May 2019
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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Though the tradition of celebrating mothers stems back to ancient times and falls on different dates around the world, it became official in the U.S. when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation on May 9, 1914, declaring the second Sunday in May “a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”
Honoring our moms also plays an important role in the history of Weinberg Campus. Our skilled nursing home was founded in 1915 as The Daughters of Israel Jewish Old Folks Home to meet a growing need for the care of Buffalo's elderly. In 1924 the name was changed to Rosa Coplon Jewish Home and Infirmary when it moved to a city mansion donated by the three Coplon brothers—David, Joseph, and Philip—in memory of their mother, Rosa. Today, 95 years later, their mother’s legacy carries on as the Rosa Coplon Living Center at Weinberg Campus.
Beyond our founding roots, Mother’s Day is a special time of year inside our walls. Our annual celebration includes live entertainment for residents, followed by a dessert reception. It is also wonderful to witness the various Mother’s Day exchanges between our residents, clients, their families and our employees across our care continuum.
For me, personally, I feel honored that so many mothers are entrusted to us. As a dutiful son of a remarkable woman who cares for my disabled sister, I understand how important it is to know that “mom is ok.” I hope that the services and care we offer here help contribute to that peace of mind, and a very happy Mother’s Day for all!
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Transition To Elderwood Awaits Approvals
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The sale to Elderwood is still underway and involves the transfer of six operating licenses. The transfer of three operating licenses was approved by the Public Health and Health Planning Council in February. We are still waiting for the New York State Department of Health to approve three pending change of ownership applications. Weinberg Campus has been advised that the applications that were submitted by Elderwood are actively being reviewed by the New York State Department of Health. "We know these things take time, and we're hopeful that approvals will move forward soon," says Bob Mayer, President and CEO of Weinberg.
"Our employees and residents have been waiting a long time to hear something new," says Bob, who communicates regularly with Elderwood leaders. "I continue to feel very positive about what's yet to come, and the exciting opportunities and enhancements that Elderwood will bring to our beautiful Campus.
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Eat Healthy And Stay Away From Fad Diets
By Maxine Sroda, Dietetic Student, Weinberg Campus
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In today’s society people are more conscious than ever about what they are putting into their bodies. Many individuals are trying to eat less and lose weight. Fad diets offer a quick fix to dieting and weight loss.
Fad diets often include a number of weight-reduction diets that either eliminate one or more of the essential food groups, or recommend consumption of one type of food in excess at the expense of other foods. Some of the most popular fad diets trending right now are the intermittent fasting diet, carnivore diet, whole30, keto diet, Atkins, paleo-vegan, the raw food diet and juicing.
The problem that many people realize when participating in these diets is that they are difficult to maintain for a long period of time. This is because fad diets are unrealistic and unsustainable. These diets are restrictive and don’t focus on healthy eating behaviors. They also do not address the problems that caused people to gain weight in the first place. Once people are through with these diets, they will most likely gain the weight back as they re-establish old eating habits.
There is no point of starting a diet you can’t maintain. Bottom line, there is no quick solution to dieting and weight loss. If a diet sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Stay away from any diet that makes the following claims:
- Rapid Weight Loss - If you lose weight quickly, you’ll lose muscle, bone and water. You will also be more likely to regain the weight. Your diet should instead focus on eating in a way that makes you feel nourished, satisfied and energized.
- Quantities and Limitations - Avoid diets that limit most foods and promote unlimited quantities of specific foods. Not only is it boring to eat the same thing over and over but it is hard to stick with a repetitious plan. When you eliminate or restrict food groups or macronutrients, you will miss some critical nutrients in your diet.
- Specific Food Combinations - There is no scientific evidence that combining certain foods or eating foods at specific times of the day will help with weight loss. Eating the “wrong” combinations of food does not cause them to turn to fat immediately or to produce toxins in your intestines, these are false claims.
- Rigid Menus - Limiting food choices or following a rigid plan can be an overwhelming and stressful task. With any new diet, always ask yourself: “Can I eat this way for the rest of my life?” If the answer is no, the plan is not going to work for you.
- No Need to Exercise - Regular physical activity is essential for good health. The key to success is to find physical activity that you enjoy and aim for 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day.
A diet needs to be focused around making healthy food habits a way of life and should incorporate a wide variety of foods that are good for you. When following a general well-balanced diet, food choices reflect consuming less calories, less salt, less added sugars, and less saturated and trans-fat. A healthy diet includes eating more whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which will improve fiber, vitamin and mineral intake. These healthy eating practices can lower risks of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke and cancer.
