Although Peter and Holly grew up in two different communities, he in Jamestown, she in Berea, Ohio, their parents instilled in them the importance of doing good for others. While students at University of Miami (Ohio), they met and began dating. On August 24, 1969, they married and returned to the Chautauqua region in the early 1970s.

“My family was always very involved in the community, I was just sort of born into it,” Peter said. “When I moved back to Jamestown (after college) I wanted to do a lot of the things I had seen my father do.”

Like his father, Paul B. Sullivan, Peter became an integral part of the community and used his financial prowess to serve on a number of committees dedicated to capital campaigns. His first experience was with the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County’s 1978 campaign. Since then, he has been involved with the Jamestown YMCA’s campaign to renovate the building and WCA Hospital’s emergency room campaign.

In addition to fundraising activities, Peter has served as president of Moon Brook Country Club, member of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, board of directors of the James Prendergast Library Association and more. Currently, he is president of The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation and is a member of the Jamestown YMCA.

Peter is also credited with bringing the Ice Pick Competition to the Chautauqua Lake Association, and along with Holly, led the renovations of Putt-A-Round Chautauqua, the mini-golf course at Midway State Park.

Growing up in Berea, a suburb of Cleveland, Holly witnessed first hand the impact a person can have in their community.

“My parents taught us, when we were very young, how important it is to get involved,” Holly said.

Since moving to the Chautauqua region, Holly has been involved with the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, WCA Hospital and AAUW Jamestown. In 1984, she was named Woman of the Year by the Jamestown Interclub Council.

More recently, Holly was a founding member and board member of the Lucy-Desi Comedy Center and is currently serving on the National Comedy Center committee. She is also currently a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Chautauqua County.

“We are very proud to receive this award,” Peter said. “To be recognized as a couple is so special to us. We will never forget it.”

The John D. Hamilton Community Service Award recognizes an individual, or a group, who has demonstrated dedication, leadership, and support in furthering community spirit and enriching the quality of life in the Chautauqua region. This is the fourth time the recipients are a husband and wife.  The first award was presented to John D. Hamilton in 1993.

According to an article in the Jamestown Post-Journal, Bellardo was selected for involvement in several area organization – including the Girl Scouts, Our Lady of Loretta Church, Kiwanis Club of Jamestown and Falconer, and the YWCA.

Since 1956, the Jamestown Interclub Council has selected a Woman of the Year, based on her community service. The ceremony is held in March to coincide with the United Nations’ International Women’s Day.

Miller is known throughout the community for her musical ability assisting with various productions in both high school and community theater. She also performs at local nursing homes and is a volunteer at the Audubon Center & Sanctuary, St. Susan’s Center and the Chautauqua County Humane Society.

Marcia C. Bliss, upon receiving her Woman of the Year award on March 18, 2013.

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown Interclub Council has announced its Woman of the Year for 2013. During a banquet and announcement that took place last week at the Marvin House in Jamestown, the council announced that Marcia C. Bliss was this year’s recipient.

The YWCA of Jamestown and the Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House were the two agencies that nominated Bliss for the award.

Bliss’s community service accomplishments include serving as a board member for the Child Advocacy Program, The Resource Center, YWCA of Jamestown, The Resource Center Foundation, the Marvin Community House and the Zonta Club of Jamestown.

The Jamestown Interclub Council began in 1935, with the objective to sponsor various activities geared toward the advancement of community interest, and activities that can be accomplished through a united action. Currently Jamestown Interclub Council consists of 15 women’s groups.

Winter is a longtime member of the Marvin Community House and added 20 new members to the organization in 2011, served on the house’s 60th anniversary celebration committee, and volunteers for various events related to the Marvin House on an annual basis.

Winter is also a retired teacher who worked 33 years in the Jamestown Public Schools system and has volunteered her time for various educational causes in the city. In addition to helping youth, Winter is heavily involved in church activities, has been president of the Jamestown Interclub Council and served on the boards of the Joint Neighborhood Project and Marvin Community House Junior Board. She has also spent time fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Multiple Sclerosis Association.

The Interclub Council’s mission is to sponsor and carry through – by the support of the member women’s organizations – various activities that advance community interests.  Some of the member organizations include the Zonta Club, AAUW, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Marvin Community House.