Friday Updates - June 16, 2017

RIVERWOODS PROJECT ON STONE QUARRY DRIVE
Following the lengthy public hearing relative to the Mill Plaza, the Planning Board held a Public Hearing relative to the Riverwoods Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) preliminary design review application for Stone Quarry Drive. This is an application for CCRC to be located on a vacant 11.3-acre site in the northeast quadrant of the junction of Route 108 and Route 4 (one lot in from Route 108). The 315,815 square foot building, with a 95,141 square foot footprint, would contain 150 independent living apartments, 24 assisted-living apartments, 24 memory-care units, and 24 skilled-nursing units. The 57+/- foot-high building would range from 2 to 5 stories. There would be 107 enclosed and 172 outside parking spaces. The proposal includes a lot line adjustment with the adjacent lot – 8-0. The applicant presented the project. One citizen spoke at the public hearing, urging that the views of the project be protected along the Town’s gateways. There were a few comments by Planning Board members and then the board closed the preliminary review. The applicant indicated it plans to submit the formal application on July 19 (for the August 9 meeting).

A portion of Main Street and the future Plaza site as it appeared in about 1960.

MILL PLAZA UPDATE
On June 14th, the Planning board held a continued public hearing relative to the redevelopment of the Mill Plaza located at 7 Mill Road as part of the voluntary Design Review (preliminary application) process. Admin. Todd Selig and architect Patricia Sherman (lead AIA 150 architect in the development of the 2008 Mill Plaza study whom the Town engaged as part of discussions with the owner) explained that the applicant met with Town staff (including part-time Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey) over the last 6 months to explore ways to improve the design.

The existing Mill Plaza is an urban site that is defined more by the amount of asphalt that drains into the Brook than as a community-gathering place. Fortunately it also offers the unique opportunity of becoming a true part of downtown Durham and a respectful neighbor to its residential, environmental, and institutional borders.

Many residents appearing before the board in 2016 had been disappointed by many of the plans proposed previously. There was, as Ms. Sherman indicated Wednesday evening to the board and the public, a healthy skepticism on the part of residents that actions had not followed these plans. "But there have been significant changes to this new plan that not only fall in line with community desires but meet those tested Urban Design principles,” stated Ms. Sherman. She explained to the Planning Board and the public that "the redeveloped Mill Plaza you will see this evening will be mixed use, as is downtown Durham. It will provide streets and sidewalks bordered by shops and cafes that encourage a sense of place where people feel comfortable walking or stopping to chat or enjoy ice cream with a neighbor or a new friend. Possibly even a student! It CAN become a community-gathering place if you can be open to the ideas proposed this evening.”

Architect Emily Innes, site planner, presented updated plans on behalf of Colonial Durham Associates, owner of the Mill Plaza. Following the presentation, many citizens spoke about the overall project and the updated plans during the public hearing. Concerns were outlined by residents regarding aspects of the plan. Planning Board members shared comments, including one noting the irony that the applicant, in an effort to address concerns raised by residents previously, made changes to the conceptual site plans, resulting in the possibility that several variances might be needed, which residents also subsequently said they likely would oppose. Following this, the board, in concurrence with the applicant, closed the preliminary design review. The applicant will now submit a formal application when the project team is ready to return to the board.

It is essential to recognize that this conceptual phase was voluntary on the part of the Mill Plaza. It is not a mandated by Durham’s development process. It is a way to let the Townspeople know what is being proposed. But there are many more phases to the development review process, each one bringing more detail and more public hearings.

A site plan process should not be viewed as a winner take all combat sport. It involves give and take on the part of all the parties. The applicant must determine if a project will be feasible given constraints imposed by a community. The public must determine whether a project is on balance value added and offer feedback to the Planning Board. In the end, the Planning Board will be asked to make a quasi judicial decision concerning whether a project meets the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and Durham’s various regulations.

This project will entail site plan and conditional use review by the Planning Board for the redevelopment of the 10-acre site Mill Plaza site.

