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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Courtesy Todd Selig
A hearty thank you is extended to the Durham-Great Bay Rotary Club for organizing Durham’s annual fireworks celebration. A thank you is also extended to UNH for graciously allowing for the use of Boulder Field as part of the celebration. In addition, thank you to the Newmarket Militia for presentation of the colors as well as presentation of musket and canon fire. Durham’s police, fire, and public works personal are also integral to supporting the annual celebration.
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The Memorial Union Building at UNH would like to apologize to the community for any inconvenience caused by the technical difficulties experienced with its opening summer series movie this past Wednesday. The MUB was sent a faulty hard drive which would not allow the movie to show in Theater 2. MUB personnel assure that this will not happen again and hope to see many from the Durham community back next Wednesday, July 16th, at 7pm for "Muppets Most Wanted".
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NEW SCAM IMPACTING DURHAM
This week Durham Police took two separate calls from businesses regarding persons identifying themselves as representatives of Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH). On both occasions, a male caller claiming to be a representative from PSNH told the employees that there was an outstanding balance on the business’s electric bill of $800 +/-. The caller advised that if the company did not pay that amount, the power would be shut off at the business within the hour. The male identified himself as “Chris White” and the employees of both the businesses wrote down the number shown on the caller ID.
Both businesses called Durham PD and a detective called the number noted by one of the employees. A male answered as though he was at a PSNH office but he feigned a foreign accent that became more pronounced as the call went on. He identified himself as “Chris” while the detective pretended to be a worker from one of the businesses. The detective/employee was instructed to purchase “Green Dot Paks” at Rite Aid and use these in paying the outstanding bill. The detective asked why use Green Dot to pay the PSNH and he responded that the billing service that PSNH routinely used was not in operation and this was an alternative method that would clear up the bill. The Durham detective engaged the man for a lengthy period of time until the detective identified himself. “Chris” immediately hung up! Durham Police are working with the FBI on this matter which may be directly connected to the fake bomb threats at the Mill Plaza last week.
One common denominator are the “Green Dot Paks” which are technically referred to as Green Dot MoneyPak cards which are reloadable debit cards, available in many businesses that can be used to pay your phone, cable, or credit card bills. They're typically for people who don't have, or want, bank accounts. The scams surrounding the card works in the following way: the phone caller demands payment for some seemingly reasonable thing and instructs the person to go to any number of stores, including Rite Aid, to purchase a loaded Green Dot MoneyPak card with an amount of cash. The person is then given a call-back number, as in the Durham incident, and instructed to scratch off the back of the card where a number is reveled. Once the call is accomplished and the number revealed to the “debt collector” the number is used over the internet and all the funds on the card are immediately removed. Green Dot MoneyPak cards are not linked to bank accounts - the money is on the card. Anyone you share your card number with has instant access to your cash and can siphon the card dry.
Durham residents should be aware that federal law prohibits debt collectors from using intimidation, threats and harassment, and no reputable company will use these tactics! Persons receiving such a phone call should hang up and notify the Durham Police of the incident. While most of these cases are difficult to resolve as they routinely operate from foreign third-world countries, reporting to the police is important.
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TWO MINUTE NHDOT UPDATE: NHDOT Commissioner Discusses New Hampshire's First Gas Hike in 20 Years
In a Two-Minute NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) video, Durham resident and New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner Christopher Clement describes the statewide effort that led to passage of NH’s first gas tax increase in more than 20 years.
The legislation which won bipartisan support raised New Hampshire’s gasoline tax by 4.2 cents per gallon, effective July 1st.
Clement tells Transportation TV how the tax increase won popular support and he discusses how the new revenue from the gas tax increase will be invested.
To view the video, click HERE.
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IT'S BERRY SEASON AT THE FARMERS' MARKET
Fresh market raspberries
The markets are full of berries this week. Strawberry season still has a few to offer and raspberries are making their grand entrance. Before long, blueberries will be right along side.
