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Three Chimneys Inn on Newmarket Road.
Courtesy Todd Selig
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View a humorous video web clip from comedian Juston McKinney's annual year in review show (2018) at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. McKInney tries catching a chipmunk behind his house in Newmarket and endeavors to avoid last year’s construction challenges on Route 108 at all costs! Watch "Trapped in New Hampshire" (viewer discretion advised) HERE.
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EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT SCHEDULES UPCOMING COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE IN NEWINGTON AND DURHAM TO SHARE PROJECT INFORMATION AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS | DURHAM INCLUDES LANGUAGE IN SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT THAT EVERSOURCE WILL WORK WITH AFFECTED PROPERTY OWNERS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS
Next week Eversource has scheduled a Community Open House/Meeting in Newington (May 1st) to share information about construction and to respond to any questions residents there may have concerning the Seacoast Reliability Project. In addition, Eversource also plans to hold the same meeting in Durham on May 8th, from 5-8pm, at the Oyster River High School (similar to previous meetings for this project) for both Durham and Madbury. Eversource mailed invitations to property owners along the corridor on May 24th.
Durham plans to work with Eversource to ensure there is active outreach by the company to affected property owners.
In addition, in the negotiated Settlement Agreement between Durham and Eversource, additional language was inserted at the request of the Town to address concerns expressed by residents regarding the impact of the project on private property along the Eversource Right-of-Way.
In it, Eversource has agreed that upon request, it shall work in good faith with landowners along the project route that will be affected by tree trimming, tree clearing, or from the construction of structures in the right-of-way and will work to develop reasonably compatible vegetation planting plans that will not interfere with the safe access, operation, construction and maintenance of Eversource’s high and low voltage lines and appurtenant equipment and facilities.
In addition, if a business or property owner’s concerns remain unresolved after discussions with Eversource’s project team and/or Executive Review, as described in the Certificate Conditions established by the NH Site Evaluation Committee, a business owner or property owner that claims to have suffered damage to property, loss of business or loss of income, and/or diminution in value of real property, as a result of construction or operation of the project, a business or property owner may elect to have the dispute resolved through the Dispute Resolution Process outlined in the Certificate Conditions established by the NH Site Evaluation Committee, and as more fully described in Eversoure’s and Counsel for the Public’s (an attorney assigned from Office of the NH Attorney General) Joint Proposed Dispute Resolution Process Procedures.
View the invitation for the community meeting on May 8th HERE.
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DURHAM HIRES NEW PART-TIME ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR – CHRISTINE SOUTTER
Following three in-person interviews and after completing all intended conversations with Durham/UNH partners along with carefully considering information gleaned through a detailed reference check process, the Town has moved forward and has offered Exeter resident Christine Soutter the position of part-time Economic Development Director. Ms. Soutter represented the best all around fit for Durham and will serve our needs very well.
Ms. Soutter had previously worked as a Business Resource Specialist for the NH Division of Economic Development and most recently as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Somersworth. She also volunteers where she lives in Exeter on the Town of Exeter Budget Recommendations Committee, the Town of Exeter Human Services Funding Committee, on the board of the Exeter Area Charitable Foundation, and as a consultant with the Rochester Opera House, where the director there indicates "Christine brought in a $140,000 grant through cold calling!”
Ms. Soutter's start date will be May 13th, and at this time we're anticipating a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday weekly schedule.
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COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON BIKE SHARE, BIKE CULTURE, AND OTHER SHARED MOBILITY SERVICES
On April 1, 2019, UNH Campus Planning held a community conversation event about bike culture, bike share, and other shared mobility systems in the community. The event was held at the Durham/UNH Train Station/Dairy Bar located at 3 Depot Road. It was well attended and a lot of information was gained throughout the discussions.
UNH has committed to continue this conversation and follow up on points that were raised at the meeting, to include:
- Developing a brief on-line community survey on issues that were discussed at the meeting.
- Following up on the UNH side regarding the issues raised about bike hub space opportunities.
- Thinking about the storage challenges raised (winter and summer break) for students with bikes on campus.
- Continuing to track bike and shared mobility programs at comparators.
- Working with Town and UNH Traffic Safety Committees on developing regulations to ensure safety on campus/in town relating to bike share and other potential devices should they be deemed appropriate for our streets
View the summary notes HERE.
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Sunset over Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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PORTSMOUTH WATER LINE PROJECT LIKELY TO REQUIRE WORK IN BAY IN VICINITY OF WAGON HILL FARM BETWEEN DURHAM AND NEWINGTON
Portsmouth is undergoing efforts to evaluate needed maintenance on the water transmission main that runs from its reservoir in Madbury to Portsmouth, crossing Wagon Hill Farm, and running under the Estuary between Durham and Newington.
