire violations, performance in important clinical categories and how much time nursing staff spends with residents. The ratings are combined to produce an overall rating of one to five stars. The Nursing Home Compare report has detailed information that allows consumers to compare information with other nursing homes. “Earning this mark of distinction is truly an honor,” said Panteleakos. “Keeping it is reflected in the mission and culture of everything we do here at Westview.”
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PUTNAM — The Putnam Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone (PRIDE) Drug Free Communities Coalition launched a new media campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription medication misuse and the proper ways of disposal.
Using the “Lock Your Meds” theme, sponsored by the National Family Partnership, the PRIDE campaign targets adults and raises awareness of the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse and what prevention steps are being taken. “Lock Your Meds, is a national multi-media campaign designed to reduce prescription drug abuse by making adults aware that they are the “unwitting suppliers” of prescription medications being used in unintended ways, especially by young people.”
PRIDE Chairman, Deputy Police Chief Lee Konicki, said, “Seventy percent of children who abuse prescription drugs get them from family and friends. This can be prevented by securing your medications at home, and by discarding unused or expired meds at the bi-annual Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration or by using the Putnam Police Department’s RX Med Lock Box located at 189 Church Street.
When asked about the reasons for the rise in prescription drug abuse, PRIDE Coordinator, Romeo Blackmar said,” Many people, especially young people, have the misconception that medications prescribed by a doctor are less harmful than street drugs like cocaine and heroin. However, abusing prescription drugs actually causes more deaths than all illegal drugs combined.”
PRIDE has initiated this new campaign with a live interview on WINY RadioMarch 17 with Leo’s Club President, Mikayla Van Dam, Konicki and Blackmar. More information may be found on the PRIDE website, putnampride.org or contacting Romeo Blackmar at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Audit results
POMFRET --- Pomfret’s independent auditors have recently issued an “unqualified” or “clean” opinion on the town’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2013.
The audit, completed by O’Connor Davies, LLP, resulted in no findings cited in their reports on internal controls and compliance with laws and regulations as they relate to the financial statements and federal or state grants that the town receives. The audited financial report for the town can be found on the town’s website, www.pomfretct.gov and all audit reports are on file in the town clerk’s office.
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More mailers out
PUTNAM — Putnam continues its state-mandated property revaluation and more mailers were sent out to property owners March 21.
The last set of mailers goes out March 28.
The data mailers are from Tyler Technologies, the company hired by the town to assist with the reval.
Rande Chmura, tax assessor, said her office will be inspecting only 50 percent of properties this year and will inspect the other 50 percent for the next reval scheduled for October, 2019.
State law says all properties must be inspected once every 10 years. For the 50 percent not being inspected this year, the data mailers are sent. They contain copies of the field cards that are on record at the assessor’s office. Chmura asks if there are any changes, “Please note them accordingly and return the form.”
She added that Putnam’s revaluations are slated to go into effect Oct. 1.
As always, property owners are encouraged to call or check with the assessor’s office if they have any questions at 860-963-6802.
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Then
This is the railroad station in downtown Putnam in 1927. Photos courtesy of Susan Calaman.
& Now
This is the same station today.