The Kiwanis International’s Children Fund, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Concord, gave a $2,500 grant to the Capital Region Food Program. Working collaboratively, CRFP Treasurer Maria Manus Painchaud and Kiwanis Club of Concord’s member Ken Georgevits submitted a grant application to Kiwanis International describing Maria’s father and CRFP incorporator Mark E. Manus’ longstanding commitment to the Kiwanis organization, as he served as the local chapter’s former president and former Lieutenant Governor, as well as outlining the CRFP’s mission to reduce hunger. The Kiwanis International’s grant funds will be used to support efforts of the CRFP’s Year-Round Distribution Project, now chaired by Mr. Manus’ granddaughter, Elena Painchaud. Elena states, “My grandfather, a proud member of the Kiwanis organization for decades, would be pleased to know how two local community nonprofits have partnered together to reduce hunger in the Capital Region.” Kiwanis Club of Concord President Mark Lester adds, “Part of the mission of Kiwanis is empowering its members to be creative in serving the needs of children in our communities and one way of doing this is fighting hunger. We have had a great partnership with the Capitol Region Food Program over the years and their mission aligns so beautifully with the Kiwanis mission of fighting hunger for children in the Capitol Region.” Every dollar donated to the CRFP is solely used for the purchasing of food. To organize a food drive, donate food, or inquire about volunteer opportunities, please visit capitalregionfoodprogram.org.
WinnAero, the STEM-education non-profit has announced it is canceling its summer 2020 Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academies due to the uncertainties and necessary restrictions caused by COVID-19. The academies feature hands-on STEM learning with an aviation and aerospace theme and week-long day sessions had been planned for elementary, middle and high school-aged youth for July. “Our board had a lengthy discussion which included input from our ACE faculty members and reached the decision that we should cancel ACE this year and start planning for our 2021 ACE Academies,” said Karen Mitchell, WinnAero president. “The cornerstone of our ACE learning experience is to maximize the hands-on aspect for the students supplemented with meaningful field trips to aerospace industry sites. With social distancing, classes reduced to fewer students and possible problems attracting guest speakers and demonstration experts plus trying to coordinate industry visitations, we felt we would not be able to provide the full and robust schedule of activities that have marked ACE Academies since we began several years ago.” Tuition will be refunded and students previously registered will receive a box with at home STEM projects. For more information, visit winnaero.org.
The premiere of an original one-act play, to be performed by its authors and delivered “live” to its audience via a link to their mobile and desktop devices, will be available for one-time viewing beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday to those who sign up in advance. Viewing is free, but limited to the first 100 who sign up by emailing The Andover Community Hub, the event host, at theandoverhub@gmail.com. Title of the play is “The Misadventures of MarMar: The Case of the Stolen Ingredient.” Co-authors and performers are the husband-and-wife team of Mark Vashro and Maryssa Wanlass, professional actors and filmmakers who recently moved to Andover from San Francisco. Vashro is a new member of The Andover Hub board of directors. The home viewing is powered by Zoom, a user-friendly technology compatible with most computers. The Hub is currently using the technology to distribute its monthly Community Coffeehouse concerts to virtual attendees. Described as a “comedic culinary mystery” by its authors, and “aimed especially at children of all ages,” the play’s plot line is described as: “Someone has taken all the yeast. …What is yeast? Why do we need it for pizza? Who took it? And what’s up with DJ Baby O???” As an added attraction, one viewer’s name will be selected at random before the play begins, and a pizza – donated by Pizza Chef of Andover – will be delivered to the winner. The evening’s entertainment is being offered by The Andover Community Hub as the first event in a once-a-month series designed to engage families in the Andover community in new ways, such as family movie nights, Andover history presentations, and family musical performances. If social isolation continues, these events will be held on line. If restrictions are removed, they may be held at The Hub or other local public places. Area residents with ideas for public events of any kind may contact The Hub at theandoverhub@gmail.com or 735-5509.