Please note the following advisory from the Farmington Police Department:
On Friday, Nov. 10, daytime paving will be conducted at the South Road and Two Mile Road roundabout. Paving is scheduled to occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Significant delays are expected, and motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the area. To facilitate the paving, the following detours and road closures will be put in place:
(Farmington Police Department; click map for larger view)
South Road at Munson Road will be closed to southbound traffic during the duration of work.
The Two Mile Road roundabout entrance will initially be closed. Traffic will be detoured to Batterson Park Road to Robin Road and then onto South Road.
As paving progresses, the Two Mile Road detour will be reversed. South Road will detour to Robin Road to Batterson Park Road and then to Two Mile Road.
Colt Highway (Rt. 6) will remain open throughout the work.
Traffic will be alternating through the roundabout.
Detour signs will be in place along with officers to direct traffic.
The extended work hours will allow the paving to be completed in one day, minimizing the overall inconvenience to motorists. We thank the public for their understanding and patience with this project.
The Rev. Daniel D. Warriner is UConn Health’s chaplain. (Photo by Tina Encarnacion)
During this season of back to school, let me remind you what a chaplain is and how to reach one!
Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy is also referred to as “spiritual care.” Chaplains care for all people, respecting their diverse cultures, identities, abilities, and religious beliefs. As unique members of the health care team, chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support, prayer, and pastoral counseling for patients and families. They are available to people of all faiths and those not connected to an organized religion.
Requesting Chaplaincy Services
A hospital chaplain is typically available in the hospital Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hospital staff can call the chaplain directly or contact them through the operators. For help in an emergency or outside regular business hours, please talk to a staff member, and he or she will make the request through the operators for you.
Meet Your Chaplains
Fr. Paul Luniw (photo provided)
Fr. Paul Luniw is one of our per diem chaplains. He was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. He graduated Halifax School of Nursing and became a SRN (state registered nurse). He worked at the Royal Halifax Infirmary, Halifax General Hospital and Northowram Hospitals, England, in all fields in the hospital. In Rome he was ordained a priest at St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Seminary and received his Ph.D. in canon law. He is the parish priest at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Terryville.
Rev. Dianne Sullivan (photo provided)
The Rev. Dianne Sullivan is one of our per diem chaplains. She is an ordained priest in the American Ecumenical Church. She was consecrated Bishop in 2016, a role that she continues to grow into. She worked as a hospice chaplain for five years where she has supervised other chaplains and run bereavement groups in the past. Dianne has been a Marriage and Family Therapist for many years. She is married with three children and two grandchildren, the youngest of whom is 16 months old!
Rev. Carol Whyte-Pusey (photo provided)
The Rev. Carol Whyte-Pusey is one of our per diem chaplains and an ordained minister. She was born in Jamacia, where she worked as a police officer. She was also a school safety officer in Hartford public schools. She also has an extensive health care background. Before becoming a chaplain, she worked as an emergency department technician, a CNA, an LPN, and a phlebotomist. She has human services bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and a master of divinity from Liberty University.
The Rev. Dr. Daniel Warriner is our full-time chaplain. Before going to seminary, he received a BS in physics and astronomy. After receiving his master of divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, he worked as a hospice chaplain for eight years. He recently finished his doctor of ministry degree and has been with UConn Health for over three years. He has been married for 16 years. He enjoys reading, building Legos, making fire pits in the yard, sending memes, and playing baseball with his 13-year-old son.
You can reach me at dwarriner@uchc.edu, 860-679-3230, or even through Voalte.
The Rev. Daniel D. Warriner is UConn Health’s chaplain. (Photo by Tina Encarnacion)
To build an inclusive culture is to build a culture that supports diversity of thought, of data, and of teams. It means valuing what others bring to the table. Have you ever wondered how religion and spirituality factor into this value at UConn Health?
