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Bedard farm located on Route 108/Newmarket Road.
Courtesy Bill Doucet
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The Oyster River Youth Association's baseball season kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, May 4th, with an Opening Day ceremony at 10:30 AM, at the Upper Madbury field at Demeritt Park. It's one of the largest annual gatherings of families who live in Durham, Madbury, and Lee. More than 600 people attend, including 225 youth baseball players, ages 4 to 13, playing at all levels—from tee ball to Babe Ruth. Teams and players will get announced and take the field. The national anthem will be sung, and a ceremonial first pitch thrown. Play ball!
In addition, the Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May every year for 3 year old thoroughbred horses. The race distance is one and one-quarter miles long, and it is run on the dirt racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, with a post time of 6:50 PM.
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Bella's Restaurant located in the Mill Plaza. Rite Aid can be seen immediately next door. Courtesy Todd Selig
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BELLA’S CASUAL DINING CLOSING ITS DOORS FOREVER ON MAY 18TH
Jeanne & Tommy Foote have notified the Town that their restaurant, Bella’s, will be closing on May 18th. They have received a notice from their landlord, Colonial Durham Associates, that Rite Aid has exercised its lease option in the Mill Plaza and will be expanding into the space utilized by the restaurant. Needless to say, we are all very saddened and disappointed by this news as Bella’s has become a staple restaurant in the Mill Plaza for many years offering good food, spirits, and friendships.
Read a letter to the Durham community from Jeanne & Tommy Foote HERE.
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DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET BEGINS JUNE 3RD AT NEW DOWNTOWN LOCATION
The Town is pleased to announce that during this year’s growing season the Durham Farmers’ Market will be located in the so-called Sammy’s parking lot in the section that is parallel to Pettee Brook Lane. This location was selected in response to a petition the town received, which was signed by many downtown businesses. (View HERE). This is especially exciting news because in recent years, due to limited locations available in Durham, the market had begun to dwindle and lose a number of the vendors that once actively participated each year.
The Durham Farmers’ Market will be held the first Monday of each month, beginning June 3rd and running until Monday, September 30th from 2:15 – 6:00 PM. Vendors will start setting up a few hours prior to the beginning of each market. For at least the first two weeks after the market opens, a Durham Police Officer will be on scene to assist with traffic and also to assess any potential for improvements relative to traffic and pedestrian safety continuing into the season.
It is hoped that the market’s presence in the downtown area will not only help the market to revive and flourish but will also encourage more residents to visit the downtown area either by foot, bicycle, or by car, as well as entice participation from University employees who will also drop in and patronize Durham’s downtown businesses. In addition, this effort works in concert with one of the Town Council’s goals to: “Pursue long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resiliency, anticipating the community’s and the region’s future needs by considering multiple elements including society, ecology, economics, transportation, agriculture, food and drinking water, climate, and energy resources.”
We are pleased to have the Durham Farmers’ Market once again located downtown and are excited about the prospect of its drawing customers to the downtown who will also discover the many great businesses which make up Durham’s downtown core.
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CALLING ON ALL AREA MILITARY VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS TO MARCH IN THE DURHAM MEMORIAL DAY PARADE ON MONDAY, MAY 10, 2019 AT 10AM
The Durham Memorial Day Parade Committee encourages all Military Veterans and active duty Service Members to participate in the 2019 Memorial Day Parade. Ideally, most participants will wear appropriate service dress uniforms. However, if you no longer have your uniform -- or it no longer fits – we still encourage you to participate. This includes marching in a military procession, walking in civilian attire, or riding in a vehicle.
Durham's Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to come together with active duty military, veterans and residents alike to honor our fallen Armed Forces service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
It is important to remember America's fallen, and support those who have and are serving in defense of our democratic freedoms. Memorial Day matters. Let us come together and keep the memory of all military service members alive.
We will be marshalling on Mill Pond Road at the intersection of Route 108. The parade route runs up Main Street and ends at the Town Military Service Memorial flagpole in front of Young's Restaurant (approximately .4 miles).
For more information please contact:
CAPT Lee Alexander, U.S. Navy (retired), 603-866-2822
Lieutenant Colonel Andy Corrow, U.S. Army (retired), 603-397-5313
Rachel Gasowski, Parks & Recreation Director, 603-817-4074
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Town Assessor Jim Rice Courtesy Craig Stevens, DCAT Studios
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ASSESSOR JIM RICE RECEIVES AWARD FROM NRAAO
Durham's Assessor, Jim Rice, was the recipient of the Sherry Vermilya Award on Monday at the Northeast Regional Association of Assessing Officers (NRAAO) annual conference in Newport, Rhode Island.
The award was presented in recognition for outstanding service to the assessing profession and in honor and memory of Mr. Sherry Vermilya’s support of NRAAO principles and his untiring efforts to assist assessors throughout the entire country and in particular, the northeast. The award recognizes those who carry on Vermilya’s enthusiastic promotion of professionalism and education in the assessing industry.
Jim has been in the assessing field since 1984 and has held the position as Durham’s Town Assessor since 2009. He is a certified Property Tax Assessor for the State of New Hampshire and is a NH licensed Real Estate Appraiser. He is the 1st Vice President of the NH Association of Assessing Officials (NHAAO), Chairman of the NHAAO Finance Committee, member and past Chair of the NHAAO Education Committee and was just appointed to the Board of Assessors in Laconia where he resides.
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EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT HOLDS UPCOMING COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE IN DURHAM TO SHARE PROJECT INFORMATION AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS | ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS REVIEWS NEW PERMIT APPLICATION FOR PROJECT
Eversource has scheduled a Community Open House/Meeting in Durham to share information about construction and to respond to any questions residents there may have concerning the Seacoast Reliability Project. The meeting will be held on May 8th, from 6-8pm, at the Oyster River High School. Eversource mailed invitations to property owners along the corridor on May 24th.
In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers District Engineer has received a permit application to conduct work in waters of the US for the Seacoast Reliability Project fro PSC of New Hampshire d/b/a Eversource Energy, Inc., 13 Legends Drive, Hooksett, NH. This work is proposed in wetlands and waters between the Madbury Substation to the Portsmouth Substation, NH. Comment period is now open. Comment period ends May 8, 2019. In reply refer to: Lindsey Lefebvre, 978-318-8295, email: Lindsey.E.Lefebvre@usace.army.mil. The complete and rather lengthy Public Notice may be viewed in the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office, Monday-Friday, 8AM - 4:30 PM.
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SPACER CABLE ON DURHAM POINT ROAD – A project requested from Eversource by the Town of Durham to address repeated, ongoing outages in this outdated portion of the local electrical grid
We were a little disappointed this week to receive some email threads regarding the Eversource distribution line upgrade on Durham Point Road because of many inaccuracies noted.
Residential Power Distribution (RPD) can use overhead wires or underground cable. Underground cable is challenging for RPD in NH because of rocks and ledge. Overhead RPD is generally less than 20,000 volts and is either 1 or 3 phase. With one phase there is one power line. With 3 phase there are 3 power lines each carrying the same voltage, only the voltage on each phase differs by 120 degrees. If any wire touches the ground then there’s a boom and a flash and the power is lost because it blows a fuse. If a tree touches a wire then it either blows a fuse or the tree catches fire until the wire fails. If two of the wires touch or are connected by a tree limb then there’s an even bigger boom and flash (and often causes a transformer fire).
Beyond the transfer station, Durham Point Road is served by an antiquated single phase line that has proven to be very unreliable during both ice and wind storms. If you are one of the may residents living along this utility distribution area, you know firsthand based on the numerous power outages experienced there over the years, as well as prolonged restoration periods. Eversource will be replacing this with a 3-phase system – BUT there is more to the story about what is being done. Eversource will be replacing the existing system with a system called “Spacer Cable”. The power lines in the Spacer Cable system are insulated, and the lines are separated by less that 12” on a device called spacer. This is very different from the 3 phase system on Madbury Road, for example, where the wires sit on a “T” at the top of the pole separated by three or more feet.
After numerous long-term outages between 2011 and 2013, Town Councilor Jim Lawson briefed the Town Council and EDC on Spacer Cable and vigorously questioned Eversource at public meetings why it was not used more in Durham and throughout NH. Durham has assertively been advocating for Spacer Cable ever since. In response to this request, new Spacer Cable lines on Mill Road were installed about 18-24 months ago, with much success in terms of resiliency during storm events.
