Friday Updates - May 29, 2015

Friday, May 22, 2015

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Durham Memorial Day Parade, Circa 1959. Courtesy Beverly Burrows

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Monday, May 25th is Memorial Day. The origins of Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, lie in the Civil War.  Southern women laid claim to the custom of a day set aside to decorate the graves of the war dead.  Union veterans laid claim to a specific date, May 30th, but it wasn't until after World War II that North and South were willing to observe Memorial Day on the same date.  If you are observing the weekend as most Americans do as the semi-official start of the summer vacation season, please pause occasionally to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. (See more on Durham's planned Memorial Day ceremonies below).

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE - MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Durham Parks & Recreation and the Town of Durham are honored to invite Durham citizens to its 68th Annual Memorial Day Parade and celebration! The parade will begin at Mill Pond Road, in front of Mill Pond on Monday, May 25th at 10AM. Please arrive at the site no later than 9:30AM if you would like to walk or ride with us.

Immediately following the welcoming announcement, we will proceed down Mill Pond Road, and turn left onto Newmarket Road. From there, we’ll make another left onto Dover Road/Main Street, toward downtown and Memorial Park, where the second ceremony will take place. There will be live music, musket salute, invocation, and other special announcements. An additional ceremony will also take place at the Memorial Union Building circle, but will not be part of the parade procession.

 

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY FOR MEMORIAL DAY

All Durham Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2015 in observance of Memorial Day. All Town offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

MEMORIAL DAY TRANSFER STATION AND CURBSIDE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

The Public Works office will be closed on Monday, May 25th, for the Memorial Day Holiday.  Trash and Recycling will NOT BE PICKED UP ON MONDAY THE 25TH.  The week will be pushed forward one day, meaning if you normally get picked up on Mondays, you will be on Tuesday, Tuesdays on Wednesday, etc.  Please have all items out by 7am, as always.  No commercial on Friday, May 29th.  Additionally, the Transfer Station will be CLOSED ON SATURDAY, MAY 23RD for the holiday weekend as well.  Enjoy your holiday!

TRANSFER STATION CLOSED ON SATURDAY, MAY 23RD

Unless there is significant rainfall this weekend, the Transfer Station will not be accepting any brush or limbs after Saturday, May 16th.  In cooperation with the Durham Fire Department, the brush pile will be closed temporarily due to the very dry conditions creating a high fire hazard potential.  We will communicate when it will be safe again for us to collect the brush.

FREE WOODCHIPS

Durham Public Works has left several truckloads of woodchips at the vacant lot on Woodridge Road about a hundred yards from Mill Road. Please help yourself.

COUNCIL ADOPTS 2015-2016 GOALS

At its meeting on May 18th, the Town Council adopted goals for the coming year.  As in the past, these goals are intended to be reflective of Town aspirations over the next 1-3 year timeframe.  

 

It is our hope that all of the Town’s various boards, committees, and commissions will review the list and work to incorporate these key elements into their own work plans.

 

Standards of Performance

• Embrace openness in the conduct of public business while conducting Town affairs in a manner that is just and best demonstrates a genuine respect for different ideas, opinions, and perspectives.
• Encourage all town boards, committees, and commissions to align their efforts with the Council goals and to collaborate and communicate more frequently with each other and with the community at large.
• Ensure that the town staff and resources secured by the town provide exemplary expertise, guidance and support to town boards, commissions and committees.

Key Objectives

• Pursue long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resiliency, anticipating the community’s and the region’s future needs through a framework that formally integrates the consideration of multiple elements including society, ecology, economics, transportation, agriculture, recreation, food and drinking water, climate, and energy resources.
• Improve current and explore new collaborative efforts with UNH to enhance mutual intellectual, cultural, environmental, social, and economic benefits associated with hosting New Hampshire’s state university. Negotiate equitable agreements for the delivery of services and infrastructure used by both the Town and UNH and develop long-term policies that reduce the burden on the town and clarify town-gown land ownership.
• Having expanded the tax base through student housing construction, now focus on revitalizing Durham’s commercial core to enhance the sense of community and to better provide for the needs of our residents, while maintaining our small town character, rural pastoral gateways, and cultural history.  
• Regain and enhance the integrity of Durham’s traditional family neighborhoods.
• Identify definitive sites and develop a plan for key public facilities to meet the present and future needs of the community.  
• Complete the update to the first ten chapters of the 2000 Master Plan by fall 2015, and the Future Land Use Chapter by fall 2016.
• Strengthen the community and enhance its social capital by supporting an array of recreational, artistic, and educational opportunities, and by celebrating and sustaining Durham’s history and natural setting and initiatives that promote public transportation options, including safe walking and biking.
• Task the administrator with developing an operating budget that holds the municipal tax rate at $8.48 given the assumptions there is no change in the downtown TIF allocations and the anticipated 2016 tax valuation is $986 million.  Preliminary budgets submitted to the administrator by department heads should reflect this Town Council goal.  For the medium and long-term, the Town will make an effort to control its spending and explore innovative ways to reduce the municipal tax rate.
• Identify and address the needs of our citizens to ensure they are well-served by the Town.  
• Endeavor to make living in Durham less complex and less burdensome for our residents.

UPDATE ON PAY AS YOUR THROW PROPOSAL (PAYT)

On Monday evening, 12/1/14, the Council received a presentation Durham’s Integrate Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC), regarding the general concept of implementing Pay as You Throw in Durham.  Pay as You Throw (PAYT) is a program whereby property owners are required to purchase special bags in order to dispose of solid waste in town.  PAYT generally encourages recycling and ensures that residents pay only for the trash that they produce.  

 

After much discussion, the Council asked the IWMAC and Administrator Selig to devote the time and resources to develop an actual PAYT program proposal for Durham for further consideration.  


While there has been some additional review of a PAYT program for Durham, the committee has really focused over the last few months instead on working with the Department of Public Works in implementing single stream (no-sort) recycling whereby residents may mix paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, etc. together for collection EVERY WEEK.  This initiative is expected to go live around the July timeframe.  Look for information in the coming editions of the “Friday Updates.”  


The plan at this stage is to implement single stream (no sort) recycling for a period of time and then to evaluate its effectiveness in improving recycling rates.  After having done so, the IWMAC will revisit the concept of PAYT to determine whether it would still be something for Durham to consider for the future to further encourage recycling rates.

 

Volunteers with one of the trees on Main Street decorated with beautiful knitted designs blooming with flowers. Courtesy Main Street Makery

OYSTER RIVER WOMENADE'S FIRST ANNUAL "YARN-BLOOMING"

On Thursday, May 21, Oyster River Womenade's first annual "Yarn-Blooming" was put on display on Main Street in Durham. With the help of Main Street Makery,  community volunteers, Karen Lazerowich and knitted pieces borrowed from Womenade of Greater Swampscott, the trees on Main Street in Durham were covered in beautiful knitted designs blooming with flowers.

"It's a fun way to celebrate Spring, beautify our Main Street, and educate people about the important work we do," said Lyssa Bayne-Kim, board member of the OR Womenade.  With the Memorial Day parade on Monday, the hope is that many people will have a chance to see the displays and learn more about OR Womenade.

The goal of "Yarn-Blooming" is to help raise awareness for Oyster River Womenade, a local organization that provides monetary support to community members in times of hardship, for example, help with medical expenses,

fuel costs, or automobile repairs.  

Communities that are directly helped by OR Womenade are:  Newmarket, Madbury, Lee, and Durham.  OR Womenade's belief is that by helping someone with a short-term crisis, we can help their situation from spiraling out of control. 

For more information about OR Womenade, please visit their website at http://www.orwomenade.org/

A very special thank you to the early risers that helped install the pieces goes out to:  Karen Larson, Amy Lepore, Jesse Morrell, Emily Slama, Heather Anderson, Karen Matta Oshima, Jacqueline Bruhn, Monika Donovan, Jen Pavlik, Holly Stark, Colie Haahr, Myles Lynch, Sue Haskell, Karen Lazerowich, Liz Arcieri, Lyssa Bayne-Kim, Meridith Davidson, Sarah Grandy, Wendy Brooks, Marlon Grandy, Aidan Brooks, and Charlie Brooks.

 

One of the trees decorated with yarn along Main Street. Courtesy Todd Selig

EVERSOURCE (PSNH) TRIMMING

Eversource, formerly PSNH, has notified the Department of Public Works that it will be doing some line trimming this summer in the Faculty development.  Eversource personnel will be contacting homeowners to discuss the clearing operation if it applies to them. This type of trimming is for preventative maintenance, in the attempt to cut down on power line failure due to branches or trees. Please contact DPW with any questions at 603-868-5578.

PUBLIC HEARING ON NHDOT PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION OF US ROUTE 4 OVER BUNKER CREEK PROJECT - Thursday, May 28, 2015

A Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Durham Town Hall regarding the NHDOT proposed reconstruction of US Route 4 over Bunker Creek.

