“FRIDAY UPDATES”

Friday, December 3, 2010

John Wilson shows off the “turkey” feathers he collected during the Parks & Recreation annual Turkey Trot at Wagon Hill Farm held on Thanksgiving morning. Photo courtesy Diane B. Moore

TOWN HIRES NEW PART-TIME PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR

In August, the Town began advertising for the position of part-time Director of Parks and Recreation. A total of 33 applications were received. A core selection group, comprised of P&R Committee Chair Sara Badger Wilson, P&R Committee member Amy Cunningham, former P&R Director Michael Mengers, and Town Administrator Todd Selig carefully reviewed the application materials and narrowed down the number of applicants to be interviewed to five.

Upon completing interviews of the five finalists, the selection group narrowed the field and Administrator Selig chose Ms. Sandra Devins for the position. Ms. Devins is a longtime Durham resident.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports and Fitness from Salem State College.

Based upon the selection committee’s recommendation and the positive feedback received when speaking with personal references and prior employers about her job performance, the Administrator is moving forward with the appointment of Ms. Devins to the position of Director of Parks and Recreation at this time pursuant to the “advice and consent” of the Town Council in accordance with the Town Charter.

   Photo courtesy Diane B. Moore

DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION 4^TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S TURKEY TROT AT WAGON HILL FARM

Durham Parks and Recreation hosted its 4th Annual Children's Turkey Trot at Wagon Hill on Thanksgiving Day at 10:00 AM. With over 75 attendees the event was a great way to start Thanksgiving Day. A children's story about Thanksgiving was read before the children and parents ventured down the trail to the water collecting the feathers that Tom the Turkey left behind. Everyone enjoyed hot chocolate and donuts, played a little football, hiked some of the trails at Wagon Hill, and spent some time chatting with friends before heading home. Thank you to all who attended and we hope to see you there again next year.

LIGHT UP DURHAM – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5^th

Durham’s annual Light Up Durham holiday celebration, presented by the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and the Town of Durham, will be held on Sunday, December 5^th at 6:00 PM on Main Street across from Young’s Restaurant. Performances by the Repertory’s A Christmas Carol and Madeline’s Christmas casts plus performances by the Repertory’s Black Box Theatre Company. The celebration will conclude with the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the holiday tree in Memorial Park. Baked goods are available from the Friends of the Durham Public Library.

Smith Chapel by Nick Isaak

2010 DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY ORNAMENT

Beautifully rendered by Durham resident and architect Nick Isaak, these limited-edition ceramic ornaments depict Smith Chapel.

Available now at Town Hall, Durham Marketplace, Hayden Sports, Federal Savings Bank, Town & Campus, Emery Farm, and                   People’s United Bank (Newmarket Road & Main Street branches); $20.00 each, $5.00 of which goes toward chapel restoration.

Energy news: Tax credits! Rebates! Resources!

On Monday, December 6, the Durham Town Council will set the wheels in motion on a proposal submitted by the Energy Committee to allow property tax credits for both wind-powered energy systems and central wood-heating systems. To view the Council communication and ordinance regarding this item, click HERE.

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) of New Hampshire has recently revised its rebate policies, resulting in significant improvements for both residential and commercial property owners. It will offer commercial rebates for solar thermal and solar electric projects, thus making it possible for more businesses, schools, municipalities, and apartment buildings to fund energy-efficiency initiatives.

Residential rebates from the PUC currently cover Small Renewable Electrical Generation Systems; Solar Water Heating Systems; and Bulk-Fed Wood-Pellet Central Boilers and Furnaces. As the PUC website notes, “Due to a recent increase to the federal portion (Step 1B) of the state’s rebate program, you can now get up to $2,900 for installing a new solar water heating or space heating system in your home!”

For more information and applications for state and federal Solar Water Heating Rebates, go to the PUC website on renewable energy rebates at http://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/RenewableEnergyRebates.html.

Finally, check out www.myenergyplan.net to find a great set of tools that can help you reduce your energy usage and plan energy-efficient improvements.