SPACER CABLE SYSTEMS ARE MORE RELIABLE - Because the cable is insulated it is more resilient to trees and tree limbs coming in contact with it. The result is that customers served by Spacer Cable have far more reliable power.
SPACER CABLE SYSTEMS ARE USED IN AREAS WHERE THERE IS A HIGH VALUE ON MAINTAINING RURAL CHARACTER – Space Cable systems require less tree trimming in proximity to the power lines. This is why, for example, Wolfeboro is able to maintain their beautiful trees along Main Street while in Durham we endure significant tree trimming like occurred along Madbury Road several years ago. This is also why you often see Spacer Cable systems in and around the White Mountains.
SPACER CABLE SYSTEMS ARE MUCH SAFER – There are several reasons for this. First, the system is stronger and better able to support a snapped pole. Second, it is less likely that the cable will come down when a tree falls on it. Third, the cables are insulated and less likely to injure a person if they inadvertently come into contact with it (although you should always treat any wire as live and dangerous!).
The bottom line is that Eversource is transitioning to Spacer Cable systems, and doing exactly what Durham asked them to do several years ago – make our power distribution system more reliable, safe and environmentally friendly. Spacer Cables will also be used in the Ffrost Drive, Sunnyside Drive areas as well.
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Spring is coming... Courtesy Todd Selig
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MAY 1, 2019 OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD SUMMARY
Ron Lamarre, architect, presented an update on the proposed middle school design, including interior concepts for a music/concert hall configured primarily for musical performances, flexible learning commons / dining area in the center of the building, STEM and world language spaces on the second floor, and core classroom team and locker space on the third and fourth floors. Concept sketches will be posted on the district website. The next update at the May 15 board meeting will focus on building energy and sustainability planning.
The next public forum on the proposed middle school previously planned for May 8 will be rescheduled due to a schedule conflict.
ORHS was the pilot school in New Hampshire for the ACE Mentoring Program this year. ACE connects students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering with mentors in industry to learn about and complete projects in these fields. Students presented their work on May 1 in. The ORHS Auditorium. We look forward to continuing this program in the future.
The 2019-2024 Strategic Plan will be finalized through a two-step approval process. The school board discussed aspects of the strategic plan including mental health, world language, and competency-based-education. Topics of improving middle- and high-school transportation and a strategic communications plan were removed from the strategic plan and will be addressed as annual goals. The "first read" of the strategic plan was approved. There is still the opportunity for additional changes before the Strategic Plan is fully approved. This is expected at the March 15 school board meeting. The draft strategic plan (prior to changes made May 1) is on the school district web site as part of the "Agenda and Backup" for the May 1 meeting.
The next board meeting on May 15 will be in the Middle School library.
Full details of school board agendas, meeting minutes, links to meeting videos on YouTube, and contact information for board members is on the School Board section of the ORCSD website.
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LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPRING 2019 NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has published its 2019 spring newsletter which is available for viewing HERE.
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AMTRAK DOWNEASTER SCHEDULE CHANGES COMING MAY 20TH
We’ve learned that the Downeaster will be implementing schedule changes later this month.
Primary changes:
- All five roundtrips will now serve Freeport and Brunswick – this is a first as service continues to be incrementally enhanced.
- Weekend train times in Durham shift +- 30 minutes in various directions.Weekday train times remain virtually unchanged.
- Late night train (Garden Events etc) now stops all the time in Durham 12:47am (no longer flag stop)….
Full schedule can be found at https://amtrakdowneaster.com/printable-schedules (May 20 not posted til day of)
Learn more about the Amtrak Downeaster at http://www.amtrakdowneaster.com
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FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Supervisors are sad to announce that Roni Pekins has decided to step down from her position to give herself time for other endeavors. She has been an indispensable supervisor for several years, always giving her time freely and thoughtfully. She will be missed terribly, but she has promised to be a Number 1 volunteer at all of the elections in 2020. We wish her fun and success in her new efforts.
The Supervisors welcome Christian Kuhn who has agreed to take Roni’s place. Her shoes will be very difficult to fill, but we are sure Christian’s youth, enthusiasm, and strength (those boxes are heavy!) will carry us on successfully through the next few years.
