Blog Archives

vol 1, issue 8: A Family's Legacy in Alex Bay

7/24/2025

Welcome back to The Ripple Report, your weekly source for stories connected to The Foundation for Community Betterment.

Last week, we highlighted the exciting philanthropic events that made Community Betterment Weekend such a success. This week, we shift our focus to the heart of Betterment: the individuals and families who give their time and energy year-round—and how their dedication is inspiring the next generation to do the same. That’s the ripple effect in action.

The Alexandria Bay chapter of Betterment was founded by Carolyn Curley in 2000. What began as a simple paddle event has since grown into a thriving tradition. Every year since that first event, Carolyn’s family has remained deeply involved in Community Betterment Weekend. Her children—and now her grandchildren—take part in countless ways, continuing her legacy of kindness and community spirit.
But the Curley family isn’t alone. In this community many families have embraced Betterment as a shared mission. Walk through any event during Community Betterment Weekend, and you’ll see children of all ages helping out—carrying tables, pouring lemonade, paddling kayaks—side by side with parents, grandparents, and community members.

Their involvement goes beyond the weekend itself. In the weeks and months leading up to the event, families contribute behind the scenes, planning, organizing, and preparing. These acts of service become powerful lessons, modeling generosity and commitment for the next generation.
The ripple continues—one family, one event, one act of kindness at a time.

Cody Ram, paddle volunteer, carrying his son Brady, followed by his sons Grayson and Cooper and nephew Remington Garlock. They are helping out on the morning of this year’s Paddle.

Nicole Alessi and her grandmother Millie Savarese, a Betterment Board Member, stop for a photo before beginning their paddle journey.

Volunteers and board members Michele Carr and Estee Kahrs worked together to set up the lemonade stand at this year’s Recipient Ceremony in the Scenic View Pavilion.

Caroline Carr, daughter of Michele Carr, volunteers her time at one of the events held at Macsherry Library prior to Community Betterment Weekend.

Volunteer Mike Kahrs gets some help carrying a table to the pavilion from his son Hank.

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7: CELEBRATING A GREAT WEEKEND!

7/15/2025

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Anyone looking for proof that we live in a wonderful community only had to travel to Alexandria Bay this past Friday and Saturday to watch Community Betterment
Weekend in action. The sun was shining, skies were blue, and a gentle breeze provided some relief from the heat, as people came together to play tennis, golf, and paddle for a
wonderful cause.

On Friday, July 11th, the 16th Annual Golf for Betterment took place at the Alexandria Bay Municipal Course, with 88 golfers participating. Everyone had a great day playing in a 2-person scramble, with both new and old friends on the course. There were many opportunities to win hole-in-1 prizes as well as other special prizes and contests. The famous lemonade stand and putting contest also had many youth volunteers helping throughout the day. The extra effort put forth by everyone involved to make this a special day for all is truly appreciated. Thank you to the children, parents, volunteers, sponsors, and participants who contributed to making this a successful
event. It truly takes many hands and hearts to make this happen each year and it is so appreciated. A special thank you to the Alexandria Bay Village Golf Course for all of
their help and continued support.

Here are the results from the day’s golf events: Men’s Division winners: 1st- Reecy Gionet & Dan Gionet; 2nd-Dave Hirst & Ticky Millett; 3rd-Craig Garlock & Howard
Demmick.

Women’s Division winners:1st- Jen Garlock & Nancy Henry; 2nd-Robin Martin & Lucy Gionet; 3rd -Teagan Ward & Robin Martin

Co-ed Division winners: 1st-Tom & Lori Turgeon; 2nd-Kyle Gionet & Susie Erck; 3rd- Reisha Rieder and Ty Gray.

Individual Hole Prizes won by Ticky Millet, Robin Martin, Brian Frazier, Amanda Rydberg, Darrell Banks, Julie Forger, Tyler Turgeon, Sue Hoffman, and Floyd Wood.

Most Fun: Twyla Webb and Julie Forger.

Putting Contest winner:Ticky Millet

Congratulations to all of our tournament winners, and thanks to everyone who came out to play and support Betterment.

Golfers gather to listen to a welcome speech given by Lori Turgeon before heading out to play.

