Friday Updates - June 14, 2013

Friday, June 14, 2013

American flag on front lawn of Durham Town Hall

Courtesy Todd Selig

___________________________

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14th as Flag Day.   It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on that day in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. From the chorus of It’s a Grand Old Flag...

 
You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

But should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

A reminder that Sunday is Father's Day!

LIBERTY MUTUAL VOLUNTEERS TO DESCEND UPON DURHAM THIS WEEK
On June 18, 19, and 20th, 210 volunteers from Liberty Mutual Insurance will assist the Town of Durham with a variety of projects as part of the annual Liberty Mutual Service Day. 

Approximately 140 volunteers will assist with painting the barn, farmhouse, and wagon at Wagon Hill Farm as well as making improvements along the waterfront and elsewhere on the property. 

25 volunteers will work on picking up trash and pulling invasive plants along the Pettee Brook in downtown Durham while another 25 volunteers will do the same along College Brook. 

Another 20+ volunteers will assist with sprucing up downtown plantings and with making some improvements to the grounds of the new Town Hall site at 8 Newmarket Road. 

Liberty Mutual will also be making a financial contribution to Durham to assist with work accomplished.  Public Works Director Mike Lynch is coordinating the effort on behalf of the Town.

 

Administrator Selig discusses open government in New Hampshire and in particular, Durham, with Bolivian delegation.

DURHAM HOSTS BOLIVIAN DELEGATION TO DISCUSS RIGHT TO KNOW LAW IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

AT 1 PM on Friday, June 14, 2013, a delegation from Bolivia visited with Administrator Selig to discuss open government in New Hampshire and in particular, Durham.  The visit is sponsored by the Office of International Visitors, U.S. Department of State, and is organized locally by the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire.  This is the third such visit that has involved Durham.  Earlier this year a delegation from Brazil included Durham followed by a delegation from Mozambique.  The World Affairs Council program focuses on cultural diversity, good governance, and citizen participation in U.S. society.  More information can be obtained from Timothy Horgan of the World Affairs Council at thorgan@wacnh.org. 

COUNCIL TO RECEIVE PRESENTATION ON POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT ENABLING SOLAR PANELS TO BE INSTALLED ON CHURCHILL RINK, LIBRARY, AND POLICE STATION

In April 2012, the Town sent out Request for Qualifications for Energy Efficiency Systems to include assessment and consulting, system design and development, financing and procurement, installation, and maintenance of potential energy efficiency systems, as well energy procurement, for the Town of Durham. In short, the RFQ stated the desire of the Town to:

• Reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions within municipal infrastructure;
• Improve energy efficiency in buildings, infrastructure, and other areas as determined by the community;
• Procure energy commodities as cost effectively as possible.

After careful review of the proposals received, the company Revision Energy, LLC was selected for the project. Over the past year, Revision Energy, LLC has been working with the Administrator and members of the Durham Energy Committee to develop a plan/agreement that would accomplish the goals mentioned above for several of Durham’s facilities, including the Durham Public Library, Churchill Rink, and the Police Department.

At Monday night’s Town Council meeting, Stephen Hinchman and Steve Condon of Revision Energy, LLC, will provide the Council with an overview of a plan that has been developed and how elements contained within the plan will be implemented at each of three municipal facilities noted above.

Unless there are specific concerns expressed by Councilors regarding the proposed agreement, Administrator Selig plans to move forward with its implementation.

In summary, the project entails:

• A 120.25 kW combined photovoltaic solar project with an estimated power production of 127,631 kWh in year 1.
• A $410,540 system with no upfront cost to the Town of Durham.  ReVision Energy will finance, own, and operate the system.
• In Years 1-6, power generation from the combined Churchill Rink (99.45 kW) and Library (15.6 kW) will be charged to the Town at a rate fixed to the PSNH rate established today to be 9.7 cents kWh.
• In Years 1-6, generation from the 5.2 kW Police Station rooftop array will be contributed to the Town at no charge by ReVision (estimated year 1 output 6,500 kwh/year, saving an estimated $630/year at current rates).
• Option to purchase the system in year 7 for $130,500 (32% of original cost).
• Long term savings over 30 years to the Town is estimated to exceed $158,000.  System life expectancy is 40 +/- years.
• Durham has the option to forego buyout and continue to purchase solar power from ReVision Energy after year 7 at market rates.
• Solar generation will lower the Town’s CO2 emissions by over 164,000 pounds per year.

