Townspeople

Town Talk for Oct. 18, 2007


Published: October 17, 2007

Can't you smell that smell?

Town health officials have responded to residents' complaints in the south of town about odors emanating over the town line from a Tewksbury pig farm. Residents were complaining about the smell two weeks ago, said Health Director Tom Carbone.

"They were having a manure problem," said Carbone. "We've been trying to work together with the Tewksbury Health Department to get it all straightened away."

Carbone updated the Board of Health on the matter Tuesday night and said before the meeting that he believes the odors have stopped bothering residents.

"We we're getting complaints from Ballardvale and Lowell Junction, as was the town of Wilmington and the Tewksbury folks, too," said Carbone. "I'm guessing they've got it under control at this point."

— Brian Messenger



Join the youth council: Not too late to be leader

For all those of you who thought you missed out on your chance to apply to the Andover Youth Council, think again. The AYC has extended its deadline to Monday, Oct. 22.

The Andover Youth Council is a group of high school students whose want to empower young people to make positive changes in the community of Andover through events, community projects and positive attitudes. Each fall the youth council accepts new members in grades 9 through 12, and it meets every Monday evening from 6 to 7. Working in and out of an office in the Town Offices, AYC members serve for two-year terms. They have been responsible for numerous community service projects (such as the Holiday Gift Drive and clothing drives), have continually advocated for a youth center and have created events for youth like the Java Jam, middle school dances, Raise the Roof Telethon, 5K Road Race and Hypnotude. All those interested in joining should obtain an application from the high school, the AYS/community services offices at 36 Bartlett St., or at www.andoveryouthservices.com and return it by Monday Oct. 22 at 4:30 p.m.



Spin-a-thon honors resident

Andover residents can get on their stationary bikes and ride next weekend in honor of Andover's Fran "Mooch" Muccio.

Fitness For You gym at 530 Turnpike St., North Andover (next to Fuddruckers) will host a 24-hour spin-a-thon to benefit ALS research from 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, to 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease and attacks the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons caused by ALS eventually leads to people's deaths.

Call 978-794-3484 for information about the effort, which involves Muccio's wife and children.



Paddle and hike to new surroundings

Residents can get a glimpse of two new town of Andover sites: Stag Horn Bend and Conservation Grove — both on the former Reichold land during a hike and paddle this Sunday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Canoes will be provided by the Shawsheen River Watershed Association and Andover Youth Services — or people may bring their own canoes or kayaks. Life jackets will be provided and must be worn. Bring a lunch and expect that your feet may get wet. The event is free, but people are asked to call Burt Batcheller at 978-475-3663 during normal business hours, or e-mail burt.batcheller@comcast.net to register. Participants should register by 8 p.m. tonight, Oct. 18.

Meet at the Conservation land on Lowell Junction road across from the Wyeth parking garage at 10:45 a.m. The event will start as close to 11 a.m. as possible. This event is family orientated with a suggested minimum age of 6.



Separated at birth?

Downtown regular Frank LaVallo — who has documented the downtown in pictures — says he's often confused with another downtown fixture: Enzo Fossella, the tailor and owner of Enzo of Andover, which used to be in Elm Square.

"You don't know how many people have walked up to me (thinking I'm Fossella)," said LaVallo. "I said, 'I have to meet this guy.' Finally I went up and I said, 'Yeah, he does look a little like me.

"I could see it. I'm not going to say we're twins."

— Neil Fater



Fright night, '50s style

The Andover Historical Society will host a free Halloween movie night next Friday, Oct. 26, featuring classic cartoons to open the 1950s film "The Blob." Tickets will be sold — four tickets for $3 — to be used towards popcorn, beverages and candy.

The Historical Society is at 97 Main St. Come dressed up and be entered to win the most creative, elaborate or amusing costume contest. The event begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 8. It's for ages 8 and older.

For more information, call the Andover Historical Society at 978-475-2236.