Friday Update - February 14, 2014

Friday February 14, 2014

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A "wordle" illustrating the many attributes of Durham, NH.  Courtesy Todd Selig

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During the Sochi Olympics opening ceremony last Friday evening, while waiting for the U.S. Team to enter the Fisht Olympic Stadium, Mr. Selig began to create a list of words that describe Durham.  He then used a "Wordle" program and voila, the image above appeared.  

DURHAM, KUDOS ALL AROUND – An Editorial in this Week’s Fosters about Durham and the ORCSD

On Tuesday of this week there was a very complimentary editorial in the Foster’s Daily Democrat focusing on Durham and the Oyster River Cooperative School District.    


“In recent year’s Durham has become a community which seems comfortable within it own skin. The notion, when applied to an individual, means someone who knows who they are and is comfortable with it.

We all know someone who fits this description. They are confident, don’t rile easily and can work through problems in a methodical manner.

Durham is such a community, although this was not always the case.”


To read the full editorial, click HERE.

2013 Durham Town Report - Cover photography courtesy Michael Penney Photography; cover design by Design Point Studio, Salisbury, NH
 
PRINTED VERSION OF 2013 DURHAM ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE AT TOWN OFFICE

The printed version of the 2013 Town of Durham Annual Report is ready to be picked up by interested residents/taxpayers at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office. Copies will also be available at the Durham Public Library.  As in the past, we are in the process of digitizing it and when complete, will post a copy on the Town’s web site for easy access to any and all.  The electronic version will likely be ready within the next week.

 

The Town for decades had mailed a copy of the Annual Report to every property owner in Durham but eliminated this practice as a cost savings and sustainability measure several years ago.  At the time, it was becoming increasingly apparent that most of the reports were being placed in the recycling bin almost immediately and ending up at the Raymond A. LaRoche Transfer Station and Recycling Center.

Kudos are extended to Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry for her yeoman's work on the Annual Town Report each year!

Administrator Selig with a delegation from the US State Department International Visitor Leadership Program who visited Durham this past week.

DURHAM PARTICIPATES AS PART OF U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT INTERNATIONAL VISITOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM  - Teaches about Open Government in NH

On Monday morning, February 10, 2014, a delegation from the U.S. State Department International Visitor Leadership Program visited Durham and met with Administrator Selig to learn about local government in NH, and in particular, compliance with the Right-to-Know Law.  The delegation included representatives from six countries.  After visiting Durham, the group traveled to Dover, NH to learn about what the Garrison City does in terms of making information about the community open to the public. 

DURHAM MASTER PLAN CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS COMPLETE

Representatives from the Durham Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC), the Planning Board, Dir. of Planning & Community Development Michael Behrendt, and Administrator Selig met with five consultant teams over the course of two days to discuss proposals received by the Town for working with the community in updating the 2000 Durham Master Plan.  After much deliberation and follow up discussions with the consultants, the selection committee ultimately selected the Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) to work with Durham to move the 2000 Master Plan update process to completion.  In addition, planning consultant Jack Mettee will be assisting the Town on an as needed basis to facilitate conversations regarding the Downtown/Commercial Core and Economic Development chapters.  


Michael Behrendt and Mr. Selig met with SRPC Executive Director Cynthia Copeland this morning to better define the work plan for 2014.  Ms. Copeland and the SRPC team will meet with the Master Plan Advisory Committee to review the anticipated work plan on Thursday at the MPAC’s regularly scheduled meeting.


The Town of Durham already has a relationship with the SRPC as Durham is one of 18 member communities within the region.  The work undertaken for the Town by the SRPC as part of the Master Plan process will be on a time and materials basis, rather than for a fixed price. 

Durham has budgeted $35,000 for the project in 2014 but the actual cost of the effort will be driven largely by the number of public meetings held relative to the issue as determined necessary by the Town as the project progresses, as well as the number of rewrites necessary for various chapters as determined by Durham.

The project will have specific deliverables in 2014 with set chapters completed and approved by the Planning Board.  The project will then continue forward into 2015 to continue to update additional chapters of the Master Plan.

