Friday Updates - September 16, 2016

Friday, September 16, 2016

Flag atop the USS Arizona War Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Courtesy Todd Selig
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Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski reports that the department is in the process of switching gears from summer to fall activities.  The Next major Town-wide effort organized by the department is Durham Day  at Wagon Hill Farm scheduled for tomorrow, September 17th, beginning at 12:30 PM.  It is covered in detail elsewhere in today’s “Friday Updates.”

DURHAM CELEBRATES "DRIVE ELECTRIC WEEK" - Saturday, September 17, 2016, 11AM - 4PM at Durham Day at Wagon Hill Farm
Test drive the newest EVs on the market at this free event, hosted by the Town of Durham, NH.

The Energy Committee of the Town of Durham, will hold its second annual National Drive Electric Week event, this time held in conjunction with Durham Day, an annual celebration with free food, drink, kayak demonstrations, boat rides, and much, much more.  

Charging your EV in Durham: Vehicles needing to charge up are welcome to charge for free all weekend at our dual dedicated Level 2 ChargePoint EV charging parking spots in the Pettee Brook Municipal Lot, Pettee Brook Lane, Durham, NH 03824.  A third charging station is available at the Durham Public Library, 49 Madbury Road.

Electric Vehicle owners are invited to register for the event and bring their vehicles during the EV pre-event parking and meet and greet period (11AM - 12PM).  Once parked in a meadow in an impressive car show formation, EV drivers are encouraged to explore the other Durham Day activities in addition to discussing and demonstrating their vehicles to attend. A free BBQ lunch will be served.

Port City Nissan, BWM of Stratham, and hopefully other dealers will be offering free test drives of the Nissan LEAF® and the BMW i3 vehicles and more.  If you ever want to feel the power, handling, and emissions free fun of driving an all-electric car, now is your chance!

Please contact Charlie Forcey with any questions or suggestions for this event using the contact button at https://driveelectricweek.org/event.php?eventid=542
 

LIBRARY PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED – Elise Sullivan and Julia Gittes selected as this year’s first place finishers
The Durham Public Library is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 Photo Contest.  Congratulations to Elise Sullivan and Julia Gittes.  Due to a tie, the winners will each receive $150. (The cash prize for first place was $300 which was donated to the library by a generous benefactor.)  

All are invited to a Photography Reception in their honor, on Sept. 22, 6:30-7:30 pm held in the Oyster River Community Room, on the second floor in the library. Their work will be on exhibit in the library Gallery for all to see and enjoy.  

Once again, congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who entered the contest.
 

NEXT WEEK IS NATIONAL ESTUARIES WEEK – A Good Time to Celebrate the Great Bay and Hampton-Seabrook Estuaries (Sept. 17-24)
National Estuaries Week is September 17-24.  Because the Great Bay is one of only 28 in the United States designated as an “estuary of national significance,” it deserves special recognition and our appreciation for all it provides.  

Rivers flowing from 52 communities in New Hampshire and Maine, from Wakefield in the north to Seabrook in the south, converge with the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to form the Great Bay and Hampton-Seabrook estuaries. The watershed covers 1086 square miles. These bays provide critical wildlife habitat, nurseries for seafood production, buffering from coastal flooding, recreational enjoyment, and safe harbor for marine commerce such as lobster fishing and an emerging industry of oyster aquaculture.   

In turn, the wetlands, oysters, and eelgrass provide natural erosion control, water purification, nitrogen cycling, and flood protection that would otherwise require significant public and private investment to achieve with infrastructure. A less obvious, but no less important aspect of the ecosystem is its biological diversity.   This is because estuaries are places where freshwater meets saltwater, and they have a vast array of creatures associated with both.

Please take some time over the course of the next week to appreciate just how lucky we are that Durham comprises is a significant part of the Great Bay Estuary!  
 

