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When
I was a little girl, someone once told me what my life would be
like. They said that it would be a journey down a river as the
sole passenger of a great raft. They explained that much of the
time my journey would be filled with joy, laughter, and beauty
as my raft would elegantly and swiftly maneuver through the ebb
and flow of the river without much effort. At other times the
raft would not run such a graceful course. There would be steep
bends in the river where my raft would not be able to manipulate
around and it would get jammed on the bank and I would be stuck
there. Sometimes I would be able to release the raft by myself
and return to the freedom of the fast flowing belly of the river.
At other times, I would not be able to free my raft without the
help of another. I was told that if I were stuck, not to worry,
that there would be a person along the river bank to help me.
This person would steer me away from the banks, dislodge my raft
when I do get stuck, and help me to choose the best route to take
when the river branches into multiple paths. As a little girl,
I had a great curiosity about this person that would help me on
my journey. I remember wondering who that person would be, when
I would meet them, what they would look like, and what they might
say as they pushed my raft to safety and freedom. I remember thinking
how special that person must be to be allowed to have and to take
on such an important job. It seemed to me to be the most important
job in the world.
I am no longer a little girl, and for better or for worse, I am
by most measures an adult. When I was about 14 years old I met
Bill Fahey and from that day forward, I no longer wondered who
that special person at the edge of my river was going to be. I
knew it was him. He has been my mentor, teacher, parent, and friend.
As I tumbled awkwardly through adolescence, I started to hear
and see a world that never said yes and always said no. Bill never
once told me “no.” He nurtured my emotional, intellectual,
and spiritual growth at a time when I needed it most. The beauty
of his compassion, values, and beliefs acted as a foundation for
my own. Bill opened an infinite number of doors for me, unveiling
a universe filled with opportunity and choices. He never saw an
opportunity or choice that I was not capable of making. Bill taught
me how to empower myself, rather than to depend on others to empower
me. Even today, at age 26, the echo of his influence is stronger
than ever. As I continue to paddle down the river of life, the
manner in which I choose which path of the river to follow is
a direct extension of Bill’s unrelenting guidance, support,
and wisdom. Sometimes I cannot help but ask myself where I would
be if Bill was not there for me on the banks of the river. Would
someone have taken his place? Could someone have taken his place?
I have not come up with answer yet; only gratitude towards Bill
and a realization that I have been truly blessed to have him as
a part of my life.
Michelle Crispo
AHS
Class of 1997
University
of Colorado, Boulder 2001
UVM College of Medicine 2008
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The
following is a portion of a recent e-mail to Bill Fahey:
Really,
I just wanted to say thank you for all the things that you do over
there at AYS. I am sure you get this sort of thing often, and if
you don't you should. I hope people don't underestimate the importance
of what you do. I, for one, am grateful that I grew up with the
opportunities you afford young people. AYS has, in retrospect, had
a huge impact on my life and I know that it has probably had an
even bigger impact for innumerous other kids. I know you work hard
and selflessly so I just wanted to tell you how much it is appreciated.
I
will never forget something you asked me on a chairlift at Arapaho
Basin on an epic day of shredding the pow. You asked me simply,
"what do you believe in?" Now, the reason I have this
moment in time burned into my brain is because I had no response
and in having nothing to say, I began to examine myself, my life,
my priorities, my values and, for the first time, began to think
about what the hell I did truly believe in. I would never again
be unable to answer that question because you opened my eyes to
something I hadn't seen before. I am not sure exactly what that
thing was, nor could I put a name to it if I tried, but I do now
that it was a turning point in my awareness of my self. (after all
it was MLK who said, "A man who stands for nothing will fall
for anything." and how could I stand for anything if I wasn't
even conscious of my own beliefs.) I am sure this question is something
that you have no recollection of, but thank you for asking it 6
years ago.
When
I sit down and think about it, what you do both amazes me and inspires
me. You undoubtedly have a bunch of crap to deal with, but the amount
of positivity you bring to the community, which is subsequently
released to the world as kids grow up pour themselves out into all
corners of the globe, is a rare and beautiful thing. forgive me
if I sound like a hallmark card, but there are a lot of negative
things dragging everyone down in this world, and it takes a special
and devoted person such as yourself to help pick people up and keep
them high above the squalor.
In
short, I am better person because of what you have done and continue
to do, and more importantly the world is a better place because
of your efforts. So thank you.
My parents have recently sold the house I grew up in Andover, and
because of this, the likelihood of me being back in Andover any
time soon is slim. If I do happen to be back in A town, hopefully
I will be able to come by and chat for minute.
Until
then, I remain, your friendly neighborhood Pirate and grateful recipient
of your efforts.
p.s.
Feel free to send this letter to the town and persuade them to give
you a raise, or some more funding for whatever you latest project
of note is. they too should realize the importance of AYS.
Phil
Collins
AHS
Class of 2000 |
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My
name is Sarah Morrison. I am old by time's standards. I met Billy
and Glenn long, long ago. I was young and lost. I had tried high
school to no avail. I failed academically and socially. I had all
these ideas but no where to take them to. I was lost and isolated.
I found my niche at AYS. I was on Youth Council, ran the Snowboard
Club, stuffed envelopes, worked at the Skatepark, and grocery shopped
mostly. I liked the company. The company seemed to like me. I felt
at home, at a time when I rarely felt at home. Billy and Glenn got
me when no one else did. I made posters, I packed boxes for the
clothing drives, I took money at the door for many a “show.”
I learned to smile. I learned that I was someone. I learned that
life is what you make of it. I learned that if you do not try something,
then that is when you fail. I am almost 26 now. I have tried everything
once. I have done a million things that most would never attempt.
I live my life with heart and with out fear. I do not fail at anything.
I only gain experiences. I owe everything to Billy and Glenn. They
held my hand when I needed it. They let go when I needed it. That
office is full of memories to me, to all of us. Those posters, pictures,
drawings, and letters tell all of our stories. There are thousands
of us, of kids lost who found direction. It is this magical place
in the middle of a less than magical world. Billy and Glenn are
its unicorns. I will get married someday. Those unicorns…they
will be right in the front row.
Sarah Morrison
AHS
Class of 1998 |
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| Ten
years ago I was a thirteen year-old boy in the middle of a challenging
career at Andover’s Doherty Middle School. Outside of the classroom
I was trying to understand the challenges of developing physically,
mentally, emotionally, and socially. As a middle schooler it was important
to be part of the “cool” crowd. This was extremely hard
to do with the daily changes in the perceptions of what it meant to
“be cool”. Adults, teachers and parents, however, were
decidedly “un-cool”.
Ten years ago,
the town of Andover hired Bill Fahey to provide the town’s
youth with recreation, social, and support services. Bill broke
the mold for what it meant to “be cool”. He was an adult
that had a ponytail and sunglasses and could relate with kids so
easily that he might as well have been one of us. He was able to
use this ability to empower the kids and at the same time make them
all feel as if they were the coolest humans on earth.
Today, ten
years later, I have finished the challenges of middle school, high
school and college with continued support and reassurance from the
people at the youth services. I have watched and been involved,
in many ways, as the Youth Services have blossomed into an organization
whose dedication to the youth of our town is unmatched. On a nearly
non-existent budget they have built a community skatepark, have
started high school lacrosse programs for boys and girls, started
a high school girls hockey team, started a youth lacrosse program,
annual fashion shows, concerts, and film festivals, after school
programs for middle school students including an art club, the Zone
at West Middle, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, basketball, and the
list could go on for pages. The summer program is also one of the
most diverse and successful teen-aged based summer programs I have
ever seen or even heard of.
The Andover
Youth Services creates amazing programs for the youth of our town
by taking the ideas of the youth and helping them in making those
ideas a reality. They provide countless hours of service to the
youth creating not just trips or dances or concerts, but experiences.
They are not simply entertaining kids, they are getting to know
them as individuals. Bill Fahey came to Andover and used his personality
and his passion for life to relate to and inspire kids. For ten
years he has taught others to do the same. Anyone who has been involved
with any type of Youth Services program over the past ten years
would be able to tell you about the staff’s ability to create
relationships, experiences, and community, consistently going above
and beyond the expectations of parents and kids alike.
I
am grateful everyday to have met Bill Fahey, Glenn Wilson, Suzie
Clarke, Tony Lombardi and everyone that has ever been involved with
AYS because they constantly remind me that life is not just to be
lived, but that it must be experienced. Ten years ago, the town
of Andover hired Bill Fahey to provide the town’s youth with
recreation, social, and support services. The Andover Youth Services
has taken that mission to extremes in a successful attempt to reach
young people in order to have a positive impact on their lives.
Kevin
Hess
AHS
Class of 2000 / Boston College Class of 2004
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When
I first got into the Youth Services program in 6th grade, I was
extremely shy and quiet. My first summer I went on a few trips,
all of which my friends were going on too. However, the next summer
I decided to branch away from everybody I knew and I went on as
many trips as I could because of all the fun I had the summer before.
By the end of that summer, I had emerged out of my shell.
Making many friends and leaving each summer with tons of new memories,
AYS became a huge part of my life. From seventh grade on I always
knew that when I was feeling upset or down about anything I would
always be welcomed by everybody at AYS. Spending many days after
school in the youth services office I got to know Bill and Glenn
better and found that they take the time to get to know the kids
that go on the trips and participate in the programs that they set
up.
Throughout my 3 years in middle school I participated in many youth
services programs such as rock climbing, venture out, volleyball,
"girls trips", summer programs, hikes, town dances, community
service trips, and much more. Even through high school my friends
and I are still kept busy by AYS through Hypnotude, the Java Jam,
numerous thanksgiving events, concerts, the fashion show, and many
other events.