The project will replace the bridge carrying US Route 4 over Bunker Creek in the Town of Durham. The new bridge will be built in the same location as the existing bridge. The proposed improvements will also include the reconstruction of US Route 4 extending 1,300' east and 1,000' west of the bridge. Advertising for bids is tentatively scheduled for January 8, 2019.

Interested landowners, local officials, and highway users are welcome to attend and will be given the opportunity to express their comments relative to the project.

Written statements and other exhibits may be submitted to:

Chairman of the Commission

c/o William J. Cass, Director of Project Development

New Hampshire Department of Transportation

PO Box 483

Concord, NH 03302-0483

Up to ten (10) days after the public hearing for inclusion in the official record.

The Town Hall will be open 1/2 hour prior to the time of the hearing for inspection of plans by any interested persons.

Any individuals needing assistance or auxiliary communication equipment due to sensory impairment or other disability should contact Charles r. Schmidt, P.E., Administrator of the Bureau of Right-of-Way, NHDOT, PO Box 483, Concord, NH 03302-0483 - TDD access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964. Notification of the need for assistance must be made no later than 7 days before the hearing.

To view more details regarding the Public Hearing, as well as a map of the site, click HERE. 

Questions concerning the project should be directed to NHDOT Project Manager Robert Landry at 603-271-2731.

EXPANSION AND RENOVATION OF HOLLOWAY COMMONS

North Branch Construction of Concord has begun the expansion and renovation of Holloway Commons on the UNH campus. Construction will include two new additions and extensive renovations to existing spaces on multiple floors.

Construction is expected to be complete next February.

DURHAM FIRE CHIEF AND FIRE CAPTAIN PARTICPATE IN UNH HOODING CEREMONY FOR MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEGREE AS GRADUATES

As part of last week’s graduation festivities at UNH, two members of the Durham Fire Department participated and received their Masters of Public Administration degree.  Fire Chief Corey Landry (above right) and Fire Captain David Emanuel both received their degrees.  


Congratulations to both Chief Landry and Captain Emanuel.  

 

TOWN ATTORNEY TO MEET WITH PLANNING BOARD ON WEDNESDAY DURING PLANNING MEETING -- To discuss the criteria for the Planning Board making a decision on applications, grounds for denying projects, when appropriate, and related topics.

Laura Spector-Morgan, Durham Town Attorney, will speak with the Planning Board at its workshop this Wednesday, May 27, starting shortly after 7:00 p.m.   Ms. Spector will discuss the criteria for the Planning Board making a decision on applications, grounds for denying projects, when appropriate, and related topics.  The meeting is open to the public.

 

MASTER PLAN UPATE PROCESS – AN ATTEMPT TO DEMYSTIFY THE PROCESS

What is the overall purpose of the master plan?

 

New Hampshire RSA 674:2 states: “The purpose of the master plan is to set down as clearly and practically as possible the best and most propriate future development of the area under the jurisdiction of the planning board, to aid the board in designing ordinances that result in preserving and enhancing the unique quality of life and culture of New Hampshire, and to guide the board in the performance of its other duties in a manner that achieves the principles of smart growth, sound planning, and wise resource protection.”

 

The intent of Durham’s 2015 Master Plan is to embody a holistic approach to identifying land use implementation priorities for the Town of Durham through a detailed analysis and discussion of historic, current, and future trends. The resulting document should be both concise and precise enough to provide legal standing to the Planning Board when implementing ordinances or other changes in the future.

1.    Who has responsibility for what, and when, within the overall process?

 

Throughout this Master Plan process there has been a challenge in clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of those directly involved. The significant amount of time invested in this update by multiple parties, along with the many different working parts, are factors that have caused major shifts to the overall work flow process. The shifts in work flow have been minor; however, they have caused some miscommunication between participants. Many of these issues have been resolved and the process has been clearly defined. Most recently, there are four key stakeholders:

 

    Chapter Subcommittees – responsible for developing chapter content, which includes: a vision for the future, existing conditions, unique challenges, and a series of goals and recommendations to address identified issues. These committees were established in order to provide local knowledge and technical expertise for each chapter.

 

    MPAC – responsible for assisting the Planning Board with the Master Plan process, developing a community vision statement, and providing advice and guidance to the Town’s consultant. They are responsible for reviewing each chapter in a holistic way and providing feedback to ensure content is consistent with the vision statement and the results from the community outreach events.

