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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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A view of two new Princeton Elm trees on Main Street Courtesy Mike Lynch
Elm trees are back on Main Street!
Last week the Public Works Department planted two Princeton Elm Trees on Main Street in front of Franz's and The Candy Bar. These Elm trees replaced two Zelkova trees which died this past winter.
Durham's Main Street used to be lined with Elm trees until Dutch Elm Disease decimated the species between 1930-1950.
The Princeton Elm is a new disease-resistant cultivar which has shown strong resistance to Dutch Elm Disease over the past 15 years.
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In addition, after being closed for three weeks to work on some interior remodeling, the Mei Wei Restaurant, located in the Mill Plaza, has reopened for business.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY & TRANSFER STATION SCHEDULE
A final reminder that all Town Offices will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 4, 2014.
Transfer Station & Recycling Center Schedule: There will be no collection of commercial business recycling that Friday. Additionally, the Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, July 5th for the holiday. It will reopen for normal business on Tuesday, July 8th. See attached Holiday schedule for complete 2014 collection schedule and Transfer Station closings.
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NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" NEXT WEEK - June 30-July 4, 2014
A reminder that due to vacation schedules in the Administrator's Office, there will be no "Friday Updates" next week. The next "Friday Updates" publication will be on Friday, July 11th.
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ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
The Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay welcomes everyone to the annual July 4th fireworks celebration. This year, there are several changes due to construction at UNH’s Cowell Stadium. Access to the fireworks viewing area is confined to the round-about located on Main Street across from the UNH horse barns. The viewing area is grass so bring blankets and/or chairs.
Unlike previous years there will be no children’s activities offered. The Durham Fire Department and the McGregor Ambulance Corps will have equipment on hand for touring. Picnic meals are encouraged. Parking will be at Lot A (across from the Field House).
Fireworks will be preceded by music, the presentation of the colors by the Newmarket Militia, the singing of the National Anthem, and presentation of musket and canon fire from the Newmarket Militia. The viewing area will open at 7 PM and the fireworks will begin at 9:15 PM. Rain date is July 5th, same time.
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DURHAM’S FRIDAY UPDATES – PASS THEM ALONG
If you find Durham’s “Friday Updates” to be of value, please pass them along to other individuals who may also find them of interest. The email list serve also doubles as an emergency broadcast system for the town during times of crisis such as flooding events, power outages, large scale events, etc.
People can sign up on the Durham home page at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/. Scroll down under "Friday Updates" on right side of the page and sign up!
Busy downtown Durham during UNH freshman orientation at noon on 6/19/14.
Courtesy Todd Selig
MAIN STREET “COMPLETE STREET” TRAFFIC CONFIGURATION UPDATE
The Town’s goals for new Main Street "complete street" pilot traffic configuration were/are as follows:
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Slower/safer rate of speed along Main Street
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Increased safety for pedestrians at crosswalks
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Designated bike lane/increased safety for bicyclists
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More downtown parking for businesses/residents
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More comfortable pedestrian atmosphere for residents/visitors downtown
Durham's Traffic Safety Committee believes the new Main Street configuration meets each goal that had been established.
Please read below for a detailed analysis of the new traffic pattern to date (apologies for the length of this item).
Traffic Safety Committee Discusses Pilot Program: The Administrative Traffic Safety Committee comprised of the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Public Works Director, Director of Planning, Code Officer, and a representative from the Planning Board met on Wednesday of this week, 6/25/14, along with several members of the Energy Committee and following approximately 60 minutes of discussion concluded that that all of the goals set out for the project have been accomplished.
Police Chief David Kurz commented on the new configuration that, “It’s working. It’s doing everything we wanted it to do.”
Fire Chief Corey Landry indicated he likes it as well. He felt with the new configuration as soon as you come across Quad Way, "you know you’re downtown and need to drive more slowly. High speed was previously an issue."
Frequent speeds in the old double lane configuration along Main Street were in the 35 MPH range with many vehicles moving as fast as 42 MPH. One vehicle was clocked at 46 MPH. Public Works Director Mike Lynch has noted that the speeds now are in the 20 MPH range.
The Fire Chief also indicated the new pattern with one lane has eliminated people driving the wrong way up Main Street which had been a problem at certain times of the day/night.
Pedestrian Crossing at Pettee Brook Lane/Main Street/Quad Way was viewed as being demonstrably safer for people on foot.
With slower vehicular speeds, pedestrians at crosswalks along the Main Street corridor were perceived as being safer.
UNH Transportation Planner Steve Pesci reported that from his perspective, the new Main Street downtown pattern was working well.
Director of Planning Michael Behrendt felt the new configuration was effective at meeting the established goals.
