February 2012
We are pleased to share the good news that The Centers at St. Camillus has been chosen as one of the organizations that will benefit from ticket sales for the Syracuse Auto Dealer Association’s 2012 Charity Preview Gala. This elegant affair will take place on Wednesday, February 15th, the night before the AutoExpo opens.

The Centers at St. Camillus community is delighted to have been added to list of area charities and non-profit organizations that will benefit from event ticket sales. This year, more than ever, support is needed. Due to a federal mandate, we must upgrade the sprinkler system in our facility. The new system will be installed in two of our three buildings, both of which house residents who receive long-term nursing care. This multi-million dollar project must be completed by August, 2013 in order for us to continue to provide care to those who need it most. All proceeds we receive from the Charity Preview will go directly to funding this project. If you plan to attend, please consider designating St. Camillus as the recipient of proceeds from the tickets you purchase. For more information, please call 703-0731.

January 2012
2012 is off to a great start at The Centers at St. Camillus!

Central New Yorkers continue to enroll in Smart Steps, our exercise class for people 55 and over! Classes began the week of January 16th in DeWitt, Camillus, and North Syracuse. Healthy Steps, which is in its 6th year, will begin on Monday, February 13th. Also designed for adults 55+, Healthy Steps is offered twice a week here at St. Camillus. If you’re interested in signing up for the class, please call 703-0841.

Coming in 2012
Here’s a warm thought on a cold day… Our Auxiliary has set the date for our 3rd Annual Sock Hop Under the Stars! That’s right, Daddy-O! This year’s Sock Hop will be held on Friday, July 20th from 6-10pm. Once again, Ruby Shooz will get the crowd on its feet, and NBC 3’s Chief Meteorologist Wayne Mahar will be our Master of Ceremonies. Hopefully, Wayne will bring us more amazing weather this year! Watch for ticket information in the coming months. Or, call 703-0818.

July 2011
Late spring and early summer were very busy at The Centers at St. Camillus! Here’s a recap of what’s been happening!

In late March, the Home Care Center at St. Camillus introduced Smart Steps, a community exercise program for adults 55 and over. Research supports that one of the best ways to stay healthy, remain active and avoid falls-related injury is through exercise. The goal for the Smart Steps program is to provide an ongoing exercise and fall prevention program for older adults living in Onondaga County. Total body stretching, strengthening, and balance training are taught twice a week over the course of 8 or 10 weeks in a friendly, relaxed environment in the community. Classes are currently being held at Preventive Medicine Associates in Camillus, the DeWitt Community Library, and the North Syracuse Community Center. For more information, please call 703-0880.

On March 28th, we hosted a book signing. The Centers at St. Camillus Supervisor of Physical Therapy, Patrick VanBeveren, PT, DPT, MA, OCS, GCS, CSCS, contributed a chapter to the third edition of Geriatric Physical Therapy. We celebrated with a reception, as Patrick, his wife Dale Evers, PT, DPT, PhD, who co-edited the book, and contributing writers Christine Fordyce, PT, DPT and John Rabbia, PT, DPT, MS, GCS, CWS signed copies for colleagues, friends, and family. That same evening, we offered tours of our recently expanded inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, and introduced our newly acquired state-of-the-art motor recovery technology from Bioness.

On April 9th, The Centers at St. Camillus Foundation held its annual gala at Bellevue Country Club. Over 200 people gathered to celebrate the life of the Honorable William Robert Roy. Together with his family, friends, and colleagues, the Foundation honored a man who spent his life serving others – his country, his community, and those who knew him best. Proceeds from the celebration benefitted The Centers at St. Camillus, where Judge Roy and his wife, Sally, spent their last years together, and where Sally still resides.

On April 30th, The Centers at St. Camillus Auxiliary presented its annual Spring Into Summer Fashion Show and Luncheon. Over 100 attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch while getting a sneak peak of vibrant spring and summer fashions, provided by Kohl’s. Members of the Auxiliary created an exciting variety of themed gift baskets that were raffled off throughout the event.

