Friday Updates - November 2, 2012

Friday, November 2, 2012

FALL BACK - Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 4th. Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour!

GENERAL ELECTION - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at the Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Drive. Polling hours are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. (Expect a big turnout for this election.) To view the election ballot, click HERE. Questions may be directed to the Town Clerk’s Office at 603-868-5577.

Voter registration

If you have not yet registered to vote and wish to vote on November 6, you will now need to register on Election Day itself, as allowed by NH law. (The last day to have registered at the Town Hall was Saturday, October 27.) If possible, bring photo identification (see below), proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, etc.), and proof of where you live (such as mail showing your current street address). If you don’t have any of these documents, you may still register by affirming your age eligibility, citizenship, and/or domicile by signing affidavits.

“No matter when or where you register to vote, you will be required to fill out a standard voter registration form, and you will be asked to show proof of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile. These qualifications may be established by signing affidavit(s).” (NH Secretary of State’s “Frequently Asked Questions” website http://sos.nh.gov/VoterRegFAQ.aspx

You must be domiciled in the state in order to vote and you must vote where you are domiciled. “Domicile” is defined as “that place, more than any other, where you sleep most nights of the year, or to which you intend to return after a temporary absence.” There is no minimum requirement of how long you must live here before being allowed to vote.

What you should bring with you to the polls on November 6

Even if you are a registered voter, you will be asked to show a photo ID. However, if you do not have one with you, you may still vote by first signing an affidavit. Acceptable forms of photo ID include:

• Driver’s license issued by any state (even if expired)
• ID card issued by NH DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles)
• U.S. Armed Services ID card
• U.S. Passport (even if expired)
• Valid photo ID card issued by either the federal government or a state, county or municipal government
• Valid student ID card
• Other photo ID deemed legitimate by the supervisors of the checklist, the moderator, or the Town Clerk

An option may be verification of identity by the Supervisor of the Checklist, the moderator, or the Town Clerk.

You cannot be denied your right to vote if you do not have a photo ID with you on Election Day. If you forget your identification or choose not to show it, you may vote without it by signing a “challenged voter affidavit.”

If you do sign a “challenged voter affidavit,” following the election, the Secretary of State’s office will send a request to you asking for confirmation that it was you who voted and that you are who you say you are. (Note: If, within 90 days, you fail to respond to the Secretary of State’s request for confirmation, the matter will be turned over to the Attorney General’s office for investigation.)

Absentee ballots

To return your completed absentee ballot, you may bring it to the Town Clerk in person no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, November 5. If you are returning the completed absentee ballot by U.S. mail, it must be received by the Town Clerk no later than 5pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6.

If you have returned a completed absentee ballot but your plans have changed and you are now able to vote in person: go to the polls and tell the Town Clerk or Moderator the circumstances. They will then advise you how to proceed.

For more information:

The website for the NH Secretary of State includes, among others, pages on:

The Voter ID Law http://sos.nh.gov/voterid.aspx

Voting as a College Student In New Hampshire and Voter Registration http://sos.nh.gov/nhsos_content.aspx?id=12816

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) http://sos.nh.gov/VoterRegFAQ.aspx

ADMINISTRATOR'S PROPOSED FY 2013 BUDGET FOR DURHAM

This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2013 General Fund budget totaling $12,410,419.00, a spending increase of $1,133,210.00 or 10.05% compared to FY 2012.  Due to an infusion of revenue from a variety of sources (see General Fund Revenue section below), a number of which directly offset proposed expenditure increases for the coming year, non-property tax revenues are expected to increase dramatically in FY 2013 by $661,696.00 or 14.1% to $5,354,900.00.  In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to increase the 2013 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 36 cents (or 4.72%) to $7.97 from the estimated 2012 level of $7.61.  If debt service associated with the new Durham Public Library project that overwhelming passed (74%) by referendum last year is subtracted from the equation, the municipal tax rate increase
would be 1.77%.

