Kent Goetz Named the December Community Hero of the Month
Tompkins Chamber, in partnership with the Tompkins Trust Company, has named Kent Goetz, 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 1991-2019 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.”
“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,” said Jennifer Tavares, Tompkins Chamber President. “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 will be awarded a Community Hero of the Month plaque as well as a gift card for Downtown Ithaca from Tompkins Trust Company.
About Tompkins Trust Company
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Trust Company has 13 locations in Tompkins County, Cortland, Auburn, and Syracuse. Bank services include complete lines of consumer deposit accounts and loans, business accounts and loans, as well as trust and investment services and leasing. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are offered through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information about the bank is available at www.tompkinstrust.com.
About Tompkins Chamber
With over 650 active members, the Tompkins Chamber is dedicated to making our community a great place to live and work. The Chamber is a progressive, forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting business in our region by being the community’s nexus. The mission of the Tompkins Chamber is to foster sustainable economic growth through service to our members, strategic advocacy, workforce development, destination marketing, and quality-of-life investments.
About Community Hero of the Month
The Tompkins Trust Company, in partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Hero of the Month Awards, which will give deserving recognition to individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community. The program will begin March 2021 and will announce community heroes each month.
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz shared his excitement for the new program, “We are looking forward to honoring these incredible community heroes who have done so much for Tompkins County and are pleased to collaborate with the Tompkins Chamber on this important and meaningful initiative” Hartzadded, “It is especially important to recognize the accomplishments of community members who have stepped up this past year, as COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the entire community.”
“This is a wonderful way for us partner with Tompkins Trust Company and show gratitude to these deserving community members who have demonstrated exemplary service to our community,” said Jennifer Tavares, President & CEO of the Tompkins Chamber. “We’re excited to highlight how much the Trust Company and Tompkins Chamber alike value strong leadership and commitment to our community with the establishment of this new recognition program.”
The monthly winners will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Trust Company.
