|
|
|
 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 13, 2015
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
|
Roof collapse in the Merrick Woods--an example of what happens when roofs are not shoveled off during periods of heavy snowfall! Courtesy Todd Selig
______________________
Enough snow already! Maybe if we all think "sun", warm weather will follow. Unfortunately, the reality is that more snow is predicted for this weekend.
|
|
SNOW REMOVAL IN AND AROUND DURHAM – A Message to Durham Residents and Businesses from the Plowing Crew at the Public Works Department
Durham Public Works Department staff 100% appreciates the frustration residents and business owners have had (and are having!) with the amount of snow we have received in town over the last two weeks. By DPW’s count, Durham has received approximately 47 inches and that’s just new snow from last Monday on! More snow is on the way.
Staff at DPW very much appreciate the community’s patience. Public Works employees have already worked 135-145 hours in the last 12 days, with more to be added this weekend according to the forecast. The department is simply doing the best it can do with the staff available. There have also been a number of mechanical breakdowns primarily due to aging equipment, some of which was the result of deferred replacements in order to mitigate budgetary impacts over the last few years.
Hopefully there will be a reprieve after this next snow event.
If you have any plowing concerns, feel free to contact DPW directly at 868-5578.
|
|
CHILDREN PLAYING IN ROADSIDE SNOW BANKS - There Was Almost a Tragedy Recently when a Durham Plow Driver Saw Small Feet Sticking out of a Snow Bank and Stopped Just in Time
During the last major snowstorm one of the plow drivers for the Public Works Department experienced a very close call with some children playing in a large snow bank.
The driver was coming around a bend near a cul-du-sac pushing a ton of snow when he saw just two feet sticking out of the pile, which completely startled him.
The driver got out of the truck and had a chat with the children explaining that they needed to be very careful during storms, and if they hear a plow truck, to make sure they pop their heads up to see what is coming. He came very close to plowing these children in a fort they were building in the roadside snow piles.
Parents are asked to please inform their children that if they hear a snow plow to make sure they pop their heads up and get out of the way. Or better yet, have them avoid these areas while the storm is active, maybe playing farther off the roads back up on properties.
Naturally, playing in large snow banks and building forts is very fun for young children! But, the thought of a plow hitting a child and causing serious injury or worse is a life altering thought.
Snow forts can collapse on children trapping them inside.
|
|
PSNH/EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT
The Seacoast Reliability Project is a new $70 million 115kV transmission line connecting the Madbury and Portsmouth PSNH substations through Durham and Newington. The project, according to PSNH, is needed to support the reliable delivery of electric power to meet the region’s current demand and support the region’s future economic growth. Approximately $30 million of the infrastructure being proposed is in Durham. The project would utilize existing PSNH rights of way. PSNH has provided some initial information about the project to the Town. In an effort to keep the community apprised of this project, we have posted that information on Durham’s web site. We anticipate more information will follow, including formal notice to the community and impacted residents who own property along the PSNH rights of way. PSNH indicates the project is exempt from local zoning and instead presents a regional impact that is regulated by the State of New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee. All affected municipalities and residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Site Evaluation Committee later in the process. PSNH will be required to hold a public information session in Durham as part of the state review process. At this time there is no formal application pending. Rather, Durham is making available to the public preliminary information to make the community aware of the project. View the report HERE.
|
|
YEAR END GROSS WAGES (2014) FOR TOWN OF DURHAM EMPLOYEES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING ON DURHAM WEB SITE
While not required to do so by law, annually the Town compiles a list of year end gross wages for Durham employees and makes it available for public viewing. Please note that every 7 years there is an extra pay period and 2014 was that 7th year.
To view the 2014 list, click HERE.
|
|
Exterior metal panel system that is being proposed for the UNH Hamel Recreation Center
PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON HAMEL REC CENTER APPLICATION - February 25, 2015
UNH has submitted its plans for Planning Board review of the Hamel Recreation Center. A public hearing will be held on this project at the February 25 Planning Board meeting in accordance with RSA 674:54. After the public hearing, the Board will be able to offer nonbinding comments to UNH at that meeting.
|
|
TOWN COUNCIL ANNUAL EVALUATION OF ADMINISTRATOR SELIG’S PERFORMANCE OVER LAST YEAR AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW
As has been the case since 2001, Administrator Selig has made public the results of his annual evaluation. The Council discussed it in public session at its meeting this week. To view the complete 2014 evaluation document (conducted in Feb. 2015) on the Town’s web site, click HERE.
