Friday Update -

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...

December 16, 2016

Snow

Adams Point.

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After delaying the procedure for some time, on the advice of his physician Durham Police Chief David Kurz underwent knee replacement surgery. He is now recuperating at home and doing well. While his mind tells him he is ready to get back to work quickly, the Chief’s body is telling him otherwise. We wish Chief Kurz good, healing thoughts (although Mr. Selig wished him “break a leg” going into surgery)!

Snow expected this weekend a few days ahead of winter.

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM - If you still have to do holiday shopping, consider shopping right here in Durham

In coordination with the Durham Business Association, the parking kiosks in the immediate downtown business area will allow free parking to encourage residents and others to shop the downtown during the holidays. The screen on the applicable kiosks will inform parkers of the free parking and will not accept any payment.

No receipts on your dashboard will be required during the Holiday parking period. The grace period that allows for free parking for shoppers will commence Monday, December 19th, and run through Monday, January 2nd, 2017. Normal parking rates shall still apply to all long-term term parking areas as posted.

UNH HOLIDAY GREETING
Each year, UNH develops a holiday greeting in electronic form. View this year’s greeting HERE.

"FRIDAY UPDATES" SCHEDULE FOR END OF DECEMBER, 2016
The last "Friday Updates" publication in December will be sent on Thursday, December 22nd as the Town Offices will be closed on Friday, December 23rd.

There will be no "Friday Updates" on December 30th.

The first "Friday Updates" publication in January will be on January 6, 2017.

HOW TO KNOW WHETHER TO DELAY/CANCEL SCHOOL – A CHALLENGING TASK FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT (An editorial comment from Admin. Selig)
This morning amidst very chilly temperatures, I was informed by a resident that there was about equal chatter on Facebook concerning whether the ORCSD had made the right or wrong call concerning whether to delay or cancel school – or to allow the day to proceed on schedule. Ultimately the district opted to allow schools to open on schedule.

As the former Business Manager for the Hopkinton School District many years ago responsible for making the call on whether or not to cancel school, I can relay that it is never an easy decision -- and whatever decision is ultimately made will be widely critiqued!

Missing a day of school means interruption for learning, disruption to school schedules, inconvenience for parents who must address childcare needs, and ultimately days must be made up at the end of the year. At the same time, the safety of the children within the district is paramount.

In Oyster River, it is the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Morse, who is charged with the unenviable responsibility of making the determination. Dr. Morse must carefully assess current and predicted weather conditions (using inherently imperfect forecasts), roadway conditions in three different communities, the readiness of the bus fleet, whether the schools themselves are operational (powered, plowed, no malfunctions due to extreme weather), staffing availability, etc. It’s a hard job, and Dr. Morse does it well.

Kudos to Dr. Morse for taking this task very seriously on behalf of the collective Oyster River community.

Former Town Council Chair Malcolm Sandberg speaking at the Amtrak Downeaster ceremony on December 14, 2001. Courtesy Diana Carroll

AMTRAK DOWNEASTER CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF SERVICE TO DURHAM, PORTSMOUTH/BOSTON CORRIDOR
The Amtrak Downeaster train began service on Dec. 15, 2001. Fifteen years later, the train, which services riders from Boston to Brunswick, Maine, sees more people turning to the railroad for regular transportation, not just special occasions.

The Downeaster train has stops in Boston, Woburn and Haverhill, Massachusetts, Exeter, Durham, and Dover, and Wells, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Freeport and Brunswick, Maine.

The Durham-UNH station has seen over 700,000 riders in 15 years.

Check out a number of deals at http://www.amtrakdowneaster.com.

View a more detailed story in the Foster’s Daily Democrat about the anniversary and ridership patterns HERE.

Nikolas Liolios Sandberg at Amtrak Downeaster grand opening on December 14, 2001.

BOND SALE RESULTS ON $1,575,000 NOTE FOR DURHAM FUNDING VARIOUS CAPITAL PROJECTS
The Town Council approved the issuance of debt not to exceed $1.575 million this fall to fund a variety of capital projects authorized over the last several years.

