scrubbing up scaring up funds

SCRUBBING UP
Handwashing scores show
improvement / Dave’s Desk, 3
SCARING UP FUNDS
Spook-a-thon raises $22,000
for Backus cancer families / 4
HospiTell
The William W. Backus Hospital
VOL. 43, NO. 49
Windham Community Memorial Hospital
backushospital.org • windhamhospital.org
DECEMBER 5, 2014
Bon
appétit
‘Just Ask’ menu
program makes
eating out
healthier
and easier
Vincenzo Racé, manager and owner
of Illiano's Grill in Norwich, is
one of the local supporters of the
Just Ask program sponsored by
Backus Hospital. Restaurants
participating in the program offer
heart healthy meals.
A weekly newsletter for East Region employees, volunteers, patients and friends.
STORY,
PAGE 5
HOSPITELL
2
Gift Shop
December 5, 2014
ECSU student fundraisers help at Windham
Items of the Week
BACKUS
Scarf Demo Day
WINDHAM
Friday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
in front of the main hospital gift shop.
See store for specials.
Holiday
Woof & Poof dolls
For sale now in the Auxiliary to
Windham Hospital Gift Shop.
BACKUS GIFT SHOP HOURS:
MON. - WED. / 9:30 A.M. – 7:30 P.M.,
THURS. - FRI. / 9:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.,
SAT. / 9:30 A.M. – 4 P.M., SUN. / 1 – 4 P.M.
WINDHAM GIFT SHOP HOURS:
MON. - FRI. / 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
About HospiTell
HospiTell is published each Friday by
the Communications Departments of
The William W. Backus Hospital and
Windham Hospital. Employees, medical staff and volunteers can have HospiTell e-mailed to their homes by
sending a request to
[email protected]
To submit news:
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 860-892-6964
Deadline: Wednesdays at noon
Michael Kivlin, left, and Matthew Maclure, right, present items from their
student fundraiser to Windham Volunteer Services Program Manager
and Job Shadow Coordinator Rebecca Putnam on Dec. 3 at the hospital.
Several Eastern Connecticut State University students participated in a
series of fundraising projects for an Introduction to Business Management class and raised and donated more than $150 in items for Windham Hospital’s Patient Comfort Closet and patient activity bags.
Participating students not pictured include Sam Savage, Lea Richman,
Chad Adams and Allen Kolesnik
Junior Volunteer submissions begin Jan. 2
The Backus Volunteer and Guest Services Office will begin accepting applications for our Junior Volunteer Summer Bridge Program after Jan. 2. Acceptance is very competitive. We will review the first 75 complete applications
received and select up to 50 applicants to interview.
For more information, go to www.backushospital.org/volunteer to download and review the Junior Volunteer information sheet and application, or
contact the Volunteer and Guest Services Office at 860-823-6320.
Upcoming Auxiliary
vendor sales
Backus: Save On Sweats will be the
featured dealer for the next Backus Auxiliary vendor sale Friday, Dec. 5,
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the main lobby conference rooms. Items include
sweatsuits, jackets, gloves, cell phone cases and more.
Windham: Craftworks will be the featured dealer for the next Auxiliary to Windham vendor sale Thursday, Dec. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. in the atrium.
All sales by each auxiliary benefits the host hospital!
HOSPITELL
December 5 , 2014
3
Hand washing scores show improvement
Dear Colleagues,
We spend a lot of time discussing continued and sustained improvement. Our latest
success story is in the area of hand hygiene. I
am pleased to say that Backus and Windham
hospitals have each reached 84% handwashing compliance, our highest scores to date.
While this is no reason to dance in the
streets — our system’s goal is 90% and in reality our patients deserve it 100% of the time
— it is progress. I want to thank everyone
who is playing a role in this continuous improvement — accountability partners, leaders who are rounding, managers, physicians
and, especially, frontline staff.
While we aren’t at goal yet, this is an example of continuous and sustained improvement. In the
last 12 months, Windham has gone from 75% to 84% and
Backus from 65% to 84%. I’d like to recognize those who
have achieved 100% compliance: at Windham, APRNs,
PA’s, Radiology Techs, Rehabilitation Services and Student
Nurses; at Backus, PA’s, Phlebotomists, Patient Techs and Radiology Techs.
