Streetfest Marks Celebration of Windham Hospital’s 75th Anniversary
WILLIMANTIC, CT- The final celebration of Windham Hospital’s 75th anniversary will take place on Main Street at Willimantic’s 3rd Thursday Streetfest, September 18, 2008. The location of the festivities will be in front of the First Baptist Church and will begin at 6 pm with a Chalk Festival for children ages 5-14. Judges will be on hand to review the chalk art created by children on topics such as what makes you happy, healthy eating and family. Entry forms will be available on site or can be downloaded from the hospital’s website at www.windhamhospital.org. Two gift certificates will be awarded for entries in the 5-9 years of age category and 10-14 years of age; all supplies will be provided by Windham Hospital. The contest will end at 7:15 pm and the winner will be announced on the stage by President and CEO, Dick Brvenik who will also make a brief presentation to First Selectman, Jean DeSmet. Cake will be served to all children.
The Hospital’s booth will also have a children’s theme with a Teddy Bear/Doll Hospital being offered from 6-8:30 pm. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal or doll and have it checked by caring staff members. Foster bears will be available for those who wish to participate. A drawing will be held for all participants with a Build-A-Bear certificate offered to one lucky child.
Music will be provided by guitarist, Desiree Basset, who was one of the performers in the revival of the Willim-Antics earlier this spring. The music portion of the event will take place from 7:45 – 8:30 pm followed by a showing of the 75th Anniversary video produced by Windham Hospital on an outdoor movie screen. The video was professionally produced and features early life in Windham and memories shared by Jack Sumner, Kay Roan, Lorena “Bunny” Lombardo, al
Vertefeuille, Frank Seaforth, and Drs. Sawicki and Ellzey. The video lasts 15 minutes and will be shown twice.
This event culminates a year of special events and activities including the burying of a time capsule to be opened in 2083, the revival of the Willim-Antics, and a special edition of healthLINK chronicling the hospital’s history. A community blood drive will be held on September 26 from 8 am to 3:45 pm at the Hospital with a goal of collecting 75 pints of blood. For more information about donating call 456-6915 or go to www.bloodct.org. |