Revenue projections do continue to include an annual $225,101.00 payment from UNH to Durham which began in 2009 to compensate the community for the University’s financial impact upon the Town in areas such as roadways, traffic, and policing services.  Budgetary projections take into account this additional revenue, a projected $18 million infusion into the tax base  associated largely with the Capstone project as of April 1, 2013 (an initial increase largely associated with Capstone was added to the tax base for 2012 totaling $15 million), holding Overlay at $300,000 due to a number of outstanding property tax abatement appeals pending with the Board of Tax and Land Appeals/Superior Court, no use of fund balance, and recommended expenditures.

The proposed Sewer Fund budget reflects a 0% increase in user fees in 2013 (a rate of $5.75 per hundred cubic feet), while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 5.3% increase in user fees (a rate of $4.18 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2013. 

For comparative purposes, the twelve-month September 2011 to September 2012 Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) numbers are:  U.S. City Index – 2.0%, Northeast Urban Index – 1.7%, and Boston-Brocton-Nashua-MA-NH-ME-CT – 1.7%. 

A listing of highlights from the proposed FY 2013 budgets follows:

• A 2% pay increase is budgeted for non-unionized personnel.
• This budget and fiscal forecast, as was the case in 2011 and 2012, proposes to bond the 2013 road program.
• Funding is again budgeted to contract out a third day for Assessing services to more adequately yet still minimally meet the demands of the department.  $52,500 is also included to pay for the cost of a statistical assessing update in 2013 as required by state regulations.
• In 2012, the Town increased the number of hours for the part-time Parks and Recreation Director position from 20 hours per week to 30 to more accurately meet the needs and aspirations of the community within this burgeoning functional area.  With this investment, we experienced a 30% growth in recreation programs and a 40% increase in attendance at Parks and Recreation events.  Based upon a unanimous recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Committee and a careful analysis by the Administrator of municipal priorities, funds are included to support moving the Director position to a full-time salaried classification in 2013 at an additional cost of $32,550. 
• A total of $161,000 is budgeted once again in 2013 (it was budgeted, but not expended in 2012) from the Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) account to specifically support smart growth central core redevelopment should a major redevelopment project require public partnership in order to come to fruition in areas such as transitioning one-way to two-way traffic, offsite underground utility infrastructure improvements; or for part-time economic development staffing, consultative, engineering, traffic modeling, or economic development project-related services.  
• Funds are tentatively budgeted for the new Town Office project at 8 Newmarket Road, the former People’s United Bank site, presently under conceptual development. 
• $25,302 has been included to provide ongoing support for area social service agencies serving Durham residents in need of assistance, up $4,083 from 2012 due to increased requests from the American Red Cross, Goodwin Community Health, and a new request from A Safe Place of $1,200.
• $15,000 has again been budgeted within the Welfare Budget to provide public assistance to eligible Durham residents, up $5,000 from 2011 due to increased demand for assistance locally.

• The Police department’s 19th full-time police officer position which had been cut by the Administrator in 2009 due to budget constraints, restored by the Council in 2010, held vacant for the majority of 2011 by the Administrator, and then eliminated for 2012 as a cost savings measure has been restored for 2013.  The department requests a 20th officer in addition which has not been funded by the Administrator due to funding constraints. 