Durham representatives met with NHDOT and NH Fish and Game representatives in Concord this week concerning the Route 108 Bike Path Project between Durham and Newmarket.  Conservation Commission member Otho Wells is in the foreground.  Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM REPRESENTATIVES MEET WITH NHDOT AND NH FISH AND GAME OFFICIALS IN CONCORD REGARDING RT 108 BIKE PATH PROJECT BETWEEN DURHAM AND NEWMARKET

On Thursday of this week, Conservation Commission member Otho Wells, Public Works Director Michael Lynch, and Administrator Selig braved the snowstorm and drove to Concord in Mr. Selig’s Mini Cooper to meet with NHDOT and NH Fish and Game representatives concerning the Rt. 108 Bike Path project between Durham and Newmarket that is scheduled to begin (Phase I) this coming summer.


Representing NH Fish and Game were Corey Riley, Manager of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; Rachel Stevens, Stewardship Coordinator; and Richard Cook, Land Agent.


Representing the NHDOT were Ronald Grandmaison, Project Manager, Bureau of Highway Design and Wendy Johnson, Civil Engineer from the Project Development Bureau.  


Representatives from Durham desired to gain a better understanding relative to the project concerning implications for the Beaudette 2 conservation parcel which is owned by NH Fish and Game along Rt. 108 (on the Newmarket side of Bennett Road) but for which the Town holds a conservation interest, and also to obtain more information concerning whether the raising of the Rt. 108 roadbed by an average of 8” would create flooding concerns, particularly in the vicinity of the Durham Boat Club.


NH Fish and Game officials indicated that from a resource perspective, the project will be a net gain for wildlife purposes.  A lot of turtles, muskrats, and other migrating wildlife are presently killed when it attempts to cross busy Rt. 108.  The new project is specifically designed with new culverts that will allow for safer passage for wildlife under the roadway.  


Wetland habitat is a priority for NH Fish and Game because there is so little of it.  The Beaudette 2 parcel would be wet in its natural condition but because of man-made roadway improvements over time, it is drier than it would naturally be.  This negatively impacts the natural flora and fauna on the parcel.  Although the NHDOT project is not a wetland mitigation project, if additional water were to collect or remain on the Beaudette 2 parcel, that would be viewed as a positive development from a pure resource perspective according to NH Fish and Game.  


Much of the Beaudette 2 parcel is a shrub/scrub area with desirable ground cover for wildlife such as Winterberry, Holly, etc.  NH Fish and Game does not see any upland species that would be impacted by the project.  


In addition, the actual roadway construction impacting the parcel is minimal, and that area that will be impacted consists of soils of low conservation value.  NHDOT will be compensating NH Fish and Game financially for any physical roadway/property impacts and these proceeds will be invested back into the land that NH Fish and Game manages for the benefit of the flora and fauna that exist there.  


In terms of the Rt. 108 shoulder/bike lane project’s impact relative to flood mitigation, it was emphasized that this is not a flood mitigation project.  During flood events, the roadway will be overtopped as it is today.  There is an average increase in height of the roadway by 8” along the corridor but this is not consistent along the entire stretch of roadway.  It was pointed out that the entire system on both sides of Rt. 108/Newmarket Road acts as a bathtub within the Lamprey and Oyster River watersheds.  There will continue to be high and low points along the route as there are today and during extreme weather/flood events, waters will overtop the roadway as they do today.  Because of the additional height of the roadway, there will be additional time for residents to travel through the area to get to where they need to be during extreme storm events.  


If the goal was to construct a pure flood mitigation project, it would be necessary to install around 300 additional culverts through the corridor and to raise the roadway bed higher, or to place the roadway on pilings, creating a causeway effect.  Such an effort is not planned here and would be cost prohibitive.  


The Durham contingent was satisfied that NHDOT and NH Fish and Game listened to and provided thoughtful responses to the Town’s concerns.

DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION CANDIDATES FORUM

On Monday, February 24, 2014, beginning at 7:00 PM, a Candidates Forum for Town Council and Library Trustee candidates will be held in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall located at 15 Newmarket Road. The forum is being planned and hosted by the Durham Business Association, moderated by Chris Regan, and will be broadcast on the Durham Cable Access Television (DCAT) channel, Channel 22.

DBA members and the public are invited to attend and to participate by submitting questions for Town Council candidates who are running for these elected offices at the March 11, 2014 Town Election.

 

Questions may be submitted by email to the Durham Business Association at durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com by Friday, February 14, 2014.

 
Please Note:  The Durham Business Association is a 501 (c) (6) nonprofit and does not promote, endorse any specific political candidates.

DURHAM 8TH GRADER DANIELLE SLAVIN RAISING MONEY FOR ST. BALDRICK’S – Danielle will have her head shaved in support of the effort and is looking for sponsors

Ms. Danielle Slavin is a 13 year old Oyster River Middle School 8th grader who lives in Durham.  She is having her hair shaved for St. Baldrick's on March 19th.  St. Baldrick's is an organization that raises money for cancer research for children.  They will also donate her hair to Locks of Love.  

Ms. Slavin is undertaking this effort in memory of her sister, Marina, who died of an infection last December.  She was 20 and a graduate of ORHS.  She was a shavee for St. Baldrick's, too, on January 1st, 2013.

Individuals who would like to support Ms. Slavin’s effort can make a donations online at http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/670268/2014, or by calling (888) 899-2253.  If they are calling, the donation should go under my name (Danielle Slavin).  They can also go on the website (same as above) and click on "Download Donation Form" if they would like to mail in their donation.

Huge icicles formed and hung from the roof of Town Hall this week with all of the melting and refreezing that has occurred. Courtesy Karen Edwards

DURHAM RESIDENT KEVIN GARDNER IS A SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION – Dr. Gardner was featured in this week’s Campus Journal

Durham resident Kevin Gardner was featured in this week’s UNH Campus Journal.  Dr. Gardner, who also chairs Durham’s Energy Committee, indicates his interest in sustainability began at a young age, when a calculus teacher suggested he put his problem-solving skills towards a career in engineering. While he was unsure of what branch of engineering to pursue, one caught his attention – environmental engineering.  


We are very lucky in Durham that Kevin has chosen to be involved as a volunteer on the Town’s Energy Committee.  


To read the full Campus Journal article, click HERE.

PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS ALSO HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO BE SAFE ON LOCAL ROADWAYS WHILE WALKING, RUNNING, AND BIKING

Last week we ran a paragraph asking drivers to be safe and slow down in their neighborhoods.  That blurb prompted a resident to write asking that Administrator Selig also remind residents who walk or run in the dark to wear reflective clothing and walk on the side of

the road instead of in the middle. If there’s a sidewalk that’s plowed, utilizing the sidewalk would be preferred to utilizing the roadway.

 

When dogs are being walked, it would be helpful if they were kept out of the road as well if possible.

 

It’s difficult driving in the dark on smaller town roads when people are in the street, particularly if they are dressed all in black. Drivers often can’t see them until they are upon them.


Use common sense when you’re out at night.

E 9-1-1 MAPPING TO TAKE PLACE IN DURHAM IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2014

The NH Division of Emergency Services and Communications (DESC) is currently working in conjunction with the Fire Department to collect all road and addressing information for properties within the community. This will enable the NH E 9-1-1 system to provide exact location information to dispatch agencies should an emergency arise.

 

The process involves going to each structure in the Durham and collecting the actual X,Y coordinates, all posted addresses, and any new roads that E 9-1-1 does not currently have in its database.


If addresses are not clearly posted, DESC may need to verify resident or utility information. Should the need for this arise, officials will always be in a clearly marked state vehicle and all employees have ID’s and carry information cards with their E 9-1-1 bureau contact information.

 

After the collection process is complete the DESC personnel will work closely with the Durham Fire Department to ensure that the information gathered is complete and accurate.


