“FRIDAY UPDATES”

Friday, October 2, 2009

 

           

 

Courtesy Richard (Dick) Lord

 

As the town drains the water down for the start of the bridge replacement at Wiswall, the old wooden crib dam is being exposed. The wooden dam was abandoned in 1912 when the concrete dam was constructed just downstream from it. It is not known whether the wooden remains are a part of the original 1835 dam or whether it had been rebuilt several times during the 77 years that intervened before the concrete dam replaced it. What is known is that these wooden remains are at least a century old, and have been underwater for the last 97 years.

 

 

This week the Highway Department began preparing for winter by working at the gravel pit sifting sand in preparation for snow storms in the months to come. 

 

2009 TOWN COUNCIL GOALS AND CURRENT STATUS OF EACH GOAL

On May 18, 2009, the Town Council adopted its goals for the 2009/10 year. During the Town Council meeting scheduled for next Monday, October 5, 2009, the Council will review and discuss the current status of those goals as provided by the Town Administrator. To view the Town Council’s goal list, with updated status for each goal, please click HERE.

 

Update on Discussions Regarding Potential Future Town Center Site - The Pines Guest House

The Pines Guest House and the Town of Durham have been exploring building on the now empty fields that abut the present Pines Guest House driveway and being bounded by the corner of Route 4 and Route 108. Currently being considered are building sites for the following: a Library/Town Hall Complex and a Youth Center/Senior Center Complex, among others.  The Pines Guest House is to remain under current private ownership and management, and anticipates continuing in its 15th year of operation.

 

The Inn, now known as The Pines Guest House, was part of an approximate 100-acre family farm owned by the John Kingman family. It was rebuilt into a Post-Civil War Summer House in 1869 by the Steele family that owned the Red Tower building that is located next to the Congregational/Community Church. The Pines (as it came to be called by the family) was shortly after in 1870 acquired by the Durham ship building family of Joseph Coe, whose son ran a family store in Durham.  That brick store now houses the Durham Historical Association Museum found next to the Irving Station and the current Town Offices.

 

School land in Durham now occupied by the High School (and other school buildings) was part of Kingman's original 100-acre family farm land that was given to the Town of Durham by the Ninde family brothers who owned it by inheritance from Joseph Coe.  This accounts for the proximity of the High School and the Middle School to this area of interest by the Town. The land has a tract of large Pines that appear to have been planted in 1870 or shortly after, as well as the largest Norway Spruce tree known in the country. That designation was determined by the Federal Agriculture Department's Forestry Department as the largest of its kind in the Americas in the 1930s and awarded recognition by a federal plaque in 1980. The tree was struck by lightning in the summer of 1980 and lost nearly 100 feet of its height, but remarkably has grown back another 30 feet in the ensuing 30 years.

 

The building that is the Pines Guest House is continuing undergoing restoration, with a new roof and its sole remaining French Chimney recently having been restored. Other restoration plans include placing the building into the National Register of Historic Places which our State Historic Officials are working to accomplish.

 

The house is in its sixth generation of same family ownership with some of the original furnishings in place, making it a significant landmark in the town as well as in the state, and an intended asset to the community.  Joseph Coe and Ben Thompson were cousins. The Pines living room was the site that was chosen by Ben to inform the Coe family that they would not inherit his considerable fortune of $ 400,000 (in Railroad Bonds), and that he was instead founding a state school for agriculture. This was not looked upon with favor by the Coe family. A reading of Ben Thompson's will on file at County records in Dover reveals that the school's continuance on Thompson family farm land and funding was dependent upon the condition that the entire body of students was to attend Church twice on Sundays without fail.  There may be room for speculation that this condition's observance was a proverbial thorn in the side of the school, and was possibly neglected at times in the ensuing years of operation. We believe the State removed this condition legally by pleading its end in Court. Coe Family stories abound and remain part of the interesting fabric that makes up a portion of local Durham history.

 

TOWN HIRES CONSULTANT TO REVIEW ZONING FOR THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

The Town of Durham has contracted with B. Dennis Town & Building Design to review the Central Business District zoning, suggest changes to the Central Business District zoning, and create a strategic plan for the community core.  Part of this process will include public forums, both formal and informal.  The formal public design workshop will be held in November from November 5-9.  This workshop is often referred to as a Charrette. There will be a team of professional facilitators to help guide us through this process. There will be some marketing done prior to the event to ensure a good turnout. Please tell your friends and neighbors about this exciting workshop that will help shape the future of Durham’s downtown and community core. There will be additional information about this workshop on the town’s website very soon.

