Friday Updates - Thursday, February 7, 2013

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Skaters enjoying Mill Pond during a recent snowfall. Courtesy Andrea Bodo

Apparently, we will not be able to escape from one of New England's notorious Nor'easters this season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting that snow will begin tomorrow morning with accumulations throughout the day of 3 to 5 inches.

Beginning tomorrow evening, the snow could be heavy at times with blustery winds from the northeast at 18 to 25 mph and gusts as high as 46 mph. Snow will continue into Saturday and could be heavy at times. Blustery winds from the north at 21 to 25 mph will also continue, with gusts as high as 47 mph.

Residents should be prepared for the possibility of power outages. Please refer to the item below on how to contact PSNH or the NH Electric Coop to report power outages.

--------- WINTER CARNIVAL - POSTPONED ---------

Thank you to everyone for the preparations taken to make this year's Durham Winter Carnival bigger and better than ever! The Town has been monitoring the impending Nor’easter storm closely over the past 48 hours. Due to the expected local impact, and under the direction of Administrator Selig, it has been decided to postpone the Winter Carnival to a future date yet to be determined. This information will be available in the near future. The event was scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 9th, from 1-4PM at Jackson's Landing. For more information, contact Parks & Recreation Director Stefanie Frazee at sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us, (603) 817-4074.

The newest of Durham's two sidewalk plows which will be put to good use this weekend! Courtesy Todd Selig

HOW TO CALL PSNH OR THE NH ELECTRIC COOP TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE
Call PSNH daily to report a power outage at 1-800-662-7764. Do not assume PSNH knows you do not have power!

If you obtain power through the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, please contact NHEC directly at 603-536-8713.

REMEMBER TO CLEAR SNOW FROM EXITS – A SAFETY REMINDER FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

With a Nor’easter on the way, the Durham Fire Department would like to remind residents and business owners to clear snow from your primary and SECOND exit door.

Typically, home/business owners pay attention to the entrance door that is most often used. In the event of a fire emergency where smoke or fire prohibits access to the primary door, building occupants would need to utilize the “other” less used door. Since storm doors open out, even a light accumulation of snow could hinder the occupant’s ability to open the door. Additionally, this entrance may be the best way for emergency personnel to access your home or business if there is a medical emergency.

Exits should be cleared at least the width of each exit door and the exit path should lead to the driveway, street, or sidewalk. Also, be sure to check the operation of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Early warning is a critical component to surviving a fire or carbon monoxide incident.

If you have any questions please call the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531.

This "cute" little fellow was caught over the weekend in the Town Clerk's Office. Courtesy Karen Edwards

MYSTERY SOLVED AT TOWN OFFICE!

Last week it was reported that the ladies in the Town Clerk’s office were having difficulty with food, specifically candy, going missing. PZA Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards brought in and set up her Have-a- Heart trap in the Clerk's office this past weekend. When everyone showed up for work the following Monday morning, this little red squirrel was looking very guilty and surprised! Now, what to do about the mice...

Jim Rice, Durham Assessing Office

POSITIVE CHANGES IN THE DURHAM ASSESSING OFFICE

Durham is scheduled to conduct a statistical update of all property values in 2013 to comply with state assessing requirements. A statistical update is a significant financial undertaking that the Town had planned to accomplish by contracting with an outside firm.

Durham has contracted out routine assessing services for the last several years as well but unfortunately a number of tasks have fallen behind with available allocated hours such as an inventory of current use properties, a review of resident elderly/veteran exemptions, an update of tax exempt parcels in town (charitable, religious, state, UNH, etc.), new construction, and more. The Town also has a number of abatement appeals outstanding for Fairpoint, PSNH, and some large multi-unit apartment buildings.

Looking ahead five years, Durham will be required to undertake a full revaluation involving a physical inspection of all properties by 2018. Rather than expending a significant sum for the full revaluation in 2018 (+/-150,000), planning has been devoted to undertaking a rolling physical property measure and listing process beginning in 2014 in which in each year, ¼ of the properties in the community would be visited by the assessor.

There is also a significant amount of new construction underway.

Taking all of these factors into consideration, combined with some changes experienced by our assessing contractor, Administrator Selig has authorized hiring contract assessor Jim Rice as a regular town employee on a full time basis to address the assessing needs of the community moving forward.

