2011: The Year in Local Heroes

The year is over, and now we can reflect on what 2011 brought North Andover. Often overlooked are local heroes -- people who push further than expected in order to make their community better.

Dianne Lynch

Heroes often emerge from tragedy, pain and adversity. Her beloved son Jack, just a baby at the time, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma -- a common form of cancer in infants -- soon after the Lynch family moved to North Andover in 2003. Jack would battle the disease for three years before passing away in 2006.

The following year, Dianne was diagnosed with breast cancer. But rather than sit back in defeat, Dianne has fought the disease every step of the way and has focused on staying strong to fight cancer in Jack's memory. She currently runs a fundraising organization, www.golffightscancer.com, which raises money for cancer research through golf, a sport Dianne and her husband both love.

The Sheridan Women

North Andover resident Alida Sheridan and her two daughters -- Brooke, 18, and Alana, 16 -- are involved with the Lawrence Playspace Program located at the YWCA of Greater Lawrence Teen Living Program. The Playspace Program is an initiative of Horizons for Homeless Children.

And Brook Sheridan has been so impacted by her experience that she plans to pursue a degree in political science at Boston University and embark in homelessness policy studies.

Anthony Sideri and Jenna Buco

Often people plan their weddings with gluttony and excess in mind. But for Anthony Sideri and Jenna Buco, They have asked that, in lieu of gifts, each of their guests make a donation to Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence.

Cor Unum, which means "one heart," is a not-for-profit meal center where Jenna and Sideri volunteer on a weekly basis. Cor Unum provides free and nutritious meals with a no-questions-asked policy and a focus on dignity. For the happy North Andover couple, it represents a second chance.

Sideri had been in jail as a result of a devastating heroin addiction. Buco was a school teacher in Lawrence who had just lost a friend in a tragic accient. Both were seeking meaning and purpose moving forward, and they went to volunteer at Cor Unum to do that. They became acquainted and fell in love, and now they work tirelessly to keep giving to the community, even with their wedding.

Joe DiPietro

It's not every day someone gives away their prized classic car for a worthy cause.

Joe DiPietro spent more than two years working on his prized 1966 Ford Mustang. He is also passionate about protecting children from sexual abuse. a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes tougher penalties for sex offenders and public education about sexual abuse, to be raffled off in their fundraiser this year.

Proceeds from the raffle went toward the organization's various efforts including education programs for parents and children, support programs for sexual abuse victims and legislation efforts to enact tougher mandatory sentencing for sex offenders.

North Andover Police Department

While violent crime decreased last year, property crime increased. And the has stayed at the forefront in the fight against crime.

The department also helps maintain an impressive Neighborhood Watch program to foster communication with residents and help keep crime low.

Whether it's keeping the Lawrence violent crime explosion out of the town or responding to an intense standoff with calm and professionalism, the North Andover Police Department has stuck to its goal of keeping the North Andover community safe. And they did this in 2011 despite the transition from old chief to new chief.

North Andover Fire Department

Every time we hear about a car accident or a house fire, many of us may overlook the men and women involved in responding to those crises. The responds to several calls a day and has helped provide the town with a sense of safety and security.

Whether it's saving people from the wreckage of a car crash or rushing to contain a house fire, or collecting toys for underprivileged children, the Fire Department has shown an unwavering commitment to protecting lives from the most devastating situations.

North Andover Merchants Association

Many towns have local business organizations. But few can boast one as active and as driven as the North Andover Merchants Association. This past summer, NAMA produced an amazing at the Middle School. And shortly after, NAMA organized an impressive

Rather than simply collect dues and produce an occasional newsletter, NAMA stays engaged in local business and promotes local merchants every day. This is especially crucial in a troubled economy, when local shopping tends to suffer.

Kyzer the K-9 Dog

And who can forget Kyzer? Kyzer is an 8-year-old K-9 dog on the North Andover Police Department with Lt. Charlie Gray.

Pet Sitters International, creators of Take Your Dog to Work Day, named Kyzer as a winner of its new Working Class K-9 Hero Contest -- meant to honor dogs who work every day to improve the lives of others. He was nominated for the award by North Andover resident and professional pet sitter Tracey Zysk of

Who were your heroes of 2011? Leave a comment and discuss!