Czech Olympian Shares Her Story with Independent Senior Living Members

 By Benny Fairchild

CANTON – With the success of the PWHL and television ratings for women’s hockey in the Olympics reaching never before seen numbers, women’s hockey is currently one of the fastest growing sports in the world with participation in the sport amongst girls and young women growing at a rapid pace.

That wasn’t always the case and many of today’s stars, including Andrea Trnková, grew up playing with and against boys. Ms. Trnková just completed her junior season with the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey Team, while also competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics for Czechia. 

She recently paid a visit to members at United Helpers Independent Senior Living to talk about the Olympics and her journey from a small city in Czechia to Potsdam, New York.

Ms. Trnková said she grew up in a household that loved hockey. She began skating at just three years old and began to play at the age of four. She spent her youth playing on all boys’ teams until she joined the U-16 and U-18 National teams, continuing to play with boys at the junior level until she turned 19 and came to the U.S. to play in college.

Early in her juniors career she dealt with discrimination from a coach who quite simply refused to play her. “It wasn’t because I wasn’t good enough. It was because I am a girl,” she said. After speaking with her family, they agreed switching to another program would be best for her development.

It was there that she found a home. “On that team, I wasn’t just a girl, I was a hockey player like all of the guys,” she said.

Unfortunately, the 2021 U-18 World Championship Tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “That was really frustrating, because that’s our opportunity to play in front of coaches and scouts from around the world. They were talking about canceling the tournament in 2022 too, but they ended up having it and moving it to the US.”

Following the Olympics in 2022, she earned a spot on the Czechian National Team for the World Championship tournament later that year. That team became the first in its nation’s history to win a medal. The team’s success also led to a tremendous increase in both fan support and financial support for the team.

“We showed people that we were worth investing in,” Ms. Trnková said. The following year the team again won a bronze medal at the World Championships.

Ms. Trnková explained that while she wouldn’t have received a lot of ice time at the Olympics, she was slated to travel with the team as an alternate, or someone who would be added to the roster if a player on the team got COVID.

Unfortunately, her own COVID diagnosis prevented her from playing or even making the trip to the Olympics.

“It was frustrating, but that motivated me even more. I told myself, ‘I’m only 17, there will be more opportunities,’” she said. It didn’t take long for opportunity to come, as in September of that year she would play in her first World Championships. That was the first time Czechia had ever won a medal on the world stage.

Prior to that though, Ms. Trnková  traveled to the U.S. for the first time as a member of the U-18 national team for the 2022 U-18 World Championship tournament, which was held that June in Wisconsin. With the opportunity to play in front of scouts, she impressed several schools, ultimately deciding to attend and play NCAA Division I hockey at RPI starting in the 2023-2024 season.

One reason she initially chose RPI before transferring was they had another player from Czechia on the team, which helped with the transition to life in a new country. Clarkson currently has two players on their team from Czechia, Ms. Trnková and first-year goalie Aneta Senkova.

She said her other teammates at RPI were also a big help when it came to living in a place where she barely spoke the language. “My English was even more broken then than it is now,” she said, drawing laughs from the room.

She earned a spot on the ECAC All-Rookie Team, but the year was not without challenges. “I almost went home,” she said. “Learning English was hard. Everything was hard, but that year really helped me learn how to be independent. I’m glad I got over those struggles.”

Heading into this year’s Olympics, Czechia was among the favorites to bring home a medal.

Although, Ms. Trnková tallied an assist during the Olympics, the team ultimately finished in 5^th place, which she notes was an improvement over the team’s 7^th place finish four years earlier.

“I never thought I would get a point in the Olympics,” she said. “I was just glad to be there and help the team anyway I could.”

Earlier in the season though, there was significant doubt about whether she would be able to play in the Olympics or during much of her junior season. In an early season game against her former team, Ms. Trnková fell victim to injury.

“I had to have an MRI to measure the damage. The doctors had determined if the damage was limited, I could continue to play and have surgery at the end of the year. If it was severe, I would have had to have surgery right away, which would mean missing the Olympics for the second time.”

