Friday Updates - April 21, 2017

 
    

 

         

 

 

 

 

                    NEWS & HAPPENINGS...

Friday, April 21, 2017

 

Durham's 2017 Annual Egg Hunt held on Saturday, April 14th. Courtesy Durham P&R Department

 

Kennebunk Saving Bank donated $500 towards the event. The Candy Bar donated 3,000 pieces of candy, and the UNH Interfraternity Council stuffed 900 eggs and supplied all the coffee and donuts. They also supplied a delegation of young men who volunteered during the event. ORPP stuffed 500 eggs and supplied some “Golden Ticket” prizes. Durham Fire, Police, and McGregor were all on site and allowed families to check out the trucks.

 

A total of 3,100 eggs were stuffed for the event and our hunters gathered them up in approximately 3 minutes!

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A final reminder that there will be a Right-to-Know law educational session held next Tuesday, April 25, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Durham Town Hall Town Council chambers.  Attorney Laura Spector Morgan from The Mitchell Group will be present to provide an overview of the Right-to-Know law and to answer any questions that board members may have.

 

The general public and Town department heads are invited and encouraged to attend the session, or to view it on Durham Community Access Television (Channel 22). Oyster River School Board members are also invited to attend, as well as the Selectmen and board members from the communities of Lee, Madbury, and Newmarket.

 

UPDATE ON YOUNG DRIVE REDEVELOPMENT

The owners of the Young Drive site were recently denied two variances by the Durham Zoning Board of Adjustment to build 4-story buildings and reduce wetland setbacks for a senior (55+) development. The property is vested for duplex development for up to approximately 180 occupants.

 

There had been approximately 72 occupants before when the site was fully operating as student housing. Now that the variances were denied, the applicant is considering their options for the site. Todd Selig, Mary Ellen Humphrey, and Michael Behrendt met recently with Francis Chase, a representative of the development team. The staff encouraged Mr. Chase to submit a revised plan for a senior development that meets Durham’s zoning requirements, including a maximum building height of three stories without encroaching into the wetland buffers. Mr. Chase was generally receptive to this approach but there are other members of the development team, including the investors who will make a decision soon.

 

FRIENDS OF GREAT BAY PETITION RELATIVE TO EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT

Eversource's Seacoast Reliability Project proposes utilizing jet plow technology to cross Little Bay within the Great Bay Estuary in order to build a new electrical transmission line from Madbury to Portsmouth substations. The Friends of Great Bay group has started a petition requesting that the application be denied by the NH Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) because of concerns that have been identified to date regarding possible environmental impact to the Great Bay watershed from jet plowing and other methods described in the Eversource application. 

 

Residents interested in this effort can find the petition online HERE.

 

 

UNH Justice Studies students assist Durham Police with moving records from the attic to a storage trailer.  Courtesy Durham PD

 

UNH STUDENTS ASSIST DURHAM POLICE
As part of the University’s Day of Service, six UNH Justice Studies students came to assist Durham Police with moving records from the attic to a storage trailer. With the renovations and addition to the Police facility beginning in earnest all of the various storage items need to be removed as construction nears. Chief Kurz wants to thank Austin Genett, Connor Marien, Julia King, Mckayla Johnston, Jonathan Dean, and Colton Bader for their hard work and good humor. They all worked very hard moving hundreds of dusty boxes. Chief Kurz was very pleased that they were accompanied by their professor, Charles Putnam who has been a friend of the department for years when he worked as an Assistant Attorney General in Concord several years ago.

 

TOWN COUNCIL PASSES RESOLUTION OPPOSING SENATE BILL 3

On March 30, 2017 the New Hampshire Senate passed Senate Bill 3, an act relative to domicile for voting purposes. The bill modifies the definition of domicile for voting purposes and also modifies requirements for documenting the domicile of a person registering to vote.

 

At the Town Council meeting on Monday this week, the Council adopted a resolution, Resolution #2017-18 "opposing NH Senate Bill 3, modifying the definition of domicile for voting purposes and modifying requirements for documenting the domicile of a person registering to vote, and urging the House Committee to recommend to the full New Hampshire House of Representatives that this bill be found inexpedient to legislate."

