United Helpers Hosts Annual Summer Awards

OGDENSBURG – Employees from across the United Helpers organization recently gathered to honor and recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond and are representative of the company’s Always Caring tagline.

Two direct care employees, two behavioral health employees and one member of the organization’s office staff were honored.

The company’s oldest honor, The Margaret R. Spies Award was presented to Patricia Brothers and Kimberly Shaul.

Ms. Brothers, of Potsdam, works as a shift supervisor and MDSP at the Rensselaer Falls IRA. She was nominated for the honor by then Residential Manager Paul Linden.

“Patty is deserving of this award, because she demonstrates every day at that the job she does is “more than work” and not just a paycheck,” said Director of Residential Services Kimberly George while reading form Mr. Linden’s nomination letter. “She is being recognized today for her personal sacrifices and for helping to make UH a great place to work and for the program members to call home.”

Ms. Shaul, of Madrid, is a CNA at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care. When it came time to speak about Ms. Shaul and why she was deserving of this year’s award, Director of Nursing Alysha Troiano turned to people in her care.

Reading a quote from a resident identified as R.H., Mrs. Troiano said, “I don’t even need to ring my call light. Half the time, I don’t know where it is, but just as I think of something I need, she comes walking in before I get the chance to look for it.

This year’s Spies Awards were presented by Margaret’s granddaughter, Elizabeth (Spies) Clayborne. Mrs. Clayborne recalled visiting her grandmother at the nursing home in Ogdensburg.

“She always appreciated the staff who cared for her and had nothing but great things to say about them,” Mrs. Clayborne said.

Mrs. Clayborne noted she also has a brother with developmental disabilities, so her family understands what it’s like to care for folks from that population, as well.

Vice President of Corporate Services Michelle Matthews can remember being among the staff who cared for Mrs. Spies.

“She had difficulty sleeping and I was a CNA on the midnight shift, so often times she would keep me company,” Ms. Matthews recalled. “She was one of those residents that I remember to this day.”

On the behavioral health side of the organization, Licensed Master Social Worker Kurtis Ellison and Specialized Care Coordinator Dallas Bastien were recognized with Behavioral Health Heart Awards.

Mr. Ellison, of Canton, has spearheaded the company’s efforts to bring behavioral health care to students in school districts across the county. Currently United Helpers provides care to students at Edwards-Knox, Parishville-Hopkinton, Colton-Pierrepont, Norwood-Norfolk and Madrid-Waddington. Starting this fall, they will also be providing care to students in the Potsdam Central School District.

Lead Care Coordinator Kaitlyn Rayburn nominated Mr. Ellison. Reading from the nomination, Behavioral Health Director of Operations Breanne Snyder said, “Kurtis has gone above and beyond to implement counseling services into the school system making it easier to access for students and families in the community.”

The second Behavioral Health Heart Award went to an employee who began his time at United Helpers as an intern in the Care Coordination Department. Today he still works in that department, now as a Specialized Care Manager.

Mr. Bastien, of Canton, was nominated for the honor by his supervisor, Audrey Plourde.

“His skills do not end with his office work. In the community, he goes out of his way to help people in need. I have seen him resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience,” Mrs. Plourde said. “I feel that Dallas is a great representative of what the Behavioral Health Heart Award stands for.”

The organization’s Exemplary Professional Services Award went to someone who may very well be the first face new employees see once they’re officially hired.

Human Resources Assistant Jennifer Parker, of Lisbon began her career at United Helpers as a DSP before transitioning into an office position.

Ms. Matthews, who oversees the human resources department, said she couldn’t think of a better recipient for this award.

“She is a warm, friendly face who welcomes new employees into the United Helpers family and goes to any length possible to help them through the orientation process,” Ms. Matthews said. “Her focus is making sure that when she is done with her part in this brand new employee’s first day they think to themselves, ‘I really want to work here.’”

As United Helpers’ Behavioral Health Services continue to expand, the company wanted to create a way to recognize staff working in this department. Last year the first two Behavioral Health Heart Awards were presented. This year’s recipients were Licensed Master Social Worker Kurtis Ellison and Specialized Care Manager Dallas Bastien. From left, Mr. Ellison with his daughter Phoebe, Behavioral Health Services Director of Operations Breanne Snyder, Mr. Bastien and Health Home Care Coordination/Supportive Housing Program Manager Audrey Plourde.

