“FRIDAY UPDATES”

September 25, 2009

 

 

Courtesy Sara Badger-Wilson

Durham youths participate in a wheelbarrow race--one of many activities enjoyed by those who attended Durham’s annual “Durham Day” event on Sunday, September 20, 2009. A “thank you” is extended to volunteer coordinator Nicole Moore for her many years in coordinating this event.

 

 

Sundown on set on Sunday, September 27th represents the start of the Jewish High Holy Day Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, ends at nightfall on Monday, September 28th.

 

RENTAL HOUSING COMMISSION

On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, the Durham Rental Housing Commission met. A large number of residents as well as landlords attended the meeting in which the topic of student rentals within residential areas throughout Town was raised. To read The New Hampshire article regarding the meeting, please visit http://www.tnhonline.com/durham-residents-look-to-curb-problems-with-student-renters-1.529079.

  

HOP ON THE BUS TO BOSTON

C&J bus service has added a new stop at UNH that allows passengers to travel on weekends non-stop from the Durham/UNH Train Station to Logan Airport and downtown Boston. To read the September 9, 2009 UNH Campus Journal article regarding this added service, visit http://unh.edu/news/campusjournal/2009/Sep/09bus.cfm.

 

SEACOAST REPERTORY THEATRE BUYS MILL POND CENTER

On Tuesday, September 15, 2009, the Repertory Theatre purchased the Mill Pond Center property for $570,000. To read the Foster’s Daily Democrat article regarding this item, visit http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090925/GJNEWS_01/709259906/-1/FOSNEWS.

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK: 2009 H1NI and seasonal flu

With the flu season beginning and increasing concern surrounding the H1N1 virus and its potential dangers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published an article describing the warning signs for the onset of seasonal flu and H1NI as well as what precautions to take should you become ill. To view the article, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm.

 

Have you heard enough about your medicine cabinet yet?

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America states that every day, more than 2,500 teenagers abuse prescription medication for the first time. Sadly, teens often experiment with medications they find right at home. More than half of teens report that they obtained the medications they abused from a friend, family member or medicine cabinet.  Surveys conducted by the Federal government show that 12- to 17-year-olds abuse prescription drugs more than they abuse ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined.  Prescription drug abuse by teenagers is exceeded only by marijuana use. The same survey indicates that sixty percent of teens who have abused prescription painkillers did so before age 15.  The prescription drugs most commonly abused by teens are painkillers; depressants, such as sleeping pills or anti-anxiety drugs; and stimulants, mainly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

 

Many young people think that is safer to misuse prescription medications than illegal street drugs. But that simply is not true. The misuse of these medications can lead to addiction, overdose and even death. Parents often are unaware that their children are abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications and unfortunately, even when they do know, they don't know how to talk to their children about the dangers.  Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help protect our children and it begins right at home. Keep track of medications in your home and make sure they are monitored.  It is also important that we educate ourselves about this issue. If you suspect or even know that your child is abusing drugs or if you are simply a parent and don’t want to be the last person to know, the Partnership for a Drug Free America has tools and information that can help. Visit their website at www.drugfree.org and click on "Time to Act."

 

Hickory Pond Inn CELEBRATION - POSTPONED

The celebration that the Hickory Pond Inn had originally scheduled for October 1st has been postponed.

 

The celebration has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 7th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

 

Proprietor Jane Sparks and her family invite the public to celebrate the good memories with them. Come sip some cider and enjoy some good cooking. They would love it if you might bring some cans of food to donate and/or a warm piece or two of clothing.  Maybe a blanket if you have one hanging around.  All the food, warm clothing, and blanket donations will be taken to the Strafford County Homeless shelter which is opening on the 5th of October

 

Please RSVP to Hickorypondinn@aol.com so that we will make sure we have plenty for all.  Spread the word…the more the merrier…with much Gratitude, Jane Brown Sparks

 

  

 

HOUGHTON HARDWARE BUILDING

Earlier this week, the Houghton’s Hardware building was demolished. A new building will be constructed that will have a mixture of apartments

and commercial entities.

 

 

MILL ROAD PLAZA OUTDOOR CONCERT

On Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM, the Mill Road Plaza will host an outdoor concert consisting of five bands:

Crab Shack Band (12:00-1:00); Monkeyfist Incident (1:30-2:30); Groove Syndicate (3:00-4:00); Fling (4:30-5:30) and Tear Down the Sun (6:00-7:00). There will be continuous entertainment, raffles, food, and more. This is a benefit for the Durham Public Library and is FREE and open to the public.

