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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Friday, April 1, 2016
APRIL FOOLS' EDITION
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 Durham resident Bernie Casey said that this photograph of a porcupine was not an April Fool’s joke, but that he did feel a bit foolish following after prickly creature in the woods around Willey Creek this morning to get a close up photo! Courtesy Bernie Casey
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April Fools' Day is celebrated every year on April 1st by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes. It is in that spirit that the following updates are offered ...
APRIL FOOLS' EDITION...
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UNH PRESIDENT MARK HUDDLESTON SELECTED AS 2016 AMERICAN IDOL
In an unexpected turn of events, UNH President Mark Huddleston was selected as the top vote getter by America in the farewell season of American Idol following his heart warming Bluegrass solo rendition of the UNH Alma Mater during the recent NCAA Women’s Hockey Tourney hosted at the UNH Whittemore Center Arena in Durham. President Huddleston was accompanied by the Oyster River Middle School Jazz Band. “All credit goes to the band,” stated Huddleston in a press release.
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CITING THE NEED TO BOLSTER DOMESTIC OIL PRODUCTION, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DONALD TRUMP PROPOSES OIL REFINERY ON GREAT BAY
Taking a cue from the late Aristotle Onassis, Presidential Candidate Donald Trump has rolled out plans to build what would be the largest oil refinery in the world in Durham, NH on the shores of the Great Bay Estuary. When confronted with significant public concern from around the region at a recent public hearing, including the fact that the estuary is composed of salt water and that fresh water is needed for a successful refinery, Mr. Trump stated, “Don’t worry, you’re going to love it.”
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Revised plans from Mill Plaza returning the site to an agricultural use. Courtesy Julian Smith
MILL PLAZA SUBMITS REVISED PLANS FOR PROJECT | BACK TO THE FUTURE
After having received extensive feedback from the public, owners of the Mill Plaza have submitted a revised conceptual application envisioning the return of the 1969-era strip mall development in the heart of Durham to its agricultural past. Police Chief David Kurz, however, has expressed concern to the Durham Agricultural Commission regarding whether roosters will be allowed on the site. “The impact to neighbors could be significant,” stated Kurz.
Meanwhile, residents have questioned the number of cows that might be permitted to graze there at any one time citing worries about odor and production of methane from their gas. Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt is currently checking with legal counsel on how to require the animals to remain perfectly still for extended periods in order to obtain an accurate tally.
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ORCSD Superintendent Jim Morse and Durham Administrator Todd Selig enjoy a relaxing suntanning session at the new solar array located on Packers Falls Road. Courtesy Todd Selig
LARGE SOLAR ARRAY IN DURHAM’S GRAVEL PIT CITED AS POTENTIAL NEW REVENUE SOURCE – TANNERY
In a new public, public, private partnership, the Town of Durham and the Oyster River Cooperative School District have joined forces with a local hairdresser to offer sun tanning at the new 640 kW solar field on Packers Falls Road. “After a long, dreary winter season, we thought people would really enjoy having the chance to get a little sun,” stated Messrs. Morse and Selig.
Sunblock will be required.
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JOHNNY DEPP -- PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN/EDWARD SCISSORHANDS/BLACK MASS STAR -- RELOCATES TO DURHAM
The Town has learned that Johnny Depp just closed on a property in Durham, situated “somewhere off Durham Point Road” according to his publicist.
The 53 year old actor indicates that cuisine is what brought him to town. “Young’s for breakfast, Bella’s for lunch, and The Three Chimneys for dinner is what I call three squares a day,” stated Depp.
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MONORAIL PROJECT APPROVED BY TOWN COUNCIL
On March 21st, after years of heated debate, the Durham Town Council finally approved the $99 million Main Street Monorail project, the most expensive project in the Town’s history.
This super-elevated structure, planned to relieve congestion downtown, will commence at the old Courthouse building, run up Church Hill along Main Street, and terminate in front of Thompson Hall.
The 80%-20% Federal-local match is being paid for largely through funds leftover from Boston’s Big Dig project. The local match will be split 50/50 with UNH. Construction is expected to begin in June.
Former Town Council Chair Jay Gooze and long-time project supporter said, “If Walt Disney could do it, so can Durham!”
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NBA AWARDS FRANCHISE TO DURHAM
The National Basketball Association just announced that the Town of Durham, NH was the successful bidder for the next NBA franchise, a deal worth millions to the local community and the Seacoast as a whole. The “Durham Academics” are scheduled to begin operations for the 2017-18 season. Lebron James, who holds the UNH scoring record from his years playing with the Wildcats in the late 1990s, said that he is seriously considering “bringing my talents back to Durham.”