DURHAM FARMERS’ MARKET NOW OPEN MONDAY AFTERNOONS AT JACKSON’S LANDING
The Seacoast Growers Association is operating the Durham Farmers’ Market on Mondays at Jackson’s Landing, 10 Old Piscataqua Road, from 2:15 – 6 PM. The season officially opened June 5th.

TRANSFER STATION CONTAINER FOR THE COLLECTION OF TORN AND TATTERED AMERICAN FLAGS

The town Transfer Station now has a container, provided by the VFW, for the collection of worn, tattered, and faded flags for proper and respectful disposal by the VFW or American Legion. The container is located at the attendant's shack and will allow residents a means to properly dispose of flags.

The U.S. Flag code states that, “the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Thus, when a flag is torn and tattered beyond repair, it’s time for it to be retired and replaced with a new flag.

On Tuesday morning this week, Durham resident Rick Ouellette crossed paths with this snapping turtle on Mill Pond Road.

DOWNTOWN DURHAM ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION UPDATE
The Durham Energy Committee has launched a third price experiment with the downtown electric vehicle charging station in the Pettee Brook parking lot. Raising prices last spring increased revenue modestly, but arguably inhibited demand and usage so that year over year revenue and utilization showed only modest gains despite the rising numbers of EV and plug-in Hybrids in the area. Starting June 1st, the new pricing on the stations was implemented meant to encourage usage by charging only the retail cost of the electricity used during the session with no minimum fee. The Energy Committee hopes to compare year over year session counts, session duration, and revenue numbers during the quiet summer months and will use those findings to decide whether to continue with this pricing scheme into the busier academic year. Stay tuned for a full two year report on the station in September before the National Drive Electric Event at Durham Day.

LETTER OF INTENT EXECUTED FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF 66 MAIN STREET (FORMER ATO) SITE IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM

Mary Ellen Humphrey and Admin. Selig have been working with UNH on a successor agreement to the 66 Main St. MOU dating to February 2015, this time in the form of a simplified Letter of Intent between Christopher Clement (UNH VPFA), Catherine Provencher (USNH Asst. Chancellor), and Mr. Selig, which outline the basic expectations of the parties as part of a potential new development at the former ATO site located at 66 Main Street.

The new Letter of Intent has been executed, with an effective date of 6/13/17. UNH hopes to issue a new RFP within the next month. The key parts of the document will include …

Mutual goals for the downtown development are, and the parties will work together and with the selected developer to achieve:

• A hotel with management that will partner with the UNH Hospitality Management Department for the benefit of UNH’s students.
• Possible commercial uses and its supporting parking.
• The development will comply with local zoning requirements.
• The development will be taxable or subject to a payment in lieu of taxes equal to the ad valorem taxes which would otherwise be assessed on such land, buildings and improvements.
• The design will be consistent with quintessential New England college town architecture.
• The design will meet Durham’s architectural design guidelines.

Durham commits that it is willing to discuss with the developer how the South Parking Lot, which is adjacent to 66 Main Street and fronts on Pettee Brook Lane may be beneficial to the proposed development.

To view the new Letter of Intent, click HERE.

FUTURE LAND USE FORUM FINAL SUMMARY

The community held a Future Land Use Forum on Saturday, May 13, as part of the master plan process.  The town has just received the final summary from facilitator Peggy Kieschnick. The summary will be used to help write the Future Land Use Chapter.  The forum was a highly successful event with over 100 participants.  It is gratifying to see in the comments from citizens so much appreciation for Durham’s special character.

View the Final Summary and the Answers to Questions Regarding Preservation and Change HERE.

