2026 (2nd) Annual CARES AWARDS
By all accounts, the event to celebrate the volunteering spirit of Livingston County was a resounding success.
Livingston County Cares, Inc. hosted the 2nd Annual CARES Award Volunteer Recognition Event on April 10, 2026, at the historic Big Tree Inn in Geneseo.
The inaugural CARES Awards in 2025 began based on the newly declared Volunteer Month, with April 10 officially proclaimed Volunteer Appreciation Day by the Livingston County Board of Supervisors.
More than 80 community members, leaders, and supporters gathered this year to recognize six outstanding finalists for the 2026 CARES Award:
Tom Wilson of Geneseo, Ron Niedermaier of Groveland, Stephen Rapp of Nunda, Holly H. Harvey of Geneseo, Stephen Wiener of Geneseo and the Volunteers of Cultures Learning Together – Beth Adams, Tim McMahon, Shannon Curly, Kathy Wahl, Lois Heitener, Caroll Williams, Megan Pecenco, Laurel Nelson, Ella Archibald, Tony and Jean Hennessey and Suanne Grove
Each finalist was honored for their exceptional volunteer service and community leadership and received a handcrafted sculpture by Geneseo artist Jerry Alanzo entitled “Lean On Me.” Each finalist also received a Senate Citation from Senator Pamela Helming, a citation from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and a Certificate of Merit from Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey congratulating them on their accomplishments.
The evening’s top honor, 2026 CARES Volunteer of the Year, was awarded to Ron Niedermaier, who was additionally presented with a one-of-a-kind work of art created by Avon Potter Mike Carroll. The twelve inch in diameter platter was made with clay (raw material) sourced by Mike from the Genesee River flood plain in Avon. The artist created the piece to represent the Livingston County landscape and noted that “it is literally the landscape.” It was also inspired by the four seasons and the local flora throughout the year.
2026 Volunteer of the Year
Ron Niedermaier – Volunteer of the Year
Nominator – Sue Carlock
A lifelong resident of Livingston County, Ron has been volunteering for nearly 50 years to help his community and neighbors of all ages. He has been a member of the Groveland Fire Department for over 4 decades. Through many hours of training and years of experience he became Chief, and is still active to this day. In the early 1970s, Ron was involved with the Groveland Community Center, later becoming President. In 2013, Ron started a monthly luncheon, education and fellowship program for local seniors; he prepares the meals and organizes the activities. Ron is very involved with the local Cornell Cooperative Extension and the 4-H program. He has served on their Board, volunteers each year at the Hemlock Fair, and raises funds for trips and educational supplies. Ron has cooked for campers at the local 4-H horse camp, and taught 4-H campers from around the state about renewable energy by demonstrating the use of solar bikes and teaching them to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner using renewable energy sources. He also volunteered for 4-H at their statewide teen retreat and the NYS Fair. Ron has taught 4-H participants small engine repairs and tune-up and how to get and keep mowers, rototillers, and pumps running. Ron volunteers to teach young people how to bake cookies and pies, and how to shop for items to prepare and cook meals. Ron received the 4-H volunteer of the year award in 2013, the Groveland Senior Citizen of the Year award in 2015, and the New York State Older New Yorker Award in 2022. He is currently teaching a group of youth to cook. They plan a menu, practice the recipes, and then serve a meal for others. He operated Ron's BBQ for decades. He mentors youth to learn to barbecue, and has helped numerous organizations to raise funds through barbecues, donating his time and effort. He has served on the Board for the Office for the Aging since 2015, and recently became the Chair. He attends all of the Seniorama volunteer recognition events, helping to park cars and greet attendees. When asked why he does so much for others, Ron replied, " There is nothing more satisfying than helping others, using the skills that you have learned over the years to help others to become the best that they can be." The impact of Ron's commitment will be felt for years through the youth he has mentored and the institutions he has led.
The evening's program was led by CARES Awards event Chairperson Lisa Burns who guided the evenings celebration and shared highlights of the impact of each honoree. Dr. Tom Matthews, President of the Livingston County CARES Board of Directors informed the attendees about the work of Livingston County Cares, Inc. reflecting on the organization's 20 plus year history and the critical role of volunteers in its humanitarian mission.
Dr. Matthews also introduced the new President of SUNY Geneseo, Dr. Melinda Treadwell who spoke with the group assembled. Member of the Livingston County Cares Board of Directors, Joe Cope was introduced to unveil a new initiative by Cares - Livingston County CARES Community Improvement Grants – A program intended to provide financial assistance to individuals or groups working to support humanitarian causes in Livingston County.
This event not only celebrates individual achievements but also underscores a shared commitment to volunteerism throughout Livingston County. With the enthusiastic support of the Board of Supervisors and the broader community, the CARES Award promises to become a cherished tradition—one that uplifts those who quietly and consistently make a difference.
Livingston County CARES wishes to thank a generous ‘angel-donor’ and the Father William J. Gordinier Fund. Special thanks go to the Big Tree Inn for their hospitality, Mike Smith of Geneseo for the special music, Sarah Brunskill, student at SUNY Geneseo for photography of the event, Genesee Valley Florist for the floral arrangements and gift of flowers for the Volunteer of the Year, and Abbey of the Genesee Monk’s Bread was gifted to all the attendees of the event.
All this community support for volunteerism and the ability to celebrate comes in large part with the support of our generous partners – Livingston County Board of Supervisors, Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce and the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts.
Livingston County CARES is looking forward to celebrating volunteerism in Livingston County again next year.