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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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A constructin crane towering over the Pauly's Pockets project on Main St. at Mill Rd.
Courtesy Todd Selig
Durham Town Treasurer Karl Van Asselt had been listening to WBZ radio, the all news Boston station, and wrote to Administrator Selig earlier this month about a story he had heard.
The host of the show was talking about how one measures the economic vitality, excitement, growth, and economic importance of what is going on in a community. The criteria? The number construction cranes rising above the city.
The winner? Boston with the many developments throughout the metropolitan area. Karl tried to find out who finished in second place and while driving in downtown Durham, there were six, yes SIX cranes, swinging in Durham.
Karl did the math. On a per population basis, Durham beats Boston hands down. Using census data, Durham has one crane for every 2,563 people. Karl reports Boston has one for every 200,000 people.
This unscientific statistic emphasizes what we all as residents know -- that there is a lot of economic activity, investment, and change taking place in Durham at the present time.
As a result, there is considerable discussion amongst residents in terms of what these changes mean to the community, its identity, the downtown's economic vitality, quality of life, expansion to the tax base, and more.
The level of change to the downtown will be a topic of significant discussion in the coming months.
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2015 MARCH TOWN AND SCHOOL ELECTIONS - MARCH 10, 2015
The filing period for Town offices for the March Town Election is Wednesday, January 21, 2015 through 5:00 PM Friday, January 30, 2015.
The 2015 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 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 as of 5 PM on 1/23/15:
Town Council (three, 3-yr terms): Firoze E. Katrak, Kenneth (Kenny) Rotner
Library Board of Trustees (two, 3-yr terms): Nancy Webb
Moderator (one, 2-yr term): Christopher T. Regan
Supervisors of the Checklist (one, 1-yr term): Deborah Hirsh Mayer
Trustees of the Trust Funds (one, 3-yr term): Michael H. Everngam, Peter Stanhope
Trustees of the Trust Funds (one, 2-yr term):
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The following is a list of individuals that have filed for the ORCSD elected offices to date (1/23/15):
Allen Howland – Durham
Marcia Barth - Lee
Daniel Klein – Lee
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LARGE SNOWSTORM EXPECTED TOMORROW (Saturday, Jan. 24)
The National Weather Service reports that snow is expected to move into the state on Saturday, January 24th, around 8am. It is a fairly quick moving storm and will be headed out between 8pm and midnight, Saturday night. The southeastern half of the state is expected to see the highest totals of snow, around 4-8”. Currently there are winter storm watches in place for Hillsborough, Rockingham and Strafford counties which can expect over 6” of snow. The system has a sharp gradient to the northwest, so there will be a stark contrast for areas that will see 6”+ of snow and for areas that will much smaller amounts.
The snow is expected to be heavy and wet. There is a chance for midday Saturday in southeastern portions for a mix of precipitation with sleet or mixing rain. Minimal ice accretion is expected.
Temperatures will be around low 30s for the duration of the storm, with colder air moving in Sunday. At the height of the storm, winds are anticipated to be 10-15mph with gusts of 25mph or higher on the coast.
The confidence in this system is high, however there is still some uncertainty with the exact tract. If the storm track were to shift a few miles it could significantly adjust the areas to receive the heaviest snow.
There is another low pressure system on the forecast for Monday, however it is currently expected to be mostly out to see. There is still a chance for light snow in southeastern NH.
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MILL PLAZA UPDATE – Owner Urged to Comply with Zoning Requirements if He Desires to Continue Review by Planning Board
Planning Board Chairman Peter Wolfe and Administrator Todd Selig asked Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt this week to reach out to the owner of the Mill Plaza to talk with his design team about the application for a major redevelopment of the parcel.
The Mill Plaza design team has submitted two iterations of plans for the redevelopment of the 10 acre parcel, both of which have included 442 residential beds that would in all likelihood be student housing, evidently based on the old zoning standard of 300 square feet of habitable floor area per bed.
The Town Council last year changed the zoning to require a minimum of 600 square feet per unrelated occupant. Mr. Behrendt made an administrative decision that the Mill Plaza’s redevelopment submittal would be subject to the new zoning requirements. The Mill Plaza attorney then appealed that determination, but last week the Durham Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) upheld Mr. Behrendt’s determination. Mr. Selig had asked Town Attorney Laura Sector to attend the ZBA appeal to defend the Town’s administrative determination at the ZBA meeting.
