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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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This fall's batch of pumpkins at Emery Farm - Courtesy Todd Selig
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A final reminder to all residents that Trick-or-Treating in Durham is this evening from 5:00 – 7:30 PM. This is done to separate the younger children who still undertake Trick-or-Treating in costume from the older high school and college students who may partake more robustly in the holiday spirit on October 31st.
Also, a final reminder that Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 AM this coming Sunday morning, November 1st.
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DURHAM RESIDENTS SOUGHT TO HOST UNH STUDENTS FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is reaching out to Durham residents for them to consider hosting international students/scholars for Thanksgiving dinner this year.
Currently UNH has about 1,100 international students and 150 international scholars. About 300 students and 30 scholars are in the United States for the first time and most have no local connections.
OISS would like to continue the growth of their Thanksgiving program. Last year about 30 Durham community members, faculty, and staff graciously hosted about 65 international students. The feedback was highly positive from both sides.
Please consider inviting some of these students/scholars into your home to experience a unique American holiday. It is highly likely that you and the students/scholars will be enriched by this joint experience.
If interested in hosting one or more students/scholars at your Thanksgiving dinner, please register online HERE.
The deadline to register is Friday, November 6.
If you have any questions, please contact Thuy Nguyen (thuy.nguyen@unh.edu) and Sara Miller (sara.miller@unh.edu).
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SUPERIOR COURT RULES THAT CHURCH LAND RENTED FOR UNH STUDENT PARKING SPACES IS TAXABLE | St. Georges Episcopal Church v. Town of Durham
This week on October 26, 2015, the Strafford County Superior Court issued a precedent setting ruling in the case of The Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese in New Hampshire, A Corporation Sole, d/b/a St. George’s Episcopal Church v. Town of Durham.
The Plaintiff, St. George’s Episcopal Church, filed a complaint against the Town of Durham alleging it was improperly denied a religious property tax exemption for a number of parking spaces located in its parking lot. The Town objected. Based on the parties’ pleadings and arguments and the applicable law, the Church’s motion for summary judgment was DENIED and the Town’s motion for summary judgment was GRANTED.
The particulars of the case are as follows: The Church is located at 1 Park Court in Durham and includes a church, rectory, educational wing, and a 37-space parking lot. Beginning sometime in 1998, the Church started leasing spaces in its parking lot to students enrolled at UNH. The Church charges $300 per space, per semester.
Prior to 2013, the Church received a religious tax exemption for all of its claimed property under RSA 72:23, III, including the leased spaces. In early 2013, the Town learned that the Church was leasing the spaces to unrelated third parties, UNH students. At that time, the Town believed students leased 30 of the 37 parking spaces. Accordingly, after determining that the leased spaces were no longer exempt from taxation, the Town assessed the spaces at a fair market value of $90,000 and issued the Church a tax bill in the amount of $2,737. The Church’s appeal to Superior Court followed.
Sometime thereafter, the Town discovered that students only leased 24 of the 37 spaces. Moreover, after learning that students were required to remove their vehicles at times so that the spaces could be used for church functions, the Town determined that the spaces were partially exempt. Therefore, the Town reassessed the parking spaces at a fair market value of $54,000.
The Superior Court found that the limited time that the Church itself uses and occupies these spaces is too slight and insufficiently significant to warrant an exemption. The Court found the Town correctly determined that the 24 leased parking spaces in the Church’s parking lot do not qualify for a tax exemption under RSA 72L23, III. Additionally, the Court found the Town’s assessment and apportionment determinations concerning the parking lot, taxing the 24 of the 37 parking spaces which are leased, depreciated by 25% to reflect the periods of the Church’s direct use and occupancy, to be appropriate under the circumstances.
To view the Notice of Decision, click HERE.
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Today's Site walk at Wagon Hill Farm's N. 40 on the Emery Farm side of Rt. 4 Courtesy Todd Selig
SITE WALK AT WHF N. 40
On Friday morning, Oct. 30th, Conservation Commission Chair Ann Welsh, Counselor Carden Welsh, Mr. Selig, and a representative from New Hampshire Fish and Game walked the North 40 at Wagon Hill Farm to take a look at the habitat Durham and the state are working to create for cottontail rabbits.
The site is accessible off of the Class 6 portion of Watson Road and is located across Route 4 from the Wagon.
Today's site walk illustrated the need for the eradication of invasive species such as buckthorn, autumn olive, burning bush, etc.
