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Meet Mary Ann Kotecki OF McHARRIE P OIN TE
Challenge Your Brain A Well-Deserved Retirement for Lori Crawford
Q& A
with McHarrie Life Staff
The Giving Effect Doris Hildebrandt and Robert Becker
YES! MOM WAS RIGHT. EAT YOUR CARROTS!
From the CEO
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McHarrie
s we enter our third year of Independent COVID-19, words cannot adequately express my gratitude McHarrie Place for all that our team continues to do to Health & Rehabilitation protect our residents and each other Center during this unprecedented time. Admissions: 315-638-2521 U.S. News and World Report recognized M c H a r r i e To w n e McHarrie our organization as best in short and Independent Living Founda long-term care in our region for the fourth consecutive year. It was anMhonor McHarrie Pointe c H aforr rusi eto receive P l a c ethis award again this year. Health & Rehabilitation Assisted Living Residence Center I am proud of every team member’s effort to bring joy, Admissions: 315-638-2525
kindness, and laughter to our residents’ lives every day. This crisis has made it abundantly clear how each job inMcHarrie Life Sage Court Foundation our organization is interrelated and contributes to our Memory Care @ McHarrie Pointe outstanding success as a team. Admissions: 315-638-2525 Thank you for all you do for our residents, families, and each other. Together, as ever, as one.
M c H a r r i e To w n e Independent Living Admissions: 315-638-1172
To request information about our programs,
Mark Murphy, CEO
M c H a r r i e P l aplease c e call 315-638-2521 or visit our website M c H a r r i e at www.mcharrielife.org.
Health & Rehabilitation LifeTimes is a publication of Center McHarrie Life Senior Community
Assisted Resid
7740 Meigs Road Baldwinsville, New York 13027 315-638-2521
McHarrie Life
LifeTimes Editor: Kelly O’Neill-Rossi Foundation Director, Development & Marketing
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
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Inside this Issue
with McHarrie Life Staff
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Challenge Your Brain
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A Well-Deserved Retirement
Dear Mary Ann
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The Giving Effect Doris Hildebrandt and Robert Becker
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YES! MOM WAS RIGHT. EAT YOUR CARROTS!
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Truly the Best...
The content in this magazine is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. Do not make any changes to your lifestyle, diet, medication or exercise routine without first discussing it with your doctor. No information in this magazine should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. Please consult with the appropriate medical professional for all of your healthcare needs and concerns.
Q& A
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for your health
Q:
I recently retired and would like to volunteer at McHarrie Life. Are you accepting volunteer applications? If so, where do I begin?
A:
We welcome you to join our volunteer team! There are many kinds of volunteer opportunities available seven days a week. There is no minimum hour requirement—our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding volunteer opportunity that best fits your personal goals and interests. To learn more, contact Jessica Lynch, Volunteer Coordinator, at 315-638-2521.
Q:
My mother was a long-term care resident at Syracuse Home and loved participating in the activities program. She recently passed away, and I would like to designate gifts in her memory to benefit the Activities Department. Should I ask for donations to go to McHarrie Life Foundation?
A:
Yes, our Foundation supports 100% of the activities department and its efforts to provide the most meaningful lifestyle choices for our residents. When you donate to McHarrie Life Foundation, your gift supports the wonderful activities offered to our residents every day—from iPad technology, to live entertainment, shopping trips, games, crafts, baking, woodworking projects, and educational programs. It is with much appreciation for generous donors like you that we provide opportunities to our residents that are special, interesting, and meaningful to them. As a charitable organization, we rely on the support of donors to sustain our remarkable level of care that has become our tradition since 1851. Each donation has a direct impact on our healthcare programs and services by enabling us to provide stateof-the-art care for every resident we are privileged to serve. —Kelly O’Neill-Rossi, Director of Development & Marketing McHarrie Life Foundation
SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Q:
My mother currently lives independently in her own home, but she needs daily assistance from my sister and me. We prepare her meals, wash her laundry, and help her shower. Unfortunately, she has fallen several times over the past six months. Neither fall required hospitalization, but we are fearful that she will get seriously injured if she falls again. When and how should we suggest a safer living alternative to her? She really does not want to leave her home.
