TYRONE - Alice Mulhollan likes to be involved.
"I just like to be around people; it is a lot of fun. Everyone works to do their part for the betterment of the community. I would rather be involved. If you can't help to make it better, don't complain," said Mulhollan, who participates in many community activities as well as runs her business, Alice's Garden Florist & Gift, 857 Washington Ave.
Mulhollan is a member of the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has been active with the Tyrone Merchants Association over the years.
She has co-chaired the town's Irish Heritage Celebration for the past six years and is spearheading the merchants association trip to Ireland in April.
"This will be the first time we [merchants] have done this, but it is my third trip to Ireland. I am very excited to go again and share it with my friends. I love Ireland. I feel like I am at home the minute I step on that island." said Mulhollan, whose great-great-grandfather Rudolph Mulhollan came to the United States from Ireland and settled in the Lewistown area. "I am Tyrone's first Irish daughter. When people want to know something about Ireland, they come here.
Mulhollan, who loves dogs, is considered the founder of the Dog Days of Summer, a merchants association event started in 2010.
Mulhollan is important to Tyrone, Chamber Executive Director Rose Black said.
"She plays a big role in the community; she is a good-hearted person who would do anything for anybody," Black said. "I call her a spark plug. She is very energetic and creative. She is an all-around good person; everyone loves her, she is fun."
Mulhollan was born and raised in California Hollow and continues to live there on the family farm.
She graduated from Tyrone Area High School in 1976 and then went to Williamsport Area Community College - now known as the Pennsylvania College of Technology - and studied horticulture, landscape design and floral design. She received an associate degree in 1979.
She went to work as a landscape designer in Jersey Shore and then Montoursville before returning home in 1996 and opening her floral business.
Mulhollan said she did not plan to open her own business - it just happened.
"I did not want to open my own business, but God works in mysterious ways, and here I am," Mulhollan said. "I discovered a niche and went with it. I personalize everything and make sure we use good quality flowers and different flowers. I don't use the same cookie-cutter arrangement for each item. We go with whatever the people want, and we love a challenge."
In addition to being a successful businesswoman, Mulhollan also is talented musically.
"I played the piano for a long time at the Bald Eagle United Methodist Church. I sing at a lot of local churches. I do a lot of theater. I belong to both the Tyrone Community Players and Altoona Community Theatre. I like being on stage singing and acting but very little dancing," Mulhollan said.
Mulhollan said it is important to be involved in the community.
"It is just the right thing to do. I wish more people would get involved," Mulhollan said.
Mulhollan said her parents, the late Edward and Ferroll Mulhollan, were her role models.
"They were perfect role models for Christian life, their work ethic and the golden rule. I had the perfect childhood," Mulhollan said. "As kids we worked hard, played hard and had a good time. We were expected to do a lot and we did."
Mulhollan said her faith is also very important.
"I am an Irish girl and a devout Christian," Mulhollan said. "I realize God comes first in everything. If you put God first, everything else will fall into place."
Mulhollan is pleased her business has become a popular spot in Tyrone.
"This place is like a social mecca. People come in to say hello at times and to have a social experience. If we can provide a little sunshine for people, that is fine with us," Mulhollan said.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.
