Andover is a community. That fact was very evident a few weekends ago when the Andover Emergency Services Auxiliary held their first town wide yard sale to raise funds to support the first responders. People came to the main street station for maps and headed all over town to enjoy the morning searching for treasures.

At the same time a crew from the Fish and Game Club were busy setting up for their beef barbecue. A friend of mine from Ohio stopped by to visit. His comments about the people that were all milling about while others were volunteering time and effort made me realize what a great New England community we live in.

We live in a picturesque town with citizens who support each other. Our task as your firefighters and EMTs is to protect our village and the people who live there. Serious work, yes very. What we get to protect, priceless.

It is time to be extra vigilant when traveling our roads. Lots of young people are waiting for school buses or walking to school. Please be patient and give school buses all the room they need. We have all seen videos of drivers narrowly missing a student because the driver passed a bus when the red warning lights were on. There is no excuse that will make that accident OK.

It will all too soon be time to think about firewood, pellets and cleaning chimneys. However, not just yet. Let’s enjoy the warm days we have over the next several weeks, we will get into the practical stuff later. Stay Safe