Friday, December 21, 2012

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...

In February of this year members of Durham's Fire Department conducted an annual ice rescue training at the UNH outdoor pool where they practiced several rescue techniques to be used for retrieving victims who may fall through the ice. Above, Firefighter Scott Campbell (left) and Fire Captain Gary Kustra (right) take a moment to relax and "pose" for the camera after conducting training. Courtesy Durham Fire Department

Today marks the first official day of winter and is the shortest day of the year.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE TRAGIC EVENTS IN NEWTOWN AND IN APPRECIATION FOR OUR TEACHERS AT OYSTER RIVER

This morning at 9:30 AM, the UNH carillon in Thompson Hall rang 26 times to honor those who lost their lives in last week’s tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

In making this gesture, the University joined with churches, businesses and municipalities across the state of New Hampshire responding to a call from Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy seeking a moment of remembrance for the “20 beautiful school children and six dedicated educators taken from their families and their loved ones.

In addition, long-time Durham resident Morgan Dudley sent a lovely email this week as follows:

“In light of the tragic events in Newtown, CT, and the heroism, courage and care exhibited by the teachers there, the value of all teachers and school administrators is on the minds of many people in Durham. I am writing to express profound gratitude from our family for all that Oyster River Elementary, Middle and High School teachers do every day to educate, encourage, support, guide, and care for our children.”

The Town of Durham joins in this sentiment.

A rainbow appears of the Durham Town Offices this evening - Present & Future

Town Office Locations - Courtesy Todd Selig

TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS FY 2013 BUDGET BY VOTE OF 6-2

On Monday evening, December 10, 2012, after two months of deliberations, the Town Council adopted the FY 2013 comprehensive budget for Durham totaling $23,773,370 by a vote of 6-2 (one Council member was absent due to illness). This includes a General Fund budget of $12,707,557; a Water Fund budget of $530,465; a Sewer Fund budget of $1,821,678; a Parking Fund budget of $140,110; a Capital Fund budget of $8,029,825; a Depot Road Parking Fund budget of $70,050; a Churchill Rink Fund budget of $160,550; and a Library Fund budget of $313,135.

The proposed budget, as was the case in 2011 and 2012, recommended bonding the $478,080 2013 road program. The decision to move from a cash basis to a bonded program in 2011 was seen as the only way at that time to avert an approximate 9% municipal tax rate increase in 2011 while also stabilizing to the extent possible 2012 and 2013 tax rate projections. It gave additional time for the community to broaden the tax base so as to mitigate anticipated future spending increases associated with paying cash once again for Durham’s ongoing long-term roadway maintenance program beginning in 2014 and beyond. The Council, after extensive deliberation and discussion, came to the conclusion that it was more prudent for the community to move the road program to a cash basis in 2013, thereby saving approximately $100,000 in interest costs over the life of the bond. In addition, the Council reduced the road program to $309,733 to cover the following roadways: Garrison, Pinecrest, Young Drive, Bagdad Rd (Rt. 4 overpass to Madbury), and Beech Hill Road. In essence, the Coe Drive overlay and sidewalk replacement project was eliminated from the program and delayed until a future year.

A number of additional adjustments were made to the proposed budget by the Council including adding 16 hr/wk to fund a part-time building/zoning inspector to assist in managing the heavy workload for the Code/Zoning/Health/Building Inspection Department; moving the part-time DCAT Coordinator position to full time as of July 1, 2013 contingent upon a new Comcast cable franchise agreement being reached with a franchise fee to cover the associated costs of the expanded position; an additional $4,850 for support of the McGregor Memorial Ambulance assuming a satisfactory contract for services can be reached with the entity; as well as a number of additional budget reductions.

The proposed FY 2013 budget also increased the part-time Parks & Recreation Director position to full time based on program success, workload demands, and significant public support for the position.

The Council approved funds ($1,333,700) to move forward in 2013 with the retrofit and addition to the People’s United Bank building at 8 Newmarket Road as the new Durham Town Office. At the present time we are waiting for the bank to clear the title to the parcel through the probate court process. In addition, Durham is talking with developers concerning the redevelopment of the existing Durham Town Office site, a project anticipated to generate additional sale proceeds and incremental additional tax revenue needed to cover a significant portion of the overall Town Office project costs.

