George B. Weaver Jr. Footprints Award
The Footprints Award celebrates those that create footprints for others to follow, exemplifying the NCCF’s mission of enhancing northern Chautauqua County.
Nominees should have a history of community service, philanthropic endeavors (financial support not necessarily measured in number of dollars), and activities that have made an impact as well as enhanced the social and cultural climate of the northern Chautauqua community.
All community members are encouraged to participate by submitting a name for the committee’s consideration by March 22, 2024. It is not a requirement that nominees have an affiliation with the NCCF.
Return to NCCF by March 22 via mail at 212 Lake Shore Drive W., Dunkirk, NY 14048, by fax to 366-3905 or e-mail to nccf@nccfoundation.org.
2024 Nomination Form for Download
2023 - Dan Reininga
“Dan typifies everything that is good about a community volunteer,” said Andy Dorn, longtime friend and colleague of the 2023 Footprints Award winner. “I can’t think of anybody that’s more deserving of this award than Dan Reininga.”
Dan’s friends, family, and colleagues describe him as generous, empathetic, honest, faithful, enthusiastic, and genuine. His impact in the community can be felt not just in northern Chautauqua, but throughout Western New York. As the youngest director ever elected to the Board of Lake Shore Savings, Dan brought his particular brand of caring to the bank with him, creating philanthropic partnerships with nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Following in the footsteps of his parents, Betty Ann and Pete Reininga, Dan has been generous with his finances and time, personally and professionally.
Les Friedman, CEO of the Mikey’s Way Foundation, where Dan continues to serve on the Board of Directors, speaks highly of Dan’s dedication to the causes he is involved in. “It’s how deeply he’s committed,” Les says. “It’s one thing to write a check or hold a fundraiser, but it’s a whole other ball game to be physically rolling up your sleeves and help dig the ditch, and that’s Dan.”
In addition to serving on the Board of the Mikey’s Way Foundation, Dan has also served on the Boards of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, SUNY Fredonia College Foundation, Brooks Memorial Hospital, the Gow School, Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center, The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Northern Chautauqua County, and more. Recently retired as the President and CEO of Lake Shore Savings, Dan continues to serve as the Board Chair for his family business, G.H. Graf Realty Corp., Inc. Dan is a longtime Rotarian and has contributed greatly to the Rotary International Foundation through the years.
“One of the words that describes my dad really well is legacy,” said his daughter, Liz Geiger. “Family legacy, community legacy, the work ethic in our family business and at the bank. He’s wonderful. He gets it right. He sees how important family is, and sees the importance of a person, and that all people are important.”
2022 - The Reeses
Steve and Mary Rees reside in Dunkirk, NY. The Reeses are founding members of Revitalize Dunkirk, a group dedicated to improving the Dunkirk area for all residents. For decades, Steve and Mary have been a driving force in northern Chautauqua. Throughout the community, their impact is felt, as their involvement and philanthropy extend far beyond the city’s limits.
“Steve and Mary are just really great people,” said Rick Davis, Executive Director of the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. “It’s an honor and really a thrill to know them and be able to count them as friends.”
In addition to their work with Revitalize Dunkirk, Steve and Mary have been very involved with the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. They were instrumental in the renovation and continue to consult as needed. They have given of both their time and resources, and hosted guest musicians and performers in their home.
Both Steve and Mary played a role in advocating for the “Complete Streets” initiative with Chautauqua County Health Network - Creating Healthy Places project. They opened their home routinely over the years as foster parents and as hosts for visiting performers and college students. Mary was a VISTA volunteer. Steve has volunteered for many years at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School and Fredonia High School, assisting with theater sets and rigging for productions. Additionally, they have served as volunteers with Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County and were active in the Solarize Dunkirk project.
2021- The Georges
“I am a better person because of the Georges.” This was the phrase used more than any other when discussing Kathy and Peter George with their colleagues. Before becoming residents of Cassadaga, Kathy and Peter were sheep farmers who enjoyed traveling to visit many different lakes. On one such trip, they noticed a home in Cassadaga and decided to make it theirs. Kathy and Peter have been hugely involved in efforts to better the Cassadaga community since moving to the area over ten years ago.
