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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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In March 1974 the Town of Durham said "No" to Aristotle Onassis's ghost company, Olympic Refineries, Inc but build what was called "the world's largest oil refinery" in Durham.
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Monday is Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the "fifth of May"). It is a celebration held on May 5. In Mexico, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day—which is actually celebrated on September 16.
Cinco de Mayo is also typically an active weekend in Durham. If residents experience noise or other concerns, please contact the police department at 868-2324.
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40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAVE OUR SHORES - Town Council to Act Upon Resolution Commemorating Important Chapter in Durham’s History Monday Evening
In March 1974 Seacoast citizens thwarted the attempt by wealthy shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis’s ghost company Olympic Refineries, Inc. to build what was called “the world’s largest oil refinery” along the shore of Great Bay at Durham Point.
A Brief Overview of the Event
In the fall of 1973 Durham Point resident Nancy Sandberg and her neighbors formed the grassroots organization “Save Our Shores” in response to what appeared to be a suspicious land grab attempt by dark-suited outsiders. “SOS,” as it became known, proceeded to spearhead Durham’s opposition. Abetted by expertise from University of New Hampshire faculty and graduate students, and informed and encouraged by the ongoing investigative reporting of the new local publication Publick Occurrences, opposition to the proposed oil refinery threat to the rural community of approximately 5,000 residents rapidly grew.
By late November, Olympic had quietly obtained options on over 3,000 acres of Durham Point property. Then, as David Deal wrote in his article “The Durham Controversy” (Natural Resources Lawyer, Vol. 8, No. 3, 1975), “On November 27, 1973, the Governor formally announced that Olympic proposed to locate a refinery in Durham, alluded to the benefits of the proposal, and assigned a top aide, to spend full time on the matter with instructions to expedite all necessary state and local reviews.”
Arguments fueling the opposition ran the gamut. Among these were the false promises and apparent ignorance of the representatives of Olympic, environmental concerns, and the potential overturning of Durham’s comprehensive land use plans.
Durham’s role in the battle culminated at a dramatic extended Town Meeting on March 6, 1974—the evening dedicated to warrant Article 14: To see if the Town is in favor of amending the Durham Zoning Ordinance to permit an oil refinery. (The Town Meeting opened on the scheduled date of March 5, continued to March 6, and then to March 9.)
By the close of the polls at 10:32 p.m. on the night March 6, only 144 had voted in favor of the Article, while 1,254 had voted against it, resoundingly voicing the town’s opposition. Durham thereby sent a clear albeit symbolic message to the State House, echoing a similar vote by the town of Rye, that it valued its right of self-determination. National media, including the New York Times, and ABC-TV’s Evening News, picked up the news.
The battle was not yet over, however.
The following day, March 7, legislators at the State House in Concord voted down House Bill 34, which would have created an energy facilities committee with the power to override a town’s wishes in the siting of an oil refinery. Instead they supported first-term Representative Dudley Dudley’s House Bill 18, an act “requiring local approval prior to approval of site plans for oil refineries,” later referred to as the “home rule bill,” 233 voting in favor and 109 against.
The passage of House Bill 18 was followed by Senate approval and signature by Governor Meldrim Thomson, who had publicly stated three months earlier that he would not impose an oil refinery on a town reluctant to accept it yet had continued to align himself with those working on behalf of the Olympic proposal.
Durham’s Champions
Three Durham residents who played key roles have deservedly received the spotlight over the years: Nancy Sandberg, Chair of Save Our Shores; Dudley Webster Dudley, Durham’s delegate to the State House of Representatives; and Phyllis Bennett, who came to Durham with her late husband Stephen to publish Publick Occurrences and stumbled into a journalist’s dream. (Publick Occurrence’s coverage of the “Battle for Durham” was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.)
All three note the roles that numerous others also played, emphasizing that the result was an engaged community’s success.
For additional information including newspaper articles, maps, remarks, etc., check out the Town’s web site under “Featured Articles” on the left side of our home page at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/
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DURHAM SELECTED FOR INCLUSION IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN’S 2014 MUNICIPAL EQUITY INDEX - In 2013 Durham Ranked as Top Municipality in NH
The Town of Durham has been selected for the second year in a row for inclusion in the Human Rights Campaign’s 2014 Municipal Equality Index.
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The index examines the laws, policies, and progress toward equality being made by the US cities and towns.
The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) examines the laws, policies, and services of municipalities and rates them on the basis of their inclusivity of LGBT people who live and work there.
The 2013 MEI rated a total of 291 towns/cities from every state in the nation, including the host to a state’s largest public university, the three largest cities in every state, the 150 largest cities in the country, and other communities as selected by the organization.
Out of a total of 100 points, Durham received a score of 71 in 2013, the highest score in New Hampshire from communities selected.
Durham does have a Human Rights Commission in place to address concerns that may arise relative to LGBT issues.
Below are the scores from communities selected in this part of the country.
