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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Monday, 3.14.15, is Pi Day.
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Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159.
Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. While only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize, and to computationally calculate more and more digits.
Day Light Savings is this weekend. Clocks “spring" ahead one hour Saturday night, March 13th.
And if that is not enough, St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th. What a week!
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AIR B&B’S
Talk to the locals in certain New Orleans neighborhoods, from the historic and genteel Garden District uptown to the dense and increasingly trendy Bywater downriver, and you can be pretty sure that one topic will come up eventually: Air B&B-type rentals.
Similarly, the Durham Town Council has discussed concerns about the potential implications of Air B&B-type short term rentals on the community here, particularly within purely residential zones. The concept of "Air B&B"-type rentals is that a host with an extra room or an entire house rents the property for a short term period, often with the owner not being present.
To become more familiar with issues surrounding Air B&B-type rentals you may want to read this interesting article in the NY Times from last week HERE.
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Administrator Selig meeting with delegates from the Caribbean on Thusday this week. Courtesy DCAT Studios
DELEGATION FROM CARIBBEAN VISITS DURHAM TO STUDY TRANSPARENCY AND OPEN GOVERNMENT
On Thursday this week, Administrator Selig met with visitors from the Caribbean as part of the US State Department International Visitor Exchange Program through the World Affairs Council of NH. They were interested in learning about transparency and open government and how this can combat corruption.
The delegation included:
Mr. Bernard Turner, Justice of the Supreme Court, The Bahamas
Ms. Khrisna Virgil, Staff Reporter, The Tribune
Mr. Neil Marks, Sunday Editor, Guyana Chronicle
Ms. Judy Stuart, State Counsel, Ministry of Legal Affairs, and Office of the Attorney General Chambers
Mr. Omar George Cover, Military Officer, Jamaican Defense Force
Ms. Cecile Maragh, Senior Director, Prucurement and Asset Policy, Ministry of Finance and Planning
Mr. Andrew Wildes, Legal Officer, Ministry of Finance and Planning
Ms. Rolinne Gravenbeek, Substitute Prosecutor
Mr. Gerold Rozenblad, Head Internal Section, De Ware Tijd.
In addition to visiting the Town of Durham to learn about local government and transparency, the group also went on to do the following:
Meeting with the NH Judicial Conduct Committee, the Concord Monitor, the NH Department of Justice Public Integrity Unit, the NH Executive Branch Ethics Committee, Observing a Tax Abatement hearing in Merrimack County Court, meeting with the NH Bureau of Purchase and Property, Tour of the Federal Court in Concord and meeting with the Justices.
The group was very interested in the many resources available on the Town's web site from assessing records, to public meeting minutes, to televised meetings, and more.
The delegation left a box of lemon grass tea as a gift which Mr. Selig plans to share with the Council at the next Town Council meeting.
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THOMPSON FOREST CONSERVATION PARCEL -- Moving Toward Closing ...
We received word this week from the Southeast Land Trust (SELT) , Durham’s partner as part of the Thompson Forest conservation effort (40 +/- acres located on the Lamprey River off of Wednesday Hill Rd.), and it looks like the Federal review appraiser has agreed with the SELT appraiser’s findings and conclusions regarding value. The long and short of this is that the appraisal will be approved and SELT's appraiser should get the review appraiser the report next week.
To recap the project, Durham will acquire the fee simple interest in the approximately 43.4 acre Thompson Property, which has approximately 2,000 feet of frontage on Wednesday Hill Road and approximately 3,500 feet of frontage on the Lamprey River, which is a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River. The intake pipe for the Durham/UNH Water System on the Lamprey River is located on an easement along the boundary of this parcel.
The Town would then permanently conserve the land by granting a conservation easement to SELT.
We hope to close on the parcel by the end of the month.