A:
The first step is to approach this conversation with your mother delicately and kindly. She is most likely feeling overwhelmed, sad, fearful, and uncertain of her future. Take this time to listen and validate her concerns. Feel free to openly discuss her multiple falls and your worry about her getting seriously injured in the future. It isn’t easy to have this conversation since years of memories and expectations weigh heavily on you both. Sometimes it is helpful to have a non-objective third person involved to help guide the conversation, such as a physician, religious figure, counselor, or social worker. It is also beneficial for her to tour different facilities to see what the community offers. As we age, it is important to have some consistency within our lives, as we are creatures of habit. Some facilities offer options to provide continuity, such as an “aging in place” concept. This concept helps provide stability and enables an individual to move through different levels of assistance as they age. The
NYS Office of the Aging has valuable resources available to assist older adults, ranging from legal advisement, help with housing, Medicare, and much more. For more information, call 1-844697-6321. Remember, you are not alone; don’t hesitate to reach out. These resources are a lifeline to maintaining some likeness of your mother’s current life. In addition, they help to provide a feeling of control when your mother’s world has changed or is about to change dramatically. If you would like to learn more about the programs and services available at McHarrie Life, feel free to contact our admissions department at 315-638-2521. —Kristina Poff, B.S., M.S. Ed.
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t’s always a pleasant surprise to receive a handwritten card in the mail. Most people in today’s technological world rely on e-mail and text messages to communicate, but not McHarrie Pointe resident Mary Ann Kotecki. “I love to sit at my desk and write notes and cards to my family and friends. I have a list of people who I keep in touch with regularly.” Letter writing is just one of the many activities she enjoys in her life.
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Born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Mary Ann was the oldest of seven children. She helped her mom raise her younger siblings and worked part-time. At the age of 13, she was 5’ 9” tall, so she decided to take a sewing class to learn how to make her own clothes. Soon after, she won the first-place prize in a fashion show for a dress she made. She continued to make her clothes throughout high school and even made her prom gown. After graduating from high school, Mary Ann was accepted in the Department of Agriculture program where she trained and worked as an IBM machine operator in Washington, D.C. “This was the start of many wonderful opportunities in my life.” One evening, 19-year-old Mary Ann was urged by her friend to go on a blind date. Mary Ann accepted, but had one stipulation, “He MUST be tall!” Just two months after their blind date, 6’ 5” tall John Kotecki asked for her hand in marriage. After a whirlwind courtship, Mary Ann just knew he was “the one” and couldn’t imagine her life without him. The couple moved to North Carolina after they were married. John completed his college degree at Wake Forest College and started
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working for Nationwide Insurance. They moved ten times throughout his career, including several cities in Pennsylvania, and New York. They eventually settled in Camillus to raise their three amazing sons. Mary Ann was a stay-at-home mom who participated in her children’s school activities and volunteered at church. Once her children were older, though, she decided to try new experiences. “I stepped outside my comfort zone and worked a variety of part-time jobs through the years. It was a wonderful experience. I learned so much about myself as a person.” She joined a gym for the first time at the age of 65. “I take on every new experience in my life as a challenge. It makes life interesting and fun.” After they retired, the couple moved to McHarrie Towne Independent Living in 2001. “We loved McHarrie Towne. It was the best move we ever made.” Together, the couple participated in many social events offered at the Towne Center, and Mary Ann was an avid member of the book club. They also enjoyed visits from their children, six
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grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. As their healthcare needs changed, Mary Ann and John decided to move to McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living in 2017. Sadly, John passed away in 2020 after experiencing complications from hip surgery. “My sons have been so wonderful helping me since John’s passing. They are my rocks. I don’t know what I would do without them.” At 89 years-young, Mary Ann regularly participates in Tai Chi, yoga, and balance and strengthening classes. She also enjoys attending the live entertainment events. “I still do all of the things I love to do, but I just do them more slowly, and carefully.” n
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!S EY M O SA W . THGIR
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots Ingredients: 2 lbs. carrots, washed and peeled 1/3 cup butter 3 Tablespoons honey 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt Cracked black pepper 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
EAT YOUR C
arrots are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain a high amount of beta-carotene that our bodies turn into vitamin A. Just a half cup of carrots gives you 51 percent of your daily requirement of Vitamin A. The health benefits of carrots also include: l Improves eye health l Lowers risk of macular degeneration
Instructions:
l Helps prevent cancer
Preheat oven to 425°.
