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King Tide at Old Landing on Tuesday this week. Notice that the ice level in the river at the left is equal to the level of the top of the wall (under the fence) at the parking lot on the right. Courtesy Todd Selig
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A "King Tide" occurred on Tuesday, January 22nd. Residents will notice several photographs taken during King Tide in today's publication.
King Tide is a colloquial term for an especially high tide, such as a perigean spring tide. "King Tide" is not a scientific term, nor is it used in a scientific context. Use of the term "king tide" originated in Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific nations to refer to an especially high tide that occurs only a few times per year. The term has now come to be used in North America as well.
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We appreciate all of the feedback received from residents regarding the possibility of changing the hours in the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office. We will be reviewing this feedback over the course of the next week prior to making a final decision on what to do.
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FILING PERIOD FOR DURHAM ELECTED OFFICES FOR MARCH 12, 2019 TOWN ELECTION
The filing period for local Durham elected offices for the March Town Election opened on Wednesday this week and will continue until 5:00 PM on Friday, February 1, 2019. There is no filing fee required.
The 2019 Town elections will take place on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours will be from 7AM to 7PM.
Citizens who might choose to become involved in Durham Town government may file for one of the positions below at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office during the filing period noted above. Questions may also be directed to that office by calling 603-868-5577 or emailing Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt at mailto:lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us
Residents interested in learning more about any of these positions are invited to contact the Administrator's Office at 603-868-5571 or write to mailto:tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.
As of the sending of today's "Friday Updates," the following residents had filed for the Durham elective offices listed below...
Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms) - Alan Bennett, Wayne Burton, Allan Howland
Library Board of Trustees, 3 positions (3-year terms) - Charlotte Ramsay, Erik Waddell
Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term -
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As of the sending of today's "Friday Updates," the following persons had filed for the ORCSD elective offices listed below...
School Board - James Newkirk, Kenneth Rotner
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPORTANT BUDGET AND SCHOOL MEETING DATES TO REMEMBER
Town Meetings for School District Budget Overview
February 4th - Madbury Selectmen Meeting - 7PM - Madbury Town Hall
January 23rd thru February 1st until 5PM - Filing Period for School District Openings (No filing fee required)
1 Moderator, 1 year term
2 At large School Board positions, 3 year terms
February 5th - Annual Meeting Session I - Deliberative - ORHS Auditorium - 7PM - Snow Date: February 7th
February 12th - Candidates' Night - ORHS Room C-120 - 7PM - Snow Date: February 13th
March 12th - Annual Meeting Session II - Voting Day - Vote in Town of residence:
Durham - ORHS - 7AM - 7PM
Lee - Lee Safety Complex - 7AM - 7PM
Madbury- Madbury Town Hall - 11AM - 7:30 PM
Report of the District February 2019 Edition - Available the end of February at: SAU Office, Town Halls, Libraries, Schools, and posted on the ORCSD website.
If unable to pick up a report, please contact Wendy at 603-389-3286 or via email mailto:wdifruscio@orcsd.org
BUDGET INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON DISTRICT WEBSITE AT:
http://www.orcsd.org/ QUICK LINKS/BUDGET FY 19-20
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King Tide on the Oyster River this week taken with the town's recovered drone. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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DRONE DOWN!
On Tuesday of this week, DCAT coordinator Craig Stevens sent up the Town’s drone in single digit temperatures to capture aerial footage of the King Tide event between 12:30 and 1 PM. A King Tide gives us a sense of what climate change and projected future sea level rise may have in store for property, flooding, and municipal infrastructure in Durham.
Unfortunately, when Mr. Stevens directed the drone to return to him on the Old Landing side of the Oyster River, it malfunctioned and zoomed across the river and crash landed in a branch at the top of a large pine tree within Katie Paine’s woods!
With Katie’s permission, Craig found the crash site and by Friday morning, the drone had blown down from its perch and was recovered. Some repairs are needed, but we have recovered the King Tide footage along the Oyster River and will find a way to display in the coming days.
But, the key words at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon were … "Drone down!"
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CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO CONSIDER MAKING CONTRIBUTION TOWARD TWO CONSERVATION TRACTS IN DURHAM
The Conservation Commission is holding a public hearing next Monday, January 28th, at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers to consider making a contribution toward the acquisition of two conservation tracts in Durham by the Nature Conservancy – the 10.5 acre Lord Tract and the 30-acre Walker Tract. The proposed contribution is for $5,000 for each tract but the amount could be more or less than that. The money would come from the Town’s conservation fund which currently has $73,788.
