Friday Updates - January 6, 2017

 
        

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...    

Friday, January 6, 2017

 

Town Landing, February 2016. Courtesy Bernie Casey

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DURHAM - 2016 IN REVIEW
As he does at the end of each Fiscal Year, the Administrator has prepared a "2016 Year End Wrap Up" and submission for the 2016 Town Report.
It is long and wordy, but hopefully of interest to residents. The year end wrap up, along with a spreadsheet outlining progress toward the Town Council's specific 2016/2017 goals, can be found HERE.

 

FILING PERIOD FOR DURHAM ELECTED OFFICES FOR MARCH 14, 2017 TOWN ELECTION
The filing period for local Durham elected offices for the March Town Election is Wednesday, January 25, 2017 through 5:00 PM Friday, February 3, 2017. There is no filing fee required.

 

Citizens that 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 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 tselig@ci.durham.nh.us. The 2017 Town elections will take place on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours will be from 7AM to 7PM.

 

Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms)
Library Board of Trustees, 2 positions (3-year terms)
Town Clerk-Tax Collector, 1 position (3-year term)
Treasurer, 1 position (3-year term)
Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term)

 

OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION INFORMATION
The filing period for the ORCSD elected offices for the March 14, 2017 Election is Wednesday, January 25, 2017 through 5:00 PM Friday, February 3, 2017. There is no filing fee required.

 

At Large School Board, 2 positions (3-year terms)

 

HOUSE BILL 145 - AN ACT REQUIRING MUNICIPAL APPROVAL FOR SITING HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES

Durham Representative Wayne Burton has sponsored a bill, HB 145, that has its roots in Dudley Dudley's bill of 1974. It uses the same language subbing transmission lines for oil refineries. The bill would give each local community through which a regional power project passes the ability to vote on whether to approve or disapprove the project. That provision does not currently exist in state statute. Instead, for regional projects such as the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project, the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee has the sole determining authority concerning whether a project moves forward or not.

 

A hearing on HB 145 has been scheduled for next Wednesday morning, January 11, 2017, at 10:00 AM.

Residence with concerns are invited to provide testimony on why the bill is important to local citizens and therefore why municipalities should have a much stronger role in the site selection process.

 

View HB 145 HERE.

 

WINTER SAND/SALT MIX

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.
 

 

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.

 

PLACEMENT OF 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.

The Durham Town Council currently has only one meeting scheduled in January, Monday, January 9, 2017.

 

At that meeting there will be three items (below) brought forward for Council action for the placement of a referendum question on the March 14, 2017 Town Election Warrant relating to bonding for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility.

 

Hold Public Hearing and order the placement of a proposed referendum question on the March 14, 2017 Town Election ballot asking residents if they are 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.

 

Shall the Town Council, in accordance with RSA 33:8-d II (b), schedule a second Public Hearing for Monday, February 6, 2017, on a referendum question to be placed on the March 14, 2017 Town Election ballot asking residents if they are 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.
 

Shall the Town Council, in accordance with Section 5.12(A) of the Durham Town Charter, schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, 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?

 

SUPERINTENDENT JAMES MORSE TO GIVE OVERVIEW OF THE ORCSD'S PROPOSED FY2017/18 BUDGET TO TOWN COUNCIL MONDAY EVENING
Dr. Morse has been invited to attend Monday evening’s Town Council meeting to provide the Council with an overview of the Oyster River Cooperative School District’s proposed FY2017/18 budget. The Council meeting will begin at 7PM.

 

The presentation is also a public forum, so if members of the public desire to ask questions, a limited amount of time will be allowed for Dr. Morse to respond.

 

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CIVIL RIGHTS DAY HOLIDAY
Town offices will be closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day holiday on Monday, January 16, 2017.

 

Although the Town offices are closed, there will be NO CHANGE to the regularly scheduled refuse and recycling routes. As always, residents are asked to please have all items out by 7AM on their respective collection days.

