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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Autumn in Durham - the footbridge over Oyster River
Courtesy Bernie Casey
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Public Works Director Mike Lynch reported this week that there is an issue downtown. There is an overabundance of bikes being stored here, there, everywhere – and not enough bike racks upon which to store them. What a problem to have for a community that is striving to be more bicycle friendly! We believe this increase of bicylists in downtown Durham is because of both the increased bicycle/share the road markings and signage the Town has installed this year as well as because of an increased number of UNH students living in apartments immediately downtown rather than within Durham neighborhoods or in other communities.
On a separate note, if you have an interest in hearing the sound of the leather horn, be sure to participate in the Annual Leif Ericson Day Parade, Sunday, Oct 11, 2015, 6:00 AM. See details below in the Community Events section.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY
A final reminder that all Town offices will be closed on Monday, October 12th for the Columbus Day holiday.
Although the offices will be closed, there will be NO CHANGE TO REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION. PLEASE HAVE ALL ITEMS OUT BY 7AM AS ALWAYS. View the Holiday pick-up schedule HERE.
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DURHAM’S FULL TAX RATE TO DROP BY 2.2%
I a very pleased to let you know that today we received the finalized 2015 tax rate from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. For the first time in many years, the full tax rate for Durham has gone down!
The new full rate is $29.85, a decrease of 2.2% compared to the 2014 rate of 30.52, a drop of $.67.
This decrease is a result in part of the town's increased tax base due to new development and also a drop in the school portion of the rate due to higher than expected revenues there and in the county portion of the rate as well.
This is good news for the taxpayers of Durham. Kudos to the Durham Town Council, ORCSD, and Strafford County!
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETING - Special Guest Presentation on October 20th
Economist Brian Gottlob will be presenting an economic analysis for the Town of Durham at the 7PM Economic Development Committee meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday, October 20, 2015.
Mr. Gottlob specializes in identifying, understanding, and communicating emerging economic, fiscal, demographic, energy, labor market, real estate, and public policy trends. He offers thoughtful insights about the intersection of private sector activity and government policy, where public sector action or inaction can significantly impact the growth, development, and profitability of individual businesses, industries, not-for-profit organizations, and geographic regions.
His presentation will also be available on DCAT. Brian is the author of "Trend Lines" a policy and economics blog that can be viewed at www.briangottlob.com
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TOWN OF LEE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PILOT AGREEMENT ON MONDAY, OCT. 12TH RE: DURHAM’S EFFORTS LOCATE A 640 kW DC SOLAR ARRAY IN ITS GRAVEL PIT ON PACKERS FALLS ROAD IN LEE – PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED IN DURHAM AS WELL FOR PROJECT ON OCT. 19TH, CONTINGENT UPON OUTCOME OF LEE HEARING
As reported in the past, the NH Public Utilities Commission (PUC) chose to fund Durham/ReVision Energy’s proposal to install a 640 kW DC grid-tied solar photovoltaic project at the Packers Falls Road gravel pit located in Lee. The grant award amount of $501,000 will be funded with monies from the NH Renewable Energy Fund.
If the Town is ultimately successful in installing the solar array sized to cover the Durham's entire non-wastewater load through renewable energy, the community will have moved a step closer to creating an affordable, revenue-neutral, clean and renewable new energy reality for the community.
As noted in the past, we have been working hard to work through several important issues associated with the project:
First, while Durham’s Energy Committee had done the initial groundwork on this effort, the Administrator’s Office has worked to vet the financials and PPA details. Administrator Selig asked Councilors Jim Lawson, Wayne Burton, Firoze Katrak, DPW Director Mike Lynch, and Energy Committee Chair Charles Forcey to sit with him to vet the financial package. While not unanimous, the majority opinion was that the Town should move ahead with a PPA assuming pricing was acceptable. To this end, Administrator Selig engaged in negotiations with ReVision/IGS Solar and IGS has sharpened its pencil to offer the following:
Option 1: Durham absorbs the Lee PILOT (IGS pays the tax and passes
through that cost to Durham in the form of an annual surcharge).
PPA Rate years 1&2: 8.99¢/kWh fixed
Annual Escalator Y3-Y25: 2.25%
PPA Term 25 years
Buyout Option: Starting in Y7
Option 2: IGS is required to pay and absorb the Lee PILOT
PPA Rate years 1&2: 9.5¢/kWh fixed
Annual Escalator Y3-Y25: 2.75%
PPA Term 25 years
Buyout Option: Starting in Y7.
* For comparative purposes, Eversource, Durham's default provider, is predicting a winter energy rate of 10.39 cents per kilowatt hour, slightly lower than last year’s winter rate of 10.56 cents. The blended winter/summer rate (with winter rate at the projected 2016 level would be $9.685 cents per kilowatt hour).
Second, the array which has been approved by the PUC will produce approximately 10% more electrical generation than Durham (excluding our wastewater electrical load) can absorb at this time. To this end, Representatives from the Town and the Oyster River Coopertive School District (ORCSD) met and the ORCSD would like to accept this additional capacity to meet its own sustainability goals.