Nowhere have their efforts been felt more than around the shores of Cassadaga Lake. Cassadaga Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in New York State, and Kathy and Peter led that effort. Their involvements in local boards, committees, and organizations are many. They include the Cassadaga Lakes Association, where both are members and Peter served as a Member of the Board and Lakes Manager, Chautauqua County Water Citizens for a Better Cassadaga, where Peter served as Vice President and Kathy is a member, the Cassadaga Food Pantry, the Cassadaga Valley Kiwanis Club, the Mary E. Seymour Memorial Free Library and Cassadaga Branch Association, of which Kathy served as both Trustee and Treasurer, the Village of Cassadaga Planning Board, and the Lily Dale Environmental Committee.
Over the years, the Georges have been as generous with their resources as they have with their time, donating to all of the above organizations. One notable contribution is that of 12.4 acres of lakefront property that the Georges donated to the Cassadaga Lakes Association and Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, ensuring the protection of wetlands that help to maintain the health of our lakes.
Kathy and Peter have made incredible contributions to our community and have done so while largely remaining outside the spotlight. When asked to describe the Georges in three words, nearly all of their colleagues used the word “humble.” Their selfless giving and dedication to their community are inspiring to all who know them.
Peter and Kathy are pictured above with NCCF President Rick Ketcham (center). Peter and Kathy’s video was produced and sponsored by Kranky Plate Productions in Jamestown, NY.
2019 - Peter D. Clark
Peter has made many contributions to our community. These contributions, such as donating time to assist a local library or supporting trips for area veterans to Washington, D.C., have affected many individuals and a community.
Peter Clark, a Fredonia attorney, has served as president of the NCCF for four years and vice president for one year. John “Jay” Warren, a Dunkirk resident and retired educator, nominated Clark for the award and handled the introduction at the annual meeting. “I have always admired Peter for the work he does in the community, his involvement in the community and, most importantly, the values that we share toward our families and community service.” For more than three decades, he has served as a member of the board of directors at the Darwin R. Barker Library in Fredonia.
Clark’s other passion is in the Lions Club where he has held just about every title in the club. He also remains a huge booster of the club’s Breakfast with Santa initiative that happens every year before Christmas. The event was once a fundraiser but is now a community gathering with Peter playing the role of Santa.
A Vietnam veteran, Peter was the chief organizer of a one-day bus trip for World War II veterans to the nation’s capital to view the monuments.
Peter’s accomplishments while serving as NCCF Board President were many as he wanted the organization more involved in the community. Peter also wanted schools and students more engaged and helped begin the Service Learning Mini-Grants that are available in all northern Chautauqua school districts. To help fund this program and as an opportunity to mingle with community members, he began the annual Applebee’s pancake breakfast event. He also suggested the NCCF be visible and present at the Chautauqua County Fair.
“You don’t stop laughing because you grow old,” says Peter. “You grow old because you stop laughing.”
2018 - Alona Forbes
Alona Forbes is a generous philanthropist from Dunkirk. Her community commitment extends to various aspects throughout the community.
She has served on the Brooks Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, serving two terms as president; Camp Gross Foundation Board, Dunkirk Public Library Board, and is an active member of the Blessed Mary Angela Parish. She also plays in several bands - the Chadwick Bay Buccaneers and the New Horizons Band.
Besides donating of her time, Alona has also provided financial support to Brooks Memorial Hospital through the Alona Forbes Donor Advised Fund held at NCCF, Camp Gross Foundation, Dunkirk Free Library, Chautauqua County Home, and Blessed Mary Angela Parish, St. Hyacinth Church.
To learn more about Alona's commitment to the community watch the 2018 Footprints Award video.
2017 - The Merrinses
Jim and Marcia Merrins have supported the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, the WNY Chamber Orchestra, and SUNY Fredonia's Rockefeller Arts Center. They are long-time sustaining members of the NCCF, have participated on committees and as voting members.
Jim served as the Western NY Chamber Orchestra Director and President. He was a member of Rotary International-Fredonia for nine years, eight of which he served as Chair of the Annual Blood Screening. Jim served on the Board of Directors for Fredonia Chamber of Commerce, Lake Shore Hospital and Health Care Center. While serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam her received the Bronze Star and Bronze Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster.
