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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Friday, February 20, 2015
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In Memoriam
Peter S. Smith
April 27, 1938 - February 14, 2015
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It is with heavy hearts we report that one of Durham's longtime citizens, Peter Smith, died on February 14, 2015. Peter was an active and devoted public servant, serving on the Town Council for two consecutive terms, nine years on the Planning Board, and eleven years on the Conservation Commission. His obituary follows:
Peter Sheridan Smith, an attorney who assisted in the preparation and defense of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Act of 1965, and who was the first legal services lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court, died on February 14th at his home in Durham, New Hampshire at the age of 76. The cause was lymphoma.
Mr. Smith spent his 50 year career delivering legal services to those who traditionally have been denied access – African Americans and other people of color, the poor, juveniles, and those with disabilities. As a member of the elite Appeals and Research Section of the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, Smith wrote and argued appeals in some of the most significant cases in the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. It was during that time that Smith met Marjorie Kester, who was working as special assistant to the first chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. They were married by Judge Harold Greene, who had directed the Appeals and Research Section.
In 1966, Smith became the first attorney of the Neighborhood Legal Services Program of Washington, DC – the nation’s first civil appellate legal services program. He argued before the Supreme Court of the United States the landmark case Shapiro v. Thompson that brought an end to welfare residency requirements. The work he did in public housing and welfare reform continues to this day to affect the quality of lives of those people who are dependent upon government policy for their very survival.
Having concluded that lack of access to effective legal representation required the participation of the private sector, Smith engaged in a groundbreaking effort at the Baltimore law firm of Piper and Marbury. The white shoe firm hired Smith in 1969 to open and direct a branch office in Baltimore’s inner-city dedicated exclusively to representing poor individuals – the first program of its kind in the United States. Under his leadership, the office became a model for a number of other law firms in the country and was the subject of a book: “The New Private Practice – A Study of Piper & Marbury’s Neighborhood Law Office”.
In 1972, Smith joined the faculty at the University of Maryland Law School and created one of the first clinical legal education programs in the nation, in which students practiced law in a full-time basis with their professor. The law students represented children who were being prosecuted in the Baltimore juvenile court and whose parents had little or no financial resources. Under Smith’s direction, the clinic students litigated a case in the United States Supreme Court, involving the rights of juveniles not to be tried more than once for the same offense. It was the first appearance before that Court by a law school clinical program.
The last twenty years of Smith’s legal career focused on representing children with disabilities in their effort to obtain appropriate special education services from public school districts.
In an apt summary of Smith’s legal career, Baltimore Judge Robert Hammerman once wrote in a Court Opinion: “Recognition is the last thing which Mr. Smith would seek, and this is even more reason why it is due him. Mr. Smith is an excellent lawyer, a vigorous and able advocate, but above all one who has a keen social conscience and who has dedicated his considerable talents and abilities to fulfilling the calls and demands of that conscience. This Court and our entire community is in his debt and we are fortunate to have him in our midst.”
Smith graduated from Philips Exeter Academy in 1956. He was pictured on the cover of the Phillips Exeter Bulletin in 1953 with his pet raccoon. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1960 and remained an active and loyal alumnus until his death, focused in particular on recruiting students of color to attend Bowdoin. In 1989 he received Bowdoin’s Alumni Service Award. Smith was a 50 year member of the New Hampshire Bar Association.
In 1990, Smith and his wife moved back to his childhood home in Durham, New Hampshire and he practiced law there until 2014. During that time, he served two terms on the Durham Town Council, in addition to extensive service on Durham’s Planning Board and Conservation Commission.
In his spare time, Smith was an avid hiker, summiting Mt. Katahdin annually for 60 years. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marjorie; children Douglas and Abigail; and three grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on March 14, 2015 at 2pm in Huddleston Hall at the University of New Hampshire; 73 Main Street, Durham, NH. Those interested may make memorial contributions to the charity of their choice.
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DURHAM AND LEE LISTED AS TWO OF THE SAFEST COMMUNITIES IN NH
Home security company Safe Wise compiled a list of the top 30 safest communities in the state based on the most recent FBI Crime Report data, which was received in 2012.