In addition, the ORCSD would utilize the array and electrical production data generated from it as part of its educational curriculum for Lee, Durham, and Madbury children within the school system.
Third, while this project is only being pursued to fulfill a public municipal purpose, to be financially viable it requires using a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) financing structure in order to take advantage of Federal tax credits (i.e., it will be built by a 3rd party instead of Durham, because the Town cannot use or benefit from Federal tax credits).
So in order to make the PPA work, the Town of Durham would enter into a lease agreement with IGS Generation to own and operate a “renewable generation facility” comprised of a 640 kW-dc photovoltaic “solar farm” on Durham land in Lee. We recognize that per RSA 72:23 the array would be subject to taxation by the Town of Lee.
State law allows for a Town and a taxpayer, in this case the Town of Lee and Durham’s PPA partner -- IGS Generation -- to voluntarily enter into a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for renewable generation facilities per RSA 72:74. Durham could also be a party to the PILOT. Given the Town of Durham’s overt goals in achieving net neutrality as described above, and the fact that if Durham had to pay full (town/school/state school/county) property taxes on the solar array in pass through costs as part of the electrical rate structure the project would not be financially feasible and we would be unable to move forward with the effort, Durham has asked the Town of Lee to enter into a PILOT agreement.
Durham representatives have met with the Lee Selectmen concerning this matter on three occasions to date to request that the Town of Lee consider entering into such a PILOT arrangement.
After a good deal of thoughtful discussion during its meting on September 14, 2015, the Lee Board of Selectmen voted to move the matter forward for a public hearing at 6 PM on Monday, October 12, 2015, at the Lee Public Safety Complex at 20 George Bennett Road such that the board could consider the perspectives of members of the community.
Durham has been working hard to do a great deal of listening to concerns from the Town of Lee regarding the PILOT. Based on these discussions, Admin. Selig believes there is a potential way forward that could be acceptable for Lee and Durham alike. This approach may solve a good many of the concerns that have been raised to date in past discussions with the Town of Lee. In a nutshell, Mr. Selig has suggested that the PILOT be between Durham and Lee, rather than solely between Lee and IGS Solar. He has also revised the payment schedule using a $1,890,000 value for the array at the top end of the value range, equalized it over 20 years, and then increased the payment annually by 2% to represent a rate of inflation. Finally, under this proposal Durham would commit that the payment would remain in place whether or not Durham buys out the array after year 6.
This means a payment to Lee of approximately $5,000 in year 1 and payments in aggregate totaling approximately $121,500 by the end of the twenty-year term. In addition to the $5,000 PILOT payment in year 1, Lee would receive an additional $10,000 in building permit fees for the construction of the array in year 1.
To view the most recent PILOT proposal, click HERE.
The solar array should require few if any municipal services as once it is installed, it will simply remain in place absorbing the suns rays and generating green renewable energy. The array creates no new traffic, and its presence will eliminate the ability of Durham to burn at the pit as DPW has done periodically in the past to dispose of brush debris from storms.
Durham has also offered to be the primary responder to the pit for fire and police calls if that would be desirable for Lee but that would be completely at Lee’s discretion.
Our sincere goal is to make the array of benefit to the entire collective community
If a PILOT is not approved, the project cannot move forward and Lee will receive no additional revenue because the property is tax exempt as a municipally owned parcel.
Fourth, time is of the essence with this project. ReVision Energy/IGS must have an answer concerning whether the Town of Durham will approve a PPA, Lease Agreement, and possibly a PILOT agreement concerning this project in order to have the project built in 2015 to take advantage of 2015 solar pricing (upon which the grant financials are based. 2016 solar panel pricing is expected to increase.). To this end, a public hearing/presentation on the PPA/Lease Agreement/PILOT has been scheduled for the Town Council's meeting on October 19, 2015. The hearing, however, would be contingent upon the Town of Lee’s willingness to enter into a PILOT. See the public notice below. Without the PILOT, the project cannot move forward.
ReVision indicates it needs to have the large array under construction (with footings in the ground) by mid-November/early December at the latest for the project to move forward.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - PPA and Lease Agreement Between Town of Durham and IGS Solar, LLC (with ReVision Energy as project partner) and a possible Payment In Lieu of Taxes Agreement between the Towns of Durham and Lee, and IGS Solar, LLC
The Durham Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Durham Town Hall on a proposed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and Lease Agreement between the Town of Durham and IGS Solar, LLC, and a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement, pursuant to NH RSA 72:74, between the towns of Durham and Lee, and IGS Solar, LLC, to construct a 640 kW DC solar array in the Town of Durham’s Packers Falls Gravel Pit located at 411 Packers Falls Road in Lee, NH.
This hearing is contingent upon approval of a PILOT Agreement concerning this matter by the Town of Lee on October 12, 2015.
Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearing and express their views. Questions regarding the proposal should be addressed to Administrator Todd Selig, 603-868-5571, tselig@ci.durham.nh.us. Written comments may be mailed to the Administrator’s office at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or sent by electronic mail to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
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At the Town Council meeting on October 5th, the Town was presented with its 37th Tree City Award. The Tree City USA award is a national recognition for having an outstanding tree program. Pictured above (l-r) are: Council Chair Jay B. Gooze, Director of Public Works and the Town's Tree Warden Mike Lynch, State Community Forester Scott Rolfe and Forester AJ Duprie. Courtesy Carden Welsh
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A REPORT ON THE FIRE AT 56 OYSTER RIVER ROAD ON DURHAM DAY
On Saturday September 26, 2015 at 12:32 PM the Durham Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a kitchen fire at 56 Oyster River Road.
Upon arrival there was visible smoke showing from the home prompting Captain Kustra to strike a first alarm citing a working fire. A first alarm will bring mutual aid units from Dover, Newmarket, Lee, Madbury, and a rescue team from Exeter to support the fire attack operation. A typical house fire requires 14-20 personnel to accomplish all the necessary tasks that allows for interior attack as well as an overhaul and preservation of property. Durham normally has only five firefighters on duty, which is why a first alarm is struck so soon upon arrival.
Captain Kustra met the homeowner and a contractor at the rear of the home where the contractor had a garden hose and was spraying the fire from the outside. Due to the dense smoke inside the house anyone without protective gear would not have been able to enter it. The use of the garden hose did help keep the fire reduced in the immediate area however it was not enough to knock the fire down.
Firefighters entered the smoke filled house with an attack hose line and were able to locate within and above the kitchen cabinets a free burning fire threatening extension into the walls and ceiling. The aggressive interior fire attack allowed complete extinguishment of the fire in the kitchen keeping the fire from spreading to the attic area. The department’s self-contained breathing apparatus and thermal imaging cameras permitted the firefighters to find this fire quickly and verify that they had located the fire effectively.
The mutual aid crews from Dover, Lee, Madbury, and Newmarket then assisted with checking for fire extension in the attic, basement, and adjacent rooms, as well as overhauling the kitchen. Kitchen cabinets, wallboards, and ceiling were removed to ensure that the fire had not extended into the walls. Care was given to remove personal items from the kitchen without incurring further damage to the contents of the home.
Unfortunately even with the quick response by both the contractor and the Durham Fire Department, there was extensive fire and smoke damage to the home leaving the home uninhabitable for several months as they rebuild.
The Fire Department duty crew was heading to Durham Day when the fire call came in.
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MCGREGOR MEMORIAL ACTIVE DURING HOMECOMING WEEKEND
McGregor Memorial EMS reports that, from Friday until Sunday evening of UNH Homecoming Weekend, members responded to 53 calls. 33 McGregor members volunteered a total of 379 hours. Members staffed 4 ambulances, a “golf cart” ambulance, and partnered with Durham Fire Department members to staff their UTV and 3 ground teams assigned to various areas. Additionally, a McGregor Supervisor helped to staff the Command Post and coordinated both responses and contact with local hospitals to minimize impact on their services.
In the midst of Homecoming, a structure fire in Madbury also occurred and McGregor responded to provide rehabilitation to firefighters battling the blaze.
In addition to Homecoming events, McGregor responded to 10 emergencies not associated with Homecoming.
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BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER WAY FOR FY 2016 - An Update on Efforts to Date
Over the course of the summer, Durham’s department heads as well as the Town’s various boards, committees, and commissions prepared their proposed budgets for FY 2016 for consideration by the Administrator as he works to prepare a formal FY 2016 budget proposal for the Town Council as part of the annual budget development process.
Business Manager Gail Jablonski then organized budget meetings with each of the Town’s department heads to enable herself and Administrator Selig to meet with departments and better understand budget requests, as well as departmental Capital Improvement Program requests. Members of the Town Council were notified of each of these meetings and invited to attend if they had an interest in doing so.
One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2015-2016 states: “Task the administrator with developing an operating budget that holds the municipal tax rate at $8.48 given the assumptions there is no change in the downtown TIF allocations and the anticipated 2016 tax valuation is $986 million. Preliminary budgets submitted to the administrator by department heads should reflect this Town Council goal. For the medium and long-term, the Town will make an effort to control its spending and explore innovative ways to reduce the municipal tax rate.”
The Administrator, Business Department, departments are endeavoring to accomplish this goal.
The initial requests received by Mr. Selig would result in an increase of $876,446 or a 6.36% increase in spending over FY 2015. The approved FY 2015 Operational Budget was $13,785,467.
In addition to contractually driven wage increases, increased NHRS contribution requirements, and health insurance changes, monies for the proposed road program for FY 2016 exceeded last year’s projected allocation by $200,000, and the sidewalk program exceeded the 2016 estimate by approximately $50,000.
In addition, because private construction in Durham is expected to slow considerably in 2016 as various downtown projects wind down and reach completion, building permit revenues are anticipated to be significantly lower in FY 2016 resulting in a loss of approximately $200,000 in revenue.
