Speakers
| Speaker | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbi David Wilfond, Temple Emanuel | Nov 21, 2025 |
An Introduction to Temple Emanuel's new Faith Leader.
![]() Rabbi David Wilfond is proud to lead and serve Temple Emanuel of Andover. An ordained rabbi for more than 25 years, he has led congregations in London, England; Kiev, Ukraine; Jerusalem, Israel; Wellesley, Massachusetts; and Westchester, New York. He was the first full-time Reform rabbi in Eastern Europe after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He holds a doctorate from Hebrew Union College, a Master in Hebrew Literature from Hebrew Union College, a Master of Science from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University. He is the father of three children (Isaac, Eliora and Rafi) and is married to Deborah. Rabbi Wilfond loves ice cream, lively conversations, communal singing and bike riding in nature. |
| NO MEETING - HAPPY THANKSGIVING! | Nov 28, 2025 |
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| Ellen J Keller, Chairperson, Andover PTBAC | Dec 05, 2025 |
Andover High School Improvement Project Plans and Status Update
![]() Ellen is the Executive Vice President of Ozzy Properties, Inc and has been actively engaged in the field of commercial property development and historic building renovation for nearly 25 years. She is fully accountable for all day-to-day property operations, overseeing and enhancing the value of the property portfolio comprising over a million SF of office and industrial space and nearly 200 residential units. She manages a team of building managers, tradesmen and administrative personnel and has solid construction management experience. Ellen was appointed to the Permanent Town Building Advisory Committee by the Town Manager in 2019 and is the current Chairperson.
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| Judith Hull, Coach/Facilitator | Dec 12, 2025 |
Introduction to Community Heart and Soul
![]() Judith Hull has worked for Community Heart & Soul since 2021 as a coach and market development consultant. Judith notes: “I really believe in Community Heart & Soul as an effective tool for long-lasting change because it is a resident-driven process that emphasizes the positive. Stories that residents contribute about why they love their communities builds new relationships, trust, and a strong foundation for long-term planning.” Her experience with community work is long-standing and she considers facilitation, listening, critical thinking, and teamwork important strengths. She is a member of both the Northern New England and the Massachusetts Chapters of the APA. Judith taught for several decades in professional schools of architecture where attention to urban planning and community development are fundamental to the curriculum and where she honed her skills as a facilitator in leading classroom discussions. She received a B.A. from Binghamton University, an M.A. from UMASS Amherst, and holds a PhD in the history of architecture from Columbia University. |
| ANNUAL MEETING | Dec 19, 2025 |
Election of Officers
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| NO MEETING - HAPPY HOLIDAYS! | Dec 26, 2025 |
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| NO MEETING - HAPPY NEW YEAR! | Jan 02, 2026 |
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| Nigel Bannister, and his handler Kevin Keller | Jan 09, 2026 |
The Power of Therapy Dogs - MTG at ROBB CENTER
![]() Nigel started his therapy work at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport where Kevin Keller worked as a mental health counselor for many years. Kevin retired this past February. In his new free time, he helps Nigel dedicate every other Tuesday to visiting senior living facilities and their memory care units in Andover, the Robb Senior Center, our town offices and even the DPW. Everyone can use a little therapy now and again. Nigel is often a fixture on Main Street during town events. He also supports many of our local businesses through his own personal Instagram page - @nigelatyourservice.
The power of a therapy dog lies in its ability to provide unconditional love and comfort, which produces measurable physical and psychological benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing social interaction. Come say hello!
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| Lydia Sheehey, Founder, Simplify the Journey LLC | Jan 16, 2026 |
Helping Families of Disabled Youth
Lydia is the founder and CEO of Simplify the Journey LLC, an adult special needs consulting business for adults and those approaching adulthood with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including autism. She educates families on the financial benefits, supports, and services available to their loved one and provides strategies to maximize these financial benefits and guidance to access the supports and services necessary to create a meaningful life. She is available for one-on-one consultations, workshops, trainings, and speaking engagements. Lydia resides in Andover with her husband Brian. They have four adult children, including two who have autism. www.simplifythejourney.net |
| Nicholas DiSalvatore, Educator | Jan 23, 2026 |
Actual Wisdom in the Age of ChapGPT
![]() Nick DiSalvatore is an educator and wellness mentor based out of Beverly, MA. He holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Boston College, and he teaches philosophy and theology in the Boston area, including at Merrimack College where he is a full-time professor. He has over a decade of experience mentoring young people in their transition into adulthood, with a focus on intellectual, moral, spiritual, and vocational development. |
| Rev. Craig A. Phillips, Ph.D | Jan 30, 2026 |
Early New England and King Philip’s War
![]() The Rev. Craig A. Phillips, Ph.D. is a retired Episcopal priest and Professor of Religion. He currently teaches as a Lecturer in Theology at St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH. Craig is a member of the Rotary Club of Milford, NH, where he resides with his wife, Marguerite. He graduated from Brown University, earned his Master of Divinity at Harvard University, and received his doctorate from Duke University. He has taught at many colleges and universities. Craig also has served in a variety of ministry settings in the Episcopal Dioceses of Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Missouri, and Oklahoma. His blog may be found at https://craigphillips.co and his free Substack page at https://craigphillips.substack.com. |
| Andrew Bull, CEO, ALKU | Feb 06, 2026 |
ALKU - Local Success Story
![]() Fifteen years ago, Andrew joined ALKU as an intern. He was just trying to figure out who he was as a professional and where he could contribute to a new and exciting specialty staffing company recently founded. He had the opportunity to grow, lead, and learn from some of the best people in the business. His journey may sound unique, but he's proud to say it’s just business as usual at ALKU. ALKU is a company that develops talent from within, giving employees every chance to thrive and it's right here in Andover! |
| Kari Belson | Feb 13, 2026 |
First Female Eagle Scout in Andover!
![]() Kari Belson is a senior at Andover High School, where she is involved in extracurricular activities including swim and dive, crew, DECA, and Global Pathways.
She has been a scout for over seven years, starting as a founding member of the first and only female troop in Andover, and received the rank of Eagle Scout in April 2025. For her Eagle Scout project, she created promotional and informative videos for Challenge Me, Inc., a local chapter of Destination Imagination to inform participants and increase membership. Within her scout troop, she has held leadership positions like Scribe, Patrol Leader, and Guide, gotten involved with service and the community, and created relationships with peers and mentors. Outside of school and scouts, Kari works at the Cormier Youth Center, and is interested in studying psychology and working with kids in the future.
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| Abigail Wertz, Trauma Prog.Mgr Merrimack Health | Mar 27, 2026 |
Merrimack Health ED (LGH) Injury Prevention Efforts
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