United Helpers Recognizes Star Employees with Annual Summer Awards

OGDENSBURG – Staff from across the United Helpers organization were recently honored as the company hosted its annual Summer Awards Ceremony.

“Anyone working for United Helpers does this because they care,” said CEO Todd R. Amo. “Even if you’re not working in direct care, you are helping others every day when you come to work.”

While three different awards were handed out, recognizing five different people, Mr. Amo said it’s a shame that there couldn’t be more people honored.

“We have so many deserving people,” he said. “The fact that you have been chosen and invited to be here today is a testament to your work ethic and the quality of work.”

The first awards presented were the Margaret R. Spies Awards. This award was created by the family of Mrs. Spies as way to honor her legacy and say thank you to United Helpers for the care she received.

Mrs. Spies’ daughter, Ann presented the award, noting she knows first-hand the impact caregivers can have on an individual.

Last year her daughter had a stroke and was having seizures. At one point she had to be flown to a hospital in Syracuse. “They didn’t think she was going to make it,” Mrs. Spies said.

Natalie Apple receives her Spies Award.

However, her daughter proved to be a fighter, earning a discharge from the hospital and admission to United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton.

“One day she couldn’t sit up and then the next day she must have decided she didn’t want to be isolated anymore, so she got up and walked to the couch. People were calling her a miracle,” she said. “I just want you to know that each and every one of you are miracle workers.”

The Spies Award honors both a CNA and a DSP.

Earning the award from United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care was Natalie Apple, and according to Assistant Administrator Alysha Troiano picking this year’s winner wasn’t an easy task – at least until it was. 

“This year we received an overwhelming number of nominations from all departments and even some patient families. This is a true testament to the valuable staff we are fortunate to have serving our residents,” Mrs. Troiano said.

As administrators were reviewing the nominations there were two nominees who stood out. “Our decision was made a bit easier when we saw a nomination for Natalie from the other frontrunner,” she said. 

Justin "Judd" Steele receives his Spies Award

Justin “Judd” Steele has been a DSP for 25 years during which time he has not only been a top performing employee, but also trained dozens of other DSPs, some who have even gone onto become administrators within the United Helpers Organization.

“He has heard me say this before, but I’m going to say it again today, ‘Judd is the reason I am still here with United Helpers today,” said Residential Manager Team Leader Lauren Peters. “For years he has quietly given his time, energy and heart to his work. He has offered guidance, encouragement and most importantly, unwavering support not only to myself, but anyone he comes in contact with.”

Two employees from the behavioral health services are recognized each year with the Behavioral Health Heart Award. This year LMSW Misty Thomas and RN Adam Bullock were recognized.

Misty Thomas receives a Behavioral Health Heart Award

Behavioral Health Programs Administrator Breanne Snyder noted that Mrs. Thomas not only makes an impact working with clients at the United Helpers Behavioral Health Clinics, but she also makes an impact on the lives of the students she works with through the in-house clinics United Helpers has in several local school districts.

“In her nomination letter it was said that you are the kind of colleague that brings calm and clarity to even the most challenging situations. Your kindness and grace uplift those around you. You are selfless and this can be seen in your drive to improve and support our behavioral health programs,” Ms. Snyder said, speaking directly to Mrs. Thomas.

Mr. Bullock serves as an RN for the ACT Team using his infectious personality to help people who may not often feel at ease, feel as if they’re chatting with a lifelong friend.

Adam Bullock receives a Behavioral Health Heart Award

“He truly embodies all the qualities that the Behavioral Health Heart Award represents,” Ms. Snyder said. “Through Adams energy and enthusiasm in his role, he sets a powerful example for other to follow. He not only looks out for the wellbeing of the people we serve, but the staff he works with and the overall health of the program too. He exemplifies everything you want a mental health professional to be.”

Quality Assurance Coordinator Heather Worden was the afternoon’s final honoree, earning the Exemplary Professional Services Award.

Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager Jason Matthie noted that Ms. Worden has literally “grown up” within the United Helpers organization, starting as a DSP, then becoming a supervisor and a habilitation coordinator. She then earned her degree and moved into leadership roles, first becoming a Program Leader before moving into her current role.

“Throughout all of those roles Heather has dedicated herself to helping others, lending a hand, putting people first and stepping up to volunteer when people are in need,” Mr. Matthie said. “She has a genuine care to help others succeed.” 

