Geno's Cancer Team celebrates life, works for a cure

Guest speaker Barbara Oliver, a 22-year breast cancer survivor, shows Coach Geno Auriemma the tattoo of a bird on her forearm, something she decided to do after turning 60 to demonstrate the zest for life one feels when living on "borrowed time." Photo © 2009 by Vito J. Leo for HTNP.com

STORRS – It wasn’t intended to be an audition, but about 20 singers, volunteering their time and talent to help the College Program of Geno’s Cancer Team, performed so well that coach Auriemma invited the women to sing before a game at Gampel Pavilion.

Addressing the audience gathered in the student center theater for the fundraiser, the Hall of Fame coach complimented the two a capella groups and then offered to arrange for them to perform at a women’s basketball game this season.

“I want to thank you all for being here tonight to support this event [to benefit the Kay Yow WBCA Breast Cancer Fund and The V Foundation for Cancer Research] and if there’s anything I can do as a member of the faculty to help you out in some way, you know how to get in touch with me,” said a gracious and thankful Auriemma.

The purpose of the event was to bring “together a student-body that has become one as a community over the past couple weeks due to our own campus tragedies,” said Andrew Sullivan, executive director of Geno’s Cancer Team at UConn.

The 90-minute program, honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, adhered to the theme, “Remember. Celebrate. Believe,” – the motto of Geno’s Cancer Team.

Jim Valvano and Kay Yow

The evening began with brief films celebrating the lives of two nationally renowned basketball coaches, Jim Valvano and Kay Yow, both of whom succumbed to cancer – Jimmy V in 1993 at age 57, and Coach Kay earlier this year at age 67.

Ironically, both reached their coaching heights at North Carolina State. Valvano took the men to an improbable national title in 1983 and Yow reached the women’s Final Four in 1998 after having served as head coach of the gold-medal-winning U.S. women’s basketball team in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

“I’ve known Kay forever,” Auriemma said. “She was a wonderful person.”

Each coach has had a national foundation set up in their honor to raise funds for cancer research, foundations financially nourished nationwide by smaller local groups such as Geno’s Cancer Team.

Surviving

Guest speaker Barbara Oliver, a 22-year breast cancer survivor who served as executive director of “Y Me? Connecticut” for 16 years, shared her experiences battling the disease which she discovered in its early stages thanks to a self-examination she made almost as an afterthought when she learned that a friend had been stricken with the malady.

The UConn a capella group "Chordials Performance," provided entertainment for the evening along with the school's other a capella group, "Ruby Fruit Performance." Photo © 2009 by Vito J. Leo for HTNP.com

“It was a tough time. But I had moxie, I had good family support and I had a great doctor and I listened to him,” Oliver said. “Each woman is an individual case. It’s got to be what the doctors can do for her.”

She pointed out that men are also susceptible to breast cancer, albeit nowhere as much as females, and that many women who are hit with this disease have no family history of breast cancer.

Oliver also delighted the crowd when she showed them a small tattoo of a bird on her forearm, one of many things she decided to do with her “borrowed time.”

“I tell people, ‘don’t give up.’ We’re all tested in life to go through things and have things happen to us. But you don’t want to give up,” she said, echoing Valvano’s slogan which has become the motto of survivors around the world: “Don’t give up! Don’t ever give up!”

“Women have a special passion for giving and for caring and for nurturing others; I think it’s part of your DNA… wanting to make a difference in someone’s life,” Auriemma said.

Forum on Nov. 10

An open forum to discuss ways to assist this effort is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 9 p.m. at the Student Union and is open to the public.

For information about joining Geno’s fundraising group or to make a donation, visit genoscancerteam.org

“We want you, as individuals, to be part of Geno’s Cancer Team,” Auriemma said.

Posted Oct. 30, 2009

H1N1 update from the CT State Public Health Department

Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Connecticut Departments of Public Health (DPH) and Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) are working together to provide a weekly CT Situation Report on what the State of Connecticut is doing in preparation and response to a H1N1 influenza pandemic.

