Editor’s Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders of all ages who are making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Leah Abildnes has always been proud to call Staten Island home.
Born in the old Staten Island Hospital building on Castleton and Cebra avenues that was formerly the S.R. Smith Infirmary — a structure that resembled an intriguing castle capped with a red-brick tower — Abildnes was baptized in the Zion Lutheran Church, where she’s still a member today.
Leah Abildnes enjoys a Cosmopolitan. (Couretesy/Melanie Kalantari)Staten Island Advance
Born on May 23, 1930, Abildnes grew up in New Brighton along with her nine siblings. But, when she entered her teen years, she and her family relocated to Westerleigh.
In 1948, she met Leif Abildnes, the love of her life, and the man who said that because she was a strong, beautiful woman, she earned the nickname, “The New Brighton kid.” The awesome twosome married on April 1, 1950.
Abildnes smiles with her great grandkids, Connor, Lacey, Ryan and Emma.(Courtesy of Melanie Kalantari)Staten Island Advance
Together they raised four daughters, Lorraine, Lois, Linda and Lisa. Sadly, Leif Abildnes died in 1992. But, today, Leah Abildnes is the proud grandmother of James, Melanie, Charles, Amy, David, Matthew, and Deanna, and she is great-grandmother to seven.
Leah Abildnes is shown with her eldest granddaughter, Melanie Kalantari. (Courtesy of Melanie Kalantari)Staten Island Advance
Leah and Leif Abildnes were well known in the community during the early 1960s as owners of the Five Ls Candy Store on Lathrop Avenue in Westerleigh until 1964.
Leah and Leif Abildnes are shown during the early years. (Courtesy of Melanie Kalantari)Staten Island Advance
While raising her family and lending a helping hand at the candy store, she also began her 30-year career at J.C. Penney in the Forest Avenue Shopper’s Town. In fact, to this day she still attends monthly J.C. Penney retiree luncheons
Leah Abildnes celebrates with Sonja and Sonja's son in law. (Courtesy of Melanie Kalantari)Staten Island Advance
LEAH AT 90
Now, the new nonagenarian’s greatest joys are spending time with her family, listening to her favorite musicians, from Pavarotti to Roy Orbison, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Lynne. On occasion, she still can be seen dancing and listening to the music of her favorite band “Backdraft.”
Leah Abildnes stands outside her New Dorp home. (Courtesy of Melanie Kalantari)Staten Island Advance
Her eldest granddaughter, Melanie Kalantari, who resides in Burbank, Calif., confides that her grandmother swears Sambuca is the cure for the common cold, and she adds that Brandy Alexanders used to be her go-to drink.
Leah Abildnes is shown with daughters Lois, Lisa and Lorraine. (Courtesy of Melanie Kalantari)Staten Island Advance
Her favorite sayings are “Talk to you manana," and "When I die, I want to come back as a bird.”
“She says, ‘worrying is a sin. So don’t worry,'" adds Melanie.
Leah Abildnes is shown in her younger years. (Courtesy of Melanie Kalantari)Staten Island Advance
Although Abildnes mainly spends her days watching “Investigation Discovery,” “The Price is Right," “Jeopardy” and “The Wheel of Fortune," she has wonderful memories of numerous trips to California and Las Vegas, where she says she always felt young again, embracing the excitement and glamour of Vegas.
And while trips are always exciting, Abildnes says she’s always anxious to get home to her beautiful Staten Island.
Leah Abildnes is celebrating 90 years. (Courtesy of Melanie Kalantari) Staten Island Advance
Oh, and she also loves an occasional trip to Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor, the Eger Scandinavian Holiday Fair at Christmastime, and, of course, reading through the Staten Island Advance.
This year, to celebrate Abildnes entering her ninth decade, family members and friends gathered for a drive-by birthday parade in front of her New Dorp home and extended well wishes to the “birthday girl" as she becomes a brand new nonagenarian.
Happy 90th birthday, Leah!
DANA FORD LINCOLN DONATES 10K TO RUMC
Local Staten Island automotive dealer Dana Ford Lincoln has donated $10,000 to Richmond University Medical Center.
This funds will be used to help provide resources during the ongoing fight against COVID-19, such as personal protective gear, HEPA filtration machines and upgraded respiratory systems.
“We have been absolutely astonished and humbled at the support that has poured in from the community during the COVID pandemic," said Daniel J. Messina, president and chief executive officer of Richmond University Medical Center. "We very much appreciate the donation of $10,000 from Dana Ford Lincoln. Now, more than ever, we are comforted by the fact that Staten Island is a community that pulls together in times of crisis.”
“Dana has and always will be proud to support our community,” Dana Ford Lincoln owner Jim Cognetta said. “This money represents a small token of appreciation for the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy.”
Dana Ford Lincoln has been providing sales and service for Ford, Lincoln and various pre-owned vehicles since 1980.
For additional information on Richmond University Medical or Dana Ford Lincoln, visit: http://drivedana.com/ or https://www.rumcsi.org/
STATEN ISLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL NAMES NEW CHAIR OF CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Mitchell Weinberg (Courtesy/SIUH)Staten Island Advance
Dr. Mitchell D. Weinberg has been appointed chairman of cardiology at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH).
According to hospital officials, Weinberg’s clear vision for cardiology will result in a robust, well-rounded clinical program committed to clinical and academic excellence.
“We have some of the highest volumes of patients in New York state, and we are dedicated to leading the way in heart care,” said Weinberg. “I am proud to be joining this award-winning team.”
In 2019, Staten Island University Hospital was awarded the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award, was a Coronary Interventional Procedures Five-Star Recipient, and received America’s 100 Best Coronary Intervention awards from Healthgrades.
In 2013, Weinberg joined North Shore University Hospital as the director of peripheral vascular intervention within the Department of Cardiology.
During his first two years, he rapidly expanded the hospital’s vascular medicine and interventional program across Long Island. And, shortly thereafter, his responsibilities were extended to Lenox Hill Hospital and the surrounding western region of the health system.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Weinberg to Staten Island University Hospital," said Dr. Brahim Ardolic, executive director of Staten Island University Hospital. “He has been a foundational member of Northwell Health for seven years and is widely respected for his character and years of commitment to the cardiology field.”
Weinberg received a bachelor of arts degree and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He did his internal medicine residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, his cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowships at Mount Sinai Hospital and an advanced fellowship in vascular medicine and vascular intervention at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Most recently, Weinberg obtained a master’s of business administration degree from the Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University.
Academically, Weinberg has been widely published and he lectures extensively at national cardiac and vascular conferences. He is advancing his field at the societal level in his role as a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and Society of Vascular Medicine.
He was recently nominated to the Society of Vascular Medicine’s board of trustees.
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