Most often seen in or near water, the harmless northern water snake is one of 11 native snakes found in New Hampshire. Photo by Ellen Snyder

DURHAM LAND STEWARDSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE WEEKLY REPORT --

Watch out for basking snakes in the road

During summer months snakes often move out onto roads to bask on the warm pavement. As with turtles, this makes them vulnerable to being run over by vehicles. Snakes can be moved off the road by gentle nudging them with a stick. New Hampshire has 11 native species of snakes. Some of these species, such as the garter snake, are common and widespread across the state. Other species like the timber rattlesnake are extremely rare and are now state protected. Five of the 11 species (i.e., timber rattlesnake, eastern hognose snake, northern black racer, smooth green snake, and ribbon snake) were identified as species in greatest need of conservation in New Hampshire’s Wildlife Action Plan completed in the fall of 2005. Overall, snakes are poorly studied and basic distribution and life history information is lacking. NH Fish & Game maintains a database of all reptile and amphibian reports through its Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (RAARP). The first step to reporting a sighting is accurately identifying the species. Visit the NH Fish and Game's website and read more about Snakes of New Hampshire.

As noted by NH Fish and Game: Please do not kill snakes. New Hampshire has only one venomous snake, the timber rattlesnake, which is protected by law. If you think you see a timber rattlesnake, please leave it alone, and contact Fish and Game. There is no reason to kill a New Hampshire snake.

PROPERTY TAX BILLS
The property tax warrant for the 1st half 2017 property taxes has been approved and the bills have been mailed out, due Friday, July 5th.

As always, if residents are unable to pay the entire amount by the due date, it is to their advantage to pay as much as they can and as often as they need. This will decrease the amount of interest that will accrue.

Questions and concerns should be addressed to the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office at 603-868-5577.

DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION SHARES INFORMATION ON THE EVENTS BELOW:

"Meet Your Milk" - Saturday, June 17th, 10am - 2pm, UNH Fairchild Dairy, 36 O'Kane Road, off Mast Road Extension in Durham. The NH Agricultural Experiment Station at UNH's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and the Granite State Dairy Promotion invite the public to come "meet your milk" at the the UNH Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center. Highlights include free New Hampshire made milk and ice cream, wagon rides, hourly tours, and visits with the UNH milking cows and calves.

UNH Pollinator Appreciation Day, Monday, June 19th, 3pm - 4:30pm, Woodman Horticultural Research Farm, 70 Spinney Lane in Durham. UNH is kicking off National Pollinator Week with an Open House at Woodman Horticultural Research Farm, home to the UNH Bee Hotel. Learn about bee diversity and sustainability, bee gardens, wildflower meadows for pollinators, and protecting pollinators from pesticides. This event is ideal for gardeners, families, and youth.

Tractor in the field at Emery Farm off Route 4/Piscataqua Road. The land immediately across the street from the tractor pictured in the distance is the land under discussion for conservation at this time.  Courtesy Elise Sullivan

COUNCIL SCHEDULES PUBLIC HEARING ON EMERY FARM/HILLS CONSERVATION EASEMENT FOR MONDAY EVENING, JUNE 19TH
Ryan Young of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) has submitted materials to be reviewed by the Town Council relative to conserving some 36 acres of land located on the Emery Farm/Hills property located off of Route 4/Piscataqua Road, across from the Emery Farm farm stand and immediately west of Wagon Hill Farm. Owner David Hills previously conserved 58 acres of the farm on the north side of Route 4. On Monday evening, the Council voted to move the matter to a public hearing at its next meeting, June 19th.

At its meeting on November 13, 2014, the Durham Conservation Commission expressed its desire to move forward with the purchase of the Emery Farm/Hills conservation easement and voted to commit up to $250,000 from the Conservation Fund for use in purchasing the easement. In addition to the Town, the Natural Resource Conservation Service has committed $765,000 to the project, and the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program has committed $300,000 to support the easement purchase. Mr. Hills and his family are donating $206,250 to the project as well.

The Conservation Commission will also hold a public hearing on the project (at 6 PM on June 19th) in the Council Chambers immediately prior to the Council meeting, which begins at 7 PM.

View a very detailed article in Foster’s Daily Democrat HERE.

TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS - LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
The Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program was designed to lessen the economic burden of the State Education Property Tax on certain at-risk taxpayers.

An eligible applicant for the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief is a person who is:

• Single with adjusted gross income equal to or less than $20,000; or
• Married or head of NH household with adjusted gross income less than or equal to $40,000; and
• Owns a homestead subject to the State Education Property Tax; and
• Has resided in that homestead on April 1 of the year for which the claim is made.

