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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Local photographer Dan Deering visited Wagon Hill Farm this past week, and captured a shot of the iconic wagon against the night sky.
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This type of photography is known as Astrophotography. "Astrophotography is a specialized type of photography that entails recording images of astronomical and large areas of the night sky. The first photograph of an astronomical object (the Moon) was taken in 1840, but it was not until the late 19th century that advances in technology allowed for detailed stellar photography." (Wikipedia)
Have a nice Columbus Day weekend.
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UNH HOMECOMING WEEKEND IS HERE!
Extensive planning has gone into this weekend event including significant traffic pattern alterations for Tailgating at Boulder Field that occurs before the football game at noon. Much of Main Street between the Field House and Mast Road will become one-way traffic depending upon the time. Commencing at 4:00 AM until 12:00 noon, Main Street from Mast Road will be one-way coming into Durham. At noon, traffic will revert to two-way.
Heavy traffic, both vehicular and foot, will be prevalent in the downtown area throughout the weekend events. Residents can follow the events at http://unhconnect.unh.edu/s/1518/index.aspx?sid=1518&gid=4&pgid=472 .
Durham Police and Fire will be very active this weekend addressing any issues that may arise.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED - COLUMBUS DAY
A final reminder that all Town offices will be closed for the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, October 14, 2013 and will reopen for business on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 8:00 AM. Please note that there will be NO CHANGE TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION. All items must be out by 7:00 AM.
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On Monday this week, Town Council members Jim Lawson, Diana Carroll, Robin Mower, Jay Gooze, and Carden Welsh join WWTP Superintendent Dan Peterson and Town Engineer David Cedarholm for a tour of the plant. Courtesy Todd Selig
TOUR OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT BY TOWN COUNCILORS ON 10/7/13
Interested members of the Town Council took advantage of a tour of the Durham Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) this past Monday evening at 5:30 PM in advance of the Council meeting. WWTP Superintendent Dan Peterson gave members of the board a firsthand look at the different stages of sewage treatment. The Durham WWTP handles all wastewater from both Durham and the University of New Hampshire. UNH supports 2/3 of the cost of the facility based on the proportion of material that comes from campus versus off campus (1/3). Assistant Vice President for Facilities Paul Chamberlin also attended, as did Public Works Director Mike Lynch and Town Engineer David Cedarholm.
Unfortunately, when the fifth member of the Council pulled into the parking lot at the WWTP, it occurred to Administrator Selig that the site visit really should have been publicly posted because a majority of the Council was present for the tour. Absolutely no business was conducted at the site walk by the Council beyond staff explaining what different parts of the facility were designed to accomplish.
On October 21st, the Council will visit the UNH Arthur Rollins Water Treatment Plant as part of a site walk at 5 PM. We will be sure to post for that visit in case more than 4 Councilors attend.
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Volunteers Malin Ely Clyde and Ann Welsh (Conservation Commission members), Steve Eisenhaure (land use coordinator for UNH's Woodlands and Natural Areas), Carden Welsh (Town Councilor), and three UNH students celebrate their removal of buckthorn, an invasive plant, from College Woods.
UNH STUDENTS ASSIST RESIDENTS IN REMOVING INVASIVE PLANT - Buckthorn
In the past few years, volunteers have removed buckthorn, a non-native invasive shrub that has taken over the understory of College Woods, as well as Doe Farm, a forested Town-owned conservation area off Bennett Road. On Wednesday this week, UNH students, along with Conservation Commission members and others worked to remove buckthorn at College Woods while also learning how to identify several common invasive plants.
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OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT TUITION ISSUE UPDATE - Setting the Record Straight | Information Forwarded to Administrator Selig by Superintendent James Morse
Contrary to what you may have read or heard, the Oyster River School District continues to have meaningful discussions with the Barrington and Newmarket School Districts about a future tuition deal. Deerfield is no longer included as an option as they have chosen to remain with Concord. As the School Board approaches a self-imposed deadline, newspapers and blogs have become increasingly interested in the topic of tuition students enrolling at Oyster River High School in the fall of 2015. The intent of this Friday Update is to share updated and accurate information.
