June 10, 2010 Meeting

CITIZENS WHO CARE & EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR GALA

Over 150 guests were received at the Wyndham Inn at 6:00 p.m. on June 10 for the 13th annual Citizens Who Care and 2nd annual Educator of the Year event. The program was ramped up this year to include silent auction, dinner, and guest speaker in addition to the presentations to the recipients of the awards.

This year's recipients included 14 CWC individuals as well as the Educator.

Welcome, Pledge & Invocation

Guests were welcomed by Master of Ceremonies Al Getler. The Pledge of Allegiance and opening Invocation were led by David Sollars.

Silent Auction, Cocktail Hour and Dinner

While they were enjoying the cocktail hour, guests were encouraged to peruse the silent auction items that were displayed around the perimeter of the room. A continuous circulating video of all the previous winners' photos was an extra treat, as guests recognized themselves and friends and associates who had been honored in the past.

A delicious chicken dinner was served prior to the main event. During the dinner, the persuasive Peter Johnston encouraged guests to return to the auction tables to up their antes or make additional bids. This made for a light-hearted and entertaining interlude prior to the guest speaker.

Keynote Speaker

Guest Speaker, Marty Meehan, Chancellor of University of Massachusetts Lowell, in recognition of the Educator of the Year, spoke about the importance of education and enlightened the group about the scope and quality of education available at UMass Lowell. He emphasized the growth that is taking place at the college and its attempts to broaden its program curriculum to include students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to continue with higher education. He entertained a few questions from the audience on the completion of his talk.

Silent Auction Chair Pete Johnston then announced the closing of the silent auction.

Educator of the Year Award

Educator of the Year Chair Ray Cannon explained the selection process for this year's recipient and turned the microphone over to Alice Coogan, who introduced this year's recipient, Virginia Rossini, a dedicated teacher whose innovative teaching methods have made learning fun for a generation of kids. Virginia graciously accepted her award and spoke briefly about what teaching and education have meant to her.

Citizens Who Care

Mark Spencer, photographer and initiator of the Citizens Who Care awards, gave the audience some background about the awards and then introduced our guests, State Senator Sue Tucker and State Representatives Barbara L'Italien and Barry Finegold, who were present to give special state citations to the recipients.

Alice Coogan, then presented the first award to Tom Barenboim, whose activities include leadership of countless boards throughout the community, as well as within the automobile business arena.

Alice also presented winners Tom and Jo-Ann Deso, who were recognized for their contributions to school construction projects and the Andover Senior Center, including most recently TAVAH (The Andover Villages at home).

The next presenter, Katharine Barr, introduced Judy Trerotola, who along with Tom and Jo-Ann Deso, has been involved with seniors in Andover, and especially with the founding of TAVAH, The Andover Villages at Home program. Judy has spent many years making life better for the seniors of the community.

The next nominees recognized by Katharine Barr were the mother and son team of Julie and Matthew Gadziala, whose main service has been feeding the hungry. For many years they have provided meals at Bread and Roses and the Plains Community Center in Lawrence. Books for victims of Hurricane Katrina and a scholarship foundation are also part of their contributions to the wider community.

Joan Johnson then made presentations to the following:

This year's youth recipient, Ashleigh Ryans, whose leadership at Andover High School includes peer mediation group, student ambassadors, managing school dance team, and captain of the championship girls swim team.

Jack Brady and Bob Rauseo, for their tireless efforts in keeping the Shawsheen River Watershed Association active, and working to provide clean safe recreation along the Shawsheen.

Belva Hopkins, whose efforts to beautify Andover and her home through magnificent gardens and ecologically friendly innovation, along with her dedication to her church, the children of Honduras, and the Andover Sister Association, have made her worthy of the title of Citizen Who Cares.

Don and Roxann Nickerson, stewards of West Parish Church and the music community of Andover. Don has provided endless hours of committee work, including handling the church finances for 10 years. Roxann has been instrumental in making music available to the church through her participation in the choir and her beautiful oboe concerts, as well as leading the music committee in its selection of a magnificent new organ for the church.

Don Schroeder, recently retired, but whose background in finance has served him well over the years as treasurer of several organizations and on the Andover Finance Committee. Don continues his gift to the community by heading the men's outdoor group at the Senior Center.

Andrea Zaimes, whose name is practically synonymous with Andover schools. Her fundraising talents have helped to build new schools, provide playground equipment, and support the AYS youth foundation. She has also chaired the Know Your Town Fair committee and YES PAC.

Unveiling of Award Recipient Display

At the conclusion of the presentations, in which each recipient received an 8 x 10" portrait to keep, the display of the large framed photos and biographies was unveiled. The recipients were all gathered in front of the display for a group photo, after which the gathering dispersed and a very successful event was ended.