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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Friday, December 18, 2015
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Imagery from the original Star Wars film by George Lucas and released by 20th Century Fox in 1977
The original Star Wars (later subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope) was released thirty-eight yeas ago on May 25, 1977. It depicts the adventure of various characters “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” This evening, the latest Star Wars film (Episode VII: The Force Awakens) opens in U.S. theaters.
Administrator Selig was 8 years old when the original Star Wars was released and waited in a long, long line in what now seems like a galaxy far, far away to get in to the theater in 1977. He is looking forward to seeing the newest release this weekend.
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Today is Tom Johnson’s last day on the job as Durham’s Code/Zoning/Health Officer. He formally retires at the end of this month.
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2015 UNH HOLIDAY e-CARD IS OUT
To view UNH President Mark Huddleston’s annual holiday e-card, click HERE.
The UNH culinary department made a lovely gingerbread house replica of T-Hall.
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NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON DECEMBER 25 AND JANUARY 1
Due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, there will be no "Friday Updates" published for December 25, 2015 and January 1, 2016.
The next "Friday Updates" publication will be on Friday, January 8, 2016
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSING SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS
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DECEMBER TRANSFER STATION & RECYCLING CENTER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, December 26th. There will be no commercial recycling collection curbside on Friday, December 25th, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016. The 2016 Annual newsletter will be out to residents in the next two weeks with the 2016 Holiday schedule as well.
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NEW DEADLINE FOR JANUARY 12, 2016 ZONING BOARD MEETING
The deadline for the January 12, 2016 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting has been changed to Wednesday, December 23, 2015 due to restrictions on putting legal notices in Fosters the week of the New Year’s Day holiday.
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TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS FY 2016 BUDGET
On Monday evening, December 14th, the Town Council voted 7-0-1 to adopt the FY 2016 budget.
The council voted at their meeting on Monday evening to approve the $14,100,967 budget, which is a 2.28 percent increase in spending. Despite this, the municipal tax rate will stay flat at last year’s rate of $8.48 per $1,000 assessed property value. This could be done due to the 5.2 percent increase in the tax base in the last year.
To view an article in the Foster’s Daily Democrat on the approved budget, click HERE.
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DESPITE NEPBA ENDORSEMENT, DURHAM POLICE UNION ISSUES STATEMENT THAT THEY DO NOT ENDORSE POLITICAL CANDIDATES
Despite receiving an endorsement from the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) last week, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump will not receive an endorsement from the Durham Police Department or its union.
The NEPBA endorsed Mr. Trump during a meeting at the Portsmouth Sheraton Harborside Hotel on Dec. 10.
Durham Police Sergeant and Durham Police Officers Union President (and Durham resident) Kathryn Mone said the union will not endorse Trump or any other candidate, as it has a long-standing policy of non-involvement in the political arena.
The Durham Police Union statement reads:
“The Durham Police Officers’ Union Local 21 exists for the support of its members as well as the Durham community. Local 21 does not involve itself in political issues and never endorses any political candidate for any office at any level. While Local 21 is a member of the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA), it is for the main purpose of receiving legal assistance from the NEPBA when required. It should be pointed out that Local 21 had no involvement and provided no input to the NEPBA prior to the recent NEPBA endorsement of a candidate in a major political race.”
“Local 21 wishes to affirm its long standing policy of non-involvement in the political arena and will not endorse any candidates in current or future elections.”
To read an article in the Foster’s Daily Democrat on the topic, click HERE.
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DURHAM AND OWNER OF MILL PLAZA REACH SETTLEMENT AREEMENT ON LAWSUIT
A settlement agreement has been reached by and between the Town of Durham and Colonial Durham Associates, LP, relative to the redevelopment of the Mill Plaza. The application will now move on to the Durham Planning Board and will proceed through the planning process subject to several conditions.
To view the settlement agreement, click HERE.
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DURHAM LISTED AS TOP NH MUNICIPALITY IN LGBTQ HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES in 2015 BY HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
The Human Rights Campaign has ranked seven of New Hampshire’s eight biggest cities below average when it comes to gay and transgender rights.
