 |
American flag at Memorial Park. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
___________________________
All Town Offices will be CLOSED on Monday, July 5, 2021 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
-------------------------------
There will be NO COLLECTION OF REFUSE AND RECYCLING ON MONDAY, JULY 5TH. The pickup routes will be delayed one day all week (Monday's collection on Tuesday, Tuesday's collection on Wednesday, etc.)
-------------------------------
Additionally, the Transfer Station is CLOSED ON SATURDAY 7/3/21.
-------------------------------
Callers in New Hampshire will soon be required to dial the 3-digit area code when making local calls to prepare for next July's rollout of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Read more about this initiative HERE.
|
A FOLLOW UP TO LAST WEEK’S NARRATIVE ABOUT SIGNS – A message from Administrator Selig
I would like to thank the many citizens who have shared their opinions about the Mill Plaza redevelopment as well as those, fewer in number, who have expressed concern about making college students feel unwelcome.
One of Durham’s core values is to embrace openness in the transaction of public business while conducting Town affairs in a manner that is just and best demonstrates a genuine respect for different ideas, opinions, and perspectives.
Another core value is Honesty and Integrity.
Finally, we hold ourselves as a town to be a welcoming community.
It was these community objectives that prompted me to include last week’s topic dealing with signs. A long-time resident felt it was important that I and other community members knew the signs were making at least some people feel unwelcome and that made Durham to them appear like less of a welcoming place. This resident was not the first to have brought the concern to my attention.
In response, another community member this week wrote, "While I agree that freedom of speech can sometimes have unintended consequences, I don’t believe these signs send a negative message regarding UNH students. Two of them objected to more student housing at the Plaza, not students—and one didn’t even mention students. In any case, the messages on these signs don’t seem directed at college students.”
It’s important to note for people unfamiliar with the subject that the application for redevelopment of the Mill Plaza has been a lengthy and arduous process for all concerned over many years.
Yard sign messages are often intended to convey pointed meanings on complex and nuanced subjects with limited space. As such, sometimes signs displaying support for or opposition to a topic can be read in different ways by different people with differing viewpoints, different filters, and different levels of understanding regarding a subject.
Many Durham residents have embraced the neighborhood sign initiative as evidenced by their displaying signage regarding the Mill Plaza redevelopment proposal — in this case opposing the current iteration before the Planning Board. That is their right in our country, and an important right it is.
Several residents have written very thoughtful and much appreciated emails this week to share that more than 150 such signs are scattered throughout the town, and a petition concerning the topic, initially signed by 670 residents, and which has attracted a significant number of additional signers, reveals the perceived broad impact of the project proposal on residents across the community.
At the same time, some other residents have expressed this week a level of concern about these signs as outlined in last week’s “Friday Updates.” They point to a potentially negative message the signs might convey to UNH students. Some residents have also noted that for a town that has posted “A Welcoming Community” on its signage entering Durham, the yard signs do not feel very welcoming to them.
Residents have the right to display signage and other residents have the right to agree, disagree, or perhaps to choose to learn more about the topic to come to better understand perspectives. Another resident wrote this week to convey, “On the other hand, in the way of “unintended consequences,” thank you for the prominent display this week of the various messages the signs convey. Hundreds of our fellow community members who may not have paid any attention to them will, I hope, read them carefully and perhaps be inclined to raise their voices at future public hearings.” Exactly. That may well be the case and is a potential outcome of bringing difficult issues forward for public consideration and community conversation.
It is the diversity of perspectives in a community, peacefully and thoughtfully exchanged, that over time enhance the rich tapestry of ideas and understandings within our town.
Community Members interested in learning more about the proposed Mill Plaza project can go to https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_planning/mill-plaza-redevelopment-site-plan-cup and review citizen feedback provided HERE.
Have a peaceful Independence Day weekend.
|
JUNE 24TH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING FOCUSED ON THE TOPICS OF REPARATIONS, JUNETEENTH, AND HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
At its meeting on June 24th, the Human Rights Commission invited representatives from the NH Commission on Native American Affairs and the NAACP Manchester, NH Branch to provide an overview on the topic of reparations. The City of Evanston, IL recently launched an initiative concerning this topic and Durham’s Human Rights Commission members were interested in learning more. There is no proposal on the table at this time. The commission also briefly discussed the new Federal holiday, Juneteenth and discussed adding more inclusive language to the Town’s health insurance policies per recommendations from the Human Rights Campaign.