Upon acceptance by the Town, paper and digital maps will be generated for Durham by the state.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOLS SEEK VOLUNTEERS WHO LOVE GARDENING TO ASSIST WITH PRODUCTION GARDENS

All four schools within the Oyster River Cooperative School District are seeking those who love gardening to help out with the newly established and establishing school production gardens located at each of the district’s four schools. Although these gardens can and will be used by teachers in support of the curriculum, the main purpose of these gardens is to provide poundage of vegetables and greens for the four school cafeterias so that Oyster River students will have both great tasting and healthy fresh food in their school meals year-round.


This effort supplements the purchase of locally grown fresh food from area farmers.


If you are interested in participating, please contact Principal Dennis Harrington at dharrington@orcsd.org.

The steel archway that will be placed at the front entrance of the new Town Hall. Courtesy Craig Stevens

TOWN HALL PROJECT

Progress continued this week at the new Town Hall construction site despite all the wintry weather. This picture is the installation of the steel archway at the front entrance Portal/Vestibule area.  

 

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE 2014 WAGON HILL FARM COMMUNITY GARDENS will be held Sunday, February 16 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. at the Durham Parks and Recreation Building (the Old brick court house on the corner of Route 108 and Main Street, next to the gas station). You can park your car at the town office parking lot. All current and prospective members should come to apply for a 2014 garden, learn about the garden schedule, and meet other gardeners. For more information about the gardens see our website: http://communitygardensforall.org/  If weather forces postponement of the meeting, the snow date is Sunday, March 2 at the same time.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING OF THE STRAFFORD COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014, 9:00 A.M.

The Town of Durham has received notice that a Public Meeting of the Strafford County Delegation is scheduled to be held Saturday, February 22, 2014, 9:00 a.m. in Superior Courtroom II, second floor of the William A. Grimes Justice and Administration Building, County Farm Road, Dover, New Hampshire, to conduct the following business:

• Receive Recommendations of the Delegation Executive Committee on Commissioners’ 2014 Proposed Budget
• Vote on Acceptance of the Strafford County 2014 Budget
• Approve Minutes January 22, 2014 Public Hearing
• Any other business which may legally come up at that time   

Information and directions may be obtained in advance of the meeting by contacting the Strafford County Commissioners office at (603)516-7100.

2014 DOG LICENSES/TAGS NOW AVAILABLE!

2014 dog licenses/tags are now available at the Town Clerk's Office.

New Hampshire law states “any owner or keeper” of a dog must register the dog annually in the month of April. A penalty of $1/month will be added to the registration fee beginning in June. If the dog(s) remain unlicensed, the law requires the issuance of a Civil Forfeiture which carries a $25 fine/dog.  If the dog(s) continue to remain unlicensed, a summons to court will be issued.  Prompt attention to licensing your dog(s) eliminates the need to pursue further action.


As always, you can register at the Town Clerk’s office M-F, 8-5.  If your dog’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date you can register on-line, or register by mail and include a copy of the new rabies expiration date.  


If you have received a notice from the Town Clerk's Office, and you no longer have the dog, please call 603-868-5577 as the Town has no other way to obtain this information.

The new smoothie bar at Wildcat Fitness.

WILDCAT FITNESS NOW OFFERS SMOOTHIES

Wildcat Fitness is now offering the best Smoothies in Durham. It is open to the public and located in the former town library space in the Mill Plaza. The smoothie bar features 20 oz. refuel and recovery, trim and low cal, veggie and complete meal in a cup shakes. What sets these apart from everyone else, is the ingredients, Wildcat Fitness uses whole-food crushed fruit, real vegetables, and your choice of almond, soy or skim milk. Gluten free whey protein and add ins to target areas like your immune, digestive system and joints. What’s not in our shakes? Splenda, extra sugars, colorants, additives, yogurt, or bacon. Look for your ½ off smoothie coupon in the mail!


Please visit http://www.wildcatfitness.net/ for menu, pricing, and hours of operation.

