Penn Yan residents Alan “Herbie” and Lauren Snyder believe that to be part of the community, a resident must give back. As a result of them putting this belief into action, nearly two dozen Yates County organizations have benefitted from their time and talents.
In recognition of their commitment to social responsibility, “Team Snyder” received the 2023 Donald and Corinne Stork Award for Community Service at a gala celebration on the Keuka College campus on Tuesday, Aug. 15.“Herbie and Lauren’s deep dedication to their community and its residents can be seen every day,” College President Amy Storey told more than 100 attendees in the College’s Geiser Dining Commons. “On behalf of Keuka College, I am honored to recognize them as the recipients of the Stork Award.”
Herbie, left, and Lauren Snyder offer remarks after receiving the 2023 Stork Award.
The Snyders have made an impact on several Yates County organizations, including the Yates Christmas Program, Mozaic, Rainbow Junction Educational Care Center, the Yates County Planning Board, the American Legion, the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home, Clinton Crest Manor, and the Dundee Rotary Club.
“This is an incredible honor, and it is hard to describe what we are feeling,” said Lauren. “This is the highest honor we’ve been given. You perform community service because you want to help others, right? But you know what? You are helping yourself at the very same time.”
The couple also received a proclamation co-sponsored by New York state Senator Tom O’Mara and New York State Assemblyman Philip Palmesano, and was presented by President Storey. On behalf of the New York State Legislature, the proclamation acknowledged “their collective appreciation, gratitude, recognition, and tribute” for the Snyders’ dedication to community service.
The pair said they have no plans to slow down.
In addition to receiving the 2023 Stork Award, Herbie, left, and Lauren hold a proclamation co-sponsored by New York state Senator Tom O’Mara and New York State Assemblyman Philip Palmesano.
“For us, this is our social life,” said Lauren. “It’s where we meet the very best people in this community over and over again. This team right here, the two of us, are going to continue to do this.”
Keuka College established the Donald and Corinne Stork Award in 1991 to recognize individuals who exemplify the College’s historic commitment to the value and benefit of using individual initiative for the common good. The award was named after its first recipients, the late Penn Yan residents Corinne and Donald Stork.
