Friday, October 28, 2011

On Saturday, October 15th, the Oyster River School District's Sustainability Committee welcomed families and friends to its first event featuring the Big Green Bus from Dartmouth College. ‘Green Bus Stops’ were hosted by Emery Farm and Durham Marketplace with music provided by the Oyster River Middle School Jazz Band. Courtesy Paul Gasowski

As fantastic as it may seem, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for all of N.H. except Coos County.  The major impact from this storm will be the Lakes Region and south.  Precipitation is anticipated to start late Saturday afternoon as rain moving from the south to north.  The entire area should see snow by 7 p.m. Saturday.  Over 6” of heavy, wet snow is possible with amounts highest in line from Rochester to Concord to Keene (Rockingham, Southern Strafford,Cheshire, Hillsborough Counties).  There may be some power outage issues with tree limbs on power lines.  The storm will move out by daybreak on Sunday. This bizarre winter storm system, combined with the fact that the coming weekend is both the UNH Homecoming and Halloween, promise a great deal of activity in and around Durham!

ADMINISTRATOR'S PROPOSED FY 2012 BUDGET FOR DURHAM

This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2012 General Fund budget totaling $11,257,284.00, an increase of $258,612 or (2.35%) compared to FY 2011.  Of the $258,612 increase, a total of $150,950 represents an appropriation from the Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) account to specifically support smart growth central core redevelopment should a major redevelopment project require public partnership in order to come to fruition in areas such as transitioning one-way to two-way traffic, off site underground utility infrastructure improvements, or economic development consultative, engineering, or staffing services. This leaves a total increase of $107,622 coming from General Fund tax dollars representing a .97% change over FY 2011 budgeted levels.
 
Due to a reduction in state revenues, as well as other adjustments in projected interest earnings, motor vehicle registrations, recycling revenues, and Parking Fund proceeds; non-property tax revenues are expected to remain relatively flat in FY 2012.  Revenue projections do continue to include the infusion of an annual $218,545 payment from UNH to Durham which began in 2009 to compensate the community for the University’s financial impact upon the Town in areas such as roadways, traffic, and policing services.  Taking into account flat revenues, a projected $15 million infusion into the tax base associated with the Capstone project as of April 1, 2012, increasing Overlay from $125,000 to $300,000 due to a number of outstanding 2008, 2009, and 2010 property tax abatement appeals pending with the Board of Tax and Land Appeals/Superior Court, no use of fund balance, and recommended expenditures, this proposal is projected to increase the 2012 local municipal portion of the tax rate by four cents (or .55%) to $7.61 from the estimated 2011 level of $7.57. 

The proposed Sewer Fund budget reflects a 3.4% increase in user fees in 2012 (a rate of $5.75 per hundred cubic feet) driven primarily by the need to correct a $102,761 fund deficit due to continued decrease in water usage by residents and at UNH, while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 12.1% increase in user fees (a rate of $3.97 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2012.  The Water Fund increase is due to our inability, as projected last year, to rely any longer on undesignated fund balance to smooth out the rate as available unreserved water cash reserves diminish.  It should be noted that spending within the Water Fund is up only $511 over last year.

For comparative purposes, the twelve-month September 2010 to September 2011 Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) numbers are:  U.S. City Index – 3.9%, Northeast Urban Index – 4.0%, and Boston-Brocton-Nashua – 3.7%. 

