The dedication of Robert and Mary Ellen Zickl to the children of Genesee County is a big reason the Batavia couple was honored on Friday at Terry Hills by The Jerome Foundation with the 38th Health and Humanitarian Award.

Besides taking children in need into their home for long and short stays, the Zickls have been advocates and supporters of Catholic education. Mary Ellen is also the founder of All Babies Cherished.

The 38th Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Robert and Mary Ellen Zickl of Batavia on Friday, December 1, at an awards luncheon at noon at Terry Hills Restaurant. The award presented by The Jerome Foundation recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.

Nominations reflected “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.” In naming Mr. and Mrs. Zickl for this year’s award, The Jerome Foundation will recognize them for their many humanitarian and volunteer efforts. 

The Zickls were nominated by Mrs. Karen Green, Principal of St. Joseph’s School. She notes, “Bob and Mary Ellen have opened their home to countless children over the years, whether it be a short stay or a long one. The loving, compassionate and safe home that they provide has lasting memories and effects on all those who are familiar with them. In two instances in particular, they opened their home to children who
were not their own, but who were treated as members of their family, with much love and support during particularly challenging times. I know they will forever consider the Zickl home to be their own.”

Both Bob and Mary Ellen have given countless hours of volunteer time to St. Joseph School and Notre Dame High School. Bob currently serves on the ND Board of Directors and St. Joseph School Board. He volunteers on the sidelines coaching ND football, as well as organizing and supervising athletes in the weight room, always promoting good fitness and healthy choices. 

Mary Ellen is Foundress of All Babies Cherished and currently is involved in the Rosary Society at Ascension Parish, chairing several committees. Both Bob and Mary Ellen are Ascension Church lectors.

Bob Zickl is an Assistant District Attorney for Genesee County. Mary Ellen is a retired Special Education Teacher. They have five children and reside in the City of Batavia.

The Health and Humanitarian Award luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by mailing a check to The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia, New York 14021. For information call Chris Fix at 356-3419 or by email to thejeromefoundation@gmail.com. Seating will be limited and reservations are encouraged by Nov. 24. 

The Jerome Foundation is seeking nominations for the Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County. This will be the 38th year the award has been presented. 

The first award was presented to Dr. Sydney McLouth. Award winners for the past four decades have included healthcare workers, builders, teachers, and many community volunteers.

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area. 

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us”, said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.

Nomination forms are available online at www.thejeromefoundation.org or by calling 585-356-3419. Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates. Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life. 

Nominations should be submitted on or before October 13. The 2023 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, December 1 at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Press release:

The 37th Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Peter Zeliff of Batavia on Friday, Dec. 2, at an awards luncheon at noon at Terry Hills Restaurant. The award presented by The Jerome Foundation recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.  Nominations reflected “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

In naming Mr. Zeliff for this year’s award, the Jerome Foundation will recognize him for his many volunteer efforts.  He developed the WNY Aviation Adventure Camp for high school students interested in the field of aviation. He is spearheading an effort to bring back in 2023 the Wings Over Batavia airshow. Pete also has served on the Board of Directors of many local organizations.  Currently, he is Chairman of the GCEDC Board and serves on the UMMC Board of Directors. He also volunteers for Wings Flights of Hope, Veteran’s Air Lift Command and the Special Olympics Airlift.  In addition, he has supported multiple charitable causes in our community, including but not limited to, ARC, Crossroads House, CASA, ARC, GCC, Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Ricky Palermo Foundation. 

In nominating Pete Zeliff for this award, Paul Battaglia stated that “in his own quiet way, Pete has been involved in numerous events that have as their sole purpose the betterment of the people of our county.  Perhaps one of Pete’s largest contributions to our community has been his involvement in the development and capital campaign for the Healthy Living Campus.  He has spent countless hours working on the planning and fundraising for this project.”

In his letter of support for Peter Zeliff, Ricky Palermo wrote that “Pete if a person who gives selflessly of his time, talents and treasures to our community.  He has flown many at his own expense – including me – in need of medical care to other states so they can receive necessary treatment. Pete has dedicated his life to helping those in need and giving back to our community.”

The Health and Humanitarian Award luncheon is open to the public.  Tickets are $25 and maybe purchased by mailing a check to The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia, New York 14021. For information call Chris Fix at 356-3419 or by email to thejeromefoundation@gmail.com.  Seating will be limited so early reservations are encouraged by Nov. 24.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

The 36th Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County was presented today to Bill Hayes, owner of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning in Batavia. 

The award presented by The Jerome Foundation recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.  

In naming Bill Hayes for this year’s award, The Jerome Foundation recognized more than 30 years of volunteer service and community involvement by Hayes. He has been a supporter of multiple charitable causes in our community including Habitat for Humanity, BEA, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Notre Dame High School, St. Joseph School, YMCA, YWCA, All Babies Cherished, Batavia Lions Club, Northgate Free Methodist Church, among others.   

