As the seasons change, our residents look forward to the many special events and activities planned during the months ahead.
One of our most popular events, the ‘Fine Dining Luncheon,’ offers a unique experience. It features a delectable catered meal from a local restaurant, includes volunteer servers and wait staff, and the chance for our residents to savor a delicious meal in the comfort of their homes.
McHarrie Towne Independent Living
McHarrie Place Health & Rehabilitation Center
We are grateful for our activities team, volunteers, and generous donors who work tirelessly to host successful fine dining events and much more. These events are a true labor of love, requiring dedication and hard work that does not go unnoticed.
McHarrie Life Foundation
Thank you to our entire team for their unwavering commitment to our organization’s continued success. I am proud to work with such wonderful people who treat our residents like family—helping them feel safe, loved, and secure. We couldn’t do it without you. Together, as ever, as one.
Mark Murphy, CEO
Dear Friends, Welcome…
We welcome Jackie Mullen as the newly appointed Director of Nursing at Syracuse Home.
As a registered nurse with a master’s degree in healthcare administration, Jackie brings an impressive 25 years of experience in customer service, community relations, and nursing care to our organization. Her compassion and advocacy for the older adult population are the primary focus of her career.
We are fortunate to have Jackie’s expertise in nursing to lead our program.
“I am fortunate to have such an experienced healthcare team working together at Syracuse Home. Their talents and compassion for providing excellent care for those individuals has made this an easy decision to accept this position. Some of the exciting areas we are currently engaged in are the recent transition of a new computer system, continued education specifically in dementia care, and our continued onsite Certified Nurse Assistant program. My passion is sharing knowledge I have learned over the years with our next generation of healthcare professionals. This makes for a win-win for both new healthcare employees transitioning to this career, and for our residents as they age gracefully within our community.”
—Jackie Mullen, MHA, RN
McHarrie Independent
McHarrie Place Health & Rehabilitation Center
Admissions: 315-638-2521
McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living Residence
Admissions: 315-638-2525
Sage Court
Memory Care @ McHarrie Pointe
Admissions: 315-638-2525
McHarrie Towne Independent Living
Admissions: 315-638-1172
To request information about our programs, please call 315-638-2521 or visit our website at www.mcharrielife.org.
McHarrie Place Health & Rehabilitation Center
LifeTimes is a publication of McHarrie Life Senior Community 7740 Meigs Road Baldwinsville, New York 13027 315-638-2521
LifeTimes Editor: Kelly O’Neill-Rossi Director, Development & Marketing
McHarrie Life Foundation
McHarrie Foundation
McHarrie Assisted Residence
If you would like to add/remove your mailing address information, please email krossi@mcharrielife.org.
McHarrie Life Senior Community is a not-for-profit organization that offers a continuum of healthcare programs and services for older adults including; independent living at McHarrie Towne, assisted living and memory care at McHarrie Pointe, and short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care at McHarrie Place. All programs and services are conveniently located at 7740 Meigs Road in Baldwinsville, New York.
Q & A for your health Choose Syracuse Home for Your Short-Term Rehabilitation
Our program helps people get back to their lives feeling stronger, healthier, and more confident.
What does your short-term rehabilitation program offer?
Our program provides in-patient and outpatient services for those in need of short-term rehabilitation. We offer physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and our professional team includes physicians, a nurse practitioner, dietitians, nurses, and social workers who work with you and your family to develop an individualized care plan.
Why would someone need in-patient short-term rehabilitation? :
In this setting, patients focus on recovery from an illness, accident, or surgery. Our program provides a healing, restful environment. A combination of therapy and rest enables our patients to return home feeling stronger and more confident.
What are some examples of medical issues for which someone needs short-term rehabilitation?
At any given time in our short-term rehabilitation center, people are recovering from an illness, a stroke, generalized weakness, a fall, a broken bone, elective joint replacement surgery, pneumonia, heart failure, or any other number of possible health issues. The need for wound care, respiratory therapy, IV antibiotics, or tube feedings could also require short-term rehabilitation.
How do I plan my short-term rehabilitation stay?
