Friday Updates - March 29, 2013

Friday, March 29, 2013

Rendering of the new Town Hall building at 8 Newmarket Road using a modern approach. To read more and view other possible approaches, see "Town Office Project Update" below. Image courtesy Art Guadano

A reminder that the Durham Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 30th, beginning promptly at 11 AM at the Town Landing on Old Landing Road.  

Please have a happy Passover and Easter.

SPRUCEWOOD FOREST CLOSING HELD TODAY

We spent a good deal of time these last few days gearing up for the long-anticipated Sprucewood Forest closing, which was held this afternoon. The 172-acre property now belongs to the Town of Durham! Anticipate a formal public announcement on Monday.

DURHAM SELECTED FOR INCLUSION IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN’S 2013 MUNICIPAL EQUITY INDEX

The Town of Durham has been notified by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation of the Town’s selection for inclusion as part of the Human Rights Campaign’s 2013 Municipal Equity Index. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans.  The Municipal Equality Index is the first nationwide evaluation of municipal laws affecting the LGBT community.

This year, the Human Rights Campaign will evaluate 137 cities rated last year and 154 new cities.  Last year’s cities were the fifty state capitals, the fifty largest cities in the country, and 75 cities and census designed places that had a high proportion of samesex couples.  The 2013 Municipal Equality Index will score 291 cities, including the 150 largest cites in the country, the three largest cities in every state, and the city that is home to the state’s largest public university.  Durham has been selected because it is home to New Hampshire’s largest public university.

To learn more about the program, go to http://hrc.org/municipal-equality-index

DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT/SORA PROJECT UPDATE

A lot of time has been devoted this week on the large downtown project involving Tim Elliott of SORA who conducted a charrette last year in conjunction with the Town relative to the redevelopment project. Mr. Elliott has reached an agreement with the ATO alumni association for acquisition of the fraternity building on the Main Street site and is in ongoing contact with the People’s United Bank about their parcel. Durham and UNH are working collaboratively relative to this initiative.  

One area of likely cooperation will be for Durham and UNH to work together in order to attract grant monies to the project to bridge any gaps between project cost and lease costs to make the project a success. Grant programs under consideration include CDBG, CDFA, Newmarket Tax Credits, and EDA funding.

Mr. Elliott was in town several days this week meeting with various parties. 

This project will likely include the UNH Interoperability Lab, the UNH Barnes and Noble Bookstore, the People’s United Bank, 300-400 spaces of underground parking below the redevelopment for use by the project and the town as a whole, office space, a restaurant, a small hotel, possible graduate housing managed by UNH (to potentially replace Forest Park), outdoor public gathering space, research space, incubator space, and retail.

The University would be the anchor tenant as part of the project and the Town would participate through either RSA 79-E or by entering into a long-term lease-to-own arrangement with the developer utilizing the Downtown TIF district that is in existence to fund the parking costs with incremental additional tax proceeds generated by the project and through parking itself.

We will work to keep the community updated as this project progresses.

MADBURY COMMONS PROJECT

The Golden Goose/Madbury Commons project is a regular topic of discussion within many departments and the Planning Board for the redevelopment of 17-21 Madbury Road.  The applicant met for a conceptual consultation with the Planning Board on Wednesday evening of this past week to obtain guidance concerning how to move forward.  A balloon test site walk is scheduled for the coming week.  With information and feedback received to date through the Planning Board conceptual consultation process, it is anticiapted that the applicant will move into the formal site plan review process with the Planning Board as its next step.  

TOWN OFFICE PROJECT UPDATE | STRAFFORD COUNTY COURT CLEARS TITLE TO BANK BUILDING | TOWN TO CLOSE ON PARCEL IN NEAR FUTURE | 2 DRAFT DESIGN RENDERING OPTIONS TO BE REVIEWED BY HDC ON THURS, APRIL 4TH
The new town office project at the site of the former People’s United Bank is a major endeavor. On a positive note, the Strafford County Superior Court cleared the title this week.  The Town is now moving forward to schedule a closing. 