It is anticipated that the approved FY 2013 budget will increase the municipal (local) portion of the tax rate from $7.61 to $8.27, an increase of 8.6%. If debt service associated with the new Durham Public Library project that overwhelming passed (74%) by referendum last year is subtracted from the equation, the municipal tax rate increase would be approx. 5.27%.

The proposed Sewer Fund budget reflects a 0% increase in user fees in 2013 (a rate of $5.75 per hundred cubic feet), while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 5.3% increase in user fees (a rate of $4.18 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2013.

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN VISIT DATING TO 6/25/12 - $13,000 DONATION RECEIVED

The Town has received a donation for $13,000 dating to the June 25, 2012 Presidential campaign visit to the Oyster River High School in Durham. The total cost of the visit to the Town was $12,998.29. To view the letter we have received from Attorney Abigail Sykas on behalf of her client who wishes to remain anonymous, click HERE. The donation is unrestricted. Administrator Selig has directed the Business Office to deposit the monies as unanticipated General Fund revenue for FY 2012. In early 2013, we will bring forward a resolution to the Council as we do each year noting all of the various donations
received in 2012 for formal Council acceptance. Because this donation is in excess of $5,000, it will also require a public hearing for the acceptance. As noted previously concerning this topic, Durham has received anonymous donations in the past, most notable in support of the Durham Farmers Market.

Architectural drawing of draft Jenkins Court Kiosk under development for

downtown Durham.

JENKINS COURT KIOSK PROJECT MOVING FORWARD

As noted in the past, the Town is working to develop a directional kiosk at the intersection of Main Street and Jenkins Court to support downtown business and promote pedestrian activity along Jenkins Court. The topic has been discussed for over twelve years but for a variety of reasons and concerns, it had mot moved to fruition. Administrator Selig had asked the Public Works Department in the fall to develop a plan for implementation which we anticipate moving forward with in early 2013. The anticipated cost is $2,965.

Consistent with our Kaizen/Lean philosophy of getting it right the first time, the Public Works Department manufactured a simple plywood example of the size and scale of the sign and put it in place downtown for a short time this week for staff to evaluate placement, height, impact on parking sightlines, and more. The demo was very instructive.

Following initial installation, businesses desirous of having their names listed on the kiosk will work with the Public Works Department to cover the cost of signage. The initial installation will include present businesses at the Town’s cost as shown above.

For additional information, contact DPW Director Michael Lynch at mlynch@ci.durham.nh.us or call at 868-5578.

This week DPW displayed a demonstration kiosk for planning purposes at

Jenkins Court and Main Street. Courtesy Todd Selig

TWO DURHAM REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WIN PlanNH AWARDS

The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority and Plan New Hampshire have announced the results of the first semi-annual Visualizing Density awards program, which recognizes outstanding examples of dense development, or compact design, in New Hampshire. (http://plannh.org/news-events/2876)

The first Visualizing Density request for submissions sought a broad range of examples that match the character and patterns found in NH’s rural settings, villages, and urban centers. From a number of excellent submissions, five examples were chosen as outstanding and recognized at New Hampshire Housing’s Strong Homes, Resilient Communities conference on December 12th. Two of the top picks were from Durham as follows …

Best Adaptive Re-use

Project: Durham Grange Hall

This structure was built in 1860 as a one-story schoolhouse. In 1893, it was purchased by the Scammell Grange for use as a meeting space, and remained in use until the early 1980’s as a community gathering space. In 1982, it was bought by the town, but sat vacant for many years.

