About Cradle Beach
Hall of Legends
This Spring, Cradle Beach began a new tradition of honoring those individuals who have made a significant impact on this organization and those who have been impacted the most by it. These individuals are true legends here at Cradle Beach. This year we honored all the summer camp directors. In addition, we honored our invaluable supporters, The Buffalo News and its Publisher Stanford Lipsey; alumni counselor Martha Boutet; alumni camper Bob Hartnett; and alumni family, the Neffs. They are all legends to us.
Next year, we will add legends in the categories of supporter, counselor, camper, and family. You can nominate an individual as a legend by contacting Diane Gutkowski at (716) 549-6307, ext. 201 or dgutkowski@cradlebeach.org. The next induction of nominees will take place in June 2008.
Summer Camp Directors
Cornelia Hopkins Allen “Hops” (1896-1979)
A pioneer in the field of Social Work, Hops was a faculty member of the University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work. To honor her, Baird Hall was renamed Allen Hall in 1981. Hops was the director of Cradle Beach from 1947 until 1958. As a social worker, she had a deep understanding and love for children. It was with a firm and loving spirit that she established the guidelines, expectations, and visions that are now fully celebrated as the CBC spirit. Her many profound thoughts on children and their rights and needs are built upon to this day. One of her many famous quotes of CBC “a place where children’s spirits soar” has become a byword in connection to the name of Cradle Beach. Mrs. Allen’s husband David, an Engineer, also served the camp in various positions, though many remember him from the craft activity shops. Her two sons, David and John Robin, were “camp kids” and could be found here and there around the camp. They too were influenced by the camp’s philosophies. Mrs. Allen was indeed a woman ahead of her time. Those who knew her to this day, hold her in highest esteem and remember her with respect and love and think of her as the “mother” of all that CBC continues to be today. She remained dedicated and connected to the camp until her passing, when her ashes were scattered on Lake Erie at the shores of Cradle Beach.
Dr. Eugene Perry
Dr. Perry was Co-Director of Cradle Beach from 1958 to 1959 along with his wife, at the time, Beverly Cooke Perry. He carried on the philosophies of Cornelia Hopkins Allen, whom he believes “started what the camp became and what it remains today”. Like everyone who has been touched by the Cradle Beach spirit, Eugene holds the memories of his time at camp and the friendships he formed very dear. He describes Cradle Beach as a very unique place. Prior to becoming director, Eugene served as Waterfront Director and Athletic Director during the 1950s. After earning a Ph.D. at Syracuse University, he went on to become a professor of government studies, especially interested in the judicial system. He enjoyed a productive career teaching at the University of Rhode Island. He is now retired, living in Rhode Island, and enjoying life with his wife Elaine. They are currently traveling abroad.
Jack Anthony
For more than 40 years Jack dedicated his life to Cradle Beach Camp. He retired from the Buffalo Schools as a teacher at City Honors. He also has a degree in Physical Education as well as a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. He began as a counselor at Cradle Beach and became Camp Director in 1959. In that role for 38 years, he was the heart and soul of the CBC family. His “welcome home” attitude united counselors, staff, children, and scores of volunteers and community supporters. Together in one common goal they worked to meet the needs of children who were disabled or came from disadvantaged backgrounds as they soaked in the bounty of a summer stay at Cradle Beach. Thousands of “treasures on loan” were among the fortunate who spent time at camp and had the opportunity for this life changing experience under Jack’s leadership. Though retired, Jack continues his support and dedication to the mission of Cradle Beach. Jack’s wife Molly and their children have also been very involved in the spirit of CBC. To the hundreds of people whose lives he touched and so powerfully influenced he remains forever, “The Chief”.
Herb and his brothers, sisters, cousins, and parents have all been involved at Cradle Beach for their entire lives. Herb’s 42 years as part of Cradle Beach started as a camper in the 1950s. He served as Program Director through the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and worked his way through to Director of Youth Services in 1997. He held that position until 1999. He met his wife Nadine in 1975, when she was a nurse at the camp. Herb has a degree in Special Education and is a School Counselor, as well as a Cross Country and Track Coach at Gaithersburg High School in Maryland. Through the years, he has recruited several students from Maryland to work at Cradle Beach. He plans to retire in June, but will continue coaching, and running marathons, a long-time passion. He also hopes to pursue his other passion and wishes to spend more time at Cradle Beach, the place that has always been a powerful force in his life. Herb says he was honored to be a director, and carry on the Cradle Beach traditions. He also says his camp experiences have shaped who he is, and that he shares the stories and philosophies of the camp with his students. Although he may have lived far away, Herb says that “Cradle Beach is never far from my thoughts”.
