Cherokee County resident Jason Chambers will receive the 2022 Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award during the Hiwassee Watershed Gala celebration Thursday, April 28, at The Hackney Warehouse in Murphy.
Murphy – MountainTrue will recognize local champion of clean water Jason Chambers as the recipient of the 2022 Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award at its 15th annual Hiwassee Watershed Gala.
Each year, the Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award is presented to the person or group who has done the most to sustain good water quality in rivers, lakes, and streams in the upper Hiwassee River watershed. The award is named for Bill Holman, a lifelong conservation advocate and the state director of The Conservation Fund.
The Holman Award is sculpted by David Goldhagen of Goldhagen Blown Art Glass, whose studio is located on the shores of Lake Chatuge.
Katherine Taaffe, MountainTrue board member who made the nomination, said, “Jason was a steady, positive and thoughtful force for the watershed coalition in his many years of service. His commitment to clean water is persistent and commendable.”
Chambers said, “I’m surprised yet honored to be chosen for this award. The clean water we enjoy in our lakes, creeks and rivers is no accident. It’s the result of hard work by organizations like MountainTrue and dedicated volunteers.
“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that clean water unites everyone, regardless of politics or anything else. Residents and visitors are always willing to lend a hand, whether it’s picking up trash around the lakes, sampling the water in the creeks, or removing invasive plants from the shores of our rivers. I feel good about the quality of water we are leaving for the next generation.”
The Hiwassee Watershed Gala is held each year to celebrate the upper Hiwassee River Watershed and to honor the efforts of those who work to keep our rivers, lakes and streams clean and healthy. The event is also the MountainTrue Western Regional Office’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting water program work locally.
MountainTrue invites the public to attend the 15th annual Hiwassee Watershed Gala and Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award presentation at the Hackney Warehouse at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28. Reservations are $30 and may be secured online at mountaintrue.org/gala.
MountainTrue is also accepting donations of original art and craft items or gift certificates for the auctions through Friday.
Contact Callie Moore to donate auction items or volunteer at the event by calling 837-5414 or email callie@mountaintrue.org.