December 1, 2003 |

2003 OPTIMA Award Ceremony

2003 OPTIMA Award Ceremony

Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

One of the perks of the job, according to Nursing Homes/Long Term Care Management Editor-in-Chief Richard L. Peck, is being able to attend the annual OPTIMA Award presentation ceremonies conducted by the winning facilities. This year’s award ceremony in September had an extra perk, he says: “The food was special.”

No surprise there, since the 2003 award winner described “The Five-Star Dining Experience” available at Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Glen Cove, New York (see September 2003). Administrator Jill Smoller, Director of Food Services David Post, and Director of Nutritional Services Frank Dano put on a smorgasbord that received rave reviews from local government officials and other guests of honor attending (photo). Smoller contributed an extra dollop of enthusiasm, describing her staff’s response in learning they had won the OPTIMA: “We assembled in my office, jumped up and down, and yelled-it was like winning the lottery!”

A tour of the facility revealed that owner Isaac Laufer has invested a considerable sum in upgrading the dining area, with personalized tables, attractive flooring, a small cafT, and an open, airy look. Covered seating areas on the sides of the building and a popular patio in front were also constructed, adding up to a comfortable, welcoming appearance.

“As always at these ceremonies,” said Peck, “I was impressed by the winning facility’s obvious commitment of dollars, time, and enthusiasm to enhancing today’s nursing home environment.” NH

Front row, right to left: Jill Smoller, administrator of Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation; Joan Meehan, representing Mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp; Diane Yaturo, representing Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi; Ron Goodman, director of nursing. Back row: Frank Dano, director of nutritional services; David Post, director of food services; David Sidikman, assemblyman from District 13; Isaac Laufer, owner of Glen Cove Center; Richard Peck, editor-in-chief of Nursing Homes/Long Term Care Management; Jeffrey Marcus, assistant director of nursing; Debbie Maraldo, assistant director of nursing; Tina Morgan, director of therapeutic recreation.

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2003 OPTIMA Award Ceremony

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