Mr. Rice has the experience and knowledge to undertake portions of the required statistical update for 2013 in-house allowing us to better control timeframes and quality of work performed. Portions of the required 2013 update may still be contracted out on an as needed basis but this is presently under discussion internally.

2013 MARCH TOWN AND SCHOOL ELECTIONS - MARCH 12, 2013

The 2013 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Voters will park in reserved spaces along the front of the school and use the Multipurpose Room entrance.

The following is a list of citizens that have filed for the Durham elected offices:

Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms): Jay Gooze, Wayne Burton, Carden Welsh
Library Board of Trustees, 3 positions (3-year terms): Jenna Roberts, William Schoonmaker, Holly Stark

Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term): Craig Seymour

The following is a list of citizens that have filed for the ORCSD School Board and Moderator:

At-large (2 positions): Thomas Newkirk (Durham), Carl Piedmont (Madbury), Kenneth Rotner (Durham)

Moderator (1 position): Richard Laughton

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In addition to the Town elected positions above, a $2,500,000 bond referendum question will also be on the ballot relative to the replacement of sludge dewatering equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The question, and an explanation for the equipment replacement, appear below:

ARTICLE II

"Are you in favor of authorizing the issuance of not more than $2,500,000 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the replacement of the sludge dewatering equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and to authorize the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. 2/3 vote required."

Reason for Proposed Bond: Durham’s wastewater sludge dewatering facility, located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, dewaters the slurry of liquid and solids, otherwise known as sludge, which is removed during the wastewater treatment process. The facility’s sludge dewatering equipment had an expected life span of twenty years. It is now in its twenty-sixth year of operation and has exceeded its usable life. This improvement is included as part of the plant’s Facility Master Plan. Funding will be shared 1/3 Durham - 2/3 UNH in accordance with the Water and Wastewater Systems Agreement dated November 2005 between the Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire.

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES NEW EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN TOWN AND ADMINISTRATOR SELIG THRU 12/31/16

Per the terms of the Employment Agreement between the Town of Durham and Administrator Selig, Mr. Selig formally notified Council members at the end of December 2012 that he desired to commence contract renewal discussions with the Town Council for a successor contract.

Chair Gooze and Chair Pro Tem Lawson subsequently met with Mr. Selig on a number of occasions in an effort to come to terms on a successor 4 yr. contract spanning from 1/1/13 – 12/31/16. After much deliberation, the parties reached agreement.

On Monday evening, 2/4/13, the Durham Town Council unanimously approved the contract.

On the day this photo was taken the light was ideal for showing off the attractive Three Chimneys Inn sign, located in Durham's historic district. Courtesy Todd Selig

TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013

On Wednesday, March 6, 2013 beginning at 7:00 PM, a Candidates Forum for Town Council candidates will be held in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall located at 15 Newmarket Road. The forum is being planned and hosted by the Durham Business Association, moderated by Chris Regan, and will be broadcast on the Durham Cable Access Television (DCAT) channel, Channel 22.

DBA members and the public are invited to attend and to participate by submitting questions for Town Council candidates who are running for these elected offices at the March 12, 2013 Town Election.

Questions may be submitted by email to the Durham Business Association at durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com by Thursday, February 21, 2013

Please Note: The Durham Business Association is a 501 (c) (6) nonprofit and does not promote, endorse any specific political candidates.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING THE FLU

While some people think the flu vaccine is for the very young or the very

old, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actually

recommends that everyone, with the exception of babies under 6 months old,

get an annual flu vaccine.

UNH’s Health Services offers the following advice on how to reduce your

chances of getting the flu:

Wash your hands often and well with soap and water or an alcohol based hand cleaner.
Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue. Don’t use your hands.
Don’t share towels, eating utensils, toothbrushes, drinking glasses or other items.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Sleep and eat well.
Stay home when you’re sick.
As much as possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Get the seasonal flu vaccine.

For more information on the flu, flu prevention and self-care if ill, click HERE.