Bonnie came to Cradle Beach as a counselor in 1971. After serving as counselor for two years, she worked in the pool and became Waterfront Director in 1974. Thousands of children have enjoyed Polar Bear, General Swim and Night Swim in a safe environment under Bonnie’s leadership. Bonnie has an educational background, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Adaptive Physical Education, a minor in Psychology, as well as a Master of Science degree in Physical Education for Special Populations. She holds endorsements and certificates in various areas through the Red Cross and holds an EMT license. After 27 years she retired from the Grand Rapids Schools and became Director of Youth Services in 1999. In this role she led the programming from summer camp to year-round services. She maintains that position as well as Respite Coordinator, overseeing the weekend respite for children with disabilities in the fall and spring. Her educational background along with her passion for the goals of the camp, inspire the staff, counselors, children, the community, and all who catch her spirit. She carries on the same spirit that has made Cradle Beach such a success since 1888. She has many visions for Cradle Beach’s future and works tirelessly to achieve them while engaging volunteers and staff. Her hard work and dedication inspires others and she continues to give love to thousands of children over the years. Her long standing service to the camp’s mission was recognized when she was chosen for the 56th annual Buffalo News Outstanding Citizen Award in 2005.
Counselor
Martha Boutet
Martha started working at Cradle Beach as a counselor in 1970. Her experiences at the camp inspired her to pursue her dream to learn sign language and to work with Deaf children. Completing a Master of Science degree in Deaf Education, she retired after 30+ years from Michigan’s educational system and later from the Silver Creek schools. An invaluable “jack of all trades” Martha has held many positions at CBC. Martha ties together all loose ends to ensure that campers and counselors have the best time at camp. Martha was a counselor, supervisor, life guard and managed the kitchen staff and young staff. She continues to organize and manage the transportation needs for campers, oversees the writing of the children’s records, works in the office, as well as works to support all endeavors and needs of CBC. Whether it is the foreign counselors, the laundry, the staff photo album, or the gardens that need attention, Martha attends to them with love and care. She continues to be active in other aspects of Cradle Beach as well including the Spring Open House, Harvest Dinner and Penguin Run. As often happens, families and friends follow, and Martha’s nieces and nephew became involved. Andrew and Amy are counselors, and Kate continues to volunteer, learning from her aunt the importance of giving back. Martha also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity.
Camper
Robert "Bob "Hartnett (1937-1965)
Bob is a true legendary hero. Born without any limbs except for one leg that was not fully formed, he came to Cradle Beach as a camper in 1947. In 1954 he became a young staff member, helping out as needed. Swimming was his favorite thing to do, but there were few activities he would not do. Bob also loved the curly slide (Bob slide) that was in a nearby park down the beach. He later became counselor to the pioneer campers. At age 17 Bob began studying at Canisius College. In 1958 he graduated with honors. He later went on to be a beloved counselor. Campers and counselors alike were inspired by his spirit. Bob co-owned an accounting and insurance office. After becoming a CPA, he opened a solo office. Bob was very independent and had a positive attitude and love of life that touched and inspired all who knew him. Sadly, he died of pneumonia at age 28, a great loss to all. Memorial Funds poured in and a curly slide was built in his honor. When Cradle Beach moved from the former site down Old Lake Shore Road, the staff agreed that the camp would not reflect the Cradle Beach spirit unless the curly slide was moved as well. It now is flanked by a three story deck and boasts the best view of the woods, field, and lake-front. Inspired by their uncle’s legacy Bob’s two nephews Robert and Kevin Hartnett joined Cradle Beach as counselors in the 1990s. Cornelia Allen said of him, “Bob was a marvelous example to all of us”.
