The April Advocate begins with some photos of a dramatic weather event, the March 14 storm that brought Dublin over three feet of snow, knocked out power, and delayed our election. Some residents compared it to the ice storm in in 2008, but Dublin’s Road Crew kept roads passable, and electrical workers from far and wide restored power within 48 hours.
Although the election of town officials (and voting on a petition warrant article and the ConVal budget) was delayed until March 28, Town Meeting went off without a hitch on March 18, and all warrant articles passed easily. Hank Campbell was named Citizen of the Year, acknowledgement of his 39 years of volunteer service to our town.
The library is hopping with events in April, beginning with an Easter egg hunt and visit from the big bunny, and continuing with a celebration of National Poetry Month, movies during spring break, the opening of the Seed Library, and a star gazing event. In addition, two events in Jaffrey (part of the town’s 250th anniversary celebration) will focus on southern New Hampshire Native American history.
April brings Earth Day, and the issue highlights a new composting program at the Transfer Station, a panel discussion on solar panels, and a revitalized roadside cleanup (sponsored by the DubHub, Rec Committee, and Recycling Committee) on April 22. The Cheshire County Conservation District is offering classes on garden tools and cover cropping. In addition, the Harris Center is offering several spring programs, including one on Beech Hill for children.
Dublin Consolidated School Principal Shawne Hilliard describes a successful “One School, One Book” program and a week-long visit from a circus troupe. Alan Edelkind, Dublin’s ConVal School Board representative, announces the formation of a committee to study the possible consolidation and reconfiguration of the district’s 11 schools.
Roger Trempe, Dublin’s Road Agent, acknowledges the challenges of this year’s consecutive mud seasons and expresses gratitude for the newly-finished break room at the highway department barn. In contrast to our town’s current snow removal capability, an excerpt from the 1920 History of Dublin describes how it was done with four-horse teams.
The DubHub is bursting with activities in April: ongoing classes, game nights, coffee & conversation meetings, and herb classes. In addition, there will be a show of artist Carolyn Edwards’ paintings and photographs, a reception to honor Dublin’s Road Crew, a community conversation on race and policing, a forum on the Peace Corps, and a BBQ lunch and celebration following the roadside cleanup on Earth Day, April 22.
Meanwhile, DublinArts is presenting a piano concert by Adam Swanson and a one-woman show, Shakespeare’s Will, performed by Wendy Almeida. DublinArts is still seeking volunteers to read Shakespeare’s sonnets in celebration of his birthday on April 23. MAxT is offering four woodworking classes for beginners at their facility in Peterborough.
An article from the Audubon Society discusses the decline in birds (and visits to feeders), and Tom Warren describes flying squirrels and saw-whet owls and their interesting dynamic.
The Dublin Historical Society will be showing a new film on Joseph Lindon Smith on April 20 at the library, and Lucy Shonk recounts some childhood telephone mischief. Looking to Dublin’s future, the Planning Board is asking residents to fill out a short survey about housing in connection with a Housing Opportunity Grant the town recently received.
The coming of April means applications will soon be due for scholarships from the Dublin Community Foundation, the Trustees of the Trust Funds, and Brantwood Camp. The Advocate is seeking news of college graduates for the May issue. Also, the much-anticipated Dublin Community Church’s “Gift of Thrift Sale” is upcoming on April 29.
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