|
A severe thunderstorm with high winds and hail swept through Durham on Monday this week hammering the Durham Farmers' Market, shown above. Two tents were overturned and destroyed, one of which struck a purveyor in the head. Many jars of jam, pickles, etc., were smashed on the pavement. Courtesy Todd Selig
___________________________
Today represents the first day of summer! Appropriately, it is also the last day of the school year for Oyster River youth.
|
|
WHAT ARE THE “FRIDAY UPDATES” AND WHAT ARE THEY NOT?
We receive a lot of positive input regarding the Durham’s weekly “Friday Updates.” However, it is important to understand some history about the weekly email.
Over a decade ago, Mr. Selig endeavored on Fridays of each week to provide the Town Council with an update of what was going on around and about town in order to keep Councilors informed of local happenings. Over time, Mr. Selig expanded the distribution to departments, board/committee members, etc. until it was ultimately made available to the general public. To date, we have around 2,800 subscribers in addition to those who view it each week on the Town's web site.
Residents, groups, organizations, and more now submit ideas for inclusion and we do our very best to accommodate requests. We work to restrict the content to Durham-based items, and Mr. Selig takes sole responsibility for that content.
During times of emergency, the "Friday Updates" doubles as Durham's emergency broadcast system for the community.
Following elections, we send out polling results as soon as they are available.
The publication has grown in length due to its increased popularity and a general recognition by residents that the weekly email is an excellent way for community members to distribute top quality information about Durham to one another.
One suggestion that we sometimes receives is whether the "Friday Updates" could not be made to function more as a "slick" web site with topical buttons, etc. -- or as a magazine/newsletter with more flash and pizzaz.
The reason that we have not done so is because at its heart, the "Friday Updates" is really intended to be a simple, easy to produce (for staff), easy to read (for Councilors and everyone else), email that allows Town Councilors and others interested in all things Durham to scan the informative topical titles and read or ignore the subjects covered as readers see fit. But at least the topics are available for the taking!
We continue to work to enhance the "Friday Updates." If you have feedback, please do not hesitate to send it along to Todd Selig at tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.
And if you know of someone else who might enjoy reading the "Friday Updates" each week, please don't hesitate to forward this email along to them. You can sign up to receive them on the Town's home page, right side, at www.ci.durham.nh.us.
|
|
FORMER DURHAM PLANNER JIM CAMPBELL PROMOTED TO CHIEF PLANNER IN ROCHESTER
Durham’s former Director of Planning & Community Development, Jim Campbell, has been promoted to the position of Chief Planner for the City of Rochester. Jim served the Durham community for many years. Last year he accepted a planner position in Rochester. For more information, click HERE.
|
|
DURHAM HOLDS FIRST MEETING OF DURHAM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The Town of Durham was notified by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation of its selection for inclusion as part of the Human Rights Campaign’s 2013 Municipal Equity Index. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bis-xual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. The Municipal Equality Index is the first nationwide evaluation of municipal laws affecting the LGBT community.
The notification from the Human Rights Campaign prompted the Town to evaluate its own internal policies as well as what efforts it might make to better ensure Durham remains a welcoming community for everyone. To this end, the Council established a new Human Rights Commission. The Commission met for the first time on Monday of this past week. The Commission membership consists of the Council Chair, the Town’s Administrator, and Durham’s Business Manager.
The purpose of the Commission is to take steps to give effect to the rights of every inhabitant of the Town of Durham to equal economic, political and educational opportunity, to equal accommodations in all business establishments in the Town and to equal service and protection by public agencies; to eliminate prejudice and discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, age, s-x, s-xual orientation, gender identity, domestic partner status, marital status, disability or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, HIV status, weight, height, or association with members of such classes; to inform the inhabitants of the Town of Durham with regard to developments in human relations; to provide advice and assistance to the officers, agencies, boards, departments, and employees of the Town in undertaking ameliorative practices to keep peace and good order; and to officially encourage private persons and groups to promote and provide equal opportunity for and good will toward all people.
