DKH pg 7 8-28-14
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PUTNAM — Day Kimball Hospital and Day Kimball HomeCare, operating divisions of the Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) integrated system, have earned The Joint Commission’s “Gold Seal of Approval®” for accreditation, according to Robert Smanik, FACHE, DKH president and CEO.
“The Joint Commission is the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America,” said Smanik. “We’re very proud to have earned this recognition, which is the result of the daily commitment of our physicians, providers and staff, working together to provide top quality care.”
He said every aspect of Day Kimball Hospital and Day Kimball HomeCare underwent rigorous, unannounced, on-site surveys during May 19-23 of 2014. The evaluation focuses on “…compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management,” according to The Joint Commission.
“As one surveyor from The Joint Commission reported: ‘This is not the result of one, but from a team effort,’” said John Graham, MD, DKH vice president for medical affairs and quality/chief medical officer. “Whether it’s providing inpatient care, ambulatory services, behavioral health, or traveling to the homes of those in need, Day Kimball operates under a universal set of high standards, which is maintained at all levels of our organization. The Gold Seal of Approval® applies to every aspect of our organization and reflects a systemic commitment – right up to our board of directors – to high quality care. We’re humbled and encouraged by this designation.”
Dr. Graham added the following surveyor comment perhaps best sums up the meaning of this accomplishment for DKH: “You clearly care very deeply about our patients.”
Following the on-site survey, The Joint Commission continues to monitor select data with 45-day and 60-day review. During that process, the official accreditation is presented and was received by Day Kimball on August 19, 2014. It is valid for a three-year period with DKH’s next survey expected between April and June of 2017. Day Kimball has also received from The Joint Commission: Top Performer on Key Quality Measures in heart attack, pneumonia and surgical care; advanced certification as a Primary Stroke Center; and certification for knee and hip joint replacement program.
Passport pg 7 8-28-14
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PUTNAM — The Connecticut Library Association is sponsoring the first Passport to CT Libraries program, running in participating public libraries from Sept. 1 through 30. Putnam Public Library, as well as five other local libraries (Brooklyn, Canterbury, Killingly, Pomfret and Scotland) will offer a Passport to their patrons to be taken to any participating library to be stamped and receive a small gift.
Based on the Wine Trail Passport Program, this program will run during Library Card Sign Up Month in September. At the end of the month, patrons will turn in their passports to any participating library to be entered in two drawings: Most Libraries Visited and one Random Drawing for all participants.
The drawing will be for two adult prizes of $150 each and two children’s (under 18) of $100 each. For more information please contact Priscilla Colwell at the Putnam Public Library at 860-963-6826.
Obituaries pg 8 8-28-14
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Maxfield J. Barclay
N. GROSVENORDALE — Maxfield J. Barclay, 82, Holmes St., died Aug. 17, 2014, in Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Kingman) Barclay.
Born in 1931 in Caribou, Maine, he was the son of the late Blake and Esther (Larson) Barclay.
Mr. Barclay worked for 30 years in maintenance for Anchor Glass.
He enjoyed dart ball and bowling. He belonged to the Interfaith Dart Ball League.
He was a parishioner of the Leffingwell Baptist Church in Bozrah.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his son, Michael Kingman of N. Grosvenordale; his daughter, Sandra Challinor of Jefferson, N.H.; his sister, Mavis Carignan (Raymond) of Steuben, Maine; his sister in-law, Barbara Barclay of Plainfield; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren.
The Funeral Service was Aug. 25 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Edward J. Briere Sr.,
WWII vet
PUTNAM — Edward J. Briere Sr., 90, of Harrison St., died Aug. 19, 2014, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. He is the husband of nearly 68 years of the late Irene A. ( Robitaille) Briere who died on July 16, 2011. Born in 1923 in Stafford Springs, he was the son of the late Frank and Laura (Masse) Briere.
Mr. Briere was a veteran of WWII where he achieved the ranking of Staff Sergeant and received a Bronze Star for heroism. Ed was a prisoner of war being held by the Nazis for six months before being liberated by the Allied troops on May 25, 1944.
Mr. Briere enjoyed watching sports especially the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Braves; traveling with his wife and close friends the Cormiers to New Hampshire, and doing puzzles especially word searches. Edward was a devoted family man and cherished the time that he spent with his family especially at their Sunday dinners. He was a Eucharistic minister and altar server for more than 22 years at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. He also was a member of the choir and was the jack of all trades for the church for many years.
Mr. Briere was a member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, American Legion post #13 in Putnam, the Putnam VFW, a member of the Happy Singers, and was the 2009 Parade Marshall for the Putnam Memorial Day Parade.