It was noted that with an increasing number of student housing projects being built downtown over the next 18 months, there will be a substantial uptick in pedestrian and bicycle activity which is desirable rather than forcing these individuals to rely solely on motor vehicles which is presently the case as many of the students at this time live in neighborhoods directly surrounding the downtown core.
It was also noted that a roundabout is being planned for the Main Street/Quad Way/Pettee Brook Lane intersection and that the new traffic configuration will naturally integrate with the future roundabout. At this time, however, UNH has not been able to secure grant funds to finance the roundabout in conjunction with Durham.
Public Works Director Mike Lynch suggested that the Roundabout be put in the Durham Capital Improvement Plan for 2015 and that discussions commence with UNH to ensure the University contributes a significant share toward the project.
Chief Kurz noted that the roundabout will significantly mitigate historic traffic bottlenecks at the intersection in the future. Traffic generally flows more efficiently with a roundabout versus a traditional merge or signalization.
Another goal for the "Complete Streets" project on Main Street was to facilitate getting children safely from the Faculty Road neighborhood to the Middle School and back home. It was felt by the Traffic Safety Committee that the new traffic configuration helps to make the route safer for those Faculty neighborhood children.
It was felt the new pattern was proactive, setting in place a traffic configuration that looked to the future needs of Durham.
Energy Committee Chair Kevin Gardner noted that “Complete Street” traffic configurations which welcome all modes of transit at a national level help support downtown businesses.
Finally, several individuals at the meeting noted that since the 2000 Master Plan, there has been a stated municipal desire to establish bicycle lanes throughout the downtown core.
All agree the real test would be when UNH returns to session this fall.
General Town Feedback on The New Configuration: The Town has received correspondence from residents both critical of and supportive of the new Main Street traffic configuration to date.
The longer it is in place, the more residents seem to be seeing some benefits associated with it. The critical test will be how it will withstand traffic demand when the UNH fall session begins.
Administrator Selig spoke with both Jesse Gangwer, owner of Town and Campus, and Dick Gsottschneider, a long-time resident and Durham businessman, downtown last week about the new traffic pattern. Both indicated they liked the new configuration and were happy we were trying it out. Both were pleased with the additional parking spaces. Many of the merchants have mentioned they like the additional spaces.
Richard Many (Stogie) from Town and Campus noted he also liked the new pattern and felt downtown was busier than usual on Saturday because of the additional parking places.
Markings Directly In Front of Young’s - Single Lane: We continue to receive feedback that the single lane in front of Young’s is confusing and does not make sense. Clearly first impressions are lasting because the single lane markings in front of Young's were removed within 24 hours of the launch date of the new configuration. They were definitely an issue. We removed them rapidly. This is just one example of why this effort is a pilot program. Our staff will constantly be making modifications until we can get the configuration working as effectively as possible.
Street Print Now at 100% Completion: DPW was active finalizing the new street markings a week ago Monday night (6/16/14) until about 11:30 PM. By Tuesday morning of last week, the new “Complete Streets” traffic configuration was about 95% complete.
The missing component was the last of the green bicycle lane markings. Unfortunately, the green paint did not spread as far as our red crosswalk paint typically does so DPW ran out (many sections required two coats!) and DPW's order for new stock had yet to arrive. By the first part of this week, however, the markings were 100% in place.
Pinch Point at First Crosswalk/Bend in Road on Main Street: While functionally the head in parking spaces have been working without issue, many residents have expressed that it is hard to see the first crosswalk along Main Street if pedestrians are coming from the left hand side. To address this, the two or three spaces closest to the crosswalk have been designated for compact cars only. Some residents have also expressed they find it difficult to back out into the single lane of traffic.
Yield Sign Installed at Pettee Brook Island: While traffic rules generally grant the right of way to the motorists remaining on the main roadway (in this case Main Street), the lack of signage caused confusion so DPW added a Yield sign at the Pettee Brook island. This has helped a great deal.
Cars Turning the Wrong Way from Main Street into People’s United Bank
Drive Through Because of New Head In Angled Parking: To address this, as well as at the Aroma Joe's Lot, white arrows were put on the pavement showing the proper travel direction for motorists.
Additional Parking Spaces: Although the initial plan was to add 19 new parking spaces, DPW indicates that in fact they were able to add 22 new spaces to support Main Street businesses and the residents/visitors who frequent them.
The curb width of the new head in angled parking spaces on Main Street is 9 feet which is the same width as the head in angled parking spaces a littler farther up the road in front of Young's that had previously existed. There is no difference in width. The new head in spaces are at a 20 degree angle versus the 32 degree angle of the spaces in front of Young's. We have both angle configurations at other locations in town.
Downtown Durham Was Very Busy Last Thursday, (6/19/14) at the Noon Hour - Initial Test for New Traffic Pattern: At around 12:30 PM on June 19th, downtown was hopping. This was because it was the final exam day for the first UNH summer session meaning that all UNH students taking classes for the first summer session were in town. In addition, it was the orientation day for incoming UNH students and their families.
