Knap Neighborhood Residents Enjoy Fish Tank

For many of the residents at RiverLedge's Knap Neighborhood checking the fish tank to see if there are any new babies is part of their daily ritual. CNA Colleen Stark, who cares for the fish and takes care of the tank has especially enjoyed speaking about the fish and sharing her knowledge with both the residents and her co-workers. Pictured are Roxie Klock, John Newtown and Ms. Stark.

Wishbook Funds Bring Bowling to RiverLedge

Audrey McGrath was among the first to try our the EZ Bowler.

OGDENSBURG – Thanks to a donation from the United Helpers RiverLedge Campus’ Wishbook residents will be able to enjoy the sport of bowling without even leaving their home.

Funds from the Wishbook were used to purchase an “EZ Bowler” bowling ramp. Audrey McGrath was among the first residents to check out their new toy.

“I always loved to bowl,” she said. “This ramp will help make bowling fun again. I can’t wait for the days we have bowling as an activity.”

The EZ Bowler is a ramp designed to make bowling easy for people with disabilities or those in wheelchairs. The ramp is easily movable so it can be lined up with the pins. Bowlers then place the ball atop the ramp and let it fly.

Each building has its own Wishbook account which is used to purchase items that enhance the quality of life for residents. The United Helpers Wish Book program raises funds and helps to offer friends, visitors and family members the opportunity to enhance the lives of residents by helping to grant a wish.

For further information on how you can donate to the Wishbook program or inquire on purchasing a Wishbook item in honor or in memory of someone, please contact the Society of the United Helpers at 393-3074 ext. 4230.

Milligan Neighborhood Wins RiverLedge Holiday Decorating Contest

OGDENSBURG – To help create a festive environment for the people living at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus a holiday decorating contest was held with the staff in each neighborhood decorating their part of the building. Each neighborhood’s effort was judged and the Milligan Neighborhood was declared victorious. From left, showing off their decorating chops are staff members, Amy Deloney, Lori Hilborne, Amber Evans, Brook Duprey, Helen Paquette, Cody Porter and Adrienne Danenberger. 

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge 

Yvonne Gibbs - CNA

Joshua Sharpe - CNA

Oklahoma Woman Impressed With Stay at RiverLedge

Oklahoma Woman Impressed With Stay at RiverLedge

OGDENSBURG – An Oklahoma City woman injured while on vacation in Canada said she was impressed with her stay at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus.

Karen Stolte was in the midst of a two-week bus tour when she fell while visiting a museum in Quebec. “I walked over to a window and there was a ledge sticking out that I didn’t see,” she said.

Emergency medical personnel on the scene initially told Ms. Stolte that her hip was bruised, but she said she knew her injury was more serious than that.

“They told me it was bruised,” she said. “But I knew it was broken. I felt it crunch.”

Ms. Stolte said after being transported to a hospital in Canada she was informed the surgery she needed was going to cost $20,000.

At that point, she said she told hospital officials she wanted to be brought back to the United States for treatment, a task that was easier said than done.

“They called five doctors in the U.S.,” she said. “If Dr. (Thomas) Herzog wouldn’t have done it, they would have had to do it there. God really took care of me.”

After receiving word that Dr. Herzog, an orthopedic surgeon who practices at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, agreed to do the surgery she was brought to the hospital in Ogdensburg where her surgery would take place.

Ms. Stolte said that she had the operation on Oct. 2 and was released to begin a post hospital rehabilitation stay at RiverLedge on Oct. 7, where she would be for nearly three weeks before being discharged on Oct. 27.

“When I got here I had no clothes or anything and I didn’t know anyone within hundreds of miles,” she said, adding the support she received from the staff at RiverLedge and her “church family” helped her get through a situation that could have been even worse.

“I felt that everyone was very knowledgeable and caring,” she said. “One of the things that impressed me the most was how many people stopped in to wish me good luck.”

While Ms. Stolte said she didn’t get to really tour the museum, she said the vacation, which was actually a two-week bus trip was nearing its completion.

“I got to go to Maine and that’s what I really wanted to do,” she said, adding her trip back home wasn’t exactly going to be a direct route.

A couple of friends from Cleveland, Ohio made the 500 mile trip to pick her up and bring her back to Ohio, where she was planning to stay for a week. She was then going to fly from Cleveland to Kansas City, where another friend would pick her up for the five hour drive home.

Once back home, Ms. Stolte said she was planning to continue her physical therapy.

