Friday Updates - November 18, 2017

Friday, November 18, 2016

Rendering of proposed 1.96 million addition and renovation at Durham Police Department as part of FY 2017 proposed budget.  Courtesy Schoonmaker Architects

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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

All Town Offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25, 2016. All offices will reopen for business on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 8:00 AM.

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REFUSE & RECYCLING SCHEDULE DURING THANKSGIVING
There will be NO REFUSE AND RECYCLING collection on Thursday, November 24th. This pickup will be on Friday, November 25th. Please have all items out by 7AM as always.

There will be no commercial recycling collection on Friday, November 25th.

Below is the holiday collection schedule for the remainder of 2016.

NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no "Friday Updates" on November 25th. The next "Friday Updates" publication will be on Friday, December 2, 2016.

UPDATE ON FY 2017 BUDGET PROCESS – Potential Land Stewardship Position was a Topic of Discussion by Council on Monday Evening

On Monday evening, the Town Council opened the public hearing on the FY 2017 proposed budget and CIP plan. Several members of the public provided feedback. The public hearing was kept open and continued to November 28th. Principal discussion Monday evening by the Council focused around potentially funding a land stewardship position as recommended by the Conservation Commission, Parks & Recreation Committee, Agriculture Commission, and Land Stewardship Subcommittee to ensure the community is appropriately taking care of its significant tracts of conservation land.  

As noted in the past, a 2% increase has been budgeted for non-union, non-library personnel in 2017, contingent upon successful performance evaluations. An approximate wage increase of up to approx. 25% has been budgeted for many library personnel in recognition of the fact that they are underpaid relative to comparable positions in other communities.

This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2017 General Fund budget totaling $14,458,900 -- a spending increase of $357,433 or 2.53% compared to FY 2016. In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to keep the 2017 local municipal portion of the tax rate unchanged at $8.48 for the third year in a row.

The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 2.67% increase in user fees in 2017 (a rate of $7.50 per hundred cubic feet), while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 4.8% increase in user fees (a rate of $5.61 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2017.

New development in Durham increased the Town’s tax base from $916,456,045 in 2014 to $964,931,959 in 2015, an increase of $48.5 million or 5.2%, and again from $964,931,959 in 2015 to $1,007,876,992 in 2016, an increase of an additional $42,945,033, or 4.5%. Historically, our tax base has grown by around 1% per year. We project that the tax base will grow by an additional $11,792,161 in 2017, an increase of 1.17%. Future economic development projects that may come to fruition over the next two to five years include: Durham Business Park (Phase II), Mill Plaza redevelopment, 66 Main Street, Young Drive redevelopment, Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project. All told, these future potential projects combined could add anywhere from $60 - $100 million to the local tax base.

Additions to this year’s proposed budget include a $1.96 million bond for an addition and renovations to the Durham Police Department (the Town Council unanimously voted in support of this initiative and moved the proposal forward for referendum on March 14, 2017), $30,000 to support updating the Future Land Use Chapter of the Durham Master Plan, and an additional $25,000 to support expanded parks & recreational programming. Due to the fact that the concept of creating a new land stewardship position to assist in better managing open space lands is still in its formative stages, funds are not allocated for this purpose at the present time.

THANK YOU TO ELECTION DAY DATA ENTRY VOLUNTEERS FROM CAROL & MIKE GLOVER

A very big THANK YOU to the volunteers who so generously helped us with data entry on Election Day. David & Joyce Williams, Anne Avery, Megan Wu, Mary Campbell, Pierce Grant, Mary Alice Schlatzle, Lyn Howard, Cate Fitzgerald-Rice, Diane Thompson, Bob Gerard, Jerry Lang, Ben Couture, Cathy Collins, George Hilton, Myleta Eng, Chris and Steve Holmgren, Julia Gettes Belshaw, Anne Knight, Eva Lizer, Linda Rhodes and Katie Ellis. We hope we haven't omitted anyone, but thank you too. Everyone did a great job cheerfully and with great community spirit.

