Northern New York Community Podcast

Highlights | Transcript | Photos The Northern New York Community Foundation created a Youth Philanthropy Council to give high school students a glimpse into the world of community philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Since the program began, close to 150 high school students from five different area schools have participated in the program. More than […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Their first conversations started in church and centered on baseball. Today, the chats between Bruce Irwin and David Stoodley are more diverse, but are guaranteed to mention food. More specifically, food items to purchase for individuals and families in need. On this podcast, Bruce and David talk about their weekly […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos For John and Mary Jo Deans, the scope of their community philanthropy is vast and far-reaching. Education has always been at the core of each act of giving. On this podcast, the Sackets Harbor couple explains their roots in education, and how arriving at Jefferson Community College impacted their lives […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Mart Liinve remembers those early years. Traveling from Estonia, he lived in eight different places by the time he was 10 years old. Sacrifice was part of the family lexicon. Mart also understood the importance of work ethic. With an engineering mind, he helped build a successful North Country business, […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos As communities change over time, so does the leadership behind their evolution. Looking ahead to the North Country’s future, a combination of young leaders from the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council and LEAD Council got together to discuss various questions on the topic of next generation leadership. […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos “Giving back should make someone feel awesome.” That’s the way Thomas J. Yousey views his philanthropy. His spirit for helping others has been integrated through local schools, municipalities, churches and more. Tom offers a glimpse into his passion for teaching, caring for communities, and being there for loved ones. He […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Tim and Jill Savage have enjoyed a simpatico relationship with music for most of their lives. As teachers, the Canton residents devote endless hours encouraging the next generation to pursue opportunities in music. They channel their passion for playing into performances for the Orchestra of Northern New York and other […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Kevin Kieff built a fondness for local history at an early age. An affinity for his hometown of Cape Vincent and learning about family lineage fostered a greater love for the North Country over time. From overseeing 24 New York State parks in four counties, to serving as a council […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Growing up in a home with 11 family members, Kay Church understood sacrifice. At a young age, she also learned to give to others without hesitation. Today, she lives to lift up people in need. Kay shares her story growing up in the small hamlet of Sprague’s Corners (now known […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Ken Deedy was one of the North Country’s most passionate environmental advocates. He spent over 50 years as a seasonal resident on Grindstone Island, located along the St. Lawrence River. He was also a principal founder of the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) based in Clayton, which protects water and natural resources along the […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Donald Whitney comes from a family of givers. He believes that helping your community in any fashion is part of gratifying life. In this episode, Don shares local family history dating back to the early 1800’s. He talks about the joy of being an educator and school administrator. Plus, he […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos At the center of a community’s growth and prosperity are the people that make it possible. Lester Allen and Stephen Moyer are a perfect example. They have impacted each community they’ve lived in, but have been true difference-makers in the hamlet of Wanakena and surrounding Adirondack communities. They were instrumental […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Becky Van de Water’s life is a genuine love story. For her, the affinity began in the village of Canton, and with a proud, liberal arts institution in St. Lawrence University. Then, soon after, it was finding a soulmate in that community, and sharing that love made life complete. Becky […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Imagine being unable to walk up or down a flight of stairs, or lacking an appetite to eat any food. Imagine feeling this way as a young child. This was reality for Mabel Sicley-Kubis – a 7-year-old student at Mannsville Manor Elementary School. After many tumultuous months of doctor’s visits […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos A life devoted to career and community has been a perfect harmony for Nancy Del Borgo. A long-time Cape Vincent resident, Nancy shares stories on her passion for medicine and music, and why she chose one over the other. She opens up on her journey through the Crane School of […]

One phrase Allen and Marilyn Splete have used to help characterize their philanthropy is a “lifetime of doing.” Their experience in giving back stretches across many decades and through many communities in Northern New York. Allen and Marilyn share their personal stories of where they grew up. Allen discusses his parents’ passion for helping in […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos The common thread that has been woven into the life of Frank and Ann Cean has been dedication – to family, work and community. As North Country natives, Frank and Ann have set an outstanding example for how to serve your community at several levels. In this episode, they share […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos The bustling town of Massena is where they met. Today, they live in Gouverneur and along the St. Lawrence River. But for Charles and Higouhi Owens, St. Lawrence County has always been their home. Charlie and Hi give listeners a glimpse into the North Country’s thriving communities following the opening […]

Highlights | Transcript | Photos Dani Baker has always had a plan. At the center of her plan was to create a meaningful and purposeful life – for herself and the communities where she lived. In this episode, Dani shares her journey to the North Country, and the genesis of a sustainable farm on Wellesley […]

Philanthropy impacts people of all ages. Participation in philanthropy can also happen at any age. Giving back to others has a special meaning to Jeff and Brenna Ginger. The Gingers are Adams Center residents and educators at two area school districts. Jeff is the principal at Mannsville Elementary School within the South Jefferson Central District. Brenna is a high school English teacher within the Watertown City School District. Jeff and Brenna will discuss the role of millennials in community philanthropy. They also share their first personal experiences in philanthropy and giving back, as well as the importance of instilling these values in their three children and today’s students.