The recipient of this year’s Exemplary Professional Services Award is among the first people new employees meet when beginning their career with United Helpers. Human Resources Assistant Jennifer Parker earned this year’s honor. From left, CEO Todd R. Amo, Human Resources Manager Jennifer LaFlair, Ms. Parker and Vice President of Chief Corporate Services Officer Michelle R. Matthews.

The winners of this year’s Margaret R. Spies Award represent the best in direct care. Representting Behavioral Health and Life Skills was Resident Supevisor and MDSP Patricia Brothers. Kimberly Shaul, a CNA at Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton won the award for the skilled nursing side of the company. From left, Director of Nursing Alysha Troiano, Ms. Shaul, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Director of Residential Services Kim George and Ms. Brothers.

Two Recognized for 50 Years of Service

CANTON – In July of 1974 Charles Bronson’s “Death Wish” was playing at drive-ins across the country, gas was only 53 cents per gallon, and Richard Nixon was in the final days of his presidency.

July of 1974 also marked the beginning of careers with United Helpers for both Joyce Simmons and Cynthia “Cindy” Cota, the first two employees in the 126-year history of United Helpers to hit the 50-year milestone.

Both women have worked in a variety of roles for the organization, something that Mrs. Cota said made working 50 years a bit easier than holding one position for that long.

Mrs. Cota has worked in Canton as a CNA, a therapy aide and a home health aide, while Mrs. Simmons has worked, mostly in Ogdensburg, as a cook, as a laundry aide and then as a housekeeper first for Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg and then for both Sparx and Northern Lights Home Health Care.

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons has worked with both women, working with Mrs. Simmons during his time as building administrator at the skilled nursing facility in Ogdensburg.

Mr. Parsons recalled celebrating Mrs. Simmons’ 40^th work anniversary. “She brought in cupcakes for everyone,” he recalled. “I asked her when she was retiring and she mentioned wanting to hit 45 years.”

Now on the occasion of her 50^th anniversary, Mrs. Simmons said she wants to be the first United Helpers employee to celebrate 51 years with the company. A feat that will made easier by the fact, Mrs. Cota is retiring at the end of this month.

“I work with a great bunch of girls and I just really love working,” Mrs. Simmons said. “I think I’m going to keep going as long as I’m healthy and able,” she said.

As for Mrs. Cota, she said the first few months of her retirement will be tied up with an ongoing home renovation project.

Mr. Parsons said he remembers the first time he met Mrs. Cota, noting it was his very first day on the job. “Whoever introduced me to Cindy said something like, ‘This is Cindy and she’s been here forever,’” he recalled with a laugh. “And that was 23 years ago.”

The careers of both Mrs. Cota and Mrs. Simmons were recently celebrated at the United Helpers Summer Awards ceremony, where each were presented with an engraved clock. Both women were also given a cash bonus.

This month Cynthia “Cindy” Cota and Joyce Simmons both celebrated 50 years of service with the United Helpers organization, becoming the first two employees in the company’s 126-year history to hit that impressive milestone. Mrs. Cota will be retiring at the end of the month, while Mrs. Simmons said she wants to become the first person to celebrate their 51^st anniversary. From left, United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Mrs. Simmons, Mrs. Cota and Sparx Vice President of Operations Katherine Race.

After Four Years of Letters, Pen Pals Meet at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care

CANTON - During the COVID-19 pandemic when the whole world went into isolation, Myrtle Butterfield, then a resident in the Assisted Living Program at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton made a new friend with whom she would communicate for years before meeting each other face to face for the first time earlier this week.

At the time Brianne Printup worked at Clarkson University. She thought it would be fun to write letters to residents at area nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 

Since that time Ms. Printup and Mrs. Butterfield continued writing and have done so on a regular basis for the past four years. Today, Mrs. Butterfield remains a resident at Rehabilitation and Senior Care, now residing in the skilled nursing wing. Ms. Printup no longer works at Clarkson and lives downstate, but her connection to the North Country remains through family in the Massena area and her relationship with Mrs. Butterfield.

