YBPA membership honors the Griffon, Dotty Riordan

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Two well-recognized community assets were honored by the Youngstown Business and Professional Association in a special event last week.

Lockport Street’s Griffon Brewing, part of a well-known WNY franchise, but a relative newcomer to Youngstown, was recognized for its immediate impact on village life.

“It is an honor to have you’re here in our village,” YBPA board member Catherine Stella in her remarks to Griffon co-owners Eddie Webster and Ken Scibetta. “We support you and hope you are here for years to come.”

She was joined by Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers, Porter Councilman Tim Adamson, and Youngstown Mayor Mike DeDario who all shared individual tributes at the presentation.

Dotty Riordan, the wife of the late Mayor Neil Riordan, was recognized with YBPA’s 2026 Community Service Award for her many contributions to village life over the past four decades.

“Dotty has been a lifelong resident of the Village of Youngstown,” Adamson said.

He went on to recall her years of service with the YBPA, the Niagara Pioneer Soccer League, and the Town of Porter Historical Society.

“Your dedication to this community is incredible,” DeDario said. “The village appreciates all the efforts you put in and continue to do.”

Cheryl Butera, YBPA board member and a long-time friend of the Riordan family, likewise spoke of the many contributions Dotty has made over the years. Among those, her work with the YBPA, the Porter Historical Society, youth soccer, and serving as coordinator for the Village of Youngstown Friday night free concerts at Falkner Park. Other contributions include her past work in the Suburban Mothers Club; and her current endeavors on improving the village, from maintaining flowerpots to holiday decorating at the Red Brick Village Center for “Christmas in the Village.”

“We refer to her as our ‘ever-ready’ bunny, because she is quick to get things done,” Butera said. “We all know if you have a question, you just ask Dotty.

Dotty Riordan, left, the 2026 Community Service Award winner, with Eddie Webster, co-owner of the Griffon, honored as YBPA 2026 Business of the Year. (Photo by Kevin and Dawn Cobello, K&D Action Photo and Aerial Imaging)