DAYVILLE — The year ends at Westview Health Care Center with Michael Palladino named as the December Employee of the Month. Over the past year he has made his positive impression on staff members, residents, and visitors as he makes his rounds as a dietary supervisor and chef.
With 103 beds for residents and patients at the facility there is a high volume of food that needs to be prepared each day and with all dining experiences the expectations for quality are high. This constant but careful kitchen can only function as a united group, and He has found many ways to immediately contribute to the cuisine as well as the camaraderie.
He is native to the area; living in Killingly early in his life and graduating from the town’s high school. While at Killingly High he was a talented trumpeter in the school’s widely respected band. Following these years he went on to Seaton Hall University and returned to live in Brooklyn.
His time at Westview began just over a year ago in August 2017. He’s outgoing, friendly, and humorous and has a dedicated work ethic. Westview Administrator David Panteleakos said: “Michael has really come in to his own here at Westview over the past year and he is very deserving of this acknowledgment.” When asked about this recent accolade it is apparent that Michael possesses the same humble respect shared between previously honored members of Westview’s staff. In his own words, he remarked “It’s a tremendous honor to be selected as Employee of the Month. I have never been one to focus on individual success. To me, the team’s success is always much more important and I feel like our Dietary team is really thriving. Being a part of that team, as well as Westview’s overall team, is truly the greatest honor.”
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Tree
Ceremonies in Eastford. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — Families and friends gathered together on village greens in 11 communities across northeastern Connecticut for Day Kimball Healthcare’s 29th annual Tree of Life Ceremony. This year’s community celebration of Christmas carols, hope and healing, and magical lighting of the “Hospice Tree of Life” has raised more than $28,000 to support hospice and palliative care services in the region.
“This event has become a beloved tradition in Northeast Connecticut. The Tree of Life is one of the most significant fund-raising opportunities for the community to support hospice and palliative care services for individuals and families who are in need today,” said Day Kimball Healthcare’s Development Director Kristen Willis. “It’s a time to come together to celebrate and reflect on the lives of those you love, as well as the hospice staff and volunteers who have accompanied us on our journey.”
The purchase of memorial lights on each community’s Tree of Life benefits the work done by Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut, a service of Day Kimball Healthcare at Home, to enhance the lives of seriously and terminally ill patients and their families. In 2017, the hospice team cared for 148 patients and families.
“I do this in memory of my mother, Florence Mayhew who passed away from cancer,” said this year’s Tree of Life Chairperson Holly Gilbert. Holly is a cancer survivor and 29-year hospice volunteer. “I know how important hospice is for both the patient and their family. Knowing someone is there for you, that you are cared for and loved is so important. Many times there are no words that need to be offered, only your presence. The lights on the trees are a symbol of hope and healing and a way to keep this compassionate care going.”
Ceremonies were held in the towns of Brooklyn, Canterbury, Danielson, Eastford, Griswold, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Sterling, Thompson and Woodstock.
The funds raised through this event are used to support hospice and palliative patient care and services provided to the community not covered by insurance.
PUTNAM — Generations Family Health Center recently celebrated the expansion of its Putnam site with a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony. In February, 2016 Generations was awarded grant money to expand its existing 9,100 square foot Putnam Health Center by 4,500 square feet to increase access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services in this medically underserved area of northeastern Connecticut.
Funding for this $2.46 million expansion project came from a variety of sources including: The State of Connecticut’s Nonprofit Grant Program; Community Health Network of Connecticut Environmental Grant funds; Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA); and The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The current facility opened in August 2012, with a projected capacity of 5,000 patients & 25,000 visits annually and within two short years operated in excess of both patient & visit capacity. This expansion will increase access to care to an additional 3,750 patients.
The brand new community room was dedicated to Doug Cutler, former town administrator of Putnam and a former Generations’ Board member that passed away unexpectedly in 2016. Cutler was instrumental in increasing access to care to the residents of Putnam and surrounding communities by helping with the development of the Generations Putnam site, School Based Health Center in Putnam and many other community projects in Putnam.
Generations also honored retired State Representative Danny Rovero.According to Arvind Shaw, CEO of Generations Family Health Center, Inc., “We are thrilled to carry on our mission in Putnam with additional space for increased access to care to the community. In addition, it gives us great pleasure to honor Doug Cutler and Danny Rovero, two public officials that have helped us to carry on that mission and increase access to care for people in the Northeast corner.”
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Sky-Water Joined
Water and sky joined for a peaceful combination during the holiday week. More photos on page 6. Linda Lemmon photo.