Center for the Inland Bays honors friends of the bays

The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays would be lost without its volunteers.

To honor dozens of individuals, businesses and organizations that support the nonprofit, the center gathered friends and supporters Sept. 22 for an annual volunteer celebration at James Farm Ecological Preserve.

The center presented three Friends of the Bays awards to a partnering agency, supporting business and an outstanding volunteer. 

The Town of Dewey Beach earned this year’s partner award as one of the first towns to institute an impervious surface ordinance and a comprehensive stormwater management plan and work with the center on a current living shoreline project.

“They’re very dedicated, and totally linked to the water quality of Rehoboth Bay,” said center Executive Director Chris Bason.

Dewey Beach was represented again when the center presented its business award to Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill, which has raised more than $15,000 for the center through its annual Dewey Beach Brewfest.

“We could not think of a better business friend of the bays,” said Susan Ball, chair of the center’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

“It’s important for us to take care of our own backyard,” said Holly Ski of Gary’s as she accepted the award.

Finally, Millsboro resident Ab Ream - who could not attend the festivities due to a pre-planned vacation - earned the title of outstanding volunteer of the year.

James Farm Program Manager Bob Collins credited Ream for helping develop equipment used in the center’s Don’t Chuck Your Shucks program, which is on track to bag about 4,000 bushels of used oyster shells from local restaurants for restoration projects.

For more about the center, go to inlandbays.org.