The Peru Gazette

Honoring a Century of Care

Plattsburgh, NY — As part of its yearlong centennial celebration, The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) invites the North Country to a day of family fun, local history and community pride on Saturday, Aug. 15. The festivities feature a reenactment of a historic transfer of patients from Champlain Valley Hospital to the new CVPH Medical Center and a free Centennial Carnival from 11 am to 5 pm.

The day begins at 9 am with a reenactment of the 1972 event that marked the opening of the CVPH Medical Center on Beekman Street.  Starting at SUNY Plattsburgh’s Champlain Valley Hall on Rugar Street, teams will push a hospital bed along a route similar to the one traveled by hospital staff more than five decades ago, arriving at our main campus in time for the start of the Carnival.

The family-friendly event honors CVPH’s 100-year legacy of caring for the North Country while serving as a heartfelt thank-you to the community whose trust and support have helped shape the hospital’s first century of service.

“The Centennial Carnival is an opportunity to bring families, friends and neighbors together, reflect on our shared history, and celebrate the important role health care plays in keeping our community healthy and strong,” said Alice Hyde Medical Center and CVPH President Michelle LeBeau. “It’s a chance to look at how far we have come and the sometimes difficult decisions made to continue to advance health care in our community. Taking time to celebrate – even in these turbulent times – is important because it reminds us not only of what we have accomplished together, but of the commitment to our patients and each other that has guided us throughout the years.”

The Carnival will feature live entertainment, activities, local food vendors and attractions for all ages, including:

• Live Music
  • Quasimojo (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
  • Craig Hurwitz, Jay LeSage & Friends (2 to 4 p.m.)
• Presentation by New York State Senator Dan Stec (1:30 pm)
• Teddy Bear Clinic (1 to 4 pm)
• Pipsqueak the Clown
• Illusionist Wyatt Hacket
• Thera-Pet Donkeys
• Bounce houses
• Games courtesy of The Giving Shift
• Food and refreshments from:
  • The Food Dudes
  • Adirondack Food Therapy
  • Mr. Ding-A-Ling (providing free ice cream thanks to a generous donation from Centers Health Care)
  • High Peaks Brew
• 300 coupons for free single scoop cones courtesy of Stewart’s Shops.

Re-Enactment Commemorates Beginning of CVPH Medical Center
On May 15, 1972, with the merger of Champlain Valley Hospital (CVH) and Physicians Hospital finalized and the construction of CVPH Medical Center, a state-of-the-art facility on Beekman Street complete, 98 patients from CVH were transported to the new facility. It took about 6 hours to transfer 60 people by ambulance and another 38 patients via taxicab, private car, wheelchair, hospital bed and several on foot.

Watch history come to life Saturday morning as teams re-create the transport during a bed relay that begins at Champlain Valley Hall on Rugar Street through the SUNY campus onto Draper Street, crossing Broad Street and making a right onto Cornelia Street and then turning onto Beekman Street toward the CVPH Main Entrance. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to cheer on participants.

“This anniversary celebration honors the patients, families, employees, volunteers and community members who have helped shape the organization over the last century and celebrates those caring that legacy forward today,” LeBeau said. “We hope the community will enjoy the festivities and join us in celebrating 100 years of caring at 75 Beekman Street.”

Graphic and photos provided