February 1 ~ 14, 2012 the Resident 860.599.1221 www.theresident.com


residentBirthday “Adopted Mom’s” 90th Birthday Celebration!


by John Stratton I


t’s a life lesson for us all. About 90 years ago, radio stations were just taking root in America, Babe Ruth just


started hitting homers, the Black Sox Scandal was put to an uncertain rest...and a young woman was born in Norwich who was destined to become a pillar of her community, and an aunt who became an “Adopted Mother” to four sons. Helen M. Raab celebrated her 90th birth-


day on Sunday, January 22 at Mystic’s Bravo Bravo restaurant in the Whalers Inn with 50 of her close family, friends, and well-wishers. She was born January 25, 1922. Yes, it was a surprise party, but


said Richard, “because she took the four of us in when our parents died at an early age. She and her husband, Alfred, had no children but became our parents, putting us through high school and college, and becoming our role models in private and public life. “Alfred was a selectman in Montville and


on many boards and committees; she was an assistant town clerk, then executive assistant to the New London County sheriff, and then was Montville Judge of Probate for 12 years before she retired in 1968. I always call her ‘Mrs. Raab,’ a little bit of courtesy that just shows our love and respect, and that’s a nice thing to do.” Richard said that Alfred died about fi ve


the


Uncasville resident took it in stride, feeling that something was up. “We can’t go to Bravo,” she told her adopted


son, Richard Przybysz, innkeeper at the inn,“ because it’s always closed on Sunday!” But it was open for her, and her private party


of balloons and cake and special menu choices for all.


Helen was in good company. The inn and restaurant have played host with grace and


residentCoach


Coach Jim Calhoun Named Honorary Chair Of CEOs Against Cancer In New England


by John Stratton U


n iver- sity of


Connecticut Hall of Fame Head Coach Jim Calhoun is the


Honorary


Chair of the New England Chapter


of CEOs Against Cancer, the American Cancer Society announced January 9. This American Cancer Society volunteer forum of chief


executive officers represents New England-headquartered Fortune 1,000 companies and organizations with 1,000 or more employees. It works to improve the health of employ- ees, organizations, and surrounding communities by raising their awareness about how to stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.


CEO members will collaborate on a variety of issues facing professionals from diverse industries across the region. Additionally, their experience provides insights on cancer’s impact on the workforce, while improving employee health and workplace productivity, and reducing healthcare costs within organizations.


“Coach Calhoun has a phenomenal coaching success


story,” said American Cancer Society New England Division CEO Donald J. Gudaitis. “We are delighted that he has agreed to join this illustrious group of chief executives to promote innovative business practices to improve employee wellness. We know the Coach’s personal cancer experience will be a powerful motivator in our work.”


Gudaitis added that “His active involvement will be instrumental in the Society’s outreach to New England com- panies and organizations to help create a healthier workforce, which will, in turn, fortify our quest for a world with less cancer and more birthdays.” Founded in 2003 in Chicago, the American Cancer Society CEOs Against Cancer initiative has 15 chartered chapters. It has grown to include more than 220 CEOs nation- wide who help create a healthy corporate culture by regularly sharing ideas that address cancer-fighting solutions among their workforces; ensuring that employees facing cancer have access to accurate, up-to-date information to make informed decisions; developing a culture of responsibility for creating healthy lifestyles among employees and families; and encour- aging employees to join the more than three million grassroots volunteers nationwide who support people facing cancer and their families through their cancer experience. To post your comments, visit www.theresident. com/2012/02/01/JimCalhoun or follow us on Twitter @ Resident_News


A New England native, Jim Calhoun was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. Now in his 26th season as head coach at UConn and his 40th year as a collegiate head coach, Calhoun is one of only fi ve coaches in NCAA history to win


three national titles, in 1999, 2004, and most recently leading the Huskies to the 2011 NCAA National Championship. He also reached several other milestones in the notable 2010-11 campaign—the 300th Big East win of his career, his 600th win at UConn and his seventh Big East Tournament title, more than any other coach in league history.


Helen M. Raab celebrating her 90th birthday with her adopted sons, Richard, Edward and Kenneth Przybysz -Prisby.


discretion to celebrities of every sort, from ex- U.S, President Jimmy Carter, in town with an entourage of 23 to christen the Submarine, USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23); to Chef Paula Dean; to, very recently, reality-TV’s Kardashians. Richard tells the family side of the story, a


refl ection on Mrs. Raab’s “big heart,” and her compassion and commitment. His brothers are Kenneth, a former State Senator who is a lobbyist at the capitol; Edward, a CPA; and Thomas, a resident of Windsor. “We always call her our ‘adopted mother,’”


years ago, and his mom, Mrs. Raab, has contin- ued with her active live, living on her own, bak- ing pies and cakes, doing crossword puzzles... and not needing glasses. “She still gets out and goes places, and that’s


a lesson for us all,” Richard refl ects. “When you reach an older age and still have a large group of friends -- I think it says something about her, and it’s something you want to think about in your own life, too.” To post your comments, visit www.theresi- dent.com/2012/02/01/90thBirthday or follow us on Twitter @Resident_News


residentBirths Backus Hospital


McKenna-Son to Bryan and Devon (Ashcom) McKenna Jan. 13 Crum/Belin-Daughter to Todd Crum and Shareena Belin Jan. 13 Jeudy-Daughter to Pascale Jeudy Jan. 13 Perkins-Daughter to Briana Perkins Jan. 13 Michaud-Daughter to Marc, II and Anne (Norell) Michaud Jan. 14 Fulgueras/Rose-Daughter to Ross Fulgueras and Lauren Rose Jan. 14 Meikle-Daughter to Scott and Cynthia (Weaver) Meikle Jan. 15 Barros-Daughter to Emili Barros Jan. 15 Maynard-Daughter to Geoff and Amy Maynard Jan. 15 Shelton-Daughter to Jared and Kate (Cordone) Shelton Jan. 15 Dart-Son to Ashley Dart Jan. 16 James-Daughter to Joseph and Jennifer James Jan. 17 St. John-Son to William and Courtney St. John Jan. 17 Hall/Hill-Daughter to Wayne Hall and Ashley Hill Jan. 17


Westerly Hospital Thomas-Daughter to Ashley (Gordon) and David A. Thomas on Jan 12. residentTennis Tip


13


photo by Alexis Ann


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