 

    Planning Board – responsible for final review of each chapter to ensure consistency and adoption after the public hearing process is completed.

 

    Consultant (Strafford Regional Planning Commission) – responsible for working with MPAC and chapter subcommittees to provide technical planning expertise in order to strengthen each chapter. SRPC has reorganized the chapters and made recommended revisions, including data and trends from regional and statewide perspectives. SRPC was responsible for the addition of pictures, graphs, tables, and results from the community outreach events to improve the readability for Durham’s residents.

2.    What is the timeline between now and completion?

 

The timeline for completion of each Master Plan chapter has been slightly different. In March 2014 (contract year 1), SRPC agreed to write three chapters (Housing and Demographics, Community Character, and Existing Land Use) that would serve as the backbone for the remaining chapters. These chapters were originally included as part of year 2 of the Master Plan work plan. These were completed with guidance from MPAC and have since been reviewed by the Planning Board in early 2015.

 

Over the past several months SRPC has been working with each subcommittee to make revisions and develop final drafts that were reviewed and endorsed by MPAC before going to the Planning Board. In order to expedite this process as it was going on too long a decision was made to institute a cut-off date for comments from the subcommittees. At this point all chapters have been turned over to MPAC and subsequently forwarded to the Planning Board. The Planning Board is now reviewing these chapter with public feedback.

 

3.    Who is responsible for ensuring that the plan is unified; i.e. that one section does not conflict with another?

 

New Hampshire RSA 674:2 also states: “Each section of the master plan shall be consistent with the others in its implementation of the vision section.” The Durham Planning Board and Master Plan Consultants (SRPC) are responsible for satisfying this Statute. This is not within the purview of the chapter subcommittees, however, it is within the purview of the Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC).

 

Goals and recommendations that specifically relate to land use included within many chapters (such as potential development areas and land conservation efforts) may appear to be contradictory when viewed in isolation. However, the intent of the to be developed Future Land Use Chapter is to temper and prioritize these seemingly conflicting recommendations from the Plan’s chapters. Ultimately, the Future Land Use Chapter will become the primary tool for the Planning Board when implementing recommendations from various chapters of the Master Plan as it represents a consolidated vision from all stakeholders.

Once the Planning Board adopts the initial ten chapters, which will occur very soon, focus will shift to the development of the Future Land Use Chapter over the course of the coming year.  


Administrator Selig will be meeting with the Planning Board this coming Wednesday evening at the board’s quarterly planning meeting to discuss the support it needs and the process that might be followed to accomplish this major task.

 

MCGREGOR MEMORIAL EMS PARTICIPATES IN COLLABORATIVE STUDY 

During the week of May 18th to 22nd, McGregor Memorial EMS members participated in a collaborative study between faculty from the UNH Kinesiology Department, the UNH Athletic Department, the University of Central Arkansas and the New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute.  The purpose of the study was to compare the movement of the head and cervical spine using the traditional long spine immobilization process and the new spine motion restriction protocol, when moving a patient from the scene to the ambulance stretcher, to the ambulance, transport in the ambulance, removal from the ambulance and transfer to the hospital bed.  Using telemetry from sensors placed on the patient, the amount and type of spinal movement was assessed and recorded.  Throughout the process the patient’s vital signs, pain/discomfort were constantly monitored. The scenario placed the athletic trainers and McGregor EMTs working together as they would in a real athletic injury setting.

66 MAIN STREET ET AL PROJECT RFP UPDATE

The RFP for the 66 Main St. et al project has been released by UNH/Durham this past March.  Town Councilors Carden Welsh & Jim Lawson, EDC Chair Ute Luxem, 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 manage the selection process.  


A total of 7 firms responded to the RFP as part of the prequalification phase and ultimately 3 firms were selected by the joint Durham/UNH team to move forward to the next phase of the process which entails the formal development of proposals consistent with the Town and the University’s vision for the parcel.  


In late summer-early fall, Durham/UNH will organize three public forums for the community to receive a presentation from each of the three finalists and to provide feedback for consideration by the selection committee.  A final firm will ultimately be recommended to the Town Council and the University by the joint selection team.    


On Wednesday morning of this week, the Durham/UNH selection team met with the three finalists for the 66 Main St. Et Al project: Cathartes; Redgate/Bruner-Cott; Carpenter/Fairmont/Gilbane.


