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Participants gather for this past weekend’s Bobcat Bolt 5K at the Oyster River High School.
Courtesy Todd Selig
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Summer officially arrived in Durham today (June 21), marking the longest day, the shortest night, and the beginning of summer!
The June solstice occurred at 11:54 AM, as the sun reached the point at which it is farthest north of the celestial equator. To be more precise, when the solstice occurs, the sun will appear to shine directly overhead for a viewer stationed on the Tropic of Cancer in the western Atlantic Ocean, roughly 600 miles to the northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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WATCH THE REPLAY OF THE ANNUAL ORIENTATION FOR NEW BOARD/COMMITTEE/COMMISSION MEMBERS WITH MR. SELIG ON DCAT ON DEMAND
This past Wednesday, June 19, 2019, Administrator Selig organized an orientation session for chairs, vice chairs, and other committee members of the various Town boards, commissions, and committees. It was a a full evening of orientation concerning the rules of the road for board members on topics such as the Right-to-Know Law, posting meeting, minutes, public comment, etc.
If you missed it, it's not too late! Tune in on DCAT On Demand at your convenience.
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PARKS & REC. CAMPOUT AT WAGON HILL FARM THIS WEEKEND!
Just a friendly reminder that the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Family Camp Out at Wagon Hill Farm will be taking place this weekend. The set up for the event will be on the far end of the orchard area this year due to the shoreline restoration project currently taking place at the waterfront. We currently have 20 families registered for the event. The event will run from Saturday, June 22 at 4:00pm –Sunday, June 23 with a 9:00am clean-up. Parks & Recreation Department staff will be on site for the duration of the event. Pre-registration required.
A big thank you to DPW for rehabbing the picnic tables located by the water and for bringing them up to the orchard for the event!
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TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE HOURS DURING WEEK OF JULY 4TH
During the week of July 1-5, 2019, the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office hours will be as follows:
Mon - Wed (Jul 1-3): Open 8AM to 4:30 PM
Thu - Fri (Jul 4 & 5): Closed
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Some of the large interpretive/educational panels showing the history of the Great Bay Estuary and the Gundalow. Courtesy Todd Selig
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GUNDALOW INTERPRETATIVE PANELS - An idea about bringing them to Durham for the summer...
Administrator Selig is a member of the advisory group for the Great Bay-Piscataqua Waterkeeper. At this mornings meeting at the Sheafe Warehouse in Portsmith next to Prescott Park, the director of the Gundalow Company mentioned to the group that the displays of the Gundalow in the Warehouse would have to be packed away for the season to allow for another group to provide displays. Mr. Selig suggested that the display potentially be moved to the beautiful foyer of the Durham Town Hall. As you know, Durham has a deep and important connection to the Gundalow and the Estuary, which is featured prominently on our town seal! The director of the Gundalow Company will give this some thought.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - DEPUTY TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR
The Town of Durham is seeking applicants for a Deputy Town Clerk-Tax Collector who will provide administrative support to the Office of Town Clerk. We are seeking a person who has a strong work ethic, is organized, detail-oriented, and who demonstrates exemplary customer service skills as the position requires a high degree of interaction with the public.
This position assists the Town Clerk with a variety of routine and complex administrative functions relating to the recording and retention of official Town records, assists customers with various registrations and licenses at the counter, assists with election duties, and runs various reports. The position requires considerable knowledge of cash handling and cash reconciliation procedures. The successful candidate will be adept at performing a variety of tasks and able to adapt to changing circumstances.
This position reports directly to the Town Clerk. The work week is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although the employee may need to work in the evenings during elections and share in working one evening a month until 6:00 p.m.
Must be a resident of Durham, NH.
Interested applicants should submit a completed application, along with a cover letter and resume by 4:00pm, July 1, 2019 to:
Lorrie L. Pitt
Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office
8 Newmarket Road
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: 603.868.5577
Fax: 603.868.1858
Email: mailto:lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us
Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
View the full job description and access an employment application form HERE.
