Friday Update - May 10, 2013

Friday, May 10, 2013

Celebrating Mother's Day at Liberty Hall Farm on Bennett Road. Courtesy Theresa Walker

A reminder that Mother’s Day is Sunday!

The traditional Mother's Day flower is a carnation, either pink carnations given to mothers to represent love for them, or white carnations worn in respect for those mothers who are no longer living. This custom originated in the US where in 1906 Anna Jarvis promoted the wearing of her mother's favorite flower, a white carnation. 

A “GROWTH MORATORIUM” FOR DURHAM?

Administrator Selig has received several inquiries over the last few weeks from residents who are very worried about the amount of development interest in Durham and who have expressed a desire to implement a moratorium on any new development in order to either tighten up existing zoning or to discourage new development entirely here in Durham for fear that the community runs the risk of losing its identity as a result of new construction and the loss of existing buildings throughout the town.

Generally speaking, there are two ordinance options that would be available to Durham: a temporary limit on growth for no more than one year (RSA 674:23) and then one of a longer duration but that still must have some end date (RSA 674:22).

Either can be used to limit the issuance of building permits, number of subdivision or site plan approvals, or to put an upper limit on the number of lots in a subdivision application.

Any such moratorium would need to be adopted by the Durham Town Council with significant advance work undertaken by the Planning Board. 

In order to implement such an ordinance, there must be a very specific need to limit growth within a town or city. For the temporary limits authorized by RSA 674:23, the Planning Board must make very specific factual findings of the "unusual circumstances" that justify such limitations, and must develop a plan to address and alleviate the pressures on local municipal services (water, sewer, police, fire, roads, etc.) created by those circumstances.

 

For the limits authorized by RSA 674:22, a moratorium extending beyond 1 year, the bar for the factual findings and procedures is higher. The town must already have adopted a master plan and capital improvement plan; the town must provide evidence in the form of studies and/or statistical information of the town's "normal" growth in the region and the need to regulate development due to the town's lack of capacity to accommodate anticipated growth in the absence of such a regulation; and any such restriction can be "no more than is necessary to allow for orderly and good-faith development of municipal services"; the limits must have an end date; the town must put together a plan to accommodate anticipated normal growth; and the Planning Board must review the data and plan annually.

 

A critical component of the consideration for a moratorium is that people being worried about new development is just not enough -- there needs to be sufficient factual evidence to support limiting growth. Anecdotal evidence is not going to meet the test.  

In particular, RSA 674:22, II talks about the Planning Board hiring a consultant to complete a study, based on "competent evidence [to] consider the municipality's projected growth rate and the municipality's need for additional services to accommodate such grown.”   RSA 674:23, II & III limits the authority to temporarily limit growth to "unusual circumstances that affect the ability of the municipality to provide adequate services and require prompt attention," which circumstances must be explicit factual findings of the Planning Board and made a part of any temporary ordinance.

 

For either path, the statute contemplates that rigid fact finding preface any sort of growth limits. In the absence of this sort of fact supported evidence and due diligence, courts have found growth limitations arbitrary and invalidated them.

 

At the present time, the Town of Durham does generally have sufficient services and infrastructure in place to accommodate levels of growth being discussed.  

The zoning ordinance is the document that serves to regulate the nature of local development.  

In response to concerns expressed over the last several months by residents regarding zoning and development pressure along the Madbury Road corridor between Main Street and Garrison Avenue, Administrator Selig plans to bring forward to the Town Council a recommendation for zoning changes dealing with height limitions and set backs at the first meeting in June.  He will be working to develop these over the next two weeks.

At the April 25th public forum on the new Town Hall design, "Scheme J,"

shown above, was the preferred option of those present.  Participants

also felt that the chimneys on the larger section of the building

and the rooftop window on the smaller part of the building, should be removed.  

DURHAM ACQUIRES BANK PARCEL AT 8 NEWMARKET ROAD

A number of residents have inquired over the last few weeks whether Durham has in fact closed on the former People’s United Bank parcel at 8 Newmarket Road located directly across from the existing Durham Town Offices.  The Town has now closed on the property. 