The barn located at Arthur Klaeson's property on Smith Park Lane was lost during the early morning fires on Saturday, February 2nd. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO A SERIES OF FIRES LAST WEEKEND

On Saturday, February 2, at 2:49 AM, the Durham Fire Department was dispatched to a possible structure fire at 20 Main Street, with reported smoke showing. Shortly after arriving on scene, it was determined that there was an outside fire in a pile of recyclables that were up against the rear of the house. There was some minor extension of the fire into the wall of one first floor apartment. A First Alarm was then struck, the building was evacuated, and fire personnel quickly brought the fire under control.

At 3:30 AM, while still operating at 20 Main Street, Durham Fire Department units were dispatched for a reported structure fire at 4 Smith Park Lane, with Durham police first on scene reporting a fully involved barn. A Second Alarm was then struck. Heavy fire was noted in a barn that was extending into an attached “el”, with a historic home attached to the “el”. Several hydrants were needed to establish an adequate water supply. The barn subsequently collapsed, and the fire’s progress was stopped in the “el” section, never reaching the historic home. A Fourth Alarm was then struck to bring in fresh crews and additional manpower to the scene. McGregor Memorial EMS provided medical evaluation and rehabilitation at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with units from the NH State Fire Marshal’
s Office, Durham Police, and Durham Fire investigating.

One firefighter and one police officer were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries and subsequently released. The Durham Community Church opened its doors to provide bathrooms and warmth for the emergency personnel operating on scene. Durham and UNH Police assisted with scene control and traffic direction.Fire apparatus and manpower from Dover, Lee,Madbury, Exeter, Portsmouth, Pease, Nottingham, North Hampton, Stratham, Newington, Somersworth, Rochester, Newmarket, Barrington, Rollinsford, Epping, and South Berwick responded and assisted at the scene and with station coverage.

In all, there were over 20 pieces of apparatus and over 65 personnel operating at the fire.

A car was damaged during the fire at Smith Park Lane early Saturday morning. Courtesy Dale Stein, Newmarket Fire & Rescue

WEDNESDAY: ENERGY MASTER PLAN CHAPTER AT THE PLANNING BOARD FEBRUARY 13

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a brand-new chapter of the Master Plan this coming Wednesday, February 13 as part of the Master Plan update process, during which several existing chapters will be revised. Members of the Durham Energy Committee will give a presentation and answer questions.

As a one-page highlights of the chapter notes,"This chapter of the Master Plan presents a vision to guide the Town’s decisions and policies around energy use. As we look to the challenges facing Durham and its neighboring communities in the next ten, twenty, and fifty years, one of our priorities must be to realize a vision of being a sustainable and resilient community. The Town Council has acknowledged this priority in its set of goals. Progress toward achieving this vision will determine Durham’s capacity to survive, adapt, or grow in the face of changes in energy supplies, environmental conditions, and the international economic landscape.">

Documents available for review prior to the public hearing may be downloaded from the Planning Department's page dedicated to this chapter. In addition, readers may find of particular interest a report prepared by Carbon Solutions New England titled Climate Change in the Piscataqua / Great Bay Region: Past, Present, and Future. Read the report's execut
ive summary or download the full report from the CSNE website or learn how climate change is already affecting our region.

Residents who cannot attend the public hearing may email comments to the Planning Board no later than 5:00pm on February 12 via Town Planner Michael Behrendt at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us. Need a reminder? Here's a flyer.

CHANGES AT THE TRANSFER STATION

Cash will no longer be accepted at the Transfer Station per a new policy adopted for January 1, 2013. Checks will only be accepted for the purchase of electronics stickers effective immediately. There will be a grace period through February 15th.

DURHAM’S FRIDAY DEALS

Friday Deals are offered by Downtown merchants. Click HERE to see the deals on food, health, and services that are being offered. Shop locally and support area business. Money spent locally stays local.

If your business has a Friday deal to offer please send it to Ken Entz at sentz@comcast.net.

Supply and return ducts colored separately for clarity. Courtesy Walter Rous

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The number of trades and workers at the library site has increased significantly over the past few weeks. The framers and roofers have been joined by plumbers, electricians, sprinkler installers, ductwork installers (the tin knockers from last week) and the elevator installers.

The exterior siding and trim is making its way from the north side of the building to the east side and the roof shingling is nearly complete. On the interior, the rough sprinkler work has moved to the first floor, electrical boxes for outlets, data ports and switches are being installed and locations verified both inside and out and the elevator rails are being attached to the masonry shaft walls.

