Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd. (WIHL), through its dedicated social impact initiative Community Kind, proudly announces its latest partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission. As part of this collaboration, WIHL has contributed $20,000 in support of structured youth athletics and athlete development programmes across the islands.

The donation affirms WIHL’s continued commitment as a Gold Sponsor of the Commission and reinforces the company’s broader mission to uplift communities through meaningful, long-term investments in education, sports, and youth advancement.

The $20,000 contribution has been allocated across two of the Commission’s most impactful programs.

• $10,000 has been directed to Inter School Sports competition, the flagship student competition program.
• $10,000 has been committed to strengthening the Athlete Development Fund, a key platform for nurturing emerging athletic talent.

These initiatives lie at the core of the Commission’s mission to create structured, value-driven opportunities for young athletes to thrive—both on and off the field.

“It is an honour to partner with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission in support of such impactful programs,” said Stewart Howard, Chief Executive Officer at WIHL. “Our commitment to community investment and youth empowerment is deeply rooted in the values we uphold across our organization. Through Community Kind, we are proud to help create opportunities that nurture discipline, resilience, and excellence—qualities that reflect not only the spirit of sport but the future of our islands. I am very proud of all the hard work that Jarrett and Joddy have put into this programme thus far.We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration and witnessing the incredible growth of our young athletes.”

Inter School Sports remains the foundation of youth athletics in Turks and Caicos, bringing together students from across the islands in friendly, structured competition. The programme cultivates essential life skills such as discipline, confidence, and leadership, while fostering unity and school spirit.

Alongside this, the Athlete Development Fund provides targeted support to promising student athletes, ensuring they have access to advanced training, coaching, travel for regional and international competitions, and educational tools. The initiative has already opened doors for young Turks and Caicos athletes to earn scholarships and participate in elite sporting networks around the world.

Jarrett Forbes, Chief Executive Officer of the TCI Sports Commission, added:
“We are deeply grateful to Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd. for this generous contribution and their continued belief in the power of sport to transform lives. Their support directly strengthens our mission to provide young athletes with structured, meaningful opportunities to grow; on the field and in life. Partnerships like this are essential to building a sustainable, high-performing sports system in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We look forward to expanding this collaboration as we develop the next generation of leaders through sport.”

Together, these efforts create meaningful opportunities for young athletes across the islands, empowering them to grow, compete, and succeed regardless of background.
This latest contribution builds on WIHL’s longstanding tradition of community engagement and social responsibility. Through Community Kind, the organisation actively supports a range of initiatives designed to uplift and empower individuals and families throughout Turks and Caicos.

About Community Kind

WIHL Community Kind is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd. (WIHL), established to invest in the wellbeing and development of communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. With a focus on uplifting communities, the initiative invests in youth sports, education, wellness, and cultural enrichment, empowering individuals and creating lasting pathways to opportunity. Community Kind stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to making a difference beyond its hospitality footprint.

For more information about WIHL Community Kind, please contact via email at community@wihl.com.

Carl T. Carpenter, 90, of Ithaca, New York, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, in Ithaca, New York, the city where he was born and spent his life building a legacy of dedication to family, business, and community.

Born on January 27, 1935, in Ithaca, Carl remained deeply rooted in the community throughout his life. A veteran of the United States Army, he carried the values of service and dedication into every aspect of his life.

In 1983, Carl made a lasting mark on the local business landscape by reopening Cayuga Lumber after it had been closed by its previous owner. His leadership and vision revitalized the company and contributed to the economic vitality of the area. In addition to his work with Cayuga Lumber, Carl was involved with Fingerlakes Electric and owned several local real estate rentals. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched by a natural ability to connect with others—many friendships blossomed into successful business ventures over the years.

Carl’s generosity toward family and friends was well known. He was a steadfast supporter of local youth sports and could often be found cheering from the stands at Ithaca Youth Hockey games or rooting for Cornell hockey. He also followed Lansing baseball and football with enthusiasm, always eager to support his grandsons in their athletic pursuits. Carl spent much of his later years observing the beauty of wildlife in their natural environment.

Carl is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth Carpenter; his son Earl Carpenter and daughter-in-law Kathleen Carpenter; grandsons Christopher Carpenter (Brittany McNamara) and Matthew Carpenter (Fernanda Da Silva); and great-grandchildren Ashton Carpenter and Sloane Carpenter.

He was predeceased by his mother Dorothy D. Carpenter, father Stuart V. Carpenter, son Stuart M. Carpenter; his brother Earl Carpenter (Catherine); sisters Leona Knapp, Velma Kissock (William), Jean Edsall (Millard “Jake”), Helen Wendland (Robert), and Mary Ellen Bond (Miles). He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews whose lives he touched over the years.

Carl will be remembered for his enduring commitment to family, community involvement through business leadership, and unwavering support for those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bridges Cornell Heights in Ithaca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospicare of Ithaca or the Tompkins County SPCA in Carl’s memory.

A private burial will be held at the family’s convenience. Perkins Funeral Home is managing the arrangements.

Online condolences at www.perkinsfh.com

EVERETT, MAY 27: The Everett Rowing Association (ERA) announced its Youth Boys Team has secured two spots in the upcoming National Championship Regatta in Florida. They are the only team in the Pacific Northwest to have entered the Championship. 

With nearly 200 teams and over 700 entries expected, ERA will compete against the top youth rowing programs in the country, ERA said in a press release. 

