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J.K. Adams Donates 1,000 Infection Prevention Shields to SVMC

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SVHC President and CEO Thomas A. Dee, FACHE and SVMC Director of Materials Management Ron Keefer accepted a donation of 1,000 face shields from JK Adams’ Company President Daniel Isaac. Photo Provided by SVMC

BENNINGTON, Vt. — J.K. Adams’ Company President Daniel Isaac and the company’s Creative Director Sean Osborne traveled from their Dorset factory to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center to deliver a gift of 1,000 infection prevention shields manufactured at the factory.

Through rigorous testing, the company developed the shields and began manufacturing them shortly after the pandemic began. The production served two aims: to help provide a local supply of shields for essential workers and to give J.K. Adams’ employees a sense of purpose.

"It was an effort to get our folks back to the factory, because they really wanted to help out," Osborne explained.

It was no small effort either, Isaac shared, “How does a wood factory convert to making plastic and foam things? But we designed the shields, and we ordered different tools, because we needed completely different tools. We made some prototypes, and within two weeks we had material ordered, and it arriving.”

Face shields continue to be an important piece of personal protective equipment for healthcare employees in some circumstances. Currently, the health system uses almost 100 per month.

"This was clearly an impressive effort and a great show of community spirit from our neighbors at J.K. Adams," said SVHC’s President and CEO Thomas A. Dee, FACHE. "Our employees will appreciate their ingenuity, thoughtfulness, and generosity whenever they use one of their shields."


Tags: J.K. Adams,   SVMC,   

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Companion Corner: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him. 

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass." 

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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