If you have a scheduled surgery, please let us know beforehand by calling our admissions to our program. If you are in the hospital under unexpected circumstances and need short-term rehabilitation, let your hospital discharge planner know that you chose Syracuse Home for rehabilitation. They will contact us with your discharge date, and we will coordinate your transportation to our facility.
What services and amenities do you provide?
We provide restaurant-style dining, room service, complimentary phone, cable, WiFi, computer access, daily activities, laundry service, and an on-site beauty/barber shop.
Who pays for short-term rehabilitation?
Your health insurance and Medicare plan will likely cover your rehabilitative care. As with any medical situation, reaching out to your own insurance provider is the best way to obtain accurate information.
For more information about our program, please call our admissions department at 315-638-2521.
What’s Pickleball?
“I’ve been playing pickleball for the past 10 years. I really enjoy playing the sport both indoors and outdoors. As we age, pickleball allows us to stay active and to compete with players of equal ability, within your own age group.”
—Dave Feikert,
McHarrie Towne resident
Pickleball?
competition, or just love to socialize, pickleball offers something for everyone.
To learn more about
Dave Feikert and his family enjoy playing Pickleball at Syracuse Indoor Pickleball in Baldwinsville.
A Beautiful Soul
Her smile lights up the room; she is sweet, gentle, and kind. Meet Carol Schneider, a McHarrie Pointe assisted living resident and a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend to all who know and love her.
Born and raised in Clay, New York, Carol grew up on a 40-acre farm with her parents, three sisters, and brother. As a child, she loved helping on the family farm, especially nurturing and raising over 400 chickens. Her Dad paid her $2 weekly to candle the chicken eggs in the basement. Candling involves shining a bright light through the egg to examine its contents and help determine its fertility and embryo development. “I liked doing it, and it helped me earn money to pay for my schoolbooks, which weren’t free back then.” Not surprisingly, her family nicknamed her “Chick” because of her love for caring for baby chicks.
She met her husband, Rohe, in school. They married at age 17 and had four children: Ken, Dave, Rick, and Sherri. Carol also has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
One of her best family memories was when she and Rohe took their young children camping every summer at Brown Tract Pond in the Adirondacks. “We went tenting, hiking, fishing, and mountain climbing together. It is one of my greatest family memories.”
Carol’s husband, Rohe, died unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 54. “I didn’t think I could ever go back to work after my husband died, but my boss was encouraging and supportive and told me that they needed me. His words gave me the strength to return to work.” Carol retired from Elmcrest Elementary School after 35 years. She started as a teacher’s aide and retired as the building secretary in 2000. “The best part of my workday was when the children visited and talked with me. I loved it.”
After her retirement, Carol met her companion Eddie at a singles dance in Brewerton. “We spent the next 20 years
together living in Central Square. He was an avid car lover, so we visited car shows and traveled together. We often visited my daughter, Sherri, and her military husband, Dave, who lived in different states throughout the years.”
Carol loves keeping busy. Her past and present hobbies include broomstick lace crocheting, sewing, crafting, knitting, quilting, canning, and making fleece tie blankets. “Every week, I make fleece blankets.” Remarkably, she’s made blankets every week for the past ten years.
Carol also loves to bake and enjoys making fudge! Her favorite puzzle is crosswords, and she enjoys assembling jigsaw puzzles. Over the years, Carol collected Annalee figures, Boyd Bears, and Hummels.
Sadly, her companion, Eddie, died of cancer in 2020. Carol sold her home soon after and moved in with her daughter, Sherri, until they found her the perfect new home. “I’ve lived at McHarrie Pointe since 2022. I feel happy, safe, and comfortable here. It’s #1 in my book!”
Carol participates in the daily exercise program, bingo, baking, crafts, day trips, and activity classes at McHarrie Pointe. She’s made new friends and embraces her fulfilling and active life.
Carol pictured with her husband Rohe
McHarrie Fall-Winter 2024 V2
word search
See if you can spot the words on the right. They all relate to fall and winter seasons and celebrations.
