DECEMBER 2019
HERE COME THE HOLIDAYS! “Hey Dad, what do you want for Christmas?” asked Blake. We had some ‘boy time’ in the car after I picked him up from an after-school activity. I smiled to myself. My nine-year-old son had just presented a perfect teaching moment.
for Christmas, I would like to plan some activities and adventures! What I want most is to experience life – to spend precious time – together.”
We drove by my Dad’s now abandoned corner auto repair shop, and I told him, “Grampa spent 47 years there to support his family and send his five boys to college.” A few blocks away, the husk of my former high school now sports broken windows and graffiti; it was shut down long ago. The neighborhood that I remembered doesn’t exist anymore.
As we approach the holidays, I am extremely fortunate and grateful to my “PTSMC family.” I hope you all are surrounded by friends, family and those you love. I hope your home is warm and your fridge full. Most of all, I hope the precious moments you share create memories to last a lifetime!
IN THIS ISSUE Clinician’s Corner by Liz Saunders Neurological Changes in Response to ACL Injuries
2020 Courses Blake’s response made me proud. He word-for-word said, “That would be great Dad, I really like your Over the last few years, I’ve talked to Blake about being approach!” We talked about going fishing or on a boys’ Techy Tips by Dave Lawrence privileged and about how fortunate he is to live the life overnight trip. Good stuff, I thought. He was catching on! HR Buzz he does. We’ve discussed the concept of gratitude, and Holiday Schedule I’ve tried to teach him to be grateful for all that he When we got back home to West Hartford, he scrambled December 401(k) and HSA Limits are Increasing has…even if he’s not having a particularly good day. into the house and began rummaging through the junk D4D and Goals and Objectives Time is Here I’ve driven him by the tiny house in New Britain that I drawer. After a couple minutes, he raised his hand in Update Your Address with HR grew up in, pointing out, “Blake, all seven of us – me triumph, holding a bright orange highlighter. I asked and your uncles, Nana and Grampa – all lived here. We him, “What do you need that for?” Wellness Program had bunk beds and shared one bathroom.” #GetMoving Holiday Edition “Well Dad, all the Christmas catalogs are here! If you and Lifebeat - Holiday Cheer “Cool Dad!” I are doing adventures, I need to circle a bunch of toys for FLAG - Get Your Health Back on Track my list for Santa!” He’s nine, I reminded myself; there’s I don’t know if my point was getting across. still time to teach and learn.
“Looks like a rough neighborhood Dad.” Getting back to his question, I responded, “Blake, we are fortunate not to need anything. We have love, great friends and family, a warm house and food in the refrigerator. We have more than enough stuff. Blake,
Happy Holidays! Alan
PTSMC’s 20th Anniversary Logo Contest!
Thanksgiving food drives have been going strong, and December Holiday food drives are kicking off! From patients and employees, to family and friends, the giving energy is truly inspiring. Be sure to check in with your chosen local food bank, and find out the best day to drop off the food.
PTSMC needs a 20th Anniversary logo! Who better to ask to design it than YOU, our employees who are creative thinkers, artists and innovators. We want to tap into that energy by asking you to help us design a 20th anniversary logo that will represent PTSMC for the entire year. Here are the details:
Reminder to get a final count of items before making the drop off, and send that number to mallory.mason@ptsmc.com
• The logo design must use the “Running Man” and the font “Copperplate” • It must incorporate the theme “20th anniversary” or “20 years” in some way • Submit sketches, drawings, or graphic designs – we will use the winning
Pictures of your bins, donations, raffle winners, especially the delivery, can be sent to Emily.fillion@ptsmc.com
submission to create an official digital logo file
• Email all submissions to 2020@ptsmc.com – either photos of your artwork or
digital files by December 20th • The winning designer will receivea $500 Visa Gift Card
Thank you to all who have given back so far, and many thanks in advance to those just getting started!