WINTER 2022
OUR
AMAZING JOURNEY Shaw Harbor Foundation’s Annual Newsletter
Three Brothers, Lake Placid, Adirondacks
Local Impact Through The Pajama Program
2021 Annual Shaw Harbor Foundation Recognition Dinner
Scholarship, Grant, and Internship Opportunities
Shaw Harbor Foundation, a Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation
CONTENTS 4.
Meet Our Founder
5.
Message from the Northern New York Community Foundation
6. 2021 Shaw Harbor Foundation Recognition Dinner 8.
Join the Shaw Harbor Foundation Committee
9.
Summer 2022 Internships with Skip-Line
10. Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities 11. Scholarships for College Freshmen 12. Community Grants 16. Grant Award Spotlight 17. Local Impact Through The Pajama Program 18. Traveling Internationally Again
Dear Friends, It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the first edition of the Shaw Harbor Foundation newsletter. Our goal is to build a network of leaders who are making a positive impact on our community and the world through scholarships to students and grants to nonprofit organizations. We’re proud you’re part of this important group. The Shaw Harbor Foundation was established by John Shaw McNeely in 2017 at the Northern New York Community Foundation to support and enhance the community where he and his family chose to grow a once small business into a thriving international firm. This inaugural edition of the newsletter is a glimpse back at the last two years of success with a look toward the future. Scholarship recipients will also receive a thumb drive in commemorative packaging that contains pictures and video from the 2021 recognition dinner. We’re eager to share opportunities exclusive to Shaw Harbor Scholars in the pages ahead; Study Abroad Challenge Scholarships; two Distinguished Undergraduate Scholarships; an open seat on the Shaw Harbor Foundation Committee and an internship working with John at his company, Skip-Line LLC. The Shaw Harbor Foundation also has a thoughtful community grant program which supports nonprofit organizations with programs and projects related to arts and culture activities, historical projects, LGBTQ services and programs, and general quality of life activities/projects. Eleven grants have been awarded in the last two years to important projects representing all of these focus areas. As we prepare for 2022, you will find amazing new opportunities to engage with the foundation through our planning committee and summer internships at Skip-Line LLC. We look forward to continued success. Sincerely, Shaw Harbor Foundation A Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation John Shaw McNeeley CEO, Shaw Harbor Holdings and Shaw Harbor Foundation Founder Georgette F. Spinelli Retired elementary school teacher, South Jefferson Central Schools Mindy Boenning Army Program Coordinator, Office of Veteran and Military Education SUNY Empire State College Kraig Everard Director of Stewardship and Programs Northern New York Community Foundation
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Meet Our Founder
John Shaw McNeely
John earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Houghton College and joined his family’s business, Hi-Lite Airfield Services, in 1989. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Buffalo where he studied corporate finance. Following graduate studies, he was named President and CEO of Hi-Lite Airfield Services. After many years of international travel and growing the business, John sold the company in 2019 and began to plan how he would help others who share a love for the region. Today, John is CEO of Shaw Harbor Holdings, a Northern New York investment firm. In 2020, John purchased Skip-Line with the goal to transform the pavement marking industry by connecting markings all around the world. Skip-Line provides the world with tools to create safer, smarter markings through connected equipment, automation, and data visualization. John’s vision is to offer scholarships and mentor the next generation of global leaders. His legacy is to create an enduring endowment for Northern New York students. In his free time, John enjoys hiking, skiing, diving, and traveling. John is married to Robert Woodside and resides in Sackets Harbor.
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Shaw Harbor Foundation
Message from the Northern New York Community Foundation
Rande S. Richardson Executive Director
For over 90 years, the Northern New York Community Foundation has been fortunate to work with those who desire to make a difference in the lives of others and for their community and the world. We feel especially honored to work alongside John Shaw McNeely in his journey to bring positive change and provide unique opportunities for those who are part of the Shaw Harbor Foundation. John’s work is transformative and what we have been able to witness during our partnership has been inspiring on many levels. On behalf of the board and staff of the Community Foundation, know how much it means to us to be part of the way the Shaw Harbor Foundation makes an impact. We welcome you to our collective family. Realize that we take pride in your successes and the positive wave of energy that you provide. We are grateful to be part of the magic that happens when stars align in support of such meaningful, far-reaching and lasting endeavors.
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2021 Shaw Harbor Foundation Recognition Dinner On June 8, 2021, Shaw Harbor Foundation held its second annual scholarship and recognition dinner. Max DelSignore, assistant director for the Northern New York Community Foundation, provided welcoming remarks. The evening celebrated 2020 and 2021 scholarship recipients. The keynote address was delivered by Peter Boenning, associate professor at Jefferson Community College. John shared his international business experience through an
Amazing Race presentation. He encouraged students to study abroad while offering additional support to those who chose to do so. During their turns speaking, students shared where they wanted to travel, including one aeronautical engineering student who will take a flight for the first time. Scholarship recipients shared their goals, aspirations, and the changes they want to make in the world as they begin their academic journeys and careers.
2020 Scholarship Recipients
Cole Bennett Clarkson University
Noelle Dutch Binghamton University
John Erdman Clarkson University
Emma French Boston University
Nicolas Luciani Rochester Institute of Technology
Marina Wood Syracuse University
Emily Smith Bard College
Andrew Thomas Nazareth College
Kaylee Van Alstyne SUNY Oswego
Eldon Montague SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
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Shaw Harbor Foundation
2021 Scholarship Recipients
Amelia Caird Rochester Institute of Technology
Sydney Daniels University of Vermont
Aubree Domagala Onondaga Community College
Ava Handley Jefferson Community College
Riley Pierce Thomas College
Suzanna Rainbolt University of Rochester
Briar Schweinsberg Siena College
Anna Spaulding University of Toledo
Alexander Truesdell SUNY Potsdam
Dylan Winslow Jefferson Community College
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Join the Shaw Harbor Foundation Committee Eligible for a $500 scholarship each semester you are a member
Assist with annual scholarship dinner
Identify opportunities to strengthen the scholar network
Gain experience & build your resume
We are searching for a student representative to join the Shaw Harbor Foundation Committee. The five-person committee meets several times a year. This includes three times during the spring, when scholarship applications are reviewed and again in the fall when grant applications from nonprofit organizations are reviewed. Meetings are accessible virtually via Zoom. The primary role of the committee is to evaluate applications thoroughly and make recommendations for funding to the Northern New York Community Foundation board of directors, and organize recipient events. This commitment does require a contribution of time during meetings and in between to review multiple applications. It’s a great opportunity to include service work on your resume and to work toward a meaningful goal. Please submit your interest in the form of a cover letter, resume, updated transcript, and your availability for three months in the Spring and Fall by March 31, 2022 to: Kraig Everard Director of Stewardship and Programs Northern New York Community Foundation kraig@nnycf.org
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Shaw Harbor Foundation
Summer 2022 Internships with Skip-Line
JOIN US IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SAFETY CONNECTING PAVEMENT MARKINGS AROUND THE WORLD
Apply for an internship at Skip-Line this Summer
Internships available in:
• Build Your Resume • Get involved with Web Development • Expand your programming languages skillset
• • • •
For more information, please contact:
Marketing Software Engineering Administrative Executive Assistant
Carol Urbanowicz HR Director Skip-Line, LLC carol@shawharbor.com Shaw Harbor Foundation
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Suzanna Rainbolt, 2021 Shaw Harbor Recognition Dinner
Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities The Shaw Harbor Foundation, a Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for two opportunities, exclusive to Shaw Harbor Scholars, beginning in 2022. For the high school graduating class of 2020, a new online application now streamlines the process. Visit bit.ly/shawharborscholars and click the “Forgot your Password?” to have your login credentials emailed to you. The high school graduating class of 2021 previously applied through the portal and should use their login credentials created last year at the same site. If your contact information has changed, please update your online portal profile.
Study Abroad Challenge Scholarships Access code: Abroad Application available: January 17, 2022 Applications evaluated every 90 days Online portal: bit.ly/shawharborscholars Award amount: $2,500
Distinguished Undergraduate Awards Access code: Undergrad Application available: January 17, 2022 Apply by: April 15, 2022 Online portal: bit.ly/shawharborscholars Award amount: $2,000
The Shaw Harbor Foundation wants to help students who have a global mindset with its Study Abroad Challenge Scholarship. Studying abroad offers unforgettable cultural immersion and supports a world-class education. This unique international program aims to develop change leaders who make an impact on their community and the world. The $2,500 scholarship may be used for tuition and travel costs associated with a study abroad program centered around leadership, social justice, agitation for positive change, and cross-cultural understanding. Recipients are encouraged to participate in leadership and mentorship roles throughout their voyage. We anticipate awarding several Study Abroad Challenge Scholarships throughout the year.
