A gala event on Westport Island, attended by some 175 persons, raised more than $15,000 for the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, whose mission is to conserve the natural and historic heritage of the Sheepscot watershed.

The Sept. 12 event was held at the property of Joan and William Sartoris and Lorraine Tregde. Student musicians from Lincoln Academy’s Four O’clock and Five O’clock Jazz Combos, under the guidance of Band Director Liz Matta, performed, according to a news release from the association.

Students from Lincoln Academy volunteered as waiters for the event, which helped them to fulfill their school’s community service requirement. Adult bartenders served refreshments.

Association volunteers supplied hors d’oeuvres and Jody Brown, of Wiscasset, organized the kitchen and student volunteers.

The event included an art show with a portion of the proceeds going to the association. The show included oils, watercolors, pottery, fabric art and sculpture — all by local artists.

In addition, a raffle was held for an oil painting, “The Last of the Summer Flowers,” painted and donated to association by Belva Ann Prycel. Donna Flynn, of Alna, was the winner. The raffle raised more than $600 for the association, according to the release.

Major sponsors of this year’s event include Ames True Value Hardware & Supply in Wiscasset, First Advisors, Snow Squall Inn & Wicked Good Yoga and Big Barn Coffee with the following local businesses also contributing financially or with food or drink: Cellardoor Winery, Sheepscot Valley Brewing Co., and The Alna Store & Treats. For the seventh year, flowers were donated by Sheepscot Flower Farm of Newcastle.

The association is a member organization advocating shared stewardship of Maine’s 58-mile Sheepscot River since 1969. Today, more than 3,671 acres and 15 miles of riverfront are protected. The SVCA’s ongoing monitoring of water quality helps ensure the watershed’s ecosystems stay healthy, including its Atlantic salmon habitat. SVCA’s mapping services, technical support and educational programs encourage prudent land use so the resources people value today are conserved forever.

For more information visit the SVCA website at sheepscot.org or call the office at 586-5616.


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