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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Trio of Seniors Honored as Top Graduating Athletes at Watertown High School Spring Sports Awards Night

WATERTOWN — Three Watertown High School seniors were honored Wednesday evening as the top graduating athletes and recipients of the William I. Graf Award. Alexandra Macutek and Mallory J. Peters were selected as the women’s recipients and Jack T. Rathbun was named as the men’s honoree this year.

The Italian American Civic Association created the William I. Graf Award in 1954 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 an associated scholarship fund in perpetuity and raising awareness of the award for students who strive to earn the prestigious honor.

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Planned Improvements Include Roadway Reconstruction, Infrastructure Upgrades

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to partner with Blessed Sacrament Parish — St. Anthony’s, St. Patrick’s, and Holy Family Churches — to steward charitable gifts in support of a $1 million campaign to revitalize Watertown’s Glenwood Cemetery.

     Since its consecration in June 1888, Glenwood Cemetery has been the family plot for many. It serves as the principal Catholic cemetery in the Watertown area for many North Country neighbors and relatives.

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Applications for Up to $7,500 in Funding Per Applicant Due Wednesday, July 31

     MASSENA — Air Products, in partnership with the Community Foundation, recently announced a $50,000 grant from the Air Products Foundation to support the establishment of the Air Products Greater Massena Community Fund.

     Grants of up to $7,500 per applicant are open to qualified and approved 501(c)(3) organizations and local governing bodies for programs, projects, and initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater Massena community and St. Regis Mohawk Reservation. Focus will be on supporting a variety of community needs in areas including, but not limited to, health and wellness, arts and culture, human services, education, families, youth and/or elders, environment and conservation, community development, and recreation. Each request will be evaluated for its potential impact on the Greater Massena community and its ability to support disadvantaged communities.

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