A “tireless volunteer and leader” was named 2021 Batavia Citizen of the Year (COTY) recently. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will honor Daniel ‘Dan’ Hoefler Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at the Chamber’s Inspire 2022: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us! annual awards event.
Additionally, the Batavia Community Band is the Spirit of Batavia award winner for 2021. A committee of previous recipients of the Citizen of the Year award selects the Batavia Citizen of the Year from nominations received from the community. This group chooses the Spirit of Batavia group honoree.
In a nomination letter, Tom Von Lunen, COTY 2014, wrote that Dan “is an excellent example of a dedicated individual who gives more of himself without seeking any accolades or recognition of his service to his community.”
Steering Dan’s lengthy volunteer career are his profession as a lifelong educator, a passion for history and a commitment to guiding students to become strong leaders. Except for a couple of years when he and his family lived downstate because of work, Dan has volunteered steadily since he first moved to his new bride’s hometown, Batavia, in 1975.
Shortly after his arrival, Dan volunteered to serve on the Batavia Bicentennial Committee, which then led to his participation in Loyalty Day activities and parade; both of which began as an offshoot of this committee. Two years later, in 1977, Dan ran for and was elected Third Ward alderman. He served one term prior to moving downstate to take a position as principal in Sullivan for three years.
Batavia mayor Jeffery Schielke called Dan “a really good friend to Batavia.”
“He’s always been at the frontline of community activities since he first moved here,” explained mayor Schielke. “Many times, he was behind the scenes, but he’s always been a respected worker involved with many activities. He has certainly shown his love and passion for the community and for good government.”