Yesterday, we received bids. The most competitive was a bank qualified tax-exempt fixed rate private placement bond by TD Bank, N.A. at a rate of 2.20%. The Town has a very competitive bond rating from Moody’s at Aa2.

We are seeing bond rates starting to increase and our bond advisor indicates that future increases are expected as the Fed raises interest rates.

In terms of the proposed police station capital project entailing a $1.96 million addition and renovation to the existing facility, from a bonding standpoint, interest rates are lower now than we can reasonably expect to see in the foreseeable future.

WHAT DOES MOODY’S REPORT ABOUT DURHAM?
Moody’s Investors Service has issued an Annual Comment on the Town of Durham and its Aa2 bond rating as of Nov. 23, 2016.

Issuer Profile
The Town of Durham is located in Strafford County in southeastern New Hampshire, approximately 28 miles northeast of Manchester.

Credit Overview
Durham's credit position is very high quality, and its Aa2 rating is a little stronger than the median rating of Aa3 for cities nationwide. The notable credit factors include a healthy financial position, and a modestly sized tax base with an affluent socioeconomic profile. It also takes into account a sizable pension burden with a mid-ranged debt liability.

Finances: The town has a very solid financial position, which is slightly favorable when compared to the assigned rating of Aa2. Durham's net cash balance as a percent of revenues (92.9%) far exceeds the US median, despite decreasing from 2012 to 2015. Additionally, the available fund balance as a percent of operating revenues (19.5%) falls short of other Moody's-rated cities nationwide.

Economy and Tax Base: Overall, the town has a quite healthy economy and tax base, yet they fall slightly below its Aa2 rating position. The median family income equates to a robust 172.3% of the US level. On the other hand, the full value per capita ($57,457) is slightly below the US median and declined from 2012 to 2015. Additionally, Durham's total full value ($956 million) is weaker than the US median.

Debt and Pensions: The debt and pension burdens of the town are somewhat elevated, which are a credit weakness with respect to its Aa2 rating. The net direct debt to full value (2.2%) is materially above the US median. Also, the Moody's-adjusted net pension liability to operating revenues (2.6x) unfavorably is much higher than the US median, and this figure rose slightly between 2012 and 2015.

Management and Governance: Surplus operating margins are a component of strong financial management. Advantageously, on average, Durham ran surpluses over the past several years.

New Hampshire cities have an institutional framework score 3 of "Aa," or strong. Cities rely on property taxes, which are highly predictable. Cities have high revenue-raising flexibility as taxes can be increased annually without statutory limit, except where a local tax cap has been established. Primary expenditures are for public safety and general government services and are highly predictable. Cities have moderate expenditure reduction ability given the presence of public sector unions and modest fixed costs.

Sector Trends - New Hampshire Cities
New Hampshire’s economy continues to expand, largely attributed to the southeastern region of the state, which benefits from the vibrant Boston economy. Job creation in manufacturing and a highly educated labor force will help fuel income gains and housing appreciation. Over the long-term the state’s low tax burden will position the state favorably for continued economic improvement compared to other northeastern states. Cities will continue to rely on modest tax increases and a generally positive trend in property valuation to maintain balanced financial operations. Pension liabilities will continue to be slightly above the national median given the unfunded liability of the state’s retirement system.

TAX RECEIPTS COLLECTED TO DATE
Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt reports that as of last week, tax receipts for the 2nd ½ property tax billing were at 92% collected. Usually, we would be at 89 or 90% at the same time so receipts are ahead of average. In addition, the number of properties that have gone to lien as a result of late payments have decreased this year as well.

DURHAM RECEIVES INVITATION FROM TETOVO, MACEDONIA FOR PARTNERSHIP
In November, Durham hosted a delegation of officials from the City of Tetovo, Macedonia who were visiting the United States as part of the U.S. State Department International Visitor Leadership Program and coordinated in NH by the World Affairs Council of NH.

Durham was one of many sites visited. While in town, they heard from Mr. Selig about the form of government in Durham, the development of our web site, public meeting laws, etc., and from Business Manager Gail Jablonski about Durham’s purchasing policies/protocols.

