Friday Updates - June 19, 2015

Friday, June 19, 2015

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Today, June 19, 2015, was the last day of school for the Oyster River Cooperative School District. Courtesy Todd Selig
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A reminder that Father’s Day is on this Sunday, June 21st.  Sunday is also the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.  

In addition, we understand that there will be beatles in the orchard at Wagon Hill Farm this coming Thursday, June 25th!  A Beatles Tribute Band, that is, as part of the Parks & Recreation Department's summer concert series from 6 PM - sunset.  See more information below...

DURHAM'S FERTILIZER USE – 2013 DURHAM LAWN CARE ATTITUDE SURVEY

A 2013 survey of 470 Durham residents revealed that nearly half of those surveyed fertilized their lawns – either by themselves or with a lawn care service.

Fertilizer and the Nitrogen it possesses has been shown to be a significant source of harmful nutrient load for the Great Bay and the plants and animals that live there.  The Nitrogen is washed from lawns during rain into tributaries that eventually make their way into the bay!  

The most popular application frequency is twice a year, followed by once a year. Those that apply fertilizer by themselves typically follow the instructions on the bag and the majority use an entire 10 or 15 pound bag.


Did you know that Lawn Grass Clippings are a great source of nitrogen to feed your lawn? Just follow the “one third rule” – which means that we should not remove more than one third of the grass blade at a time.

This means that the grass clippings are smaller and break down faster. Grass clippings are considered a slow release source of nitrogen because they can take several weeks to several months to completely break down.

This might mean mowing your lawn more frequently, however if you have a push mower, it has been proven to be an efficient form of cardiovascular activity.

Please do your part in protecting our local watersheds by lessening the amounts of fertilizer applied each year.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

All Town Offices will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 3, 2014.

NO JULY 4TH FIREWORKS IN DURHAM THIS YEAR

A reminder that because we did not have a group step forward to take over the Durham fireworks from the Durham-Great Bay Rotary Club, there will be no July 4th fireworks in Durham this year.  

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES P&S AGREEMENT FOR SALE OF FORMER TOWN OFFICE SITE FOR $650,000 - Sale scheduled to occur within 60 days.

Last October, the Town issued an RFP for the redevelopment of the former Town Office  at 15 Newmarket Road and three responses were received.  After careful evaluation, the Town Council chose the proposal submitted by William and Carrie Salas from Applied GeoSolutions.  


Staff and the Town Council have been negotiating with the Salases to work out the details of the sale and we now have a an executed Purchase and Sales Agreement.


The Salases plan to renovate this historic building into a new home for their company, Applied GeoSolutions.  This is a potentially exciting outcome for the Town of Durham.  


Those residents who felt passionately that the former Town Office should be preserved as a contributing building in the town’s historic district will see it renovated and preserved.  The buyers are employing historic architects and experts to assist them with this significant undertaking.  


Additionally, the town puts this site back on the property tax rolls along with adding the selling price of $650,000 to the town General Fund to help offset the cost of the new Town Hall.  As a bonus, the Town also becomes home to an emerging company that currently employs just under 20 people, with expansion plans that will increase that to as much as 35 over the next few years.    


At this time, we anticipate the residual cost of the new Town Hall will be covered by this sale and through the use of undesignated Fund Balance rather than through additional debt service.

 

Rachel Gasowski (right) during the 2014 Casting for Kirby Youth Fishing Derby at the Town of Waterville Valley where she was employed for seven years.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR SELECTION PROCESS UPDATE – Rachel Gasowski

In total, the Town received 74 applications for the Parks & Recreation Director position.  Some applicants were from the Durham area, some were from elsewhere in NH, while others were from out of state.  There were applicants from as far away as North Carolina and California.  Many applicants had some degree of Parks & Recreation experience while others had very little.  


The selection committee (former Parks & Rec. Committee Chairperson Nate Trauntvein, Parks & Rec. Committee member Jayson Seaman, Town Councilor Kenny Rotner, Stefanie Frazee, and Mr. Selig) has had an opportunity to carefully review and discuss the applications received. The panel narrowed the list and conducted an initial in-person interview for the top 6 applicants.   Subsequently, the panel narrowed that initial in-person interview grouping down to three individuals.


