With meticulous handiwork, Tom handles each dish, cup, and utensil with care. He has worked at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, N.Y. for over 10 years, where he manages and prepares all dishes for cleaning and sanitizing. Tom participated in the work-study program in high school and then started his journey through Springbrook’s Self-Directed Services program, which helped guide him into his current role in cleaning and sanitizing dishes in the industrial kitchen of the resort hotel.
Tom currently works part-time, Monday through Friday in the morning at the hotel. His main responsibilities include working at two sinks with the automated dishwasher that can hold four trays at one time which circulates down the belt where Tom stacks clean dishware into the designated locations in the kitchen. Tom expressed enthusiasm for washing and sanitizing dishes, and for working alongside everyone in the kitchen. “Tom is happy, consistent, and always comes to work with enthusiasm for what he does,” shares Andy, Tom’s job coach. Andy connected with Tom through his mother at the school when Andy worked as a substitute teacher, and he was asked to become a job coach for Tom. Tom and Andy have worked together for four and a half years. Andy remarks, “This job has given me the most satisfaction because Tom has been so enjoyable to work with.” At times the kitchen can be quieter, but Tom is always willing to help out by sweeping, mopping, and other cleaning tasks when needed.
“He’s always been a Rockstar,” praises Caroline, the executive steward for the kitchen of the Otesage hotel. She started supporting Tom this summer in his role, but she also knows Tom and his family from their church community. Caroline shares that Tom always has a great smile and a positive attitude towards his role and is exceptionally efficient in handling his responsibilities.
In the afternoons, Andy will take Tom, and his twin brother, Chris, to work out at a local gym. Tom and Chris also volunteer with their local fire department, as they are both certified fire police. Tom and Chris’ mom shared that being a part of the community has always been very important to the family and they feel at home in Cooperstown. People will even stop their car to wave and say hello to Tom and Chris.
During the winter months, when the work at the Otesaga slows down, Tom shifts his time to the Clark Sports Center’s Housekeeping Department. At the Clark Sports Center, Tom is responsible for multiple areas used by its members including the bowling alley, lobby, stairwells, and second-floor exercise area.
Tom hopes to work at The Otesaga Resort Hotel and the Clark Sports Center for many more years and to continue making a difference in his community, all with a big smile on his face and a positive attitude every day.
