A Great Party!

Saturday, July 9 started off cloudy and grey.  By noon the rain had started and our  Stewart Memorial Hospital 60th anniversary celebration would have to be postponed until our Sunday rain date.

And what a day it was!  

Bright sunshine, gentle breeze and lots of hospital supporters made for one of the nicest events at the hospital in recent memory.  MC and hospital administrator Andrew MacDougall capably guided the official proceedings and added many funny stories of his associations with SMH.  Special guest Stewart Brookins, grandson of Dr. Stewart, brought greetings on behalf of his family and then presented the hospital with the original copy of his grandfather's 1904 McGill Medical School class picture.

Representatives from groups associated with the hospital then gave their remarks.  Ruth MacLellan, niece of Mrs. Eliza Stewart (Dr. Stewart's wife), and a long-standing SMH Auxiliary member, spoke on behalf of her fellow Auxiliary members. Heath MacLellan and Leigh Newcombe, the sons of the contractors for the original hospital, told stories about the building of the hospital.  Leigh also brought greetings from the SMH Foundation.   Thelma Phillips reflected on the role the hospital has played in the life of the community.

Dr. Madigane, Chief of Medical Staff at SMH, looked back over her 36-year career in Tyne Valley.  Paula Biggar, MLA for Tyne Valley-Linkletter, brought greetings on behalf of the Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health and Wellness, and offered her own congratulations as well.  Denis Marantz spoke on behalf of the PEI Health board.  Co-chair of the Friends of SMH, Lynden Ellis, spoke about his group and the commitment of the community to the hospital.  Darlene Bernard, Chief of Lennox Island First Nation, talked about the importance of SMH to the residents of her community.  Kelly Blanchard, Director of Nursing at SMH, told of her time at the hospital and congratulated the staff and volunteers.

After the official ceremonies, a tree was planted in front of the hospital to honour the work of all the staff and volunteers over the hospital's 60 year history.

As usual, the members of the SMH Auxiliary, with much help from community members and hospital staff, offered up some lovely refreshments: sandwiches, sweets and punch.  Judy at MJ's Bakery in Tignish created an amazing cake in the shape of SMH and it tasted every bit as good as it looked.

The summer students working at the hospital created a "Kids Zone" in the gazebo and entertained the children with face painting, games, treats and even a pinata! Madam Memoria, ensconced in a beautifully decorated tent, looked into the future and told the fortunes of those lucky enough to get an audience with her.  A display of memorabilia was also available in the board room.

We were honoured to have many former staff and volunteers with us for the afternoon, and everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to catch up with old friends.  Many remarked that they hoped we wouldn't wait another 60 years to hold a similar celebration!