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Well, the heatwave has broken, thank goodness. The combination of the heat and humidity really takes a toll. I feel for the folks that have to work outside in those conditions. I passed one of the hot days by going to see the Minion movie (I love those little yellow guys!) and having lunch with my friend Tammy.

My poor dog, Bocephus, doesn’t understand why he can’t play ball hour after hour outside. I tried to get out early with him to play, but a few days it was already in the 70s and humid.

I usually spend hot days on the river behind my house; most summers there is a nice beach there. Well, this year there was a little erosion of the river bank and quite a steep bank has appeared. I’ll have to take the time to find another way in.

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. We grilled ribs and had pasta and potato salad along with chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting for dessert for a belated birthday for the hubs. We were 8 people in all and it was nice to eat good food and enjoy great company.

It seems like all the festivities held for the holiday were well attended all around.

Now here is some wonderful news about two of our amazing Andover citizens:

Couple Receives LakeSmart Award

Ross and Christine Swain of East Andover recently earned the LakeSmart Award for landscaping their Roxbury Pond property in a way to do their share to protect the water quality of the pond.

To quote a sound bite from a video by the non-profit organization Maine Lakes, “LakeSmart is a program to work with homeowners. It’s no cost, non regulatory, and completely voluntary, and we work with homeowners to reduce stormwater runoff off their property in the hopes of reducing the amount of phosphorus that enters Maine lakes.”

Phosphorus is found naturally in runoff and erosion and is a major contributor to increasing the risk of algae blooms. Ross and Christine are both longtime members of the non-profit organization Lake Stewards of Maine. According to their website, “Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) works to protect Maine lakes and to promote lake stewardship through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible scientific information pertaining to lake health.”

When asked for a comment, Ross said, “Let me write something out for you.” Here it is:

“The recognition from Maine Lakes of our attempts at lake friendly landscaping is appreciated. My hope is that by sharing our news, more campowners will become interested in the LakeSmart program. If anyone wants to see the LakeSmart report on our property, I’m willing to share it to help people understand what this exceptional opportunity provides at no cost. It’s voluntary, free, non-regulatory, educational, and details are not shared without your permission. What’s not to like?”

Congratulations, Ross and Christine! For more info on LakeSmart, go to https://www.lakes.me/lakesmart

Here is the latest schedule of AOHD. Hard to believe that it will be here in a few weeks!

2026 Andover Olde Home Days Schedule-July 31 & August 1

Friday, July 31

3-9PM: Food Trucks, Town Common

4:30-6:30PM: Live Music with Brad Hooper, Town Common

5-6PM: Pie Eating Contest Registration, Town Common

6:30-7PM: Pie Eating Contest, Town Common

7-9PM: Live Music with James Rice, Town Common

Saturday, August 1

7:30AM-4PM: Public Parking, Grimaldi Field

7:30AM-4:30PM: Complimentary Shuttle Services to Town Common, Grimaldi Field

7-7:45AM: Road Race Registration, Andover Elementary School

8AM: Road Race Begins, Andover Elementary School

8AM: Cookie Walk, Andover Congregational Church

8AM: Registration for Mountain Misfits Highland Games, Grimaldi Field

9AM: Backseat Sulky Driver Contest Registration, Tennis Court

9AM: Parade Lineup Starts, Whites Field

9:30AM: Parade Judging, Whites Field

9AM: Highland Games, Grimaldi Field

9AM: Antique, Classic and Hot Rod Cruise-In, Akers Field

9AM-12PM: Photograph Contest and Exhibition, Andover Town Hall

9AM-3PM: Flower Show, Andover Historical Society

10AM: Parade Starts, Whites Field

11AM-1PM: Children’s Games and Activities, Ball Field

11AM-1PM: Backseat Sulky Driver Contest, Tennis Court

11AM-3PM: Art Show, Andover Historical Society

11AM-4PM: Wooden Foundry Patterns Display, Library Community Room

11AM: Fly Casting Contest, Morse Field

11AM: Antique Tractor Pull, Grimaldi Field

11:30AM: Chicken BBQ, Fire Station

11AM: Women’s Skillet Toss Registration, Field Next to Mills Market

11:30AM: Women’s Skillet Toss, Field Next to Mills Market

11AM-4PM: Book Sale and Basket Raffle, Andover Public Library

12-3PM: Cornhole Tournament, Field Next to Mills Market

1PM: First Button Drawing, Gazebo on the Town Common

1-2PM: Sing-Along, Andover Congregational Church

2PM: Andover Service Circle Raffle, Town Common

2:30PM: Second Button Drawing | Grand Prize, Gazebo on the Town Common

3PM: Ellis River Riders Gymkhana Show, Airport Road

3:30PM: 50/50 Drawing with Service Circle, Town Common

4PM: Mowta Speedway Lawnmower Races, Grimaldi Field

6:30-9:30PM: Town Dance, Lone Mountain Campground

Now here is some news about the upcoming concert from the Andover Summer Concert Series:

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! Friday, July 10th from 6 to 8 pm we’ll welcome back to the stage at the Andover Congregational Church...BARNEY MARTIN! Barney has entertained us for the past few years and NEVER fails to get everyone singing along! What a great show he puts on, well... you put on...’cause he’ll get you to do half the work...and it is AWESOME! If you haven’t been yet to Barney’s show...you gotta come out on Friday, July 10, to the Andover Congregational Church, adjacent to the Intersection of Rt 5 and Rt 120 in sunny Andover, Maine! Concert starts at 6 pm. I’m hoping Bob will feel up to going so we can attend. I have seen Barney perform in the past and he does indeed put on a great show.