Thanks again, Carol & Mike Glover

WHY DOES DURHAM NEED A LADDER TRUCK AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT? IS THE TRUCK ONLY USED ON CAMPUS?

The need of a Ladder Truck in the Town of Durham far exceeds the perception of the need for the actual aerial use during a fire. The safe and quick reach of the aerial ladder is important for many aspects of rescues and fire situations, both off and on campus. The Ladder Truck is in fact used more off campus.

The placement of a Ladder Truck early in an emergency situation is very important as well. To wait for a mutual aid ladder truck is a significant delay and can add to the difficulty of placement after water lines and other apparatus are placed.

The requirement for Durham to have a Ladder Truck is also present due to the fact the Town of Durham has allowed single family homes to have occupied living space in third floor areas without fire suppression systems in the home (sprinklers) as required by NH adopted codes. The fact the Town has and responds with a ladder truck has allowed homeowners to install a rescue deck instead, an option allowed by the same code.

Over the last five years, the Ladder Truck has responded to a total of 786 calls for service. The Ladder Truck responds to all fire alarm activations as well as any potential emergency within a building where a ladder truck or its equipment could be needed.

In addition to the aerial itself, the Ladder Truck carries five additional different size ladders, which are important for the different size homes and roofs we experience within the community. Our fire engines are limited on what they can carry for ladders.

The Ladder Truck carries the initial rope rescue equipment. What that means is the responding firefighters can get to a person in either a high or below grade rescue situation and stabilize them as firefighters wait for the additional resources to arrive. It also carries the system the department uses to refill the firefighters’ self-contained breathing apparatus (our breathing air) on smaller calls and training. It also carries the majority of the department’s salvage and overhaul equipment. These are the tarps, squeegees, and water vacuum equipment that are used not only during fires, but for water breaks in homes as well.

The Fire Department does not track the number of times any of the Ladder Truck’s specific equipment is used, so we do not have the number of times the department actually used the aerial itself. We do know, however, that over the last five years the department has responded to 13 chimney fires and 45 structure fires in Durham. The Ladder Truck responded to 8 of the chimney fires and 30 of the structure fires.

Map of the Eversource SRP from Madbury to Portsmouth, NH.  Courtesy Eversource

EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT – Durham/UNH File Extensive List of Questions for Eversource to Answer as part of NH Site Evaluation Committee Process
Town officials have raised fresh questions about the proposed Seacoast Reliability Project, an electrical transmission line estimated at $70 million (approx. $35 million in Durham) that would traverse the community along existing Eversource rights of way.

The attorney representing Durham and UNH this week submitted a filing as part of the process laid out by the NH Site Evaluation Committee (SEC), the state entity having sole jurisdiction over the application, posing myriad questions regarding the 13-mile project, which would run from Madbury to Portsmouth.

Questions posed range from carefully evaluating whether there could be potential health impacts to abutters along the corridor, to whether more of the line through Durham could be buried, to questions over impacts to the Little Bay and historical sites in town. View the filing/list of questions HERE.

In addition, with the support of Durham, the Counsel for the Public from the NH Department of Justice has been authorized by the SEC to retain three firms to undertake extensive independent review of various aspects of the Eversource project in the following areas:

