When former Selectman Jerry Silverman died last July, his family asked friends and family members to forego sending flowers and instead make donations to the proposed youth center in Andover in his memory. Andover Youth Services Director Bill Fahey said about $10,000 has been donated in Silverman's memory.

"We miss him a lot," Fahey said. "He was such a strong AYS supporter."

Andover Youth Services Director Bill Fahey has been growing a beard for four months. He still has his trademark ponytail.

Both may soon be gone at the upcoming Andover Youth Services telethon that will raise money for youth programs and the proposed youth center in town. At the telethon, hair equals money.

Fahey pledged to shave his head if $100,000 was raised at the last telethon in 2005. With pledges hovering around $96,000 at the end of the night, Fahey thought he was razor-safe. He was, until Andover residents Carmen and Jeannie Scarpa pledged $5,000. The razor came out and Andover's most popoular ponytailed program director got a whole new look. Fahey was bald as he counted $124,000 in proceeds from that telethon.

It's been five years since that telethon and Fahey has doubled the ante. He said his head shaving has lots of potential when it comes to raising money. He figures residents will donate big bucks twice this year - to shave his beard and to shave his head.

"I'll do anything for the kids," he said. "This department took a 22 percent cut last year and we need money to keep our programs going...that's why I do things like this."

Fahey pulled in three other male AYS staffers to grow beards with him for the telethon. Only one - Tony Lombardi - normally has a beard. Lombardi seemed a bit nervous about shaving it off.

"My wife has never seen me without the beard," Lombardi said. "She will kill me."

Fahey laughed as organizers talked about the telethon last week fron the AYS office on Pearson Street. It's hairy and hectic as AYS has been busy recruiting talent for the seven-hour telethon on Feb. 4 and 5.

Performer applications were due by last Friday, Jan. 22, and local kids will showchase all sorts of talent. Andover's version of American Idol will feature singers, bands, comedy acts, a homegrown segment of the MTV show "Cribs," a buffalo wing-eating competition and lots more.

"It's been a great response. Kids really look forward to this. They come up with the ideas," said organizer Diane Costagliola co-president of the parents' group at Andover High School.

Fahey said there's been talk of turning his department into a fee-based department like the Department of Community Services where people pay for all AYS programs. Currently, AYS only charges for some programs.

The change would save the town money, but Fahey said it simply won't work.

"Look, as kids grow up in town, the choices to do stuff outside school when they get to middle school and then high school narrows. Some come here to just talk and hang out...What am I supposed to do, start charging (money)?" he asked.

Fahey said research shows teen trouble starts for most "when they are not connected."

"It's been proven. That's when risky behavior starts," Fahey said.

"People forget why Bill was hired in the first place," Costagliola added, referring to the public outcry following three youth suicides in one year's time. Youth Services was formed shortly thereafter, in 1994, with Fahey hired as its director.

So, if he has to be bald for the rest of the winter, Fahey will wear lots of hats and focus on what's been accomplished during his tenure.

"There's lacrosse at the high school, which we started, wrestling now, which we also started. And the skate park. We're adding another ramp next spring," he said.

There's also the long-talked about youth venter.

"No, it's not dead in the water," Fahey said of the center. "Telethon proceeds will also be used for that account." He said there remains over $2 million in the Youth Center account.

"It is going to happen," he insisted.

RAISING THE ROOF TELETHON

Thursday, Feb. 4, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 5, 6-10 p.m.

Live on local cable television

Comcast channel 8, Verizon channel 47

Benefits Andover Youth Services programs, proposed youth center

More info: 978-623-8241