Port Of Oswego Authority Continues Community Support With Gift To Oswego Library Project

July 22, 2008 Contributor

Submitted Article

OSWEGO, NY – International trade and commerce have been the backbone of the Oswego community for more than a century. The success of the Port of Oswego Authority spills over to the community in many ways including the port’s recent gift of $10,000 to the Oswego Public Library campaign.

“Both the port and the library have been mainstays of this community through the years,” said Port of Authority Executive Director Jonathan Daniels. “The library is now re-building an historic building. The board and staff here at the port felt it was appropriate to be a part of that.”

The Port of Oswego Authority recently donated $10,000 to the Oswego Public Library Capital Campaign. From left are: Port of Oswego Authority board member Thomas Schneider; Oswego Public Library trustee Mercedes Niess; port board members Thomas Gillen, David Buske, Pamela Caraccioli; port executive director Jonathan Daniels; Port board member Terrence Hammill; library board president Mary Shanley; port board chairman Christopher Dain; port legal counsel Timothy Fennell; port board members Robert Burtch and Richard Atkins.
The Port of Oswego Authority recently donated $10,000 to the Oswego Public Library Capital Campaign. From left are: Port of Oswego Authority board member Thomas Schneider; Oswego Public Library trustee Mercedes Niess; port board members Thomas Gillen, David Buske, Pamela Caraccioli; port executive director Jonathan Daniels; Port board member Terrence Hammill; library board president Mary Shanley; port board chairman Christopher Dain; port legal counsel Timothy Fennell; port board members Robert Burtch and Richard Atkins.

The library will honor the history of the port by providing an educational display detailing the chronological history of the port at the newly renovated library set to open this summer.
Mercedes Niess is executive director of the H. Lee White Marine Museum, which resides in a building provided by the port. She also sits on the Oswego Public Library Board of Trustees.

“Although at first glance it seems like the port and the library have little to do with each other, the fact is that they are both part of the rich history of the Port City,” she said. “Having their support is important to the library and the board and staff at the library are proud to be able to honor that support with an educational and historical display in the new building.”

Daniels reinforces the commitment of the port to the community and the link between a strong, vital port with the support the organization can bring to the local community.

“We have no fewer than 11 large business customers that utilize this port for local, national and international commerce,” Daniels said. “Our success allows us to contribute economically to our community through employment and trade, but it also allows us to support our community through donations like this.”

The port authority owns and maintains property near and on the wharfs. That property is used by industry and businesses bringing in other materials, and providing services such as restaurant dining and a home for the H. Lee White Marine Museum.

The H. Lee White Marine Museum is another not-for-profit organization that is supported by the port and preserves and exhibits Oswego’s maritime history. The museum owns and operates its own National Historic Landmark, the Tug LT-5, which is the only tug of its type that participated in the World War II Normandy landing.

The port board of directors receives several requests for support each year and the board members evaluate those requests and do their best to assist where they can.

“The port is a large part of the community from both a business perspective and a source of regional support,” said Port of Oswego Authority Board President Chris Dain. “This particular gift means a great deal to our board from an historical and educational perspective. A strong library only helps strengthen a community. We are proud to be a part of the library’s efforts to create this newly renovated and revitalized historic Oswego institution.”

Daniels said that these community contributions are part of the port’s efforts to be a “Center of Excellence” for the region.

In recent years, the port has been a partner and supporter of many local organizations like Oswego Health, Harborfest, United Way and the Hospice Regatta.

“The port authority supported our annual golf tournament this year and made a significant donation to our renewal capital campaign,” said Ann C. Gilpin, Oswego Health president and CEO. “Their support will help Oswego Health continue to provide outstanding healthcare for local residents, close to their homes.”

In addition to supporting local organizations, Daniels said he is equally proud to be a part of the port as it represents the city of Oswego on the international stage.

“This is really where the world comes together in Oswego,” he said. “Crews from around the world come here to do business and visit. It adds an international flavor to our community that many others this size might not have. Using that to add to the culture and enable us to give support to others in the community is a privilege. The library is a perfect example of the support we can provide.”

The Oswego Public Library was founded through the financial contribution and vision of Gerrit Smith, a well-known abolitionist, philanthropist and businessman. The library opened to the public in 1857 with the directive that it offer equal access to all, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status.

For more information about the library, call (315) 341-5867 or visit www.oswegopubliclibrary.org

Contributions can be made to the library’s “Together With Pride” campaign by calling (315) 216-6176.

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