 

Council Chair Pro Tem Kenny Rotner attended the meeting of the House Election Law Committee on Tuesday this week and presented its members with a copy of the resolution.

 

Resolution #2017-18 can be viewed HERE.

 

An article published in the New Hampshire Union Leader regarding the hearing can be viewed HERE.

 

 

DPW's Ray LaRoche and Sam Hewitt cleaned up Memorial Park last week during the nice weather.

 

UNH WATER TREATMENT PLANT
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on May 10 on plans by UNH to build a new water treatment plant.

 

View the letter which explains the project HERE.

 

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FROM RIVERWOODS

The Planning Office received a preliminary application from Riverwoods for a continuing care retirement facility that would be located at the Stone Quarry site northwest of the Route 108 and Route 4 interchange.  The project will be presented to the Planning Board on May 10.  The board will set a public hearing most likely for June 14. 

 

View the application materials and plans HERE.

 

PROPOSAL TO COME BEFORE PLANNING BOARD TO CONSIDER REZONING OF FIVE LOTS ALONG AND NEAR NEWMARKET ROAD

The Planning Board will consider a proposal to rezone five lots along and near Newmarket Road (by the Oyster River) on May 10. At its meeting on April 6, the Historic District Commission voted to recommend that the Planning Board initiate a rezoning of these lots from Residence A to Church Hill. If the Planning Board wishes to explore the proposal further it will schedule a public hearing, likely for June 14. The board could then, at its option, initiate an amendment –as is or with changes - to go to Town Council for review.

 

The impetus for the recommendation from the HDC is the desire to preserve the significant property at 10 Newmarket Road (opposite from Town Hall across Mill Pond Road), and to recognize the commercial/institutional nature of the immediate area. JP Morgan Chase bank foreclosed on 10 Newmarket Road a while ago and it is now for sale. The most interest in the property is for some kind of commercial use or a more intensive use than for a single family house, which could be appropriate depending on the particular plan. The Church Hill zone could accommodate these uses. Three of the lots are owned by the Town of Durham and development of those lots would thus be extremely unlikely, but the HDC concluded it made sense to rezone all five lots to form a cohesive boundary to the district.

 

View the Zoning and Tax Maps of the proposed area HERE.

 

TOWN/SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALS AND UNH GREEK PRESIDENTS MEET TO DISCUSS PLANNING FOR CINCO DE MAYO
Last Friday afternoon, Police Chief David Kurz, Deputy Chief Rene Kelley, ORCSD Superintendent Jim Morse, ORCSD Assistant Superintendent Todd Allen, and Administrator Todd Selig attended a meeting of the UNH Fraternity and Sorority Greek President’s Council, which is comprised of all the Fraternity and Sorority Presidents at the University of New Hampshire. The topic was discussing planning for May 5th as a community.

 

The fraternity/sorority presidents understand that May 5th is a very active afternoon/evening on and around the campus. The Presidents of the Fraternities and Sororities wanted to have a discussion to see how they can help the Town, ORCSD, and University on this date realizing we are all a part of the same community.

 

It was a very productive meeting.

 

 

Garlic mustard, an aggressive plant invader, has clusters of round, kidney-shaped rosettes or stalks of heart-shaped, toothed leaves with white flowers in its second year and it has a strong garlic smell if crushed. Photo by Ellen Snyder

 

DURHAM LAND STEWARDSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE WEEKLY REPORT - The Garlic Mustard Challenge is Underway!

The Garlic Mustard Challenge is a collaborative effort to restore and protect natural areas. The goal is to encourage people to get out on the land and care for local natural areas in a fun and engaging way. For the fourth year, The Stewardship Network: New England at UNH is helping rally volunteers across New England, including in Durham.

 

Garlic mustard is an aggressive plant invader and is difficult to control once established. If left unchecked it will quickly dominate a woodland understory; its seeds remain viable in the ground for more than 5 years. The plant is allelopathic, which means it emits chemicals that prevent the growth of other (native) plants. It also inhibits mychorrizal activity, the fungi-root associations critical for nutrient and water uptake in native plants.