• To retain Michael Lawrence Associates, PLC to provide expert analysis and opinion concerning the Project’s effect on aesthetics. Lawrence will review the Visual Assessment Report and all other related documentation and testimony provided by Eversource’s visual assessment experts, and will provide an expert opinion on the effect of the project on aesthetic and scenic resources in order to inform the SEC and parties to the case as to whether the project would create an unreasonable adverse effect on aesthetics. The $40,000 cost has been ordered by the SEC to be paid by Eversource.
• To retain Heritage Landscapes, LLC, to assist with assessing the effect of the project on historic and cultural resources. Heritage will evaluate the project’s impact on historic and cultural resources because the project will cross through or near numerous cultural and historic resources, and the resulting changes in character and increased visibility may have an effect on historic and cultural resources. This assessment will inform the SEC and parties to the case as to whether the project would create an unreasonable adverse effect on historic sites. The $32,149 cost has been ordered to be paid by Eversource by the SEC.
• To retain ESS Group to analyze and provide an unbiased, independent technical review on the impacts to marine resources associated with the project’s proposed underwater cable installation in Little Bay, including a review of the sediment dispersion modeling submitted by Eversource. ESS will test the analysis and conclusions contained in the application as submitted by Eversource’s environmental experts, and inform the SEC and parties to the case whether the project will create an unreasonable adverse effect on the environment. The total cost of services and expenses to be provided by ESS will be approximately $82,000 to be paid for by Eversource.

View a recent article in Foster’s Daily Democrat about efforts Durham and UNH have made HERE.

Learn more about the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project HERE.

Durham and UNH officials have been endeavoring to thoughtfully listen and respond to concerns that have been raised by Durham community members and UNH staff members (who are sometimes one in the same), in regard to the Seacoast Reliability Project.

In addition, this week a resident emailed Mr. Selig to inquire whether Durham was in essence being paid off by Eversource to not take a skeptical eye on the project.  The resident wrote: 

“The story on the street is that Durham accepted a large sum of money from Eversource and, consequently, will not be looking at this project with a critical eye. In other words, the governing bodies in Durham have been swayed by money. I would like to know the truth of the matter and would appreciate any guidance as to how I might find this information.”

The answer to this question is as follows: Durham (and UNH working together) has been very assertive with Eversource over a time span approaching 2 years. The community is certainly not being paid off by Eversource. Rather, the application submitted by Eversource will require the company to pay approx. $200,000 +/- (potentially ranging from $170,000 - $300,000) in wetland mitigation fees to the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) (as a result of the wetland impacts associated with the proposed project) to be used somewhere in the state for wetland mitigation issues. Durham has engaged with the state to do our best to ensure that IF the project is ultimately approved by the SEC, the monies paid by Eversource to NHDES would be targeted for use in Durham (rather than somewhere else in NH) — specifically for shoreline stabilization/restoration efforts at Wagon Hill Farm as part of a potential grant monitored carefully by NHDES.

The Wagon Hill Farm Shoreline Stabilization/Restoration project is part of the approved 2016 Capital Improvement Program and was widely deliberated as part of last year’s budget process by the Town Council and the communtiy.

Please note that Durham has been in contact with the Attorney for the Public, the Town of Newington, the Conservation Law Foundation, the NHDES, and the EPA regarding the proposed Eversource project.

SOME TOWN ROADWAYS MAY NEED TO HAVE NAMES CHANGED, STREET NUMBERS ALTERED, TO ADDRESS ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED IN RECENT E-911 REVIEW OF DURHAM

After reviewing an E-911 Data Capture Report for the Town of Durham from 2015 and evaluating lists of nonstandard street addresses, Fire Chief Corey Landry recommends that the Town evaluate a number of significant items including similar sounding street names, as well as several identified locations that should have their own road name or be renumbered.

Some examples of problem locations identified by the report follow:

• Adams Cir. / Adams Point Rd, Adams Cir needs to be renumbered as well;
• Bay Rd. / Bayview Rd, both these roads need to be renumbered;
• Old Piscataqua Rd / Piscataqua Rd, Piscataqua Rd needs to be renumbered; Davis Ave. / Davis Ct., Davis Ct needs to be renumbered;
• Dear Meadow Rd / Meadow Rd., Meadow Rd needs to be renumbered;
• Edgewood Rd / Edgewood Rd Ext.;
• Fogg Ln. / Fogg Dr.;
• Lee Rd. / Lee Hook Rd, Lee Hook Rd. needs to be renumbered;
• Madbury Ct./Madbury Rd.;
• Mathes Cove Rd. / Mathes Terr., Mathes Cove needs to be renumbered;
• Mill Rd. / Mill Pond Rd.;
• Riverview Ct. / Riverview Rd., Riverview Ct. needs to be renumbered;
• Willey Rd. / Willey Creek Rd., Willey Creek Rd needs to be renumbered.