Administrator Selig shall serve as the designated liaison between the Town and any individual, group, or organization that feels an issue should be brought to the attention of the Commission regarding Human Rights.
This week's meeting focused on adopting bylaws.
To discuss issues relating to Human Rights, please do not hesitate to contact Todd Selig at tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.
|
|
Town Council members Jay Gooze and Carden Welsh, along with Fire Chief Corey Landry, participate in a tour of the Town of Pelham's new Fire Department. Courtesy Todd Selig
TOWN COUNCILORS/STAFF VISIT THE TOWN OF PELHAM’S NEW FIRE DEPARTMENT
On Thursday morning of this week, Town Councilors Jay Gooze and Carden Welsh, along with Fire Chief Corey Landry and Mr. Selig, traveled to Pelham, NH to tour that community’s new Fire Department. We plan to provide an overview of the experience and lessons learned to the Town Council on July 1st.
While in Pelham, the Durham delegation also had a chance to tour that community’s Town Hall and Police Department.
|
|
HOUSING STANDARDS ORDINANCE
INSPECTION FINDINGS – WHAT DEFICIENCIES ARE BEING FOUND IN OFF CAMPUS RENTAL PROPERTIES
The Town’s new Housing Standards Ordinance is in full implementation with the Fire Department endeavoring to inspect approximately 15 properties each week.
The ordinance requires, in part, that all owners of rental properties identify the property and request an inspection in writing from the Fire Department of all of their residential rental properties and dwelling units.
The ordinance was adopted by the Town Council on January 7, 2013.
As of April 22, 2013,109 properties with 146 dwelling units had been inspected.
Inspection results have substantiated the long-held concerns of the Town’s Code Enforcement Department, Fire Department, Assessing Office, and some members of the Rental Housing Commission – that many rental properties in town do not meet basic health and safety standards as required by state statute putting young and inexperienced, largely college-aged tenants in harms way.
To view a breakdown of violations discovered as a result of the new program, click HERE.
The Durham Landlords Association (DLA) has historically opposed a mandatory inspection provision in local ordinance, preferring instead no program or a complaint-based system with the cost of additional inspections being borne not by landlords through an inspection fee, but rather through the general tax base.
The DLA has also argued that it is the non-owner occupied, single family rentals managed by non-professional landlords that represent the problem properties in terms of safety concerns in Durham. The new inspection program does not bear out that contention. Rental properties of all types have been found deficient in meeting fire/safety standards.
Last month, the DLA once again through its attorney threatened litigation if the Town did not rescind the new inspection program. While avoiding litigation is in everyone’s interest when it can be accomplished and simultaneously accomplish Durham's goals, so too is ensuring the safety and health of tenants in off campus rental properties. Given that the DLA has not provided information not already considered as part of the drafting process for the program in the year leading up to implementation according to the Town's attorney, the Town as indicated previously is proceeding with implementation as required by local ordinance.
Should a challenge to the ordinance for some reason succeed, given the fact that state statute is not entirely clear in all regards relative to Housing Standards Ordinances, the Town would plan to engage with its legislative delegation to address any statutory defects identified as part of that court process. Particularly in light of safety deficiency data generated from the new inspection program, it is challenging to object to the notion that a program of this nature is needed in Durham -- an argument the Town would make clear to the state legislature.
Our hope, though, is that there will be no challenge such that Durham may continue to devote its limited resources and attention to the health and safety of tenants in the community - a stated goal of both the Town and the DLA.
|
|
DURHAM/SALEM/PETERBOROUGH/NORTHFIELD FILE NEW PETITION WITH NH SUPREME COURT REGARDING LGC RETURN OF SURPLUS CONCERN
This week, the Town's of Durham, Salem, Peterborough, and Northfield jointly filed a new petition with the NH Supreme Court in regard to the above. In January of this year, the four communities on behalf of a coalition of fourteen municipalities, filed a motion to intervene in the Appeal of the Local Government Center, Inc. v. NH Bureau of Securities Regulation case presently before the NH Supreme Court.
