AVIS Annual Dinner and the Merrimack River

AVIS Hears about Conservation of Water along the Merrimack River

The Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS) had its Annual Dinner on Wednesday, 4/5/17, at the Andover Town House (Old Town Hall) at 20 Main Street, Andover. Over 110 members of the public joined AVIS for another memorable evening. Attendees enjoyed a social hour and dinner followed by a short business meeting and a speaking program.

Guest Speaker, Rusty Russell, Director of the Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC), spoke on the topic: “Strangers in a Strange Land--Habitat and Water Conservation at the Dawn of a New Era”. Mr. Russell, speaking on the needs of the vast, bi-state Merrimack Watershed that supplies drinking water to over 500,000 people, indicated that we are in an age of uncertain environmental stewardship.

Mr. Russell recounted the river's major triumphs over the past four decades citing the extensive improvement in water quality (MRWC was founded in 1976). He also highlighted some of the major threats the river continues to face, some of which are likely to intensify in the coming decades with cuts in financing for programs. He pointed to two important risks the river faces, combined sewer overflow and extensive pollution from storm water runoff, particularly in areas that are just starting to being developed. Mr. Russell concluded by saying that the MRWC will begin a water quality testing program when the funding is identified.

The Merrimack River Watershed Council is eager to enlist local knowledge and enthusiasm to ensure that the river -- which will be here long after we're not -- flourishes as a living inspiration, not as silent victim.

Prior to Mr. Russell’s presentation, AVIS President, Mike Timko, conducted a brief business meeting and thanked retiring Board members Matt Dallett and Libby Poland for their eighteen years of service. He also thanked Kim Davidson who recently left the Board due to her move to Maine.

AVIS is thankful for the Annual Dinner sponsors: Ardito, Toscano, and McCollum; Caffrey & Caffrey; Century Bank; Enterprise Bank; Howe Insurance; LaPlume and Sons Printing; Minuteman Press; and Schneider Electric.

The Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS) was founded in 1894 and manages over 1,100 acres of land in the Town of Andover. This all volunteer organization protects lands often considered “Andover’s Backyard” because most residents of the Town live within 15-20 minutes of an AVIS property. AVIS volunteers maintain trails, clear meadows, and keep all properties open for the enjoyment of the public. AVIS welcomes your help and support! More information is available at www.avisandover.org.

Separately we have attached a photo; caption: Rusty Russell, Director of the Merrimack River Watershed Council, who spoke at the AVIS Annual Dinner on 4/5/17 at the Andover Town House, is flanked by Mike Timko, AVIS President, and Annual Dinner organizer Judianne Livermore. Also attached is a photo of the crowd (over 100 people) at the Old Town Hall, Andover.