The Northern New York Community Foundation’s Board of Directors has approved a $10,000 matching grant to build community support for a stage lighting project with the Thousand Islands Performing Arts Fund (TIPAF) at the Clayton Opera House. The Community Foundation will match each contributing gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 to assist with the local arts organization’s improvement project.

“The Community Foundation has a long-standing history of support for TIPAF and the Clayton Opera House. It is important for us to continue to enhance the investments we’ve made there over the years and to help sustain and enhance this tremendous regional asset,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. [Read more…]

The Northern New York Community Foundation’s Board of Directors recently approved a $5,000 grant to support the Community Performance Series in Potsdam for its 2017-2018 season. Community Performance Series partners with the Potsdam College Foundation and garners support from the community to feature a variety of quality performing artists and arts education opportunities each year.

“As we continue to look for meaningful ways to invest in the quality of life for the residents of St. Lawrence County and Northern New York, this was a natural choice given CPS’ track record of bringing quality arts and cultural experiences to the North Country,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. [Read more…]

Two seniors were recognized as the top graduating athletes at Watertown High School and the recipients of the William I. Graf Award on Wednesday. Jillian Girardi was selected as the school’s female recipient, and Peter Victoria was chosen for the school’s male honor 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. Mr. Graf was a multi-sport coach and athletic director at Watertown High School. Graf award honorees are expected to have participated in at least two or more varsity sports in their senior year and showcase exceptional individual characteristics in sportsmanship, discipline, fair play, training, ability and academics. [Read more…]

An anonymous donor has offered a $5,000 matching challenge to create a permanent scholarship in honor of long-time North Country educator and administrator Gary F. West. Mr. West will retire as Immaculate Heart Central elementary school principal at the end of the school year. He has served for 40 years in various capacities in both public and parochial education in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. The Gary F. West Faith-Based Education Scholarship will be a component fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation and will provide financial assistance to elementary students attending Immaculate Heart Central School. Those wishing to honor Mr. West and support the scholarship can make tax-deductible gifts to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601. Gifts should designate the scholarship on the memo line or can be made online at www.nnycf.org. All gifts will be matched up to a total of $5,000, which will create a $10,000 endowed fund in his honor. [Read more…]

Cross Island Farms on Wellesley Island is holding a wine and cheese tasting to benefit the Northern New York Community Foundation from 4-7 p.m. Friday July 14. It will take place outdoors rain or shine (with tents in case of inclement weather) in the Farms’ recently planted “Edible Forest Garden.”  Homestead Heritage Cheese of LaFargeville and The Cape Winery of Cape Vincent will be offering samples and sales of their cheeses and wines accompanied by Jim Burr on the keyboard.  A representative from the Community Foundation will be on hand to meet and greet attendees.  Informal tours of the garden will be led by Dani Baker, its designer and co-owner of the Farm.  The event is open to the public for a minimum donation of $20 per person.  All proceeds will go to the Community Foundation. [Read more…]