Last week, we received a very nice letter from the delegation, “who had an insightful meeting at the Town of Durham on November 22nd and an enjoyable stay in New Hampshire. We strongly hope our relationship to continue to grow and have you visit Tetovo in the near future.”

The letter went on to indicate, “The meeting inspired us to seek partnership with the Town of Durham in pursuit of cultural, touristic, and academic cooperation.”

Both communities host public universities.

View the letter from Tetovo HERE.

DURHAM RATED 12TH SAFEST COMMUNITY IN NH
The home security website Safewise has rated Durham the 12th safest community in New Hampshire, up three places from the same ranking a year ago.

The report, which relied on FBI crime statistics, showed Durham had .77 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, a category that includes aggravated assault, rape, murder and robbery. The same data found 6.68 property crimes per 1,000 residents in Durham.

In September of this year, Safewise ranked Durham as the 4th safest college community in the nation.

View more information HERE.

You can sometimes see the darndest things in downtown Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig

US POSTAL SERVICE WON’T REMOVE DISPUTED MURAL
The United States Postal Service won't remove a controversial mural from inside the Durham Post Office that some residents believe depicts Native Americans unfavorably.

However, the Historian for the US Postal Service is drafting interpretive language to offer additional context for the 57-year-old artwork, Mr. Selig told town councilors on Monday night. This language would be installed inside the post office near the mural.

Mr. Selig requested that the draft language be shared with Durham for comment/feedback and the Postal Service Historian agreed.

In addition, the NH Commission for Native American Affairs has invited Admin. Selig to attend its meeting in Franklin, NH on the evening of January 10th. Town Council Chair Kitty Marple plans to attend with Mr. Selig.

View the Foster's article HERE.

TOWN COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES PROPOSED FY 2017 BUDGET

On Monday evening, The Town Council voted 9-0 to approve the proposed FY 2017 budget which in aggregate (all funds) totals $25,225,240. The approved budget is estimated to keep the FY 2017municipal portion of the tax rate at $8.48 for the third consecutive year. The water rate and sewer rate for 2017 has been set at $5.61 and $7.50, respectively, per hundred cubic feet of metered water usage.

As a result of fund transfers, funding was allocated to support part-time land stewardship activities in 2017, the details of which will have to be worked out by Admin. Selig in conjunction with the Land Stewardship Subcommittee. (Note, the Land Stewardship Subcommittee is a subcommittee of the Conservation Commission with membership from that board, the Parks & Recreation Committee, and the Agricultural Commission.)

View the Foster’s article, including quotes from Town Councilors, HERE.

DIFFICULT ISSUES FOR DURHAM POLICE OFFICERS – Three fatalities in one week.
After having dealt with a fatal automobile accident on Route 4 at Old Concord Road, a suicide of an adult in town, and the death of a woman on Madbury Road who accidentally drove over herself, our police officers had had to address (and witness) some pretty difficult circumstances within the span of one week. In response, a counselor was brought in to work with the staff last week to help process these very challenging encounters.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMPLETES 4TH EVENT OF FALL SEASON
Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski reported that the department has completed the 4th event of the season: Durham Day, Halloween Spooktacular Day at the Rink, Thanksgiving Feather Trot, and now the Annual Tree Lighting. The Annual Tree Lighting on Dec. 3 came off very well. A large number of local businesses participated and helped to make the event a success, as did many UNH Sorority/Fraternity volunteers.

It was great to see so many people lingering long after the event ended -- chatting with neighbors and friends, and visiting downtown businesses.

DEPUTY CHIEF FOR FIRE PREVENTION POSITION VACANCY AT FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Durham Fire Department is in the process of recruiting for a Deputy Chief for Fire Prevention following the resignation of John Powers earlier this month. Deputy Chief Powers took a position for the City of Rochester in the same position. The Deputy Chief for Fire Prevention oversees the inspection division at the department, overseeing two inspectors. This administrative position also has the rank to oversee operations in the absence of the Chief or Assistant Chief.

