A fun time was had by all at the DSF Open House; Collage and photos credit to Loretta McClellan
View Passing of the Paddle Award Ceremony video below, here, or at Vimeo.com/DowneastSalmonFederation
DSF Open House Attracts Abundant Attendance and Fair Weather
by Loretta McClellan, Communications & Development Specialist
Sunny afternoon skies, partnered with the perfect amount of clouds framing the riverside setting greeted first-time visitors of all ages and seasoned supporters, alike, at the September 20, 2023 free Downeast Salmon Federation Open House.
Hosted by DSF at the Peter Gray Hatchery Building on Willow Street in East Machias, smoked fish, hot dogs and ice cream, along with lemonade, provided delectable food fare for guests. Riverside fly-casting instruction along the bucolic East Machias River, fly-tying demonstrations indoors in the lab, with informative, biologist-led building and hatchery tours, provided ample visuals and education for attendees. Several students and teachers from Washington Academy in East Machias, as well as local Webelo Cub Scouts were in attendance. Visitors from as far away as Florida meandered way Downeast for our signature event.
The highlight of the occasion was the “Passing of the Paddle” Award to the much-deserved honoree and Navy veteran, Charlie Harriman, a retired Marine Engineer and noted supporter. Accompanied by DSF Board of Directors member, Alan “Chubba” Kane, the Executive Director of DSF, Dwayne Shaw, shared heartfelt remarks, as did Mr. Harriman, before being presented the custom, hand painted and engraved wooden paddle for his turn at stewarding the award for the upcoming year. A Maine Maritime Academy Graduate, the paddle is in capable hands.
Support for the Downeast Salmon Federation comes through community, regional, state and national efforts, as well as grants and donations, which make the organization’s educational and social events possible. For every new member contributing, DSF receives $1 for every dollar donated through a 1:1 Match from an Anonymous Family Foundation.
The Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) was founded in 1982 to conserve and restore wild sea-run fish and their habitats in Downeast Maine. DSF is also home to the Peter Gray Parr Project, using world-class rewilding processes with proven success in impacting the recovery of wild Atlantic salmon. For more information, visit MaineSalmonRivers.org or call 207-483-4336.
DSF Open House "Passing of the Paddle" Award Ceremony
Video credit to DSF Board Member, Don Sprangers