Friday Updates - August 2, 2013

Friday, August 2, 2013

Travelers along Route 4 pull over to take photographs of this spectacular rainbow near Wagon Hill Farm after a rain shower last week.  Courtesy Ella Cedarholm

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Hopefully residents are having a chance to relax and enjoy the "dog days" of summer.  The Tall Ships are this weekend in Portsmouth!

NO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 5TH

The regular Town Council meeting scheduled for August 5, 2013, has been CANCELLED.  The next Town Council meeting will be held on Monday, August 19, 2013.

Nancy Stoner, Acting Assistant Administrator for water of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, looks at a rain garden in a Durham parking lot, a partnership between the UNH Stormwater Center and the Town of Durham. Jamie Houle (left), Program Administrator for the UNH Stormwater Center, and Durham Town Engineer David Cedarholm (right, in green) explain its properties. Photo courtesy Perry Smith, UNH Photographic Services.

EPA WATER CHIEF VISITS THE UNH STORMWATER CENTER PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE RAIN GARDEN LOCATED DOWNTOWN

On Wednesday this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Nancy Stoner, along with officials from EPA’s Northeast Regional office, the University of New Hampshire and the Town of Durham, N.H., toured University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center projects. The Center’s researchers highlighted engineering solutions to stormwater challenges that they have been testing, developing, and implementing throughout the Northeast since 2002 as well as the innovative integrated approach the university and its host community of Durham have taken toward managing clean water. Part of the tour included the rain garden located at Madbury Road/Pettee Brook parking lot.

Dr. Kenneth Rotner addresses an audience of approximately 70-80 who attended the Friends of the UNH Outdoor Pool (FUNHOP) meeting on Wednesday evening this week at the new Durham Public Library. Courtesy Todd Selig

FRIENDS OF THE UNH OUTDOOR POOL (FUNHOP)  HOLDS FIRST MEETING WITH STANDING ROOM ONLY AT NEW LIBRARY

The group of people who support keeping the University of New Hampshire outdoor pool is not merely a small group of outspoken individuals.  More than 70 people were in attendance at the group's initial meeting.  

Former and present Town Councilors, State Legislators, and others were in attendance Wednesday evening, 7/31/13, as a group of people joined in the Oyster River Room of the new Durham Public Library.

Attendees talked about ways they can show their desire to keep the pool, which they said is threatened by the potential expansion of the Hamel Recreation Center.


To view an article that appeared in Foster’s Daily Democrat on the meeting, click HERE.

FUNHOP ORGANIZES FIRST EVENT TO PRESERVE THE UNH OUTDOOR POOL FOR AUGUST 10TH

The Friends of the UNH Outdoor Pool (FUNHOP) invites residents to an event they will be holding at the UNH Outdoor Pool on Saturday, August 10th.  If the weather is nice, individuals are invited to come in the afternoon to swim and be together.  "Participants will then leave the pool at 4:30 P.M. and take a fun march around the UNH campus," according to Dr. Kenny Rotner.  Those attending are encouraged to bring a sign or banner for the walk.  The Walk will then return to the pool for a potluck dinner, so “plow through those cookbooks for your favorite recipes.”  There is no admission charge that day at the pool and the Campus Rec Department will be selling hamburgers and hotdogs.

Residents can learn more about FUNHOP on Facebook, sign a petition in support of preserving the pool, and contact FUNHOP through its website.

UNH Outdoor Pool located in front of the Hamel Recreation Center/Snively next to the large H-Lot parking lot. Courtesy Todd Selig

IS THE UNH OUTDOOR POOL SAFE AND HEALTHY?

The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), the state entity charged with overseeing and inspecting the approximately 2,600 pools that exist across NH, conducts an annual inspection of the historic UNH Outdoor Pool to ensure it meets acceptable health/safety criteria.  Copies of the most recent inspection reports have been provided to the Town by NHDES.


The reports document that the pool water quality is tested two times per day by UNH maintenance personnel and twice per day by lifeguards.

The pool has passed its inspections by NHDES.

To view the most recent NHDES inspection reports, click HERE.

