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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Participants in the Great Bay Rowing Club Camp to introduce novice rowers to the sport. Courtesy Sara Badger Wilson
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Administrator Selig spent yesterday and today at a Lean Systems Summit in Portland, Maine as part of the Town's ongoing Kaizen (continuous improvement) efforts. The Summit includes speakers and 15 informational workshops across healthcare, services, government, education, manufacturing, finance, and other businesses on how Lean leaders and practitioners are using Lean to change their culture and improve their way of doing business.
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MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE ASSIGNS AN Aa2 RATING TO DURHAM
Moody's Investors Service has assigned an Aa2 rating to the Town of Durham's $4.565 million General Obligation Bonds, Bank Qualified. Concurrently, Moody's has affirmed the Aa2 rating on the town's $10.4 million in outstanding general obligation debt. The bonds are general obligations of the town and are secured by Durham's unlimited tax pledge. Bond proceeds will be used for various general government capital projects.
SUMMARY RATING RATIONALE:
The Aa2 rating reflects the town's satisfactory financial position with sufficient fund balance levels, stable tax base anchored by The University of New Hampshire and moderate debt burden.
STRENGTHS:
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Stable tax base and local economy anchored by The University of New Hampshire
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Trend of balanced operating budgets
CHALLENGES
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Addressing rising cost of employee salaries and benefits
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Establishing a trend of healthy water and sewer enterprise funds WHAT
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO UP
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Continued fund balance growth and financial stability
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Increase in tax base size
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO DOWN
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Prolonged structural imbalance
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Material reduction in General Fund balance
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Decrease in tax base and demographic profile
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Weakening in the credit strength of the university or reduction in its financial support of town operations
The most competitive rating is Aaa. The rating scale flows as follows: Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1, A2, A3 ...
Bedford is the only town in NH of which we are aware with an Aaa rating. Concord, Portsmouth, and Manchester have an Aa1 rating. Durham, Keene, Derry, Hampton, Nashua, and Salem have an Aa2 rating. Dover has an Aa3 rating. Rochester has an A1 rating. Exeter has an A2 rating.
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TO NEW ORHS GRADUATES AND THEIR PARENTS FROM THE DURHAM SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Durham Supervisors of the Voter Checklist would like to suggest that new high school graduates who are going away to college in the fall consider registering to vote before leaving if they believe they will want to vote by absentee ballot in Durham during the school year. This is especially important during a year with an important election, such as the upcoming State Primary (September 11) and the Presidential Election (November 6).
In most states, students are generally allowed to choose whether to vote in their hometown or in the town where they are going to school. This is easier to do in some towns/states than in others. Registering this summer at your leisure rather than standing in line on the day of the election or trying to register absentee is much easier. If you think you would prefer to vote next year at school and it is in a different state, make sure you check that state’s voting laws.
Only a few states allow registration the same day as voting. If you choose to register here, you may do so any time as long as you turn 18 before the election. Take proof of who you are, your age, US citizenship, and where you live (license + birth certificate or passport are best) to the Town Hall during its normal working hours (8-5, M-F). Anyone who lives in Madbury or Lee must go to their own Town Hall.
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WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS NEEDED
Due to the limited amount of rain over the last month, no substantial rain in the forecast, and low flows in the Lamprey and Oyster Rivers, the UNH/Durham Water System is at the point where we need to declare a Stage 1 Water Conservation Alert and begin implementing commensurate water conservation measures.
Stage 1 is an alert that voluntary conservation measures should be taken and that further actions may begin soon. Members of the Town and University community can help by reporting leaky faucets and toilets, doing only full loads of laundry, taking shorter showers, shutting water off while brushing teeth and other measures to use water only for essential needs.
Thank you for your assistance with helping to assure adequate water supplies during this period.
