Advertisement. Advertise with us

Hartwick Citizen Board Picks

John Brooks As Citizen Of Year

John Brooks
John Brooks

ONEONTA – The Hartwick College Citizens Board has named John W. Brooks, retired owner of Brooks’ House of BBQ, as its 2014 Citizen of the Year.

He will be honored during the College’s Community Holiday Gathering on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at Thornwood, the home of Hartwick College President Margaret L. Drugovich.

For more information and to register for the event by the Tuesday deadline, visit www.hartwickalumni.org/holiday  or contact Carrie Rosengren at 607-431-4064 or rosengrenc@hartwick.edu.

“John is a valued and highly respected member of the Hartwick and greater Oneonta community,” said Drugovich. “As demonstrated by his ethical approach to business, his volunteerism in the community, his support of higher education, and his service to our country, John is a wonderful example of selflessness, and a perfect selection for this recognition.”

Brooks is a 1967 graduate of SUNY Delhi, with a degree in hotel and restaurant management.

Brooks served four years in the Air Force, gaining the rank of sergeant, and became the owner of Brooks’ House of BBQ after purchasing it from his parents, Griffin and Frances, in 1975.

His service to the community is exemplary; he is an active member of the Elks Club, the American Legion, the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, the BOCES Food Board, and was also an eight-year volunteer with the Conservation Alliance of N.Y. (CANY) Venison Donation Program. Brooks is also the vice president of the SUNY Oneonta’s Foundation Board, as well as an elder at the First Presbyterian Church.

He has been presented with multiple awards, including SUNY Delhi’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the 2001 Distinguished Business of the Year Award from the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce; and the Sid Levine Award from Fox Hospital in 2002.

In 2005, Brooks and his wife, Joan, sold the restaurant to their son Ryan and his wife, Beth, who became the third generation of Brookses to run the legendary eatery. Over the years, the restaurant has hosted numerous area fundraisers, assisting organizations from the Red Cross to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care to the United Way, as well as various churches and fire departments.

The Citizens Board of Hartwick College established the Outstanding Citizen Award in 1980 to recognize an individual who, by action, thoughts, and deeds, exemplifies its mission: to promote Hartwick College and to affirm the relationship between the college and community.

“John Brooks has long been a strong business and civic leader, his efforts impacting a wide swath of the Greater Oneonta community,” said Citizens Board Executive Council President Laurie Zimniewicz. “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate his legacy and thank him for all he has done.”

Last year, brothers Vincenzo and Antonio Avanzato, co-owners of Stella Luna Ristorante in Oneonta, were named Citizens of the Year. Other previous winners also include Arnie Drogen (2012); Calvin (Cal) W, Chase (2011); Susan R. Hughson (2010); Madolyn Palmer (2009); Brian and Josie Wright (2008); and Geoff and Linda Smith (2007); and Jim and Karen Elting received the award in 2006.

Posted

Related Articles

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO: 05-29-23

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO for MONDAY, MAY 29 Otsego County Remembers The Fallen ONEONTA MEMORIAL DAY PARADE —10 a.m. Commemorate our country’s fallen soldiers. The day will begin with a parade (line-up at 9 a.m. and step off at 10), to commemorate Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Robert Eramo. A riderless horse will be included as a salute to the fallen, with CWO3 Shawn Hubner, who serves in the deceased’s unit, hand carrying the battalion colors from Fort Wainwright to Oneonta and marching in the honor guard. After the parade will be a ceremony of remembrance at 11 a.m. on the Veterans Memorial…

Riverside Students Plant Apple Trees, Help Restore Piece of Oneonta History

Riverside Students Plant Apple Trees, Help Restore Piece of Oneonta History ONEONTA On Friday, April 28, the City of Oneonta planted an apple orchard on the Swart-Wilcox House Museum property with the help of Riverside Elementary School students. The planting was made possible thanks to funds obtained by City Community Development Director Judy Pangman through a special “Tree Planting in Disadvantaged Communities after Ash Tree Loss” grant. The new apple orchard at the Swart-Wilcox House consists of several heritage varieties of apples, just like the Wilcox family would have had in the 1880s. As part of his farming activities, Henry…

Putting the Community Back Into the Newspaper

Now through March 30, new annual subscribers to “The Freeman’s Journal” and AllOtsego.com (or subscribers who have lapsed for two or more years) have an opportunity to help their choice of one of four Otsego County charitable organizations.

$5.00 of your subscription will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice:

Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, Cooperstown Food Pantry, Greater Oneonta Historical Society or Super Heroes Humane Society.