News
September 21, 2016Watervliet Organizations Receive Major Donations
The Watervliet Historical Society and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish each have received contributions of $5,000 from Nigro Companies of Albany.
The contributions will benefit two community organizations with ties to one of the most recent development projects undertaken by Nigro Companies — the repurposing of the former St. Patrick’s Church site on 19th Street.
The Watervliet Historical Society will use the contribution to erect a decorative wrought-iron fence around the historic Meneely Bell located outside its building at 1501 1st Ave. The Meneely Bell Foundry operated in Watervliet from 1826 to 1952 and produced the massive bell that had hung in St. Patrick’s Church. The bell was donated to the Historical Museum by Nigro Companies three years ago.
Tom Ragosta, president of the Historical Society, said the donation will allow the Historical Society to complete the display of the bell. “When we installed the bell, we always knew we wanted to establish a proper outdoor display, and this generous contribution will allow us to do that,” he said. “Nigro Companies have been wonderful supporters of the community and the Watervliet Historical Society, and we are very grateful.”
Immaculate Heart of Mary is the consolidated Roman Catholic parish serving Watervliet and Green Island, a successor to the former St. Patrick’s, St. Brigid’s and St. Joseph’s parishes. Immaculate Heart of Mary will use the donation to install enhanced accessibility doors at the church and parish hall.
Deacon Al Manzella, parish life director at Immaculate Heart of Mary, said the new automatic doors will allow anyone who struggles with holding a door open to more easily enter the Church and the Parish Hall.
“These electronic door openers are a practical sign of welcome for our parishioners and our community, and this gift will be a tremendous benefit especially for our older and handicapped parishioners,” Deacon Manzella said. “We are extraordinarily thankful to John Nigro and the Nigro Companies for this investment in the future of our parish.”
John Nigro, president of Nigro Companies, said he was delighted to make the contributions to both the historical society and the parish. The $10,000 was refunded to Nigro Companies following the conclusion of legal matters related to the redevelopment of the former St. Patrick’s property.
“I believe the very best use for this money is a reinvestment in the Watervliet community,” Mr. Nigro said. “Watervliet is a great community. I have great respect for the work of the Historical Society and for the central role the parish plays in the life of the community. I am pleased that these donations will benefit the community for years to come.”