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WATER LINE REPLACEMENT ON MCDANIEL DRIVE
UNH Facilities will be replacing an old water line with a new 12’ water main on McDaniel Drive from Evergreen to Mill Road. The water line is proximate to the center line of the road; the most productive way to install this water line is to temporarily close the road and detour traffic down Mitchell to Academic to Mill Road. Logistically it sounds fairly simple as long at the route is well marked and signed, to include using a message board (provided by UPD) to notify traffic at C Lot that McDaniel is closed. UNH Police Chief Paul Dean has tentatively approved this plan. The contractor, T&S Construction, will proved traffic control at the intersection of McDaniel Drive and Mitchell Road. To view the sketch that delineates the detour route, click HERE. Please contact Assistant Town Engineer April Talon with questions at 603-868-5578, atalon@ci.durham.nh.us.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO FIRE CAPTAIN DAVID EMANUEL
There were 22 countries represented, an estimated 12,000 attendees, 150 participants in the first year “Company Officer Leadership Symposium program” and around 50 applicants for the scholarship that was awarded to only 3 applicants one of whom was Durham's Fire Captain David Emanuel. We are all proud of Captain Emanuel for representing the Durham Fire Department in Denver for Fire-Rescue International Global Forum for Leadership 2012.
To view the video interview that was taped at the symposium, click HERE.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO FIREFIGHTER KATIE EVERTS
Last week Firefighter Katie Everts volunteered her time as an instructor at the NH Fire Academy for a six day long camp for an all-girls training ground for teen girls between the ages of 14 and 20 who are interested in fire service or emergency medical service for their careers. To read the Foster's Daily Democrat article and see some great photographs, click HERE.
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Courtesy Walter Rous
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Above, interior demolition at 49 Madbury Road is slowing so careful decisions can be made about keeping some of the nicer details of the original house. Part of the second floor has been removed over the future periodical area creating a double height space top-lit by the original west facing dormers.
Courtesy Walter Rous
Site work continues at the library site as the parking lot and future landscaped areas begin to take a more definite shape. A surveying crew began to establish the building perimeter on the site in preparation for the footing and foundation excavation.
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DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION TO DISCUSS THE KEEPING OF CHICKENS, DUCKS, AND OTHER FOWL
The Durham Agricultural Commission is dedicating its August 13th meeting to a public discussion on the keeping of chickens, ducks, and other fowl. The meeting will be held in the Council chambers at Town Hall beginning at 7:00 PM. The Agricultural Commission would like to hear from all residents that are interested in this matter. If you cannot attend the meeting and would like to share your thoughts, please email them to Theresa Walker, Agricultural Commission Chair , at theresawalker@comcast.net.
NOTE: This meeting will be aired live, as well as taped for future broadcast, over Channel 22.
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VACATIONS IN THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE
Due to vacation schedules, the Town Administrator's Office will be closed the week of August 20th. During that week, Business Manager Gail Jablonski will serve as Acting Town Administrator.
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY – SEPT. 22nd
The 2012 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on September 22nd at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only. To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.
Please remember -- The maximum collected per household is five gallons. LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS , MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY! These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year.
Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil, anti-freeze and oil based paints can go up as is.
Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label. For more information, click HERE.
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FREE WOOD CHIPS!
Durham Public Works has left piles of wood chips at 48 Woodridge Road (the vacant lot close to Mill Road). Please help yourself.
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UNH OUTDOOR POOL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Pool Hours of Operation:
Pool hours change Aug 13 to noon-6pm through Sep 3*
*Aug 28-Sep 3 subject to change
2012 Special Events:
Family BBQ, July 20, August 3, August 17 5:00-7:00pm
We grill hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers (for purchase) and you get to enjoy some family time!
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SWIM LESSONS
Morning Lessons:
Morning lessons are offered in a one-week format for pre-school and level 1-4 students beginning the week of June 25th. Classes are 35 min. in length and meet Monday - Thursday (4 classes) at a cost of $45. Friday mornings are used for cancellation make-up if necessary. Make-ups will be held at the outdoor pool. Lessons meet 11:15 - 11:50 am and cost $45. per child per session.