To date, the Administrator has identified approximately $650,000 in potential reductions to departmental requests. Examples of reductions under consideration include:
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Elimination of the FT assistant building inspector position - due to construction trailing off for 2016. - $81,000
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Reduction in the dcat coordination position from FT to PT (impacting programming availability) - $39,000
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Reduction in PT DPW mechanic position. $21,000
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Elimination of $30,000 for Master Plan work in 2016 to focus on future land uses chapter.
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Reduction in contributions to various community support organizations that provide services to Durham residents (Ready Rides, My Friends Place, Avis Goodwin, Meals on Wheels, etc.). $1,500
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Elimination of $15,000 for July 4th fireworks proposed by Parks & Rec.
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Reduction in allocation of monies for potential wage increases for staff - $30,000 - $90,000.
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Elimination of $48,000 for an AM and PM traffic model for Durham.
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Elimination of $10,500 for radar units.
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Elimination of $200,000 from road program for overlay of Mill Road.
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Elimination of $17,000 for downtown holiday decorations.
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Elimination of $15,000 for rolloff containers at the transfer station.
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Reduction in the allocation for the Fire Department Capital Reserve Fund - $80,000.
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Elimination of one police cruiser.
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Elimination of $15,000 for targeted bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
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Elimination of DPW builidngs and grounds maintenance equipment $9,000.
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Elimination of proposed new pole barn at DPW $3,500.
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Additional IT specialist - +/- $80,000
This is by no means a complete list and no decisions are final at this time.
New positions that have been discussed/considered over the last year by staff but which are not included in department proposals:
- GIS position
- Lands coordinator to help manage Durham open space/trails/properties.
- Caretaker at Wagon Hill Farm.
- Vegetation management position.
- Additional position to share between Water/Wastewater Department.
- Stormwater management position.
- Fire Dept. Training position.
- Asst. Town Administrator.
Per Town Charter, the Administrator is charged with the development of the annual budget and CIP program. The proposed annual budget must be submitted to the Town Council by the last business day in October. The Town Council by Charter then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget or the Administrator’s budget becomes the budget of the Town by default.
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PLANNING BOARD ADOPTS NEW SET OF SITE PLAN REGULATIONS
We are pleased to announce the adoption of an entirely new set of Site Plan Regulations.
A committee of four – Kathy Bubar, Robin Mower, Peter Wolfe, and Michael Behrendt, Town Planner – spent many months researching and writing a state-of-the-art document which the Planning Board then revised and adopted on September 9, 2015, after a year-long review.
The site plan regulations lay out the rules for developing a site. While the regulations are quite detailed, there is also some built-in flexibility. It is hoped that the clarity of detail and format will enhance the quality of development and facilitate the review process.
To view the new regulations, click HERE.
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RETIREMENT GATHERING FOR TOM JOHNSON - MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015
In July this year long-time Code/Zoning/Building/Health Officer Tom Johnson gave formal notice of his plans to retire at the end of December.
On Monday, October 26, 2015, members of the public are invited to attend a retirement gathering for Tom from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Bella's Restaurant in the Mill Plaza.
Appetizers and drinks will be available for purchase from Bella’s.
Cake will be provided.
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PLANNING BOARD VACANCIES
Do you find yourself engaging in conversations about the recent development boom in Durham? Are you interested in downtown revitalization, architecture, civic design, natural resource protection, economic development, promotion of social capital, transportation? Are you game for a new challenge? Wonderful! We have openings for a few alternates on the Durham Planning Board, which meets two Wednesday evenings every month. Serving on the Planning Board is demanding but highly rewarding and endlessly fascinating. No specific knowledge or experience is required though some relevant background is preferred. Please contact Michael Behrendt, Durham Town Planner, at 868-8064 if you would like to explore serving on the board.
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FALL CLEANUP
The Department of Public Works has sent out its annual Fall Newsletter to all residents. The fall cleanup of leaves and brush will begin on Monday, November 9th. Please see the Newsletter for details.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE'S "HANDS FREE ELECTRONIC DEVICE" LAW
The Hands Free law has been in effect since July! The law was created for many good reasons since during the past 4 years there have been 116 fatal car crashes in New Hampshire that have been attributed to “distraction”. Research states that a texting vehicle operator is 23 times more likely to crash. The law prohibits the use of hand held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data communication while driving or temporarily halted/stopped in traffic for a stop sign, traffic signal or other momentary delays. An electronic device includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPad or other devices that require data entry. Of course, any call being made to 911 or other public safety entity will not be a violation.
It is important to understand that the ban would apply while drivers are stopped temporarily, such as at a red light, but not if they have pulled-over and are stopped off the side of the roadway. Vehicle operators can answer the phone but not holding it to the ear or typing emails or other messages. It also does not allow programming GPS systems unless drivers are pulled off the road.