GREAT BAY OIL SPILL ANNUAL TRAINING/BOOM DEPLOYMENT – Scheduled for Sept. 19th and 20th
The NH Department of Environmental Services has scheduled its annual training/refresher course pertaining to the steps that would be necessary should an oil spill ever threaten the Great Bay Estuary in the future.  The exercise will take place Sept. 19-20, 2016.  

The event will include locations of all deployment boats, communications plan, practice towing 1,000’ booms with large towboats, and more.  
 

The Holgate Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, Alaska. Courtesy Todd Selig

THOUGHTS ON ALASKA AND HAWAII BY ADMIN. SELIG
This summer the Town Council provided Todd Selig a 6-week sabbatical, which he used with his family to travel to the 49th and 50th states.  To read about his experiences in these far off lands, HERE.
 

INFESTATION OF BORER BEATLES IN LARGE EVERGREEN TREE WITHIN MEMORIAL PARK (ACROSS FROM YOUNG’S)
No, the large evergreen which doubles as Durham’s holiday tree is not suffering from drought; it is infested with borer beetles.  DPW has had a tree person look at it and the tree will have to be replaced.  
 

UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN PROJECT AT 66 MAIN STREET – The former ATO fraternity site
In the spring of 2015, the Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly issue a RFP for the redevelopment of 66 Main Street.  The University purchased the property with the intention that a hotel would be built close to the IOL and other university activities.  The Town included as part of the offering the potential inclusion of the Pettee Brook parking lots if needed for the project.  Another adjacent property expressed interest in being included.  Subsequently several responses were received and one developer was awarded the opportunity to present a proposal that would fill all the requirements by the University and the Town. After considerable time and effort expended by all parties, the proposal came up short of that goal.  Durham and UNH have disengaged from that developer.
 
Over the past several years several similar attempts have been made, each failing to be financially feasible.  Members of the Durham and UNH team have concluded that the desires for the parcel may exceed realistic expectations and are revisiting the goals for the site and reconsidering how best to pursue future development. With the busy start of a new academic year, the University is taking a pause to step back and reevaluate options.   The plan is to re-group, assess potential next steps, and come back with a new strategy that will meet the Town and University’s most desired goals while also being financially viable.
 

NEW HAMPSHIRE EXPERIENCING DROUGHT CONDITIONS - Suggestions for Durham Residents/Households
Much of Southern NH is experiencing a drought emergency. It has received about 50% of its normal rainfall over the last six months. Stream flow and groundwater levels are at historic low levels across the region. Some NH residents on private wells, as well as some community water systems in other parts of the state, are experiencing significant water supply shortages. More widespread shortages across the state are imminent if rainfall does not replenish lakes, rivers, and groundwater supplies before winter weather sets in.
 
How are Durham/UNH faring the drought?
So far this summer over one hundred community water systems have reported implementing water use restrictions to protect sources. The Durham/UNH Water System has been extremely proactive over the years in developing multiple above ground and below ground water resources, combined with more efficient fixtures on campus and off as part of new construction, such that while the region is in a drought situation, Durham/UNH are in a very good position and drought measures are not required at this time.  As with so many things, Durham/UNH together are ahead of the curve and leading the way.
 
The most recent water resource to come on line to provide for the community is the Spruce Hole Well, which is permitted for approximately 1 million gallons per day with a limit of 63 million gallons per year PLUS the amount of artificial recharge added to the aquifer.
 
Suggestions for Durham residents:
Although restrictions are not at this time required in Durham, residents, particularly those with private wells, should consider taking the following steps to save water, energy, and money:
 
Lawn Watering – Discontinue lawn watering immediately. Lawn watering can cause household water use to more than double and needs to be discontinued now to save our state’s water supply for the winter months.
 
Sink Faucets – Whether you are brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or washing dishes, turn off the faucet to save 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). For further savings, replace bathroom sink aerators with a 1.5 gpm aerator.
 
Showerheads - Reduce shower time to save anywhere from 2.5 gpm to 5 gpm. Look closely at your showerhead for the labeled flow rate (gpm) and consider replacing it with a WaterSense certified showerhead that guarantees performance at 2.0 gpm or less.