“They (staff at RiverLedge) told me they wished all their patients were as motivated as I was,” she said, adding that maybe if the other patients were in her shoes they would be.

“I just really wanted to get back home,” she said, noting she did enjoy her stay as much as possible.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but if you’re going to go through what I went through this was a good place to do it.”

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge 

Joshua Bice - Food Service Attendant

Heather Peters - RN

Maplewood

Harlee Marschat - Food Service Attendant

Madelyn Harrison - CNA

Kerstin Robert - Task Aide

United Helpers Home Health Services

Mariah Harris - Companion

Basta's Flowers & Gifts

Kamie Flavin - Receptionist

Leon Morrow - Floral Designer

Rensselaer Falls IRA

Aireal Metott - DSP

Family of the Late Dorothy Blodgett Donate Bench in Her Honor to Maplewood

From left, Karen Jenkins, Susan Marquart and her husband Stuart

CANTON – Following the passing of her mother, Dorothy Blodgett, Susan Marquart wanted to do something to give back to the staff at United Helpers Maplewood Campus, where her mother spent the final five years of her life.

Ms. Blodgett moved to Maplewood after showing signs of dementia, but what could have been a challenging time in her life, as well as the life of her children, was made easier by the love and care she received.

“When she first got here, she kind of still knew what was going on and they allowed her to continue being the woman she was,” Ms. Marquart said. “The care she received here was great.”

To give thanks to the staff, Mrs. Marquart donated an all-weather bench that now sits outside the entrance to the neighborhood where her mother lived. A plaque affixed to the bench reads, “In Loving Memory of Dorothy Blodgett.”

“This bench is for everyone, but it especially for the people on the North Wing. They did an amazing job with her and we really appreciate that,” she said. “Anytime we came in we saw that the staff was very caring and loving.  You can tell that they love being here and they know what they’re doing.”

Milligan Staff Help Beulah Meloche Turn 109 in Style

CNAs Brook Duprey and Amber Evans help Beulah Meloche open gifts at a party thrown in her honor on Monday.

Milligan Staff at RiverLedge Help Beulah Meloche Turn 109 in Style

OGDENSBURG – When Beulah Meloche was born on Nov. 23, 1909 World War I was still five years away, the Great Depression hadn’t happened yet and there was no such thing as television, let alone say the internet.

Ms. Meloche, who resides at United Helpers RiverLedge campus turned 109 Monday and the staff on the Milligan Neighborhood, where she lives, made sure it was a day to remember.

Milligan Neighborhood Nurse Manager Adrienne Danenberger said the party, which was supposed to be a surprise, took about a month to plan.

“It was supposed to be a surprise, but she’s very savvy. Since we had to decorate she saw us decorating, knew it was her birthday and put two and two together, but she didn’t know to what extent we had gone,” Ms. Danenberger said.

The party included a fully decorated dining room with balloons and streamers, music, a cake donated by Price Chopper and several gifts including clothing, lotions, a plush blanket, pens, notebooks and a wide variety of candy.

“It was an honor for us to put this on for her,” Ms. Danenberger said, noting Ms. Meloche is one of the most independent people in the building.

“She does exercises every day and she walks herself to breakfast lunch and dinner every day,” said Certified Nursing Assistant Amber Evans. “We really don’t have to do much for her.”

Certified Nursing Assistant Brook Duprey said she felt like turning 109 was an occasion that merited going the extra mile.

“We love all of our residents, but when you’re turning 109 I think that deserves a party,” she said.

After opening her gifts Ms. Meloche clapped in excitement as a birthday cake with the number 109 on it was presented to her. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” she said of the cake, which was decorated with pink flowers.

Following an afternoon of excitement, Ms. Meloche retreated to her room to relax before dinner and reflect on the afternoon.

“The party was so nice,” she said. “It was good, beautiful gifts. Oh my goodness!”

 Ms. Meloche grew up in Plattsburgh and has lived at RiverLedge since 2011. She never had any children. In addition to Milligan Neighborhood staff, her lone surviving family member is a niece who lives outside the area.

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge 

Brandy Sharland - Welcome Center
Roxanne Bercume - LPN
Shannon Ramsdell - LPN

Maplewood
Stephanie Martinez - LPN

A.C.T. Team
Angela Doe - Behavioral Health Services Coordinator
Lindsay Irvine - RN

Kendrew IRA
Jennifer Hamilton - DSP

Rensselaer Falls IRA

Patrick Thornhill - Maintenance II

MacArthur, Ladouceur & Bradley Honored With Jackie Hodges Awards

OGDENSBURG - Three members of the United Helpers Family were honored this week with the prestigious Jackie Hodges award.

