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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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A bike frozen in the snow in Durham. Like the recent frigid winter weather, this vision sends a shiver from head to toe. Courtesy Todd Selig
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A hearty congratulations is extended to Oyster River High School science teacher Celeste Best who recently received The ING Unsung Heroes Award for her innovative forensic science program. The award is given to 100 select teachers throughout the country every year. Recipients are given $2,000 to fund an innovative teaching program. Celeste is the wife of Durham Fire Captain Jason Best.
To read the Foster's Daily Democrat article featuring her accomplishment, click HERE.
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FILING PERIOD FOR LOCAL ELECTIVE OFFICES
The filing period for local Durham elective offices opened on Wednesday of this week and will close on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 5 PM. Positions that are up for election in 2014 include:
3 Councilors (3 yr. term)
2 Durham Library Board of Trustees (3 yr. term)
1 Supervisor of the Checklist (6 yr. term)
1 Town Clerk-Tax Collector (3 yr. term)
1 Town Treasurer (3 yr. term)
1 Trustee of Trust Funds (3 yr. term)
Residents interested in learning more about any of these positions are invited contact the Administrator's Office at (603) 868-5571 or write to tselig@ci.durham.nh.us. The 2014 Town elections will take place on March 11, 2014 between the hours of 7AM and 7PM at the Oyster River High School.
The following is a list of citizens to date that have filed for the Durham elected offices:
Town Council: Katherine (Kitty) Marple, Julian Smith, Katherine Bubar
Library Board of Trustees: Susan Roman, Dianne Thompson
Supervisors of the Checklist: Ann Shump
Town Clerk-Tax Collector: Lorrie Pitt
Town Treasurer: Karl VanAsselt
Trustees of the Trust Funds: Bruce Bragdon
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The filing period for Oyster River School District elective positions is on this same cycle and ends at 4 PM on 1/31. Contact the SAU Office for more information at 868-5100.
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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Town Hall tomorrow morning, January 25th, from 10:30 - 11:30 AM to accept new voters and to make corrections to the checklist. Changes in party registration can also be made at these times.
Prospective voters are required by law to show proof of identity, age (18 by the election day), and domicile/residence in Durham, and US citizenship. A driver's license and a birth certificate or passport are useful. Affidavits of domicile and citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
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2014 DOG LICENSES/TAGS NOW AVAILABLE!
2014 dog licenses/tags are now available at the Town Clerk's Office.
New Hampshire law states “any owner or keeper” of a dog must register the dog annually in the month of April. A penalty of $1/month will be added to the registration fee beginning in June. If the dog(s) remain unlicensed, the law requires the issuance of a Civil Forfeiture which carries a $25 fine/dog. If the dog(s) continue to remain unlicensed, a summons to court will be issued. Prompt attention to licensing your dog(s) eliminates the need to pursue further action.
As always, you can register at the Town Clerk’s office M-F, 8-5. If your dog’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date you can register on-line, or register by mail and include a copy of the new rabies expiration date.
If you have received a notice from the Town Clerk's Office, and you no longer have the dog, please call 603-868-5577 as the Town has no other way to obtain this information.
The A-Ally Rated sticker is an initiative at UNH intended to end descrimination
and foster inclusion within the University community. Courtesy Todd Selig
DURHAM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RECEIVES ORIENTATION ON LGBTQ ISSUES FROM UNH REPRESENTATIVES
On January 14, 2014, the Durham Human Rights Commission comprised of the Town Council Chair Jay, the Durham Business Manager, and the Administrator met and received a very interesting orientation regarding LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) issues from Ellen Semran, Safe Zones Coordinator - UNH Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and from Shannon Brown-Marthouse, UNH Assistant Dean of Students.
The group worked to better understand identity issues including s-ex, gender identity, gender expression, and s-exual identity.
CONSULTANT CANDIDATE INTERVIEWED TO ASSIST WITH PRESERVATION CHAPTER OF MASTER PLAN
The Town received a $20,000 grant from the NH Division of Historic Resources ($12,000 State/ $8,000 match from Town) last year to assist the Historic District Commission/Heritage Commission create a preservation chapter for the Durham Master Plan. Today, HDC Chair Peter Stanhope, HDC Vice Chair Andrea Bodo, HDC member Catherine Meeking, Director of Planning & Community Development Michael Behrendt, and Administrator Selig interviewed representatives from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. regarding the firm’s interest in working with the Town as part of the project. A recommendation will likely be moved forward for Council action in early February.
