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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Friday, December 12, 2014
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Turkey flock searching for food along Canney Road by Merrick conservation area. Courtesy Todd Selig
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If you have little (or big) people at home who enjoy making ginger bread houses for the holidays, consider attending On Belay’s “CAUTION: GINGER BREAD CONSTRUCTION FUNDRAISER” tomorrow morning from 9 – 3 PM, Saturday, 12/13, at the Memorial Union Building on the UNH campus. Our girls (now 7 and 9) enjoy it each year. For more information, see the Community Events section below.
A reminder that the annual Tree Lighting Celebration will take place tomorrow night (Saturday, December 13th) from 6-8PM on Main Street.
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TOWN COUNCIL SCHEDULED TO ACT ON RATIFICATION OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN TOWN OF DURHAM AND DURHAM PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION FOR PERIOD 1/1/15-12/31/15
The Town began the contract negotiation process in July 2012 with the Durham Professional Firefighters Association (DPFFA) representing the sixteen firefighters and two fire inspectors covered by the DPFFA contract. The existing contract extended from January 1, 2010-December 31, 2012.
The Town’s bargaining team comprised of the Town’s Labor Attorney, the Business Manager, the Fire Chief, and the Town Administrator evaluated the State of New Hampshire economy, requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Durham’s budget priorities/limitations, specific Durham Fire Department goals, Council goals, and the state of labor negotiations within other New Hampshire political subdivisions.
Generally speaking, Durham has been relatively successful in attracting and retaining high quality fire personnel due to its pay/benefit structure and a positive working environment at the department.
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 bargaining team believes this Collective Bargaining Agreement will maintain Durham’s firefighters 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 and the ACA Cadillac tax.
The DPFFA unit ratified the Agreement by a vote of its full membership on December 11, 2014. The unit has agreed to a change in health insurance plans with a higher employee cost for prescription benefits. The contract also provides for a 2% COLA for one year, 2015, as well as many other language changes which impact EMS certifications, use of the fire inspectors for filling shifts in certain circumstances, and more.
The Town’s bargaining team will meet with Councilors on Monday evening at 6:00 PM in private session (collective bargaining discussions with the Council represents a non-meeting, meeting under the Right to Know Law) to provide more information and answer any questions with regard to this contract.
The Town’s bargaining team recommends that the Council ratify the agreement at Monday night’s Council meeting.
Fiscal Impacts: The Collective Bargaining Agreement will have the following financial impact upon the Town of Durham.
Note: Administrator Selig froze step program in FY 2014 during negotiations so there was no step movement for that year. In addition, in both FY 2013 and FY 2014 the members of this unit received no cost of living adjustment to the 12-step scale. By resuming normal step movement once again for FY 2015, there will be a cost impact of $14,305 to the budget assuming there are no changes in staffing during the year as new employees start at the beginning of the 12-step scale.
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INITIAL DISCUSSION REGARDING DRAFT MOU BETWEEN DURHAM AND UNH REGARDING THE PROPOSED 66 MAIN STREET (ET AL) REDEVELOPMENT AND SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR 1/12/14
Since the spring of this year, Administrator Selig, Councilor Carden Welsh, former Councilor Jim Lawson, EDC Chair Ute Luxem, Planner Michael Behrendt, and most recently Director of Economic Development Mary Ellen Humphrey, have been meeting with representatives from the University of New Hampshire to discuss and develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relative to the 66 Main Street redevelopment project, et al. The “et al” refers to the fact that the Development transcends 66 Main Street (the former ATO site) and includes: the Town-owned North and South Parking Lots on either side of Pettee Brook Lane immediately behind 66 Main Street, Hetzel and Alexander Halls, C-Lot, Barnes and Noble, and 66 Main Street properties. Whether or not the redevelopment will ultimately involves all parcels remains to be seen and will depend upon proposals received in the early part of 2015 from the private development community.
The MOU outlines the expectations, contributions, terms and conditions between Durham and UNH with respect to the potential development of the aforementioned area of downtown, as well as each party’s potential contributions and requirements and limitations with respect to the Development.