Martha “Marti” MacArthur, Wayne Ladouceur and William “Bill” Bradley (posthumously) were each honored at the Society of The United Helpers 2015 Annual Meeting.

Mrs. MacArthur, who joined the UH family in 2002, is currently a member of the Management Company Board representing Canton Nursing Home a.k.a. Maplewood Campus.

She has served on the finance, planning, nominating, fund development and pension committees, as well as on the Management Company Board of Directors, spending 2012 as the board’s president.

Mrs. MacArthur has also been an active member of several event committees including Harvest Dinners, the Clayton Horan Walk, Prediction Run/Walk, Spring Fling and Canton Capital Campaign. Donations to the Spring Fling include a rocking chair, as well as photographic canvases and post cards that were auctioned off to benefit the Society.

She was also instrumental in helping to secure the donation of her friend, Shirley Wells’ home to The Society. When the home was sold, proceeds to benefit the Society were nearly $180,000.

Mr. Ladouceur joined the UH family in 1991 and is a member of the Management Company Board representing United Helpers Nursing Home a.k.a. RiverLedge Campus.

He has served on the personnel, planning, nominating, finance, pension and quality assurance committees, as well as on the Management Company Board of Directors, serving as the board’s president from 2013 through May of 2015.

Mr. Ladouceur has also been an active member of several event committees including the Poker Run, Prediction Run/Walk and Spring Fling, where has been instrumental in helping to secure auction items for that event.

Mr. Bradley, who passed away earlier this year, had been a member of the UH family since 1986, serving on the Management Company Board as a representative for the Canton Nursing Home. At the time he joined the board, the Canton Nursing Home was known as Moongate. It has since been renamed Maplewood Campus.

He served on both the planning committee and Management Company Board of Directors, spending 1994 and 1995 as the board’s president.

He was also an active member of the Canton Capital Campaign and donated items to be auctioned at the Harvest Dinner and Spring Fling, often donating handcrafted note cards for both events. He also attended the Prediction Run/Walk each year.

The Jackie Hodges Award was created in 1995 to honor the legacy of Ms. Hodges, who had served on the Society Board since 1963. She would continue serving through 1998, giving her a total of 35 years the board.

According to Society By-laws, “This Award is especially prestigious and is not to be given at any specific time. The award is to be given only in recognition of a member of the Society who has emulated Jackie Hodges’ commitment and contributions and has financially supported the society each year they served.”

Previous honorees include Cheryl Madlin, Frank Schwartz, Janet Stitt, Ed Norris and Becky Van de Water.

What People Are Saying About Us

Earlier this week we received a comment card with the following message* from a therapy patient at Maplewood.

"I was in a serious motorcycle accident on Sept. 5 and after spending a week in the hospital was fortunate enough to end up at your Maplewood facility in Canton. For the first few weeks I suffered all the indignities: being hoyered onto a portable commode, bedpans and being unable to wash myself or get dressed. I was/am a very active, independent person and these changes, as well as the realization that this condition would not go away quickly and I wouldn't be seeing home for quite some time made me miserable, to put it mildly.
What saved me were your facility and most importantly the superb staff at every level in all departments, nearly without exception. The exceptions were simply a few personnel who were acceptable, but not exceptional. The greatest accolade I could give is that a big part of me actually regretted leaving. I still miss them and our interactions. I maintain contact with the PT/OT personnel and all the aids.
The caring for all aspects of my condition, both physical and emotional began immediately and continued, actually increased throughout my entire six week stay. I was never once made to feel uncomfortable in the least. As a result we all enjoyed each other's company immensely, and we got to know each other quite well. The night before I left I sent out for pizza and ribs for the evening shift. It was both a joyful and sad occasion. I'll forever cherish the card that all the staff gave to me at that time.
Of course the PT/OT staff played a huge role in my recovery, including the emotional and mental aspects of it.We had a ball. It was a thoroughly professional approach to a very serious and complex rehab that was executed in a thoroughly professional way. I was urged to voice my goals (e.g. wanting to be able to get on and off a real toilet in a real bathroom) and my exercised were tailored to help me reach that goal among others. The work was hard and at times uncomfortable, but I looked forward each day to the time spent with them all, as well as the other residents there. We learned about each other's families, commiserated about current events in each others lives, laughed, joked, encouraged each other and succeeded. As a result I want to do my challenging outpatient PT/OT at Maplewood once I'm ready for it.
My injuries included some complicated fractures of the wrist and ankles. My fullest recovery is of extreme importance to me. My choosing Maplewood art this critical juncture is further evidence of the trust I place in the professional capability of the PT/OT staff there.
Your people at the Maplewood facility are great - like extended family, many of them.
Of course, the facility itself was excellent. I wouldn't wish what happened to me on my worst enemy, but under the circumstances I was fortunate to have been able to get into Maplewood. The semi-private room was perfect. It gave me enough privacy, while still having activity nearby. It truly became "my room." the "great room" lounge was a great place to socialize with other residents, visitors, staff or to just hang out reading. We had some memorable times in that area! I thought the food service was also excellent. Of course, it's institutional cooking, but the quality and variety were excellent. Heck, I was even able to get liver, bacon and onions one evening! The level of cleanliness and the attention to detail was also very good. Once again, the housekeeping staff was personable, friendly and much fun to get to know.
I could go on and on.. Thank you for a wonderful experience in the midst of otherwise terrible circumstances. Well done!"