The 2025 World Championship Tournament was held in Czechia and Ms. Trnková said that was the first time her parents were able to see her play at the international level. “That was a really hard tournament for us, because we really wanted to win a medal on our home ice, but my parents did get to see me play.” The team finished in fourth place.

Heading into her senior year at Clarkson, Ms. Trnková said she now has her eye on the PWHL. To help get ready for her senior year, she’ll be working alongside PWHL number one draft pick and fellow member of the Czechian national team Kristýna Kaltounková at girl’s hockey camps throughout the off-season.

“It’s amazing how far the game has come. Girls actually have a professional league they can look forward to playing in. For a long time girls and women in hockey didn’t have that,” she said.

Among the ISL members in attendance at her presentation was Brian Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson played on the Clarkson Men’s Hockey Team from 1961 to 1964 and is a member of the school’s 100-point club. He asked if she had ever played against Haley Winn, a two-time All-American who graduated from Clarkson last year, and who like Ms. Trnková, played in her first Olympic games this past winter.

“I remember playing against Haley with RPI and I even scored against her,” she joked, adding that Clarkson ended up winning the game. “Maybe that’s when Clarkson first saw something in me.”

When asked why she decided to transfer, Ms. Trnková said she felt like that was the best move for her development as a player with her eye on playing at the next level. Prior to transferring she talked about the move with Michaela Pejzlová, who graduated from Clarkson and is one of her teammates on the national team.

“Clarkson is a great program and I also like that both the school and community are pretty small,” she said. “It kind of feels like home even though I’m so far away from home.”

Andrea Trnková, who just completed her junior season as a defender on the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey Team while also competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics, recently spoke to members at United Helpers Independent Senior Living in Canton. Following her presentation, members in attendance posed for a group photo.

Knowlton Honored with Wayne N. Ladouceur Award

OGDENSBURG – Almost anyone who works in Skilled Nursing Care will tell you one of the most challenging parts of their job is working with people who have dementia, but that’s a challenge that this year’s Wayne N. Ladouceur Award winner welcomes with a smile each time he steps foot into United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care.

This year’s winner, David Knowlton, of Hermon is a CNA in the building’s memory care unit.

“This is not easy work. It’s challenging, demanding and emotionally taxing, yet David shows up every day with a smile on his face,” said Director of Nursing Caitlin Brooks. “What stands out the most to me is his unwavering positivity. It doesn’t matter if we’re fully staffed with five CNAs or if it’s just Dave and me on the unit, that positivity never fades and more importantly, neither does the quality of care he provides.”

Assistant Administrator Alysha Troiano has also had the opportunity to work with Mr. Knowlton.

She recalled one evening when she was helping to put a gentleman a bed. “I told him he could move on to assist others, but he insisted on taking over,” she recalled. “He explained to me that this gentlemen knew David’s schedule and looked forward to their visits each evening. Dave took over and a smile instantly came on the gentleman’s face. That’s who Dave is.”

Each year at the award’s presentation Cheryl Ladouceur, who was married to Wayne for more than 50 years, talks about the relationship Mr. Ladouceuer had with United Helpers and its residents.”

“From what I can tell, Mr. Knowlton is very much like my husband in the way that he often puts those in need ahead of themselves,” she said. “If Wayne ever had the opportunity to meet him, I’m sure he would have liked him very much.”

The Wayne N. Ladouceur Award was created in memory of and in honor of Mr. Ladouceur, a longtime United Helpers volunteer, board member and former board president. The award is funded through an endowment with the Northern New York Community Foundation created by Mrs. Ladouceur and more than 80 of the Ladouceurs’ friends and family.

Mr. Knowlton was chosen for this year’s award from a group of nominees that also included Clinical Support Technician Lisa Hays.

“I know for a fact that we had two very strong candidates for this award,” said United Helpers Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. “Being nominated for this award is an honor in and of itself.” 