A listing of highlights from the proposed FY 2012 budgets follows:  

1. No pay increase is budgeted for non-unionized personnel, nor are there funds budgeted for wage increases for employees covered by the public works and police officer collective bargaining agreements as both contracts will have reached expiration by December 31st of this year.
2. In FY 2001, the Town had 85.6 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.  Despite the implementation of new programs and initiatives since that time, we have been successful over the years in identifying strategies to increase efficiencies and trim our workforce. The FY 2012 budget includes 83.55 FTE’s.
3. Increase in the number of hours for the part-time Parks and Recreation Director position from 20 hours per week to 30 to more accurately meet the needs and aspirations of the community within this burgeoning functional area.
4. A total of $4,000 has been allocated to support the Strafford County Conservation District as a result of funding reductions by the County for this program.
5. The department’s 19th full-time police officer position, which had been cut by the Administrator in 2009 due to budget constraints, restored by the Council in 2010, then held vacant for the majority of 2011 by the Administrator, has been eliminated once again for 2012 as a cost savings measure.
6. The road program is funded at $455,487 for FY 2012 through long-term debt.   Targeted roadways for 2012 include Bagdad Road (Route 108 to Emerson Rd.), Magrath Road, Oyster River Road, Pettee Brook Lane, Sunnyside Drive, Valentine Hill Road, Willey Road, and Wiswall Road (Packers Falls Rd. to Wiswall Bridge).
7. $75,000 is budgeted to stimulate economic development in Durham's downtown core through Phase II of the upgrade to sidewalks, streetlights, bump outs, and pavement markings along the Pettee Brook Lane corridor.
8. The proposal includes a $4.8 million Durham Public Library project along Madbury Road to be funded $2.1 million through private fund raising and $2.7 million through bonding contingent upon approval of a referendum vote in March 2012. 

As background information, the Town Charter in Durham states:

Sec. 5.2. Budget procedure.  At such time as may be requested by the Administrator or specified by the Administrative Code, each officer or director of a department shall submit an itemized estimate of the expenditures for the next fiscal year for the departments or activities under his control to the Administrator. The Administrator shall, based on these estimates and other data, prepare a recommended budget which he shall, together with these department estimates, submit to the Council no later than the last workday prior to November 1 of the current year. The Council shall review the budget for the following fiscal year and make such modifications and amendments as it desires.

Sec. 5.4. Final date for budget adoption.  The budget shall be adopted not later than the last workday of the preceding fiscal year. . .Failure by the Council to adopt a budget by the deadline established in this section will establish the budget as recommended by the Administrator as the adopted budget.

To view the full 7 page transmittal letter providing an overview of the FY 2012 Administrator's proposed budget, click HERE.  Mr. Selig will formally present the proposed BY 2012 budget to the Council on November 7th.  A public Hearing is scheduled for November 14th to obtain feedback from the community. 

UNH WIND TUNNEL – AN UPDATE

On Thursday morning of this week, October 27, 2011, Town Council Chair Diana Carroll, Town Councilor Julian Smith, and Administrator Todd Selig had a productive meeting with UNH Vice Provost (and Durham resident) Jan Nisbet, former Dean of Engineering and now Professor (and Durham resident) Joe Klewicki, and Associate Vice President for Facilities and Energy Paul Chamberlin, regarding the new UNH Flow Physics Facility (AKA, the UNH Wind Tunnel).   Of particular interest was the fact that, according to UNH, operating the facility at full power such as what occurred over the Columbus Day Weekend will be quite atypical.  Typically the facility will operate within the lower spectrum of power operation which, according to UNH, is barely discernible beyond campus.  UNH is willing and interested in pursuing funding for a baffling device to further attenuate sound while in operation.  To view a conversation between Administrator Todd Selig and UNH Professor Joe Klewicki from the Department of Mechanical Engineering in which Town concerns are discussed in some detail, click HERE.

DURHAM TRICK-OR-TREATING

A final reminder that Trick-or-Treating in Durham, Lee, and Madbury takes place on Sunday, October 30th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM THE DURHAM POLICE
Halloween isn’t just for kids as parents can get caught up in the fun themselves!  But at the core of all this fun are some simple safety ideas that could keep everyone safe during the “tricks and of course the treats.”

Reinforce that your children should only go to well-lit houses and remain on porches -- NEVER entering any houses. 

