He’s got spirit — and wants to hear about yours
The new Andover High School principal is staying positive, even as he comes into the school on the heels of last year’s basketball team hazing scandal, a bitter contract battle with teachers, and - just this week - two Andover High students allegedly making more bad news in the school community, as they have been accused of shooting into a crowd with an Airsoft pellet gun.
In an email to parents dated Aug. 1, principal Chris Lord writes, “...despite the challenges of the past year or two, I sense a commitment from everyone to look forward, grow and learn.”
“The choice to commit to a new paradigm for Andover High will be a personal, heart-felt decision for everyone. We need to be patient and allow everyone in our culture to make that choice as we build a plan for our future.”
Lord asks recipients to think about and tell him, “What do I
love about Andover High School and how can I show it? I only ask that we keep it simple, something that communicates this passion in seconds to anyone.”
People can send suggestions to him by email at clord@aps1.net, or visit him at the school as his door is always open, he also wrote.
— Judy Wakefield
Citizen surveys
going out
@text1:
Every four years, the town sends a survey to 1,200 Andover households asking them questions about such things as how they feel about the town, why they come to Andover and where they get their information.
The next round of those surveys are expected to start hitting Andover homes sometime after Labor Day, according to Buzz Stapczynski, town manager.
This year, some questions will focus on elderly housing, as inspired by the Franciscan Overlay Task Force looking into elderly housing community options, Stapczynski said.
The results should be available around the time of next year’s mid-year review, according to Stapczynski.
In 2008, 672 households responded to the survey. The responses revealed that residents felt that Andover features an excellent quality of life and that it is safe and attractive, though there were limits seen in its transportation, dining, housing and shopping opportunities.
— Dustin Luca
Dog day of summer
A dog audition made the news last week after a chihuahua earned a role in a local Legally Blonde musical. Dogs are again making news this week, in the downtown.
Brasserie 28 Restaurant & Lounge at 2 Elm Square will host “Puppy Up! and Chow Down,” a fundraiser to benefit the Broad Institute in Boston and the 2 Million Dogs Foundation. Both organizations help dogs with cancer. This event is Tuesday, Aug. 21 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Luke Robinson of Animal Planet will be there with his two Great Pyrenees, Hudson and Indiana.
As passionate pet parents, Brassiere 28 owners Matt and Alison Morello are getting involved and hoping for a good crowd in the mood to help a good cause.
— Judy Wakefield
You can host an Up with People actor
In 1987, Andover resident Janelle Cheverie hosted an international cast member of Up with People, a nonprofit leadership program travels the world with the goal of “spreading a message of peace and understanding through music and service.” After hosting, she felt so inspired she travelled with the group for a whole year in 1990.
Now, over two decades later, she and her family are excited to bring the world back into their home.
“I stayed with over 90 host families during my travels. My son Braeden is 8 years old and attends High Plain Elementary School, I’m really excited for him to meet people from all over the world. Those with smaller children or young teens in their home will find that the Up with People cast members are wonderful role models and provide a glimpse into other countries, cultures and traditions they might not often experience in Andover,” she said in a release from the organization.
From Aug. 13-20, 100 cast members aged 18 to 29 years old, representing 20 different countries will be in the Merrimack Valley for a full week of community service, host family living and international benefit concerts. On Friday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. Up with People will perform a public show at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, benefiting Habitat for Humanity.
“I can honestly say that the dozens of families who have opened their homes to me during my time in Up with People is one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences I’ve ever had. I still stay in contact with many of them, and I believe they will remain lifelong friends,” said Cheverie.
Local host families are being sought to provide a bed, local transportation at the beginning and end of each day, breakfast and most dinners. While gone during the day, participating in regional learning, community service and show preparation, cast members will be home most evenings with the family to participate in their activities and interests. Those interested in hosting are encouraged to contact uwp.nicole@gmail.com or call 978-609-6555.
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.