The Town’s architect for the Town Office project is in full design and will be meeting with the Historic District Commission at next week's meeting concerning architecture for the project. To view a copy of the most recent potential architectural renderings, a traditional and a modern approach, click HERE.

We continue to evaluate whether pursuing LEED certification for the project can be accomplished with budgeted funds, and more broadly whether there is a desire to do so if it can be.

ANALYSIS OF DURHAM POLICE USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS - 2012

The Durham Police Department has prepared a comprehensive analysis of all incidents where Durham Police Officers responded to physical resistance during their official duties. The data, analyzed by Captain David Holmstock, is compiled from all reports completed during the calendar year 2012. Of special note is the fact that this is the first year where all Durham officers were equipped with Tasers and those incidents where they were employed are noted within the report. To view the report, click HERE.

Overall, Durham officers responded to 25,881 calls for service; a 2% increase from 2011, yet the need to respond to physical resistance fell by .8%; a clear demonstration that employees remain adept at verbalizing their intentions in a clear and concise manner and employing force only when necessary to complete lawful objectives. The analysis continues to articulate the impact of the UNH academic calendar upon the department as well as the locations which are also intertwined with UNH students and their presence in Durham.

HOUSING STANDARDS ORDINANCE

The new housing standards ordinance has recently demanded considerable attention by Town staff as a result of an extensive Right-to-Know Law request made by the Durham Landlords Association (DLA) and concerns expressed by the DLA regarding the new ordinance.

The Durham Landlords Association has reached out to the Durham Business Association (DBA) to see whether that organization would have an interest in joining with the DLA in expressing concern relative to the new ordinance, either through direct litigation or otherwise.  The DBA will likely discuss the matter with its membership before taking any action. 

The Town of Durham is in full implementation of the ordinance with the Fire Department endeavoring to inspect approximately 15 properties each week.  To date, the Fire Department reports most rental properties have failed the initial inspection. 

To view a story in Foster’s Daily Democrat about the Durham Housing Standards Ordinance, click HERE.

To view today’s Editorial in The New Hampshire concerning how the Durham Housing Standards Ordinance impacts students at UNH who live off campus, click HERE.

The ordinance requires, in part, that all owners of rental properties identify the property and request an inspection in writing from the Fire Department of all of their residential rental properties and dwelling units within 60 days of adoption.  The ordinance was adopted on January 7, 2013.  A $1,000 civil penalty may be imposed for failure to do so.  Because the Town’s goal is compliance, not punitive fines, Administrator Selig has made an administrative decision to hold off on implementing the civil penalty referenced in the ordinance until January 1, 2014.  This will enable a full year for owners of rental properties in Durham to notify the Fire Department.  To date, there has been active compliance by local landlords, though the Town continues to have owners of rental properties who have been away or for one reason or another did not learn of the new ordinance until just recently, contact the department requesting an inspection.

GAS TAX BILL, HB 617 PASSES NH HOUSE 

The gas tax bill, HB 617, passed the NH House this week at the 12 cents level.  The Town plans to support this bill in the Senate where it will by all accounts encounter much opposition.  To view an opinion piece supporting the need for the gas tax for the benefit of NH cities, towns, and state roadways written by Administrator Selig in this week’s Concord Monitor, click HERE.

SOLAR POWER INITIATIVE FOR RINK, POLICE STATION, LIBRARY

The Town/Revision Energy project intending to enable the installation of solar panels on Churchill Rink, the Police Station, and the new Library is slowly moving ahead.  We hope to be able to finalize an agreement within the next few months.

COUNCIL HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING APRIL 1ST ON ZONING CHANGE ALLOWING FOR THE KEEPING OF CHICKENS ON AN EXPANDED BASIS

The Agricultural Commission held a public meeting on August 13, 2012 to gage the support from the public about permitting poultry as an accessory use to a residence.  Numerous residents spoke at the meeting, largely in support of the proposal.  The Agricultural Commission then developed an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to permit the keeping of poultry and game birds as an accessory use to a residence.  This original draft is dated September 20, 2012.