• Travel in small groups and ideally be accompanied by an adult.
• Carry a cell phone and know how to reach you and how to call 911 in an emergency, like if they get lost.
• ALWAYS bring treats home before eating them so you can inspect them. Although the risk that your child's Halloween candy has been tampered with is extremely low, there is also the chance that his candy is unwrapped or spoiled.
• Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing through back yards.
• Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between any parked cars.
• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
• Consider using face paint instead of masks as some masks can obstruct a child's vision.
• Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
• Avoid wearing long, baggy or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
• Establish a curfew for your younger children and confirm a return time for older children.
• Encourage older children in middle or high school to be courteous to smaller children and to abide by the 5PM - 7PM trick-or-treating timeframe.

Homeowners can do their part by:

• Preparing homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
• Ensuring there is ample lighting approaching your home that does not shine into the eyes of the “trick and treaters”!
• Avoiding giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.

OYSTER RIVER SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH UNDERWAY – ALL STAKEHOLDERS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE
The Oyster River Cooperative School Board has engaged the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) to assist it the search process for a new Superintendent of Schools.
 
An integral part of the process involves parent, student, staff, and community participation in focus groups. The groups are designed to obtain participant input about the attributes, experience, and knowledge that the new superintendent should possess. The groups also provide an opportunity for participants to identify immediate tasks that the new superintendent should address.
 
The focus group sessions are defined and held at the Oyster River High School as follows:

• Businesses, Town/State Government, UNH Administration & Clergy – Tues., Nov. 8 @  4PM, Multi-purpose Room
• Oyster River Community Members – Tues., Nov. 8 @ 6:30PM, Multi-purpose Room
• District Administrators – Thurs., Nov. 10 @ 3:30PM, Multi-purpose Room
• Parents of Current/Future Students – Thurs., Nov. 10 @ 6:30PM, Multi-purpose Room
• Oyster River Students – Mon., Nov. 14 @1PM, Rm. C-120
• District Staff – Mon., Nov. 14 @ 3:30PM, Rm. C-120
• School Board Members – Mon., Nov. 14 @ 6PM, Rm. C-124

NESDEC will conduct the focus group sessions, each lasting approximately 1-1 1⁄2 hours.  There is no limit to the number of participants and no need to register for the session of your choice. Childcare will be available for the Nov. 10 6:30PM parents’ session.

 
The School Board and NESDEC hope that all stakeholders will be able to participate.
 

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD REVIEWS PROPOSED DISTRICT BUDGET
At a Wednesday night budget workshop session, School Board members discussed the working budget for the 2012-2013 school year. It proposes a $209,846 increase over last year's budget.  To view a Foster's Daily Democrat article on this topic, go to http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111027/GJNEWS_01/710279696/-1/FOSNEWS0102&template=GreatBayRegion.

SECOND UNH FRATERNITY SUSPENDED BY UNH – TAU KAPPA EPSILON

The Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity has had its charter suspended, this time following a party in September in which a gun, $2,000 cash, and prescription drugs were apparently stolen from its house. Appreciation is extended to UNH for holding Greek organizations such as this accountable for poor behavior which negatively impacts the community.  The TKE house is located at 35 Madbury Road and owned by Gangwer Properties.  To view a TNH article regarding the TKE suspension, go to http://www.tnhonline.com/news/incident-leads-to-tke-s-loss-of-charter-1.2659337#.TqrPeuvgImI.

It was recently reported that the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity at 66 Main Street had also been Suspended by UNH for problematic behavior at 

http://www.tnhonline.com/news/ato-suspended-after-violating-university-s-underage-drinking-policies-1.2659324#.TqrPnOvgImI. The ATO property is owned by the Gamma Theta Corporation.

DURHAM, STRAFFORD COUNTY, AND OTHER COMMUNITIES DISCUSS REGIONALIZATION OF PROSECUTION SERVICES
There has been discussion for over a year about the possibility that the Strafford County Attorney's Office could prosecute all cases, not just the domestic violence and felony level cases it currently prosecutes. County and local officials have begun to evaluate a plan that could potentially be put into effect as early as next summer. At the same time, additional information is still needed about such a proposed process.  Durham could potentially save between $20,000 - $30,000 as a result of such a regionalized approach.  To view a Foster's Daily Democrat article about this topic, go to http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111026/GJNEWS_01/710269953.
 