United Helpers Activities Leader Lauren Martinchek has also been involved since the beginning, serving as Mrs. Butterfield's "secretary" and helping her write the letters which would form the backbone of this unique friendship.

"When they were chatting today, I don't think I have ever seen Myrtle so happy," Ms. Martinchek said. "And Mrytle is usually a pretty happy lady."

Brianne Printup began writing letters to Myrtle Butterfield four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic when resident at the nursing home were having little to no contact with the outside world. Earlier this week, after exchanging letters for four years, they met for the first time. From left, Ms. Printup. Mrs. Butterfield, and Activities Leader Lauren Martinchek. Mrs. Butterfield credits Ms. Martinchek with helping her write the letters, jokingly calling her, "my secretary."

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. 

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

Coalition Aiming to Inform Public of State's Neglect

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers COO Stacey Cannizzo is joining leaders from 25 other non-profit nursing homes across Upstate New York in sending strongly worded statements to media in their community to alert citizens of the on-going lack of response from the governor on senior care issues.

“The end of 2022 marks a troublesome new milestone that most people are unaware of,” Mrs. Cannizzo wrote. “It marks 15 years since the state has raised the daily Medicaid rate paid to nursing homes to account for inflation.”

Given that the last increase was awarded in 2008 this failure extends back prior to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration through Andrew Cuomo’s entire 11 year term and into the final years of David Paterson’s time as governor.

“New York has distinguished itself as being dead last, or at best second to last, in what it reimburses nursing homes compared to actual costs,” Mrs. Cannizzo wrote citing multiple studies which compare nursing home costs and reimbursement rates across the country.

Citing those same studies, Mrs. Cannizzo said many states responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing the rates paid to nursing homes for care. At the same time, New York State cut those rates, not once, but twice, leading to a shortfall that exceeds $140 per resident, per day.

The lack of funding, she said is also making the staffing crisis faced by everyone in the medical community that much worse for nursing homes. 

“Nursing homes are unable to compete for the quality workforce we all aspire to. The result is very real if you’re in need of nursing care,” she wrote. “Due to staffing limitations, United Helpers is, for the first time in its history, leaving beds vacant.”

United Helpers is not alone, she said. Citing coalition data, Mrs. Cannizzo said there are more than 6,700 beds sitting empty for those same reasons, which is also negatively impacting hospital systems across the state. 

“When hospitals cannot discharge patients who need nursing home services, there are fewer, or in some cases no beds, for patients who truly need hospital care,” she wrote, adding this can also lead to patients sometimes being sent to facilities outside of the area, farther away from their families and loved ones.

In response to the past 15 years of neglect, Mrs. Cannizzo said the coalition is asking for a 20% increase in reimbursement rates to be included in the 2023-2024 budget.

“This is still less than half of the increase in costs we have absorbed over the past 15 years,” she wrote, noting the coalition has calculated that costs have risen by 42% over that same time.

“The people we serve deserve better from New York State. The outstanding employees who work in these settings deserve better. The family members who rely on us today, and the community who will look to us in the future deserve better too,” she said.

Those wishing to support the coalition’s efforts may send an automatically generated message to Gov. Hochul by visiting https://p2a.co/Q2wLwJZ. People may also reach out to Assemblyman Scott Gray, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, Senator Mark Walczyk, and Senator Dan Stec.

Mr. Gray, Mr. Blankenbusg, Mr. Walczyk, and Mr. Stec all represent portions of St. Lawrence County in the state legislature.

 

On the web:

https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/mark-walczyk

https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/daniel-g-stec

https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=116 (Scott Gray)

https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Ken-Blankenbush

United Helpers Joins Coalition Fighting for Our Seniors

CANTON – United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton is one of 26 non-profit skilled nursing facilities from across Upstate New York taking part in a coalition aimed at delivering the message to Albany that they can no longer continue to ignore senior citizens and their families who rely on these facilities for care.

As part of this effort the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors, as well as the Society of the United Helpers Board is asking members of the public to reach out to Gov. Kathy Hochul through this link, which will generate a message on your behalf, https://p2a.co/Q2wLwJZ.

