Trumansburg student and volunteer firefighter receives award

Audun Gruber-Hine, a senior at Charles O. Dickerson High School, was chosen to receive Trumansburg Rotary’s Service Above Self Award (SAS) for September.

The club aims to commend school-aged students within the Trumansburg Central School District, including homeschooled students, who demonstrate altruistic behavior. Nominees are observed by a community member before their names are submitted for consideration by the Trumansburg Rotary.

Gruber-Hine’s sister, Ash, nominated him for the SAS award, noting his work as a Trumansburg volunteer firefighter, which is especially significant at a time when fire companies are in great need of volunteers. 

Audun’s desire to help others led him to volunteer in the first place. After graduating, he plans to attend a fire protection technology program at Monroe Community College or Onondaga Community College to become a paid firefighter.

“Audun is a very energetic young man, with great willingness to learn, and is turning into the great asset we need,” commented Matt Taylor, the current fire company chief. “He is a very compassionate person and is well liked in the department.”

As a student and volunteer, Audun is proud to live and serve in Trumansburg, remarking that his favorite part of the community is its people.

“I have to say it’s all the nice people that live around here,” said Audun. “Everyone knows each other; everyone likes each other.”

When he’s not helping the community or attending school, Audun can be found on the basketball courts, playing video games and watching television.

The Rotary’s SAS selects those who exemplify its motto, “Service Above Self,” and who live the Rotary’s Four-Way Test, which asks: “Of the things we think and do, is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

Monthly SAS winners receive a $50 gift certificate to a Trumansburg business of their choice, with Audun choosing Little Venice.

At the close of the school year, a student is selected by the Rotary to receive a $1,000 award. Anyone in the community who knows a prospective nominee is encouraged to send in a nomination. Program guidelines and a nomination form are available under “Service Above Self Award” on the Trumansburg Rotary website, tburgrotary.org.

Trumansburg Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com or courtney.rehfeldt@gmail.com.

In brief:

Ithaca Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

This year’s Ithaca Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign kicks off Thursday, Nov. 16 and ends Saturday, Dec. 23.

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to ring bells at Trumansburg Shur-Save each day, Monday through Saturday, during the season from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in one-hour time slots.

Nancy Compese, the Ithaca Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary president, will coordinate the sign-ups and schedule for bell ringing at the Trumansburg Shur-Save. If interested, please email njcompese@gmail.com.

Jacksonville Methodist Church annual holiday bazaar

The Jacksonville Community United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1869 Trumansburg Rd. in Jacksonville.

The annual event supports local vendors and the Jacksonville Community United Church. Many local vendors will be found in the lower part of the church, alongside handcrafted items created by members of the congregation. 

Enjoy a light lunch at Santa’s Snack Shack, then try a delicious treat in the Craft Shoppe. Next door, at the Attic Thrift Shop, there will be second-chance holiday decorations and gift ideas.

The Harmony Falls Chorus will serenade those attending from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

27th annual Trumansburg WinterFest 

WinterFest returns on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event and its numerous activities, such as horse-drawn carriage rides, are free for all to enjoy. 

Hilby the German Juggle Boy will perform at 3 p.m., with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire truck at 5 p.m. A tree lighting is also planned, followed by a community sing-a-long, music by the Winter Wonderband and Magic by Mike & Michelle.

Many organizations and businesses will offer festive foods for free, including soup, popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate, hot cider and more.

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and take your own photo. The fire truck will stay on site for families to explore.

Attendees are encouraged to come early and stay late to enjoy all that Trumansburg has to offer on Main Street. 

Contact tburgwinterfest21@gmail.com with any questions.