Town manager's budget up 2.3 percent
Town boards are working on next year's budget, which the town manager has given the theme "Building on Opportunities."
The town has multiple opportunities created by health insurance reform and plan design, information technology, regional efforts, retirements and more, according to Town Manager Buzz Stapczynski.
The budget foreshadows "the entire way the town's fiscal future is structured," Stapczynski wrote in a letter at the beginning of the document. "How we build on or strategically take advantage of these opportunities will shape the future of Andover for years to come."
Overall, the $147.2 million budget reflects a 2.3-percent increase over last year's. Stapcyznski's budget calls for a 3.3 percent increase for the schools portion, from $63.3 million to $65.4 million.
Preliminary numbers from the School Department presented in Stapczynski's recommended budget reflect a net increase of nearly 61 staff. This includes roughly 20 positions previously paid through grants that will no longer be available next year.
What the final staff totals supported in the schools' budget will be is not yet known. Superintendent Marinel McGrath said her budget will be presented at the beginning of March. Anything available before that time is "very preliminary."
"It's clearly a snapshot of where we are," said McGrath.
Several other new positions are expected to be needed to cover obligations from the town's Excel program that covers 18- to 22-year-old students who are currently taught out-of-district in North Andover. It is expected that costs for the program will be shared between the two communities, requiring the town to take on more staff, according to McGrath.
- Dustin Luca
Forum tonight on proposed Ballardvale Fire Station
The School Committee and selectmen will host a joint forum on the proposed Ballardvale Fire Station tonight, Thursday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the World War I Memorial Auditorium at Doherty Middle School.
At this time, the two boards would like to continue hearing public input on this project.
Members of the Ballardvale Fire Station Building Committee will also be present to answer questions.
The meeting will be recorded and televised at a later date.
Please note that no food or drinks are permitted in the auditorium.
LWV addresses 'Political Advertising and the Voter'
The League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover will sponsor an important discussion on the regulation of political advertising and the practical implications of false advertising by candidates and their supporters on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Andover Memorial Hall Library.
"Political Advertising and the Voter" will feature Dr. Harry Wessel, Chair of the Political Science Department at Merrimack College and a specialist in the role of mass media in politics.
With the help of videos of some famous past political ads, Wessel will explore the role of advertising in the political system and the parameters of permissible political advertising.
This event is free and open to the public. It will broadcast live and also be taped for rebroadcast on local access television.
For more information, contact Stefani Traina at steftraina@verizon.net or Maureen Sundberg at rrsundberg23@gmail.com.
Nearly 30 percent of census forms remain
The annual town census for 2012 was mailed to residents the last week of December 2011. The town clerk's office reports a 71 percent return on the census as early February.
If you have not already returned your census, the town clerk's office urges you to do so.
An accurate count of all residents is important for the town for several reasons-for example, the current population count is the basis for allocation of state and federal funds. Compliance with this state requirements also provides proof of residence to protect voting rights, veteran's bonuses, housing for the elderly, school enrollment and related benefits, according to Kathy McKenna, assistant town clerk.
Failure to return the town census will affect your active voting status.
You cannot register or vote or change your party on the census. Voter registration forms are available at the Town Offices, Memorial Hall Library and the Andover Post Offices.
If you have any questions call the Town Clerk's Office at 978-623-8255.
Andover Democrats to elect delegates to state convention at caucus
Democrats in Andover will be holding a caucus at Memorial Hall Library on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. sharp to elect 17 delegates and three alternates to the 2012 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will select candidates to compete for the Democratic nomination for U. S. Senate.
The convention will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.
The caucus is open to all registered democrats in Andover. Delegates will be divided equally between men and women, and all ballots will be written and secret.
In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, and people with disabilities who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be "add-on" delegates.
For more information, contact Patricia Commane at 978 474-6047.
February health clinics
The Andover health department will offer a mini clinic on Monday, Feb. 27 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Frye Circle.
It will offer senior center clinics on Wednesdays, Feb. 22 and 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
For more information, call 978-623-8295.
Rep. Adams, Lyons to hold joint office hours
State Representatives Paul Adams and Jim Lyons will hold joint open office hours on Monday, Feb. 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Andover Senior Center, 36 Bartlet St.
The representatives would like to extend an invitation to citizens who wish to meet with them to discuss issues of concern.
The offices of both representatives are located in Room 39 at the State House in Boston. Any citizen wishing to meet with the representatives may do so by scheduling an appointment.
Rep. Lyons may be reached by appointment with his legislative aide, Paul Gangi, at Paul.Gangi@mahouse.gov or 617-722-2800, ext. 8671.
Rep. Adams may be reached by scheduling an appointment with his legislative aide, Joseph Sheehan, at Joseph.Sheehan@mahouse.gov or 617-722-2800, ext. 8661.
Citizens requiring special accommodations to meet with the representatives are asked to advise the staff when making an appointment.
US Attorney Ortiz to speak as part of NECC White Fund Lecture Series
Carmen Ortiz, the first Hispanic and the first woman to represent Massachusetts as United States attorney, will be the featured speaker at Northern Essex Community College's White Fund Lecture Series on Friday, Feb. 17 from 8:45 to 10 a.m. at the Lawrence High School/Performing Arts Academy, 70-72 Parish Road, Lawrence.
