Contributors

Tracey Rauh Solomon Editor in Chief
Tracey is a journalist with extensive experience with New England newspapers, magazines and public relations projects. Her family is originally from Andover and North Andover, so The Andovers has special meaning for her. Contact Tracey with your story ideas and thoughts on the magazine at 978-946-2242, or via e-mail at trauhsolomon@theandoversmagazine.com.
A letter from the editor
Amy Sweeney Photo Director
"It's hard to complain about your job when you get to spend time with the hot bachelors of The Andovers," Amy points out ("Hottest Bachelors," Page 44). "What a great group of unassuming and diverse guys. Thank you bachelors for making the entire affair a success, and a lot of fun." A graduate of Syracuse University, Amy has been a photographer and photo editor and director for more than 25 years. Contact Amy with photo ideas at 978-946-2497 or via e-mail at asweeney@theandoversmagazine.com.
Roger Darrigrand Chief Photographer
Roger is an avid home brewer, so he jumped at the chance to work with staff writer Bill Kirk on "A Crafty Brew," (PAGE 55). "Any chance I get to mix two things I love, photography and beer, I'll take it," Roger says. Roger worked in Illinois and North Carolina before taking a position with The Eagle-Tribune photo staff in 2007, then joining The Andovers when the magazine launched last year. Roger also shot photos for the downtown Andover story, the cover photo, among other features in this issue.
Rosemary Ford Writer & Associate Editor
Rosemary, too, spent a lot of time with some of the hunkiest men in the community. She even developed a crush — on a certain American bull dog named Prana (Sanskrit for "breath of life"). Rosemary has been with The Andovers since the first edition hit newsstands a year ago. Her work also appears in The Eagle-Tribune and Cape Ann Magazine, among other publications. Look for her byline on several features in this edition.
Tim Jean Staff Photographer
Having worked at the Andover Townsman and The Eagle-Tribune for nearly a decade, Tim has learned a lot about downtown Andover businesses — many of which he photographed for this edition of The Andovers ("Downtown Chic," Page 30.) He says it was fun to share information with today's proprietors about the businesses that previously occupied their locations, and how much downtown has changed. A longtime newspaper photographer, Tim joined The Andovers when it launched last year.
Jan Seeger Staff Photographer
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Jan has been working as a photographer for the past 17 years. She ran a photography studio in Los Angeles for more than a decade, then relocated to New England. Today she lives on a small farm in New Hampshire and works as a photographer for The Eagle-Tribune and The Andovers magazine, along with her independent endeavors. Look for her photos here with "Catching Up With" (Page 22).
Bill Kirk Staff Writer
"As a business editor, I am lucky to be able to interview interesting entrepreneurs who make or do cool stuff," Bill says. "I don't usually get to sample the product they make, however." For "A Crafty Brew" (Page 55), he had a different experience. "I was 'forced' to sample the products sold at area liquor stores and made by local home-brewers," he says. "It was a tough assignment, but somebody had to do it." Bill has been business editor at The Eagle-Tribune for two years. Prior to that he was city editor for Andover and North Andover. This is his first contribution to The Andovers. He lives with his wife and two children in Gloucester, where a brew pub recently opened, naturally.
Jocelin Johnson Damien Chief Designer
After eight years as an award-winning newspaper designer, Jocelin enjoys the freshness of designing The Andovers magazine. "Working with the glossy format has been a lot of fun and a good learning experience," she says. Jocelin graduated from Susquehanna University with a degree in journalism and started her design career at The Telegraph in Nashua, N.H. She has been at The Eagle-Tribune since 2005. She lives in Ayer with her husband, Ray, and cat, Oatmeal.
Sarah Ashley Durrell Contributing Writer
Sarah may have grown up in Haverhill, but the Andovers have always played an important role in her life. "When I was first born, my parents and I lived on Essex Street, right downtown," she says. "And, my older brother is a graduate of Andover High School." That's not the only reason Sarah feels connected to The Andovers. "I've always loved venturing to Andover center for a Starbucks, or going to North Andover to shop or dine out." Check out two of Sarah's favorite spots in this issue, Orzo Trattoria ("Dining Out," Page 18) and Butcher Boy ("Then & Now," Page 80).
George LeMaitre Contributing Writer
George LeMaitre is a native of Lawrence who lives with his wife in Andover. He was a vascular surgeon in the Lawrence area for more than 30 years, as well as chief of surgery at Lawrence General hospital and president of the medical staff at Caritas Holy Family Hospital in Methuen. George has written four books, the latest being "Choosing Your Doctor," featuring advice to help patients "manage" their doctors, who are being "managed" by health insurance systems. "I love writing satires about medicine, law and other such occupations and pre-occupations," he says of his Reader Essay (PAGE 21). "I mean no harm by them and have never incurred the wrath of my 'victims.' It is all done in fun."
Frank J. Leone Jr. Contributing Photographer
"The Bachelor Party earlier this year was a hit big with the crowd at Glory Restaurant," says Frank, The Andovers Party People photographer (Page 72). "It was fun catching them interacting." He also shot the Catwalk4Cancer at Central Catholic, organized by senior Phill Piccardi — who happens to be his neighbor. "That gave me great access to backstage pre-show candids and the commitment he has to the cause," Frank says. Frank divides his time between his North Andover and Seabrook Beach, N.H., homes and lives with his wife and two daughters. An avid boater, he hopes to be on the water in May to enjoy the New England summer season.
Alexandra Pecci Contributing Writer
Alexandra had a great time wandering through 300 years of history in the Timothy Johnson House in North Andover — especially since she was treated to a guided tour by its owner ("At Home With," Page 66). "It was fascinating hearing about which parts of the house were original and which are new additions. It looks absolutely seamless," she says. Alexandra's work has appeared in The Andovers and Cape Ann magazines, The Eagle-Tribune, and other local publications. She lives in a decidedly unhistoric 1989 condo in Plaistow, N.H., with her husband, Brian.
Michael Sperling Contributing Photographer
Michael owns Sperling Interactive, a North Shore company specializing in Web design, photography and multimedia. His focus is on portrait and editorial photography and his work has been featured in a number of publications. Look for his photos in the "Hottest Bachelor" package (Page 44). To view more of his work, visit www.sperlinginteractive.com.