Friday Updates - February 1, 2013

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...    

 

Friday, February 1, 2013

 

On January 28, 2013, the Transfer Station and Recycling Center was officially dedicated to the late Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Pictured are Ray Sr.'s wife Dorothy (Dot) LaRoche and son Raymond LaRoche, Jr. Courtesy Mike Lynch

 

 

The revised Transfer Station and Recycling Center permit

 

An icy chill seems to have returned to Durham after a balmy couple of days. In days of old there was a saying of February:  "The days lengthen, the cold strenghtens!"

 

AT THE STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND, A CALL FOR MODERATION 

Taking a cue from the recent Master Plan survey results that indicated Durham residents favor finding balance in many areas locally ranging from economic development to land conservation, Administrator Selig penned an essay that ran in the Concord Monitor this week dealing with the need for moderation within the public policy landscape in NH.

 

It touches upon several issues that are specifically important to our town and the university. These include: the health of the Great Bay Estuary, state support for UNH, regionalization, gun control, state aid to municipalities, and more. To read the essay, titled “At the State House and Beyond, A Call for Moderation,” click HERE.

 

2013 MARCH TOWN AND SCHOOL ELECTIONS - MARCH 12, 2013

The 2013 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the Oyster River High School.  Polling hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.  Voters will park in reserved spaces along the front of the school and use the Multipurpose Room entrance.

 
The following is a list of citizens that have filed for the Durham elected offices:

 

Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms):  Jay Gooze, Wayne Burton, Carden Welsh
Library Board of Trustees, 3 positions (3-year terms):  Jenna Roberts, William Schoonmaker, Holly Stark

Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term):  Craig Seymour

 

The following is a list of citizens that have filed for the ORCSD School Board and Moderator:

 

At-large (2 positions):  Thomas Newkirk (Durham), Carl Piedmont (Madbury), Kenneth Rotner (Durham)  

Moderator (1 position):  Richard Laughton

 

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In addition to the Town elected positions above, a $2,500,000 bond referendum question will also be on the ballot relative to the replacement of sludge dewatering equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The question, and an explanation for the equipment replacement, appear below:

 

ARTICLE II

 

"Are you in favor of authorizing the issuance of not more than $2,500,000 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the replacement of the sludge dewatering equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and to authorize the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. 2/3 vote required."

 

Reason for Proposed Bond:  Durham’s wastewater sludge dewatering facility, located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, dewaters the slurry of liquid and solids, otherwise known as sludge, which is removed during the wastewater treatment process. The facility’s sludge dewatering equipment had an expected life span of twenty years. It is now in its twenty-sixth year of operation and has exceeded its usable life. This improvement is included as part of the plant’s Facility Master Plan. Funding will be shared 1/3 Durham - 2/3 UNH in accordance with the Water and Wastewater Systems Agreement dated November 2005 between the Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire.

 

POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF NH BUDGET REDUCTIONS ALONG DURHAM’S STATE ROADWAYS
The consequences of state budget reductions over the last few years are being felt across New Hampshire in myriad ways, a number of which include changes the good people at the NH Department of Transportation (note the NHDOT’s outstanding commissioner, Christopher Clement, is from Durham) have had to adopt for lack of resources:

  • 65% reduction in tree trimming along state roads;
  • Less summer maintenance;
  • 60% reduction in guardrail maintenance;
  • Inability to address graffiti;
  • Less roadway line painting/striping;
  • 75% reduction in summer mowing;
  • 85% reduction in street lighting along state highways;
  • 80% reduction in drainage maintenance;
  • 90% reduction in shoulder construction.

Maintenance of state roads is a state responsibility.  To the extent residents see maintenance changes along our state highways in Durham (Route 4, Route 108, Route 155A) due to funding reductions, this information should provide some context. 

 

The Durham Public Works Department works to be a good partner with the NHDOT and vice versa.  Together we will endeavor to ensure all roadways in Durham remain safe and sound for residents.

 

To view a more complete list of NHDOT service reductions provided by the New Hampshire Municipal Association, click HERE

 

On Tuesday of this week, Lonza Operational Excellence staff member Elizabeth Rebeil provided an initial orientation on a new "suggestion box" initiative. Courtesy Todd Selig

 

DURHAM FORGES AHEAD WITH “SUGGESTION BOX” KAIZEN INITIATIVE
Kaizen, Japanese for "continuous improvement" or "change for the better" refers to philosophy or practices that focus upon continuous improvement of processes in manufacturing, engineering, and business management … and also government! When used in the traditional business sense and applied to the workplace, kaizen refers to activities that continually improve all functions, and involves all employees from the CEO to the assembly line workers. It also applies to processes, such as purchasing and logistics.