It is envisioned that the property will be improved to become the future site of the Durham Town Hall.  A public forum was held with the Town’s architect and Durham resident Art Guadano on April 25, 2013.  To view the forum on DCAT on Demand, go to http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

We anticipate briefing the Town Council relative to the project, design, timetable, and financials on May 20, 2013.

MUNICIPAL CARS TO BE PARKED AT NEW TOWN OFFICE SITE – FORMER PEOPLE’S BANK

The Durham Farmers Market sponsored by the Seacoast Growers Association and in partnership with the Durham Agricultural Commission is to be held this season at the existing Town Office site at 15 Newmarket Road beginning on Monday, June 3rd – Oct. 7th.  It will be expanding to include additional vendors for a total of 24!  This created the need to find alternate parking for the municipal vehicles presently parked at 15 Newmarket Road.  As part of a roundtable discussion with the Town’s department heads, Business Manager Gail Jablonski came up with a solution – begin parking the municipal cars in the new Town Office parking lot directly across Newmarket Road.  Residents will begin to see vehicles parked next to the former bank.

ASBESTOS REMOVAL FROM FORMER BANK SITE IN PROCESS

The Public Works Department has contracted with Envirovantage to abate asbestos within the building at 8 Newmarket Road, the former People’s United Bank parcel, to ready it for construction this summer.  You may therefore see contractor vehicles over the next few days as this work progresses. 

TWO ARTICLES IN THE NEW HAMPSHIRE THIS WEEK COVER HAMEL REC. CENTER EXPANSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE OUTDOOR POOL & THE FUTURE OF THE DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT

There were two interesting articles in The New Hampshire this week focusing on topics that are of interest for the Town of Durham. 

The first covered a recent forum held on campus to discuss expansion plans for the Hamel Recreation Center which could have serious implications for the historic outdoor pool. To learn more, click HERE.

The second covers a Town Council work session held last month focusing on the future of the Durham Fire Department.  The town of Durham N.H. has never had a permanent fire station. For the past 28 years a fire station has been temporarily located at 51 College Road on the grounds of UNH.  The plan in development would move the facility to B Lot.  To learn more, click HERE.

DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH NEWMARKET BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The Durham Business Association (DBA) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Newmarket Business Association (NBA).  Current members of each association in good standing have the opportunity of joining the other association with a 10% discount in membership fee.  The NBA’s annual membership fee is $60 ~ $54 for DBA members.

This partnership provides DBA members with access to NBA services as well as a chance to promote their business and services in Newmarket and vice versa.

The Newmarket Business Association is a nonpartisan and non-sectarian organization, open to all businesses in the greater Newmarket area. Its primary purpose is to promote the benefits of Newmarket by improving communication among members of the business community, facilitating relations between business and government, developing economic growth, and strengthening community relations.

To learn more about the NBA please visit their web site at http://www.newmarketbusiness.com/

DURHAM POLICE WORKING WITH DURHAM DELEGATION ON AMENDMENT TO LAW

Durham police officer Greg Ruby arrested a man operating a motor vehicle within the Cottages of Durham complex and charged him with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).  Those charged with such offenses have the option to appeal their immediate license suspension through an administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  That hearing was held and the hearing officer found that the police officer did not have jurisdiction due to the private nature of the roadway and therefore the suspension was lifted. 

Chief Kurz anticipated this may be a challenge within the private roadway system of the Cottages as it is not considered a public way and was prepared to defend the actions through legal channels. His reasoning was that since the “public has access” and is not specifically prohibited from entering the Cottage complex, these roadways should be legally no different than business parking lots such as the Mill Road Plaza where it is private but where the public certainly has access.

Ironically, another criminal case with very similar circumstances was recently decided by the court.  In “Lathrop”, the private nature of a roadway was clarified giving the ability to police to enforce traffic laws on such private roadways.  However, the issue of the administrative hearings with DMV was not part of that decision.  As this is an important matter for all towns, but especially for the Town of Durham and other college towns with privately operated student housing, the issue of the administrative hearing should be addressed. 

Chief Kurz, at Todd Selig's request, is in contact with Representative Marjorie Smith to draft appropriate language so that action during the legislative session starting in January could be considered. In the interim, Chief Kurz will discuss the issue with police chiefs in other towns with potentially similar problems. There will be updates as this proposal moves through the legislative process.

