by DKH
PUTNAM — Amanda Ponciano, mental health worker in Day Kimball Healthcare’s (DKH) behavioral health department, has been named employee of the month for February.
Ponciano began working at Day Kimball in September 2018. In her role, Ponciano assists registered nurses with direct patient care and works to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment for patients.
Ponciano obtained a bachelor’s of science in psychology from Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Mass., and is a native of northeastern Connecticut.
Day Kimball Healthcare’s employee of the month program is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket.
“The Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino has been focused on taking care of the people that serve within our community, and we appreciate everything Day Kimball Healthcare does,” said Foxwood’s Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships Roy Colebut-Ingram. “Supporting meaningful employee recognition programs like that at DKH is just one way that we feel we can express our appreciation.”
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Members sought
PUTNAM — The Daughters of Isabella are seeking women 18 years of age and older who are full of enthusiasm and new ideas. The Catholic organization promotes Unity, Friendship, and Charity. It supports the welfare of local communities by contributing to food banks, charitable organizations, helping the homeless, and more. COVID-19 restrictions will be strictly adhered to for installation ceremonies. Applications are available upon request. Anyone interested in joining, please call Sandy 860-963-9552 or Maureen at 860-928-5644.
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Donation
Kristen Willis, director of Development, Day Kimball Healthcare and DKH Facilities employees Brian Hawes and Brian Blackmar deliver a variety of personal care and warmth items to Anne Miller, Executive Director, TEEG at the TEEG office in Thompson.
PUTNAM — Day Kimball Healthcare’s (DKH) fourth annual Warmth & Wellness Holiday Drive collected more than 50 cases of personal care and warmth items during the holiday season to benefit those in need across northeastern Connecticut.
DKH employees and the community collected and donated hundreds of much-needed items including various toiletries, blankets, hats and mittens for children and adults.
Donated items were distributed to Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG), Interfaith Human Services of Putnam’s (IHSP) food pantry and clothing closet, the DKH Family Advocacy Center, and DKH Behavioral Outpatient Services.
“We are so thankful for the DKH Warmth & Wellness Holiday Drive which provides needed items to our neighbors in the winter months; items that are not covered in other programs but are necessary to those we serve,” said Anne Miller, executive director, TEEG. “This is a clear example of the way we work together in northeast Connecticut to help wherever we can.”
“A huge thank you to everyone who supported this year’s drive,” said Kristen Willis, director of development, Day Kimball Healthcare. “The compassion of our community and our employees, especially during these challenging times we all face, never ceases to astound me. As we made the deliveries to the recipient organizations, it was extremely rewarding to see their gratitude and to know that we helped make a difference in the broader health of the community we serve.”
Since the Warmth & Wellness Holiday Drive began in 2017, more than 180 cases of personal care and warmth items have been collected for local charitable organizations in northeastern Connecticut.
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PSA team
redeems itself
Less than 24 hours after suffering their first loss of the season to South Kent, Putnam Science Academy’s Prep basketball team showed it can answer the bell by posting a convincing win over the same South Kent team.
C.J. Anthony led the way with 20 points in PSA’s 89-71 win March 6, draining six 3-pointers in the process.
“C.J.’s strength is knocking down open shots,” said PSA coach Tom Espinosa. “But he’s the guy who brings energy to our team. He brings an intensity and energy that a lot of teams that I’ve had in the past haven’t had.
“That’s what we talked about (Friday night). The key was to have energy and toughness. (Friday), South Kent punched us in the mouth. I really felt like it was the opposite (Saturday). I like how we brought the intensity.”
Nana Owusu-Anane had 17 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, Alexis Reyes had 18 points, six rebounds, and three steals, and Bryce Harris chipped in with 12 points for PSA (12-1), which led by 20 at halftime.
All this one night after suffering what PSA associate head coach Josh Scraba called the “worst loss we’ve had since we went to Brewster in 2011.” Reyes had 16 points and 10 rebounds in that one, while Harris finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, Darryl Simmons had 10 points, and Cherif Diarra had five points and nine rebounds in the loss.
Earlier in the week (March 2) PSA got 21 points and 19 rebounds from Harris in a 71-62 win over Bridgton Academy. Owusu-Anane (10 points, 10 rebounds) and Anthony (12 points, eight rebounds, and one charge drawn) had big games again. Leon Williams scored 13 points, and Diarra pulled down 10 rebounds in the victory.
The girls’ Prep Black team recorded a win in its lone game of the week, topping Greens Farms Academy 51-37 behind a huge game from Jada Mills, who scored 19 points, pulled down five rebounds, dished out four assists, and had six steals in the win. Yamani McCollough added 13 points, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks for PSA (3-0).
The boys’ Elite team also won its only game of the week, besting South Kent 90-68 on March 6, Sharpshooter Theo Benoit drilled six 3-pointers on his way to 22 points. He had 31 point in his previous game.
Sean McCarthy finished with a game-high 23 points for the Mustangs (6-4), who also got 13 points from LJ Hicks.
And finally, PSA’s boys’ Varsity team handed the Killingly High School freshman team a 75-19 loss as Nathan Couhe led four players in double figures with 14 points March 6. Erwan Menguy and Fabio Rizzi had 13 points each, while Jose Guerrero finished with 10 for the Mustangs (5-2).
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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