During the busy lunch hour, Main Street traffic west of Pettee Brook Lane backed up (moving slowly) to the President's house and Pettee Brook Lane traffic backed up (moving slowly) to the drive through entrance to People’s United Bank.
Cars entered and backed out of the new Main Street head in spaces, pedestrians crossed the road in many places, drivers unfamiliar with Durham tried to figure out where to go, and other drivers parallel parked. As noted, the traffic continued to slowly but steadily move through the Pettee Brook Lane/Main Street merge and onto Main Street.
It is worth considering as well that if we moved to a two way configuration, we would be in the same situation with a single lane in either direction and with signalized intersections where people would come to a dead stop in key locations for set periods of time.
Key Question to Consider: The question I think for everyone to consider in the coming weeks is whether the efficiency tradeoffs of moving a large volume of fast moving traffic through downtown as was the case in the past is worth exchanging for the goals that have been met to include safer speeds, a safer environment for bicyclists and pedestrians, more parking for downtown businesses, and a more comfortable pedestrian atmosphere for residents as a whole. In addition, we will need to see how the configuration works with heavier traffic demand this fall.
The Durham Town Council will receive an update on the new traffic configuration at its meeting on July 21st. All feedback received to date has been shared with the Town Council.
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Draft schematic design for a new 15,220 sq. ft. UNH Outdoor Pool.
PUBLIC FORUM ON DRAFT DESIGN FOR THE NEW UNH OUTDOOR POOL – Public Forum for Design Review Scheduled
The Outdoor Pool Design Committee invites all interested members of the community to a public forum to learn about the progress of the design for the Outdoor Pool at the University of New Hampshire and to provide thoughts and ideas about the design elements of the pool at this intermediate stage of the design process. The meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2014, from 7-9pm at the Piscataqua Room in Holloway Commons, 75 Main Street. Parking is available along Main Street or in the University visitor parking lot C across from the Mill Road shopping plaza (open to the public at no charge after 6pm).
The size and location for the pool were established in March of this year, and the Design Committee has been working with the University's pool design consultants to begin developing the design, including the orientation and general configuration of the pool. At this stage in the process, it is appropriate to review the progress of this design and get the broader input before the design proceeds further.
Preview some of the documents that will be reviewed at the forum HERE. The PDF includes an overview of the site, with the new pool and old pool outlined on the first page. This is followed by three perspectives of the updated design of the pool. The forum will include a description of the process, factors that have influenced the changing of the design, and discussion on specific aspects of the design and preferred ways to represent the history of the pool.
If you are unable to attend the forum and would like to provide feedback, you are welcome to contact a member of the Outdoor Pool Design Committee and/or submit your feedback to the committee via email (campus.recreation@unh.edu) by July 7th.
Craig Stevens from DCAT-Channel 22 will film the forum for replay on local access television.
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PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK ON NEIGHBORS DURING HEAT WAVES
Now that summer as officially arrived, and the temperature is beginning to rise, residents are cautioned that high temperature and humidity can cause a variety of health problems for people of all ages, particularly if air conditioning is not available.
Please take a moment to consider whether you have neighbors who could utilize assistance as a result of the high temperatures. If you have concerns or know of someone who needs assistance, please contact the Fire Department at 868-5531.
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Volunteers plant native shrubs to restore shoreline at Adam's Point on Great Bay in Durham.
Courtesy Malin Clyde
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING TO CARE FOR AND STUDY THE LANDS AND WATERS IN DURHAM AND AROUND GREAT BAY?
If you answered yes, then joining the Stewardship Network: New England is what you ought to do! The Stewardship Network is an organization that mobilizes volunteers to participate in citizen science projects, service days, and other conservation-based volunteer events throughout the seacoast area.
Have you been to Adam’s Point recently? Thanks to volunteers and the partners at the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department the heavily eroded shoreline has been restored through the planting of over 100 new native shrubs in erosion-proof soil mats to repair shoreline habitats.
Or...have you taken a walk through College Woods and seen the areas north of the reservoir free of invasive glossy buckthorn? Thanks to student and community volunteers working with UNH Woodlands and Natural Areas manager Steve Eisenhaure, the woods along the Oyster River are freer of invasives, allowing native wildflowers and tree seedlings to recover.
Interested in monitoring glass eel populations in the Lamprey River, removing invasive plants in the Durham area, or recording data on oyster spats in Great Bay for the Nature Conservancy? Check out the Stewardship Network calendar and join the network at: http://newengland.stewardshipnetwork.org/
THE HEALTH OF DURHAM'S MILL POND
An overview: Durham’s Mill Pond is a shallow impoundment that has experienced a proliferation of aquatic plants and algae over the years.