The Agricultural Commission first presented the draft to the Planning Board on October 10, 2012.  The Planning Board then held public hearings on the draft on October 24 and November 14, and held a site walk on Saturday, December 1, 2012, visiting four houses in town where chickens were being kept. 

On December 12 the Planning Board requested that the Agricultural Commission rework the draft based upon comments made at the public hearings, emails and letters from the public, and comments made by Planning Board members. 

The Agricultural Commission reworked the draft and addressed the concerns raised.  The revised draft was brought back to the Planning Board on January 23, 2013 for review.  On February 13 another public hearing was held and the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the revised draft (with a few small changes from the Agricultural Commission’s reworked document).

The Agricultural Commission trimmed back its original draft significantly in order to put forward a document that it believed would be acceptable to the community.  

Here are the significant items that were changed from the original proposed ordinance:

• Poultry.   “Poultry” includes only chickens and turkeys.  The original draft also allowed ducks, geese, guinea hens, pheasants, pigeons, and quail.
• Zoning Districts.  This accessory use would be permitted in the four residential zones, Office Research, MUDOR, and ORLI.  The original draft allowed them in every zone including the five core commercial zones.
• Roosters.  Roosters would be permitted only in the Rural Zone excluding lots smaller than 20,000 square feet that were part of a conservation subdivision.  The original draft allowed roosters in every zone.  The new provisions in Article XX applying to poultry would also apply to roosters in the Rural Zone.
• Residences.  This use would be permitted only for single and two family dwellings.  The original draft allowed poultry with any residence.
• Housing.  The housing structures would be in the rear or side yards and not forward of the primary façade of the house facing any street, except in the Rural Zone.  The original draft did not have any restrictions on location.
• Containment.  The animals would be confined (by any appropriate means) to the rear year and side yard and may not go closer to the street than the primary façade of the house facing any street, except in the Rural Zone.  The original draft required only that they be kept on the subject property.
• Fencing.  Fencing would be restricted to the rear and side yards except in the Rural Zone.  The original draft required only a one foot setback for fencing.
• Slaughtering.  Slaughtering would be done in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s).  The original draft did not address slaughtering.
• Selling.  Eggs could be sold on the premises in accordance with BMP’s, but other poultry products may not be sold.  The original draft did not address selling.
• Complaints.  The process is clarified so that the Agricultural Commission may assist in the handling of complaints but it occurs under the aegis of the Code Enforcement Officer.  The original draft provided for the commission to investigate and resolve complaints on its own.
• Noise.  No changes to the noise ordinance are proposed (probably not needed since roosters would be permitted only in the Rural Zone and the present noise ordinance is probably sufficient to deal with that).  The original draft restricted noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., probably necessary since it allowed roosters in any zone.

The Council will hold a public hearing on this zoning change Monday, April 1, 2013, as part of its regular meeting scheduled to begin at 7 PM.

PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION ON ORDINANCE #2013-04 AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 97 “PLUMBING CODE AND REGULATIONS” OF THE DURHAM TOWN CODE TO CODIFY THE TOWN’S SUPPORT FOR WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER EFFICIENT PLUMBING RELATIVE TO PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS

Over the past year, in particular, the Council has focused on protecting the capacity and resiliency of its public water supply, the maintenance of its water infrastructure, the effectiveness and efficiency of its wastewater treatment facility and sewer infrastructure, and the health of the Great Bay Estuary, in part as a means to address the Environmental Protection Agency’s concerns about water quality in the Great Bay Estuary.

This Resolution acknowledges and builds on substantial prior efforts of the Town in recognizing the need to address anticipated additional demands on the public water and wastewater systems as the Town moves into the future.

The State of New Hampshire adopted the 2009 International Plumbing Code that currently serves as the standard for the Town of Durham. However, “Chapter 97. Plumbing Code and Regulations” of the Town Code references the (1990) Building and Code Administrators (BOCA) Codes, which is no longer the standard.

The Green Building Council’s LEED certification standards include so-called ultra-low-flow fixtures. The 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC)’s “Water Efficiency Provisions” reflects a greater awareness of the need to conserve potable water and serves as the basis for this Resolution’s recommended standards.

For examples, see the table below for a comparison of existing and proposed flow rates for non-public use fixtures, where: 

• gpm = gallons per minute
• gpc = gallons per flushing cycle
• gpf = gallons per flush
• psi = pressure per square inch

Note: The Resolution itself specifies a more complete set of standards.

Availability and cost of fixtures

Homeowners and contractors alike will find readily available fixtures that are lower-flow than the current standard. For example reviewing product offerings at manufacturers’ website shows a similar number of 1.6 gpf and 1.28 gpf toilets at a range of price points, as do local retailers. See attachments for examples and customer reviews.

Policy considerations

Upside

• Benefit to Town water and sewer users: Potential delay in water or sewer infrastructure upgrades
• Town identity: perception as a state leader in water and energy conservation
• Town identity: perception as a model town for inspection and construction practices

Downside

• Potential marginal additional one-time installation cost
• Some specific brands and/or models may not be locally available, although choices will be available for all categories
• Perception of Durham, NH as a challenging place to build

On Monday, March 18, 2013, the Council voted to schedule a public hearing on this Ordinance for Monday, April 1, 2013, beginning at 7 PM.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - ENERGY CONSERVATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

The Town of Durham, New Hampshire requests proposals from interested parties for an energy conservation and air quality improvement project or projects. The selected energy services company shall be responsible for compilation of all aspects of both the design and the work under a single contract (the “Contract”). The Contract shall include guarantees of performance and a Scope of Work as outlined within this document. It is anticipated that the project may include energy conservation and air quality improvement projects at one or more Town-owned buildings (excluding the fire station, which is shared with the University of New Hampshire).

All responses to this RFP must be received in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “Request for Proposal for Energy Conservation and Air Quality Improvements for the Town of Durham”. Candidates shall submit ten (10) duplicate copies of their qualifications in accordance with this request to: Todd I. Selig, Town Administrator, at 15 Newmarket Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, or by email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us to the attention of Todd I. Selig. Proposals must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, April 19, 2013 to be eligible for consideration. To view the RFP on the Town of Durham web site, go to http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/, “Helpful Resources” at the top of the page, then “Bids & RFPs”.

WANTED FOR THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION:  EXPERTISE AND ENTHUSIASM

Several members of the Durham Conservation Commission ("the DCC") will be stepping down due to increased professional demands, leaving open opportunities for those with relevant expertise and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. What's on tap?

The Commission is currently updating the chapter of the Master Plan that focuses on Durham's natural resources. Members also work on land stewardship plans, monitor already-conserved properties, lead nature walks, attack invasive plants, and recommend steps to protect against negative impacts to our streams, wetlands, and shoreline. Knowledge of hydrology, zoology, or botany.... birders, trail builders, and Marine Docents: all are welcome.  Note also that the DCC’s Land Stewardship subcommittee recently joined with members of the Parks and Recreation Committee and Agricultural Commission to promote responsible management and use of Town conservation lands that have public access.

Residents interested in becoming members or in working on specific projects are invited to attend the next meeting of the Commission on April 11 at Town Hall starting at 7pm. For more information, please check out the Commission's website.

POWER OF ONE PROJECT -  ORHS FRESHMAN GABRIELLA TROMBLEY'S EFFORT TO AFFECT POSITIVE CHANGE RELATIVE TO EATING DISORDERS

On Sunday, April 7, 2013, ORHS freshman Gabriella Trombley is participating in a National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) walk in Boston Massachusetts with a team of friends and family as part of her Power of One Project. The team goal is $1,000 for the organization. NEDA raises awareness for eating disorders and provides help and support to those struggling.

Anyone wishing to donate to Gabriella for this cause can go to http://neda.nationaleatingdisorders.org/site/TR/NEDAWalk/General?px=1200252&pg=personal&fr_id=2100.

ORMS student Ben Harriton and Durham's School Resource Officer Holly Malasky who is assisting with Ben's Pay-it-Forward project about the dangers of texting while driving.

