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February 4, 2010

Saints Medical opening new women's center

Saints Medical Center will soon open a new comprehensive Women's Center for Health and Wellness in nearby North Andover.

The completely refurbished, multi-million-dollar center at 203 Turnpike St., North Andover will expand and enhance the existing women's health care services now offered at the Saints Medical Center complex in Lowell, and broaden Saints' reach into additional cities and towns along the Route 495 and Interstate 93 corridor.

While the formal opening is expected some time in early February, Saints has scheduled a series of open houses, including one for the public on Saturday, Feb., 6, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Zoning to change downtown?

The town is developing a plan for what to do with an area of downtown if it moves its town yard out of this area.

The Andover Smart Growth Overlay District and accompanying Rules and Regulations have been submitted for Town Meeting 2010 approval. The zoning bylaw has been derived from the three community conversations held this past fall and numerous meetings of the Town Yard Task Force.

On Tuesday Feb. 23 at 8 p.m., in the third floor conference foom, the Andover Planning Board will host a public hearing to review the Andover Smart Growth Overlay District and solicit public comment. This meeting is open to the public and residents/businesses are encouraged to participate.

Tax-saving tips from Harvard Club

The Harvard Club of Andover,Inc. will offer a program of tax-saving tips and a description of IRS tax changes for 2009 in a free, public forum at the Atria Marland Place, 15 Stevens St., Andover, on Monday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. Andover CPA Richard Soo Hoo and Kenneth Der, a CPA and CFP of Wellesley, will focus on those who prepare their own tax returns as well as those who hire professional preparers. They will also discuss tax changes affecting businesses, Wall Street investments, retirement plans and Roth IRAs.

Scout food drive

Andover Scouts and the rest of the North Essex District of the Yankee Clipper Council, Boy Scouts of America collecting food this week, through Saturday, Feb. 6. The food will be distributed to those in need in Methuen, Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

During the week, hundreds of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from over 30 Packs and Troops will ask for donations at collection stations at local markets. The Scouts will also place door hangers on homes asking people to donate by hanging a plastic grocery bag with non-perishible food near your mail box or front door. The food will be collected on Saturday, Feb. 6 between 10 and 10:30 a.m.

Cholesterol screening Feb. 10

The Andover Board of Health will offer a cholesterol screening clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 from 9 a.m. until noon. An appointment is necessary. The clinic is for Andover residents only.

The simple finger-stick test cost $5 and does not require fasting. For an appointment call the health department at 978-623-8295.

This program is made possible through a grant from the Andover Home for Aged People.

Scam involves phony chamber claim

The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive has been notified that various small businesses and organizations in the area are being contacted via phone by individuals claiming to be associated with a phony local chamber of commerce.

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce is warning our members to always be cautious and not respond with any personal data or financial account information to these types of calls or emails. Tele-marketing fraud and other "phishing" schemes of this type are common. These phony organizations attempt to gain trust by using names that sound or look like legitimate organizations and charities. Members are reminded to always verify the caller for legitimacy before providing any information. Ask the caller for more details on the organization such as contact information, a callback number, a website address, or other resources.

This scheme is similar to one which occurred last year, when members were contacted by email and broadcast faxes from an association calling itself the "Massachusetts Business Chamber of Commerce".

If you receive such a call, the chamber asks people to notify it immediately "and we will contact the appropriate authorities regarding these calls and communications." The MV Chamber can be reached at978-686-0900.

DCS Enrichment Program at South School

The winter session for DCS after-school courses has begun. Openings are available in the the following courses offered at South Elementary School beginning in February, according to Elly Seavey.

Paths to Math, grades 2-5, The Great Math Challenge, grades 2-3, Author's Voices, grades 2-3, The Art of Photography, grades 4-6, and Step Into Dance, grades 2-3.

Course descriptions with specific days/times and for registsration are online www.andoverma.gov/dcs or through the DCS office at 978-623-8274.Courses are open to students townwide.

YMCA offers new programs for school vacation

The Andover/North Andover YMCA is hosting full day fun days during February school vacation week. Parents can register for days individually or for the entire week. Monday, Feb. 15, is "If I were President" day. Children will discuss what they would do if they were president, and then elect one of their peers to become "president" for the day. Tuesday, Feb. 16 is "Around the World to Italy" day. Children will learn fun facts, play games, make crafts and cook the Italian way. On Wednesday, Feb. 17, children will travel to "Pump It Up" in Peabody, to visit two different rooms full of inflatable jumpers. Thursday, Feb. 18, is "Snow Day," where outdoor activities include building snow forts, making snow angels and creating snow sculptures. The afternoon includes warming up with hot cocoa and watching a movie. Friday, Feb. 19 is the day that children will get to sample a variety of sports and art classes that are held at the YMCA. Registration is open until Feb. 11. Stop by the YMCA for a registration form or online at www.mvymca.org. The program runs 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $45 per day for YMCA members; $65 for community participants. For more information contact Cara Green at 978-685-3541 or cgreen@mvymca.org. the YMCA is located at 165 Haverhill St., Andover.

MV Chamber's "Report from Washington"

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee will present "A Special Report From Washington: The Challenges Facing the United States in 2010 and How Is Your Business Impacted?" on Monday, Feb. 8 from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m. at the Haverhill Golf and Country Club, 58 Brickett Lane, Haverhill. Guests will include U.S. Congressman John Tierney and U.S. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. Special guest moderator will be Attorney Warren Tolman, Fox TV Political Commentator. A full breakfast buffet will be included. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

For more information call 978-686-0900.