Three Chimneys Inn. Courtesy Todd Selig

OLDEST BUILDING IN DURHAM -- THE THREE CHIMNEYS INN

The Three Chimneys Inn, Ffrost Sawyer Tavern is the oldest house in Durham and one of the oldest buildings in New Hampshire!  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Part of the original settlement at Oyster River Falls, this property is a living record of over three centuries of cultural and commercial development in Durham. 

The first owner was Valentine Hill, one of New England’s leading 17th Century entrepreneur’s.  Stackpole’s history says that on September 29, 1649, Valentine Hill and Thomas Beard were granted the fall of Oyster River to set up a sawmill.  Hill’s holdings in Durham were extensive, including a sawmill, a gristmill and water rights at the falls, directly across from what is now the Durham Town (the Old) Landing. 

The house survived a Native American attack in 1694 that destroyed many of the nearby homes and in 1699 was outfitted with special shutters for protection against attack that can still be seen in the lobby and Maples dining room. 

According to legend, during the Revolutionary War the main house was used as a storage place for munitions that had been taken from the British blockhouses in Portsmouth for use by the colonial troops.  

Take some time the visit the Three Chimneys Inn out of historical interest or stop in for lunch, dinner, for an up scale hotel stay, or to linger in the shade overlooking the Old Landing and the Oyster River below.

COUNCIL TO RECEIVE PRESENTATION FROM TOWN ENGINEER REGARDING REVISION OF TOWN’S WATER ORDINANCE AS WELL AS AN UPDATE RELATIVE TO THE MOST RECENT DRAFT OF WATER USE PLAN, DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN, AND WATER CONSERVATION PLAN FOR LAMPREY RIVER

On Monday evening, Town Engineer David Cedarholm will provide the Council with a presentation relative to a proposal to update the Town’s Water Ordinance (Chapter 158 of the Town Code) and provide a summary of the proposed amendments.  The ordinance update is intended to bring the Town in compliance with current regulatory requirements and allow the UNH/Durham Water System (UDWS) to operate more in accordance with current industry standards.

The original Water Ordinance was adopted by the Water Department of the Town of Durham in 1951 and underwent its last significant update in 1981.  Aside from a minor update that occurred last year relative to the Water Meter Upgrade Project, the current 5 page Water Ordinance is essentially unchanged from the 1951/81 ordinance.

In the 32 years since the last major update, state and federal regulations governing the operation and standards pertaining to public water systems have become much more specific.  In addition, the definition of a “public water systems” and what is considered “water infrastructure” has been broadened to include all water related systems such as drinking water, stormwater, as well as wastewater systems. 

This broadened perspective of public water systems approach is consistent with the Durham Town Council’s recently adopted goals of economic and environmental sustainability and integrating multiple elements.

The cardboard shed at the Raymond A. LaRoche Transfer Station and Recycling

Center during Thursday's Annual Safety Inspection by Staff  Courtesy Todd Selig

SAFETY COMMITTEE INSPECTS RAYMOND A. LAROCHE TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTER

The Town’s Safety Committee (Joint Loss Management Committee) comprised of staff members from each department visited the Raymond A. LaRoche Transfer Station and Recycling Facility this week to conduct an annual safety inspection.   A number of items were identified as needing attention.  In particular, the Department of Public Works will be asked to look at the long-term viability of the existing metal building which contains the cardboard baler and facility office. 

View from the statehouse of mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah. Courtesy Michael Behrendt

TOWN PLANNER ATTENDS CONFERENCE IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Michael Behrendt, Durham Director of Planning & Community Development, attended a conference of the Congress for the New Urbanism in Salt Lake City, Utah May 29 to June 1. 

Michael attended sessions about form-based codes, bringing nature into the municipality, building the not-so-big house, complete streets, advances in transportation technology, facilitating the development process, Mormon planning (hundreds of Utah communities were laid out following a prototypical grid) and other topics. 

