News
Special Olympian wins four gold medals
Based on the four gold medals that she won during the weekend at the Special Olympics, 11-year-old Devan DeSisto has quite the refined taste in neckwear.
"She didn't bring home any silver or bronze bling," said Devan's mother, Audrey DeSisto. "Her school's proud of her. Everyone's proud of her."
Devan, who attends High Plain Elementary School and has Down syndrome, participated in her second Special Olympics on the weekend of June 16. The event was held on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge.
Andover-based Raytheon Co. was a sponsor for the Special Olympics and helped supply volunteers at the event, where 2,000 athletes participated.
"She's pretty athletic," said DeSisto of her daughter. "It makes her a team player. She was very enthusiastic."
Devan won the gold for three different gymnastic events held at the Special Olympics, as well as the gold for best overall gymnast for her age group.
She was one of four participants from Yellow Jackets Gymnastics Club in Middleton, where Devan practices during the year. She also has a membership at Boston Sports Club in Andover.
"It was the first time that this gym participated in the Olympics," said Audrey DeSisto of Yellow Jackets. "They were really proud that she did so well."
Audrey DeSisto said she wants to help increase Special Olympics participation in Andover, since the benefits are so profound for children like her daughter.
"It builds their self esteem and confidence," said DeSisto. "They make friends. It's just really exciting for them. And it's really exciting for the parents."
Devan got her start participating in the winter Special Olympics, which were held in Worcester. There she played basketball, and was able to use her shooting touch.
"She scored the most baskets out of everyone on her basketball team," said DeSisto. "She's a natural shooter."
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Selectmen to appoint 5th member
Selectmen plan to appoint their board's fifth member, to fill the seat being relinquished by Jerry Stabile Jr. - and they are already receiving plenty of interest in the job.
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The person selected will serve from October until an election in March. -
Residents vote on new school Dec. 6
Mark your calendars: a Special Town Meeting to approve plans for a new multimillion elementary school will be held Monday, Dec. 6.
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Selectmen approved the date on Monday, Aug. 23, giving residents the chance to add items to the meeting warrant between Sept. 20 and Oct. 22. -
STATE PRIMARY: Senate candidates show much agreement on sales tax issue
Tax policy
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The Townsman asked each of the candidates for the state senate seat representing Andover the following questions about the Massachusetts sales tax:
Do you support an annual tax-free weekend? - STATE PRIMARY: Sales tax views from Republicans, Democrats who want to be 17th Essex's new representative
- STATE PRIMARY: 18th Essex State Rep. candidates on sales tax
- TV show on town centers features Andover
- State senate, rep. candidates to appear at League forum Aug. 30
- Town Talk: Booted resident back at meetings, other items of note
- Drive-up food drive: Speedy, easy way you can fight hunger
- Community development account upped by $25K
- Andover Stories: History of historical society's home
- Thursday, August 19, 2010
- Next stop for Andover riders: Groceries
- Dates targeted for townwide votes on new school project
- BACK TO SCHOOL: New leader, new plan arrive together
- BACK TO SCHOOL: Sushi, smoothies replace greasier school food, snacks of yesteryear
- BACK TO SCHOOL: Town completing $650,000 DMS auditorium makeover
- BACK TO SCHOOL: School Committee, teachers union have met over summer
- Change for your budget follow-up
- Town Talk: Brief items worth mentioning
- Some residents still ignoring requests to update water meters
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Selectmen to appoint 5th member
