Selectmen recently heard a proposal from a local resident who wants to build a BMX bicycle race track on the back parking lot at Veteran's Park on South Main Street.
Mike Kimball, who's been involved with BMX racing for years, believes adding the sport to the town's offerings for youth would be beneficial. Kimball and a group of volunteers are prepared to start a formal nonprofit organization, build, run and maintain the track.
Although selectmen said they're always interested in programs that will keep town youth active, they're concerned about the size of the track in relation to the park's size and parking availability.
Kimball was told he needs to present his plan to the Conservation Commission, since there could be wetlands that could be affected by the track. In addition, Kimball was told to file his plans with the Planning Board, which will contact abutters of the proposed park and analyze the proposal.
Susan Foote, who is the chairwoman of both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board, said both organizations are awaiting Kimball's plans.
"While I fully endorse BMX racing would be attractive for some town kids, the plans need to be reviewed to see what's involved and how to proceed," she said.
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Those who drive the southern portion of Route 1 should leave an additional few minutes for their commute, as the long-awaited dredging of Cain's Brook is beginning.
Excavation equipment is arriving, and the dredging of the pond should be continue over the next four to six weeks, Foote said.
Everything must be done by May so that traffic won't snarl during the road's busiest season, she said.
Cain's Brook, which once supported game fish like trout and other indigenous species, has been clogged for years with roadside salt and sand and debris. Volunteers pulled all types of foreign matter from the area about a year ago, and equipment was installed to keep roadway materials from the pond.
All the work done on the pond, including the upcoming dredging, has been funded by grants.
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It didn't take long for Gov. John Lynch to promise a veto after the New Hampshire House voted Wednesday to decriminalize the possession by adults of small amounts of marijuana.
By 3:30 the same afternoon, Lynch issued a formal statement: "Marijuana is a controlled drug that remains illegal under federal law. I share the law enforcement community's concerns about proliferation of this drug.
"In addition, New Hampshire parents are struggling to keep their kids away from marijuana and other drugs. We should not make the job of parents — or law enforcement — harder by sending a false message that some marijuana use is acceptable.
The House's 214-137 vote passing the bill sent it over to the Senate for debate. The bill would let adults possess one-quarter ounce or less of marijuana and would also decriminalize transporting less than that amount.
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Seabrook Public Library is supporting language and literacy at its Parents Information and Resource Center. The Center is presenting a workshop designed by Reading is Fundamental on Tuesday, March 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the library.
There will be many activities throughout the day to promote literacy in children in a wide range of activities from pretend play to self-expression, painting, music and more.
Child care is provided for parents who sign up in advance by calling 603-474-2044.
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Story Times at the Seabrook Library begin March 16 and continue through April.
The following sessions are scheduled:
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.: 1- to 2-year-olds, Toddlers Story Time
Wednesday, 3 p.m.: 4- to 6-year-olds, Runners Story Time
Thursday, 11 a.m.: 2- and 3-year-olds, Walkers with Parents Story Time
Thursday, 2 p.m.: 2- to 4-year-olds, Walkers Story Time
Friday, 11 a.m.: 3- and 4-year-olds, Independent Walkers Story Time
Space is limited, and advance sign-up is required. The library will find a way to accommodate every interested child, adding a Story Time if necessary.
Call Lisa at 603-474-2044 to sign up or e-mail lmichaud@sealib.org.
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Community of the Churches announced March events for the Lenten season.
Saturday, Mystery Auction, 7 p.m., Trinity United Church. Bring wrapped item and a good sense of humor; potluck dinner proceeds at 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 21, Community Hymn Sing, 6 p.m., Rand Memorial Church, delicious refreshments.
Sunday, March 28, Palm/Passion Sunday services:
9:30 a.m., Four Corners Advent, Pastor Bruce D. Small
11 a.m., Rand Memorial, the Rev. Ted McCurdy
11 a.m., Trinity United Church, Pastor Bill Beddie
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Angeljean Chiaramida covers Seabrook for The Daily News. She can be reached at 978-462-6666, ext. 3271 or by e-mail at achiaramida@newburyportnews.com.
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