Finkelstein retires from Hughes Health

PORTLAND — Hughes Health & Rehabilitation announced the retirement of its Vice President and Administrator, Mark Finkelstein of Portland.

“For more than 46 years I’ve dedicated my professional career to the health care field, and for the last 12 years I’ve had the honor of serving as Administrator of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation,” Finkelstein said in a statement. “During that time, I have had the privilege of working with an outstanding team of dedicated skilled nurses and staff. I wouldn’t trade my time at Hughes for anything as I’ve come to love the people and processes that have made this place a trusted, warm and caring health care center for people and generations of families in the greater West Hartford area.”

Lina Dureza will replace Finkelstein as administrator. Dureza previously served as Hughes’ Director of Nursing. In addition, Hughes appointed Amy Peruti as its Director of Nursing. Peruti previously served as Hughes’ Nursing Supervisor.

Finkelstein, 71, came to Hughes in 2006. “Under his leadership, the 170-bed, West Hartford facility has been accredited for its nursing care center by The Joint Commission; honored as a ‘Best Nursing Home in America’ for seven consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report; selected as one of ‘America’s Best for Extended Care’ for four consecutive years by the Women’s Choice Awards; acknowledged as one of ‘America’s Top Nursing Homes’ for seven consecutive years by the Consumer’s Research Council; and was a recipient of the 2016 Hartford Business Journal Connecticut Family Business Award. Also in 2016, Hughes was just one of three providers nationwide to receive the coveted 2016 Gold Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living,” according to the statement.

Finkelstein has served as an adjunct faculty member of Quinnipiac University, where he taught Organization and Management of Long Term Care Facilities. He has guest-lectured at Harvard Business School and Yale Law School, presented at conferences and seminars, and appeared on radio and TV programs representing the post-acute and long-term care administration profession. Finkelstein has received the Ross Laboratories Distinguished Service Award for service and leadership to members of the American College of Health Care Administrators. He also received ACHCA’s Top Skilled Nursing Facility Administrator award three times in four years. He has been awarded the Distinguished Administrator Award from the American College of Health Care Administrators and has received four awards from the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut for contributions to professionalizing administration and improving quality of patient care; providing reliable and unbiased assessments of health care issues; for meritorious service; and for many years of distinguished service.

EAST HAMPTON — The Chatham Historical Society will host its 23rd annual Antique Appraisal Day, Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the East Hampton Library Community Room, 105 Main Street.

There will be four appraisers on site: Bill Barrows of Thomas Barrows and Sons, Ltd. of Portland, Larry Shapiro of Glastonbury Appraisals, and Michael Westman and Justine DeMetrick of Newport, R.I.

Verbal appraisals will be given on furniture, glassware, china, artwork, musical instruments, military pieces, dolls, jewelry, quilts as well as European, Asian, and Island items and more.

The cost is $6 per item, supporting the fundraiser for the continual upkeep of the society’s two museum buildings and 1840 one-room schoolhouse on Bevin Boulevard.

Light refreshments of coffee, tea, cookies, fruit, and assorted desserts can also be purchased. For more information, call 860 2678953.

Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial and House of Heroes CT will host Rolling on the River Chili Cook-Off, Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Harbor Park, Middletown. It is an International Chili Society sanctioned (ICS) event. Learn more at https://www.chilicookoff.com.

Chili and salsa contestants wanted, and it provides an opportunity to showcase a business or organization and win prizes. Event sponsors, vendors and volunteers are needed.

Monetary awards will be given for all chili/salsa category winners. Start up a friendly chili rivalry — restaurants, clubs, businesses, municipal departments, civic/ veteran organizations.

Register to compete as a chili/ salsa chef and bring on the heat! The event will benefit Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial (www.cttreesofhonor.com), House of Heroes Connecticut (www.hohct.org) and Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown. Guests can enjoy chili and salsa sampling, food trucks, vendors, demonstrations, fashion show, kids activities, DJ and more. The event will be held rain or shine.

Details and chili cook contestant and sponsor registration information can be found online at www.rollingontheriverchili.com

Contacts: Sue Martucci — 860841-4287; sue@cttreesofhonor.com and Paul Hoar — 203-247-4723; paul@houseofheroesct.org

DURHAM — The Coginchaug Scholarship Committee has announced the date for their Community Scholarship Social (formerly Scholarship Ball) for Saturday, March 24, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn in Wallingford.

The event will be from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. and include dancing, 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction. The cost is $60 per person, which includes light dinner, open bar, and dessert. Proceeds benefit this year’s graduating Coginchaug seniors and future graduates. Every senior who applies for a scholarship and is going on to secondary education receives a scholarship.

Tickets may be purchased online at https://squareup.com/store/ coginchaug-scholarship-committee/ or by sending a send a check to Michelle Niedmann, 29 Linmar Drive, Durham, CT 06422. Tables are available for 8 or 10. Please send any seating requests to Sheryl Slight at slightes@sbcglobal.net.

For information, text or call 860-955-0532 or email crhsscholarshipfund@gmail.com. The committee is volunteer-run and is always looking for members; email for information.