Being a small business in a small community, we feel it is important to give back to the community. Over the years, John and Skene Valley Agency have been involved in the community in many different ways, either by directly spending time to coach teams, or donating to various organizations.  Below is a list of some of the organizations that John has been involved with or donated to. Check back during each season as we will try to post pictures of the various teams and players.



BPOE Elks Distinguished Citizen Award. John was awarded this honor through the local Elks Lodge #1491. The award is for "Outstanding and Meritorious Service to Humanity".  The Award was given in March of 2004.

Whitehall Youth League. This is a non profit Organization that runs the little league baseball and softball programs. John took the organization to non-profit status and was President of the league from 1999 through the present. Skene Valley Agency has sponsored a team in the league for the past 7 years, and John has coached a team for the past 9 years.  

Whitehall Youth Football. This is a pee wee football & cheerleading program that John started from scratch in 2003. The program is for 3^rd through 6^th graders. In addition to forming the team and raising the necessary funds to get it off the ground, John has coached one of the two teams since it’s inception. This program helps the players be better prepared should they decide to move on and play high school football.  

Tri-County Middle League. A summer baseball program for 13-15 year old boys. John coached in the late 1980’s, and revived the program 3 years ago after it was dormant for 2 years. This year the team made it all the way to the Eastern Division finals.

 Jr American Legion Baseball. John is in the process of forming a new summer league team for 17 year olds and under, to be run through the American Legion Post in Granville. The team will begin play in June 2008 and will consist mainly of players from Whitehall, Granville and Fort Ann.

 IAABO. International Association of Approved Basketball Officials. This is an organization of high school basketball officials. John has been an official in the organization since 1988. John referee’s games from Johnsburg all the way to Albany. The season runs from late November to Early March.

 Community That Cares Committee. John sat on the Railroaders Communities That Care program in 2005. The program was involved in examining and trying to foster good habits in students in regards to overall behavior, emphasizing and trying to educate children and parents about the danger of drugs and alcohol.

 In addition to the above commitments, John and Skene Valley Agency have made numerous financial donations to local charities and organizations such as the Whitehall Junior Miss Program, Local Girl Scout adopt a family program, and United Methodist Church Food Pantry and Christmas funds.