He also rode on Salt Lake City’s superb light rail system; rented a bicycle through the city’s uber-easy-to-use bike share program;  visited Daybreak, a new urbanism development;  walked around the handsome state capitol with its views of the encircling Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains;  explored the Latter Day Saints temple complex with its fine buildings, landscaping, fountains, and statues (many of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, of course), situated in the heart of the downtown;  attended a concert of the Mormon Tabernacle choir;  and had at least one Wasatch beer (Salt Lake City is not a dry town). 

The city is surprisingly beautiful in spite of its overly wide streets (Brigham Young wanted ox teams to be able to make easy U-turns).  Here’s one not-very-applicable takeaway:  being surrounded by magnificent mountains will make up for many planning sins.

EVIDENCE AUDIT AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Several years ago Administrator Selig asked Chief Kurz to review each position in the police department to encourage the utilization of civilian employees. The goal was not to eliminate police personnel but to ensure that highly-trained law enforcement officers were focusing upon tasks requiring such expertise. 

During this exercise, Chief Kurz determined that significant hours were committed to the management of evidence by a detective. Transferring the day-to-day tasks associated with evidence to a civilian essentially equated to having 15 more hours added to a detective’s time! 

While oversight is still accomplished by the Detective Sergeant, the police department hired civilian Ed Cilley part-time at a pay scale significantly less than that of a police officer. Mr. Cilley has been overseeing the evidence function for the last seven years until recently when he advised Chief Kurz of his upcoming departure. Happily for Ed, but sadly for the department, Ed has resigned to accept a position as a full-time Pastor effective the end of June. 

Durham resident Sandy Rucker has accepted the part-time position and will work with Ed Cilley to learn the nuances and technical requirements of overseeing the evidence function at the police department. 

In order to maintain a high degree of evidentiary integrity over agency- controlled property and evidence, the Durham Police Department has a policy in place that requires if the property and evidence function is transferred from one person to another “an inventory shall be conducted jointly by the newly assigned person and the Chief of Police’s designee to ensure that the records are correct and properly noted.” 

The audit began on Monday and consumed several days as all kinds of items – from a bloody shirt to marijuana grow-lights, narcotics, guns, knives, a wallet found on the sidewalk, vials of blood extracted from drunken driving suspects as well as sexual assault examination kits are all retained in the evidence room at the police facility. All items in the department’s possession were accounted for and verified as still in custody ensuring that the integrity of the evidence function remains intact.

DOGS AT WAGON HILL FARM - POLICE TO UNDERTAKE PATROLS TO ENFORCE LEASH RULES | RESIDENT BITTEN BY DOG OFF LEASH

Durham has a leash law ordinance that requires dogs to be on leash at all times on public property except at Wagon Hill from dawn until 10AM. This adjustment was made by Administrator Selig at the behest of numerous residents using Wagon Hill where people wanted to let their animals run free, albeit under their voice command. Unfortunately, some dog owners are not as responsible as evidenced by an event that occurred the last week of May when Durham Police took a report from a man recently treated for a dog bite. 

While jogging on a trail at Wagon Hill, the man stated that five "Collie appearing" dogs encountered the victim on the trail.  He stopped running and bent over offering the back of his hand so the dogs could sniff and identify him and while doing so, one of the dogs came up from behind and bit him in the hamstring. As the owner of the collies approached there was brief conversation and they ultimately parted ways.  Later, as the victim continued his run he noticed that he was bleeding from the wound. 

The subsequent investigation was unable to identify the dog’s owner and verify that the dogs had appropriate vaccinations.  Durham police have been asked to provide some patrol activity at Wagon Hill as well as warnings to persons who have their dogs off leash after 10AM and those who do not pick-up their dog’s waste. 

In the immediate future, Durham Public Works will be installing multiple “doggie waste stations” throughout the park while the Durham Police prepare to enforce the leash law after 10AM. 

UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD ACTIVITY

The Planning Board will be reviewing the following four design review (preliminary) applications at its meeting on June 26:

• 17 & 21 Madbury Road (“Madbury Commons”). Complete redevelopment of multifamily site known as “The Greens” for mixed use project with multifamily housing for 460 +/- residents, office/retail, and parking.  Golden Goose Properties c/o Barrett Bilotta (applicant);  Rose Lawn Properties c/o Laura Gangwer (owner of 17 Madbury);  GP Madbury 17 c/o Barrett Bilotta (owner of 21 Madbury); Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering (engineer); TMS Architects (Architect).  Tax Map 2, Lots 12-3 & 12-4. Central Business Zoning District.  A significantly new design was submitted incorporating an outdoor plaza near the brook and a sidewalk and road down the middle of the site.
• 44 & 46 Main Street.  Complete redevelopment of a commercial site with a three-story mixed-use building.  Hayden Family Realty Trust and R&S Hayden Development, LLC (applicant); Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering (engineer). Tax Map 4, Lots 4-0 and 5-0. Central Business Zoning District.
• 49 Main Street.  Complete redevelopment of a commercial site with a three-story mixed-use building.  Paul Eja (proprietor of Pauly’s Pockets and applicant); Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering (engineer). Tax Map 5, Lot 1-2. Central Business Zoning District.
• 15 Madbury Road and 8 Mathes Terrace.  Complete redevelopment of two residential lots to include a three-story mixed-use building on either lot or on one combined parcel. Kostis Enterprises LLC and Theodore Finnegan (applicants); Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering (engineer); Tax Map 2, Lots 12-5 and 12-6. Central Business Zoning District.

NOW AVAILABLE! – 2013 POOL PASS VOUCHERS

Pool pass vouchers are now available at the Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office, 15 Newmarket Road. The Town Clerk’s Office is open 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

There are pool vouchers available only for Durham youths ages 4-17 and senior citizens 62 years or over to receive a $45.00 discount off the full price of a season pass. Vouchers are issued on a first-come first-served basis. Vouchers must be picked up BEFORE purchasing a pool pass, which are sold at the Front Service Desk at the Hamel Student Recreation Center, located next to the Whittemore Center on the UNH campus.

For more information regarding hours of operation for the Hamel Recreation Center, rental rates, group rates, policies and regulations, pool programs, Mendum’s Pond programs, or the Hamel Recreation Center facility and programs, please call the UNH Campus Recreation Department at 862-2031 or visit their website at http://campusrec.unh.edu/.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Town Offices will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Thursday, July 4, 2013. The Administrator's Office will also be closed on Friday, July 5, 2013. All other offices will reopen for regular business hours on Friday, July 5th at 8:00 AM.

ANNUAL JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

The Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay is again proud to hold the annual July 4th Celebration at Cowell Stadium on Thursday evening, July 4th, starting at 6:00 PM, with a rain date of Friday, July 5th. There will be a number of activities before the fireworks display. Come enjoy and celebrate with us the founding of our great nation!

Saddleback Mountain Farm. One of the many vendors participating in Durham's weekly Farmers Market. Courtesy Dyanna Smith

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. This will allow commuters that extra half hour to swing by and pick up fresh supplies to start the week off right. Patrons will find a variety of quality, local vendors. This week's vendors are:

• Applecrest Farm
• Burnt Swamp Farm
• Coppal House Farm
• Cracked an egg farm
• Debbie D's Homemade
• Etta's Soaps
• Forty Five Market Street Bakery and Cafe
• Great Bay Wool Works
• Hollister Family Farm
• JaneEslingermetalwork&jewelry
• Karimah's Kitchen
• Maine Homestead
• Mckenzie's Farm
• Mildred's Drumlin Farm
• Moriarty's Greenhouse
• Saddleback Mountain Farm
• Seacoast Growers Association
• Shagbark Farms
• Sugarmomma's Maple Farm
• Wake Robin Farm

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/

DOG LICENSE RENEWAL

New Hampshire law states “any owner or keeper” of a dog must register the dog annually in the month of April. A penalty of $1/month will be added to the registration fee beginning in June. If the dog(s) remain unlicensed, the law requires the issuance of a Civil Forfeiture which carries a $25 fine/dog.  If the dog(s) continue to remain unlicensed, a summons to court will be issued.  Prompt attention to licensing your dog(s) eliminates the need to pursue further action.

As always, you can register at the Town Clerk’s office M-F, 8-5.  If your dog’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date you can register on-line, or register by mail and include a copy of the new rabies expiration date.  

If you have received a notice from us, and you no longer have the dog, you will need to notify us as we have no other way to obtain this information.

BOAT REGISTRATIONS CAN NOW BE DONE AT TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE

The Town Clerk’s office is now able to register boats.  Bring you renewal notice to the town clerk’s office and save the time of mailing or the trip to DMV!

