Friday Updates - April 17, 2015


NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...    

Friday, April 17, 2015

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Summer pastime in April: reading in a hammock by the Mill Pond. Courtesy Robin Mower

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If you are looking for a productive (and interesting!) way to spend your Tuesday night next week, consider attending the Durham Historic Association's Annual Meeting and program.  

 

The Durham Historic Association presents “A MOST AMAZING ENGINEERING FEAT - THE FIRST PISCATAQUA RIVER BRIDGE” on April 21st at 7 pm at the Durham Public Library, 49 Madbury Road.  

 

We have such a rich tapestry of history here in our community.  I hope to see you there.

 

(More detailed information on this program can be found below as part of the weekly "Friday Updates.")

 

 

DURHAM-UNH GET TOGETHER TO SOLVE A COMMON PROBLEM – Parking for Construction Workers Downtown in Order to Free Up Spaces for Residents/Businesses

Police Chief David Kurz has been receiving complaints over the last month from businesses and residents about the large number of construction workers associated with the numerous building projects downtown who are competing with residents for a limited number of parking spaces.


About three weeks ago, at an administrative Traffic Safety Committee meeting at which UNH staff members were in attendance, an off the wall idea was raised by Chief Kurz concerning utilizing the former ATO property at 66 Main Street for paid contractor parking in order to alleviate pressure on the regular parking spaces downtown thereby freeing them up for residents.  As you know, UNH now owns the ATO parcel.


After several discussions and subsequent follow up meetings between Durham and UNH officials, the parties were mutually agreeable to executing a short-term Memorandum of Understanding for the Town’s use of the 66 Main Street parcel for this purpose.  


I appreciate the University’s willingness to work with the Town in this creative manner utilizing newly acquired real property to support both the Town of Durham and UNH.  Kudos as well to Chief Kurz for thinking outside of the box, and to Durham Public Works for readying the site this afternoon.


Residents may be interested to learn that the Town has been using the 60+/- spaces behind the former Town Office site as contractor paid permit parking as well.


 

MILL POND CENTER PROPERTY - MILL POND COMMONS IDEA | RESIDENTS EXPRESS INTEREST IN THE TOWN CONSIDERING ACQURING THE FORMER MILL POND CENTER PARCEL - An Update

At the March 16, 2015 Town Council meeting, Durham resident Dennis Meadows and Community Church of Durham Pastor Mary Westfall spoke during public comments concerning the idea of the Town potentially acquiring the former Mill Pond Center property at 50 Newmarket Road.


The property is currently on the market for approximately $545,000.  


A two-lot subdivision for the property was approved by the Planning Board which will segregate an approximate 3 acre parcel off from the main parcel for an additional building lot up toward the top of the existing driveway in proximity to Newmarket Road/Rt. 108.  


The parcel is Tax Map 6, Lot 9-8. It is located in the Residence B Zoning District.


Dr. Meadows hoped to assemble a group of residents who might have been interested in purchasing the property to hold while the Town conducted its due diligence regarding costs, potential uses, outdoor events, an inventory of the state of existing buildings on the site, and interconnectivity with other Town-owned parcels around the historic Mill Pond, among other things.   


Here is the vision as outlined at the Council meeting by speakers (as interpreted by Mr. Selig who is authoring this synopsis for the benefit of the community):

 
By connecting the Mill Pond park, the Milne parcel owned by the Town adjacent to the park, the new Town Hall, the Town property on either side of the Old Landing, and the General Sullivan Monument property, the Town Pound, the addition of the former Mill Pond Center for the Arts property and the construction of a potential bridge to the Town-owned Milne parcel across the Oyster River, it would be akin to assembling a string of pearls allowing for interconnectivity and pedestrian activity by residents between municipal parcels around the historic Mill Pond, helping to bolster a sense of community and place for Durham apart from what is occurring in downtown Durham.  


The Southeast Land Trust (with the Town holding an executory interest) holds a 10+/- acre scenic easement along the front portion (Rt. 108) of the Mill Pond Center parcel extending all the way across much of the open area of the property to the banks of the Oyster River to preserve the viewscape and natural characteristics along this scenic gateway.