 

The best time to pull the herbaceous garlic mustard is now through early June. Anyone can participate. Pull in your own backyard, with friends, with volunteers, or with a school group. Keep track of how much or how many bags of garlic mustard you've pulled and report your bags! The plants should not be composted unless allowed to dry out in black bags. Check The Stewardship Network website for lots more information on the Garlic Mustard Challenge.

 

To begin, learn to identify garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). It is a biennial plant, which means it needs two years to complete its reproductive cycle. Be aware that other, non-target plants look like garlic mustard, including New England violets and Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), a plant that may also be invasive in some New England states.

 

PART-TIME SEASONAL SUMMER WORK AT PUBLIC WORKS

Seasonal summer help wanted for the Department of Public Works- mowing, general landscaping and facility maintenance, support to other DPW staff, etc. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. Pay will start at $11/HR or more depending on experience. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to apply.

 

Applications may also be requested via e-mail at publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578. Application and copy of valid driver’s license to be submitted to the Public Works Department no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, May 12, 2017.

 

 

Durham Police Chief David Kurz

 

CHIEF KURZ PUBLISHES IN A NATIONAL MAGAZINE

Chief Kurz co-authored an article on “de-escalation” strategies as a result of rising concern how police use force which creates tensions between the public and police officers in many communities. In the article, Chief Kurz suggests that law enforcement agencies should reexamine their policies surrounding use of force as part of their efforts to rebuild this fractured trust and improve public safety services. Nationally there are significant discussions among law enforcement managers about de-escalation and use of force—methods, appropriate use, and risk analysis. Although Chief Kurz recognizes that each officer needs to follow his or her training, individual judgment, and department policy on what response to take in a particular situation, he suggests that departments are beginning to see that often “less is more” when it comes to use of force.

 

MORE SCAMS

Two residents reported having their AT&T cell phone accounts hacked. While the Durham Police are unsure if the focus is exclusively to AT&T, at this point only customers of this carrier have reported the identical scam. Apparently when the accounts were hacked, the hackers changed the PIN locking the customer out of the account. What they both discovered however was that each account had two (2) IPhone 7Plus ordered and shipped to a neighboring community. While it is unknown precisely how the accounts were hacked, residents with AT&T should monitor their accounts regularly as it is only due to the diligence of the two customers that they detected the scam in time to cancel the IPhone order.

 

FUTURE LAND USE COMMUNITY FORUM - SATURDAY, MAY 13

The public is invited to a Community Future Land Use Forum on Saturday, May 13, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at UNH.

 

What kind of development do you want to see and where should it be located? Topics for discussion include:

  • Commercial uses
  • Residential uses
  • Open space
  • Agricultural uses
  • Recreational areas

This should be a fun and stimulating event. Help plan the future of our great community!

 

RSVP at durhamnhforum@gmail.com including your name and if you have any dietary restrictions.

 

The forum will be held in the Piscataqua Room on the second floor of Holloway Commons.

 

There is free parking all day in the Town’s lot on Pettee Brook Lane and in C Lot on Mill Road.

 

We hope to see you there!

 

Holloway Commons, Town Parking Lot, and C Lot

 

 

RIVER VOLUNTEER MONITORS NEEDED...

A program to monitor the quality of water in the Oyster River and its tributaries will continue this summer and fall. Volunteer river monitors are needed to collect water samples and record data on water clarity, levels of dissolved oxygen and other substances, and acidity at various sites along the river. Sampling is conducted in teams, one morning per month; volunteers can be involved at different levels. Training is provided.

 

The program is sponsored by the Oyster River Watershed Association, UNH Water Utilities, and the Volunteer River Assessment Program of New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services. For information, contact Emily Poworoznek, EL@unh.edu (603-862-4168), by May 1st.