PROPERTY TAX AND WATER/SEWER BILLS

Property tax bills were mailed out to property owners on Wednesday, May 29th, and are due Monday, July 1st. Water/Sewer bills will be mailed out on Monday, June 10th, and are due Wednesday, July 10th. 

Just a reminder, the envelope included with the bill is addressed to our “lock box” location in Manchester. The advantage of the lock box service is quicker processing of payments, however, payments may still be mailed to or dropped off at the Town Clerk's Office.

 

LOW AND MODERATE INCOME TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

The State of New Hampshire Low & Moderate Income Tax Relief Program has begun with applications being accepted until June 30, 2013.  To access the application form, click HERE. Applications may also be obtained from the Town Assessor's office. Once completed, they must be mailed to:

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration

Document Processing Division

PO Box 299

Concord, NH 03302-0299

 

FREE WOOD CHIPS

Durham Public Works has left three dump truck loads of wood chips in the parking area at 48 Woodridge Road (the first lot on the left after you turn off Mill Road onto Woodridge).  Please help yourself.

Lamprey River - Feedback is requested from Durham residents regarding the draft Lamprey River Management Plan.

DRAFT LAMPREY RIVER MANAGEMENT PLAN - COMMENTS REQUESTED

The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has updated its Management Plan and is soliciting comments from Town government and community members.

Comments are requested by June 15th and can be emailed to Suzanne Petersen at spetersen.lrac@comcast.net, submitted by phone to Sharon Meeker at 603-659-5441, or mailed in using the review of draft/comment pages provided with a copy of the draft Management Plan located in the lobby at the Durham Town Hall.

To view the draft Management Plan and complete a comment form for submission, click HERE.

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL PICNIC

Pack your picnic supper basket and join the Durham Historic Association for its Annual Picnic on Tuesday, June 25th from 5PM-7PM at the home of David and Catherine Hills at 135 Piscataqua Road, the driveway on the left before the Emery Farm stand when heading toward Portsmouth from Durham. Following the picnic David will talk on the history of the family home. Parking is on the premises and carpooling is encouraged.  Be sure to bring your chairs and blankets. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a lovely summer evening in a pastoral setting at one of New Hampshire's oldest farms. It is also a fine time to become a member of the Durham Historic Association Inc., the oldest, continuously operating historical society in NH.  Individual membership $25, family membership $40.

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WORKSHOP

"SAFE OPTIONS FOR PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN HOME GARDENS", a free workshop on Wednesday, June 19th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers of the Durham Town Office.  The workshop will be led by Dr. Cheryl Smith, UNH Cooperative Extension Specialist for Plant Health.

Logo Design Contest! Prizes!  - The Durham Agricultural Commission needs a logo for use on posters and other educational and promotional materials.  Do you have an idea for a logo that captures the spirit of gardens and farms in Durham?  If so, please create a logo and submit it to Agricultural Commission Chair Theresa Walker by 7pm, August 1, 2013 at theresawalker@comcast.net.  The Agricultural Commission will select their favorite designs and award prizes to kids and adults at Durham Farm Day on  August 17th.  Logo designs must include the words "Durham Agricultural Commission". 

  
For more information and to register for the workshops, please contact Agricultural Commission Chair Theresa Walker at theresawalker@comcast.net, 603-659-7226. Information is also available on the Agricultural Commission website at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/bcc.

Many volunteer hours have been contributed to the library project as evidenced by this flurry of activity on a Saturday a few weeks ago.  Courtesy Walter Rous

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE   

Except for a little climate confusion between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, when it was actually sunny, it was either raining or about to rain.  This hampered the resumption of site work.  Heavy equipment and a sloppy site don’t mix.  Nevertheless, curbs and walkways could be laid out and the perforated drain was installed under the north side drip line. Additional exterior work toward the end of the week included a start to the bluestone caps along the arcade walls.

On the interior, the carpenters installed countertops and the peninsula in the Staff Work Area.  They also installed countertops in the restroom next to the Storytime and Crafts Room, the dropped soffit (lowered accent ceiling) in the main entry, and the restroom accessories.  Work continued on the air handling units control wiring and programing.  The electricians installed smoke detectors, more lights and worked on the security/alarm system.  The audio/visual work in the Community Room included installation of the ceiling speakers, the projector and running control wring from the front of the room to the Tech Closet.  The painters worked on the walls and trim in the Café and the glaziers installed the vision panels in the interior doors.

