Friday Updates - October 18, 2013

Friday,October 18, 2013

The Moharimet Elementary School held its annual "Pumpkin Stroll" last evening.  Each student in the school carved a pumpkin and put it on display along a wooded path.  The event was made complete with cider, baked goods, spooky stories, music, and good cheer.  (By the way, is this a carving of the UNH Wildcat?)  Photo courtesy Zoe Selig

ORCSD Superintent of Schools Jim Morse will provide the Council with an update relative to tuitioning and elementary school enrollment issues on Monday evening as part of the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting.  

While the solution for addressing school enrollment issues at the Mast Way and Mohariment Elementary Schools remains unknown at this juncture (Mohariment has too many students while Mast Way has too few), we are fortunate indeed as a district that both elementary schools are outstanding.   

WHY IS TRICK-OR-TREATING SCHEDULED THE DAY BEFORE HALLOWEEN IN DURHAM, LEE, AND MADBURY?

Over the course of the last week at least three residents have asked Mr. Selig why Trick-or-Treating is scheduled on the day before Halloween in Durham, Lee, and Madbury.  What a great question!

The tradition has been in place for some time and the reason for it is to separate the at times raucous behavior of older kids and young-adults from younger children.  In addition, because the students at UNH also enjoy Halloween, it separates the college-aged celebrations from younger children in the district allowing everyone to enjoy the holiday.  

There are other communities that employ this strategy of holding Trick-or-Treating on the day before Halloween as well.  The common theme is to ensure the activity remains family friendly, fun, and safe for all involved.

Trick-or-Treating in Durham is from 5 – 7:30 PM on October 30th.

Durham Public Works installs a new concrete sidewalk in front of Aroma Joe's creating

room for new, visible parking to support the downtown core. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS INSTALLS NEW SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF AROMA JOE’S - Five Additional Parking Spaces Now Visible for Downtown Durham Visitors
The proprietor of Aroma Joe’s approached the Town earlier this fall about making some improvement in the small park at the intersection of Pettee Brook Lane and Main Street in the vicinity of the former Tin Palace/Ballards restaurant.  

After a number of discussions between the owner and the Public Works Department, Administrator Selig approved a work plan in which at the expense of the private property owner, the overgrown bushes in the park would be removed and new plantings would be installed.  

As part of the review of the small park area, it became clear to the Town that there were four underutilized municipal parking spaces in front of Aroma Joe’s that were available to the public -- but were not visible due to the overgrown bushes mentioned above.  Public Works and Mr. Selig desired to improve this situation.

The park now looks beautiful at private expense, the Town is replacing the asphalt sidewalk in front of Aroma Joe’s with a nice looking concrete walkway to enhance the corner, and in the process of replacing the asphalt sidewalk we have added an additional parking space to support downtown Durham businesses.  In essence, residents now have an additional 5 parking spaces to use when they visit downtown Durham.  Kaizen!

SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION - FEBRUARY 4, 2014

In last week's Friday Updates, it was reported that the Town Council requested the Governor and Executive Council to schedule a special election for the purpose of filling the vacancy of the seat formerly held by Representative Philip Ginsburg as soon as possible.  The Town received notification this week that the special election has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2014 with a primary election scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2013.  

The following is information provided by the Secretary of State's Office relative to Declarations of Candidacy:


Declarations of Candidacy may be filed with the TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE on October 21-22, 2013 during normal business hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Declarations of Candidacy may be filed with the SECRETARY OF STATE on October 21-25, 2013 at 5:00 PM.

SUPERVISORS OF CHECKLIST MEET TO MAKE CHECKLIST CORRECTIONS AND ACCEPT NEW VOTER REGISTRATIONS - TONIGHT BETWEEN 7:00 AND 7:30 PM AT DURHAM TOWN HALL

The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Durham Town Hall on Friday evening, October 18, 2013 from 7:00 - 7:30 PM to make corrections to the checklist and to accept new voter registrations. Changes in party registration can also be made at that time. This will be the last time parties can be changed before the December 17, 2013 special primary election.

Prospective voters are required by law to show proof of identity, age (18 by the election day), domicile/residence in Durham, and US Citizenship. A driver's license and a birth certificate or passport are useful. Affidavits of domicile and citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.

DPW employee Jim Couch begins his new position in the Highway Dept. on Nov 4, 2013

DPW EMPLOYEE JIM COUCH PROMOTED - FILLS POSITION OF RECENTLY-RETIRED BRIAN BEERS

DPW’s Jim Couch will be the new Maintenance Worker IV for Traffic Control, a position previously held by recent retiree Brian Beers.  Jim has worked for Public Works since 2003 in the Sanitation Division as one of the three drivers for the weekly refuse and recycling routes.  The new position will have him working on signage, traffic markings and control, banner hanging, snow plowing, etc.  He happily welcomes the change moving down to the highway garage and we have no doubt he will do a great job!  Congratulations Jim!

Perspective of the new Town Hall building at 8 Newmarket Road prepared by AG Architects

TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDING FY2013 CAPITAL FUND BUDGET RELATIVE TO THE NEW TOWN HALL PROJECT - OCTOBER 21, 2013 MEETING

On Monday, October 21, 2013, the Durham Town Council, in accordance with Section 5.5 of the Durham Town Charter, will conduct a public hearing on a resolution amending the FY2013 Capital Fund Budget to raise, appropriate, and expend an additional Six Hundred Forty-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Dollars ($644,460), with funds to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance, for construction of the new Town Hall building at 8 Newmarket Road.  

The fund would be replenished upon the sale of the existing Town Office site (see next item) . The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM and will be held in the Council chambers at Town Hall, 15 Newmarket Road. To view the draft resolution, click HERE.

Questions regarding the resolution may be addressed to Administrator Todd Selig, 603-868-5571, tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.


Interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing and express their views. Written comments may be mailed to the Administrator’s office at 15 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or sent by electronic mail to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

COUNCIL CONSIDERS AMENDMENT TO P&S AGREEMENT FOR EXISTING TOWN OFFICE SITE – Administrator Selig has negotiated with buyer for additional $100,000 toward purchase price now totaling $1,300,000.
On March 3, 2013, after holding a duly noticed public hearing the Town Council authorized Administrator Selig to sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement in the amount of $1,200,000 between the Town of Durham and Scott Mitchell Real Estate, LLC for the current Town Hall property located at 15 Newmarket Road (Map 5, Lot 4-10).


As design and construction of the new Town Hall site at 8 Newmarket Road has progressed, factors that were originally included in developing project costs have changed. Most notably, construction costs. The Town has been working with project Architect Art Guadano and general contractor for construction Hutter Construction, to bring the price down through various project modifications and reductions.

Ultimately the project team was able to identify strategies to cut approximately $289,207 from the project. In addition, Administrator Selig initiated conversations with buyer Scott Mitchell about increasing the purchase price for the 15 Newmarket Road property by an additional $100,000 to $1,300,000. Mr. Mitchel has agreed to this increase, which will require an amendment to the current P&S Agreement. The amendment would also extend the date by which Mitchell would have to receive approval of a future tenant for the site to April 1, 2014, as well as extend the initial permitting term to September 1, 2014.

Administrator Selig believes these dates to be reasonable for both Buyer and Seller in exchange for the increased compensation to the Town.


The P&S is contingent upon the Town ultimately approving a new pharmacy to be developed on the 15 Newmarket Road site.


To view the Amendment to the P&S, click HERE.

CONTRACT AWARD FOR NEW TOWN HALL AT 8 NEWMARKET ROAD ON COUNCIL AGENDA FOR MONDAY

On July 16, 2013, the Town Council voted to award the Architectural contract for the renovations and addition at the new Town Office Complex at 8 Newmarket Road to AG Architects of Dover, NH. The Town received five bids for this project in addition to AG Architects.


As part of his project team, owner (and Durham resident) Art Guadano identified Hutter Construction Corporation as the general contracting firm to oversee construction of the new Town Hall site. Hutter put all of the subcontracted tasks for the project out to bid through an open bid process. The August 13, 2013 pricing came in at $1,887,367 which was $487,367 over the anticipated amount of $1,400,000 for construction costs.


