Please join us at Pikeville Medical Center as we celebrate our 85th Anniversary and our recent distinction as the National Hospital of the Year at 2 p.m., Dec. 29, in the second-floor atrium of the May Tower.
The ceremony will be covered live by the stations of East Kentucky Broadcasting (www.ekbradio.com].
Governor Steve Beshear visited Pike County on Sunday. Casey Price was on hand and will post some photos and further information this evening. Stay safe out there, and as always, thanks for reading the Medical Leader.
This report was posted on Facebook by the office staff of Wayne T Rutherford.
PIKEVILLE – The East Kentucky Expo Center will open today, Saturday, Dec.19, as a special needs shelter.
Residents in need of special medical attention, such as oxygen or nebulizers, can call Pikeville Medical Center at 606-218-3501. PMC employees will screen all callers and recommend whether that person needs to go to the Expo Center’s special needs shelter or come to the hospital.
Those sent to the Expo Center will need to take their prescriptions with them along with blankets and pillows.
We just shot these pictures. The Nativity scene will be open tonight untill 7:00.
Join us as we celebrate the opening of our Live Nativity Scene tonight at 5 p.m. in the parking area located in front of the May Tower on PMC’s main campus. The Nativity will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 15-17 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, December 18.
Please come out and take part in one of the region’s longest running holiday traditions.
– Joshua Ball
Mike Duncan, former National Republican Committee Chairman, confirmed that a letter from President George H.W. Bush will be read at Velma Childers’ funeral.
– Joshua Ball
Velma with President George W. Bush
Pike County has lost an iconic figure.
Velma Childers, a longtime figure in the Kentucky Republican Party, died Wednesday following a car accident.
She was 79.
Once referred to as the “grande dame” of Kentucky’s Republican Party, Childers served as a Republican National Committeewoman and was close to former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara. Childers also served on the Kentucky Party’s executive committee for 23 years.
Former National Republican Committee Chairman Mike Duncan, who was in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, said he was saddened to hear of Childers’ passing.
“We had been friends since the early 1970’s and she encouraged me to be involved in national politics,” Duncan said in an email message to the Medical Leader. “Velma was a fundraiser for and personal friend of President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara. She was a loyal supporter of President George W. Bush and Laura. It is a sad day for Republicans and Democrats. Velma was a tireless advocate for our region and state. I will miss her very much.”
Velma Childers with Rudy Giuliani
Congressman Hal Rogers, in a prepared statement on Thursday, said he would miss Childers’ “advice, counsel and friendship.”
“She was an energetic civic leader always promoting the great attributes of Pikeville, Pike County and Eastern Kentucky,” he added. “She was a hard working Republican who firmly believed in conservative principles of government. She was a loyal and true friend of mine whose dedicated support I deeply appreciate.”
Visitation for Mrs. Childers will be 6 p.m. Friday at J.W. Call Funeral Home, and the funeral will be 1 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Pikeville.
President George H.W. Bush issued the following statement to the Medical Leader on the passing of Velma Childers: “I was sorry to learn of the passing of my good friend and incredibly loyal supporter, Velma Childers. Barbara and I send our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family. Velma was the best example I know of someone who knew and loved grass roots politics. She is one of the reasons I was honored to be President of the United States.”
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement upon hearing the news of Velma Childers’ passing: “Elaine and I are deeply saddened at the news of Velma’s tragic passing. Velma was a Kentucky institution and anyone who came in contact with her benefited from her loving nature, positive spirit and boundless energy. She loved Kentucky and in particular was proud to be an eastern Kentuckian who called Pikeville her home. We will miss her greatly.”
Statement on the passing of Velma Childers from former National Republican Chairman Mike Duncan: “I was shocked to learn of the passing of Velma Childers. We had been friends since the early 1970’s and she encouraged me to be involved in national politics. Velma was a fundraiser for and personal friend of President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara. She was a loyal supporter of President George W. Bush and Laura. “It is a sad day for Republicans and Democrats. Velma was a tireless advocate for our region and state. I will miss her very much.”
Here is Congressman Hal Rogers’ statement on the passing of Velma Childers: “She was an energetic civic leader always promoting the great attributes of Pikeville, Pike County and Eastern Kentucky. She was a hard working Republican who firmly believed in conservative principles of government. She was a loyal and true friend of mine whose dedicated support I deeply appreciate. I will miss her advice, counsel and friendship.”
Governor Steve Beshear issued the following statement on the passing of Velma Childers: “Our thoughts are with the family of Velma Childers during this time of grief. She was a wonderful lady, well known for her dedication and commitment to her community and its people. She touched the lives of many during her lifetime. Even though we supported different political parties, Velma always pushed for the best for Kentuckians regardless of political affiliation. She will be greatly missed.”
Former Governor Ernie Fletcher issued the following statement on the death of Velma Childers: “Velma was a dear friend. For decades she has been a positive force for the Republican Party in Kentucky and nationally as a personal friend of Presidents and First Ladies. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
We will update this post as statements are still coming in from all over the country.
Pikeville Medical Center’s parking lot will come to life this month with the spirit of the holidays.
PMC’s Live Nativity, an annual event depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, will be held on December 14-18. Free refreshments will be served during five evening and three daytime performances, which will be provided by PMC employees.
The opening ceremony will be Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. with a special performance by the Mountain Mission School Choir. In remembrance of the real reason for the season, the Christmas story will be read from Luke 2. Daytime matinees will be offered on Dec. 15-17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and evening viewings will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 18.
“I think what makes this so unique is our employees volunteer their time to participate and play the roles of characters as they tell the story of the birth of Christ,” said Melissa Coleman, director of human resources at Pikeville Medical Center.
Jesus Christ was born in a stable outside of crowded inns in the city of Bethlehem. This year, more than 60 PMC employees will volunteer to portray Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, wise men and an angel-the people who witnessed the miraculous birth-for the Nativity. Camels, donkeys and sheep will flank the scene and attendees will be served hot chocolate, apple cider, milk and cookies.
“I personally think it’s a way of giving back to the community a small portion of all they give to us all year,” said Jane Robinson, the hospital’s director of spiritual activities. “It’s just to let them know that we think about them this season and I think it gives them an understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.”
PMC’s tradition of bringing the story of the birth of Jesus to life started 16 years ago.
“Our Christian mission is the foundation of everything we do at Pikeville Medical Center,” said Walter E. May, president and chief executive officer. “This is another great way our hospital and our employees give back to our community.”