 

By improving standardized activities and processes, kaizen aims to eliminate waste and in this way is part of the Lean philosophy.

 

Kaizen was first implemented in several Japanese businesses after the Second World War, influenced in part by American business and quality management teachers who visited the country.

 

Durham has been undertaking kaizen activities for several years after receiving orientation and support from resident Jerry Gsottsacker. Most recently, the Lonza corporation based at the Pease Tradeport has partnered with Durham to provide us with support and assistance. 

 

On Tuesday of this week, Lonza Operational Excellence staff member Elizabeth Rebeil provided an initial orientation on a new “suggestion box” initiative. It is designed to provide regular oppotunities for staff members to suggest process improvements to benefit their individual workplaces and the community as a whole.  

 

Durham resident and Lonza Operational Excellence member Aaron Hubbell reached out to Durham last year and made the connection.

 

Durham department heads listen as Elizabeth Rebeil explains a new "suggestion box" Kaizen initiative. Courtesy Todd Selig

 

TIPS FOR AVOIDING THE FLU

While some people think the flu vaccine is for the very young or the very

old, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actually

recommends that everyone, with the exception of babies under 6 months old,

get an annual flu vaccine.


UNH’s Health Services offers the following advice on how to reduce your

chances of getting the flu:

  • Wash your hands often and well with soap and water or an alcohol based hand cleaner.
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue. Don’t use your hands.
  • Don’t share towels, eating utensils, toothbrushes, drinking glasses or other items.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Sleep and eat well.
  • Stay home when you’re sick.
  • As much as possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Get the seasonal flu vaccine.

For more information on the flu, flu prevention and self-care if ill, click HERE.

 

COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION ON EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN TOWN AND ADMINISTRATOR SELIG

Per the terms of the existing Employment Agreement between the Town of Durham and Administrator Selig, Mr. Selig formally notified Council members at the end of December 2012 that he would like to commence contract renewal discussions with the Town Council for a successor contract.

 

Chair Gooze and Chair Pro Tem Lawson subsequently have met with Mr. Selig on a number of occasions in an effort to come to terms on a successor 4 yr. contract spanning from 1/1/13 – 12/31/16.  After much deliberation, the parties have reached a compromise contract for consideration by the Council on Monday evening, 2/4/13.

 

Peter Smith with the chained and padlocked metal box holding the coveted replacement candy. Courtesy Todd Selig

 

LITTLE CRITTERS (or something bigger) AT TOWN OFFICE
The ladies in the Town Clerk’s office have had difficulty over the last few years with food going missing.  Don’t worry, things are not being stolen.  Things are being eaten by mice … or something!  Recently longtime Durham resident and state legislator Marjorie Smith baked some holiday treats for Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt, Barbara Landgraf, and Donna Hamel.  But over a weekend, critter(s) broke into the box and stole the goodies – including some extremely large, hard, and heavy chunks which were later found behind a file cabinet. 

 

Then last weekend we found the metal top of the glass animal cracker jar outside the Business Office (yes, Town Treasurer Karl VanAsselt and all of us on the second floor of the building like animal crackers) off with nearly all of the cookies gone – and telltale signs of little visitors everywhere. 

 

In sympathy for this situation, Margie baked a new batch of treats and Peter Smith curried them to Lorrie Pitt and the ladies in the Clerk’s Office – in a metal box with a chain and padlock! 

 

Thank you to Marjorie and Peter.

 

CHANGES AT NH LOCAL GOVERNMENT CENTER – Executive Director Maura Carroll Announces She is Leaving the Organization after 25 years
The Town received word today that Maura Carroll, Executive Director of the Local Government Center, is stepping down after 25 years with the organization.

 

Maura Carroll has been an integral part of the legislative landscape working for the best interests of NH towns and cities.  Her dedicated and selfless service has made a positive difference for the many people and many communities of the state. 

 

George Bald, former NH Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, will serve as Interim Executive Director for six months.