There have been many blessings in Dick Alexander’s life. One of the greatest joys has been addressing community needs he cares about most. In this episode, Dick talks about becoming a businessman in Utica, his arrival in Northern New York, and how participation in Rotary sparked his passion to help others. He shares his gratifying […]

Philanthropy continues to make its mark in Lewis County. Generations of individuals, families and businesses have advanced the quality of life in several communities in the region. Don Hunt and Joe Widrick provide stories behind successful community projects that have made a difference in Lewis County. Don shares the history of the Pratt-Northam Foundation, and […]

Sylvia Heap has devoted her life to citizen philanthropy. For nearly 60 years, local institutions, non-profits, projects and programs have been given a boost because of Sylvia’s passion and leadership. On this podcast, she shares the impact of philanthropy on her and her family. She talks about her work in establishing Jefferson Community College, public broadcasting in the region, and much more. Plus, she offers some advice for the next generation interested in getting involved in their community.

After more then 60 years in the North Country, Tom and Mabel Walker discuss who inspired them to give, factors behind their community involvement, and why educating the next generation about philanthropy is important.  Plus, Tom talks about his tenure as mayor for the city of Watertown, and Mabel provides insight into establishing a prominent Jefferson County non-profit.

Dr. VanEenenaam was an orthopedic surgeon for a local practice in Watertown for more than 40 years.  He talks about growing up in Michigan, and how his tenure serving in the Navy shaped his professional career.  Dr. Van Eenanaam also highlights the evolution of medicine and surgery during his career, the history of the Black River Valley Club, and making the time to give back.

For Bob and Jean Sturtz, they understand the sacrifice, hard work and belief it takes to make a community great.  This is just a small sampling of the values that are at the center of their lifetime of impactful philanthropy.  They grew up in Lewis County, enjoyed the early years of married life in St. Lawrence County, before finally raising their family and settling in Jefferson County.  On this podcast, Bob and Jean share their reasons for giving, how the North Country has evolved, professional moves and successes, and where their values for giving came from.

What began as a local fundraiser became a mission for a lifetime.  On this podcast, Joe Rich talks about the creation of the Disabled Persons Action Organization (DPAO), his local broadcasting career and favorite memories of the performances and entertainers who have come to Watertown. He also shares some lessons learned from his parents and why giving back today will impact the North Country's future.

Even at 98 years old, life is more fulfilling for Dick Macsherry when you're able to help others.  On this podcast, Dick shares stories about growing up along the St. Lawrence River, assisting with the growth of several area non-profits, and how the next generation can prepare itself for giving back. His daughter, Molly, talks about what her parents have taught her, how it's led her ministry and the joy of giving.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Harold and Sally L'Huillier understood the importance of cherishing what you have.  The tragic loss of a son made their spirit for giving back even stronger. Harold and Sally talk about their lives, how their giving changed and why supporting local organizations or causes are vitally important.

When you spend enough time in a community, you get exposed to its many layers.  Some are fortunate enough to play an active role in a region's evolution.  Lee provides a look into his life as a local attorney, Jefferson County District attorney and Jefferson County Court Judge.  Also, he talks about the lifelong friendships made through philanthropy, where he discovered the true meaning of giving back, and helping establish a pair of critical area non-profits.

History has played a meaningful role in the life of Jeannie Brennan. She and her husband, Bob, passed on a love for history, and the village of Sackets Harbor, to their daughter, Connie, and her husband, Larry. Jeannie, Connie and Larry explain why the historical village gives them a "sense of place," how history is critical to a community's growth and development, and what steps can be taken to inspire youth in philanthropy.

They were born on different coasts.  They have traveled to different parts of the country. But to Ben and Peggy Coe, the North Country will always be their home. In this episode, they talk about what brought them to the region.  They also offer insight into why giving together has made their lives gratifying.  Plus, they share a message for the next generation of leaders and much more.