Courtesy SGA

SEACOAST FARMERS' MARKETS WELCOME NEW VENDOR APPLICATIONS

If you have ever considered becoming a vendor at the farmers' market, now is your chance. The Seacoast Growers Association (SGA) is currently accepting applications for vending at any of their five outdoor farmers' markets. The SGA welcomes applications from farmers, crafters and food producers operating in York (Maine), Strafford or Rockingham (NH) counties.

The Seacoast Growers Association is a member-driven organization that promotes agriculture on the seacoast. The SGA began their tradition of providing the region with a marketplace for fresh local produce, handcrafted goods, and homemade foods and beverages back in 1977. Today, the organization manages five seacoast markets: the Portsmouth Farmers' Market, Dover Farmers' Market, Durham Farmers' Market, Newington Farmers' Market, and Exeter Farmers' Market.

Those interested in vending regularly at market are invited to apply as new members of the organization. The new member application window is open until February 28th.

For more information on vendor rules, necessary permits, market fees, and application details, please visit the Resources page at http://www.seacoastgrowers.org/.

 

CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING SKATE SCHEDULE
For details on the schedule, please go to https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/churchillrink or call the rink at 868-3907. 

Public Skate Schedule:

Sundays:  12:00 - 1:45pm

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 - 3:20pm

Tuesdays:12:00 - 4:20pm

Thursdays: 12:00 - 1:50pm

Saturday:  2:00 - 3:45pm

Open Stick & Puck (unstructured hockey)

Sunday thru Friday:  11:00 - 11:50am

Adult Drop In

Sundays:  9:30 - 10:50am

Monday & Wednesday:  12:00 - 1:20 pm

Fridays:  12:00 - 1:20pm AND 8:00 - 9:20pm

Family Pond Hockey (Helmet required)

Saturday nights, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (except for Dec 28th)

For more information, contact Gary at Rink Services Group, 603-868-3907, gary@rinkservicesgroup.com.

THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS

ATTENTION

Starting February 26, 2014, ORCSD will be moving to a new channel number. “Cable Channel 97”  From that date forward all ORCSD programming will only be available for viewing on Cable Channel 97.  ORCSD programming will no longer be available on DCAT Cable Channel 22.  This is the culmination of a long process with Comcast to activate the ORCSD broadcast signal.  If you have any questions please contact: Craig Stevens, DCAT Coordinator @ 868-5571 or dcat@ci.durham.nh.us

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Bicycling Through Europe: One Durham Family’s Adventures

Sundays @ 5:55 PM, Run time: 1:10

Think about it: imagine packing up your family, notifying teachers, renting your home, hugging your friends good-bye and setting off on a bicycle tour of Europe! One Durham family did just that. Last year, Chris and Wendy Brooks decided to bring their children on a sight-seeing adventure through Europe. They will tell you the story , share their pictures, and perhaps inspire you to take your own journey.  This video is also available for viewing on the Town’s On Demand site.

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Strafford Regional Planning Commission presents: Mills Scenic Byway -Run time: 1:02 - Sundays @ 8:30 PM

Join your hosts, Kyle Pimental, Senior Regional Planner & Todd Selig, Durham Administrator for a presentation on the Mills Scenic Byway. The proposed Mills Scenic Byway is a 12.1 mile route that travels through the Towns of Newmarket, Durham, Madbury and Rollinsford. This route offers a clear depiction of small, yet vital communities, located along the coastal shores of the Lamprey, Oyster, Bellamy, Salmon Falls, and Cocheco Rivers. This public hearing is required in order for the Cultural Byway Council to officially designate the Mills Scenic Byway as a state byway. This video will also be available on the towns On Demand site.  This is a production of DCAT 22 Studios.

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Mill Pond Dam Centennial Celebration - Sundays @ 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM - Run time: 30 Minutes

Sit back and enjoy the latest production from DCAT 22 Studios. Enjoy some of Durham’s beautiful scenery, hear a this history of the Mill Pond Dam. Who is Congreve Hamilton Quniby? Did Humpty Dumpty actually make an appearance at the celebration? You’ll only find the answers to these questions by watching the video. 