 

DURHAM/UNH WATER MAIN FLUSHING/VALVE EXERCISING

The Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire will be exercising gate valves starting Monday, April 24th through Friday, May 5th from 5AM- 1:30PM. In addition, they will flush water mains beginning on Monday, May 8th and ending on Friday, May 19th. Flushing will be done at night between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

 

These procedures are necessary to eliminate the buildup of sediment in the water mains. Flushing of the mains and gate valve exercising may cause temporary discoloration of the water however the water remains safe for drinking. This discoloration will disappear with normal household use. It is suggested that sensitive laundry not be washed if the water is obviously discolored. Try not to draw water if you observe flushing in your area.

 

Please call the UNH Water Supply at 862-1390 or the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 with questions and/or concerns.

 

Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt swears in Durham's newest Police officer, Christoper Spitalere, on Monday this week.

 

NEW POLICE OFFICER HIRED

To replace the position vacated by Michael Bilodeau as he accepted employment as the Police Chief in Newington, Christopher Spitalere was chosen from a field of over 30 persons that applied for the vacancy. Chris is a graduate of Plymouth State University and holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice. He has interned with the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as well as the Lowell, Massachusetts Probation Department and has begun his tenure with Durham Police on Monday April 17th. He will be attending the New Hampshire Police Academy on May 5th with graduation in late August!

 

Thank you to Durham residents Councilor Sally Tobias and Trustee Mike Everngam for their involvement in the oral board segment of the selection process. The police department is committed to involving residents in the process of identifying those persons ideally suited to work for the community of Durham.

 

SPRING CLEANUP

Residents should have received the spring newsletter in the last few weeks, it is attached here as well for your convenience. One item in the newsletter coming up soon Spring Cleanup - PICKUP BEGINS MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017. Please place materials curbside NO EARLIER than April 29th and NO LATER than 7AM on May 1st. Details are in the newsletter.
 

 

Oyster River High School Sustainability Club (l-r):  Nick Knightly ‘17, Izzy Schuyler ‘17, Nicholas Dundorff ‘18, Lauren Quest ‘18, Moses Strout ‘17, Ethan Haug ‘17, Jon Bromley, HS Science Teacher

 

NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT: YOUTH CONSERVATIONIST AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
The young men and women of the Oyster River High School Sustainability Club in Durham represent the future of land conservation in New Hampshire. Over the past year, they have worked diligently to protect 285 acres in the towns of Madbury, Durham and Lee.

 

Last December, they organized an Italian dinner and raffle event that raised $4,295. Through this project, the students are learning what it takes to conserve land and wildlife habitats. They have engaged their local community and collaborated directly with peers, teachers and conservation organizations such as the Forest Society. The area, known as the Powder Major Farm and Forest, will also serve as an outdoor learning classroom for future students in the local communities.

 

“These students embody the mission of the NH Fish and Game Department,” said Commissioner Tom Hubert. “Their efforts will not only conserve important natural resources in their community, but also provide opportunities for the public to use and appreciate these resources for generations to come.”

 

BEE FRIENDLY, JOIN THE PARADE!

To raise awareness about the importance of protecting pollinators in our community, the Agricultural Commission invites young residents to dress in bee costumes and march with them in the May 29th Memorial Day parade.

 

Every youngster wearing a BEE costume and joining the commission in the parade will receive a jar of honey from Durham beekeepers. For more information, please contact Theresa Walker at theresawalker@comcast.net, or 603-659-7226.

 

LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE WINTER NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has published its 2017 spring newsletter which is available for viewing HERE.

 

 

UNH HOSTS VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL

The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., will be at the University of New Hampshire May 4-8, 2017, as part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the war. The Moving Wall will be set up on the Great Lawn in front of Demeritt Hall, visible from Main Street. It will be available for viewing by the public 24 hours a day from 1 p.m. May 4 through 8 a.m. May 8 to honor those who died and their loved ones. UNH President Mark Huddleston and NH VFW State Commander Shannan Brown will speak at the opening ceremony at 1 p.m. on May 4.

 

To learn more go to http://www.unh.edu/veterans or call UNH Military & Veteran Services at (603) 862-0643.

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.

