From the Newsroom to Nonprofits: Getting Involved and Giving Back Whenever Possible

If there’s one thing Jeremiah Papineau loves, it’s playing an active role wherever possible in his community.

Originally a Jefferson County native from Carthage, Jeremiah moved to Lewis County in 2012 after taking over the role as Managing Editor for the Journal and Republican, a position he held until 2018 when he left to become the Foundation Director for the Volunteer Transportation Center in Watertown. Though he now serves as Foundation Director and Director of Communications and spends most of his time in Jefferson County, Lewis County remains in his heart.

“When I moved back to the area in 2011 and was looking to buy a house here to raise my kids, I wanted a place that checked all the boxes and Lowville was that place,” he said. “Just driving down the street, seeing the monument, the beautiful steeple of the Presbyterian church, the marquee of the Town Hall Theater – all of it – it felt like something out of a Hallmark movie. I fell in love with Lewis County.”

Events like the Lewis County Fair put that slice of Americana on display, he said. Everything from the annual spelling bee to the baking contests and agricultural displays all gave him a feeling of community pride.

“Though I’m not from Lewis County, I was welcomed with open arms,” he said. “There’s something truly special here.”

That sense of community compelled Jeremiah to get involved where he could. In addition to his role at the newspaper, Jeremiah has served on various boards and committees, including the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, UP! Coalition of Lewis County and others outside the county. He also served several years as Chairman of the United Way of Northern New York’s Lewis County Fundraising Campaign Team, encouraging businesses and individuals alike to raise money to support the services of nonprofit partner agencies funded by United Way.

Jeremiah also serves as Chairman of the annual Cream Cheese Festival held in the heart of Lowville held each September, as well as overseeing the annual Halloween Towne celebration held downtown each October.

“We have so many great opportunities to get involved in our community, even kissing a cow to raise money for the people helped by the United Way,” he laughed. “Whenever someone has the chance to step up and pitch in, I strongly encourage them to do so. No community is built by one person alone. It takes all of us playing a part.”

Jeremiah is married to Lorna Oppedisano, who serves as Development Director for the Onondaga Historical Association in Syracuse. He’s the proud father of two grown children, Kristian and Alex, and proud grandfather to Kristian’s daughter, Rose.

He hopes you’ll donate to this fundraiser whether it’s for him or any of his fellow participants to kiss a cow as it’s all in good fun and all for a good cause. To check out Jeremiah's competition, click here!