First, Barrington is still interested in sending their students to Oyster River. Barrington provides their high school students ‘choice’ to go to Coe-Brown, Dover and Oyster River. Barrington has not signed an exclusive arrangement with Dover. Barrington has over 400 high school age students. Because Barrington has so many high school age children ‘choice’ works for Oyster River. Currently 70 Barrington students attend Oyster River; Oyster River has asked Barrington to send 250 Barrington students to ORHS.
Second, Newmarket is also still interested in sending their high school students to Oyster River. Newmarket is looking for an exclusive arrangement with OR that would allow all 254 high school students to attend ORHS in the fall of 2015. Newmarket High School cannot be occupied in the fall of 2015 due to safety issues, unless Newmarket invests millions into their current high school. An agreement with Newmarket results in the closure of Newmarket High School.
Third, Oyster River High School has space for tuition students. A capacity study done by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) in October 2012 indicates that ORHS can accommodate as many as 1202 students based on New Hampshire Department of Educations Guidelines. However, based upon ORCSD School Board Policy IIB, the functional capacity of ORHS is 915. As of October 1, 2013, ORHS had 612 resident students and 70 tuition students totaling 682 students.
Fourth, tuition students are important to Oyster River as they fill unused seats to help maintain programs and classes that are important to ORCSD students. In addition, tuition students bring in revenue that helps offset the local tax burden by lowering taxes in Durham, Lee, and Madbury.
The ORCSD School Board has sent a letter to both Barrington and Newmarket asking them to reaffirm their continued interest in transforming ORCSD framework discussions into a negotiated agreement. The Board members will decide on November 20, 2013 which school system they would like to enter into a long-term contract with.
The voters in ORCSD will vote on any proposed negotiated agreement in March 2014.
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TOWN AND DURHAM POLICE UNION REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT – THE STATE OF LABOR NEGOTIATIONS IN DURHAM
The collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Durham and the Durham Police Union represented by the New England Police Benevolent Association Local #21 extends from January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2013. On Monday of this week, following a full morning of bargaining (and several earlier sessions), the parties were ultimately able to reach a Tentative Agreement or “TA”. The bargaining teams will now brief their respective governing bodies. Ultimately, each party must formally “ratify” the agreement before it takes effect. This matter is expected to come to the Town Council in November. Terms of the TA will be made available to the public when the Town Council takes up the matter at that time.
Earlier this year, the Town and the Public Works Unit were able to ratify a successor bargaining agreement.
The Town and The Durham Professional Firefighters Association representing Durham’s firefighters have been unable to reach agreement to date on a successor bargaining agreement.
It is expected that the Town and the Durham Professional Municipal Managers Association representing Durham’s middle managers will commence negotiations for a new contract in the near future.
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NEW ROOF ON POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Public Works Department has completed installation of a new roof on a portion of the Durham Police Department. The good news is that there are no longer leaks in the structure which was the objective of the investment.
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NEW TOWN HALL PROJECT - UPDATE FOLLOWING MONDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING
The bids came in higher than anticipated for the new Town Hall project at 8 Newmarket Road, the former People’s United Bank site. Hutter Construction is the general contractor for the project. The August 13, 2013 pricing came in at $1,887,367. Through an open book process, we know that between three and five subcontractors bid on each aspect of the project, bid prices were quite consistent for specific tasks, and prospective bidders were from throughout the state, some being from the Seacoast area. This tells us the bids were in fact competitive.
Public Works Director Mike Lynch and Administrator Todd Selig also organized a meeting with Bauen Construction, the General Contractor for the new Library project, to discuss the Hutter bid results. Bauen was complimentary of the design drawings prepared by AG Architects indicating they were extremely detailed and well done allowing for accurate estimating. Bauen also indicated that the bids were realistic and that it would be unlikely the Town could do better rebidding now or in the winter. Bauen indicated that Hutter’s Construction Management fees were very reasonable, and that Bauen likely could not do better. Bauen believed pricing in the construction market was on the rise and that delaying the project would result in a higher priced project for the Town. Bauen believed it unlikely the Town would save money by waiting until winter and bidding the project out again.
