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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Motorists on Bay Road have been treated to scads of deer frolicking on the frozen Crommet Creek. Courtesy Mike Hoffman
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The Durham Police Officers Benevolent Association Scholarship Breakfast will be held tomorrow morning, Saturday March 28th from 8 - 10AM at the Evangelical Church on Route 108.
It is an "all you can eat” breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage. Adults/$7.00; children/$3.00.
All proceeds to the Chief Ray Burrows Scholarship Fund that is awarded annually to a graduate of Oyster River High School who is pursuing a career in public safety. Hope to see you all there!
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PUBLIC COMMENTS AT MEETINGS
If residents bring written testimony to share with our various boards/committees, they are free to hand that testimony in to the Chair for inclusion as an attachment to the minutes from that meeting.
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MEET AND GREET WITH THE DURHAM BUNNY
This year, instead of the traditional Egg Hunt at Old Landing, the Town Parks & Recreation is partnering with The Candy Bar to offer a "Meet and Greet with the Durham Bunny" during The Candy Bar's Grand Re-Opening Event on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM in front of The Candy Bar.
The event will feature a jelly belly bean boozled challenge, raffles, cotton candy, free samples, and balloons. 5% of sales from March 28-April 11 will be donated to conservation efforts to save the Cottontail rabbit.
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DURHAM-UNH LISTENS INVITES YOU TO PARTICIPATE!
On Monday March 30th UNH will be hosting a community conversation about community police relations. Building Connections, Increasing Safety is one of three conversations taking place in Strafford County and will be hosted with the UNH and Durham Police Departments and provide an opportunity for residents and law enforcement to talk with each other. Communication is always an important part of keeping our communities safe, and in light of recent national events, we want to create a proactive opportunity for discussion and relationship building. I hope you will join us as we focus on increasing mutual understanding, strengthening trust, and identifying positive steps in each community.
Monday March 30th
MUB Strafford Room
Doors open: 3:30 PM
Program: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Walk-ins are welcome, but please register in advance to help us with planning.
Register HERE
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LEED APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR NEW TOWN HALL
The Town has submitted a formal application for LEED Certification for the new Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road. To view the LEED checklist, click HERE.
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YOUNG DRIVE, LLC v. TOWN OF DURHAM – Durham Loses Appeal
In this case, Young Drive, LLC appealed the decision of the Durham Zoning Board of Adjustment denying Young Drive’s request for several building permits. After hearing the parties’ arguments, the factual circumstances of the case, and the applicable law, the Superior Court found in favor of Young Drive, LLC. To view the actual Superior Court decision, click HERE.
The Town Council will meet with Durham’s legal counsel at 6 PM for a non-meeting, meeting on April 6, 2015, to discuss whether to appeal the decision to the NH Supreme Court.
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ATTORNEY FOR MILL PLAZA REQEUSTS DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATION BE TABLED WHILE APPLICANT CONSIDERS APPELLATE AND JUDICIAL OPTIONS
Town Planner Michael Behrendt received the following correspondence from Attorney Ari Pollack today representing the Mill Plaza concerning its design request review application.
"As we pledged we would in January, I am writing to again update the members of the Planning Board as to the Mill Plaza design review, and to address our preparedness to return to the Board on April 8, 2015.
Recently, the project team presented administrative appeals and variance requests to the Durham ZBA. Our hope was that some combination of relief would allow the project to move forward in design review and towards final planning. Unfortunately, the ZBA refused to offer any relief, and the project nearly has exhausted administrative remedies within the Town. Recognizing the reality of its present situation, Colonial Durham is forced to weigh its appellate and judicial options.
Accordingly, and until a Court may reverse the Town’s treatment of our requests/application, Colonial Durham believes it is unable to make forward progress in design review. For this reason, it is requesting that the design review application be tabled indefinitely. At such time as the redevelopment plan is able to reasonably move forward, we will ask that the Board remove the application from the table and schedule the continuation of public discussions. For its part, Colonial Durham will agree to reimburse the Town’s reasonable notification expenses associated with future consideration.
Please confirm that you will distribute this e-mail to the Planning Board for its consideration and action. Please also confirm that the attendance of our design professionals on April 8 is unnecessary.
Thank you."
The Planning Board will consider the request at its next meeting on April 8, 2015.
