Dr. Galen Pletcher Recognized Posthumously with Emeritus Status

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome New Hires

 

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care

Tina Bender - LPN

Derek Wilson - LPN

Laura Carlock - CNA

Courtney Pannhurst - Task Aide

Christopher Gilson - Task Aide

Cassidy Ingram - Task Aide

Gabrielle Williams - Task Aide

Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Riverwood IRA

Caroline Nappi - DSP

Emma Crews - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Kendrew IRA

Michael Martin - DSP

Owen Houle - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Centennial Manor IRA

Jenna Pratt - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Behavioral Health Clinics

Kaylee Whalen - Revenue Cycle Coordinator

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Spruce Street IRA

Savannah Martin - DSP

Azarya Mereau - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Lisbon IRA

Kambree Lalonde-Measheaw - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Flackville IRA

Ameena Peters - DSP

Remembering David Margeson

Several members of the Ogdensburg Fire Department recently attended a brief ceremony in memory of David Margeson held at the Spruce Street IRA. The ceremony included the unveiling of two shrubs, appropriately named fire chief arborvitaes and a small plaque. From left, Ogdensburg City Firefighters Jack Lake and Brian Sias, Peayton Stark, who wrote an essay earning a grant for the IRA where David lived, Spruce Street IRA Residential Manager Karen Howie, and Ogdensburg City Firefighters Scott McCormick, Brian Kirby and Aaron Charlton.

When David Margeson first came to United Helpers in August of 2007, he arrived with a shoebox containing his personal belongings – some magazines, family photos, a few dollar bills and several toy firetrucks.

As he began to adjust to his new surroundings, it didn’t take staff at the Kendrew IRA in Rensselaer Falls very long to realize that David loved both firetrucks and firefighters.

According to Spruce Street IRA Residential Manager Karen Howie, he would eventually become an honorary member of the Rensselaer Falls Volunteer Fire Department. He would help wash trucks and even ride in them with other members of the department during parades.

In 2018 David moved to the McIntyre IRA and in 2020 he moved into the Spruce Street IRA in Ogdensburg. Those two moves just introduced him to more firefighters to become friends with.

In fact, when he celebrated his 85^th birthday, a party was held in his honor. In attendance was a truck from the Ogdensburg Fire Department along with several members of the city’s fire department.

Just over a month later, David would pass away.

“Every time David saw a fire truck his face would light up,” Mrs. Howie said. “Sometimes when David was having a bad day, he would even pull the fire alarm at the IRA, which of course would sound the alarms and then the local fire department would show up. A smile would begin to creep across his face as he could hear the sirens and then when the truck pulled up, his day would instantly turn around.”

It was while living in Ogdensburg that David met Peayton Stark. Peayton’s mother, Colleen Stark is a Medical Direct Support Professional (MDSP), and she would often bring Peayton to visit with program members.

“During those visits Peayton developed a special bond with David,” Mrs. Howie said.

This bond led her to write an essay nominating United Helpers for a $1,000 grant through the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth Giving Challenge.

In that essay she wrote, “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.’”

Her essay was selected and in memory of David, United Helpers used a portion of the grant to purchase two shrubs to plant at the IRA. Those plants, appropriately titled fire chief arborvitaes, were planted in the home’s front yard adjacent to a small monument, which of course includes a picture of a fire truck.  

The monument reads, “In Memory of David Margeson, a Friend & Inspiration to us all. 1938-2023.

Prior to the unveiling of the monument, both Mrs. Howie and David’s Advocate Stacey Cannizzo recalled David and the impact he had their lives, as well as those around him.

“One thing I’ll always remember about David is how much people loved him and how much he loved people,” Mrs. Cannizzo said. “Today is a testament to what David stood for which is family and friends.”

While his brother Paul was unable to attend the unveiling, David did have many friends in attendance, including staff who had cared for him, fellow program members and several members of the Ogdensburg Fire Department, who of course arrived in a shiny red fire truck with lights and sirens, just the way David would have liked.

Welcome New Hires

 

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care

Shelby Vallance - Task Aide

Rebecca Cooper - Task Aide

Elaina Lumley - CNA

Joanne Nelson - LPN

United Helpers Management Company

Darren Hirschey - Maintenance II

Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Riverwood IRA

Sophia Bobb - DSP

Kristen Snyder - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

High Street IRA

Danielle Youngs - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Spruce Street IRA

Alexis Bouchey - DSP

Emma Murphy - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Rensselaer Falls IRA

Angellee Jenkins - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Care Coordination

Gary Lewis - Care Manager

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.

Welcome New Hires

 

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care

Austin Jones - CN

Idil Ismail - CNA

Kaydence Spencer - CNA

Samantha Storie - CNA in Training

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Riverwood IRA

Jacalyn Austin - DSP

Katy Axtell - DSP

Abby Ashley - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Spruce Street IRA

Patrick Buckley - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Centennial IRA

Alexa Trimm - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Rensselaer Falls IRA

Liberty McIntyre - DSP

Former Snowbird Credits ISL Move for Preserving Quality of Life

CANTON – A former snowbird who decided he no longer wanted to travel back and forth between Florida and the North Country said he’s thankful for this move to United Helpers Independent Senior Living. In fact, both he and his children credit the move for possibly preserving the quality of life he’s able to continue enjoying today.

John Snell, formerly of Parishville, was speaking on the phone with his daughter, Kathleen Reagan, when something didn’t seem right. Mrs. Reagan noticed too. 

John Snell with his daughter, Kathleen Reagan

“We went from having a normal conversation to him not being able to put a sentence together and he said he wasn’t sure what was happening,” Mrs. Reagan recalled, adding she then hung up the phone with her father and called Community Housing Manager Jennifer Dean, who ran down to his room. 911 was called and it was determined that Mr. Snell was having a stroke.

The quick response from Mrs. Dean and the Canton Rescue Squad enabled Mr. Snell to begin receiving treatment almost immediately, helping to preserve his quality of life and limit the stroke’s impact.

Prior to his move into United Helpers Independent Senior Living Mr. Snell was living on his own. “My wife passed seven years ago and most of my friends have passed on too,” he said. “I would have been in Florida by myself and who knows how this would have turned out,” he said.

It was that sense of loneliness that led Mr. Snell to the ISL. “My daughters had mentioned it two or three times and then one day on my own I came to check it out and thought, that doesn’t look so bad,” he recalled.

Mr. Snell was living along Higley Flow during the spring and summer, while spending the colder months in Florida.

“I just wanted to have one place. I didn’t want to travel back and forth anymore and it just wasn’t practical to stay here by myself in the winter,” he said.

Since moving into the ISL, Mr. Snell said he has made several friends and also reconnected with some people he hadn’t seen in a long time.

“It was a big move, but I’m glad I made it,” he said. “Everything here is perfect. The staff, the residents, the cook, the custodian. They’re all very nice and there is a tremendous sense of community. When I got back from the hospital everyone was checking on me to see how I was doing and there were a lot of people willing to help me with anything I needed.”

If you’re interested in learning more about United Helpers Independent Senior Living, an open house will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 14. A virtual tour may also be taken at www.unitedhelpers.org or a private tour may be scheduled by calling (315) 379-1428.