On May 9, Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 13th annual Dinner at Montsweag Farm Restaurant in Woolwich. Participants enjoyed a live auction with scenic photography by Elizabeth Palmer. The auction sold 20 pieces of artwork, raising well over $1,000, most of which will be donated to the Wiscasset School Scholarship Fund.  

Attendees had the pleasure of listening to Guest Speaker and Grant Manager of Maine’s MidCoast & Islands, Walter Briggs. He described the nonprofit’s mission for strategic marketing and spoke about the importance of tourism for the Midcoast area. Deb Pooler also offered some words on behalf of the Wiscasset School Scholarship Fund and she explained the positive impact fundraising has on ambitious students who seek to further their education.

Nancy Kennedy, who has served as president of the Chamber’s board for the past two years, reflected on the Chamber’s commitment to the growth of the Wiscasset community and region while also remaining a reliable resource for its existing members and local businesses. Kennedy warmly welcomed Duane Goud, as her successor and new chair for the coming term.

The evening was made particularly memorable when recipients came to the front of the room to accept awards for their individual community-based achievements. Ann Clifford accepted the Unsung Hero award for her consistent volunteerism and for always giving her time to help local events run smoothly.  Lucy Oyster-Ackerman and Kim Averill received the Volunteers of The Year Award for their dedication and involvement in Wiscasset. The Community Impact Award was received by Wayne and Peggy Averill of Ames True Value. The Growth and Development Award went to Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum, for its continual effort to preserve a unique part of Maine’s history and for bringing immersive public events to the region. And lastly, this year’s Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ms. Charlotte Boynton Hagan. She was recognized for her outstanding career as a journalist for the Wiscasset Newspaper and Lincoln County News along with her other professional accomplishments. The Chamber also highlighted Hagan’s incredible work ethic and compassionate approach to news reporting in the Midcoast.  

​Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce is thankful to Montsweag Farm Restaurant for catering such a delicious meal, to Water Lily Flowers and Gifts for its generous floral arrangement donation, and to all of the people who contributed their time and efforts to making the 13th Annual Dinner a remarkably successful event.

The Chamber appreciates the event’s sponsors: J. Edward Knight (Gold Sponsor); and Back River Bistro, Midcoast Federal Credit Union, Chewonki Campground, Red’s Eats, Water Lily Flowers and Gifts, Pro BodyWorks Collision Center, and Tim Dunham Realty, Sherri Dunbar.