AM Session #6 August 30 - August 2
AM Session # 7 August 6 - August 9
AM Session #8 August 13-August 16
Evening Lessons:
Evening lessons are offered in 3 three-week sessions for pre-school and level 1-6 students beginning the week of June 18th. Classes are 35 min. in length and participants have the choice of M/W or Tu/Th evenings at a cost of $65 for 6 classes. The indoor pool will be utilized for inclement weather conditions when necessary. If the indoor pool is unavailable, alternative arrangement will be made on an as needed basis. Lessons meet 4:30 - 5:05 pm OR 5:15 - 5:50 pm.
PM Session #1 Jun 18- Jul 2 (Mon & Wed)* OR Jun 19-Jul 5 (Tue & Thu)
PM Session #2 Jul 9-Jul 25 (Mon & Wed) OR Jul 10- Jul 26 (Tue & Thu)
PM Session #3 Jul 30-Aug 15 (Mon & Wed) OR Jul 31-Aug 16 (Tue & Thu)
*No class Wednesday, July 4th. PM Session #1 (Mon/Wed) will be pro-rated at $55 per child due to the holiday.
Parent/Child Lessons
Parent/Child lessons are offered to families with children 6 mos. - 3 years of age. The lessons are 25 min. in length and meet Tuesday & Thursdays for 3-weeks (6 classes) at a cost of $55. Fridays are used for cancellation make-up if necessary. Lessons are designed to teach basic water skills and building blocks to both parents and children. A parent or adult 18 years or older must be present with the child in the water for each of these lessons and we strongly encourage consistency for the child. Lessons meet 11:15 - 11:40 am OR 5:15 - 5:40 pm and cost $55. per child per session.
P/C Session #3 July 31-August 16 (Tue & Thu)
Private Swim Lesson
Youth and adult private swim lessons are available as individual lessons ($25), block of four ($85) or block of eight ($150). Semi-private lessons are offered for an extra $20 per block of lessons. There can be no more than 2 participants in a semi-private lesson. Lessons are 30 min. in length and are scheduled directly with an instructor once assigned. Registration will be available online this summer.
Additional Information:
Registration for all classes will be done online. Registration for group lessons will close when the maximum number of of participants is reached or at 1 pm the Friday before the session is scheduled to begin. A waiting list will be created if necessary. Registration for private lessons is ongoing but larger blocks of lessons are discouraged from being purchased after the first full week of August. Payment is required at the time of registration & refunds will not be issued.
** Lessons will be held at the outdoor facility rain or shine. In the event that heavy rain, lightning, or thunder cancel lessons, the reschedule day will be Friday at the same time or moved to Swasey Indoor Pool in the Field House.**
Please contact Erika Cooper at 603-862-0845, erika.cooper@unh.edu or Cheryl Currier at 603-862-1872, cheryl.currier@unh.edu with any questions.
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DURHAM’S FRIDAY DEALS
This program is intended to give local merchants an opportunity to encourage residents to shop locally.
Wildcat Fitness, 397-3200
Use the gym 4 Free on Fridays (Expires 8-31)
Located at the far end of the Mill Plaza
Red Carpet Florist, 868-7021
$5 bouquets of flowers every Friday
Located at 56 Main St.
Mino’s Roast Beef, 397-5261
$6.50 Chicken Kebab Salad (Regular Size) on Friday
Located in the Mill Plaza
Domino’s Pizza, 868-6230
$.99 Small Cheese Pizza every Friday
Located in the Mill Plaza
Uppercut Hair Salon, 868-7363
20% off all hair care products every Friday
Located in the Mill Plaza
Mama Mac and More, 868-7449
$5 for an 8" sub or salad (add $2 for chicken or steak on salad)
Located at 38 Main Street
Durham House of Pizza, 868-2224
$4 for a small cheese pizza
Located at 38 Main Street
Candy Bar, 397-5154
Free dark caramel and sea salt chocolate truffle with every $10 purchase
Located at 44 Main Street
Bindy’s Boutique, 590-0044
20% off on Fridays when you mention this ad from the Friday Updates
Located at 42a Main St.
Money spent locally stays local. Support Durham business.
If your business has a Friday deal to offer please send it to
Ken Entz at sentz@comcast.net.
