e are enjoying the warmer weather and longer sunny days of summer. Our residents are outdoors on our patio, planting raised bed gardens and visiting with their families and friends. We are so fortunate to have our dedicated staff who work together to provide the most meaningful activities and life experiences for every resident we are privileged to serve.
McHarrie Towne Independent Living
McHarrie Place Health & Rehabilitation Center
Our organization’s success is rooted in the generosity of thousands of residents, families, volunteers, staff, and friends of McHarrie Life. Every gift to our Foundation enables our organization to grow and meet the changing needs of our senior community.
McHarrie Life Foundation
Over 100 active volunteers at McHarrie Life help with our daily activities, day trips, and special events to bring joy to our residents’ lives. We are grateful for their time and commitment to our organization and look forward to honoring them at our annual volunteer recognition event in September.
Thank you to every person who makes a difference at McHarrie Life.
Together, as ever, as one.
Mark Murphy, CEO
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:My 80-year-old mother currently lives alone in her home but was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. She is a very active and social person, and I worry about choosing the right program for her as the disease progresses and she needs additional care. What kinds of daily activities do you offer residents of your Sage Court Memory Care program?
A:We offer a variety of daily activities that are both fun and therapeutic. Therapeutic recreation/activities are crucial for someone living with Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease. These activities help stimulate cognitive function, encourage socialization, reduce anxiety, and promote calmness.
We strive to make every day reminiscent of their lives at home. We encourage our residents to participate in hobbies, projects, and work-oriented activities and offer new opportunities to learn and grow.
Our sorting program is very successful. We test any item our residents can sort—greeting cards, towels, clothing, and washcloths—and discover what works best.
Research has proven that pictures from their past trigger and stimulate their minds. We play trivia with photos and use a whiteboard to play thinking games. Our residents also enjoy painting classes, art therapy, baking, and playing classic games.
Classical music by Mozart is scientifically proven to wake the mind, especially in the morning. Calming
meditation music and videos help ease stress and anxiety during the afternoon. Sing-a-longs are always a hit, especially when we play our resident’s favorite music/band/group/singer/entertainer.
Our aromatherapy includes sensory/calming spa-like activities that can ease stress and promote relaxation.
Daily exercise is key to keeping the mind and body fit. We encourage walking with support (when needed) and easy chair exercises.
One-on-one emotional support is extremely important. We hold hands, listen, and try to engage our residents in a conversation about any subject of interest. Pet therapy visits also provide great emotional comfort.
Our goal for all our residents is to help them live their best, happiest, and most fulfilled lives.
To learn more about our memory care and assisted living program, please call 315-638-2525.
—JoAnn Proietta-St.Amour, Activities Director, McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living & Sage Court Memory Care
Q:Our mother recently moved to Syracuse Home for long-term care. She was living alone until the age of 91 but continued to decline over the past year. Our family is happy to see her improved health and well-being since she moved to Syracuse Home. She is happier, more socially engaged, and less anxious. It’s such a blessing. How did you do it?
A:At Syracuse Home, we recognize that every resident has unique needs, and our interdisciplinary team is here to help them every step of the way.
Many factors come into play as we age, including our nutritional and medical needs, sensitivity to medications, heightened risk of developing depression, loss of strength and balance, and lack of social interaction. We often don’t recognize a decline in our mental, emotional, and physical health.
Our residents have 24/7 medical care in a warm and comfortable home-like setting. Our staff dietician monitors and helps them with their nutrition to ensure they eat well and stay hydrated.
We encourage our residents to participate in our
daily activities program and attend spiritual events that are meaningful to them. They can have their hair done at the beauty shop located in Syracuse Home or get a weekly manicure. Many services are offered at the facility, so there is no need to find a mode of transport. The convenience of on-site services helps our residents increase their quality of life and overall mental health and well-being.
Rest assured; our compassionate staff treats our residents like family. Every day, your mom is surrounded by people who love her, provide compassionate care, and encourage her to live life to its fullest.
—Kristina Poff, B.S., M.S. Ed., Social Worker, Syracuse Home
Barbara Rogers, staff hairstylist, (upper left) poses with staff hairstylist, Howard Schlafer, after beautifying residents Rose Dugan (left) and Iris Wagner.
