Never too late to celebrate
The Land Conservancy of Adams County (LCAC) celebrated “Land Conservancy of Adams County Month” in a big way this April. April may seem like a long time ago, but we didn’t want to roll through the year without recognizing our successes and the people who helped make them happen. Land Conservancy month kicked off at the LCAC Annual dinner. This year’s dinner was a roaring success – sold-out crowd at a new, wonderful venue: the Beyond the Battle Museum at the Adams County Historical Society, with a lively and successful silent auction and raffle, delicious food, and informative presentation. Thanks to the events committee, especially Kathy Johnson and Ellen Dayhoff, for organizing all the details and to all those who attended.
Then in mid-March the Adams County commissioners officially proclaimed Land Conservancy Month at the historic courthouse after a lovely speech by LCAC treasurer, Norma Callhoun.
Next up were four events surrounding the 27th Annual Art Auction. Bob Prosperi chaired the auction and organized all the associated events. The Art Auction began with a wine and cheese reception for April’s First Friday downtown event. This very well attended event (phew, just enough food!) was followed by a weekday luncheon, a Third Thursday talk, and the End-of-Auction party, all held at the Adams County Arts Council. Due to all of Bob’s hard work and our great partnership with the Arts Council, the Art Auction was a resounding financial success, raising more money than each of the last six years. Thanks to Bob, Kathy, the Arts Council, and all who attended the events and to those who purchased or donated art.
This is where Land Conservancy Month usually ends, however this year we squeezed in two more events. On Saturday, April 27th we were thrilled to host a ribbon cutting ceremony and inaugural hike, in conjunction with Boyer Nurseries and Orchards for the new Trail at Boyer Nurseries. Although the day was a bit grey and cool, the attendance was phenomenal – well over 70 people enjoyed the speeches, hike and refreshments afterwards. Our thanks go to Emma Flemming, co-owner of Boyer Nurseries and Orchards, and to Sarah Kipp, Conservation Director of LCAC and the designer of the trail. This trail is open to the public with parking at the Boyer Nursery facility – rules for use are posted on the bulletin board which also includes a map of the trail.
Finally, we hosted a Charity Night fundraising event at Fourscore Beer Co. on Wednesday, May 1st. Our thanks to Fourscore Beer Co. for hosting us and to all of our celebrity bartenders – Kaycee Kemper, Adam Boyer, Curt Musselman, Matt Sheads, and Sarah Kipp. The event was well attended, and good food and drink were had by all. It was a lovely way to get together and talk about land conservation in Adams County.
The Land Conservancy now has a short interval with no events giving the Events Committee time to plan for the Summer Picnic on Sunday, September 8th at Hanover Shoe Farms and for the “Made in Adams County” Road Rally on Saturday, October 19th. We hope that you will join us for these two annual events – information on our website, PreserveAdams.org.
Betsy Meyer is Vice President of the Land Conservancy board, chair of the events committee, and an outdoor exercise enthusiast.
Photo by Amanda Hollabaugh