Friday Updates - August 7, 2015

Friday, August 7, 2015

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On August 1st, Katie Paine won the Round Island Regatta. Courtesy Hunter Normandeau

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August 1st was warm, sunny, and the wind was WSW 10 - 12 knots. Ideal conditions for the Fifth Round Island Regatta. There was a record turnout of sailors and paddlers who joined Governor Maggie Hassan for the prize-giving picnic at the Wentworth Lear grounds. Durham’s own Katie Paine placed first in the Class 1 Sail category.  Congratulations Katie!  For more information, click HERE.

​Congratulations as well go out to Parks & Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski who, along with her husband, closed on a home in Durham today on Lundy Lane!

DURHAM RECEIVES Aa2 BOND RATING FROM MOODY’S

Moody's Investors Service has assigned a Aa2 rating to the Town of Durham's (NH) $3 million General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2015 (Bank Qualified Notes). Concurrently, Moody’s has affirmed the Aa2 rating on $20.2 million of outstanding bonds.  


This is an outstanding rating for a modestly sized community such as Durham.  For comparison purposes: Dover has a Moody’s bond rating of Aa3.  Rochester has a Aa3.  Manchester has a Aa2.  Keene has a Aa2.  Portsmouth has a Aa1.  The State of NH has an Aa1.


Here is the Moody’s rating scale from best to worst:

 

Investment grade ratings from best to worst: Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1, A2, A3, Baa1, Baa2, Baa3 …

 

The Aa2 rating reflects the town's growing but still moderately-sized tax base that is bolstered by the presence of the University of New Hampshire. The rating also incorporates a satisfactory financial position and moderate debt burden.


What could make the rating go up?

• Material increase in the tax base and socioeconomic indicators
• Reduced debt and pension liabilities
• Large increase in reserves

What could make the rating go down?

• Fiscal 2015 operating deficit
• Continued rise in the town's Moody's adjusted net pension liability Strengths
• Stable tax base and local economy anchored by the University of New Hampshire
• Conservative fiscal operations and experienced management team

Challenges:

• Above average pension liability due to New Hampshire Retirement System.
• Maintaining sufficient reserves for operations and capital needs comparable for the rating category

For a link to the Moody’s announcement, click HERE.

 

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON DRAFT HISTORIC RESOURCES CHAPTER OF MASTER PLAN

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the draft Historic Resources Chapter of the Master Plan on August 12.  This is the last of the ten chapters to be presented to the Planning Board for prospective endorsement. To view the document, click HERE.

PROPOSED SIGNAGE FOR THREE BUSINESSES AT PAULY'S POCKETS

Mike Leary of Sundance Signs will be presenting proposed signage for the three businesses at Pauly’s Pockets on August 12.  A public hearing will then be held, likely on August 26.  View the signs HERE

The Pauly's Pockets project at Main St./Mill Road in Durham.  Courtesy Todd Selig

HOW DOES THE CONSTRUCTION/INSPECTION PROCESS WORK FOR PROJECTS IN DURHAM?

Current staffing levels that address the inspection of construction projects include Code/Zoning Enforcement Officer Tom Johnson, Asst. Code Officer Mark Morong, (two as needed, part-time inspectors), 3 Fire Inspectors, Town Engineer April Talon, and finally Planner Michael Behrendt.  This small cadre of dedicated employees undertake all inspections that are specific to their respective roles/disciplines. Staff either do those at their inclination or when the contractors call them for a required inspection that the contractor/owner needs done to keep work progressing forward.


The property owners have a major role/responsibility through their contractual obligation with the Town, ie. Planning Board, ZBA, HDC, Building Permit, and various departmental Conditions of Approval to build what has been approved.  


The same owners also have contracted with an independent firm or individual as their "Clerk of the Works" to keep an eye on the project's progress and most are there daily. In addition, the owners have contracted with a General Contractor (GC) to build the project, and their legal arrangement specifies the GC's responsibilities.  Those contracts usually have a clause or sentence that basically includes the stipulation to follow all other Federal, state, and local laws.