The purposes of the Development include:
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Enhancement of downtown Durham with a mix of retail, commercial and institutional uses that enhance the experience of Durham residents, visitors to Durham, downtown Durham business owners, and UNH faculty, staff and students and their guests and invitees;
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The redevelopment of certain high profile properties in downtown Durham, and the enhancement of the downtown Durham streetscape;
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Enhancement of the tax base in downtown Durham;
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The development of uses encouraged for the downtown area; and
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The development of uses which complement and benefit the institutional goals of UNH, and the programming located or to be located on the UNH campus and UNH properties in Durham;
Enhanced collaboration between Durham and UNH with regard to supporting one another’s mutual interests in these properties for the overall benefit of the parties.
The latest draft of the Memorandum of Understanding as of December 11, 2014 can be found on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us, under "What's New".
At Monday night’s meeting, after holding an initial discussion, Administrator Selig will recommend setting a public hearing for the Council meeting on Monday, January 12, 2015 to receive input from interested members of the community relative to this proposed project.
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FINAL UPDATE ON FY 2015 BUDGET PROCESS
The Town Council held its final budget work session of the year on December 1, 2014. During that meeting, the Council endeavored to modify Administrator Selig’s recommended budget to meet the priorities of the Town while remaining within the budgetary parameters established by the board.
The Council’s Budget Goal was to: Develop operating budgets that limit growth in the Town's portion of property taxes by the rate of inflation plus new additions to the Town's taxable base. This goal is for both the near and longer term.
About seven years ago, recognizing many significant future capital expenses that would be in the community’s collective future (library, town hall, fire station, roads, and more), the board and Mr. Selig began a process of incentivizing smart growth development in order to broaden the tax base. As is evident by the construction downtown, that process has proved very successful.
The Council also established a Tax Increment Finance District in the downtown to capture the incremental new value created by that investment and redevelopment. At this time, all of the value created within the TIF (projected to be approximately $20 million in 2015) is not needed to fund projects within the TIF so the Council plans to release 93% of that new value to the general fund, which will be used to offset capital expenses of the Town. It is because of the value associated with the redevelopment that Durham has been able to stabilize its tax rate over the last two years despite the additional costs incurred relative to the new Library and the new Town Hall.
By releasing this new value to the General Fund, the Council was able to address many budgetary priorities that it felt were in the best interests of the community in both the near and long-term.
Some budgetary highlights include:
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Reduction from two engineers at the Public Works Department to one as pilot program for FY 2015 to determine whether downsizing is possible given workload.
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Funding in the Road Program for the following roads: Bagdad Road (west), Coe Drive, Durham Point Road shim (south), Hoitt Drive, Main St. (east) funded as part of the Downtown TIF, Mill Road shim, Pettee Brook Lane funded as part of the Downtown TIF, Stone Quarry Drive, and Timber Brook Lane. Packers Falls Road had been scheduled for a shim but Town Councilor Smith who lives on the road felt it could be deferred for an additional year.
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Add replacement of a second police cruiser.
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Eliminate the PM Durham/UNH traffic model study for 2015. The Council preferred to wait to undertake this project until all downtown projects currently under construction are complete – probably sometime in 2016.
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Significant concern was expressed by the public and Admin. Selig regarding the viability of the downtown roundabout proposal for 2016 drawing upon data derived through this past summer’s Main Street “Complete Street” Pilot Program. Before such a project was considered further, we would want to first undertake the PM traffic model mentioned above to assess its viability.
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$45,000 has been allocated to undertake an architectural design for an addition to the Durham Police Department at its existing location on Dover Road in order to meet the needs of the community for the long-term. The Town DOES NOT has accurate data concerning how much the actual addition would cost or what it would entail.
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2% COLA for non-union personnel of the Town upon positive annual evaluation.
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Increase wages for the Library Program Assistant from 8 to 12 hrs./wk.
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2% COLA increase & 1% Market adjustment in wages for employees at the Durham Public Library.
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$15,000 to a newly created line item for the planning and development of improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Funding would come from the $5 paid by residents when they register their vehicles that is designed to improve vehicular and alternative forms of transportation. The residual is largely utilized to offset the cost of the Road Program.
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The Council deferred a $66,750 request to undertake a feasibility study for expansion/improvement of the existing Durham Fire Department location, which is a leased UNH property. The board was hesitant to invest the funds in such an analysis until Durham and UNH had first agreed upon long-term parameters for use of the site. This is scheduled to occur in 2015 as part of the larger renegotiation of the Durham/UNH Fire Services Agreement.
When all is said and done on December 15th, the Town Council is anticipated to approve a FY 2015 General Fund Budget in the amount of $13,785,467 with an estimated local (Town only) 2015 property tax rate of $8.48 per thousand of assessed valuation, a 1.7% increase over the 2014 tax rate. This results in the Council and Administrator coming within the Council’s budget goals.
Note that the 2014 local (Town only) tax rate remained unchanged from 2013 at $8.34 as shown in the following matrix:
When all funds are included such as water, sewer, capital funds, parking, etc., an estimated amount of $8,062,143 will be raised by taxation which together with estimated operating revenues of $13,200,526 equate to an aggregate amount of $21,262,669 to be raised and appropriated for the use of the several departments of the town government for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015.
As this final number represents, Durham municipal government is a $21 million operation. That’s big business. It’s a business that the Council/Administrator are endeavoring to manage in an open and fiscally prudent manner, consistent with local values and goals, and in a way that is responsive to Durham’s citizens.
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Revised landscape buffer sketch plan for Peak project
RESTORING ADEQUATE BUFFERS AT THE PEAK LODGES PROJECT – Viewscapes along Mast Road and across the Moore Fields
The Planning Board last month asked Planner Michael Behrendt, Conservation Commission member John Parry, Public Works Director Mike Lynch, Resident Beth Olshansky, and Administrator Todd Selig to work with representatives from Peak to develop a landscaping remediation plan to address significant differences between what the developer and the Planning Board discussed during the approval project process versus what was actually accomplished as part of the development.
The parties have held a series of meetings and site walks to develop such a remediation plan. At this time the draft plan, pictured above, would plant approximately seventy (70) new trees along the boundaries of the development intended immediately and increasingly so over time to provide enhanced buffers for the project. As part of the discussions, Peak withdrew its CUP application for an additional 54 beds and will resubmit an application for additional beds, as well as site plan changes involving parking (spaces are proposed to be removed to make room for new plantings within the development) and landscaping.
What will follow will be a conversation with the Planning Board concerning how many additional beds Peak reasonably needs to offset the additional cost of landscaping called for in the remediation plan.
To facilitate the process, Administrator Selig has asked Town Councilors Carden Welsh and Robin Mower, and former Town Councilor Jim Lawson, to work with him to vet Peak’s numbers and to develop a consensus position based on available data with which to provide a formal recommendation to the Planning Board from the Administrator’s Office.
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DURHAM RECEIVES MANY ACCOLADES
There was an article this week in the Foster’s Daily Democrat regarding the many recognitions Durham has received over the last year. These include:
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The No. 1 town in N.H. for young families by NerdWallet.com, a personal finance website.
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The fifth most exciting place in the state by Movoto, a real estate brokerage based in California.
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The No. 1 town in the state for population and job growth from 2010 to 2012 by Nerdwallet.com
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The second safest community in the state by Safe Choice Security, a national provider of security systems.
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The No. 2 place to live for “20-somethings” in the country by CNNMoney.
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The top community for equal treatment for the LGBT community by the Human Rights Campaign.
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Oyster River High School ranked in the top 1 percent of more than 14,000 schools evaluated by Newsweek.
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A great place for the young at heart by the Boston Globe.
To read the full article, click HERE.
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2014 LIGHT UP DURHAM LIGHTING CONTEST AWARDS
Thank to all who participated in the annual Light Up Durham Lighting Contest this holiday season sponsored by the Durham Business Association.
Congratulations to the following businesses and UNH recognized Greek organizations.