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Town staff met recently with members of Eversource regarding the Seacoast Reliability Project. Standing in the blue shirt is former NHDES Commissioner and former US EPA Region 1 Director, Bob Varney, who has been contracted by Eversource to represent them as part of the project. Courtesy Todd Selig
SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT COMES TO DURHAM – Residents Take Notice
Eversource, the company formerly known as Public Service Company of New Hampshire, is moving forward with plans to construct its Seacoast Reliability Project, a new $70 million (approximately $35 million in Durham) 115kV transmission line connecting the Madbury and Portsmouth substations.
Considerable sections of the line run through Durham.
The project is described by Eversource as “a key piece among a suite of projects needed to support the reliable delivery of electric power to meet the region’s current demand and support the region’s future economic growth.”
Approximately 8 miles of the 115-kV transmission line through Durham. The route is as follows:
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South from Route 4 along RR tracks, through UNH campus, Colovos Rd., Waterworks Rd., Mill Rd. and passes by Packers Falls Substation.
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East from Packers Falls crossing Newmarket Rd., Cutts Rd., Ffrost Rd, Sandy Brook Dr., Longmarsh Rd. and Durham Point Rd. to the west edge of Little Bay where it will go under the bay to Newington.
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Approximately 100 new laminated wood or steel monopoles (90 to 115 feet high) will replace the existing wood poles.
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Approximately 20 feet of tree removal on either side of the corridor will be needed to obtain required line clearances.
Eversouce asserts the project is subject to State of New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) overview and if this is accurate, which Durham is independently evaluating, it is exempt from Planning Board review.
Assuming Eversource is accurate in its assertion regarding SEC oversight, the following state review process would be followed:
Step 1: At least 30 days prior to filing an application with the SEC, Eversource will host two public information forums (and open houses), which describe and discuss the proposed project, one in each affected County. (Note, it is likely that the Strafford County information forum will occur in Durham at the Oyster River High School sometime in April but nothing as been set in stone by Eversource to date.)
Step 2: Within 45 days after the application has been reviewed and accepted by SEC, PSNH will host two additional public information forums, to describe and discuss the proposed Project, one will be held in each affected County.
Step 3: Ninety days after the acceptance of the Application, the SEC will hold additional public hearings, which will include questioning of the applicant.
Immediately prior to each SEC public information session, Eversource indicates it will host a Project Open House for the public to learn more about the proposed Project and public opportunities to participate in the regulators’ consideration of the Project.
Eversource indicates that notification about the Open Houses (date, time, location, purpose) will be sent to municipal officials, other elected representatives of the Seacoast Region, residents who live along and near the proposed Project route, and other interested parties as appropriate.
At the Open Houses, Eversource Project representatives and subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions from attendees, and offer informational materials, including a Project video, have Project- specific information and kiosks (including Google Earth to view specific properties on or near the Project route) to provide Project information.
To view a packet that PSNH/Eversource has provided to Durham and which is on line on the Town’s web site concerning the Seacoast Reliability Project, click HERE.
Administrator Selig has been in touch with the SEC legal counsel regarding the process to come.
Seacoast Reliability Route Map
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RFP ISSUED FOR EXPANSION TO DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Town has budgeted $45,000 in 2015 to hire an architect to design an expansion for the Durham Police Department which has over the years become space constrained in myriad ways. Last week, an RFP was issued for this work.
To view the document, click HERE.
To view an article on this topic in the Foster’s Daily Democrat, click HERE.
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RFP FOR 66 MAIN STREET ET AL PROJECT HAS BEEN ISSUED
The RFP for the 66 Main St. et al project has been released by UNH/Durham. Town Councilors Carden Welsh & Jim Lawson, P.T. Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey, Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt, and Mr. Selig have been meeting with UNH officials regularly over the last many weeks to jointly craft the RFP.
We are all hopeful that the issuance attracts high quality respondents.
To view the RFP, click HERE.
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NEW ORGANIZATION NEEDED TO ORGANIZE JULY 4TH FIREWORKS CELEBRATION FOR DURHAM
Last fall, the Durham-Great Bay Rotary Club informed the Town of Durham that it would no longer be able to organize the annual July 4th fireworks celebration in town.
The Parks and Recreation Department is not able to take on this added program due to staffing limitations.
If another organization has an interest in taking on this event, please write to Administrator Selig at tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.
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WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE FORMER TOWN OFFICE SITE AT 15 NEWMARKET ROAD? -- Setting Real Estate Expectations Too High
In the world of real estate, it is often difficult to be objective about the value of property. This is especially true when someone sets an expectation that is higher than market value.
Consider this. I want to sell my house, and the fair market value is $250,000. But along comes a buyer who says, “I really like your location, and I’m going to pay you $500,000 so I can tear it down and build my extra special project on the site. Of course there are some contingencies, but not to worry, here’s my Purchase & Sales Agreement.”