*Editors note: The comments have been edited for clarification.

Man Walking Again With Help From Therapy At United Helpers

OGDENSBURG – In just three weeks Reginald “Reggie” Emerson, of Potsdam went from being partially paralyzed to being able to walk with the assistance of one other person.

Mr. Emerson, who suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage, said the incident happened in the middle of the night.

“I was sleeping and then I woke up and that was it,” he said, adding he was then airlifted to Burlington, where he spent five days in the hospital before being released and admitted to United Helpers RiverLedge Campus.

“I was paralyzed on my left side all the way down,” he said, motioning from his shoulder down to his leg.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Amber Williams said she’s been impressed by the progress Reggie has made in just a short period of time.

“When Reggie first came to us it took two or three of us to stand him up, but we worked really hard with him and he has come a long way,” she said, noting that within a matter of weeks she could transfer him by herself. Now after three months of post hospital rehabilitation, Mr. Emerson can move on his own and has returned home.

Mr. Emerson said his therapy consisted of exercises that worked his hands, arms and legs, including walking with assistance to and from his room, a distance he estimated is “roughly 50 yards.”

Ms. Williams said Mr. Emerson has been a very motivated patient who has worked hard to be discharged and return home. “That helps a lot,” she said, explaining a patient’s willingness to work is one of the leading factors in whether or not therapy is ultimately successful.

After awaking with his injury, Mr. Emerson said he wasn’t sure what his future would hold, but following his stay at United Helpers, he was able to return home, though he continues to come to RiverLedge for outpatient therapy three days per week.

One of the people treating him now is Physical Therapy Assistant Joseph R. Longshore, who said Mr. Emerson, who is now using a walker, is continuing to make progress.

“Reggie is an excellent worker and I expect him to continue making progress,” Mr. Longshore said. “He is doing exercises at home, as well as here during PT.

Mr. Longshore said one of Mr. Emerson’s goals is to walk with a cane or no assistance at all, and Mr. Longshore said his therapy is being crafted with that goal in mind.

“One of his goals is to walk with a cane or even less assistant than that, so that’s why we’re working so much on his balance,” he said. He is doing extremely well and I think he is well on his way to meeting that goal.”

Mr. Emerson said he’s been pleased with his therapy both as a resident and out-patient client.

“This is a very good place,” he said. “They know what they’re doing and it shows.”

For more information on therapy services at United Helpers contact RiverLedge in Ogdensburg at (315) 393-0730, Maplewood in Canton at (315) 386-4541 or visit us online at www.unitedhelpers.org.

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge

Victoria Berg - RN
Kelley Ebersole - LPN

United Helpers Home Health Service 
Roxanne Stratton - Companion

Maplewood
Chasity Greene - CNA
Patrick Sullivan - Physical Therapy Assistant

United Helpers Management Company
Mark Davis - Maintenance II
Walter Stull Jr. - Maintenance II

Lisbon IRA
Jamie Lebarge - DSP

United Helpers Welcomes Trick or Treaters

Trick or Treaters at Maplewood

Both RiverLedge and Maplewood welcomed trick or treaters into their buildings this past weekend giving the people who live there a chance to interact with children and partake in the Halloween tradition of handing out candy to little ghouls and goblins.

