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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Sunrise over Jackson's Landing.
Courtesy Durham Police Officer Greg Ruby
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"Sometimes folks around town ask why some of us choose to work the midnight shifts, given the odd sleep schedule and the sometimes less than pleasant “customers” we may have to deal with. I’ve attached a couple photographs I took Sunday morning that I thought were great examples of why I choose to stay on midnights." Durham Police Officer Greg Ruby
Read more under "Observations of a Midnight Police Officer" below.
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MILL PLAZA PUBLIC HEARING - POSTPONED
The public hearing and review of the preliminary designs for Mill Plaza were scheduled for March 23; however, pursuant to the applicant’s request, the public hearing and review have been postponed to the May 11 Planning Board meeting as Mill Plaza would like to have more time to work on their revisions.
Representatives for the applicant have been in contact with the Planning Office to indicate that they are giving full consideration to the tremendous amount of feedback received from community members to date. The applicant is in the process of engaging additional architectural and planning services to assist with the review and planning phase of the project application.
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SWAP SHOP VOLUNTEERS DO A FANTASTIC JOB PROMOTING REUSE AND RECYCLING
For many years, a dedicated group of volunteers have tirelessly worked to support and staff the Swap Shop at the Raymond LaRoche Transfer Station and Recycling Center on Durham Point Road.
This group of volunteers brings little presents to area nursing homes during Christmas. Linda Hollister saves Christmas and holiday mugs that come in during the year and these mugs are filled with little stuffed animals, grooming items, and candy. This group gets together and packages and wraps each mug and brings them to designated nursing homes. We believe last year over 300 mugs that were delivered. The volunteers also gather clothes for the Dover Children’s Home as well as crutches, walkers, and other health items for donation to third world countries.
Long-time volunteer Bernadette Komonchak was very involved with distributing the medical supplies for years.
The volunteers know the residents and are very helpful in trying to locate items that a particular resident is in need of.
The SPCA also benefits as volunteers save blankets, towels, and quilts that are no longer appropriate for human reuse and Linda Hollister and Bonnie McDermott from DPW have washed these items and deliver them to both Stratham and Cocheco.
In the past, the volunteers have packaged up kitchen items, pots, pans, dishes, etc. for people in our town and other towns that have lost their home due to fire.
Bonnie McDermott indicates, “I could not tell you the countless hours that are spent by this group of volunteers and it is all year long no matter what the weather is doing. If the volunteer’s hours were tallied, it would be quite substantial.”
The dedicated volunteers of the Durham Swap Shop are truly unsung heroes. If you happen to be at the facility this weekend, please do stop by, say hello, and thank them for their wonderful service.
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UNH/DURHAM “CrimeMap” NOW ON LINE – A NEW GEOSPATIAL DATA TOOL
The Durham Police Department, UNH Police Department, the UNH Dean of Students, and UNH technology staff have worked together to create a new UNH/Durham CrimeMap website as a useful tool for anyone interested in the geospatial display of law enforcement data on violations and arrests in Durham, NH and at the University of New Hampshire.
Geospatial data displays are often used to detect patterns and trends over time and space. Citizens, community leaders, law enforcement, students, and university administrators may discover useful applications for the geospatial displays available on this site.
Kudos to Chief Paul Dean of the UNH Police Department and Chief David Kurz of the Durham Police Department for their collaborative efforts to make this site possible.
To access the CrimeMap, click HERE.
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THOMPSON FOREST PROJECT MOVING TO A CLOSING!
We are at long last able to mark our calendars for the long awaited closing on the Thompson Forest property! As you all know this will be the acquisition of the fee title by the Town of Durham and then the conveyance from Durham to SELT of a conservation easement.
The closing will be on March 29th at 9:00 am at the Durham Town Hall.
Draft settlement statements/HUDs will be distributed to the sellers/buyers and final deeds will be circulated between the project partners for review once they are ready. Once the HUDs are approved by all parties the Town and SELT will wire the funds as appropriate.
