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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Town Councilor Julian Smith with Camp R.E.A.C.H youngsters at one of the many ponds he has created on his property at Packers Falls Road. Councilor Smith has created marshes, wetlands, and more than a dozen ponds, some with the help of beavers, in what was once the bottom of a meadow ditched and drained for several centuries. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee.
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Many are anxiously awaiting the outcome from the meeting that took place in Boston this morning with the owners of Market Basket which could determine the future of the supermarket chain, founded in 1917.
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DURHAM PARKING INFORMATION
It’s hard not to notice the newly placed parking kiosks throughout the downtown with their prominent solar panels and “pay here” parking signs. Out of necessity there has been a gradual transition to the sophisticated kiosks as we replace the antiquated and outdated mechanical meters that reliably provided parking time whenever a coin was inserted and the crank handle turned. With the kiosk “pay and display” system virtually all forms of compensation can be used to pay for parking such as coins, paper currency, debit, and credit cards. In fact, when the Town replaced the mechanical meters in front of the UNH President’s house with the kiosk system, revenue increased by 28% even though there were no new spaces. It was solely due to the expanded payment options.
While the meters are sitting idly at this time to enable appropriate programing of the kiosks and to provide the community with information about the new systems, the Police Department has put together an FAQ that has been distributed throughout the downtown merchants. It can be viewed HERE.
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Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Tom Johnson
ZONING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TOM JOHNSON SELECTED TO SERVE ON ICC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Durham Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer, Tom Johnson, as been selected to serve on the International Code Council's (ICC) newly formed Professional Development Council (PDC).
The PDC will be comprised of two committees: Certification Committee and Education Committee. Mr. Johnson will be serving on the Education Committee whose members will be responsible for advising ICC staff and the ICC Board of Directors on strategic matters related to ICC Education Program activities.
The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build, and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable, and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.
In addition, Mr. Johnson was selected as a recipient of one of the International Code Council's Veteran Leader Code of Honor Scholarships. The scholarship will reimburse eligible travel, lodging, and ground transportation in support of his participation in the 2014 Public Comment Hearings in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to be held October 1-5, 2014.
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ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGE RELATIVE TO PLACEMENT OF ELECTION SIGNS AND USE OF SNIPE SIGNS
With the Primary and Mid-term elections fast approaching, prospective candidates may be interested to know that the Town Council recently adopted an ordinance that would amend three sections of Durham’s Zoning Ordinance relative to the placement of political signs and use of snipe signs. The ordinance change is intended to bring the Zoning Ordinance in compliance with current state statutes and allow the Town to be more efficient with its enforcement while allowing for expression of political speech.
To view Ordinance #2014-06, click HERE.
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MONARCH BUTTERFLY SIGHTING
In last week's "Friday Updates" Durham Resident Ellen Karelitz submitted the photograph above at Wagon Hill Farm of the Milkweed blooming in the area preserved for the Monarch Butterflies. She reported that "apparently, the Northeast is a gap in the migration map of the Monarch this year, and that for the first time, there had yet to be any reports of Monarchs in New Hampshire."
We received a note this week from Durham resident, Clyde Denis, that last Sunday, July 20th, he spotted a Monarch on a purple loosestrife plant at Deer Meadow Road. Mr. Denis said the Monarch stayed around for about 15 minutes and also visited briefly Bee Weed, Milkweed, and some Miscanthus sinensis where it rested for a while.
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LECTURE ON CPR SAFE PROGRAM
Sean Madden, a Durham resident and CPR Coordinator for McGregor Institute of EMS and CPR Safe, will be presenting a lecture at the 31st Annual School Nurses Conference to be held at St. Anselm College on August 6th. The CPR Safe program has trained thousands of school nurses and faculty across the state and region and assists them with their equipment - especially Automatic External Defibrillators (AED's).
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Fresh produce from White Cedar Farm, one of the vendors at the Durham Farmers' Market. Courtesy SGA
DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET RELOCATES TO JACKSON'S LANDING - AUGUST 11
On Monday, August 11, The Durham Farmers' Market makes its move to Jackson's Landing. The market, which currently operates every Monday from 2:15-6pm in the Town Hall parking lot, is relocating to the parking lot across from the Churchill Ice Rink in Jackson Landing.
Seacoast Growers Association members chose to move the market mid-season, in advance of the construction scheduled for the Town Hall property, so that market patrons might experience a smooth transition.
To celebrate the move, the Durham Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a free kayaking event during market hours on the 11th. From 2:30-5pm, local kayaking company Seven Rivers Paddling will lead short, guided kayak tours off Jackson's Landing. The 20-minute tours give market visitors plenty of time to explore the new location by sea as well as shop for fresh, local produce, delicious prepared foods and fine crafts. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and everything needed for the outing will be provided, and no kayaking experience is necessary.
For more information on the Durham Farmers' Market, directions to the new location, and links to the market map, visit www.seacoastgrowers.org.
The Seacoast Growers Association is a NH nonprofit membership organization that manages four outdoor farmers' markets in Durham, Dover, Exeter and Portsmouth.
