The awards are given to individuals and organizations for their service to the community and for their efforts to make the county a better place to live, work, and play.

Two Persons of the Year were recognized this year. One award was presented to Post-Journal and Observer Managing Editor John D’Agostino for his public work in journalism and his private efforts for numerous local non-profit organizations. National Comedy Center Vice President of Finance and Operations Rochelle Mole was recognized for her foundational role behind the scenes in developing and holding together during the pandemic two vital attractions in Chautauqua County – the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

The Economic Development Award was presented to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care for both its crucial care for patients and families and for its extraordinary fundraising and construction of the county’s first ever Hospice House, which is creating jobs.

Each of the six community Chambers of Commerce presented a Community Service Award. The Jamestown Community Chamber selected Lou Deppas for its Community Service Award for his long-time commitment to the community and especially his service on the Boards of Directors of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Jamestown YMCA, and National Comedy Center.

Not only did Young and Goodell highlight accomplishments and projects that will benefit the region, they also spent time discussing several issues of concern with the business community.

Dunkirk Observer publisher John D’Agostino (left) was the moderator for the Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Breakfast on April 17, featuring Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell.

Among the items the two discussed was the recent surge in illegal drug activity and addiction. Senator Young said the state has been trying to identity legislation and funding to address the problem and a statewide level, as well working to find solutions to the problem at the local level, which is evident with the growing population at the county jail.

“Locally I’ve been talking to leaders about what we can do to alleviate the strain on the county jail,” Young said. “The sheriff and county executive tell me they’re losing more than a million dollars – probably up to a three million dollar hit every year – because they used to be able to house federal inmates and make money in the jail. Now they don’t have the room and the cells are flooded with people who are addicts and I don’t think that a jail cell is the best place for people to dry out. They need to get some kind of health and services programming.

Young mentioned the funding she was able to recently secure for WCA to develop a treatment facility. In addition, she talked about funding that is available to start other alternative to incarceration programs..

“I was able to secure a $350,000 capitol grant in the state budget. I’m chair of the housing committee in the Senate and during a hearing, we talked about supportive housing, transitional housing and there’s multi-millions of dollars in the state budget for that, and typically it’s just gone to New York City. But we’re trying to make sure some of it will also make its way upstate, including here in Chautauqua County.”

Besides the drug issue, several other topics were covered, including the Start Up NY campaign, economic development funding, and highway and transportation funding projects.

We’ll have more on the legislative breakfast during our morning news throughout this week. We’ll also feature the breakfast during this week’s Community Matters program, which airs at 6pm on Thursday.