‘Lot Of Laughter’
John D. Hamilton Award Presented To Greg And Sue Jones
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Greg and Sue Jones have been honored as recipients of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation's John D. Hamilton Community Service Award.
The event took place at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, which welcomed more than 130 attendees in recognition of the 2023 recipients. The annual award has been presented since 1993 in recognition of an individual's dedication, leadership and support in furthering community spirit and enhancing the quality of life in the region. It is named for John D. Hamilton, in celebration of his tireless efforts and leadership throughout the community.
"We had a lovely evening with beautiful weather, a couple tears, and a lot of laughter" noted Tory Irgang, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation executive director. "So many community members were in attendance to support the couple, which came as no surprise to any of us."
The prominent area couple was joined by family, friends, colleagues, and even elected officials, many of whom were in attendance, and others who submitted letters of recognition. Matt and Lindsay Jones, the Jones' children, delivered words of appreciation to those in attendance and expressed heartfelt thanks to their parents for leading by example and showing respect for the good of the community. Both recalled stories of attending volunteer events as young children and marveled at how many in attendance they themselves now see as friends and family.
Greg and Sue Jones each took time to recognize John D. Hamilton and spoke of his influence on the community and on themselves. Greg Jones fondly recalled Hamilton's presence and direction at the Rotary Club of Jamestown. Sue Jones also thanked a number of those in attendance for their influence and support over the years, particularly expressing gratitude for the event's location, noting that Roger Tory Peterson and Greg Jones' father grew up together on Bowen Street in Jamestown.
Each spoke fondly of their colleagues at Spectrum Eyecare, Jamestown General Hospital and Jamestown's Board of Public Utilities, calling so many of them friends and family to this day. The night's award recipients claimed that the local community has given back to them more than they could have asked.
"Both Greg and Sue are equally deserving of the award as individuals," said Rex McCray, John D. Hamilton Award Committee Chair and event master of ceremonies. "Each could have been selected and celebr1ated for their own accomplishments and contributions to our community, but like most other aspects of their life, we felt it appropriate to recognize their collective impact -- one that is utterly immeasurable."
In a video produced for the event, fellow Rotarian Vince Horrigan noted: "Greg and Sue truly love the Jamestown community, and the people love them." He later added: "For Jamestown, and the greater Jamestown area, thank goodness for Greg and Sue Jones."
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students pursuing higher education. For more information visit www.crcfonline.org