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New fence line along Route 108. Courtesy Todd Selig
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LANDSCAPING COMING TOGETHER NEAR DOVER ROAD PUMP STATION FOR SEWER LINE PROJECT
Discussion regarding a fence line at the corner of Route 108 and the Dover Road Pump station began when Durham Public Works and Riverwoods approached the owners (David and Lisa Jaques) regarding the tree and brush clearing that would need to occur as part of the project. There is an easement here as well, which was established when those houses were connected to the sewer system. With the Riverwoods Durham project, there was the need to install a new gravity sewer from Riverwoods and the new force main stub – running in a tight space between the corner of that property and the hydrant/telephone pole adjacent to the pump station. In addition we were able to accommodate space (and more importantly clearance between sewer and water) for a new water main in that section if needed in the future. DPW knew that this was going to be a tight fit – therefore the need to cut into the side of the property.
There was a row of dead trees at the top of the hill facing the pump station that Riverwoods removed as a courtesy to the Jaques as well. They had been planted in a clean row and we believe they were planted there many years ago at the time the easement was established.
The grading in this area is certainly different and is more of a gentle slope rather than that sharp drop off that was in place previously. By regrading like it is now we gained additional coverage and protection over the utilities. It provides more of a visual barrier of the pump station from Route 108 coming into Town.
There had been discussion regarding replanting the trees, however, after going around and around about the height of trees and what type of trees, DPW and the adjacent property owners ultimately settled on a fence line because we could be confident that it would provide the protection and long lasting durability we were all hoping to achieve. In addition, Riverwoods contractor, Severino, has reinstalled the new welcome to Durham signage. DPW Director Mike Lynch marked out where he wanted it to be placed. DPW will then replace the wooden barrel and replant the cascading flower bed that was there before.
We certainly recognize and understand the importance of our gateways. DPW believes this will enhance this location over how it previously looked.
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MAIN STREET CONSTRUCTION DETOURS CAUSE SOME FRUSTRATION - Everyone's doing their very best.
This week a number of residents who use the Downeaster to Boston missed their train due to detours around Main Street. Residents will note that the crosswalks are being replaced with a more solid footing preventing bricks from sinking into the pavement which created significant depressions in the roadway.
Obviously the goal is to avoid road closures as much as possible but unfortunately there have been detours using Edgewood Road and Garrison. The detour that created the issues this week essentially required those trying to get to the train station to approach from the west using Route 4 onto Main Street. By the time that travelers realized this, the train had departed. Unfortunately there is no definitive construction timeline that can predict what the construction crew may encounter as they dig-up the old crosswalks. Consequently, those using Main Street should plan to encounter detours and delays until this phase of summer construction is completed.
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Left: DHA presentation at the Pendergast Garrison. Right: Outbuilding at the Pendergast Garrison.
Courtesy Todd Selig
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A VISIT TO THE PENDERGAST GARRISON HOUSE WITH THE DHA
Not far from Moharimet’s planting ground on the fertile lands between the fresh water portions of the Lamprey and Oyster River is a driveway bordered by massive maples and old stone walls just off Packer’s Falls Road at #151. This past Sunday, on Father’s Day, members of the Durham Historic Association traveled down this ancient drive and stepped back into the eighteenth century to visit the Pendergast Garrison House, home of Joe and Ann Vaillancourt, for the DHA Annual Picnic. The Vaillancourts gave an interesting presentation about the property, the house, and how they came to live there many years ago. In addition to learning about the history of the property, visitors were able to meet the resident horses in the barn, as well as take in the beautiful surroundings.
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Left: Old barn at Pendergast Garrison. Right: Old stone wall at the Pendergast Garrison.
Courtesy Todd Selig
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NATURE CONSERVANCY AND TOWN OF DURHAM TEAMING UP TO BRING OYSTER GARDEN TO AN OLD LANDING NEAR YOU...
The Public Works Department is teaming up with The Nature Conservancy New Hampshire Chapter’s volunteer Oyster Conservationist program to pilot a Durham Community Oyster Garden at the Town Landing off of Old Landing Road to engage Durham community members and improve the health of Great Bay and the Piscataqua Estuary through oyster restoration.
