ANDOVER — The Andover Park and Ride lot, which was closed in February for reconstruction, reopens Friday ahead of schedule. The closure had originally been scheduled for as long as 12 months. Message boards along Interstate 93 near the Park and Ride lot will announce the reopening.
For transportation news and updates visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.
Final historical hike set for Sunday
ANDOVER — After two hikes earlier this summer that were attended by more than 80 hikers, the Andover Trails Committee and the Andover Historical Society are offering the last hike in the three-part series called "Stories from the Trails" on Sunday, Sept. 12.
The series features both the natural beauty and unique geology of various Andover properties, as well as the history related to each property and the surrounding area, according to a press release.
This third hike, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 1 p.m. at Pole Hill on Pole Hill Drive in Andover. Jane Cairns from the Andover Historical Society will share stories tied to the reservation and surrounding area.
This hike consists of relatively easy walking and will take about two hours. Ample parking is available on Pole Hill Drive, which is off Tewksbury Street in Andover.
For more information on this hike, or to learn about other events and volunteer opportunities, please visit andovertrails.org or e-mail David Bunting, Andover Trails Committee at dbunting@andovertrails.org.
Money saving offer for District F residents
LAWRENCE — City Councilor Marc Laplante (District F) is offering to personally deliver free "recycling" and "yard waste" stickers to District F residents in an effort to improve recycling and help families save money from having to purchase the large paper lawn bags.
Lawrence yard waste pick-up resumes Oct. 5, when Allied Waste will only pick up yard waste in the paper lawn bags or in receptacles marked "Yard Waste."
"These special stickers can help families save a few bucks from purchasing those big paper lawn bags. With the new blue Allied Waste totes, many families have extra trash barrels that can now be put to use," said Laplante.
In addition, Laplante has "Recycling" stickers that also can be placed on barrels. Allied Waste collects recycling in the omnipresent blue bins and also in receptacles marked with a "Recycling" sticker.
"Many people feel limited by the amount they can place in the blue recycling bins or have been unable to get one of these bins. However, a 'Recycling' sticker on a trash barrel alerts Allied Waste to collect those recycling materials," said Laplante.
Laplante will personally deliver the stickers to any District F residents who request them. He can be reached at: marclaplante@rocketmail.com or 978 376-6702.
Vietnam Memorial committee awards scholarships
LAWRENCE — The Lawrence Vietnam Memorial Committee presented $4,300 in scholarships to students from Lawrence, Methuen and Andover. Winners were John Erickson and Caitlyn Berube, both of Methuen High; Kelsea Dolan, Central Catholic High School; and James Johnson, Andover High School.
The David Vicente Award went to Victoria Bidmead of Greater Lawrence Technical School; the Robert Fitzgerald Award to Aaron Blanco of Lawrence High School; the Robert Marchand Award to Kevin Guirtin of Our Lady of Good Counsel; and the Boys State Award to Ian Hayden of Central Catholic High School.