• Ongoing replacement of two of the Police Department’s 8-cylinder Crown Victoria Police Interceptor vehicles with more fuel-efficient 6-cylinder police cars in 2013 at a cost of $62,000.
• $5,000 is budgeted to support the cost of a Police Department building needs analysis for long-term police planning purposes. 
• The FY 2013 budget continues to include annual savings associated with the 2008/2009 transition from the UNH Dispatch Center to the Strafford County Communications Center for police, fire, and public works dispatching services. This transition is anticipated to save Durham taxpayers $450,000 over five years and $250,000 per year thereafter. 
• In accord with our Kaizen and sustainability efforts, the Fire Department, in conjunction with representatives from the Town and UNH, was able to develop an innovative long-term funding solution to address the department’s 25-year capital item replacement program by calculating an inflation adjusted yearly contribution to the Fire Equipment Maintenance Capital Reserve Fund.  This annual contribution would eliminate the need to bond department-wide capital items (exclusive of a new station or new fire trucks) thereby eliminating approximately $80,000 in annual debt service cost, enhancing predictability in our funding stream, and eliminating the peaks and valleys associated with the long-term capital needs of the department – a win/win arrangement for both Durham and UNH (which supports 50% of the cost of the department). 
• $68,905 is included to support emergency services radio reception upgrades (repeaters) within the Oyster River High School and Middle School.  At the present time, Durham Police and Fire personnel have tremendous difficulty obtaining radio signal within these two critical facilities posing safety issues for students and officers alike.  (This expenditure would be offset 50% through a state grant and 50% through the Oyster River School District.  The municipality, not the school, must apply for the grant.)
• $557,400 (paid 50% by UNH) is budgeted for architectural and engineering services for the design of a new fire station at UNH B-Lot.  The appropriation would bring construction documents to 85% complete and to a “permit ready” stage.  It is anticipated that the building would be approximately 25,000 sq. ft.  The project construction budget is circa $8 million.  (The Town has $230,000 in a Fire Station Capital Reserve Fund which would be utilized to substantially offset Durham’s 50% contribution for design in 2013.)
• $520,000 is budgeted for the development of a Stormwater Management System Capital Improvement Plan in accordance with our Federal MS-4 permit and implementation of that plan which includes monitoring, repairs, and improvement projects according to a prioritized project list.
• $173,746 is budgeted to replace the Town’s 351 Cobra Head Style inefficient high pressure sodium and metal halide municipal street lights with energy efficient L.E.D. street lighting.  (This project would be contingent upon receipt of offsetting grant funds.)  
• In 2012, initial engineering was completed to evaluate structural deficiencies of the Main Street RR Bridge (the bridge that spans the Amtrak Downeaster platform) next to the Durham/UNH Train Station. $78,500 has been included in FY 2013 to repair identified deficiencies such as steel plate resurfacing and concrete/masonry.
• $68,800 is included to replace the 3,695 ft. long, 5 ft. wide bituminous asphalt sidewalk and concrete curbing installed in 1977.  This sidewalk links the Oyster River Middle School to the Oyster River High School and will be done in conjunction with the 2013 Road Program as Coe Drive will be resurfaced. 
• With the anticipated 2013 opening of the new Durham Public Library on Madbury Road, the proposal includes $102,260 to install 808 ft. of sidewalk and bike lane on the west side of Madbury Road from Garrison Avenue to the Library site ($85,143), as well as the replacement of the existing curb on Garrison Avenue and sidewalk with bituminous asphalt to include ADA compliant tip downs ($17,116). 
• $136,000 is included for the replacement of a 35,000 lb. GVW Public Works dump truck with flow body, side wing, and front plow.  Truck #7 is a 2000 International dump truck with 4,800 hours and 12 years of service.  It is a front line piece of snow fighting apparatus.  (This truck was originally scheduled to be replaced in 2012 but was moved out to 2013 as a cost containment strategy last year.  There are six dump trucks in the DPW fleet.)
• A $4.8 million Library project ($2.2 million through private fundraising/$2.6 million through debt) at the new 49 Madbury Road location was included in the adopted 2012 Capital budget and overwhelming passed by a referendum vote of the Town.  This project adds debt service (principal and interest) in the amount of $208,861 in FY 2013.
• $30,568 is included in 2013 to support additional operating hours for 6 months at the new Library facility (increasing hours of operation from 38 hr./wk. to 49 - $16,580) as well as for increased facility operational costs attributed to the new structure.
• $815,000 in included in 2013 for interior and exterior painting of the Town’s 3,000,000 gallon water storage tank at Foss Farm, as well as for our 650,000 gallon Beech Hill tank.  (The interior of the Foss Farm tank has not been painted in 17 years and is showing wear and tear from the elements.  The inside of the Beech Hill tank has not been painted in 25 years.) 
• $302,000 (supported 2/3 by UNH) is budgeted in 2013 for design associated with the Spruce Hole Well development project with an estimated construction date of 2014.  An additional $1,378,000 is planned for FY 2014 to fully fund construction of the project.  The Town’s Master Plan and 2004 Water Allocation Report calls for the development of the Spruce Hole Aquifer (this is distinct from the Spruce Hole Bog) as the next water source for Durham and UNH.
• $2.5 million (supported 2/3 by UNH) is included to replace the 25 year old Sludge Dewatering Equipment at the Durham Wastewater Treatment Plant, specifically the filter belt press and gravity belt thickener.  This specialized equipment removes the wastewater from solids and allows for the thickening of the solids to a sludge material enabling it to be transported offsite.  Not only has the equipment reached the end of its useful life, the enhancement is also anticipated to have the effect of decreasing the liquid content of the Town’s sludge thereby resulting in a 10% decrease to the sludge disposal cost that is determined by the weight of material.  (This project will require a referendum vote of the Town because the amount of the bond will exceed $1 million.)

