Friday Updates - November 22nd, 2019

Friday, November 22, 2019

High tide sunset on Oyster River from Bunker Creek bridge on Route 4. Courtesy Joe Moore

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The Town has received a good deal of feedback this week concerning the upcoming Frost Fest celebration scheduled for Saturday, December 7th, from 6-8 PM on downtown Durham's Main Street, but interestingly far more feedback is from outside of Durham and from around the country than from Durham residents. One of the more positive emails received from afar was from an individual (whose last name has been redacted) from Rosemead, CA who wrote:

"Hello Durham Council, Just thought I would write to let you know you are a bunch of politically correct weaklings. Please change your state motto from "Live Free or Die" to "Politically Correct Rules Us" p.s. And I am an atheist who enjoys the Christmas season. 

Richard"

Town Councilor Jim Lawson took the time to respond to this email as follows:

"Dear Richard,

Durham‘s tree will be lit throughout December and it is a spectacular sight! Santa Claus will be there on December 7th along with a bonfire, s’mores and games on our Main Street. And, we are hanging wreaths again, although they are getting old after serving us well for decades. I wish you could join us on December 7th, but it would be a rather long trip from California. I should also point out that the small changes incorporated into our annual event were not to accommodate one person, but were the recommendation of a diverse and thoughtful group of citizen volunteers. I think there has been a lot of misinformation reported about the changes.

I truly hope you enjoy the holiday season. Please contact me if your travels ever bring you to the seacoast of New Hampshire and you’d like a tour of our town."

The California resident responded as follows:

"Mr Lawson, 

Thank you for your clarification and detailed response. I repeal my insult.

Wishing you and your town a Merry Christmas.

Your Christmas loving Atheist,

Richard"

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Please note the Town Council is taking the significant feedback that has been received concerning this year’s changes to the annual event and will give them full consideration as the Town looks ahead to planning a celebration for 2020. Residents are encouraged to attend Frost Fest on December 7th and let the Council know your thoughts, good or bad, at council@ci.durham.nh.us.

REFUSE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE FOR THANKSGIVING WEEK

There will be NO refuse and recycling collection on Thursday, November 28th. This pickup will be on Friday, November 29th. Please have all items out by 7AM as always. 

There will be NO commercial recycling collection on Friday, November 29th. 

NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 AND DECEMBER 27, 2019

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no "Friday Updates" publication next Friday, November 29th. 

In addition, due to vacation schedules in the Administrator's Office, there will be no "Friday Updates" publication on Friday, December 27th.

TOWN COUNCIL PASSES TOBACCO/VAPING ORDINANCE

At the Town Council meeting this past Monday, the Town Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance #2019-02 increasing the age for the sale and purchase, of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping products or liquid nicotine from 18 to 21 in the Town of Durham.

Businesses in Durham that currently sell these products will be receiving a letter from the Durham Police explaining the enforcement strategy of the Police Department and enclosing a copy of the ordinance which can be viewed HERE.

DURHAM TOWN OFFICES HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

Below is the Holiday closing schedule for the Durham Town Offices for the remainder of 2019 and beginning of 2020.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2019

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this is the perfect opportunity to shop at the many unique local businesses and take advantage of the deals they will be offering. Businesses in Durham will be participating in Small Business Saturday and encourage residents to join in on the shopping festivities right in their backyard! Stores will be opening nice and early at 9 AM. For more information on this event, please visit the Celebrate Durham website.

Reverend Michael Bradley

PROFILE ON REVEREND MICHAEL BRADLEY

Michael Bradley, Rector of St. George’s Church in Durham, is taking a new position with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Gross Point Woods, Michigan. His last day at St. George’s is this Sunday, November 24.

Michael, his wife Becky, and their son Carter have lived in Durham for 22 years. Michael has been very active in town, including chairing Main Street Durham many years ago, and most recently leading the Historic District Commission.   

View the entire profile on Reverend Bradley HERE.

DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL LIGHT UP DURHAM!

The Durham Business Association (DBA) is encouraging all businesses and Fraternity and Sorority Life ( FSL) houses to light their businesses and houses and share in spreading the joy of the season. It’s razzle-dazzle time! Harness your artistic, creative, innovative genes to start planning a lighted holiday display for your Greek House. The DBA is going for greater participation to make this year’s contest “bigger and better”.

The Annual Light Up Durham Annual Lighting Contest, sponsored by the DBA, is intended to benefit the entire Durham community, which includes Durham residents and businesses, as well as UNH faculty, staff, and students. This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved.

Please Note:

Last December, people came forward to the Town to express that some of the activities and symbols of the Town’s annual tree lighting are oriented towards the Christmas holiday tradition, leaving some feeling excluded. With that in mind the Town has redefined this celebration and renamed it Frost Fest, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2019, from 6-8 PM.

All participants in the annual celebration are being encouraged to think about how their particular activity can be inclusive.  

Santa Claus will still be present at the Frost Fest, the evergreen holiday tree lighting will be energized at dusk along with the wreaths, and a variety of holiday activities are scheduled for the entire community.

Although these proposed changes seem minor in the grand scheme of things, the Town hopes that it conveys a willingness to be conscious of others.

With that in mind the DBA hopes that all participating businesses will consider these changes in their displays.

Judging will take place Wednesday, December 4, 2019 beginning at 5:30 PM.

2019 Information & Guidelines

Contest is open to all businesses and recognized Greek fraternities and sororities. The guidelines for judging include:

• The effectiveness of lights creating the display.
• The placement and uniformity of the lights.
• The use of design and color to create the decorations. 
• The use of special lighted displays.
• The ingenuity, originality, and creativity exercised in the decorations. 

Holiday Lights are available for sale at Rite Aid. 

For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at http://durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com / 603.969.9273

Ribbon cutting ceremony at Emery Farm on November 15, 2019. Emery Farm owners - David Hills and Catherine Mclaughlin-Hills cut the ribbon alongside Market & Café owner - Holly Philbrick and Towle Emery Farm owner – Brad Towle

EMERY FARM OPENS NEW MARKET & CAFE!

After months of construction, Emery Farm announced the official opening of the brand-new Market & Café. The Farm celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 15th. In attendance were Emery Farm owners - David Hills and Catherine Mclaughlin-Hills, Market & Café owner - Holly Philbrick, Towle Emery Farm owner – Brad Towle, Durham Town Administrator - Todd Selig, and various community members. The many involved in this project shared a joyous energy that was contagious throughout the event. The plethora of new amenities offered by the new 2,800 square foot building is evidence of the team’s collaboration and dedication to their mission of creating an inviting comfortable space inside and out for the community to gather and partake of an authentic farm-to-table and all things local experience.  

Even though the space is new, it still shares the same values and commitment to being an agricultural mainstay of the community, as the farm has upheld for generations. Market & Café owner and female food-preneur, Philbrick has put together an incredibly talented team of like-minded staff to assist in putting her spin on the farms offerings since taking over in 2016. Fresh, local, and sustainable products have been the cornerstones and that will continue, as expanded space equals expanded offerings. 

The Market is outfitted with a wide variety of local products, containing everything from fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, to their all new craft beer and wine section. Over 90 percent of all products in the market are produced in New England with sustainable methods, wholesome ingredients and the community in mind.  

The Café’s menu was designed around offerings grown right at the farm or sourced as locally as possible. These farm-table offerings come together to create a versatile menu that can satisfy any craving. It includes everything from our famous cider donuts, bagels, soups and sandwiches, coffee and espresso, ice cream, and an array of baked goods. All can be enjoyed sitting at our locally crafted community table with a stunning view or to take on the go. 

The opening of the Market & Café marks the introduction of a new era for Emery Farm. Stay tuned for calendar announcements of additional offerings and events. Members of the community and visitors can now enjoy the brand-new facility located at 147 Piscataqua Road, otherwise known as Route 4 in Durham, NH. Market & Café is open Monday-Wednesday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Thursday-Sunday from 8 AM to 6 PM. 

Durham's Assessor, Jim Rice, was elected as Chair to the NH Association of Assessing Officials. Courtesy DCAT Studios

ASSESSOR JIM RICE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF NHAAO

Durham’s Assessor, Jim Rice was elected President of the New Hampshire Association of Assessing Officers at their meeting held on November 13th.

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 has held the Chairman position of the NHAAO Finance, Conference and Education Committees and was just appointed to the Board of Assessors in Laconia where he resides.

He was the 2019 recipient of the Sherry Vermilya Award at the Northeast Regional Association of Assessing Officers (NRAAO) annual conference in recognition for outstanding service to the assessing profession and in honor and memory of Mr. Sherry Vermilya’s support of NRAAO. Jim was also the 2017 recipient of the Lawton B. Chandler Award recognizing those who carry on Chandler’s enthusiastic promotion of professionalism and dedication to the assessing industry.  