REPRESENTATIVE FROM DURHAM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION PRESENTED AT RECENT SEVEN TO SAVE RETREAT
On Friday January 17th, the NH Preservation Alliance held a SEVEN TO SAVE RETREAT at the NH Historical Society in Concord http://nhhistory.org/library.html.
Five towns were asked to present seven properties that have been listed on the Seven to Save list. Boscawen Library/Langdon Meetinghouse, New Durham Meetinghouse, Moultonborough and Washington Granges, Kimball Jenkins Estate Concord, and the Mill Pond Dam in Durham. Andrea Bodo, member of the Historic District/Heritage Commission represented Durham with a presentation and talk on the Mill Pond Dam.
During discussions, Ms. Bodo also had an opportunity to talk about the Durham’s successes with the Grange building and the Smith Chapel. Durham is very fortunate to be a Certified Local Government and have a Historic District/Heritage Commission.
UNH RESIDENCE HALLS PERFORM ONGOING COMMUNITY SERVICE IN DURHAM
Durham Resident and UNH Director of Residential Life Scott Chesney let me know last week that UNH residence halls have a requirement that each hall does regular community service throughout the year. UNH has done this for many years. In some cases, a hall has a specific connection to a specific program and in other cases its more of a one or two time effort. Some of the projects are in Durham and some are in other communities. Some recent sites include:
Cornucopia Food Pantry
Freedom Café
Durham Community Church
Durham Library
St. Thomas Moore
Raked leaves and did yard work for 5 families in Durham
Growing Places
Lord Hall regularly works with Moharimet Elementary School as a partnership.
Sawyer Hall used to work with Mastway Elementary School in past years.
The rest of the projects are in other communities or based more out of UNH like Wildcat Friends and Relay for Life.
WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR DURHAM PET OWNERS
Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly.
Doctors David and Michelle Harriton are long-time family residents of the Town of Durham. They also own The Animal Hospital of Barrington. Given the frigid temperatures experienced these last few weeks, they have very graciously forwarded some excellent tips for keeping animals, particularly dogs and cats, safe.
To view them, click HERE.
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REGULAR MEMBER VACANCY ON PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Parks & Recreation Committee is seeking interested residents who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill a regular member vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Committee. Citizens interested in applying for this vacancy 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 download a form for completion, click HERE.
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Library Board of Trustee Ann Windsor presents Trustee Chair Doug Bencks with a plaque honoring his years of service and involvment with the new library building project. The plaque will be placed on the circulation desk that has been dedicated to Doug. Courtesy DPL
LIBRARY TRUSTEES DEDICATE CIRCULATION DESK TO DOUG BENCKS
In honor of his years of service as Chair of the Durham Public Library Board of Trustees, and his involvement in and influence on the new library building project, the Board has dedicated the circulation desk to Doug Bencks. Doug was instrumental in moving the building project forward and was involved in every aspect of it, from serving on committees, to working with the architect and builder on design and construction, to assisting in the capital campaign’s success. His knowledge, expertise, and dedication were critical to the eventual success of the project and the Board wished to acknowledge his numerous contributions.
The plaque, to be prominently placed on the circulation desk, reads: “With deep gratitude for his leadership as Chair, and for his vision, commitment and perseverance in making this library possible, the Board of Trustees of the Durham Public Library dedicates this circulation desk to Doug Bencks.”
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BLASTING EXPERT SPOKE AT PLANNING BOARD
In conjunction with the proposed student housing project at 25-35 Main Street ("Orion"), and following up on Town Engineer David Cedarholm's comments to the Planning Board on January 15, a blasting expert was invited to speak to the Board on Wednesday, January 22. Both meetings were recorded and are viewable on DCAT on Demand.
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DURHAM COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM
The Town’s Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, the Department of Public Works, and Mr. Fox Composting will conduct a composting pilot program beginning on February 1, 2014. This program seeks to remove organic waste from our land fill disposal stream and, through composting, convert this organic waste into usable soil. While the amount of organic waste generated by a household is quite variable, it is frequently estimated that 40% or more of the material disposed of in land fills is organic waste. Durham’s annual land fill disposal exceeds 1600 tons at a cost of more than $112,500. If we could remove just 20% of the annual disposal tonnage Durham could save more than $22,500 annually. And help extend the life of existing land fills, produce useful soil, and reduce the production of methane gas, one of the most destructive air pollutants produced by human activity.
