"Friday Updates" - January 27, 2017

A map illustrating the route of the proposed Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project (SRP). Courtesy Eversource

EVERSOURCE RESPONDS TO DHA CONCERNS REGARDING IMPACTS TO HISTORIC RESOURCES ALONG SRP ROUTE

The Town recently corresponded with Eversource in regard to concerns raised by the Durham Historic Association (DHA) about the movement of heavy machinery within the existing utility ROW and impacts this activity has had or may have on historic resources. To see the Town’s letter and the response from Eversource, click HERE.

UPDATE ON INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY REVIEW OF EVERSOURCE SRP PROPOSED CROSSING OF LITTLE BAY
Eversource seeks the issuance of a Certificate of Site and Facility approval from the NH Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) for the siting, construction, and operation of a 115 kV transmission line from the company's Madbury substation through Durham and Newington to its Portsmouth Substation. The proposal, dubbed the Seacoast Reliability Project (SRP), would be approximately 13 miles in length and is comprised of a combination of above ground, underground, and underwater segments. The majority of the project runs through Durham. A significant segment is proposed to be buried under the Great Bay Estuary.

The Town of Durham has engaged the services of GeoInsight and Woods Hole Group in order to undertake an independent, third-party review of the Eversource SRP submittals to the SEC.

Durham took this extraordinary step, at a cost that may approach $100,000, in order to exercise an abundance of caution in an effort to protect the fragile estuarine environment of the Great Bay Estuary, which is so important to our community, the Seacoast region, and the state as a whole. While the work of our consultants is ongoing, this week Mr. Selig provided Durham Representative/Town Councilor Wayne Burton a preliminary summary of their findings to date.

The Woods Hole Group reports that Appendix A of the “Characterization of Sediment Quality Along Little Bay Crossing” report is significantly flawed in that it purports to be an ecological risk assessment but fails to identify the ecological risk assessment guidance under which the authors wrote the Appendix.

The appendix is presented to the reader as an ecological risk assessment in:

• The Executive Summary which states that, “As discussed in Appendix A, the results of the sediment testing were examined in the context of ecological risk” and “GEI contributed... through their expertise in ecological risk assessment...”
• The Conclusions of the report which states that “GEI evaluated the sediment chemistry results in terms of potential ecological risk ...” and “GEI concluded that the dispersion of sediments... would pose no ecological risk”
• Within Appendix A, which is titled “Appendix A: Ecological Risk Analyses” and states that the review “...is focused on the potential ecological risks associated with the sediment data.”

Appendix A therefore attempts to provide an image of the formalized and deliberate analysis inherent in an ecological risk assessment but provides no specific agency or professionally recognized ecological risk assessment guidance against which to judge the work. This is a major failing of the report because there are well established standards of practice for conducting ecological risk assessments provided by the State of New Hampshire; the United States Protection Agency; the United States Army Corps of Engineers (specific to dredged material projects); the International Navigation Association; the Tri Services Commission; the National Forest Service (to name just a few). These are all well established and well-reviewed step by step documents that frame the standard of practice for conducting ecological risk assessments.

The failing in the Sediment Quality Report and Appendix A is that these documents:

1. borrow some of these steps;
2. sometimes describe the analysis as an ecological risk assessment; and
3. are often ambiguous in identifying as an ecological risk assessment.

Our consultants report the reader is left with a document that is anchored in none of the well-known and reviewed standards. There is therefore no stated standard against which the reviewer may assess the adequacy of the analysis. This is critical for the reviewer who needs answers to the following:

• Under what regulatory framework is this risk assessment conducted?
• What standard guidance and associated technical updates does this document follow?
• Did it conform to the customary step by step requirements of an ecological risk assessment?
• Does it explain where and why it deviates from such requirements?
• Does it meet the technical specifications inherent in the guidance?
• Are the interpretations of the data and analyses consistent with guidance?