TNC will provide the Town with 3 oyster cages in late July that would be located along the water at the Town Landing and sit in the tidal portion of the Oyster River. The Town would “foster” them and volunteers could sign up to pull the cages up out of the water so that the oysters could be cleaned, counted and inspected. The Town and community members would then work with TNC over the summer to provide data to them at different intervals. TNC would collect the cages in late September so that the Oysters could be counted and measured and placed with their oyster restoration areas in the estuary. In addition, we plan to install a panel with signage where the public could visit the site and learn about oyster restoration efforts.
The details are being worked out for a community training event at the Town Landing in July. More information will be posted on the Town’s website and shared in the next few weeks.
Please contact Town Engineer April Talon at 603-868-5578 or atalon@ci.durham.nh.us for more information or if you are interested in signing up!
View more information regarding oyster reef restoration efforts HERE.
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Left: Meeting the horses at Pendergast Garrison. Right: Indigenous Person at Pendergast Garrison.
Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM POLICE CAPTAIN DAVID HOLMSTOCK OBTAINS PRESTIGIOUS STATUS
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) has collaborated with the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) to hold the Homeland Security Leadership Academy (HSLA) at FLETC”s headquarters in Glynco, Georgia. Law enforcement executives from various law enforcement agencies from across the United States gather to explore contemporary issues impacting homeland security and the law enforcement profession for a period of two weeks. Graduates become members of the Department of Homeland Security National Academy Society and gain membership in the Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals. In 2016, Captain David Holmstock was selected to attend one of the first HSLA Classes.
This past week, Dave attended the National Sheriff’s Association Conference in Louisville, KY so that he could complete the final 8 hour extension course. Captain Holmstock is currently only one of approximately 150 officers from around the country to complete the entire course and receive this honor.
Congratulations David and thanks for bringing this expertise to the Durham community.
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UPDATE ON BAGDAD ROAD/ LITTLEHALE CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT - Road closure postponed until around June 28th.
Bagdad Road will remain open to traffic through at least Friday, June 28, 2019 because the road closure sign package isn’t complete. The contractor plans to close one lane for a day for tree removal next week and will use appropriate signage during time.
Questions may be addressed to Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at 868-5578 or mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us
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A toddler takes a quick break for a picture before returning to eating the ice cream purchased for her at the Durham Farmers' Market this past Monday. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET - Each Monday afternoon in the Sammy's downtown lot off Pettee Brook Lane
Be sure to stop by the Durham Farmers' Market being held on Monday afternoons at the Sammy's/Store 24 Parking Lot. A variety of locally produced farm products, prepared foods, and fine crafts will be available Mondays 2:15 - 6:00 PM. There will be regular as well as guest vendors with an increasing variety of vegetables available as the season progresses.
We've received very positive feedback from the community so far with this new location. Farmers report record attendance!
One positive aspect is that folks can walk downtown to access the market and while they are there, shop/eat in other downtown establishments.
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ROTARY CLUB OF DURHAM-GREAT BAY WILL HOST DURHAM/UNH FIREWORKS IN 2019
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, the Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay will present The Durham-Great Bay Independence Day Celebration, at Wildcat Stadium, in conjunction with the University of New Hampshire and the Town of Durham. Gates open at 6PM with fireworks beginning at approximately 9PM.
In 2019, in partnership with the University of New Hampshire, Rotary is breathing life into this important community event. Rotary is seeking support from businesses in the area to help make this event a huge success. This is a wonderful community event that draws families from all surrounding communities including Lee, Madbury, Barrington, Newmarket, Dover, and beyond thus building a stronger community.
Both residents and local businesses can become a sponsor and most importantly, join Rotary for a fun evening of fireworks and celebrating our Nations 243rd birthday. We plan to have food, fun and games for children. Last year the Food Trucks and Bouncy Area were big hits. We will be working with Durham Recreation Department again for a great children’s fun area.
Donations are still needed so we can bring this event to you free of charge. To donate please go to: https://durhamgreatbayrotary.org/
For more information, contact Durham-Great Bay Rotary President Tom Boisvert at mailto:tports@comcast.net
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Four of the six SCA-AmeriCorps crew all smiles in the rain after carrying a heavy lumber load to a bridge site at Doe Farm. Courtesy of Ellen Snyder
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SCA-AMERICORPS BUILDING BRIDGES ... AT DOE FARM
Thanks to the generous donations of many Durham residents to the Durham Land Stewardship Patron’s Trust to help fund trail projects on the 87-acre Doe Farm, we are making great progress in reaching our stewardship goals.
