Thomas A. Erlandson with family at the 2018 John D. Hamilton Community Service Award Presentation
During a reception on October 12 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation presented Tom Erlandson, of Frewsburg, with its John D. Hamilton Community Service Award.
A graduate of Jamestown High School and Jamestown Community College, Erlandson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. and went on to earn his Master of Science in Entomology and PhD. in Zoology from University of Wisconsin.
The retired JCC professor, taught a variety of biology and geology courses for 27 years. He also spent 30 years as a consultant for Forecon, Inc.
“During my years as a member of the Jamestown Community College faculty, I had the pleasure of meeting John Hamilton and interacting with him on several occasions,” Erlandson said. “(John) set the standard for community service and I am greatly honored to be this year’s recipient of the award named for him.”
Although Erlandson has been involved with many environmental and water quality organizations over the past several decades, currently he serves as a member of the South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District Board, Chautauqua County Water Quality Task Force,
Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance Science Committee, and Chautauqua Lake Harmful Algae Bloom Steering Committee. Erlandson is also the president of the Chautauqua County Board of Health and serves as the biology advisor and a board member with the Chautauqua Lake Partnership.
Erlandson has been previously recognized with the Jamestown Community College Distinguished Alumnus Award and for his service the Chautauqua County Parks Commission and Chautauqua County Legislature designated a clearing on Oak Hill Road in his hometown of Frewsburg as Erlandson Overview Park.
The John D. Hamilton Community Service Award is presented annually to an individual, or group, whose dedication, leadership and support in furthering community spirit enhances the quality of life in the Chautauqua region.