The report and Appendix provide no answers to these questions. Rather, the reviewer is left in the position of not only assessing the technical quality of the work but whether the data and assessment are sufficient to justify conclusions regarding potential ecological risk. This question of sufficiency would be provided by comparison to various guidance documents (state of the practice). However, the Report and Appendix A do not follow any of the many guidance documents available.

Woods Hole Group recommends that the Report and Appendix A unambiguously follow the standards of practice for ecological risk assessment provided by any one of the many state or federal agencies. This would provide the reviewer with a standard “checklist” of whether the analysis has been conducted in an environmentally protective manner; clearly define the regulatory program under which the risk assessment is being performed; and assure the general public that the assessment has been done under some well-reviewed and universally accepted standards.

Woods Hole Group further recommends that Eversource follow the USACE Regional Implementation Manual and associated USACE technical publications for assessing the environmental impacts of dredged material management sites. Woods Hole Group views this jetting process as essentially a dredging technique. That is, it disrupts the sediment to the extent that some fraction is resuspended and then allows some fraction to resettle. This is functionally equivalent to a dredge and fill project (with the dredged material escaping the trench and the filling due to resettling of some fraction of the fluidized and resuspended sediment). This approach would put the analysis squarely within a well-recognized standard of practice. If the analysis simply followed the requirements of the Tiered process in the Regional Implementation Manual, it would provide a deliberate and standardized analysis that two federal agencies (USACE and USEPA) have reviewed and consider environmentally protective. This approach would also provide any reviewers of the documents a regulatory context and standardized format against which to assess the adequacy of the work. Finally, it would provide the general public with some assurance that the methods employed have been accepted by the engineering and scientific community as protective for this type of project.

Given this backdrop, our independent, third-party review team at GeoInsight/Woods Hole Group is in the process of developing detailed questions/comments for Eversource as part of the formal SEC process. Because the issue is still under active review by our consultants, we are not prepared to state at this time whether we believe the proposal as submitted would or would not create an unacceptable risk to the Great Bay Estuary. Quite simply, more information/analysis is necessary before such a determination can be made.

Durham’s effort does, however, highlight the critical importance of direct involvement by municipalities through which proposed regional utility projects pass, and the need for a standardized system of independent, third-party vetting of such projects that directly includes the towns/cities impacted. Further, because every regional utility project impacts municipalities, consideration should be given within the New Hampshire legislature to amending the formal SEC membership to include a standing municipal representative (a seated Selectperson, Councilor, Alderman,Town/City Manager) designated by the NH Municipal Association, or alternatively, appointed by the Governor and Executive Council. These steps and possibly others like them would ensure that not only are projects submitted by utilities properly vetted by the local communities they impact, but there would be a clear voice representing municipalities as an integral part of the SEC.

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL OF PAVING GRAVEL PORTION OF CEDAR POINT ROAD

Residents on the gravel section of Cedar Point Road have reached out to the Town over the years to request that it be paved. To bring residents up to speed on the history here, which Admin. Selig offers simply from memory, about 30+ years ago, upon petition from the then Cedar Point Road residents to pave the roadway, the Board of Selectmen felt that unless 100% of owners along the roadway were in agreement to pave the road, the Town would not pave it. This has continued to be the Town's position for several decades, as much out of practicality as consistency.

One of the many reasons is that Cedar Point Road slowly evolved over the decades from a dirt roadway connecting a series of small camps to the neighborhood with much larger and more intensively used homes it is today. Consequently, some residents preferred the rural feel of a gravel road, while others preferred a paved road. In addition, the Town’s ROW is very narrow here and does not provide sufficient width to provide either drainage or a standard roadway width. In addition, there are septic systems and other issues under/impacting the roadway, etc. The long and short of this situation is that the Town has worked to maintain the roadway as best it can given the rural nature of the location, and our available resources (we contract out the grading for the last several years with much improved results).

Nonetheless, the Town annually receives recurrent emails from residents along Cedar Point Road for good reason: the road is bumpy, dusty, muddy, and there is significant siltation from the road that washes into the bay. Over the years Durham Public Works has held meetings at the Town Office, met with interested residents out on site, brought in better fill material, paved the ends of the road, all to enhance the situation. Yet, the problems endure creating ongoing frustration for residents there.

