Friday Updates - July 26, 2013

Friday, July 26, 2013

Third graders Grace Webb, Libby Davidson, Sadie Ball, and Zoe Selig having fun spending time at the new Durham Public Library.  Courtesy Loren Selig

___________________________________

The Durham Public Library is now open at its new location at 49 Madbury Road!  It was an exciting first week for staff and residents alike. Be sure to stop by and see it for yourself.  It is absolutely gorgeous with something to offer for all ages.

NO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 5TH

The regular Town Council meeting scheduled for August 5, 2013, has been CANCELLED.  The next Town Council meeting will be held on Monday, August 19, 2013.

IS THE UNH OUTDOOR POOL SAFE AND HEALTHY?

The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), the state entity charged with overseeing and inspecting the approximately 2,600 pools that exist across NH, conducts an annual inspection of the historic UNH Outdoor Pool to ensure it meets acceptable health/safety criteria.  Copies of the most recent inspection reports have been provided to the Town by NHDES.

The reports document that the pool water quality is tested two times per day by UNH maintenance personnel and twice per day by lifeguards.

The pool has passed its inspections by NHDES.

According to the NHDES inspection reports, the pool has a telephone available for emergency use, lifeguards on duty, no foul odor, contains adequate depth markings and a pole with a body hook for rescuing.
Backflow prevention is present.  The reports go on to indicate the pool is treated with chlorine, there is no algae present, and drain covers are installed providing anti-entrapment measures.

The appearance of the water is classified as “clear” by NHDES with the main drain/pool bottom visible.  A complete set of safety rules are in place at the facility.  

To view the most recent NHDES inspection reports, click HERE.

The 1938 WPA-era UNH Outdoor Pool is classified by NHDES as a “modified flow-through” pool and we are told by NHDES that it is one of only two of its kind remaining in the nation.  


Because of its unique historic classification, is not required by NHDES to meet the same standards as a “modern” pool were one to be built in 2013.

UNH has utilized a NHDES checklist for comparative purposes to evaluate areas where the historic outdoor pool in Durham may or may not meet modern day pool standards. From the perspective of NHDES, the checklist does not actually apply to the “modified flow-through” structure of the UNH outdoor pool because of its historic nature.  The checklist standards apply to a “modern pool.”

  To view the completed checklist, click HERE.

FRIENDS OF UNH OUTDOOR POOL GROUP (FUNHOP) ORGANIZED BY RESIDENTS TO PRESERVE THE POOL

Members of the Durham-UNH community have organized a group, the Friends of the UNH Outdoor Pool (FUNHOP), with the goal of working with the Town of Durham as well as the University of New Hampshire in order to preserve this historic and highly utilized facility.


Community members interested in participating in this effort are invited to attend an organizational meeting on Wednesday, July 31st at 7:30 P.M. at the new Durham Town Library at 49 Madbury Road.  


At this meeting, people will be brought up to date with matters that pertain to the UNH Outdoor Pool by community members and plans will be discussed to work toward the continued preservation of the pool, as well ideas for enhancing it.


Organizers Kenny Rotner, Dudley Dudley, and others invite community members to learn more about FUNHOP on Facebook, sign a petition in support of preserving the pool, and contact FUNHOP through its website.

THREE-WAY STOP AT MADBURY/EMERSON SENT BACK TO DRAWING BOARD IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC FEEDBACK

We heard you!   As a result of a letter from Chief Kurz to residents of Madbury Road and the description provided in last week’s “Friday Updates,” about the Town’s intent of testing the viability of a three-way stop intersection at Madbury Road and Emerson Road, and subsequently investigating and potentially budgeting for up to two speed tables along Madbury Road between Edgewood and Route 4, the Town received a number of comments very much opposed to the ideas.  The comments were so overwhelmingly against the concepts that we are planning to revisit this issue and will explore other options designed to calm traffic along the Madbury Road corridor.

Our goal remains to detect and implement calming strategies that will positively impact the quality of the traffic that uses Madbury Road in response to ongoing concerns raised about high rates of speed from residents along the roadway.  In the interim, police will monitor traffic whenever possible and take appropriate enforcement action.

A thank you is extended to residents for their emails, phone calls, and visits to the police department to offer their opinions.  One of the purposes of the telling residents about plans in advance is to solicit feedback so we have the best chance of getting things right the first time.  

If residents have any additional questions or comments regarding what, if anything, should be done to address speed along Madbury Road, feel free to contact Police Chief David Kurz at 868-2324 or dkurz@ci.durham.nh.us.

TOWN SEEKING PROPOSALS FOR A FOOD WASTE COMPOSTING COLLECTION/PROCESSING PILOT PROGRAM

The Town of Durham, New Hampshire is requesting proposals and seeking to partner with a qualified company specializing in composting of organics as part of a pilot program in Durham to serve local property owners. The Town seeks to gather information on the viability of a composting program and to evaluate the effect of such a program on its sustainability goal.


