Friday Updates - July 15, 2016

Friday, July 15, 2016

Great Bay Waterkeeper Jeff Barnum (center) describes the health of the Great Bay Estuary to Fosters Editor Howard Altschiller (left) and Town Council member Alan Bennett (right) during a tour of the Piscataqua River on Thursday morning this week. Courtesy Todd Selig

____________________________

This afternoon, Administrator Todd Selig begins his 6-week sabbatical traveling with his family to Alaska and Hawaii. During his absence, Business Manager Gail Jablonski will serve as Acting Administrator. We wish Todd and his family safe travels and that they find their experiences to be very enjoyable.  Look forward to pictures from afar.

"FRIDAY UPDATES" TO BE PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY DURING JULY AND AUGUST

During Administrator Selig's absence the "Friday Updates" will be published bi-weekly instead of every week. Publications for July and August will be:  July 29, August 12, and August 26

The regular weekly publication of "Friday Updates" will resume on September 9, 2016.

Police Sergeant Daniel Brooks portrays an agitated (and armed, note the front of the gun on the counter) customer while attempting to register a vehicle with Administrative Assistant Donna Hamel in the Town Clerk's Office during the active shooter exercise at Town Hall on Monday afternoon this week. Courtesy DCAT Studios

ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE AT DURHAM TOWN HALL

On Monday this week, the Town Hall closed from 3-5PM to conduct an active shooter exercise developed by the Durham Police Department in which two  scenarios were set up to give employees and emergency responders alike important training in this area. During the exercise, a firearm was discharged using blanks to give everyone as accurate a sense as possible concerning what such situations might entail. Read the Foster's article covering the exercise HERE.

POLICE REPORT ON OFF CAMPUS HOUSING ACTIVITY

This past UNH academic year offered significantly new experiences for the Durham Police with the addition of four large construction projects placing

roughly 800 +/- student beds in the immediate downtown. Many residents of the

community justifiably expressed significant apprehension about these new

additions to the downtown for a variety of reasons, including overburdening the

police department. For more information, read Police Chief Kurz's complete Review of Off-campus Housing Police Activity Report.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY FAREWELL FETE FOR TOM MADDEN

Please join the Durham Public Library in wishing Tom Madden, DPL Library Director for 10 years, great success in his next adventure in Wolfeboro.

The entire community is welcome to wish him adieu on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 4:00-6:00 PM.  If you cannot make the festivity, please be sure to stop by before his last day on Friday, August 5th.

 

DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED CHILDREN OR ANIMALS IN VEHICLES DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS

Every summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration engages the public about the dangers of leaving children are unattended in hot vehicles. And sadly every year, these tragedies continue to happen. Already in 2016, sixteen children have lost their lives, adding to the total of 676 heatstroke deaths since 1998.

2016-2017 COUNCIL GOALS STATUS REPORT

At its meeting on May 23, 2016, the Town Council adopted goals for the coming year.  As in the past, these goals are intended to be reflective of Town aspirations over the next 1-3 year timeframe. Administrator Selig has provided a status report on each of the goals which can be viewed HERE.

Public Works crew working on the sidewalks on Mill Road this week. In some areas, the width of the sidewalk was widened from 4' to 5' which is reflective of the Council's goal to make Durham more pedestrian friendly.  Courtesy DCAT Studios

THE PHILOSOPHY OF VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

Vulnerable user laws are currently in effect in five states, including Vermont.  This is the concept whereby roadways are recognized as resources that are shared by many types of users and place greater responsibility on the operator of the more imposing form of transportation.  For example, a Wildcat Transit bus driver recognizes that they have greater responsibility for safety than say a Honda Civic.  Similarly, a dump truck operator understands the safety limitations and their inability to stop quickly within a short distance or maneuver as rapidly as a passenger vehicle.  Additionally, most vehicle operators understand that children may be present in the various Durham neighborhoods.  Although New Hampshire does not have an official vulnerable road user law, citizens are encouraged to incorporate the philosophy of the vulnerable road user in Durham. It is a philosophy consistent with the goal of the town to encourage more cycling and walking with the realization that vehicles of all types are on the same roadways.

Most people intuitively understand and abide by a vulnerable road user philosophy. Yet our collective busy lives often present barriers to our intent!   Combine that with distracted driving whether it is adjusting the radio, giving instructions to our children in car seats or even violating the law with the use of cell phones, we need to be aware when operating a vehicle!

