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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Friday, February 26, 2016
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Wiswall Dam during the recent snowstorm on February 5th. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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A final reminder to please join Town Moderator Chris Regan and DCAT, Channel 22 on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, beginning at 7:00 PM, for a Town Council Candidates Forum to be held in the Town Council chambers of the Durham Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road. The forum will address a broad range of issues affecting the Durham community. The public is invited to attend or watch LIVE on Channel 22 or via LiveStream.
To view the questionnaires completed by the candidates running for Town 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 Article"
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2016 TOWN AND SCHOOL ELECTIONS - MARCH 8, 2016
The 2016 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, 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.
The following is a list of citizens that have filed for the Durham elected offices as of 5:00 PM.
Town Council, 3-year terms (3): Alan Bennett, Wayne Burton, Allan Howland, Ute Luxem, Douglas Marino, Sean Starkey
Town Council, 1-year term (1): Diana Carroll
Library Board of Trustees: Charlotte Ramsay, William Schoonmaker, Jenna Roberts
Moderator: Christopher T. Regan
Supervisors of the Checklist: Deborah Hirsch Mayer
Trustees of the Trust Funds: Craig Seymour
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The following is a list of individuals that have filed for the ORCSD elected offices:
At-Large School Board, 3-year terms
Thomas Newkirk - Durham
Margaret Redhouse - Lee
Kenneth Rotner - Durham
For Moderator
Richard Laughton
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HOUSEHOLD ENERGY SURVEY
The Durham Energy Committee is asking residents to take 10 minutes to complete this year's Household Energy Survey HERE. The Committee seeks to gather information about the use of energy among both homeowners and renters in Town. The results of this survey will be presented to the Town Council and also included in a future "Friday Updates".
The Energy Committee's last survey, which asked questions of the community about transportation behavior, provided valuable information to the Town Council as it deliberated on priorities for bike lanes, signage, and sidewalk upgrades.
Completing the survey is quick, it's fun, and it will help the Durham Energy Committee better understand and respond to the energy needs of the community.
Any questions or issues about the survey can be directed to DEC at dec@ci.durham.nh.us. We hope you will participate!
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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING MILL PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT - Public Hearing Continued to March 23, 2016
The Planning Board held a public hearing on the updated plans for the Mill Plaza redevelopment on February 10. Council Chambers was filled and numerous people spoke about the project. There have been numerous comments and suggestions expressed by citizens, board members, and staff through emails, letters, public hearing statements, and other documentation. It is now up to the applicant’s team to process all of this information and revise their plans. The Planning Board continued the discussion and the public hearing to March 23.
The applicant will submit revised plans some time prior to that meeting at which time they will be posted on the Town’s website. Documents pertinent to this project, including about 60 written comments from the public, may be viewed HERE.
Comments may be emailed to Town Planner Michael Behrendt at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us or mailed to the Planning Office at 8 Newmarket Road.
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PARKING TIME AND FEE CHANGES IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM
The Town has been carefully monitoring parking patterns in the downtown and based on observations to date, a number of changes have been proposed to Administrator Selig for mid-March.
The most significant changes would limit parking to 2-hours in the Pettee Brook Parking Lot for those without a valid Business Permit @ $1 per hour.
In addition, the spaces along Main Street in front of Huddleston Hall would be converted to 1 hour free, $1 per hour for a max of 2-hours.
Pettee Brook Lane street parking (Madbury Rd. to Bank entrance) would limit parking to 2-hours @ $1 per hour.
The goal for the majority of these changes is to move out parking “squatters” (people parking cars downtown but who do not utilize the downtown businesses) who leave their car all day thereby occupying spaces that would otherwise be available to downtown business patrons.
In a number of specific locations, the hourly rate for parking would increase by 50 cents per hour.
To view the full set of recommendations that have been forwarded to Administrator Selig for his consideration, click HERE.
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MARRIAGE AT DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
Former Durham Police Officer Steve Misek and Officer Jennifer Kelly were married this month at the Eagle Mountain House in Jackson. Family and friends enjoyed the clear, but cold weekend weather. Steve left the Durham Police Department to accept employment with the Barrington Police Department, and Jen’s last day at Durham is today as she heads to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia to begin her new career as a Special Agent. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Misek!
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A farewell luncheon was held today at the Durham Police Department for Officers Jennifer Misek an Nick Glowacki. As noted above, Jennifer is leaving the department to attend the FBI Academy in Virginina. Nick has accepted employment with the Dover Police Department. Courtesy Durham PD
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DOUG BENCKS DESIGNATED A FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA)
Doug Bencks, University Architect and Director of Campus Planning for UNH, has been designated a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This is a highly-prestigious honor that has been conferred on fewer than 4% of the members of AIA. According to the institute, “The AIA Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to Fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of the architect as an individual, but also honors before the public and the profession a model architect who has made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.”
