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The Ripple Report: Kindness Keeps Flowing Beyond SummerDuring the busy summer months, The Ripple Report shared weekly news and updates from the Alexandria Bay Chapter of The Foundation for Community Betterment. The mission of Betterment is simple but powerful: to raise funds that make a direct, positive impact on our community. Since 2001, our chapter has hosted a variety of fun and meaningful events — from paddling on the river to tennis and golf tournaments, and even a classic lemonade stand — all designed to bring people together while supporting local needs. The name The Ripple Report was inspired by the idea that acts of kindness, like ripples in water, continue to spread far beyond their starting point. Although summer now feels like a distant memory, those ripples of kindness are still flowing strong. In fact, as colder weather arrives, the work of Betterment becomes even more vital. One example is our chapter’s ongoing support of the Alexandria Central School Backpack Program, which provides food to local students in need. The program helps ensure that children have meals over weekends and school breaks — so that no child in our community goes hungry. Recently, Betterment Board members Lisa Tillman and Patty Wagoner presented a $3,000 donation to the program on behalf of our local chapter. This contribution will help provide Thanksgiving meals for more than 30 families this November.  Pictured (L–R): Patty Wagoner and Lisa Tillman (Betterment Board Members), Lucy Gionet, Ron Hazelton, Hayley Ascough (Backpack Club organizers), and Bob Fountain (ACS Superintendent). Betterment also recently contributed $1,000 to the “Ramp It Up for St. Cyril’s” fund, created to replace the aging entrance ramp at St. Cyril’s Church. This essential upgrade will ensure that everyone — regardless of age or mobility — can enter and leave the church safely and with ease.  Pictured are Mike Bresnahan (Ramp Project Coordinator), Kathy Folino (Betterment Board Member) and Fr. Doug Comstock, celebrating this meaningful contribution to the project. While these initiatives support larger groups within our community, Betterment also responds to individual needs. Recently, our chapter provided food and gas cards to a single mother of five working to regain financial stability. Other local organizations joined in to assist, showing once again how our small community comes together to lift one another up.
As the seasons change, The Ripple Report will continue to appear in The Sun as needed throughout the winter months. Meanwhile, planning is already underway for a milestone event — the 25th Annual Community Betterment Weekend, coming in July 2026. For more information about the Alexandria Bay Chapter or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.communitybetterment.org/alexandriabay
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