As background information, the Town Charter in Durham states:

Sec. 5.2. Budget procedure.  At such time as may be requested by the Administrator or specified by the Administrative Code, each officer or director of a department shall submit an itemized estimate of the expenditures for the next fiscal year for the departments or activities under his control to the Administrator. The Administrator shall, based on these estimates and other data, prepare a recommended budget which he shall, together with these department estimates, submit to the Council no later than the last workday prior to November 1 of the current year. The Council shall review the budget for the following fiscal year and make such modifications and amendments as it desires.

Sec. 5.4. Final date for budget adoption.  The budget shall be adopted not later than the last workday of the preceding fiscal year. . .Failure by the Council to adopt a budget by the deadline established in this section will establish the budget as recommended by the Administrator as the adopted budget.
 

To view the full 9 page transmittal letter providing an overview of the FY 2013 Administrator's proposed budget, click HERE. Mr. Selig will formally present the proposed FY 2013 budget to the Council on November 5th.  A public Hearing is scheduled for November 19th to obtain feedback from the community.

DPW crew clearing debris left by Hurricane Sandy earlier this week. Courtesy Robin Mower

HURRICANE SANDY FEMA ASSESSMENT

On Thursday, Director of Public Works, Michael Lynch met with the State Emergency Management Agency as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to review damage & expenses incurred this past week by the Town as result of the severe weather caused by Hurricane Sandy. The purpose of this initial meeting was to determine if Durham & Strafford County meets the threshold to qualify for financial reimbursement. If there is a Presidential Declaration of an emergency we will be eligible for these funds.

Initial estimates place the cost of the storm for Durham at $26,243.

BRUSH AND LEAF DISPOSAL AT THE PACKERS FALLS GRAVEL PIT IN LEE

The gravel pit will be open for Durham residents Monday 5, 2012 – Saturday 10, 2012 from 7:30am – 3pm. Entrants MUST have either Transfer Station Permit (purple sticker) or proof of residency. Contractors MUST obtain a Landscapers Permit from the Public Works Department; residents can call ahead or pick up permit for their contractor.  No stumps accepted.

FALL CLEANUP BEGINS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2012

Regular fall cleanup will begin Monday 5, 2012 please have all brush and leaves curbside by 7:00 AM. Please make sure all curbside brush is less than five feet in length and five inches in diameter and that leaves are in paper bags.

Architect Art Guadano discusses alternatives for the 8 Newmarket Road site with Town of Durham staff. Courtesy Todd Selig

PUBLIC FORUM ON PROPOSED TOWN HALL SITE AT 8 NEWMARKET ROAD - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH

On Wednesday evening, November 7, 2012, from 7-9:00 PM, a Public Forum will be held relative to draft development plans for the 8 Newmarket Road site as the future location for the Town Hall. Architect Art Guadano will provide four alternatives for the public to review and provide comment. The Forum will be held in the Council Chambers at the Durham Town Hall, 15 Newmarket Road. The public is invited to attend to provide input on this important project.

WANTED – PHOTOGRAPHS FOR ANNUAL TOWN REPORT!!

Each year, we wrestle with the decision of what will be placed on the cover of the Town Report. If residents have a photograph or photographs that they think might be suitable for the Town Report, we would appreciate receiving them. If you are out-and-about and find a scenic or landmark area of Durham to photograph that you feel might make an attractive cover, we would like to hear from you. There may still be enough color left to capture something awesome! We prefer to receive digital (jpeg) files, which can be emailed to Jennie Berry at jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. In order for photographs to work on the Town Report cover, they must be taken as vertical photographs (not horizontal) and the camera should be set at its highest resolution. Also, please do not alter the size of the photograph once it is taken o
r compress it when emailing it. 

