Letter from Susan O’Handley
OLA Winners Announced
The Otsego Lake Association is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural annual photo contest, “Reflections,” a tribute to the enduring legacy of Scottie Baker.
Scottie was a dedicated educator, entrepreneur, avid conservationist, and active member of the OLA, who passionately celebrated the vital connection between humanity and the natural world through her artistic vision and her business, Natura Productions.
The “Reflections” photo contest serves as a visual metaphor, inviting photographers to capture the pristine beauty of Otsego Lake, document ongoing conservation efforts and portray the cherished intergenerational bond with this significant body of water. Entries are encouraged across a variety of subjects, including landscape/scenery, people enjoying the lake, local wildlife, watercraft, and conservation initiatives.
The 2025 Winners are as follows:
- Youth: Willa MacLeish, “Frozen Lake”
- Professional: Bill Miller, “Thayer Farm: From The Shore To The Uplands of Otsego Lake”
- Amateur: Michael Reynolds, “Immature Hooded Merganser at Brookwood Point”
- Amateur: Jonathan Svahn, “Otsego Moonshine”
The “Reflections” photo contest is a perfect tribute to the legacy of Scottie Baker. When we look at the photos entered, we’re connecting—to the importance of conservation, to the need for education and research, to the joy of on-the-water recreation, and to the appreciation of the sheer beauty of our landscapes and wildlife and people. We’re connecting with the heart of this local treasure that meant so much to Scottie: Otsego Lake.
We do not just admire these beautiful photographs. They become our way to celebrate the strong connections we have to our local waters and our natural environment. Thank you to all who participated this year for helping OLA keep that spirit alive through our community’s creativity and art.
Susan O’Handley
Otsego Lake Association Newsletter Editor
Hartwick