To view an article regarding the annual evaluation in the Foster’s Daily Democrat, click HERE.
|
|
TOWN WARNS OF BUILDING COLLAPSE DANGER - Heavy Snow Loads Can Cause Many Serious Issues for Buildings
Due to recent heavy snow there is a greater urgency to clear roofs of snow and ice that has accumulated. A roof may collapse with little or no warning, and one common misconception is that only flat roofs are susceptible to collapse. High roof parapets can accumulate significant drifting snow, especially during wind events.
Warning signs could indicate that residents/businesses have a danger of roof collapse.
You should immediately evacuate the building and notify your local building official, fire department, or contact a structural engineer to determine if the building is safe if you observe the following:
-
Sagging roof steel – visually deformed
-
Severe or new roof leaks
-
Cracked or split wood members
-
Bends or ripples in metal supports
-
Recent cracks in walls, drywall or masonry
-
Cracks in welds of steel construction
-
Sheared off screws from steel frames
-
Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
-
Doors that pop open
-
Doors or windows that are difficult to open
-
Bowed utility pipes or conduits attached to the ceiling
-
Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
Past fire investigations have determined that gas service to some buildings have been damaged due to heavy snow loads and snow sliding off of roofs onto gas meters and components.
Also snow sliding off of roofs onto outside oil tanks has caused valves and filters to be broken off.
Durham property owners are urged to do the following:
-
Clear roofs of excessive snow and ice buildup, being careful not to damage gas and oil service to the building. Clearing the roof can be dangerous and should be left to professionals. Using a roof rake is recommended while keeping away from electrical lines.
-
Keep all chimneys and vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the building. Some vents, such as pellet stove vents, may exit the building through a wall and are susceptible to being blocked by excessive snow buildup on the outside of the building.
-
Keep all exits clear of snow, so that occupants can escape quickly if a fire, or other emergency, should occur. Keep in mind that windows should be cleared to allow a secondary means of escape in case the primary means of escape is blocked by fire. Keeping exits clear also allows emergency workers to access your building.
Specific fire and building safety questions can be answered by calling the Durham Fire Department at 862-2536 or the Durham Building Department at 868-8064.
|
|
2015 DOG TAGS
Although dog licenses do not have to be renewed until April, our 2015 tags are available now for early renewal. If you are in the Town Clerk’s office on other business you may choose to register your dog early and have one less thing to worry about later.
|
|
FIRE DEPARTMENT PART-TIME POSITION - SECRETARY
Recently Fire Department part-time Secretary Susan Boardman left the department for a new position in Massachusetts. We congratulate Susan and wish her well in her venture. However, the Fire Department is now seeking a suitable replacement.
To view the latest employment opportunities for the Town of Durham Fire Department, click HERE.
|
|
Courtesy Ellen Karelitz, Garden Steward, Wagon Hill Community Garden
WAGON HILL COMMUNITY GARDEN
Welcome to the 2015 growing season. By way of inspiration during this snowy time, I thought I'd share with you a sampling of vegetable and garden products I am still enjoying from last year's harvest.
In the basket are russet potatoes, beets, a cabbage, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. In jars are mixed pickled veggies, bread and butter pickles, green beans, tomatoes, salsa and pesto. In my freezer I have chard, roasted tomatoes, and pumpkin puree. They weren't photogenic enough for the photo op.
The potatoes, beets and cabbage have all ambitiously started to grow roots and sprouts. I am wondering if I should really eat them or just replant them! The cabbage,which I stored in the refrigerator is also growing little cabbages around the base. I also stored the beets in the refrigerator and while they are now starting to get a little soft up until a couple of weeks ago they were still crisp and firm. I can eat the softer ones and they taste fine. The squash and potatoes were stored in my basement. They do need to be eaten soon or I could cook and freeze them. The vegetables pictured are just a few of the ones I have left to eat.
So, as you page through your seed catalogs, be sure to consider some vegetables for storing. You will enjoy having them in the depths of winter.
Think Spring!
Ellen Karelitz, Garden Steward, Wagon Hill Community Garden
|
|
2015 MARCH TOWN AND SCHOOL ELECTIONS - MARCH 10, 2015
The 2015 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Voters will park in reserved spaces along the front of the school and use the Multipurpose Room entrance. To view the official ballot, click HERE.
To view the questionnaires completed by the candidates listed below that have filed for Durham elected offices, click HERE. This information may also be found on the front page of the Town's web site, www.ci.durham.nh.us, under "Featured Articles".