TOWN COUNCIL CONTINUES DISCUSSION REGARDING CONCEPT OF PAY AS YOU THROW PROGRAM

At the Town Council meeting on November 4th, the Council held a public hearing with respect to the concept of a Pay As You Throw (PAYT) program in Durham.

A PAYT Frequently Asked Questions sheet, prepared by members of the Integrated Waste Management Committee, was available for attendees. Please know the members of the committee are working very hard to address a challenging topic for the community - trash and recycling. View the FAQs sheet HERE.

The November 4 Town Council meeting is also available for viewing on DCAT On Demand and would be very informative for any residents who have questions about PAYT programs in general and what such a program, if implemented, would potentially mean for Durham.

The Town Council will continue its discussion and deliberation on this matter at its meeting scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2019.

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL PUMP TESTING

The Durham fire department completed its annual pump testing on their fleet. This annual pump testing is contracted through a third-party testing facility using state of the art, electronic testing equipment. The Town of Durham along with Lee and Madbury fire department, contract with Northeastern fire associates in an effort to reduce the cost for annual pump testing. This testing is based on the NFPA 1911 standard and qualifies that all fire apparatus pumps are meeting the current flow and pressure tests based on the manufactures initial service test.

Pump testing is an integral and vital part of apparatus safety and maintenance. This test includes Engine speed test, pump shift indicator test, pump engine control interlock, priming device test, vacuum test, pumping test, overload test, pressure control test, intake relief valve system test, pressure gauge accuracy test, flowmeter accuracy test and tank to pump flow test. Due to the limited space at the fire house, these tests were conducted at the Lee Safety complex. 

The Durham Fire department is happy to report that all apparatus passed successfully with no issues pending.  

CONGRESSMAN CHRIS PAPPAS HOLDS OPEN OFFICE HOURS AT DURHAM TOWN HALL

On Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 2:30 - 3:30 in the Durham Town Hall lobby one of Congressman Pappas' Constituent Service Representatives, Christian Seasholtz, will be available to assist constituents with issues they may be facing with a federal agency. Examples may include:

• Veterans benefits
• Social security
• Medicare
• Passports and visa

 Christian will be able to answer questions and/or open an inquiry with a federal agency. 

Contact: Christian Seasholtz at (603) 918-1033 or mailto:christian.seasholtz@mail.house.gov

BAGDAD ROAD CULVERT PROJECT - What is that big cement box with two trees in it?

This is a tree well, which is a treatment system that was constructed as part of the culvert project to remove excess nutrients from the stormwater that is collected along the curb line on Bagdad Road. This stormwater treatment tree well and the bioswale on the northeast corner of the project were a requirement of the $75,000 Watershed Assistance Grant that the Town received. The concrete structure is deep and is filled with appropriate growing material for the tree so are we not concerned with the tree roots damaging the concrete. 

DPW is working on education signage to be displayed at each stormwater treatment location to provide a way for residents and families to learn more about these important systems, how they work, and why they are beneficial. 

BUNKER CREEK ROUTE 4 PROJECT - What is the strange landscaping on the northeast bank of Route 4 where NHDOT is working on the bridge? This is a treatment swale which was required to be constructed to mitigate the additional pavement area added to the project. The treatment swale is located on a parcel of land that NHDOT purchased from the Town this past year. The area of pavement to be treatment by the swale is approximately 0.17 acres, which is about twice the proposed increase in pavement for the entire project. The existing stormwater catch basins and pipe network located here were reconstructed as well. 

More information can be found on the Facebook project website HERE, or through the NHDOT Project Specific website HERE which includes contact information for NHDOT officials.

TOWN COUNCIL HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS - MONDAY, DECEMBER 2ND – Items to potentially appear on March 10, 2020 Town Election Warrant to include increasing bond threshold from $1 million to $2.3 million to account for inflation since originally recommended in 1987

The Durham Town Council will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on Monday, December 2, 2019, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, relative to various proposed amendments to the Durham Town Charter for placement on the March 10, 2020 Town Election ballot.

All interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing and express their views. Questions concerning the proposed Charter amendments should be directed to Administrator Todd Selig at 603-868-5571, tselig@ci.durham.nh.us. Written comments may be mailed to the Administrator’s office at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or sent by electronic mail to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

As part of the approved Town Council goals for 2019-2020, the Council included:  

“Staff and Legal Counsel conduct a review of the Town Charter and bring forward recommendations, as needed, for alignment with current state laws and adjustments to address identified deficiencies over time and recommendations relative to borrowing threshold limitations to account for inflation over the last 30-year timeframe.”