Clothes Washers – Wash only full loads and replace clothes washers that are more than 10 years old with new Energy Star certified washers to reduce water use from 23 gallons per load to 13 gallons per load and to cut energy use by 25%.  More information may be found HERE.

Toilets – Fix running toilets to eliminate hundreds of gallons a day of wasted water. To test your toilet for a leak, place 5 drops of food coloring in the water tank of the toilet and wait 15 minutes to see if the color appears in the toilet bowl. If so, a common cause is the toilet flapper, which can be replaced with little effort or cost.  Toilets older than 1994 may use anywhere from 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to 7 gpf. Replace older toilets with WaterSense certified toilets (1.28 gpf) to save hundreds of gallons a week.
 

ORHS MOUTH OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE MAKES SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY FOR THE FIRST TIME
Mouth of the River is a student run magazine/newspaper that seeks to inform and educate the school and community on current matters and events that surround Oyster River High School.

The magazine has covered some major stories in the past few years, from serious topics such as drug addiction and consent to more student-oriented topics such as gap years and student-athletes.

The Mouth of the River ORHS student staff is highly motivated and is constantly working on new stories and investigations, and there's no doubt that this year will bring some highly interesting subjects to light.

Members of the community can now for the first time purchase a subscription for the Mouth of the River.  Subscription price for 2016/17 is $20 for all four issues.

Anyone interested in subscribing can email mornewspaper@gmail.com to be added to the magazine’s subscription list, and more information regarding payment will be relayed from there.       
 

Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt swears in new Firefighters Amy McPhee and Daniel Brothwell on Wednesday this week. Courtesy DCAT Studios

DELEGATION FROM TUNISIA TO VISIT DURHAM SEPT. 22
A delegation from Tunisia, under the auspices of the US Dept. of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, will visit Durham on 9/22 at 10 AM in the Town Council chambers to meet with Administrator Selig to discuss how transparency in government can serve to foster trust in the integrity and fairness of governmental activities.  The public is most welcome to attend.
 

WORK CONTINUES ON UPGRADING DURHAM WEB SITE
IT Manager Luke Vincent, DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens, and several others amongst the Town’s staff are steadily working toward the launch of an updated Durham web site intended to make the platform more responsive to smart phones and providing easier access to search functions for greater citizen access to Town information via the site.  We are targeting an official launch date for the end of September/October timeframe.  
 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS – Durham has almost run out of retail space
If all goes well, Durham won’t have any more retail vacancy left in town.  Discussions are under way for use of the vacant retail/commercial space within Madbury Commons facing the Pettee Brook parking lot.  

The second vacant retail space in Madbury Commons along Madbury Road is fully rented by Saxby’s Coffee.  Although there have been a number of delays, it is anticipated the coffee concern will begin to fit out the space this fall.  

Part-Time Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey reports that she has had to turn away concerns looking to locate in Durham because sufficient retail space simply does not exist here at the present time.  She knows of no other town with this challenge in the region.

INJURED DPW EMPLOYEE BACK AT WORK
Earlier this summer, there was an accident involving a Durham Public Works employee whose thumb was severed by a manhole cover.  The employee is now back at work and doing well.
 

ASSESSING UPDATE
Assessor Jim Rice reports that he has completed the State of New Hampshire MS-1 Form required for tax rate setting purposes. The form tallies the assessments of all properties in Durham.  It appears the increase in value for Durham since last year was just under $43 million.The downtown TIF increased by around $28 million. Durham was one of the first communities in NH to submit the MS-1 Form. We hope this will enable us to undertake tax rate setting as early as possible this fall. It is our hope to have bills out in November so bills can be payable in the beginning of December.

The Assessor is currently reviewing sales that occurred Oct. 1, 2015 – Sept. 30, 2016 in preparation for the annual equalization ratio analysis which is set by the NH Department of Revenue Administration.  

He is in the process of reviewing current use for all properties in Durham to make sure they are accurate in preparation for the upcoming 2018 statistical update.  