The mechanical system is a particular work of both complexity and art. Designed to be easy to operate yet highly efficient, it has many glorious components: boilers, exterior compressors, air handlers with heating and cooling coils, supply and return ducting (sized to deliver air at a specified cubic feet per minute or cfm’s); variable air volume boxes with secondary heating and cooling coils each with its own thermostat to control the mix of room and ducted air for localized refinement and energy recovery units to supply the required fresh air to the mix and extract heat from exhausted air. Of course this wonderful system requires a well-insulated building envelope (check!), a sensible distribution system (check!) and a thorough and exhaustive testing program, called commissioning (check and double check!).

Main ducts, first floor. Courtesy Walter Rous

THE DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION SHARES THE FOLLOWING INVITATION FROM THE NH AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
A Research Field Day for the NH Agricultural Experiment Station will be held Friday, February 15th from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The Field Day will showcase agricultural research taking place in the UNH MacFarlane Greenhouses located at 296 Mast Road. Parking is available across the street from the greenhouses at the UNH Visitor Information Center. Research highlighted includes New England hardy kiwis, co-culturing striped bass and salad greens, and hanging basket tomatoes. For more information, contact the NH Agricultural Experiment Station at 862-1452.

DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION ALTERNATE MEMBER VACANCY
The Durham Agricultural Commission currently has an alternate member vacancy and is seeking individuals who have the interest and time to serve on the Commission. The Commission meets the second Monday of each month at 7PM in the Council chambers at Town Hall. The charge for the Commission, as prescribed in RSA 674:44-f, is to:

Survey and inventory all agricultural resources.
Conduct activities to recognize, promote, enhance, and encourage agriculture, agricultural resources, and agricultural-based economic opportunities.
Assist the planning board, as requested, in the development and review of those sections of the master plan which address agricultural resources.
Advise, upon request, local agencies and other local boards in their review of requests on matters affecting or potentially affecting agricultural resources.
Coordinate activities with appropriate service organizations and nonprofit groups.
Publicize and report its activities.
Hire consultants and contractors as needed in accordance with the Town of Durham purchasing policies.
Receive gifts of money to assist in carrying out its purpose.
Hold meetings and hearings necessary to carry out its duties.

Citizens interested in appointment to the Agricultural Commission may complete an application and mail it to the Town Administrator’s office at 15 Newmarket Road, or submit it via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. Applications are available on the home page of the Town’s web site: www.ci.durham.nh.us under "Forms" on the right-hand side, then "Application for Appointment".

Questions concerning the Agricultural Commission should be directed to Commission Chair Theresa Walker at theresawalker@comcast.net.

This blonde-haired youngster is none other than Durham's Town Treasurer Karl VanAsselt with his homegrown two-headed cabbage, circa 1943. Courtesy Karl VanAsselt

CONSERVATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY MEETING RESCHEDULED
The monthly meeting of the Durham Conservation Commission, normally held the second Thursday of each month, has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 21, 2013 beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council chambers at Town Hall.

PUBLIC 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.

Agricultural Commission - Monday, February 11, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, February 12, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

Churchill Rink Presentation - Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 6:00 PM, Parks & Recreation Building

Planning Board - Wednesday, February 13, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee - Friday, February 15, 2013, 10:00 AM. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

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

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.

(Circa 1973/74) - Preserving the past…. Enhancing the future….

CHURCHILL RINK -- LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AND POSSIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2014

In 1973 the Town purchased 16 acres of the now Jackson’s Landing Recreational area for $80,000. Part of the purchase agreement stipulated that one acre be used for the construction of a skating facility. The rink consisted of a gravel pad with wooden sideboards which was flooded seasonally by Town Staff. Churchill Rink has become a treasured place for Durham families to enjoy during the winter season.

In 2007, the Town took on the challenge of operating the Rink as we know it today. During that time, and throughout the years, several committees have come together to ensure the future success of the Rink. Numerous deficiencies were identified by these groups, and corrected by Town staff. Some of these included: chiller tube replacement; safer entrance design and construction; high efficiency fixtures addition; rink sideboard and protective glass replacement. This list is by no means complete. In order to remain competitive and successful in the rink industry, it will be important to take positive steps towards enhancing this treasured place.