All responses to this RFP must be received in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “Request for Proposal: Food Waste Composting Collection/Processing Pilot Program for the Town of Durham”. Candidates shall submit ten (10) duplicate copies of their qualifications in accordance with this request to: Jennie Berry, Administrative Assistant, 15 Newmarket Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, or by email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us to the attention of Todd I. Selig. Proposals must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, August 16, 2013 to be eligible for consideration. To view the RFP, click HERE.

OYSTERS COME TO DURHAM:  CEDAR POINT SHELLFISH

Durham resident Steve Weglarz, owner of Cedar Point Shellfish, is bringing his first oyster harvest to the Durham Farmers Market on Monday.


It’s a family operation, with Steve’s four kids already involved in tending the growing oyster farm and helping teach people just where their food is coming from.

With a background in salmon aquaculture, Steve now prefers to raise oysters because they provide ecosystem services, filtering and cleaning the water in Great Bay as they grow.

CIVIL FORFEITURES TO BE ISSUED ON UNLICENSED DOGS

Civil Forfeitures will be issued to 189 owners of unlicensed dogs on August 5, 2013.  The civil forfeiture is a $25.00 fine to be paid in addition to the regular license fee and accrued late charges.  These notices have to be sent by certified mail with returned receipt.  The cost of the certified mail is $6.11 each.  This amounts to a $1,154.79 expense for the Town of Durham.  

Licenses can be done at the clerk’s office, by mail or online.  The charge with late fees on neutered dogs is $8.50 in July and $9.50 in August.  For unaltered dogs the charge with late fees is $11.00 in July and $12.00 in August.

We urge you to comply with state law and license your dog(s) before August 5, 2013, in order to avoid further action.  

MASTER PLAN: ENERGY CHAPTER ENDORSED BY PLANNING BOARD

On Wednesday night (July 24, 2013), the Planning Board endorsed the first-completed chapter of the town's Master Plan update. (Note that as additional chapters are completed, all chapters are subject to revision and to future public hearings.) The Plan's brand-new "Energy" chapter includes a "Town of Durham Energy Conservation Policy" that reads: "The Town will strive to reduce the environmental and societal burdens of energy consumption by purposefully minimizing its energy requirements and promoting the use of clean, renewable sources of energy." To view and/or download the chapter, click HERE.

POLLUTION SNIFFING DOGS COME TO DURHAM!

As part of the Town of Durham's Integrated Watershed Management Plan, the Town of Durham and FB Environmental out of Portland, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire are pleased to be hosting Sable and Logan, the dogs from Environmental Canine Services (based in Vermontville, MI), for a day of pollution source tracking focused on bacteria. Come see the dogs in action! The dogs will be in Durham on August 1st, 2013 to assist with illicit discharge detection in Durham’s waterways, through scent. These sources include septic system failures, sewage leaks, and illicit connections to storm sewer systems.

Interested citizens and the press are welcome to attend a meet and greet demonstration by the dogs during a sampling event in Durham, NH on Thursday, August 1st from 2 - 3 pm (Durham Town Landing). Environmental Canine Services is the first and only company in the world to scent train canines as a rapid screening method to track contaminants in stormwater. Field tests have shown the dogs are approximately 90% accurate compared with traditional laboratory water tests and are a very cost effective screening approach.

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY

The Public Works Department is busy at this time of year undertaking a variety of projects:

• Rehabilitation of Old Concord Road Wastewater Pump Station
• Traffic control markings
• New Durham Library assistance
• Sidewalk installations on Garrison and Madbury Road
• Rehabilitation of sidewalks in downtown area
• Miscellaneous park area upgrades
• Town wide tree removals
• Roadside mowing/vegetation control
• Miscellaneous maintenance at Wagon Hill Farm
• Painting of Town fire hydrants
• Cleaning of the wastewater collection system
• Engineering Division continues to work on multiple projects
• Administration is beginning the work on the 2014 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and operating budget

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

The 2013 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive on Saturday, September 28, 2013.  As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only.  To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Remember- The maximum collected per household is five gallons.  

Consider reducing your purchase of products with hazardous ingredients; read labels thoroughly. Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in anything other than their original containers and never remove labels. Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become un-recyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.

LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS , MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY! 

These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year.  Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil, anti-freeze and oil based paints can go up as is. Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label.

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.

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee - Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 1PM, Durham PD Community Room. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

Agricultural Commission - Thursday, August 1, 2013, Young's Restaurant, 7PM.  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.

