By Northern New York Community Podcast
The podcast currently has 32 episodes available.
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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 90 grants to nonprofits in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties have been awarded by the council, totaling close to $150,000. The tangible outcomes from the grants are noteworthy and meaningful, but the real progress is being made within the council itself.
High school students learn to lead, collaborate, and make a true difference in their community. A spirit of philanthropy builds inside each student. On this podcast, we bring in four former Youth Philanthropy Council members. They share their reflections from their time on the council, but also dive into what they learned as they embark on the opening chapter of their professional careers and also how they plan to give back in the future.
Participants:
“I think not only did it change my outlook on my community and philanthropy as a whole and what it means, but it also taught me leadership. … I think it taught me really great life skills, and I think moving forward, the lessons that I’ve learned via philanthropy will be with me for a long time to come.”
– Marcus Lavarnway
“I learned that philanthropy it’s a perpetual motion machine. By lifting up others around you, you hope to inspire others to do the same. It taught me the responsibility of those fortunate enough to have means to share it with others.”
– Sarah Van Eenenaam
“I think that it’s important not to hold back. If there’s anything that you feel really passionate about, just go for it. Use your voice to help the community as much as you can and really just go for it.”
– Sara Glover
“I think my mindset on it has changed. I know I’m leaving so that’s ironic, but I definitely have plans on coming back after. Get out for a little while, go learn about the world, but come back and give back because this community gave me so much that I was definitely not appreciative of when I was a student. But now looking back, it’s a great place to grow up really. It provides a lot of things that in other cities or places across the U.S. you just don’t get.”
– Dominic Uliano IV
Marcus Lavarnway
Sarah Van Eenenaam
Sara Glover
Dominic Uliano IV
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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 food pantry shopping to benefit families through the Watertown Urban Mission. They also share their individual backstory and roots in giving. Plus, Bruce and David mention favorite charitable efforts and how they impact the North Country.
Participants:
“You see it if you’re out in the community at all, which both of us are. You see the need. The agencies I’m most involved with are the (Watertown Urban) Mission and Salvation Army. You know, you see it every day and you start to wonder, ‘Well, can I do something? Even on a small scale?”
– Bruce Irwin
Service, sports, and shipping
Motivated by family
Connecting congregation to the food pantry
Identifying areas of community need
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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 and the North Country. We also hope you enjoy many stories shared reflecting on a love for history, the military, family values, and keeping a community connected.
Participants:
“I would go beyond and say education is important to every community’s future, but I think particularly for a community that has a determination to remain strong or to become stronger, and people within it have the same feeling. … Education remains the best single investment a community can make.”
– John Deans
Growing up in Malone and Poughkeepsie
Introduction to Jefferson Community College
Focus of a college president
Why history is important to community philanthropy
Inspiration from losing a loved one
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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, and in turn, decided to give back to the region where he experienced personal and professional growth. Mart shares stories of his childhood, details on building a successful business, and what compels him to give back.
Participants:
“I’ve lived here in Watertown now more than half my life, in spite of the fact that I’m an Estonian, Swedish, Canadian, American … I’m Estonian, but I’m an American citizen. And I feel like I belong here, and it’s a great country, and I want to do my part to give back to the community, where I’ve had the opportunity to run a business, and meet a lot of great people. I’m blessed.”
Nomadic childhood in an Estonian family
From engineering to business
Connecting with the Community Foundation
The importance of enduring giving
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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. The five participants identify leadership traits, their journey in community involvement, and how they hope young leaders become more involved in the future. What’s their message? The next generation of North Country leaders is here and ready to serve.
Participants:
Grayden Brunet, Senior, Sackets Harbor Central School, YPC member
Joanna Loomis, Director of Provider Strategy and Transformation, North Country Initiative, LEAD Council member
Lauryn Quinn, Senior, Immaculate Heart Central School, YPC member
Erin Simser, Graphic Design and Marketing Specialist, WinnResidential Military Housing Services, LEAD Council member
Robert Sligar, Assistant Vice President, Carthage Savings and Loan Association, LEAD council member
“The biggest thing that you want to remember is that you’re leading for a reason. You’re leading for the people around you and it’s not just your voice that you have to lead for in your head, you have to be respectful and listen to everyone else’s voice, because that’s the true reason why you’re leading.”
“I think (we could have) more opportunities for young leaders to bring in students into situations where they can learn about the process. So, to sit in on a board meeting and experience what it’s like, to go to a volunteer opportunity and be hands on and see what good it is doing. I think the more we can do that and really get the youth of our community involved … I think it will be beneficial because I think they’ll see what it’s ultimately doing.”
“I hope my legacy just inspires others. I don’t have a plan for myself quite yet, but as long as I can inspire others to get involved in the community, I know that I’ve done my job.”
Characteristics of a leader
Observations and experiences in philanthropy
How to be a mindful and adaptive leader
Evolving legacies
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“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 shares some of his most meaningful messages, and the impact of giving in tandem with his wife, Linda.
Participants:
“Our communities need our time and our talent as much as they need our money. I think a philanthropist is a person who gives extraordinarily of themselves for no other reason than to build their community.”
Learning to love education
Motivation to become mayor
Three defining quotes
Inspiration from Linda
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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 community groups. On this podcast, Tim and Jill share the influence of music on their lives, and why performing arts enriches local communities. They also share how music can be a motivator to give back.
Participants:
“Life without music is unthinkable. I think that sums it up really well, as to the role arts plays in a community. Without the arts, it’s lifeless.”
Together in the pit
Picking favorites
Inspirations in philanthropy
“Life without music is unthinkable”
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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 member for the city of Watertown, Kevin has tried to help his community in a number of ways. In this conversation, he reflects on his life in Northern New York and shares several examples of giving that has made a meaningful difference to the region.
Participants:
“The most important aspect of vibrant philanthropy in the community is that it really knits together the generations. I think it brings together so many different aspects of a community and the people that live in it, in a bit of a cohesive pattern that it wouldn’t have if it weren’t there.”
Looking back at family history
An unexpected influencer
Protecting New York State parks
Favorite examples of philanthropy
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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 as Spragueville), just outside of Gouverneur. She has experienced challenging times and traumatic loss, but her inspiration has been philanthropy. From volunteering at Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, to establishing a traveling Clown Ministry in St. Lawrence County, Kay describes how giving back to others has been the greatest gift she has ever received.
Participants:
“We all have journeys to go on, and in giving, you receive. I think most everybody at one time or another in their life, whether it is financially, health wise, in some way will have a need in their lifetime … and if my children, my grandchildren can share with others and make that difference by just a listening ear, in some small way … then they’re making a difference to mankind.”
Sharing values of giving with family
A timely blessing
Music is a difference-maker
The joy of being a full-time volunteer
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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 St. Lawrence River region. Ken was a lifelong supporter of many River-area organizations. Prior to his passing in August 2018, Ken shared some of his favorite North Country memories: the establishment of TILT, preserving Potters Beach and Zenda Farms, the joys of exploring the region and much more. He shares all these lasting stories in conversation with his good friend, Ted Mascott.
Participants:
Arriving at Grindstone Island
The creation and development of TILT
Unexpected donation of Zenda Farms
Stories of trails, preserves and habitats
A lifetime of lessons
Click Below to download a pdf of the Audio Transcripts from the podcast.
Transcript
The podcast currently has 32 episodes available.