Jim has also ordered two new file cabinets!  (The office is literally out of filing cabinet space at this time.)
 

TAX LIENS
Town Clerk/Tax Collector reports that interest from tax liens this year are down from the past.  This is an indicator that residents paying their taxes are doing so in advance of or closer to the passing of the payment deadline resulting in less interest earnings for the municipality.  It is an indirect indicator of a strengthening economy.  
 

STUDENT HOUSING ISSUES
If residents have concerns about noise issues coming from rental properties in their neighborhood, please don’t hesitate the Durham Police Department day or night at (603) 868-2324.  

Concerns about over occupancy or trash can be directed to Code Enforcement Officer Audrey Cline by calling (603) 868-8064 or emailing Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards at kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us

A native Hawaiian demonstrates a traditional dance during a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center on the island of Oahu. Courtesy Todd Selig

POLICE UPDATE
Durham’s newest police officer, Katie Callahan, has completed the NH Police Academy and is now in FTO training with experienced officers in Durham.  Officer Callahan was stationed at the polls Tuesday night affording a number of local officials an opportunity to talk with and get to know her a little better.

DURHAM POLICE SURVEY ARRIVING SHORTLY AT YOUR HOME - Every 3 years the department surveys homeowners on how it is doing
Durham Police will be mailing their 6th survey to the Durham community using addresses to each tax paying entity in Durham.  Chief Kurz is asking residents to take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire about your perceptions of crime and policing in the Town of Durham.  The survey provides the Durham Police with an updated understanding of the perceptions and wishes of the community and allows the department to recognize if these attitudes are evolving.  Chief Kurz and his staff truly use the results gathered from all the returned surveys to enhance policing services and to direct the department.  All responses are completely confidential and your identity will not be known as the survey is sent to the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

View the survey HERE.

DURHAM POLICE FACILITY VIDEO
Craig Stevens of DCAT, working with the Durham Police has created the first video in a series of others which are designed to inform residents of the needs of the police facility.  This first 15 minute video focuses upon the three critical and immediate needs that challenge the agency.  First is the evidence storage/retention, second is the woman’s locker room and third is record storage of case files that must be maintained in paper format.  The video will begin airing today and periodically run on DCAT, Channel 22.  While the department will be presenting and hosting opportunities to tour the facility, the series of short videos will offer some exposure to areas at the police department that the public rarely sees.  If there are any residents who would care to see their police facility first-hand, please contact Chief Dave Kurz and he will be happy to arrange for a tour.

The video will air on DCAT Cable Channel 22:  Monday – Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday @ 7:30 PM.  It will also be available On Demand.

"DRUG TAKE BACK’ PROGRAM AT THE DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
This initiative of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been a national success with previous events occurring in New Hampshire taking in an astounding 276 tons of unwanted or expired medications!  So resounding was the success to fill this void that last year Chief Kurz decided to provide the program on a continuous basis to the residents of Durham. 

Residents can drop off unwanted or expired prescriptions at the Durham Police facility Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM for no cost and it’s all anonymous!

Doing so prevents prescription drug abuse as six out of ten teenagers who have taken prescription narcotics state that they get them from their parents or relative’s medicine cabinets.  Additionally, using this service keeps trace drugs out of our lakes, streams and estuaries as wastewater treatment plants cannot remove many of the compounds found in medications; so when flushed or put in a landfill, drugs are discharged into our surface and ground water and consumed by fish and wildlife. 

If you have a question about this service that is provided to Durham residents only, please call the Durham Police during business hours Monday through Friday @ 868-2324.
 

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING IN OCTOBER
Due to the Rosh Hashanah and Columbus Day holidays the beginning of October, only one Town Council meeting will be held in October on Monday, October 17th.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR SEARCH UNDERWAY
The job announcement for the DPL Director position has been posted locally, regionally, and nationally to attract the highest quality candidates for this important position. If you know someone who might be a good fit, please be sure to spread the word.

