January 02, 2013 NEW DURHAM— For New Durham, 2012 was the year in which the town celebrated its 250th birthday, and this event showcased how the town could come together to celebrate the history of the town.
January
The fire department moved away from Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid over to Strafford County Dispatch to assist with radio communications and moved to a new radio frequency.
February
Reginald Meatty came before the selectmen and after conducting an interview, he was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant of the New Durham Police Department.
March
During the town elections, nine officials were elected to positions, with none of the races being contested, and a pair of amendments brought forward by the planning board were approved.
The following people were elected to three-year positions: Theresa Jarvis, selectman; Cecile Chase, moderator; Dorothy Veisel, planning board; Joan Martin, library trustee; David Allen, trustee of the trust funds; and Jennifer Bourassa, cemetery trustee.
Additional positions included: Angela Pruitt, trustee of the trust funds for two years; Cheryl Cullimore, six-year position of supervisor of the checklist; Anneleen Loughlin, two-year positions as supervisor of the checklist.
The two warrant articles proposed by the planning board included extending the Town Center Mixed Use District and the second one clarified the enforcement of the Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Guidelines.
The town meeting on March 14 included the passing of all 12 articles presented before the public. Items addressed in passing the articles included: the operating budget, various capital reserve funds and various expendable trust funds.
Lawrence "Larry" Corson was recognized as the Citizen of Year for his work winding the town clock for more than 70 years.
April
In April, sadness swept through the community as it was reported that Darren Duncanson, 18, of New Durham, was killed in a car accident. Duncanson was a senior at Kingswood and was killed in a car accident in Porter, Maine, on April 1.
At the end of the month, the board of selectmen approved hiring Mike Joy as a new police officer in the New Durham Police Department.
May
Cathy Orlowicz presented a painting of the 1772 Meetinghouse to the board of selectmen. Later in the year, the meetinghouse was classified as a historic building and will be protected through a state program.
June
A golf tournament was held at the Nippo Lake Golf Course to benefit the Mark D. Jarvis Scholarship Fund. The four-person best-ball tournament helped raise money for scholarships that went to seniors headed off to college.
July
The town celebrated its 250th birthday with a huge celebration that included a parade throughout town and the display of many town artifacts that showed the history of the town, including its incorporation some 250 years ago. Many historical documents and pictures were donated to show how far the town has come along in its history.
August
The board of selectmen approved hiring Nathan Slight as a part-time officer with the New Durham Police Department.
September
The board of selectmen met with Police Chief Shawn Bernier in regards to hiring a new full-time police officer. The chief talked about bringing candidates forward in the coming weeks. This issue actually never came to fruition, as selectmen chose not to support the candidate brought forward.
October
Town Administrator Allison Webb finished her tenure in her position on Oct. 1. Webb moved onto a position with the city of Dover as the human resources director. She was replaced by Jeremy Bourgeois, an employee of Municipal Resources Incorporated.
November
The sixth annual edible book fair was held at the New Durham Public Library, and judging by all the empty plates it was a success.
December
To finish off the celebration of its 250 years in existence, a time capsule was created. Items were donated to the capsule from different departments throughout the town and private donations were also accepted from citizens throughout town.
The time capsule was sealed on Dec. 10 and will be stored in the New Durham Town Hall until it is opened in 50 years.
Tim Croes can be reached at tcroes@salmonpress.com or 569-3126
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