According to those statistics, NH reported that 1.87 violent crimes occur per 1,000 citizens, which is around 50 percent less than the national average of 3.67 per 1,000. Nationally, NH has the third lowest violent crime rate.
Additionally, NH reported around 15 percent less incidents of property crime than the typical U.S. state.
Out of 30 communities, The Town of Lee was named the fourth safest in the state, with only .68 of violent crimes occurring per 1,000 citizens. This is almost 85 percent less than the national average. It was also reported that Lee had 7.5 property crimes occur per 1,000 citizens.
The Town of Durham was named the ninth safest community in the state, with 1.42 violent crimes occurring per 1,000 citizens. It was also reported that Durham had 7.88 property crimes occur per 1,000 citizens.
To view a full article on the topic in this week’s Foster’s Daily Democrat, click HERE.
To view the full list of the top 30 safest NH communities, click HERE.
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Durham's primary snow plow route drivers (our Snowfighters!). Courtesy DPW
FY 2015 SNOW BUDGET STATUS
The Snow and Ice budget is 69.04% expended at this point, the major driving forces being the overtime budget line item at 70.49% expended ($48,996) and the general supplies portion (road salt) at 92.7% expended ($60,447.42).
Typically at this time of year we would be comfortable being around 40% or so spent since there’s still a month of winter left and we will need the other portion for the beginning of winter 2015/2016.
Needless to say, the 80+ inches we have had in 2015 have been quite costly.
A thank you is extended to all of the Town's snowfighters for doing a very good job keeping Durham's roads and sidewalks clear given an extraordinarily challenging winter.
Thank you as well to Durham residents for your patience in putting up with snow here, there, everywhere!
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2014 Durham Town Report - Cover photography courtesy DCAT Studios
Design/production by Design Point Studio, Salisbury, NH
PRINTED VERSION OF 2014 DURHAM ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE AT TOWN OFFICE
The printed version of the 2014 Town of Durham Annual Report is ready to be picked up by interested residents/taxpayers at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office. Copies are also available at the Durham Public Library. As in the past, we are in the process of digitizing it and when complete, will post a copy on the Town’s web site for easy access to any and all.
The Town for decades had mailed a copy of the Annual Report to every property owner in Durham but eliminated this practice as a cost savings and sustainability measure several years ago. At the time, it was becoming increasingly apparent that most of the reports were being placed in the recycling bin almost immediately and ending up at the Raymond A. LaRoche Transfer Station and Recycling Center.
Kudos are extended to Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry for her hard work and effort on this annual document.
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PARKING FOR SLEDDING AT WAGON HILL FARM – Parking on Route 4 is Not Permitted for Safety Reasons
If residents are planning to go sledding at Wagon Hill Farm (WHF) this coming week during the Oyster River School District’s February break, please be sure to park within the Wagon Hill Farm property itself, as opposed to along Route 4. There is no parking allowed on Route 4 for safety reasons.
In addition, Emery Farm is open this winter. If the parking lot at Wagon Hill Farm is full, residents may want to check with Emery Farm concerning whether they can park there.
The Town is NOT planning to plow the lower WHF orchard this year as doing so is particularly challenging with uneven ground and numerous rock outcroppings causing annual damage to both the Town’s plows and the natural landscape. With the additional parking Durham has created along the long entry drive leading into WHF, we believe parking should be adequate.
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ADMINISTRATOR SELIG PROPOSES REMOVING FROM THE TABLE FOR NO SOONER THAN 2018 THE CREATION OF A NEW LARGE PARKING LOT AT WAGON HILL FARM
Administrator Selig discussed with the Land Stewardship Committee this morning an idea he is considering – administratively taking the large parking lot proposal at Wagon Hill Farm off the table entirely for a period of three years so that the various committees can focus on more productive endeavors at the property — appropriate trail maintenance, stewardship, programming, erosion control, community gardens, history, restoring the farm house, ell, and barn, development of a parking strategy to charge a nominal fee for out of town visitors to help support the property financially, and more. The parking lot proposal has been moved forward by the Parks and Recreation Committee for several years in an effort to create adequate parking at the property for large events.