 

DRAWING NAMES OF CANDIDATES FOR ORDER OF LISTING ON TOWN ELECTION BALLOT
At the Durham Town Council meeting on Monday evening, February 4, 2013, Town Moderator Christopher Regan and Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt will be present at the beginning of the meeting to draw names of individuals running for elected offices to determine the order of names on the Town’s March 12th Election ballot. 

 

In 2007, the Town Council adopted a resolution discontinuing the Town’s previous practice of listing candidates alphabetically on Town election ballots as outlined in Article 2, Section 2.6 of the Durham Town Charter and adopting the method of listing candidates on Town election ballots by the Town Clerk, under the supervision of the Town Moderator of drawing candidates’ names out of a hat and listing them in the order by which they are drawn.

 

On Saturday, January 26th, Supervisors of the Checklist (and helpers) spent time filing voter registration forms (about 3000!). Left to right: Marjorie Wolfson, Anne Knight, Roni Pekins, Ann Shump, Kitty Marple, and Marney Sumner. Courtesy Robin Mower

 

CHANGES AT THE TRANSFER STATION

Cash will no longer be accepted at the Transfer Station per a new policy adopted for January 1, 2013.  Checks will only be accepted for the purchase of electronics stickers effective immediately.  There will be a grace period through February 15th, after that it will be strongly enforced. 

 

DURHAM’S FRIDAY DEALS

Friday Deals are offered by Downtown merchants. Click HERE to see the deals on food, health, and services that are being offered. Shop locally and support area business. Money spent locally stays local. 

 

If your business has a Friday deal to offer please send it to Ken Entz at sentz@comcast.net.

 

"Tin knockers" art: duct work ready to install. Courtesy Walter Rous

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The weather was a bit erratic this week ranging from hazy sun and 15 degrees on Monday to snow to drizzle to fog to bright sun and 60 degrees toward the end of the week.  Throw in high winds and a power outage on Thursday and you have a pretty exciting week, construction issues notwithstanding. 

 

Work on the exterior of the library included exterior window, soffit and eave trim and the start of exterior siding.  On the interior, sprinkler lines were run at the second floor, soffits (ceiling drops) were constructed in the Community Room, hot water piping was hung at the first floor ceiling, the gypsum wall board that was “hung” last week was taped this week.  Taping involves smearing joint compound, a kind of loose plaster, into the joints between the sheets of wall board and then pressing a 2” wide paper-like tape into the joint compound over the seam.  This taped joint then gets smoothed out with a putty knife to create a bridge between the two sheets of wall board so the joint doesn’t show when paint is applied.  The other major piece of work was the installation of the duct work at the ceiling of the first floor.  The “tin kn
ockers” fabricate the duct runs on the floor and then raise the sections of duct work into place using an electric lift.  The sections of duct work are then secured to the ceiling with metal straps.  In 1942, the Revolite division of Johnson and Johnson developed a new adhesive tape for the military to seal ammunition cases.  It was made of thin cotton duck cloth coated in waterproof polyethylene with a gray rubber-based adhesive on one side.  Originally called duck tape because of its base material, it soon became known as duct tape when, in the 1950’s, it saw wide spread use in the construction field.  Most ducts today are sealed using a gray goopy sealant that makes a much more heat resistant seal.

 

Building soffits in the Community Room. Courtesy Walter Rous

 

PUBLIC MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.

 

Town Council - Monday, February 4, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.            

Churchill Rink Presentation - Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Historic District/Heritage Commission - Thursday, February 7, 2013. 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.

 

(Circa 1973/74) - Preserving the past…. Enhancing the future….

 

CHURCHILL RINK -- LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AND POSSIBLE INRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2014

In 1973 the Town purchased 16 acres of the now Jackson’s Landing Recreational area for $80,000.  Part of the purchase agreement stipulated that one acre be used for the construction of a skating facility.  The rink consisted of a gravel pad with wooden sideboards which was flooded seasonally by Town Staff.  Churchill Rink has become a treasured place for Durham families to enjoy during the winter season. 


In 2007, the Town took on the challenge of operating the Rink as we know it today.  During that time, and throughout the years, several committees have come together to ensure the future success of the Rink.  Numerous deficiencies were identified by these groups, and corrected by Town staff.  Some of these included: chiller tube replacement; safer entrance design and construction; high efficiency fixtures addition; rink sideboard and protective glass replacement. This list is by no means complete.  In order to remain competitive and successful in the rink industry, it will be important to take positive steps towards enhancing this treasured place. 