At the end of the March 16th Council meeting, Councilor Firoze Katrak MOVED that: "The Durham Town Council expresses that we have an interest in doing due diligence in the (Mill Pond Center) property, so long as Mr. Meadows and the group he is organizing for this effort explicitly understands that the Town is not guaranteeing or taking any risk before doing our own due diligence." Councilor Marple SECONDED the motion and it PASSED unanimously 9-0.


Dr. Meadows, Mary Westfall, Mr. Selig, and a number of other interested residents got together earlier this week to discuss the issue after having spent considerable time evaluating it over the last few weeks.  Following a number of conversations with the owner of the property, it appears that the owner has a potential buyer(s) lined up making an offer(s) for the parcel.  In addition, raising the funds privately to secure the parcel for the near term while the Town evaluated it has proven problematic with such a short timeline.  


At this point, the group assembled by Dr. Meadows will not be making an offer on the parcel.  Longer-term, there will likely be continued community discussion regarding the property, what the community’s vision for the parcel might be, and the next steps needed to realize that vision
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A thank you is extended to Dr. Meadows, Mary Westfall, and many other dedicated residents who took a great deal of time out of their schedules to evaluate this potential.  

 

There does remain continued interest within the citizen group in finding a way to construct a footbridge from the Milne parcel to the opposite side of the Oyster River.  

 

Photo provided by Eversource of its Rochester, NH 115kV Transmission lines.  These lines are comparable to what is being proposed in Durham.  The tall monopole shown is the 115kV Transmission line.  The lower poles are similar to the existing distribution lines that now exist within the Eversource (previously PSNH) right of way in Durham.

 

SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT – Eversource Responds to Durham Questions

The Town had written to Eversource requesting additional information concerning their proposed reliability project extending from Madbury to Portsmouth including an 8-mile path through existing PSNH distribution system rights of way in Durham.


We had asked for examples of the types of poles that are being proposed for Durham.  Eversource indicates there is a similar 115kV line with distribution attached adjacent to the Lilac Mall on Route 125 in Rochester. For the Seacoast Reliability Project, weathering steel structures are currently proposed. The structures in Rochester are predominantly laminated wood structures, however the structures at this location most accurately depict the proposed type. The photo provided above is from this location. The photo also includes an adjacent 34.5kV distribution line that is similar to the existing distribution line that Eversource is proposing to replace in Durham. Eversource has also provided a photo of a weathered steel structure taken on Merrill Road in Candia (below). Proposed structure heights on average in Durham are approximately 87 feet above ground level.

 

Eversource indicates the proposed new line is subject to SEC jurisdiction, rather than local land use jurisdiction, because it is a new transmission line of a design rating in excess of 100 kV that is greater than 10 miles in total length, and is proposed to be located along a route that is not already occupied by a transmission line. A 34.5 kV distribution line currently occupies the route Eversource is proposing to use for the transmission line. This line is properly classified as local distribution, and not as transmission, by both the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Durham has questioned whether the existing line was a transmission or a distribution line.  We have subsequently learned it is a distribution line.

 

At this stage of the design, Eversource has not determined a final assessed value for the new infrastructure through Durham, which will ultimately be determined by the final, approved design. The $35 million estimate that Eversource has provided is a "best guess" approximation of the asset value through Durham.

 

Eversource indicates the majority of structures will be of a monopole double circuit design, with the 115 kV transmission near the top and the existing 34.5 kV distribution below.   This design can be constructed utilizing wood laminate structures or steel structures.  For this Project, it is Eversource’s preference to use a round steel pole finished in weathering steel (reddish-brown).  Eversource is proposing to use weathered steel structures for several reasons. The installation of steel structures requires less impact to the environment according to Eversource since steel structures are lighter and easier to transport than laminated poles. Laminated structures are susceptible to woodpecker damage, reducing the lifespan of poles in areas such as Durham that have robust woodpecker populations. On recent projects, the cost to procure and install steel structures has been comparable to laminated structures and the longevity of steel leads to lower maintenance costs and local disruptions over the lifespan of the circuit. In addition, Eversource indicates a typical steel structure utilizes over 40% recycled steel and aligns with Eversource environmental policy.

