This Cardinal pair seem to be saying "Funny meeting you here!"

Courtesy Craig Stevens

The origins of Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, lie in the Civil War.  Southern women laid claim to the custom of a day set aside to decorate the graves of the war dead.  Union veterans laid claim to a specific date, May 30th, but it wasn't until after World War II that North and South were willing to observe Memorial Day on the same date.  If you are observing the weekend as most Americans do, as the semi-official start of the summer vacation season, please pause occasionally to reflect on why Memorial Day is called that. 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE ON MONDAY - MAY 30TH - 10 AM

Every Durham resident who has ever served in the  military is invited to participate in the annual Memorial Day Parade, Monday May 30, 2011. Preparations are underway by the Memorial Day committee, which  encourage as many groups as possible to march or ride in the parade. Groups are encouraged to show support for all who served in the military services. If you or someone you know would like to take part in the parade, please email sdevins@ci.durham.nh.us or call Sandy Devins at (603) 817-4074.  The Ceremony kicks off from Durham Old Landing at 10 AM.  Particpants should arrive by 9:30 AM.

VETERANS' FLAGS

Each May the Boy Scouts of Durham's Troop 154 replace the United States flags on the graves of all known veterans that are buried in Durham.  This civic duty has been an annual project of the scouts of Troop 154 for many years.  This year 300 flags were replaced. 

Removed flags will be retired with the appropriate ceremony at a later date. Anyone that is aware of a veterans' grave that has been overlooked is asked to please contact the troop by email at  tomr3@comcast.net or at 868-7382.  A list of known veteran graves is being prepared for public review later this summer.  Qualifying veterans include former members of the United States military, members of militias that fought on behalf of our colony prior to 1776, and Red Cross workers that served in any wars.

 1931 Seagrave fire engine

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT - 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION    

Come join the men and women of the Durham Fire Department in celebration of 100 years of service to the community on Saturday, July 23, 2011. The celebration will begin with a fire apparatus parade muster at 10:00 AM.

The parade lineup will be at 9:00 AM at UNH's "C" Lot at 10 Mill Road and will end at UNH's "H" Lot on Edgewood Road behind New Hampshire Hall. Muster will begin at the conclusion of the parade. For more information regarding this event, please click HERE.

WOULD DURHAM BENEFIT FROM BEING A CITY?
This week, I received a very thoughtful query from a resident inquiring why some communities in New Hampshire are towns while others are cities, and whether Durham in particular would benefit from being a city. 

There is really no rhyme or reason to the city/town distinction in NH.  Some NH cities are smaller than many towns (i.e., Franklin and Somersworth) while other NH towns (i.e., Salem and Merrimack) are significantly larger than most of our cities.  Basically, cities are cities because at some point in their NH history, they have chosen to be.  Most communities are by default towns, the vast majority of which operate under a traditional town meeting format with a board of selectmen (i.e., Lee and Madbury). 

Durham and Derry are the only two towns in NH which in every respect operate like small cities (the elected representative councils have the ability to both adopt a budget and make local laws) -- except that we are called towns.   While there are some interesting technical quirks between Durham, Derry, and the state's cities, these are really insignificant.  In fact, the Durham Town Charter, adopted in March 1987, references cities in several sections: 
 
Sec. 3.13. Powers and duties.
Except as herein otherwise provided, the Town Council shall have all the powers conferred upon and discharge all the duties imposed upon Town Councils, Town Meetings, Boards of Mayor and Alderman and Selectmen of towns by law. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, all officers and members of all boards commissions and committees, and vacancies thereto, shall be appointed by the Council.
 
Sec. 4.5. Powers and Duties of Administrator.
B. He shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this Charter or required of him by ordinance or resolution of the Council not inconsistent with this Charter. He shall have and perform such other powers and duties not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter as now are or hereafter may be conferred by municipal ordinance or conferred upon Mayors of cities and Selectmen of towns by general laws. He shall have the right to take part in the discussion of all matters coming before the Council but not the right to vote.

After 256 town meetings in Durham, our first Town Council took office on January 4, 1988.

