Springfield Shriners Blog

Nurses’ Week Celebration

lfreniere — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:09:32 +0000

On May 9th, approximately 40 nurses who work in a variety of different roles including inpatient, operating room, outpatient, advance practice, performance improvement, employee health, physician liaison, clinical informatics, and nursing management celebrated at Shriners Hospitals for Children® in Springfield, Mass by sharing food and fellowship. The evening program included an interesting and entertaining lecture on the “Evolution of Pediatric Orthopedics” by Dr. Peter Masso, Assistant Chief of Staff.

Additionally, six nurses who were selected as quarterly recipients of the Daisy Award, an award that recognizes the caring and compassionate care of nurses were recognized. From this group, the Professional Nurse Practice Committee selected one individual winner for the annual award. The individual selected was Michelle Salva, nursing educator. Michelle was nominated by two different fellow nurses. One wrote, “Michelle defines compassion in bedside nursing. She approaches patients with knowledge and skill, while maintaining empathy for the patient and family…She listens without judgment, thinks before responding, and acts with sensitivity…..She is truly a gift to this organization.” Another fellow nurse wrote, “Michelle is the poster child for the Daisy Award. Michelle has the most patient, tolerant, compassionate approach to everything she does.” Congratulations Michelle!

Submitted by: Cindy Kane, RN, MPA
Director of Patient Care Services/CNO

Local Dunkin’ Donuts partner with Shriners Hospital

lfreniere — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:31:35 +0000

On Wednesday, May 23rd Dunkin’ Donuts locations in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties in Massachusetts are partnering with Shriners Hospitals for Children® in Springfield to raise funds through an Iced Coffee Day promotion.

All day on May 23rd, Dunkin’ Donuts will offer Medium Iced Coffees for $0.99, and $0.50 of each one sold will be donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield. This is a first time partnership between Dunkin’ and Shriners. “We are proud to partner with Shriners Hospitals for Children,” stated Manny Sardinha, Dunkin’ franchisee. “We are hoping this iced coffee promotion will give both our guests and Shriners the boost they need.”

“We are very excited about our new relationship with Dunkin’ Donuts and appreciate the franchises designating Shriners Hospital their charity of choice. Dunkin’ Donuts patrons can take pride in knowing they are supporting an organization dedicated to improving a child’s quality of life,” stated Karen Motyka, hospital representative.

Comedy Show raises laughs and funds

lfreniere — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:07:05 +0000

If laughter is the best medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children® in Springfield, Mass received a huge dose Saturday, April 21st as one of the beneficiaries of proceeds from the 3rd Annual Smith & Wesson Comedy Show held at The Cedars banquet facility. The show also benefited the local Ronald McDonald House – a home away from home for families with children receiving medical care at Shriners Hospital and other area medical facilities.

Three Boston-based comedians performed to a sold-out crowd of more than 600. Proceeds from ticket sales combined with raffle prizes and games throughout the evening helped to raise nearly $24,000 in support of our mission of providing expert pediatric orthopaedic care in a family-centered environment.

In November 2011, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western Mass Chapter, Inc. marked National Philanthropy Day by presenting Smith & Wesson with the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award. In keeping with this recognition as a leader in community philanthropy, Smith & Wesson announced a corporate matching gift bringing the grand total to nearly $48,000 to be shared between the Springfield Shriners Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

This year’s comedy show marks a new strategic partnership between Smith & Wesson and Shriners Hospitals for Children. The comedy show is one of several events held throughout the year, planned and staffed entirely by a volunteer group of Smith & Wesson employees, designed to benefit local non-profit organizations.

According to Smith & Wesson’s Special Event Committee Chair, Bob Draper, “Smith & Wesson is thrilled to be a partner of these two very important charities here in Springfield (Mass). Smith & Wesson has chosen these organizations because of the difference they make in the lives of children and their families. It was great fun working for a great cause.”

Shriners Hospital success story

lfreniere — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:56:17 +0000

(ABC40/FOX6 Reporter, Tricia Taskey visited Shriners Hospitals for Children on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. The newscast is below.)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) – Occupational Therapist Debi Latour spends her days helping children learn how to operate their artificial limbs and she’s had a life time of experience. Her parents first brought her to Shriners Hospital in Springfield when she was 3-months old. Video coverage

Shriners Hospital helps teen from Cyprus

lfreniere — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:52:14 +0000

(ABC40/FOX6 Reporter, Tricia Taskey visited Shriners Hospitals for Children on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. The newscast is below.)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) –14-year old Andreas Costandin is getting prepared for surgery on Wednesday. Nurses shave his hair so doctors can put a halo in his head to stretch his spine, treating his severe Scoliosis. Video coverage

50 finish race for Shriners Hospital

lfreniere — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:08:24 +0000

Dan Fontaine, Plant Manager at Smith & Wesson recently sent Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass a check along with a note stating, “I am very pleased to present a check in the amount of $1000 on behalf of the employees of Smith & Wesson. A group of 50 of our employees and their family members participated in this year’s 37th annual Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Road Race. You will recall that last year, we had 23 employees participate in this event raising a total of $530 for the hospital. We all recognize and appreciate the wonderful work done by the good people at the Shriners Hospitals for Children here in Springfield.”

