Henry Mayo Celebrates 30th Anniversary

• Hospital serves up food and music for its employees in commemoration of three decades of service in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Laura Battle, the first girl born at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, on Aug. 8, 1975 — and the first baby born there, not counting two boys who may have preceded her when their mother went into labor on Interstate 5 (it's not known whether they were born at the hospital or en route) — places the star on the hospital's community tree on Tuesday, Nov. 29. (Photo: Will Davison/The Signal)

By Adam Clark
Signal Staff Writer

Thursday, December 1, 2005

H

enry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital celebrated its 30th anniversary Wednesday, and the organization used the opportunity to honor its staff with food and music.
    "It's an opportunity for us to say thank you to the employees who work here every day and also recognize the history of this hospital in the community," said Roger Seaver, president and CEO of the hospital.
    An In-N-Out trailer parked outside one of the buildings served up fresh burgers to dozens of nurses, doctors and technicians during the three-hour celebration.
    In addition to the food, there was music, giveaways and a handful of directors dressed up as clowns.
    "We really tried to make it a fun, festive event," said hospital spokeswoman Bhavna Mistry. "It's our way of saying thanks."
    A number of employees have worked at the hospital for its entire 30-year existence, such as Marlene Reiter, who has spent the last three decades as a registered nurse working with newborns.
    "It's funny, because a lot of the babies from years ago are now having their own babies here," she said. "I have enjoyed it."
    Reiter said she has stayed in the area primarily because her family was in the area, though she said the hospital has changed quite a bit since its inception.
    "It used to be really small," she said. "It's been fun to watch it grow."
    Daniele Washburn also has watched a lot of years go by at Henry Mayo.
    "I started working here soon after I came to this country from France," she said. "While working here I was able to get my bachelor's and master's degrees from (California State University, Northridge).
    "I have always enjoyed the challenge. I love taking care of patients."
    In the end, the celebration proved to be a nice thank you to those who make the hospital what it is, said Josh Sheridan, a registered nurse.
    It was a pleasant surprise, he said. "This hospital is and will remain a cornerstone in our community. And it doesn't look a day over 29."

---

©2005, THE SIGNAL · USED BY PERMISSION · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

---