View more information about the two parcels HERE.
Interested parties can speak at the hearing or send an email to mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.
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A beautiful cape at Old Landing on Tuesday. Courtesy Todd Selig
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RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW PRESENTATION INFORMATION
A Right-to-Know Law presentation was held on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Council chambers at Durham Town Hall for newly appointed Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Secretaries, as well as new members to the various town boards and committees. Town attorney Laura Spector-Morgan gave the presentation. The information she provided at the presentation can be viewed HERE.
The recorded session can be viewed on DCAT on Demand HERE.
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CHANGES TO CURBSIDE RECYCLING FOR 2019!!! -- CURBSIDE COLLECTION TO RETURN TO ALTERNATING WEEKS AS OF FEBRUARY 2019
Due to a significant change in the global marketing of recyclables, the Integrated Waste Management Committee (IWMAC) and Town Administration have decided to return to a dual recycling collection as we did prior to 2015. This decision was made with both environmental and fiscal responsibilities in mind. Recycling used to generate revenues to offset costs of operating, however the current market conditions have not only tonnage costs but escalating ones. A link to the recycling collection calendar is provided below, as well as in the DPW newsletter, to assist residents in knowing what to put out each week. Below is the definition of each category:
CO-MINGLED RECYCLABLES
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DPW does its best to find ways to bring in revenue to offset escalating costs. With the price of cardboard remaining stable in this uncertain recycling market, DPW encourages residents to bring cardboard to the Transfer Station when possible. Aluminum cans also do generate some revenue at this point. If residents are able to bring up cans and cardboard separately at the Transfer Station, this will help to offset costs. Thank you!
View the 2019 Recycling Collection Calendar HERE.
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UNH PRESIDENT DEAN LAYS OUT STRATEGIC PLAN IN YESTERDAY’S STATE OF UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
UNH’s overarching aspiration is bold, indeed — to transform UNH into one of the top 25 public universities in the country. This is a big goal. It will challenge UNH to reach higher and farther than ever before. And it will make UNH a national and international example of higher education, innovation, and success.
To get there, President Dean outlined four primary Strategic Priorities:
Enhance Student Success and Well-Being.
UNH's aspirations in this area are that the institution will ensure timely graduation for all of its students. Students will be engaged and ethical global citizens. They will learn at UNH in Durham secure in the knowledge that they are all—regardless of any differences among them--valuable members of our community. They will graduate prepared to thrive not only in their first jobs, but throughout their careers. This will encompass rethinking the core curriculum. Providing facilities, support, and incentives to offer state-of-the-art evidence-based teaching and learning. This could involve online learning, flipped classrooms and well beyond. And identifying metrics UNH will use to assess its progress.
Expand Academic Excellence.
UNH's aspiration is that it will have increasingly strong and diverse students and faculty from across the country and abroad. UNH will be known and respected for its high caliber academic programs. It will have distinguished research, scholarship and doctoral education recognized around the world, as it already does in a number of areas in the arts and sciences and the professions. "The lamp of knowledge lit in Durham will burn brightly for our students and our citizens,” stated Dean. UNH will re-envision its honors program to create a new UNH Honors College. Create and expand scholarship programs to continue to strengthen and diversify the student body. UNH will identify and invest in high potential research and graduate programs, and expand graduate education, at both the PhD and master’s level.
Embrace New Hampshire
UNH’s aspiration is that NH residents will be incredibly proud (maybe even “wicked proud”) of UNH. UNH will be known as a jewel of the rugged, beautiful Granite State. Students in New Hampshire will grow up wanting to come to UNH. It will be the first choice of the state's best and brightest students and beyond. UNH will prove itself to be a trusted and valuable partner in advancing New Hampshire’s quality of life and supporting its economy. No matter where folks travel in this NH, President Dean wants people to be proud to call UNH their flagship university. To this end, UNH will establish a Business Advisory Council and work with business leaders to further economic development in the state. UNH will expand leadership and student visits with Concord. It will deepen relationships with New Hampshire high schools, and make sure they know how strong the UNH of today is.
The final strategic priority is to Build Financial Strength.