 

Talking to your children about drugs and alcohol

The issue of drugs can be very confusing to young children. If drugs are so dangerous, then why is the family medicine cabinet full of them? And why do TV, movies, music and advertising often make drug and alcohol use look so cool?

It is important that as parents we help our kids to distinguish fact from fiction…and it is not too soon to begin as national studies show that the average age when a child first tries alcohol is 11; for marijuana, it's 12. And many kids start becoming curious about these substances even sooner.   One thing that is clear from students taking surveys is that when parents listen to their children's feelings and concerns, their kids feel comfortable talking with them and are more likely to stay drug-free.  Try role playing so that your child can easily refuse to go along with his/her friends without becoming a social outcast. Try something like this, "Let's play a game. Suppose you and your friends are at Andy's house after school and they find some beer in the refrigerator and ask you to join them in drinking it. The rule in our family is that children are not allowed to drink alcohol. So what could you say?"  If your child comes up with a good response, praise them. If he/she doesn't, offer a few suggestions like, "No, thanks. Let's play with Sony PlayStation instead”, or "No thanks. I don't drink beer. I need to keep in shape for basketball."  As parents we can encourage choice allowing our child plenty of opportunity to become a confident decision-maker. As your child becomes more skilled at making all kinds of good choices, both you and your child will feel more secure in their ability to make the right decision concerning alcohol and drugs if and when the time arrives. 

 

Provide age-appropriate information that fits the child's age and stage. When your 6 or 7-year-old is brushing his teeth, you can say, "There are lots of things we do to keep our bodies healthy, like brushing our teeth. But there are also things we shouldn't do because they hurt our bodies, like smoking or taking medicines when we are not sick."  If you are watching TV with your 8 year-old and marijuana is mentioned on a program, you can say, "Do you know what marijuana is?” This may be an opportunity to begin the discussion about our opinions.  Short, simple comments said and repeated often enough will get the message across.  And you can offer your older child the same message, but add more drug-specific information. For example, you might explain to your 12-year-old what marijuana and crack look like, their street names and how they can affect his body.  Don’t forget, it’s your right to establish a clear family position on drugs.  It's okay to say, "We don't allow any drug use and children in this family are not allowed to drink alcohol. The only time that you can take any drugs is when the doctor or Mom or Dad gives you medicine when you're sick.

 

And don’t forget too that children watch what we do so remember to be a good example.  Children will do what you do much more readily than what you say. So try not to reach for a beer the minute you come home after a tough day; it sends the message that drinking is the best way to unwind. And take care not to pop pills, even over-the-counter remedies, indiscriminately. Your behavior needs to reflect your beliefs.

 

WATER MAIN FLUSHING/VALVE EXERCISING

The Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire have been exercising gate valves since September 22^nd and should be completing them today.  In addition, they will flush water mains beginning on Monday, October 5, 2009 and ending on or before Friday, October 16, 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.  Flushing of the mains and gate valve exercising 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. Try not to draw water if you 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.

 

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED - COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY

All Town offices will be closed for the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, October 12, 2009, and will reopen for business on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 8:00 AM. Please note, however, that there will be NO CHANGE to the refuse and recycling collection. 

 

MONDAY EVENING YOGA – BEGINS OCTOBER 19TH – SPACE IS LIMITED

Start your week off right with Monday Evening Yoga, a program that will help you feel energized, strong, flexible, and centered all week long.  Monday Evening Yoga is an eight-week program that promises to be gentle enough for people new to yoga, but appealing to people with experience as well.  Instructor Ruth Abelmann combines breath with movement and guarantees that no two classes are the same.  Class begins on Monday, October 19th at 5:00 PM. The program will run every Monday for 8 weeks. The entire program costs $40. Classes will take place in the Durham Parks & Recreation Community Room at the old Durham Courthouse building.  To register contact Parks and Recreation Director Michael Mengers at 817-4074, mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us. For more information, please click HERE.

 

DURHAM APPRECIATION DAY AT COPPAL HOUSE FARM – THIS SUNDAY!

This Sunday head down to Coppal House Farm in Lee for a-mazing family fun.  From noon to 4:00 PM, Durham residents get 50% of their admission ticket to the massive, 6.5 acre professionally prepared corn maze.  Visit the Parks and Recreation Committee table with proof of Durham residency before purchasing tickets.   For more information, please click HERE or visit www.nhcornmaze.com.

 

FOLLOW THE DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT ON FACEBOOK

It just got easier to get the latest information on all Parks & Recreation classes, programs and events.  On your Facebook account search for ‘Town of Durham Parks.’  Become a fan of Durham Parks & Recreation and you will get Facebook updates for all new programs and events that get posted.  Keep checking the page for updates.

