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.