How will the program work? Participants in the pilot program will receive organic waste disposal liners (bags) at the beginning of the program. These liners will be placed by participants in a waste disposal container (trash can) with a tight lid. Then, as organic waste is produced it will be collected in the liner, in the container. When it is time to empty the collected material (once a week?), participants will take the container to the transfer station and place it in a marked composting dumpster. Care should be exercised in handling the filled liners as they are made of compostable material and may soften when wet. It is best to tie off the liner and then dump it from your disposal container into the dumpster. Mr. Fox Composting will transport the waste to a composting site.
What do you mean by organic waste? Compostable materials are: food scraps from the table; eggshells; bread; seafood (not clam or oyster shells); fruits and vegetables (including pits and nuts); coffee grounds and filters; tea and tea bags; pizza boxes; wood stirrers; sugar packets; paper napkins, plates and towels; waxed paper linings; flowers and floral trimmings; corn based cups and utensils; and corks. Items not on this list are not currently compostable.
How do I participate? If you are interested in participating in the pilot program call Durham Public Works at 868-5578 and ask to be place on the pilot program list. You will be asked for your name, address and telephone number so we can contact you with updates and additional coordination. We are planning to conduct the pilot program with 50-100 residences. If the program proves successful, we hope to expand it to as many residences as possible.
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Courtesy Craig Stevens
TOWN HALL PROJECT
Work continues at the new Town Hall construction site. This picture is of the temporary shoring support system being installed at the old drive through window area. This shoring will support the existing second floor, while the old brick columns are removed and the new concrete footings/walls are installed.
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STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
The State of the University Address will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014. Doors open at 12:40 PM for the speech by UNH President Mark Huddleston in the Granite State Room of the MUB. The speech begins at 1 PM. The address is open to the entire Durham community.
The address can also we watched on line live at: http://www.unh.edu/president/state-university.
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HUNTING IN DURHAM – SHOOTING IS PROHIBITED ON TOWN PROPERTY
There have been a limited number of occasions where hikers encounter persons hunting in Durham. While the Durham Police have indicated this is a rarely reported event, it does occur on occasion, especially during deer season which was November 13th through December 8th last year or more recently, duck season along the Wagon Hill walking trails when the Coastal Zone waterfowl season is open on October 3rd and ran through October 14th and then reopened November 19th through January 5, 2014. Several people have inquired, after seeing duck hunters in boats off the shoreline of Wagon Hill, whether this is a legal activity. Under New Hampshire hunting regulations it is lawful as the “coastal hunting zone” includes the Great Bay as well as the various inlets including the Oyster River.
The only reference to hunting in Durham’s Town Ordinance is found in Article II section 63 entitled “Shooting” which states that “Shooting of any kind is prohibited at any time on town property, including the town dump and the town gravel pit.” The ordinance goes on to define shooting as, “The ejection, propelling or driving forth of any object, such as but not limited to a bullet or arrow, by any force whatsoever, including but not limited to a sudden release of tension, as in a bowstring, or an explosion or expanding gases, as in a rifle or other firearm, or by any other means.”
If residents walking or hiking encounter hunters, it certainly is advisable to inform them of your presence. As always, if anyone is concerned about the activity they see and desire clarification, the Durham Police can be contacted at 868-2324 or via 911.
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The Newmarket Mills - Courtesy Eric Gendron
JANUARY 29: COME LEARN ABOUT THE PROPOSED "MILLS SCENIC BYWAY"
Representatives from the Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) will give a short presentation and hold a public hearing about the proposed "Mills Scenic Byway" on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, from 7:00 to 9:00PM, at the Durham Public Library, 49 Madbury Road.
The proposed Byway is a 12.1 mile route that travels through the historic mill communities of Newmarket, Durham, Madbury, and Rollinsford -- New England river towns that have seen steady transformation from early sawmills to a thriving textile industry, which in turn gave way to dozens of smaller businesses and residential opportunities.
Members of the public are invited to attend and provide comments and constructive feedback relative to this proposed project. We know it's a busy time of year, but you will still be welcome if you can only come for the first portion of the program! Be sure to sign in when you arrive: the sign-in list will help document key public support for the designation.