                 Swan nest on the Mill Pond Friday afternoon, May 27, 2011

STATUS OF THE SWANS NESTING ON THE MILL POND
We have been monitoring the comings and goings of the swans which have made a large nest in the marshy area within the center of the Mill Pond.  The talk of the town has been whether we will soon have cygnets swimming about.  Today a frequent watcher reported to me that the swans “have abandoned the nest; the eggs did not hatch.”  If there are further developments, we will let you know.
 
SMITH CHAPEL SLATE ROOF CONTRACTOR DEFAULTS ON TOWN
Mr. Sean Green, proprietor of Mr. Roofs Corporation, Inc. based out of Tyngsboro, MA has defaulted on his obligation to the Town.  The Town had hired this company to replace the slate roofing system on the historic Smith Chapel roof located on Mill Road. 

Unfortunately, the company missed numerous deadlines, failed to answer repeated phone messages, failed to keep contractual obligations and ignored repeated correspondence.  In compliance with the Town’s contract with the company, Durham had initially paid a required deposit of $14,412.50 to secure the slate for the project.  The check, dated January 28, 2011, cleared the bank on February 4, 2011. 

Despite this payment, the company to the best of our knowledge did not place an order for the slate for the chapel roof.  By failing to perform, the company has breached its contract and has left the Town with no option but to pursue legal action to secure the return of the $14,412.12 deposit. 

The matter will be turned over to the Durham Police Department for resolution. 
 
CAPSTONE PROJECT APPEAL DEADLINE TODAY
Today is the 30 day appeal deadline for the Capstone student housing project’s Planning Board approvals.  It has been widely anticipated that the Durham Landlords Association or individual Durham landlords would be filing an appeal by the end of the day today.   

ASSESSING ISSUE – WHEN SHOULD WE NEXT PHYSICALLY INSPECT ALL PROPERTIES IN DURHAM?
The last time that the Town conducted a full inspection of all properties in Durham was as part of the 2003 full revaluation.  In 2008, the Town did a statistical update of properties but because random samples of our physical data conducted by the N.H. Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) were still extremely accurate, there was not a need to conduct a physical inspection. 

The next statistical update is scheduled for 2013 (one must be done every five years at a minimum). 

Over the next several months, we will ask a representative from the DRA to conduct a random sample of physical data from Durham properties to ascertain whether a full inspection of all properties is once again needed prior to the 2013 revaluation.  If so, we will budget for this activity in 2012. 

If the data from the random sample again proves accurate, we will instead consider moving ahead with a cyclical inspection program whereby 1/5 of all properties in Durham are inspected annually beginning in 2012. 

DOWNTOWN HOTEL PROJECT UPDATE
It appears as though discussions between The Kane Company and local property owners along Main Street for the development of a new hotel/parking structure facility with retail and restaurant on the first floor has come to an end.  The Kane Company was prepared to offer a full appraisal purchase price of $1.28 million for 72-74 Main Street at the corner of Pettee Brook Lane and Main Street with hard money down upon signing but the various purchase and sale conditions suggested by both buyer and seller were not amenable to the parties.  We continue to remain optimistic about a project of this nature in the near term within the downtown core. 

HOUSE BILL 27 SIGNED INTO LAW – PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY NOW LISTED AS OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTIC AS PART OF NH INSTREAM FLOW PROTECTION PROGRAM
As a result of Durham’s request, the Legislature has passed and the Governor has signed into law HB 27 which modifies RSA 483:9-c, I the establishment of Protected Instream Flows to read as follows [new language is in bold/italic]:

The commissioner, in consultation with the advisory committee, shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A specifying the standards, criteria, and procedures by which a protected instream flow shall be established and enforced for each designated river or segment. Each protected instream flow shall be established and enforced to maintain water for instream public uses and to protect outstanding characteristics, including recreational, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, hydropower, cultural, historical, archaeological, scientific, ecological, aesthetic, community significance, agricultural, public water supply, and the resources for which the river or segment is designated, and shall respect riparian interests on each designated river or segment consistent with the purposes of this chapter. Instream public uses shall include the state’s interests in surface waters, including, but not limited to, navigation; recreation; fishing; storage; conservation; maintenance and enhancement of aquatic and fish life; fish and wildlife habitat; wildlife; the protection of water quality and public health; pollution abatement; aesthetic beauty; and hydroelectric energy production.

POLICE CAPTAIN SEAN KELLY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
After twenty-two years of employment with Durham Police Department, Captain Sean Kelly has notified the department that he will be retiring from service with the Town on June 30th of this year.   Captain Kelly has not only been an exceptional employee but has guided the department through five CALEA accreditations, authored numerous operational plans for Presidential visits, all too many civil disturbances over many years, and more recently accepted a patrol shift when our employee numbers were severely strained over the past few years.  Due to uncertainty with the status of the state budget and the potential implications upon the Town, I have instructed Chief Kurz to delay the hiring of a new officer until January 2012. 
 

FREE PARKING FOR RESIDENTS AT DEPOT ROAD PARKING LOT NEXT TO TRAIN STATION JUNE 1 TO AUGUST 15
A reminder that Durham resident’s interested in taking the Downeaster to Boston/Portland, getting ice cream at the UNH Dairy Bar, or swimming at the UNH Outdoor Pool may park for FREE all summer at the Depot Road Parking Lot located adjacent to the Durham/UNH Train Station. 

PROBLEMS WITH TOWN OFFICE SERVER ROOM HEAT
Earlier this year the Town updated the server room at the Town Office which supports our multi-agency technological infrastructure.  Unfortunately, the present window air conditioner units utilized to cool the room (even in the winter) cannot adequately cool the equipment due to present outside temperatures and the building’s electrical panel is maxed out.  We are evaluating solutions to this problem which may necessitate the placement of an external air conditioning unit outside the building with piping up to the computer room.  If necessary, this may require approval from the Historic District Commission with appropriate screening because the Town Office is located within the Historic District.

TOWN OFFICE PAINTING PROBLEMS – LEAD PAINT
The Town has cut back on external maintenance at the Town Office as a cost savings measure over the last few years and consequently there is a good deal of paint peeling taking place.  Updated health and safety regulations have complicated the issue.  The Town Office had been painted with lead paint years and years ago (the structure used to be two private unconnected residences).  While we have encapsulated/covered the lead paint with newer paint formulas, if our staff undertakes painting of more than a small area, expensive precautions are required to protect public health. 

BUSINESS PARKING PERMITS STILL AVAILABLE FOR DURHAM DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES
The Town has sold 97 out of 125 downtown Business Parking Permits.  Parking permits for the Permit Only Lot and metered lots on Pettee Brook Lane, Cowell Drive and reserved spots on the east side of Madbury Road between Woodman Road and Garrison Avenue Extension are available for sale at the Durham Police Department. Legitimate business owners or managers are eligible to purchase a maximum of 15 parking permits by appearing in person at the Durham Police Department and presenting a request on company letterhead.  For more information including pricing, go to http://ci.durham.nh.us/DEPARTMENTS/police/parking/parking_page4.html .

TALL SHIPS IN PORTSMOUTH THIS WEEKEND
Durham’s history is intertwined with that of the Gundalow, a shallow-drafted type of cargo ship that was once common in the Gulf of Maine’s rivers and estuaries. The gundalow reached its highest state of evolution in the Great Bay of New Hampshire and Maine in the late 1800s.

This Memorial Day Weekend, see the Gundalow and other tall ships, watch them sail, and learn all about their navigation. Beautiful tall ships, including the 177-foot high Portugese ship 'Gazela Primeiro,' and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Flying Fish will be docked at the state pier in Portsmouth on Market Street.  The boats can be also be toured Saturday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Also enjoy educational exhibits.  For more information, go to
http://www.portsmouthnh.com/calendar/ShowDetail.cfm?Event_ID=3923&EventDateID=6813&LocationID=298

DURHAM EVALUATES 57 MADBURY ROAD AS POSSIBLE TOWN OFFICE SITE
Given the interest of the owner of 57 Madbury Road (the property next to 49 Madbury Road – the site of the new Durham Library) in selling his property to the owner of the Irving Station located next to the Town Office, who in turn has an interest in acquiring the Town Office site for development as a new pharmacy or other commercial use, and compensating the town with cash plus 57 Madbury Road for use as a possible future Town Office location, I have asked the Public Works Department to evaluate whether it would be possible to in fact construct a Town Office at the 57 Madbury Road location.  We will be engaging the services of the architectural design/build firm utilized by the Library Trustees to assist us as part of this process.

