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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Council Chair Jay Gooze gives Santa some 'lovin' before getting his gift at the Police Department's annual holiday party on Thursday evening this week.
Courtesy Detective Jennifer Kelly
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TREE LIGHTING - SATURDAY EVENING!! We hope to see you downtown tomorrow night. The tree lighting event is from 6-8pm. Enjoy live music by Mike Dunbar, holiday carols by Alabaster Blue a Cappella Group, an ice sculpting demonstration by Camden Moore, ornament making with ORPP, photos with Ruby The Photo Bus, hot cider with Bikram Hot Yoga, a special craft and hot cocoa at the Candy Bar, bonfire & s’mores in the center of town, and popcorn with the Fire Department. Take home a sand art creation and decorate a gingerbread man cookie as well! Santa is expected to visit too!! We have great raffle prizes to give away and a special tree lighting countdown by our very own Oyster River High School Boys Soccer State Champs!! Great FUN for the whole family!
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DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 1ST ANNUAL HOLLY DAY STROLL
The Durham Business Association invites you to kick off the holiday season at their 1st Annual Holly Day Stroll on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 10 am – 4 pm.
Shop, dine, save and be merry in Durham! Enjoy town businesses dressed in their holiday finest, select specials, sales, and exciting activities while supporting community based businesses.
The Holly Day Stroll starts off with a Breakfast for Santa hosted by the Works Bakery Café from 9 -11 am.
Throughout the day Hannaford’s located in the Mill Plaza will serving warm drinks and cookies.
Stroll Main Street to continue the fun, look for the Holly Day Stroll sign in the window of participating stores. Along with their winter sporting selection, Durham Bike & Sports will have winter hats for sale, visit SolSistar to look at their select items on sale, and get hands-on while making a free ornament at Main Street Makery. To print out photos from the day’s activities, visit Amy’s Frame Shop located inside Hayden Sports to print from the photo kiosk and get your photos framed with a $5 coupon. While in Hayden Sports, take advantage of their December Sweatshirt Special, or buy one necklace and get one free.
Share the spirit, invite your family and friends and make it a day.
Local restaurants and cafes will be open for food and drink throughout the day.
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DBA LIGHT UP DURHAM LIGHTING CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Durham Business Association (DBA) has announced the winners of this year’s 20th Light Up Durham competition. The DBA extends a thank you to all recognized fraternities, sororities, and businesses that participated.
The winners are…
BUSINESS:
The Candy Bar
Durham Book Exchange
Wildcat Pizza
FRATERNITY:
1ST Place: Sigma Phi Epsilon
2ND Place: Lambda Chi Alpha
3RD Place: Sigma Nu
SORORITY:
1St Place: Chi Omega
2ND Place: Alpha Chi Omega
3RD Place: Alpha Xi Delta
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UPDATE ON CODE/ZONING/HEALTH OFFICER SELECTION PROCESS
In August, the Town began advertising for the position of the Code/Zoning/Health Officer. A total of 20 applications were received. A core selection group, comprised of Administrator Todd Selig, Council Chair Jay Gooze, Police Chief David Kurz, Fire Chief Corey Landry, and current Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Tom Johnson carefully reviewed the application materials and narrowed down the number of applicants to be interviewed to 5 semi-finalists.
Prior to arriving for their respective interviews, each prospective candidate was provided with the Town’s letterhead, a tax card, and sections of the Zoning Ordinance and asked to respond to the following scenario:
A realtor representing a potential out-of-state purchaser comes into your office to inquire about the legal status of the property. In particular, they are interested to know if the 2 story home with finished basement and 7 bedrooms meets local zoning. They also inquire as to whether the accessory apartment with 2 bedrooms, bathroom and kitchenette over the garage was approved for the 3 tenants living there. You take a ride later that day thru the neighborhood, and see an exterior stair off the second floor over the unfinished garage. There are 5 cars on the property, 2 with NH plates, 1 from CT, 1 from Mass and 1 from NJ. Doors to the unfinished garage are open and there are 2 more vehicles in the garage without any visible plates. The Mass and NJ cars are off the pavement over on the side lawn near a septic vent pipe. The front entry door has #9 on it, the main door at left of garage has 9B and the exterior stair has 9C.