 

Right-To-Know Informational Session - Tuesday, April 25, 2017

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

 

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Don’t miss the latest episode of “ In the Biz; Durham Business Spotlight”. This episode EDC Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey visits: Diyablo Hair & Body Spa. Meet owner Tina Lee and her staff. Mary Ellen chats with Tina about her business strategy and what brought her to Durham. Watch as Mary Ellen has her hair transformed by Tina! This video is available on DCAT 22 TV, Saturday & Sunday @ 12:30 & 6:00 PM, DCAT on Demand, & our website.  Total run time: 8 minutes

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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.

 

 

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.

 

We had a beautiful day for the 22nd Annual Egg Hunt at Old Landing Park! Thank you to all the families who joined us on Saturday to celebrate together, and hunt for eggs! Special thanks to our event volunteers and sponsors: Kennebunk Savings Bank, The Candy Bar, ORPP, The UNH Interfraternity Council/Greek Community, Durham FD, PD and McGregor Ambulance, Benji Latham, Kasey Morneault, Kylee & Vince Noga, Whitney Chacon, Eric Vierkant & Ashley Wood.

 

Annual Egg Hunt at Old Landing Park held on Saturday, April 14, 2017. Courtesy P&R Department

 

Spring Bird Walks- Spring is finally here! Join local bird enthusiasts on a leisurely walk to seek out and identify resident and migrant birds by sight and sound. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Please pre-register with Durham Parks and Recreation prior to each walk. Insect repellent is recommended. Carpool if possible, as parking is limited. Participation is free.

 

FAMILY BIRD WALK- SUNDAY APRIL 23, 8:00am at WAGON HILL FARM
Led by Luke DeGroote
Meet at the gate. All ages are welcome.

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 7:00am at WEST FOSS FARM
Led by Molly Jacobson & Jon Mills-Anderson
Park along Hemlock Way and walk to entrance at railroad tracks.
Ages 13+

 

 

New Start Date- Spring After School & Community Archery Clinics- Tuesdays: May 2nd- May 23rd. After School Session for grades 5-12, 2:45-3:45pm. Community Session for ages 7+ (youth & adults welcome), 4-5pm at the Oyster River Middle School. $70/pp. Archery In Motion will be instructing this four-week clinic which will focus on safety, proper shooting form and developing technique to become more precise in order to enhance the archers’ abilities.Pre-registration required by April 28th HERE Bus #84 from Mast Way and Moharimet is available for those needing transportation to the 4pm class- Please make appropriate accommodations with school if using bus transportation.

 

Get On Board
Wednesdays: May 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th at Churchill Rink- Jackson’s Landing.

DPR has teamed up with Rye Airfield to offer Get On Board: A program that introduces kids to the awesomeness of skateboarding through a safe, proven program.
$50/person. Includes ALL equipment and awesome, safe instruction from fully trained and licensed Rye Airfield instructors.
Grades 5th-8th: 3:00-4:00pm (bus #38 can be used from the middle school to Jackson’s Landing)
Grades 3rd& 4th: 4:00-5:00pm
Pre-registration HERE is required by April 28th!

 

Women’s Pick-Up Ultimate Frisbee

Sunday mornings beginning May 7th from 8:00-9:00am at the ORHS Turf Field.
-Participation is free
-All equipment provided
-Ages 16+ welcome
-Meet at Churchill Rink during inclement weather

 

Youth/Adult Pick-Up Field Hockey

Sunday evenings beginning May 7th from 6:00-7:30pm at the ORHS Turf Field
-Participation is free
-Players must supply their own stick and shin guards

 

After School Mountain Biking Clubs:
Middle School Students: May 8th- June 12th-Mondays & Thursdays: 2:45-5:00pm.
$85/student (one session per week) OR $140/student (two sessions per week)
Bikes can be transported from ORMS to Madbury Town Hall.
Pre-registration required HERE. Min of 5, Max of 10.
Student can ride bus # 29 from ORMS to Madbury Town Hall.

 

Elementary School Students: May 11th-June 8th- Thursdays: 3:30-5:00pm
Bikes can be dropped off at DPR to be transported to MOH each week.
(mountain bikes are not required for this program)
$85/student
Pre-registration required HERE. Min of 5, Max of 10
Students can ride bus # 84 from MW to MOH.