Our staff routinely receive queries about catching color, architectural, windows, and cosmetics issues associated with projects. None of those items would normally be on our staff's radar until near the end of a project. They should be on the owner's, designer’s, GC's and subcontractor's radar. As part of the final inspection prior to a Certificate of Occupancy being issued, Tom Johnson sends correspondence to all departments for their sign off for any/all issues under their purview.  At that point, the Planning Department would look at the Land Use conditions to see that all of those agreed upon issues have been complied with.  Any deviation of the approvals are then listed and provided to the owner/agents for corrective action.


Residents sometimes ask, why don't Town staff catch these deviations in real time as they happen? That potentially would require a municipal staff person to be on site during all job site production hours to verify that a particular delivery of each component of construction matches some plan, memo, contract, shop drawing, etc. And then watch where a worker takes that component to make sure it is installed on/in the correct specific location. Our existing permit fees do not and could not be raised cover that level of staff scrutiny.  In addition, the Town would not want to absorb the liability of being the construction quality control arm for a developer.

 

Town employees do rely on and appreciate very much the interaction between staff and our dedicated citizen volunteers to pick up on any issues of interest, whether it is PB, HDC, Conservation Commission, Energy, ZBA, Traffic Safety, etc. And staff act on their referral immediately, and notify the Owner/Clerk/GC who is the real time responsible person on the job.  


It is unlikely the level of responsiveness to citizen concerns we have in Durham can be matched elsewhere.  


Although a number of oversight errors by the Owner/Clerk/GC's for various projects underway in Durham are highly visible and look dramatic to residents, it is important to keep in mind that our staff currently find mistakes and errors daily with method and materials during our inspections of the building's vital structural/mechanical/ plumbing/electrical/energy/fire ratings of the project.  


Durham staff have also been frustrated at the quality of the some of the present construction projects’ oversight staff. Our own Town staff keep pressing on because they have to do so. The Town staff are rigorous and the contractors are extremely frustrated with our municipal diligence and attention to details.


The window dressing items such as color, window designs, etc. that are currently under discussion by the public, although extremely important, are not life safety or items that impact the building for the next 30-100 years like the items the code enforcement staff in particular are here to inspect and enforce. Those window dressing items eventually are discovered, if not by the volunteers, then by our staff at the end of the project.


The Town staff are doing a good job of project oversight with an overwhelming workload, with the exceptional help of many volunteers.  The breakdown is on the Owner/Clerk/GC's end.  Mistakes like color in the end cost the owner time and money as they often, as in the case of Orion, will need to repaint buildings due to owner/Clerk/Architect/ GC errors.  


No system is perfect and our Durham system most definitely has flaws but by and large it works well.  Staff are doing their very best with limited resources, however.  

 

Mark Henderson's project on Madbury Road across from the Post Office.  Courtesy Todd Selig

WHY ARE THE LIGHTS OFF ON THE SCAMMELL BRIDGE?

The pretty bridge between Durham and Dover en route to Newington has gone dark and many residents routinely contact the Town Offices to find out way.  


The reason is that this bridge is owned by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, not the Town of Durham, and as part of state cost cutting efforts and corresponding budget reductions at NHDOT, the lights have been turned off.  


The NHDOT has determined that the lights on the bridge exist primarily for aesthetic reasons, rather than for safety.  Hence, they are no longer illuminated.  


The NHDOT is in the process of turning off streetlights across NH if they are not deemed to be essential for public safety.  

 

A view of the Orion development project on Church Hill in Durham.  Courtesy Todd Selig

TEMPORARY CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY FOR LARGE DEVELOPMENTS DOWNTOWN

The owners of the four large developments downtown will be seeking temporary certificates of occupancy soon.  This includes Pauly’s Pockets, Mark Henderson’s project opposite the Post Office, Orion, and Madbury Commons.  It is standard procedure to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy on a large, complex project where there are outstanding items to be completed (as was done with The Cottages and The Lodges, for example) provided all life safety concerns are addressed and adequate surety is in place. 