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The map above depicts the Town-owned Doe Farm. Areas circled in orange are infested with non-native, invasive species plants Courtesy Trustees of the Trust Funds
NON-NATIVE, INVASIVE PLANT INFESTATION AT THE DOE FARM – Trustees of the Trust Funds Taking Action
At this week’s Land Stewardship Committee Subcommittee meeting, Trustee of the Trust Fund member Craig Seymour provided an update on the efforts of the Trustees to address a non-native, invasive plant infestation at the Doe Farm. The Trustees have been in communication with the Public Works Department, the Stewardship Committee, the Conservation Commission, and the Parks & Recreation Committee for over a year concerning this matter but careful assessment had to be undertaken with a strategy developed before a plan of action could be launched to address the problem.
Invasive plants have inhabited areas of the Doe Farm forest located off of Bennett Road for over 25 years. Over the last three decades, invasive plants have proliferated from an initial few plants to over 250,000 stems today. A careful mapping analysis of the infestation was conducted in Oct.-Nov. 2015, indicating that severely infested areas cover 13.2 +/- acres, or 15% of the 87 acre property. Severely infested areas contain over 5,000 stems per acre, with some areas exceeding 20,000 stems. Glossy buckthorn is by far the most common plant, though at least nine other exotic, invasive species are present.
Severe invasive plant infestations alter micro-environments, as well as the forest as a whole. Biodiversity is diminished, wildlife habitat is affected, and perhaps most alarming of all, the forest’s ability to successfully regenerate is compromised.
Though the task of controlling the invasion of the Doe Farm is daunting, inaction leads to ever-increasing numbers of exotic plants, posing a very real threat to this forest’s long-term existence. Working with professional forester Charles Moreno, the Trustees of the Trust Funds have developed a strategy that involves hand cutting of the non-native plants this spring within the next one to three weeks, followed by additional hand cutting in the fall combined at that time with the painting of stems with an herbicide (Roundup) to kill the plants. The process of controlling the non-native, invasives will have to be ongoing, however, to address seedlings that will sprout in the future.
A problem is that the Trustees of the Trust Funds have limited trusted funds with which to address this issue. Available funds have been utilized to map the parcel and develop a strategy with little money left to undertake the actual work which could be in the $25,000 - $30,000 range over a few years. In the short term, the Trustees have reached out to the Department of Public Works and Admin. Selig to determine whether some measure of funds from the FY 2016 budget could be reallocated toward addressing invasive plant species at the Doe Farm. The Conservation Fund and also the Town’s Contingency Fund might also be evaluated to help fund the effort.
Time is of the essence as early spring is the optimal period in which to address the invasives as they sprout a good three to four weeks before native varieties offering easy identification and access to non-native plant stems. So the time to get started with the early arrival of warm weather is this coming week or next week. At the present time, approximately $6,000 will be needed to get the effort started by hand cutting invasive plant stems this spring. In the fall, the stems will have to be hand cut again and then carefully painted with an herbicide (Roundup) to kill the invasive. The fall cost is est. in the $6,000 to $7,000 range. Follow up efforts over the years will also be needed. For the short-term, Administrator Selig has provided the okay to get started with the spring hand cut described above.
In addition, DPW will be contracting with a company to grind out the stumps around the historic graveyard within the Doe Farm parcel so that the Town can more easily address invasives in that location through ongoing mowing around the gravestones and the graveyard itself.
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WAGON HILL FARM SHORELINE – Durham, UNH researchers, and NHDES researchers continue to evaluate the concept of a “living shoreline” at WHF
We had reported back on January 25, 2016, that Public Works Director Mike Lynch had organized a meeting with Dr. David Burdick, Director of the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory; Dr. Gregg Moore, UNH; Kirsten Howard, NHDES Coastal Resilience Specialist; Kevin Lucey, NHDES Coastal Program; Rachel Gasowski, Durham P&R Director; Town Councilor Wayne Burton; and Mr. Selig to discuss the notion of creating a “living shoreline” at Wagon Hill Farm.
Shorelines are often stabilized with hardened structures, such as bulkheads, revetment, and concrete seawalls. Ironically, these structures often increase the rate of coastal erosion, remove the ability of the shoreline to carry out natural processes, and provide little habitat for estuarine species.