Please send any new or events to diananadeau@ymail.com

Being that the June 9 local election did not result in the third Selectboard seat being filled, as no nomination papers were taken out by prospective candidates and the write-in with the most votes is unable to serve at this time, the Selectboard voted …

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I hope all the wonderful dads had a great Father’s Day. Bob and I hosted my dad, our sons Brandon and Hunter, and also Hunter’s girlfriend Amanda. Burgers on the grill and homemade French fries were on the menu along with cobbler from The Southern Spoon in Bryant Pond—please check out her Facebook page. Everything is delicious and beautifully made! I purchased a strawberry rhubarb and mixed berry cobblers. They were a perfect way to top off the meal.

The 2026 moose lottery was held last weekend and alas my name wasn’t drawn. I did see a few familiar names on the list however. Good luck and safe hunting to all that were drawn.

I was very lucky to see a doe and her skipper on my trail camera a couple of weeks ago. There have been a few small bucks and a coyote also.

There are some wonderful happenings in town for our young residents and visitors alike. The Andover Volunteer Fire Department along with Jim Adler and the J.L. Adler Carpentry crew have pooled funds and donated time to build an awesome wooden playhouse in the village. It is a work in progress but, when finished, it will be a sight to behold. This is exactly why I love this town, amazing things like this happen here.

Another good thing is once again our Main Street, and other spots around town, are festooned with the American flags thanks to Per Tripp, the Andover Highway Department and other flag crew members. It looks picturesque.

Andover Olde Home Days seems like it will be here before you know it. Let me share a bit of info that I have so far:

Mark your calendars! Andover Olde Home Days kicks off Friday, July 31st, and there is plenty to look forward to right out of the gate. Friday evening on The Common runs 3–9 PM with food trucks, live music from Brad Hooper and James Rice, a local art show, and our first annual pie eating contest — open to all ages, with registration on the a common from 5–6 PM. Raffle buttons and Olde Home Days t-shirts will also be available for purchase on site.

In case you missed it, this year’s grand raffle prize was proudly donated by Clean Cut Painting, which includes two contractors for 10 hours each, plus up to $500 in materials, all put toward a project of your choosing. That’s a real, hands-on value worth $2,500.

Raffle buttons are available now at Mills’ Market, Pete’s Hardware, and Aroma Joe’s in Bethel, with drawings held at 1PM and 2:30PM on August 1 at the Gazebo.

And that’s just Friday. Saturday, August 1, brings another full day of community and fun! The full schedule is coming soon! Thanks go out to Claire for emailing me the info on the 73rd Annual Flower Show being held on Saturday August 1, 2026 at the Andover Historical Society Building. Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America. Categories

1. Statue of Liberty - Single Specimen, bottles provided by AHS.

2. Broad Stripes Bright Stars - Arrangement in red, white or blue container.

3. Purple Mountains Majesty - Arrangement using wooden container.

4. Amber Waves of Grain - Wildflowers, herbs, grasses.

5. National Parks - Ages 8 – under.

6. Happy Birthday America - Arrangement and container of your choice

Mountain greenery and accessories permitted. Please no artificial flowers. AHS will exercise all care, but cannot be responsible for loss or breakage. Entries need to be received between 5:30 and 7:30 PM Friday, July 31. Judging to follow.

First Place (Blue), Second Place (Red), Third Place (Yellow), Honorable Mention (White), Judge’s Award and Best in Show ribbons will be awarded.

Arrangements available for viewing all day Saturday. Please pick up arrangements Saturday between 3 and 3:30 PM (If possible, no earlier, no later.)

Just a reminder that the Town Office will be closed on Tuesday, June 30, for the Fiscal End of Year close-out.

The Town of Andover has a 1990 International 2554 single axle plow/dump truck, with 137,260 miles, for sale. The truck is being sold AS IS, WHERE IS using the bidding process. The truck sale includes the sander and wing plow but NO front plow. The Select Board has set a $5,000 minimum bid. Any questions about the unit can be directed to Per Tripp, Road Commissioner, at arc@andovermaine.gov or by calling the highway cell phone: 207-392-5063. Please submit bids to selectboard@andovermaine.gov

The Andover Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and has just changed its hours to 8-10 am. They will be closed this coming Tuesday the 30th for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. This is such a wonderful resource for Andover and the surrounding towns of Upton, Byron, Roxbury and Hanover. Quite a bit of hard work is put in by the many volunteers. They are always looking for extra hands. Please stop by during open hours on a Tuesday if you have any questions about volunteering.

If you have any news or events to share please send them my way diananadeau@ymail.com

My friend Missy was camping at Lone Mountain Campground right up the street from me last week and I was able to go and have a nice afternoon visit sitting in her gorgeous camper enjoying the tranquil day. It was nice to catch up.

Then this past weekend my dear friend Tammy inv…

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The fifth grade class at Andover Elementary School had their graduation ceremony on June 8th. Best of luck to them all toward their middle school journey.

The Andover Elementary School also had its last student day today (6/9). A perfectly hot day for school to have an early dismissal. Please stay extra vigilant these next few months as the kids will be out and about enjoying their summer break. SAD #44 will be released early this Friday the 12th for their summer vacation. I hope that all my school staff friends savor these beautiful summer months and take time to recuperate!

