Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund Announces $57,446 in New Grant Awards

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. 

 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 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 

Mr. and Mrs. 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 

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. 

Picture: Jeannette Remp Sawyer and Kenneth V. Sawyer