Trick or Treaters at RiverLedge

Prediction Walk/Run Winners

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Prediction Walk/Run.

The event's winners are as follows, with the difference between their predicted and actual time in parentheses next to their name.

Walkers: 
1st - Shirley Cox (32 seconds)
2nd - Fran Nacarrato (2 minutes, 33 seconds)
3rd - Bobby Gordon and Nancy Rehse (3 minutes, 28 seconds)

Runners:
1st - Debbie McDonald (12.6 seconds)
2nd - Danielle Lanning (30.6 seconds)
3rd - Alexis Gleason (58 seconds)

Prediction Walk/Run Shirts Available for Sale

Even if you missed this year's Prediction Walk/Run event, it's not too late to get your 2015 Prediction Walk/Run long-sleeved, moisture wicking t-shirt.

Remaining shirts are being sold at the management building for $15 each. Sizes available include Medium, Large and Extra Large with one XXXL also available.

To purchase your shirt stop by the Society office, email development@unitedhelpers.org, jarector@unitedhelpers.org or call 393-3074 ext. 4271 or 393-3074 ext. 4230.

Remaining inventory will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kinney Drugs Foundation Supports Prediction Walk/Run

Over the next few days leading up to our Prediction Walk/Run we're going to say thank you to our sponsors for their support of this event and the residents of United Helpers.


Today's sponsor is the Kinney Drugs Foundation.


"Healthy children and families are the heart and hope of our future.
The Kinney Drugs Foundation began in June 2002. It is the philanthropic arm of Kinney Drugs, a leading community pharmacy and retail business in New York and Vermont. Since its inception, The Kinney Drugs Foundation has donated over $8 million to charities."


For more information, please visit www.https://www.kinneydrugsfoundation.com/

ENI Supports Prediction Walk/Run and Wellness Fair

Over the next few days leading up to our Prediction Walk/Run we're going to say thank you to our sponsors for their support of this event and the residents of United Helpers.

Today's sponsor is ENI.

“ENI originally started as an employee benefit company offering EAPs, wellness, and health advocacy solutions to employers. Today, we have evolved to become experts of integrating multiple benefit offerings to create solutions that meet each individual organizations needs. This outsourced benefits integration approach allows organizations to consolidate, coordinate, and manage numerous employee benefits and ultimately results in a higher ROI on all benefits and increased employee engagement.”

To visit them online - http://www.eniweb.com/

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge

Leah Thompson - RN
Allie Oehler - LPN
Samantha Valdez - LPN
Colleen Murphy - COTA

United Helpers Management Company
Gerry Whitmarsh - Maintenance II

Lisbon ICF #3
Michelle Flanagan

A.C.T. Team
April Randall - Office Tech

High Street IRA
Carrie Butterfield - DSP

Midnight Brings Smiles To RiverLedge

OGDENSBURG – Each month for the past nine years people residing at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus have been visited by a special guest.

However, unlike their friends and family who are welcome to visit whenever they like, this guest doesn’t sit down for a chat, rather she walks in their rooms with her tail wagging simply looking for a few pats of affection.

Shirley Cox, an activities aide at RiverLedge said she’s been bringing Midnight for visits “at least once a month” since she was eight weeks old.

 

“Now she’s nine,” Ms. Cox said, adding Midnight looks forward to the visits almost as much as the people living there.

“Everyone loves animals and they miss their pets,” she said, adding a visit from Midnight brightens up the day of even the most grizzled individual.

“Everyone just loves her,” Ms. Cox said. “Even the residents who might normally be down in the dumps light up when she walks in the room.”

 

Activities Director Larry Worden said there are a couple people who bring in their pets for visits on a regular basis, noting those visits are often the highlight of whatever day the come.

Mr. Worden, who previously served in the same capacity at United Helpers Maplewood Campus in Canton, recalled one dog that was frequently brought in to visit people there.

“He would come in and stop at all of the rooms, but then he would round the corner and dart down the hall, skipping four or five,” he said, noting at the end of that particular hall was a woman who had a refrigerator in her room.

“She would always give him a piece of meat when he came to visit,” Mr. Worden said.

While people may not be able to have pets of their own, Mr. Worden said their friends and family are welcome to bring in their own dogs for a visit.

“We just ask that they bring their license and a copy of their shot records,” he said.

One Group supports Prediction Walk/Run

Over the next several days leading up to our Prediction Walk/Run we're going to say thank you to our sponsors for their support of this event and the residents of United Helpers.

Today's sponsor is One Group.
"Your one source for the most comprehensive portfolio of business and personal services you need to succeed.
We specialize in Commecial Insurance, Personal Insurance, Risk Management, Injury Management, and Benefits and Human Resources Consulting."
To learn more about One Group, visit them online athttp://www.bcgcny.com/onegroup/index.asp

Benefit Services Group Supports Prediction Walk/Run

Over the next several days leading up to our Prediction Walk/Run on Oct. 24 we're going to say thank you to our sponsors for their support of this event and the residents of United Helpers.

Today's sponsor is Benefit Services Group.
"Our Mission is simple. Benefit Services Group will provide our customers the most appropriate, cost effective, group benefit products currently available, consistent with the needs and wishes of the customer.
At Benefit Services Group, employee benefits programs are the only products and services we provide. BSG services the needs of both large and small employers. Our account executives have over 100 years worth of combined benefit design and implementation experience."

To learn more about Benefit Services Group, visit them online athttp://benefitservicesgroup.net/

EAT Hosting Costume Contest at Free Movie Event

Children attending the Oct. 17 screening of Goosebumps are being encouraged to wear costumes, as the Employee's Activity Team will be holding a costume contest.

The first 80 children in attendance will receive a prize with prizes for those wearing costumes also being awarded in four categories.

Prizes for costumes will be awarded to the scariest, funniest, cutest and most original costumes.

Costumed children will be photographed upon arrival with judging to take place during the movie. Winners will be announced following the film.

If you've yet to RSVP for the event, which will take place at 10 a.m. at the American Movie Theater in Canton, the deadline for RSVPs is Oct. 14. United Helpers employees and two guests will be admitted for free, with each additional guest costing $5. Snacks and soft drinks will also be served.

To RSVP, email bofairchild@unitedhelpers.org and be sure to include the number of people attending.

Kinney's Offering Vaccines at Wellness Fair during Prediction Walk/Run

Plans are shaping up for the annual wellness fair in association with the Prediction Walk/Run on Oct. 24.

To date 16 exhibitors have signed up for the wellness fair, with time still remaining for additional businesses or organizations to come on board.

At this point, registered exhibitors include Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, ENI-Employee Assistance Program, Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, Key Bank, Local Living Venture, NCPPC Insurance Programs, Seaway Valley Prevention Council (Reality Check of St. Lawrence County), United Helpers Physical Therapy, PIYO with Angela Burke, It Works! Global, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Kinney Drugs, UnitedHelpers RiverLedge Wellness Committee, St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union and Norwe/Janberry.

In addition to a wide variety of exhibitors with information about their products and services, Kinney Drugs will be hosting a flu, pneumonia and shingles vaccination clinic. People interested in receiving vaccines at this event are asked to bring their insurance cards.

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge

Faith Compo - CNA
Venus Keller - CNA
Heather Pratt - CNA
Leanna Shippee - CNA
Stephanie Howard - RN

Maplewood
Lance Charland - Food Service Attendant
Dona Colbert - CNA
Amanda Richardson - CNA
Shannon Miller - COTA

United Helpers Management Company
Richard Knox - Maintenance II
David Young - Maintenance Coordinator

Irish Settlement Road ICF #5
Charles Davis Jr. - DSP
Lisa Deline - Relief Supervisor

Riverwood Acres IRA #2

Caitlyn Tracy - DSP

Pleasant Valley IRA
Melissa Walker - DSP

Cherry Street IRA
Kayla Coplen - DSP

Bernard Avenue IRA
Brock Simmons - DSP

Employee Activity Team sponsoring showing of 'Goosebumps'

CANTON -  A film based on the best-selling series of children's horror novels by R.L. Stine will be this year's Employee Activity Team's Family Movie Matinee.

"Goosebumps," starring Jack Black will be released nation-wide on Oct. 16. On Oct. 17, employees of United Helpers and up to two guests will be able to watch the movie free of charge at The American Movie Theater in Canton. Additional guests will be $5 each.

New to this year's event will be a children's costume contest. Snacks and soft drinks will also be provided.


To RSVP, email bofairchild@unitedhelpers.org and include the number of people attending.

Lottery Tree Drawing to Benefit Prediction Walk/Run

A six-foot, fall-themed tree donated by RiverLedge Assistant Administrator Stacey Canizzo is being raffled off to raise funds in conjunction with the 2015 Prediction Walk/Run.