There are 3 dates in July that AES will be offering some playdates with some fun activities: School may be over for the year but AES is still a family. Come join us for Play Dates this summer! We will be making crafts, gardening, playing in the sprinkler, and baking. All products will be for sale at the AES table at Olde Home Days. All funds raised will support the Homestead Project and the AES After School Program. We welcome all children ages 4 - 12 whether they come to our school or not. Come and be part of the fun! Please register at this link: [https://forms.gle/GMaVTV8BzVGeUrf48](https://forms.gle/GMaVTV8BzVGeUrf48) What a great way to spend a day or two, or three this summer, even for young visitors to our area.

The Lone Mountain Campground is ready for a busy summer season. A-frame cabins #3 and #4 are under construction. They will be ready for rental by Memorial Day of 2027. The campground is holding a T-shirt design contest for America’s 250th Birthday. Deadline is tomorrow June 12th...sorry for the late info! Please see the attached picture for all the details.

The second annual craft fair will be taking place on June 20th with over 20 vendors scheduled along with a food and beverage truck in attendance. Their gorgeous pool is now open and they once again will be offering public swims Monday-Thursday for $10 per person. Please contact the campground for any questions about these upcoming events: (207) 392-0019.

It seems that August is far away, however, the Andover Olde Home Days buttons are now available! You can pick yours up at Mills Market, Pete’s Hardware, and Aroma Joe’s in Bethel, with more locations coming soon. Buttons are just $1 each.

The AOHD committee is thrilled to announce this year’s grand prize, proudly donated by Clean Cut Painting. This is a truly exceptional gift: two professional painters for ten hours of labor each, plus up to $500 in materials covered. Whether you’ve been putting off a room refresh, or you have some trim that needs attention, or a bigger project in mind, this prize puts real skilled hands to work for you. All told, it’s a $2,500 value, and the committee is so very grateful for Clean Cut Painting’s generosity and support of our community. More prizes will be announced soon.

Raffles will be held at 1 PM and 2:30 PM on August 1st at the gazebo. If your number is called, you’ll need to present your winning button in person to claim your prize. These buttons usually get snapped up quite quickly so get yours soon.

I truly love attending the annual AOHD each year. Such a day of community, events, food and fun to take in. You always run into people that you don’t always get a chance to see. The committee works very hard for months to make this day amazing for everyone. Andover is a very special place and I just love that this is my hometown and that I get to reside here, the place where my heart has always called home.

The AOHD Amateur Photography Contest will be taking place again in 2026 thanks to Chad Bishop and crew. It will be held August 1st from 9 AM-1 PM downstairs at the Andover Town Hall. The six categories will be: portrait, landscape, black & white, flowers, birds/animals and the theme of this year’s AOHD, “A River Valley Playground.” There will be two age groups, adult and children, for each category. Limit of three entries per person per category. You cannot use the same photo for multiple categories. You must include your name, age group and category on each entry. Drop-off times are Wednesday, July 29^th, 12-3 PM, Thursday, July 30^th, 3-6 PM and Friday, July 31^st, 10 AM-2 PM...this day is the deadline as judging will take place. No professionals please!

I guess I need to go through some of my Ireland pictures to see if any are worthy of entering. I always try to submit some of my photos each year. I love looking at all the pictures that are submitted; there are really some talented amateur photographers out there. Please take a look through your photographs as well and c’mon up and enter them! Thanks again to Chad for keeping this going. If you have any questions please reach out to him at chadjosephbishop@gmail.com

Keep an eye out for Andover’s own Kate’s Kones to open for the season very soon. Nothing is more refreshing on a warm summer day than a freshly scooped ice cream. Please check the Facebook page Kate’s Kones for updates. Ice cream for supper? Why not!

This Friday, June 12^th, the Andover Summer Concert Series continues with the band “Drunk in Public.” It runs from 6-8 PM on the town common, rain or shine. All concerts are free with donations gladly accepted. I regretfully have other plans this weekend or I would be there in my lawn chair listening to the music. Big thanks to Pete Coolidge and his cohorts for bringing us another season of wonderful concerts.

The Andover Public Library, 46 Church Street, will be holding a few events this Saturday, June 13th. From 10 AM-1 PM will be the annual plant sale. There will be seedlings, flowers, perennials and house plants available. There will also be a tag sale taking place during those same hours. The final event of the day will be held from 2-4 PM, an Author Talk with local author Karen Swasey.

I decided to plant a “patio garden” this year. Just one Roma tomato plant and one pickling cucumber plant. They both are in plant pots on the back deck with tomato cages in place; hopefully this will deter my pets from letting their curiosity get the best of them.

My son Brandon gifted me two blueberry bushes for Mother’s Day this year. I’m hoping they will continue to grow and provide some delicious blueberries. I received a rhubarb plant from a neighbor last year and that is doing very well this year. Growing up we had two very large rhubarb patches at home. I remember my sister and I putting some sugar in a Dixie cup and each of us getting a piece of rhubarb to snack on. A dip in the sugar then a bite, a dip in the sugar and a bite and so on. Ahhh, the simple times of childhood. I hope you all have a very good week and as always, please send me any new or events.

diananadeau@ymail.com

The annual Alumni Banquet was recently held to celebrate our 2026 graduates. Karen Thurston was nice enough to share the following information of presented scholarships: Seniors in attendance were Dani Luce and Josie Robinson. There is a third senior, Hannah Bailey. Andover Educational Fund Fox Scholarship-Josie Robinson, Thurston Scholarship-Dani Luce, Sweatt Scholarship-Dani Luce, Andover Service Circle-Josie Robinson & Dani Luce .Walter Fox Book Award grade 6- Emma Andexler, grade 7- Thomas Gammon, grade 8- Adalyn Swasey, grade 9- Wesley Costa, grade 10- no nominees this year, grade 11- Hannah Stetson, grade 12- Hannah Bailey. Oh and… Allyson Hodson Memorial (for a junior who excels in literature) Sophia Percival, Michael Marston (to a senior who excels in Region 9 studies and is continuing their education) Dani Luce.