The group assembled in Durham on January 25th discussed the concept of implementing a more natural bank stabilization technique called “living shorelines.” This approach uses plants, sand, and limited use of rock to provide shoreline protection and maintain valuable habitat.
Living shoreline projects utilize a variety of structural and organic materials, such as wetland plants, submerged aquatic vegetation, oyster reefs, coir fiber logs, sand fill, and stone.
In looking at the Wagon Hill Farm shoreline, the consensus was that several primary factors are impacting erosion, not listed here in any priority order:
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Shading from shoreline trees;
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Ice scour;
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Tramping from human/animal activity
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Velocity scour;
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Boat wake;
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Wind Fetch;
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Rising sea level from Climate Change;
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Health of Great Bay.
The group assembled continues to look at Wagon Hill Farm to evaluate specific areas of erosion further and members of the effort have now walked the site.
The discussion to date has been promising with UNH and NHDES scientists interested in potentially working with Durham to utilize Wagon Hill Farm as a pilot/demonstration/research site for various “living shoreline” approaches making for an extremely positive Durham-UNH-NHDES collaboration.
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DECENNIAL DURHAM-UNH AGREEMENTS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY TOWN COUNCIL ON MONDAY EVENING
On Monday evening, March 7, 2016, the Town Council unanimously approved various decennial agreements that exist between Durham and UNH and which expired on December 31, 2015. A summary of these agreements is below.
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School Agreement: This agreement provides for UNH to fully reimburse Durham for the costs associated with sending Durham children residing in the UNH-owned tax exempt property to the Oyster River Cooperative School District. This cost is determined by the ORCSD school funding formula, which allocates the cost of the school district to the three member communities – Durham, Lee, and Madbury. The total estimated annual payment to Durham for the 7 children currently attending ORCSD from the UNH campus will be $119,702 under the new agreement. This agreement replaces the prior School Agreement, which expired December 31, 2015. Under the more complicated calculation of the old agreement, UNH reimbursed Durham $82,665 for the 7 children attending ORCSD during the school year 2015-2016. The agreement is for a 10-year period.
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Transfer of Real Property Agreement: Transferring UNH’s ownership of the Tot Lot and Oyster River Park to the Town of Durham. This agreement addresses the intent of the parties to transfer the aforementioned two parcels from UNH to Durham as evidenced by historical records and a 1964 Town Meeting vote.
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Fire Protection Services Agreement: Providing fire protection services to UNH students, staff personnel, and buildings located within the corporate boundaries of the Town. UNH continues to support 50% of the cost of operational and capital costs associated with the Durham Fire Department. The 2015 UNH contribution to Durham for the Fire Department operation and capital budgets totaled: $1,739,263. The agreement is for a 10-year period.
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Second Amendment of Lease Agreement (related to the Fire Protection Services Agreement): Adjusts the term of the lease of building space from UNH for exclusive operation of the Fire Department to align with the term of the Fire Protection Service Agreement. Modifies the previous lease to provide that the Town or University may terminate this lease at any time by mutual agreement. The annual increase charged for the space leased to the Fire Department will be limited to no more than 3% annually.
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Jackson’s Landing Boat Launch Agreement: A continuation of the existing agreement for a 1-year period for use by UNH of the UNH-owned boathouse at the Town-owned Jackson’s Landing property. The extension enables the parties to undertake additional planning and fund raising relative to the boathouse.
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Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the University Outdoor Swimming Pool: Provides for resident parking and use by Durham residents of the new UNH-owned outdoor pool.
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Water and Wastewater System Agreement: Renews a similar agreement that expired December 31, 2015. The Durham/UNH Water and Wastewater utilities each operate for all intents and purposes as single unified systems to obtain maximum efficiency, conservation, resiliency, and redundancy for both parties. The new agreement details system assets (owned individually and/or jointly), responsibility for system operation and maintenance, future system capital improvements, daily operational responsibilities, budget process, and cost sharing of the Durham-UNH joint water system and wastewater.