Recent analysis of the Mill Pond indicates that it is nutrient rich with respect to both phosphorus and nitrogen and supports significant algae and aquatic plant growth. At times, the algae in the pond is likely limited by nitrogen and at other times by phosphorus. Algae are also limited by the high flushing rates of the pond.
The majority of the nutrients in the Mill Pond come from the watershed and a 60-75% reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus would improve water quality in the Mill Pond as well as in other Durham ponds to include the Little Hale Pond and Beards Pond.
Many of the activities currently being considered as a part of the Durham/UNH Oyster River Watershed Integrated Management Plan for Nitrogen will also reduce both nitrogen and phosphorus loading to the Mill Pond.
Dredging might also help restore some of the historic uses of the Mill Pond by removing nutrient rich sediment and rooted aquatic plants and could mitigate some internal loading of phosphorus but would generally be much more effective and last longer if preceded by or coupled with aggressive watershed nutrient reductions. Dredging, however, is expensive.
Mill Pond Details: Because of the shallow depth of Mill Pond, light penetrates to the bottom over most of the pond allowing photosynthetic production of oxygen at depth as well. This provides habitat for aquatic life at all depths and minimizes the potential release of phosphorus from the sediments that could occur under low oxygen conditions.
Total phosphorus concentrations in Mill Pond are high, ranging from 0.046 to 0.074 mg/l. Typically in New England lakes, phosphorus concentrations in excess of 0.020 mg/l are sufficient to regularly fuel algal blooms. The presence of soluble reactive phosphorus (readily available for plant growth) in relatively high concentrations further indicates that there is more phosphorus in Mill Pond than the existing algal and plant community can use.
Observed concentrations in College Brook (0.041 to 0.198 mg/l) are substantially higher than those observed in the Oyster River upstream of Mill Pond (0.029-0.054 mg/l) particularly after rain. Although flows are lower in College Brook than the Oyster River, reductions in phosphorus inputs to College Brook will be important in the long term to reducing phosphorus concentrations in Mill Pond.
Similar to phosphorus, nitrogen concentrations in Mill Pond are high, however, the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus observed in Mill Pond suggests that, at times, nitrogen as a plant nutrient is in shorter supply than phosphorus. At the concentrations currently observed, there is sufficient nitrogen and phosphorus to grow plants and algae in nuisance quantities. The management challenge is to reduce one or both of these nutrients to levels that will ultimately limit the amount of plant and algal growth that can occur in Mill Pond.
The high flushing rate of the pond likely plays a role in flushing algal cells out of the pond before they have the opportunity to reproduce to bloom concentrations especially during period of high flow and runoff. In addition, the dense macrophyte community in the pond likely competes with the algae for nutrients at times and encourages settling of solids and algal cells by reducing turbulence.
Perhaps the worst set of conditions for the pond occurs during summer in hot, dry periods after moderate storms giving the algae plenty of nutrients from stormwater inputs coupled with sufficient time in the pond to reproduce and form nuisance bloom concentrations.
The long-term successful implementation of management of the Mill Pond will depend on reducing nutrient inputs from the watershed. Watershed management Best Management Practices (BMP’s) are being developed jointly by Durham and UNH as a part of the nitrogen reduction strategy developed to benefit the Great Bay.
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ORION DEVELOPMENT BLASTING
The developers of the Orion project (the tri-colored buildings across from the Post Office) on Church Hill received their Planning Board approval several months ago and the project is now underway. Construction fencing went up this week. Several of the existing buildings will be removed soon. Two will be refurbished and brought back to their original historic configurations.
The developer will be doing blasting on site to clear ledge for construction of building foundations and utilities.
The protocol for the blasting requires the developer to contact a pre-blast survey of all structures on neighboring properties within 250 feet of the subject lot. The survey will include photographs of neighboring properties so that if there is a claim of damage later, the pre-blast photographs can be examined.
If property owners within 250 feet of the subject lot are contacted by Orion or its representative, it is recommended that they allow Orion's contractors to inspect properties and take any necessary photographs and notes. This will help to protect surrounding landowners in the event that they believe any damage occurs later due to the blasting.
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UNH KINESIOLOGY DEPARTMENT EXERCISE TRAINING STUDY SEEKING INTERESTED DURHAM RESIDENTS
The Department of Kinesiology at UNH is conducting an exercise training study that is funded by the National Institute on Aging. It will be evaluating muscle strength, size, and physical function following different types of exercise training.
The department is seeking healthy, older men and women aged 65 years old and older who do not currently exercise to participate in this study. Please contact Summer Cook, Ph.D. for more information on the study at 603-862-0895 or summer.cook@unh.edu. for more information, click HERE.