On Thursday, June 11th, the full Parks & Recreation Committee met in nonpublic session with Mr. Selig beginning at 6:30 PM in the upstairs conference room at the Town Hall to interview the three finalists.  Following the interviews, the group was unanimous in recommending Rachel Gasowski for appointment by the Administrator.  


On Monday evening, June 22nd, the Town Council will hold a special meeting at 6:30 PM immediately before the Eversource presentation relative to Administrator Selig’s appointment of Rachel Gasowski of Madbury, NH as Parks and Recreation Director.  Per Town Charter, the Administrator’s appointment of department heads is subject to the “advice and consent” of the Town Council.  


The salary range for the Parks & Recreation Director position in Durham is $52,814 - $63,233.  Administrator Selig has set Mrs. Gasowski’s annual salary at $59,500.


Rachel has previously served as the Parks and Recreation Director for Waterville Valley, NH for many years.


To view an article on Mrs. Gasowski from Waterville Valley, click HERE.

FOLLOW UP FORUM ON SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT SCHEDULED IN DURHAM TO BE HELD ON JUNE 22ND

At the Town’s request, Eversource representatives will return to Durham to provide a presentation and answer questions from members of the public concerning the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project. 

The session will be held Monday, June 22, 2015 from 7 PM – 9 PM in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall.   The session will be televised live on DCAT-Channel 22.  


We will set up overflow seating for the foyer if needed.


Jim Jiottis, Manager of Transmission Engineering for Eversource in New Hampshire, will be leading the Seacoast Reliability Project presentation. The presentation will include a project overview, Eversource’s perspective on the need for the project, the proposed route and alternatives that were considered by the company, the community outreach efforts Eversource has undertaken, project modifications considered to date as a result of discussions with Durham/UNH, vegetation management, additional project benefits from the perspective of Eversource, the Little Bay crossing, and the NH Site Evaluation Committee process. 

Following the presentation, there will be a lengthy Question and Answer period.

 

Administrator Selig will moderate the Question and Answer session and will take questions both in person as well as via email.  Email questions to tselig@ci.durham.nh.us either before or during the meeting.  


In addition to Jim Jiottis, Eversource will have several other subject matter experts on hand to answer questions.


At the end of the evening if residents find that they were unable to ask a question or would like additional follow-up, Eversource invites residents to call their Project Hotline at 888-926-9334 or send them an email at transmissioninfo@eversource.com .

 

Bill Quinlan, President of Eversource New Hampshire Electric Operations, sent a letter this week to Administrator Selig and UNH President Mark Huddleston.  To view the letter, click HERE.

Eversource had provided correspondence to Administrator Selig in the recent past regarding the project dated 6/3/15.  Read the letter HERE.

Eversource has provided an open letter to the community dated 6/3/15 with additional information about the project in a Question/Answer format.  View that letter HERE.

An image 7 additional parking spaces planned to be constructed in the existing upper parking lot this fall by DPW.  Courtesy DPW

ADDITIONAL PARKING PLAN FOR WAGON HILL FARM

Before you read further, please know this is not the 40-80 car parking lot proposal that has been discussed in recent years at Wagon Hill Farm near the community gardens.  Rather, last summer we moved forward and added parking along the entry drive to Wagon Hill Farm to better accommodate sledders and other users of the property in order to move sledder parking off of Route 4 in the winter where it is hazardous to load and unload.    

The final phase of this low profile parking expansion plan is to add approximately 7 additional spaces immediately adjacent to the existing parking area at the top of the hill in the large stand of scraggly sumac. 

The image above shows what this parking expansion would look like and how it would be integrated with the existing parking.  Administrator Selig does not anticipate supporting any plans for parking beyond this until 2018 at the earliest (see next item).  


Due to a busy Public Works Department schedule, the additional  7 or so spaces would not be constructed until the fall.  

 

The iconic wagon at Wagon Hill Farm  Courtesy Patrick Houle

WHO IS IN CHARGE OF WAGON HILL FARM?  In addition, what is the status of the 40-80 space parking lot proposal that has been discussed since it was offered as a recommendation in the 1995 WHF Master Plan?

Over the years, there has unfortunately been a certain level of disagreement over the vision for Wagon Hill Farm creating an ongoing tension amongst members of the community.  Often the question comes down to, Who is in charge? 

This note tries to address that question and hopefully can begin to move everyone forward productively!


With very few exceptions, there is not one group or person who has the final say on what happens in local government in Durham or elsewhere.  Like sausage making, it is often a messy process.


Wagon Hill Farm is technically under the supervision of the Administrator per Town Charter, with overall policy parameters under the final say of the Council.  For years, no one board/committee stepped for to tackle Wagon Hill Farm so the Department of Public Works (namely Public Works Director Mike Lynch) handled things under the Administrator’s oversight and did so quite well.  


I had asked the Parks and Recreation Committee to take a more active planning role a number of years ago at Wagon Hill Farm because no one else was particularly interested in doing so.  Parks and Recreation stepped forward and has worked hard to make improvements there.  The recent collaboration between the Durham Parks & Recreation Department and the ORMS 5th Grade in developing and installing interpretive signage is a wonderful example of efforts made to date.  So, too, is the summer concert series there.  (Note, next week's concert will be held in the Orchard to ensure we are not putting too much stress on the grassy area down by the bay pursuant to the Stewardship Plan for the property.)


This does not mean, however, that the many other boards and committees we have in town may not also have a valid interest or possess alternative ideas and aspirations for the property.  


The Conservation Commission has a vested interest in the wetlands and erosion at Wagon Hill Farm, as well as in doing other things like establishing Cottontail Rabbit habitat on the so-called “North 40."  The DCC contracted to have a Stewardship Plan developed for the property a few years ago that will be an important resource and guide going forward.


The Agricultural Commission has a vested interest in how the agricultural lands there (and elsewhere) are used.  


The Energy Committee may have an interest in a solar array one day, or perhaps a wind farm (though at this point in time wind velocity would not make such a proposal viable).  


The Heritage Commission has a valid purview over whether to recommend to the Council that we apply to put the property on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic foundations and graveyards there are of interest to them, and other historical elements of the land may also be of concern.  


The Trustees of the Trust Funds manage several dedicated funds for the betterment of the property.  

Community Gardens for All is working to enhance the garden area per an agreement executed with the Town in 2013.  Last week, the group began construction of a shade arbor for the gardeners which was vetted and approved for installation by DPW.  


Finally, the Public Works Department handles the day to day maintenance and upkeep of the property as time/funding allows.


In my opinion, the winning viewpoint is that “we” as a group of interested townspeople, boards, and staff are working to be good stewards of the property.  In doing so, there can be legitimate differing perspectives on what should be accomplished.  


The guiding document for environmental stewardship at Wagon Hill Farm with respect to our activities there per a recent Town Council resolution is now the Stewardship Plan written by Ellen Snyder against which the Council has asked that I, as the overseer of municipal properties, ensure our boards and committees and staff compare and contrast proposed uses/ideas against.  


The new Recreation Chapter of the Master Plan will similarly help to guide our collective efforts at the property in other ways.  While there were a number of changes made to it by the Planning Board in the last four or so weeks based on considerable citizen input, these changes largely left the major themes intact upon which most residents can agree. 

In short:

• A good number of our boards and committees in Town have an opportunity to be involved at WHF.
• The Stewardship Subcommittee of the Conservation Commission is a very good vehicle through which to work through issues at the WHF property and elsewhere that impact multiple interest groups.
• The Public Works Department is in charge of the ongoing daily care, upkeep, and maintenance of the property.  
• Per the Town Council resolution, the Stewardship Plan for WHF should be consulted and evaluated when planning initiatives at the property.
• The Recreation Chapter of the Master Plan will serve as an important planning tool moving forward.  It will assist our efforts and initiate important conversations regarding WHF and elsewhere.
• To diffuse deep seeded community concerns about the construction of a new 40-80 space parking lot in the vicinity of the gardens at WHF and to provide a reasonable period for thoughtful reflection, evaluation, and data collection concerning the idea, I am moving forward with my suggestion from earlier this spring that I will not include this parking lot proposal as part of the Administrator’s proposed CIP for three years until the 2018 Capital Improvement Plan, at the earliest.  I have asked DPW to move ahead with expanding the existing upper parking lot by 6-7 spaces this summer as planned. (See the illustration in the above topical item.)

