Friday Updates - October 14, 2016

Friday, October 14, 2016

View of the Oyster River from the Bunker Creek bridge on Route 4. Courtesy Todd Selig

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Town Councilor Diana Carroll has coordinated a site walk for Councilors at 6PM on 10/17/16 at the Durham Public Library in advance of the regularly scheduled Council meeting to hear about library programming.  The public is welcome to attend.  

Emery Farm is one of the oldest farms in the country, having been in the same family since 1660. Located in Durham, Emery Farm provides customers with their own fresh fruits and vegetables and happily supports local crafters and artisans. Emery Farm is a place for families to relax, have fun, and reconnect to the land.  It has over 350 years of experience!

The "Friday Updates" lead off this week with a number of non-partison election issues in advance of November 8th.

Then read about the just confirmed Durham full tax rate for 2016. It dropped for the second year in a row.

PLANNING FOR NOVEMBER 8TH GENERAL ELECTION IN DURHAM | Guns at the polling place?
Moderator Chris Regan, Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt, Supervisor of the Checklist Chair Ann Shump, and other election and school officials will be meeting this coming week to talk through logistics associated with the upcoming General Election for federal, state, and county offices on November 8th.

The polling place for residents of Durham is the Oyster River High School located on Coe Drive. Polls will be open from 7 AM until 7 PM. 

Given the size of crowds of citizens involved with voting for a General Election in Durham within the Oyster River High School facility, school has been cancelled for the day so that the election may take place with adequate parking available for citizens desiring to exercise their right to vote. School is always cancelled coinciding with the Presidential Election for these reasons.  

Student safety is an area of high priority and by cancelling school on election day, we ensure people who do not have school-related business within the schools during the school day are not in contact with students.
 
An interesting question has arisen as to whether people who might desire to carry a firearm to the polls are able to lawfully do so. 

 
The Office of the NH Attorney General has issued a statement on the topic, which follows:
 
"New Hampshire is an open carry state and weapons can be carried into many public places, including many polling places.  Voters should not be prevented from voting based on possession of a firearm.  There are no New Hampshire election laws that prohibit a voter from carrying a firearm into a polling place that is located at a school.  However, if a voter does not have a concealed carry permit and carries a firearm into the school while voting, that person may be violating federal law.
 
Under the federal Gun Free School Zones Act as reenacted on September 30, 1996, guns are not allowed within 1,000 feet of public, parochial or private schools unless certain circumstances apply.  If the individual possessing the firearm is licensed by the State to possess the firearm and law enforcement authorities have verified that the person is qualified to receive the license, then that individual can carry a firearm onto school property.
 
The State of New Hampshire has no authority to enforce the federal Gun Free School Zones Act. We will be speaking with moderators over the next few weeks regarding how to deal with polling places located at schools.  However, moderators should not be preventing individuals carrying firearms from voting.
 
Individuals who may be concerned that a voter has violated federal law by bringing a firearm into the polling place should contact the appropriate federal authority such as the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives may be reached at (800) 800-3855 and the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire may be reached at (603) 225-1552."

NHPR recently did a story on this question which can be accessed HERE.

ELECTION DAY
The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8th, at Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Drive, from 7:00am – 7:00pm.  
 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ELECTION DAY
We could not run an election without volunteers.  A small army is necessary to run a big election and we need your help.  Volunteers will work 3 – 4 hour shifts and will be trained by our election officials.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (603) 868-5577 or e-mail Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt at at lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us.  We will try to contact previous volunteers, but if you don’t hear from us, please let us know you want to help.
 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DATA ENTRY OF NEW VOTER REGISTRATIONS ON ELECTION DAY, November 8, 2016. Two hour shifts (or longer if you desire) starting at 9 AM. Late afternoon (4 PM) until the polls close is a priority time. If you are 17 or older, you can volunteer and the town will write you a certificate for community service hours. Contact Carol Glover via email glovers@comcast.net or phone (603) 868-3357.

VOTER REGISTRATION
November 8th is right around the corner!  If you want to vote and have not registered, you are strongly encouraged to register before the election.  Registration lines at the polls will be very long.  You can register to vote at the Town Clerk’s Office, M-F, 8:00am – 5:00pm, until Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th, 10:00am – 12:00pm.  No registrations will be accepted after the 29th until the polls open on Election Day.
 

FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST

The Supervisors of the Checklist strongly urge those that may be new to Durham to register to vote BEFORE the Presidential Election on November 8. 