Identifying Funds to Offset Increases
Increasing Purchase Price for Existing Town Hall Site. When the bids for the Town Hall project came in high, Administrator Selig contacted Mr. Scott Mitchell with whom the Town has a Purchase & Sale Agreement for the existing Town Office parcel at 15 Newmarket Road for the sum of $1,200,000. The Purchase & Sale Agreement is contingent upon Mr. Mitchell’s proposed project for 15 Newmarket Road, a pharmacy, being approved by the Town. After several conversations between Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Selig, Scott Mitchell has sent a signed contract revision to the Town agreeing to increase the purchase price for 15 Newmarket Road by $100,000 to $1,300,000.
The Town Council voted Monday evening to schedule a public hearing for October 21st on increasing the appropriation for the Town Hall project by an additional $644,460 with offsetting funds coming from unassigned fund balance. This additional sum represents approximately $150,000 in reductions to the original bid pricing having been achieved through project cutbacks. We will have a list of project budget reductions available for the October 21st hearing. When the 15 Newmarket Road property is sold, $1,3000,000 would replenish the fund balance.
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TOWN COUNCIL REQUESTS GOVERNOR & COUNCIL SCHEDULE SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL NH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE VACANCY FROM DURHAM/MADBURY
On Monday evening, in Accordance with RSA 661:8 (II) and RSA 665:81 (I), the Council requested that the Governor and Executive Council Schedule a special election for the purpose of filling the vacancy of the seat formerly held by Representative Philip Ginsburg as soon as possible. We believe that the special election will be scheduled for February 4th with a primary election scheduled for December 17th.
The Governor and Council meets next on October 16th so we will know for certain next Wednesday when the special elections will be held.
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Financial and Budgetary materials being utilized in the Administrator's Office as
part of the annual budget preparation process.
2014 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT UNDER WAY
The 2014 budget review and development process is now well under way. Business Manager Gail Jablonski and Administrator Selig are now actively reviewing and making cuts to proposed budget requests from the Town’s various departments, boards, committees, and commissions.
Upon finalizing the budget development process in late-October, the proposed 2014 budget will be submitted to the Town Council, along with the proposed 2014-2023 Capital Improvement Program. The Council then has until the last workday in December to adopt a budget or the budget as recommended by the Administrator becomes the adopted budget by default.
If all requests for funding were granted, which they will not, spending would increase next year by $1,669,545 or 13.14%. This level of increase would in turn increase the local portion of the tax rate by 19.6%.
Quite clearly, all requests cannot be fulfilled and it is up to the Administrator at this juncture to make many hard decisions intended to reign in cost drivers and to simply say “no” as unpleasant as that may be for all concerned.
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Participants gather for the 25-foot march from the Durham Laundercenter to Young's Restaurant on Main Street in Durham during the annual Leif Ericson Day Parade. Courtesy Facebook
ANNUAL LEIF ERICSON DAY PARADE - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013
Durham's annual Leif Ericson Day parade, arguably the nation's shortest, is this Sunday, October 13, starting promptly at 6:30 am at the Durham Laundercenter. After arriving at Young's Restaurant, having marched 25 feet, breakfast is available. Skits commemorating the Viking arrival in the new world will be performed by a cast of experienced actors. All are welcome, especially children. Please, no horns on helmets; Vikings didn't have them nor should you. October 9 is the official US Leif Ericson day. President Obama will issue the Presidential Proclamation; you can read it on line. A hardcopy of Governor Hassan's proclamation will be at Young's for your inspection. Set your alarm clocks!
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NHDOT PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON BUNKER CREEK PROJECT
Representatives from the NH Department of Transportation will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2013 beginning at 6:30 PM in the Council chambers at Town Hall regarding the Bunker Creek project. The project involves the replacement/rehabilitation of the bridge carrying US Route 4 over Bunker Creek, including roadway approach work, approximately 1,200 feet west of the bridge and 1,000 feet east of the bridge.
The purpose of this meeting is to present citizens and public officials with information regarding the proposed project and to solicit public input in order to ensure that project decisions meet public transportation needs, community goals, and protect and enhance the environment.
Any individuals needing assistance or auxiliary community equipment due to sensory impairment or other disability, should contact the Bureau of Right-of-Way, NHDOT, PO Box 483, Concord, NH 03302-0483 - TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964. Notification for the need of assistance should be made at the earliest convenience.
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Durham firefighters look for the source of smoke in the Town Offices last week
as Lisa Beaudoin from the Business Office looks on.
