“FRIDAY UPDATES”

May 29, 2009

A snapping turtle takes a moment to sunbathe on a rock

Courtesy Andrea Bodo

The Memorial Day Parade went off without a hitch on Monday, May 25^thand the weather was perfect for a parade! A special “thank you” is extended to Amy Cunningham, member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, who helped organize the parade, as well as all other Town and civic groups who volunteered their time to help make the day memorable for the community.

THE FARMERS MARKET IS OPEN!

The Durham Farmers Market opened for the summer on Monday, June 1, 2009, and will continue through October 5, 2009. The market will be in the Pettee Brook parking lot every Monday from 2:30 to 5:30 PM. There will be several farmers selling vegetables and fruit, and residents will also find cut flowers, plants, bread, and more.

OYSTER RIVER DAM

On Monday evening, June 1, 2009, the Durham Town Council will continue its discussion relative to the Oyster River dam. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Council chambers at the Town Hall. To view the June 1^st Council communication containing more information on this topic, click HERE. To view some interesting pictures taken by resident Andrea Bodo of the Oyster River dam drawdown that was done on September 22, 2008, visit

http://picasaweb.google.com/afbodo/OysterRiverDamDrawDown922082pStephensEngineering?feat=email#

ORIENTATION FOR CHAIRS & VICE CHAIRS OF TOWN BOARDS

In an effort to provide chairs, vice chairs, and other committee members with information on the proper structure of meetings, the role of the committee chair, vice chair, secretary, alternates, and Council representatives, as well as outlining the basics of the Right-to-Know Law including agenda preparation and posting, minutes of meetings, and e-mail correspondence, Town Administrator Todd Selig will hold an orientation session for chairs and vice chairs of the various Town boards, commissions, and committees on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Council chambers at Town Hall. At the conclusion of the orientation, the administrator will open the floor for a question and answer session. All board and committee members are welcome to attend this important and informative orientation.

Story About Visiting Durham Via Train
Residents of Durham may find Ms. Marilyn Russell's story of her trip on the Amtrak Downeaster to Durham of interest on the Downeaster's WistleStop page. Community members may want to consider taking the Downeater themselves to one of our neighbor communities "just down the tracks" (either north or south) to explore new or familiar places by rail. How fortunate we are in Durham to have this seven day per week service. This "Downeaster Memory" appears on Amtrak's WhistleStop page and was written by Marilyn Russell of Epicurean Feast.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=WSArticlePage&pagename=WhistleStop%2FWSArticlePage%2FRiderMemories&cid=1189639675917

UNH RESOURCE GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE ON LINE

In an effort to help Durham residents better understand the resources at UNH, which are available locally, please visit the University’s Community Resource Guide. To view the guide on line, visit http://www.unh.edu/communityresources/

PROPERTY TAX BILLS – FIRST HALF 2009

Property tax bills will be mailed out today. Payments will be due on July 1, 2009.

SPRING WATER AND SEWER BILLS

Final reminder that the 2009 spring water and sewer bills are due on Monday, June 1, 2009.

PAVING AT JACKSON’S LANDING

Paving that was scheduled to occur at Jackson’s landing this week has been postponed due to the rain. Paving will begin on Tuesday, June 2^nd. Please remember…no parking on roadway, parking lots, or waterfront on the day of paving. The Department of Public Works recommends that, anyone wishing to launch a boat on Thursday of next week should use Adams Point, and that parents who would like to use the playground on that day visit the Town playground at Woodridge Park instead.

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 supported 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.

Four important reasons for conducting this research are:

1. Black bears will probably increase as they successfully adapt to human-dominated landscapes;

2. Little is known about the ecology of black bears reoccupying areas long without bear populations;

3. Community involvement offers a unique approach to monitoring bear activity, identifying and preventing human-bear conflicts, and promoting sound scientific management of black bears; and

4. This research is directly related to the management concept stressed in NH: “Something’s Bruin in New Hampshire: Learn to Live with Bears.”

To read more about this important research project and to access the survey, click HERE.