Keep a look-out for July berries brought to the Durham Farmers' Market by:
Applecrest Farm (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Hollister Family Farm (strawberries)
McKenzie's Farm (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Mildred's Drumlin Farm (strawberries, raspberries)
Shagbark Farm (strawberries)
UNH Organic Garden Club (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Wake Robin Farm (strawberries, raspberries)
Find out what berries are in season by using the Product Search tool on the SGA website. Type "raspberries" into the search bar and a list of all the vendors with raspberries appears. It shows contact information and a description of the vendor, plus their market dates.
What could be better than berries, really? They go with everything – ice cream, breakfast cereal, pancakes, yogurt, salads, smoothies, dark chocolate...
VEGETABLE PRINTING AT THE DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET ON MONDAY - JULY 15TH
Selection of July veggies from White Cedar Farm
After giving veggies a moment of well deserved admiration, we're going to chop them up and appreciate all their artistic glory at the Durham Farmers' Market on Monday.
Thanks to the Durham Agricultural Commission, the market booth will become a market art studio! We'll have paper to print on, but feel free to bring a T-shirt, napkin or handkerchief to decorate, too. And you might want to bring a smock, just sayin'.
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Diana and John Carroll, David and Catherine Hills with "Clemmy"
Photo by Michael Sterling.
OUR DEVELOPING LOCAL ECONOMY
Yesterday's Third Annual "Farm-A-Q" event, held at Durham's Emery Farm, attended by approximately 400, fed over 90% by very locally grown and locally processed food from area farms, prepared by area chefs (including some of the best chefs Portsmouth, Dover and Newmarket have to offer), tells us much about where our economy is going. Attendees were predominantly young families and singles in their 30s from across the broader region (and no lack of 20-somethings and a few older folks), with many toddlers present. Food served ranged from local meat of all kinds (from duck and bison to beef, pork, lamb and chicken), vegetables of every imaginable kind, berries and other fruit, and locally caught fish, to an array of local craft beers and wine, and baked goods, with some of the beer and baked goods using locally grown grains. The four hour event was rounded off by continuous local live music, a wandering Scottish Highland Durham cow (with a whole herd of such beef cattle in view), water sprinklers, reveling children, informative info tables for Seacoast Eat Local, the Durham Food Hub, and Slow Food Seacoast (the event sponsor), bright sunshine, and the constant sound of happy voices - many planning new farm and garden production and future meals. Every molecule of local food consumed displaced (and displaces) an equal molecule of food from away, a powerful economic reality, keeping money in our pockets and our jobs local.
All of this centered (obviously) on local food and its production and preparation and the enjoyment derived therefrom - one might call this now annual upbeat event an "exercise in joy", an "exercise in happiness", on a summer Sunday afternoon. Happiness, pleasure, contentment are, I think, the big product of the day. And it tells us where we are going in our future, a new agrarianism which will feed us three meals a day and provide us many, many jobs and a better chance to control our lives, to preserve our independence.
Thank you Slow Food Seacoast, Seacoast Eat Local, our many local restauranteurs, talented chefs and food purveyors, and Durham's own Emery Farm. The big beneficiary of all of this is those many toddlers running around under the sprinklers, for a new world is being created for them.
John Carroll
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NEW TOWN HALL PROJECT
The granite sign is set in place over the entry portal at the new Durham Town Hall. Courtesy Craig Stevens
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A DETAILED LOOK AT THE TOWN HALL PROJECT FINANCIALS AND EXPENDITURES TO DATE
Residents can view an accounting to date of two separate capital projects but which together show the full cost to the Town associated with the purchase and later the construction/renovation of the new Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road by clicking HERE.
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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.
Agricultural Commission - Monday, July 14, 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.
