Ethel Cross
Ethel Cross is best known for owning and operating the Andover Book Store for many years. Even long after leaving the book business, Ethel was recognized in town for her love of reading, and was a familiar diminutive figure walking from her home on Central Street up to the library, and strolling in and out of Main Street Shops where she charmed everyone she met.
A long time presence in Andover, Ethel represented the end of an era when the town was a smaller and simpler place. Her legacy to Andover is long-lasting, as she left behind generations of grateful readers and the affection of those lucky enough to know her.
Norma Gammon
Norma is one of our Town’s true treasures. Norma grew up in Andover and has lived all but a few years here. She started earning accolades as a High School student when she was involved in the Community Service Program and was voted the Senior who did the most for Andover High School by teachers and administrators. While raising her two daughters here with husband Don she was involved with so many people. She joined the Andona Society, League of Women Voters, served as Selectwoman, chaired both the Bicentennial Committee and Andover’s 350th Celebration. She was also the town appointee to the Andover Historical Commission and served as a Board member on the Bicentennial for Phillips Academy and the A Better Chance (ABC)program. She is also a long-time Board member with the Andover Center for History and Culture.
It was during one of the 1976 Bicentennial events that I met Norma for the first time. I was a High School student and remember her leadership and poise. Things come full circle and I came to know Norma personally when I started serving on the Friends Board and Center for History Board over a decade ago. At that time Norma, formerly a Library Trustee, was the Library’s Community Service Administrator. In addition to her many civic duties, Norma loves to quilt, paint with watercolors, and be involved with her family. Thank you, Norma for all you have done!
Susan McKelliget, President
Friends of Memorial Hall Library
Justin Coppola
It is safe to say that no one in the town of Andover has done more to advocate for citizens with disabilities than Justin Coppola. Evidence of that statement is the Thomas P. Atkins Award he received three years ago for his devotion and passion for those with disabilities in the State of Massachusetts.
Justin’s work for those living with disabilities began in earnest when his son, Justin Jr., who was born with spina bifida, was often isolated as a teenager at Andover High School because of his inability to navigate the school’s physical barriers. As a result, Justin’s passion took off. For close to 25 years, he has worked tirelessly with town officials to remove barriers in the lives of those living with both visible and invisible disabilities, and with promoting the prominence of the town’s Commission on Disability. As a result of Justin’s efforts, we have become educated about the lives and needs of those with disabilities.
Justin is proud that Andover’s Commission on Disability is recognized as one of the top Commissions in the State, largely because of his efforts. He is especially proud of the Commission’s website which provides a compendium of resources available to those with disabilities as well as their caregivers. Justin is proudest of all of his son who has worked for over 20 years as an advocate in the work of the Commission.
A funny and charming guy, Justin is one of Andover’s little known heroes.
Kathleen Dolan,
Treasurer, Friends of the Library