GOOD CAREER OPPORTUNITY IN NH – ASSESSING!
Town Assessor Jim Rice reported last week that the professional assessing community in the state is worried because fewer and fewer people are going into this important field. Assessors value properties in towns across NH. We have 234 communities in the state so that is a lot of possible opportunities! Typically attracted to the profession are folks who enjoy math and statistics. If you know of a young person in search of a vocation who might have an interest in Assessing, feel free to have them contact Jim Rice at jrice@ci.durham.nh.us.

UPDATE ON EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT - DURHAM/UNH REQUEST POSTPONEMENT OF NH SEC SCHEDULE - REQUEST GRANTED (1 of 2 updates)

On December 15, 2016, Durham/UNH filed a partially assented to Motion to Postpone the procedural schedule in the above referenced matter.

Technical sessions were scheduled to occur on December 19 and 21, 2016.

Based on the discovery received to date, Durham/UNH argued we needed additional time to employ an expert to review the environmental information concerning the Great Bay sediment dispersal report file by Eversource on December 1, 2016.

The motion was granted on Thursday afternoon by the NH SEC presiding officer assigned to the case.

It was ordered that the technical sessions scheduled for December 19 and 21, 2016, were postponed, and that the parties to the case and the SEC Administrator shall meet on December 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., at the office of the Public Utilities Commission, to discuss a revised procedural schedule.

UPDATE ON EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT – SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT DURHAM EXPERT ONGOING (2 of 2 updates)
The Town Council voted unanimously on Monday evening, 12/5/16, to engage an environmental expert to vet the proposed jet plow crossing of Little Bay.

Town Engineer April Talon was tasked by Admin. Selig to identify an appropriate candidate/firm to engage to undertake this task. The cost of the effort is not known at this time. The Attorney for the Public has allocated $82,000 for a third party analysis of the crossing.

This afternoon, Friday (12/16), Mr. Selig will bring together Town Councilors Jim Lawson, Firoze Katrick, and Wayne Burton, as well as Town Engineer April Talon, Public Works Director Mike Lynch, and attorney Doug Patch, to discuss firms/individuals identified as part of this effort that might be best suited to assist the Town of Durham as part of the endeavor.

Some additional information about the project can be viewed on the Town's web site HERE.

PLANNING BOARD SITE WALK AND PUBLIC HEARING ON PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR YOUNG DRIVE REDEVELOPMENT

The Planning Board held a site walk and a public hearing on the preliminary design for the redevelopment of Young Drive this past Wednesday.

The property owner proposes to demolish the dozen duplex buildings that have housed students for many years and to build four new large buildings for senior (55+) housing. The applicant seeks to have 160 units which could accommodate 300 or so residents.

The zoning ordinance for the Coe’s Corner district allows only three story buildings but the applicant proposes four story buildings. Thus, a variance would be needed for the current design.

At the public hearing a number of residents expressed concerns about the height, mass, and locations of the proposed buildings. Some cutting in the wooded buffers to site the buildings is proposed.

A key goal is to minimize the visibility of the buildings from Dover Road, Bayview Road, and Beard’s Landing Road. The review was continued to January 11. Once the preliminary phase is closed, the applicant will seek any necessary variances and then submit a new, formal application to the Planning Board.

View the most recent plans HERE.

Mill Plaza Site Plan and Context

PLANNING BOARD PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF PROPOSED MILL PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT

The Planning Board held another preliminary review of the proposed Mill Plaza redevelopment at its meeting this past Wednesday. The conceptual design has continued to evolve.

Under the current conceptual design, the building containing the Hannaford Store would remain and the rear building would be demolished. Two new buildings would be erected with commercial on the first floor and two and a half and three and a half floors of multi-unit residential above. There would be a total of 386 parking spaces including 36 spaces in a garage. The general layout on the ground is quite good with a rectilinear arrangement of buildings and some potentially attractive pedestrian spaces.