l Promotes healthy glowing skin
Lightly grease a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Trim carrots and cut into thirds. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in honey and cook, while stirring, until melted through the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant while stirring. Add the carrots and allow the sauce to thicken for a further minute, while tossing the carrots through the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the carrots to a baking sheet in a single layer. Toss to evenly coat. Roast for 20 minutes, or until carrots are fork tender, then broil for 2-3 minutes on high heat to crisp/char the ends.
l Reduces blood pressure and risk of stroke l May lower cholesterol levels l Prevents heart disease
l Aids in digestion l Boosts immune system l Improves oral health l Helps you lose weight
So are carrots for everyone? In rare instances, an allergic reaction to eating carrots is possible. Typical symptoms include; mouth swelling, scratchy throat, and itchy tongue/ears/throat. More severe symptoms include hives and difficulty breathing. Also, if you take a medication that derives from vitamin A, you may need to monitor your consumption of certain foods to avoid a vitamin A overdose.
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FUN FACTS ABOUT CARROTS:
CARROTS!
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©Warner Bros.
Did you know that bunnies in the wild do not eat carrots? It seems Bugs Bunny tricked us into believing that carrots were a staple food for the bunny population when, in reality, their diet consists mainly of hay, grass, and leafy greens. Carrots cause tooth decay, obesity, and digestive issues in bunnies.
The average person will consume 10,866 carrots in their lifetime. The United States is the third largest consumer of carrots in the world.
Massive consumption of carrots can cause your skin to turn orange, especially the palms and soles of your feet.
Cooked carrots are better for you than raw carrots. Raw carrots have 3 percent beta-carotene, but cooked carrots have 40 percent beta-carotene.
Carrots have high water content. They contain 88 percent water, so they are the perfect healthy, low-calorie snack when you are hungry.
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Challenge Your A New England Journal of Medicine study followed the leisure activities of seniors for 20 years. One area of the study looked specifically at whether or not participants developed dementia. Mentally stimulating games and activities were taken into consideration that challenged participants to think, such as crossword puzzles, cards, board games, reading, and playing a musical instrument. The study also considered the amount of physical activity in participants' lives. The results showed that those who kept both their minds and bodies active proved to be less likely to develop dementia.
IN FACT: n The study showed a direct (negative) correlation between the
two: the more active a person was, the less likely he or she was to develop dementia. n Those who participated in physical and mentally stimulating
activities once a week reduced their risk of dementia by 7 percent. n Those who frequently played challenging mind games and
lived a more dynamic lifestyle with activities like dancing, tennis or even walking, reduced their risk by 63 percent. Source: www.nejm.org
Ready to give your brain a workout? Try a rebus puzzle.
A rebus puzzle offers a unique challenge for the brain. Unlike the popular crossword puzzle, a rebus puzzle contains pictures made with symbols, letters, and words. The puzzle is obscurely arranged to represent a word, phrase, or saying. Many families used rebuses to symbolize their family names or crest during the Middle Ages. Today, people of all ages enjoy them as challenging riddles or puzzles.