They were all very engaged, had good questions, and seemed interested in participating.  Administrator Selig started off the discussion with the following statement:  “Leave your ego’s at the door, we have very high expectations and are looking for something that is fitting, appropriate, and integrates well with our community and the University.”


We will have more information about the three finalists in the coming weeks.

 

DURHAM/UNH REPRESENTATIVES JOINTLY MEET WITH EVERSOURCE REGARDING SEACOAST RELIABILTY PROJECT

ON Wednesday afternoon of this week, a joint Durham/UNH meeting with Eversource concerning the stretch of the Secoast Reliability Project running thorugh Durham/UNH held.  From the Town were Public Works Director Mike Lynch, Town Councilor Carden Welsh, Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt, and Administrator Selig.  Town Councilor Jim Lawson is also involved with the Town group but was unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting.  


The meeting was primarily focused on how we might customize the project in order to make it as unobtrusive as possible, with much discussion about the various pole heights and various pole alternatives and the specific problems associated with sections of the route.  Eversource had prepared useful visuals showing; 1) existing conditions, 2) single pole double circuit, 3) two separate single circuit lines, and 4) two separate single circuit lines using what Administrator Selig would characterize as ugly “H” poles (though these poses are considerably shorter).  Residents should understand that alternatives to tall poles become progressively lower but more “busy” and visually less desirable – attributes that may be fine in locations where they run cross country and keep the poles at or below the height of the tree canopy.


We discussed not only the concerns of abutters but also the view scape from a variety of angles, particularly Route 108, Route 4, Main Street (potentially underground), and the entrance to the bay.  Evidently PSNH would like to move the site where the line goes underground further back from the bay, but the landowners there to date have apparently not been interested.  The town may reach out directly with the landowners to better understand their perspectives.


Durham/UNH will be meeting again with Eversource in the next few weeks to continue the discussion.  


I am pleased to report that UNH is working very closely with Durham on this issue.

 

DURHAM RESIDENTS TO MEET ORGANICALLY TO DISCUSS FORMER MILL POND CENTER PARCEL

Durham resident Sylvia Foster is organizing a meeting in the near future for interested residents to discuss the future of the former Mill Pond Center.  It is once again available for sale as the buyer the Town understood was going to acquire the parcel did not follow through.

 

The 18 acre parcel includes a house, field, and forest, plus the barn that once hosted theater, dance, art, and education programs.


A citizens group is forming to discuss how to proceed in looking at the parcel for possible public use.  RSVP by May 31 at sylviajfoster@gmail.com


The meeting will be at the Durham Public Library on Monday, June 1st at 7 PM.

 

Main Street Makery owners Wendy Brooks and Sarah Grandy. 

MAIN STREET MAKERY CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Main Street Makery just had its first birthday.  Come help owners Wendy Brooks and Sarah Grandy celebrate an awesome year!


Stop in and wish them Happy Birthday this Saturday!  They will have a free craft in the back room. Every birthday needs cake so there will be delicious mini cupcakes from Sweetened Memories.

To say thank you to everyone for their support, Main Street Makery will have a special gift...20% off this Saturday, May 23rd, 10-4pm.  

 

SUMMER HOT DEALS! INITIATIVE

To encourage residents and visitors to support Durham's businesses, the Durham Business Association has partnered with the Durham Economic Development Office on a "Summer Hot Deals promotion". Hot Deals from participating businesses will be published in the weekly "Friday Updates"  beginning June 15, 2015 and running through August 15, 2015.

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.

Planning Board - Wednesday, May 27, 2015

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

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

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.

DCAT Programming Schedule.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

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

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

Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 AM

Tuesday: 7:00 PM

Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 PM

This video is also available on our On Demand site.

Town Conversations with Host David Williams

Interviewed by Planning Board Member David Williams, Chief Landry speaks of the current capabilities of the Fire Department, as well as upcoming developments, and the challenges the department faces in the future.

Beginning 100 years ago as an activity of the University, the Fire Department became a town agency only in 1990 and continues to be located on University property which is now rented to Durham.  A total staff of 36, 25 of whom are trained firemen and women, our Fire Department is pledged to protect both property and life.  Experiencing about 2500 calls a year, the Fire Department provides a wide range of response services on land and water as well as kitties up in trees.

Emerging enhancements to the Department include a new station in Durham to house all Department resources, including a full-time training officer and new fire engine.

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

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DCAT is Live Streaming

Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account.  You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time.  All you have to do is click and watch.  Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device.  Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.