For the past several years, the Administrator’s Office has been accumulating various Charter amendments that have been identified as needing to be made. Amendments to the Town Charter were last made in March 2009. In addition, the town’s attorney, Laura Spector-Morgan, has also reviewed the Charter and has identified other areas within the Charter she felt could also be amended. 

Some examples of topics being included in the recommended update are: adding the ability to include alternates on several boards (HDC, Trustees of Trust Funds, and Parks & Recreation ), increasing the $1 million bond threshold triggering the need for a referendum vote to reflect the rate of inflation since the Charter was adopted in the late-1980’s to $2.3 million, conflict of interest, institutionalizing the current procedure for determining the order of names on the local election ballot via drawing names from a hat, annual board/committee presentations to the Council, requirement for annual meeting between Administrator and board chairpersons, etc.  

Below is a link to the draft language and format of amendments that are being recommended for placement on the Town Election ballot for March 10, 2020. Explanations for each of the recommended changes are provided here for the Council’s information but cannot legally be placed on the election ballot itself. 

View the recommended Charter changes HERE.

Dr. Morse reviewed the floor plan of the purposed new Oyster River Middle School at his presentation at the Moharimet Elementary School.

OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY CONCERNING THE PROPOSED MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT

In March the Oyster River Cooperative School District will be asking voters to approve building a new Middle School to replace the existing building. For the past year Dr. Jim Morse, Superintendent of Schools, has been making presentations on this proposed new building.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to catch one there is still time. 

For more information please contact Wendy at 389-3286, mailto:wdufruscio@orcsd.org or visit our website at https://orcsd.org/proposed_new_middle_school

UPCOMING PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON DRAWDOWN OF MILL POND - Tuesday, November 26, 2019

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019 beginning at 7 PM, a public informational meeting will be held in the Council chambers at Town Hall relative to the Oyster River Dam/Mill Pond located on Route 108/Newmarket Road. The Department of Public Works plans to partially lower the Mill Pond by approximately 6 inches during the third week of December (on or around December 16, 2019) to perform subsurface geotechnical work with a floating barge in the pond as part of the Feasibility Study being completed by the Town’s consultant.

The first public informational meeting for the Dam Feasibility Study will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 in Town Council chambers at 7pm. The goal of the meeting will be to introduce the members of the project team, present the scope and projected timeline of the study and to take questions and comments. More information will be shared in the next few months.

Questions and comments should be directed to Town Engineer April Talon at (603) 868-5578, or mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

MILL POND DAM FEASIBILITY CONSULTANT TO MEET WITH HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ON DEC. 5

VHB is working with the Town of Durham on the Mill Pond Dam Feasibility Study and plans to attend the December 5, 2019 HDC meeting to introduce the commission to the study project the process that the company is undertaking on behalf of the Town. VHB anticipates they will only need to take up about a half hour of the HDC’s time for this initial contact as part of the process.

Map showing areas that were denied and approved. Courtesy NHF&G/Google Earth

NEW HAMPSHIRE FISH & GAME REACHES DECISION ON AQUACULTURE APPLICATIONS

This week, the Town received the following notification from the NH Fish and Game Office relative to the aquaculture applications in the Oyster River:

Thank you for submitting a comment on the aquaculture applications in the Oyster River. NH Fish and Game has decided to deny the applications for the Virgin Oyster Company (Brian Gennaco) and Hidden Coast Shellfish (Joseph Rankin). The application for Christopher Gallagher's two- acre site has been approved with conditions:

--No gear is allowed in the eastern portion (0.5 acres) of the site; only bottom planting of oysters is allowed.

 --A two-foot clearance at mean low water is required above gear (trays or mesh bags) on the remaining 1.5 acres of the site.

The following link has the findings letters for the three applicants and provides information on how we made our decision.

https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/marine/

RUMORS OF BURGLARIES IN DURHAM - Information from Chief Kurz

Criminal investigations that involve juveniles are complicated events due to an array of legal restrictions regarding prosecution through the courts, as well as public information that can or cannot be released by the police. Recently, The Durham Police investigated a number of burglaries and attempted burglaries into homes in the community. A juvenile was detained and charged with a number of offenses that resolved all of these offenses.  

