Springfield Hospital

Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants are vital partners in providing health and wellness care. Many people think that they can only see a rehabilitation provider when they are injured or recovering from surgery.  But what you may not know, is that rehabilitation professionals have a wide array of skills in addition to those we traditionally think of; and are a key part of our healthcare team in terms of preventing injuries and keeping us healthy and well.

Working with student athletes and school sports teams, helping older people maintain balance, strength and independence, helping children with special needs and  assisting with stroke recovery are just a few of the services that physical therapy providers have to offer. Therapists are great teachers and can provide a wealth of information on how we can keep ourselves healthy, mobile, engaged and more productive in our work and our leisure activities. They are also indispensable in maximizing outcomes after surgery or injury.

Physical Therapy, as part of a multi-modal pain management plan, can be an effective alternative to medications in treating both acute and chronic pain.

So, during Physical Therapy Awareness month, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation professionals for their expertise, professionalism and their continued support of our patients and our communities.

Katherine Silta, PA-C can be reached at Connecticut Valley Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 29 Ridgewood Road, Springfield, VT at 802-885-6373.

SPRINGFIELD, VT (October 21, 2019)  –  On September 19^th, 2019, Mark Huntley of Cavendish, VT, landed a Hole-In-One during the 19^th Annual Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge at the Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, VT, and won $10,000 which was awarded on Friday, October 18th.  This was the first time in the history of the Golf Challenge, and also the first time during a tournament at OVGC, that a player hit a Hole-In-One on one of the big prize-winning holes.

“Many thanks go to long-time supporters, Sharon and Ron Bixby of Ludlow Insurance Agency, for sponsoring hole #17 and the $10,000 cash prize,” says Sandy Peplau, who managed Springfield Hospital’s 2019 Golf Challenge. “We also extend thanks to Springfield Buick-GMC for sponsoring a hole-in-one prize at hole #8… a bright, red 2020 GMC 3500. While we had a very close call on that hole, we had no winners,” continued Peplau.

Twenty-two teams participated in this year’s Golf Challenge, and more than 60 businesses and individuals sponsored the event that raised over $14,000 for Springfield Hospital.

“When I was given the task of organizing this year’s tournament, I hoped for three things,” says Peplau. “One: No rain, and we had a beautiful, blue-sky day. Two: Enough people to play in the tournament, and we had 88 players. And, three: Wouldn’t it be fun for someone to get a Hole-In-One? I never thought that I would get my third wish. Thanks, Mark!” comments Peplau.

Proceeds from this year’s Golf Challenge are being used to purchase equipment for the Urology Department and Operating Room at Springfield Hospital.   ###

Photo: Sharon Bixby (L) and Sandy Peplau (R), present Mark Huntley, center, with $10,000 hole-in-one cash prize.

Springfield Medical Care Systems and Springfield Hospital have completed their 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment process, which takes place every three years, included an analysis of primary and secondary data by volunteers from several community organizations throughout the area. Research included personal interviews, focus groups and surveys, made available in paper format or on line, covering communities throughout the service area including Windham, Windsor and Bennington Counties in Vermont, and Sullivan County and parts of Cheshire County in NH. Copies of the complete report are available on line at http://www.springfieldmed.org or by requesting a paper copy from Crystal Morey at 802-885-7603 or email cmorey@springfieldmed.org.

Beginning Tuesday, October 1^st, 2019, Springfield Hospital will open its newly renovated Gynecology suite located on Level D at Springfield Hospital, 25 Ridgewood Road, Springfield, VT.  Board-certified physicians Kara Pitt, MD, Simon Solano, MD, and Wendy Conway, MD, are now serving new and previously-established gynecology patients at this new location. Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 5 pm, and Friday 8 am to 3 pm.  Appointments can be made by calling 802-885-7561.    

Twenty two teams of golfers competed for awards and raffle prizes. More than 60 sponsoring organizations and individuals underwrote the tournament, which included a box lunch, dinner buffet, and a gift to every golfer.

Tournament sponsors were Richard A, Marasa MD, Coverys, Kinney Drugs Foundation, NFP Property & Casualty, and Springfield Printing Corporation. Club professional, Michael Santa Maria, and Food and Beverage General Manager, Adrienne Carter, and staff helped make the tournament a great success offering a well maintained course, professional expertise and a hearty buffet.

