A hospital for the people of Barry County came from a $20,000 bequest by Barry Township farmers Eben and Elvira Pennock in 1913. With more contributions from community businesses and individuals, the new Pennock Hospital opened in 1923.
The couple could not have foreseen what their gift to the community would evolve into through the years; an acute care hospital recognized in a plaque presented to the health service by State of Michigan officials on its 95th anniversary.
A paragraph in the plaque said since its inception, the hospital has become “a vital element in helping Michigan grow and adapt to needs in health care and all aspects of life in Barry County…it has sustained itself through dedication and innovation.”
The plaque was signed by Governor Rick Snyder, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, 87th District State Rep. Julie Calley and 19th Senate District Senator Mike Nofs.
In celebration of its 95th year, the community was invited to the hospital Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for free fresh vegetables and lunch off the grill, complete with ice cream. Also offered was a chance to learn more about the Health & Wellness Center, the deVinci system of robotic surgery, 3D mammography, innovative Parkinson’s treatment, tours of the Betty Ford Breast Care Services bus and much more.
WBCH conducted a live remote from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with Dave McIntyre chatting with the Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital President Sheryl Lewis Blake and hospital employees highlighting the services they provide.
Photos, from top: David McIntyre, the “Voice of WBCH” interviews Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital President Sheryl Lewis Blake at the hospital’s 95th anniversary celebration.
The Raffler family from Woodland enjoy a free dinner from the grill at the hospital’s 95th anniversary celebration. Hollie Raffler (center) works in the hospital’s birthing center.
Sandra Parnell, front, and Liz Fischer hand out free fresh vegetables from the YMCA veggie van. Parnell is manager of lab services and Fischer a financial analyst at the hospital.
Kids line up for free vegetables at the Spectrum Health Pennock celebration Thursday. Tomatoes, lettuce, sweet potatoes and apples were given away in a purple Spectrum Health cloth tote.
A plaque recognizing the value of Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital to the community is presented to hospital President Sheryl Lewis Blake (right) by 87th District State Rep. Julie Calley.
Lunch off the grill, along with Moo-Ville ice cream, is served by hospital volunteers (front) Sue Mejeui, from nutritional services and Cindy Bigler, nurse practioneer.
Tours of the Betty Ford Breast Care Services waits for more visitors at the anniversary celebration at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital Thursday.
