Genesee Valley Chapter
Adirondack Mountain Club
HIGH SUMMIT HONOR SOCIETY
Updated February 15, 2008 4:57 PM ET
About the High Summit Honor Society
Like many volunteer-based organizations, the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club is only as strong and healthy as the volunteer efforts of its membership. Because of the recent extraordinary work of so many members, our current Chapter has never been stronger is unquestionably one of the healthiest in all of ADK.
Over the many years of our Chapter's existence, we have been fortunate to have a number of members whose efforts have gone above and beyond those of most others and exceed what is typically 'expected' of a volunteer. These members have performed many different tasks, often without any recognition, often for many, many years. The first of these special people are those responsible for the formation of our Chapter in the 60's.
While continual attempts to honor and thank our volunteers have been made as often as possible over the past several years, it became apparent that we haven't been able to recognize some of our most special volunteers. In an attempt to finally rectify this, the Executive Committee created the "High Summit Honor Society" (HSHS). Once a year, current or past members of the Genesee valley Chapter having a minimum of ten years of active involvement in ADK may be nominated for enshrinement into the HSHS.
High Summit Honor Society nomination procedure.
High Summit Honor Society Inductees
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Class of 2007
Alan Bushnell
By Mark Baker
In August of 1992, wearing mostly cotton and not really knowing what he was getting himself into, a fledgling climber named Al Bushnell ascended Phelps Mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks with the help of a close friend, his Golden Retriever Jasmine. Al was there thanks to two close friends (and fellow ADK'ers), Rich and Jean Brown, who introduced him to hiking in the high peaks, paddling (and goldens). Little did he know at the time that this one climb would launch a hiking and climbing career that is truly worthy of the High Summit Honor Society.
In just over two years, he became a 46R on Whiteface in September of 1994. In March of 2001 he finished his Winter 46 on Mt. Marcy. 2002 saw him finish the Northeast 111 on Katahdin and in July 2000 he reached the summit of Mt. Rainier in Washington. Al has also hiked the Wonderland around Mt. Rainier. Add in several editions of his "Marcy Madness" hikes, 10 years of his "Unobsessed" series of hikes which allowed several people to ascend high peaks where they may not otherwise have been able to, and several excursions to Pennsylvania's many trails and you begin to understand how impressive his hiking years have been.
But Al has also contributed to ADK through his leadership and organizational skills as well. Shortly after going on his first official ADK trip in June 1993, Len Stein encouraged him to join the Mailing Committee for the Geneseean. In 1994, Al joined the trails committee and he served as Trails Chair from 1995 to 1998. His work as Trails Chair led to him receiving the Volunteer of the Year award in 1996. Al went on to serve as Chapter Chair from 1998 to 2000 and on the programs committee in 2003. Al currently serves on the programs committee. He's also the only person who's been involved in every Outdoor Expo going back to the days when it was known as the "Spring Fling" either serving on the committee or presenting various workshops.
"ADK has been a great experience" he says. Through the club he has led countless trips, made some of his best friends, and met his wife Kim. It's fitting that he's now part of the High Summit Honor Society which, by the way, he created.
Michael Dobner
By Bill Crowe
Michael Dobner says that he became active in ADK after much encouragement from Jack Freeman (a common theme with Dave Newman's experience) and that his initial activities were as a member of the Conservation Committee. In the 80's, that committee adopted the West Canada Lakes Wilderness and Mike went on many trips to that area doing trail and lean-to maintenance. From there, Mike went on to serve on the chapter's Executive Committee for a period of more than 10 years. He held the positions of Programs Chair, Trails Chair and Vice Chair and, in 1988, Mike became Chapter Chair. For 2 years after serving as Chair, he served as a chapter Governor.
Mike was an active backpacker during those years and became and became an Adirondack 46er in 1992. He was also active in the Rochester Winter Mountaineering Society. He led many ADK backpacks and canoe outings and led a series of the chapter's first beginner backpack weekends in the High Tor area. These backpacks were very popular with as many as 20 people participating.
In 1997, the 75th anniversary of ADK's founding, Mike co-chaired the committee to host the ADK Annual Meeting Weekend here in Rochester. Organizing this event was a huge effort to undertake. Besides the ADK Annual Meeting itself, there were hikes, paddles, and a variety of workshops to attend. The DEC Commissioner was the keynote speaker Evening entertainment included the Dady Brothers and bagpipers. The result was a big success with approximately 300 people attending. This event required such a huge effort to organize that finding other chapters to take it on after 1997 became too difficult. As a result, 1997 was the final ADK Annual Meeting.
Mike is living near Mendon Ponds Park with his wife Barbara and their three year old son. His outdoor activities are more limited these days but he cycles on the roads all over our area whenever he gets the chance. Mike told me that he really enjoyed his active ADK years. He made a lot of great friends during that time and learned a lot from those experiences.
Karen Malecki
By Rich Sensenbach
I've know Karen Malecki for a number of years both through the ADK as well as work. While I knew she was an active member in the chapter; it wasn't until we were going through our notes on nominations for the High Summit Honor Society that I realized just how active Karen has been. Karen has been in the Genesee Valley Chapter since the mid 1980's. During that time she has had many positions and seen many changes in our chapter. She started as Publicity chair, and then moved on to Membership chair twice for a total of 4 years. During that time, the twice a year member's picnic tradition was started that continues to this day. She also added 1,000 new members by plastering flyer's in local libraries, Laundromats, stores, colleges and any other place else they didn't throw her out of. After that Karen moved on to Vice-chair for 2 years before moving up to Chapter Chair and then following that became one of our chapter's representatives on the Main Clubs Board of Directors. During this time, Karen also found time to lead chapter trips as well as going on a number of them.
