Rising to the Top at Paychex

Kelly DelSignore, approaching her third anniversary with Paychex, is enjoying exceptional success. Shortly after finishing her second year as a Sales Representative, she earned level one Diamond Club status for setting up her 200th client. Entering her third full year she has already achieved Conference qualification with more than four months left to go in the company's fiscal year, a feat managed by less than twenty five percent of the sales force at Paychex. Kelly is well on her way to the next major milestone within the Paychex ladder: Circle of Excellence, accomplishing this will put her in an elite group representing the top 15% of the sales force.

Bravo Kelly, bravo!

Saratoga Bridges Hires New Position

Heather Varney has been named the new Development and Foundation Coordinator for Saratoga Bridges.  She will be responsible for creating and implementing an annual development plan for the agency and its foundation.  Heather will be coordinating all of the special events which include the 19th annual Saratoga Bridges Gala "The Black and White Ball," the 5th annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Golf Classic, the Saratoga Bridges Day at the Races and The Great Pumpkin Run, all of which benefit the Saratoga Bridges' Foundation.  Also, she will develop a planned giving program.
 
Saratoga Bridges has been a part of her life for over 15 years as her Mother, Cynthia Bruce, has worked in one the community-based homes since then.  Heather says, "I’ve always known of the hard work and dedication that she and other employees have given in order to provide the excellent services and care to individuals and families living with disabilities.  Each year I attended events and fundraisers for the organization and introduced many others to the many programs the agency offers.  It is through these experiences that have inspired me to want to become more involved.  I am very excited to continue old traditions and begin new ones, to increase awareness in the community, to produce successful events and to grow the foundation for the future."
 
Previously, Heather was Director of Electronic Marketing & Communications/Special Events Coordinator at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center .  She will obtain a Masters in Business Administration from The College of Saint Rose in May of 2008 and has BS in Business Administration/Marketing from Plattsburgh State University .  Heather has volunteered for March of Dimes, Albany Symphony Orchestra and SPAC.  She enjoys walking, attending concerts, listening to music, spending time with friends and family and rooting for the NY Giants and the Yankees.
 
As one of the largest non-profit organizations in Saratoga County , Saratoga Bridges has been providing programs to people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 50 years.  Throughout its’ history, family members, staff and volunteers have been committed to ensuring that those they serve are able to realize their goals, hopes and dreams.  They remain steadfast in their ability to offer the highest level of services to 750 individuals, by promoting their abilities, contributions and achievements in every aspect of community life. 

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

AREA ORGANIZATIONS JOIN FORCES WITH CDPHP® TO RAISE NEARLY $23.5K FOR THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK

** Funds Slated for Expansion of Kids Cafe Program Surpass Last Year’s Contributions **

In partnership with nearly 40 New York state businesses in the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Central New York areas, CDPHP® raised nearly $23.5K during its 2007 annual holiday appeal to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s local expansion of the Kids Cafe® program.

A national program, Kids Cafes provide free meals and snacks to low-income children through a variety of existing community organizations where children congregate. Currently, the Capital Region houses Kids Cafe programs in Lansingburgh and Schenectady.

“We are very grateful to CDPHP and the organizations that joined their appeal to raise the much needed funds for the expansion of our Kids Cafe program,” said Mark Quandt, executive director, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “Since launching the first local Kids Cafe in 2003, we have seen the need grow dramatically for additional sites throughout the region. This appeal will bring us one step closer to our goal of developing new locations.”

In addition to helping alleviate childhood hunger in the community, the Kids Cafe program offers a safe place where under the supervision of trustworthy staff, a child can get involved in educational, recreational, and social activities.

CDPHP launched the campaign with a donation of $5,000 and a commitment to match up to another $5,000 in donations from area businesses. Companies and organizations from counties across the state joined the appeal and contributed $13,380 to the Food Bank.

“CDPHP is pleased to lead the charge on an appeal that benefits such an amazing community resource as the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York,” said CDPHP President and CEO, William J. Cromie, MD, MBA. “We are very grateful to all of the donors who recognized the increasing number of children right here in the Capital Region who do not have access to three square meals daily. Our hope is that these funds will begin to improve this condition.”