The existing water and wastewater cost allocation between Durham-UNH for both operational and capital costs is 1/3 Durham and 2/3 UNH based on usage data from the parties dating back over a decade. The cost share allocation was intended to be periodically updated based on actual usage data audits but logistical challenges precluded this from occurring until recently. The new agreement continues to rely upon usage data as well as peak demand information. Capital cost sharing for both water and wastewater will be fixed at 1/3 Durham and 2/3 UNH for the life of the 10-year agreement. This cost share is based on the estimated ratio of the peak water use between Durham and UNH since peak demand determines the capacity needed in the water and wastewater systems and thus the capital investment required. System operational and maintenance cost sharing for both water and wastewater will be based on a three-year rolling average of actual metered usage phased in over a four-year timeframe. Utilizing best available data, the parties anticipate the new allocation to be approx. 40% Durham and 60% UNH, which reflects the current ratio of metered water use.
The financial impact to the Durham water/wastewater system is approximately $390,000 annually once fully phased in beginning in 2019. We estimate the average water/wastewater user (based on 3,000 cubic feet of water/yr.) will see an increase of $111.30 in their annual bill when fully phased in (or approx. $37.20 more per year annually in 2017, 2018, and 2019). (See attached Water & Sewer – 3 Year Cost Out Data sheet for more detail.)
A jointly funded Water Capital Reserve Fund is created per the new water/wastewater agreement. A jointly funded Wastewater Capital Reserve Fund was established previously under the prior agreement and continues under the terms of this proposal.
The new UNH Water Treatment Plant and recoating or removal of the Edgewood Tank will be borne 100% by UNH. Anticipated repairs to the Wiswall Dam to secure the structure to bedrock and repair the spillway will be borne 100% by Durham.
As part of the discussions, UNH and Durham have developed two new agreements. First, a Letter of Intent commits that the parties will commence good faith negotiations leading to renewal of the still in effect Municipal Services Agreement, (which currently provides compensation to the Town for costs such as maintaining the road systems, traffic control, and policing ) which expires on December 31, 2018. Second, a Memorandum of Understanding relative to Long-Range Planning Coordination and Communication, updating a prior 2002 “Process for Coordination and Communication between UNH and Durham.” These will be signed by Administrator Selig and UNH Vice President for Finance and Administration Christopher Clement as part of the package of agreements resulting from this round of discussions.
Financial Details...
Relevant financial information is contained within the various prospective agreements.
In addition, the matrix below shows actual FY 2015 receipts from UNH, as well as projected receipts for 2016 based upon the annual budget process.
* 2016 revenue numbers are taken from what was projected as part of the approved FY 2016 budget.
To view the package of agreements recommended to the Council by the Administrator for adoption Monday evening, click HERE.
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VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
On April 30, 2016, terms on various Town boards, commissions, and committees will expire. In mid-April, the Town Council will begin the process for making its annual appointments/reappointments to Town boards, with appointments to take effect May 1, 2016. The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill these vacancies.
Citizens interested in board appointments may stop in or contact the Town Administrator’s office at 868-5571 and ask for a board application form. Applications are also available on the home page of the Town’s web site: http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ in the green area located at the right. Click on “Forms”, then “Application for Appointment”.
Completed applications may be mailed to the Town Administrator’s office, or submitted via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday, March 25, 2016.
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HOUSEHOLD ENERGY SURVEY
The Durham Energy Committee is asking residents to take 10 minutes to complete this year's Household Energy Survey HERE. The Committee seeks to gather information about the use of energy among both homeowners and renters in Town. The results of this survey will be presented to the Town Council and also included in a future "Friday Updates".
The Energy Committee's last survey, which asked questions of the community about transportation behavior, provided valuable information to the Town Council as it deliberated on priorities for bike lanes, signage, and sidewalk upgrades.
Completing the survey is quick, it's fun, and it will help the Durham Energy Committee better understand and respond to the energy needs of the community.
Any questions or issues about the survey can be directed to DEC at dec@ci.durham.nh.us. We hope you will participate!