The Human Rights Campaign evaluated nondiscrimination laws; employment policies; services; law enforcement and community outreach in 408 cities and towns across the United States.
In New Hampshire, only Durham came in above average when it comes to protecting LGBTQ rights.
The New Hampshire municipalities surveyed were:
Municipality Score
Concord 39
Derry 45
Dover 32
Durham 68
Manchester 41
Nashua 29
Plymouth 33
Rochester 39
To view a story on the issue on NHPR, click HERE.
To view the Municipal Equity Index scorings by state, click HERE.
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2016 ELECTION YEAR - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
It’s another Presidential Election Year and that means there will be four elections!
February 9th is the tentative date for the Presidential Primary and will be the 100th Anniversary of the New Hampshire First in the Nation Presidential Primary. The date is not confirmed until the time to challenge New Hampshire’s first in the nation status has past. No challenge has been made to date.
As in the past, election officials will be recruiting a small army of volunteers. These volunteers are crucial to the smooth running of very busy elections.
In addition to recruiting new volunteers, election officials are asking experienced poll workers to once again step up and help. No experience is necessary and training will be provided.
Please consider volunteering for a shift on Election Day during this very important election season.
To sign up, or for more information contact Lorrie Pitt, Town Clerk, (603) 868-5577.
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CALLING ALL RESIDENTS
For those residents that are not registered to vote and want to vote in any of the 2016 elections REGISTER NOW! The lines to register at the polls can be extremely long.
Residents can register to vote at the Town Clerk’s office, M-F, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Supervisors of the Checklist will also have regular publicized sessions to register voters prior to all elections.
SAVE TIME and PAPERWORK, by bringing a birth certificate or passport to show citizenship, driver’s license for identity, and some proof of residency (a piece of mail will suffice if a driver’s license is not New Hampshire).
Parents, please encourage your college children to register and request an absentee ballot while they are home for Christmas break.
Any registered voter can volunteer to work at the elections, please consider volunteering. Call Lorrie Pitt, Town Clerk, for more information or to sign up, 868-5577.
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The gingerbread house above, made by Trudy Brown, is on display at the Durham Public Library through December. Courtesy Trudy Brown
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PROPERTY TAXES
The 2015 2nd half property tax bills were due December 1st. This is much earlier than it has been in many years. For those residents who may have forgotten to pay their property tax bills, bills may be paid in person or by mail. Online payment is also a new option available for to make payments.
Residents having difficulty paying their tax bill are encouraged to pay what they can as often as they can instead of waiting until they have the entire amount before paying. This will decrease the amount of interest they will have to pay.
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SAND/SALT AVAILABLE FOR DURHAM RESIDENTS
DPW has had many calls about where the residential sand/salt will be now that the old Town Hall is sold, shed included. For this year, a pile of salt has been placed outside the gate at the DPW under a tarp on Stone Quarry Drive. It is bound on 3 sides by concrete blocks. Although there may be a more “shed-like” structure in the future, for now this will serve well. This is for residential use only, not commercial.
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FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM - If you still have to do holiday shopping, consider shopping right here in Durham.
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. No receipts on your dashboard will be required during the Holiday Parking period! The grace period that allows for free parking for shoppers will commence Monday December 21st and run through Monday January 4th!
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Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and Administrator Todd Selig this week in NH.
CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS VISITED NEW HAMPSHIRE'S SEACOAST THIS WEEK
Administrator Todd Selig had an opportunity to see and talk with former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords from AZ this week when she visited New Hampshire. Ms. Giffords was in the state on behalf of her organization focusing on preventing gun violence called Americans for Responsible Solutions with her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly.
Mr. Selig and Mrs. Giffords attended a program together at the Kennedy School in 2003.
To view an article on this, click HERE.
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN DEVELOPED FOR DURHAM TOWN HALL
This summer staff members suggested that the Town develop an emergency response plan for use at the Durham Town Hall in case of an emergency situation. After meeting with Police Captain David Holmstock and Officer Holly Malasky on a number of occasions, a plan was developed and approved.
Each and every day of late we read or hear about situations involving workplace or community violence. These incidents may involve strangers, people coming to the building to do business, residents, former employees, or current employees of an organization.
Most encounters between town employees and citizens remain cordial and result in nothing more than a pleasant, casual encounter. Unfortunately, there are times when the encounter may escalate and the employee is unsure how to handle the situation. Sometimes the encounter can escalate to a point where the employee feels threatened and concerned for their safety, as well as the safety of those around them including Durham citizens who may be in the building undertaking their business. This Emergency Response Plan plan provides suggestions for our staff when handling such encounters.
In addition, active threats involving those with an overt attempt to do harm to municipal employees and/or town citizens have become an increasingly common occurrence in our society. We only need to remember August, 1997, when workers and law enforcement officers were killed by a disgruntled citizen in Colebrook, NH, to realize this type of incident can happen anywhere. We can also look to earlier this month in San Bernardino, CA, where fourteen people were tragically killed and others wounded.
Based on our discussions with Captain Holmstock and Officer Malasky, these are situations for which we can undertake advance planning. Although we don’t like to think of such incidents, it is important that our staff mentally plan a response in advance. The new plan provides options for employees if an active threat situation arises at the Durham Town Hall.
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RESEARCH ON DURHAM POLICE PUBLISHED
Residents may recall that Chief Kurz had asked for assistance from UNH Professor Dr. Donna Perkins of the Justice Studies Program to evaluate an initiative that had been instituted at the police department. The research was published in the Police Chief magazine under “Research in Brief”. This section of the magazine features evidence-based research that highlights actionable recommendations for readers of the magazine to consider within their own agencies. The magazine states that the “goal of the column is to further research that is innovative, credible and relevant to a diverse law enforcement audience”. The brief article may be found HERE.
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DRAWDOWN OF LITTLEHALE POND
The Department of Public Works is working with the NHDES Dam Bureau, Wetlands Bureau, and the Department of Fish and Game on lowering the impoundment of the Littlehale Pond for the purpose of doing some initial engineering of the pond and the dam structure.
This week DPW began a temporary drawdown of the Littlehale Pond located at the intersection of Bagdad Road and Emerson Road behind the Fitts Farm development. The pond has become impaired by algae blooms which residents in the area have expressed concern over in that some types of algae may cause health concerns. Investigation regarding the pond by the Public Works Department led to research over who actually owns the pond and who actually owns the dam under Bagdad Road. It appears, although is not confirmed as yet, that the abutting property owners own to the historic stream in this location and that the Town owns the road and therefore owns the dam. The drawdown will give the Town and the NHDES more information about the nature and construction of the dam. The drawdown is being conducted little by little over a multi-day period. This morning, it was down by about half.
The FY 2016 CIP plan includes $45,000 for design and engineering to address the dam as we do not believe it complies with modern dam regulations, and an additional $280,000, proposed to be funded through grant dollars, for dam removal and wetland remediation.
There is a great deal more to investigate about this issue before any final solutions are offered.
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UNH LAUNCHES NEW MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR SEACOAST RESIDENTS
The University of New Hampshire recently launched a new monthly e-newsletter, CATCH. CATCH highlights public events, news, and features from the UNH Durham campus and is a way for its subscribers to learn about upcoming events and read about some of the work UNH is doing in Durham and throughout the Seacoast.
To subscribe and begin receiving the monthly e-newsletter, click HERE.
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Durham resident Gabi Selig presents a homemade fire truck cake to Fire Chief Corey Landry during last evening's annual Durham Fire Department holiday party. Santa Claus made a special appearance.
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DURHAM FIREFIGHTER KENNY LUNDBERG COOKS UP SOME WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR RESIDENTS
Firefighter Kenny Lundberg offers safety tips from the kitchen for Durham residents.
Check out this latest You Tube Video HERE. It is intended to be the first in a series of safety-related videos from the DFD.
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LETTER TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM ORCSD SUPERINTENDENT MORSE REGARDING THE 2015 STATEWIDE SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENT
Last spring for the first time, students across New Hampshire took the 2015 statewide Smarter Balanced Assessment in mathematics and English language arts. Students in the Oyster River Cooperative School District did well compared to their peers across the state. Although not directly comparable, the results were consistent with the previous statewide assessment, the NECAP, which Smarter Balanced replaced.
To read the letter from Oyster River Cooperative School District Superintendent James Morse to community members, click HERE.
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NEW BUSINESSES COMING TO DOWNTOWN DURHAM
There are a number of businesses coming to downtown Durham in the near future. These include Lexie’s Burgers, The Juicery, The Soupery, Papa Johns, Kennebunk Savings Bank, the UNH Interoperability Lab, the ALKU Temp. Agency, and Saxby’s Coffee.
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UNH INTEROPERABILTY LAB MOVES TO MADBURY COMMONS ON JANUARY 4TH
The UNH IOL (Interoperability Lab) officially makes it move from the Goss facility on Technology Drive to downtown Durham within the new Madbury Commons complex.
The IOL is the leading test facility for data and networking communications products. Its work includes determining that products work, meet specified standards and can be used together. For example, in lay terms, the IOL tests technologies that enable you to connect your phone, laptop and car to the Internet. The lab works with companies ranging from local firms to Fortune 500-businesses such as Cisco, Dell, HP and AT&T.
The IOL is relocating to be closer to campus and to support Durham’s downtown core. We anticipate that satellite offices of some technology companies will opt to locate in downtown Durham as well to be close to the IOL and our attractive downtown.
To learn more about the IOL move, click HERE.
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DPW Director Mike Lynch speaking to the Town Council on plow routes as Councilor Katrak looks on.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR UPDATES TOWN COUNCIL ON PLOW ROUTES AND WINTER MAINTENANCE ISSUES
On Monday evening, December 14th, Public Works Director Mike Lynch gave the Town Council an overview of the department’s winter plowing operation.
To view the presentation on DCAT On Demand, click HERE.
Durham's new snow plow - Courtesy Todd Selig
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THE SWAP SHOP
There will be no large items accepted at the Transfer Station’s swap shop from now until April 2016. Residents are still welcome to advertise them at the Swap Shop on the bulletin board for larger items.
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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 while in an adjacent drive, unlocked vehicles are missing GPS, cellphones, spare change and anything else that can be translated into cash! With crimes of opportunity such as these events, locked vehicles and motion activated outside lighting has proven to be 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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WINTER PARKING BAN
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Sunday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2015. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. As the ordinance states, “Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”
For the first week, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur next week, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.
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General John Sullivan
DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION MEETING - SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016
The Durham Historic Association will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, January 24, 2016 (Rain Date: January 31) at 2:00 PM in the Town Hall Council chambers.
The program will include "Who was Major General John Sullivan?" Sullivan was a Major General in the Revolutionary War and elected NH Governor three times. He lived his entire adult life in Durham, a life of important roles in the creation of the United States. His story will be told by Doug MacLennan, owner of the General Sullivan House here in Durham.
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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES
Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates". Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.
This movie trailer for the movie Polyfaces, shows farming at it's best and features interviews with Joel Salatin and Michael Pollan. Unfortunately there is also a foolish car commercial at the beginning but it only lasts 30 seconds!
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/polyfaces/
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CORNUCOPIA FOOD PANTRY NEEDS HELP WITH WINTER HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS
Durham is fortunate to have two local food pantries that serve the wider Durham and UNH communities, the Cornucopia Food Pantry at the Waysmeet Center at 15 Mill Road, and the St. Thomas More Food Pantry on 6 Madbury Road. Both pantries provide holiday food baskets for families at Thanksgiving and Winter holiday times. St. Thomas More expects to do approximately 100 food baskets and Cornucopia expects to do 200 or more for each holiday season. Both accept and deeply appreciate help from the greater community in providing supplies and resources for these food baskets.
This year, food resources from the NH Food Bank will be less than in past years, due to their own shortages in donations and the increased demands on food pantries across the State. Cornucopia is particularly in need of eggs, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, muffin and pancake mixes and eggs, and turkeys for the winter baskets. Community Members who are able can help in the following ways:
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Providing a turkey, gift certificate or monetary equivalent to allow Cornucopia to purchase turkeys.
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Providing an entire food basket with specific items to feed one family for the holidays. A food donation packet and list is attached.
