In commemoration of Black History Month, the February issue of the Advocate begins with the story of Fortune Little, a former slave, who lived and worked in Dublin during the last years of the 18th century.
The deadline to sign up to run for town office is February 2, and residents are encouraged to get involved by running – or by expressing their interest in being appointed as alternates or members of town committees. In the March issue, the Advocate will publish statements by prospective candidates along with their photos. Dubliners are reminded to vote in town and school elections on March 12 and to attend Town Meeting on March 16.
With respect to the ConVal ballot, residents will be voting on whether to amend the 1968 Articles of Agreement, which would allow the closing of four district elementary schools, including Dublin Consolidated School. The February issue includes a summary of the reconfiguration/consolidation study by Alan Edelkind, along with his recommendation. Two other Dubliners present their opinions in support of maintaining our local school.
Local schools are full of winter activity. Dublin School will present Fiddler on the Roof in early March. In addition, some of their Nordic skiers, along with Head of School Brad Bates, will help the kids at Dublin Consolidated School learn about cross-country skiing. DCS also enjoyed enriching programs by author Marty Kelley and Ashuelot Concerts. At Dublin Christian Academy, Upper School students were matched with younger ones in the Big/Little program.
We are reminded of some winter safety tips and the protocol for snow plowing our driveways. K Vanderbilt of the Fire Department and Emergency Management Office urges Dubliners to sign up for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program.
The Dublin Public Library is humming with energy! Library Director Karen Madigan describes new programs and lists recently-purchased books. She also proposes a Library of Things, a collection of items that people might not have at home but could check out. Also, people offering interesting conversation through their life experiences could be added to the “checkout” list.
The Planning Board is considering a new policy on Accessory Dwelling Units, and Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (which includes Dublin), has announced a base electric supply rate. Al Lyons, a member of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee, answers some questions about the Pay As You Throw (PAYT) program they are proposing.
Meanwhile, the DubHub calendar is full of fun and enriching programs: conversation, classes, valentine making, music, a community lunch, and a silent auction featuring a resident’s art collection to benefit the Community Center. There is more music to be heard in nearby Hancock: Music on Norway Pond presents Mozart and Five Hebrew Love Songs on February 18. And for middle schoolers, the MAXT Ceramics Center in town is offering clay handbuilding class in February and March.
Dublin welcomes Monadnock Oil and Vinegar to the building formerly occupied by Morning Star Maple. Korey Snow and Kim Homoleski describe their plans for expanding their business.
In this election year, Rusty Bastedo provides an insight into the founding of the Republican Party and New Hampshire statesman John Parker Hale.
Dublin Community Church Pastor Traceymay Kalvaitis invites everyone to a lunchtime speakers series on different religious traditions during the five Wednesdays of Lent, and Music Director Tom Martin announces Jazz Sunday on February 11.