REPEATING SMOKE ISSUES AT TOWN OFFICES
Because the oil burners in the Durham Town Office (there are two, one at each end of the building in the two dirt basements under each house structure) are at the very end of their lifecycle, we have had three smoke issues in the building over the last two weeks where thermostats call for heat due to recent cold temperatures causing the oil burners to malfunction and then cycle unproductively or switch off. The Durham Fire Department has been very good about coming right over to ensure things are alright.
The Public Works Department is doing its best to keep the oil burners operational until we can relocate into the new Town Hall project across the street at 8 Newmarket Road.
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IMPACT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT ON DURHAM TAX RATE
(Recent Development in Town Has Saved the Average Homeowner $411 in Local Property Taxes in 2013)
Between 2009 and 2013, Durham has increased its tax base by approximately $50 million as a result of new development. Using current budget and assessed valuation figures, if we added value in the amount of $50 million to the tax base, the local tax rate would drop by approximately $1.37 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The chart below illustrates this change.
Because the Town, the School District, and the County have all had increased in their respective budgets over this period of time, taxes have not gone down. Absent the new development, however, an average Durham homeowner with a house valued at $300,000 would pay approximately $411 more in local property taxes than they actually will this year.
With approximately $52 million in new capital expenses projected as part of the Town’s ten year Capital Improvement Program, it is essential that while on one hand we endeavor to preserve the character of Durham, we simultaneously look for ways to appropriately broaden the tax base to ensure Durham remains affordable now and into the future.
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PLANNING BOARD HAPPENINGS
There are numerous projects now before the Planning Board. Below is a brief recap of current and recent projects with the status shown at the end of each.
118 Piscataqua Road. Application for Condominium Conversion and Site Plan for a 4-unit condominium for seniors. Submitted by Alexander Bakman; MSC Engineers, Engineer/Surveyor; Scott Hogan, attorney. Tax Map 11, Lot 24-4, Residence C Zoning District. Public hearing on November 6.
Great Bay Kennel Dog Day Care Facility. Extension granted to April 24, 2014 to meet precedent conditions.
18 & 22 Colony Cove Road. Formal application for Boundary Line Adjustment submitted by Kathleen Lohnes to change the boundary between two lots and to clarify the boundaries of an old subdivision. Tax Map 12, Lots 25 & 26. Residential Coastal Zoning District. Approved on October 9.
15 Madbury Road and 8 Mathes Terrace. Design review for site plan application for redevelopment of two residential lots for a three-story mixed-use student housing development. Submitted by Kostis Enterprises LLC and Theodore Finnegan; David Garvey, agent; Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering, engineer; Robin Wunderlich, designer. Tax Map 2, Lots 12-5 and 12-6. Central Business Zoning District. Still preliminary application. Public hearing on November 6.
25 Madbury Road. Formal site plan application for the addition of 8 parking spaces and associated drainage improvements. Alpha Sigma House Corp. of Kappa Delta Sorority, applicant; Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering, engineer; Robbi Woodburn, Woodburn & Co., landscape architect. Tax Map 2, Lot 12-2. Central Business Zoning District. Public hearing closed. November 9 agenda.
25-35 Main Street. Formal site plan application to redevelop three lots into a mixed-use student housing development. The proposal involves rehabilitating the houses at 25 and 35 Main Street, demolishing the houses at 27 and 29 Main Street, demolishing or relocating the barn in the rear, erecting two new houses fronting on Main Street, erecting two large new buildings, one in the rear and one fronting on Main Street. Orion Student Housing, Bill Fideli and Philip Wills, applicant; Allen and Major, engineer; Lisa DeStefano and Adam Wagner, DeStefano Architects, architect; Tim Phoenix, attorney. Tax Map 5, Lots 1-6, 1-7, and 1-8, Central Business Zoning District. Formal application. Public hearing continued to November 6.
49 Main Street. Conceptual consultation for redevelopment of a commercial site with a three-story mixed-use building. Submitted by Paul Eja, proprietor of Pauly’s Pockets; Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering (engineer). Tax Map 5, Lot 1-2. Central Business Zoning District. Design review and public hearing on November 6.