The Building and Fire Departments inspect carefully to ensure that the building is safe to occupy.  In addition, the Planning Department will require a financial guarantee and a signed agreement from the developer covering outstanding issues for these four projects.  Residents will notice cosmetic, landscaping and other items that are not yet completed but as long as the buildings are safe to occupy and the Town has adequate surety, we cannot unreasonably delay occupancy.  


Later, once all items are completed the permanent certificate of occupancy will be issued.  In the meantime, the Town has substantial leverage with a temporary certificate of occupancy in the guarantee and signed agreement, as well as with the conditions of approval for the project. 

Building owners would not be able to sell or refinance their properties, banks would not close out construction loans, and insurance companies would not continue policies without a permanent certificate of occupancy.

Francis Chase from Young Drive LLC discusses ideas for a 55+ development at Young Drive as Town Councilor Julian Smith asks a question earlier this week.  Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM AND YOUNG DRIVE LLC REACH SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON SUPREME COURT APPEAL – Town and Young Drive Representatives Discuss 55+ Housing for Young Drive this Week

The Town of Durham and the owners of Young Drive LLC were required to hold a negotiation session as part of the Supreme Court appeal of the Superior Court’s decision earlier this year.  After several sessions, the Town and the owners of Young Drive were able to reach a settlement to the case.  Details of that settlement were included in last week’s “Friday Updates.”  


This week, Town Councilors Julian Smith, Jay Gooze, and Firoze Katrak, Planner Michael Behrendt, part-time Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey, and Mr. Selig met with Francis Chase representing Young Drive LLC to discuss an interest on the part of the owners of Young Drive to transition the entire property to age restricted 55 and over housing.  This would conceptually entail tearing down all of the existing Young Drive structures and building something entirely.   


An example of the kind of project Young Drive LLC contemplates can be found below.  This is a glimpse into a very early concept but individuals generally may find of interest.  


Because of the newly created student housing downtown, we are finding an increasing number of former student housing structures looking to transition toward other uses.

 

Example of the type of 55+ project being contemplated at Young Drive as referenced by Francis Chase from Young Drive LLC this week. Courtesy Jay B. Gooze

UPDATE ON RFP FOR UNH/DURHAM MAIN STREET DEVELOPMENT PROJECT – 66 MAIN STREET ET AL

Since the spring of this year Councilor Carden Welsh, Councilor Jim Lawson, former EDC Chair Ute Luxem, Planner Michael Behrendt, Mr. Selig, and part-time Director of Economic Development Mary Ellen Humphrey, have been meeting with representatives from the University of New Hampshire to discuss the 66 Main Street redevelopment project. The Development may include: the Town-owned North Pettee Brook Parking Lot and the South Pettee Brook Parking Lot, Hetzel and Alexander Halls, C-Lot, and 66 Main Street properties.


The RFP for the 66 Main St. et al project was released by UNH/Durham in March 2015.


A total of 7 firms responded to the RFP as part of the prequalification phase and ultimately 3 firms were selected by the joint Durham/UNH team to move forward to the next phase of the process which entailed the development of proposals consistent with the Town and the University’s vision for the parcel.  


In May, the Durham/UNH selection team met with the three finalists for the 66 Main St. Et Al project: Cathartes; Redgate/Bruner-Cott; Carpenter/Fairmont/Gilbane.


Ultimately, only one firm, Carpenter/Fairmont/Gilbane represented by Heneage Consulting Group, submitted a proposal. While the Durham/UNH team believes the Heneage proposal to be promising, it contained elements that the evaluation committee determined to be inconsistent with our mutual Durham/UNH goals.  The Durham/UNH team met with Heneage this morning and a revised submittal will be developed for further consideration by the selection team.

