Speakers

 Nasser and Kathleen run Transmural Systems, a medical device company addressing structural heart failure.  Transmural Systems is a Clinical Stage Medical Device Company with a Platform of Innovative Transcatheter Electrosurgery and Heart Failure Therapies headquartered in Dundee Park in Andover. 

They have been residents of Andover since October 1997 and will share insights into the pioneering work that they and their team do every day, right in our back yard!

Kimberly Lannon is an Addiction Medicine Physician in BEDFORD, MA. Kimberly evaluates patients using many different procedures, in order to determine what treatments must be carried out in order to properly assess their symptoms. Addiction Medicine Physicians provide medical care in addition to consultation for each patient and their families.

Since 1809, the Andover Bookstore has been located on Main Street, in the heart of historic Andover, MA. We take pride in being the country’s oldest continuously operating independent bookstore, in the value we add to our local community, and in our part in the fight to save small, local independent bookstores across the country from the faceless, ruthless online corporate behemoth that threatens all of our Main Streets.

Recently 60 Minutes reported on fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid that has created the worst drug crisis the United States has ever faced.

Last year, more than 70,000 Americans died from a fentanyl overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's a higher death toll than U.S. military casualties in the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan combined. 

Drug cartels in Mexico have flooded the United States with fentanyl, often hiding it in counterfeit pills designed to look like authentic prescription pills, including OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and Adderall. And fentanyl is also showing up as an additive in street drugs, like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. This has led to an increased risk of accidental overdoses, cases where someone has unwittingly ingested fentanyl without knowing it was present.

This week, as part of our ongoing Andover Cares efforts, Paul Salafia will present on this harrowing topic.

with an report on the Central Street Historic District from Joanna Reck, committee chair

Handmade with love by Gale Page, these warm wonders have fleece on the outside and cozy sherpa and hand pockets inside. Learn about the inspiration to start this small business.

Richard brings 39 years of distinguished service within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), culminating in his retirement in October 2024. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in shaping and overseeing the Physical Security organization. As a key leader responsible for developing and implementing Physical Security Policies and Standards for an organization of over 100,000 employees across more than 500 facilities, Richard ensured the highest levels of safety and compliance. His expertise extended to co-authoring critical policies, including the Department of Homeland Security's Interagency Security Committee guidelines and the Active Shooter Policy, demonstrating his commitment to interagency collaboration and forward-thinking security measures.

Richard was deeply engaged with Government Accountability Office (GAO) security audits, leveraging his expertise to ensure robust security frameworks and address areas of improvement. Under his leadership, the IRS developed cutting-edge physical security software designed to streamline compliance with federal standards, enhance operational efficiencies, and serve as a benchmark for other federal agencies seeking to elevate their physical security protocols. Richard's contributions have not only strengthened the IRS's security posture but have also influenced broader federal security initiatives, reflecting his lifelong dedication to safeguarding employees, facilities, and the public.

THIS WEEK WE MEET AT THE ROBB CENTER.

Great Dog Rescue New England is a nonprofit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group headquartered in Massachusetts. Our group is comprised of volunteers all over New England who love dogs and want to help those that end up homeless through no fault of their own. Loyal and loving dogs turn up every day in New England and Southern shelters, as owners turn them in or they’re found roaming the streets after being dumped.

Great Dog is dedicated to animal rescue. In addition to our primary goal of helping homeless and abandoned dogs find loving forever homes, we:

– DONATE money to spay and neuter clinics in the south to help solve the problem of pet overpopulation.

– ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH activities with local schools to help educate children and young adults about animal rescue, responsible pet ownership, proper pet care, etc.

– ADOPT DOGS to agencies that train dogs to assist the physically disabled and hearing impaired (many dogs that were abandoned are now helping people lead independent lives).

We are proud of the work we do with the dogs and in local communities.