So I think, Wow, my house is worth $500,000!
Several months go by, and the buyer comes back and tells me things aren’t working out. Sorry. The deal is off.
Have I lost money? While it would have been nice if it had worked out and I got double what my house is worth in the marketplace, it didn’t, so I am back to where I started. What is my house’s value? It is still worth $250,000. That is hard to accept because I expected $500,000. I feel like I lost money, but I didn’t. My home is worth the same as it was before the speculative offer: $250,000.
The Durham Tax Assessor has updated the tax card for the Former Town Office and the Assessed Value is $662,100 with the existing structure remaining intact. If you factor in a deeded easement for the Town to use 9 parking spaces (the line of head-in spaces along the boundary of the property closest to the former Durham District Court building), and then apply the current equalization ratio of 96%, the fair market value is $652,187. (Each parking space is valued at $4,000). Rounding the figure, the value $650,000.
While it is hard to let go of the inflated expectation based on the earlier P&S for $1.3 million (which everyone was clear at the time was a premium offer for a pharmacy use in particular), the fact is the property is still worth exactly what it was originally worth (assuming the former Town Office structure is to remain): $650,000. The Town has not lost any equity. However, every day that the property remains in Town ownership, there is a carrying cost to the community in maintenance and lost tax revenue. Some residents have also indicated the potential value of retaining the site for municipal use. These decisions will need to be worked through by the Town Council.
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Rendering of proposed pedestrian walkway connecting Madbury Commons to the Town-owned Pettee Brook Parking Lot
NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AND PARKING LOT REDESIGN SKETCH AT PETTEE BROOK PARKING LOT ADJACENT TO MADBURY COMMONS PROPERTY
A good deal of work has gone into designing the new pedestrian bridge over the Pettee Brook at the parking lot adjacent to the new Madbury Commons project.
To view the most recent illustrations, click HERE.
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DOWNTOWN DURHAM TIF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS SOUGHT
In accordance with 162-K:14, the Council shall create, by resolution, an Advisory Board for the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District and delineate its advisory roles and responsibilities.
The Advisory Board shall consist of five members appointed by the Council and will cease to exist immediately upon fulfillment of the purposes of the District.
Three members will be owners or occupants of real property within or adjacent* to the district as required by 162-K:14, one member will be from the Economic Development Committee and one member will be a Durham resident that is not an owner or occupant of real property in the district.
Advisory Board members excluding the representative of the Economic Development Committee shall serve for a term of three years and there shall be no limitation on the number of terms a member may serve.
The term of the Economic Development Committee member will be up to three years and the term will expire if the member’s term on the Economic Development Committee expires.
The role of Advisory Board shall be limited to the review of plans and providing recommendations to the District Administrator (Mr. Selig) on matters related the district.
In instances where a majority of the Advisory Board believes that the District Administrator has not sufficiently considered the Advisory Board’s recommendation, they may, by majority vote, refer the matter along with their written recommendations and explanations therefore to a regularly scheduled meeting of the Town Council. In such instances the District Administrator shall delay implementation pending Town Council review and determination on the matter. All meetings of the Advisory Board will be public, and the Administrator and Advisory Board are encouraged to obtain public input as they administer the plan.
* “Adjacent” means adjoining or bordering - actually touching a property line or a public ROW line within the District.
If you have an interest in serving on the Advisory Committee, please contact Todd Selig at tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.
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PROPERTY OWNERS ASKED TO PICK UP TRASH IN AND AROUND SNOW MELT ON PROPERTY
Please be aware that as the winter snow slowly melts away, trash that has accumulated over the LONG winter months will need to be disposed of properly.
The Code Enforcement Office will start issuing trash violations in the near future for problem properties that come to the attention of staff.
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HAMEL RECREATION CENTER PROJECT (WHICH IS LINKED TO THE UNH OUTDOOR POOL PROJECT) BACK ON TRACK
It was reported last week that the Joint Capital Budget Committee at the State House in Concord (with representatives from both the House and Senate) tabled the entire capital program of the USNH, which would have impacted the UNH Outdoor Pool project.
In essence, for the USNH to issue higher education financing, that financing must be approved by this joint committee. A special meeting of the Joint Capital Budget Committee was subsequently held this past Thursday, March 26, 2015, in Concord.
At the meeting, the Joint Capital Budget Committee approved the funding request. It now moves on to the Governor and Council for action – probably sometime in early April.
