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NEWS & HAPPENINGS...
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A reminder that the Future Land Use Community Forum will be held tomorrow, Saturday, May 13, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM in the Piscataqua Room on the second floor of Holloway Commons on the UNH campus. See more information below.
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Also...don't forget that Sunday is Mother's Day. :-)
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FUTURE LAND USE COMMUNITY FORUM - SATURDAY, MAY 13
The public is invited to a Community Future Land Use Forum on Saturday, May 13, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at UNH. The forum will be held in the Piscataqua Room on the second floor of Holloway Commons.
There is free parking all day in the Town’s lot on Pettee Brook Lane and in the Mill Road Visitor Lot on Mill Road (formerly C Lot).
There is no need to RSVP at this time. All of the discussions are interrelated so it would be best to attend the entire day if possible, but participants can come for only part of the forum. View the agenda on the Future Land Use Form webpage and scroll down under "supporting documents.
For those who cannot attend the forum there will be more opportunities to comment on the issues. You can mail or email the Planning Department, attend meetings of the Land Use Committee and the Planning Board, and attend public hearings that will be held this fall.
The forum promises to be a highly stimulating and engaging event. We hope that you can join us!
For answers to some of your questions about the forum, click HERE.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017 FOR MEMORIAL DAY
All Durham Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2017, in observance of Memorial Day. All Town offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.
Transfer Station and Refuse/Recycling Schedule Changes for the Memorial Day Holiday are as follows:
No Collection of Refuse and Recycling on Monday, 5/29 - Delayed one day all week. Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, etc.
Transfer Station Closed, Saturday, 5/27
No Commercial Collection on Fri, 6/2
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UNH Theta Chi Fraternity brothers help with multiple clean-up and trail projects at the Oyster River Forest on Sunday, May 7th
DURHAM LAND STEWARDSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE WEEKLY REPORT - Lots of action at the Oyster River Forest
Thanks to 25 Theta Chi Fraternity brothers from UNH and a half dozen town volunteers we had a great volunteer work day at the Oyster River Forest on Sunday, May 7th. With everyone’s help we:
- Installed seven 4x4 trail sign posts
- Cleared trash--including a truck topper, old TV, much glass, broken toilet, and other trash—from the entire main woods road and at the new parking area
- Swept the universally accessible trail and cleaned up the bog loop trail
- Mulched a connector trail between the two parking areas
- Removed invasives around the new parking area
- Pulled invasives along the main woods road and along a service road
- And thanks to the Department of Public Works, Rob Sullivan, Vince Noga, The Stewardship Network: New England, and the Great Bay Discovery Center for loaning tools. DPW also provided mulch, gravel, and delivered the sign posts. A great team effort.
On Thursday the Land Stewardship Subcommittee held a field meeting at the Oyster River Forest to discuss ongoing habitat and forest management. Several resource professionals from NH Fish and Game, Rockingham County Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service and consulting forester Charlie Moreno joined us for an excellent discussion about next steps in creating and maintaining early successional habitat, invasive plant removal, and improving forest health.
Next Up: Volunteers are needed to help finish the Oyster River Trail!
Friday, May 26th and Saturday, May 27th from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm. Multiple volunteer work day options available. Learn trail building skills from trails consultant Lew Shelley and take pride in helping to complete the trail from the Oyster River Forest to College Woods. Sign up through The Stewardship Network. Any questions contact ellensnyder1@gmail.com
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DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE HOUSEHOLD ENERGY SURVEY
The Durham Energy Committee is asking all residents to complete a short survey (15 minutes tops) to provide feedback about their use of and understanding about renewable energy technologies from the household level to state regional questions of policy and practice. This survey helps to meet the Committee's commitment in the Town Master Plan to survey resident needs as a means to get feedback and past and future activities and plans of the Town regarding our energy use. You may have seen signs in Durham and surrounding towns promoting Energize 360 (http://energize360.org/), which is an effort undertaken by the Durham Energy Committee in collaboration with other towns' energy committees to promote a comprehensive approach to conserving energy.