 

Eversource indicates information related to the environment in Little Bay (as the line will go under the bay) will be available at the Open House this week (April 22nd) and will be part of the SEC application. The Project has reached out to individuals and organizations involved with the preservation of Little Bay, including the Great Bay Partnership.

 

Eversource will have to pay a cost of in-lieu fee payment to the State Aquatic Resource Mitigation fund that has been estimated to be $158,000 for the Town of Durham.  According to Eversource, although the NH Department of Environmental Services and US Army Corps of Engineers have indicated that in-lieu fee payment would be appropriate for this Project, Eversource also sent an email to the Durham Conservation Commission requesting input on possible mitigation options.  

 

Steel structure example of transmission line, Candia, NH  Photo Courtesy Eversource

 

EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT PUBLIC INFORMATION FORUM SCHEDULED - April 22, 2015

Eversource, the company formerly known as Public Service Company of New Hampshire, is moving forward with plans to construct its Seacoast Reliability Project, a new $70 million (approximately $35 million in Durham) 115kV transmission line connecting the Madbury and Portsmouth substations.   Approximately 8 miles of the line run through Durham.  


Subject matter experts will be available to address questions from the public regarding a variety of topics related to the Project. Directly following the Open House, there will be a Public Information Session where an overview of the Project will be provided and the public will have the opportunity to provide comments that will be transcribed by a stenographer which will then be submitted to the NHSEC along with the Application.


Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend the Open House/ Public Information Session to learn about the project.


Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Pre-filing Public Open House: Drop in between 5:30 - 7 p.m.

SEC Public Information Session: 7 - 9 p.m.

Oyster River High School Cafeteria

55 Coe Drive Durham, NH 03824


 

PUBLIC HEARING ON NHDOT PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION OF US ROUTE 4 OVER BUNKER CREEK PROJECT - Thursday, May 28, 2015

A Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Durham Town Hall regarding the NHDOT proposed reconstruction of US Route 4 over Bunker Creek.

 

The project will replace the bridge carrying US Route 4 over Bunker Creek in the Town of Durham. The new bridge will be built in the same location as the existing bridge. The proposed improvements will also include the reconstruction of US Route 4 extending 1,300' east and 1,000' west of the bridge. Advertising for bids is tentatively scheduled for January 8, 2019.

 

Interested landowners, local officials, and highway users are welcome to attend and will be given the opportunity to express their comments relative to the project.

 

Written statements and other exhibits may be submitted to:

 

Chairman of the Commission

c/o William J. Cass, Director of Project Development

New Hampshire Department of Transportation

PO Box 483

Concord, NH 03302-0483

 

Up to ten (10) days after the public hearing for inclusion in the official record.

 

The Town Hall will be open 1/2 hour prior to the time of the hearing for inspection of plans by any interested persons.

 

Any individuals needing assistance or auxiliary communication equipment due to sensory impairment or other disability should contact Charles r. Schmidt, P.E., Administrator of the Bureau of Right-of-Way, NHDOT, PO Box 483, Concord, NH 03302-0483 - TDD access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964. Notification of the need for assistance must be made no later than 7 days before the hearing.

 

To view more details regarding the Public Hearing, as well as a map of the site, click HERE

 

Questions concerning the project should be directed to NHDOT Project Manager Robert Landry at 603-271-2731.

 

MAIN STREET/MILL ROAD SEWER PROJECT NIGHT WORK STARTS APRIL 19TH

The Town has hired The Nelson Companies of Center Conway to complete a sewer project which involves constructing a new 8” sewer line and two new sewer manholes connecting the existing sewer on Main St. to the existing sewer on Mill Road at Commons Way.

 

This project is scheduled to begin Sunday April 19th and is necessary to handle the expected sewer capacity from new developments in the downtown core. The construction work hours will be restricted to night hours (approximately 9pm-6am), typically Sunday – Thursday.

 

We expect very little impact to businesses and parking. Every effort will be made to minimize these impacts. It is also expected that the contractor will maintain lanes for traffic at night during construction.

 

Once the contractor mobilizes to the site, barring any complications or significant weather delays, the project is expected to take 2-3 weeks to complete. Noise from the contractor’s equipment and work vehicles may be experienced during work hours. Questions and/or concerns should be directed to Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at atalon@ci.durham.nh.us or 603-868-5578.