Once again, our various boards and committees are welcome and encouraged to be involved with and make recommendations regarding the property, and to work with this office and the Public Works Department in moving forward improvements at the property.  I’ll make the final call where there are conflicts, in consideration of a full spectrum of interests, costs and benefits, unless the Council overrules me.  

At this point, I encourage everyone who cares about Wagon Hill Farm to look forward and focus on the many opportunities for finding common ground in making future improvements at the property.  It is truly a gem for Durham.

UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE MAST PLAN

To date, the following new Master Plan chapters have been endorsed by Planning Board:

1.    Agriculture

2.    Community Character

3.    Energy

4.    Housing and Demographics

5.    Land Use (Existing)

6.    Natural Resources

7.    Recreation

Upcoming public hearings before Planning Board (endorsed by Master Plan Advisory Committee) are schedule for:

8.    Economic Development – Public Hearing on June 24

9.    Downtown and Commercial Core – Public Hearing on July 8

 

A final chapter is being reviewed by Master Plan Advisory Committee at this time:

10.    Historic Resources – continued review on July 2.  Once endorsed by the MPAC it will be forwarded to the Planning Board.

 

Residents can view all of the chapters at the Town's website.

The term “endorsement” means that the Planning Board has generally found the chapter acceptable, recognizing that there may well be other changes to be made after all of the chapters are submitted.  After the Planning Board has endorsed all ten of the chapters, it will hold at least one more public hearing on all of the chapters together to obtain additional input.  The board will then make any appropriate changes in the various chapters at that time prior to adoption.


Once the first ten chapters have been formally approved, we will move forward with the next section of the Master Plan – Future Land Uses.

 

VACANCY ON PLANNING BOARD - A Full Member Position is Needed

The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill a regular member vacancy on the Planing Board.

 

The Planning Board is a land use board that has varied responsibilities in determining the development and growth of the Town. The Planning Board has the power to review and approve subdivisions, site plans, and voluntary mergers as outlined within state statutes. The Planning Board also takes part in the amendment of the Zoning Ordinance. A key function of the Planning Board is to prepare and amend the Town Master Plan.

The Durham Planning Board meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month beginning at 7PM. Meetings are held at the Council chambers located on the first floor of the Town Hall.


Citizens interested in board appointments should contact the Town Administrator’s office at 868-5571 and ask for a board application form, or stop in at the Town Clerk’s office located on the first floor of the Town Hall, 15 Newmarket Road, and complete an application.  Applications are also available on the Town’s web site.

Additional questions concerning the Planning Board may be directed to the Planning, Zoning, and Assessing Office at (603) 868-8064.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE ON NEWLY-ESTABLISHED DOWNTOWN TIF DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD

The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to serve on a newly-established Downtown TIF District Advisory Board.

In April this year, the Council adopted a resolution creating an Advisory Board for the district in accordance with Section XIX “Advisory Board” of the revised Downtown TIF District Program and Finance Plan, pursuant to RSA 162-K:14.

The makeup of the Advisory Board is as follows:

• Three members will be owners or occupants of real property within or adjacent to the district as required by 162-K:14 ("Adjacent” means adjoining or bordering - actually touching a property line or a public ROW line within the District).
• One member will be from the Economic Development Committee.
• One member will be a Durham resident that is not an owner or occupant of  real property in the district. 

Citizens interested in serving on the Advisory Committee may stop in or contact the Town Administrator’s office at 868-5571 and ask for a board application form. Applications are also available on the home page of the Town’s web site: www.ci.durham.nh.us in the green area located at the right. Click on “Forms”, then “Application for Appointment”.


