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…

Read more

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…

Read more

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…

Read more

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

Bethel’s own Frank Del Duca was amazing to watch as well. He placed 4th in the 2-man bobsled and his team placed 12th in…

Read more

The school kids and staff alike have had a very enjoyable week off. At the moment I am awaiting a visit from my friend Amy from Standish who is on her school break.

I have been told that there was an amazing turnout at the 47th annual Ice Fishing Derby last weekend. First prize for brook trout went to Todd Mckellick, 18.5 inches and 2.14 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Piper Landscaping. First place in bass was John Hubacz, 21.25 inches and 4.11 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Operation Outdoors Reboot. First place in crappie was Doug Brown, 12.25 inches and 0.15 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Badlands Outfitter.

First place in pickerel was Ella Waugh, 22.5 inches and 2.15 pounds/ounces, sponsored by A. Chartier Logging and Trucking. First place for white perch was Nathan Ventura, 13.75 inches and 1.04 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Nick’s Skidsteer and Land Service. First place for yellow perch was Andrew Skrzypek, 10.0 inches and 0.07 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Coos Canyon Campground.

First place for hornpout was Andrew Skrzypek, 12.75 inches and 1.01 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Knotty Moose Tavern. First place for sunfish was Jill Patenaude, 7.25 inches and 0.04 pounds/ounces sponsored by Blue Moose Farm. First place for fallfish was Robert Worthly, 13.75 inches and 1.00 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Kale’s Snack Shack. First place for the kids category with a pickerel was Ella Waugh. It was a beautiful day out on the pond for all the anglers.

The Roxbury Radar Run is going to be held this weekend, Saturday the 21^st, from 12-5. The Slippery Sliders Snowmobile Club will be providing concessions so please come hungry and support the club. I won’t be in attendance, but I look forward to hearing all about it. I’m hoping that there will be some videos posted. It should be a very exciting event.

I know that the town of Andover has been very busy with snowmobilers. Any time I drive by Grimaldi Field there are always multiple trailers parked, meaning folks are out and about enjoying the trails.

Here is a reminder that the Cabin Fever Reliever will be taking place at the CEB building this Saturday, the 21st from 10-2. Bring any craft you would like to work on and a snack. Coffee and tea are provided.

And now let’s look forward to those warmer spring and summer days. The Ellis River Riders has put out their show dates for 2026. The season starts on May 23rd with a spring fling show and then on May 30th with a driving game show.

There will be 3 shows in June and then 2 shows each month up until October. Spectators are always welcome and there’s seating, picnic tables under the pavilion, and FOOD! You can always check out the website for more info ellisriverriders.com

Andover is a perfect place for horse lovers and riders with the abundance of trails. I am lucky to live between the Ellis River Riders show grounds and Memory Lane Vacations, where Deb caters to all the wonderful horse people that frequent our town. Lone Mountain Campground also welcomes campers with horses to stay at their beautiful riverfront campground.

I have a feeling that I am not the only one looking forward to winter coming to an end, though it really hasn’t been a terrible one, having warmer temps, longer evenings and hearing those peepers will be most welcome. We still have a couple months left to go so let’s all hope for the best!

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

I was really hoping to see my New England Patriots bring home a Super Bowl win on Sunday, but alas…

Read more

A couple of my friends in North Carolina really got walloped with snow. Their state is not equipped to deal with storms of this nature...one stated that she herself didn’t even own a snow shovel! No doubt they are not really necessary in most of the southern states.

The Hut was busy from start to finish this past Saturday during their lunch from 11-3. The snowmobilers are certainly enjoying all the snow that has recently fallen. They just have had to deal with super frigid temps in order to ride. The Hut will be open again for lunch from 11-3 this Saturday, 205 South Main Street. They also have their 50th anniversary celebration coming up on Saturday March 7th.

The only date in February for the Cabin Fever Reliever at the Andover Congregational Church is on the 21st from 10-2 so mark your calendars now so you don’t miss it. That is the same day as the Roxbury Radar Run being held from 12-5. If you haven’t registered to run I believe it would be just as exciting to be a spectator!

My husband gifted me a wonderful bird feeder for Christmas with a camera in it. I’ve had it set up on my front porch until I can find a more permanent placement. I love seeing the pictures of the variety of birds. I always have out suet for the woodpeckers and black sunflower seeds for all the rest.

We have had a red bellied woodpecker which is a bit rare for this area according to my bird book along with a few hairy woodpeckers. Other birds have been a tufted titmouse, Mr. and Mrs. cardinal, nuthatches, chickadees, bluejays, goldfinches, evening grosbeaks, and mourning doves.

Now that February is here Burke Hill Farm is ready to go with their blueberry deliveries. Believe me...they are delicious! The blueberry van goes to 7 different states. They will be delivering in our area on February 25 to Bethel at the Gem parking lot at 3:00 and in Rumford at the Tractor Supply parking lot at 3:50. Please visit https://www.burkehillfarm.com/orderblueberries for more information and to place an order; you won’t be disappointed.

I hope you are all staying warm and cozy. Please send any news you have my way. diananadeau@ymail.com

A big shout-out for…

Read more

Our six-year-old granddaughter, Harper, is coming for an overnight visit this weekend. I believe some inside activities will be in order. Probably some baking of some sort and popcorn on the stove along with some movies of her choosing.

The Northern Lights made an appearance earlier this week. I wasn’t able to see them from my backyard, but I did see some beautiful pictures posted on social media. If you have ever seen them in person it is truly an amazing experience.

