The past fiscal year for the ASC was from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. There were two meetings per month – the Executive Board met on the Monday before the first Wednesday of the month; the General Meeting was scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month. There were no meetings in July and August.

Each meeting began with 15 minutes of socializing and enjoying the tasty refreshments which were provided by the Hostess Committee. Monthly reports from the chairladies of each committee were read, discussed, and approved by members in attendance. The ASC committees are the following: Scholarship, Membership, Luncheons, Fundraising, Hospitality, Proctor Cakes, Opening Words, Programs, Publicity, Historian, Gifts Galore Raffle, Flowerbeds, Thrift Shop, and Community Services.

After the business was concluded, a special program was presented. These included talks with slides, and other visuals, from the Franklin VNA/Hospice Service Link; UNH Cooperative Extension Service; NH Wildlife/Fish and Game; Storyteller Laurette Phillips; Travels with Nancy Tripp; and an in-house auction. A special field trip was taken to King Arthur Flour in Vermont. The annual Spring luncheon in June and the annual Christmas luncheon in December took place at 74 Main/Millstone Restaurant in New London.

One of the most important aspects of the ASC is the Thrift Shop located on School Street in Andover. Run entirely by ASC member volunteers, the shop offers almost new and gently used clothing, accessories, and jewelry at extremely reasonable prices. Income from the shop funds scholarships and donations to community organizations in Andover and surrounding communities. A new large sign, a much needed heat pump, and a security system (all needed for a long time) were finally installed at the Thrift Shop.

Special events sponsored by the ASC included the Christmas in October at the Jingle Bell Fair, which included a bake sale of homemade treats provided by the members; the annual Thanksgiving pie sale; the Gifts Galore basket raffle; Christmas at the Hub bake sale; the annual bake sale for Town Meeting Day; and Slices for Scholarships fundraiser on July 4.

The FY 2018-2019 budget was discussed in April, written in May, and voted for (or against) at the June luncheon. The new Executive Board for FY 2018-2019 was also elected at the June luncheon.

Because of the great support, generosity, and donations of the public, the ASC has increased financial donations to the organizations which we have always supported, as well as adding five more groups to our donation list. They are: Andover Children’s Thanksgiving – $350; AE/MS hot lunch program – $250; Andover After School  Program – $250; Andover Beacon – $500; Andover Community Association – $100; EAVP – $250; Kearsarge Council on the Aging – $100; Highland Lake Grange Hall Restoration – $100; Andover Boy Scouts – $100; Andover Girl Scouts – $100; Andover Emergency Services Auxiliary – $200; Danbury Food Pantry – $200; Twin Rivers Food Pantry – $200; Child & Family Services – $150; Danbury School – $100; FNRT – $200; ASC Merit Scholarship Program – $6000; and Discretionary Fund – $100. A total of $9,250 in donations for Andover and the surrounding communities have been budgeted for FY 2018-2019. The FY 2017-2018 budget total for donations was $5,625, however, the ASC actually spent $7,425 in donations during that fiscal year. Since the ASC is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations to ASC are tax deductible.

The ASC was founded in 1958 at the home of Sue Camp to replace the disbanded Unitarian Women’s Alliance. The mission was, and still is, service to the community. Its first budget was $125. There are now 65 active and inactive members who pay yearly dues of $10 each. Most members reside in Andover. However, there are also members from Wilmot, New London, Danbury, Franklin, Hill, Salisbury, Springfield, Tilton, and even Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

The ladies of the ASC wish to thank everyone who supported our event and fundraisers during the past fiscal year. Without your support, we could not succeed in our mission to be of service to the community. We sincerely appreciate your kindness and your generosity. Please have a wonderful summer; we will be back at work in September. If you are a woman (young, old, or in-between) and you would like to be of service, join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, September 12 at 10 AM in the Highland Lake Grange Hall in East Andover. We would love to meet you and welcome you to the ASC.