McHarrie LifeTimes Fall 2025

FALL/WINTER 2026

Meet Russell Newell of McHarrie Pointe

n o s a e R e h t e B e Smiles Today n o e m So S1low Down, F1ather T1i1me!

Brain Teasers Take Two!

Don’t Pass on the Brussels Sprouts!

McHarrie

Dear Friends, L

Independent

McHarrie Place

Health & Rehabilitation Center

M c H a r r i e To w n e

Independent Living ife on our campus is about more than care—it’s about community. Every day, I see our staff, residents, families, and friends creating moments that matter: a M cinHtheahallway, r r i e aPhand l a cheld e in comfort, smile exchanged Health Rehabilitation a laugh shared over a& meal.

These small but powerful Center connections are what make our senior living community a true home.

Admissions: 315-638-2521

McHarrie Founda

McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living Residence

Admissions: 315-638-2525

Life To our staff: thank you for your dedication to ourMcHarrie mission.

Sage Court F o u n d a t i o n Your compassion, professionalism, and resilience create a Memory Care @ McHarrie Pointe place where wellness and dignity thrive.

Admissions: 315-638-2525 To our families and friends: thank you for the trust you place in us and for the love and support you bring to our community. You play a vital role in enriching the lives of those we serve.

To our residents: you are the heart of this campus. Your stories, your spirit, and your wisdom inspire us daily. It is our privilege to walk this journey with you, ensuring that each day brings comfort, joy, and purpose.

M c H a r r i e To w n e Independent Living

Admissions: 315-638-1172 As the holiday season approaches, I wish each of you peace, joy, and good health. May To request information about our programs, this season bring moments of warmth, reflection, and celebration with the people and please M c H a r r i e P l a c e call 315-638-2521 or visit our website M c H a r r i e traditions you hold dear. at www.mcharrielife.org.

With Gratitude,

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, McHarrie Life Foundation

Mark Murphy, CEO

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.

FALL/WIN T ER 2026

Q& A

Inside this Issue

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14 Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today

4 S1low Down, F1ather T1i1me!

16 Volunteers Help Our Residents Thrive 6

It’s the People Who Matter

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.

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Q& A FALL/WINTER 2026

for your health

How long will my short-term rehabilitation stay be, and when can I return home?

When you arrive, our professional team assesses your medical diagnosis, past health issues, rehabilitation needs, current living environment, and level of caregiver support available to you. Our team comprises physical, occupational, and speech therapists, medical staff, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and activity coordinators. We work closely with you to assess your current abilities and develop a plan tailored to your individual needs. Every person is unique and heals at their own pace. We evaluate your success and communicate with you about your progress to help determine your discharge date as accurately as possible.

What can I expect during the first few days of shortterm rehabilitation?

You will meet with each professional team member throughout the first several days of your rehabilitation stay. We ask questions and gather important information to create a customized rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs.

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Can you explain what physical, occupational, and speech therapies are and how they will help me?

Our physical therapists work with you to address limitations in mobility and safety through a range of individualized techniques. We address the four main components of mobility, including walking, transfers from surface-to-surface, going up and down steps, and bed mobility. We also address your physical needs, including strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance, neurological re-education, and endurance. Our physical therapists educate you on any modifications, adjustments, or assistance needed to ensure a safe transition to your home. They will ensure that all necessary equipment is in place and will work to keep you informed about progress, goals, and any barriers to returning home.

Our occupational therapists work to enhance your safety and quality of life by addressing your ability to perform daily self-care tasks and routines, such as bathing, dressing, and completing household chores. We utilize adaptive equipment and feeding utensils to enhance functional independence and educate patients and their families on necessary home environment adaptations to promote improved safety and reduce the risk of falls upon returning home.

Speech Language Pathology (SLP) focuses on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of individuals with speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders due to events such as aging, stroke, neurological, or progressive illness. Our SLP therapists assess and provide swallowing treatment using evidence-based exercises as well as determine the need for strategies and adaptive equipment to maximize safety with feeding/swallowing and to minimize risk of aspiration, dehydration, and malnutrition. They also identify and treat issues with articulation, fluency, voice quality, as well as language comprehension and production.

How can my family be involved in my rehabilitation?

We encourage you to invite your loved ones to visit during your stay. Visitation is open 24/7. Family and friends play a vital role in providing emotional support and are instrumental in your recovery. As you approach your discharge date, we educate and train your caregivers to help you return home safely.

What do I pack for my short-term rehabilitation stay?