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Brain
Keeping our minds “physically fit” is very important, especially as we age.
Here are a few examples of rebus puzzles to get you started and give your brain a boost!
➜ AID AID AID
CHANCE DEAL
Now that you’ve had some practice, it’s time to tackle the next one! (You will find the answer key under the puzzle box).
CHEESE GOT GOT GOT GOT
HERO HERO HERO HERO HERO HERO HERO HERO HERO HERO
E K A W
11111 TIME ANSWERS: FIRST AID, BIG DEAL, FAT CHANCE, BLUE CHEESE, FORGOTTEN HEROES, WAKE UP, ONCE UPON A TIME
ANSWERS: 1. RED IN THE FACE 2. GREEN EGGS AND HAM 3. BACKRUB 4. ALL THUMBS 5. TWO LEFT FEET 6. BLACK SHEEP IN THE FAMILY 7. BIG FISH IN A LITTLE POND 8. TENNIS SHOES 9. LONG TIME, NO SEE 10. ALL IN A DAYS WORK
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A Well-Deserved Retirement
S
he touched the lives of nearly 10,000 people in her career. Over the past 24 years, Director of Rehabilitative Services Lori Crawford worked tirelessly to help short-term rehab residents regain their strength, rebuild their confidence, and return home. “I’ve loved working with such a great therapy team and helping our residents both physically and emotionally,” says Lori. With a professional staff comprised of physical therapists, occupational and speech therapists, and therapy aides, Lori attributes the success of their program to teamwork. “We endured many challenges and changes through the years. As a team, we worked together to adjust our program to best meet the needs of our residents. Each change helped me learn and grow as a leader, and become a better team member, not only with my team but working with others throughout the facility.” Remarkably, physical therapy wasn’t Lori’s first career choice out of high school. “I loved mechanical drawing and thought that I would pursue a career in
e h t on
drafting; however, my mechanical drawing teacher told me I didn’t belong behind a desk—I should work with people, so I started to look at other options. My guidance counselor mentioned the PT assistant program at Maria College in Albany. He took me to an open house for the program, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” She also credits her parents for positively influencing her life, including her career choice. “I grew up very involved in my father’s ministry in a small church in Altamont, New York. I learned so much from my parents, and have always enjoyed helping others, with much thanks to them.” Happily married with two grown children, Lori
n o z i r o H and her husband are also proud grandparents of six grandchildren. They look forward to spending more time with their family and rebuilding their summer cottage on Keuka Lake. “My first big project on my ‘To Do List’ is to repaint the entire interior of my house!” Even though Lori is officially retired, she will work per diem at Syracuse Home and expand the outpatient physical therapy program. “I am really looking forward to coming back and working on the outpatient program.” When asked what she will miss the most about her job, she replied, “I will miss my Syracuse Home family, the wonderful friends I have made through the years and, of course, all the residents we care for.”