Drivers can use a variety of ways to comply with the law and still talk on their phones. For example, drivers can attach a Bluetooth device to an older car’s sun visor and sync it to their cellphone. Many newer cars can also make hands-free calls through Bluetooth integrated into the car’s system. If anyone is confused or would like to speak with an officer about the law, please call the Durham Police @ 868-2324
Some communities throughout the state have begun conducting undercover sting operations targeting drivers that violate the law. The City of Somersworth conducted a "hands-free" sting this week. To read the Foster's Daily Democrat article, click HERE.
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ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE CHECKS
The Durham Police routinely conduct “compliance checks” of vendors who are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages in Durham. The department’s goal remains constant in the area of alcohol sales as Chief Kurz wants to assure the community that businesses are properly confirming the age and identity of those persons attempting to purchase alcohol. Each alcohol vendor in Durham is acutely aware of the problem illegal alcohol possession, consumption and intoxication poses to this community and it is our goal to confront this concern on multiple levels. Last week during the evening hours, an underage student, working in conjuncture with the Durham Police attempted to purchase alcohol at every location where alcohol is served including Thai Smile 2, Three Chimneys Inn and the Knot Irish Pub as well as convenience stores such as Irving’s, Store 24 and Phillip’s 66. We specifically seek to confirm that the business is properly requesting the young person’s identification and when provided, ensuring that the identification verifies they are of the legal age of 21.
Durham’s underage volunteer is trained and certified by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission to perform these compliance checks. The volunteer provides their personal New Hampshire license indicating they are in fact under the age of 21, which should result in an immediate refusal. The volunteer never deceives and answers all questions posed by the store truthfully. Chief Kurz was pleased to report that all thirteen locations in Durham performed as they should and refused the requested sale.
To highlight the positive, the Chief sends each conveyer of alcohol who appropriately refused the sale of alcohol, a letter designed to reinforce their success and remind them to remain vigilant.
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VEHICLE SPEED MONITORING ON Oyster River Rd./Garden Lane
There is a concerted effort to place the Durham Police Department’s Kustom StealthStat™, which has a Traffic Statistics Computer built into the unit, at various locations throughout the community. As noted in previous Friday Updates, this box type radar unit is discretely mounted on sign poles or other vertical objects and allows the Town to track and analyze traffic that passes in front of the machine without the use or need for road tubes. Additionally, the statistical computer software plots and graphically displays the number of vehicles vs. time of day, vehicle speed vs. time of day and vehicle speed vs. number of vehicles.
The computer was set up on Oyster River Road at Garden Avenue with the radar pointed towards Mill Road where the posted speed limit is 25 MPH. Data was collected on 3,219 vehicles with the 10 mph “pace speed”, which is defined as the 10 MPH range containing the greatest number of vehicles, was determined to be 18-27 MPH. During the week, the frequency of vehicles exceeding the posted 25MPH by 10MPH was 1.344% with approximately 42.4 vehicles per hour traveling through this area! On the weekend 1.316% of the vehicles exceeded the posted speed limit by 10MPH with an average of 42 vehicles per hour traversing Oyster River Road during this period.
While the data doesn’t provide evidence of excessive speeds, it was noted that on five or six occasions, out of a sample of 3,219, that the vehicles traveled above 35MPH. This is undoubtedly troubling to the residents.
Unfortunately it is so infrequent that the data doesn’t demonstrate a definitive time for officers to be in the area for enforcement. However, residents should expect to see police cruisers in this area attempting to detect those who are exceeding the posted speed limit.
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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
If voters are uncertain of their current party affiliation, click HERE for more information.
If a voter discovers they are not listed the way they would like to be, they can change their party affiliation at the Town Clerk’s office during regular office hours, 8AM - 5PM, Monday-Friday any time up to 90 days before a primary. The Presidential Primary is scheduled for February 9, so this deadline will be in early November.
Undeclared (Independent) voters choose whether to take a Republican or a Democratic ballot at a primary and sometimes forget to change back to Undeclared. They then find themselves having to vote in the party they did not care about. Please do not be one of those unhappy voters.
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DURHAM HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION'S FALL PROGRAM - OCTOBER 25, 2015
The Durham Historical Association will hold its fall program on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 2:00 PM. The event will be held at Salty Farm, 360 Durham Point Road, and will include a history of the farm, the Rand graveyard, a cellar hole, a blacksmith site, and the boathouse on Crommet Creek. Hosts will be Joan and Frank Graf.
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Brandy Higgins demonstrates the Triangle Posture.
BIKRAM YOGA IS COMING TO TOWN
Located at 1 Madbury Road, Suite 103, is Bikram Yoga, the original HOT yoga.
Brandy Higgins, business owner, describes it as a challenging series of 26 Hatha Yoga Postures and 2 Breathing Exercises performed in a heated environment. Bikram Yoga systematically moves fresh oxygenated blood to every muscle, tissue, organ and gland in the body. Each class is 90 minutes in length and suitable for all levels. Bikram Yoga instructors have a 500 hour certification.