CAPSTONE DEVELOPMENT CORPORTATION

Capstone Development Corporation is interested in property in Durham located on Main Street/Technology Drive to create a neighborhood-style housing development with various size three, four, and five-bedroom cottages and multi-unit buildings for a total of approximately 630 bedrooms.  Capstone went before the Planning Board on October 27^th with a conceptual consultation on a site plan review for this property and will be coming back before the Planning Board in the near future.

Police Chief Kurz was asked to contact other communities where Capstone Development Corporation has housing developments and gather information regarding their interaction with this corporation.  To view Chief Kurz’s findings, click HERE.

RENTAL HOUSING COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT TO TOWN COUNCIL

At the Town Council meeting on Monday, December 6, 2010, Rental Housing Commission (RHC) Chair Sam Flanders will provide the Council with the RHC’s annual report relative to significant actions taken by the Commission over the past year, as well as projects currently under discussion, and anticipated activities for the coming year. To view Mr. Flanders’ written report and white paper discussing rental housing issues in Durham, click HERE.

Calling the Police

Recently a young man was pounding loudly on several doors in a residential neighborhood and no one called the police department to have an officer investigate the matter, but rather reported the incident the next day.  Although Police Chief Kurz was discouraged that no one called to report this activity when it was occurring, he understands that residents are often concerned about “bothering the police”.  

While in the aftermath of this event an assumption can be made that although this unusual activity was not overtly dangerous, Chief Kurz does not like assumptions and strongly urges residents to call the Durham Police with any concerns. The police department would rather come to neighborhoods 100 times for issues that are readily resolved than to not respond in the aftermath of the one time when possibly something was awry and residents were concerned about bothering the police.

Officers are poised to respond immediately and can quickly clarify what is going on.  Much of this premise is related to the concept of community policing that the Durham Police Department has instituted. The strategy is based upon the notion that community interaction and support can help control crime and reduce fear, with community members bringing problems to the attention of the police. The definitive objective of community policing is to sustain a police organization that is proactive and designed to prevent crime rather than a more traditional law enforcement practice that is ultimately reactive. By citizens calling the police, they can more proactively solve community problems and address the factors that contribute to crime rather than how police respond to crime. 

So don’t be concerned that you are bothering the police…simply call them!

Garrison Road Culvert

During recent inspection of culverts, Department of Public Works staff noticed that the bottom of the Garrison Road culvert had been rotted out.  At that point they also found excess water in the drainage swale that ultimately led them to identify a water leak in the old Pettee System which still serviced 2 buildings on Madbury Road.  Town crews assisted property owners in updating their services to hook in to new lines eliminating use of the old Pettee System in that area therefore stopping the leak.  Two days later Town crews replaced the culvert with new plastic culvert piping. 

FEMA

The Town is expecting to see the third and final portion of FEMA funds from the Winter 2010 wind storm to come any day now.  The amount the Town is expecting to receive is $26,367.27 which will bring the total funding to $90,012.27.  This represents 75% of reportable costs due to the storm.   $35,710.97 of it is attributed to Category B-which is emergency work during the storm and following few days declared by FEMA for Public Works, Police, and Fire, and $54,301.30 for Category A-debris cleanup.  On Monday, December 6^th, the Town Council will schedule a Public Hearing for December 20^th on a resolution authorizing the acceptance and expenditure of these funds for the purpose of contracting debris removal and overtime usage by the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments.

WISWALL FISH LADDER PROJECT – HISTORIC RESOURCES MEETING

On Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 1:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Durham Town Hall, the Department of Public Works and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a Wiswall Fish Ladder Project historic resources meeting. The Wiswall Fish Ladder Project construction plans are nearing completion and because the project location is a sensitive historic site the project team is holding this meeting to address the concerns of interested consulting parties and the general public regarding the impact of the project on the historic elements of the site.  Construction of a fish passage at the Wiswall Dam has been in the works now for more than 2 decades (yes, 20+ years) and is moving forward thanks to a $1,000,000 grant from the NRCS.  The Wiswall Dam is critical to maintaining the Wiswall Reservoir for the UNH/Durham Water Supply and in addition to constructing the fish ladder, the project includes a number of necessary repairs and modifications to the dam which will allow for more efficient operation of the reservoir.     