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BIPARTISANSHIP BREAKS OUT ON REDISTRICTING BILL IN CONCORD – Important, Non-Partisan Legislation sponsored by Durham Rep. Marjorie Smith and Senator Martha Fuller Clark
The Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee held a hearing this week on HB 706, an important bill that would create an independent commission to draw legislative districts after each decennial census. In the NH House of Representatives, the bill had received a 20-0 Ought to Pass recommendation from the Election Law Committee, but ran into Republican opposition on the floor and passed mostly along party lines, with 202 Democrats and only 16 Republicans voting for it.
Since then, however, legislators from both parties have worked together on an amendment that makes some significant changes to the bill but preserves the basic concept: a 15-person commission comprising five Republicans, five Democrats, and five persons who are neither, none of whom may be current legislators or executive councilors, who will prepare a legislative district map to be approved by the legislature.
All meetings of the commission would be open to the public, and members of the public would be permitted to submit maps for consideration. The amendment, like the original bill, establishes criteria for drawing district lines and specifically prohibits the creation of districts that “have the intent or the effect of unduly favoring or disfavoring any political party, incumbent, or candidate for political office.” In other words, no Gerrymandering!
The NH Municipal Association has reported that amendment appears to have strong bipartisan support. Legislators from both parties testified in support of the bill, and no one spoke against it. The bill appears to have the support of committee members from both parties. Non-partisan legislation of this nature is long overdue in NH and kudos go to Rep. Marjorie Smith and Sen. Fuller Clark for proposing it!
Still, there is a long way to go. The committee has not voted yet; it is likely to do so next Wednesday. The bill must then go to the full Senate and, if it passes, go back to the House for concurrence or a request for committee of conference. Governor Sununu would then need to be convinced that it should be signed into law.
View the bill HERE.
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Image of a well-used exercise bike found at the Swap Shop by Chris Caron
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SWAP SHOP NEWS
As part of an ongoing report on what Durham residents have found at the Swap Shop, Chris Caron shared: “This is my Dad Jerry, 84, riding the exercise bike I picked up at the swap shop last year. He does at least 90 minutes a day, everyday.” That’s an impressive routine and a gratifying example of re-use! Go Jerry!
Swap Shop finds can be categorized as sports paraphernalia (as pictured above), pet gear, kitchen items, décor items, travel, office, furniture, books, crafts, yard, hardware, toys, parts, and more. Over time Swap Shop volunteers hope to extend enthusiasm about RE-USE by sharing photos of your finds. Anyone wishing to share a photo, please send it to mailto:jem7929@gmail.com (administered by Swap Shop volunteer, Jessie McKone). Look for your images to be displayed in future Friday Updates. Thanks to all residents who drop off safe, clean items, that still work, for others to take and put to valued RE-USE!
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STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN AT WAGON HILL FARMHOUSE AND OLD TOWN HALL/COURTHOUSE - And how to use the WHF Farmhouse in the future?
The Town has contracted with Arron Sturgis to undertake a structural analysis, comprehensive written report, photographic report, and structural drawings along with repair/investment recommendations at the Old Town Hall/Courthouse and Wagon Hill Farmhouse. Sturgis is the owner of Preservation Timber Framing Inc., a traditional timber framing company specializing in the structural repair of historic timber framed buildings. He is experienced in many facets of historic preservation.
Potential Future Uses of Farmhouse…
It’s important to note that there have been several ideas circulating for the future use of the farmhouse — continuing as a rental as has been the case for the last 20 or so years (and in doing so the tenant, historically a law enforcement officer, keeps an eye on the property and parks their cruiser/vehicle in plain public view), lodging for a possible WHF property manager, future Parks & Recreation HQ (DPW Director Mike Lynch’s concept, which has not been seriously considered by Parks & Recreation to date), storage/use for the Durham Historic Association, HQ for a non-profit of some as yet undetermined type, and more. There is a highly interested group of prospective police officers (both Durham and UNH) and some Durham citizens who are all interested in the property as a rental consistent with past practice. One family… calls monthly … to see if it is available!
At this time, there is NO definitive plan for the site other than to assess its condition and plan for the future. As the overseer of the property, Admin. Selig believes a period of assessment/reflection/discussion is in order so that interested parties can offer their concepts/thoughts/recommendations for consideration. The first step, however, is the assessment that Arron Sturgis will undertake. So we have a window to give the issue/property the thought and consideration it deserves.