Press release:

The 36th Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Bill Hayes of Batavia at noon on Friday, December 3, at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant.  The award presented by The Jerome Foundation recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.  Nominations reflected “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

In naming Bill Hayes for this year’s award, The Jerome Foundation will recognize more than thirty years of volunteer service and community involvement by Bill. He has been a supporter of multiple charitable causes in our community including Habitat for Humanity, BEA, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Notre Dame High School, St. Joseph School, YMCA, YWCA, All Babies Cherished, Batavia Lions Club, Northgate Free Methodist Church, among others.   

In nominating Bill Hayes, Ricky Palermo a past recipient of the Health and Humanitarian Award notes that “Bill Hayes checks all the boxes as a devoted family man and strong business and community leader.  Upon purchasing Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning in 1991, Bill moved into the community and immediately made an impact.  He is a leader in his field and takes pride in employing veterans and active servicemen and women, as he himself served six years and is a Navy Veteran.   His significant donations are done with the spirit of bettering our community and the lives of its citizens, not for personal notoriety.  Bill is honest, dedicated, and compassionate, and all-around positive man? Bill has always said, ‘if I take care of Batavia, Batavia will take care of me.’  He has certainly done an excellent job of taking care of our community and is well-deserving of this award.”  Jim and Nancy Palermo add “Bill is a humanitarian simply by the way he leads his life and conducts his business.”

Jaylene Smith-Kilner, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County wrote “Bill is always on deck as a community partner of Habitat.  When our families lay their heads on their pillows in their new home for their night’s rest, it is through Bill Hayes’s generous heart that they keep warm physically and in their hearts.” Construction Manager PJ Riner notes “when Bill has his crew on our build site, he always says ‘let’s do some Habitat’ with a smile on his face, ready to go.” 

Bill Hayes will be honored at a luncheon at noon on December 3 at Terry Hills Restaurant. The Health and Humanitarian Award luncheon is open to the public.  The event is $25 and reservations can be made by mailing a check to The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia 14021 by November 26th.  Seating will be limited. For further information contact Chris Fix – 585-356-3419.

The Jerome Foundation is seeking nominations for the Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County.

This will be the 38th year the award has been presented.  The first award was presented to Dr. Sydney McLouth. Award winners for the past four decades have included health care workers, builders, teachers, and many community volunteers.

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us,” said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.  

Nomination forms are available on-line at www.thejeromefoundation.org or by calling 585-356-3419.  Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates.  Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life.  Nominations should be submitted on or before October 10.

The 2021 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, December 3 at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Though their volunteer efforts have spanned a range of activities over many decades, both Tom and Lynn Houseknecht said Friday as they were honored by the St. Jerome Foundation with the annual Health and Humanitarian Award, that the greatest reward has been the friendships they've made over the years.

"Today, I have to tell the truth," Lynn said standing before a sold-out luncheon at Terry Hills, "and the truth is we met most of (our friends) through volunteering. And the fact is, they were already there doing it first and being incredible role models and certainly people we admired.

"And that admiration grew into friendship. We're so very, very blessed to have had so many good, kind, compassionate people as role models and now as dear friends and family. That is definitely the most precious gift of being involved in our community."

Tom said, "Honestly, you should all be standing up here right along beside us."

Among the many charitable causes the Houseknechts have supported, both through donations and as volunteers, are the Arc of Genesee Orleans, UMMC (and previously Genesee Memorial Hospital), Notre Dame High School, St. Joseph School, YMCA, CASA, Batavia Rotary Club, and Resurrection Parish among others.

"Chris Fix asked us why we chose to volunteer where we did," Tom said. "Our longest commitments have been to the hospital, which is important to us for the physical health of our family and friends and the financial health of the community. The Arc, of course, holds a long family history and a special place in our hearts. Education, both public and Catholic, is the route of success of our kids and everyone else's."

Previously: Tom and Lynn Houseknecht to be honored with The Jerome Foundation's Health and Humanitarian Award

Submitted photo and press release:

The 37^th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Tom and Lynn Houseknecht (photo above), of Batavia, at noon on Friday, Dec. 6 at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The award presented by The Jerome Foundation recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.

Nominations reflected “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

In naming the Houseknechts for this year’s award, The Jerome Foundation will recognize more than 25 years of volunteer service and community involvement by the Houseknechts. They have been supporters of multiple charitable causes in our community including: ARC of Genesee Orleans, UMMC (and previous Genesee Memorial Hospital), Notre Dame High School, St. Joseph School, YMCA, CASA, Batavia Rotary Club, and Resurrection Parish among others.

Shelley Falitico, ARC director of Development and Community relations, nominated the couple, saying “Tom and Lynn have always been involved in volunteering in our community, whether working behind the scenes, or being out front leading Capital Campaigns.

"As the co-chairs of our agency’s capital campaign, their dedication and compassion for the people we serve is evident. Individuals with disabilities and their families served at the ARC of Genesee and Orleans have received love, support, education and acceptance from Tom and Lynn.