AFSCME Collective Bargaining Negotiations – Tentative Agreement Reached

In November 2009 the Town began the contract negotiation process with the Durham American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) representing the nine employees covered by the AFSCME contract.  The existing contract extended from January 1, 2007-December 31, 2009. The Town and the AFSCME have reached a tentative agreement for a new contract extending from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2013. Formal action to ratify this agreement has been placed on the December 6, 2010 Town Council agenda.  

CARBON MONOXIDE INFORMATION

As we enter the heating and winter storm season, the Durham Fire Department would like to warn all residents about the dangers of Carbon Monoxide in and around the home.  CO (carbon monoxide) is an invisible, odorless, and colorless gas that is produced by fuel-burning appliances.  Please take a minute to read the information provided by clicking HERE. Please contact the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 with any questions or concerns. 

TOWN OFFICES HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

Friday, Dec 24^th, Christmas Eve                 -           Closed

Monday, Dec 27^th, Christmas Day              -           Closed

Friday, Dec 31^st, New Years Eve                -           Closed

All Town offices will reopen for regular business on Monday, January 3, 2010.

Christmas Holiday Recycling and Refuse Collection

Friday, Dec 24^th        -           No COMMERCIAL recycling collection

Saturday, Dec 25^th    -           Transfer Station and Recycling Center CLOSED

Monday, Dec 27^th     -           No change to the regular schedule for collection

ORMS SKI AND SNOWBOARD CLUB FLEA MARKET

On Saturday, December 11^th from 9:00 AM to noon, the Oyster River Middle School Ski & Snowboard Club is holding its first Ski & Snowboard Flea Market in the parking lot behind the Middle School. (The event may be moved to the Middle School cafeteria if weather dictates.)  Anyone with lightly-used and unwanted skis, snowboards, boots, poles, winter garments, sporting equipment, and accessories for sale or trade may show up a little early and find a parking spot to display their items out of the back of their vehicle or set up a folding table.  NO commission will be charged. Everyone is responsible for their items and must be present to make the exchange. There will also be an opportunity to donate slightly-used winter sporting equipment and accessories for the “free for the taking” table as long as they are no more than 4 years old and in nice condition.

DURHAM PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION – TOY BANK DRIVE

Durham’s firefighters would like to help the children in the Town of Durham this holiday season by holding a Toy Bank drive. Durham residents can help, and it’s very easy. If residents have a new and unwrapped toy they would like to donate, they can simply drop it off at one of the collection locations listed below. Firefighters will collect the boxes of toys to wrap and distribute before the Christmas holiday.  The last day to drop off toys is December 17^th.  Please contact the Durham Fire Department at 862-1426 with questions regarding donations.

Collection Locations: Durham Fire Department, Durham Market Place, Durham Public Library, Durham Town Hall, People's United Bank (formally Ocean National-at either the Newmarket or Main Street branches).

WILDCAT FITNESS – “TOYS FOR TOTS” AND NH FOOD BANK DRIVE

Wildcat Fitness will be hosting a “Toys for Tots” NH and NH Food Bank drive from November 20^th –December 27^th, 2010. Wildcat Fitness is a registered drop off location for both of these organizations and is hoping to spread the cheer and community support around the state. Last year, Wildcat Fitness collected over 400 toys and 18 bags of food and the staff is hoping to break that record this year.

On Saturday, December 4^th,  from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Wildcat Fitness will be having “Photos with Santa”. All photos will be done by donation, and all donations will go to benefit Toys for Tots NH.

Oyster River Cooperative School District Advisory Budget Committee (ABC) Update

The Advisory Budget Committee (ABC), comprised of Robert McEwan-Madbury: Jay Hilyard-Lee; Bill Bryon-Lee; Anne Knight-Durham; Jenna Roberts-Durham; David Proulx-Durham; David Taylor-Durham, and Tom Merrick-Durham, has met frequently since October 26^th  and attended School Board meetings and budget workshops in order to become educated about the ORCSD budget.  In addition, committee members have taken guided tours of the four schools to see the facilities, to meet the administrators and some teachers, and to learn more about the educational programs. 