The Mill Plaza has the right to ask for a rehearing before the ZBA and then appeal to Superior Court and Mr. Behrendt understands the owner may also appeal a separate determination made by Town staff that dormitories are not a permitted use in any zoning district.
However, in the absence of an authoritative determination that student housing is allowed in this zone as the Mill Plaza proposes it, it is the opinion of Chairman Wolfe and Administrator Selig that further discussion of any plans that include a student housing component predicated on 300 square feet of habitable area is a poor use of time fore the Planning Board, the public, Town staff, and the applicant.
The Planning Board simply cannot approve an application that is in clear violation of the Durham Zoning Ordinance.
The Planning Board continued the Design Review and Public Hearing on the Mill Plaza proposal to its April 8th meeting.
Mr. Behrendt has suggested to the Mill Plaza design team that it either redesign its plans based upon the current zoning ordinance or request a postponement to another meeting if the owner is waiting for some other definitive determination.
SUPER BOWL PLANNING
While we congratulate the Patriots for making the Super Bowl once again, it does mean that the Durham Police Department must begin making plans for any eventuality in the aftermath of the game.
As Chief Kurz points out, the outcome of the game is often irrelevant to the aftermath activities that unfortunately have occurred in the downtown of Durham over the past years.
Notices will be sent to all landlords advising them to have discussions with their tenants regarding occupancy limitations and other lease requirements that will assist the police. Downtown businesses will also be provided with a letter urging them to remove loose signs and ensure trash removal is accomplished before Sunday February 1st.
Additionally discussions with all of the construction sites will be ongoing to ensure that the partially built properties do not attract trespassers or those seeking loose flammable material.
A number of meetings with UNH officials have already occurred with several more to continue in earnest with the goal to ensure that celebrations do not block Main Street or lead to criminal mischief.
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DRAFT MOU BETWEEN DURHAM & UNH RELATIVE TO REDEVELOPMENT OF 66 MAIN STREET ET AL
Since the spring of last year, Administrator Selig, Councilor Carden Welsh, former Councilor Jim Lawson, EDC Chair Ute Luxem, Planner Michael Behrendt, and most recently Director of Economic Development Mary Ellen Humphrey, have been meeting with representatives from the University of New Hampshire to discuss and develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relative to the 66 Main Street redevelopment project, et al.
The “et al” refers to the fact that the Development transcends 66 Main Street (the former ATO site) and includes: the Town-owned North and South Parking Lots on either side of Pettee Brook Lane immediately behind 66 Main Street, Hetzel and Alexander Halls, C-Lot, and 66 Main Street properties. Whether or not the redevelopment will ultimately involves all parcels remains to be seen and will depend upon proposals received in the early part of 2015 from the private development community.
The MOU outlines the expectations, contributions, terms and conditions between Durham and UNH with respect to the potential development of the aforementioned area of downtown, as well as each party’s potential contributions and requirements and limitations with respect to the Development.
The Council held a public hearing to obtain feedback from members of the community on Monday night, January 12, 2015. Following the close of the public hearing, the Council and Mr. Selig discussed the topic in some length and attempted to answer questions that had been raised by the public. Administrator Selig offered a list of recommended modifications to the MOU in response to concerns raised. The Council deferred action on the modified MOU until its next meeting on February 2nd. While the public hearing is closed, the public can still submit written material or provide in person feedback during the public comments section of the February 2nd Council meeting. Emails can be sent to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
Residents who are interested in this issue should watch the meeting on DCAT ON DEMAND
To view the updated MOU as of Jan 23, 2015, based on public feedback submitted and Council discussion, and other information, click HERE.
Some basic questions and answers that might be helpful for those trying to understand the MOU:
Has RSA 97-E already been granted for a project by the Town Council? No. While it is possible the Council could grant such tax relief if requested and deemed appropriate in accordance with Council policy, no such action has been taken, nor is granting RSA 79-E tax relief required by the terms of the draft MOU.
Has the Council already bonded $1 million to support private development as part of a downtown project? No. While the Council could bond funds that would be offset through incremental taxes created as a result of new development within the Downtown TIF District, this could only be utilized to support public infrastructure. In addition, separate public hearings would be required for the Council to issue debt.