There are many families who have yet to experience, or even know about the Rink. Once we correct some of these remaining deficiencies, it will allow us to offer additional, year-round programming to meet the needs and expectations of our community. Knowing that this is a timely endeavor, we are already in the process of creating a comprehensive presentation outlining current challenges, proposed enhancements, business plan, and project goals.

We are now in a position to improve our existing rink. A collaborative effort involving our Parks & Recreation Director, Rink Manager, and Department of Public Works is underway. Jackson’s Landing will be a hub for enriching our community year-round, generating positive revenue, and an abundance of social and recreational opportunities.

Please join us in our efforts to preserve the past….. And enhance the future of Jackson’s Landing!

For more information, please contact:

Bill Page

Manager, Churchill Rink
bpage@ci.durham.nh.us

Stefanie Frazee

Director, Parks & Recreation
sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us

CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING WINTER PUBLIC SESSION SCHEDULE

Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing in Durham has announced its public session schedule for winter. The Winter 2013 Schedule features many hours of Public Skating, Pond Hockey, Open Stick & Puck, and Adult Drop-In Hockey between Wednesday January 2nd and Sunday February 24th. To view the entire schedule including definitions and fees, click HERE.

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Snowshoe? Sign up now for a fun-filled guided tour of Wagon Hill Farm! During the tour, you will learn about local ecology, animal tracking, and much more! Join Mary Mazur (Coyote Club Instructor) on this fun adventure. All ages welcome. Dates: Saturday, Feb. 16th and 23rd from 10a-12p @ WHF

Price: $10, $15 with snowshoe rental. (Sign up by filling out a registration form at Durham Parks & Rec. or Durham Town Hall. Please make all checks payable to: Town of Durham).

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To view the schedule of classes for February, click HERE.

For more information regarding any of the classes or events offered by Parks and Recreation, visit the P&R web site at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_parksrec.

ORYA GIRLS TRAVEL HOCKEY PROGRAM TRYOUTS FOR THE 2013 – 2014 SEASON

The Oyster River Youth Association is hosting tryouts for the 2013-2014 girls travel hockey season for players in ages 8 through 14 on Wednesday, March 6th and Wednesday, March 13th. Tryouts will take place at Churchill Rink on Old Piscataqua Road in Durham, NH. Players are expected to attend both days from 5:30pm – 7:30pm and wear full hockey equipment each day. For more information, please contact David Smith, ORYA Hockey Coordinator, at davidsmith7007@comcast.net.

Jeff O'Donal of O'Donal's Nursery in Gorham, Maine, will provide his knowledge and experience concerning the Hydrangea at the Durham Garden Club's meeting on Tuesday, March 26th. See information below. Courtesy Durham Garden Club

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Valentine Social Saturday, February 16 (changed from the 9th, due to snow), 6:30-9:00 pm. Singles, couples, and families are invited to join this lively fundraiser. Refreshments will be provided. Cost is $10/person or $25/family. For more information call 603-868-1230 or visit http://www.durhamcommunitychurch.org/.

Oasis: Rest & Refreshment for the Body and Spirit, Sunday, February 10, 2013, 4:00-5:00 PM (focus will be World Music) and Sunday, February 17, 2013, 4:00-5:00 PM (focus will be Healing Rhythm), Community Church of Durham. For more information call 603-868-1230 or visit http://www.durhamcommunitychurch.org/

Ash Wednesday Service, Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 6:30 PM, Community Church of Durham.

Newcomer's Unlimited Club presents "Mary Todd Lincoln: Wife & Widow", Friday, February 15, 2013, 10:00 AM, Community Church of Durham. Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided beginning 9:00 AM. For more information contact Alison Sweatt, 603-868-7364, alisonsweattrnms@aol.com.

One World Language School—Morning Classes for Preschool aged Children. Classes will be offered in French, German, and Spanish on Thursday mornings at the Lee Congregational y Church. Classes will be held on Thursday mornings. The 12-week session starts on Thursday, March 7th. For information on this program click HERE. For more general information on the One World Language School click HERE. To register, contact Julie Reece at julie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org or 603-866-0364.