To view an article in Seacoast Online regarding Thursday’s hearing, click HERE.
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POTHOLES HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE ... (and then there are the Frost Heaves as well!)
We are still dancing between the winter and spring at this point; some days are still cold and brisk with a snow flake in the air, other days we are reveling in the warm sun and wearing t-shirts in 50 degree weather. Such is New England, which brings us to another new England unwelcome guest or two - pot holes and frost heaves.
DPW is aware of the potholes growing at this point. Our roads are victim to a very cold winter. If residents see a pothole that is severe, please feel free to call the Public Works Department, 868-5578 or email Janice Richard at jrichard@ci.durham.nh.us.
The department does its best to get these taken care of as fast as possible, but please be patient as there is only so much crews can do until the weather begins to cooperate. Putting material in the holes at the wrong time will result in a waste of materials and money. Please take caution while navigating around potholes.
Frost heaves are another story. As the frost comes out of the ground, the pavement heaves and dips in areas, causing some really bumpy roads and driving for a while, and creating large cracks in the road on occasion. There is little DPW crews can do until the frost leaves the ground. Most of the time, the frost thawing completely will bring the surface back to normal. Again, the Department of Public Works appreciates the patience of residents during this time of year.
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RESIDENTIAL SPRING CLEANUP - PICKUP BEGINS MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015
Please place materials curbside NO EARLIER than April 25th and NO LATER than 7AM on April 27th. Remember that there is no set schedule as to when DPW crews will be in a specific neighborhoods since each year is different and depends on how much is left out from one street to another. This is why it is important to have items curbside by April 27th.
DPW crews will not return to a street once items have been collected. However, with a residential permit, residents may bring bulky items to the Transfer Station without a coupon between the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM during the following dates:
Tuesday, April 28th
Saturday, May 2nd
Tuesday, May 5th
Saturday, May 9th
Electronics still need the sticker during spring cleanup if it applies. The Spring newsletter should be in homes by this weekend. Information on Spring cleanup and other topics are contained in the newsletter, which can be viewed HERE.
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IF YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG, ODD, OR NOT QUITE RIGHT, PLEASE CALL THE POLICE
The very essence of community policing is that the community and the police work together to confront crime and the fear of crime. The vast majority of Durham residents understand that the police cannot be everywhere simultaneously to observe criminal or suspicious activity as it occurs and the department finds it difficult to patrol residential areas with the frequency residents, businesses and the police prefer. So Chief Kurz urges you to contact the police at 868-2324 or 911 if you see, hear or sense something is not quite right. The Durham Police understand this is a subjective opinion but urge you to follow your first instinct and call! An officer will respond quickly and resolve what may or may not be a criminal activity. When law enforcement works directly with residents and businesses we collectively are going a long way toward reducing crime, improving quality of life, and enhancing public safety.
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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
UNH Greenhouse Open House - Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th from 9am - 4pm. Had enough of the snow?
Get ready to welcome spring with a visit to the UNH MacFarlane Research Greenhouses during the annual spring open house Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28. The open house is free and open to the general public. The popular seminar on cooking with herbs returns again this year. Garden show-quality displays will showcase a Smurf Village. Poster displays will detail the latest in UNH research on cutting-edge genetics, vegetable and fruit breeding, and more. The UNH Plant Diagnostic Lab and Cooperative Extension Plant Health Program will have a display on common diseases and problems of garden and landscape plants. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/UNHMacfarlaneGreenhouses
Backyard Chicken Basics Workshop Sunday, April 12th 1pm-2:30pm, Dover Agway, 25 Central Avenue, Dover.
Are backyard chickens for you? This is the month to find out! Come hear the poultry basics and practical tips on raising egg-laying chickens and broilers at home. Daimon Meeh, UNH Cooperative Extension Agriculture Field Specialist, will present information on feeding, housing, choosing the appropriate breed, and more.
The workshop is free and open to the public. Due to space limitations, preregistration is encouraged. For more information, contact Daimon Meeh at (603) 679-5616 or daimon.meeh@unh.edu.
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Maple syrup collection bucket at Moharimet Elementary school. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING AND PROGRAM - TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST
The Durham Historic Association presents “A MOST AMAZING ENGINEERING FEAT - THE FIRST PISCATAQUA RIVER BRIDGE” on April 21st at 7 pm at the Durham Public Library, 49 Madbury Road:
Dr. Helen Frink will give an illustrated talk about the architect and builders of the amazing bridge from Cedar Point in Durham to Fox Point in Newington, described in a 1794 newspaper as “the largest and most elegant bridge in North America…one of the greatest pieces of mechanical genius done in America”.