A hospital chaplain offers spiritual care to patients and their families, as well as to staff. Chaplains in hospitals use the insights and principles of psychology, spirituality, religion, and theology. No one can represent every faith tradition, but chaplains become familiar with beliefs across various religions and cultures. Our chaplains have their own specific religious traditions but are available to support and encourage people of all religious faiths in various ways. We aim to support diversity, equity, and inclusion through offering support for success for people of all backgrounds.
There are many ways this is practiced at UConn Health. Last month many Protestant and Catholic Christians celebrated Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season. Ashes were available from some of our chaplains in the chapel, and upon request for anyone who celebrated this holiday in this way.
Another faith-specific practice is the Muslim prayer time. This occurs Fridays at noon in the chapel. This group meets weekly for prayer. Knowing that Ramadan is approaching, I am sure this sacred prayer time will be a valuable resource.
If a patient requests a visit from local clergy, our chaplains coordinate with local religious groups to arrange support. This includes calling local churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques for specific requests for support.
Inclusion also was considered when our Murray-Heilig Chapel was being designed. The Chapel was designed to be a welcoming, sacred, and safe space without any specific religious symbols. The chairs move to accommodate prayer rugs. There are kneelers for those who pray on their knees. There is a religious library in the back with various sacred texts. They are all donated and they are free to take. So take what you need!
You can reach me at dwarriner@uchc.edu, 860-679-3230, or even through Voalte.
UConn Deputy Police Chief Maggie Silver (Photo by Kristin Wallace)
Crosswalks are essential for the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Crosswalks allow drivers to anticipate the movement of pedestrians across busy roads. They are supposed to signal a safe crossing location but that only happens when both pedestrians and drivers are mindful of this safety feature. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there are an estimated 100,000+ emergency department visits of pedestrians treated for non-fatal, crash-related injuries while one in six crashes results in serious or fatal injuries. These are alarming statistics for a problem that can be easily reduced if not stopped with proper crosswalk etiquette.
Drivers:
Always look out for pedestrians, not just at intersections.
Slow down and prepare to stop any time you approach a crosswalk.
Exercise extreme caution in low visibility conditions, such as at night or in heavy fog.
Always, Always, yield to pedestrians navigating crosswalks.
Pedestrians:
Please take the extra steps and cross at designated crosswalks or intersections.
Remember, driver visibility could be hindered by low light conditions, fog, or rain. Increase your visibility by wearing light colored clothing or by using a light.
Always watch traffic and if possible, make eye contact with the driver. It will help you determine if the driver sees you or they are distracted.
Many vehicles have blind spots. Make sure you are seen by using the walk signals at many of the crosswalks.
These few extra steps can ensure that we are safely sharing the road and being respectful to one another.
Do you have a suggested topic for the Campus Safety Corner? Email your suggestion, with “Campus Safety Corner” in the subject line, to pulse@uchc.edu.
Nelson was chosen among five finalists, highlighted in this year’s nominee video:
This year’s celebration was exceptionally bright as the UConn Health workforce community gathered in-person once again to celebrate colleagues with five, 10, 15, and 20 years of service in 2022. In addition, this year’s Fall/Winter PAWS and TEAM recipients were honored for consistently performing above and beyond their job expectations and furthering UConn Health’s mission through teamwork and excellence.
In total, over 690 individuals were honored Tuesday in the rotunda. As Dr. Bruce T. Liang, UConn Health CEO and executive vice president for health affairs, noted in his remarks, this celebration was a wonderful UConn Health addition to this year’s holiday season.
“I now understand they are an absolute integral part of the health care team, and a truly amazing resource.”
UConn Health respiratory therapists include (from left): Vanessa Woodruff, Samantha Marino, Zenaida Palma, Randy Luke, Stephanie Gutierrez, Stacy Pacheco, Sara Drouin and Tarjeet Bharara. (Photo provided by Sandy Thibodeau)
As UConn Health observes Respiratory Care Week, Oct. 23-29, here is a testimonial from a medical student that was part of a recent written assignment. Students were asked to reflect on their observations of the respiratory therapists’ experience, including the RTs’ interactions with the health care team and the patients’ experiences.
My main takeaway is respiratory therapists are really amazing health professions that I have never really considered until now.
I had always heard about “RTs” during the COVID pandemic especially, but I never thought about what that might entail. I thought that respiratory management was always managed between the pulmonologist and nurses, such that orders for oxygen and/or breathing apparatuses by the pulmonologist were implemented by the nursing team, and more advanced ventilation such as intubation and tracheostomies were performed by the pulmonologists.
UConn Health respiratory therapists include (from left): Eunice Albertinie, Vanessa Woodruff, and Damaris Rivera. (Photo provided by Sandy Thibodeau)
I was blown away by how much our RT does… She shared a story of when a patient came in and with her 15-plus years of experience, immediately knew that this patient needed a BIPAP. However, the resident said it was not needed yet. Rather than argue, the RT simply went to grab and set the BIPAP up, but did not place it. Finally, when the resident said BIPAP was necessary, it was all ready to go. The RT shared that had she waited for the resident’s orders for the BIPAP, there would have been a delay in care because of the time it takes to get the BIPAP from the floor and set it up. I thought this was such an incredible story to hear, because it showed me that even though doctors technically go to school for a longer period of time, we need to respect these professionals that have extensive experience in the field and have trained specifically to help patients breathe. Our RT was sharing about all of the intricacies of O2 and CO2 balance, with extensive knowledge about microbes such as pseudomonas that cause respiratory infections.
In our curriculum, we have pretty much covered all of the material surrounding respiratory infections and V/Q mismatch and gradients and things like that, and I still feel like I barely know these things – and a lot of my classmates struggle with this material as well. I just think it’s absolutely amazing how RTs know pulmonary inside and out. Like I genuinely don’t understand what pulmonologists do that RTs don’t. I know it was very condescending of me to not know how knowledgeable RTs were before, but I am fortunate to have had the experience to learn.
UConn Health respiratory therapists include (from left): Samantha Marino, Vanessa Woodruff, Marzena Mocarski, Sara Drouin, Tarjeet Bharara, Zenaida Palma, Stephanie Guitierrez, Stacy Pacheco, and Sandy Thibodeau. (Photo provided by Sandy Thibodeau)
Another take away was that RTs are super passionate, caring, hard-working health professionals. People who require respiratory therapy are extremely sick, and it requires extreme care and empathy to be able to take care of patients in such acute condition. Our RT was telling us about how much they worked during the pandemic and would not leave the floor for insane periods of time. She told us about how they all stayed over time every single day. She even talked about how she needed to buy nice sneakers because of how much they run around. And above all, despite working so much, she still was so passionate about what she does, even saying she will stay late and set extra things up because she loves seeing the relief of patients when they are finally able to breathe.
Overall, I never really thought about RTs, but I now understand they are an absolute integral part of the health care team, and a truly amazing resource. The way in which you breathe really guides how anxious/distressed you might feel, and as RTs are solely focused on making sure patients can breathe comfortably, they are truly at the center of patient care.
The Rev. Daniel D. Warriner is UConn Health’s chaplain. (Photo by Tina Encarnacion)
I wanted to take a moment to recognize the Bristol Police Department. Two officers, Sgt. Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy, died in the line of duty last week, and Officer Alec Iurato was seriously wounded. Bristol is just the next town over. This happened in our community. So this feels very close to home for me. How about for you?
With the bodies of two slain Bristol police officers at the state medical examiner’s office, members of the law enforcement community arrive on the UConn Health campus as a Farmington Fire Department ladder truck displays the American flag Oct. 14, 2022. (Photo by Suzanne Paranzino)
I have spoken with many people. I have watched news videos together on hospital units. I have heard the pain. I have heard stories of nightmares, fears, and anxiety about safety in the future. As I learn more about their deaths, I’m sickened by this senseless tragedy and the evil in the world.
However the specifics of this tragedy weighs on your heart, I would like to acknowledge the many levels the power of this loss to shake up our hospital community.
