A River Affair is the St. Mary's River Watershed Association's largest fundraiser of the year. By purchasing tickets, hosting, or donating auction items, you are supporting our work to protect, improve, and promote the sustainability of the St. Mary's River.
Please join us at the Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse (16800 Piney Point Rd, Piney Point, MD 20674) on April 6, 2025, from 12 pm to 3 pm. The event will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres including oysters Rockefeller, poached salmon, and shrimp flatbread, bottomless brews and wine, and a live and silent auction. We will also honor our incredible River Champions: Diana Mendes and the late Mark Bassett and Russell Miller. All proceeds benefit the St. Mary's River.
If you are interested in hosting A River Affair ($1,000 and four tickets), please contact Emma at emmasmrwa@gmail.com.
Tickets are $100 ($35 is tax-deductible). Tickets can be purchased online (see below) or by sending a check to PO Box 94, St. Mary's City, MD 20686. Checks should be made out to "SMRWA" or the "St. Mary's River Watershed Association."
The St. Mary's River Watershed Association is proud to announce our 2025 River Champions: Diana Mendes and the late Mark Bassett and Russell Miller! These three incredible honorees were instrumental in our 2024 operations, and we look forward to honoring them at A River Affair.
When we were looking for a new field site for our oyster restoration operations last year, Russell Miller, a general contractor and property manager in St. Mary's County, stepped up. He generously offered one of his properties in St. Inigoes at a greatly reduced fee becuase as someone who enjoys fishing and sailing onthe river, he knew how improtant our work is. His generosity didn’t stop there—he has consistently donated equipment, time, and support to help advance our work. This field site has given us greater visibility with its prime location right off Point Lookout Rd.
Diana Mendes and her late husband, Mark Bassett, have graciously supported SMRWA since they moved to their “forever home” along the river in 2017. As long-term donors, they’ve played a vital role in sustaining our programs and initiatives. Their commitment to our work extended into their toughest times, when Mark asked his family and friends to donate to SMRWA to honor his life and legacy. The Mark Bassett Tribute Fund has raised almost $10,000.
Mary Barber & Curt Von Kann
Jeff Clark
Delegate Brian & Annie Crosby
Karen & John Garner
Gail & John Harmon
Rosemary & Alan Hinkle
Diana Mendes
Christen O'Brien & Paul Paulson
Julie & Larry O'Brien
Susan & Bob Paul
Sherry Stanley & John Giusti
Marie & Brian Tarleton
For the past year, the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association has been cruising the Bay in our new 22-ft C-Hawk – without a name!
The winning bidder of our “Name Our Boat” auction item will have their chosen name proudly displayed as we plant oysters, monitor water quality, and explore the Bay!
Please note: names must be shorter than 30 characters and SMRWA has the right to refuse a name and request an additional one.
Donated by SMRWA
Bradford is recognized by several international awards as one of the world’s top portraitists for their dramatic and classical approach to the art.
The winning bidder will receive a portrait session and a one night stay at either the Opus Westchester in New York or the EAST Miami Hotel in Miami, as well as a 20" wall portrait on canvas.
Donated by Bradford Renaissance Portraits
Enjoy a week-long getaway in this oceanfront condo in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. This condo features two beds, two baths, and sleeps four comfortably. Located right on the beach in Christiansted!
Donated by David Geeson
Accommodations for up to 4 people in a double occupancy villa in the ancient hill town of Manciano Italy (1.5 hours from Rome). Includes a seven-day stay with flexible dates in 2026. Most "Casas" feature two bedrooms, two full baths, and a kitchen. Highly recommended by an SMRWA board member. Learn more at http://www.tuscanresort.com/, this YouTube video, or the flyer linked here. Check out the villa options in this gallery: http://www.tuscanresort.com/i_viewVillas.html
Donated by Tuscan Resort
Shore Thing Shellfish, LLC will harvest 100 ct oysters, just for you! The freshest salty-sweet treats! Containerized in biodegradable mesh bags. Grown locally in St. George Creek.
Donated by Shore Thing Shellfish
A bushel of locally caught blue crabs steamed or live from Maryland Crab and Fish Co. Order ahead and pick up between June 1 and August 31, 2025.
Donated by Lance Lumpkins
This hand-made serigraph was created by local artist and St. Mary's College alum Jeanne Norton Hammett through the process of silkscreen printmaking. The image is 14" x 20" and comes pre-framed.
Donated by Jeanne Norton Hammett
This original watercolor from Christina depicts a serene, waterfront scene from St. Inigoes. The painting is professionally framed with archival materials, double rag mats, and conservation glass. The frame measures 27 1/4" x 41".
