VA Maryland Health Care System

Perry Point VA Medical Center Hosts Annual Patient Carnival

Stanley Rouse, a veteran outpatient at the Perry Point VA Medical Center, stops to play the block island dice game manned by Connie Johnson, president, American Legion Auxiliary, Bernard L. Tobin Unit 128. The dice game was just one of the many activities provided during the Perry Point VA Medical Center’s Annual Patient Carnival.

November 14, 2008

More than 900 veterans, their family members, and volunteers attended the 35th annual patient carnival recently hosted by the Perry Point Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System, in the facilities gymnasium. The annual patient carnival promotes rehabilitation and recreation therapy for hospitalized veterans at the medical center.

The theme of this year’s carnival was “On the Boardwalk,” which featured 26 booths decorated with a seaside motif, each containing food or games and prizes.

“This much anticipated annual event was attended by more than 500 veteran inpatients, outpatients and their family members, the highest number of veteran participants since the annual event was established 35 years ago,” said David Otto, supervisory recreation therapist for the Perry Point VA Medical Center. “Over 300 community volunteers and veterans service organizations supported the event through monetary donations and by assisting with the day’s fun-filled activities and entertainment.”

Military personnel from Aberdeen Proving Ground were also on hand to provide escort service for wheelchair patients and those inpatients needing assistance getting from their units to the gymnasium.

Individuals or members of community organizations, who are interested in volunteering or sponsoring recreational activities for our nation’s hospitalized veterans at the Perry Point VA Medical Center, can contact Richard Maichle, voluntary service specialist, at 1-800-949-1003, extension 1039.