The annual birthday supper that was held last weekend was very well attended, and very festive as well as delicious. I’ve included a picture of the May table, taken by Ross Swain, which was Wizard of Oz themed seeing as it is the author Frank L. Baum’s birthday month.
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