This afternoon, the Heritage Commission, Mr. Selig, and DPW will be touring the Wagon Hill Farmhouse and talking about how/whether a universally accessible ramp could be located for access to the new barn in a tasteful way that recognizes the sensitive nature of the site. The farmhouse is a real diamond in the rough, but it’s tired and needs a lot of attention.
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Madbury resident Meera Mahadevan submitted the above photograph of a beautiful Tricolored Heron she spotted at Jackson’s Landing earlier this week. The Tricolored Heron is a colorful heron with a mix of blue, gray, lavender, and white. Breeding birds have small white plumes extending from the back of the head. They are a medium-sized heron, bigger than a crow and smaller than a Canadian Goose, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Tricolored herons are native to Florida and southeastern coastal areas in the U.S. They are rarely seen in New Hampshire.
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PLANNING BOARD AMENDMENT TO SITE PLAN REGULATIONS
At its meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, the Planning Board adopted an amendment to the Site Plan Regulations to facilitate the review process for small projects. A section of the Zoning Ordinance had already allowed for this administrative review of small projects but did not lay out a process, so the provision was rarely used. Now, with a detailed process in place, we expect the Planning Department and Planning Board to refer small projects to the minor site committee more often. The expedited review can be used for a change of use, the addition of five or fewer parking spaces, building additions and site changes up to 500 square feet, and other low-impact projects. The minor site committee is composed mainly of Town staff members and is chaired by the Town Planner. A public hearing is still required so several weeks are needed for the review.
View the new regulation HERE.
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SUPERINTENDENT JIM MORSE TO BRIEF TOWN COUNCIL MONDAY EVENING ON SCHOOL DISTRICT ITEMS INCLUDING NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT
Dr. James Morse, Superintendent of the Oyster River Cooperative School District, has been invited to attending Monday evening’s Town Council meeting to provide Councilors with a progress report regarding various matters within the school district. Among these updates, he will let the Council know how things are coming along with the design for a new middle school. Tune in at 7 PM on Durham Community Access Television, Channel 22.
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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON CHANGES TO PARKING ORDINANCE
At its meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, the Planning Board held a public hearing for various changes to the Parking Ordinance (Article XXI of the Zoning Ordinance). The proposal addresses largely how parking is handled on single family lots: the number of spaces allowed; where the parking is permitted, whether in setback areas or in the front, side, or rear of the house; how the parking areas are delineated; and how driveways are laid out. Much of the concern is focused on the Faculty Road neighborhood where residents say that extensive parking areas on some properties have compromised the character of the street. Numerous residents expressed concerns that the draft was not strict enough or that it was too strict.
Audrey Cline gave a presentation to the board describing the situations that she confronts as the Code Enforcement Officer, which can be viewed HERE.
The Planning Board closed the public hearing and is now working on changes to the draft. When it finishes, a new public hearing will likely be scheduled.
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DURHAM DESIGNATED "GREAT COLLEGE TOWNS TO RETIRE IN"
We were delighted to learn that Durham was designated as one of the “Great College Towns to Retire in” in a May 2, 2019 article in TheStreet, an online economic newsletter. The article asks: “Does a charming town with sports, recreation, cultural opportunities, lively youthful energy, and great medical care sound like a good place to retire?” Durham is in rarefied company in this highly selective list of 30 communities, including Ann Arbor, Asheville, Athens, Austin, Boulder, Burlington, Chapel Hill, Charlottesville, Clemson, Eugene, Ithaca, Lawrence, Madison, Oxford, Princeton, Williamsburg, and Williamstown (Hanover did not make the list).
View the article HERE.
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Officer Chloe Robidas with Deputy Police Chief Rene Kelley and Captain David Holmstock.
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DURHAM'S NEWEST OFFICER GRADUATES FROM THE NH POLICE ACADEMY
To replace the position vacated by Kathryn Mone when she accepted the Police Chief position with the town of North Hampton, New Hampshire, Chloe Robidas was chosen at the conclusion of a comprehensive selection process. Chloe, who grew up in Somersworth, NH, and attended Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, is a 2016 graduate of Colby Sawyer College with a BS degree in Healthcare Management. Chloe graduated last week from the 178th New Hampshire Police Academy after 16-weeks of classroom, practicum and physical training. Chief Kurz wanted to publicly thank Durham residents Ann Welsh and Planning Board member, Lorne Parnell for their involvement in the oral board segment of the selection process that identified Ms. Robidas.
