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Displaying items by tag: Wesley Community

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community announced on April 2 that in-person family visitations have officially resumed at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. 

Wesley Health Care Center is currently welcoming families for 40-minute in-person visits with residents on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Families can register online through The Wesley Community’s website. All visits must be scheduled in advance.

In-person family visitations at the senior care facility had been temporarily paused in accordance with New York State health and safety rules and regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Throughout the pandemic, Wesley has kept families connected through outdoor window visits and virtual visits. Wesley expanded its Life Enrichment staff and technology to help facilitate more than 3,000 online visits since the pandemic began. Wesley has also provided opportunities for compassionate care visits amongst residents and their families.

Wesley Health Care Center is part of The Wesley Community, a 37-acre continuum of care campus in Saratoga Springs which provides seniors with a variety of levels of care including independent living, assisted living, long-term care, outpatient therapies, short-term rehabilitation and home care.

Published in News

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In an effort to give back to those caring for the most vulnerable population during the coronavirus pandemic, Dunkin’  delivered nearly $2,000 in gift cards to support frontline healthcare workers at The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs.

The delivery was designed to express appreciation for the staff and their work to keep aging adults healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic. The gift cards will be distributed to nurses and staff members who have been working around the clock to care for residents at the senior living campus.

“Our Capital Region franchisees want these local heroes to know that we have their backs and they can count on Dunkin’ to help keep them running,” said Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “Dunkin’ is proud to give back and support these frontline healthcare providers who continue to work hard to care for the elderly in our community.”

The delivery marks Dunkin’s latest initiative in an ongoing effort to support frontline employees and volunteers during the pandemic. Since mid-March, Dunkin’ has donated thousands of baked goods, coffee and gift cards to first responders, nurses, food pantry employees, coaches and child care staff.

“We are so thankful for this generous donation from Capital Region Dunkin’ franchisees,” said The Wesley Community Chief Executive Officer J. Brian Nealon. “The last several months have been challenging for everyone and these gift cards will provide our staff members a special thank you as they continue to provide exceptional care to our many senior residents on campus.”

The Wesley Community is a non-profit senior living campus that serves more than 700 patients. For nearly 50 years, Wesley has provided seniors with a variety of levels of care including independent living, assisted living, long-term care, outpatient therapies, short-term rehabilitation and home care.

The Wesley Community’s unique blend of community living, caregiving and resident enrichment activities ensures the highest quality service at every stage of life. The continuum of care model provides a distinct resource to aging individuals and their families in Upstate New York.

Published in Business

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, welcomes Capital Region residents to take part in its “Share A Step For Seniors” virtual fundraiser beginning Thursday, June 19.

The weeklong fitness initiative, which runs through June 26, offers participants the opportunity to raise funds for The Wesley Community while working towards a fitness-oriented goal, such as running or walking a mile per day or completing a 30-mile bike ride. Members track their workouts, share their progress on social media and encourage friends and family to support their efforts via a donation.

All donations generated through “Share A Step For Seniors” will support The Wesley Community’s continued efforts to serve its residents and staff during the coronavirus global health pandemic. The Wesley Community is a non-profit senior living campus in Saratoga Springs with more than 700 residents.

“Showing love and support for our seniors is more important than ever and we are excited to hold a virtual event focused on health and wellness, while practicing social distancing,” said J. Brian Nealon, CEO of The Wesley Community. “We encourage participants to follow the guidelines from government and health officials during their fitness activities. All of us at The Wesley Community appreciate the continued support for this event.”

Registration is free. Individuals or teams interested in participating in the “Share A Step for Seniors” campaign can register at www.justgiving.com/campaign/shareastep.

Major sponsors of “Share A Step For Seniors” include Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family, Jim LaVigne and Mary Gavin, Mannix Marketing and Saratoga.com, CDPHP, Ruth Pouliot, Lisa Cardone-O’Connor - Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Fingerpaint and T.C. Equipment. 

For more information about the Share A Step For Seniors event, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/shareastep or contact Katelynn Donovan via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 518-691-1616.

Published in Neighborhood Buzz

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community is seeking candidates for more than 100 full-time and temporary positions to help meet the needs of aging adults residing at its senior living campus in Saratoga Springs. 

Positions available include: registered nurses; licensed practical nurses; certified nursing assistants; home health aides; dining; maintenance; laundry; and housekeeping. Wesley Senior Solutions, a licensed home care service agency, is hiring companion care and personal care assistants. Paid training is available for certified nursing assistants and home health aide positions.

“The Wesley Community is looking for dedicated and compassionate candidates to work with seniors who need health care services and other quality of life assistance on our campus and in the community,” said J. Brian Nealon, CEO of The Wesley Community, in a statement.  “We are offering a wide range of positions which provide an ideal opportunity for both non-clinical staff, as well as for seasoned and new healthcare professionals. Successful candidates will be rewarded with employment opportunities that will allow them to help the numerous aging adults served by The Wesley Community.”