 

After School Trail Running Club
At Madbury Woods & Kingman Farm
Tuesdays: 3:30-5:00pm
May 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, June 6th & 13th
Grades 1st-4th
$60/Student. Pre-registration required at durhamrec.reckesk.com

 

Upcoming Events-Save The Date!!

70th Annual Memorial Day Parade & Commemorative Celebration- Monday, May 29th at 10am.  Parade starts at Mill Pond Rd. and ends on Main St. in front of Memorial Park.  To participate in the 2017 Memorial Day Parade, please visit durhamrec.recdesk.com and find the participant registration form under Forms and Documents.  Please call or email DPR for more parade information: (603) 817-4074 or recreation@ci.durham.nh.us

 

 

The Mail Carrier's Food Drive will be held this year on Saturday, May, 13. See more information below.

 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Movies at the Memorial Union Building, UNH. This is the last movies of UNH's spring semester. This week, 4/20 - 4/22:  The Lego Batman Movie at 6:45 and 9PM and 9PM and Get Out  at 7 and 9:15 PM. All movies are $4 for people under the age of 12 and $6 for all others. Buy tickets at the box office or online. For a full list of all the movies and times, click HERE.

Looking to go WILD over school vacation week-April 24-28? Join Growing Places TimberNook for a week of exploration as it welcomes Spring by learning about insects in the beautiful woods at Moharimet Elementary school as well as plenty of time for free play, cooking over an open fire, and games in the wild. More information HERE. Summer Camp options HERE.

Annual May Day Carnival, sponsored by the UNH Campus Activities Board, Saturday April 29, 12 - 8PM, UNH C-Lot. Includes: petting zoo, games, food trucks, bungee trampolines, and more!

Active Retirement Association Program, Tuesday, May 2, 2017, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church. Presentation by Emeritus Professor Eberhard Möbius of the UNH Physics Department and Space Science Center, who will interpret and illustrate recent major discoveries in “Astronomy with New Tools – Catching Images of the Interstellar Wind at the Edge of the Solar System.” Free and open to the public.

“Coloring Extravaganza” hosted by Bridget Finnegan, Wednesday, May 3, 2017, 6:30 PM. Fun-filled evening for all ages. Includes hands-on coloring with provided coloring pencils and demonstrations of illustration techniques. More information HERE.

Oyster River QUACKFEST, Saturday, May 6, 2017, 10 AM - 2PM, Durham Landing. Hosted by Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay. For a full list of activities, times, and sponsors, visit Facebook Page HERE, or the Rotary's website HERE.

Durham Post Office Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive, Saturday, May 13, 2017. Residents are asked to leave non-perishable canned and boxed food and by their mailbox and their letter carrier will pick it up when delivering their mail. All donations will be greatly appreciated and donated to the local food pantry in town.

Three Chimneys Inn - Mother’s Day, May 14 - serving 12 - 4PM. Reservations suggested. Call 603-868-7800

UNH Summer Youth Program Registration is Open! Students explore interests while experiencing the local campus (and other sites) through UNH’s summer programs for youth. Participants learn from faculty, staff, and students with individualized instruction and have the opportunity to utilize state of the art facilities.

Programs offered for ages 6-18 in areas such as STEM, the Arts, Academic Enrichment, Athletics, and Recreational/Water programs. UNH hosts numerous programs for High School students!  View offerings by grade level.

To learn more and to register: UNH Learn for Life

Annual Plant Sale - Hosted by UNH Cooperative Extension Strafford County Master Gardeners Association, Sunday, May 21, 2017, 9AM - 1PM, Durham Town Hall parking lot, 8 Newmarket Road. Locally grown annuals, herbs, perennials, trees. Free "ask a master gardener" table for garden questions. Soil testing information. Proceeds benefit community gardens and education.

WHY ROWING? Join Great Bay Rowing and find out!  Junior and Adult programs available. Spring Programs are open now. More information is available HERE.

