Community ConnectionA Newsletter for the Family and Friends of the Masonic Care Community 2018

Quarter 3 Issue

~ Caring for people since 1893 ~

Our Mission: To support, nurture, and educate those whose lives we touch by providing exceptional care and services with compassion and pride buided by the Masonic Principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth, and Integrity.

MCC Revs the Engines and Celebrates 125 Years

On Wednesday, August 22nd, MCC held its FIRST annual Rehabilitation Reunion. Past residents from the Capital Neighborhood were invited back to the Winter Garden to enjoy the company of their friends as well as the MCC staff. There were many hugs and smiles, as well as memories exchanged. We can’t wait for an even bigger and better event next year!If you are a past resident of the Albany or Troy Households and did not receive an invitation for this event, please contact info@mccny.com to be included on the list!

Mother Nature finally came through! If you’ve been following our celebrations and events this year, you’ve probably noticed that the weather has not been cooperating. It seemed that way once again for our rescheduled 125th Anniversary Celebration and 4th Annual Wings and Wheels, originally scheduled for Saturday, August 18th. With a dismal forecast for the 18th, MCC decided to hold the combined event on the publicized rain date, Sunday, August 19th. Zero rain drops fell, over 100 show cars arrived on campus, and countless guests came to enjoy the festivities. In addition to the show cars and motorcycles with a friendly People’s Choice competition, there were RC air planes flying around the Great Lawn, along with the MVCC Aeronautics team, as well as a special landing from a LifeNet helicopter. Attendees were able to peruse the helicopter inside and out, learning more about their life-saving operations.

If you weren’t able to make it this year or did come and enjoyed the day, please mark Saturday, August 17, 2019, on your calendar for next year’s 5th annual Wings & Wheels!

First Annual Rehab Reunion

Learn more about our services: Independent Living Adult Residential Care Full-Time Skilled Nursing Care Respite, Palliative, & Alzheimer’s Care Short & Long-Term Rehabilitation Home Care Child Care

Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Home G. Stephen Getman - President Keith Heinrich Christopher Hough Nathan Lipper G. Michael Morris Kurt Ott Joseph J. Saglimbene Michael J. Siegel David P. Spencer Development Advisory CommitteeEd BarroneAnthony Battaglia Christopher Bray, Esq. Iris Buczkowski Kirk EvansWilliam C. Gaetano Judith Gorman Joan Grande Hedy Ann Hage Keith Heinrich John J. Livingston, Esq. Christopher Powers, M.D. Eve VandeWal

Contact us at:Website: www.mccny.com

Email: info@mccny.com Phone: (315) 798-4800

Address: 2150 Bleecker Street Utica, NY 13501

“Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MasonicCareCommunity

“Follow” us on Instagram @masoniccarecommunityny

A Message from Our Executive Director

Robert Raffle Executive Director

This summer was a wonderful time to be on Masonic Care Community’s campus. The growing garden project not only offered residents and Child Care children the opportunity to get outside and enjoy working in the soil, but therapeutic benefits as well. Residents and loved ones were often seen taking bike rides and walking the beautiful grounds. New initiatives including the addition to the rehabilitation program have begun and we look forward to its implementation early in 2019. As fall approaches, we encourage you to visit our campus and partake in one of the many activities we have available. The very popular resident art classes, music class, and pet programs would benefit from your support. Check out the resident activity programs listed on our website for activities your loved ones may enjoy. We have been caring for people since 1893, providing exceptional care with compassion and pride. I encourage you to learn more about us: visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, or stop in for a tour.

DID YOU KNOW?At MCC, “double rooms” are really

semi-private rooms, meaning that each resident has their own private living space

to decorate as they wish. Check out a semi-private room on our new viritual tour! Go to

mccny.com/senior-care/long-term-care/.

The Fibiger family heard about Masonic Care Community by a close friend. Their friend’s mother was in the final stage of life and spoke about the outstanding care she received while living at MCC. “We took a tour of the facility and left with the unanimous conviction that the Masonic Care Community was the perfect place for our mother’s next home. That was the best decision we ever made.”

