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Time capsule opened at healthcare center

WARREN — When Community Skilled Healthcare was started in 1979, a time capsule was buried on the property.

Staff and residents gathered recently for the opening of the 40-year-old time capsule, but received a surprise when the time capsule they opened was the one buried in 1986 when an addition was constructed on the building.

Dr. Joseph Cavalier, who was the medical director at the center when it opened in 1979 and was one of the founding officers, and both former and current staff, were on hand to look at the many items inside the 1986 capsule.

Many photographs of residents and employees, lists of names of employees, an August 1986 Tribune Chronicle, coins, census statistics, and other items were displayed for viewing at the center’s activity room.

Cavalier said he was impressed how the items were in good condition since they were more than 30 years old.

Kathleen Coburn, business development / marketing director, said they will display the items at a planned open house celebration for the public 3 to 5 p.m. May 17 that will include tours.

The event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the health care center.

She said while they are glad they found the 1986 time capsule from when the building had a major expansion, they will look for the 1979 time capsule that was buried when the center opened.

The original 100-bed skilled nursing home at 1320 Mahoning Ave NW, was converted from a 46-bed hospital. The $1.5 million project was started in late summer 1978.

The center sits at the corner of Mahoning Avenue and North Street, which was the site of the former Packard home constructed about 45 years ago by W.D. Packard.

When it opened, the center was licensed as a skilled nursing and intermediate care facility treating both bedfast and ambulatory patients. Recreational areas and lounges were included as were activity areas and gardens.

An agreement was made to have a local physician serve as a medical director.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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