In addition to a variety of fall-themed decorations, the tree is also adorned with more than $50 in New York Lottery instant scratch-off tickets that were donated by various employees from the United Helpers organization.

The tree will be on display at RiverLedge with tickets available at RiverLedge, Maplewood and the United Helpers Management Building starting on Oct. 1. Tickets will be $1 a piece, 6 for $5 or 13 for $10.

The tree will also be displayed on Oct. 24 during the annual Prediction Walk/Run and Wellness Fair at SUNY Canton. The drawing will be held that day. You do not need to be present to win.

Maplewood Therapy Team Helps Man Suffering from Vertigo

It's not unusual for us to receive notes or letters from patients or clients thanking us for the impact United Helpers has had in their life.

Usually the notes will say something to the effect of, "thanks for helping me get back on my feet" or "thanks for helping me come home once again," but last week we received a note from a patient thanking us for something much deeper.

Those words follow...

"To the Maplewood Therapy Team

I would like you to know that you really did put hope back in my life. There is nothing more disorienting than the vertigo I was suffering from. Your healing touch truly added stability to my life. I can look through the window and the world is not spinning."

The note was also accompanied by the following poem...

Hope is a Window

Hope is like a window,

Where the sun comes shining through,

Bringing warmth and glowing laughter,

And a sky of endless blue.

Because God always loves you

He has promised he'll be there, 

To heal you with his gentle touch, 

And keep you in his care.

Prediction Walk/Run is Family Fun

Pictured are some of the runners/walkers from the 1st annual Run/Walk in 2011

The Society of the United Helpers Oktoberfest "Costumed" Prediction Run/Walk event is scheduled for Oct. 24 at SUNY Canton with registration at 9 a.m. Walkers will begin at 10 a.m. with runners taking off at 10:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to wear a costume. The participation fee is $20 or a minimum of $20 in pledges. Those collecting $50 in pledges will receive a free moisture wicking event long-sleeved shirt.

In addition to the Run/Walk, the United Helpers Wellness Committee and SUNY Canton EAP will host a Wellness Fair from 9:00 am to 11:00 am inside Dana Hall. Wellness Fair participants include Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, ENI-EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Hospice & Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, Key Bank, NCPPC (North Country Prenatal Perinatal Council Insurance Programs), Seaway Valley Prevention Council (Reality Check of St. Lawrence County), United Helpers Physical Therapy and PIYO with Angela Burke.

For more information about the Run/Walk or Wellness Fair, contact the United Helpers Management Company at (315) 393-3074. 

Local Athlete Returns to the Field After Physical Therapy at United Helpers

HEUVELTON – After missing much of last year’s soccer, all of cheerleading and the majority of softball season Heuvelton’s Sydney Thornhill is back on the field following physical therapy at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus in Ogdensburg.

Ms. Thornhill was injured last fall during a soccer game, suffering from a torn meniscus that required surgery.

“I fell on it wrong and I knew right then something had happened,” she said. “After the surgery they told me it was worse than they expected it to be, so they said the recovery time was going to be six months.”

However, Ms. Thornhill was back on her feet and cleared to again compete after just four months, returning in time for the end of softball season.

United Helpers Physical Therapy Assistant Joseph R. Longshore said that was the goal heading into therapy.

“We wanted to get her back to playing softball, soccer and cheerleading,” he said.

When asked to describe her therapy, Ms. Thornhill said it wasn’t easy, but at the same time it was fun and just what she needed.

“Brett (Physical Therapist Brett C. Amo) and Joe really worked me hard, but it was fun while we did it,” she said. “They got my confidence up and helped me build up the muscle in my legs so I would be ready to come back.”

Now that fall sports have started including, soccer, football, volleyball, cross country and swimming, Mr. Longshore said the need for physical therapy amongst the area’s youth is sure to increase.

“Sports specific injuries are certainly prevalent this time of year,” he said. “We try to create protocols that are sport specific and get people back to playing the sports safely that they enjoy.”

As patients begin their therapy, Mr. Longshore said the therapists and assistants become cheerleaders themselves.

“At some point during the therapy after the therapist has set up the protocol we become cheerleaders,” he said. “We cheerlead and create enthusiasm with the clients.”

Mr. Longshore said those protocols include one on one attention that patients may not always find everywhere else.

“At United Helpers we have the ability to work one on one with the patients,” he said. “It’s very rare that we see more than one patient at a time and that’s a great thing to be able to provide personal care.”

