United Helpers Hosting Second Annual Fan's Choice NFL Ticket Drawing

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers is preparing to host its Second Annual Fan’s Choice NFL Ticket Drawing.

Tickets for this year’s drawing will go on sale on Friday, July 18. This year the drawing will be even bigger and better than before with the winner receiving two tickets, valued at up to $500, to the regular season game of their choice. Given that the drawing takes place on NFL opening day, week one games are not eligible.

While last year’s drawing was limited to games played in the North East, this year the drawing is open to any game on the NFL’s regular season schedule. 

Elaina Rumble won last year's drawing. She's pictured here
with her son Ben enjoying a Buffalo win over the Dolphins.

“United Helpers has friends and supporters all over the country, so this year we decided to expand on the ‘Fan’s Choice’ model to really give the winner a choice. This also makes it easier for people who live in Florida, California or a different market to take part in this fundraiser,” said United Helpers Marketing Manager Benny Fairchild.

Ticket prices for the drawing remain the same as last year and will be $10 each. Bundles are also available with three tickets for $25 or seven tickets for $50.

Tickets will be available online through the “Giving tab” at unitedhelpers.org. Tickets can be purchased in person (cash only) at the United Helpers RiverLedge complex, 8101 State Hwy. 68 in Ogdensburg.

Only 1,000 tickets are available, with sales continuing until all tickets are sold or 11:59 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The drawing will take place on Thursday, Sept. 4, the opening day of this year’s NFL season and be broadcast on the United Helpers Facebook page.

United Helpers will purchase tickets to the game, pending availability, of the winner’s choice. Tickets will be forwarded electronically to the winner. Transportation, meals and lodging are not included.

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.

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.

UH Rocks Bringing the Entertainment to One Lucky Person This Summer!

OGDENSBURG – Bands and musicians like Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Creed, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart and Chicago are all traveling to Upstate New York for shows this summer and if you’re the lucky winner of our UH Rocks ticket drawing, you could be enjoying the show from one of the best seats in the house.

The winner of this drawing will receive a $500 Ticketmaster gift card. Not a fan of live music, comedians like Kevin Hart, Jeff Dunham and Brad Williams will all be coming to the area too. Tickets to events like the WWE, monster trucks and even many theatrical productions could be at your fingertips.

“Following the success of the NFL Fan’s Choice Drawing held this past summer, we wanted to once again do something different, something that would appeal to the masses and something that could once again attract interest from people who may not be our stereotypical fundraising demographic,” said United Helpers Marketing Manager Benny Fairchild. “With the wide range of entertainment options available through Ticketmaster, we feel like this does just that.”

Tickets for this will be $10 each. Bundles are also available with three tickets for $25 or seven tickets for $50.

“While not everyone enjoys football, most people do enjoy live entertainment, whether it’s music, comedy, theatre or something else,” said Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke. “The winner of this drawing really has a ton of options; they could buy one amazing seat to a show of their choice or maybe even enjoy lawn seats for several shows at the amphitheater in Syracuse. The choice is theirs.”

Tickets will be available online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ticketmasterdrawing/event/uhrocks/. Tickets will also be available during regular business hours at the United Helpers RiverLedge Campus reception desk, located at 8101 State Hwy 68 in Ogdensburg.

Only 1,000 tickets will be printed, with sales continuing until all tickets are sold or 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 30. The drawing will be held on Tuesday, April 1 giving the winner plenty of time to pick out which show or shows they would like to attend.

Transportation, meals, and lodging are not included with the prize.

Whether you like rock, rap, country, comedy or even theatre, the UH Rocks ticket drawing has a prize for you. The winner of this drawing will receive a $500 Ticketmaster gift card, which they may use to purchase ticket(s) to the show or shows of their choice. Tickets are available for $10 each, three for $25 or seven for $50. Tickets will be available online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ticketmasterdrawing/event/uhrocks/. Tickets may be purchased in person (cash only) at the United Helpers RiverLedge Campus reception desk, 8101 State Hwy 68, in Ogdensburg, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. The drawing will be held on Tuesday, April 1 giving the winner plenty of time to pick out what show or shows they would like to attend.

Denesha Honored with Harry E. King Award

OGDENSBURG – One of the longest tenured volunteers in the history of the United Helpers organization was honored at this year’s annual meeting with the Harry E. King Award, an award named for another long-time volunteer of the organization.