First round interviews by the Board will begin in October. The Library Trustees hope to have the final 2 candidates selected in early November. In addition, the Board will provide an opportunity for the community to meet the final candidates and give input to the Board before final selection.  Stay tuned for more information.

View the job posting HERE.

Lava meets the sea from the Mount Kilauea volcano near the Hawaii Volcanos National Park. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM HAS ITS VERY OWN LAUNDER CENTER
The Durham Launder Center is located at 46 Main Street and also is home to Franz’s Food, next to Young’s Restaurant.  It offers many amenities that make doing laundry a breeze:

• Open 24/7
• Well-lighted, cleaned daily.
• 3 parking spaces for laundry drop off.
• Handicap accessible.
• Public Wi-Fi    
• Frontage on Main Street Durham and Pettee Brook parking lot (Sammy’s Market)

INFORMATION FOR OWNERS OF RENTAL UNITS/PROPERTIES

There is a new page on the Durham website devoted to State and Local regulations and information for owners of rental units and/or properties.  If you are a landlord, please take a moment to review the information HERE.
 

FINAL INSPECTIONS FOR BUILDING PERMITS

Individuals who received a building permit this past year and have completed their project need to make sure they have had a final inspection and received a final Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Approval from the Building Inspector.

If you have not had a final inspection, please call Karen in the Building Inspector’s Office at 603-868-8064 to schedule this inspection as soon as possible.

ANNUAL MUNICIPAL LAW LECTURE SERIES
Beginning in September, the New Hampshire Local Government Center will hold its Annual Municipal Law Lecture Series in communities throughout the state.
 
These lectures are intended for municipal officials with an interest in, or responsibility for, any aspect of municipal land use to include members of planning boards, zoning boards, conservation commissions, and councils/board of selectmen, as well as planners, building inspectors, and code officers. All lectures are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 PM. Lectures topics and descriptions are as follows:

Lecture One - Developments in the Law
This lecture explores a trio of recent legal developments that will undoubtedly impact your community and you land use ordinances. These include the passage of Senate Bill 146 which preempts local regulation of accessory dwelling units; the passage of Senate Bill 345 which, in response to the New Hampshire's Supreme Court's decision in Forster v. Town of Henniker, further limits local control of agritourism activities; and the United States Supreme Court's surprising decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, which substantially curtails the ability of municipalities to regulate sign content.

Presenters: Benjamin D. Frost, Esquire AICP, New Hampshire Housing
Timothy Corwin, Esquire, AICP, City of Lebanon.

Lecture Two - Conflicts of Interest
“Do I need to recuse myself?” Land use board members are often faced with this question because a conflict of interest has been alleged. On the other hand, it may be a question that land use board members should be asking, but aren’t. Whether to ask that question—and how to answer it—can be complicated, and made more complicated by the serious consequences that arise when a conflict is not properly addressed. Join Attorneys Matt Serge and Margaret Byrnes to get answers to these questions and more, by learning how to identify a conflict and how to properly handle it, and the repercussions of failing to do so. The presentation will discuss conflicts in general, and then place a specific focus on land use boards.

Presenters: Margaret M. L. Byrnes, Esquire, Staff Attorney, NH Municipal Association
Matt Serge, Esquire, Drummond Woodsum

Lecture Three - Code Enforcement
Code enforcement can be complicated, with various nuanced procedures that are dependent on the code being enforced. This presentation will inform attendees of the various land use, building, and safety codes enforceable by municipalities in the State of New Hampshire, as well as the procedures established to enforce those codes. Attendees will be further provided with practical advice with regard to enforcement actions from three practitioners in code enforcement.

Presenters: Christopher T. Hilson, Esquire, Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC
Eric Maher, Esquire, Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC
Justin L. Pasay, Esquire, Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC
 
To view the dates and locations for these lectures, click HERE.
 
For information on registration, call 800.852.3358, ext. 3350, or email NHMAregistrations@nhmunicipal.org.
 

DURHAM BIKE & SPORTS ACCEPTING DONATED BIKES, ETC.