Heather Worden received this year's Exemplary Professional Services Award

Always Caring Pickleball Tournament Raises More Than $10,000 for United Helpers

POTSDAM – A Potsdam-based group of pickleball enthusiasts from around St. Lawrence County recently hosted the Always Caring Pickleball Tournament helping the organization raise more than $10,000.

The tournament included more than 60 players from four different divisions battling it out on the courts. A silent auction featuring more than 50 different gift baskets, a 50/50, and bake sale was also held.

Leading up to the event United Helpers secured more than $7,600 in sponsorships with gifts coming from Barclay Damon LLP, Financial Quest, SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Kinney Drugs Foundation, SymQuest, AmericCU Credit Union, One Group, One Digital, NAHEC, Victory Promotions, St. Lawrence Supply, Rochester Regional Health, Carlisle Law Firm PC, Latham Auto LLC, and the Clipper Inn. Volunteers from United Helpers also ran the bake sale that day, which raised more than $500.

The North Country Pickleball Group’s donation to United Helpers came from registration fees, the 50/50 and silent auction. The group’s gift to United Helpers totaled $4,310.

“We are grateful to each of our sponsors as well as the North Country Pickleball Group for helping to make this event a tremendous success,” said United Helpers Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke. “There were also a large number of businesses and individuals who made donations to the silent auction or provided baked goods – far too many to mention, but many of them were United Helpers employees and board members.”

Providing food for the event were Rosie's Hawg Dogs and An Italian Affair.

Using funds raised through the Always Caring Pickleball Tournament, The North Country Pickleball Group recently made a gift of $4,310 to United Helpers. The event, which was also sponsored by several area businesses, raised a total of more than $10,000 for United Helpers. Kneeling in front, from left, United Helpers Fundraising Specialist Natalee Bean, United Helpers Director of Corporate Services Michelle Matthews, Don Tompkins; standing, from left, United Helpers Board Member Sue Denesha, Phil Foisy, Nancy Foisy, Dan Hayes, Gayle Hayes, United Helpers Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke, United Helpers Marketing Manager Benny Fairchild, Theresa Fisher, Michael Popvich, Katie Geidel, and United Helpers SLU PIC Intern Eileen Carnes.

Local Students Honored With Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – A trio of students, one each from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Hammond Central School and Norwood-Norfolk Central School were honored with this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

This year’s winners were selected from the largest pool of applicants in recent memory. United Helpers CEO Todd Amo said each of the recipients and their families should be proud.

“The three of you, as well as our other applicants are the future of health care,” he said. “My understanding is it was incredibly difficult to pick this year’s winners, but the three of you rose to the top.”

Mr. Amo also noted that while coming from different districts, each of the students are enrolled in the New Visions Medical Professions program through St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES.

“This is a tremendous program and BOCES does a great job of preparing young students for careers in health care or the next step in a student’s education,” he said.

For Laughlin O’Donnell, of Ogdensburg, that next step will be LeMoyne College in Syracuse where he is planning to major in nursing. Mr. O’Donnell is the son of Paul and Nicky O’Donnell and aspires to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Also looking to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is Emma Dillon, of Norwood. The next steps in her career path will bring her to the University of Buffalo, where she is enrolled in their nursing program. Ms. Dillon is the daughter of Lisa Russell and James Dillon.

Ava Howie, of Hammond will be attending SUNY Brockport and majoring in biology. While she said she knows she wants to enter the nursing field, she’s not sure yet exactly where that will take her, although she is considering working towards becoming a nurse practitioner. Ava is the daughter of Allen and Karen Howie.

Each year United Helpers awards three $1,000 scholarships, which are funded through an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 40 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students looking to enter the health care field.

Mrs. Randles was a long-time United Helpers volunteer and former President of the Management Company Board of Directors. She placed a great value on education and particularly helping prepare youth to enter the health care field.

Emma Dillon, of Norwood was among this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship Recipients. Ms. Dillon will be attending the University of  Buffalo, where she is enrolled in the school’s nursing program. From left, United Helpers Board members Sue Denesha and Clara Carswell, Ms. O’Donnell, Board President Darlene Liscum and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. Ms. Dillon is the daughter of Lisa Russell and James Dillon.

Laughlin O’Donnell, of Ogdensburg was among this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship Recipients. Mr. O’Donnell will be attending LeMoyne, where he is enrolled in the school’s nursing program. From left, United Helpers Board members Sue Denesha and Clara Carswell, Mr. O’Donnell, Board President Darlene Liscum and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. Mr. O’Donnell is the son of Paul and Nicky O’Donnell.

Ava Howie, of Hammond was among this year Helen S. Randles Scholarship Recipients. Ms. Howie will be attending SUNY Brockport and majoring in Biology. From left, United Helpers Board members Sue Denesha and Clara Carswell, Ms. Howie, Board President Darlene Liscum and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. Ms. Howie is the daughter of Allen and Karen Howie.

Potsdam Couple Enjoying Transition to Independent Senior Living

CANTON - A pair of retired educators is learning that the transition from owning a home to living in a smaller space doesn’t have to be as difficult as one may think.

“We just moved out of our home in Potsdam where we lived for more than 60 years,” said Neil Johnson. “I’m not going to say there hasn’t been a period of adjustment, but everyone here has made it easier than we thought it would be.

Mr. Johnson and his wife, Marilyn moved into United Helpers Independent Senior Living in April, although Mr. and Mrs. Johnson said they’re still doing quite a bit of travel back and forth between Canton and Potsdam.

The couple’s home is currently for sale and Mr. Johnson said they’re looking forward to selling their house and really becoming a part of the ISL family.

“We’re really looking forward to getting settled in and becoming more involved with things,” he said. 

Neil and Marilyn Johnson

When asked why they decided to move to United Helpers Independent Senior Living, Mrs. Johnson said they were living in a three-story home. “Our laundry was in the basement and our bedroom was on the second floor. It was just getting to be too much. We already knew some people here and we know some more who are planning to move in.”

The couple’s two children also encouraged them to make the move.

“Our children told us if we didn’t pay the application fee, they would do it for us,” Mr. Johnson said.

The Johnsons said they knew they wanted to stay in the North Country.

“We met in college in Pennsylvania and have been together ever since,” he said. “There’s really nothing of this sort in the area and we really wanted to stay here.”

Mr. Johnson retired as a member of the Physical Education Department at SUNY Potsdam. Mrs. Johnson retired as a member of the Physical Education Department at Clarkson. She even holds the distinction of being the first woman on staff in that department.

As for their favorite thing about living at United Helpers Independent Senior Living, Mr. Johnson only half-jokingly replied, “The evening meal.”

“There has been a couple of times when we’ve had guests and they’ve handled everything perfectly,” Mrs. Johnson said.

On a more serious note, Mr. Johnson said they both really appreciate Community Manager Jennifer Dean and everything she does for all of the members there.

A captain though is only as good as the members of their team, and the Johnsons say that’s part of what makes United Helpers so great.

“They’re very attentive to detail. When you put in a work order for something, you don’t have to wait very long for it to get done and get done right,” Marilyn said. “The staff are all very great about looking after everyone, but the best part about being here is the people who live here do that too.”

If you or a loved one are looking to downsize, perhaps United Helpers Independent Senior Living could be for you. An open house will be held there on Friday, June 13 from 1 to 3 pm. Come and meet Mrs. Dean, tour the property, meet a few members, and even enjoy some cookies and lemonade.

United Helpers Independent Senior Living is located at 30 Sullivan Drive in Canton. To learn more, please call (315) 379-1428 or visit www.unitedhelpers.org. 

North Country Pickleball Group to Host Always Caring Pickleball Tournament

POTSDAM – Pickleball, pizza, pastries and more will be served up on Saturday, June 14^th when the North Country Pickleball Group hosts the Always Caring Mixed-Doubles Pickleball Tournament.

Proceeds from this year’s tournament, which includes four division to accommodate different talent levels, will benefit United Helpers. Registration for the tournament is $40 per team with a discount if your team enters more than one division of play. 

Food trucks from Italian Affair and Rosie's Hawg Dogs will be on site, as well as a bake sale with a variety of cookies, muffins, pies and more. There will also be a basket drawing with more than 40 gift baskets and other prizes to award.

Prizes for the basket drawing including a children’s bike and helmet, dining packages, golf packages, season tickets for St. Lawrence and Clarkson hockey, and several themed gift baskets with grilling, summer fun, fishing, Harry Potter and even campfire fun among the themes.

The fun will get underway at 8 am at the Pine Street Arena in Potsdam and last late into the afternoon with music playing all day long. There will be free balloons and teddy bears for the kids, so come on out and enjoy this fun, family event!

To register for the tournament, please use the Playtime Scheduler app or email nocopickleball136@gmail.com.