Free and open to the public, Ortiz's presentation is titled "A Morning with U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz: Top Priorities of a Federal Prosecutor."
Ortiz will talk about the role of the federal prosecutor as well as share her personal journey - with a special message for young people about making the right choices at an early age.
Her 45-minute presentation will be followed by a question and answer period moderated by Attorney Magdalena Suarez-Shannon, a member of the NECC criminal justice faculty.
For more information, visit www.necc.mass.edu/whitefund or call 978-738-7403.
YMCA American Heart Association CPR/AED certification classes
The Merrimack Valley YMCA now offers American Heart Association CPR/AED certification classes to its members and the community.
Trainings on the schedule through March are:
Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at YMCA Administrative Offices in Lawrence.
March 14 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Andover/North Andover YMCA.
March 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at Andover/North Andover YMCA.
Cost is $60 for Merrimack Valley YMCA members, $90 for the community.
For more information, contact Bobbi Williams at bwilliams@mvymca.org or 978-685-3541.
North Andover Cultural Council awards 16 grants
The North Andover Cultural Council awarded 16 grants totaling $4,400 for cultural programs in North Andover.
Statewide, more than $2.34 million will be distributed by local cultural councils in 2012.
The North Andover Cultural Council will seek applications again in the fall. Information and forms are available online at www.massculturalcouncil.org. Applications are due Oct.15.
This year's grants from the North Andover CC include: North Andover Council on Aging, North Andover School's Enrichment Council, Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative, Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Society, Inc., Treble Chorus of New England, New England Classical Singers, Stevens Memorial Library, Rolling Ridge Conference Center, Thomas Elementary School, Rogers Center For the Performing Arts at Merrimack College, Essex Chamber Musical Players Karen Kline and Susan Lenoe, Joseph Heyman Youth Center, Andover Choral Society and Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestra, Inc.
Replacing flags
On Sunday morning, April 22, Andover veterans, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts. Girl Scouts and interested citizens will meet at 11 a.m. at Spring Grove Cemetary on Abbott Street to replace 3,6000 flags on the graves of deceased Andover veterans. The process takes about 90 minutes and affords an opportunity to see parts of Andover's history up close. In case of inclement weather the flags will be placed on graves at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 29. For more information call the veterans office at 978-623-8218.
Ruth's House in need of winter clothing
Ruth's House, a nonprofit thrift store, is in need of donations of very gently used warm winter clothing, and children's, infant's and toddler clothes.
Blankets, towels and sheets are also in need.
Donations for the Sacred Hearts food pantry may also be dropped off at the store.
All donations are tax deductible and donors will be issued receipts for their gifts. Donations may be dropped off on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
The store is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Ruth's House is located at 111 Lafayette Square, Haverhill.
For more information, visitruthshouse.org or call 978-521-5575.
Meet the Expert seminar on breast cancer
"Assessing Breast Cancer Risk," a medical Meet the Expert seminar with surgeon Kathryn Hughes, MD, will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Merrimack Valley Hospital's first floor auditorium, 140 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill.
Hughes will help attendees understand the incidence of breast cancer, identify risk factors, define and identify "high risk" for breast cancer, understand breast cancer screening for normal and high risk patients, and identify and understand risk-reducing strategies.
One free contact hour for nursing.
Free and open to the public. Light refreshments served. Registration required.
For more information or to register, contact Jean at jean.macdougall-tattan@steward.org or 978-420-1168.
Grant writing workshops offered at NECC
Nonprofits eager to break into the grant writing arena can send participants to attend a series of free workshops, sponsored by the Associated Grant Makers of Massachusetts, Northern Essex Community College, and Jericho Road Lawrence.
The workshops, made possible by funding from The United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley, will be held at Northern Essex Community College's Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center, 78-82 Amesbury Street, Lawrence over March and April.
The first class, "Introduction to Grants Research," will be held on Friday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. This workshop introduces participants to the world of philanthropy.
It will cover grants research and how to approach foundations. In addition, participants will learn how to tell an organization's story for best effect. There will be a demonstration of several databases that are critical to finding the right grant maker for an organization.
The second class, "Introduction to Grant Writing for Beginners," will be held Friday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn how to create a winning grant proposal.
Different types of grant proposals will be examined including the typical components of a proposal and the steps in the process.
The third and final class, "Introduction to Grant Writing II for Beginners," will be offered Friday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. This is for individuals who already have some experience in grant writing, but would like to take it to the next level.
During this two-hour workshop individuals will learn how to plan a grant for maximum funding success; the secret language used by successful grant writers; how to think like a reviewer; simple ways to package a grant for maximum effect; grant writing do's and don'ts based upon well written sample grants.
The workshop will provide time for interaction with concrete examples and lively discussion.
Early registration is suggested by sending an email to agmregistrations@necc.mass.edu with the subject line "AGM workshops registration."
