My dad was a member of the Melha Shrine, so I’ve know about Shriner’s Children’s New England- formerly known as Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children - in Springfield all my life. My dad became a Shriner because his younger brother was treated there for polio in the 1930s, and he wanted to give back to the place that helped his family.
That isn’t the only family connection I now have with Shriners. The daughter of one of my husband’s cousins was recently treated there for scoliosis.
I imagine that among the readers of Prime, there are others who have similar stories about the impact of Shriners on friends and family.
All toll, there are countless children in the greater Springfield area - and around the world - who have benefited from the world-class orthopedic care that facility has always offered.
The world of medicine is changing, and Shriners is changing with it, moving from an in-patient hospital to an outpatient and clinic facility at the beginning of this year. Shepherding that kind of change, and harnessing the expertise of both the local Shriners and Shriners Boston- which specializes in treating burns as well as orthopedic injuries - to provide the best in care in both facilities takes a special person.
Prime was lucky to interview that person, Dr. Frances Marthone., the new administrator of Shriners New England. Read the story of the woman who says she was called to be a nurse and care for people “from the womb” in our feature story this month.
If you’re over 50 and looking for work- or know someone who fits that description - check out this month’s Tech column for information on how to enroll in the 50+Jobseekers online program. The twice-monthly seminars- conducted online over Zoom on the first and third Wednesday of the month in the morning and the second and fourth Wednesday in the evening - are designed to help older jobseekers prepare to navigate the modern world of a job search.
This month’s columnists explore estate planning for blended families in Prime’s Finance column, and what alternative medicine offers to help keep your heart healthy in Prime’s Health column. Three Big Questions offers tips on staying fit when its cold, rainy or there’s a new virus going around and you’re leery to head out to the gym or exercise class.
Win tickets to this year’s Big Broadcast!
The coronavirus pandemic sidelined the production of Mount Holyoke College’s beloved Big Broadcast - the live recreation of a 1940s radio show- for the past two years, but the show is back and Prime has tickets to give away! See the ad on page 15 to enter for your chance to win.
As always, thanks for reading and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!
Debbie Gardner