The Wesley Community is a 37-acre, non-profit agency that provides independent and assisted living for seniors, affordable independent senior housing, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, as well as home care services and outpatient therapies available for people of all ages.

 For a full list of employment opportunities at The Wesley Community, visit www.thewesleycommunity.org/careers.

For an immediate interview, contact The Wesley Community at 518-252-0414 or visit www.thewesleycommunity.org/careers.

Published in Business

The following statement may be attributed to The Wesley Community Chief Executive Officer Brian Nealon:

“The Wesley Community has taken immediate proactive measures as a result of the health threat posed by coronavirus (COVID-19) to our older adult population. We want to emphasize that we do not have any cases of coronavirus at Wesley Health Care Center and have not quarantined any individuals, including staff, at this time.

“Based on the most recent recommendations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, The Wesley Community has made the prudent decision to discontinue all non-essential visits to the Wesley Health Care Center, effective immediately until further notice. We have decided to take this necessary measure to preclude the spread of coronavirus to our highly vulnerable residents and the dedicated staff who care for them.

“This new policy will include visits by family members. Visitors will only be allowed into the facility if deemed essential or for end-of-life situations. Since family interaction is an important component to the well-being of our residents, alternative means of communicating with loved ones are being implemented, including the use of video conferencing.

“Staff and visitors granted access will be required to go through a mandatory screening process by a trained employee for potential exposure or symptoms.

“We do not take these decisions lightly and we understand the importance of family and friends visiting. These new policies are based on the guidance we have received from the leading national health agencies.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and following recommended guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Health and Saratoga County Public Health Services. We will continue to work closely with these health agencies as matters continue to evolve.”

Published in News

SARATOGA SPRINGS –Mother’s Day: a holiday dedicated to celebrating motherhood and the unconditional love (and life) our mothers gave to us. It’s a joy when we are able to spend the day with our mothers, allowing us to show them how much they are cherished and appreciated.

For Joan Hoeft, she feels the Mother’s Day love three-fold. Hoeft, who lives in Woodlawn Commons at the Wesley Community, gets to spend her special day with her daughter, Kris Mikeska, granddaughter, Meg Porto, and great-granddaughter, Lucia, who is just nine-months old.

“It’s a huge blessing,” said Porto, who just became a mom last summer. “Family is everything to us.”

This four generation family is incredibly close and stays busy by spending a lot of time together. Though Mikeska and Porto live further north, they make the drive down to Wesley at least three times a week to visit and do all their favorite things – from enjoying meals together to shopping on Broadway.

“It’s pretty cute when we go out – Mom has her walker and Lucia’s with her stroller,” said Mikeska. “We always have people stop and say how special it is that we’re all together.”

Over the years, Hoeft has taught Mikeska and Porto a lot about what it means to be a mom, handing down traditions and values her own mother taught her.

“My father died when I was just a baby,” said Hoeft. “My mother had to take care of me on her own. It was hard on her. She rented out all of our house but three rooms, which is where we lived.”

Hoeft helped her mom a lot when she was a kid, for example going grocery shopping on her bicycle because they didn’t have a vehicle. Through her mom, Hoesk learned the meaning of hard work and sacrificing for your child.

“They depended on each other,” added Mikeska. “They worked as a team. A mother-daughter team.”

Unlike her mom, Hoeft had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, and Mikeska and Porto followed in her footsteps, making motherhood their full-time career.

“I’ve definitely learned my values from them,” said Mikeska about her mom and her grandmother. “Values like honesty and always being there for each other. Family traditions are huge for us. It’s all about being together.”

Porto feels the same way, knowing that if she has a question about being a new mom, she can always rely on her mom and grandmother for help.

“It’s very reassuring that if I don’t have the answer, one of them will,” said Porto. “From day one, I have always felt so supported. All of their advice is something I truly take to heart. It’s not always spoken either; I’ve learned so much by their example.”

This will be Porto’s first Mother’s Day with her daughter Lucia in the family; it will be a true celebration of a family’s growing legacy.

“Mother’s Day just makes you feel good – it’s a celebration of having children,” said Hoesk, looking lovingly at her great-granddaughter cooing in her granddaughter’s lap. “The most rewarding part is when they keep growing up, then they get married, then they have babies of their own, and you just feel a part of it all. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

 

Published in News

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Now more than ever, guns are at the forefront of political debate in the U.S. The right to bear arms is a hot button subject, and one that many find difficult to discuss openly. Spring Street Gallery, located at 110 and 112 Spring Street, seeks to breach that communication barrier with their new exhibit, “The Gun Show.”