The aspiration is that UNH will be a national leader in aligning budget and resources with strategic priorities. UNH will be accessible and affordable for students by diversifying revenue sources and effectively managing expenses. UNH will meet the full range of student needs by providing world class faculty, facilities and organization. "This priority is crucial," stated Dean. "In fact, our four priorities and all our strategic initiatives are absolutely dependent on our success in this area.”
In pursuit of this aspiration, UNH will be establishing a new standalone finance department, to be led by a chief financial officer whom UNH will hire. Currently, finances at UNH are managed in two distinct organizational areas — one focusing on academics and one focusing on support services that make the academics possible. President Dean will combine them into a single office and leadership role responsible for UNH’s financial health. Existing finance personnel in the offices of the provost and the vice president for finance and administration will be moved to this new organization. The reorganization will not increase the number of senior administrators, nor will the overall cost of administration increase materially. Details will follow in the coming weeks.
UNH will also undertake a deep dive in understanding and managing its costs in both academic and non-academic areas, using both internal and external resources. UNH will seek to diversify tuition revenue to include UNH on-line, micro credentials and Professional MS programs. UNH will create a strategic funding pool to support its priorities And within the next year or so, UNH will initiate a new capital campaign.
The Town of Durham is of course an integral partner in the success of UNH, and in turn, UNH is an integral partner for Durham in ensuring our local health as a community in many ways. Durham looks forward to working hand in hand with UNH to move win-win priorities forward for the betterment of the University, the Town, and New Hampshire.
Where does UNH go from here? President Dean hopes to receive feedback from yesterday’s presentation that will help UNH to further refine these ideas. If you would like to provide feedback, please email him at mailto:presidents.office@unh.edu.
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A map showing the planned Eversource tree clearing along ROW in Newmarket and Durham. Courtesy Eversource
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RIGHT-OF-WAY TREE CLEARING IN DURHAM, NEWMARKET
Eversource plans to do tree clearing within approximately one mile of the company’s electric distribution line right-of-way, beginning at Stagecoach Road in Durham and ending at the Newmarket substation on Bass Street in Newmarket from February to March 2019. Eversource contractor Asplundh tree service will be clearing the right-of-way to its full 100- foot width, trimming vegetation and removing hazard trees within the 100-foot easement that the company indicates are threatening the reliability of the electric system. The work will also include mowing underbrush along the right-of-way. Expect tree crews to be working in the right-of-way between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. No work will be scheduled on weekends.
Eversource reports that during a typical year, trees are responsible for approximately 25% of all electric service interruptions. When a storm with high winds or heavy snow comes through New England, more than 90% of the outages on Eversource’s electric system are caused by trees and tree limbs. To help ensure reliability and public safety, Eversource hires tree-pruning and clearing contractors who remove interfering branches and trees on a regular, rotating schedule.
Eversource’s distribution rights-of-way are especially critical to electric service reliability because they carry power from the company's transmission lines to serve many customers along community main streets and back roads. Eversource indicates that maintaining a safe, reliable electric system that supports the environment is a top priority for Eversource, which follows federally-required best management practices in pruning, cutting, and removing tall-growing trees, and selected invasive shrubs on all its distribution line corridors.
If you have any questions about the tree clearing work that will be done on the distribution line rights-of- way, please contact Eversource Certified Arborist Ian Farley at 634-2586.
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SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS ORDINANCE TO BE DISCUSSED BY PLANNING BOARD AT UPCOMING MEETING
The Planning Board is holding a special meeting next Wednesday evening, January 30, devoted solely to discussion of the draft Solar Energy Systems ordinance. The ordinance has been revised several times and a second public hearing was held on September 12. The public hearing was closed so no new public comments will be accepted now, but the Planning Board expects to revise the draft and then schedule a new public hearing.
View the current proposed ordinance, as well as written public comments that have been incorporated into the draft HERE.
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PLANNING FOR SUPER BOWL UNDERWAY IN DURHAM
With the NE Patriots progressing to the Super Bowl on February 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, Durham and UNH are busy working together to ensure the downtown and the campus remain peaceful at the game’s conclusion. A meeting involving Durham Police, UNH Police, UNH Student Affairs, Durham Fire, McGregor EMS, NH Liquor Enforcement, NH State Police, Strafford County Sheriffs Department, Strafford County Dispatch, and Durham Public Works took place on Wednesday afternoon to begin proactive planning.
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PODCASTS OF DURHAM PUBLIC MEETINGS?