He leaves his sons, Edward J. Briere Jr. (Donna) of Putnam, and William Briere of Dayville; his daughters, Marie Desautels (Paul) of Putnam, and Jane Briere of Putnam; four grandchildren John Labossiere Jr. and his fiancé Deb Rose, Lynne Labossiere, Lauren Briere, and Todd Desautels; three great grandchildren Marquis Shaw, and Dominique and Connor Desautels; his goddaughter Dolores Wallick. He was predeceased by two brothers William and Omer Briere, a sister Lillian Messier, and a nephew Theodore Messier.
A Mass of Christian burial was Aug. 23 in St. Mary Church, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Blanche Rawson
THOMPSON — Blanche (Waters) Rawson, 85, of Thompson died Aug. 19, 2014, at Westview Healthcare Center in Dayville. She was wife of Richard Rawson.
She was born Oct. 8, 1928, in Putnam, daughter of the late Wesley and Viola (Rondeau) Waters.
She loved her gardens and trips to the beach.
She leaves her husband Richard of Thompson, two sons, Allan Rawson (Kathie) of Putnam, James Rawson (Donna) of Thompson; siblings, May Alvord, Marie “Phyllis” LeClair, Richard Waters; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Benjamin, Gary, Kelly Rawson, Caitlin Dutiel, eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son Larry Rawson and brothers Charles and Conrad Waters.
Donations: Thompson Hill Fire Department, Thompson. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Peter J. Trudeau
BROOKLYN — Peter J. Trudeau, 54, of Brooklyn died Aug. 18, 2014, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. He was born on April 26, 1960, in Putnam, son of the late Jean Paul and Jeannette (Labrec) Trudeau.
Known as “Pete The Plumber”. Pete was an avid NASCAR fan and loved his Norton motorcycle very much.
He leaves a son Brian Trudeau of Voluntown; brothers Tom Trudeau (Rose) of Brooklyn, Guy Trudeau (Gail) of Brooklyn; a sister-in-law Deb Trudeau of Coon Rapids, Minn.; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Paul Jean Trudeau, he died in 1999.
Graveside service were Aug. 23 in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Deborah Pratt
WOODSTOCK — Deborah L. (Sheldon) Pratt, 62, of Woodstock, died Aug. 21, 2014 at UMass Memorial Health Care - University Campus, Worcester.
She was born in Putnam, daughter of the late Wayland N. Sr. and Hazel F. (Currier) Sheldon, and lived in Woodstock all her life. She was the assistant to the principal at Putnam High School and was also the assistant athletic director.
She was a member of the Putnam Lions Club, was secretary and part of the support crew Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department and was very involved with community volunteer work.
She leaves her son, Joshua Pratt of Woodstock; a sister, Susan J. Fellenius of Woodstock; two brothers, Wayland N. Sheldon Jr. of Woodstock and Ronald Sheldon of Pomfret.
A Celebration of Life will be held and announced later in September. Donations: Deborah L. Pratt Scholarship Fund, Putnam High School, Woodstock Avenue, Putnam, CT 06260. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Gordon G. Brennan,
Marine vet
S. KILLINGLY — Gordon G. Brennan of South Killingly died Aug. 11, 2014, at home, of natural causes.
He was born Oct. 30, 1928, in Manchester, son of the late Gordon and Helen (Glayre) Brennan. After graduating from Cheney Technical School he joined the Marine Corps., serving four years in Korea, followed by a short period of employment with Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. Gordon’s career began at American Standard when they opened in Wauregan, and retired 33 years later when the plant closed.
Gordon greatly enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, camping, wood carving and was part of the master gardeners program. He will be missed for his quick wit, jokes, stories and sparkling blue eyes.
He leaves his wife Betty (Couture), happily married for 61 years; sister Lillian; daughter Sue Ann; sons Thomas and Gordon; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one sister Marie.
The Funeral was Aug. 15 in Tillinghast Funeral Home, Danielson. Donations: Thornfield Hall, Rt. 200, Thompson, CT 06277.
Gary Blanchard
QUINEBAUG — Gary J. Blanchard, 63, of Quinebaug, died Aug. 18, 2014, at Harrington Health Care at Hubbard in Webster, after a long illness.
Gary was born in Worcester, son of the late Paul and Dorothy (Wilson) Blanchard and lived in Oxford before moving to Thompson-Quinebaug 32 years ago. He was a truck driver for many years at Mass Container and was a member of the Teamsters Union. Gary enjoyed playing pool, his guitar, fishing and sports cars.
