This past week seems to have flown by. I attended the “Cookbook Swap” at the Andover Public Library last Wednesday. A nice cozy group gathered with goodies to share (I didn’t get the memo on that...my bad) and everything we sampled was delicious. We sat and talked about cooking, our go-to meals to make, favorite recipes and who was instrumental in getting us started with cooking and baking. It was noted that most people like to do one or the other, I however love to do both. It was my Grandmother Howard and my mother that I learned from. Those are some of my fondest memories being in the kitchen with them. We all left with “new to us” cookbooks. I hope that we will be able to do this again, it was a fun time for all.
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 30th, 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