FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2015
PRESS CONTACT: Monica Bardier
monica@mypingpr.com
603.660.6005

MANCHESTER, N.H. Pastoral Counseling Services (PCS) is pleased to announce this year’s honorees for the 20th Annual Good Samaritan Awards Dinner. Over the past two decades, PCS has honored more than 100 individuals who have gone above and beyond in their community. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6 at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford, N.H. from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available, the public is invited and welcomed to attend; individual tickets are for sale through PCS by calling 603.627.2702.

“The Good Samaritan Awards are an annual tradition to honor individuals who pursue extraordinary measures to strengthen communities and improve life in New Hampshire,” said Dr. David Reynolds, PCS Executive Director. “We are honored to celebrate this year’s slate of honorees at our 20th annual celebration. Those being honored have been chosen for their extraordinary community service. In two categories we are recognizing a husband and wife team.”

Over the past 20 years, PCS has honored citizens in six distinct segments of the community to include: Business, Education, Media & the Arts, Medicine and Healing, and Religion.

2015 Good Samaritan Honorees Include:

Business & Industry
Tim & Elizabeth Steele, Microspec Corporation

Tim & Elizabeth spend most of their days immersed in a world of highly specialized technology that designs advanced medical tubing for the medical profession. The work they do allows doctors around the world to perform surgical miracles, saving one life after another. Tim and Elizabeth were both born with a competitive streak but it was their compassion that brought them together.

Elizabeth grew up in an atmosphere of high fashion and Broadway theatre in Manhattan, with parents in the business. Her creative flair found her writing, producing and starring in personal performances with all proceeds going to local charities at a very early age. Donating the small amount of money she had earned gave her the best feeling in her life and one that would only grow. An early struggle with a minor learning disability threatened her confidence at one point, but the genuine kindness and patience of her fifth grade teacher helped Elizabeth to push through it and believe in herself – something she would never forget. Graduating from college with a double major in Chemistry and English, she went on to get her graduate degree from BU Medical School, write teacher’s guides for NOVA, design children’s books and produce a cable TV show for teens. Her greatest accomplishment was to found Leadership Teacher, an educational non-profit designed to connect teachers with local business to showcase real world application of curriculum.

It was during this time she met Tim, at the reigns of a very successful company, shared her enthusiasm for unleashing the potential of high school students by challenging them to believe in themselves. A graduate of Lehigh University and their first ever All American long distance runner who was a candidate for the US Olympic team, Tim was side lined by an injury, thus pursuing his entrepreneurial spirit by building Microspec. Attributing his world renowned success to being a part of a cross country team to help each other cross the finish line, Tim joined forces with Elizabeth to merge their passions and compassion, helping others and investing in the community that brought them together. Their generosity abounds, encouraging their employees to do the same. Tim insists “you have to share your expertise. You promote creativity through communication”.

Tim and Elizabeth live by example, creating a bridge of hope for all who need it, sharing their steadfast passion for supporting and improving the community they call home. Tim sits on two Boards, the New Hampshire Dance Institute and Social Entrepreneurial Student Leadership, as well as Lehigh University. Tim and Elizabeth live in Hancock, proudly sharing a merged family of five grown children.

 

Education
Jim Burke, NH Institute of Art

A well known Manchester native, Jim Burke’s artistic ability and “”illustrious career”” was detected quite early in life with the distinction of being named “class artist” in his Kindergarten class. Two years later he won his first state-wide art competition sponsored by the New Hampshire Union Leader.

Jim credits his family’s endless support of the arts, as well as his very encouraging 5th grade teacher, Tom Clow at Webster School, for fueling his passion for a career as an artist and educator.

After graduating from Manchester Central in 1992, and Syracuse University in 1996, Jim received his first children’s book contract. This was the beginning of Jim’s publishing career, in which he has now illustrated ten award-winning books with publishers including Little, Brown & Co,. Scholastic, and Harper Collins.

After living three years in Kansas City, MO, Jim and his wife Suzanne moved to Brooklyn, NY, where he began teaching at the renowned Pratt Institute. He soon became a sought-after speaker at Colleges and Universities, and also began teaching as a Visiting Artist at Syracuse University.

Jim and his family returned to Manchester, NH in 2009, upon an offer to Chair the Illustration Department at the New Hampshire Institute or Art. A major focus of the department’s curriculum encompasses community collaborations, giving his students an opportunity to work with Easter Seals of NH, Opera NH, Palace Theatre, CASA, Red River Theatre, NH Audubon, an the Rock-On Foundation.

Jim’s parents Tom and Marge Burke always had their five children involved in giving back to the community through organizations such, Special Olympics, Easter Seals and Challenger Baseball, which Jim feels it played a major role in shaping the person he is today.

No stranger to the Award Winner Circle, he is the recipient of 6 Awards of Excellence from the Original Art Show (NYC), a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators Museum of American Illustration, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum and Gold Best Book Awards, as well as starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. He earned his MFA from the University of Hartford in 2012. A 2013 member of New Hampshire Union Leader’s “40 Under Forty”, Jim serves on the Board of Directors at the Palace Theatre, and as a Corporator with Cantenbury Shaker Village.