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An afternoon with “Big Nate” author Lincoln Peirce - Sundays @ 2:30 PM & 5:55 PM - Run time: 1:04

If you weren’t available to make it to the Library for Durham’s own author Lincoln Peirce, then no worries, DCAT 22 Studios was there to record and capture all of the cool stuff he talked about and his demonstration on how he illustrates. Hear a some of his Durham history, his humble comic strip beginnings and learn how “Nate” got his name.

These videos are also available for viewing on the Town’s On Demand site.

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.

Town Council - Monday, February 17, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.

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

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.

Yoga for Seniors - New class starts Monday, 2/17. Find out more HERE.

Archery - NEW! - We’re excited to offer this new 8-week, instructional program for ages 10-15.  All equipment, setup, and training will be provided.  Archers will learn the basics of target practice and safety, while also being introduced to both vintage and Olympic competition equipment! 

Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to put your name on the mailing list.
Family Fun Day at Wagon Hill Farm – NEW! - Join us on Friday, February 28th for a day of sledding FUN!  Enter our FREE raffle for your chance to win some WILD WINTER prizes!  Warm up with some complimentary hot chocolate, shoot a family photo by the wagon, and take a hike around the property rated New England’s “Best Hilly Retreat” by Yankee Magazine.

When: Friday, February 28th (12-3PM)

Where:  Top of the Hill  - Wagon Hill Farm

DPR Climbing Club - Back by popular demand, and filling up fast! Find out more HERE.

A Jumpstart to Your Week -

Yoga:  Every Monday 6-7AM.

Pilates:  Every Monday 9-10AM

OR pick another class that FITS your schedule HERE.

Senior Trips – Are you interested in taking a trip to places like Boston, New York, Foxwoods, etc.? Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to put your name on the mailing list.

Tai Chi – Beginners - Find out more HERE.

Volunteer With DPR - Do you like being outdoors?  Do you have a group looking for ways to be more involved and give back to the community?  Contact: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to learn about local volunteer opportunities. Find out more HERE.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Support Oyster River High School 2014 Project Graduation.  Raffle tickets are being sold for a month-long calendar of donations from local businesses, as well as raffle tickets for two tickets to a pre-season Patriots game or two tickets to a Red Sox game.  Contact Fran Mandeville (nhpanda@yahoo.com) or any ORHS senior parent for more information.

Active Retirement Association - “Curiosity Never Retires!" ARA Announces its Winter program series. For more information, click HERE.

OR Middle School Drama Club presents "Who's Dying to be a Millionaire, Thursday & Friday, Feb 13 & 14, 2014, 7PM, OR High School. Contestants are dropping as fast as the wisecracks in a wild, riotous lampoon of quiz shows, politics, and basic human nature.

Volunteer Driver Orientation Meeting for Ready Rides, an organization that currently offers free rides to medical appointments to disabled and elderly residents, Tuesday, Feb 18, 2014, 1:30 PM, Durham Public Library. For more information on how to offer services, click HERE.

UNH Museum of Art Exhibition - Songs Into the Air, a public gallery talk with David A. Lang, Wednesday, Feb 19, 2014, 12:00 PM, beginning at the Museum of Art, Paul Arts Center. Inclement weather: Feb 26, 2014 at 12:00 PM. For more information, call 603-862-3712 or visit http://cola.unh.edu/moa.

Durham Great Bay Rotary “FOOD DRIVE”, Thursday & Friday, Feb 20 & 21, 4-6:00 PM, Durham Market Place. All food collected will go to Local Food Pantry Cornucopia at the Waysmeet Center.

Newcomers Unlimited - "Ethical Wills: Bequeathing Our Values", Friday, Feb 21, 2014, Durham Community Church. Social hour 9-10AM; speak from 10 - 11AM. For more information call 603-868-1230

One World Language School General Information Session, Wednesday, Mar 5, 2014, 10-11:30AM, Portsmouth Music and Arts Center. Will hold French and Spanish classes for preschoolers and homeschoolers. The 7-week class begins on Wednesday, Mar 12th. For more information contact Julie Reece at 603-866-0364, julie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org.