Main Street and Pettee Brook Lane. Conceptual site plan for major redevelopment of three lots for mixed-use project with retail, restaurants, office space, UNH Interoperability Laboratory, parking garage, public town square, and student housing (300 beds). Durham Development Associates, LLC, applicant; Sora Development, c/o Tim Elliott, developer; Gamma Theta (Alpha Theta Omega), Chittenden Corporation (People’s National Bank), Town of Durham (parking lot), property owners. Tax Map 2, Lots 14-2, 14-5, 15-1. Design review and public hearing on November 6.
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EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE BIKABILITY OF DURHAM
The Town has worked in recent years to improve and install bike lanes, bike racks, and most recently sharrows in and around Durham. However, much more needs to be done to truly make Durham a bicycle-focused and friendly community. The following 5 minute video about bike infrastructure in the U.S. with some comparisons to the Netherlands where biking is much more widespread is particularly interesting and highlights the challenges experienced by bikers day and day out trying to navigate our asphalt, motor vehicle-centric roadways.
http://www.upworthy.com/a-dutch-guy-is-disgusted-by-america-but-he-has-a-hell-of-a-point?c=ufb1
The Energy Committee is presently working with the Administrator to solicit proposals to develop a bicycle plan for Durham.
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NH PRESERVATION ALLIANCE Seven to Save PROGRAM CONSIDERS NOMINATION OF UNH OUTDOOR POOL
The UNH Outdoor Pool has been nominated for Seven to Save designation. The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance created Seven to Save in 2006 to focus attention and resources on significant historic properties in New Hampshire that are threatened by deterioration, insufficient funds, inappropriate development, neglect, and/or insensitive public policy.
Historic resources are eligible for the program if they are over 50 years old and are significant representations of the state's heritage. Besides historical or architectural significance, criteria for Seven to Save also include severity of the current threat to the property and the extent to which the listing will make a difference in preserving or protecting it.
This year’s 7 winners will be announced at the NH Preservation Alliance’s annual meeting from 5-7 PM on October 22, 2013. The ceremony will be held at the Manchester Masonic Temple Association, 1505 Elm Street, Manchester, NH. Interested residents are welcome to attend.
Familiar landmarks that have been selected by the Seven to Save program and later preserved include Durham’s Mill Pond Dam and the Ioka Theater in Exeter.
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THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS
Visit South Dakota’s Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, and the Sioux Nation.
Sunday’s @ 9:00 PM - Run time: 1:30
Durham Director of Planning Michael Behrendt returns to the Durham Public Library for an intimate look at South Dakota. He recently travelled there and will present his slides. In particular, he will explore: Life (and struggles) on the reservation, Lakota Sioux culture, some history about the wars between the native Americans and our society, their use of the buffalo, the badlands and more. DCAT Studios was there to record the event. This video will not be available on our On Demand site.
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Nobel Laureate & Social Business Leader - Muhammad Yunus Speaks at Statewide NH Forum - Sunday’s at 4:30 PM
DCAT Studios took a short road trip to the Granite State Room at UNH’s MUB building, Monday, September 30th to record Muhammad Yunus keynote address at the NH Social Business & Microfinance Forum. Social businesses create innovative solutions to difficult problems such as poverty and climate change. Unlike traditional nonprofit organizations, social businesses aim to be market-based and to fund their operations & growth through earned revenues rather than donations. Muhammad Yunus has received the Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom & the US Congressional Gold Medal for his work as a pioneer in the microfinance industry and the founder of the Grameen Bank. This video is also available to view on DCAT’s On Demand site.
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Gundalow “Journey Up River” - Sunday’s @ 8:10 PM
Gundalow “Journey Up River” is an archive video from DCAT Studios. Please join the Captain and his volunteer crew as he navigates the tricky waters of the Oyster River. The scenery is beautiful, along with excellent information about how important the gundalow was that sailed the waters of the Oyster River and the Great Bay Area years ago.
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“Riding the Trash Truck with Arthur” - Sunday’s @ 8:30 PM
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride the trash truck….well, probably not, but over the summer months DCAT had the chance to ride the trash truck with Sanitation Worker Arthur Nutter. You’ll have a new appreciation as to how difficult the job of Sanitation Worker really is. Hear Arthur describe some of the difficulties he faces on a daily basis. View part of Town Administrator Todd Selig’s day riding and working alongside of Arthur. Todd describes his day and talks about some of the possible changes to trash collection. Tune in this Sunday @ 8:30 PM. This is an original DCAT Studios production.
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Health Reform & Health Insurance Markets - 2014 Changes in NH
Filmed at the Durham Public Library’s New Community Room!
Hey local residents, if you missed the Insurance presentation in the Community Room @ Durham Public Library on Wednesday September 11, no worries, DCAT Studios was there and recorded the entire presentation just for you. Tune in this Sunday @ 2:00 PM as Tyler Brannen, Health Policy Analyst from the NH Insurance Department explains the changes in the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2014. Hear residents questions about some of these changes and how it affects all of us. Thank you to; State Senator, Martha Fuller Clark for organizing this event.
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Some members of the inaugural ORMS girls hockey team, ready and raring to play! Courtesy Karen Niland
THERE'S A NEW HOCKEY TEAM IN TOWN!
An inaugural Oyster River Girls Middle School Hockey Team has been formed. This is a new program and is the first girls' middle school team in New Hampshire. Fortunately, a league for middle school girls hockey exists in southern Maine and the ORMS team will be able to play in that league, playing a 12-14 game schedule beginning in November. The program falls under the USA Hockey umbrella and will be coached by J. Snow and M. Lessard. It is open to girls in grades 5-8 in the Oyster River School District, though players from other districts may be invited to play as needed. There are still positions available for new players. For more information, contact orms.girls.hockey@gmail.com.
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION PRESENTS "DICK O'KANE, A DURHAM WAR HERO"
The Durham Historic Association presents "Dick O'Kane, A Durham War Hero" on Thursday, October 17, 2013 beginning at 7PM at the Durham Public Library (Oyster River Room). This even is open to the public.
Rear Admiral Richard H. O’Kane is one of Durham’s most illustrious sons, serving his country with great distinction during World War II as one of its outstanding and most highly decorated submarine captains. He was one of only seven submariners during the war to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in combat above and beyond the call of duty – this highest of military honors in addition to receiving the Legion of Merit, three Silver Stars, and three Navy Crosses.
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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.
NHDOT Public Informational Meeting on Bunker Creek Project - Thursday, October 17, 2013, 7PM.
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/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.
DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.
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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.
DPR Climbing Club – Now Accepting Registrations. http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/recreation/dpr-climbing-club-registration
Durham Parks & Recreation and the UNH Outdoor Education Department are proud to offer the youth Rock Climbing Club once again! Participants will have personalized instruction, and learn: belaying; knots; commands; problem solving skills; gear knowledge; confidence! Both new and experienced climbers welcome.
Jiu Jitsu Classes - Starting Next Week! http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/recreation
Men: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6-7PM (beginning Oct 14th)
Women: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10-11AM (beginning Oct 15th)
at Durham Parks & Recreation building (2 Dover Road, Durham). Cost: $80/student, no drop-in option. 12 students maximum. Find out more, HERE.
Yoga - New Thursday Night Session. http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/recreation/yoga-3. Join us every Thursday from 5-6PM, starting October 24th
Don't Miss These Upcoming Events:
Coyote's Inkwell Bon Fire & Storytelling - October 18th, 6-7PM at Town Landing (bring family, friends, and chairs. FREE)
A "Spooktacular" Day in Durham – October 25th 5-6:30PM @ Jackson’s Landing Playground (pumpkin decorating, cookies, prizes, spooky refreshments, FREE). Sponsored by Durham Parks & Recreation and ORPP.
Feather Fest (previously Turkey Trot) – November 28th 10-11AM @ Wagon Hill Farm (festive story and walk, refreshments, games, FREE).
Tree Lighting Celebration – December 6th 6-8PM @ Main Street (special guests, tree lighting, crafts, giveaways, FREE).
Volunteer With DPR
Do you like being outdoors? Do you have a group looking for ways to be more involved and give back to the community? Contact: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to learn about local volunteer opportunities.
Get FIT with DPR:
HoopFit Classes - NEW!: Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM (beginning Oct 1st), $10/class.