This new facility has been custom designed with state-of-the-art materials including anti-microbial/anti-bacterial flooring, radiant heat panels, and both men’s and women’s showers and changing rooms. Students new to Bikram Yoga practice will have the opportunity to purchase introductory specials when the business officially opens. Look for a Grand Opening Celebration when Bikram will offer FREE yoga classes all day for the entire community.
More information and pre-opening special offers are available at www.bydurham.com or facebook page.
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DURHAM BIKE & SPORTS ONE YEAR GRAND OPENING
Durham Bike & Sports, located at 72 Main Street, will hold a one year grand opening on Saturday, October 10, 2015. The event begins at 1:00 PM.
The event will include:
DEMO DAY - Fat bikes, Electric bikes and Vintage bikes
SALE
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New Bikes 20-40% off
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Pre-owned Bikes 20% off
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Bike accessories, (helmets, shirts, shorts, tools, lights) 25% off
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Swim suits 50% off
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Longboards 25% off
INTRODUCING Supreme Audio Experience Products!
SKULLCANDY, SONY AND PHILLIPS SOUND DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES
SKULLCANDY, Hesh 2, Headphones, Sony Active Sports Headphones, Skullcandy Smokin Buds 2,
Bluetooth Fit Sport, Skullcandy INK'D Microphone & Remote, 3' & 6' power adapters for charging iPhones, iPods and iPads
The Whiskey Barrel Band is playing outside the shop from 5-7 PM.
FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS
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FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
There has been some misperception in the community regarding the projects in the Mill Road Plaza. Federal Savings Bank wants the community to know that it is not closing its Durham office and has no plans to do so.
Federal Savings Bank is located at 7A Mill Road in the Mill Road Plaza. Hours of operation in Durham are weekdays, 9 AM - 5 PM, and Saturdays, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM to assist customers with all of their deposit needs and lending options. The 24-hour ATM is always available.
For more information about Federal Savings Bank, visit www.fsbdover.com or call us at 603-868-1111.
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OPERATION WARM
The Durham Professional Firefighters in conjunction with Durham, Lee, and Madbury Fire Departments, have partnered with Operation Warm, a national non-profit organization committed to providing brand new, American-made, winter coats to children in need for free.
They seek support from interested community members. Beyond warmth, a new coat positively impacts a child’s school attendance, self-esteem, and overall health and well-being.
This is not a coat drive. The DPFFA will gratefully accept monetary or in-kind donations to fund this initiative. All monies raised will stay local, helping children in grades K-8.
For more information visit Operation Warm.
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DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
Don't Miss DCAT 22 Studios New Program - "In the Biz: Durham Business Spotlight with Mary Ellen Humphrey". EDC Director Mary Ellen Humphrey chats with new and established businesses in Durham. Our first show features: Rick Ouellette of Sales Goose, LLC a new business locating in Durham. Mary Ellen asks Rick about his business and why he decided to locate in Durham. This video is available On Demand & replaying on DCAT 22. Show times: Saturday & Sunday @ 1:15 PM – Monday & Wednesday @ 6:45 PM & Friday @ 10:15 PM. If you’d like your business recognized or have any comments, please contact: dcat@ci.durham.nh.us
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"Julian Smith – an interview with Richard Belshaw”. Hear Julian’s last interview before he loaded up the truck and moved to GA. Learn a little local history from someone that’s lived in worked in Durham since 1965. Julian will share his story about how he was “accepted” in to college, and his interesting background. This video will be available for viewing on DCAT Channel 22 & On Demand.
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Join DCAT 22 Studios on a time lapse video tour of our New Town Hall. Watch from a bird’s eye view as the Town Hall starts as the old bank and quickly transforms into our new space. This video is only available on our On Demand site.
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DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
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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.
Discover Durham's Trails - The Conservation Commission, Land Stewardship Committee, and Parks & Recreation have put together a “Get To Know Your Trails" once a month guided tours highlighting the many trails and recreational spaces in Durham. Participation is FREE. Trails to be explored in October and November are :
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Oyster River Forest - Sunday, October 18th at 10AM
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Longmarsh Preserve - Sunday, November 15th at 10AM
Spooktacular Day - Friday, October 23rd 3pm-5pm at Jackson’s Landing. Durham Parks & Recreation invites you to Jackson’s Landing to enjoy pumpkin & cookie decorating, face painting, crafts & activities and a costume parade! FREE skating at Churchill Rink (4-5:30pm) for those in costume! Spooktacular snacks and refreshments will be served! S’mores, popcorn, campfire and fire truck exploration by Durham Fire Department!
Fall Programs - We have A LOT going on this fall! Please view all of our program offerings including detailed information on each program in our Fall Programs & Events Guide.
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Fitness Classes: Bootcamp, Pilates, Strength & Stretch, Zumba, Yoga, Gentle Yoga/Flow & Yoga Hikes.
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Tai Chi & Tai Ji Quan will begin in October.