ARSON INVESTIGATION OFFERS REWARD FOR INFORMATION

Durham Police have been investigating five (5) fires that occurred on February 2, 2013 at 6 Main Street, 15 Main Street, 19 Main Street, 20 Main Street and 4 Smith Park Lane.  Working collaboratively with Durham Fire Department, New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office and the ATF, it has been determined that all five fires were intentionally set. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the incendiary fires in downtown Durham. For more information regarding the reward, click HERE.

Oyster River Parents of Preschoolers volunteers assisted with the annual Channel 11 Fund Drive on Sunday, May 5th.

LOW AND MODERATE INCOME TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

The State of New Hampshire Low & Moderate Income Tax Relief Program has begun with applications being accepted until June 30, 2013.  To access the application form, click HERE. Applications may also be obtained from the Town Assessor's office. Once completed, they must be mailed to:

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration

Document Processing Division

PO Box 299

Concord, NH 03302-0299

 

DURHAM FARMER'S MARKET OPENS MONDAY, JUNE 3!

It's a new, exciting season for the Durham Farmers' Market, opening on Monday, June 3! The Seacoast Growers' Association, organizer of the Durham Farmers' Market, is pleased to announce that the farmers' market is expanding this year with new vendors and longer hours.

Located once again in the parking lot behind the Town Hall, the market will run every Monday from 2:15-6pm, rain or shine, until October 7. By adding an extra half-hour to the market, the SGA invites commuting residents who may be returning after 5:30pm. The farmers' market can now be an easy stop on the way home from work each Monday to pick up fresh, local products to start the week.

This season the Durham Market raises the total number of vendors possible at market each week to 24. This will create even more diversity in product at the market, and is the response to an exciting increase in vendors requesting a presence at the market. New vendors in Durham include Coppal House Farm, Saddleback Mountain Farm, Etta's Soaps and Jessica Seaton Pottery.

Also new this year at the Durham Market: visit the SGA information booth and "Ask a Master Gardener" - where local master gardeners will be on hand to answer you gardening questions all season long.

Find out what's in season, information about special events and vendor details, by signing up for weekly market emails at www.seacoastgrowers.org.

See you at market!

FORECLOSURE RELIEF PROGRAM

The Legal Services Department of the NH Bar Association has recently launched the Foreclosure Relief Program.  This project aims to assist NH homeowners of all income levels who are facing foreclosure and are experiencing legal problems related, but not limited to wrongful foreclosure, dual tracking, and deceptive lending practices. A clinic will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 2-4:00PM at the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Avenue, Portsmouth. The clinic is FREE for NH homeowners. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. For more information and to pre-register contact Vanessa at 603-715-3255 or FRP@nhbar.org.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED MEMORIAL DAY - MONDAY, MAY 27TH

The Durham Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day. All Town offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

MEMORIAL DAY TRASH/RECYCLING COLLECTION INFORMATION
The Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, May 25th, for the Memorial Day Holiday. There will be NO COLLECTION OF TRASH AND RECYCLABLES ON MONDAY, MAY 27TH. All routes will be pushed ahead one day (For example: Residents whose collection day is normally Monday will need to have their items out by 7am on Tuesday. Residents whose collection day is normally Tuesday will need to have their items out by 7am on Wednesday, etc.) There will be no commercial collection on Friday, May 31st. Click HERE to view the Holiday Schedule.

The Portsmouth Women’s Giving Circle helped do maintenance and install more plants at Durham’s rain gardens. Pictured are (counter clockwise):  Meg and Tania Marino, Anne Pinciaro, Bobbie Cyrus, Mai Buker, Town Engineer Dave Cedarholm, Francie Osgood, and Rebecca Hennessy. Courtesy DPW

RAIN GARDENS GET HELP FROM VOLUNTEERS

Two groups of volunteers helped with the annual maintenance of the rain gardens in the Madbury Road - Pettee Brook Lane Parking Lot.   The Department of Public Works want to thank the large group of Oyster River Middle School students and teachers who did such a fantastic job Wednesday removing all the debris that has accumulated in the big central rain garden.  And, DPW also thanks the 7 volunteers from the Portsmouth Women’s Giving Circle who spend their Thursday morning in Durham performing more much needed maintenance it the smaller rain garden near the entrance of the parking lot and planted 20 additional plants in both rain gardens. Thank you to all who helped!