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SECOND HALF PROPERTY TAX BILLS
The 2015 second half tax bills went out Monday, October 26th, and will be due DECEMBER 1, 2015. The bills were mailed out this year substantially earlier than they have been in many years, and residents may wonder why. The process is complicated, but simply stated, the town, school, and county must submit tax- setting information to the State Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) where the tax rate is set. This is done in October. Once all the information is received, a date is scheduled with the DRA to set the rate. The tax warrant is then prepared and goes to the Town Council to be officially approved. The bills are then produced and mailed. December 1st is the earliest taxes will be due.
There are many reasons for delays during this process: starting the process late, DRA backlog, missing information, Town Council meeting calendar, etc. For many years now the Town has been late in getting the tax rate set.
If the rate is set after November 1st the bills will be due 30 days after the approval date, hence the due date can fluctuate greatly in December. For many years the due date has been well into December and one year into January. This year, all the stars were aligned and Durham was among some of the first municipalities in the state to have the rate set.
Remember, if you are having difficulty paying your tax bill don’t wait until you have the entire amount, it is to your advantage to pay as much as you can, as often as you can. This will reduce the amount of interest you will have to pay.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office at 603-868-5577.
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WATER/SEWER BILLS
A reminder that the water/sewer bills that were sent out October 1st are due Monday, November 2nd.
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ONLINE BANKING USERS - Paying Durham Bills Online
The Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office receives a lot of payments from online banking services. It is quick, easy, and convenient but it is important for residents to remember that in the absence of their bill stub to include some information to assure their payment is properly applied.
Bill numbers change every billing cycle, so the best information residents can use when paying a Water/Sewer bill is their account number. Enter the number into the memo section, and it will not have to be changed each time.
When paying Property Taxes, the best information to use is the map & lot number. Again, enter it into the memo section and it will not need to be changed each time.
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A photo of the proposed FY 2016 budget and CIP books Courtesy Todd Selig
2016 BUDGET/CIP DEVELOPMENT PROCESS – Proposed Budget Delivered to Town Council Today
The voluminous proposed FY 2016 Budget and 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan books were delivered to the Town Council today in accordance with the Durham Town Charter. The proposal continues working toward improving basic fiscal performance of the organization in a number of ways:
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Economic development and smart growth activities intended to broaden the tax base to mitigate anticipated future cost increases across the municipal operation in areas that are specifically targeted for development or redevelopment;
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Making strategic investments to ensure Durham’s long-term sustainability and resiliency such as bringing the Spruce Hole well on line in 2015, moving forward with an innovative integrated wastewater/stormwater strategy to address water quality deficiencies within the Great Bay Estuary, moving to renewable energy sources where viable (solar), improving bicycle and pedestrian safety/connectivity;
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Rethinking the manner in which services are delivered by departments in an effort to improve efficiencies and mitigate cost centers over the long-term;
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Working with UNH to find win/win partnership opportunities intended to broaden the tax base, better link the campus to the broader community, make Durham/UNH more desirable for residents/students/faculty-staff/businesses/visitors alike, and ensure fair compensation from UNH for its fiscal impact upon the Town;
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Controlling escalating health care benefit costs by changing health insurance providers, exploring new health care plan options for the mutual benefit of employees/employer, and discussing additional employee contributions toward health insurance co-pay levels;
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Coping with increasing utility costs and working creatively to offset them in the future through wholesale power purchase agreements (a 640 kW DC solar array at the Packers Falls Gravel Pit) and investment in green technology;
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Maintaining a strong balance sheet and highly competitive AA2 bond rating status by working to stabilize and in the long-term increase the unassigned fund balance within the General Fund, maintaining a strong Overlay account, realistic revenue/expenditure projections, and maintaining a contingency fund equal to approximately 1% of the total budget to cover unforeseen, unanticipated circumstances. For example, all proceeds from the sale of the former Town Office at 15 Newmarket Road ($650,000) in 2015 were returned to unassigned fund balance.
This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2016 General Fund budget totaling $14,054,442 -- a spending increase of $268,975 or 1.95% compared to FY 2015. Non-property tax revenues are expected to decrease in FY 2016 by $57,908 or (1.0%) to $5,804,528 as a result of less building permit revenue as active downtown development from 2015 trails off. In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to keep the 2016 local municipal portion of the tax rate unchanged at $8.48.