Although New Hampshire does allow same day registration, the line will be very long that day. Residents may register before then any week day at the Town Clerk's Office located at the Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, between 8 AM and 5 PM (except Columbus Day) up through October 28 and then between 10:00 and 12:00 on October 29.

In order to register to vote residents must be 18 years of age by the day of the election, an American citizen, and domiciled in the Town of Durham.  A driver’s license, a passport, a birth certificate, mail, are all useful things to bring as proofs of these requirements. Questions should be directed to the Town Clerk's Office at (603) 868-5578.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office or received in the mail.  PLEASE do not put your ballot in the Town Hall drop box.  Ballots found in the drop box will not be counted.  
 

DURHAM’S FULL TAX RATE DROPS BY 12 CENTS IN 2016 | Tax base associated with new development helps drop rate for second year in a row
I a very pleased to report that today the Town received the finalized 2016 tax rate from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. For the second year in a row, the full tax rate for Durham has gone down!  
 
The new full rate for 2016 is $29.73, a decrease of 12 cents compared to the 2015 rate of $29.85.  
 
Last year, the 2015 full rate of $29.85 showed a decrease 67 cents compared to the 2014 rate of $30.52.  
 
This decrease is a result in part of the town's increased tax base due to new development.  Without the added $47,196,291 in new tax base that has come on line over the last twelve months as a result of new development downtown, the tax rate would have been $31.19 versus the actual number of $29.73, an increase of $1.46.
 
In terms of allocation of the different portions of the tax rate, the Town portion of the rate represents 28.52% of the total Durham tax bill.  The County portion represents 9.45% of the bill.  The School portion represents 62.03% of the bill (54.39% Local School and 7.64% State School).  
 
This once again represents good news for the taxpayers of Durham. Kudos to the Durham Town Council, ORCSD School Board, and Strafford County Commissioners for their hard work on budgets that keeps spending to a minimum while still endeavoring to meet the ever changing demands of the community.
 

Mooring field at the Old Landing. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM’S STRONG LAND CONSERVATION ETHIC | Did you know?
In the 10 years prior to 2015, Durham had used funds from the 2003 conservation bond totaling $2.5 million, its Conservation Fund, and grant funds in order to preserve its natural resources and rural character and added significantly to the hundreds of existing acres of conservation land in the Town.  As of 2014, there were ten new conservation easements totaling 735 acres of permanently conserved land.  
 
To accomplish this major effort, Durham spent roughly $1.62 million from the Conservation Bond ($889,000 remains), nearly $1.35 million from the Conservation Fund, and a number of grants and private donations.  
 
According to the Durham Master Plan, as of 2015, nearly 30% of land (accounting for over 120 parcels) in Durham had been permanently protected.  In 2016, Durham added roughly 43 additional acres of conservation land to its inventory with the purchase of the Thompson Forest to protect our local water supply.  The Powder Major and Hills/Emery Farm tracts are presently moving through the process toward conservation in conjunction with the NH Forest Society.  
 
The pressing question at this time for many of our boards/committees is what approach will we put in place to properly manage the conservation lands we have set aside for future generations.  This question is particularly relevant given the large numbers of invasive plants that are being found on Town property with increasing regularity.  
 
The Conservation Commission, Agricultural Commission, Parks & Recreation Committee, and Land Stewardship Subcommittee all support the establishment of a new position with responsibilities focusing on the stewardship of Durham open space.
 

COUNCIL GOALS 2016-17 STATUS SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 2016

On Monday, May 23, 2016, the Council adopted its goals for 2016-17. In order to measure the progress of the goals adopted by Council, the Administrator believes it is important to provide the Council with periodic status reports.  

View the updated status report prepared by the Administrator on each of the goals that were adopted in May 2016 HERE.
 

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.
 

WATER/SEWER BILLS
Water/Sewer bills were mailed out October 3rd and are due November 3rd.  If you want to make your payment using ONLINE BANKING, please make sure to note your water/sewer account number to insure proper credit to your account.
 

CROMMET CREEK BRIDGE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Crommet Creek/Durham Point Road bridge will be closed starting Monday October 24th  . We anticipate 4 weeks of closure so the bridge can be opened for traffic during week of Thanksgiving ( week of November 21st). The bridge will then be closed a second time for a window in early December for new timber guardrail installation – information on the specific dates of the second closure will be announced in November.

The contractor will be begin mobilizing later this week and the week of October 17th however and the bridge will remain open with appropriate warning signage.