Members of the Durham Fire and Police Departments take the lead during last year’s Memorial Day Parade. Courtesy DPR

Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25th
Parade Start: The Parade will begin at 10:00am on Mill Pond Road with a Memorial Ceremony in the park, just below Churchill Apartments.  The Durham Police Honor Guard will fire 3 volleys after the Auxiliary tosses a bouquet into the pond. Taps will be played with a repeat.  The Honor Guard will then march out of Mill Pond Park, followed by Dearborn’s Company, signifying the conclusion of our opening ceremony.  Groups should find their assigned parade locations and prepare to depart (see PARADE ORDER).

 
Parade Vehicles: All non-veteran transport vehicles must be lined up at the end (facing North/108) and join the end of the Parade as it departs Mill Pond Road.  The only vehicles permitted at the beginning of the lineup are Police escorts and those transporting veterans or Auxiliary.

 
Spectators:  Anyone watching the opening ceremony, but not participating, may gather on the grass or sidewalk just below Churchill Apartments.

 
Parking: Walking Participants and spectators should park at the Town Hall, (8 Newmarket Rd.) downtown, OR Town Landing (Old Landing Rd.).

 
MUB Ceremony:  The parade ends at Memorial Park, but an additional ceremony will take place at the MUB main entrance, for those who wish to attend.

Find out more HERE.

 

Camp R.E.A.C.H. 2015 – Register NOW! - We’re excited to introduce our 2015 summer camps!  Click HERE to explore everything from chemistry, rockets and kayaking to Legos and vet school!  Registration is on a first come, first served basis.  Sign up for both morning and afternoon sessions during the same week, and save $50!

View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE.

Why join a Durham Parks & Recreation fitness class?

• Convenient location - Drop in to most classes for only $10!
• Fits your schedule - Classes available Monday through Saturday!
• 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:
Camp REACH Registration: April 17th – May 31st
Memorial Day Parade: May 25th (Registration Form HERE)
Music By The Bay Summer Concert Series @ WHF 6 – 8PM (FREE):

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

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

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

 

THANK YOU FROM DURHAM POST OFFICE LETTER CARRIERS

The Durham Post Office letter carriers would like to thank everyone who donated to the 23rd Annual Letter Carriers Food Drive on Saturday, May 9. 5,425 pounds of food was collected for the local food pantries in Durham and Lee. The letter carriers greatly appreciated all the donations that were received.

Thank you!

Durham resident and principle of Woodburn & Company Landscape Architecture Robbi Woodburn will join the Durham Garden Club to discuss rain gardens on Tuesday, May 26th.

See more below. Courtesy Durham Garden Club

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Garden Plots at St. George's Episcopal Church. St. George's Episcopal Church has three 4'x8' garden plots and one 4'x4' garden plot open to renting this growing season. Please contact our garden steward, Laura Williford, at stgeorgesgardens@comcast.net or call 603-833-3740 for more information.
Fame, the Musical, presented by the ORHS Drama Department, May 22, 23, 24, 2015, 7PM. Sunday Matinee at 2PM, ORHS. Tickets on sale at ORHS Box Office and Durham Marketplace. $10/Adults; $7/students and seniors 62+.

Leg it for Love, Saturday, May 23, 2015, 8 - 9AM, Oyster River High School. Run, walk, or volunteer for Leg it for Love, and help raise money and awareness for human trafficking. Registration is a suggested donation of $10. Help support the Freedom Cafe. For more information and to sign up, click HERE.

Plant Sale hosted by Strafford County Master Gardener Association, UNH Cooperative Extension, Sunday, May 24, 2015, 10AM - 2PM, Former Durham Town Hall Parking Lot, 15 Newmarket Road. Locally grown annuals, herbs, perennials, trees. Proceeds benefit community gardens and education.

Durham Farmers' Market Opens for the Season, every Monday from 2:15 - 6PM, beginning Monday, June 1st. Now located at Jackson's Landing. For more information, click HERE.

Durham Garden Club Meeting, Tuesday, May 26, 2015, Durham Public Library, 6:30 PM - refreshments & social time; 7:15PM - program will begin featuring Robbi Woodburn presenting "Rain Gardens: Beauty and Environmental Functions Combined". For more information, contact Sheila McCurdy, 603-659-5623; russheila@comcast.net.
Community Walk NH at UNH, June 3, 2015, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. The University of New Hampshire wishes to extend an invitation to the Durham community. In honor of Walk NH Week, Healthy UNH and Campus Recreation will sponsor - Walk NH at UNH - a community walk on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 on the Durham campus to encourage everyone to get out and be active for a healthy lifestyle. The walking route has an optional 1-3 mile routes. The walk will begin and end at the UNH Whittemore Center Arena. Register HERE.

