captions:

 

Marie Ruth Page in Chicopee around 1936. Photo courtesy of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Archives.

 

 

PUTNAM — In April of 1916, Woodrow Wilson was president. WWI was in its second year, with the Battle of Verdun raging on the Western Front. The Chicago Cubs played their first game at Weeghman Park, now known as Wrigley Field. In Dublin, the Easter Rising occurred, which led to the independence of the Irish Republic a few years later.

Meanwhile, on the third of the month, in Chicopee, Mass., Catholic couple Edouard1 and Amanda Page welcomed a little girl into the world.

A century later, she’s still here.

That little girl from western Massachusetts grew up to become Sister Marie Ruth Page, better known today as Sr. Mary Ruth, who’s been a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit (DHS) since 1937. She was then called Sister Edouard de la Croix. 

Founded in France in 1706, the DHS is well known as a religious order for teachers. That’s why the 21-year-old from Chicopee made her final vows with the DHS on Sept. 2, 1937, at the order’s motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France. Shortly afterwards, Sister Mary Ruth started working as a teacher, with a three-year stint at the former St. Mary’s School in Jewett City.2

“I always wanted to be a teacher from the time I was a little girl, so the Daughters were where I wanted to go,” she said. “I started out teaching everything.”

Even this many decades later, her passion for her former students shows through. “I always wanted to be with the children,” Sister Mary Ruth said, her piercing blue eyes flashing. “I always wanted to be a teacher.”

Retired from teaching since 1990, she spent more than 50 years in the classroom at Catholic grade schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Sr. Mary Ruth moved to the DHS’s U. S. A. Provincial House in Putnam a dozen years ago.

April 3, her DHS sisters, former students, family and friends celebrated her 100th birthday, with a Mass and luncheon at the provincial house. “I spent 31 years teaching English,” she said, remembering her time at the former St. Cecilia’s School in Leominster, Mass., from 1940 to 1971.

In 1970, one of her eighth graders at St. Cecilia’s was Paul Gamache, who grew up to become a teacher and school administrator himself. After serving at several schools in northeastern Connecticut, Gamache is today the principal of Woodstock Middle School.

“I wouldn’t be a school principal without Sister Mary Ruth,” he said. “She was my favorite teacher. I still ask her for advice today about how to do my job. She gives great advice. She taught me to never discipline students in public. Most importantly, though, Sister inspired me to reach for my dreams.” “I don’t feel like I’m 100,” Sister Mary Ruth said, “I feel so happy.”

In a quieter moment, she reflected wistfully on her decades in the classroom.

“They were all peak moments. I wish I could go back and do it all again,” she said. “I miss the children. The students let me know about their troubles and I tried to help them. And the parents were supportive of the teachers. They were for us.”

Sister Mary Ruth said she faced many challenges as time went on.

“(Starting in the 1960s) Drugs were something we had to deal with,” she said. “Computers were a big change. About the children, it was always important to get the students to understand that they would soon be out on their own in the world. I tried to teach them to choose their friends carefully and to talk to their parents. I wanted them to keep their minds on the future.”

Sister Mary Ruth is particularly pleased that several of her former students became priests. Two of them joined DHS Chaplain Richard L. Archambault to celebrate Sunday’s Mass in the provincial house’s chapel. Rev. Robert E. Gariepy, 85, traveled to Putnam from his home in Shrewsbury, Mass. The third priest on Sunday was Leominster native Rev. Donald G. Lozier, OMI, 81.

After Mass, the luncheon in the provincial house’s dining room was well attended by Sister Mary Ruth’s DHS sisters, several former students and many family members – of all ages. Chicopee resident Jamie Piantek, 21, is Sister Mary Ruth’s great-great niece. “What hasn’t she done for me?” The young woman asked rhetorically. “She’s so kind-hearted to everybody. I’m happy that she’s still here.” 

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of a blessing from Pope Francis for Sister Mary Ruth on her 100th birthday. The parchment from the Vatican was obtained for her by Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, the Bishop of Norwich.