Perhaps you were here last Friday when the flag was held high across the main drive and the procession to the medical examiner’s office. Maybe you have patients who live or work in Bristol. Maybe you even come from Bristol. Maybe you know the department directly. Maybe you plan to be at Rentschler Field to pay your respects to the fallen officers.
This is a deep loss and a tragic moment. I see it. I hear it. I feel it. Not just for our staff, but our families and friends. What do you need in this moment of grief? Do you need to vent, cry, share a moment of silence together, or do you need a listening ear while you process? I am here if you want to connect to hold space for the tragedy. Perhaps that’s my way of not letting evil win. I want to intentionally make this a point of connection and support so you know you’re not feeling this alone. I’m here. It’s sad. I’m sad with you. Let’s grieve together.
Lucius Downey, a UConn IT desktop support manager, created a children’s book character based on his son, Tyler. His first book, Tyler Travels New York City, is available at the UConn Health bookstore and on his website, tylerclub29.com, along with t-shirts, hats, and the Tyler doll on his left. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)
Lucius Downey is in his 10th year working for UConn Health’s Department of Information Technology, where he recently accepted a promotion to the position of desktop support manager. He had been a technical analyst for the last six years, and was a contract employee before that. He is also a children’s book author. His first published book, Tyler Travels New York City, is available at retailers, including the UConn Health Bookstore, and via tylerclub29.com and Amazon.
Downey lives in New Britain with his son, Tyler, who turns 12 Sept. 29.
Lucius Downey
Favorite movie:
“Coming to America”
Favorite actor:
Denzel Washington
Person you’d most like to meet: Tyler Perry
Favorite place to visit:
I would like to visit Hawaii or Alaska.
Something about you today your younger self would never believe:
That I would live outside of New York City
What was it like working in IT during the height of the pandemic?
During the height of the pandemic, it was very busy. The first few weeks were very challenging, but we were able to work through those challenges and resolve many issues. One of the challenges was preparing equipment for our users to work from home.
What would you say is the most misunderstood thing about the work you do?
I think technicians can make the work look easy, so some will assume it is, but we face challenges as well.
What is the most rewarding thing about your work at UConn Health?
My job is to provide desktop and hardware support to our staff. The most rewarding thing is being able to resolve technical issues for our users. I really love helping people.
You’re also a children’s book author. How did that come to be, and when did you start?
I started writing music and poetry at a very young age, but never a book. During the pandemic, I wanted to try something new and challenge myself, so I started writing children’s books. I wanted the books to be of significance to me, so I decided to write the book with my son, Tyler, as the main character.
I took a picture of him when he was three years old, and I handed it off to a friend of mine who’s an illustrator. His name is LaMont Russ. From that picture, we created the character, and from there we created the story. We also have a small cartoon on YouTube. Tyler’s 11 years old now. He’s into sports, he loves pizza, he loves riding bikes, and he loves reading as well. So that was the inspiration behind this entire project. We would like to have not only books for students, but also an app. At some point, we will finish up the app and then we’ll move on to other subjects for school, but right now we’re focusing on reading.
How many have you written/published? What can you tell us about your body of work as an author?
Currently, I have about seven books finished and waiting to be published. Tyler Travels New York City is the first book I’ve published that is part of the TYLERCLUB29 traveling series. Tyler will travel to a different location in every book. He just so happens to go to New York City in the first book because that’s where I was born and raised. In addition to the travel series, I also have other books I’ve written which I plan to publish as well. The next book to be released is Tyler It’s Time. In that particular book, it’s time for something — time for practice, time for school — and that particular series will rhyme.
The Rev. Daniel D. Warriner is UConn Health’s chaplain. (Photo by Tina Encarnacion)
Is there any way to recap these past two years? It’s hard to say. Yet, moments like this are necessary because acknowledging this benchmark is important.
Remember when we were just supposed to wait two weeks and everything would be alright? But then two years passed. Many got sick. Some recovered. Some died. Our patient care routines changed. Our lives changed.
