June 2019

Welcome to the Weinberg Campus newsletter, dedicated to sharing news
and information with employees, residents, families and special friends.
Message From The President
When you live in Buffalo you long for spring and summer after our much too long winter. And while there are many reasons why we long for the warmer seasons, few of us include mowing the lawn on our list.

But I am not one of those. I love tending my lawn! And I am really good at it. In fact, my lawn is the envy of my neighborhood. Even though most of my neighbors hate cutting the grass and hire professionals to do it, I do it myself and have the best looking lawn on my street; even if I say so myself. But my neighbors say it, too!

There are several reasons I like cutting the grass. I like being outside in the sunshine and fresh air, it’s good exercise, and I get to visit with my neighbors (and witness their envy). But most important, it’s the sense of accomplishment and pride I get as a result of a job well done with visible and tangible results.

Know what else I am proud of? Working here at Weinberg Campus and being part of our long-standing tradition of caring for older adults in Buffalo. And we are really good at it! We see it in the excellent star ratings we receive for the care we provide in Rosa Coplon Living Center and in the feedback we get from satisfied clients and family members in many of our other programs. The employee testimonials that we use in our recruitment advertising speak to the pride and sense of accomplishment that our staff gain as a result of working here.

Pride and a sense of accomplishment. They motivate us every day to provide the best possible experience for our clients and residents. And they are feelings that bring us great satisfaction as a result.

And just think! We get to do this on a lovely campus with beautiful lawns!

Have questions or comments? Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 716-639-3311 ext. 2468.
What's New
Spotlight On Landscaper Tom Sinatra
Weinberg Campus is known for its beautiful, park-like grounds and gardens, thanks to the meticulous landscaping and maintenance from Sinatra Landscaping. Since 1995, just two years after Weinberg Campus was built on North Forest Road, owner Tom Sinatra has been carefully tending the 70+ acre property.

“We’ve been lucky to have Tom here for the past 24 years. He does an absolutely outstanding job,” says Bob Mayer, President & CEO of Weinberg.

When Sinatra Landscaping opened its doors in 1991, Tom started with one lawn mower and a truck. He primarily served residential customers. Today, he has seven trucks, six heavy equipment machines, up to eight employees and dedicates 100% of the business to commercial clients.

What keeps Tom motivated? “This is the only job I’ve ever had,” says Tom. “I love being outside, and I love working with my customers—especially long-term loyal customers like Weinberg Campus. The people at Weinberg are great and have been super supportive throughout the years.

The son of a factory worker, Tom had no interest in following in his father’s footsteps to work indoors. Tom says he became interested in landscaping when he was in high school working for a friend’s father who had a landscaping business. “Everything snowballed from that,” says Tom.

Sinatra Landscaping spends three to five days a week at Weinberg, weeding, keeping things tidy and maintaining the lawn and landscape. “Our job is never done,” says Tom, who is also responsible for snow plowing. 

“Winter is definitely the hardest part of it all. Snow plowing requires continuous monitoring to ensure the safety of people at Weinberg– especially since the Campus is open 24/7. I like the snow plowing work, but I don’t like the cold,” Tom says.

“Tom is so responsive to our needs—he makes us feel like we’re his only customer,” says Randi Dressel, Chief Operating Officer of Weinberg . “He is always thinking of us, and goes the extra mile.”

Tom resides in Buffalo with his wife and has two daughters, ages 19 and 10. 
Update On Transition To Elderwood
In May we reported that the sale to Elderwood involves the transfer of six operating licenses, and that the transfer of three operating licenses was approved by the Public Health and Health Planning Council in February. While we await the New York State Department of Health's approval on the three pending change of ownership applications submitted by Elderwood, it continues to be "business as usual" for our residents, employees and family members at Weinberg Campus.

"Though the process is taking time, the transition will happen," says Bob Mayer, President & CEO. "In the meantime, every week we prepare and serve more than 7,800 meals, host 100 resident activities, launder 12,000 pounds of linen, provide training for more than 400 employees, maintain 625,000 square feet of interior space and 70 acres of exterior grounds, and strive to provide one-on-one, high quality care to the hundreds of people we serve. Each and every one of our employees has my personal thanks for their commitment and dedication to the important work they do every day."
 