On May 7th, The Centers at St. Camillus was the site of the Second Annual Senior Ball, a fun, intergenerational event. Under the direction of St. Camillus recreation leaders Danielle Luibrand and Brian Gibbons, and Bishop Ludden staff members Rhonda Henderson and Maggie Hoerl, 27 students from Bishop Ludden and several St. Camillus residents dressed up ‘in style’. The students made corsages and centerpieces for the tables to create a festive prom-like atmosphere. Chuck the DJ entertained and played music that the students and residents alike appreciated and danced to, including standards of the big band era, the Chicken Dance and many other fun dances. A great time was held by all! Hal Rice was crowned Senior Ball King and Nancy Day was crowned Senior Ball Queen.

On May 19th, we hosted an Open House and Naming Dedication of our recent expansion project that created an additional 5,400 square feet of newly constructed space and renovated 6,500 square feet for the Outpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Adult Day Health programs. The expansion ensures greatly increased access to and improved quality of the life-changing services the Outpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Adult Day Health programs provide.

The event was attended by approximately 75 guests, who were welcomed by Aileen Balitz, President and CEO, The Centers at St. Camillus. Speakers included: Patricia Curtin, Chair, The Centers at St. Camillus Board of Directors, Michael Zandri, Chair, The Centers at St. Camillus Foundation Board, Senator John A. DeFrancisco, Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle, and Deputy County Executive William Fisher. Matt Hodinger, a former registrant of The Centers at St. Camillus Adult Day Health Program spoke of the positive impact the staff and services at The Centers at St. Camillus have had on his life. Laura Serway of the Brain Injury Association of New York State announced that the Association is donating 20 new 24” flat screen televisions and wall mounts to the Brain Injury Unit at St. Camillus. Lastly, Foundation President/Vice President of Development for The Centers at St. Camillus John McBride thanked the many supporters who helped fund the expansion and unveiled the dedication at the entrance of the expansion reading In Honor of The Honorable Judge William Robert and Sally Roy.

Also on May 19th, we hosted Use Your Head: Preventing Brain Injury One Helmet at a Time, featuring the MEGA Brain™, the world's only inflatable, walk-through brain exhibit. Approximately 600 people from across Central New York came to the event, which provided area children with free bicycle helmets, bicycle safety information, and helmet fittings provided by St. Camillus occupational and physical therapists. As part of this event, in conjunction with the Safe Kids Upstate NY Coalition, we provided area students with sports safety seminars. Area students had the opportunity to tour the MEGA Brain™. Dr. Brian Rieger, PhD, Director of the Concussion Management Program and CNY Sports Concussion Center at Upstate University Hospital engaged the students in a discussion about the functions of the brain, the importance of wearing a helmet while playing sports, and concussion and injury prevention.

On July 14th, in conjunction with Preventive Medicine Associates, we presented a free Falls Prevention Seminar. The event was attended by over 30 adults who came with concerns and questions. Home Care physical therapists Erika Swenton and Mike Ritter spoke about how to prevent falls and related injuries, illustrated how exercise can improve balance and strength, and shared ideas on how to make homes safer.

On July 15th, The Centers at St. Camillus Auxiliary presented its Second Annual Sock Hop Under the Stars. To the delight of the approximately 400 hundred people who attended, the evening was filled with great music thanks to Ruby Shooz, perfect weather, thanks (in part) to Master of Ceremonies, Meteorologist Wayne Mahar, delicious food, classic cars, and plenty of family fun! People came dressed in their best from the 50’s and 60’s and danced the night away! To see pictures from the event, please visit The Centers at St. Camillus page on Facebook.

January 2011
The Memory Academy and Healthy Steps, two of The Centers at St. Camillus’ most popular community-based education programs, will be offered together beginning later this month.

