Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) held a variety show titled, “DKH Goes Live for 125,” at Putnam Middle School on Saturday, November 9, performed by DKH doctors, nurses, employees, and volunteers, in honor of its 125th anniversary.

After months of planning, the culmination of dance, comedy sketches, musical numbers, and localized skits came together in a jam-packed 3-hour evening of entertainment. The idea was inspired by a variety show DKH held in 2002. This year’s show was organized and produced by a planning committee, headed up by Barbara Chubbuck, critical care, hematology, oncology coordinator, Day Kimball Healthcare.

Over 350 guests in attendance were greeted by the Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital dressed in 1800 era clothing, a symbol of DKH’s humble beginnings in 1894. Once attendees made their way to their seats, the night started off with a memorable video produced by Killingly High School’s video tech department, looking back at the “hospital on the hill’s” origins and its 125 year progression.

With WINY Radio’s Gary Osbrey acting as Master of Ceremony, the crowd was treated to a two-act show featuring several comedic breaks and 18 performances by participants representing most of DKH’s departments including physical medicine and rehabilitation, intensive care, chaplains, OB/GYN, DKH at Home, laboratory, volunteer services, behavioral health, DKH executive team, and more. The performances brought an audience of peers, friends, family, and community supporters to their feet with laughter and applause.

Performers competed across three different categories – Best Solo, Best Group, and Crowd Favorite – as the audience assumed the role of the judges, voting for their favorite performances through a text to vote system.

Dr. Marc Cerrone, pediatrician and medical director of pediatrics at Day Kimball Healthcare, was elected champion of the Best Solo category with his sign language interpretation of “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” by Five for Fighting, an act he first performed in the 2002 variety show and brought back for this year’s event.

The DKH at Home “band” who performed Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” with a Jimmy Fallon & the Roots twist, took home both trophies for Best Group and Crowd Favorite. The performance included Renee Smith, executive director of DKH at Home, who shared that the song selection reflects DKH’s endurance for 125 years and commitment to retaining its services to the community.

“It was a huge success,” said Smith. “The show was an uplifting and positive experience for our employees, and I still can’t get over the amount of talent, enthusiasm, and DKH spirit that filled the auditorium.”

The grand finale of the variety show was a rousing performance by the entire cast, bringing the audience to their feet as crowd members joined the group in singing “We are Family” by Sister Sledge.

Paul Beaudoin, chief financial officer and interim chief executive officer, Day Kimball Healthcare, took the stage to reflect upon the significance of the community hospital’s long-standing history. “This year marks an important milestone for Day Kimball. We are thrilled to be here with the community this evening, celebrating 125 years of providing high-quality, compassionate care to the residents of Northeast Connecticut,” said Beaudoin.

PHOTO CAPTIONS, in order of appearance: 
(l to r): Members of Day Kimball Healthcare administration – John O’Keefe, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient services, Joseph Adiletta, interim president, Amanda Miller, chief experience officer and director of strategic planning, Paul Beaudoin, chief financial officer and interim chief executive officer, Jeff Corrigan, vice president of human resources – brought the audience to their feet with a rousing performance at the “DKH Goes Live for 125” Variety Show held Saturday, November 9 at Putnam Middle School. (Photo credit: Valentine Iamartino)

(l to r): Members of the “DKH Goes Live for 125: Variety Show planning committee – Renee Smith, executive director, Day Kimball Healthcare at Home, and Barbara Chubbuck, critical care, hematology, oncology coordinator, Day Kimball Healthcare – celebrate at the conclusion of the show. (Photo credit: Valentine Iamartino)

Dr. Marc Cerrone, pediatrician and medical director of pediatrics at Day Kimball Healthcare, was elected champion of the Best Solo category at the “DKH Goes Live for 125” Variety Show with his sign language interpretation of “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” by Five for Fighting.

The Day Kimball Healthcare at Home “band” who performed Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” with a Jimmy Fallon & the Roots twist at the “DKH Goes Live for 125” Variety Show, took home both trophies for Best Group and Crowd Favorite.

Day Kimball Healthcare’s physical medicine and rehabilitation department featuring Regina Ackart, Patti Bernier, Wendy Blackmar, April Chitwood, Tina Cunningham, Sylwester Czado, Tracey Dubee, Rachel Kaphammer, Karen LeBeau, Shraddha Sabnis, Marissa Siedzik, Agnes Sierkeviciute, and Jerome St. Sauveur, open the “DKH Goes Live for 125” Variety Show with a comical act that filled the auditorium with laughter.

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