Completed applications may be mailed to the Town Administrator’s office, or submitted via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

For more information on the Advisory Committee and its charge, click HERE.

ANNUAL BOARD OFFICER TRAINING SESSION WITH ADMINISTRATOR SELIG SCHEDULED 

Each year, Todd Selig invites the chair/vice chair of Durham’s boards/committees to meet with him as an orientation to the chair/vice chair position, issues regarding the right to know law, an orientation concerning Council goals, and many other matters.  All members of board/committees are welcome to attend, as is the public. 

The session this year will be held at 7 PM on June 23rd in the Town Council chambers.  It will be televised on DCAT beginning at 7 PM.

INTRODUCING NO-SORT CURBSIDE RECYCLING
Beginning on July 20, 2015, residential curbside collection will become no-sort, meaning you no longer have to separate paper and cardboard from cans, plastic, and glass. Every week recyclables will be the same. Besides making recycling even easier on each resident, this method will be less expensive and much better for the environment since it will encourage even more recycling! Basically, if it’s easy, more people will participate.

 

The more we all recycle, the less it costs the Town and its residents.

 

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY

Saturday September 26, 2015.  The 2015 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive.  As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only.  To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.  Remember- The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS 5 GALLONS!

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

 
LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS , MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY!  These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year.  Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil, anti-freeze and oil based paints can go up as is.  Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR JULY 4TH

An early reminder, the Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, July 4th.  There will be no commercial collection on Friday, July 3rd as well.  Attached is the holiday schedule for the year, which was also mailed out to all residents in December and is posted on the site.

A POTENTIAL WAY TO HELP PROTECT WATER QUALITY IN THE GREAT BAY IN YOUR OWN YARD

Soak Up the Rain (SOAK) Great Bay is a voluntary program with the goal of protecting and restoring clean water in the Great Bay estuary.  


Soak Great Bay assist home and property owners with the following:

• Determine if a property is creating stormwater runoff that may be impacting Great Bay.
• If it is, SOAK will give the owner recommendations for a solution.  In many cases, if the solution fits the size of SOAK's projects, SOAK can design the solution, procure the materials and install the solution for the property owner.  SOAK works with the property owner on the design and asks them to contribute 50% of the cost of the materials.

For more information call Laura Byergo, Project Manager, at (603) 501-0720, 

or visit the SOAK website for more information.   

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.

 

DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION PRESENTS...

Beyond Chickens 101: How to Manage an Established Flock, Thursday, June 25th 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Durham Public Library.  Dot Perkins of UNH Cooperative Extension will share her extensive knowledge about living with chickens, including nutrition, illness, predation and flock management.  The workshop is free.  Please contact Michelle Whisnant of the Durham Agricultural Commission for information, 292-5156 or spiritfawn@gmail.com.

 

SUMMER HOT DEALS!

The "Summer Hot Deals" listed below will begin on June 15th and will run through August 15th. Please contact the businesses directly with any questions.

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3 Bridges Yoga, 37 Main St., 603-590-0010, http://3bridgesyoga.com/

$30 5 class card, limit one time use per customer. Classes cannot be shared or transferred. All sales final.

Amy's Frame Shop, 44 Main St., 603-868-2511, http://www.amysframeshop.com/

20% off a single custom framing order of $200 or more when you mention "Summer Hot Deals". Discount applied to materials only. One discount per customer. Valid for one item/art being framed & must include a custom frame. Order must be placed between Jun 15 - Jul 15, not to be used on past orders.

Domino's, 7 Mill Road, 603-868-6230, http://www.dominos.com/

Spend $10 and get free breadsticks or cinnastix. Spend $20 and get a free small 1 topping as well as free breadsticks or cinnastix.

Durham Bike & Sports, 72 Main St., Unit 1 in Aroma Joe's Bldg, 603-397-5140, https://www.facebook.com/durhambike

40% off all 2015 bikes - 20% off all helmets - 50% off all mens' and womens' swimsuits & swim gear.

