Martinchek Honored with Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award

CANTON – When the newly appointed United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Activities Director was promoted to her new position, she knew exactly who she wanted to step into her old role as Activities Leader – this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award winner Lauren Martinchek. 

Ms. Martinchek, of Canton, began her career with United Helpers in 2017 as a task aide before becoming a CNA and then transitioning into a role with the Activities Department in 2018, a department in which she thrived in for five years before the promotion.

“Lauren is very organized and willing to help whenever or wherever. She also has the ability to learn almost anything related to her position,” said Activities Director Patience Boswell. “But what really separated Lauren from others is her compassion for her residents.”

Talking about the relationship Ms. Martincheck has with her residents, Ms. Boswell said, “It is clear from her interactions with residents that she truly cares for them. When she talks about residents, you can tell she knows them intimately like a relative would. When she shares a laugh or even a cry with a resident, you can tell it is a genuine shared emotion.”

Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons has heard many such stories from employees, as well as family members of residents and in some instances, residents themselves.

“Lauren has a huge heart and appears to love what she does,” he said. “She is the type of employee you wish you could replicate over and over again.”

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.

“She was an easy choice for this honor,” he said. “We are proud she is a part of the United Helpers team.”

The Fannie Frank Award was established in 2019 by Dr. 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.

The award was created as a way to pay tribute to his grandmother, a Polish immigrant who moved to the U.S. prior to World War I with her parents and six of her nine siblings.

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 Activities Leader Lauren Martinchek, of Canton. From left, Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Dr. Gordon, Ms. Martinchek, Activities Director Patience Boswell and Barbara Gordon.

Denner Honored With Fannie Frank Award

CANTON – As dinner was beginning to wind down, Dr. Edward Gordon said to the recipient of this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award, “I don’t believe we’ve ever talked about residents at this dinner before.”

According to those who know her, that anecdote perfectly sums up Chelsie Denner, a physical therapy assistant at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton.

“Chelsie has developed great relationships with all of her residents. She takes a gentle, caring approach to get the most out of her residents and she frequently has positive results,” said Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. “She would much rather the attention be on them or her entire department.”

While no private health information was disclosed during the evening, plenty of stories were shared with many leading to laughter and smiles.

Director of Physical Therapy Trent Worden told one story about an individual who came to the nursing home in a wheelchair unable to walk and not confident that they would ever walk again.

“Chelsie spent five days a week with them and eventually they stood up, then they could take a few steps, and now with the assistance of a prosthetic leg that person is walking just like you or me,” Mr. Worden said. “That’s just one example. There are so many stories of Chelsie’s hard work and dedication that we could be here all night.”

Mr. Parsons said Chelsie will often do things with residents well beyond the scope of her job description.

“She never rushes through their treatments. She takes the time to get to know everyone as an individual and learn about their life experiences and families,” Mr. Parsons said. “It’s not unusual to see her chatting with a resident outside of the therapy room or even helping them with their cell phones, tablets, or other issues they may be having.”

Mr. Worden, who acts as Mrs. Denner’s immediate supervisor noted she also has a great rapport with her coworkers all throughout the building, including with nursing staff who have declared her an “honorary nurse.”

“She is the type of person who is fun to work with and makes the environment around her better. Her sense of humor can lighten almost any situation. She is a wonderful asset to the United Helpers team and often goes unrecognized for the daily energy and enthusiasm she consistently contributes. We’re lucky to have her,” Mr. Worden said. “When I was asked to think of nominees for this year’s award, I thought, “Who would the residents want to win?’ and her name was the first one that came to mind.’”

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

The award was created as a way to pay tribute to his grandmother, a Polish immigrant who moved to the U.S. prior to World War I with her parents and six of her nine siblings.

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

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Physical Therapy Assistant Chelsie Denner was honored with this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award. Mrs. Denner has been employed by United Helpers since 2019 and has worked in Canton since 2021. Dr. Edward and Mrs. Barbara Gordon created the award in 2019 as a tribute to Dr. Gordon’s grandmother. Mrs. Denner lives in Ogdensburg with her husband, Gregory and two sons. From left, Director of Physical Therapy Trent Worden, Mrs. Denner, Dr. Gordon, and his wife Barbara. Dr. Gordon is pictured holding a photograph of his grandmother for whom the award is named.