 

UNH/DURHAM WATER SYSTEM DECLARES STAGE 1 WATER CONSERVATION ALERT

Due to the very dry weather over the past month and the subsequent receding flows in local rivers, the managers of the UNH/Durham Water System (UDWS) are officially declaring a Stage 1 Water Conservation Alert.  Durham receives most of its drinking water from the Oyster River and the Lamprey River, and therefore the amount of river water available for water supply becomes limited during dry spells.  According to the UDWS Water Conservation Plan, Stage 1 Water Conservation Alert calls for all community members to implement the following voluntary measures:

• Limiting the watering of gardens, landscaping and lawns to the hours of 8 PM and 7 AM.
• Refraining from washing vehicles and non-essential equipment (boats, motorcycles, etc.), or washing of pavement.
• Refraining from filling swimming pools, or other outdoor recreation that uses water.
• Generally limiting all unnecessary outdoor water use.
• Check all indoor and outdoor water fixtures to ensure they are leak free.

Community members are also encouraged to conserve on indoor water use where possible such as only doing full loads of laundry, reducing length of showers, etc.  The UDWS’s goal for Stage 1 is to maintain water demand at constant rate for at least a two week period following its implementation.  If this dry weather continues, the UDWS may be considering a Stage 2 alert within the next 10 days.

 

DURHAM STILL EXPERIENCING TELEPHONE SCAMS

Chief Kurz advises that the police department has had several residents contact them about continuing telephone scams.  It is clear that the desire to separate people from their money has no bounds as scammers become very innovative in attempting to do so!  The calls have been very similar in nature with a foreign sounding voice contacting the residents about problems with their IRS tax payments and they can clear the matter immediately by returning a phone call and sending payment.  In some incidents, the caller ID may even indicated “IRS”.   Residents should be aware that the IRS NEVER calls a person who allegedly owes money without sending a letter to the person first! If you have not received an official letter from the IRS the call by its very nature is a scam!


The Durham Police is sharing this information for awareness purposes and to help prevent fraud and/or identity theft from occurring during these purposely stressful telephone calls!  As always the Durham Police urge residents NEVER to provide personal and/or credit card information via social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or telephone solicitation. Even though these criminal enterprises appear to be centered in off-shore locations, it is requested that any suspicious solicitation activity be reported to the Durham Police for further assessment and review.

 

VEHICLE SPEED MONITORING ON SUNNYSIDE DRIVE

There is a concerted effort to place the Durham Police Department’s Kustom StealthStat™, which has a Traffic Statistics Computer built into the unit, at various locations throughout the community.  As noted in previous Friday Updates, this box type radar unit is discretely mounted on sign poles or other vertical objects and allows the Town to track and analyze traffic that passes in front of the machine without the use or need for road tubes. Additionally, the statistical computer software plots and graphically displays the number of vehicles vs. time of day, vehicle speed vs. time of day and vehicle speed vs. number of vehicles.  


Last week the computer was set up on Sunnyside Drive between Pinecrest and York where the posted speed limit is 25 MPH.   Data was collected on 2,106 vehicles with the 10 mph “pace speed”, which is defined as the 10 MPH range containing the greatest number of vehicles, was determined to be 21-29 MPH.    During the week, the frequency of vehicles exceeding the posted 25MPH by 10MPH was slightly over .3% with approximately 33 vehicles per hour traveling through this area!  On the weekend 7% of the vehicles exceeded the posted speed limit by 10MPH with an average of 22 vehicles per hour traversing Sunnyside during this period.   

 

NO-SORT RECYCLING

There continues to be some confusion with the no-sort recycling program. 

Regular garbage should NOT be included in your recycling bin; nothing has changed with what is considered garbage.  The only difference to the weekly recycling regiment is that residents no longer need to separate (no-sort) their bottles, cans, and glass from their paper and cardboard--they can all be placed in the same container curbside.  Additionally, remember this is a curbside program only, if you bring your items up to the Transfer Station, you still need to separate cardboard and paper from bottles cans and glass.  We market paper and cardboard from the Transfer Station.  

 

Residents can continue to use the same recycling containers they have always used.  Residents may, if they prefer, purchase a larger lock on barrel such as the lock on barrel in the educational video that was aired recently. That is a choice, not a requirement.  Such barrels may be purchased at local hardware stores perhaps, or places such as Home Depot, Lowes, or Walmart.

The educational video can be viewed HERE.  

 

For more information on no-sort recycling, click HERE.