Congratulations to Doug for this special recognition.
To read an article published in UNH Today, click HERE.
To read an article published on the AIA website, click HERE.
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PART-TIME OPENING AT DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY - Children’s Librarian Assistant
Position Description: Creative, patient, friendly person needed to join a dedicated staff in the Durham Public Library’s busy Children’s & Young Adult Department.
Candidate must enjoy working with children; have good communication skills, both oral and written; be computer literate, comfortable assisting patrons, able to lead programs such as storytimes for children and events and activities for teens. Must be familiar with children’s and teen literature, social media, and computer technology.
Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays: 2:00-8:00 p.m., and
Alternating Saturdays: 10:00-5:00 p.m.
For the complete job description, click HERE.
Position open until filled. Send resumes to ekleinmann@ci.durham.nh.us, Attn: Lisa Kleinmann
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Give Ready Rides a try! Ready Rides gives rides to residents that need help getting to their much needed Doctors Appointments.
Don't have a lot of time, no worries, drivers can pick and choose when and where they want to drive. Drivers choose from a shared computer program the rides that fit into their schedule. It could be once a week, once a month or once in a blue moon. Mileage reimbursement is available.
Join Ready Rides at Nottingham Town Hall, Stage Road, Route 152, Notthingham on March 1st at 1:00 PM. Please call Meri at 244-8719 to register.
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2015 Town Report cover photograph courtesy Bernie Casey
PRINTED VERSION OF 2015 DURHAM ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE AT TOWN OFFICE
The printed version of the 2015 Town of Durham Annual Report is ready to be picked up by interested residents/taxpayers at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office. Copies will also be available at the Durham Public Library.
The report has also been posted on the Town website for easy access to any and all and can be viewed HERE.
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RESULTS OF DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22 VIEWER SURVEY
Over the past several weeks, DCAT Cable Channel 22 has invited residents to take a viewer survey. Results of the survey can be viewed HERE.
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NEW TRAILS AND BRIDGE FOR OYSTER RIVER FOREST!
Join community members working to improve trails at Durham’s Oyster River Forest! We’re hosting a kick-off event on Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. at the parking area near the corner of Packer’s Falls and Mill Roads. Hear more about plans for new trails and an exciting opportunity to help make it all happen in 2016.
Read a description of the Oyster River Forest Trails Initiative HERE.
Bring snow shoes or boots depending on conditions, rain or shine. Questions? Contact initiative chairperson Malin Clyde, malinelyclyde@gmail.com or 603-767-3054.
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CLUB UNH - A New Physical Activity/Recreational program offered through the University of New Hampshire for 3th & 4th grade Oyster River students
UNH Health & Physical Education (HPE) students will offer a social/recreational program designed to enhance skills in the areas of physical and social skill development. Students will engage in team building and cooperative activities leading to use of the indoor climbing wall in New Hampshire Hall. The program will run on Tuesday afternoons for the following dates: 3/1, 3/8, 3/22, 3/29, and 4/5 from 3:40-5:00pm in New Hampshire Hall at UNH with the first 15 minutes unstructured to allow parents and children transportation and arrival time. Bus transportation will be available from Moharimet and Mast Way. There is a suggested donation of $35.00 to support the professional development of UNH H/PE students. For more information or to register your child, contact Denver Greene via email @ deu92@wildcats.unh.edu or phone Michelle Grenier @ 603-862-1835.
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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: How to Start a Garden
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FARM STYLE BREAKFAST - Co-sponsored by the Durham and Lee Agricultural Commissions and the Strafford County Farm Bureau
A farm style breakfast will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Jeremiah Smith Grange in Lee. Proceeds benefit the Strafford County Farm Bureau's Youth in Agriculture Grant Program.
Featuring eggs, french toast, plain and blueberry pancakes, home fries, baked beans, bacon, sausage, rhubarb sauce, maple syrup, coffee and juice, made with many locally raised products. So delicious you will not be disappointed!
Reserve your tickets by contacting Erick Sawtelle, 234-7907, esawtelles@aol.com, or Laura Gund, 659-2044, walgrove@comcast.net.
Tickets can also be purchased at the Lee Town Hall or Lee Library.
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MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.
There are no public meetings scheduled for the week of
Feb 29 - Mar 4, 2016
All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.
VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website and then by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.
DCAT Programming Schedule.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
Please join your host, Mary Ellen Humphrey, EDC Director in DCAT 22 Studios latest, In the Biz: Durham Business Spotlight series. Mary Ellen talks with the District Manager & General Manager of Tacomano a Mexican eatery that has been a Durham business for just over a year. I’m sure you’ll be surprised to see how much effort goes into bringing diners the freshest ingredients on a daily basis. This video is available On Demand and replays on DCAT 22 at 1:00 PM & 5:30 PM, Saturday & Sunday.
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The Durham Agricultural Commission is working with farmers and gardeners in the area to give you a behind-the-scenes video tour of local farms and gardens. The videos are produced by Durham resident & DCAT 22 Volunteer, Phil Kincade and present a seasonal look at our working landscape. This video is currently only available for viewing on DCAT On Demand (DCAT 22 Studios folder).
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Durham Public Library special programming, “Words & Music for the Senses”, with featured Poet, Abigail Carroll, UNH poets and musical performance by the NH Notables, UNH a cappella group. DCAT 22 Studios was there to record this well attended event. Replays on DCAT 22 at 1:30 & 4:00 PM on Saturday & Sunday. Also available On Demand.
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The "Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Presents SOCIAL MEDIA: A Predators Playground" presented at the ORMS on Monday, December 7th. The presentation was recorded by DCAT 22. This presentation was offered in conjunction with the ORMS PTO, Durham Police Department, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Learn about the dangers that face teens every day. In doing so, we’ll discuss how computers, cell phones, IPads, digital cameras, gaming systems, social networking applications, and Internet blogs all play a role in placing students and families at risk. This 1.5 hour presentation is specifically geared towards parents and educators who looking to better understand the technology available to teens today and the way in which child predators use it to exploit them.
DCAT 22 replay times: Saturday & Sunday @ 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM
Also available on DCAT On Demand
Run time: 1:22
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DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
Winter Programs
Our Winter Programs and Events Guide is packed full of programs, classes, trips and activities to keep everyone busy this winter! Check it out!
Courtesy Rachel Gasowski
Stargazing Workshop
UNH Astronomer, John Gianforte, a.k.a. “The Sky Guy", led a wonderful interactive and informative astronomy workshop at the Durham Public Library on Monday, February 15th to kick off our new Stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm program. Unfortunately, our February 19th stargazing session at WHF was canceled due to overcast skies. We are keeping our eye out on the forecasted weather to reschedule this session.
Courtesy Rachel Gasowski
Discover Durham’s Trails
Participants had a great trek on the Sweet Trail on Sunday, February 21st. The group picked up the Sweet Trail off Dame Road, and trekked to the Lubberland Creek Preserve parking area in Newmarket, then returned back on the Sweet Trail to our starting point.
Durham Conservation Commission, Parks & Recreation and the Land Stewardship Committee are offering once a month guided treks for community members to get to know the trails and recreational spaces in Durham. These treks will take place the third Sunday of each month at 10am. Participation is FREE!
Join us for our next scheduled trek:
Sunday, March 20th: Snowshoe Wagon Hill Farm Trails
Volunteers Wanted
Are you interested in being a Field Trip Leader to lead or co-lead a trek for Discover Durham’s Trails? We would love to have you!! Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department for more details on this volunteer position.
Volunteers who are looking to develop new skills or brush up on leading a group in the woods can take advantage of this great workshop, Field Walk 101: Volunteer Training. The Stewardship Network of New England is offering a fun and interactive volunteer training workshop on Friday, March 25th from 1-4:30pm. This FREE training will provide volunteers with the basics of planning and executing a guided walk. Those interested will need to register for this training as space is limited.
SAVE THE DATE !!
Bus Trips- March 16th- Boston Flower and Garden Show
March 16th- Boston Celtics Game
March 18th- No School Ski Day to Gunstock Mtn. Resort
Coyote Club Session 4- Mondays, March 7th-April 11th
Annual Egg Hunt- Saturday, March 26th
FREE Balance Workshop with Sally Baker, PT
Better balance prevents falls and injuries. Join Sally Ann Baker PT from Durham Physical Therapy as she shows you easy balance exercises, which will help restore some of the flexibility, and strength you remember.
As we get older, falling can result in more than the bruises we might have experienced in our youth; it can rob us of our independence. Every year thousands of older people experience broken hips and head injuries. Don’t join this group!
Join Sally Thursdays at 12pm at the Durham Recreation Parks & Recreation building located in the old court house on 2 Dover Road, for a half hour of fun, gentle, preventive exercise, a no sweat approach, which will arm you against the uneven surfaces and black ice of New England.
Call the Durham Parks & Recreation at 817- 4074 or email at recreation@ci.durham.nh.us for more information about this ongoing FREE program beginning Thursday, January 28th at 12:00pm. Or just join us!
Mommy Tummy Post Partum Pilates With White Lotus Physical Therapy
Strengthen you core while bonding with baby to protect your joints as your body heals from delivery.