Of the trips Karen has lead, her favorite has always been to the "Grand Canyon of the East" in Pennsylvania, no bugs. While Karen has done a number of the High Peaks, she is not a 46R. She has gone to both Alaska and Yellowstone on trips with the ADK and Pack, Paddle, Ski. Talking with Karen; I asked her what her most memorable trips were over the years. Canoeing in Algonquin was her first choice. Many West Canada Lakes trips with Laurel Newman and Cathy Wall doing their annual checks on their adopted lean-tos came to mind. Karen also talked about a trip to Lake Lila with Dave Mundie and Barb Brenner that was spent in a cloud of Black Flies! That's also why she liked Dave's winter Loj trips - NO BUGS! Finally there was the infamous "moose tracking" trip to Cranberry Lake; where Karen would like to make it very clear to everyone that she was not the one who held out a bag of moose droppings and said "Want some chocolate covered raisins?" to the ranger! And yes; he did take a handful without looking and we've heard that he has since given up chocolate covered raisins.
David Newman
By Barb Brenner
In 1984 Dave Newman became part of the Genesee Valley Chapter's Executive Committee and in 1997 he was still on the Executive Committee. For the span between ‘84 and ‘97, Dave was on the Executive Committee 14 out of 15 years and assumed 7 different positions. For the remaining 1 year he was very active in the chapter as a member of the Conservation Committee.
Dave joined ADK in the late 70's and attributes his active involvement in the chapter to Jack Freeman. To quote Dave: "Whether going on a first trip or getting involved in a committee, Jack was the one that talked us into doing stuff and then we found out it was fun."
In 1984 Dave was the Publications Chair, responsible for the publishing the newsletter. In 1985 he stepped up to the Chapter Vice-Chair position, in 1986 he was Chapter Chair and in 1987 he was supportive to the EC by fulfilling the role of the Past Chair. Following his chairmanship years, Dave was in charge of programs for the monthly meetings from 1988 to 1991, a Governor from '92 to '95, and the Conservation Committee's Co-Chair from '95-'97.
In addition to Dave's many roles on the EC he also led numerous backpacking, paddling, and bike trips. In 1987, Dave led a series of winter trips for the chapter. In 1983 and 1986 he participated in revising the Chapter's bylaws and for many years he was a leader for the Chapter's Beginner Backpacking Workshop.
Dave is a 46R, number #2143, and has climbed 31 of the 46 High Peaks in the winter with the Rochester Winter Mountaineering Society.
The Genesee Valley Chapter is an important part of Dave's life. Through ADK he met Laurel Wall, also a very active member of the chapter and the sister of his good friend Doug Wall. They were married in September 1990 and their wedding was attended by many ADK friends. In 1994, another very important event captured his attention – the birth of his son. Dave and Laurel share their love of the out-of-doors with their son Pete. After Pete was born Dave and Laurel continued to actively participate in the chapter, but Dave "now understands why people with kids disappear from ADK for a while." Dave has been actively introducing his son to the out-of-doors by being a Cub Scout /Boy Scout leader since 2000.
What would Dave like to say about his years of volunteering with ADK? "I have met all of my best friends there – including my wife. It has been good."
We agree Dave – it has been good. Thank you for your many years of contributions to our Chapter.
Edgar W. Trainer
By Daan Zwick
At the end of WWII Edgar and Leona Trainer came to Rochester where Ed began a job as an electronics engineer at the Eastman Kodak Apparatus Division. I do not know what effect Ed had on Kodak's fortunes, but he and Lee left a lasting mark on our hiking and canoeing community.
I first met the Trainers through the Genesee Valley Hiking Club (GVHC), as they became active hikers and trip leaders with that group. At that time this local organization confined itself mostly to hiking activities. By the fifties, the Trainers, along with Ellsworth Stein, began adding canoe outings to the GVHC schedule of Sunday hikes, with leisurely paddles on local class I streams and lakes. This soon expanded to longer trips on Adirondack waters, and ventures on class II streams. Lawrence Grinnell's "Canoeable Waterways of New York State" was our bible, and the classical open canoe was our vehicle. (The one German couple paddling a collapsible fold-boat was the closest we came to a kayak in those days.)
Ed and Leona revolutionized that when they appeared with a C-2 "banana boat", a covered canoe with two cockpits and spray skirts for the kneeling paddlers. They could easily handle the Class III waters that swamped our open canoes, and it was not long before covered canoes and kayaks outnumbered open canoes.
By the 1960's our Genesee Valley Chapter of ADK had been founded, in good measure from Ed Trainer's efforts, with white-water canoeing a distinctive part of its activities. Ed was active on Chapter committees, including waterways conservation and cooperation with the newly-established Finger Lakes Trail Conference. A few landmarks in Ed's ADK organizational activities include Chapter Chair in 1969-1970 and 1976-1977, and ADK Governor in1970-1971. During part of this period, Lee formed and chaired a committee that has relevance today- its goal was to interest younger people in joining the Chapter.
I remember climbing with Ed and Leona on Gray Peak in an October snowstorm, as Ed was trying to get another peak in his quest for the "46". (Ed got 45 of them.) I also skied with Ed and Lee at Swain where they performed duties as National Ski Patrollers for many years. They built a small cabin on a hillside across from the ski area, to make the patrolling more convenient.
I also worked with Ed as he labored to establish a link of the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) through the Swain valley. He did the full bi with FLT founder Wally Wood, scouting out the route, working to secure landowner's permission, and eventually clearing, blazing, and maintaining several miles of the trail.
