4 hours Ago By By DAVID L. SHAW [email protected]
CANANDAIGUA — The late Jim Holden has been described as a dedicated Rotarian, a public servant, and a passionate advocate for youth, education, and Canandaigua Lake. The Canandaigua Rotary Club has received a $10,000 grant from the estate of Jim and Jane Holden. The service club has announced the money will be given to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association to launch the Jim Holden Legacy Project, which will engage students in protecting Canandaigua Lake by monitoring its water quality through hands-on science experiments that provide technical skills and a deeper sense of stewardship for the community’s most vital natural resource.
“Jim always gave of his time, talent and treasure to assist others. He educated through example, and those who listened and observed were changed for the better,” said Mark Sheppard, a Canandaigua Rotary board member and close friend of Holden. “By supporting CLWA to educate students about the lake, we’re honoring Jim’s lifelong dedication to the greater Canandaigua community.
” The project will feature two tailored learning modules. One will be integrated into CLWA’s existing Water & Wildlife Summer Camp for middle school students, while the other is designed for high school science classrooms in partnership with local schools. These modules align with New York State science standards and emphasize inquiry-based learning, environmental relevance, and real-world problem solving.
“We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of Canandaigua for their generous support and shared commitment to protecting Canandaigua Lake,” said Susan Martenson, president of the CLWA Board of Directors. “This collaboration exemplifies the power of community partnerships. Together, we’re not only safeguarding a vital natural resource but also working to inspire the next generation to continue this important work.
” Canandaigua Lake is a source of drinking water for more than 70,000 people and a major recreational asset. It is facing increasing threats from rising temperatures, invasive species, and increasing levels of pollutants. Students in the program will use professional-grade equipment to measure key environmental indicators such as pH, temperature, chloride levels, and harmful algal blooms.
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