Mark Behan of Behan Communications is this year’s recipient of the ninth annual Henry Crandall Award given by the Crandall Public Library.
The award will be presented at the library’s annual gala on Sept. 28 at the Hiland Park Country Club, 195 Haviland Road, Queensbury.
Each year, the award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the values and legacy of library founder Henry Crandall (1821-1913), including generosity, perseverance, loyalty, compassion, civic pride, and philanthropy. Recipients have affected the improvement of the community and demonstrated commitment to Crandall Public Library.
Behan, a former member of the board of Crandall Library, founded the public relations firm Behan Communications in Glens Falls 30 years ago after a career in the newspaper industry. Active in the community, he serves as vice chairman of the board of governors of Glens Falls Hospital; co-vice chairman of the board of trustees of The Hyde Collection; a member of the board of the Glens Falls Foundation, and a director of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. and Arrow Financial Corp.
He formerly served on the boards of the Chapman Historical Museum, EDC Warren County, the Adirondack Regional Chambers of Commerce, the E. Leo Spain Foundation, Kelly’s Angels Inc. and St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School.
“Mark Behan embodies the spirit behind the Henry Crandall Award,” said Kathy Naftaly, library director. “When he sees a need, he steps in and donates his time and talent to fulfill that need. He has shown his dedication to the community not only through his participation on multiple nonprofit boards of directors, but also through his company donating time to support local organizations with public relations advice. We’re honored to recognize Mark for his many significant contributions.”
Past recipients include the late Hon. Richard J. Bartlett of Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes law firm; Christopher Scoville, former owner of Scoville Jewelers and Glens Falls advocate; state Sen. Betty Little; retired Warren County Family Court Judge John Austin; Ed Moore, Sr., owner of French Mountain Commons, Log Jam Outlets, and The Queensbury Hotel; Sally and Tom Hoy, past Crandall Public Library trustee and retired Arrow Financial Corp. and Glens Falls National Bank CEO; retired state Supreme Court Justice David Krogmann, and Dr. Kathleen Braico, co-founder of Adirondack Pediatrics.
The gala event is also a major fundraiser for the library, which aims to raise more than $40,000 in support of the programs and services that promote literacy, provide educational opportunities, and expand cultural horizons for area residents.
With tax dollars covering 78 percent of the library’s $4.6 million annual budget, fundraising is crucial to bridge the budget gap to continue meeting all of the community’s library needs, officials said.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. The $100 reservation fee includes hors d’oeuvres, music, a seated dinner and opportunities to bid on a variety of select auction items.
Sponsorships and more information are available by calling 518-792-6508, extension 284.