By the 1980s Ed had retired from Kodak and moved with Lee to Skaneateles. They continued an active life until injuries and Lee's failing health, including a stroke in 1992, put Ed in the position of primary caregiver. They moved to Ithaca where Ed helped to finish a new home next door to their daughter, Susan, and volunteered with the Paleontological Research Institute, thus continuing a hobby that he and Lee had enjoyed for many years.
I am late with this nomination, for Ed died last March at the age of 91. However, I hope that membership in the High Summit s Honor Society will help to keep Ed's memory fresh, especially in the minds of those not fortunate enough to have known him.
Class of 2006
Joanne Mitchell
By Rich Sensenbach
Joanne Mitchell and her husband, Gary moved to Rochester in February of 1967, both with jobs in the Kodak Research Laboratories. Her first boss was Daan Zwick, who is also being inducted into the HSHS at this time. Daan told them about the ADK and they joined the fairly small group that existed back then. It was so small that chapter meetings were held in a High School library. They became active spring canoers and eventually hikers as well. They have maintained their membership without a break since 1967, although they were not very active in the chapter when their children were small.
Off and on through the years Joann has been on newsletter labeling and mailing committees as well as various other short term committees. She has lead numerous local hikes as well as doing workshops at Expo for at least the last 4 years. Joanne has been a very active volunteer for Braddock Bay Raptor Research for the last 8 years. She is one of the people who cares for and feeds the non-releasable hawks, turkey vulture, falcon, and owls. She is also one of the educators who goes to schools, nursing homes, and other locations with live birds and gives educational programs.
In September of 2000, Joanne took over editing and publishing the Geneseean and is still going strong. In addition; she has been the editor for the Genesee Valley Audubon Society newsletter for over 10 years and editor for the newsletter of the Friends of the Greece Library for 3 years.
Jackson E. Thomas
By Barb Brenner
Imagine being responsible for our chapter's bookstore: ordering merchandise, setting up the bookstore, returning all of the merchandise to storage, taking inventory, handling the finances, passionately showcasing items for sale at each chapter meeting and enthusiastically presenting the chapter's monthly raffle item to the winning audience member. Also, imagine doing that for 10 chapter meetings a year, for 16 years in a row. Jackson E. Thomas has done just that.
Jackson joined the chapter in 1987 and became the bookstore chair in 1991. When asked what he liked most about being the bookstore chair, his response was "helping people choose". His dedication to helping others is evident by his commitment to the bookstore and our chapter
In addition to the bookstore duties, Jackson is our chapter's first Statistician, compiling information from the trip waiver forms. He coordinates the aspiring 46ers in our chapter and, for several years, has been an Alternate Director.
In 2004 Jackson was the Registrar for the Fall Conference hosted by our chapter. To quote Ken Harbison who was the Conference Chair "Jackson was the Registrar (BIG job), handling the records and forwarding checks. He also led a trip for 12 participants to Thousand Acre Swamp. In addition, he took pictures at the banquet and posted them on the ADK website. His efforts were greatly appreciated."
Jackson has been on the program committee for the last 2 years hosting and introducing speakers and has given slide shows on the topics of Hiking in the High Peaks and on the 2005 Lodge Trip. His commitment to the chapter continues beyond all of this as he and his wife, Shirley, recently joined the Newsletter committee.
Jackson's commitment to our chapter has been steady, extensive, and member since '87.
James A. Bird
By Mary Warchocki
In 2002, the ADK Main Club finances were in grave trouble. That's when they called in the "experts" forming a special emergency committee to revise the club's finances in January of 2003. Jim Bird, then Director of the GVC, and several other committee members were successful in turning things around at the Main Club level. Jim went on to serve on a NYS DEC partnered committee to build a new Information Center while also investigating alternatives for changes/improvements to the Adirondac Loj and property. Because of his expertise, he was asked to join the Main Club's Finance Committee where he served for 4 years helping to build a strong financial base in the club. Jim is now serving as the current Vice President of the Main Club and has served on its Executive Committee for 4 years.
In our own Chapter, Jim has served two terms as Chapter Chair, one term as Vice Chapter Chair and six years as a Governor/Director for our Chapter. He has been a member of the ADK for over 30 years, and was instrumental in starting a leadership development program/committee for the Chapter. Jim has led numerous trips for both the Chapter and Main Club including several extended trips (sea kayaking in the Maine Islands, paddles on the Green River in Utah and the Allagash Wilderness River). Jim has been a visible presence at the annual Outdoor Expo in Mendon Ponds as a safety boater.
So with all of this long resume of ADK experience, you might ask 'What hasn't Jim done?' Let me know if you come up with an answer as I sure couldn't.
Daan Zwick
By Jerry Hargrave
I first met Daan Zwick in the 1970's kayaking as he led his March Annual 'Oatka Creek Icebreaker'. I tipped, swam, froze, yet I was forever hooked on whitewater and ADK much because of Daan.
Daan and his wife Janis have two daughters, one in Rochester, the other in Colorado
While researching Daan Zwick I Googled his name. I was surprised to get 90 pages of accomplishments. At 84 he hasn't slowed down much. Daan started his outdoor career as a Boy Scout hiking the Green Mountain Long Trail. In 1938, at the ripe old age pf 15 he was the youngest Green mountain member to maintain a lodge for the whole hiking season. He lived in and maintained the Taylor lodge for another season. He went on for three more seasons in 1939 to 1941 to maintain Taft lodge which had 32 beds. At the end of every hiking season as caretaker, he had to carry all the mattresses and blankets over the pass to Mt. Mansfield hotel for storage so the mice wouldn't nest in them over the winter. Daan also served as caretaker on Mt. Mansfield where he made $75 per season.