Upon completing interviews of the semi-finalists, the interview group narrowed the field to 3 finalists.
An invitation was extended to the chairs of the Historic District/Heritage Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment as well as Town Planner Michael Behrendt, Planning, Zoning & Assessing Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards, and former Town Councilor Cathy Leach to join the original group in interviewing the final 3 candidates. At the conclusion of the final interviews, the group reached consensus and Administrator Selig has chosen Audrey Cline for the position.
Ms. Cline holds an Associate of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from the N.H. Technical Institute in Concord, NH and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Boston University, and comes with nearly ten years of directly relevant code administration and enforcement experience. She also has prior experience in architectural design as a small business owner.
In 2015, Ms. Cline was named Building Inspector of the Year by the New Hampshire Building Officials Association (NHBOA).
The Administrator has completed conducting the appropriate prior employment and reference checks, and a criminal background check is currently underway. The candidate’s appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of this investigation.
At this time, Mr. Selig is moving forward with the appointment of Audrey Cline to the position of Code/Zoning/Health Officer subject to the “Advice and Consent” of the Town Council on Monday evening, December 7, 2015.
The outgoing Code/Zoning/Health Officer was paid $88,000. Ms. Cline will begin her service at a salary of $73,000.
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TOWN/GOWN AGREEMENT DISCUSSIONS UNDER WAY
The Town and UNH have begun discussions relative to a variety of decennial Town/Gown agreements which come to an end this year and are up for renewal. These include:
Fire Protection Service Agreement, Water and Wastewater System Agreement, Jackson’s Landing Boathouse, Outdoor Pool, and the School Agreement (relative to students living on campus in tax exempt property who attend the Oyster River School District). Other topics that will be discussed include the potential development of a framework for a possible future collaborative Town/Gown relationship dealing with Stormwater; Long-term University & Town Planning; and the possible transfer of ownership of the Faculty Estates “Tot Lot” and Oyster River Park from UNH to Durham.
Administrator Selig has asked Town Councilors Carden Welsh, Jim Lawson, Firoze Katrak, and Kenny Rotner, as well as relevant municipal staff, to join him as part of the discussions with UNH represented by former Assoc. Vice President for Facilities, Paul Chamberlin, as well as current Assoc. Vice President for Facilities and Operations, Bill Janelle, and relevant UNH staff, as needed.
To date, discussions have focused on identifying topics of interest for mutual discussion, as well as more in depth initial conversations relative to the Fire Agreement and the Water/Wastewater Agreement. Such discussions will continue over the course of the next few months. Mr. Selig will ultimately bring agreements to the Town Council for approval.
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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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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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DECEMBER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
A reminder that 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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Jim Rice, Assessor
DURHAM ASSESSOR RECEIVES 2015 PRESIDENT'S CHOICE AWARD
Durham Assessor Jim Rice was the recipient of the 2015 President’s Choice Award at the NH Association of Assessing Officials annual banquet in November. The award was given in appreciation for his dedication and outstanding service as Chairman of the NHAAO Education Committee. Jim was also recently nominated as the NHAAO County Director for Strafford County.
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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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SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION FOR PARENTS
Durham Police in conjunction with the Oyster River Middle School and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force presents “Social Media: A Predators Playground” on Monday, December 7th, at 6:30 in the library at the Oyster River Middle School.
Parents will learn about the dangers that face teens every day. Discussion will focus upon 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. The 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.
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Serena Coe Paine
A NEW LANTERN
The redbrick building on the corner of Newmarket Road and Dover Road has a new lantern over the front door. It honors Serena Coe Paine, whose great-great grandfather Joseph Coe built this Durham landmark in 1825. The building served as his store for fifteen years before the town bought it as a meeting hall, courthouse, and town offices, purposes it served for more than a century. Today the ground floor is used by Parks & Recreation, and the second floor houses the Durham Historic Association Museum.
