The winner of the 2nd Annual Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award is Dr. Ben Friedell of Bassett. Dr. Friedell was selected from a pool of 16 other worthy nominees, coming from a myriad of disciplines. Dr. Friedell was chosen as this year’s winner for his deep commitment to community and his self-less service to others. As a practicing family physician in our area for over 35 years, Dr. Friedell saw a need for a clinic and was instrumental in founding the Oneonta Community Health Center.

Congratulations to the other nominees who should be recognized for their remarkable efforts in their communities: Dr. Carol Beechy, Casey Beers, Maryanne Calkins, Kaler Carpenter, Amber Dudley, Amethyst Noel Gardner, Connie Jastremski, Maggie Johnson, Paula Johnson, Kristin Kulow, Carole and Michael LaChance, Marianne Meo, Carrie Sargent, Nancy Starkweather, Jamie Taggart, Jessica Weeden, and Jennifer Woertendyke.

Nominations for 2025 will reopen in August.

The winner of the innaugural Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award was announced in December of 2023. The first recipient is Lisa Schmitz, a Home Health Aide who was selected from 14 nominations that included people from all walks of life and from the three counties we represent. Lisa received a cash prize of $500, recognition on a plaque at the Helios Care offices, and a trophy for her home. Congratulations to Lisa!