Any questions, please call Town Engineer, April Talon at 603-86-5578 or email atalon@ci.durham.nh.us
 

AMTRAK DOWNEASTER TRACK REPAIRS WILL IMPACT ALL SERVICE AND SCHEDULES FOR TWO WEEKENDS

The Downeaster has some major track work coming up (primarily affecting service north of Portland) that will impact all service and schedules for the period October 11 through November 18, 2016.

During two weekends (10/22-23 and 11/5-6) there will be no train service at all.

More information can be found at the Amtrack Downeaster website HERE.

PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT
The Town of Durham is seeking a Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part-time, non-benefits.  Applicants must be comfortable dealing with the public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain a license within one (1) year of hire. 

Duties include: checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, and maintenance and cleaning of facility.  Pay is $11-$15/Hr based on experience.  Hours will be Saturday & Tuesday from 7AM - 3:30 PM with the potential for more hours.  Valid driver’s license required and a background check will be performed. 

Applications accepted until the position is filled.      

Applications are available at the Public Works Office. Contact: Doug Bullen
Assistant Director for Operations, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH  03824, (603) 868-5578.
 

Beard's Creek from Route 4.  Courtesy Todd Selig

THOMPSON LANE/MAGRATH ROAD DRAINAGE PROJECT

The Department of Public Works has advertised the Thompson/ Magrath Drainage Project for construction. Bids are due on October 5th. The project involves constructing drainage lines along the shoulder of Magrath Road to Thompson Lane and reconstructing existing drainage lines down Thompson Lane to the intersection of Valentine Hill Road. This project will be completed this year.

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

NOVEMBER ZBA MEETING DATE

Due to the General Election on November 8th, the Zoning Board meeting in November will be held on Tuesday, November 15.
 

VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
There are currently a number of vacancies on various Town boards, commissions, and commissions. 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 Administrator’s office, or submitted via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

Conservation Commission:  1 alternate vacancy
Historic District /Heritage Commission:  1 regular vacancy

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee:  3 regular vacancies; 1 alternate vacancy
Planning Board: 1 regular vacancy and 1 alternate vacancy

Zoning Board of Adjustment:  2 alternate vacancies

Lamprey River Advisory Committee:  2 vacancies

Oyster River Local Advisory Committee:  2 vacancies

Strafford Regional Planning Commission MPO Policy Committee: 1 vacancy

TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT!

Trick or Treating in the Town of Durham will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 5 - 7:30 PM.

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the upcoming 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, October 17, 2016

Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, October 18, 2016 (8AM)

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

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

DCAT 22 was once again visiting downtown Durham recording another episode of “In the Biz”, this week we stopped by Amy’s Frame Shop located inside Hayden Sports on Main Street.  Economic Development Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey chatted with owner, Amy Gibbs.  Amy talks about how she came to be a Durham entrepreneur and the framing services available in her shop.  If you are looking to frame that special photo, your college degree or just come up with a creative gift, don’t forget Amy’s Frame Shop. This episode of “In the Biz” is currently in production.

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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 22 Studios was on the road again for our next episode of “In the Biz” Durham Business Spotlight.  Join your host, Economic Development Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey as she chats with the gang from Durham Geeks.  The “Geeks” specialize in repair and restoring mobile devices, they also troubleshoot, repair and load software onto any electronic devices, but 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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DCAT 22 now has an aerial drone. The drone craft will be used in many different municipal capacities where an aerial view is necessary. The drone has HD video and HD still shot capability.  Due to the size and weight of the drone, it’s necessary for it to be registered with the FAA, tail numbers: FA3ECN9RR3.  

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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.

Fall Programs and Registration
Please visit us HERE for a full list of fall programs, including detailed information and online registration.

Spooktacular Day
Join us at Jackson’s Landing on Friday, October 28th from 4-6pm for a Spooktacular FUN filled event!  Participants will enjoy pumpkin & cookie decorating, crafts & games, a costume parade, spooktacular snacks, complementary ice skating (during event) at Churchill Rink and much more!

Churchill Rink
Ice is in at Churchill Rink with the opening day scheduled for Monday, October 17th.  Our rink crew and Department of Public Works has worked hard over the last few weeks to get the rink ready for the season.  Skaters can look forward to a full slate of skate sessions throughout the week, including Public Skate, Stick & Puck, Family Pond Hockey, After School Skate and Saturday Night Lights-Teen Skate! For more information on skating times, rentals and advertising at the rink, please visit us HERE.  See you on the ice!!

