By Dan Hust
HARRIS — January 5, 2007 — New Year’s Day took on special meaning for the Rivera and Perry families this week.
Minutes before January 1 became January 2, Angelina Rivera arrived into the world a healthy 6 pounds, 10 ounces, 19 inches long – and eight days early.
She was born at 11:50 p.m. at Catskill Regional Medical Center’s newly renovated maternity ward, the daughter of a proud Mary and Alfredo Rivera of Liberty.
The first baby for the couple, Angelina was welcomed with joy by an extended family that includes maternal grandmother Daniele Edwards of Livingston Manor and paternal grandmother Maria LaPaz of Long Island.
“We’re loving it,” said the Riveras on Tuesday as smiling friends and family crowded around.
Mary herself was reliving history – she was born in the Harris hospital (then named Community General) on April 19, 1989, along with her brother, fraternal twin Marvin Perry.
The years since have seen vast changes and updates at CRMC’s maternity ward, which is less than two weeks away from completing a full renovation.
“It’s nice. The hospital has been excellent,” said Mary.
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Nicholas Lanza was pleased to hear it and paid a personal visit to the family Tuesday.
“It’s always a blessing when you bring a new life into the world,” he related with a smile.
Clinical Director Floyd Semple was also on hand, happy to hear that the family’s good experience might encourage others in Sullivan County to utilize CRMC’s now state-of-the-art maternity facilities.
Edwards said seven of her grandchildren have been born at CRMC, and she couldn’t be more pleased with the service.
She also was as excited as her daughter and son-in-law to see a Babies ’R Us gift basket delivered, and the Sullivan County Democrat also provided a 12-month subscription along with a Bank of America $50 savings bond courtesy of the Callicoon branch and a $20 gift card from Peck’s Market.