The Bureau of Securities Regulation (BSR) found wrongdoing in the management of the Local Government Center’s risk pools. It ordered approximately $53.4 million held by the Local Government Center (LGC) to be returned to current members of the pools.
The BSR, however, did not distinguish among members. Some joined the risk pools early or late, some left early or late, and some joined, left, and later rejoined. By ordering the money returned to current members, it created windfalls for some, but inadequate recompense for others. That is, some members will receive an arbitrarily larger share than their contribution, and some an arbitrarily smaller share. Durham moved two groups of employees (non-union and police) from the LGC health program to Schoolcare on 7/1/12. This, according to the LGC, makes it ineligible to receive an estimated $50,000 in rebates for 2010, plus an additional estimated $30,000 (possibly as high as $90,000 if the LGC conforms to the BSR Order) for 2011.
To fix this, the four towns petitioned the NH Supreme Court to allow them to intervene, and to address the hearings officer’s failure to fashion a remedy that will allow refunds in proportion to members’ contributions. Due to the dates they joined and left, these four – Durham, Northfield, Peterborough, and Salem – believe they represent all members whose share of the refund will be inadequate compared to the share of the money they contributed.
In the Order dated August 16, 2012, State of NH hearings officer found that the Local Government Center (LGC) had engaged in actions or inactions that resulted in multiple violations of RSA 5-B. These statutory violations, which commenced in 2003 and continued through 2010, were attributable to, amongst other things, a failure by LGC to distribute to Trust members on an annual basis excess earnings and surplus, improper transfers of monies from the Health Care Trust and Property Liability Trust to the Workers Compensation Trust, and a transfer of the Health Care Trust’s and Property Liability Trust’s respective interests in real estate to the Local Government Center Real Estate Inc. without consideration.
The Town's have not yet received a response from the Supreme Court. To view yesterday's letter dated June 20, 2013, click HERE.
|
|
OPENING OF UNH OUTDOOR POOL DELAYED UNTIL JULY 1, 2013
Recent inclement weather and the need to remove an unexpectedly large piece of granite put necessary safety modifications to the current drain system at the University of New Hampshire outdoor pool behind schedule and delayed its opening until Monday, July 1, 2013. The university has opened the indoor pool in the Field House on Main Street extended hours to give those with an outdoor pool pass an opportunity to start the season. Once the repair work is complete UNH recreation staff will immediately begin to fill the pool so that water quality testing can be done and the pool can open.
The current drain at the outdoor pool is not in compliance with a recently revised federal law. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires an anti-entrapment system with emergency shut off to be part of the drain.
For information on hours at the indoor pool, click HERE.
|
|
2013 POOL PASS VOUCHERS
Pool pass vouchers are now available at the Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office, 15 Newmarket Road. The Town Clerk’s Office is open 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
There are pool vouchers available only for Durham youths ages 4-17 and senior citizens 62 years or over to receive a $45.00 discount off the full price of a season pass. Vouchers are issued on a first-come first-served basis. Vouchers must be picked up BEFORE purchasing a pool pass, which are sold at the Front Service Desk at the Hamel Student Recreation Center, located next to the Whittemore Center on the UNH campus.
For more information regarding hours of operation for the Hamel Recreation Center, rental rates, group rates, policies and regulations, pool programs, Mendum’s Pond programs, or the Hamel Recreation Center facility and programs, please call the UNH Campus Recreation Department at 862-2031 or visit their website at http://campusrec.unh.edu/.
|
|
Students from ORCSD wash a Durham Police cruiser as part of a fund-raising event for the Class of 2015. Courtesy Durham PD
A SPECIAL CAR WASH
While on patrol last Saturday, Officer David Carpenter noted that there was a car wash taking place at the Durham Market Place. Smartly recognizing that Chief Kurz encourages clean cars and that this was a fundraiser for the class of 2015, Officer Carpenter saw a golden opportunity to interact in a positive way with some kids while having his cruiser cleaned.