“We like to think outside of the box,” stated Mr. Selig. “That’s what makes Durham such a special place!”
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AND NOW... SOME REAL NEWS
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PLANNING, ZONING, ASSESSING OFFICE CLOSED NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 5TH, FROM 1 - 5PM - Staff to attend GIS Presentation
Durham's Planning, Zoning, and Assessing Office will be closed on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM for staff to attend a GIS presentation in Dover. The office will reopen at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, April 6th.
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DURHAM'S SPRING CLEANUP BEGINS MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016
The annual residential bulky waste pickup begins Monday, May 2, 2016. Please place materials curbside NO EARLIER than Saturday, April 30th and NO LATER than 7AM on Monday, May 2nd. Remember, electronics that require an electronic sticker at the Transfer Station will still need one curbside. Electronics stickers can be purchased to the Public Works office for $10.
All residents should be receiving their Spring Newsletter detailing the clean up within the next few days. It may also be viewed HERE.
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THOMPSON FAMILY WORKS WITH SELT, DURHAM, and LRAC TO CONSERVE 53 ACRES ON LAMPREY RIVER – Conservation Project Helps Protect Durham-UNH Drinking Water Supply
This week, the Southeast Land Trust (SELT) and the Town of Durham executed the purchase and permanent conservation of 53 acres in Durham as part of the Thompson Forest Conservation project. The project was strongly supported and funded in part by the Lamprey River Local Advisory Committee (LRAC). This venture protects the last remaining tract of what was once part of a 200-acre dairy farm owned by the Thompson Family. The land has been part of the family for four generations.
Mostly forested, the land provides important habitat for many species and includes 3,500 feet of frontage on the federally designated Wild & Scenic Lamprey River, one of only two designated Wild & Scenic rivers in New Hampshire. The land has been traditionally posted against public access, but now will be open to the public for pedestrian access. The Town is currently working on a management plan for the Thompson Forest, which will consider recreational access opportunities and trail development.
Shirley Thompson wanted the land conserved and asked her daughters to promise that they would ensure that the land would be protected before she passed two years ago. Her daughters Kim Laughton and Norma Thompson worked with SELT and the Town of Durham to honor their mother's wishes. Laughton also made a donation to help bring down the cost of the land.
"This land has been part of my family for a long time. We hope that the people who come and visit the land will cherish it as much as we have," said Kim Laughton.
The Thompson Forest will help buffer and protect an intake for the Durham-UNH water system. Conserving the Thompson Forest will prevent erosion, pesticides, and fertilizers from impacting the drinking water supply. In addition, 19 acres of the Thompson property is located within Spruce Hole aquifer, which includes a well that is also part of the Durham-UNH water system.
After acquiring the Thompson Forest, the Town of Durham granted the conservation easement to SELT.
Durham resident and Land Conservation Director for SELT, Duane Hyde, was the lead on this important project.
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DURHAM/UNH DRINKING WATER SYSTEM – Is the Durham/UNH drinking water safe to drink today and, if so, how does the Town of Durham substantiate that conclusion?
There has been a great deal of news coverage nationally and in NH regarding serious water quality issues affecting citizens. Consequently, it makes sense to provide a brief overview regarding the protocols in place here in town and on campus for the quality and safety of our public drinking water system.
The joint Durham-University of New Hampshire Water System produces a Water Quality Report (CCR) annually, which contains a large amount of operational and sampling information. View a copy of the 2015 Water Quality Report.
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The Durham/UNH Water System is inspected/sampled every day.
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The system has four water supplies, two ground water and two surface water, which makes the system very versatile.
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The system can run with one supply or multiple supplies at any given time.
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Staff have the ability to artificially recharge one of our ground water supply sources.
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Backflow devices or check valves are installed at all customer connection points to prevent contamination from any individual property into the public system.
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Durham and UNH have a very active equipment and piping upgrade/replacement program to prevent contamination from old deteriorating system components.
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The lead operators of the water system have access to a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, which allows them to remotely monitor and modify the system, 24 hours a day.
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Durham and UNH jointly flush the water system twice per year.
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Durham does not have an MTBE concern regarding our water supplies.
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Leak detection programs occur every 5-10 years.
The Durham/UNH team believes we have the best and safest water system in New Hampshire.
If residents obtain their water from a private well, rather than from the public water supply, it is recommended that they undertake due diligence to ensure their private water source is safe and remains safe over time.
