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Our 7th grade science students worked in small teams to recreate an animal or plant cell utilizing LEGOs. This project was a culminating activity, reinforcing mastery of the concept before the final assessment. Mrs. Patterson (7th grade science teacher) provided each student with a rubric for the project. One student was out sick during the scheduled time and upon his return, he asked if he could use his study hall to complete his cell! He did so on his own! Awesome! I'm working with Ms. Carmine, 7th grade math teacher, on a LEGO project to teach transformations after the holidays. Until then, my 5/6th grade classes are completing LEGO challenge tasks incorporating holiday fun. The bookshelves look very festive, displayed with new & holiday books. I love hearing the students on either side of the bookshelves "book-talking." Having the lower bookshelves with displays has fueled the independent conversations. As I eavesdrop, it helps me to guide their book selections based on their interests. I've been able to steer several to explore different genres, series, and authors. I love the connections I'm making to our young readers. As of this morning, our circulation is 65% higher than last year during this time. 7/8th grade classes are scheduled to visit this week in addition to our fixed 5/6th grade schedule, so that number will greatly increase . I am very pleased with our overall progress. Not to rush this time of year, but I'm super excited to see how we grow in 2020! Everyday I'm thankful for the opportunities MCF has given us to spread the love of reading and academics in unique ways at THMS. Mrs. Jenny Ewell, M. Ed., Library Media Specialist, Thomas Hunter Middle School
The Mathews Community Foundation (MCF), which was founded in 1999 by a small group of citizens, has announced 33 grants totaling $131,934 for local non-profit, and programs in the Mathews County schools. The grants are focused in four areas: economic prosperity, educational success, health and wellness and cultural vibrancy. An awards ceremony was held at Kingston Parish Hall on Wednesday evening, May 30 honoring this years grantees.
The grants are awarded through a public application and a board level review process that is announced every spring. A total of $277,800 was requested by local non-profits this year, which reflects the level of needs in the region, but all available funds were awarded to those chosen through this process.
The mission of the MCF is to improve the quality of life for those living and working in Mathews, by encouraging local philanthropy, establishing and maintaining endowment funds, and providing donors a way to create enduring charitable funds that reflect their priorities, and creating grants that meet changing community needs.
Donors may establish funds with a specific purpose, or for general charitable causes. The MCF is one of three affiliates supported by The Community Foundation serving Richmond and Central Virginia. The assets are managed for maximum return and capital preservation so that grants can be given on a continuing basis in perpetuity, or in which the donor may wish.
The grants were awarded to:
Bay School Community Arts Center
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Mathews County Historical Society, Inc.
The Courthouse Players
Mathews Department of Social Services Crisis Assistance
Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory
VersAbility Resources
Alzheimer’s Association
Hands Across Mathews Interfaith Council Inc.
Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic
Partners for Mathews Students
Mathews Family YMCA
Avalon Center
Bay Aging
Mathews County TRIAD
The Giving Garden Foundation
Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad
Capital Campaign and Swimming Programs
Continentals Society for Public School Breakfasts/Lunches
Mathews County Public Schools
Workforce Preparedness
Career and Technical Education
Community Support Specialist
MHS Robotics Team
Thomas Hunter Nature Camp
Junior Beta Club
Lee Jackson Elementary Playground
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula-Mathews Club
Jacob’s Ladder, Inc
The Fairfield Foundation
Mathews County 4-H Foundation
KidsHelp Center and Citizen Transportation
For the first time in 2015, the Mathews Family YMCA provided the opportunity for all second graders at Lee Jackson Elementary School to participate in swimming lessons and water safety programming, at no cost, through the “Second Grade Learn to Swim” program. Over 90% of all second graders participated, reaching nearly 80 youth. Building on the success of year one, the YMCA received a second grant award in 2016 and again had 90% of all second graders participate. “Despite work and play that abounds on the 200+ miles of coastline in Mathews County, many of our youth lack swim and water safety skills to keep them safe on the waters that provide their livelihood and recreation,” said Mathews YMCA Branch Director Sheila Pillath. “In addition to providing a lifelong skill, swim lessons also enable participants to stay active, setting healthy habits that can last a lifetime.” The YMCA continues to provide leveled swimming lessons each summer to nearly 100 children ages 3-12 by certified (and fun) instructors.
In addition to swimming, grants provided hands-on opportunities for Mathews youth in local and state-wide conservation efforts. Thomas Hunter Middle School students received scholarships to attend Nature Camp located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The camp specializes in natural history and environmental science education. For many years, THMS students have had the opportunity to attend the week-long camp and return to Mathews as stronger, responsible stewards of our natural resources.
