Friday Updates - July 8, 2016

Friday, July 8, 2016

Police Chief Kurz acts out "YMCA" with a Friends Forever group from Israel on Main Street on Tuesday morning of this week. Courtesy Friends Forever

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On Monday morning, July 4th, the Lamprey River flow was at a historic low of 11cfs, below the level recorded in 1964.  Let's hope we get the rain predicted for this weekend.


In addition, the Town has purchased a new wagon for Wagon Hill Farm.  The existing wagon has rot on the wheels and on other parts of the body and repairing it will cost more than a new wagon.  The new wagon is presently en route to Durham from N. Dakota.  Fortunately, we did not need to send someone from DPW cross country on horseback in order to drive the new wagon here to New Hampshire the old fashioned way.

At Mr. Selig's direction, DPW has begun to trim back brush within the Milne Sanctuary to provide greater visibility into the area from Mill Pond Road.  As you know, a very sad fight took place there among youth on the evening of June 3rd leaving a Durham youth severly injured.

Finally, as part of the repaving/restriping of downtown Durham this summer, DPW was able to fit in eight (8) additional parking spaces to service/support the downtown.  Kudos to DPW for their good work and ingenuitive thinking about ways to realling areas to fit in additional spaces here and there.

IF YOU FIND THE WEEKLY "FRIDAY UPDATES" OF BENEFIT, PLEASE BE SURE TO SHARE THEM WITH OTHERS WHO MAY NOT KNOW OF THE SERVICE

If you find the "Friday Updates" which is sent to the members of the Town Council and departments each week and simultaneously shared with interested members of the community via our list server of benefit, please be sure to forward the weekly email along to others from the community (or elsewhere) who may also benefit from the work. Signup is available right on the Town's Home Page.

The "Friday Updates" list server also doubles as Durham's Emergency Broadcast System.  

Membership is largely by word of mouth.  At present, we have around 3,200 active subscribers.

ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE PLANNED FOR JULY 11TH AT DURHAM TOWN HALL

The Durham Police Department is working with the staff at the Town Hall to plan an active shooter exercise for July 11th from 3-5 PM.  The Town Hall will close to the general public during this timeframe.  


In December 2015, at the request of staff, Durham developed an Employee Active Threat Response Plan that employees at the Town Hall desire to practice.  The Durham Police Department is working to develop several scenarios to give employees and emergency responders alike important training in this area. 

During the scenarios, a firearm will be discharged using blanks to give everyone as accurate a sense as possible concerning what such situations might entail.

Construction at the new UNH Outdoor Pool is progressing nicely.  Courtesy DCAT Studios

UNH OUTDOOR POOL CONSTRUCTION ON SCHEDULE

Construction of the new UNH Outdoor Pool is progressing on schedule!  Next week, the pool will be filled with water, which is an exciting milestone. The construction team will continue to work on a few remaining elements to prepare for the opening of the pool in mid- to late August.

UNH is planning an open house and celebration once the pool is open. Details of that event will be available soon and will be shared in "Friday Updates."

DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED CHILDREN OR ANIMALS IN VEHICLES DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS

Every summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration engages the public about the dangers of leaving children are unattended in hot vehicles. And sadly every year, these tragedies continue to happen. Already in 2016, sixteen children have lost their lives, adding to the total of 676 heatstroke deaths since 1998.

 

ADMININISTRATOR SELIG TO PARTICIPATE IN TOUR OF BAY WITH GREAT BAY WATERKEEPER; Town Councilors/Department Staff Invited – July 14th

Administrator Selig will be taking a tour of the Great Bay focusing on the lower Piscataqua River with the Great Bay Waterkeeper at 9 AM this coming Thursday, July 14th.  If any Councilors or members of departments would like to attend, please let Mr. Selig know at tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.  Space is limited so advance notice and coordination is needed.  Mr. Selig went on a tour of the Great Bay with the Waterkeeper last year but time did not permit a tour of the lower Piscataqua River.


Learn more about the Great Bay-Piscataqua Waterkeeper program sponsored by the CLF HERE.


Learn more about the Great Bay Waterkeeper Vessel HERE.

 

WHAT IS THE DURHAM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE?

The Durham Traffic Safety Committee is an administrative committee established by the Administrator to advise the Administrator and as necessary the Town Council relative to traffic safety issues within the community and potential solutions. 

It is comprised of the Police Chief, Public Works Director, Fire Chief, Director of Planning & Community Development, the Durham Code Enforcement Officer, and the UNH Special Transportation Projects Manager (Steve Pesci).  The Planning Board has also identified a representative, Lorne Parnell, to sit in on meetings of the group.  In addition, the Business Manager from the Oyster River Cooperative School District attends meetings if traffic issues pertain to the school district.  


The Traffic Safety Committee meets on an as needed basis depending upon issues that may arise.  


Solutions for traffic safety issues such as improved signage, directed police patrols, etc. are frequently within the power of the individual administrative staff members who participate as part of the group.  Some initiatives recommended require approval of the Administrator.  Other matters may ultimately involve a formal ordinance change or perhaps a funding appropriation request as part of the annual budget process thus necessitating presentations by the Administrator and various town department heads to the Durham Town Council as part of a formal public process for approval.  


Administrative Traffic Safety Committee meetings may include attendance by interested members of the Town Council, Energy Committee, or other Durham boards or departments on an as needed basis.  


Frequently meetings of the group revolve around particular resident concerns that are received or requests by the Administrator for professional staff evaluation of initiatives that originate elsewhere from Durham's various public boards, committees, and commissions.  


Durham Police Chief David Kurz serves as Chair of the Traffic Safety Committee.