________________________________

  

In addition to the Town Report cover, we also need photographs for the weekly “Friday Updates” and DCAT bulletin board. Photographs of scenery, events, historic moments, etc. are welcome--whether they are from 2012 or 1912. As mentioned above, we prefer to receive digital (jpeg) files if possible. Photographs (originals) may also be dropped off at the Town Administrator’s office during regular hours, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday which will be scanned and returned to the owner once they are used. Let us know if you would like to be credited for your photograph, and if so, how you would like the credit to be worded.

 

NHDOT Commissioner (and Durham resident) Christopher Clement addresses participants during the Amtrak Downeaster's Inaugural Run Celebration on Thursday, November 1st. Courtesy Todd Selig

AMTRAK DOWNEASTER MAKES INAUGURAL RUN TO BRUNSWICK
At approximately 10:41 AM Thursday morning, November 1st, the Amtrak Downeaster left the Durham station to make its inaugural run to Brunswick, Maine, stopping along the way at Freeport. Celebrations were held at each station that included entertainment from local performers and addresses from various individuals including retiring Senator Olympia Snowe.  Town Councilors Jay Gooze and Diana Carroll, as well as Durham residents John Carroll and Todd Selig, attended on behalf of the Town of Durham.

It is worth noting that Amtrak offers a senior discount of one-half off the cost of a ticket using a senior promotion code, good at any time. When purchasing a ticket, just enter the promotion code: V543.

For more information visit http://www.amtrakdowneaster.com/

The Maine Dancers performed at each stop during the Amtrak Downeaster's Inaugural Run Celebration on Thursday, November 1st. Courtesy Todd Selig

Progress made despite Hurricane Sandy. Library building taking shape. Courtesy Walter Rous

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The big news this week, no surprise, was Hurricane Sandy.  Fortunately, due to meticulous securing of the site and the installation of a silt fence at the rain garden, construction was mostly unaffected except for a slight loss of time on Monday as the winds began to pick up.  It is not easy to handle 4’ x 8’ sheets of plywood during an incipient hurricane.  The project did not escape entirely, however.  A large chunk of a pine tree to the north of the building and east of the rain garden broke off and dropped into the rain garden.  Upon inspection, the 30’ long, nearly 24” in diameter limb revealed hidden rot in the rest of the standing tree.  The decision has been made to remove the rest of the tree to preclude any chance that it would fall on the library during another “weather event”.

Work resumed on Tuesday with continued framing of the first and second floor partitions.  The end of the week saw the installation of the very important shear walls at the west end of the building.  As important as the columns and beams are in transferring building loads down to the ground, equally important are the building elements that address lateral forces such as high winds and seismic events.  These forces are best resisted by walls called “shear planes”, mostly solid vertical surfaces with minimal openings.  Framing will continue next week as the building becomes more enclosed.

DURHAM’S FRIDAY DEALS
This program is intended to give local merchants an opportunity to encourage residents to shop locally. 

Wildcat Fitness, 397-3200, http://www.wildcatfitness.net/

$15 sign-up, $15 a month (billed to a checking account) 

Located at the far end of the Mill Plaza   

 

Red Carpet Florist, 868-7021, http://www.myredcarpetflorist.com/

$5 bouquets of flowers every Friday

Located at 56 Main St.   

