[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17675]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWARK BETH ISRAEL ON ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SERVICE

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Beth 
Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey as staff and supporters 
celebrate 100 years of service to our community. Newark Beth Israel 
experienced its humble beginning a century ago, when a small group of 
women known as the Daughters of Israel raised $4,000 to open Beth 
Israel Hospital on the corner of Kinney and High Streets in Newark.
  The Beth quickly outgrew its original quarters and moved to its 
present location in 1928. In the ensuing decades Newark Beth Israel 
grew and changed in order to adapt to the community's needs, and was 
the site of numerous medical breakthroughs. During a Founders Day 
celebration which officially marked the 100th anniversary of the 
signing of the hospital's original charter, employees and physicians 
were joined by Paul A. Mertz, Executive Director; Robert Marks, 
Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Lester M. Bornstein, former 
President of The Beth in signing replicas of the original charter. 
Victor Parsonnet, M.D., signed a replica of the original charter next 
to the name of his grandfather, Victor Parsonnet, M.D. Dr. Parsonnet's 
two grandfathers (the other is Max Danzis, M.D. were among the founders 
of Newark Beth Israel Hospital in 1901. Lester Bornstein, former 
President of Newark Beth Israel who served the medical center for 36 
years, also signed the charter. The charter is being displayed in the 
lobby during the Centennial events.
  Throughout this year, there will be numerous events scheduled to 
celebrate the Centennial, including monthly historical displays; a 
parade in conjunction with the center's Annual Fall Health Fair; a 
commemorative quilt with the theme ``A Century of Caring''; in-hospital 
theme days, held once a month to celebrate each decade of the 20th 
century; group outings and contests for employees and physicians; and 
an Alumni Day to welcome back retired and former employees of the 
Medical Center. The Centennial celebration will also include several 
major events: Visionaries in Medicine Science: A Series of Symposia 
Celebrating the Centennial of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 
presenting on the topics ``Healthcare and Cultural Diversity,'' 
``Cardiovascular Disorders,'' ``Dentistry,'' ``Pediatrics,'' 
``Nursing,'' ``Renal Medicine'' and ``Genetics and Molecular Biology.''
  Mr. Speaker, in celebration of the important role that The Beth has 
played in our community throughout the decades, there will be a 
Centennial Gala at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Saturday, 
October 6, 2001. Let us join in offering our congratulations and best 
wishes for continued success to the entire Newark Beth Israel 
community--the medical and nursing staffs, the ancillary services and 
administration, the Auxiliary and of course, the many dedicated 
volunteers who give so generously of their time and talent.

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