Chief Kurz became aware that there are a number of rumors circulating in the community that there exists a dangerous situation with home burglaries. What can be acknowledged is that there is no danger to the community and that every incident is resolved and awaits juvenile adjudication. Were these matters committed by an adult, the Durham Police would have created a press release with the suspect’s name, age, community residence, and the complete array of criminal charges. As a juvenile none of this information is legally allowed to be disseminated.  

What can be stated is that there is no existing situation that warrants undue consideration other than ensuring to lock home doors and vehicles at night. And of course as always, if you see, hear or sense something is not quite right, PLEASE call the Durham Police at 911 or 868-2324. An officer will respond quickly and resolve what may or may not be criminal activity. When law enforcement works directly with residents and businesses we collectively reduce crime, improve the quality of life, and enhance Durham’s well-being.  

ORCSD SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2019

Proposed Middle School Cost: Andre Kloetz of Bauen Corporation presented the guaranteed maximum price for the proposed middle school of $49,847,732. This includes $45.1 million of construction and demolition costs, and $4.75 million of "soft costs" of internal finishing’s, furniture, etc. The school board will consider this as part of budget planning.

The elementary world language committee has been meeting throughout the year to review programs in other schools, study options, and recommend best practices for world language education. Many thanks to the parents and staff members who contributed to this work! The committee recommended approaches for adding world language teaching in the K-5 levels where it is not offered today. The committee's slides are included as part of the Nov 20 agenda packet on the school board web site.

Work on the 2020-2021 budget continues. We have received updated state grant estimates and the school board will be refining the proposed budget in December. Public input in the budget is always invited. Besides regular school board meetings, there will be a budget hearing January 15, deliberative town meeting February 4, and vote on the budget (along with the proposed middle school and other items) on March 10.

The school board approved collaboration between ORHS and the UNH Prevention Innovations Research Center. Over the course of 2020, ORHS students (with parental consent) will have the opportunity to participate in development of High School Healthy Relationship App. If successful, the app will be made available to schools across New Hampshire.

HELP SUPPORT THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY - Please contribute to the 2020 Annual Appeal. Click HERE to Donate.

Your gift to the 2020 Annual Appeal will help meet the demand for multiple copies of popular books, DVDs and CDs. The library also relies on your support to replace aging computers and invest in new technology. The Library would also like to offer patrons two new digital services: Mango Languages and Universal Class. Mango Languages gives patrons access to learning more than 72 languages, while Universal Class brings more than 500 courses in 30 subject areas to the Library

In addition, Children’s Services is eager to offer more workshops in robotics, coding and animation in response to increasing demand. We’d like to add new creative learning robots (such as Dot & Dash, Sphere and Botley the Coding Robot), as well as more non-fiction juvenile books, and arts programming to our offerings. Helping children master their literacy and STEAM skills is one of the greatest gifts we can provide to them as they prepare for a technologically advanced and rapidly changing world.

REMEMBER, MILL PLAZA IS A PRIVATE PARKING LOT!

The Mill Plaza parking lot is not a public parking lot and if you are not shopping, dining or visiting one of the businesses in the Mill Plaza, your vehicle can be “booted” by employees of Colonial Durham, the management company that oversees Mill Plaza. The Durham Police have been advised by Colonial Durham management that parking lot attendants will be using a mechanical boot on cars that are parked illegally. As this is private property, the use of the mechanical boot is allowed under New Hampshire law, as is the towing of a vehicle from this privately owned lot. New signs have been placed prominently throughout the parking area advising persons of the booting and towing for those not legitimately using the parking lot to conduct business within the plaza. While the Durham Police have had several complaints from persons having their vehicle booted, it is uniquely a civil matter and cannot involve the Durham Police who do not intervene in this private/civil matter.  

SWAP SHOP NEWS

The Swap Shop remains busy as the season changes and so must the guidelines. Beginning on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 large items will NO LONGER be accepted at the Swap Shop. This seasonal rule change is due to winter weather, the necessity to remove snow, and the lack of space to store items. Large items include, but are not limited to, donations that are unable to fit safely on the shelving inside the Swap Shop. Large items cannot be stored on the floor in the aisles. Some of the items that will no longer be accepted at the Swap Shop until next spring include, ALL furniture, golf clubs, gardening tools/supplies, building/construction supplies, sporting equipment larger than a grocery bag, baby equipment, and suitcases.  

As always, the Transfer Center Attendants are available to educate residents about what is permissible given winter weather and space considerations. Residents can also call the Durham Town during normal business hours, M-F, 8:00-4:30, at 868-5578 for information.  

