The Woolwich Historical Society will honor the McElman family at the society's 16^th annual recognition dinner and silent auction Saturday, evening Sept. 15.

The event hosted by the Taste of Maine Restaurant begins with a social hour and silent auction at 5 p.m. with a buffet-style dinner to follow at 6 p.m. An awards presentation will follow the dinner.

Every September, the society presents one or several members of the Woolwich community with its “Distinguished Service Award.” Debbie Locke, WHS president, said this year’s presentation will begin by remembering the legacy of the late Richard E. McElman Sr.

Locke noted, McElman was one of the original 95 charter members of the historical society serving on its first board of directors. He was also a part of the editorial committee that oversaw the production of the “History of Woolwich Maine – A Town Remembered,” published in 1994.

Locke said the McElman family’s financial support of the society continues through McElman’s son, Richard “Dick” McElman Jr. and his wife Maria, in addition to their children Bruce and Jane and grandson Blake.

“Both personally, and through their Bath Subaru dealership located on Route 1, Woolwich, the McElmans have provided generous financial assistance to the historical society,” continued Locke.

“To say that we are thankful for this family is a huge understatement,” she added.

Other WHS board members include Jason Shaw, Tammy Given, Collette Coombs, Sherry Goodkowsky, Any Hennin, Allison Hepler, Todd McPhee, Barbara Richards, Rebecca Roche, Vince Shatto and Jan Stephen.

Dinner tickets are $35 each and donations for the silent auction are being accepted. The deadline for both is Friday, Sept. 7. For tickets, contact Locke at 443-5684 or email joyful@gwi.net