New Hampshire
Concord – 55
Durham – 71
Manchester – 57
Nashua – 48
Maine
Augusta – 67
Bangor – 48
Lewiston – 59
Orono – 47
Portland – 89
Vermont
Burlington – 73
Essex – 54
Montpellier – 68
S. Burlington – 58
Massachusetts
Amherst – 49
Boston – 100
Cambridge – 100
N. Hampton – 80
Provincetown – 76
Springfield – 56
Worchester - 55
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Construction is actively under way at The Lodges of Durham on Mast Road.
(UNH West Edge Lot is shown at rear of Lodges project with cars parked.)
CONSTRUCTION IS BOOMING AT THE LODGES OF DURHAM ON MAST ROAD
The Lodges of Durham, located at 259 Mast Road, is in active construction mode at this time keeping our staff very busy with inspections and problem solving as inevitable issues arise with such a large project.
The development consists of 25 apartment buildings of various sizes and configurations and 1 clubhouse building. In total there will be 142-units with 460 beds in apartment-style housing. The preliminary valuation estimate for the project is $18 million +/-.
We understand that at this time the project is sold out for all phases scheduled to open this fall. The trend of selling out new apartment buildings has been a consistent one in Durham for each new student housing project built.
In the picture above, the preexisting UNH West Edge parking lot can be seen adjacent to the project.
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Business Manager Gail Jablonski and Admin. Asst. Jennie Berry in "the Pit."
Courtesy Todd Selig
PLANNING AHEAD FOR THE MOVE TO THE NEW TOWN HALL IN LATE-JULY/EARLY AUGUST 2014
This week Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry, Business Manager Gail Jablonski, and Karen Edwards from the Planning Office began sorting through old files stored in “the pit,” the apply named cold storage area under the eaves of the 2nd floor of the Town Office only accessible through the upstairs “Executives” washroom. It is a big (and dirty) job.
They will be culling through and color coding files with stickers and discarding inactive information that need not be retained. Our staff has been culling and organizing files for several weeks now in preparation for the eventual move across the street to the new Town Hall presently under construction.
The actual move to the new Town Hall will likely take place in late-July or early August of this year.
On a separate challenge, IT Manager Luke Vincent has been busy pricing out mechanisms to move our computer servers across the street to the new building and then “beam” internet connectivity back across Newmarket Road to the old building until all systems in the new structure are fully tested and departments are eventually transferred over to their new spaces. Luke’s “beaming” idea is an innovation that we arrived at through problem solving to keep our down time (the time we will need to be closed to the public) to a minimum and to minimize workflow glitches and disruptions across the street by avoiding a situation where there has been inadequate advance testing of the new network.
Next week, Public Works Director Mike Lynch has arranged for a team of volunteers from Liberty Mutual to move color coded boxes of files into a storage trailer that will be located in our existing parking lot (near the salt shed) for the eventual move across the street.
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TOWN HALL PROJECT
Interior and exterior work continued this week at the new Town hall site. Above, the radiant heating system for the Council Chambers which was covered/encased in the concrete flooring system poured earlier today. This system pumps hot water through a series of tubes which then heats the flooring. This type of radiant system was installed successfully at the recently completed new Town Library. Below workers are in the process of pouring the concrete and finishing the flooring. Courtesy Craig Stevens
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THE CANDY BAR CELEBRATES 2 YEARS IN BUSINESS!
Stop in between 10am-6pm on Saturday, May 10th for some fun, Candy Bar style. Limbo Contest 11am-2pm (Receive a prize and photo for entering). Facebook Photo contest (many prizes including $50 shopping spree at the store). Live Music outside. Sample the Candy Bar's new organic fair-trade coffee. In-store promotions and samples all day.
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NEW DOWNTOWN BUSINESS - MAIN STREET MAKERY
A new business in Downtown Durham is opening its doors! On Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m., the doors to Main Street Makery will be open and ready to welcome customers. Explore the creations of New England artisans, including jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, and home accents. The Makery offers colorful craft kits, a special feature of the store, with a kit for every age and ability. Go green with “upcycled” crafts made from reused objects. A full line of workshops will be offered starting in late summer.
Owners and Makers Wendy Brooks and Sarah Grandy are Durham residents who are fulfilling a dream to bring the community together in a way that inspires people. Main Street Makery is located at 42A Main Street between The Candy Bar and Durham House of Pizza. For more information, visit Facebook at Durham Main Street Makery or http://www.mainstreetmakery.com/. Regular hours will be Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM - 6PM.
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DURHAM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE UNVEILS NEW WEB SITE
The Durham Economic Development Committee has formally unveiled its new web site intended to help make investing in Durham even easier. The site can be found at http://www.thriveindurhamnh.com/
A thank you is extended to EDC members Anthony Raimondo and Renee Capicchioni Vannata, as well as the rest of the board, for their work as part of this project.