To provide feedback to the Traffic Safety Committee, write to Police Chief David Kurz at dkurz@ci.durham.nh.us

 

MILL ROAD “NO THRU TRUCKS” SIGN

The issues surrounding Faculty Road that pertain to truck traffic have been challenging for the Durham Traffic Safety Committee for years.  One of the most effective strategies seems to be the placement of a large, highly reflective, bright orange  “No Trucks” sign located in the middle of Mill Pond Road at the intersection of Route 108 which DPW installed at DPD's request earlier this summer as a test or pilot program. 

Several challenges exist as to location and the possible placement of a desired island on Mill Pond Road due to NHDOT road width and right-of-way ownership.  In addition, this is within the Durham Historic District so consideration must be given to aesthetics as well. 

Public Works Director Mike Lynch will investigate potential challenges, cost implications and placement of an island that would hold a no trucks sign.

Additionally, DPW Director Lynch was planning to speak with the NHDOT about the placement of early warning signage on Rt. 108 indicating that Mill Road is no through trucking. 

Meanwhile, Chief Kurz was going to reach out to Google and other map companies once again to let them know about Durham’s no through trucking ordinance along their recommended routing via Faculty Road to Mill Plaza and downtown Durham.

 

A REPORT OUT ON THE MADBURY ROAD CHICANES PILOT PROGRAM

The Traffic Safety Committee met this week and discussed the Madbury Road Chicanes pilot program.  The experimental pilot program was in place for approximately 30 days where temporary Chicanes were placed along Madbury Road, extending to a width of 1 foot on either side of the center yellow line.  This was done in response to a number of concerns expressed by residents over the years regarding speeding traffic and the negative impact this has on the sense of safety and community for the Madbury Road neighborhood.  


Knowing that police presence, while desirable on a continuous basis is not feasible, the Town has sought strategies that do not involve personnel as the primary strategy.  


Before the Chicanes were installed, speed monitoring was accomplished to establish a history of vehicle speeds.  Once the Chicanes were installed, the speed monitoring equipment was returned and it was discovered that 23% of the vehicles traveling on Madbury Road were over the speed limit without the Chicane installed.  With the Chicane in place, only 9% of the vehicles traveling on Madbury Road were over the speed limit.


While the pilot program did have a significant positive impact on the speed concern, the challenge for the Town is that the vast majority of the emails forwarded along to the Traffic Safety Committee were in opposition to the installation of the Chicanes.  There were numerous concerns expressed about the narrowness of the roadway, minimal sidewalk height, and the concern for pedestrians and bicyclists alike that this was not an agreeable situation.

    
Conclusions:  Public Works Director Mike Lynch will be seeking locations for Chicanes where the right-of-way may be wider and might accommodate a Chicane with standard width travel and fog line lanes before, at, and after potential Chicane placement to potentially be integrated as part of roadway reconstruction when the road is ultimately scheduled to be resurfaced in several years. Despite many suggestions received by residents about the benefits associated with speed tables for Madbury Road, the Traffic Safety Committee is not embracing the concept of speed tables for this segment of roadway and unfortunately there may not be anything conclusive that can be accomplished until paving is scheduled to take place considering the strong public opposition to the pilot Chicanes given existing roadway conditions and roadway width.

 

A simulated mini-traffi island in the middle of Faculty Road drawn up by Admin. Asst. Janice Richard of DPW.  Courtesy Durham DPW.

A FACULTY ROAD MINI ISLAND?

There was discussion this week at the Traffic Safety Committee about the potential merits of installing a mini-island in the middle of Faculty Road at a to be determined location to address through truck traffic. However, on Faculty Road the issue centers on truck traffic and not speeding violations.  Speed monitoring devices have definitively demonstrated that speeding is not an issue on Faculty Road. With the existing stop signs and the shortness of the street, while an occasional vehicle may exceed the posted speed limit, it is not an overwhelming challenge for this street.  Complaints of truck traffic, however, challenge the police department with the copious amount of emails and concerns expressed by a handful of residents.  It was concluded by the Traffic Safety Committee that the mini-island concept would only curtail speeding vehicles rather than stop trucks from entering Faculty Road.

    
Conclusion:  This is not the desired resolution for discouraging truck traffic from using Faculty Road.

 

IS AN ADDITIONAL CROSSWALK APPROPRIATE FOR EMERSON ROAD?

The desire on the part of  some residents within the Fitts Farm development to have an additional crosswalk on Emerson Road at the southern egress to Fitts Farm was discussed at length by the Traffic Safety Committee this week.  While the northern crosswalk is well placed, the southern proposal is less so.  Due to the curvature of Emerson and the thick vegetation along the side of the roadway, the Traffic Safety Committee does not endorse the placement of a crosswalk at this location.  The thrust of the discussion focused upon a crosswalk creating a false illusion that it is safe to cross at this location.  Since NH has no jaywalking statutes, only laws preventing a pedestrian from hindering the flow of traffic, people can cross at this location but may do so in a safer mode as they undoubtedly will look both ways before crossing.

    
Conclusions: Do not install a crosswalk at this location so as to encourage pedestrians to be vigilant before crossing.

 

IS AN ADDITIONAL CROSSWALK APPROPRIATE FOR DOVER ROAD AT BAYVIEW?

The Traffic Safety Committee sees some merit in placing a crosswalk at the eastern edge of Bayview Road crossing Dover Road as requested by some residents on Bayview Road.  Unfortunately, in preparation of the NHDOT repavement of this area, the state installed ADA dropdowns where crosswalks are presently located and there is not one at Bayview Road.   

Conclusions:  Public Works Director Michael Lynch is going to investigate with the NHDOT potential resolutions to this issue with the goal to install the crosswalk at this location.

 

WHERE OR WHERE ARE THE CROSSWALKS AT THE DOVER ROAD/NEWMARKET ROAD INTERSECTIONS - And between the Old Town Office and the new Town Hall on Rt. 108?

If you have tried to cross the road recently along Rt. 108 where NHDOT repaving has taken place, you literally take your life in your hands.  Because there are not crosswalks present, the traffic is not bound to stop and for the most part traffic DOES NOT stop.  


Durham DPW has been contacting NHDOT every other day to urge the state to repaint the missing crosswalks following repaving which took place several weeks ago but unfortunately, as a cost cutting measure, NHDOT decided to restripe this project itself rather than contracting it out.  However, the NHDOT does not have the resources to address the crosswalk repainting in a timely way.  


If you ask yourself what this says in terms of the NHDOT’s (and the State of New Hampshire's) commitment toward pedestrian safety, it is clear that for this state agency, the automobile is king and recieves top priority over pedestrians.  

The NHDOT striping crew is presently up north and will return within the next few weeks to complete the striping of crosswalks.  Based on our calls this past week, a state crew did come out yesterday to temporarily apply thin/white chalk guide lines that will let the actual painting crew know where to apply paint in a few weeks.

 

UNH’S GOOD PROPOSAL TO INSTALL SIDEWALKS ON SOUTH SIDE OF MAIN STREET BETWEEN FIELD HOUSE AND THE ROUNDABOUT

UNH has let the Town know that it is proceeding with a preliminary proposal that would, if funded, lead to the installation of sidewalks on the south side of Main Street between the Field House and the roundabout.  The Traffic Safety Committee is fully supportive of the proposal.  This is a heavily used pedestrian corridor that would benefit from sidewalks on both sides of this area of Main Street.  There was some discussion as to whether UNH had foundation for submitting the grant due to the fact this is a Town way but there were assurances from the Traffic Safety Committee that Durham would support this endeavor and allow the grant to go forward under that assurance, perhaps as a Durham application with full UNH funding and project management.  Additionally, it is important to note that if UNH does proceed with a formal grant submittal it would require Town support given street and other right of way ownership.  However, it was stipulated that the intent is to have the sidewalks be primarily on UNH property, UNH maintained and that UNH would provide the required 20% local match.

 

INVASIVE SPECIES BECOMING MORE PREVALENT IN DURHAM - Residents encouraged to be attentive to removing invasives from their yards so they do not spread.

We are seeing more and more invasive plant species in and around Durham.  Everyone can do their part on private property identifying and removing such plants if possible.  Some specific examples include:

• Autumn Olive 
• Burning Bush 
• Glossy Buckthorn 
• Japanese Knotweed 
• Muliflora Rose

Often, if such invasive plants are not caught early, they will spread quickly and establish themselves firmly in an area and become much harder to eradicate.

 

DURHAM DOES HAVE A LEASH LAW

A reminder that per Chapter 49-1 of the Town Code, except as provided below, all dogs in the Town of Durham shall be restrained by a leash not exceeding eight (8) feet in fixed length or a retractable leash with stop control.

Exceptions to Leash Requirement.  Section 49-1 shall not apply in the following circumstances:

A.    When the dog is physically present in a structure or vehicle of, or on land owned by

1. the dog’s owner; or
2. another person who has consented to the presence of the dog;

B.    When, after receipt of a written request of any person, the Durham Town Administrator gives written consent, under such conditions that s/he shall set forth by written directive, for a variance from the requirements of section 49-1 for a particular occasion or event that, in the judgment of the administrator, justifies such variance; or

C.    Federal or state law requires otherwise.


Pursuant to RSA 31:39, III, any person  guilty of violating this ordinance shall be fined as follows:


    1st offense:                             $ 25.00

    2nd offense:                            $ 50.00

    3rd & subsequent offenses:    $150.00

 

TOWN CODIFIED ORDINANCES AVAILABLE ON THE TOWN WEBSITE

Over the past two years, DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens has been working toward placing all of the Town's ordinances (contained in the Durham Town Code) on the Town website.

The Town Code is the end product of the process of research, review, revision, and organization of the Town's local laws and ordinances into a comprehensive document. A codification must be formally adopted in order to establish it as a permanent and practical system of municipal law as required by Durham's Charter.

Durham’s Code was formally adopted by the Town Council on March 1, 1999. The major benefit of a codification is convenient access to information. Having an accurate, up-to-date representation of municipal law enables town officials to answer questions from citizens quickly and accurately.

Craig spent many hours in-between his other responsibilities to accomplish this very labor intensive and time consuming project. We are pleased to announce that the Town's codified ordinances are now available on-line, referenced as the "Town of Durham Code", and located under "Helpful Resources" on the website's home page.

Thank you to Craig for the time and effort he devoted to accomplish this long-awaited project! 

SPRUCE HOLE WELL PERFORMING AS ANTICIPATED – Durham/UNH Water System moves off surface waters due to low river flows

The Durham/UNH combined water system has been drawing primarily from the new Spruce Hole Well since last weekend when the Lamprey River hit 16cfs triggering in-stream flow restrictions. UNH, Durham, and our consultant at EGGI are all monitoring well data.  The well is responding as expected at a pump rate of around 640,000 gallons per day, plus an additional 40,000 – 90,000 gallons per day from the Lee Well.  The system is not drawing off of surface waters at this time.  

PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED BY NH SITE EVALUATION COMMITTEE FOR EVERSOURCE’S SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT APPLICATION -- July 14, 2016 in Durham and July 21, 2016 in Newington

On April 12, 2016, Eversource, filed an Application for a Certificate of Site and Facility with the NH Site Evaluation Committee (SEC). Eversource seeks the issuance of a Certificate of Site and Facility approving the siting, construction, and operation of a 115 kV transmission line from their Madbury substation through Durham and Newington to the company’s Portsmouth Substation.


The project will be approximately 13 miles in length and is comprised of a combination of above ground, underground, and underwater segments. The project will be located in the communities of Madbury, Durham, Newington, and Portsmouth.


On April 29, 2016, pursuant to RSA 162-H:4-a, the Chairman of the SEC appointed a subcommittee in this docket. On June 13, 2016 the Subcommittee issued an order finding that the Application contained sufficient information to carry out the purposes of RSA 162-H.


RSA 162-H:10, I-a, requires that within 45 days after acceptance of an application for a certificate, that the applicant hold at least one public information session in each county – in this case Strafford and Rockingham -- where the proposed facility will be located.


The purpose of the public information session is to provide the public with information on the proposed project, to provide an opportunity for comments and questions from the public, and to explain the process the SEC subcommittee will follow in reviewing the application. Robert R. Scott, the presiding officer of the SEC subcommittee, has designated Counsel to the Committee, Michael Iacopino, as the presiding officer for the public information session.


The Strafford County public information session will be held on July 14, 2016, at 6:00PM at the Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Drive, Durham, New Hampshire.


The Rockingham County public information session will be held on July 21, 2016, at 6:00PM at the Newington Town Hall, 205 Nimble Hill Road, Newington, New Hampshire.


The application and all other filings in this docket are located on the SEC’s website.


Unlike the last time a public hearing was scheduled by Eversource relative to the project in Durham on April 22, 2015, this time around there will be the opportunity for a question and answer session. Eversource will not have a judge moderating this time, rather the Site Evaluation Committee will be taking on that role for this round, and the next, of information sessions.


Also, Eversource will be conducting an open house in advance of the information session again, similar to what residents experienced last April, to allow residents to ask specific information from the Eversource project team.


Eversource is currently in the process of selecting members of its panel that will be prepared to respond to questions from the Durham public and help address issue on the spot. In some cases, depending on how specific the question, Eversource may need additional time to gather the information but hopefully those instances will be minimal.


Last year, the project was estimated to cost in the range of $70 million with more than half of the route in Durham within existing Eversource rights-of-way.

 

LAMPREY HEALTH CARE'S SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
Lamprey Health Care’s Senior Transportation Program provides transportation services to seniors ages 60+ and adults with disabilities. Trips include grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, medical, dental and rehabilitation appointments. Lamprey also offers monthly recreational trips.

 

For a schedule or to arrange for transportation, please call the transportation office at (603) 659-2424, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
 

Who Can Use this Service?

Residents of Rockingham County and parts of Strafford County who are 60 years of age or older, and adults with disabilities. Transportation Services are not restricted to Lamprey Health Care patients.

 
What are the Costs of a Ride?

A $5.00 donation is requested for medical appointments and shopping trips, and a $10.00 donation is requested for the recreational day trips.

 

Medical Appointments

Transportation services to medical appointments are available Monday through Friday in addition to the daily shopping trip schedule. Medical appointments are not restricted to Lamprey Health Care providers.

 
Can I bring a Wheelchair or Walker?

Yes! Vans are handicap accessible, and provide door-to-door service for your convenience.

 

COUNCIL ADOPTS 2016-2017 GOALS

At its meeting on May 23, 2016, the Town Council adopted goals for the coming year.  As in the past, these goals are intended to be reflective of Town aspirations over the next 1-3 year timeframe.  

 

It is our hope that all of the Town’s various boards, committees, and commissions will review the list and work to incorporate these key elements into their own work plans.

 
Standards of Performance

• 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.
• Encourage all Town boards, committees, and commissions to align their efforts with the Council goals and to collaborate and communicate frequently with each other and with the community at large.
• Ensure that the Town staff and resources secured by the Town provide exemplary expertise, guidance and support to Town boards, commissions and committees.

Key Objectives

• Pursue long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resiliency, anticipating the community’s and the region’s future needs through a framework that formally integrates the consideration of multiple elements including society, ecology, economics, transportation, agriculture, recreation, food and drinking water, climate, and energy resources.
• Continue cooperative and collaborative efforts with UNH to enhance mutual intellectual, cultural, environmental, social, and economic benefits associated with hosting New Hampshire’s state university. Negotiate equitable agreements for the delivery of services and provision of infrastructure used by both the Town and UNH and develop long-term policies that reduce the burden on the Town and clarify town-gown land ownership.
• Having expanded the tax base through student housing construction, focus on revitalizing Durham’s commercial core in ways that enhance the sense of community and better provide for the needs of our residents, while maintaining our small town character, rural pastoral gateways, and cultural history.   
• Regain and enhance the integrity of Durham’s traditional family neighborhoods.
• Finalize police station expansion design and project approval by Town Council or by referendum, as appropriate.   
• Select site and finalize design for a new fire station.   
• Develop a plan and assess the merits of pursuing initiatives for new or existing public facilities to meet the present and future needs of the community to include, among others:

1. Shoreline stabilization and trail plans for Wagon Hill Farm that consider the Stewardship Plan for the property.   
2. Dam/culvert deficiencies and water quality at the Littlehale Pond.   
3. Restoration of the Mill Pond.   
4. Integrated or stand-alone wastewater/stormwater permits through the US EPA.
5. Additional green space and/or public space or facilities that could be utilized for public events, activities, or programming such as art exhibitions, musical events, a Farmers’ Market, or a community center in order to further enhance the lives of Durham residents.  With this in mind, efforts will begin in order to realize unique opportunities if and when they appear.