Town Council (three, 3-yr terms): Firoze E. Katrak, Kenneth (Kenny) Rotner, James Lawson
Library Board of Trustees (two, 3-yr terms): Nancy Webb
Moderator (one, 2-yr term): Christopher T. Regan
Supervisors of the Checklist (one, 1-yr term): Deborah Hirsch Mayer
Trustees of the Trust Funds (one, 3-yr term): Michael H. Everngam, Peter Stanhope
Trustees of the Trust Funds (one, 2-yr term): William Cote
*********************************
The following is a list of individuals that have filed for the ORCSD elected offices:
Allen Howland – Durham
Maria Barth - Lee
Daniel Klein – Madbury
Richard Laughton - Moderator
|
|
TOWN ELECTION - ABSENTEE BALLOTS
The Town Election will be held on March 10, 2015, at Oyster River High School from 7:00am – 7:00pm.
Absentee ballots for both the Town and School should be available the last week of February at the Town Clerks Office. Ballot request forms are available at the Town Clerk's Office. Ballots can also be requested in writing. Written requests for ballots should include: the election for which you are requesting the absentee ballot, your printed name, signature, home address, mailing address if applicable and the reason for your absence.
|
|
DURHAM POLICE COMPLETE 2014 ANALYSIS OF RESPONSES TO RESISTANCE
Annually the Durham Police produce a report that analyzes all reports of force, or response to resistance, that the officers of the department engaged to perform their mission. By policy of the department, each time an officer uses any amount of physical force greater than the simple application of handcuffs to safely bring a suspect into custody, the officer must complete a “Response to Resistance Report”. At the end of the year, Chief Kurz has assigned Captain David Holmstock with the task of analyzing all of these individual reports to determine if there were policy violations, if any one officer is resorting to the use of force more than others and to ensure that department is deserving of the trust given to the police by the community. As Chief Kurz points out, police authority, which includes the use of non-lethal and lethal force, is given to the police department by the community through the Town Council and the Town Code. “The trust given to the Durham Police Department to conduct our mission in a responsible manner is a major obligation that we do not take for granted! Transparency as we review our employee’s conduct is an important attribute of warranting continuation of that trust.” Click HERE to view Captain Holmstock’s full annual analysis.
|
|
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG, ODD, OR NOT QUITE RIGHT, PLEASE CALL THE POLICE
The very essence of community policing is that the community and the police work together to confront crime and the fear of crime. The vast majority of Durham residents understand that the police cannot be everywhere simultaneously to observe criminal or suspicious activity as it occurs and the department finds it difficult to patrol residential areas with the frequency residents, businesses and the police prefer.
Chief Kurz urges residents to contact the police at 868-2324 or 911 if you see, hear or sense something is not quite right. An officer will respond quickly and resolve what may or may not be a criminal activity.
When law enforcement works directly with residents and businesses we collectively are going a long way toward reducing crime, improving quality of life, and enhancing public safety.
|
|
NEW HAMPSHIRE'S NEW "HANDS FREE ELECTRONIC DEVICE" LAW IS COMING IN JULY!
During the past 4 years there have been 116 fatal car crashes in New Hampshire that have been attributed to “distraction”. Research states that a driver texting in vehicle operator is 23 times more likely to crash. These are some the realities that have led to the new law that on July 1, 2015 will be the enactment date in NH that will prohibit the use of hand held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data communication while driving or temporarily halted/stopped in traffic for a stop sign, traffic signal or other momentary delays. An electronic device includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPad or other devices that require data entry. Of course, any call being made to 911 or other public safety entity will not be a violation.
It is important to understand that the ban would apply while drivers are stopped temporarily, such as at a red light, but not if they have pulled-over and are stopped off the side of the roadway. Vehicle operators can answer the phone but not holding it to the ear or typing emails or other messages. It also does not allow programming GPS systems unless drivers are pulled off the road.
Drivers can use a variety of ways to comply with the law and still talk on their phones. For example, drivers can attach a Bluetooth device to an older car’s sun visor and sync it to their cellphone. Many newer cars can also make hands-free calls through Bluetooth integrated into the car’s system.
|
|
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
On Tuesday, February 17, 2015, President Mark W. Huddleston will give his State of the University address reflecting on the challenges, accomplishments, and milestones of the past year, and looking ahead to 2015.
The address will be held in the Memorial Union Building, Granite State Room, UNH.
Doors open at 12:40PM. Address begins at 1PM.