Durham Garden Club Presents "Hydrangea Love Affair: Old Favorites and New Varieties" with Jeff O'Donal of O'Donal's Nursery in Gorham, Maine, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, 6:30 PM, Madbury Town Hall. Social Time and refreshments. Non-members welcome to attend as guests.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Interested in EBooks? Please Take Our Survey! Please take a minute to complete a short survey on our website www.durhampubliclibrary.org to help us determine our patrons' interest in borrowing e-Readers from the library. We own a Kindle and a Nook that can be checked out just like books. Each reader is loaded with at least a dozen titles selected from bestseller lists. We also have free eBook downloads through our website to your device. Please answer a few short questions about your eBook use so that we can better serve you. Thank you.
New to eBooks? Check out the NH Downloadable Books BLOG for detailed instructions how to get started! http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/
Middle School Art Display at the Library – Come and see some ORMS 5th graders works of art. The theme is “Significant Places around Durham, Lee and Madbury”.
Preschool Storytimes, Tues. Feb. 5th and Thurs. Feb. 7th at 10:30 am – This week: Valentines/Mail! Join us for stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft. All are welcome.

Competency Based Learning: Impact of New State Regulations on ORCSD, Tues. Feb. 12th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Fred Bramante and the DPL will host an informational Community Forum on the impact of new state regulations on our own school district. Fred Bramante will take questions on changes to the NH State Education Regulations and how they could affect local schools. Preregistration is strongly suggested. Questions, submitted in writing and ahead of time are encouraged. Send to mailto:durhampl@gmail.com. Subject line: Register for Community Forum.
Reiki Healing with Diane Gallant, Weds. Feb. 13th at 6:30 p.m. – Join Diane Marie Gallant, Reiki Master and Teacher, for a discussion about Reiki. Reiki is a 90 year old Japanese modality that provides energy healing and
balancing through touch, on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level.
Pajama Storytime, Tues. Feb. 19th, 6:30 p.m. – Join ORPP and the Durham Library for our monthly Pajama Storytime. This month: Fitness/Exercise and Yoga! Come wearing your pajamas. We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and make a craft. ORPP supplies a snack. All are welcome.
Celebrate Margery Milne's 101st Birthday!, Thursday February 21, 3 to 4:30 p.m. – A reading of the Milne’s unpublished short piece, “Time Is The Most Valuable Thing”, which highlights their experiences in writing several of their books, will be followed by a sharing of memories and then on to birthday cake and punch.

Mary Kelley and Steve Blunt Musical Performance, Thurs. Feb. 28th at 10:30 a.m. at ORHS Multi-purpose room - Join us for this fun joint library (Durham, Lee and Madbury) vacation performance by two very talented singer/songwriters.

Make-it-Take-it Craft all week during OR School Vacation Week (2/23-3/1) – Stop by the Children’s Room all week to make a fun craft. There are no Storytimes this week.

Read Across America with the Northeastern’s Ballet “Cinderella”, Sat. March 2nd at 10:30 a.m. - Come and see parts of the Northeastern Ballet's spring production of "Cinderella". We will celebrate this fairy tale as well as Dr. Seuss' Birthday at the Durham Library.
Register for Tales for Tails! Have a young reader who could use some non-judgmental encouragement for reading aloud? A Delta Therapy dog is waiting for your child.
Registration for Seacoast Reads (UNH Reading tutors) has started for the second semester. Does your elementary school aged child need extra help reading? Come to the library to sign up for a Seacoast Reads Reading tutor. Your child will be paired with a student tutor and they will meet once a week at the library starting in February. Space is limited so
sign-up soon!
Join the Patch Program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag. If new to the program, stop by and register. Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program.

Check out the library's website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/ for more information.

FROM "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY - 1900-1985"

"Farm Life in Durham: "As one travels south on Durham Point Road, past the old red brick schoolhouse (a residence in 1985), there is a small silhouette-figured sign with a farmer and farm animals that announces the entrance to the 150-acre Stonehouse Farm. This farm, formerly the Charles Henry Mathes farm, was approximately 100 years old in 1913 when Edward Rollins, of Boston and Dover, purchased it for his son, Sherwood Rollins. Further investment by Edward Rollins at the Point included the farms known as the Pheasantry and Elmhurst, a Stephen Meader farm, now owned by Kenneth Moore, Durham mail carrier." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

Have a nice weekend and stay safe.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T: 603-868-5571 F: 603-868-5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us http://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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