• Provide the resources so the Planning Board may complete the Future Land Use Chapter of the Master Plan by the end of calendar year 2018.   
• Strengthen the community and enhance its social capital by supporting an array of recreational, artistic, and educational opportunities; celebrating and sustaining Durham’s history and natural setting; and developing initiatives that promote public transportation options and ensure safe walking and biking.
• Task the administrator with developing a budget for 2017 that holds General Fund expenses at current levels except for contractual increases including wages and benefits and a cost of living adjustment for non-unionized personnel.  Develop a Capital Fund budget using increases in revenue projected and any increase in the tax rate if necessary.  Specific itemized expenses for initiatives or projects that exceed this budgetary threshold but are deemed by the Administrator to increase efficiencies over time, are consistent with other Council goals, or are important for the general welfare of the community as part of the proposed budget shall be highlighted and include itemized rationale, as well as offsetting revenue as appropriate, for the Council’s discussion and consideration as part of the annual budget process.   
• Identify and address the needs of our citizens to ensure they are well-served by the Town.
• When developing new regulations or assessing the benefits of existing codes that could be simplified or eliminated altogether, endeavor to make living in Durham less complex and less burdensome for our residents.   

NOTE:  Order of the goals does not imply priority. Goals for previous councils can also be viewed HERE.

 

WEB SITE REDESIGN UNDER WAY – Suggestions from residents for improvements sought.

The Town is currently in the process of updating/redesigning its web site housed at www.ci.durham.nh.us.  If residents have suggestions on aspects of the site that could be improved upon, please send an email to DCAT’s Craig Stevens at dcat@ci.durham.nh.us.  

 

MAIN STREET MAKERY HOSTS FUND-RAISING EVENT

Main Street Makery in downtown Durham is hosting a fund-raising event on behalf of local Durham resident Devon Miller. Devon has a rare genetic eye disease and is seeking treatment to restore his vision  Devon's mother, Cecily Carsky-Miller, will teach two Zentangle classes with ALL proceeds to go towards Devon's Red Basket fund-raising campaign.  For more information and to donate click HERE.


Classes will be July 13th Wednesday evening 5:30-7:30 and July 14th Thursday 11am-1pm. Suggested minimum donation for the class is $50 each participant. Zentangle is the art of meditative doodling. Think sophisticated adult coloring. Minimum age is 10 with adult present. All materials provided. No previous experience necessary.

Please contact Sarah at Main Street Makery to reserve your spot or for more info. 397-5317 or info@mainstreetmakery.com.

 

Public Works staff resetting the sidewalk curbing on Mill Road. Courtesy DCAT Studios

SUMMER HOT DEALS!

The "Summer Hot Deals" listed below will run from June 17th through August 19th. Please contact the businesses directly with any questions.
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3 Bridges Yoga, 37 Main St., 603-590-0010

2 months of unlimited yoga for $125

Amy's Frame Shop, 44 Main St., 603-868-2511

Receive a coupon for 25 FREE 4" by 6" prints from the Kodak Kiosk with your Custom Framing Order*. Mention Summer Hot Deals to receive the offer. *Excludes ready-made frames

 

Papa John’s, 10 Pettee Brook Ln., 603-868-9999

Buy a Large or Extra Large Pizza at regular menu price, get the second pizza of equal or lesser value FREE. Offer valid online only. Use promo code TMT4569DBABOGO when ordering.

SolSistar, 49 Main St., Suite 103, 603-397-5229
25% off 1 non-sale item on Friday’s when you mention Summer Hot Deals!

Tacomano, 38 Main Street, 603-397-5203

FREE gauc or bacon with purchase of either a burrito, a bowl, or an order of tacos.

UNH Dairy Bar, 3 Depot Road, 603-862-4843

Get a large fountain beverage for only $.99 cents when you buy any salad or sandwich at the UNH Dairy Bar!

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES

Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates".  Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.

 

This week's Mini Film is "Maintaining a Vegetable Garden". In order to ensure the best yield from your vegetable garden, mid-season attention is important.

Learn some tips for keeping your garden growing well.  

 

DICK WOLLMAR/DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION SPECIAL COLLECTION at Durham Public Library

The Dick Wollmar/Durham Agricultural Commission Special Collection at the Durham Public Library is focused on the practical and applied side of gardening, small-scale agriculture, backyard farming (plants and animals), soils, local food processing and preparation, and on small-scale marketing to the local community, to friends and neighbors. Thus, the Collection, although a Special Collection, being applied and practical, is properly placed in a public library, and is readily available to the people of Durham (and to the students and parents of the Oyster River School District). For more information about the Special Collection, click HERE.

LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUMMER NEWSLETTER

The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has published its 2016 summer newsletter which is available for viewing HERE.

The LRAC would like to remind boaters that New Hampshire law RSA 270-D:2,VI, states that if you are less than 150' from someone's boat, dock, swim raft, shore, rocks, or almost any other object (except navigation buoys), then you should be at headway speed, whether a No Wake sign is present or not. Let's all have a safe, enjoyable experience on the water this summer.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETS ONCE IN JULY

The Town Council will hold one meeting in July - Monday, July 18th.

