Continue the Celebration

Although we weren’t able to gather in person for this year’s event – help us “raise a glass” to Cristie and her decades of service to our community by writing her a congratulatory message or sending us a photo/video sharing your well wishes or a personal memory.*

*All of this content will be shared with Cristie

Because of her passion for local history, all contributions made to the Foundation in honor of Cristie Herbst will be placed in The James C. O’Brien and Cristie L. Herbst Fund for Local History.

Created after the passing of James O’Brien in 2014, this fund provides financial support to Chautauqua County city, town and village historical societies, as well as, local historical education initiatives.

About Cristie Herbst

From her first experience as a high school student in Mayville fundraising for the American Field Service Chapter with her family, Cristie has witnessed first-hand the dynamic power volunteering can have on a community.

During her early days as a reporter at The Post-Journal in the 1970s up until her retirement as the paper’s first female editor in 2013, Cristie’s natural inclination toward, and eventual passion for, citizenship led her to become involved with many community organizations.

For years she volunteered with local Girl Scout troops, mentoring the young women, while also taking on a leadership role with the Chautauqua Area Girl Scout Council.

Her skill in providing solid, unbiased direction is evident in many organizational mergers. Cristie served as a member of the Jamestown Boys Club when it combined with the Jamestown Girls Club to become the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club. More recently, Cristie was president of the WCA Foundation when WCA Hospital became affiliated with UPMC.

Other organizations Cristie has volunteered for include:

• American Red Cross, Chautauqua County Chapter – Director
• Chautauqua Region Community Foundation – Board of Directors, secretary
• Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care – Board of Directors and founding member
• SUNY Fredonia, President’s Council on Media -Member
• UPMC Chautauqua – Board of Directors

Now retired, Cristie continues her service as a volunteer and president of the Board of Trustees at the Chautauqua County Historical Society, which also operates the McClurg Museum in Westfield. Recently, under Cristie’s leadership, the Historical Society entered into a partnership with the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department to operate a museum at the Barcelona Lighthouse.

About the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award

The John D Hamilton Community Service Award recognizes an individual’s dedication, leadership and support in furthering community spirit and enhancing the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region.

It was first awarded to John D. Hamilton in 1993 to express the community’s appreciation of his tireless efforts and leadership to make the Chautauqua Region a better place.

Previous Recipients