Friday Updates - July 29, 2022





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Friday, July 29, 2022



 





Kayakers at Wagon Hill Farm.



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The Durham Town Council will hold only one meeting in August, which will be on Monday, August 15, 2022.

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The Historic District/Heritage Commission is meeting next Thursday, August 4. The agenda can be viewed HERE.



 



DURHAM TOWN HALL TO CLOSE ON AUGUST 2ND FOR ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING

Given recent tragic events involving gun violence around the country, the Town of Durham will be hosting an active shooter training for staff and police/fire/emergency service personnel at the Town Hall on August 2nd beginning at 3 PM.  


All offices at the Town Hall will therefore be closing at 3 PM on August 2nd.  



 





Lenk Orthodontics team.



BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - LENK ORTHODONTICS

The Town of Durham is pleased to showcase Durham’s excellent businesses in Friday Updates. We have received requests to do so and believe that it is appropriate for the Town to assist in promoting local businesses in our economic development role. If you would like for us to include a short piece about your business in Friday Updates please email information to Michael Behrendt, Durham Town Planner at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us .

Lenk Orthodontics. Lenk Orthodontics, located at 12 Mathes Terrace, is a family-owned and managed practice. Treatments include traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign, and aligners that Dr. Lenk creates with a 3D scanner and a 3D printer. “Dr. Lenk and his wife Megan work together to ensure that patient families receive the type of experience that they would choose for their own family. The team at Lenk Orthodontics is committed to working with you each step of the way to help you discover your best smile!” Visit their website here for more information: https://www.lenkortho.com/



 



OLD COURTHOUSE BOILER PROJECT COMPLETE

Durham Public Works recently awarded a contract to APH Plumbing + Heating for the replacement of the boiler at the Old Town Hall / Courthouse / Parks and Recreation Building. The existing 25+ year old Weil-McLain oil-fired boiler has required significant maintenance over the last few years. The project was completed this week and included the removal of all existing equipment, together with the obsolete oil tank and the installation of a new surface mounted, high efficiency natural gas fired boiler and circulation pumps. In preparation for this project, Unitil installed a new low-pressure natural gas service to the building in the spring to provide fuel for the new unit.



 



DID YOU KNOW? - Paper Towels and Napkins

Though white paper products like paper towels and napkins are biodegradable, they are usually treated with chemicals that are not organic and should not be added to compost. White paper towels and white paper napkins should be thrown in the trash. In order to save on landfill waste, please consider switching to brown paper towels and napkins. Companies like Seventh Generation offer this option. Brown paper towels and brown paper napkins can be composted at the transfer station.  


Alternatively, bamboo paper products (white or otherwise) can be composted.  Re-usable fabric napkins and cleaning cloths are sold by local businesses.

Brought to you by the Integrated Waste Management Committee


Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com



 



MILL POND DAM REMOVAL PROJECT SECTION 106 PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Following the referendum vote on March 8, the Town has been advancing the design and permitting for the removal of the Mill Pond Dam, which does not meet current dam safety standards. 

Due to the historic nature of the Mill Pond Dam, the removal involves what is known as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), which requires federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of projects they carry out, assist, fund, permit, license, or approve throughout the country.  The public were invited to an informational meeting which took place on July 14, 2022, at 6:30 PM. The meeting was held to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the Section 106 process, receive an update on the project status, and provide input on cultural resources under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The meeting can be viewed by visiting this town website link HERE.



 





WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM VACTOR TRUCK DEMO

The fiscal year 2023 budget includes a proposal to replace the existing vacuum tanker truck which has reached the end of its useful life. The tank truck uses a pump and tank connected to a vacuum system and is designed to pneumatically suck liquids, solids and sludges. The Vactor is a critical piece of equipment used in the daily operation of the wastewater collection system and is irreplaceable during sewer backups and emergency responses.  C. N. Wood from Woburn MA visited the treatment plant to provide a demonstration of this equipment. The wastewater facility’s existing 2007 Vac Con sewer cleaning truck has served the wastewater operations well and has cleaned hundreds of miles of sewer collection pipes in Durham since its delivery over 15 years ago.  


