Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute Recognizes First Awards Recipients

The Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute (MLCI) announced this year's first-time recipients of the Jewel of the First Water and President's Awards at MLCI's 2004 Holiday Gala on Saturday, December 4, 2004, at the Cumberland Club, in Portland, Maine.

Gary and Betty Cobb, owners of Pierce Pond Camps located in North New Portland, Maine, received the Jewel of the First Water Award, given to the "individual or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to understanding, preserving, and sustaining the health and values of Maine's lakes and their dependent communities."

Susan Kimball, reporter with WCSH News Center 6 of Portland, Maine, received the President's Award for supporting and advancing the mission of MLCI through coverage of stories ranging from the initial launch of the nonprofit in 1999 to the launch of MLCI's Students' Portal.

"Both the Cobbs and Susan Kimball have given enormous support to Maine's lakes and the mission of MLCI, and we deeply appreciate their commitment and their action in determining the ongoing success of our programs," said our executive director Ship Bright at the December 4th event.

Also recognized at the event was Vreeland Marketing & Design of Yarmouth, Maine for designing MLCI's signature brochure. Owners Midge and Stew Vreeland generously support MLCI by donating marketing services.

Board members and staff who joined Ship for the awards presentations included MLCI board president, Scott Anderson, Bill Ferdinand, Ed Barker, Susan Tompkins, Andy Sherrill, Ken Williams, Education Director Mary Ann McGarry, and Development Director Gabby Grunkemeyer. It was a memorable evening, and we anticipate that it in future years it will be even more so as we celebrate the contributions of so many friends to our lake communities. Look for news on the date of the 2005 awards program next fall; it is an event not to be missed.