Because of its unique historic status, is not required by NHDES to meet the same standards as a “modern” pool were one to be built in 2013.

UNH has utilized a NHDES checklist for comparative purposes to evaluate areas where the historic outdoor pool in Durham may or may not meet modern day pool standards. From the perspective of NHDES, the checklist does not actually apply to the UNH outdoor pool because of its historic nature.  The checklist standards apply to a “modern pool.”

To view the completed checklist that UNH has prepared, click HERE.


From the perspective of NHDES, the UNH Outdoor Pool is fenced, professionally maintained, professionally managed, with lifeguards on duty.  

 

The "Minnow" section of the UNH Outdoor Pool. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM POLICE HOLD TABLE TOP EXERCISE ON EMERGENCY PLANNING WITH OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS

On Wednesday morning, July 31, 2013, the Durham Police Department hosted a table top meeting with school administrators from the Oyster River Cooperative School District, Durham Fire, Durham Public Works, UNH Police, McGregor EMS, and others to plan for the unthinkable.  


The goal was to have an interactive meeting where the various key personnel of the District would have an opportunity to discuss the aftermath of an event. Some of the items discussed included:

• Finalize primary and secondary evacuation sites for each of the ORSD’s four school facilities.
• There will be an exercise in the future involving bus mobilization to determine how many buses and how fast response time to a location would be.  
• There was discussion pertaining to command center locations.  Each school has a designated unified command center.  The Town of Durham would activate and request a representative from that school or the SAU as part of its Unified Command structure.
• Suggestion was made for SAU command center to be at Durham Town Hall or Police facility if incident is at MS or HS.  Command center would be at public safety complexes in Lee and Madbury respectively.
• Discussion focused upon strategies to keep parents well informed during a crisis.  Getting information to parents will be critical.
• It was discussed that the information going out of the scene should be coordinated and discussed by relevant personnel.  Fire personal, police personnel, ORSD, etc.
• Maps of all schools to be distributed to all emergency departments.
• Practice evacuations- There will be an exercise that will totally vacate the middle school this fall with a trek to the high school.  We fully expect issues that will allow better preparation and anticipation of future challenges.
• It was discussed that there should be, at minimum, an annual meeting each July.  
  

A thank you is extended to all of the participants.  It was clear in the meeting that the administrators at the Oyster River Cooperative School District have been actively thinking about preparedness planning.  Superintendent Jim Morse, the principals at each school, and the ORSD staff have been proactive.  Durham Police Chief David Kurz organized the session.

Be sure to check out the Westminster Hillbillies (above) at Wagon Hill Farm on Thursday evening, August 8th from 5:30 to 8:00 PM during the Parks & Recreation's Summer Concert Series. Free Parking. Free concert.  Bring a picnic!  Pictured (l-r) are: Scott Winters (drums), John Coley (bass), Kelly Dearing (vocals), Dave Howland (woodwinds), and Eric Dearing (guitar).  Courtesy Samantha Dearing

MANY BIDS/RFP’S IN PLAY FOR DURHAM
Solid Waste Collection, Household Composting Collection, New Town Hall Project


The Town of Durham has put a number of items out to bid and awaits responses/results.  


The Public Works Department put the solid waster collection out to bid, as well as operation of the Raymond A. LaRoche Transfer Station and Recycling Center.   This has been done every three to four years and each time in the past, Durham continuing to undertake the work itself has been shown to be more cost effective.  


A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been sent out to select a contractor who would work with the Town to initiate a pilot program that would be strictly voluntary for household composting collection.  We await results and will review these with the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee.


The Town selected Architect Art Guadano of AG Architects (a Durham resident) to design the new Town Hall project and Hutter Construction to build it (as a team with AG Architects, as well as various other civil, mechanical, & structural engineering firms, and the Jordan Institute to assist with LEED Certification).  The bids to subcontract out the construction are now on the street and site visit is scheduled for the coming weeks.  Bids are due by mid-August.  A bid award will likely be brought to the Council for action by the end of August or the beginning of September.