As a child growing up in Newington, Helen Frink listened to family tales of ancestor Cyrus Frink, who heard of a bridge being built across the Piscataqua River in 1794. At the age of 21 he walked from Stonington, Connecticut to Newington with his carpenter’s tools on his back. He helped build the bridge, settled at its Newington end, and married a descendant of the infamous Hatevil Nutter. When the bridge was destroyed by ice, Cyrus’s sons Elias and Darius salvaged bridge timbers to erect the barn at their farm in Newington. Descendant Helen Frink decided to find out if the family story was true. After retiring from 33 years of teaching at Keene State College, she read Cyrus Frink’s account books and the records of the Piscataqua Bridge Corporation in Concord. She discovered that the Piscataqua Bridge (1794-1855) was one of the most remarkable construction feats of its day, boasting the longest arch in the world when it was built. As for great-great-grandfather Cyrus, everything she’d learned about him as a child proved true – and much more.
Helen Frink is the author of town histories of Acworth and Alstead. Her newest book, Oil, Ice, and Bone; Arctic Whaler Nathaniel Ransom, is an icy tale of danger and adventure based on the journals of another ancestor who escaped with his life from the worst disaster in whaling history.
A brief business meeting will precede Dr. Frink’s presentation. There will be an opportunity for attendees to become DHA members to continue the preservation of documents and artifacts relevant to the history of Oyster River Plantation and the Town of Durham. Refreshments will be served.
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Nice view of the Longmarsh Trail. Courtesy Jane Hillyard
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DURHAM PLACEMAKERS
Are you interested in creating a vibrant downtown with welcoming public spaces and businesses that serve residents, families and students? Do you wonder how Durham might continue to develop while retaining its village identity and rural character?
A citizen group has been formed en group that meets the last Monday of each month at 7pm in the Library to learn how local leaders, innovative thinkers and communities around the world are improving the places they live in and love. The group discusses exciting ideas about placemaking and ways to work together to shape the future of the community.
Monday March 30 (7pm Library): Durham Town Planner Michael Behrendt will join us for an informal conversation and Q&A about ways to promote vitality, walkability, and a balance of uses and interests in our downtown. Please contact Erin Hale (ehardiehale@gmail.com) or Kate Ruml (ksruml@gmail.com) if interested in attending, would like to be on the group's email list, or have any questions.
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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
Historic District/Heritage Commission - Thursday, April 2, 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.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
This newly unearthed video was found in a storage box at the Town Hall, and what a find it was! The video is titled "The Span of Centuries - Oyster River Bridge". Beginning in June of 1990 the NH DOT started recording the process of rebuilding the Oyster River Bridge. So, set your way back machine and join DCAT 22 Studios as we resurrect this VHS, convert it to digital and make it available for your viewing pleasure on our On Demand site:dcat.pegcentral.com, the video will also be replayed on DCAT 22, Saturday & Sunday @ 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM.
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Join Durham’s Town Planner, Michael Behrendt at a very well-attended evening on St. Patrick’s Day with lots of Irish treats, a live band lead by Ti Crossman, and a slide presentation. Michael’s presentation highlights the history, culture, and architecture of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. The presentation was recorded by DCAT Studios and is available for viewing on DCAT On Demand, or it can be viewed on DCAT Cable Channel 22; Saturday & Sunday @ 8:30 PM
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.
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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.
Meet & Greet with the Durham Bunny! – Saturday, March 28 12-2pm @ The Candy Bar. The Durham Bunny will be on site, ready for photos, and handing out goodies! The Meet & Greet will take place in lieu of this year’s Egg Hunt, due to remaining snow cover at Town Landing. We look forward to celebrating with you, and extend a special “thank you” to ORPP for providing goodies!
For the latest information about programs and events, visit: Durham Parks & Recreation Online
View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE.
Why join a Durham Parks & Recreation fitness class?
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Convenient location - Drop in to most classes for only $10!
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Fits your schedule - Classes available Monday through Saturday!
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Quality - Classes instructed by certified, local, and passionate instructors!
Bootcamp: An hour of POWER! Total body cardio and strength workout to start your day off right.
Tai Ji Quan - Moving For Better Balance: This world-renowned balance training program combines Tai Ji Quan movements with therapy and function exercises to keep you on your feet and moving.
Pilates: Improve your flexibility, gain core strength, and overall body tone. All in one hour!