Marcia is a supporter of the Girl Scouts of WNY where she was noted as one of seven “Outstanding Women” in 2004. She also mentors with the Girl Scouts. She served on Fredonia Central School Board of Education, has chaired several committees including Chautauqua County Council for Women’s Concerns, Fredonia Cable TV Advisory Board, Chautauqua County Board of Health (past chair, current member). She also volunteered as producer for the Community Bulletin Board, Elf Holly for Local Access annual Talk to Santa show, Rockefeller Arts Center, WNY Chamber Orchestra, Chautauqua County League of Women Voters, League of Women Voters of New York State, and League of Women Voters of U.S.
2016 - 30th Anniversary
No Footprints Award this year
2015 - The Hotellings
Wayne, Elaine and Laurel Hotelling
Wayne and Elaine have actively participated on The Resource Center’s Board of Directors; Wayne has served on TRC Board of Directors. The couple has actively participated in advocacy efforts across the state and country. They met with Senator Young in regards to developing and proposing legislation to increase employment opportunities for people with development disabilities. Laurel is a member of the Consumer Council for the Mary Andrews Center at The Resource Center and Elaine volunteers at the Ruth Remsen Clothing Center.
The Hotellings initiated Laurel Run, named for their daughter, to raise awareness for children with Down Syndrome and children with disabilities.
"On behalf of Elaine and Laurel and myself we'd like to thank you for this prestigious award, 'together we can do anything.' And Laurel has been the inspiration and Elaine has been behind the scenes, so to speak, but out in front all the time." states Wayne Hotelling.
"There are many other things that are a part of it which make it a community standby. Laurel's Lap is wonderful but I think more wonderful than that is that the residents, the consumers at the Resource Center, have taken over ownership of Laurel Run, and that's what it's all about. This never would have been able to happen without the support of so many people," he explained. " ... We are just so thankful for what we have received in support."
2014 - The Gilmans
Dick and Carmen, known for their music, have sponsored the Folk in Fredonia Music Series for the past 19 years. They are members of the Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia and have been organizers of monthly contra dances at the Fredonia Grange.
As founding members and volunteers of the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, the Gilman’s were instrumental in its restoration including participating on the Advisory Committee for its capital campaign and providing materials and assistance in yearly fundraising efforts.
As musicians, Dick and Carmen have performed for countless art organizations and not-for-profit organizations throughout Chautauqua County. The Gilman’s generosity extended to visiting performers by opening their home to them and providing transportation to and from the Buffalo Airport.
The couple also spearheaded and worked on making Luensman Overview Park in Portland a reality as a beautiful and scenic nature trail on Lake Erie.
The Gilman’s have been long-time members of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.
2013 - The Cobbs
Sue and Steve Cobb were chosen for the 2013 Footprints Award for their contributions to not only the youth in Fredonia but to the community at large.
As a major force in Quest Program in the Fredonia Middle School, the Cobbs’ dedication allowed the program to expanded into Brocton Central School. They donate time to prepare students through Thursday classes for months before hikes; meeting with parents, a one-day hike, a two-day hike and ending with a three-day hike. Through the Quest program, the Cobbs are developing future stewards of our natural environment and future leaders of our community.
As with the Quest program, the Cobbs dedicate extra time to students participating in the Fredonia High School musicals. Steve assists with set design, building, creating, set finisher and stage crew manager while teaching students these skills along the way. Sue works along side Steve but also works on props and costumes while teaching students as she works.
Steve served as the Deputy County Disaster Coordinator, on the Fredonia Village Board, is an EMT with the Fredonia Fire Department.
Both Sue and Steve have gone out of their way as educators to support students in athletics and in student travel. The couple have also opened their home to foreign exchange students."They are wonderful people who do what they do for the love of the community and the world. They want to preserve our community and make it a better place for all who live here," Ellen Connelly Foley.
2012 - The Barans
Helen and Steve were chosen for the 2012 Footprints Award for their contributions to not only the Westfield area but also to the agricultural and community health of the area. Steve Baran has been active in the Growers Cooperative Juice Company, Inc. and has been Chairman of the Chautauqua County Farmland Protection Board. He has served on the Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County Board of Directors, the Lake Erie Grape Advisory Committee, is an active Westfield Rotary Club member, and much more. For over 20 years, Steve has donated an acre of concord grapes to the Agricultural Department at the Westfield School to give agricultural students hands-on experience with vineyard production and processing.
