Friday Updates - August 26, 2016

Friday, August 26, 2016

Oyster River footbridge. Courtesy Doug Clarke

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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST

The Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Durham Town Hall on Tuesday, September 6, from 7:00 – 7:30 PM, to make corrections to the checklist and to accept new voter registrations.  This will be the last chance to register before the State Primary Election on September 13.  Please note that changes in party registration cannot be made at this time.  The last date to do this was May 31, which was well advertised. 

At the Primary, voters entering the polling place as Undeclared voters may change their status back to Undeclared before they leave. They will be the only voters  allowed to change party on election day.  

To check your voting status, go to http://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/PollingPlaceSearch.aspx

Prospective voters are required by law to show proof of identity, age (18 by election day), domicile in Durham, and U.S. citizenship.  A driver’s license and a birth certificate or a passport are most useful.  Affidavits of domicile, citizenship, and identity may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking. Remember to bring to the polls on September 13 a photo ID both for registering to vote as well as to obtain a ballot.  

 

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION - Tuesday, September 13th

The State Primary Election in Durham will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Voters will park in reserved spaces along the front of the school and use the Multipurpose Room entrance.

 

Voter Registration Applications, Information & Sample Ballots can be viewed HERE.

 

INFORMATION FOR OWNERS OF RENTAL UNITS/PROPERTIES

There is a new page on the Durham website devoted to State and Local regulations and information for owners of rental units and/or properties.  If you are a landlord, please take a moment to review the information HERE.

 

UNH Freshmen began moving in on campus this morning getting ready to begin the 2016-17 academic year. Courtesy DCAT Studios

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday October 1, 2016

The 2016 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive.  As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8-11:30AM.  To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.  Remember - The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS.  

 

NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS,

SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 

Consider reducing your purchase of products with hazardous ingredients; read labels thoroughly. Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in anything other than their original containers and never remove labels. Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become un-recyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.

 

LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS , MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY!  These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year.  Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil,  anti-freeze  and  oil  based  paints  can  go  up  as  is.  Typically,  hazardous  waste  is  categorized  as  toxic,  ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label.

 
Common Household Hazardous Waste:

TOWN OF DURHAM SUBSIDIZES RESIDENT COSTS FOR POOL MEMBERSHIP

The Durham Town Council has committed to subsidizing resident costs for pool memberships up to a sum of $30,000. When purchasing one of the various pool pass options from the University of New Hampshire, Town of Durham residents will receive a 20% discount off the purchase price.

Passes need to be purchased in person at Campus Recreation and proof of residency must be provided to receive this subsidy.

In addition, any passes purchased for the 2016 season will be valid for the 2017 season - in other words - Swim FREE for the 2016 season by purchasing a membership or MVP pass now. Additional information and membership fees can be found HERE.

A couple of youngsters enjoying the bounty from the community gardens at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy DCAT Studios

CANADA GEESE AT MILL POND AREA

For those who may visit the Mill Pond and walk their dogs along Mill Pond Road near the pond and Churchill Apartments, please be aware that this area has recently experienced a large amount of Canada Geese that have been coming to the pond, and with that, leaving an equally large amount of droppings in the area; not only in the grassy area around the pond, but also on the sidewalk and the grassy hill going up to the Churchill Apartments.


A Churchill Apartment resident informed the Town that one of their neighbors' dogs contracted and is being treated for Giardia after having been in contact with the droppings, and warns residents to be aware of this situation when visiting the Mill Pond and walking pets in that area.

 

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES

Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates".  Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.

 

This week's Mini Film is How One Man is Reviving the rare California Pipevine Swallowtail in his backyard.  

Durham's Food Friendly Yard program encourages residents to make their properties nurturing places for people and wildlife. Even a small backyard can become a productive place and a haven for stressed species. 

Italianate-style house of Joe and Maggie Moore on Lee Road in Durham. Courtesy DCAT Studios

MOORE MURALS

Town Planner Michael Behrendt and DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens had the pleasure of viewing a series of striking murals in the home of Joe and Maggie Moore on Lee Road in Durham.

Their handsome Italianate-style house was built in 1858, and the murals were probably painted within ten years or so afterward.  It was a trend in 19th century interior home decoration to hire an itinerant artist to create a mural.  They were often unsigned.  It is not known who painted the Moore's’ murals, which appear to be fanciful imaginings with their eccentric turrets, towers, and crenellations, and ghostly vessels.

