I trust that you are all busy prepping for your upcoming holiday season! It’s going to be quite the next few weeks for sure!
This Friday, I am thrilled that we will induct a new member – Esme Green, Director of The Memorial Hall Library. We look forward to having Esme officially join us!
If you would like to play along with “Fun Fact Friday” all you need to do is send me 3-5 things about you that no one would know. I will use them as a way for members to get to know you and others better! Feel free to email me.
And there will be a prize for the member that guesses the most at the end of my year! I know our group likes competition and prizes, so let’s send them in!
Continued thanks to Diana for managing the “Buzz” and keeping us all informed!
Rotary Positive Thoughts and Prayers Needed
I always tell people that ask me about Rotary that I have a second family. The family of Andover Rotary is strong! Last Friday we welcomed back David Lindsay with love, caring and kindness. This week, let's add positive thoughts and prayers for Susan Big who is recovering from hip surgery, Elaine Clements who is dealing with health concerns and Sheryl Meehan for continued good thoughts.
We miss you all!
Don’t miss these upcoming events!
Watch the website for additional volunteer opportunities!
Santa Night – this Friday, 12/12, 5 pm with the Kiwanis Club.
Board Meeting - Tuesday, 12/16, 4:30 pm. All members invited!
Holiday Party at Mary Ann Millar’s, Thursday, 12/18, 5:30 pm
Club Annual Meeting - Friday, 12/19
Bowling Night with Luke – Friday, 12/19, time TBD
Bell Ringing for Salvation Army – in front of Old Town Hall, Tuesday, 12/23
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Tuesday, Dec. 16th
4:30 pm
Andover/N.A. YMCA
Members are always welcome! ___________________
A Warm Rotary Welcome Back!
This past Friday, our meeting felt a little brighter and a whole lot more joyful because our beloved Dave Lindsay walked through the doors for the first time in far too long.
After suffering a serious heart attack and being brought back not once, but twice, our dear friend and fellow Rotarian made it back to the Lanam Club table—and the entire room lit up.
We are beyond grateful to see your smile, hear your voice, and feel your presence again. Your strength and determination inspires us all.
Know that you’ve got an entire club cheering you on every step of the way as you continue your recovery. We saved you a seat (and maybe an extra egg muffin) any Friday you feel up to joining us.
Welcome home—we missed you!
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Time To Celebrate You!
Member Birthdays
Ken Feyl
January 13
Demetrius Spaneas
January 14
Doug Mercurio
January 16
Andrew Betts
January 18
Ellen Keller
January 31
Gail Ralston
January 31
Joel Leider
December 8
Howard Perkins
December 11
FUN SOCK FRIYAY steals the show!
If you thought Rotary meetings were all about serious business and service projects, think again! Our monthly Fun Sock Friday tradition is proof that we know how to kick up our heels (and show off our ankles) while doing good in the community.
This past Friday, we had an all-time record turnout: more than 10 members ditched the boring black and navy socks and stepped up in full colorful glory. Reindeer, menorahs, argyle explosions, marching bands, rulers (yes, actual measuring-tape socks!), and one mysterious green sock with what appeared to be a tiny dinosaur—we saw it all.
After much deliberation (and a few suspicious “accidental” leg lifts to improve judging angles), our impartial sock judges declared a rare tie for first place:
🏆 Jim Greeley – rocking festive Christmas reindeer complete with red noses and candy-cane stripes
🏆 Al Ruthazer – going full commitment with giant, glorious Big Bird socks … and, because Al never does anything halfway, a perfectly matching Big Bird shirt to complete the ensemble. (Yes, the man didn’t just wear fun socks; he became a walking Sesame Street float.)
Will you be our January Fun Sock Friday Winner? Start shopping today!
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~ Servers needed for the Military Veterans Lunch provided by Run for the Troops, Tues. Dec. 16th, Noon-2 pm. To sign-up: CLICK HERE.
~ Help serve lunch at the Lazarus House Good Shepherd Soup Kitchen, Fri. Dec. 26th, 11:15 a-1:15 p. To sign-up: CLICK HERE.
Rotarians Serve Up Hope at Lazarus House Food Pantry
Monday, Dec. 8th
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of giving back alongside friends—old and new.
This past Monday, Rotarians Paul Salafia, Loida Vargas, and her son Jesus Vargas, Jim Greeley and Al Ruthazer (who both promise to be in the next photo!) joined forces with our wonderful new friends from Edward Jones, to volunteer at the Lazarus House Food Pantry in Lawrence.
Together, the teams provided nutritious meals to hundreds of families and individuals in need—delivering not just food, but warmth, dignity, and a whole lot of smiles.
This is Rotary in action: ordinary people doing extraordinary things, side by side with community partners who share our passion for service above self.
A huge thank-you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves. Want in on the next shift? You don’t have to be a Rotarian to serve with us—everyone is welcome! Just let us know you’re interested, and we’ll save you a spot (and an apron).
Because when we serve together, we truly feed hope—one plate at a time.