The Shaw Harbor Foundation wants to follow its scholars throughout their academic journies. One student from the class of 2020 and one student from the class of 2021 will be selected to receive another scholarship at the next annual recognition dinner.
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Shaw Harbor Foundation
Contact for more information: Kraig Everard Director of Stewardship and Programs Northern New York Community Foundation kraig@nnycf.org 315-782-7110
Scholarships for College Freshmen The Shaw Harbor Foundation scholarship fund was established with the goal to work with students in their first year of post-secondary school through their entire academic journey, which could even extend to graduate school and include support for overseas study and internships. Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors and nontraditional students planning to study aviation, business, international studies, and/or liberal arts. Special consideration given to students planning a semester abroad, who identify as part of the LGBTQ community, and/or graduates of South Jefferson, Sackets Harbor or Belleville-Henderson. Online application: nnycf.org/scholarships New users, click on “Create New Account” to complete the registration process. Apply by: April 15, 2022 Award amount: $500-$5,000 Applicants must be residents of Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence Counties. • • • • •
Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students. Students who will be attending technical schools are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted from high school seniors for freshman year of college. Selection for freshman scholarships is based upon academic achievement and personal data. This scholarship is a one-year award.
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Holistic Life Foundation Satellite Akwesasne
Community Grants Nonprofit organizations have an opportunity each fall to seek grant support through a competitive application process facilitated by the Northern New York Community Foundation. Grants support investments in quality of life and endeavors that strive to make life better for all. Communities served: Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties with special consideration given to Jefferson County towns of Adams, Ellisburg, Henderson, Lorraine, Rodman, Worth, and Hounsfield. Focus areas: Arts and culture activities, historical activities/projects, LGBTQ services/programs, general quality of life activities/projects. Application deadline: Fall Grants determined: Winter Contact: Kraig Everard, Director of Stewardship and Programs, kraig@nnycf.org
2021 Grant Awards $10,000 Holistic Life Foundation Following an initial pilot program in Charlottesville, VA and subsequently developing best practices in leadership and training in Baltimore, Holistic Life Foundation established a Mindful Leaders Satellite Initiative with the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. The people of Akwesasne have a deep commitment to trauma informed care, community healing, and wellness. HLF’s Mindful Moment program at Massena Central and St. Lawrence Elementary Schools serves as a preventive maintenance and support program and an alternative to disciplinary action. It’s a comprehensive whole school intervention where all students, teachers, and staff are trained in yoga and mindfulness routines that are practiced at the start and end of the school day to promote healthy healing, keep students focused, and teach life skills for self-calming, negotiation, and respect for self and others. Students learn self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills they will use now and in their future. Instructors are also available throughout the day for students in crisis as an alternative to suspension or other disciplinary action. Funding will support paid staff and supplies including yoga mats, blocks, Himalayan salt lamps, oil diffusers and essential oils. 12
Shaw Harbor Foundation
$10,000 Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, Inc. GSNYPENN is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to administer the program in 24 counties of New York and two in Pennsylvania. As the preeminent leadership development organization for girls in grades K-12, they offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. The organization operates Trefoil Adventure Center, a Girl Scout camp in Harrisville, where campers get the ultimate high adventure and wilderness experience while spending a week in an outdoorsy setting. Girl Scouts is all-inclusive and offers opportunities that compliment and support the success of its members who will be the leaders of tomorrow. A new LGBTQ+ Camp called 10102 Camp Beyond is planned for next year to provide youth the opportunity to attend a summer camp experience that has been thoughtfully developed around inclusiveness. Attendees will participate in traditional summer camp activities with the added benefits of trained staff, an on-site counselor and programming that supports and promotes that all are welcome, accepted, empowered, and self-assured as they face challenges associated with identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Grant funding will support financial assistance for camp attendees, staffing and their training, and materials.
Sackets Harbor Historical Society
$3,500
The Historical Society preserves and promotes the historical, architectural, and cultural legacy of the Sackets Harbor and Hounsfield community through preservation and educational programs, membership engagement, and community partnerships. New digital exhibits are planned, one in their Museum Gallery and the other in the recently acquired Old Stone Chapel, formerly Christ Episcopal Church. Historic documents and photos will be scanned for use in the exhibits and conducting historical research. This project will enable the Historical Society to vastly expand its ability to provide historical exhibits, displays, and other information to the public. Grant funding will support the purchase of technology required for digital exhibit technology and a document scanner. $2,000
HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community HarmoNNY was established in 2020 by performing artists, performing art teachers and directors, and performing art enthusiasts. The volunteer-run organization is working to enhance performing arts in the Northern New York region by cultivating engaging, artistic experiences in Northern New York and fostering musical and creative talents to enrich the community through education, participation, appreciation, and enjoyment of the performing arts. HarmoNNY has identified establishing an instrument lending library as a priority project. Students with a financial need and those otherwise not able to obtain an instrument will be provided with instruments and equipment. Items will be loaned out to students and adults who have a desire to participate in the performing arts, but lack the financial resources needed to purchase instruments on their own. Playing music can impact appreciation of music and the arts, as well as have a profound impact on a students’ mental health, regardless of whether a student intends to make a career out of it. Funding will allow the organization to purchase new instruments for their instrument lending library and repair fees.
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$2,000
Lorraine Volunteer Fire Company Inc.
The Lorraine Volunteer Fire Company provides fire protection and EMS Service to the residents in the Towns of Lorraine and Worth, a combined population of about 1,200 residents. They are a well-equipped department with 25 active members, 8 EMT certified first responders, who respond to about 140 fire/EMS calls annually. The LVFD has one portable pond that is carried on its primary attack engine which is first on the scene for district fire calls. The LVFD has determined the need for a second portable pond and to construct a compartment to house it at the pump station site on a permanent basis. This will allow for any vehicle from any mutual aid department to establish a fill site at the pump station without the current delay they are experiencing. This will enhance the level of protection throughout the fire district. Grant funding will support the purchase of a 2,100-gallon portable pond, materials to construct the storage compartment, and a contractor to construct. $1,000
Hay Memorial Library
Hay Memorial Library encourages early literacy, community engagement, and offers a diverse array of programs to support reading, literary arts, culture, and intellectual curiosity, as well as local history. Held in April to honor National Poetry Month, “Meaning, Sound, and Rhythm” is a one-day arts program designed to promote and encourage creative writing and artistic expression. The event is open to the public and structured with an opening reading and discussion period with a featured poet, followed by a writer’s workshop, and then an open participant/feature artist reading session. This year the visiting poet is Philip Memmer. During the opening session, Mr. Memmer will read and discuss selections from his recently published work, “Pantheon,” and will then hold a writer’s workshop in the afternoon, focusing on the process of writing poems, lyrics, and verse. After a dinner break, the group will reconvene for a poetry “slam” to share poems and works created during the afternoon workshop with Mr. Memmer. Grant funding will support compensation for the featured artist, printed materials and supplies, promotion, and staffing. $500 Pajama Program The Pajama Program promotes and supports a comforting bedtime routine and healthy sleep for all children to help them thrive. Since 2001, Pajama Program has delivered over 7 million good nights for good days to children facing adversity by providing new pajamas and storybooks through a network of local chapters. Funding will be designated to support the purchase of new children’s pajamas and books for children in Northern New York who are experiencing challenges beyond their control.
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2020 Grant Awards ACR Health
$10,000
ACR Health operates The Q Center, a LGBTQ youth program with support groups, community education & engagement, and other support services. Most of the organization’s programs are in-person and have been cancelled due to the pandemic. ACR proposes the development of a virtual retreat with tracks for self-care, life skills, social activism to reach youth in need of support and guidance. Funding will support 15 hours of support presentations with speakers contracted from national organizations such as GLSEN or the Trevor Project.
Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York
$4,000
PPNCNY plans to launch PRISM, a multi-faceted approach to creating an inclusive community and empowering Jefferson County LGBTQ youth; initially in Sackets Harbor. The group will identify strategies to create a more accepting environment through education, social activity and advocacy. A Community Advisory group composed of local health and human service agencies and schools will set program goals, action plans, events and training. Inclusive training will be directed to healthcare providers and risk awareness programs to LGBTQ youth. Funding will support a portion of the coordinator’s salary and related program expenses supplies.
Historical Association of South Jefferson
$2,000
The Association has acquired several buildings over time including a church built in 1825; now called the Six Town Meeting House. With upgrades it will be a rental for community space and receptions. Funding will support the final phase of exterior construction and replacement of siding.
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Grant Award Spotlight ACR Health’s Virtual Youth Summit was held April 5 to April 8, 2021, in partnership with the St. Lawrence Health Initiative. Grant funding supported the virtual platform, incentives for participants, thank you gifts for presenters, and social media promotion. This event was a four-day virtual retreat for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 13 to 21 and included workshops in selfcare, sexual health, “adulting,” and advocacy. The tagline of the event was “Youth Summit: Because youth matter.” Workshops provided to participants included: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 16
Healthy Relationship Skill-Building for LGBTQ Teens Encouraging Youth to Take an Active Role in Their Treatment Ped to Pilot: Getting your Driver’s License in NYS Fast, Fresh Food on the Go Grassroots Activism and Intersectionality What in the Wheel?!: Exploring Tools to Talk about Dating Violence Self-Care Yoga for Teens Financial Peace It Gets Better: The Power of LGBTQ+ Stories – Justin Tindall, Keynote Speaker I Am Little Red: Human Trafficking Awareness Gender Inclusive Menstrual Hygiene Sexual Health Trivia Mindfulness Matters Spotting Blind Spots: Breaking Down Unconscious Bias, Stereotype Threat, and Microaggressions Youth Activism: Putting the ME in Social Media Shaw Harbor Foundation
Thirty-eight youth/young adults from Northern New York participated in the Virtual Youth Summit. The keynote speaker, Justin Tindall of the It Gets Better Project, spoke about their upbringing in the Mormon religion and how that shaped the way they see the world but also about the struggle growing up Queer in a religious community. This workshop was valuable to participants because the message embodied the mission, vision, and values of the It Gets Better Project and showed youth and young adults that it does get better. Being able to see yourself in someone who has “made it out alive” can be empowering and this type of visibility is not always seen in the LGBTQ+ community. Virtual Youth Summit participants were asked to complete a feedback survey at the end of the week to gauge overall satisfaction of the Summit as well as provide additional comments and suggestions for future events. Staff found that because of participating in the Summit, youth and young adults reported having a better understanding of healthy relationships, being better equipped to take control of their sexual health and well-being, more confidence in problem solving skills, and less feelings of loneliness. Youth participants also reported feeling more prepared to advocate for their own needs and the needs of the LGBTQ community.
Local Impact Through The Pajama Program On December 20, 2021, the Shaw Harbor Foundation presented a contribution to the Pajama Program through a 2021 scholarship recipient, Anna Spaulding. The Pajama Program promotes and supports a comforting bedtime routine and healthy sleep for all children to help them thrive. Since 2001, Pajama Program has delivered over 7 million good nights for good days to children facing adversity by providing new pajamas and storybooks through a network of local chapters. Funding will be designated to support the purchase of new children’s pajamas and books for children in Northern New York who are experiencing challenges beyond their control. Student: Anna Spaulding College: University of Toledo Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences High School: Copenhagen Central School Class of 2021
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“Since the start of COVID I have not traveled outside of the United States. This changed in December when I went to the U.A.E.” John Shaw McNeely
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Shaw Harbor Foundation
Traveling Internationally Again
John Shaw McNeely
It has been almost two years since I traveled
The highlight of my trip was the opportunity
outside of the United States.
In early
to spend 3 days at the Dubai Expo 2020.
December this all changed with my trip to
With over 180 country exhibits showcasing
the United Arab Emirates. For the first part
history, culture and innovation there was so
of my trip I visited Abu Dhabi. It has been
much to see and do. The exhibit halls were
a few years since I visited the city and so
separated into districts showcasing such
much has changed. The skyline continually
topics such as sustainability and mobility. I
amazes me with the addition of new
plan on going back in March to visit more
buildings. It is a city planning for the future.
countries before it closes for good.
While I was in Abu Dhabi I experienced the
those interested in chess I got to watch in
celebration for the 50th anniversary of the
person Magnus Carlson defend his world
UAE. On December 2 the country closed
title.
down to celebrate its short history. Before
there is to explore as you travel and visit new
1971 no one could have envisioned that the
countries. Check it out online! You won’t be
rural Bedouins would form a country and 2
disappointed.
For
The expo reminded me how much
of the world’s great cities, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, would rise from the desert. While in Abu Dhabi I also made a trip to one of the world’s great mosques, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
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Your Journey is Only Just Beginning
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, Cape Vincent
The Shaw Harbor Foundation, a charitable fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation, is pleased to accept gifts in support of its mission and work in the communities it serves. The Community Foundation stewards all gifts, which are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Make gifts to the Northern New York Community Foundation, ATTN: Shaw Harbor Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601. You may also designate gifts to the Shaw Harbor Charitable Foundation through secure online giving at nnycf.org.
Contact Information: Kraig Everard Director of Stewardship and Programs Northern New York Community Foundation kraig@nnycf.org 315-782-7110