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ORIENTATION FOR NEW COUNCILORS
Just prior to Monday’s Council meeting at 6 PM, there will be an informal orientation session for new Councilors in the Town Council chambers at the Town Hall. The public is welcome to attend.
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DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS SPOKE, DURHAM LISTENED – Downtown sidewalks to be power washed this summer
Based upon feedback from downtown merchants, the Town budgeted monies in FY 2016 to power wash the downtown sidewalks. Look for more information about this effort as we get closer to summer.
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A downtown concrete sidewalk raised edge being ground down to eliminate trip hazards. Courtesy Dept. of Public Works
SIDEWALK GRINDING
This week DPW completed one of its spring projects. The Main St. sidewalk loop had several heaves and other trip hazards along it, a side effect of over 15 years of winters in New Hampshire with frost coming in and out of the ground. The high spots were ground down to become even with the other part of the sidewalk in multiple locations making it safer for pedestrian traffic.
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AFTER EVALUATING USAGE PATTERNS, LIBRARY ALTERS OPERATING HOURS
After studying usage patterns at the Durham Public Library, the Library Trustees have decided to alter operating hours on a trial basis. Beginning March 28th, the Library will open at noon on Mondays instead of its present opening time of 2:30 p.m., and it will close at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays instead of 5:00 p.m. The Trustees and staff believe the new hours will allow the Library to serve the public better. Saturday afternoons are typically quiet; conversely, patrons arrive at the Library every Monday well before opening. By switching hours, the Trustees expect to see an increase in traffic as more of the community seems to want to use the Library Mondays instead of Saturday afternoons. The Trustees and staff will run this trial through the month of May. If they determine that the switch has been successful, the new hours will become regular operating hours.
As part of this trial, the Trustees and staff are interested in hearing from Library users.
Please let them know if you feel this change is for the best, and/or how it might impact you. Send your thoughts to durhampl@gmail.com. Your feedback is appreciated.
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An example of the Florida-style state park payment station for access to Florida parks. Courtesty Todd Selig
THE CONCEPT OF CHARGING A PARKING FEE FOR USE BY NON-RESIDENTS AT WAGON HILL FARM BEING CONSIDERED
As a result of accepting Federal grant monies many years ago for use at Wagon Hill Farm, Durham cannot exclude non-residents from the property. However, the Town may charge a reasonable fee for use by non-residents. It is the Administrator’s belief that it is time to start doing so.
There has been discussion about charging for parking for non-residents at Wagon Hill Farm at least 15 years and at this week’s staff meeting there was consensus that it made sense for Durham to implement a Florida-park style required payment system. Staff members discussed a $3 per day or $35 annual pass for non-residents for use of the facility (pricing is still under discussion). A Durham resident sticker (the Durham dump sticker) would provide free access for townspeople and this system is already in place.
Parks & Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski will be moving this idea forward for further discussion by the Parks & Recreation Committee.
Durham Police would collect the payments and periodically check cars.
Another potential approach would be to begin accepting donations in a donation box at the property from out of town users.
The photo above illustrates the model for the type of system being contemplated.
If you have ideas or suggestions about this idea, send them to rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us.
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DURHAM BACK END WEB SITE CHANGES
The version of Drupal, the programming on which our town web site is runs (built over 4 years ago), is no longer supported and has reached its end of life. We’ll need to move off of it to continue to get upgrades, security updates, etc. The last thing we want to see is our most public facing technology to be hacked. As such Durham IT Manager Luke Vincent is putting plans in place to address this in a timely fashion in advance of Drupal ultimately reaching its end of life.
In addition, AHA!, the company that designed the web site, has agreed to re-negotiate our contract for 2017 to include training as an item so we are not forced to pay out piece-meal for new users being added to the system. For this year, training will be provided by Aha! at no additional cost which both the Town and AHA! thought made sense.
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PAVING WORK SCHEDULED TO BEGIN JUNE 1ST
The 2016 approved Capital Fund Road Program Budget ($344,000) and Sidewalk Budget ($81,500) represent this year’s approved road-resurfacing/sidewalk program, which is part of the Department of Public Works 16 year road-resurfacing plan.