In the accompanying photo, Durham Public Works Wastewater Division Operator Chad Pierce listens to Kevin Johnson form C.N. Wood on operations and features of the Vactor sewer cleaning truck.



 





NATURE IN YOUR BACKYARD TOUR - Durham, Dover and Newmarket - Saturday, August 13, 2022, 9 am - 1:30pm

https://extension.unh.edu/event/2022/08/nature-your-backyard-tour-durham-dover-newmarket


About the Event:

Are you curious about pollinators? Or frustrated by invasive plants? Are you interested in sustainable approaches to landscaping that can improve wildlife habitat value on your property? Join Extension and the Durham Conservation Commission for a Nature in Your Backyard Tour. The tour will highlight 4 properties in the Seacoast area that feature different approaches to ecological landscaping and enhancing wildlife habitat on small acreages. Landowners will guide participants on a walking tour of each property. Tours will last approximately 40 minutes.


The event will start at the Milne Nature Sanctuary in Durham, where you will have the opportunity to hear about the history and stewardship of this town-owned parcel and its native plantings before heading out to visit the three additional tour properties. Additional information on parking and tour locations will be provided upon registration. Tour attendees will rotate between the remaining three sites with tours beginning at 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.


Tour Sites and Descriptions:

Durham:  The landowners' primary goal in planting much of their one-acre landscape is to support "ecological effectiveness" - a successful relationship between and among insects, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and the plants themselves; all existing in a harmonious relationship in support of a healthy ecosystem. Their original inspiration to develop this landscape was spurred by the work of entomologist and writer Doug Tallamy of the University of Delaware. The property was a cattle pasture as recently as the 1950’s, and the landowners have worked with several local native plant professionals and experts in its current design, planting, and efforts at invasive plant removal. They have also incorporated the surrounding woodland landscape into the design and functionality of the space.


Dover: This 6-acre property has been tended by the landowners for more than 5 years. The landscape is a mix of meadows, forest edges, wetlands, perennial gardens, honeybee hives, and a greenhouse for growing vegetables and native plants. Each year they have adapted their management strategies, letting seasonal meadows go un-mowed to increase forage for pollinators and managing invasive plants. This tour will focus on their technique for optimizing compost processing from onsite materials, such as grass clippings, and incorporation into their plantings. They will also discuss their process for native plant propagation.


Newmarket: The landowners have been creating and experimenting with landscaping for wildlife, beauty, and food on their one-acre yard for 25 plus years. They enjoy growing vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs and trees for themselves and to share with the local wildlife. To keep up with the needs of the wildlife that visit their property they have learned to adjust by overproducing or changing how or what they grow. They incorporate native plants as much as possible and let nature do its thing in some corners of their yard. They love to watch bees, flies, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators drawn to their yard. Turtles, turkeys, foxes, deer, bear, opossum, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and many other wildlife visit too. As the climate changes, trees grow taller, invasives invade, and they are constantly thinking about how to be more sustainable and reduce our impact on the planet.


What to Bring:

The entire event will be held outside, please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring snacks and water. 


Cost: Free, registration is required. https://learnforlife.unh.edu/portal/events/reg/participantTypeSelection.do?method=load&entityId=236369037



 





DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS COMPLETES TEST PITTING OVER MADBURY ROAD/PETTEE BROOK LANE CULVERT

As part of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Engineers Inc. (VHB) conducted an existing condition assessment of the of the culvert which carries the Pettee Brook under Madbury Road last summer. The assessment revealed extensive concrete deterioration on the inside of the reinforced concrete box culvert with exposed and failing reinforcing steel on the interior of the top slab.



The Durham Public Works Highway Division team members recently assisted VHB with an open trench, subsurface exploration to evaluate the external, buried condition of the culvert.

This work was completed to further inform the design approach for the planned construction improvements within Phase 1 of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project. 



 



DATA VERIFICATION FOR 2023 REVALUATION IS UNDERWAY

As you may be aware, the State of New Hampshire requires all real estate within the municipality to be reappraised at least every five years (per RSA 75:8-a) so property tax assessments are at their full and true value.  To keep in compliance with this law, the Town of Durham has contracted with Municipal Resources, Inc. to reappraise all residential and commercial properties in Durham for TY 2023.


Staff members from MRI have started the process of measuring the exterior and inspecting the interior all structures in Durham to make sure the data regarding each property is accurate.  Post card notifications will be mailed to residents letting them know they will be working in specific neighborhoods during the next few weeks.  If, for any reason you are not comfortable allowing an interior inspection, we kindly ask you to verify information at the door.  If you are not home, a notification will be mailed to you requesting an inspection or to verify information by phone.  If you do not wish to have a representative from MRI visit your property, please notify the Durham Assessor’s Office as soon as possible.  All MRI representatives will have a photo ID and a Municipal Letter of Introduction.   


Any questions regarding the project should be directed to the Durham Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064.  Updates regarding the project will be posted in the Friday Updates newsletter and through mailings.  We greatly appreciate your cooperation throughout this project.



 





 



DPW SEEKS EXPERIENCED WASTEWATER CHIEF OPERATOR

Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful Seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field and operates an awarding winning state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility utilizing the four-stage Bardenpho Process for nitrogen removal. We are seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of public works professionals to serve in the role of Wastewater Chief Operator.  


The Wastewater Division works closely with our partner, the University of New Hampshire, to provide wastewater collection and treatment services to both the Town and University. The Department is a fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. In 2023, the Treatment Plant is scheduled to undergo $3.8 million in process upgrades as part of its detailed Capital Improvement Plan.


In this important role you will report to the Superintendent of the Public Works, Wastewater Division and undertake challenging and rewarding work involving the operation, construction and maintenance of the Town’s Wastewater Treatment and Collection System. 


This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $26.04 to $33.02/hour, depending upon qualifications.


The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years of municipal wastewater related experience, a strong knowledge of all aspects of various mechanical systems, pumps, electrical, computer, laboratory techniques, regulatory reporting, SCADA associated with the treatment process, and the ability to troubleshoot and repair all associated equipment. 


Applicants will have a New Hampshire Class B CDL license with a clean driving record or the ability to obtain within one year of hire and the ability to hold or obtain a tanker endorsement. Possession of a New Hampshire Grade III Wastewater Operator license at a minimum is required. Applicants will be required to be on a rotational standby and required to work rotational weekends once per month. The position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and works in adverse weather conditions performing occasional strenuous physical labor.


Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs. Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Acting Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us



 





Rendering prepared by architect Nick Isaak



TIDELINE PUBLIC HOUSE

The Planning Board approved the application for Tideline Public House on Wednesday. It was approved by the Historic District Commission a few weeks ago. Durham residents Scott and Karen Letourneau plan to open a restaurant, tavern, and retail store in the old Town Offices at 15 Newmarket Road. Tideline will include a food truck court with outdoor seating and eight stands for a wide variety of dining options.  This proposed project has received enthusiastic support from many quarters in the community.  


The Letourneaus used to live in Bend, Oregon where there is a thriving food truck culture. They should be very successful in Durham given there are few if any food truck emporiums in the Seacoast area. The site should appeal to Durham residents, people driving past on Route 108, others in the region excited about this unique concept, and UNH students. The Letourneaus will serve beer and wine but the site will be low key and family oriented. Plans call for Tideline Public House to be open year round, even in the winter (with space heaters, of course).  You can see all of the documents related to the project HERE.



 





MAIN STREET CROSSWALK SIGNAGE

Crosswalk signage at several mid-block crosswalks on Main Street have been updated to align with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Device (MUTCD) guidance Section 2C.50.  The standard states, a post-mounted W11-2 sign is placed at the location of the crossing point where pedestrians might be crossing the roadway, a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque shall be mounted below the sign. These non-vehicular warning signs may be used to alert road users in advance of locations where unexpected entries into the roadway might occur or where shared use of the roadway by pedestrians might occur. Evaluation and updates of additional mid-block crosswalks where on-street parking may restrict sight lines is ongoing.  