 
Mino’s Roast Beef, 397-5261, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Minos-Roast-Beef/171148346284660

$6.50 Chicken Kebab Salad (Regular Size) on Fridays

Located in the Mill Plaza

Domino’s Pizza, 868-6230, http://pizza.dominos.com/new-hampshire/durham/

$.99 Small Cheese Pizza every Friday

Located in the Mill Plaza

Uppercut Hair Salon, 868-7363 http://www.facebook.com/pages/UpperCut-Hair-Salon/226530887441101

20% off all hair care products every Friday

Located in the Mill Plaza

Mama Mac and More, 868-7449 http://www.durham-menus.com/mama_mac_menu.pdf

$5 for an 8" sub or salad (add $2 for chicken or steak on salad)

Located at 38 Main Street

Durham House of Pizza, 868-2224 https://www.facebook.com/durhamhouseofpizza

$4 for a small cheese pizza

Located at 38 Main Street

Candy Bar, 397-5154 https://www.facebook.com/thecandybarnh

Free dark caramel and sea salt chocolate truffle with every $10 purchase

Located at 44 Main Street

Bindy’s Boutique, 590-0044 http://www.bindysboutique.com/

20% off on Fridays when you mention this ad from the Friday Updates

Located at 42a Main Street

Wiswall House Antiques, 659-5106, http://www.wiswallhouseantiques.com/

20% off all antique and vintage table lamps

Located at 28 Wiswall Road

Perfect Tan, 868-3200, http://www.the-perfect-tan.com/

Buy a single session, get a single session free

Located at 13 Jenkins Court

SolSistar Boutique,  397-5229

25% off 1 item of your choice on Fridays when you mention this ad from the Friday Updates

Located at 9 Madbury Road

https://www.facebook.com/SolSistar

Wiswall House Antiques, 659-5106

All vintage , Oil Lamps, Hurricane lamps, and Candleholders

20% off when you mention the Durham Friday Updates.

Located at 28 Wiswall Road 

http://www.wiswallhouseantiques.com/

Money spent locally stays local. Support Durham business. If your business has a Friday deal to offer please send it to Ken Entz at sentz@comcast.net.

PUBLIC MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

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

Town Council - Monday, November 5, 2012. To view the agenda and other information, click HERE. 

Public Forum on 8 Newmarket Road Site - Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Conservation Commission - Thursday, November 8, 2012. To view the agenda and other information, click HERE.

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

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

Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, please click HERE. 

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

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.

TOWN COUNCIL TO CONSIDER SPRUCEWOOD FOREST CONSERVATION PROJECT

At the Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2012, 7:00 PM in the Council chambers at Town Hall, the Town Council hold a public hearing on a request by the Conservation Commission asking the Town to accept fee title to the property known as Sprucewood Forest. The property abuts the UNH College Woods and includes over a mile of Oyster River frontage. If the proposal is approved, the Town would own the property subject to an easement held by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Efforts to protect this 176-acre combination of woodlands and open fields began more than three years ago. During the intervening time, the Conservation Commission has worked in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL). The Commission has ranked this project as its highest priority for the past few years, primarily for the protection afforded to two public water sources, both current (Oyster River) and future (Spruce Hole aquifer). On October 3, 2012, it voted unanimously to support the purchase of the property with $375,000 from the Conservation Fund.

NRCS is enthusiastic about the site's potential for providing habitat for the threatened New England cottontail rabbit. NRCS would provide majority funding for the project and become responsible for all costs related to the cottontail habitat restoration and to monitoring the easement.

Public access would include low-impact recreational uses, such as birding, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The property provides easy access from an abandoned forest road and affords significant opportunity for trails on the property itself and as part of a network of trails on nearby properties.

To download the Council Communication on this proposal and supporting documents, click HERE.  Those documents and others may also be downloaded from the Project page on the Conservation Commission’s website: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_conservation/sprucewood-forest-conservation-project-durham-nh.

This tree and others on Durham Point Road were blown down by Hurricane Sandy causing both ends of Durham Point to be closed for a time. Courtesy Jim Lawson

CHURCHILL RINK IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

The rink has been open since October 22nd and all systems are go for a great skating season!  New Rink Manager Bill Page began work the day after Labor Day and since then has changed the face of the rink for the better considerably.  With help from Rink Attendant’s Kirk Sim, Tim Murphy, and Dave Smith from ORYH, users have been pleasantly surprised to see the many improvements at the facility.  Improvements include much cleaning, a fresh new office/concession interior, clean comfortable restrooms with new partitions, new paint on a lot of walls, and clean locker rooms.  Please stop by and have a look.

For additional information, click HERE.