Corporate Supporter
The Buffalo News
The close relationship between Cradle Beach and The Buffalo Evening News, as it was called then, goes back to at least 1947, when for the first time the newspaper funded the camp experience for 40 children with disabilities. Sixty years later, the bond is as strong as ever. During those decades, The News has continued fund-raising efforts for the children of Cradle Beach, with public campaigns taking place at Christmastime and more recently during the summer months. The campaigns are highlighted by reporter-written stories that tell the compelling stories of the children and their counselors, accompanied by photos taken by News photographers showing the many happy faces at play and at rest. To recognize the donors to the annual campaigns, The News also published lists of their names. The Buffalo News’ commitment to Cradle Beach serves as a cornerstone that upholds the financial, organizational and practical needs of the organization. The company shows its generosity in many ways ranging from sponsoring a trip to a Bisons game for campers, to in-paper promotion of Cradle Beach events, the donation of materials, the hosting of meetings, and offering the expertise and time of its employees, several of whom have served on the Board of Trustees. Many other News employees volunteer at Cradle Beach during the United Way’s Day of Caring and on their personal time. The link between The Buffalo News and Cradle Beach is long and strong and for that the children and staff are grateful.
Individual Supporter
Stanford Lipsey
When Mr. Lipsey became publisher of The Buffalo News in 1983, after Warren Buffett purchased the paper, there were no automatic guarantees that the relationship between The News and Cradle Beach would continue. But Mr. Lipsey’s decision to honor the corporate commitment that was started by the Butler Family and the Rotary Club, was an important moment in Cradle Beach history. Mr. Lipsey didn’t just renew the relationship, he rolled up his sleeves and got personally involved. His influence and dedication made a huge impact in 1994, when it was decided to move the camp down Old Lakeshore Road to its present location.
He gathered the Western New York delegation to the State Legislature for a meeting at The News to ask for their help in ensuring Cradle Beach’s future. He also made the lead pledge for the capital campaign, and his personal efforts helped secure $1 million from the federal government for the new camp project that brought Cradle Beach into the 21st century. Mr. Lipsey also helped to bring Jim Kelly on board as an advocate and contributor to Cradle Beach, and The News’ publisher has generously loaned the expertise and time of his staff in assisting many of Cradle Beach’s initiatives. Countless children with disabilities and disadvantaged backgrounds have benefited from the Cradle Beach experience largely due to the on-going support of Stanford Lipsey.
Family
The Neff Family
Gerry Neff and her husband Bill raised their children while working summers at Cradle Beach. All four of the Neff children (Shirley, Jolene, Michelle, and John) were campers and counselors and Cradle Beach has been an integral part of their life for their entire lives. Shirley and Jolene and their husbands and families have continuously supported, volunteered, and helped in any way to assist in promoting the goals of the camp.
Gerry Neff was first a counselor in training in 1958 and for several years worked as a counselor and Pioneer Camper Supervisor. She had recruited her husband William, who also worked as a counselor and later in the maintenance area. During his time at Cradle Beach, Bill built the Nature Hut at the camp, dedicated to his honor when he died. Over the many years Gerry has been involved in many aspects of Cradle Beach and helps whenever and wherever needed. She assists in several fundraising events and hosts a Tennis Tournament at her home. The proceeds benefit both the Cradle Beach Respite Program and the Sisters of St. Joseph; a group with whom Gerry does ministry work. Gerry is retired after teaching math at the high school level for 34 years. Two of Gerry’s daughters have carried on the Cradle Beach tradition.
Shirley Neff MacKinnon was a camper, young staff member, counselor and assistant to the program director when she was single. Now married with two children of her own, Shirley continues serving as program director at Cradle Beach. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Master of Science degree in Special Education. She has served on the Program and Services Committee of the Board of Directors and was instrumental in supporting the work of that group. She is a special education teacher at the Early Childhood Center School 54 in Buffalo and brings her family to camp for part of the summer. Her children now carry on the tradition and spend time as campers and volunteers.
Jolene Neff Rice holds a Master of Science Degree in Counselor Education and works as a school counselor in the Maryvale School System. Like her sister, she brings her two children to camp so that they too, can be camp kids for part of the summer. Jolene worked as a young staff member, counselor, and assistant program director, and now holds the position of program director. She is involved in many initiatives including the work of the Programs and Services Committee and was instrumental in developing the Teen Leadership Programming supported by the Oishei Foundation. Shirley and Jolene and their husbands and families have continuously supported and volunteered for many fundraising events for Cradle Beach, most recently the Harvest Dinner and Penguin Run.