C A O I R R C U E S Z Y S E C A Z A V W Y V A W G L O V E S I L S Y C R A N B E R R I E S S Y D R E I D E L X O E G R I N C H D B R X R T O Y S O F A I F L Q I E
Follow the directions carefully to discover an answer that is a apropos.
Start with EXHAUSTEDGERMANDOG.
Replace each D with a B.
Move the second A to the immediate right of the first A. 3.
Delete the M.
Move the first letter to the end.
Delete the first E.
Swap the H with the first B.
Delete the S.
Delete the three center letters.
Move the first A to the immediate left of the first B. 10. Delete the U.
Move the R to the end.
Delete the center letter.
Swap the X with the G. 14.
Insert an E at the immediate left of the second A. 15.
Delete the first letter.
“ ST E P P I NG ”
It started with a dream. A small group of McHarrie Life staff members gathered with a common goal—to create a fun, innovative, and motivational employee wellness program. With the support of management, the group designed the organization’s first health and wellness program, “Inspire” in 2016.
Over the past seven years, Inspire distributed hundreds of recipes, exercise posters, fun facts, health tips, and unique healthy snacks and hosted many exercise challenges.
This year’s event is “The 100-Mile Challenge.” McHarrie Life staff members and residents walk, bike, and jog until they reach 100 miles. Everyone who completes the challenge receives a t-shirt. “For me, it always helps to have a goal and a deadline to keep me motivated. Tracking the numbers on paper gave me extra incentive to finish the challenge,” says McHarrie Life staff member Joanie Spencer.
We often read about the physical health benefits of exercise, but what about the mental? People who exercise regularly are more energetic, experience better sleep, and feel more upbeat than those who live a more sedentary lifestyle.
A recent study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. Exercise creates positive changes in the brain, including releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland release endorphins in response to pain or stress and create feelings of well-being.
You can help increase your body’s endorphin release by engaging in these activities:
Exercise. Walking fast or engaging in another form of aerobic activity at a moderately intense pace is best for releasing endorphins.
Acupuncture. Pressure points are an effective way to release endorphins. A professional acupuncturist places fine needles into the skin at specific points around the body, triggering the release of endorphins.
Meditation. Breathing deeply and focusing your brain calms your mind and eases pain.
Playing music. When you sing, dance, or bang on a drum, you do more than entertain others. You also release a rush of endorphins, which research suggests might increase tolerance to pain.
Laughter. A good belly laugh can do wonders for your state of mind. Along with releasing endorphins, laughter alters levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Ultraviolet light. It’s no wonder that some people feel happy when they spend time outdoors in the sun. Ultraviolet light stimulates the release of beta-endorphins in the skin (Make sure to protect your skin with SPF to prevent sun damage).
Source: Harvard Health Publishing-Harvard Medical School
For those who cannot exercise for long periods, try adding 30 minutes of activity to your day three days a week. You may achieve this by exercising in small increments throughout the day. For example, walk for five minutes every few hours, march in place in front of the television, and practice stand-andsit exercises (10 reps) three times a day. Also, walk and talk on the phone, and do a set of ten heel raises while doing dishes or brushing your teeth. A body in motion stays in motion, so lace up your sneakers and take the next step toward better health!
Left to right: Clare, Colleen, and her therapy dog Addie, Dorothy, Yvonne, and Pamela successfully completed the 100-Mile Challenge.
Congratulations
What position did you start in?
Foundation or Home in this capacity before.
What is your current title?
Director of Philanthropy
Where did you work before here, and what did you do?
I was with Crouse Hospital Foundation before joining Syracuse Home/McHarrie Life. I was Director of Annual Giving and Events. I have also worked for two United Ways in major and planned gifts, and years ago I was volunteer coordinator for the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, holding every position in the development office over my time there.
What made you choose a career in development?
Newly married and living in Watertown, New York, the United Way of Jefferson County was looking for a person to help with administrative tasks, marketing, and fundraising. At that time, 1986, development was somewhat recognized as a field in the United States, however, colleges did not yet offer it as a course of study. Both of those distinctions exist now. Did someone inspire you in your life?
