Headwaters Land Conservancy
Leaving a Legacy By Laura Justin, Executive Director
land is of particular importance as it is the largest private parcel on the lake. As the years passed, Steve knew he had to protect this rare, 74 acres of land and ¼ mile of waterfront on Otsego Lake from development. It took a long time and a lot of work to accomplish everything he wanted to do, and it also took a while for him to find HeadWaters and complete the final step of a conservation easement. We are grateful for Steve’s perseverance and the opportunity to protect such a special place.
Steve and Charlotte Qua at their home on Otsego Lake
A
t my age there aren’t too many surprises. I usually see things coming from a mile away- but I sure didn’t have the foresight to know what a simple piece of paper on my desk held in store for HeadWaters when I saw it a few weeks ago. I had been at an appointment and missed a visitor to the office. Emily told me Steve Qua had stopped by to see me and left something on my desk. I assumed it was a helpful suggestion or a newsletter he had gathered from a land conservancy in Florida over the winter. Steve is the kind of person who is always trying to help us with big and small things alike. As a former HWLC Board Chairman, a conservation easement donor, a financial supporter, and a fundraising host who has opened his home to us, I know that Steve and Charlotte Qua are in sync with
our work and dedicated to the cause of land preservation. So, how does a person like Steve Qua surprise me? He leaves a copy of his trust on my desk, showing HeadWaters as a recipient of part of his estate. As tears welled in my eyes and deep appreciation swelled in my heart, I knew I needed to sit down with Steve and Charlotte to discuss this big news. We were able to meet a few days later at their home on Otsego Lake to share a few hours together, discussing how it feels to leave a legacy. Steve’s grandfather had the vision to purchase a large tract of land on Otsego Lake decades before Steve was born. This land has remained in the family for almost a century and now Steve and Charlotte happily open it to their family and friends every week throughout the summer. This
When I asked Steve and Charlotte why they made such a generous gift to HeadWaters they listed many reasons; to create continuity, a desire for permanence, knowing the funds would be well utilized and many other thoughts as well. Steve went on to explain, “I was enriched by HeadWaters. They helped us to protect this place. I learned so much during this process and I am thankful.” Charlotte also shared her feelings about the gift by saying, “I have discovered that when you give, you always get back more than you gave. I know people talk about this all the time, but it really is true and we have experienced it.” Steve summarized their thoughts with one final expression he has always been fond of quoting:
For Good, Forever. As our time together ended, Steve shared one final sentiment that I will never forget. He told me about a ritual he employs when he is far away in Florida during the winter months. On nights that he can’t sleep, he closes his eyes and starts a very special journey. He imagines he is driving back to Otsego Lake and with each exit sign he passes in his mind, he is one mile closer to being back to the place he loves the most… his sacred space.