H1N1 Situation Report: October 23, 2009 to October 29, 2009

This report provides a brief overview of the H1N1 situation in Connecticut, as well as on the national and international levels.

NOTE: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the start of the 2009-2010 influenza season began Sunday Aug. 30, 2009. All statistics provided will be based on this calendar.

Department of Public Health (DPH)

Connecticut has received 178,800 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to date [Oct. 29].

There have been 3 confirmed deaths in Connecticut due to H1N1 in individuals with underlying medical conditions, since Aug. 30, 2009.

Preliminary influenza data from the week ending Oct. 24 reveals that a rapidly increasing level of influenza activity is being observed in Connecticut, as measured by laboratory-confirmed test results and reports of increased school absenteeism by students with influenza-like illness.

A total of 98 laboratory-confirmed test reports of the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus have been received as of Oct. 27, 2009. Of these cases: 48 percent are male, 50 percent are female and 2 percent were not documented as to gender.  The cases include ages from less than one year old to 73 years old, with a median age of 24.

Local Health departments and districts continue to set up clinics in anticipation of delivery of vaccine.

School superintendents and principals are keeping local health districts apprised of absenteeism rates.

The CT DPH is working with local health departments to develop a vaccination strategy for school nurses.

CT State Department of Education

The CT State Department of Education (SDE) issued guidance to all School Nurses regarding the distribution of surgical masks to school systems.

State Department of Education is reporting the following confirmed school closures/updates:

• Regional School District 10 (Harwinton/Burlington) will reopen on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009.

• Keigwin Middle School, Middletown will reopen on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009

• St. John’s School Middletown , will reopen on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009

• East Haven Academy will reopen on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009

• Guilford H.S. – closed Oct 26 & 27, reopened 10/28.

Other schools with high absenteeism rates: Branford – Walsh Intermediate School; Portland – Brownstone Intermediate School; and Glastonbury – Smith Middle School.

Other school systems monitoring high absenteeism: Avon, Berlin, Bolton, Madison, East Hartford, Bolton.

University of Connecticut

Since Aug. 30, UConn has reported 200 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI), 51 cases just last week.

Note: to view The Connecticut Association of Schools – Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference  H1N1 Contingency Plan go to www.casciac.org

Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS)

Current DEMHS activation level – MONITORING [information review and sharing, and outreach mode]. H1N1 incident information has been posted for state and local public safety officials on Web EOC.

The 5 DEMHS Regional Coordinators – along with their Regional Planning Teams – are monitoring H1N1 activities across the state.

Other State agencies

A Legislative Forum on H1N1 will take place on Wed., Nov. 18, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in room 2D at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Public Information

Press Release 10/26/09: Governor Rell Calls for Overhaul of Flu Vaccine Production and Distribution System

HHS and Sesame Workshop Release 13 New Flu Prevention Radio public service announcements (PSAs) featuring governors and Elmo  – Governor Rell participated.

Call Center Volume

Total number of calls into the DPH Hotline since inception (Oct 5): 2,986

For the week 10/18/2009 – 10/24/2009, 2-1-1 (Infoline) answered 37 calls related to the H1N1 virus – four calls were about the symptoms of the virus; five calls were for general information about the virus; 28 calls were questions about the H1N1 vaccine. Most of the vaccine-related calls to 2-1-1 were about the vaccine’s availability – where to get vaccinated, had the state run out of vaccine, etc.

The H1N1 recorded messages were selected 439 times – 234 of which were for the vaccine message.

Current public messages

Initial supplies of the H1N1 vaccine from the federal government are small.

Gov. Rell has expressed concerns about H1N1 and seasonal vaccine supplies to DHHS.

CT DPH is getting available vaccine to those at greatest risk.

New England States Situation/FEMA Region A Update Summary

The 24/7 Regional Response Coordination Center at FEMA Region 1 is currently at a Watch/Steady State Activation Level.

FEMA Region 1 reports daily to DEMHS and will update DEMHS with H1N1 situational awareness as it becomes available.

All the New England States have reported to FEMA that their current activation level is MONITORING.

Rhode Island – State health officials are tracking the spread of H1N1 flu through electronic prescription records, using information supplied by pharmacies to document how much Tamiflu and other antivirals are being dispensed to patients.

Vermont – The first death in Vermont linked to 2009 H1N1 influenza was also reported this week – an adult with serious medical conditions.

The Vermont Department of Health is reporting a significant increase in influenza illness around the state over the past week.

Cases of 2009 H1N1 have been confirmed by the Health Department Laboratory in all areas of the state, and hospitals are reporting a sharp increase in the number of visits related to respiratory or viral illness.

National Situation Update Summary

President Obama declared the H1N1 situation a national emergency on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009.

The President’s declaration allows a healthcare facility to request a temporary waiver of certain standard federal requirements that may impede the ability to cope in case the number of H1N1 patients suddenly increases dramatically.

Waivers must be requested by the individual healthcare facility and are reviewed by state and federal oversight agencies.

No waivers have been requested in Connecticut.

Vaccine

CDC Director Thomas Frieden said there are 22.4 million doses of H1N1 vaccine available to the public, up from 14 million doses a week ago, but the process is still moving too slowly.

Each week the CDC publishes a report called the Flu View that can be found on the CDC website www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

International H1N1 Update Summary

As of Oct. 17, 2009, worldwide there have been more than 414,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, and nearly 5000 deaths reported to WHO (World Health Organization).

Mongolia, Rwanda, and Sao Tome and Principe have reported pandemic influenza cases for the first time this week.

Iceland, Sudan, and Trinidad and Tobago reported their first fatal cases. (Source: WHO)

- Submitted by Commissioner of CT Dept. of Emergency Management & Homeland Security Peter J. Boynton and Commissioner of CT Department of Public Health Dr. J. Robert Galvin

Received and posted Oct. 30, 2009

Campaign letters: Katherine Paulhus for Mansfield K-8 Bd of Ed

Katherine Paulhus with her son. Paulhus seeks re-election to the K-8 Board of Education. Courtesy photo.

To the Editor:

My name is Katherine Paulhus and I am seeking re-election to the Mansfield K-8 Board of Education (MBOE).

I am a member and/or a volunteer serving many of our town’s organizations that mostly deal with children’s issues.

I am the 2008 recipient of the Friendship of Youth Award, and I am a dedicated MBOE member.

For two years, prior to my election, I attended MBOE meetings. At first I listened quietly. After awhile, I decided to address the board and give a parent’s point of view. Some of the recommendations included ideas that might give the board a larger audience. I also suggested that a second “hearing for visitors” be put in place at the end of the meeting.

Over the last two years that I have served on the MBOE, I believe many good choices have been made for our children, but we still need to improve in some areas.

Our Superintendent is very professional and available. He has made many positive changes. He is conscious of the budget. He keeps the board well informed, as well as residents, with his monthly Board Update found on the Board’s web page.

As a Board member, I feel I was able to get some clarity on half-day kindergarten for half-day parents. It’s an option I will work to keep in place and keep known.

When suggestions and ideas are presented to the Board, I listen and act as I can. Children come first. And if re-elected I will continue to advocate for the children, their parents and their teachers.

We have some major decisions coming up for our town.  The main one is, do we keep our three “neighborhood” elementary schools or do we build one new elementary school?

Should this decision be made on cost alone? In which case, the costs associated with obtaining the land – as well as those associated with either demolishing or maintaining the empty school buildings – needs to be factored into the calculations in the “Family of Options” chart presented to the town.

Or should we also take into account the merits of “neighborhood” schools – such as small schools for small kids, shorter bus rides and ample parking for Christmas Concerts?  These are just a few of the questions that need to be answered before any final decisions are made.

I would like your support to be re-elected to the Mansfield K-8 Board of Education. Please vote for me on Tuesday, Nov, 3.

It is all about the Children. They are First!

