Awards and New Board Members Announced

Congratulations to the following recipients on receiving the “Distinguished Service in Agriculture Award”, “Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County Community Service Award” and “Friend of Extension Award” at the CCE Niagara Annual Meeting on October 26th.

The “Distinguished Service in Agriculture Award” recognizes long term service to agriculture and to those individuals who have been active in farm or non-farm organizations with an emphasis on service. The awardees this year were Deborah and John Sweeney. Deborah and John have been active in agriculture throughout their lives and operate Maple View Dairy with John’s brother. Both have held a variety of volunteer positions at CCE Niagara and are active in many other community organizations as well.

The “Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara Community Service Award" was developed to honor persons who are making significant contributions to CCE Niagara through their time, actions, talents, and dedication. The awardees of the “Community Service Award” were Robert Lewis from Relco Inc., Peter Ketch - Antique Tractor Parade Chair, Brian Waters – retired dairy farmer and CCE Board Member, Rosanne Dobash – CCE Master Gardener and Tri-Town Ambulance Service, Inc.

The “Friend of Extension Award” is the highest recognition presented annually to honor individuals, businesses, or organizations outside of Extension for their outstanding support and personal involvement in furthering Extension efforts. This year’s awardee of the “Friend of Extension Award” was Mike Landers from Howell Motors Ford, Inc. The impact of his commitment in supporting CCE Niagara and youth education has extended well beyond his community. Mike has been a loyal partner to CCE Niagara for many years and has been instrumental in attributing to the success of several Niagara County Fairs.

Also recognized were the following CCE staff for years of service. Nicole Cyr – 5 years, Jen Regan – 10 years, Heidi Feltz – 10 years, and Darlene Farnham – 35 years.

The following candidates were elected to the CCE Board of Directors: Kristie Binks from Binksberry Hollow, Niagara County Legislator Jeffrey Elder, Ken Fisher from Edward Jones, Mary Schroeder CCE volunteer and Treasurer, Brian Waters retired dairy farmer and CCE volunteer, William Wyles from Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, and Megan Zoladz educator at John F. Kennedy MS in Cheektowaga.

Last updated November 1, 2023