Is there a guarantee that the land developed under the MOU at 66 Main Street would be taxable? The draft MOU states: "The land, buildings and improvements located at 66 Main Street shall become taxable or subject to a payment in lieu of taxes equal to the ad valorem taxes which would otherwise be assessed on such land, buildings and improvements.”
Is UNH land exempt from taxation? Yes. RSA 187-A:25, Tax Exemption, states that the property of the University System of New Hampshire and each of its constituent institutions and divisions is exempt from taxation as provided in RSA 72:23. However, RSA 72:23(d) provides that all leases and other agreements entered into or renewed by the USNH on or after April 1, 2006, the terms of which provide for the use or occupation by others of real or personal property owned by the USNH or the community college system of New Hampshire, shall provide for the payment of properly assessed real and personal property taxes by the party using or occupying said property no later than the due date. This later provision was inserted into state law at the request of the Town of Durham in 2006, at which time Administrator Selig and Durham business owners provided detailed testimony before the state legislature.
Is UNH property subject to Durham land use regulations under state law? No. UNH property is considered state property and is exempt from local land use regulations so long as it is utilized for governmental uses as defined by state law, RSA 674:54. However, any use, construction, or development of land occurring on governmentally-owned or occupied land, but which is not a governmental use as defined in the statue, shall be fully subject to local land use regulations.
Will the Town’s north and south parking lots on either side of Pettee Brook Lane be developed or altered under this MOU? They could be if the Council believed that it was in the Town’s best interest to do so, however, the MOU does not require the Council to dedicate these properties to the redevelopment. In addition, any spaces lost would need to be replaced on a 1 to 1 basis to support existing downtown uses.
Could UNH develop its property without any involvement by the Town of Durham through an MOU? Yes. The University is under no obligation to work with Durham in developing properties it owns beyond undertaking an advisory consultation with the Planning Board pursuant to RSA 674:54.
Does the envisioned project include a Hotel? Yes. The draft MOU states that the development shall contain a branded or boutique hotel containing approximately 80 to 100 guest rooms. UNH and the Town prefer the hotel has a presence on Main Street. UNH will cooperate in providing conference room space on its campus for users and guests of the hotel.
What might happen to Hetzel and Alexander Halls? According to the draft MOU, Hetzel Hall may be repurposed and/or refurbished. Alexander Hall may be repurposed and/or refurbished, or demolished in whole or in part. If a developer proposes to use Hetzel Hall, Alexander Hall, and/or Lot C, the developer must demonstrate to the satisfaction of UNH, how and why such buildings and/or lands should be included in the development, and how their respective use enhances the development.
What about the UNH C-Lot? Lot C may be used to provide parking for the development through the construction of structured parking, provided, however, that UNH shall at all times retain the following: (i) its rights to the existing number of parking spaces in Lot C, (ii) service access to Mills Hall as well as other facilities and utilities in the vicinity, and (iii) use of Lot C for UNH visitor parking. If structured parking were developed at Lot C along Mill Road, it could be utilized to support a future Center for the Arts toward the rear of Lot C as envisioned in the UNH Master Plan.
What about Barnes and Nobel? The Barnes and Nobel bookstore that is currently located on the UNH campus in the Memorial Union Building could be relocated to the development in some way. Barnes and Nobel has expressed an interest in being part of a new development on Main Street. If relocated to Main Street, the store would likely provide offerings that would be of interest both to students and community members but no plan has been developed to date. The existing Barnes and Nobel operation in the MUB is tax exempt. Whether a new downtown Barnes and Nobel would be taxable or tax exempt would depend on many factors as outlined in state law as described above.
Has any one private developer already been chosen to build a project? No. The purpose of the MOU is to provide direction in crafting an RFP that would be issued to the general development community. A half dozen independent developers have already expressed an interest in submitting a proposal for the consideration of Durham and UNH.
Is there a market for another hotel in Durham? UNH has conducted independent market research which indicates there is a demand for an additional 80-100 room hotel on Main Street.