DURHAM CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TOM JOHNSON NAMED ICC 2011 CODE OF HONOR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
The International Code Council (ICC) Foundation has announced its 2011 Code of Honor Scholarship Winners and Durham's Tom Johnson is amongst a handful of selected individuals.  The award will allow CEO Tom Johnson to attend the Oct. 30 – Nov. 6 ICC Annual Conference in Phoenix. The Foundation received 201 applications representing 40 states and the Cayman Islands with awards presented to recipients in 33 states and the Cayman Islands.
 

DURHAM PLANNING BOARD HAPPENINGS

The Planning Board will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7 PM at Town hall.  The Board will be discussing the draft zoning amendments associated with the Commercial Core Strategic Plan and will also be having a discussion on updating the Commercial Core chapter of the Master Plan.

PIPE UP!  HELP SHAPE THE LOOK OF DOWNTOWN DURHAM

On October 27th, the Planning Board and Historic District Commission presented an opportunity for residents to participate in a "building design preference" survey. If you missed that meeting, don't despair: you can still weigh in. For a short time, the survey will be available online. The survey consists of 65 different comparisons of photographs. You must complete all 65 questions to be counted (it goes really quickly), and only one entry per computer will be accepted. Submit before November 7 and stay tuned for the results. To begin the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/visual_survey.

To put the survey in context, check out consultant Roger Hawk's introduction to the design meeting via "DCAT on Demand" at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/. (Choose "Durham Building Design Meeting 10/27/11.)

MASTER PLAN UPDATE

The Town of Durham is updating the 2000 Master Plan and will be holding a series of meetings over the next several months to begin amending the Master Plan.  We will be updating the following chapters: Commercial Core, Environmental and Cultural Resources, Economic Development (Tax Stabilization), and Land Use.  In addition, a new Energy Chapter will be added to the Master Plan.  The Town is still  looking for volunteers to be on the Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC). 

This Committee will help lead the Master Plan update, review updated chapters and work with the consultant/staff to help keep consistency within the updated chapters, work to keep updates on track, work to keep the public informed and involved, and will report to the Planning Board. 

The MPAC will also keep the Citizen Forum Report and Citizen Survey results in mind while reviewing the various chapters.  For more information please contact Jim Campbell, Director of Planning & Community Development at jcampbell@ci.durham.nh.us or call him at 868-8064.  

PUBLIC WORKS FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CLEANUP BEGINS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH

Fall Cleanup will begin on Monday, November 7th at 7am.  Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not recyclable).  Paper bags can be purchased at several local stores such as Town and Campus and The Durham Marketplace as well as Home Depot, Lowes, etc.  Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road on Tuesday or Saturday with your residential permit. 

Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please).  Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter.  No stumps will be accepted.  The amount of brush and limbs is limited to one truckload per household.  All items must be out by 7am that Monday to guarantee collection. 

If you cannot have your items out on time or have more than one truck load, you may bring them up to the Transfer Station and Recycling Center with your regular permit on Tuesdays or Saturdays between 7:30am and 3pm.  to view the Fall Newsletter, click HERE.

UNH FOOTBALL GAME
Residents traveling Main Street between Edgewood Road and Route #155 A should expect significant delays Saturday, 10/29/11, between the hours of 6:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m., due to increased traffic for the University of New Hampshire Homecoming 2011 football game.  Residents should also be aware that there will be changed traffic patterns to accommodate traffic into and out of Cowell Stadium.

UNH HOMECOMING

UNH Homecoming Weekend will be held this weekend, October 28-30, 2011. The weekend will be packed with a wide range of events and activities for everyone. Durham residents are of course invited to participate.  Kick off Homecoming Weekend by wearing UNH blue and white to show your spirit.
 
The Blue and White Parade kicks off Homecoming with floats, giveaways, military vehicles, bands, cheerleaders, dancers, and more. Parade route will begin at Quad Way between the Upper and Lower Quads, right on Academic Way, left through B-Lot to McDaniel Dr., right on McDaniel Dr. and ending where McDaniel Dr. turns into College Rd. Presented by Campus Activities Board (CAB). 
 
For an updated list of activities, visit http://www.unh.edu/homecoming

ORPP VISITS DURHAM DPW - Courtesy Loren Selig

ORPP VISITS DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY

Youngsters of Oyster River Parents of Preschoolers enjoyed a tour of the Durham Public Works Department last week. Above, Director of Operations Doug Bullen, took advantage of a photo op with the children. 

DURHAM POLICE EXPLORERS MEET
On Wednesday October 26th, the Durham Police held an open-house for young adults who are interested in joining the Explorers Program. A number of young adults accompanied by their parents attended the open-house to learn about the program. The attendees enjoyed pizza and soda served by Captain Dave Holmstock, Sergeant Danny Brooks, Officers Michelle Montville, Jon Lavoie and Tom Kilroy.  The officers answered questions and provided a tour of the police facility. 

The Explorer Program gives young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 the opportunity to gain insight into the career of law enforcement through instruction and by participating in hands-on fun-filled activities. Regardless of their career aspirations, the Explorers offer a wonderful opportunity to experience law enforcement while giving back to the community.  Explorers also participate in the Ride Along Program, where they will see patrol operations first-hand by partnering with a uniformed police officer during his/her shift.

The first “official” Explorers meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 9th from 6:00PM-8:00PM in the community room at the Durham Police Department. Young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who are interested in joining the program are encouraged to attend.  Please contact Officer Michelle Montville at (603) 868-2324 or mmontville@ci.durham.nh.us for more information on the program.
 

DURHAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR FOREST WORK DAY - NOVEMBER 6TH
The Durham Conservation Commission is looking for community volunteers, UNH students, and others to help restore native plants on Sunday, November 6 from 10am-1pm. The project will take place at Doe Farm, a town-owned property located on the south side of Bennett Road, along the Lamprey River in Durham (Map).
 
Volunteers are needed to help pull glossy buckthorn, a non-native invasive shrub that has taken over the understory of the forest at Doe Farm.  Over thirty-five volunteers began the work last spring, and this fall’s work will continue efforts to restore the forest.
 
The work will be physical, but not difficult, and participants will learn how to identify several common invasive plants.  Come prepared to work outside, including long pants and long sleeves, boots, and work gloves.  As with most outdoor work, this is some risk of poison ivy and ticks. 
 
Teams or groups are particularly welcome to participate, as many hands make light work!   If you or your team can help, please contact Ann Welsh at 868-2996 or Email at annwelsh@mac.com.  Thank you for helping restore native plants in Durham!
 

WILDLIFE HABITAT WORK PLANNED FOR EAST AND WEST FOSS FARM

Interested in hearing about the University of New Hampshire's wildlife habitat work planned for East and West Foss Farm?  Join UNH experts, neighbors, and other interested folks on Tuesday, November 1 from 4-5:30 p.m. to visit the project sites and learn what's planned for these areas.  Harvesting will take place on both properties this coming winter to create young, shrubby habitat for the New England cottontail rabbit, an endangered species in New Hampshire. 

On hand to discuss the project will be UNH Professor John Litvaitis, Emma Carcagno of UNH Cooperative Extension, Heidi Holman of NH Fish and Game and Don Kierstead of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Meet at the gate at East Foss Farm (off Stevens Way) at 4:00pm.  If you have questions about the project or the walk, contact UNH Land Use Coordinator Steve Eisenhaure at 603-534-7979 or email: woodlands@unh.edu.

