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      The Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund Committee recently awarded six grants totaling $34,020 to educational, cultural and public safety organizations in the Town of Kirkland. The fund has now disbursed more than $118,000 since grants were first awarded in fall 2001.

     Organizations receiving grants include:
• Clinton Central School Foundation, $3,700 for the "Fields of Play" Campaign, a drive to repay the cost for purchasing the new school and community athletic fields off Norton Avenue;
• Clinton Central School District, $16,000 to renovate and refurbish the elementary school playground;
• Clark Mills Historical Society, $1,267 for a computer and printer to create and maintain a database, catalog archives, scan images and assist in the production of the society's newsletter;
• Kirkland Art Center, $6,700 to replace two air conditioners that provide comfort to patrons and help protect artwork in the exhibition and performance space;
• Clinton Historical Society, $2,500 to purchase computer equipment to assist with the cataloging, digitizing and preservation of the society's collection; and
• Clinton Fire Department, $3,853 to purchase four mannequins for CPR training and a laptop for fit testing and department presentations.

     "These six organizations provide important services and enhance the quality of life in our community," said college president Joan Hinde Stewart. "Hamilton is pleased to join with community leaders in making these grants each year."

     The Town-Gown Fund endowment has a book value of approximately $750,000, which represents the total amount of gifts received to date. Approximately 5 percent of the income earned from the fund is available for grants each year. Stewart said the fund is a priority for the college's current capital campaign, and she expects the endowment to achieve its $1 million goal in the near future.

     Members of the Town-Gown Fund Committee are invited to participate by the president of the college. In addition to Stewart, current members include: Carole Bellini-Sharp, professor of theatre, Hamilton College; Andy Burns, president, Strategic Investment Advisors, Inc.; John Fehlner, owner, The Cleaners and Clinton Cider Mill; Annette Foley, supervisor, Town of Kirkland; Jeff Little, trustee, Hamilton College; John Nester, former chief, Clinton Fire Department, and local businessman, Nester Bros.; Jeffrey Roudebush, superintendent, Clinton Central School District; and Jack Withiam, trustee, Hamilton College.

     Dick Tantillo, Hamilton's vice president for communications and development, and Mike Debraggio, the college's executive director of communications, sit on the committee as ex officio members.

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