For more information on therapy services at United Helpers, contact RiverLedge in Ogdensburg at (315) 393-0730 or Maplewood in Canton at (315) 386-4541.

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge

Savanna Bush - Task Aide
Michaela Lawrence - Task Aide
Jennie Legault - Task Aide
Grace Loucks - Task Aide
Alexa Harvard - CNA
Chelsea Scholl - CNA
Laura Irvine - RN
Tamara Joseph - RN

RiverLedge Residence
Brandie Matott - Personal Care Aide

Maplewood
Aiisha Ramsay - Physical Therapy Assistant
Sheryl Schweinberg - Food Service Attendant

Irish Settlement Road ICF #5
Forrest Storie - DSP

Riverwood Acres IRA #2
Cammy McClain - DSP

Bernard Avenue IRA

Shelby Lawrence - DSP

Members of United Helpers Leadership Team Provide Intro for Busler's Beauties

Members of United Helpers Organizational Leadership Team participating in a community service project last week were tapped to provide an introduction for this week's edition of Busler's Beauties.

Each week WWNY Sports Anchor Mel Busler creates a blooper segment using highlights from the world of sports. The segment is then introduced by a different community group each week.

The introduction, which aired Monday evening during the Channel 7 News, was filmed last week during a community service project in Canton when members of the Organizational Leadership Team scraped and painted the fence surrounding the village's historic Silas Wright Cemetery.

U.H. Gives Back to Canton & Ogdensburg Communities

Members of the Organizational Leadership Team and Mosaic Leadership Team each spent a portion of last week giving back to the communities in which they live and work.

On Wednesday, volunteers from the leadership team scraped down and repainted an old wooden fence around the Silas Wright Cemetery in Canton.

While it has been many years since a burial has taken place in the cemetery, many significant historical figures from Canton's past, including Silas Wright, are buried there.

On Friday volunteers from Mosaic, including a resident from Day Hab in Ogdensburg, hit the playground, but rather than swinging and sliding they were putting a fresh coat of stain on the Kid's Kingdom playground.

Kid's Kingdom, which has provided entertainment to generations of children from Ogdensburg and the surrounding communities, is one of the last remaining wooden playgrounds in the area.

To view albums from both projects visit United Helpers on Facebook using the following links. Cemetery project                                Playground Project

United Helpers Housing Dept. Brings Leaf Peepers to North Country

Inspired by the dozens of scarecrow-like figures along the roadways of Sehlburne, Vt., United Helpers
Community Housing Manager Jo Anne Ott decided to take on a similar project across the more than 15 housing complexes managed by United Helpers.

Mrs. Ott said she first thought of the idea two years ago, but was cautious to implement it, not sure what others would think. "I was kind of afraid this would just be my baby," she said.

However, she quickly learned that wasn't going to be the case. Each complex has been provided with three "bodies" to decorate using clothing, hats and other accessories provided by that property's residents and staff.

Later this fall, after each complex completes their family of Leaf Peepers, each display will be judged based on creativity and quality, with the winning displays to be announced at a later date.

Each family of Leaf Peepers includes two adults and one child.

To date photos have been received from two UH properties. As additional properties complete their displays and submit photographs, those pictures will too be posted in an album on Facebook. All of the pictures may be seen here. 2015 Leaf Peepers

To read about the Leaf Peepers who started it all, visit the link below from WCAX, a CBS affiliate based in Burlington, Vt. Leaf Peepers' Story

Donations Coming in for Prediction Walk/Run

From left, SeaComm Associates Danielle Uppstrom, United Helpers Development Director Lori Smithers, Seacomm Branch Manager Amy Hartford and United Helpers Human Resource Manager Jean Rowe.

 OGDENSBURG - Donations have begun coming in for the 2015 Prediction Walk/Run to be held at SUNY Canton on Oct. 24.
Making the first donation of the year was the SeaComm Federal Credit Union, who contributed $250 to the event.
The second donation, $1,001, came from Benefit Services Group.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. Walkers will begin at 10 a.m. with runners taking off at 10:30 a.m. 
Participation is open to people of all ages and all entrants are encouraged to wear a costume, although costumes are not required. 
The participation fee is $20 or a minimum of $20 in pledges. Those collecting $50 in pledges will receive a free moisture wicking event t-shirt.
To obtain your pledge form, please visit the link below.

Pledge Form

From left, United Helpers Human Resource Manager Jean Rowe and BSG Sales Manager Richard J. Edsall.