Susan Denesha of Dekalb Junction, who has been a United Helpers volunteer since 2005, was surprised with the honor earlier this month.

Mr. King’s daughter, Marti MacArthur nominated her for the honor. 

“My father was quite soft spoken, yet always spoke up when he had something to say, had a great sense of humor and belonged to many community groups. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He was loved because he helped anyone who needed it and expected nothing in return,” Mrs. MacArthur said. “You could use those same sentiments to describe Sue. He would be honored to have an award in his name presented to someone like her.”

According to United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Mrs. Denesha’s time with United Helpers began when her father was a patient at the United Helpers Canton Nursing Home.

“Her journey with us began as a result of her wanting the best for her father, but she has continued on with us and quite literally helped enhance the quality of life for hundreds of North Country seniors along the way,” Mr. Parsons said.

In addition to assisting activities staff on lunch outings and field trips, Mrs. Denesha has been preparing and serving home cooked meals for residents multiple times each month for nearly 20 years.

“Our residents look forward to these meals perhaps more than anything on the calendar,” said Activities Director Patience Boswell.

In addition to being an active volunteer herself, Mrs. Denesha also helps recruit other volunteers for activities. Mrs. Boswell said she would bring in so many volunteers, that they eventually named Mrs. Denesha Volunteer Coordinator.

“We give her a list of our activities every month and she makes sure they all happen by supplementing our staff with people from her roster of volunteers,” Mrs. Boswell said.

Prior to presenting Mrs. Denesha with the award, Mr. Parsons read through a lengthy, but incomplete list of ways she has helped the facility including leading an Alzheimer’s support group, participating in resident council meetings, fundraising, casino outings, lunch outings, arranging for preferred seating at the county fair, bake sales, help with trick or treating, and more.

“Sue is our biggest cheerleader, but will not hesitate to inform us when we can do better for our residents. She makes it possible for us to offer more activities and programing,” Mr. Parsons said. “She inspires us all to do more and be better people.”

This was third time the Harry E. King Award has been awarded, previously going to Dr. Edward Gordon in 2020 and Wayne Ladouceuer in 2017.

Mrs. MacArthur established the award in honor of her father as a way to recognize outstanding board members.

According to the award’s description, written at the time it was created, “The award is not an annual award by definition. It is to be presented only rarely, in the case of a desire to recognize a volunteer to UH who is virtually unrivaled and exceptional in his/her commitment to UH and his/her service to UH’s residents, clients, and families.”

For only the third time in the award’s history, the Harry E. King Award was presented. Susan Denesha of Dekalb Junction received the honor at this year’s annual meeting. Mrs. Denesha has been a volunteer with United Helpers since 2005 when her father was a resident at the United Helpers Canton Nursing Home. From left, United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors member Marti MacArthur, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Mrs. Denesha with her husband Larry Denesha, and Activities Director Patience Boswell.

Memory of Charlene Hall to Live on Through Charlene's Fund

OGDENSBURG – For more than 40 years Charlene Hall received care from staff at United Helpers, whether it was at Cedars Nursing Home in Ogdensburg or at one of several different Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs).

During that time she made an impact on the lives of those who cared for her as well as her housemates. Now thanks to a generous gift from her family, that impact will continue for many years to come through a scholarship fund that bears her name.

Charlene’s cousins Russell and Peg Hall, of Gainesville, Fla. created the fund as a way to say thank you to all those who cared for her over the years prior to her passing in January. 

Peg and Russ Hall with a photo of Charlene

“We were always impressed with the level of care Charlene received,” Mr. Hall said. “We were particularly impressed with the caregivers who chose to make this their life’s work.”

The fund, which was created with the assistance of, and is managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, is designed to help direct care staff attend webinars, seminars, conferences, and even earn additional certifications that may bolster their careers and enhance the services provided by United Helpers.

Misty Thomas, a Licensed Master Social Worker at the Behavioral Health Clinic in Canton, is the first employee to utilize these funds. She will be attending a six-day class where she will earn certification enabling her to provide EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy. United Helpers currently does not have a provider on staff who can perform this service.

According to EMDR Institute, Inc., EMDR therapy is a valuable tool used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Information from the Institute’s website, emdr.com, states, “Some studies show that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions. Another study, funded by the HMO Kaiser Permanente, found that 100% of the single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions. In another study, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions.”