Since that time, Art Guadano and Hutter Construction, working with Administrator Selig and Public Works Director Mike Lynch, have succeeded in bringing the cost down through project modifications and reductions. Ultimately the project team was able to identify strategies to cut approximately $289,207 from the project without impacting basic functionality. The cuts did, however, impact energy efficiency, interior comfort and aesthetics, and shifted many tasks to Durham Public Works.  This led the Town Council to add $150,000 back into the project on October 7, 2013. The overall construction cost is now at $1,748,160. To see the proposed value engineering sheet dated October 21, 2013 showing items from the original bid that have been reduced to meet the Council’s budgetary goal, click HERE.

 

At this time the Administrator is comfortable recommending that the Council award the construction contract to Hutter Construction Corporation in the amount of $1,748,160.00 to begin final construction of the new Town Hall building located at 8 Newmarket Road. Construction will be completed in the Spring 2014.

COUNCIL-INITIAITED ZONING CHANGE TO BE CONSIDERED MONDAY EVENING

Through local zoning, the Town has utilized student housing as a driver to bring other benefits to the community, especially in the downtown, including redeveloping blighted or unattractive sites, adding commercial uses, and building site improvements.  Madbury Commons is a good example.  The developer will clean up Pettee Brook and build new bridges across it and create extensive appealing public spaces – the Court or Boulevard, the pedestrian passage and square through the development, and the plaza and walkway along the brook.  If the demand for student housing diminishes greatly, our ability to leverage these positive improvements will likewise diminish.  


Councilors Jay Gooze, Jim Lawson, Carden Welsh, and Administrator Selig are suggesting the Town Council initiate a zoning change that would accomplish the following:

1. Change Mixed Use Residential in the Central Business and Church Hill districts from permitted to conditional use;  
2. Modestly increase the minimum lot area per dwelling unit in the Central Business and MUDOR districts;  
3. Set the maximum number of bedrooms per dwelling unit in Multi-Unit and Mixed Use residences at four;  
4. Prohibit new basement dwelling units in Multi-Unit and Mixed Use residences; and   
5. Allow for flexibility in the arrangement of Nonresidential Uses in the Central Business district by conditional use to address the definition of “basement use” and the square foot amount per person in the Central Business and Churchill districts.

Amendment #1 will give the Planning Board more discretion in reviewing new student housing projects and a greater ability to stipulate appropriate conditions to mitigate potential impacts.  There are two categories of uses for student housing – “Residence, multi-unit” and “Mixed Use with residential (office/retail down, multiunit residential up.”  Presently, both are allowed only by conditional use except for the latter category, which is permitted by right in the Central Business and Church Hill Districts.  With this change these two uses will be allowed only by conditional use, wherever the uses are allowed.

Amendment #2 modestly increases the minimum lot area per dwelling thereby reducing the density.  

Amendment #3 should help to accomplish three things:  a) make dwelling units more readily convertible for non-student use as conventional apartments rarely have more than four bedrooms; b) make it less likely that a party atmosphere will be created with a reduced number of occupants;  and c) provide more specificity under the ordinance for the density of occupants.  A zoning ordinance should provide clarity for the permitted density.  Ordinarily, dwelling units per acre provides this as few units have more than four bedrooms.  In a college town the limit of the number of bedrooms is much more elastic, with some buildings potentially 8 or more bedrooms per unit.

Amendment #4 should enhance the quality of the residential units.  Allowing basement units, in many cases, permits developers to cram in an inordinate number of beds.  Stipulating that units must be located above ground on the first, second, and/or third floors also adds to clarity as to the number of units that could be built and where they will be built.

Amendment #5 will provide flexibility for the physical arrangement of the nonresidential space required within a mixed use buildings in the Central Business District (Note that no change to the arrangement of nonresidential in the Church Hill District is proposed as part of this amendment).  On a case by case basis, the Planning Board could, by conditional use, approve a different arrangement as long as the residential to non-residential ratios were unchanged.  For example, on a large, deep, irregular lot with multiple proposed buildings (such as the proposed Madbury Commons), it might make more sense to place all of the commercial on every floor of one or two buildings fronting on the street.