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Last Sunday, 25 members of the Community Garden worked to fulfill their obligation to contribute four hours of service by building new raised beds to meet the increasing demand for participation. Pictured above are leaders Kay Morgan, Suzanne MacDonald, and UNH masters student Amy Shmania [in the background] who is writing an essay about the Community Garden group. Courtesy Wayne Burton
COMMUNITY GARDEN AT WAGON HILL FARM
Last Sunday, Durham Public Works having delivered a huge load of wood chips and 30 yards of compost and loam, 25 members of the Community Garden worked to fulfill their obligation to contribute four hours of service by building new raised beds to meet the increasing demand for participation. Several had already fulfilled that requirement by working in April but pitched in for the sake of the greater good. The less-than-ideal conditions could not deter the volunteers from constructing 10 new raised beds and 2 new Lasagna plots. Many nails were pounded and many heavy loads of soil/compost were transported to fill the beds. The work day brought a new sense of community to the garden, and thanks go out to the following:
Paul & Pam Fortin, Sarah Cornell & Sue Curry, Mario Caritos, Alice Alden, Mike & Marilyn Michaud, Ellen Karelitz, John Daniels & Nathan Burnett, Nancy Williams, Andy, Joanne, Lily and Grandpa Charlie Glode, John Hart, Wayne Burton, Tom Pistole, Jennifer Riley, Rich Vannozzi, Suzanne MacDonald, Lisa Vicens, Fil Glanz, Kay Morgan
Due to the efforts of the above individuals, there are now 90 raised beds, 10 Lasagna plots, and 6 "heritage" plots. In other words, there will be a lot of fresh vegetables produced at Wagon Hill Farm this summer!
There are four beds available for people who might be interested. To learn more and to sign up if interested, click HERE.
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CURRENT USE VALUE RANGES FOR 2014-2015
Current Use Assessment provides a property tax incentive to all qualifying landowners who agree to maintain their land in an undeveloped condition. This assessment is based on the capacity of the land to produce income in its current use-whether it is managed farm or forest, or unmanaged open space. Current Use is the cornerstone of the state's land conservation efforts, with over half the land in New Hampshire enrolled in this valuable program.
For land to qualify for Current Use it must be a tract of land or a combination of contiguous tracts under identical ownership comprised of a minimum of ten (10) acres.
When land is disqualified from Current Use due to development of the land or because it no longer meets the minimum acreage requirement, it is subject to a land use change tax equal to 10% of the full and true value of the land at the time it is disqualified.
For more information regarding Current Use, click HERE.
Per RSA 79-A, the Current Use Board has revised the Current Use value ranges for 2014-2015. To view the new value ranges which will be implemented for the 2014 tax year, click HERE.
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LOOKING FOR A PERSON INTERESTED IN TRAILS FOR THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
At the last Durham Land Stewardship Subcommittee meeting, member Malin Clyde make an excellent point that we could really use someone to apply for one of the two vacancies on the Conservation Commission who is interested in trails and trails work. To this end if you or someone you know enjoys hiking, working on trails, etc., please give the Durham Conservation Commission your consideration and consider applying.
For more information about the Conservation Commission, click HERE.
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DURHAM MASTER PLAN UPDATE -- NEW CHAPTER: HISTORIC RESOURCES PUBLIC FORUM - THURSDAY, MAY 8th
As part of the Durham Master Plan Update, a new chapter will be developed on on Historic Resources. The Historic District/Heritage Commission is developing this chapter with the guidance of consultants Nicole Benjamin-Ma and Rita Walsh of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin of Watertown, MA. This chapter will help to identify valuable architectural, historical, and cultural resources throughout the Town and offer strategies to preserve and enhance those resources. Residents are encouraged to provide their thoughts about this issue. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the survey which can be accessed HERE.
The Historic District/Heritage Commission will hold a Public Forum on Durham’s Historic Resources on Thursday, May 8th at the Durham Public Library from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Please take a look at the attached flyer (and see how many sites you can identify!).
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ORMS 5TH GRADE PROJECT MOVING FORWARD AT WAGON HILL FARM
Oyster River Middle School Teacher Chris Hall and his colleagues in the 5th grade are planning a very interesting project at Wagon Hill Farm. Students on Mr. Hall’s team will be doing research this spring on unique and interesting features at the property, creating student-managed web blogs to host this information, and will be working with the Durham Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works Department to install small signs with scan codes to describe what has been learned and how residents who visit the property can find out more on line.
It is a nice project that actively introduces 5th graders to the many wonders of Wagon Hill Farm.
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DURHAM POLICE TO WORK WITH VIRGINIA CENTER FOR POLICE INNOVATION (VCPI)
As many citizens may know, the Durham Police were the recipient of a Community Policing Grant that provided us with funding to hire a police officer who would focus upon Problem Oriented Policing (POP). In this case, Chief Kurz wanted the POP officer to place emphasis upon off-campus student housing police issues with the goal to instill responsibility towards the tenants and therefore reduce the need for police response to rental property.
Shortly after receiving the grant, Chief Kurz received an email from the Virginia Center for Police Innovation that was sent to all grant recipients offering assistance if needed. Town Administrator Selig requested that Chief Kurz contact them and through subsequent conversations about his vision for the POP program, he was urged to complete a proposal to the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Training and Technical Assistance Center.
In doing so, Chief Kurz was contacted by a supervisor for BJA who was thrilled about the proposal and the national implications of having a model that BJA and the Federal government could highlight and offer for similar communities, and offered financial support to VCPI to work with Durham on developing the program.