When: Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00pm. Session 1 begins March 2nd
Where: Durham Parks & Rec. building
Who: Moms at least 4 weeks postpartum with non-mobile babies
Cost: $48 for 4 weeks, $15 drop in
Register at whitelotusphysicaltherapy.com or (603) 817-2180
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
Oyster River Community Dinner, Thursday, Mar 24, 2016, 5 - 6:30 PM, Oyster River High School. More information HERE.
FREE 4-Week Winter Softball Clinic for Ages 4-16, Sundays 2/28 and 3/6, 2016, 11:15 - 12:45 PM, ORHS Multi-purpose Room. Put on by ORHS softball coaches, Dover Youth Softball Coaches, and ORYA. Come to one or all four sessions. Even if you do not have a glove, bat, or helmet, please come any way as some equipment will be available to use. Contact chris.campbell@nhsportandspine.com
One World Second Semester Sign Ups, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese classes still available for grades k-5. Classes held on Thursdays at 3:45 PM and 4:15 PM at Moharimet elementary school. More information on pricing, and other times and locations HERE or email matt.jones@oneworldlanguageschool.org
ECHO Thrift Shop. Now open 5 days/week and Thursday evenings. Check out sales and new spring merchandise. New hours: 10AM-5PM, Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri; 10AM-7PM, Thu; 10AM-2PM, Sat.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
DPL to host Artist in Residence, Roberta Shea with a Reception on Wed. March 2nd, 7pm - Meet the artist, view her work and hear about her printmaking experience in County Kerry, Ireland. The artist’s work will be on display in the gallery during the month of March.
Printmaking for Children, Sat. March 5th, 10:30am – Enjoy a great experience working with Roberta Shea, DPL’s Artist-in-Residence. Free workshop, registration requested. Open to children 6+ years. Register at the children’s desk or via e-mail with Ms. Lisa ekleinmann@ci.durham.nh.us
Printmaking for Adults, Thurs. March 3rd, 12-3:30pm – Artist Roberta Shea will lead a monotype printmaking experience for adults. No fee, registration requested. Register with Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Raccoon Readers, 2nd- 4th grade, Tues., Mar. 1st, 6-7pm - This month’s book is “Athlete vs. Mathlete” by W.C. Mack. Discuss the book & author, games and a craft. Books available at the circulation desk.
Game Afternoon resumes on Mon. Feb. 29th, 2:45-4pm, For ages 10 & up – Come and play some fun games and have a snack too.
Storytimes! resumes on Tues. March 1st and Thurs. March 3rd 10:30am, theme: Pigs! Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft.
Baby-Lapsit, resumes on Wed. March 2nd 10:30-11:30am - For children & their care-givers, infancy to age 2. Songs, stories, movement, rhymes & socializing afterward.
Lego Club (K-4th grade) resumes on Thurs. March 4th 3:30-4:30pm, theme: Dogs & Cats – Like to build Legos? Join us to do Lego challenges and build cool structures. Please note the new start time.
Homeschoolers Group, resumes Fri. March 5th 10:30am, Theme: Weather– Join us for books, games, and a craft. This group is geared toward homeschoolers, but all are welcome.
Oyster River Knitters, Tues. March 1st 7pm – All levels of crochet and knitters welcome. Contact Janet 868-1142, jadoty@comcast.net
First Aid Class, Tues. March 1st, 6pm – Offered by McGregor Memorial EMS. Register at: http://cprsafe.org
Alzheimer’s Café, Fri. March 4th, 10:30am – noon – Contact: Nicole Moore, nmoore@ci.durham.nh.us
Starting Seeds Seminar, Wed. March 9th, 7pm – Hear from Jeremy DeLisle, UNH Cooperative Extension. Sponsored by the Durham Agricultural Commission and DPL. No Registration needed.
Friends of the DPL, Meeting Wed. March 2nd 1PM social time, followed by meeting at 1:30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Bookeaters, Middle School book Group, Weds. March 9th, 2:45-4:00 pm – This month’s book is “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the library. Walk from the middle school. All are welcome and pizza is served.
Friends of the DPL, Book Discussion Wed. March 30th 10:30am-12pm – Book title: “Arthur and George” by Julian Barnes. Books soon to arrive for check-out at the circulation desk.
Friends of the DPL, Book Donations, Feb. 29th- March 5th – Collecting gently used books and DVDs.
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. Current session in progress now. Call the Children’s Dept.#868-6699 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.
Armida Geiger, Adult Program Coordinator is looking for owners of classic and antique autos. In June, DPL will host its first “Ol’ Time Auto” event. Please contact via e-mail ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
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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