SRMT Staff Appreciation Picnic at Barnhart Beach

On Friday August 2, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe held its annual staff appreciation picnic. The picnic catered by Big-E featured a barbeque lunch. There was enough to feed 700 people, and with an attendance of approximately half that, there was plenty of food to go around. There were activities for kids and grownups alike, as well as the beach for a swim. The weather was gorgeous if not for a little bit of rain, but all in all the turnout was great.

What might be the most talked about part of the event was recognition of five stellar employees for the Employee Enrichment Award. The award followed a nomination process by fellow employees who wanted to highlight substantial contributions to the organization by the nominees. The Employee Enrichment Award featured a plaque and a check for $300 to the recipients. Out of 25 nominees, five were chosen.

The first award went to Debbie Cree who as a member of the Intensive Preventive Program. Going above and beyond the call of duty is a regular thing for Cree, who was cited by Tribal Executive Director Tsiorasa Barreiro as providing a helping hand to all staff and all the families at IPP and promotes positivity in her walk and talk and provides it for the families.

The second award went to Les Benedict Sr., for all the work he has done for SRMT. Taking his own initiative, Benedict wrote a grant that helped put people in jobs helping community members clear their properties of debris from storm damage. Out of this program, one of its employees was even able to create his own business using the skills he gained while in the program as a tree removal service.

Third to receive an award was Marley Jock, who on May 3 helped an elderly patron at the casino who had collapsed and was reported to have no pulse. Jock stayed on the scene providing any support she could, which included comforting the patron’s companions, and stayed calm and orderly during this stressful event.

The fourth award was given to Megan Bushey, who was unable to attend the event as she has just recently given birth Wednesday, July 31. Bushey is the ACDP Officer at Salmon River Central School. After hearing one student’s wishes to go to the prom, but being unable to go due to financial hardships faced by her family, Bushey brought these concerns to a staff meeting and ultimately created the Gently Used Prom Dress Project, which provides gently used prom dresses and accessories for students in need. Bushey is also responsible for helping plan the SRC All Night Grad Party.

The final award winner was nominated 4 separate times, and is considered an unsung hero at the clinic. Michelle Hopps is a well-respected addition to the staff at the clinic, and is considered a great role model. Hopps takes initiative in performing her duties that she sees need doing, without being told to do so. She promotes positivity and is seldom absent from her job. Barreiro said, “We have never heard a cross word out of her mouth, or another employee criticize her work.” Cited for her commitment to keeping the front entrance clear of snow and slush, doing so 4 times in one shift, she is said to have done so out of a concern for the elderly patients who attend the clinic.

After the awards were given there was a 50/50 drawing in which two names were drawn and all the proceeds were given away. There were also hourly door prize drawings.