 

PARKS AND RECREATION BEGINNER ULTIMATE FRISBEE CLINIC

You have probably heard about it. You have probably even seen it being played here in Durham.  Ultimate is an exciting, non-contact team sport, played by thousands the world over. It mixes the best features of many team sports into an elegantly simple yet fascinating game.  Spirit of the game is the most important principal. Now it’s time for you to join the Ultimate Frisbee craze. 

 

On Sunday, October 11, 2009 at noon come to the Oyster River Middle School athletics field for a session of Ultimate. This casual, family- friendly (and free!) Ultimate clinic will teach you the basics of catching, throwing, and game play.  By the end of the session the whole group will be ready for a friendly game.  Bring along the entire family for a couple of hours of fun. Wear something orange to show your spirit for the season and bring a disk or frisbee if you have one.  Please consider contacting Parks and Recreation Director Michael Mengers if you plan to come so we can get a sense of interest.  Lee and Madbury residents are welcome!  For more information contact Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Mengers at 817-4074, mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

1ST ANNUAL DURHAM SPOOKFEST – HALLOWEEN NIGHT

Bring the entire family to Jackson’s Landing from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31^st, 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 ghosts and ghouls of 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!  Contact Parks & Recreation Director Michael Mengers at 817-4074 with any questions you might have or if you would like to volunteer at the event.  For more information, please click HERE.

 

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION - MILL ROAD PLAZA PALOOZA OUTDOOR CONCERT

Due to the heavy rain predicted for tomorrow, Saturday, October 3^rd, the Plaza Palooza scheduled to occur at the Mill Road Plaza has been cancelled.

 

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.

 

Town Council – Monday, October 5, 2009

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee – Tuesday, October 6, 2009 (7:30 AM)

Rental Housing Commission – Tuesday, October 6, 2009 (4:00 PM)

Conservation Commission – Thursday, October 8, 2009

Economic Development Committee – Friday, October 9, 2009 (7:30 AM)

 

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.

 

PARENTS TALKING ABOUT …

On Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 11:30 AM, all parents of teens are invited to gather at the Community Church of Durham to join in a conversation about parenting. This will be the first of many gatherings of “Parents Talking About…” and over the coming year, the topics will include issues around communication, drugs and alcohol, healthy sexuality, and teen stress.  All are invited to attend this first meeting to hear more and see how we can best talk with our teens about these important topics. For more information, please contact the Church Office at (603) 868-1230.

 

PILGRIMAGE FOR PEACE DINNER AND PROGRAM

On Thursday, October 8, 2009 starting at 6:00 PM and concluding at 8:00 PM, the Community Church of Durham will host a meaningful evening which will include a fall harvest dinner, praying for peace in the Church peace garden, and a lively program of art, music, and conversation.  Participants will include a group of interfaith peace walkers who will be sleeping at the Community Church of Durham that night. 

 

These walkers left New London, Connecticut on September 6 for a six-week Pilgrimage for Peace walk throughout New England.

 

There are several ways to participate in the program, including: praying for the walkers, walking with the Pilgrimage for Peace walkers on some part of their journey, donating food for the dinner (apples, bread, squash, potatoes, turnips, parsnips, or onions), sharing your thoughts, a poem or a song on the theme of peace during the program, providing transportation for the walker’s gear from the Community Church of Durham to their next location, and considering how you could better advance the goal of peace.

 

If you would like to contribute food for the dinner or would like to provide transportation for the walker’s gear, please call the Church office at (603) 868-1230.

 

DAY OF ACTION ON BEHALF OF EARTH – JOINING THE “350” CAMPAIGN

On Saturday, October 24, 2009, shortly before the December 2009 Earth Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, churches, mosques, and temples will be ringing bells, planting trees, and having potluck dinners to draw attention across the globe to the peril of increased CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere.  Community Church of Durham will join in the event by ringing the Church bell 350 times to draw attention to the fact that we have passed the 350 mark—surpassing the parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere that injure the health of all breathing creatures.  Current CO2 levels are at about 386 and must be reduced to avoid devastating consequences.  350 parts per million is the goal of the Summit.

 

Community Church of Durham will begin ringing the Church bells at Noon on Saturday, October 24^th. All are invited to participate in calling attention to the important issue that involves all of us: reducing our carbon footprint and working toward a livable planet.

 

To be part of the event, arrive at the Community Church of Durham sanctuary at Noon on October 24^th.

 

For more information, please contact the Church Office at (603) 868-1230.