Questions about the transition to Elderwood can be directed to Bob Mayer, [email protected] , 716-639-3311 ext. 2468.
Weinberg Hosts Management In-Service
On Domestic Violence Resources
"Of 14,300 domestic violence police calls in Erie County last year, only one out of every seven cases were reported. Thousands of cases remain behind closed doors," said Mary Travers Murphy, Executive Director of the Family Justice Center of Erie County.

Mary was invited to share information and resources with Weinberg leaders following a recent tragedy involving a beloved employee who lost her life allegedly as a result of domestic violence.

Mary shared common risk factors for domestic violence homicides and what to look for. She also recommended a resource for tips on how to start a conversation with someone you think is in an abusive relationship. Below are links to these resources:


When red flags are apparent, Mary suggested referring individuals to the Family Justice Center. The Center provides free services for domestic violence victims and their children through a collaboration with 14 partner agencies at secure locations where individuals can get all the services they need to safely escape abuse. Services including safety planning, legal assistance, law enforcement, spiritual care, limited medical care and counseling.

Calls, visits and support from the Family Justice Center are free and confidential. Domestic violence advocates are always available to help. Call (716) 558-SAFE,
contact the 24 Hour Hotline (716) 862-HELP or visit fjcsafe.org .
A Window In History: Architectural
Artifacts Displayed At Amherst Ridge
Before construction began on Amherst Ridge Apartments, locals may recall a vacant home that stood at 2751 North Forest Road, known as the Brunner Farmhouse (pictured left) .

Built in 1850, the Farmhouse was eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as an architectural example of a vernacular Italianate farmhouse—which includes both Greek Revival and Italianate-inspired construction rarely found in Amherst.

The clapboard-sided farmhouse was one of approximately eight pre-Civil War farmsteads in the area, and had numerous owners until 1860, when it and the surrounding 140-acres of farmland was acquired by Valentine Brunner. The property remained occupied by the Brunner family for the next 100 years. During that time , the Farmhouse was modernized and expanded.

In 1960, the property transferred to Ernest Karba, who ultimately sold the land to be subdivided and developed. Weinberg Campus was built on adjacent property in 1993, and Amherst Towne Apartments were added in 2004. Less than 10 years later, when Weinberg Campus was ready to build Amherst Ridge, the Brunner Farmhouse had fallen into disrepair.

Through a collaborations with The New York State Historic Preservation Office, Weinberg Campus committed to documenting the construction of the Farmhouse and salvaging any historically significant artifacts that remained. These items are now publicly displayed in museum-style cases in the lobby at Amherst Ridge.
A sign outside the main entrance of Amherst Ridge provides a brief history of the Brunner Farmhouse built in 1860.
This window salvaged from the Brunner Farmhouse is displayed in the Amherst Ridge lobby. The Italianate-style arched window features crown moldings with wood sash. 
The display in Amherst Ridge's lobby also features historically significant items that were found in the house, including beams, a horseshoe and pottery pieces.
LeadingAge WNY Honors
Senior Care Employees
Left to Right: Chris Nichols, Cindy Clark, Arushanda Artus and her mom, Dana Notaro pictured at the awards banquet.
Debbie Schultz (far right), pictured with her mom and sister.
At a banquet held at Samuel’s Grande Manor, LeadingAge Western New York honored 50 employees and volunteers from across the region who have shown exemplary work in the senior care and geriatrics profession. 
The following Weinberg Campus staff members were honored with Employee of the Year awards:
 
Arushanda Artis , HHA, Garden House, was recognized for her “caring, compassion and willingness to help and learn any time.”

Grithly Davis , PCA, Dosberg Manor, was honored for being “giving, kind and warm,” and “knowing that the residents are number one.”

Kathy Massing , Volunteer, “consistently goes above and beyond to keep the Weinberg Campus gift shop running smoothly.”

Debbie Schultz , former Activities Assistant, Forest Creek & Meadows(now Office Coordinator, Dosberg Manor) is “100% resident focused 100% of the time.”

Alan St. Denis , Maintenance, was recognized for ensuring “repairs are always done properly in a timely, efficient manner.”

Jodie Steffans , RN, Nursing Supervisor, Rosa Coplon Living Center,
“shows great leadership and challenges others to be better.”
 
In addition, LeadingAge Western New York presented a $1,000 scholarship to Jordan Plyler , a business analyst at Fallon Health Weinburg, to support continuing education in the field of long-term health care and geriatrics .  He is pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing at Niagara County Community College.