Chloe will begin her 12-weeks of field training accompanied by a senior officer as she learns the nuances of the Durham community, roadways and points of interest as well as the department’s radio, report writing, policies and procedures.
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MONTH OF MAY IS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH
The month of May is Building Safety Month. Each week in May there will be a topic in the "Friday Updates" involving building safety. This week the topic is “Preparing for disasters: Build strong, build smart.” Planning in advance for devastating events like hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes helps individuals and communities increase the health and safety of their population during a disaster, protects the local tax base, ensures continuity of essential services, and supports a faster recovery in the aftermath of a disaster.
View more resources on this subject HERE, or call the Building Department at 603-868-8064 to schedule a time to speak with the Building Inspector.
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CINCO DE MAYO IS MAY 5TH!
As the conclusion of the UNH academic year approaches accompanied by warmer weather, the Durham Police are prepared to deal with the few busy weekends remaining. However, this weekend, specifically Sunday, which is Cinco de Mayo has somehow become associated with the phenomenon of “day drinking” at the UNH campus. The UNH Administration has been working diligently to focus student’s attention in more productive direction with “Unity Day” where hundreds of UNH students will be completing community clean-up projects throughout Durham. However the Durham Police must be cognizant that Monday is the last day of classes with reading days and exams commencing later in the week! After that, many students begin heading home for the summer.
Chiefs Kurz and Emanuel want you to know that the Durham Police and Fire Departments are taking a variety of steps to ensure the safety of the community as experience has taught us that in spite of our best efforts we must be prepared for all possibilities. We have asked landlords to be mindful of occupancy limitations, noise restrictions, beer keg regulations and the hosting of large parties and remind student residents of their obligations to be good neighbors. The Durham Police urge residents that if they “see something, say something!”
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TRUEPROP SOFTWARE BASED IN DURHAM BECOMES FINALIST IN GRANITE STATE GROWTH COMPETITION
We’re pleased to announce that TrueProp Software has been named as a finalist in the Regional Economic Development Center’s (REDC) Granite State Growth Competition. The REDC is a private nonprofit organization with a mission to support New Hampshire businesses. Young businesses across the state were encouraged to apply to this competition, but only TrueProp and four other institutions made it onto the finalist board.
Based in Durham, NH, TrueProp creates propeller inspection software, providing users with analysis, repair guidance, and compliance reports. Established in 2017, TrueProp has already partnered with propeller shops across the world.
The Granite State Growth Competition was launched for the first time this year. REDC says the goal of this competition is to “support New Hampshire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and increase the visibility and skills of young businesses.” The top prize is $25,000, going to the winning final pitch. TrueProp and the other four companies will present their pitches at REDC’s anniversary celebration on May 9, at Birchwood Vineyards in Derry.
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Phillips Exeter students and teachers after invasive plant removal at Milne Nature Sanctuary as part of their Climate Action Day. Still all smiles, despite a cold, rainy day. Courtesy of Malin Clyde
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RESTORING THE MILNE NATURE SANCTUARY
During April we began our efforts to restore the health of the Milne Nature Sanctuary on the shores of College Brook, Oyster River, and Mill Pond. Orion Tree Service removed some dead and dying trees and invasive Norway maples and ground stumps that were cut in previous years. The Durham DPW then cleared large boulders and stumps along the road. This stretch will be replaced with a wood, split-rail fence, allowing for easier weed trimming and mowing to limit growth of invasive plants.
On Easter morning, three Theta Chi fraternity brothers joined Ellen Snyder and Malin and Taylor Clyde for a couple hours of volunteer work. We spread wood chips along pathways and pulled invasive shrubs. The following week Ellen led an enthusiastic group of Phillips Exeter students on a tour and discussion of Mill Pond, the dam, sea level rise and salt marsh migration, and associated management issues as part of their Climate Action Day. After learning how to identify the most common invasive plants around Mill Pond—on a very cold and rainy Friday---the students and teachers helped Ellen and Malin pull many invasive plants at the Milne Nature Sanctuary.
The next phase includes a volunteer work day on June 1st. On that day we will be planting an array of native perennials and pollinator-friendly plants around the Milne stone memorial. We will also plant native shrubs from the State Forest Nursery in several areas where invasive plants were removed. For those interested in stonework, we will also re-build a stone wall on the property. The Saturday, June 1st work day will begin with an overview of the stewardship plans for the Milne Nature Sanctuary. To sign up for the work day click HERE.
