Eight County-Based Nonprofits to Share nearly $420,000 in Funding; Applications for Second Funding Round Due in August

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce $419,465 in grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID Recovery Program to aid to eight organizations that serve county residents.

     The program is made possible through $1 million in funding that county officials allocated to help nonprofits respond to and recover from the negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

     Jefferson County has partnered with the Community Foundation to administer the federal grant program and steward ARPA State and Local Recovery Funds in accordance with United States Treasury guidelines.

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Recent Immaculate Heart Graduates Honored as Top Athletes at Italian-American Civic Association Event

     WATERTOWN — Two members of the Immaculate Heart Central Class of 2023 were honored Wednesday evening as the top graduating athletes and recipients of the Clarence B. “Boots” Gaffney Award. Emily L. Bombard was selected as the women’s recipient and Robert T. O’Connor 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 Gaffney Award was first presented to the top graduating male and female athletes at Immaculate Heart.

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$30,000 Grant Award Will Help Replace Failing HVAC System

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation, in partnership with the Jane E. Deline Foundation, is pleased to announce a $30,000 grant to help the Salvation Army Watertown Corps replace its central HVAC unit at its State Street facility.

     The Community Foundation and the Jane E. Deline Foundation will each provide $15,000 to support the replacement of a nearly 50-year-old unit that is close to failing. The Jane E. Deline Foundation is a Watertown- based private foundation that stewards the charitable work and legacy of its namesake. 

     Miss Deline was a Carthage native and longtime Watertown resident and teacher who passed away in 2014 at the age of 91. Throughout her lifetime, she was an active volunteer for the Salvation Army and deeply believed in the mission and impact of the organization.

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Accomplished lacrosse player to continue play at Division 1 level in Massachusetts

WATERTOWN — Watertown High School senior Joseph J. Girardi was named the 2023 recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Coach Matthew J. Branski Award.

A standout Cyclones lacrosse player, Joseph will attend the University of Massachusetts-Lowell this fall where he has committed to continue his playing career on the Division I squad. He is the son of Joseph and Kristin Girardi, Watertown.

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Trio of Seniors Honored as Top Graduating Athletes at WHS Awards Event

     WATERTOWN — Three Watertown High School seniors were honored Tuesday evening as the top graduating athletes and recipients of the William I. Graf Award. Kylie L. Cushman and Adelaide R. “Addie” Weir were selected as the women’s recipients, and Patrick Duah was named as the men’s honoree this year.

    The William I. Graf Award was created in 1954 by the Italian American Civic Association to honor Mr. Graf’s leadership and civic engagement in the community. The Northern New York Community Foundation was selected to help continue the Graf family legacy by administering the fund in perpetuity and raising awareness of the award for students who strive to earn the prestigious honor.

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