Pack loose-fitting clothing and items that are easy to take on and off. Many also bring comfortable pillows from home, books, puzzles, and iPads.

Dawn Williams, MS, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Director of Rehabilitation Services

To learn more about our award-winning short-term rehabilitation program, please contact our admissions office at 315-638-2521.

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FALL/WINTER 2026

S1low Down, F1ather T1i1me!

R

emember how slowly time passed when you were a child waiting for summer vacation? The school days felt endless, and summer seemed to take forever to arrive.

As children, we were brand new to the world surrounding us. We hadn’t yet clocked decades of life experiences. Our brains were constantly absorbing details, learning new information, and imprinting memories. Every day in school, we interacted with children and adults of all ages. We learned new subjects, took music lessons, played sports, and dabbled in art, home economics, and wood shop. The opportunities to learn and grow were endless for the first 18+ years of our lives.

Once we started working full-time and established daily routines, our lives became a repetitive pattern. As we settled into our routine lives, our brains stopped recording. Without novelty in our lives, our days become a blur.

Time itself hasn’t sped up as we’ve aged; we’ve simply stopped experiencing life the way we did when we were children.

So, how can we slow down Father Time?

Stray from your routine. Shop at a different grocery store or walk a new route. New experiences are processed in your brain and create new memories.

Try new things. Whether you plan a trip or try a new hobby, novelty experiences help build memories and stretch our perception of time.

Get a good night’s sleep. The National Institute on Aging recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep for older adults. A good night’s sleep can help you learn, create new memories, respond quickly, solve problems, pay attention, and make decisions. Not getting enough sleep can cause harm to your body. Research shows that over time, it can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Fill your life with new experiences and adventures to occupy your mind and fuel your soul!

Cherish the present moment. Pay attention to the sights and sounds around you. It distracts you from the ordinary and provides additional information for your brain to process and retain.

Try not to dwell on the past or worry about the future.

Leave your phone at home. Take a walk in your neighborhood or local park without the distraction of texts and calls. Listen to the birds singing, soak in the sunshine, and admire the scenery around you.

Use your hands. Try a new recipe, take an art class, or visit your local thrift shop to find a project to repair or paint.

Stop living on autopilot. Monotonous, uneventful days blur into one another, making each day indistinguishable from the next. Break your routine by adding at least one new activity to your life each week.

Take a technology break. Mindless scrolling is a complete time crusher. Same for bingewatching television shows. Save Netflix for bedtime and limit social media scrolling to one hour or less a day.

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FALL/WINTER 2026

Left, Bob Davis, Russell Newell, Nevile Sacks and Denyce Lott at McHarrie Pointe

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the amazing people I met along the way.”

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It’s the People Who Matter G od, love, and family are the heart and soul of his life. “It’s all about the people.

Nothing else matters. I just love people.”

Born in 1933, Russell Newell spent his earliest years in Keese’s Mill, a hamlet located 25 miles north of Saranac Lake.

“My father never came back from the war.

He abandoned us, and we never knew what happened to him. My grandparents helped my mother raise my brother and me. We were very poor.”

During his early childhood, his family depended on hunting and fishing for survival.

“I ate venison before I had beef. We had a telephone before electricity.” His mother

Young Russell fishing at Saranac Lake

worked long nights at the Laundry in Saranac Lake Village. “My grandmother took good care of us while my mother worked hard to provide for our family. My grandmother was truly the most formative person in my life.”

As a young 8-year-old boy, Russell was mesmerized by the blacksmith who lived across the street from him. He would watch him work and was fascinated by how he melted metals together to create perfectly shaped horseshoes and logging tongs.

Little did young Russell know at the time that this experience planted a seed that would lead him to an enormously successful business in his future, playing with fire!

His mother remarried when Russell was 16. His stepfather was a German intellectual who loved to challenge and debate with young Russell.

Russell met his wife Irene at Saranac Lake High School. She was the head cheerleader, and he participated in all school sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and golf. They both graduated from Saranac Lake High School.

He attended Cornell University with an interest in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering. “My mom sold her piano so I could attend my first year at Cornell. After my first year, there were no more pianos to sell, so I was unable to complete my education at Cornell.”

Russell and Irene married in 1954, but they

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FALL/WINTER 2026

Russell pictured with his beloved wife, Irene

Russell spending time with his granddaughters Heather (left) and Jessica (right)

waited to have children until after he returned home from serving in the United States Army.

Once settled in their home together in North Syracuse, they started a family and welcomed two daughters over the next two years, Kathleen and Gail. They raised the girls in North Syracuse but returned to their hometown to visit family in Saranac Lake during the summer months and periodically throughout the year.

“One summer while visiting Irene’s parents’ home in Saranac Lake, our young children and their cousins were driving grandpa crazy, so I decided to take all the children to climb the back of Whiteface Mountain. We were having a wonderful time until a major lightning storm swept through. I was afraid but didn’t want them to know it. I didn’t want them to feel afraid, so I took them deeper into the forest.

Fortunately, the storm passed, and my wife, Irene, arrived at the top of the mountain just in time to pick us up. We never forgot this adventure!”

Early in Russell’s career, his employer, General Electric, terminated his employ­ment for his involvement in union activities. This

firing got him blacklisted from finding another job. Fortunately, he found work welding with the Pipeline Local.

After becoming a certified pipe welder, he began his career as a trainer in the welding industry, followed by a role as a traveling welder.

The demands of his career eventually took their toll on Irene. She was raising the girls alone with no means of transportation, as Russell needed their family car for work.

He returned home from Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan, and, in 1968, they decided to take a leap of faith by starting their own business, Russ Newell’s Heli-Arc Field Service. “I took high-end welding capabilities to the field and became the most sought-after welder in the industry.

The business was successful. It reflected in my prayers. Thank you, Lord!”

The American Welding Society recognizes Russell as one of the most esteemed experts in the welding industry. As a highly experienced welder, metallurgist, and all-around welding guru, Russel Newel presented on the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code in 2023, offering valuable insights and expertise. “I love welding.

I’ve also taught artists how to weld so they can express their art in this form.”

To acknowledge Russell’s vast contributions to the welding industry and the knowledge he has shared with his peers and future generations of welders, the Syracuse Section of the American Welding Society created an annual scholarship in Russell’s honor.

Although he is grateful for his successful career, helping others is what matters most to him. Russell and Irene changed their life courses early on from politics to religion. “We decided to leave our active political lives and put our energy into the church. We proudly became charter members of Greater Love in Christ Church. Our church friends became our second family. We asked the Lord to give us the people no one else wanted and He did.”

FALL/WINTER 2026

Russell repairing a cracked cast-iron water pipe in Northside City of Rome.

Russell and Irene opened their home to help others in need. “We provided a safe, loving home for an 11-year-old child for almost a year.”

They also helped people in need get back on their feet again. “People count. That’s #1. We practiced what we preached.”

They also participated in mission trips through their church. Russell went to Haiti on a joint effort between American Welding Society and an evangelist group to teach Haitians how to weld and make earthquake and hurricane proof single story buildings for shops, schools, and churches. “It’s 12 years later and I am happy to share that ALL of the buildings are still standing!”

Russell and Irene are proud parents of two adult daughters. Kathleen is their oldest child, who graduated from Purdue University and currently works at Cornell University.

She married her husband, Paul, who has five children.

Their youngest daughter, Dr. Gail Lee Dolbear, M.D., passed away in 2008. She was a medical doctor and professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at SUNY Upstate. Gail was married to Kyle and had two daughters, Heather and Jessica.

They also have two adult grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. “I am so blessed to have my granddaughters, Heather and Jessica. I am proud of them and all that they’ve accomplished in their lives, both personally and professionally.”

In their spare time, Russell and Irene loved gardening and spending time together, sitting

and talking on the breezeway of their home.

“We often invited our church friends over to socialize and attend Bible study groups.”

After 63 beautiful years of marriage, Irene passed away at Francis House in 2017. “I loved her very much. I loved the time we spent together. Irene was the person I admired the most in my life. She was beautiful, smart, and my best friend. I really miss her.”

Russell is 91 years young and moved to McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living in 2024. “After Irene died, I didn’t realize how alone one could be. After moving to McHarrie Pointe, I now have a life and a community.” He remains an active member of his church and participates in several Bible study groups. He is active in the daily exercise program, follows a modified Mediterranean diet, and never drank alcohol or smoked.

When asked what his secret is to living well into your 90s, he jokes, “Stay out of trouble!”

Russell stands with his friend, Robert, at the crosses that he made over 50 years ago for North Central Assembly Church.

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FALL/WINTER 2026

Here We Go Again!

Brain Teasers Take Two!

Solutions for Brain Teaser Sheet 3 1. The missing number is 17. In all the numbers the first digit is multiplied by the second digit then the third digit is added to the total (8 x 3 + 4 = 28), (6 x 7 + 5 = 47), (9 x 1 + 8 = 17) and (5 x 2 + 7 = 17).

2. The answer is hand number 2. It is the odd one out because it is a left hand. all the others are right hands.

3. The highest number you can make by moving 2 matches is 781. Take the middle and bottom horizontal matches off the three and make a 1 behind the eight.

4. The answer is paper or tissue paper. If can fall from great heights without a problem but water will destroy it.

5. The next letter is T. The puzzle uses a decreasing sequence in the order of the alphabet. The letters are 5,4,3,2 places after each other. K is 5 letters after F, O is 4 letters after K, R is 3 letters after 0, and T is 2 letters after R. 6. The woman’s mouth/lips are upside down.

Solutions for Brain Teaser Sheet 4

The 3 fishermen were a related son, father, and grandfather.

6.

The answer is L. It is the only other letter in the English alphabet that can be made using 2 planks of wood.

5.

The missing number is 75. The pineapple = 4, watermelon = 9, strawberry = 7, berries = 8. The final line is 8 + 4 + 9 x 7 = 75.

4.

To make 3 squares, remove the 2 matches in the bottom left corner of the picture. This leaves 4 squares. Then remove the middle match in the top horizontal row to leave 3 squares.

3.

The answer is that both snakes are the same size.

The railroad tracks make an optical illusion that makes the furthest snake seem bigger than the closest one.

2.

The sign should read 24/7/52. The sequence is hours a day, days in a week, then days a year. It should be hours a day, days a week, and weeks a year to be consistent.

1.

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Don’t Pass on the Brussels Sprouts!

D

o you remember your mother serving boiled Brussels sprouts with dinner? They may not conjure up mouthwatering memories, but thankfully, they’ve come a long way in their culinary journey.

Brussels sprouts originated in the Medi­terranean region and were cultivated in Belgium in the 13th century, gaining popularity in Europe by the 16th century.

In the 1990s, Dutch scientist Hans van Doorn identified the chemicals responsible for the bitterness of Brussels sprouts.

This discovery enabled Dutch seed companies to crossbreed varieties, creating more palatable options.

Most people don’t know that Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious and offer numerous health benefits.

They support the immune system.

Did you know that one cup of raw Brussels sprouts contains 75 milligrams of vitamin C, which is the full recommended daily amount for women? Vitamin C is essential for overall health, offering numerous benefits including immune support, skin health, and antioxidant protection.

They’re good for the “windows of your soul.”

Move over carrots, you’re not the only eye-healthy vegetable in town! Vitamin A in Brussels sprouts can promote healthy vision and cell growth. In addition to vitamin A, the vegetable also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two essential nutrients for eye health.

They’re good for your ticker.

Did you know that 90% of heart disease is preventable by eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking?

Adequate fiber intake may help improve blood lipids, such as cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Fiber consumption can also improve blood sugar control, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.

They may help protect against certain types of cancer.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, compounds in Brussels sprouts have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by enhancing antioxidant and DNA defenses, as well as promoting healthy cell signaling.

They support your noggin.

Scientific studies have shown that the gluco­sinolates (a natural compound) in Brussels sprouts support brain health, helping to protect against brain diseases.

They bolster digestive health.

Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, which helps promote regularity. Remarkably, 95 percent of people in the U.S. don’t eat enough fiber. Studies show that eating fibrous foods may lower the risk of digestive health issues and gastrointestinal cancers.

FALL/WINTER 2026

The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life!

Jazz up your Brussels Sprouts with a kick of garlic and freshly grated cheese – making this simple side dish one that the whole family will love!

1 pound Brussels Sprouts (cleaned and trimmed) 3 cloves garlic (peeled and sliced) ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil (or for Keto, butter flavor coconut oil) INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. If needed, clean and trim the Brussels sprouts and cut them in halves and place them in an oven safe dish. Make sure to dry them very well before cooking.

Add the garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, followed by the olive oil. Toss to coat.

Roast in the oven uncovered for 20-25 minutes until crisp, brown and caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside.

Serve with more grated cheese.

Source: https://www.errenskitchen.com

They help strengthen your bones.

Brussels sprouts contain calcium and vitamin K. Vitamin K activates proteins necessary for the bone formation and mineralization processes. If your current diet doesn’t include high-fiber foods, try introducing them slowly into your diet.

Overconsuming fibrous foods can cause gas, bloating, and digestive issues. Consider eating cooked Brussels sprouts instead of raw, as they are easier to digest.