Residents are guided through the process of apply energy efficiency technologies as well as generating electricity at their homes through the use of rooftop or ground mounted solar panels. We encourage you to check it out after you complete the survey. If you have any questions about either the survey or Energize 360, please contact the Energy Committee at dec@ci.durham.nh.us.
Take the 2017 Household Energy Survey HERE.
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Girl Scout Troop 12394. Courtesy DPW
GIRL SCOUTS BEAUTIFY TOWN CEMETERY
On Tuesday this week, Girl Scout Troop number 12394 beautified the Durham Town Cemetery by planting many flowers. The scout troop and the Town would like to thank Art at Aubuchon Hardware in Dover, Reed at Aubuchon Hardware in Newmarket, John at UNH Thompson School Greenhouses, and Mark at Pawtuckaway Nursery who generously donated all the flowers.
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DURHAM WELCOMES NEW FITNESS STUDIO - KAY BROTE FITNESS
Kay Brote Fitness is located at 65 Newmarket Road in Durham. Kay is an ACE certified personal trainer, with specialties in weight management and orthopedic exercise.
The private studio is focused on personal and small group training (max of 4 clients at a time), utilizing a variety of methods ranging from High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to Mat Pilates to classic body weight and small equipment strength exercises. Weight loss & weight management coaching are also offered, either as an add-on service for training clients, or to complement whatever outside fitness program someone is engaged in.
To celebrate the launch of the studio, Kay is offering 5 small group sessions at discounted prices, starting May 15, and lasting six weeks. 6 Week Slim Down, Trail Fit, Runner Fit, Teen Fit, and Golf Fit. visit http://www.kaybrotefitness.com/ for more info.
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ARCHIVED ORHS MOUTH OF THE RIVER NEWSPAPERS NOW AVAILABLE ON LINE DATING TO 1981
We were contacted this week by Oyster River High School student journalist and archivist Timothy Bartos with the Mouth of the River (MOR for short) school newspaper. As of today, May 5, 2017, MOR archives will be available on line at the MOR website, and their archives page. Just go to the MORgue section! It’s a great way to learn about the history of Durham, Lee, and Madbury.
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PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING BOARD MINIMUM APPLICATION FEES REVISED
On Monday, May 1, 2017, the Town Council adopted a resolution updating the Minimum Application Fees for the Planning Board and The Zoning Board of Adjustment within the Town-wide Master Fees Schedule. Fees for these two boards had not been adjusted since 2007.
View the revised Planning Board fees HERE.
View the revised Zoning Board of Adjustment fees HERE.
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RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY AS "BUILDING SAFETY MONTH"
In April, 2017, the Town Council adopted Resolution #2017-15 proclaiming the month of May as "Building Safety Month". Building Safety Month (BSM), founded by the International Code Council (ICC), is celebrated by jurisdictions worldwide during the month of May. Building Safety Month is a public awareness campaign to help individuals, families, and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures. The campaign reinforces the need for adoption of modern, model building codes, a strong and efficient system of code enforcement and a well-trained, professional workforce to maintain the system.
The campaign is presented by the ICC and its 57,000 members worldwide along with a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design and safety community. Corporations, government agencies, professional associations, nonprofits, and more come together to support Building Safety Month because they understand the need for safe and sustainable structures where people live, work, and play.
View the resolution HERE.
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MUSEUM OPENING: “Everything Old Is New Again!” at the Durham Historic Association Museum
For the first time in many years the DHA Museum will be open from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Memorial Day Monday May 29th, before, during and after the Memorial Day Parade. The museum is located on the second floor of the old brick Town Hall/District Court building at the traffic light on the corner. Come visit the new exhibit of Durham’s 400 year history. The DHA plans to host “Summer Saturdays at the Museum”, where every Saturday afternoon throughout the summer residents may explore Durham’s history in eight chronological periods from the 17th century to the present in air-conditioned comfort.