Helen Baran serves on the Board of Trustees at Westfield Memorial Hospital, Board of Trustees member for Saint Vincent Health System, Board of Directors member and past chair of the Chautauqua County Health Network, and Board of Directors member for the NYS Area Health Education Center. She was also one of the initial members of the NYS Rural Health Council, a rural health advocacy group. She has volunteered on the Chautauqua County Charter Revision Committee, the Chautauqua County Planning Board, and was a leader of the 4-H Equestrian Club. She is Chair of Westfield's Board of Assessment Review, Chair of the Rotary Vocational Service Rotary Club and is a member and past President of the Westfield Mayville Rotary Club.
2011 - Richard F. Anson
Richard Anson was a past board member of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, a member of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and an active individual at his church holding a position on the finance committee as well as the parish council.
His past community service endeavors included a commitment to organizations and causes that he believes in, including the Boy Scouts and Camp Gross. Mr. Anson established several funds at the NCCF to benefit Camp Gross and several other nonprofits. A founding donor to NCCF, he is also a member of the NCCF Bequest Society.
Mr. Anson was the owner of Lakeside Precision, a machine shop located in Dunkirk, NY, specializing in providing the community and beyond with a variety of products and services.
Anson’s continued support of NCCF and the Chautauqua community made him a perfect candidate for the Footprints Award.
2010 - The Manlys
Doug and Ann Manly are a perfect example of all that The Footprints Award celebrates. The Manly’s have contributed to the NCCF through funds including the David E. Manly Scholarship Fund, in honor of their son and a fund left for the 1891 Fredonia Opera House.
Ann Manly has also bequeathed something to both the Rural Ministries located in Dunkirk, NY and the Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County. As generous contributors to SUNY Fredonia through the Fredonia College Foundation, the Manly's have provided a charitable gift that will continue to improve the lives of SUNY Fredonia students for generations. Mr. and Mrs. Manly are also members of the Dallas K. Beal Society, which recognizes friends and alumni of the university who have provided for Fredonia through planned giving. Doug and Ann Manly have been valued and respected members of the community and the SUNY Fredonia family for many years and continue to support the school through their philanthropy.
2009 - Edwin L. Hamlet
Ed Hamlet, a resident of Sheridan, NY, until his death in 2011, was an active part of the Chautauqua community. A farmer, like his father and grandfather before him, Hamlet took great interest in the past, present and future of the agriculture industry, actively serving on the Extension and Farm Bureau. Hamlet was a member of the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department for 52 years, 2 of serving as chief.
Ed was also active in assisting the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and Camp Gross, helping to serve the youth in the community. He currently holds the Edwin Hamlet Fund for Camp Gross and has a fund established in his name, by his son, to support the Sheridan Memorial Field.
Hamlet dedicated his life to serving numerous organizations throughout the county and state.
2008 - Richard S. Johnson
Rick Johnson was voted on unanimously by all committee members as the recipient of the Footprints Award in 2008 for his service and philanthropy in Chautauqua County.
Johnson has spent the majority of his life residing in Chautauqua County, along with his wife Michele. One of the six original board members that formed the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation in 1986, Johnson has made giving back to the community a priority throughout his life. He was part of a group that assisted in refurbishing the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, a chair of the hospital board at Brooks Memorial Hospital from 1999 until 2004 and the first president of NCCF.
Rick and his wife are both members of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s bequest society. Johnson leads a life of giving, making him a perfect recipient of the Footprints Award.
Donald Q. Eno
Dr. Donald Eno, is a retired veterinarian from Westfield’s Animal Hospital. Eno joined the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation as a member in 1994 and served on the Board of Directors for 10 years.
Dr. Eno has gained the respect and admiration of fellow community members for his ability to turn difficulties into opportunities to benefit the common good. His philanthropic endeavors have had a lasting effect on the Patterson Library in Westfield, NY where he served as a trustee for over 11 years, as well as the treasurer, chair of the finance committee and a member of the building committee. Eno is also a founding member of “The Hands,” a group of retired men that volunteer to the Patterson Library on a weekly basis.