 

ANNUAL MUNICIPAL LAW LECTURE SERIES

Beginning in September, the New Hampshire Local Government Center will hold its Annual Municipal Law Lecture Series in communities throughout the state.

 
These lectures are intended for municipal officials with an interest in, or responsibility for, any aspect of municipal land use to include members of planning boards, zoning boards, conservation commissions, and councils/board of selectmen, as well as planners, building inspectors, and code officers. All lectures are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 PM.

 

To view the schedule of lectures, click HERE.

For information on registration, call 800.852.3358, ext. 3350, or email NHMAregistrations@nhmunicipal.org.

 

SUMMER HOT DEALS!

The "Summer Hot Deals" listed below will run through August 15th. Please contact the businesses directly with any questions.

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3 Bridges Yoga, 37 Main St., 603-590-0010, http://3bridgesyoga.com/

$30 5 class card, limit one time use per customer. Classes cannot be shared or transferred. All sales final.

A Drop of Om, 8 Willey Rd., 571-338-3229, http://adropofom.com/

30% off Crystal Chakra Balance healing sessions and 10 Pack In Your Home Private Yoga and Pilates classes with Damla Aktekin when you mention this email. Offer valid for purchases before August 31.

Amy's Frame Shop, 44 Main St., 603-868-2511, http://www.amysframeshop.com/

20% off a single custom framing order of $200 or more when you mention "Summer Hot Deals". Discount applied to materials only. One discount per customer. Valid for one item/art being framed & must include a custom frame. Order must be placed between Jun 15 - Jul 15, not to be used on past orders.

Domino's, 7 Mill Road, 603-868-6230, http://www.dominos.com/

Spend $10 and get free breadsticks or cinnastix. Spend $20 and get a free small 1 topping as well as free breadsticks or cinnastix.

Durham Bike & Sports, 72 Main St., Unit 1 in Aroma Joe's Bldg, 603-397-5140, https://www.facebook.com/durhambike

40% off all 2015 bikes - 20% off all helmets - 50% off all mens' and womens' swimsuits & swim gear.

Hair Dimensions, 3 Jenkins Court, 603-868-1323 http://www.hairdimensionsspa.com/

All hair services 20% off. Manicure & Pedicure Combo - $45 on Fri and Sat only

SolSistar, 9 Madbury Road, 603-397-5229, http://www.solsistar.com/

Take 25% off of one item every Friday this summer when you mention "Summer Hot Deals". Offer not valid on previous purchases and sale items.

The Candy Bar, 44 Main St., 603-397-5154, http://www.thecandybarnh.com/#!

20% off collectible candy tins, giant gummy bears/giant gummy worms, and black licorice when you mention this ad.

Town & Campus, 60 Main St., 603-868-9661, http://townandcampusunh.com/

Greeting cards 25% off, everyday.

UNH Dining Services, 75 Main St., 603-862-483, http://www.unh.edu/dining/

UNH Dairy Bar, 3 Depot Road. Conquer the 2015 ice cream trail and pick up a NH guide map. Get passport stickers from all the NH ice cream locations listed for a free sweatshirt. You will also be entered in a drawing with a chance to win a basket of NH Made goodies, sweatshirt, and one year membership to your local Planet Fitness.

Julian Smith, pictured here at Handkerchief rocks, will lead a tour to the rocks this Saturday between 9AM and 5PM

WELCOME TO THE NEW HANDKERCHIEF ROCKS TRAIL

If you would like to visit the Handkerchief Rocks, a collection of more than a dozen huge glacial erratics on land donated to UNH by the late Ina Thompson, you are invited to follow the new trail that begins on the Bayou New Hampshire scenic overlook located between 246 and 254 Packers Falls Road in Durham.


This trail leads across a meadow and past several beaver ponds on the property of Julian and Monica Smith before entering a wooded area owned by UNH. The trail continues past the Handkerchief Rocks to Packers Falls Road near the intersection with Wiswall Road.


Julian Smith will give a guided tour to the Handkerchief Rocks this Saturday, every hour on the hour between nine and five. On that tour, he will discuss local geology and land use and explain why he is considering giving a permanent trail easement across his land to the Town.