Revenue projections do continue to include an annual $245,973.00 payment from UNH to Durham, which began in 2009 to compensate the community for the University’s financial impact upon the Town in areas such as roadways, traffic, and policing services. At this time, UNH also supports 50% of the Fire Department operational and capital budgets, 2/3 of the cost of joint water projects, and 2/3 of the cost of the municipal wastewater system. Budgetary projections take into account this revenue, growth in the tax base as a result of economic development efforts, setting Overlay at $125,000 to address potential abatement requests, no use of fund balance, and recommended expenditures.
The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 6.68% increase in user fees in 2016 (a rate of $7.29 per hundred cubic feet), while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 10.9% increase in user fees (a rate of $5.35 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2016. Water and Sewer rates in Durham continue to be extremely competitive when compared to the region.
The twelve-month September 2014 to September 2015 Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) numbers are: U.S. City Index – 0%, Northeast Urban – (0.1%) and Boston-Brocton-Nashua-MA-NH-ME-CT – 0.3%.
The budget will be given an initial presentation to the Council on Monday evening, Nov. 2nd. A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on Nov. 16th.
Hard copies of the proposed FY 2016 budget and CIP books will be available for review at the Durham Public Library and at the Durham Town Hall in the Business Office. Our DCAT staff will be working over the next few days to scan and put the information on line for easy access to the public. (Note, the budget books only returned from the printers a few hours ago.)
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TOWN TO CONSIDER STIPEND TO MODEL FOR CELL PHONES ISSUED TO SPECIFIC STAFF MEMBERS
As part of the Town's continuous improvement efforts, discussion has begun concerning the transition of 34 town-owned cell phones to a stipend-based model that will require the individual device users to procure and manage an appropriate wireless plan/device and have the Town pay for a portion of that plan.
Traditional cellular phones had been seen as a tool for use in emergency situations where the Town needed a reliable way to contact staff in the event of an emergency. However, wireless device usage has now become an integral part of departmental operations, coupled with a growing expectation of connectivity, ensuring employees with Town-owned devices can be reachable at any hour of the day for emergency and non-emergency communications. Additionally, the growth of the smartphone and its various data consumption features has enabled Town employees to follow breaking or critical items passively without having to be involved directly unless warranted.
To more accurately reflect the gradual change in device usage, starting in the 2016 budget cell phone funding has been moved from the emergency management fund and added into individually departmental budgets based on usage. The effect of this arrangement is to move the decision making process closer to those who are actually using the devices on a day-today basis.
Taking that a step further we want to empower employees to take ownership in the decision for the Town to fund a cell phone/plan purchase. The stipend approach has advantages that it gives the Town a predictable monthly cost and may result in savings as usage patterns are examined by the individual users.
More study is need to understand the tax implications and overhead of managing a stipend program, but generally the program will provide for the fair usage of personal wireless devices without being over complex or burdensome to the Town or employee.
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INVITATION TO A SPRUCE HOLE WELL/ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE BASIN OPENING EVENT
On Friday, November 13, 2015 AT 2:00 PM, the Town and UNH UNH Officials will hold a Spruce Hole Well/Artificial Recharge Basin opening event. Interested members of the public are invited to attend the opening.
The project team, including Underwood Engineers, will also be present and will be available to answer questions and to operate the artificial recharge basins.
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ADMINISTRATOR PROVIDES STATUS UPDATE ON 2015/16 COUNCIL GOALS
At the October 19, 2015 Town Council meeting, Administrator Selig provided Councilors with a status update on the Town Council goals adopted on May 18, 2015. To view the update, click HERE.
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Beth Olshansky and Nancy Webb painting the Pauly's Pockets building "Raintree Green".
PAINTING PAULY'S POCKETS
The Pauly’s Pockets Design Committee, composed of Planning Board representative Barbara Dill, Beth Olshansky, and Nancy Webb, was appointed by the Planning Board to work with Paul Eja, property owner and proprietor of Pauly’s Pockets, to finalize architectural details for the new Pauly’s Pockets building (The agreed-upon details were then reviewed and approved by the Planning Board).
Autumn Tan was selected for the building storefronts but after the paint went on, Paul and many others thought that it did not blend well with the rest of the structure. The Design Committee then worked with Paul to find a color that he liked and everybody settled on Raintree Green.