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A family of geese near the Durham landfill. Courtesy Bernie Casey
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ASSESSMENT REPORT OF DURHAM POLICE BY ACCREDITATION TEAM COMPLETE
The Durham Police have been accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CLAEA) since 1999.
Every three-years, CALEA trained assessors with professionally relevant experience conduct an assessment of the agency which involves inspecting documents, interviewing various community members, holding a public hearing and ultimately report their findings to the Commission for review and decision.
At one of their quarterly meeting this coming July, Chief Kurz, Administrator Selig, and several members of the department will be in attendance as the Commission’s Agency Review Committee conducts a hearing, which is open for public attendance, regarding the agency’s compliance to applicable standards based largely upon the report which can be found HERE.
Accreditation has become an important attribute of the Durham Police as the CALEA standards give Chief Kurz a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and necessary reports that support decision-making and resource allocation.
Additionally, there is reduced risk and liability exposure recognized by the Town’s insurance carrier, Primex who reduces our annual premiums by 10% as result of the police department’s status as an accredited agency.
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NEW ASSIGNMENTS AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officers David Skelly and Katie Bolton have completed the Field Training (FTO) segment of their training curriculum after having graduated from the fourteen week New Hampshire Police Academy. They have been assigned to a patrol shift where they are now working singularly patrolling a district that Durham has been divided into enabling officers to respond more efficiently and rapidly.
Sergeant Michael Bilodeau has been assigned to oversee the detective function replacing Frank Daly who resigned to accept employment in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Detective Sergeant Bilodeau will be responsible for the oversight of another detective, Jen Kelly, as well as the newly created position of Problem Oriented Policing (POP) officer. This position was funded by a federal grant and allowed for a more experienced officer, Steve Misek, to focus his efforts upon eliminating crime by addressing the root issues and causes.
Chief Kurz has indicated that a significant effort will be focused upon off-campus student rental units that become problematic to the neighborhood.
By working in partnership with the Durham Landlord Association, Code Enforcement and the Durham Fire Department, the goal is to reduce the need for police to respond to these properties with the assurances that if there strategy does not work, all of the Town’s resources will be focused upon enhancing these problem properties.
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COE DRIVE CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT UPDATE
Unitil’s work to replace a section of their gas line within the project limits is nearly complete and PSNH has relocated two poles to allow for the required clearance during the placement of the box culvert. Coordination with other utilities is on-going.
The Town’s contractor, North Hampton Excavating, will close Coe Drive to thru traffic and pedestrians beginning on Monday July 7th, after the holiday weekend. This project includes replacing the existing undersized culvert with a 10’ wide x 6’ high precast concrete box culvert with appropriate headwalls and associated minor roadway reconstruction work. Additional work includes the upgrade of water, sewer, and drainage utilities. Coe Drive will be closed to thru traffic for the duration of the project and will be reopened in August 2014. Residents will still be able to access their homes from Bagdad Road and Dennison Road.
Questions may be addressed to Assistant Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at 868-5578.
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FOSS FARM WATER TANK REHABILITATION PROJECT UPDATE
The Foss Farm Water Tank Rehab Project is well underway. For those residents in the Foss Farm neighborhood please be aware that some noise from the contractor’s equipment and work vehicles may be experienced. Painting steel structures requires specific temperature and humidity conditions. When these conditions occur, the Contractor may be working longer hours, including some weekends, in order to take advantage of the favorable conditions. This will in the end reduce their overall time on site.
Water pressure in the UNH/Durham Water System will continue to be maintained using the Edgewood Road Water Tank and the Beech Hill Water Tank while the Foss Farm Water Tank is offline for the duration of the project, which is schedule to be completed by the third week of August.
Questions may be addressed to Assistant Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at 868-5578.
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Members of Beat 4 youth rock band. Courtesy SGA
EXPERIENCE THE SOUNDS OF LOCAL YOUTH BAND BEAT 4 AT DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET - June 30th
Beat 4 is a youth rock band comprised of four members from Dover, Nottingham and Strafford: Andrew (14, lead guitar), Ben (14, bass guitar and vocals), Max (14, rhythm guitar and vocals) and Addison (12, drums). The band has been playing together for three years, performing in local shows, including Teens Rock at the Rochester Opera House, in which they won first place!
So join folks at market this week and support this up-and-coming youth band, fresh off their recent victory at The Stone Church's Battle of the Bands where Beat 4 came in second place out of 16 bands, being the only youth band there!
Special thanks to Durham Parks & Recreation for hosting this event at market.
A youngster fills in answers to the Bee Appreciation Week quiz at the Durham Farmers' Market this past Monday, June 23rd. Courtesy Craig Stevens
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THIRD ANNUAL FARM-A-Q AT EMERY FARM - June 29TH
The the third annual Farm-a-Q will take place this year on June 29th at Emery Farm in Durham, NH.