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ENERGY COMMITTEE MEETING CHANGE
The regularly-scheduled meeting for the Energy Committee, August 14, is canceled. The next meeting will be Tuesday, September 11, at the police station.
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PUBLIC MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.
Agricultural Commission - Monday, August 13, 2012. Click HERE to view the agenda. Note: Will be aired live on Channel 22
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, August 14, 2012. Click HERE to view the agenda.
Historic District Commission - Wednesday, August 15, 2012. Click HERE to view the agenda.
Parks & Recreation Committee - Thursday, August 16, 2012. Click HERE to view the agenda.
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/.
Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, please click HERE.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.
DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.
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2012 International Colonials at the Red Auerbach Memorial in Quincy Market. Courtesy Scott Bryson, New England Colonials
THANK YOU FROM THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIALS
Dear Host and Friends in Durham:
We are very grateful for the wonderful hosting and attention our International Colonials team received in Durham during our visit this summer.
Our 11 players from 11 countries and their young Dutch coach were overwhelmed by the caring attention show them by their host families and all ranked their time in Durham as one of the high points of their three-week New England tour. Our sincere thanks to Coach Stuart Mitchell and Coach Randy Kinzly for arranging this visit. A special thanks to Heidi and Bob Ely for hosting a terrific post-game party at their beautiful home for both our International Colonials kids and the Oyster River team.
We look forward to a return next summer with our 2013 International Colonials.
Many thanks!
Scott Bryson, New England Colonials-
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OYSTER RIVER YOUTH ASSOCIATION - SIGN UP TODAY FOR FALL CONTACT FOOTBALL
Football 2012 FALL season Sign-Up is for all players in grades 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 is now open. August 1st deadline to register. With registration you will also be able to participate in our first ORYA Coaches skills and training camp to be held from August 6th through the 10th from 5pm to 7pm each night for all players who register. The camp is free for all ORYA players. Helmets and shoulder pads will be distributed prior to the camp to all players who register for the camp.
ORYA is excited and pleased to announce that effective fall of 2013 we hope to implement our HS football program with OR H.S. and Coe-Brown students. We are presently working to finalize the program with both school bodies and look forward to the new H.S. football program to be played in Durham for 2013.
Contact Mike Gamache at 603-868-5150, mike@oryarec.org or go to http://oryarec.org/fallregistrationpagenew.html
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The gundalow Piscataqua. Courtesy Ralph Morang Photography
EXPLORE THE GREAT BAY AND OYSTER RIVER ON THE NEW GUNDALOW PISCATAQUA
On Saturday, August 25, the new gundalow Piscataqua will be sailing on the Great Bay! The Piscataqua will sail from the UNH Jackson Estuarine Lab – so we can explore Great Bay and the Oyster River. Sails are a hands-on experience for the whole family. Help set the sail and steer the boat. Other activities include a plankton tow and learning about other animals in the Piscataqua Estuary. We will be offering trips from 11-12:30, 1:30-3:00 and 5:30-7:00. Adult tickets are $30 and child (ages 5-12) tickets are $12. To purchase visit the Gundalow Company's website at www.gundalow.org or call 603-433-9505. To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.gundalowtickets.org/cart/index.php?event_id=5225.
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UNH DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO CONDUCT A STUDY
The University of New Hampshire Department of Kinesiology is seeking female volunteers between the ages of 18-30 and 65-80 years old for a study investigating muscle strength and neural function following a bout of resistance exercise on the legs. To participate you must not be suffering from any orthopedic limitations or have any neuromuscular disorders. You also cannot have a personal or family history of blood clots or clotting disorders and must not be taking hormone replacement therapy or contraceptives. You should not be currently participating in a resistance training program. Participation requires 4 visits to our laboratory at the University of New Hampshire and each visit last 1-2 hours. You will gain information regarding your muscle strength and body composition. We will pay for parking. If you have questions or are interested in participating in this study
, please contact Summer Cook, Ph.D. at (603) 862-0895 or email summer.cook@unh.edu.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
UNH Outdoor Adventure and Parks & Rec have partnered to provide a Sunset Tour from Jackson Landing. The cost is $20 which includes kayak, pfd, paddles and instruction. For more information please email outdoor.adventures@unh.edu.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Annual Durham Day Event, Saturday, September 15, 2012 (Rain Date: Sunday, September 16, 2012), 12:30 - 4:00 PM, Wagon Hill Farm waterfront.