This past weekend was the Moon Dance Farm goat cuddling event. I usually lend a hand as a “goat ambassador” but I was unable to attend this year.

Nothing says spring like those cute little kids making their appearance in the world. And the goodies made from the milk are delicious! Cheeses, yogurt and cajeta (caramel sauce) which is the best on ice cream or for dipping fresh crispy apples in.

The Gammon Bison Farm welcomed baby #13 today... a baker’s dozen!

Some dates to mark on your calendars are:

Wednesday, June 10^th: Darlene Akers at the Dragonfly Healing Nest, 51 Akers Way, will be having an Open Nest Evening from 5-7 pm. Plant Swap and Teaching Garden Tour at 6 pm. Bring your extra seedlings, winter sowing extras, and/or perennials to share and go home with plants you would like in exchange. There will be plants flagged in the Teaching Garden that can be dug. Pots and tools to use will be available. There will also be a few select medicinal plants for sale. The Nest retail and in-house library will be open. Please note: The retail checkout will be closed during plant swap and teaching garden tour at 6pm, but will reopen shortly after.

Saturday, June 13^th: the annual plant sale will be taking place at the Andover Public Library. This will be held from 10-1 pm. After that there will be an Author Talk with Karen Swasey at the library from 2-4 pm.

I paid another visit to the library today to return “Project Hail Mary,” which I liked very much. Librarian Janet Farrington reserved “Remarkably Bright Creatures” for me and I was able to bring that home. Here’s hoping the firewood chores don’t interfere with some reading time. It was great to see young Miss Hannah Thacker helping out behind the library desk.

Another event in Andover will take place on June 20th from 9 am-2 pm at the Lone Mountain Campground will be holding their 2nd annual craft & vendor market. The first year had over 20 vendors and there will certainly be more this year. They also will have a food truck along with coffee & lemonade. If you are interested in a vendor spot, please email the campground at info@lonemountaincamping.com. I attended last year and the variety of crafters and vendors was wonderful. Lone Mountain Campground is growing by leaps and bounds; please take a ride up and see all they have to offer.

Here is a fun treasure hunt put on by our neighbors, The Ellis Pond Sidekicks: The Ellis Pond Sidekicks July magnet hunts are a month away. The hunts are open to the public and some of the magnets will be hidden in Andover. There are two hunts. One is for anyone and one is for kids 12 and under. To see the clues, you’ll need to be on Ellis Pond Sidekicks Facebook page. If you click to join, remember to answer three simple questions and agree to the rules or the FB bots will ignore the request. This sounds like a great activity for families to take part in once July arrives. I have fond memories of swimming at “The Pond” as a kid growing up in Andover.

On Saturday, June 13^th, the Ellis River Riders will be holding an open show at their grounds, 76 Airport Road, starting at 9 am, then on Sunday the 14th there will be a gymkhana show starting at 9 am. So many things to do and see in Andover this month! Please come on up and join in on one or all events!

Please send me any news or events diananadeau@ymail.com.

While I was at the library I was able to take out the book “Project Hail Mary” which I had seen with my family on Mother’s Day. I am really enjoying it. Now I’m on the wait list for the book “Remarkably Bright Creatures” which I watched recently on Netflix. I’m excited to read that one as well. People say the book is much more detailed; time will tell!

I just love visiting the library. It is such a wonderful old building with so many books full of stories to tell. There is also a beautiful cardinal puzzle being built at the moment by those who want to take a few minutes away from the shelves of books.

On Friday I travelled with one of my former Bethel Citizen sales team coworkers to Portland. We started off the evening with an amazing meal at The Corner Room. Then we went to a venue called Aura to see the front man of one of my favorite ‘80s hair bands, Cinderella, Tom Keifer. Seeing as it was general admission, Jenn and I actually found room on the floor in front of the stage to enjoy the music. The show didn’t start until 9 pm and ended about 11:30. That didn’t count the time that we stood outside waiting for the doors to open. My feet and knees paid for it the next day but it was 100% worth it. I finally crawled into bed at 2 am and fell asleep almost immediately. Such a great night out...thanks Jenn!

On Monday my dad and I attended the Andover Memorial Day Service on the Common. Despite the pouring rain there was a very good turnout. It started with an opening prayer along with the Pledge of Allegiance. Hannah Thacker once again graced us with her beautiful, powerful voice by singing the National Anthem. A bell was tolled 28 times for the Andover men who died in service to our country during the Civil War, World War I and World War II. Christine Swain then read “Flander’s Field” and “We Shall Keep the Faith.” A placing of the Memorial wreaths, lowering of the flag and “Taps” followed by a closing benediction finished the ceremony.