 

“FRIENDS OF EILEEN” ORGAN CONCERT AT DURHAM COMMUNITY CHURCH

A final reminder that an organ concert and an Organ Scholar position are among the tributes planned during a concert in memory of Eileen Keesey on Sunday, October 4^th at 3:00 PM at the Durham Community Church, 17 Main Street.

 

Eileen Keesey, Community Church of Durham organist for over thirty-years and THE piano teacher of Durham, died a year ago. In her memory, Church members have established an Organ Scholar position to help train a student to become a Church musician.  A number of her friends will be playing at the concert. Both Pam Langley, a student of Eileen’s and Brian Jones, her teacher, will be playing organ and piano.

 

There will be a reception following the concert.  Donations will be accepted to help establish and fund the Eileen Keesey Memorial Organ Scholar Program.

 

REMINDER: CELEBRATION AT THE HICKORY POND INN ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7th 5-7 PM

We would like to invite you to celebrate the good memories with us on Wednesday, October 7th from 5:00-7:00 PM.  Come sip some cider and enjoy some good cooking. We would love it if you might bring some cans of food and/or a warm piece or two of clothing.  Maybe a blanket if you have one hanging around.  ALL DONATIONS WILL BE TAKEN TO THE STRAFFORD COUNTY HOMELESS SHELTER.

 

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

 

GROWING PLACES OPENINGS FOR “OUR TIME” AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Growing Places currently has openings in its "Our Time" After School Program. The program operates after school until 6:00 PM daily in Moharimet’s multipurpose room.  Part or full-time schedule options are available.  Growing Places also offers full-day programs during no school days and teacher workshop days. Children do not need to attend Moharimet to enroll. 

 

New Programming Offered: LEGO PROGRAM with THINK Education every Tuesday and Thursday. Build your dream house in our Lego city. Build the longest, tallest, strongest, most stable structures and test them out. Learn the basics of mechanics by building simple machines—gears, pulleys, levers, wheels and axles. Invent and create new gadgets in “invention sessions”. Sign up for a four-week session.

 

Other Daily Activities at “Our Time” include: Fun games, art activities, and collaborative projects. A chance to develop friendships. Quiet space for reading and homework

 

For more information or to register your child, please contact Jen Thurston at 969-8677.

 

Durham Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-Treating in Durham is always held the day before Halloween. This year, Trick-or-Treating will be held on Friday, October 30th, between the hours of 5:00 and 7:30 PM. 

 

CHURCHILL RINK OPENING MID-OCTOBER

Fall is here, so sharpen your skates and get ready for the Churchill Rink to open at Jackson’s Landing.  The rink is anticipated to open by mid-October.  As in the past, there will be season passes for sale for individuals and families at the rink this year.  Ice time slots are still available for groups or teams looking for the season. For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works at 868-5578. 

 

Durham: It’s Where U Live HOSTS a walking tour of UNH campus

Come learn about the activities, services, and opportunities available to Durham residents on the UNH campus. Durham: It’s Where U Live will host a walking tour of campus with stops at Dimond Library, Paul Creative Arts Center and the Memorial Union Building. The tour will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 and will begin promptly at 9:30 AM and end by 11:00 AM, rain or shine. Reservations are required. For more information contact Erika Mantz at erika.mantz@unh.edu or 862-1567.

 

University Office of Sustainability 2009-2010 Cultural Excursions Program to the Boston Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsals

Excursion Dates:

Thursday October 22, Thursday February 11, and Thursday April 8

 

For details about the performances, visit the UOS calendar and download our Cultural Excursions brochure.

 

The cost of $48 per person per performance includes one BSO performance ticket and round trip bus transportation from Durham to Boston.  All performances will be at 10:30 AM.  The bus departs from the Community Church of Durham at 7:00 AM. Following the performance, the bus drops participants off at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and departs the MFA at 3:30 PM. The bus arrives back in Durham at approximately 5:00 PM. Please contact Kate Donald, UOS Cultural Excursions Coordinator, at (603) 862-1634 with questions regarding the excursions program.   

 

To register online, visit:  https://www.events.unh.edu/RegistrationForm.pm?event_id=6253

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week - 35                                          19 UNH (54%)           16 Other (46%)

*2009/10 Academic Year -256       171 UNH (67%)         85 Other (36%)

Calendar Year –802                         468 UNH (58%)        334 Other (42%)

*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	65	39	42	21	35
Academic Year	350	222	199	178	256
Calendar Year	909	725	770	693	802

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1946 – Mrs. O.V. Henderson formed a Durham Historical Society, with proper bylaws. Incorporation was sought in 1949 and the 1851 enactment was discovered by Rep. Bill Stearns. The acts of the forebears were adopted, though the $3,000 limitation was removed. The membership is currently 228.”

 

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