COVID has impacted my entire life — all of it — mind, body, and spirit. COVID brought loss. My reaction to the losses from COVID brought grief. So it makes sense that I’m still grieving. I talk about grief a lot because it is all around us. How about you? As we emerge from pandemic life, could I encourage you to spend some time considering how COVID has affected you — mentally, emotionally, socially, physically, spiritually.
Your grief is necessary. However, if I’m honest with myself, tackling grief is often the last thing I want to be doing. It’s hard to make space to really sit with a loss. But even when it doesn’t feel productive and I’d rather not deal with it, going through the grief process is an absolutely necessary experience. Why? Because the reality is that you lost something and it hurts badly, and like any other injury, it needs to be addressed and tended to. If a cut gets infected when left untreated, how much more will our grieving, injured hearts cause us trouble if we don’t take intentional steps to heal after a season of loss?
Do you know what happens to grief if you do your best to ignore or hide your pain? It listens to you and goes somewhere into the depths of your heart, where it transforms. It doesn’t go away, but rather gets balled up and tends to “leak” out in the form of anger, depression, or unhealthy habits. This is worse than the grief itself.
So, how do we care for our grieving hearts? Just like any other traumatic injury, we have to acknowledge it, find ways to rest, and patiently work through the steps of healing. Depending on the moment and the stage of grief, this might look like a conversation with a friend, prayer, taking a long run, reading a good book, going on a day trip, or talking with a counselor. These are small steps on the road of healing. They don’t take away what happened but they can help to move us forward in our journey.
Grief and loss have the power to define us, but they also have the power to spark growth in us. What may start off like a small seed in you can blossom, causing you to grow in ways you hadn’t imagined before. My hope is that we can navigate this path of grief with empathy, kindness, patience, and love — both for ourselves and for one another.
Creating connections and engaging our community make up one of the cornerstones of our mission.
UConn police officers at the UConn Health campus for the Connecticut Special Olympics torch run June 2021. (Photo provided by Maggie Silver)
We understand the importance of human connection. As a police department, we try to find new and innovative ways to create new connections. We want to be part of our community and support the community in any way that leaves the community better.
Our officers know that giving back to the community is essential. Many of us do so by donating time, random acts of kindness, and helping others in need. We accomplish some of those goals by getting involved with many great organizations.
For example, we are strong supporters of the Special Olympics. This year, thanks to the hard work of Sgt. Dominic Nesci, the Law Enforcement Torch Run ran through our Farmington campus, with many officers participating, including Sgt. Nick Catania running in full uniform.
As a community outreach effort, UConn Deputy Police Chief Maggie Silver is taking part in a fundraiser for the Special Olympics by rappelling down a 31-story building at the Mohegan Sun Casino Sept. 3, 2021. Pictured here is the start of her descent in the same event in 2020. (Photo provided by Maggie Silver)
We also have conducted food drives, toy drives for DCF children, and stuff a cruiser with school supplies for inner city kids. For us, connecting with the community is a priority and hopefully we serve as a role model for others to join in helping.
It is also fun as it pushes us out of our comfort zone. Last year, I rappelled down 31 stories for “Over the Edge for Special Olympics of Connecticut” campaign. If you want to see some 2020 pictures go to my page. I also had a great group of people cheering me on and waiting for me at the bottom. I’m doing it again this year, on Sept. 3 — scary and fun but also a great way to support!
Take time to help each other. When we support each other, we succeed, we heal, we grow.
Do you have a suggested topic for the Campus Safety Corner? Email your suggestion, with “Campus Safety Corner” in the subject line, to pulse@uchc.edu.
Favorite movie:
Do you know what happens to grief if you do your best to ignore or hide your pain? It listens to you and goes somewhere into the depths of your heart, where it transforms. It doesn’t go away, but rather gets balled up and tends to “leak” out in the form of anger, depression, or unhealthy habits. This is worse than the grief itself.