We also know where there is room for improvement. Washing in remains a problem.
At Backus we wash in at 76% compared to
washing out at 90%. At Windham we wash in
at 75% and out at 92%.
We can support one another in this journey. Now that we have instituted leadership
rounding, I encourage everyone to take the
opportunity to talk openly about hand washing — successes, weaknesses, barriers and
tips for improvement.
We know what the goal is. We have the
momentum. Let’s work together to be the
safest we can be — and do it for our patients.
That’s all for now,
Dave’s
Desk
Dave
Backus hand hygiene compliance by unit
Windham hand hygiene compliance by unit
Backus hand hygiene compliance by role
Windham hand hygiene compliance by role
HOSPITELL
4
December 5, 2014
Spook-a-thon raises more than $22,000 for cancer families
Panera Bread’s 4th annual Spook-athon raised more than $22,000 for the
Connecticut Sports Foundation and
the Backus Hospital Breast and Cancer Centers to support local families
who are battling cancer.
Participants “dressed up to scare
cancer” for the Family 4K Cornstalk
Walk and enjoyed other Halloweenthemed activities during the Oct. 25
event at Dodd Stadium in Norwich.
In addition, Panera Bread conducted its annual Pink Ribbon Bagel
campaign throughout the month of
October to benefit the Connecticut
Sports Foundation with the support
of basketball analyst and former
UConn/WNBA star Rebecca Lobo for
the second year. Panera donated 25
cents from each Pink Ribbon Bagel
purchased during the month of October, raising $1,735 for CSF as part of
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“October is a special time for us to
continue this 12-year tradition of the
Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign, plus see
A presentation on
Genetic Testing For
Breast Cancer
with Anca Bulgaru, MD
Medical Oncologist at Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology
Member of the Backus Medical Staff
....................................................
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 6 to 8 PM
Where:
Hartford HealthCare East Region Support Office: Stott Avenue, Norwich, CT
(Directly across from Dodd Stadium)
Who should attend:
Medical Staff
Nursing Staff
Oncology Support staff
RSVP: Donna Slonski, RN, Breast Care Coordinator, 860.889.8331 x3870 or email
[email protected]
or Kate Starkey, Regional Oncology Program Manager, 860.456.6952; email
[email protected]
our local SPOOK-A-THON event grow
in popularity each year,” said Wendy
Kopp, Panera Bread/HBG Director of
Marketing. “We are grateful to our
sponsors, customers and employees
for joining together to support local
families battling cancer.”
Over the past 14 years, with their
customers' support, Panera/HBG has
donated over $7 million in food and
funds to local charities within its
communities.
“We are so grateful to Panera Bread
and the Connecticut Sports Foundation for partnering with Backus to
help local cancer patients,” said Gen
Schies, Program Manager, Backus Office of Philanthropy and Development.
Holiday shopping
will benefit
Backus Auxiliary
Do a little holiday shopping at
Chico’s in the Mohegan Sun Mall and
you can help out Backus Hospital.
Shop at Chico’s from 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday, Dec. 12, and mention
you are a Backus employee and/or a
member of the Backus Auxiliary and
10% of your sales receipt will be given
to the Auxiliary to benefit the hospital.
Objectives:
1. Describe the genetic contribution to breast cancer risk
2. State the emerging paradigm of genetic testing for breast cancer beyond
BRCA1/BRCA2
3. Explain, using examples, how tests results can be used for cancer risk
reduction interventions
Note: For certified professionals who are involved with the NAPBC Accredited Breast Programs at Windham Hospital or
at Backus Hospital, attending this program will assist the individual in partially meeting the requirements for Standard
5.1-Breast Center Staff Education. The East Region Hospitals will be offering Breast Health Education quarterly this year to
help certified professionals meet these requirements.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Windham Hospital and
Backus Hospital. Windham Hospital is accredited by the CSMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Windham Hospital designates this live educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™.
Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation
in the activity.
Surgical Services
taking donations
Backus Surgical Services will be donating clothing, books and food to
Norwich St. Vincent’s benefiting 720
children. Please call Tina, Deb or
Dorothy in PACU at 860-889-8331, ext.
2200. The drop off boxes will be in the
OR and Same Day Surgery lounge. Donate hats, gloves, scarves by Dec. 8,
donate new books, canned goods by
Dec. 15.