2011 UNH OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL VOUCHERS - THEY'RE HERE!

Pool pass vouchers are now available at the Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office, 15 Newmarket Road. The Town Clerk’s Office is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

A limited number of pool vouchers, issued on a first come first served basis, are available only for Durham youths ages 12 mos. to 17 years and senior citizens 62 years and older to receive a $45.00 discount off the full price of a season pass. Vouchers must be picked up BEFORE purchasing a pool pass. Pool passes are sold at the Front Service Desk at the Hamel Student Recreation Center, located next to the Whittemore Center on the UNH campus. When purchasing pool passes be sure to ask about the great value you can receive on a family membership package. The rates are listed below.

For additional information regarding when pool passes will go on sale, when the outdoor pool is scheduled to open, hours of operation for the Hamel Recreation Center, rental rates, group rates, policies and regulations, pool programs, Mendum’s Pond programs, or the Hamel Recreation Center facility and programs, please call the UNH Campus Recreation Department at 862-2031 or visit their website at http://campusrec.unh.edu/.

DON'T BE SHY...CALL THE DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT - PART TWO

Last week the Friday Updates discussed calling the Durham Police Department if it appears there may be something wrong, for noise or any other concern, that residents may have. The very focus of the police department is to be ready to respond to any concerns raised by the residents of the community.

While last week’s message focused upon rental units/apartments, this week is more cautionary regarding daytime burglaries that have been occurring in the Seacoast region.  Many people may not realize that the vast majority of residential burglaries occur during the daylight hours. The reality is that burglars know that most households have both partners working and that children are most likely in school. 

For the burglars this is the prime time for them to get into the house, steal what is in plain view, and leave the area quickly. Most of these burglaries begin by a stranger knocking on the door with some odd story prepared just in case someone answers the door.  The more bizarre the question, the more suspicious residents should be.  If no one answers their knocking, they may immediately kick in the door, or go to the back of the home where it is a little more private to gain entrance. 

If you answer the door and are confronted by a person who has an odd question, call the police. If you witness someone at the neighbor’s door and you know the residents are not home, call the police.  If something looks odd and/or out of place, call the police. 

While Durham has been very fortunate to not have a significant issue with daytime burglaries, residents should remain vigilant as to the activities within their neighborhood.

It’s not being nosy, it's being neighborly ... so PLEASE call the police if something doesn’t look quite right. The police can quickly respond and clarify whatever it is that seems out of place.  Never believe for one instant that by calling the Durham Police you are “bothering them”. Chief Kurz encourages residents to call the police even if they only have a “sense" that something is not quite right.

The police are patrolling Durham 24/7 and would much rather investigate a concern rather than respond in the aftermath. So please call 911 or 868-2324.

MASTER PLAN SURVEY
The Town of Durham is revising its Master Plan to help shape Durham’s future over the next decade. As part of the Master Plan process, the Town is asking residents, business owners, and students to complete a survey. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. Your input on this survey is extremely important.  Please go to http://is-nri.com/take/?i=167090&h=bwK8M7X-BFo4xxJWZEe7Bw to access the survey. Information is also on the Town's website with a link to the survey. Hard copies of the survey are available at the Town Hall and the Durham Public Library, and it can be dropped off at either location. A downloadable version of the survey will also be available on the website that can be dropped off at Town Hall or the Durham Public Library.  The deadline to complete the survey had been Tuesday, May 31, 2011, however in order to give residents more opportunity to respond, we have extended the survey completion date to June 3rd. Please ignore the May 31st date noted in the survey's introduction.

WORKFORCE HOUSING/INCLUSIONARY ZONING
In response to the state law requiring municipalities to provide opportunities for the development of workforce housing (RSA 674:58-61), the Workforce Housing Committee has been working over the past several months on the issue of workforce housing in Durham.   The Committee gathered information and has drafted some proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to provide incentives to develop such housing.  As part of this discussion, the Committee addressed the following issues:

• Durham’s current housing situation with respect to providing a “reasonable and realistic” opportunity for workforce housing both from a local and regional perspective;
   
• Impact of potential student demand for workforce housing;
   
• The suitability of Durham’s existing Zoning Ordinance to provide opportunity for workforce housing; and
   
• Potential locations within Durham for such housing.