Public Works combined the sidewalk program with this year’s road program bid process to leverage the best pricing regarding asphalt paving. The sidewalk project this year is the Mill Road sidewalk. In addition a small amount of paving at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was included in this bid package.
This year’s road resurfacing program includes an asphalt shim, 1”overlay and shoulder gravel back-up/widening where applicable on the following Town roads: Cedar Point Road, Mill Road and Watson Road
In addition, 20 storm water catch basin frames/grates and sewer manhole frames/covers will be adjusted to the new paved surface per NHDOT specifications.
We expect paving work to begin sometime on or after June 1st.
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BEWARE OF TELEPHONE & MAIL SCAMS – AN EXAMPLE THIS WEEK FROM OUTGOING TOWN COUNCILOR CARDEN WELSH
Outgoing Town Councilor Carden Welsh provided a great example this of not one but TWO scam attempts to which his household was subjected this week.
Carden wrote to Chief Kurz and Admin. Selig the following, in part, this week:
“I must seem like a good target. In the last two weeks I have received two obvious scams and I was wondering whether there is anything that you can do about them.
First, A fellow with a heavy accent is alerting me that I have won $2.5 million and all I have to do is call him at some out-of-state number. Of course I haven't called but I have kept the voice mail in case it is of any help in tracking this down.
Today I received a slightly more professional scam attempt alerting me that I own $25,000 (doesn't say to whom, but there is an official looking mark on the stationary obviously designed to look like the federal government), and alerting me to check a certain web site and call a certain number to work out a payment plan by a certain date, or else I am really in trouble.”
Chief Kurz indicates that sadly there is virtually nothing we can do as the Durham Police Department expended a lot of energy about a year ago tracking down similar scam attempts even pushing federal agencies who finally stated that the calls were actually from … Nigeria … but funneled through software often located in NYC. This is why we use “Friday Updates” to alert residents as there is ultimately little the department can do.
Admin. Selig responded tongue-in-cheek to Councilor Welsh that it was apparent the $25,000 request for taxes owed was due to the $2.5 million unexpected prize he had won!
If residents ever have questions about the legitimacy of strange telephone or mail requests, do not hesitate to contact the Durham Police Department at (603) 868-2324.
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KAIZEN! -- TAKING ADVANTAGE OF LOWER FUEL PRICES AT THE PRIVATE GAS PUMPS – A great suggestion by Business Manager Gail Jablonski to lower the Town’s operating costs.
Business Manager Gail Jablonski brought to the staff’s attention that the prices the Town was paying for gas and diesel fuel at the State of NH pumps was actually now significantly higher than what we would otherwise pay at the private gas station pumps – by about $1 per gallon.
Mrs. Jablonski followed up with Irving Oil and is organizing opening up fuel accounts for our Durham departments so they may fill up at the pumps at what will be a considerable savings to the Town of Durham.
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Sunrise over downtown Durham. Courtesy Durham Police Officer Greg Ruby
OBSERVATIONS OF A MIDNIGHT POLICE PATROL
Chief Kurz shared an email from Officer Greg Ruby, a five-year veteran of the Durham Police Department. While everyone knows that police are patrolling the community all day and all night 365 days a year, they may not know that officers actually “bid” on which patrol shift they wish to be assigned too. Chief Kurz establishes the design of the patrol coverage based upon statistical analysis such as calls for service, activity and specific days and hours but allows the officers to bid on the shift they would prefer to work based upon their seniority with the department. With five years of seniority, Officer Ruby could virtually have his choice of any of the patrol shifts but gave some insight as to why he is on the midnight shift in the following email with accompanying pictures:
Sometimes folks around town ask why some of us choose to work the midnight shifts, given the odd sleep schedule and the sometimes less than pleasant “customers” we may have to deal with. I’ve attached a couple photographs I took Sunday morning that I thought were great examples of why I choose to stay on midnights.