Donated by Christina Allen, Corn Crib Studio & Publishing
This special baby quilt is hand sewn and hand quilted with love from 100% cotton fabric with a cotton flannel batting interior. 38” x 48” overall. Perfect for that new bundle of joy in your life!
Donated & Quilted by Tricia Samford
This one-of-a-kind, handmade earring and pendant ensemble was created by shaping and combing several brass pieces with red patina copper, Swarovski crystals, and riveted glass beads and by embellishing them with matching, intricate designs in copper acrylic paint.
Donated and Crafted by Sabine Dillingham
This is a gorgeous river rock glaze pasta bowl that was hand-crafted and painted stoneware by local artisan, Kate Muchnick of Chesapeake Designs. The bowl measures 10" x 4".
Donated by Kate Muchnick, Chesapeake Designs
Beautiful brightly glazed ceramic relief sculpted tile created by hand by artist Parran Collery. Combines sophisticated whimsy with exquisite design and is ready to hang inside or outdoors. Measures approximately 8” x 8”.
Donated by Parran Collery, Eartha Handmade Tile
This package offers an exclusive private tour of Historic St. Mary’s City for up to 10 people with renowned archaeologist Dr. Henry Miller. After a journey through history, retreat to a peaceful waterfront AirBnB on St. Inigoes Creek. This spacious two-bedroom, one-bath apartment features a screened-in porch, a private dock, and access to kayaks and a canoe for exploring the scenic waterways. This package also includes a year-long family membership to Historic St. Mary's City, a gift certificate to Historic St. Mary's City's visitor's center, two guest passes, and a hat!
Donated by Nell & Pat Elder, Historic St. Mary's City, and Henry Miller
Explore the rich history of St. Mary's County with this curated book package, perfect for history buffs and newcomers alike. Muffled Oars brings the Civil War era to life, while the Slackwater Journals capture firsthand oral histories from St. Mary's County. Images of America: St. Mary's County offers a stunning photographic journey, and the shrink-wrapped History of St. Mary’s County by Regina Combs Hammett provides a comprehensive look at the region’s past. Water Journey and I'm Going Down County highlight the county’s deep connection to its waterways. Also includes a signed copy of Merideth Taylor's Making a Way Out of No Way, a well-researched, richly imagined illustrated narrative. As a bonus, this package includes a pre-order of Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer by Karen Stone.
Donated by Tricia Samford, Karen Stone, Donnie Hammett, The Southern MD Folklife Center, and Merideth Taylor
Explore St. Mary's County's art and flavors with the High Spirits on the River package! This experience includes two tickets to the St. Mary’s County Arts Council’s Art Party and Fundraiser, which features two drink tickets per person, hors d’oeuvres, a barrel room tour, a silent auction, and more. You’ll also enjoy a tasting for two at Tobacco Barn Distillery, an $125 gift certificate to Sweet Bay Bar and Grill, and two $50 gift certificates to Bugeye Grill.
Donated by the St. Mary's County Arts Council, Susie Glauner, and Sweetbay Restaurant & Bar
This handmade mosaic side table was constructed from plywood blocks, red cedar, and maple plywood. The table is 25" long x 17.5" wide x 22.5" high.
Donated & Crafted by Bob Paul
Hand waxed and dyed batik of a wood duck on a 24" round canvas. Batiks are made from a process of applying layers of wax and dye onto fiber. This artwork is part of a series and is one of five creations. Local artist, Eric Clark Jackson, prepared the wood duck for display using archival processes.
Donated and Created by Eric Clark Jackson of Bay Fiber Studios
This Harley-Davidson book collection has 11 books, including several that are now out of print. Perfect for any motorcycle enthusiast or history lover.
Donated by Barry Muchnick
This set of two glass goblets with a matching tray is hand-painted and features an elegant rose design.
Donated by Bozena Pait
This hand-carved and painted striped bass sculpture is made from red maple and black walnut. The base is made from rock maple. The sculpture is painted with acrylic paints and is 30" long and 15" high.
Donated & Crafted by Bob Paul
Mr. Poe creates hand-crafted and hand-lettered signs that celebrate the unique and historic aspects of St. Mary's County. This 37.5" x 13.5" wood sign, bordered with local tobacco sticks, features the Charles Davis-owned company that operated in Ridge, MD. Accompanied by a framed historical summary of the oyster company and environs.
Donated & Crafted by Donnie Poe
A beautiful hand-crafted local oyster shell swag is accompanied by a vintage jar of local sea glass and the gorgeous definitive book on sea glass by author Richard Lamotte. Swag and sea glass by local artisan Julie O'Brien of Frosted Trash.
Donated by Julie O'Brien, Frosted Trash
This Japanese porcelain vase is painted with an iris motif and was made by the Fukagawa Porcelain Company, in business since the 1890s. This piece dates from the late 1970s and stands 9.5” tall.