 

Todd Selig wearing sunglasses inside due to Iritis.  Courtesy Jennie Berry

 

WHY IS TODD WEARING SUN GLASSES AT NIGHT?

My apologies to everyone for wearing sunglasses these last two weeks here, there, everywhere. 

 

I have a condition called Iritis that has flared up making my eye painful, sensitive to light, and necessitating the need for ongoing dilation in one eye and the regular administration of prednisone eye drops. 

 

If all goes well, the sunglasses should be able to come off in another week.

 

PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR VACANCY

The Town of Durham is seeking a full-time, year-round, salaried (40+ hours/week) Parks and Recreation Director responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating parks and recreation programs and services for the community.

 

Ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work closely with volunteers, strong planning, organizational, and writing skills, independence and initiative, and a general knowledge of parks and recreation issues, funding sources, the development of revenue producing programs, facility management, trail maintenance experience, property management, and budget development/oversight. The Town seeks an individual that will further enhance our rapidly developing recreation opportunities.

 

This position will work closely with members of Durham’s Parks and Recreation Committee, town staff, and other community groups.  The position reports directly to the Town’s Administrator.  

 

Minimum qualifications are a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management or related field, and at least three years working with the public, preferably in a municipal parks and recreation setting.  An acceptable combination of education/experience may be combined to fulfill the formal educational/experience requirement.  Salary Range: $52,814 - $63,233 plus a competitive benefit package. 


Durham is a dynamic community located in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region with a population of approximately 15,141, and is home to the University of New Hampshire.

 

Interested persons should reply with cover letter and resume by the end of business on Friday, May 8, 2015 to the Administrator’s Office, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or email information to tselig@ci.durham.nh.us. A job description is available on line at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/


 

LEADERSHIP SEACOAST PRESENTATION

This week, Administrator Selig participated as a speaker in the Leadership Seacoast program which took place at the Stone Church in Newmarket.  A brief outline of the day included:

  • Brian Gottlob and Eric Chinburg will present a big picture view of economic development in the Seacoast;
  • our participants had small group discussions with economic development managers and businesses from various Seacoast towns (Portsmouth, Exeter, Newmarket and Dover)
  • After lunch, a tour of the mills and some history of the development.

Todd Selig ended the day with a discussion of the challenges, opportunities and other big picture issues facing economic health in the Seacoast.   

 

Construction along Jenkins Court next to Mexteca at brick building (shown here from

Sammy's Lot)  Courtesy Todd Selig

 

 

WHAT IS BEING CONSTRUCTED ON JENKINS COURT?

A number of residents have inquired what is being built on Jenkins Court as construction fencing has been installed this past week by owner and Durham resident Tom Christie.  The property is in the name of Slania Enterprises.  


In 2009 the owner, Slania Enterprises, submitted an application for an addition to the brick building on Jenkins Court located next to Mixteca.  The project was approved at that time by the Town’s land use boards but work did not commence until now.  The project is considered an "infill" project.  In terms of development, infill projects are ideal in that they better use existing downtown space and do not contribute to sprawl.


The project consists of approximately 1008 sq. ft. of commercial space on the ground floor with two floors of housing above consisting of five rental units.  


 

DURHAM TO HOST DELEGATION FROM PAKISTAN ON APRIL 23RD CONCERNING THE WORKINGS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TRANSPARENCY

A group of government and NGO leaders and their translators will be visiting Durham from Pakistan to talk about local governance.  They are interested in learning about transparency and how local government works.  The program is a US State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs effort in conjunction with the World Affairs Council of NH.  The presentation will take place on April 23, 2015, from 4-5 PM, in the Town Council chambers.  Interested residents are welcome.