Applications for the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief are accepted only during the statutory filing period - after May 1, but no later than June 30. The law allows 120 days for processing from the date of receipt of your completed application.

For more information, please contact the Department of Revenue Administration at (603) 230-5920 or visit the webpage HERE.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
All Town Offices will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

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REFUSE & RECYCLING SCHEDULE: The Transfer Station and Recycling Center will also be CLOSED on TUESDAY, JULY 4TH. There will be regular curbside collection on Monday, July 3rd, however there will be NO curbside trash and recycling collection on July 4th. It will push one day forward for the rest of the week (Tuesday’s route will be picked up on Wednesday, Wednesday on Thursday, etc). NO commercial recycling on Friday, July 7th.

Inside the Durham Historic Museum

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION HOSTS "SUMMER SATURDAYS AT THE MUSEUM"

The Durham Historic Association is hosting “Summer Saturdays at the Museum," where every Saturday afternoon 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. throughout the summer residents may explore Durham’s history in eight chronological periods from the 17th century to the present in air-conditioned comfort. The museum is located on the second floor of the old brick Town Hall/District Court building at the traffic light on the corner.

SEEKING SWAP SHOP VOLUNTEERS
The Swap Shop at the Transfer Station, a Town favorite hot spot generously organized by a handful of volunteers, is desperately seeking additional volunteers.

Any help is welcome, interested parties can contact Jane at 868-7598. Thank you!

CELEBRATING DURHAM NH - A new Facebook page has been created by Durham businesses and members of the EDC

Check out the new Facebook page about Durham at  https://www.facebook.com/CelebratingDurhamNH and if you like it, "like" it on Facebook.

Durham businesses and other interested folks are working on ways to promote our town. They have created a new facebook page called Celebrating Durham NH. Please find it, like, and share with everyone to grow connections. We doubled our numbers last week. Please help us double it again!

Any Durham business is welcome to join in this grassroots effort. If you have any ideas or thoughts, please feel free to share in the conversation, online, via email (mehumprey@ci.durham.nh.us) and in person on Tuesday June 13 at 9 AM at the Town Hall. You may also call my office 603 590-1387. Everyone is welcome!

Courtesy Durham Historic Museum

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL PICNIC - SATURDAY, JUNE 17

The Durham Historic Association's annual picnic will be held on Saturday 6/17 at 5 p.m. Pack up a picnic supper, a chair or picnic blanket, and head out to the Jonathan Chesley Garrison at 53 Bagdad Road to enjoy one of Durham's oldest houses. Hosted by the owners, Terri and Malcolm MacGregor.

LET'S DO LUNCH, DURHAM - An invitation for residents to patronize downtown Durham restaurants this summer

Activity in downtown Durham slows during the summer months creating a challenge for some of our businesses. With the students away, foot traffic customers significantly decline. Take advantage of the slower summer activity and at the same time support our local businesses by Doing Lunch with your friends. It would be terrific to have several groups frequenting different eating establishments downtown. So gather your friends or tag along with us. Let’s do lunch, Durham! mehumphrey@ci.durham.nh.us

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. View past meetings on DCAT On Demand.

Conservation Commission - Monday, June 19, 2017 (6PM - Public Hearing on Emery Farm Conservation Easement)

Town Council - Monday, June 19, 2017

Agricultural Commission - Monday, June 19, 2017 (7PM - 2nd Floor Conference Room)

Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, June 20, 2017 (8AM)

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

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

If you were unable to attend the Durham Memorial Day Parade, not to worry, DCAT 22 volunteer, Phil Kincade was there and recorded all for your viewing pleasure. You can view multiple ways. Saturday & Sunday at 9:00 AM & 5:30 PM – DCAT On Demand and on the Town of Durham’s website.
Total run time: 23:00

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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.

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.

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.

Summer Day Camps!

Durham Parks & Recreation currently has limited openings in the flowing summer camps and trips. If you’re interested in registering for on of our great camps or trips, please contact the Recreation Office at (603) 817-4074 or at: durhamrec.recdesk.com.
 