He leaves his wife of 43 years, Darlene T. (Bertrand) Blanchard of Quinebaug; two daughters, Renee C. Wolak (John) of Webster, Lisa M. Rousseau (Jason) of Southbridge; one sister, Cynthia LaRochelle of Oxford; two grandchildren, Jake G. and Jenna M. Rousseau, both of Southbridge. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Blanchard of Oxford and Paul Blanchard of Webster.
The service was Aug. 21. Donations: Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Barbara Kaliszewski
THOMPSON — Barbara A. (Mroczek) Kaliszewski, 68, died Aug. 11, 2014, in St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, after a three month illness. Her husband of 27 years, Edward R. Kaliszewski, died in 1996.
She was born in Webster and raised in Dudley, daughter of the late Joseph Mroczek. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1963 and attended Pan American Airlines Flight Stewardess Training School. She resided in Alexandria, Va., before moving back to Dudley. She had lived in Thompson since 1969. Barbara first worked for Pan American Airlines as a stewardess. She was a bobbin weaver at Beldings in Putnam. She was then the manager of Putnam Hallmark in Webster for 12 years, retiring in 2012.
She leaves four children, Holly J. Stanley (Paul) of Storrs, Mark J. Kaliszewski (Doreen) of Tampa, Fla., Peter J. Kaliszewski (Patricia), and Kelli J. Lavoie (David), all of Putnam; her mother, Stella T. (Jezerski) Mroczek of Thompson; a brother, Stanley Mroczek of Phoenix; a brother-in-law, Joseph Mayotte of Quinebaug; 14 grandchildren. She was looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandchild in January, 2015. She was predeceased by a sister Elizabeth Mayotte.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Donations: American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.
Edward Sledzik Jr.,
Army vet
THOMPSON — Edward Sledzik Jr., 67, of Thompson, died Aug. 17, 2014, at home.
He was born in Webster, son of the late Edward Sledzik Sr. Ed lived in East Douglas before moving to N. Grosvenordale 35 years ago. Eddie was a U.S. Army veteran and was employed by the Town of Thompson Highway Department as a machine operator. He enjoyed cutting wood, walking, motorcycles and tractors.
He leaves his wife, Alma M. (Arpin) Sledzik; his mother, Beth (Shiner) Sledzik of Dudley; two daughters, Kerry Bishop of Grosvenordale, and Kristine DePasquale of N. Grosvenordale; two brothers, Gary Sledzik of Dudley and Richard Sledzik of Brockton; four sisters, Patricia Sledzik and Beth Wieloch both of Dudley, Paula Olson of California and Sheila Rego of Whitinsville; four grandchildren, Misty and Ryan Bishop, Jaden and Gia DePasquale. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Sledzik.
Donations: Madison and Mason Fund, c/o Southbridge Savings Bank, 253-257 Main St., P.O. Box 370, Southbridge, MA 01550. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Roland H. Snay,
WWII vet
THOMPSON — Roland H. Snay, 89, died Aug. 20,2014, at Webster Transitional Care Unit. Roland was born in Dudley, the son of the late Arban J and Marie Rose (LaCroix) Snay.
Roland proudly served his country during WWII as a sergeant in the Army with the 75th Division, seeing action at the Battle of the Bulge . Sergeant Roland Snay received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
He leaves his wife of 68 years, Lorraine (Savage) Snay; four children Robert Snay (Eunice) of Sturbridge, Debra Cunha of Brooklyn, Norman Snay of E. Putnam, and
Paul Snay of Putnam; brother Richard of N. Grosvenordale; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by brother Roger, sister Dorothy Rodman.
A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 30 at St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with a burial with military honors in Joseph Cemetery . Donations: The Sisters of Notre Dame 555 Plantation St. Worcester MA. 01604. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.
Sometimes pg 9 8-28-14
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s sporty RPC shoutout goes out to my little brother Mike “The Mailman” Coderre. One of Putnam’s most affable citizens, Mike is now retired from the postal service but is still missed by the many friends he made over the years on his route. On Aug. 26 he blew out another candle on the cake. I remember the day he came home from the hospital with our mother. Fond memories.
In America most little boys grow up dreaming about becoming a Major League baseball player or some version of a professional athlete. Unfortunately like many professions the pyramid gets very narrow at the top and very few get to realize the dream. There are some however, who do reach the “big time” and get to live the dream.
One such individual is Norwich native Eric Campbell, who earlier this year was called up by the New York Mets from their Triple A affiliate Las Vegas. Since arriving in the “Big Apple” Campbell has made the most of every opportunity that’s been presented to him.