After that a small group of gentlemen gathered at the Andover Historical Society Building to meet with reporter Rose Lincoln. The group had one thing in common, that they had all worked at one time at the Andover Earth Station in some capacity. I had reached out to Rose to see if she would be interested to hear some stories and history of the “Bubble.” My dear dad was one of them, and seeing as that he just celebrated his 89th birthday, it seemed important to gather these gentlemen before all these times and stories are forgotten. Please be on the lookout for this article to be published in a future Bethel Citizen. Thanks go out to my dad Ken Field, Dan Clark, David White, Danny White, Steve Hall and Rose Lincoln for indulging me to make this gathering happen. A huge thanks go out to Claire Sessions for taking time out of her day and letting us use the AHS building. Thank you Claire!

The Acoustipalians will kick off the Andover Summer Concert Series this Friday night, the 29th, on the Common. Concerts are held from 6-8 rain or shine, and are free to the public with donations gratefully accepted. Let’s all hope for great weather for the start of the 13th season; music always seems a bit better under clear skies.

The family of Edith “Joanne” Palmer wanted me to put in a reminder that she will be laid to rest this Friday the 29th. It will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Andover at 2 pm.

Goat cuddling is taking place this weekend, Saturday May 30th at Moon Dance Farm. Reservations are required. Reserve your 30-minute session to cuddle the adorable goat kids. $9 per person or a family for $25 (children under 2 years old are free). Currently booking from 9am to noon, rain or shine. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes for safety. And bring your camera! 660 South Main St., Andover. Also booking limited private sessions; inquire by text 357-8909.

Also taking place this Saturday, May 30^th, is the annual Andover Town Meeting. It will be held upstairs at the Andover Town Hall beginning at 8 am. Absentee Ballots are now available at the Andover Town Office for the June 9, 2026 election.

Please share any news or events with me. I like to wrap things up by Tuesday evening for publication on Thursday. diananadeau@ymail.com

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Also, the Gammon Bison Farm has had 8 new bison calves born to date this spring. They have 19 adults, 18 ladies and one lucky studley guy named Henry. I stopped along the fence to watch them and take a few pictures and some of the younger adults treated me to a raucous race. They certainly were thundering about on that beautiful spring day.

In the fall the farm puts out the call for leftover, paint and wax free, Halloween pumpkins. You can drive up and stop by the fence and toss the pumpkins over. As soon as they see a car pull up alongside the fence the herd comes to inspect very quickly. This has become an early November tradition for me and let me tell you, those bison make short work of those pumpkins. Come take a nice pleasant ride to Andover to check out these majestic creatures for yourselves.

I had a great Mother’s Day. My husband, Bob, made me a delicious breakfast, then I got to spend time with my boys, Brandon and Hunter, along with Hunter’s girlfriend Amanda at the movies. I was finally able to see “Project Hail Mary.” We all really liked it. Now I need to read the book! I hope all the moms out there enjoyed their day as well.

Andover Historical Society member and author Peter Stowell will be at the Andover Historical Society building, 32 Elm Street, to update everyone on his new book. The name of the book is “The Fabric of Andover” which is due out soon. He will be speaking Thursday the 14th (tonight) at 6 pm. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

I received a wonderful email from Penny Percival with very kind words and also some information from the Andover Public Library and the Andover Educational Fund. On Wednesday, May 20^th, there will be a cookbook swap at the library from 3-5 pm. It’s just what it sounds like - bring cookbooks you don’t use anymore to pass along to someone else and pick up new-to-you books to test out. I’m sure there will be a lot of discussions about favorite books and recipes - and you can’t beat the price, free! This is such a great idea! Looks like it’s time to go through mine as I have been known to have just a few.

Mark your calendars for June 13th. The annual plant sale will be held at the library from 9-1. The same day from 2-4 the library will be hosting an author talk with Karen Swasey.

The Andover Educational Fund has scholarship funds available for our Adult Education program. Details are at on the website, andoveredfund.org

You must be an Andover resident aged 25 or older to qualify, and the course work or training must be career-related. Other than this, the application process is very straightforward and the AEF would love to help you advance in your current job or start down a new career path. Folks can email me at adulted@andoveredfund.org with questions. I’m always happy to chat.

The Lone Mountain Campground is open for the season and they are looking for a summer pool attendant. This position runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Saturdays and Sundays from 11am- 5pm. Holiday weekends would include Friday night as well from 3pm-7pm. Perfect for a high schooler or someone looking for a summer job. Job details: Respectfully enforcing pool rules, keeping the pool complex neat and clean and daily pool complex safety checks. Please give the campground a call at 207-392-0019 if interested or stop by the campground to fill out an application.

Welcome to Donald Brann, who has been hired as the Highway 1 employee. Donnie will begin training on May 18th. He has worked at a local ski mountain for the past 10 years doing maintenance and mechanical work and plowing snow. Best of luck to you, Donnie!

This is the last weekend for the Transfer Station “Spring Clean Up.” They are accepting bulky items such as a mattress, box springs, upholstered chairs, couches, etc. All require fees to leave at the Transfer Station and they can be paid for at the Town Office and then brought the facility with a receipt of payment.

A date for your calendars is Saturday, May 23^rd, for the Annual Alumni Banquet. It is being held at the Andover Town Hall beginning at 4:30 pm for social hour. Then it will be dinner and awards to follow. The newest graduates will be honored along with the class of 1976 for their 50th year. RSVP’s were due on April 30th. If you need to get in touch with the Alumni Association to see if there is seating still available please mail your request to Andover Alumni Association PO Box 64 Andover ME 04216. Please include your name, address, year of graduation, and number of people attending. The cost is $16 per person. Fingers crossed that they can accommodate you.