Not a bad reason...
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Courtesy Dept. of Public Works
DURHAM SOLAR ARRAY AT PACKERS FALLS GRAVEL PIT NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION – With 2,100 panels, it is a municipal project that is second only to a 940-kilowatt array that was completed in Peterborough last year.
Work has officially begun on the solar array at the Packers Falls gravel fit. ReVision Energy was busy installing the racking system that will hold the solar panels while DPW assisted in additional site work.
At 650 kilowatts, the array will be larger than the 525 kilowatt array on the parking garage roof at the Manchester-Boston Regional airport.
The picture above was taken on Thursday, March 17th.
Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern has been a supporter of the Durham project.
To see an article in this week’s Foster’s Daily Democrat, click HERE.
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Town Auditors from Melanson and Heath this week at the Town Hall. Courtesy Todd Selig
FY 2015 AUDIT UNDER WAY
Auditors from the firm of Melanson and Heath were at the Town Hall for several days this week undertaking the FY 2015 annual audit. The Town’s fiscal year runs from January 1st – December 31st.
The Business Office has been quite busy addressing the needs of the auditors.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT FIRING RANGE OFF STONE QUARRY DRIVE NEXT TO DURHAM DPW – The Department returns to the Planning Board.
At its meeting on February 25, 2015, the Planning Board reviewed plans from the Durham Police Department for a firing range on the Town lot where the Department of Public Works is located, backing up to Route 4. The board provided an advisory recommendation for the project pursuant to RSA 674:54 – Governmental Land Uses. The plan was to operate the range for one year while waiting for Strafford County to potentially open a facility. Historically, the department had used city land in Rochester to meet required shooting qualification standards but that land became unavailable a little over a year ago. The long-term plan remains to move shooting to a county facility at such time as one opens.
Since this is a change from the understanding that the board had in 2015, Chief Kurz and Planner Michael Behrendt thought it best to update the Planning Board on the situation now. There is no provision in RSA 674:54 for “amendments” to projects so we will treat this like a new submittal and include a public hearing with a public notice and notices to abutters.
The date for the public hearing will likely be April 27, 2016.
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Lisa Kleinmann, Durham Public Library
LISA KLEINMANN NAMED CHILIS CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR
Durham Public Library's Lisa Kleinmann has been named the CHILIS Children's Librarian of the Year at their annual conference on March 17th. This award is given annually "To honor an individual who has contributed significantly to enriching library services to youth (children and/or teens) in New Hampshire." Lisa Lisa does a wonderful job, has created and expanded children's programming, improved and enlarged the children's collection, worked with groups such as Seacoast Reads, ORPP, and the service dogs to assist the Library's youngest patrons, and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the children's department that attracts families from Durham and beyond. But it's also nice to see her recognized by her peers. A plaque listing all previous winners of the award, including Lisa, will be on display in the library for the next year.
Assistant Director Nancy Miner, who nominated Lisa, was at the conference to help present the award. Lisa, from what the Trustees understand, had no idea she was Children's Librarian of the year for 2016 until her name was announced. The folks at CHILIS kept Nancy under wraps - Lisa didn't even know she was there.
Congratulations to Lisa - this is a well deserved honor and the Town is very proud of what she has accomplished.
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A lost and found bicycle. The Police Department is seekign its owner. Courtesy DPD
FOUND BICYCLE - Owners sought!
Durham Police often locate abandoned bicycles but this one looked like it may be missed by one of our younger residents and since no reports have come to the police, we thought Friday Updates might assist in locating the owner. It is a girl’s purple and blue Ranger 2:4 FS Schwinn Bike and was found the morning of February 27th in the area of the Mill Road Plaza.
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STRAFFORD REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE
As noted above, the Town has vacancies for a few positions on the Strafford Regional Planning Commission MPO Policy Committee, the planning agency for our county area. Terms are for four years. As described in state law, the planning commissions work to coordinate development of the region “taking into account present and future needs with a view toward encouraging the most appropriate use of land, such as for agriculture, forestry, industry, commerce, and housing; the facilitation of transportation and communication; the proper and economic location of public utilities and services; the development of adequate recreational areas; the promotion of good civic design; and the wise and efficient expenditure of public funds.”