Butler Honored with Fannie Frank Award

CANTON – The United Helpers organization has more than 30 employees with 20 years of service or more. Only one of them though, began their career with United Helpers at the age of 57.

Gail Butler, of Canton, who was recognized with this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award, works as the front desk receptionist at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care. She started at United Helpers as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 1993, after spending most of her life working as a full-time mom raising 12 children. This year she will celebrate 30 years with the company.

“She is typically the first person to greet anyone entering or calling our building, and there is no one I would rather have to make that initial welcome,” said Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. “Her people skills are impeccable, and her friendliness is infectious and brings comfort to all who interact with her.”

While Mr. Parsons said Mrs. Butler is “considered by all to be a wonderful receptionist and employee,” it is what she does outside of her regular duties that truly set her apart.

“In the mornings, before starting her shift at the front desk, she can often be seen or heard visiting with and singing to our residents in their dining room. She is known to join some of our musical guests, lending both her musical and dancing talents to our Activities Department,” he said.

That’s not all, though, as Mrs. Butler also brings her love of gardening to the building during the spring and summer months.

“She serves as ‘Master Gardener’ for our facility and maintains several large flower beds around the property, giving them daily attention and brightening the moods of all who pass by,” Mr. Parsons said. “She never seeks attention. She does all of these things naturally and never looks for recognition. She does enjoy gardening, but does it here primarily because the residents enjoy her talents. It is her pleasure to serve others. She loves her job and it shows.”

The Fannie Frank Award was established by longtime United Helpers volunteers Dr. Edward and Barbara Gordon in 2019 to pay tribute to Dr. Gordon’s grandmother, a Polish immigrant who moved to the U.S. prior to World War I with her parents and six of her nine siblings.

 The award is a $1,000 cash bonus and 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

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.

Gail Butler, of Canton, was honored with this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award. Mrs. Butler, who has been employed by United Helpers since 1993, is known for her singing voice, her dancing shoes, and the smile she uses to greet employees and guests as they enter the building. She is pictured here with Dr. Edward and Mrs. Barbara Gordon, who created the award in 2019 as a tribute to Dr. Gordon’s grandmother. From left, Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Butler, and Dr. Gordon

Flanagan Honored With Fannie Frank Distinguished CNA Award

CANTON - A popular television sitcom that aired in the 90s and 2000s was titled “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and while that show had nothing to do with the medical field, a spin-off titled, “Everybody Loves Minnie,” could be filmed in the halls of United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton.

The show would star this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished CNA Award winner Minnie Flanagan, of Canton, who would be cast as herself playing the role of a CNA, a home health aide, and an activities aide. 

Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons said that while Mrs. Flanagan’s primary role at the facility, where she’s worked since 1988, is activities aide, it’s not unusual for her to work in two or even three roles all in the same day.

“There has been numerous times when Minnie has worked in three departments in one day,” he said. “She’ll start her day as a CNA from 1:45 a.m. to 6 a.m., then work as a home health aide in the ALP from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and then still have enough energy to work in activities until 3:30 p.m.”

When Mr. Parsons began looking for people to nominate for this year’s honor, he said Mrs. Flanagan’s name was one that come up often.

“It was astounding to hear everyone’s impressions of Minnie,” he said. “She is universally known for always putting residents first and taking time to get to know the people she is caring for. She is an expert when it comes to knowing their personal preferences, and in fact does weekly shopping for many of them.”

To learn a little bit more about Mrs. Flanagan, Mr. Parsons said he dug into her personnel file.

“The file was quite large and filled with evaluations year after year praising her compassion,” he said. “Her 2003 evaluation particularly stood out. ‘Minnie is indeed an exceptional worker. She always goes out of her way to provide excellent care to the residents. Her attitude of friendliness and warmth towards her co-workers, and especially new workers, is beyond approach. Everybody loves Minnie.’”