 



DURHAM POLICE - SEASONAL PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Durham, NH Police Department is seeking applicants for the position of Seasonal Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO). Applicants selected to serve as the part-time PEO will enforce state and local parking laws and ordinances for our nationally accredited police department. This position works flexible hours during the University of New Hampshire academic school year. Part-time parking officers will not work holidays, summertime months, or any time the University is not in session. This position pays $16.00 an hour.


PEO duties will include state law and local ordinance enforcement, collection of parking meter monies, parking meter repair, traffic direction and control, some radio communications, maintaining access to meters during the winter, and other duties as assigned or as applicable. Training and uniforms will be provided.


Minimum qualifications for this position include a high school diploma or GED, the ability to walk and/or stand for a minimum of 8 hours each day, lift/carry a minimum of 50 pounds for short distances, and must read, write, and verbally communicate in the English language. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. The qualified candidate will be subject to a background check and reference check.


A Letter of Interest and Resume should be emailed to Sandra Hebert at: shebert@ci.durham.nh.us. This position will remain open until filled. The anticipated starting date from this selection process is Monday, August 15, 2022. This date is subject to change.


Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour



 



SEACOAST EAT LOCAL FARMERS' MARKET IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON

The Town of Durham is excited to welcome Seacoast Eat Local as the new management of the weekly Farmer’s Market in Durham. The Farmer’s Market is located at the new pocket park and parking lot at 66 Main Street. Please find information below for hours and location along with other helpful information. 


Location: Downtown Durham Pocket Park and Parking Lot at 66 Main Street 

Market Day and Time: Mondays 2:30 PM-6:00 PM, excluding holidays

What: Local vendors selling: Jams from Marti Gooze, Vegetables, flowers, small batch natural body care, pottery, textiles, broth, and goat's milk fudge and cheeses.

Music: A variety of local artists will be playing music the entirety of the season. Musical stylings expected include acoustic, bluegrass, folk, blues, and Americana. The opening day musician plays Acoustic Americana.


Make sure to follow on social media for updates, or go to their website: http://seacoasteatlocal.org/.



 





OLD COURTHOUSE MPR FLOOR/SIDE DOOR REPAIRS

The Durham Public Works Department coordinated with multiple contractors over the last few weeks to complete repairs to the multi-purpose room floor and side door at the Old Courthouse which sustained water damage during a powerful Nor’Easter on January 17th. Broken/rotted paneling on the door and surrounding trim were removed and repaired offsite. Additionally, about 30 ft2 of flooring which sustained damage was replaced.  



 



DRIVEWAY PERMITS - Tis’ the season for re-doing driveways!   

A friendly reminder that anyone who wishes to modify (by moving a driveway entrance, paving of an existing gravel drive, or repaving of an existing paved drive) or construct a new driveway from a Town controlled road cannot do so without a written permit issued by the Department of Public Works.

 

An application for a driveway permit can be obtained from the Public Works Department or online HERE.


The application fee is $100. 

 

Questions should be directed to Town Engineer April Talon at (603)-868-5578.



 



FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS EACH WEEK IN UNH TODAY ... AND VIA THE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CALENDAR PAGE

UNH Today is the official online publication of the University of New Hampshire. It delivers news, events, and multimedia devoted to bringing community members a weekly glimpse of the remarkable things happening on campus, in New Hampshire, and around the world.

As a subscriber, you'll learn about student and faculty achievement, the impact of UNH in the community, and timely information on the arts, sports, and special events that make UNH (and in part Durham) a vibrant place.

You may sign up to begin receiving UNH Today by clicking HERE

As you know, there is always a great deal happening on campus, and many events are not mentioned in UNH Today. Many other campus happenings can be researched via the UNH online calendar, which can be accessed HERE.



 





DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT'S TOWER TRUCK PASSES ANNUAL INSPECTION

On Thursday July 21, 2022, the Durham Fire Department completed its annual testing of the 2016 Ferrara tower truck. Aerial testing is done in accordance with NFPA 1914 Standard for Testing Fire Department Aerial Devices. This standard defines the minimum requirements for establishing an inspection, maintenance, and testing program for in-service fire apparatus. This standard identifies the systems and items on a fire apparatus that are to be inspected and maintained, the frequency of such inspections and maintenance, and the requirements and procedures for conducting performance tests on components. 


Each year the Durham Fire Department contracts with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to conduct a thorough inspection of all the functions of the tower truck. This process takes a better part of the day and includes load testing, visual inspection on welds, checking major nuts and bolts, sending the fluids out for analysis along with many other tests. All tests are non-destructive and conducted by a third party, certified EVT technician. The Durham Fire Department is proud to have a good maintenance program that helps ensure our apparatus are serviced and maintained to keep the fleet in safe operating condition and ready for response. Consistent with testing in years past, Durham’s tower truck has no major issues and continues to be a strong asset to the Town and University. 



 



RAYMOND A. LAROCHE ST. TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTER NOT ACCEPTING SALVATION ARMY DONATIONS AT THIS TIME

Due to staffing shortages at the Salvation Army, donation bin service has been temporarily suspended. As a result, the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center will not be accepting these donations during this time. Residents are encouraged to seek an alternative outlet for these items or hold onto them until service returns. 



 





Linden Woods Farm. Courtesy Eleanor Lonske



 



ICONS OF DURHAM POSTER - IMAGE #14

Linden Woods Farm – Image #14.  The beautiful poster “Icons of Durham” created by Ellie Lonske is now available. Just stop into the Town Clerk’s office to place an order. 


Karen Bishop and her husband Bill McGowan, who has served on the Durham Planning Board for many years, purchased Linden Woods Farm in 2002.  If you are not an equine enthusiast you might not know that there is a highly-regarded equestrian center at this 30-acre farm on Packers Falls Road. Double A Equestrians is operated by Karen Bishop and her daughter Leslie Ann McGowan. Leslie, a trainer and top-class dressage performer, was featured in Friday Updates last December.



 



BREEZELINE FIBER OPTIC PROJECT

Breezeline (formerly Atlantic Broadband) is in the process of installing a new fiber optic network throughout Durham that, according to Breezeline,  “will provide superfast, symmetrical internet speeds, Breezeline Stream TV, and voice services using Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology”. 

 

A Franchise Agreement was approved by the Durham Town Council and the conduit and fiber optic cable will be placed both underground and aerial along the same path as existing utilities within the public right away. Durham Public Works is in the process of reviewing and approving the necessary excavation permits, bonds and insurances and will provide inspection and oversight during the project. 

 

After placement, Breezeline will restore the ground to its pre-existing condition including loaming and seeding. Breezeline will be starting to construct the aerial plant later this year.



 





DURHAM PD REMINDS CITIZENS TO REMAIN VIGILANT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS

Recently one of our citizens received a notification (above) claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The letter informed the receiver that their social security number would be suspended within 48 hours due to suspicious activity. The person receiving the notice immediately recognized the letter to be a scam. The letter showed some of the telltale signs of a scam such as different size or different color font. The Social Security Administration may call you in some situations related to an account you may already be working on with them or if you have requested a call. According to the Social Security Administration, they will never:

  • Threaten you.
  • Suspend your SSN.
  • Demand immediate payment from you.
  • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, or wire transfer.
  • Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.
  • Ask for personal details or banking information to give you a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
  • A caller saying there is a problem with your SSN or account.

Don’t be fooled! You should look out for:

  • Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
  • Scammers pretending they’re from us or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by email may look official, but they are not.

How to protect your family:

  • If you receive a questionable call, hang up, and report the call to our Office of the Inspector General.
  • Don’t return unknown calls.
  • Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision.
  • Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss.
  • Learn more at http://oig.ssa.gov/scam.
  • Share this information with friends and family.

Learn more about fraud prevention and reporting at https://www.ssa.gov/scam/.



