One local person was highlighted each month by nomination from members of the community. This promotion has now ended.
See the 2022 eXtraordinary person’s here.
See the 2021 eXtraordinary person’s here.
December
Nancy Estep
“Mission for Holiday smiles”
Nancy took it upon herself to brighten up the holidays for every last resident in Cortland County nursing homes.
Her idea: Personalized cards from the community — she would need about 500 in order to reach everyone.
With that in mind, Estep decided to set up drop boxes at several local businesses.
The response she got was overwhelming.
“We accomplished the goal in just a few weeks. That motivated me to keep going and eventually we had enough cards to give two per-resident instead of just one.”
Estep coordinated safe deliveries with each care facility, all of which expressed interest in returning the initiative next year.
November
Debbie Brown
Debbie and the volunteers work many hours each month to make sure area families have food and clothes.
They also gave school supplies to each child of the families they serve, holiday gifts for children and fresh meals on Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.
The Spafford Food Pantry is located in the Scott Methodist Church on Route 41.
Additionally, Brown runs the Redbird mission that gives gift box to those in need as part of the Methodist Church mission.
October
Christella Yonta
Christella YontaPresident, United Way for Cortland County
As soon as COVID-19 broke out in March, Christella led the charge in providing assistance to those in most need.
It started with partnership between the United Way and the Cortland Community Foundation that raised over $75k in a matter of weeks.
Every penny went right back out to support social programs in the area — in total, 17 local nonprofits received help funding through 10 coordinated rounds of grants.
Yonta also worked to manage daily residential food deliveries by Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army, on top of free food & milk drives alongside the CNY Food Bank and American Dairy Association Northeast.
Her dedication to the community recently earned her the 2020 Kathy Cotterill Community Service Award, chosen by her peers and announced at the Cortland Chamber’s Annual Awards last month.
WXHC listeners may recognize Yonta’s voice from the weekly on-air gas & grocery giveaways that run during United Way’s annual fundraising campaign.
September
Stacy Goldyn-Moller
Stacy Goldyn-MollerOwner, Magpie Custom Creations
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Stacy Goldyn-Moller has donated a steady stream of fabric to those making face masks for community members in need.
She also works on costumes for productions at Cortland and Homer High Schools, the Homer Center for the Arts and Cortland Repertory Theatre.
Additionally, Goldyn-Moller does alterations for the annual Prom Dress giveaway held each year by the Cortland Youth Bureau.
Located in the historic Cortland Corset building at 75 East Court Street, Magpie Custom Creations features locally handcrafted fiber items and unique accessories.
The shop also offers sewing and crafting classes for all ages, along with handmade items of all kinds for purchase.
Custom sewing, tailoring and alterations, and embroidery services are also available.
August
(Classic House Photos)
Darris Mcdowell
Owner, The Squeeze Juice Bar.
Originally from the NYC-area, Mcdowell moved to Cortland and started his business in 2017.
He hosted Cortland’s first ever “Black-owned Business Appreciation Day” on August 8, using the proceeds to buy backpacks and other school supplies for a free give away at The Squeeze on September 1.
Mcdowell also provided a free smoothie event for the community earlier this summer – that event was helped along by donations from several friends who traveled hundreds of miles to attend in support.
During the interview, Darris thanked all who have helped him succeed, like other business owners, city officials and the local Chamber of Commerce.