Durham is full of vulnerable road users: our children, our neighbors, students at the University of New Hampshire as well as the many visitors who have come to enjoy our community by walking and possibly bicycling our beautiful back roads to enjoy Durham’s natural beauty. So the Durham Police would like to remind everyone of their vulnerable obligations with the realization that at some point, we are a vulnerable road user ourselves!

 

Portsmouth Gundalow Company giving a tour of the Piscataqua River. Courtesy Todd Selig

SUMMER HOT DEALS!

The "Summer Hot Deals" listed below will run from June 17th through August 19th. Please contact the businesses directly with any questions.
==============================

 
3 Bridges Yoga, 37 Main St., 603-590-0010

2 months of unlimited yoga for $125

Amy's Frame Shop, 44 Main St., 603-868-2511

Receive a coupon for 25 FREE 4" by 6" prints from the Kodak Kiosk with your Custom Framing Order*. Mention Summer Hot Deals to receive the offer. *Excludes ready-made frames

 

Papa John’s, 10 Pettee Brook Ln., 603-868-9999

Buy a Large or Extra Large Pizza at regular menu price, get the second pizza of equal or lesser value FREE. Offer valid online only. Use promo code TMT4569DBABOGO when ordering.

SolSistar, 49 Main St., Suite 103, 603-397-5229
25% off 1 non-sale item on Friday’s when you mention Summer Hot Deals!

Tacomano, 38 Main Street, 603-397-5203

FREE gauc or bacon with purchase of either a burrito, a bowl, or an order of tacos.

UNH Dairy Bar, 3 Depot Road, 603-862-4843

Get a large fountain beverage for only $.99 cents when you buy any salad or sandwich at the UNH Dairy Bar!

Eversource Schiller Station located on the Piscataqua River in Newington. Courtesy Todd Selig

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 "Maintaining a Vegetable Garden". In order to ensure the best yield from your vegetable garden, mid-season attention is important.

Learn some tips for keeping your garden growing well.  

 

DICK WOLLMAR/DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION SPECIAL COLLECTION at Durham Public Library

The Dick Wollmar/Durham Agricultural Commission Special Collection at the Durham Public Library is focused on the practical and applied side of gardening, small-scale agriculture, backyard farming (plants and animals), soils, local food processing and preparation, and on small-scale marketing to the local community, to friends and neighbors. Thus, the Collection, although a Special Collection, being applied and practical, is properly placed in a public library, and is readily available to the people of Durham (and to the students and parents of the Oyster River School District). For more information about the Special Collection, click HERE.

View of Route 1 bridge from the Piscataqua River. Courtesy Todd Selig

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, July 18, 2016

Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, July 19, 2016 (8AM - Council Chambers)

Trustees of the Trust Funds - Wednesday, July 20, 2016 (7:30 AM - Young's Restaurant)

Parks & Recreation - Thursday, July 21, 2016

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

Appalachian Mountain Club crew finished the first section of a trail to the Spruce Hole.  Courtesy John Nachilly.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Protecting Against Frauds & Scams

New frauds and scams seem to crop up daily, many of them specifically targeted at seniors. Identity theft, investment fraud, and scams rob millions of Americans of their hard-earned money. Last year, 13 million people were the victims of identity theft alone – that’s one person every two seconds! Join DCAT 22 Studios for an important program by AARP presenter Norma Boyce, to learn how you can protect yourself against frauds and scams.  This presentation is available for replay on DCAT 22, Saturday & Sunday at 4:00 PM.  The episode can also be viewed on DCAT On Demand. Total run time: 1:00

______________________

In the Biz Spotlight: DCAT 22 Coordinator, Craig Stevens and EDC Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey visit local businesses to introduce them to the community, and to welcome newcomers to Durham.  Most recent episode: The Juicery & The Soupery. Stop by and sample their products.  Note: all cups, lids, soup cups, straws, and silverware are compostable. All of the serve ware is compostable as an effort to help the environment, which is a part of their company's culture.  Quote: “Smoothies, juices and soups are fast food... that actually contain food.” Tory Dube (marketing) and Megan Senter (store manager). The episode can be viewed Cable Channel 22 @ 12:30 PM & 6:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday and on DCAT On Demand.

______________________

DCAT 22 On Demand has made a change to the Town's Video On Demand service. The switch to the new VOD service began on Monday, April 18th. All of the videos that were available on the old site have been ported over, and are up and running for the public's viewing pleasure on the new site.  