The U.S. Rowing Youth National Championship Regatta will be held in Sarasota, Florida from Thursday, June 12 to Sunday, June 15. The event will gather hundreds of the nation’s best young athletes for a weekend of high-level racing, showcasing the strength, precision, and sportsmanship that rowing demands.

“The qualification of these two crews to the National Championships represents a milestone for our entire program. Their results at Regionals mean they will be racing in the two most competitive categories in the country,” Executive Director of ERA Jon Campaña said. “This is the most athletes we’ve sent to Nationals since 2017, and we’re proud to be the only team from the Pacific Northwest entered in these events. We are honored to represent our team, our community, and our region at this prestigious event.”

The Regional Championships drew 30 teams from across the Pacific Northwest. Eleven boys’ and girls’ crews placed in the top five in their respective events, with five crews earning podium finishes.

“The road to this moment has been paved with early mornings on the Snohomish River and months of focused, team-driven effort. ERA’s national-bound athletes exemplify the dedication, skill, and resilience that define the program and have helped cement its standing as one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading youth rowing organizations,” ERA said. 

For more information about ERA and its youth programs, visit www.everettrowing.com.

About Everett Rowing Association: Founded in 1984, Everett Rowing Association’s mission is to provide premier instruction to youth and adults in the sport of rowing. With a focus on promoting the sport of rowing at all levels, ERA offers programs for all youth, adults, and competitive rowers in Snohomish County. Committed to excellence, teamwork, and community, ERA provides opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of rowing.

Based on a press release from the Everett Rowing Association. 

Myley Mullins was named Valedictorian of the Paw Paw High School Class of 2025. Andrew Harrold was chosen as the Salutatorian of the graduating class.

Commencement ceremonies were held on Friday, May 23 at Paw Paw High School.

Myley Mullins

Myley Mullins is the vice president of the senior class.  Daughter of Tommy and Heather Mullins of Paw Paw,  she is the youngest in her senior class. Mullins is not only a proud member of the National Society of High School Scholars and vice president of her senior class, she also was a volunteer for Empower U as well as other local organizations and youth sports.

Mullins was on the volleyball team for four years, cheer for three years, track and field for four years and played basketball for one year. Mullins will be attending West Virginia University in the fall to major in Criminology and Minor in Psychology and Forensic Science, then further her education in law school.

Andrew Harrold

Andrew Harrold is the son of Robert and Dawn Harrold and the youngest of six siblings. During his 13 years at Paw Paw Schools, he has been involved in numerous activities including Cross Country, baseball, track, Student Council, Youth Leadership Academy, and National Honor Society. He held leadership positions such as class Treasurer, baseball captain, and co-president of Paw Paw Chapter of NHS. He has been an active volunteer with the local American Red Cross blood drives, including donating blood himself since the age of 16. Harrold is currently enrolled in the Phlebotomy Technician program at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and plans to further his education in the Practical Nursing Program at Mineral County Technical Center.

 

When Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco was a student at Freedom Elementary School, she remembers running around the playing field, pock-marked as it was by holes and other signs of age and wear.

“I remember dreading it, because when we were done, my knees used to hurt,” she told a crowd gathered at the school on May 24 to dedicate the school’s newly restored soccer field.

Named for Ken Morena—a longtime Driscoll’s employee whose service to the community was lauded during the afternoon gathering—the new facility has three fields, and can accommodate games with both 11 and 9 players.

Gina Castañeda, who leads the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy, said her players found it difficult during practices to use the former field.

“It was uneven, full of gopher holes and the grass was just weeds,” she said. 

The Ken Morena Soccer Complex boasts new fencing, a parking lot, new irrigation and soil and new grass.

Under an agreement with Pajaro Valley Unified School District, the Pajaro Valley United soccer club will keep the field maintained, Castañeda said.

Driscoll’s CEO Miles Reiter, who worked with Morena for five decades, described his friend as gracious, caring, thoughtful and authentic.

“…and a lot of times those qualities don’t come all together,” Reiter said. 

“He took particular satisfaction in giving young people an opportunity,” he said. “That’s why I think this field of dreams out here is particularly appropriate for someone who made such a big difference in the lives of so many young people.”

Morena joined Driscoll’s in 1977 as assistant to the President, and was promoted to president two years later. He semi-retired in 1999.

During his time with the company, he encouraged employees to contribute to their community. He spearheaded the company’s first adopt-a-school program with Pajaro Middle School, for which employees would tutor students, perform minor maintenance projects and give class presentations.

He also encouraged Driscoll’s to create internships for Cabrillo and Hartnell college students. 

After the 1995 floods he led efforts to keep employees working, as well as clean up and rebuild farms.

In a brief speech, Morena said he was humbled by the honor.

“I’ve always loved sports, played them when I was young and I watch them now,” he said. “I’ve always felt that the more time young people spend on a field such as this, the less time they’ll have to get in trouble, and I think that holds true today.”

Castañeda, who is a county probation officer, founded the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy in 2008 for juvenile probationers who affiliate with both Norteño and Sureño gangs. The goal of that program was to steer those teens away from gangs and incarceration by connecting them with positive role models while using the beautiful game as an entry point.

She has also run seven annual soccer camps, serving more than 175 youths per year from South Santa Cruz County to North Monterey County.

She said that sports gives young people a pro-social activity.

“Every child you see on the field out there has a support person, has a coach, has a system of support, someone they can come to when they need help,” she said. “It’s an investment in kids’lives, especially in this community where there are no county or city parks. There is not a lot of programming for kids, and this elementary and middle school is surrounded by gang activity.”

The $469,000 project was funded by Driscoll’s and the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, in addition to several private donors.