To be in conformance with E-911 standards, it is recommended the community rename one roadway within each set listed to eliminate any confusion in responses by emergency responders.

As part of the criteria from E-911, it is recommended that any driveway serving more than three homes have its own street name. Though we have several of these in town the following are what we see as the most critical at this point.:

• Longmarsh Rd. splits and can cause a significant delay in response if we respond to the wrong end, so it’s important to give one of the sections a new distinct name.
• Two sections off Bagdad Rd, one was Old Bagdad Rd that has #31, 32 and 35 and the other that was Old Bagdad Rd. has #55 and 57. We would like to see these two sections given their own distinct names. The first section also has numbering issues and when we assign a new name to the road we can assign new street addresses to correct that inconsistency.
• The section of Main St that has 262, 258 and 254 should get its own distinct name, this is the section with Woodard Lumber, and we need to assign a name.
• Timberbrook, numbers 6,8,10 and 12, should have their own distinct name, as the road splits into two different directions, we would need to add a street name.

This is a large undertaking but we feel it’s important to address and as such, the item will be scheduled in the coming weeks for initial discussion by the Town Council. Chief Landry would offer to work with a small group of stakeholders to identify possible names for these changes. Chief Landry sees this as an opportunity to identify people, landmarks, or areas that we could use for some of these names so the community can honor Durham’s past as well.

The Chief cautions against using full names, such as Noble K. Peterson Dr. (where Mr. Selig lives!), as that’s a long name and uses so many words to complete that it reduces other opportunities to use parts of that name. Using that road, as an example, we could have named two different roads, one Noble Dr. and the other Peterson Way.

Note, no one is suggesting any change to Noble K. Peterson Dr.!   It’s just an example.

PLANNING BOARD SETS IN MOTION PROCESS FOR UPDATE OF FUTURE LAND USE CHAPTER OF NEW MASTER PLAN
Last week, the Planning Board appointed a Land Use Committee (or “Committee”) to oversee the development of the Land Use Chapter of the Master Plan. Assuming that $30,000 in funding is approved in the Town budget as proposed, the Committee will work on the chapter throughout 2017 with the goal of the Planning Board adopting the chapter by the end of 2017. Strafford Regional Planning Commission (Liz Durfee, Kyle Pimental, and Cynthia Copeland) will continue on as our consultant, writing the chapter under the direction of the Land Use Committee.

After the Committee endorses the chapter it will be conveyed to the Planning Board for a public hearing, incorporation of appropriate changes, and adoption. As you probably know, the Planning Board adopted 10 other chapters of the Master Plan in November 2015. Those chapters can be viewed HERE.

Rather than appointing members to the Land Use Committee from various Town boards and committees, the Planning Board thought it best to select the members of the Committee from the Planning Board itself and from the former Master Plan Advisory Committee (that oversaw the other 10 chapters). The Land Use Committee will ask the Town boards and committees to provide representatives, as needed, to serve as resource people to the Committee. There will be significant opportunities for public input into the chapter as it gets developed.

Based on the recommendations of an ad hoc Planning Board Subcommittee, the board appointed the following 8 people to serve on the new Land Use Committee:

• Doug Bencks
• Bob Brown
• Andrew Corrow
• Barbara Dill
• Molly Donovan
• Joe Moore
• Paul Rasmussen
• Peter Wolfe

Michael Behrendt will serve as staff to the Land Use Committee and Mr. Selig will participate in the process as well. All meetings of the Committee will be noticed public meetings.