This recipe first appeared in Sunset Magazine in 1930. It didn’t become popular until the 1950s. People typically either love or hate this casserole. By the 1960s, it was labeled a “funeral meal” and often made for bereaved families.
CHICKEN A LA KING — This decadent dish consists of chicken and vegetables in a cream sauce served over rice, pasta, or bread. It was invented in the late 1800s but didn’t gain attention until the 1950s.
BEAN CASSEROLE — Dorcas Lillian Bates
Reilly (July 22, 1926 – October 21, 2018) worked at Campbell’s Soup Test Kitchen, creating new recipes. She is best known for popularizing the traditional
This dish became popular during World War II as a cheap and nutritious meal for the military. Soon after, it became an American staple. Most Baby Boomers consider it the worst meal they had to eat as a child. Its high fat and cholesterol content gained attention in the 1970s, when the chicken breast reigned as a healthier choice.
Remarkably, in the late 1870s, meatloaf was served for breakfast. It wasn’t until the 1950s, when Betty Crocker perfected meatloaf recipes, that it became popular, and remains popular today.
It was the decade of sock hops, rock’ n’ roll, and the rising popularity of quick and convenient American food. Welcome to 1950! The decade when the first TV dinner debuted by The Swanson Company, and tuna noodle casserole was an American staple.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the delicious (and not-so-delicious) foods of the 1950s.
This dish was served in military mess halls due to its low cost and simplicity. It comprises rehydrated dry beef in a white sauce served over toast. It is believed to have originated in the United States during World War II.
JELL-O — It was heavily marketed to homemakers as the most versatile cooking ingredient. Not only were the sweet versions popular, but you could also make molded savory Jell-O salads with leftovers—like beef or fish. For obvious reasons, they were not popular! Jell-O no longer produces celery, vegetable, Italian salad, and seasoned tomato flavors.
Stay tuned for “Today’s Most Popular American Meals” in the next issue of LifeTimes Magazine.
SPAM—Hormel shipped more than one million cans of SPAM abroad to feed Allied troops and civilians during World War II. It is ideal for feeding the masses since it does not require refrigeration and has an extended expiration date. After the war, Hormel marketed SPAM as a ready-made food product convenient for busy families.
Our McHarrie Life LifeTimes magazine debuted in 2012, and resident Bob LaBelle appeared as our first cover story in the spring of 2013. He shared his passion for biking, running, camping, and traveling with us.
The purpose of LifeTimes magazine is to share real-life stories and encourage people of all ages to stay active, socialize, exercise, eat well, and find your passion in life.
Throughout the past 12 years, we’ve featured many McHarrie Towne residents who shared their life experiences and offered valuable advice about healthy aging.
We decided to knock on their doors and pay them a visit to ask, “What have you been doing since you last appeared on the cover of our LifeTimes magazine?” Here’s what they had to say!
BOB LABELLE—Spring/Summer 2013
McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living resident
“I am 100 years old and was quite active until age 95. Over the past few years, I’ve found new activities to occupy my time including listening to classical music, watching movies, and attending educational presentations. I believe a good diet and lifestyle habits are the keys to longevity.”
DICK & PEG WRONA—Fall/Winter 2014
McHarrie Towne residents
“Even though Dick and I are in our 80s and 90s, we still exercise and walk in our neighborhood. We also enjoy all the activities offered at McHarrie Towne.”
The Joy of Volunteering Together Joy of Volunteering Together
DOROTHY SCHIESSL—Fall 2015
McHarrie Towne resident
“My advice—keep moving— use it or lose it! I loved competition and the desire to win. I stopped competitive race walking at age 75. Now I’m just trying to compete against old age! Today, I leisurely walk 3-4 days per week, play bocce ball and golf with friends, attend baseball games, and walk the beaches in Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville. I even own a three-wheeler in Florida that I ride when I get the urge!”
JOHN TURNER—Spring 2016
McHarrie Towne resident
“I am fortunate to report that my ‘love of the race’ remains strong. The challenge to compete at the Utica Boilermaker and the Green Lakes Triathlon each year fuels my passion to continue running, biking, and swimming. I can’t wait for next year and the 75-80 age group!”
PAT GRAY—Spring/ Summer 2019—
McHarrieTowne resident
“It’s hard to believe, I am 92 years young. Gratitude and memories fill my days now. Mother nature is in charge of my woods garden. Seasonal beauties pop up and go away on cue. It’s a great show from my back porch.”