FUNDRAISER FOR EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Durham resident Thomas Caulfield is working on his Eagle Scout project which involves installing signs along the Sweet Trail which stretches from Durham to Newmarket. Thomas will need to fundraise for this project. If there are residents who need to have leaves raked or other yard work done within the next two weeks, pleas contact Thomas at 603-868-2220 or jthomasc4@gmail.com

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first annual Spooktacular Day in Durham last Friday, October 26th!  A special thanks goes out to the following: Coppal House Farm in Lee for donating 40 small pumpkins for decorating. Bill Page, Churchill Rink Director, for opening up the rink for us. UNH volunteers from Hunter Hall, 12 including the Hall Director, Anna Metvger.Last, and certainly not least, Durham Community Members. What a great turnout!

Sign up for the Coyote Club, a six-week program at Wagon Hill Farm, Mondays 3:45 to 4:45 PM, November 5th through December 10th. Ages 1st through 5th graders. $60 registration fee. To register contact P&R Director Stefanie Frazee, 817-4074, sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us. Direct class content questions to John Pazdon, johnny@nhecology.com

Sign up for Wag it Dog Day (space limited). Tail wagging fun for the whole family on Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 10-11:30 AM at Wagon Hill Farm. Certified Wag It Instructor Andrea Rogers will show you how to start teaching: Shadow Skills, No Need for Speed, Sniff It, and Agility. Dogs and their people don't need to be great athletes to play. Bring your friendly dog, flat collar or harness (no prong or choke collars), a 6' leash (no flexi-leashes), high-value treats (small pieces of string cheese, hot dogs, etc.), and a desire to have fun with your dog.To register contact P&R Director Stefanie Frazee, 817-4074, sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us.

Annual Turkey Trot event. On Thursday, November 22, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, start Thanksgiving Day off with a gobble at the annual Turkey Trot event held at Wagon Hill Farm and put on by Oyster River Parents & Preschoolers (ORPP) and the Parks and Recreation Committee. Young residents gather at Wagon Hill for a Thanksgiving story reading, then stroll along the dirt road collecting biodegradable feathers that "Tom the Turkey" has left behind. The event ends at the waterfront with hot chocolate and donuts!

Light Up Durham is Back! Stay tuned for more exciting details.

For more information regarding any of the classes or events above, visit the P&R web site https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/recreation

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Addressing Nitrogen Issues in Great Bay, a 3-part series, Thursday, Nov 1, 8, and 15, Madbury Town Hall, 7-8:30 PM. For more information, click HERE.

Fundraiser Concert for the Waysmeet Center, November 3, 2012, 7:00 PM, Durham Community Church Fellowship Hall. Features the Dover-based, genre-blending folk songwriter Andrea Szirbik. Includes a raffle and refreshments. All proceeds to benefit the United Campus Ministry's Waysmeet Center.

Seminar: Going Deeper Into Our Soils, Sunday, November 4, 2012, 9AM-5PM, Waysmeet Center, 15 Mill Road, Durham. For more information and to preregister contact amyla44@juno.com.

Parent Education Workshop, sponsored by ORPP, Monday, November 5, 2012, 6:00 PM, Durham Parks & Recreation Building. An instruction from the Fitzgerald Institute will explore the unique pattern of influence upon a child's behavior and development, with particular detail on their inherited temperament. No registration necessary. Free and open to the public.

Durham Great Bay Rotary Meeting, Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 7:30 AM, Three Chimneys Inn. Guest speaker will be UNH President Mark Huddleston

OR High School Drama Department Presents NOISES OFF by Michael Frayn, Directed by Meredith Freeman-Caple, Thu, Fri, Sat, November 15, 16, 17, 2012, 7:00 PM. ORHS Box Office call for hours, 868-7156. $5/Sr. Citizens and students; $7/adults.

Newcomers Unlimited, Friday, November 16, 2012, 10:00 AM, Durham Community Church. Program is "The Old Country Fiddler: Charles Ross Taggart, Traveling Entertainer". Adam Boyce of West Windsor, VT will be portraying Charles Ross Taggart, through the NH Humanities To Go.