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EMERY FARM SPRING FESTIVAL - SATURDAY, MAY 13
Emery Farm is open and ready for business, and on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 11AM to 4PM, Emery Farm is kicking off the new season with a Spring Festival with live music from local favorites – Dave Gerard, Bliss, Kevin Burt, and Dave Howland! Visit the Miles Smith Farm cows and our goats, bunny, and three day old baby chicks in the petting barn. Mother’s Day plant and flower sale in our new Garden Center. Hot dog cart and lots of food sampling, face painting, and more!
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“IF YOU HEAR SOMETHING ... SAY SOMETHING” - Call Durham Police if you experience noise concerns, or any concerns, at 868-2324 or 911.
The Durham Police are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to any of your concerns. In our community there are many off-campus rental properties where some of the residents are outstanding examples of the students who attend UNH. Sadly there are others who are not so considerate of their neighbors and the noise they create is a challenge for the entire neighborhood.
Chief Kurz urges residents to contact the department if there are concerns about noise, behavior or other issues related to these problematic properties. Believing that the issue is not important enough to contact the police is an error. Feeling that you are bothering the police is an error. The reality is that if there is no call to the police which creates a history of problems that we can track, this equates to “there is no problem” and complicates the Town taking affirmative actions! For instance, if the Durham Police research calls to a specific property and there are none, then it is very difficult to validate a concern and work collaboratively with UNH or through the court system. While frustration with a difficult property is not pleasant, to remain silent simply does not offer a resolution.
Chief Kurz urges residents that if you hear disruptive or loud activity this weekend, or any other time, you are encouraged to contact the Durham Police via 868-2324 or 911 if the situation warrants an emergency response. Calling 868-2324 for this type of activity may be the preferred manner!
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SEACOAST BIKE MONTH AND BIKE/WALK TO WORK DAY
May is a National Bike Month and Durham Bike & Sports is offering a complimentary breakfast for all that walk or bike to school or work.
Friday May 19th at 7-9am
Helmets will be 25% off! Breakfast includes, coffee, bagels, fruit/yogurt……The event is on rain or shine.
This is one of many activities being offered in the Seacoast to encourage CommuteSmart Activities. More information can be found HERE.
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BEE FRIENDLY, JOIN THE PARADE!
To raise awareness about the importance of protecting pollinators in our community, the Agricultural Commission invites young residents to dress in bees and pollinator costumes, such as butterflies and hummingbirds, and march with them in the May 29th Memorial Day parade.
Every youngster wearing a BEE costume and joining the commission in the parade will receive a jar of honey from Durham beekeepers. For more information, please contact Theresa Walker at theresawalker@comcast.net, or 603-659-7226.
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FOOD FRIENDLY YARD
Are you growing fruits, vegetables, raising chickens, goats, or bees?
Do you compost your food and yard waste; manage your lawn and landscaping without chemical pesticides? If you do any of these then you have a Food Friendly Yard.
A Food Friendly Yard is a nourishing, chemical free space for people, wildlife and pollinating insects. It turns unproductive landscaping into fresh local food. The Durham Agricultural Commission recognizes these efforts with our Food Friendly Yard signs displayed around the community. They create a community of residents engaged in a common purpose, a patchwork of green spaces which becomes a quilt of restored habitat and food production.
To receive a sign and participate in promoting this program contact Ellen at ellenkare51@gmail.com.
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LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPRING NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has published its 2017 spring newsletter which is available for viewing HERE.
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MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.
Town Council - Monday, May 15, 2017
Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, May 16, 2017 (8AM)
Parks & Recreation Committee - Thursday, May 18, 2017
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All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
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, & our 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.
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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.
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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.
Summer Day Camps!
