Arlington’s Cascade Valley Hospital gets ready to grow

Published 10:38 pm Tuesday, May 27, 2008

ARLINGTON — Construction begins this week on the $45 million expansion project at Cascade Valley Hospital.

To celebrate, the hospital has planned a groundbreaking ceremony and community barbecue for Saturday afternoon at the hospital, 330 S. Stillaguamish Ave., Arlington.

The ceremony begins at noon, with shovels wielded by current and former hospital district commissioners and others. Among the group will be Ray McClure, who is being honored for his efforts to make the expansion possible.

McClure, 78, served on the hospital’s board of commissioners for 20 years. After resigning in 2006, he served as a chairman of the campaign for the bond issue to fund the expansion.

McClure, a lifelong Arlington resident, retired after 39 years with Twin City Foods, where he last served as vice president in charge of marketing. He and his wife, Merilyn, have been married 58 years.

His efforts on behalf of the hospital district show that he cares about the community, said Connie DiGregorio, longtime hospital assistant administrator.

“His heart and soul have been in being a part of ensuring that good, sound medical services are offered to our community,” DiGregorio said.

A community barbecue is set for 12:30 to 4 p.m., featuring free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, soft drinks, brownies and watermelon.

In addition, the hospital is offering free health checks for adults, including blood pressure, bone density and blood glucose checks.

Kids should bring their bicycles to the barbecue, said hospital spokeswoman Kelly Penny. In cooperation with the Arlington Fire Department, the hospital plans to offer a bike rodeo, free checks to see if bike helmets fit properly and the sale of low-cost bike helmets.

Other activities for children, such as the chance to play in a bounce house, are planned, Penny said.

“Because the hospital is so thankful to the community for its support of the expansion, we ­really want to make the afternoon a party,” Penny said. “And then look for an even grander party in 2009 as we celebrate the opening of the hospital’s new building and its 100th anniversary.”

Expansion plans include a new 40,000-square-foot, two-story building. The emergency room and patient admitting will take up most of the first floor. Respiratory therapy, oncology, a laboratory, a chapel and a cafe will be housed on the second floor.

Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com