The town that time forgot

To the Editor: I spent my formative years in Andover Borough. I moved away with my motherand siblings just after turning 17. I returned for a year in my early 20’s and have been back for visits many times through the years. Due to my Army, and later Foreign Service, career I have moved 15 times since then. Although 27 years have passed since I left, I still consider it my home. My son, who has grown up in so many different countries and states, was amazed a few years ago when I brought him to Andover for a visit. I ran into many old friends who stopped to say hello and chat. After about the 10th time this happened my son asked if I was “famous”. I laughed. He had never lived in a town where everyone knew your name. I explained to him that in a small town we got to know one another. As a result of this, and our sharedhistory, we showed little kindnesses to each other every day. He looked at me wistfully and said that he wished he could have a home town for himself. I realized that I needed to give him what I had taken for granted. Since I could not return to Andover, I decided my next assignment would be in the U.S., and I would stay long enough for him to complete his schooling. I wanted to give him a shared history with the people in a community so he would have an answer one day when asked, “Where are you from?”. We are now in West Sringfield, VA. Its as close to a small town as I could get and still be assigned to the State Department in Washington, DC where I work. My wife jokingly refers to Andover as the “Town that Time Forgot”. If this development project goes through no one will ever again be able to call it that. My life has been about change and I can appreciate the desire for it. But some people enjoy and value the continuity of a small town like Andover. There is nothing wrong with that. I personally see no real benefit to the residents of Andover if this deal goes through. The character of the town will be forever changed. Sure a few people will make a lot of money. But at what price to the current population? Since I don’t live in Andover anymore I rightfully have no vote in the matter. I wanted change and excitement, so left my small town to find it. I respect the citizens of Andover for wanting to hold fast to their values. Those of us who want change can leave and find it in any number of places. Let us keep this square mile of simple decency for future generations to grow up in. And one day they too will be “famous” like us. Joe Cole Jr.