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TOWN COUNCIL TO CONSIDER RATIFICATION OF CBA BETWEEN DURHAM AND AFSCME FOR DPW EMPLOYEES FOR PERIOD 1/1/16-12/31/19
The Town began the contract negotiation process in November 2015 with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) representing sixteen employees at the Public Works Department. The previous contract expired on December 31, 2015.
The Town’s bargaining team, comprised of the Town’s Labor Attorney, the Business Manager, the Public Works Director, and the Administrator, evaluated the State of New Hampshire economy, requirements under the Affordable Care Act, Durham’s budget priorities/limitations, specific Durham Public Works goals, and the state of labor negotiations within other New Hampshire political subdivisions.
As part of the ratification process for Collective Bargaining Agreements with the form of government in the Town of Durham, the Administrator has the authority to agree to policy and working condition issues within the Agreement. The Town Council, however, must approve money items. The money items are included in the draft tentative agreement.
The bargaining team believes this Collective Bargaining Agreement will maintain Durham’s Public Works employees in a competitive position with respect to other communities in terms of pay and benefits, but also serves to mitigate the Town’s long-term exposure to health insurance costs.
The AFSCME unit ratified the Agreement by a vote of its membership on March 17, 2016. The Town and unit have agreed to a change in the health plan allowing for higher prescription co-pays, an increase in health and dental insurance contributions over the life of the contract, annual COLA’s, addition of one step in year 2016 and one in year 2019, an increase to standby pay, changes to the longevity pay, as well as other language changes regarding use of leave and uniforms.
Employees currently contribute 15% towards health and dental insurance plans. Effective July 1st of each year the percentage shall be increased as follows:
2017 17%
2018 18%
2019 20%
Health Insurance Buyout. Current employees are eligible for reimbursement in the amount of forty-five percent (45%) of the Town’s contribution cost of health and/or dental insurance. Effective January 1, 2016 all new employees who elect the buy-out provision for health and/or dental insurance will be reimbursed fifteen percent (15%) of the Town’s share of the yearly cost.
Health and Dental Plan. Effective July 1, 2016 employees will transition from the current Matthew Thornton Blue Plan with a $5 co-pay for office visits and prescription costs of $3 or $15 at the pharmacy and $1 for mail-in to the Matthew Thornton Blue Plan with a $5 co-pay for office visits and prescription costs of $10/$20/$45 at both the pharmacy and mail-in.
The current contract has seven steps. The Town has agreed to the addition of one step in years one and four of the contract in the amount of 1%, as well as COLA increases as follows:
2016 2.0% COLA and addition of Step 8
2017 2.0% COLA
2018 2.0% COLA
2019 2.0% COLA and addition of Step 9
Employees who are assigned to standby duty on any basis shall receive a thirty-five dollar ($35.00) per day differential effective January 1, 2017. Currently employees receive fifteen dollars ($15.00) per day.
Longevity pay for current employees with ten years or more of service have been increased to equal those for non-union employees. In addition, parties have agreed that no employees hired after December 31, 2015 will be eligible for longevity payments.
The Town’s Labor Attorney, Joseph McKittrick, will meet with Councilors on Monday evening at 6:00 PM to provide more information and answer any questions with regard to this contract. The Town’s bargaining team and the Administrator recommend that the Council ratify the agreement at Monday night’s Council meeting.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement will have the following yearly financial impact upon the Town of Durham based on current employees. Changes in these amounts may occur due to personnel turnover and employee’s change in health and dental plans: 2016 - $17,625; 2017 - $46,425; 2018 - $14,550; 2019 - $21,950.
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COUNCIL TO CONSIDER PROPOSED CHANGES TO FIRE PREVENTION CODE
Following more than a year of review, the Fire Department has requested updates and revisions to the Town’s Fire Prevention Code. The primary goals of this request include: removing conflicting or redundant verbiage from the ordinances that are already covered under state law and administrative rules; providing accurate code citations for sections of ordinances that pertain to the state’s adopted code; adjust the identified fire lane list to reflect the ones that are still in existence; adjust the sprinkler ordinance to provide balance between the needs of the business community and the level of fire and life safety in the downtown area; and adopt requirements that improve the Fire Department’s ability to respond to emergencies and operate efficiently.
On Monday evening, April 4th, Chief Corey Landry will provide the Town Council with an overview of the proposed changes.
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DURHAM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT SELLING COMPUTER EQUIPMENT
The Town of Durham's IT Department has computer equipment for sale. All equipment functions with no operating systems installed on the computers, and is being sold "as is" and as a single lot. Minimum bids are listed and can be viewed HERE. Please send bids and direct all questions to Jay Gooze at jgoozedurit@gmail.com. Revised date for receiving bids: APRIL 8, 2016
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C-RISE (CLIMATE RISK IN THE SEACOAST) PLANS KICKOFF MEETING IN DURHAM – April 6th
Please join the Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) and the C-RiSe project team for a kick-off meeting to learn more about future impacts from sea-level rise and storm related flooding, and how Durham, Dover, Madbury, Newmarket, and Rollinsford can benefit from this assessment and participate in review and evaluation of the assessment findings.