 

Herons nesting on Durham Point Road. Babies have been born! Courtesy Susie & Mark Houle

 

CHIEF KURZ MEETS WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGARDING POLICE FIRING RANGE

Chief Kurz attended a meeting with the Strafford County Commissioners along with Chief Tony Colarusso of the Dover Police to reaffirm the need for a County-wide firearms range where all police departments within Strafford County could practice and qualify with their various weapon systems.  Chief Kurz highlighted the challenges for Durham, which were also occurring in almost every community within Strafford County, whereby previously isolated property existed to accomplish firearms training. With housing construction hampering these old uses, there is need to think globally on this subject throughout the County. The County Commissioners acknowledged their desire to provide these types of regional opportunities for all communities within Strafford County, especially when individually projects or initiatives are too costly to address alone.  As this initiative progresses, Chief Kurz will have additional information


 

RESIDENTIAL SPRING CLEANUP - PICKUP BEGINS MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015

Please place materials curbside NO EARLIER than April 25th and NO LATER than 7AM on April 27th.  Remember that there is no set schedule as to when DPW crews will be in a specific neighborhoods since each year is different and depends on how much is left out from one street to another. This is why it is important to have items curbside by April 27th.

 

DPW crews will not return to a street once items have been collected. However, with a residential permit, residents may  bring bulky items to the Transfer Station without a coupon between the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM during the following dates:

 

Tuesday, April 28th

Saturday, May 2nd

Tuesday, May 5th

Saturday, May 9th

 

Electronics still need the sticker during spring cleanup if it applies.  The Spring newsletter should be in homes by this weekend.  Information on Spring cleanup and other topics are contained in the newsletter, which can be viewed HERE.

 

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING AND PROGRAM - TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST

The Durham Historic Association presents “A MOST AMAZING ENGINEERING FEAT - THE FIRST PISCATAQUA RIVER BRIDGE” on April 21st at 7 pm at the Durham Public Library, 49 Madbury Road:

 

Dr. Helen Frink will give an illustrated talk about the architect and builders of the amazing bridge from Cedar Point in Durham to Fox Point in Newington, described in a 1794 newspaper as “the largest and most elegant bridge in North America…one of the greatest pieces of mechanical genius done in America”.


As a child growing up in Newington, Helen Frink listened to family tales of ancestor Cyrus Frink, who heard of a bridge being built across the Piscataqua River in 1794.  At the age of 21 he walked from Stonington, Connecticut to Newington with his carpenter’s tools on his back. He helped build the bridge, settled at its Newington end, and married a descendant of the infamous Hatevil Nutter. When the bridge was destroyed by ice, Cyrus’s sons Elias and Darius salvaged bridge timbers to erect the barn at their farm in Newington. Descendant Helen Frink decided to find out if the family story was true. After retiring from 33 years of teaching at Keene State College, she read Cyrus Frink’s account books and the records of the Piscataqua Bridge Corporation in Concord. She discovered that the Piscataqua Bridge (1794-1855) was one of the most remarkable construction feats of its day, boasting the longest arch in the world when it was built.  As for great-great-grandfather Cyrus, everything she’d learned about him as a child proved true – and much more.
 

Helen Frink is the author of town histories of Acworth and Alstead.  Her newest book, Oil, Ice, and Bone; Arctic Whaler Nathaniel Ransom, is an icy tale of danger and adventure based on the journals of another ancestor who escaped with his life from the worst disaster in whaling history.

 

A brief business meeting will precede Dr. Frink’s presentation. There will be an opportunity for attendees to become DHA members to continue the preservation of documents and artifacts relevant to the history of Oyster River Plantation and the Town of Durham. Refreshments will be served.

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information

 

Town Council - Monday, April 20, 2015

Economic Development Committee - Tuesday April 21, 2015

Planning Board - Wednesday, Aprl22, 2015

 

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

 

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

 

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.

 

DCAT Programming Schedule.

 

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Fire Chief Corey Landry and David Williams. Courtesy DCAT Studios

 

TOWN CONVERSATIONS WITH HOST DAVID WILLIAMS

Interviewed by Planning Board Member David Williams, Chief Landry speaks of the current capabilities of the Fire Department, as well as upcoming developments, and the challenges the department faces in the future.


Beginning 100 years ago as an activity of the University, the Fire Department became a town agency only in 1990 and continues to be located on University property which is now rented to Durham.  A total staff of 36, 25 of whom are trained firemen and women, our Fire Department is pledged to protect both property and life.  Experiencing about 2500 calls a year, the Fire Department provides a wide range of response services on land and water as well as kitties up in trees.


Emerging enhancements to the Department include a new station in Durham to house all Department resources, including a full-time training officer and new fire engine.

