September 7, 2012— Much like the Boy Scouts, John Anderson has been known to perform quite a few Good Turns throughout the Chautauqua Region.
On Thursday, September 6, Anderson was recognized in front of 150 family, friends and community members as the 2012 John D. Hamilton Community Service Award winner. The annual award, presented by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, honors an individual who has shown dedication, leadership and support in furthering community spirit and enriching the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region.
As a 32° Mason, Anderson has been committed to the betterment of humanity through widespread community involvement. A Boy Scout in his youth, Anderson served on the Board of Directors for the Allegheny Highland Council of the Boy Scouts of America for 25 years. Other organizations benefiting from his dedication include: Robert H. Jackson Center, Lutheran Social Services, Annual Fund Drive for the Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Striders, The Salvation Army, Sunset Hill Cemetery Board, James Prendergast Library Association and Chautauqua County Tobacco Asset Securitization Commission.
While many have inspired Anderson to perform these Good Turns in our community, he attributes it all to a higher power.
“After my wife died, I thought God’s purpose for me was to make all I can and give it to worthwhile organizations. And that’s what I have tried to do,” Anderson said. “But the truth is, I have received more than I have given. There is a joy in this, to be able to do this (help others), it really is just fantastic.”
Anderson is currently the president of Bodell, Overcash, Anderson and Company, Inc. in Jamestown. He is also the founding director of Jamestown Savings Bank as well as founder and president of the Judith J. Anderson Family Foundation, created in memory of his late wife.
“Philanthropy, I looked it up once in the dictionary,” stated Anderson, “it says love of mankind. However it was a very old dictionary so I’m sure if you saw it today it would say for the love of mankind and womankind, and in a broader sense, that is exactly what it is.”
The John D. Hamilton Community Service Award was first awarded in 1994 to John Hamilton for his tireless efforts and leadership to make the Chautauqua Region a better place. Hamilton was also one of the founders of the Community Foundation.
