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From left to right, Chuck DeAngelo, Debbie DeAngelo, Daryl M. Damcott, Scott Cummings and Amy Rohler, executive director of United Ways of Chautauqua County. The DeAngelos attended the Salute To Labor dinner and are the family of Joseph H. Mason.

Scott Cummings and Daryl M. Damcott recently received the 2024 Joseph H. Mason Award from the United Ways of Chautauqua County (UWCC) at the agency’s annual “Salute To Labor” gala dinner.

This year’s event was held at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution. Attendees were welcomed to the event by Amy Rohler, executive director of United Ways of Chautauqua County, and the evening featured remarks from Jim Cama, United Ways board member and former Mason Award winner.

Although traditionally only one recipient is chosen each year, Cummings, representing CSEA Local 6300 and IBEW Local 106, and Damcott, representing the Jamestown Teachers Association (NYSUT) and IATSE Local 266, were selected in a unique recognition not only of their individual contributions, but also due to the fact that both are dual trade union members.

Bonnie Peters, United Ways of Chautauqua County board member and CSEA Southern Tier union leader, introduced the evening’s two keynote speakers, Don Emhardt and Burl Swanson – both past recipients of the Joseph H. Mason Award themselves.

Assemblyman Andrew Goodell and James Feldmann from County Executive PJ Wendel’s office also spoke during the evening, delivering commendations to Damcott and Cummings from their offices.

Now in its 43rd year, the Joseph H. Mason Award will be named in honor of Joe Mason – the Directing Business Representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 65, representing southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.

In addition to championing the causes of organized labor, Mason also served as a longtime member of the United Way Board of Directors. He exemplified Labour’s commitment to serving the community through his commitment to the United Way campaign. After his death, the United Way Board of Directors established the award to recognize labor’s contribution to the success of the United Way.

Last year, Paul Abbot, member of CSEA Deputy Sheriff’s Unit 6322 Local 807, was recognized as the winner of the 2023 Joseph H. Mason Award.