This year’s Wayne N. Ladouceur Award was presented to David Knowlton, of Hermon. Mr. Knowlton is a CNA in the memory care unit at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton. Although, Mr. Knowlton was unable to attend the presentation, his wife and children accepted the award on his behalf. Front row, from left, Karly Gollinger holding a picture of Mr. Knowlton, Kacy Knowlton and Carissa Knowlton; second row, United Helpers Board President Ray Babowicz, Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Mr. Knowlton’s wife Sarah Knowlton, Cheryl Ladouceur, Grayson Ladouceuer, Bob Ladouceur and Jason Ladoucur.

 

Also nominated this year was Clinical Support Technician Lisa Hays, of Gouverneur. From left, United Helpers Board President Ray Bobowicz, Behavior Intervention Specialist Jessica Levinson, Mrs. Hays, Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Vice President of Corporate Services Michelle Matthews and Cheryl Ladouceuer. 

Barney Honored With Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award

CANTON – When you oversee maintenance for four different buildings, people are used to seeing you when something is wrong. Keshia Barney, this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award Winner, makes sure those aren’t the only times that people see her.

“In Keshia’s role, when things go wrong, she is often the first one to be called. She also fields any complaints that have to do with cleaning, laundry, temperatures, floors, supplies, or anything else related to environmental services,” said United Helpers Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. “She is always quick to respond and solve whatever problems she can, often by taking care of them herself.”

Although Ms. Barney doesn’t technically work as a caregiver, Mr. Parsons said it is her goal to take care of others.

“She can be observed wrapping gifts for residents during the holidays, working on the float for the Dairy Festival Parade and even scrubbing floors, sometimes on her hands and knees.” he said. “She is an unspoken example of a true team player who will do anything for anyone and we are honored to be able to recognize her in this manner.

While United Helpers has many different employee honors, most of those awards are for people working in direct care. The Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award gives Mr. Parsons an opportunity to recognize an outstanding employee even if they do not work in direct care.

The Fannie Frank Award was established in 2019 by Dr. Edward Gordon and his wife, Barbara, who are both former United Helpers volunteers and board members.

Dr. Gordon grew up in New York City in close proximity to his grandmother and credits her with instilling in him a love of animals that would eventually lead to his career as a veterinarian.

“We were like clones of each other,” Dr. Gordon said. “Everything she liked I liked.”

Mrs. Frank would spend the final two-and-a-half years of her life in a skilled nursing facility and it’s that time that inspired Dr. Gordon to create this award.

“Unfortunately, the home she was in was so unlike United Helpers. When I saw the quality of care received by people at United Helpers, I was impressed and I wanted to create this award as a way to thank people like you for doing all that you do.” Dr. Gordon said to Ms. Barney when presenting the award.

The award includes a cash bonus and is awarded based on the following criteria:

• A remarkably caring demeanor
• Currently employed at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care
• Continuous employment with United Helpers for two or more years

Holding a picture of his beloved grandmother, Dr. Edward Gordon calls the Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award presentation “one of my favorite things each year.” This year, Dr. Gordon presented the award to United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Maintenance Coordinator Keshia Barney, of Hermon. Front row, from left, United Helpers Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Assistant Administrator Alysha Troiano; second row, Dr Gordon, Ms. Barney and Barbara Gordon.

Retired Teacher Settling Down at ISL After Living All Over

CANTON – William Eustis was born in Chicago, grew up in Hammond and is now residing at United Helpers Independent Senior Living in Canton.

In between Chicago and Canton though there were plenty of other stops along the way including “downstate,” where he began his teaching career and four other states, where he and his wife, Frances spent time during retirement.

“We spent time in Colorado, Montana, Washington and Arizona,” he said, adding that his wife passed away in 2018.

A few years after she passed, Mr. Eustis returned home to Northern New York, where he has spent the past several years living along the St. Lawrence between Ogdensburg and Morristown.

“I started losing all of my friends and I don’t really have any family around here,” he said. “All I’ve got left is two children and neither of them live in the area.” His daughter resides in Cape Cod, while his son lives in Waterloo, Ill.   

William Eustis enjoys a book in the library.