Hair Dimensions, 3 Jenkins Court, 603-868-1323 http://www.hairdimensionsspa.com/

All hair services 20% off. Manicure & Pedicure Combo - $45 on Fri and Sat only

SolSistar, 9 Madbury Road, 603-397-5229, http://www.solsistar.com/

Take 25% off of one item every Friday this summer when you mention "Summer Hot Deals". Offer not valid on previous purchases and sale items.

The Candy Bar, 44 Main St., 603-397-5154, http://www.thecandybarnh.com/#!

20% off collectible candy tins, giant gummy bears/giant gummy worms, and black licorice when you mention this ad.

Town & Campus, 60 Main St., 603-868-9661, http://townandcampusunh.com/

Father's Day and Graduation greet cards 25% off

UNH Dining Services, 75 Main St., 603-862-483, http://www.unh.edu/dining/

UNH Dairy Bar, 3 Depot Road. Conquer the 2015 ice cream trail and pick up a NH guide map. Get passport stickers from all the NH ice cream locations listed for a free sweatshirt. You will also be entered in a drawing with a chance to win a basket of NH Made goodies, sweatshirt, and one year membership to your local Planet Fitness.

Great Bay Rowing’s Boys’ Varsity Team. Courtesy Nicky Gullace

GREAT BAY ROWING TEAMS COMPETE AT JACKSON'S LANDING

Great Bay Rowing has just completed another season at the beautiful Jackson’s Landing site in Durham. The GBR Junior Rowing Team competed at regattas in Lowell, MA, Hanover, NH and at Jackson’s Landing, where they hosted a scrimmage against Berwick Academy’s newly established crew team.  Great Bay Rowing will be running a number of Learn to Row Camps this summer in Durham and Dover and will be launching a new Middle School Crew Team for 7th and 8th graders in Durham this fall.  Children and Adults (12 years and olderr) who would like to learn to row can find a variety of programs listed on GBR’s website.

TOURS OF MILL POND CENTER PROPERTY - SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH

A group of local residents has organized a Tour of the former Mill Pond Center property. This effort is a completely grass roots effort and does not involve the Town of Durham at this time. All are welcomed to attend the tour to be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015.

Tour Times: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon


At the tour, people are invited to offer ideas on ways this varied-use property could serve residents.


Hiking foot gear would help if you plan to take a walk on the paths.


Ideas offered at previous meetings embrace the notion of a center for residents to work, learn, play, and gather as a multiplicity of neighborhoods to build community in support of Durham's heritage and town identity. Examples:

• Teaching/learning opportunities for Durham youth
• Arts and cultural development; theater classes
• Nature walks on topics such as native plants
• Seasonal community events such as Apple Fests and Maypole Dances
• Opportunities for Community Gardening or a small CSA (Community Supported Agricultural program: boxes of fresh produce provided for families through a financial agreement a farmer)
• In-town walking paths
• Historic and up-to-date displays of farm work

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.

Town Council - Monday, June 22, 2015 (6:30 PM - Special meeting to appt new P&R Director)

Annual Board Officer Training Session with Administrator Selig - Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Planning Board - Wednesday, June 24, 2015

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://www.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.

DCAT Programming Schedule.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

New Programming - Bayou New Hampshire with Julian Smith

Run time: 25 minutes

Saturday & Sunday @ 1:00 PM & 8:00 PM


Have you ever wondered why Town Councilor Julian Smith (pictured above), carries that club like stick as a cane?  Tune in and find out.  Julian gives DCAT 22 Studios a tour of what he calls “Bayou New Hampshire”.  Check out his extensive ponds and learn about the beavers that call Julian’s NH bayou, home.  Julian, like his beaver pals, has been very busy indeed.  DCAT 22 Studios original programming.  This video is also available on our On Demand site.  
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David Williams Interviews Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey

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Eversource Public Information Forum on Seacoast Reliability Project - Run time:  1:30

The front end of this video contains roughly 23 minutes of Q & A between Eversource Contractors and Durham Town Council Members, James Lawson and Carden Welsh.

Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 AM

Tuesday: 7:00 PM

Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 PM

This video is also available on our On Demand site.