Here are some tips to consuming a healthy well-balanced diet:
Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Don’t focus only on green vegetables. There are special health benefits to eating blue-purple, yellow, orange, and red vegetables.
Eat more legumes
(like beans and lentils) and more whole grains.
Try meatless alternatives.
- In place of meat, you can get your protein from eating eggs, fish, poultry, beans, peas, soy-based foods, and nuts/nut butters.
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products are also good sources of protein.
Keep your salt intake to a minimum (less than 2300 milligrams per day).
- Avoid adding salt, soy sauce or fish sauce to your food when cooking.
- Eat freshly prepared meals at home. Restaurant foods contain more salt.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best choices for snacks.
- When shopping, choose the products with lower sodium content.
Limit your daily sugar intake.
- Sugar can be found in honey, syrups, jelly, fruit juice, and fruit juice concentrate.
- Limit sugar-sweetened beverages like soda pop and fruit juice, sugary snacks and candy.
- Read food labels carefully so you know how much sugar is in each portion.
It is better to eat unsaturated fats than saturated fats. Avoid trans fats.
- Unsaturated fat is found in fish, avocado, nuts, and oils like sunflower, canola and olive oils.
- Saturated fat is found in fatty meat, butter, ice cream, palm and coconut oil, cream, cheese and lard.
- Trans fats are found in many processed foods, margarine, fried foods, fast food items, convenience foods like frozen pizza and snack foods, and sweets including pies, cookies and other pastries. Check nutrition labels.
- When cooking, use vegetable oil instead of animal oil.
- Boil, steam, or bake your food instead of frying.
For a personalized diet tailored to your lifestyle and food preferences consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). RDNs have professional training in healthy eating practices, meal planning, and specialized diets. They are the nutrition experts who can help you make realistic and flexible eating plans that are scientifically proven to be successful.
Please stay away from restrictive fad diets!
Resource: Eatright.org, Nutritioncaremanual.org
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In Memory of Renee Taschetta, RN
1970 - 2019
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Weinberg Campus honors the memory of Renee Taschetta, RN, Nurse Manager at Rosa Coplon Living Center, who died suddenly on April 30. Below is a tribute to Renee submitted by her colleague, Mary Pat Patchett, LPN Unit Manager.
If ever there was a person meant to be a nurse, it was Renee Taschetta. Her caring, compassionate and loving heart for others was the epitome of a great nurse.
When I started here at Rosa almost 18 years ago as the 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Supervisor, Renee was working as an LPN on the night shift. At that time Rosa was in the beginning stages of transitioning Renee’s unit to a sub-acute rehab unit. In those old days of paper charting and hand-written orders, labs and heavy charts, she organized and completed all her job duties like a champ…never complaining. (Well, ok, maybe a little!) But she did what she had to do and did it well.
She left us for a while to further her education and pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse, returning to us several years later to take on the awesome task of being a nurse manager. Honestly, it was like she never left.
Renee loved her residents and families and it showed every day. Even on the most difficult days, she always had a smile and a contagious laugh that she will be most remembered for. Jokingly, I would call her Muttley after an old cartoon character with a similar laugh. You could be angry, sad or overwhelmed and her laugh just made it all go away.
I was her “roomie,”—Renee coined that phrase for us, as we shared an office together for many years. We were the Felix and Oscar of Weinberg Campus. Her desk, neat as a pin with everything in its place. Mine, organized chaos. But she never complained. She accepted that we had different styles, proud to tell everyone, “That’s my roomie!”
I know Renee would want us to remember her for who she was and what she accomplished. Not for the way she left us so soon. She hated to be at the center of attention. She was a gifted and caring nurse, and an amazing friend. But most of all, she was a loving mother to two beautiful children, whom she bragged about daily. She was over the moon with pride when her daughter, Jazmine, decided to follow in her footsteps to become a nurse.
Renee’s memory and legacy will live on here in Rosa and in our hearts forever.
A funeral service will be held Sat., May 11, 10 a.m.-Noon at True Bethel Baptist Church,
907 East Ferry Street, Buffalo NY 14211.
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Below are excerpts from thank you notes received from family members
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Mary Beth (Dosberg Manor),
I just had to let you know how very, very much your information-filled visit to my parents' home meant to them, and me, yesterday! So many questions were answered and so many lingering doubts were put to rest. I think we all slept better than we have in the last few weeks last night! Your expertise, knowledge of the system, kindness, compassion, and professionalism shone through and because of you, I believe that my parents are going to be just fine - and more importantly, so do they! It still won't be an easy move, but you gave us all hope and a much more positive attitude about this necessary change! You were truly a "gift" to us yesterday and I hope our paths will cross again very soon!