DPR is offering a variety of weekly camps beginning June 26th through August 25th. Campers can look forward to Wicked Wacky Lab Week, Wicked Cool Vet School, Paddle-Pedal-Peak Camp, Field Trip Week, Adventure Paddle Camp and Rocket Science Camp! Additionally, Durham Parks & Recreation has once again partnered with the SAU to offer five weeks of R.E.A.C.H.. Students enrolled in a morning SAU camp have the option to make it a full day by joining DPR for the afternoon. (Please note, you do not need to be enrolled in a morning SAU Camp to register for the afternoon camp option.) We will have fun hitting up the UNH pool, adventures to Wagon Hill Farm, playing games, hiking, fishing, creating crafts, and the list of fun goes on! Five Friday field trips are also planned as part of R.E.A.C.H. to complete each week. To register for R.E.A.C.H. morning and afternoon camps please visit: sendmoneytoschool.com. To register for other DPR camps outside of REACH, please visit http://durhamrec.recdesk.com.
Spring Bird Walks- Spring is finally here! Join local bird enthusiasts on a leisurely walk to seek out and identify resident and migrant birds by sight and sound. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Please pre-register with Durham Parks and Recreation prior to each walk. Insect repellent is recommended. Please carpool if possible, parking is limited. Participation is free.
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 7:00am at OYSTER RIVER FOREST
Led by Kurk Dorsey
Meet at entrance on Packers Falls Rd.
Ages 13+
Women’s Pick-Up Ultimate Frisbee
Sunday mornings beginning May 7th from 8:00-9:00am at the ORHS Turf Field.
-Participation is free
-All equipment provided
-Ages 16+ welcome
-Meet at Churchill Rink during inclement weather
Youth/Adult Pick-Up Field Hockey
Sunday evenings beginning May 7th from 6:00-7:30pm at the ORHS Turf Field
-Participation is free
-Players must supply their own stick and shin guards
-Mouth guards are required for those under the age of 18
70th Annual Memorial Day Parade & Commemorative Celebration- Monday, May 29th at 10am. Parade starts at Mill Pond Rd. and ends on Main St. in front of Memorial Park. To participate in the 2017 Memorial Day Parade, please visit http://durhamrec.recdesk.com and find the participant registration form under Forms and Documents. Please call or email DPR for more parade information: (603) 817-4074 or recreation@ci.durham.nh.us
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
ORHS Theater Department presents "Into the Woods!" The original artwork by Deborah Mueller pictured above will be auctioned during the weekend of the show, with proceeds benefiting the Theater Department Scholarship Fund. See more information below
Mast Way Annual May Fair, Friday, May 12, 2017, 4:30 - 7PM. Admission: $6 per child (children under 2 and adults are free). Carnival games, face painting, fitness fun, concessions, silent auction, raffle and music by the ORMS jazz band. Rain Date: Friday, May 19
Durham Post Office Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive, Saturday, May 13, 2017. Residents are asked to leave non-perishable canned and boxed food and by their mailbox and their letter carrier will pick it up when delivering their mail. All donations will be greatly appreciated and donated to the local food pantry in town.
Herring Aid - Saturday May 13, 2017, 10:00AM - 12:00 Noon, Macallen Dam, Newmarket (rain or shine). Sponsored by NH Fish & Game and Lamprey River Advisory Committee. Free to the public. Park in public lot behind the Newmarket Public Library on Route 108. Follow the fish signs to event.
Three Chimneys Inn - Mother’s Day, May 14 - serving 12 - 4PM. Reservations suggested. Call 603-868-7800
Annual Plant Sale - Hosted by UNH Cooperative Extension Strafford County Master Gardeners Association, Sunday, May 21, 2017, 9AM - 1PM, Durham Town Hall parking lot, 8 Newmarket Road. Locally grown annuals, herbs, perennials, trees. Free "ask a master gardener" table for garden questions. Soil testing information. Proceeds benefit community gardens and education.
