July 18, 2023 Lake George Land Conservancy Presents Four Prestigious Awards at 10th Annual President’s Reception

Bolton Landing, NY – More than 100 people gathered for the Lake George Land Conservancy’s (LGLC) 10th annual President’s Reception, held Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center. The evening included the presentation of the 2023 Henry M. Rowan Conservation Award to the Beaty Family, and Apperson Society medals to David Legg, Daniel and Dianne Ryterband, and the Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust.

LGLC President Jeff Brozyna welcomed guests and, amidst the background sounds of pouring rain and thunder, thanked them for their leadership in conserving the lands that protect Lake George.

The LGLC’s Rowan Award is given annually to recognize exemplary individuals and organizations for their conservation efforts around Lake George, following the spirit of its namesake, Henry M. Rowan, who received the inaugural award in 2003.

The Beaty Family received the Rowan Award in recognition of their multi-generational support of land conservation, and generous support of the LGLC’s Clark Hollow Bay project through the Beaty Family Challenge presented in 2022. The Challenge was made in memory of Jim Beaty, gifted by his two brothers, wife, son, and a cousin. The Beatys’ love of Lake George’s pristine beauty began generations ago when Jim’s grandfather, Dr. Albert Corscaden, bought a piece of land in Hague and built a house there in 1914. The family has supported the LGLC and its efforts to preserve Lake George since its inception in 1988.

Mr. Rowan’s daughter, Ginny Rowan Smith, who is also a member of the LGLC Advisory Board and Director Emeritus, presented the evening’s award to Jim’s wife, Seddon Beaty, and her future daughter-in-law, Adeline Heyman.

“It is not only my honor,” said Ms. Smith, “but also my pleasure because of our friendship, to present this to the Beaty Family.”

Ms. Smith’s introduction to the Beaty family was through Julia Beaty, Jim Beaty’s mother. Julia showed then-12-year-old Ginny kindness as a first-time guest at the Northern Lake George Yacht Club, and that kindness, which extended to the whole Rowan family, grew a lifelong friendship.

“Their family friendship to us was probably part of the reason that Henry Rowan got so involved with the Land Conservancy,” continued Ms. Smith. “That was one of the organizations that he truly cherished.”

Following the Rowan Award presentation, LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn introduced each of this year’s Apperson Society inductees.

The Apperson Society was created by the LGLC in honor of John Apperson’s passionate land conservation efforts for Lake George. To carry on Apperson’s vision of a wild and protected Lake George, Apperson Society members are individuals, families, foundations, or organizations that donate leadership gifts valuing $100,000 or greater to support land conservation in the Lake George watershed.

David Darrin accepted a silver medal on behalf of the Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust, which was left by his late mother, Peggy Darrin, and is administered by Co-Trustees Michael Hanifin and Kevin O’Donnell.

“The Trust’s support of the Lake George Land Conservancy continues my parents’ and our family’s love of the lake and the land surrounding it,” said Mr. Darrin. “This long-standing partnership will continue as the work of the Conservancy moves forward. The Darrin family wishes much success to the LGLC and its future work here.”

David Legg and Daniel and Dianne Ryterband received bronze medals for their contributions to Lake George conservation, though they were unable to receive them in person.

David Legg is a long-time Lake George resident who pledged to donate his beloved 26 acres of forested land in his will, as well as funding for stewardship. This pledge was inspired by the Land and Water Society Challenge presented in 2022 by Manning and Ginny Rowan Smith, as well as the LGLC’s current project to protect 47 acres of uplands owned by the Wiawaka Center for Women. Mr. Legg hopes that his story inspires others to do what they can to support the LGLC’s mission.

Daniel and Dianne Ryterband have supported the LGLC for many years in a variety of ways. Dan served on the LGLC Board of Directors from 2012 – 2018, and continues to sit on the Advisory Board. They routinely attend and support important LGLC events, including the Lake George Hike-A-Thon for which Dan volunteered to lead hikes. Their enthusiasm for Lake George and the LGLC’s mission has extended to their children, Kayla and Jack, both of whom have interned and volunteered with the LGLC.

Originally planned for Wintergreen Lake in Hague, the President’s Reception was moved to the Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center because of the stormy forecast. The LGLC thanks Silver Bay for their hospitality, and the DeLarm family for preparing their facility at Wintergreen Lake, and for their flexibility as weather caused the event to change venue. The event has been generously underwritten each year by Lora and Craig Treiber.

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