Diethrick Honored By Community Foundation

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation had a fair market value of $41 million in 2000.But because of people who volunteer to serve on the board and give of their time helping others, the value is more than $41 billion.

That is how Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. explained the impact of the people from the Chautauqua Region on the community. Diethrick was honored Thursday with the 2001 John D. Hamilton Community Service Award by the Community Foundation. More than 100 people attended the event that was held in the Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution.

“People – that’s really the value of the community,” he said. “Value is not the bottom line. It’s not the balance on the bank sheet.

“Overwhelmed is how I feel tonight,” he said.

Diethrick, who lives in Jamestown with his wife, June, is the community development officer at Jamestown Savings Bank and served more than 30 years as Jamestown’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation director. He thanked many of the people in the audience for allowing him to be part of their organization and to serve the community.

“It’s not the effort I have given,” he said passing credit on to others in the community. “What a privilege it is to help others, to make the hill a little less steep and the valley a little less deep.

“Everywhere I look around the room I see somebody who has allowed me to be part of their lives and to serve with them. What an honor that has been.”

Greg Peterson, a former Hamilton Award winner, said Diethrick gave him his first job at the age of 14 and they have been friends ever since.

“That man has had a tremendous impact on my life and the lives of all of us here,” Peterson said. “He certainly has a love of this community. He has been and continues to be a class act and is certainly deserving of this honor.”

The Hamilton Award is given annually to a person in recognition of their dedication, leadership and support in furthering community spirit and enhancing the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region.

Diethrick has served on more than 100 boards and committees and has been honored at least 25 times with awards and recognitions. He also served on the board of the Community Foundation from 1989 through 1999.

Tonight we are here to honor one of our own, a homegrown boy,” said Max R. Pickard, Community Foundation president.

“For years he has been involved in a wide variety of efforts that deal with many different issues – each impacting the quality of life in our community. The leadership and personal commitment that Russ Diethrick has demonstrated that makes him a natural choice for this year’s award.”

Diethrick deflected praise for his work and said he wants to do more for his community.

“Tonight is not about what has happened,” he said. “I hope and pray that God will give me the strength and desire to continue to do things to make this community better.

“Jamestown is unique and different from any other community.”