Businesses:
First Place: Durham Book Exchange, 36 Main Street
Second Place: Solsistar, 9 Madbury Road
Third Place: The Candy Bar, 44 Main Street
UNH Greeks:
Fraternities:
First Place: Lambda Chi Alpha, 35 Madbury Road
Second Place: Sigma Phi Epsilon, 5 Strafford Avenue
Third Place: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 28 Madbury Road
Sororities:
First Place: Alpha Chi Omega, 29 Madbury Road
Second Place: Alpha Xi Delta, 3 Strafford Avenue
Third Place: Kappa Delta, 25 Madbury Road
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PROPERTY TAX BILLS BEING MAILED TO PROPERTY OWNERS
Property Tax Bills have been mailed and are due December 22, 2014. Payment may be made by cash, check or debit/credit card, however; a fee of 2.75% will be charged by the debit/credit card if you choose to use it.
Payments can be made in person or by mail to our office @ 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or use the return envelope included with your bill to our lock box off site.
If residents find that they are having difficulty paying the entire bill, it is to their advantage to pay as much as they can by the due date and make payments on the balance as soon as they are able. Interest will only be charged on the remaining balance. Please feel free to call the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office with any questions, 868-5577.
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FREE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM OVER HOLIDAY SEASON
In coordination with the Durham Business Association, the parking kiosks in the immediate downtown business area will allow free parking to encourage residents and others to shop the downtown during the holidays. The screen on the applicable kiosks will inform parkers of the free parking and will not accept any payment. The grace period that allows for free parking for shoppers will commence Monday December 15th and run through Friday January 2nd. Note that the parking along all of the shops on Main Street and in the Sammy’s Lot always has 1 hour free parking (and a second hour free for residents with a valid Durham sticker) after obtaining a receipt from the parking kiosks.
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CORNUCOPIA FOOD PANTRY OF THE WAYSMEET CENTER IN NEED OF HELP WITH WINTER HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS
A heartfelt and grateful thank you to so many people, businesses, community groups, churches, UNH offices, departments, student organizations, clubs, residence halls, sports teams, and more for rising to the occasion and helping us to provide 250 food baskets to our community for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We are at it again and planning to do a similar number for the winter holiday season. In order to accomplish that, we need your help!
We have a good supply of food on hand for the baskets, but need some supplements or some focused work on making sure the holiday baskets are complete. In particular, we need:
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Gift cards to local supermarkets, ideally in $20.00 increments.
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Turkeys
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Funds for buying additional food that we need to complete the baskets
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Basket staples such as stuffing/dressing mixes, cranberry sauce, gravy, cereal, muffin mixes, and pancake mixes.
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Entire Food baskets, using the attached food list.
We are including a donation form, as well as a suggested food list. You can also visit the website at http://www.cornucopia.unh.edu./ for additional information.
Thank you to all the folks in the community who donated to the food baskets for the spring, Thanksgiving, and winter seasons of 2013-14. We were able to provide over 550 baskets to our families and community members last year. We would like to share with you what this means in dollars, time, and compassion. The average value of baskets donated or produced was approximately $100/basket, or approximately $55,000. The average family size of four equals 2,200 people served last year. Approximately 30,000 pounds of food was distributed. The volunteers who gave generously of their time totaled over 400 people…students, staff, faculty, community members, offices, departments, residence halls, local businesses, and churches. The love and kindness distributed…priceless!
Donations for Winter Holiday Baskets will be accepted until Tuesday, December 16th. We gratefully accept financial donations, gift cards to local supermarkets, and non-perishable food items at any time to supplement the baskets. Checks can be made payable to the Cornucopia Food Pantry, and all donations are tax deductible.
In these uncertain and challenging times, it takes a community of compassion and hope to not only survive, but also to thrive. The Durham Community has proven time and again to be people of hope and generosity, and we are grateful for that. The Cornucopia Food Pantry serves the UNH and wider Durham community, and is located at the Waysmeet Center at 15 Mill Road in downtown Durham. It is open twice a week throughout the academic year (Tues, 4-5:30 p.m. & Fri. 12-2 p.m.), and once a week during the summer and winter break. Donations and volunteers are welcome throughout the year.
Thank you for all of your help, now and in the past. Peace and happy thoughts to you. If you have questions, please contact Larry Brickner-Wood or Emily Dickman at 603-862-1165 or Larry.Brickner-Wood@unh.edu or waysmeet@comcast.net.
