NEW: $60,000 in grant funding announced for Boonville, Constableville and Westernville through the Remp Sawyer Community Fund
LEWIS & ONEIDA COUNTIES- Thirteen community projects and organizations that benefit Boonville, Constableville, and Westernville residents will share $60,000 in funding from the Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation this year.
According to officials, Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer were passionate about enhancing the quality of life in these three communities. They participated in many community activities and volunteered with several meaningful organizations.
As part of their enduring gift to the region, they created a community fund that would benefit citizens of all ages in these communities in perpetuity.
The following organizations will receive 2025 grant funding from the Sawyer Community Fund:
Boonville Black River Canal Museum: $12,000 to help a larger effort to complete a roof cover from the Mule Barn to the Blacksmith Shop. Funding will help reduce the overall cost toward the project and bring it closer to fruition.
Constable Hall Association: $8,000 to purchase an outdoor event tent that would hold up to 150 people and stand adjacent to the main garden on the grounds. This grant bridges the funding gap needed to acquire the tent.
Erwin Library and Institute: $8,000 to replace current bluestone steps with granite steps and install a new railing at the historic entrance of the library. Completion of this project over the summer will create a safe entrance for all patrons.
Village of Constableville: $7,500 — The village experienced success last summer with two community events — a community color run and a bandstand concert series. This grant will support two years of concert performers and this year’s color run event.
Constableville Volunteer Fire Company: $5,000 to renovate a community room that is utilized for an assortment of activities. Improvements include a video surveillance system, adaptable seating, tables and chairs, and other aesthetic enhancements. The multi-purpose space is used for fire trainings, educational classes, blood drives, community events and more.
Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center: $4,000 to ensure the success of summer youth and children’s musical theater productions for ages 5 to 18. Funding will also help restore on-site Victorian gardens.
Village of Boonville: $2,800 to help acquire two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to enhance emergency response capabilities within the Village and Town of Boonville.
Adirondack Community Chorus: $2,700 to cover costs such as sheet music, musician fees, and related event promotion for a program of theater musical pieces at Boonville Presbyterian Church in spring 2026.
Western Town Library: $2,500 to complete technology upgrades, including a color printer for its computer lab, new laptop for the library’s director and a new desktop computer for the circulation desk.
Boonville Concert Band: $2,000 to conduct a four-performance summer series in Boonville. Funding will help with musician, narrator/emcee, and sound technician costs.
Boonville Search and Rescue Association: $2,000 to help with immediate repairs of a broken sewer pipe at their building, which is used as a warming hut for trail-goers and seasonal activities.
Boonville Youth Athletic Association: $2,000 to support the installation of two barn doors on its batting cages, as well as safety bases for all fields. The organization and its facilities are utilized by youth and families in Boonville and surrounding communities.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): $1,500 to acquire proper supplies to keep this program going to serve village/area residents. On average, 250 tax returns are completed through this effort annually.
“We are thankful for the exemplary stewardship by present and past grant recipients, said Max DelSignore, Northern New York Community Foundation vice president.
“These organizations and community groups understand how meaningful Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer’s gift is to the community and how it is making a true difference. This part of their legacy is a perfect example of how you can leave a lasting gift to your community.”
Because of the family’s thoughtful legacy gift, the Sawyer Community Fund has awarded nearly $387,000 in grants to 105 projects and organizations since 2018.
Grants awarded this year will help fund projects and build programs that broadly impact the quality of life in the places Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer loved most.
Image via the Northern New York Community Foundation.