Special thanks to the regular Swap Shop volunteers who continue to sign-up and give back to Durham residents through this helpful, convenient, and sustainable service. Click the link below to learn and sign-up to volunteer! It’s neighborly, fun, and rewarding! Look for the “Shadow-New volunteers” option.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b49a5a828aaf49-swap

You can also call or text 603-969-4732 or mailto:foggdrive@yahoo.com  

Dick Lord, Durham resident and Lamprey River Advisory Committee member, describes the history of the Thompson Forest prior to a nature walk on the 1.2-mile loop trail. Courtesy Ellen Snyder

THOMPSON FOREST NATURE WALK REPORT

On Saturday, November 16th, 22 people, including two generations of the Thompson family that conveyed the 54-arce Thompson Forest to the Town, gathered at this conservation area to learn about its history and enjoy a nature walk. Dick Lord, long-time Lamprey River Advisory Committee (LRAC) representative, highlighted LRAC’s role in conserving land along the Wild & Scenic River, including the Thompson Forest, which protects 2,200 feet of river frontage. Durham Land Stewardship Coordinator, Ellen Snyder, thanked LRAC for their help in acquiring the land and in funding the kiosk and newly printed interpretive panel. Under a beautiful blue sky, the group walked the 1.2-mile loop trail taking in the natural features and management activities, with a stop at the picnic area on the shore of the Lamprey River. To learn more about the Thompson Forest and find the trail map check out the Thompson Forest Story Map.

Logan, a Durham middle-schooler, enjoys the new trail at Jackson Landing that he and other volunteers helped re-open. Courtesy John Nachilly

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL AND FUN TRAIL VOLUNTEER WORK DAY AT JACKSON'S LANDING

On Sunday, November 17^th, 23 people gathered at Durham’s Jackson Landing to re-open a trail that had become overgrown on land between Old Piscataqua Road (site of the ice rink) and Route 4. This trail winds through an oak-hickory forest and around interesting topography, with a nice view of the Oyster River. Brian Keegan, co-owner of Oyster River Cycle and Sport, and John Nachilly, Conservation Commission member, led the work crews, which included young, enthusiastic middle-schoolers who are keen on helping to build more trails. The ¼-mile trail is blazed and open to walking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, x-country skiing.

SEE SOMETHING NOT QUITE RIGHT? PLEASE CONTACT THE DURHAM POLICE

The very essence of community policing is that the community and the police work together to confront crime and the fear of crime.  The vast majority of Durham residents understand that the police cannot be everywhere simultaneously to observe criminal or suspicious activity as it occurs and the department finds it difficult to patrol residential areas with the frequency residents, businesses and the police prefer.  So Chief Kurz urges you to contact the police at 868-2324 or 911 if you see, hear or sense something is not quite right.  An officer will respond quickly and resolve what may or may not be a criminal activity.  When law enforcement works directly with residents and businesses we collectively are going a long way toward reducing crime, improving quality of life, and enhancing public safety.  

WINTER PARKING BAN - Now in effect.

The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Friday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2020. 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 few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, 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.  

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.

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.

Cheryl Bass, new Durham Public Library Director. Courtesy DPL

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS

Durham Public Library Welcomes Sheryl Bass!

The Library Board of Trustees is very pleased to welcome Sheryl Bass as the new Director of the Durham Public Library, as of November 18. Sheryl, who has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University, has a variety of library experience including as a Head Librarian and Branch Manager in Michigan, Documents Librarian for SubCom in Newington, and as an Elementary School Librarian in Gonic. She lives nearby with her family in Dover. In her spare time, Sheryl enjoys officiating volleyball games, traveling with family, reading mysteries, and playing fantasy football.

Tuesday, December 3rd, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

5th Annual Snowflake Social

Our annual holiday party celebrating our patrons and residents. Music by Jeff Snow with a pop-up performance by UNH's a cappella group, Not Too Sharp. Food, drinks, crafts (for adults and kids) and raffles. We will also be unveiling Trudy Brown's spectacular gingerbread house once again! Open to all! 

The DPL Trustees have a new email address.You can reach them at:

mailto:BoardofTrusteesDPL@gmail.com

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

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

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."

________________________

1946 - Mrs. O.V. Henderson formed a Durham Historical Society, with proper bylaws. Incorporation was sought in 1949 and the 1851 enactment was discovered by Rep. Bill Stearns. The acts of the forebears were adopted, though the $3,000 limitation was removed. The membership is currently 228.

Have a very nice weekend, as well as a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble, gobble.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA

t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us

He/him/his pronouns

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