DAVE
FEIKERT—Spring/Summer 2020—McHarrie Towne resident
“Now 91 years young, I continue to play in a weekly golf league and have recently recorded two additional hole-in-ones, bringing my lifetime total to five. I am currently involved in the design and build of Hematology Oncology Associates negative pressure cleanrooms for their new facility in Camillus. It’s gratifying work that I am honored and proud to be part of. My wife, Helaine, and I are celebrating our 72nd wedding anniversary in September. We feel the key to a long and healthy life is our family values and time spent together.”
RANDA GREER
Fall/Winter
2020–21—
McHarrie Towne resident
DAVID GREER—Spring/ Summer 2021—McHarrie Towne resident
“Running continues to be a very important part of my exercise program. The distances are down, and the times are slower, but the desire to run is still there. I feel running also helps keep me in shape for golf so that I can stay competitive with the other McHarrie Towne golfers!”
“I continue to be a ‘maker of scarves’ and sell them to benefit my church’s Mission Team. I am also now the ‘maker of hats, headband ear warmers, and fingerless gloves.’ This year, I started making fingerless gloves for the Hope for Heather organization (ovarian cancer awareness) to distribute to ovarian cancer patients. (Fingerless gloves—because sometimes your hands are cold, but you still need to type on a keyboard or turn a page in a book!) I still believe that it’s important to find something in your life that gives you a sense of hope and purpose.”
MARY WEGERSKI
Fall/Winter
2019—Syracuse Home resident
“I am 107 years young and still active. I walk with assistance, attend all musical events and rosary, and especially love having video chats with my family. I also love getting my hair and nails done and dressing up for the day.” When asked, ‘What do we have to do to live to age 107? She replied with a smile and said, “Just GET there!”
Editor’s Note: We dedicate this issue in loving memory of Mary Wegerski, who passed away before our magazine was published. We find solace in remembering how happy and excited she was to appear on the cover for a second time. We hope she is pleased and smiling down on us from above.
MARY ANN ANSLOW—Fall/Winter 2021–22—McHarrie Towne resident
“I am 91 years young and still active. I enjoy attending activities at the Towne Center, especially the luncheons and entertainment. It’s good to go out to visit and socialize with people. I miss my walking partner and friend, Johanna, who encouraged me to appear on the cover of the magazine with her in 2021. It’s inspiring to hear about residents on our campus who are over 100 years old. It gives me a purpose and inspires me to say, I can do it, too!”
Trivia is a great way to challenge your mind while having fun with family and friends. When you answer trivia questions, you’re exercising your brain to process, retrieve, and sort information. Playing trivia helps to expand your intelligence, heighten creativity, and build problem-solving skills.
Research suggests that older adults who frequently participate in socially engaging activities have higher cognitive function than those who do not. For adults struggling with loneliness, trivia offers a change of scene and the opportunity to socialize with others. So, gather your friends—it’s GAME ON!
b Which planet is known as the “Red Planet?”
b What is the capital of Italy?
b Who painted the famous artwork “The Starry Night?”
b What is the name of the famous fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?
b Who was the lead singer of the band Queen?
b Which river is the longest in the world?
b Who wrote the novel “1984?”
b What is the name of the famous female aviator who disappeared during a flight over the Pacific Ocean?
b Which ocean is the largest in the world?
b What is the name of the famous bell located in the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London?
b What is the name of the famous American singer known as the “Queen of Soul?”
b What was Elvis Presley’s middle name?
b What was the Beatles’ debut single in the UK?
b What was the name of the first satellite launched into space?
b What type of bird is the largest living species?
b What is the world's largest mammal?
b Which sport uses the term “double bogey?”
b Which country is home to the Great Barrier Reef?
b Who invented the telephone?
b Who was the first U.S. president to resign from office?
b What was the name of the first person to walk on the moon?
b Who wrote the play “Romeo and Juliet?”
b In what country is the Great Wall located?
b What is the name of the currency used in Japan?
b What is the smallest country in the world?
b In what year did the Titanic sink?
b What is measured in watts?
b What were the Egyptian kings called?
b Blue and yellow mixed together make what color?