SITE WORK ON THE NEW TOWN HALL SITE TO BEGIN WEEK OF 8/5/13
Durham Public Works will be undertaking the site work for the new Town Hall project on Newmarket Road.  This should commence the week of August 5th.

THREE-WAY STOP AT MADBURY/EMERSON SENT BACK TO DRAWING BOARD IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC FEEDBACK

We heard you!   As a result of a letter from Chief Kurz to residents of Madbury Road and the description provided in last month’s “Friday Updates,” about the Town’s intent of testing the viability of a three-way stop intersection at Madbury Road and Emerson Road, and subsequently investigating and potentially budgeting for up to two speed tables along Madbury Road between Edgewood and Route 4, the Town received a number of comments very much opposed to the ideas.  


The comments were so overwhelmingly against the concepts that we are planning to revisit this issue and will explore other options designed to calm traffic along the Madbury Road corridor.


Residents may find of interest some humorous suggestions we received regarding alternative ways to slow down traffic on Madbury Road:

1. Ban all vehicles from Madbury Road and turn it into a pedestrian path only.
2. Cover the Emerson/Madbury intersection with banana peels.
3. Issue potato guns to residents of Madbury Road and “let us” handle them speeders.
4. Set up a toll booth instead of a stop sign and donate the proceeds to residents on Madbury Road.
5. Set up one of those signs that flash your speed when you exceed the limit, but instead of the MPH, have it say "Yo' Mama" if you're speeding.

If residents have any additional questions or comments regarding what, if anything, should be done to address speed along Madbury Road, feel free to contact Police Chief David Kurz at 868-2324 or dkurz@ci.durham.nh.us.

DURHAM TO FILE ACTION WITH SUPERIOR COURT ON MONDAY REGARDING LGC REGURN OF ILLEGAL SURPLUS

On Monday of next week, August 5th, the Town's of Durham, Salem, Peterborough, Northfield, and now the City of Concord, will jointly file a new petition in Superior Court in regard to the above.


In January of this year, the communities on behalf of a coalition of fourteen municipalities, filed a motion to intervene in the Appeal of the Local Government Center, Inc. v. NH Bureau of Securities Regulation case presently before the NH Supreme Court.

The Bureau of Securities Regulation (BSR) found wrongdoing in the management of the Local Government Center’s risk pools.


It ordered approximately $53.4 million held by the Local Government Center (LGC) to be returned to current members of the pools.

The BSR, however, did not distinguish among members. Some joined the risk pools early or late, some left early or late, and some joined, left, and later rejoined. By ordering the money returned to current members, it created windfalls for some, but inadequate recompense for others. That is, some members will receive an arbitrarily larger share than their contribution, and some an arbitrarily smaller share.  


Durham moved two groups of employees (non-union and police) from the LGC health program to Schoolcare on 7/1/12.


This, according to the LGC, makes Durham ineligible to receive an estimated $50,000 in rebates for 2010, plus additional contributions dating back to 2003.

FEMA FLOOD MAPPING UPDATES UNDER WAY

On Thursday of this week, 8/1/13, Code Enforcement Officer Tom Johnson and Administrator Selig attended a FEMA Flood Mapping session at the UNH Alumni Center organized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management to view early working drafts of flood map changes for Durham.  Additional information should become available by this fall for the general public.

BUSINESS OFFICE WORKING ON UPCOMING DEBT ISSUANCE ESTIMATED TO SAVE $194,941 THROUGH REFINANCING OF TOWN DEBT

The Durham Business Office works to keep updated on the current status of the bond market. As a result of these efforts, it was determined that now was a good time to re-finance some of the Town’s long-term debt due to current low interest rates. Given current rates, the Town could have a net savings of approximately $194,941 ($61,951 General Fund, $14,014 Water Fund, $118,975 Wastewater Fund) if we were to re-finance our 2002 general obligation bond and 2004 Wastewater Treatment Plant State Revolving Loan and 2006 Landfill Closure State Revolving Loan at this time.

