ADK honors ‘Explorer’

My daughter Rebecca pins a boutonniere on my lapel. Photo by John Kettlewell/ADK
My daughter Rebecca pins a boutonniere on my lapel before the Adirondack Mountain Club dinner. Photo by John Kettlewell/ADK

I went to Albany this past weekend to attend the Adirondack Mountain Club’s annual Presidents’ Dinner and pick up an award for the Adirondack Explorer.

ADK Executive Director Neil Woodworth, left, and Adirondack Explorer Editor Phil Brown. Photo by Rebecca Brown.

 

ADK gave me the Eleanor F. Brown  Communication Award, which is named after its first recipient, who several years ago published a marvelous reference work titled The Forest Preserve of New York State: A Handbook for Conservationists.

Although my name appears on the plaque, the award is a tribute to everyone at the Explorer, starting with Dick Beamish, the founder, and his wife, Rachel Rice; Tom Woodman, who last year succeeded Dick as publisher; Sue Bibeau, our designer; Betsy Dirnberger, our ad director; Andreas Mowka, our subscription manager; and Debra Stover, our office manager. They all contribute to our success.

Some readers may have the impression that all we do at the Explorer is hike, paddle, ski, bicycle and so on, but the unfortunate truth is that we, like many people, spend most workdays at the computer. Putting out the Explorer is hard work, and so it’s nice to be recognized. On behalf of our staff, thank you, ADK.

Other honorees included Marilyn Gillespie, who received the Trailblazer Award for her work for the club over many years, and David Pisaneschi, who received the Conservation Award for his advocacy.  The President’s Award went to Neil Woodworth, the club’s executive director.

Before the dinner, I was lucky enough to be able to chat with Eleanor Brown. She told me she is thinking of updating The Forest Preserve. Let’s hope she does.

About Phil Brown

Phil Brown edited the Adirondack Explorer from 1999 until his retirement in 2018. He continues to explore the park and to write for the publication and website.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gale Brown Norman says

    Congradulations Phil! A beautiful photo both of you and a very good explanation of the

    photo and event as well. Clocks back this weekend!

  2. Linda Lambert says

    Congratulations Phil. Gail sent me your book and I shared it with a friend who has a home in the adarondacks. He also enjoyed it. Thanks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *