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PHOTO: Rotarian Ed Paterson, left, sponsored speaker Chris Reed, Rumford fire chief, at the April 4 River Valley Rotary fellowship luncheon. At right is Roger Whitehouse, River Valley Rotary Club president. (Submitted photo)
RUMFORD – The River Valley Rotary Club heard a talk about hazardous material preparedness in the community, as well as some upcoming community events at its April meetings.
The featured speaker at the River Valley Rotary Club’s fellowship luncheon on Monday, April 4, held at HOPE Association, was Chris Reed, Rumford fire chief.
Reed addressed the concerns about train derailments happening throughout the country. He is the head of the local hazardous materials program and went over what precautions and training the local fire department is doing in partnership with the 30-plus members of the Nine Dragon Paper Mill hazmat team. The paper mill has the highest amount of hazardous chemicals in the state, most of it pure ammonia, which is needed in paper production.
Reed assured Rotarians that the fire department and the mill’s hazmat team are prepared to deal with hazardous materials in the event of any local train derailment.
Reed also talked about the new fire station being built on the corner of Falmouth Street and Essex Avenue, which the groundwork has started on.
The April 3 speaker was Glenn Gordon, who talked about community events set for April and May.
On Saturday, April 22, volunteers are sought for River Valley Community Clean Up Day, in honor of Earth Day.
The cleanup begins at 8 a.m. and it’s followed by a barbeque from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rumford Fire Station.
Some cleanup supplies (gloves, bags, etc.) will be provided by the Mexico and Dixfield town offices, or participants may bring their own. Wear bright colors or a safety vest. Cleanup areas will be assigned at sign-up.
Volunteers from businesses, organizations and individuals can sign up by calling 207-418-2946 or signing up at www.volunterrsignup.org/T7KTY.
Monday, May 1, Gordon is hosting the “End the Stigma Now” forum from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Apostolic Church, 9 Brown St., in Mexico.
The forum will discuss the challenges of substance use in the community, and will include a free dinner.
For more information call Gordon at 307-357-1758 or email glenn.gordon@ocmhs.org.