NHDES AND GREAT BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE PRESENTATION ON CHANGES TO COMPREHENSIVE SHORELAND PROTECTION ACT

A presentation regarding the changes to the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act will be held Friday, Nov 18, 2011 from 9:30-11:00 AM OR Tuesday, Dec 6, 2011 from 6:00-7:30 PM. Both presentation options will take place at the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, Depot Road, Greenland, NH. This presentation will provide an overview of these changes and will also include information on the permitting process and the minimum standards relative to impervious surface limitations and maintaining levels of vegetation along the shore.

For more information, click HERE.

At the Big Green Bus Stop event, Chuck Cressy, owner of Durham Marketplace, received the 2011 NH Grocer of the Year Award for Local Foods. Pictured (left to right) are Chuck Cressy, owner of Durham Marketplace; Morgan Curtis, Dartmouth College; Paul Gasowski, ORSC Chair; and Meegan Daigler, Dartmouth College. Courtesy Paul Gasowski

BIG GREEN BUS STOP EVENT

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, the Oyster River School District's Sustainability Committee welcomed families and friends its first event featuring the Big Green Bus from Dartmouth College. ‘Green Bus Stops’ were hosted by Emery Farm and Durham Marketplace with music provided by the Oyster River Middle School Jazz Band. The mission of the Oyster River Sustainability Committee is to facilitate a sustainability forum; measuring its work and aligning with the five principles of sustainability: Renewability, Substitution, Adaptability, Interdependence ,and Institutional Commitment in the areas of food, energy, transportation, school curriculum,and community outreach.
  
For more information on the Oyster River Sustainability Committee, contact Thegreenoystercommittee@gmail.com or 'Fan' us on Facebook. Cristina Dolcino and Shelley Mitchell serve as the Town of Durham Representatives on the Oyster River Sustainability Committee, along with Madbury Representatives Barry Kaplan and Karen Larson, and Lee Representatives Chuck Cox and Paul Gasowski, Chair.

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://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Economic Development Committee - Monday, October 24, 2011

Planning Board - Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Building Design Preference Survey - Thursday, October 27, 2011

Parks & Recreation Committee - Thursday, October 27, 2011 (7:00 PM - P&R Building)

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.

DID YOU KNOW COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF STRAFFORD COUNTY OFFERS LOW-COST BUS RIDES TO ANYONE AGE 60 AND OVER?

A wheelchair-accessible bus will pick you up at your door (and help you on and off) for anyone age 60 and over. The requested fare is just $2.00 per round trip.

The program operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and the majority of the rides are to grocery, discount and clothing stores, area malls, and shopping plazas.

Where does the bus go? Below is a sample of routes, which can change depending upon rider needs:

• Monday morning: Gonic/Rochester/East Rochester to Rochester stores.
• Monday afternoon: Dover to Dover stores.
• Tuesday morning: Dover and Somersworth to Dover stores
• Tuesday afternoon: Dover to Dover stores.
• Thursday morning: Barrington/Durham to Lee Plaza.
• Thursday: Rochester/East Rochester to Rochester stores.
• Friday morning: Farmington to Rochester stores.
• Friday afternoon: Dover and Rochester alternate bi-weekly. Rochester to Dover or Newington area stores, and Dover to Newington area stores.
• How do I get a ride?

To schedule a ride, call our driver Sandy at 603-817-8207
Each rider is asked to fill out an emergency contact form, which the agency keeps on file and is not shared with anyone. Call 603-817-8207 or visit http://www.straffordcap.org/ for details.

DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

NEW PROGRAMS:

FREE Parents & Preschoolers Exercise Class for Infants to 5 year olds along with a parent. Class begins soon and will be held on Thursdays 9am – 10am at the Durham Parks & Recreation Building.

Prenatal Yoga begins in November. Connect with other moms-to-be and a great relief from common physical discomfort. Class will be held on Tuesdays 5pm at Durham Parks & Recreation Building. Cost is $40 for 8 weeks.

