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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Friday, November 14, 2014
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Durham's pastoral Wagon Hill Farm early one morning this week. Courtesy Loren Selig
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The pastoral image above reminded me of "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams:
so much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
beside the white
chickens
William Carlos Williams was an American poet closely associated with modernism and imagism. You can hear him read his poem on YouTube by clicking HERE.
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NH DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SETS 2014 DURHAM TAX RATE – Local Municipal Portion of Rate Remains Unchanged from 2013
The 2014 full tax rate in Durham has been set by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration at $30.52 per $1,000 assessed property value, which is an increase of 11 cents from last year’s rate.
The local school tax rate increased from $16.76 to $16.80, and the state school tax rate increased from $2.45 to $2.51.
The only other increase was seen in the county tax rate, which increased $.01 from $2.86 to $2.87.
The municipal portion of the tax rate stayed the same from a year ago, at $8.34.
The total school taxes represent the largest portion of the full Durham tax rate at 63.3 percent. The town (or municipal) portion of the rate represents 27.3 percent of the tax rate, and county taxes represent 9.4 percent of that rate.
The following is a breakdown of the numbers.
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TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADMINISTRATOR'S PROPOSED FY 2015 BUDGET - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014 – Recommended Budget would increase Projected FY 2015 Tax Rate by 1.68%
The Administrator’s proposed FY 2015 budget would increase the projected 2015 tax rate by 1.68%. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase over September 2013 is 1.7%.The Town Council’s budget goal as part of its 2014-2015 goals is as follows: “Develop operating budgets that limit growth in the Town’s portion of property taxes by the rate of inflation plus new additions to the Town’s taxable base.”
The proposed Sewer Fund budget reflects a 12.82% increase in user fees for 2015, while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 2.6% increase in user fees for 2015. Increases in both funds are driven primarily by debt service for capital projects associated with meeting Federal and state requirements for both systems.
The Durham Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2015 Operating, Capital, and Special Fund Budgets on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall located at 8 Newmarket Road.
Copies of the proposed budget as well as the proposed 2015-2024 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) are available for viewing at the Business Manager’s office on the first floor of the Durham Town Hall located at 8 Newmarket Road, and at the Durham Public Library located at 49 Madbury Road.
Questions regarding these documents may be addressed to Business Manager Gail Jablonski at 868-8043, gjablonski@ci.durham.nh.us.
Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearing and express their views. Comments may be mailed to the address above or sent by electronic mail to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
To view the proposed FY 2015 Operating Budgets and the proposed 2015-2024 Capital Improvement Plan, click HERE.
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NHDOT INFORMS DURHAM THAT LITTLE BAY BRIDGE TRAFFIC WILL SHIFT ON 11/21/14
The Department of Transportation expects to shift traffic southbound to the new Little Bay Bridge on Nov 21. Traffic delays should be expected north of Exit 4 into Durham and Dover.
Traffic impacts could be significant where Rt. 4 traffic meets the Spaulding Turnpike.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
All Town Offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28, 2014. All offices will reopen for business on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 8:00 AM.
Refuse and Recycling Schedule During Thanksgiving:
There will be no collection on Thanksgiving day. Thursday's collection will occur on Friday (Nov 28).
There will be no commercial collection on Friday (Nov 28).
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NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no "Friday Updates" on November 28th. The next "Friday Updates" publication will be on Friday, December 5, 2014.
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VIRUS ALERT FOR TOWN DURHAM DEPARTMENTS, BUSINESSES, AND RESIDENTS
There are a number of malicious email campaigns utilizing a Trojan horse PDF or hyperlink and legitimate e-mail addresses to target government, private sector businesses, and residents alike.
The attackers target organizations or individuals with malicious e-mails containing the subject “Unpaid Invoic” (Invoice is incorrectly spelled) with an attachment named ‘invoice621785.pdf’ or a similar naming convention.
There are also reports that municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and organizations in the water and financial sectors have received similar e-mails.
