St. Joseph's, Innovis Health hosts open house

June 15, 2009
By Liz Shaw

Hundreds of visitors filed through St. Joseph's Area Health Services and Innovis Health Park Rapids during an open house Sunday. Employees led tours throughout the facilities, allowing guests to view the new spaces and departments up close.

St. Joseph's Area Health Services and Innovis Health surgeon Dr. Brian Brattlof, and St. Joseph's Perioperative Services Manager Mary Peeters, introduced touring guests to the new, state-of-the-art operating room facilities complete with the latest technology in equipment and instrumentation. Visitors also learned a bit more about initiatives that are in place to ensure patients receive top quality care.

Blessing of the structure and crucifixes

Official services marked the near-completion of the $26 million new building and renovation project. With heads bowed, the physical structure was blessed along with crucifixes that will soon adorn hospital patient rooms. Park Rapids Chamber Ambassadors congratulated St. Joseph's and Innovis Health on a successful mission with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Chapel dedicated to memory of Sr. Margaret Smith

Perhaps one of the more poignant moments of the day came when the late Sr. Margaret Smith's next of kin revealed photographs to mark the newly dedicated Sr. Margaret Smith Chapel.

Sr. Margaret gave 62 years of service to St. Joseph's starting from the day the doors opened in 1946 until her retirement in 2008. She died April 19.

Sr. Margaret's sister, Louise Kubarek, was on hand for the unveiling along with her daughter, Patti Cooke (Sr. Margaret's niece). Other relatives received places of honor as they took in the dedication.

Special words of appreciation went out to all who helped to make the building endeavor and cooperative effort a success.

Park Rapids Chamber Ambassadors marked the open house occasion with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. On hand for the event were (front, from left): Chamber representatives Lezli Zimmerman, Sue Tomte and Andrea Frank; Laurie Albertson, Innovis Health Park Rapids Division Manager; Loretta Nilson (with scissors), Innovis Health employee representative; Sonda Tolle, St. Joseph's Area Health Services employee representative; Tom Miller, St. Joseph's Board Chairman; Ben Koppelman, St. Joseph's President/CEO; Luke Larson, representing Catholic Health Initiatives: (back) Katie Magozzi, Chamber Executive Director; Bob Bakkum, Innovis Health Fargo Senior Director/Administrative Services; Mark Schik, St. Joseph's Foundation Board Chariman; and Peter Jacobson, Innovis Health of Fargo Vice President of Regional Operations/Primary Care.

Dr. Paul Grimes, one of the first physicians to establish a clinical practice in Park Rapids, offered a few words on the history of the clinic as well as the necessity of maintaining a prosperous healthcare system in the Park Rapids service region. As always, Dr. Grimes also brought a touch of his own brand of levity to the ceremony.

unveiling of photo for Sr. Margaret Smith Chapel

Following a blessing of the building and crucifixes to be hung in patient rooms throughout St. Joseph's Area Health Services, the hospital chapel was dedicated to the late Sr. Margaret Smith for 62 years of service dedicated to the sick of Park Rapids and surrounding communities. Sr. Margaret's next of kin unveiled the photos that will mark the Sr. Margaret Smith Chapel. Looking on are (from left) St. Joseph's President/CEO Ben Koppelman, Fr. Tom Freidl, Louise Kubarek (Sr. Margaret's sister) and Patti Cooke (Sr. Margaret's niece).