Indoor Rock Climbing at the UNH Artificial Climbing Wall
Durham Parks & Recreation has once again teamed up with UNH Outdoor Education for the After School Rock Climbing Club. Team members will work closely with UNH Outdoor Education students who are also AMGA certified instructors to learn belaying skills, knots, equipment, climbing technique, problem solving skills, and more!  New and experienced climbers welcome. All equipment provided.  Pre-registration required HERE.

• Middle School Climbing Club- Fridays 3:30-5:30pm: November 4th, 11th, December 2nd & 9th. $55/student. Ages 10+.  DPR Staff will walk students from the ORMS to NH Hall. Min of 10, Max of 24.
• Family Climb Nights- Fridays 6:30-8:30pm: November 4th, 18th & December 2nd. $30/2 family members, $50/4 family members.  Add on a family member for $10.  Ages 5+. Min of 10, Max of 24.
• High School Climb Night-Friday, December 9th 6:30-8:30pm. $20/climber. Snacks provided! Ages 14+. Min of 10, Max of 24T

Stargazing at the UNH Observatory
Durham Parks & Recreation has teamed up with UNH Astronomer John Gianforte - The SkyGuy, to offer Stargazing opportunities throughout the year at the UNH Observatory & at Wagon Hill Farm.

On Saturday, October 22nd from 7:00-8:30pm at the UNH Observatory, we will view the moon and the prominent fall constellations that are rich in mythology and contain some amazing deep sky objects.
 
Please let DPR know you’ll be attending by Wednesday, October 19th: recreation@ci.durham.nh.us. This is a community program-all ages are welcome. Suggested donation of $5/pp.  Inclement weather date is Saturday, November 12th.

Coyote Club Session 2
Mondays, November 14th- January 9th (7 weeks) 3:30-4:30.  No class 12/26 & 1/2.  Space is limited, please pre-register by November 7th. $85/per person.
Coyote Club introduces children to nature-based studies, native crafts and environmental stewardship.  This program will get kids out of the house and into the woods, connecting them to their environment.

Teeter TOTers Playgroup

Teeter TOTers Playgroup is a partnership program with Oyster River Parents for Preschoolers (ORPP), which allows children and parents the opportunity to gather together for free play, time to socially interact, and the choice to participate in an age appropriate activity.  

The Playgroup meets on Fridays at 10:00am at various locations throughout the year.  Please visit us at: durhamrec.recdesk.com to see where to meet and what we have planned!  Participation is FREE!

Music with Benji
Begins Oct. 5th. Join us on Wednesdays at 9:45am at the Durham Parks & Rec. building for music fun with Benji!  This is a free community program for ages 5 & under.  Adult supervision is required. 

Pick-Up Pickleball at Jackson’s Landing/Churchill Rink
Join us Tuesday nights from 6-8pm at Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing for Pick-Up Pickleball. This is a low-impact doubles racket sport that blends tennis, badminton and ping pong. Pick-up style play for all levels and abilities.  All equipment is provided, participation is FREE.

SAVE THE DATE!

• Feather Fest- Thursday, November 24th at Wagon Hill Farm-10am.
• Tree Lighting Celebration- Saturday, December 3rd

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Explore the Powder Major’s Farm & Forest Day, Saturday, Oct 15, 2016, 9AM - 3PM, Tibbetts Field, 25 Lee Road, Madbury. Hosted by The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and volunteers.Take a fall walk in the woods, enjoy a piece of homemade pie and see the historic Powder Major Farm and Forest, a 229-acre property the Forest Society is working to turn into a protected conservation area in Madbury, Durham and Lee. Tickets: $15 per person or $25 for two. Registration requested at 659-9363 or volunteer at lrwa-nh.org.

OR Girls Middle School Hockey. Open to girls in grades 5-8 in the OR School District. Positions still available for new players. Games are in the Southern Maine Middle School Hockey League and ORMS team will play a 12-14 game schedule beginning in November. More information, contact orms.girls.hockey@gmail.com

Senior classes offered at Wildcat Fitness, Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30AM is Senior strength with Nicole, and Friday at 1PM is Senior Yoga with Anna. Classes are FREE for anyone to try until Friday Oct 14, 2016. View a complete list of classes HERE.

Growing Places Family Fun Day at Coppal House Farm, Sunday, Oct 16, 2016, 3-5PM. More information HERE.