“The Gun Show,” which opened on April 9 and is on display until May 28, includes artwork, historical artifacts, discussions and film screenings all centered on firearms. Maureen Sager, the Executive Director at Spring Street Gallery, came up with the idea for the show after seeing how current events are spurring people to proclaim and defend their gun ideologies.

“Maureen noticed that people talk about guns a lot on social media, but no one ever has a real conversation about them,” said Benj Gleeksman, one of the exhibit’s organizers. “She felt that having a show like this would be a great catalyst for people to have actual conversations about guns, instead of just posting about it on the internet.”

Published in News
Thursday, 31 October 2013 12:33

The Long Overdue Welcome Home—With Honors

Saratoga Springs to be Commemorative Partner in National Vietnam 50th Anniversary Program

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs City Council unanimously voted to join a national and state program to co1mmemorate the 50th anniversary of the War in Vietnam. As such, a committee will be formed shortly that will set up a schedule of events and activities, from 2015 through 2017, which will be designed to effectuate the objectives of this nationwide program. 

The primary objective, as noted on the national commemorative website, www.vietnamwar50th.com is: “To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.”

The presentation to join the Vietnam War commemoration at the council’s October 15 meeting was delivered by County Supervisor Joanne Yepsen and was sponsored on the agenda of Commissioner of Public Safety Chris Mathiesen.  The entire council voted 5-0 to complete the paperwork to become an official local commemorative partner. Once the application is reviewed and approved, each council member and county supervisor will appoint one representative to the committee, which will then set up a schedule of events. According to the official website, these events should be designed to be educational and informative, utilizing multi-media where appropriate. 

“I was glad to bring it to the council,” Yepsen said. “This is part of a continuing effort as supervisor to bring together civilian with military life in the county, with mutual recognition and education as a by-product. We often can learn as much from things that went wrong as those that went right for us as a people.”

The official national period of commemoration, declared by presidential proclamation, is May 28, 2012 through November 11, 2025. Beyond the significance of beginning on a Memorial Day and ending on a Veterans Day, the length of time closely parallels the length of America’s Vietnam involvement. 

For Mathiesen, the length also serves another important purpose. 

“It gives us a proper amount of time to reflect properly,” he said. “Vietnam in many ways was a combination of eras. The beginning period, a major turning point in 1968 with the Tet offensive, Kent State in 1970 and the intensifying of protests coinciding with the decline in America’s fortunes. We went from a mentality of it’s a foregone conclusion that we would have dominating victory to grappling with the concept of peace with honor.” 

Eventually, withdrawal at any cost became the order of the day.  “It’s a lot to absorb, particular for someone who was born after the Vietnam era,” he said. 

Mathiesen came of draft age in 1968. At that time, there wasn’t a volunteer army as is today. A draft was conducted by a random drawing of birth dates. His number, 76, would almost certainly have assured he would be drafted but was fortunate to be classified 2F— which was a student deferment. 

“I was lucky. But, of course, I had numerous contacts with those who went over there,” he said.

Wilton resident James Hartman was there. The Buffalo native was one of six boys in his family. He was eligible for a college deferment, but instead enlisted in 1969. Next stop— Da Nang Province. Another world. 

Hartman was accepted into the Air Force’s intelligence unit, a specialist in cryptology training eavesdropping on the enemy. While not stationed on the front lines per se`:

“We were close enough,” Hartman said. “It was nothing unusual for our communications shack to get blasted by rockets. We rarely had enough warning to make it to our concrete bunker. A young man, Paul Wayne Anthony, was there only18 days…gone in an instant when the rockets came.”

On the 30th anniversary of Anthony’s death, Hartman made a point to visit the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall to find the young man’s name among the upwards of  50,000 inscriptions. 

Returning home after a year overseas, Hartman attended Buffalo State University on the G.I. Bill, where he described the mood on campus as ranging from outright hostility “it was our (soldier’s) fault” to apathy and war weariness “this has nothing to do with us,” he described. He did establish a Veteran’s Club on campus, but noted that it never got any funding from the student activity committee.

Even in town, the primarily working class city offered no support. 

“Honestly, nobody cared,” Hartman said. “There was no talk, nothing. I was amazed after all I had seen.” 

I asked Hartman what activities he would like to see developed coming out of the local Vietnam 50 committee’s work. 

“Certainly a parade of some sort would be appropriate,” he said. “I would like to see a gathering at the Gerald Solomon National Cemetery. 

“Maybe a reception for those who are still with us.” Hartman said. “But more importantly, activities that honor those who are not.”

In addition to the Saratoga Springs committee’s schedule of activities, there will also be local sites that will have additional programs generated from the New York State commemorative committee. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta dated February 5, Governor Andrew Cuomo cited the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs and the Vietnam Memorial and Gallery in the State Capitol as potential exhibit locations.

The main objective, of thanking and honoring those who served in Vietnam, will hopefully go a long way to close an important circle; a circle which has been open and overdue for too long. 

 

Published in News

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