Note: A Byways designation will not have an impact -- either way -- on the NH DOT Rte. 108 road-widening project.
Read the announcement flyer HERE. For more information or to send a letter to the SRPC, contact Kyle Pimental, SRPC Senior Regional Planner, 603-994-3500, kpimental@strafford.org.
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CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING SKATE SCHEDULE
For details on the schedule, please go to https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/churchillrink or call the rink at 868-3907.
Public Skate Schedule:
Sundays: 12:00 - 1:45pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 - 3:20pm
Tuesdays:12:00 - 4:20pm
Thursdays: 12:00 - 1:50pm
Saturday: 2:00 - 3:45pm
Open Stick & Puck (unstructured hockey)
Sunday thru Friday: 11:00 - 11:50am
Adult Drop In
Sundays: 9:30 - 10:50am
Monday & Wednesday: 12:00 - 1:20 pm
Fridays: 12:00 - 1:20pm AND 8:00 - 9:20pm
Family Pond Hockey (Helmet required)
Saturday nights, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (except for Dec 28th)
For more information, contact Gary at Rink Services Group, 603-868-3907, gary@rinkservicesgroup.com.
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THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS
Mill Pond Dam Centennial Celebration - Sunday’s @ 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM - Run time: 30 Minutes
Sit back and enjoy the latest production from DCAT 22 Studios. Enjoy some of Durham’s beautiful scenery, hear a this history of the Mill Pond Dam. Who is Congreve Hamilton Quniby? Did Humpty Dumpty actually make an appearance at the celebration? You’ll only find the answers to these questions by watching the video.
An afternoon with “Big Nate” author Lincoln Peirce - Sunday’s @ 2:30 PM & 5:55 PM - Run time: 1:04
If you weren’t available to make it to the Library for Durham’s own author Lincoln Peirce, then no worries, DCAT 22 Studios was there to record and capture all of the cool stuff he talked about and his demonstration on how he illustrates. Hear a some of his Durham history, his humble comic strip beginnings and learn how “Nate” got his name.
These videos are also available for viewing on the Town’s On Demand site.
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MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.
Town Council - Monday, January 27, 2014. To view 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.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
DPR Climbing Club - Back by popular demand, and filling up fast! Find out more HERE.
Jumpstart Your Week with Yoga - Every Monday from 6-7AM. Fill out a registration form HERE.
Senior Trips – NEW! - Are you interested in taking a trip to places like Boston, New York, Foxwoods, etc.? Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to put your name on the mailing list.
Yoga for Seniors - Find out more HERE.
Tai Chi – Beginners - Find out more HERE.
Fitness Close to Home - Pick a class that FITS your schedule HERE.
Volunteer With DPR - Do you like being outdoors? Do you have a group looking for ways to be more involved and give back to the community? Contact: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to learn about local volunteer opportunities. Find out more HERE.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
UNH Museum of Art Exhibitions Opening Soon, January 24-March 30, 2014. For more information, visit http://cola.unh.edu/moa
Durham Garden Club Discusses "Best Practices in the Garden", Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014, beginning with supper at 5:30 PM, Durham Public Library. Potluck fare will include soups, salads, breads, and desserts. Meet is FREE to the public. Non-members welcome and invited to bring a dish to share.
UNH Celebrity Series, Duo Versus, Abraham McWilliams, violin and Martynas Levickis, accordian, Saturday, Feb 1, 2014, &PM, Johnson Theatre. For more information, visit http://cola.unh.edu/celebrity-series
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Library's Annual Appeal Off to Great Start
The Durham Public Library's Annual Appeal drive, which began with a town-wide mailing in mid-November, has raised nearly $17,000 so far. The Appeal raises funds to supplement the library's operating budget. This year the money will help us purchase new books and electronic resources, allow us to continue providing first-class programs, and enable us to increase the number and types of services we provide the community.
It's not too late to contribute. Your tax-deductible gift will help expand the Library's offerings to our growing population and keep our library the vibrant Heart of Durham. Thanks to everyone for their past financial support, which we greatly appreciate, and for whatever you may be able to donate today.
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Baby Lap-Sit! For infants to age 2 with their caregiver, Sat. Jan. 25th at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for stories, fingerplays and songs. There will be a time after for you and your baby to play and socialize with other parents and babies. This program is geared to ages 2 and under with their parent/caregiver. All are welcome.