My parents, and my husband. Despite graduating in 1938 from Syracuse University my mother never worked outside the home, however she volunteered for numerous things, while caring for a family of eight. My father was involved
in local politics, a member of Kiwanis, and active in the local United Way, then called the Community Chest. My parents set a quiet example of giving back to the community and why it was the right thing to do. Likewise, I admire my husband who has always volunteered for numerous causes and events.
Where did you attend college?
Vermont College in Montpelier, Vermont. At that time, it was a part of Norwich University.
What are the greatest challenges in your position?
Major and Planned gifts have changed during my time. The Greatest Generation is/was extremely philanthropic. We likely saw the largest transfer of wealth from the depression era, World War II population, that this country will ever
witness. Philanthropy and volunteering were second nature to them. They built charitable giving into their household budget and gave to non-profits routinely. It is a tad different today. This is not to say there aren’t charitable people among us, of course there are. McHarrie Life has a tremendous number of donors; they are the very foundation, pun intended, of this organization. Demand for giving has increased as government funding to non-profits decreased. Simply put, there are more choices of non-profits to give to, making securing major gifts more competitive. Additionally, it can take time to educate donors on how they can make a major gift and decrease their taxes for example. A donor’s financial advisors and, or attorneys should be involved in the process, to ensure the donor is best served. Of course, some gift transactions are simpler than others. Securing a major or planned/legacy gift is 80 percent cultivation. It typically does not happen overnight.
on Your Retirement Audrey Gibbs
What do you feel are your greatest accomplishments?
Unequivocally, my children. Ages 30 and 24, they are kind, caring, socially conscious people, and each chose careers that help and serve others. Professionally speaking, helping United Way of NNY raise more than a half-million dollars for the rural towns its agencies served was rewarding. Taking the major giving society of the United Way of CNY over the million-dollar mark, and for McHarrie Life, certainly the success of the $4 million dollar Caring for Generations Capital Campaign and securing a half-milliondollar gift during that Campaign are things of which I am proud. The Caring for Generations Campaign helped build the new 80-bed skilled nursing care wing and renovate the former skilled setting into McHarrie Pointe assisted living. Those accomplishments were not solely mine. Those victories belonged to a team of forward-thinking volunteers and staff who I was privileged to work with. At McHarrie Life, my accomplishments occurred because of the donors who made advancement possible, our CEO who trusted that I could do it, and the board members who supported me. All fundraising is accomplished for a community, what the people who reside there need, and how they will benefit. Improving life for those who need healthcare programs and services today, as well as future generations. That’s the victory.
How many children/grandchildren do you have?
Two children, John, and Ellyn. No grandchildren yet, but three grand cats that are as entertaining as they are sweet. Where did you grow up?
I grew up on Westcott Street, in the Syracuse University area which I loved. The diversity was wonderful.
What do you love the most about your job?
Our donors. They appreciate the amazing care that is being provided and want to contribute to ensure that others will receive this care as well; even those of future generations. It is a privilege to cultivate a relationship with donors of the major and planned gift level. There is such trust from the donor as they share financial information and want to explore the best way to give the most they can. It is very special. Over the years I have enjoyed the memories and life lessons of our residents and marveled at their strength and positive attitudes. I have made friends with family members of our residents over the years, and I value those relationships. Of course, my colleagues are very precious to me. What will you miss the most about your job?
Everything. I love Syracuse Home; it is an extraordinary culture. I will miss my Foundation Board of Directors. They are a quiet, behind the scenes voluntary Board made up of outstanding people who are wonderful stewards of the Foundation’s permanent endowment. I will miss all the staff, many of whom I have worked with for years, and many who have already retired. The care of residents by this team, whether directly or indirectly, is extraordinary. I am so happy that this organization has grown and become a complete senior care continuum, and I am honored to have been a part of that. Through all our growth, the loving care of and attention to our residents is still the most important thing. The staff that provide that care are outstanding. It has been an honor to work with them. My father was a long-term care administrator; I grew up in this field beginning at age 12. I assure you, there is no other place like McHarrie Life.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I garden from April to October; I love being outdoors, I enjoy bird watching on our property, and we have an apiary (beekeepers). I love to read and write. I enjoy our Labrador Retrievers, Scout and Elsa, interior decorating, our antiques and researching the history of our Circa 1817 farmhouse. I practice yoga and meditation. What are your plans for retirement?