The hanging boulder at the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park is the only recognizable image.  A heavy storm in 1883 started a landslide which dislodged the ominously-suspended 10-by-12 foot rock.  It has never been found.

In 2014, the Moores hired Linda Carter Lefko, an advisor with the Rufus Porter Museum in Bridgton, Maine, to do a limited restoration. (The murals are somewhat evocative of the work of the remarkable Rufus Porter, 1792-1884, a Yankee folk artist and inventor, who traveled New England painting murals in homes and taverns.)

Of the Moore's murals, Ms. Lefko noted “Victorian Hudson River style murals painted on plaster in oil.  Painted walls are in the front foyer, up the staircase and in the upper interior hallway.  Walls were probably originally decorated @ 1865-70. There are two other houses with painted murals by the same hand in the same style with many of the same motif elements.  The flume appears on the wall in each of the houses.”  She notes that the walls have been repaired several times over the years.

Joe said that a former owner had contemplated placing wall paper over the murals.  Happily, she relented.  New England is blessed with a surprising number of beautiful home murals (including one by John Hatch at the Ledges in Durham).  Many have been lost to decay or demolition but there are more to discover hidden behind later installations of paint, paper and partitions.

Front stairs in the Moore house. Courtesy DCAT Studios

TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS IN SEPTEMBER

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Town Council meetings in September will be held on Monday, September 12th and Monday, September 26th instead of the usual 1st and 3rd Mondays.

 

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the upcoming 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.

No public meetings are scheduled for the week of

August 29 - September 2, 2016

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

TOUR OF DOWNTOWN TO DISCUSS URBAN TREES

John Parry, a Durham resident and professional Forester with the US Forest Service, will lead a guided tour in Downtown Durham to discuss urban trees.  The tour will look at trees that are downtown, discuss ways to improve the health of existing trees, and ways tree coverage can be added to the downtown area.


The tour is scheduled for Thursday September 1st and will begin in the park in front of the “Works Bagel Cafe” in the Mill Plaza and will end near Madbury Commons.

Interested parties should gather at 4:15PM for a 4:30-6:00PM tour.  Come learn about urban trees and best practices in tree care.

 

DOE FARM TO BE CLOSED TO PUBLIC DURING ONE WEEK IN OCTOBER TO FACILITATE INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL

The Trustees of the Trust Funds, in coordination with DPW, plan to close Doe Farm to public use during one week in October around the time the Town's contractor is spraying herbicide to kill invasive plants.  

 

Since the weather patterns in the early Fall may vary enough from normal to cause the Trustees to shift their "best time" selection forward or backward by a week, they can't say yet which week the Farm will be closed.  The Trustees are not closing because they expect the spraying operation to endanger anyone, but to prevent unwanted, unprotected public contact with herbicides and interference with the workers.  (As you may recall, someone (or ones) removed all of the flagging delineating the invasive plant infestation areas earlier this year causing frustrating delays and additional expense for the project.)

 

The Trustees and DPW will work to minimize the time of closure.

 

LOCAL BATTERY AND LIGHT BULB RECYCLING CENTER

For those wondering about how and where to go to have used light bulbs and batteries recycled, Batteries Plus in Newington accepts these items for recycling. For more information, visit their website HERE.

Newly arriving UNH students bringing some "treasures" back to their dorm/apartment during move-in day after visiting the Trash to Treasures yard sale at the Whittemore Center. Courtesy DCAT Studios

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

DCAT 22 now has an aerial drone. The drone craft will be used in many different municipal capacities where an aerial view is necessary. The drone has HD video and HD still shot capability.  Due to the size and weight of the drone, it’s necessary for it to be registered with the FAA, tail numbers: FA3ECN9RR3.  

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Perhaps it was too hot for you to attend the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Forum on July 14 in the Oyster River High School (it was very warm inside), but alas, you can watch from your air conditioned home as DCAT 22 Studios was there to record the event.  This video is available for replay on DCAT Cable Channel 22 and on our On Demand site.  Total run time: 1:16 – Monday at 4:00 PM, Tuesday at 1:30 PM, Wednesday at 10:00 AM, Thursday at 10:00 PM & Friday at 8:30 PM.