View replay of the meeting on DCAT On Demand.
|
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE ORCSD – A message from Superintendent Jim Morse to the ORCSD Community
Dear Oyster River Community Members,
I hope you are finding the first few weeks of summer wonderfully refreshing.
I’m writing today because I’ve been asked whether the vote for the NH State Budget that includes the so called ‘divisive concepts’ bill will end the district’s efforts regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. The short answer is no, it will not.
Our work has always been about acceptance and support of our communities of color, indigenous peoples, gender, sexuality and the various religious beliefs or non-religious beliefs people hold.
Our work is about the study of history, for it is through our historical experiences we learn how to be better human beings.
Our work is the recognition that to accept our fellow humans, we must understand them, build bridges between them, and accept them.
As a school system Oyster River has a long-standing commitment to meeting the needs of all learners. The stated mission of our district is "Working Together to Engage Every Learner." The Oyster River School District has no ‘canned curriculum’, no ‘critical race theory’ embedded in our work. Our teachers have always been free to incorporate Board Policy through the lens of acceptance of all, using history as our guide to a better understanding of how we can grow and improve as a people.
Academic freedom and the freedom of speech are crucial to a healthy public education system. Our work related to diversity, equity and inclusion will follow ORCSD School Board Policy and our commitment to non-discrimination.
My Best to All of You, Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Morse Superintendent, Oyster River
|
INFORMAL INDEPENDENCE DAY GATHERING IN MEMORIAL PARK PLANNED FOR 10 AM SUNDAY, JULY 4TH
A group of residents have expressed an interest in an informal gathering on July 4th in Durham in Memorial Park at 10 AM. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to bring/carry an American Flag to celebrate Independence Day for a short presentation by residents in the park.
|
Cardinal chick. Courtesy Bernie Casey
|
DID YOU KNOW?
There are some simple things you can do to help limit the garbage that goes to our landfill.
If you have a backyard compost bin of your own, here are some of the things you can compost:
- Coffee grinds and filters
- Tea bags (remove staples first)
- Flowers and floral trim
- Fruits and vegetables (remove all stickers)
If you don't have a compost bin, you can collect all of the items above and take them to the transfer station, along with:
- Brown or unbleached paper towels and napkins (but NOT white beached paper towels/napkins)
- Brown toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls
- Soiled pizza boxes (unused or unsoiled pizza boxes can go in the cardboard barn)
- Wooden wine corks
- Meat, dairy and shellfish
- Brown grocery and take out bags
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
|
Mill Pond dam. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
VHB COMPLETES SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER - PLANNED FOR CONSIDERATION BY TOWN COUNCIL ON JULY 12TH
To supplement the Mill Pond Dam Feasibility Study, the VHB team completed a supplemental analysis of Alternative 3 (Dam Stabilization) without Option 1 (Pond Restoration Dredge). The goal of this supplemental analysis is to determine whether the water quality impairments within the Mill Pond impoundment can be addressed through a series of watershed management strategies. The analysis focused on answering the specific questions posed in an email from Town Councilors Welsh and Lawson to Councilor Marple dated February 24, 2021, as discussed at the March 1 Town Council meeting, as well as subsequent communication with the Town.
The approved scope of work can be found HERE.
The completed supplemental analysis will be posted on the Town website for public review next week once it is available, and anticipate providing a link to the document as well next Friday as part of the Council packet for July 12th.
|
DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS PLANS TO COMPLETE A RE-INSPECTION OF THE MILL POND DAM THIS SUMMER WITH VHB AND PARE CORPORATION
The Department of Public Works plans to reinspect the Mill Pond Dam this summer to monitor structural deterioration of the concrete, primarily one of the ribs nearest the gate structure. This may require lowering the Mill Pond by a few inches depending on flows in the Oyster River. See pictures below. More information will be provided to the public and abutters when the work is scheduled.
Questions and comments should be directed to Town Engineer April Talon at (603) 868-5578, or email atalon@ci.durham.nh.us
|
WHERE DOES YOUR WATER FROM THE UNH-DURHAM WATER SYSTEM COME FROM?
The UNH-Durham Water System is a jointly operated water system, meaning that both UNH and the Town of Durham contribute to the production of safe drinking water. Your water comes from combined sources provided by UNH and/or the Town at any given time. There are 1,300 water meters in the Town’s System, which are read monthly and billed quarterly and over 200 UNH meter locations.