The Cornucopia Food Pantry team:
Larry Brickner-Wood, Chaplain and Executive Director
Emily Dickman, Associate Chaplain
Otto O’Connor, Associate Chaplain
Matthew Yeoman, Food Basket Outreach Coordinator
Jen Turner, Cornucopia Food Pantry Coordinator
Rosemary Thornton, Floor Manager
Charlotte Border, Food Justice and Recovery Advocate
Lisa Ciccotelli, Senior Program Assistant for Field Experiences
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
The Town Hall will close at 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th. All Town Offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 25th & 26th for the Christmas holiday.
The Town Hall will close at 3:00 PM on New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31st. All Town Offices will be closed on New Year's Day, January 1st.
Refuse and Recycling Schedule During Christmas:
Normal collection on Wednesday, Dec 24th.
NO COLLECTION on Thursday, Dec 25th, pushed ahead one day (i.e., Thu. route will be picked up on Fri.) All items out by 7AM as always. No commercial collection on Friday the 26th.
NO COLLECTION OF REFUSE AND RECYCLING on Thursday., January 1st, pushed ahead to Friday. No commercial collection on Friday, January 2nd.
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PUBLIC FORUM DECEMBER 18: OYSTER RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN RELEASE
Members of the Oyster River Local Advisory Committee, in partnership with Strafford Regional Planning Commission, will be hosting a public forum to engage and inform local communities about the goals and recommendations developed as part of the recently-completed Oyster River Watershed Management Plan. Join them and your neighbors to learn how you can help protect the important values of the Oyster River. Time and place: Thursday, December 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madbury Town Hall, 13 Town Hall Road, Madbury (just off Rte. 155). Please RSVP by December 16th to or call 603-994-3500. Click HERE to see the announcement as a flyer.
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OYSTER RIVER ENROLLMENT UPDATE FROM SUPERINTENDENT JAMES MORSE
Every year the New Hampshire Department of Education requires school districts throughout the state to report enrollment on October 1st. This year the official enrollment report shows an increase to 2,095 students from 2,058 students last year. Oyster River's enrollment has consistently grown for the past four years and if preschool students were to be added to this count, the District is over 2,100 students.
To read the Superintendent's full report regarding enrollment, click HERE.
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DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION - 2014 ANNUAL ORNAMENT
Ornaments come beautifully gift boxed for $20 each, and can be purchased at the following locations: Durham Marketplace, Durham Town Hall (Town Clerk-Tax Collector Office), Emery Farm, Federal Savings Bank, Hayden Sports, People’s United Bank, Town & Campus.
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BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CAR BURGLARIES IN DURHAM
Chief Kurz wishes to remind residents that vehicles parked in your driveways should be locked. While it is a sad commentary of the times, leaving vehicles locked provides enough deterrent to thieves that they will simply move on to vehicles that are not locked and remove anything of value they can locate quickly. Historically in Durham locking your vehicle has been enough of a deterrent as locked vehicles have not been tampered with! With crimes of opportunity such as these events, locked vehicles and motion activated outside lights are very effective in creating a secure environment. Again, if you see or hear something that you deem suspicious, please call the Durham Police via 911 or 868-2324 as we are poised to quickly alleviate your concerns.
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DURHAM POLICE FIREARMS RANGE BEING DEVELOPED NEXT TO PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY OFF STONE QUARRY DRIVE
Chief Kurz has been attempting to locate and secure an appropriate location for a firearms range that could be used exclusively by the Durham Police. Several years ago when investigating available options for Durham, it appeared that Strafford County would be constructing a range on County property that would be used by all law enforcement agencies in the County. Due to budget needs elsewhere, this initiative has been postponed but remains on the CIP (Capital Improvements Program) for the County for future construction. In the interim, the need still exists for Durham officers to train at least twice annually and once under darkness conditions.
Working with Durham Public Works, Chief Kurz has identified a location immediately behind one of the storage sheds at the DPW facility that would meet the needs and is deemed very safe for the discharge of the firearms. As the area was originally a granite quarry the geography of the area consists of a number of gullies, berms, and depressions that offer a very safe environment for the qualifications. Even though firearms qualifications for the department are an infrequent event consuming no more than 20 hours annually, Chief Kurz is cognizant of the neighborhood and plans on making a presentation to the Planning Board in later January of 2015. As the date for this presentation approaches, there will be additional information provided through the weekly "Friday Updates".