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Join DCAT 22 Studios on a time lapse video tour of our New Town Hall.  Watch from a bird’s eye view as the Town Hall starts as the old bank and quickly transforms into our new space.   This video is only available on our On Demand site.

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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.

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.

Camp R.E.A.C.H. 2015 - Space Available – Click HERE for registration forms.

Meet The Beatles Tribute Band – STUDIO TWO!

Studio Two is a headlining Beatles band that pays tribute to the early Beatles years, choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era. Featuring graduates from Berklee College of Music and Beatles devotees, Studio Two band mates met in a “cellar full of noise” in a town slightly west of Liverpool (Milford, New Hampshire!) to pay homage to the greatest rock band of all time. Band members are experienced musicians of today’s generation dedicated to preserving the memory and fan culture of The Beatles generation. By recreating the Fab Four’s music, instruments, and onstage banter, Studio Two performs your most favorite hits that will bring people to the dance floor.

When:  Thursday, June 25th 6 - Sunset (June 26th rain date)
Where: Wagon Hill Farm Apple Orchard

 

View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE.

Save the Date:

Camp REACH: July - August 2015
Music By The Bay Summer Concert Series @ WHF 6 – 8PM (FREE):

     Studio Two – Beatles Tribute: June 25 (26th rain date)

     Marcy Drive Band - Classic Rock Cover Band: July 16 (17th rain date)

     Granite Planet - Dance, Pop, Rock, 60’s to Today: August 20 (21st rain date)

 

View band descriptions HERE.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Public Open House Workshop, Wednesday, Jun 24, 2015, 4-7PM, Durham Public Library. The New Hampshire Floodplain Management Program at the Office of Energy and Planning and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will jointly host a public open house workshop regarding the new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that will become effective on September 30, 2015 for a portion of Strafford County, which includes the communities of Dover, Durham, Madbury, and Rollinsford. RSVP to Kellie Walsh, 603-271-2155, ekllie.walsh@nh.gov. More information HERE.

Great Bay Yacht Club Notice of Race - Saturday, Jul 18, 2015 (rain date Sunday, Jul 19), Hilton Sate Park, Dover, 9:30AM Registration, Races to follow. To pre-register, click HERE.

Generations Humanitarians: Oyster River Community Humanitarian Expedition. A trip is forming for Dec. 2015 - Jan 2016 to the Sacred Valley of Peru, in and around Cuzco.  Generations Humanitarians is a nonprofit organization that provides homes for orphaned street children in Peru.  In an ongoing effort to focus attention on their various children’s homes, they coordinate humanitarian expeditions. Click HERE for more information. Contact: Christine Watts at artnic@comcast.net

Durham Bike and Sports – Biking Adventure Overnight Camps. Two-day overnight trip to a NH state park to challenge participants on some of the best mountain biking trails in NH. Focus on developing safe riding techniques, trail riding skills, basic repairs and maintenance, increasing fitness and exploring local and NH trail systems. Emphasis on FUN! Includes tenting overnight. Opportunities for swimming, fishing, and learning outdoor skills: basic first aid, outdoor cooking and safe and efficient camping skills. List of required and suggested equipment will be provided. Limited to 10 participants. Ages 12-15.  $195.  July 23-24 & Aug 6-7.

Great Bay Rowing Adult Summer Programs, offered at the GBR/UNH boathouse located in Dover at the Cocheco waterfront. To learn more and to register, click HERE.

Free Barre Class Every Monday in June at 6:15PM

Durham Bike and Sports Mountain Bike Ride, every Sunday leaving from the shop at 10AM.  Everyone welcome! Will ride local trails for 1-2 hours or check Facebook page for upcoming ride information or call 603-397-5140.
Garden Plots at St. George's Episcopal Church. St. George's Episcopal Church has three 4'x8' garden plots and one 4'x4' garden plot open to renting this growing season. Please contact our garden steward, Laura Williford, at stgeorgesgardens@comcast.net or call 603-833-3740 for more information.
Durham Farmers' Market Opens for the Season, every Monday from 2:15 - 6PM, beginning Monday, June 1st. Now located at Jackson's Landing. For more information, click HERE.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