While Tim Stringer, Leah Mueller, Pieter Zwart and Grace Tauriello offered to clean the car for no payment, Officer Carpenter gladly made the donation! The hard work of these class representatives resulted in a $200.00 injection to their class treasury!
|
|
TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
The Town Offices will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Thursday, July 4, 2013. The Administrator's Office will also be closed on Friday, July 5, 2013. All other offices will reopen for regular business hours on Friday, July 5th at 8:00 AM.
|
|
NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013
Due to vacation schedules in the Administrator's Office, there will be no "Friday Updates" on Friday, July 5th. The next "Friday Updates" publication will be on Friday, July 12th.
|
|
ANNUAL JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
The Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay is again proud to hold the annual July 4th Celebration at Cowell Stadium on Thursday evening, July 4th, starting at 6:00 PM, with a rain date of Friday, July 5th. There will be a number of activities before the fireworks display. Come enjoy and celebrate with us the founding of our great nation!
|
|
DOG LICENSE RENEWAL
All dogs are required to be licensed by state law. Licenses are to be renewed annually in April, and a late fee of $1.00/month is charged beginning in June. If dogs remain unlicensed, the state law requires that a Civil Forfeiture be issued. The Civil Forfeiture is a $25.00 fine/dog in addition to the regular license fees. Please note that Civil Forfeitures will be issued in July.
Dog licenses can be done in person at the Town Clerk’s office, by mail (include a self-addressed stamped envelope) or online (additional fees apply). We urge all owners of unlicensed dogs to comply with this state law so that the issuance of a Civil Forfeiture will not be necessary.
|
|
BOAT REGISTRATIONS CAN NOW BE DONE AT TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
The Town Clerk’s office is now able to register boats. Bring you renewal notice to the town clerk’s office and save the time of mailing or the trip to DMV!
|
|
PROPERTY TAX AND WATER/SEWER BILLS
Property tax bills were mailed out to property owners on Wednesday, May 29th, and are due Monday, July 1st. Water/Sewer bills will be mailed out on Monday, June 10th, and are due Wednesday, July 10th.
Just a reminder, the envelope included with the bill is addressed to our “lock box” location in Manchester. The advantage of the lock box service is quicker processing of payments, however, payments may still be mailed to or dropped off at the Town Clerk's Office.
|
|
You never know who you might run into at the Durham Farmers' Market. Amanda (Mandy) Merrill and Diana Carroll. Courtesy Todd Selig
FARMERS' MARKET EVERY MONDAY, 2:15 - 6:00 PM, THRU OCTOBER 7TH
The Farmers' Market organized by the Seacoast Growers Association, is located in Durham at the Town Office lot located at 15 Newmarket Road just behind the Town Offices. New hours this year are from 2:15 - 6:00 PM every Monday, rain or shine, until October 7th. This week's vendors are:
Applecrest Farm * Burnt Swamp Farm * Coppal House Farm * Cracked an egg farm * Etta's Soaps * Forty Five Market Street Bakery and Cafe * Great Bay Wool Works * Hollister Family Farm * Jessica Seaton Pottery * Karimah's Kitchen * Maine Homestead * McKenzie's farm * Mildred's Drumlin Farm * Moriarty's Greenhouse * Saddleback Mountain Farm * Seacoast Growers Association * Shagbark Farms * Sugarmomma's Maple Farm * Wake Robin Farm.
For more information on the market, and to view an interactive market map with details on each vendor, visit the Seacoast Growers Association website:
http://www.seacoastgrowers.org/durham-farmers-market/
|
|
Courtesy University of New Hampshire
UNH STUDY ON IMPACT OF STRENGTH TRAINING ON OLDER ADULTS
A University of New Hampshire faculty member has received a grant of more than $360,000 from the National Institutes of Health to study the effectiveness of two distinct strength training regimens on older adults. The study will compare traditional resistance training exercises, in which participants build muscle strength by lifting heavy weights, to an innovative program that uses very light resistance coupled with blood flow restriction.