The Memory Academy is a 12-week curriculum designed for older adults who are cognitively healthy and want to learn more about how to maintain their brain health. The course combines mental and physical fitness exercises, stress reduction, nutrition, memory exercises, and socialization. Instructors for the class are Cheryl Hylton, RN, Cognitive Health Services Specialist and Patrick VanBeveren, DPT, OCS, GCS, CSCS.

Healthy Steps is an adult exercise class designed to improve strength and balance, and increase vitality. Classes are led by board certified geriatric physical therapist Patrick VanBeveren, DPT, OCS, GCS, CSCS.

“Loss of memory is a significant concern of many aging adults. However, there are many known strategies that can help minimize any loss of our cognitive function. Exercise, for example, has consistently been shown to help improve memory. The St. Camillus Healthy Steps/Memory Academy program translates the memory literature into practical advice to help maintain brain function. The program has a strong exercise component while also teaching participants cognitive strategies to keep our brains stimulated,” offered Van Beveren.

Beginning Monday, January 31st, Healthy Steps classes will be offered every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The Memory Academy classes will be held every Wednesday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The cost for 12 weeks of both classes is $80 per person. For reservations, or more information, please call 315-703-0841.

December 2010
The Home Care Center at St. Camillus is partnering with Christopher Community, a non-profit development and management company specializing in housing for seniors, families, and the disabled in Upstate New York to present an ongoing health education series designed to help residents of Christopher Community properties remain healthy and safe in their homes.

For many in our community, help is needed to remain at home. The Home Care Center at St. Camillus is dedicated to enhancing health and maximizing independence at home. Starting this month, the Home Is Where Your Heart Is team, comprised of nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, social workers, and nutritionists from The Home Care Center at St. Camillus will begin visiting Christopher Community apartment buildings and complexes. The team will share free prevention services, such as falls risk prevention and home safety, blood pressure screenings, and caregiver seminars.

Educational discussions are also planned. Topics will include: Managing Diabetes, smoking cessation, stroke prevention, managing dementia, recognizing the signs of depression, signs and symptoms of emergency events, and nutrition.

“We are very excited about this opportunity. It is a chance to expand the community’s awareness of homecare services and to assist individuals in continued independence and wellbeing at home,” stated Heather Kemmis, OTR/L, Vice President, St. Camillus and Integrity Home Care Agencies.

Nursing services, therapies such as speech language, physical and occupational rehabilitation, nutritional counseling, and medical social services are all available through the Home Care Center at St. Camillus. For more information about Home is Where Your Heart Is, or about the Home Care Center at St. Camillus, please contact Heather Kemmis, Vice President of the Home Care Center at 488-2831.

November 2010
The Centers at St. Camillus Auxiliary’s annual Lights of Joy Celebration was held on Friday, November 18, to the delight of the many residents, family members, and staff who attended. Chapel Gardens was beautifully decorated and filled with the holiday spirit. Area musician Howie Bartolo provided live entertainment. Special guest speaker Sandy Fillingham shared her thoughts and gratitude about her positive rehabilitation experience, and the afternoon culminated in the lighting of the Christmas tree by a special little angel.

For more information the Lights of Joy Celebration or upcoming events, please contact The Centers at St. Camillus Auxiliary at 488-2951.

October 2010
The Alzheimer’s Services program at St. Camillus was formed in 2002. Over the past 8 years, the program has grown and now includes community-based services, as well as facility- based services. Vice President of Rehabilitation Services Christine Kearney notes “The newly named Center for Cognitive Health Services more appropriately reflects the broader scope of our program, as we currently work with adults of all ages with cognitive needs, to support and assist them to be more successful in their daily lives at St. Camillus and in the community.”

St. Camillus has also expanded its reach to include the “worried well” - people who have no cognitive impairment, and want to learn as much as possible about how to prevent or delay cognitive problems - as well as persons with mild cognitive impairment who want to keep their skills intact.