I think it is important for everybody in Andover to realize that
we should be grateful for what Bill, Glenn, Suzie and Tony have
achieved for the youth in our town. Without them I might still be
the shy and confused person that I was six years ago. They have
inspired me to be who I want to be, not to be molded into the norm
of my surroundings. Anybody who hasn't taken the time to get to
know what AYS is all about and how much they offer to our town's
youth is really missing out.
Leslie
Barber
AHS
Class of 2006 |
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There
is a lasting perception that life is all about winning the crown,
making the team or improving your rank. Luckily, I have had the chance
to understand that such endeavors are only side dishes to the main
course of life. For those who haven’t had the opportunity to
feel the power of change and joy that the Andover Youth Services creates
everyday, you only have to step into the small hole on the third floor
of the town offices to feel it.
Every picture on those walls echoes the memories that so many youths
will forever cherish. If you look close enough, you’ll see a
girl who has been able to forget every care and worry that has ever
weighed on her heart and mind because of the blanket of comfort that
has been so carefully knit by AYS. My involvement with the Youth Council
and the AYS summer programs has not only given me a chance to better
the young woman I am today, but has provided me with an opportunity
to guide other youth with direction they so desperately search for.
Bill Fahey has been the clearing in my foggy and seemingly un-navigable
journey through high school and now college. His passion for life
is something for all to admire. Without it, my days spent in this
town and beyond wouldn’t be nearly as meaningful.
Glenn Wilson has provided me with the confidence to do things on my
own. With simple phrases like “find a way” or “rise
above” I’ve realized that not everything in life is handed
to you. With each attempt at self-sufficiency, I know that if I fall
he’ll be there to catch me.
Tony Lombardi is the smile I hope for at the end of any bad day. With
all the ups and downs of growing up he’ll be the shoulder to
cry on, the ears to talk off or the warm arms of embrace. He has an
uncanny ability to reassure you that everything happens for a reason.
Suzie Clarke is a human representation of compassion. No matter what
obstacles stand in her way, she’ll help you overcome yours first.
Her ability to understand and care for any and all kinds of people
is a skill I hope to be known for. It is a beauty that is rarely seen,
but so greatly needed.
I am witness to the values and memories these individuals have so
selflessly provided to the youth of Andover, day in and day out. I
am proud to be a product of the Andover Youth Services organization
and hope that this testimonial will inspire at least one person to
become involved in this gift to which I am forever indebted.
Sloan McCauley
AHS Class of 2003
UMass Amherst Class of 2007
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The reason why Andover Youth Council has been the most important
to me is it has played incredible music in my life - teaching me
notes from being a strong voice for the youth of my community, to
having the essential keys as an active leader in the town of Andover.
During weekly meetings A.Y.C. continuously was fundraising and creating
unique events and programs organized for children by the children.
This year, the group decided to advocate politically for the youth.
We took a positive vibe to fight for the needs of children in Andover.
The reason why A.Y.C. has been so important to me is it has justly
taught me to, 'Plant trees under whose shade I do not expect to
sit'.
Reena Patel
AHS Class of 2005 |
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From
being a camper, to a volunteer, and now a summer staff member, the
experiences and lessons I have learned through the Andover Youth Services
have been infinite. I cannot imagine my life with Bill, Glenn, Suzie,
or Tony, who have all taught me that it is right to stand up for what
you believe, rather then just to follow the crowd. I have not only
learned new things about myself, but being involved with AYS has taught
me the true meaning of community. The people that I have met have
not only become my consolers, my friends, and my co-workers, but they
have also become part of my family. It is in my deepest hopes that
the hard work of everyone that has ever been involved with AYS will
one day be able to see their accomplishments through the building
of a youth center.
Emily Cummings
AHS Class of 2006 |
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| AYS
helped me realize my priorities. Not by staff members telling me
their values or experiences, but by having me experience new challenges
myself and learn for myself. AYS changed me and other young adults
that I know. They are a group of individuals committed to empowering
the youth and they succeed.”
Patrick Sullivan
Boston College Class of 2005 |
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I've
been asked to write a "testimonial". One of those things
you see telling of a personal experience, recommending a product,
medicine--something. But for the people at AYS it's more of a thank
you. It's merit is priceless and it's success countless. They've
opened my mind and soul and taught me that even though you might
hold pride in your enemies, it's your friends you've got to watch
out for. They keep the fires of youth burning--and we all need those
fires. It's never the wrong time to let the good times roll and
no one knows a good time better than they do. They surely pass the
test.
D. G.
AHS Class of 2008 |
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“Bill
Fahey is the most amazing person, he is an inspiration to me in
so many ways and his vision has truly changed my life for the better.
I feel blessed just knowing the man, but to have been mentored by
him and to have worked along side him is a true honor.”
Mark Outwin
AHS Class of 2001 |
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The
fact that Andover has a group of individuals who not only run a
Youth Services program, but do it with passion and commitment is
amazing. There have been countless summers where the AYS has been
the remedy for my boredom and desire for adventure. Look around
Massachusetts and see how many communities have such a great youth
program. One of the reasons Andover is such a great place to live
is because of its family friendly environment and the Youth Services
definitely contributes to this idea.
Devon |
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