On Tuesday, June 18th, a 6-member Student Conservation Association (SCA)-AmeriCorps crew arrived to build 4 new trail bridges. Their 11-day “hitch” is funded by these donations. Three days in they are busy carrying heavy granite abutments and lumber to the first bridge site and they are underway with construction, despite rain, mud, and mosquitoes. This is their first project after months of classes and training and are enthusiastic to be working with Durham on this project.
After their two-week stint at Doe Farm they will move on to other projects throughout New Hampshire through early October.
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NEWS FROM THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION - Proposed changes to the ZO Re: Agriculture in Durham.
Public Information Session on proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance related to agriculture on Monday, July 8th, 7pm, Council Meeting Room. The Agricultural Commission has been working for many months with Town Planner Michael Behrendt to draft proposed changes to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance related to agriculture. Changes including adopting the State’s definition of agriculture to provide residents and Town staff with guidance to enable and regulate farming activity in Durham and expanding opportunities for agriculture in all zoning districts. Adopting the proposed changes is a primary goal in the Agricultural Resources chapter of the Town’s Master Plan. The Agricultural Commission welcomes the opportunity to talk with residents about this important work. Please join us on July 8th at 7pm.
The proposed changes are available on the Town website HERE.
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FY 2018 DURHAM FINANCIAL AUDIT BY MELANSON HEATH & COMPANY - Town receives positive report from Town Auditors at Council meeting Monday evening.
At the Town Council meeting to be held on Monday evening, June 17, 2019, Council members will receive a presentation from the Town's auditing firm, Melanson Heath & Company, Nashua, NH, for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2018.
View the 2018 Audit document HERE
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Doe and very young fawn. Courtesy Bernie Casey
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7TH ANNUAL DURHAM FARM DAY IS SATURDAY, AUGUST 17TH, RAIN OR SHINE!
An action-packed day to celebrate Durham’s working landscape of farms and gardens across town and campus. Full list of events available soon, including a Community-Bring-Your-Own Picnic Lunch at noon LaRoche Farm which will feature steamed local sweet corn provided by the Agricultural Commission. So much to see and do, mark your calendars and bring your family!
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TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS 2019-20 GOALS
At its meeting on Monday, June 3, 2018, the Town Council adopted its list of goals for 2019-20. View the final list of adopted goals HERE.
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NEW PARKING MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE COMING TO DURHAM - Will enhance efficiencies with managing Durham's parking infrastructure at DPD.
The Durham Police have contracted with “Cardinal Track” to implement a parking software program that will streamline the record management of the parking system. While 90% of this implementation will have no consequence to Durham residents, it will update the manner in which parking tickets are issued from hand written to issuing via handheld computers.
The old method required the hand written ticket to be entered into our existing computer system individually and then be tracked in a slow antiquated fashion. With the Cardinal system, the parking officers will enter the vehicle information on a handheld computer, print out the ticket all of which automatically enters the vehicles’ data into our computer system. One of the most positive advantages to those receiving a parking ticket is that there will now be a method to pay fines online through a portal that will accept credit card payments. Previously fines were mailed to or persons needed to physically appear at the Durham Police facility to pay via check or cash!
Chief Kurz and his staff are working diligently to have the system activated by early August prior to the return of the UNH students and Freshmen Move-In Day on Friday August 23rd!
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School and town officials meet to discuss traffic patterns around the existing and future middle school. Courtesy Craig Stevens
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TOWN/SCHOOL OFFICIALS DISCUSS POTENTIAL TRAFFIC PATTERN IMPROVEMENTS AROUND EXISTING/NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
This afternoon, Durham and ORCSD officials, staff, and traffic engineers met to continue a conversation around traffic patterns and significant safety concerns with the existing and future conditions at the Oyster River Middle School on Dennison Road.
Any parent or visitor who has had to navigate the tripple-stacked drop off/pick up that presently exists at the start and end of middle school each day along Dennison, Coe Drive, and Garrison inherently understands that improvements are long overdue.