The Lamprey River? We Like It! Sunday, Jun 7, 2015, 10AM to 12Noon, Mary Blair Park, Rt 27, West Epping. Join the Lamprey River Advisory Committee and explore nature and people's activities along the shores of the Lamprey River. Questions or more information, call Sharon Meeker, 603-659-5441, s-meeker@comcast.net.

7th Annual Bobcat Bolt 5K and Kids Fun Run, Saturday Jun 20, 2015, ORHS. hosted by the Oyster River Alumni Association. 5K Run/Walk starts 9AM. Kids Kids Fun Run starts 10:15AM (offering a 50 yard dash, 1/4 miler, 1/2 miler, & relay). Register for 5K and Fun Run HERE. Proceeds benefit the Josh Hardy Scholarship, Nate Hardy Award, and other local youth scholarships and initiatives supported by ORAA. More information HERE.

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

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

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Library Closed for Memorial Day - Note the library will be closing early on Saturday, May 23rd. Saturday May 23 - Open 10 am to 2 pm, Sunday May 24 closed, Monday May 25 closed, Tuesday May 26 - Re-open at 10 am.
March with the Library at the Memorial Day Parade - The Durham Public Library will be closed all day Monday May 25th for Memorial Day.  Join us for the annual parade! Meet us on Mill Pond Road at 9:30 a.m. if you would like to march with us.  Kids, bring your bikes.
Family Storytime, Sat., May 23rd at 10:30 am – This week “Day at the Beach!”  Join us for this fun family storytime.  We read balloon stories, do feltboard, fingerplays, songs and make a fun craft.  Sat. May 30th: “Hikes and Walks of NH”!
Pajama Storytime, Tues. May 26th at 6:30 pm – This month:  “Transportation”!  Join Oyster River Parent’s and Preschoolers for this month’s PJ storytime.  Come wearing your pajamas!  We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard, sing songs and make a fun craft.  This is a great way to meet other families.  ORPP provides snack and all are welcome!
Please note- Library Book Donation Week (May 25-May 30) will not be held this month.  
Storytimes, Tues.  May 26th and Thurs. May 28th at 10:30 a.m.  They will be about “Summer Vacation/Trips”!  We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft. Note:  Last regularly scheduled storytimes.  Summer Storytimes begin again during summer reading.  Check out the details on our website or stop by the library.
Friends’ Book Discussion, May 28 at 10:30 am - Join Jennifer Lee on May 28 at 10:30 am in the community room as she facilitates the Friends’ book discussion of "Persuasion" by Jane Austen. Books are available for checkout at the front desk.
Beach Reads   - By request, the Friends of the Library are offering pocketbook "Beach Reads" for sale in the Library cafe.
Book Sale - Saturday June 20th 10-4 - Friends of the Library annouce: THE VERY BIG ONE DAY BOOK SALE!
Friends of the Library Adult Summer Read - Spend the summer reading at a suitably leisurely pace (about 250 pages a month) our September Book Discussion choice, to be facilitated by Jennifer Lee.  The 2015 book is Middlemarch by George Eliot. Copies to borrow for the summer are available at the library. Enrich your reading if you like by signing up with your name and email at the library, and you will receive: A brief historical and biographical background, along with suggestions for enjoyable reading, sent in early June. Periodic encouragements and provocative quotes. The opportunity to ask questions before September. Signup is optional; you can request to be put on the list at the circulation desk, over the telephone (868-6699), or by email (durhampl@gmail.com).
Robbie Woodburn "Rain Gardens: Beauty and Environmental Functions Combined" Tuesday May 26th 6:30 pm - Hosted by Durham Garden Club. Contact Mary Caulfield 868-2220
Knitting Club for 3rd-5th graders!   Weds. May 27th 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. May 27th at 10:30 a.m. – Join us for stories, movement, songs, fingerplays and fun.  There is a time to socialize afterwards.   Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Lego Club Thurs. May 28th at 3:45 – “Bridges and Towers”