 

We also plan to include the 2013 General Obligation Bond Issue of $1,028,000 in with this Refunding Bond in order to achieve the lowest possible interest rate. The Town would not be extending the terms of the existing loans when we re-finance.  The Town Council will take up this matter on Monday evening.

 

Moody's Investors Service most recently assigned an Aa2 rating to the Town of Durham in August 2012, reflecting the town's satisfactory financial position with sufficient fund balance levels, stable tax base anchored by the University of New Hampshire, a trend of balanced operating budgets, and moderate debt burden.

 

On Friday of this week, 8/2/13, Business Manager Gail Jablonski and Administrator Selig had a teleconference with municipal bond advisor Bill Fazioli in preparation for the Moody’s bond rating process for Durham.  Durham will be formally “interviewed” by Moody’s next week to better ascertain the Town’s financial position.


Because of good fiscal planning, Durham has been able to retain an exceptionally strong bond rating to date.

DURHAM RESIDENT CYNTHIA COTE ACCEPTS AWARD FROM MASS GENERAL HOSPITAL FOR BETTY BORRY PROGRAM

Durham resident Cynthia Cote attended a gala event for cancer fighters at the Westin Copley Place in Boston last month. She was there on behalf of the nonprofit of which she is executive director to accept one of 100 prestigious awards given to people and organizations working to fight cancer.

The award ceremony was the sixth annual Massachusetts General Hospital One Hundred Gala. The event — hosted by John Krasinski of the NBC show The Office — recognizes 100 people or organizations that are working to fight cancer.

Betty J. Borry Breast Cancer Retreats is the nonprofit that Cynthia Cote runs.


To view the nice Foster’s Daily Democrat article on this, click HERE.

3 BRIDGES YOGA CELEBRATES 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN DURHAM |  FREE YOGA CLASSES OFFERED AUGUST 13TH

Erin Holt, the studio manager of 3 Bridges Yoga in Durham, has notified the Town that on Tuesday, August 13th, the studio is celebrating its one year anniversary with an open house.  


3 Bridges Yoga in Durham will have free yoga classes at 7:00am, 9:30am, and 6:30pm.  They will also be doing a charity class at 5:00pm to raise money for On-Belay.  This class will be by donation.  One of the owners of the studio, Bjorn Turnquist, will teach this charity class.  Throughout the day, the studio will also be handing out giveaways and offering a discount off merchandise, as well as class cards.

DURHAM PROACTIVELY ADDRESSES WEST NILE VIRUS/EEE CONCERNS

The State of New Hampshire saw a growth in activity in both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) during the 2005 mosquito season.  Despite an aggressive state-wide education campaign, seven NH residents developed serious illness following infection with EEE, two of whom died.  Once present in an environment, both viruses will likely continue to surface to some extent every year.  This memorandum provides information concerning West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, prevention and control strategies, and the Town’s planned response in 2013. To view the Administrator's memorandum, click HERE.

What Can Residents do to Reduce Their Risk of Becoming Infected With West Nile Virus or EEE?

When mosquitoes are active, take the following precautions:

• Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks if outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours, the time when mosquitoes are most active, and at other times when mosquitoes are biting.
• If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours, or whenever mosquitoes are biting, consider the use of an effective insect repellant.
• Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
• Use repellents according to manufacturer’s directions.
  • Repellents containing DEET have been proven effective.  No more than 30% DEET should be used on adults or children.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated recommendations for use of DEET products on children, citing:  “Insect repellents containing DEET with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels.”  AAP recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.
  • Repellents containing Picaridin (KBR3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (a plant based repellent) provide protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. Do not allow young children to apply repellent themselves.
  • Do not apply repellent directly to children.  Apply repellent to your own hands and then put it on the child’s exposed skin.
  • Avoid putting repellent on the hands of children or near their eyes or mouth.
  • Do not spray directly on the face, spray into the hands first and then apply to the face.
  • Do not apply to cuts, wounds, or irritated, skin.
  • Do not use under clothing.
  • Do not spray repellent containing products in enclosed areas.
  • Avoid prolonged or excessive use of repellents.  Use sparingly to cover exposed skin and clothing.
  • Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.
  • Store repellents out of reach of children.
  • Research has shown that repellents based on natural oils or herbs are less effective than products based on Picaridin or DEET.
  • Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.