Given this situation, Mr. Selig asked DPW earlier this month to take another look at the road to assess whether a substandard, very narrow, paved swath can be accomplished given the reality that there will be imperfect drainage, and other issues may be impacted. There are just no easy answers, and drainage will likely impact most of the private properties along the route for which we very likely would need permission from impacted landowners.

This week, the Town executed a contract with Ross Engineering with respect to evaluating potential improvements to Cedar Point Road.

• The scope of work includes:
• Roadway design showing sections with base & pavement
• Survey plan showing topography, current structures
• Research to review existing deeds/septic & boundary plans
• Drainage design with drainage outfalls
• NHDES maintenance permit
• Engineering estimate for construction cots.

The total budget for this project is $13,250 - $14,250.

Members of Durham's Police Department with outgoing Detective Sergeant Michael Bilodeau. Courtesy Durham PD

OFFICERS LEAVING EMPLOY OF DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Kurz reports with mixed emotions that Detective Sergeant Michael Bilodeau, an 18 year veteran of the department, tended his resignation this week to accept employment as the new Police Chief with the Newington Police Department. This is an outstanding opportunity for Mike as he progresses in his chosen field.

Michael Bilodeau came to Durham in 1998 after being employed as a police officer in Virginia. As he grew up in the Portsmouth area, coming home with his wife Holly and daughter Addison was a great opportunity. Mike rose through the ranks of the Durham Police first as a Patrol Sergeant and finally overseeing investigation as the Detective Sergeant.

A get-together at the Police Department where friends and acquaintances of Mike’s were able to give their best wishes was held today. While we are very sad at Mike’s resignation, we are also very proud of his achievement in being hired by the Town of Newington and grateful for having had the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and compassionate person.

2016 DOG LICENSE LATE RENEWALS

There are still 60 dog licenses that have not been renewed as required in 2016.

Letters have been sent informing the owners, urging compliance. The next step, required by state law (RSA 466:13), is to issue a Civil Forfeiture. The Civil Forfeiture is a $25.00 fine and summons to court if the dog is not licensed and fees paid (license fee, accrued penalties and civil forfeiture) within a specified period. These notices are sent by certified mail at a cost of $6.56 each. If the certified mail is not picked up, it is returned to the Town Clerk's Office and will be delivered in-hand by the Police Department. The total cost is in excess of $300.00 for this mailing and the potential of an undetermined amount of Police man hours.

Civil Forfeiture notices will be issued February 6, 2017. Therefore, residents are urged you to comply so that these steps, and expense, will not be necessary. Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 603-868-5577 with any questions.

2017 DOG TAGS ARE AVAILABLE

As required by state law (RSA 466:1), all dogs are required to be licensed annually by April 30th. If you would like to renew your dog’s license early, 2017 dog tags are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office. Dog licenses can be renewed in person, by mail, or on-line (additional fees apply). Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 603-868-5577 with any questions.

The earlier residents come in to register their dogs, the lower the dog tag numbers received.  

Still Life. Naomi Kornhauser

February Artist In the Gallery at the Durham Public Library - Naomi Kornhauser - Artist Reception, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30-7:30.  Snow date Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30-7:30. All are invited.

SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST

The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Town Hall twice in January to accept new voters and to make corrections to the checklist:

Saturday, January 28, 2017, 2:00 -2:30 PM.

Changes in party registration can also be made at this time.

Prospective voters are required by law to show proof of identity, age (18 by the election day), domicile/residence in Durham, and U.S. Citizenship. A driver’s license and a birth certificate or passport are useful. Affidavits of domicile and citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT SEEKING FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER

The Durham, New Hampshire Police Department is seeking qualified applicants to establish a list for the position of full-time Police Officer. The applicant selected to serve as Police Officer will provide law enforcement and community-oriented services to this diverse Seacoast/University community.