 

DEDICATION OF THE LORUS AND MARGERY MILNE STONE

On Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 AM there will be a dedication of the Milne Remembrance Stone. From her bequest, the Town of Durham received land on Mill Pond Road, adjacent to Mill Pond Park and Margery asked that a large granite stone be placed there in memory of her husband, Lorus, and herself. The stone contains the inscription she wrote. Also, the stone is to be encircled with a wildflower garden which members of the Durham Garden Club have designed and are currently planting. The Durham Garden Club is also donating an inscribed granite bench to be placed near the stone as a place people can rest and enjoy the peace and beauty of the natural area that the Milnes loved and cared for over the years and have left as a wildlife refuge and a quiet place for residents to enjoy.

 

All are welcome to the Dedication Ceremony. Afterwards, there will be a gathering at the Three Chimneys Inn.

 

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION MEETING AND PROGRAM

On Tuesday, September 29, 2009 beginning at 6:00 PM at the Durham Public Library, the Durham Historic Association will hold its meet and program event, “Pilgrim-mania in the Granite State: Inventing an Identity.”

 

In 1823 a gala celebration in Portsmouth, intended to mark the bicentennial of the settlement of New Hampshire, had almost nothing to do with the rather pedestrian facts of what was ostensibly being celebrated. The focus instead was on the “Pilgrim Fathers,” who in most of the orations, poems, toasts, and songs of the day are indistinguishable from the fishermen and traders who came to Odiorne Point in 1623. This same conflation of “New Hampshire” and “Pilgrims” was repeated in another celebration a century later.  Charles E. Clark, Professor Emeritus, will elaborate in an illustrated lecture on the rather comical details of both commemorations. He will then offer and invite reflections on why New Hampshire people felt the need in 1823 and 1923 to reach outside their own story in search of a state identity -- and whether they still do.

 

FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS SALE

On Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and again on Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street, will hold a Fair Trade Products Sale. 

 

Through the purchase of high quality, distinctive handcrafts, shoppers have an opportunity to change lives in developing countries.  Unique items from Afghanistan, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Panama, Uganda and others will include toys, leather goods, jewelry, baskets, wall hangings, wood carvings, textiles, note cards, equal exchange coffee, tea, chocolate, and so much more.  Start your holiday shopping early while helping artisans move from a life of poverty to being able to support their families.  Vendors are happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION REMINDERS

THIS SATURDAY, September 26th: Get Walking in Durham

§         The six week, walking based, exercise class starts this Saturday at 9:00am at Durham Landing.  You can REGISTER RIGHT BEFORE CLASS at 8:45 AM. The cost for the entire class is $25.  All ages and ability levels are welcome.  Bring athletic shoes and warm clothes. For more information, please click HERE.

 

Sunday, October 4th: Durham Residents Day at Coppal House Corn Maze

§         From noon until 4:00pm visit the 6.5 acre, professionally designed corn maze at Coppal House Farm in Lee. Visit the Durham Parks & Recreation Committee’s table with proof of Durham residency and get 50% off your admission.  For more information, please click HERE.

 

Tuesday, October 6th: USTA QuickStart Tennis

§         This four week introductory youth tennis program will take place at Woodridge Field every Tuesday and Thursday in October (starting 10/6).  5 to 7 year olds will meet from 4:00 to 5:00pm.  8 to 10 year olds will meet from 5:00 to 6:00pm.  Cost for the entire session is $75.  Registration must be received by 10/5.  For more information, please click HERE.

 

Sunday, October 11th: Beginner Ultimate Frisbee Clinic

§         Gather up the family for a day of ultimate Frisbee.  This casual Frisbee clinic will teach you the basics of catching, throwing and game play.  All ages and ability levels are welcome.  This is a free clinic and will be held at the Oyster River Middle School’s field at noon. 

 

Saturday, October 31st:   Durham Spookfest

§         Bring the entire family to Jackson’s Landing from 5:30 to 7:30pm for an event that will surely haunt your Halloween night.  The night starts with a Little Devil Costume Parade and ends with a terrifying trail walk that is only recommended for the bravest souls.  In between there will be plenty of Halloween activities and crafts for all ages.  Bring your Halloween spirit with you. Prizes will be given for best costumes, homemade pumpkin carving (bring it with you!) and much more!  For more information, please click HERE.