The new site address: https://dcat22.viebit.com/


Please contact: dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions

______________________

Perhaps you missed or couldn’t make it to the Solar 101 Workshop on May 24.  Have no fear, DCAT 22 was there to record the entire workshop.  Learn about solar PV systems and residential installations, panel placement, permitting & interconnection, financing & incentives, and installer selection.  Presentation by Andy Duncan, Energy Training Manager, Lakes Region Community College. This video is also available on DCAT On Demand or watch it on Cable Channel 22 on Saturday or Sunday @ 1:00 PM

______________________

Join DCAT 22 Studios, the Durham Energy Committee and James Hasselbeck of Revision Energy for a tour of Durham’s new solar array.  Walk the grounds with a group of solar enthusiasts.  Plenty of questions and answers about the new array.  So, don’t miss this DCAT 22 original programming.  The program is available on DCAT On Demand or watch it on DCAT Cable Channel 22, Saturday & Sunday @ 8:30 PM – total run time: 47 minutes
______________________

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.

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.

Online Program Registration- Now Available!

Durham Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the addition of online program registration and payments to our department!  You can find program and department information by visiting us HERE.  Please create an account on the left hand side of the page, which will allow access to register for programs.  Please be sure to ask questions, and let us know if something isn’t operating correctly.  

DPR Summer Program & Events Guide - A comprehensive detailed guide of Parks & Recreation summer happenings.

Picnic in the Park with The Little Red Wagon

Thursday, July 21st 5:30-7:30pm at Jackson’s Landing

Pack a picnic dinner, play at the playground and enjoy a 45 minute theatre performance- Luna Goes to Mars by The Little Red Wagon from UNH Theatre & Dance.  FREE!

Art in the Park at Jackson's Landing

Mondays form 4-6pm beginning July 11th.  Join us at Jackson’s Landing for an evening of Art in the Park.  We will have a rotating schedule of Pottery Painting and Glass Fusing!  For more information on Art In The Park click HERE.

Summer Day Camp Update

Summer camps kicked off last week with Wicked Gross Science and Super Hero Physics.  Participants spent the week exploring acids and bases, dissecting owl puke, creating alien slim and optical illusions! Next up, Lego Engineering and Adventure Paddle Camps!

 

We still have space and are accepting registrations for the following weeks of camp:

7/18-7/21- Afternoon REACH Camp

7/22- Water Country Field Trip

7/25-7/28- Afternoon REACH Camp

7/29- Island Kayak Adventure Trip

8/1-8/4- Afternoon REACH Camp

8/5- Mini Golf and Blitz Air Park Field Trip

8/8-8/11- Afternoon REACH Camp

8/15-8/19- Extreme Earth Camp

8/22-8/26- Wicked Cool Med School

For more information or to register for camps/trips please visit us HERE.

 

Summer Drop-in Programs at Churchill Rink

DPR is offering a variety of FREE drop-in style programs this summer at Churchill Rink beginning Monday, July 11th for both youth and adults.   

Join us for these weekly recurring programs:

Mondays: Art in the Park (4-6pm) & Scoot and Skate (5:30-7:30pm)

Tuesdays: Pick-Up Pickleball (6-8pm)

Wednesdays: Youth Street Hockey-Ages 7+ (5:30-7pm), Teen/Adult Street Hockey- Ages 13+ (7-8:30pm)

Thursdays: Backyard Games- wiffle ball, kickball, GaGa Ball, soccer, etc. (5:30-7:30pm)

 

For more information on DPR drop in programs, please visit HERE.

Music on Main Summer Concert

Thursday, August 4th 6-8pm, featuring: Fling.

Join us on Main Street for an evening of live music and family fun! FREE

FREE Yoga at Wagon Hill Farm

Thursdays from 5-6pm beginning June 9th.  Bring a mat or a blanket and meet at the wagon.  Participation is FREE.  Class is canceled in the case of inclement weather.

Save The Date:

Discover Durham’s Trails

Thursday, July 28th at Power Major Forest with the Forest Society- Discover Geocaching from 10am-12pm and Damsels & Dragonflies from1-3pm.  To register for either (or both) outing please visit: https://www.forestsociety.org/events.

Pokemon GO Night

Thursday, July 28th 5:30-7:30pm at Jackson’s Landing.  Come check out your local park for this free event.  Lots of Pokemon are hanging around the area! Drop in to meet other trainers and fill your Pokedex!!

