New home for school finalist?
As the School Committee's March 4 vote loomed for Andover's new school superintendent, all four finalists were asked by the Townsman via email: Will you move to Andover?
Only Susan Nicholson, the assistant school superintendent in town, responded and wrote: "My house has been on the market for six months now and as soon as it sells, I will have flexibility to move. My son is attending Providence College and my daughter is attending Holy Cross so there would not be a concern about uprooting them. I have recently attended a number of 'open houses' in Andover including a house on Main Street and one on Salem Street. If anyone is looking to purchase a home in Methuen on a golf course, please do not hesitate to contact me."
- Judy Wakefield
Easy access confession
Cardinal Seðn O'Malley has asked all Catholic churches to lead an initiative during Lent to encourage Catholics to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This initiative is called The Light is On For You. Each Wednesday evening this Lent, from 6:30 to 8, through March 31, the priests of the Archdiocese of Boston including those at St. Augustine at 43 Essex St. and St. Robert Bellarmine at 198 Haggetts Pond Road will leave their church and chapel open "to welcome back Catholics to the Sacrament of confession." "If you've been waiting for a sign to return to the Church or to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, this is your chance to reestablish and strengthen a relationship with God that will last forever," said a letter signed by Bishop Robert F. Hennessey.
Boutique Blowout this weekend
Retailers in downtown Andover are joining forces and hosting a "Boutique Blowout" weekend this Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7. Participants include First Date, Rapids, Bella Beads, Night & Day, CoCo Collection, Chic Consignment, Sweet Mimis, Carina & Co. and Helen Thomas.
"All retailers will be open (hours vary) and offering deep discounts on merchandise," according to a release.
Makeover happiness
Two Andover businesses have been involved with the makeover transformation of a single mom in Methuen.
Zena Silva received a package of free services, including items from the Coco Collection and Night & Day, both in Andover.
Silva, mom of a 9-year-old, lost over 150 pounds. The Andover businesses helped her get some much-needed new clothes and undergarments.
"I believe that it's important for local business owners to do this," said Merit Tukiainen who owns Night & Day.
Silva is getting ready to start nursing school and feeling very good about herself. "Thank you so much for making me look like a million bucks," she wrote in a thank you note to Tukiainen. The head-to-toe make-over was a package from the online magazine, Applaud.
Tukiainen, who has been active the Andover's Business Center Association, continues to help out in the local community. Today, Thursday, March 4, she is a speaker for the "Celebrate Women" event at Saints Medical Center in Lowell. Her lecture topic is "Why and how should my bras fit?"
- Judy Wakefield
Andoverite picked as Beverly superintendent
Just as Andover finishes the search for a new superintendent of the public schools, resident Marie Galinski has been hired as the new superintendent of the Beverly Public Schools on the North Shore.
Galinski, who is currently the assistant superintendent in Beverly, will take over as superintendent on July 1.
Galinski, 61, has lived in Andover for two decades with her husband, Fred, a retired Massachusetts Teachers Association office worker who also served as a civilian contractor in Iraq from 2003 to 2007. Now he works part time for the MBTA, driving trains on the Blue Line.
Galinski's daughters, Kate, 30, and Erika, 33, also live in Andover.
- Cate Lecuyer, Salem News
Don't be sheepish, crafters
Do you knit, quilt or craft? The annual North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival is looking for crafters. If interested, call Cathy at 978-685-4927. The festival, in its 35th year, will be held on the Old North Andover Common May 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Bethany Bray
