After five years, planning is underway for the second reunion of former and tenured employees of Greenbrier Valley Hospital/Greenbrier Valley Medical Center (now CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center or GVMC). A committee of former employees is working hard on making this a fun and memorable occasion, which will be held on Sept. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the WV Army National Guard Armory Training Center in Maxwelton, located on Industrial Drive by the Greenbrier Valley Airport.
Committee members are collecting and preparing displays of memorabilia and photos and a memorial table for those employees and physicians who have passed on. Along with these, there will be music, history info, door prizes, a photo booth for posing with friends and coworkers, door prizes, as well as buffet food and beverages.
Over 100 people came to the first reunion in 2018, and this one has created great interest among former and current employees. Pre-registration and payment is strongly recommended in order for adequate preparation, especially for food. Registration forms are available from any of the committee members, or by emailing a request to GVHalum@yahoo.com, or by picking up a form at GVMC from the HR office in Annex 1. Early registration (before Sept. 15) is best as fees after Sept. 15 or at the door will be higher. Donations to help cover costs are welcome.
Greenbrier Valley Hospital/GVMC has a long history in the local area, starting 116 years ago in 1907 in Ronceverte. The original building was two houses joined by a breezeway and named Greenbrier General Hospital. In 1925, Greenbrier General moved to a more modern 40-bed brick building on Greenbrier Avenue in Ronceverte, named Greenbrier Valley Hospital (which older employees still refer to the as “the old hospital”). In 1974, almost 50 years later, GVH moved uphill to its present location on Maplewood Avenue and expanding to 122 beds. Over those years, thousands of people have worked here, with many still living in the area served by the facility.
Committee members are Carla Higginbotham, Barbara Walker, Alma Lewis, Phyllis Hunter, Debby Holliday, Dina Schoolcraft, Fran O’Brien, Detra Ridgeway, Lee Scruggs, Debbie Forren, Sharon Meadows and hospital liaison Bobbi Lockard. Each of the committee welcomes inquiries and are hoping for a good turnout on Sept. 30.