In brief, the Committee discovered that Durham’s housing was not meeting either the local or regional needs for workforce housing, that dependent students would not likely be an issue since they could not meet income qualifications for workforce housing, that Durham’s Zoning Ordinance did not provide opportunity for workforce housing, and that there were limited zones where workforce housing could logically be considered, especially for owner-occupied workforce housing.

So, with the help of a consultant paid for by a grant from the NH Housing Finance Authority, the Committee drafted some material for the Planning Board’s review.  That material was introduced to the Board at its May 25, 2011 meeting by the consultant that worked with the Town, Jack Mettee.  Lisa Henderson, Executive Director of the Workforce Housing Coalition, was also in attendance at the meeting. This discussion can be viewed on DCAT on Demand via a link on the Town’s website or you can watch the replay on DCAT Channel 22.  The material presented to the Planning Board is also available for download from the Town’s website and copies are also available at the Planning and Community Development Department.

DESIGN GUIDELINES AND HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT STANDARDS

The Town has begun working on design guidelines for the Commercial Core as well as reviewing the design standards in the Historic District Overlay.  The Town has hired a consultant, Roger Hawk of Hawk Planning Resources, to help complete the work already begun by the Town.  The consultant and the Director of Planning & Community Development will be meeting with the Historic District Commission on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at 4:30 PM in the Town Council chambers at Town Hall to discuss the issues.  The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

                                What a Crock Proprietor Dawn Knorr on Friday

DURHAM’S NEW RESTAURANTS
Two new restaurants have opened on Jenkin’s Court.  Clemento’s, an Italian restaurant, opened last Friday evening.  What a Crock opened several weeks ago featuring a variety of soup offerings – including chilled soups and other surprises this summer.  My take out selection today at What a Crock was "New England Beans and Franks". 

And don’t forget that at the Mill Plaza, La Paz is offering Mexican food. 

Isn’t it terrific to have some variety in Durham!

PAVING UPDATE

Thanks to finally getting a break from the rain, the paving contractor was able to begin the 2011 paving work this week.  The first course (shim coat) has been completed this week on Emerson Road, Mill Road, and in the Bucks Hill and Shearwater areas.  Over the next month or so, Town crews and contractors will be working on drainage and structures in these areas.  The top coat will follow later this summer. 

TREE CITY USA

For the 33rd consecutive year, Durham has gotten a Tree City award.  The Tree City USA awards program is a nationwide program that recognizes communities for their commitment to quality tree care.  This program provides the essential foundation, framework, and structure for the development and implementation of urban forestry programs in communities throughout the United States.  The Tree City USA awards program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the US forest Service and National Association of State Foresters. 

MINOR CULVERT WORK ON DAME ROAD

The Department of Public Works Engineering Division recently submitted a  NHDES Wetlands Bureau Notification of Routine Roadway Maintenance for culvert work to be completed by the Town Highway Department crew on Dame Road. This notification form and process is available for use by public or private entities who are proposing to conduct certain roadway activities in wetlands, surface waters, and other areas protected under RSA 482-A. This work, to be performed this summer, involves the replacement of two small 12” culverts that cross under Dame Road. A copy of the notification has been provided to the Town's Conservation Commission and the Town Council.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS FOR THE WISWALL DAM REPAIR AND FISH LADDER PROJECT

The contracting company Reed & Reed will begin work for the Wiswall Dam Repair and Fish Ladder Project next week. Access to the parking area and either side of the dam will be restricted for the duration of the project. The project is anticipated to continue through the summer and late fall. Residents are reminded that parking along the road is prohibited and will be enforced accordingly.

WATER/SEWER BILLS

The spring water/sewer bills, mailed to residents on May 18th, are due to the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's office on Monday, June 20th.  The new bill format features a “Note” section where residents can be kept informed with updates as well as a usage history section to track household usage, and a tear off remittance copy similar to the property tax bills.  As always, bills can be paid in person, by mail, or in the envelope provided to the Town lockbox in Manchester.