Sister Mary Ruth smiled one last time. “I’ve been so lucky.” 

 

..

 

 

 

PUTNAM — Pamela Kane, certified medical assistant for Day Kimball Medical Group’s pediatric primary care practice, has been named employee of the month for March by Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH).   

Kane joined Day Kimball Medical Group’s pediatric primary care team nearly four years ago, in the Plainfield practice. Today, she continues her work in pediatrics at the Putnam practice, located at Day Kimball Hospital. Kane also continues to provide support in Plainfield as needed.

Kane was born in France, where her father was stationed with the U.S. Army. Her family moved back to the U.S. when she was a baby, eventually settling in Norwich, when she was 6 years old. Kane currently lives in Moosup with her husband, Mark. 

They have three children together, two grown and one deceased, as well as three grandchildren with another due in September.

Kane holds an associate’s degree in liberal arts and science from Three Rivers Community College and an associate’s degree in medical assisting from Quinebaug Valley Community College. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 

She is a member of the American Association of Medical Assistants. In addition, Kane is very active in the community. She served for more than 11 years as a Girl Scout leader, and was a foster parent for more than 10 years, before beginning her career with DKH. 

She is currently superintendent of her church’s Sunday School.

 

Wed. April 6

Algae-control Workshop

WOODSTOCK --- The Eastern Connecticut Conservation District, in partnership with the Woodstock Conservation Commission, is hosting a workshop focused on methods to control algae in lakes, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Woodstock Academy Commons. Free. Snow date: April 7. Preregistration required:  860-928-4948.

 

Pet Loss Support Group

DAYVILLE --- NECCOG Animal Services, 125 Putnam Pike, will present a Pet Loss Support Group at 6 p.m. Free.  No fee/reservations are required, and you are free to attend as often as necessary throughout your grief process.  860-774-1253.

 

Art Exhibit

POMFRET --- Ann C. Rosebrooks and Donna O’Scolaigh Lange will exhibit their work at the Vanilla Bean Café through the month of April.

 

Art Exhibit

THOMPSON ---  The Art @ the Library will present the 13th Annual Thompson Community Art Show through April 29 at the Thompson Public Library.  Supported by the Friends of the Library. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org

 

Photo Exhibit

POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret at Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road will present “Focus on Nature: Nature Photography Contest Exhibit” through April 30. 860-928-4948.

 

Thur. April 7

Travel Presentation

POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Travels in Patagonia: A presentation by Ann and Walter Hinchman,” at 7 p.m. at the library. Free.  860-928-3475.

 

Fri. April 8

Avenue Q

PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “ Avenue Q” at 7:30 p.m. April 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. April 10, 17, 24. $23 and $20. 860-928-7887.

 

History Program

CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will present a program by Horizon Wings (Threatened and Endangered” live raptor program following the 7 p.m. business session at the Town Hall. All welcome. Free. Details at www.canterburyhistorical.org,

 

Sat. April 9

Chicken Dinner

POMFRET --- A Chicken Cordon Bleu Dinner benefiting ACS Relay For Life will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Pomfret Community School. Adults, $20; $10 for kids 10 and younger; kids under 4 admitted free. 860-974-1202 or 860-974-2405.860-974-2856.

 

Spaghetti Supper

QUINEBAUG --- The St. Stephen’s parish spaghetti supper and basket drawing will e held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parish center. $10 for adults; $5 for kids 12 and younger. 

 

Pet Can Drive

DAYVILLE --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans to help homeless and needy animals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Church on Rt. 101. Dry cat food urgently needed, Purina brands preferred. Cash donations always welcome.  860-317-1720.

 

Swedish Meatballs

N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Emanuel Lutheran Church on Main Street will present an authentic Swedish Meatball Supper from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. served family style. Takeout available. $10 for adults; $5 for kids under 12.