The Mary Watt Pulley Wildlife Preservation Fund provided support to Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory for the seasonal Hawkwatch position in Kiptopeke State Park. In its 40th season, data collection and educational presentations remain the primary focus of the program during the three-month migration period.
On Earth Day, volunteers from the Friends of the Tiger Beetle and Chesapeake Bay Habitat Foundation hosted 75 seventh grade students on Bavon Beach for an interactive, hands-on day. This grant-funded opportunity provided a local connection to conservation and beach restoration, including presentations from the US Fish and Wildlife Service on the threatened Tiger Beetle population and VIMS (Virginia Institute for Marine Science) on shoreline erosion. Each student participated in planting grasses along the shore to promote growth of a new dune system.
The foundation remains committed to impactful educational and health opportunities for Mathews youth, and is proud to partner with nonprofits such as the Mathews Family YMCA, Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory, and Friends of the Tiger Beetle and Chesapeake Bay Habitat Foundation, and the continued partnership with Mathews County Public Schools.
Learn more about community grantmaking
The Mathews Community Foundation awarded $112,942 in community grants to local nonprofits and organizations at its annual grants reception, which was held last Wednesday at Kingston Parish House.
“This event is the highlight of the foundation’s year. It is the opportunity to affirm our commitment to improve the quality of life for those living and working in Mathews,” board chair Reed Lawson said.
“Community grants are awarded to impactful programs and projects working toward collective goals MCF awards $112,000+ in 2017 grants around health and wellness, educational success, cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity,” said MCF Grants Committee chair Anne Leddy. “This year the foundation awarded 83 percent of total requests received, with threequarters of the funding from the Mathews Community Foundation Endowment. This fund has grown from the support of hundreds of county residents and provides flexibility in responding to changing and emerging needs,” said Leddy.
In the area of cultural vibrancy, grants focused on programs and projects that allow community members the access to and appreciation for arts and cultural opportunities, including arts education and historic/cultural preservation. Recipients included the Court House Players, Bayside Youth Ballet, The Fairfield Foundation, Bay School Community Arts Center, and Concerts by the Bay.
Economic prosperity grantmaking supports programs which sustain the region’s natural resources, and focus on ensuring all residents have the skills and resources to access career opportunities. Grantees included Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory and VersAbility Resources.
With focus on the youngest Mathews residents, Educational Success grants support programs that support students academically and socially throughout their educational experience, including both in- and out-of-school time. Grants were awarded to the Mathews Boys & Girls Club and Jacob’s Ladder, and to support the Mathews County Public Schools, including support for the Mathews Parent Resource Center, the Mathews High School Robotics Team, Nature Camp for Thomas Hunter Middle School students, the Mathews Continentals Society, MHS Marching Band, MHS Freshman Transition Fair, and expansion of MHS tech/training labs.
Over half of grantmaking in 2017 focused grants to organizations connecting residents with resources that meet their health, nutritional and safety needs. Grantees include the Alzheimer’s Association, Bay Aging, Gloucester-Mathews Care Clinic, Hands Across Mathews, Mathews County Triad, Mathews Department of Social Services, Mathews Family YMCA, Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, and Partners for Mathews Students.
Established in 1999, Mathews Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia, ensures the legacy and charitable intent of its donors through a focused grantmaking process.
“The grants committee and advisory board members work diligently to align funds that contribute to community grantmaking with the goals of a program or project, while addressing the changing needs of our community. The foundation serves and inspires people to build philanthropy for our region and to engage in our community,” Lawson said.
If you are interested in learning more about establishing your charitable legacy or how to partner in community grantmaking, contact Regional Director Margaret Nost at 804-725-3454 or mnost@tcfrichmond.org. For questions about the community grantmaking program, contact Leslie Franklin, Regional Grants Management Officer, lfranklin@tcfrichmond.org.