The researchers are currently recruiting men and women over 65 to participate in the study. Subjects, who will be compensated, will undergo 12 weeks of supervised strength training at the biomechanics laboratory in UNH’s New Hampshire Hall. To learn more about participating in the study, contact Cook at summer.cook@unh.edu or 603-862-0895. More information is also available at the links below.
http://www.unh.edu/news/releases/2012/aug/bp22elderly.cfm.
http://www.chhs.unh.edu/studying-impact-strength-training-older-adults.
|
|
HDC HAS A VACANCY!
The Durham Historic District Commission (HDC) meets the first Thursdays of the month from 7:00-9:30 PM in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall. Citizens interested in having a voice in the history of Durham may complete an application for appointment and mail it to the Town Administrator’s office at 15 Newmarket Road, or submit it via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. To download an on-line application form, click HERE. Applications are also available at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office.
|
|
DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL PICNIC
Pack your picnic supper basket and join the Durham Historic Association for its Annual Picnic on Tuesday, June 25th from 5PM-7PM at the home of David and Catherine Hills at 135 Piscataqua Road, the driveway on the left before the Emery Farm stand when heading toward Portsmouth from Durham. Following the picnic David will talk on the history of the family home. Parking is on the premises and carpooling is encouraged. Be sure to bring your chairs and blankets. Individual membership $25, family membership $40.
|
|
For his Eagle Scout project, Durham resident Lars Luxem, member of Lee Boy Scout Troop 459, built a board walk over a wet area at Wagon Hill Farm with the assistance of others. Courtesy Heiner Luxem
NEW BRIDGE AT WAGON HILL FARM
Last weekend, Lars Luxem of Durham and member of Lee Boy Scout Troop 459, built a board walk over a wet area at Wagon Hill Farm as Lars’ Eagle Scout Project. Department of Works utility workers can now reach the picnic area with their maintenance vehicles during wet weather. Many Durham residents and dogs already used the board walk to get from one side of the wet area to the other.
|
|
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
Members of the Agricultural Commission met with the Master Plan Advisory Committee on Thursday morning to discuss the draft Agricultural Resources chapter of the Master Plan. A link to the remarks made by Ag Comm member John Carroll on behalf of the Agricultural Commission are available on the website http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_agricultural.
Logo Design Contest! Prizes! - The Durham Agricultural Commission needs a logo for use on posters and other educational and promotional materials. Do you have an idea for a logo that captures the spirit of gardens and farms in Durham? If so, please create a logo and submit it to Agricultural Commission Chair Theresa Walker by 7pm, August 1, 2013 at theresawalker@comcast.net. The Agricultural Commission will select its favorite designs and award prizes to kids and adults at Durham Farm Day on August 17th. Logo designs must include the words "Durham Agricultural Commission".
For more information and to register for the workshops, please contact Agricultural Commission Chair Theresa Walker at theresawalker@comcast.net 603-659-7226. Information is also available on the Agricultural Commission website at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_agricultural
|
|
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.
Agricultural Commission - Monday, June 24, 2013. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
Planning Board - Wednesday, June 26, 2013. To view 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.
|
|
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.
Liberty Mutual volunteers at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Stefanie Frazee
Liberty Mutual Volunteer Day: 140 Liberty Mutual volunteers worked on various community service projects at Wagon Hill Farm this past Wednesday. Some projects included: painting house, barn, and ell; fence and tree maintenance at waterfront; painting garden shed and wagon; trail cleanup. A big “thank you” is extended to everyone who donated their time to the preservation and restoration of this beautiful space!
Bliss will perform on June 27th at Wagon Hill Farm, 5:30-8:00 PM.
Summer Concert Series Kickoff, June 27th - http://www.bliss4.net/. For more information, click HERE.
Storytelling Around The Fire: Durham Parks and Recreation presents Michael Lang, storyteller and owner of The Coyote’s Inkwell, sharing folktales, fables, and his own original stories around a bonfire. Wednesday, June 26th, 6:30 PM at the Durham Town Landing Parking Lot. Cost is FREE. Bring family and chairs!