FISH COUNT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! (The Alewife are running!)

The Wiswall Fish Ladder on the Lamprey River has been open for two weeks and 10,000 herring have already climbed the ladder headed for upper reaches of the River. And, a record number of more than 70,000 herring have climbed the fish ladder in Newmarket!  The Department of Public Works is looking for volunteers to help the Town and NH Fish & Game conduct its 2nd annual fish count at the Wiswall Dam.  The volunteer fish counters last year estimated that at least 30,000 anadromous fish (River Herring, Alewife, and American Shad) used the new fish ladder to spawn in the reaches of the Lamprey River.  Anadromous fish live most of their lives in saltwater, but migrate up freshwater rivers to lay their eggs and then head back to the ocean.  The fish counting will continue from now through the middle of June.  It is only a commitment of 10 minutes at a time and as frequently as you have time for. Please consider helping out this exciting fishy event.  Call DPW at 868-5578 or email publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us for more information and to sign up.

Lamprey River - Feedback is requested from Durham residents

regarding the draft Lamprey River Management Plan.

DRAFT LAMPREY RIVER MANAGEMENT PLAN - COMMENTS REQUESTED

The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has updated its Management Plan and is soliciting comments from Town government and community members.

Comments are requested by June 15th and can be emailed to Suzanne Petersen at spetersen.lrac@comcast.net, submitted by phone to Sharon Meeker at 603-659-5441, or mailed in using the review of draft/comment pages provided with a copy of the draft Management Plan located in the lobby at the Durham Town Hall.

To view the draft Management Plan and complete a comment form for submission, click HERE.

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WORKSHOP

INTERESTED IN RAISING CHICKENS?  The Agricultural Commission is offering a workshop on Thursday, May 30th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers of the Durham Town Office.  "Chickens 101: Care and Maintenance of Healthy Layer Flock" will be led by Dot Perkins of UNH Cooperative Extension. 

 

For more information on these workshops, please contact Agricultural Commission Chair Theresa Walker at theresawalker@comcast.net, 603-659-7226, or visit the Agricultural Commissions web site at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/bcc.

A maze of piping to the twin boilers in the basement boiler room. Courtesy Walter Rous

  
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The weather was a bit of a mixed bag this week with low 40’s and fog on Monday, mid-60’s and mostly sun on Wednesday, mid-50’s with overcast and rain on Thursday and low 70’s and more sun on Friday.  During the iffy weather, the carpenters and painters took cover under the arcade roofs and kept on working.  The carpenters installed more fir ceilings at the south-facing arcade ceiling and the bike storage breezeway ceiling while the painters worked on the exterior trim. 

On the interior, as the facility nears completion, the chickens are coming home to roost: the various runs of hot water piping have made their way to the twin boilers in the boiler room, and a multitude of conduits for power, lighting, and alarm wire have come home to the panels in the electric room.  (Thank you, Walter, for this apt analogy).  Indeed, the contractors working on the mechanical and electrical systems have been busy running pipe, connecting pipe, insulating pipe and ducts, running wires and hanging lights in the toilet rooms, second floor pre-function balcony and in the basement.

Also on the interior, the carpenters have installed more window casings, baseboard, cabinets and counters in the break and crafts rooms and worked on the dropped soffit over the circulation desk.  More ceiling grid has been hung, stair rails and the railing at the front stoop at the house have been installed and the painters applied paint to the main stairwell, children’s toilet room, children’s stack area and the Café. 

Our exceptional Project Manager, Adam Downs, is reluctantly taking some time off to move his graduating daughter, and assorted pets, up from Florida.  Andre Kloetz, the co- owner of Bauen Corporation is “enjoying” a week out of the office starting today.  We wish him well.

Power, lighting, security and data lines "roosting" in the basement electric room panels. Courtesy Walter Rous

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, May 13, 2013. To view the agenda and other information, click HERE.

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee - Tuesday, May 14, 2013. (7-9:00 AM, Durham PD Community Room). To view agenda and other information, click HERE.

Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, May 14, 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.

Amtrak Downeaster at the Durham station.