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DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - Parking Enforcement – Seasonal - Starting Salary: $14.00/Hourly
The Durham, New Hampshire Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Parking Enforcement Officer. The applicant selected to serve as the part time PEO will enforce state and local parking laws and ordinances for this nationally accredited police department. This position works 40 hours each week during the University of New Hampshire academic school year. The qualified candidate will not work holidays, summertime months or any time the University is not in session.
PEO duties will include state law and local ordinance enforcement, collection of parking meter monies, parking meter repair, traffic direction and control, some radio communications, and other duties as assigned or as applicable. Training and uniforms will be provided.
Minimum qualifications for this position include a high school diploma or GED, the ability to walk and/or stand for a minimum of 8 hours each day, lift/carry a minimum of 50 pounds for short distances, and must read, write and verbally communicate in the English language. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. Applicants with tattoos, brands, or body piercings visible in short sleeve shirts or short pants will be disqualified. The qualified candidate will be subject to a background and reference check.
Your Letter of Interest, Resume and Town of Durham Application which can be obtained HERE, must be received by:
Capt. David Holmstock by 4 P.M. on Friday, April 1, 2016 at:
Durham Police Department
86 Dover Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
The anticipated date of appointment from this selection process is approximately one to two weeks from the application closing date. This date is subject to change.
Females and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
The Durham Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.
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AND THE PHONE SCAMS KEEP COMING!
Chief Kurz advises that the police department has had several residents contact them about continuing telephone scams. These calls are so troubling to us all but the technology and the desire to separate people from their money clearly has no bounds.
The most recent calls have been very similar in nature regarding the Internal Revenue Service.
So prevalent are these calls that most news outlets have been actively advising their viewers of this scam but once again the Durham Police want to share this information for awareness purposes and to help prevent fraud and/or identity theft from occurring during these purposely stressful telephone calls! As always the Durham Police urge residents NEVER to provide personal and/or credit card information via social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or telephone solicitation. Even though these criminal enterprises appear to be centered in off-shore locations, it is requested that any suspicious solicitation activity be reported to the Durham Police for further assessment and review.
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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES
Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates". Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.
This week's mini film: Self Watering Raised Bed Construction. Not for the casual DIY hobbyist. This is a very complete instructional on how to create a raised bed that conserves water.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Give Ready Rides a try! Ready Rides gives rides to residents that need help getting to their much needed Doctors Appointments.
Don't have a lot of time, no worries, drivers can pick and choose when and where they want to drive. Drivers choose from a shared computer program the rides that fit into their schedule. It could be once a week, once a month or once in a blue moon. Mileage reimbursement is available.
Join Ready Rides at Nottingham Town Hall, Stage Road, Route 152, Notthingham on March 1st at 1:00 PM. Please call Meri at 244-8719 to register.
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FARM STYLE BREAKFAST - Co-sponsored by the Durham and Lee Agricultural Commissions and the Strafford County Farm Bureau
A farm style breakfast will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Jeremiah Smith Grange in Lee. Proceeds benefit the Strafford County Farm Bureau's Youth in Agriculture Grant Program.
Featuring eggs, french toast, plain and blueberry pancakes, home fries, baked beans, bacon, sausage, rhubarb sauce, maple syrup, coffee and juice, made with many locally raised products. So delicious you will not be disappointed!
Reserve your tickets by contacting Erick Sawtelle, 234-7907, esawtelles@aol.com, or Laura Gund, 659-2044, walgrove@comcast.net.
Tickets can also be purchased at the Lee Town Hall or Lee Library.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
Join host, Mary Ellen Humphrey, EDC Director, in DCAT 22 Studios latest, In the Biz: Durham Business Spotlight series. Mary Ellen talks with the District Manager & General Manager of Tacomano a Mexican eatery that has been a Durham business for just over a year. I’m sure you’ll be surprised to see how much effort goes into bringing diners the freshest ingredients on a daily basis. This video is available On Demand and replays on DCAT 22 at 1:00 PM & 5:30 PM, Saturday & Sunday.
