Friday, April 29, 2011

  Courtesy Sandy Devins

On Saturday, April 23, 2011 a large number of children and their parents braved the cool wet morning to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt at the Town Landing. This annual tradition is sponsored by the Durham Parks and Recreation Department.

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At this week's Durham Business Association Annual Meeting, Durham resident Andrea Bodo reported with a smile that many months ago Her Majesty the Queen had contacted Durham to learn whether the Smith Chapel was available for today's royal wedding.  Chief Kurz was poised to provide the requisite honor guard and security detail for the grand occasion!  Unfortunately, with the Smith Chapel under repair, the Royal Family was forced to accept their second choice ... Westminster Abbey.  :-)

LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Qualifying individuals are eligible to apply for tax relief for this year’s statewide property tax. The application filing period is after May 1, 2011 but before June 30, 2011. Application forms and additional program information is available by going to the NH Department of Revenue Administration website at http://www.revenue.nh.gov/forms/low_mod_program.htm.  Applications will be mailed upon request by contacting the Department's forms line at (603) 271-2192 or (603) 271-2191.

"SHARE THE ROAD" BUMPER STICKERS ARE BACK!

They've been flying out the door, so if you haven't gotten your "Share the Road" bumper sticker yet, pick one up today at the Town Clerk’s office at the Durham Town Hall. (Thanks to Seacoast Area Bicycle Routes (SABR) for providing the stickers!)

CRUTCHES 4 AFRICA  

Many residents may have crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs in our attics - unwelcome reminders of a family member's past difficulties getting around. Too often, without a good reason to keep these items, they end up in our landfills. But supposing your local Rotary Club could show you a way and a reason to return them to use which would cost you only a little effort, wouldn't  you want to do it?

In Africa, punitive amputations, gunshot wounds, and land mines account for the loss of lower limbs for tens of thousands. Additionally, polio denies more victims the use of those limbs. If inadequate medical care does not soon prove fatal to the amputees, they and polio victims are relegated to a lifetime of impaired mobility directly affecting their access to community facilities, support of their families, and self-respect.

Rotary International has invested significantly in supporting students undertaking graduate studies in conflict resolution. Since 1985, it has contributed resources which should reach $1.2 billion to eradicate polio in partnership with the CDC, WHO, UNICEF, and most recently, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. But there remains the task of addressing the mobility needs of surviving victims of violence and disease. Rotary has begun that work in seven of the most affected countries in Africa as well as four others in south Asia. Rotary International invites you to participate in the effort to restore mobility for access, health, and dignity.

The Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay has installed collection points throughout the communities we serve - Durham, Lee, Madbury, and Newmarket. Unneeded crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs can be dropped at those locations. If you need our help in retrieving items from storage, feel free to contact Ric at 749-9011 or richarderickson@comcast.net to arrange a convenient time.

DURHAM BUSINESS VISITATION REPORT RELEASED
From June 2010 through February 2011, volunteers organized by Durham’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) and EDC member Yusi Wang Turell reached out to the business community to learn about their business and their experience doing business in Durham, guided by a “discussionaire” template. The EDC also distributed a one-page anonymous survey to gauge business owners’ familiarity with, and support for, various projects and issues related to economic development. Thirdly, the EDC analyzed 2011 commercial tax records to round out our understanding of Durham’s business segments.

Primary findings from the visitations are:

1. Durham must change its regional reputation of being unfriendly to business.
2. Restrictive zoning and stringent code enforcement add time and expense to rojects.
3. Commercial space is hard to find, expensive, and poor quality.
4. More (and more useful) parking is needed.
5. More visible signage is needed.
6. Improve downtown ambiance and safety.
7. Expand community and family-friendly amenities - restaurants and retail.
8. UNH is an asset; we should strengthen Durham-UNH relations.
9. Better education and support is needed for current and prospective business owners.
10. Durham’s commercial success is inextricably linked with the Town’s continued
attractiveness to residents and solid real estate market.
11. Mix of cynicism and hope for future.

Other items of significance included:

• Durham has a diverse mix of businesses that extend well beyond student-focused hospitality, retail, and services. For its commercial tax base, Durham still relies heavily on rental housing, Goss International, and Spruce Woods.
• 42% of interviewees said that they were already Durham residents when they started their business, or had moved to Durham for “family first, business second.”
• One of the most striking findings of the survey was how uninformed business owners say they are about potential economic development projects. (Nevertheless, many of these respondents hold strong opinions on these projects.)

