Recently, Seabrook teachers Karen Blethroade, Ruthe Laliberty, Dawn Olson and Cathy Nelson attended the International Reading Association Conference in Atlanta to learn the latest techniques for improving student literacy. According to Blethroade, many strategies were learned to help student readers and writers.
A special highlight of the conference was a spelling bee for the teachers, and Seabrook teachers did their town and school proud. Seabrook Middle School sixth-grade language arts teacher Dawn Olson spelled her way to first place, with SMS seventh-grade special education teacher Cathy Nelson coming in second.
According to SMS Curriculum Coordinator Sharon Reed-Erickson, the school is very proud of its champion spellers and also proud the school's students made "Adequate Yearly Progress" in reading this year.
nnn
As of yesterday, attempts to prevent the resignation of Water Department Supervisor Mike Jeffers have failed, according to Selectman Brendan Kelly.
Jeffers resigned last week on the same day that Town Manager Scott Dunn turned in his resignation. Jeffers said he's not leaving because he dislikes working in Seabrook, but because the town won't hire a second in command for the Water Department, something Jeffers has been requesting for a long time.
Selectmen have been in numerous secret meetings over the past week trying to find the money needed to hire the staffer they and Jeffers feel is needed. The money to do that was in the proposed town operating budget voters rejected at the polls in March.
But with the failure of the proposed budget and the implementation of a default budget, Kelly said, there appears to be no way to find the money needed to hire the assistant just about everyone agrees is needed.
At the request of the selectman, Jeffers agreed to stay until the beginning of July instead of leaving in two weeks.
"My staying will give them time to advertise and interview my replacement," Jeffers said. "I don't mind staying a little longer."
nnn
Kelly said selectmen recently contacted the New Hampshire Local Government Center, alerting the organization Seabrook needs its help finding and hiring another town manager. Kelly expects the LGC to start advertising for the position as soon as possible. He said selectmen expect the search not to extend beyond the six New England states.
Seabrook has hired the LGC on a fee basis in the past in its search for new executives. Dunn was hired through a similar process.
Kelly said although he's not sure about the cost, he recalls $4,000 was the fee the town paid the LGC for its past town manager search. Dunn's resignation is effective July 12.
nnn
Seabrook Happy Seniors have three events planned during the next three months. For more information on any of the events, contact Irene at 603-474-3274.
r Thursday, May 29 - Don "Who" Luncheon Show. Cost: $38 for Seabrook residents and $55 for non-residents. The bus leaves the Community Center at 9:25 a.m.
r Wednesday, June 25: Golden Pond & Hart's Turkey Farm. Cost: $30. Bus leaves the Community Center at 7:15 a.m.
r Saturday, July 12: Lobster Bake/Steak at the American Legion on Walton Road. Cost: $25 for lobster; $20 for steak.
nnn
Winnacunnet Regional High School will present its Spring Concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3 in the school auditorium.
The event will feature the school's String Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Chamber Singers and Chorus..
Selections will be played from classics as well as popular music, and will include the movie soundtrack from "Indiana Jones" — "Raider's March."
Admission is free and guests are advised to get to the air conditioned auditorium early to get good seats.
nnn
Seabrook Youth Baseball Association has a number of fundraising efforts planned that will not only help town kids play ball, but offer fun dinner opportunities for local families.
r Tomorrow (Saturday, May 17), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chef Howie's Hobo Cafe on Broadway at Salisbury Beach will donate $1.25 to the league for every burger/fry meal purchased.
r Wednesday, May 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., Seabrook's Pizza Hut, (on Route 1) will donate 20 percent of every bill (less alcohol) to the league. Coupons are needed. Contact Gina at 603-479-9311 or email at ginaleem@comcast.com to obtain coupon.
r Thursday, May 29, from 8 a.m. to closing, Tasty Subs (on Route 1) will donate 10 percent of the day's profits to the league.
r Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 2, 3, and 4, from 4 p.m. to closing, Sal and Anthony's Restaurant (on Route 107) will donate 10 percent of every bill to the league.
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.