A joint effort of Slow Food Seacoast and the Heirloom Harvest Project, Farm-a-Q is a picnic-style bounty of heirloom and heritage foods grown on local farms and prepared by some of the area's best restaurants. The afternoon features an incredible buffet, showcasing the abundance of delicious locally grown products and the talent of local chefs.
This year's participating restaurants include:
Black Trumpet Bistro, Black Birch, Beach Pea Baking Company, Buttermilk Baking Company, Cava, Demeter's, The District, Joinery, The Kitchen on Islington, Moxy, and When Pigs Fly! It doesn't get any better than this....
Farm-a-Q runs from 12:00 – 4:00 pm with food served from 1:00 – 3:00. Enjoy workshops, live music, demonstrations, tastings hay rides, kids crafts and activities all afternoon. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for Slow Food members, $15 for Youth age 13-20, $5 for Children age 3-12, and children under 3 are free.
Emery Farm is one of the oldest continuously farmed properties in the country. They grow a wide selection of fruits and vegetables at their farm stand as well as meats and other products from area farms. Enjoy the taste of summer at this relaxing, family-friendly event!
A full schedule of events can be downloaded HERE.
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PROPERTY TAX BILLS
First half 2014 property tax bills went out May 27, 2014, and are due July 1, 2014. New taxpayers, if your taxes are in escrow, your mortgage company may hire a tax service to retrieve the billing information directly from the tax collector’s office; however, some mortgage companies will require the taxpayer to send them the bill. If you are unsure which situation applies to you, contact your mortgage company in order to avoid any delay in payment.
REMINDER: If you are unable to make the full payment, it is to your advantage to pay as much as you can, as often as you need, verses waiting until you have the full amount to make a payment.
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DOGS, DOGS, DOGS!
Dog licenses are OVERDUE! There are still dogs that need licenses renewed. Please, license your dog(s) immediately to avoid additional late fees and civil forfeiture fees. State law requires the Town Clerk to insure compliance, this means additional costs to the town for certified mailings and even sending the police to deliver notices in hand.
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Interior work at the new Town Hall continues along nicely. Above, Hutter Construction workers hang sheetrock to the bottom of the second floor roof trusses. The sheetrock will provide additional thermal barrier to “tighten up” the energy efficiency of the 2nd floor. The finish ceiling will be acoustic tiles. Courtesy Craig Stevens
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THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS
Silver Strummers Ukulele Band - Saturday & Sunday @ 1:00 PM - Run time: 52 minutes
Join the Silver Strummers for the best Ukulele music you’ve heard in the continental US. You might say “ukulele music” in Durham? Yup, you missed this group of 13 seniors from the Dover Senior Center as they sing, strum and entertain the small crowd gathered in the Community Room. FYI a fantastic venue for music! Just because you weren’t there doesn’t mean you can’t be entertained by their music. Tune in to DCAT 22 to enjoy or you can watch this video on the Town’s On Demand site.
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Helping a New England Native: The New England Cottontail Rabbit, Saturday & Sunday @ 10:30 AM and 8:30 PM - Run time: 1:50
Young forests provide essential homes for a large variety of native wildlife and we are losing both at a rapid rate in New Hampshire. Among the species that are suffering is the New England cottontail, the region’s only native rabbit. We can take action to reverse the decline. Come learn about upcoming efforts on nearby NH Fish & Game lands to provide habitat for New England cottontails and nearly 65 other young forest wildlife. Also learn how some of your own neighbors are making an essential contribution in maintaining our wildlife legacy on their lands and how you can help too. Together, we can make sure that New Hampshire’s diverse array of wildlife survives for future generations to enjoy while providing people more opportunities to hear and see all of our treasured wildlife. This video is also available on the Town’s On Demand site.
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“Town Conversations: Change or Be Changed”, Saturday & Sunday @9:00 AM and 6:00 PM - Run time: 49:00
Join your host David Williams as he chats with interesting people in our community, this is the first in a series of conversations about Our Town. The premier episode has David in frank conversation with Durham Town Administrator Todd Selig, listen as Administrator Selig draws a picture of the challenges and opportunities facing Durham. Periodically, Town Conversations invite a clearer understanding of who we are as a Town, how we arrived at where we are, and what direction(s) we might go in the future. Facilitated by David Williams, Planning Board Secretary. Questions may be referred to David via email, home14@comcast.net. This program is also available Town’s On Demand site.
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These videos are also available for viewing on the Town’s On Demand site.
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WILDCAT FITNESS OFFERING "FREE FRIDAYS"
Wildcat Fitness is offering "FREE FRIDAYS" from June 20th to August 29th. If you live, work, or go to school in Durham and are thinking about trying out a community gym please stop down and enjoy "Free use of the gym". Owners Ken and Susan Entz have made a commitment to offer the community the best facility that they can. If you haven't been in since we took over the library space you will be amazed at our state-of-the-art classroom, HydroMassage beds, Smoothie Bar, and new equipment. It's like having a spa in the middle of downtown! Visit http://www.wildcatfitness.net/.
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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.
There are no public meetings scheduled for the week of
June 30-July 4, 2014
However, there will be an orientation session for new board/committee/commission officers on July 2, 2014, at 7 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The public and all Durham board members who have an iterest are welcome to attend.
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/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.
DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
Families enjoy the warm weather and a free concert on Saturday evening. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee
On The Go!: Adventure Trips for Active Adults
July 31st – Boston Duck Boat Tour, Prudential Center, & Legal Sea Foods. Ready to get UP and GO? Find out how HERE.
Sun sets over Great Bay as families enjoy the sweet sounds of BLISS. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee
FREE Concert at Wagon Hill Farm This Saturday! - Our Music By the Bay Summer Concert Series kicked off on Saturday with a fantastic performance from local band BLISS. Families brought picnics, blankets, and friends to Wagon Hill Farm to celebrate the first official day of summer in style!
The Music By the Bay Summer Concert Series picks back up on Thursday, August 7th with the Hamnesiac Acoustic Trio (members of the band FLING).
Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series continues with the band Hamnesiac on Thursday, August 7th.
Durham Farmers Market - June 30th - Durham Parks & Recreation is pleased to partner with the Seacoast Growers Association and bring activities to the Durham Farmers Market. Join us on Monday, June 30th for a performance from Beat 4.
Beat 4 is a youth rock band comprised of four boys, Andrew (14, lead guitar), Ben (14, bass guitar and vocals), Max (14, rhythm guitar and vocals) and Addison (12, drums). The boys live in Dover, Nottingham and Strafford. They have been playing together for a little over three years now. They have performed many shows, including Teens Rock at the Rochester Opera House last year, in which they won first place; they also participated in Battle of the Bands at The Stone Church a few months ago and came in 2nd place out of 16 bands, being the only youth band there!
R.E.A.C.H. Summer Camp 2014 – Sign Up Today!
Ropes Course (Browne Center)
ARTastic
Attitash Mountain Adventure (Attitash)
Broadway Stars
Outdoor Experience
Kayaking and Overnight Camping (Wagon Hill Farm)
Mad Science – Mad Machines & Crazy Contraptions
Outdoor Rock Climbing & Rappelling (Pawtuckaway State Park)
The Hunger Games – Archery (Lead by Archery In Motion!)
Unlikely Sports
Water Country
View the camp schedule and register HERE
Durham Day 2014 - Saturday, Sep 27 - A celebration of Durham...Click HERE to participate in Durham Day 2014
Fitness for Life: View our weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE!
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Save the Date:
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Camp R.E.A.C.H. – 7/14 – 8/22
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Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series - Picks up in August. Find out more HERE
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Durham Day – Saturday, Sept. 27th.
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COME JOIN THE ‘CREW’ AT GBR! Learn to Row Camps Start Next Week
“Attention ….row! “ Though you may never hear these words through the microphone of a coxswain guiding you through the start of a crew sprint race (between 1000 -2000 m) , you can still experience the strength and beauty of the sport of rowing right here on the seacoast.
During the summer, Great Bay Rowing offers many Learn To Row camps for juniors ages 13-18, and Adult Learn To Row Camps for anyone aged 19 or above. Besides being introduced to a sport which provides you a fantastic cardio-vascular and resistance training workout, you will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the Oyster River.
If you or your junior decide to continue, Great Bay Rowing offers competitive and recreational Master programs during spring, summer and fall and a competitive junior program during Fall and Spring.
Through working on endurance, strength and technique, we prepare to get ready for upcoming races. During the fall (which begins at the end of August and runs through mid-October) the club participates in “Head” regattas—races from 2 to 3 ¼ miles long. One of the best known is “The Head of the Charles” in Boston. Held in October, it is the largest head race in the world, drawing crews from countries all over the globe. Great Bay Rowing has entered both junior and masters crews in the Head of the Charles. Unlike Fall Head Regattas, Spring and Summer races are pure sprints, 1000 m to 2000 m long. These exhausting but thrilling races only last between 6-8 minutes!
So, if you have always wanted to try a water sport which allows you to enjoy the seacoast’s natural beauty, but are unable to purchase your own equipment or are intimidated by your lack of knowledge or experience, then join Great Bay Rowing and develop not only a high level of fitness, but also gain many new friends while challenging your mind and body with the wonderful sport of Crew. For more information, explore Great Bay Rowing's website.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE: 2nd Annual Durham Farm Day, Saturday, August 16th, 10am-5pm. Organized by the Durham Agricultural Commission.