Daan attended University of Vermont and graduated with a BS in Chemistry. He decided to try industry and took a one year job as Chemist for Kodak. Thus one year turned into a 42 year career. But this brought Daan to us here in Rochester where he started hiking with Genesee Valley Hiking Club. He became involved with ADK during hikes at the Lodge.
Besides working for our chapter, Daan served many years on Alpine Ski patrol at Hunt Hollow. He also served for many years on Genesee Valley Nordik Ski Patrol at Pechlers Palmyra, Mendon Ponds Park, Durand Eastman Park, Cummings Nature Center, Harriet Hollister Park, and Powder Mills Park. He was a Greece volunteer ambulance member for 33 years. He was their first EMT.
Daan is a Life member of: Adirondack Mountain Club, Genesee Valley Chapter, Genesee Valley Hiking Club, Green Mountain Club, Finger Lakes Trail assn. and many other organizations.
Daan was Genesee Valley Chapter President for two years. He served on the trails committee and Conservation committee for years. He has worked many days clearing the Finger Lakes Trail.
Daan lead several High peak traverses. He led a photography trip to Johns Brook lodge. For two winters Daan staffed the warming hut at Johns brook for a week each year. He has lead many hikes including Sunday hikes. He has lead many canoe trips including a 4 weekend canoe outing called the 'the physics of canoeing'.
Daan presented many Genesee Valley Chapter presentations including movies and side shows on Austria, Switzerland, Grand Canyon by dory, Konkani BC, and a program called 'My First half century of skiing'. Whenever Daan was on the schedule to present we packed the house.
For the main club, Daan took charge of Central NY and also part of Western NY contributing the revised ADK Guide book 'Canoe guide of central and Western NY. He also took parting the comprehensive DEC inventory and survey of NY Rivers.
Daan has recently hiked Yellowstone National Park, the Hawaiian islands, and to the top of Mount Mansfield, where he was a summit caretaker for a week in the 1990's.
In the last 84 years Daan has worked as a Lodge keeper, shipyard worker, rock driller for dynamite holes, a chemist and a physicist. Yet he has made time to support all these recreation and conservation activities.
As my friends age, they often say 'I have to cut back on something. I can't do everything.' Well here is a guy who still does it all.
Lawrence G. Newman
By Al Bushnell
Lawrence G. Newman has been a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club since 1982. He has been volunteering for nearly as long. His brother Dave first introduced him to ADK and then quickly got him involved as a volunteer affixing mailing labels to, and proof-reading articles for, the 'Geneseean'.
Among some of his other efforts for ADK is serving as a valuable member of both our Chapter's Trails Committee and Conservation Committee for over twenty years! In addition, he has been a member of the Main Club's Trails Committee since 1992. He has also been picking up trash twice a year on our adopted section of Route 531 since our Chapter first became involved with the Highway Cleanup program in the mid '90's.
But probably where Larry has made his biggest impact is building and maintaining trails. Locally he has been doing trail work as a member of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference for 23 years. He has also spent many years working on local trails such as the Rifle Range Trail with other Genesee Valley Chapter members and has assisted the Genesee Valley Hiking Club with their trail work efforts. The Main Club believes he has participated in nearly every ADK-sponsored trail work project over the past twenty-plus years. A 46'er since 1988, he has spent well over 1000 hours doing trail work in the High Peaks for the 46'ers.
Larry was selected Vibrum's Volunteer of the Year for the State of New York in 1996, awarded to the one individual in each state whose tireless efforts in creating and maintaining hiking trails stand out among those of all other volunteers. In 2005, he received ADK's Distinguished Volunteer Award, given 'in recognition of a lifetime of activity and effort'.
When asked what he enjoys doing most in the outdoors, Larry quickly responded by saying 'hiking and trail work'. He is nearing completion of hiking the 560 mile Finger Lakes Trail. He admitted that most of his backpacking trips have been in conjunction with trail work projects. Larry was quick to mention that he has hiked and worked with a lot of nice people over the years.
The next time you're hiking on a well maintained trail in the High Peaks, you might want to thank Larry. While we can't say for certain, there is a very good possibility that some part of the trail you're enjoying is a result of the literally thousands of hours that Larry has invested.
Class of 2005
Barb Brenner
By Al Bushnell
Barb Brenner became a member of the Genesee Valley Chapter in 1987 and almost immediately began to take advantage of what the Club had to offer. She admits that when she first joined ADK, she went on trips. Lots of trips. Her first volunteer effort for the Chapter actually came about when the leader of a canoe trip to Follensby Pond she had signed up for was unable to go and asked Barb if she would consider becoming a substitute trip leader instead of a trip participant. Barb enjoyed that first experience as a leader and has continued to lead trips ever since. Over the years, her canoeing, hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing adventures have taken many of us along on her ‘wanders’ and day trips in local parks to multi-day trips in the Adirondacks and Canada. Her enjoyment of leading outdoor trips eventually led her to Pack Paddle Ski, where she has led nearly 100 trips over the years.
Barb has done much more for our Chapter than just lead trips. She became Programs Chair in the Fall of 1991 and served in that position until leaving in the Spring of 1992 to successfully pursue her dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. While on the trail, The Sunrise Hiker (Barb) wrote a series of journal entries that appeared each month in the Geneseean. After returning home, she shared even more of her trail experiences by presenting a wonderful program at one of our monthly meetings. The program was so well received, it was repeated a few years later. In the Fall of '94, Barb began a one-year term as our Chapter Chair. During the same period of time, she was driving force behind the creation of our Chapter’s Outdoor Activity Guide. Most recently, Barb served as Programs Chair for two years, 2002-2004.
