Meet Sally Brisson of Syracuse Home
PLUS
Baked with Loe
Brain Teasers AND Volunteer of the Year
Barb Cali
Dear Friends,
AtMcHarrie Life, we are grateful for our dedicated, kind, and caring staff.
Every day, they give their hearts and souls to love, nurture, and care for our residents. We understand that the heart of what we do begins with people genuinely caring about others.
McHarrie Towne Independent Living
Nearly 10 years ago, we introduced our Inspire Employee Health and Wellness Program. Its purpose is to promote wellness in the workplace through creative, fun, and innovative activities and events to enhance our team’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
McHarrie Place Health & Rehabilitation Center
Over 100 team members and McHarrie Towne residents are actively participating in the Inspire walking program, earning incentives for completing 100- and 500-mile challenges.
McHarrie Life Foundation
Inspire also offers a free staff library, discounted YMCA membership, special events, giveaways, and raffles to promote a healthy lifestyle and keep the workplace atmosphere light and fun.
We are committed to providing the best care for our residents and staff. When our team feels healthy, happy, supported, and secure, they bestow those feelings to those around them.
With much gratitude, I would like to take this time to honor our professional team, volunteers, board members, families, and donors for all that they’ve done to contribute to our 174-year legacy of caring for our senior community.
Thank you for making McHarrie Life a wonderful place to work and live.
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, McHarrie Life Foundation
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
What
Exactly
is Dementia?
Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, other diseases and lifestyle choices may cause memory loss. Remarkably, not all memory loss is permanent.
Are dementia and Alzheimer’s the same disease?
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they aren’t the same. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, but there are other diseases that may cause it including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, aphasia, Parkinson’s disease, white matter disease, small vessel disease, Pick’s disease, Huntington’s disease, metabolic diseases, and other diseases. Other causes of dementia include vitamin deficiencies, improper medication doses, head injuries, side effects from medication, alcoholism, anxiety, depression, stress, blood clots, brain infections/ tumors, and kidney, liver, or thyroid problems. In some instances, memory loss is reversible. It’s important to see a physician to determine the cause of dementia symptoms and take the steps necessary to treat it.
What are the signs of dementia?
The first signs of dementia are mild memory loss and inability to find the right word in a conversation. A typical word loss example is, “I can’t find my car,” but what they meant to say is, “I can’t find my wallet.” As the disease progresses, a person may become repetitive and not remember one moment from the next. Other early symptoms include getting lost in familiar places, inability to manage finances, having difficulty multitasking, struggling to read and write, disinterest in hobbies, withdrawal from social situations, personality changes, visual and perceptual problems, and depression.
How long can I care for my loved one?
In the earlier stages of the disease, family members can help their loved ones live safely and comfortably at home. GPS tracking devices provide an added level of safety if they wander from home.
It is more difficult to safely care for them in the middle to late stages. Wandering, incontinence, combativeness, lack of personal hygiene, refusal to eat/drink, and agitation may become more common for many with the disease.
How is Sage Court memory care program beneficial to my loved one?
Our memory care program is designed to help residents enjoy their best quality of life. Benefits of memory care include:
l Secure, loving, comfortable, home-like environment: Sage Court is designed with safety features, so you have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe and secure. The unique design of the living space enables residents to gather in cozy lounges and enjoy nature and gardening in beautiful, enclosed courtyards and outdoor spaces.
l Dedicated dining: Residents enjoy nutritious, delicious chef-prepared meals and snacks throughout the day. Adaptive utensils encourage our residents to eat independently.
l Meaningful activities and lifestyle choices: Our daily schedule of activities adapts to our residents’ interests, abilities, and needs. Our goal is to encourage feelings of empowerment, productivity, and contentment.
Residents enjoy live musical performances, educational programs, art, gardening, exercise classes, special celebrations, and hobbies.
How much does memory care cost?
The cost of memory care depends on the level of care needed and the size of the selected living space. It may cost 20 to 30 percent more than a traditional assisted living apartment. Our Sage Court memory care cost ranges between $6,185 and $8,960 a month.
Does Medicare or insurance cover Alzheimer’s or dementia care?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not typically provide care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
How do I enroll my loved one in the Sage Court memory care program?
Call Maggie Reap, Director of Residential Services at 315-638-2525 to schedule a meeting and tour.
Maggie Reap
What is normal aging vs. not normal aging?
Normal Aging
Can’t recall a word
Slower to think
Slower to do
May hesitate more
More likely to look before they leap
Will know the person, but not find the name
May pause when word finding
New data reminds them of old data
Not Normal Aging
Unable to think the same
Unable to do as before
Unable to start a task
Will get stuck in a moment of time
Unable to think things out
Unable to successfully place a person
Words won’t come even with visual, verbal, and touch cues
Confused between past and present
Personality and/or behaviors are different
Source: Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care Training
The Evolutionof B o c c
McHarrie Towne residents love playing bocce ball during league season.
Ball throwing toward a target is the oldest game known in the history of humanity. As early as 5000 B.C., the Egyptians played bocce with round rocks. Ancient art drawings in 5200 B.C. show people tossing a ball (most likely a stone). While bocce today looks quite different from its early days, its end goal remains the same—hit the target! Bocce made its way to Greece around 800 B.C. The early Romans were among the first to play a game resembling what we know as bocce today. They used coconuts and hard olive wood to carve out bocce balls.
As the game grew immensely popular throughout Europe, it began to threaten the health of nations. The game’s popularity interfered with the state’s security because men were more interested in playing the game than practicing military exercises and archery. Consequently, Kings Carlos IV and V prohibited playing bocce, and doctors tried to discredit the claim that playing bocce positively impacted physical and mental health.
In 1576, the Republic of Venice condemned the sport, punishing those who played with fines and imprisonment. The Catholic Church viewed bocce ball games as gambling, thus prohibiting clergymen from playing.
Bocce first came to America in 1876. The sport flourished in the United States thanks to many Italian immigrants at the turn of the century.
Today, bocce ball is the third most popular sport in the world after soccer and golf. It is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
Our McHarrie Towne residents thoroughly enjoy playing bocce ball. Residents Dave Greer and Dave Feikert co-chair the 16-week league from June to September. “It is most rewarding when the residents approach us and tell us that they can’t wait for the season to begin as they love to play the game. It is our intent to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to play and to have a fun time,” says Feikert.
with Loe
Sally Brisson started her lifelong love of baking as a teenager. “I started baking as a young girl while my mother was battling cancer. It made her happy when I baked, and she loved everything I made for her.”
Sally grew up in the valley of the City of Syracuse. As a child, she loved playing sports, softball, biking, swimming, and ice skating. She also played tennis with her dad and kept score for his softball team.
She met her husband, Corad, at age 19 while working at an ice cream parlor. “I remember that he ordered a strawberry soda.”
She recalled dating two other boys when she met Corad. “My mom said if I couldn’t choose between the two, they were not the one! I made the right decision. Corad was the one.”
Sally married Corad in 1953. “We only dated for six months, but I knew he was the perfect choice. He treated me
Baking cakes and cookies became a mainstay in Sally’s life. “I love baking for my family and friends. I made cakes for weddings, birthdays, retirements, bridal and baby showers. I also baked cupcakes and cookies. I just love making everyone happy.”
Family members would bring Sally a picture of a character or decoration, and she created the cake based on the image. She is naturally artistic, self-taught, and decorates cakes at a professional level.
Sally and Corad enjoyed spending time with their large family at home gatherings.
They have 13 grandchildren, and 17
“My most cherished family memory is when all our children and grandchildren came over for a cookout and to swim in our pool. Our garage was fixed up for entertaining with a television and picnic table and chairs so we could all eat together. It was my favorite way to spend time with my family.”
The couple was active in their community. “We played in a mixed bowling league, golf league, and loved to travel.” They took their most memorable trips to Hawaii and Canada. “Corad’s family was from Canada.”
In 2021, they decided to move to assisted living, where Sally continued to bake for her resident friends. Sadly, two years later, Corad passed away from a stroke. “He was the best husband in the
world. He was perfect. I miss him so much.”
Sally became a resident of Syracuse Home in 2024.
“I fell and broke my femur bone, so after my short-term rehabilitation stay, we decided that long-term care was the safest option for me.” Sally enjoys participating in daily activities and loves going on shopping trips. She especially loves baking, puzzles, playing cards and board games. She continues to stay active by walking and exercising.
“I love the nurses. Anyone who comes here for care is blessed.”
Brain Teasers
and so
3. The missing number is 5. Each number is the number of pieces the number before it has. The
All the other words make legitimate words when spelt backwards. Dirg is not a word.
odd word is
1. There are 2 solutions to this puzzle. Firstly, you can move the middle horizontal matchstick in the 6 to make it a zero (0+4=4). The second answer is to take the horizontal match off the addition sign and use it to make the 6 into an 8 (8-4=4).
2. The
Grid.
digital 8 has 7 pieces, the 7 has 3 pieces,
on.
4. The shirt has 10 holes. There are the 6 bullet holes, the 2 sleeve holes, and the neck and waist holes.
5. I am John. Your son’s father is you.
6. The door has no knob or handle to open it.
Source: ESLvault.com
6. The cord/lead for the electric hairdryer is missing. The start of the lead can be seen behind the hairdresser but then it stops.
5. The odd one out is D. All the other 3-digit numbers add up to 15. In D the numbers add up to 14 (3+3+8=14).
4. The car is in park number 87. The picture is upside down. Turn it over the other way to see it clearly.
3. The answer is 12. It is a trick question, a dozen of anything is always 12.
2. The solution is to simply arrange the matchsticks into the numeral 4 which is 3 strokes or lines.
1. The next letter should be E. The letters represent the first letter of the numbers one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven.
Solutions for Brain Teaser Sheet 2
Meet JoAnn Proietta
She dances and sings and brings joy to our residents’ lives every day. After nearly 12 years as our activity director at McHarrie Pointe assisted living, JoAnn is looking forward to embarking on new adventures in her welldeserved retirement.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Liverpool, New York.
Where did you attend college?
enjoys doing healthy cooking demonstrations for the residents.
I have an associate degree from Mohawk Valley community college in recreation leadership with emphasis on therapeutic recreation, and continuing education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
What made you choose a career in geriatric recreation?
I saw an advertisement for an Activities position at James Square where my degree would be applicable, and I applied to see what the job entailed, and got the position.
Where did you work before here, and what did you do?
I worked as Director of Activities and Volunteers at Menorah Park. I also held various positions as Volunteer Director, Activities Specialist, and Activities Director at Loretto and James Square.
What are the greatest challenges in your position?
The greater challenge in my position is the need to develop appropriate programs to match the growing needs of our new residents.
What do you feel are your greatest accomplishments?
My children, Christian and Amanda are my greatest accomplishments. I was privileged to stay home to raise them, and encourage their scholastic, athletic and artistic talents. I continue to be a strong advocate for my children.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love meeting our residents and their families and getting to know and care for them. I am dedicated to creating the best, most entertaining activities program for our residents to enjoy every day. When I see family members outside of work and they stop me in a store, it warms my heart to hear how they appreciate my care and quality programs for their loved ones. I have grown very close to many residents and their families over the years. They are my most cherished memories.
What will you miss the most about your job?
I will miss my co-workers, residents, and families. I will also miss the challenge of providing top-notch programs and educational opportunities for our residents.
JoAnn
St. Amour
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love attending my daughter’s professional dance performances and spending time with my son. I also have a passion for fitness, healthy cooking, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. I enjoy walking and hiking in new places with my love, David.
Do you have any special travel plans?
First, we are going to visit family and friends in other states. We will also plan a road trip crosscountry and a return trip to Italy to visit family and spend more time sight-seeing. I also plan to
go to Lebanon with my best friend, and possibly Jerusalem. I would also like to travel to Greece among other places in Europe. David and I intend to travel to warmer weather states to help us determine our future home on the East Coast.
Do you have any new hobbies or interests to pursue?
I am looking forward to renewing my coaching license and returning to coaching high school girls track and field. I also have an interest in continuing education in the areas of archeology, environmental studies, and culinary classes.
What are your plans for retirement?
I would like to return to acting and modeling. I especially loved tearoom modeling for fashion shows and high society events when I was in my 30s. I look forward to returning to the modeling world as a senior model. I would also like to get a Maine Coon kitten, for I have a great love of cats and grew up with them throughout my life.
Thank you, JoAnn, for your kindness, compassion, positive energy, tireless commitment, and deep connection with our residents. We appreciate all your efforts to provide an outstanding program at McHarrie Pointe. Best wishes to you in your retirement!
JoAnn and her children, Christian and Amanda in Italy.
JoAnn looks forward to returning to the modeling world as a senior model.
A Room with a
Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that mean the most.