Another date to mark down is the Andover Annual Town Meeting. It will be held upstairs at the Town Hall on Saturday, May 30^th, beginning at 8 am.

My dear sweet dad, Ken Field, celebrated his 89th birthday yesterday. We are very lucky to have him and I am hopeful that we will be able to go out deer hunting together once again this fall. My husband and I are doing his firewood for him but he is still going to be gardening this summer; can’t keep a good (and stubborn) man down. Love you, dad!

Please reach out with any news or events. diananadeau@ymail.com

Rhonda Jodrey wanted me to share that the burial for her mother, Edith “Joanne” Palmer, …

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We have been very busy in the Nadeau household doing firewood when time permits. My husband is making the most of his mud season days by running the wood splitter while I stack when I have downtime. We are doing my dad’s wood for his house as well and he has helped with stacking a bit. I for one can say I will be happy when this chore is behind us. I just keep reminding myself that firewood warms you twice, once when you are getting it ready in the spring and summer, then again in the fall and winter when it’s burning.

We have lost one of our buff Orpington hens to a crafty fox and had a close call with another this past Sunday. I was able to scare it off and it only got away with a mouthful of tail feathers. No more free-range time for the remaining 12 for the time being.

I am happy to report that the Andover Summer Concert Series lineup for 2026 has been announced. It all kicks off its 13th season on May 29 at 6 p.m. with the Acoustipalians. Nothing says summer has arrived like gathering on the Town Common and listening to music wafting in the evening air from the Bandstand. I will update each performer as the summer commences. All concerts are free but donations are greatly appreciated. Thanks again to Pete Coolidge for bringing this much loved series back to us for another year. Please try to make the trip up to Andover this season to partake of our wonderful summer tradition.

There will be a “Clean Up the Common” day at the Andover Common this Saturday May 2, starting at 10 a.m. Needed are volunteers with rakes, shovels for scooping up acorns, and disposable containers to put the acorns in. Please share this event with your family and friends. “Many hands make light work.”

If any high school student needs community service hours, this is a great opportunity. So many events take place on our beautiful town common throughout the year, so lending a hand to make it more beautiful is a no brainer.

One of the major annual events that is held is Andover Olde Home Days. The theme this year is “River Valley Playground.” Buttons and T-shirts will be available for purchase soon. I’m sure I will have an update when they hit the local businesses.

The Andover Elementary School has a “Paint & Snack” fifth grade fundraiser coming up on May 9. I will gather more info to add in next week’s column.

There is also still time to enroll your child in the early childhood, pre-k or kindergarten programs for the upcoming school year. Please call the Andover Elementary School for more information (207) 392-4381.

My husband, Bob, and I attended the Public Informational Meeting held at the Andover Town Hall on the evening of the 28th. Quite a few topics were discussed; among them were FEMA road work updates and an alternative town government. I wish I could have seen more people in the seats.

As a former secretary to the Andover Select Board I can certainly tell you that a lot of hard work and many hours go into running the town, by select board members as well as the employees in the town office and all the other good folks that work in all the different departments in town. It is really important to be present and vote at the annual town meeting. This year it will be held on Saturday, May 30, at the Town Hall beginning at 8 a.m. Please come and make your voice heard about the important articles that will be presented.

I hope you all have enjoyed the warm temperatures and sunshine; we do have some much needed rain coming. That should certainly green things up and put the fire danger down a bit. I have many buds on my 3 lilac bushes this year, I can’t wait for that heavenly scent!

Please send any news or events my way. diananadeau@ymail.com

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The hens have had their coop spring cleaned...I just wish I had time to do my “coop”! Hopefully in good time.

I was able to attend the visitation for Maureen Swain this past weekend. Although I only met her a handful of times, I got to know her by the stories told by her loved ones. There was a wonderful slide show with pictures of her throughout her life. It was lovely.

Claire Sessions again came through with some information from the Rec. Committee:

We have now placed a net, four paddles, and some balls at the outside pickleball court. The equipment is stored in the large black box located on the court and is available to anyone at any time, weather permitting.

We ask, if you have never put together the net, to reach out to any Rec. Committee member via the Messenger app on Facebook for a short tutorial. Once you see it done, it will be easy to do. It can be a bit confusing when you first look inside the carrying bag.

Also, please make sure you return the equipment to the box as you found it. Should there be an issue with any of the equipment, please reach out to us so that we can fix it and ensure everything is ready for the next set of players.

Inside Pickleball at the school will continue for a few more weeks.

The Rec. Committee is in conjunction with the Andover Common Folk. On “Green-Up Day,” Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 starting at 10:00am, we are inviting the community to come and help us clean up the Common from the winter debris. We need folks with rakes, shovels for the acorns and disposable, biodegradable containers to put them in. Sturdy, reasonably sized cardboard boxes would be appropriate.

The Common is at the heart of our community, where many fine events happen, bringing everyone together to enjoy the space. Let’s help out our Town Crew by getting the Common ready for our upcoming Concert Series and Andover Old Home Days—”Many hands make light work.”

The town of Andover never ceases to amaze me. I am sure that there will be a great turn out for this clean-up day. If anyone has a student that needs community service hours’ I believe that this is an awesome opportunity. If time permits I hope to lend a hand as well. Many people enjoy the town common for all sorts of events. It truly is the heart of our town.

