PUTNAM — Jennifer Bray, certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the ambulatory care unit at Day Kimball Hospital, was named employee of the month for December by Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH).
Bray, who has been a CNA for 16 years at a local nursing home, began working on the medical/surgical unit at Day Kimball Hospital in 2005. In her current role as a CNA in the ambulatory care unit, Bray is responsible for assisting nursing staff with patient care before and after their procedures and surgeries, in addition to ensuring the unit runs smoothly and efficiently.
In 2004, Bray received her CNA certification from Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson. She was born in New London and grew up in the southeastern region of the state. Bray lives in Plainfield with her husband John and their three children Alexander, Madison, and Johnathan III. 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.”
.
Academy gets
$55k for STEAM
initiatives
WOODSTOCK — Pratt & Whitney recently awarded The Woodstock Academy a $55,000 grant to purchase equipment to further develop the Beatson Makerspace and Fabrication Lab in the SPIROL STEAM Center. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.
Woodstock Academy technology teacher, Peter Sumner said: “We have purchased a series of machines and equipment used by today’s manufacturers that will provide practical hands-on experiences for students in our makerspace and manufacturing lab.”
The list of equipment includes a 40-watt laser, a CNC router with 4th axis, a CNC mill with 4th axis, injection molding supplies, and a vacuum forming machine. The Academy was also able to purchase the necessary design software and two laptop computers dedicated to operate machines. Three new moveable work benches will also help students better create and collaborate.
Holly Singleton, associate head of school at The Academy said: “We believe this equipment will excite our students and help move the program forward with a technically relevant lab. It will also provide a space to expand community partnerships with local industry, community members, and surrounding middle schools.”
The Woodstock Academy recently joined the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (YMPI) and is running a Manufacturing 101 class this semester. Over the years, The Academy has invested in technology in the Beatson Makerspace and Fabrication Lab to include many hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
With the large number of manufacturing companies in Eastern Connecticut, The Woodstock Academy believes that strengthening the manufacturing space will provide WA students the necessary skills and experiences to take a leading role in the local manufacturing workforce after they graduate.
Adam Bottone, who chairs the Career and Technical Education Department at The Academy, said this grant allows the school to provide opportunities that “we would otherwise not be able to provide to our students.”
Head of School at The Woodstock Academy, Christopher Sandford added: “The new equipment is a significant step forward for our STEAM program. The more students are exposed to fields of study and career possibilities, the better equipped they will be for whatever they choose after The Academy. Not only do our students get a great academic foundation during their time at The Academy, but they will be set up for a successful career.”
.
On dean’s list
LOWELL, Mass. — Lindsay Roberts of Putnam was named to the fall 2020 dean’s list at UMass Lowell. She is majoring in sound recording technology and will be earning her degree in May.
.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday Blue and Tuesday White: Spaghetti, meatballs, broccoli, fruit. Wednesday Blue and Thursday White: Chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, gravy, fruit. Friday White: Pizza, salad, fruit.
Putnam High
Monday Blue and Tuesday White: Clipper Burgers or spicy chicken sandwiches. Wednesday Blue and Thursday White: Nachos Grande or bacon cheeseburgers. Friday White: Pizza or homemade calzone.
Pomfret Community
All meals served with fruit and veggies. Monday: Pizza. Tuesday: French toast, sausage. Wednesday: turkey sandwiches. Thursday: Cheesy Beef A Roni. Friday: Grilled cheese.
Woodstock: Not available at press time.
.