TRY THE TRAIN TO MAINE!  AMTRAK WEEKEND STEAL DEAL 

Amtrak's Downeaster train service is being affected south of Haverhill due to bridge replacement, so the Rail Authority is offering $5 trips on a few select upcoming weekends. The deal covers trips between stations from Haverhill north through Exeter, to Freeport, and all the way to Brunswick, Maine. It's a great opportunity to take a little excursion to Portland (the Old Port!), Freeport (LL Bean!), or Brunswick (Bowdoin College!). Relax and view the scenery instead of the traffic...stroll around your destination town without worrying about parking. Besides, there's no cheaper way to introduce the kids to rail travel.

Dates for the deal: May 11-12; reservations required. Check the details at the promotional website. To help plan your trip, visit the current Downeaster schedule and find visitor tips (including bus and tax connections) at the website for the Portland Transportation Center.

Want to leave your car near Durham's Amtrak station? Park for free on weekends at UNH's "A Lot" across the railroad tracks or the Nesmith Hall parking lot across Main Street, or at Durham's Depot Road parking lot to the right of the station.  Free parking is available to Durham residents in the Depot Road Lot for a day trip on the train by contacting the Durham Police Department at 868-2324, M-F, and obtaining a day pass for weekend use. 

AMTRAK DOWNEASTER - NATIONAL TRAIN DAY, MAY 11TH

Join the celebration on Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Brunswick Station, 16 Avenue, Brunswick, Maine. Free event!

• Downeaster train tours and cafe samples - 1-4 PM
• Kids activities
• Travel ideas
• Educational exhibits
• Ticket giveaway

To learn more about the Amtrak Downeaster, click HERE.

To view the Train Day website, click HERE.

To view a 2-minute video, "Trains Matter", click HERE.

POWER OF ONE/EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT - SAMUEL GEIGER, ORHS FRESHMAN

For his Power of One/Eagle Scout Project, Oyster River High School Freshman Samuel Geiger has organized a bike drive for "Bikes Not Bombs". Bikes Not Bombs uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change, creating local and global programs that provide skill development, jobs, and sustainable transportation. These programs mobilize youth and adults to be leaders in community transformation.

On Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 10AM to 4PM, Sam and Liam Conrad will be collecting bikes that will be sent to Africa where they will be repaired and given to the children as a form of transportation. Collection will be held at the senior lot at Oyster River High School.

NEEDED:  All types of bicycles, broken parts, bike tools, helmets, pumps, locks, lights, and biking clothing

NO THANK YOU:  Heavily rusted bikes, kick scooters, anything motorized, exercise equipment.

For more information regarding this project, please contact Samuel Geiger at samuelgeiger@comcast.net or Liam Conrad at lconrad16@sau5.org.

Charlie Gould

POWER OF ONE/EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT - CHARLIE GOULD

Jazz Benefit Concert for MusAid:  Sunday, May 19th, 6 to 7 pm, in the Chapel of the Community Church of Durham.  Charlie Gould and the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) Youth Jazz Ensemble will give a jazz concert to benefit MusAid, a nonprofit that provides musical instruments to schools in under-resourced parts of the world.  Suggested donation is $5 or a used musical instrument. All proceeds will go to schools in Haiti, El Salvador, and Afghanistan.  The concert is the kick-off event for Charlie’s Eagle Scout project with BSA Troop 154, as well as his Power of One project at Oyster River High School.  Charlie will continue collecting donations for the rest of May.  To make a donation after the concert, contact Charlie at 603-659-3663 or email whatifcharlie@gmail.com. Donations can include cash, musical instruments, and musical accessories such as sheet music, metronomes, reeds, valve oil, or music stands.

PAY IT FORWARD PROJECT - DONATE USED ITEMS

For her Pay It Forward project, Oyster River Middle School 7th grader Shivika Aggarwal has teamed up with "We Care Charity" that has been sending shipments of used clothes, toys, etc. to India to be distributed to orphanages and other charity organizations. Shivika is currently collecting used clothes, toys without batteries, board games, puzzles, children's books. If you would like to donate any of these items, there will be a bin inside the town office for items to be dropped off by Sunday, May 12th.

2012 International Colonials with Oyster River High Players

DURHAM HOST FAMILIES NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
The New England Colonials International Basketball Club is looking for Durham area families to host our 2013 International Colonials players during the team’s June 26-27 visit to Durham.