CROMMETT CREEK BRIDGE PAVING DELAY & UPDATE
Our paving company was delayed on a prior project they had due to the rain we received this week and the remainder of grading and final paving on our project has been pushed to Monday the 21st and Tuesday the 22nd. We apologize for this delay!

Guardrail installation is likely to happen Spring 2017 as materials won’t be ready until late-December.

Any questions, please call Town Engineer, April Talon at 603-868-5578 or email atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

THOMPSON/MAGRATH DRAINAGE PROJECT

Thompson/Magrath Drainage Project starts Monday and Tuesday the 21st and 22nd. Work will resume again after the Thanksgiving Day Holiday on Monday the 28th.

The contractor will begin work on Monday the 21st at the corner of Thompson Lane and Valentine Hill.

This project will install a drainage pipe on Magrath Road to Thompson Lane and on Thompson Lane from Magrath Road to Valentine Hill Road. It will also include installing new catch basins and replacing old ones. This project is expected to take 2-3 weeks.

Questions can be directed to Town Engineer April Talon at 603-868-5578 or atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

Perhaps the last of the colorful leaves this fall. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL "LIGHT UP DURHAM" LIGHTING CONTEST
Each year, the Durham businesses and the University of New Hampshire fraternities and sororities brighten the community by participating in a holiday lighting contest.

The Annual "Light Up Durham " Lighting Contest is intended to benefit the entire Durham community, which includes Durham residents and businesses, as well as, UNH faculty, staff, and students. This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and to encourage local support for our businesses.

As is tradition, the Durham Business Association is encouraging all businesses to light their business fronts and share in spreading the joy of the season. We are hoping for greater participation to make this year’s contest “the best ever” and that you will pull out all the stops.

The contest is open to all businesses whether DBA members or not.

Judging will take place Wednesday, November 30 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

2016 Information & Guidelines

• Contest is open to all Durham Businesses and recognized Greek fraternities and sororities.

The guidelines for judging include:

• The effectiveness of lights creating the display.
• The placement and uniformity of the lights.
• The use of design and color to create the decorations.
• The use of special lighted displays
• The ingenuity, originality, and creativity exercised in the decorations.
• Holiday Lights are available for sale at Town & Campus and Rite Aid. Support Durham’s local businesses.

THANKSGIVING AND WINTER FOOD BASKETS DISTRIBUTED BY THE CORNUCOPIA FOOD PANTRY

The Cornucopia Food Pantry of the Waysmeet Center is distributing holiday food baskets at Thanksgiving and Winter holidays again this year, and needs help. Waysmeet is providing an estimated 300 food baskets which will feed over 1,500 people at Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays, and is requesting donations of food, funds, and volunteers.

Here are some details:

• Thanksgiving Baskets are prepared on Monday November 21, and distributed on Tuesday November 22.
• Winter Holiday Baskets are organized on Monday December 19, and distributed on Tuesday, December 20.

Specific food items are needed, entire food baskets donated, funds to purchase food and gift cards, and volunteers to help. View more information and a specific food list HERE. Vehicles and drivers are also needed to transport food and turkeys from Manchester to Durham on Monday morning.

Everything will occur at the Waysmeet Center at 15 Mill Road in Durham. Please contact Chaplain Larry Brickner-Wood at Larry.Brickner-Wood@unh.edu or 603-862-1165.

MILL PLAZA IS A PRIVATE PARKING LOT - Vehicles can be booted by the Mill Plaza management.

The Mill Plaza parking lot is not a public parking lot and if you are not shopping, dining or visiting one of the businesses in the Mill Plaza, your vehicle can be “booted”.

The Durham Police have been advised by the complex management that parking lot attendants will be using a mechanical boot on cars that are parked illegally. As this is private property, the use of the mechanical boot is allowed under New Hampshire law, as is the towing of a vehicle.

New signs have been placed prominently throughout the parking area advising persons of the booting and towing for those not legitimately using the parking lot to conduct business within the plaza.