There will be a potluck lunch held at the Andover Congregational Church on Saturday, January 24, at 11 am. Please bring food to share. No time to cook? Attend anyway! Drinks are provided and all are welcome. The cost is free but donations are gratefully accepted.

The church is quite the hub of our town. The Cabin Fever Reliever takes place there on certain Saturdays through April from 10-2. The next one will be on January 31.

The Andover Food Pantry uses the church as well on Tuesdays from 8:30 to 10 and serves the towns of Andover, Roxbury, Bryon, Hanover, and Upton. Christine and her hard working team do such a wonderful job with this organization.

Lastly, I would like to wish my bff of (gulp) 49 years a very Happy Birthday, I hope you have a wonderful day Velora!

Please send any news or events my way and please stay safe one and all during this record-breaking cold snap that is headed here for the weekend! diananadeau@ymail.com

There will be a masquerade ball, lasagna dinner, silent auction and raffles bei…

Read more

With these colder temps doing chicken chores in single digits in Andover isn’t for the faint of heart! Our 10 Buff Orpington chickens that we acquired this spring are laying 6-8 eggs a day. It’s quite the game to gather the eggs before they freeze in these temps. Needless to say we have had lots of scrambled eggs for breakfast and caramel custard has been made a few times.

Mills Market is looking to fill a cashier and a cook position, 2 nights a week from 1:00 pm to closing time. If you are interested please stop by the store to fill out an application.

The Andover Recreation Committee has resumed the Tuesday/Thursday pickleball as of January 6th at the Andover Elementary School at 6:00 pm. They have also added an extra hour on Thursdays from 5:00-6:00 for kids and families.

Just a reminder that the remaining dates for Cabin Fever Reliever in January are the 17th and 31st from 10-2 at the Andover Congregational Church. There is no charge, and coffee and tea are provided. If you need more information please contact Christine Swain, (207) 392-2572.

Now here is a message from the Andover Common Folk: Now that the holidays are over and the lights on the common are off (the gazebo stays lit until Feb 1), we would like to thank everyone that made this year’s lighting as special as it was…folks that donated funds, those that gave their time to help set it up, those that built structures, those that donated greens, the Congregational Church for hosting the service of hot cocoa and cookies, folks that made cookies, the Calvary Bible Church folk for gracing us with hymns of the season, our Santa Claus, whose name I shall not disclose, you know, just in case, our Andover Fire Dept. for carrying Santa over to greet the littles and always being willing to participate in any way, and our Highway Dept. for setting up their display, the Andover Elementary School’s creative folk and our public library for their contributions, the families that brought in and decorated trees (the “Angel Tree” was a beautiful idea!), and the Andover Historical Society for their participation.

Andover is always a special place but when our community comes together the way it did for this holiday season, it really shines! So again, from all of us in the Common Folk, thank you, and may 2026 be a blessing for all of us. See you in the Fall!

The January 6th presentation of financial reports has been rescheduled to January 27th, at the request of the Superintendent of Schools, Leanne Condon. At the board’s meeting at the Andover Town Hall on January 27th she will present a year-to-date update on the finances and projects related to the Andover School Department. The meeting begins at 6 pm.

I would love to hear from some people that have followed me from the BC to this platform...just a quick email to let me know. As always please reach out with any news or events. Stay safe and warm everyone. diananadeau@ymail.com

*Update on the storm* It is an i…

Read more

I was greatly surprised to wake up and find that we hadn’t lost any trees around the house. We slept very poorly awaiting a big crash. Bocephus didn’t care for the sound of the wind whistling about, it made him very nervous, so he spent quite a bit of time pacing around and keeping Bob and I from sleeping. That along with the sound of the wind made for a very restless night.

The 3rd annual Christmas show that was held at the Town Hall was very well attended. It’s such a wonderful time of year with all the festive lights on the common shining brightly across the street. Lone Mountain Campground graciously served hot chocolate and cookies during the intermission at the first show on Saturday. The Grinch even made an appearance at both performances and fortunately for all in attendance he mostly behaved himself.

The Snow Valley Sno-goers snowmobile club is doing a snow dance. They must be doing it well because we are due to have some snow possibly Tuesday into Wednesday (Christmas Eve) so we may have a white Christmas after all.

If you have any news to share please send it my way diananadeau@ymail.com I wish all my readers far and near a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year!

Christmas season has definitely landed and I’m trying to get everything done that is necessary. That being said the now decorated tree is inside an old dog pen to keep our new kitten Moe at bay. All the glittery shiny things hanging down are way too much of a temptation.

The singers and players of the upcoming Christmas concert have been hard at work practicing for the two scheduled shows. This will be held this coming weekend at the Andover Town Hall. Saturday 12/20 at 7 pm and Sunday 12/21 at 2 pm. This promises to be a wonderful down home presentation. The weather on Friday seems like it’s bringing some wind and rain, but I believe the weekend weather will cooperate for safe travels to Andover.

The lights on the common are beautifully lit each night that just adds to the holiday atmosphere. On my way home from practice, around 10:30, I saw a deer on the common inspecting the lights! What a wonderful picture that would have made. I tried to pull over as soon as I spotted it and get my phone out, but it was already out of sight. Maybe it was one of Santa’s reindeer checking things out in Andover and reporting back to the North Pole!

I am going to try and spread the word about this new way to read our local columns once again on my social media and word of mouth. I sincerely hope that we get a lot of new subscribers. Thanks go out to Amy Chapman for all the work she has put in to bring this all together. If anyone has any news or events out there that they would like to share please send them my way. diananadeau@ymail.com.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!