Readers should bear in mind that all of the data in this report are best-effort approximations, and that the project’s purpose was to identify important trends in order to catalyze action. To view the report, click HERE.

A thank you is extended to EDC member Yusi Wang Turell who coordinated this effort, assimilated the results, and wrote the report.

NHPUC ENERGY EFFICIENCY SURVEY

Have you taken steps to reduce your energy use? Do you have ideas for making our state more energy efficient or for getting more of our energy from sustainable sources?

The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission  is conducting a study of energy efficiency and sustainable energy in New Hampshire and would like to get your input. Let us know your thoughts by taking a short survey, which can be accessed by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NewHampshireEnergyStudy. It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete; all responses will be treated as strictly confidential. Thank you in advance for taking the time to participate! The survey is available through April 30.

HOT WATER: SOLAR THERMAL REBATE PROGRAM UPDATE
The spring construction season has begun and oil prices continue to escalate, so it's a good time to consider solar thermal systems for your domestic hot water.  Funding for your project through the Solar Thermal Rebate Program may still be available.  Right now the State  is offering rebates up to $2,900 to install residential solar thermal systems. Funding is available on a first come, first served basis and will only be available for a limited time. 

Note that because the NH Legislature is challenged with finding ways to reduce the budget, this offer may now have a shorter-than-anticipated window or could be pulled from the table. For more information about this program, please visit the program's website at http://www.nh.gov/oep/recovery/seearp.htm.

SPRING CLEANUP

The annual Spring newsletter was mailed to residents with details regarding Spring Cleanup. This is the curbside collection of bulky waste items that residents would normally need to purchase bulky waste coupons for to bring to the Transfer Station.  Spring cleanup will begin on Monday, May 2nd.  All items need to be out by 7:00 AM on the 2nd, but can be placed out as early as Saturday, April 30th.  Electronics that require a sticker will still need one but may be put out during this collection as well.  To view the newsletter, click HERE.

DURHAM POLICE ASSESSMENT TEAM ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND

Two assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies are arriving in Durham Saturday afternoon.  The team consists of Chief Jim Carmody of the Wyoming (MI) Police Department and Dorris Certain of the University Park (TX) Police Department.  Ms. Certain is a non-sworn accreditation manager for her agency and previously served as a Commissioner for CALEA.

The team will conduct numerous inspections, observations and interact with a host of residents and community officials.  Their role is to verify that the Durham Police have policies and procedures in place that meet national standards, and most importantly, that they adhere to them!  The assessors confirm this by viewing documents which demonstrate compliance, observing officer’s actions and through their interaction with community members. The assessment will commence Saturday evening as the team will accompany officers on patrol observing their adherence to policies concerning traffic stops, field interviews, arrests, transportation of prisoners and a host of other law enforcement tasks.  It is expected that they will be with patrol staff well into the early hours of Sunday morning and return from a brief night’s sleep to visit the Strafford County Dispatch Center, who manage all radio communication for Durham Police, at 11:00 AM.  The assessors will then return to the Durham Police facility where they will inspect work products including fiscal protocol record management and evidence retention. 

Throughout the next several days the team will interact with a variety of officials including Thomas Velardi the County Attorney, Laura Rodgers Oyster River High School Principal, representatives from the local media including Fosters and the Union Leader as well as representatives from the rape crisis unit. 

Another important piece of the on-site is public input. To learn how to contact the assessment team, click HERE. By Tuesday the team will provide Administrator Selig and Chief Kurz with initial findings that will form the basis of a written report that they will provide CALEA for the Commission’s review and ultimately who will render a decision as to the Durham Police status as a nationally accredited agency. 

If the department is successful as part of this phase of the accreditation process, Chief Kurz, his internal assessment team, and Mr. Selig will travel to Cincinnati, OH at the end of July 2011 to defend the department's status before the full CALEA accreditation review board. 

USED MEDICATION TAKE-BACK EVENT AT DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
A final reminder that tomorrow, Saturday, April 30th, the Durham Police Department will host “Take-back Old Medication Drug Day” from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.  Residents may recall that last year’s event was so successful that over 55 pounds of outdated/unused drugs were removed from Durham’s medicine cabinets.  For more details, please click HERE.