Active Retirement Association General Meeting, Monday, Oct 17, 2016, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church (lower level), 114 Dover Road (Route 108), Durham, NH. Program will feature Dr. Cory Smith discussing “Human Trafficking and the Child Migrant Crisis in the Americas.” More information, visit ARA website or contact Carol Caldwell, (603) 343-1004 or info@ara-nh.org.

Panel on "Global Climate Change and the Media", Thursday, Oct 20, 2016, 7PM, Squamscott Room, Holloway Commons. Sponsored by the NH Chapter of the Fulbright Assoc with support of the UNH Center for International Education and Global Engagement. Participants: Emeritus Prof. Dennis Meadows, Emeritus Prof. Barry Rock, documentary filmmaker Tom Jackson, and moderator Sally Tobias, Durham Conservation Commission member. Free and open to the public, refreshments.

Newcomers Unlimited Meeting, Friday, Oct 21, 2016, 9 - 11:30AM, Community Church of Durham. Peyton Place:  A Consideration of Its Role in Film and Television History. Jeff Klenotic, PhD, Associate Professor at UNH will look at what Peyton Place and Hollywood in the late 1950s have in common.  New members welcome; dues are $20 for the year. NU meets the 3rd Friday of the month.

Lamprey River Watershed Association Honors Volunteers and Celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Lamprey River designation as a national Wild and Scenic River. Friday, Oct 21, 2016, Jerimiah Smith Grange Hall in Lee. 6PM-spaghetti supper with homemade desserts; 7PM-program begins. Tickets: $15 per person or $25 for two. Registration requested at 659-9363 or volunteer at lrwa-nh.org. Seating is limited.

Trail Maintenance for Volunteers Workshop, Saturday, Oct 22, 2016, 9:30 AM - 4PM, College Woods, 18 Waterworks Road, Cost: $25 (includes bag lunch). Will provide hands-on training, practice, and tools for maintaining trails. Those desiring to volunteer to maintain trails in Durham should use the coupon code "durham" to receive $15 discount (subsidy provided by the Town of Durham). Space limited to 20 participants. Register and learn more HERE.

Lamprey River Advisory Committee 2016 fall newsletter is available for viewing HERE.

Growing Places Fall school age programming information

Growing Places seeking corporate sponsor partnership. Call 603-868-1335, or email Wendy at wendyrousseau@growingplacesnh.org

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

Trick or Treating in Durham - Sunday, Oct 30, 2016, 5 - 7:30 PM

Old Landing Park. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

The doors of the Durham Public Library will be closed on Monday October 10th for Columbus Day, but you can always access the electronic services 24/7. Download an ebook or audiobook, use EBSCO to find an article, or do that genealogy research you’ve been putting off. We’re always available at durhampubliclibrary.org.