Two consultants from VCPI will be arriving in Durham on May 8th and meeting with a variety of partners including UNH, Code Enforcement, Fire Department and the Durham Landlord Association.
Over the weekend they will visit off-campus student housing, accompany patrol officers during the busy late night hours and interact with other members of the community. There will be further updates from Chief Kurz on this topic as the program is formulated.
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The Durham Fire Department conducted a training exercise with its new firefighters earlier this week at Arthur Grant Circle. Courtesy Craig Stevens
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DO YOU KNOW YOUR PARTY AFFILIATION?
The NH State Primary is September 9. This seems like a very long way away. However, did you know that no changes of party affiliation can be made after June 3? At the Primary, if you are registered as a Republican, you must vote the Republican ballot; if you are registered as a Democrat, you must vote the Democrat ballot; if you are registered Undeclared, then you can choose either ballot. However, once you choose a party for voting that day, you are considered a member of that party until you change back to Undeclared. That can be done the day of the Primary or any time after the election until 90 days before the next Primary, but many people forget to do that and find themselves caught on the day of the Primary election.
You can change your party affiliation (or register to vote) at the Town Clerk's Office any day between the hours of 8:00 and 5:00 until June 3. (New residents may register to vote until September 2.) The Supervisors of the Checklist will also hold 2 evening sessions for this purpose on Monday May 12 and Tuesday June 3, both from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. The last checklist was published just before the March Town Election. An updated one will be posted at the Durham Post Office as well as the Town Hall by May 23.
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FOR MEMORIAL DAY, DON’T FORGET THE COMMUNITY CEREMONY AT THE MUB
The Durham Evangelical Church organizes a very nice Memorial Day ceremony in front of the UNH Memorial Union Building on the Morse Circle each year immediately following the Town’s own parade and Memorial Day ceremony downtown, which occurs this year on May 26th.
In the past, Pastor Terry and several Veterans lead those present in an informal remembrance of fallen veterans with songs, stories, prayers, and the Newmarket Militia’s 21-musket salute in addition to placing a wreath in Morse Circle.
After the ceremony there are refreshments and conversation while many walk inside the MUB to visit New Hampshire's official state War Memorial (which opened in 1957) with stained glass by the late John Hatch of Durham.
Names of our NH residents who perished date as far back as World War I through present day’s latest war.
The UNH Memorial Union Building is just a short walk up Main Street to the MUB’s driveway.
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PRELIMINARY FEMA FLOOD MAPS
A preliminary set of updated flood maps from FEMA have been submitted to the Planning Department for review. The flood maps can be viewed HERE. FEMA will be holding community meetings for citizen questions at some time in the future. Once dates have been confirmed, they will be posted on the Planning Department's website.
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MADBURY COMMONS SITE WORK TO BEGIN IN MAY
Preparations are being made to mobilize to the construction site at 17-21 Madbury Road to set up the perimeter fence and perform land clearing activities.
The demolition of the existing low slung green bungalow structures is planned after the semester ends during the week of May 19th. At that time, the site will be secured and there will no longer be access through the site either from Madbury Road or via the foot bridges.
Construction will extend from May through August 2015.
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PEASE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING FOR NOISE EXPOSURE MAP PROJECT - MAY 8, 2014
The Pease Development Authority, Airport Management Department, is in the final stages of the Noise Exposure Map Project for the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease.
The PDA invites the public to review the draft product at a public meeting to be held on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 6:30 PM in the Board of Director's Room located at 55 International Drive, Portsmouth. More details regarding the meeting may be viewed by clicking HERE.
The Draft Noise Exposure Maps and associated documentation will be available for review beginning April 23, 2014 and ending May 23, 2014 by contacting PDA Community Liaison Sandra McDonough at 603-433-6536 or emailing s.mcdonough@peasedev.org to make arrangements.
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UPCOMING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR REFUSE AND RECYCLING
Memorial Day is coming up at the end of May. All Town offices are closed on Monday, May 26th for the holiday. The Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, May 24th for the holiday as well. There will be no collection of refuse and recycling on Monday, May 26th. Collection will be delayed one day for the rest of the week (i.e., refuse/recycling normally collected on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday's collection will be on Wednesday, etc.). There will be no commercial collection on Friday, May 30th. To view the holiday schedule, click HERE.
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SPRING CLEANUP/BULKY WASTE CLEANUP
Spring Cleanup- Bulky Waste Cleanup began MONDAY, APRIL 28th. Materials were to be curbside NO EARLIER than April 26th and NO LATER than 7AM on April 28th. The Public Works Department is more than halfway through the roads for bulky items. To view the list for roads that have already been completed (highlighted in yellow), click HERE. Remember, electronics that require a sticker will still need it for curbside, DPW will be by to grab these last. You can purchase electronics stickers at the DPW during the week from 8-4:30, closed 12-12:30 for lunch. If you did not get your bulky waste items out on time, you can bring to them to the Transfer Station and recycling center on Saturday, May 3rd, Tuesday, May 6th, or Saturday, May 10th with your residential permit. If you have any questions, please call Public Works at 868-5578.