June 26th-June 30th
-Wicked Wacky Lab Week
-Wicked Cool Vet School
 

August 4th
-Full Day Friday Field Trip- White Lake State Park
 

August 11th
-Squam Lake Science Center

August 21st-25
-Adventure Paddle Camp (full day, M-F)
-Rocket Science Camp (full day, M-F)

Summer Stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm-Wednesday, June 28th 8:00-10:30pm
Join the Wagon Hill Farm Stargazers for a summer evening of stargazing.
WHO: Astronomer, John Gianforte and Durham Parks & Rec.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 28 from 8—10:30 PM (6-29 cloud date)
COST: $10/person or $20/family
WHERE: Wagon Hill Farm- Meet at the “Orchard”
 

Please pre-register by Monday, June 26 by calling Durham Parks &
Recreation at 603 -817-4074; emailing:
recreation@ci.durham.nh.us or online at: durhamrec.recdesk.com

We’ll spend the evening exploring the surface of the Moon and learn why the Moon looks the way it does. We will also identify and learn some of the summer constellations to help us understand why the sky looks the way it does and why it changes with the seasons. No science or astronomy background is necessary. This is an event for families— all ages are welcome. We’re asking all stargazers to bring a small flashlight with them. Our first activity will be to turn those flashlights into astronomers’ flashlights. Insect repellent is recommended.
Celestial sights we’ll be seeing this evening:
-The six day old Moon—just about 1st quarter
-The Summer Triangle
-The Ring Nebula
-The Double Double—a quadruple star!!
-Albireo—a colorful double star Jupiter and its moons and cloud belts

Adult Summer Programs & Trips
Please visit durhamrec.recdesk.com for a detailed schedule of summer programs for adults!
-Pick Up Pickleball at Jackson’s Landing/Churchill Rink- Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings from 6-8pm
-FREE Yoga at Wagon Hill Farm- Wednesdays beginning June 14th 5:00pm
-Guitar and Ukulele Lessons- Ages 14+, Tuesday evenings beginning July 10th.
-Bootcamp, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga & Strength & Stretch classes. Classes are offered Monday- Saturday
-Trips: Mt. Major Hike, Lighthouse & Lunch Tour, Franconia Notch State Park, Maine Mead Works & Old Port, Surf Night, Paddle boarding & The Fells.

Upcoming Events-Save The Date!!
DPR SUMMER EVENTS:

Family Camp Out at Wagon Hill Farm-Saturday, June 24th-Sunday, June 25th (4pm-9am)- The Family Camp Out registration is currently FULL. Please call or email the Recreation Office to be added to our wait list.

Music By The Bay Summer Concert- Thursday, July 13th, 6:00-8:00pm at Wagon Hill Farm. Grab a blanket or chair, pack a picnic dinner, gather friends, and enjoy some great live music by the Bay, featuring Amanda McCarthy. Participation is FREE! Parking is available in the orchard. Bug spray recommended.

Picnic In The Park with The Little Red Wagon- Thursday, July 20th, 5:45pm. Pack a picnic dinner and bring a blanket or chair to Jackson’s Landing Playground for an evening of entertainment and fun. Enjoy a theater performance “Fabled” by The Little Red Wagon, and then enjoy time on the playground with friends! Performance begins at 6pm. Participation is FREE.

Music on Main Summer Block Party- Thursday, August 3rd, 6:00-8:00pm. Join us on Main Street for an evening of family fun and live music featuring FLING. A portion of Main Street will be closed for crafts and activities. Several of the Downtown businesses join in on the fun as well with sweet treats and special deals. Participation is FREE.