The Land Stewardship Committee today felt this concept made a great deal of sense given the agitation and in many instances fear that the proposal has caused for residents over the last year. If this idea was administratively implemented, between now and FY 2018, the Administrator would encourage whomever is interested to do the research and development work necessary to concretely support the rationale for the need for such expanded parking at Wagon Hill Farm.
Administrator Selig has written to the Parks & Recreation Committee, Conservation Commission, Agricultural Commission, Heritage Commission, and the Community Gardeners in order to gain their perspectives regarding deferring the large parking lot project until FY 2018 at the earliest before taking final action.
Where the Administrator ultimately prepares the draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP) proposal that goes to the Council, Mr. Selig can administratively ensure that he will not include one initiative or another. The Town Council, however, is the ultimate decision making entity and any boards could of course appeal directly to the Council.
While the various boards are considering this concept, Administrator Selig has asked the Public Works Department to move forward this summer with a nominal increase to the existing parking inventory at WHF to create an additional four or five spaces immediately adjacent to what already exists at the top of the driveway, off to the left, adjacent to the sledding hill. This modest parking expansion should provide the parking Durham needs to support the property at the 95th percentile or better, in Administrator Selig’s opinion.
It would only be large events such as Durham Day, concerts, or yet to be invented large activities that would require parking within the orchard area during dry times.
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An Ice Dam on a home in Durham. Residents are encouraed to clear snow from roof tops. Courtesy Steve Weglarz, Jr.
ICE DAMS
Durham resident and Energy Committee member Steve Weglarz, Jr. has prepared an interesting article concerning ice dams. Steve owns and operates Advanced Building Analysis, an industry leader of energy analysis, diagnostic, and verification services in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. To read his article, click HERE.
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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.
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Be sure to keep all exit ways from your home clear!
Courtesy Durham Fire Department
TAKE THE TIME TO CLEAR ALL DOORS FROM SNOW IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
With the snow buildup it’s important that everybody make sure that ALL doors to their house are clear enough to open. Even if a particular door is never used, it might be needed to get out in case of an emergency. Two years ago a family died in New Hampshire because they could not open a door that had not been cleared of snow. And, just the other day a teenager in Derry NH was trapped in a house fire due to a door not being clear. PLEASE take a few moments and clear your doors.
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MASTER PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS REPORT - Endeavoring to Bring the First Ten Chapters to Conclusion
The Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC) is working to finalize ten chapters of the Master Plan. Final drafts were due from each of the committees that prepared a chapter today/Friday, February 20th.
While some committees desired extensions, Administrator Selig asked that the MPAC deadline that had been established earlier this year be adhered to in order to move the process forward.
The process is taking too long and is occupying far too much of everyone’s valuable time making it impossible to actually move forward the many good ideas people have developed over the last four years since the outset of the update process. The Planning Board, with the assistance of the MPAC, needs to bring these first 10 chapters to conclusion.
Strafford Regional Planning Commission, the Town’s planning consultant as part of this update process, will make any necessary changes and adjustments to the chapters and bring them back to the MPAC to begin the endorsement process at the MPAC’s March 19 meeting.
The ten chapters are:
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Agricultural Resources
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Community Character
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Downtown and Commercial Core
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Economic Development
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Energy
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Historic Resources
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Housing and Demographics
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Land Use (Existing)
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Natural Resources
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Recreation
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UNH OUTDOOR POOL UPDATE
The University of New Hampshire has finalized construction plans for its outdoor pool and the Hamel Recreation Center expansion and will present them to the town at the end of the month. To read the article in Foster's Daily Democrat, click HERE.
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ARTICLE ABOUT DURHAM POLICE APPEARS IN PUBLICATIONS - Addressing Cybor Attacks for Smaller Police Departments
“Big Ideas for Smaller Law Enforcement Agencies” is a quarterly publication produced by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) that focuses upon the vast majority of police agencies in the United States, those with under 25 officers.
