Multitasker Manages Many Haddam Duties with Sensitivity

When you read the brochure that outlines the responsibilities of the public health coordinator, you have to wonder how one person can do it all in the 30-hour per week job.

Those responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the Emergency Food Bank, monthly blood pressure screenings at the senior center, the Meals on Wheels program for homebound individuals and the fuel bank.

Candace Casale, RN, BSN, who holds that post has an explanation. “My job never stops but I love what I do.” 

So it is no wonder that the Haddam Lions Club nominated Casale as their Humanitarian of the Year. On Jan 8, Casale joined 40 other honorees who won awards from other clubs at a dinner in Groton.

 Mary Krogh, chairperson of the Lions Club International Foundation Humanitarian Award, explained the award system.

“Each club submits one non-Lion person that either lives or works in their home community. The awards are decided by counties and there are four counties in our district. No one knows the semi-finalist or finalist until the banquet.”

Dr. Joe Zaienty is President of Haddam Public Health and has known Casale for many years.  “I help her out whenever I can. Every Friday we stop by and see what problems she might have. She's a very hard-working lady. Candy is very intense and very diligent. She has to deal with a lot of different people. Most of the people are in need. She tries tactfully to make them as happy as she can. Candy has a very good heart.”

Describing the difficulties she deals with, Casale says, “Some people are just barely holding on. Whatever services they need, I try to help. If they need a job I will help.  I have been in this job 23 years and everyone needs more today. Some people make too much for food stamps and if you're getting food stamps they don't go far enough. People need the basics, like toilet paper and soap, not covered by food stamps but I have wonderful people who donate things.”

“If I have a senior with any needs I call Candy," Senior Center Director Fran Oktavec said of Casale. "Candy explains everything so seniors can understand. She's very dedicated and she likes her job. Whatever services somebody needs she tries to find for them.”

Just being available to the people who need her is one of Casale key assets, her colleagues say.

“When people call she knows where they can get the help they need. Candy is very knowledgeable. Her nursing background helps a lot. She is also a very caring person. The people who come here love her. She’s a great boss, too,” said Maria Fanelli, who assists Casale two mornings a week.

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