Campbell grew up like most kids, playing in the youth leagues and Little League in Norwich. Campbell had one advantage over most kids in that his dad, Hugh “Duke” Campbell was a pretty fair baseball player himself and had a deep interest in his son’s love of the game.
At Norwich Free Academy Campbell played with other kids from Norwich who were pretty decent players. He was coached by the legendary John Iovino who was assisted by “Duke” Campbell. The Wildcats won a CIAC Class LL State Championship during his four years on the Broadway campus.
His play was recognized by college scouts, which resulted in a four-year scholarship to Boston College. Campbell starred on the Chestnut Hill campus as a four-year starter at third base for the Eagles. His college play earned him a draft pick by the Mets but there was one hang up, the New Yorkers had a guy playing third base by the name of David Wright.
Seeing the writing on the wall Campbell, who was always a good contact hitter, learned to play a number of positions on defense. His hard work, determination and versatility earned him a promotion to Citi Field, where he’s become an integral part of the Metropolitans.
Recently, Campbell smashed a three-run home run at Wrigley Field in Chicago, which proved to be the difference in the game won, won by the Mets 3-2. Last week, against one of the hottest teams in baseball the Oakland A’s, Campbell struck again with a solo shot that proved to be the impetus in an 8-5 New York victory over the West Coast team.
As of press time, Campbell is leading the Mets in batting at .301 with three round trippers and 15 runs-batted-in to his credit. On the other side of the ball, Campbell has played every infield position and left and right field, demonstrating his versatility and earning the respect of his manager Terry Collins.
Eric Campbell is living the dream he had as a youngster growing up in Norwich. He’s earned his spot in professional baseball with hard work and a willingness to sacrifice for the team. He’s a model for youngsters today who have the same dream he had more than 20 years ago. Maybe someday we can write a story about a Putnam kid who learned from the Eric Campbell story.
Putnam Teacher is a College Coach
Megan Silver Droesch is an English teacher at Putnam High School. Most of the citizenry of Putnam and probably the faculty and student body at the high school don’t realize that Droesch is a varsity college coach. In a recent announcement out of Eastern Connecticut State University Droesch was named the interim head coach of the Lady Warriors volleyball team.
Droesch, a resident of Columbia, certainly deserves the opportunity to prove herself as a varsity coach. Based on her credentials she’s most qualified. A graduate of UConn, Droesch played volleyball for the Lady Huskies throughout her four years on the Storrs campus. Following her graduation she served two years as a graduate assistant at Springfield College. She brings that experience to the Willimantic school, which posted a 14-17 record last season.
An Old Friend Visits Woodstock
A recent visitor to Woodstock and northeastern Connecticut was gentleman who for years was a big influence on the students at Woodstock Academy. Bill Taylor, who taught history at Woodstock Academy from 1969 through 2008, was in the area recently visiting with family and friends.
During his tenure at the Academy, Taylor also served as the baseball and soccer coach for the Centaurs in addition to his teaching duties. He also had a career as the soccer coach at the former Annhurst College, which was located on the site of the current Hyde School-Woodstock.
Taylor and his wife, Rebecca live in Port Charlotte, Fla., most of the year with the exception of brief respites in Woodstock. There’s a coaching lineage in Taylor’s family. His stepson is the highly successful basketball coach at Woodstock Academy, Gregg Smith. Coincidentally, Smith is also a history teacher at the Academy like his stepfather.
Running Déjà Vu
When Andrew Springer of Westerly, R.I., won the 25th running of the Deary Memorial Five-Mile Road Race, he beat William Sanders of Wethersfield and Scott Leslie of Rutland, Mass., who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Sanders and Leslie both recently vindicated themselves following the Deary event. Leslie won the 5.7-Mile Hardwick Fair Road Race in a time of 30:06. Sanders captured the Battle of Stonington 5K in a time of 15:32. If you can’t win one race, don’t give up. There’s always another race in the area at this time of year.
Local Golfer Hangs Tough With Big Boys
The Connecticut Mid-Amateur Championship was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 19 and 20 at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simbury. Putnam resident Will Machnicki, who plays out of Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug, posted a three-round score of 76-73-85 for at 234 total, placing him in a tie for 40th place. He was 20 strokes of the winning score of 214 posted by winner Kevin Foster.
One Last Note Worth Mentioning
Putnam attorney Steve Adams recently vacationed in Maine with his children, Liam, Christian and Frances. While in the Portland, the quartet took in a Red Sox AA Portland Sea Dogs contest against the Cleveland Indians franchise, Akron Rubber Ducks. The Adams family is one of the area’s biggest baseball families.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Energy is contagious…take the furthest parking space possible at the office or when shopping.
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