b Who was the creator of the comic strip about Charlie Brown?
b Does a flea have wings?
b What was Medusa’s hair made of?
b How many days are there in a leap year?
b Which has more legs, a millipede or a centipede?
b How many singers are there in a quartet?
b How many pints are there in a gallon?
b What is a dried plum called?
b What color is a granny smith apple?
b What is the most common color of a sapphire?
b What color are satsumas?
b How many seconds are in 10 minutes?
b What is a baby squirrel called?
b Which reindeer leads Santa’s sleigh?
b How many wings does a bee have?
b Which two colors make purple when mixed together?
b What is the first letter of the Greek alphabet?
b How many years are there in a century?
b What starts with T, ends with T and is filled with T?
b What is Charlie’s surname in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
b True or false? Most caterpillars have 12 eyes?
b Michael Jordan played which sport?
b How many sides does an octagon have?
b What were the Three Stooges’ names?
b When did Disneyland open?
b What group recorded, “Rock Around the Clock” in 1955?
Nearly 3,000 years ago, people ate blackberries for medicinal purposes. They treated gout, sore throats, wounds, and digestive issues. The ancient Egyptians used blackberries as a hair dye.
Scientific studies show that blackberries are a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When added to a well-balanced diet, they provide several disease-fighting benefits. Blackberries can boost brain health, protect against diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and improve digestion and dental health.
How many blackberries should you eat a day? Due to their high fiber count, most people can safely consume up to one cup daily. However, individuals with allergies, certain digestive conditions, those on blood-thinning medications, or individuals with specific dietary needs should exercise caution when consuming blackberries. Consult with your healthcare professional to ensure blackberries are safe for your diet.
Today, we enjoy adding blackberries to our salads, smoothies, baked goods, jams, and sauces. We even use them in winemaking! What better way to enjoy blackberries than in a delicious dessert? Check out the homemade blackberry pie bar recipe. They are delicious and good for you!
Crumbly moist pie dough with sweet juicy blackberries combine to make these Blackberry Pie Bars! Get the deliciousness of pie without rolling out the pie dough!
Ingredients:
DOUGH:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Zest and juice of one lemon, divided 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch slices
Instructions
0 Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9”×13” pan.
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
FILLING:
½ cup granulated sugar
4 cups fresh blackberries
4 teaspoons cornstarch
0 In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest. Add the butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pulse until the dough is crumbly.
0 Pat half of dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, saving the remaining dough for the topping.
0 In a medium bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Gently mix in the blackberries. Sprinkle the blackberry mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the berry layer.
0 Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until top is slightly brown (you are only looking for the top to slightly brown, if you cook for too long – the bottom will burn).
0 Cool completely before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container.
SERVING: 1, CALORIES: 253kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 55g, PROTEIN: 4g, FAT: 2g, SATURATED FAT: 1g, POLYUNSATURATED FAT: 1g, CHOLESTEROL: 18mg, SODIUM: 92mg, FIBER: 4g, SUGAR: 28g
Source: www.thenovicechefblog.com
Kind. Empathetic. Compassionate. These are just a few ways to describe our valued volunteers.
Nearly 100 volunteers spend quality time with our residents who live in our nursing home, memory care, and assisted living programs throughout the year. “Our volunteers are an integral part of our activities program—helping with transport, special events and luncheons, day trips, crafts, manicures, happy hour, games, and so much more,” says Jessica Lynch, volunteer coordinator at McHarrie Life.
In helping others, many people find their purpose and experience improved mental health. Research shows that socializing is good for your health— regardless of age. People who socialize regularly live longer than those who are more isolated. Socializing also boosts your immune system and helps fight viruses and other diseases.
A hug, a smile, or a shared moment of laughter are all it takes to make a difference in our residents’ lives.
New volunteers are always welcome. There are no hourly requirements, and volunteers are encouraged to choose activities that best fit their interests and schedules.
To learn more about the many volunteer opportunities at McHarrie Life, please call Jessica Lynch, volunteer coordinator, at 315-303-1134.
