ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. – The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA) is proud to announce Russell Miller, Diana Mendes, and the late Mark Bassett as their 2025 River Champions. These honorees played a pivotal role in SMRWA’s work in 2024, and their contributions will be celebrated at this year’s A River Affair. Since 2011, SMRWA has celebrated River Champions at A River Affair. River Champions are selected and valued for their continuous support and contributions to the association’s mission.
This past summer, when SMRWA needed a new field site, Russell Miller of Three Notch South, LLC generously offered a rental space in St. Inigoes for a nominal rate. This space has been essential for SMRWA’s fieldwork. The new field site is not only closer to the St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s waterfront but has also given the association greater visibility due to its location right off Point Lookout Road. Russell’s contributions to SMRWA did not end there; he has consistently donated equipment, support, and time.
“When the association reached out to Russell to see what might be possible on his St. Inigoes property, he was immediately positive. Since then, we’ve worked together in a truly collaborative way, and his generosity and flexibility has truly enabled us to get through a challenging transition,” said SMRWA Vice President Larry O’Brien.
Diana Mendes and her late husband, Mark Bassett, have generously supported SMRWA for the past eight years. Reflecting on their impact, SMRWA President Joe Anderson shared, “The St. Mary’s River has a way of turning neighbors into friends, and I can think of no better example of this than our good friends Diana Mendes and Mark Bassett. Mark and Diana moved into their home on the St. Mary’s River in 2017, and since that time, they have eagerly and generously supported the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association. As long-time donors, they’ve played a vital role in helping to sustain our work on the river.”
Mark’s commitment extended beyond his lifetime—before his passing, he requested that his family and friends donate to SMRWA in his honor. To date, the Mark Bassett Tribute Fund has raised nearly $10,000, ensuring that his legacy continues to support the river he loved.
A River Affair will be held on Sunday, April 6, from 12 to 3 pm at Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse on St. George Island. The event will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres, refreshing drinks, an auction filled with unique items, and a special tribute to this year’s honorees.
Tickets and event details are available at https://smrwa.org/a-river-affair/. All proceeds benefit the St. Mary’s River. If you cannot attend, please consider supporting SMRWA’s work, just as Diana, Mark, and Russell have, by donating at www.smrwa.org/donate.
