It's Party Time in North Andover

The North Andover Police and Fire Departments are hosting a huge town wide party at the North Andover Middle School. The evening will feature food and fun and games as well as an opportunity for the residents to learn more about North Andover’s Crime Watch Program and other efforts to keep North Andover safe. Choosing where to live has as much to do about quality of life and safely as it is about choosing a home style.  National Night Out is one more example of the many activities and community services we enjoy in North Andover.

The finding of the West Nile Virus in a mosquito sample in North Andover prompted the North Andover Board of Health to approve mosquito spraying in an effort to control the spread of the virus.  Spraying is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 12.

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.

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!

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.

One of the fun parts of my job is staying connected with the communities I serve and passing that information along.   Did you know you could shop online AND support the North Andover Youth Center at the same time? Click here for store listings.  Start your North Andover home search or sign up for  my free MLS Property Finder.

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

Your Vote Counts

I’ve been getting calls and emails all week from both campaigns asking for my vote in Tuesday’s special election.  Tomorrow I will cast my vote and I hope you will all do the same. This is an exceedingly important election – your vote will count!

Outdoor fun in Andover

No, the superbowl won’t be as much fun this year for local homeowners without the Patriots…but there still is plenty to do in Andover and North Andover on weekend afternoons.  Here’s one idea for outdoor winter fun. Did you know  you can rent or buy snowshoes or cross country skis at Moore and Mountain 3 Railroad Square, Andover.  Then enjoy some fresh air and exersize on one of our local  trails in Andover or North Andover.