Posted Oct. 30, 2009

Editor’s Note: We are accepting Letters to the Editor from candidates running for office in the November 2009 election, or those supporting them. These letters should be no more than 700 words in length and candidates’ letters should be accompanied by a headshot of themselves in JPEG format that is at least 500 pixels wide with a resolution of at least 180 (horizontal photos work best). All letters also must include a phone number where you can be reached to verify you are the author. You may send these letters to mansfieldeditor@htnp.com. The last day for submitting a campaign-related letter will be Sunday, Nov. 1.

Children cannot visit patients at Windham Hospital as H1N1 flu precaution

As of Monday, Nov. 2, children will not be allowed to visit patients at Windham Hospital as a precaution against spreading the H1N1 flu.

“Beginning Monday, Nov. 2 and until further notice, no one under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit. There will also be a limit on patient visitors to just two healthy adults at a time. Health officials stress that children are more likely to have swine flu and, are more likely to spread the illness,” the press release issued by Windham Hospital states.

The restrictions include the emergency department, and both inpatient and outpatient areas of the hospital.

Vice President of Patient Care Cary Trantalis, RN explains, “We are taking these steps to protect our patients, our staff and the community.”

Director of Infectious Disease Medicine, Dr. Clifford Stirba said, “The steps are necessary because of the increase in the number of patients with respiratory infections [coming to] the hospital, and the rise in the number of H1N1 cases in our community. The hospital has seriously ill patients whose conditions could be aggravated by exposure to influenza.”

The following Windham Hospital Visitation guidelines will be implemented as of Monday:

• All children younger than 18 years of age refrain from visiting both inpatient and outpatient areas.

• All people who are ill should refrain from visiting the hospital [unless seeking treatment]

• Visitors need to observe proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette [i.e. sneezing into your elbow]

• No more than 2 visitors at a time for each patient

• Observe and follow all posted isolation guidelines

• Read signs posted throughout the facility detailing restrictions

More information about the hospital’s policies and updates will be available on its Web site at www.windhamhospital.org

Posted Oct. 30, 2009

Campaign letters: Ken Rawn for PZC alternate

Dear Editor:

As a Democratic candidate for an alternate position on the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission, I will bring a blend of experience in local government and a spirit of volunteerism to the work of the PZC.

From 1993 to 2005, I served on the Board of Finance in Canterbury.

I am currently serving as the public representative on Mansfield’s Four Corners Water and Sewer Advisory Committee.

Since moving to Mansfield in 2006, I have volunteered as a coach of youth soccer and basketball.

I believe that Mansfield can anticipate that state grants to the town will not keep pace with the town’s expenses for essential town services and public schools. Mansfield needs to increase revenue by increasing the value of our grand list.

Such economic development projects as completion of the Storrs Center and securing of public water and sewers for the Four Corners area will result in increased revenue for Mansfield. The development of these areas will require the Planning and Zoning Commission to take input from citizens and judiciously apply our regulations so that development may take place that meets our need for property tax revenue and protects our resources for future use.

Once elected to the Mansfield PZC, I will continue the PZC’s tradition of careful application of Mansfield’s zoning regulations to property development in town.

Ken Rawn – Mansfield, CT

Posted Oct. 30, 2009

Editor’s Note: We are accepting Letters to the Editor from candidates running for office in the November 2009 election, or those supporting them. These letters should be no more than 700 words in length and candidates’ letters should be accompanied by a headshot of themselves in JPEG format that is at least 500 pixels wide with a resolution of at least 180 (horizontal photos work best). All letters also must include a phone number where you can be reached to verify you are the author. You may send these letters to mansfieldeditor@htnp.com. The last day for submitting a campaign-related letter will be Sunday, Nov. 1.

Campaign letters: In support of Democratic slate

Incumbent Mayor Betsy Paterson seeking re-election to Mansfield Town Council. Courtesy photo.

To the Editor:

I am running for Town Council in Mansfield as a Democrat with an experienced slate of candidates, two incumbents and three new candidates.