 

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

The Durham Historic Association’s 2017 January program is scheduled on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers: "Arron Sturgis and Jessica Milneil of Preservation Timberframing, Inc.: The Israel DeMeritt/O'Kane House." This was Durham's finest Federal period house, according to James Garvin, noted architectural historian.

 

This program is open to all DHA members and the general public. Snow date is Sunday, January 29.

 

CURRENT USE VALUE RANGES FOR 2017-2018
Current Use Assessment provides a property tax incentive to all qualifying landowners who agree to maintain their land in an undeveloped condition. This assessment is based on the capacity of the land to produce income in its current use-whether it is managed farm or forest, or unmanaged open space. Current Use is the cornerstone of the state's land conservation efforts, with over half the land in New Hampshire is enrolled in this valuable program.

"It is hereby declared to be in the public interest to encourage preservation of open space, thus providing a healthful and attractive outdoor environment for work and recreation of the state's citizen's, maintaining the character of the state's landscape, and conserving the land, water, forest, agricultural and wildlife resources." - NH Current Use law RSA 79-A (enacted July 1, 1973)

For land to qualify for Current Use it must be a tract of land or a combination of contiguous tracts under identical ownership comprised of a minimum of ten (10) acres.

When land is disqualified from Current Use due to development of the land or because it no longer meets the minimum acreage requirement, it is subject to a land use change tax equal to 10% of the full and true value of the land at the time it is disqualified.

View more information regarding Current Use HERE.

Per RSA 79-A, the Current Use Board has revised the Current Use value ranges for 2017-2018.

Cub 304.07 Assessment Ranges for Forest Land Categories. The assessment ranges for forest land categories without documented stewardship shall be as follows:

 

a)  The category of white pine shall be $110 to $165 per acre;

b)  The category of hardwood shall be $47 to $71 per acre; and

c)  The category of all other shall be $34 to $51 per acre.
 

Cub 304.08 Assessment Ranges for Forest Land Categories with Documented

Stewardship. The assessment ranges for forest land categories with documented stewardship shall be as follows:

a)  The category of white pine shall be $66 to $99 per acre;
b)  The category of hardwood shall be $28 to $43 per acre; and
c)  The category of all other shall be $20 to $30 per acre.

 

Cub 304.13 Assessment Range for Unproductive Land. The assessment for unproductive land shall be $20 per acre.
 

Cub 304.14 Assessment Range for Wetland. The assessment for wetland shall be $20 per acre.

 

HAVE YOUR APPLIED FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION YET?

Persons that own property in Durham and recently installed a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of their building, heat water, or to provide electricity, may qualify for a solar exemption.

 

The Town of Durham has adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 which gives qualifying residents a solar exemption from their property tax assessment.

 

In order to qualify for this exemption, a PA-29 exemption application must be received by the Assessing Office by April 15, 2017. Applications may be downloaded from the Town website or may be picked up at the Assessor’s Office located on the 2nd floor of the Town Hall building at 8 Newmarket Road. Applications must also include the total installation cost and a detailed list of what equipment was installed on an applicant's property.

 

If approved, this exemption will be applied to 2017 assessments.

 

Please contact the Town Assessor at 603-868-8064 with any questions regarding the solar systems exemption.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2016 ARREST INFORMATION

 

As Chief Kurz has explained on a number of occasions, arrest data in Durham is a very unique issue and warrants a more detailed explanation than just providing statistics. In years past, inquiries from Town Councils about the demographical information of those arrested in Durham, i.e., are they UNH students or not, caused the Durham Police to assimilate data in three separate categories. In the first instance, arrest statistics are accomplished by weekly activity, second by the UNH academic year and finally, by the calendar year which mirrors the Town’s financial budget. Each category allows for a better understanding of the demands facing the department during these periods. The information below is reflective of all 2016 arrest data:

 

The cumulative number of arrests made by all law enforcement agencies within Durham from January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016:

Total Cumulative Arrests: 1181

The total cumulative arrests break down as follows:

Durham Police: 562 – 48%
UNH Police: 569 – 48%
State Agencies: 50 – 4%
Total: 1181 – 100%

Students: 665 – 56%
Non-Students: 516 – 44%
Total: 1181 – 100%

The New Hampshire State Police have been extremely supportive of fluctuating issues such as Homecoming, Halloween and Cinco de Mayo and have sent a number of Troopers to Durham supporting the Durham Police. Additionally, the New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement is a continuous presence as they monitor alcohol sales, misrepresentations and other specialty violations at locations where alcohol is sold. These organizations augment the Durham Police staff during peak weekend periods especially in the Fall at the beginning of the academic year thereby saving on overtime expenditures.