"Their approachable demeanor is admired and respected. Tom and Lynn Houseknecht have helped build a stronger, healthier community and provided friendship and care to those in need."

The Houseknechts were also nominated by Dan Ireland, president of United Memorial Medical Center.

Ireland said “Tom and Lynn have been an integral part of shaping healthcare in our community for many years. Lynn has championed many supportive events through her involvement with United Memorial Hospital League, serving in many impactful roles. Tom has served over 15 years as a board member on the United Memorial Board as well as the last five years on the Rochester Regional Health Board and has been a key liaison between the Boards through the merger process.

"One of the most notable things about Tom and Lynn is that they are always looking out for what is best for healthcare in our community.”

CASA, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children in Genesee County is one of many charities the Houseknechts have been involved with. In support of their nomination, CASA Board Chair Barb Hale writes “I am truly impressed with all that Tom and Lynn have been able to accomplish as true community leaders. They are able to recognize vulnerable populations in need of help and take the initiative to provide leadership to establish and perpetuate this very help. They are inspirational role models. They show us all how to make positive things happen.”

Karen Green, principal of St. Joseph’s School noted, “Tom and Lynn are outstanding members of our local community, always giving back and striving to make things better. They never hesitate to lend a hand wherever it is needed and always do so with a positive and caring attitude.”

And community member Amanda Malloy said, “Lynn has made selfless contributions to myself and my family in our time of need by restoring our faith in humanity. She understands that sometimes a person may need support and friendship in order to overcome a difficult time. Lynn has been a support for me and my family but most importantly, she has given us hope.”

Family friend Kerry Landfried also nominated the Houseknechts and wrote, “Tom and Lynn Houseknecht are compassionate, always acting in the spirit of helping others. With enthusiasm, they have welcomed so many community members in their home to work on capital campaigns or committees. I believe Tom and Lynn Houseknecht have largely helped all of us lead a better, healthier life.”

The cost to attend the Dec. 6 luncheon at Terry Hills honoring the Houseknechts is $25 per person.

The event is open to the public and reservations can be made by sending a check to: The Jerome Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Batavia, NY 14021.

Seating will be limited so early reservations are encouraged.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Jerome Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 36^th Annual Health and Humanitarian Award is Dr. Matthew Landfried, who will be recognized at a luncheon next month at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The award is presented by the Foundation to recognize volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents. Nominees reflect “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need bringing hope, care, and friendship and helping build a stronger, healthier community."

Dr. Landfried is currently the medical director of Surgical Services and chairman of the Department of Surgery at UMMC, as well as serving on multiple committees at UMMC and its partner Rochester Regional Health. He is an adjunct professor at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and D’Youville College and mentors Physician Assistant students, medical students and residents.

Professionally, Dr. Landfried is well respected in his field and has been published in multiple medical journals. Among other professional honors, Dr. Landfried has been named a “Top Doctor” by U.S. News & World Report.

As a member of the Trauma and Critical Care response team of National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, he has volunteered in Haiti, Texas, and other disaster sites supporting the critical medical needs of the communities struck by disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. He assisted at an orphanage in Haiti and remains in contact with them and provides financial help as well.

Dr. Landfried is the medical lead for several area sports programs including Batavia and Notre Dame high schools, as well as assisting with various sports medicine needs at Genesee Community College. You see him on the sidelines at many youth sporting events where he donates his time and often medical assistance outside the office to student athletes in need.

He and his wife Kerry have opened their home to many Muckdog baseball players as well as exchange students.

Batavia has its own version of the Blindside movie, played by Dr. Matt Landfried and his wife. They brought into their home a high school football player who experienced a very troubled homelife. With the Landfried’s caring support and encouragement, the young man graduated from Batavia High School and completed a successful undergraduate and graduate college program and is now an educational professional in Boston.

His compassion is demonstrated in a variety of ways that are often outside of medical care. He has gone to nursing homes or made a home visit to talk with family members about a loved one’s condition or to assist in special treatment. There was a time when a patient with multiple complications needed to be transferred to a Rochester hospital. Because of the complexity of the case, there were many instructions that had to be relayed and special care provided during the transfer. In order to make sure things were done appropriately, Dr. Landfried rode in the ambulance to assure the proper care was provided and treatment would be continued suitably.

Throughout their 28 years in our community, Dr. and Mrs. Landfried have financially supported too many causes to mention. Our community is infinitely enriched by the presence of Dr. Matthew Landfried and The Jerome Foundation is pleased to honor him with the 2018 Health and Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Landfried will be honored by The Jerome Foundation at a luncheon on Friday, Nov. 30, at noon at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The cost of the event is $20 a person and is open to the public.

Reservations are now being accepted by:

• Mailing a check to The Jerome Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Batavia, NY 14021
• Or by emailing thejeromefoundation@gmail.com
• Or online at www.thejeromefoundation.org

For questions or reservations, please call Chris Fix at 585-356-3419.