Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Gretchen Rymarchyk

Written by Jan Nigro, September 2025 Gretchen Rymarchyk is from Lafayette NY and came to Ithaca for grad school. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in social work and a PhD in policy analysis & planning. She’s also taught, and done a lot of social work in the community here. She retired from […]

Volunteer Spotlight: Art Pearce

By Jan Nigro, 2025 When I first joined FDN several years ago, Art Pearce was the first person to help me learn the ropes. I didn’t know at the time that he had been involved with FDN for many years. “In 2009, Sara Pines approached me and several others explaining that she needed help figuring […]

Volunteer Spotlight: Alicia Menduni

Written by Rosie Bostian, April 2025  Alicia Menduni, an Environmental Science major and Assistant Manager for the Ithaca College Eco Reps, has played a key role in expanding the college’s food recovery program. While working at the Campus Center dining hall, Alicia recognized the opportunity to launch a food recovery initiative. As she gained a […]

Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Koplinka-Loehr

By Elena Flash, September 2023 Mike is a lifelong Ithacan with a passion for building community.  Mike, one of 8 children, grew up in a household committed to social justice and community service.  He followed his family heritage devoting his 40 year career to human service and nonprofit management.  Mike also served Tompkins County as […]