Super SHEro - Vera Lepore '93

Vera Lepore, member of the MSDA Class of 1993, is a Pastry Chef at the Laurel Circle senior living facility in Bridgewater, New Jersey. In her role at Laurel Circle, which is a Life Plan community that offers a full continuum of care, Vera is focused on creating desserts for the community’s four food outlets, which include their Bistro, the main dining room, the assisted living and sub-acute care facilities, making sure all dietary restrictions are followed. A typical day would also include creating future demonstration ideas, marketing and catering for events as well as any spur of the moment events that come up. In the days of COVID19, Vera notes there is a huge difference now, including the need to wear proper protective gear like masks to keep the residents safe. “I'm still making desserts for my residents and trying to maintain normalcy for them. Everything now gets boxed up in takeout containers, but it still has to be plated nicely.” Vera has needed to rework all the menus and make adjustments accordingly with regards to the ability to procure all ingredients. “Our quality has never diminished. Birthday cakes are now individual cupcakes, but, yes, we still celebrate birthdays!” Vera is not just focused on providing healthy and beautiful desserts; she is focused on the residents’ state of mind as well. ”I have attached notes to each box and bag, letting them know I'm still here and thinking of them.”

Vera shared some unique insights into her role at Laurel Circle, which also helps illuminate the important role food services professionals provide in these challenging times. “As a pastry chef, food service worker, it's hard not seeing my residents on a regular basis, not doing demos for them. I miss them. It's hard to know that they are on lockdown and not seeing their families, knowing it's for their own protection. It’s emotionally draining. Providing food is really an important role, especially in the facility where I work - it's a retirement community with continuing care. Maintaining as normal a routine as possible really helps, with the residents and the staff.”

In thinking about what else she might want to share with the Mount community, Vera recalled some teachings from her days as a student. “We all have an important role in our communities especially now, and this is something I learned at the Mount. Anything you can do to help is important - buying milk for your neighbor or just a phone call to check in on someone is important. We will get through this, together!” Thank you, Vera, for brightening the days of your residents, and caring for their emotional wellbeing while delighting them with your culinary expertise!