This is a special time for CentraState Hospital (Formerly Freehold Area Hospital) as the hospital celebrates fifty years of serving the Freehold Area.
The hospital was built on farmland that had been originally owned by Harold Clayton and Dan Donavan on Route 537, Monmouth Road, Freehold. The hospital was completed and doors were opened in 1971 with 120 bed capacity.
The Auxiliaries were organized in 1965, Millstone Township had approximately 60 members at its first meeting! Our first President was Betty Nolan and today Louise Taylor has held that position for 23 years.
There were 6 Auxiliaries in the beginning: Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell, Manalapan, Marlboro and Millstone Township. Over the years, the Villages, Covered Bridge and Silvermead joined us. At the present time, Millstone Township is the only one that is still active.
I started out as publicity chairperson in the Millstone Township Hospital Auxiliary for the first two years and then became treasurer for the next two years. The by-laws were then changed, and I have continued in that position to the present. I also became treasurer of the CentraState Associated Auxiliaries in 2002 and remain its treasurer today. Until its closing a few years ago I was treasurer of the Thrift Shop as well.
Over the years I have participated in many projects. One of my favorites is our Historical Blanket which has many pictures of buildings, churches, the town symbol and 177 years of history. We have sold over 300 of these blankets and we still have a few left.
I have also been involved with Easter Candy Sales, our Apron project, spring flower sales, harvest dances, poinsettias, the Festival of Lights, Christmas ornaments, golf outing, Bus trips and Millstone Day.
We have also worked with other auxiliaries on projects together: Vendor shows, fashion shows, horse shows, Holiday Galas, and many Culinary Affairs to Remember.
In 2020, Millstone Auxiliary reached a goal of donating over $500,000 to CentraState since our beginning in 1965, a fifty-five year period.
I have many fond memories of my time with the auxiliary members and the friendships I have made over the years, they are all the best. Also the sense of pride of seeing the results of our hours of working toward the hospital and pride in knowing that the Millstone Township Hospital Auxiliary was part of celebrating the history of CentraState’s 50th Anniversary,
Sincerely,
Madeline Jacobus
CentraState Associated Auxiliaries
Treasurer
Millstone Township Auxiliary
Treasurer
Charter Member
To learn more about joining CentraState Associated Auxiliaries, please call 732-221-7125