Number 643 poses for the camera. :-) Courtesy Theresa Walker

1ST ANNUAL DURHAM FARM DAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 17TH, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

A celebration of farming and gardening in Durham!  Vintage farm equipment demonstrations, sheep shearing, hay rides, garden tours, tours of UNH agricultural research, cow riding, horse riding,  cow milking, stable tours, and much, much more throughout Durham and the UNH campus.  View the complete list of family activities at the Agricultural Commission website,  
 http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_agricultural. Contact Theresa Walker for more information at theresawalker@comcast.net. 

MOOVING DAY AT EMERY FARM - Miles Smith Farm Cattle Make Trek to New Pasture

To quote a Willie Nelson song, the Highlander cattle from Miles Smith Farm in Loudon will be “on the road again” as they move pastures this weekend for additional grazing at Emery Farm.


The cattle drive at Emery Farm will take place this Sunday, July 28th, at 10:30 a.m. on the North Side of Route 4, 135 Piscataqua Road in Durham. The cattle will be led to the new pasture through a temporary “lane” set up for the “running.”


This is the second year of Miles Smith Farm pasturing cattle at Emery Farm. The cattle graze in three separate pastures at the farm – one large pasture and two small pastures. The cattle are left in the smaller pastures for approximately two weeks, while the larger pasture is split into two sections, which they graze and clear brush for two weeks each.


“We move them to give the grass time to recover,” said Miles Smith Farm owner Carole Soule. “This is good not only for the grass, but for the soil as well.”

"This is the way cattle used to be raised in New Hampshire,” Soule continued. “Farmers would move the cows around during the summer, clearing land as they went. They help maintain open land and a rural environment, and essentially, are an all-in-one machine.”


The 18 head of cattle won’t be alone on their journey. They will be joined by their friend Curious Bleu from Miles Smith Farm, who will be present to provide his famous signature hoof mark on copies of his first book, "The Curious Little Calf Named Bleu."


And what’s a cattle drive without food? Seasoned beef samples will be provided, with Miles Smith Farm meat for sale in the Emery Farm store as well.


“It’s going to be a very “mooving” day,” quipped Soule.

For more information please contact Tammy L. Boucher, tammyboucher@boucherpublicrelations.com, 603-485-2794

FARMERS' MARKET EVERY MONDAY, 2:15 - 6:00 PM, THRU OCTOBER 7TH
The Farmers' Market organized by the Seacoast Growers Association, is located in Durham at the Town Office lot located at 15 Newmarket Road just behind the Town Offices. New hours this year are from 2:15 - 6:00 PM every Monday, rain or shine, until October 7th. 

For more information on the market, and to view an interactive market map with details on each vendor, visit the Seacoast Growers Association website:

http://www.seacoastgrowers.org/durham-farmers-market/.

Do you know what a SLUICEWAY is?

There was one used in the construction of the Mill Pond Dam.


From the photos in the Edith Onderdonk MILL POND DAM CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS 1913 (Durham Historical Association).

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Sept 15 from 2p-5p @ Three Chimneys.

YOUNG’S RESTAURANT TO OFFER DINNER SERVICE STARTING AUGUST 1ST

Kenny Young at Young’s Restaurant has announced that he will be offering dinner service beginning August 1st, Tuesday thru Saturday, from 4 PM until 9 PM.  A Tappa`s Hour will be featured between 4 PM and 5:30 PM each night.


In addition, Young’s will be featuring Kid`s Eat for Free on Wednesday nights.


The restaurant plans to sell locally brewed bottle beer and wines featured from around the world.


To view the menu, click HERE.

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.

Join Use for HoopFIT: Interested in FUN cardio activity that burns up to 600 calories per hour? Do you like MUSIC? Then don't miss our FREE HoopFIT class at Durham Town Landing (Old Landing Road) on Monday, July 29th at 6PM. Just bring yourself, water, comfortable chairs, and a FRIEND. See you there.

Looking for Local Artisans:  Do you have a special talent or craft you would like to share with the community? We are looking for local artisans and talent for Durham Day. Please email sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us for more information.

UNH grad student Aryah Lederhendler captures the Oyster River on his canvas earlier this week. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee

Free Afternoon Yoga: Get outside! Join us for a complimentary, relaxing 1-hour yoga session at WHF by the bay on July 11, 18, 25 (12-1PM). No sign up. Just show up!

Summer Concert Series Continues:  Three great shows coming up in August at Wagon Hill Farm. Bring a chair, bring a friend, bring family!

     Westminster Hillbillies - Thu, August 8th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM. For more information, click HERE

     Fling - Thu, August 15th, 6:30 PM. For more information, click HERE

     Pretty Girls Sing Soprano - Sat, September 7th, 3:30 - 6:00 PM

Pretty Girls Sing Soprano will perform at Wagon Hill Farm on Sat, September 7th as part of Durham Parks & Recreation's Summer Concert Series.

