November-
December 2009
Merrimack River Watershed Council
About MRWC | Science | Publications | Donate | JOIN | Volunteer | CONTACT
In This Issue: Annual Fund | Annual Meeting | Board Snap-Shot | Sponsors | New Members | In the News | Office Update | Events
Happy Holidays
from the MRWC Board of Directors and Staff
MRWC Board of Directors:
Officers -
Joseph Bernard, President
Kathryn Carter,
Vice President
Susan Sanborn, Treasurer
Edmund Greene, Secretary
Members -
Elizabeth Baker
Cecilia Mazza
Doris Peterkin
Alan Sherburne
Gwen Whitbeck
Steven Zelubowski
The Annual Fund Appeal Letter needs your serious attention.
If you have already responded to this year's appeal - thank you. If you have yet to respond, please send a gift that reflects your genuine care and concern for a clean, safe, and healthy Merrimack River.
You can give online with a credit card via our secure PayPal link. Your donation, no matter the size, is very important and most appreciated.
“The dune-walk and tour in the Parker River Wildlife Refuge was really a nice added touch,” said Christine Casey, a volunteer/intern with the Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC), commenting on the day’s program of the Annual Meeting of the MRWC.
Bringing together over 30 MRWC members and staff, the Annual Meeting of the 33 year old non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Merrimack River and promoting the wise use its watershed took place on Saturday, November 7th, at the welcoming facilities of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, in Newburyport, MA.
When Gwen Whitbeck owned a rafting company in the late 1980's, she called an old friend, Chuck Mower, knowing he could suggest sections of the Merrimack that would be interesting to raft yet calm enough for those not ready for the white waters of Maine. Along with his suggestions he encouraged her to attend the next meeting of the Southern New Hampshire Chapter of the MRWC, which eventually led to Gwen’s becoming coordinator of the canoe/kayak program and eventually being asked to become a Board Member.
After having worked at Digital Equipment Corporation for close to 20 years, Gwen is currently employed as a Customer Service/Traffic Manager at a small company in 
Billerica, Mass.
Gwen and her husband, Doug live in the Old Stone Schoolhouse in Mason NH, with their papillon, Giz, and two cats, Nessa and Anica. Her involvements and interests include being the Treasurer for the Mason Historical Society and collecting numerous “dust collectors” such as salt & pepper shakers, teacups, teapots and dolls. In good weather she can often be found adding to her collection of over 150 daylilies. Gwen and Doug Whitbeck
Gwen fervently believes that the best way to get people to care about the river is to get them on the river. The MRWC Canoe/Kayak program, with over 30 paddling trips offered each season at a variety of locations and levels of experience, makes it very easy for people to experience the Merrimack first hand.
Find out how your business can adopt Merrimack Miles!
Susan C. Tucker
Massachusetts
State Senator web
James Miceli
Massachusetts
State Representative web
Linda Campbell
Massachusetts
State Representative web
Water, water everywhere — but should we dare to drink it?
On your way to work waiting for a green light on Pawtucket Boulevard, you notice fish with legs crossing the street in search of their first cup of coffee!....read more about it *click*
Group wants action on drug residue in river
The Merrimack River Watershed Council is issuing a call to action to residents living along the Merrimack after tests conducted this summer revealed traces of 16 different pharmaceuticals at several points upstream.
It's been well documented that the river is plagued with bacteria hot spots, thanks to some outdated sewage treatment plants upstream that release raw sewage during a hard rain. But with the additional findings of narcotics, antihistamines, antibiotics and even cocaine showing up in various quantities, MRWC Executive Director Christine Tabak said there's an urgent need for residents to speak up and demand action from state and national leaders.....read more about it *click*
Our view: City should delay further river testing
Until a study makes clear the extent and effect of prescription drug contamination of the Merrimack River, Haverhill officials should cease studying it as a potential source of drinking water....read more about it *click*
Editorial: Drug contamination in river merits study
Talk to anyone who has grown up along the banks of the Merrimack River, and they'll tell you that the once-filthy waters have been dramatically cleaned up over the past couple decades.