PROPERTY TAX BILLS

The first half 2011 property tax bills will be mailed out on Monday, May 23rd and will be due to the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's office on Friday, July 1st.
Please include the bottom portion of the bill with your payment.  As always, an envelope addressed to the Town lockbox in Manchester will be included, however, bills may also be paid in person or mailed to the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office. 

DOG LICENSES

In accordance with New Hampshire statute, all dogs must be registered by April 30th annually.  The month of May is given as a grace period prior to assessing late fees in June.  All dog owners are urged to renew their dog’s licenses by May 31st as the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's office will be required to issue civil forfeitures after that date.  Licenses can be obtained in person, online, or by mail (with a stamped self-addressed envelope). 

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION MERCHANDISE
A reminder that the Town Clerk’s office has several items available for sale from the Durham Historic Association.  The Durham Afghan, displayed at the Town Hall, is available for sale along with the 275th Anniversary Jigsaw Puzzle and several books including “The History of the Town of Durham, New Hampshire” and “Durham, New Hampshire a History 1900-1985”.

UNH CELEBRATES WALKNH WEEK 2011

On Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 12:00 PM the University of New Hampshire will celebrate WalkNH Week 2011 with three walking routs varying in distance/time on the UNH Durham campus. The UNH, Durham and Manchester communities will join other groups from throughout New Hampshire in recognizing WalkNH Week 2011 by holding a community walk during the first week of June.  Runners are welcome to join as well. This event is sponsored by the Office of Human Resources, Healthy UNH and UNH Campus Recreation.

Governor John Lynch has proclaimed June 1-7 WalkNH Week as a way to promote walking and help keep New Hampshire residents on a healthy path.  WalkNH Week is an event designed to encourage people of all ages to get out, get moving and participate in a one-to-three mile community walk. The goal of WalkNH Week is to inspire participants to continue walking as part of a healthy lifestyle long after the June events end.

Registration and route information for the Durham event is now available at http://www.unh.edu/hr/walkNH2011.htm
 

PUBLIC MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham 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.

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/ or directly by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Historic District Commission - Thursday, June 3, 2011

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.

STAFF MEMBER FOR US SENATOR KELLY AYOTTE TO HOLD OFFICE HOURS IN DURHAM

On Tuesday, May 31, 2011 from 3:30 - 5:00 PM in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall, Neva Foley, Special Assistant to US Senator Kelly A. Ayotte, will hold office hours for residents who may need assistance from a Federal agency (i.e., Social Security, IRS, VA) or if they would like to relay comments.  

ORCSD SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The ORCSD offers summer enrichment opportunities for children, and there are still plenty of camps available. A new YOGA camp has been added for students in grades 1 through 5 for the first week of August. For more information about Yoga, click HERE.  The deadline for registration is is June 3, 2011.

Updated camp listings can be found on the district website at http://www.orcsd.org/.

Please contact the district office at 868-5100, extension 11 for more information.

SUMMER YOUTH MUSIC SCHOOL

The Summer Youth Music School, popularly known as SYMS, will be held for the 65th consecutive year at UNH this summer.  Approximately 700 middle school and high school musicians will be on campus to improve their performance skills as singers, orchestra players, band players, jazz players and singers, guitarists, pianists, and musical theater performers.  Students stay in the UNH dorms, dine at Holloway Commons, and fill their days with music classes and rehearsals.

 
Students finishing grades 7 and 8 attend Junior Session of SYMS from July 17-22. High School students finishing grades 9-12 attend Senior Session from July 24 to August 6. Limited scholarship assistance is available for Senior Session only.

Interested students should go to http://www.unh.edu/music/ and click on the SYMS link to see the flier and to pre-register.
 
Band students only who are finishing grades 4-6 qualify for "SYMS Prep" which can also be reached through a link on the web site above. Questions should be directed to (603) 862-2404.

GROWING PLACES SUMMER CAMPS
Growing Places, a non profit early education and youth recreation agency, offers two different camp programs for children:

Camp Cowabunga for children ages 5-7. This camp offers arts and crafts, games, swimming at the Durham Pool, and a field trip every Wednesday. 