Since that day years ago when Mom moved from her apartment in Rome, NY to Wiley Hall, her family has expanded in ways never imagined. “The term “aging gracefully” is given genuine meaning through the love and compassion demonstrated by the administrators and staff at the Masonic Care Community,” said Fred. “As Mom passed into the later stage of her life and moved to the Forestport wing, the Masonic Community has continued

Family Spotlight: Fibiger Family

Pictured from left to right: Fred, Mary, & Walt Fibiger

MCC Resident Wish ListIf you would like to contribute to or purchase one or more of these items, please contact Victoria Cataldo, Director of Development, at 315-798-4703 or email cataldov@mccny.com, for more information on how to do so. 1 Music Sound System for Health Pavilion - $25,0001 Jolly Trolly - Indoor Resident Transport - $10,000 1 Rocker Glide for Rose Garden - $6,000 15 Vital Signs Monitoring Machines - $3,000 1 Staff training for assistance with residents with dementia and other special needs Train-the-Trainer Curriculum - $2,700 Welcome Home Bag - $2,500 6 Large Lift Chairs - $1,050

20 Medium Lift Chairs - $7754 Latops - $6002 Bowling Tables - $5006 42” LED TVs - $4006 32” LED TVs - $3301 Classic Career Costumes Set - $200 1 Toddler Water Play Set - $125 32 White Boards - $25

to be the most wonderful ‘family’ we could ever have imagined.” Walt and Fred Fibiger find the level of commitment and understanding of her needs by everyone looking after her as both heartwarming and reassuring. “Just an outstanding group of individuals devoted to the mission of helping people enjoy life. We are truly blessed to have found this perfect place.” To share your story with us, please contact Victoria Cataldo at 315-798-4703 or cataldov@mccny.com.

Volunteers Making A DifferenceThe annual volunteer luncheon was held on Thursday, September 20th at Acacia Village. Over 120 volunteers were recognized for their dedication to improving the quality of life for the seniors who call Masonic Care Community “home.” The Carolyn Dove Award was presented to Dave and Patty Watson. This award recognizes a special volunteer who is dedicated, resourceful, and goes above and beyond what is asked of them. The couple have been volunteering with MCC for over 30 years. As a past employee, Patty now runs our very popular Skype program. This allows residents to connect with loved ones who live in other states and countries. Dave is a tireless advocate for the residents and works to improve their quality of life. The two also volunteer with a variety of other activities including the pitch league here at MCC.

With the holidays fast approaching, we know that many of our residents’ family members will be visiting our grounds. For the health and safety of our residents, if you do not receive a flu shot for the 2018-2019 flu season, we encourage our visitors to wear a mask when entering our facilities. If you feel a cold coming on, please wear a mask or wait to visit your resident until you’re feeling better. If you are an employee or a volunteer, you are required to wear a mask if you did not receive a flu shot.If you have questions about flu guidelines, you can call the Neighbohood Manager or Infection Prevention Nurse at the main desk. Don’t forget about your furry friends! MCC is happy to allow visitors to bring well-mannered pets to visit residents. Please review our pet policy and adhere to its guidelines on our website. Go to www.mccny.com and search “Visiting Pet Policy”.

Things to Remember While Visiting Your Loved Ones This summer,

MCC was pleased to receive the Best of the Best Award by the Utica OD and the Health Care Facility Excellence in Heath Care Award by the CNY Business Journal! Congratulations and many thanks to the staff of

MCC as well as our residents, families, friends, supporters, and community for showing your appreciation!

MCC - Simply the Best!

Supportive Care Services at MCCNew to the Masonic Care Community is Supportive Care, similar to the Palliative Care service available in a hospital setting. The Supportive Care Team at the Masonic Care Community will offer support and guidance for residents, families, and staff while coordinating care in preparation for managing life closure. These services can provide education for disease stages and planning as well as pain control. Staff will discuss goals of life and provide guidance for financial and care questions. The team will provide avenues for emotional, spiritual, and bereavement support.

Supportive Care will include medical, nursing, therapy, social services, transitional care, and spiritual care. Our supportive care team at MCC will work to: • Optimize symptom control• Optimize functional status when appropriate • Promote the highest quality of life for patient and family • Educate patients and family to promote understanding of the underlying disease process and expected future course of the illness• Establish an environment that is comforting and healing • Assist actively dying patients and their families in preparing for and managing life closure • Serve as educators and mentors for staff • Promote a system of care that fosters timely access to supportive care services For questions about Supportive Care services at MCC, please contact Melissa Battle, Director of Social Work, at 315-798-4951 or battlem@mccny.com.

On Wednesday, September 12th, Grand Master Bill Sardone stopped by MCC to present Bill Sheerin, Wiley Hall’s “Chief Engineer” with a photo from when he and members of the Grand Line originally visited his extensive working display. Bill Sheerin recently brought his display to MCC for residents and visitors to enjoy. Stop by anytime to see the MCC Express!

All Aboard the MCC Express!

Advocate for your healthcare rights

Join the professionals Thursday, October 18.

