VETERANS HOME MARKS HOLIDAY WITH GROUNDBREAKING
New Outdoor Pavilion Being Built with Private Funding
| Status | For Immediate Release | Contact | Christopher Portante |
| Release Date | Wednesday, 11 November 2009 | Phone | (302) 739-4111 |
Milford - The Friends of the Delaware Veterans Home, a nonprofit organization formed to support the mission of the state's only Veterans Home, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new pavilion that will be built on the property of the two-year-old long-term care facility. The pavilion, which will be available to residents for special events, meeting with family and friends, or for quiet reflection, will include an area where residents and their guests can fish in a well-stocked pond.
"In a few months' time, this area will be abuzz with activity. Residents, their families, and friends will have a beautiful outdoor space for recreation and relaxation," said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock, who also serves as Chair of the Friends of the Delaware Veterans Home organization. "For those residents who don't often venture beyond the Veterans Home's driveway, this pavilion will give them a place to spend time that is outside the walls of the Home itself, but only a stone's throw away."
Since his appointment as Secretary of State in January, Secretary Bullock has not only taken special interest in ensuring high quality medical care at the Veterans Home, but also in ensuring a high standard for the residents' quality of life.
Among the speakers at the event was Mr. Bobby Massey, a resident of the Veterans Home who also serves as the President of the Residents' Council. Speaking on behalf of his fellow Veterans Home residents, Mr. Massey thanked all those who, through their generosity, have made the pavilion project possible.
Generous funding for the pavilion was provided by the Longwood Foundation, the Welfare Foundation, the Crestlea Foundation, the Marmot Foundation, and the Crystal Foundation. In addition, the Friends of the Delaware Veterans Home received large donations from private individuals and veterans' service organizations.
Today's event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Senator Tom Carper and Senator Ted Kaufman from Delaware 's federal delegation. State officials in attendance included Attorney General Joseph R. "Beau" Biden, III, Senator George Bunting, Senator Colin Bonini, Representative Bob Walls, and Representative Earl Jaques. In addition, the mayor of Milford and a number of other prominent guests, including members of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and other representatives of some of the state's largest veterans' service organizations, gathered for the event.
"Today is a great day to take one step forward in our obligation to provide the best possible quality of life for our veterans," said Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-Del.). "The pavilion will provide hours and hours of serenity and comfort for those who, in many cases, went through hell to assure the comfort and safety of all Americans."
The architects for the pavilion project are Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects PC, who presented renderings of the pavilion for attendees to view. The construction is being performed by Bancroft Construction Company, which had hard hats on hand for today's event. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for spring 2010.
Images:
Above right: Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock and Members of the Friends of the Delaware Veterans Home: Robert Roobinson, Gen. (Ret.) Kenneth Madden, Gen. (Ret.) Frank Ianni, Paul Lardizzone (Chairman of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs), Gen. (Ret.) Arthur Episcopo and William Holloway
Above left: Deputy Secretary of State James Collins holds the microphone while Delaware Veterans Home resident Bobby Massey addresses the attendees.
Above: Artist's rendering of pavilion from the pond (left) and from the pavilion (right).