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New video from DCAT 22 Studios

Learn a wee bit more about the Durham Farmer’s Market and the vendors that shelp their delicious wares from town to town on a weekly basis. This is a video short and runs a total of 7:00 minutes.  Phil also recorded the most recent and ever popular “Music on the Lawn” series from the Durham Public Library’s green and comfy lawn.  Performing artist, TJ Wheeler.  TJ enjoys regaling his listeners with stories of the blues and jazz.  Run time: 33:37  Both videos are available on our DCAT 22 On Demand site: dcat22.viebit.com (DCAT Studios folder).  Thanks to DCAT 22 volunteer, Phil Kincaid for recording and editing these videos.
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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.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF DURHAM FOR NEW WEBSITE
In the next month the Town will be launching a new website. Visitors to the website should find it much easier to navigate via desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Although most of the background pictures are in place, we are open to adding a picture or two submitted by residents capturing what they think is Durham's "identity" (i.e., the people of Durham, conservation lands, farmers' market, the community's connection to Great Bay, etc.).

All pictures should be submitted in the highest quality possible and must be "landscape" fashion. Please send photographs to dcat@ci.durham.nh.us.  Questions should be directed to DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens at the same email address. Any photos submitted will be used at the Town's discretion. The deadline for submission is Friday, September 2.

Mural in the upstairs hallway at the Moore house. Courtesy DCAT Studios

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS - BE A STEWARD OF THE DURHAM HISTORY

The Historic District/Heritage Commission currently has one vacancy with a term expiration of April 30, 2018.

The Durham Historic District/Heritage Commission helps administer the Durham Historic District Ordinance, as described in the Zoning Ordinance, the purpose of which is to preserve and promote the historic, cultural, educational, economic, and general welfare of the community.

The Commission meets the first Thursday of every month at 7PM in the Town Council chambers.

Interested residents may complete a board appointment application and submit it to Jennie Berry at jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. The form can be found HERE,
then click on "Application for Appointment".

Questions concerning the HD/HC may directed to Michael Behrendt at 603-868-8064 or email at http://mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.

HOST FAMILY OPPORTUNITY
A host family is being sought to host Leo, a 15-year-old male, 9th grader from Xi’an, China, who will attend Berwick Academy this fall. The family will earn $900 a month to host. The host family will treat Leo as a family member, not as a guest. They will provide room and board, and, if not within walking distance, a ride to and from Berwick Academy’s bus stop in front of Wildcat Fitness. Leo will pay all other expenses. CYC (Culture and Youth Connections), with offices in Durham, NH and Beijing, China, provides 24-hour local support and works directly with the host family, Leo, Berwick Academy, and Leo’s parents, for a smooth homestay. If interested, please contact Anna Yu: cell: 603-397-2305,  cycinchina@gmail.com.

 

Castle and tower images at Moore house. Courtesy DCAT Studios

DURHAM'S NEWEST OFFICER GRADUATES FROM POLICE ACADEMY

Chief Kurz welcomed the return of Katie Callahan who graduated 6th in her class from the New Hampshire Police Academy on August 19th after 14-weeks of intensive training.  Due to the hotter than normal weather temperatures that we have been experiencing this summer, the graduation took place in the air conditioned Granite State Room on the UNH campus.  Now that Katie is a certificated police in New Hampshire she has been assigned to one of the field training officers who are senior patrol officers who will be responsible to instruct Officer Callahan in the practices, policies and nuances of providing policing services to the Durham community for the next 8 to 12 weeks.  

 

Deputy Chief Rene Kelley, Chief David Kurz, Officer Thomas Kilroy, and Lieutenant David Holmstock with new officer Katie Callahan. Courtesy Durham PD

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.

Fall Programs and Registration
Please visit us HERE for a full list of fall programs, including detailed information and online registration.

 

Durham Day at Wagon Hill Farm

Saturday, September 17th from 12:30-3:30pm. Enjoy a community celebration of Durham with FREE BBQ, live music, informational booths from community organizations and businesses, Kayak & boat tours, kids activities and more!

Those interested in being an Exhibitor or volunteering for Durham Day please complete our Participant Registration Form.

Needed for Durham Day:

• Propane Grills
• Boat Drivers
• Face Painters
• Event Volunteers

Rain Date for Durham Day-Sunday, September 18th 12:30-3:30pm.