Congratulations to the Top Ten Volunteers who contributed the most hours in 2023
Those who know Don Colon know that he has spent his life living in and serving the Baldwinsville community. So, one would logically assume he is from Baldwinsville. However, Don, and his twin brother, Ron, were born and lived in Nedrow, and attended Onondaga Central School. In 1961, their senior year in high school, the family moved to Baldwinsville. On top of what could be a difficult transition, changing schools in the senior year, the regent’s exam sequence was different from Onondaga Central to Baker High School. The two boys took five regents exams at the end of their junior year and were escorted from test to test by proctors. Sounds stressful, but Don, in his easy-going fashion said, “we made friends and graduated, it all worked out okay.”
Don attended Rensselaer Polytech Institute and Syracuse University. Throughout his lengthy career he has taken professional courses in public administration, municipal finance, personnel administration, risk management, and budgeting.
After college, Don returned to Baldwinsville. He was a village trustee in 1971 and Mayor of the
Village of Baldwinsville from 1972-1981. He served as an Onondaga County Legislator, 1981-1999, and then Comptroller for Onondaga County, 1999-2007. Of these two positions within Onondaga County, Don humbly says; “I did some good things as a legislator, and some good things as comptroller.” His professional associations range from local affiliations to the New York State level. Of his community service, Don simply says; “I did a lot of volunteer things and met a lot of nice people.”
Married twice, Don recognizes the irony in both of his wives having the name Linda. He has a daughter, Pamela, born in 1969 with his first wife, and one grandson Noah. Don is proud to share that Noah secured a job with NASA after graduating from the University of Texas.
Don met his second wife, Linda, through a friend who was renting an apartment to her. The old saying is true; when a couple clicks, they click. They have been married for 49 years. Linda is well known in the Baldwinsville community. A career teacher, she taught second and third grades at Reynolds Elementary School. A gifted musician, Linda was an original member of the Baldwinsville Community Band and other local bands playing flute.
After Don’s retirement, the couple began spending winters in Venice, Florida. Linda’s sister and brotherin-law live there, creating a nice arrangement to be near family. Don and Linda reside at McHarrie Towne when they come north, and still own a home in Lysander on the river. When asked about hobbies and pets, Don laughed and replied: “oh yes, at any given time we
had about 80 dogs when I was growing up.” His grandmother owned a kennel and raised Pekinese and Chihuahuas. Don and his brother, Ron, spent many years working there.
Don’s hobbies include model trains, fishing, and boating. Linda is an avid bridge player and has also played flute in several local bands in Florida. Don’s real interest is home improvement projects. He did most of the work on the camp he and Linda owned in Henderson Harbor, as well as their large house in Baldwinsville. On the house, Don did the interior painting and renovating, including installing 58 new windows. His father owned a custom garage door business, and taught Don how to use power tools at an early age. In the 1960’s Don worked
“[McHarrie Life Foundation] it’s a remarkable organization, with a lot of very caring and devoted volunteers and employees.”
alongside his dad contributing to the family-owned business.
Don’s affiliation with McHarrie Life spans over four decades. He was a key person in relocating the “Home” to Baldwinsville from downtown Syracuse. In the mid-1970’s when he was Mayor of Baldwinsville, Syracuse Home board member, Ellen Wilkinson VanDusen, approached him about land within the Baldwinsville village limits. Syracuse Home, then located on Townsend Street in Syracuse, needed to relocate. Before much longer, the building was not up to codes and standards for its care and services. Ellen and one other board member came out to Baldwinsville, and Don showed them three parcels of undeveloped land within the village.
The parcel atop Meigs Road was the first choice. It was one of the few large, undeveloped properties within the village of Baldwinsville. The Home’s Board of Directors wanted to
buy the parcel and move to Baldwinsville; the project, however, was dependent upon the ability to run water and sewer lines to the top of Meigs Road. Knowing it would all come together, the Home’s extraordinary board members went to work to purchase the parcel on Meigs Road where McHarrie Life is today.
Throughout his years of volunteering with McHarrie Life, Don has been a Director on the Life Board; Secretary and President of Syracuse Home Board of Directors, former Board Director, and Treasurer of McHarrie Towne, and Board Director of McHarrie Life Foundation. He feels that “it’s a remarkable organization, with a lot of very caring and devoted volunteers and employees.”
Don is a generous donor, valued volunteer, and a longtime friend. We are indeed fortunate that Don is a part of the McHarrie Life family.
—Audrey Gibbs Director of Philanthropy
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
Thank you to our sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: Reception Sponsors: