March 2020
Welcome to the Weinberg Campus newsletter, dedicated to sharing news
and information with employees, residents, families and special friends.
Message From The President
The Minnesota storyteller Garrison Keillor once described March as “the month God created to show people who don’t drink what a hangover is like.” I can’t attest to whether his comparison is a good one. However, March can certainly be a hard month for those of us who live in Western New York. Mud Season may be the best name we have attached to this time of year. The days that have allowed winter sports enthusiasts to revel in their activities are behind us, and it is certainly too early to be planting gardens for those who look forward to it all winter long.

But I have yet to run into a Western New Yorker who doesn’t love summer in our part of the country. Even winter sports enthusiasts. It can be glorious. March reminds us summer is on its way. Daylight savings time began on March 8 and the spring equinox arrives on March 19. We can look forward to long, beautiful summer days knowing we are halfway to the official first day of summer. We have a lot to look forward to, even if March throws a few more dismal days our way.

We have a lot to look forward to here at Weinberg Campus as well. We have introduced new programs for the benefit or our clients and residents and we are seeing increasing census in a number of our programs. Rosa Coplon Living Center just had a New York State Department of Health survey with excellent results. And we continue to make progress in the approval process for our transition to Elderwood. Our future continues to be as bright as the summer days that will soon be here.

Have questions or comments? Feel free to contact me at rmayer@weinbergcampus.org or 716-639-3311 ext. 2468.
What's New
Safety Corner: Healthy Habits To Prevent Illness
  • Handwashing is the number one way to prevent illnesses. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (sing Happy Birthday twice to allow the appropriate amount of time). Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands), then throw the tissue away in a lidded trash bin.

  • If you feel sick, stay home. If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, tell your healthcare provider immediately.
Weinberg Campus Response To Coronavirus
We continue to follow daily reports about the coronavirus (COVID-19). We are taking all appropriate steps to monitor and respond to this evolving situation. The health and safety of all those entrusted to our care is our top priority.

Our task force meets regularly to monitor and prepare for the potential outbreak of COVID-19 in Erie County. We have an emergency plan and infection control practices in place, and we will continue to be in direct contact with our state and local health departments. 

Help us keep our residents safe and healthy!
Please do not enter our buildings if you have fever, shortness of breath, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, until you are completely recovered. As an added precautionary measure, we have implemented temporary visitor guidelines and screenings based on recommendations from the New York State Department of Health and other health agencies.

Visitor guidelines in place (as of March 12 newsletter publication date) :
  • Visiting hours are 11 am – 7 pm.
  • Visitors will be screened for signs of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and other symptoms.
  • Visitors will also be asked about exposure to COVID-19 and international travel in the last 14 days.
  • Visitor name tags will be distributed and must be visible at all times.
  • Vendors are prohibited from entering resident areas.

These visitor guidelines may change as the situation continues to evolve and we will keep you updated.

Resources
To stay up to date on COVID-19 developments visit the links below:

Erie County Health Department

New York State Department of Health

CDC
CAREER PATHWAYS
From PCA to RN: Meet Jackie King
Jackie always knew she wanted to be a nurse. A native of Middleport, New York, she joined Weinberg Campus in 2001 as a personal care assistant (PCA) at Dosberg Manor. Three years later she returned to school to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and stayed on at Dosberg until 2008, when she transferred to Rosa Coplon Living Center. Years later in December 2019, Jackie fulfilled her long-awaited goal. She graduated from Trocaire School of Nursing and became a registered nurse.
 
“We are so proud of Jackie,” said Heather Martindale, RN, MSN, Director of Nursing, Rosa Coplon Living Center. “She has worked very hard and gives 100% every day—even during her schooling she never missed a beat. Jackie was recently promoted to Unit Manager of Rehabilitation. Her integrity and dedication make her a wonderful addition to our management team.” 
See what Jackie has to say about her journey.
 
What led you to pursue a nursing degree?
“It was always my plan, it just took me a while to make it happen! Sometimes life gets in the way.”

You’ve had a long career at Weinberg Campus. What’s kept you interested in working here?
“It’s familiar, comfortable and overall it’s a good place to work. I’ve developed bonds with the people I care for and some of them really become like family. It was also nice that I was able to pay for my schooling using the tuition assistance program available to members of SEIU 1199.”   

What’s your advice to others who may be interested in becoming a nurse?
“If you really want to do something, just keep working at it and eventually you’ll get there.”

How did you manage going to school while you were working full-time?
“Some days were exhausting, but it was worth it in the end. I just tried to do what I needed to get done each day.”

Now that you’ve achieved your goal what are your future plans?
“I’m enrolled in an online BSN program and I hope to finish in another year. Once I finish, I’ll decide if I want to continue on to pursue a nurse practitioner degree. That’s still a maybe.”

What keeps you going outside of work?
“My seven-year-old daughter keeps me active – she wants a pony. I was involved in horse show jumping for 20+ years and it’s the hobby I’ve enjoyed most. I’m pleased my daughter shares in this interest and I’m looking forward to getting involved in it again.”