The main challenge remains that in order to move massing away from the Faculty Neighborhood and toward the northern portion of the site (Main St.), the mass of the buildings would be quite large in order to accommodate the stated required goals of the applicant. A number of citizens have attended various public hearings expressing concerns about the project including the size of the buildings, number of residents proposed, and other elements.

The zoning ordinance permits only two floors of residential above commercial so the applicant would need to obtain variances for the current configuration. The review was continued to January 25.

After that time, the applicant will have several options for how to proceed, which may include seeking variances and then submitting a new, formal application to the Planning Board.

You can view the most recent plans and prospective architectural designs at this link.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSING SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS

ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE CLOSED WEEK OF DECEMBER 26, 2016
Due to vacation scheduling, the Administrator's Office will be closed December 26-30, 2016. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

SPRING BULKY WASTE PICKUP - A program for the communtiy but common sense requested for use by residents.
Town Councilor Alan Bennett recently met with the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee to discuss the annual Spring Bulky Waste pickup in which residents are able to bring bulky waste items curbside for pickup by the Public Works Department. The concern expressed by Councilor Bennett was that it appeared some households were abusing this service and bringing construction debris, etc. curbside for pickup where such material really should be conveyed by contractors to the Raymond LaRoche Transfer Station and Recycling Center on Durham Point Road as part of a specific project.

The outcome was to request that a reminder be broadcast to residents via the “Friday Updates” that the purpose of the annual spring pickup is really to dispose of typical household bulky waste items, such as chairs, couches, bedframes, etc. for those who do not possess a large vehicle or are unable to transport such items themselves to the Town’s facility.

On a positive note, the annual pickup is widely utilized by residents as a service offered by the community.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES DPW SPEND PICKING UP TRASH IN THE DOWNTOWN?
Public Works Director Mike Lynch mentioned last week that the department has spent 726 hours picking up litter in the downtown area in 2016.

REMINDERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

As the holiday season approaches, please remember to remove all packing peanuts or packaging materials from cardboard boxes so they can be properly recycled.

Also, during the winter months especially, the Swap shop at the Transfer Station will not accept any furniture or bulky items as the weather and snow make it even more difficult to manage. Come spring, should space allow, items will be welcomed at the shop again.

REFUSE/RECYCLING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Below is the holiday schedule for the remainder of the year. The 2017 holiday schedule is also listed as well. Please note that the Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, December 24th.

2016 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

2017 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

MEMBER OF GENERAL PUBLIC NEEDED TO SERVE ON NEWLY-ESTABLISHED NH 911 REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Durham Town Council has established a committee to look at various addressing issues that have been identified by the NH 911 office. The committee will review the nonstandard address report, comparing Durham to the standards set out by the State of New Hampshire. The purpose of these standards is to ensure that emergency responders have a clear location identified during responses. The committee will prioritize and make recommendations to the Council on what actions need to be taken, if any.

The Council is looking for a member of the general public to serve on the committee. Interested persons should email Administrator Todd Selig at tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.

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. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

Trustees of the Trust Funds - Monday, December 19, 2016 (7:30 AM - Young's Restaurant, Main Street)

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

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.

December Vacation Week Activity Schedule
Join us December 27th-January 2nd for vacation week fun with daily drop-in programs! Pre-registration is required for several of the programs, so please be sure sign up early!

Tuesday, December 27th:
Stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm- 6-7:30pm. Meet near the gate near the barn. Learn about the winter sky from UNH Astronomer John Gianforte. Pre-registration required by 12/26. Suggested donation of $5/person.
Rain/cloud date- 12/28 at the Durham Public Library: 6-7:30pm.

Wednesday, December 28th:
Music with Benji 9:45-10:30am at Durham Parks & Recreation Building. Participation is FREE. Enjoy 45 minutes of interactive, kid favored songs and dance.

Family Snow-trek 1pm at Wagon Hill Farm- FREE. Meet near the gate by the barn and enjoy a guided trek around WHF. Bring snowshoes if conditions allow. Hot Cocoa served to conclude the trek. Pre-registration required by 12/27.

Pick-up Pickleball 6-8pm at ORHS- MPR, All equipment provided. Participation is FREE.