Jiu Jitsu - NEW:
Men: Monday/Wednesday, 6-7PM (beginning Oct 14th) $80/8 sessions
Women: Tuesday/Thursday, 6-7PM (beginning Oct 15th) $80/8 sessions
Yoga: Mondays - 5PM; Tuesdays - 7:15PM; Thursdays - 6:00AM
Boot Camp: Wednesday/Friday – 7AM
Pilates: Monday - 8AM; Wednesday - 6:30PM; Saturday - 10AM
Zumba: Monday/Wednesday - 5:30PM; Saturday - 9AM
Strength & Stretch: Wednesday/Friday - 8AM
Tai Chi Beginner/Advanced: Friday – 4-5:30PM
Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance: Tuesday/Thursday - 9-10AM
Find out more here: http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/calendar?departments=283
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Carl Lindblade, UNH Hospitality Management Dept., will speak about the Mount Washington Hotel (pictured above) at the ARA's October General Meeting, October 14th.
Homecoming Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, Oct 12, 2013, 8-10AM, Memorial Union Building Granite State Room, hosted by the UNH United Greek Association. All you can eat pancakes for $5 and $2 for children.
NH Public Television Raffle. Raffle ends Sunday, Oct 13, 2013 with winners being drawn on Monday, Oct 14th. Tickets: $50/each or 3 for $100. Grand prize is $25,000 towards purchase of any new car from Grappone Automotive Group. Additional prizes: $1,000 dining gift certificate from Taste of the Seacoast; Honda NCH50 Scooter; Garman GPS, $500 VISA gift card.
UNH Celebrity Series Presents Stile Antico, Sunday, Oct 13, 7:00 PM, Paul Creative Arts Johnson Theatre. For more information, click HERE.
Active Retirement Association General Meeting, Monday, Oct 14, 2013, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church. Featuring Carl Lindblade of UNH Hospitality Management Dept. speaking on "A Hotel Goes to Peace, Not War: The Story of the Mount Washington Hotel and the International Monetary Conference at Bretton Woods".
Newcomers Limited , Friday, Oct 18, 2013, Community Church of Durham. Jane Kaufmann will host "45 years of pottery and other stuff". Coffee at 9AM, meeting at 10AM. All are welcome
Communities for Cornucopia Event, Saturday, Oct 19, 2013, 12-4PM, Emery Farm, to raise awareness and collect donations for the Cornucopia Food Pantry at the Waysmeet Center. Emery Farm will offer half off a hayride and corn maze for a donation of 3 canned goods. Raffles, games w/prizes, other activities.
One World Language School Information and Registration Night, Thursday, Oct 19, 2013, 5-6:30 PM, Moharimet Elementary school. Offering French, Spanish, German, and Chinese classes for children ages 3 and up. Classes held each Thursday at Moharimet beginning in October.
TRICK-OR-TREAT in Durham, Wednesday, Oct 30, 2013, 5:00 - 7:30 PM.
How Children Succeed Panel Discussion, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2013, 6:30 PM, ORHS Multipurpose Room. OR educators, coaches, and guidance counselors from elementary school thru high school will participate together in a discussion about how to support and foster qualities in children that lead to success in life. Facilitated by UNH Professor Tom Newkirk and Education Consultant Mike Anderson.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
"Hank Finds an Egg" Rebecca Dudley Picture Book Author visit and diorama craft after! Saturday, Oct. 12th at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for this fun author visit. "Hank Finds an Egg" is a beautiful picture book created by local author Rebecca Dudley. Rebecca will read her book and have your child create a diorama after. Please have your child bring a shoe box and a 3" or smaller figurine or toy to use in the diorama. Rebecca's book will be available for purchase and signing afterwards. Don't miss this fun program!
The library will be closed on Monday October 14th for Columbus Day.
Pre-school storytimes: Tues. Oct. 15th and Thurs. Oct. 17th at 10:30 a.m. – The theme is Elephants!
Join the Bookeaters, a middle school book discussion group on Weds. Oct. 16th from 2:45-4:00 pm. This month’s book is “The Search for Wondla” by Toni DiTerLizzi.
Durham Historic Association presents: Dick O'Kane, A Durham War Hero, Thursday, Oct. 17th at 7 p.m. - Rear Admiral Richard H. O’Kane is one of Durham’s most illustrious sons, serving his country with great distinction during World War II as one of its outstanding and most highly decorated submarine captains. He was one of only seven submariners during the war to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in combat above and beyond the call of duty – this highest of military honors in addition to receiving the Legion of Merit, three Silver Stars, and three Navy Crosses.