 

The Durham Police continue to focus their resources upon those engaged in criminal activity and their status as a UNH student or not is irrelevant as to whether an arrest is made. Each week, Durham Police provides the UNH administration with the names of ALL persons arrested and the Vice President’s Office determines student status. When compiled, UNH officials schedule meetings with the students arrested and reinforce their obligations as students and responsible residents of Durham. While police activity in Durham is clearly challenged at the opening of the academic year, our physical arrest strategy has demonstrated success especially in the area of recidivism which is virtually non-existent.

 

With the commencement of 2017, the arrest statistics for calendar year begin anew. The chart below represents all arrests within the jurisdictional boundaries of Durham to include those occurring on the UNH campus during the calendar years of 2005 through 2016.

 

 

While arrest data is up almost 10% from the average number of arrests over the past twelve years and the last five years have demonstrated a rising trend in arrests, there are no indications to point to any specific impetus. Simple things like a season with fairly warm weather throughout the Fall and opening of the UNH academic year can significantly escalate the activity level. Another factor may be that for the first time in a number of years, staff at the police department is at full complement thereby placing more officers on patrol who are able to proactively address offenses they observe. While these two factors may be responsible for the increase of arrests, Chief Kurz will closely monitor throughout 2016 to detect any emerging trends.

 

GREASE TRAPS FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES - New regulations require retrofits for businesses.
New code requirements mandate that grease traps be in place for commercial businesses within the community. Unfortunately, there are a handful of business that still do not have them in town. Code Officer Audrey Cline indicated this week that 6 establishments that did not have grease traps previously are now putting them in following up on her office’s outreach efforts.

 

TRAFFIC MODEL UPDATE – A collaborative Durham/UNH initiative.
Durham and UNH jointly contracted years ago to create an AM peak demand traffic model for use by both entities in order to assess traffic impacts that might be generated as a result of physical changes on and off campus, new construction, and potential roadway modifications. For example, if Main Street was transitioned back to two-way, if a new roadway was added such as the Northern Connector, or if the Mill Plaza or 66 Main St. were ultimately redeveloped, what would be the result on Durham/UNH traffic patterns? 

 

The AM model has been useful in the past but to more accurately look at downtown traffic impacts, a PM peak model is needed, as well as an update to the AM model to reflect changes in town and on campus over the last several years.

 

When Durham ran its PILOT program to transition Main Street from two lanes to one a few years ago, the Town did not have the benefit of a PM peak demand model which caused an inability on the part of the Traffic Safety Committee to fully predict the outcome in an data-driven manner. The PILOT program was ultimately eliminated by Admin. Selig due to traffic backups it caused along Main Street heading up to A-Lot and the Field House.

 

Durham and UNH have agreed to update the existing, and to create a PM peak demand model in the coming year. The total cost is about $80,000, which will be cost shared 50/50. RSG Engineering will undertake the work on a contract basis.

 

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

 

Town Council - Monday, January 9, 2016.  NOTE: This is the only Council meeting currently scheduled for January.

