What is it like to live in Andover?

In Andover, the townspeople go to bat for what they believe in, and their children literally go to bat now because of that.

Main Street in Andover Timothy Tai for The Boston Globe

February 14, 2017

2 minutes to read

In Andover, the townspeople go to bat for what they believe in, and their children literally go to bat now because of that.

Town Moderator Sheila M. Doherty recalls when the selectmen were against the purchase of 13 acres of farmland, and Town Meeting pushed instead to buy it and build ball fields.

“It passed overwhelmingly. If we had just had a city council, we wouldn’t have bought that land,’’ Doherty said.

The sense of community involvement is something Doherty loves most about living in Andover. “People come in not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved,’’ she said. “That’s one of the best resources; they continually find ways to better the town.’’

It’s an understatement to say that Doherty has deep roots in town. As a fourth-generation Andoverite, co-owner and president of Doherty Insurance Agency Inc., and town moderator, her life has been shaped by the community and the people in it.

As a child, older generations taught her to be a part of the community. “My father’s father said: ‘Andover has been very good to us, so we should always give back to Andover.’ You give your time and get involved,’’ she said.

Doherty’s father was town moderator for 29 years. After he retired from the position, she ran in his place. She’s been in the post for nine years.

“I have a great faith in the collective wisdom of Town Meeting,’’ she said. “When you get a group of people who are concerned about the issues, they will always work them out.

“I have a great enjoyment in that.’’

Sheila Doherty, town moderator – Handout

BY THE NUMBERS

1831

The year Samuel Francis Smith composed “My Country ’Tis of Thee,’’ otherwise known as “America,’’ in Andover

number of homes here that were stops on the Underground Railroad

The number of presidents, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush, who have attended Phillips Academy, Andover

40+

The number of people in Andover who were accused of witchcraft in the 1692 trials, which is more than in Salem, according to the town’s historical society. Three of the accused were executed.

PROS & CONS

Pro

Foot-friendly downtown

Main street is a hub that is walkable from most of the schools and offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and a youth center.

Con

Turnover at high school’s helm

Andover High School has had five principals since 2010, causing unrest within the school system and community. Philip Conrad, who was hired last year, has said he hopes to finish out his career at Andover.