Lego Club (1st-4th graders), Thurs. Oct. 17th at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday Oct. 18th, 10:30 a.m. – This week: Mexico. We will hear books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft. This group is geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome.
Crafternoon – Fri. Oct. 18th 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.
Baby Lap-Sit Begins! For infants to age 2 with their caregiver, Sat. Oct. 19th at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for stories, fingerplays and songs. There will be a time after for you and your baby to play and socialize with other parents and babies. This program is geared to ages 2 and under with their parent/caregiver. All are welcome.
Family Movie Afternoon! Sat. Oct. 19th at 2:00 p.m. – This month:”Wreck-it-Ralph! Join us for this fun movie. Popcorn is served. We have a new DVD player! All are welcome.
Chess and Board Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up), Monday Oct. 21st 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us every Monday afternoon in the community room upstairs for a game of chess (or other board games).
Art for Water Public Art Installation, Tues., Oct. 22nd from 3 to 5 p.m. (KIDS!) and 6:30 for Adults - JOIN IN THE PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION AT THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY. Help water advocacy organization Art for Water and the Lamprey River Advisory Committee to create a public-participation art installation at the new Durham Public Library. Participants are invited to write their thoughts, knowledge, or reflections about water on a prepared piece of cover weight paper, which Artist Christine Destrempes then makes into a river of words in Stream of Conscience. KIDS: Art for Water also will be at the library after school 3:00 to 5:00 to engage students in a conversation about our relationship to water and to invite them to contribute to the Stream of Conscience.
Libros Lovers, High School Book Group, Weds. Oct. 23rd, 2:45-4:00 p.m. – This month’s book is “Paper Towns” by John Green.
Oyster River High School Poetry Night, Weds. Oct. 23rd, 7:00-8:00 p.m. – Join us as we name the new ORHS Poet Laureate and enjoy a night of poetry! All are welcome and refreshments are served.
ARA Presents: Dr. Thomas Weiss Lecture on Humanitarian Business, Thurs. Oct. 24th, 2:00 p.m. - The Seacoast Memorial Lecture Series, an affiliate of the Active Retirement Association, is proud to present Dr. Thomas G. Weiss, Presidential Professor of Political Science at The CUNY Graduate Center and Director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies. Dr. Weiss will discuss the complexities and challenges of providing humanitarian aid in today’s for-profit political economy, along with the effects of marketization on traditional humanitarianism. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
Exploring the Beautiful City of Prague, Thurs. Oct. 24th, 6:30 p.m. - Join Durham resident and Prague native Hana Bartos as she discusses one of the most beautiful cities in Europe
Patch Club! Earn patches and a library bag for your reading time. Register at the children’s desk.
Computer Stations for the Visually Impaired - The Durham Public Library has equipped two of its public computers with software and hardware components to assist the visually impaired. Thanks to a generous grant from the Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay and Rotary International, the library was able to purchase ZoomText, a computer program that magnifies images on a monitor. The program is easy to use, and allows patrons to increase screen magnification to whatever suits them best. ZoomText includes an audio component as well. Patrons can hear text on a webpage being read aloud to them through Audio-Technica headphones, also purchased with grant funds. ZoomText also allows the visually impaired to magnify the pages of books and magazines. The process is simple: patrons place a book under a small camera and the page appears on the computer monitor at whatever magnification is selected. The program is easy to use and takes minutes to learn. Our librarians are happy to show you how. Special thanks to the members of the Rotary Club of Durham – Great Bay.
Questions about the Affordable Health Care Act? Sign up or see if you can get better coverage than you have now at www.healthcare.gov . The Durham Public Library has information available and can help you get online to access the site. Please note: There are no Assisters or Navigators at the Library; we are only here to help you find information that will aid you in making your own decision.
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.
1690 - Seven persons were slain and a lad taken at Lamperell River. Two days later occurred the Battle at Wheelwright Pond. In spite of the heat the men from Oyster River made all hase. James Smith, who lived by the Falls, "died of a surfeit which he got by runnint to assist Capt. Floyd."
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Have a nice Columbus Day 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
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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