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Providing several of the specific items on the food list, in particular, stuffing mix, muffin mixes, cranberry sauce, gravy, flour, potatoes, onions and celery.
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Providing one or more of any of the items on the suggested food list.
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Providing gift certificates of $20.00 or more for local supermarkets.
Volunteers are welcome to help organize and distribute food baskets. Winter baskets will be organized on Tuesday, December 15th, and distributed on Wednesday, December 16th, all at the Waysmeet Center on 15 Mill Road.
Residents interested helping in any way or who have questions may contact Larry Brickner-Wood at Larry.brickner-wood@unh.edu or by calling Larry or Jen Turner at 603-862-1165.and www.cornucopia.unh.edu.
People in need of a food basket may fill out a request form HERE.
The Cornucopia Food pantry is open weekly on Tuesday from 4-5:30 p.m.and Fridays from 12-1 p.m. All are welcome and we always welcome community members as volunteers. Erin Fitzpatrick is the Coordinator at ef2003@wildcats.unh.edu
The St. Thomas More Food Pantry is open on Thursday from 4-6 p.m. and questions can be directed to 603-868-2666 and Cynthia Racic at cynth95419@aol.com.
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Local group going to Peru are (l-r): Drew and Jill Hardcastle, Christine Watts and Xanthi Russell, and Dave and Maggie Howland.
HOLIDAY DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR PERU CHILDREN'S HOME EXPEDITION
Six members of the Oyster River Community (three parent/child teams) are preparing to head to the Sacred Valley outside Cuzco, Peru to build a greenhouse at the Azul Wasi Children's Home. They will also be bringing clothes and supplies for the children -- all part of a service trip over the holidays organized by Generations Humanitarian, which supports orphanages in South and Central America.
The group is asking for donations of either clothes or money to support the construction of the greenhouse. They are in need of winter coats for children 8 to 18 years old. Gifts can be dropped off at the Durham Town Hall, ORMS, ORHS, or make a donation online to support the greenhouse.
The Greenhouse project is a self-sustaining, scalable, water efficient, organic greenhouse that teaches children a work ethic, gives them pride in their produce, and funds their home. This will be the second greenhouse at the Azul Wasi home. To learn more about the greenhouse project, click HERE.
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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.
There are no public meetings scheduled for the remainder of 2015.
Meetings for the week of January 4-8, 2016:
Historic District Commission - Thursday, January 7, 2016
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 and then 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
Detective Matt Fleming, Bedford Police Dept., speaks to ORMS students on internet crimes against children. Courtesy DCAT Studios
The "Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Presents SOCIAL MEDIA: A Predators Playground" presented at the ORMS on Monday, December 7th. The presentation was recorded by DCAT 22. This presentation was offered in conjunction with the ORMS PTO, Durham Police Department, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Learn about the dangers that face teens every day. In doing so, we’ll discuss how computers, cell phones, IPads, digital cameras, gaming systems, social networking applications, and internet blogs all play a role in placing students and families at risk. This 1.5 hour presentation is specifically geared towards parents and educators who looking to better understand the technology available to teens today and the way in which child predators use it to exploit them.
DCAT 22 replay times: Saturday & Sunday @ 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM
Also available On Demand: http://dcat.pegcentral.com
Run time: 1:22
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Unable to attend the Durham Tree Lighting Ceremony? No worries DCAT 22 Studios volunteer, Phil Kincade was there to record the happenings. Tune in on Saturday & Sunday @ 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM on DCAT 22 to enjoy the festivities. This video is also available for viewing On Demand: http://dcat.pegcentral.com
Total run time: 12:00
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Don't miss DCAT 22 Studios latest "In the Biz: Durham Business Spotlight with Mary Ellen Humphrey" episode. EDC Director Mary Ellen Humphrey chats with new and established businesses in Durham. Our second episode features: Laura Rothstein, Owner & Chris Buteau, Manager of, SolSistar boutique located at 9 Madbury Rd., Durham. Mary Ellen chats with Laura & Chris about managing a women’s clothing business, and their relocation from one Durham location to another. This video is available On Demand & replay on DCAT 22. Show times: Saturday & Sunday @ 1:15 PM – Monday & Wednesday @ 6:45 PM & Friday @ 10:15 PM. If you’d like your business recognized or have any comments, please contact: dcat@ci.durham.nh.us
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DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
Winter Programs
Our Winter Programs and Events Guide is packed full of programs, classes, trips and activities to keep everyone busy this winter! Several new programs have been added including, After School Winter Adventures, December vacation week expanded programming, February vacation week day camp, adult trips to see Chicago at the Rochester Opera House and to the Boston Flower and Garden Show.
A teacher workshop ski day to Gunstock Mountain is planned and Saturday Night Lights-Teen Skate Night at Churchill Rink. Additionally, beginning in February, Archery Clinics will be offered along with our new astronomy program- Stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm, in partnership with UNH.
December Vacation Week
Durham Parks & Recreation is offering a variety of drop-in style programs during the December vacation week to keep the kids moving and happy! All of the listed craft activities are open to all ages. Ages 6 and under require adult accompaniment. The listed gym games are open to ages 7+ and do not require adult accompaniment. Each of the listed programs do require a parent/guardian (18+) to sign-in participant(s) into respective program.
Please use the gym entrance located in the rear of ORMS.
Be sure to join us for a special Open Family Swim at UNH- Swasey Indoor Pool in Lundholm Gymnasium Wednesday morning from 9-11am! Adult supervision is required and pre-registration is required for the Open Family Swim.
Monday, December 28th
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Fusion Bead Frenzy- 10-11:30am at OR Middle School MPR. All Ages. $4/person.
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Dodgeball Games- 1-3pm at OR Middle School MPR. Ages 7+ FREE
Tuesday, December 29th
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Friendship Bracelets- 10-11:30am at OR Middle School MPR. All Ages. $4/person.
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Capture the Flag & Four Square- 1-3pm at OR Middle School MPR. Ages 7+ Free
Wednesday, December 30th
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Family Open Swim- 9-11am at UNH Swasey Indoor Pool. Enjoy b-ball hoops, diving board and the whole pool to swim and play! All ages welcome. $8/person or $20/family.
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Floor Hockey- 1-3pm at OR Middle School MPR. Ages 7+. FREE
Thursday, December 31st
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Sock Snowmen- 10-11:30am at OR Middle School MPR. All Ages. $4/person.
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Wiffleball & Bombardment- 1-3pm at OR Middle School MPR. Ages 7+. FREE
New at Churchill Rink- Saturday Nights Lights
We want to hear from you! Have a new exciting program idea? Please be sure to share your vision with Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski. Stop by the Recreation Department Office (2 Dover Road), or call/email the department at (603) 817-4074/ rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Troop 154 Boy Scout Christmas Trees, weekends 9am - 4pm, Mill Road Plaza parking lot. Christmas Tree sale has been the troop's sole fundraising effort for about 50 years. Look for coupon on Troop 154 Facebook page.
FREE Family Walk at Misty Meadows Herb Farm, Saturday, Dec 19, 2015, 1 - 2:30 PM, 183 Wednesday Hill Road, Lee. Come explore the winter woods. Will look for tracks of deer, fisher, fox, and squirrel. Wear warm clothing & boots. If snow, please call 603-659-7211 before coming in case of cancellation.
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Family Movie 'Annie' on Saturday, December 19th at 2PM
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Library Holiday Hours: Closed Thurs., Dec. 24th through Sat. Dec. 26th; Close early @ 3pm on Thurs., Dec. 30th; Closed Fri., Jan. 1st - Happy Holidays!
Book Donation Week - Please consider donating gently used books and DVD's during Dec. 28th thru Jan. 2nd.
New Circulation System – The new circulation system, Atriuum by Book Systems, has been launched. Please bear with us while the staff transitions to working with the new software. If you notice any discrepancies in your account (overdue books, fines, etc.) contact the library and speak to a staff member who will assist in correcting your account. The on-line search catalog, called OPAC, should be relatively easy to use, but don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
Family Movie “Annie,” Sat. Dec. 19th at 2pm – Join us for the new-version of the family classic “Annie.” All are welcome. Popcorn and juice are served. Shown in the 2nd floor Oyster River Room.
Make-It-Take-It Craft, Mon. Dec. 28th to Sat. Jan. 2nd - Visit the Children’s storytime/craft room any time to decorate the library’s festive, cardboard house! Bring home your own sweet creations too. All are welcome. Regularly scheduled programs will resume again on January 4th. Check the Children’s/YA January Program Calendar for details.
The First Primary: New Hampshire’s Outsized Role in Presidential Nominations, Mon. Jan. 4th at 7pm – Authors Andrew Smith and David Moore to speak at the DPL.
Raccoon Readers 2nd – 4th Grade Book Group, Tues. Jan. 5th 2:45pm - 4pm. - This month’s book Selection: “Bayou Magic” by Jewell Parker Rhodes.
New! S.T.E.A.M. Saturdays beginning Sat. Jan. 9th, 10:30-11:30am, theme: Gravity Painting – Starting in January, the Children’s Dept. will offer S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Music) activities every Saturday. All ages are welcome! Come to the Storytime/Craft Room to participate in S.T.E.A.M.! The first session kids can learn about art and physics with Gravity Painting!
New! YA Tech Club every last Tuesday of the month beginning Tues., Jan. 26th 6:30-7:30pm– Come and try out some cool, new technology items from Sphero and beyond! All 10+ year olds are welcome.
Storytimes! This week’s theme: Holidays, Tues. Dec. 21st 10:30am. Resumes again on Tues. Jan. 5th and Thurs. Jan. 7th, theme: Moose Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft.
Baby-Lapsit resumes Wed. Jan. 13th 10:30-11:30am - For children & their care-givers, infancy to age 2. Songs, stories, movement, rhymes & socializing afterward.
Knitting Club, Wed. Dec. 23rd 4-5 pm - 3rd through 5th graders knitting club. Please register at the Children's desk. Knitting Club will resume again on Jan.13th.
Lego Club (K-4th grade) resumes Thurs. Jan 21st 3:30-4:30pm (NOTE: Time change)– Like to build Legos? Join us to do Lego challenges and build cool structures.
Homeschoolers Group, resumes Friday, Jan. 22nd 10:30am, Theme: Oregon Trail – Join us for books, games, and a craft. This group is geared toward homeschoolers, but all are welcome.
December Gallery Exhibit – DPL presents, Nancy Davis Johnson, Durham resident and watercolor artist specializing in giclee prints. Her collection of work is on display during the month of December in the library’s second floor gallery.
Library Museum Passes - Patrons need to be aware that museum passes must be picked up at the library before they can be used. Museums will not accept the printout that confirms the reservation, or a phone shot of your confirmation: you must present the actual pass. The Friends of the Library generously support the purchase of museum passes to 12 terrific museums, including 3 different children’s museums, the Peabody Essex, the Currier, MFA, Strawbery Banke and others.
DPL Calendar for adult programs & events. Pick up locations: DPL circulation desk, DPL Café and Durham Town Hall bulletin Board. The DPL Children’s & YA Program Calendar is also available at the library and on-line.
Free Ancestry.com at the library – Select the new Genealogy and Local History tab on the website homepage http://durhampubliclibrary.org It will lead you to many helpful links for your research. The HeritageQuest module can be accessed from your home computer; just call DPL 603-868-6699 for the password. The Ancestry.com site is a special library edition, and can be opened from anywhere in our building. Other links take you to cemetery sites, census records, Latter-Day-Saints database, National Archives and many other digitized resources. Local history links take you to the relevant sections of the UNH catalog and other collections of local interest.
Tales for Tails – Have a child who needs to increase their confidence in reading? Have them read to one of our Pet Partner dogs! Your child will read ½ hour once a week to one of the dogs and their handlers. Sessions run for 4 weeks. Next session begins on Jan. 25th. Call the Children’s Dept. to sign up now!
Join the Reading Patch Club! Ages 2-12 years - Earn patches and a tote bag for hours that you read! Program sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.
Technology Help - The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology, such as computers, iPads and phones. Call us to check on the availability of our volunteers at 868-6699 or email us at durhampl@gmail.com.
For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commenced August 28th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
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