To show their appreciation to Paul Eja for his flexibility in working with the Town, Beth Olshansky and Nancy Webb generously offered to do all of the repainting themselves! (Barbara Dill wanted to help but thought best to not do so, upon Mr. Selig's advice, since she is a member of the Planning Board.)
Pictured above is Beth, Nancy, Paul, and Shane, one of the workmen installing the sidewalk (with that great red beard we had to include him).
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THOMPSON FOREST CONSERVATION PROJECT – Public Hearing on Monday, Nov. 2nd.
The Town of Durham has received Federal funding to help purchase 43 acres of land for a town forest along the Lamprey River.
On Monday, Nov. 2nd, the Town Council will hold a public hearing on whether the town should move forward with acquiring a $150,000 Land and Conservation Fund grant that would allow it to purchase the Thompson Forest. Upon acquiring the land, the town would permanently conserve the land by granting a conservation easement to the Southeast Land Trust.
The Land and Conservation Fund grant was the final funding needed to secure the property. Other project partners include: the town/UNH Water Fund, contributing $135,875; the Lamprey River Local Advisory Committee, contributing $141,000; the N.H. Mooseplate Program, contributing $15,000; the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership, contributing $10,000; and the N.H. Department of Environmental Services Source Water Source Protection Program, contributing $19,950.
The majority of these funds were used to purchase the property. While the cost of the property was appraised at $450,000, Selig said the Thompson family chose to sell it to the town for $425,000.
To view an article in today’s Foster’s Daily Democrat on the project with more details, click HERE.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AT DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT -- Assistant Clerk – Part Time
The Durham, New Hampshire Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Part Time Assistant Clerk. The applicant selected to serve as Assistant Clerk will provide support services to this nationally accredited police department. Hours for this position will be Monday through Friday, noon to 5 PM. This position pays $14.00/hour for 25 hours of work each week. This is a non-benefit position.
The part-time Assistant Clerk duties will include receiving customers, typing, data entry, record keeping, telephone, some radio communications and other duties as assigned.
A qualified applicant must have demonstrable skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Candidates with an Associate’s Degree or equivalent credits earned are preferred. Applicants must be 21 years old by the anticipated date of appointment.
Anticipated Hiring Date is: Monday, November 30, 2015
Females and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
Applications, Cover Letters and Resumes must be received by Captain David Holmstock by the close of business on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at:
Durham Police Department
86 Dover Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Applications can be downloaded at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs
The Durham Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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BACKYARD COMPOSTING
Have an abundance of leaf and yard waste this season? Consider setting up a backyard composting pile! Composted organic material can be used to improve lawn soil and gardens, which reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Leaves, grass clippings as well as coffee grounds and vegetable and fruit kitchen scraps are great materials for composting. This is a great opportunity to involve children in the family by having them help carry food scraps out to the compost pile.
There are different ways to compost, including a bin, tumbler and even composting with worms. Composting can be done during the winter months when you provide some insulation such as carpet remnants and a tarp to keep the snow out. There are many resources available to learn more about composting. View the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services handout regarding Backyard Composting
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UNH STUDENTS OFFER TO RAKE LEAVES FOR DURHAM RESIDENTS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PROGRAM
Mr. Zac Bolster, a student at the University of New Hampshire studying athletic training, as well as the Chair of Intellectual Pursuit for the UNH Student Athletic Trainers Organization (SATO), would like to make Durham residents aware of a fund raising effort the organization is planning for November 7th and 8th.
SATO is trying to raise money to be able to send students to the Eastern Athletic Trainer's Association Conference this upcoming January, held in Boston. To do so, the students are volunteering their time at numerous locations, and accepting donations as a form of financing.
The students would like to offer their services to anyone who needs them, to rake leaves on the 7th and 8th (Saturday and Sunday) of November, between 9 AM and 2 PM.
This would be a completely free service, in which SATO is asking for donations through the individuals they help. Residents would be responsible for providing the bags and leaf removal once finished. “Additionally, if residents were to have rakes to spare, that would be greatly appreciated, however not required,” states Mr. Bolster.
Contact Mr. Bolster, Athletic Training Student, University of New Hampshire at (c) 717-609-3796, or Brittany M. at (603) 489-3688.