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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 December 29, 2014 through January 2, 2015. Business Manager Gail Jablonski will serve as Acting Administrator during that time.
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"FRIDAY UPDATES" PUBLICATION
There will be no publication of "Friday Updates" on Friday, December 26, 2014 or Friday, January 2, 2015. The first publication of the updates in 2015 will be Friday, January 9, 2015.
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NH SOCIAL VENTURE INNOVATION CHALLENGE
On December 15, 2014, UNH invites Durham residents to the concluding day of the 2014 New Hampshire Social Venture Innovation Challenge (SVIC) - A day of inspiration, networking, and celebration of New Hampshire's social entrepreneurs! The SVIC engages aspiring and practicing student and community social entrepreneurs across New Hampshire in designing novel, sustainable, business-orientated solutions to some of society’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. Challenge winners receive over $25,000 in prizes. Space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged: http://www.unh.edu/socialbusiness/nh-social-venture-innovation-challenge
Attend ALL or SOME of Monday’s exciting events:
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10:00AM-12:00PM: "Social Innovation in Action" Workshops – (1) The Opportunity Equation: Innovative Models for Business and Citizen Engagement in K-12 Education; and (2) Impact Investing 101: Funding Options for Social Entrepreneurs.
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1:00-3:30PM: Final Rounds. From a large pool of competitors, the eight finalists in each of the community and student tracks will present their ideas and answer questions from a distinguished panel of judges. See community finalist videos HERE – including some by Durham residents!
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4:00-5:30PM: Keynote and Award Ceremony. After judges' deliberations and a short networking break, the keynote address will be delivered by one of our country's most recognized social entrepreneurs, Eric Schwarz, founding CEO of Citizen Schools. Mr. Schwarz will also receive the Carsey School of Public Policy's 2014 Social Innovator of the Year Award. The event will conclude with the exciting announcement of the winners of the 2014 New Hampshire Social Venture Innovation Challenge and the awarding of the prizes.
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TOY BANK BOX AT TOWN HALL
The Durham Professional Firefighters have placed a Toy Bank box at the Town Hall in the lobby to collect unwrapped toys for children for Christmas.
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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.
Town Council - Monday, December 12, 2014
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://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.
DCAT Programming Schedule.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
UNH Graduate Students Presentation Evaluating the Durham Police Department’s Alcohol Enforcement Initiative
Run time: 2:00
DCAT 22 Run Times: TBD
The above videos are also available on the Town’s On Demand site.
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.
Tree Lighting Celebration – Saturday 6-8PM - Join Durham Parks & Recreation for our 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, taking place tomorrow night from 6-8 pm on Main Street. There will be crafts, live music, bonfire, Santa, and refreshments for the whole family. Roast marshmallows and make your own s’more for $1, or participate in our $2 raffle, featuring great items from local businesses. A local celebrity will be on site for the official countdown! See you there!
Coyote Club Next Session – January 5th
For the latest information about programs and events, find us on FACEBOOK
View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE!
Drop in to most of our fitness classes for only $10!
Churchill Rink - Check out our website! You can review the schedule, look up programs, and find out more information about the rink by visiting http://www.churchillrink.org/. Admission, 2 pizzas and soda for your party. Bring your own cake and decoration a locker room for your party. Minimum of 10 participants. Private ice parties also available - please contact us 603-868-3907 or info@icerinks.com.
Save the Date - Tree Lighting Celebration –Saturday, December 13th 6-8pm
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Gingerbread House Contest, Saturday, Dec 13, 2014, 10AM - 3PM, UNH MUB Food Court. All proceeds benefit On Belay. Come build a gingerbread house and possibly win a prize! To pre-register for the event, click HERE. Contact Jason.Leach@unh.edu with questions.
Great Bay Figure Skating Club Holiday Show, Saturday, Dec 13, 2014, 10AM, Dover Ice Arena. Tickets: $6.00. Children 4 and under Free.
Open House: Saturday, Jan 3, 2015, 10:30AM - 12:00PM, Dover Ice Arena, Open Skate from 10:30-11:20AM. Suggested donation $10/family or $5/person. Skate rental available. More information, contact gbfscskating@gmail.com.
