Ship keeps moving with annual fundraiser
Friends around Andover pledged to "keep the ship moving" after the death of resident Corinne (Morris) Johnson. Johnson, mom of Andover High athlete Jimmy Johnson, died from pancreatic cancer in March 2008. A memorial scholarship was established in her memory with money helping college-bound teens who have lost a parent or close family member to attend college. Nine scholarships were awarded last year.
The annual scholarship fundraiser is Friday, March 26 at Andover Country Club. Email Julie Gadziala at juliegadziala@gmail.com for tickets, which cost $75 for adults and $50 for teens. There will be a limited ticket rafle for a white gold diamond ring appraised at $3,725. For raffle tickets call Jeannie Scarpa at 978-886-0979 or e-mail c.scarpa@comcast.net.
Johnson, the first female general manager at the General Electric Aircraft Engine Plant in Lynn, was a strong proponent of education. She hoped friends would make sure the education ship would keep moving for kids who lost a parent.
- Judy Wakefield
Future debate
Discussion between Superintendent Claudia Bach and School Committee member David Birnbach became heated in the last 30 minutes of the Feb. 2 meeting. Birnbach said he believes the district must immediately start creating a unified framework to bring the schools into the 21st century, and Bach offered support for the strategic planning process under way.
As voices became raised in the exchange, Silberstein told Bach and Birnbach to stop or take the discussion outside. Neither Bach or Birnbach returned calls seeking comment this week.
- Bethany Bray
Ride to remember
What are the most difficult job requirements for Gov. Deval Patrick? Raising money and bragging about accomplishments, the governor said during his visit to the Andover Senior Center on Saturday.
But when Patrick shared those comments with President Barack Obama during a limo ride from Logan Airport to a Democratic fundraiser for Martha Coakley last month, the president had just three words of advice for Patrick.
"He (Obama) told me to 'get over it,'" Patrick said.
- Judy Wakefield
Creole cuisine benefits Haiti quake victims
Whole Foods Market, 40 Railroad St., is selling a $9.99 Haitian-inspired dinner for two in the prepared foods department where all proceeds from sales will go towards Partners in Health's Stand with Haiti efforts. The Creole Shrimp with Red Beans and Rice pre-packaged dinner was created at the company's kitchens with the help of Haitian employees who work at the Everett facility.
Customers can also donate at registers toward Partners in Health's efforts in Haiti. The red beans and rice dinner will be sold through Feb. 14.
Local writer's book
Cambridge Books has just released The Kiss of Night, a novella by Andover writer K. S. Brooks. It is currently in e-book form on WriteWordsInc.com, and will soon be available in print and through other online venues, including Amazon.com.
In The Kiss of Night, Special Agent Kathrin Night, an anti-terrorist agent introduced in Lust for Danger, is forced into early retirement after a debilitating injury and deals with new mysterious bodyguard, Agent Aleksey Khovechkin. "It's a glimpse into Agent Night's past and future," Brooks said in an e-mail. "Readers can finally experience the events which catapulted her from teenager to anti-terrorist agent."
Spelling bee hints
Interested in taking part in the adult spelling bee that raises money for Andover education, but not sure your team would be good enough? Hints will be posted in town to improve your spelling in preparation for the annual spelling bee, Andover Fund for Education's biggest event. This year's bee will be at West Middle School on Friday, April 9, at 7 p.m. A community event, the bee involves school personnel, student cheering sections and teams from all Andover schools, and businesses, organizations, and families.