Agricultural Commission - Monday, January 9, 2017 (PD community room, 7PM)

Planning Board - Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Conservation Commission - Thursday, January 12, 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

Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey and Kenny Young, owner of Young's Restaurant. Courtesy DCAT Studios

 

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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2016 Town of Durham Holiday Tree Lighting. Can you believe that it's that time of year again? DCAT 22 Studios volunteer, Phil Kincaid once again braved the cold and recorded the festivities for your viewing pleasure. Plenty of fun and games for everyone, plus hot cocoa & cookies, and hey, they even carved a snowman out of ice. Guess who arrives at the end? You got it: Santa!! Total run time: 13:20 This video can be viewed directly from the Town website.
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Enjoy the latest video from DCAT 22 Studios. Volunteer, Phil Kincade recorded the moving Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Durham Public Library. DCAT works hard to bring you interesting video from the Durham Community. Total run time: 28 minutes. The video can be seen on Cable Channel 22 @ 3:00 PM on Saturday & Sunday. It may also be viewed HERE.
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DCAT 22 Studios was on the road again for our latest episode of “In the Biz” Durham Business Spotlight. Join your host, Economic Development Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey as she chats with Amy Gibbs, owner of Amy’s Frame Shop, located inside Hayden Sports. Amy’s will custom frame just about anything, she also has a wide selection of off the shelf frames available. Did you know that she has a Kodak Kiosk to professionally print your digital photos! Please take a few minutes to watch this video short. In the Biz can be seen on DCAT Cable Channel 22 on Saturday & Sunday @ 12:30 & 6:00 PM. The video is also available for viewing On Demand.
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Were you unable to attend the American Southwest presentation by Durham Town Planner, Michael Behrendt on November 2nd at the Durham Public Library? No worries, DCAT 22’s volunteer, Phil Kincade was there capture the presentation on video. Sit back and enjoy as Michael spins his yarns on he and Naomi’s southwestern travel. Plenty of photos and beautiful scenery too! This video can be seen on Cable Channel 22 @ 4:00 PM – Saturday & Sunday. It can also be seen On Demand. Total run time: 45 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.

 

2017 Winter Programs With DPR
Happy New Year from Durham Parks & Recreation! Winter programs are underway along with several community events planned! Keep on top of what we have going on by following us on Facebook “Durham Rec” and by visiting us at durhamrec.recdesck.com to register for programs. Here’s to a fun and active 2017!!

 

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. Pre-registration due by January 16th.
 

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 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.

 

Upcoming Events-Save The Date!!
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!!

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).

 

Annual Egg Hunt- Saturday, April 15th. 9:30am at Old Landing Park. Durham Parks & Recreation and ORPP proudly present the 22nd Annual Egg Hunt. Participation is FREE.

Hunt Details
-The Hunt will start promptly at 9:30am. Please arrive prior to 9:30am to participate.
-Age appropriate hunting zones will be offered.
-Find an egg with a “Golden Ticket” and win a special prize!
-Light snacks & refreshments served.
-Parking available in the dirt lot off Old Landing Road, Town Hall and Mill Rd.

 

Memorial Day Parade- Monday, May 29th. Parade begins at 10:00am and ends on Main Street at Memorial Park. Join us on Main Street for the 70th Memorial Day Parade and commemorative celebration. For those interested in participating in the parade, please contact Durham Parks & Recreation at: recreation@ci.durham.nh.us or (603) 817-4074.

 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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

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

 

January Artist of the Month- Kirk Trombley, Mon. Jan. 9, 2017, 6:30-7:30 pm - The Ten Minute Artist.  All are invited to meet Kirk Trombley, Durham artist at the Reception and Art Exhibit.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Library News:   The DPL Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce that Rose Bebris has accepted the position of Director for the Durham Public Library. A graduate of UNH, Rose has 12 years of experience as the Director of the Florence Public Library in Florence, Arizona. We anticipate she will start sometime in February. Her exact start date will be announced in January.