Citizens in the Oyster River School District are invited to contact the ABC using the email address abc@sau5.org about school district budget matters.  An ABC member will respond to such emails. Meeting minutes and any supporting published documents are placed on the ORCSD website www.orcsd.org under School Board/Subcommittees/Advisory Budget Committee http://www.orcsd.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=103&Itemid=203 soon after they are approved.

All ABC meetings are open to the public.  Future public meetings (usually 7 PM at ORHS) that will include school budget discussion are:

12/6         School Board Mtg with budget discussion about SpEd, Technology, Prof Devel, District

12/8         School Board workshop with budget discussion about Facilities, Transportation, Food Serv

12/9         ABC meeting 7 PM C123

12/13       ABC meeting 7 PM C120

12/15       School Board Mtg with budget discussion – ABC preliminary recommendations

1/3           ABC meeting 7 PM C120

1/5           School Board Mtg with budget discussion – ABC report

1/12          Public Hearing on School Budget – ABC presentation included

BOX TOPS AND LABELS FOR EDUCATION

Moharimet, Mast Way and the Middle School earn points for each Label for Education submitted. The points are then used to “buy” school materials out of their catalog. There is currently a little black collection box in the Durham Library’s Children’s Area to collect Box Tops and Labels for Education from community members.  All Box Tops and Labels for Education collected in the library collection box will be split equally between the 3 schools.  For more information, click HERE or contact Kristin Carpenter at Kristin.carpenter@unh.edu.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALE by Boy scout Troop 154

The Durham Boy Scout Troop 154 will once again be selling locally cut Christmas trees at the Durham Marketplace parking lot for the next three weekends.  Sales run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays & Sundays until they sell out.  The trees are cut in Farmington and transported to Durham by the Scouts.  Christmas tree sales represent the Scout's major fund-raiser for the year. 

McGregor Volunteers Achieve 25,000 Hours of Service in 2010

McGregor Memorial EMS volunteers have exceeded 25,000 hours of time volunteered so far this year and expect to set a record for the organization in 2010 by exceeding 27,000 hours.  The organization will recognize this milestone by honoring its volunteers during its annual holiday dinner on Monday, December 6^th. McGregor has steadily seen the number of hours given by volunteers increase since 2005 when just over 9,000 hours were volunteered.  To learn more about McGregor Memorial EMS including how to volunteer please visit www.McGregorEMS.org.

CHARETTE ON FIRE DEPARTMENT Site Feasibility Study

On Thursday, December 16, 2010 beginning at 7:00 PM, the Town of Durham will hold a Charette in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall. The Charette will be on a Site Feasibility Study on the UNH-owned parking lot currently known as ‘C Lot’, located at Mill Road across from Mill Road Plaza. Discussion will center on developing the parcel with a new Fire Department building and parking garage. This meeting is open to the public and the Town is looking for input from all interested parties.

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town Office. All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. To view the agenda for the meetings listed below, please click HERE.  All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing. 

Town Council – Monday, December 1, 2010. To view the complete Council packet for this meeting, please click HERE. 

Wiswall Fish Ladder Project Historic Resources Meeting – Wednesday, December 8, 2010 (1:00 PM)

Planning Board – Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Conservation Commission – Thursday, December 9, 2010

Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, please click HERE. 

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE

Durham Public Library Programs and Events

Donate a new  toy for the Durham Firefighters Toy Drive (box in the library) from now until Dec. 17^th and the library will erase your late fees.

Preschool Storytime Tues. Dec. 7th and Thurs. Dec. 9^th at 10:30 a.m. - This week: Penguins.  Join us for stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft. 

Raccoon Readers Book Club (2^nd-4^th Graders), Tues. Dec. 7^th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Join the Raccoon Readers Book Club for 2nd-4th graders. This month you can read either "The Name of this Book is Secret" by Pseudonymous Bosch or "The Calder Game" by Blue Balliett.  Your choice.  Join us to talk about the books, authors, play some games and make a craft.

