By Mike Barnhardt
Enterprise Record
BERMUDA RUN - A couple of weeks ago, Terry and Christine Bralley stopped by the construction site of the new hospital here. She said all that was missing was an American flag and a Christmas tree.
“Be careful what you wish for,” Terry Bralley, president of the Davie County Economic Development Commission, said Tuesday, Dec. 11, at a “topping off” ceremony. The ceremony signifies the last piece of steel being erected. It was signed by local residents and the 250 or so construction workers who have been working on the building for months.
That topping off tradition that began in Scandinavia for growth and good fortune, includes the placement of an evergreen tree at the top of the building. An American flag was added.
“It’s a glorious day in Davie County,” Bralley said. “Thanks to Dr. (John) McConnell and the hospital board of directors ... especially Steve Robertson, who has been a champion for us throughout this whole event.”
McConnell, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center CEO, remembers coming onto the job in 2008 as Baptist and Novant were vying for the right to build a hospital in the eastern Davie and western Forsyth areas. He saw how communities came together - how people came together.
“Quality healthcare is not about buildings, it’s about people,” he said, introducing five Davie County Hospital employees who signed the beam before it was hoisted into the air - Jackie Snow, director of nursing, Sheila Blanton, lab manager, Sara Holloway, imaging manager, Vickie Murphy, surgical services manager, and Stacy Eidson, emergency department supervisor.
The hospital is being built on ...