Nancy Sandberg, DHA curator and an expert in historic architecture, selected the Federal period lantern to complement the 190-year-old building and its unique curved front. It is a gift to the town from Serena’s daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Dan Ford.
Serena grew up in Hyde Park, Mass., but spent her summers at her grandparents’ home on Dover Road, now the Pines guesthouse. She married Philbrook Paine of Durham, living first on Woodman Road and then at Shankhassick Farm on Durham Point Road. Phil once wrote of her that “Serena shines like a beacon in a mad sea of oddness and trouble,” so it’s especially appropriate that she continue to light up this corner of historic Durham.
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DO YOU HAVE 4 HOURS OF EXTRA TIME A WEEK?
The Durham Police Department is a member of the national Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program, and the department is seeking to add new members. They would welcome your “donation” of time to assist them with some simple clerical work that includes answering telephones and greeting visitors/customers at the police facility. Chief Kurz reports that there are several exceptional volunteers who are already contributing four (4) hours a week from 8:00AM to 12:00PM. After a familiarization of the work involved, scheduling is as simple as signing up for these hours on any Monday through Friday. If you can’t volunteer one week or two, it is fine, as the department truly appreciates the need for your flexibility. Each volunteer would have an abbreviated background check due to the confidential nature of position but if you have some free time and want to engage with community volunteering, Chief Kurz would love to talk to you. Please contact him via dkurz@ci.durham.nh.us or by telephone at 868-2324.
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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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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES
Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates". Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.
This week's mini film is about Willow Moon Farm, their beautiful goats and cheese.
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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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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
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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Perhaps you missed the first of the Healthy Living Series: Food Shopping for Your Health at the Durham Public Library on Wednesday, October 7th. DCAT 22 Studios was there to record the first of the series for your viewing pleasure. Find out why sugar isn't all that bad, give your body what it needs, and planning your supermarket visit. Presenters: Gale Carey & Kevin Pietro/UNH's Dept of Molecular, Cellular & Biomedical Sciences. Part of the Healthy Living Series in October. This video is also available on our On Demand site. Replay times on DCAT 22 – Saturday & Sunday @ 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM.
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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.
Coyote Club
Registration is now open for Coyote Club Session 3, beginning January 4th 2016.
Feather Fest
Approximately 70 people came out for Feather Fest on Thanksgiving morning at Wagon Hill Farm. The group enjoyed a story, craft bags and a turkey hunt, following the trail of feathers which led them to a sweet treat of hot cocoa and homemade donuts from Stonehouse Bakery! Thank you ORPP member, Giana Gelsey for taking the lead on this program to make it such a success!!
Courtesy of Hannah Earle
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.
Durham Churches Annual Christmas Fair, Saturday, Dec 5, 2015, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The tradition of the Christmas Fair continues at The Community Church of Durham, The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, St. Thomas More, and St. George Episcopal Church.
Oyster River Holiday Bazaar - Saturday, Dec 5, 2015, 9AM - 2PM, Oyster River Middle School. Entrance to Bazaar is through the cafeteria in back of the school. Over 40 artisans and vendors participating this year.
“The Nutcracker” Ballet Hosted by Northeastern Ballet, Sat., Dec. 5, 7PM and Sun., Dec. 6, 2015, 2PM, ORHS auditorium. Tickets: Adult/$20, Children/Seniors $17.50, Family of Four/$60. Group rates available. Purchase on-line. Book early as these family-friendly shows have sold out the last two years. Call 603-834-8834 or e-mail northeasternballettheatre@gmail.com.
Oyster River Folk, Saturday, Dec 5, 2015, 7PM, Durham UU Fellowship, 20 Madbury Road. A special holiday folk concert featuring Susie Burke, David Surrette and Kent Allyn. Tickets: $15.00 at the door, Kids under 12 are free. For more information, clilck HERE.
Bikram Yoga Holiday Open House, Saturday, Dec 12, 2015, 1 Madbury Road. 10% off all gift cards and packages. Holiday drink, food, and raffle from 6-8PM.