Climate Risk in the Seacoast is a project that will provide Great Bay municipalities with maps and assessments of flood impacts to road and transportation assets, critical facilities and infrastructure, and natural resources associated with projected increases in storm surge, sea level and precipitation.
The project will engage the following municipalities in SRPC’s region – Durham, Dover, Madbury, Newmarket, and Rollinsford – and the following municipalities in Rockingham Planning Commission’s region – Newfields, Exeter, Stratham, Greenland and Newington.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 3:00-4:30 PM at the Durham Town Hall Town Council Chambers on 8 Newmarket Road. Please RSVP for this meeting to kpimental@strafford.org or call (603) 994-3500.
More information can be found HERE.
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NEW BUSINESS IN DURHAM - ALKU
ALKU is a specialized staffing firm headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts that recently opened an office in Durham Center. ALKU will be hosting an Open House at 101 Madbury Rd, Suite 101, April 6th, 2016 from 4-7 PM.
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TAKE THE TRAIN! The Amtrak Downeaster Has Deals for Everyone
Durham and UNH have a real success story to tell about---Amtrak’s Downeaster train. The Downeaster has been running for 15 years and each year the ridership increases.
There are 10 trains that stop in Durham every day—5 going north (to Dover, Wells, Saco, Old Orchard Beach (in season), Portland, Freeport and Brunswick) and 5 going south (Exeter, Haverhill, Woburn and Boston).
The schedule is very good –not perfect—but good. And there are plans underway to add another round trip in the near future and to add additional stops.
Three Downeaster programs that residents may want to know about: Senior Discount: Seniors ride for ½ price every day (promotion code v543). Family Fun: Children ages 2-12 ride free on Sundays (promotion codev581) and half price every other day. Student Travel Pass: a college 6Tix Pass gets six one-way trips on the Downeaster for $86.
Check out http://www.amtrakdowneaster.com/ for these and other programs, for schedules and ticket information. Or stop by the Durham-UNH train station at the UNH Dairy Bar and pick up Downeaster information brochures there. And as a Durham resident you can park free at the Depot Road Parking Lot by getting a free parking pass at the police station.
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PAVING WORK SCHEDULED TO BEGIN JUNE 1ST
The 2016 approved Capital Fund Road Program Budget ($344,000) and Sidewalk Budget ($81,500) represent this year’s approved road-resurfacing/sidewalk program, which is part of the Department of Public Works 16 year road-resurfacing plan.
Public Works combined the sidewalk program with this year’s road program bid process to leverage the best pricing regarding asphalt paving. The sidewalk project this year is the Mill Road sidewalk. In addition a small amount of paving at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was included in this bid package.
This year’s road resurfacing program includes an asphalt shim, 1”overlay and shoulder gravel back-up/widening where applicable on the following Town roads: Cedar Point Road, Mill Road and Watson Road
In addition, 20 storm water catch basin frames/grates and sewer manhole frames/covers will be adjusted to the new paved surface per NHDOT specifications.
We expect paving work to begin sometime on or after June 1st.
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UNH CAREER EXPLORATIONS CLASS SEEKS INPUT FOR BANK SURVEY
The Career Explorations class at UNH is working on a class project which entails conducting a survey to better understand how a local bank can attract new customers.
The students are asking people to take a few moments of their time to participate and complete their short online survey by March 31, 2016.
To take the survey, click HERE.
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A drawing by Durham DPW of a proposed redesign for Rt. 108/Durham Pt. Rd. intersection as part of Route 108 NHDOT improvement plan. Courtesy DPW
UPDATE ON NHDOT ROUTE 108 BIKE LANE/SHOULDER WIDENING PROJECT
At the Town Council meeting on Monday, April 4, 2016, the Council will receive an update on the New Hampshire Department of Transportation Route 108 Bike Lane/Shoulder widening project from Michael Lynch, Public Works Director and Ronald Grandmaison, P.E. NHDOT. To view the Council communication relative to this agenda item, click HERE.