Many Oyster River and UNH students are seeking something with wheels that will transport them to and from school. If you have any bikes, razor scooters, longboards, mopeds, etc. in your house and they are not being used, please consider bringing them to Durham Bike & Sports. We accept equipment for donation or consignment.

Durham Bike is also getting a lot of interest in used skates and nordic skis. Referee training for hockey starts this weekend and Exeter, Dover, and UNH have began their pre season hockey. Clubs, recreation groups, and intramural teams are looking for used skates and equipment. Many of you have things in your basement that can be put to use for of a good cause. Please consider a donation. Their mechanics tune and repair used equipment and help financially challenged and international students. items must be in good to excellent condition.
 

LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE FALL NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has published its 2016 fall newsletter which is available for viewing HERE.
 

A moose at Wonder Lake in Denali National Park, Alaska.  Courtesy Todd Selig

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday October 1, 2016
The 2016 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive.  As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8-11:30AM.  To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.  Remember - The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS.  
 
NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS,
SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
 
Consider reducing your purchase of products with hazardous ingredients; read labels thoroughly. Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in anything other than their original containers and never remove labels. Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become un-recyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.
 
LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS , MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY!  These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year.  Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil,  anti-freeze  and  oil  based  paints  can  go  up  as  is.  Typically,  hazardous  waste  is  categorized  as  toxic,  ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label.
 
Common Household Hazardous Waste:

VACANCIES ON THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

The Zoning Board of Adjustment currently has three vacancies as follows:

• 1 regular member - term expiration April 30, 2019
• 2 alternate members - term expirations April 30, 2018 and 2019

The Zoning Board of Adjustment, a quasi-judicial board, has the duty to hear and decide appeals in the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. The duties of the Zoning Board of Adjustment are outlined fully in RSA 674:33 and 674:33(a).  The four categories of hearings that are brought before the Zoning Board of Adjustment are special exceptions, equitable waivers of dimensional requirements, appeals on an administrative decision, and variances.

The Board meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7PM in the Town Council chambers.

Interested residents may complete a board appointment application and submit it to Jennie Berry at jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. The form can be found HERE,
then click on "Application for Appointment".

Questions concerning the ZBA may directed to Zoning Officer Audrey Cline, 603-868-8064, acline@ci.durham.nh.us

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES
Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates".  Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.
 

This week's Mini Film is How One Man is Reviving the rare California Pipevine Swallowtail in his backyard.  

Durham's Food Friendly Yard program encourages residents to make their properties nurturing places for people and wildlife. Even a small backyard can become a productive place and a haven for stressed species. 

TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT!

Trick or Treating in the Town of Durham will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 5 - 7:30 PM.

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the upcoming week.  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, September 20, 2016

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NOTE:   The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28th.

All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Perhaps you weren’t available to attend the very popular Durham Farm Day on August 20th.  Well, no worries, DCAT Volunteer, Phil Kincade was there to capture the excitement for your viewing pleasure.  Gardens, goats, sheep shearing, and much more are on display from many of the farms in your area.

Total run time: 26 minutes
DCAT 22 viewing times: Saturday & Sunday at 10AM, 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM
This video is also available On Demand.
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DCAT 22 Studios & EDC Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey stopped by Durham Geeks to film the latest episode of “In the Biz” Durham Business Spotlight.  The episode is currently in production and is expected to be released in the next few weeks. 

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DCAT 22 now has an aerial drone. The drone craft will be used in many different municipal capacities where an aerial view is necessary. The drone has HD video and HD still shot capability.  Due to the size and weight of the drone, it’s necessary for it to be registered with the FAA, tail numbers: FA3ECN9RR3.  

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DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account.  You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time.  All you have to do is click and watch.  Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device.  Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

TAKE A BOW SWAP SHOP VOLUNTEERS
Dedicated volunteers have kept the Swap Shop at the Durham Transfer Station going strong now for 14 years! It is a fun, friendly, and free community place dedicated to diverting useful items from the landfill for creative reuse or re-purposing. Volunteers are always needed. Please speak to volunteer coordinator, Jane Lenharth, at 603-868-7598 to learn about volunteering opportunities that would suit your needs.