Sunset Yoga Hike
Friday, Sept. 16th from 5-6:30pm.  Celebrate the Harvest Moon by taking a yoga hike at Wagon Hill Farm. Instructor Colleen Kendall-Piel is sure to relax your muscles while the moon begins to rise. $15/for pre-registers/ $17 for drop-ins.  Register HERE.

Historic Walking Tour
Sunday, Sept. 18th from 1-2pm.  Join the Durham Historic Association for insight into the history of Durham! This free tour begins at the Durham Parks and Recreation/ DHA building and includes many historic spots nearby. Some spots included are: The Chapel, 3 Chimney’s Inn, the oldest house in Durham, and the Raid on Fort William and Mary. The guided walk will conclude at Sullivan Graveyard.  Register HERE.

Coyote Club Session 1

Mondays- September 12th-November 7th 3:30-5pm at the Moharimet Sugar Shack and surrounding woods.  Transportation is available from Mast Way Elementary School to Moharimet.  Register HERE by Monday, September 5th.  

NEW- Coyote Club sessions are now 8 weeks vs. 6 weeks.

Coyote Club introduces children to nature-based studies, native crafts and environmental stewardship.  This program will get kids out of the house and into the woods, connecting them to their environment. 

FREE Yoga at Wagon Hill Farm

Thursdays from 5-6pm. Bring a mat or a blanket and meet at the wagon.  Participation is FREE.  Class is canceled in the case of inclement weather.

Adult Fitness Classes

Durham Parks & Recreation offers a variety of weekly Adult Fitness Classes that are welcoming, affordable and fun!  Our current class schedule includes, Bootcamp, Pilates, Strength & Stretch, Zumba, Traditional Tai Chi & Tai Chi Balance and Qigong, Yoga classes and Restorative Yoga Workshops.  For details on class times and schedules, please visit us HERE.

Save The Date:

Friday Teeter TOTers Playgroup with ORPP- Beginning September 16th

Tentative Churchill Rink Opening Day- Tuesday, October 11th.  

Spooktacular Day- Friday, October 28th 4-6pm

Tree Lighting Celebration- Saturday, December 3rd

Officers Brett Brett Pestana and David Skelly with Bleu, a Scottish Highlander from the Miles Smith farm.

 

DURHAM POLICE PARTICIPATE IN DURHAM FARM DAY

Officers Bret Pestana and David Skelly are pictured with “Bleu” who was taking a break from providing rides to many of the children in attendance at Durham Farm Day activities at the Emery Farm.  While the owner Carole Soule was attempting to convince one of the officers to take a ride with Bleu, both decided they were more comfortable with both feet on the ground!

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

The ARA will hold its general meeting on Monday, Sep 12, 2016. More information provided below. Courtesy ARA

Active Retirement Association General Meeting, Monday, Sep 12, 2016, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church (lower level). ARA offers programs reflecting the many interests of people 50+ years old, retired or not. Contact Carol Caldwell, 603-343-1004, info@ara-nh.org.  Visit the ARA website HERE.

Emery Farms is now serving Annabelle's Ice Cream and White Heron Coffee and Tea, along with expanded offerings in its market.  Extended hours starting Monday, 7AM to 7PM.

The Freedom Café “New England Patriots Big Game Raffle Fundraiser”. One winner receives two Putnam Club tickets with valet parking to the New England Patriots game against the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Nov 13, 2016, 8PM. Raffle Tickets: $25 each; 5 for $100; 12 for $200. Maximum of 1000 tickets will be sold. Purchase on line HERE; The Freedom Café, Durham; and DSquared Java, Exeter. Drawing is Wednesday, Sep 14, 2016, 7PM, at The Freedom Café, 10 Mill Road. You do not need to be present to win. More information, contact (603) 815-4916, http://info@thefreedomcafe.org
Growing Places Openings. This year, due to some of the children going to all day public kindergarten, Growing Places has some openings (especially for 2,3 and 4 years old). More information can be found HERE.
Durham Farmers' Market at Jackson's Landing - Every Monday now through October 3 (2:15 - 6PM)

Image of Flume boulder at Moore house. Courtesy DCAT Studios

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

The library will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5th.

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:
Fall Programs start Sept. 6th!
Storytimes begin Tues. Sept. 6th and Thurs. Sept. 8th at 10:30 am.  “Mice!”

