Thursday, July 29 Andover’s Memorial Hall Library will be hosting it’s 5th Annual Vehicle Night from 6-7:30PM. Vehicles from the department of public works and the fire and police departments will be available for viewing and visiting in the library parking lot. What do trucks have to do with Andover Real Estate?  Choosing where to live has as much to do with choosing lifestyle as it does with choosing a homestyle.  The activities and amenities a community has to offer are important factors in deciding where to live.  Many residence of Andover choose to live here because of the activities and services provided for our children both in and out of the classroom.  Vehicle night is just one more example of the fun family activities we enjoy here in Andover.  And be honest…haven’t you ever wondered what it would be like to drive a big red firetruck?

If you live in Andover and have an old fashion “land line” you most likely received a message from the town manager urging residents to restrict outdoor water use.  The brownish lawns in most of our neighborhoods are evidence of how little rainfall we’ve had since the flooding we experienced this spring.  Nevertheless, it’s true, “the extended heat wave… and lack of precipitation has resulted in a diminished water supply,” according to Buzz Stapczynski, Andover Town Manager.  So now I have a real excuse for not washing my car this hot summer weekend!

It’s that fun time of year again!  I’m so thankful to live in this country.  I hope you will take some time this Independence Day to celebrate our treasured heritage with family and loved ones.  Remember always how blessed we are, how important it is to protect our freedom and to give thanks to those who came before us and sacrificed much to leave us the legacy and lifestyle we enjoy today.  To help you enjoy your 4th of July Holiday, here is a list of local holiday events, activities and of course Fireworks!

Andover

Fourth of July Celebration

Saturday, July 3

Fireworks at dusk, Andover High School, Shawsheen Road

Sunday, July 4

Family Fun, the Park, corner of Bartlet and Chestnut streets

8-11 a.m.: Pancake breakfast

8-9:30 a.m.: Live jazz

9 a.m.: Line-up for Horribles Parade

9:30 a.m.: Horribles Parade

10-11 a.m.: Monkey & Me Entertainer

10-11:30 a.m.: games & prizes for the kids

10:30-noon: Live music with Middlesex Concert Band

North Andover

July 3:       Fireworks Middle School 9PM

July 3:  12-9 PM      Town Common in Old Center with family picnic, music by Russ McQueen, beer and wine tent, 5-8 p.m.

July 4:   8-11 AM      Pancake Breakfast

July 4 :  Noon-9PM   Town Common      Food, children’s games, crafters and display tents, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; doll carriage and bike parade, pony rides, beer and wine tent, starting at noon.

Andover’s Shawsheen Plaza Market Basket closed on Saturday.   During my last visit I couldn’t help but reflect on the thousands of times I shopped at that market.  I knew every shelf by memory and the employees were all familiar faces.  I’ve lived in Andover 27 years, so my trips to Andover’s Market Basket have evolved from purchasing baby foods and juice boxes to marshmallow fluff, Cheerios, popcorn and peanut butter and now my empty nester’s produce and yogurts!  Where else do you run into old friends and neighbors but in your local supermarket? Oh I’ll still shop at the other Market Basket locations, but like all real estate, location counts.  Stop and Shop will open in Shawsheen Plaza in October.  I’ll be learning to navigate new aisles and meeting new faces and with luck and good timing I’ll continue to run into my same old friends and Andover neighbors when I run in for fresh bread and milk!

Please drive carefully

School’s out and these hot, summer days are perfect for outdoor activities. Please be careful out there–especially when driving.  I often replace my gym routine with a morning run before heading to my RE/Max office in downtown Andover.  The roads I run along are in residential neighborhoods and if you know Andover you know that very few of our Andover streets have sidewalks. Many wind through wooded areas and tree lined neighborhoods. That leaves little room for walkers, bikers and children.  It’s often impossible to see beyond the upcoming bend in the road. We adults, I trust, are ever diligent, aware of our surroundings and pay close attention for sounds of oncoming vehicles.  Still, I’m often amazed–and alarmed–to witness so many drivers navigating our neighborhood streets at high speeds.  I shudder to think what could happen if a child or young person were on the road instead of me.  Drivers, please slow down and put your cell phones down…school’s out for summer and so are our children!

Caution--turtle crossing

I went for a morning jog in my Andover neighborhood this morning and came across a woman who had stopped her SUV full of young children to escort a turtle across the road.  This was the second time in two days that I came across this same situation, that is, a turtle being guided across a roadway by a concerned citizen. Not being a turtle expert, I can’t say for sure whether or not this was an Eastern Box turtle, or a Blandings Turtle — two species which inhabit the area and which are rare and/or endangered–or perhaps just some other more common species.  However, it struck me not only as a nice gesture but another reminder of the natural environment and resources we have to enjoy here in Andover.  Not only to we have friendly neighborhoods, good schools and people who care about the community, but we’ve got acres of conservation land and walking trails to enjoy right in our own backyards. Have questions about living in Andover or North Andover? Give me call!  In the meantime drive carefully—that spot in the road just might be one of our four-legged friends!

On Saturday May 8, 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Andover,  9 local charities will have volunteers at the far end of the Brickstone Square parking lot (York St, off Rt 133) to collect your clean working used items.  All donations will go to charity organizations that donate, reuse or recycle items from small household items to bay gear, linens, bicycles, small furniture and building materials.  See flyer for more details –  what a great way to support the local Andover community and help organizations dedicated to serving our neighbors in need.

Flood waters in Andover Subside

The sun is shining again today and for most of us that is a welcome sign of relief.  Many homeowners are still cleaning up, drying out wet basements, and beginning to assess the damage to their homes.  While Governor Patrick declared a “State of Emergency” this weekend, that declaration does not mean that the state will provide financial assistance to cities and towns or homeowners affected by the disaster.  Rather, the law authorizes the governor to take measures to protect our  health and safety.   There are areas in Andover and the Merrimack Valley which are prone to flooding during heavy storms like the one we just experienced.  Your buyer agent will guide you through your home search and help you learn about your new neighborhood BEFORE you buy.

Reading today’s edition of the Boston Globe, I came across this comic strip by Terri Libenson….I thought it was a perfect commentary for the last day of winter break in Massachusetts communities!  Enjoy….

The end of winter break in the Andovers

Andover Budget Blog

We all know that the cost of owning a home in Andover is more than just the initial sale price.   Real estate taxes are a large part of your home buget and while no one likes paying taxes, we know that the town services and amenties we enjoy here in Andover come with a cost.  Spring is not only the season of warrmer weather and blossuming trees, but also the season of town meetings and budget discussions.  With that in mind I thought I’d introduce you to the Andover Budget Blog–your chance to follow the discussion,  ask questions and become an informed resident and voter in Andover.