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The Giving SPRING/SUMMER 2022
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By: Audrey Gibbs, Director of Philanthropy oris Hildebrandt and her husband, Board of Directors. She has numerous connections Herb, moved to Baldwinsville in with McHarrie Life, as a former family member, val1954. Always active in the ued volunteer, resident of McHarrie Towne community, Doris enjoyed since 2001, and a generous donor. volunteering while the Doris is proud of her five grandchilcouple raised their three daughters — dren — Audra, Lindsay, Cheryl, Mark, and Diana, Carol, and Linda. In 1996, Doris’s Ryan. Through her numerous community mother, Mildred C. Becker, became involvements, and long-time volunteerism ill, was hospitalized, and then came to at Syracuse Home; Doris is a wonderful role reside at Syracuse Home. Throughout model for her family. Friends and famthe years of visiting her mother, Doris ily were particularly proud of Doris when became increasingly appreciative of she was recognized as the Baldwinsville the outstanding care and attention her Volunteer Center ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in Mildred C. Becker mother was given. 2016. Her extraordinary generosity and gifts Doris has been a member of Syracuse Home of time and energy to help others are truly beyond Auxiliary for 27 years, and has served as Secretary, calculation. Chairman of the Hospitality Committee, assisted Doris’s brother, Robert W. Becker, known affec with Nominating, Friendly Visitors, the Bazaar, and tionately as “Bob,” is a graduate of Rensselaer By-Laws; she currently serves on the Foundation Polytechnic Institute where he earned a B.S. degree
Doris with her family at the Syracuse Home in 1999
Effect in Management Engineering. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict stationed at both Sampson AFB and later Pepperrell AFB in St. John’s Newfoundland. He enjoyed a 30-year career at Eastman Kodak Company as a cost accountant and financial analyst for their capital projects. A career highlight was his 3-year assignment in Brazil. There he worked in international accounting during the construction of a new paper manufacturing plant. As an active church member, he graciously offered his musical talent by playing the piano for years during Sunday services. Bob’s hobbies include music, photography, genealogy, gardening in his “younger” days, and history. His wife of 49 years, Georgianna, is a retired operating room nurse from Rochester General Hospital. Bob recently spent several weeks at Syracuse Home Health and Rehabilitation Center. He benefited from the excellent short-term rehab he received and was able to witness firsthand the outstanding care our staff provides. When the Foundation announced a capital campaign in 2007, Doris and Bob were among the first donors to respond with a major gift. They were so grateful that a room had been available for their Mother in her time of need; they generously underwrote a room in her memory. Their gift helped to lead the campaign that supported the building of McHarrie Place, the new nursing home, and McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living. After construction and renovations were complete, the Foundation transitioned the capital campaign into an ongoing major gifts initiative. Doris, once again, along with her brother Bob, continued their most generous giving at the major gift level. Through the generosity of our donors,
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A Sister and Brother Create a Legacy
Doris Hildebrandt with brother, Robert W. Becker we offer excellence in all we do and pursue a bright and promising vision for future residents of the McHarrie Life community. We are deeply grateful to our donors who help to make all things possible. n
Every gift opens a door of opportunity for others. Our donors help shape the next generation, the very landscape, of how our health care programs and services will continue to expand and grow, while staying true to our mission and unwavering commitment of excellence. That is the giving effect. Perhaps consider… Gift life insurance you no longer need Add a simple bequest to your estate plans Save on taxes by giving through your IRA Save on taxes by giving stocks, bonds or mutual funds Use a gift to reduce your estate tax exposure and eliminate capital gains
agibbs@mcharrielife.org
For more information contact: Audrey Gibbs 315-638-2521
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Truly the Best
Senior Living
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Community
in Central New York….
W
e proudly received the highest overall five-star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and best in short and long-term care for the fourth consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report. Every team member at McHarrie Life is a valuable part of our success. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term care facilities were one of the hardest hit sectors across all of healthcare. We are grateful for our entire team who goes above and beyond every day, caring for residents throughout this unprecedented time. With grateful appreciation, thank you to our team for all that you do for our residents, families, and each other.
McHarrie Pointe residents Ann Herloski (standing) and Arlene Spoto (sitting) enjoying a Ladies Spa Day.
MCHARRIE LIFE FOUNDATION 7740 MEIGS ROAD BALDWINSVILLE, NY 13027
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID BALDWINSVILLE NY PERMIT #6
invites you to the 21st Annual Afternoon of Theater event at Syracuse Stage. All proceeds benefit resident programs and services at McHarrie Life. This year’s production is Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Sunday, December 4th Patron Ticket: $60 each—includes a fabulous catered reception 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:
Underwriters: Bonadio Group ONEGROUP
Supporters:
Horan Financial Services Woodcock & Armani Yang-Patyi Law Firm
Dessert Sponsor:
Alzheimer’s Association of CNY
Media Sponsors: Eagle Newspapers Dupli