The tennis event kicked off at 9:00 am on Friday at the Village of Alexandria Bay Tennis Courts. There were 7 women’s pairs and 9 men’s pairs, for a total of 32 people.
Matches took place throughout the morning and into the afternoon, with players taking advantage of cold refreshments and shade when they were not playing. The tennis courts recently received an upgrade, with the installation of 10 matching benches. The benches were made possible through a combined donation from Betterment and community members, making the courts one of this year’s recipients.

Jeffry Weldon, Carolyn Weldon and Dick Stockton take advantage of the shade during the tennis event.

Following the golf and tennis events, the Betterment Weekend Welcome Party took place at Bonnie Castle Manor, where golf and tennis awards were presented. This reception was a lively and fun gathering for all golf, tennis and paddle participants, sponsors and volunteers.
Everyone enjoyed the time to gather and relax with wonderful hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, live music, raffles and a silent auction. The highlight of the evening was a special announcement and information about our upcoming 25th Betterment Anniversary of the Alexandria Bay Chapter in 2026. The ripple effect was definitely flowing and this in turn created another immediate and incredible heartfelt show of support and commitment.

Additionally, Kathy Folino and Ann and Bud Garlock
were recognized for their time and commitment to Betterment. They have been involved with the Alex Bay Chapter since its beginning 24 years ago. What an exceptional day and night of celebration for this wonderful cause.

The Paddle for Betterment took place on Saturday the 12th, with 95 people participating. It was a perfect morning to be on the river, as people set off on kayaks,
canoes, paddle boards and skiffs. As they traveled through the calm waters, they made planned stops at locations along the route to pick up playing cards. The collected cards created a poker hand, which could be turned in once back on land for an opportunity to win prizes. Prizes were also given to 1st , 2nd and 3rd place finishers in adult and youth categories.

In the adult category, Mary Ann Ramm finished in first place, Christine Swalgin in second, and Catherine Wheeler in third. In the youth category, Maddie Curley finished in first place, followed by Finn Tower in second and Katelyn Curley in third.

Paddlers get ready to head out onto the river for this year's Paddle for Betterment.

In addition to a focus on fun, the safety of all participants is also a priority. Boats were assigned to specific areas of the route to protect the paddlers along their journey.
Each of these boats had a bag of safety equipment on board and a protocol for reporting incidents if they were to occur. The stops mentioned above were clearly
marked with signs and colored flags to ensure that paddlers stayed on course. A future Ripple Report will provide more details about the safety committee that worked together to put this plan into action.

Once paddlers returned to Scenic View Park, they enjoyed a delicious breakfast,with doughnuts from Nav’s Popcorn, breakfast sandwiches from the Big M Supermarket,
an assortment of hot and cold beverages, fruit and other snack items.

The Recipient Ceremony began at around 11:00 in the pavilion. It has been mentioned in past articles
that this ceremony is truly the highlight of the weekend. Raising funds to help people and organizations in our community is the reason why Betterment Weekend exists. This year, several individuals were acknowledged, including the scholarship winners that
were mentioned in a previous article. In addition to recipient recognition, raffle prize winners were drawn and announced. The lemonade stand also made its final
appearance of the season, with The Lemonade Ripple author Paul Reichert signing copies of books purchased. This ceremony was the culmination of a wonderful weekend of fun and philanthropy. The ripple effect was evident throughout the event, as past recipients were seen volunteering, and generations of families were there to participate, help out and support one another.

Caroline Reichert and her dad Paul Reichert pose at the Recipient Ceremony with a copy of Paul's book, The Lemonade Ripple.

Community Betterment Weekend was a true success from start to finish. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a role in making this meaningful, multi-faceted event possible. From our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers to the enthusiastic participants, supportive families, and the wider community—you are all part of the ripple effect that helps spread kindness, connection, and positive change. Together, we’re not just making
memories—we’re making a difference.We can’t wait to build on this momentum and come together again next year. Until then, let’s keep the spirit of community alive in everything we do.

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Volume 1, issue 6: Betterment weekend is here!