Are properties within the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District exempt from taxation? No. Properties within the downtown TIF do still pay property taxes on new value that is created. The taxes from the new value, however, are held within a special account for use within the TIF to accomplish the public objectives that have been laid out in the Downtown TIF Development & Financing Plan. The only exception would be if the Council has granted tax relief for a period of generally up to 5 years under RSA 79-E. However, the existence of the Downtown TIF District creates an inherent disincentive for the Council to grant RSA 79-E tax relief.
Who ultimately approves a proposal under the draft MOU? Any proposal which the parties wish to accept pursuant to the RFP must be approved by Durham’s Town Council and the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees.
Who reviews the design for the development? As outlined in the draft MOU, the appearance and design of the development are critically important elements to both Durham and UNH. The Town and UNH retain the right to reject any aspect of a development design and require a re-design prior to submittal of the final proposed plan to local land use boards for approvals. If the plans undergo material changes in the course of such approvals, as determined by the Town and/or UNH, such plans must be re-approved by the Town and/or UNH prior to commencing construction of the development.
What Development Preferences have the Town and UNH established in the draft MOU to date? The following attributes/features (not in any preferential order) are desired for the project:
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Upscale restaurants and other retail/commercial uses on the ground floors;
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Research and development space;
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Uses complementary to UNH’s Interoperability Lab (the IOL is located in taxable property in the new Madbury Commons development on Madbury Road);
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Professional offices;
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Support of UNH’s executive education programming (which would potentially be brought back to Durham from Portsmouth);
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Visiting faculty apartments;
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Other uses on upper floors which would have need to use the hotel;
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Inclusion of UNH’s hospitality management program as part of the management of the hotel;
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As few variances, waivers and other forms of required zoning or planning relief for the development as is reasonably practicable;
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Continuation/extension of walkable corridor concept from the Interoperability Lab building within the Madbury Commons project through the development to Main Street – in essence fulfilling the vision created several years ago during the B. Dennis Downtown Plan;
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Generally enhanced walkability and biking;
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In addition to new parking r
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Other than replacing student housing lost to UNH through the redevelopment of Hetzel Hall and/or Alexander Hall, student housing in the development is discouraged;
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Required for the development, parking to replace any spaces lost if the Town-owned North Parking Lot and/or South Parking Lot are redeveloped, as well as an additional potential 100+ parking spaces to support visitors and guests coming to the downtown area;
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Structured parking, particularly in the rear of 66 Main Street and on the South Parking Lot will be favored; and
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The creation of public parks and green space.
Can the draft MOU be terminated by the parties after execution? Yes. Should Durham and UNH fail to move forward with the project envisioned under this draft MOU within 18 months from the mutual execution thereof, either party shall have the right to terminate the MOU upon at least 90 days’ written notice to the other party.
Again, written comments may be submitted to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
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STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
On Tuesday, February 17, 2015, President Mark W. Huddleston will give his State of the University address reflecting on the challenges, accomplishments, and milestones of the past year, and looking ahead to 2015.
The address will be held in the Memorial Union Building, Granite State Room, UNH.
Doors open at 12:40PM. Address begins at 1PM.
Parking for off campus guests will be available in Lot C, free of charge, with the use of coupon code 0217. Lot C (J:17)
The event will be live-streamed. Please view the UNH event website for details.
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POTENTIAL WATER LINE SCAMS STILL OCCURRING
In previous "Friday Updates," Chief Kurz has advised about mailing and telephone scams by a company called “HomeServe” which has sent official looking mailings offering insurance that covers water lines to homes that may not be needed.
In its advertising mailers, HomeServe USA Repair Management Corp. correctly states that property owners are responsible for repairs on the water lines between the Town's right of way and their home. The company offers insurance coverage for water laterals.
But the advertising materials may falsely create the impression that the company is affiliated with the local government and lead residents to buy services they may not need.
Durham is NOT affiliated with HomeServe and does NOT endorse its services. Instead we strongly encourage residents to contact their homeowner’s insurance company to discuss their concerns and determine if they are already covered for a lateral damage incident or whether their broker believes that insurance is warranted in their individual situation.
A quick Google search points to several concerns regarding HomeServe such as the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection having received complaints about HomeServe's mailings and the Better Business Bureau with a host of complaints on file about HomeServe's advertising and sales practices.
Some complainants said the solicitation included a document that looked like a bill and asked for credit card information.