The Candy Bar & Creamery has increased its ice cream selection to 17 flavors of handmade Bloom n Cow ice cream and sorbet and we are open every night until 7pm. As the weather gets warmer it  will continue to expand hours to 8 and 9PM.
MainStreet Makery $5 Drop in Craft. Finger Puppet using pipe cleaners. Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 10AM-6PM, Sat., 10AM-4PM.

University of New Hampshire Celebrity Series Upcoming Events. View the schedule of events HERE.  Tickets can be purchased on line HERE. or by calling the Box Office at 603-862-7222(PCAC). Hours:  Mon-Fri, 12 - 5PM as well as one hour before each event.
UNH Museum of Art Upcoming Events. View schedule of events HERE.

 

Toe Jam Puppet Band will perform at the Lee Safety Complex on Thurs. April 27th at 10:30 am for our fun school vacation week joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Fun Lamprey River Family Program, Sat. April 22nd at 10:30 am – Join us as the author and illustrator of the local book “Chick & Dee-Dee’s Lamprey River Adventure” by Suzanne Peterson share their book and teach us about the Lamprey River. A fun craft will follow. All ages and all are welcome.
Mark your calendar! “Toe Jam Puppet Band” will perform at the Lee Safety Complex on Thurs. April 27th at 10:30 am for our fun school vacation week joint library program – Toe Jam Puppet Band is a fun interactive group that will have children of all ages out of their seat moving and laughing. This program is sponsored by the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. All ages and all are welcome!
Make-It-Take-It Craft – Monday April 24th through Sat. April 29th – Join us all school vacation week for a fun craft in the children’s activity room.
YA Mondays: (Middle & High Schoolers) This week: Movie Matinee: “Ghostbusters”! Monday May 1st 2:45 - 4 pm - Stop by the YA room to watch the original “Ghostbusters” movie if you are in Middle or High School. Rated PG. Snacks provided and all are welcome.
Teen Advisory Board Mon. May 1st, 6:30 pm – Pizza, Games, & More! The teen advisory board is open to kids in middle and high school. 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. This month: Come and play some games, have pizza, and more!
Storytimes - Tues. May 2nd and Thurs. May 4th at 10:30 am - “Horses!”
Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) Tues. May 2nd, 6:00 pm - Join us for Raccoon Readers, our monthly 2nd-4th Grade Book Group. This month's book is "The Last Kids on Earth” by Max Brailler. We talk about books, authors, play some games and make a craft.
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) - Weds. May 3rd at 10:30 am
Knitting and Craft Club for 3rd-5th graders - Weds. May 3rd 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. May 3rd 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for this month’s book group. This month’s book is “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight” by Jennifer E. Smith. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the circulation desk. Pizza is served.
Lego Club (k-4th grade) Thursday, May 4th 3:30-4:30 pm - Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade Registration required at the Children’s Desk) - We will have fun weekly challenges and of course free build. This week: Book Covers.
Fun and Games Fridays - Fri. May 5th all day! Come and create a drop-in craft and play some fun board games. All ages.
Lego Saturday Family Program!! Saturday, May 6th at 10:30 am - Like to build with Legos? Join us this Saturday to create some Lego structures. This is a STEAM Family Saturday program. All are welcome!
Babysitting Course through McGregor EMS (ages 11 & up) Sat. May 6th 10:00 am -2:00 pm - Are you at least 11 years old and interested in babysitting? Take our babysitting course led by McGregor EMS at the Durham Library. This course is designed to certify kids who are looking to, or already babysit. They will get a CPR and First Aid certification, learn about safety, how to handle emergencies, care and feeding of infants and children, the business aspects of being a babysitter, and more. All students will receive a babysitting certification. Register at www.cprsafe.org.
Oyster River High School Spring Poetry Night! Thurs. May 11th, 6:00-7:45 pm -Join Oyster River High School Students for a creative night of poetry readings. Students will share their poetry and introduce the Spring Lit Magazine. Refreshments are served and all are welcome.
Pajama Storytime – Ice Cream! Thursday, May 18th 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 "Ice Cream". Come hear Ice Cream stories, do the feltboard, sing some tasty songs, and make a fun Ice Cream craft. Snack provided by ORPP and all are welcome!
Family Movie: “Pete’s Dragon” Sat. May 20th at 10:30 am. – Join us for this fun family movie: “Pete’s Dragon!” This event is held upstairs in the community room. Popcorn is served and all are welcome.