Mast Way School Holiday Shopping Bazaar, Saturday, November 17, 2012, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, Mast Way School. Great shopping with local vendors and artisans. PTO will be selling soups and baked goods. For more information or re information or to become a vendor, contact Laura DiMeglio, lmdnh70@gmail.com.

Book Study of "The Transition Companion: Making Your Community More Resilient in Uncertain Times", Sunday, November 18, 2012, 3-4:30 PM, St. George's Episcopal Church. Free and open to the public.

The Nutcracker is Coming to Durham! Saturday, December 8, 2012, 2-7:00 PM, Oyster River High School auditorium. 13 Oyster River students will join the Northeastern Ballet's professional cast for this year's performance. The show will also premiere on Saturday, December 1st at 2:00 and 7:00 PM. For more information, click HERE.

Gingerbread House Construction Fundraiser for On Belay, Saturday, December 8, 2012, 10 AM-3 PM, MUB Food Court at UNH.All supplies provided for your family to build something great. $15/team pre-registration and $20/team at the door. Email Allie.birchmeier@unh.edu to pre-register. 

Movie Matinee, Saturday, December 8, 2012, 1:00 PM, UNH MUB, Theater 2. ParaNorman in 3D. $2/person; $2 for reusable 3D glasses (if you do not have them already). Visit http://www.unhmub.com/

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Preschool Storytimes Tues. Nov. 6th  10:30 a.m. – This week:  Dance/Music Stories!  All are welcome to enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.

Special Storytime with Dancers from UNH’s “Secret Garden” Performance, Thurs. Nov. 8th, 10:30 a.m. - Join us for this special storytime held in conjunction with UNH's performance of "The Secret Garden".  We will read stories about dance/music, make a craft and have a special visitor from the performance!  Don't miss it and all are welcome!

Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book club, Tues. Nov. 6th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Join us for this 2nd-4th grade book group.  This month's books are "Who Stole Halloween?" by Martha Freeman  and/or "Benjamin Franklinstein Lives!" by Larry David Tuxbury.  You can also read a Mystery of your choice.  We will discuss books, play some games and make a craft.  We will also solve some mysteries at the library.  Books are available at the library.  All are welcome.

Young Adult Writing Blog Group, Tues. Nov. 6th, 7:00-7:45 p.m. - Like to write?  Join this writing group for Young Adults (10 & up).  We do writing exercises and talk about your writing.  We post your writing on our blog "Write Away".  All are welcome.

Technical Share Series:  Presentations & Reports – Best Practices, Weds. Nov. 7th, 6:30 p.m. - As a continuation to last season's "Technical Share" series, David Sietz will be sharing his expertise and knowledge on the topic of creating presentations and reports. Utilizing over 12 years’ experience in both Information Technology and Data Management & Analysis, this 90 minute seminar will be a comprehensive overview - including: Definitions, Considerations, Thoughtful Flows, Chart Types, and a Q&A period.
Lego Club for 1st-4th graders, Thurs. Nov. 8th, 3:45-4:45 p.m. - Lego Club is back for 1st -4th graders.  Like to build with Legos?   Join us for 6 Thursday afternoons as we build with Legos.
Picturesque Paris, Tues. Nov. 13th, 7:00 p.m. - Need a vacation? Explore the beauty of Paris with He
nry Smith. Henry will share secrets of the City of Light and guide us through a photographic journey from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre and everything in between.
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Nov. 14th, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - Join us for this Middle School Group!  Walk from the Middle School to come and discuss the book of the month.  This month’s book is “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner.  This group is facilitated by Ruth Wharton-MacDonald.  Pizza is served! 

ORHS Poetry Night and Naming of the New ORHS Poet Laureate, Weds. Nov. 14th, 7:00 p.m. - Join us as we name the Oyster River Poet Laureate 2012!  Come hear Oyster River's talented High School Poets read their poetry.  One of them will be named the new Oyster River Poet Laureate.  Don't miss this fun night of poetry.  All are welcome and refreshments will be served.
Join the Patch Program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag. If new to the program, stop by and register. 

Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program.  We have new patches!

 

Check out the library's website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/ for more information.

Have a nice weekend. 

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

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