In response to an RFP by the town, developer Peter Murphy hired Isaak Design to develop a variety of concepts for redevelopment, and eventually one was adopted and implemented. It accomplishes several goals for both the Town and the developer, including:

The restoration and rejuvenation of a dilapidated Grange Hall, which is of historic significance to the town
Using the Grange Hall as a tool to redefine Main Street: by moving it forward fifty feet, its presence is now known
Maximizing the property with an infill addition (which provides five market-rate apartments)
First workforce housing units (3) in Durham
An attractive, viable mixed-use building (yoga studio downstairs, residences above)
To Maintain and reinforce a popular pedestrian way between Main Street and the Mill Road shopping plaza

Durham is the first town to adopt the 2012 Building and Energy Codes.

This project incorporates smart growth, urban infill, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, work-force housing, public/private partnership and “green” building.

The jury saw this as an outstanding example of adaptive reuse – one that might inspire other towns with smaller, older buildings.

Architect Nick Isaak of Isaak Design in Durham accepted the award.

Best Infill Project

Project: 10 Pettee Brook Lane, Durham – the former Don Thompson Real Estate Site

This is a four-story, mixed-use development that has 8000 feet of retail space on the first floor plus two apartments for those needing easier access and adjacent parking . A south-facing portico provides space for outdoor dining, welcoming pedestrians from the sidewalk.

The second floor has seven student apartments, and the third and fourth floors consist of six townhouse-style apartments (upstairs, downstairs) designed for future conversion to condos.

The tower, which gives a nod to the 19th century mill building heritage of the area, conceals the elevator and a stairway.

A parking garage for 20 cars is in the basement.

The jury was impressed by this project that provides a visual and physical transition point between the UNH campus and Main Street.

They felt it “Intriguing how this project deals with growth of a college town” by at once enhancing commercial activity, taking a proactive approach to a housing shortage by providing market rate as well as student housing – all while being sensitive to those who find stairs challenging.

Accepting the award for this project was Nick Isaak of Isaak Design.

YOUNG DRIVE IS ON THE MARKET

#14-#40 Young Drive has been put on the real estate market for $3,400,000. As residents know, Young Drive has been a large student housing venue for many years in Durham impacting surrounding neighborhoods such as Bayview Drive, Route 108, Cowell Drive, Woodman Rd., etc. There are nine duplexes with a total of 18 units. The units are reportedly rented for $29,000 annually and the lease term runs from June 1st through mid-May. To view the listing, go to http://www.beangroup.com/real_estate/listings/Multifamily/NH/Durham/1688888.

It has long been hoped by the community that Young Drive would in time revert back to family housing.

DURHAM OFFERS TURKEY/HAM BASKETS TO TOWN EMPLOYEES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

In an effort to say “thank you” for all that employees of the Town of Durham do for the citizens of the community, the Business Office has made arrangements with the Durham Marketplace to provide every regular employee of the Town with a 10-14 pound holiday turkey or an 8-11 pound spiral ham. Staff members also have the option of donating their turkey/ham to a local food pantry.

RICHARD STOGIE MANIE RETIRES FROM DURHAM CALL DEPARTMENT AFTER 34 YEARS

After 34 years of dedicated service, Richard “Stogie” Many has announced his retirement from the Durham Fire Department’s Call force. Stogie has provided the department with skills and knowledge throughout his career here in Durham. Some of his knowledge comes from the Coast Guard -- he has taught members of the department boating safety courses which comes in handy with water rescues. Stogie does intend to continue volunteering his time and efforts to help out where he can. If residents want, they can always stop by Durham Town & Campus and visit with Stogie where he works and catch up on the latest news. We are all proud and appreciative of Stogie’s myriad contributions to the Durham Fire Department and wish him well in all he does.

DURHAM ONE OF 14 COMMUNITIES TO FILE COMPLANT WITH NH BUREAU OF SECURITIES REGULATION OVER LOCAL GOVERNMENT CENTER “PREMIUM HOLIDAY” PROPOSAL

Dissatisfaction with the New Hampshire Local Government Center’s (LGC) proposal to refund more than $52 million in surplus funds that the NH Bureau of Securities Regulations hearings officer has ordered to be returned to NH municipalities and school districts has prompted fourteen municipalities to file a formal complaint with the NH Bureau of Securities Regulation.

The towns of Durham and Peterborough, along with twelve other municipalities (Auburn, Bennington, Canaan, Greenfield, Henniker, Lyndeborough, Meredith, Northfield, Plainfield, Raymond, Salem, and Temple), have written to Director Glennon of the NH Bureau of Securities pointing out that the LGC’s proposed refund through the issuance of future insurance “premium holidays” to current LGC members will not include those municipalities and school districts that contributed to the creation of the surplus funds, but that have recently left the LGC and taken their insurance business elsewhere.

It is believed that there are at least 20 NH municipalities and school districts that are in the same position as Peterborough and Durham: they were members of the LGC when the illegal surpluses were allowed to accumulate, but the reimbursement of a pro rata share of the surplus funds to these former LGC members is not being proposed by the LGC.

WEEKLY INFORMATION FROM ORCSD SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. James C. Morse, Sr., Superintendent for the Oyster River Cooperative School District, wishes to share with the residents of Durham each week events that are occurring within the district. Subject areas will vary weekly depending on what might be a "hot" topic that particular week. To view this information, click HERE.

PROPERTY TAX BILLS DUE DATE - Thursday, December 27, 2012

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
All Town Offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 24th and 25th for the Christmas holiday. Town Hall will close at 3:00 PM on Monday, December 31st for New Year's Eve. All Town Offices are closed on New Year's Day.

Refuse and Recycling Schedule During Christmas:

Tuesday, Dec 25 and Jan 1: Transfer Station will be CLOSED.

Monday, Dec 24: No change in schedule.

Tuesday Dec 25: There will be NO COLLECTION and everything will be pushed one day. Tuesday will be picked up Wednesday, Wednesday picked up on Thursday, Thursday picked up on Friday. There will be no commercial collection on Friday. This will also apply to the following week’s collection. There will be no pickup on 1/1 and the rest of the week pushed one day.

Holiday Tree pick up will begin on Monday, 1/7/2013. Trees need to be out by 7AM & please remember to remove any ornaments or lights!

NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

Due to vacation schedules in the Administrator's Office the week of December 24th, there will be no "Friday Updates" publication on Friday, December 28th.

VACATIONS IN THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE

Due to vacation schedules, the Town Administrator's Office will be closed Christmas week (December 24-28, 2012). During that week, Business Manager Gail Jablonski will serve as Acting Town Administrator and may be contacted at (603) 868-8043, gjablonski@ci.durham.nh.us.

CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING 2012 HOLIDAY SKATING SCHEDULE - HOLIDAY SKATE NIGHT ON FOR 12/22

Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing in Durham has announced its public session schedule for the holidays. Highlights of the schedule include Holiday Skate Night on Saturday December 22 from 7-9pm featuring a visit from Santa on skates and holiday music to skate to. Hot chocolate will be available at The Orr House Snack Bar. Also this year, there will be Public Skating on Christmas Day from 3-5pm. This year’s Holiday Schedule features many hours of Public Skating, Family Pond Hockey, Open Stick & Puck, and Adult Drop-In Hockey. To view the entire schedule including definitions and fees, please visit www.churchillrink.com.

Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing in Durham is a regulation sized ice skating rink owned and operated by the Town of Durham. The facility is open to residents of all communities and offers amenities such as changing rooms, snack bar, skate sharpening, skate rentals, and rest rooms. A unique feature of the facility is it’s setting at Jackson’s Landing on Great Bay. Jackson’s Landing is a waterfront park featuring a playground, walking trails, boat landing, boat house, and Churchill Rink. The rink features a roof with open sides which creates the illusion users are skating outdoors when in fact they are under cover. For more information, visit the website noted above or call the facility at 603-868-3907.

The 2012 holiday ornaments are availalbe for sale.

DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS ON SALE

It is not too late to obtain a holiday ornament for 2012! The Durham Business Association manages the development and marketing of annual holiday ornaments, the proceeds of which are put back into the downtown business community. For example, the ornamental wreaths hanging downtown on light posts were purchased more than ten years ago by the DBA in part through holiday ornament sales. The ornaments are $20 each and may be obtained at a number of locations including the Town Clerk’s Office. For more information, contact the DBA at d_b_a@myfairpoint.net.