Support Our Runners: Come cheer on the Couch to 5k participants TOMORROW during the Bobcat Bolt @ ORHS. Stay after the race to enjoy the Oyster River Festival, and don’t forget to stop by the DPR table! Good luck runners!
Jackson’s Landing Kayak Tours: We have tours scheduled all summer!
For more information, click HERE. Visit Seven Rivers Paddling.
Zumba for ORHS Grads: Preparing for the first year of college can be stressful! Let it all out in our "Zumba for Grads" class, taking place the month of July only! Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us
Adventure Paddle Camp: Durham Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Seven Rivers Paddling to offer kids kayaking camps this summer! We are offering a series of week-long sessions for kids ages 6-8 and 9-13. Each session will guide the participants through basic paddling techniques. For more information, visit Seven Rivers Paddling on FB, or email sevenriverspaddling@gmail.com
Mad Science Summer Camp:
Rockin’ Rockets & Fantastic Flight - From the earliest flying machines to the first rocket, Fantastic Flight will allow campers to build many different flying devices from balloon copters and kites to rockets! Learn about navigation tools and see how Newton’s Laws of Motion help explain how things move and how rockets fly! July 29-Aug 2, 2013; Ages 7 to 12 years old; 9AM-3:30 PM, ORMS, $250.
Secret Agent Lab - Look out 007 – the Mad Science Secret Agent Lab is in session! From decoding messages to metal detectors and night vision, you will get a chance to check out cool spy equipment and even create your own edible message in a hands-on look at the science that spies use! Aug 5-9, 2013, Ages 7 to 12 years old, 9AM-3:30 PM, ORMS, $250. Register/ find out more HERE.
Mark Your Calendars:
Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series – June, July, August 2013 @ WHF
Dam Centennial Celebration – September 15th @ Three Chimneys Inn
Durham Day – September 21st (rain date September 22nd) @ WHF
A Spooktacular Day in Durham – October 25th
|
|
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Learn to Row With Great Bay Rowing Camps and Clinics. This summer, Great Bay Rowing, a nonprofit community organization on the Oyster River in Durham, offers camps and clinics for youth and adult rowers, whether experienced or not. For more information and to register click HERE.
Bobcat Bolt/Oyster River Festival: Saturday, June 22, 2013, Oyster River High School, 9AM: Bobcat Bolt 5k/10k run/walk; 10:25 AM: Kids fun run; 11AM-1:30PM: Oyster River Festival; 8:30-9:00PM: Board for Portsmouth Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Cruise. For more information, click HERE and HERE.
Heroes Behind the Badge Documentary, Monday, June 25, 2013, 7PM, doors open at 5:30 PM, Johnson Theater on UNH Campus. Police Famlies United, in conjunction with the UNH Police Department, will host a screening of the documentary film Heroes Behind the Badge focusing on seven law enforcement officers who faced lethal danger while performing their duties. For more information, click HERE.
Durham Great Bay Rotary meets each Wednesday @ 7:30AM for breakfast at Three Chimneys Inn. Sponsor of 4th of July Celebrations & fireworks in Durham at Cowell Stadium, UNH campus.
UNH MUB Summer Series. FREE movies. For the full printable schedule, click HERE.
Resource for Orphaned and/or Injured Wildlife. Anyone finding or needing assistance with an injured or orphaned bird/small mammal including, birds of prey, raccoon, fox, squirrel, possum, skunk, groundhog etc., please call Maria Colby at 603-428-3723 or Patsy Pratt in Durham at 603-868-2125. For more information, click HERE.
Oyster River Summer Camps 2013, July 9-August 9. Click HERE for registration information and form.
|
|
Courtesy Walter Rous
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
A close look at the interior of one of the compressors reveals a wonderfully complex system of valves and tubes suggestive of the brass section of an orchestra. This is connected via underground wiring and piping to a wall unit which will provide precise climate control for the communications electronics in the DCAT closet. In the same way, the multiple components of the building--its physical space, inspiring detail, well-designed setting, complex mechanical systems--will all combine to provide a wonderful arena for the acquisition of knowledge and exchange of ideas, not unlike a symphonic experience.