“Skilled nursing facilities all across New York have not seen an operating rate inflation adjustment in their Medicaid reimbursement rates for 15 years, going back to 2007,” said United Helpers Chief Operating Officer Stacey Cannizzo. “These stagnant rates have led to operating losses, not only for United Helpers, but for facilities all across the state.”

According to data compiled by the coalition, the 26 facilities have a census capacity of 4,631 beds with an average financial loss per bed of $25,384 per year.

Over the past several years these losses have led to the closure of more than a dozen senior care facilities in the region, including United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg in 2021.

Using data provided by coalition members, there is a combined loss of $81.6 million for its 26 members in 2022. That’s an average of almost $3.14 million per facility.

“It’s almost as if the people responsible for making these funding decisions do not have parents, grandparents, or other loved ones who receive or could potentially one day receive skilled nursing care,” Mrs. Cannizzo said. “It’s disheartening to constantly read in the newspaper or see on TV about the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars available to other types of health care providers, but when it comes to folks in facilities such as ours, there is seldom any money available.”

With nearly 80% of the people receiving care through United Helpers relying on Medicaid and/or Medicare to pay for the services they receive, Mrs. Cannizzo said reimbursement rates from the government only provide enough funds to pay for roughly 50% of that care.

“The bottom line is New York State needs to do better for our seniors,” she said. “Along those lines we are compelling the state to provide skilled nursing facilities with a 20% increase to their reimbursement rate. We recognize that a 20% increase may sound like a lot, but if the state had not gone 15 years without an increase, we would not be in the situation where their lack of action has led to the closure of facilities such as ours.”

Mrs. Cannizzo said she would like to reassure both United Helpers employees, as well as family members for those receiving care in Canton that United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care is not in danger of closing at this time, but without some changes to the state’s funding structure each year that passes puts us closer to that point.

“For many of us our parents and grandparents are among the most important people in our lives. They deserve the same level of love and care in their golden years that they provided to us as children and young adults growing up” Mrs. Cannizzo said.

United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors President Dr. Galen Pletcher said the time for people to act is now.

“Skilled nursing facilities such as ours have been preaching this message for years, but it has continually fallen on deaf ears,” he said. “Perhaps if our representatives started hearing from the people they rely on for votes and campaign contributions, they will finally hear our message.”

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.

Booze and Tattoos Leads to Lots of Laughs at United Helpers in Canton

CANTON – The laughter and cheering could be heard as soon as one walked into United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care on Friday afternoon. The cause for celebration though wasn’t an overly competitive game of bingo or even a concert featuring hits from Elvis or Johnny Cash, rather it was a special event called ‘Booze and Tattoos.’

Activities Director Dawn Kimble said she wasn’t sure what to expect when approached with the idea, but it didn’t take her long to realize this wouldn’t be the last time they hosted such an event.

“It’s certainly different from what we normally do,” she said. “As we were setting up residents were coming out of their rooms and we actually had a line of people waiting for tattoos at 1:30.” The event was slated to begin at 2 p.m. 

As one could expect, the tattoos weren’t real, but for the residents in attendance that didn’t matter. Beverages served included NA beer, sparkling grape juice, and wine.

“Sometimes we’re lucky if we have 10 people come out of their rooms for an event, but today, I think we had pretty close to 30 people here,” Ms. Kimble said. “We use music all the time to help bring people back to the good ole days, but I think the opportunity to enjoy a drink with their friends and maybe get a tattoo really resonated with them. I have no doubt that at least a few of them were transported back in time to a Friday night at their favorite watering hole.”

The idea for ‘Booze & Tattoos’ came from United Helpers Board of Trustees Member Marti MacArthur, who saw a posting on Facebook that had gone viral from when a senior care facility in Florida had hosted a similar event.

In an email sent to United Helpers CEO Todd Amo, she wrote, “Would we be allowed to do this anywhere? It looks like they had so much fun.”

Mr. Amo then forwarded the email to Ms. Kimble, who placed an order for temporary tattoos and began planning for the unorthodox festivities.

Flowers, butterflies, turtles, hearts, dragonflies, and more were among the tattoos available, and while most residents chose to have tattoos placed on their hands or arms, one resident had a tattoo of a butterfly placed on the small of her back, and another had a firefighter’s helmet placed atop his head. 

“While events like this may not be for everyone,” Ms. Kimble said, “People don’t want to stop living their best life just because Father Time may have forced them to slow down a little bit.”

Ms. Kimble said there were more than enough tattoos left over to host a similar event again in the future. “There’s little doubt in my mind we’ll do this again,” she said.

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg Working to Relocate Residents, Staff; Still Hiring Across Organization

OGDENSBURG - United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg has been working with residents, resident representatives and staff on the pending closure of the facility.   

Progress has been made with the placement of residents and staff as we work our way through the closure process. The current resident census is 89. No residents are being relocated outside of the North Country, and the facility is actively securing alternate placement and care according to their individualized preferences.

United Helpers has offered work for all direct care staff affected by the closure at other locations throughout the United Helpers organization. The Human Resources department is assisting staff with a training and a transition plan as the census declines in the Ogdensburg skilled nursing facility.

In addition to retaining our valuable staff, there are other opportunities for direct care and increased pay incentives. United Helpers has work available throughout St. Lawrence County allowing employment close to home in a team-oriented environment. Opportunities are still available in the areas of home health, skilled nursing, assisted living, housing and the developmental and intellectually disabled population. 

 Inquiries by residents or their representatives should be made to Stacey Cannizzo, VP Clinical and Quality Services/Compliance Officer at slcannizzo@unitedhelpers.org, (315) 393-0730 or (315) 393-3072 ext. 313.

Inquiries related to employment opportunities should be made to Human Resources at:  tlgotham@unitedhelpers.org. You may also contact Tapanga Gotham for more information at (315) 393-3072 ext. 4270 or call/text (315) 276-6413.

Massena Woman Receives 125-plus Cards to Celebrate 90th Birthday

CANTON – Walking into Lucia Johnson’s apartment in the Assisted Living wing of United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton, one can’t help but to notice the unique décor on her walls.

 

There are funny cards and serious cards, religious cards and heartfelt cards, many even from strangers, on display. Some of the cards contain handwritten notes, while others just have a signature, but they all say one thing, “Happy Birthday.” 

Lucia (Catanzarite) Johnson with just a few of her cards.

 

Mrs. Johnson turned 90 years old on Tuesday, April 13, an occasion highlighted by Ellen Emery in her weekly column “Over Coffee with Ellen.” “So far I’ve received 125 cards,” Mrs. Johnson said. “I don’t know what to do with them all, but I have read each one.”

 

In addition to birthday cards, there are a couple of other items plentiful in her apartment… recipes and poems.

 

“I worked as a field editor for Taste of Home for 10 years or so,” she said, adding that over the years she’s had several of her own recipes published in the magazine. “If you go online, you can find my picture and some of my recipes there.” (see recipes at end of article)

 

“I’m full-blooded Italian, so you know that means I love to cook,” she said, noting her maiden name is Catanzarite. “Whenever we had guests or friends over I would always make something I had never made before.”

 

Mrs. Johnson even noted she’s self-taught in the kitchen. “My mother had six children, and she never wanted us in the kitchen while she was cooking, so I had to learn on my own,” she said. “I think I did alright.”

 

As for the poetry, Mrs. Johnson published a book of her poems as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, raising over $500 through sales of her book. That’s only a drop in the bucket though when considering that with three of her daughters, Marilyn, Stephanie, and Charlene, the family has raised more than $50,000 for Alzheimer’s research.

 

“That’s something we’re very passionate about,” she said. “My husband Leon passed away from that.”

 

Prior to moving to Assisted Living just over a year ago, she lived in Massena, where she was born and raised. “I lived there my whole life, until I came here,” she said. “I love it here though, everyone is always so nice.”

 

Mrs. Lucia said she’s not planning to go anywhere anytime soon.

 

“I had an Aunt who lived to be 108,” she said. “Her mind was fine all the way to the end. We used to love to hear her tell stories about Italy, because she grew up there.”

 

Mrs. Johnson also said that history was also a popular topic of conversation with her aunt. “She remembered when the Titanic sank and she would often tell us about that or other major events from her lifetime,” she said.

 

Now Mrs. Johnson is the one telling stories, looking back at an incredible life full of accomplishments, and changes in the way we live that no one could have ever imagined when she was growing up.