Into the Woods! Musical, presented by Oyster River HS Theater Department. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Performances: Thu, Fri, Sat, May 25 - 27, 2017 at 7PM. Matinees on Sat & Sun, May 27 - 28, 2017 at 1PM. Tickets: $10 for adults / $8 for students.
Dennis Harrington Retirement Celebration, Sunday, Jun 4, 2017, 1-4PM, special presentation at 2:30 PM, ORHS Athletic Field. Fun, kid-centered activities, music, photos and stories, light snacks, and more. Please bring your own chairs/blankets. No childcare provided.
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.
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.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Children’s and Young Adult Programs:
STEAM Family Art Program Sat. May 13th 10:30 am – Stop by the craft room to make a fun paper flower arrangement. Come and be creative. All ages and all are welcome.
YA Mondays: (Middle & High Schoolers) This week: Back by popular demand - Catapults! Monday May 15th 2:45 - 4 pm - Stop by the YA room to launch some catapults if you are in Middle or High School. Snacks provided and all are welcome.
Storytimes - Tues. May 16th and Thurs. May 18th at 10:30 am - “Ducks!”
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) - Weds. May 17th at 10:30 am
Knitting and Craft Club for 3rd-5th graders - Weds. May 17th 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Lego Club (k-4th grade) Thursday, May 18th 3:30-4:30 pm - Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade Registration required at the Children’s Desk) - We will have fun weekly challenges and of course free build.
Fun and Games Fridays - Fri. May 19th all day! Come and create a drop-in craft and play some fun board games. All ages.
Pajama Storytime – Ice Cream! Thursday, May 18th at 6:30PM - Join Oyster River Parents & Preschoolers (ORPP) at the Durham Public Library for our monthly evening storytime for preschoolers! This month we will be all about "Ice Cream". Come hear Ice Cream stories, do the feltboard, sing some tasty songs, and make a fun Ice Cream craft. Snack provided by ORPP and all are welcome!
Family Movie: “Pete’s Dragon” Sat. May 20th at 10:30 am. – Join us for this fun family movie: “Pete’s Dragon!” This event is held upstairs in the community room. Popcorn is served and all are welcome.
Join the Patch Program! Come and join and collect your patches! This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.
Adult Programs:
Oyster River ASD Friends Tuesday May 16, 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. Contact Julie, 603-767-4190, jsmithnh@icloud.com.
Durham Garden Club - Flowers of Brittany & Normandy Tuesday May 23, 6:30-8:30 - University of Maryland, University College Biology Professor Chris Wilson will discuss microclimate naturalized sub-tropical and native coastal flowers of Brittany and Normandy, France. Refreshments and social time at 6:30, followed by brief business meeting and program at 7:00. All are welcome!
Film Screening - Who Am I Going to Be? Wednesday May 31, 6:30-8 pm -
Produced in 2014 by New Hampshire filmmakers, this 45-minute documentary provides insight into the experiences of African youth and their families as they navigate the refugee resettlement process in New Hampshire. Who Am I Going to Be? follows four teenagers in depth, giving voice to the youth themselves as well as their parents, teachers and community leaders who explore the various challenges these newcomers face. Filmmaker and Durham resident Christopher Dunning will be available after the screening to answer questions
DPL Friends Meeting Wednesday June 7, 1-3:00 pm - The Friends of the Library meet the first Wednesday of every month. All are welcome to attend. Come for social time from 1-1:30, followed by a business meeting.
Parlez-vous Francais? - Would you like to be part of a fun conversational group to keep up your French skills? We hope to start such a group, led by Henry Smith, Lecturer in French at UNH for 18 years. If you are interested, please email Naomi, Adult Programs Coordinator, at nkornhauser@ci.durham.nh.us. Tell us your preferences for day or night meetings, weekly, bimonthly, or monthly. We will be back in touch once we gauge community interest.
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
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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Have a very nice weekend and Happy Mother's Day!
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us
Website: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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