The Andover Historical Society is in works to have a new Andover blanket available for purchase in the near future. The new design is at the weavers! Quite a few years back these were for sale and were snatched up quite quickly. I’m very excited for this new design to be available. It again has the Andover Earth Station (The Site, The Bubble etc.) on it where my dad worked for many many years. I have no doubt it will be very popular for those that live in Andover and for those family members and loved ones that have moved away.

The blankets will be 52x64 and have no fringe this time as the other one had. Once they know the cost they will begin taking prepaid orders. The AHS also hopes to have some available for Andover Old Home Days. These would make great holiday gifts! Please stay tuned for more details on these.

The Historical Society has, in its possession, a very large and very heavy safe in the basement that is taking up valuable storage space. If you, or anyone you know, recycles scrap metal, they would love to talk to you. You would need to have the appropriate equipment capable of safely removing the safe and liability insurance. You can send a message to them directly via their Facebook page: Andover Maine Historical Society and Museum, or send me an email and I can get your information to them.

Mills’ Market is hiring for the summer season. They are looking for motivated, reliable people to join their team. Hiring for: cooks, cashiers, waitstaff, prep cooks and dishwashers. If you’re hardworking, enjoy a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a four-generation, family-owned small business, they would love to hear from you! Apply in person at Mills’ Market. Come be part of a place where everyone pitches in and works together!

Mark your calendars for the ever popular Annual Birthday Supper. This will be held at the Andover Congregational Church on April 25th at 5 pm. The menu this year consists of shepherd’s pie, cole slaw, homemade rolls and of course...the most delicious fancy birthday cakes. The cost is by donation.

My predecessor Jane Rich knew all the history of this annual gathering. It has been going on for decades. I believe that the only time it was canceled was during the war because of the food rationing. If I can find the history on it I will try and write about it in a future column. Please send any news or events my way.

diananadeau@ymail.com

On Easter Sunday I entertained 5 people (myself included). I had my hubby, my dad, my son and his girlfriend. My brother-in-law was under the weather and unfortunately couldn’t make it.

I cooked my spiral ham in my…

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All the snow that fell from the last storm has melted nicely from our driveway, which the chickens love! But the mud, oh my goodness the mud. I may have to give up washing my kitchen floor (thanks to Bocephus) until some time in June. It seems like we are in the midst of an unsettled weather week. Am I correct that it is April and indeed spring?

Just a reminder that the Annual Mills Market Easter Egg Hunt takes place this Saturday the 4th at 9:00 a.m. Please keep an eye out and drive carefully if you are going through the village at this time. Big thanks to the Trish Mills & Family and to all the helpers that have kept this time honored tradition going for our town.

Claire Sessions was kind enough to send me some info for this week’s column: Here are some tidbits for you from the Historical Society and Rec. Committee.

Andover Historical Society: The annual meeting will be held on Thursday, April 9th at 6:00 p.mm at our in-town building. We would love to see some new faces, tell you all about our past year and add new members to our roster. A new book titled “The Fabric of Andover,” written by Peter Stowell, is nearing completion and we hope to have copies available for purchase at Andover Olde Home Days.

Rec. Committee: We continue to provide Pickleball play time at AES three nights a week. Tues/Thurs. Wednesdays are for those who need more practice or want to learn how to play in a slightly less challenging environment. All play starts at 6:00 p.m. and generally ends at 8:30. For those who would like to stay connected digitally, the “TeamReach” app is available for free download. We are listed as Andover, ME Pickleball. Dates and times for all play are listed along with a message board for member communication. To sign up for Team Reach, use Group code: And04216. I hope some local folks sign up and join in on the fun. The outdoor court was redone last year and will be in use this summer I have no doubt. Look here for updates.

If you happened to hear a helicopter flying around Andover on Saturday the 28th, fear not. The Andover Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Maine Forest Service for coming to Andover to provide some familiarization and training in Helo Ops. A few of the members got to take a ride with their outstanding crew. Great teamwork by one and all.

Another wonderful resource we have in Andover is Darlene Akers and her Dragonfly Healing Nest. Her next upcoming class is: Wild Cherry Medicine Saturday, April 11th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Betula Botanical Sanctuary at 4 Cardinal Way, Andover, Maine. This will be a hands on class; learn how to process the bark of Black Cherry, Prunus sertonia. We will explore the medicinal properties of the wild cherry tree. We will also play with rooting some branches. Energy Exchange: $30 You will go home with the bark that you process and cuttings to root. Contact Darlene for directions at dragonflyhealingnest@gmail.com; this address is not on Google maps. What to bring: A knife to process bark, a water bottle, a journal/pen and comfortable clothing to be outside. You can always check out Darlene’s Facebook page, Dragonfly Healing Nest, for any info on upcoming classes.

The Andover Snow Valley Sno-goers will be holding their season end meeting and election of officers on Saturday, April 11th. This will take place at the Andover Town Hall from 5-8 p.m. There will be a pizza supper from 5-6:30, then from 6:30-8 an end of year recap and highlights. Also an election of officers for the 2026/2027 season. All are welcome to attend. For more info please call (207) 233-0468.