The organizations that participated in the 2007 CDPHP Annual Holiday Appeal include:

Adirondack Cabling, Inc.
Akins Pharmacy
Albany Neuropsychological Associates
Anchor Agency, Inc.
Arthur Sgroi Associates
AWESCO
Beckman Converting, Inc.
Bloom & Bloom, P.C.
CapBen Consulting, Inc.
Capital Public Affairs, Inc.
Dr. Kathleen M. Catalano
The Costumer
CS Albany Realty, LLC
ESAC Appraisers Consultants
GENPAK, LLC
IBEW Local Union 236
Krause's Chocolates
JCB Specialties, Inc.
Mackenzie & Tallent Law Firm
Dr. Robert O. McCabe
Montgomery County Farm Bureau
Nedco Pharmacy, Inc.
NYS Office of General Services - Real Estate Planning and Development
Park Outdoor Advertising of NY, Inc.
R.J. Kennedy & Sons
Richard Altwerger, DPM
Rip Van Winkle Realty
Rubin Dialysis Center, Inc.
Russin Lumber Corp.
SAF Consulting & Print Services
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Scharf
Sterling Insurance Company
Success Secrets
Van Auken Express, Inc.
Viscusi's Aluminum Products, Inc.
Weatherguard Roofing Company
Webster Direct Marketing, Inc.
Wood & Seward, LLP
For more than 20 years, CDPHP has served as a strong corporate citizen assisting hundreds of community organizations throughout its extensive service area. CDPHP has been recognized nationally and regionally with awards and honors by many organizations for its strong corporate citizenship, health and wellness programs, and its diverse health insurance products.

About CDPHP®
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com.

TreePaad Goes Out on a Limb for Homeless Youth

TreePaad Family Entertainment Center on Dix Ave. held a benefit on December 31, 2007 for the Warren Washington Counties Homeless Youth Coalition. Over $1,400 was raised to support HYC's mission of reducing the homeless youth population in Warren and Washington Counties . "We were delighted to be able to help.", said TreePaad owner Patti Garrand. "Our business wanted to express our gratitude to HYC for the wonderful work they do with homeless youth and our fundraiser was our way of saying "Thanks!."" For a special price TreePaad patrons enjoyed unlimited play on TreePaad's most popular attractions. Also on hand were volunteers from HYC with information about the organization, as well as the Harrisena Youth Group. Garrand plans to hold another fundraiser for the group in December, 2008. "With HYC's new maternity group home project in the works, I know that our support will be needed." said Garrand. For more information visit http://www.hycwaithouse.org/ or http://www.treepaad.com/.


Photo L to R Patti Garrand, TreePaad, Duane J. Vaughn, HYC Executive Director, Anne M. Fuller, HYC Fund Development Coordinator.

Welcome Aboard!

Greater Adirondack Home Aides Welcomes New Board Members

Glens Falls, NY—Greater Adirondack Home Aides has named Teena Willard, Dr. Christian E. Mathiesen DMD, and Dr. Edward Kerr DDS, to the Board of Directors.

Teena Willard is currently an Advocate for the Saratoga County Options for Independent Living in Saratoga Springs, NY. Ms. Willard has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Skidmore College and is a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her experience with helping others is extensive and includes holding the position of Coordinator with the City of Schenectady Office of Disability Services, and working at the Glens Falls Independent Living Center as an Advocate and Independent Living Skills Trainer.

Ms. Willard is a current member of the Adirondack Accessibility Advisory Council and the City of Schenectady Mayor’s Task Force for Person’s with Disabilities. As a past member of the Greater Saratoga Council on the Disabled, she helped to successfully advocate for a ramp, elevator, an accessible bathroom in Saratoga Springs City Hall, a ramp on the Casino in downtown Saratoga Springs and a wealth of other projects. Ms. Willard resides in Gansevoort, NY.

Dr. Christian E. Mathiesen has practiced general dentistry in Saratoga Springs, NY since 1978 and is currently in private practice at 53 Spring Street in Saratoga. Dr. Mathiesen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Boston College, attended Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry, and is a member of the American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Association.

Dr. Mathiesen is presently the Director at Large for the Fourth District Dental Society and through this organization has held the positions of President in 2002 and the District Representative to NYSDA Council on Dental Benefit Programs. He has also been a member of the societies Peer Review Committee as well as a member of its Organization Committee for Saratoga Dental Congress. Dr. Mathiesen is currently serving on the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board and the Home Made Theater Board of Directors. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Mathiesen has achieved the highest possible honor available, the Mastership Award. He resides in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Dr. Edward Kerr opened his dental practice in Glens Falls NY in 1969 from which he is now presently retired. Dr. Kerr graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1961 and the University of Buffalo College of Dentistry in 1965. He served as a Captain in the US Army Dental Corps from 1965-1968 in Mannheim, Germany.

Dr. Kerr is a member of The American Dental Society, the New York State Dental Society, The Fourth District Dental Society of which he has served as the President, and the Glens Falls Rotary Club. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Warren County Cancer Society, the Glens Falls Area Youth Center, the Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Regional Board, and is currently serving on the Community Workshop Board. Dr. Kerr resides in Queensbury with his wife Beverly.

Greater Adirondack Home Aides is a not-for-profit, community-based United Way Member agency that had been providing home health care to area clients since 1965.