Thursday, December 29th:
Pottery Painting with Doodlebugz Studio 10am-12pm at the Parks & Recreation building. Pieces range from $8-$15 and will be available for pickup in a week after they’ve been fired. Pre-registration required by 12/28.

Snow Flag Football 1-3pm at Woodridge Park Field. FREE

Friday, December 30th:
Arm Knit Scarves- 10am-12pm at Durham Parks & Recreation Building. $5/person, includes yarn and instruction. Recommended for ages 9+. Pre-registration required by 12/29.

Capture the Snow Flag- 1-3pm at Woodridge Park Field. FREE

Saturday, December 31st
New Years Eve Sledding Social 1-3pm at Wagon Hill Farm. Gather at the wagon for sledding fun, hot cocoa and cookies!!

Monday, January 2nd
String Art 10am-12pm at Durham Parks & Recreation Building. $5/person, includes all supplies need to create a string art masterpiece! Recommended for ages 5 +. Pre-registration required by 12/31.

Upcoming Winter Programs
After School XC Ski & Snowshoe- Tuesdays, January 10th-31st. 3:30-4:30pm Grades 1st-4th. $60/student. Min. of 4, Max of 10. We will use the trails around Moharimet School and Madbury Town Hall. Participants must supply xc skis, snowshoes available for those who need them. Bus transportation is available from Mast Way to Moharimet with bus #84.

Karate & Kobudo-A Community Martial Arts Class Thursdays, January 19th-February 23rd from 6-7:30pm at the Middle School-MPR. Ages 10+. $60/participate. Practical self-defense through a traditional Okinawan style of karate (Shorinryu Matsumura Seito), including training with bo, sai, and kama.

Energy Medicine Workshop: Explore your Inner Healing- Monday, January 30th 9-10:30am and Thursday, February 2nd 6:30-8pm at the Parks & Recreation Building. Participation is FREE!

Save The Date!

Family Sweetheart Dance- Friday, February 10th 6-8pm at the Oyster River High School- MPR. Join us for our first Family Sweetheart Dance!! The whole family is invited to join in on an evening of dancing, FUN and to celebrate Valentine’s Day!! $20/couple or $30/family (add a person for $5). Ticket prices include a 5x7 photo. Tickets go on sale January 2, 2017!

Students from the Sustainability Club at Oyster River High School, along with Barbara Lily of Cherry Lane in Madbury and the NH Society for the Protection of Forests, hosted "Feast for the Forest" at ORHS on Friday, December 9th. The Feast raised almost $4,300 for the purchase of Powder Major Forest; over 250 people were in attendance. Money was raised through the raffling of several wonderful prizes donated by NEMO (Dover,NH), Jetboil, Eureka and 7 Rivers Paddling (Newmarket, NH). View more information regarding Powder Major Forest HERE. Courtesy Jonathan M. Bromley

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Boy Scout Christmas Trees. New location: Town Hall parking lot, 8 Newmarket Road. Weekends 9AM - 4PM. All trees $39.95, wreaths $15. All proceeds go directly to support local Troop 154 scouts.

OR High School Weekly Athletic Schedule. View the schedule HERE.

UNH Museum of Art Upcoming Events. View schedule of events HERE.

Special Family Holiday Movie! Sat. Dec. 17, 10:30 am Arthur Christmas (G). Join us for a family movie held upstairs in the Oyster River Community Room. Popcorn is served and all are welcome!

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Holiday Closings- The library will be closed on the following days:
Fri. 12/23, Sat. 12/24, Mon. 12/26, and Mon. 1/2/2017. Happy Holidays!

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Family Movie: Arthur Christmas! Sat. Dec. 17th at 10:30 am - Join us for this fun holiday movie: Arthur Christmas! This movie is shown upstairs in the Oyster River Room. Popcorn is served and all are welcome!
Storytimes Tues. Dec. 20th and Thurs. Dec. 22nd at 10:30 am - “The Holidays!”
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) Weds. Dec. 21st at 10:30 am
Knitting and Craft Club for 3rd-5th graders Weds. Dec. 21st 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade) on Thurs. Dec. 22nd at 3:30-4:30 pm! Our weekly challenge will be all about Holiday Fun!
Jack & Annie Book Club (Grades K-2) Tuesday, December 20th at 4:00 – 5:00 PM - Join us for our new monthly book club made just for kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade! During our meeting we will talk about our book club book, play games, and make a craft. This month we are reading "Eve of the Emperor Penguin" by Mary Pope Osborne. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Please sign-up at the Children's desk!
Make-It-Take-It Craft! Feltboard Gingerbread House! Week of December 27th through December 31st. - Drop by the Storytime/Craft room during vacation week to make a fun feltboard gingerbread house. Come and be creative with felt. NO REGULARLY SCHEDULED CHILDREN’S/YA PROGRAMS THIS WEEK. PROGRAMS START AGAIN THE WEEK OF JAN. 2ND. CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR FOR DETAILS...
Teen Advisory Board Mon. Jan. 9, 6:30 pm - The teen advisory board is open to kids ages 10 and up. We want to hear from you! Tell the staff about books you would like added to the collection, activities you want to try, movies you want to watch or anything else you feel we should know. Enjoy local pizza at the monthly meetings.
Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) Tues. Jan. 10, 6:00 pm - Join us for Raccoon Readers, our monthly 2nd-4th Grade Book Group. This month's book is "All the Answers" by Kate Messner. We talk about books, authors, play some games and make a craft.
Oyster River High School Poetry Out Loud Contest, Weds. January 11th, 6:00-8:00 pm – Come join us for a fun night of Poetry. Refreshments are served. Snow date is Thurs. January 12th 6:00-8:00 pm. All are welcome.
Pajama Storytime - Pirates! Thursday, January 19th at 6:30PM - Join Oyster River Parents & Preschoolers (ORPP) at the Durham Public Library for our monthly evening storytime for preschoolers! This month we will be all about the Pirates. Come hear stories, do the feltboard, sing some pirate songs, and make a fun Pirate craft. Snack provided by ORPP and all are welcome!
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Jan. 25th 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for this month’s book group. This month’s book is “Maximum Ride” by James Patterson. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the circulation desk. Pizza is served.
Join the Patch Program! Come and join and collect your patches! This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.

Adult Programs:

January Artist of the Month- Kirk Trombley, Mon. Jan. 9, 2017, 6:30-7:30 pm - The Ten Minute Artist. All are invited to meet Kirk Trombley, Durham artist at the Reception and Art Exhibit. Kirk is a talented painter, sculptor, photographer and writer. He enjoys painting and photographing scenes in nature that move him. He has an innate ability to notice and capture even the tiniest details and bring them to life. When he is not pursuing his passions, Kirk works as a lawyer and adjunct professor at UNH. His work will be on exhibit in the Gallery for the month of January. Contact Armida ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
January Author Talk-Michele Albion, Thurs. Jan. 19, 2017 6:30-7:30 pm - Michele Albion to visit DPL again! This time she will talk about her book, The Quotable Amelia Earhart. Michele was the guest author in June at the Ole Time Auto event when she spoke about The Quotable Henry Ford. Light refreshments will be served. Book signings and purchases available, cash, checks & credit cards accepted.
Seacoast Area Firefighters Toy Bank - We are proud to support the Seacoast Fire Fighters Toy Bank again this year. They will have a Toy Bank drop off box at the library between Nov. 28 thru Dec. 20. Want to do a good deed and get your overdue library late fees erased? Donate an unwrapped new toy and your fines will be erased. This does not apply to lost items.
Friends of the Durham Public Library - The Friends will not hold any book donation week in December. Book Donations Please bring books and DVDs in bags or boxes that do not need to be returned. This is a big help to the volunteers that run the monthly book donation drives. Thank you. Also, the Friends will not meet in December.

The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology: computers, iPads & cell phones, eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) Call to check on availability of the volunteers and set up an appointment. 868-6699 or email durhampl@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT