­Denis & Ann Leary Stepping Up Again

For Hospital’s Heroes

This year New Milford Hospital is joining again with actor and producer Denis Leary of the FX Networks’ critically acclaimed series Rescue Me, and his wife, author Ann Leary, honoring employees and volunteers affiliated with service organizations in the Connecticut and New York towns of New Milford Hospital’s primary service area.

Each year the hospital considers a growing roster of nominees, community heroes who may serve as firefighters, nurses, police officers, doctors, paramedics, or others who make helping others part of their job or volunteer commitment.

Mr Leary told The Newtown Bee that every year for one reason or another, one or more of his family members is touched by either a New Milford Hospital employee, or one of the agencies or individuals who are honored as community heroes.

“This year our animals were treated by Dr Elwell,” Mr Leary said referring to Dr Paul Elwell, who helps coordinate a pet visit program at the hospital besides his daily duties with the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr Leary was first introduced to the hospital staff when his daughter was injured in an equestrian mishap.

“She was here for some time,” he said, adding that most recently his son visited the hospital for several stitches.

“I’m an old broken down hockey player, so I tend to just suck it up,” Mr Leary said. “But I was impressed when they used staples instead of stitches…I’m so behind the times.”

Mr Leary pointed out how important the hospital’s Plow to Plate initiative is in educating and trying to enhance the health of the overall community. Two local family farms are being honored among the 2007 Heroes.

“First of all, hospital food is notoriously bad no matter what hospital you’re at — but that is a simple problem to solve. Plow to Plate helps make people happier in the hospital by serving fresher, better-tasting food, and it’s helping our local family farmers out, too,” Mr Leary observed.

Winners will be honored by the Learys and a sold-out audience of supporters at the Honoring Our Heroes 2007 Awards Dinner to be held Saturday, October 27, at the Canterbury School Field House.

The 2007 honor roll includes:

Peter Anderson, MD, of Bridgewater, a family practice physician

Paul A. Elwell, DVM, of Roxbury, a veterinarian and volunteer firefighter

Nancy Lindoerfer of New Milford, the senior services counselor at the New Milford Senior Center

Mark Mankin of Kent, director of the New Milford Youth Agency

Joseph Speranzo of Kent, retired director of the New Milford area United Way

Guido Tino of Sherman, New Milford Hospital volunteer and EMT

New Milford Hospital Employee Awards are being presented to:

Floella “Flo” Toussaint of New Milford, nursing coordinator on the hospital’s evening shift

Massimo Cremonini of New Fairfield, a registered pharmacist at the hospital’s Regional Cancer Center

The Heroes Team Award is being presented to The Thrift Mart of New Milford

The Ruth and Skitch Henderson Advocate Award is going to Margaret and John Griner of New Preston. Two innovative Agricultural Awards are being given to Hipp Farm of New Milford and its operators, James Hipp and family, as well as Kimberly Farm of New Milford, operated by John Kimberly and family.

According to the hospital’s communications department, Honoring Our Heroes 2007 attracted a record-breaking 60 applications from more than 75 nominators, each detailing single moments of sacrifice or courage, as well as outstanding efforts by those who serve and help others quietly as an essential part of everyday life.