The new Oyster River Middle School project under development provides the opportunity for the ORCSD and Durham to partner in addressing these concerns in a manner that takes into consideration inexperienced schoolchildren, pedestrians, cars, bicycles, school busses, and neighborhood traffic and integrates these external off-site roadway/sidewalk/bike lane elements seamlessly with the internal middle school entrances/exits/drop off locations/bus patterns.
At the present time, the ORCSD traffic engineers are preparing a proposal for consideration by the Town to evaluate what can be undertaken on roadways surrounding the ORMS to begin to move ahead with much needed improvements. The Town has $15,000 budgeted in 2019 for traffic/pedestrian/bicycle enhancements and this represents a wonderful opportunity to collaboration between Durham and ORCSD.
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Chief Kurz discusses the work the Traffic Safety Committee will do in evaluating traffic patterns around the existing/new middle school site. Also pictured is ORCSD Superintendent Jim Morse. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE PROVIDES UPDATE ON OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT - “A Tale of Two Panels”
Recently, the architects designing the new Middle School discussed how solar energy might be incorporated into the design vision for the facility. Both photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels were mentioned; our June Update focuses on both of these types of panels.
Photovoltaic (PV) panels are widely used to produce electricity and may be included in the Middle School design concept. PV panels can convert 15% to 20% of incoming ultraviolet solar radiation to produce electricity. The energy output of the panel compared to the solar energy input is known as the effectiveness of the panel.
Solar Thermal Panels are less widely used. These panels absorb incoming infrared solar radiation to produce heat; the heat is typically used for heating domestic water, and sometimes for space heating. Solar thermal panels can convert between 50% and 60% of the incoming infrared solar radiation into heat; this approach is three times as effective as PV panels.
So why aren’t solar thermal panels more widely used than PV? Well, consider the type of energy that’s produced. Solar thermal panels are great at producing heat. However, photovoltaic panels produce electricity, which is much more useful energy than heat energy. And as a bonus, we can actually sell excess electricity back to the electric utility grid!
One of the biggest questions is; “Are solar panels worth the investment cost?” Well, let’s look at this; when the average installed cost of each type of solar panels is considered, the return on investment of each approach looks like this:
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Photovoltaic Panels- The price of PV panels has been dropping, and panel performance has been increasing, making these systems increasingly attractive. If utility rebates are taken into account, the cost payback is in the 6 to 9-year range.
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Solar Thermal Panels- Solar thermal systems involve piping, pumps, controls and other equipment, which add to the system installation cost somewhat. However, these panels provide strong performance. The cost payback is in the 4 to 10-year range, depending on whether utility rebates apply.
Typically, energy projects which have an installation cost/payback in the 7 to 10-year range are considered worthwhile investments. The relatively low installation cost/payback of solar panels makes a very persuasive argument for including them in our proposed Middle School project!
Perhaps the greatest payback of all is that the energy of the sun can be used effectively to power our buildings without emitting carbon, and without damaging the environment. On a recently-sighted bumper sticker: “When a massive spill of solar energy occurs, it’s just called a nice day.”
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JAPANESE KNOTWEED PROJECT - It's hard to kill
The Town has embarked on an effort to control invasive Japanese knotweed along Mill Pond Road and around the Town Hall. Ellen Snyder is working with NH State Invasive Plant Specialist Doug Cygan on implementing the best control methods. Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is an aggressive and highly invasive herbaceous to somewhat woody perennial originating from eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan). One of the plant characteristics is the noticeably jointed stems, much like bamboo.
To see images of Japanese knotweed and read more about the plant and best management practices, visit the Town website Knotweed Project page HERE.
The most effective control method is herbicide application by a NH licensed applicator. Japanese knotweed is unlike most plants in that the flow of nutrients/carbohydrates is in one direction, moving upward during the growing season until flowering and then the process reverses to deliver the nutrients/carbs back down to the rhizome system for overwintering. Therefore, chemical application is most effective just after flowering up until the first killing frost (September – November). To increase effectiveness of the treatment, the stems can be cut to the ground in June. The re-growth will be reduced by the time of treatment in the fall. We’ve done this at two sites—behind the town hall and at the College Brook bridge. These piles will be left to dry out to ensure they are non-viable before being taken to the town transfer station for burning. Doug Cygan will be treating the re-growth in the fall and other invasive plants along Mill Pond Road (not on the Milne Sanctuary) as well.
Ellen is mapping knotweed populations throughout Durham. If you know of a stand, please email mailto:ellensnyder1@gmail.com. Thanks to all those who have submitted sites thus far. Ideally we will be able to stop the spread of this plant through best management practices.
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WAS TUESDAY NIGHT’S POWER OUTAGE DUE TO TREE’S? No – a large crow … but the new 3 phase lines would have reduced the outage from over an hour to just minutes.
A significant portion of Durham and Newmarket from the UNH campus westward experienced a power outage due to a large crow across the wires at the station service at the Packers Falls substation (off Bennett Road). The fault cleared the entire 34.5 kV panel at the Packers Falls substation dropping approximately 9,526 customers. Approximately 8,618 customers were restored within a few minutes using existing loops and distribution automation.
The 453 customers currently radially fed were out of power for a duration of approx. 76 Minutes because the majority of them have no backup feed and crews had to be dispatched to determine the cause of the outage and to manually switch back the customers. After the completion of the ongoing distribution upgrade work within Durham and the Seacoast Reliability Project, Eversource indicates those same customers would be picked up in minutes due to the new 3 phase circuit tie Eversource is in the process of constructing and the automation devices Eversource will be installing in Durham.
From a local emergency management perspective, Durham emergency responders (Fire/EMS/Police/Public Works) inherently see tremendous benefit in updating infrastructure, even on scenic Durham Point Road, with an emphasis on maintaining the beautiful character of this locally designated scenic roadway while updating poles and integrating updated technology to tremendously enhance resiliency during more frequent serious storm events. When trees take down power lines and block roadways, not only do residents lose power, but too frequently emergency responders lose the ability to access entire neighborhoods for emergency response purposes.
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Fire Captain Gary Kustra. Courtesy DFD
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DURHAM FIRE CAPTAIN ATTENDS NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY
Captain Gary Kustra recently attended a six-day training class at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD alongside a well-rounded group of professionals including firefighters, engineers, chief officers and line officers from several states across the country. The topic of the class was Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at Target Hazards. Target hazards are locally defined occupancies that pose specific risks to occupants and fire service responders. The class focused on the unique qualities that make up target hazards such as nursing homes, college campuses, prisons, hospitals, bombings, train wrecks etc. Over the duration of the class, participants performed several tabletop exercises on the command and control functions of each of these potential target hazards. Gary noted this was a great learning opportunity to expand his knowledge of target hazards and the challenges they bring.
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Courtesy of New England Fire Investigation Research and Education.
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DURHAM FIRE INSPECTOR ATTENDS FIRE INVESTIGATION SEMINAR
Durham Fire Inspector Jessica Plante recently attended a week-long New England Fire Investigation Seminar at St. Anselm's College in Manchester, NH. The seminar was attended by inspectors, investigators, firefighters, and police officers from around New England. Attendees were instructed on fire dynamics, scene sketching, photographing, scene documentation and interview techniques.
Attendees received hands-on training by working within a group to investigate various burn cells as set by the instructors. The seminar culminated in a PowerPoint presentation by each group with the results of their investigations. Jess noted the instructors for this seminar were top-notch and very informative.
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FIRE CHIEF DAVE EMANUEL ON WMUR CONCERNING BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
Chief Emanuel has been working with WMUR Chanel 9 as a subject matter expert on bullying in the workplace. They produced a program to connect the dots about bullying from school-aged children through workplace bullying in NH.
The crew filmed Assistant Chief Randy Trull and Chief Emanuel teaching a conflict resolution class last month at the NH Fire Academy for “B Roll” video and conducted an interview with him about Durham's efforts to bring awareness to bullying, harassment, and violence prevention in the workplace to the fire service.
You can watch the entire 60-minute show or tune in to the portion with Durham's contribution about workplace bullying approximately 12 minutes into the video on Part 2 of 5.
