Community Projects Commemorate 100th Anniversary

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TIME CAPSULE
Overlook Hospital, in an effort tied to their upcoming Centennial Celebration, is putting together a time capsule to provide a glimpse of life at the hospital as it is in 2006. They plan to preserve pieces of Overlook Hospital until the Bicentennial Celebration in the year 2106.

The capsule, which is being custom made, will not be sealed until sometime next year. “We’re still in the planning stages,” says Patricia Meola, board member of the Summit Historical Society and the Summit Historic Preservation Commission and a leader of the Time Capsule Committee. “The first few meetings [of the Time Capsule
Committee] have been brainstorming sessions to try to figure out what we should put in it.”

Since the elements of the capsule are limited by space and technology, the Committee is considering their responsibilities to Overlook Hospital, the surrounding communities and to the Historical Society, Meola says.

The capsule will include mostly written documents and some small medical devices, according to Dr. John Gregory, director of Palliative Care Program at Overlook and another leader of the Time Capsule Committee. Electronics are out, Meola says, because today’s technology may not be compatible with future devices.

During the decision-making process, the committee solicited suggestions for the elements of the capsule through notices published in in-house publications. “We ended up with a very long list,” Meola says.

The capsule may include such things as a stethoscope, X-rays, diagnostic test results, a bill for a stay at the hospital, an annual report, the Centennial Book and other written materials from the Centennial Celebration. They may also include information about clinical approaches to medical problems and hospital statistics. The hospital staff is also working to prepare some stories about daily life at the hospital. Written by employees from a cross-section of jobs, “What a Day is Like for me at Overlook Hospital,” will give future staff members a glimpse of various positions at the hospital.

FAMILY DAY
The Centennial not only commemorates the hospital’s 100 years of existence, it marks a century of a mutually beneficial relationship with the community.

On Sept. 17 there will be an afternoon event celebrating the “Overlook Family.”

“This is meant as an open invitation for everyone to come out,” Lillo says. “It will be a street fair atmosphere.”

The idea of the “Overlook Family” references the family of individuals/groups that are a part of the Overlook community. This family includes the entire medical, nursing, administrative and support staff at Overlook. It also includes the volunteers who have supported the hospital over the years. The family also encompasses those who
have used Overlook’s services, be it the emergency room, the maternity wing, or the CyberKnife.

In addition, the family includes all that may benefit from the on-going research being conducted at Overlook. The plan is to collaborate with a variety of local organizations and businesses to present fair-inspired booths, games, food and attractions. There are also plans to include medical screenings and an exhibit that highlights Overlook’s last 100 years.

Other planned activities include an ambulance tour, The Teddy Bear Clinic and other events to make it a special day of fun and learning.

CENTENNIAL GALA
On Oct. 14 approximately 1,200 Overlook supporters will gather on the rooftop of the Medical Arts Center parking garage for a memorable evening of music, creative cuisine and celebration. The Overlook Centennial Gala, chaired by Overlook Hospital Foundation Trustee and long-time Overlook supporter Janet Sherlund, will be the grand finale of the hospital’s year-long Centennial Celebration.

Mrs. Sherlund pointed out that there will be an assortment of musical performances to keep the mood festive throughout the evening.

“From the moment guests step off the elevator until the time they leave, they will be treated to a wide range of music — from rock and blues to jazz and classical,” she observed.

In addition to musical performances, the event will feature a silent auction of 100 premium items, featuring exclusive travel, spa and golf packages; jewelry from Tiffany & Co.; cashmere from Loro Piana; a $25,000 landscaping package donated by Statile & Todd; a beauty experience from Neiman Marcus; and a sumptuous dinner/cocktail party in the winning bidder’s home.

The event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will be catered by Laurence Craig Distinctive Catering of Maplewood and designed by James W. Opie III of the Emerald Garden in Millburn.

“Our Gala Steering Committee of 105 area women has been planning this event since November,” added Mrs. Sherlund. “Our town chairs are women who are active and well-known in each of their communities. They serve as ambassadors for the event by encouraging others to attend. They also act as our eyes and ears in making sure that Overlook is meeting the needs of their community,” adds Sherlund.

“This is a real opportunity for everyone with a vested interest in the health of their family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the history and achievements of our community hospital.”

The Gala Steering Committee welcomes participation from anyone interested in helping to make the Centennial Gala a success. A number of corporate sponsorship, entertainment and underwriting opportunities exist.

For tickets and information about how to become involved with the Centennial Gala, call the Overlook Hospital Foundation at 908-522-5330.

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