Visitors are welcome to visit the Handkerchief Rocks on their own at other times. Please park at the scenic overlook and follow the mown path down across the field. Simply follow that path and the yellow markers with arrows. Leashed dogs are also welcome.


A recent video tour of Bayou New Hampshire and the Handkerchief Rocks is available on DCAT on Demand.


For more information about this trail, contact whalerock@smith-family.com

 

3RD ANNUAL DURHAM FARM DAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 FROM 10AM TO 4PM, RAIN OR SHINE

Join the Durham Agricultural Commission in this annual celebration of our town's working landscape of farms and gardens.  Highlights include: cow riding at Emery Farm, hay rides, sugar shack tours, sheep shearing demonstrations at LaRoche Farm, guided tours of UNH Woodman Farm, self-guided tours of the Community Gardens at Wagon Hill Farm, an opportunity to tour the stables at Linden Woods Farm, and a walking tour of downtown gardens. 

A full list of events, with times and information on pre-registration for some tours, will be posted at the Durham Agricultural Commission webpage.

For more information, please contact Theresa Walker of Agricultural Commission at 659-7226, theresawalker@comcast.net.

COMING SOON...FOOD-FRIENDLY YARDS TOUR ON DURHAM FARM DAY, AUGUST 15TH

Have you been thinking about growing food, flowers, and fruit in your yard?

Maybe you've considered getting a few chickens but aren't sure how to integrate them into your landscape?  The Food Friendly Yards Tour may be just the inspiration you need to get started.

Visit 5 properties on Bagdad Road to see how families are growing food and supporting pollinators.

The tour, which is part of the Durham Agricultural Commission's Farm Day,  will be from 1:00-2:00 on Saturday August 15th.  Pre- registration is required so contact ellenkare51@gmail.com to register.  

 

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. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

Agricultural Commission - Monday, August 10, 2015

Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Planning Board - Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Conservation Commission - Thursday, August 13, 2015

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

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

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.

DCAT Programming Schedule.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Bus Tour of Eversource Energy’s Seacoast Reliability Project

Total Run time: 21 Minutes

Join Durham residents along with Administrator Selig and James Jiottis, Manager & Transmission Engineer at Eversource Energy, tour residents around Durham.  This video will be available for viewing on Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 PM & 6:30 PM, Monday at 11:30 AM, Tuesday at 11:00 AM & 5:30 PM,  Wednesday at 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM, Thursday at 9:30 AM & 5:00 PM and Friday at 8:00 AM & 10:00 PM, also on our On Demand site.

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If you missed the last “Music by the Bay” series on July 16th, no worries, DCAT 22 Studios was there to capture the show.  Watch the Marcy Drive Band play many of your classic rock favorites, or just tune in and have it on as background music.  This video is only available on our On Demand site.  DCAT 22 replay times: 10:30 & 5:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday.

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Join DCAT 22 Studios on a time lapse video tour of our New Town Hall.  Watch from a bird’s eye view as the Town Hall starts as the old bank and quickly transforms into our new space.   This video is only available on our On Demand site.

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DCAT is Live Streaming

Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account.  You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time.  All you have to do is click and watch.  Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device.  Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

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.

Churchill Rink Refrigeration Equipment Replacement is Underway!

Refrigeration Services arrived Wednesday from Hudsonville, Michigan and didn’t wast anytime getting started on the project!  Over the next several weeks, Refrigeration Services and the Department of Public Works will be busy working on replacing the old refrigeration (ice making) equipment with newer equipment.  The rink is still on schedule to open early to mid October with a full schedule of public skate times, hockey rentals, group rentals and stick and puck times.  We will continue to provide updates on the project as the work progresses.  

 

Participants enjoyed a guided tour by Julian Smith on Thursday this week. Courtesy Durham P&R.

Guided Hike from Packers Falls Road to Mill Road.

On Thursday, Town Council Member, Julian Smith guided a group of seven Durham residents from his property on Packers Falls Road through a series of trails that linked us to West Foss Farm Trail, ending at Mill Road.  The group enjoyed learning about the connection of trails in addition to Julian’s in-depth knowledge and history of the area.  