Donated by Tricia Samford
Escape the hustle and bustle with a trip to South County. After an evening of dinner and drinks at SALT waterfront restaurant in Ridge, stay the night at the gorgeous Swanendele Inn. The Swanendele Inn boasts waterfront views from every window, natural stone fireplaces, and stunning sunsets over St. Jerome's Creek.
Donated by Swanendele Inn and SALT Waterfront Restaurant
This 14" by 10" cutting board is made from acacia wood and laser engraved with a lithograph etching of a Spot, a common fish species native to the Saint Mary's River. The cutting board includes an engraving of the scientific name of the species above the words Saint Mary's River Watershed Association. It is food-safe, with one side made for everyday use while the other side is perfect for a countertop display. The artist hopes this cutting board will remind you of the good you enact through your donations to the St. Mary's River Watershed Association.
Donated by Russell Camioni
A perfect companion for your porch! Custom-made bench suitable for indoors or a covered porch. CNC carved decorative red oak top shows pride in "Maryland Shoreline," and the pine base front is engraved with "Salt Water Heals Everything." Crafted by Ricky Chesser, a descendant of five generations of St. George Island sea captains and watermen. Bench measures 48” L x 11” W x 18” H.
Donated by Ricky Chesser
A "river" of sea glass from the St. Mary's River flows across the center of this delicate stained-glass box. The sea glass and a pottery shard are soldered into light blue granite glass, which shows ripples like moving water with late reflected from the mirrored box bottom. The hinged box is 4" x 4" x 1 3/4" high, a perfect place to stash your favorite rings, earrings, or your own "finds" from the river's edge.
Donated by Lani Clark of Windward Stained Glass
Brighten your home with this sunflower-themed cotton throw, handcrafted with care by the Patuxent River Quilt Guild and beautifully quilted by Jean Illingworth. Measuring 58" x 58", this cozy piece features warm yellows, rich browns, and earthy greens.
Donated by Jean Illingworth
Sculpture of the St. Mary's River Watershed Association's mascot, the great blue heron, in a marsh. Made from Chesapeake Bay driftwood by local artist, Larry Ringgold of Turtle Point Driftwood. Approximately 32" tall.
Donated by Larry Ringgold
Hand-built porcelain vase with sgraffito drawing and slip-trailing with four striped bass fish. Measures about 7" tall by 5" wide.
Donated by Shirley Gromen
You can help build a home for hundreds of oysters with just $100! Bottom-grown oysters are stressed by the mud and sedimentation, but oysters on reef balls grow faster and live longer. For each $100 donation, we will install one Reef Ball with your inscription of up to 26 characters. No limit on how many!
Donated by SMRWA
Six hand-turned and painted mugs dipped in a beautiful lead-free glaze. The mugs are from Martinez Pottery, a family owned business out of Texas. Best of all, they are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.
Donated by Bozena Pait
Relish local history and wildlife at the Calvert Marine Museum with four admission passes and four Wm. B. Tennison cruise passes. While in Solomons, enjoy a delicious meal at La Vela Restaurant ($50 gift card).
Donated by The Calvert Marine Museum and La Vela
Thank you to the generous individuals, businesses, and organizations that donated to our live and silent auction. Their support makes A River Affair and the programs it supports possible.
Christina Allen
Joe Anderson
Russell Camioni
Ricky Chesser
Lani Clark
Parran Collery, Eartha Handmade Tile
Sabine Dillingham
Nell & Pat Elder
Dave Geeson
Susie Glauner
Shirley Gromen
Donnie Hammett
Jeanne Norton Hammett
Jean Illingworth
Eric Clark Jackson
Dave Lewis
Lance Lumpkins
Henry Miller
Barry Muchnick
Julie O'Brien
Bonzea Pait
Bob Paul
Kurt Ranzetta
Larry Ringgold
Patricia Samford
Shore Thing Shellfish, LLC
Karen E. Stone
Meridith Taylor
Tuscan Resort Properties
2024: Norm & Shelly O’Foran
2023: Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust
2022: Captain Will Gates
2020: Suellen Keiner & Richard Holden
2019: Chris Tanner & Allison Rugila
2018: Karen Nutter, Dan Raley & Ann Raley
2017: Bill Bailey & St. Mary’s College of Maryland
2016: Bob Paul & Lexington Park Rotary
2015: Joe Anderson & Boeing
2014: John Hanson Briscoe
2013: Bob Lewis
2012: Bernie Fowler
2011: Nancy McAllister & Roger Stone
ABOUT OUR WORK GET INVOLVED EVENTS DONATE
St. Mary's River Watershed Association, Inc., Post Office Box 94, St. Mary's City, MD 20686 emmasmrwa@gmail.com