For die-hard Durhamites who desire to listen to podcasts of the latest local public meeting while out for a run (forget the Rocky 1 theme song) or driving to Portsmouth for errands, the capability is something our IT/DCAT staff are now exploring. If this becomes something we can effectuate, we’ll put out an announcement in the coming weeks.
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EMERGENCY GENERATOR INSTALLATION BEHIND THE TOWN HALL PROGRESSING
The emergency generator is being installed on its concrete pad with electrical cabinet behind the Town Hall this week. The Eversource power supply at the pole from which the Town Hall receives electricity along Mill Pond Road is for some reason at a very high amperage and so some substantial equipment was needed to bring this down to a building service level to safely operate in conjunction with the new emergency generator. Once installation is complete and the ground thaws, DPW will look at whether screening such as a fence or plantings are necessary.
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The Super Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse that occurred on January 20th. Courtesy Carol Birch
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DURHAM POLICE COMPLETES ITS EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PLAN/REVIEW
As part of the agency’s accredited status, the Durham Police must update their Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) plan annually. The EEO is a document that is designed to analyze the relevant labor market data for the Durham Police as well as their employment practices to identify possible barriers to the participation of women and minorities in all levels of the department. Its purpose is to ensure the opportunity for full and equal participation of men and women in the workplace, regardless of race, color, or national origin.
Additionally, the plan enables the Durham Police to confidently state that they practice equal employment which means there is a greater advantage to attracting qualified and dedicated candidates. Secondly, the department decreases the chances of facing a discrimination or wrongful discharge or hiring lawsuit. Finally, it is an accepted premise that an organization that ensures equal employment for all increases the chances that it will have a diverse workforce. This results in many positive implications for organizational productivity, creativity and ultimately provides the best possible services to the Durham community.
The annual report can be viewed HERE.
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FREE WINTER SAND/SALT MIX AVAILABLE TO DURHAM HOUSEHOLDS
The Department of Public Works has winter sand/salt mix available for RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY at the Public Works department located just outside the gate near the mailbox. As many may recall, this used to be in the old Town Hall parking lot until the property was sold and the Town Hall moved.
Residents may fill a few pails as needed for their homes throughout the winter. This is NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE.
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION HOSTS "UNEARTHING THE CLUES AT THE BURNHAM GARRISON - Saturday, January 26th at 1PM in the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers
How did residents of the Oyster River Plantation live during the 1600s and what articles did they use in their homes? Archaeologist Meghan Howey will share some surprising discoveries about life in Durham more than three centuries ago. Professor Howey and her crew have been surveying the Burnham Garrison site, one of the fortified houses on the Oyster River that withstood many attacks, including the French and Indian attack of 1694.
Dr. Meghan Howey is the James H. Hayes and Claire Short Hayes Professor of the Humanities at UNH and her research involves “A Deep Time, Multi-Archive Narrative of the Anthropocene in the Great Bay”. In this capacity, she is the Director of the Great Bay Archaeological Survey (GBAS), a community-engaged and interdisciplinary archaeology program. Refreshments will be served. Snow date is Sunday, January 27th. Visit the DHA on Facebook.
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View of the historic General Sullivan House within Durham's Historic District from Old Landing. Courtesy Todd Selig
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23 NEWMARKET ROAD APPLICATION TO THE HDC WITHDRAWN
The applicant for a new house at 23 Newmarket Road withdrew their application to the Historic District Commission on Wednesday. The proposal involved a new house and related development of the lot, which would have been located approximately behind and farther to the left of the General Sullivan House shown in the photo above.
The plans were initially presented to the HDC on December 6 and then a public hearing was held on January 17, at which time there was considerable feedback offered by the public that raised concerns about the size and scale of the proposed structure relative the General Sullivan House.
The applicant also withdrew the application to the Planning Board for required improvements to the gravel road on Town property leading to the subject lot.
View the documents related to the application HERE.
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DPW EFFECTUATED WATER MAIN BREAK REPAIR THURSDAY ON EDGEWOOD ROAD
There was a water main break Thursday in or around 54 Edgewood Road. Several homes around this area experienced a water shut down during the repair. Public Works staff did their best to repair the break as quickly as possible, but the conditions with freezing raid did present difficulty. We appreciate everyone’s patience with the situation and extend kudos to DPW staff for their hard work in the wet, cold, and slippery conditions.