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UNH MACFARLANE RESEARCH GREENHOUSE OPEN HOUSE - Friday & Saturday, April 1st & 2nd, 9AM - 4PM
The Durham Agricultural Commission asks, "Are your ready to get out and start planting?" If your answer is, "Yes!", consider a visit to the UNH Macfarlane Research Greenhouse during their annual spring open house this weekend. Learn about creating pollinator gardens, natural pest control, permaculture, and incorporating more greens into your diet. UNH experts and Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. The greenhouses are located off Main Street and the seminars will take place in Putnam Hall across the parking lot from the greenhouses. The Greenhouse Cafe will be sering coffee, lunch, and home made treats, hosted by the Thompson School Horticultural Club. On Friday, metered parking is available next door at the UNH Visitor Center; parking is free on Saturday.
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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES
Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates". Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.
This week's mini film: Seeds of Knowledge
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
The Durham Historic Association's (DHA) annual meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Durham Public Library.
Steve Taylor from the New Hampshire Humanities Council will present "Cows and Communities: How the Lowly Bovine has Nurtured New Hampshire Through Four Centuries". He will provide answers to the question, "Where are New Hampshire's cows today and what are they doing?" Some of his answers will prove surprising. The DHA welcomes new and old members.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
If you happened to miss the Seed Starting Workshop in the Community Room at the Durham Public Library, don’t fret DCAT Studios was there to record and prepare the video for replay. There are many awesome tips by presenter: Jeremy DeLisle, UNH Cooperative Extension. I can’t go into detail simply because I’m not a gardener, but if you are, then this is don’t miss TV. This video will replay on DCAT Channel 22 on Saturday & Sunday @ 4:00 PM. This program will also be available on DCAT On Demand. Total video run time: 1:30
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The Durham Agricultural Commission is working with farmers and gardeners in the area to give you a behind-the-scenes video tour of local farms and gardens. The videos are produced by Durham resident & DCAT 22 Volunteer, Phil Kincade and present a seasonal look at our working landscape. This video is currently only available for viewing on DCAT On Demand (DCAT 22 Studios folder).
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The last week of March saw author KD Mason arrive at the Durham Public Library. You won’t want to miss his explanation of his decision to become a writer and how he dreamed up his main character, plus so much more. Mason is witty and extremely entertaining. DCAT 22 was there to record what was missed by those who decided to stay home and watch Dancing with the Stars, rather than come to the Library for snacks and cool author. DCAT 22 replay: Saturday & Sunday @ 1:30 PM. This program will also be available on DCAT On Demand. Total video run time: 1:00
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DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
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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.
Churchill Rink
End of the season update from Rink Manager, Tim Murphy:
"Now that the ice is out and the rink is cleaned up, it feels good to sit down and report that Churchill Ice Rink had a great season of ice skating & hockey. Due to our upgraded refrigeration plant, our hard working staff and the return of all of our “regulars” in the skating community, we finished up with a better than average season. After some deadline challenges with the refrigeration installers this fall, we opened on Monday October 19th and made ice through our last public session on Sunday March 20th for a total of 22 weeks of operations. With an increased number of private ice rentals, advertising sales, public sessions & an hourly rate increase (2.5%), we collected an additional $26,000, (Up 14% on the previous season). Saturday Night Lights- Teen Skate Night was a nice addition to the weekly schedule and we look forward to building this program next year. Rink staff also focused on offering expanded programs/ice times during school vacation weeks, teacher workshop days, and holidays. It’s satisfying to report that we had no major injuries, accidents or mechanical breakdowns this season.
The off-season will allow time to make rink and operational improvements as we prepare to re-open in October.
Thank you to all who supported the rink this season!"
Town of Durham Annual Egg Hunt
The Annual Egg Hunt took place last Saturday, where approximately 160 children (and their families!) arrived at Old Landing Park to find 3,000 stuffed eggs scattered amongst three age appropriate “hunting zones.”
Durham Parks & Recreation would like to extend its appreciation and gratitude to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who made the 2016 Annual Egg Hunt a success!
Kennebunk Saving Bank- $500 donation
The Candy Bar- $200 candy donation
ORPP- coordinated the 4 & under hunting zone and event volunteers
Durham Dunkin Donuts- supplied coffee and donuts
Tacamano- donated 50 uniquely stuffed eggs and a “Golden Ticket” prize
Girl Scout Troops 22916, 22476 & 12046: stuffed countless eggs!
McGregor EMS: provided the “Boo Boo Bus” for participants to explore.
Durham Fire Department: event safety, and fire truck exploration
Durham Public Works: Old Landing Park cleanup prior to event
Durham Police Department: event safety
Event Volunteers: Mike Sievert, Kasey Morneault, Cassie Levesque, Jamie Barber, Jen Lyon, Benji Latham, UNH Students: Parker Bergholm, Margo Murphy, Kevin Roake, Christina Lafferty & Sarah Elgar.