ORHS Hockey Team Mattress Fundraiser Sale, Saturday, Dec 13, 2014, 10AM - 4PM, Oyster River High School. Save 30% to 60% off retail.
Holiday Kick-Off Party at Main Street Makery & The Candy Bar, Friday, Dec 19, 2014, 4PM. Free hot cocoa at The Candy Bar after 3PM. Free craft at Main Street Makery. Free storytelling by local author Shawn Middleton (signed books and CDs available for purchase). Storytelling begins at 4PM at Main Street Makery.
Boy Scout Troop 154 Annual Christmas Tree Sale, every Saturday & Sunday now until Christmas, 9AM - 4PM, Mill Road Plaza. This is the Troop's only fund-raising event and funds its entire year of activities. Visit http://www.durham154.mytroop.us/ or contact Tom Richardson, 603-799-7610 for more information.
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UNH Professor Charlie Caramihilas presents "Hook, Line & Sinker, Secrets of Seafood" at the Durham Public Library on Wednesday, December 17th.
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Food Event, Weds. Dec. 17th at 6:30 p.m. - Hook, Line & Sinker, Secrets of Seafood with Chef & UNH Professor Charlie Caramihilas. Sample homemade CHOWDA! Take away tips on fish market shopping. Get recipes, everyone has a chance to win raffle prizes. Come early for a good seat. No registration needed. Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Family Storytime, Sat. Dec. 13th at 10:30 a.m. This week: Hats and Mittens! Join us for stories, songs fingerplays, feltboard and a craft! Next week, Dec. 20th: Time to get Clean!
Crafternoon – Sat. Dec. 13th, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us in the storytime for a fun craft!
Toys for Tots Late Fee Amnesty! Bring in a new unwrapped toy before Dec. 19th 2014 for the Durham Fire Dept. Toy collection and we will erase your late fees! (Does not apply to lost items).
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., Dec. 15th at 2:45 p.m. - This week’s game is: "Forbidden Island"
Storytimes: Tues. Dec. 16th and Thurs. Dec. 18th at 10:30 a.m. This week: Holidays! We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
PJ Storytime, Tues. Dec. 16th at 6:30 p.m. – This month: Holidays! Join ORPP (Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers) and the library for this month’s PJ Storytime. We read stories, do feltboard, sing songs, fingerplays and make a fun craft. Snack provided by ORPP. Wear your pajamas and all are welcome!
Lego Club, Thurs. Dec. 18th at 3:45 p.m. This week: Holidays! For k-4th graders.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Fri., Dec. 19th at 10:30 a.m. This week: Holidays and Celebrations!
Family Movie, Sat. Dec. 20th at 2:00 p.m. This month: Elf! Join us in the community room for this month’s fun movie. Popcorn is served.
Make-It-Take-It Craft in the Storytime room during School vacation week, Tues. Dec. 23rd – Weds. Dec. 31st. – Join us for a fun, drop-in craft in the storytime room.
New for 3rd-5th graders! A knitting club starting Weds. Jan.14th from 4-5 p.m. Come and learn to knit for 6 weeks. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Library Holiday Schedule: The Library will be closed at 3:00 p.m. on Weds. Dec. 24th and re-open on Mon. Dec. 29th at 2:30 p.m. for the Holidays. Happy Holidays! We will then close at 5:00 p.m. on Weds. Jan. 31st and re-open on Fri. Jan 2nd at 10:00 a.m. Happy New Year!
In The Gallery...Neville Caulfield Photography Exhibit. Exhibit will continue to be on display for your viewing pleasure! Great photos from Caulfield, a Junior at ORHS.
Patch Club: reading incentive program for ages 2-12 years. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk!
Tales for Tails: Read to a trained therapy dog K-4th grade - sign-up at the Children’s Desk.
Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club. Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library. Talk to the Children’s Librarian at the children’s desk for more details.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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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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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1910 - Ice harvesting was done from the Mill Pond, College Reservoir, Lamprey River and a small pond on Adams Point Road. Albert DeMerritt sold ice from his 20' x 250' storage shed to village homes, but most farmers had their own ice houses. Ice was usually cut into 22" x 22" cakes.
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