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. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

Agricultural Commission - Monday, July 11, 2016

Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Planning Board - Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Conservation Commission - Thursday, July 14, 2016

All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Protecting Against Frauds & Scams

New frauds and scams seem to crop up daily, many of them specifically targeted at seniors. Identity theft, investment fraud, and scams rob millions of Americans of their hard-earned money. Last year, 13 million people were the victims of identity theft alone – that’s one person every two seconds! Join DCAT 22 Studios for an important program by AARP presenter Norma Boyce, to learn how you can protect yourself against frauds and scams.  This presentation is available for replay on DCAT 22, Saturday & Sunday at 4:00 PM.  The episode can also be viewed on DCAT On Demand. Total run time: 1:00

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In the Biz Spotlight: DCAT 22 Coordinator, Craig Stevens and EDC Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey visit local businesses to introduce them to the community, and to welcome newcomers to Durham.  Most recent episode: The Juicery & The Soupery. Stop by and sample their products.  Note: all cups, lids, soup cups, straws, and silverware are compostable. All of the serve ware is compostable as an effort to help the environment, which is a part of their company's culture.  Quote: “Smoothies, juices and soups are fast food... that actually contain food.” Tory Dube (marketing) and Megan Senter (store manager). The episode can be viewed Cable Channel 22 @ 12:30 PM & 6:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday and on DCAT On Demand.

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DCAT 22 On Demand has made a change to the Town's Video On Demand service. The switch to the new VOD service began on Monday, April 18th. All of the videos that were available on the old site have been ported over, and are up and running for the public's viewing pleasure on the new site.  


The new site address: https://dcat22.viebit.com/


Please contact: dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions

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Perhaps you missed or couldn’t make it to the Solar 101 Workshop on May 24.  Have no fear, DCAT 22 was there to record the entire workshop.  Learn about solar PV systems and residential installations, panel placement, permitting & interconnection, financing & incentives, and installer selection.  Presentation by Andy Duncan, Energy Training Manager, Lakes Region Community College. This video is also available on DCAT On Demand or watch it on Cable Channel 22 on Saturday or Sunday @ 1:00 PM

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Join DCAT 22 Studios, the Durham Energy Committee and James Hasselbeck of Revision Energy for a tour of Durham’s new solar array.  Walk the grounds with a group of solar enthusiasts.  Plenty of questions and answers about the new array.  So, don’t miss this DCAT 22 original programming.  The program is available on DCAT On Demand or watch it on DCAT Cable Channel 22, Saturday & Sunday @ 8:30 PM – total run time: 47 minutes
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DCAT is Live Streaming

Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account.  You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time.  All you have to do is click and watch.  Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device.  Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

NEW FOOD FRIENDLY YARD SIGNS AVAILABLE

The Durham Agriculture Commission encourages residents to participate in home food production and small scale farming.  We  recognize these efforts with our "Food Friendly Yard" signs displayed around the community.  

What is a Food Friendly Yard?

A Food Friendly Yard is a nourishing, chemical free, space for people, wildlife and pollinating insects. Food Forest landscaping provides fruit and berries.  Lawns become vegetable gardens.  Ornamental plantings support a host of pollinators.  Backyard chickens, turkeys and goats produce food, control weeds and insects and provide valuable nutrients with their composted waste.

How can you qualify?

There are lots of ways to qualify as a Food Friendly Yard.  You can meet the criteria if you have:

• Edible landscaping:  fruit trees, bushes and berries
• Vegetable plantings:  in- ground raised beds, or  container gardens
• Beehives
• Ornamental plantings that support pollinators
• Chickens, turkeys, goats and other poultry or livestock for eggs, meat, milk or manure

If you would like to display one of our signs contact the Durham Agricultural Commission, c/o ellenkare51@gmail.com

 

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.

Online Program Registration- Now Available!

Durham Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the addition of online program registration and payments to our department!  You can find program and department information by visiting us HERE.  Please create an account on the left hand side of the page, which will allow access to register for programs.  Please be sure to ask questions, and let us know if something isn’t operating correctly.  

DPR Summer Program & Events Guide - A comprehensive detailed guide of Parks & Recreation summer happenings.

Summer Day Camp Update

Summer camps kicked off last week with Wicked Gross Science and Super Hero Physics.  Participants spent the week exploring acids and bases, dissecting owl puke, creating alien slim and optical illusions! Next up, Lego Engineering and Adventure Paddle Camps!

 

We still have space and are accepting registrations for the following weeks of camp:

7/18-7/21- Afternoon REACH Camp

7/22- Water Country Field Trip

7/25-7/28- Afternoon REACH Camp

7/29- Island Kayak Adventure Trip

8/1-8/4- Afternoon REACH Camp

8/5- Mini Golf and Blitz Air Park Field Trip

8/8-8/11- Afternoon REACH Camp

8/15-8/19- Extreme Earth Camp

8/22-8/26- Wicked Cool Med School

For more information or to register for camps/trips please visit us HERE.

 

Summer Drop-in Programs at Churchill Rink

DPR is offering a variety of FREE drop-in style programs this summer at Churchill Rink beginning Monday, July 11th for both youth and adults.   

Join us for these weekly recurring programs:

Mondays: Art in the Park (4-6pm) & Scoot and Skate (5:30-7:30pm)

Tuesdays: Pick-Up Pickleball (6-8pm)

Wednesdays: Youth Street Hockey-Ages 7+ (5:30-7pm), Teen/Adult Street Hockey- Ages 13+ (7-8:30pm)

Thursdays: Backyard Games- wiffle ball, kickball, GaGa Ball, soccer, etc. (5:30-7:30pm)

 

For more information on DPR drop in programs, please visit HERE.

 

Stargazing At Wagon Hill Farm

Durham Parks & Recreation and UNH Astronomer John Gianforte - The SkyGuy, have teamed up to offer Stargazing Workshops!  We will be offering an interactive stargazing workshop on the second Saturday of each month.  For our July Workshop, participants can join us at the UNH Observatory where we will view the moon, Jupiter, constellations, and more!!  $10/person, $20/family.  Please pre-register with Durham Parks & Recreation by Thursday July 7th.