The University owns and operates the Surface Water Treatment Plant, which includes the Lamprey River Pump Station, and the portion of the water distribution system serving the University. The brand-new $19 million Water Treatment Plant (WTP) (with construction capital costs funded 100% by UNH) became operational on March 13th, 2020 and replaces the Arthur Rollins Treatment Plant that was originally constructed in 1935. The raw water is supplied to the treatment plant from a reservoir on the Lamprey River and/or the Oyster River, or the Spruce Hole Well. The Spruce Hole Well serves a dual purpose: (1) to convey river water from the Lamprey River to artificially recharge the underlying aquifer; and (2) to convey groundwater from the Spruce Hole Well to the UNH-Durham Water System. In the treatment process chemicals are added to remove impurities through settling. The water is then filtered through layers of anthracite coal and sand. The final stage of treatment involves the addition of chlorine for disinfection, fluoride to minimize tooth decay, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) for pH control, and blended phosphate to minimize corrosion of the piping system. The maximum capacity of the WTP is about 2 million gallons per day.
The Town of Durham owns and operates the Lee Well and Pump Station, Foss Farm and Beech Hill Storage Tanks, the Town reservoir behind the Wiswall Dam on the Lamprey River, Technology Drive and Madbury Road pressure stations and the portion of the distribution system serving the residents and businesses of the Town. The Town’s portion of the water system is under direct control of the Durham Public Works Department. The Lee Well is a gravel packed well located on Angel Rd. in Lee, N.H. The Town of Durham owns the land on which the wellhead and pump house are sited. The well has an estimated safe yield of approximately 550,000 gallons per day. The well water is naturally filtered underground. Water pumped into the distribution system has chlorine added as a disinfectant, fluoride to minimize tooth decay, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) for pH control, and blended phosphate to minimize corrosion of the piping system.
The Spruce Hole Water Supply is jointly owned between UNH and Durham and was brought online in 2016 providing additional water capacity and redundancy to the UNH-Durham water system. The location of the Spruce Hole Well (the Town’s Gravel Pit) was acquired by the Town of Durham in 1982 and it has been used as a gravel/borrow pit for Town use only.
The UNH/Durham Water System was awarded the 2017 Source Water Sustainability Award for our efforts in Water Conservation and development of the Spruce Hole Well and Artificial Recharge Project.
|
WATER SYSTEM RISK AND RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT
Town staff and the UNH/Durham Water System recently completed a Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) under America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWAI) as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).
EPA and NHDES require that water systems of our size update these important plans every 6 years. These plans are developed to assess the risks to and resilience of its water supply, treatment, and distribution system from malevolent acts and natural hazards.
The Water System Emergency Plan will be updated and submitted to NHDES and EPA for the end of 2021.
|
ROADWAY CATCH BASIN CLEANING COMPLETED
The Durham Public Works Department’s contractor for its Catch Basin Cleaning Program, Eastern Pipe Service, removed silt and other debris from 175 storm water catch basins this week. The success of the Town’s storm water conveyance system is heavily dependent on a catch basin structure that is free of damage and sediment build-up. Durham’s network consists of roughly 575 basins. The Catch Basin Cleaning Program is only one part of the requirements to maintain compliance with the Town’s federally issued stormwater permit known as the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For more information on the Town’s Stormwater Program please visit our website HERE.
|
DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION - A reminder from Assessor Jim Rice.
While inspecting properties for improvements/renovations, it has been noted that several property owners in Durham who have installed solar equipment have not applied for their solar exemption.
If you own property in Durham and have recently installed, upgraded or replaced a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of your building; heat water or to provide electricity, you may qualify for a solar exemption. If you are already receiving a solar exemption, you do not need to reapply.
The Town of Durham adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 where you may qualify for a solar exemption from your property tax assessment.
To qualify for this exemption, you must submit a PA-29 exemption application by April 15, 2020. Applications are located on the Town’s website or you may pick one up at the Assessor’s Office. Your application must also include the total installation cost and a detailed list of what equipment was installed on your property.