Saturday Family Programs begin Sat. Sept. 10th at 10:30 am “Marble Mazes”
Baby Lap-sit begins Weds. Sept. 14th at 10:30 am

Young Adult Drop-in Monday (ages 10 & up) starts Monday 2:45-4pm “Duct Tape Lab”
New Jack & Annie Book Club (K-2)  starts Tuesday, Sept. 20th 4-5 pm (register for this monthly book club at the Children’s Desk).
Knitting Club is back for 3rd-5th graders and will start Weds. Sept. 21st 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Lego Club (K-4th grade) begins again on Thurs. Sept. 22nd at 3:30-4:30 pm!

Our monthly PJ Storytime with ORPP and the Durham Library begins Thurs. Sept. 22nd 6:30-7:30 pm “Fall Carnival!”
Home-schooler’s Group will start on Friday, Sept. 23rd at 10:30 am.  “Tall Tales!”

Meet us at Durham Day at Wagon Hill for a fun craft!  Sat. Sept. 17th 12:30-3:30 pm
Tales for Tails – Read to a therapy dog, Cynder, North or Tango!  Ages 1st-4th grade.  Sign-ups have begun.
Seacoast Reads – Sign-ups have begun.  Read with a Seacoast Reads UNH tutor.  1st-4th grade. Will start in October.
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book group, Tues. Oct. 4th , 6:00-7:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group.  This month’s book is “Half a Chance” by Cynthia Lord.  We talk about the book, play some games, make a fun craft and enjoy a snack.  Books are available at the Circulation desk.
YA Monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) for ages 10 & up, Group, Mon. Oct. 3rd, 6:30-7:30 pm – Join our monthly group where you decide what books and programs the library should have.  This month:  Come and make a stained glass mosaic with art teacher Kitri Doughtery from Ways of Color.  Registration is required and space is limited.  Pizza is served.
YA Iron Chef (ages 10 & up), Tues. Oct. 4th, 6:00-7:30 pm – Join us for this new fun program.  Will you be crowned the first DPL Teen Iron Chef?  This month’s theme:  School lunch.  Choose from a selection of ingredients and prepare a prize-winning dish that fits the theme… Just don’t forget the Secret Ingredient.  What is the Secret Ingredient, you ask?  You’ll have to come to find out!  Register in advance at the Children’s desk.
Patch Program begins again Sept. 1st!

 

Adult  Programs
Upcoming Author Talks and Book Signings –
Climbing: From Sport to Traditional Climbing (How to Climb) by Nate Fitch & Ron Funderburke.  Thurs. Sept 8, 6:30 pm
The BIG Trip: A Family Gap Year by Martha McManamy with Evan, Conor, & Laura McManamy.  Thurs. Sept 29, 6:30 pm
Book Donation Week Aug 29 thru Sept 3 - Accepting gently used books and DVD's
Oyster River Knitters, Tues. Sept. 6,  7-9 pm -  Join in for a couple of hours of knitting relaxation and conversation.  It is a great time to pick up that knitting project you've been wanting to finish.  There's no need to pre-register: just show up.  New participants of all skill levels are welcome. Contact Janet jadoty&comcast.net
First Aid Class - Mon. Sept. 12, 6-8 pm -   Offered by McGregor Memorial EMS. Contact Sean 603-862-3674 Register http://cprsafe.org
Oyster River ASD Friends Tues. Sept. 13, 6:30-8:30 pm - Parent group for people with teens & young adults with autism spectrum disorder.  Monthly topic and guest speaker TBA. Contact Julie jsmithnh@icloud.com
Friends of the Durham Public Library monthly meeting Wed. Sept. 7, 1:00 Social time, followed by the meeting at 1:30
Friends of the Library - Summer Big Read 2016 - Please join Jennifer Lee and other summer read stalwarts for a discussion of Our Mutual Friend by Dickens,Tuesday, September 20, 10:30.There will be no inquiry re completion. For more information, contact Luci Gardner lucigardner@comcast.net

Trustee Board Mtg.Wed. Sept. 14, 6:45-8pm
The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology: computers, iPads & cell phones, eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) Call to check on availability of the volunteers and set up an appointment. 868-6699 or email  durhampl@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

Joe and Maggie Moore. Courtesy DCAT Studios

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Jennie Berry--

Administrative Assistant

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