The City of Portsmouth provides drinking water to customers in Portsmouth, Newington, Greenland and New Castles as well as a few locations in Rye, Madbury, Dover and Durham. Nearly sixty percent of the water that serves this system comes from the Madbury Water Treatment Facility and wells located at that site. Treated water is then delivered through a pipeline that runs from Madbury through Durham to Newington. The line splits into two cast iron 20-inch transmission mains crossing the bottom of Little Bay in the Piscataqua River. The two parallel transmission mains, installed in the 1950s, are approximately 3,200 feet in length across the bay and connect, via a wye fitting, to a single 24-inch prestressed concrete cylinder pipe on both the Durham shore and the Newington shore. These transmission mains are a critical piece of infrastructure for the City of Portsmouth water distribution system.
In order to assess the condition of this pipeline the City has engaged the services of Wright-Pierce Engineering to investigate the condition of the lines and recommend next steps. To date, divers have inspected the pipeline under the bay in areas that the pipe was accessible, a boat with special sonar equipment was utilized to survey the area where the current pipe is installed, and reviews of as-built and construction records have been performed. The dive inspection revealed that portions of the transmission mains have become exposed to salt water and that heavy pitting of the pipe was observed in these exposed sections. The City of Portsmouth is concerned about the extent of the deterioration of the pipe and is currently exploring repair and replacement options to improve the reliability of these critical pipelines.
Recently, meetings were held with Durham town officials (and separately with Newington officials) to provide an overview of the work to date. Affected abutters have also been notified (or will be in the near future). A meeting with New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and other regulatory agencies took place on Thursday May 25, 2019 to brief them about the project.
The next phase of work will involve a more detailed survey of the existing pipeline and investigations to gather the necessary information needed for any necessary permitting for a replacement line. Future meetings are anticipated with both Durham and Newington’s Conservation Commissions.
Portsmouth will continue to update Durham and Newington as the project moves forward.
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SPRING CLEANUP BEGINS APRIL 29TH! RESIDENTIAL BULKY WASTE CLEANUP BEGINS MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019.
Please place materials curbside no earlier than April 27th and no later than 7AM on April 29th. This is for residentially generated bulky items only. No household trash, no commercially generated waste. The maximum load per household is 6 Cubic Yards (approximately pile of 8' L x 4' D x 5' H).
We will not pick up any loads that exceed this.
Please refer to your spring newsletter for details HERE.
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday, October 26, 2019
The 2019 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8 - 11:30 AM. To register, you must call DPW at 603-868-5571 or mailto:publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. REMEMBER - THE MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS, SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - LATEX AND OLD-BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with a permit throughout the year. Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil, anti-freeze and oil-based paints can go up as is. Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer's label.
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The image for the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) where members of the Durham Fire Department recently received training. Courtesy DFD
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DURHAM FIRE - FDIC TRAINING
Captain James Brown, Firefighter David Blatchford, and Firefighter Dan Brothwell recently attended the 2019 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
This international conference, attended by nearly 32,000 industry professionals from 64 countries, gives fire service professionals on all levels the opportunity to network with their peers, as well as to attend many informative workshops and classroom sessions to enhance their knowledge and sharpen their skills, which they can then share with members of their departments. FDIC classes are instructed by high-impact instructors with decades of experience in the fire service.
During the three-day conference, our members attended numerous classes on company drills, technical rescue incidents, driver operator drills, PTSD, rural water movement and best practices for reducing exposures to fireground contaminates. This year’s conference focused on cancers and how to reduce exposures both on fire scenes and in our stations.
Our members also had the opportunity to visit numerous vendor exhibits and see the latest developments in new apparatus design, firefighter personal protective equipment, and training aids.
Jim, Dave and Dan are excited to share their experience at FDIC with their colleagues in the Durham Fire Department over the coming months.
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DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS
At the DBA’s annual meeting on April 18th at The Three Chimneys, Gina DeNuzzio was voted in as Chair. Gina began working in Durham over a year ago as the Branch Manager of Federal Savings Bank. Last year she served as Vice-Chair of the DBA. Her goal is to implement additional opportunities for DBA members to promote their businesses and to encourage economic growth for the greater Durham area. One way she hopes to achieve this is by listening to the ideas from members and others. The DBA will be hosting its first of the year member meeting on Tuesday, May 21st at 8 am. Thank you to the DBA's newest member, Bryan Bessette, owner of The Freedom Cafe, 10 Mill Road, Durham, who has generously offered to host the first meeting at his business.