DURHAM POLICE MEET WITH 4-H

Officers Steve Misek and Matt Brown took time to meet with the Strafford County Making Strides Cloverbuds who are five to seven year old 4-H members this week.  The officers had an opportunity to discuss various aspects of safety including crossing busy streets and bicycle riding with the major excitement coming when the kids got to see the interior of the police vehicles.  A thanks goes out to group leader Wendy Ramsdell for inviting the Durham Police to visit with the kids.

LAMPREY WATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

The Lamprey Water Management Planning Area Committee (WMPAAC) will hold a meeting on Friday, May 6, 2011, from 9:30 AM - 12:00 noon at the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers. To view the agenda for this meeting, click HERE.

PUBLIC 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. To view the agenda for the meetings listed below, please 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/ or directly by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Town Council - Monday, May 2, 2011. To view the complete Town Council packet for this meeting, click HERE.

Master Plan Advisory Committee - Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Capstone, Corp. Sewer Extension Public Hearing - Thursday, May 5, 2011 (5:30 PM)

Historic District Commission - Thursday, May 5, 2011

Lamprey WMPAAC - Friday, May 6, 2011 (9:30 AM)

Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, please click HERE. 

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.

WAGON HILL FARM OFFERS NEW GARDENS FOR 2011

On Thursday, April 21, 2011, seventy volunteers - Timberland Corporation employees, Seacoast citizens, and personnel from the Durham Department of Public Works - worked long and hard at Wagon Hill Farm to construct new garden plots. Twenty-three raised beds were added for use in 2011.

In addition, the teams built new picnic tables for public use, improved the trail system along the river, and pruned many old apple trees on the farm.

The garden organizers are now able to offer the new plots to Seacoast residents. If you would like more information about securing a garden for your own use, contact Filson Glanz, filglanz@comcast.net, or Dennis Meadows, lataillede@aol.com.

REPORT ON LAMPREY RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN MEETING WITH NHDES
The UNH/Durham Water System (UDWS) managers met with representatives of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services(NHDES) at 10:00 AM on Wednesday April 6, 2011, in the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers, to review the Draft Lamprey River Water Management and Dam Management Plans which will ultimately replace the Town’s 401 Water Quality Certificate which regulates flows and withdrawals along the Lamprey River by the Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire.   Ultimately, both a Lamprey River Water Management Plan and a Dam Management Plan for operation of the Wiswall Dam will be adopted by the Commissioner o f NHDES placing operational limitations on withdrawals along this river.  At this time, NHDES staff are in the process of reviewing and considering input provided by the UDWS.

Four Town Council members as well as members of the public attended Wednesday’s discussion which was taped for DCAT broadcast and streaming on the Town’s web site at http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7960900&msgid=130611&act=GOYV&c=832637&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fdcat.pegcentral.com%2F

NHDES staff will take Wednesday’s feedback and integrate it to the extent possible given tight timelines on the state’s part into a document which will be discussed with the public at a public hearing on Wed., May 11, 2011 from 6:30-9:30 PM at the NH Fish and Game Department, Region 3 office at 225 Main Street (also known as 3 Leavitt Lane) in Durham.   Durham residents who have an interest in this topic should plan to attend the May 11th public hearing.

Residents may view the draft documents which were discussed with NHDES on April 6th right on the Town’s home page at http://ci.durham.nh.us/

OYSTER RIVER WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM - VOLUNTEER WATER MONITORS NEEDED

The Oyster River Water Quality Monitoring Program, sponsored by the Durham/UNH Water Supply, Oyster River Watershed Association, and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, is seeking volunteer water monitors. Working in teams, volunteers collect water quality data on the Oyster River using state-of-the-art instruments. Field sites are easily accessible and sampling trips last just several hours. 

Volunteers can be involved at different levels, depending on interest and time available. For more information, contact Tom Lee, 659-2269, tom.lee@unh.edu or Brian Gallagher, 862-1390, brian.gallagher@unh.edu

SUMMER MUSIC CAMP AT UNH

SYMS Prep (previously Music for Youth) is being offered at UNH this summer for band students exiting grades 4-6. This is a fun way to continue playing your instrument over the summer, meet some older band friends, and even meet band students from other schools.