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Members of Boy Scout Troop 154 visited the Durham Historic Museum recently which is located in the old brick town hall at the corner of Dover and Newmarket Roads. Pictured l-r are: Thomas Beaulieu, Nancy Sandberg, Jack Beaulieu, and Hunter Gibson. Jack Beaulieu is working on his Eagle Scout project. Courtesy Nancy Sandberg
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FALL LEAF COLLECTION – Did You Know That Leaf Waste Can Contribute to Nitrogen Impairment In Our Local Streams and Rivers?
A reminder that this year’s fall cleanup of leaves and brush will begin on Monday November 9th. Leaves should be placed in recyclable paper leaf bags. Improper dumping of leaves and grass clippings, especially along streams and rivers, can contribute to the Nitrogen impairment of our local water resources. Please do not improperly dispose of leaves and grass clippings. Loose leaves may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road. View more information HERE.
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EPI-PEN RECALL INFORMATION
(CNN) Pharmaceutical company Sanofi has recalled its Auvi-Q epinephrine auto-injectors, saying they potentially could deliver the wrong-sized dose.
The company's U.S. division said in a news releasethere have been 26 cases of suspected malfunctions. There have been no deaths.
Patients have described symptoms of "underlying hypersensitivity reaction," Sanofi said.
"We're doing this voluntary recall as a precaution," said Dr. Paul Chew, global chief medical officer for Sanofi, "and we have temporarily stopped manufacturing."
Chew advised people who have one of the recalled epinephrine injectors to call their doctors and get a prescription for a new and different auto-injector.
Customers can call 1-866-726-6340 to get information on how to return their Auvi-Q and get a refund or cost of a new injector.
Visit the website HERE.
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WINTER PARKING BAN
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Sunday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2015. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. As the ordinance states, “Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”
For the first week, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur next week, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.
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NEW SCAM IMPACTING DURHAM
This week Durham Police took several calls from residents stating that they had received a recorded message from a person identifying themselves as from the IRS. The call indicated that they needed to immediately call a number and address outstanding tax issues. The recording further stated that if the person being called did not address this issue immediately, that legal action would commence immediately.
The concerned residents called Durham PD and a detective called the number noted by one of the residents. A male answered as though he was at the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) but he feigned a foreign accent that became more pronounced as the call went on. He identified himself as an IRS agent while the detective pretended to be the recipient of the IRS call. The detective/employee was instructed to purchase “Green Dot Paks” at Rite Aid and use these in paying the outstanding bill. The detective asked why Green Dot to pay the IRS and he responded the billing service that the IRS routinely used was not in operation and this was an alternative that would clear up the bill. The Durham detective engaged the man for a lengthy period of time until the detective identified himself. The “IRS” worker immediately hung up!
Durham residents should be aware that no Federal entity will operate via a telephone call for such serious matters. Neither banking institution nor credit card company operates in this manner either and no reputable company will use these tactics! Hang up and notify the Durham Police of the incident as it is a scam!
One common denominator are the “Green Dot Paks” which are technically referred to as Green Dot MoneyPak cards which are reloadable debit cards, available in many businesses that can be used to pay your phone, cable, or credit card bills. They're typically for people who don't have, or want, bank accounts. The scam works in the following way. The phone caller demands payment for some seemingly reasonable thing and instructs the person to go to any number of stores, including Rite Aid, to purchase a loaded Green Dot MoneyPak card with an amount of cash. The person is then given a call-back number, as in the Durham incident, and instructed to scratch off the back of the card where a number is reveled. Once the call is accomplished and the number revealed to the “debt collector” the number is used over the internet and all the funds on the card are immediately removed. Green Dot MoneyPak cards are not linked to bank accounts - the money is on the card. Anyone you share your card number with has instant access to your cash and can siphon the card dry.
While most of these cases are virtually impossible to resolve as they routinely operate from foreign third-world countries, reporting is important as it allows the Durham Police to alert you to ongoing frauds/scams that are being experienced in Durham.
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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES
Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates". Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.
This week's video is Small Vegetable Garden Ideas. Enjoy these snapshots of garden ideas. Maybe you will be inspired for next season!
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OPERATION WARM
Please Join the Firefighters at Libby's November 7th from 5-10 to support Operation Warm. There will be Raffles and a 50/50.
All donations go towards Operation Warm a Non-profit program to purchase coats for kids that can't afford them for free in Durham, Lee and Madbury.
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FALL CLEANUP
The Department of Public Works has sent out its annual Fall Newsletter to all residents. The fall cleanup of leaves and brush will begin on Monday, November 9th. Please see the Newsletter for details.