Bridge Camp for children ages 8-12. This camp offers many of the same opportunities as Camp Cowabunga.  Different themes, age appropriate arts and crafts, and sports and games will keep the children engaged and having fun.  Bridge Campers attend the Durham Pool three to four days a week, and go on weekly Wednesday field trips with Camp Cowabunga, including SEE Science Center, and York Wild Kingdom. 

Both camps are housed at Moharimet Elementary School in Madbury.  Camp Directors are professional full-time teacher/directors at Growing Places. There is a 10% discount for full time siblings.   Camp Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended care available until 6 p.m.  Part or full-time schedules available. Tuition assistance is available for eligible families.  Please contact 868-1335 for more information, or email Director Jen Hayward at moharimet@growingplacesnh.org. 
 

YARD SALE LEFTOVERS

During the yard sale season, the Mast Way PTO would welcome receiving non-sold items.  If you happen by a yard sale, host a yard, sale or hear of a yard sale, please consider dropping off unsold items in the Textile Donation Center located in the Mast Way parking lot. This recycle box is available for drop offs year round – even in the summer.  The best part about your donation is that Mast Way benefits from every contribution made to the Textile Donation Bin and the PTO uses those donations to support enrichment activities at our school.

Items appropriate for donation include: clothing (clean and dry), household goods (i.e., sheets, blankets, towels, curtains, etc.), paired footwear, stuffed animals, belts and pocketbooks.

Items not appropriate for donation include: non-textiles, wet textiles, oil-soaked/contaminated textiles, rugs/carpeting, pillows, mattresses, and furniture.

Please contact Diane Moore at dbm28_2000@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Annual Memorial Day Parade.  Every Durham resident who ever served in the  military is invited to participate in the annual Memorial Day Parade, Monday May 30, 2011. Preparations are underway by the Memorial Day committee, which  encourages as many groups as possible to march or ride in the parade. Groups are encouraged to show support for all who served in the military services. If you or someone you know would like to take part in the parade, please email sdevins@ci.durham.nh.us or call Sandy Devins at (603) 817-4074. For more information, click HERE.

Music by the Bay. The Parks & Rec Department is very excited to kickoff the summer on June 22nd  featuring  “Bliss” from 5-7pm at Wagon Hill Farm. Bring the whole family while taking in the view of the bay. Friends and families are encouraged to bring picnic dinners, lawn chairs, and blankets. “Bliss” is an all female local four-piece string band that plays folk music, blues, a little country, and some original songs. Event is free. Check out their web site at http://www.bliss4.net/.

For more information please contact P&R Director Sandy Devins at 603-817-4074 or sdevins@ci.durham.nh.us Also check out our new Facebook account on “Durham Rec”  

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

March with the Durham Library in the Durham Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 30th, 9:30 a.m. Come march with us.  We will provide kazoos, flags, and candy to throw.  All are welcome and don’t forget to wear red, white, and blue!  Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Town Landing.
Special Pajama Storytime - Durham Police Visit with their Police car:  Tues., May 31st 6:30 p.m. - Join ORPP - the Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers group – for the library's monthly night-time storytime. Come wearing your pajamas. This month we invite you to come and learn about Community Workers and Policemen. We will read stories about Community Workers, the Durham Police will visit with their Police car and we will make a craft. This is a fun time for kids and for networking parents and all are welcome.
Introduction to Computers with Nancy Miner, Weds. June 1st 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. -This computer class is for the novice user; basic skills will be taught. How do I turn this thing on? How can I make the mouse point where I want? What is a file, and how do I make one? Can I save it? How do I find it again? All these and other exciting discoveries await those who register in advance for this class. Just call the library at 868-6699 or sign up when you are in. Class size is limited to six public computers and will begin at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 1. If you want to learn how to operate your laptop, bring it and use that instead. More advanced classes will be scheduled throughout the year.
Register for our fun 5-week summer reading program starting June 14th. The theme this year is “One World, Many Stories”. Our program runs from June 26th through July 29th.  More fun details coming soon.
Join the Patch Program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. 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.  The patch program ends May 31st for this year, but will start again Sept. 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