PAY-IT-FORWARD PROJECT - THE DANGERS OF TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

Seventh grader Ben Harriton is on the Fusion Team at the Oyster River Middle School and is working on a Pay-It-Forward project through his social studies class. For his service project, Ben has chosen to alert members within the community about the dangers of texting while driving. His pledge form can be downloaded by clicking HERE. It lists some facts about texting, as well as provides a place for individuals to sign the pledge. After signing, Ben requests that it either be scanned and emailed to him at annierosepug@gmail.com or send it via "snail mail" to: Ben Harriton, Oyster River Middle School, 1 Coe Drive, Durham, NH 03824. Ben encourages everyone to read the facts about texting and driving, take the pledge, follow your promise, and pass the word on to others.

Downtown Durham around bar closing time. Courtesy Todd Selig

NH HOUSE PASSES BILL ALLOWING BARS TO REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 2 AM
Legislation passed by the New Hampshire House to the state Senate on Thursday allows pubs, restaurants and other "on-premises liquor licensees" to remain open until 2 a.m., unless the local community objects. 

 

Under House Bill 575, if a local ordinance prohibits closing times later than 1 a.m., the local ordinance prevails.  This “opt out” was crafted as an amendment by Rep. Phil Ginsburg of Durham at the request of the Town.   To read and article in TNH, go to http://www.tnhonline.com/house-passes-bill-allowing-bars-to-stay-open-extra-hour-1.3013695%23.UUykaqXJA5Q.

A public hearing on this bill is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 2:30 PM at the statehouse in Concord.  Durham Police Chief David Kurz and Town Councilor Robin Mower will attend to testify on behalf of the Town.

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT:  APPLICATION PROCESS NOW OPEN!

Kids Can Grow is a joint program of the Strafford County Master Gardeners and the Strafford County UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development program. Participants are introduced to gardening through hands on, "learn by doing" experiences, home garden visits and mentoring from a UNH Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. Our goal is to help youth become successful young gardeners!

Program requirements: Youth must be between 8 and 12 years of age; Garden beds must be located in Stafford County; Participants must be able to attend at least 4 out of 5 of the teaching sessions: May 11th, June 1st, July 13th, August 10th, September 8th

Program Highlights: Participate in a Harvest Festival on the UNH Campus where youth and families will have the opportunity to share garden recipes; Enter vegetables grown through the Kids Can Grow program in the 2013 Rochester Fair.

Applications to the 2013 Kids Can Grow Program are due by April 26 to Jillian Hall at the UNH Cooperative Extension Office. Applications can be found by clicking HERE.

To RSVP or inquire about any of our events, please contact Jill Hall, Strafford County 4-H Program Coordinator at 603-516-8112 or by email: jillian.hall@unh.edu.

A Mason at the stair tower window. Courtesy Walter Rous

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Outside, the masons have moved their scaffold and warming tent from the elevator shaft over to the stair tower.  The architects have chosen a blend of bricks that comes close to matching the bricks of the original house and called for similar detailing (dentils, quoins, and Flemish bond pattern).  For their part, the masons are striking flush joints and trying to imitate some of the irregularity in the lay-up of the old wall.  If we knew how to add eighty years of weathering, we'd get close to a perfect match. 

Inside, roughing in of electric, data, fire alarms, security, control wiring, plumbing, heating pipes, duct work, and the wet and dry sprinkler systems has been mostly completed, tested, and inspected.  The drywall crew has completed most of the hanging, a good part of the taping and mudding, and several areas are sanded and ready for paint.  Beautiful douglas fir boards have been sanded and clear coated and are ready for installation in the sloped ceilings.

The trunk of the sprinkler system tree. Courtesy Walter Rous

PUBLIC MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.

Town Council - Monday, April 1, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, April 2, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

Rental Housing Commission - Wednesday, April 3, 2013 (4:00 PM). For agenda and other information, click HERE.

Historic District/Heritage Commission - Thursday, April 4, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.