When the finish flooring starts to go down in earnest, you know the finish work “top-down” model is in play: first finish the ceilings, then the walls and finally the floors.  This week the carpet was completed in the Young Adult Room, the cork flooring was completed in the Community Room, linoleum was nearly complete in the Staff Area and the carpet in the main library, including the “pathway” carpet between the main entry and the Storytime and Crafts Room, was also nearly complete.

The main pathway through the library is defined by ceiling, lighting, and floor pattern. Courtesy Walter Rous

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.

Town Council - Monday, June 17, 2013. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.

Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, June 18, 2013.

Agricultural Commission Workshop - Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

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.

WATER GARDEN TOUR THIS SUNDAY FROM NOON TO FOUR

The Seacoast Water Garden Club is sponsoring a tour of Bayou New Hampshire, located at 246 Packers Falls Road in Durham.  Bayou New Hampshire is a series of ponds, marshes, and waterfalls begun by Julian Smith in 1968 to restore wetlands and wildlife habitat in an area ditched and drained by Colonial-era farmers. The tour follows a mown path across a bobolink meadow to a spring-fed swimming hole, then across a brook past several active beaver ponds. Smith will give guided tours beginning every hour on the hour--and a map with descriptions will be available for self-guided tours.  Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Admission is three dollars with all proceeds going to the York Center for Wildlife. To arrange a free guided tour on another Sunday, please contact Julian Smith at whalerock@smith-family.com.

DURHAM HOST FAMILIES NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
The New England Colonials International Basketball Club is looking for Durham area families to host our 2013 International Colonials players during the team’s June 26-27 visit to Durham.

This unique team will bring together 11 players from 11 countries this summer for a three-week basketball tour of New England. Players are 16 and 17 and they are all highly recommended to us by their club or school coaches overseas. Many play for their national teams and all speak English. Hosting assignments will be for two nights.

Countries represented this summer will be Austria, Brazil, England, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Serbia, and Sweden.

If you would like to welcome a young player from overseas to your home in June, please call Scott Bryson at 508-734-5660, or send an email to necolonials@aol.com.

To learn more about our nonprofit, all-volunteer program, visit http://www.newenglandcolonials.net/home.htm

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF WEEKLY "FRIDAY UPDATES"
The deadline for submissions of items for the weekly "Friday Updates" is Thursday each week. It is requested that submissions for upcoming events be provided closer to the actual event date. Please send information for inclusion in the "Friday Updates" to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE ORCSD ADVISORY BUDGET COMMITTEE?  abc@sau5.org 

Do you have budgeting experience? An understanding of District/state/national education policies? Good communication skills? Then the ORCSD Advisory Budget Committee is looking for you. There are currently three (3) open positions for 3-year terms running to May of 2016.

Residents interested in serving on this committee are asked to submit a resume with  qualifications and experience and a letter of interest explaining why they want to serve to Maria Barth, ORCSD School Board Chair at mbarth@orcsd.org by June 28, 2013. Please refer to the District website for additional information.

Board Chair will nominate individuals for appointment at the July 17th School Board Meeting.

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.

Surveying Horseshoe Crabs:  In 2012, researchers at the University of New Hampshire initiated a pilot-monitoring program surveying the horseshoe crab population in Great Bay Estuary. During the months of May and June, horseshoe crabs crawl onto the beaches of the estuary to dig nests and lay their eggs. During these months, researchers and volunteers, ranging from residents from the community to undergraduate research assistants from the University, survey several beaches surrounding Great Bay to look for and count mating horseshoe crabs on the shorelines. Researchers have also been tagging horseshoe crabs in efforts of estimating the size of the population in the estuary and note whether they return to the same beach from one year to the next. A major aspect of this project is the communication and collaboration with managers, biologists and residents of the community. Researchers have also posted posters at boat launches around the estuary with a link to an on-line questionnaire such that when beachcombers, boaters, and area residents spot horseshoe crabs (or tagged horseshoe crabs) they can directly contribute their findings to the research and conservation of this animal.