It's Kayak Time:  We have tours scheduled all summer! 

For more information, click HERE.  Visit Seven Rivers Paddling.

Adventure Paddle Camp:  Durham Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Seven Rivers Paddling to offer kids kayaking camps this summer!  We are offering a series of week-long sessions for kids ages 6-8 and 9-13. Each session will guide the participants through basic paddling techniques. For more information, visit Seven Rivers Paddling on FB, or email sevenriverspaddling@gmail.com

Mark Your Calendars:

Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series – June, July, August 2013 @ WHF 

Dam Centennial Celebration – September 15th @ Three Chimneys Inn

Durham Day – September 21st (rain date September 22nd) @ WHF

A Spooktacular Day in Durham – October 25th

This week, a group of teens from Camp Wildcat volunteered to help spread wood chips at the Jackson's Landing Playground. These campers spend their summers learning about leadership and community service. To find out more about the Wildcat Teen Program, click HERE.  Courtesy Stefanie Frazee

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Great Bay Rowing Offering Adult & Youth Workshops and Camps beginning late July 2013. Rowing is a low impact workout that benefits the entire body. Great Bay Rowing is a community-based program developed to foster interest in the sport of rowing in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire for the adults and youth. Participation is open to anyone interested in, or engaged in rowing to seacoast area residents.  For additional information and to register click HERE.

Food Drive to Benefit Cornucopia Food Bank at Waysmeet Center, July 1-31, 2013, being held by Nationwide Insurance. Collection box is located upstairs in the Nationwide Insurance office located at 20 Madbury Road, Suite 1, Durham.

UNH MUB Summer Series. FREE movies. For the full printable schedule, click HERE.

Discovery Cruises. Join the UNH Marine Docents aboard the university's research vessel for a voyage of exploration. For more information, click HERE.

Resource for Orphaned and/or Injured Wildlife. Anyone finding or needing assistance with an injured or orphaned bird/small mammal including, birds of prey, raccoon, fox, squirrel, possum, skunk, groundhog etc., please call Maria Colby at 603-428-3723 or Patsy Pratt in Durham at 603-868-2125. For more information, click HERE.

Oyster River Summer Camps 2013, July 9-August 9. Click HERE for registration information and form. 

SAVE THE DATE! DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

The Durham Public Library Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2013 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. There will be scores of events for all to enjoy, including the official ribbon cutting ceremony, dedication of the sculpture honoring Margery and Lorus Milne, music by the always amazing band Bliss, as well as the ORMS Jazz Band alums, activities for children and teens, a performance by Puppeteer Carol Sanborn & Crew, self-guided tours, "green" tours, and of course refreshments!  The library will also be asking attendees to help with the creation of a time capsule to commemorate the day. Needless to say, there will also be books that can be checked out. Stay tuned for more details.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Congratulations Summer Readers!  We read approximately 120,000 minutes together during our 5 week program.  You can pick up your reading certificates, Bagel Works prizes and prize books in the Children’s room.

A big thank-you to the The Bagel Works, The Sea Dogs, Dunkin Donuts, Pauly’s Pockets, The Candy Bar, Hayden Sports, Young’s Restaurant, Froyo World, Durham House of Pizza, Wildcat Pizza, The Stratham Fair, the Durham Market, the Happy Market, Franz’s Food, Water Country and other local businesses for their prize donations.  Thanks also to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their support of summer reading.
McGregor Memorial EMS Babysitting Course, Sat. Aug. 3rd, 10 am – 3 pm - This course is designed to certify kids 12 & up who are looking to, or already babysit.  They will get a CPR and First Aid certification, learn about safety, how to handle emergencies, care and feeding of infants and children, the business aspects of being a babysitter, and more.  All students will receive a Babysitting certification. The Community Babysitting Classes cost $35 and payment is due upon registration. To register visit www.mcgregorems.org or call 603-862-3674.

McGregor Memorial EMS CPR Course, Tues. Aug. 13th,  6:00-8:15 p.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS is proud to offer a CPR Course at the library. The cost for the Community CPR Class is $20, and payment is due the night of the class. Please register at www.mcgregorems.org
McGregor Memorial First Aid Course, Weds. Aug. 14th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS is proud to offer a First Aid Course at the library. The cost for the First Aid Class is $20, and payment is due the night of the class. Please register at http://www.mcgregorems.org/.

Check out our website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more info.

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.

1626 - As a shelter was built for the family and land was cleared, the business of farming developed. The soil was rich in this unspoiled virgin land. Farming combined well with fishing, lumbering and trapping, but grew in importance as grants became available inland.

Have a very nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us    http://www.ci.durham.nh.us

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?