About Strong Health

Friends of Strong

Up Close and Personal

Friends of Strong takes great pride in our employees and volunteers. We feel it is important to boast about the many talents people bring to our organization. Therefore, each month we spotlight one volunteer and one employee. This month we feature Volunteer, Alice Brzustowicz, and Ambassador, Ceil Buckley.

Volunteer Spotlight: Alice Brzustowicz

Alice has been volunteering for 15 years. “I used to volunteer at St. Mary’s Thrift Store, then at Cutler Union for the University of Rochester. The women’s club used to run that thrift store for the UofR,” Alice reminisces. “I couldn’t give money, but I could give service.” And, she has done just that. Alice was a volunteer for Friends of Strong Thrift Shop when it was downstairs. “It was real small, and the ladies and I had a lot of fun. I made long lasting friends, which I still meet for lunch. I like what I do, that’s why I keep coming back.

Alice’s husband was a doctor who practiced at St. Mary’s Hospital. “I came to Strong because they wouldn’t recognize the name here. I know the cost of all the hospital equipment, so I am aware of how important the volunteers are,” Alice comments. She met her husband during World War II when she was an army nurse. They have raised eight children together and have fifteen grandchildren. When asked about holidays at her house, Alice says, “My house is very busy, they come from all over to get together, with all the grandkids, one comes from one state, and one from another, very busy,” she says shaking her head. I said to Alice, “I forgot you have eight children, Alice,” she replied, “I am reminded of that…quite frequently,” she laughs. Thank you for dedicating a part of your life to Friends of Strong. Another volunteer we wouldn’t be able to do without!

 

Staff Spotlight: Ceil Buckley

"Hardworking, fun-loving, down-to-earth, and super-alert when she’s on duty”- these are words used to describe Ceil Buckley, the very efficient cashier in Friends of Strong’s Gift Shop. Originally from Ithaca, her husband’s job transfer brought her to Rochester that was fortunate for all of us. Ceil has and extensive background in retail sales, having worked at Sears, Wegmans, Brueggers and Vix.

Ceil has been working for Friends on and off for five years. She started in the Thrift Shop and now works in the Gift Shop. “I like the people and the variety. I enjoy the people I work with. The promotional sales we do liven up my job. I love to meet the people who run the sales. They travel for their jobs and I find that interesting. They go from city to city. I don’t know how they do it,” she says.

In her spare time, Ceil is busy winning at Bingo-which she spends on her three children, four step children and ten grandchildren. “I love to shop for them. I definitely spoil them at Christmas, but what are grandmothers for?” She comments. Ceil has spunk and a good work ethic. Thanks for your dedication and hard work!