 

Parks and Recreation Committee Vacancies

The Parks and Recreation Committee has three vacancies to fill (2 regular member and 1 alternate).  If you are passionate about recreation here in Durham and would like to help support and guide the Parks and Recreation Department, please consider joining this committee.  Those who are interested should contact Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski at rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us or committee chair, Mike Sievert at mikesievert@mjs-engineering.com.  All three vacancies are three-year terms.  

Music By The Bay Summer Concert Series at Wagon Hill Farm

Mark your calendars for our final Music By The Bay Summer Concert Series of  the 2015 season.  On Thursday, August 20th (rain date 21st), Granite Planet will delight Wagon Hill Farm waterfront with upbeat, danceable rock and pop music, ranging from the 60s to today's hits.  This is a free community event taking place from 6pm-8pm.  Parking is available in the apple orchard with a short walk to the waterfront.  Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, chairs/blankets, bug spray and some friends! View more on Granite Planet!

Durham Day at Wagon Hill Farm - Saturday, September 26th from 12:30-4:00pm

Durham Day is a free community celebration with live music, BBQ, boat rides, KidZone activities and much more!

WANTED:

Exhibitors/Participants:  We are currently looking for businesses and organization to be part of the Durham Day celebration. This is a great way to get the word out about what you do and give back to the community.  Registration forms are available at Durham Town Hall, the Parks and Recreation Department office and by visiting our website. Registration details HERE.

Boats and drivers:  Boat rides around the bay is a Durham Day favorite.  If you are available to donate your boat and time for group tours,  please sign up, we’d love to have you!  Boat rides will take place from 12:30-2:00pm (changed due to tides).

Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to make Durham Day a success!  Please email Rachel at rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us if you’re able to assist with the logistics and coordination for this event.

We want to hear from you!

Have a new exciting program idea?  Please be sure to share your vision with Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski.  Stop by the Recreation Department Office(2 Dover Road), or call/email the department at (603) 817-4074/ rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Sprint Race for Canoe and Kayaks, Saturday, Aug 15, 2015, hosted by The Great Bay Stewards. Fund-raiser for the educational and research efforts of the Great Bay Estuarine Research Reserve. Race will be 5 miles in length going from Jackson Landing in Durham to Durham Point and back.  Pre-registration recommended:  greatbaypaddle@greatbaystewards.org. On-site registration will begin at 10AM with a wave race start at noon to coincide with high tide in the river. $25 registration fee will be waived if a boat can raise $50 or more for the cause.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Two of the library's summer readers enjoying a Sea Dogs game with their Summer Reading Sea Dogs tickets!  A big thank-you to the Sea Dogs for their generous donation of ticket vouchers for all of our readers!  Courtesy DPL

Thank You Sponsors! The Adult Summer Superhero Contest was a great success in part to our sponsors: MixTeca, Three Chimney's Inn, Young's Restaurant and Thai Smile 2.  Thank you for your generosity!  On Wednesday, July 29th at the last summer, "Music on the Lawn Concert" there were four surprise drawings!  All completed entry forms collected during the weeks of July were put into a final drawing of which the winners received: a Superhero Comic Book, a Superman Tie and two Three Chimney's Inn $25 dining gift certificates.  Thank you to the 90 participants for having fun with the weekly puzzles while learning about Heroes!   
Every Hero Has a Story Summer Reading Program!  Congratulations summer readers we read 106,410 minutes together! -   We had so much fun during our 5 week summer reading program.  There were 350 children ages 2-12 years signed up and we read approximately106,410 minutes together.  Way to go!  Keep reading.  All of our fall programs will start the week of Sept. 7th - Storytimes, Book Groups, Lego Club, Tales for tails, Patch Club, Lego Club, Knitting Club, Family Movies, crafternoon, Baby Lap-sit, Home-schooler's group, YA writing group, Game Mondays and much more. Check out our calendar soon for details.
Picnic Spot at DPL!  -  Stop by to visit the flower gardens and rain garden located at the backside of the library. Bring a lunch and dine at the picnic tables to enjoy the view of the beautiful flowers, butterflies and bird life! Many thanks to the gardeners: Trang, Mary Lou, Riki, Mary and Ann who planted 30 plants. Thank you to Robbi Woodburn for donating 100 plants for the rain garden!   Information, questions, volunteerism contact: Ann Windsor annwindsor@comcast.net
Adult Programs Coming in October - Healthy Living Series, October Wednesdays @ 6:15 pm, Unraveling the Mysteries of Classical Music, October Mondays @ 4pm.  Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us