To view information about the ole in more detail, click HERE. There are no qualifications other than an interest in promoting good planning in our region.
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.
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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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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: Lasagna Gardening. This method can also be used directly on the ground or lawn to create a wonderful bed for growing flowers and vegetables.
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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 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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 Recently, Fire Department employee, Kelly Lacoste, won a trip through Z107 and WHEB to go on the Gronk Party Ship Cruise. The Durham Professional Firefighters Association gave her a shirt to give to the NE Patriots tight end player and asked her to try and get a picture of him with it. Kelly and her husband, Dom, are pictured above with Gronk, who was happy to accept the shirt and show his support for the firefighters. Courtesy Kelly Lacoste
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
The Durham Historic Association's (DHA) annual meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Durham Public Library.
Steve Taylor from the New Hampshire Humanities Council will present "Cows and Communities: How the Lowly Bovine has Nurtured New Hampshire Through Four Centuries". He will provide answers to the question, "Where are New Hampshire's cows today and what are they doing?" Some of his answers will prove surprising. The DHA welcomes new and old members.
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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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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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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 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 12th. 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.
Stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm: Join us this Friday, March 18th at 7pm for a night of stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm! Meet at the wagon for an informational, and fun night learning about the night sky. Stargazing at Wagon Hill is instructed by UNH astronomer John Gianforte- The Sky Guy!
$10/person or $20/family. This program is weather dependent; please follow us on Facebook “Durham Rec” for updates on the status of this program in the case of questionable
weather.
Discover Durham’s Trails
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
Durham Community Church - To view Holy Week and Easter Services, click HERE.
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.
Harmony Homes Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, Mar 26, 2016, 11AM, 1 Stagecoach Road, Durham. Located in back of the building. Bring your own basket. All ages welcome. Food & refreshments provided. More information, email harmonyhomesnh@hotmail.com
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.
UNH Green Zones Program 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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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Operating Hours- After studying usage patterns at the Durham Public Library, we have decided to alter our operating hours on a trial basis. Beginning March 28th, the library will open at noon on Mondays instead of our present opening time of 2:30 p.m., and we will close at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays instead of 5:00 p.m. We believe the new hours will allow us to serve the public better. Saturday afternoons are typically quiet; conversely, patrons arrive at the library every Monday well before opening. By switching hours, we expect to see an increase in traffic as more of the community seems to want to use the library Mondays instead of Saturday afternoons. We will run this trial through the month of May. If we determine that the switch has been successful, the new hours will become our regular operating hours.
As part of this trial, we are interested in hearing from you. Please let us know if you feel this change is for the best, and/or how it might impact you. Send your thoughts to durhampl@gmail.com. Your feedback is appreciated.
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S.T.E.A.M. Program, Sat. Mar. 19th, 10:30-11:30am. Next theme: Sculpt-It! 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 – New Hampshire Seacoast Author, Runner, Sailor. He will talk about his latest book, Black Schooner and the challenges faced in writing a mystery series. Cash & checks accepted form of payment for book purchases. Light refreshments served. No registration needed. Contact: Armida Geiger, ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Storytime! Tues. March 22nd and Thurs. March 24th 10:30am, This week’s theme: Mud and Dirt! Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft.
Baby-Lapsit, Wed. March 23rd 10:30-11:30am - For children & their care-givers, infancy to age 2. Songs, stories, movement, rhymes & socializing afterward.
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 25th 10:30am, Theme: Pets– Join us for books, games puzzles and a fun craft.
Friends of the DPL, Book Discussion Wed. March 30th 10:30am-12pm –The first of the season Friends' Book Discussion, facilitated by Jennifer Lee, is March 30 at 10:30. You still have time to read one of the many copies of Arthur and George by Julian Barnes still awaiting many readers. All are welcome.
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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