Once again, we had snow this past weekend…surprise, surprise! This gave me an opportunity to read the latest edition of the Rotary Magazine. In the issue it featured a story on the incoming 2026-2027 Rotary International president Olayinka Hakeem Babalola. I was especially struck by what he said about measuring the impact of a project that we do, at the same time he suggests how has doing the service projects has impacted us as people. I know how it affects me. How does it affect you?
Don’t forget to send me your baby photos via email. It will be a fun game while we wait for all this snow to melt!
The Service Club of Andover is asking for our help. They are hosting a 2026 Political Candidate Forum on Thursday, March 5th starting at 6:30 PM. They are soliciting questions for the candidates from different community organizations. Potential questions can be sent to Brad Heim via email
bradheim@verizon.net or by calling 978-376-3178. I will have more information at our meeting on Friday.
I hope you will be able to join us on Friday as we welcome Andover’s first female Eagle Scout and for even more enticement…there will be Valentine treats! _____________________
“Who is that cute Andover Rotarian Baby?”
Send Ann a photo of yourself as a baby (no more than 2 years old) and we will display them and then we will guess who's who! The member that has the correct guesses will win a surprise gift and of course, bragging rights! What better way to kick off the competition than this Friday, February 13th as we celebrate Valentine’s Day!
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Next Tuesday, Feb. 17th
4:30 pm
Andover/NA YMCA
Members are welcome!
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Celebrating the life of Greg Pennington
Please join Bill Pennington and his family for a heartfelt Celebration of Life in memory of Greg.
Greg passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2026, due to natural causes. He was 36 years old, a beloved son, brother, and friend who touched many lives with his warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit.
When: Sunday, March 15, 2026 Time: 1:00–4:00 pm Where: Oak & Iron Brewing
This gathering will be a relaxed, joyful occasion to share memories, raise a glass, and honor Greg’s life among family, friends, and community.
Parking Note: The Oak & Iron lot can fill up quickly—free shuttle service will be available from Dundee Park for anyone who needs it.
In lieu of flowers, the family warmly invites memorial donations to one of Greg’s favorite charities: the High Fives Foundation, a nonprofit that supports adaptive sports and recovery for athletes facing life-changing injuries.
We hope you can join us to celebrate a life well-lived and the lasting impact.
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Time To Celebrate You!
Member Birthdays
Al Ruthazer
March 27
Welcome to our newest member
Maryellen Giolito
Branch Manager of M&T Bank in Andover.
Membership is the lifeline of any Rotary club, and we are delighted to have Maryellen join our community of service-minded professionals. Her leadership and commitment to the Andover community makes her a wonderful addition to our club. We can’t wait to get to know her better and see the many ways she’ll help us make a difference locally and beyond.
A special shoutout to our Membership Chair, Gail Ralston, who is absolutely killing it this year! Gail’s enthusiasm and dedication to growing our club have been outstanding — keep up the great work, Gail!
Once again, a very warm Rotary welcome to Mary Ellen — we’re so glad you’re here!
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Friends, family members and guests are always welcome to join us for volunteer opportunities!
10% of ALL sales will benefit our club!
Click link above to sign-up and join us for lunch or dinner!
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This past Friday's sock challenge did not disappoint! From Patriots to bad *ss grandpa socks, we had it covered! Our special guests from the Rotary Club of Cantania Italy graciously helped judge our February Fun Sock Friday contest. And the winners were ... Yaroslava and Elizabeth with their absolutely adorable hand-holding character socks. Great job everyone, start shopping for the Fun Sock contest on the first Friday in March!
A special warm welcome to Antonio and his wife Claudia and daughter Talia from the Rotary Club of Cantania.
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Andover High School Scholarship to Launch at Upcoming Valley Patriot BASH!
Our very own Doug Mercurio will serve as MC at The Valley Patriot's upcoming 22nd Anniversary BASH ! Scholarship and Award Night (Friday, March 27, 7-11 p, Lawrence Elks). Last year, Doug noticed no scholarships went to Andover students—this year, that changes.
On behalf of Prime Insurance Services, Inc. and the Law Office of Douglas M. Mercurio, P.C., a donation of $1,000 kicks off a dedicated Andover High School scholarship in the amount of $5,000.
The first Andover Scholarship recipient: Christina Preston is a
High Honors National Honor Society member planning to study Ministry at Rhema Bible Training College and Business/Marketing at Nelson University. A dedicated volunteer at Andover Christian Center (keyboardist and more), she also works at Cormier Youth Center, babysits, and constantly celebrates others' successes.
Christina is off to a great start at $1,000—let's fill her "bucket" and help more AHS grads! Donations which exceed the first $5,000 will help create another Andover scholarship.
To Donate (please specify "Andover/Christina Preston" scholarship):
National Honor Society member planning to study Ministry at Rhema Bible Training College and Business/Marketing at Nelson University. A dedicated volunteer at Andover Christian Center (keyboardist and more), she also works at Cormier Youth Center, babysits, and constantly celebrates others' successes.