Thanksgiving Comes Early to Einstein
Last week, Dr. Philip Ozuah, newly appointed president and CEO of Montefiore Medicine, alerted members of the Einstein community that free Thanksgiving meals would be available on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday. On Monday, November 25, the food service department prepared and served food for more than 1,200 individuals who turned out at our Lubin Dining Hall to enjoy the team's diligent and delectable efforts.
![Dr. Philip Ozuah, new president and CEO at Montefiore, was on hand to help serve the meals sponsored by Montefiore and Einstein]()
Dr. Philip Ozuah, new president and CEO at Montefiore, was on hand to help serve the meals sponsored by Montefiore and Einstein
In an e-blast sent before the event to remind our campus community of the meals being offered, Dr. Gregg Tarquinio, associate dean for administration and finance, noted, “We hope you can join us as we celebrate everyone’s hard work over the past year.”
James Cohen, director of food services, observed, “Throughout lunch, the dining hall tables were so full, many people opted to eat at tables outside, in the Einstein Cafe, or back at their offices."
As for those who ate in Lubin Dining Hall, which seats over 300 people, James noted, “We turned the seats over three times, and folks were still coming.
While the meals, sponsored by Einstein and Montefiore, were meant to thank everyone at Einstein for all they do, James offered his own thanks, saying, "I'd like to thank my team and those from Weiler for their great work in making sure the food was enjoyable and service went smoothly."
The dining hall bustled with activity as the line at times extended to the entrance. It moved well, though, with those waiting for services feeding into one of two serving stations to receive their meal of choice -- turkey, sole, or vegan potpie, with trimmings. At the start of lunch, Dr. Gordon F. Tomaselli, our Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean, and Dr. Tarquinio joined Dr. Ozuah in dishing out the Thanksgiving fare.
"It's a really nice way to let our community members know that we appreciate their contributions to Einstein and Montefiore," said Dr. Tomaselli.
Animated chatter filled the dining hall as students, staff, postdocs, and faculty mingled with one another, as well as with colleagues and friends from other departments. Some happily stumbled upon a friend while waiting in line or searching for a place to sit.
"I've been trying to have lunch with a friend of mine for months," said Janet Brown-Friday, clinical trials manager in medicine (endocrinology). "All of a sudden, I see her waving me over to where she was seated. We were both so glad to have the chance to connect. It was true serendipity."
Whether student, staff, postdoc, or faculty member, all agreed: It was a lovely event that made you feel appreciated.
"Thank you" received!
Posted on: Tuesday, December 03, 2019