“I want to help provide more access to trauma focused therapies in an effort to reduce mental health triggers, increase physical health and wellness, improve client safety and relationships, and increase the effectiveness of established mental health care,” Ms. Thomas said. “This opportunity offers me a chance to help my community and my clients by having additional education and therapeutic techniques to support the needs in our area.”

Charlene was born and raised in Watertown, living a typical childhood until an abscess on her brain at the age of four stunted her growth and development. Mr. and Ms. Hall say despite the physical impairment, their cousin “had a sharp mind and a quick sense of humor.”

The Halls say she lived with her parents until shortly after her mother’s passing in 1976. It was at that point, Charlene moved into Cedars Nursing Home. When United Helpers opened its first Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) in 1982, her care then transitioned to what is today known as United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills. That portion of the company operates 11 IRAs across St, Lawrence County.

Charlene continued to enjoy visits with her father until his passing in 1996. According to her obituary, she always enjoyed a nice cup of coffee and going out to eat.

Assistance from Charlene’s Fund is available to anyone working at United Helpers in a “direct care role.” “We thought it was important for them to have staff development opportunities without finances being an obstacle,” Ms. Hall said. “There are people out there waiting for an opportunity to make things happen and we hope this fund can help with that.”

Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke presents Licensed Master Social Worker Misty R. Thomas with a certificate from Charlene’s Fund. Each recipient of assistance from this fund will be presented with a certificate, which also includes a picture of Charlene Hall, for whom the fund is named. From left, Mrs. Downing-Duke, Ms. Thomas and Lead Social Worker Daniel Knight.

Three Honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – This year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship winners represent students entering the fields of nursing, occupational therapy and speech pathology, including one student whose career in healthcare is already underway. 

Jordan Downing-Duke with
Scholarship recipient Kathryn Cunningham

Erica Bates of Madrid has already been working as a CNA at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton for just over a year. She will be graduating from Madrid-Waddington Central School and attending the nursing program at Elmira College. She is the daughter of John and Andrea Bates.

Clara Cole of Ogdensburg will graduate from Ogdensburg Free Academy as this year’s valedictorian. She is attending Nazareth College, where she will major in Communication Sciences and Disorders while working towards a degree in speech pathology. Clara is the daughter of John and Sally Cole.

Kathryn Cunningham of Heuvelton will graduate from Heuvelton Central School. She is then planning to major in Professional Health and Wellness while at SUNY Plattsburgh with an eye on an eventual master’s degree in occupational therapy. She is the daughter of Cory and Jan Cunningham.

The $1,000 scholarships are funded through an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 45 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students looking to enter the health care field.

United Helpers CEO Todd Amo told the winners they are the future of health care in the North Country. He also challenged them each to be leaders in the classroom and in the health care field.

“We’re counting on you,” he said. “I’m 53 and it won’t be long before I’m needing your services.”

The chair of this year’s scholarship committee Molly Pressey introduced each of the students and spoke briefly about their accomplishments after addressing the group as a whole.

“As we reviewed these scholarship applications, there were three names that kept rising to the top in everyone’s rankings and they Clara Cole, Erica Bates and Kathryn Cunningham,” she said. “Both you and your parents should be proud. The future is in good hands.”

The winners of this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships came from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Heuvelton Central School and Madrid-Waddington Central School. Three $1,000 scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers each year from funds generated by an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. Front row, from left, scholarship recipients Clara Cole of Ogdensburg and Erica Bates of Madrid; second row, Scholarship Committee members Diana Dancause, Darlene Liscum, Molly Pressey and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo; absent from photo Kathryn Cunningham of Heuvelton, who was unable to attend the presentation.

Tonya Bassett Honored with Wayne N. Ladouceur Award

Tonya Bassett, an LPN with United Helpers for more than 15 years was honored with this year’s Wayne N. Ladouceur Award. The award is presented annually to an employee who exemplifies traits exhibited by Mr. Ladouceur, including, giving generously of one’s self, the ability to see beyond one’s own needs, a strong personal drive to provide the utmost in care, the ability to feel and express empathy, and exuding a love for life. From left, Jason and Grayson Ladouceur, Mrs. Bassett, Cheryl Ladouceuer, and Cristen (Ladouceur) Halladay.

OGDENSBURG – A LPN known for her “Always Caring” nature both in and out of the facility has been recognized as the winner of this year’s Wayne N. Ladoucuer Award.

