Carla Massoni Receives William Donald Schaefer Award

At a packed reception on June 10, arts advocate and Gallery owner Carla Massoni was honored with the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award by visiting State Comptroller Peter Franchot.

A saxophone prelude by visiting National Music Festival musicians, the Mana Saxophone Quartet, began the celebration and the event was attended by many members of the local arts community, friends of the arts, along with Kent County Commissioner William Pickrum, Del. Jay Jacobs, Sen. Steve Hershey, past Chestertown mayor Margo Bailey, Clerk of the Court Mark Mumford and Board members of the Charles Sumner  GAR Post.

Leslie Raimond, Executive Director of Kent County Arts Council and founder of the Charles Sumner GAR Post project, introduced the ceremony. The event was originally requested by Massoni to be held at the GAR building but the site was not available due to ongoing renovation issues. “Carla’s generosity is legendary and her suggestion that we hold the ceremony at the GAR building is an example of how her vision and action is all inclusive for the health and wealth of Kent County,” Raimond said.

Lani Seikely, Director of RiverArts, and former Prince Theatre Foundation Director and Chestertown arts advocate John Schratweiser also spoke about the importance of the arts in our community and the dedication of the many volunteers who have made it possible.

The afternoon celebration ended with a soulful a capella delivery of “Amazing Grace” by Irene Moore.

William Donald Schaefer was a two-term Governor of Maryland, a four-term mayor of Baltimore and eight-year Comptroller. The award in his name is given each year to those deemed to have “improved their community and the lives of Marylanders.”

Here are a few highlights: