Friday Updates - June 9, 2017

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.

Mill Plaza architect Steve Cecil gives an overview of the new site plan for the Mill Plaza project to Michael Behrendt, Mary Ellen Humphrey, Patricia Sherman, and Todd Selig in preparation for this coming Wednesday's Planning Board meeting on June 14th. The Mill Plaza project team has been in discussion with Admin. Selig and his team on behalf of the community for the last 6 months striving to create a design that aligns with Durham goals but is also economically viable for the owner. On Wed., Mr. Selig hands the project back off to the Planning Board as part of continued public conceptual design review.   Courtesy Todd Selig

DESIGN REVIEW FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF MILL PLAZA - A revised plan design to be presented to Planning Board on June 14th.

The Planning Board will hold a continued Public Hearing at its meeting on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 on the updated design for site plan and conditional use for the Mill Plaza Redevelopment. The project involves demolition of the rear commercial building (and part of a second building where Rite Aid is currently located); and the construction of new mixed-use buildings of three to four stories in height, and a total of 80,000 square feet of commercial; residential space for 330 occupants; new public spaces; and other site changes.

View the updated site plan HERE.

DURHAM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TAKES UP REQUEST FROM RESIDENT TO CONSIDER RENAMING COLUMBUS DAY AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

This week, the Durham Human Rights Commission met to consider a request from a Durham resident that the community consider renaming Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day. After much discussion, the Commission opted instead to consider recommending establishing a separate day for the community by Council resolution entitled Indigenous Peoples Day, or a similar appropriate title, and would ask the NH Commission on Native American Affairs to provide some advice to Durham at its upcoming meeting on July 11th where the mural at the Durham Post Office will be again discussed.

To view an article in the Union Leader covering this meeting/topic with more details, click HERE.

SPEED CONCERNS ON EDGEWOOD ROAD
The Town received an email from a resident of Edgewood Road pertaining to speed. Police Chief David Kurz suggested this may be an opportunity to utilize a dynamic speed sign (such as that described above, which will be piloted on the UNH campus on College Rd.) as he was considering the purchase of one in the 2018 budget. Absent any dramatic adjustments to the roadway such as speed tables, this may offer an opportunity to investigate this strategy as it is clear that concerns regarding speeding in various neighborhoods will not be solved by police monitoring alone. We simply do not have the police resources.

UPDATE ON MADBURY ROAD SPEED TABLE INSTALLATION

At this week’s administrative Traffic Safety Committee meeting, Public Works Director Mike Lynch discussed how Madbury Road is being designed for two (2) speed tables, however, only one will be installed to assess the overall effectiveness of the strategy. This lone speed table will be installed this summer south of Wood Road. Including markings, construction and other ancillary costs, the expenditure will be approximately $3,000, our standard speed table design cost.

If this effort proves to be an effective impact upon diminishing speed of vehicles traveling on this area of Madbury Road, there will be no further consideration of installing a second speed table between Wood Road and Lundy Lane. If one speed table is not sufficient, consideration will be given to a second table in the future. Please note, at this time only one speed table is being implemented.

FACULTY ROAD SPEED/TRAFFIC CONCERNS

Issues surrounding the inability to satisfy the concerns of a resident on Faculty Road were discussed by the administrative Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) this week. It has been determined that speed is not a factor that would warrant installation of a speed table or any other strategy. Additionally, there is acknowledgment that the stop sign at Thompson Lane and Faculty is specifically focused upon acting as a speed-calming device and is not due to accident history with vehicles and/or pedestrians in the area. There is a crosswalk at this location, which services the woods path from the Mill Plaza used by many residents and school children. On occasion the police place a mobile pedestrian sign at this location. Ultimately the TSC is satisfied that anything else to be added to this street to prevent speed, stop sign violations, or other traffic infractions would not have any noteworthy impact. Police presence at this area is already significantly more intensive than any other singular location within Durham. TSC is desirous of monitoring and evaluating if there are any changes.

SPEED CONCERNS ON DURHAM POINT ROAD
The same issue was noted by another resident on Durham Point Road. In this area, Jim Lawson (who graciously volunteers to operate this system) was asked to place the StealthStat speed counter for the purposes of identifying timing so that the officers may better utilize their patrol time by being present when the most activity existed. We have observed that on Sunday afternoons, there appears to be a high rate of motorcycle activity. Additionally, it was noted that many signs are placed towards those traveling from Route 108 on Durham Point Rd. and it may be beneficial to provide signs facing the other way also, while adding notification of the presence of pedestrians via new signage.

WHO OWNS THE END OF CHESLEY DRIVE?
Public Works Director Michael Lynch will be meeting with resident Peter Andersen regarding Mr. Andersen’s assertion that he owns land at the end of Chesley Drive where his tenants have been receiving parking tickets. Michael Lynch will be meeting with Mr. Andersen with the property boundary survey the Town had engaged years ago to settle just such disputes in this location from the past.

UNH/DURHAM HAPPENINGS - Updates on traffic, pedestrian, sign initiatives in town and on campus.

The Durham/UNH joint contractor, RSG, has progressed with its assessment of the updated traffic model by completing the video tapping observations of a number of targeted intersections and determining turning movements. The project should be updated in time for distribution by the end of the summer.

There will be a bus cut expansion on McDaniel Drive with a 3-way stop added at Mitchel and McDaniel.

In coordination with Durham, UNH ground out a crosswalk on Edgewood Road, which will require the Town to add to the yellow centerline. Public Works Director Mike Lynch has indicated that DPW would take care of that issue.

UNH is going to install a dynamic speed sign somewhere on the campus that will be closely monitored as our collective communities seek strategies to address speed control. While College Rd. is the proposed area near the “s-turns”, it may offer an opportunity to be moved to additional locations within the campus core. Durham is interested in utilizing such a device on local roadways as an alternative to speed tables if the sign proves effective. Both Town/Gown will be focusing on this pilot initiative on campus.

The south Main Street Sidewalk, which is grant-funded project, will be engaged shortly. Planner Michael Behrendt and DPW Dir. Mike Lynch will represent the Town in discussions/deliberations about the summer’s project.

12 NEW BUSINESS PARKING SPACES ON GARRISON BY MIDDLE SCHOOL BEING MONITORED
Town staff continues to monitor the twelve (12) new parking spaces added on the north side of Garrison Road Extension to ensure they do not hinder traffic patterns leaving the Middle School. So far, so good.

EVERSOURCE PROVIDES RESPONSE TO DURHAM REGARDING IMPACTS ON HISTORIC RESOURCES FROM TEST BORINGS LAST WINTER AS PART OF SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT

Eversource President William Quinlan has provided a letter to the Town of Durham on May 5, 2017, responding to questions the Durham Historic Association raised concerning the company’s preliminary site work pertaining to the Seacoast Reliability Project. To view the letter, click HERE.

COURT GRANTS TOWN’S CLAIM TO ADD QUIETING TITLE TO LIST OF ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF CUTTER BEECH HILL, LLC B. TOWN OF DURHAM CASE
The court granted the Town’s motion to amend the pleading in the Cutter matter to add a clear cross claim to quiet title in the Town’s favor.

Tractor in the field at Emery Farm off Route 4/Piscataqua Road. The land immediatly 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.

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.

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

Staff members from the Forest Society address those present during yesterday's ceremony recognizing the successful conservation of the Powder Major parcel. Courtesy Todd Selig

POWDER MAJOR CONSERVATION PROJECT PARCEL SPANS PORTIONS OF LEE, MADBURY, AND DURHAM – A ceremony thanking the many project partners took place on June 8th in Madbury.
On Thursday afternoon of this week, June 8th, the NH Society for the Protection of NH Forests held a celebration ceremony recognizing the numerous project partners who contributed to the permanent protection of the Powder Major Farm project.

The Forest Society worked with Madbury, Durham, and Lee, as well as numerous other project partners, to protect the Powder Major’s Farm and Forest. The parcel is a 195-acre property behind Tibbetts Field on Route 155 in Madbury and extending into Durham and Lee. The landowners, members of the Goss family, have now sold the land to the Forest Society. The land contains a trail system and frontage on the Oyster River, a drinking water source for Durham, including the University of New Hampshire. It’s known as the Powder Major’s Farm because in the Revolutionary War era it was owned by the “Powder Major” John Demeritt, known locally for hiding stolen British gunpowder on the farm. The Forest Society will manage this land as a forest reservation that will protect the water quality of the Oyster River and Great Bay, provide public recreation opportunities, and protect wildlife habitat.

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.

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 PLANNER ATTENDS ANNUAL NH PLANNERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

Town Planner Michael Behrendt attended the annual New Hampshire Planners Association conference in Hanover, NH on Monday and Tuesday. There were lectures covering topics such as understanding millennials (so that you might entice them to your community, a favorite subject these days), navigating the built environment for blind people, senior housing, the future of retail, and adaptive reuse of religious structures. Dartmouth College has invested astutely in the downtown for many years to enhance the business climate, provide needed parking for all users, and provide housing for Dartmouth personnel.

Michael noted that Dartmouth has a treasure that surprisingly few people know about. Jose Clemente Orozco, a leading Mexican muralist, painted a series of murals in the basement of Baker Hall from 1932 to 1934. This remarkable mural cycle, a national historic landmark, is titled, “The Epic of American Civilization.” Two photos are shown here, one of the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez.

ASSESSING/TAX COLLECTION SOFTWARE PRICING GOING UP
We have received word that the version of the software Durham utilizes for its assessing/tax collection purposes will no longer receive support, and that the new version will include an "up charge" in the range of $20,000 over what is currently paid. Consequently, staff will spend some time evaluating options and whether the new software suite we have been planning for the business office, as well as a new code/fire permit tracking software solution, could be integrated seamlessly into one system, or if separate systems must still be utilized to actually meet our departmental needs.

WMUR CHANNEL 9-NEW HAMPSHIRE CHRONICLE FEATURES ICONIC DURHAM BUSINESS - Youngs!

The television show visited Young’s Restaurant on Tuesday this week to tape an upcoming episode showcasing the 100 years that Young’s has been operating here in Durham. It may take a few weeks to be televised but stay tuned. We’ll announce it when we know. Congratulations to Kenny Young and all the fabulous staff at Young’s restaurant!

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!

A painted turtle lays her eggs in Ellen Snyder’s vegetable garden.

DURHAM LAND STEWARDSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE WEEKLY REPORT --

Watch out for turtles crossing the road

Turtle nesting season extends from late May through early July. It reaches maximum intensity in early June. Turtles often cross roads to get from their wetland habitat to nesting sites. To help our turtles stay healthy and abundant, here are tips from the NH Fish and Game Department:

• Slow down and watch for turtles in roadways!
• Help turtles cross roads safely. If you see a turtle crossing a road and it is safe for you to do so, help it cross in the direction it was traveling.
• Don't take the turtle home or move it far from where you found it. A turtle taken to your home is a turtle lost from the local population.
• If a turtle is injured, check the list of Wildlife Rehabilitators, or call Fish and Game's Wildlife Division at (603) 271-2461 for a list of rehabilitators in your area. Find out more on what to do if you find an injured turtle.
• Report turtle (and other wildlife) sightings to NH Wildlife Sightings.
• Work with land trusts and town officials to help conserve important natural areas in your community.

For more about our turtles, see Turtles of NH.

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.

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.

DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE - Durham has a Leash Law
We periodically receive reports of dogs off leash. Town ordinances require that a dog be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times when off the private property of the owner. If the dog bolts from the owner’s property to harass or frighten people this is a violation of the Town Ordinance.

We all love our pets but there are some who may be frightened of a dog they are not familiar with and it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their animal is restrained when off their property limits.

A group of interested residents thinking about promoting downtown Durham got together this past week to have lunch at Young's Restaurant.  

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 12, 2017 (rescheduled from June 8th)

Land Stewardship Subcommittee - Tuesday, June 13, 2017 (3:30 PM)

Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

E911 Street Addressing Committee - Wednesday, June 14, 2017 (10:00 AM)

Planning Board - Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Parks & Recreation Committee - Thursday, June 15, 2017

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

A number of students and their families from Mast Way School participated in this year's Memorial Day Parade, as well as the Moharimet PTO. Courtesy Rachel Gasowski

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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Don’t miss the latest episode of “ In the Biz; Durham Business Spotlight”. This episode EDC Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey visits: Diyablo Hair & Body Spa. Meet owner Tina Lee and her staff. Mary Ellen chats with Tina about her business strategy and what brought her to Durham. Watch as Mary Ellen has her hair transformed by Tina! This video is available on DCAT 22 TV, Saturday & Sunday @ 12:30 & 6:00 PM, DCAT on Demand, & the Town of Durham's website. Total run time: 8 minutes
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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
 

July 10th-13th
-REACH Afternoon Camp

July 14th
-Full Day Friday Field Trip- Island Kayak Adventure
 

July 17th-20th
- REACH Afternoon Camp

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!!
ONLY A FEW SPOTS OPEN: Family Camp Out at Wagon Hill Farm- Saturday, June 24th-Sunday June 25th (4pm-9am)
June is National Camping Month and DPR is celebrating with a special night of camping at Wagon Hill Farm with the family!
You supply all of your camping gear and DPR will supply a BBQ dinner, (optional) scavenger hunt, craft, storytelling, and s’mores by the campfire. A camping checklist will be provided to those registered.
Pre-registration required by Wednesday June 21st. Space is limited- register early. $35/family. (Rain date: July 15th.)

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Silent Film Night, Silent film classic Sherlock Jr., featuring Buster Keaton. Saturday, Jun 10, 2017, 7PM, Portsmouth Music Hall. With the ORMS Jazz Band and Studio Orchestra, under the direction of David Ervin, Marc LaForce, and Andrea von Oeyen.  Tickets/$16 can be purchased at the ORMS office or The Music Hall Box Office, 603-436-2400, 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth.  Online purchase 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.

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.

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.

UNH Summer Youth Program Registration is Open! Students explore interests while experiencing the local campus (and other sites) through UNH’s summer programs for youth. Participants learn from faculty, staff, and students with individualized instruction and have the opportunity to utilize state of the art facilities.

Programs offered for ages 6-18 in areas such as STEM, the Arts, Academic Enrichment, Athletics, and Recreational/Water programs. UNH hosts numerous programs for High School students!  View offerings by grade level.

To learn more and to register: UNH Learn for Life

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

WELCOME TO ROSE BEBRIS, OUR NEW LIBRARY DIRECTOR! - Please stop by to meet Rose at the library on Saturday, June 10, and then continue on to our Bag of Books Sale.

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

“Build a Better World” Summer Reading Program!
Register for our fun 5 week summer reading program starting June 12th. 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:

DPL FRIENDS' BAG OF BOOKS SALE ONE DAY ONLY Saturday June 10, 10 am - 1:30 pm - ONLY $5 PER BAG! We have the books and the bags...you do the filling.
Book Donation Week Tuesday May 30 through Saturday June 3 - 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 no textbooks, dictionaries, or encyclopedias. Thank you!

Oyster River ASD Friends Tuesday June 13, 6:30-8 pm - Join our group for parents of teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Conversation, resource sharing, and speakers to address how we can best encourage and support independence. This month, Lisa Harz, Vocational Rehabilitation State Director is coming to have a conversation about VR and how it works with teens and young adults. Contact Julie, 603-767-4190, jsmithnh@icloud.com.

Acoustic Open Mic with Mike Wednesday June 14, 6:30-7:45 - All types of acoustic (non-amplified) music. First time performers and original music are particularly encouraged. Acoustic Open Mic with Mike is a welcoming supportive intimate gathering. Meet in the Library cafe. Light refreshments are provided.

COMING SOON - Summer 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.

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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1600 - "Eastern Indians were of the Algonquin tribe and in New Hampshire were the Sokokis, made up of 15 small family tribes: the Cochecos and Squamscotts in this vicinity. Indian Fever decreased the population by 90% in 1616-1618, and a smallpox epidemic further reduced it later."

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Next Wednesday, June 14th, Durham will host a Green Eggs and … breakfast at the Town Hall for various LEED engineers to tour our new LEED Silver Certified Town Hall.
 

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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