Camp runs 9am-3pm, July 11-15th at the Paul Creative Arts Center at UNH. Final concerts begin at 1:00pm on July 15th.

Bands are directed by area music teachers: David Tromba (Dover), Sarah DePorter (Farmington), Amanda Russell (Rollinsford), and Sarah Kuhn (Oyster River).

$150 per students includes: instruction, camp shirt, music and daily snack.

For more information call 862-3244 or see your band teacher.

9TH ANNUAL NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMUNITY GREEN WEEK

This year, New Hampshire's 9th annual Commute Green Week will take place from May 16-20 and will culminate with Bike/Walk to Work Day on the 20th of May. For more information regarding this event, click HERE.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RESTORATION WORK AT DOE FARM - APRIL 30 AND MAY 1
Help with spring cleanup at Doe Farm. The Durham Conservation Commission and lots of friends will be helping to restore native plants on April 30th and May 1st.  Volunteers will be pulling glossy buckthorn, a non-native invasive shrub that has taken over the understory of the forest. To learn more about the project online, visit http://extension.unh.edu/blogs/volunteers_working_for_wildlife/2011/03/volunteers-needed-restoration.html. 

To sign up, email Malin Clyde at malinelyclyde@gmail.com

INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT ANNUAL APPRECIATION DESSERT BANQUET

May 19th, 7:00pm at Town Hall, the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee will host an appreciation dessert banquet for all Swap Shop Volunteers.  If you are a swap shop volunteer and can attend please contact heatherharvey29@gmail.com.  Thank you to all of our volunteers.

OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS COMPETES FOR $5,000 COMMUNITY GRANT FROM LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

The Oyster River Alumni Association (ORAA) is helping Donald Maynard, ORHS Athletics, compete for a $5,000 community grant from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Winning the grant involves getting has many people as possible to complete a quick and easy online quiz on "responsible sports". The deadline for this competition is Tuesday, May 31, 2011. Detailed instructions are on the ORAA website at http://www.oralumni.org/oraa/

DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

A big thank you to the ORPP and the Recreation Committee for making the Egg Hunt on April 23rd a great success! In spite of the rain, eggs were gathered and the Durham Fire Apparatus were on site for viewing.

New Beginners American Sign Language Class starts Thursday, May 5th 6:30 – 8:30pm. Cost is $65/5 weeks. Price includes all materials and certification upon completion. Come learn a new skill and have fun. For more information, click HERE.

Join the Durham Parks & Rec Tennis Ladder
Interested in a friendly tennis competition with other Durham residents?  Join the Durham Parks & Rec tennis ladder.  Tennis ladders are listings of players interested in playing tennis matches with other players in their community.  Players can challenge others on the list and are then ranked by the number of wins and losses.  Visit http://www.globaltennisnetwork.com/ and join tennis ladder #2193.
Pilates classes available – Mon 9am Parks &Recreation bldg, Wed. 5:30pm  or Sat. 10am at the Oyster River Middle School.
Wellness Class for the “Young at Heart” - Tuesdays 10am at the P & R Building
Pick-up Volleyball - Wednesdays on from 6-8pm at the Oyster River Middle School Gym.
 

Looking for volunteers to help with trail clean up on May 7th 11am at the Merrick Trails. Please call or email for more information.

For more information please contact P&R Director Sandy Devins at 603-817-4074 or sdevins@ci.durham.nh.us Also check out our new Facebook account on “Durham Rec”  

FRIENDS OF THE DURHAM LIBRARY SPRING BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Durham Public Library Spring Book Sale will be held on Friday, April 29th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturday, April 30th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Book prices are $2.00 for hardbacks, $1.00 for paperback, and $0.50 for children books. DVDs, CDs, and books-on-tape are $1.00. VHS tapes are $0.50.

All proceeds from the Friends Spring Book Sale support Durham Public Library programs. Please contact Tracy McCreery, (406) 579-9701 with questions.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Preschool Storytime, Tues., May 3rd and Thurs., May 5th, 10:30 a.m. - This week:  Camping and Moms.  All are welcome to enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard, and a craft.
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade Book Club, Tues. May 3rd, 6:00 pm.- Join us for this book club for 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders.  This month will be your choice.  You can read  "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool or a book of your choice. Come discuss the book(s), authors, play some games, and make a craft. Copies of these books will be available at the circulation desk.
Join the Patch Program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag. If new to the program, stop by and register.
 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

WILD New Hampshire Day, sponsored by NH Fish and Game Department, Sat., Apr 30, 2011, 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM, gounds of the NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord. Free admission. This outdoor festival is fund for all ages. For more information, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Events/DWNH_Day.html.