Mr. Eustis then began looking for a place where he could settle down, make some new friends and enjoy the remaining years of his retirement without having to worry about maintaining a home and its surrounding property.

When asked if he knew anyone who lived in the building prior to moving to Independent Senior Living in September, he said the answer that is not as simple as it may seem.

Community Housing Manager Jennifer Dean invited him to the building’s annual summer picnic and it was there that he discovered Janet Stitt also lived there.

“She used to babysit our children,” he said. “It’s just one of those crazy things. I didn’t know she lived here until I saw her at the picnic this past summer.”

Mr. Eustis has lived in the building for nearly six months now, moving in shortly after the picnic, and he said he is very much enjoying everything Independent Senior Living has to offer.

“The people are all very friendly, including the staff and other members and the food is fantastic,” he said. “That’s just what I needed.”

Mr. Eustis also enjoys many of the building’s scheduled activities, which earlier this year included a visit from Ogdensburg-native, turned Hollywood actor Mark Valley.

“I didn’t know Mark personally, but his dad and I taught together at Ogdensburg Free Academy,” he said.

He is also a regular visitor to the in-house library, where he enjoys searching for his next read.

If you would like to schedule a tour of United Helpers Independent Senior Living, please reach out to Mrs. Dean at (315) 379-1428 or via email at jadean@unitedhelpers.org. A virtual tour is also available at www.unitedhelpers.org.

United Helpers Celebrates Opening of 1898 Room

OGDENSBURG – A stained glass window designed and built in Ogdensburg, postcards containing thank you notes from the Society of United Helpers first president, admission logs dating back to the organization’s first-ever resident in 1898, and more are all on display in the newly opened 1898 room at United Helpers RiverLedge campus in Ogdensburg.

“This project has been a long time coming,” said United Helpers Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke. “For years we’ve talked about wanting a space like this – somewhere to thoughtfully display the incredible historical items we’ve uncovered over time.”

Through a partnership with St. Lawrence University and the schools Public Interest Corps (SLU PIC) internship program, the 1898 room was brought to life this past summer.

SLU Junior Eileen Carnes, a history and art history double major from Pulaski spent two months going through United Helpers archives, cataloging items, and deciding what items would ultimately be displayed in the space. She also created a timeline outlining company history from 1898 to today.

Although time ran out on her internship, before the project could be completed, Ms. Carnes left United Helpers with the detailed plans needed to finish the job.

Mrs. Downing-Duke and Fundraising Specialist Natalee Bean teamed up to put the finishing touches on the room.

“We would also like to thank the United Helpers’ maintenance department for all of their help with this project,” Mrs. Downing-Duke said. “Their assistance included removing an existing wired-glass window and installing a different sized stained glass window in its place.”

Ms. Carnes, who attended the grand opening, said she enjoyed her time working with United Helpers.

“I really do love history and working on this project was a great way to spend the summer,” she said. “I gained invaluable work experience and was able to help create something special for United Helpers.”

The 1898 Room is open by appointment and may be viewed Monday through Friday, during regular business hours. To schedule an appointment, please e-mail marketing@unitedhelpers.org.

The United Helpers marketing team celebrated the grand opening of the 1898 Room earlier this week. The project, which includes photos and artifacts from more than 125 years of United Helpers history was curated and designed by Eileen Carnes, a junior at St. Lawrence University, who spent the summer working at United Helpers as part of the SLU PIC internship program. From left, Marketing Manager Benny Fairchild, Ms. Carnes, Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke and Fundraising Specialist Natalee Bean, all of whom participated in the project.

A Lifetime in the Kitchen Leads VanKennen to the Gran-View

OGDENSBURG – You can say Executive Chef John VanKennen has grown up in the kitchen with many of his early childhood memories centering around time spent in the kitchen with his grandmother.

“Between the ages of four and five, I started cooking with my grandmother,” he said. At an age when most children were playing with toy cars or trying to help Mario rescue Princess Toadstool, Mr. VanKennen was learning how to cook.

As soon as he could get a job, he did, and you guessed it, in the restaurant business. “I’ve been an executive chef now for 17 years, working at various restaurants across the North Country and in the Boston area,” he said.

A career in the restaurant business that has now spanned more than 30 years, all began when he was 14, working as a dishwasher at a restaurant near his home in the Potsdam-area. Following his graduation from Norwood-Norfolk, Mr. VanKennen ventured to Paul Smith’s College where he earned a degree in Culinary Arts.

After college, Mr. VanKennen moved to the Boston-area, working for and learning from chefs at some of the city’s finest restaurants. However, after about 10 years away, Mr. VanKennen realized he missed the peace and tranquility of North Country life. “I knew the city wasn’t where I wanted to raise my children and I moved back home,” he said.

Over the year’s Mr. VanKennen has worked in several restaurants across the area, but since starting at the Gran-View in August, he says he feels like he’s found his home away from home.

“We don’t just serve food here, we cultivate memories and I would like for people to join us on this journey,” he said.

Mr. VanKennen said it’s important to note he’s not talking about his own journey, but rather the journey of a restaurant that’s been a staple of North Country Dining for more than 50 years.

“I feel like this restaurant belongs to the community,” he said. The legacy left behind by the Gran-View’s previous owners isn’t something that’s lost on him either.

“I want to pay respect to the Williams family. They worked very hard to get this restaurant where it is,” he said.

His respect for that legacy is the main reason why items like Chicken Michael aren’t currently on the menu.

“Someone could tell me that’s the way it was prepared, but if I’m not seeing it done for myself, how do I know?” he asked. “When I get a chance to sit down with Lou and he can show me exactly how he makes those staples, we’ll use those items as a featured dish from time to time.”

People can have very fond memories associated with food and that’s not something Mr. VanKennen said he does not wants to mess with. “If someone comes here for Chicken Michael, I want to give them Chicken Michael. I don’t want to give them another dish that we’re simply calling Chicken Michael. I want them to take that first bite and have the memories of that first date with someone special come rushing back.”

The key to success, he said is being a part of the community and making sure that everyone who works at the restaurant knows they’re an important part of the team. “I don’t care if you’re a dishwasher, a server, someone working in the kitchen, or even a customer celebrating a birthday or anniversary you are a part of what makes this such a special place.” he said.

The Gran-View is open Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 9 pm. Reservations are not necessary but can be made by calling (315) 393-4550.

Gran-View Executive Chef John VanKennen is joined by an incredible team in the kitchen, including, from left, General Manager Meaghan Flood, Jaiden Pribble, Brian Goble, Katelyn Leonard, Mr. VanKeenen, Martin Navarez, Zach Taranto and Events Coordinator Michelle Dalton.

Independent Senior Living to Host Open House Oct. 10

Join Us for an Open House Event Friday, October 10 from 1 to 3 pm.

Are you considering a vibrant, independent lifestyle that offers both freedom and community? United Helpers Independent Senior Living invites you to explore what could be your perfect new home at our upcoming open house event.

This is your opportunity to experience firsthand the welcoming atmosphere, modern amenities, and supportive community that makes United Helpers a premier choice for independent senior living. Whether you're beginning to explore your options or actively searching for your next home, our open house provides the perfect setting to discover all we have to offer.

During your visit, you'll enjoy guided tours of our beautifully appointed living spaces, common areas, and community amenities. Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer your questions about our services, lifestyle options, and community programs. Light refreshments will be served throughout the event, giving you a chance to mingle with current residents and fellow visitors in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Discover how United Helpers Independent Senior Living combines the comfort of home with the convenience of community living. From maintenance-free living to engaging social activities, we're committed to supporting your independence while providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

No appointment necessary – simply drop by anytime between 1 pm and 3 pm on Friday, October 10th. We look forward to welcoming you and showing you why so many seniors have chosen to call United Helpers home.

For more information or directions, please contact United Helpers Independent Senior Living at 315-379-1428 or online at www.unitedhelpers.org, where a virtual tour is also available. We can't wait to meet you!

United Helpers Independent Senior Living in Canton