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COE DRIVE CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Durham Department of Public Works is holding a public informational meeting on Thursday, May 8, 2014 beginning at 5:00 PM at the Durham Town Office to provide details about the Coe Drive Culvert Replacement Project and to answer any questions from residents. This project includes replacing the existing undersized culvert with a 10’ wide x 6’ high precast concrete box culvert with appropriate headwalls and associated minor roadway reconstruction work. Additional work includes the upgrade of water, sewer, and drainage utilities.
Unitil will be replacing a section of their gas line within the project limits. PSNH will be relocating two poles to allow for the required clearance during the placement of the box culvert. Construction will take place after school is out for the summer and Coe Drive will be closed to thru traffic at the culvert. Residents will still be able to access their homes from Bagdad Road and Dennison Road.
Feel free to contact Assistant Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at 868-5578 with any questions regarding this project. atalon@ci.durham.nh.us
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DURHAM/UNH WATER SYSTEM ADOPTS CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM
The UNH/Durham Water System has recently adopted a Cross Connection Control Program to satisfy New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Env-Ws 364. These regulations require public water systems have backflow prevention devices installed at every service connection, and each backflow device must be inspected by a certified inspector and tested at least once per year. This regulation will affect commercial properties on the water system only.
Facilities that pose an elevated risk to the system must be tested twice per year. The purpose of this regulation is to protect the public drinking water supply from back siphoning of potentially harmful substances into the distribution system from the interior plumbing of individual buildings or exterior irrigation systems.
Letters were mailed to owners of commercial properties requesting that they contact New England Backflow to have their Backflow Devices inspected. This inspection is being paid by the Town however owners will be required to have their backflow devices tested at their own cost. The Town is required to send testing reports to NHDES to satisfy the regulations. We appreciate your cooperation in our effort to protect your drinking water!
Documents regarding the Cross Connection Control Program may be obtained by contacting Assistant Town Engineer, April Talon, P.E. at Public Works Engineering Division, 603-868-5578.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ADMINISTRATION - ANNUAL LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
New Hampshire residents who own a homestead subject to the State Education Property Tax, resided in the homestead as of April 1, 2013, and have a total household income of $20,000 or less if a single person (or $40,000 or less if married or head of household) may apply for property tax relief during the filing period - after May 1, 2014, but no later than June 30, 2014. For more information and application form DP-8, click HERE.
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DURHAM POLICE PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEEKEND
This weekend is expected to be very busy for the Durham Police with the end of the academic year looming and the popular Cinco de Mayo celebration occurring on Monday. Chief Kurz and his staff have formulated a strategy for this Cinco de mayo weekend that ensures a high visibility of officers designed to manage and curtail any large gatherings from developing. A significant element of that plan has been accomplished via posters conspicuously placed around campus. Additionally, the UNH administration has reemphasized that off-campus conduct can impact a student’s ability to continue attending UNH as well as scholarships and study abroad. Further, there has been significant discussion with all landlords via an email from Chief Kurz that requests that each remind their renters of lease obligations and to urge them to understand that if they are hosting a small gathering that begins to attract others, they should call the Durham Police to assist them in removing any uninvited guests. Absent that call, the police will conclude that they are hosting the gathering and therefore be held criminally responsible if applicable.
If residents hear disruptive or loud activity this weekend, or any other time, they are encouraged to contact the Durham Police via 868-2324 or 911 if the situation warrants an emergency response.
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POWER OF ONE PROJECT
Power of One helps students find and use their personal power. Members set their own goals, work to achieve them, and enjoy the results. The skills members learn in Power of One help them now and in the future in school, with friends and family, in their future at college, and on the job.
For her Power of One Project, Oyster River High School freshman Annie Hanley-Miller would like to help homeless children and youth in New Hampshire. She has chosen to work with the Street Outreach Program sponsored by Child and Family Services of New Hampshire.
This organization meets the needs of homeless youth by providing basic elements of survival as well as supporting homeless youth towards living more successful lives. Annie will be collecting gently used clothing, shoes, and personal toiletry items for the youth involved in the Outreach Program.
A collection box will be in the Town Hall Lobby from April 30th - May 8th for collection of donations. Thank you!
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THINK SUMMER! UNH NEW PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH THIS SUMMER
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Youth Opera Workshop: Evenings, May 13 – June 22 (ages 12 -26)
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Future Leaders Institute: Money, Greed, Corruption – July 14 – 19 (Gr 9 - 12)
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Hospitality Management Summer Program -- July 20 – 26 (Ent. Gr 12)
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Investigating Homicide (online program) -- Aug 4 – 15 (Gr 8 – 11)
Some changes and additions have been made to existing programs:
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Writers Academy: added a third session July 28 – Aug 1
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Gymnastics High Performance: July 9 – 12
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Girls Soccer: split day camp (July 14 – 17) and overnight camp (July 20 – 24)
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Camp Wildcat: added an Outdoor Adventure Week (Aug 11 – 15)
Project SMART science institute is offering scholarships for NH Families! Visit website
Registrations for most all UNH summer programs are ongoing. Make your kids summer plans now!