2018 6:00-7:00 pm

Masonic Care Community Health Pavilion

Our on-staff physicians and medical professionals will hold an open discussion on your rights as a health care consumer. Learn to be the best advocate for yourself and your loved ones. This program is free of charge. Tours will be available after the program. To learn more, visit www.mccny.com/events.

To RSVP, call 315-798-4768 or email info@mccny.com.

Dr. Erim Dr.McCormick Dr. Olteanu

Helen Van Syckle in memory of Wm. Barres Paul Beers Bertan in memory of Joel Bertan Robert C. Bills in memory of Myron L. Bills Christine Sweeny in memory of Virginia BleeckerJoan Bower in memory of Ronald N. Bower William Nitsche in memory of Harold Brown Stephen Dougherty in memory of Harold E. Brown, Sr.Luther Forest Wealth Advisors, LLC in memory of Harold E. Brown, Sr. Abbie Sutliff in memory of Mary E. BrownPhilip B. Kline in memory of Garrett ChementLouise Daley in memory of Robert S. Daley Adele Sossen in memory of Congetta DiMare Louis D. Denato, Sr. in memory of Bro. David G. EberleyElizabeth Deus in memory of Mitchell M. FrankPamela O’Donnell in memory of Mitchell M. FrankDixie Dickinson in memory of Anna J. GordeckiEvelyn Rozanski in memory of Elizabeth Griffin Bennett Feinsilber in memory of Murray FeinsilberElizabeth Kearns in honor of Barbara GilroyDeborah Sykes for Mill Spanfelner in honor of Rebecca J. Robert E Kastner in memory of Elizabeth Kastner & Mary Grasso Barbara Sullivan in honor of Charlie Knapp

Paul Owen Shaskan in memory of Mae Koehler Gail Langdon in memory of Alan A. Langdon Walter Leong in memory RW George Leong Jr. Walter Leong in memory of Florence Leong Deborah Sykes in honor of Jill Maxam Daniel Lewis in memory of Angela MitchellAnthony & Mary Louise Battaglia in memory of Angela Mitchell Donald E. Talerico, Jr. in memory of Angela MitchellJohn F. Romano in memory of Angela MitchellAnne Coughlin in memory of Angela MitchellAnthony Mitchell in memory of Angela MitchellDaniel Paradiso, Jr. in memory of Angela MitchellMarlene B Bogner in memory of Angela MitchellCharles George in memory of Angela MitchellSamuel Vedete in memory of Angela MitchellScott Timian in memory of Angela MitchellJoseph J Orlowski III in memory of Angela MitchellFrancis T. Roy in memory of Angela MitchellCarol D. Cahill in memory of Angela MitchellAnn Custodero-Aery in memory of Angela MitchellMario Restive in memory of Angela MitchellJohn Joseph in memory of Angela MitchellByron Elias in memory of Angela MitchellDr. Charles Hobaica in memory of Angela Mitchell

Gifts Made to Masonic Care Community In Memory and In Honor of Loved Ones

• Know your limitations. Aging is a natural life process, so embrace it.• Proper footwear is key. Shoes need to be supportive and not worn out. Think of your body as a tower – it

needs a proper foundation.• Declutter your environment. Obstructions on the floor create fall hazards. Don’t know where to start?

Begin with throw rugs, which should either be removed or taped down and recycling old newspapers.• Proper lighting so you can see your surroundings.• Stay active. • Manage your home outdoors. Maintain proper sidewalks. Make sure handrails are stable and supportive.• With winter soon approaching, make sure your feet are firmly planted when you’re walking and of course,

be wary of ice. Make sure to salt your stairs outside, driveway, and sidewalk.• Most importantly, know your rights and advocate for your right to go to a rehabilitation facility if you

fall and suffer an injury. Be sure to do your homework and plan ahead on where you’d like to do your recovery after a hospital stay or elective surgery. You can always call us directly at 315-798-4800 for more information on bed availability.

Below are a few tips to prevent falls, specifically for the elderly, but many can be utilized by all provided by the MCC Rehab Team. For more fall prevention and other tips, be sure to visit our blog at mccny.com/blog/

Fall Prevention Tips

Paul Owen Shaskan in memory of Mae Koehler Gail Langdon in memory of Alan A. Langdon Walter Leong in memory RW George Leong Jr. Walter Leong in memory of Florence Leong Deborah Sykes in honor of Jill Maxam Daniel Lewis in memory of Angela MitchellAnthony & Mary Louise Battaglia in memory of Angela Mitchell Donald E. Talerico, Jr. in memory of Angela MitchellJohn F. Romano in memory of Angela MitchellAnne Coughlin in memory of Angela MitchellAnthony Mitchell in memory of Angela MitchellDaniel Paradiso, Jr. in memory of Angela MitchellMarlene B Bogner in memory of Angela MitchellCharles George in memory of Angela MitchellSamuel Vedete in memory of Angela MitchellScott Timian in memory of Angela MitchellJoseph J Orlowski III in memory of Angela MitchellFrancis T. Roy in memory of Angela MitchellCarol D. Cahill in memory of Angela MitchellAnn Custodero-Aery in memory of Angela MitchellMario Restive in memory of Angela MitchellJohn Joseph in memory of Angela MitchellByron Elias in memory of Angela MitchellDr. Charles Hobaica in memory of Angela Mitchell

Isabel Nackley in memory of Angela MitchellDonald Doolen in memory of Angela MitchellRocco Hobaica in memory of Angela MitchellJoseph Hebert in memory of Angela MitchellMichael Risucci in memory of Angela MitchellCharles Coppola in memory of Angela Mitchell Gail Lewis in memory of Angela MitchellKathy Lewis in memory of Angela MitchellRosanne Lewis in memory of Angela MitchellAmelia Durant in memory of Angela MitchellLouis Joseph in memory of Angela MitchellThe Fitzmaurice Family in memory of Angela MitchellDr. Eva Joseph in memory of Angela MitchellRob Rocci in memory of Angela MitchellJoseph Tomaselli in memory of Angela MitchellAnthony Joseph in memory of Angela MitchellTeresa Wojnas in memory of Angela MitchellCynthia Zegarelli in memory of Angela MitchellJo Ann Abel in memory of Angela MitchellMary Mazloom in memory of Angela MitchellCandace C. Swierczek in memory of Angela MitchellDawn Gubbins in memory of Angela Mitchell Robert L. Morgan in memory of Gwynedd Parry Skaneateles Lodge #522 F&AM in memory of Lewis Reed

Donald L. Sabin in memory of Leonard Sabin Jennie Scapellati in memory of Philip ScapellatiNancy Cox Marafioti in memory of Victoria SchillerRose Anne Szwedo in memory of Victoria Schiller Bernice Leahy in memory of Victoria Schiller The Schiller Family in memory of Victoria SchilerJune Sweeny in memory of Victoria SchillerKim & Mary Conley in memory of Victoria Schiller Jared & Beverly Voos in memory of Victoria SchillerAngela Schultz in memory of Victoria SchillerMarcia Emmerich in memory of Victoria SchillerPaul, Alice, and Jonathon Franz in memory of Victoria SchillerJoan Neufang in memory of Helen SteeleMorning Star Lodge #524 F & AM in memory of William H. Toth, Sr.Skaneateles Lodge #522 F&AM in memory of William H. Toth, Sr.Cayuga Medical Center in memory of William H. Toth, Sr.Susan Mistretta in memory of William H. Toth, Sr. Helen Van Syckle in memory of Joseph Van Syckle Helen Van Syckle in memory of Wm. Van Syckle Joan Vivacqua in memory of Fred Vivacqua Sharon Mazur Executor in memory of Herbert & Irene Wald Anonoymous in memory of Ruth Wood

Gifts Made to Masonic Care Community In Memory and In Honor of Loved Ones

~ Caring for people since 1893 ~To receive more updates via email, please contact info@mccny.com

Community ConnectionA Newsletter for the Family and Friends of the Masonic Care Community

Save the Date Thursday, 10/18 - NEW MCC Quarterly Speaker Series: Know Your Rights as a Healthcare ConsumerSaturday, 10/20 - Mid-Hudson Masonic District to visit residentsSunday, 10/21 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Friday, 10/26 - Intergenerational Trick or Treat Wednesday, 10/31 - Resident Halloween Party Friday, 11/9 - Veteran’s Day Celebration

Go to www.mccny.com to check upcoming events and search resident activity calendars.

Join Us On October 18th!The Masonic Care Community is thrilled to announce the first of many free quarterly speaker series on various aspects of community health. The first discussion will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018, from 6:00 to 7:00pm in the Health Pavilion Atrium on the topic of Knowing your Healthcare Rights.The on-staff physicians and medical professionals will hold an open discussion on your rights as a health care consumer. Learn to be the best advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Tours will be available after the program. To learn more, check our ad on the inside back cover!

To RSVP, call 315-798-4768 or email info@mccny.com.

2018 Quarter 3 Issue