The full slate of officers at the DBA include: Gina DeNuzzio ~ Chair, Federal Savings Bank; Lori Roy ~ Treasurer, People’s United Bank; Ryan Archie, Wireless Zone/Verizon; Johanna Knight, The Douglass Group @ Keller Williams; Todd Selig, Town of Durham Ex Officio; Jonathan Millet, Vice Chair, Service Credit Union; Karen Meyer ~ Secretary, Three Chimneys Inn; Ken Barrows, Memorial Union Building ~ UNH; and Maggie Lund, Durham Book Exchange.
A special recognition was given to long-time outgoing chair, Johanna Knight. Thank you, Johanna (!), for all of your many contributions to the Durham community. Johanna signed up to be Chair for a maximum of two years at the behest of outgoing Chairperson Dick Houghton (remember Houghton’s Hardware on Jenkins Court!?), and well over a decade later, she was still providing leadership to the organization in this position!
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LOUD FIGHTER JETS TO BE SEEN/HEARD THIS WEEKEND AT PEASE
Durham has been notified by the NH Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management that there will be F-16s (very loud, fast fighter jets) at Pease this weekend. Local residents should anticipate an increase in early morning aircraft activity and noise in and around Pease. For aircraft-related noise concerns, please contact the 157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, at 603-430-3577.
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIEW TO BE UNDERTAKEN AT CORNER OF UNH FIELD HOUSE ALONG MAIN STREET – Nancy Page Burial Site
The University of New Hampshire has received NHDOT approval to move forward with a contract amendment to hire Independent Archaeological Consulting, LLC (IAC) to conduct further archaeological investigation (Phase 1B Intensive) in the vicinity of the Nancy Page burial site adjacent to the planned Main Street South Sidewalk project.
This week, UNH organized CMA Engineers and IAC to commence this work effort with an on-site meeting which offered the opportunity for interested parties to attend and review ground layouts of prior areas of investigation (GPR and excavation) as well as project boundaries, known and estimated prior monument sites, and field constraints. IAC and CMA Engineering staff were in attendance and participated in a conversation regarding the archaeological findings, project design, and schedule status. Representatives from the Durham Historic Association and the Durham Heritage Commission were present for the meeting.
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UNH KICKS OFF SHARE THE STREETS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY WITH DURHAM’S SUPPORT
UNH Campus Planning and the Planning Student Organization are collaborating on two pedestrian safety/outreach efforts in early May. A cross marking campaign and a series of social media messages regarding sharing of our wallkways and streetscapes will be piloted for ongoing use next year. Here is some additional information:
Sidewalk Stencil Campaign
- The markings will be done with stencils (approx. 18”*24”) using spray chalk (likely orange and or white) and will be temporary in nature.
- The markings will be done on sidewalk approaches to crosswalks and not over tactile strips. There will be no markings in street travel way.
- UNH’s Steve Pesci will supervise the installations by student planners.
- Safety vests will be worn by all.
- The group will give min 24hr advance notice to UNH and Town Police as well as Durham DPW and UNH G&E prior to install sweep.
- The group will be focusing on UNH property access to crosswalks including Main Street and into downtown/Pettee Brook/Madbury/Mill (east side) town crosswalks.
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TEST KITS FOR ARSENIC AVAILABLE AT TOWN HALL
In the March 15, 2019 "Friday Updates", Representative Judith Spang provided information with respect to wells and groundwater contamination, specifically with regard to arsenic.
The Lamprey Watershed Association has set up a table in the Town Hall lobby that has test kits for arsenic available for interested residents.
For questions, consult the DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau’s Arsenic page: “arsenic in drinking water” at https://www.des.nh.gov/. Technical staff are also available at (603) 271-3108 or mailto:dwgbinfo@des.nh.gov
Or contact Judith Spang at mailto:judith@kestrelnet.net
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An image of James Bubar's cat atop the cat tower he found at the Swap Shop! Courtesy James Bubar
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SWAP SHOP NEWS
James Bubar brought home a cat tower (above) that he found at the Durham Swap Shop. His cats are glad that this luxurious, comfy perch did not end up at the landfill!!!
Many Durham residents have taken home finds from the Swap Shop that then get significant RE-USE. Finds can be categorized as pet gear (as pictured), kitchen items, décor items, travel, office, furniture, books, crafts, yard, hardware, sports, toys, parts, and more. Administrator Selig's family has also found a lot of kid's toys there over the years.
Over time Swap Shop volunteers hope to extend enthusiasm about RE-USE by sharing photos of your finds. Anyone wishing to share a photo, please send it to mailto:jem7929@gmail.com (administered by Swap Shop volunteer, Jessie McKone). Look for your images to be displayed in future Friday Updates. Thanks to all residents who drop off safe, clean items, that still work, for others to take and put to valued RE-USE !