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The Durham Agricultural Commission is working with farmers and gardeners in the area to give you a behind-the-scenes video tour of local farms and gardens. The videos are produced by Durham resident & DCAT 22 Volunteer, Phil Kincade and present a seasonal look at our working landscape. This video is currently only available for viewing on DCAT On Demand (DCAT 22 Studios folder).
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Durham Public Library special programming, “Words & Music for the Senses”, with featured Poet, Abigail Carroll, UNH poets and musical performance by the NH Notables, UNH a cappella group. DCAT 22 Studios was there to record this well attended event. Replays on DCAT 22 at 1:30 & 4:00 PM on Saturday & Sunday. 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.
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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.
Annual Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 26th – 9:30am at Old Landing Park
We are getting EGGCITED for our Annual Egg Hunt at Durham Town Landing. Please join us for a fun morning of hunting for eggs, and meeting the Easter Bunny! Participants should bring a bag or basket to collect their eggs, and dress appropriately for the forecasted weather. This event will take outdoors place rain or shine! Light refreshments will be served.
Kennebunk Savings Bank and The Candy Bar have kindly sponsored this years Egg Hunt! Their generosity is greatly appreciated.
2016 Summer Day Camps with Durham Parks & Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation is offering nine exciting weeks of Summer Day Camps beginning June 27th- August 26th 2016!
Full or half day options available along with a five-week partnership camp with ORCSD Camp R.E.A.C.H. DPR provides an afternoon camp option to each of their morning camp sessions! Camp R.E.A.C.H. will run weekly from July 11th-August 12th Monday- Thursday with an optional Friday Field Trip. Scheduled trips include, Jenness Beach, Water Country, an Island Kayak Adventure, Blitz Air Park & Mini Golf, and Hampton Beach & Ice Cream!!!
DPR also has some great fun-filled and educational camp options before the July 11th start of Camp R.E.A.C.H. and after R.E.A.C.H concluded on August 26th. Campers can look forward to Wicked Gross Science Camp, Super Hero Physics Camp, an Adventure Paddle Camp, Extreme Earth Camp and Wicked Cool Med. School Camp!!
Registration is open for any of our camp weeks! Call or email to register now!! For more information please visit us HERE.
Discover Durham’s Trails
Participants had a great trek on the Sweet Trail on Sunday, February 21st. The group picked up the Sweet Trail off Dame Road, and trekked to the Lubberland Creek Preserve parking area in Newmarket, then returned back on the Sweet Trail to our starting point.
Durham Conservation Commission, Parks & Recreation and the Land Stewardship Committee are offering once a month guided treks for community members to get to know the trails and recreational spaces in Durham. These treks will take place the third Sunday of each month at 10am. Participation is FREE!
Join us for our next scheduled trek:
Sunday, March 20th: Wagon Hill Farm Trail
Volunteers Wanted
Are you interested in being a Field Trip Leader to lead or co-lead a trek for Discover Durham’s Trails? We would love to have you!! Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department for more details on this volunteer position.
Volunteers who are looking to develop new skills or brush up on leading a group in the woods can take advantage of this great workshop, Field Walk 101: Volunteer Training. The Stewardship Network of New England is offering a fun and interactive volunteer training workshop on Friday, March 25th from 1-4:30pm. This FREE training will provide volunteers with the basics of planning and executing a guided walk. Those interested will need to register for this training as space is limited.
FREE Balance Workshop with Sally Baker, PT
Better balance prevents falls and injuries. Join Sally Ann Baker PT from Durham Physical Therapy as she shows you easy balance exercises, which will help restore some of the flexibility, and strength you remember.
As we get older, falling can result in more than the bruises we might have experienced in our youth; it can rob us of our independence. Every year thousands of older people experience broken hips and head injuries. Don’t join this group!
Join Sally Thursdays at 12pm at the Durham Recreation Parks & Recreation building located in the old court house on 2 Dover Road, for a half hour of fun, gentle, preventive exercise, a no sweat approach, which will arm you against the uneven surfaces and black ice of New England.
Call the Durham Parks & Recreation at 817- 4074 or email at recreation@ci.durham.nh.us for more information about this ongoing FREE program beginning Thursday, January 28th at 12:00pm. Or just join us!