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Courtesy of John A. Litvaitis, Professor of Wildlife Ecology, University of New Hampshire
NEW ENGLAND COTTONTAIL RABBIT: AN ENDANGERED SPECIES IN DURHAM'S BACKYARD
A multi-state effort is underway to recover the New England cottontail. The Town of Durham is one of only seven towns in New Hampshire to fall almost entirely within a conservation focus area in NH. This puts the town in a unique position to help save the rabbit—by conserving land, such as the Sprucewood/Oyster River Forest property —and by creating shrubland habitat on Town-owned lands.
The Durham Conservation Commission and the Town are working with cottontail biologists to create a large patch of shrubland habitat on the section of Wagon Hill Farm that lies North of Route 4. Both of these projects will contribute significantly to the state’s goals of restoring cottontail habitat and will hopefully lead to more projects in nearby towns. The cooperation of private and municipal landowners who are willing to conserve, create, and maintain early-successional habitats needed by New England cottontails will be critical to the survival of this species.
For more information on New England cottontails, please visit http://newenglandcottontail.org/
Information about the New England cottontails can also be found on the Conservation Commission's web page HERE.
For specific information on management of shrubland habitats or if you are a private landowner interested in creating habitat for New England cottontails, please contact UNH Cooperative Extension Wildlife Program Assistant, Emma Carcagno by phone at 603-862-2512 or by email at emma.carcagno@unh.edu.
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DURHAM RESIDENT AUTHORS BOOK: UNDER DANNI'S WINDOW
Durham resident J.A.Paquette has written a new book, Under Danni's Window, a dark story about a young teen in rural Maine, struggling to find himself while suffering at the hands of the town's bullies. When not writing, Mr. Paquette works as a sales and marketing rep for an energy company and teaches in the University Of New Hampshire system.
For more information regarding Under Danni's Window, click HERE.
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISES RESIDENTS REGARDING SMOKE ALARM RECAL
The Durham Fire Department has become aware of a smoke alarm defect that has affected several households to date in Durham. The defect affects three Kidde smoke alarm models (two combination smoke/CO alarms and one smoke alarm) manufactured since December 2013. This defect can cause the alarms to sound when power is restored after an outage. A recall has been issued and Kidde is replacing the alarms at no cost. If you have installed new Kidde smoke or smoke/CO alarms within the past year please follow the link below to determine if your alarms are affected:
http://kiddesummary.inmar-recalls.com/StandardRegister/LPR.asp?L=471&ac=&ar=
These alarms otherwise function normally and should be left in place until replacement units are received. If you have any questions or need assistance in silencing your alarms after a power outage, please contact the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531.
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MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information
Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee - Tuesday, January 27, 2015 (7:00 AM -Durham PD Community Room)
Planning Board - Wednesday, January 28, 2015
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://www.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.
DCAT Programming Schedule.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
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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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION JANUARY PROGRAM
The Durham Historic Association will host its winter program “A Case of Curiosities” on Tuesday January 27th at 7PM at the Durham Public Library Oyster River Room. Several unusual items from the Museum Collection will be featured in an interactive dialog with the audience revealing little known aspects of Durham’s history. One item remains a mystery, but with help from the audience it is hoped the mystery may be solved. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome. Snow date is Thursday January 29th.
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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.
No skates? No problem! Rent a pair for just $3! Courtesy Parker Murphy
For the latest information about programs and events, visit: Durham Parks & Recreation Online
View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE. Drop in to most of our fitness classes for only $10!
Churchill Rink - Join us during our special MLK Day schedule: Stick & Puck from 12:00 to 1:50, followed by an extended Public Skate from 2:00 to 4:20.
Come out and enjoy your community Ice Rink at Jackson's Landing!
Find out more by visiting http://www.churchillrink.org/.
Churchill Rink Facebook
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Stuff a Bag Sale, Echo Thrift Shop at Durham Community Church, Friday, Jan 30, 2015. Stuff a grocery bag with clothes and shoes for $5.00.
UNH Celebrity Series welcomes the Dorian Wind Quintet, Tuesday, Feb 10, 2015, 7PM, Paul Creative Arts Center’s Johnson Theatre in Durham. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.unharts.com.