UNH May Day Carnival, sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, Sat., Apr 30, 2011, 3:00-9:00 PM, C-lot on UNH campus. Featuring rides, live music, games, food for sale, and giveaways. Harry Potter 7 part 1 will be showing as a free Outdoor Movie on the Great Lawn in front of T-Hall beginning at 9:00 PM. The event is free for UNH ID holders, including faculty and their families, non-ID holders: $5 each.

Doe Farm Restoration Work - Volunteers Needed, Sat., Apr 30 and Sun., May 1, 2011, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM both days, Doe Farm. Parking off Bennett Road in Durham. Bring heavy gloves, sturdy boots, long sleeves and pants (possible exposure to poison ivy and ticks). Email Malin Clyde at malinelyclyde@gmail.com to sign up. Click HERE for more information.

Choral Concert, Sun., May 1, 2011, 3:00 PM, Community Church of Durham. Enjoy an afternoon of choral repertoire performed by the NH Youth Chorus and the NH Choral Society. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, call 868-5331.

Meeting of Oyster River Taxpayers, Tue., May 3, 2011, 7:00 PM, Oyster River High School Multi-purpose Room (located in the front of the building to the right of the front door).

Kids' Night Out with UNH Gymnastics, Fri., May 6, 2011, 6:00-10:00 PM at the gymnastics gym located in the Field House, 145 Main Street. Kids ages five to 13 are invited to perform gymnastics with instruction and supervision from UNH gymnasts while also enjoying movies, games, and pizza with the Wildcats. For more information on this event, contact Katie at ktq8@unh.edu.

Oyster River QuackFest, Sat., May 7, 2011, 5:00 PM, Town Landing. Ducks will launch at 6:00 PM. Really stormy rain date is May 8th. This fun family event with activities, sponsored by Oyster River Womenade. To learn more about Oyster River Womenade and the QuackFest visit: http://www.orwomenade.org/

Annual Lamprey River Cleanup - Sat., May 7, 2011, Durham, Wiswall Dam to Packer's Falls Road section of the river, hosted by Great Bay Trout Unlimited. Cleanup group to meet at the Wiswall Dam area 10:00 AM. For more information email greatb3@greatbaytu.org or visit http://www.greatbaytu.org/home/index.php

The 20th Annual Lee Church Congregational Plant Sale, Fri., May 13, 2011, 4:00-7:00 PM and Sat., May 14, 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Over 2,000 perennials, trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and shade plants will be offered. A beef stew, macaroni & cheese salad bar supper during Friday evening sale from 5:00-7:00 PM. Breakfast available on Saturday morning. For more information contact Marianne Banks, 603-659-2792.

FREE MAC Computer Users Group - Second Tuesdays of the month, Rye Junior High, 501 Washington Road, Rye, NH. Mentors at 6:15 PM (ask any questions).Main topics are 7:00-8:30 PM. Open to all levels.

WEEKLY POLICE REPORT

Last week’s data demonstrated the impact of unsettled weather upon the arrest activity within Durham. Last weekend demonstrated the Easter impact as many traveled home for the weekend.  Weather forecasts for this coming weekend project clear skies with temperatures in the mid-sixties.

Week - 7                                        2 UNH (29%)         5 Other (71%)

*2010/11 Academic Year - 736     403 UNH (55%)      333 Other (45%)

Calendar Year –244                     129 UNH (53%)      115 Other (47%)

*This data represents the 2010/11 Academic year report which began August 27th when UNH dormitories officially opened and students begin arriving in Durham.

Historical Data for the Same Week 

FROM “DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY – 1900-1985”

“Business - 1900-1930: Main Street, about 1914, must have appeared a barren scene to a newcomer even though the Village Improvement Society had, that year, considered the need for a sidewalk becuase 'the town was becoming famous for its mud.' Even with only ten resident-owned automobiles, dirt and cinder roads were a messy ordeal for the 'machine' as well as for the pedestrian." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

Have a good weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

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

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