View descriptions and access registration links for all UNH summer programs HERE.
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Courtesy McGregor EMS
MCGREGOR MEMORIAL EMS "BUNNY BOO BOO BUS"
Volunteers from McGregor Memorial EMS again opened their “Bunny Boo Boo Bus” at the annual Durham Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19th. Pictured are Ava Pitt and Austin Clayton (Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt’s grandchildren) who were among many children who became “Junior EMT’s” to provide care to stuffed bunnies. McGregor EMT, ORHS grad and local resident Morgan Howard assisted in the care and treatment of the bunnies.
The positive effects of the “Bunny Boo Boo Bus” recently came to light where four-year old Kaydin who broke her wrist in April and was treated and transported to the hospital by McGregor, told her Mom that she had to go over to the ambulance to say “Hi” to her friends. Purple cast and all, both she and her older brother visited the “Bus”. Eliminating fear in patients has been proven to result in more positive outcomes for them. Thanks to McGregor volunteer Joanna Wicklein who organizes the “Boo Boo Bus” visits to this event and to schools and daycares in the area.
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THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS
DCAT 22 Talent Search
Durham Cable Access TV is looking for one or two on air talent to help with occasional video projects. No experience is necessary. You must; have knowledge of Durham (local resident is ideal), good with people, entertaining, witty, comfortable in front of a camera, have the ability to work without a script, willing to work for free (yes, free), and be at least 18 years of age. DCAT is interested in talent from all age groups. Please contact DCAT Coordinator, Craig Stevens: dcat@ci.durham.nh.us or 868-5571.
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Living on Mount Washington, Saturday & Sunday @ 10:30 AM & 8:30 PM
Join us for an insider’s view of what it’s like to live on Mount Washington, the home of the world’s worst weather! Durham native Sam Hewitt shows pictures, tells stories and answers questions about his current position as an intern at the Mount Washington Observatory. DPL Staff member Nicole Moore also talks about her nine one-week stints as a volunteer cook on the rock pile. This program is also available on our On Demand site.
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Granite State Outdoors, Saturday & Sunday @ 4:00 PM
In this episode, get some ideas on how to feed our winter feathered friends, head out on the ice with Dave Genz, the father of modern ice fishing and take a look back at a moose round up. These stories and more, brought to you by your New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Connecting you to life outdoors. This video is not available on the Town’s On Demand site.
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Streamwalk, Saturday & Sunday @ 7:00 PM
Come along with Streamwalk volunteers as the get up close and personal with the Lamprey. Learn how their observation help officials and landowners use and enjoy the river wisely. This video is not available on the Town’s On Demand site.
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These videos are also available for viewing on the Town’s On Demand site.
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MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.
Town Council - Monday, May 5, 2014. To view an agenda and other information, click HERE.
Durham Energy Committee - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 (Public Library-community room). To view an agenda and other information, click HERE.
Conservation Commission - Thursday, May 8, 2014. To view an agenda and other information, click HERE.
All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.
VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.
DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
Members of seacoast community Tai Chi groups braved the cold weather last Saturday to participate in World Tai Chi and Qigong Day at Churchill Rink. Parks & Recreation instructor Lin Lin Choy is pictured here leading the group. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee
Camp R.E.A.C.H. - Did you miss the deadline for registration? No worries! We still have some spots available until, and you can sign up anytime before May 16th. Program offerings include: archery, hiking, art, theater, science, kayaking, camping, rock climbing, cooking, technology, and MORE! View the camp schedule, click HERE.
Coyote Club - Last Session: Our last session starts Monday, May 5th. Registration deadline: Monday, May 5th at noon. Find out more HERE
Interpretive Trail Project - UPDATE: On Wednesday, May 7, fifth graders from the Crow and Osprey teams at Oyster River Middle School will be holding an "Expert Day" at Wagon Hill Farm. The students will be hearing presentations from scientists and community leaders, and interviewing these experts about a variety of topics related to sites at the farm. Some of the topics include: estuaries, Great Bay, oysters and oyster restoration, historic garrisons, grasslands, and the community garden. This event is part of the Wagon Hill Interpretive Trail, a pilot project by half of the fifth grade and in collaboration with Durham Parks & Recreation, that will culminate with the students adding small signs to sites along the property’s trail system. These signs will include important information, as well as a QR code, which will link the public to websites with added details, photographs, interviews, and more.
Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 26th: If you have a group, organization, or unit who would like to participate in the 67th Annual Memorial Day Parade, please fill out the form and return to Parks & Recreation Director Stefanie Frazee: Parade Registration Form
Volunteers Needed – Wednesday, May 14th: We are looking volunteers from our community to help with this year’s Bike Rodeo at ORMS. Students will spend the day rotating through various stations, learning about: rules of the road, signaling, bike maintenance, helmet safety, etc. Basic familiarity with bikes is preferred, but not required. If you’d like to help during this fantastic event, please email Parks & Recreation Director Stefanie Frazee: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us OR SRO Holly Malasky: hmalasky@ci.durham.nh.us
Fitness for Life: View our weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE!