In the Winter edition, an article authored by Chief Dave Kurz and Information Technology Manager Luke Vincent discusses how the agency addressed an attack to its computer system and shares lessons learned. To read the short article by clicking HERE.
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Crommet Creek after the last snowstorm. Courtesy Bernie Casey
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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:
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Sagging roof steel – visually deformed
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Severe or new roof leaks
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Cracked or split wood members
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Bends or ripples in metal supports
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Recent cracks in walls, drywall or masonry
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Cracks in welds of steel construction
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Sheared off screws from steel frames
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Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
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Doors that pop open
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Doors or windows that are difficult to open
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Bowed utility pipes or conduits attached to the ceiling
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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DISSIPATING BROWSER WARNINGS ON ANDROID (AND POSSIBLY OTHER) DEVICES WHEN VIEWING THE TOWN WEBSITE
Last week, resident Dan Keefe approached the IT department with an interesting concern. On his Android device he was getting a security warning whenever he visited the Town website. The Town's website is configured to push visitors to use SSL/TLS purposely. Knowing this, IT started to look for issues in the secure handshaking that occurs whenever a visitor connects to the site.
Further research revealed that although our site’s certificate was valid, one of the install intermediate certificates was not. IT, working with associated vendor Jdscc, Inc. and Aha!, have taken immediate action to remove the invalid intermediate certificate from the mix. Our testing has shown the site is no longer presenting that aforementioned warning to our Android based visitors.
IT would like to extend a big thank you to Dan Keefe for reporting the issue!
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Looking north from the south end of the Oyster River backwater south of the Mill Pond. Courtesy John Parsons
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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 are now available at the Town Clerk's 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.
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A sign that spring is on its way, one of the lambs born at Liberty Hall Farm on Bennett Road. Courtesy Theresa Walker
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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
Planning Board - Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Parks & Recreation Committee - Thursday, February 26, 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.
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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.
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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.
The UNH Freestyle Figure Skating Club enjoys an early morning workout at Churchill Rink this week. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee
For the latest information about programs and events, visit: Durham Parks & Recreation Online
View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE.
February Vacation Week at Churchill Rink - Durham Parks & Recreation and Churchill Rink have your February Vacation covered! Join us for Public Skate, Stick and Puck, and extended Open Rec Skate. Pizza, Donuts, and discounts all week! View the entire schedule HERE.
Why take a fitness class with Durham Parks & Recreation?
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Convenient location - Drop in to most classes for only $10!
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Fits your schedule - Classes available Monday through Saturday!
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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.
Save the Date: 21st Annual Egg Hunt - March 28th - 11AM & Town Landing
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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).
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Democratic Caucus, Thursday Feb 26, 2015, 6:30 PM, Durham Public Library to elect officers for the next two years, discuss holding a day of service and begin planning for the 2016 elections. Group is seeking ballot clerk volunteers for the upcoming town election. All registered Democrats are eligible to vote at the caucus. Call Susan Roman at 603-868-2293 with questions.
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.
Local Preach-in on Climate Change, Sunday, Mar 8, 2015, 12:00 Noon, Lee Church Congregational. Light refreshments provided.
Growing Places Summer Camp Programs - Growing Places, a non profit early education and youth recreation agency, offers two different camp programs for children: Camp Cowabunga for children ages 5-10. Arts and crafts, active games, and lots of time outside enjoying the summer. Registration opens Mar 16th.
TimberNook for children ages 5-12. An innovative nature-based developmental program designed to foster creativity, imagination, and independent play. Registration now open. For more information or to register, call 603-868-1335 or visit http://growingplaces.org/
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THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES INVITE YOU!
The New Hampshire Library Trustees Association is honoring Doug Bencks with the 2014 "Trustee of the Year" award in recognition of Doug's service, dedication, leadership and expertise throughout the process of securing and building our new library.
Doug and his fellow Trustees wish to share this celebration with all of you within the community as it is also a reflection of the hard work and contributions of many that helped to build this special community space.
