Briefs: Visions FCU, Loaves & Fishes, Hero of the Month

Visions CEO Tyrone Muse enters CUES Hall of Fame

Talent development leader CUES (Credit Union Executives Society) announced the winners of its annual awards and the class of 2021 Hall of Fame inductees. Winners were announced Oct. 21, during the CUES Member Appreciation and Awards Event, and among the Hall of Fame inductees honored at the event was Tyrone Muse, president and CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union. This year’s awards honored credit unions and individuals across the nation with various awards for accomplishments such as exemplary leadership, innovation or advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The 2021 inductees into the CUES Hall of Fame were recognized at the event for their contributions to the credit union industry, involvement in community service, education and a history of self-improvement and contributions to CUES. “This Hall of Fame recognition is well deserved,” said Alan Hertel, president of the Visions Board of Directors. “It didn’t take long to realize we ‘hit a home run’ when we hired Ty some eight years ago. He’s very active in the credit union movement, and I know he’s viewed by the industry as a true leader and valuable contributor. I know I speak for the entire Board when I say, ‘Congratulations, Ty.’ We are all proud of you!” Along with Muse, this year’s Hall of Fame inductees included Ed Bergen, president and CEO of Sunova Credit Union Limited, and Kit Snyder, president and CEO of Consumers Credit Union. To learn more about Visions, visit visionsfcu.org.

 

FLRC’s Turkey Trot raises over $4,250 for Loaves & Fishes

While abiding by COVID-19 precautions surrounding masking and social distancing, the Finger Lakes Runners Club was able to hold its 49th annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning to continue its long-standing support of Loaves & Fishes of Tompkins County. The charity, which provides free meals to those in need, serves over 1,200 to-go meals every week. Overall, 289 runners participated in the prediction run this year, raising over $4,250 for Loaves & Fishes, a record amount. Race Director Bruce Roebal said, “The Turkey Trot is an Ithaca institution, and we’re pleased that we were able to bring back an in-person event to help raise money for the essential work that Loaves & Fishes does every day.” Rev. Christina Culver, executive director of Loaves & Fishes, said, “For many years, we have benefited from the generosity of Turkey Trot participants. However, the record-breaking $4,251 amount raised this year is especially impactful and appreciated. At a critical time, the funds will help us cover the increase in our expenses due to COVID-19. Thank you, Finger Lakes Runners Club!” The Finger Lakes Runners Club is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that has focused on promoting physical fitness and health through running since 1968. Based in Ithaca and drawing members from all over the Finger Lakes region, FLRC is dedicated to the love of running as a sport and as a way of life — for fun, fitness and camaraderie. The club has over 500 registered members and hosts 22 road, trail and track races annually for over 4000 finishers from ages 1 to 93. Founded in 1983, Loaves & Fishes of Tompkins County is a Christian ministry providing a place — in St. John’s Episcopal Church — for free meals, hospitality, companionship and advocacy for those in need, regardless of their faith, beliefs, or circumstances. Loaves & Fishes is Tompkins County’s only community kitchen serving free meals Monday through Friday. Learn more at loaves.org. In this photo: Culver (left) stands with volunteers at the 2021 Turkey Trot.

 

Kent Goetz named December Community Hero of the Month

The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Tompkins Trust Company, has named Kent Goetz (above) the December Community Hero of the Month for his extensive volunteerism in Tompkins County. The Community Hero of the Month Award recognizes individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community. Since 2018, Goetz has volunteered with Love Living at Home (LLH), a not-for-profit that offers a variety of services for adults 62 years of age and older who desire to continue living in their homes and neighborhoods. In total, Goetz has completed 120 services including building railings, fixing sliding glass doors and offering advice to homeowners before they contact a contractor so they feel more knowledgeable and confident. Because of his efforts, many of LLH’s members are able to age in place. Goetz is a professor emeritus at Cornell University’s Department of Performing and Media Arts. He was the resident scene designer at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts from 1991 to 2019, where he served as department chair from 2002 to 2008. Additionally, he has designed scenery and served as a scenic artist at numerous professional theaters throughout the nation including the Kitchen and Hangar theatres in Ithaca. Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz stated, “Tompkins Trust Company is pleased to recognize the extraordinary contributions Kent Goetz has made to the Tompkins County community as a whole.” Chamber President Jennifer Tavares added, “Our community is so fortunate to have someone like Kent, who gives so generously of his time to help those who cannot always do for themselves. I know that Love Living at Home and all of the individuals impacted by his work are so appreciative, and he’s very deserving of this honor.” To show the community’s appreciation for his work, Goetz was awarded a Community Hero of the Month plaque as well as a gift card for downtown Ithaca from Tompkins Trust Company. Learn more at tompkinstrust.com.