Parking for off campus guests will be available in Lot C, free of charge, with the use of coupon code 0217. Lot C (J:17)
The event will be live-streamed. Please view the UNH event website for details.
|
|
Brontosaurus mowing back alder and red maple in an abandoned field on the Kearsarge WMA.
CREATION OF A NEW ENGLAND COTTONTAIL RABBIT HABITAT AT ON NORTH FORTY SECTION OF WAGON HILL FARM
Residents will notice some changes in the Wagon Hill North Forty over the next few weeks. (The north forty is the section of Wagon Hill the is on the north side of Route 4 east of the entrance to the Emery Farm farm stand.) NH Fish and Game is creating New England Cottontail habitat on the site. To do this, they need to create an early successional habitat. What is an “early successional habitat” ? It is the young trees and bushes that grow up in an area recently disturbed – an old farm field, logging site or area where trees have been felled by storms. The small trees and shrubs provide food and cover for a host of small animals. New Hampshire used to have a fair amount of this habitat, but it is now rare, as the state has become increasingly forested.
To create this habitat, in the 2nd or 3rd week of February, an area of the north forty along Watson Road will be harvested in a wildlife cut that will remove 13 acres of poor quality white pine. It will then be replanted with native shrubs this spring. Fish and game will also remove some trees in the area along route 4, near the farm stand entrance,using a Brontosaurus tool. See the article below for more information on the Brontosaurus, and some links to more general information on Cottontail habitat restoration.
NH Fish and Game article on the Brontosaurus tool and its use for habitat maintenance:
All early successional habitats are critically important to maintaining New Hampshire’s wildlife. Shrublands support nearly 40 species of songbirds, the majority of which are declining in number. Shrublands provide habitat for the state endangered New England cottontail, which is also a candidate for federal listing. Pine barrens support a suite of rare species including four globally rare and 37 state or federally listed species of moths and butterflies including our state butterfly, the karner blue. More than 70 species of wildlife use early-successional habitats to meet their needs for food, cover, or breeding.
Prior to European settlement, early successional habitats were created through beaver flooding, seasonal flooding and ice scouring along our rivers and streams, severe wind events, and Native Americans' use of fire. Except for wind, these disturbances are now kept in check via drainage ditches and development, flood control structures, and fire suppression. As a result, early-successional habitats are in critically short supply. To create and maintain early-successional habitats, we now must employ tools like the brontosaurus to provide the disturbances that in many cases nature no longer can. Other tools and techniques used include brush hogging to maintain old fields, clear cutting and other types of timber harvesting to create patches of early-successional forest, setting prescribed fires with crews of trained staff, and even herbicides to combat invasive exotic plants that can take over early-successional habitats.
You can help with creating and maintaining these critically important habitats. See our Habitat page for information and links to our landowners' guide HERE. And, "What the heck is early successional habitat"?
The same area six years later. This is the type of habitat that woodcock, eastern towhee, chestnut-sided warblers, and many others love.
|
|
|
|
ORCSD WARRANT ARTICLE #3 REGARDING ATHLETIC FACILITY UPGRADE AT HIGH SCHOOL
At the February 3rd deliberative session, community members from Lee, Madbury, and Durham voted to place Warrant Article #3 on the ballot for the March 10th election.
This article seeks to bond $1.7 million over ten years for an athletic facility upgrade at the high school. This project will include an all-weather track, an artificial turf, a rectangular playing field and reconfiguration of our baseball and softball fields. The district indicates that an artificial turf field will improve drainage and allow for greater utilization of the field. The reconfiguration of the High School baseball and softball fields would improve safety and provide for multi-use play according to the district.
The total cost of the project is $2 million. Assuming the $1.7 million bond is approved by voters, previous fund-raising has provided the remaining $300,000, which will be used for construction of the all-weather track.
The School Board anticipates additional fund-raising will make possible enhancements to the project, including field lights and dugouts.
A three-fifth ballot vote is required for passage of this article.
More information on this project can be found at www.orbobcats.com .
|
|
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, February 16, 2015
Agricultural Commission - Monday, February 16, 2015 (Durham Public Library, upstairs small conference room; 7PM)
Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, February 17, 2015
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.
|
|
DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
|
|
PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
For the latest information about programs and events, visit: Durham Parks & Recreation Online
View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE.
Why take a fitness class with Durham Parks & Recreation?
-
Convenient location - Drop in to most classes for only $10!
-
Fits your schedule - Classes available Monday through Saturday!