VACANCIES ON VARIOUS TOWN BOARDS

The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill the vacancies on the various Town boards, commissions, and committees listed below.

Citizens interested in board appointments may complete an application and mail it to the Town Administrator’s office at 15 Newmarket Road, or submit it via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. To complete and submit an application, click HERE. Applications are available at the Town Clerk's Office on the first floor of the Town Hall, 15 Newmarket Road. 

Conservation Commission (4 regular vacancies)

Durham Energy Committee (3 vacancies)

Economic Development Committee (1 alternate vacancy)

Historic District/Heritage Commission (1 regular vacancy)

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (2 regular vacancies; 1 alternate vacancy)

Planning Board  (1 alternate vacancy)

Strafford Regional Planning Commission MPO Policy Committee (1 vacancy)

Zoning Board of Adjustment (2 alternate vacancies)

TOWN SEEKING PROPOSALS FOR A FOOD WASTE COMPOSTING COLLECTION/PROCESSING PILOT PROGRAM

The Town of Durham, New Hampshire is requesting proposals and seeking to partner with a qualified company specializing in composting of organics as part of a pilot program in Durham to serve local property owners. The Town seeks to gather information on the viability of a composting program and to evaluate the effect of such a program on its sustainability goal.


All responses to this RFP must be received in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “Request for Proposal: Food Waste Composting Collection/Processing Pilot Program for the Town of Durham”. Candidates shall submit ten (10) duplicate copies of their qualifications in accordance with this request to: Jennie Berry, Administrative Assistant, 15 Newmarket Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, or by email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us to the attention of Todd I. Selig. Proposals must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, August 16, 2013 to be eligible for consideration. To view the RFP, click HERE.

CIVIL FORFEITURES TO BE ISSUED ON UNLICENSED DOGS

Civil Forfeitures will be issued to 189 owners of unlicensed dogs on August 5, 2013.  The civil forfeiture is a $25.00 fine to be paid in addition to the regular license fee and accrued late charges.  These notices have to be sent by certified mail with returned receipt.  The cost of the certified mail is $6.11 each.  This amounts to a $1,154.79 expense for the Town of Durham.  

Licenses can be done at the clerk’s office, by mail or online.  The charge with late fees on neutered dogs is $8.50 in July and $9.50 in August.  For unaltered dogs the charge with late fees is $11.00 in July and $12.00 in August.

We urge you to comply with state law and license your dog(s) before August 5, 2013, in order to avoid further action.  

MASTER PLAN: ENERGY CHAPTER ENDORSED BY PLANNING BOARD

On Wednesday night (July 24, 2013), the Planning Board endorsed the first-completed chapter of the town's Master Plan update. (Note that as additional chapters are completed, all chapters are subject to revision and to future public hearings.) The Plan's brand-new "Energy" chapter includes a "Town of Durham Energy Conservation Policy" that reads: "The Town will strive to reduce the environmental and societal burdens of energy consumption by purposefully minimizing its energy requirements and promoting the use of clean, renewable sources of energy." To view and/or download the chapter, click HERE.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

The 2013 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive on Saturday, September 28, 2013.  As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only.  To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Remember- The maximum collected per household is five gallons.  

Consider reducing your purchase of products with hazardous ingredients; read labels thoroughly. Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in anything other than their original containers and never remove labels. Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become un-recyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.

LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS , MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY! 

These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with your 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.

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE LATEST PRODUCTION FROM DCAT STUDIOS: “Smith Chapel a Durham Treasure”

Join your host, Richard Belshaw as he chats with Historic District/Heritage Commission board member, Andrea Bodo about the history, renovations and interesting facts about our own little neighborhood treasure, the Smith Chapel.  Hear why it was built, view the beauty of the architecture and  get a peek at some of the treasures inside. Sunday’s @ 6:00 PM. This production will also be available on the On Demand site, just click on the DCAT Studios folder.

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.