Community Archery Clinic with Archery in Motion

Wednesdays at Churchill Rink, July 27th- August 17th 10-11am

Ages 7+, $70/pp.  Community Archery Clinic is geared for both youth and adults! Pre-register with DPR by July 20th.  Space is limited.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Town of Lee 250th Celebration. The biggest celebration of Lee's 250th anniversary year is scheduled for Sat. & Sun. July 16 & 17.  The citizens of Durham, Lee, and Madbury are invited to join family, friends, and neighbors throughout the weekend for a variety of events, including the big parade, games, demonstrations, a concert, food, and fun. More information HERE.  
Discover the Ocean with the UNH Marine Docents, Thursday, Jul 28, 2016, 10AM - 3PM, Woodman Museum, 182 Central Avenue, Dover. Sponsored by the Woodman Museum.

Want to Become a Master Gardener? Learn more HERE.

Durham Bike & Sports Women’s Ride, every Tuesday evening; leave at 5:45 pm. Meet at the shop to get water and put air in your tires. For more information call 603-312-1755.

Emery Farm – PYO blueberries starting today and coming soon the Market & Café at Emery Farm with expanded offerings of ice cream, morning coffee and bagels, and more! 

Wildcat Fitness offering "Free Fridays" from June thru August. The Free Fridays offer allows full use of the gym and participation in yoga, barre, spin, TRX, HIIT, PiYo, Bootcamp, Dance Fit, and many other fitness classes. Stop by and bring a friend. More information HERE.

Durham Farmers' Market at Jackson's Landing - Every Monday now through October 3 (2:15 - 6PM)

UNH Organic Garden Club - Located at the weekly Durham Farmers' Market and Farm Stand at Murkland Courtyard (3-6PM). More information HERE.

UNH MUB Summer Series with weekly Wednesday movies (including many in 3-D!), a mini-carnival, an outdoor movie, and more. For the full printable schedule, click HERE.

FREE Summer Lunch - Provided by ORCSD Lunch Program, Jul 5 - Aug 11, 2016. Any child 18 and under eats free at the OR Middle School on Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thu. Cafeteria opens at 11:30 AM.

TJ Wheeler will perform at the Music on the Lawn this Weds. July 20th at 6:30 pm

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

YA Writing Group (ages 10 & up), Mon. July 18th at 4:00 pm - This week: “Science Fiction Fun!”  Like to write?  Join us in the YA Room for fun writing exercises.  Post your writing to our blog “Write Away”. July 25 – Comics & Flip books
Family Movie Night: “Air Bud World Pup” (All ages, Oyster River Room), Mon. July 11th at 6:00 pm – Popcorn is served and all are welcome to come and see this fun family movie!    July 25 – “Cars” (“drive-in movie”).
Boston Bruins Mascot, Blade, and Ice Girls to visit Summer Reading on Tuesday, July 19th at 11 am- 12pm – The Durham Public Library has been chosen by the Boston Bruins summer reading outreach program, “When You Read, You Score!”, to have the Bruins Mascot, Blade,  and Ice Girls visit! Blade will visit and children will be able to have their picture taken with Blade.  We’ll hear a story about Blade, play some Boston Bruins trivia with the Ice Girls, where you can win awesome prizes from the team and then also make a fun hockey craft.  Go, Bruins!
9-12 year old Summer Reading Activity Hour, Tues. July 19th at 6:30 pm – This week” Cool Tech Toys!”  Come and try some cool Tech toys; Ozobots, Google Cardboard, Makey Makey, Ipad apps and even Pokemon go.  We’ll also play some fun group games and talk about what you are reading. July 26 – Create Art.
Team Art, Weds. July 20th at 4:00 pm – This week “Ribbons & Beads!”  We will create a sculpture using ribbons and beads for the library. (All ages),  July 27 – A water & wax dot piece
Music on the Library Lawn (Family Music Night): “T.J. Wheeler” (All ages, outside*), Weds. July 20th at 6:30 pm – Bring your lawn chairs for a fun night of music.  Held rain or shine. July 27th – Bill Staines.
Touch a truck, July 21st at 10:30 am – Ambulance McGregor EMS visit.  We will learn about some first aid and tour the ambulance.  We will also make a fun craft. July 28 Durham Police and Police Car visit.  All ages.
6-8 year old Summer Reading Activity Hour, Thurs. July 21st at 3:00 pm – This week:  “Legos & Rockets” This week we will create with Legos and also make a film canister rocket to launch outside.  Join us for stories, games, puzzles and a fun craft.  We’ll also talk about what you are reading July 28 – Make –It!
Nature Crafts! , Thurs. July 21st at 6:30 pm – Join us for fun outside nature crafts.  This week:  “Moon Sand & Castles”, July 28 - Painting Under the Stars.

