October 6th Select Board Newsletter
Dear Stratham Residents,
Please read below for news and notes from the Town of Stratham. In this edition:
- Reminder - Community Power Public Forum October 12th
- Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus Detected in Stratham Mosquito
- Antique Appraisal Day, October 15th
- Pancake Breakfast October 28th
- We're Hiring!: Public Works Director and Finance Assistant
- Stratham Historical Society Phase Building Restoration Complete
- Town Offices Closed Monday, October 9th
To sign-up for these updates and other notifications, please visit this section on our website and check the "Select Board" box under News and Announcements.
The Select Board
Michael Houghton, Chair Allison Knab, Vice-Chair Joe Anderson
Please note, all Town offices will be closed on Monday, October 9th.
We will reopen at 8:30 am on Tuesday.
PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE (Mosquitoes)
The State of NH has made the town aware that mosquitoes in Stratham has tested for West Nile Virus. This risk map from the State provides additional information about where in NH WNV has been found and will be updated to reflect Stratham shortly.
The State recommends residents take steps to minimize risk of mosquito bites: if outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours, when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. Residents are also encouraged to consider the use of an effective insect repellent, such as one containing DEET. In accordance with recommendations from our mosquito treatment service provider, spraying at Town parks and municipal properties is scheduled.
Additional resources: NH DHHS information about mosquito-borne illnesses and West Nile Virus Fact Sheet
UPCOMING COMMUNITY POWER OUTREACH
All are welcome to attend the public forum on Community Power on Thursday, October 12th at 7:00 pm at the Municipal Center.
If you can't attend the public forum but have questions, stop by the Municipal Center on Saturday, October 14 between 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and talk one-on-one to a member of the Energy Commission. They will be happy to answer any questions you have!
As a reminder, a Special Town Meeting will be held on Thursday October 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the Stratham Memorial School at which the Town will have the opportunity to approve the Community Power Plan.Check out our Special Edition Newsletter on Community Power and or watch this five-minute video.
STRATHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY - ANTIQUES APPRAISAL DAY
Sunday, October 15 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Morgera Room, Stratham Firehouse, 4 Winnicutt Road
For 32 years, the Stratham Historical Society has hosted Appraisal Days that have come to be known as Stratham's "Antiques Road Show". Dan Olmstead of Daniel Olmstead Antiques in Newfields has been with us for each of those 32 years to appraise and discuss antiques, collectibles, family heirlooms and artifacts of historic interest. Joining Dan, as they have for 6 years now, are Greg Pruitt and Lionel Loveless, owners of Collector's Eye in Stratham, Route 1 Antiques and Brickhouse 76 Antiques & Decorative Arts, both in Hampton Falls.
Comb your mantles, shelves, attics and barns. Bring along what you want to learn more about or determine an estimated value. The fee for the first item is $5, or $8 for two, $12 for three items and $15 for four. All proceeds go to the Stratham Historical Society to maintain its collections and other related expenses.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Please join the Stratham Volunteer Fire Department Association on Saturday, October 28th from 8 - 11am at the Stratham Fire Station, 4 Winnicutt Road for a free pancake breakfast, open house and costume contest! See you there!
WE'RE HIRING!
The Town of Stratham has open positions! Currently, we are looking to fill our DPW Director and Finance Assistant positions. Click here for more details!
PHASE 1 OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AT STRATHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS COMPLETE!
You probably got used to seeing the south side chimney of the Stratham Historical Society adorned in scaffolding throughout most of September. The masons' time up high was prolonged by unreliable weather and some of the challenges offered by a historic stone building that has been perched on the Town Center slope for 111 years.
The scaffolding is down. Phase 1 of a three-year plan to fully restore and preserve the building that opened in 1912 as the George A. and Emma B. Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham's first dedicated library building, is complete. Enthusiastic support throughout the community and a $7,500 grant generously provided by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance in cooperation with The 1772 Foundation enabled this important work.
C&C Masonry and the handicraft of Drew Bedard at Hall & Parlor Historic Preservation, LLC have paved the way to a water-tight winter. Windows, chimneys, flashing, roofing and gutters have all been addressed while paying careful attention to historic code compliance. This meant that when gutter brackets were removed due to age and rot, Drew had to go out to find appropriate hardwood, and in his workshop, reproduce the brackets to the exact style and dimensions of the originals.
Phases 2 & 3 will commence next year with focus on important but less urgent structural and cosmetic needs under the continuing leadership of Stratham's own Drew Bedard and Hall & Parlor Historic Preservation, LLC.