Yes, "Love the River, for Good"

Were you one of the lucky ones who received a copy of "Love The River, for Good", published by the Northern New York Community Foundation? The little brochure was distributed widely in the USA and celebrated the major bequests or funds established in the North Country to support so many worthwhile projects now, and more importantly, into the future.

I found my copy in the Thousand Islands Sun in August, and immediately realized that my friends were being honoured and further reading gave me names that immediately brought back memories from days gone by.

Reading the Community Foundation's website, you will see the depth and scope of support it provides to so many organizations in the North Country. In 2029, the Foundation will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

I thank Ken Eysaman, Director of Communications, for allowing me to republish these three profiles. Sigh; that photograph on the cover makes one smile and, yes, sigh too, especially in December!

Art and Judy Pearson

For Art and Judy Pearson, summers on the St. Lawrence River were special. Their home in Cape Vincent was where they gathered with family, enjoyed the beauty of the Thousand Islands, and built memories that lasted a lifetime. Their love for the River community inspired them to give back to the places and causes that mattered most through- out their lives . . .

Gerald and Judith Reinman

Gerry Reinman believed education opens doors. Growing up in Clayton, he considered himself an average student, but his strong work ethic and college degree shaped a successful career in business and industry. He never forgot how higher education changed his life, or how hard it can be for some students to access. Together with his wife, Judith, who spent her career as an educator, Gerry wanted to help students from his alma mater — Thousand Islands High School — achieve their own goals. . .

June T. and John R. Walker

For June T. Walker and her husband, John R. “Jack” Walker, Cape Vincent was more than a place to live — it was home. Lifelong educators, they shaped countless students’ lives, instilling values that reached beyond the classroom. Their quiet generosity also strengthened local organizations and inspired those around them . . .

The brochure, with outstanding photographs of the River by Tim Kocher, Riverview Photography, goes on to explain the many ways anyone can set up an endowment that will last forever. Many of you who know me, know that my career was in development, and being able to share these three stories makes me realize that my career gave me a special gift – the opportunity to see just how philanthropy can make a difference.

As we head into the "end of year giving season" of December, I hope you will take advantage of those special opportunities that make giving easy. Check out your local community organizations, places of worship, school programs, and and and . . . the list goes on . . .

By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com