Chess and Board Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up), Monday Jan. 27th 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us every Monday afternoon now in the Young Adult room for a game of chess (or other board games).
Pre-school Storytimes: Tues. Jan. 28th and Thurs. Jan. 30th at 10:30 a.m. – The theme is: Counting and Groundhogs!
Pajama Storytime, Tues. Jan. 28th, 6:30 p.m. – Join ORPP (Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers) and the Durham Library for this fun storytime. Wear your pajamas! This month: Snowmen! We will hear stories about snowmen, make a fun snowman craft and make a special snowman treat. All are welcome and snacks are provided by ORPP.
Durham Garden Club: Safe and Effective Pest Control, Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 4:15 to 9 p.m. - Club members will gather for the annual Durham Garden Club Potluck Supper and Roundtable discussion. This year's discussion will focus on safe, effective pest control and companion planting as methods for maintaining a beautiful, healthy garden. Come share your knowledge - from repellants that keep insects, deer and rodents away, to plants that discourage pests or attract beneficial insects. We will also discuss companion planting as a way to promote health and vigor in the garden. Bring your secret remedies to share with others! Potluck fare will include soups, salads, breads, and desserts. The meeting is free and open to the public. Non-members are welcome, and are invited to bring a dish to share.
Joint Library Teen Writing Program! At Madbury Library!, Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. - Are you a writer, or interested in the writing process? Then come for an exciting writing workshop with author and Creative Writing Professor E. Christopher Clark, who will work with you on your writing! This event will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Madbury Public Library Meeting room. The program is being put on by the Durham, Lee, and Madbury Public Libraries. Space is limited; sign up at any of these libraries!
Lego Club, Thurs. Jan. 30th at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations. Lego Club is in need of Lego Donations! Have any Legos that you would like to donate to the library? They will be put to good use at our very popular Lego Club.
Bicycling Through Europe: One Durham Family's Adventures, Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. - Think about it: imagine packing up your family, notifying teachers, renting your home, hugging your friends and family good-bye and setting off on a bicycle tour of Europe! One Durham family did just that. Last year, Chris and Wendy Brooks decided to bring their children on a sight-seeing adventure through Europe. They will tell you their story, share their pictures, and perhaps inspire you to take your own journey. Join us for this exciting program.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday Jan. 31st, 10:30 a.m. – This week: Art, Mosaics and Sculpture! We will hear books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft. This group is geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome.
Crafternoon – Fri. Jan. 31st 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.
Take Your Child to the Library Day, Sat. Feb. 1st 10-5 pm – At 10:30 we have Baby Lap-sit. Throughout the day, we will have Xbox games available and a library challenge for you to complete. You can also make a craft, read a book, tour the library and borrow some great materials to take home! Come and join us!
McGregor EMS Babysitting Class, Sat. Feb. 1st, 10:30-3:00 p.m. - This course is designed to certify kids ages 12 & up. Cost is $35. To register, visit www.mcgregorems.org or call 603-862-3674
Young Adult Writing Group, Monday, Feb. 3rd, 7:00-7:45 p.m. - Like to write? Join us for this monthly writing group in the YA room. We do writing exercises, talk about your writing and post to our blog "Write Away". All are welcome.
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th Grade Book Group, Tuesday, Feb. 4th 6:00-7:00 p.m. – This month’s book “Bobby vs. Girls (accidentally)” by Dan Santat. Join us for the Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade book group). We talk about a book/author, do puzzles, play some games and make a craft. All are welcome and books are available at the library.
Affordable Health Care Act Questions? Questions about the Affordable Health Care Act? Sign up or see if you can get better coverage than you have now at www.healthcare.gov. The Durham Public Library has information available and can help you get online to access the site. Please note: There are no Assisters or Navigators at the Library; we are only here to help you find information that will aid you in making your own decision.
Tales for Tails and Seacoast Reads sign-ups happening now. Contact the Children’s desk to register.
Patch Club! Earn patches and a library bag for your reading time. Register at the children’s desk.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1735 - Epidemic of throat distemper (diphtheria) caused the death of 91 inhabitants, 70 being children. Starting in Kingston, it spread like wildfire throughout New England. Thomas Stevenson's farm had tombstones for 5 children, age 2 to 17, who died within 31 days.
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