Thirteen Organizations Will Share Support for a Wide Range of Programs and Community Projects to Strengthen Quality of Life
BOONVILLE — Thirteen community projects and organizations that benefit Boonville, Constableville, and Westernville residents will share $57,446 in funding from the Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation this year.
Support will help build programs and fund projects that broadly impact the quality of life for residents in the three communities. Eighteen organizations applied for funding in the seventh year of the grant program. In 2023, the Sawyer Community Fund awarded $58,050 to 14 community-based organizations. Thanks to the enduring generosity of the Sawyers, the fund has provided more than $350,000 in support to 102 projects and organizations since grantmaking efforts began in 2018.
The Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund was established in 2018 as a geographic- specific fund to enhance and strengthen the communities of Boonville, Constableville and Westernville. The Sawyers were passionate about the quality of life in their community, participating in many activities and volunteering with several meaningful organizations. Through the community fund, the Sawyer family established a lasting charitable resource that impact these communities in perpetuity.
“The breadth of programs and projects supported this year is a true testament to the impact of a community fund,” said Max DelSignore, Northern New York Community Foundation assistant director. “Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer shared the belief of demonstrating generosity where you live. Their community fund continues to lift these three communities in the most meaningful way.”
The following organizations will receive 2024 grant funding from the Sawyer Community Fund:
- Boonville Cemetery Association, $10,000 to repair fascia on the chapel at the cemetery entrance and replace two lead windows.
- Constableville for Tomorrow, $8,000 to upgrade pavilion lighting, which will have year-round impact, in partnership the Tug Hill Yeti Hockey & Figure Skating Club. Funding will also support anew rink liner and purchasing more figure skates for all ages. Improvements will increase access for community participants in the skating program and other activities.
- Boonville Black River Canal Museum, $6,650 to redirect water that is infiltrating the museum’s crawl space. Rainwater and snow melt are slowly causing an adverse impact, and the organization wishes to strengthen protection of the building. Funding will cover supplies and associated repairs.
- Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center, $5,500 to support materials and artist fees for summer and winter musical theater programs and materials for a summer art program. A portion of the funding will also help update the security system.
- Adirondack Community Chorus, $4,500 to bring a recital series to Constable Hall to boost its visibility and feature the site as a regional tourist attraction. Funding will help cover costs of professionally trained musicians and related expenses.
- Erwin Library and Institute, $4,370 to bring in performers for its summer reading program and upgrade its security system.
- Boonville Concert Band, $4,000 to conduct a four-performance summer series in Boonville in July and August. Funding will cover costs for musicians and related expenses.
- Village of Boonville, $3,800 to install two ADA-accessible water stations in Erwin Park. Grant funding will cover the costs of the freestanding fountains and other needed equipment.
- Constable Hall Association, $3,500 to help purchase a golf cart that would enhance access to the 17-acre property for visitors with limited mobility. Several community events held at the hall cover many acres of the campus. The association will match grant funding in order secure the recommended golf cart for acquisition.
- Western Town Library, $2,226 to acquire an AED machine, giving the library a critical safety device on site in case of emergencies during operating hours or community events. The library serves approximately 3,000 patrons annually.
- Boonville Search and Rescue Association, $2,200 to coordinate two community training days for participants ages 13 and older to learn introductory skills for CPR and first aid. Map and compass training will also be provided. Funding will cover training costs and required materials.
- Volunteer Transportation Center, $1,500 to support reimbursement for volunteer drivers who serve clients in the Boonville, Westernville, and Constableville areas. The Volunteer Transportation Center provides essential rides to health, social and other destinations for Northern New York residents at no charge. More than 100,000 miles were logged in Lewis County alone in 2023.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), $1,200 to acquire proper supplies to keep this program going to serve village/area residents. On average, 250 tax returns are completed through this effort each year. Volunteers hope to complete 275 returns next year.
About Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer
Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer participated in many community events and activities through the years and served on local boards and committees. Mr. Sawyer was a Boonville native, served in the United States Army, and enjoyed a career at Layng Furniture Company and as a supervisor at Boonville’s Erwin Park. Most notably, he was a talented musician. He played tenor saxophone in his high school band and clarinet with the Boonville Village Band. He frequently played with three separate drum and bugle corps in Boonville and Rome.
Mr. Sawyer passed away in 2008.
Mrs. Sawyer completed a successful career of more than 45 years at Rome Savings Bank and was an avid follower of the stock market. She also served on the finance committee of Boonville United Methodist Church. She assisted organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center, the Erwin Library, and the Boonville Cemetery. Mrs. Sawyer passed away in 2015.
In 2017, the Kenneth V. Sawyer and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Scholarship Fund was established through the Northern New York Community Foundation to benefit Adirondack Central School graduates. The endowed fund will award two scholarships each year forever, supporting the business and music pursuits of high school graduates from the district.
The application for the next grant cycle for funding from the Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund will be available in early 2024.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.