The Enos hold The Brenda Rae Eno Breast Cancer Fund at NCCF, in honor of their daughter who lost her battle to the disease at the young age of 38. He has also made contributions to Partners for Prevention Chautauqua County Cancer Screening Program by funding patients and lessening the burden of a medical bill whilst being faced by a possible cancer diagnosis.
Eno lives in Westfield with his wife Marion and has raised three children.
2006 - NCCF’s 1st BOD & Incorporators
NCCF First Elected Board of Directors (Top Photo, left to right): Perry Regina, Jeffery Passafaro (representing the late H.K. Williams II), Virginia Passafaro (representing John D. Koch), Richard S. Johnson, James H. Mintun Jr., Janet Wells (representing the late William M. Wells), Douglas Newman, George B. Weaver. Missing from photo: Rocco L. Doino, Andrew W. Dorn, Ann Manly and Donald MacPhee.
NCCF Incorporators (Bottom Photo, left to right): David J. Doino, Louis P. DiPalma, Rocco R. Doino, Richard S. Johnson, George B. Weaver. Missing from photo: Andrew W. Dorn.
2005 - The Boltzes
Jim and Carol Boltz certainly fit the description of Footprints Award recipients.
Jim, a native a northern Chautauqua county, has been an active volunteer for organizations such as the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, St. Columban’s on the Lake, Darwin R. Barker Library, NCCF and the Preservation Society, among others.
Carol, a graduate of Oberlin College’s music program, has shown her dedication to the community through musical encouragement and volunteerism. She has served on the Board of Friends of the Barker Historical Museum, has been a member of the steering committee for the Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia and coordinated the Orchestral Chairs program for the Fredonia Chamber Players.
The Botlz', as a couple, have been honored before for their unparalleled level of community dedication. They have also been awarded the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award. In 1997 they received the Fredonia Kiwanis Elder Salute for Volunteerism and were awarded the Hometown Heros award from DFT Communications in 2003.
2004 - Dr. Robert Maytum
A pioneer in telecommunications, Dr. Robert Maytum was probably even better known as a community philanthropist.
Maytum’s contributions to the northern Chautauqua region were endless: From civic to educational to religious organizations, Maytum saw the importance in continued improvement of the place we call home. Especially notable was Dr. Maytum’s support of higher education. As a benefactor of SUNY Fredonia, he has helped over 200 students through academic scholarships and is the namesake of a building on SUNY Fredonia campus.
Because of Dr. Maytum’s devotion to learning and continued philanthropic endeavors, students have gained access to a world of knowledge at SUNY Fredonia that they otherwise may not have been able to experience.
2003 - Dr. Dallas Beal
Dr. Dallas Beal grew up in Newcomersville, Ohio and earned his B.S. and M.A. from Ohio State and an Ed.D. from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College. He served in the Navy from 1944 until 1946 and came to SUNY Fredonia in 1958 to head up the Education Department.
Beal became the Director of Education for SUNY Fredonia in 1958 and was promoted to President of the College in 1972, a position he held until 1984. Dr. Beal not only had a huge impact on SUNY Fredonia during his time as president, but was also an active community member.
Beal took a particular interest in causes such as the Roger Troy Peterson Institute, the Northern Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce, Brooks Memorial Hospital, WNED, the Salvation Army and the First United Methodist Church of Fredonia. His impact on both the university and the northern Chautauqua community as a whole made him an excellent recipient of the Footprints Award.
2002 - George B. Weaver
The namesake of the Footprints Award, George B. Weaver Jr. was a man who set the standards for local philanthropy and left “footprints” for others to follow. Weaver was born in Buffalo in 1917 and came to Fredonia in 1923 when his father purchased the former Fredonia Seed Company. Throughout his life in Fredonia, Weaver was heavily involved in the community. He was the Chairman of the organizing committee that formed the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and is often referred to as “the father of NCCF.”
Weaver served for many years as Vice Chairman of Brooks Memorial Hospital, was a past Chairman of the United Way, a member of the board of the YMCA, a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Co-chairman of the building committee when the Fredonia Presbyterian Church was built on Central Avenue. He served on the Darwin R. Barker Library Board of Trustees and had longtime involvement with many fund raising drives for local charitable and non profit organizations.
George B. Weaver Jr. exemplified lifelong commitment to northern Chautauqua County.