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Dear Chris, Cindy and everyone at Garden House,
Thank you all for the many, many things you did to care for my Mom. You all have difficult and demanding jobs. You are often asked to do much with very little... Please know that I appreciate you, and know that YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE in so many lives everyday. Your kindness and compassion brought such comfort to mom, me, and to our family. With deepest thanks.
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Dear Mary Pat (Rosa Coplon Living Center),
I want to thank you for the wonderful care you and the staff provided. I am grateful to you all. Please extend special thanks to LaToya, Monique and Nell. I appreciate them and you. Wishing you all good things.
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Monthly Activities For Residents
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Alyssa Arber
, LPN, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Burnetta Barron
, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Polina Burkhardt
, Certified Occupational Therapy Asst., Rosa Coplon Living Center
Saron Cameron
, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Rochelle Carter
, Food Service Worker
Shayla Carter
, PCA, Dosberg Manor
Kymberly Cochran
, RN, Unit Nurse Supervisor, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Yasuko Edwards
, Resident Counselor, Greenwood
Marcell Gardy-Batson
, RN, Nurse Supervisor, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Doris Henderson
, Food Service Worker
Nicole Holler
, Director of Medical Records, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Diane Hunger
, RN, Campus Educator
Tajahane Johnson
, HHA, Garden House
Deborah Kurek
, LPN, Nurse Supervisor, Dosberg Manor
Jun Liu
, per diem OTR, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Derrick McWilson Jr.
, Food Service Worker
Daija Patterson
, PCA, Dosberg Manor
Alice Patterson
, PCA, Dosberg Manor
Yazmine Quarles
, Food Service Worker
Lavaugn Reeves
, RN, Nurse Supervisor, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Sharmica Roberts
, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Shaquita Smith
, Housekeeper
Juanita Smith
, HHA, Garden House
Alexis Terrell
, LPN, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Tiye Wright
, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
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Meet Diane Hunger, RN, Campus Educator
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Weinberg Campus is pleased to introduce Diane Hunger, RN, as our new Campus Educator.
Diane is no stranger to working in long-term care settings. She has held various nursing, director of nursing and educator positions in the Buffalo area since 1975 for several organizations including Elderwood, Westwood, Catholic Health, Willcare, IT Health Tracks and Aspire of Western New York.
“Out of all of my roles, the teaching aspect as educator and instructor has brought me the most personal joy,” says Diane, “That’s why this position at Weinberg Campus appeals to me.” She has even taught classes at Rosa Coplon Living Center in the past. “When I was an instructor for Catholic Charities, I taught CNA classes for refugees at Rosa. In some ways it feels like I’m returning to a familiar place.”
Diane says she enjoys meeting new employees and having the opportunity to be among the first to make a positive impression. In her role, she will maintain regulations for annual employment physicals and provide educational support for staff, including state-required mandatory in-services for direct-care personnel.
Under her leadership, Diane says that Weinberg Campus will continue to offer multiple education platforms, such as live sessions presented by an educator, as well as “Notepad Learning,” which consist of reading materials followed by quizzes.
“Weinberg Campus has always had an exceptional reputation of giving high quality care. I’m happy to now play a part in ensuring that continues through training and education,” Diane says.
Throughout her career, Diane has assisted in the leadership of several mergers, acquisitions and closings. “Knowing that Elderwood has the same quality standards as Weinberg makes me excited about the upcoming transition to new ownership. I think I can be an asset to help ease employee apprehensions about the sale, having gone through it several times before and knowing firsthand the expanded opportunities it brings.”
A resident of Williamsville, Diane earned her RN degree from Trocaire College while working as a nursing assistant, and later received training to be an educator.
Outside of work she loves traveling to national parks, and has lasting memories from visits to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Tetons and Grand Canyon.
Diane’s office is on the first floor next to the Human Resources conference room. She can be reached at
[email protected]
or 716-639-3311 ext. 2466.
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Seder plate prepared for residents observing Passover.
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Residents at Dosberg Manor made crowns for Dyngus Day.
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Managers were serving up lunch at the Employee Hot Dog Sale.
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An employee team building workshop was held during the All Staff Meeting April 3.
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Employees put their heads together to solve the spaghetti marshmallow challenge.
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The Fiesta Open House on April 3 was a hit! The tacos and cinnamon churros sure smelled delicious!
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