LeadingAge WNY represents more than 50 not-for-profit facilities and service organizations for seniors and adults throughout Western New York. These facilities provide nursing home care, assisted living, rehabilitation care, home health care, independent living and associated community services for nearly 10,000 seniors and adults annually.
Safety Corner: WNY Mutual Aid Exercise
As part of its emergency readiness training, Weinberg Campus participated in a full scale "mock" disaster event to rehearse procedures for the following scenario:

An area nursing home experienced a disaster and contacted Weinberg Campus to take in four residents. Weinberg Campus responded to the mock request by agreeing to accept the residents, then practiced and documented the appropriate procedures:

  • Alsha Paulk and Joe Iarocci from HR greeted the "incoming residents," reviewed their medical history, applied wrist bands and scanned their bar code numbers.
  • After signing in, the residents were escorted to triage.
  • An Analysis of Capabilities report outlining protocols and reactions in disaster situations was completed, along with required photos of "incoming residents" and documentation about staff welcome protocols.
  • All documentation was sent to WNY Mutual Aid in compliance with requirements.

The drill was a success, and we are prepared should another facility require our assistance with nursing home residents.

Many thanks to Lyn Featherstone, Administration; Teresa Willms, Homecare; Debbie Schultz, Dosberg Manor; and Lauren O’Conner, Physical Therapy, who played the part of incoming residents for purposes of our drill.

Submitted by Joseph P. Iarocci, Human Resources and Safety Manager
Letters of Thanks
Dear Dana, Hope, Mary Beth, Liza, Debbie, Sue, Jill, Home Care People, Aides, Food Service Workers, Maintenance Staff, etc.:

We are so grateful for all the staff at Dosberg who have made our mom and dad's move here as good as it could be! You are special, loving, caring people and it means so very much.

-Daughter of residents
Dear Jessica (Manager of Outpatient Therapy),

A patient contacted me by phone to share what an "incredible woman" you are, and how "very creative and artistic." She feels that you "truly care, are patient, understanding, observant, kind, helpful and work from your heart."

She is truly happy with her decision to utilize Weinberg Campus and its services and could not be more pleased with the care she is receiving in Weinberg's Outpatient Physical Therapy clinic. Thank you for providing outstanding care!

-Leah Samsel, Director of Therapy Services
Featured Events
Monthly Activities For Residents
Welcome New Employees
May 2019
Miranda Babbitt , LPN, Unit Nurse Supervisor, Dosberg Manor
Tameshia Baker , PCA, Dosberg Manor
Christina Bordieri , RN, Supervisor, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Asia Hairston , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Lena Lee , Housekeeper, Dosberg Manor
Charles Pelham , Food Service Worker
Adrieanna Porter , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Lynasia Roberts , LPN, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Ashante Dorsey , Food Service Worker
Anagae Figueroa , LPN, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Danielle Furgerson , Social Worker, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Kentara Smith , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Photo Gallery
Rosa Coplon Living Center Recognizes Staff
At an awards ceremony during National Nursing Home Week, Rosa Coplon Living Center Director of Nursing Heather Martindale, RN, and Assistant Director of Nursing Toni Nowakowski, RN, presented awards to employees who exemplify outstanding performance. The ceremony is held annually for Rosa Coplon employees. Congratulations to the employees below, and all the Rosa Coplon staff.
Rising Star Award winner Parris Skipper , LPN, pictured with Toni Nowakowski.
Outstanding CNA Award winner Nikki Manirath , CNA, pictured with Toni Nowakowski.
Outstanding LPN Award winner Debra Rush , LPN, (right) pictured with Heather Martindale and a special helper.
Outstanding RN Award winner Jodie Steffans, RN, Supervisor, (left) pictured with Heather Martindale.
Field Trips, Fun & Food!
Forest Creek, Meadows & Dosberg Manor residents enjoyed a trip to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens to get a taste of spring and view enjoy the rare plants and tropical foliage.
Ashlee Lodico, MS, RD, celebrates Older Americans Month at the Amherst Senior Center with healthy nutrition tips. Weinberg Campus offered onsite experts at the Center throughout the month.
Rosa Coplon Living Center celebrated National Nursing Home Week with appreciation events and its annual ice cream sundae-making relay race! The winning team is pictured above.
We all scream for ice cream when the truck arrives. This time to thank all employees for their hard work!
We hope Weinberg employees were feeling the love during Nurse's Week and Nursing Home Week, where delicious treats were plentiful.
More than 30+ professionals attended our Fiesta networking event on June 4 and enjoyed our festive Margarita cupcakes!