Tewksbury connection
Selectman Alex Vispoli will face fellow Republican Paul Adams in this year's September primary for state senator representing all of Andover.
While Vispoli is an Andover resident, with his home on Alison Way near the North Andover town line, his campaign materials and releases list a P.O. Box in Tewksbury.
This is because a campaign volunteer, who at the time was expected to be the campaign's treasurer, lives in Tewksbury and established the P.O. Box there, Vispoli said. The senate district includes a part of Tewksbury.
— Dustin Luca
Primary election to compete with first day of school
This year's state election primary has been moved to Thursday, Sept. 6, according to Larry Murphy, Andover's town clerk.
Sept. 6 is also the first day of school for the 2012-13 academic year, a realization that led to concerns from the Board of Selectmen about traffic congestion at the polling places.
Polling centers for the town's newly-drawn precincts will be at the Andover Senior Center, which is near Doherty Middle School, and at the Andover High School field house. Because of this, high school students with parking permits won't be able to drive to school for the first day of classes, according to Murphy.
The general election, during which voters will elect a president, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6. All town schools will be closed that day, according to Murphy.
— Dustin Luca
Christmas in July
The Andover Historical Society is already getting ready for Christmas, with a planning meeting open to others who'd like to help at the 97 Main St. home on Wednesday, July 25 at 3 p.m.
For the past four holidays, the society has encouraged people to decroate history-inspired Christmas trees. For instance, the fire department has created a tree decorated with historic fire equipment.
"The Historical Society is seeking volunteer decorators for the 2012 exhibition. Would you, your family, or group like to become part of this tradition and decorate a tree inspired by one of these special objects? Interested? You are invited to attend our first 2012 planning meeting to learn more," the group states. For more information, email Carrie Midura at cmidura@andoverhistorical.org.
Is your pooch a star?
Does you dog have hidden talents? The Summer Theatre Ensemble is searching for a canine that does to be part of its production of Legally Blonde.
Performances will be Aug. 3, 4 and 5 at the Andover High School Collins Center. No previous stage experience is required, according to the group.
For more information, contact Liz Gorrie at liz.gorrie@verizon.net.
Board votes higher power to clerk
The Board of Selectmen voted to appoint and reappoint 140 election pollworkers, clerks and wardens with one vote at its regular meeting Monday. The request came from Larry Murphy, Andover's town clerk.
As part of the motion, however, the selectmen also decided that Murphy himself, from hereon out, "may appoint them from time to time ... to the various precincts as he deems appropriate."
— Dustin Luca
Town seeks new Planning Board member
Interested in serving on one of the town's boards? The town's Planning Board is seeking residents to fill an anticipated vacancy.
As a judicatory board, the role of the Planning Board is to review Town Meeting articles, special permits, site plans, residential subdivisions, as associated with various land developments, zoning and open space; and to implement the Andover Master Plan.
Interested residents are encouraged to contact the Planning Division at 978-623-8310, and to fill out a talent bank form available at andoverma.gov/publish/talentbank.pdf. The Planning Board expects to fill its vacancy or September.
Are you hearing some talk around town that we didn't catch? Let us know by calling 978-475-7000, or by emailing townsman@andovertownsman.com.
