Chamber Awards Gala: Paul Waterstrat named Youngstown Citizen of the Year

By Jennifer Pauly

Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce President

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will honor businesses and individuals at its annual Chamber Awards Gala on Friday, April 28, at The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls.

Village of Youngstown Citizen of the Year Paul Waterstrat

Village of Youngstown Mayor Raleigh Reynolds and village trustees chose Paul Waterstrat as the 2017 Village of Youngstown Citizen of the Year.

Paul is one of those behind-the-scenes volunteers who do all of the work without question. He has been instrumental in assisting the Village of Youngstown Recreation Committee ensure its events are a success.

Paul lives in the Village of Youngstown with his wife, Pam. They have two sons, Max and Evan, who grew up participating in the Village of Youngstown recreation program and continue to help when needed.

Pam has been involved as a commissioner of the program for the past 15 years. As with many great relationships, when one family member is involved, everyone is! Paul has volunteered for the recreation programs, behind the scenes, and is always ready to help. He always seems to know what has to be done.

The Youngstown recreation program is one of the best programs in the region. Many children from the Village of Youngstown have fond memories of events and programs. Paul has enjoyed watching kids who used to be a part of the recreation program, when his sons were involved, come back and volunteer. He has noticed the level of participation over the years has stayed the same - which is a good thing, considering all of the technology options most children have today to serve as entertainment. From open gym time and the Nancy Price 5K run, to Christmas and Halloween parties for the children, there are recreation activities and programs planned all year long.

Paul grew up in the Lewiston-Porter district. He has lived in the Village of Youngstown with his family for the past 19 years. He enjoys the small-town, community feel one only gets in a small village. The park activities keep kids busy and there is always something to do. He said he loves having a safe neighborhood and great neighbors. Having an active recreation department is one of the reasons families choose Youngstown to raise their children.

Paul is a computer analyst for Fed Ex Trade Networks. In his spare time, you can find him golfing in the summer and enjoying sports. He participates in the annual Lewiston-Porter alumni soccer game. Puzzles are his pastime in the winter, and in the summer you can find him out gardening and growing hot peppers to make his own hot sauce. He also enjoys spending time eating at the Mug and Musket, where his son, Max, is a chef.

Reynolds mentioned Paul is one that you can count on to just pitch in and help out. He seems to always know what needs to be done. The mayor and village trustees recognized the support Paul gives to the program, and are appreciative of all of the selfless time spent helping to make sure the Village of Youngstown recreation program succeeds.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Reynolds and the Village Board are proud to honor Paul as the 2017 Village of Youngstown Citizen of the Year.