Main Street Makery Offering Community Classes. The Main Street Makery, located at 42A Main Street, is offering a number of community classes for the month of June. To view the schedule of classes, click HERE.
"Treasure Island" Vacation Bible Camp, July 21-25, 9AM-12PM, Durham Evangelical Church. For children entering Kindergarten through Grade 5 in the Fall. FREE. Games, Skits, Snacks, Songs, Crafts & Bible Stories. Register HERE. More information, contact katie.brouse@durhame.org, (603) 590-0642.
Durham Farmers' Market - Every Monday from 2:15 - 6:00 PM at the Durham Town Hall
Echo Thrift Shop will be closed the week of the 4th of July. Half price sale on everything in the shop the remainder of July. Extra special deal- on Fridays in July, fill a bag for $4.00!
UNH Memorial Union Building Summer Series - Movies (including many in 3-D!), a mini-carnival, an outdoor movie, and more. For the full printable scheduled, click HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Joyce and Harvey will perform at Music on the Library Lawn, Wednesday, July 2nd at 6:30 p.m.
Summer Reading, “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Continues! You can still come in and register.
Week 2 of Summer Reading
Family Movie Night, Mon. June 30th, 6:00 p.m. – “UP” (All ages, Oyster River Room). Popcorn is served.
Storytime, Tues. July 1st, 10:30 a.m.: Animals and Plants with special animal visitor “North” a golden retriever and her handler Sarah Gardner (All ages, Story Time/Craft Room). We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft.
9-12 year old group. Tues. July 1st 6:30-7:30 p.m.: NH K-9 Rescue Dogs: Come learn about these hard working dogs. Meet one of the dogs!
YA Writing/Crafting Group, Weds. July 2nd, 4:00-5:00 p.m.: Make beaded bookmarks & add to Write-Away blog. (10+ yrs. Sign-up at the Children’s/YA desk).
Music On The Library Lawn, Weds. July 2nd, 6:30 p.m.! (All ages, outside*) Joyce & Harvey! Come hear these talented musicians! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In case of rain we’ll be in the Oyster River Room.
NH Children’s Museum visit the Durham Library, Thurs. July 3rd, 10:30 a.m. (All ages) – “Fizz, Boom, Think” program. Come and learn about recycling with a Children’s Museum Educator. We will also make a fun craft. Hands on learning (All ages).
6-8 year old Activity Hour, Thurs. July 3rd, 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Making Slime! Come and make some icky, gooey slime with us. We read books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft.
Happy Fourth of July! The Library will be closed on Friday, July 4th.
Week 3 of Summer Reading
Family Movie Night, Mon. July 7th, 6:00 p.m. – “Wall-E” (All ages, Oyster River Room). Popcorn is served.
Storytime, Tues. July 8th, 10:30 a.m.: Science of Music (All ages, Story Time/Craft Room). We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft.
9-12 year old group. Tues. July 8th 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Sharpie T-Shirts! Bring a white t-shirt if you can (we’ll have some extras) and make a fun Sharpie T-Shirt. We also play some games and talk about what you are reading.
YA Writing/Crafting Group, Weds. July 9th, 4:00-5:00 p.m.: “Flip out” and make your own flip books & add to Write-Away blog. (10+ yrs. Sign-up at the Children’s/YA desk).
Music On The Library Lawn, Weds. July 9th, 6:30 p.m.! (All ages, outside*) Acoustic Truffle! Come hear these talented musicians! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In case of rain we’ll be in the Oyster River Room.
Chalk-In with Bubbles, Thurs. July 10th, 10:30 a.m. (All ages) – Fun Times with Chalk and Giant Bubbles (rain or shine and all ages).
6-8 year old Activity Hour, Thurs. July 10th, 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Paper Airplanes! Learn about and make different types of paper airplanes. We’ll go outside and try them out. We read books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft.
Xbox Kinect Gaming Night! (10+ yrs.), Thurs. July 10th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Come and test your skills. Refreshments are served and prizes won.
Attention Oyster River Knitters! July 1st meeting is cancelled. This group will start up again on Sept. 2nd. Check the calendar for more details.
New Photography Exhibit at the Library! Patsy Pratt Photographs - You don't want to miss photographs of backyard critters from local, award winning photographer Patsy Pratt's backyard. Chipmunks, wild turkeys, finches, dragonflies, bumble bees and more are on view during June on the gallery upstairs.
Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club. Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library. Talk to the children’s librarian at the children’s desk for more details.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1796 - Franklin City was planned as the site of the state capital, with state house, library, meetinghouse, burial ground, streets and quarter-acre house lots. Few houses were built. The War of 1812 and the decline of shipping caused its abandonment.
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