SPRUCEWOOD FOREST: A LOCAL OPPORTUNITY FOR YEAR-END GIVING

The Sprucewood Forest property will permanently protect over a mile of the Oyster River and a significant portion of the Spruce Hole Aquifer, but only if our urgent private fundraising campaign is successful. Even with the financial commitments from the Town, just under $500,000 in private contributions still must be raised (about 12% of the project cost).

The Town has committed $375,000 toward the purchase price of the Sprucewood Forest (less than one-tenth). Grants and private donations make up the difference. For every $1.00 of funds committed to this project by the Town, we will be receiving almost $10.00 in conservation value.

Public access for the Town-owned Sprucewood Forest would include low-impact recreational uses, such as birding, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The Conservation Commission will be discussing possible additional uses (for example, non-motorized biking). The property provides easy access from an abandoned forest road and affords significant opportunity for trails on the property itself and as part of a network of trails on nearby properties.

Donations—large and small—may be made through the Trust for Public Land, Durham's nonprofit partner, via a donation form. Every donation demonstrates community support. To learn more about the Sprucewood Forest, view photographs of the property, and download a donation form, go to the Conservation Commission's web pages or pick one up at the Town Office.

If you would like to give to the campaign but cannot do so until next year, please call the Trust for Public Land at 617-780-8735.

Members of the Joint Loss Management Committee tour DPW garage

Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM SAFETY COMMITTEE AT WORK – INSPECTION OF DPW GARAGE

Durham has a Joint Loss Management Committee (AKA Safety Committee) comprised of representatives from each facility, both unionized and non-unionized, management and line staff, which reviews injury reports and conducts safety inspections of municipal buildings. The purpose of the committee is to eliminate hazards in the workplace so as to keep the Town’s workforce and the public healthy and safe. Last week, the committee conducted an inspection of the Durham Public Works facility on Stone Quarry Drive. A number of minor safety concerns were noted for follow up by DPW staff. All in all, however, the facility was in excellent shape.

The motor vehicle repair stock room at DPW. Courtesy Todd Selig

INVITATION TO THE FIRST PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP - PROPOSED DURHAM/UNH OYSTER RIVER INTEGRATED WATERSHED PLAN JANUARY 24th, 2013

If you live or work in and around the Oyster River watershed, please join us for the first public informational workshop hosted by the Town of Durham and UNH partnership to discuss the proposed study elements of the future Oyster River Integrated Watershed Plan (ORIWP). On January 24th, two workshops will be held to provide an option of attending an afternoon or evening session. The afternoon workshop will be held at 3:00 pm at the Lee Safety Complex off of George Bennett Road in Lee and the evening workshop will be held at 7:00 pm at the Madbury Town Hall. The primary purpose of these workshops is to inform watershed residents, community officials and other stakeholders of the proposed study elements of the ORIWP to be initiated in 2013 as well as to gain insight, comments and information from residents that have relevant knowledge of the watershed conditions and activities. This integrated watershed approach seeks to combine knowledge, planning and implementati
on efforts with other watershed stakeholders to develop effective and sustainable solutions to reduce pollutant loading, including nitrogen, within the watershed. For more information contact Town Engineer Dave Cedarholm at dcedarholm@ci.durham.nh.us , or call the Department of Public Works at 603-868-5578.

WATER METER UPGRADE PROJECT

The Water Meter Upgrade Project is almost completed in Durham. There are, however, a few residents remaining who have not yet had their meters upgraded.

If you are on the Town of Durham water system and have not upgraded your water meter please contact USI at 888-709-9944 to set up your appointment. Please contact April Talon, Assistant Engineer for the Town of Durham at 868-5578 with any questions.

DURHAM’S FRIDAY DEALS

Friday Deals are offered by Downtown merchants. Click HERE to see the deals on food, health, and services that are being offered. Shop locally and support area business. Money spent locally stays local.

If your business has a Friday deal to offer please send it to Ken Entz at sentz@comcast.net.