Coyote Club Instilling a sense of wonder, responsibility, and stewardship for the natural world through exploration. This Environmental program is for children in grades 1st through 5th Activities are held at Wagon Hill Farm. Begins Mon. Nov. 21st 3:45-4:45pm. Cost is $60 for 6 weeks. To register contact Sandy Devins at recreation@ci.durham.nh.us.

Kid’s Yoga has a new session beginning  for ages 9 – 12. Class meets Wed. 4:30 – 5:30pm at the Durham Parks & Recreation Building. Cost is $40 for 8 weeks.

Please check out our Fall/Winter class schedule which provides recreation for the whole community. To view the schedule, click HERE.

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

FRIENDS OF THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNUAL FALL BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Durham Public Library Fall Book Sale will kick-off at the Durham Public Library on Thursday, November 3rd from 6pm to 7pm with an Early Bird Preview--admission to this special one hour event is $10.

The sale opens to everyone from 7pm to 8:30pm Thursday evening. The sale will continue on Friday, November 4th from 10am to 5 pm and on Saturday, November 5th from 10am to 2pm.

Book prices are $2.00 for hardbacks, $1.00 for paperback, and $0.50 for children books. DVDs, CDs, and books-on-tape are $1.00. VHS tapes are $0.50.

All proceeds from the Friends Fall Book Sale support Durham Public Library programs.

ANNOUNCING THE NEW ORHS POET LAUREATE, DANIEL BELSHAW

Durham's Daniel Belshaw has been named the new ORHS Poet Laureate.  Five very talented finalists read their poems last Tuesday night at the Durham Library and Daniel was chosen as the new Poet Laureate.  Aidan Bolduc, Lydia Beller-McKenna, Catherine Geiger and Anna Genes were the finalists.  Last year’s Poet Laureate, Abby MacGregor also read one of her poems.  Thanks to all who attended and the ORHS staff in conjunction with the Durham Library who organized and attended the event. It was a great night of Poetry!

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

New Library Campaign
The New Library Campaign goal is to raise $900,000 in additional donations as the private share of the public-private partnership with the Town for a new facility. To date, more than $714,322 of the $900,000 has been raised!  But we still need your help to reach our goal.
We are making all of our campaign information available on our website http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/.  Help make the long-awaited new library a reality. Your donation will make a difference!

________________________________

New Library Event Postponed. The new library event originally planned for October 30th at 49 Madbury Road has been postponed.  Watch for the new event date in the library newsletter, in Friday Updates, and on our website.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Special Pre-school Storytime with McGregor EMS and their ambulance, Tue., Nov 1st, 10:30 AM. EMS volunteers will share safety tips, read stories, and allow the children to explore their ambulance. 

Storytimes - Tue., Nov 1st and Thu., Nov 3rd, 10:30 AM. Enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard, and a craft.

Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade Book Club), Tue., Nov. 1st, 6:00-7:00 PM. This month’s book is your Mystery choice.  Read either “The Sherlock Files: The 100 Year Old Secret” by Tracy Barrett  or a Mystery book of your choosing. Books are available at the library.

Young Adult Writing/Blog Group, Tue., Nov 1st, 7:00-7:45 p.m. Like to write? Join us for this Young Adult writing/blogging group that will meet once a month.

Kenya: A Journey- Photos and Memories from an "Experience of a Lifetime", Tue., Nov 1st, 7:00 PM. 11 at 7 p.m. Join us as Ed and Sharon Dalton share their stunning photographs and stories from their trip to Kenya's beautiful wilds with their friend Damaris Crayton.

Getting to Know the Internet for the Technically Literate, Tue., Nov 8th, 700 PM. Would you like to know more about the Internet and how to use it? David Sietz will answer all your questions and more at this informational program.

Calling all Library Volunteers!  We would like to celebrate all you do for us. Come to a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on Thu., Nov. 10th from 5:00-6:00 PM.

