In The News: Amberleigh Celebrates Tenth Anniversary Year Amberleigh Charter Members are WNY's Retirement Living Pioneers     by Patricia Szarpa     As Amberleigh prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary this year, Western New York can also mark 1998 as its tenth anniversary of the birth of the retirement living industry. "Amberleigh was the first complex in Western New York to combine apartment style living, senior services and transportation all under one roof," explained Michele Ladouceur, Executive Director.     The true "pioneers" of retirement living are Amberleigh's Charter Members, the first 50 people to move in and experience the concept. By the time the community was ready to host the very first of its public open houses on November 11, 1988 the charter members were settled into their new apartments. Their names are permanently displayed on a plaque in Amberleigh's atrium.     Ethel Sarles is one of those original charter members. "I was at the point in my life when I didn't want to buy another house or condo; an apartment with less work seemed ideal to me," she said, with particular reference to having meals and housekeeping included. Caroline Peters, another charter member, agreed. "After a fall in my home, my family was concerned about me living alone," she described, "it was a family decision and I've enjoyed it since the day I moved in." She added, "I've made wonderful friends here." Both Ethel and Caroline look forward to beginning their second decade at Amberleigh.     For charter member Marjorie Burrett, the last ten years took a slightly different turn. A Williamsville native, marjorie watched the building going up. "When I moved in, there were only 12 people here!" laughed marjorie, considering the spacious complex now houses just over 300 residents. "It is, without a doubt, the nicest place you can pick to live in Western New York," she said firmly. However those feelings didn't stop Marjorie from moving away for several years. "It was at a time in my life when I was unsettled," she described, "when you're alone, sometimes you questions whether or not you've made the right decision." She moved to a traditional apartment complex, but realized something was missing. "Above all, I missed the companionship," she confessed, adding, "I also missed the well-prepared meals - I wasn't eating as well by myself." Marjorie was even happier moving in the second time around.     Since Amberleigh first opened its doors, the concept of retirement living in Western New York has boomed into a multi-million dollar industry, with many different kinds of retirement living options opening up in the area to accommodate a rapidly growing senior population. "We have become the benchmark by which other properties coming on board are compared to," explains Ms. Ladouceur, "it has helped us rather than hurt us." She adds, "we"re excited and ready for the challenges of our second decade and the 21st century." Longevity and Dedication of Staff Deemed Integral in Amberleigh's Success     In an age where changing jobs every few years has become the norm, it is no small feat that Amberleigh has been able to retain many of its original staff members. Michele Ladouceur, Executive Director is one of the ten longest employed staff members to be with the company. Originally hired as marketing director in 1989, Ms. Ladouceur became Executive Director of the property in 1992.     "This is especially no small feat considering Amberleigh endured its share of growing pains, "Ms. Ladouceur recalled about the company's early years, "Retirement living in Western New York was so new, we had to define and redefine the concept over and over again for the public."     The sprawling complex on Maple Road was the site of many major public events and open houses for the first several years. "We knew we had our work cut out for us," said Assistant Director Heidi Nicklaus Lefebvre, nine year Amberleigh employee, "We've done everything from fall fests and craft shows to antique car shows and charity fund raisers," Ms. Lefebvre continued, "many of our events included having lunch with our visitors. In those years we must have had lunch with just about every senior in Western New York!" Ms. Lefebvre was in Amberleigh's marketing department for three years before taking on her current position.     Chuck Huber, Food Service Director, has been with Amberleigh from the very beginning. Hired as a Chef, Huber described, "it was an exciting time, everything was brand new." He continued, "we literally had to plan the kitchen from scratch, everything from what to serve to where to hang the spoons and stock the dishes."     The biggest change for Huber over the last ten years has been the change in occupancy. "Fortunately it was gradual," he described, as the property went from its original 50 residents to its current population of over 300. Huber sites a very visual comparison, "when we first opened, a case of juice would last a week. Now tow cases do not even get us through one meal."     Jim Coats, Activities Director, sees the last decade as an evolution for the Activities Department. Coats, a 9 year employee, was originally hired as a chef before moving into his current position. "The challenge has been to provide as much variety in activities as possible," he said, referring to a growing population with diverse interests. He added, "Over the years the residents themselves have become more involved at creating and running small group activities with our assistance. Resident-directed events that have evolved include a current events discussion group, Bible study, weekly nondenominational church services, bingo nights, shuffleboard, book reviews, many card-playing groups, and most recently, in a computer/internet discussion group.     What has kept the Amberleigh staff in place over the years? "It's dedication and cohesiveness that have kept all of us focused at serving the needs of our residents," Ladouceur explains, "We come to work every day knowing that, as a team, we can make a difference."   These articles appeared in "The Senior Beacon"

Amberleigh
2330 Maple Road
Williamsville, NY 14221
716-689-4555