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 2nd Annual Contest for the Durham Lawn(s) with the Most Dandelions
As part of Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Contest to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honey bees and other pollinators.
Town residents are invited to submit a photo(s) of their residential lawn where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow.
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to:
Lee Alexander
e-mail: mailto:leelaine-alex@comcast.net
mobile: 603-866-2822
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Each contest participant will receive a small (2 oz.) squeeze bottle of “Lee’s Bees” Wildflower Honey.
Based on a fair (but somewhat subjective) site evaluation, the lawn judged to have the highest density of dandelions will receive a large (16 oz.) squeeze bottle of honey.
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WHY ARE THERE SO MANY RAINBOW FLAGS ON FACULTY ROAD?
In an effort to create a community that is more intentionally welcoming and affirming for LBGTQ individuals, residents are displaying rainbow flags on their lawns. The rainbow flag is an important symbol of safety and welcome to the LGBTQ community.
The flags are available at cost for $10. Contributions beyond that will be donated to Seacoast Outright, a nonprofit that supports LBGTQ youth. The rainbow flag initiative is being led by Durham United as part of a larger effort in partnership with the UCC Community Church of Durham, the Durham Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, the Gender & Sexuality Alliance at ORHS, UNH Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and others. Please contact Durham United at mailto:durhamnhunited@gmail.com for more information.
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FLYER/POSTER/MESSAGING CAMPAIGN - UNH Share the Street Program
Students will be finalizing image/message files for a series of 6 graphic messages which will be used in electronic, video, and poster messaging (bulletin board). These will be shared with both the Durham and UNH Police Departments and the Town Planning Department staff. The group will be pursuing in-field installations in bus shelters, on-buses, kiosks (UNH and downtown). The group may be experimenting with a few in-field installations such as stair well verticals etc (UNH property only) and potentially sidewalk flat stickers (UNH property only).
The minimal costs for this program will be born by UNH Campus Planning using UNH Traffic Safety funds. UNH is not seeking any contribution from the Town.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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The Durham city and rural letter carriers will be having their 27th annual food drive on Saturday, May 11, 2019. Residents are asked to place non-perishable food items in a bag near their mailboxes and your letter carrier will pick up your donation when they deliver your mail. You can also bring your donations to the Durham Post Office located at 2 Madbury Road during the week of May 6 through May 11. All food collected will stay at the local pantries and will be greatly appreciated.
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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.
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R.E.A.C.H. SUMMER DAY CAMP - July 8 - August 9, 2019
R.E.A.C.H. Summer Day Camp is a community-based summer camp collaboration between Oyster River Cooperative School District and Durham Parks & Recreation. It meets Monday- Thursday, July 8 through August 9 at the Oyster River Middle School. Campers can participate in a morning ORCSD program, and then have the option to transition to afternoon camp with Durham Parks & Recreation. Since Oyster River is providing lunch for all school-aged kids, there is no need to pack one! To complete the week, Durham Parks and Recreation is also offering Friday Field Trips.
Read more about the program in the April 2019 Celebrate Durham blog HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 am - The Magical Bluebird Local Author and Illustrator Visit!
Join the DPL as Christine Hallowell (local author) and Serena Hallowell (local illustrator) visit and read their picture book "The Magical Bluebird". Come and hear the tale and how it came to be. Also, learn how to make your own magical paper bluebird to take home. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the program. All are welcome!
Tuesday, May 14th from 4:00-6:00 pm - Harmonica Workshop with Mike and Bev Rogers.
Join the DPL for a beginner's harmonica instruction workshop. Mike Rogers has been playing the harmonica since the age of fifteen and performs with harmonica and guitar. His teaching draws on 48 years of professional musicianship, secondary education teaching experience and performances and workshops in schools and libraries from Maine to Georgia. Mike and his wife Bev have been teaching the harmonica for the past 30 years and focus these beginner's courses on simple songs and basic technique. Each participant receives a harmonica to use and keep. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is limited and recommended for ages 10+. Register on the DPL website.
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FRIENDS OF THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Mother's Day Weekend for mothers and others - Friday, May 10 from 10AM to 5PM; Saturday, May 11 from 10AM - 1:30 PM.
By the bag or a la carte. Puzzles, DVDs, CDs.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1911 - The railroad tracks were moved west to eliminate a curve. The station at Lynn, Massachusetts was dismantled and reconstructed here, serving the town and campus until 1964. Bamboo poles, used to convey messages to the passing train engineers, are still in existence.
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Have a good weekend. Unfortunately, the weather looks pretty dreary. We were hoping for sun!
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Note: If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page. Click on "Friday Updates" then enter your email address and first and last name.
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