Congratulations, Jackie! Best wishes in your new role.
March Is National Nutrition Month
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourages Healthful Eating At Work
"Healthful eating habits shouldn't stop once you get to work," says registered dietitian nutritionist Jennifer Bruning, a national Academy Spokesperson in Chicago. "Whether you are buying lunch or bringing your lunch and snacks from home, a few simple steps can make the workday a healthful one."

At least 25% of working adults will consume food or beverages at work at least once weekly. Most of these items are processed foods that are high in calories, added sugars and sodium.
How can we be better? Brown Bag It
Skip the prepackaged foods from the vending machine and instead pack a nutritious lunch and snack following these tips from Bruning:

Lunch
  • Use healthful recipes to create your meals.
  • Use a grocery list to shop for nutrient-rich foods.
  • Make your meals colorful and satisfying by including lean sources of protein, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and low-fat or fat-free dairy.
  • Turn your healthful dinner leftovers into the next day's lunch.

Snacks
  • Pack whole fruit or cut, raw vegetables for snacks with a crunch.
  • Keep unsalted nuts, dried fruit, a jar of peanut butter and whole wheat crackers in your desk.
  • Snack on protein foods and sources of dietary fiber, such as an apple with peanut butter, to fill you up and keep you satisfied until the end of the day. 

Plan It
If you plan to have lunch in the cafeteria or a fast-food restaurant:
  • Look for key words on the menu such as "grilled," "broiled" or "steamed," which means the food is cooked with less fat.
  • Consider swapping French fries for a green salad and ask for sauces on the side.
  • Be mindful of your portion sizes and consider splitting large portions into two meals.
  • Eat your meal slowly to give your stomach time to tell your brain that it's full.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. 

Celebrate It
It's difficult to resist the lure of the office snack table or birthday celebration, so:
  • Eat lunch before perusing the snack table.
  • Savor foods you truly enjoy and pass up those that don't interest you.
  • Move your socializing away from the food to minimize unconscious nibbling.

"Small changes, such as planning your meals in advance, eating foods from all food groups and practicing portion control can lead to big health benefits in the long run," Bruning says. "Incorporating healthful foods and physical activity habits into each day is something all of us can do."

A registered dietitian nutritionist can help create a personalized eating plan tailored to your lifestyle, food preferences and physical activity goals.

Featured Events
Please note: We are actively reviewing our schedule of group activities and will plan to cancel activities that pose a risk for exposure to COVID-19. We will update residents of cancellations. Thank you for your understanding.
Feeling Green?


10:30 am - Green Jewelry Making
Forest Creek/Meadows/Dosberg Manor

Noon - Deli Lunch , Dosberg Manor

2 pm - St. Patty's Social , Rosa Coplon

3:30 pm - Refreshments , Garden House
Know someone interested in a
career in caring?
Home Health Care Hiring Event
March 17, 9 am - Noon and 1-3 pm
Garden House, 2720 N. Forest Rd.

Food Service Hiring Event
March 25, 9 am-Noon and 1-3 pm
2700 N. Forest Rd.

Monthly Activities For Residents
New Employees February 2020
D'Lea Barnes , Housekeeper
Gabrielle Bouchard , Food Service Worker
Andrea Caleca , RN, Rehab Unit, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Wendy Colf , Outreach Coordinator
Michael Labenski , Maintenance Tech
LeAnn McCallar , PCA, Dosberg Manor
Rodrick Payne , Food Service Worker
Andrew Smith , Housekeeper
Omunique Speed , Housekeeper
Jasmine White , PCA, Dosberg Manor
Ronesha White , PCA, Dosberg Manor
Kolaiah Young , LPN, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Introducing Wendy Colf,
Outreach Coordinator
You may not spot Wendy Colf often in the hallways, but she can be found out and about meeting with social workers, hospital discharge planners or at various area events educating people about the continuum of care available on the 70-acre Weinberg Campus.
Wendy recently joined Weinberg’s sales team as Outreach Coordinator. Born and raised in Clarence, Wendy relocated back to Buffalo from Michigan to help care for her mother, who spent time in the Rehabilitation unit at Weinberg Campus. “My family is very important to me. It was time to come home to my roots,” said Wendy.

“I’m looking forward to letting more people know that we offer a variety of options of care on campus,” Wendy added. “When people visit us they are ‘wowed’ and amazed by what they see, and it’s often a comforting thought to know that different levels of care are available if they are needed over time.”

As Wendy settles back into life in Upstate New York with her two rescue dogs, she is busily preparing for her daughter’s upcoming spring wedding back in Michigan. “My daughter is my world and it’s a very exciting time.” 

Please join us in welcoming Wendy. She can be reached at wcolf@weinbergcampus.org or on her cell phone at 716-544-0538 .
Photo Gallery
Fat Tuesday Celebration
Is that you, Cindy? Staff welcome visitors to campus for a Fat Tuesday celebration.
Delicious traditional fare, including King Cake was served. Doesn't it make you hungry just looking at it?
The event drew a large crowd despite the cool weather.
You're In Luck!
Limited openings are now available for senior apartments, assisted living and specialized memory care. Reserve today!
Book Your Tour:
Anna Jacobi
716-639-3332

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