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Join DCAT 22 Studios on a time lapse video tour of our New Town Hall.  Watch from a bird’s eye view as the Town Hall starts as the old bank and quickly transforms into our new space.   This video is only available on our On Demand site.

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DCAT is Live Streaming

Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account.  You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time.  All you have to do is click and watch.  Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device.  Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

 

GREAT BAY ESUTAURY SPRINT RACE FOR CANOES AND KAYAKS COMING TO DURHAM IN AUGUST

The Great Bay Stewards have informed the Town that the first Great Bay Estuary sprint race for canoes and kayaks of all classes will be held at high tide on Saturday, August 15th this year.  


The 10 mi. race will start at Jackson’s Landing and goes into Little Bay, around Goat Island, continues to Adams Point, and then returns to the Oyster River and Jackson Landing.


All classes of canoes and kayaks can be entered, and there will be an Open Touring and Solo Recreation class for novice paddlers.


More information can be found on the website www.greatbaystewards.org. or by contacting the race director (Alan Bennett) at mcbeneta@aol.com.


 

 

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.

 

Camp R.E.A.C.H. 2015 – Register NOW! - We’re excited to introduce our 2015 summer camps!  Click HERE to explore everything from chemistry, rockets and kayaking to legos and vet school!  Registration is on a first come, first served basis.   

 

Coyote Club – NEW Session Starts April 20th - Don’t miss out on your chance to join in on the fun!  This will be the last session of Coyote Club until next fall.

Registration Deadline: April 13th (a $10 late fee will apply after this date)

Find out more HERE


 

For the latest information about programs and events, visit: Durham Parks & Recreation Online

 

Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25th - If you have a group, organization, or unit of 5 or more who would like to participate in the 68th Annual Memorial Day Parade, please fill out the form and email to Parks & Recreation Director Stefanie Frazee by April 30th: Parade Registration Form HERE

 

View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE.

 

Why join a Durham Parks & Recreation fitness class?

  • Convenient location - Drop in to most classes for only $10!
  • Fits your schedule - Classes available Monday through Saturday!
  • Quality - Classes instructed by certified, local, and passionate instructors!

Bootcamp: An hour of POWER! Total body cardio and strength workout to start your day off right. 
Tai Ji Quan - Moving For Better Balance:  This world-renowned balance training program combines Tai Ji Quan movements with therapy and function exercises to keep you on your feet and moving.  
Pilates:  Improve your flexibility, gain core strength, and overall body tone. All in one hour!  
Zumba:  A dynamic, easy to follow, cardio dance fitness class.  We do hip-hop, salsa, flamenco, bollywood, and so much more!  You don't need experience, just jump in and join the party!
Yoga:  Allow your mind, body, and spirit to connect through meditation and movement.  
Strength & Stretch: Improve your bone density and balance with a total body strengthening session, followed by stretching to improve flexibility.  
Yoga for Active Adults (55+): Quiet your mind, reduce stress, and learn relaxation techniques.  Designed for every ability level.  
Tai Chi Advanced:  Combination of Tai Ji Quan movements and therapeutic exercise to keep your body active.  Designed for participants with Tai Chi experience.  

 

Save the Date:

Camp REACH Registration: Opens April 17th - May 31st
Summer Concert Series: June – August
Memorial Day Parade: May 25th (Registration form HERE)


 

Annual Quackfest and Duck Race at the Durham Town Landing, May 9th. See more information below.

 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

UNH Celebrity Series presents A Couple of Blaguards, Friday, Apr 17, 2015, 7PM, Paul Creative Arts Center’s Johnson Theatre in Durham. Tickets can be purchased on line HERE.

Newcomers Unlimited Meeting, Friday, Apr 17, 2015, Durham Community Church  Guest speaker Dr. Mary Westfall: To Save or Savor the World: the joys and possibilities of living in these times—Part II: Nurture and Renew. Social/9AM; speaker/10AM. Please park in the lower lot. The entrance from the lower lot has handicap access.

Seacoast Reliability Project Open House: Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Pre-filing Public Open House:  Drop in between 5:30 - 7 p.m., SEC Public Information Session:  7 - 9 p.m., Oyster River High School Cafeteria, 55 Coe Drive, Durham, NH

Same Flowers, Different Arrangement, Tuesday, Apr 28, 2015, 6:30 PM(social time; program begins 7:15PM), Durham Public Library. Presented by Durham Garden Club.Garden Club of America floral design judges Helen Cohen and Meghan Harris will join members and guests of the Durham Garden Club to demonstrate two basic floral design styles using the same plant materials. Public welcome.