Mimi Dundon leads a happy, active life as a resident of McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living. “The staff are friendly and caring, and we are all so supportive of each other.”
She loves her home, especially the view from her living room window. “It’s so nice to have a beautiful view. It’s so peaceful. I love looking outside each day.”
Mimi participates in daily activities and appreciates all that McHarrie Pointe has to offer. “I feel nothing but pride and pleasure for the people who work here. They take such good care of us. It’s such a lovely place to live.”
As a long-time, generous supporter of McHarrie Life Foundation, Mimi feels her annual gifts to the Foundation make a difference. “I feel good knowing that my gifts will help this organization grow long into the future.”
View
McHarrie Life Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established in 1984 by a group of dedicated volunteers who saw philanthropy as an opportunity for positive change in our organization.
Every dollar raised ensures that future generations will benefit from our exemplary residentcentered care in a beautiful, home-like setting.
Generous gifts to our Foundation also support daily activities and weekly outings for residents to socialize, have fun, learn something new, or enjoy a lifelong hobby. All gifts to the activities program directly benefit our residents’ lives by providing meaningful lifestyle choices.
Whether you have a family member or friend who has benefited from our care, or our services have personally touched you, we welcome you to join a legacy of generosity that grows and thrives each year.
The Foundation’s planned giving options provide potential savings now and in the future without affecting your lifestyle. Whether you choose to give through a cash donation, life insurance policy, a bequest in your will, gifts of publicly traded stock options, matching gifts from your employer, or even gifts of property or art, there is a way to give that best suits your needs and interests.
To learn more about charitable giving, please call Kelly O’Neill-Rossi, Director, McHarrie Life Foundation, at 315-638-2521.
MCHARRIE LIFE RECOGNIZES
Volunteer of
Congratulations to volunteer Barb Cali for receiving the 2025 Jim Hoffman Award for Volunteer Excellence. Barb has volunteered at Syracuse Home for the past 18 years. She is a member of the Syracuse Home Auxiliary and manages our beautiful gift shop. She also co-chairs fundraising events and raffles to benefit our activities department and assists with S.H.A.W.L.—a welcome program that distributes blankets to all new Syracuse Home residents.
Barb also served as past treasurer and cochairperson of the annual Fall Festival fundraiser.
After retiring from her job as a middle school science teacher, Barb decided to volunteer her time to help others. “I didn't have any experience working with older people. I wanted to learn about their needs and help them however I could.”
She is a seasoned traveler and has toured all of Europe and Eastern Europe. She is also an avid antique collector and enjoys hosting presentations about travel and antiques for the residents. “It is so rewarding to watch the residents try to figure out what the antique is and how to use it.”
The Jim Hoffman Award for Volunteer
volunteers Sara
welcome them with a friendly hello and warm blanket as part of the
program.
Excellence was established in 2012 after beloved Syracuse Home volunteer Jim Hoffman died unexpectedly. Jim was a kind, gentle soul who truly made a difference in our residents’ lives. This annual award recognizes volunteers like Jim who go above and beyond to comfort and befriend residents, helping them live their very best lives.
Auxiliary
Guenthner (left), Barb Cali (right) and Daisy visit new residents and
SHAWL
The Jim Hoffman Award for Volunteer Excellence was named after Jim (pictured left) after he unexpectedly passed away in 2012.
the Year
On average, McHarrie Life depends on approximately 150 volunteers to assist with activities and events throughout the year, so the need is always ongoing. “We have over 200 residents living on our campus, so plenty of volunteer opportunities are available,” says Jessica Lynch, volunteer coordinator.
During the warmer weather months, our residents enjoy fishing trips, casino visits, fine dining events, outdoor carnivals, live
entertainment, gardening, and much more. Volunteers can also help with happy hours, cards and games, bingo, manicures, and church services. There is no minimum hourly requirement, and volunteers are encouraged to sign up for activities that are meaningful to them.
Are you interested in joining our volunteer team? Call Jessica Lynch, volunteer coordinator, at 315-303-1134 to learn more about our remarkable program.
Jessica Lynch, Volunteer Coordinator
NY 13027
Save the Da
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. and 2 p.m. matinee performance
Contributor Ticket: $40 each—includes 2 p.m. matinee performance only Thank you to our sponsors
Underwriters: Bonadio Group ONEGROUP
Reception Sponsor: Supporters: Rockbridge Investment Management Yang-Patyi Law Firm