This unique team will bring together 11 players from 11 countries this summer for a three-week basketball tour of New England. Players are 16 and 17 and they are all highly recommended to us by their club or school coaches overseas. Many play for their national teams and all speak English. Hosting assignments will be for two nights.

Countries represented this summer will be Austria, Brazil, England, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Serbia, and Sweden.

If you would like to welcome a young player from overseas to your home in June, please call Scott Bryson at 508-734-5660, or send an email to necolonials@aol.com.

To learn more about our nonprofit, all-volunteer program, visit http://www.newenglandcolonials.net/home.htm

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF WEEKLY "FRIDAY UPDATES"
The deadline for submissions of items for the weekly "Friday Updates" is Thursday each week. It is requested that submissions for upcoming events be provided closer to the actual event date. Please send information for inclusion in the "Friday Updates" to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

COYOTE'S INKWELL: Join us next Thursday, May 16th, from 5-6:00 PM for storytelling and music! An evening of Storytelling with Michael Lang - storyteller and owner of The Coyote’s Inkwell: sharing folktales, fables, music, and original stories. Program designed for 1st through 5th grade ages, but all are welcome @ Parks & Rec Building. No registration required; just show up!

MAD SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP: Durham Parks & Rec and Mad Science have teamed up to offer:

Rockin' Rockets & Fantastic Flight - Jul 29-Aug 2, 2013; 9AM - 3PM, $250, for ages 7 to 12 years. Fantastic Flight will allow campers to build many different flying devices from balloon copter 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!

Secret Agent Lab - Aug 5-Aug 9, 2013, 9AM - 3:30 PM, $250, for ages 7 to 12 years. 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! For more information and to register, click HERE.

ADVENTURE PADDLE CAMP: 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; balance; self rescue skills; wildlife exploration; and conservation topics. For more information, please visit Seven Rivers Paddling on FB, or email: sevenriverspaddling@gmail.com

KAYAK TOURS: Durham Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Seven Rivers Paddling to offer weekend tours this summer! Seven Rivers Paddling Days:

• Saturday, May 11th @ 10AM – Jackson’s Landing
• Saturday, May 18th @ 3PM – Jackson’s Landing
• Saturday, May 25th @ 10AM – Jackson’s Landing

All tours are $50/person, (ages 9+) and include necessary instruction and gear (boats too)! Both beginner and advanced paddlers welcome. Tours are 3 hours each. Space is limited!

To register, please fill out a registration form at: www.ci.durham.nh.us/recreation (follow directions on top of form).

COUCH TO 5K:  You can still join! Have you ever wanted to run a 5k but don’t know how to get started?  Come run with us in our “Couch to 5k” program.  Nicole and Sheila are great instructors who bring FUN and energy into running.  This program includes registration for, and concludes with the Bobcat Bolt 5k in June. To register, click HERE and follow directions on top of the form.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE 2013:  Every Durham resident, veteran, and family member is invited to participate in the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27th. Join us as we celebrate and honor the men and women who have, and are currently serving our country.

JOIN ANY CLASS, ANYTIME! For more information regarding any of the classes or events offered by Parks and Recreation, visit the P&R web site at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_parksrec.

YOGA: Mondays: 5:45AM and 5PM; Tuesdays: 7:15PM; Thursdays: 6:00AM. What to expect: Yoga is a series of physical poses which promote good posture, alleviate health problems, reduce stress, and make the spine supple. Yoga is often used as both an exercise and a form of physical therapy. Cost is only $40 for 8 sessions! Couples Yoga coming soon! Find out more HERE.

BOOT CAMP, Wed/Fri, 7AM

PILATES, Mon 9AM, Wed 6:30 PM (ORMS Multipurpose Room), Sat 10AM (ORMS Multipurpose Room)

ZUMBA - Mon/Wed 5:30 PM, Sat 9AM (All held at ORMS Multipurpose Room)

STRENGTH & STRETCH - Wed/Fri 8AM

TAI CHI (Beginner/Advanced) - Fri 4-5:30 PM. Find out more HERE.