Officers patrol an assigned area for the purpose of crime prevention and law enforcement. Duties include but are not limited to the investigation of crimes; identification/apprehension of offenders, traffic enforcement, and the provision of emergency services. Candidates must have the ability to exercise good judgment, common sense and discretion, and be able to analyze situations quickly and objectively. Applicants must be able to make decisions under pressure.

Applicants must be 21 years old by the anticipated date of appointment. Applicants must be a high school graduate or hold a GED; Bachelor Degrees from an accredited college or university are preferred. Applicants must appear on the most recent Great Bay Police Testing Alliance written test list OR be a certified police officer in this or any other state accepted by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council. Prior Great Bay test participants may still participate as long as they provide proof of their test score and the date the test was taken.

Visible Tattoos will disqualify a candidate automatically.

Females and Minorities are encouraged to apply.

Anticipated date of appointment for this selection process is April 17, 2017. This date is subject to change.

Letter of Interest, Professional Resume, and Town of Durham Employment Application must be received by Capt. David Holmstock by 5:00 PM, Friday, February 3, 2017 at:

Durham Police Department
86 Dover Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824

The Durham Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REFERENDUM QUESTION ON THE MARCH 14, 2017, TOWN ELECTION WARRANT - asking residents if they are in favor of raising and appropriating not more than $1,960,000 for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility

At the January 9, 2017 Town Council meeting, the Council held the first required Public Hearing in accordance with RSA 33:8 and voted unanimously to place the following referendum question on the March 14, 2017 Town Election Warrant relating to bonding for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility:

"Are you in favor of raising and appropriating the sum of $1,960,000 for the purpose of the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police Facility, with said sum to be in addition to any federal, state or private funds made available therefor, and of authorizing the issuance of not more than $1,960,000 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provision of the municipal finance act, RSA Chapter 33, and authorizing the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. The Council recommends this appropriation. 2/3 ballot vote required."

The Council also scheduled a second Public Hearing in accordance RSA 33:8-d II (b), to be held at its February 6, 2017 meeting, as well as a Public Hearing to be held on February 6, 2017 on a resolution authorizing the borrowing of money and incurrence of debt of not more than $1,960,000.00 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility. This Public Hearing will meet the requirements of Section 5.12(A) of the Durham Town Charter.

Sketch of proposed renovation/addition at Durham Police Department.  Courtesy Bill Schoonmaker, Schoonmaker Architects

DURHAM POLICE RENOVATIONS/ADDITION PROPOSAL - Additional information for residents in a new video from DCAT.
The second video pertaining to the proposed renovations/addition to the existing police facility is now available. Kudos to Craig Stevens of DCAT who developed this 2nd of 3 videos available on "Video on Demand" at the Durham website. While the first 13 minute video focused upon the three critical and immediate needs that challenge the agency, this video offers insight to the working areas of the department that the public rarely sees. Future information will focus upon the following items:

• Breaking down the pricing cost centers for the $1,960,000 renovation/addition
• Highlighting the positive energy efficiency that the renovations will accomplish
• Define the useful 30-50 year life expediency of the project’s outcome
• Discuss the existing attractive interest rates that would be financed over a number of years.

If there are any residents who would care to see their police facility first-hand, please contact Chief Dave Kurz and he will be happy to arrange for a tour.

HOW SWEET IT IS: A family friendly presentation about the fascinating, and important, Honey Bee

On Saturday, February 4th, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Durham Public Library, the Durham Agricultural Commission will present New Hampshire Beekeeper Wendy Booth. Wendy will share her excitement for keeping bees and talk about the fascinating life of the Honey Bee. We will laugh and learn and laugh some more.

Wendy is past President of the NH Beekeepers, 2008 Beekeeper of the Year, featured on NH Chronicle, NH Magazine and NPR and has award winning bee photos in national magazines. There will be honey for tasting and honey recipes to take home. If you are thinking of keeping bees, enjoy gardening or love to hear about nature…this will be a great presentation.

For more information, please contact Theresa Walker of the Durham Agricultural Commission at 659-7226, theresawalker@comcast.net

LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE WINTER NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has published its 2017 winter newsletter which is available for viewing HERE.

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.

Historic District/Heritage Commission - Thursday, February 2, 2017

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All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Don’t miss the latest episode of “ In the Biz; Durham Business Spotlight”. This episode features Young’s Family Restaurant. Meet owner Ken Young and hear his strategy on how he keeps his restaurant on the cutting edge of the ever changing restaurant scene, he’ll also talk about how he brings his customers the freshest product available. There are a few surprises too. This video is available on DCAT 22 TV at 12:30 & 6:00 PM, DCAT on Demand, & our website

Total run time: 11 minutes

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Durham Police Facility Video. DCAT 22 Studios has created the first two videos in a series of three which are designed to inform residents of the needs of the police facility. These videos focus on critical and immediate needs that challenge the agency. While the department will be presenting and hosting opportunities to tour the facility, these series of short videos will offer some exposure to areas at the police department that the public rarely sees. The video airs on DCAT Cable Channel 22: Saturday & Sunday @ 7:30 PM. It’s also available On Demand.
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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.

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.

Family Sweetheart Dance - Friday, February 10th 6-8pm at the Oyster River High School- MPR. Join us for our first Family Sweetheart Dance!! The whole family is invited to join in on an evening of dancing, FUN and to celebrate Valentine’s Day!!
$20/couple or $30/family (add a person for $5). Ticket prices include a 5x7 photo. Tickets are now on sale!!

Churchill Rink - In 2015 The Parks & Recreation Committee and Director submitted a CIP proposal to obtain an Architectural and Engineering Assessment of Churchill Rink to address requested upgrades to the facility. The current P&R Committee and Director have been compiling information based on requested and needed renovations to improve the rink for this assessment. The goal of this assessment will focus on renovations/upgrades for the hockey season, and also address the potential to develop Churchill Rink into a more functional and utilized year-round recreational facility and community resource.
A request for qualifications is currently being developed to obtain this assessment of the rink.

Energy Medicine Workshop: Explore your Inner Healing - Curious what ENERGY medicine is? Would you like a way to “rest” your “feel good” button to increase your energy level, improve concentration, clear toxins from your body, feel more grounded and experience more joy? Join Mary Schwoerer for these workshops to learn how energy exercise can propel you towards greater health and happiness while balancing negative energies that assault your well-being. Expand YOUR light!  Register for one or both of these FREE workshops: Monday, January 30th 9-10:30am and Thursday, February 2nd 6:30-8pm at the Parks & Recreation Building.

Coyote Club Session 3 - Coyote Club introduces children to nature-based studies, native crafts and environmental stewardship. This program will get kids out of the house and into the woods, connecting them to their environment.  Mondays, after school-4:30pm beginning January 30th -March 27th (8 weeks). No class 2/27. Pre-registration is due by January 23rd- space is limited so please register early.  Coyote Club takes place at Moharimet Elementary School Sugar Shack area and surrounding woods. Students from Mast Way can take bus #84 to Moharimet to participate.

After School & Community Archery Clinics - Tuesdays: February 14th-March 14th.  After School Session for grades 5-12, 2:45-3:45pm.  Community Session for ages 7+ (youth & adults), 4-5pm at the Oyster River Middle School.  $70/pp.   Archery In Motion will be instructing this four-week clinic which will focus on safety, proper shooting form and developing technique to become more precise in order to enhance the archers’ abilities.  Pre-registration required by February 8th. Bus #84 from Mast Way and Moharimet is available for those needing transportation to the 4pm class- Please make appropriate accommodations with school if using bus transportation.

Karate & Kobudo - A Community Martial Arts Class for Youth and Adults. Thursdays, January 19th-February 23rd from 6-7:30pm at the Middle School-MPR. Ages 10+ (youth & adults). $60/participate. Practical self-defense through a traditional Okinawan style of karate (Shorinryu Matsumura Seito), including training with bo, sai, and kama. We are still accepting participant registrations for this program.
 