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

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/  by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION

The Durham Historic Association presents the Pontine Players production THE COMMON HEART on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, 7:00 PM, at the Durham Public Library. Pontine's Co-Artistic Directors, Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers, premiere an original work exploring the literature, philosophy, and legacy of the New England Transcendental Movement. Drawing on works by Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau, and other denizens of Concord MA during the great spiritual awakening of the 1830's and 40's, THE COMMON HEART evokes an enlightened era when New Englanders sought to throw off their Puritan roots in favor of a closer, more personal communion with the divine essence of the natural world.

To learn more about the Durham Historic Association, click HERE.

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

19TH ANNUAL EGG HUNT! The Annual Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2013 beginning promptly at 11:00 AM at the Durham Town Landing. This is a rain or shine event. Bring your baskets!

JOIN US FOR YOGA:  Mondays:  5:45AM and 5PM;  Tuesdays:  7:15PM; Thursdays:  6:00AM.  What to expect:  Yoga is a series of physical poses which promote good posture, alleviate health problems, reduce stress, and make the spine supple.  Yoga is often used as both an exercise and a form of physical therapy. Cost is only $40 for 8 sessions! Couples Yoga coming soon! Find out more HERE. 

Over 40 families joined us for Mad Science Family Night last Tuesday evening at ORMS. Kids learned about the science behind hot air balloons, and a few lucky participants took a ride on the Mad Science Hovercraft! Courtesy Stefanie Frazee

GET FIT! CHECK OUT ONE OF OUR ENERGIZING CLASSES TODAY!  

BOOT CAMP, Wed/Fri, 7AM 

PILATES, Mon 9AM, Wed 6:30 PM, Sat 10AM

ZUMBA - Mon/Wed 5:30 PM, Sat 9AM

STRENGTH & STRETCH - Wed/Fri 8AM

TAI CHI (Beginner/Advanced) - Fri 4-5:30 PM

TAI CHI (Moving for Better Balance) - Tue/Thu 9-10AM

Find out more HERE.

SUMMER SPEED CAMP:  For athletes in grades 7-12 who are looking to improve their game, while having a TON of fun this summer. Find out more HERE.

ADVENTURE PADDLE CAMP:  Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Seven Rivers Paddling to offer kids kayaking camps this summer!  We are offering a series of week-long sessions for kids ages 6-8 and 9-13.  Each session will guide the participants through basic paddling techniques; balance; self rescue skills; wildlife exploration; and conservation topics. For more information, please visit Seven Rivers Paddling on FB, or email: sevenriverspaddling@gmail.com

 

KAYAK TOURS:  Durham Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Seven Rivers Paddling to offer weekend tours this summer! Seven Rivers Paddling Days:

• Saturday, April 27th @ 10AM – Jackson’s Landing
• Saturday, May 4th @ 5PM (Sunset Tour) – Jackson’s Landing
• Saturday, May 11th @ 10AM – Jackson’s Landing
• Saturday, May 18th @ 3PM – Jackson’s Landing
• Saturday, May 25th @ 10AM – Jackson’s Landing

All tours are $50/person, (ages 9+) and include necessary instruction and gear (boats too)!

Both beginner and advanced paddlers welcome.  Tours are 3 hours each.  Space is limited!

To register, please fill out a registration form at: ci.durham.nh.us/recreation (follow directions on top of form).

_____________________________

For more information regarding any of the classes or events offered by Parks and Recreation, visit the P&R web site at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_parksrec.

DPR Climbing Club participants learn basic knot tying skills during their first lesson last Friday. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Yoga for Runners and Cross Training, Saturday, March 30, 2013, Durham Community Church, 9-10 and 10:30-11:30 AM. $15/person. All proceeds help Team On Belay. For more information call 603-862-2269.

Community Church of Durham Holy Week and Easter Services, 17 Main Good Friday, March 29 7:00 pm Meditative Readings & Music:  Entering the Mystery; Easter Sunday, March 31, 8:30 am & 10:30 am Worship:  Embracing Fullness of Life, 9:30 am Fellowship & Refreshments. Call 603-862-1230 for more information.

