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 […]

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 […]