Learn about competitive grants
Photo: Mathews Community Foundation grantees of 2017 gathered for a photo at the conclusion of last week’s program. They are, front row from left, Bella Baucom, Lauren Quezada, Eric Pagan, Davis Dowdy, John Hamilton, Clifford Hamilton, Bill Higdon, and Bill Burry of MHS Robotics; second row, Aubrey Hall (Jacob’s Ladder), Judy Rowe (Bayside Youth Ballet), Kristina Watkins (MHS Band), Tiffany Gordon (Mathews DSS), Jean Duggan (Bay Aging), Wilnet Willis (Continentals Society), Sheila Pillath (Mathews Family YMCA), Ashley McCuistion (Fairfield Foundation), Dave Burns (Gloucester-Mathews Care Clinic), Jerry Twigg (VersAbility Resources), Chris Burry (MHS Robotics), Karen Hutchens (Court House Players); third row, Toni Childress (Mathews High School), Andy Hawkins (Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory), Christine Johnson (Mathews Family YMCA), Barbara Ettner (Mathews Parent Resource Center), Phyllis Hudgins and Jack Cranford (Mathews Triad), Helen Yacobucci (Partners for Mathews Students), Larry Brown (MHS Robotics); back row, Marilyn Tucker (Concerts by the Bay), Pam Doss (Bay School Community Art Center), Angela Sale (Mathews Boys & Girls Club) and Dan Hill (Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad). Also receiving grants but not pictured are Jerry Ligon (Thomas Hunter Middle School), Bill and Georgiana Simmons (Hands Across Mathews) and Ellie Galloway (Alzheimer’s Association).
The devastation of the 2017 hurricane season is far-reaching, with catastrophic flooding in Southeast Texas to battered towns across Florida. Lives and communities are forever changed. While rescue efforts and emergency response are underway, we know from past disasters that recovery efforts will span years.
If you would like to support response and recovery efforts, we have compiled a list of trusted partners who will put your resources to work in the areas that need it most.
Emergency response addresses immediate needs like food, water and medical care.
Recovery efforts not only address needs that emerge once news coverage wanes, such as safe drinking water and transitional shelter, but also long-term initiatives that address chronic social and environmental challenges.
Natural disasters often lead to independent or fraudulent fundraising efforts. Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Philanthropic Services team at 804-330-7400 if you wish to discuss a particular donation or grant recommendation.
After nearly 20 years serving as Regional Affiliate Director, Margaret Nost has announced her plans to retire at the end of January. She first joined the staff of the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond in 2002 in a part-time role to shepherd the early growth and development of three regional affiliate foundations – the Gloucester Community Foundation, the Mathews Community Foundation, and the River Counties Community Foundation – established between 1996 and 2001 to serve five counties in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.
With a background in banking and an inherent ability to connect with people, Margaret was the right fit from the start. Community foundations were flourishing in cities across the country at the time but were lesser known or understood in rural communities. Working closely with the volunteer boards, Margaret expanded outreach, built trust within the community, and championed the community foundation as a strategic partner that brings deep community knowledge and expertise to helping donors achieve their charitable goals and to community organizations seeking to fulfill their missions.
Under Margaret’s leadership, the Gloucester, Mathews and River Counties Community Foundations now steward over 240 donor-established funds with assets totaling $56 million. This has translated into $23 million in cumulative grant support to a wide range of important community programs and initiatives in the arts, education, the environment, health care and so much more. This year marked a milestone as their respective community impact grant programs combined to award over $1 million for the first time.
“Margaret is the face of the Community Foundation in Gloucester, Mathews, Lancaster, Middlesex and Northumberland Counties,” said Sherrie Armstrong, CEO of the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, which provides financial and administrative support for the affiliate foundations. “We join these communities in honoring Margaret’s dedication to and vision for philanthropy in the region and her ability to build partnerships for the greater good. We are grateful for her leadership and enduring friendship and we wish her all the best for a happy, healthy and much deserved retirement.”
As the regional affiliates have experienced this explosive growth, the local staff team grew to include Regional Affiliates Officer, Lincoln Boykin, and Regional Administrative Associate, Ashleigh Elliott. At this important time of transition, the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and its Affiliates are pleased to announce that Lincoln will move into the role of Director of Affiliate Foundations starting January 1. Since joining the team in February 2020, he has overseen community grantmaking and outreach to nonprofit and community partners across the five counties. He has proven to be a strategic fit for the role and has earned the approval of the Affiliate Foundation’s Board Chairs in moving to the Director position. Previously, Lincoln served as Associate Director of Philanthropy and Board Relations at American Rivers.
Margaret Nost has a heart of gold and, in many ways, she has been the heart of the communit(ies) she has served. In honor of her hard work, dedication to the mission, and compassion for others, the Community Foundation is establishing the Margaret Nost Heart of the Community Fund - an endowed fund that will be used to support annual grantmaking for all three affiliate community foundations. If you wish to honor Margaret in this way, you may make an online contribution using the link below or make a grant recommendation from your donor advised fund.
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