Valentine event
raises $14,000
PUTNAM — The Day Kimball Healthcare and the Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital celebrated the past and toasted to the future at a 125th Anniversary and Valentine Dinner Dance, raising $14,000 toward the board’s pledge of $200,000 for room renovations in the Burdick Family Birthing Center.
Day Kimball Healthcare and the Woman’s Board were especially honored to have the Burdick family represented at the event in recognition of their generosity and family’s legacy.
The red carpet was rolled out at the Mansion at StoneHurst with a special “Red Carpet Reception” that preceded the Valentine Dinner Dance. More than 120 guests enjoyed great conversation, food and drink, while listening to amazing live jazz by the Knapp trio.
Dinner was catered by Black Dog Bar & Grille, and dancing at the Valentine Dinner Dance. Just under 300 attendees filled The Barns at StoneHurst.
“This event was an opportunity for us to celebrate the history and service of the Woman’s Board and Day Kimball Healthcare with the community in a very special way,” said Kristen Willis, DKH director of Development. “This milestone anniversary also provided us an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the support of our community. DKH has counted on the generosity of its community since 1894, enabling us to invest in our facilities, medical equipment and technology to improve overall patient experience and outcomes.”
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Woman’s Board who has supported and raised funds to enhance the quality of service of Day Kimball Hospital over these 125 years through the various fundraising they do throughout the year,” said Anne Diamond, president and CEO of Day Kimball Healthcare. “The money raised from this event allows us to continue to provide critical services to our community, during periods of life that are both vulnerable and sacred. We are ever grateful to the community’s support.”
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WOODSTOCK — Through a new collaboration with Harrington’s Child and Family Services, The Woodstock Academy will now offer a school-based behavioral health clinic.
Beginning in February, students at The Academy will be able to access services on campus and during the school day. Harrington’s Child and Family Services offers comprehensive outpatient psychotherapy and medication management as well as social workers who are trained to help navigate emotional and behavioral challenges.
These new services will be available to all students who attend The Woodstock Academy including students who live locally in northeastern Connecticut and southern Massachusetts and students who come from 21 different countries and 13 states and live on campus.
The Woodstock Academy will offer a Family Education Series about the new partnership and services at 5 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Bracken Memorial Library. Christopher Sandford, head of School at The Woodstock Academy, said: “We are very excited to partner with Harrington Physician Services to provide another resource to those students who choose to attend The Academy. At The Academy we support a coordinated care approach when working with students which means partnering with community services families, and our school staff to ensure the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of our students. Our mission as an institution aligns with the overall mission of Harrington and we are honored to be partnering with them.”
Bobbie-Jo Saucier, director of Health Services at The Academy, said: “There has been significant evidence which shows how mental health shapes academic outcomes, behavior, and the school environment. We look forward to the partnership with Harrington and how we can continue to offer the best services to meet the needs of our students and the mission of The Academy.”
Services may include medication management, intake evaluations, one on one counseling, family counseling, and group therapy and more.
around topics of anxiety, stress management, image and self-respect, and more, which can all be scheduled flexibly around a student’s schedule.Harrington’s Child and Family Services offers school-based services in many of its surrounding Massachusetts school districts including, Southbridge,Tantasqua, Dudley/Charlton and Spencer. The Department has also recently established relationships with several Connecticut-based school programs that will be starting in 2019.
“Our school-based therapy program is a unique approach to offering support services for students in our local communities,” said Director of Mental Health Katie Adams, LICSW. “We provide flexible availability during daytime hours and eliminate the need for parents to miss time out of work or make after-hours appointments. Offering school-based services mean kids are more likely to get the services they need when they need them, and we are really excited to partner with The Woodstock Academy in this way.”
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Replica
President Abraham Lincoln’s Replica Casket, which will be on display throughout President’s week at the Valade Funeral Home in N. Grosvenordale. Courtesy photo.
N. GROSVENORDALE — Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the U.S. and one of the most revered presidents in our country’s history, will be at Valade Funeral Home Feb. 21.
President Lincoln’s visit, in the person of Phillip A. Chetwynd, a scholar who has dedicated his life to studying the character of Lincoln, is part of a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory. The funeral home, founded in 1919 by Alexander Gilman and currently owned and operated by Robert R. Fournier Jr., is planning educational and social events throughout the year to commemorate its centennial.
The visit by Lincoln, which will include the viewing of a replica of Lincoln’s casket, is from 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the recently renovated Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St. There is no charge for the event, which is open to the public. The casket will also be on display through President’s Week, from Feb. 18 to Feb. 22.
Constructed of solid walnut and covered in an expensive black cloth, the casket measures 6 feet, 6 inches to accommodate Lincoln’s lanky 6-4 frame. The original casket, most likely created by an Irish artisan, has many unique features including four shamrock designs, a large leaf with a silver star, and a plush white satin interior.
“This living history display is a great educational tool for students and individuals interested in President Lincoln. As we celebrate 100 years of compassionate care and guidance to the families of northeastern Connecticut, this is our way of offering our thanks and appreciation,” said Fournier.
According to Bill Juzwic, funeral director at the funeral home, tours and a video will be available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. outlining Lincoln’s life and his final days. At 5:30 p.m., 51st Assembly District State Representative Rick L. Hayes will present the President with a proclamation from the Connecticut Legislature, followed by a proclamation presentation by Thompson First Selectman Ken Beausoleil.
Chetwynd, as President Lincoln, will address the gathering speaking about the circumstances surrounding the end of the Civil War and his final days, prior to his assassination by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater. Lincoln will be accompanied by a soldier in Civil War attire, playing a fife and drum. President Lincoln will be available to answer questions following his address.
“There are many history buffs who are interested in the life of President Lincoln. This is a unique opportunity for everyone to witness Lincoln firsthand, hear his words and learn about his special casket[RC1][RC2]. We’re hoping that people from Thompson and surrounding communities will take advantage of this weeklong presentation,” said Juzwic.
Throughout the week, when the Lincoln casket is on display, local schools, historical societies, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, senior citizen groups and other youth and civic organizations are encouraged to visit the Valade Funeral Home to see the casket. Arrangements to attend this event may be made by calling Juzwic at 860.928.7723 or by e-mail at
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To Compete
Putnam Science Academy alum Hamidou Diallo will be making the trip to NBA All-Star Weekend Feb. 17, competing in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in Charlotte. The Dunk Contest has always been a mainstay for NBA All-Star Weekend with greats like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins and Vince Carter putting on a show for the world to see. Putnam Science’s all-time leading scorer Diallo showed his dunking ability during his time as a Mustang before performing jaw-dropping windmill dunks as a Kentucky Wildcat and now for the Thunder. Diallo will be competing against Atlanta Hawks John Collins, New York Knicks Dennis Smith Jr and Charlotte’s own Miles Bridges. Courtesy photo.
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