Yoga for Runners and Cross Training, Saturday, March 30, 2013, 9-10:00 AM and 10:30-11:30 AM, Durham Community Church. $15 per person. All proceeds help Team On Belay who is running the Wallis Sands 1/2 Marathon reach their goal of sending 100 kids to On Belay programs. Visit http://www.on-belay.org/

Panel Discussion: The Practice of Engaging Our Learners, Tuesday, April 2, 2013, 7:00 PM, ORHS Multipurpose Room. Oyster River Educators from elementary school through high school will participate in a panel discussion about how we engage our children in learning.  Community questions and discussion to follow. Facilitated by UNH Professor Tom Newkirk.

Durham Great Bay Rotary Meetings in April.  All meetings held at 7:30 AM at the Three Chimneys Inn,. All are welcome. Apr 24th-Carolyn Johnson on her trip to Guatemala; Apr 10th-Club Forum; Apr 17th-Maggie Stier of NH Preservation Organization on Old Man of Mountain; Apr 24th-GSE Team from Nigeria; May 1st-John DeLorey on college financing/planning; May 8th-GBRC member Ric Erikson; May 15th-Club Forum; May 22nd-GBRC member Arthur Bradbury; May 29th-Open. Call 603-868-1664 for more information.

Northeastern Ballet Theatre Presents Cinderella Ballet, Saturday and Sunday, April 6 (7 PM) & 7 (2 PM), 2013, Oyster River High School Auditorium. For cost and other information, click HERE, or call 603-834-8834, or email info@northeasternballet.org.

Community Forum on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, 7-8:30 PM, Young's on Main Street. For more information, call Todd Allen at 603-868-2375 or Mary Westfall at 603-868-1230.

Free Showing of Documentary "Bully: The Movie", Wednesday, April 11, 2013, 6:30 PM, MUB Theatre II on UNH Campus. Audience discussion with UNH experts follows. Students 13 and over encouraged to attend. For more information call 603-862-7008.

Team Jess Annual Pasta Dinner & Raffle to Benefit the National MS Society, Greater NE Chapter, Thursday, April 11, 2013, 5-8:00 PM, Libby's Bar & Grill function room. $5/person for all-you-can-eat buffet-style Italian dinner. Kids under 12 eat free. For more information call 603-868-1297.

Great Bay Figure Skating Club 2013 Spring Revue: Earth Wind and Fire, Saturday, April 13, 2013, doors open at 12:45 PM, Dover Ice Arena. 39th year for this show which highlights the progression of the club skaters from the seacoast and surrounding areas including Oyster River and UNH. Tickets: $8; 4 and under free. For more information call Doreen Wachenschwanz, 603-312-0707 or visit http://greatbayskating.org/

UNH Conference for Office Professionals. For office managers, executive and administrative assistants, clerical and office staff.  Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 9AM-4PM, Sheraton Harborside Hotel, Portsmouth. $195 if registered by April 3; $235 after April 3. For more information, click HERE.

Durham Newcomers Unlimited, Master Gardner, Carol Doering will present "A Garden for Wildlife: Natural Landscaping for a Better Backyard", Friday, April 19, 2013, 10:00 AM, Community Church of Durham. Free and open to the public. For more information call 603-868-7364.

Durham Police Officers Association Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, April 27, 2013, 8:00-10:00 AM, Durham Evangelical Church, Dover Road. Proceeds benefit the Chief Ray Burrows Scholarship Fund. $7/adults, $3/children for all you can eat pancakes, home fries, sausage, bacon, and eggs.

An Introduction to Rain Garden Design & Installation, Friday, May 3, 2013, 8:30 AM-3:30 PM, Great Bay Community College Room 123-124, 320 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth. Installation rain date: May 6th. Registration deadline is April 29th.  For more information call 603-559-1529

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Durham Public Library Goes Mobile!  Are you doing all your business from your cellphone these days? Would you like simple, direct access to the library’s website and catalog when you’re on the run? Then we have two new products for you. Scan the QR code below, or from the library’s homepage and you can download a version of the library’s website, specifically designed for mobile devices. It’s simple and easy to use. Want to access the library’s catalog from your iPhone or iPad? Well now there’s an app for that! Search the Apple App Store for “Surpass Library Trek”. Download the app, find the Durham Public Library using GPS and login to your account. If you’ve forgotten your library account ID and password you can ask us for it the next time you visit.

