Dr. Evan Calkins Meritorious Service Award
2008 Recipient - Beverly A. Kubala, RN, Geriatric Care Manager - Pfalzgraf Beinhauer & Menzies, LLP
Beverly Kubala has exemplified all the criteria that comprise the eligibility requirements for this prestigious award. For over 20 years, Bev has been working in the field of geriatric care. She received her nursing degree from Sister's of Charity Hospital School of Nursing in 1968 and demonstrated her business savvy by attending the Entrepreneurial Institute at Canisius College.
Bev took these skill sets to the next level when she chose to advocate on behalf of the elderly. She has been an active member of the Network in Aging of Western New York, Inc. and has served on the board of directors for many years. Bev was elected Network in Aging President in 2002 and served in that capacity until November of 2006. Under her strong leadership, she helped the Network to better define our mission and to carry that mission into our services for the members. During her presidency, the Network continued its focus on providing quality, affordable, educational opportunities for its members, including programs on spirituality in aging services, incapacity and decision making in the elderly, and organizational change. She also sought to broaden the Network's membership to include individuals in banking, financial planning and law.
Following her years as President, Bev has remained an active and integral part of the Network board, offering insights on how the Network can remain true to its mission while continuing to grow.
Bev has also made a positive impact on the lives of the elderly. In her capacity with Staff Builders Home Care in the area of business development, Bev worked successfully with many community agencies and companies to promote education regarding home care for the elderly. She focused on assisting seniors to remain at home in a safe environment. While at Weinberg Campus, Bev was very involved with counseling and working with the elderly and their families, finding viable plans for alternative care. In her current position as Geriatric Care Manager at Pfalzgraf Beinhauer & Menzies, LLP, Bev continues to work with seniors, their families, and loved ones. She accesses the needs of the elderly, finds the best care and living arrangements for them and continues to have a passion to improve the lives of our elderly!
Bev has also made an impact in the community regarding seniors through her volunteerism. She serves on the Board of Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services and has been an active member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WNY. Bev helped contribute to a successful grant application for the MS Society for respite stays for individuals with multiple sclerosis. She is active in the Alzheimer's Association of WNY helping to promote and support fundraising efforts including the Blue Moon Gala and Memory Walk. These agencies all promote what Bev firmly believes-improving the lives of our elderly!
Throughout Bev's career in the geriatric field, she has advocated for the senior community by educating others, as well as setting the example herself. She is compassionate, dedicated and has a "heart of gold." She has touched the lives of many and has helped many families in the community. Bev continues to encourage individuals to have a positive view of aging.