“FRIDAY UPDATES”

April 24, 2009

 

 

 

Members of the Bourgoin-Reardon American Legion Auxiliary Unit 94 (date unknown)

Front Row (l-r):  Beverly Burrows, Lorraine Chase, Pearl Libby, Myra Jennison, Deborah Moore, Barbara Langley

Back Row (l-r):  Betty Robinson, Alma Tirrell, Marjorie Moore

Courtesy Beverly Burrows

 

The Town of Durham has received notification that it has been awarded the New Hampshire Beautification Award for excellence in a landscaping project, which was attributed to the Jackson’s Landing rehabilitation.  Governor John Lynch will present the award  to Town representatives in his office in Concord next Friday, May 1^st, at 3:30 PM. The Town would like to thank the many volunteers who worked on the Jackson’s Landing project for their efforts. This award is certainly a credit to and in honor of the many helpful hands and minds involved in the rehabilitation. Besides the landscaping work that was done last fall, additional landscaping has begun at Jackson’s Landing, continuing the project.

 

2009 Memorial Day Parade 

On Monday, May 25, 2009, all veterans are invited to join in the 62^nd annual Durham Memorial Day Parade. Colonel Richard “Dick” Dewing, United States Air Force, retired, will be our Parade Marshall.

 

This year, the Auxiliary Unit 94 of the Bourgoin-Reardon American Legion has requested that the Town assume primary responsibility for planning and organizing the Memorial Day Parade.  To this end, the Town and the Parks and Recreation Committee will take on and continue this traditional Durham activity. The Bourgoin-Reardon Unit 94 Auxiliary has faithfully organized the Memorial Day Parade for many years in Durham and we extend a warm thank you to the members for their considerable efforts.

 

Prior to the parade, a ceremony honoring New Hampshire veterans who served in the US Armed Forces will be held at 9:00 AM in front of the UNH Memorial Union Building.  For those residents who have not seen the Memorial Room in the MUB for which the building was named, the visit is well worth the trip. The room in the MUB is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows developed by the late Durham artist/resident John Hatch, and the names of those who died in the service of our country. At the conclusion of this ceremony, limited transportation—mainly car-pooling—will transport marching persons to Laurel Lane.

 

The parade will step off from Laurel Lane at 10:00 AM with transportation provided for those who elect not to march, proceed down Route 108/Newmarket Road to the Oyster River Bridge for a brief ceremony, and continue up Churchill to Memorial Park opposite Young’s Restaurant for a third and final ceremony. Town Councilors are invited to march in the parade and Councilors interested in participating should plan to be at Laurel Lane at 9:45 AM.

 

The parade has grown from the original World War I and II veterans to include all veterans from that time forward as well as many of our civic organizations. Please join us in showing our respect and gratitude for those who have served our country and our Town. We hope for a strong turnout at the parade. All are welcome to join with us to honor those who have defended our nation from colonial days until the present.

 

PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR POSITION (PART-TIME)

The Town of Durham is seeking a part-time, year-round (20+ hours/week) Parks and Recreation Director responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating parks and recreation programs and services for the community.

 

Ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work closely with volunteers, strong planning, organizational, and writing skills, independence & initiative, and a general knowledge of parks and recreation issues, funding sources, and budget development and oversight.

 

This is a newly created position which will work closely with a volunteer Parks & Recreation Committee, town staff, and other community groups.  The position reports directly to the Town Administrator. 

 

Minimum qualifications are a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management or related field preferred, and at least one year working with the public in a parks and recreation position or related area.  An acceptable combination of experience may be combined to fulfill the formal educational requirement.  Hourly Pay Range: $19.46 to $23.79. 

 

Durham is a dynamic community located in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region with a population of approximately 13,626, and is home to the University of New Hampshire.

 

Interested persons should reply with cover letter and resume by May 31, 2009 to Town Administrator’s Office, 15 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or email information to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. To view the detailed job description for this position, click HERE. 