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Pick up Pickleball and Pickleball Clinics- (9/29, 10/13, 10/20)
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Dirt Divas-woman’s meet-up mountain bike group
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After School Programs- Coyote Club, Drums Alive Classes, Paddling & Mountain Biking Adventure Programs
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Youth Programs- Teeter TOTers Parent-Child Playgroup & Children’s Yoga
Save the Date!
Feather Fest - Thursday, November 26th 10am at Wagon Hill Farm. This is a collaborative event between Durham Parks and Recreation and ORPP for local children and their families. Held on Thanksgiving morning, a local parent reads a story to the kids. We follow the trail of feathers for a turkey hunt and find a sweet treat down by the bay. Send the kids with dad, bring grandma and the cousins, or join your neighbors for an outing. This is fun event that kids of all ages will enjoy!
Durham’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration - Saturday, December 5th 6:00-8:00pm on Main Street. Enjoy raffles, campfire, s’mores, hot cocoa, ornament making, visit with Santa and be there as we light up the tree for the holiday season!
Parks and Recreation Committee Vacancies. The Parks and Recreation Committee has three vacancies to fill. If you are passionate about recreation here in Durham and would like to help support and guide the Parks and Recreation Department, please consider joining this committee. Those who are interested should contact Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski at rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us or committee chair, Mike Sievert at mikesievert@mjs-engineering.com. All three vacancies are three-year terms.
We want to hear from you! Have a new exciting program idea? Please be sure to share your vision with Parks and Recreation Director, Rachel Gasowski. Stop by the Recreation Department Office (2 Dover Road), or call/email the department at (603) 817-4074/ rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
"Ramblin' Richard" Kruppa is this month's featured guest during the general meeting of the Active Retirment Association on Tuesday, October 13th. More information can be found below.
Growing Places TimberNook Programs. Full day programs for upcoming school closings (Fri., Oct. 9; Mon., Oct 12; Fri, Nov 6) and special home school opportunity on Friday, Nov. 23. More information HERE
Active Retirement Association General Meeting, Tuesday, Oct 13, 2015, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church lower level, Rt. 108. Program will feature "Songs of World War II: Wartime Songs and the Stories You Didn't Know" presented by "Ramblin' Richard" Kruppa. Meeting open to all. Visit http://www.unh.edu/ara/ or contact Carol Caldwell, 603-312-1536, info@ara-nh.org.
Youth Programs for ORMS Students - Wildcat Fitness - 8 weeks; Now through November 19th 3:00 - 4:00PM; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Ages 11- 15. More information HERE.
Volunteer Work Day at Beard's Creek, Saturday, Oct 10, 2015, 9 - 11 AM, to help restore nature in this area. Volunteers needed at the Stolworthy Sanctuary and surrounding lands. Meet at the back of the Oyster River Middle School, Durham. Will be hand-pulling invasive plants using unique tools. Fun and good exercise. No experience needed Groups and families welcome. Wear long pants and sleeves, and bring water and work gloves (some will be available if needed). Pre-registration is requested HERE. More information HERE.
Annual Leif Ericson Day Parade, Sunday, Oct 11, 2015, 6:00 AM. Please come to the world’s shortest parade in Durham, NH. Participants gather at the Launder Center on Main Street in Durham at 6:00 AM. For the 39th time, the parade begins promptly at 6:30 AM following the usual 25 foot route to Young’s Restaurant for breakfast and festivities with marchers cheering, as they go, “For noble deeds and daring done, we all salute Leif Ericson.” Wear your best Scandinavian sweater or costume and come celebrate this early explorer to these shores. More information HERE.
ChildVoice’s Million Bubble Mile Fundraiser, Sunday, Oct 11, 2015, 1:00 PM, UNH Indoor Track. ChildVoice's, a Newmarket-based, non-profit organization, will host this one mile bubble-walk fundraiser. Walk or dance through this music pounding adventure while raising money for war-affected children. This family-friendly event features children’s activities, an African Bazaar, and refreshments. More information HERE.
The Newcomers Unlimited Monthly Meeting, Friday, Oct 16, 2015, Durham Community Church Fellowship Hall. Featuring Cory W. Smith, Associate Professor at UNH Law School and Director of Policy, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) to speak on corporate supply chains and how consumer choices may fuel human trafficking globally. Coffee and social at 9:00AM; speaker at 10:00AM. Please park in lower lot. Dues for the 2015-2916 year ($20) and can be paid at this meeting.
University of New Hampshire Celebrity Series - Pavel Haas String Quartet. - Sunday, Oct 18, 2015, Paul Creative Arts Center's Johnson Theatre. Since winning the Paolo Borciani competition in Italy in Spring 2005, the Pavel Haas Quartet has established itself as one of the great chamber ensembles of today. Tickets: $30 General, $10 UNH Student with ID and Youth under18. Tickets can be purchased on line HERE, or by calling 603-862-7222(PCAC). Hours: Monday – Friday, Noon – 5:00pm as well as one hour before each event.