Durham Day at Wagon Hill Farm- Saturday, September 16th, 12:30-3:30pm. Free community BBQ, boat tours, informational booths, family activities, live music & more! Participation is FREE.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

9th Annual Bobcat Bolt 5K and Kids Fun Run, hosted by OR Alumni Association, Saturday, Jun 17, 2017, ORHS. 5K Run/Walk begins 9AM; Kids Fun Run (ages 10 and under) begins approx. 10:15am on the new ORHS track. Pancake breakfast from 9 - 11AM. Breakfast included with 5K & Fun Run registration and is $5 for spectators. Oyster River Middle School Jazz Band will play. Register for the 5K and Fun Run. Proceeds benefit the ORHS Josh and Nate Hardy Awards and other local Oyster River youth initiatives. Bobcat Bolt is still accepting business sponsorships. Contact Anita Mathur, orhs92@yahoo.com.

Bike Durham meeting, Tuesday, Jun 20, 2017, 7PM, 3 Strafford Avenue. Bike Durham is a cycling advocacy group that provides a unified voice for bike riders in the Town of Durham—partnering with Seacoast Area Bike Riders and the NH Bike Walk Alliance. The group is creating an email group as an efficient means of sharing information relating to cycling in and around Durham, NH. Those interested may sign up to the Bike Durham email list HERE.

St. George's Church has raised beds available in its community garden, located on the rear corner of the property behind the parking lot. There are four, 4 x 8 beds ($20) and three, 4 x 4 beds ($10). The annual fee covers water and loam. Contact the church office, 603-868-2785 or email officestg@comcast.net.

MainStreet Makery $5 Drop in Craft. Bottle Cap Castanets.This fun project is one to stop by and see. Words can't begin to describe it. Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 10AM-6PM, Sat., 10AM-4PM.

One World Language School currently accepting students to join language program that begins in October 2017. Its mission is to make foreign language learning accessible at a young age, starting as early as 5 years old. Primary languages taught include French, Chinese, German, and Spanish. Space limited to 8 students per class. Classes held after school at OR Middle School and Moharimet Elementary.  Contact Pranav Dadarwala at 207-370-8398 or email pranav@oneworldlanguageschool.org

Growing Places Summer Programs. There are still have a few spots left. More information HERE.

University of New Hampshire Celebrity Series Upcoming Events. View the schedule of events HERE.  Tickets can be purchased on line HERE. or by calling the Box Office at 603-862-7222(PCAC). Hours:  Mon-Fri, 12 - 5PM as well as one hour before each event.

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

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Library News – We now have a new color copier!  Patrons can scan documents as well as print in color.  Color copies are 50 cents a page and black & white copies are still 10 cents a page.  Stop by the library to check it out.