View the video HERE.
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Lu Ferrell at Safe Zones training in the Town Council chambers. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM OFFICIALS RECEIVE SAFE ZONES TRAINING - An educational program to raise awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bis-exual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Ally (LGBTQA+) issues.
Thirty or so Durham staff members participated on June 19th in a UNH Safe Zones training, an educational program designed to raise awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bis-exual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Inters-ex, As-exual, Aromantic, Pans-exual, and other (LGBTQIAP+) issues and contribute to a community climate of inclusion in Durham. Our goal is to prepare members of the Town’s staff to support LGBTQIAP+ residents, visitors, employees, contractors, and UNH faculty/staff/students and take active steps toward reducing and preventing harassment, discrimination, and violence based on s-exual orientation, romantic orientation, and gender identity or expression. The Town also aspires to do the same in regards to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, ability, weight, socio-economic status, age, and more. The instructor was Lu Ferrell, Assistant Director of OMSA and LGBTQA+ Initiatives, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, UNH.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019
All Town Offices will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Thursday, July 4, 2019.The holiday curbside collection schedule also follows.
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JULY 4TH HOLIDAY REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION
All Town offices will be closed for Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, 2019. There will be *NO COLLECTION ON THURSDAY- DELAYED ONE DAY REST OF WEEK- THURSDAY’S COLLECTION WILL BE ON FRIDAY AND THERE WILL BE NO COMMERCIAL COLLECTION ON FRIDAY 7/5/19.
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IT'S SUMMER AND THE KIDS ARE OUT!
The Durham Police want to remind vehicle operators and parents about the importance of keeping children safe throughout the summer months.
We drivers should be extra cautious in looking for child pedestrians and bicyclists during the summer by:
- Being alert, especially in residential areas.
- Always expecting the unexpected such as children crossing the street at the wrong place or suddenly running in front of you.
- Paying attention at intersections.
- Double checking around you when backing out of a driveway or parking space.
Parents can help by reminding their children about staying safe on the roads by:
- Focusing on the basics such as reinforcing that your children make eye contact with the driver before they cross as street.
- Reminding them to walk…don’t run across a roadway after looking both ways.
- Reminding children not to play in or around vehicles especially in large parking lots.
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Participants work through scenario-based drills during Incident Management Team training course. Courtesy Durham FD
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DURHAM FIRE CHIEF ATTENDS INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM TRAINING
Fire Chief Dave Emanuel recently participated in the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team training in Portsmouth. The five-day training was sponsored by the Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District and the New Hampshire Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Participants came from NH, ME, and MA and consisted of twenty local, county, state and school first responders and emergency managers. The overall goal of the Incident Management Team (IMT) program is to train leaders to function under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) during a large and/or complex incident or major event. The course presents a demanding environment during simulations to create an incident management environment similar in nature to a large scale incident. Participants worked through scenario-based drills each day culminating in a day-long exercise on the last day of training. After completion of this course, participants will serve as regional resources in the management of future, large-scale events.
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SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM
This week a Durham resident received a telephone message that their social security payments were in severe jeopardy of being canceled if the person did not contact them immediately.
While Friday Updates attempts to keep Durham residents informed about those telephone scams that have appeared in the community, the common denominator that everyone must remember is that no governmental agency contacts you via a telephone call asking for your information. 99.9% of reputable companies doing business do not contact their customers in this fashion. The critical thing to know is that Durham residents should never provide a “cold call”, one that you did not initiate, with any personal information!
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday, October 26, 2019
The 2019 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, between 8 - 11:30 AM. To register, you must call DPW at 603-868-5571 or mailto:publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. REMEMBER - THE MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS, SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - LATEX AND OLD-BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with a 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.
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ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH HAS COMMUNITY GARDENS AVAILABLE FOR RENT
Two sizes: 4' by 8' and 4' by 4'. Plot, soil and water supplied. The gardens are located at the rear of the property (One Park Court) just off the parking lot. For information and to get a rental agreement: 603-868-2785 or mailto:officestg@comcast.net
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LOW & MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF - An opportunity for qualifying Durham residents.