 

Concert

DANIELSON --- The Westfield Church Annual Coffee House on Main Street will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Refreshments for sale. $6 suggested donation. WestfieldUCC.org

 

Sun. April 10

Outdoor Program

HOLLAND, Mass. --- TLGV Ranger Marcy’s Acorn Adventure, “Salamander Story Walk,” with the Holland Library Team will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. starting at Lake Siog Pass Trail Head, 20 Pond Bridge Rd. Walk, read, search for squirmy salamanders! Snacks, too! Questions? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Nature Program

HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Second Sunday Walk” at 2 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Fund-raiser Breakfast

WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Academy Relay For Life team will hold its 3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Woodstock Academy Dining Commons. $8 per person; free admission for children 3 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door or on The Woodstock Academy’s  website. 

 

Tues. April 12

Blood Drive

PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon to 5:15 p.m. at Matulaitis Rehab & Skilled Care on Thurber Road. Call 1-800-RED CROSS.

 

Exercise Group

WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Woodstock Town Hall lower level meeting room. Free for all Woodstock senior citizens 60 and older. 860-974-1050.

 

Caregivers Group

PUTNAM --- Saint Philip's Church on Grove Street will host a new support group for people providing care or support for a loved one or working in a care profession from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.  Meeting room is downstairs at rear of church on Pleasant St. Light refreshments and fellowship at 6:30 p.m. Free: 860-928-3510.

 

Septic Workshop

POMFRET --- The Eastern Connecticut Conservation District and Pomfret Conservation Commission are sponsoring a workshop at 7 p.m. at the Audubon Society Center on Day Road. The subject is septic system care and signs of septic system failure. Potential rebates for Pomfret property owners and financing options for replacing failed septic systems will also be reviewed. 

 

Wed. April 13

Blood Drive

DANIELSON --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Westfield Congregational Church on Main Street. 

 

‘Friends’ Meeting

N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library's Annual Meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Conference Room. The group's Annual Program will feature the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Modern Music Ensemble and Mary R. Fisher Elementary School's FORTESSA chorus in the Library Meeting Room at 7 p.m. Free. All welcome.

 

 

..

 

 

Arc and

supporters decry

budget cuts

DANIELSON —  At a recent legislative meeting The Arc Quinebaug Valley voices were heard regarding the proposed state budget cuts to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

The Arc provides programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental and other life-affecting disabilities. Vocational, residential, recreation, education, day and retirement services offer opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their goals and be integral members of their community.

Legislators in attendance were State Representative Mike Alberts, State Representative Christine Randall and State Representative Daniel Rovero. Shannon Jacovino, Director of Advocacy & Public Policy at The Arc Connecticut was also present and spoke about the devastation the proposed budget cuts to DDS will bring to human service agencies in Connecticut, such as The Arc.

More than 60 people attended, from families, individuals served, Arc Board members, Arc staff and various members from the community. The stories shared were unforgettable, truly touching, and very powerful for not only the legislators to hear, but for everyone at the meeting. “It is moments such as this, where we all stand united, that make me extremely proud to be part of such an amazing agency and strong community, even more so than I already am. Together, our voices can be heard and we have the ability to make a difference.” said Susan M. Desrosiers, executive director of The Arc Quinebaug Valley.

Parents of individuals with disabilities in the community stood up and spoke directly to the legislators about their hardships with the already under-funded DDS system.  

Tears were shed due to the fear and severity of these proposed budget cuts, but there was still a sense of hope in the air that the legislators could help stop these budget cuts from happening.

Representative Rovero stated, “We are on your side!” Five simple words that made all the difference in the world to everyone

that was present at the meeting.  Representative Alberts and Representative Randall both agreed with Mr. Rovero. “I can feel the anxiety in the room, as well as the worry and concern you all have. It shouldn’t have to be that way and it is unfortunate that it is.” said Representative Randall.

The proposed budget cuts threatened $17 million in recession cuts to DDS as part of a plan to address a $79 million shortfall in the budget for fiscal year 2016.  Legislators voted on an alternative to Governor Malloy’s plan on March 29th.  The deficit mitigation plan resulted in a cut of $3,393,681 from the DDS budget.