Durham residents may also may receive suspicious emails from people they know encouraging them to click on a strange link to access information or to view something. In each instance, the suspicious e-mails are sent from legitimate, and not spoofed, e-mail accounts. It is believed that the malware contained in the attachment may infect the victim’s mail server, causing the victim to send e-mails containing the same malware to their contacts, thus spreading the infection.
This week, one of Durham's minute takers and a member of the Town Council clicked on such links and their computers were infected.
Additional clues that a message may be malicious include:
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E-mail from a company or person that you did not initiate contact with or are not expecting e-mail correspondence from.
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E-mail from a person you may know, but appearing out of context or otherwise unusual. For example, the message may contain misspellings, grammatical errors, or a writing style with a tone or brevity not typical of the sender.
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Messages with a sense of urgency, but little or no content or context. For example, a message may ask you to open an attachment or click a link, but provide few specific details as to why the matter is urgent.
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Messages appearing to be from a colleague, government agency, or a member of a professional organization, but sent from a webmail account.These messages will typically ask you to open the attachment. If the malicious attachment is opened, a virus is extracted that will compromise the computer.
Any user who believes they have received a message like the one detailed above is to delete it immediately.
Once again, users should exercise caution when opening e-mail, especially if a message contains links or attachments, uses incorrect spelling or odd grammar, or contains a sense of urgency, even if it appears work-related.
Good computer security tips include:
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Avoid opening e-mails from untrusted sources.
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Delete suspicious e-mails.
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Do not follow unsolicited links in e-mail messages.
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Use caution when opening e-mail attachments.
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Verify legitimacy of unexpected e-mails through a trusted contact number, if available.
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If you are unsure, do not open e-mail attachments or click hyperlinks.
Malicious software authors are designing increasingly convincing e-mail and fake websites to fool visitors into installing malicious content. Reliable indicators of malicious content can include:
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Foreign websites and e-mail address
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Misspellings
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Broken English
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Capitalization errors
Exercise caution. When it comes to malware, it's a jungle out there.
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DURHAM STILL EXPERIENCING TELEPHONE SCAMS
Chief Kurz advises that the police department has had several residents contact them about continuing telephone scams. It is clear that the desire to separate people from their money has no bounds as scammers become very innovative in attempting to do so! The calls have been very similar in nature with a foreign sounding voice contacting the residents about problems with their IRS tax payments and they can clear the matter immediately by sending payment. Others may persuade the resident that their grandchild is in some minor trouble. Knowing how grandparents feel about their grandchildren only makes you as the target more vulnerable. The callers are very coy about getting you to identify your grandchild! Inadvertently residents have offered the name by saying something as innocent as, “What kind of trouble is John in?” or “Are you sure you’re talking about Debby?”
The Durham Police is sharing this information for awareness purposes and to help prevent fraud and/or identity theft from occurring during these purposely stressful telephone calls! As always the Durham Police urge residents NEVER to provide personal and/or credit card information via social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or telephone solicitation. Even though these criminal enterprises appear to be centered in off-shore locations, it is requested that any suspicious solicitation activity be reported to the Durham Police for further assessment and review.
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WINTER PARKING BAN
The Durham Winter Parking ban commenced November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2015. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. As the ordinance states, “Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.” For the first week, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur next week, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.
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DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - Parking Enforcement
Parking Enforcement – Seasonal - Starting Salary: $14.00/Hourly
The Durham, New Hampshire Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Parking Enforcement Officer. The applicant selected to serve as the part time PEO will enforce state and local parking for this nationally accredited police department. This position works 40 hours each week during the University of New Hampshire academic school year. The qualified candidate will not work holidays or during the summertime months. Additional hours may be available if the successful candidate is trained as a Booking Specialist and/or for traffic control at special events.
PEO duties will include state law and local ordinance enforcement, collection of parking meter monies, parking meter repair, traffic direction and control, some radio communications, and other duties as assigned or as applicable. Training and uniforms will be provided.