Echo Thrift Shop, Community Church of Durham, Valentine's and Presidents' Day sale. All red and pink items 50% off, Feb 12-22.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Embracing Physical and Emotional Pains- Meditation Class POSTPONED TO 2/22

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Baby Lap-Sit! For infants to age 2 with their caregiver, Sat. Feb. 15th at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for stories, fingerplays and songs.  There will be a time after for you and your baby to play and socialize with other parents and babies.  This program is geared to ages 2 and under with their parent/caregiver.  All are welcome.
Embracing Physical and Emotional Pains, Sat. Feb. 15th, 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Everyone experiences pains, physically and emotionally, at different time of life: aging, a serious medical diagnosis, the sudden loss of a loved one, the breakup of a relation, financial loss, loss of home, loss of job or simply from stress...  Pain is unavoidable.  But do you know suffering isn't?  Come and sit with us to explore how meditation of Mindfulness and Compassion can bring hope of peace and freedom.  Experience yourself.
Family Movie Afternoon, “Enchanted”, Sat. Feb. 15th, 2:00 p.m. – Join us for this month’s family movie: “Enchanted”.  All are welcome and popcorn is served.

If Valentine's Day makes you think of romance, be sure not to miss the super sale of romance books in The Friends' Bookstore next to the cafe in the library. February 5-February 15.
Affordable Health Care Act registration Enrollment Specialist available on March 15 - Open enrollment for the ACA ends on March 31st, so let Mary Moynihan help you sign up here at the library between the hours of 10 and 2 pm on Saturday March 15th. Just sign up at the circulation desk or call 603-868-6699 to register.
Chess and Board Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up), Monday Feb. 17th 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us every Monday afternoon now in the Young Adult room for a game of chess (or other board games).
Pre-school Storytimes:  Tues.  Feb. 18th and Thurs.  Feb. 20th at 10:30 a.m. – The theme is:  Spaghetti/Pasta! Pajama story times are once a month sponsored by Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers (ORPP).   All are welcome! The next one is on Tuesday, Feb. 18th at 6:30 pm and this month: Pirates! Come and hear stories about Pirates, make a pirate craft and have a treasure hunt.  Come wearing your pajamas.  We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and make a craft.  ORPP supplies a snack.  All are welcome.
Libros Lovers, High School Book Group, Weds. Feb. 19th, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - This month's book is "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman.  Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator.  Pizza is served.
XBOX Kinect Gaming Night (ages 10 and up), Weds. Feb. 19th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Come out and test your skills with our Xbox Kinect in the Young Adult Room.  Pizza is served and all are welcome.
Author Appearance: The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt, Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. - Come learn about one of the most fascinating first ladies this country has ever had: Eleanor Roosevelt.  Author Michele Albion will bring Mrs. Roosevelt to life in an interactive discussion about the inspirational and aspirational woman.
Lego Club, Thurs. Feb. 20th at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations. Lego Club is in need of Lego Donations!  Have any Legos that you would like to donate to the library?  They will be put to good use at our very popular Lego Club.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday Feb. 21st, 10:30 a.m. – This week:  Music!  We will hear books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft.  This group is geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome.
Crafternoon – Fri. Feb. 21st 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.
Make-it-take-it craft week of Feb. 22nd through March 1st - Stop by the Children’s room all week during February vacation to make a craft.
McAdams Magic Show! Special Joint Library Vacation Program, Thursday, February 27th, 10:30 a.m. at the Durham Public Library! Join us for this fun joint library (Durham, Lee and Madbury) vacation performance by a very talented magician and his dog. All are welcome. 
Tales for Tails sign-ups happening now.  Contact the Children’s desk to register.

Patch Club! Earn patches and a library bag for your reading time.  Register at the children’s desk.

Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.

FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association

1745 - The principal event in King George's War was the capture of Louisberg with the aid of N.H.'s Regiment of 304 men. Durham enlistees were Col. S. Thompson, Ens. B. Bunker, Capt. E. Daniel, Lt. A. Bennett, E. Bickford, J. Edgerly, D. Kincaid, I. Smith, J. Thompson and others.

Have a nice weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

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