-
Quality - Classes instructed by certified, local, and passionate instructors!
Bootcamp: An hour of POWER! Total body cardio and strength workout to start your day off right.
Tai Ji Quan - Moving For Better Balance: This world-renowned balance training program combines Tai Ji Quan movements with therapy and function exercises to keep you on your feet and moving.
Pilates: Improve your flexibility, gain core strength, and overall body tone. All in one hour!
Zumba: A dynamic, easy to follow, cardio dance fitness class. We do hip-hop, salsa, flamenco, bollywood, and so much more! You don't need experience, just jump in and join the party!
Yoga: Allow your mind, body, and spirit to connect through meditation and movement.
Strength & Stretch: Improve your bone density and balance with a total body strengthening session, followed by stretching to improve flexibility.
Yoga for Active Adults (55+): Quiet your mind, reduce stress, and learn relaxation techniques. Designed for every ability level.
Tai Chi Advanced: Combination of Tai Ji Quan movements and therapeutic exercise to keep your body active. Designed for participants with Tai Chi experience.
Churchill Rink
Churchill Rink has your February vacation covered! Reduced rates, activities, and refreshments every day! Find out more by visiting http://www.churchillrink.org/.
Churchill Rink Facebook
|
|
DURHAM PLACEMAKERS
Are you interested in creating a vibrant downtown with welcoming public spaces and businesses that serve residents, families and students? Do you wonder how Durham might continue to develop while retaining its village identity and rural character?
A citizen group has been formed that meets the last Monday of each month at 7pm in the Library to learn how local leaders, innovative thinkers, and communities around the world are improving the places they live in and love. The group discusses ideas about placemaking and ways to work together to shape the future of the community.
Monday February 23 (7pm Library): Updates about some of the current developments in town and discussion on how the suggestions in the book "Walkable City" by Jeff Speck might apply to Durham. Multiple copies are available in the Library, or click HERE to view his talk. For more information contact Erin Hale (ehardiehale@gmail.com) or Kate Ruml (ksruml@gmail.com).
|
|
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Bike & Sports - Ski Tunes $25 Special until Feb 13, Sharpen Skates/Punch Card, winter hats, socks and gloves
Local Preach-in on Climate Change, Sunday, Feb 15, 2015, 12:00 Noon, Lee Church Congregational. Light refreshments provided.
Moharimet PTO Summer Camp Open House, Monday, Feb 16, 2015, 6-7:00 PM, Moharimet Elementary School. Free and open to the public. Contact Kate Haley Webb, khaleywebb@yahoo.com with questions.
Durham Newcomers Unlimited monthly meeting, Friday, Feb 20, 2015. Durham Community Church. Coffee/social at 9AM; speaker at 10AM. Titled "A Journey to the bottom of the Ocean". James Gardner, a Research Professor at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at UNH, will discuss his work mapping the ocean floor.
Farm Style Breakfast, Sunday, Mar 8, 2015, 8AM-12:00 Noon, Jeremiah Smith Grange Hall, 1 Lee Hook Road, Lee, sponsored by the Strafford County Farm Bureau and Lee and Durham Agricultural Commissions and featuring locally sourced food from producers in the area. Funds raised will help support the Strafford County Farm Bureau's Youth in Agriculture grant program. Tickets may be reserved ahead of time up until March 7th and payment can be made at the door. Reserved tickets: $8/adults - $5/ kids, or pay at the door: $10/adults - $7/kids. To reserve your tickets, email Theresa Walker of the Durham Agricultural Commission at theresawalker@comcast.net or call Theresa at 659-7226.
|
|
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Discovering New England Stone Walls, Tuesday February 17th, 6:30 pm - Kevin Gardner (above), author of, The Granite Kiss will share the history of New England stone walls touching on the technique, stylistic development, and aesthetics. He explains how and why New England came to acquire its thousands of miles of stone walls, the ways in which they and other dry stone structures were built, how their styles emerged and changed over time, and their significance to the famous New England landscape. This program is sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council.
Family Storytime: Valentine's Day Saturday February 14th 10:30 -11:30 am - Join us for a special Valentine's Day family storytime. There will be stories about valentines, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a fun valentine craft. Next week, Feb. 21st: “Pancakes and Breakfast!”
Crafternoon, Sat. Feb. 14th 12:00-4:00 p.m. – Come and create. Join us for a fun drop-in craft in the storytime room all afternoon.
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., Feb. 16th at 2:45 p.m. - This week’s game is: "Pictionary”.