New Hampshire Space Grant Consortium - 20th Anniversary Celebration, Thu., Jun 2, 2011, 12:00 noon-3:00 PM, UNH Morse Hall. A proclamation from Governor John Lynch declares June 2nd, 2011 to be New Hampshire Space Grant Day. Join members of the NH Space Grant Consortium, officials from UNH and NASA - including keynote speaker former NASA Astronaut Jeff Hoffman - in celebrating 20 years of dedicated work in improving education and public awareness of science, engineering, and mathematics, particularly as they relate to our nation's space program. For more information, visit http://www.nhsgc.sr.unh.edu/20years.html.

Chicken Curry Dinner, Sun., Jun 5, 2011, 5:00/6:00/7:00 PM seating, Multipurpose Room at Moharimet Elementary School. Proceeds go towards building a school in Rajastan, India through an organization called Free the Children. Please contact Mamoon Herz-Khan, 868-1341, mamoonherzkhan@yahoo.com for ticket and other information.

Annual Plant Sale, Strafford County Master Gardeners' Association, Sun., Jun 5, 2011, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, United Peoples Bank parking lot in Durham. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions.

Bobcat Bolt, Sat., Jun 25, 2011. Portions of Town roads will be closed from 9:00 to 10:00 AM to conduct a 5K and 10K road race. The Bobcat Bolt is a run to remember and honor two local brothers, Joshua and Nathan Hardy, and to benefit the Oyster River Youth Initiative in their names. For more information, visit http://bobcatbolt.com/wp/?page_id=58. For information on how to volunteer for this event, click HERE.

Oyster River Festival.  Following the Bobcat Bolt event on Sat., Jun 25th,  a community music/art festival fund-raising event will follow from 11:00 to 2:30 PM at the ORHS field, 55 Coe Drive. For more information on this event, visit http://oralumni.org/oraa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=58

Summer Art Camp Classes for Children, Teens, and Adults. The Museum of Art, UNH, is offering week-long summer art classes during the weeks of Aug 1-5 and Aug 8-12, 2011. For a complete description of the classes or to register on line, visit the Museum of Art's website at http://www.unh.edu/moa/ or contact Catherine A. Mazur at catherine.mazur@unh.edu, 603-862-3713.

FREE MAC Computer Users Group - Second Tuesdays of the month, Rye Junior High, 501 Washington Road, Rye, NH. Mentors at 6:15 PM (ask any questions).Main topics are 7:00-8:30 PM. Open to all levels.

WEEKLY POLICE ARREST REPORT

This is the last report for the 2010/11 academic year and allows some analysis of the data collected over the past six years. The average number of arrests for the ACADEMIC year since 2006 is 936 arrests within the time frame that UNH is in session. 

The data demonstrates that 2010/11 experienced 13% fewer arrests than the average. Interestingly, the average number of arrests for the CALENDAR year, up until this date, is 416.  This equates to a rate that is 22% lower than the average for the last six years. While this data is promising the Durham Police will continue to monitor and report the evolving indicators.

Week - 7                                      4 UNH (57%)          3 Other (43%)

*2010/11 Academic Year -818     462 UNH (56%)      356 Other (44%)

Calendar Year –326                    188 UNH (58%)      138 Other (42%)

*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

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

"Business: Sherburne Fogg recalled that he painted the first 'GASOLINE' sign in Durham when he worked for Edgerly in 1916. The gas was delivered by a horse-drawn wagon, unloaded into a shed behind Pettee Brook, then hand-carried in a five-gallon can and strained through a chamois skin in the process of filling an auto's tank - all for 20 cents a gallon. When Dean Pettee sold the block to a clerk in Edgerly's store, the new owner gave Edgerly one month to vacate the premises. Undaunted, Edgerly moved his stock to a decrepit old building he owned on Ballard Street, which he had housed the original Tin Palace restaurant, and it was business as usual while he prepared to build a new store at 34 Main Street." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

________________________

The following is a poem written in 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian physician, poet, and solider who died in France in 1918.

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high,

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

 __________________________

Have a safe and nice Memorial Day weekend.  

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us    http://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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