Mommy Tummy Post Partum Pilates With White Lotus Physical Therapy
Strengthen you core while bonding with baby to protect your joints as your body heals from delivery.
When: Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00pm. Session 1 begins March 2nd
Where: Durham Parks & Rec. building
Who: Moms at least 4 weeks postpartum with non-mobile babies
Cost: $48 for 4 weeks, $15 drop in
Register at whitelotusphysicaltherapy.com or (603) 817-2180
Save the Date !!
Coyote Club Session 5- May 2nd-June 13th. This will be our last session of Coyote Club for the school year.
Memorial Day Parade- Monday, May 30th 2016
We want to hear from you! Have a new exciting program idea? Please be sure to share your vision with Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski. Stop by the Recreation Department Office (2 Dover Road), or call/email the department at (603) 817-4074/ rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Mnozil Brass will perform on April 9th at 7PM in the UNH Paul Creative Arts Center, Johnson Theatre. See more information below.
Newcomers Unlimited Meeting, Friday, Mar 18, 2016, 10:15AM, coffee hour, 9AM, Community Church of Durham. Local author and Newcomers member, Harriet K. Swenson will tell a story about a so-called private or family matter, losing a loved one, her husband. The focus is on being the caregiver, not the patient.
FREE Oyster River Girls Hockey Night, Friday, Mar 18, 2016, 5:30 -7:30 PM, Churchill Rink, Durham. Hosted by the OR Middle & High School Girls Hockey Teams. Equipment available to borrow. Girls will have the ice from 6-7:00. Pizza, drinks, & dessert served after. Girls of any age interested in giving hockey a try are welcome. Questions, please contact Rebecca Kell, 603-285-1561, rebeccaskell@gmail.com
Active Retirement Association General Meeting, Monday, Mar 21, 2016, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church (lower level). The program will feature Michael Fleming discussing “A Climate Change Solution Conservatives Can Love.” Refreshments served.
ORHS Student, Daiyao Zhang, participates in NH State Council Poetry Out Loud, Monday, Mar 21, 2016, 6PM, Representatives Hall at the State House, Concord. Snow date: Tuesday, Mar 22, 2016 at NH Institute of Art. More information, contact Catherine O'Brian, Catherine.R.Obrian@dcr.nh.gov, or 271-0795 or visit http://www.nh.gov/nharts/
Oyster River Community Dinner, Thursday, Mar 24, 2016, 5 - 6:30 PM, Oyster River High School. More information HERE.
Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers (ORPP). During the month of March, ORPP will receive $1 from each blue Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag purchased at the Hannaford in Durham. This is an opportunity for ORPP to raise funds and bring awareness about an organization that helps many young families get and stay connected. ORPP is asking residents for their support by purchasing the blue reusable bags with the good karma messaging.They can be found at the reusable bag rack and various registers.
University of New Hampshire Celebrity Series welcomes brass ensemble Mnozil Brass, Saturday, Apr 9, 2016, 7PM, Paul Creative Arts Center’s Johnson Theatre, Durham. More information can be found and tickets can be purchased on line HERE.
UNH Museum of Art. BA & BFA Exhibition and MFA Thesis Exhibition. Opening reception for the BA BFA MFA Exhibition will be held Friday, April 15, 6-8 PM. Museum of Art, PCAC. FREE. Exhibition runs from April 10-May 20, 2016.
UNH Summer Camps taking Registrations. Let your kids experience UNH through the fun learning environments of the many and varied summer programs. Camps are offered for all ages, and in areas such as STEM learning, the Arts, Academic Enrichment, Athletics, and Recreational programs.
Registration is occurring now for many programs at: http://learnforlife.unh.edu/index.jsp. Engineeristas, a popular Engineering camp for girls only entering Grades 6-7, has limited openings. Register Now!
UNH Green Zones Progam for UNH faculty, staff, and the Durham community. This program will provide an opportunity to more fully comprehend the experiences, challenges, and skills each student veteran brings to the UNH campus and in the community. Denny Byrne, UNH Military and Veteran Services, along with a student veteran, will give a one hour (+/-) presentation and Q&A session, insuring that questions can be addressed by someone who has served recently. Anyone interested in attending is asked to call Denny Byrne directly at 603-862-0911.