Upcoming Events-Save The Date!!
Slush Cup Pond Hockey Tournament- Saturday, March 18th. 1pm at Churchill Rink. Enjoy one last hoorah of the season before ice is out with this 3vs3 short ice double elimination tournament! Gather a team and enter into one of our age appropriate divisions. Great prizes and family fun! $30/team or $10/player (teams can have up to 4 players per team or register as a single and get placed on a team).

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Growing Places UpcomingTeacher Workshop Days & School Vacations Programs. To view their Time and TimberNook options, click HERE.

Three Chimneys Inn “Bridal Open House”, Sunday, Jan 29, 2017, 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM.  Sample hors d’oeuvres, wedding cake, tour function rooms, overnight guest rooms, listen to live music, talk with local vendors More information, call 603--868-7800, ext. 303 or 304.

Motivational Speaker, USA Swimmer Anna Johannes, Wednesday, Feb 1, 2017, 5-6PM, ORHS Auditorium. FREE and open to anyone in the community. More information about Ms. Johannes can be viewed HERE and HERE.

UNH Summer Youth Program Fair - Thursday, Feb 2, 2017, 5 - 7:30 pm, Hamel Recreation Center, 5 Edgewood Rd. Parents and students will learn about the variety of UNH youth programs available and talk with program staff. UNH offers summer programs for students ages 6-18 in subject areas such as Academic Enrichment, the Arts, Athletics, Recreation, and STEM. Parking is in the Edgewood Rd. Visitor Lot. Some UNH summer programs are currently open for enrollment; others open mid-February and early March. For more information and enrollment open dates, click HERE. Email cathy.leach@unh.edu with questions.

Oyster River Folk Concerts presents Fiddler and Singer, Lissa Schneckenberger with guitarist, Bethany Waickman, Saturday, Feb 4, 2017, 7PM, Durham Unitarian Fellowship, 30 Madbury Rd. Tickets: $12/adults, $5/students. Only sold at the door. Doors open at 6:30 PM.

UNH Programs and Events - UNH is offering a number of programs and events throughout the month of February that are free and open to the public. View the schedule of activities and events HERE.

Emery Farm - Market & Café Winter Hours - Wednesday through Friday 7:30 AM – 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM. View a full menu HERE.

Main Street Makery - $5.00 Craft. Stop in and make a mini "Love Book". Remember to bring some photographs. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10AM - 6PM; Saturday 10AM - 4PM.
STEM program for students in grades 5-8, sponsored by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at UNH. Tech Kid U is a new initiative in which Middle school students will have the opportunity to explore the world of science and engineering. Runs for three consecutive Saturdays: March 11, 18, & 25. Features hands-on projects and problem solving in various topics related to science and engineering. View more information HERE.

OR High School Weekly Athletic Schedule. View the schedule HERE.

UNH Museum of Art Upcoming Events. View schedule of events HERE.