If approved, this exemption will be applied to your assessment.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064.
|
Caption: Nature Groupie interns Julia Matthews, Olivia Pitta, and Sydney Gendreau admire their bridge-building prowess. Courtesy Tom Brightman
|
NATURE GROUPIE INTERNS AND EAGLE SCOUT HELP WITH LAND STEWARDSHIP WORK
This past June, Sydney Gendreau, Olivia Pitta, and Julia Matthews, three UNH students and summer interns from Nature Groupie helped Durham Land Stewardship Coordinator Tom Brightman accomplish several important land stewardship tasks. They, along with the guidance and mentorship of Conservation Commission member John Nachilly, constructed two new wooden footbridges, and re-routed some wet areas on the White trail in Stevens Woods. With the increased visitor use that Stevens Woods has been experiencing since the new Oyster River Bridge was installed, these trail improvements will help provide better access to the area for hikers, runners, bikers, dog-walkers, snowshoers and skiers. Many thanks go to Malin Clyde and Charlotte Thompson of UNH Extension/Nature Groupie for their willingness in providing the assistance of the interns to the Town. The interns also helped remove invasive species from the Milne Nature Sanctuary, and planted common milkweed plants at the Oyster River and Thompson Forest properties. Thanks Sydney, Olivia and Julia!
On a related note, Ian Manning, an Eagle Scout candidate from BSA Troop 154, with the assistance of other scouts and his advisor, Tom Richardson, recently built a new spur of the Green Trail near the new kiosk at Stevens Woods. This spur will help direct trail traffic from Stevens Woods to the UNH MacDonald Lot and a new wooden footbridge UNH has constructed there.
|
New Green trail spur at Stevens Woods built by Eagle candidate Ian Manning and BSA Troop 154. Courtesy Tom Brightman
Durham is grateful to have volunteers like these who are willing to help us steward our Town properties!
|
DURHAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION DISCUSSION REGARDING PESTICIDES
The Conservation Commission had a highly informative discussion on Monday about pesticides with three experts from UNH/Cooperative Extension. Many topics were covered including the proper use of pesticides (which actually includes herbicides), organic vs. synthetic pesticides, issues related to agriculture, invasive species, ticks and mosquitoes, requirements for commercial applications, municipal policy, and services offered by Cooperative Extension. The commission is planning to develop a half dozen short articles about various related topics for future inclusion in Friday Updates. You can watch the discussion HERE (Item 7 on the agenda):
|
Two symbols of enduring belief in local agriculture; WHF and the Durham Community Garden. Courtesy Wayne Burton
|
PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT VACANCY
The Town of Durham is looking for a part time Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part time, non-benefits. Applicants must be comfortable dealing with public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain license within 2 months of hire. Duties include checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, maintenance and cleaning of facility. Pay $14-$17/Hr based on experience. Hours will be Saturday from 7am-3:30pm, potential for more hours. Valid driver’s license, background check will be performed. Applications accepted until the position is filled.
Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact below:
Janice Richard
Assistant to the Director
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
868-5578
|
FIREFIGHTER/AEMT VACANCY (Salary Range: $46,244 to $48,584)
The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications fill an open vacancy and to create a hiring eligibility list for the position of Firefighter/AEMT. The hiring eligibility list may be active for up to eighteen months.
The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website HERE.
Applications will be reviewed on Friday, June 18, 2021. Position to remain open until filled.
|
Aerial view of 66 Main Street. Courtesy DCAT Studios drone
|
66 MAIN STREET PARKING LOT/POCKET PARK UPDATE
The Durham Public Works team has been hard at work over the past several weeks constructing improvements to the former ATO property located at 66 Main Street recently acquired by the Town. Highway Division crews removed brush and began shaping the area to be used as a short term gravel parking lot while longer term site options are developed. Asphalt millings from the recent paving work on Main Street West were hauled to the site to be used for the base of the new parking lot. A storm water bioretention pond was constructed on the rear of the property to capture stormwater runoff and allow for the management of peak stormwater flows and volumes while also infiltrating water into the soil below which recharges groundwater and removes pollutants. An existing brick patio on the front of the property was repaired and modified to accommodate a small community pocket park. Remaining work includes installation of fencing along the slope and Main Street retaining wall, construction of a pressure treated staircase to provide connectivity to Pettee Brook Lane, installation of parking lot lighting, reconstruction of the access road to accommodate two-way traffic flow, loaming, seeding, and planting of the slopes, pocket park and the stormwater bioretention area.
|
NEW TO A DURHAM BOARD OR COMMITTEE -- WATCH THE REPLAY OF THE ANNUAL ORIENTATION FOR NEW BOARD/COMMITTEE/COMMISSION MEMBERS WITH MR. SELIG ON DCAT ON DEMAND
On June 19, 2019, Administrator Selig organized an orientation session for chairs, vice chairs, and other committee members of the various Town boards, commissions, and committees. It was a a full evening of orientation concerning the rules of the road for board members on topics such as the Right-to-Know Law, posting meeting, minutes, public comment, etc., and something that members of all town boards, commissions, and committees need to be aware of.