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LAST DAY TO CHANGE POLITICAL PARTY
If voters are uncertain of their current party affiliation, click HERE for more information.
If voters discover they are not listed the way they would like to be, they can change their party affiliation at the Town Clerk’s office during regular office hours, 8AM - 5PM, any time before October 31.
The Supervisors of the Checklist will hold a special session from 7 - 7:30 PM in the Town Hall on Friday, October 30. Although the Supervisors are aware this is Trick-or-Treat night in Durham, this time is dictated by state law. This will be the last time voters can change party, although new voters can register in New Hampshire up to 10 days before the primary or at the polls on election day.
Undeclared (Independent) voters choose whether to take a Republican or a Democratic ballot at a primary and sometimes forget to change back to Undeclared. They then find themselves having to vote in the party they did not care about. Please do not be one of those unhappy voters.
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THE MILLS SCENIC BYWAY PUBLIC VISIONING SESSION
The Strafford Regional Planning Commission invites members of the public to a Public Visioning Session: The Mills Scenic Byway on Thursday, November 5, 2015 beginning at 6:30 PM at the Newmarket Town Hall Auditorium. Designed as a New Hampshire Scenic and Cultural Byway in 2014, this twelve mile stretch of roach brings visitors past historic mills, rolling vistas, and river crossings while revealing the unique history of the towns it passes through.
For more information, contact Sarah McGraw, smcgraw@strafford.org, 603-994-3500.
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It ain't easy being green ... But the new EV spaces in the Pettee Brook lot now are. Also, DPW has installed decorative bollards in the lot to protect the pedestrians in the walkway through the center of the lot. The bollards look absolutely terrific. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
Perhaps you missed the first of the Healthy Living Series: Food Shopping for Your Health at the Durham Public Library on Wednesday, October 7th. DCAT 22 Studios was there to record the first of the series for your viewing pleasure. Find out why sugar isn't all that bad, give your body what it needs, and planning your supermarket visit. Presenters: Gale Carey & Kevin Pietro/UNH's Dept of Molecular, Cellular & Biomedical Sciences. Part of the Healthy Living Series in October. This video is also available on our On Demand site. Replay times on DCAT 22 – Saturday & Sunday @ 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM.
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Don't Miss DCAT 22 Studios New Program - "In the Biz: Durham Business Spotlight with Mary Ellen Humphrey". EDC Director Mary Ellen Humphrey chats with new and established businesses in Durham. Our first show features: Rick Ouellette of Sales Goose, LLC a new business locating in Durham. Mary Ellen asks Rick about his business and why he decided to locate in Durham. This video is available On Demand & replaying on DCAT 22. Show times: Saturday & Sunday @ 1:15 PM – Monday & Wednesday @ 6:45 PM & Friday @ 10:15 PM. If you’d like your business recognized or have any comments, please contact: dcat@ci.durham.nh.us
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"Julian Smith – an interview with Richard Belshaw”. Hear Julian’s last interview before he loaded up the truck and moved to GA. Learn a little local history from someone that’s lived in worked in Durham since 1965. Julian will share his story about how he was “accepted” in to college, and his interesting background. This video will be available for viewing on DCAT Channel 22 & On Demand.
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Join DCAT 22 Studios on a time lapse video tour of our New Town Hall. Watch from a bird’s eye view as the Town Hall starts as the old bank and quickly transforms into our new space. This video is only available on our On Demand site.
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DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
Spooktacular Day - Last Friday, Durham Parks & Recreation hosted Spooktacular Day at Jackson’s Landing for some Halloween FUN. We had a wonderful turnout where participants enjoyed several spooktacular activity stations, including: cookie decorating, free skating at Churchill Rink, pumpkin carving, candy corn guess, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin bowling, face painting and much more! The Durham Professional Firefighters added to the event with a campfire, spooktacular s’mores, popcorn, and provided information to the community on their Operation Warm initiative. McGregor Memorial Ambulance had the “Boo Boo Bus” open for kids to explore too!
Many thanks to our volunteers from Kappa Sigma, Alpha Chi Omega and Alpha Phi Omega along with the many local businesses who donated prizes for our costume parade! A special thanks to Coppal House Farm & Emery Farm for their donations of pumpkins.