Jackson's Landing. Naomi Kornhauser

Durham resident Naomi Kornhauser is February’s Artist of the Month at the Durham Public Library.  Her paintings will be on exhibit in the library gallery all month. Residents are invited to a reception and opening for Naomi on Tuesday, February 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm (with a snow date of February 14). 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Family STEAM program, Sat. Jan. 28th at 10:30 am – Playdough Engineers. Come and create with clay. All ages.
Storytimes - Tues. Jan. 31st and Thurs. Feb. 2nd at 10:30 am - “Groundhogs and Counting!”
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) - Weds. Feb. 1st at 10:30 am
Knitting and Craft Club for 3rd-5th graders - Weds. Feb. 1st 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade) - Thurs. Feb. 2nd at 3:30-4:30 pm! We will have fun weekly challenges and of course free build. This week: “Tallest Towers”.
Fun and Games Fridays - Fri. Feb. 3rd all day! Come and create a drop-in craft and play some fun board games. All ages.
YA Mondays will begin on Monday, Jan. 30th from 2:45-4 pm (ages 10 & up) – Stop by the YA room for movies, crafts, snacks and games. This week: Come and build some marshmallow and spaghetti bridges.
Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) Tues. Feb. 7th, 6:00 pm - Join us for Raccoon Readers, our monthly 2nd-4th Grade Book Group. This month's book is "The Island of Dr. Libris" by Chris Grabenstein. We talk about books, authors, play some games and make a craft.
Teen Advisory Board Mon. Feb. 6th, 6:30 pm – Tech Night! The teen advisory board is open to kids in middle and high school. We want to hear from you! Tell the staff about books you would like added to the collection, activities you want to try, movies you want to watch or anything else you feel we should know. This month: Tech Night! Come and try out some new cool tech items: ozobots, makey makey, google cardboard and more.
Seacoast Reads, UNH tutors, will start again in February. Have a child who could use some help with their reading and are in grades 1st-4th? Sign up now at the Children’s desk for a weekly after school session at the library. This is a weekly commitment through early May. Spots are limited so sign-up early.
Take Your Child to the Library Day, Family program – Sat. Feb. 4th, 10:30 am – Come and hear storytime, do a library scavenger hunt and play some fun games. All ages and all are welcome.
Family Movie: Secret Life of Pets! Sat. Feb. 18th at 10:30 am - Join us for this fun family movie: Secret Life of Pets! This movie is shown upstairs in the Oyster River Room. Popcorn is served and all are welcome!
Jack & Annie Book Club (Grades K-2) Tuesday, February 21st at 4:00 – 5:00 PM - Join us for our new monthly book club made just for kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade! During our meeting we will talk about our book club book, play games, and make a craft. This month’s book is "Mummies in the Morning" by Mary Pope Osborne. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Please sign-up at the Children's desk!
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Feb. 22nd 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for this month’s book group. This month’s book is “Nimona” by Noelle Stevenson. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the circulation desk. Pizza is served.
Join the Patch Program! Come and join and collect your patches! This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.

Adult  Programs:

February Artist In the Gallery- Naomi Kornhauser - Artist Reception, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30-7:30. Snow date Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30-7:30 All are invited to meet Naomi and view her paintings!
Pop-Up Book discussion Wed. Feb. 22, 4-5:30 pm - There are pop-up exhibits, galleries and boutiques, so why not a Pop-Up Book Discussion at a new day and time! A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean. The short (100 pages) story is about 2 brothers and their father, a Presbyterian minister, whose religion could be said to be fly fishing. Discussion led by Jennifer Lee. Books are available at the library and on-line. Sponsored by the Friends of DPL.
McGregor Memorial EMS offers two classes on the same day! Sat. Jan. 28, 10 am- 12 pm First Aid Class and 12 pm- 2 pm CPR & AED Class - Cost and registration information found at http://cprsafe.org
Friends of the Durham Public Library - Book Donation Week January 30 thru February 4 - Please bring books and DVDs in bags or boxes that do not need to be returned. This is a big help to the volunteers that run the monthly book donation drives. Thank you.
Oyster River Knitters - Tues. Feb. 7, 7-9 Join us for a couple hours of knitting relaxation and conversation. This is a great time to pick up that knitting project you've wanted to finish. There is no need to pre-register; just show up. New participants of all skill levels are welcome! Contact Janet 868-1142 jadoty@comcast.net
Acoustic Open Mic with Mike! Wed. Feb. 8, 6:30 - All types of acoustic (non-amplified) music. First time performers and original music are particularly encouraged. A welcoming supportive intimate gathering.
News from Judy Haskell, Interim Director - We welcome Naomi Kornhauser, the Interim Adult Program Coordinator. She can be reached at 603-590-1117 or email nkornhauser@ci.durham.nh.us.
DPL Trustees Meeting - Wed. Feb. 8, 6:45 pm

The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology: computers, iPads & cell phones, eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) Call to check on availability of the volunteers and set up an appointment. 868-6699 or email durhampl@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

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Have a very nice weekend. 

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571 

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us  

Website: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?