He and his wife Suzanne live in Manchester with daughters, Ella, Nora, and McKayla.

 

Medicine & Healing
Kendall Snow, Social Worker, Manchester Mental Health (retired)

Kendall Snow has spent close to five decades making life better for countless people in the greater Manchester area, a passion fueled by his deep belief that the health of a community begins with the individual living in that community. When he was hired by the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester back in 1966 as a counselor, he rolled up his highly credentialed MSW sleeves, went to work and never stopped advocating the importance of Mental Health, with an emphasis on wellness.

His dedication to educating the public on the importance of mental wellness is evident in his ongoing work in the community, giving presentations to elementary, middle and high schools as well as colleges, organizations and corporations throughout the state. In addition he created an annual symposium designed to inform members of the community on issues such as motivational interviewing, brain research and stages of change, opening doors of communication and understanding on all levels.

Ken has always taken an active role in legislative issues, organizing and taking part in Forums to educate legislators on services and issues in the Mental Health field. Against all odds, and with courage, he rallied support for a variance to allow Manchester’s first “club house” for those on the path to mental wellness to exist.

Since his retirement as most recently, VP of Community Relations for TMHCGM, Ken has found much to do about everything, beginning with his new role as NH State Rep. He volunteers as a coordinator of the Manchester City Kid’s Marathon, host of the Community TV show, Family Wellness, a member of the Manchester School Health Advisory committee, Board member of the Webster House and Amoskeag residencies. He is also a member of the NH Disaster Behavioral Response Team, member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council to end Homelessness, the Manchester Homeless Center Advisory Board, and the Manchester Regional Public Health Preparedness Advisory Council. No stranger to the award circle, his most recent was the Hiller “Mac” McCartin Community Integration Award in 2014 by the National Alliance for Mental Health, Bates College Community Service Award (2013), BU School of Social Work Alumni Association’s Outstanding Career in Social Work Award (2010) and Heritage United Way’s Lifetime Service Award (2005).

Ken lives with his wife Marnie, in Manchester. They have two grown children who live in the area.

 

Religion
Richard Tetreault, St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Ministry

Richard knew from an early age that he wanted to live a life of service to others. It was just his nature. Born in Laconia, he was raised along with his sister, in Claremont and Manchester, New Hampshire His father was a business owner and his mother a registered nurse. After graduating from high school he tried religious life before enlisting in the Army in 1966. His desire to care for the sick still tugged at his heart.

Employed at the Mt. Carmel Home in Manchester, he oriented as an orderly at Hillsborough County Nursing Home to get more experience. He continued on to get his degree in practical nursing in Cambridge, staying on as a staff nurse until returning home to Manchester to take the position of charge nurse at Mt. Carmel. Four years later he passed his state Boards and began a challenging career at NH Hospital in Concord working in the Acute and chronic Psychiatric Wards, until he was offered a position as Rehab. Nurse at the RMU at Catholic Medical Center, where he remained for 25 years He retired to care for his dear dying friend who passed a little over a year later. That year was one of the most rewarding, giving his friend the loving care so well deserved.

Since that time Richard, a deeply devout, compassionate man finds his calling in helping those in need, serving as Parish Nurse at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester, providing health checks and teaching health courses to seniors. In addition he coordinates the cathedral’s ministries to parishioners in nursing homes and high rise apartments. Through his steadfast guidance the number of parishioners receiving spiritual care has doubled. Richard sees this as what he was called to do and that he has benefited as much from it as those he serves on a daily basis.

Richard lives in Manchester surrounded by friends, and thanks God every day for those who have helped him receive this honor by their allowing him to serve them.

 

Arts & Media
Jacqueline O’Dowd, Nashua Chamber Orchestra

The Arts have always been a part of Jackie’s life, growing up in a home that was filled with both. Born and raised on the north shore of Long Island, New York, her father was a Japanese immigrant and her mother of Irish descent. Jackie was the youngest of five daughters who were all encouraged to reach for the stars to be and do whatever your heart desired.

Music and culture proved to be the place where that desire began with regular family outings to Lincoln Center in NYC to hear the Metropolitan Opera and much more.

After college, Jackie worked briefly in the advertising and entertainment field with Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta and New York, but it was when she first picked up a violin that her life would be changed forever. By then she and her husband were raising a family in New Hampshire, surrounding them with the same music, arts and theatre that Jackie had enjoyed. While taking lessons alongside her three children the teacher noticed a unique talent in Jackie’s style and offered her a teaching apprentice position in her studio. From there she became a student at the Suzuki Studio in Watertown, MA and currently in Waltham.

Following her dream to be a part of arts and music, Jackie spends countless hours volunteering for several arts organizations, running the business and presiding over the Board of the Nashua Chamber Orchestra for the past four years. In the theatre department, she served as co-producer of the Amherst PTA’s annual fundraising production for 7 years and is an adjudicator for the NH Theatre awards. She also serves as Board member, house manager and set painter for of the Manchester Community Theatre Players. I addition she has initiated her own successful school fundraiser for Amherst, called KidsArt, which turns student artwork into posters, tee shirts, calendars and mugs for sale, with all proceeds going to strengthening the elementary art curriculum. This summer she was asked by the Superintendent to start strings program for Amherst and is doing just that while working towards her Masters from Berklee in Boston. She also teaches violin at The Little Private School in Merrimack, Music & Arts In Manchester, High Mowing School in Wilton as well as in her home studio.

In her “spare” time Jackie enjoys running, biking, swimming, yoga, hiking, kayaking cooking and recently finished her first Olympic distance triathalon. New goal is to hike all 48 4K footers in the White Mountains. Jackie lives with her husband Jim and their three children in a very busy, arts and music filled home in Amherst. Whew!

 

Public Service
Peter & Christine Telge, Milly’s Tavern

Both Christine and Peter were born and raised in Manchester by families with Good Samaritan underpinnings. Peter, the son of a prominent local doctor, and one of the last physicians to do house calls; Christine the granddaughter of a Manchester mayor and whose mother was the first to start a domestic violence center in Manchester.

Upon graduating from Central High School, both went on to the University of New Hampshire. Peter found favor in playing pro tennis in warmer climes, graduating from the University of South Florida. Christine finished her degree at UNH and went on to earn her law degree from Franklin Pierce Law School. Peter would follow his real passion and open his first restaurant in 1986, Christine in practicing law. First meeting at that restaurant, they soon learned that as a couple they could make a difference in the world. The Telges now own and operate, Stark Brewing Company/Milly’s Tavern in Manchester, and Christine is the Southern Coordinator for the Friends of Norris Cotton Cancer Center. In her position, Christine raises awareness and funds for cancer research and patient services at Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

For over 20 years, Christine and Peter have offered their restaurant to help others in need by providing space for events, food and clothing donations, and safe harbor for the less fortunate. One of the most memorable occasions happened recently, when they opened their doors to help victims of a local fire. Over 30 people had been displaced. They reached out to the community for donations to help. The overwhelming turnout spoke volumes to the fact that providing space and a plan to a worthy cause opens countless doors of support. They have fed, clothed and welcomed the homeless to their restaurant on Christmas morning for the past 20 years adding a fundraising event to provide funds (over $50,000) and clothing donations for New Horizons where Peter actively serves as a board member. Since becoming parents, both Christine and Peter have made serving Manchester Youth a passion. Christine chairs the Central Pride Foundation, raising and awarding funds to Central High students to enhance their education, is fundraising coordinator for Manchester East Little League and co-chair for Chill Cares, an organization helping cancer patients to beat their diagnosis. Both avid volunteers for the Kids Cafe at the Salvation Army where they host an annual Halloween party complete with donated costumes for the kids, the event has evolved into a Pariseau/Telge family affair with both families making it happen. As parents, Peter & Christine want their children to continue the tradition, helping to collect donations, picking 150 pumpkins, working the event and distribute food during the holiday season for New Horizons. To hear their son tell a school peer who frequents the Kids Cafe that he has “saved a special costume for her” says a lot.

Peter and Christine believe being part of the community means providing help where help is needed. They are grateful that God has given them the opportunity to comfort so many people in need, allowing them to live the adage “Build it and they will come”. The Telges live in Manchester with their two sons, Tyler, 10 and Zachary, 8.

 

PCS is also pleased to announce former Good Samaritan Honoree, John Clayton as this year’s award dinner Master of Ceremonies (photo attached). John was recognized in 1996 by PCS for his work in the Media & Arts category. John is currently the executive director of the Manchester Historic Association and Millyard Museum. He previously spent 25 years as a reporter and columnist for the New Hampshire Union Leader, and he is the author of seven books about Manchester and New Hampshire. Clayton’s “In the City” column was a fixture on the front page of the Union Leader for more than 20 years and won numerous awards, including best local column from the New England Associated Press News Executives and “Best Local Author” from the readers of “New Hampshire” magazine. John received an Emmy Award for his work with New Hampshire Public Television where he was the long-time host of “New Hampshire Crossroads” and he was recently honored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council as one of its “40 over 40” cultural icons. For complete bio information, visit the PCS 20th Annual Good Samaritan Awards page.

About PCS

Pastoral Counseling Services (PCS) was founded in 1979 is celebrating 35 years and provides the best psychotherapeutic techniques while respecting the natural connection between the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions in the psychotherapy process. PCS is an agency in which clients Feel Heard, Feel Cared for and Feel Better. In addition to our counseling services, PCS impacts the vitality of the community by partnering with other non-profit organizations to help underserved & at risk populations with stress management techniques. PCS also honors those who pursue extraordinary measures to strengthen communities and improve life in New Hampshire with the Good Samaritan Awards, an annual tradition since 1996.