Granite Earth Book Discussion: Voluntary Simplicity, Tues. Dec. 7^th, 7:30-9:00 p.m. - Another section of the Granite Earth series, Voluntary Simplicity is a 5 week discussion group on Tues eves beginning Dec. 7th and ending Jan. 11th, with no meeting on Dec 28th. Please register and get your book at the library.

Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Dec. 8^th, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - Join Middle Schoolers for this book group. This month's book is "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. Copies of this book will be available at the library. Pizza is served.

Living Berry Christmas Ornament Workshop, Weds. Dec. 8^th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. -Call us (868-6699) to reserve a spot in this Free Workshop.  Materials and instruction provided by Ruth Moore. Go home with a glass ornament filled with partridge berries, that will live for many months.

Russian Nesting Doll Painting Workshop and Storytelling with Marina Forbes, Sat. Dec. 11^th, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Join us for this fun family event. Families with Children and Adults can register to paint Russian Nesting Dolls. At 10:30 Marina will tell us the Russian Folklore of Nesting Dolls (all are welcome), then interested Families can stay and purchase and paint Nesting Dolls ranging in price from $10.00 to $55.00.Marina demonstrates step by step how to paint the dolls and provides paints and brushes. Registration recommended but walk-ins are also welcome.

The patch program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years has started. Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag. If new to the program, stop by and register.

Registration for Tales for tails. Have a young reader who could use some non-judgmental encouragement for reading aloud? A Delta Therapy dog is waiting for your child. Sign up now at the library for a 3 week session starting in December, there is still a slot with a dog open.  New sign-ups for a 6 week session in January will start in December.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

§ Saturday, December 4^th, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, St. George’s Church – Christmas Fair. Featuring felt birds, the original cookie walk, used and handmade jewelry and crafts, homemade baked goods, and annual raffle.

§ Sunday, December 5^th, 6:00 PM, Main Street across from Young’s Restaurant – Annual Light Up Durham Holiday Celebration, presented by the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and the Town of Durham.

§ Tuesday, December 7^th, 3:30 – 7:00 PM, Whittemore Center Arena – Annual Holiday Skating Party for Families of the Greater Durham Community, sponsored by the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau. Join in a fun night of free food, skating, cookie decorating, photos with Santa and more. For more information, visit www.unh.edu/holidayparty.

§ Saturday, December 11^th, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, UNH MUB Food Court – Second Annual Gingerbread House Event sponsored by On Belay. Supplies will be provided; however, all are welcome to bring their own candy, etc. for decorating. Entry cost is $10 per team. For more information on the organization visit www.on-belay.org, or contact Ruth Abelmann, ruth.abelmann@unh.edu., with questions.

§ Thursday, January 13^th, 2011, 4:45 PM, Community Church of Durham – Winter Ballet Classes. For more information contact the Great Bay Academy of Dance at 603-433-4200 or visit www.gbadance.com.

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 2                                           1 UNH (50%)             1 Other (50%)

*2010/11 Academic Year – 447     251 UNH (55%)         196 Other (44%)

Calendar Year – 873                        500 UNH (57%)         373 Other (43%)

*This data represents the 2010/11 Academic year report which began August 27th when UNH dormitories officially opened and students begin arriving in Durham.

Historical data for the same week

	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Week	8	7	14	2	1	2
Academic Year	620	441	402	430	508	447
Calendar Year	1179	944	973	945	1054	873

FROM “DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY – 1900-1985”

“Durham residents have been fortunate that through the century a doctor has always been available in town, starting with Dr. Albert E. Grant, who came to Durham in March 1897 and practiced here until his death in 1933. After Dr. Grant’s death, a town committee interviewed doctors to take his place. The one the committee chose from a group of five who applied was George G. McGregor. People remembered Dr. McGregor as a fine physician, but they especially recalled the character of the man. And he was a character! Everyone had his own Dr. McGregor story. The doctor was famous for his Sunday morning walks to Jack Grant’s for the paper. His usual attire was pajamas, a bathrobe, a hat, and a cigar. He often stopped to play the piano at the Gerry Smiths’ on his way home. Dr. McGregor died on March 13, 1967.” Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

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

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.