Tonya Bassett, of Canton, has been an LPN with the organization for more than 15 years.

A colleague of Mrs. Bassett’s, Amber Curtis, a RN who works with Mrs. Bassett at Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton nominated her for the award. A letter of support was provided by Pam Sherburne, whose husband is a resident who receives care from both Mrs. Bassett and Mrs. Curtis.

The Ladouceur family chose the criteria for the award, picking traits exhibited by Mr. Ladouceur and things he was known for, not just in the United Helpers family, but also across the entire city of Ogdensburg. That criteria includes giving generously of one’s self, the ability to see beyond one’s own needs, a strong personal drive to provide the utmost in care, the ability to feel and express empathy, and exuding a love for life.

Those are all areas where Mrs. Bassett excels, both at work and at home.

Giving a specific example, Mrs. Curtis wrote about how Mrs. Bassett temporarily took on care of some children from a family member in need.

 “Tonya went above and beyond caring for those kids as if they were her own,” Mrs. Curtis wrote. “She bought their school clothes and supplies, took them to doctors and dentist appointments, threw big birthday parties for them and even went to their parent teacher conferences. She did all of this without even batting an eye.”

Mrs. Sherburne highlighted several examples of Mrs. Bassett’s dedication to the residents, including coming in on “days off,” staying late on shifts when they’re short staffed, or even providing assistance to families after hours.

“After working an overnight shift she volunteered to help me take my husband to have a test done at the hospital. Anyone else would have taken their exhausted body home to get some sleep,” Mrs. Sherburne wrote. “Since the very first day my spouse moved into United Helpers, Tonya has provided me with the confidence that he would be in good hands and well cared for.”

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.

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, Mrs. Bassett is very much like my husband in the way that she often puts those in need ahead of themselves,” she said. “If Wayne ever had the opportunity to meet her, I’m sure he would have liked her very much.”

Mrs. Bassett was chosen for this year’s award from a group of nominees that also included Housing Specialist Diana Dancause and ACT Program Assistant Nora Hance.

“I know for a fact that this year we had three very strong candidates for this award,” said COO Stacey Cannizzo. “Being nominated for this award is an honor in and of itself.”

Among this year’s nominees for the Wayne N. Ladouceur Award was United Helpers Housing Specialist Diana Dancause, of Russell. She was nominated for the honor by Housing Manager Tara Beckstead and Admissions Coordinator Macaula Drake. From left, Ms. Beckstead, Housing Director Beth Snyder, Mrs. Dancause, and Ms. Drake.

This year’s nominees for the Wayne N. Ladouceur Award included ACT Program Assistant Nora Hance, of Ogdensburg. She was nominated for the award by ACT Team Leader Amy Chisolm and Director of Behavioral Health Services David Nelson. Front row, Mrs. Hance; back row, from left, Ms. Chisolm, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services Breanne Snyder, and Mr. Nelson. 

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.

Morristown Students Earn Grants for United Helpers

MORRISTOWN — Thanks to the writings of two students at Morristown Central School, United Helpers has earned back-to-back grants from the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge.

Scarlett Ritchie was one of 20 students to earn a $500 grant for their chosen organization during the 2021-2022 academic year. The following year, after changes to the competition made by the Northern New York Community Foundation, Peayton Stark was one of 10 students to earn a $1,000 grant for their selected organization.

Morristown Central School English Teacher Maggie Rollins said she’s been fortunate to have one of her students selected each year they’ve participated in the challenge.

“The pride I feel when my students put their heart into their responses and show their love for their community is unparalleled,” Mrs. Rollins said. “United Helpers has a huge impact in the Morristown community, so it’s no surprise that students are always interested in giving back to that organization.”

“We are especially grateful that the teachers at Morristown Central School have chosen to bring this program alive for their students. It is exactly what we hoped and envisioned when we established our Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge,” said Northern New York Community Foundation Executive Director Rande Richardson. “Their participation very firmly demonstrates their belief in fulfilling their mission and values of collaboration and responsibility to the world around them.”

In addition to employing several people from the Morristown community, United Helpers has both an IRA and a Senior/Disabled housing complex located in Morristown. Scarlett’s mother, Tammy Ritchie, and Peayton’s mother, Colleen Stark, each work for United Helpers, although both girls say their essays have a deeper meaning than simply writing about where their moms work.