 

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Family STEAM Program, Sat. Jan. 7th at 10:30 am – Lego Build-it! Come and try some Lego Building Challenges. This is an all ages program.
Teen Advisory Board Mon. Jan. 9, 6:30 pm - Decorate cupcakes and help us plan the Young Adult Library programs for the new year! The teen advisory board is open to kids ages 10 and up. 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.
Storytimes - Tues. Jan. 10th and Thurs. Jan. 12th at 10:30 am - “Dogs!”
Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) Tues. Jan. 10, 6:00 pm - Join us for Raccoon Readers, our monthly 2nd-4th Grade Book Group. This month's book is "All the Answers" by Kate Messner. We talk about books, authors, play some games and make a craft.
Oyster River High School Poetry Out Loud Contest, Weds. January 11th, 6:00-8:00 pm – Come join us for a fun night of Poetry. Refreshments are served. Snow date is Thurs. January 12th 6:00-8:00 pm. All are welcome.
Special Cocheco Valley Humane Society visit with Bonnie Burke, Miss Strafford County, Sat. Jan. 14th at 10:30 am - Come learn about the animals, meet an animal and make a fun craft. All ages.
Jack & Annie Book Club (Grades K-2) Tuesday, January 17th 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 "Ghost Town at Sundown" by Mary Pope Osborne. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Please sign-up at the Children's desk!
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) Begins again on Weds. Jan. 18th at 10:30 am
Pajama Storytime - Pirates! Thursday, January 19th at 6:30PM - Join Oyster River Parents & Preschoolers (ORPP) at the Durham Public Library for our monthly evening storytime for preschoolers! This month we will be all about the Pirates. Come hear stories, do the felt board, sing some pirate songs, and make a fun Pirate craft. Snack provided by ORPP and all are welcome!
Family Movie: Finding Dory! Sat. Jan. 21st at 10:30 am - Join us for this fun family movie: Finding Dory! This movie is shown upstairs in the Oyster River Room. Popcorn is served and all are welcome!
Knitting and Craft Club for 3rd-5th graders Begins again on Weds. Jan. 25th 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade) begins again on Thurs. Jan. 26th at 3:30-4:30 pm! We will have fun weekly challenges and of course free build.
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Jan. 25th 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for this month’s book group. This month’s book is “Maximum Ride” by James Patterson. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the circulation desk. Pizza is served.
New! Fun and Games Fridays, begins on Fri. Jan. 27th all day! – Come and create a drop-in craft and play some fun board games. All ages.
Family STEAM program, Sat. Jan. 28th at 10:30 am – Playdough Engineers. Come and create with clay. 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.
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.
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:

January Artist of the Month- Kirk Trombley, Mon. Jan. 9, 2017, 6:30-7:30 pm - The Ten Minute Artist. All are invited to meet Kirk Trombley, Durham artist at the Reception and Art Exhibit. Kirk is a talented painter, sculptor, photographer and writer. He enjoys painting and photographing scenes in nature that move him. He has an innate ability to notice and capture even the tiniest details and bring them to life. When he is not pursuing his passions, Kirk works as a lawyer and adjunct professor at UNH. His work will be on exhibit in the Gallery for the month of January. Contact Armida ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Acoustic Open Mic with Mike, Wed. Jan. 11, 6:30-7:30 - Held in the Cafe. All are welcome, first time performers and original music are particularly encouraged.
Oyster River ASD Friends, Tues. Jan 10, 6:30 pm - Parents connecting and learning to support themselves and their teens/young adults on the Autism Spectrum. Conversation, resource sharing and speakers to address how we can best encourage and support independence.
January Author Talk-Michele Albion, Thurs. Jan. 19, 2017 6:30-7:30 pm - Michele Albion to visit DPL again! This time she will talk about her book, The Quotable Amelia Earhart. Michele was the guest author in June at the Ole Time Auto event when she spoke about The Quotable Henry Ford. Light refreshments will be served. Book signings and purchases available, cash, checks & credit cards accepted.
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.
Thank you Durham artist Christy Hull Hegarty has donated a print of her beautiful painting of the Wagon at Wagon Hill. Stop by the library and visit the Heritage Room where the painting is hung.
Magnifier for the vision-impaired - We are fortunate to have acquired a very user-friendly magnifier, now available in the cafe for anyone to use. It is easy to enlarge the font or change the colors and contrast of any reading material. Come in and have a look! Thank you to our generous donor.
Lost and Found - If you are missing a glove, hat, coat, boot, phone cord...it might be at the library. Next time you visit the library take a look and see if they belong to you.

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/

 

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