 

“One of my daughter’s wanted to post something on Facebook as a way to thank people for all of the cards. She asked me what to write. “I told her to say, ‘I had a wonderful 39^th birthday,’” Mrs. Johnson recalled with a laugh.

 

On the web:

 

Quick Potato Corn Chowder - https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/quick-potato-corn-chowder/

 

Zucchini Onion Pie - https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/zucchini-onion-pie/

Spies Award Winners Honored

 

OGDENSBURG – As an organization, United Helpers employs well over 1,000 people. Each year, three of them are recognized as winners of the Margaret R. Spies Award.

“The award is only given to three employees, out of more than 1,000,” said United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight during a zoom meeting where the awards were presented. “It’s safe to say we’re recognizing the best of the best.”

“The best of the best” is also a phrase often used by Ann Spies to describe her mother, Margaret, for whom the award is named. Ms. Spies created the honor in memory of Margaret, a one-time resident of what is now United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg, as a way to honor and recognize direct care staff, such as those who cared for her mom.

This year’s awards went to Amber Evans, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ogdensburg, Crystal Klimowicz, a CNA in Canton, and Sherry Friot, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) from the Lisbon IRA, each of whom were nominated by their peers for the honor.

Timothy Parsons, who serves as Vice President of Operations in Ogdensburg where Ms. Evans works, said he was pleased to see her selected for the honor. 

Timothy Parsons, Amber Evans, & Marie Woods

"I am so happy for Amber,” he said. “She has been nominated several times by her co-workers over the past few years indicating that she is clearly one of our best CNAs.”

Mr. Parsons also had no shortage of stories to share when citing examples of things that make Ms. Evans a great CNA, but perhaps the most telling example wasn’t even included in her nomination packet.

“While we were accepting nominations, I received an unsolicited phone call from the daughter of a resident who had recently passed away,” Mr. Parsons said. “They wanted to make me aware of how special Amber was and what she meant to the resident and their family. They told me that their mother was so close with Amber that on more than one occasion she called Amber by her daughter’s name.”

The fact that Ms. Klimowicz was selected as Canton’s recipient is something that came as a surprise to no one, said Canton’s Vice President of Operations Kimberly Blair, who recalled a conversation with Ms. Klimowicz’s immediate supervisor. 

Kimberly Blair, Crystal Klimowicz, & Jessica Barr

“I spoke with her supervisor yesterday and she said that even before Crystal was a CNA, when she was working as a task aide, she knew she was going to shine,” Mrs. Blair recalled.

Citing another example, Mrs. Blair reflected on Ms. Klimowicz’s work as a mentor to other CNAs even before she was officially a part of the building’s mentoring program.

“She has helped us train new employees without being recognized or compensated for many weeks until she was able to attend mentor training,” Mrs. Blair said, reading from a nomination submitted by Robin L. Leonard, who oversees the building’s mentoring program.

Ms. Friot is one of the most impressive DSPs that her Program Leader Brady Dullea says he’s ever seen. 

Brady Dullea, Sherry Friot, & Michele Montroy

“In all my time working with OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) programs, I have never met anyone with all the abilities she has,” Mr. Dullea said. “There is no one who better embodies, ‘Always Caring.’ She never has an off day.”

Mr. Dullea said the opportunity has even arisen several times for Ms. Friot to be promoted to a supervisory position, but each time she politely declines, noting she doesn’t want to give up the level of involvement with direct care she enjoys now.

“Despite declining leadership positions, Sherry has never shied away from taking control when times get tough,” he said. “She has successfully handled many difficult situations, not because she wants to step up and take charge, but because she wants the best outcomes for the people living and working in the house.”

Each year since 2001 the Margaret R. Spies Awards has been presented to three employees — one each from United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg, United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton and United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills — who embody the most desirable qualities in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.  Nominations for the honor come from fellow United Helpers employees.

A plaque that lists the names of all the Spies Awards recipients hangs at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg.

To view video from this year's presentation, which was held via Zoom, please visit... https://zoom.us/rec/play/vcYkf-2op2g3SdSQ5ASDC6N9W426LqOs0XIa_6IEmEnhVXEGYVGhZ7sUZ-K_dKg4KszXBiA1Sk1tiOJG?startTime=1597165386000