Summer Story Time, Tues. July 26th at 10:30 am - This week “Let’s Move & Dance”!  Join us for fun stories, fingerplays, feltboard and a fun craft.  We will play a fun ball game.
FINALE CELEBRATION with Bryson Lang, Comedian/Master Juggler, Friday, July 29th at 10:30 am - Join us in celebrating your summer reading accomplishments. Bryson Lang will perform a hilarious act combining skillful juggling and original comedy! Prize books, reading certificates, and Bagel Works Prizes will be handed out.  Cake will also be served.  (All ages, Oyster River Room) * Note: In case of inclement weather, this program will be in the library’s Oyster River Room.
A special thank-you to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for all their support.  A big thank-you to The Sea Dogs, Bagel Works, The Candy Bar, Canobie Lake Park, Dunkin Donuts, The Durham Makery, Durham Bike, Durham House of Pizza, Franz’s Food, Fro-zone, Hayden Sports, Water Country, Tacomano, Young’s Restaurant, The Juicery, Subway, and other local businesses for their prize donations.   
Children's Summer Reading Program - Join us for our fun 5 week summer reading program!   "On Your Mark, Get Set...READ!"  Registration continues!  Program runs from June 27th through July 29th.  Keep track of your minutes read and win weekly prizes.  We also keep track of all our minutes read together.  There will be fun programs; Movie nights, Storytimes, 9-12 year old group, Team Art, Kick-off with Storyteller Simon Brooks, Music on the Library Lawn, 6-8 year old group, Young Adult Writing program, Nature Art Nights, Firemen, Police and EMS visits with their trucks, yoga, karate, finale with Bryson Lang, juggler and comedian and much more.  Trivia, guessing jar and even a "Barrel of Monkeys" (ages 2 -12 years).  Don't miss it!

Adult  Programs:

Exercise Your Mind-READ - Adult July Reading Program/Contest New prize donated by AAI Inc.  Jawbone UP2 Fitness tracker. - Pick up the weekly puzzle, complete it and enter it into the weekly drawing for a prize!  Prizes donated by Wildcat Fitness and AAI, Inc., Portsmouth NH! Contact Armida Geiger 603-590-1117
Music on the Lawn- T.J. Wheeler Wednesday, July 20th at 6:30 - Bring a picnic dinner, chair and blanket and enjoy listening to the blues and jazz from T.J. Wheeler. Rain or shine. Held in the Oyster River Community Room if it's raining.

Durham Photo Contest: July 4, 2015 through July 4, 2016 - $300 Cash Prize for the Winner! Contest is sponsored by a Durham resident, to capture the beauty, character, and identity of Durham using seven photographs that express Durham’s character. More information can be found on the DPL website.
Friends of the Library Summer Big Read 2016 - Spend the summer reading at a suitably leisurely pace (about 250 pages a month) our September Book Discussion choice, to be facilitated by Jennifer Lee. The 2016 book is Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens. Copies to borrow for the summer are available at the library. If you buy your own, be sure it has notes and an introduction (and readable print.) There are several good paperback editions for between $11 and $13. Enrich your reading, if you like, by signing up with your name and email at the library, and you will receive by email from the facilitator:  A brief historical and biographical background and short bibliography of background books.  Suggestions for making your reading easier and more enjoyable. Periodic encouragements and provocative quotes, facts, suggestions, etc.  The opportunity to ask questions before September. Signup is optional, but please do it by June 15.  You can request to be put on the list at the library circulation desk, over the telephone (868-6699), or by email durhampl@gmail.com If you were on the email list last summer (for Middlemarch), simply email Jennifer.
MUSEUM PASSES -- The Friends of the DPL sponsor passes to twelve different museums. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum- Boston  Located in Boston the museum houses the collection of art patron, Isabella Stewart in a setting built to resemble a 15th century Venetian palace. One current exhibit, "Off the Wall: Gardner and Her Masterpieces", features about 25 Masterpieces from artists such as Botticelli and Rembrandt and spans the Renaissance to Rocco periods. The exhibit includes paintings and drawings from the permanent collection and additional items from archives that relate to how Gardner put together her remarkable collection. The exhibit is in the museum's new wing and runs through August 28th. The museum is closed Tuesdays. The pass provides up to four (4) people with $5 admission per person.  Children under the age of 18 are always admitted free. Passes are available through the DPL online reservation system, Tixkeeper.  Please pick up your reserved pass at the circulation desk. Museum passes are sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library. 

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

View of the Wentworth-Coolidge house historic site (right) in Portsmouth from the Piscataqua River. Courtesy Todd Selig

*********************************************  

Todd

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?