One World Second Semester Sign Ups, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese classes still available for grades k-5. Classes held on Thursdays at 3:45 PM and 4:15 PM at Moharimet elementary school. More information on pricing, and other times and locations HERE or email matt.jones@oneworldlanguageschool.org
ECHO Thrift Shop. Now open 5 days/week and Thursday evenings. Check out sales and new spring merchandise. New hours: 10AM-5PM, Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri; 10AM-7PM, Thu; 10AM-2PM, Sat.
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A big thank-you to the Lego Club and STEAM Saturdays volunteers from the UNH Service Fraternity, APO!
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
S.T.E.A.M. Program, Sat. Mar. 12th, 10:30-11:30am. Next theme: Weather with Rain Clouds in a Jar – Join us every Saturday for S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) activities in the Storytime/Craftroom. All ages welcome!
K.D. Mason/Author Talk, Tues., March 29th 7pm – All invited to meet and hear from local author, K.D. Mason. Whether it is mystery, adventure, love or sailing, you might get hooked on his series. Check out one of his books at the DPL. Contact: Armida Geiger, ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Storytime! Tues. March 15th 10:30am, This week’s theme: St. Patrick’s Day & Spring! NO STORYTIME ON THURS. MARCH 17TH CHILDREN’S LIBRARIANS AT A CONFERENCE. Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft. Tues. March 22nd and Thurs. March 24th will be about Mud and Dirt!
Baby-Lapsit, Wed. March 16th 10:30-11:30am - For children & their care-givers, infancy to age 2. Songs, stories, movement, rhymes & socializing afterward.
NO LEGO CLUB ON THURS. MARCH 17TH, CHILDREN’S LIBRARIANS AT A CONFERENCE. JOIN US FOR Lego Club (K-4th grade) on Thurs. March 24th 3:30-4:30pm, theme: Farm Animals – Like to build Legos? Join us to do Lego challenges and build cool structures. Please note the new start time.
Homeschoolers Group, Fri. March 18th 10:30am, Theme: Spring– Join us for books, games, and a craft. This group is geared toward homeschoolers, but all are welcome.
CPR/AED Class, Tues. March 15th 6-8pm – Offered by McGregor Memorial EMS. Register at: http://cprsafe.org
Friends of the DPL, Book Discussion Wed. March 30th 10:30am-12pm – Book title: “Arthur and George” by Julian Barnes. Books soon to arrive for check-out at the circulation desk.
Durham Garden Club, Tues. March 22nd, 6:30 pm – Orchids. Come and learn the care and cultivation of orchids by Johnathan Ebba. All are invited.
YA Tech Club, Tues. March 29th, 6”30-7:30pm; this month: Virtual Reality with Google Cardboard (bring a smartphone if you have one!) – Join us in the Young Adult room for our monthly tech club (ages 10+ years. Come and experience some cool, tech toys.
PJ Storytime, Wed. March 30th, 6pm, this month: Move and Groove –Come wearing your PJ’s! Stories, song, feltboard, and a Chinese inspired craft. Snacks provided by ORPP. All are welcome!
Raccoon Readers, 2nd- 4th grade, Tues., April 5th, 6-7pm - Discuss a book & author, games and a craft. Books available at the circulation desk.
Tales for Tails – Have a child who needs to increase their confidence in reading? Have them read to one of our Pet Partner dogs! Your child will read ½ hour once a week to one of the dogs and their handlers. Sessions run for 4 weeks. Current session in progress now. Call the Children’s Dept. at 590-1124 to sign up now!
Join the Reading Patch Club! Ages 2-12 years - Earn patches and a tote bag for hours that you read! Program sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.
Armida Geiger, Adult Program Coordinator is looking for owners of classic and antique autos. In June, DPL will host its first “Ol’ Time Auto” event. Please contact via e-mail ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commenced August 28th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
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