Thanks to the generosity of Marge and Randy Becker and more than 130 other contributors, the Bassett Healthcare Center in Middleburgh will soon become a reality.
Since Marge and Randy Becker pledged a $50,000 “challenge grant” in the spring of 2006, a few weeks before Mr. Becker passed away, more than 130 contributions have poured in totaling about $125,000.
Those funds will be used to furnish the new building with medical equipment, office equipment, furniture and electrical connections.
Members of the Becker family, village, town, Bassett and state officials viewed the work at the building site Monday afternoon.
Site work began in late November and workers Monday were continuing to work on the foundation for the 4,700-square-foot facility.
A spring opening is planned.
It was the Beckers who pushed for the project and got it off the ground, several speakers said Monday.
“This is the time of year that we count our blessings,” said State Senator James Seward, “and we count the Beckers and Middleburgh Telephone as blessings...
“I know Randy is looking down and smiling today.”
Local Middleburgh and Bassett officials have worked hard, Senator Seward said.
“It’s a perfect marriage of two entities.”
The center, which is located between the high school and the library just off the village parking lot, is a great addition, and is part of the rebirth of the village, said Mayor Bill Ansel-McCabe.
The Mayor also praised the work of Ms. Becker.
“She was the person that made it happen.”
Ms. Becker said she remembers when Middleburgh was vibrant with businesses and she and her late husband saw a new healthcare center as vitally important.
“This is a dream Randy and I had,” she said.
As the construction of the building continues, Bassett officials are making strides to staff it.
When it opens, Bassett officials said there will be two doctors and a physician’s assistant at the site.
Physician Aaron Harrison and PA Kirsten Keyser have already been hired for the Middleburgh office.
The building is being constructed by contractor Scott Becker, a son of Randy and Marge Becker.
The building, which is estimated to cost about $800,000 to build, will be leased to Bassett.
Bassett officials said the building will provide primary care medical services for 5,000 patients a year.
The center will complement the newly established school-based health centers in both Middleburgh school buildings.
The village is holding a public hearing on the healthcare facility project tonight, Wednesday at 7pm in the village hall on Main Street.
Conceptual designs of the wooden structure can be viewed at the village office or the library.