Preschool Storytimes, Tues. April 2nd and Thurs.  April 4th at 10:30 am – This week:  Silly Stories and Bubbles!  Join us for stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft.  All are welcome. 
Lego Club is Back for 1st-4th Graders starting Thurs. March 21st from 3:45-4:45 p.m. -Like to build with Legos?  Join us for this fun club for 1st-4th graders.  We will meet for 5 Thursdays, March 21, 28, April 4, 11 and 18! 
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book group, Tues. April 2nd, 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Join us for our 2nd-4th grade book group.  This month's books are "Harriet the Spy" by Louise Fitzhugh and/or "Elmer and the Dragon" by Ruth Gannett and/or "Ruby Lu Brave and True" by Lenore Look. Come discuss the book(s), authors, play some games, and make a craft.  Copies of these books are available at the Circulation desk.  All are welcome!
Young Adult Writing/Blog Group, Tues. April 2nd 7:00-7:45 p.m. - Join us for this monthly writing group for Young Adults (10 yrs. & up).  We do writing exercises, talk about your writing and post your writing to our blog "Write Away".  We also talk about books, movies...  All are welcome!
Homeschooling Activity Hour starting Friday, April 5th, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Homeschoolers join us as we read some books, play some games and work on a craft.  This program is geared for home-schoolers but all are welcome.  We will meet for eight Fridays (starting April 5th and ending May 24th).
The Durham Historic Association Presents the Pontine Theatre's Newest Production: The Common Heart, Tues. April 9th at 7:00 p.m. - Explore the literature, philosophy and legacy of the New England Transcendental Movement in "The Common Heart," an original work created by Pontine Theatre's co-artistic directors Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers. Drawing on works by Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau, and other denizens of Concord, MA, during the great spiritual awakening of the 1830's and 40's, "The Common Heart" evokes an enlightened era when New Englanders sought to throw off their Puritan roots in favor of a closer, more personal communion with the divine essence of the natural world. Serving the Seacoast since 1977, Pontine Theatre has developed a sterling reputation for high quality performances and educational programs.  With an impressive repertoire of innovative, original productions, the company serves as its home town, Portsmouth, NH and New England and neighboring states.
Libros Lovers, High School Book Group, Weds. April 10th, 1:00-2:00 p.m. - Join us for this High School Book Group.  This month's books are "You Against Me" by Jenny Downham and "buy-ology" by Martin Lindstrom.  Ruth Wharton MacDonald is the facilitator.  All are welcome and pizza is served.
Oyster River High School Poetry Night, Weds. April 10th, 7:00 p.m. - Join Oyster River High School Students for a night of creative poetry readings!  The ORHS Poet Laureate, ORHS Poetry Out Loud Winner and the ORHS Literary Magazine Members will do some readings.  Refreshments will be served and all are welcome!
Join the Patch Program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag. If new to the program, stop by and register.  Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program. 

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

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

"Farm Life in Durham: This brief look at farm life in Durham during the twentieth century would not be complete without a history of Adams Point and the Adams family farm and boardinghouse. Indeed, there have been so many great changes at Adams Point, its history almost deserves a separate chapter.

Adams Point

Progress was slow; the captain, who was said to have 'had an eye for crooked wood,' was, on occasion, willing to wait a year or more until a promising limb on a tree grew enough to form the special knee joint needed for the frame. As the day for launching approached, however, more and more often a visitor would find Cass under the boat at any hour of the day, caulking gun in hand. Because the hull had been sitting on dry land for over ten years, even the big timbers were dried out, and some of the cracks were wide. Finally the day came when the Driftwood was given a gorgeous coat of green paint, and she really began to look like something. White trimming, a beige coat for the deck, portholes, a hatch, and the bright work were added." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

Have a very nice weekend and again, happy Easter and happy Passover!   

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

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