Members of the DAR - Margery Sullivan Chapter enjoyed an outdoor meeting at Old Landing this week. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee
A Visit With DAR – Daughters of the American Revolution – And Call for Veteran’s Day Volunteers - The Parks & Recreation Director had an opportunity to visit with the Margery Sullivan Chapter of the DAR this past week at Old Landing, during one of their monthly meetings. The event began with a ceremonial wreath being placed on Margery Browne Sullivan’s grave to honor her 300th Birthday. Following the ceremony, the group made their way across the footbridge, and down to the landing, where they then enjoyed refreshments and held their meeting under the picnic shelter.
Durham Parks & Recreation will be working with the DAR over the next several months to plan the First Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration. All are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. Please email: recreation@ci.durham.nh.us
To learn more about the Margery Sullivan Chapter, click HERE.
On The Go!: Adventure Trips for Active Adults
July 31st – Boston Duck Boat Tour, Prudential Center, & Legal Sea Foods. Ready to get UP and GO? Find out how HERE.
Camp REACH Off To A Great Start!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this week’s Pre-Camp Extravaganza a GREAT success! We have more camps and adventure trips coming up, so don’t miss out! View the camp schedule and register HERE
Campers take a trip outside to practice their "Secret Agent Lab” skills during this week’s Pre-Camp Extravaganza. Courtesy Kelly Sareault
Stay FIT This Summer: Please note that some class times and locations have changed for the summer. View our weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE!
Have you seen our Summer brochure yet? Check it out HERE!
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Save the Date:
Boston Duck Boats, Legal Sea Foods, Prudential Center Trip – July 31st
Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series –
Hamnesiac Trio – (August 7th)
Studio Two - The Beatles Tribute (August 28th)
Camp R.E.A.C.H. – July 14 – August 22nd
Durham Day – Saturday, Sept. 27th
Click HERE to participate in Durham Day 2014
The summer sun sets over the Bay at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Kelly Sareault
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COME JOIN THE ‘CREW’ AT GBR!
“Attention ….row! “ Though you may never hear these words through the microphone of a coxswain guiding you through the start of a crew sprint race (between 1000 -2000 m) , you can still experience the strength and beauty of the sport of rowing right here on the seacoast.
During the summer, Great Bay Rowing offers many Learn To Row camps for juniors ages 13-18, and Adult Learn To Row Camps for anyone aged 19 or above. Besides being introduced to a sport which provides you a fantastic cardio-vascular and resistance training workout, you will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the Oyster River.
If you or your junior decide to continue, Great Bay Rowing offers competitive and recreational Master programs during spring, summer and fall and a competitive junior program during Fall and Spring.
Through working on endurance, strength and technique, we prepare to get ready for upcoming races. During the fall (which begins at the end of August and runs through mid-October) the club participates in “Head” regattas—races from 2 to 3 ¼ miles long. One of the best known is “The Head of the Charles” in Boston. Held in October, it is the largest head race in the world, drawing crews from countries all over the globe. Great Bay Rowing has entered both junior and masters crews in the Head of the Charles. Unlike Fall Head Regattas, Spring and Summer races are pure sprints, 1000 m to 2000 m long. These exhausting but thrilling races only last between 6-8 minutes!
So, if you have always wanted to try a water sport which allows you to enjoy the seacoast’s natural beauty, but are unable to purchase your own equipment or are intimidated by your lack of knowledge or experience, then join Great Bay Rowing and develop not only a high level of fitness, but also gain many new friends while challenging your mind and body with the wonderful sport of Crew. For more information, explore Great Bay Rowing's website.
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Double header into late evening yesterday gave the Ouster River all stars the NH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. Next weekend the regionals. If all goes well then onto the World Series for little league. Every member of this team played so well. Congratulations! Courtesy Carol Chambers
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE: 2nd Annual Durham Farm Day, Saturday, August 16th, 10am-5pm. Organized by the Durham Agricultural Commission.
Durham Farmers' Market - Every Monday from 2:15 - 6:00 PM at the Durham Town Hall
UNH Memorial Union Building Summer Series - Movies (including many in 3-D!), a mini-carnival, an outdoor movie, and more. For the full printable scheduled, click HERE.
