VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21)

Resident Albert Bertoli recently celebrated his 100th birthday at the VAPAHCS Community Living Center in Menlo Park, Calif.

Some birthdays require a proper celebration, especially when you are turning 100! It was only three years ago that Albert Bertoli came to the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and won over the hearts of staff at the Community Living Center (CLC) in Menlo Park, Calif.

His prior 97 years of life were full of adventure, from marching across Europe after D-Day with the U.S. Army’s 84th Infantry Division, also known as the Railsplitters, to being married for 46 years, and following his military service, a career as a respected butcher in San Francisco, Calif. The World War II Veteran still has a lot of life in him and the staff wanted to do something special to commemorate this milestone.

There was already a project underway to facilitate family visits at the CLC to lift the spirits of residents who are sheltering in place during the pandemic. In collaboration with support from various departments, a plan was created to build an area where visitors could make window visits.

The result was a beautiful redwood deck outfitted with a pop-up tent and chairs, creating a comfortable space for family and friends to visit their loved ones. With his favorite raviolis on hand, a cake with large candles in the shape of “100”, and his 88-year old girlfriend, Bertoli was able to enjoy his milestone birthday after all through the new visitor window.

“People like Al are what make every day at VA worth it. I can never walk away from him without a smile,” said Laura Blue, Admissions Coordinator for Extended Care Services.