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Storytimes Tues. Oct. 18th and Thurs. Oct. 20th at 10:30 am.  “Be an Artist!”
Saturday Family Program – Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Sat. Oct. 15th 10:30 am Bring a pumpkin to decorate.  They will be on display in the library,  Prizes!  No carving.  Come and be creative.  
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) Weds. Oct. 19th at 10:30 am
Young Adult Drop-in Monday (ages 10 & up) Monday 2:45-4pm Oct. 17th:  Fur slap bracelets and more!!
Knitting Club is back for 3rd-5th graders Weds. Oct. 19th 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Lego Club (K-4th grade) Thurs. Oct. 20th at 3:30-4:30 pm! This week:  Halloween Figures!
Home-schooler’s Group Friday, Oct. 21st at 10:30 am.  “Collage Art!”
Bookeaters, a middle school book group Weds. Oct. 26th 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group.  This month’s book is “The Assault” by Brian Falkner.  This group is led by Ruth Wharton-McDonald, UNH Professor of Education.  Come discuss the book which is available at the library.  Pizza is served and all are welcome.  This group meets in the Young Adult Room.
Tales for Tails – Read to a therapy dog, Cynder, North or Tango!  Ages 1st-4th grade.  Sign-up at the Children’s desk..
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book group, Tues. Nov. 1st, 6:00-7:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group.  This month’s book is “When Life Gives You O.J.” by Erica S. Perl.  We talk about the book, play some games, make a fun craft and enjoy a snack.  Books are available at the Circulation desk.
YA Monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) for ages 10 & up, Group, Mon. Nov. 7th, 6:30-7:30 pm – Join our monthly group where you decide what books and programs the library should have.  This month:  We will make a Thanksgiving inspired craft, and try our hand at baking “mug cakes” in the microwave for dessert!  Registration is required and space is limited.  Pizza is served.
Mariposa Museum visits the Library with World Games for Families! Saturday, October 22nd at 10:30 am - Join us for this special family program.  Come and learn some world games with Educational Outreach Coordinators from the Mariposa Museum!  We will learn Nim, a game from China, Mancala from Africa, Wari from Egypt, Achi another game from Egypt, Tangram for younger children which is a puzzle game and many more games such as Driedel from an Irish or English top and Solitaire from France.  There will be games for every age!  This program is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.  All are welcome!
YA Iron Chef Paranormal Pizza Party! (ages 10 & up) Tuesday, October 25th at 6:00 pm - Come and have fun before the next YA Iron Chef competition.  Come and sample a selection of pizza from local parlors while watching a vintage Halloween flick.  Cast your vote at the Children's desk for which old-school spooky movie you'd like us to screen!  Addams Family Values (1993), Beetlejuice (1988), The Monster Squad (1987), Ghostbusters (1984) or another one!  You judge the pizzas this time, best crust? sauce? cheese? toppings?  Register in advance at the Children's desk.
YA Iron Chef (ages 10 & up), Thurs. Nov. 3rd, 6:00-7:30 pm – Join us for this new fun program.  Will you be crowned the next DPL Teen Iron Chef?  This month’s theme:  Thanksgiving Leftovers.  Choose from a selection of ingredients and prepare a prize-winning dish that fits the theme… Just don’t forget the Secret Ingredient.  What is the Secret Ingredient, you ask?  You’ll have to come to find out!  Register in advance at the Children’s desk.
New Jack & Annie Book Club (K-2) Tues. Oct 18, 4-5 pm Join us for our new monthly book club made just for kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade! Next book is, "The Knight at Dawn" by Mary Pope  Osborne. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Please sign-up at the Children's desk!
PJ Storytime, Thurs. Oct. 27th, 6:30-7:30 pm – Join ORPP and the library for our monthly PJ storytime.  This month:  Halloween!  Come wearing your costumes.  We’ll read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard, sing songs and make a fun Halloween craft.  We’ll also trick-or-treat at the library.  Snack provided by ORPP (Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers).  All are welcome.
Patch Program has started.  Come and join and collect your patches!  This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.
 

Adult  Programs:

Meche Romoser, Durham author All are invited Thurs. Oct. 20, 6:30pm - Meche will share about her book, My Father's Warm Hands.  Books will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments provided. Margo LaPerle, DPL staff member is quoted, "I have been so touched by the many insights this book has awakened in me.  At first glance I might have said that it was a childhood reminiscence of wartime people and events.  But, no, not at all, it is more. It is a doorway into a young person's perception of the crush of Russian invasion that transformed or ended the lives of German families.  In their impoverished refugee trek away from their invaders into unknown places, their persistence and caring for each other brings them through difficult situations to places of promise."
CPR & AED Class Mon. Oct. 17, 6-8 - McGregor Memorial EMS will offer a class in CPR & AED.  Register http://cprsafe.org
Friends' Book Discussion Thurs. Oct. 20, 10:30 - The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark.  Facilitated by Jennifer Lee.  Books are in and all are welcome.
Durham Garden Club Seacoast Winters Farmers Market - Tues., Oct. 25, 6:30 - Durham Garden clubs guest speaker Shelly Smith, Program Coordinator for Seacoast Eat Local, will talk about the history of the markets, along with the latest news, just in time for the start of the winter markets in November. All are welcome to attend.
Save the date! Tuesday, December 6, 2016 4-6pm 2nd Annual Snowflake Social Snow date is Wednesday,  December 7, 2016
Empty Cookie Basket -n"Cookie Crisis: Urgent Call for bakers. Ask not where are the cookies; ask when your group can bake. Currently there are no November, December or January bakers..."Interested in baking cookies?  Contact Nancy Schieb neschieb@gmail.com  Or when at the library kindly leave your name and phone number with a staff member at the circulation desk or call the library 603-868-6699 and leave your name and number.
Friends 2017 Membership Campaign -  WE ARE TWENTY: The Friends of the Library are celebrating their twentieth year of library service as set out in the Friends' retrospective and timeline in the library lobby.  Join or re-up for 2017 and you will receive a paper anniversary cake to enter in the membership raffle for a chance to win your choice of two seven hundred plus piece wooden Liberty jigsaw puzzles.  Have your cake and enter it too! 2017 Membership beginning September 15th.  Winner to be drawn October 15th.
 

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.

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