STAFFORD – What better way for a medical center with humble beginnings to celebrate the community than with a good old-fashioned carnival?
Organizers of Southern Ocean Medical Center’s 50th anniversary festival outdid themselves with last week’s outdoor Family Fun Day. Attendees enjoyed everything from food to boardwalk-style games to face painting, bouncy houses, the tank and more.
The festivities came at no cost to those in attendance – except for the hopes that bright smiles would add to the beautiful sunny day. Almost every face lived up to the planned expectations as kids and adults alike benefited from the great moments.
A costumed walker stood at least a dozen feet above the crowd and engaged a group of children by turning one end of a jump rope. He approached some carnival dancers and brought out hula hoops to get people moving even more.
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Two young women took turns in a tank while onlookers threw balls to splash them.
Dozens of people lined up to sit for sketch artists to take home cartoons as souvenirs of the day. Children benefited from multiple shots at fun games that would otherwise cost their families a fortune to participate. They all seemed happy with the candy rewards after scoring.
Hospital personnel went to the event still wearing scrubs and face masks. The medical center’s recognition of community support over the past 50 years served as a tribute to their collaborative efforts.
Michele Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Ocean Medical Center, showed up at the anniversary carnival in casual summer attire and mingled with the rest of the attendees. Morrison was there to see others enjoying the community celebration.
Southern Ocean Medical Center has come a long way since it first opened with 56 beds and a total of just 17 staff members. Known for years as the Southern Ocean Medical Hospital, or SOCH, many thought of it as just the local community hospital.
Meanwhile, the facility’s affiliation with Hackensack Meridian Health has contributed to the medical center’s growth and reputation. The current number of beds in the hospital has increased to 176 beds, with more than 400 doctors and 1000 team members providing patient care.
In an interview ahead of the outdoor 50th anniversary celebration, Morrison shared further details about how Southern Ocean Medical intends to further recognize the facility’s golden anniversary.
“We took pictures from the last 50 years and made them into a big ‘Five Zero,'” Morrison said. “We’re putting it in our lobby and in our team members’ cafeteria so our team members can sign on the back.”
While 50 years represents a lifetime, at least one Southern Ocean Medical Center employee has been around to watch the facility grow.
“Pat Muszynski has been with us for 48 years,” Morrison said. “She is a registered nurse by training and works in our patient experience office.”