While the Durham Police have had several complaints from persons having their vehicle booted, it is purely a civil matter and does not involve the Durham Police who cannot intervene in this private/civil matter.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG, ODD, OR NOT QUITE RIGHT, PLEASE CALL THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The very essence of community policing is that the community and the police work together to confront crime and the fear of crime. The vast majority of Durham residents understand that the police cannot be everywhere simultaneously to observe criminal or suspicious activity as it occurs and the department finds it difficult to patrol residential areas with the frequency residents, businesses and the police prefer. So Chief Kurz urges you to contact the police at 868-2324 or 911 if you see, hear or sense something is not quite right. An officer will respond quickly and resolve what may or may not be a criminal activity. When law enforcement works directly with residents and businesses we collectively are going a long way toward reducing crime, improving quality of life, and enhancing public safety.

The Durham Fire Department provided CPR training for Town Hall staff this morning. Above, Firefighter Scott Campbell assists Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards while FD staff Melissa Perusse and Kelly Lacoste (seated) look on. Courtesy DCAT Studios

PROPERTY TAX BILLS
The second half bills for 2016 are due December 1st. Last year, and again this year, we were fortunate to have our tax rate set early by the State of New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. This came as a surprise to some residents last year, so we wanted to bring it to the attention of residents early this year.

As always, if you are having difficulty paying the entire bill, it is to your advantage to pay as much as you can, as often as you need to, in order to decrease the amount of interest that will accrue. Advance payments are also an option. Payments can be made throughout the year in any amount you desire so as to decrease the amount due when the actual bill arrives.

Feel free to contact the Tax Collector’s Office if you would like more information at (603) 868-5577.

DURHAM FIREFIGHTERS KEEP LOCAL CHILDREN WARM THIS WINTER WITH BRAND NEW WINTER COATS
The Durham Firefighters, Local 2253, are gearing up again this year to fundraise for their Firefighters for Operation Warm initiative. Durham Firefighters have joined forces with national non-profit Operation Warm in the program, “Firefighters for Operation Warm,” a movement led by professional firefighters across the U.S. to combat the effects of childhood poverty while saving American jobs.

In 2015, Local 2253 was able to provide 30 children with brand-new winter coats and this year they hope to double it. They are asking the community to support their efforts through monetary donations. If they reach their goal, firefighters will surprise the students during the winter months with their bright new coats, personally fitting each child, and helping them to write their names in the interior tag that reads, “Made Especially for You.”

A warm coat is an essential item for all children. A brand new winter coat provides more than just warmth. It helps empowers a child to have greater self-confidence, encourages more school attendance in the winter, and contributes to their overall wellness during outdoor play.

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.

No public meetings are scheduled for the week of November 21 - 25, 2016.

NOTE:  A Town Council Worksession will be held on Monday, November 28th on the proposed FY 2017 Budget and 2017-2026 Capital Improvements Plan. The Public Hearing on the proposed budget will also be continued at this meeting. View the agenda HERE.

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

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Enjoy the latest video from DCAT 22 Studios.  Volunteer, Phil Kincade recorded the moving Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Durham Public Library.  DCAT works hard to bring you interesting video from the Durham Community.  Total run time: 28 minutes.  The video can be seen on Cable Channel 22 @ 3:00 PM on Saturday & Sunday. It may also be viewed HERE.