Emails should include the name of the person registering, the name of the affiliate organization, the address for the organization or the home address, a phone number where the individual can be reached, email address, and name of workshop(s) you are registering for.
Free memory screening event at North Andover Senior Center
A free memory screening event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the North Andover Senior Center, 120R Main Street.
The screening is being conducted by Elder Services of Merrimack Valley and is open to anyone (regardless of age) who would like to have their memory screened.
The event is confidential and the results of the screening are immediately shared with you.
Limited space available and appointments are assigned on a first come- first served basis. Screening takes 20 minutes to complete.
For more information or to register, contact the North Andover Senior Center at 978-688-9560.
Bumiller declares candidacy for Governor's Council, Fifth District
Donald Bumiller, a trial attorney, has declared his candidacy for the Governor's Council, Fifth District.
A lawyer for 27 years, Bumiller is the past president of the Essex County Bar Association, a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association House of Delegates, a Life Member of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, a member of the Middlesex Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
He has served as a conciliator for civil cases in the Superior and District Courts, has tried hundreds of cases and has appeared regularly in the Courts of Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk Counties. He has also been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
Bumiller's campaign will emphasize the need for qualified judicial appointments and the important constitutional function for which this Council is responsible. Bumiller also stressed his strong belief that the Council must disregard political considerations and focus on the talents of each candidate.
Bumiller, 56, graduated with honors from Boston College High School, Brandeis University and cum laude from Suffolk University.
He is the father of two boys who attend the Boxford Public Schools.
His campaign kick-off event has been scheduled for March 1 at 6 p.m. at The Polish Club in Danvers.
Aging Parents: Navigating the Journey
A panel discussion, "Aging Parents: Navigating the Journey," will be held on Thursday, March 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Andover Memorial Hall Library.
The panel will be moderated by Janet Simpson Benvenuti, author of Don't Give Up on Me!, a memoir that captures the lessons she learned during the decade she supported her own parents.
An engaging speaker who brings humor and insight to the role adult children play in their parents' lives, Benvenuti will be joined by three panelists with decades of experience working with families.
Karol Bisbee, P.C. is an elder law and estate planning attorney who, prior to entering the legal profession, spent more than twenty years in healthcare both as a Registered Nurse and a Nursing Home Administrator. Bisbee practices law in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire and is a board member of both the Massachusetts Guardianship Association and the Massachusetts Chapter of the leading organization of elder law attorneys, NAELA.
Meredith Patterson, MSW, LICSW, CMC, is an elder care consultant and a pioneer in the field of geriatric care management. Patterson's experience includes appointments to Boston's Beth Israel Hospital Neurology Department, as Chief of Social Service for Harvard Community Health Plan, and as a Fellow and Chair of the Standards and Ethics Committee of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Tobe Gerard, CLTC, CSA, is a long-term care insurance specialist who serves on the faculty of the National Alliance, teaching insurance brokers nationwide about long-term care. As a member of the Massachusetts Association of Health Underwriters, Gerard has lobbied energetically for long-term care insurance legislation that will protect consumers to a greater degree.
The panelists will share their expertise and address specific questions from the audience in what is sure to be a lively and informative discussion.
This event is co-sponsored by the Harvard Club of Andover and Andover Memorial Hall Library.
The program is free to the public and will be telecast on our local community channel.
For more information, visitharvardclubofandover.com or contact Richard Soo Hoo at richsoohoo@aol.com or 978-470-2293.
House passes STOCK Act
The House of Representatives passed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act), legislation which would prevent lawmakers from using knowledge they obtain in their professional capacity for personal financial gain.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was one of the first cosponsors of the original legislation, signing onto the bill more than a year and a half ago.
MV YMCA's annual auction gala
The Merrimack Valley YMCA's annual "Reach Out for Youth & Families" auction gala will be held on Saturday, March 24 at DiBurro's, 887 Boston Road, Haverhill
The YMCA is in need of raffle and auction items from local merchants. Such gifts can include restaurant gift certificates, golf equipment, condominium weekends, concert tickets, signed sports memorabilia, theater tickets, cycling equipment, resort vacation weeks, overnight hotel stays, weekend-stays, limousine service, sporting equipment and more.
The evening includes a silent auction, live auction, and ongoing raffles.
Proceeds from this annual event benefit the YMCA's "Reach Out for Youth & Families" campaign, which supports YMCA community programs including the YMCA's Financial Assistance program, youth and camp scholarships, local outreach services, and the ongoing development of special youth programs.
Cost to attend is $100 per person and includes dinner and cocktail reception. Tables of 10 are $1,000.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Covino, vice president of marketing and development, at 978-725-6681.
Red Cross blood drives
The American Red Cross will hold several community blood drives during the month of March.
All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free lunch pack at Cumberland Farms, which includes a freshly prepared sandwich, any size fountain soda or frozen beverage, and a 1.5 oz. bag of Cumberland Farms brand chips. Prizes are non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash.
To make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
Schedule:
Thursday, March 1 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Saint Robert's Bellarmine Parish, 198 Haggetts Pond Road.
Monday, March 12 from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at Andover Town House, 20 Main St.