The Center for Cognitive Health Services is currently offering two community-based programs, The Memory Academy and Stay Sharp: Serper at St. Camillus. The Memory Academy is for people who are healthy and want to learn more about brain health. Stay Sharp: Serper at St. Camillus is offered for persons who want to keep exercising their brain. In addition, The Center for Cognitive Health Services offers programs and groups for residents with dementia who reside at St. Camillus, supportive services for family caregivers who care for loved ones experiencing cognitive issues, and is available as a resource to our employees and volunteers.

Cognitive Health Services also offers rehabilitation counseling, neuropsychological and behavioral services to individuals who have incurred a mild, moderate, or severe brain injury due to accident, injury, stroke, tumor, or infection. These services are offered to inpatient residents, outpatient consumers and participants of the community-based TBI Waiver Program.
For more information about The Memory Academy, Stay Sharp or the Center for Cognitive Health Services at St. Camillus, please contact Ellen Somers, Coordinator of Cognitive Health Services at 703-0676.

Most Rev. Robert J. Cunningham, Bishop of the Syracuse Diocese, Visits The Centers at St. Camillus
On Tuesday, January 12, Most Rev. Robert J. Cunningham, Bishop of the Syracuse Catholic Diocese, celebrated mass at St. Camillus for the residents, patients and staff. He was assisted by Father Lou Aiello, Deacon Tony Paratore, and St. Camillus’ Pastoral Care Coordinator Candace Lawrence. After mass, Bishop Cunningham met with residents and staff before touring the facility with St. Camillus President Aileen Balitz, Board of Trustees Member Jim Murphy, and others. Bishop Cunningham viewed an area in the building some hope will soon be renovated into a chapel. He also toured the soon-to-be opened $3.3 million expansion and renovation project begun last May. That project – which will officially open its doors in February – includes expansion of the Adult Day Health Center and the Outpatient Brain Injury Center as well as the remodeling of the area that houses outpatient services. (Photo: Most Rev. Robert J. Cunningham visits with Resident Anne Clarke and St. Camillus Volunteer Pauline Stukus after celebrating mass.)

St. Camillus Memory Academy
Beginning in March 2010, St. Camillus will be offering a new program, "The Memory Academy," which combines physical and mental exercise, along with stress reduction, nutrition, and socialization. Make a New Year's resolution to work on your brain health. Call Lucy Schenk at 315-488-2951 ext. 141 to register or for more information. Click here for the Tip of the Month.

Sha Na Na Performs at St. Camillus
St. Camillus was rockin’ on Tuesday, Sept. 1 when two founding members of the 1950s music revival group Sha Na Na performed before a packed crowd of residents, registrants, families and employees. Jocko Marcellino and Donny York stopped by after their performance at the New York State Fair. They arrived at St. Camillus in a pair of classic cars driven by two members of the Oneida Lake Region Antique Car Club. Club member Howard Miller of Camillus drove his 1956 Mercury Montclair while Paul Beyer of East Syracuse assisted with his 1954 DeSoto. Once at St. Camillus, the duo were meet by a crowd of employees and residents, many of whom donned 1950s-styled fashions in honor of the occasion. Marcellino and York performed a number of hits including The Twist, At The Hop and Born to Hand Jive, one of Sha Na Na’s hits from the movie Grease. After their performance, the pair mingled, signed autographs and grabbed a bite to eat at the 1950s-themed diner set up for the occasion.

St. Camillus Hosts Antique Auto Show
Residents, patients, registrants and staff enjoyed an afternoon of fun at St. Camillus’ Annual Antique Auto Show, organized by the Recreation Services Department lead by Mary Ellen Steele, Director of Recreation. The Oneida Lake Region AACE brought over a dozen cars to the facility including a '41 and '42 DeSoto and a 1925 Franklin. St. Camillus employee, Tommy Flask, showed off his detailed Camero and Volunteer, Richard Lauricelli, showcased his Miata. Chuck Everett, a former transportation driver for St. Camillus, was DJ for the day playing oldies music for all to enjoy. The St. Camillus staff and volunteers served refreshments to attendees, and were happy to provide additional entertainment by dancing to the oldies music!