2016 Summer Day Camps with Durham Parks & Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation is offering nine exciting weeks of Summer Day Camps beginning June 27th- August 26th 2016!
Full or half day options available along with a five-week partnership camp with ORCSD Camp R.E.A.C.H. DPR provides an afternoon camp option to each of their morning camp sessions! Camp R.E.A.C.H. will run weekly from July 11th-August 12th Monday- Thursday with an optional Friday Field Trip. Scheduled trips include, Jenness Beach, Water Country, an Island Kayak Adventure, Blitz Air Park & Mini Golf, and Hampton Beach & Ice Cream!!!
DPR also has some great fun-filled and educational camp options before the July 11th start of Camp R.E.A.C.H. and after R.E.A.C.H concluded on August 12th. Campers can look forward to Wicked Gross Science Camp, Super Hero Physics Camp, an Adventure Paddle Camp, Extreme Earth Camp and Wicked Cool Med. School Camp!!
Registration is open for any of our camp weeks! Call or email to register now!! For more information please visit us HERE.
Spring Archery Clinics: April 12th- May 10th
Discover Durham’s Trails Spring Schedule
Durham Conservation Commission, Parks & Recreation and the Land Stewardship Subcommittee are offering once a month guided treks for community members to get to know the trails and recreational spaces in Durham. These treks will take place the third Sunday of each month at 10am. Participation is FREE!
Coyote Club- Session 5
Registration is now open for our last session of Coyote Club for the current school year. Session 5 will take place Mondays at the Moharimet School beginning May 2nd- June 13th. Space is limited, so please be sure to register by Monday, April 25th.
FREE Balance Workshop with Sally Baker, PT
Better balance prevents falls and injuries. Join Sally Ann Baker PT from Durham Physical Therapy as she shows you easy balance exercises, which will help restore some of the flexibility, and strength you remember.
As we get older, falling can result in more than the bruises we might have experienced in our youth; it can rob us of our independence. Every year thousands of older people experience broken hips and head injuries. Don’t join this group!
Join Sally Thursdays at 12pm at the Durham Recreation Parks & Recreation building located in the old court house on 2 Dover Road, for a half hour of fun, gentle, preventive exercise, a no sweat approach, which will arm you against the uneven surfaces and black ice of New England.
Call the Durham Parks & Recreation at 817- 4074 or email at recreation@ci.durham.nh.us for more information about this ongoing FREE program. Or just join us!
Save the Date !!
April Vacation Week Activities: Monday, April 25 - Friday, April 29th
Memorial Day Parade: Monday, May 30th 2016
We want to hear from you! Have a new exciting program idea? Please be sure to share your vision with Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski. Stop by the Recreation Department Office (2 Dover Road), or call/email the department at (603) 817-4074/ rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us.
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Yasmeen Smalley-Norman to speak at the Active Retirement Association's meeting on Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016. See more information below.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Help support Oyster River High School Lacrosse!
With the approval of Article 3, work on the new fields at ORHS begins Monday. This has left the LAX teams of ORHS without a field to play and practice on this season, and in desperate need of money for transportation and equipment for other fields.This spring, Durham Bike & Sports wants to help fund these ORHS LAX expenses. For every bike tune-up purchased with a coupon through May 31st, DB&S will donate $5. These coupons will be available at all LAX games, the Oyster River Middle School or High School, or at DB&S' primary location at 72 Main Street, Durham.
McGregor Memorial EMS will be participating in the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag program during the month of April. For every blue Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag with the good karma messaging purchased at the Durham store, Hannaford $1 will be donated to McGregor's cause in order to help it continue to serve the local communities. Please visit the Durham Hannaford store in April and buy the blue reusable bag with the good karma message.
ORHS Theater Department at Oyster River High School One Act Play - Check Please, Friday & Saturday, Apr 1 & 2, 2016, New Hampshire Educational Theater Guild State Theater Festival at Kingswood Regional High School. Check Please competed against 7 other plays, and along with 3 other plays, was selected to advance to the state competition. More information, contact Debbie Mueller
ORHS Relay for Life Born in the USA Fashion Show - Friday, Apr 1, 2016, 7PM, ORHS auditorium. Features a prom collection from Club Boutique and Men’s Wearhouse, and musical performances done by the ORHS Jazz Ensemble. Tickets: $10 adult / $7 student/child. All proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society.
