A gala event on Sept. 13 in Newcastle raised more than $13,000 for the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association. The party, attended by some 180 people, was held at Lucy Harrington’s historic saltwater farm on the Marsh River, an important tributary of the Sheepscot River.

"While it's true that we have this party every year in part to raise funds for SVCA, the primary purpose of this event is to celebrate the joy of living in this beautiful place,” SVCA Board President John Atwood said to attendees. “SVCA exists to conserve and protect the wonderful Sheepscot River valley and we are grateful for the support we receive for this mission."

Guests and patrons sipped champagne and other beverages as they wandered through the property, which continues down to the Marsh River. Several tents, illuminated with strings of small lights were set up for the occasion. Musical tunes wafted through the air, supplied by the five-member Narrow Gauge String Band, known for its catchy tunes.

Four students from Lincoln Academy (Angus Fake, Owen Lewis, Rowan Carroll-Christopher and Tess Fields) again volunteered to serve as wait staff at the event as an opportunity to help them fulfill their school’s community service requirement.

The students passed around delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by SVCA volunteers. For the fourth year Jody Brown of Wiscasset was in charge of the kitchen and young staff. Champagne and beverages, including local wine from Cellardoor Winery and local beer from Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company were served. Gosling’s donated Dark ‘n Stormy cocktails which were a popular choice during the evening.

This year, for the first time, a group of local artists showed paintings and other art for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to SVCA. Among the artists displaying their work were Deb Arter, Ingrid Bathe, Eben Blaney, Kelly Brook, Melissa Hunnibell, Jean Kigel, Jennifer Litchfield, Janet Lockhart, Jon Luoma, Belva Ann Prycel and Jessica Sirois.  

Local artist Lucy Harrington, who owns the 145-acre property, organized the art exhibit portion of the fundraising event. In addition, SVCA offered for sale, a limited edition 45th anniversary poster by Jon Luoma.  SVCA thanks all of the artists for their generosity and for sharing their beautiful work at the party.

The SVCA thanks the 89 patrons of the event, everyone who bought tickets, and our major sponsors of this year's event: Ames True Value Hardware, First Advisors, Soule, Soule and Logan, the Snow Squall Inn, Wicked Good Yoga and Big Barn Coffee, with other local businesses also contributing financially or with food or drink. For the sixth year, flowers were donated by Sheepscot Flower Farm and arranged by talented volunteers.

Board President Atwood thanked Lucy Harrington for hosting the event, and the Champagne on the Sheepscot events committee, chaired by Ann Springhorn, for all their hard work.

"The success of Champagne on the Sheepscot is not only a celebration of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, it is also a demonstration of the region's support for the organization,” SVCA Executive Director Steve Patton said. “We appreciate all those who have supported our organization through the years with their gifts of time, land, and funding, all in support of our mission."

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is a member organization caring for Maine’s 58-mile Sheepscot River since 1969. Today more than 3,671 acres and 15 miles of riverfront are protected including seven public preserves. For more information, call the office at 207-586-5616 visit our website at www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sheepscot.