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DURHAM TOWN HALL TELEPHONE/INTERNET CONNECTIVITY HAD ISSUES THIS WEEK
Unfortunately, Durham had problems with its connectivity this week involving the Firstlight network. At one point, the Fire Department was unable to connect to the Town Hall and the Town Hall was unable to connect to the state. This impacted services like email, Munismart access, car registration, etc. The issue has been resolved.
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DURHAM YOUTH WILL RAMSEY UNDERTAKES JIMMY FUND, FUND RAISER IN MEMORY OF MILES GOLDBERG – Seeks support from interested community members
Durham resident Will Ramsey just turned 13 years old and has taken on a Bar Mitzvah project that will raise money for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of his close friend, Miles Steven Goldberg.
Will writes: "Like I am now, Miles was only 13 years old when he passed away in 2017. For my Bar Mitzvah project, I want to honor Miles’ life and our memories of him and let his family know how much they mean to me and my family - especially his brother Louis who is both a best friend and like a brother to me. My goal is to raise $1000 for each of Miles’ 13 years and for each mile I plan to run (13.1) in The Covered Bridges Half Marathon on June 2, 2019, in Pomfret, Vermont (https://cbhm.com/).”
The Jimmy Fund solely supports Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research to improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world.
If you would like to support Will’s effort, learn more HERE.
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KAPPA DELTA SORORITY
The Planning Board approved a site plan and conditional uses for an addition, renovations, and site changes to Kappa Delta Sorority at 25 Madbury Road on Wednesday. The overall square footage of the building will be doubled approximately but the total number of beds (43) will not increase. The sorority is reconfiguring the building to allow for separate bedrooms for the occupants and removing any sleeping areas from the basement.
View the documents related to the project HERE.
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Pedestrian bridge over the Oyster River with the Sullivan monument in the distance. Courtesy Todd Selig
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ORCSD KINDERGARTEN AND NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION 2019-2020 - MAST WAY AND MOHARIMET ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Kindergarten & New Student Registration Week is scheduled for February 4th through 8th, 2019
Monday from 10:00 a .m. until 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
If your child will be age 5 on or before September 30, 2019, he/she will be eligible for our Full Day Kindergarten Program
Materials needed at the time of registration:
- Proof of Residency in the Mast Way Elementary School or Moharimet Elementary School catchment of the Oyster River School District by providing a current, dated utility bill or lease, mortgage, or deed with the parent's or guardian's names and address. Please note that residency is required for all incoming Kindergarten students, including those with siblings already enrolled in our elementary schools.
- A copy of your Child's Birth Certificate
For further information, please call:
Mast Way Elementary School
Mrs. Seaman
603-659-3001
Moharimet Elementary School
Mrs. Ficker
603-7 42-2900
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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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.
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DANGER AWARENESS WORKSHOP FOR FAMILIES - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019, 2 - 4 PM
Instructed by Steve DeMasco's Shaolin Studios with over 25 years of experience in martial arts and self-defense. In this 2 hour workshop, participants will focus on self defense skills and danger awareness. This workshop will take place at the Oyster River Middle School- MPR.
View more information HERE.
Pre-registration required at: http://durhamrec.recdesk.com.
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PLEASE JOIN THE DURHAM LIBRARY AS IT WELCOMES . . .
Local writer and photographer Robert Wheeler
on Wednesday, January 30th at 6:00 PM.
Come for a lively conversation set on writing and publishing.
Wheeler is the author of Hemingway's Paris: A Writer's City in Words and Images (2015) and Hemingway's Havana: A Reflection of the Writer's Life in Cuba (2018). His new book, The Boston Freedom Trail in Words and Pictures, will be released in May of 2019.
No registration required. All are welcome!
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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Wooden steps at Jackson's Landing. Courtesy Todd Selig
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1894 - The Village Improvement Society organized by citizens interested in maintenance of roadsides by cutting of grass, planting of shade trees and keeping waste matter out of streets. Clarence Scott was president. Lucien Thompson, secretary and Chauncey Hayes, treasurer.
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1894 - Central for the telephone system was in Caveno's store, on Main Street opposite T. Hall. The expertise of installing the telephone lines about campus and to several homes in the village was supplied by the faculty. This phone system appears to have been a very local organization.
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If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page. Click on "Friday Updates" then enter your email address and first and last name.
Have a very nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us
https://www.ci.durham.nh.us
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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