ORCSD STRATEGIC PLAN OVERSIGHT GROUP

The Oyster River School Board has committed to the development of a District Strategic Plan by June 2010. An important next step will be to form a representative group of interested people to help shape and oversee this exciting work. If you are interested in representing the school community at large, and would like to be considered as a candidate for this committee, please click HERE to view details and contact information.

Know of Someone Looking for an Apartment in Durham? -- Contact the Durham Landlords Association

The Durham Landlords Association was established to provide owners of residential apartment rental and off-campus housing and multi-unit managers/owners as well as Durham commercial real estate managers/owners with a voice in matters of property management, representation in matters dealing with local government officials, and other associated resources for successful landlord operations.

All Durham Landlord Association members are required to:

1. Act fairly and reasonably in dealing with apartment rental tenants and treat them with honesty, professionalism and dignity.

2. Strive to provide tenants with safe, clean, functional off-campus apartment housing and to comply with all safety related codes.

3. Stringently practice fair off-campus apartment housing policies as provided by law (Federal, state and local).

4. Respond promptly to tenant requests for service and assistance.

5. Strive to keep informed of, and to abide by applicable laws and regulations.

6. Maintain off-campus apartment properties in a way that is responsible to the surrounding neighbors and community, and encourage tenants to do the same.

7. Make every effort to maintain member properties so they contribute positively to the neighborhoods in which they are located.

8. Act fairly in all matters regarding security deposits: make only those deductions which are fair and reasonable, and return security deposits as promptly as possible.

9. Work to serve the community in which members live and do business.

For more information about the Durham Landlords Association, or if you know of individuals looking to rent an apartment and live in Durham, go to http://www.durhamlandlordassociation.com/.

ORHS SAVE DARFUR CLUB HOSTS COMMUNITY BENEFIT CONCERT

On Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 5:30-8:00 PM, the Oyster River High School Save Darfur Club will host a “Rock-For-Darfur” community benefit concert at the High School (behind the library and in the Multipurpose Room if raining). Admission is $4.00. All proceeds go to the Save Darfur Coalition. Bring your family and a blanket, enjoy great music from Esoteric Generation, The Mystic Gypsies, Marisa Kang, Max Harris, and more. There will be snacks and Save Darfur t-shirts for sale.

ORYA 8^TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Oyster River Youth Association will be holding its 8^th Annual Golf tournament on Monday, June 22, 2009 beginning at 7:30 AM at Wentworth By the Sea Country Club. Space is limited. Click here to register.

ORHS SENIOR ART SHOW

On Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, 2009, the Oyster River High School seniors will hold an Art Show at the Museum of Art, UNH. A reception will be held for seniors and guests on Friday, June 5^th, from 5:30-8:00 PM. Open hours will be on June 6^th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For directions and accessibility concerns, please visit http://www.unh.edu/moa/visit.html.

GROWING PLACES SUMMER CAMPS

Growing Places, a non profit early education and youth recreation agency, offers three different camp programs for children! Camp Cowabunga is for children ages 5-7 and offers arts and crafts, games, swimming, and a field trip every week. Bridge Camp, for children ages 7-9, offers a more active day with team building games, sports, and enrichment activities, daily swimming and field trips. At Adventure Camp, for ages 10-14, children are involved in more challenging activities, including outdoor adventures, service projects, water sports, and camping trips. All programs are licensed by the state of New Hampshire and have low staff to camper ratios. Programs run for 8 weeks starting on June 29. Part time, full time and extended care is available. Tuition assistance is available for eligible families. Please contact 868-1335 for more information and a registration packet.

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.

SUMMER ART CAMP OFFERED AT THE MUSEUM OF ART, UN H

The Museum of Art, University of New Hampshire, is offering week-long summer art classes for children on Monday through Friday during the weeks of August 3-7 and August 10-14, 2009. Children in grades 4 – 9 have a wide variety of classes to choose from and may sign up for classes during the morning (9 am – noon) or afternoon sessions (1 – 4 pm) or both. The cost per session is $125 per session or $225 for two sessions during the same week. Classes include the cost of basic materials. Lunch is not provided, but children are welcome to bring their lunches to enjoy in the Paul Creative Arts Center. Supervision is provided during the lunch hour. Pre-registration is required by July 10, 2009. For more information, visit www.unh.edu/moa.