Please come celebrate with us as we recognize Doug for all of his contributions to the library with a dessert reception and brief program, Thursday March 5, 7-8:30pm at the Durham Public Library. Please RSVP to dpltrusteesnh@gmail.com.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Courtesy the Laird family
Sailing to the Ice, Tuesday February 24th 6:30 pm - After building their boat "Seal" 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
Family Storytime: “Pancakes and Breakfast!” Saturday February 21st 10:30 -11:30 am - Join us for a delicious family storytime. There will be stories about Pancakes and Breakfast, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a fun pancake craft. Mark your calendar for a special “Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss” Family Storytime on Sat. March 7th at 10:30 a.m. There will be Dr. Seuss stories, craft and birthday cake!
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!
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.
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 and make a paper plate lion mask. No regularly scheduled programs.
Book Donation Week, Feb. 23rd through Feb. 28th – Donate your gently used books.
Alzheimer’s Café, Fri. March 6th, 10:30-12:00 p.m. – We welcome dementia patients still residing in their own homes, to come with their caregivers for support and respite with others. This program is free and open to the public. Held in the Durham Public Library Café.
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., March 2nd at 2:45 p.m. - This week’s game is: "Ticket to Ride”.
Young Adult Writing Group (ages 10 & up), Monday, March 2nd, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Like to write? Join us for this fun monthly writing group. We do writing exercises, talk about your writing, and post your writing to the library blog “Write Away”. All are welcome.
Storytime, Tues. March 3rd at 10:30 a.m. They will be about “Ducks”! We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft. Please note: No Storytime on Thurs. March 5th. The Children’s Department is at a conference to get ready for the fun summer reading program “There’s a Hero in Every Story”.
Oyster River Knitters, Tuesday March 3rd, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – All are welcome to join the Oyster River Knitters.
Writer's Response, Thursday March 5th 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, mailto:ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
An Art Student’s Vision of Italy in the gallery upstairs - Please visit the new exhibit in the gallery upstairs: Shannon Malley, An Art Student's Vision of Italy. Shannon graduated from UNH in 2011 with degree in Studio Art. She painted landscapes of Italian countryside and villages on her trip in 2010, when visiting Italy in the summer. All her paintings were made on locations, capturing the broad countrysides in natural beauty or streets and parks in different parts of the day. Come to see her memories of Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
Friends of the Durham Library Meeting, Weds. March 4th 1:00 p.m. – All are welcome for the monthly meeting.
Knitting Club for 3rd-5th graders! Will begin again on Weds. March 4th for an 8 week session from 4-5 p.m. - Come and learn to knit. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
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.
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care-giver) begins Weds. March 4th at 10:30 a.m. – Join us for stories, movement, songs, fingerplays and fun. There is a time to socialize afterwards. Registration required for this 8 week session. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Homeschooler’s Activity Hour, Fri., March 6th at 10:30 a.m. and we will talk about “Dr. Seuss”! This group is geared toward home-schooler’s, but all are welcome.
Lego Club will meet again on Thurs. March 12th at 3:45 p.m. and the theme will be “Lego Mazes”! No Lego Club on Thurs. April 26th and Thurs. March 5th.
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. 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. April 15th. This month’s book is “The Sun God’s Heir” by local author, Elliott Baker
Upcoming:
3/10 McGregor Memorial EMS First Aid Course 6:00 pm
3/17 Celebrate Ireland! 6:30 pm
3/19 Adult Writer’s Response 6:00 pm
3/21 Northeastern Ballet performs scenes “Beauty & the Beast” 10:30 am
3/21 Family Movie “Box Trolls” 2:00 pm
3/24 Durham Garden Club 6:30 pm
3/26 A NH Moose Mystery 7:00 pm
3/31 PJ Storytime 6:30 pm
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1920 - A pageant was presented at the Town Landing "In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Founding of the Durham Congregational Church," in 3 episodes - "Pioneers," "Founding of the Church," and "The Revolution." The cast of characters comprised a virtual roster of Town and Campus.
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