There was progress on three fronts this week. Outside, site work resumed with finish grading, crushed stone under the drip edges, top soil, and preparation for concrete walkways and ramps. Inside saw the completion of flooring and ceiling and the installation of entry hall mill work, librarians' desks, and display cabinets for the local history room. Mechanical systems are in their final phase: hot water distribution and air flow are being balanced, and electronic controls are being programmed and tested.
Next week, the commissioning agents will hold educational workshops on the mechanical systems for the Department of Public Works and the library staff.
Courtesy Walter Rous
|
|
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Thank-you to Alex Grout’s 5th grade group from the Oyster River Middle School who raised $218.56 for the Durham Library by washing cars at the Mill Road Plaza!
Register for our fun 5 week summer reading program NOW!! The theme this year is “Dig Into Reading!” and runs from June 25th through July 26th. Some of the fun events planned:
Tue, Jun 25, Jul 2,16,23, 10:30 AM. All ages storytimes (preschool). Dig Into Reading Themes! Stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft.
Tue, Jun 25, Jul 2,16,23, 6:30 p.m. (9-12 yr old group) . Wii Night/Game Nights, and decorate cupcakes.
Thu, Jun 27, Jul 18,25, 3:00-4:00 PM (6-8 yr. old group). Bugs/Ant Farms, Legos, Rocks, archeology, fairy houses.
Thu, Jun 27, Jul 18,25, 4:00-5:00 PM (young adult writing group) – Like to write? Join this writing group and add your writing to the Durham Library blog “Write Away”!
Fri, Jun 28, 10:30 AM, ORHS Multi-purpose room. Summer Reading kick-off celebration for all ages with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries featuring Mike Bent.
Wed, Jun 26, 6:30 PM. All ages Family night with the Durham Recreation Department. Michael Lang Storyteller at Jackson’s Landing with a Bonfire following!
Wed, Jul 10, 6:30 PM. All ages Family night joint program with the Durham Recreation Department. Nature Walk at the Jackson’s Landing Trail! Meet at Jackson Landing and take a nature walk with a Durham Rec Department Naturalist. We will make a craft afterward. Dress for a hike and wear bug spray! Will happen rain or shine. All are welcome!
Thu, Jul 11, 10:30 AM, ORHS Multi-purpose room . All ages. Wildlife Encounters with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. Come and meet animals and learn about them.
Wed, Jul 17, 6:30 PM. All ages Family night. Center for Wildlife from York, Maine will visit with their burrowing animals/diggers!
Thu, Jul 18, 6:00-8:00 PM (ages 10 and up). Marek Bennett Comic Workshop. This is a joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries at the Durham Library. Sign-ups required.
Wed, Jul 24, 6:30 PM. All ages Family night. NH Children’s Museum Visit. Learn about why sea animals glow and make a glowing fish art activity!
Fri, Jul 26, 10:30 AM at the Durham Library. All ages Finale Celebration with Wayne From Maine, Musician, with the Durham and Madbury Libraries! A big thank-you to the The Bagel Works, The Sea Dogs, Dunkin Donuts, Pauly’s Pockets, The Candy Bar, Hayden Sports, Young’s Restaurant, Froyo World, Durham House of Pizza, Wildcat Pizza, The Stratham Fair, the Durham Market, the Chinese Market, Franz’s Food, Water Country and other local businesses for their prize donations.
Check out our website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more info.
|
|
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.
1600 - Eastern Indians were of the Algonquin tribe and in New Hampshire were the Sokokis, made up of 15 small family tribes: the Cochecos and Squamscotts in this vicinity. Indian Fever decreased the population by 90% in 1616-1618, and a smallpox epidemic further reduced it later.
|
|
Have a very nice 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
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
|
|
|
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ... 
