House Gets an Outdoor Oasis
Our Scholars recently returned to an ABC House transformed inside and out in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The ABC Covid Task Force run by Vice President Julie Childs worked all summer to devise strict protocols for a safe reopening,” said President Gaby Nossiff.
“The ABC Covid Task Force worked all summer to devise strict protocols for a safe reopening”
Thanks to generous ABC supporters, the house underwent many improvements over the summer for the Scholars’ safety and comfort. One of the best additions: an outdoor living room outfitted with sectional couches. The outdoor oasis gives the Scholars a safe space to hold meetings with academic advisors and tutors, group dinners, and other educational events.
The money for the outdoor furnishings came from a GoFundMe, organized in July by actress and Andover High alumna Chelsea Frei, that raised $2,000.
“I have seen firsthand how the ABC House is a unique, progressive, and infinitely positive addition to our community,” wrote Frei in her appeal.
Inside the house, almost no corner has gone unchanged. The bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, staircases, kitchen, computer and study rooms — all have been painted, updated and refreshed in anticipation of the Scholars’ spending more time at home learning remotely.
"The AC units in every room are a great new addition," said Abby '21. She also appreciates all the rooms repainted in calming neutral colors. "I'm looking forward to getting back into the routine of school and seeing classmates and teachers again," she said. Her classes include AP Calculus, AP Literature and Chinese.
Under the AHS hybrid plan, the Scholars spend two days per week at school and three at home. This year, for distancing, each young woman has her own bedroom.
Support from longtime and first time donors has covered the unanticipated pandemic-related expenses. In June, the Safely Opening Doors match campaign, launched by Peter and Nancy Jeton, brought in $30,000 in just 9 days.
“Seeking ways to help alleviate the struggles from the pandemic, we wanted to contribute to a small, local, nimble organization that would use the entirety of our gift to directly benefit those in need,” said Peter, a former board member and regular supporter, in a special message.
Although the Welcome Back Open House had to go remote this year, ABC host families arranged a drive-by parade to welcome the girls their first night in Andover.
