Special Needs Programs

The 2016 games were held at Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill Campus on September 17th. This was the 36th year for the games.

The 36th annual Special Field Games is a sporting event for people of all ages with special needs, co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Service Club of Andover. Dozens of guests have fun participating in many athletic events.  Everyone has a great time and everyone is a winner. Northern Essex has generously hosted the Special Field Games for many years. 

Creative Living, Inc., is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1986 by Rosalie Ruggiero and Dr. Larry Larsen with the support of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), now the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).  We were approved by the IRS for 501 (c ) (3) status on March 24th, 1987.  We purchased the home at 368 South Main Street in Andover in 1988 and have been using it ever since for programs in support of our mission.  While we are a private, non-profit organization and receive no state-funding, we are certified by DDS.  In September 2013, Creative Living received a two-year Quest Certification with 100% of the licensing indicators met.

The Service Club of Andover has been supporting the EXCEL program at High Plain Elementary School for years.  Last Thursday, Joanne Heim of the club attended the cooking club breakfast which is an integral part of the programming for the participants who are primarily developmentally disabled children.

Darlene Ohlenbusch runs a fantastic music therapy at West Music School that the Service Club of Andover is priviledged to help sponsor.