Stargazing Dates & Times

Saturday, July 9th- 9:00-10:00pm at the UNH Observatory.

Art in the Park at Jackson's Landing

Mondays form 4-6pm beginning July 11th.  Join us at Jackson’s Landing for an evening of Art in the Park.  We will have a rotating schedule of Pottery Painting and Glass Fusing!  For more information on Art In The Park click HERE.

Music By The Bay Summer Concert at Wagon Hill Farm

Thursday, July 14th 6-8pm, featuring: Sum x 4

Pack a picnic dinner, gather friends and enjoy live music at the picturesque waterfront setting at Wagon Hill Farm! Additional parking available in the orchard.  FREE!

 

FREE Yoga at Wagon Hill Farm

Thursdays from 5-6pm beginning June 9th.  Bring a mat or a blanket and meet at the wagon.  Participation is FREE.  Class is canceled in the case of inclement weather.

Save The Date:

Picnic in the Park with The Little Red Wagon

Thursday, July 21st 5:30-7:30pm at Jackson’s Landing

Pack a picnic dinner, play at the playground and enjoy a 45 minute theatre performance- Luna Goes to Mars by The Little Red Wagon from UNH Theatre & Dance.  FREE!

Community Archery Clinic with Archery in Motion

Wednesdays at Churchill Rink, July 27th- August 17th 10-11am

Ages 7+, $70/pp.  Community Archery Clinic is geared for both youth and adults! Pre-register with DPR by July 20th.  Space is limited.

Music on Main Summer Concert

Thursday, August 4th 6-8pm, featuring: Fling.

Join us on Main Street for an evening of live music and family fun! FREE

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Town of Lee 250th Celebration. The biggest celebration of Lee's 250th anniversary year is scheduled for Sat. & Sun. July 16 & 17.  The citizens of Durham, Lee, and Madbury are invited to join family, friends, and neighbors throughout the weekend for a variety of events, including the big parade, games, demonstrations, a concert, food, and fun. More information HERE.  
Discover the Ocean with the UNH Marine Docents, Thursday, Jul 28, 2016, 10AM - 3PM, Woodman Museum, 182 Central Avenue, Dover. Sponsored by the Woodman Museum.

Want to Become a Master Gardener? Learn more HERE.

Durham Bike & Sports Women’s Ride, every Tuesday evening; leave at 5:45 pm. Meet at the shop to get water and put air in your tires. For more information call 603-312-1755.

Emery Farm – PYO blueberries starting today and coming soon the Market & Café at Emery Farm with expanded offerings of ice cream, morning coffee and bagels, and more! 

Wildcat Fitness offering "Free Fridays" from June thru August. The Free Fridays offer allows full use of the gym and participation in yoga, barre, spin, TRX, HIIT, PiYo, Bootcamp, Dance Fit, and many other fitness classes. Stop by and bring a friend. More information HERE.

Durham Farmers' Market at Jackson's Landing - Every Monday now through October 3 (2:15 - 6PM)

UNH Organic Garden Club - Located at the weekly Durham Farmers' Market and Farm Stand at Murkland Courtyard (3-6PM). More information HERE.

UNH MUB Summer Series with weekly Wednesday movies (including many in 3-D!), a mini-carnival, an outdoor movie, and more. For the full printable schedule, click HERE.

FREE Summer Lunch - Provided by ORCSD Lunch Program, Jul 5 - Aug 11, 2016. Any child 18 and under eats free at the OR Middle School on Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thu. Cafeteria opens at 11:30 AM.

Harsh Armadillo performs this Weds. July 13th, at 6:30 pm at Music on the library lawn

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

YA Writing Group (ages 10 & up) , Mon. July 11th at 4:00 pm -  This week: “Mad Libs!”.  Like to write?  Join us in the YA Room for fun writing exercises.  Post your writing to our blog “Write Away”. July 18 – Science Fiction, July 25 – Comics & Flip books
Family Movie Night: “The Good Dinosaur” (All ages, Oyster River Room), Mon. July 11th at 6:00 pm – Popcorn is served and all are welcome to come and see this fun family movie!   July 18 – “Air Bud”, July 25 – “Cars” (“drive-in movie”).
Summer Story Time, Tues. July 12th at 10:30 am - This week “Silly Snacks & Monsters”!  Join us for fun stories, fingerplays, feltboard and a fun craft.  We will play a fun ball game. July 19 – Bruins visit at 11 am, July 26 – “Let’s Move & Dance”.
9-12 year old Summer Reading Activity Hour, Tues. July 12th at 6:30 pm – This week” Karate Demonstration from Brendan Behr of American Eagle Mixed Martial Arts!”  Come and see some great Karate and try some moves out yourself!.  We’ll also play some fun group games and talk about what you are reading. July 19 – Cool Tech Toys, July 26 – Create Art.
Team Art, Weds. July 13th at 4:00 pm – Come and “paint on the loose!”  We will paint with anything but paintbrushes to make a creative mural for the library. (All ages), July 20 – Ribbons & Beads, July 27 – A water & wax dot piece
Music on the Library Lawn (Family Music Night): “Harsh Armadillo” (All ages, outside*), Weds. July 13th at 6:30 pm – Bring your lawn chairs for a fun night of music.  Held rain or shine. July 21st – T.J. Wheeler, July 27th – Bill Staines.