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

“Build a Better World” Summer Reading Program!
Registration continues for our fun 5 week summer reading program. The theme this year is “Build a Better World!” Our program runs from June 26th through July 28th. When you register you will receive a packet including your reading logs, calendars, some gifts and a fun bag! Keep track of your reading minutes and have them checked once a week to earn a prize of the week. You will receive a new book, and prizes at the end, as well as a reading certificate! Also add to our visual display in the library. Some of the fun events planned:
Summer Reading Kick-Off Celebration with “Cactus Head Puppets”, Wednesday, June 28th at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room. Join the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries for this creative puppet show. All are welcome.
Mondays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24 6:00 p.m. – Family Movie Nights – Moana, Trolls, Sing, The Lorax and Lego Batman. Popcorn is served!
Mondays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24 4:00-5:00 p.m. (Middle and High School) – YA Try-It-Time! Stop Motion, Paper Airplane Challenge, Green Screen Photography, Spanish Night, and Pendulum Art!
Tuesdays, June 27, July 11, 18, 25 10:30 a.m. – All ages storytimes (preschool) – Construction, Robots, Worms and Let’s Dance Themes! Stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft!
Tuesdays, June 27, July 11, 18, 25, 6:30 p.m. (9-12 yr. old group) – Take Apart Tuesday, Tech Tuesday, Trash Art Tuesday and Tuesday Art! We will also share what we’re reading. Win prizes!
Wednesdays, June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Team Art! Drop in to create group art for the library: Mural Painting, Totem Poles, Paper Roll Tree and Cityscapes. (All ages)
Wednesdays, June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Music on the Library Lawn – Atwater Donnelly, Fiddling Thomsons, Ben Baldwin, Joel Cage and Marvel Prone. Bring a blanket/chairs and come hear some great music on our front porch! In case of rain will be held in our community room.
Thursdays, June 19, July 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30 (all ages) – Thursday Specials: Marshmallow Bridges, Pen Pals, Wildlife Encounters (at the Madbury Town Hall), Gardening and Bubble Wrap Painting. Drop in Program for all ages.
Thursdays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27 3:00-4:00 p.m. (6-8 yr. old group) – Homemade Tinker Toys, Friendship Bracelets, Tech Toys, Recycled Art, and Art Afternoon.. We will hear stories, play games, do puzzles, crafts and share what we are reading.
Thursdays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27 6:30-7:30 p.m. (all ages) – Family Game Night! Come and play some board games new and old. Held in the Storytime/Craft Room. All are welcome.
Thursday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. Madbury Town Hall– All ages Wildlife Encounters with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. Come and meet animals and learn about them.
Friday July 28, 10:30 a.m. at the Durham Library – All ages Finale Celebration with talented performer and juggler, Steve Corning! Join us in celebrating your summer reading accomplishments. Steve Corning’s show will astound you with his contortions, juggling and more. This show is tremendous fun. A special thank-you to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for all their support. Prize books, reading certificates, and Bagel Works Prize will be handed out. Cake will also be served. A big thank-you to the The Bagel Works, The Sea Dogs, Dunkin Donuts, The Candy Bar, Fro-Zone, Hayden Sports, Young’s Restaurant, Franz’s Food, Water Country, Canobie Lake Park, Water Country, The Candy Bar, Subway of Durham, Wildcat Pizza, Golick’s, Durham House of Pizza, The Juicery, Pauly’s Pocket and other local businesses for their prize donations.
Also, Trivia Question of the Week, Guessing Jar, and Weekly Challenges!
Check out our website, www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.

Adult Programs:

Coming Soon. “Build a Better World” Adult Summer Reading fun. Puzzles and Raffles! - Why should kids have all the fun? Information to follow soon about how adult patrons can participate in the summer reading program starting June 26th. Program runs for 5 weeks from June 26th through July 28th.

The Friends of the Durham Public Library's Adult Summer Read - The Mill on the Floss (1864) by George Eliot. All are welcome and copies to keep for the summer are available at the Library desk. The discussion will be in September, facilitated by Jennifer Lee. If you wish to receive some background and biographical information by email during the summer, send Jennifer your email at Jennifer.greatlakes@gmail.com by June 21.

Rosalind Revilock-Frost Artist Talk and Reception, Thursday June 22, 6 pm - Fiber Artist Rosalind Revilock-Frost will give a presentation titled ART: Practical and Metaphysical. Come to view Rosalind's artwork at a reception at 6 pm and stay for the presentation at 6:30. Her work will be on display through July 29. For more information on the artist, go to http://www.rosalindart.com/

Book Donation Week, Monday June 26 through Saturday July 1 - The Friends of the Durham Public Library collect gently used books and DVDs the last week of every month. Please drop off books/DVDs in a bag or container that does not need to be returned. We appreciate your donations, but please DO NOT bring us textbooks, dictionaries, or encyclopedias. Thank you!

CPR and AED Class with McGregor Memorial EMS Tuesday June 27, 6-8 pm -
Contact Sean Madden 603-862-3674. For cost and registration information visit http://cprsafe.org

MUSEUM PASSES - Many of our patrons aren't aware of a wonderful perk of having a Durham Library card - free or discounted passes to 12 different museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the New Hampshire Children's Museum, and, recently added, beautiful Bedrock Gardens in Lee. All are available through the generosity of the Friends of the Durham Public Library. For more information, go to http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/museum.asp
 

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

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 Rive; 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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1623 - "The first settlers of Oyster River Plantation were Ambrose Gibbons, Franics Matthews, John Ault and John Goddard. Tributaries of the Piscataqua abounded with sturgeon and salmon. Catches were dried and salted before being sent to England in exchange for manufactured goods."

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Have a very nice weekend and Happy Father's Day!

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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