DURHAM POLICE REVIEW OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA

The Durham Police Department has released its review of pedestrian accidents in the downtown area. This is an updated list of all pedestrian accidents in the downtown area between the railroad overpass easterly and westerly to the intersection of Main Street and Route 108, including public access parking lots in the immediate vicinity. To veiw the report, click HERE.

COMPARISON OF THIRD QUARTER POLICE RESPONSE TO RENTAL PROPERTIES

The Durham Police has been collecting data for the past seven years enabling analysis of police response as well as comparisons. As this initiative continues, additional annual data will enhance the department's ability to form conclusions about problematic property that gives every indication of being managed poorly as well as recognize those that have undertaken initiaties that will improve behavior and negate the need for police response. To view the report, click HERE.   

NHDOT Engineer Bob Landry and UNH Masters Engineering student Beth Kinney address a small group of Durham residents on Thursday evening, October 17th regarding the NHDOT's Bunker Creek Bridge reconstruction project.  Courtesy Mike Lynch

NHDOT BUNKER CREEK BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

On Thursday evening this week, Director of Public Works Mike Lynch, along with approximately 17 residents, attended a public informational meeting relative to the NHDOT reconstruction project for Bunker Creek Bridge on Route 4. The meeting was conducted by New Hampshire Department of Transportation Engineer Bob Landry and UNH Masters Engineering student Beth Kinney.  At the meeting, residents were presented with three options concerning the bridge:

1. Realign a new bridge to the left of the existing bridge;
2. Realign a new bridge to the right of the existing bridge; or
3. Replace alignment of the existing bridge.

Of these three options, Option #3 was favored by those in attendance as it would have the least amount of impact to the wetlands located on both sides of the bridge. If Option #3 is chosen it Route 4 will be closed for up to 14 days.

The timeline to begin construction is between 2016 and 2019. The reconstructed bridge will be approximately the same width as currently exists with an additional five-foot shoulder/bike lane on both sides. It will be approximately 4 feet higher.

Approximately 17,000 cars a day go over the Bunker Creek bridge. This project is anticipated to accomodate traffic for the next 20 years.

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.

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.
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 6 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.

Courtesy McGregor EMS

McGREGOR EMS STAFFING FOR UNH HOMECOMING WEEKEND

This past weekend - UNH Homecoming - McGregor EMS volunteers gave 460+ hours of their time to staff three (3) ambulances providing extra response capacity during the influx of guests to the town.  In addition, McGregor volunteers staffed this "Golf Cart Ambulance" which proved useful in removing people from the crowds present during Saturday's popular football game and tailgating.  Many thanks to Sugarloaf Rescue Vehicles for loaning this vehicle to McGregor at no charge along with the forty (40) volunteer EMTs who donated time from Friday through Sunday and who responded to 47 calls.

NH PRESERVATION ALLIANCE Seven to Save PROGRAM HOLDS ANNUAL RECOGNITION CEREMONY- UNH OUTDOOR POOL NOMINATED FOR INCLUSION IN 2013 
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.

THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS

New Video - Durham Public Library Grand Opening - Sunday’s at 7:00 PM -Run time: 1:04

Check out the latest release from DCAT Studios.  If you were unable to make it to the Durham Public Library’s Grand Opening, that’s okay, DCAT Studios was there to capture some of the festivities. Watch your host, Richard Belshaw interview Town Administrator, Todd Selig, Library Director, Tom Madden…and more.   Hear the opening remarks and watch as local resident Mica Wishengrad cuts the ribbon.  These are only a few of the fun and interesting clips you’ll see in this video.  This video is also available on DCAT On Demand.

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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.

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, October 21, 2013. To view an agenda and other information, click HERE.

Agricultural Commission - Monday, October 21, 2013 (Durham PD, 7PM). to view agenda and other information, click HERE.

Planning Board - Wednesday, October 23, 2013. To view an agenda and other information, click HERE.

Parks & Recreation Committee - Thursday, October 24, 2013 (P&R Building, 7PM). To view an 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/.

