By Angeljean Chiaramida
On Saturday night, May 3, local residents can help find a cure for cystic fibrosis and have a great time as well by attending the CF Benefit Jam at the American Legion Hall on Walton Road from 6 to 11 p.m.
One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the name of Marina's Mission. And 11-year old Marina Felch's mission is to find a cure for CF. The daughter of Vicky and Puggy Felch, Marina is a current survivor of the genetic disease that affects her lungs and digestive track.
For the $7 admission fee, attendees will enjoy food, music, dancing, food, raffles and prizes. Marina's parents and relatives have been out gathering gift certificates and prizes from area businesses for the event.
Marina is a healthy CF survivor because of the research and new treatments developed with the help of the money raised from events just like the Jam, Vicky Felch said.
Once considered a disease that took its victims' lives before they ever reached elementary school age, today those with CF are raising children of their own. With more research, Vicky Felch believes a cure will be found during Marina's life time.
For more information on the Jam or to make a donation, contact: Rayann Brown (603-944-6905), Kathleen Felch (603-760-2072) or Torie Perkins (603-396-6104).
For more information on cystic fibrosis, visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Web site: www.cff.org
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According to Town Assessor Angela Silva, the town's tax base has increased by about $15.6 million due to new construction and log changes so far this year. The news was music to the ears of town selectmen, for it could prevent a rise in the town's property tax rate in the coming year.
In addition, tax exemptions are down about $3 million, Silva said, after the town recertified those who apply for property tax exemptions. About 55 veteran exemptions were removed from the tax rolls because of residency, divorce or death, Silva said. Others previously granted exemptions did not qualify because incomes and assets limits were exceeded.
According to state requirements, every five years town officials must recertify everyone who receive tax exemptions, Silva said.
r Last year, there were 11 real estate foreclosures in Seabrook, Silva said. So far this year, there have been five foreclosures. Those concerned about their mortgages can call the New Hampshire Citizens Banking Department at 603-271-3561 for free advice, Silva said. They can help residents explore their options, she said.
New Hampshire Homeowners also have a hotline for those in need at 1-800-437-5991.
r Real estate sales are down 29 percent when compared to the same six-month period last year, from 52 to 37, Silva said, but sales prices are holding their own. Prices on properties along Route 1 and in beach areas are holding, while others are only dropping a small amount, she said.
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Two members of the Seabrook Housing Authority have requested that selectmen relieve residents in the town's housing complex of having to pay water and sewer fees.
Asa Knowles Jr., and Ivan Q. Eaton Sr., told selectmen that those living in the town's housing units are on a fixed income and given the rising cost of just about everything, find it difficult to pay the annual water and sewer fees charged them by the town.
Housing Authority buildings are owned by the town. Those living there pay rent based on their ability to pay, but many are on fixed incomes.
"That 2.4 percent cost of living increase in Social Security (benefits) doesn't cover fuel increases," said Selectman Bob Moore."
"For many senior (citizens) on fixed incomes things are really getting tough," said Selectman Brendan Kelley.
Selectman Aboul Khan said many who live in Seabrook's Housing Authority community are those who worked hard for the community in the past.
Selectmen are taking the issue under advisement, and will make their decision in weeks to come.
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Last Saturday, Wal-Mart raised more than $900 for Seabrook Recreation Center. The opening of its Garden Center was the focus of the event, and money was raised from a bake sale and cookout.
Money will go to help provide with the cost of field trips this summer, combatting the rising cost of gasoline, according to Recreation Department Director Sandy Beaudoin. Money may also go to support scholarships for students enrolling in the Rec Center's programs and sports.
For more information on the Recreation Center's Spring Programs and Summer Camp, call 603-474-5746.
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The innovative sewer treatment technology being installed at Seabrook Waste Water Treatment Plant is running about two weeks ahead of schedule, according to Sewer Superintendent Warner Knowles.
Selectmen approved a cutting-edge technology in December that could reduce the cost of running the sewer treatment plant by more than $160,000 a year. The new technical process provided by PMC BioTec reduces the amount of sludge produced through a macrobiotic process. In so doing it will reduce by from 60 to 80 percent the amount of money Seabrook pays each year to dispose of the sludge at a site in Maine.
Knowles told Selectmen Wednesday, the process could also save the town in heating costs. During the sludge reduction process, heat is created, Knowles said, and he's looking into finding a way to use that to heat the building during the winter.
Knowles said he recently paid about $10,000 to fill the plant's heating oil tanks, something he does quite a few times a year. That cost could be dropped if the heat generated by the biological sludge reduction process can be converted, he said.
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Earth Day + 7, Cain's Brook Clean-up activities, start at the Community Center at 10 a.m on Tuesday. Volunteers at the event will clean up the litter along the highway surrounding Cain's Brook, the town's major freshwater shed.
Local businesses are helping enormously on the project, providing food, people and equipment to the volunteers who pitched in to help. Volunteers will get lunch, training and all the equipment needed to perform their tasks safely. The event runs from 10 a.m to 2 p.m..
For more information, contact the Recreation Center at 603-474-5746.
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.