The Joys of Fly Fishing, Tuesday June 23rd 6:30 pm - The sport has become closely linked to conservation efforts, find out why.  Secret locations where the sport is enjoyed both locally and distant. Presented by Mitch Kalter, Trout Unlimited.  Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Beyond Chickens 101 Thursday June 25th 6-7:30 pm - Learn how to manage an established flock. Presented by Durham Agricultural Commission. Contact Michelle Whisnant 292-5156
Register for our fun 5 week summer reading program.  The theme this year is “Every Hero Has a Story!”  Our program runs from June 29th through July 31st.  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.  Some of the fun events planned:

Summer Reading Kick-Off Celebration with “Children’s Author/Performer David Hyde Costello”  “Little Pig Joins the Band”, Wednesday, July 1st at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room.  Join us and have fun with music and this talented author!  All are welcome.
Summer Reading runs June 29th through July 31st

Mondays:

4:00pm - Young Adult Writing Group (ages 10 & up)

6:00 p.m. – Family Movie Nights

Tuesdays:

10:30 a.m. – Storytimes

6:30 pm – 9-12 year old group,

Wednesdays:

4:00 p.m. - Make-It! (ages 8 & up)

6:30 p.m. - Family Music Nights, “Music on the Durham Library Lawn”

 Thursdays:

10:30 a.m. – Drop-in Special Programs for all ages. Wildlife Encounters at Madbury Town Hall 7/16

3:00 p.m. – 6-8 year old program

6:00 p.m. – Teen Superhero Movie Night and Jetpack Comic visit on 7/9

Friday July 31, 10:30 a.m. at the Durham Library – All ages Finale Celebration with talented performer and giant balloonist, Jungle Jim and his Superhero Training!  

Also, Trivia Question of the Week, Guessing Jar, Hero Wall and Superhero Training!
Win $25 to Bella's Restaurant- Adult Summer Reading Program Starts June 29 Adult patrons are invited to try something new this summer – exploring heroes, superheroes, and other extraordinary people, places and events.    Solve the weekly hero puzzle at DPL  and enter into the drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Bella's Restaurant.  Program runs June 29-July 31 (the same as the kid’s summer reading program). No registration required.  “Escape the Ordinary” the National theme for the Durham Public Library’s 2015 Adult Summer Reading Program. Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Beach Reads   - By request, the Friends of the Library are offering pocketbook "Beach Reads" for sale in the Library cafe.

Book Sale - Saturday June 20th 10-4 - Friends of the Library annouce: THE VERY BIG ONE DAY BOOK SALE!
Friends of the Library Adult Summer Read - 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 2015 book is Middlemarch by George Eliot. Copies to borrow for the summer are available at the library. Enrich your reading if you like by signing up with your name and email at the library, and you will receive: A brief historical and biographical background, along with suggestions for enjoyable reading, sent in early June. Periodic encouragements and provocative quotes. The opportunity to ask questions before September. Signup is optional; you can request to be put on the list at the circulation desk, over the telephone (868-6699), or by email (durhampl@gmail.com).
Win $300 in Photography Contest   - DPL is hosting a photography contest, sponsored by a Durham resident, to capture the beauty, character, & identity of Durham as it exists throughout the course of one year beginning July 4, 2015.  Contestants chronicle a year in the town, in a series of 7 photos that express Durham’s character. Contest rules & applicaton found on the library website http://durhampubliclibrary.org
Technology Help - The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology, such as computers, iPads and phones. Call us to check on the availability of our volunteers at 868-6699 or email us at durhampl@gmail.com.
Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club.  Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library.  Talk to the Children’s Librarian at the children’s desk for more details.

 

Check out the Durham Public Library website durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.

FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1960 - Each fall mayoralty campaigns were a campus tradition. Two weeks pior to Home Coming ambitious candidates vied with each other with fantastic promises and public exhibitions. The only official duty was to host the half-time of the game with high jinks and hilarity.

Elementary School Humor:  Why was six afraid of seven? Because 7,8,9.

Have a very nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

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