Zumba: A dynamic, easy to follow, cardio dance fitness class. We do hip-hop, salsa, flamenco, bollywood, and so much more! You don't need experience, just jump in and join the party!
Yoga: Allow your mind, body, and spirit to connect through meditation and movement.
Strength & Stretch: Improve your bone density and balance with a total body strengthening session, followed by stretching to improve flexibility.
Yoga for Active Adults (55+): Quiet your mind, reduce stress, and learn relaxation techniques. Designed for every ability level.
Tai Chi Advanced: Combination of Tai Ji Quan movements and therapeutic exercise to keep your body active. Designed for participants with Tai Chi experience.
Save the Date:
Meet & Greet with the Durham Bunny! - March 28th - 12 - 2:00 PM at the Candy Bar.
Camp REACH Registration - Opens April 13th
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHURCHILL RINK MANAGER AS THE SKATING SEASON COMES TO AN END
With the arrival of spring, the 2014-15 ice season at Churchill Rink has come to an end. Due to a long, cold winter, we had an exceptional ice surface, allowing for fast and exciting hockey games. In fact, four Oyster River Youth Hockey teams won their divisions in the Seacoast Hockey League! The Squirts Travel Team also won State and is still skating in the Regional Playoffs.
We’re fortunate here at Churchill Rink to host strong, growing youth hockey and skating programs. We’d like to extend a special “thank you” to the following groups: Oyster River Youth Association, UNH Figure Skating Club, York High School Hockey, Oyster River High School Hockey, Great Bay Figure Skating Club, and The New Hampshire Lady Cats. We’d also like to thank our public skaters and adult hockey groups, namely: Karelitz, Dugas, Pendleton & Moriarty.
During our last day of operations, ORYA organized a special “Get Behind Griff” benefit to raise funds for ORHS hockey coach, Griff Richards. Many local hockey families showed their support, and helped to raise over $3,500 for the Richards family. We appreciated the opportunity to host this and many other community events throughout the 2014-15 season.
Here are a few additional highlights from this season:
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The entire surface was painted white, making the facility and hockey lines brighter and more visible.
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The addition of special ice schedules over the Holiday and winter recesses were a success, creating more skating opportunities, additional concessions, and fun promotions for families to enjoy.
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Our active presence on Facebook, combined with our new website, www.ChurchillRink.org provided the community with daily updates of conditions, ice sessions and other important information.
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We heard from you! A community survey was placed by the front entrance window; encouraging your feedback to help make the Churchill Rink experience even better.
The staff team worked together to ensure Churchill Rink offered a safe and pleasurable experience for everyone; a special “thank you” to Sam, Lee, Ludo, Kirk, and Parker.
In closing, I’d also like to thank the Durham Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works, and Firland Management for the team-like management approach that helped diagnose and quickly resolve many mechanical challenges we experienced this year. Through this collaboration, we were also able to take advantage of a fantastic opportunity to purchase an upgraded refrigeration system from a recently decommissioned rink. We’ll be working hard throughout the summer months to install this new equipment, replacing the old 1960’s system, and making Churchill Rink much more efficient.
See you in October!
Tim Murphy
Churchill Rink Manager
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Echo Thrift Shop "Stuff a Bag" Sale, Friday, Mar 27, 2015. Stuff a grocery bag for $5.00.
Oyster River Watershed Association RIVERWALK! Saturday, Mar 28, 2015, 9AM to 12:00 Noon. Meet at the Demeritt Hill Farm store parking lot, about a half mile north along Route 155 (Turtle Pond Road) from the Five Corners intersection in Lee. Participants will walk downstream, ending at the bridge on Route 155A (Sherburne Road – formerly Old Concord Turnpike). Shuttle service back to the starting point will be available. Contact Dick Weyrick, 603-868-2862, dweyrick@comcast.net for updates regarding the event.
Earth Hour 2015, Saturday, Mar 28, 2015, 8:30 PM. Earth Hour is an annual international event to raise awareness of the need to take action on global warming. The World Wildlife Fund is asking people to turn their lights out for one hour on Saturday, March 28th at 8:30 PM. For more information, visit http://www.earthhour.org/
Misty Meadows Natural History Family Walks, Misty Meadows Herb Farm & Learning Center, 183 Wednesday Hill Rd., Durham. Every third Sunday of the month, beginning March 2015 at 1:00 PM. No age restriction and walks are free. For more information contact mistyoffice@comcast.net, 603-659-7211. No smoking on property. No pets. All snack packaging is to go home with participants. Please, babies in front packs only; not in backpacks.