When Scarlett was five, she broke the knee in her left leg. “I had to go to physical therapy because I had to learn how to walk again,” she said. “Since United Helpers helped me, I hope I get the chance to help them.”

Peayton chose United Helpers because of the special bond formed with one of the residents at the IRA where her mom works. “I would like to donate to the IRA in Ogdensburg, because I have a really good connection with some of the residents there and the employees,” she wrote. “This one resident is so nice; he always called my sister and me ‘his girls.’”

Sadly, that resident passed away earlier this year, but through the impact he made on Peayton and the execution of this grant, his legacy will continue to live on.

Each girl recently had the opportunity to present the grants they won to United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. “Thank you very much for choosing us. This is fantastic,” he said. “We will be sure to put these funds to good use.”

Other organizations that have benefitted from grants earned by Mrs. Rollins’ students include the Gateway Museum in Morristown, Renewal House in Canton, and St. Joseph’s Foundation in Ogdensburg.

“I feel that the Giving Challenge is a valuable assignment and students looks forward to potentially giving back to the community they rely on so much,” Mrs. Rollins said.

An assignment in English Class at Morristown Central School has turned into $1,500 in grants for United Helpers thanks to the writings of now-freshman Scarlett Ritchie and now eighth grader Peayton Stark. Both girls wrote award winning essays while in Maggie Rollins’ seventh-grade English class. From left, United Helpers CEO Todd Amo, Peayton’s mother Colleen Stark, who works as a MDSP at the Spruce Street IRA in Ogdensburg, Peayton, Scarlett and her mother Tammy Ritchie, who works as comptroller for the United Helpers organization.

Gordon Honored with Emeritus Status

One of the longest tenured volunteers in the history of United Helpers was recently honored with emeritus status following 37 years of service to the organization.

Dr. Edward I. Gordon, a retired veterinarian began volunteering with United Helpers in 1986, spending several stints on both the Management Company (United Helpers, Inc.) Board of Directors and the Society Board of Directors.

Committees he served on include Pension Review, Personnel, Investment, Planning, Quality Assurance, Nominating, Scholarship, and Fund Development.

“There isn’t much for a volunteer to do with our organization that Dr. Gordon has not done,” said United Helpers CEO Todd R. Amo, who noted Dr. Gordon’s wife Bobby is also a volunteer with United Helpers, currently serving on the United Helpers, Inc. Board.

In addition to many years of volunteer service, the Gordons have also been significant financial supporters of United Helpers.

In 2020 Dr. Gordon created an endowment in honor of his late grandmother to fund the Fannie Frank Award. The following year, the Gordons again made a sizable contribution to United Helpers, this time naming the therapy suite at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in honor of retired CEOs John Turongian and Stephen E. Knight.

The announcement of Dr. Gordon’s Emeritus Status was made at the Society Board of Director’s annual meeting by Society Board President Joseph Finnegan. Mr. Finnegan presented him with a plaque which read, “With our greatest appreciation we hereby present Dr. Edward Gordon Emeritus Status. For your unwavering support and unrelenting guidance that helped in leading our path to success you are being honored with much appreciation and gratitude.” 

United Helpers, Inc. Board President Darlene Liscum also presented Dr. Gordon with a framed proclamation announcing the honor.

Reading from the proclamation, Mrs. Liscum said, “Dr. Gordon dedicated countless hours in support of the community members who receive services from United Helpers and volunteered his time to acknowledge the individual contributions of people he influenced, his love of making special memories and improving the quality of life for others.”

Following a standing ovation, Dr. Gordon spoke briefly saying he was both touched and humbled by the honor.

“This is kind of overwhelming,” he said. “I certainly wasn’t expecting this. When I announced my retirement from the board I said, ‘If you’re lucky enough to be a part of United Helpers for 37 years than you’re lucky enough.”

Dr. Gordon lives in Potsdam with his wife, Barbara “Bobby” Gordon. The couple has four children and seven grandchildren.

Dr. Edward Gordon was recently honored with emeritus status by the Society of United Helpers Board of Directors. Dr. Gordon has been a volunteer with United Helpers for 37 years, serving in many different capacities during that time. From left, presenting Dr. Gordon with a framed proclamation announcing the honor is United Helpers, Inc. Board of Directors President Darlene Liscum, Dr. Gordon, and Society of United Helpers Board President Joseph Finnegan.