Team and individual winners were:

A flight

1^st  Gross
Blayr Crowley, Brian Stowell, Brian Perkins, Jim Gould

1^st Net
Eric Warren, Steve Currie, Chris Cappello, Bruce Bentley

2^nd Gross
Andy Courchesne, Tony Pagano, Dan Patria, Matt Oscadal

2^nd Net
James Roarke, Keith Vanamburg, Gavin Hughes, Bernie Sweener

B flight

1^st  Gross
Travis White, Tyler Stearns, Jay Claperton, Dean Rogers

1^st Net
Mike Pinney, Gary Stearns, Walter Oaks, Tim Oakes

2^nd Gross
David Muller,MD, Guy Alderdice, Greg White, Tim Mello, PA-C

2^nd Net
Rick Marasa, MD, Geri Marasa, Rich Lane,MD, Jane Sandleman

Straightest Drive: Taylor Rocke

Longest Putt: Andy Courchesne

Springfield Hospital would like to thank all donors, players, volunteers and staff for participating in the 19^th annual Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge. The proceeds of this year’s tournament, approximately $14,000, will be used to purchase a new HD monitor for the Urology Department as well as support other programs at Springfield Hospital.

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Each year, approximately 175,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States. 1 in 9 men will get diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. However, only 1 in 41 of these men will die as a result of it, due to the advances in early diagnosis and treatment (source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html ). In the early stages, when it is most treatable, prostate cancer causes no symptoms. This is why the American Urological Association recommends screening of all men between 55 and 69 years old with a PSA (blood test) every 1 to 2 years. For men at higher risk (African American, men with multiple close family members diagnosed with cancers of prostate, breast, ovary or pancreas), screening can start even sooner (source: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/prostate-cancer-early-detection-guideline ). Prostate cancer that is more advanced can cause the following symptoms: trouble urinating, decreased force of urinary stream, painful urination, blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, pain in the pelvic area, or bone pain. Talk to your primary care provider or your Urologist and get screened for prostate cancer. To schedule a screening, call Springfield Urology at 802-886-3556. 

Springfield Medical Care Systems and Springfield Hospital are hosting their annual fundraiser, Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge, on Thursday, September 19th.  A perennial favorite, this tournament offers participants an afternoon of fun and friendly competition at the prestigious Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, Vermont.

A and B flights ensure that all golfers compete at their own level — and increase the number of winning teams.  Gift certificates to Okemo’s pro shop are awarded to more than 1 out of every 4 golfers in the tournament.

There are hole-in-one prizes on all par 3 holes, including a new vehicle and $10,000 cash. Participants can compete for the longest putt and straightest drive.  Raffles make sure that everyone goes home a winner.

In addition to the amenities of this beautiful golf course, golfers in this premier tournament receive a box lunch at registration, a post-event buffet and a special participation gift.

A four-player scramble, the Springfield Hospital Challenge registration begins at 11:30 am, with a shotgun start at 12:30 pm on Thursday, September 19. Players can enter as a team or as individuals. The entry fee for this fundraiser is $150 per person.

For sponsors, the event offers an opportunity to help raise funds for the important services of Springfield Hospital, while also providing valuable exposure.  Sponsorship packages range in size and value. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be used to support the critical services provided by Springfield Hospital.

Spaces are filling up fast, so act soon.  To enter or sponsor this year’s Springfield Hospital Challenge, go to http://www.SpringfieldHospitalGiving.org or contact Sandy Peplau at 802-885-7686 or speplau@springfieldmed.org.

Scholarship Awarded by Springfield Hospital in Nurse’s Memory

Springfield, VT (July 19, 2019) – The 14th annual Eileen Austin Neal RN Nursing Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Ella Jaarsma of Cornish, New Hampshire to attend the University of New Hampshire. Ella, who attended Windsor High School, said that “I am excited to start my journey on the path to a career in nursing. Working with skilled heath care professionals will be an important part of my education. I am honored to receive this scholarship in the memory of Eileen Austin Neal, an experienced nurse who must have touched the lives of many people.”

Eileen Austin Neal was a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital for 64 years, retiring in 2005. She was the first recipient of the Hospital’s George F. Leland Community Health Award in 2003. In 2004, the Hospital established the Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award, given to a staff nurse, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service.

Upon her death in February 2006, at the request of Eileen’s family, Springfield Hospital established the nursing scholarship fund in her name with gifts received in her memory.

“Springfield Hospital is a better place for Eileen having worked here,” says Tonia Fleming, Development Officer. “This scholarship continues her positive influence on both nursing and our community.”     ###

Photo caption

Bob Austin, family member of the late Eileen Austin Neal RN, presents 2019 scholarship award to Ella Jaarsma at Springfield Hospital.

Contact:
Anna Smith, Chief of Marketing & Development, SMCS 802-885-7621

annasmith@springfieldmed.org