December 5 , 2014
HOSPITELL
5
‘Just Ask’ program makes eating out easier
Local restaurants join Backus in
creating healthier alternative options
Eating out can sometimes be a daunting and socially
awkward experience for people who are adhering to a
special, healthy diet. No one wants to be that demanding
customer the wait staff is whispering about.
Thanks to Backus Hospital and 25 local restaurants,
making healthy menu choices has gotten a whole lot easier.
The “Just Ask” program, a partnership between the hospital and local eateries ranging from mom-and-pop pizza
restaurants to fine dining, empowers people who are taking charge of their health by choosing
to eat meals that are lower in salt
(sodium) and unhealthy fats. Participating restaurants will prepare menu
selections with less salt and fat, and
work with customers to create a meal that will fit into
their healthy lifestyle. They may also offer salt-free seasonings upon request.
“The restaurants were excited to be doing this. Many of
them were doing something like this in some form already,” says Backus dietitian Jennifer Fetterley. “As a dietitian, I’m always hearing people say to me that they make
bad food choices at restaurants. Now, it’s nice that we can
tell our patients that there are local restaurants in our
community that will help them make better choices.”
Each restaurant has been provided with posters, menu
inserts, table tents and brochures with tips for eating
healthy.
“We’ve had customers who can’t eat salty foods ask and
our kitchen has worked with them. Everyone has been
happy. It’s nice to team-up with the hospital,” says Jenny
Flores, of Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, 252 Main St. in
Norwich.
COVER
STORY
Participating restaurants
n Asian Thai, 85 Main St.
n Asylum Street Pizza, 319 Asylum St.
n Bella Fiore, 543 W. Thames St.
n Engine 6 Pizza, 195 W.Thames St.
n Evil Olive Café, 543 W.Thames St.
n Fat Cat Grill & Bar, 365 W.Main St.
n Illiano’s Grill, 257 W. Town St.
n Irene’s Family Restaurant, 58 Town St.
n Jack’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, 493 W. Main St.
n La Stella Pizza, 1 Market St.
n Lazizah Bakery, 125 Yantic Road (Yantic)
n Lori’s Deli & Bakeshop, 31 Town St.
n Manny’s Restaurant, 724 Boswell Ave.
n Modesto’s Restaurant, 10 Route 32 (North Franklin)
n Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, 252 Main St.
n Miss Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant, 118 Water St.
n Mr. Pollo BBQ, 725 Boswell Ave.
n Norwich Pizza Palace, 120 N. Main S.
n Occum Pizza Restaurant, 30 Taftville-Occum Road
n Olde Tymes Restaurant, 360 W. Main St.
n Prime 82 Restaurant & Bar, 181 W. Town St.
n The Pantry Café, 309 Otrobando Ave.
n Tulli’s Family Pizza, 500 Norwich Ave. (Taftville)
n Voc’s Westside Pizza, 273 W. Main St.
n Yantic River Inn, 270 W. Town St. (Yantic)
“We have been so pleased to partner with the local
restaurants in our community with this program. It’s
been a win-win situation for everyone,” says Backus Hospital Community Health Nurse Alice Facente, RN. "Shari
DeNinno, RN, Cardiac Program Coordinator, has been
spreading the word about the program all around the hospital: among the patients, staff, and especially the heart
failure support group."
Windham Diabetes Ed earns national accreditation
Windham Hospital’s Diabetes Education Program has once again received a
four-year accreditation from the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
The prestigious certificate recognizes quality in diabetes self-management education programs that are
an essential component of effective
diabetes treatment.
The Association’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National
Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Programs
apply for recognition voluntarily. Programs that achieve Recognition sta-
tus have a staff of knowledgeable
health professionals who can provide
participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management.
Windham Hospital was the first
community hospital in the country to
receive ADA recognition in 1991.
HOSPITELL
6
Catastrophic Fund
donation is a gift
to colleagues
News and
notes from the
Disney on Ice tickets
n Tickets are available to see Dis-
EAG weekly prize
winners for Dec. 5
ney on Ice Princesses and Heroes at
the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence. The shows are Friday, Dec.
26, and Saturday, Dec. 27, for the 7
p.m. shows. Tickets are $27 per person for 200-level seating. To purchase tickets, please contact
[email protected].