Pageant of Hiawatha Helps Raise Funds to Support United Helpers

 By Benny Fairchild

In 1855 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a book of poems titled "The Song of Hiawatha." Aside from an introduction the book contained 22 poems, each telling a different tale related to the life of a fictional Ojibwe warrior named Hiawatha.

According to the Maine Historical Society's website, included in the epic series of poems is the tragic love story of Hiawatha and a Dakota woman named Minnehaha. The entire series of events takes place along the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan.

Longfellow's work would eventually become the foundation for one of United Helpers' first major fundraisers, a pageant with a cast of more than 100 people, including many children from the United Helpers Home held June 30 - July 2, 1915, at the Fairgrounds in Ogdensburg. 

According to an advertisement in the June 21 edition of The Ogdensburg Journal promoting the pageant, four shows were held over the course of three days with general admission tickets costing only 25 cents. The ad noted, "Reserved seats and motor car parking space extra."

An article detailing the show in the June 17 edition of The Ogdensburg Advance and St. Lawrence Weekly Democrat.

"Of all the poems written by Longfellow, perhaps none lends itself better to dramatic presentation than "Hiawatha. And it is certain that none is more interesting to the lovers of American Romance," the article reads. "Indian dances and music will be introduced and real Indian teepees and a campfire will make the setting most realistic."

While we were unable to find how much money was raised by the production, we did find a thank you note published in the July 9 edition of The Ogdensburg Journal.

"The President of the United Helpers Home and the Committee in charge of the presentation of the pageant of Hiawatha wish to thank all those who so generously assisted in making the pageant a success."

To read "The Song of Hiawatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's work in its entirety, please visit https://www.hwlongfellow.org/poems_poem.php?pid=62. 

Society of United Helpers Purchases Pythian Home for $62,500

By Benny Fairchild

When the Society of United Helpers purchased the former Pythian Home in Ogdensburg in order to construct what would eventually become United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg the price paid for the property was only $62,500. 

Pythian Home in Ogdensburg

While that figure may not sound like a lot, especially given today’s real estate market, when adjusted for inflation, using an online inflation calculator, that figure translates to $518,681.53.

After purchasing the property, which would also play host to the United Helpers adult home for more than 40 years, the Society launched a capital campaign aimed at collecting $100,000 to help build the United Helpers Nursing Home.

Funds were successfully raised and in 1972, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility was opened. Just seven years later the 40-bed adult home opened, providing area seniors who could still live somewhat independently with apartment-style living where meals were provided, as well as other assistance if needed.

Today the Rehabilitation and Senior Care facility is undergoing renovations and being converted to office space for both United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills, as well as the United Helpers Management Company.

The former adult home is being renovated into “market-rate” apartments, which will provide quality living accommodations along the St. Lawrence River just outside the city of Ogdensburg.

United Helpers Building Fund Pledge Card

Successful Capital Campaign Leads to United Helpers' First Expansion

 By Benny Fairchild

In 1925 a three-story addition was built onto the United Helpers Home on State Street. This addition was built using funds raised through what was most likely the organization's first capital campaign.

1922 Capital Campaign Brochure

The campaign kicked off in 1922 and was led by an "Enlargement Campaign Committee" chaired by Felix Hulser. That committee put together a mailing, which included a four-page document with the faces of more than 75 children and women who were under United Helpers Care at the time on the cover. The heading under the collage read, "ARE THEY WORTH WHILE?"

Apparently, the campaign worked as three years later, after raising more than $76,000 the new addition was opened.

At the time the campaign was launched the facility was already "50 per cent overcrowded."

"The present overcrowding can no longer continue. The one small kitchen, the dining rooms, play rooms and the dormitories are woefully inadequate. Every nook and corner of the buildings are utilized for spare beds for the children, and the general facilities are crowded together more than the State Board of Charities allows," the document states. "Temporary permission for the continuance of this condition has been granted the Home by the State Board of Charities only because of the Board's knowledge of the plans for enlargement."

Due to the overcrowding the brochure indicates that United Helpers had turned away "80 helpless orphans" over the two years leading up to the campaign. On the bright side, over that same period of time, 43 children had been placed in private homes. As of the brochures printing, 1,424 "needy children, regardless of creed and nationality" had been cared for at the home.

Care for elderly women did not begin until 1910, 12 years after the home originally opened, however in the home's first 12 years of elder care, 59 women had been cared for.