12th Annual Todd's Trot 5k Road Race/Walk, Saturday, Apr 4, 2015, Oyster River High School. Race day registration begins at 8:30 AM with start time of 10:00 AM sharp. Registration fee of $25.00. For more information or to register on line, click HERE.
District Panel Discussion: Balance - How to Help Our Kids Live Healthy, Balanced Lives, Tuesday, Apr 7, 2015, 7-9:00 PM, ORHS Multi Purpose Room. Active discussion followed by a Q & A session. Hear from well respected panelists as they discuss such thought provoking issues as: The impacts (both good and bad) of technology on our kids * Homework - How much is too much? Not enough? * The benefits of unstructured time vs. scheduled activities * What college admissions officers look for in an incoming applicant
International Space Apps Challenge, Saturday&Sunday, Apr 11-12, Begins 8AM Saturday & ends 5PM on Sunday, UNH InterOperability Lab, 121 Technology Drive. To learn more and register, click HERE.
Growing Places TimberNook Camps – Spring 2015. Both run at Moharimet Elementary School, 11 Lee Road, Madbury.
Creative Minds for 5-12 year olds (After School Enrichment for five Tuesdays)
3:15-6:00 pm Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21 and May 5, 12 - Cost $150
No program Tuesday April 28 due to Oyster River School Vacation
Going Wild “Challenge Camp” for 5-12 year olds (Oyster River school vacation week) 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday – Friday, April 27 – May 1 - Cost $175
*Extended Care is available 7:30-9:00 am and 1:00-5:30 pm. The cost with extended care is $250. Email timbernook@growingplacesnh.org to sign up.
UNH Summer Camps. From acting to programming, writing to technology, UNH offers more than 40 summer camps and programs to entertain and educate K-12 youth. Registration for many of the 2015 offerings is now open. Programs range from traditional summer day camps to specialty athletics camps to arts camps, STEM programs, and a variety of other academic subjects. Day and overnight programs are available. For a full list of camps, as well as dates, ages and registration information, click HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The Vegetable Garden Doctor (Dr. Guy Esposito) will present How to Plan, Plant, and Maintain a Home Vegetable Garden on Wednesday, April 8th at 7PM. Courtesy Guy Esposito
Family Storytime, Sat. March 21st, 10:30am – This week: “Pizza Time!” - Join us for delicious stories, fingerplays, feltboard and a fun pizza craft. This storytime is for all ages and all are welcome. Next week: Sat. April 4th: “Bunnies!”
Crafternoon – Saturday March 28th 12:00-4:00 pm – Come and create! Stop by the Children’s room for a fun craft.
DPL Book Donation Week, Spring donation week: March 30 - April 4! Please donate gently used books and DVDs to the Friends of the DPL book sales. All proceeds benefit the library programs. Thank you!
What is new on Overdrive (NH Downloadable Books)? Magazines!!! Check out the new additions to the E-stand. nh.lib.overdrive.com
Pajama Storytime, Tues. March 31st at 6:30 pm – This month: The Ocean! Come wearing your pjs. Join Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers and the Durham Library for stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard and a fun craft. Snack is provided by ORPP. This is a great way to meet other parents and children. All are welcome.
Friends Book Discussion, Tues. March 31st at 10:30 am - Please join Jennifer Lee in the community room, as she facilitates the Friends' book discussion of Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Your copy awaits you.
Alzheimer's Cafe- Chance to socialize, relax & support, Friday April 3rd 10:30 am-12 noon - Durham Public Library and Living Innovations Home Care host a monthly “Alzheimer’s Café” for dementia patients still residing in their own homes and their caregivers. The Café is open the first Friday of each month from 10:30 am to noon at Durham Public Library. Participation is free and open to all; no commitment is required and drop-ins are welcome. Above all, the Alzheimer's Cafe offers an informal opportunity to socialize and relax with new friends who share similar circumstances. The Alzheimer’s Café is co-facilitated by Nicole Moore from DPL and Kelly Dowd from Living Innovations. For more information, contact Nicole at 603-868-6699 or Kelly Dowd at 603-516-4712 at Living Innovations.
Computer Help at the Library! Tuesday through Friday, 3:00-4:30 pm – Any kind of computer help is available at these times every week. People are standing by to assist you with your questions.
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., March 30th at 2:45 p.m. - This week’s game is: "Pictionary”
Storytimes, Tues. March 31st and Thurs. April 2nd at 10:30 a.m. They will be “Silly Stories”! We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
Knitting Club for 3rd-5th graders! Weds. April 1st from 4-5 p.m. - Come and learn to knit. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care-giver) Weds. April 1st at 10:30 a.m. – Join us for stories, movement, songs, fingerplays and fun. There is a time to socialize afterwards. Registration required for this 8 week session. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Lego Club will meet again on Thurs. April 2nd at 3:45 p.m. and the theme will be “Lego Houses”!
Writer's Response, Thursday April 2nd 6-8 pm - Writer's Response - A forum to share passion for writing. Some published, some already writing, others just starting out. What unifies the Writer's Response is a passion for writing, feeding on each others enthusiasm, energy and ideas.1st and 3rd Thursday monthly from 6-8 pm. Contact Armida Geiger, mailto:ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Homeschooler’s Activity Hour, Fri., April 3rd at 10:30 a.m. and the theme is “Jokes and Silly Stories”! This group is geared toward home-schooler’s, but all are welcome.
Young Adult Writing Group (ages 10 & up), Monday, April 6th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Like to write? Join us for this fun monthly writing group. We do writing exercises, talk about your writing, and post your writing to the library blog “Write Away”. All are welcome.
Oyster River Knitters, Tuesday April 7th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – All are welcome to join the Oyster River Knitters.
Plan, Plant and Maintain a Home Vegetable Garden, Wednesday April 8th 7pm - The Vegetable Garden Doctor will present How to Plan, Plant and Maintain a Home Vegetable Garden. There are many reasons to plant a home vegetable garden. It will provide your family with a wide variety of fresh pesticide-free produce. Also, gardening is excellent exercise and is a wonderful family recreational activity. Dr. Guy Esposito is an orthopedic surgeon whose other passion is vegetable gardening. From his early medical school days until the present, he has been growing a variety of vegetables in his home garden. He is the head gardener for the twenty-five year running PBS series Ciao Italia & has produced numerous "How to Garden" videos available on the Ciao Italia website. Program is free and open to the public. Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us Please note: No registration necessary.
Acoustic Open Mic Night Weds. April 8th, 6:30-8:00 pm - Come to listen, come to perform. The hootmeisters are Peg Chaffee and Cheryl Sager of "Nice and Naughty" fame. Food, drink and live music. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.
An Art Student’s Vision of Italy in the gallery upstairs - Please visit the new exhibit in the gallery upstairs: Shannon Malley, An Art Student's Vision of Italy. Shannon graduated from UNH in 2011 with degree in Studio Art. She painted landscapes of Italian countryside and villages on her trip in 2010, when visiting Italy in the summer. All her paintings were made on locations, capturing the broad countrysides in natural beauty or streets and parks in different parts of the day. Come to see her memories of Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
Patch Club: reading incentive program for ages 2-12 years. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk!
Tales for Tails: Read to a trained therapy dog K-4th grade - sign-up at the Children’s desk. We have two new dogs, North and Ozzie! This is a great way for your child to gain confidence in reading!
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.
Youth Book Groups:
Raccoon Readers 2nd-4th grade. Monthly book group. Tues. April 7th 6-7PM. This month's book is "The Contagious Colors of Mumpley Middle School" by Fowler Dewitt. We talk about books, do puzzles, play some games and make a craft.
Bookeaters Middle School Book Group. Meets Wed. April 8th 2:45-4PM This month's book is "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein. Walk from the Middle School. Ruth Wharton-McDonald is the facilitator. All are welcome and pizza is served. Books are available at the library.
Libros Lovers, Monthly High School book group. Meets Wed. 2:45-4:00PM. April 15th. This month’s book is “The Sun God’s Heir” by local author, Elliott Baker. Elliot will visit the group this month and talk about writing and his book.
Upcoming:
4/15 Libros Lovers High School group 2:45 pm
4/15 ORHS Poetry Night 6:30 pm (alternate night 4/16)
4/15 Adult Writer’s Response 6:00 pm
4/18 Family Movie 2:00 pm Alexander and the Very Bad Day
4/21 Durham Historic Association Meeting 7:00 pm
4/22 Native Pollinator Workshop 6:30 pm
4/23 Harriet Swenson Author and Care-giver 10:30 am
4/28 Durham Garden Club 6:30 pm
4/30 Tim Van Egmond, Storyteller, Musician 10:30 am
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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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
1930 - For many years the annual freshmen-sophomore rope pulls across the mouth of Beards Creek just below the highway bridge were the steller events of the fall. When the freshmen won, there was no hazing that year. They never won. The pulls were especially spectacular when the tide was out.
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