HUNTING IN DURHAM

There have been a limited number of occasions where hikers encounter persons hunting in Durham. While the Durham Police have indicated this is a rarely reported event, it does occur on occasion, especially during deer season which was November 14th through December 9th this year or more recently, duck season along the Wagon Hill walking trails when the Coastal Zone waterfowl season is open on October 3rd and ran through October 14th and then reopened November 21st through January 7th of next year. Several people have inquired, after seeing duck hunters in boats off the shoreline of Wagon Hill, whether this is a legal activity. Under New Hampshire hunting regulations it is lawful as the “coastal hunting zone” includes the Great Bay as well as the various inlets including the Oyster River.

The only reference to hunting in Durham’s Town Ordinance is found in Article II section 63 entitled “Shooting” which states that “Shooting of any kind is prohibited at any time on town property, including the town dump and the town gravel pit.” The ordinance goes on to define shooting as, “The ejection, propelling or driving forth of any object, such as but not limited to a bullet or arrow, by any force whatsoever, including but not limited to a sudden release of tension, as in a bowstring, or an explosion or expanding gases, as in a rifle or other firearm, or by any other means.”

If residents walking or hiking encounter hunters, it certainly is wise to advise of your presence. As always, if anyone is concerned about the activity they see and desire clarification, the Durham Police can be contacted at 868-2324 or via 911.

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR PART-TIME PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS

The Durham Fire Department is looking for highly motivated individuals to serve as part-time paid-on-call firefighters. The Durham Fire Department has a thirteen member Call Force which assists in supplementing the full-time personnel. The call department trains the first and fourth Monday night of every month. Call firefighters are welcome to participate in on-going DFD training classes, take classes at the NH Fire Academy, and attend the monthly EMS shift training. Successful candidates will be required to live within a reasonable distance to the Town of Durham, make 70% of monthly meetings/trainings, and be available for emergency callbacks.

Once employed call firefighters are fully equipped and will receive full Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, boots, hood, turnout gear, gloves, flashlight), reflective duty coat, portable radio, and Minitor pager. Call firefighters are toned out for service for station coverage, large-scale weather emergencies, major fires, etc. If certified as a NH Firefighter/EMT, call firefighters are eligible to work special events such as concerts and UNH football and hockey games. Call firefighters are encouraged to ride-in on shift as well to become familiar with all the personnel and our daily operations. It should be noted that several of our current full-time Firefighter-EMT’s began as call firefighters here.

In order to be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter of interest, current resume, and complete a Town of Durham employment application which is available on the Town website at www.ci.durham.nh.us and click on "Forms" on the right side of the page in green. Please mail completed applications to: Assistant Chief Jason Cleary

Durham Fire Department, 51 College Road, Durham, NH 03824

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Please feel free to contact Assistant Chief Cleary at 603-868-5531, jcleary@ci.durham.nh.us with questions.

POTENTIAL STOP SIGN AT FACULTY ROAD AND GARDEN LANE

Police Chief Kurz has received a significant number of emails from residents about the potential of a stop sign at the intersection of Faculty Road and Garden Lane which would be designed to calm traffic by creating a three-way stop intersection. While there is no deadline established, Chief Kurz asks that anyone interested in offering an opinion contact him with a brief “I’m for this stop sign, or I’m against this stop sign”! He can be contacted at dkurz@ci.durham.nh.us

GREAT BAY: THE STATE OF OUR ESTUARIES

Every three years, the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) holds a conference on the "State of Our Estuaries." Heightened public awareness of pollutant issues in our Great Bay and pending EPA regulations contributed to an attendance of well over 200 at the December 7th meeting. The related "State of Our Estuaries" report details information on the status and trends of environmental indicators from the Piscataqua Region watershed and estuaries. It provides PREP, state natural resource managers, local officials, conservation organizations, and the public with information on the effects of management actions and decisions. The main report, guides for policy makers and citizens, and presentations from the conference may be viewed online at http://www.stateofourestuaries.org/
.

PUBLIC MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.