Minimum qualifications for this position include a high school diploma or GED, the ability to walk and/or stand for a minimum of 8 hours each day, lift/carry a minimum of 30 pounds for short distances, and must read, write and verbally communicate in the English language. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. Applicants with tattoos, brands, or body piercings visible in short sleeve shirts or short pants will be disqualified. The qualified candidate will be subject to a background and reference check.
Letter of Interest, Resume, and Town of Durham Application must be received by:
Capt. David Holmstock by 12:00 Noon on Friday, December 5, 2014 at:
Durham Police Department, 86 Dover Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824.
The anticipated date of appointment from this selection process is approximately one week from the application closing date. This date is subject to change.
Females and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
The Durham Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.
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HUNTING IN DURHAM
There have been a limited number of occasions where hikers encounter persons hunting in Durham. While the Durham Police have indicated this is a rarely reported event, it does occur on occasion, especially during deer season which allows for muzzle loaded only from November 1st through the 11th and all deer hunting from November 12th through the 30th. Duck season often results in walkers encountering hunters who may be in boats along the Wagon Hill walking trails when the Coastal Zone waterfowl season is open October 3rd through October 14th and then reopens November 16th through January 3rd of next year. Several people have inquired, after seeing duck hunters in boats off the shoreline of Wagon Hill, whether this is a legal activity. Under New Hampshire hunting regulations it is lawful as the “coastal hunting zone” includes the Great Bay as well as the various inlets including the Oyster River.
The only reference to hunting in Durham’s Town Ordinance is found in Article II section 63 entitled “Shooting” which states that “Shooting of any kind is prohibited at any time on town property, including the town dump and the town gravel pit.” The ordinance goes on to define shooting as, “The ejection, propelling or driving forth of any object, such as but not limited to a bullet or arrow, by any force whatsoever, including but not limited to a sudden release of tension, as in a bowstring, or an explosion or expanding gases, as in a rifle or other firearm, or by any other means.”
If residents walking or hiking encounter hunters, it certainly is wise to advise of your presence. As always, if anyone is concerned about the activity they see and desire clarification, the Durham Police can be contacted at 868-2324 or via 911.
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McGregor Memorial EMS volunteer Brian VanDam
MCGREGOR MEMORIAL EMS VOLUNTEER RECEIVES VOLUNTEERNH SERVICE AWARD
McGregor Memorial EMS volunteer Brian VanDam has received a VolunteerNH Service Award at the 2014 Spirit of New Hampshire Awards Ceremony on November 10th at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH. Brian was selected from many nominations from around the state.
Brian received his Bachelor of Science degree (Summa Cum Laude) with a major in Biomedical Sciences: Medical Microbiology in June 2014. In addition to a heavy course load, an honors thesis and other duties outside of McGregor, Brian managed to set new records for time volunteered. In total, he volunteered over 1200 hours in 2013 with some months seeing 200 hours of service. Noteworthy is that these hours consisted of day and overnight coverage at our station. Additionally, Brian also coordinates the McGregor Institute of EMS, the training and education arm of McGregor Memorial EMS. Brian is frequently at the station volunteering with whatever needs to be done. His status as an Advanced EMT and a McGregor Crew Chief reflects both his medical and leadership skills.
It is through the collective dedication of some 80 volunteers that McGregor Memorial EMS has for the past 46 years and continues to provide emergency care and treatment at the highest levels to the residents and visitors of Durham, Lee, Madbury and the University of New Hampshire.
McGregor Memorial EMS is a private, non-profit organization operating three ambulances as well as a paramedic intercept vehicle.
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MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.
Town Council - Monday, November 17, 2014
Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, November 18, 2014 (7PM - Durham Public Library)
All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.
VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.
DCAT Programming Schedule.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22 IS LIVE STREAMING!
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
Mad Science Success. Local students attended Scientastic Science this past Tuesday. The group spent an entire morning performing hands-on, science enrichment activities and experiments; learning about light, prism spectrums, and other related topics. Stay tuned for more exciting Mad Science programs coming soon!
Churchill Rink
View the schedule HERE.
