ALDER CREEK, NY – Alder Creek Solar and Apex Clean Energy are pleased to announce five local programs and organizations as the recipients of community grants from the program’s second round of grants in 2020.
The program was launched by the solar project developer in 2020 to help support community organizations making an impact in areas that align with the values of Apex Clean Energy. These funds are designed to support groups working in the following areas: Building Healthy Communities, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Promoting Education.
“Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, these organizations continue to do impressive work on behalf of the residents of Boonville, Forestport, and the entire Oneida County community. We are grateful to be able to support them as they look to expand their work in 2021,” said Brian O'Shea, Public Engagement Manager with Apex Clean Energy.
The Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center in Boonville will receive a grant to support both the expansion of STEM based programs and a qualified instructor for that programming. An additional in-kind donation of solar education kits will help provide up to 40 middle and high school students from Boonville and Forestport the opportunity for hands-on solar energy education in the summer of 2021.
“The Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center is truly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Alder Creek Solar to promote educational programs for area youth, with a focus on alternative energy,” said JoAnn Ballard, Executive Director of the Center. “We see firsthand when kids are intrigued, they quickly become engaged. Teaching 21st Century life skills through fun hands-on activities help create critical thinkers and problem solvers. Providing enrichment programs for the community has been the core of the Center’s mission for the past 47 years and we look forward to helping area kids learn about solar.”
A grant to the Adirondack Central School District will help to sponsor a reading program that provided books to elementary school-aged children in the district. With the pandemic reducing the amount of classroom instruction at all levels, the opportunity for students to learn and enhance their reading skills at home is more important than ever.
"The Adirondack Central School District is pleased to receive the grant award which will be used to purchase books to send home with students. This will provide a service to the students of Adirondack. said Sharon Cihocki, Business Administrator for the Adirondack Central School District.
Other grantees include the Boonville Black River Canal Museum to print a new take-home activity book visiting children, the Forestport Youth Recreation Department to support this season’s youth downhill skiing program, and Boonville Search and Rescue to support maintenance needs in their building used by winter skiers and community groups year-round.
In addition to these five grants, Alder Creek Solar is partnering with the Boonville Area Chamber of Commerce to support low income families, seniors, and veterans facing challenging times this holiday season. That partnership is supporting children’s gifts through the Boonville/Forestport Presbyterian Church, holiday meals through the United Methodist Church of Boonville, and blankets for the residents of Kortenaer Village.
Alder Creek Solar’s ongoing commitment is to be a strong community partner to the residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations serving Boonville, Forestport, and the entire Oneida County community. The Community Grant Program will continue to support pressing community needs and local organizations making a meaningful impact in 2021. To learn more or apply for a future grant, visit www.aldercreeksolar.com/grant.