News

A Fountain of Good Wishes

Released: 3/22/2012

Who knew these record breaking temperatures would allow for one of the best gifts ever for the employees and physicians who are experiencing their final few days at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital.  On Thursday morning, a crew from the Buffalo Department of Public Works pulled together to start the fountain in Gates Circle, thanks to a special request by Sandy Nizinkiewicz, RN, Cardiac Cath Lab.  "This is my last week at Millard Fillmore Gates after 30 years.  The fountain has always been a fond symbol of life at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital and one we will miss tremendously", reflected Sandy.

Sandy used her contact at the Department of Public Works to make a pitch for the early priming of the fountain.  Nick Pugliese of the DPW made it happen.   Nick commented, “It took some phone calls and assistance from Commissioner Steve Stepniak, but we felt this was important to show our appreciation and offer tribute to the dedicated staff of Millard."  

And it did take a team. Nick Macri, DPW worker was on hand and has been clearing the drains of debris, energizing the water lines and starting up the fountain for over 30 years.  Burt Mirti joined the effort to clean up all the graffiti that pops up over the winter.  And Eileen Martin from the Buffalo Olmstead Conservatory was busy trimming up the foliage   readying for the spring planting.

"One of the hardest things for me in leaving Millard Gates is not being able to look out the window to see our fountain," said Sandy.  "This was my parting gift to my colleagues".

Contact Information:
Phyllis Gentner
Manager Guest Services
Phone: 887-4030
pgentner@kaleidahealth.org