The EAG would like to extend
warm holiday wishes to all. In celebration of the season, the EAG
will be awarding prizes to three
lucky weekly winners throughout
the month.
Discount
movie tickets
n Janet Shaw — Food & Nutrition
Backus Café Menu
n Discount Lisbon Landing Digiplex
movie tickets are available through
Cathy Saunders in Diagnostic Imaging or Donna McLaughlin in Food and
Nutrition for $8.
December 5, 2014
n Phillip Kopplin — Plainfield ED
n Jennifer Smith — Float
CONGRATULATIONS!
Call Cathy Saunders at ext. 2105 to collect
your prize.
With the holiday season upon us,
please consider making a donation
to the Backus Catastrophic Fund. A
growing number of individuals and
departments have opted to make
donations to the fund in lieu of providing gifts to each other. With the
cold weather coming, the need for
heating fuel will grow, so these gifts
will help all winter long .
The Catastrophic Fund was developed in the early 1990s to assist
Backus employees who find themselves faced with extraordinary financial hardships. Your consideration is most appreciated. Donations
may be made at CorePlus Credit
Union or given to Sister Rita Johnson, SSND, Director of Pastoral Care.
SATURDAY, Dec. 6
chili cheese hot dog / stuffed shells / soup du jour / garlic bread / frite fries
SUNDAY, Dec. 7
cod wrap / general tso chicken / jasmine rice / baked potato wedges
MONDAY, Dec. 8
ENTREES: french dip sandwich / seared mahi-mahi with avocado salad / spinach
lasagna / SOUPS: italian wedding / cream of mushroom / SIDES: malibu blend vegetable / baby carrots / mashed potatoes / rice pilaf
TUESDAY, Dec. 9
ENTREES: tuscan chicken salad / seared pork medallions with warm cabbage slaw /
stuffed shells with alfredo sauce / SOUPS: chicken noodle / cream of tomato / SIDES:
normandy blend vegetables / peas and pearl onions / french fries / basmati rice
WEDNESDAY,
Dec. 10
ENTREES: turkey pastrami, bacon and cheese / braised beef and tortellini / oven-fried
cod with tartar sauce / SOUPS: beef chili / pumpkin apple bisque / SIDES: herbed cauliflower / asparagus with peppers / french fries / brown rice
THURSDAY, Dec. 11
ENTREES: fried chicken salad / teriyaki pork loin with sweet potatoes / spaghetti and
meatballs / SOUPS: pasta fagioli / creamy asparagus / SIDES: caribbean blend vegetables / broccoli florets / garlic bread / wild rice pilaf
FRIDAY, Dec. 12
ENTREES: chicken cordon blue sandwich / fried shrimp with fried garlic ketchup / mac
n' cheese / SOUPS: chef’s choice / new england clam chowder / SIDES: green beans /
sicilian blend vegetables / french fries / jasmine rice
DAILY FARE: A variety of hot paninis, cold wraps and pizza specials are available on a rotating basis
The Backus cafeteria is open daily from 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Hot food is served from 6:30 - 10:30 a.m.; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; and 5 - 6:30 p.m.
HOSPITELL
December 5 , 2014
Red Cross blood
drive Dec. 20
Backus will host a blood drive on
Friday, Dec. 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15
p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby
conference rooms
at 326 Washington St. in Norwich. To make an
appointment to
give blood, call 860-889-8331, ext.
4211 or 800-733-2767.
7
Kate Hayward,
RRT, Windham
Hospital Cardiopulmonary
Manager,
browses handcrafted holiday decorations during the
Auxiliary to Windham
Hospital’s Holiday
Bazaar on Dec. 4 in the
hospital atrium.
Twenty-five local
crafters and exhibitors
were on hand offering
great holiday gift items.
Backus cancer support group meets next Dec. 9
Backus offers a monthly support group for cancer patients, survivors and their families. December’s session will be
on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 5-6 p.m. in main lobby conference room 1.
Elynor Carey, a social worker in the Backus Care Management Department, facilitates the group. To register or for more
information, call Ms. Carey at ext. 4239.
The cancer support group focuses on the psychological and social issues people face when diagnosed with cancer.