Like Churchill Rink on FACEBOOK!
Advertise with us! Dasherboard advertising available for the 2014-2015 season. Please contact us for further pricing and information. Call us at 603-868-3907 or info@icerinks.com.
Birthday party packages:
Public session- Just $10 per person, includes, public skate admission, 2 pizzas and soda for your party. Bring your own cake and decoration a locker room for your party. Minimum of 10 participants.
Private ice parties also available. Please contact us at 603-868-3907 or info@icerinks.com.
Fall Hours: Please note that some class times and locations have changed for the fall. View our weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE!
Drop in to most of our fitness classes for only $10!
Save the Date
Feather Fest - November 27th (10am)
Tree Lighting Ceremony - December 6th (Rain date December 13th)
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Part-time position, 5 hours per week, Building Manager, Community Church of Durham, United Church of Christ. Potential applicants should contact the church office as soon as possible for a full job description or for further information. Phone: 603-868-1230 Email: office@ccdurham.org.
Pack 154 Cub Scout Meeting, Friday, Nov 14, 2014, 6:30 PM, Moharimet School. Boys Grades 1-5 welcome.
Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay Food Drive, Friday, Nov 14, 2014, 3-6PM, and Saturday, Nov 15, 9AM-2PM, Durham Marketplace. UNH Rotaract Club is collaborating with the Rotary Club and will be collecting on Campus and helping at the Plaza. All proceeds will go to End 68 Hours of Hunger Oyster River Chapter. Food items needed: canned tuna or chicken, canned pasta, mac & cheese, fruit cups or cans, soups, cereal, nutrition bars, crackers, peanut butter. Cash donations also welcome.
Emery Farm Open House, Friday, Nov 14, 2014, 135 Piscataqua Road (Route 4), 5-7PM. Showcasing and sampling select products from their new local partners including: Calef's Country Store, The Candy Bar, Freedom Cafe, Red Carpet Florist, Terra Cotta Pasta, Salmon Falls Stoneware, and Annabelle's Ice Cream. Attendees will receive 20% off their entire purchase.
UNH Celebrates International Education Week (IEW), Nov 15-22, 2014. IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education described as “an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide… and is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.” UNH encourages community members to participate in the events and activities next week. Except where indicated, events are free and open to the public. View full schedule.
Ready Rides Fundraiser, Saturday, Nov 15, 2014, 7PM, Durham Community Church. Ready Rides is a nonprofit organization providing transportation to medical appointments to the elderly and handicapped in the Seacoast region. Entertainment: NH storyteller Rebecca Rule, Grammy award winning guitarist Ed Gerhard, and pianist Bob Chadbourn. Suggested donation: $12 per adult, $6 for children. To learn more about Ready Rides, click HERE.
UNH Celebrity Series welcomes the Doric String Quartet, Tuesday, Nov 18, 2014, 7PM, Paul Creative Arts Center’s Johnson Theatre. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.unharts.com.
Wine & Cheese Grand Opening of Ensemble Home Decor, Friday, Nov 21, 2014, 5-8PM, Red Carpet Florist, 56 Main Street. Complimentary wine and cheese platters will be served.
Newcomers Unlimited Monthly Meeting, Friday, Nov 21, 2014, Durham Community Church featuring the Rev. Dr. Mary Westfall, Senior Minister of the Community Church: “To Save or Savor the World”, the joys and possibilities of living in these times. Coffee & Conversation 9:00 am the Meeting & Speaker 10:00 am.
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Celebrity Chef and Author, Mary Ann Esposito, hosts food event: "No Such Thing as Italian Food" at the Durham Public Library on Wednesday, November 19th. See details below.