With help from the community, researchers hope to learn more about the horseshoe crab population in Great Bay and share that information back to the community in efforts of conserving this amazing and valuable “living fossil.” For more information, click HERE. Horseshoe crab spotters can also report their findings by filling out the on-line questionnaire http://surveymonkey.com/s/q6k3vkz

 

Bliss will perform on June 27th at Wagon Hill Farm, 5:30-8:00 PM.

Summer Concert Series Kickoff, June 27th - http://www.bliss4.net/. For more information, click HERE.

Storytelling Around The Fire:  Durham Parks and Recreation presents Michael Lang, storyteller and owner of The Coyote’s Inkwell, sharing folktales, fables, and his own original stories around a bonfire. When: Wednesday, June 26th (6:30PM) Where: Durham Town Landing Parking Lot

Cost:  FREE! Bring family and chairs!

Support Our Runners:  Come cheer on the Couch to 5k participants on June 22nd during the Bobcat Bolt @ ORHS.  Stay after the race to enjoy the Oyster River Festival, and don’t forget to stop by the DPR table!  Good luck runners!

Jackson’s Landing Kayak Tours:  We have tours scheduled all summer! 

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

Zumba for ORHS Grads: Preparing for the first year of college can be stressful!  Let it all out in our "Zumba for Grads" class, taking place the month of July only!  Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us 

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; balance; self rescue skills; wildlife exploration; and conservation topics. 

For more information, please visit Seven Rivers Paddling on FB, or email: sevenriverspaddling@gmail.com

 

Mad Science Summer Camp:
Rockin’ Rockets & Fantastic Flight - From the earliest flying machines to the first rocket, Fantastic Flight will allow campers to build many different flying devices from balloon copters and kites to rockets! Learn about navigation tools and see how Newton’s Laws of Motion help explain how things move and how rockets fly! When: 7/29/2013- 8/2/2013 Ages: 7 to 12 years old*
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Cost: $250.00 Where: ORMS

Secret Agent Lab - Look out 007 – the Mad Science Secret Agent Lab is in session! From decoding messages to metal detectors and night vision, you will get a chance to check out cool spy equipment and even create your own edible message in a hands-on look at the science that spies use! When: 8/5/2013- 8/9/2013 Ages: 7 to 12 years old* Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Cost: $250.00 Where: ORMS.  Register/ find out more HERE.

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

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

ORMS Jazz Band at Portsmouth Music Hall, Saturday, June 15, 2013, 7PM. Tickets: $15, general admission, and are available at The Music Hall Box Office, 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth. For more information: 603-436-2400, http://www.themusichall.org/ or email silentfilmnight@gmail.com.

"Ambassador Training" hosted by the Freedom Cafe at the Lighthouse Student Ministries, 10 Mill Road, Friday, June 21, 2013, 4-6:00 PM. Conducted by the Executive Director of The Amirah Project, a safe-house and rehabilitation center for survivors of human trafficking in Beverly, MA. For more information, contact Bryan Bessett, bjm28@unh.edu.

Bobcat Bolt/Oyster River Festival: Saturday, June 22, 2013, Oyster River High School, 9AM: Bobcat Bolt 5k/10k run/walk; 10:25 AM: Kids fun run; 11AM-1:30PM: Oyster River Festival; 8:30-9:00PM: Board for Portsmouth Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Cruise. For more information, click HERE and HERE.

Durham Great Bay Rotary meets each Wednesday @ 7:30AM for Breakfast at Three Chimneys Inn.  Sponsor of 4th of July Celebrations & fireworks in Durham at Cowell Stadium, UNH campus.

St. George's Episcopal Church in Durham community garden plots available. The raised beds are located in a sunny area behind the church. $20 for 4'x8' beds for the growing season and $10 for 4'x4' beds. Only a handful of beds remain. Please contact georgesgardens@comcast.net or call the Church office, 868-2785 to obtain further information and to complete a garden contract.

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

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Register for our fun 5 week summer reading program NOW!!  The theme this year is “Dig Into Reading!”.  Our program runs from June 25th through July 26th.  When you register you will receive a packet including your reading logs, calendars, some gifts and a fun bag!  Keep track of your reading minutes and have them checked once a week to earn a prize of the week.  You will receive a new book, and prizes at the end, as well as a reading certificate!  Also add to our visual display in the library.  We hope to be at the new library after July 16th (49 Madbury Road)!  Some of the fun events planned:

Tuesdays, June 25, July 2, 16, 23, 10:30 a.m. – All ages storytimes (preschool) – Dig Into Reading Themes!  Stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft!