Personal computer questions? Come ask Kyle on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM.

Please, no book donations this month.  We will not be accepting book donations this month due to the Friends Fall Book Sale. 

Join our Lego Club, Thu., Oct 27th, 3:45-4:45 p.m. for 1st-5th graders.  Like to build Legos?  Come to the Lego club in the Children’s Room to start constructing.

Registration for Tales for Tails has begun. 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 at the library.

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.  Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program.  We have new patches!

Check out our website http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ for more info.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

Oyster River Youth Association - Register Today for ORYA Programs! Click HERE for more information. To register, go to http://www.oryarec.org/  and click on "registration", then "winter". For additional information, contact Mike, 603-868-5150, mike@oryarec.org.

UNH Homecoming – October 28 - 30. Durham families are encouraged to participate in UNH Homecoming events. Check out all of the action at http://www.unh.edu/homecoming.

"Trick or Treat Street", Sunday, Oct 30, 2011, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, SERC Promenade - Hosted by UNH students residing in the Southeast Residential Community (SERC). This event is for local children and includes games for kids, cotton candy, popcorn, candy and lots of fun. It’s a great way to connect UNH and the Durham community and its completely FREE.

Forum on UNH Campus Master Plan Update, Thursday, Nov 3, 2011, 12:40 - 2:00 PM, New Hampshire Hall, 208, UNH Campus. Town residents are invited to an open forum on the update of the campus master plan. Parking is available in the adjacent visitor parking lot on the corner of Edgewood Road and Main Street. For more information, click HERE.

Edward Jones Grand Opening Celebration, Thursday, Nov 3, 2011, 4:00 - 7:00 PM, 44 Newmarket Rd., Suite B200, Durham. Please RSVP to confirm attendance at 603-868-1876. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

Community CPR, Saturday, Nov 5, 2011, 9:00 AM - noon, St. George's Church, Durham. All are welcome to sign up for this certification class.To register please go to http://www.mcgregorems.org/institute/cpr-local.html#2011. Cost: $20. For more information, contact Amy Cunningham, 603-969-8656 or St. George's, 603-868-2785. This certification is designed for the general public and is not adequate for EMS or healthcare professionals.
5th Annual Tie Dye Festival, Wednesday, Nov 9, 2011, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Granite State Room, UNH MUB. Run by students in the Recreation Management and Policy program at UNH. FREE to the public. Participants need to bring their own article of clothing to dye. Sponsored by Durham Business Association, Durham Landlords Association, and My Varsity Place Apartments.

Mast Way School 4th Annual Holiday Shopping Bazaar, Saturday, Nov 19, 2011, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Mast Way School, Lee. Do you own a small home business, are a demonstrator for a Direct Sales Company, or a crafter looking for a way to sell your wares? Contact Dianne, 603-659-2057, amberpuppy@aol.com, for more information regarding this event.

Lee Holiday Festival, Saturday, Nov 19, 2011, 7:30 AM, Lee Safety Complex on George Bennett Road. Will include a ride with Santa in a horsedrawn wagon, homemade goodies, unique crafts, and other items. For more information, contact Marian, 603-659-3996 or Barbara, 603-659-6428. See   http://www.leechurch.org/ for more details.

ECHO Community Thrift Shop - Durham Community Church, 17 Main Street, Durham. The economical and environmentally friendly way to shop. Hours: Wednesday 10 am-5 pm, Thursday 10 am-7 pm, Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Offering clothing, accessories, small household items, and vintage. Gladly accepting donations of clean and gently used items during hours of operation. For more information contact: 603-868-1230 or office@durhamcommunitychurch.org. The Thrift Shop entrance is at the back of the Church in the lower parking lot.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

Town Counil Chair Diana Carroll, UNH First Lady Emma Bricker, and Town Councilor Robin Mower will be riding with Durham Police this weekend to observe night life in town within the 10 PM to 2 AM timeframe.  Have a safe Halloween!  

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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