It was during a visit to the thrift shop next to AE/MS shortly after my husband and I moved to Andover that I first became acquainted with the Andover Service Club (ASC) and their long history of service to the community. Since 1958, ASC members have answered the call from neighbors in need, raised funds for scholarships and charitable projects, and assisted other local nonprofit organizations.
During my 10 years with the club, I’ve volunteered alongside remarkable, dedicated women from all walks of life, each with a unique story. This month, as our nation honors volunteers, I’d like to share some of those stories.
Business owner and two-term Club President Sara Tracy has dedicated her life to public service, working in homeless outreach, housing assistance, and foster care. It was Sara who took the steps to designate the ASC as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
We credit Club Historian/past Treasurer Robin Boynton for computerizing the club’s finance system. Robin worked for Dartmouth Medical School and for her family law practice.
Board Secretary Sandra Graves was born in England, studied art in Boston, and was Assistant Librarian for the Museum of Science. A 40-year member, Sandra is the longest running President.
Professional artisan and small business owner Kristal LaRoche served her country in the US Navy as a TM3 Torpedoman’s mate third class on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69, based out of Norfolk, Virginia. Kristal was captain of a 50-caliber machine gun mount, a firearms instructor, and maintained the ship’s small weapon armory.
Kit Norris was a math teacher at Proctor Academy. Lee Wells taught high school German in the US, and high school English in Germany. Long-time Secretary, retired 2nd grade teacher Eileen Mackey can proudly say she taught WMUR Anchor Jamie Staton his ABCs.
Treasurer JoAnn Hicks was an accounting professional, while also volunteering as an Andover Firefighter and EMT. Assistant Treasurer and retired Nurse Practitioner Kitty Kidder opened Life Long Care in New London, and through her dedication and perseverance, Life Long Care became the first Nurse Practitioner owned and operated Medical Home in the United States. Nancy Robart was a Family Nurse Practitioner in Alaska.
Beryl Sanborn and Sheila Swenson were both RNs in New Hampshire hospitals for over 40 years. Retired RN and military spouse Cheri Swenson worked in nine states, moving to a new position with each military reassignment.
ASC Corresponding Secretary, Margo Coolidge, studied piano, voice, and nursing at the University of Hawaii and practiced nursing in Hawaii, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Margo also taught piano and is a vocalist with several area chorales.
The club’s legendary bake sales all start with Fundraising Chair Ellen Langlais. A former pharmacy owner, Ellen coordinates upward of 40 bakers and event staff for the Fourth of July “Slices for Scholarships,” Thanksgiving Pie Sale, and Town Meeting/Election Day sales. ASC’s Thrift & Gift Shop Committee Chair Nancy Tripp has an innate talent for keeping things in the shop “upbeat,” a talent she acquired through a lifelong relationship with music as a professional singer, performer, Director of the Sunapee Singers, and Board President of Summer Music Associates.
Mary Phinney, 1st VP/Scholarship Chair, grew up on a dairy farm, but pursued work in a different “field”: legal and grant administration. Mary manages the steps of the Scholarship Program from first notice of application to final awards every June. In just the last 20 years, the club has awarded over $200,000 in merit scholarships to local students.
2nd VP/Membership Chair Anne Hewitt worked for New Hampshire Fish & Game. An outdoor enthusiast, Anne has hiked the majority of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers and lends her winter sports ability to New England Healing Sports Association (NEHSA).
During National Volunteer Week, the ASC honors past and present members for their contributions to the club and community. Interested in joining other women in making a difference in the lives of others? Please contact Membership Chair Anne Hewitt at 603 848-5762 for more information.