Tuesdays, June 25, July 2, 16, 23, 6:30 p.m. (9-12 yr old group) – Wii Night/Game Nights, and decorate cupcakes.  We will also share what we’re reading.  Win prizes!

Thursdays, June 27, July 18, 25, 3:00-4:00 p.m. (6-8 yr. old group) – Bugs/Ant Farms, Legos, Rocks, archaeology, fairy houses.  We will hear stories, play games, do puzzles, crafts and share what we are reading.

Thursdays, June 27, July 18, 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m. (young adult writing group) – Like to write?  Join this writing group and add your writing to the Durham Library blog “Write Away”!  You will become your own editor and post to our blog.  Write book reviews, movie, play reviews, travel logs, poetry, song lyrics, short stories, more….! 

Friday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. at the ORHS Multi-purpose room – Summer Reading kick-off celebration for all ages with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries featuring Mike Bent!  Mike is a talented magician/all around performer.  Don’t miss this fun event.

Wednesday, June 26, 6:30 p.m. All ages Family night with the Durham Recreation Department – Michael Lang Storyteller at Jackson’s Landing with a Bonfire following!  Don’t miss this fun joint program at Jackson’s Landing with the Durham Rec Department!

Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 p.m. – All ages Family night joint program with the Durham Recreation Department – Nature Walk at the Jackson’s Landing Trail!  Meet at Jackson Landing and take a nature walk with a Durham Rec Department Naturalist.  We will make a craft afterwards.  Dress for a hike and wear bug spray!  Will happen rain or shine.  All are welcome!

Thursday, July 11, 10:30 a.m. ORHS Multi-purpose room – All ages Wildlife Encounters with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries.  Come and meet animals and learn about them.

Wednesday, July 17, 6:30 p.m. – All ages Family night –– Center for Wildlife from York, Maine will visit with their burrowing animals/diggers!  Meet these animals and learn about the Center! 

Thursday, July 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (ages 12 and up) – Marek Bennett Comic Workshop.  This is a joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries at the Durham Library.  Sign-ups required.

Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m. – All ages Family night – NH Children’s Museum Visit , Fish Aren’t Afraid of the Dark!  Learn about why sea animals glow and make a glowing fish art activity! 

Friday July 26, 10:30 a.m. at the Durham Library – All ages Finale Celebration with Wayne From Maine, Musician, with the Durham and Madbury Libraries!  Join us in celebrating your summer reading accomplishments.  Wayne from Maine is a talented and interactive musician for all ages.  He will have everyone on their feet moving to his music.   Wayne from Maine’s performance is generously sponsored by the Byrne Foundation, CHILIS, the Cogswell  Benevolent Trust, the NH Library Association, the NH State Library and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.  A special thank-you to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for all their support.  Prize books, reading certificates, and Bagel Works Prize will be handed out.  Cake will also be served.  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 Chinese Market, Franz’s Food, Water Country and other local businesses for their prize donations.

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

FROM "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY - 1900-1985"

"For many years, townspeople gathered at the church for a New Year's dinner, prepared by the men and served to all. This tradition started at the turn of the century and continued until World War II. Old-timers came from great distances to meet old friends and to reminisce.

The Women's Guild, formed by the combining of the Ladies' Aid and the Missionary societies in 1929, counted every interested woman a member. Mrs. Ernest G. Ritzman was the first president. The Christmas Bazaar, held the first Thursday in December, was the big event of the year. The expertise of the members in making Christmas wreaths, partridge berry bowls, and dried arrangements, as well as handcrafted gifts, quilts, homemade candy, and baked goods soon attracted large crowds to the sale

When other churches were built in town, they were invited to have their Christmas fair the same day. Since 1957 the ecumenical fair day, now held the first Saturday in December, has received national acclaim. Seven churches participated in 1984.

Over the years, many groups have used Community Church facilities. These include the Women's Club, the Little People's Center (day care), the Drop-in Center for the mentally handicapped, the Silver Squares, the Active Retirement Association (programs for senior citizens), and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

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

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