 





LEE WELL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS UPDATE

Durham Public Works continues to progress on a major rehabilitation of the Lee Well and Pump House Facility. Over the last week, Water Division staff in conjunction with painting contractor Caprioli Painting, completed exterior painting of the facility. Additionally, the chemical storage room received a fresh coat of paint including an epoxy membrane which was applied to the chemical containment areas. In preparation for this work, the 1000-gallon sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite storage tanks and associated piping were removed from the facility. Temporary day chemical storage tanks were installed and plumbed into an adjacent room to allow for uninterrupted water production during construction.


Earlier this year, Durham Public Works and Weston and Sampson Engineers field crews began work on a redevelopment of the well to optimize well yields. This included the removal and replacement of all pumping equipment as well as chemical treatments to break down and dissolve mineral deposits within the well casing and screen structures to reestablish well pumping and specific capacity. This process included obtaining a Temporary Groundwater Discharge Permit from the NHDES Drinking and Groundwater Bureau. Additionally, DPW’s roofing contractor, Southers Construction completed a full renovation of the roof structure, soffit vents, trim, and gable siding. A portion of this funding for this project was obtained through the American Rescue Plan Act’s Infrastructure Bill.



 





HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL AT THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

Durham Public Works, in conjunction with tree contractor, Orion Tree Service removed eight (8) hazardous ash trees of various sizes at the Durham Public Library this week. These trees were identified as hazardous by Durham’s Tree Warden and are the latest casualties of the Emerald Ash Borer. The trees posed a high risk to the safety and functionality of the infrastructure in their vicinity. All trees were safely removed without incident.



 





 



 



TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS

Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?

Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.



FacebookTwitter



 



UPCOMING EVENTS

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Oyster River Otters Swim Team registration is open for the Fall/Winter season, which has an anticipated start date of Sept. 18th. The swim team, which practices at the UNH Swasey Pool, is open to youth who can swim the length of the pool without stopping or pulling on lane ropes. Registration holds a spot for your swimmer. For more information about the team and to register go to our website. For answers to questions email us at otterswimteam@gmail.com 

One World Language School has partnered with the Oyster River School District. We will be hosting Chinese at Mast Way and Moharimet after school during the 2022-2023 academic year. Space is limited to 8 students per class and based on first-come, first-serve. For questions, please call or email Pranav Dadarwala; 207-370-8398 or pdadarwala@oneworldlanguageschool.org


To view more information regarding the above upcoming events, please CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW.



 



 





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.



 



 





Summer is the perfect time to check out the library's rain garden and this season's storywalk book!



DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY



Congratulations summer readers! We read approximately 162,831 minutes this summer! Winners of the raffles will all be drawn on Friday! For the month of August, make sure to pick up your prize book and Bagel Works gift certificate for participating in our program! And a big thank you to all of our sponsors this year: Oyster River Cycle and Sports, Bagel Works, The Big Bean, Wildcat Pizza, Golick's Barrington, Sweetened Memories, Hop 'n Grind, Monkey Minds Escape Rooms and Bah-mee! For more fun things to do in August and to keep an eye on fall programs (coming soon!), visit our youth webpage HERE!



The grown-ups did pretty great as well! This Adult Summer Reading Challenge was our biggest to date, with 263 participants who logged 387 books read! The final raffle drawing for our challenge is today at 5:00pm for our last two prize bags and our grand prize! Our thanks to our friends at Monkey Minds Escape Rooms for providing our grand prize! To see what's coming next, including fall programs and the return of art to our upstairs gallery with an exhibit by local plein air painter, Barbara Betjemann, check out our Upcoming Events page! 

Questions? We can help! The library staff is always available to answer your questions during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at http://durhampl@gmail.com



 





 



HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)

Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."

________________________

1850 - By vote of the town, Jacob Mathes was employed to quarry a stone, 3'10" by 1'10" and marked "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE" to be used in the construction of the Washington Monument. Inserted in the east wall of the 130' level it has been viewed by astonished Durhamites over the years.



 



Have a very nice weekend.

 

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA

t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us

He/him/his pronouns

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?

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