Scott Cummings of Mayville and Daryl M. Damcott of Jamestown each exemplify the spirit of the award, according to United Ways of Chautauqua County officials, which is given annually in memory of Joseph Mason and his service to both the community and organized labor.

Though 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 as a unique acknowledgment not only of their individual contributions but also for the fact that both are dual union members.

Now in its 43rd year, the 2024 Joseph H. Mason Award comes at a historic time in the history of the United Ways of Chautauqua County – having just recently merged. Previously an award given to labor members in southern Chautauqua County, this year marks the first time nominations were open to all county residents who qualified.

“We are thrilled of United Way’s long-standing tradition of supporting and recognizing the labor community – and we are overjoyed to be able to open this award up to the entire county,” said Amy Rohler, United Ways of Chautauqua County executive director. “When the Labor Committee convened to decide on this year’s recipient, they quickly realized the quality of Scott and Daryl as nominees but also the uniqueness and opportunity before them this year.”

Scott Cummings, one of the winners of the 2024 Joseph H. Mason Award, is pictured.

Cummings and Damcott will be honored as the 2024 recipients of the Joseph H. Mason award during United Way’s annual “Salute To Labor” dinner scheduled to be held this year at the Athenaeum Hotel in Chautauqua Institution on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Tickets for that event can be purchased by calling United Way at 716-483-1561.

SCOTT CUMMINGS

Scott Cummings started as an apprentice in IBEW Local 106 in 1982, which eventually led him to the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District and he became a member of CSEA Local 6300.

Scott worked at the Sewer District as an electrician for 28 years and as Director for five years, retiring as District Director after 33 years of service. He started volunteering with the Forestville Fire Department in 1982, but spent a majority of his volunteering at the Mayville Fire Department where he eventually became Chief with 42 years of volunteer service. He has been a member of the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation team for 25 years serving as co-captain.

In 2021, Scott was awarded the New York State Public Works Leader of the Year by the American Public Works Association. Scott is an active member of the Christian Community Church of Dewittville, serves on the Town of Chautauqua Board and its Comprehensive Plan Committee. He lives in Mayville with his wife Norma and son David.

DARYL M. DAMCOTT

Daryl Damcott is a Technology Education teacher at the Jamestown School District, and the Vice President of the Jamestown Teacher’s Association. His work has allowed him to help develop the new aviation program, help students participate in STEM Wars, and to work on partnerships with the Builder’s Exchange of the Southern Tier for the construction program at JHS. He also works at Chautauqua Institution and serves as the IATSE Local 266 Financial Secretary.

Daryl, his wife, Katie and their two amazing children, Kara and Drew live in Kiantone. where he is also a volunteer at the Kiantone Independent Fire Department, serving as a Lieutenant and assisting on numerous calls including fires, accidents and other emergencies. He previously volunteered with the Sherman Fire Department where he served as an interior firefighter and EMT.

In addition, Daryl serves as a board member for the Jamestown Area Community Federal Credit Union and the Jamestown Public School Forest. He is an avid supporter of many local causes, including the One Ball Foundation, Dixie Smith Memorial Foundation, Child Advocacy Program, Rails to Trails, Hospice, Chautauqua Striders, Jamestown Babe Ruth and United Way.

THE JOSEPH H. MASON AWARD

Joe Mason was the Directing Business Representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 65, representing southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.

Mason’s reputation for standing up for the causes of labor impacting the day-to-day lives of working men and women of our area is well known. Joe was recognized nationally for serving as the first Co-Chair of the labor management committee, a locally initiated revolutionary approach to labor relations.

Mason was a long-standing member of the United Way Board of Directors. Mason exemplified labor’s commitment to serving the community through his devotion to the United Way campaign.

After Mason’s death, the United Way Board of Directors created this award in recognition of labor’s critical contribution to the success of the United Way. What has followed has been 43 years of the United Way recognizing the critical role that local labor leaders play in serving our community, in addition to serving the interests of the union members they represent.

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