Unscheduled volunteers are needed tomorrow (Saturday, 9-10-16) afternoon at the Swap Shop once the annual church yard sales end. The Swap Shop is open from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Residents may get a Transfer Station entrance sticker for their vehicles at the Public Works Office or at Town Hall during regular working hours. More information is available 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.

Fall Programs and Registration
Please visit us HERE for a full list of fall programs, including detailed information and online registration.
 

Durham Day at Wagon Hill Farm

Saturday, September 17th from 12:30-3:30pm. Enjoy a community celebration of Durham with FREE BBQ, live music, informational booths from community organizations and businesses, kayak & boat tours, kids activities and more!
(Cash items at Durham Day include: DPR Raffle, Boy Scouts popcorn sales, Doodlebugz Studio crafts & Snow cones)

Historic Walking Tour
Sunday, Sept. 18th from 1-2pm.  Join the Durham Historic Association for insight into the history of Durham! This free tour begins at the Durham Parks and Recreation/ DHA building and includes many historic spots nearby. Some spots included are: The Chapel, 3 Chimney’s Inn, the oldest house in Durham, and the Raid on Fort William and Mary. The guided walk will conclude at Sullivan Graveyard.  Register HERE. 
 

Teeter TOTers Playgroup-Begins Sept. 16th

Teeter TOTers Playgroup is a partnership program with Oyster River Parents for Preschoolers (ORPP), which allows children and parents the opportunity to gather together for free play, time to socially interact, and the choice to participate in an age appropriate activity.  

The Playgroup meets on Fridays at 10:00am at various locations throughout the year.  Please visit us at: durhamrec.recdesk.com to see where to meet and what we have planned!  Participation is FREE!

Pick-Up Pickleball at Jackson’s Landing/Churchill Rink
Join us Tuesday nights from 6-8pm at Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing for Pick-Up Pickleball. This is a low-impact doubles racket sport that blends tennis, badminton and ping pong. Pick-up style play for all levels and abilities.  All equipment is provided, participation is FREE.

FREE Yoga at Wagon Hill Farm
Thursdays from 5-6pm. Bring a mat or a blanket and meet at the wagon.  Participation is FREE.  Class is canceled in the case of inclement weather.

Adult Fitness Classes
Durham Parks & Recreation offers a variety of weekly Adult Fitness Classes that are welcoming, affordable and fun!  Our current class schedule includes, Bootcamp, Pilates, Strength & Stretch, Zumba, Traditional Tai Chi & Tai Chi Balance and Qigong, Yoga classes and Restorative Yoga Workshops.  For details on class times and schedules, please visit us HERE.

SAVE THE DATE!

• Music with Benji- Wednesdays at 9:45am beginning Oct. 5th- DPR Building.  
• Tentative Churchill Rink Opening Day- Tuesday, October 11th.  
• Spooktacular Day- Friday, October 28th 4-6pm
• Tree Lighting Celebration- Saturday, December 3rd
• After School Climbing Club- Fridays at 3:30pm beginning Nov. 4th
• Coyote Club Session 2- Mondays at 3:30pm beginning Nov. 14th
• Family Indoor Rock Climbing Night- Friday, Nov. 18th 6:30pm.
• Tree Lighting Celebration- Saturday, December 3rd
• High School Indoor Rock Climbing Night- Friday, Dec 9th  6:30pm.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

3rd Annual AlleyFest, Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 11AM - 2PM, held in the alley between The Candy Bar and Durham House of Pizza. Hosted by Main Street Makery, The Candy Bar, and The Freedom Cafe. Come celebrate our wonderful community and join the fun! Bunches of free crafts, great music, face painting, and games. Three local bands playing and crafts to keep crafters of all ages busy. All the crafts are free!

Oyster River Chinese Program 2016-2017 Classes - Begin September 26. Visit http://orcsdcp.weebly.com/ for more information about new offerings. All ORCP classes are taught by professional teachers and are engaging, fun, and affordable. Register soon.

