Community philanthropy has played a major role in the growth, transformation and evolution of Northern New York. Generations of individuals, families, organizations, businesses and others have demonstrated philanthropy in many forms to help create the identity for area communities in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
To share and preserve stories of community philanthropy, the Northern New York Community Foundation and WPBS-DT have launched the “Northern New York Community Podcast: Stories from the Heart of Our Community.” The media project features a series of individual interviews about personal and citizen philanthropy and its meaningful impact in the North Country.
“We feel strongly that capturing the diverse stories of those who have chosen to make a difference is important. It serves to not only preserve and celebrate the North Country’s great tradition of civic responsibility, but it also serves to be an enduring inspirational force for future generations as they contemplate the ways they will make help change our communities for the better,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.
One of the primary goals of the podcast is to offer the interviews on a variety of digital and online platforms to engage listeners of all ages. Twelve interviews are now available on the podcast’s website: www.nnycpodcast.com. On the website, each interview features a transcript, highlights of the conversation and a photo gallery. Interviews are also available for download on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher.
“Telling our region’s stories has been a long-standing tradition of WPBS Public Media,” said Lynn Brown, WPBS-DT President and General Manager. “The podcast project in collaboration with the Northern New York Community Foundation allows us to capture the significance of philanthropy in Northern New York. ‘Northern New York Community Podcast’ tells the story of philanthropy from volunteerism, stewardship and community involvement to transformational leadership. It is a privilege to share in the creation of stories from the heart of our community.”
The first series of Northern New York Community Podcast interviews features:
- Richard E. Alexander Jr., Watertown
- Jeannie Brennan, and Larry & Connie Barone, Sackets Harbor
- Lee Clary, Black River
- Benjamin and Margaret (Peggy) Coe, Watertown
- Sylvia Heap, Watertown
- Harold and Sally L’Huillier, Cape Vincent
- Richard R. Macsherry & Molly Macsherry MacWade, Alexandria Bay
- Joseph L. Rich, Watertown
- Robert R. and Jean Sturtz, Watertown
- David O. Van Eenenaam, Watertown
- Urling and Mabel Walker, Watertown
- Joe Widrick, Lowville & Don Hunt, Brantingham
The “Northern New York Community Podcast” will be an ongoing project in partnership between the Community Foundation and WPBS. The next series of interviews will be conducted and produced throughout the year. If community members have recommendations for future podcast interviews, please share your suggestions via email at info@nnycf.org, or on the “Contact” page on the podcast website: www.nnycpodcast.com.
The Northern New York Community Foundation makes grants to support the work of non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to individuals in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. The Foundation has been built and added to from gifts (both while living and through their legacy plans) by individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York, as well as supporting specific charitable interests and passions.