Fall Programs - Climbing Club is back!! Middle school and high school students sign up now for five sessions on the UNH Artificial Climbing Wall lead by UNH Outdoor Education students, starting November 5th/6th! Participants will learn belaying skills, knots, equipment, climbing techniques, problem solving skills, and more—including an optional outdoor climbing day at Pawtuckaway State Park! New and experienced climbers are welcome. Please click HERE for club details and registration information and forms.
Churchill Rink - Ice is in and the rink schedule offers skate times for everyone!! Whether you’re looking to free skate, play pick-up hockey, learn new skills to gain confidence on the ice, or rent some private ice time, the rink staff has you covered! Please visit us HERE for the most current list of ice times!
Save the Date!
Feather Fest - Thursday, November 26th 10am at Wagon Hill Farm. This is a collaborative event between Durham Parks and Recreation and ORPP for local children and their families. Held on Thanksgiving morning, a local parent reads a story to the kids. We follow the trail of feathers for a turkey hunt and find a sweet treat down by the bay. Send the kids with dad, bring grandma and the cousins, or join your neighbors for an outing. This is fun event that kids of all ages will enjoy!
Durham’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration - Saturday, December 5th 6:00-8:00pm on Main Street. Enjoy raffles, campfire, s’mores, hot cocoa, ornament making, visit with Santa and be there as we light up the tree for the holiday season!
Parks and Recreation Committee Vacancies. The Parks and Recreation Committee has three vacancies to fill. If you are passionate about recreation here in Durham and would like to help support and guide the Parks and Recreation Department, please consider joining this committee. Those who are interested should contact Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski at rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us or committee chair, Mike Sievert at mikesievert@mjs-engineering.com. All three vacancies are three-year terms.
We want to hear from you! Have a new exciting program idea? Please be sure to share your vision with Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski. Stop by the Recreation Department Office (2 Dover Road), or call/email the department at (603) 817-4074/ rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Trick-or-Treat in Durham, Friday, Oct 30, 2015, 5 - 7:30 PM.
Oyster River Folk, Saturday, Oct 31, 2015, 7PM, presents virtuoso guitarist David Skinner, from Cork, Ireland in concert. Tickets at the door at the Durham UU Fellowship, 20 Madbury Road. Free for children under 12. More information HERE.
UNH Celebrates International Education Week (IEW), November 2 - 8, 2015. Community members are welcome to participate in all events. The full schedule can be found HERE.
Growing Places TimberNook Mystical Evening Camp - Saturday, Nov 7, 2014, 4:00-7:00 pm. The evening will include a Glow-in-the-Dark Tea Party and an active game of Flashlight Firefly. For details, click HERE.
UNH Celebrity Series presents Paul Taylor 2 Dance Company, Thursday, Nov 12, 2015, 7:00 PM, Paul Creative Arts Center’s Johnson Theatre. Ticket Prices: $30 General, $10 UNH Student with ID and Youth under 18. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.unharts.com, or by calling 603-862-7222(PCAC). Hours of operation: Mon-Fri, Noon – 5:00pm as well as one hour before each event.
Oyster River Holiday Shopping Bazaar - Looking for vendors, craftspeople, and artisans. Saturday, Dec 5, 2015, 9AM - 2PM, Oyster River Middle School. Tables are $35.00. Event is always well attended. Contact Rebecca Throop, rthroop@hotmail.com. Space is limited.
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Hampstead Stage Company presents The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe on Sat. Nov. 7th @2pm
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Family Storytime, Sat. Oct. 31stth at 10:30 am – This week: “Halloween” Join us for stories, fingerplays, feltboard, songs and a fun craft. Wear your costume! All are welcome!
Halloween Fun & Games with UNH’s Golden Key International Honour Society, Sat. Oct. 31st, 1-2pm. Play fun Halloween games and make a craft. All ages are welcome!
Harry Potter World Exhibit for Month of November – The Durham Public Library will be displaying, for the month of November 2015, a remarkable exhibit from the National Library of Medicine (a division of NIH) - Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine. This exhibition explores Harry Potter’s world, its roots in Renaissance science, and the ethical questions that affected not only the wizards of Harry Potter, but also the historical thinkers featured in the series.