Wildlife Encounters at the Madbury Town Hall, Thurs. July 14th at 10:30 am  –  Join the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries for this fun joint summer reading program.  You will be amazed by all the animals you will learn about and even touch.  All ages and all are welcome!
6-8 year old Summer Reading Activity Hour, Thurs. July 14th at 3:00 pm – This week:  “Harry Potter Cosmic Yoga and fun” Join us for stories, games, puzzles and a fun craft.  We’ll also talk about what you are reading.  July 21 – Legos & Rockets, July 28 – Make –It!
Nature Crafts! , Thurs. July 14th at 6:30 pm – Join us for fun outside nature crafts.  This week:  “ Pet Rocks & Silly, Spooky Campfire Stories, July 21 – Moon Sand & Castles, July 28 -  Painting Under the Stars.
Boston Bruins Mascot, Blade, and Ice Girls to visit Summer Reading on Tuesday, July 19th at 11 am- 12pm – The Durham Public Library has been chosen by the Boston Bruins summer reading outreach program, “When You Read, You Score!”, to have the Bruins Mascot, Blade,  and Ice Girls visit! Blade will visit and children will be able to have their picture taken with Blade.  We’ll hear a story about Blade, play some Boston Bruins trivia with the Ice Girls, where you can win awesome prizes from the team and then also make a fun hockey craft.  Go, Bruins!
FINALE CELEBRATION with Bryson Lang, Comedian/Master Juggler , Friday, July 29th at 10:30 am -  Join us in celebrating your summer reading accomplishments. Bryson Lang will perform a hilarious act combining skillful juggling and original comedy! Prize books, reading certificates, and Bagel Works Prizes will be handed out.  Cake will also be served.  (All ages, Oyster River Room) * Note: In case of inclement weather, this program will be in the library’s Oyster River Room.
A special thank-you to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for all their support.  A big thank-you to The Sea Dogs, Bagel Works, The Candy Bar, Canobie Lake Park, Dunkin Donuts, The Durham Makery, Durham Bike, Durham House of Pizza, Franz’s Food, Fro-zone, Hayden Sports, Water Country, Tacomano, Young’s Restaurant, The Juicery, Subway, and other local businesses for their prize donations.   
Touch a truck, July 21 at 10:30 am  – Ambulance McGregor EMS visit, July 28 Durham Police and Police Car visit.  All ages.
Children's Summer Reading Program - Join us for our fun 5 week summer reading program!   "On Your Mark, Get Set...READ!"  Registration continues!  Program runs from June 27th through July 29th.  Keep track of your minutes read and win weekly prizes.  We also keep track of all our minutes read together.  There will be fun programs; Movie nights, Storytimes, 9-12 year old group, Team Art, Kick-off with Storyteller Simon Brooks, Music on the Library Lawn, 6-8 year old group, Young Adult Writing program, Nature Art Nights, Firemen, Police and EMS visits with their trucks, yoga, karate, finale with Bryson Lang, juggler and comedian and much more.  Trivia, guessing jar and even a "Barrel of Monkeys" (ages 2 -12 years).  Don't miss it!

Adult  Programs:

Exercise Your Mind-READ - Adult July Reading Program/Contest New prize donated by AAI Inc.  Jawbone UP2 Fitness tracker. - Pick up the weekly puzzle, complete it and enter it into the weekly drawing for a prize!  Prizes donated by Wildcat Fitness and AAI, Inc., Portsmouth NH! Contact Armida Geiger 603-590-1117
Music on the Lawn- Harsh Armadillo Wednesday, July 13th at 6:30 - Bring a picnic dinner, chair and blanket and enjoy listening to the eclectic tunes from Harsh Armadillo. Rain or shine. Held in the Oyster River Community Room if it's raining.
Durham Photo Contest: July 4, 2015 through July 4, 2016 - $300 Cash Prize for the Winner! Contest is sponsored by a Durham resident, to capture the beauty, character, and identity of Durham using seven photographs that express Durham’s character. More information can be found on the DPL website.
Friends of the Library Summer Big Read 2016 - Spend the summer reading at a suitably leisurely pace (about 250 pages a month) our September Book Discussion choice, to be facilitated by Jennifer Lee. The 2016 book is Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens. Copies to borrow for the summer are available at the library. If you buy your own, be sure it has notes and an introduction (and readable print.) There are several good paperback editions for between $11 and $13. Enrich your reading, if you like, by signing up with your name and email at the library, and you will receive by email from the facilitator:  A brief historical and biographical background and short bibliography of background books.  Suggestions for making your reading easier and more enjoyable. Periodic encouragements and provocative quotes, facts, suggestions, etc.  The opportunity to ask questions before September. Signup is optional, but please do it by June 15.  You can request to be put on the list at the library circulation desk, over the telephone (868-6699), or by email durhampl@gmail.com If you were on the email list last summer (for Middlemarch), simply email Jennifer.
MUSEUM PASSES -- The Friends of the DPL sponsor passes to twelve different museums. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum- Boston  Located in Boston the museum houses the collection of art patron, Isabella Stewart in a setting built to resemble a 15th century Venetian palace. One current exhibit, "Off the Wall: Gardner and Her Masterpieces", features about 25 Masterpieces from artists such as Botticelli and Rembrandt and spans the Renaissance to Rocco periods. The exhibit includes paintings and drawings from the permanent collection and additional items from archives that relate to how Gardner put together her remarkable collection. The exhibit is in the museum's new wing and runs through August 28th. The museum is closed Tuesdays. The pass provides up to four (4) people with $5 admission per person.  Children under the age of 18 are always admitted free. Passes are available through the DPL online reservation system, Tixkeeper.  Please pick up your reserved pass at the circulation desk. Museum passes are sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

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Todd

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