The contamination that was once pumped directly into it is largely controlled; the smell and distasteful appearance is gone. It's not pristine, but it's certainly much cleaner than it was 30 or 40 years ago.
But not all is well with the region's largest and most important river. A just-released study by the Merrimack River Watershed Council reveals that there are traces of 16 different pharmaceuticals in the water.....read more about it *click*
Have a thought to share, an idea, comment, or suggestion? Send it along to: info@merrimack.org
SPONSORS WANTED
for the
2010 MRWC Paddling Trips
Do you own a business? Do you know someone who does?
See the Ad-Rate-Sheet
Send your sponsorship, ideas and suggestions,
or your willingness to help out, to:
Thank You! 2009 Paddling Trips Sponsors
Please remember our generous sponsors when in
need of their goods and services, and to recommend
them to your friends.
Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
Over 35 kayak and canoe trips are offered free and open to the public annually by the Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC). This popular program, which takes place on the Merrimack and other rivers of the watershed in both NH and MA, is led by volunteer trip leaders who provide guidance and insight about paddling and the environment and history of the areas. Hundreds of participants enjoy the relaxing and fun excursions which range from novice to experienced. Be a SPONSOR and show your green support for the MRWC mission with an ad in both the printed brochure and online paddling trip schedule. Find out more about it *click*
The 2010 season is just around the corner...
MRWC Staff
Christine Tabak,
Executive Director
Tracie Sales,
Water Resources Manager
James Magarian,
Office Manager
Murielle Georges,
Membership Coordinator
Mid-Stream eNewsletter
Photo Credits:
Christine Casey
Sleigh Bells Ring with Success - MRWC Holiday Social!
Wednesday evening Dec. 16 brought together a capacity crowd in Andover's Chateau Restaurant as the MRWC held its Holiday Social! Members of the Board of Directors - President Joe Bernard and Steven Zelubowski - along with MRWC Staff welcomed members and friends - many with their jingle bells - as well as two new members, for holiday appetizers and good cheer. There was both serious discussion and sharing of concerns about the Merrimack River and issues impacting it, as well as light-hearted talk and humor of the season. Look for the next Social! sometime in February.
The following individuals and businesses have demonstrated their support of the MRWC mission in joining or renewing membership in October & November:
New Members: Ozzy Properties, Inc., Elizabeth Baker, Fred Boland, Donald Gottfried, Maura Lyons, Doris Peterkin, Lynne E. Shepherd, Sharon Tripp, Patrick C. Walsh
Renewing Members: Jane L. Beane, Thomas W. Carter, Alexander V. Dallas, Sarah Houle, Nolan T. Jones, Jan Kent, Paula M. Kosewski, Margo P. Peters, Tricia A. Pomerleau, Noel A. Powell, Rick Taintor, Grant M. Wason
Add your name to the list! On-Line / NewMember / RenewMember / Individual / Corporate / Donations
Check Out the Videos....entitled: Downstream *click*
Oldie but goodie four-part video about the Merrimack River Watershed
Quote of the Month:
No river can return to its source, yet all rivers must have a beginning.
- Native American Proverb
December - January
Midwinter Eagle Survey Scheduled -- Eagle watchers Take Note - *details*
January 30 - Lowell
Environmental lecture and slide show -- Brush Gallery Lowell - *details*
January 30 - Danvers
Appalachian Mountain Club 2010 Annual Meeting -- Sheraton Ferncroft Resort - *details*
January - Newburyport
Learn About Organic Land Care -- 9th annual Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) 5-day Accreditation Course in Organic Land Care - *details*
MRWC on 
Become a Member *easy*
Donate Now with PayPal
Merrimack River Watershed Council, Inc.
600 Suffolk Street, Fifth Floor - Lowell, MA 01854 - 978.275.0120 - FAX: 978.275.0125
"Voice of the Merrimack"