Janice and Fonda, co-managers of The UPS Store in Potsdam, were recently honored with the Service Above Self Award by the Rotary Club of Potsdam at its annual dinner. The award is presented to those who have made outstanding contributions to the Potsdam community.
Prior to becoming co-managers of The UPS Store, Janice and Fonda spent eight years managing The Copy Shop & Business Center, where they built lasting friendships and established deep roots within the community.
Their backgrounds in printing, customer service, art, and communications have provided an outlet for their shared passion for creativity, problem-solving, and community involvement. Both attended SUNY Potsdam, where Fonda studied art and communication; and Janice studied speech communications, psychology, and women’s studies.
Throughout their lives and careers, community service and volunteering have always been at the heart of what they do. Together and individually, they have served on numerous local boards and committees, including the Potsdam Holiday Fund Board of Directors, helping support local families, children, and senior citizens through fundraising efforts and outreach.
Most recently, they launched a new community fundraising event, “Paddle for a Claus,” a kayaking fundraiser scheduled for July 11.
They have also served on the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Events & Festivals Committee, supporting and promoting local businesses and community events.
Among their contributions was the creation of Outer Market Mania, which has grown into an Outdoor Expo and Children’s Touch-a-Truck event during the Potsdam Summer Festival, celebrating the North Country outdoors, while providing educational and hands-on activities for children and families.
Over the years, Janice and Fonda have participated in countless community fundraisers and service projects. They helped organize and served for many years as assistant director of the Hobble Gobble Run/Walk, benefiting local food banks throughout St. Lawrence County. They also helped establish fundraising efforts for the Potsdam Snack Pack Program.
In 2025, they participated in the Swim-a-Mile fundraiser for Hospice and for many years have participated in the annual Polar Dip fundraiser supporting River Hospital. They have also served as chapter advisors for the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and organized remembrance services for individuals and families grieving during the holiday season.
Whether volunteering at community events, fundraisers, or local programs, they are always willing to step in wherever extra help is needed.
Through their work at The UPS Store, Janice and Fonda take great pride in giving back to the community. With a partnership with Scholastic, they have donated tens of thousands of brand-new books to local children over the years.
They also launched an annual Back-to-School Fair, bringing together local businesses and organizations to help students prepare for the school year through school supply donations and community support.
They regularly organize collections for food, coats, and other necessities to assist local families and contribute annually to organizations such as the American Heart Association and Junior Achievement, helping support heart health initiatives and youth entrepreneurship education.
In addition, The UPS Store proudly supports countless local organizations, clubs, and nonprofits through donations, sponsorships, and community partnerships.
Janice and Fonda are known for always being ready to lend a hand, share creative ideas, solve a problem, and help make life a little easier for someone else. They are deeply grateful for the community they call home and are honored to give back in ways they hope make a meaningful difference.
Outside of their community involvement, they enjoy gardening, cooking, baking sourdough bread, photography, skating, golfing, crocheting, spending time on the water, and making memories with their family and cats — Chase and Jax — along with just about anything else that sounds like fun or a new adventure.
Left to right: Janice and Fonda Adderley, 2025-26 Rotary District Governor Graeme Fraser, 2025-26 Potsdam Rotary President Christina Delorenzo, and awards chair Mary Sue Foster.