Group exploring RSU exit seeks input

A group of Durham citizens has submitted petitions to the Board of Selectmen calling for a town vote asking if Durham wishes to withdraw from Regional School Unit 5. Maine law now requires the selectmen to put this question before the voters. A date for the vote has not been determined.

So that voters will be well informed prior to voting, the Board of Selectmen has appointed an Educational Exploration Committee. The mission of the Educational Exploration Committee is to explore all available options for the future education of Durham students. The committee will report to the Board of Selectmen with pros and cons of each option, and will report to the town at a public hearing prior to any referendum votes. Members of the committee include: Chairman Kevin Nadeau, Vice Chairman Milt Simon, Secretary Michelle Ritcheson, Candace Descipkes, John Ricker, Allan Purinton and Rod Stimpson. Josh Libby will be representing the Board of Selectmen.

The committee is interested in hearing from Durham residents about their questions and concerns related to Durham’s membership in the RSU. The committee can be contacted via email at durham.eec@gmail.com. There will also be a public meeting at the Durham Community School on Monday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for residents to bring their questions and concerns to the committee for future follow-up.

Brush fires, campfires require permits

According to William St. Michel, the town’s forest warden, any person wanting to burn logs, brush, grass, pasture, blueberry land or have a campfire is required by Maine law to obtain a burning permit.

There are time frames in which burning can and cannot be done, based on the availability of fire department personnel. Weather conditions play a part in determining whether burning permits will be issued as well. The individuals who sign the permit are legally responsible for the fire. They are required to make sure all safety precautions and time frames are adhered to. The fire must be attended at all times. The person signing the permit is legally responsible for any damages or suppression costs resulting from the fire.

On Saturdays and Sundays, permits are available at the fire and rescue station, from 9-11 a.m. On weekdays, permits may be obtained at the fire and rescue station, after 9 a.m., but permits are controlled by availability. Plan and call ahead. There is also a new method of obtaining burning permits. They may be obtained online at www.maine.gov/burnpermit; however, there is a $7 fee for a two-day permit. For permits call Durham Fire and Rescue at 353-2473.

Masonic Lodge

holding bean supper

The Masonic Lodge’s bean supper will be on Saturday, Aug. 11, from 4:30-6 p.m. The lodge is located on Route 136 across from the River Park. Prices are $7.50 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12 and children under 5 are free. The menu includes: baked beans, chop suey, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, pickles and homemade pies.

Check out the town online and on TV

The town of Durham’s website is located at durhamme.com. You can view a calendar of events, meetings, announcements, ordinances and links to other sites such as the school and fire departments. For more information on the website call 240-1637 or email dlarabe56@gmail.com.

To add events to the Durham town TV channel call Shannon Plourde at 353-2561 or e-mail sptownclerk@durhamtown.comcastbiz.net.

Historical society hosting open house

The Durham Historical Society will be hosting an open house from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 21. The public is invited to view the many historical Durham items on display at the Union Church/Old Town Hall on Route 136. Local church services

The First Congregational Church of Durham has services at 10 a.m. every Sunday. The pastor is Michael Johnson.

Services for the Shiloh Church are every Sunday at 10 a.m. The pastor is Ron Parker

Services for Friends Meeting are every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The pastor is Daphne Clement.

Kids day camp

The First Congregational Church of Durham will be holding a free kids day camp from July 30-Aug. 3 from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. The camp is designed for kids from ages 3-15, and babies are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

There will be games, crafts, music, beverages and snacks. A simple breakfast and lunch will also be provided.

Events planned for the day camp are: Horse Day, including a visit to Celestial Farm, activities at the church that day will continue with the horse theme; Community Garden Day, visiting the garden at the Durham Community School along with other garden-themed activities; Water Day, visit to Runaround Pond with water safety lessons; Durham Day, campers will visit the fire station and the town office. There will be games and lessons about Durham at the church, using the big map of Durham from the church’s Memorial Day float. Friday will be Fun Day, featuring old-fashioned games like croquet, hula hoops, musical chairs and more. Pizza from Get ‘N Go will be served for lunch.

Lisbon Area

Christian Outreach

The Lisbon Area Christian Outreach’s food pantry and clothing bank hours are: Wednesday: 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m. to noon and Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 a.m. LACO serves the communities of Bowdoin, Durham and Lisbon. The LACO website is located at www.lacopantry.org. The physical address for food and clothing is the Marion T. Morse Community Center, enter from the Berry Avenue side behind the Lisbon United Methodist Church. The clothing bank is now accepting spring/summer clothing. The clothing bank cannot accept furniture, appliances, etc., as they do not have the room to store them. For more, call Debbie at 240-1637.

Upcoming meetings

The Durham Telecommunications Committee will be meeting on July 23 at 7 p.m. in the Durham Town office. Additionally, the code enforcement officer will be at the town office on July 25 from 5-7 p.m.

The Durham selectmen will be meeting on July 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the Durham Town Office.

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