In addition to the invasive removal at Milne, we have plans to remove invasive plants around Mill Pond to restore the health of the larger “greenbelt” that extends around and below Mill Pond.
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SPRING CLEANUP BEGINS APRIL 29TH! RESIDENTIAL BULKY WASTE CLEANUP BEGINS MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019.
Please place materials curbside no earlier than April 27th and no later than 7AM on April 29th. This is for residentially generated bulky items only. No household trash, no commercially generated waste. The maximum load per household is 6 Cubic Yards (approximately pile of 8' L x 4' D x 5' H).
We will not pick up any loads that exceed this.
Please refer to your spring newsletter for details HERE.
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday, October 26, 2019
The 2019 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8 - 11:30 AM. To register, you must call DPW at 603-868-5571 or mailto:publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. REMEMBER - THE MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS, SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - LATEX AND OLD-BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with a permit throughout the year. Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil, anti-freeze and oil-based paints can go up as is. Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer's label.
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EASYPARK OFFERS AN ALTERNATIVE TO "FEEDING THE METER"!
Durham has entered into an agreement with EasyPark which is a comprehensive easy-to-use electronic parking payment system that provides a solution for drivers - paying for the exact period of time parked and receiving parking reports on your usage and funds expended. This system will allow EasyPark holders to pay via the device for parking not only in Durham but in Dover, Portsmouth and Manchester.
The core of the EasyPark system lies in a “durable, adaptable, contactless, multi-application in-vehicle device”. Once a person purchases the EasyPark device either online or at the Dover Parking Services located at 46 Locust Street, funds can be loaded onto the device by using https://www.easyparkusa.com/home which eliminates the necessity to get out of your vehicle to pay at the kiosk, get the receipt and return to your vehicle to place the receipt on the dashboard. Once you arrive at a parking spot you turn on the EasyPark device, which will immediately display the balance on the device. Then choose your parking zone that will be displayed on the side of the kiosk to find out the time limit and the hourly parking rate. You then place your EasyPark device on the window or dashboard so parking inspectors can easily locate it.
As stated, residents interested in this device can purchase the device in the City of Dover. View more information HERE which will provide data about the device and how it works.
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CHIEF KURZ ATTENDS IACP LEADERSHIP MEETING
Chief Kurz was recently named as the Chairman of the Education and Training Committee for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and attended their meeting in Orlando this past week. As the newly designated Chairperson, Chief Kurz led police chiefs from across the country in formulating training initiatives that would serve to guide law enforcement in the years to come. This year’s meeting focused upon the development of standardized training for police officers across the United States. The development of “best practice” training for agencies is in progress as a result of the meetings Chief Kurz attended.
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DURHAM HOSTED INTERNATIONAL VISITORS THIS WEEK FROM CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA – Focused on the Town’s efforts on transparency over the years
On Thursday of this week, we hosted a delegation of 13 officials from Central/South America as part of the U.S. Department of State, Office of International Visitors, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs International Visitor Leadership Program focusing on transparency and accountability in Government. One participant was the equivalent of the mayor of a community of 300 people. This is a regional project implemented by the U.S. Department of State focusing on the Western Hemisphere. The World Affairs Council of NH coordinated all visits of the group in New Hampshire, including the visit to Durham. Durham is a regular stop for participants in the program. Another group will be in town in a few weeks.
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UNH KICKS OFF SHARE THE STREETS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY WITH DURHAM’S SUPPORT
UNH Campus Planning and the Planning Student Organization are collaborating on two pedestrian safety/outreach efforts in early May. A cross marking campaign and a series of social media messages regarding sharing of our wallkways and streetscapes will be piloted for ongoing use next year. Here is some additional information:
Sidewalk Stencil Campaign
- The markings will be done with stencils (approx. 18”*24”) using spray chalk (likely orange and or white) and will be temporary in nature.
- The markings will be done on sidewalk approaches to crosswalks and not over tactile strips. There will be no markings in street travel way.
- UNH’s Steve Pesci will supervise the installations by student planners.
- Safety vests will be worn by all.
- The group will give min 24hr advance notice to UNH and Town Police as well as Durham DPW and UNH G&E prior to install sweep.
