Members Present: Debbie Wheeler, Dietrich Bilger, Janice Brown, Sue Heller, Walter Heller, Nancy Jacobs, Michael Johnson, Joe Kelley, John Miller, Bart Nuboer, Joan Powers, Janet Schmitz, Lucille Sorrentino,
Guest: Samantha Woods
President Debbie Wheeler called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM
Debbie introduced Samantha Woods, Executive director of North and South River Watershed Association, Inc.
The Pledge of Allegiance: Waller Heller lead us
Invocation: Joan Powers
Only correspondence was a booklet about Wheelchair Foundation. Janet said this is a worthwhile group and the foundation supports the group.
Bernie is still away. No treasurer report.
Dietrich reminded us about donating to the Padraig O’Malley GAME. This was in the minutes of August 23rd. You can still donate on line. Dietrich will send out an e-mail about how to donate on line.
Dinner was served
Happy Bucks and Sad Bucks
Bart Nuboer won the change to get the Queen of Hearts but didn’t get her.
District Governor Steve Certa had sent out an e-mail to let people know how they could send donations to Rotary to help with the disasters from the hurricane in Texas.
Reminder that next week on September 6th the meeting we are having a Potluck club-planning, fun social at Lucille’s Meeting House at 6-8 PM. An e-mail will be sent to request RSVP’s as was done previously with listing what you will bring.
Our speaker Samantha Woods then spoke to us about the North and South River Watershed Association, Inc.
Samantha told us about the purpose of NSRWA and the programs they do.
Two important purpose are to educate and engage, Also making healthy rivers. Been 15 years educating people esp. school children. They educate 2,500 students about water. Educates 5th grade students in many communities and this year it includes Scituate. They teach in 10 towns and that includes 30 elementary schools. They also get the parents to volunteer in their many programs. They do lectures, tours, and educate at River Adventures camp. In 2016 they engaged 123 estuary explores, 350 parent volunteers for school programs, reach people on face book 1,100 members. In 2016 they had 1,093 intern hours and 127 Citizen science and event volunteers. Updates include Healthy rivers with more river herrings being counted. Town meeting voted money to help, and state helped with grants.
Third Herring Brook was restored after 342 years The removal of the Tack Factory Dam off Third Herring in Norwell was a huge milestone for NSRWA. She explained why. They are now ready to focus attention on the removal of the third dam that sits behind the Hanover Mall. They are working with the new owners of the Hanover Mall.
They opened a new South River Canoe and Kayak Launch behind CVS in Marshfield. They also have walk, paddle and cruises with NSRWA.
She also talked about the water supply and how to improve it. Too much water is bad and too little water is bad. Conservation is the best way.
Samantha gave out nice blue cloth bags with the NSRWA print on it .
She include pamphlets, newsletter and other information in it. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to get their newsletter you can go on their web site. www.nsrwa.org.
Meeting adjoined 8:15
Joan Powers, Secretary