Gardening With the Chef
Executive Chef, Rob Mackay, held his second annual “Gardening with the Chef” event with 16 - 20 residents participating. Chef Rob showed residents how to build window boxes with flowers and herbs and discussed the many uses of herbs in cooking. Residents shared their gardening memories as they enjoyed smelling and tasting some of the herbs and edible flowers. There were several Gardening books available to research some of the items which Chef Rob had selected to plant. The completed window boxes are on the window sills in the two main dining rooms where residents can watch them grow and even assist in keeping them watered. When possible, Chef Rob will pick some of the herbs and use them as a garnish or in a recipe for the residents.

St. Camillus Employees help “RAISE the ROOF” for The Centers at St. Camillus
"Amazing Place, Amazing People" are the words that describe St. Camillus and the people who work there. In May, 2009 when construction started
on The Centers at St. Camillus expansion, hundreds of employees celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony and subsequently became involved with fundraising efforts. A group of employees formed a committee reaching out to other staff members to help “Raise the Roof” at St. Camillus.

The committee volunteers their time to plan and hold numerous fundraising events within the facility. All monies raised are donated to The Centers at St. Camillus fundraising campaign. In the first three months, employees of St. Camillus donated over $11,000 towards the expansion project. Fundraisers included a payroll deduction plan, strawberry shortcake sale, ice cream sundae event, t-shirt sale and a B-B-Q cookout.

The "Raise the Roof" committee has a number of additional fundraising events scheduled for the remainder of the year including a staff talent show, holiday gift baskets, pancake breakfast and a chance to watch six employees (including one woman) shave their heads if the price is right!
St. Camillus employees are amazing people, always working together to make St. Camillus an amazing place to be!

St. Camillus Nurses Honored for Efforts at Fire
St. Camillus RN Case Managers, Katherine Duda and Melissa Fuller, received proclamations from the Town of Camillus Supervisor, Mary Ann Coogan, during St. Camillus' Staff Appreciation Day. They were recognized for exhibiting exemplary courage and compassion for their patient and the community. Click here for more details!

St. Camillus Thanks Senator DeFrancisco
In May 2007, residents, volunteers, staff, management and board members of St. Camillus gathered to thank NY State Senator, John DeFrancisco, for arranging a grant of $200,000 for improvement to our heating and cooling system.

St. Camillus Presents "How to Start Exercising" Seminars for Older Adults
The “How to Start Exercising” lectures are designed for older adults who want to know more about starting an exercise program and who want to have a more physically active lifestyle. For more information call 315-488-2112.

Are you at risk for falling? St. Camillus offers new program to evaluate seniors for falls risk?
Falls among older adults pose a serious health risk. From medications and increased frailty to common obstacles in the home, knowing what may put you at risk for falls is the first step toward preventing them. So, how do you gauge your falls risk? St. Camillus offers a simple evaluation - conducted either in the home or on an outpatient basis - to assess falls risk. We can then put a plan in place to help if necessary. For an in-home evaluation call The Home Care Center at St. Camillus at 315-488-2831. For an outpatient evaluation call the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 315-488-2112.

Get healthy. Join the Healthy Steps Exercise Class for adults!
St. Camillus' fun and motivating exercise class can help you get started with your very own exercise routine. Classes are held twice per week and the full 12-week program costs only $40! Check it out and start getting healthy today! For more information call 315-488-2112.

Alzheimer's caregiver support group
St. Camillus is hosting a monthly support group for individuals caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. The group meets on the third Tuesday of every month. Click here for more details.

Streamlined referrals save providers time
You've come to the right place if you're looking to make outpatient rehabilitation and audiology referrals more quickly and efficiently. Learn how our new referral forms can benefit you. For more information call 315-488-2112.

Monthly Events Calendar
Planning a visit with your loved one here at St. Camillus? Check out what's going on this month for our residents and patients. From bingo, worship services, and special entertainers to pet visits, we offer something for just about everyone. Click here for the monthly calendar of events.

 

E-mail: info@st-camillus.org