Award Aids PTS Program for Servicemembers, Veterans, and First Responders

     ALEXANDRIA BAY — The Cary and Janet Brick Riverside Foundation, a Northern New York Community Foundation affiliate, has provided a grant to River Hospital to support its Post-Traumatic Stress Services program.

     A $1,000 grant was recently awarded to assist current servicemembers and military veterans, as well as those who serve their communities as first responders with Post-Traumatic Stress treatment.

     The hospital’s Post-Traumatic Stress Services, “works closely with our military members, veterans, and first responders to help heal invisible wounds through innovative care and treatment in their own back yard.”

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Rising Senior Lauded for Collaborative Effort, Leadership to Help Fellow Students in Need

     WATERTOWN — Connor Brown, a rising senior at Watertown High School, is the first recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Heroes of Democracy Award.

     Connor was recognized for his leadership and problem-solving skills while organizing efforts to bring a hygiene vending machine to Watertown High School. The innovative initiative aims to address hygiene poverty among students in Jefferson County.

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$30,000 Award Will Help Increase Capacity, Storage While Eliminating Waste

     WATERTOWN — A $30,000 Community Foundation grant is helping the Food Bank of Central New York expand its Interstate Island Road distribution center to more effectively help neighbors in need across the North Country and its 11-county service area.

     In Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties, the Food Bank partners with 70 different food pantries, soup kitchens, backpack programs and other organizations to provide nutritious foods below cost. In turn, those organizations serve hundreds of North Country families, providing emergency food assistance to residents who couldn’t otherwise access nutritious foods.

     The Community Foundation provides grant support annually to organizations that operate in partnership with the Food Bank.

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Standout Lacrosse Players to Extend Playing Careers at Jefferson Community College  This Fall

     WATERTOWN — Watertown High School seniors Devin Connell and Jack T. Rathbun were recently honored as the recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Coach Matthew J. Branski Award.

     The Coach Matthew J. Branski Award was established at the Community Foundation shortly after his passing in January 2020 to honor his leadership as a decades-long lacrosse coach and Watertown High School teacher who mentored countless students and athletes on and off the field.

     Highly regarded by players, parents, fellow teachers and coaches, Coach Branski was a true friend who always ensured each player was treated with respect. While he demanded excellence, he inspired such results through the example he set for others.

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Pair of Seniors Honored as Top Graduating Athletes at IHC End-of-Year Awards Event

     WATERTOWN — Two members of the Immaculate Heart Central Class of 2024 are the top graduating athletes and recipients of the Clarence B. “Boots” Gaffney Award. Gianna M. Richards was selected as the women’s recipient and Jack A. Charlebois was named as the men’s honoree this year.

     The Italian-American Civic Association established the Gaffney Award in 1980 following his retirement as athletic director to honor his commitment to Immaculate Heart Academy and IHC students. That same year, the award was first presented to the top graduating male and female athletes at Immaculate Heart.

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