 

There are many families who have yet to experience, or even know about the Rink.  Once we correct some of these remaining deficiencies, it will allow us to offer additional, year-round programming to meet the needs and expectations of our community.  Knowing that this is a timely endeavor, we are already in the process of creating a comprehensive presentation outlining current challenges, proposed enhancements, business plan, and project goals.

 

We are now in a position to improve our existing rink.  A collaborative effort involving our Parks & Recreation Director, Rink Manager, and Department of Public Works is underway.  Jackson’s Landing will be a hub for enriching our community year-round, generating positive revenue, and an abundance of social and recreational opportunities. 

 

Please join us in our efforts to preserve the past….. And enhance the future of Jackson’s Landing!

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Bill Page

Manager, Churchill Rink
bpage@ci.durham.nh.us

 

Stefanie Frazee

Director, Parks & Recreation
sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us

 

CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING WINTER PUBLIC SESSION SCHEDULE

Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing in Durham has announced its public session schedule for winter.  The Winter 2013 Schedule features many hours of Public Skating, Pond Hockey, Open Stick & Puck, and Adult Drop-In Hockey between Wednesday January 2nd and Sunday February 24th.  To view the entire schedule including definitions and fees, click HERE.

 

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

 

Winter Carnival and 4th Annual Chili and Mac & Cheese Cook-off

Saturday, February 9th 1-4pm @ Churchill Rink. It’s not too late to enter your favorite recipe!!

 

Recipes will be available for tasting by the public from 1:00pm to 2:00pm and foodies are encouraged to arrive promptly as quantities are limited. Tasters are encouraged to cast a ballot for their favorite recipe with the popular vote determining 1st and 2nd place in four categories.

 

Winners, announced shortly after 2:00pm, will receive gift certificates and items donated from local businesses including; GoLite Footwear, Moe's Italian Sandwiches - Durham, 3 Bridges Yoga, PLAY!, Seacoast Soapstone Company, Mixteca Taqueria Y Cantina, McLaughlin-Hills Gallery, Froyo World - Durham, Kennedy Gallery & Custom Framing and Durham Parks & Recreation.

 

All Winter Carnival activities including public skate, entertainment, bon fire, and Cook-Off tasting, are free of charge and open to the public.


For more information, visit https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/recreation or contact Durham Parks & Recreation Director Stefanie Frazee at (603) 817-4074, sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

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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Snowshoe?  Sign up now for a fun-filled guided tour of Wagon Hill Farm!  During the tour, you will learn about local ecology, animal tracking, and much more!  Join Mary Mazur (Coyote Club Instructor) on this fun adventure.  All ages welcome.  Dates: Saturday, Feb. 16th and 23rd from 10a-12p @ WHF

Price: $10, $15 with snowshoe rental. (Sign up by filling out a registration form at Durham Parks & Rec. or Durham Town Hall.  Please make all checks payable to: Town of Durham).

 

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To view the schedule of classes for February, click HERE.

 

For more information regarding any of the classes or events offered by Parks and Recreation, visit the P&R web site at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_parksrec.

 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Oyster River High School Host Site for Special Olympics Program.

Special Olympics New Hampshire is hosting a winter term of the Young Athletes™ Program (YAP) for the Oyster River community, a weekly sports play program for children with and without disabilities ages 2 through 7, designed to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8. Practice sessions are one hour and will run during February and March. There is no cost to participate in this program. The host site is the Oyster River High School’s Multi-purpose room beginning Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 9-10:00 AM. For more information contact Jennifer Haigh, Practice Coach, at (603)369-3638 or jhaigh@orcsd.org.

Newcomer's Unlimited Club presents "Mary Todd Lincoln: Wife & Widow", Friday, February 15, 2013, 10:00 AM, Community Church of Durham. Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided beginning 9:00 AM. For more information contact Alison Sweatt, 603-868-7364, alisonsweattrnms@aol.com. 

One World Language School—Morning Classes for Preschool aged Children. Classes will be offered in French, German, and Spanish on Thursday mornings at the Lee Congregational y Church. Classes will be held on Thursday mornings.  The 12-week session starts on Thursday, March 7th.  For information on this program click HERE.  For more general information on the One World Language School click HERE. To register, contact Julie Reece at julie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org or 603-866-0364.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Interested in EBooks? Please Take Our Survey!  Please take a minute to complete a short survey on our website http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/ to help us determine our patrons' interest in borrowing e-Readers from the library. We own a Kindle and a Nook that can be checked out just like books. Each reader is loaded with at least a dozen titles selected from bestseller lists. We also have free eBook downloads through our website to your device. Please answer a few short questions about your eBook use so that we can better serve you. Thank you.

New to eBooks? Check out the NH Downloadable Books BLOG for detailed instructions how to get started! http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/.

Middle School Art Display at the Library – Come and see some ORMS 5th graders works of art.  The theme is “Significant Places around Durham, Lee and Madbury”.  
Preschool Storytimes, Tues. Feb. 5th and Thurs. Feb. 7th at 10:30 am – This week: Mice!  Join us for stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft.  All are welcome. 

Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade book group), Tues. Feb. 5th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Join us for our 2nd-4th grade book group.  This month's books are "Toys Come Home" by Emily Jenkins and/or "Wild Wings" by Gil Lewis.  Come discuss the book(s), authors, play some games, and make a craft.  Copies of these books are available at the Circulation desk.  All are welcome!
Young Adult Writing/Blog Group, Tues. Feb. 5th, 7:00-7:45 p.m. - Join us for this monthly writing group for Young Adults (10 yrs. & up).  We do writing exercises, talk about your writing and post your writing to our blog "Write Away".  We also talk about books, movies...  All are welcome!
Libros Lovers, High School Book Group, Weds. Feb. 6th, 1:00-2:00 p.m. - Join us for this High School Book Group.  This month's book is "Unwind" by Nea
l Shusterman.   Ruth Wharton MacDonald is the facilitator.  All are welcome and pizza is served.
Competency Based Learning:  Impact of New State Regulations on ORCSD, Tues. Feb. 12th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Due to popular demand after the library's most recent education program with Fred Bramante, the DPL will host an informational Community Forum on the impact of new state regulations on our own school district. Fred Bramante will take questions on changes to the NH State Education Regulations and how they could affect local schools. Preregistration is strongly suggested. Questions will be submitted in a written format and addressed by Bramante and audience members. Questions submitted ahead of time are encouraged; send to mailto:durhampl@gmail.com. Subject line: Register for Community Forum.

Reiki Healing with Diane Gallant, Weds. Feb. 13th at 6:30 p.m. – Join Diane Marie Gallant, Reiki Master and Teacher, for a discussion about Reiki.  Reiki is a 90 year old Japanese modality that provides energy healing and balancing through touch, on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level.  Pajama Storytime, Tues. Feb. 19th, 6:30 p.m. – Join ORPP and the Durham Library for our monthly Pajama Storytime.  This month: Fitness/Exercise and Yoga! Come and hear stories about Exercise, playing games and fitness.  Make a craft and do some fun exercise games and yoga!  Come wearing your pajamas.  We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and make a craft.  ORPP supplies a snack.  All are welcome.

Register for Tales for Tails!  Have a young reader who could use some non-judgmental encouragement for reading aloud? A Delta Therapy dog is waiting for your child. 

Registration for Seacoast Reads (UNH Reading tutors) has started for the second semester.  Does your elementary school aged child need extra help reading?  Come to the library to sign up for a Seacoast Reads Reading tutor.  Your child will be paired with a student tutor and they will meet once a week at the library starting in February.  Space is limited so sign-up soon!
Join the Patch Program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag. If new to the program, stop by and register.  Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program.

 

Check out the library's website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/ for more information.

 

FROM "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY - 1900-1985"

"Farm Life in Durham: "Charles and Mary Langley farmed and ran a boardinghouse, Colony Cove House. The house, not far from Little Bay, was named for the pretty cove along which it was planned to build cottages for guests who preferred greater privacy, but also the convenience of a central dining room. These plans were never carried out. Colony Cove House was surrounded by wide fields, pastures, and trees, and there was a small dairy building where Grandma Langley made cheese for the dining room. There was a tennis court and a wooden platform attached to the rear of the house for outdoor relaxation and dancing. A unique attraction at Colony Cove House was the family-owned gasoline launch, which provided guests with excursions to the islands and along the shoreline of the Bays." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

 

Have a 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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