 

The Town of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

Black Bear Research Continues in Durham

The Town of Durham will be the focus of a continuing black bear research project at UNH, funded by the NH Fish and Game Department and USDA-Wildlife Services in Concord.  The major goal of this research is to learn more about the behavior and ecology of suburban bears in southeastern New Hampshire. As many residents know, sightings and interactions with black bears in Durham have become relatively common place in recent years.  Last year, many residents contributed valuable information about bear locations and behavior in Durham, and at least 3 different bears were photographed at bait sites in town.  A 2.5 year old male bear was eventually captured on the Durham-Lee town line in September and fitted with ear tags and a radio-collar. Surprisingly, this bear roamed a 124 square mile range and was located as far west as Candia.  To read more about this important research project and to access the survey, click HERE.

 

 

REINCARNATE A TOMATO!

Composting kitchen and yard waste is a key component to sustainable living. In the process of creating a great additive to our soil we can divert upwards to 25% of our waste going to landfills. Spring is a great time to begin composting and get on the garden path to becoming a soil magician. Check out the composting display in the Town Hall lobby to review different approaches. If we divert just 10 % of the 1774 tons of household waste disposed of in 2008, Durham could save $ 11,823.77 in 2009.  If you’re not composting already, please consider one of the many methods to compost your kitchen waste. Either learn how to make a simple compost bin yourself (go to http://extension.missouri.edu and search for “compost bin”) or consider a composting container such as those shown on display in the Town Hall. Our Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) and Public Works are promoting this composting campaign.  If interested in participating in the bulk purchase of “The Earth Machine” for $40.00 each, email the IWMAC at iwmac@ci.durham.nh.us or call Public Works at 868-5578 by May 29, 2009. Provide us with your contact information and we’ll get back with you on arrangements. The other composters in our display are available through dealers and their manufacturers.

 

 

SPECIAL BRUSH COLLECTION SCHEDULED

There will be a special brush collection on Monday, April 27. 2009, concluding by May 8, 2009, to help residents dispose of the surplus debris from the December ice storm.  Two contracted crews will be hired to do the town-wide collection as part of the FEMA reimbursement for the December 2008 ice storm disaster. All brush and limbs must be neatly stacked and out by 7:00 AM, Monday, April 27^th--no exceptions.  Please take caution to not block sidewalks.  If items are put out after the date and the collection is missed, crews will not be able to return to pick them up.  Limbs must be less than 10 inches in diameter to be collected since they will be chipped.  If collection is missed, or if residents want to bring items to the Transfer Station instead, they must abide by the 5 inch by 5 foot maximum and bring them on Tuesdays or Saturdays between 7:30 AM and 3:15 PM.  Federal FEMA grant funds are largely offsetting the cost of this collection.

 

Spring Cleanup

The annual bulky waste collection will be held starting Monday, May 11^th, all items out by 7:00 AM.  This is the Spring Cleanup where residents may put out their bulky waste for collection instead of bringing it up to the Transfer Station with a coupon.  Remember that electronics will still need to have their stickers attached in order to be collected.  The details for the collection are in the Spring Newsletter which residents should have received. 

 

GATE VALVE EXERCISING AND FLUSHING OF WATER MAINS

The Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire will be exercising gate valves starting Tuesday, April 28, 2009 through Friday, May 8, 2009, from approximately 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  In addition, water mains will be flushed beginning Monday, May 11, 2009 and ending on or before Friday, May 22, 2009.  Flushing will be done at night between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.  These procedures are necessary to eliminate the buildup of sediment in the water mains.  Gate valve exercising and flushing of the mains may cause temporary discoloration of the water however the water remains safe for drinking.  This discoloration will disappear with normal household use.  It is suggested that sensitive laundry not be washed if the water is obviously discolored. Residents are cautioned to not draw water if they observe flushing in your area.  Please call the UNH Water Supply at 862-1390 or the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 with questions and/or concerns.

 

2009 ROAD PROGRAM BID AWARD

On Monday, April 20, 009, the 2009 Road Program bid was awarded by the Town Council to Libby Scott, Inc. of Wells, ME.  This year’s program consists of the application of a 1/2” shim, 1” overlay, and shoulder gravel back-up along Madbury Road. 

 

LIQUID ASSETS DOCUMENTARY TO AIR ON DCAT, CHANNEL 22

On Sunday, April 26, 2009, beginning at 8:00 PM, DCAT Channel 22 will feature the 90-minute documentary Liquid Assets which tells the story of essential municipal infrastructure systems: water, wastewater, and stormwater. These systems — some in the ground for more than 100 years — provide a critical public health function and are essential for economic development and growth. Largely out of sight and out of mind, these aging systems have been marginally maintained, and some estimates suggest this is the single largest public works endeavor in our nation’s history.  To learn more about Liquid Assets, view this webpage: http://liquidassets.psu.edu/the_film/index.html

 

2009 UNH Outdoor Swimming Pool Vouchers

The Town is assisting the University once again with the cleaning of the outdoor pool in preparation for the 2009 summer season. 

Pool pass vouchers will be available at the Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office, 15 Newmarket Road on Monday, May 25, 2009. The Town Clerk’s Office is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This year there will be 447 pool vouchers available only for Durham youths ages 2-17 and senior citizens 62 years and older to receive a $45.00 discount off the full price of a season pass. This is an additional $10.00 discount over last year. Vouchers are issued on a first come, first served basis. Pool pass vouchers must be picked up BEFORE purchasing a pool pass, and are sold at the Front Service Desk at the Hamel Student Recreation Center, located next to the Whittemore Center on the UNH campus.

 

More information as to when pool passes will go on sale and when the UNH outdoor pool will open for the season will be published in a future Friday Update. More information may also be obtained by calling the UNH Campus Recreation Department at 862-2031 or visiting their website at http://campusrec.unh.edu.

 

Road Sweeping

The spring sweeping operation is moving along nicely.  The Department of Public Works has completed approximately 80% of the Town’s sweeping thus far and will continue until all Town roads have been swept. 

 

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meeting is scheduled for the coming week in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town Office and will begin at 7:00 PM unless otherwise indicated below.

 

Informational Meeting on Senate Bill 168 – Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (5:00 - 6:30 PM)

Planning Board – Wednesday, April 29, 2009 

 

To view the agenda for the meeting listed above, please click HERE.  All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing. 

To view the Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, click HERE. 

To view the Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, click HERE.

 

DURHAM CABLE ACCESS TELEVISION PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

To view a listing of the DCAT programming schedule, click HERE 

 

PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON SENATE BILL 168

On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, a legislative informational meeting on Senate Bill SB 168 will be held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. The informational meeting will be conducted by Representative Judith Spang, Chair of the House Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, and Ted Diers, Program Director of the New Hampshire Coastal Program. This bill proposes to replace the Estuary Alliance for Sewage Treatment (EAST) enabled by RSA 485E with another more broad organization called the Coastal Watershed Alliance, and public input will be used to make major revisions to SB 168. For more information about the SB 168 visit the NH Senate Website at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/ and do a “quick bill search” for SB 168.

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE WATER RESOURCE PLAN

On Tuesday, April 28, 7:00-9:00 PM, at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department Conference Room (225 Main Street, at Mast Road) a meeting will be held relative to New Hampshire’s Water Resources Plan. New Hampshire’s economic well-being, public health, and quality of life depend on the sustainable management of water resources. Consequently, the state is developing a plan to better manage and protect this significant resource. The meeting, which will include New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services staff, New Hampshire Representative Judith Spang, and Michelle Daley, Associate Director of the New Hampshire Water Resources Research Center, provides an opportunity to learn more about the state’s water resources and to provide input into the plan. This meeting is sponsored by the Strafford Rivers Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust dedicated to the conservation of the natural resources, beauty, and character of land throughout Strafford County. For more information, visit <http://www.straffordriversconservancy.org/> or call 516-0772.

 

Oyster River Dam Public Hearing

On Monday, May 4, 2009, the Durham Town Council will hold a Public Hearing to receive input regarding options for repairing, replacing, or removing the Oyster River Dam at the Mill Pond located along Route 108/Newmarket Road in Durham. Following the public hearing on this matter, the Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting (if time allows). Since a large number of residents is expected to speak to this specific issue, the agenda will not include the usual Public Comments period.

 

The Public Hearing will begin at 7:00 PM and will be held at the Oyster River High School Multipurpose Room, Coe Drive. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearing and express their views.  Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday, May 1, 2009, at the Town Administrator’s office. Comments may also be sent by electronic mail to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us A copy of the final report relative to the cost comparison for rehabilitation versus decommissioning of the Oyster River Dam may be viewed at the Town Administrator’s Office located on the second floor of Town Hall, 15 Newmarket Road, or on the Town’s web site at www.ci.durham.nh.us.

 

OYSTER RIVER DAM eligibility for listing in the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places

The Town of Durham has been notified by the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources of the Oyster River Dam’s eligibility for listing in the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. The Durham Historic District Commission/Heritage Commission recently submitted the structure for consideration by the state. Because the Town is presently considering the future of the dam, the Administrator will follow up with the Division of Historical Resources regarding its designation once the Town has completed its local discussions and dialogue relative to the dam.

 

ADOPT-A-TRAIL PROGRAM

Parks & Recreation Committee is looking for people interested in taking part in the "Adopt-a-Trail" program to begin in late May.  Details will follow, but basically the committee is looking for people who enjoy Durham's trails and would like to help ensure that the trails remain in good condition.  Citizens interested in having their names added to the information list are asked to please send an email to durhamtrails@yahoo.com and someone from the Parks & Recreation Committee will be in contact with more information.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

Pajama Storytime at the Durham Public Library, Tuesday April 28, 2009, 6:30 PM. Come to this special evening storytime in your pajamas. Stories are followed by a craft and a snack. Sponsored by the Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers (ORPP). For a list of all of our events, please see our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org and click on Calendar.

 

ORMS Jazz Band Upcoming Performances

The Oyster River Middle School Jazz Band will be performing throughout the month of April into the first of May at the events listed below. For more information, contact Emma Bricker at 862-2355, or go to the Jazz Band web site at www.debbiehodge.typepad.com/orms_jazz_band

 

Sun, 4/26, 3:00 PM - Jazz Through the Miles 5K Fund Run/Walk. Begins and ends at the UNH Thompson School and Applied Science

Sat, 5/9, 9:30-11:00 AM – Oyster River Festival at the OR High School behind the library.

 

United Campus Ministry Benefit Concert

On Thursday, April 30, 2009, from 6:00-9:00 PM, the United Campus Ministry (UCM) to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) will have an evening of local acoustic music at the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street. UCM’s inclusive outreach provides support to UNH Students and the Durham Community. The doors open at 6:00 PM for dessert, coffee, and socializing. Silent auction items to benefit UCM will be open for bidding throughout the evening. The musical performances begin at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door.

 

OYSTER RIVER WOMENADE ANNUAL QUACKFEST

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, at 12:30 AM (rain date: May 17, 2009—no activities), Oyster River Womenade will hold its first Oyster River QuackFest – A Rubber Duck Race down the Oyster River at the Durham Landing. This is a fun family event with a BBQ, Kaleide-scoop Ice Cream, activities for kids and of course, the excitement of cheering the ducks down the river. Oyster River Womenade is a nonprofit group that provides immediate assistance to people in times of hardship. A barbeque lunch will be available for participants. For additional information go to www.orwomenade.org or via e-mail at orwomenade@comcast.net. 

 

LEE CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL 18^TH ANNUAL PLANT SALE

On Friday, May 15, 2009 from 4:00-7:00 PM, and on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, the Lee Church Congregational, located in the center of Lee on Route 155, will hold its 18^th Annual Plant Sale.  Over 2,000 perennials, trees, shrubs, and shade plants--many of them field grown--will be offered.  Vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, and herbs will be offered. Fresh plants for Saturday sales. Featured this year are 4 year-old kousa dogwood trees, hardy deep gold forsythia shrubs, and dwarf lupines.  A beef stew, macaroni and cheese, salad bar supper will be held concurrently with the Friday evening sale from 5:00-7:00 PM.  Breakfast will be available on Saturday morning.  Strafford County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions. For additional information, please contact Barb Wauchope at 659-8857.

 

UNH ART AND ART HISTORY NEEDS TABLES FOR PUBLIC ART PROJECT
Monday, April 27 through Thursday, April 30, 2009, the UNH Art and Art History department will hold a public art project, Green Art and the Growing Divide, on the UNH campus from the Murkland Hall courtyard to the back of Dimond Library. The department is seeking wooden tables of any size for this event. Wooden tables and chairs can be nicked, have stains, even be fake wood. Someone from UNH can pick up the tables, or they can be dropped off. Please call Amy at 862-0309 or email discovery.program@unh.edu with any questions. 

 

UNH CAMP WILDCAT BEGINS JUNE 29

Registration is open for UNH Camp Wildcat for the summer 2009. Camp Wildcat is a 7-week summer camp for youth that takes place on the UNH Campus and is sponsored by Campus Recreation.  It has been in existence for over 20 years.  Camp Wildcat currently offers one free session of camp to all Forest Park residents, as well as a scholarship program that offers one free registration for Mast Way Elementary, Moharimet Elementary, and Oyster River Middle School.  The scholarship is coordinated by the nurse’s office at each school.  For more information regarding this program and to register, visit http://campusrec.unh.edu/index.cfm?ID=A7CD2551-96B0-C712-0A368ACAC28CE6D1 or contact Erika Cooper at 862-0845, erika.cooper@unh.edu.

 

ON BELAY – UNIQUE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM

On Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the University of New Hampshire Browne Center will hold its spring On Belay program. On Belay is an organization committed to helping young people (ages 10-18) discover their own power to face the extraordinary challenge of living with a loved ones’ diagnosis of cancer or other life-changing illness. To register for the spring program, visit www.on-belay.org. For more information, please contact Executive Director, Sasha Eisele, at 1-914-643-3345, sasha@on-belay.org.

 

ORWA Riverwalk “Quest”

On Saturday, April 25, 2009 beginning at 9:00 AM, the Oyster River Watershed Association (ORWA) will sponsor a Quest at Tuckaway Farm in Lee. Tuckaway Farm is located off of Route 155, ½ mile north of Five Corners. The driveway, which is approximately ½ mile long, is located directly across from Demerritt Hill Orchard (past The Caretaker’s Cottage). A Quest is an event in which participants, singly or in groups, follow a map to locate various points of interest, where descriptions are found to tell stories about those locations. In this Quest, the stories will be about the Oyster River, Tuckaway Farm, and the associated natural resources. Field clothing, appropriate for the weather, is suggested. All are welcome. For more details, please contact Dick Weyrick, 868-2962, dweyrick@comcast.net.

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 44                                         28 UNH (64%)           16 Other (36%)

*2008/09 Academic Year – 733     471 UNH (64%)         262 Other (36%)

Calendar Year –256                         165 UNH (64%)         91 Other (36%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

 

Historical data for the same week

Year	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Week	30	34	31	39	44
Academic Year	878	960	805	730	733
Calendar Year	341	298	302	289	256

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1909 – The Boston Post newspaper gave a gold-headed cane to each New England Town to be transmitted to the oldest resident. True Lovering was our first recipient, then J. Smith, E. Griffiths, C. Scott, S. Runlett, Jr., C. Pettee, A. Clough, A. Craig, F. York, H. Hatch, W. Dean, and E. Hitchcock.”

 

In 1909, Edwin A. Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, came up with a scheme to promote his newspaper.  He ordered 700 canes to be made by New York Manufacturer J.F. Fradley and Co. which he then forwarded to the Boards of Selectmen of 700 of the smaller New England towns, requesting that each town present its cane to the oldest male resident of the town, and that it be passed on to each succeeding eldest male citizen.  Around 1930, women were also allowed to become recipients.  No expense was spared in the creation of these canes, with the shaft being made from African ebony, topped by a 14-carat gold plated head which was engraved with each town's name.

 

Throughout the cane’s history, not all those who were eligible were willing to accept the honor.  Some potential recipients felt that the cane was the unlucky precursor to their passing from this world. The last recorded recipient of Durham’s Boston Post Cane was Leopold von Kanicky. Mr. Kanicky died on March 25, 1992 at 99 years of age.

 

Of the original 700 canes, more than 400 are still known to exist.  Most of the remaining canes are no longer in circulation, having been placed with the towns' historic associations or in town vaults.

 

On March 1, 1993, the Durham Town Council voted to retire its Boston Post Cane and have it entrusted to the Durham Historic Association, where it is currently being preserved and in excellent condition.

 

Have a good weekend.

 

Todd

 

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham
15 Newmarket Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Tel (603) 868-5571
Fax (603) 868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us
www.ci.durham.nh.us

 

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