23rd Annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, Saturday, May 9, 2015. The Durham Post Office letter carriers will be collecting non-perishable foods for the local food pantry. Residents are asked to leave donations by their mailboxes and the carriers will pick them up when delivering the mail. Donations can also be dropped off at the post office.

Oyster River Quackfest-Rubber Duck Race, Saturday, May 9, 2015, 11:30AM - 1:30PM, Durham Town Landing. 1 duck for $5 OR  5 ducks for $20 (ducks can be purchased before the event at Durham Market Place or at the event). Free kids activities, great prizes and your local Rotarians grilling up food.
Growing Places TimberNook Camps – Spring 2015. Both run at Moharimet Elementary School, 11 Lee Road, Madbury.
Creative Minds for 5-12 year olds (After School Enrichment for five Tuesdays)

3:15-6:00 pm Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21 and May 5, 12 - Cost $150

No program Tuesday April 28 due to Oyster River School Vacation
Going Wild “Challenge Camp” for 5-12 year olds (Oyster River school vacation week) 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday – Friday, April 27 – May 1 - Cost $175

*Extended Care is available 7:30-9:00 am and 1:00-5:30 pm. The cost with extended care is $250. Email timbernook@growingplacesnh.org to sign up.

UNH Summer Camps.  UNH Summer Youth Programs are taking registrations! For a full list of the many camps offered, click HERE.
New programs in 2015:  Rowing & Coxing Camp, June 27 – July 1, Grades 9-12; Agriculture, Food, & the Environment, Aug 2-8, Ages 15-17; French Camp, Aug 3-7, Ages 13-17; Boys Soccer Camp, July 26-30, Ages 9-18; UN Manchester STEM Discovery Lab, various sessions

 

Family Movie at the Library "Alexander and the no good, terrible, horrible, very bad day", Sat. April 18th at 2:00 pm

