Wing Memorial Hospital recently opened a 58,000 square-foot addition, named the Country Bank Pavilion. The new addition replaces the current inpatient and ambulatory-surgery units and includes a state-of-the-art telemedicine system in the new Intensive Care Unit.

The Country Bank Pavilion provides more private and semi-private rooms on the inpatient unit and a new entry and registration area has been added.

Heralded by local politicians and officials, the project was made possible with many small and large donations including $750,000 from Country Bank.

"Quality improvements in our healthcare delivery system is a sound investment in our community," said Paul Scully, President of Country Bank.

Country Bank, along with its employees, raised more than $25,000 through participation in the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life at Belchertown High School recently.

Along with a walking team during this 12-hour event, Country Bank was the top corporate fundraising team as well as the winner of the Best Creative Campsite Award.

In preparation for the event, Bank employees also raised money through various organized activities to help increase their contribution.

“Country Bank has been major sponsor for a number of years,” said Paul Scully, President of Country Bank. "This is an important yearly event in the lives of many Country Bank employees. I am very proud of those who volunteer their own time to raise money for such a good cause."

For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (413) 734-6000.

Country Bank recently contributed $25,000 to the Friends of the Ware Seniors for construction of their new Senior Center located at 1 Robbins Road.

Claire Bothwell, President of The Friends of the Ware Seniors, explained that over $150,000 in funding came directly from private contributions with the remaining funding provided by the Town of Ware Taxpayers. “The $25,000 donation from Country Bank will be used to purchase additional equipment and furniture for the center. We are extremely grateful for their contribution and generosity. They have always been a great community partner”, said Mrs. Bothwell.

Paul Orszulak who also serves on the committee and instrumental in their fund raising efforts explained “It took several years of hard work on the part of many dedicated volunteers to get the job done, but we now have a beautiful new center that can be enjoyed by all. The new Senior Center is going to provide much needed services to the residents of Ware and a comfortable and welcoming gathering spot for socialization, meals, and services for our community”, he explained.

Paul Scully, President of Country Bank said “This new center is a great investment in our community. We are excited to help provide what our seniors of today and tomorrow deserve; a great modern facility, in a convenient location and state of the art services. Services such as the new health screening room will provide huge benefits to all area residents.

The space occupies over 8,500 square feet, and features a modern kitchen area, dining area with seating for over 100, a health screening room, library, arts & crafts area, recreation room, conference room and administrative offices. The public is welcome to visit the facility, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Country Bank has awarded $80,000 in academic scholarships to 2008 graduates from 16 area high schools.

Recipients of the $5,000 scholarships were selected by their schools. They are: Lindsey Howlett, Ware High School, Amanda Sylvester, Palmer High School, Dianne Gilligan, Pathfinder Regional Vocational-Technical High School, Nicholas Petrisis, Monson High School, Catherine Christakis, Quabbin Regional High School and Brett Millier, Quaboag Regional High School.

Also, Soren Savoie, Minnechaug Regional High School, Sylvia Forrest, Belchertown High School, Danielle Cleveland, North Brookfield High School, Alyssa Mulhern, Tantasqua Regional High School, Kathleen Dempsey, Leicester High School, Adam Peloquin, David Prouty High School, Matthew Pina, Ludlow High School, Kathleen Walsh, Shepherd Hill Regional High School, Daniel Cloutier, Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School and Laura Wheeler, Wachusett Regional High School.

"Country Bank’s Scholarship Program, an important part of its community service efforts for many years, is designed to help students pay for the cost of higher education. We see this as an investment in our communities and are proud of the quality of our students and we’re pleased to be able to reward their hard work and to help them cover the cost of higher education,” said Paul Scully, President.