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
FOOD EVENT - Weds. Nov. 19th at 6:30 p.m. Mary Ann Esposito, Celebrity Chef & Author, presents: “There is no such thing as Italian Food”. Newsflash! Cookies baked from recipes in Ciao Italia Family Classics cookbook. Books available for purchase & signing. Cash & checks accepted. No registration needed. Info: Armida Geiger 603-868-6699 ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Colors of the Rainbow” Family Storytime, Sat. Nov. 15th at 10:30 a.m. – Join us as we learn about rainbows and colors! Join us for fun stories about rainbows and colors, feltboard, songs, rhymes and a craft! All are welcome! Next week, Sat. Nov. 22nd at 10:30 a.m. – “Special Nutcracker” Family Storytime with the Northeast Ballet!
Family Movie, “Muppets Most Wanted”, Sat. Nov. 15th at 2:00 p.m. – Join us for our monthly family movie, “Muppets Most Wanted”! All are welcome and popcorn is served.
Crafternoon – Sat. Nov. 15th from 12:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us in the storytime for a fun craft!
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., Nov. 17th at 2:45 p.m. - This week’s game is: "Castle Panic"
Storytimes: Tues. Nov. 18th and Thurs. Nov. 20th at 10:30 a.m. This week: World Tales! We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
McGregor Memorial EMS CPR Course, Tues. Nov. 18th at 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Visit http://cprsafe.org for more information and to register. Fee is $20.
Libros Lovers, High School Book Group, Weds. Nov. 19th at 2:45-4:00 p.m. – This month’s book is We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Ruth Wharton-McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the library and pizza is served.
Lego Club, Thurs. Nov. 20th at 3:45 p.m. This week: Flags/Countries! For k-4th graders.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Fri., Nov. 21st at 10:30 a.m. This week: Around the World!
Adult Games: Informal, drop-in on Fri. Nov. 21st at 12:30-2:00 p.m. Seeking chess players. Bridge, UNO, Scrabble, Checkers, etc. Contact: Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Movie: African Queen, Fri. Nov. 21st at 2:00 p.m. (1951) Starring Humphrey Bogart & Katharine Hepburn.
Nutcracker Scenes with The Northeast Ballet Special Family Program, Sat. Nov. 22nd at 10:30 a.m. – Join us for this fun family program for all ages. We will read the Nutcracker story, watch the Northeast Ballet perform some scenes from the Nutcracker and make a fun craft. All are welcome!
PJ Storytime, Tues. Nov. 25th at 6:30 p.m. – This month: Thanksgiving and Squirrels! Join ORPP (Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers) and the library for this month’s PJ Storytime. We read stories, do feltboard, sing songs, fingerplays and make a fun craft. Snack provided by ORPP. Wear your pajamas and all are welcome!
Durham Garden Club Meeting, Tuesday, Nov 25, 2014, 6:30-8:30 PM, Durham Public Library. John Bubar to present “Working in a Work of Art: A Volunteer Experience in Monet’s Garden”. John will share pictures and stories about his gardening experience with the professionals at Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France. Contact: Mary Caulfield 603-868-2220, john_mary92@msn.comThe public is cordially invited to attend.
In The Gallery...Neville Caulfield Photography Exhibit. Exhibit will continue to be on display for your viewing pleasure! Great photos from Caulfield, a Junior at ORHS.
FREE MOVIES FOR NOVEMBER – Muppets Most Wanted! Rated PG, Sat. Nov. 15th at 2:00PM, African Queen (1951) Rated PG Fri. Nov. 21st at 2:00PM. Movies are shown in the Oyster River Room. Movie snack provided.
Patch Club: reading incentive program for ages 2-12 years. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk!
Tales for Tails: Read to a trained therapy dog K-4th grade - sign-ups have begun.
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.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1905 - The first auto was inventoried at $400. Early owners of cars were President Gibs, Deans Taylor and Pettee, Grant, Dad Henderson, Stone, Curry, Kendall. Gasoline was sold at Edgerly's Store in Pettee Block, 5 gallons for $1, and strained through chamois-skin into tank.
1905 - A defective rail caused the wreck of the St. Johns Express near the College shops. Students and faculty broke open the cars and helped the passengers escape. The badly injured were taken to the home of Dr. Grant. The B&M RR gave NHC $1000 which was used to furnish the new gym.
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