There are no meetings scheduled for the week of

December 24-28, 2012

All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Alternate Member Needed on Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee is searching for an alternate member. If you are interested in learning more, please email Nate Trauntvein, Chair, at neh34@unh.edu

Volunteers Needed for Winter Carnival

Parks and Recreation is currently looking for volunteers to help out with its Winter Carnival taking place in February. Don’t miss out on this FUN event! Contact: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us

For more information regarding any of the classes or events offered by Parks and Recreation, visit the P&R web site at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_parksrec.

Durham Parks & Recreation wishes everyone a healthy, adventurous holiday! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Holiday Hours – We will be closed Tues. Dec. 25th & Tues. Jan. 1st. Happy Holidays!
Annual Toy Drive Has Ended: The annual toy collection drive has ended. Thanks to everyone who donated to the Durham Fire Department's collection box. We had a very successful year - the collection box was overflowing and had to be emptied twice.

Interested in EBooks? Please Take Our Survey! Please take a minute to complete a short survey on our website www.durhampubliclibrary.org to help us determine our patrons' interest in borrowing e-Readers from the library. We own a Kindle and a Nook that can be checked out just like books. Each reader is loaded with at least a dozen titles selected from bestseller lists. We also have free eBook downloads through our website to your device. Please answer a few short questions about your eBook use so that we can better serve you. Thank you.
Make-It-Take-It Craft during School Vacation Week, Dec. 26th-Dec. 29th – Stop by the Children’s Room all week to make a craft. No storytimes during vacation week.
Preschool Storytimes
start again on Thursday, Jan. 3rd at 10:30 am – This week: Pigs. Join us for stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft. All are welcome. Storytimes on Tues. Jan. 8th and Thurs. Jan. 10th at 10:30 am and the theme will be: Feel Better/Doctors.
Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade book group), Tues. Jan. 8th 6:00 p.m. - Join us for our 2nd-4th grade book group. This month's books are "Magical Kids" by Sally Gardner and/or "SOS Files" by Betsy Byars and/or "Bigger Than a Bread Box" by Laurel Snyder. Come discuss the book(s), authors, play some games, and make a craft. Copies of these books are available at the Circulation desk. All are welcome!
Young Adult Writing/Blog Group, Tues. Jan. 8th 7-7:45 p.m. - Join us for this monthly writing group for Young Adults (10 yrs & up). We do writing exercises, talk about your writing and post your writing to our blog "Write Away
". We also talk about books, movies... All are welcome!
Off the Clock- Moving Education from Time to Competency, Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m.: Fred Bramante, Durham resident and author of Off the Clock- Moving Education from Time to Competency, will speak about the redesign of public education. The state regulations were changed in 2005 to move our schools to a competency based model, but how are our schools doing? What's the role of higher education in all of this? New Hampshire has won the prestigious 2012 State Innovation Award from the Education Commission of the States, but how are we doing on implementation of these innovations? Bramante speaks around the country about this topic. He is past- Chairman of the NH Board of Education and is a former science teacher. He was charged by Gov. Benson to lead this effort toward competency-based learning. Bramante will speak about how this new attitude toward learning will lead to a better,
more cost-effective, customized education for every child by pulling the entire community into the process of education.

Check out the library's website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/ for more information.

FROM "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY - 1900-1985"

"Farm Life in Durham: "Recreation was simple, for little more was needed beyond the peace and quiet of the countryside. Swimming or fishing ih the river, rowing two miles to Newmarket for a spool of thread or an ice-cream float, and reading from a wide selection of magazines and books on the veranda were the choices. Friday night was masquerade night in the recreation hall, which the Thompsons had converted from the old cider mill. Dancing was popular when Phil Johnson did the calling for square dancing or when a local four-piece band played the current tunes. Rainy days provided hours for listening to the Victrola; doing puzzles; playing cards; table games, or charades; and conversation. In the winter local people and college students came for skating or snowshoeing parties, the warm fires, and fine food." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

Wishing everyone all the best during the holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T: 603-868-5571 F: 603-868-5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us http://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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