Durham Police Officers Association Pancake Breakfast, Saturday Apr 2, 2016, 8 - 10:00 AM, Durham Evangelical Church. Proceeds benefit the Chief Ray Burrows Scholarship Fund and Durham DPOA union. Tickets: $7/adults, $3/children. All you can eat pancakes, home fries, sausage, bacon and eggs. Raffle tickets available for sale at The Works Bakery Café, 5a Mill Rd Plaza.
12th Annual Todd's Trot 5k Road Race/Walk, Saturday, Apr 4, 2015, ORHS. Race day registration begins at 8:30 AM. Start time 10:00 AM sharp. Registration fee: $25.00. More information or to register on line, click HERE.
University of New Hampshire Celebrity Series welcomes brass ensemble Mnozil Brass, Saturday, Apr 9, 2016, 7PM, Paul Creative Arts Center’s Johnson Theatre, Durham. More information can be found and tickets can be purchased HERE.
Great Bay Rowing Announces Spring 2016 Sweep Rowing - For experienced Master Rowers. More information, click HERE. GBR is on the water Monday Apr 11, 2016. Rowing in both Dover and Durham NH. Come join the fun!
Active Retirement Association Meeting - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church. The Seacoast Memorial Lecture Series presents Yasmeen Smalley-Norman, Vice President of The Hydrous, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing coral reefs to life, who will share her unique perspective on this urgent problem in her presentation, “Saving Coral Reefs with 3-D Technology.” Event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
Team Jess Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Raffle - Thursday, Apr 14, 2016, 5 - 8:30 PM, Libby's Bar & Grill. To benefit Multiple Sclerosis. $5 all you can eat. Raffles donated by local businesses. More information, call 603-868-1297.
UNH Museum of Art. BA & BFA Exhibition and MFA Thesis Exhibition. Opening reception for the BA BFA MFA Exhibition will be held Friday, April 15, 6-8 PM. Museum of Art, PCAC. FREE. Exhibition runs from April 10-May 20, 2016.
ORHS Environmental Science Class Presenting a Talk: “The State of the Forest” - Wednesday, Apr 20, 2016, 1:45 - 2:30 PM, ORHS Auditorium. Includes field data that students have collected over the past two years from a forest they refer to as “Oyster River Natural Area” (ORNA). More information, contact Jonathan Bromley at jbromley@orcsd.org.
HeartChase Adventure Game - Sunday Apr 17, 11:00 AM. Check in begins10:30AM. A collaboration between UNH Association of Exercise Students, UNH nutrition students, and American Heart Association. HeartChase is a good-cause adventure game. This is a competition that puts teams on a quest of discover hidden rewards and complete activities that inspire healthy living. Best of all, it is a chance to help our community and the American Heart Association chase away heart disease for good! More information, click HERE. Register online HERE. Registration: $10 fee/donation.
UNH Summer Camps taking Registrations. Let your kids experience UNH through the fun learning environments of the many and varied summer programs. Camps are offered for all ages, and in areas such as STEM learning, the Arts, Academic Enrichment, Athletics, and Recreational programs.
Registration is occurring now for many programs at: http://learnforlife.unh.edu/index.jsp.
UNH Green Zones Program for UNH faculty, staff, and the Durham community. Program provides an opportunity to more fully comprehend the experiences, challenges, and skills each student veteran brings to the UNH campus and in the community. Denny Byrne, UNH Military and Veteran Services, along with a student veteran, will give a one hour (+/-) presentation and Q&A session, insuring that questions can be addressed by someone who has served recently. Anyone interested in attending is asked to call Denny Byrne directly at 603-862-0911.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Michelle Pizzo - DPL Children's Library Assistant
A big welcome to our two new Children's Library Assistants, Katie Arey and Michelle Pizzo. Both bring a wealth of knowledge, creativity and talent to the Children's and Young Adult Department at the library. Stop by and say hello. They are eager to meet and assist the families at the library!
Katie Arey - DPL Children's Library Assistant
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Children’s and Young Adult Programs:
S.T.E.A.M. Program, Sat. April 2nd, 10:30-11:30am. This week: The Science of Sound! Explore how we perceive sound waves, discover the “chicken in a cup” trick, and make an instrument to take home! Join us every Saturday for S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) activities in the Storytime/Craftroom. All ages welcome! Next Week, Sat. April 9th – Straw Airplanes!
Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up) starts this Monday April 4th, 2:45-4:00 pm – This week: Bingo and Word Games! Join us for board games, snack and prizes. All are welcome!
Raccoon Readers, 2nd- 4th grade book group, Tues., April 5th, 6-7pm – This month’s book: The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths. Come and talk about the book, play some games, do some puzzles, have a snack and make a creative craft. All are welcome and books are available at the circulation desk.