Senior Trips – NEW! - Ready to get away? We have come up with some fantastic summer trips just for you, including: Boston – Duck Tour and Prudential Center Shopping (May); Manchester – Cirque Du Soleil and Portland Pie Company (June); Boston – Museum of Fine Arts and Fanuell Hall (July).
Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to put your name on the mailing list.
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Save the Date:
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Bike Safety Rodeo - Wednesday, 5/14
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Memorial Day Parade - Monday, 5/26
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Camp R.E.A.C.H. - 7/14 - 8/22
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Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series - August
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Durham Day - Saturday, 9/27
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The annual QuackFest rubber duck race will be held on Saturday, May 10th on the Oyster River at Durham Landing. See more information below.
Garlic Mustard UNH Work Day - Volunteers Needed, Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 10AM - 12Noon, meet at OR Dam in College Woods. UNH staff, students, professors, and community volunteers are working to restore natural plant communities by pulling garlic mustard, a non-native aggressive invasive plant that crowds out native plants and is not suited to our local wildlife. If left unchecked, garlic mustard quickly expands from disturbed areas into woodlands and other natural areas. To register click HERE or contact Ellen Snyder, ellen.snyder@unh.edu. Sponsored by UNH Office of Woodlands and Natural Areas. For more information, click HERE.
Yoga Flash Mob, Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 12:15 PM (Rain date: Wed, May 7th) on the "Great Lawn" at UNH. lead by Durham Parks & Recreation instruction Ruth Abelmann. Come with or without a mat. Beginners welcome. Co-sponsored by UNH Health Services & Residential Life.
QuackFest 2014 Annual Rubber Duck Race, sponsored by Growing Places and Durham-Great Bay Rotary, Saturday, May 10, 2014, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM, Oyster River-Durham Landing. Ducks launch at 12:30 PM. Ducks for sale at Growing Places or on day of the event. $5/each or 5 ducks for $20. Free children's activities. Rotarians grilling up hot dogs and hamburgers.
Letter Carriers' Annual Food Drive, Saturday, May 10, 2014. Durham Post Office letter carriers (city and rural) collect food donated by customers when their mail is delivered. Carriers will collect food left by mailboxes, or food may be dropped off at the Post Office anytime during the week. All food collected will go to the local food pantry for residents who may need assistance. Last year, letter carriers collected 5500 pounds of food and are hoping to collect more this year thanks to all Durham residents.
Fish Migration Day, hoted by the Lamprey River Advisory Committee and NH Fish and Game, Saturday, May 10, 2014, 10AM -12Noon, McCallen Dam in Newmarket. Participants will help measure and count fish that are trying to return to fresh water habitat after spending time at sea. For more information, click HERE.
Third Annual ORHS Tech-Cycle Event, Saturday, May 10, 2014, 9AM - 5PM, ORHS lower senior parking lot. Bring any old electronics or appliances as well as any scrap metal. Donations requested to help support the River's Edge robotics team and allow for safe disposal of harmful chemicals. For questions, contact ORHS3499@gmail.com.
ORHS Drama Dept Presents Musical OLIVER! - May 22, 23, 24 @ 7PM; Sunday, May 25 @ 2PM, $7/Students & seniors age 62; $10/Adults. Tickets on sale at ORHS hallway box office outside of cafeteria, Durham MarketPlace May 14,15,16 4-7PM, or call Armida Geiger at 868-7156. Box office open 1 hour prior to show. Doors open 1/2 hour prior to show.
Give & Take Meetup: Plant Swap, Saturday, May 24, 2014, 3:30 PM, St. George's Episcopal Church parking lot. Popular are veggie seedlings, divided edible perennials, herb cuttings/rootings and seeds. Free and open to the public. RSVP with the GSPG Meetup group HERE.
Strafford County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale, hosted by UNH Cooperative Extension, Sunday, May 25, 2014, 10AM - 2PM, Durham Town Hall Parking Lot, 15 Newmarket Rd/Route 108. For more information, click HERE.
Great Bay Rowing, located at Jackson’s Landing in Durham, has a variety of Camp programs for students interested in learning to row or improving their rowing skills. For a full description of GBR Rowing Camp options offered this summer, click HERE.
UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H Program Spin Club, is seeking volunteers who would like to lead 6-hour projects. 4-H Spin Club is a special interest club led by volunteers who have a passion and want to share their knowledge with young people. Topics can include: gardening, technology, photography, biking, baking, GPS, bookkeeping, arts, science, and more. Amanda Royce, 603-447-3834, amanda.royce@unh.edu for more information.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Singer/songwriter Steve Brennan, who will host the first Acoustic Open Mic night at the Durham Public Library on Wednesday, May 7, 6:30 pm. Courtesy DPL
Baby Lap-Sit, Sat. May 3rd, 10:30 a.m. (for ages 2 & under with their care-givers) – Join us for another fun 5 week session. We read stories, do fingerplays, sing songs and socialize afterwards. You will receive a fingerplay ring each week! All are welcome.