A reminder from the Town office: Dogs must be registered in the town where they live, with proof of rabies vaccination and spay/neuter certificates needed to complete the registration. Registration fees support local Animal Control Officers, rabies control, and animal welfare investigations. Dogs residing in Andover are registered at the Town Office. The annual fee for licensing (male or female) is $6.00 for neutered/spayed and $13 for all others. Failing to register a dog in Maine (by Jan 31st) results in a $25 late fee per dog. It is a civil violation that can lead to a court summons and fines of up to $100. For dangerous dogs, late fees can reach $150. Licenses are required annually for dogs over 6 months old. On April 1, 2026 the Animal Control Officer will be provided a list of dogs that are not currently registered in the Town to follow up with owners.

The last Cabin Fever Reliever will be held this Saturday the 11th from 10-2 at the Andover Congregational Church. Bring any craft project to work on. Coffee and tea are provided. From what I have been told this has been a wonderful thing for folks to get out for a few hours during this past winter. I am hoping that it will return again next year.

In closing I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter. I hope you all have a chance to visit with family, friends and loved ones. Please feel free to send me news or events to share. diananadeau@ymail.com

The Town of Andover Highway Department has an immediate opening for a full…

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Well, Mother Nature has spoken. It was announced by the Andover Snow Valley Sno-goers that all trails are now closed. They have also had to cancel the sliding party event that was scheduled for this Saturday. They plan on holding one next winter.

I was saddened to hear that Justin Thacker will not be seeking reelection for the town of Andover’s Select Person seat. He has been a wonderful asset for our town and I was very fortunate to work alongside him for a time. He will certainly be missed.

Nomination papers are available at the Town Office during regular business hours for this position as well as two Andover School Board positions. These need to be submitted by Monday, April 27, before 1:00 pm.

If you have any news or events to share please send them my way. diananadeau@ymail.com

The club is planning to have a sliding party/cookout for the kids and who think they are still…

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If you are looking for something a little more low-key then maybe the Cabin Fever Reliever is for you. This Saturday, the 7^th, is the only date for the month of March. It is held at the Andover Congregational Church from 10-2. Bring along your craft project and settle in with fellow crafters for a few relaxing hours. Bring along a snack; coffee and tea are provided.

The Andover Elementary students had the opportunity to have their PE and Art teacher, Mrs. Harris, visit the school and share with them the fascinating process of tapping maple trees and collecting sap. Her family owns and operates a sugar shack. Once the sap is collected, the students will have the incredible opportunity to visit Mrs. Harris’s family farm to see firsthand how the sap is boiled down and transformed into delicious maple syrup. A sweet learning experience awaits! A sure sign that spring is near when you see the maple trees being tapped. Always makes you wonder...who came up with this idea? Let’s take this tree juice and boil it...it will be delicious! Haha.

Here is some budget news from AES: The budget for FY 27 (26-27) is currently being finalized. The draft budget will be presented on March 11, 2026, at a regular school board meeting. We start at 5:00 p.m., and the meeting is held in the AES Library. All are invited to attend. The AES budget includes the cost for educating all Andover students in PreK - Grade 12. This is generally between 65-67 students. We pay tuition, special ed costs, and bussing for middle school and high school students attending both SAD 44 and RSU 10. We do have some middle/high school Andover students attending private schools, so we also pay that tuition. (The state sets the tuition rates.) All of these costs are covered in the budget each year. If you have questions, please contact a school board member, call the school and leave your name & number so Superintendent Leanne Condon can call you back, or email her at lcondon@andoverschoolmaine.org.

Nomination Papers are available for the following Town elected positions: Select Board Member, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor—one position; 3-year term Andover School Board Representative—two positions, each for 3-year term. Nomination papers are now available at the Andover Town Office from the Town Clerk during normal business hours (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8-1, Wednesday 12-5) and must be returned by Monday, April 27, 2026 at 1 p.m. The Town Election will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 to coincide with the State of Maine Primary Election at the Andover Town Hall.

There are also some employment opportunities for the town:

Transfer Station Attendant: The Transfer Station is seeking a reliable person available to work per diem on weekends, as well as week days, as hours become available. This position requires communication skills, good decision making, working in all types of weather conditions, ability to lift up heavy items, ability to identify equipment issues and resolve with the proper resources, following safety regulations and working directly with the public. If you enjoy working in a very social environment and meeting people this might be the job for you!

Seasonal Worker – Public Works/Highway: The Highway Department is seeking a seasonal part-time employee May through October to mow lawns, remove brush, trimming, assist with maintenance and upkeep of town properties and green spaces. The preferred candidate will have experience safely operating landscaping and lawn care tools (mowers, weed whackers, leaf blowers, etc.), ability to lift equipment needed for the job, good communication skills, and be reliable in all types of weather conditions. Training is available if needed. If you are looking for a position mostly working outside during the warmer months of year apply today!

I was truly saddened to hear about the passing of Mike Hart last week. Condolences also go out to Ed Swain and Stacy Millett on the passing of Maureen.

I was able to travel to Locke Mills last Saturday night to be entertained by the Fossils at the American Legion. We had a gathering for my friend Tracy’s birthday. It was a great evening spent with friends. So thanks to my hubby for going along (I made him, he enjoyed it!) and Amy, Steph, Tracy, Stacy, Tammy and Velora. I was also fortunate to see quite a few people that I hadn’t seen in quite some time.

If you have any news or events please send them my way. I like to have them by Tuesday night if possible. Just a reminder that we “Spring ahead” this weekend. Don’t forget to set the clocks forward one hour and change those smoke detector batteries. diananadeau@ymail.com