Storytimes! Tues. April 5th and Thurs. April 7th 10:30am, This week’s theme: Rain and Rainbows! Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft.
Baby-Lapsit, Wed. April 6th 10:30-11:30am - For children & their care-givers, infancy to age 2. Songs, stories, movement, rhymes & socializing afterward.
Lego Club (K-4th grade) on Thurs. April 7th 3:30-4:30pm, Theme: Racing Legos! – Like to build Legos? Join us to do Lego challenges and build cool structures. Please note the new start time.
Homeschoolers Group, Fri. April 8th 10:30am, Theme: Mysteries! – Join us for books, games puzzles and a fun craft.
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. April 13th, 2:45-4:00 p.m. – This month’s book is Timmy Failure, Mistakes Were Made by Stephen Pastis. Ruth Wharton-MacDonald is the facilitator. Pizza is served and books are available at the library.
Tales for Tails – Have a child who needs to increase their confidence in reading? Have them read to one of our Pet Partner dogs! Your child will read ½ hour once a week to one of the dogs and their handlers. Sessions run for 4 weeks. Call the Children’s Dept. at 590-1124 to sign up now! Still room to read with Tango!
Join the Reading Patch Club! Ages 2-12 years - Earn patches and a tote bag for hours that you read! Program sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.
Adult Programs:
Oyster River Knitters, Tues. April 5, 7-9pm - Beginners and accomplished crocheters & knitters are welcome for an evening of company, assistance and fun! Contact Janet 868-1142 jadoty@comcast.net
Friends of the Durham Public Library, Wed. April 6, 1:00pm social time followed by meeting at 1:30pm. - All are welcome to attend.
DPL Operations Committee mtg., Wed. April 6, 6:45-8pm
Telling Our Stories in Pictures & Words: Immigration Now and Then, Thurs. April 7, 7-8:30pm - In 2011, children recently immigrated to Manchester NH joined students from Moharimet Elementary for a project to document their own or their ancestor’s immigration experiences by working together to create story portfolios. Guided by Beth Olshansky and Susan O’Byrne, the children produced remarkable storybooks. These will be exhibited, and a video of the project will be aired at this fascinating look at education in action. The April exhibit in the Library gallery will consist of these works as well. http://www.picturingwriting.org/videos/video_reflections.html Contact: Beth Olshansky 603-659-6018 Beth.Olshansky@comcast.net. More information HERE
What Services are Available at DPL? Mon. April 11 7pm - Find out about all of the services available at the library. Overview of services presented by Nancy Miner.
Oyster River ASD Friends, Tues. April 12, 6:30 pm - Guest speakers from Community Partners will cover summer programs for jobs & recreation. As well as their role in helping families transitioning teens to adulthood. Parents connecting and learning to support themselves and their teens/young adults on the Autism Spectrum. All welcome from any town, any district. Contact Julie 603-767-4190, jsmithnh@icloud.com
Acoustic Open Mic, Wed. April 13, 6:30-8pm - Come to listen, perform and relax.
DPL Trustees mtg., Wed. April 13 6:45 pm
Essential Oils, Thurs. April 14, Offered twice 10am and 7pm - Brief history of essential oils, ways to use them, why quality matters. Presenters: Jean Hearn/Kathy Waterhouse Registration requested. Contact Armida Geiger 603-590-1117 ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
The Durham Historic Association’s annual meeting, April 16th at 2 p.m. - There will be a brief business meeting, which will include the election of officers and directors for 2016-2018. Annual membership dues will be collected at this time, and refreshments will be served. Following the business meeting, Steve Taylor from the New Hampshire Humanities Council will present "Cows and Communities: How the Lowly Bovine has Nurtured New Hampshire Through Four Centuries". He will provide answers to the question, "Where are New Hampshire's cows today and what are they doing?" Some of his answers will prove surprising. This event is open to the public. We hope to see our DHA members there, both old and new!
Ole Time Auto Guest Speaker Announced! Sat. June 4, 2016 10am-1pm - Guest speaker Michele Albion, author of The Quotable Henry Ford. Autos will be on display for your viewing pleasure. Are you the owner of an antique auto? Please contact Armida via phone 603-590-1117 or email: ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Armida Geiger, Adult Program Coordinator is looking for owners of classic and antique autos. In June, DPL will host its first “Ol’ Time Auto” event. Please contact via e-mail ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Reminder: New Operating Hours - Mon. 12pm-8pm, Tues. Wed. & Thurs. 10am-8pm, Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-2pm Closed Sun. Please let us know if you feel this change is for the best, and/or how it might impact you. Send your thoughts to durhampl@gmail.com. Your feedback is appreciated
For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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