BLUE BASH: PRWC Annual Benefit and Auction Curtis Read To Be Honored White Barn at South Farms - Mor

The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition’s (PRWC) annual benefit, BLUE BASH, is set for September 23 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the White Barn at South Farms in Morris. Guests will enjoy the chic, rustic charm of the White Barn, local blue grass music, fine food as prepared by New Morning’s Chef Carol, select wines and beers, signature tastings by Litchfield Distillery, tempting auction items and lots of fun! During the celebration, Curtis Read of Bridgewater will be presented with The Dr. Marc J. Taylor Environmental Stewardship Award. Curtis is being recognized for his countless contributions to our environment including his 20 years of serving as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Conservation District which supports environmental best management practices within 34 communities throughout Northwest Connecticut. Curtis also served as president of the Connecticut Association of Conservation Districts for two terms where he spearheaded the successful reorganization of eight county districts and in doing so provided for enhanced technical services in environmental protection matters such as soil erosion. Curtis’s environmental resume also includes his past chairmanship of the Bridgewater Conservation & Inlands Wetlands Commission as well as his work with the Woodbury Conservation Commission. He was one of the original members of PRWC and served with distinction on its Board for 10 years. Curtis is the first selectman of Bridgewater and in that role continues to focus on environmental and conservation issues. More recently he was appointed by the Western CT Council of Governments to the Western CT Water Utility Coordinating Committee to assist with water resource matters. PRWC’s Board of Directors established the Dr. Marc J. Taylor Environmental Stewardship Award in 2015 to honor Dr. Taylor and his exceptional vision and long term exemplary commitment to environmental stewardship, and to recognize similar efforts by dedicated Connecticut conservationists. Dr. Taylor, who passed away in June of 2012, is remembered as a highly respected and compassionate physician, educator, and environmental leader. In 1999, Dr. Taylor and a group of his peers founded PRWC to study the quality and quantity of water in the Pomperaug Watershed, a 90-square mile area that touches eight towns in western Connecticut. PRWC works with watershed communities, regulatory agencies, environmental organizations and community volunteers to continue Dr. Taylor's legacy in stewarding the local water resources. BLUE BASH celebrates PRWC's ongoing environmental coalition-based protection accomplishments. The event also raises funds to support student internships and the Youth Conservation Corps, educational and other environmental outreach programs, the science-based development of and advocacy for sustainable water and land use policies, watershed monitoring and restoration initiatives and other vital work. Tickets are $75 per person and it is recommended that they be purchased in advance online or by calling 203-263-0076.