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Family Storytime, Sat. April 18th 10:30am – This week:  “Kittens!” - Join us for Cat and Kitten stories, fingerplays, feltboard and a fun craft.  This storytime is for all ages and all are welcome.  Next week:  Sat. April 25th:  “I Spy!”
Family Movie: “Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!”, Sat. April 19th 2:00 pm - Join us for a family movie in the community room and enjoy popcorn and a drink.
Harriet K. Swenson, Author & Caregiver Meet and Greet, Thursday April 23rd 10:30 am - What does it mean to be a caregiver in this day and age? Harriet K. Swenson, author of "Around the House" will share her personal journey of wife and caregiver. All are invited to a meet and greet with Harriet on Thursday April 23 at 10:30. Light refreshments served. Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Computer Help at the Library!  Tuesday through Friday, 3:00-4:30 pm – Any kind of computer help is available at these times every week.  People are standing by to assist you with your questions.
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., April 20th at 2:45 p.m. -   This week’s game is:  "Ticket to Ride”
Pajama Storytime, Tues. April 21st, 6:30 pm – Join Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers and the Durham Library for our monthly PJ storytime.  Come wearing you pajamas!  This month:  Butterflies and Caterpillars!  We hear stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a fun craft.  This is a great way to meet other parents.  Snack is provided by ORPP and all are welcome!
Storytimes, Tues.  April 21st and Thurs. April 23rd at 10:30 a.m.  They will be about “Art and Colors”!  We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
Durham Historic Association Meeting, Tuesday April 21st 7 pm - The April meeting of the Durham Historic Association topic: History of the Piscataqua Bridge. Contact Richard Lord 659-2721 rhlord@comcast.net
Knitting Club for 3rd-5th graders!   Weds. April 22nd from 4-5 p.m.  -  Come and learn to knit.  Space is limited.  Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care-giver) Weds. April 22nd at 10:30 a.m. – Join us for stories, movement, songs, fingerplays and fun.  There is a time to socialize afterwards.  Registration required.  Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Native Pollinator Workshop, Wednesday April 22nd 6:30 pm -  The Strafford County Conservation District is hosting a workshop on native pollinators. Learn about native pollinators like bumblebees and beetles, how they can benefit fruit and vegetable crops, and how to attract them to your property. Contact Alena Warren 603-969-3345 alena@straffordccd.org
Lego Club will meet again on Thurs.  April 23rd at 3:45 p.m. and the theme will be “Robots”!
Homeschooler’s Activity Hour, Fri., April 24th at 10:30 a.m. and the theme is “Japan”!  This group is geared toward home-schooler’s, but all are welcome.
Friends' Book Discussion, Wednesday April 29th 10:30 am - Please join Jennifer Lee in the Friend's Book Discussion of Melville's Billy Budd and Benito Cereno, 10:30 am Wednesday, April 29th.  Your Melville awaits you.
Crafternoon – Saturday April 25th 12:00-4:00 pm – Come and create!  Stop by the Children’s room for a fun craft.
Tim Van Egmond, Musician and Storyteller Performs on Thurs. April 30th at 10:30 am at the Lee Safety Complex – Join us for this fun school vacation performer sponsored jointly by the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries.  Don’t miss Tim’s fun stories and music.  He will engage children of all ages.  All are welcome!
Make-It-Take-It Craft  during Oyster River School Vacation Week, Sat. April 25th through Sat. May 2nd – Join us in the storytime room for a fun craft.  Make a “Fish Mosaic”.  Come and be creative.  No programs this week except for Storyteller Tim Van Egmond on Thurs. April 30th at 10:30 am at the Lee Safety Complex.
In The Gallery - Come a see the new exhibit in the Durham Public Library gallery. Robert Richardson, a painting instructor from Exeter has six oil paintings, including still lifes, cityscapes from Quebec and a setting on Monhegan Island. This show will be hanging for the month of April.
Patch Club:  reading incentive program for ages 2-12 years.  Sign-up at the Children’s Desk!
Tales for Tails:  Read to a trained therapy dog K-4th grade - sign-up at the Children’s desk.  We have two new dogs, North and Ozzie!  This is a great way for your child to gain confidence in reading!
Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club.  Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library.  Talk to the Children’s Librarian at the children’s desk for more details.
Youth Book Groups:

Raccoon Readers 2nd-4th grade. Monthly book group. Tues. May 5th 6-7PM.  This month's book is "Loot" by Jude Watson.  We talk about books, do puzzles, play some games and make a craft.

Bookeaters Middle School Book Group.  Meets Wed. May 13th   2:45-4PM This month's books are "There Will Be Lies" by Nick Lane or “A Long, Long, Sleep by Anna Sheehan.  Walk from the Middle School.  Ruth Wharton-McDonald is the facilitator.  All are welcome and pizza is served.  Books are available at the library.

Libros Lovers, Monthly High School book group. Meets Wed. 2:45-4:00PM. May 20th. This month’s book is “Will Grayson, Will Grayson” by John Green and David Levithan.  Pizza is served.
Upcoming:

4/28   Durham Garden Club 6:30 pm

4/30   Tim Van Egmond, Storyteller, Musician 10:30 am

5/1    Alzheimer’s Café 10:30 am

5/2    McGregor EMS Babysitting Course 10:30 am

5/2    Local author, Nancy Donovan, visits storytime 10:30 am

5/4    Young Adult Writing Group 6:30 pm

5/5    Raccoon Readers 6:00 pm

5/5    Oyster River Knitters 7:00 pm

5/6    Seacoast Camera Club Reception & Exhibit 6:30 pm

5/12  McGregor EMS First Aid Course 6:00 pm    


 

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.

 

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
1940 - Ed and Mary Scheier were sponsored by the N.H. League of Arts and Crafts and became teachrs at UNH. As skilled potters, their creations from Durham clay are collectors' items in museums world-wide. Fortunate are the many students who studied with this couple.

 

1940 - The last of the one-room schools at Packers Falls was closed in June. The Mast Road School had closed in 1915 and the Point School in 1921. The Schoolhouse Lane School in the village was built in 1890 with 2 rooms, with tower and bell. Enlarged to 4-room in 1917, the tower was removed.

 

Have a very nice weekend.

 

Todd

 

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

 

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