by Joseph RADDER
It’s been said that Jamestown resident, Dorothy Sullivan Brownell,
has the “Luck O’ The Irish” on her side as well as a winning smile. Born in
Salamanca, Dorothy has been able to use the skills she gained during her rewarding career
as a loving wife, mother and educator, to help others.
Dorothy attended Buffalo State College and studied dental hygiene in
Rochester. After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught dental hygiene to students
in Chautauqua County as well as Pennsylvania.
Starting her official “retirement” in 1976, Dorothy launched a
second career - volunteering. Dorothy was named Senior Citizen of the Year in 1989 by the
Chautauqua Office for the Aging. In 1995, she was named Volunteer of the Year by the AARP
Chapter 334 in Jamestown, where she was a past president. She also was past president of
the United Senior Council of Chautauqua, Inc., received the New York State Legislative
Achievement Award, is on the advisory council of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program,
participated in the Foster Grandparents program and was a Volunteer of the Year while
working with the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County. Dorothy also won a bronze medal
for swimming in the 1988 Senior Olympics.
In her spare time, Dorothy dishes up food with a smile at a local food
bank. Presently, she is most interested in travel, especially to elder hostels to learn
new skills and hobbies. A blend of energy and commitment, Dorothy gets our vote as a super
senior!
Joseph Radder is a freelance writer.