The “Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief” application is now available. This application can be picked up at the Planning & Zoning Office at the Durham Town Hall or found online HERE. It should be submitted to the State of NH Department of Revenue Administration prior to June 30, 2019.
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SWAP SHOP VOLUNTEERS ARE APPRECIATED! WHY NOT BECOME ONE?
We need volunteers!
We have had a recent shift downturn in the number of volunteers at the Swap Shop.
There have been times when no volunteer has been available to help residents.
We are already starting to close the Swap Shop early due to understaffing.
With more volunteers the Swap Shop will continue for all residents!
It’s an easy commitment of 3 hours and you get to be the first to see interesting items!
Call or text 603-969-4732. Email Cristina at mailto:foggdrive@yahoo.com
Drop off items need to be in good condition on Saturdays and Tuesdays until 2:00.
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FOOD FRIENDLY YARDS - The Durham Agricultural Commission can be a great resource.
The Durham Agricultural Commission encourages Durham residents to produce their own food through the Food Friendly Yards program. We are a resource for residents wishing to learn more about growing fruit, starting vegetable gardens and creating pollinator habitat in their own yards. We can provide information about raising poultry and other livestock where appropriate. Each year we host a Food Friendly Yards Tour on Farm Day, inviting residents to visit and learn from their neighbors.
For more information or questions, mailto:foodfriendlyyards@gmail.com
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION "ARTIFACT OF THE WEEK"
What famous American owned this miniature carriage, how did he obtain it, and how did it end up at UNH for 13 years?
Answer: This carriage (circa 1875) was a gift from Queen Victoria to "General" Tom Thumb and his wife, who were in Aberdeen, Scotland touring with P.T. Barnum. It is 85 inches long, black with red stripping and upholstered in red corduroy. The doors have real windows that could be raised and lowered.
The carriage was lost after being shipped to the U.S. It was bought in 1922 by William Smalley of Walpole, NH when it was put up for auction to pay for its storage costs. Smalley, in turn, donated it to UNH in honor of his son, Maxwell, who had left the school in 1917 to fight in World War I.
While at UNH, the carriage was placed in the basement of Morrill Hall for display purposes. It was occasionally used in parades, such as when it carried UNH President Hetzel to celebrate the passage of the bill making UNH a full university in 1923.
In 1935 the UNH trustees voted to send the carriage to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI for exhibition where it remains today: https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-collections/artifact/233735/
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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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.
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R.E.A.C.H. SUMMER DAY CAMP - July 8 - August 9, 2019
R.E.A.C.H. Summer Day Camp is a community-based summer camp collaboration between Oyster River Cooperative School District and Durham Parks & Recreation. It meets Monday- Thursday, July 8 through August 9 at the Oyster River Middle School. Campers can participate in a morning ORCSD program, and then have the option to transition to afternoon camp with Durham Parks & Recreation. Since Oyster River is providing lunch for all school-aged kids, there is no need to pack one! To complete the week, Durham Parks and Recreation is also offering Friday Field Trips.
Read more about the program in the April 2019 Celebrate Durham blog HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS
Come in to Register for the Summer Reading Program, "A Universe of Stories" online and at the at the children's desk. Adult reading challenge cards are available near the front desk and Summer calendars are now online.
June 24th, at 6:00 pm
Save the date for our first summer reading program, event! "Chasing the Moon" A film By Robert Stone. Sneak Peek Screening in partnership with PBS
June 28th, at 10:30 am
Join us for the Summer Reading Kick off "Storywalk Carnival" There will be a craft, face painting, Bubbles and more! Rain or shine. All are Welcome.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1917 - The Student Army Training Corps consisting of 1,269 men from N.H. and New York City took over the campus and town. Townspeople fed, transported, entertained and comforted them.The Barracks (dismantled in 1973), concrete sidewalks and flagpole were memorials to them.
1917 - A small pipe-fenced area is found just east of Route 108 below Broth Hill. Enclosed is a 18'" granite slab, inscribed "Bennie Flanders, June 17, 1909, Sept. 11, 1917. Gone, but not forgotten." It has been determined that this is the grave of Flanders' pet dog.
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The sand sculptures are at Hampton Beach this weekend. Have a very nice Saturday and Sunday!
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