Skip to content
Cura Hospitality
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Cura Hospitality
    • Leadership
    • Social Responsibility
  • Who We Serve
    • Life Plan Communities
    • Acute Care
  • Careers
  • Spotlight
    • News
    • Blog
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Cura Hospitality
    • Leadership
    • Social Responsibility
  • Who We Serve
    • Life Plan Communities
    • Acute Care
  • Careers
  • Spotlight
    • News
    • Blog
Contact Us
Cura Hospitality
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Who We Serve
    • Life Plan Communiies
    • Acute Care
  • Social Responsibility
  • Spotlight
    • News
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
Menu

Longwood Reopens after 15 Months; Residents Excited to Dine in Person

  • Published June 15, 2021
  • | Company News

“Pictured: Welcoming residents back are Leah Ford, Syracuse University student and Carly Glover, University of Pittsburgh student.”

After 15 long months, residents at Presbyterian SeniorCare’s Longwood at Oakmont in Verona, PA, were thrilled to finally be able to dine “in person”.

According to Mary Kay Grippa, general manager of dining, the pandemic was challenging for the staff who prepared and delivered 100 boxed lunches and 300 dinners daily to five neighborhoods spreading across the 60-acre campus.  “We were fortunate to employ many college students who were able to work because they were learning remotely.”  Of the 134 hourly staff members, 65% are college students who are majoring in nursing and healthcare from schools like Pitt, Duquesne, Penn State, and Clarion.  Ms. Grippa even employs a nursing home administration major who enjoys working with residents in the memory support neighborhood.

Reopening dining also presented its obstacles. The goal was to eliminate high-touch areas, such as the salad bar and beverage station.  The scatter system food configuration lends to further eliminate the need to touch anything.  Residents are able to visit the station of their choice and verbally make their selection to the dining server.

During the reopening celebration, residents could visit all stations that offered fresh-dough Margarita pizza, made from scratch andouille and corn chowder soups, and design your own deli.

Residents also enjoyed a summer salmon and berry salad with a lemon vinaigrette.  The most popular was the action station where Executive Chef Ryle David prepared a Mediterranean chicken and pasta, and grilled favorites to order!

The Perked Coffee bar and barista is also open energizing residents with freshly brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, chai, lattes, smoothies, and milkshakes.  Guests and residents can also enjoy breakfast sandwiches, bagels, English muffins, pastries, fruit, yogurt, and parfaits.

Though residents were excited to come in the dining room, they were especially happy to see and visit with our student workers who are applying what they learn in school,” she says.

Dining team members were equally excited to serve their residents in person.  “Just talking to residents face to face was awesome.  I also had the pleasure of introducing myself to new residents, who never experienced anything but a food delivery due to the pandemic.  I walked them through the dining room and our concepts.  Speaking with residents and making a connection with people – good or bad – I want to hear from them.   It’s how we learn to enhance services to residents.  This is why I got into this business,” Ms. Grippa says.

 

  • Latest Company News

Culinary Caregivers: Senior Living Chefs Dish Up Top-Notch and Reap Feel-Good Rewards

Cura’s Connections Memory Support Dining Creates Meals with Dignity at Providence Point: June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month”

Cura Springs into Summer with Global Foods!

Brain Booster Hummus

Excellence in Food Service: The Most Trusted Companies of 2025

Cura Chefs are Crowned Winners in FSD’s First Healthcare Recipe Contest

What's Happening Around Cura

Spice of Life: Senior Dining Chef helps Residents discover Longevity-Boosting Blends

Learn about Cura’s Longevity-Boosting Spice Blends…which can be a win-win in replacing salt and also

Cura Hospitality’s Completely Satisfied Promotes Healing and Wellness

Is it time to elevate your dining and hospitality strategy? Now’s the time to gain

May Recipe of the Month: Sweet Potato Brownie

While sweet potatoes are known for their natural sweetness, Chef Lance showcases their impressive health

Cura Hospitality
Who We Serve
  • Life Plan Communities
  • Acute Care
Company
  • About Cura Hospitality
  • Social Responsibility
  • Careers
Stay in touch
  • Contact Us
  • Work with Us
  • (724) 416-7676
Facebook-f
Linkedin
LeadingAge PA Premier Sponsor 2025

Copyright © Cura Hospitality, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • California Residents
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • California Residents