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

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.

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.

TONIGHT! Coyote's Inkwell Bon Fire & Storytelling - A FREE family event from 6-67PM @ Town Landing, off of Old Landing Road. Bring family, friends, and chairs.

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.

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:

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

Women:  Tuesday/Thursday, 6-7PM

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

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Oyster River Folk, Saturday, Oct 19, 2013, 7PM, Durham Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Folk musician Jeff Warner. Tickets $10 at door - kids FREE.

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.

Sports Consignment Sale, hosted by Mast Way School PTO, Saturday, Oct 19, 2013, 9-11:00 AM. Open to the public. Mast Way School is located at 23 Mast Road, Lee, NH. For more information email mastwaypto@gmail.com or jennifermvetter@hotmail.com.

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.

Oyster River 5th/6th Grade Football Games, Sunday, Oct 20, 2013, UNH Cowell Stadium, 8:30 AM, followed by the 7th/8th grade games at 10:30 am. Admission is $3/adult, $1/child.

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.

2nd Annual DPMMA All University Floor Hockey Tournament to Benefit SHARPP, Saturday, Nov 16, 2013, Hamel Rec Center, UNH Campus. $10 per player-5 player minimum. Get entry forms HERE.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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).

Pre-school storytimes: Tues. Oct. 22nd and Thurs. Oct. 24th at 10:30 a.m. – The theme is Hats!

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

Climate Adaptation Workshop, Monday Oct. 28th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. - The Town of Durham, in partnership with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, will host a workshop to engage the community in local climate adaptation measures. This workshop is designed for community volunteer boards, committees, and municipal staff members, business owners, and residents interested in understanding the potential impacts of climate change and hearing more about the Town's recently developed Climate Adaptation Chapter. The workshop will be led by Cameron P. Wake, research associate professor and author. There is no charge for this workshop, but space is limited. Please register by Oct. 14 to kpimental@strafford.org or 994-3500. Include your name, affiliation, contact info, and any special accommodations needed.

Durham Public Library is happy to announce our first Alzheimer’s Café taking place on November 1st 10:30 am -12 noon.  This is a support and respite session for dementia patients still living in their own homes and their caregivers. Come join others in our peaceful library café for conversation and light refreshments.  Peruse some of our collection which will be available in the café. This event will repeat on the first Friday of each month.  No registration necessary, just drop in.

Lego Club (1st-4th graders), Thurs. Oct. 24th at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations.

Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday Oct. 25th, 10:30 a.m. – This week:  U.S.A./New Hampshire.  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. 25th 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.

Parks & Rec After School Games, Tues. Oct. 29th 4:00-5:00 p.m. (ages K-4th grade) - Join the Parks and Rec for fun games after school.  This program will meet once a month (the last Tuesday of the month).

Pajama Storytime, Tues. Oct. 29th, 6:30 p.m. - This month:  Halloween! Join ORPP and the Durham Library for this month's PJ storytime.  Come wearing your Halloween Costume!  This month we will read stories about Halloween, make a Halloween craft and trick-or-treat at the library!  Snack provided by ORPP.  All are welcome.  This is a fun way for parents and children to meet.

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.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

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

Homecoming arrest data was obviously significant this year.  There were large crowds that attended “tailgating” activities in Boulder Field with traffic forming at 4:00AM Saturday morning to enter the tailgating area.  Police responded to a number of traffic issues on Mast Road as vehicles queued along the access roads awaiting the gate to open.   Police monitored the crowd which was estimated to exceed 15,000.  Durham and UNH Police were very busy throughout the day and night with a variety of calls for service reflected in the arrest data.

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.

1691 - Gundalows were a type of heavy flat-bottomed cargo vessel, unique to the Piscataqua River system. Up to 70 feet long, they made good speed with a huge lateen sail raised on a 10-foot stump mast. When necessary, they were poled by manpower or rowed with great sweeps or oars.

To be proactive, Durham Police will be bringing on additional staff Saturday and Sunday evening to be proactive in case Red Sox playoff games cause avid fans to create disturbances in the downtown area.  

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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