Patient First‘s commitment to the community goes beyond providing convenient, cost-effective health care. Patient First also supports numerous organizations that make a positive impact in our local neighborhoods and across the mid-Atlantic.
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This year marked our second year of participation in Bethlehem's Christkindlmarkt, and once again it did not disappoint. We were there for Opening Weekend for a full day of fun from morning until evening, and although temperatures didn't rise above mid 20-degrees during the day, it was well worth every hour we were on site. We had a blast and although it was chilly outside, our enthusiasm and the crowd's enthusiasm never chilled. The event runs weekends through December 18, 2022.
We enjoyed a fantastic outdoor location near huge tents that showcased traditional artisans and vendors, food, St. Nicholas and even a German ornament manufacturer. It was so exciting for us to be part of an event that is embedded in the Lehigh Valley, and named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure, and one of the top holiday markets in North America in USA TODAY'S 10 Best Readers' Choice competition, as well as OprahDaily.com. The event is known for its unique holiday shopping experience featuring thousands of unique handmade gifts. As you might imagine, a visit to the fun events puts everyone in the holiday spirit. We are already looking forward to returning in 2023!
The warm temperatures may have belied the name, but hundreds of people came to Conestoga Pines Park in Lancaster PA to celebrate the return of the Fall Happy Harvest Festival. After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, this year marked the first time the Lancaster Rec was able to reestablish this celebration since 2019. The day-long event was divided into two parts-- the first part centered around food and a beer garden, while a second late afternoon/early evening event focused on a more family-centric atmosphere. That latter portion featured events like craft making, s'more roasting, pumpkin chunkin', and a comedy magic show featuring "Papa Tater."
This was the first year that Patient First participated in this tradition. Our table was set up inside the barn, where we oversaw the craft tables for kids building fall-themed centerpieces of their homes. While the kids created, parents could come to our table and speak with us, while taking home our promotional items. Over the last few events, an increasing number of families have expressed interest in having us become their primary care physicians, and this event continued that trend.
As with many events returning from the pandemic, attendance reports were down from past years. This year saw an estimated 300 families come out for the second half of the festival. Despite the low numbers we had many productive conversations, and we look forward to seeing attendance rise as we participate in future years.
Colors changing, leaves crunching-- what better way to welcome fall than the Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival! Located on 60 acres of farmland in the city of Hampton, there were lots of activities for the kids at this 2-day event. There were food trucks, live music, pumpkin chunkin', face painting, a pumpkin patch, a playground, hayrides and of course, a visit with the animals. Some of the kids arrived in their costumes anticipating Halloween.
This was the first year that Patient First participated in this event. With so much to see and do, we can't wait to see what's in store for next year. We enjoyed the event and look forward to seeing you all in 2023!
Nuckols Farm Elementary School was excited to bring back their annual Fall Festival for the 2022-2023 school year. This was a fun event for the families to enjoy. From rock climbing to cake walks, a silent auction and bounce houses, there were so many activities for the kids and kids at heart.. Many families dropped by the Patient First table to pick up some goodies, and our very own physician assistant from the Midlothian center was in attendance with her daughter.
As a community partner, Patient First was delighted to attend this event to promote health and wellness. We all enjoyed ourselves and look forward to joining the Nuckols Farm community next year!
Each year the amazing Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, PA hosts its annual "Boo at the Zoo" event in October, and this year was no exception. We were able to join the fun on site on Saturday, October 29 and it was a sensational day. Mother Nature was beyond kind to us, and everyone who came out to enjoy this fun day. We loved the temperature in the mid 60's and the bright sunshine we had all day.
Organizers encouraged participants to bring out their little ghouls and ghosts for this annual Halloween event as the entire Zoo gets transformed for a "kooky, spooky Halloween celebration." And that they did. This family-oriented event attracted hundreds of children and their families. It was such fun to see all the fun and unique costumes that came by to visit with us. Many of the moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas were also in costume, which made things extra fun.
If you haven't visited this beautiful little zoo, we encourage you to do so. The zoo's mission is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the environment that will inspire active participation in conservation. It has been around for a long time -- since 1924, to be exact. Our hats off to the Norristown Zoological Society, which owns and operates this gem of a family-friendly destination embedded within the community. More than 100 species from around the world call Elmwood Park Zoo their home. This includes giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, red pandas, and so much more. It is definitely worth a visit.
Our staff had so much fun interacting with all the people who visited our tent, and we are already planning for our return to participate in this event once again in 2023.
On Friday, October 21st, and Saturday, October 22nd, the campground at Codurus State Park was filled with werewolves, witches, ghouls, and all varieties of ghastly and ghostly creatures for the 2nd annual Codurus Trail of Treats. A tradition that actually began 15 years ago, this event returned in its rebranded form in the wake of the pandemic. Campers and businesses pull out all the stops, while event organizers open up the park to 6,000 ticket holders who wended their way through the grounds, filling up on Halloween fun.