The Hopes & Symbols of Renaissance Medicine & Alchemy (Or Understanding, for Parents, of Harry Potter's Allusions to the Philospher's Stone)
Thurs. Nov. 5, 7-8 pm- Dr. Greenberg, noted Author & Professor of Chemistry at UNH, will be speaking about medicine during the Renaissance era, when scientific methods began to be applied to medicine (for good or ill). His talk will do much to enhance the exhibit from the National Library of Medicine which will be shown in the gallery throughout November - Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine
Hampstead Stage Company presents “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” a theatrical performance, Sat. Nov. 7th, 2-4pm. Join us for this all ages, family program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Classical Music Mondays 4-5 pm 10/5, 10/19, 10/26 and 11/2 – Four part series. Enriches and exposes listeners to the various styles & periods of music, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary. Presented by Patricia Terrill, Music History Master’s Degree/UNH. No registration needed. Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Game Afternoon Monday Nov. 2nd from 2:45-4pm – For ages 10 & up – This week: Scrabble! Come and play some board games weekly in the Young Adult room.
YA Writing for 10+ years, Mon. Nov. 2nd 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for to write and share what inspires you. Write for our blog ‘Write-away!’ too. Contact: Megan Turnbull, mturnbull@ci.durham.nh.us
Raccoon Readers 2nd- 4th grade Book Group, Tues., Nov. 3rd, 6-7pm November Book Selection: “The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit” by Octavia Spencer. Books are available for check out at the circulation desk.
Bookeaters Middle School Book Group, Wed. Nov. 18th, 2:45pm - 4pm. This month’s book Selection: “The Hypnotists” by Gordon Korman. Ruth Wharton McDonald, UNH Professor of Education, leads the discussion. Enjoy pizza and drinks.
Friends of the Durham Public Library – Meeting, Wed., Nov. 4, 1:30-3:30pm- Social time begins at 1pm, followed by meeting at 1:30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Friend’s Book Sale Sat., Nov. 14th, 10am -2:30pm – Excellent books!
Friends’ Book Discussion Thursday, Nov. 19, 10:30-12:00 Please join the Friends' Book Discussion of Willa Cather's, Death Comes For the Archbishop, facilitated by Jennifer Lee.
Storytimes! Join us on Tues. Nov. 3rd and Thurs. Nov. 5th, 10:30 am – This week: Lions! Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft.
Oyster River Knitters on Tues. Nov. 3rd 7-9pm - Knit? Crochet? All levels of knitters & crocheters are welcome for a couple of hours of knitting and chatting. We spend time together sharing advice and support. Contact: Janet Doty (603-) 868-1142 jadoty@comcast.net
Alzheimer’s Café Fri., Nov. 6th 10:30am -12pm - Monthly informal “Alzheimer’s Café” for dementia patients still residing in their own homes and their caregivers. Participation is free and open to all; no commitment is required and drop-ins are welcome. Facilitated by Nicole Moore, DPL 603-868-6699 & Erika Lee, Cornerstone VNA 332-1133 x203
Baby Lap-sit Weds. Nov. 4th at 10:30 am – For ages 2 & under with their care-giver. Mother Goose on the Loose! We do songs, fingerplays, stories, movement and fun. There is a time to play and socialize afterward. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Knitting Club Wed. Nov. 4th from 4-5 pm – For 3rd-5th graders. Come and learn to knit fun projects or continue on your current project. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Lego Club Thur., Nov. 5th from 3:45-4:45 pm – For K-4th graders. Come and build with us. Weekly challenges and free builds.
Home-schooling Group Friday Nov. 6th at 10:30 am – Geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome. This week: “Acting/Theater.”
McGregor EMS Babysitting Class, Sat. Nov. 6th at 10:30am – 3pm This course is designed to certify kids ages 11 & up. Cost is $35. To register, visit cprsafe.org or call 603-862-3674
Tales for Tails – Have a child who needs to increase their confidence in reading? Have them read to one of our Pet Partner dogs! Your child will read ½ hour once a week to one of the dogs and their handlers. Sessions run for 4 weeks. Next session began October 26th. Sign up now! Contact: Lisa Kleinmann: ekleinmann@ci.durham.nh.us
Join the Reading Patch Club! Ages 2-12 years - Earn patches and a tote bag for hours that you read! Program sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.
$300 Prize for Photography Contest - Need a camera to participate in the photo contest? Borrow a camera at the circulation desk. Contestants chronicle Durham, in a series of 7 photos that express Durham’s character. Contest rules & application found on the library website www.durhampubliclibrary.org
Technology Help - The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology, such as computers, iPads and phones. Call us to check on the availability of our volunteers at 868-6699 or email us at durhampl@gmail.com.
For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commenced August 28th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
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