The weather on this Sunday the 12th is beautiful and sunny, although a bit chilly. Time for some of those outside chores that have been waiting. It seems like the upcoming week looks a little unsettled with some showers predicted.
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.