MONDAY, Dec. 8
ENTREE: herb crusted top round of beef / cherry cobbler / SOUPS: butternut bisque /
soup du jour / SIDES: roasted sweet potato wedges / roasted acorn squash / SANDWICH: beer battered cod grinder with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce
WEDNESDAY,
Dec. 10
ENTREE: grilled salmon with pineapple salsa / swedish meatballs over egg noodles /
SOUPS: chicken tortellini / soup du jour / SIDES: egg noodles / sautéed asparagus /
SANDWICH: reuben melt with corned beef, sauerkraut and thousand island on rye
THURSDAY, Dec. 11
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY: garden salad with italian dressing / herb crusted rib roast
with au jus and creamy horseradish spread / cranberry stuffed chicken breast / vegetarian pot pie (by request ) / roasted garlic red mashed potatoes / autumn medley
roasted vegetables / warmed rolls / mini desserts and pastries / punch and egg nog
FRIDAY, Dec. 12
ENTREE: shrimp creole / american chop suey / SOUPS: seafood chowder / soup du jour
/ SIDES: chef’s choice / SANDWICH: hot sausage and pepper jack grilled panini
SATURDAY, Dec. 13
ENTREE: general tso’s chicken over rice / SOUP: chicken and rice / SIDES: white rice /
caribbean blend vegetables / SANDWICH: eggplant marinara grilled panini
SUNDAY, Dec. 14
ENTREE: meat or vegetable calzone / SOUP: beef barley vegetable / SIDES: buttered
pasta / sliced carrots / SANDWICH: grilled chicken cordon bleu panini
BREAKFAST: Served weekdays only and includes a variety of hot items including oatmeal, cream of wheat,
yogurt bar, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, homefries and a breakfast sandwich (Selection varies by day)
Sumner Cafeteria Menu
TUESDAY, Dec. 9
ENTREE: thai pineapple chicken curry over jasmine rice / SOUPS pasta fagioli / soup du
jour / SIDES: jasmine rice / brussel sprouts / SANDWICH: spinach and pesto panini
The Sumner Cafeteria open from 6:30 - 10:30 a.m.; 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; 2 - 2:30 p.m. and 3 - 6:30 p.m.
Hot food is served from 6:30 - 9:30 a.m.; 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; and 5 - 6:30 p.m.
HOSPITELL
8
December 5, 2014
GENERAL STORE
General Store is a free classified ad section for the benefit of
East Region employees, retirees, medical staff and volunteers.
We welcome your submissions by the hospital Intranet, fax (860-892-6964), mail or by e-mailing [email protected].
The deadline for submissions to be included in each Friday’s HospiTell is Wednesday at noon.
HospiTell will include community events for not-for-profit organizations based in eastern Connecticut that are open to the
public and free of charge. We do not accept ads for real estate, firearms or personal ads. Please do not list hospital phone numbers or
hospital e-mail addresses for responses. You must submit your item weekly if you want it to appear more than one week.
To have HospiTell e-mailed to you, or for questions about the General Store, please call Ginny James, Backus Corporate
Communications, at 860-889-8331, ext. 4211, or e-mail her at [email protected].
FOR SALE
SCRUB TOPS — Sizes M and L, good condition, patterns and solid colors, $5 each. Call 860-910-6843.
MAGIC CHEF GAS RANGE — Excellent condition,
$100. Call 860-859-9957.
SOLID OAK STAIRWAY BUNK BED — Extra storage
drawers, twin size on top, full sized on bottom, mattresses, mattress protectors, asking $400 or best
offer. For more information or pictures call or text
860-420-8792.
SOLID OAK DINING ROOM SET — Table with two
leaves, six chairs, two chairs with arms, matching
hutch, best offer. Call 860-887-0138.
MISC. ITEMS — Black Leather Pokemon jacket, boys
size 12, $20. Black and gold Baby Phat winter jacket,
girls size 5/6, $20. Olive green Top Gun Fighter pilot
winter jacket, boys size XL, $20. Mommy and Pregnancy books, $5 each or 10 books for $20. ConAir
Hot Sticks hairsetter flexible hair rollers/curlers, $10.
Call 860-887-5976.
MISC. ITEMS — New LeBron XI basketball sneakers,
men’s size 111⁄2, $150 or best offer. New men’s size 12
New Balance running sneakers, $20. Nursing scrub
tops, size L, $5. Size S women’s J.Crew jacket, $15 or
best offer. Size XL men’s L.L. Bean double lined
jacket, $30 or best offer. Size S women’s blazer, L.L.
Bean, $15 or best offer. Snake print jacket, size S
womens, $15 or best offer. Vera Bradley bags, small,
$10, medium $40 or best offer. Disney Belle doll, $5.
Princess doll and horse, $10. New AUX retractable
cable, $4. Build a Bear with cheerleader accessories,
$8. Toddlers Tutus, two for $3. Call or text 860-2226630.
Cardiac support
group meets Dec. 10
The Backus Cardiac Disease support
group will host its next session on
Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 6-7 p.m. in
the hospital’s library.
The support group is open to anyone
who needs support in managing cardiac disease. If you have questions,
call 860-889-8331, ext. 2128.
The group meets on the second
Wednesday of every month.
EVENTS
PECANS — One pound bag of pecan halves, $12. Proceeds benefit the Sprague Community Center. Call
860-822-6595.
THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS — Friday, Dec. 12, and
Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m.
at Christian Fellowship Church, 140 Pudding Hill
Road, Scotland. Free admission.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM — Friday, Dec. 5,
and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at
2 p.m. at Saint Bernard School, Uncasville. This is a
Saint Bernard Players production, admission is $7,
seniors $5. Refreshments will be available.
GRISWOLD EXERCISE PROGRAM — Meets every
Tuesday and Thursday, 6 - 7 p.m. in the Griswold Elementary School cafeteria. Class features low-impact
aerobics, weights and pilates. Bring your own mats
and weights. For more information, call 860-3764741.
NORWICH PUBLIC SCHOOLS STAFF FOLLIES — Friday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. at Kelly Middle School. Raffle,
admission $10, adult accompanying a child $5, children under 14 years old are free. All proceeds benefit
the Norwich Public Schools Education Foundation.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC SING-A-LONG-Sunday, Dec. 14,
4-5 p.m. at Lee Memorial United Methodist Church,
294 Washington St., Norwich. Admission is a canned
food item or monetary donation to support St. Vincent De Paul Place and Sprague Community Center.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR — Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 78 Washington St.,
Norwich. Crafts, vendors, Santa’s Workshop, luncheon, Corn Chowder, Tomato Soup, sandwiches,
Apple Betty, $6.
COOKIE SALE — Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2
p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Norwich,
81 E. Town St., Norwich. Cookies by the pound,
dozens of varieties from traditional favorites to new
flavor combinations. Held in conjunction with the
Church Holiday Craft Bazaar. Free admission.
OLD LYME CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER — Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Old Lyme Town
Hall, 52 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Proceeds benefit the Old
Lyme Children’s Learning Center enrichment programs. Advance tickets are $25 and tickets the day
of the event are $30. Visit www.olclc.com/hometour
for the full tour details or call 860-434-1728, ext. 1.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — Saturday, Dec. 6, 8:30
to 11 a.m. at Sprague Community Center, 22 W.
Main St., Baltic. Adults $6, children 5 years old and
under $3. Breakfast, pictures with Santa, ornament
making, Christmas music.
ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL SCHOOL CHRISTMAS
FESTIVAL — Sunday, Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at
St. Patrick Cathedral, 213 Broadway, Norwich.
THE CELTICITY TRIO — Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. at
the Christ Episcopal Church, 78 Washington St., Norwich. Celtic Christmas Program with an exciting female Celtic trio combines cutting edge artistry, a
contemporary touch to traditional Celtic music, free
parking, handicap accessible, reception following
the concert. Call 860-425-0663.
SENIOR RESOURCES — Let us do a benefits checkup
— a free and confidential questionnaire for individuals ages 60 and older that will screen you for eligibility for federal, state and local financial programs.
Visit www.SeniorResourcesEC.org click on the benefits checkup logo or call Senior Resources at 800690-6998 and have the questionnaire mailed to you.
Or, a Senior Resources staff member can complete
the screening over the phone.
David Nye, plumbing supervisor at
Backus, gets a close
look at one of the
new DDC electronic control valves that will replace older valves in the
hospital heating and
cooling system. The
valves have sensors that
feed information back to
computers in the maintenance department.