Consult with your doctor before consuming Brussels sprouts if you have underlying health conditions or take medications that may interact negatively with vegetables high in Vitamin K.

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n o s a e R e h t e B Smiles Tod e n o e m So FALL/WINTER 2026

C

reating a vibrant, joyful atmosphere is the heart and soul of our activities program.

Our professional team goes above and beyond to provide residents with meaningful social, educational, and musical entertainment opportunities every day.

Did you know that our generous donors support our activities program? Unfortunately, government reimbursement for resident care does not include the activities program.

McHarrie Life Foundation raises all funds needed to support it. Gifts to the Foundation not only benefit our activities program, but also support advanced healthcare programs, nursing education, and improvements to our campus, helping to meet the growing needs of our senior community.

Have you ever noticed how music can change a person’s day, especially for those struggling with dementia?

Engaging music, live entertainment, and sing-alongs can calm agitation, alleviate sadness, and ignite happy memories. By playing familiar tunes, our residents relive happy memories, reminisce, and share personal stories with one another.

100% of our activities program is supported by our generous donors.

Every Saturday, our residents enjoy Happy Hour with live musical entertainment. We are grateful for the families who designated gifts to our activities department in memory of their loved ones. Last year, they helped raise nearly $10,000, which supported 40 Happy Hour Live Musical Events for our residents and families to enjoy throughout the year.

Our arts and crafts activities encourage residents to tap into their creativity and participate in a variety of new projects. A brand-new activity challenges the mind and creates new memories.

This year, we hosted a Tie-Dye Party for our nursing home residents, and it was a huge hit! It was especially exciting for our residents who had never made a wearable tie-dye garment before.

Our group activities provide residents with opportunities to socialize and form lasting friendships with others. Creative arts and crafts connect seamlessly with our therapeutic patio garden. Many of our residents are lifelong gardeners who love planting and tending to the raised bed gardens.

Thank you to our donors who generously support our events, projects, entertainment, and educational opportunities. Our amazing program would not thrive without you.

If you would like to learn more about ways to give and make a difference in our residents’ lives, please call Peg Northrup, Development and Fundraising Manager at 315-638-2521.

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Volunteers Help Our Residents

Thrive!

T

hey’re like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Our volunteers bring happiness and friendship to the lives of our residents by sharing their life experiences and special talents. They magically transform ordinary days into extraordinary ones.

We have over 100 active volunteers who assist with day trips, special events, activities, friendly visiting, games, and many other activities.

Each year, we honor our volunteers at our annual recognition event. “The event is our way of expressing our gratitude for our volunteers who make a difference in our residents’ lives,” says Jessica Lynch, volunteer coordinator at McHarrie Life.

FALL/WINTER 2026

According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, over 75.7 million people in the U.S. formally volunteered between September 2022 and September 2023.

Concurrently, 54.2% of Americans reported helping neighbors in need by running errands, lending tools, or providing caregiving, up from 51.7% in 2019. People of all ages are making a difference by dedicating their time to help others.

Volunteering for a cause that is close to your heart can enhance your quality of life, add a sense of purpose, boost self-esteem, and alleviate stress. It also provides the perfect opportunity to explore different career paths without committing to a college major or making a financial commitment to a degree or certification.

With the holiday season upon us, we welcome volunteers to help with holiday decorating, crafts, baking, and shopping trips now more than ever. Bring a friend and join! There is no minimum hourly

requirement. Call Jessica Lynch, volunteer coordinator, at 315-303-1134, to sign up today!

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MCHARRIE LIFE FOUNDATION

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

7740 MEIGS ROAD BALDWINSVILLE, NY 13027

PAID BALDWINSVILLE NY PERMIT #6

d e ! t i v n i e r ’ u o Y McHarrie Life Foundation invites you to our 24th Annual Afternoon of Theater event at Syracuse Stage.

All proceeds benefit resident programs and services at McHarrie Life.

Sunday, December 7th.

Patron Ticket: $60 each—includes a fabulous catered reception beginning at 12:45 p.m. followed by a 2 p.m. matinee performance Contributor Ticket: $40 each—includes 2 p.m. matinee performance only For ticket information, please call 315-638-2521.

Thank you to our sponsors Presenting Sponsor:

Reception Sponsors: Bonadio Group Five Star Bank ONEGROUP

Event Sponsors: Airside Technology Corporation Bruce Electric Chimera Integrations Dependable Disposal Dupli Eagle Newspapers

Empower Federal Credit Union JM Landscape & Snowplowing Rockbridge Investment Management Yang-Patyi Law Firm