7/9/2025

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The long-awaited Community Betterment Weekend has finally arrived. We are so excited to gather this Friday and Saturday to have fun and celebrate our wonderful community. This week’s article will highlight Betterment’s “Welcome Party” as well as the “Recipient Ceremony” – which is truly the essence of what the weekend is all about. Our 2025 scholarship recipients are also going to be discussed. They are examples of individuals who are working hard, thinking about their futures and creating ripples of kindness along the way.
The Welcome Party takes place this Friday night, July 11th at Bonnie Castle Resort on their beautiful riverfront deck. All donors, sponsors, board members, volunteers, and registered participants for golf, tennis, or the paddle are invited to attend for free as part of registration. There will be live music, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, raffles, and the debut of a select silent auction. This laid-back celebration is the perfect way to connect with friends, meet new faces, and toast to another amazing Betterment Weekend.

2023 Welcome Party Volunteers

The culminating event of the weekend is the Recipient Ceremony, which will occur this Saturday, July 12th at the conclusion of the Paddle for Betterment in the Pavilion at Scenic View Park in Alexandria Bay. During this powerful and heartfelt ceremony, those in attendance will hear stories about the direct impact of their generosity and support. It’s a beautiful reminder of the true power of community—and the reason Betterment exists. We’re thrilled to present several new causes and beneficiaries this year, representing nearly $35,000 in impactful giving to our community.

Past Recipient Ceremony

A few of this year’s recipients are our “Community Betterment Service Scholarship” award winners—an annual award given to the Alexandria Central School Senior (or seniors) who demonstrates outstanding commitment to “Community Service and Betterment.” The students must apply for the scholarships in a written application which asks them to share volunteer experiences in school, along with any other community service that they have been involved with. Three specific recipient criteria are considered when selecting scholarship winners: Impact, Network and Creating a "Ripple Effect" of goodness in our community. Ten students applied for a Betterment Scholarship this year and four were awarded. This year's scholarship winners are as follows:

EVAN SANFORD: Evan received a $1,000 Betterment scholarship. Evan graduated from Alexandria with an Advanced Regents Diploma and a CDOS Credential. He has been enrolled at Jefferson Community College where he will begin his college courses for a degree in Nursing. In his application, Evan wrote about volunteering: "These acts are not just acts of kindness but acts of hope and encouragement for the future kids to help their community."

MADYSON BOOTH: Madyson also received a $1,000 Betterment scholarship. Madyson graduated from Alexandria with an Advanced Regents Diploma and her CDOS Credential. Madyson has been accepted to Alfred University where she will begin in the Fall. While at ACS, Madyson volunteered her time and talents in many ways, accounting for over 100 hours of Community Service. She wrote: "My commitment to bettering Alexandria or improving the lives of others, results in "The Gift that keeps on giving; It gives off a Ripple Effect".

KAYDENCE ROGERS: Kaydence received a $500 Betterment scholarship. Kaydence was enrolled in a Veterinary Practices program at Bohlen Technical Center where one instructor said of her; "Her enthusiasm for learning is infectious and has often inspired her peers to elevate their own efforts." Kaydence plans to pursue a degree in the Veterinary field and will begin her college program at Jefferson Community College. Kaydence wrote in her application: "Growing up, I've learned that a strong community doesn't just happen; it's built and nurtured by people who care enough to give back."

SINCERITY DIANGE: Sincerity also received a $500 Betterment Scholarship. Sincerity graduated with an Advanced Regents Diploma and a CDOS Credential. During her last two years at ACS, Sincerity volunteered for numerous events, including working as a student aide in elementary physical education classes. She has enrolled at Jefferson Community College where she will begin her academic path to receive a degree to become a Physical Education teacher. In her application Sincerity wrote: "I like to help with a variety of things so that I can get experience in all cases, working with different people and being able to learn from them while also helping a group of people when it's needed."

Reading about the accomplishments and aspirations of these individuals, it is evident that they are working towards achieving their goals while also giving back to others. We wish them the best as they head into their future endeavors.
If you're taking part in any of the Community Betterment Weekend events, have a wonderful time and enjoy the ripples of camaraderie and kindness that will no doubt be felt.