PJ Storytime, Tues. Feb. 17th at 6:30 pm, This month: “Friendly Monsters!” – Join ORPP (Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers) and the Durham Library for this month’s PJ storytime. Come wearing your pajamas. We read stories, do songs, fingerplays, feltboard and a fun craft. This is a great way to meet parents and children. ORPP provides snack. All are welcome.
Storytimes, Tues. Feb. 17th and Thurs. Feb. 19th at 10:30 a.m. They will be about “Space”! We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
Writer's Response, Thursday February 19th 6-8 pm - Writer's Response - A forum to share passion for writing. Some published, some already writing, others just starting out. What unifies the Writer's Response is a passion for writing, feeding on each others enthusiasm, energy and ideas.1st and 3rd Thursday monthly from 6-8 pm. Contact Armida Geiger, ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Knitting Club for 3rd-5th graders! Weds. Feb. 18th from 4-5 p.m. - Come and learn to knit. This is the last week of our first session. Another 8 week session will begin on Weds. March 4th. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Family Movie: “Frozen, Sing-a-long Version”, Sat. Feb. 21st at 2:00 p.m. – Come sing-a-long to one of the year’s most popular movie, “Frozen”. Popcorn is served!
Sailing to the Ice, Tuesday February 24th 6:30 pm - After building their boat in Durham, the Laird family left Portsmouth at six am on Christmas Day 2004, with their daughters age two and four. Since then, they've sailed about 65,000 miles including a season in Greenland, Scotland, five years taking adventurers and scientists around Cape Horn, Antarctica and South Georgia, followed by a trip through the tropics to New Zealand, and then north to Japan and Alaska, where they are again running commercial trips. Come see the journey so far, with Hamish, Kate, Helen, Anna, penguins, whales, bears, and lots of ice. Contact Armida Geiger mailto:ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Musicians Ben Rudnick and Friends, Special School Vacation Performer, Thurs. Feb. 26th at 10:30 a.m. - Ben Rudnick and Friends will perform their fun music for all ages. Ben's group is a talented group of musicians who entertain children and adults of all ages with their silly and upbeat songs. This is a joint school vacation program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. Don't miss it. This program will be held in the Oyster River Room in the Durham Library.
Friends Book Discussion,Tues. March 31st at 10:30 am - Please join Jennifer Lee in the community room, as she facilitates the Friends' book discussion of Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Your copy awaits you.
Lego Club Thurs. Feb. 19th at 3:45 p.m. and the theme will be “Cakes and Birthdays”!
Homeschooler’s Activity Hour, Fri., Feb. 20th at 10:30 a.m. and we will talk about “Astronauts and Outer space”! This group is geared toward home-schooler’s, but all are welcome.
Make-It-Take-It Craft all week during Oyster River School Vacation week, Sat. Feb. 21st-Sat. Feb. 28th – Join us in the storytime room all week for a fun craft. No regularly scheduled programs. Don’t miss our fun vacation program on Thurs. Feb. 26th at 10:30 a.m. – Ben Rudnick and Friends!
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 now for a 4 week session starting the week of Jan 26th. We have two new dogs, North and Ozzie! This is a great way for your child to gain confidence in reading!
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.
Youth Book Groups:
Raccoon Readers 2nd-4th grade. Monthly book group. Tues. March 3rd 6-7PM. This month's book is "Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace" by Nan Marino. We talk about books, do puzzles, play some games and make a craft.
Bookeaters Middle School Book Group. Meets Wed. April 8th 2:45-4PM This month's book is "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein. Walk from the Middle School. Ruth Wharton-McDonald is the facilitator. All are welcome and pizza is served. Books are available at the library.
Libros Lovers, Monthly High School book group. Meets Wed. 2:45-4:00PM. Feb. 18th This month’s book is “The Safe-Keeper's Secret” by Sharon Shinn
Upcoming:
3/2 YA Writing Group 6:30 pm
3/3 Oyster River Knitters 7:00 pm
3/3 Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) book group 6:00 pm
3/4 Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care-giver) 10:30 am
3/5 Adult Writer’s Response 6:00 pm
3/6 Alzheimer’s Café 10:30 am
3/7 Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss Family Storytime 10:30 am
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
|
|
WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
|
|
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
1919 - Louis Bourgoin was a one-man police force for Durham and the college for 37 years. He was the butt of endless pranks by students and others, most of which will never be recorded. The Chief could always be counted on to help the down-and-out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