Gingerbread House Contest, Saturday, Dec 12, 2015, 10AM - 3PM, UNH MUB Food Court. Come build a gingerbread house. All supplies are provided for building fun gingerbread creations.Just show up and have fun. This event is for all ages. All proceeds benefit On Belay which builds community among youth who have or have had a family member with cancer using adventure based programs that encourage participants to uncover their inner resilience. Click HERE to register a team. $15.00/team pre-registration, $20.00/team at the door. Email Jason.leach@unh.edu with questions.
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The Snowflake Social and 2015 Gingerbread House Unveiling on Dec. 9th, 4-7pm
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
All Invited to the Snowflake Social at DPL, Wed. Dec. 9th 4-7pm – Schedule of events: 4-5pm Origami Stars, Jane Shannon; 4-6pm Paper Snowflakes, Sarah Grandy and Wendy Brooks; 5:30-7pm Harpist, Zachary Adinolfi; and 6pm Gingerbread House Unveiling, Trudy Higgins Brown. Ample overflow parking at 1 Coe Drive, Oyster River middle School. Contact Armida: ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Special Family Program “Come and Decorate a Gingerbread Man Cookie!” Sat. Dec. 5th 10:30-11:30am. Stop by the storytime/craft room and decorate a gingerbread man cookie with fun things to use. All are welcome. Be sure to come before he runs away! Crafternoon will follow from 12-4pm in the storytime/craft room.
Library Fines Erased with Toy Donation - Want to do a good deed and have your overdue library late fees erased? Collecting new unwrapped toys now until Dec. 18th at the DPL to donate to the Seacoast Firefighters Toy Bank. Does not apply to lost items.
Acoustic Open Mic, Wed. Dec. 9 6:30pm – Come to the DPL Cafe and listen or perform. Peg Chaffee & Cheryl Sager of “Nice and Naughty” fame are the hootmeisters. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the DPL.
Game Afternoon Mon. Dec. 7th, 2:45-4pm – For ages 10 & up – Come and play some fun games and have a snack too.
Storytimes! This week’s theme: Let’s Pretend! Tues. Dec. 8th & Thurs. Dec. 10th 10:30am, next week’s theme: Winter/Snow! Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft.
Baby-Lapsit, Wed. Dec.9th 10:30-11:30am - For children & their care-givers, infancy to age 2. Songs, stories, movement, rhymes & socializing afterward.
Knitting Club, Wed. Dec. 9th 4-5 pm - 3rd through 5th graders knitting club. Please register at the Children's desk.
Lego Club (K-4th grade), Thurs. Dec. 10rd 3:45-4:45pm – Theme: Snowflakes and snow. – Like to build Legos? Join us to do Lego challenges and build cool structures.
Homeschoolers Group, Fri. Dec. 11th 10:30am, Theme: Inventions – Join us for books, games, and a craft. This group is geared toward homeschoolers, but all are welcome.
PJ Storytime “Holidays!” Thurs. Dec. 10th, 6pm - Come wearing your PJ's! Join ORPP and the Durham Public Library for stories, songs, feltboard and a craft. Snacks provided by ORPP.
Oyster River ASD Friends, Thurs. Dec. 10th 6:30pm – 7 refreshments, Presentation & Discussion 7-8pm – NH Vocational Rehabilitation speakers Ann Kane & Karen Martin-Brown. Learn about transitioning students with ASD to enter the world of work. Contact” Julie, jsmithnh@icloud.com
Family Storytime “Cozy at Home” Sat. Dec. 12th, 10:30am - Join us for family storytime. There will be stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft. Crafternoon follows from 12-4pm for a fun, creative time.
Bookeaters Middle School Book Group, Wed. Dec. 16th, 2:45pm - 4pm. This month’s book Selection: “Swindle” by Gordon Korman. Ruth Wharton McDonald, UNH Professor of Education, leads the discussion. Enjoy pizza and drinks.
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.
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 December 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 December Calendar is also available at the library and on-line.
Make-It-Take-It Craft, Mon. Dec. 28th to Sat. Jan. 2nd - Visit the Children’s storytime room any time to decorate a giant gingerbread playhouse! 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.
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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