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Visit the library's Children's/YA area to view the "Wagon Hill Interpretive Trail Quilt" made by Oyster River Middle School fifth graders. The quilt was part of an experiential learning project. Now, the library is happy to be the home for this beautiful (and informative) piece.
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Summer Reading, “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Continues!
Week 4 of Summer Reading
Family Movie Night, Mon. July 14th, 6:00 p.m. – “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” (All ages, Oyster River Room). Popcorn is served.
Storytime, Tues. July 15th, 10:30 a.m.: Weather! (All ages, Story Time/Craft Room). We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft.
9-12 year old group. Tues. July 15th 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Build an LED Throwie and play some games! We’ll also talk about what you are reading.
YA Writing/Crafting Group, Weds. July 16th, 4:00-5:00 p.m.: Make letter beaded key chains & add to Write-Away blog. (10+ yrs. Sign-up at the Children’s/YA desk).
Music On The Library Lawn, Weds. July 16th, 6:30 p.m.! (All ages, outside*) Earreverance! Come hear these talented acapella musicians! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In case of rain we’ll be in the Oyster River Room.
Wildlife Encounters at the Madbury Town Hall, Thurs. July 17th, 10:30 a.m. (All ages) – Join us for this fun joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. Come and meet some wild and interesting animals and learn all about them! (All ages).
6-8 year old Activity Hour, Thurs. July 17, 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Build-It, Legos! Come and have fun building with Legos. We read books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft.
Young Adult Open Mike Night (ages 10 & up), Thurs. July 17th at 6:30 p.m. – Come and share your talents with us! Sing, recite poetry, play an instrument, juggle, whatever you like… This is a joint Young Adult Program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. All are welcome!
Week 5 of Summer Reading
Family Movie Night, Mon. July 21st, 6:00 p.m. – “Meet the Robinsons” (All ages, Oyster River Room). Popcorn is served.
Storytime, Tues. July 22nd, 10:30 a.m.: The Weather (All ages, Story Time/Craft Room). We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft.
9-12 year old group. Tues. July 22nd 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Decorate Cupcakes! Come and have some food fun. We also play some games and talk about what you are reading.
YA Writing/Crafting Group, Weds. July 23rd 4:00-5:00 p.m.: Chinese Calligraphy & add to Write-Away blog. (10+ yrs. Sign-up at the Children’s/YA desk).
Music On The Library Lawn, Weds. July 23rd, 6:30 p.m.! (All ages, outside*) Jeff Warner! Come hear this talented musician! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In case of rain we’ll be in the Oyster River Room.
Build-It, Thurs. July 24th, 10:30 a.m. (All ages) – Come in and build a fun structure. Legos will also be out (all ages).
6-8 year old Activity Hour, Thurs. July 24th, 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Food Science! Learn about some food science and decorate cookies. We read books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft.
Xbox Kinect Gaming Night! (10+ yrs.), Thurs. July 24th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Come and test your skills. Refreshments are served and prizes won.
Finale Celebration with Magician, Scott Jameson, Fri. July 25th at 10:30 a.m. – Join us in celebrating your summer reading accomplishments. Scott Jameson is a talented and interactive magician for all ages. He will astound you with his mix of magic tricks, audience participation and humor. Prize books, reading certificates, and Bagel Works Prizes will be handed out. Cake will also be served. (All ages, Oyster River Room)
New Photography Exhibit at the Library! Patsy Pratt Photographs - You don't want to miss photographs of backyard critters from award winning local photographer Patsy Pratt's backyard. Chipmunks, wild turkeys, finches, dragonflies, bumble bees and more are on view during June on the gallery upstairs.
Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club. Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library. Talk to the children’s librarian at the children’s desk for more details.
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
1800 - The last water-powered mill to operate was the Jenkins Mill, located at the south end of the existing dam. Cider, leather, gravestones and shingles were products. The sound of the iron water wheel could be heard far down the river on a quiet day. The mill collapsed about 1949.
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