McGregor EMS Babysitting Course, Sat. May 3rd, 10:15-3:30 p.m. - This course is designed to certify kids ages 11 & up. Cost is $35. To register, visit cprsafe.org or call 603-862-3674
NH Audubon Raptor Program, Sat. May 3rd 10:30 a.m. at the Lee Safety Complex (grades 5 & up) – Join us for this joint library (Durham, Lee and Madbury) program. Learn all about these birds of prey and see them first hand. All are welcome.
Chess and Board Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up), Monday May 5thh 3:00-4:00 p.m. – This week come and play/learn the board game “Monopoly”. Join us every Monday afternoon now in the Young Adult room for a game of chess (or other board games).
Young Adult Writing/Blog Group (ages 10 & up), Monday, May 5th, 7-7:45 p.m. – Like to write? Join us for this monthly writing group. We do writing exercises and post to our blog “Write Away”.
Pre-school Storytimes: Tues. May 6th and Thurs. May 8th at 10:30 a.m. –The theme is: Camping and Mothers!
Watercolor Group, Tues. May 6th 2:00-3:30 p.m. - Open to anyone interested in painting with watercolor in a group.
Why You Get Sick: From vomit to bee stings, a visual explanation of why your body does what it does, Tues. May 6th, 2:45-3:30 p.m. - Join UNH Students from the Biomedical 716 class: Public Health and Water Borne Diseases as they teach middle-school students the ins and outs of the human immune system for their final class presentation. This presentation is geared for students aged 5th-8th grade. All are welcome!
Oyster River Knitters, Tues. May 6th, 7:00-9:30 p.m. - Calling all knitters (and crocheters!)... Come join your fellow fiber friends for an evening of knitting and chatting from 7-9:30. All experience levels welcome. Contact Heather Anderson (hca@iconklin.com) with any questions.
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book group, Tues. May 6th 6:00-7:00 p.m. – This month’s book is Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo. We talk about the books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft. All are welcome!
Acoustic Open Mike Night, Weds. May 7th, 6:30-8:00 p.m. - Hosted by singer/songwriter Steve Brennan. Bring your instrument and play in an open mic setting at the Durham Public Library. Don't play an instrument? Then come to hear some of the best local talent around.
Lego Club, Thurs. May 8th at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations. Lego Club is in need of Lego Donations! Have any Legos that you would like to donate to the library? They will be put to good use at our very popular Lego Club.
Durham Historic Resources Forum, Thurs. May 8th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. - The Durham Historic District Commission is hosting a public forum to discuss historic resources in the town. The forum is being conducted as part of the new Historic Resources Chapter of the Durham Master Plan. We will have a slide presentation of architectural and historic resources located in the Durham Historic District and throughout the town and then discuss strategies to best preserve our resources.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday May 9th, 10:30 a.m. – This week: Collections! We will hear books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft. This group is geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome.
Crafternoon – Fri. May 9th 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.
Baby Lap-Sit (ages 2 & under with caregiver), Sat. May 10th, 10:30 a.m. -Join us for baby lap-sit. We read stories, sing songs and do fingerplays. There is a time to play and socialize with other children/parents at the end. All are welcome! Parents will receive a baby ring with fingerplays to use at home each time they attend.
Power of One Lego House Building Competition, Sat. May 10th, 2:00-4:00 p.m. - Join ORHS students for this fun Power of One project to help bring awareness of homelessness in the U.S. Come and build houses out of Legos. Kids of any ages are welcome with their families. If you want you can donate any personal hygiene items, food, beverages, or socks for the Crossroads House in Portsmouth! Come and have some fun!
McGregor Memorial EMS First Aid Course, Tues. May 13th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Visit cprsafe.org for information and to register. Fee is $20.00.
Bookeaters (Middle School Book Group), Weds. May 14th, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - Join us for this Middle School Book Group. Walk from the middle school after school. This month's book is "The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable" by Dan Gutman. Ruth Wharton-MacDonald is the facilitator. All are welcome. Pizza is served. Books are available at the library.
Family Movie, “Flubber”, Sat. May 17th, 2:00 p.m. - Family Movie Afternoon. This month: Flubber! Join us upstairs in the community room. Get ready for summer reading “Fizz, Boom, Read!” with this science movie. Popcorn is served!
NH Humanities Book Group, Weds. May 21st, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Please join Jennifer Lee, facilitator to discuss “The Good Soldier”, A Tale of Passion, by Ford Madox Ford, sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Copies of the book are ordered by the library weeks in advance and will be available at the front desk. This program is open to all. As ever, your copy awaits you.
Tales for Tails sign-ups happening now. Contact the Children’s desk to register.
Patch Club! Earn patches and a library bag for your reading time. Register at the children’s desk.
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.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1786 - Mail was delivered by post riders from Portsmouth, and in 1796 Benjamin Thompson became our first postmaster. In the next 120 years 12 men and women held the office and did business in 10 stores and homes, being in the Ffrost store by the Falls for 40 years.
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