Homeschooler’s Activity Hour, Fri., May 29th at 10:30 a.m. and the theme is “Vacation/Travel and Games”!  This group is geared toward home-schooler’s, but all are welcome.  
Crafternoon – Saturday May 30th 12:00-4:00 pm – Come and create!  Stop by the Children’s room for a fun craft.
Writers Response Meet-Up -June 4th at 6 pm - Interested in writing?  Come to the Library Cafe. All are welcome.  Contact Mary Ellen Humphrey  mary.ellen.humphrey@gmail.com
Summer Reading Registration, “Every Hero Has a Story!” begins Mon. June 15th.  Our 5 week program will run from June 29th through July 31st.  Don’t miss it.  More details coming soon!
Photography Contest - The Durham Public Library is hosting a photography contest, sponsored by a Durham resident, to capture the beauty, character, and identity of Durham as it exists throughout the course of one year beginning July 4, 2015. Durham has so much to offer, so much visual splendor, and yet we tend to overlook what attracts us to the town as we bustle through our busy lives. We would like contestants to remind us why they live here by chronicling a year in the town in a series of seven photographs that express Durham’s character. The contest winner, as determined by a panel of judges, will be awarded a cash prize of $300 thoughtfully donated by the contest sponsor. The winner will also have their work displayed for a month on the library’s art display wall including a kickoff reception for the exhibit. Anyone interested in participating in the contest should visit the library website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for contest rules and an application.
Preserve and share local history - Do you have Oyster River High School yearbooks gathering dust in your attic? Donate them to the Durham Public Library to make those photos of your family and friends available to future generations. Play an essential role in helping us preserve and share our local history. Contact Nancy Miner nminer@ci.durham.nh.us
 Technology Help - The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology, such as computers, iPads and phones. Call us to check on the availability of our volunteers at 868-6699 or email us at durhampl@gmail.com.
Exhibit in the Gallery - View the Seacoast Camera Club digital photography exhibit on display during the month of May.
Patch Club:  reading incentive program for ages 2-12 years.  Sign-up at the Children’s Desk!  May 31st is the last day of the patch program.  We will start again on Sept. 1st!
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.
Upcoming:

June 2 -  First Aid Class 6 pm

June 2 -  Top Frauds & Scams- Fraud Watch Protection 7 pm

June 2 -  Oyster River Knitters 7 pm

June 5 -  Alzheimer's Cafe 10:30 am

June 10 -  Acoustic Open Mic 6 pm

June 15 -  Summer Reading Registration Begins

June 16 -  CPR/AED Class 6 pm

June 20  - Friends of the DPL - Book Sale 10 am-4 pm

June 23 -  The Joys of Fly Fishing 6:30 pm

June 29 –  Family Movie “Big Hero 6” 6 pm

June 26-July 31 - Kids Summer Reading/Every Hero Has A Story!

July 1 - David Hyde Costello Author/Musician Little Pig Joins the Band Summer Reading Kick-off! 10:30 am

July 1 Music on the Lawn-39th Army Band 6:30 pm

 

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

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

ACADEMIC YEAR ARREST DATA CONCLUDED

Arrest data in Durham is very unique and deserves a more detailed explanation due to the number of police agencies operating in Durham (UNH Police, State Police, State Liquor Enforcement and Durham Police) as well as the influx of student aged visitors.  The Durham Police monitor all of the statistical arrest data from these agencies in three categories: first is weekly, secondly by the UNH academic year and finally, by the calendar year mirroring the Town’s financial budget.  Each category allows for a better understanding of the demands facing the department during these periods.


Demographical information of those arrested in Durham, i.e., does the person attend UNH or not is determined after the arrest when names of those arrested are sent to the University.  Historically the statistical range of students versus non-students has remained in the 60/40 range.  This academic year (2014/15) arrest data was slightly higher for students with the final percentage at 62% UNH student and 38% non-student!  With the academic year ended, the chart below visually depicts the end of the academic year since 2005.  While this year’s data is 6% lower than last year’s data, 2014 marked a very dramatic increase by a staggering 31% higher than the lowest year of our record keeping which ironically occurred in 2013.  What becomes clear with this fluctuating data is that there is no consistency that points to a trend other than the UNH academic year is a busy time for the Durham Police!

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
1948 - The Durham Trust Company was organized with a capital of $500,000 and a working surplus of $15,000. Now in a modern building, it has assets of $11,000,000. Founders were Messrs. P. Fitts, E. Huddleson, H. Iddles, G. McGregor, B. McIntire, C. Rice, A. Stewart and G. Barrett.

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Each year for Memorial Day we close with the following poem written in 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian physician, poet, and solider who died in France in 1918.

_____________________

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae

 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high,

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Have a peaceful Memorial Day weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

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