PLATTSBURGH — George Shnob has dedicated a lifetime to his community.
Whether through his career as registrar at Clinton Community College, his volunteer efforts in music or his desire to help anyone in need, Shnob has made a mark on the North Country that will remain for a long time to come.
"His generous, compassionate spirit has touched countless people, many in ways that may never be known," said Cynthia Rowe, a member of St. Peter's Choir, which Shnob has directed for a quarter century.
COMMUNICATING
As an organist, Shnob has played in numerous churches across Clinton County. He was also founding director of the Sweet Adelines Chorus, which has been singing in the North Country since the late 1960s.
"The men's barbershop chorus had been around for years, and the women decided that they would organize one, as well," Shnob said as he finished breakfast at Michigan's Plus in Plattsburgh recently. "They were a terrific group. They came from all over the place. We won quite a few ribbons, that group.
"It's a hobby that has left me with a lot of satisfaction," he added of his interest in music. "I've been involved in music for as long as I can remember."
Music provides a way to communicate without having to speak, he added.
'VERY GENEROUS'
"They come from all walks of life," he said of the members of the St. Peter's Chorus. "They are a wonderful group to work with."
Elinor Bedard has been singing on the choir with Shnob for years and has always been impressed with his skills.
"He's quite a guy," Bedard said. "He's a very generous person who has helped so many people through the years. I feel blessed to call him my friend.
"I find it amazing when you can see how much he really enjoys the music," she said of his role with the choir. "You can see how much he really does love it, and that gets the best out of people."
STARTED EARLY
Shnob was born in Mooers Forks on Jan. 29, 1937. His musical training began on the pump organ when he was but 4 years old, and soon after, he began formal private lessons in piano and voice that would continue through his college years.
Shnob served in the U.S. Army for three years and graduated from Clinton Community College with an associates degree in arts and from Plattsburgh State with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in liberal studies.
He became registrar at Clinton in 1972 and worked there until his retirement in 2002.
ASSISTANCE FUND
In December 2009, the Choir of St. Peter's Church created the Student Assistance Fund at CCC in George's name.
The fund can be used by students who face true financial emergencies to help them remain in school.
"That's one thing I remember most about George," Rowe said of the years she returned to Clinton as a 60-year-old student. "He would do anything to help anyone in need. How fitting now to have an endowment fund in the name of this gifted man to aid students in true times of need."
Steven Frederick, associate vice president of the Office of Institutional Advancement for Clinton Community College, agreed with Rowe's assessment.
"If (students) were ever in a tough spot financially, they could go to the 'nice man' who worked in the Registrar's Office, and he would help them out," he said.
"Because of George's generosity, many students were able to eat lunch, purchase a book, buy a bus ticket or just get through their financial emergency."
Of his assistance, Shnob said, "They were kids who came from poor families. I was glad to provide them with help."
He praises the purpose of the George Shnob Endowment Fund but is modest about it being named in his honor.
STILL SINGING
Shnob also taught music and French during his tenure at Clinton and has played organ at Clinton Correctional Facility for weekly Mass. He directed the Madrigal Chorus of Franklin, Ormstown, Quebec, for several years. He also recently started singing in the Northern Adirondack Vocal Ensemble and welcomes the opportunity to sing without the added responsibility of directing the group.
"It's nice to just concentrate on singing."
Email Jeff Meyers at: jmeyers@pressrepublican.com
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