Being an educator by profession and at heart, Barb enjoys sharing her knowledge of the outdoors with the Chapter not only by leading trips but by also conducting and contributing to workshops. These workshops have included such topics as general backpacking, winter backpacking, trip leadership, introduction to canoe camping, and raingear. She has also been a presenter in a number of the Outdoor Expos, offering hands-on clinics for survival and map & compass. Her teaching style and enthusiasm makes attending her workshops a very enjoyable & rewarding experience (even though a few of us still haven't mastered the art of starting a fire by rubbing two sticks together).
While Barb has enjoyed all of her volunteering with the Genesee Valley Chapter, her favorite is still leading trips. Our Chapter is fortunate to have had her for so many years!
Bob Goodwin
By Ken Harbison
Bob Goodwin joined ADK in 1974 and became Chapter chair in 1993. He has served as Treasurer several times, Governor, Venturing leader, and chair of the Chapter’s Finger Lakes Trail committee. He maintained the Chapter mailing list for many years. He has led numerous hiking, backpacking, and canoe trips, including “Hills and Pond” hikes in the Adirondacks. His cottage on Great Sacandaga Lake has served as home base for many of these hikes. In 1990, Bob received the Volunteer of the Year Award from GVC.
Bob and Margi moved from Rochester to the Adirondacks in 2001, but have kept ties with the Genesee Valley Chapter. They have often hosted Directors and others from GVC for ADK Board meetings, committee meetings, and other events.
Bob has been serving the main club for many years as Chair of the Investment committee and on the Finance and Development committees. He currently volunteers about two days a week at ADK Headquarters, handling e-mail inquiries and working on the ADK website. He has created the digital photo library and a “Hikes you might like” section on the website. He organized thousands of handwritten membership forms Bob received the ADK Distinguished Volunteer Award in 2003 for his many volunteer efforts to the main club.
Now living near Moreau State Park, he has helped build trails there and hikes regularly. He and Jack Freeman have measured and developed descriptions of the trails in Moreau Park to be included in the next edition of the ADK Southern Guide The two are also authoring an article on trails for an upcoming Adirondac magazine.
Jerry Hargrave
By Bill Crowe
Jerry Hargrave joined our chapter in 1979 and was extremely active for the next seventeen years. One of his first tasks was to take on the job as Pool Practice coordinator in 1981. The following year he became Outings Chair. In those years Trails and Waterways were handled by one Outings Committee. Jerry initiated an Outings Hotline in 1983, a Paddler’s Hotline in 1987 and the Paddler’s Picnic in 1984. When the chapter split Outings into Trails and Waterways in 1988, Jerry continued as the first Waterways Chair. He remained in that position until 1996. His resignation ended fourteen consecutive years as Outings and Waterways Chairs.
During his active ADK years, Jerry led many whitewater outings in New York State and elsewhere. He was an extremely active paddler, often going most if not every weekend.
Jerry received GVC’s Chapter’s Volunteer of the Year (also known as Chair Award) award in both 1988 and 1991.
Throughout his active years with ADK, Jerry was a very active advocate for waterways access and conservation throughout New York State. More recently, Jerry continued this work with American Whitewater and as Conservation and Access Committee Chairperson for the Finger Lakes Ontario Watershed Paddlers’ Club.
Dave Newman who was Chapter Chair in the early 80’s, says: “I think it fair to say Jerry disliked meetings. Maybe even hated them. He would far rather have been out playing in the water, on a date with someone who shared his outdoor excitement, or with his beloved kids. Many of his fellow paddlesports enthusiasts were the same way...but it was always Jerry, for years, who stepped up to the plate and came to the meetings, trying his best to integrate the watersports community, especially the whitewater contingent, in with the hikers, campers, flatwater canoeists and peakbaggers of the Genesee Valley Chapter. He didn’t always get a lot of help in this work from his fellow paddlers. When I was Chapter Chair I figured it was Jerry who really understood the value ADK was bringing, from the mundane but necessary liability insurance for outings, to having Betty Lou Bailey and a whole team at the Club level participating in the boring and slowly progressing re-licensing hearings for hydropower dams, and their recreational releases, or just from the convenience of having the schedule communication via the Geneseean (long before web sites and email).”
John Holtz
By Don Baird
John Holtz has been a member of ADK since 1982, serving the Chapter and the statewide organization in several capacities. In the Genesee Valley Chapter, he served as Vice Chair (1982-3), Chapter Chair twice (1983-4, 1990-91), as a Director on the Board of Directors, as a participant on the Nominations, Outings, Programs, By-Laws, and Conservation Committees, and as trip leader on hikes and waterways trips. For the statewide ADK, he served for two years on the Publications Committee in the mid-1990s.
During his term as Vice Chair under Jack Freeman, John studied the demographics of the membership and led an effort that, over the next 5 years, redefined the Genesee Valley Chapter. In 1983, he moved its meeting location from a church basement in Irondequoit to an amphitheater at the Harley School in Brighton, the geographic center of its membership. Meeting attendance grew from 20-30 in 1982-3 to 125-150 in 1984, outgrowing even that facility and prompting the move to our current home at Eisenhart. During his year as Chair, John restructured the Board to look more like the constituency it wished to attract – from 15 men and one woman in 1983, almost all mid-career Kodakers, to a balance of men and women with a mix of ages and occupations. The community responded: membership during his term more than tripled (and continued to grow to more than 1500 in the late 1980s, making GVC the largest chapter in the state). His legacy was a revitalized, community-based Chapter model, an active and involved leadership style, and the greeting at each chapter meeting, “How many of you are here for the first time?”
When he married an avid canoeist with strong Canadian ties, his activities shifted from trails and peaks in the Adirondacks to lakes, rivers, and portages in Algonquin Provincial Park. John still visits the Adirondacks on occasion – “I’m still a Fiver” (having bagged only 5 of the 46 high peaks) – but now instead of hiking boots and backpacks he and Gretchen explore by solo canoes with their retriever, fishing rods, and a good book. They are in the process of moving their homestead to the village of Scottsville.
Dr. Henry Staehle
By Deb Brown
Near the end of 1965 a core group of outdoor enthusiasts gathered at the East High School library. By the end of this meeting the first Executive Committee of the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club had been elected. Among these new officers was Dr. Henry Staehle, our first Director. The following year Henry, a Senior Research Associate at Kodak, was elected to be our second Chair and was once again a Director in 1968. Often, he hosted those early GVC meetings in his home. He was appointed to the constitutional committee to change the by-laws in 1970 and served as chapter historian from 1971-1978. He led many outings over the years and gave numerous presentations at the monthly meetings. Henry was known to be a very gifted photographer. One of his most notable outings was to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area in western Montana.
Henry was also very active with the Genesee Hiking Club, The Bergen Swamp Preservation Society and was there helping to establish the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. He dedicated many hours as a member of the Advisory Committee for Helmer’s Nature Center in Irondequoit. Upon his death in 1984, the Helmer’s Advisory Committee established the Henry C. Staehle Environmental Education Fund, which was set up to assist worthy students and adult volunteers to attend workshops and camps dealing with nature study and the environment. Mary Ann Russo of Helmer’s Nature Center says that almost every year a youth is sent to DEC camp by this Fund. Last year the Center began the “Adopt a Maple Tree” program to help renew funding of the Fund. The March event included a pancake breakfast. His son, Rob, of Altadena, CA was able to attend and adopt a tree in memory of his dad.
In a phone conversation, Rob reminisced about family outings with his sister and two brothers in the Adirondacks. He remembered one specific climb up Algonquin in early spring. The weather included snow, ice and lots of wind and they were quite unprepared for the elements; but it has remained a treasured memory as the “snowball hike.” He recalled family canoe trips as well. Rob is very active carrying on his Dad’s legacy in CA, working on the board of a local conservancy, and chair of its natural resource committee. He also is meetings chair of the Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Work Group and just wanted us all to know there are no black flies there.
Class of 2004
Doug Wall
By Ken Harbison
Doug Wall joined the Genesee Valley Chapter in 1972. He has led numerous hiking trips for the chapter and taught rock climbing courses for about 20 years.
Doug was Program Chair for two years, Conservation Chair, Vice Chair, and Chapter Chair for two years starting in 1987. He also chaired the ADK Annual Meeting when it was held in Rochester in 1985. He received the Chairman’s Award in 1985. He has been an ADK governor for three years and has been on the Conservation Committee of the Main ADK.
Doug is an avid hiker, backpacker, rock climber, and mountain climber. He became an ADK 46er in 1982 (#1744) and a Winter 46er the next winter (#34). He has climbed a number of peaks in South America, including the highest peak, Aconcagua, and also in Mexico and Nepal. He has made chapter presentations on a number of these trips.
Doug has had a small “business,” Wallface Equipment Works, making gear for fellow winter campers.
Doug met his wife, Cathy, through the ADK, and together they are raising their daughter Natalie, and son Michael to follow in their footsteps. They’ve been hiking in the Adirondacks as well as canoeing, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Dave Mundie
By Bill Crowe
Dave Mundie has been a member of ADK since 1978 and has served the Genesee Valley chapter and ADK in a great variety of ways. His positions within the chapter include one term as Education Chair, two terms as Vice-Chair (under 2 different Chairs), Conservation Chair 3 different times (including 2001-2004), Governor twice and Chair for two years in 1984 and 1985. Our chapter began the annual long weekend to the Adirondack Loj in the early 80’s and Dave organized that trip 3 times in those first 4 years.
In 1997, Dave co-chaired our chapter’s hosting of the 75 th Anniversary Annual Meeting of ADK. In the fall of 2001, Dave even took on the role of master of ceremonies at the ADK Harvest Moon Auction and did so adorned in his favorite kilt.
A special place for Dave is the West Canada Lakes Wilderness area. In 1990, Dave adopted seven lean-tos there. While he now concedes that may have been a bit ambitious of an undertaking, he is still caring for four of those. Dave has been leading many chapter trips into the area during that time. As Conservation Chair, Dave acted to have the chapter’s Conservation Committee adopt the West Canada Lakes Wilderness. His strong knowledge of the area helped greatly to formulate the ADK Conservation Committee’s input to the WCWA Unit Management Plan for DEC.
Dave still leads Waterways and Trails trips and has done so for many years. Dave states that ADK has been great to him and he has very much enjoyed all his time with ADK. Our chapter has benefited greatly from all his efforts.
Dick Spade
By Larry Reister
Dick Spade joined the Genesee Valley Chapter in the early eighties. He has served as Vice Chair, Secretary, Governor (now called Director), Program Chair, and Publicity Chair. Dick has also served on several GVC Committees including Conservation, Trails and Nominating Committee. In conjunction with his continuous participation Dick often provides leadership, training and service for special activities, workshops and outings. He is especially effective helping new and inexperienced members.
In 1988 Dick initiated the Sunday Hikes, which are held locally 52 weeks a year (only three cancellations in 16 years). Most of the hikes are held in Monroe County, but several are held in surrounding counties. Dick still leads most of the hikes, arranges to have a leader on other occasions, and maintains the hotline that announces the weekly hike. He often organizes special holiday hikes. The highly popular Sunday Hikes have strong participation year round. Most importantly, the Sunday Hikes have served as the first introduction to ADK for many new members. For many, the hikes have provided an opportunity for regular exercise and socializing in the company of friends (often new friends), and the opportunity to learn the basics about such important aspects of hiking as local wildlife, correct hiking gear, snowshoeing and trail safety.
Dick has planned and coordinated GVC participation in National Trails Day many times. In addition for several years now Dick has organized and coordinated with Parks officials the Wednesday morning trail work in the County Parks, performed by volunteers, many from GVC.
Dick is an unofficial liaison to our Monroe County Parks. He regularly attends Parks Advisory Committee meetings, as well as other local committees and organizations that have significant interest in Park conservation.
Dick continues to provide significant leadership and service to our Chapter year after year.
Doug Smith
By Judy Immesoete
Total number of High Peaks climbed 645, each of the 46 peaks climbed in each of the 12 months, all 46 High Peaks climbed seven times since turning 60, and Algonquin Mountain climbed a total of 18 times―these are just a few of Doug Smith’s personal accomplishments.
In support of his love for hiking Doug has led numerous trips in the mountains for our chapter, always encouraging others to do their best with an unusual sense of leadership, patience and a gentle supportive nature. His inspiration has led many others on their quest to become a 46er.
Doug joined the GVC of ADK shortly after moving to Rochester from New Mexico with Eastman Kodak in 1966. In doing so he wished to continue pursuing his passion for white water kayaking, a sport he loved. Doug became involved in teaching the proper techniques of white water paddling, a very commanding sport, to many members of the GV Chapter. He soon became Chairman of the white water group and led many white water adventures throughout our area. Under his support and guidance the group thrived for many years.
Doug’s tutelage continued with his acceptance of the treasurer’s position from 1970-1972, Programs Chair 1981, Chapter Chair 1982, Past Chair 1983, and Conservation Chair 1985, each task taken on tirelessly and with enthusiasm. As not to let any peak be unclimbed or volunteer position be unfilled, Doug again has stepped forward this year to become our Chapter’s Publicity Chair.
Don Baird
By Al Bushnell
Don Baird joined the Genesee Valley Chapter in June 1984. His volunteer efforts began quickly, with him assuming responsibility for the Geneseean in early 1985 and holding that position for two years. In 1986, he became the coordinator for our Chapter’s backpacking and dayhiking trips. In addition to arranging the outings schedule, he led his first trip to the High Peaks in '86, taking a group up the miserable Street, Nye, & Tabletop! He soon started leading trips to less crowded destinations, including the Northville Lake Placid Trail and Pennsylvania. By 1988, he had created the Wilderness Adventure Series for our Chapter, which encouraged members to travel to the various Adirondack Wilderness Areas. This was the predecessor to the Adirondack Quest that Don created in the early 90’s and still administrates for the Main Club.
In 1989 our Chapter’s Outing Committee was divided into the current Waterways & Trails Committees, and Don assumed the role of the first Trails Committee Chair. While Trails Chair, Don continued to lead numerous trips, with his focus on the many trails in Pennsylvania. In late 1992, Don added the role of Chapter Governor to his duties as Trails Chair. In March 1993, he once again took over responsibility for the Geneseean. He served as Trails Chair until the Fall of 1993 and continued as Publications Chair until July 1994.
Don became Chair of the Chapter in September 1996 and served a two year term. While Chair, he continued as a member of the Trails and Conservation Committees. When you add the two years Don served as Past Chair, he has probably been a member of the Chapter’s Executive Committee as long as anyone in the history of the Chapter.
In 2002, Don became the first recipient of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s White Birch Award, which was created to recognize those volunteers who have contributed a significant amount of time and effort in a specific area.
Upon his retirement from Xerox, Don has been able to devote time to developing websites for various local organizations, including our Chapter. The website, which first appeared in 1997, has become one of ADK’s best due to Don’s continual efforts of refining and improving its design and content.
Class of 2003
Don Burness
by Al Bushnell
Don Burness was a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club for nearly fifty years, joining the Main Club in 1954 and becoming one of the first members of the Genesee Valley Chapter when it was formed in 1965. He played an active role in our Chapter throughout the 70’s, serving on the Conservation Committee, as a Director, and leading waterway trips to places such as West Canada Creek and the Moose River. Don continued to be very involved with the Club after his retirement in 1980as a chemist with the Kodak Research Laboratories, serving as our Publicity Chair, organizing the pool practices, the annual Moose River White Water weekend, and the annual winter cross country ski outing to Inlet Ski Touring Center. But perhaps his greatest efforts were for the Main Club, serving on the Trails Committee, participating for over fifteen years on the construction and maintenance of Johns Brook Lodge, Camp Peggy O'Brien, and the other North Country facilities, performing countless hours of trail maintenance, and starting the Club's Adopt-a-Lean-to program in 1984 and serving as its first administrator for many years. Due in large part to his efforts, the number of lean-tos adopted by ADK members increased from 8 to 98 during his tenure as administrator.
His tireless efforts and his demeanor earned him the nickname ‘Elder Statesman’ of the Trails Committee. In 1992, he was the first recipient of the Trails Committee Award and was recognized as ‘Professor Emeritus of Trails.’ And in 1995, Don was awarded the Main Club’s Distinguished Volunteer Award. Words that have been used to describe Don are genuine, considerate, soft-spoken, unassuming, and dependable. Jim Cooper in Warrensburg, the long-time chair of the Trails Committee, described Don as “...a man not necessarily politically correct, but always correct, in that he carried into his dealings a gentlemanly tradition of manners and civility.”
Sadly, Don is no longer with us to receive this much-deserved election into the High Summit Honor Society, having passed away this past April.
Warren De Land
by Deb Fedele
Warren De Land first became a member of the Hurricane Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club in 1954. By the time a core group of enthusiasts, of which he was one, started promoting a local chapter in Rochester, he was a member at large. He became the first Chair of our newly formed Genesee Valley Chapter in January of 1966, and served in this position for one and a half years. He continued service as a Director from 1967-1969. Warren later was Chair of the Conservation Committee. He remembers working closely with the Monroe County Conservation Council and doing a TV interview.
As a member of the Trails Committee, Warren enjoyed leading trips in the High Peaks. He is remembered for always backpacking with an authentic Adirondack pack basket with his Boy Scout daypack carried in front. Both of these packs are still in use. He became a 46er, # 677, on Couchsachraga.
After retiring from Rochester Midland as senior Vice-President, as well as a Colonel from the USMC, he moved to the high peaks in Keene, N.Y. once again joining the Hurricane Chapter. The chapter, anticipating his move, much to his surprise had already elected him as Chair. He was Chair from 1990 to 1993.
Warren, 82, is presently Trails Co-Chair with renowned retired DEC Ranger Pete Fish. They keep busy doing trail work mostly on the Nun-da-ga-o Ridge and recently re-routed the trail up Little Crow. Warren continues to maintain his two adopted Lean-tos at Gulf Brook and Lost Pond with some volunteer help. Last year he was once again able to climb after a hip replacement, summiting Hurricane Mountain with his English Setter Belle.
Thank you, Warren for your years of resolute service to the Genesee Valley
Chapter and ADK
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Bill Endicott
by Bill Crowe
Bill Endicott assisted with the founding of the Genesee Valley Chapter. He served as Chair of Genesee Valley in 1970-71and was its first Treasurer. As business manager of the East Irondequoit school district, Bill was able to arrange the use of the Eastridge High School library as the first chapter meeting place. He would probably be amazed to see a full Eisenhart Auditorium at one of our meetings today. Bill also arranged the use of the school pool for kayak practice. John and Judy Sherman, who were also actively involved with the founding of our chapter, nominated Bill for this honor, and, in so doing, called him “a stalwart of those early times.”
Bill was active in ADK in many different roles in several parts of New York State. After leaving Rochester, he assisted in the founding of the Ramapo chapter (in the Rockland and Orange counties region). He was also Chair of Albany and Adirondack Loj chapters. Bill served as Chair of the ADK Loj Operating and the Outings committees. He also served as 46er President for two years. He was 46er #80 finishing in September 1950 and also was a Winter 46er.
Finally, Bill also served as President of ADK in 1984 as well as 1st and 3rd Vice Presidents for a total of six years. In 1988, Bill was honored as the ADK Volunteer of the Year.
According to his daughter Eloise, Bill considered himself a “conservationist but not a strict preservationist.” Outside of ADK, he worked with APA on the State Land Master Plan and also with the Essex County Conservation League.
Unfortunately, Bill passed away in September of 1994 after a long battle with ALS. He was residing in Keene Valley at the time.
John P. (Jack) Freeman
by Ken Harbison
John P. (Jack) Freeman joined the Genesee Valley Chapter in 1971. An avid hiker, he became an Adirondack 46er in 1976 (#1327), and a Winter 46er in 1979 (#21W). He has since ascended the high points of all fifty states.
In 1979 Jack was Program Chairman for the GV chapter, in 1980 was Chapter Chair, and was Conservation Chair for several years. Jack spearheaded the building of a 20-mile section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Steuben County. Our chapter continues to maintain a portion of this section of the FLT. Jack was the recipient of the first Chairman's Award in 1984.
The GV Chapter “adopted” the West Canada Lakes Wilderness, under the Adopt-a-Wilderness program of the Club’s Conservation Committee, and Jack, as chapter Conservation Chair, led work trips to that area.
In 1985, Jack’s Kodak job took him to Massachusetts, but he remained an active member of the Main Club. He was Club Secretary for four years, worked on the Adirondac Magazine committee for about ten years, has participated in Club volunteer trail work trips, and continues to serve on the Conservation Committee.
Upon his retirement from Eastman Gelatine, Jack moved to Glens Falls and joined the ADK conservation staff in 1993 as Director of Outreach and Research. He has spoken to numerous audiences about conservation issues. He has been instrumental in encouraging the restoration of fire towers in the New York State Forest Preserve. Jack authored the ADK book Views on High: Fire tower trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills, which serves as the guidebook for the ADK Fire Tower Challenge.
Ellsworth Stein
by Karen Malecki
Ellsworth Stein had already been an avid hiker with the Genesee Valley Hiking Club for several years before the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club began. Two to three years after the chapter’s inception he decided to join. He enjoyed the meetings, trips and members so much he decided to assist the Executive Committee. He served as Treasurer for 5 years from 1974 – 1979. Can you imagine 5 years of keeping the books?
During this time he was instrumental in encouraging and teaching members to learn how to canoe, his first love. Even today he’ll tell you how much he loves to canoe He also enjoyed the outdoors during the winter months and led cross-country ski trips. Once his treasurer position came to an end he volunteered to organize the chapter’s day hikes and led many in the Rochester region.
In 1984, Ellsworth became our chapter historian and he has been ever since! That’s 28 years of leadership service He was incredibly helpful in assisting with Chapter names and dates, allowing us to celebrate and learn about our chapter during our 25th anniversary back in 1990. You can ask this quiet, behind-the-scenes kind of guy any question about our chapter and he either has the answer right away or knows right where to find it.
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The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is dedicated to the protection and responsible recreational use of the New York State Forest Preserve, and other parks, wild lands, and waters vital to our members and chapters. The Club, founded in 1922, is a member-directed organization committed to public service and stewardship. ADK employs a balanced approach to outdoor recreation, advocacy, environmental education, and natural resource conservation. < < Corrections? Updates? Contact > > |
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