Charles R. Walczak named Interim Administrator

lfreniere — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:47:55 +0000

Charles (Chuck) R. Walczak, administrator of Shriners Hospitals for Children in Erie, Pennsylvania recently accepted the role as interim administrator at Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts. In his dual role, he will travel to Springfield several days a week.

Prior to joining Shriners Hospital in 2009, he was director of strategic planning for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania (CHUP). Walczak also spent three years as executive administrator for the Women’s Health Care Group of PA, in Oaks, and Academic Urology in Wayne, both large physician practices serving the Philadelphia region. Before moving to the Philadelphia area, Walczak spent 14 years at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, most recently as vice president of operations.

Walczak earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management and a Masters of Business Administration, both from Penn State. He also holds a Certification in Leadership Development from Gannon University-Leadership Erie.

Chuck and his wife, Anne-France Walczak, MD, have a nine year old daughter, Gabrielle.

Chuck had this to say, “I am excited about my assignment with Springfield. There are many excellent options/directions to consider for the future as we continue with the outstanding services we have been providing at this facility for the past 87 years.”

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls of NY designates Shriners Hospital as charity of choice

lfreniere — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:47:30 +0000

Samantha O'Brien and Lee Freniere

On March 31st, I had the pleasure of representing Shriners Hospitals for Children at the New York Grand Assembly Session of Rainbow Girls in Ellenville, NY. This ceremony is held annually to induct officers of their respective jurisdiction. Samantha O’Brien, the 2010 Past Grand Worthy Advisor (top officer) presided over the Session as the Grand Installing Officer. O’Brien followed the strict protocol set forth by the I.O.R.G., memorized difficult passages and acknowledged all dignitaries flawlessly.

For the 2011/2012 year, Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass was selected as the state-wide charity project by O’Brien, serving as chairman of the Junior Grand Executive Committee. A donation in the amount of $4,372.85 was raised. In addition to the monetary donation, a variety of other items were donated to the hospital including 350 pounds of cans tabs, art supplies, and fleece blankets for the patients. We thank the 2012 Grand Worthy Advisor, Lauren Trutschel and all the girls and advisors of NY Rainbow for their efforts this past year.

Rainbow is a nonprofit Masonic youth organization that strives to give girls the tools, training, and encouragement to let their individual spirits shine bright. By providing members with a safe, fun, caring environment where responsible, older girls can interact and mentor younger girls through family involvement.

In 1922, Rainbow was created for young women whose fathers were members of the Masonic Lodge. Today, there are more than 850 assemblies across the world. Members along with adult advisors work on different service projects throughout the year.

To learn more about the Rainbow for Girls, click here.

Local Musician uses talents for Shriners Hospital

lfreniere — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:47:53 +0000

Over the past three years, Scott Rider and his band The Sunsetters create a new CD of original songs to raise money to support Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass. The Sunsetters, formerly C-Side Zoo, perform at neighborhood picnics and backyard parties. Rider, a postal carrier from Agawam, Mass., sells CDs to family and friends and to date has donated $3,000 to the hospital. “Shriners Hospital has a unique and special environment,” said Rider. “I’m glad it is here for kids to get help when they need it.”

Contributed by Karen Motyka – Donor Relations

Senator Scott Brown visits Shriners Hospital

lfreniere — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:29:25 +0000

Ralph Semb, (P.I.P. Board of Trustees, Emeritus Chairman), Michael Severe (SHC Imperial Potentate), Chuck Walczak (Administrator), Senator Scott Brown and David Burstein, Esq. (Springfield Board Chairman)

On Monday, March 19th, U.S. Senator Scott Brown(R-MA) capped off a whirlwind visit to Western Massachusetts with a 30 minute stop at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Massachusetts. During his visit, Chief of Staff, David M. Drvaric, M.D., presented an overview on the hospital and discussed the types of conditions treated followed up by a tour of the prosthetics and orthotics department. Before leaving, Senator Brown took a few minutes to shake hands and address the hospital staff. “As a father of two children, I know how precious they are,” stated Brown. “Thank you for doing all that you do to care for them.”