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NEW TOWN HALL PROJECT
Durham DPW staff installing drainage piping and structure at new Town Hall site. Courtesy Craig Stevens
Contractors clean the brick masonry work at the rear of the new Town Hall building. Notice the difference between the clean brick on the left versus the right side dusty brick. Courtesy Craig Stevens
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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.
There are no public meetings scheduled for the week of July 28 - August 1, 2014
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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THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS
Music on the Lawn with “Jeff Warner”! Family music night at the Durham Public Library. Saturday & Sunday @ 10:30 AM
Join DCAT 22 Studios for the last of the “Music on the Lawn” series. American Traditions: Jeff Warner’s songs from lumber camps, fishing villages and mountain tops of America connect 21st century audiences with the everyday lives and artistry of 19th century Americans. This video is also available on our On Demand site:
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YES, YOU NEED PERMITS...
When it gets hot and humid out, everyone is selling or buying these home air conditioning systems. These do need an NH Licensed Master Electrician and Mechanical contractor to install and obtain a permit from the Code Enforcement Office. The permits take only minutes to obtain. There are specific code requirements for their safe installation and our office issues these permits and a copy should be on site. If your contractor can not show you his permit, he may not have obtained one and may or may not know the code requirements. We have to do a final inspection and we recommend that occurs before you make final payment. Call the Zoning and Code Enforcement Office at 603-868-8064 with any questions.
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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.
Town Councilor Julian Smith explains how beaver dams are formed, and the circle of life existing in and around a pond. During the tour, Outdoor Experience Campers also learned about glacial erratics, natural springs, and how to orient themselves using trail maps. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee
On The Go!: Adventure Trips for Active Adults
July 31st – Boston Duck Boat Tour, Prudential Center, & Legal Sea Foods.
Camp REACH
During Outdoor Experience week, campers learned about tracking, edibles, shelter construction, invasive species, map and compass, trail networks, glacial formations, and much more! To get involved, or learn more about our upcoming adventure trips, click HERE.
Today’s Adventure: Ropes Course and Leadership @ the Browne Center
Next Week: Mad Science – Mad Machines and Crazy Contraptions! Create catapults, experience shipwreck adventures, and assemble a set of circuits. Let you creativity take you beyond the world of inventions and crazy contraptions!
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!
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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
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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 - Due to Frozen’s popularity, the MUB is adding free showings of Frozen to its Summer Series! In addition to its originally scheduled showings at 7pm on Wednesday July 30th, the MUB is adding a 3D and 2D showing at 4pm in its theaters. Also, be sure to make it out to the outdoor movie, The Amazing Spiderman 2, the following week at 8:30pm by T-Hall on Wednesday August 6th. For the full printable scheduled, click HERE.
Delights in Durham: Halcyon Music Festival Concert, Wednesday, Jul 30, 2014, 7:30 PM, Community Church of Durham. Featuring works by Haydn, Mozart, and Grieg. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Based in the Portsmouth, New Hampshire area, the Halcyon Music Festival brings together world-class artists and young professionals of the highest caliber to live, work, and perform together. For more information, click HERE, or call 617-651-1387.
“Bike It” History and Nature Tour, Sunday, Jul 27, 2014, 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Park in the circular driveway at 203 Wadleigh Falls Road (Rt. 152) in Lee. ALL RIDERS MUST WEAR A HELMET. Highlights include Wadleigh Falls, Ash Swamp, and some smaller wetlands. The ride has a moderate difficulty level and is best for teenagers and adults. A certified bicycle safety instructor and field mechanic will accompany riders. Contact spetersen.lrac@comcast.net for more information or to reserve a spot.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Dover Walk - Kickoff event, Saturday, Aug 2, 2014, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Redhook Brewery, Portsmouth, NH.
Food, drinks, and Strides store items. Team Leader Kits will be passed out to help participants get their game plan into action. Door prizes and raffle items. RSVP to george.samaras@cancer.org. For more information, click HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Congratulations Summer Readers! There were 343 summer readers aged 2-12 years who read approximately 84,207 minutes together! Keep reading and visiting the library! Thanks to all the local businesses who donated summer reading prizes; Bagel Works, Froyo World, Durham Market, Young's Restaurant, Moes of Durham, Dunkin Donuts, Water Country, Canobie Lake Park, Franz’s Food, The Makery, The Stratham Fair, Durham House of Pizza, and The Candy Bar! Thanks also to all our special visitors and performers! A special thanks to The Friends of the Durham Public Library for all their support. Also, thanks to our summer volunteers. We had a great 5 weeks due to all of you!
McGregor EMS Babysitting Course, Sat. Aug. 2nd 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – This course is designed to certify kids ages 11 & up. Cost is $35. To register, visit cprsafe.org or call 603-862-3674.
Fall programming will start in September. Check our calendar soon for details.
New Photography Exhibit at the Library! Patsy Pratt Photographs - You don't want to miss photographs of backyard critters from local award winning 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
1806-1890 - Benjamin Thompson was the son of Benjamin and Mary Pickering, never married, taught school, farmed the ancestral acres, invested his money wisely, and willed his entire fortune of about $400,000 to the State of New Hampshire for a school of agriculture.
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