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DCAT 22 Studios was on the road again for our latest episode of “In the Biz” Durham Business Spotlight. Join your host, Economic Development Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey as she chats with Amy Gibbs, owner of Amy’s Frame Shop, located inside Hayden Sports. Amy’s will custom frame just about anything, she also has a wide selection of off the shelf frames available. Did you know that she has a Kodak Kiosk to professionally print your digital photos! Please take a few minutes to watch this video short. In the Biz can be seen on DCAT Cable Channel 22 on Saturday & Sunday @ 12:30 & 6:00 PM. The video is also available for viewing On Demand.
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Were you unable to attend the American Southwest presentation by Durham Town Planner, Michael Behrendt on November 2nd at the Durham Public Library? No worries, DCAT 22’s volunteer, Phil Kincade was there capture the presentation on video. Sit back and enjoy as Michael spins his yarns on he and Naomi’s southwestern travel. Plenty of photos and beautiful scenery too! This video can be seen on Cable Channel 22 @ 4:00 PM – Saturday & Sunday. It can also be seen On Demand. Total run time: 45 minutes
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Durham Police Facility Video. DCAT 22 Studios has created the first video in a series of others which are designed to inform residents of the needs of the police facility. This first 15 minute video focuses upon the three critical and immediate needs that challenge the agency. While the department will be presenting and hosting opportunities to tour the facility, the series of short videos will offer some exposure to areas at the police department that the public rarely sees. The video airs on DCAT Cable Channel 22: Monday – Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday @ 7:30 PM. It’s 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.

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.

Mark Your Calendars!
Feather Fest- Thursday, November 24th at Wagon Hill Farm-10am. This is a collaborative event between Durham Parks & Recreation & ORPP for local children and their families. Join us at Wagon Hill Farm for some fun and fresh air before the feast! Follow the trail of feathers to the bay for a sweet treat, a story and a make-it-at-home craft!!

Tree Lighting Celebration- Saturday, December 3rd on Main Street. 6-8pm. Enjoy raffles, bonfire, s’mores, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, photo bus, ice sculpting demonstration, and much more! Visit with Santa and be there as we light up the tree for the holiday season!

Pick-Up Pickleball
Our Pickleball program has moved to the Oyster River High School MPR. We are now playing on two courts!! Please join us Wednesdays from 6-8pm at the Oyster River High. All equipment is provided, participation is free.
There is no Pickleball on Nov. 23rd. We will resume play on Nov. 30th.

Courtesy Rachel Gasowski/DPR staff

Save The Date:

December Vacation Week Activities- Join us December 27th-January 2nd for vacation week fun! A schedule of activities will be out shortly!
Family Sweetheart Dance- Friday, February 20th 6-8pm at the Oyster River High School- MPR. Tickets go on sale January 2, 2017!
Martial Arts Class- Thursdays, January 12th-February 16th

Approximately forty participants joined us at the UNH Observatory on Saturday evening for Stargazing. Many thanks to those who join us and to UNH Astronomer, John Gianforte and staff for a wonderful workshop! Courtesy Rachel Gasowski/DPR staff

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

GIFT Box - is a walk-in piece of public art, symbolizing the way in which human traffickers entice their victims with false promises. Event is sponsored by a UNH community leadership class who are partnered with the Freedom Cafe. Event will be held November 17 - 21, 2016. For times of the event on each day and more information, contact Crista Hargbol, cdc66awildcats.unh.edu.
Newcomers Unlimited Meeting, Friday, Nov 18, 2016, Durham Community Church. Social Hour: 9AM, Presentation: 10AM. Barbara Kautz MSN, RN will present Vietnam 50 Years Later: An Army Nurse Looks Back, she will share her experiences in the neurosurgical ICU, and reveal stories of how the medical staff coped with caring for soldiers with traumatic brain injuries.

2016 International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, Saturday, Nov 19, 2016, 11AM - 2PM, UNH Memorial Union Building (MUB), Rm 156. Reaching out can change your life. Join with a community of suicide loss survivors to share stories of healing and hope. More information HERE. (registration is appreciated but not required). Questions: Email sosldurhamnh@gmail.com.
Durham Churches Annual Christmas Fair, Saturday, Dec 3, 2016, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The tradition of the Christmas Fair continues at The Community Church of Durham, The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, St. Thomas More, and St. George Episcopal Church.
5th Annual Oyster River HS Hockey Mattress Fundraiser, Saturday, Dec 3, 2016, 10AM - 4PM, Oyster River High School. Save up to 50% off retail. All mattresses are brand new with full factory warranties. Every purchase benefits the Hockey team.