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Join the DPL for Mo Willems books at Family Storytime on Sat. Jan. 24th at 10:30 AM
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Family Storytime, Sat. Jan. 24th at 10:30 a.m. This week: Mo Willems Books, Elephant, Piggie and Pigeon! Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard and a craft! Sat. Jan. 31st, Special Family Storytime UNH Alumni author, Diana Lynne Hoffman, and illustrator, Karen Brough, of the book “Lighting the Earth” will visit storytime!
Crafternoon – Sat. Jan. 24th, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us in the storytime for a fun craft!
Affordable Health Care Sign-ups Jan. 28, Feb. 4th & Feb. 11 Wednesdays 5-8 PM A facilitator for Affordable Health Care will be available to assist anyone wishing to sign up. Call to reserve a 45 min.time slot. 868-6699 Nancy Miner nminer@ci.durham.nh.us
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., Jan. 26th at 2:45 p.m. - This week’s game is: "Cranium”.
PJ Storytime: Let's Go to the Circus! Tues. Jan 27th 6:30-7:30 PM - Come wearing your PJ's! Join ORPP and the Durham Library for circus stories, silly songs, feltboard and a clown craft. Snack provided by ORPP.
Storytimes, Tues. Jan. 27th and Thurs. Jan. 29th at 10:30 a.m. They will be about “Pirates”! We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
Durham Historic Association Mtg.Tues. Jan. 27th 7:00-8:00 PM - A Case of Curiosities Four Oddities From the Museum Collection. All are welcome to attend! This meeting will feature a talk on four special items from our museum. Snow date Thurs. Jan. 29th. Contact Dick Lord 659-2721 Rhlord@comcast.net
Knitting Club for 3rd-5th graders! Weds. Jan. 28th from 4-5 p.m. Come and learn to knit for 6 weeks. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Lego Club Thurs. Jan. 29th at 3:45 p.m. and the theme will be “Movie Characters”!
Homeschooler’s Activity Hour, Fri., Jan. 30th at 10:30 a.m. and we will talk about “Africa”!
Seacoast Reads for 1st-3rd Graders sign-ups for the second semester have begun. UNH tutors from Seacoast Reads will work with your child once a week after school starting in Feb.-May. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk after Jan. 1st.
Patch Club: reading incentive program for ages 2-12 years. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk!
Tales for Tails: Read to a trained therapy dog K-4th grade - sign-up at the Children’s Desk now for a 4 week session starting the week of Jan 26th. We have a new dog, Ozzie! This is a great way for your child to gain confidence in reading!
Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club. Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library. Talk to the Children’s Librarian at the children’s desk for more details.
Youth Book Groups:
Raccoon Readers 2nd-4th grade. Monthly book group. Tues. Feb. 3rd 6-7PM. This month's book is "Pie" by Sarah Weeks. We talk about books, do puzzles, play some games and make a craft.
Bookeaters Middle School Book Group. Meets Wed. Feb. 11th 2:45-4PM This month's book is "The Giver" by Louis Lowry. Walk from the Middle School. Ruth Wharton-McDonald is the facilitator. All are welcome and pizza is served. Books are available at the library.
Libros Lovers, Monthly High School book group. Meets Wed. 2:45-4:00PM. Jan. 28th This month’s book is “The Safe-Keeper's Secret” by Sharon Shinn
Upcoming:
2/2 Young Adult Writing Group, 6:30 PM
2/3 Oyster River Knitters 7 PM
2/4 Friends of DPL mtg. 1 PM
2/4 Chocolate “The Perfect Drug” & Lindt 6:30 PM
2/4 DPL Trustees Mtg. 6:45 PM
2/5 Writer’s Response, writer’s forum mtg. 6 PM
2/6 World Language School Visits Home-schooling group, Spanish 10:30 AM
2/6 Alzheimer’s Café 10:30 AM
2/7 Take Your Child to the Library Day, all day, storytime, games, hunts,craft
2/7 McGregor EMS Babysitting class 10:30 AM
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1916 - Search began for property suitable for a town cemetery. Committees appointed, money voted but nothing accomplished until 1925 when 6 acres were bought from Karl Woodward for $1,200. Under the supervision of 3 trustees, area was cleared, graded, surveyed and 20' by 20' lots laid out.
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