- The group will be focusing on UNH property access to crosswalks including Main Street and into downtown/Pettee Brook/Madbury/Mill (east side) town crosswalks.
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TEST KITS FOR ARSENIC AVAILABLE AT TOWN HALL
In the March 15, 2019 "Friday Updates", Representative Judith Spang provided information with respect to wells and groundwater contamination, specifically with regard to arsenic.
The Lamprey Watershed Association has set up a table in the Town Hall lobby that has test kits for arsenic available for interested residents.
For questions, consult the DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau’s Arsenic page: “arsenic in drinking water” at https://www.des.nh.gov/. Technical staff are also available at (603) 271-3108 or mailto:dwgbinfo@des.nh.gov
Or contact Judith Spang at mailto:judith@kestrelnet.net
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 2nd Annual Contest for the Durham Lawn(s) with the Most Dandelions
As part of Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Contest to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honey bees and other pollinators.
Town residents are invited to submit a photo(s) of their residential lawn where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow.
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to:
Lee Alexander
e-mail: mailto:leelaine-alex@comcast.net
mobile: 603-866-2822
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Each contest participant will receive a small (2 oz.) squeeze bottle of “Lee’s Bees” Wildflower Honey.
Based on a fair (but somewhat subjective) site evaluation, the lawn judged to have the highest density of dandelions will receive a large (16 oz.) squeeze bottle of honey.
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Further evidence of spring in Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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ART SHOW/SALE AND SLIDE PRESENTATION TO BENEFIT THE HAITIAN HEALTH FOUNDATION - Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9 - 11AM, Council Chambers, Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham. Presentation by Allison Howland for her Power of One Project at Oyster River High School. Lean about Haiti and the current conditions and support a good cause!
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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R.E.A.C.H. SUMMER DAY CAMP - July 8 - August 9, 2019
R.E.A.C.H. Summer Day Camp is a community-based summer camp collaboration between Oyster River Cooperative School District and Durham Parks & Recreation. It meets Monday- Thursday, July 8 through August 9 at the Oyster River Middle School. Campers can participate in a morning ORCSD program, and then have the option to transition to afternoon camp with Durham Parks & Recreation. Since Oyster River is providing lunch for all school-aged kids, there is no need to pack one! To complete the week, Durham Parks and Recreation is also offering Friday Field Trips.
Read more about the program in the April 2019 Celebrate Durham blog HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 am - The Magical Bluebird Local Author and Illustrator Visit!
Join the DPL as Christine Hallowell (local author) and Serena Hallowell (local illustrator) visit and read their picture book "The Magical Bluebird". Come and hear the tale and how it came to be. Also, learn how to make your own magical paper bluebird to take home. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the program. All are welcome!
COMING SOON ...
Tuesday, May 14th from 4:00-6:00 pm - Harmonica Workshop with Mike and Bev Rogers.
Join the DPL for a beginner's harmonica instruction workshop. Mike Rogers has been playing the harmonica since the age of fifteen and performs with harmonica and guitar. His teaching draws on 48 years of professional musicianship, secondary education teaching experience and performances and workshops in schools and libraries from Maine to Georgia. Mike and his wife Bev have been teaching the harmonica for the past 30 years and focus these beginner's courses on simple songs and basic technique. Each participant receives a harmonica to use and keep. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is limited and recommended for ages 10+. Register on the DPL website.
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FRIENDS OF THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Mother's Day Weekend for mothers and others - Friday, May 10 from 10AM to 5PM; Saturday, May 11 from 10AM - 1:30 PM.
By the bag or a la carte. Puzzles, DVDs, CDs.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1911 - An epidemic of typhoid fever struck. Beginning at a fraternity house near the Town Hall. 12 of the brothers were hospitalized and the Rev.Telesphore Taisne died. A shallow well proved contaminated by surface water from outside toilets. In particular from the Perley house.
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Police Chief Kurz working at the 2019 Channel 11 auction in Durham on Wednesday evening this week. The auction ends tomorrow, Saturday, May 4th. Courtesy Andrew Corrow
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Have a good weekend. Durham appears to be stuck in a cool, rainy, cloudy weather pattern. Eight of the next nine days look cloudy/rainy with a high of just 67 degrees…
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Note: If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page. Click on "Friday Updates" then enter your email address and first and last name.
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