January 2022
Welcome to the Weinberg Campus newsletter, dedicated to sharing news
and information with employees, residents, families and special friends.
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Message From The President |
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"If there be nothing new, but that which is
Hath been before, how are our brains beguiled,
Which, laboring for invention, bear amiss
The second burthen of a former child!"
-William Shakespeare, Sonnet 59
In preparing to write this column, I looked back to see what I wrote last January. While we were still in the midst of the pandemic, everyone was optimistic and holding out hope that delivery of the vaccines would help bring the virus under control. Here is what I wrote:
After 2020, we can all use a good dose of hope for a brighter future. I see that brightness coming, even in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. By the time you read this column, we will be completing the second round of COVID vaccinations in Rosa Coplon Living Center. Before the end of this month, our assisted living residents in Dosberg Manor and Garden House will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine onsite. This is really good news! Then, as the vaccine becomes available throughout the general public, we may be able to realize the hope of controlling the pandemic in 2021. That would make this year a happy one indeed.
Well, the vaccines did a wonderful job of controlling the virus and protecting our population, especially the most vulnerable among us. We were able to reinstate in-person visiting, reopen our dining rooms, and bring back many of the social gatherings and activities that we enjoyed so much prior to the pandemic. At least for a while – and then came the Omicron variant.
So here we are again, with the virus spreading rapidly throughout Erie County, New York State and worldwide. And we are seeing cases to a limited degree, here at Weinberg Campus. While we can take some comfort that this variant is less virulent than previous ones, we are still striving to limit the spread of the virus--nothing new in this regard. I am pleased and confident that our staff will remain focused on doing everything they can to protect our residents and patients.
Last year I also wrote that we had a lot to look forward to as the Bills were in the NFL playoffs. That was something new, at least after many years of misery. So here we are, with the Bills blowout playoff win last Saturday. That is something to celebrate in the new year!
I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe 2022. Working together – staff, residents, and family members – we will continue to make Weinberg Campus a safe and enriching home for our residents.
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Still Crazy (About Each Other)
After All These Years
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Thomas and Antoinette Giordano are going strong after 60 years of marriage. Tom affectionately calls his wife, “my girlfriend.” |
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“We stayed married. We did everything together,” laughs Tom. After getting married in 1962 and honeymooning in Europe; traveling to Amsterdam, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland, Tom and Antoinette settled back home in Amherst to build a family, careers, and a life with each other. |
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A graduate of Purdue University and a veteran of the Korean War, Tom spent his career in education; first as a science teacher, then as an administrator. He served as Principal of Buffalo Alternative High School, which was dedicated to teaching students who have experienced challenges or were recently released from prison. Tom handpicked the teachers, saying that it “took a special kind of person” to commit to teaching students who came to them with a reputation of being “the worst kids in the City of Buffalo,” recalls Tom. “Our job was to change that.” |
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Tom continued to advance his career in the education field, serving as the Director of Attendance Services for City Hall for 36 years, and the President of Buffalo Teacher’s Federation where he says he achieved the best contract for teachers in the history of the City of Buffalo. “I was aggressive and fought for higher salaries.”
Tom says he was proud to represent the children of Buffalo. “It was a good life.”
Antoinette worked as a hairstylist at Ceceilia’s in Buffalo for 12 years, where her services were in high demand. She received special training in New York City and attended Doyle’s Beauty School, where it is clear to all who meet her that she has a secret or two about how to age beautifully.
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It’s All About Family
Antoinette and Tom agree that their greatest accomplishment is their beautiful family. Together they raised three lovely daughters, Francesca, Roseann, Camille, and a son, Tom, Jr. A large family portrait hangs prominently on the wall in their apartment, along with several framed snapshots of their children and grandchildren throughout life’s milestones. They are proud of their Italian heritage and hold strong family values. Tom told his sons-in-law, “If you’re coming into my family, you have to be a family man.”
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Tom and Antoinette tell countless stories of their six grandchildren, their pride and joy!
One grandson currently serves in the U.S. Airforce and is stationed in Italy. Another grandchild has miraculously and bravely recovered from a brain tumor...the list of remarkable achievements goes on.
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Tom and Antoinette Join the Weinberg Family
When Tom fractured his hip while helping neighbors several years ago, he needed rehabilitation therapy following hip replacement surgery. He was first introduced to Weinberg Campus during his six-month stay at the Rosa Coplon Living Center’s inpatient rehabilitation unit, where he recovered his strength after surgery. He returned to his home in Amherst following rehabilitation, but when the demands of homeownership became too much, Tom and Antoinette decided to move to Forest Creek independent senior apartments. They loved the spaciousness of the apartment, which they say made the transition from a house easier.
“When we first came, we weren’t happy about it, but then I started talking to people and getting to know them, asking them what they did before they moved here,” said Antoinette. Soon, she added, Weinberg Campus felt more like home.
“We enjoy so many of the residents here and have made new friends,” says Antoinette.
The Giordanos appreciate the continuum of care at Weinberg Campus. Four years ago, Antoinette fell and fractured her thigh bone. For stability, she is currently using a walker, so the couple decided to move to the building next door, into a two-room suite in Dosberg Manor adult home, which offers a little extra support.
Visited often by family and friends, no one can leave the Giordano’s without a smile, a touching lesson about life, and an apple—how fitting from a retired teacher!
Thank you to the Giordanos for making Weinberg Campus feel like family.
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Helpful COVID-19 Resources |
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Visitation Updates
We continue to update our family web pages daily with the COVID-19 information and visitation guidance by residence. Please reach out to your community administrator or case manager if you ever have any questions.
Infection Prevention Protocols
We commend our staff for their unwavering dedication to keeping our residents and staff safe by taking every step recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). We are almost two years into the pandemic and continue to take infection prevention very seriously. We monitor updated guidance and immediately implement new protocols to meet the DOH requirements. For a detailed list of ongoing safety measures, please visit your family web page.
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We are all facing challenges, but we can cope with our stress in healthy ways to make ourselves, our loved ones and our communities stronger.
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Weinberg Campus has many opportunities to get involved across all residences. Put your talents to work in our gift shop, helping with activities, assisting our staff, and more! We would love to have you. Please contact Sarah Leffler at
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When staff, residents, and visitors enter Rosa Coplon Living Center, they are received with a smile and a positive attitude from Toni Gordon, the front desk receptionist.
Toni is no stranger to caring for others. Prior to joining the Weinberg Campus family, Toni retired from a 30+ year career in Child Protective Services. After a couple of months of retirement, she decided to rejoin the working world in a new capacity, and we’re so happy she joined the Weinberg Campus team! Learn more about Toni, below.
Tell us about yourself!
I was born in Buffalo and have three older sisters. I graduated from Orchard Park High School and went on to major in social work at Buffalo State. I then spent the next 30+ years in my chosen field, mostly working with children and families. My husband and I have been married for 14 years and together we have five children. We have one grandchild and another on the way this spring!
What is your role at Weinberg Campus?
I am a front desk receptionist at Rosa Coplon Living Center. I answer the phones for all of the buildings and programs on the campus and transfer the calls to the requested employee or resident. My role also includes ensuring that all employees, family members and vendors get properly screened for COVID before entering. I also sort and separate incoming mail and packages and send all outgoing mail. However, I think the most important role that I have as a receptionist is being cheerful and helpful when people come in, as I am the first person people interact with.
What is your favorite part about your role?
What I like best about my job is greeting people as they come in. In my short time here, I have established a rapport with some of the family members of the residents. I also look forward to having more of a relationship with the residents.
What would you tell others who are looking for a career opportunity in the healthcare industry?
I would recommend Weinberg Campus to anyone looking for a job for several reasons. The biggest one is the feeling of being welcomed by the staff from all departments, especially management. Residents, families and staff seem to be happy here, due in part to the friendly atmosphere.
Fun facts about yourself?
In my spare time, I enjoy reading and playing games with family and friends. I am always up for a vacation to a warm climate in the winter (my husband calls me the vacation queen) and camping in the summer. I am an avid Bills and Sabres fan and I love watching my favorite baseball team play in the summer.
Are you interested in learning more about a rewarding career in healthcare? Contact [email protected] to learn more about opportunities available at Weinberg Campus!
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Dosberg Manor was honored to receive the below letter of thanks from the family of a resident. These thoughtful words mean so much to our team! |
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"I just wanted to let you know how wonderful the staff has been to my mother. She looks and sounds healthy and happy. She has had nothing but compliments about the staff. She likes her neighbors and looks forward to the activities. Thank you for making her transition easier. I applaud you and your staff for creating a healthy environment during these difficult times."
-Daughter of a Dosberg Manor Resident
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Dosberg Manor Activities Director Alyssa Fitzgerald is always looking for creative ways for residents to exercise. This balloon parachute activity was a lot of fun! |
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Happy New Year!
All activities are carefully planned with COVID safety guidelines in mind.
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This melt-in-your-mouth dish with garlic butter is packed with earthy delicious flavors! Make as a seasonal side or the main course. Either way, this veggie star is sure to please!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
1 large butternut squash with a long and thick neck – peeled, seeded
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 fresh oregano sprigs
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
1. To make the butternut squash steaks: Cut the neck off of the butternut squash and keep the base for another use. Cut the stem from the end and peel. Cut the butternut squash in four slices lengthwise and trim off the outer rounded sides. You’ll get four butternut squash steaks, about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the butternut squash steaks, turning every 3 minutes until deeply browned on both sides and fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add butter, oregano, and garlic to skillet, tilt pan toward you so that butter pools on one side, and use a large spoon to continually baste the squash steaks with the butter sauce. Continue cooking, basting continuously, until butter is no longer bubbling and begins to brown, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. Remove from the skillet, transfer butternut squash steaks to plates and spoon the garlic butter sauce over. Sprinkle with coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper if you like.
Nutrition Information Per Serving (2 Slices)
508 calories, 34g fat (12g saturated fat), 293mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
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DECEMBER 2021
Brianna Betton, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Puja Gosai, Physical Therapist, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Shamica Lane, Food Service Worker
Jessica Smalls, LPN, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Shelbi Stuckey, PCA, Dosberg Manor
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Weinberg Campus Feels Like Family |
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Pictured above is Asia Jones, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Dosberg Manor. She says, "I choose to work at Weinberg because my hours are flexible and convenient to my lifestyle. My favorite part of my job is interacting with the residents, and keeping them healthy and safe. It's very rewarding!"
Watch for more employees to share why they love Weinberg Campus. To tell us why Weinberg Campus feels like family to you or to share a story about someone who exemplifies how they make Weinberg “feel like family," please contact Dee at [email protected].
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Loyal Buffalo Bills fans of Weinberg Campus! Residents have been cheering on their favorite team. And they have every reason to cheer! Go Bills! |
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Weinberg Campus residents share their New Year's resolutions! |
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Ruth is always gracing us with her musical talents! |
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Celebrating Al's 99th birthday. Looking good, Al! |
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We love when Sujeet Desai performs for us on campus! |
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Performances by Kathy Carr are always a treat! |
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