There’s still time to register for our signature PADDLE FOR BETTERMENT event online here or on Event Day, in Person starting at 8 AM.   Don’t miss your chance to paddle for a purpose and be part of the “Ripple Effect!”
Community Betterment Weekend is truly special, and it is a blessing to be a part of something so wonderful. We hope to see you there!

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5: Betterment weekend is next week!

7/2/2025

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Welcome back to another edition of “The Ripple Report”, where you can find important information about The Foundation for Community Betterment and the exciting events that are coming soon right here in the beautiful 1000 Islands. For anyone new to The Ripple Report, The Foundation for Community Betterment started in our area in 2001, with the idea that money could be raised through events that would directly support individuals and organizations in need. These people and groups live right here in our community and in turn often find themselves giving back, helping out and creating those ripples of kindness that make a difference.
The big news for this week’s report is that Community Betterment Weekend is right around the corner, with events taking place on Friday, July 11th and Saturday, July 12th. These events are fun and integral to the fundraising that is the cornerstone of what we do. For those that enjoy playing tennis or golf, Friday the 11th is the date for those activities. They both take place at the Alexandria Bay Municipal Golf and Tennis Courts. Individuals can still register online for tennis here! Online registration for golf has closed, but anyone that still would like a spot can call Lori Turgeon directly at (315) 778-5904.
The paddle will take place on Saturday, July 12th, beginning at the Scenic View Park in Alexandria Bay. Those interested can still register online here! Exciting news for this year’s paddle is that there will be two different routes to choose from, the regular full course or the “scenic shortcut”. The shorter route allows paddlers to skip the last and longest leg of the course. Either way, it’s still a great way to enjoy a morning on the beautiful St. Lawrence River while supporting a good cause.

Paddlers prepare to begin their journey on a previous Betterment Weekend.

Since our last report there have been some exciting events related to our lemonade stand, which has been making weekend appearances in the lobby of the Alex Bay Big M. The stand is run by local children who are learning about the benefits of volunteering. One event that recently took place off site occurred at Build-A-Buddy On the River, (a newly opened business located in downtown Alex Bay) on Friday, June 27th. Not only did visitors to the store purchase lemonade, they also made purchases from the store itself knowing that a portion of their sale was donated to Community Betterment. As a reminder, this year The Northern New York Community Foundation is generously matching all funds collected through lemonade sales up to $2500. You can enjoy a delicious glass of lemonade knowing that your donation has double the impact.

Addison Trickey and Cora Shepard excitedly await lemonade customers at the Build-A-Buddy pop-up event on June 27th.

Erica, Rory, Remington and Trevor Garlock work together to volunteer at the Build-A-Buddy pop-up event.

As far as upcoming events are concerned, there is one more day to purchase lemonade in the lobby of the Big M, Thursday, July 3rd between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. During this time, you can also buy raffle tickets to win a kayak, a variety of themed baskets or a square on one of the prize boards. Volunteers would also be glad to answer any last minute questions you might have about the weekend golf, tennis and paddling events.
It has been mentioned in previous articles that the idea for the lemonade stand stemmed from the book The Lemonade Ripple, written by Paul Reichert, which is a story about helping others and creating ripples of kindness in a community. An important thing to note is that wherever you see the lemonade stand you will also find copies of The Lemonade Ripple for sale. However, you don’t need to visit the stand to purchase a book (or to buy raffle tickets). Those items can be purchased through the Alex Bay Community Betterment website noted above. Books that are purchased online before Betterment Weekend will be signed by the author and available for pick-up at the pavilion after the paddle.
On June 3rd Macsherry Library hosted a story hour featuring The Lemonade Ripple which was a great success. There will be another reading of the book on Tuesday, July 8th at 10:00 am at the library. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
On Thursday, July 10th the lemonade stand will make an appearance at Garlock’s Ace Hardware in Alex Bay between 11:00am and 3:00pm. The conclusion of the Garlock’s event will bring us to the weekend of July 11th and 12th, Community Betterment Weekend. There’s still time to buy some lemonade or a raffle ticket, or to sign up for one or more of the weekend’s events. It’s an amazing opportunity to have a great time while supporting a worthwhile cause. Hope to see you there.

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