Yoga on Wagon Hill at the Waterfront, July 5-August 30, 2012, offered through Prana Studio. Sessions every Thursday, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Classes are free, however
if participants wish to do so, they may make a $5 donation towards restoration of the Smith Chapel. Please bring yoga mat, sunscreen, and water. In the event of rain, the class will be cancelled. Email questions to sign-up@moebiusyoga.com.
New England Fall Astronomy Festival, Friday (6 PM) and Saturday (10 AM), September 21 & 22, 2012, UNH Observatory. Presented by UNH Physics Department and the NH Astronomical Society. Free admission, but donations appreciated. Contact Katy Sternberger with questions, krt43@unh.edu.
Going Paces Second Annual Race, Sunday, October 21, 2012 (Newburyport Half Marathon and Relay) to raise funds for Growing Places. Training for run in Newburyport, MA on October 12, 2012. For more information contact suechase@growingplacesnh.org. >
UNH Memorial Union Building Summer Series - The MUB Building at the University of New Hampshire is proud to bring back the Summer Series with movies (including one in 3-D!), a mini-carnival, an outdoor movie, and more.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Preschool Storytimes begin Tues., Sept. 4th and Thurs., Sept. 6th, 10:30 a.m. - All are welcome to enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
Beginning Sept. 1st, Join the Patch Program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag. If new to the program, stop by and register. Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program. We have new patches!
Registration for Tales for Tails will begin Sept. 1st. Have a young reader who could use some non-judgmental encouragement for reading aloud? A Delta Therapy dog is waiting for your child. Sign up in September for a session.
McGregor Memorial EMS First Aid Training, Tues. Sept. 11th, 6:00-8:30 p
.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS offers the two-year certification through the American Heart Association. To register, call 862-3674 or cprregistration@megreorems.org. Cost is $20
New Hampshire Stories and Songs, Weds. Sept. 12th, 6:30 p.m. - Join us for a night of New Hampshire Songs and Stories! Don Watson is a singer/songwriter from Gilford, NH, who’s music has been compared to John Denver, Jim Croce and Dan Fogelberg. His songs are upbeat, inspiring and easy on the ears. Don's newest project "Welcome Home New Hampshire" is a collection of songs based on people, places and events of the granite state. Don partnered with Steve Redic, a poet and historian from Candia, NH in the writing of these songs.
Ecotourism in Costa Rica, Tues. Sept. 18th, 6:30 p.m. - Feel like visiting the luscious country of Costa Rica, and perhaps doing some good while
you're at it? Let the music of the rainforest soothe you while you learn about this beautiful country and the eco-tourism volunteer opportunities there. Joan Schaeffer will discuss the ecotourism industry of Costa Rica, focusing on three of the major national parks there, each distinct in location, environment, and flora and fauna. Learn about all the opportunities that eco-travelers can engage in while experiencing an astounding trip to Costa Rica.
Seacoast Reads (UNH Reading Buddies), Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade book group), YA writing/blog group and Lego club will begin in October. More information to come on Bookeaters (Middle School Book Group) and Libros Lovers (High School Book Group) as well. Check out our website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more inf
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Summer Readers! You can still pick up your reading certificates, Bagelry and book prize in the Children’s Room during the month of August.
Check out the library's website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/ for more information.
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FROM "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY - 1900-1985"
"Newspapers: The Durham Resident Advertiser. Six years after The Durham Advertizer ceased publication, a new paper appeared, The Durham Resident Advertiser. It was published for eleven years, from February 27, 1958 to June 25, 1969, the longest run among Durham's newpapers. The Durham Resident Advertiser (DRA) was 8 1/2 by 14 inches, had two columns per page, and was typed on one side only." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.
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Have a nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, New Hampshire
T: 603-868-5571 F: 603-868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us http://www.ci.durham.nh.us
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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