This was our first time participating in this event, and it was certainly an event to remember! A non-stop wave of families streamed past our table and tent, which was not just decked out in some creepy Halloween decor, but also featured a life-sized version of the classic game "Operation," as we invited kids to play the game to win yo-yo's, planes, and hot/cold packs. In addition, every person who came by received one of our Halloween safety blinkers, which were not only a big hit with parents and kids alike, but they also looked really cool when they all were lit up in the buckets as we distributed them! Our staff got a kick out of the wide array of Halloween costumes, ranging from the cute to the terrifying.
With the park being about 25 miles from our East York center, families were familiar with our center and services. Many said they wished we would open a location closer to Hanover to serve their needs. All were grateful, however, for the work we do, and that we came out to talk with them.
This was truly a unique event that was fun for the whole family, and based on both staff and participant reaction, we look forward to participating again next year!
Be sure to scroll through all the pictures, by clicking on the arrows at the side of each photo.
Recently, Patient First was a sponsor for the Special Olympics Dulles Plane Pull in Dulles, VA. Besides the chance to tow some very large planes, participants received the chance to get up close and personal with everything from aerobatic prop planes, to fighters, to supersized cargo haulers. They were also able to meet the pilots and ask questions about aviation and aircraft handling
Greater DC area Patient First employees had the opportunity to form a team and raise funds for the Special Olympics Virginia Chapter. The Patient First team had a fantastic experience at this very special event!
The funds raised for the Special Olympics Dulles Plane Pull event provides year-round sports training and competitions, leadership opportunities, and health services to more than 3,500 athletes of all abilities.
Patient First looks forward to supporting this event next year.
Woodbury's annual Fall Fest Parade was delayed a week this year due to heavy rain, but the new date brought perfect weather for what is undoubtedly one of the town's largest events. This year's 2022 parade was the 72nd in its history, and it did not disappoint. Staff from our Woodbury center brought their smiles and friendly waves as they carried the Patient First banner along the parade route. The evening event began at the corner of Colonial Avenue and North Broad Street and continued to the corner of Carpenter and South Broad streets, lining the route with happy parade goers every step of the way.
Groups that participated in the parade stopped for performances in front of the Gloucester County Stage in front of Woodbury High School.
We enjoy being out in the community at events like this, and we are already anticipating what the 2023 event schedule will look like. We always value input from local folks who tip us off on events we can take part in, since interactions like this are so fun! Our schedule fills fast, however, so if you or someone you know has thoughts or ideas of where we might go next, please let us hear from you!
The 35th annual Celtic Classic, sponsored each year by the Celtic Cultural Alliance, returned to the streets of beautiful Historic Downtown Bethlehem, and Patient First was part of the fun again this year. We have enjoyed participating in this event for many years and join others in celebrating all things Celtic while we are there. That includes education, musical performances, and traditional competitions in athletics, piping and dance. Celtic refers to seven nations - Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, the Isle of Mann and Galicia.
The event drew competitors from all over the county, and visitors from all over as well. We participated in the closing day of this three-day event and the culmination of the "Highland Games" which has been described as the biggest competition that a professional men's Highland gamer can go to.
The day was full of plenty of men in kilts -- women and children, too. And even though we had a little afternoon rain on closing day, it surely didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Caber throwing was probably our most favorite featured activity of the event since we were set up in an area that gave us a front row view of the athletes in action. A caber looks like a telephone pole, but it's essentially a large, cleaned tree that ranges anywhere from 12 to 16 feet, and can weigh up to 160 pounds. It was just amazing to see men compete by flipping and turning over these large poles in the air.
What an incredibly fun day we had. Our congratulations to Jayne Ann Recker, executive director of the Celtic Cultural Alliance, and her team of volunteers who make this an outstanding experience for us, and all participants each year. We are already looking forward to our return in 2023!
It was the last crab feast of the summer for many, as they traveled to Sandy Point State Park along the west shore of the Chesapeake Bay on September 24th and 25th, for the 56th annual Maryland Seafood Festival. People from all across the Delmarva region turned out in droves to sample the wide range of culinary preparations made possible by the bounty of the bay.
As a sponsor of the festival, our Patient First tent was one of the first to greet the approximately 45,000 guests as they passed through the gates of this two day event. Our staff heard nothing but wonderful things from our former patients about the treatment they received, including more than a few who credited our staff with literally saving their lives!
In addition to the delicious array of seafood items being offered for sale, the festival featured a crab soup cookoff, several BMX stunt shows, an inflatable fun park, numerous live bands, craft vendors, and games like axe throwing and cornhole. In all, there was a little something for everyone, and we certainly look forward to being a part of next year's fun, as well!