Andover

Sympathy is extended to Nancy and Don Wardwell on the loss of their grandson, Joshua, who died as the result of a thin ice accident last week and to his parents Eric and Stephanie Wardwell of Oxford.

Despite the early morning inclement weather on Saturday, lots of people journeyed to Andover to participate in Christmas in Snow Valley. All three venues, the Fire Station, Town Hall and First Congregational Church CEB had lots of traffic, as Christmas shoppers were looking for the perfect gifts at bargain prices. As usual the food tables at the various locations were one of the biggest attractions featuring homemade fudge, pies and cakes. Santa arrived at the Fire Station at 2 p.m. to the delight of many area children.  Winner of the sleigh raffle at the CEB was Judy Michaud.

Town Clerk Belinda Averill announces that nomination papers will be available at the Town Office on Wednesday, Dec. 26. There are two positions open this year for one Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor and a School Board member. All you dog owners out there, be reminded that dog licenses are due Dec. 31, 2012. The fee is $6 for a neutered or spayed dog and $11 for a dog capable of producing young. Any dog that has reached the age of six  months shall be registered, according to Maine State Law. Please bring proof of current rabies vaccination and proof the dog has been neutered or spayed. A late fee of $25 per dog is effective Jan. 1.

The Andover Withdrawal Committee has been working diligently considering the options pending withdrawal from SAD 44. This move is of interest to all taxpayers. The final decision will come in a special election sometime in the spring. Anyone interested in the process should be aware that the committee meets on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. in the Andover Public Library.

The Andover Food Pantry will be distributing holiday food boxes and gifts on Dec. 18. Those in the community who have taken a yellow star from either the wreath at the Little Red Hen or the Christmas Tree in the CEB are reminded that the wrapped gifts should be taken to the church by Dec. 16, with the yellow star attached to the outside. The pantry would like to thank Karen Ellis for a generous gift of children's boots so none of our young people will have cold feet this winter. Also, thanks to those who went to the Good Shepherd Food Bank to pick up food this past week.

Snow Valley Sno-Goers held their annual Holiday Potluck Supper and club meeting on Dec. 5 at the clubhouse in Andover. Members and guests gathered at 6 pm to enjoy a delicious, varied menu of dishes from soup to nuts, enjoyed by all. Following the supper a brief regular meeting was held, discussing issues of trail grooming, future plans for the clubhouse and interactions with the Maine Snowmobile Association. Highlight of the evening was drawing of the winner of the 50/50 contest, sales of chances have been going over the past few months. The lucky winner is Michelle Gannon of Andover - congratulations Michelle! Thanks to all who helped put this successful project together! And an early visit by Santa's helpers will insure the Andover Elementary School Christmas Store will have a great assortment of fun and practical gift items for the students to obtain for friends and family. Another Thank You to generous Santa helpers. Such a fun project which benefits local children.

Snow Valley Sno-Goers held their annual Holiday Potluck Supper and Club meeting on Dec. 5 at the clubhouse in Andover. Members and guests gathered at 6 p.m. to enjoy a delicious, varied menu of dishes from soup to nuts, enjoyed by all. Following the supper a brief regular meeting was held, discussing issues of trail grooming, future plans for the clubhouse and interactions with the Maine Snowmobile Association. Highlight of the evening was drawing of the winner of the 50/50 contest, sales of chances have been going over the past few months. The lucky winner is Michelle Gannon of Andover – congratulations Michelle! Thanks to all who helped put this successful project together! And an early visit by Santa's helpers will insure the Andover Elementary School Christmas Store will have a great assortment of fun and practical gift items for the students to obtain for friends and family. Another Thank You to generous Santa helpers. Such a fun project which benefits local children.

I'm always looking for news, and most often I get notices of meetings that are going to happen, but no follow-up as to what transpired. If the secretaries of the various town organizations will e- mail me their club news, I will be happy to print it so that everyone here is informed of your plans for activities. Call me at 392-3761 or e mail to jcrich@megalink.net. I'd appreciate it and so would the readers of this column.