Dr. Galen Pletcher Recognized Posthumously with Emeritus Status

OGDENSBURG – For nearly 10 years until illness led to his resignation, Dr. Galen K. Pletcher served the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors with style and grace that led him to become a mentor to many within the United Helpers organization. 

Speaking on behalf of United Helpers at an intimate ceremony where Dr. Pletcher was recognized posthumously with Emeritus status, Board President Darlene Liscum called him “a leader, a mentor and a friend to many.”

“Galen’s legacy lives on in the work and services offered by United Helpers. He was a beacon of support who never dissuaded from challenges, sought solutions and helped guide us all in the quest for excellence,” she said.

In recognition of Dr. Pletcher’s contributions and support to United Helpers, a memorial brick was installed in his honor at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus in Ogdensburg.

“This wall behind me includes the names of those who believe in and support United Helpers in our mission. In memory of Galen, I would like to present his wife Helen Pletcher with this proclamation declaring his Posthumous Emeritus Award and a commemorative brick in his honor,” Mrs. Liscum said. Dr. Pletcher passed away on Sept. 21, 2023.

Dr. Pletcher enjoyed a 45-year career in education, retiring in 2011 as the Dean of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Potsdam.

“Although Dr. Pletcher may have retired, he never stopped teaching and serving as a mentor,” said United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. “I am just one of the many people grateful to have worked with and learned from such a great man.”

Joining members of the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors and administrative team at a ceremony honoring the late Dr. Galen Pletcher were Bill and Molly Amaral. Mr. Amaral served on the board with Dr. Pletcher and was among his closest colleagues on the board. From left, Molly and Bill Amaral look on as Helen Pletcher points to the memorial brick bearing her husband’s name.

O'Neil Honored with Emeritus Status

OGDENSBURG – A retired educator from Ogdensburg who dedicated 12 years to service on the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors was recently granted emeritus status by the organization. 

Ms. Myrna O’Neil began volunteering with United Helpers in 2011, serving on the unit membership for United Helpers Nursing Home, Inc. and the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Committees. She also played a key role in much of the organization’s fundraising activity over the past 12 years.

 During her time on the board, Ms. O’Neil also became a resident of what was then RiverLedge Health Care and Rehabilitation Center on three different occasions. In fact, she credits the United Helpers organization for saving her life and teaching her to walk again.

 “You guys basically saved my life,” she said. “Tim (Timothy Parsons) got me walking when no one thought I would ever walk again.” Mr. Parsons, a former physical therapist, now serves as Vice President of Operations for United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton.

 “As a member of our board and someone who spent time with us as a resident, Myrna brought a unique perspective to the table that was invaluable and will greatly be missed,” said CEO Todd R. Amo.

 The announcement of Ms. O’Neil’s emeritus status was made at the most recent board of directors’ meeting. Society of the United Helpers President Joseph Finnegan presented Ms. O’Neil with a plaque, while Board of Directors President Darlene Liscum presented her with a framed copy of the proclamation announcing the honor.

 Reading from the proclamation Mrs. Liscum said, “Ms. O’Neil has dedicated countless hours in support of the staff and leadership team. She has served as an influential mentor and colleague to her fellow directors, as well as a vocal community supporter of United Helpers and its services.”

 

 

Caption:

 Ms. Myrna O’Neil was recently honored with emeritus status by the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors. She has served as a volunteer for the organization for the past 12 years. From left, Board President Darlene Liscum, Ms. O’Neil, and Society of United Helpers Board President Joseph Finnegan.