My husband is an accomplished golfer. We plan to spend some of winter in Scottsdale, Arizona, or in the south. In summer, we will spend more time at our camp on Henderson Harbor, Lake Ontario. Henderson Harbor is a special place for us, our children are fourth generation on the lake. I look forward to kayaking more and bike riding.
Do you have any special travel plans?
We are a fortunate family in that we have traveled quite a bit already within and beyond the United States. John and I are interested in going to central Europe; we may also travel west on Route 66 just for the fun of doing it.
Do you have any new hobbies or interests to pursue?
I plan to volunteer more for local animal shelters, return to mentoring at risk kids in local school districts, continue candle making, and attend more artistic workshops of that nature.
Why our Appetite Decreases as we Age
“I’m just not hungry anymore,” says 81-year-old Anne James. Recent studies found that 16 percent of Americans over the age of 65 are consuming less than 1,000 calories a day. This calorie deficit can lead to weight loss, poor nutritional status, and declining health.
Our sense of smell and taste impact our ability to enjoy a meal. “My mom eats more if I cook the food in her home instead of ordering takeout. I also involve her in the cooking process to encourage activity and conversation,” says Anne’s daughter, Jane.
If you assist with caring for a loved one experiencing a decreased appetite, try preparing meals in the home as often as possible. It can awaken the senses and help stimulate their appetite. Also, experiment with different spices and flavoring to help food taste better.
Plate presentation really does matter. Studies show that a contrast of color between food and plate makes it stand out and easier to see. Using larger dinnerware to serve meals helps to make the portions appear smaller. Adding colorful vegetables to the plate makes it healthier and more appealing to the eyes.
It’s important to note that certain medications can decrease appetite and upset the stomach, causing the person to eat less frequently in fear of gastrointestinal discomfort. Check medication side effects and discuss with your doctor alternative options or solutions.
Dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, or poorly fitting dentures can make chewing and swallowing difficult. It can also create unnecessary pain and stress and impact a person’s ability to eat and enjoy food.
The less active a person is, the less likely they are to have an appetite. Encourage your loved one to participate in meaningful activities. If they are physically limited, encourage activities that stimulate their minds, like crafts, puzzles, reading, or woodworking. If doctor-approved, encourage walking, chair yoga, light strength
training, or seated bike pedaling exercises.
Inactivity, social isolation, and poor nutrition can also lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety, both of which can greatly impact appetite. Often, our loved ones hide the problem for fear of going to the doctor’s office and facing another health issue. Gently encourage your loved one to communicate and assure them that there are ways to combat depression so they can have a happier, more fulfilling life.
Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Add the onion, carrot, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add the chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken stock
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Timings may differ depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Lori Fuller, dietetic technician, (left) visits with Syracuse Home resident Shirley Johnson. Lori works closely with the residents to discuss food/fluid preferences to ensure they receive the items they enjoy and eat well.
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks.
Add the macaroni and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the macaroni is tender. Make sure you stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
When the pasta is al dente, add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
Stir in the cream cheese and half-and-half (single cream) and stir until the cream cheese melts and the soup is heated through.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Source: www.skinnyspatula.com
NY 13027
McHarrie Life Foundation invites you to our 23rd Annual Afternoon of Theater event at Syracuse Stage. All proceeds benefit resident programs and services at McHarrie Life. This year’s production is Cinderella! Sunday, December 8th.
Patron Ticket: $60 each—includes a fabulous reception catered by Sodexo beginning at 12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinee performance
Contributor Ticket: $40 each—includes 2 p.m. matinee performance only
Underwriters: Bonadio Group ONEGROUP
Presenting Sponsor: Reception Sponsors: Supporters: Rockbridge Investment Management Yang-Patyi Law Firm Sponsors: Empower Federal