The orientation can be viewed on DCAT On Demand.
|
WHY IS PET WASTE A PROBLEM? - Do Your Part, Scoop the Poop!
Many NH towns have over 1,000 dogs living in them, and each dog "goes" once or twice a day. That's a lot of poop! Not only is it gross when it is left around, but it can be dangerous. Harmful bacteria and parasites - such as Giardia or Salmonella - that live in pet waste, can come in contact with other people and pets or wash into nearby waterways or storm drains.
Picking up our pet's waste and throwing it out is a small change than can make a big difference in keeping our waters clean.
Five small changes that make a big difference:
- Always carry a plastic bag when you walk your dog.
- Always pick up that poop.
- Always dispose of in in a trash can.
- Never put bagged or unbagged waste in a storm drain.
|
POLICE WILL CHECK ON HOMES WHILE RESIDENTS ARE AWAY
With summer here and vacations planned, Police Chief Rene Kelley would like to take this opportunity to let residents know that while you are away, Durham Officers will check your home to ensure everything is just as you left it. To get your home on the Durham house check list, simply call the department at (603) 868-2324 during normal business hours. The women and men of the Durham Police Department wish you all a safe and happy summer season.
|
OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATORY WEEKEND OF SOCCER
In an effort to recognize the phenomenal 60 year success of the Oyster River High School Soccer program, Paul Bamford, OR’s golf coach and soccer alum, is organizing a celebratory weekend of soccer to be held September 24-25, 2021 at the high school. The event is doubling as a fundraiser for the proposed press box/sound system ($175,000+) to be attached to the newly installed bleachers. “The Voice of the Boston Bruins” and former OR/UNH soccer star Jack Edwards will serve as MC.
To commemorate the weekend, a unique event T-shirt, co-designed by Elijah Edwards, Jack’s son (front of shirt), along with Wolfe Ramsay, a star member of this year’s OR basketball team (back of shirt) is being offered. T-shirts can be ordered separately for $25. All orders are on-line only, to be picked up at the event.
Registration instructions for attendance, game/food ticket purchase, and all other information are included HERE.
|
NEW ASSISTED LISTENING SYSTEM INSTALLED IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
DCAT has made a few changes/upgrades to the Council Chambers while you've been attending our meetings via Zoom. A new assisted listening system has been installed. This system allows the user to access the system using their mobile phone as a listening device. It will also link to your Bluetooth enabled hearing aids. Just scan the QR code and follow the instructions. You must use earbuds for this to work properly. We also have wireless assisted listening devices. Just ask, we'll set you up.
DCAT has new ceiling speakers over the area where residents and presenters sit. These speakers have a very clear audio output. We think your listening experience should be greatly enhanced.
Please contact Craig at DCAT with any questions: cstevens@ci.durham.nh.us
|
UNITIL COMMITS TO NET-ZERO EMISSIONS GOAL BY 2050 - Goal includes 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030
Unitil Corporation this week announced its commitment to reduce company-wide direct greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 levels by at least 50 percent by 2030, and to net-zero emissions by 2050. These goals are part of the Company’s overall commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and corporate responsibility, and are consistent with the goals established under the Paris Climate Agreement. They also support Durham's own climate aspirations under the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy initiative.
With these goals established for 2030 and 2050, the Company will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings, vehicles and pipelines, while continuing to provide safe and reliable service for its customers, many of which are in Durham. In addition, Unitil will continue to work with customers, policymakers and industry leaders to reduce emissions from the energy supply delivered to customers.
For information on Unitil’s carbon emissions reduction goals, please visit http://unitil.com/net-zero.
|
Town Landing. Courtesy Garrett Samuels
|
SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Supervisors of the Checklist will hold a session on Thursday July 22 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at the Durham Town Hall in the office of the Clerk. The purpose of this session will be for new voter registrations, requests for the correction of the checklist, and/or change of political party affiliation. Voters may check party affiliation online HERE.
Residents who have received a letter from the Supervisors regarding being removed from the Checklist during our verification process may re-register at this session. All of these tasks may be accomplished at the Town Hall any time during regular business hours.