End of Life Happens...At Any Age, At Any Time -   Monday September 14, 6:30 pm Registration is open.  Back by popular demand.  Find out how to plan for the inevitable with grace & practicality, plus clearly organize your personal wishes and intentions. Presented by Barbara Bates Sedoric, author of The Lasting Matter Organizer.  Register by contacting Armida Geiger at 603-988-6616 ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us  
McGregor Memorial EMS Class Tuesday August 11, 6-8 pm - CPR & AED (defibrillator) for adult, child & infant.  Information contact Sean Madden 603-862-3674 smadden@mcgregorems.org.  To register visit: http://cprsafe.org
Upcoming for Children & Young Adults  - Family Movie: Cinderella, Sat. Sept.19,

2 pm.  Royal Children's Tea & Performance with Prince Charming & the Princesses, Sat. Sept. 19, 10:30 am.  Starting in September:  Storytimes, Lego Club, Game Monday, Crafternoon, Knitting Club and more!
Humanitarian Expedition Wednesday September 23, 6:30-8pm - Information presented by Durham resident, Christine Watts. Refreshments served.  Interested in working at an orphanage and remote Andean villages to improve the lives of street children and orphans? Travel to Machu Picchu, Cuzco ruins, Lake Titicaca and help children on Uros floating islands.  Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us or Christine Watts artnic@comcast.net.   Generations Humanitarian is a nonprofit corporation committed to transform street children toward an abundance of health, hope and loving homes thereby breaking the cycle of scarcity for generations to come.
Adult Writers Meet-Up - September 3 & 17, 6-8 pm.  Breaks for August, will resume in September on the first and third Thursday of each month.  Contact Mary Ellen Humphrey  mary.ellen.humphrey@gmail.com  Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Acoustic Open Mic starts up! - September 9, 6:30 pm.    Held in the Cafe.

In the Gallery Featured NH Art Association Interns: Emily Webber, Danielle Antico and McKenzie Davidson. Visit the DPL Gallery located on the second floor.
Beach Reads   - By request, the Friends of the Library are offering pocketbook "Beach Reads" for sale in the Library cafe.
$300 Prize for Photography Contest   - Need a camera to participate in the photo contest? Borrow a camera at the circulation desk.  Contestants chronicle Durham, in a series of 7 photos that express Durham’s character. Contest rules & application found on the library website http://durhampubliclibrary.org
Annual Appeal Great Success!  $32,000 was raised! - The Board of Trustees of the Durham Public Library thank our community members for their generous contributions to the library’s 2014-1015 Annual Appeal.  Close to $32,000 was raised, providing funds to support many vital initiatives that bolster a dynamic environment for learning, collaboration, and entertainment for all to enjoy.  A poster recognizing each of our contributors is on display at the library.  Thank you to all!
Technology Help - The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology, such as computers, iPads and phones. Call us to check on the availability of our volunteers at 868-6699 or email us at durhampl@gmail.com.

 

Check out the Durham Public Library website for more information.

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
1974 - The official seal was accepted by the selectmen. The rising sun background was from the original State Seal, but the foreground is the scene from the Falls bridge. The gundalow has had much to do with early livelihood of the Town. The seal was designed by Richard Brayton.

Starting this Sunday we will be removing asphalt from Pettee Brook Lane to start the installation of the new sidewalk. JTI excavators will be performing the work. Start time will be 10:00 PM and JTI will be off the road by 5:30 AM. We anticipate the operation will take two nights. There is no plan to close the road and a single lane will be allowed for traffic. 

Have a lovely weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

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