TAI CHI (Moving for Better Balance) - Tue/Thu 9-10AM

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

• Memorial Day Parade - Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 10AM
• Music By the Bay Summer Concert Series - June, July, August 2013 at Wagon Hill Farm. (Join us for the series kickoff on June 27th from 6-8 PM with BLISS!)
• Durham Day - Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Wagon Hill Farm (Rain Date: Sunday, September 22nd)

Bee on a Spider wort. The Durham Garden Club presents, "How Sweet it is: The Buzz on Honeybees", Tuesday, May 28, 2013, 6:30 PM at the Madbury Town Hall. See more information below.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Oyster River Festival: Seeking arts & crafts and business exhibitors for the Festival to be held Saturday June 22, 2013, 11am-1:30pm, Oyster River High School field. Festival follows the Bobcat Bolt 5K/10K run/walk. Exhibit table space is $20. Proceeds benefit Oyster River student initiatives. Complete and return exhibitor application by June 15th. Event is hosted by ORHS and the Oyster River Alumni Association. For more information contact Anita Mathur at orhs92@yahoo.com.

11th annual Seacoast Bike/Walk to Work Week, May 13 through 17, which culminates in free breakfasts for alternative commuters (bike, walk, bus, train, carpool) around the region Friday, May 17. The UNH/Durham breakfast, again sponsored by the UNH kinesiology department, will be on the steps of New Hampshire Hall from 7 – 10 a.m. To register, click HERE. For more information, click HERE.

"Curry Up & Slide" Fund-raising Community Dinner, sponsored by Moharimet Elementary School PTO, Thursday, May 16, 2013, two seatings: 5:30 or 7:30 PM, $15/family max. All proceeds to benefit the MOH playground fund. For tickets go to http://www.mohpto.org/. Preregistration strongly urged.

Active Retirement Association Presents Author, Eleanor Morse, Sunday, May 19, 2013, 2:00 PM, Durham Community Church. Ms. Morse will discuss her new book, White Dog Fell From the Sky, a novel which takes place in apartheid South Africa in 1976. For more information, call 603-292-6234 or email momstarks2237@comcast.net.

"BACHanalia!"- Special Performance of Bach's Multiple Harpsichord Concerti, Saturday, May 18, 2013, 7PM, sanctuary of Community Church of Durham. Suggested donation $20; children free.

Durham Great Bay Rotary Upcoming Meetings. All meetings held at 7:30 AM at the Three Chimneys Inn,. All are welcome. May 22nd-GBRC member Arthur Bradbury; Call 603-868-1664 for more information.

Legally Blonde The Musical - SAVE THE DATE - May 23, 24, 25 (7PM) and May 26 (2PM), ORHS, Tickets: $7/students, $10/adults

Strafford County Master Gardener Plant Sale, Sunday, May 26, 2013, 10:00am–2:00pm, Newmarket and Mill Pond Road (former People’s Bank parking lot), Durham. Sponsored by Strafford County Master Gardeners to raise funds to benefit educational gardening projects in Strafford County.

Perennials, annuals, small trees and unique plants locally dug by Master Gardeners. Rain or shine.

Durham Garden Club presents “How Sweet It Is:  The Buzz on Honeybees”, Tuesday, May 28, 2013, 6:30 PM, Madbury Town Hall, 13 Town Hall Rd., Madbury. Local beekeeper Wendy Booth will give a presentation on the fascinating life of the honeybee and the sweet rewards of keeping bees. Social time and refreshments. A non-member is welcome to attend one meeting as a guest.

ORHS List of Athletic Events for the Spring - To view the schedule, click HERE.  *** Weather could postpone or cancel some of these events ***. For daily updates, contact ORHS at 603-868-2375, extension 2.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Henna Body Workshop, Joint Library Teen Program, Sat. May 11th, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Learn the history of henna body art as used in ceremony, ritual and medicine as well as the various designs used in different cultures.  Learn how to mix henna and after choosing/creating a design, paint away!  Taught by master herbalist and henna tattoo artist, Melissa Morrison, this workshop is for grades 7th - 12th.  Registration required.  Please register (at any of the three libraries) by May 4th.  This joint teen library (Durham, Lee and Madbury) program is being held at the Lee Library.
Preschool Storytimes, Tues. May 14th and Thurs.  May 16th at 10:30 am – This week:  Sheep!  Join us for stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft.  All are welcome.

