The kickoff meeting of the UMV MRC Advisory Council took place at Millennium School in Westford in March. This gathering convened one representative selected by each of the seven Upper Merrimack Valley communities in the MRC. They attended to learn about their liaison functions between the town they represent and the UMV MRC.

Council members gathered to learn about their role with the UMV MRC. Front row, left to right: Judy Dunigan (Chelmsford), Carol Devanney (Tyngsboro), Lisa Golden (Lowell), Sue Rosa (Westford). Back row: Ed Nadolny (Dracut), Tom Churchill (Tewksbury), Brian Luttrell (Billerica).

The new Council members provided contact information for the emergency management resources in their towns. They agreed to attend Local Emergency Planning Committee meetings on behalf of the MRC, and to represent their individual boards of health during MRC planning activities. They also provide the UMV MRC staff with valuable information and insights on operational issues.

Director Sandy Collins, and Coordinator Nancy Burns, shared preliminary formats for member badges, designs for online application forms, and general plans and status of the unit. Input from Council members will be particularly valuable over time, especially to prepare for new levels of training and readiness!