The Fannie Frank Award was established by longtime United Helpers volunteers Dr. Edward and Barbara Gordon in 2019 to pay tribute to Dr. Gordon’s grandmother, a Polish immigrant who moved to the U.S. prior to World War I with her parents and six of her nine siblings. Three of her older siblings were already married and stayed behind, he said. They perished in World War II. 

The award is a $1,000 cash bonus and awarded based on the following criteria:

•  A remarkably caring demeanor
• Remarkably competent care
• Continuous employment with UH for five or more years
• Nomination by the Vice President of Operations at her respective facility

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.

Paquette Honored With Fannie Frank Distinguished CNA Award

CANTON – Longtime United Helpers CNA Helen Paquette was recently honored with of the “Fannie Frank Distinguished CNA Award.”

Ms. Paquette, of Hammond, has been a United Helpers employee caring for residents at the company’s facilities in Ogdensburg for more than 30 years.

She was nominated for the honor by United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. 

Barbara Gordon, Helen Paquette & Dr. Ed Gordon

In his nomination, Mr. Parsons wrote, “She has stood out to me since working with her as a physical therapist at Cedars Nursing Home, where we both began our careers with United Helpers.”

He continued, “As a therapist, I would always try to seek out staff I could trust for their opinion and feedback regarding our residents. Helen was one of those aides. She knows her residents better than anyone.”

More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Paquette has really shined, he said.

“When we know a resident is in need of something, Helen is who we often ask, and usually she has already taken care of it, many times using her own resources,” he said. “She is the one we ask when some “pampering” is needed, and when our salon had to shut down, she began cutting hair in addition to her other duties. She is the type of employee I cherish and I believe she is deserving of this honor.”

The Fannie Frank Award, which is a $1,000 cash bonus, is awarded based on the following criteria:

• A remarkably caring demeanor
• Remarkably competent care
• Continuous employment with UH for five or more years
• Nomination by the Vice President of Operations at her respective facility

According to Dr. Gordon, Ms. Frank was a Polish immigrant who moved to the U.S. prior to World War I with her parents and six of her nine siblings. Three of her older siblings were already married and stayed behind, he said. They perished in World War II.

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, noting that he and his grandmother were the only “animal lovers” in his family.

In addition to paying tribute to his grandmother, Dr. Gordon said the award will serve as a way to honor his family’s legacy.

“Now, her name will live on forever,” he said.

LaRock Honored With Inaugural Fannie Frank Distinguished CNA Award

CANTON – Longtime United Helpers CNA Deborah LaRock was recently honored as the winner of the organization’s first “Fannie Frank Distinguished CNA Award.”

United Helpers volunteers and donors Dr. Edward I. and Barbara K. Gordon, who created the award as a tribute to Mr. Gordon’s grandmother, recently met with Ms. LaRock and presented her with the honor. 

From left, Barbara "Bobbie" Gordon, Deborah LaRock and
Dr. Edward Gordon

Ms. LaRock, of Gouverneur, has been a United Helpers employee caring for residents at the company’s facilities in Canton for more than 27 years.

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Canton’s Vice President of Operations Kimberly Blair nominated her.

In her written nomination, Mrs. Blair highly commended Ms. LaRock.

“She treats the residents as she would her own family and gives them the care and respect they deserve. Deb does not think that she is special or deserves any recognition,” she wrote. “In her mind, she is doing what she must do to take care of her residents. In my mind, she is a gem. She is the type of CNA that makes a nursing home a home.”

The Fannie Frank Award, which is $1,000, is awarded based on the following criteria:

• A remarkably caring demeanor
• Remarkably competent care
• Continuous employment with UH for five or more years
• Nomination by the Vice President of Operations at her respective facility

According to Dr. Gordon, Ms. Frank was a Polish immigrant who moved to the U.S. prior to World War I with her parents and six of her nine siblings. Three of her older siblings were already married and stayed behind, he said. They perished in World War II.

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, noting that he and his grandmother were the only “animal lovers” in his family.

In addition to paying tribute to his grandmother, Dr. Gordon said the award will serve as a way to honor his family’s legacy.

“Now, her name will live on forever,” he said.