On September 11, the ladies of the Andover Service Club (ASC) met at the Ragged Mountain Fish and Game Club’s dining hall to begin ASC’s 55th year of service to Andover and surrounding communities.

The meeting was called to order at 10 AM by returning president Mary Ofenloch with Executive Board members Diane Rice, First Vice President; Joyce Egge, Second Vice President; Eileen Mackey, Recording Secretary; Jeanne Tate, Corresponding Secretary; Lois Magenau, Treasurer; and Dottie Chagnon, Assistant Treasurer. Also returning is Robin Boynton, Past President.

The agenda included a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance in remembrance of the victims of 9/11/01 and 9/11/12 (in Benghazi). There were also committee reports, a discussion of fundraising for the coming months, and speaker/author Mary Lyn Ray, who writes stories for children’s picture books.

The special guest speaker was Charlie Darling, editor and publisher of The Andover Beacon community newspaper and AndoverBeacon.com Web site. In these poor economic times, with the increased cost of publishing and postage, an important canvassing of residents who haven’t yet donated to the Beacon in 2013 will begin in October. The Andover Beacon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit paper that relies on advertising and donations to cover the cost of publication.

As part of its mission, the ASC financially supports 14 charitable and non-profit groups, such as The Andover Beacon. Each year, ASC awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors and continuing education students. The ASC Thrift Shop sells almost-new and gently-used clothing and accessories for the entire family. Income from these sales benefit the scholarship and other programs.

Membership in ASC is open to all ladies who wish to be of service to their community while working with new and old friends. For more information, e-mail Mary Ofenloch at MaryO.ASClub@nulllive.com. ASC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization.