Happy Holidays to all of our wonderful Andover Rotarians, prospective Rotarians, and friends of Rotary!
We’re halfway through my term as the 2021/2022 President of Andover Rotary, and it’s a good time to “check in” on the progress of some of the goals we set to accomplish this year.
For philanthropic giving, our club is having a phenomenal year. Al Timms and his fabulous peers on the philanthropy team have been giving thoughtful consideration to every grant request, and making exceptional recommendations. We are two thirds complete of our club’s annual goal of providing $35,000 support to local (and global) charitable organization…with six months to go. We also had another successful “tens for turkey” 2021 campaign.
Our youth and service areas are also thriving. Alan Michel and the Interact Club at AHS are involved in numerous activities supporting the high school, and town (including helping the Andover 375 committee, and upcoming 1st night celebrations). We’re active as Rotarian school readers in the elementary schools. Lots of service, providing food at the 375 town festival this past September, supporting Lazarus house, doing cleanups at Ironstone Farms, building at Habitat for Humanity, and more! Paul is committed to continue coordinating at least 1 service opportunity each month. Please feel free to share your ideas with him, and volunteer when you’re able.
Mark has been supporting and helping the many new people who have recently joined our club, and those eager to join our club.
Working with the local restaurants and clubs to host our club’s weekly meetings has presented some challenges this year, but we’re thrilled the Doubletree is able to provide a great breakfast and room each Friday morning, and we’re taking steps to improve the AV/screen/video performance there. 34 Park provided exceptional food and service at our annual Holiday Party, and when we were having breakfasts there too.
Those are just a few highlights of the past six months. Looking ahead, we’re now forming committees to support our largest fundraiser of each year, the Andover Citizens Who Care Gala! LOTS of activity to start for that right after the New Year. We have an aggressive fundraising goal to support our philanthropy, and I am confident we’ll meet (or beat that goal). The Endowment committee is make wonderful progress to design and implement a program we can be proud of for generations, which will support local and global grants and scholarships.
Excellent weekly speakers, great meetings, fun valuable service projects, new members, bell ringing, Andover 375, 1st night…so many things, past and future to be excited about and proud of. THANK YOU for all your support and caring. Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something. Andover Rotary is rocking it this year, and it’s because of YOU and your contributions.
Happy Holidays!!!
President Al Ruthazer
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