Homeschooling Activity Hour Friday, May 17th, 10:30-11:30 a.m. –This week:  Pets and Animals - hear some stories, make a craft.   Homeschoolers join us as we read some books, play some games and work on a craft.  This program is geared for home-schoolers but all are welcome.  We will meet for eight Fridays (starting April 5th and ending May 24th).

Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. May 22nd, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - Join us for this Middle School Group! This month's book is "Shiver" by Maggie Stiefvater.   Walk from the Middle School to come and discuss the book of the month.  This group is facilitated by Ruth Wharton-MacDonald.  Pizza is served!  All are welcome.

March with the Library at the Durham Memorial Day Parade, Mon. May 27th, 9:30 a.m. – Come March with the library.  We will meet at the town landing at 9:30 a.m.  Parade starts at 10:00 a.m.  We will have flags, necklaces and candy to throw.  Wear Red, White and Blue!  All are welcome!

Special Storytimes, Tues. May 28th and Thurs. May 30th  at 10:30 a.m. -  Durham Police Department Visit! Community Workers/Police! The Durham Police Department will visit storytime with their police car.  Join us for stories, feltboard, fingerplays, songs and a craft.  All are welcome!

Special Pajama Storytime with the Durham Police, Tues. May 28th, 6:30 p.m. - Join ORPP and the Durham Library for our monthly Pajama Storytime.  This month Community Workers and Police! Come and hear stories about Community Workers and police and make a police craft.  The Durham Police Department will visit with their police car!  Come wearing your pajamas.  We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and make a craft.  ORPP supplies a snack.  All are welcome.

Friends of the Library Book Discussion, Friday, May 31st, 10:30 a.m. - Last Ever Friends' Book discussion in the 'OL'*, Friday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m., facilitated by Jennifer Lee.  Please don't miss Manley Pointer, he of the yellow sucked down socks, and the remaining cast of Flannery O'Connor characters in the author's short stories: "Good Country People, Revelation" and  "Everything That Rises Must Converge." Your copy awaits...*Old Library
McGregor Memorial EMS Babysitting Course, Sat. June 1st, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - This course is designed to certify kids 12 & up who are looking to, or already babysit.  They will get a CPR and First Aid certification, learn about safety, how to handle emergencies, care and feeding of infants and children, the business aspects of being a babysitter, and more.  All students will receive a Babysitting certification. The Community Babysitting Classes cost $35 and payment is due upon registration. To register visit www.mcgregorems.org or call 603-862-3674.
McGregor Memorial EMS First Aid Course, Tues. June 4th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS is proud to offer a First Aid Course at the library. The cost for the First Aid Class is $20, and payment is due the night of the class. Please register at www.mcgregorems.org
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.  Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program. The program will end on May 31st, 2013 so come in to collect your patches.  We will begin again Sept. 1st, 2013.
Summer Reading Registration, “Dig Into Reading!” begins Tues. June 11th.  Our 5 week program will run from June 25th through July 26th.  Prizes, performers, animals, storytimes, wii night, children’s museum, games…  Don’t miss it.  More details coming soon!  Ages 12 & under and all are welcome! 

 
Check out our website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more info.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

* Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

FROM "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY - 1900-1985"

"Education and Religion - Durham Churches: The Community Church of Durham. The Reverend Fred Buschmeyer served from 1927 to 1936. He was outgoing and popular, with a large following who always welcomed his return visits. He left to be minister of the Mount Pleasant Church in Washington, D.C., and in 1949 he became secretary of the General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches.

During World War II the Reverend Emerson G. Hangen was the minister. It was during this time--specifically, January 1, 1940--that the church ceased being a mission church and became self-supporting. He was succeeded by the noncontroversial Reverend Arnold Brown (1945-49), a handsome young man who had a wife and two children.

For the next eight years, the Reverend Wilfred Bunker served as minister. He was an older man whose cheerful pastoral visits endeared him to many members. During his ministry, the church sold the old parsonage on Newmarket Road and purchased the present (1985) parsonage at 74 Madbury Road. Mr. Bunker resigned in 1957 to accept a call to the First Protestant Church in Hilo, Hawaii." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

Have a very nice weekend and Happy Mother's Day!

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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