Conservation Commission - Thursday, August 8, 2013, Durham Public Library, 7PM. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/  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.

Number 643 poses for the camera. :-) Courtesy Theresa Walker

1ST ANNUAL DURHAM FARM DAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 17TH, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

A celebration of farming and gardening in Durham!  Vintage farm equipment demonstrations, sheep shearing, hay rides, garden tours, tours of UNH agricultural research, cow riding, horse riding,  cow milking, stable tours, and much, much more throughout Durham and the UNH campus.  View the complete list of family activities at the Agricultural Commission website,  
 http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_agricultural. Contact Theresa Walker for more information at theresawalker@comcast.net. 

FARMERS' MARKET EVERY MONDAY, 2:15 - 6:00 PM, THRU OCTOBER 7TH
The Farmers' Market organized by the Seacoast Growers Association, is located in Durham at the Town Office lot located at 15 Newmarket Road just behind the Town Offices. New hours this year are from 2:15 - 6:00 PM every Monday, rain or shine, until October 7th. 

For more information on the market, and to view an interactive market map with details on each vendor, visit the Seacoast Growers Association website:

http://www.seacoastgrowers.org/durham-farmers-market/.

Do you know what a SLUICEWAY is?

There was one used in the construction of the Mill Pond Dam.


From the photos in the Edith Onderdonk MILL POND DAM CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS 1913 (Durham Historical Association).

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Sept 15 from 2p-5p @ Three Chimneys.

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.

Looking for Local Artisans:  Do you have a special talent or craft you would like to share with the community? We are looking for local artisans and talent for Durham Day. Please email sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us for more information.

Summer Concert Series Continues:  Three great shows coming up in August at Wagon Hill Farm. Bring a chair, bring a friend, bring family!

     Westminster Hillbillies - Thu, August 8th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM. For more information, click HERE

     Fling - Thu, August 15th, 6:30 PM. For more information, click HERE

     Pretty Girls Sing Soprano - Sat, September 7th, 3:30 - 6:00 PM

Pretty Girls Sing Soprano will perform at Wagon Hill Farm on Sat, September 7th as part of Durham Parks & Recreation's Summer Concert Series.

It's Kayak Time:  We have tours scheduled all summer! 

For more information, click HERE.  Visit Seven Rivers Paddling.

Adventure Paddle Camp:  Durham Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Seven Rivers Paddling to offer kids kayaking camps this summer!  We are offering a series of week-long sessions for kids ages 6-8 and 9-13. Each session will guide the participants through basic paddling techniques. For more information, visit Seven Rivers Paddling on FB, or email sevenriverspaddling@gmail.com

Mark Your Calendars:

Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series – June, July, August 2013 @ WHF 

Dam Centennial Celebration – September 15th @ Three Chimneys Inn

Durham Day – September 21st (rain date September 22nd) @ WHF

A Spooktacular Day in Durham – October 25th

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Great Bay Rowing Offering Adult & Youth Workshops and Camps beginning late July 2013. Rowing is a low impact workout that benefits the entire body. Great Bay Rowing is a community-based program developed to foster interest in the sport of rowing in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire for the adults and youth. Participation is open to anyone interested in, or engaged in rowing to seacoast area residents.  For additional information and to register click HERE.

UNH MUB Summer Series. FREE movies. For the full printable schedule, click HERE.

Discovery Cruises. Join the UNH Marine Docents aboard the university's research vessel for a voyage of exploration. For more information, click HERE.

Oyster River Summer Camps 2013, July 9-August 9. Click HERE for registration information and form. 

UNH Museum of Art Three New Exhibitions - Featuring sculptures by regional ceramicists, still life paintings from 19th and 20th century American artists, and a new installation of public sculpture, will be on view at the Museum of Art, University of New Hampshire beginning August 28, 2013. A reception for Touch the Earth, Caught Up With Reality, and Wendy Klemperer: Release and Restraint takes place on Thursday, September 5, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. The Museum of Art and its programs are open to the pubic free of charge. For more information, click HERE.

