The last time I delivered the paper in South Amboy was October 15th. I was pleasantly surprised by the display of scarecrows on Broadway near City Hall and the Train Station.South Amboy had an ArtFest, and the Dowdell Library had a table where children could create scarecrows, but I didn’t expect such masterpieces. Congratulations to all involved and everyone should be very proud of their accomplishments. (see p.6.)
We recently covered the groundbreaking for a new Emergency Room that will be built at Hackensack Meridian Hospital Old Bridge Division. Here are the some of the most important things that were said at the presentation:
One particular sentence spoke to us personally: in the new emergency room, each patient would have their own private room – and not just be separated by a curtain from other patients, but by a wall. I can’t remember all the times I was a patient in the emergency room and I overheard conversations between emergency personnel and the person they were treating and anyone else who came in with that person. It’s nobody’s business to hear what is being said except for the people involved.
Another feature will be a flat screen on the wall and each person’s photo and title (e.g. Doctor, Nurse, X-Ray Technician, etc.) who is involved with the treatment of the patient will be on the screen. Along with that will be information regarding any tests and if the results are available.
Because of the expanding population, more patients who would otherwise be transported to Robert Wood, would be able to be treated more quickly right in Old Bridge.
It was a collaborate effort and one of the strongest voices was from the community, for they are the ones who will be served. Congratulations to all who were involved to make this possible.
One of our favorite holidays just passed by – Halloween. Although rain threatened, the weather held up and the temperature was warm.
I was pleasantly surprised that day when I arrived at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank for an appointment. As soon as I walked through the revolving doors, there were children and some adults dressed up in Halloween costumes. There is a daycare center close by where a lot of the hospital personnel’s children attend. The children were in the lobby to get their Halloween treats from the receptionists. Some of the hospital personnel were dressed up. This was a great way to start my day and it brought a big smile to my face.
As I was walking to the Red Bank Train Station, at about 11:50 a.m. there was another surprise. There were a bunch of kids all dressed up in their Halloween Costumes being crossed across the street by a crossing guard. Also, I ran into some adults who were dressed up in costumes. As I was on the train, looking at the colorful trees through the window, I was lost in thought looking at how beautiful the scenery was. It wasn’t until I was almost ready to get off the train when I spotted a small dog (in a ladybug costume) sitting quietly across from its owner. Unfortunately, I had my phone turned off and I couldn’t snap a photo of him before I got off the train. A couple of hours later, I went shopping in downtown Perth Amboy where there were a ton of Trick ‘or Treaters. I have to admit some of the adults that were dressed in costume with or with out the children were just as adorable as the kids. When I was in line in one of the stores to pay for my purchases, two kids came into the store and loudly asked, “Where’s the candy?” After they received their treats, they shouted just as loudly, “Thank you!” The way they did it was hysterical to me.
If I can begin and end the day with a smile on my face in the same way, it is a good day. I hope to have many more. C.M.