WALK NH 2009 EVENT

On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and Durham will celebrate Walk NH Week 2009 with a 3-mile walk around the UNH campus and the Town of Durham. New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has proclaimed June 1-7 Walk NH Week as a way to promote walking and help keep New Hampshire residents on a healthy path. The goal of Walk NH Week is to inspire participants to continue walking as part of a healthy lifestyle long after the June events end. For more information and to register online, visit http://www.unh.edu/hr/walkNH2009.html. Questions regarding the walk can be addressed to Christina VanHorn at 862-0519, Chris.VanHorn@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 or email sasha@on-belay.org.

MADE IN NEW ENGLAND PRODUCTS SOUGHT FOR FIRST SEACOAST PUBLIC MARKET

Do you make a high quality product that is made in New England and are struggling for an affordable way to promote or sell your goods in this economy? Tastes of New England in Durham is seeking local manufacturers of food, gifts and art to sell their wares at Seacoast, New Hampshire’s first-ever public market at the Frank Jones Center in Portsmouth. The event starts on Saturday, June 6, 2009 and three additional June and August dates are planned. The cost to participate on all four dates is $100. The deadline for space reservations is May 19, 2009 and is first come, first serve. Specialty, gourmet, and prepared food vendors must be appropriately licensed and will need to apply for a temporary permit with the City of Portsmouth. To apply or for more information, contact Tastes of New England at (603) 762-4155 or via email at info@tastesofnewengland.com.

ONE WORLD LANGUAGE SCHOOL @ MOHARIMET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Early language education provides a lifetime of opportunities. The One World Language School will hold a Registration and Information Night on Wednesday, June 10th from 4:30-6:30 at the Mohariment Elementary School. Learn about and register for our French, German, Spanish, and Chinese classes for children ages 3 and up. Classes are held Wednesday afternoons at Moharimet. The 2009-10 academic year starts in September. Classes fill quickly so register soon! For more information, please contact Julie Reece at julie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org or 866-0364.

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meetings are 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.

Durham Energy Committee – Monday, June 1, 2009 (4:30 PM)

Town Council – Monday, June 21, 2009

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee – Tuesday, June 2, 2009 (7:30 AM)

Orientation for Chairs/Vice Chairs of Town Boards – Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Historic District Commission – Thursday, June 4, 2009

To view the agenda for the meetings 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

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 5 2 UNH (40%) 3 Other (60%)

*2008/09 Academic Year -914 580 UNH (63%) 334 Other (37%)

Calendar Year –437 274 UNH (63%) 163 Other (37%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008

This data represents the 2008/09 Academic Year End Report which will begin anew in August.

Historical data for the same week

Year	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Week	Not calculated	12	10	8	5
Academic Year		1069	1011	900	914
Calendar Year		407	498	459	437

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1912 – For 19 years a Durham Co-operative Company existed which allowed its members to beat the high cost of living by buying in quantity at wholesale prices. Items purchased were groceries, coal, auto accessories, clothing, magazines, snowshoes, ovens and electrical items.”

“1912 – Theodore Roosevelt was campaigning for the presidency. President Gibbs planned to meet him on the train, but Gorham Sawyer, a distinguished looking butcher, leaped into the private car and shook hands with Roosevelt. ‘Glad to meet you, President Gibbs.’ Gibbs was not at all pleased!”

“1912 – ‘Voted to pay the Rev. Everett Stockpole $700 to write a history of Durham.’ Assisted by Winthrop Meserve and Lucien Thompson, it was published in 1913 in 2 volumes and sold for $5. Reprinted with the approval of the Durham Historic Association in 1973 in one volume for $25.”

Have a nice 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

The Town of Durham has developed a list server. The server provides interested individuals with updates and announcements concerning the community. Individuals interested in subscribing should send an email to Town_of_Durham@ci.durham.nh.us and type the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line