Courtesy Walter Rous

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE   

Final paving and striping of the library driveway and parking lot went like clockwork on July 22!  And at 10:00 the next morning, as the last of the cleaning crew walked out the door, a dozen patrons walked in.  All week long, volunteers greeted people in the lobby, handing out maps to facilitate way-finding in the new space.  The first Story Hour on that opening Tuesday was attended by 40 kids with their parents.  Children’s Librarian Ms. Lisa gave a passionate reading of “I Stink!”, a compelling tale of a New York City garbage truck’s night time duties.  Library staff registered 100 new cards in the first day and a half and the stuffed Cat in the Hat seems to have taken up permanent residence on the gundalow.  The gundalow has been a great success, providing space for kids to spread out and engage in imaginative play.  


The most frequently overheard responses from patrons have been “Wow” and “Gorgeous” and “Spectacular!”  Then, of course, for the many people who have worked for so long to bring this project to fruition, an additional response has been “Finally!”  Library Director Tom Madden’s favorite comment from a patron: “I feel better just being here.”


The catalog was down for the first week but it is up and available on any of the many computers.  Terrific Lego creations are on display in the Story Time and Crafts Room because the kids didn’t have to immediately disassemble them and put the pieces away as in the past.  A display in the entry lobby features the work of local artist, Holly Harris.  The additional lobby display cabinet showcases the first of many rotating displays from the Durham Historic Association.  The Oyster River Room has been in near constant use for several large meetings.


Furniture continues to show up.  Modular seating for the Young Adult Room arrived earlier this week and six upholstered chairs for the Café were delivered this morning.  A few pieces of furniture are still a couple of weeks away but the nearly year-long construction process is over.  For those who have been closely involved over that time, it has been a wonderfully gratifying experience.  For, in the end, it is great to know that as a community, we built it and they came (and keep coming and coming and coming….)!

Busy time at the circulation desk.  Courtesy Walter Rous

SAVE THE DATE! DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

The Durham Public Library Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2013 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. There will be scores of events for all to enjoy, including the official ribbon cutting ceremony, dedication of the sculpture honoring Margery and Lorus Milne, music by the always amazing band Bliss, as well as the ORMS Jazz Band alums, activities for children and teens, a performance by Puppeteer Carol Sanborn & Crew, self-guided tours, "green" tours, and of course refreshments!  The library will also be asking attendees to help with the creation of a time capsule to commemorate the day. Needless to say, there will also be books that can be checked out. Stay tuned for more details.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

The Library is now open at its new location at 49 Madbury Road! Come and visit us! Please park at the designated spaces only. No parking along the fence, or in the driveway. Additional parking is available at the middle school just across the street if our lot is full. Thank you.

McGregor Memorial EMS Babysitting Course, Sat. Aug. 3rd, 10 am – 3 pm - This course is designed to certify kids 12 & up who are looking to, or already babysit.  They will get a CPR and First Aid certification, learn about safety, how to handle emergencies, care and feeding of infants and children, the business aspects of being a babysitter, and more.  All students will receive a Babysitting certification. The Community Babysitting Classes cost $35 and payment is due upon registration. To register visit www.mcgregorems.org or call 603-862-3674.
McGregor Memorial EMS CPR Course, Tues. Aug. 13th,  6:00-8:15 p.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS is proud to offer a CPR Course at the library. The cost for the Community CPR Class is $20, and payment is due the night of the class. Please register at www.mcgregorems.org
McGregor Memorial First Aid Course, Weds. Aug. 14th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS is proud to offer a First Aid Course at the library. The cost for the First Aid Class is $20, and payment is due the night of the class. Please register at www.mcgregorems.org
Congratulations Summer Readers!  We read approximately 120,000 minutes together during our 5 week program.  You can pick up your reading certificates, Bagel Works prizes and prize books in the Children’s room.

Check out our website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more info.

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.

1642 - The first ascent of Mt. Washington was made by Darby Field, a settler of earlier than 1639, with a band of Indians as guides. The summit was reached alone as the Indians feared the wrath of the Great Spirit if they invaded his high places.

Have a very nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

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