Applicants for registration or re-registration, whether at the Clerk’s office or with the Supervisors, should bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election, which is March 2022), citizenship, and domicile. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
|
DON'T LEAVE ANIMALS IN VEHICLES DURING HOT WEATHER
With the arrival of summer-like weather, Durham Police Chief Rene Kelley wants to remind all pet owners to please leave their pets at home instead of bringing them with you and leaving them alone locked in a vehicle. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise quickly to levels that are dangerous to our furry friends.
Please view information HERE from the Humane Society of the United States for helpful information and their warning of the dangers of leaving a pet unattended in a parked car.
|
Courtesy Laura Harper Lake of ArtfulHarper Design
|
DURHAM FARM DAY IS BACK! - Mark August 21st on your calendars.
Read on for exciting news about Annual Durham Farm Day, Saturday, August 21st from 10am – 4pm, rain or shine!
- NEW! Farm Day contests taking place at LaRoche Farm include homegrown food competitions – longest green bean, heaviest zucchini, and funniest looking tomato! One entry per household. Keep your eyes on your garden in the weeks ahead for contestants and bring them to LaRoche Farm on August 21st to enter the contests!
- NEW! Did you tap your maple trees and make syrup this spring? If so, consider bringing some syrup for people to sample at Farm Day! Did you tap birch or other trees to make syrup? Bring it along!
- NEW! Hay bale tossing and stacking competitions, scything demonstrations, sheet mulching for your garden demonstrations, and arts and craft activities for kids!
- Returning activities at LaRoche Farm include information on bees and other pollinators, local honey sampling, hay rides, sugar shack tours, antique tractor display, visiting with farm animals, sheep shearing demonstrations, spinning and weaving demonstrations, the list goes on! There will be also be a tour of UNH Fairchild Dairy and UNH Woodman Farm with a strict pre-registration policy and a limit on the number of participants. Details about these tours will follow at a later date.
The Agricultural Commission is looking for volunteers to help with activities taking place at LaRoche Farm on Farm Day. Help is needed with shucking and steaming local corn for the BYO picnic lunch, accepting and judging entries in the homegrown food contests, staffing the Durham maple syrup tasting table, overseeing the hay bale tossing and stacking contests, and much more. Please contact Theresa Walker if you are able to help, theresawalker@comcast.net, 603-659-7226.
|
To create the beautiful painting of UNH's Thompson Hall above, Durham resident and artist Ellie Lonske said she printed the building and sign on watercolor paper, and then used watercolors, paints, and crayons on the building and surrounding trees and shrubs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
|
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.
|
Happy 4th of July from DPL!
All summer reading is under way and this year's programming runs this year from June 28th through July 30th!
Return your Adult Summer Reading Challenge card each week for our Friday drawings! Need a new one? Download one HERE or pick one up at the library! There is NO registration and no pressure. Write down your book titles and contact info. on the card and return the card with your books! Join us for Adult programs in July including our regularly scheduled Ask Your Ambulance! program with McGregor EMS on July 8th. McGregor is back with the best CPR and life-saving emergency tips! And join us July 12th and 14th, when we are pleased to offer two NHHC programs, Sustainability: An American Literary History with professor/historian Abby Goode and Homer's Odysseus with storyteller Sebastian Lockwood. And on July 19th, welcome back Ann McClellan and trace the evolution of Storytelling in the Digital Age! And our ongoing Meditation & Yoga with JiongJiong Hu continues through July! Register today!
Summer Reading 2021 registration is still open in Youth Services! Summer reading this year runs from June 28th through July 30th and you can register any time! Sign up today! Join us for our second Joint Library offering, a Wildlife Encounters Zoom Program on Thursday, July 8th at 10:30 am! Register for a NEW joint program HERE each week of summer reading! This summer is packed with reading fun from reading logs/Bingo boards, prizes, beading, crafts, YA Zoom Mondays, Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, Crafty Critters grab 'n go crafts and much more! We will be using READsquared again and Page Turners is new to us this year! The full youth July calendar is also available to download anytime!
|
|
|
|
|
|
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
________________________
1750 - Winborn Adams, grandson of Hugh Adams, was inn-holder, followed by his widow. He was commissioned to raise a company for the Revolution. He proved to be a brave officer and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel, when killed at Bemis Heights in 1777. The inn still stands.
|
If you know of others who might find Durham's weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. It's possible to sign up for them HERE.
Have a safe and nice July 4th weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
---
|
|
|
|
|
|