We share a vision with our residents, that includes a responsible, well run government, that highlights not only efficiency in government, but a carefully thought out strategic plan for the future.

Our vision balances growth with preservation, and good schools that put our children first. We have long supported open space purchases and will continue to do so, carefully examining each proposal on its merits and benefit to the town.

We recognize the need for well planned economic growth to sustain and enhance our tax base in a time of shrinking state and federal revenues. With that in mind we have supported the carefully planned smart growth development of the Downtown, and will continue to work with UConn and the business community to see our shared vision realized. It has taken longer than we had planned, in part due to the economic slowdown, but we continue to move forward in a positive way to realize

the vision. We hope to begin the physical development in the next 12-18 months.

Our incumbents are well seasoned Council members. Gregg Haddad has served as Deputy Mayor for the past 10 years, an serves on the Boards of the Downtown partnership and discovery Depot. He brings an intricate knowledge and understanding of state government to the Council.

Carl Schaefer is a retired Uconn faculty member and a 50 year resident. He has served on the Finance committee and is a member of the Historical Society.

Our new candidates bring a wealth of experience to the Council. Peter Kotchenburger is a native of Mansfield, an E.O.Smith graduate and an attorney. He has served for 10 years on Planning and Zoning.

Toni Moran brings experience as an attorney and teacher to the Council. She is a long time resident and understands the issues that confront our community. She is thoughtful and visionary in her thinking.

Bill Ryan currently serves on the Region 19 Board and chairs the Finance and also the Building Committee of that board. A long time resident, he coached baseball and soccer, giving 15 years of service in that role.

I have been active for the last 12 years, serving as Mayor for 10 of those years. I am a member of the executive board of the Downtown Partnership, Chair of the Eastern Highlands Health District and co chair the Town Gown committeeas well as serving on numerous other committees. I have served as Past President of the Ct. Conference of Municipalities and I sit on the executive board of the National Leagur of Cities.

Mansfield is a strong, well run community and a wonderful place to raise a family. Like all communities, we have issues that must be dealt with. Unlike some communities we are not afraid to tackle the tough issues in a thoughful proactivemanner, partnering with others when that will benefit our long term goals. The democrats recognize our responsibilities as policy makers, directing our excellent town staff in administrating that policy. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of professional town employees who efficiently run the town from day to day.

Posted Oct. 30, 2009

Editor’s Note: We are accepting Letters to the Editor from candidates running for office in the November 2009 election, or those supporting them. These letters should be no more than 700 words in length and candidates’ letters should be accompanied by a headshot of themselves in JPEG format that is at least 500 pixels wide with a resolution of at least 180 (horizontal photos work best). All letters also must include a phone number where you can be reached to verify you are the author. You may send these letters to mansfieldeditor@htnp.com. The last day for submitting a campaign-related letter will be Sunday, Nov. 1.

Get informed about healthcare reform

Join the conversation about healthcare reform in the United States. This discussion panel will give everyone a chance to ask questions and discuss the challenges of healthcare reform with leaders in the industry.

This event, co-sponsored by WHUS News and Youth for Human Rights, will be on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center (in the Konover Auditorium) on the UConn campus.

The panel will include:

Dr. Saeed Ahghari, MD – He is an emergency physician practicing in Enfield, CT.

Thomas Buckley, Assistant Clinical Professor in Pharmacy

Dennis Heffley, Professor of Economics – He is the head of the Economics Department at the University of Connecticut. His interest is in health and urban economics.

Lynne Ide, Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut – She is responsible for management of the Foundation’s statewide campaign to bring about universal health care for all Connecticut residents. Previously, she served as Associate Director of the Connecticut Housing Coalition, Director of the Legislative Electoral Action Program (LEAP), and Director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG). She also worked as a lobbyist, campaign director and community organizer for CCAG.

“FREE WINGS for everyone who shows up for what promises to be an unforgettable event.”

Posted Oct. 30, 2009

Related link: UConn interactive map — type Dodd Research Center in search box – to locate the center (next to the library). Parking is in the South Garage.

http://admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/