 

For more information on P&R programs and events, or to register, contact Michael Mengers at mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us, 817-4074.

 

SOLAR RAISING ON SATURDAY

On Saturday, September 26, 2009 beginning at 9:00 AM a "solar raising" will be held, at 2 Stevens Way.  The public is welcome. Organized by the nonprofit group Seacoast Area Renewal Energy Initiative (SEAREI), http://searei.org/  this is the fourth solar raising and the first electric solar system to be installed. SEAREI is a group of local residents who have gotten together to install solar energy systems in a barn-raising style. The idea is to promote solar energy, and through the collective, to make it affordable.

Combined with the state and federal government's rebates and/or tax incentives, the approach reduces the cost of installing a solar energy system by about 70%. To volunteer to help with the solar raising, contact Ann Bliss at abliss426@aol.com or Roy and Meg Torbert at torbert@gmail.com.

Or stop by to watch the action and learn more about SEAREI.

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.

 

Historic District Commission – Thursday, October 1, 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, please click HERE

The Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meet every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Durham Public Library.  All are welcome to attend. To view the Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

 

DURHAM CABLE ACCESS TELEVISION PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

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

 

 

UNH ADVANCED FOOD AND BEVERAGE CLASS HOLDS ANNUAL GOURMENT DINNER

On Friday, October 9, 2009, the Advanced Food and Beverage Class at UNH will hold its annual non-profit gourmet dinner beginning with a cocktail reception at 6:00 PM with dinner to follow. All will take place at Stillings Dining Hall, 20 Ballard Drive. This year’s non-profit gourmet dinner, Season to Remember: A Gourmet Homecoming Celebration, will feature six original courses of harvest-inspired food. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at http://www.wsbe.unh.edu/gourmet-dinners

 

The Gourmet Team of 2009 is comprised of Advanced Food and Beverage students majoring in Hospitality Management. The Gourmet Dinner serves as an opportunity to apply fundamentals learned through other classes in the program. The dinner gives the students real world, hands-on experience, as they are responsible for all aspects of the event; planning and preparing the menu, selling and marketing the event, managing the finances and all that goes into creating an enjoyable night for you

 

UNH HOMECOMING

UNH Alumni Association invites all alumni, family and friends back to campus for Homecoming Weekend 2009, Oct. 9-11. The weekend will be packed with a wide range of events and activities for everyone, including the Blue & White Parade, fireworks, campus tours and more. For an updated list of activities visit www.alumni.unh.edu/homecoming. The list keeps growing, so check back often.

 

Headquarters on Saturday, October 10th will be the UNH Alumni Association's big tent behind Bremner Field. The UNH Alumni Association will be offering a delicious menu and non-alcoholic beverages FREE under the tent from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. There will be face-painting for kids and other fun activities. Traditional tailgating will be held in Boulder Field from 8:30 AM to noon.  Note: football tickets are required for entrance to designated tailgating areas. The UNH football game against William & Mary will kick off at noon.

 

For more information about Homecoming 2009, call (603) 862-2040 or (800) 891-1195 or e-mail alumni@unh.edu.

 

BIG YOGA

Thursday, October 1, 2009 (Rain Date: Friday, October 2, 2009) at Thompson Hall beginning at 1:00 PM. A great opportunity to try yoga and participate in a community moment of health and relaxation. Flowy clothes optional. Claire Van Hoorn, Yoga Instructor. Community residents who wish to participate may park at A Lot at no charge. Please go to the Visitors Center in A Lot to get a parking pass. Please bring your own yoga mat or large towel. Co-sponsored by the UNH Discovery Program and UNH Health Services.

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week  - 47                                         34 UNH (72%)           13 Other (28%)

*2009/10 Academic Year – 221     152 UNH (69%)         69 Other (31%)

Calendar Year –767                         449 UNH (59%)        318 Other (41%)

*Commenced September 1, 2009 

 

Historical data for the same week

This data represents the 2009/10 Academic year report which begins

anew each August when UNH students begin arriving in Durham.

Year

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Week

72

43

38

42

47

Academic Year

285

183

157

157

221

Calendar Year

844

686

728

672

767

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1941 – ‘To see if the Town will vote to raise $700.00 for the purpose of surfacing Woodman Avenue from the residence of Dr. McGregor to the Woodman Cemetery.’ Voted. Mrs. Henderson voiced her dismay but everyone else delighted in the wording of the article in the Town Warrant.”

 

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