"The Nutcracker” Ballet hosted by Northeastern Ballet, Sat., Dec. 3, 7PM;  Sun., Dec. 4, 2016, 2PM at ORHS auditorium; Dec 10, 2016, 7PM @ Kingswood Arts Center, Wolfeboro. Tickets, call 603-834-8834. Adult/$20, Children/Seniors $17.50, Family of Four/$60. Group rates available for 10 or more HERE.

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

Thank-you to Bonnie Burke, Miss Strafford County, for visiting and being a guest reader at storytime!

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

The Library will be closed at 2 pm on Weds. Nov. 23rd and re-open on Monday Nov. 28th at noon.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Family Program- Toilet Paper Roll Turkeys! Sat. Nov. 19, 10:30 am - Join this fun family art program, making a toilet paper roll turkey. Gobble, Gobble! Sat. Dec. 3rd at 10:20 am – Sugar Cookie Decorating!
Young Adult Monday (ages 10+) Mon. Nov. 21, 2:45 pm - YA Film Fest: Book to Movie – You voted for “Mockingjay Part 2” PG-13 shown in the YA room, fun snack provided. Mon. Nov. 28th – Animation: Zootopia movie will be shown.
Storytimes Tues. Nov. 22nd: “Thanksgiving!” Tues Nov. 29th and Thurs. Dec. 1st : “Snow”.
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) Weds. Nov. 23rd and Weds. Nov. 30th at 10:30 am
Knitting and Craft Club for 3rd-5th graders Weds. Nov. 30th 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade) on Thurs. Dec. 1st at 3:30-4:30 pm! Our weekly challenge will be Build with your eyes closed.
Home-schooler’s Group Friday, Dec. 2nd at 10:30 am. “Japan!”
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book group, Tues. Dec. 6th, 6:00-7:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group. This month’s book is “The Very Honorable League of Pirates: Magic Marks the Spot!” by Caroline Carlson. We talk about the book, play some games, make a fun craft and enjoy a snack. Books are available at the Circulation desk.
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Dec. 14th 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for this month’s book group. This month’s book is “Nooks & Crannies” by Jessica Lawson. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the circulation desk. Pizza is served.
SAVE THE DATE Special Family Program - Gundalow Family Program with the Gundalow Company! Sat. Dec. 10, 10:30 am
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:

The Refugees of Shangri La- Screening Tues. Nov. 29, 6:00 pm - After cultural persecution, loss of a beloved home, and twenty years surviving in refugee camps in Nepal, the Kingdom of Bhutan's forgotten exiles abandon hopes of returning to their lost land and seek a new life in a new country. In the past five years, 92,000 Bhutanese refugees have resettled to America. This is the story of our new neighbors... The Refugees of Shangri La. Durham native Doria Bramante and Markus Weinfurter gather to share this important film featuring one of New Hampshire's largest refugee communities, the Bhutanese. 2014 Doria Bramante, Markus Weinfurter 55 min USA/Nepal/Bhutan Doc Contact Doria Bramante doriabramante@gmail.com http://www.therefugeesofshangrila.com
2nd Annual Library Snowflake Social, Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 4-6pm - Live Music, 2016 Gingerbread House Unveiling, Origami Star making, Crafts and Tasty Treats. Everyone is invited! Snow date is Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Oyster River Knitters Tues. Dec. 6, 7-9 pm - Contact Janet 868-1142 Join in for a couple hours of knitting relaxation and conversation. This is a great time to pick up that knitting project you’ve wanted to finish. There's no need to pre-register; just show up. New participants of all skill levels are welcome!
Upcoming: December Artist of the Month- Christy Hull Hegarty Save the date for the Artist Reception Thursday, Dec. 15, 6:30pm

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

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

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, as well as a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!  Gobble, gobble.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571 

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us  

Website: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/

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