‘Dracula’ Ballet at Oyster River - Saturday, Oct 24, 2015, 7PM, ORHS Auditorium. Performed by the Northeastern Ballet Theatre. Adult $20, Child/Senior $17.50, Family Pack of Four $60. Recommended for children 10+ years. For tickets and more details, click HERE. Contact Edra Toth, Director, at 603-834-8834 or northeasternballettheatre@gmail.com
Mast Way School Holiday Shopping Bazaar - Looking for vendors, craftspeople, and artisans. Saturday, Dec 5, 2015, 9AM - 2PM, Oyster River Middle School. Tables are $35.00. Event is always well attended. Contact Rebecca Throop, rthroop@hotmail.com. Space is limited.
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Jesse Stabile Morrell Healthy Living Series presenter Oct 21, 2015
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Family Storytime, Sat. Oct. 10th at 10:30 am – This week: “Moon and Stars”! . Join us for stories, fingerplays, feltboard, songs and a fun craft. All are welcome!
Crafternoon, Sat., Oct. 10th 12:00-4:00 pm. – Drop by to make a fun craft in the storytime room. All are welcome.
The library will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2015 in observance of Columbus Day. We will re-open on Tuesday at 10:00am.
Acoustic Open Mic Wednesday, October 14, 6:30-8 pm - Come to listen, come to perform. The hootmeisters are Peg Chaffee and Cheryl Sager of "Nice and Naughty" fame. Food, drink and live music. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library and held in the Durham Public Library Cafe.
Friends’ Book Discussion, Weds. Oct. 15th at 10:30 am - Please join Jennifer Lee for the Friends' book discussion of On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan. Your copy awaits.
True or False? Diet Myth & Folklore - Healthy Living Series Wed. Oct. 21st 6:30 pm - Low fat. Low Carb. Paleo. Detox. With what seems like new dietary advice every week, how do you know what information to follow and who to listen to? We’ll discuss the impact of the media, elements of a healthy diet, common diet myths, and sources of credible, evidence based information. Bring your questions! Presenter: Jesse Stabile Morrell, PhD UNH Lecturer for the Nutrition Program with a focus in nutrition, wellness, and research methods. Her research activities focus on improving health & reducing chronic disease risk among adolescents & young adults. Incorporating Exercise into Everyday Living Wed. Oct. 28, 6:30 pm Presenter: Dr. Shelley Mulligan/UNH College of Health & Human Services Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Unraveling the Mysteries of Classical Music Mondays 4-5 pm 10/5, 10/19, 10/26 and 11/2 – Four part series. Enriches and exposes listeners to the various styles & periods of music, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary. Presented by Patricia Terrill, Music History Master’s Degree/UNH. No registration needed. Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Storytimes! Tues. Oct. 13th and Thurs. Oct. 15th, 10:30 a.m. – This week: Soup! Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft.
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group will begin on Weds. Oct. 14th at 2:45-4pm – This month’s book is “The Mark of the Dragonfly” by Jaleigh Johnson. Walk from the Middle School! Ruth Wharton-MacDonald is the facilitator. Pizza is served and books are available at the circulation desk. All are welcome.
Baby Lap-sit Weds. Oct. 14th at 10:30 am – For ages 2 & under with their care-giver. Mother Goose on the Loose! We do songs, fingerplays, stories, movement and fun. There is a time to play and socialize afterward. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Knitting Club Weds. Oct. 14th from 4-5 pm – For 3rd-5th graders. Sign-up at the Children’s desk. Come and learn to knit fun projects or continue on your current project.
Lego Club Thursday, Oct. 15th from 3:45-4:45 pm – For K-4th graders. Come and build with us. Weekly challenges and free builds.
Home-schooling Group Friday Oct. 16th at 10:30 am – Geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome. This week we are all about “Puzzles and Mind Games”!
Adult Writers Meet-Up Thurs. Oct. 15, 6-8 pm - Interested in writing, publishing? Drop in at the DPL Cafe. Meets 1st & 3rd Thur. monthly. Contact Mary Ellen mary.ellen.humphrey@gmail.com
Family Movie, Sat. Oct. 17th at 2:00 pm – This month “Home”! Popcorn is served and all are welcome.
Game Afternoon Monday Oct. 19th from 2:45-4pm – For ages 10 & up – This week: Monopoly! Come and play some board games weekly in the Young Adult room.
Tales for Tails – Have a child who needs to increase their confidence in reading? Have them read to one of our Pet Partner dogs! Sessions run for 4 weeks . Your child will read ½ hour once a week to one of the dogs and their handlers.
Join the Reading Patch Club! Ages 2-12 years - Earn patches and a tote bag for hours that you read! Program sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.
$300 Prize for Photography Contest - Need a camera to participate in the photo contest? Borrow a camera at the circulation desk. Contestants chronicle Durham, in a series of 7 photos that express Durham’s character. Contest rules & application found on the library website www.durhampubliclibrary.org
Technology Help - The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology, such as computers, iPads and phones. Call us to check on the availability of our volunteers at 868-6699 or email us at durhampl@gmail.com.
For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commenced August 28th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
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