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:

Friends' Book Discussion of Cry, The Beloved Country Thursday, May 11 at 10:30 am - Please join Jennifer Lee as she facilitates the Friends' Book Discussion of Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Pick up your copy now at the front desk!
Durham Garden Club: The Wonderful World of Tree Peonies Tuesday April 25, 6:30-8:30 pm - Expert Anthony Francis will share how he got involved with these gorgeous plants plus their history, cultivation, care, propagation, and use in the garden. All are invited.
Book Donation Week April 24 through 28 - The Friends of the Durham Public Library collect gently used books and DVDs the last week of every month. Please drop off books/DVDs in a bag or container that does not need to be returned. We appreciate the donations!
The Sun God's Heir with Elliott Baker Wednesday April 26, 6:30-7:30 - Durham author Elliott Baker reads from his new book, The Sun God's Heir, Return: Book One
Fake News: How to tell when you're seeing it, and how to get the real scoop Thursday April 27, 6:30-7:30 - In a world that is increasingly known as Post-Fact, we are inundated with news of dubious merit. Is it well-substantiated, or just confirmation bias? Is it satire or real? Is this someone's Alternative Facts or the truth? Nancy Miner, Assistant Library Director, will discuss the issue and show you how to detect the signs of what we now call Fake News.
Ask a Muslim Anything, presented by Robert Azzi Wednesday May 10, 6:30-8:30 - New Hampshire-based photojournalist and columnist Robert Azzi will speak about what it’s like to be Muslim in America, how he came to convert to Islam, about the religion of Islam and its history – especially in America – and about the Middle East, terrorism and associated political and social issues.
Acoustic Open Mic with Mike Wednesday May 10, 6:30-7:45 pm - All types of acoustic (non-amplified) music. First time performers and original music are particularly encouraged. Acoustic Open Mic with Mike is a welcoming supportive intimate gathering. Light refreshments are provided, held in the Library Cafe. Contact Mike mgmodern@maine.rr.com
First Aid Class with McGregor Memorial EMS Monday May 1, 6-8 pm - Contact Sean Madden 603-862-3674. For cost and registration information visit http://cprsafe.org
Oyster River Knitters Tuesday May 2, 7-9 pm - Join in for a couple hours of knitting relaxation and conversation. This is a great time to pick up that knitting project you’ve wanted to finish. There's no need to pre-register; just show up. New participants of all skill levels are welcome! Contact: Janet, jadoty@comcast.net, 603-868-1142
DPL Friends' Meeting Wednesday May 3, 1-3:30 pm - Friends of the Durham Public Library monthly meeting. 1:00 pm social time, followed by the meeting at 1:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. Held in the Oyster River Community Room, 2nd floor.
CPR and AED Class with McGregor Memorial EMS Monday May 8, 6-8 pm - Contact Sean Madden 603-862-3674. For cost and registration information visit http://cprsafe.org
MUSEUM PASSES - Many of our patrons aren't aware of a wonderful perk of having a Durham Library card - free or discounted passes to 12 different museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the New Hampshire Children's Museum, and, recently added, beautiful Bedrock Gardens in Lee. All are available through the generosity of the Friends of the Durham Public Library. For more information, go to http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/museum.asp

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

 

At the Town Council meeting this past Monday evening, the Council approved to move forward with the barn and carriage house restoration project at wagon hill farm. The bid price for the project was $180,800 and awarded to Mark C. Smith, a local barn builder and restoration specialist. The project will reconstruct a new barn and carriage house in the exact footprint that it currently exists. Over the years the barn has significantly deteriorated to the point that it is no longer safe and usable. The photograph above is of the barn as it appears today.

 

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

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

 

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Have a very nice weekend. 

 

Todd

 

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571 

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us  

Website: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/

 

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