Under a section in the brochure titled, "Our plans," details for the work ahead are outlined. "A new building, a central heating plant and extensive alterations of the two present buildings are necessary. This will make possible a complete separation of the sensitive old ladies from the romping noise-loving children, and will considerably increase the accommodations all around."

While the document makes it clear, $75,000 is the campaign's goal, it also calls its goal "the minimum need." Adjusted for inflation, $75,000 back then is more than $1.3 million in today's dollars.

Back Cover

The brochure's closing statement really drives home the need.

"Won't you help in the present campaign for enlargement so that this Home can adequately care for more of the needy - especially orphaned children? SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND IS THE MININUM NEED. Much more can be used to excellent advantage. Some "homes" which do not care for a much larger population have "plants" and endowments running into the millions - in one case nearly $20,000,000. But $75,000 can only be raised by the wholehearted co-operation of every public-spirited and charitable man and woman in this north country. Please do your part."

The brochure was signed by "Officers of the Enlargement Campaign Committee." In addition to Mr. Husler, the committee included: Honorary Chairman John C. Howard, Vice Chairmen Webb Griffith, Thomas Spratt, and Julius Frank, as well as Treasurer Samuel W. Leonard, of the Care Ogdensburg Bank, and Secretary Edward Dillingham.

Over the years United Helpers has hosted several other capital campaigns and unique fundraising opportunities. This year is no different and in celebration of our 125th anniversary United Helpers will be holding a 125th Anniversary Gala. 

The gala will take place on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Stables at Windy Point in Potsdam. Supporters of United Helpers will come together for an evening of entertainment, live and silent auctions, cocktails, and a catered gourmet meal. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and YOU'RE INVITED!

To purchase tickets or sponsor the event, please visit, www.unitedhelpers.org/125gala.

Inside Pages

Happy National NonProfit Day

"I suspect we were put into this world to make it better, and we must be about our business."

Society of United Helpers President Bessie B. Hoard in the 1928 annual report

By Benny Fairchild

Since the very beginning of the United Helpers organization, we have relied on donations and the support of the community to bring the highest level of care we can to the people of the North Country.

In the early days of the organization, those donations often came in the form of food, personal hygiene products, or other items useful to the home.

Those gifts were detailed in the organization's annual report. The earliest annual report we have on copy comes from 1923 and details those donations. Highlights included a total of 130 loaves of bread, 18 packages of crackers, 35 packages of graham crackers, 40 pounds of sugar, 90 pounds of rice, 19 pounds of prunes, one can of kippered herring, one bottle of pickles, seven books, two brooms, 257 cakes of laundry soap, 59 cakes of Ivory soap, and 24 cakes of homemade soap.

That year's annual report also details 16 "individual gifts" totaling $924.11. The largest noted gift was $250.

Back in 1928 when United Helpers was celebrating its 30th anniversary, it was noted that a total of $1,350 was collected through "individual gifts," with an additional $257.20 contributed to the Christmas Committee. 

While the organization's annual reports by that time had stopped listing donations of food, they did report on the harvest from their facilities garden. Twenty bushels of onions, two bushels of beet greens, 12 bushels of lettuce. three bushels of carrots, 124 quarts of string beans, 631 cucumbers, and 76 dozen ears of corn highlight the report.

United Helpers which had been operating as a nonprofit since it was founded in 1898 was certainly among those who benefitted from the Revenue Act of 1917, which declared that donations made to recognized nonprofits could be tax deductible.

When originally passed organizations could simply declare themselves a nonprofit. According to a history of nonprofits and how charitable gifts can affect your taxes on the IRS website, it wasn't until 1969 when President Richard Nixon signed The Tax Reform Act of 1969 into law, that nonprofits were required to be certified by the IRS.

One could likely assume that certification aided in fundraising efforts though, and in 1946 The Society of United Helpers was officially recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization well before the time it became required.

In a letter to United Helpers from the IRS signed by Exempt Organization Branch Chief J. F. Worly this was made official on June 20, 1946.

"Based upon the evidence submitted, it is held that you are exempt from Federal income tax as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code," he wrote.

Mr. Worly continues, "Contributions made to you are deductible by donors as provided in section 170 of the code."

Today donations to United Helpers continue to be tax deductible, and community support is more important than ever. Learn more about how you can help United Helpers by visiting wwwunitedhelpers.org/giving.