Community Harvest Dinner, Wednesday, Sep 28, 2016, ORHS Cafeteria, 5:00 - 6:30PM. Visit with old friends and new over a delicious, locally sourced meal to include Chef Tim's famous beef stew, roasted root vegetables, garden salad, warm locally baked rolls, brownie's with ice cream, and assorted beverages. Please sign up below so that proper planning can be made for food preparation. $7.00/person; $15.00/family. Please include only those who live within your household. RSVP HERE.

Emery Farm announces it is now a Friday pick up location for NH Community Seafood CSF.  The Market & Café is open 7AM – 7PM DAILY.  Apples and pumpkins are in as well as produce and local goods. Serving Annabelle’s Ice Cream and White Heron - Coffee, Cold Brew, Chai, and Teas. More information on Facebook.

One World Language has a few spaces left for its after school language program at both Moharimet Elementary School and Oyster River Middle School. Classes start first week in October. For a list of classes available, click HERE.

More information, call Pranav Dadarwala, 207-370-8398, pranav@oneworldlanguageschool.org
The Freedom Café “New England Patriots Big Game Raffle Fundraiser”. One winner receives two Putnam Club tickets with valet parking to the New England Patriots game against the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Nov 13, 2016, 8PM. Raffle Tickets: $25 each; 5 for $100; 12 for $200. Maximum of 1000 tickets will be sold. Purchase on line HERE; The Freedom Café, Durham; and DSquared Java, Exeter. Drawing is Wednesday, Sep 14, 2016, 7PM, at The Freedom Café, 10 Mill Road. You do not need to be present to win. More information, contact (603) 815-4916, http://info@thefreedomcafe.org
Durham Farmers' Market at Jackson's Landing - Every Monday now through October 3 (2:15 - 6PM)

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Meet us at Durham Day at Wagon Hill for a fun craft!  Sat. Sept. 17th 12:30-3:30 pm
Storytimes Tues. Sept. 20th and Thurs. Sept.22nd at 10:30 am.  “Fall Leaves!!”
Saturday Family Program! Sat. Sept. 24th at 10:30 am “Bubble Wrap Painting!”
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) Weds. Sept. 21st at 10:30 am
Young Adult Drop-in Monday (ages 10 & up) starts Monday 2:45-4pm “Duct Tape Lab” Next Week Sept. 26th:  Beaded Zen tangle Bookmarks!
New Jack & Annie Book Club (K-2) starts Tuesday, Sept. 20th 4-5 pm (register for this monthly book club at the Children’s Desk).
Knitting Club is back for 3rd-5th graders and will start Weds. Sept. 21st 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Lego Club (K-4th grade) begins again on Thurs. Sept. 22nd at 3:30-4:30 pm! This week:  Lego Mazes!
Our monthly PJ Storytime with ORPP and the Durham Library begins Thurs. Sept. 22nd 6:30-7:30 pm “Fall Carnival!”
Home-schooler’s Group will start on Friday, Sept. 23rd at 10:30 am.  “Tall Tales!”
Bookeaters, a middle school book group begins Weds. Sept. 28th 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group.  This month’s book is “23 Minutes” by Vivian Vande Velde.  This group is led by Ruth Wharton-McDonald, UNH Professor of Education.  Come discuss the book which is available at the library.  Pizza is served and all are welcome.  This group meets in the Young Adult Room.
Tales for Tails – Read to a therapy dog, Cynder, North or Tango!  Ages 1st-4th grade.  Sign-ups have begun.
Seacoast Reads – Sign-ups have begun.  Read with a Seacoast Reads UNH tutor.  1st-4th grade. Will start in October.
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book group, Tues. Oct. 4th , 6:00-7:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group.  This month’s book is “Half a Chance” by Cynthia Lord.  We talk about the book, play some games, make a fun craft and enjoy a snack.  Books are available at the Circulation desk.
YA Monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) for ages 10 & up, Group, Mon. Oct. 3rd, 6:30-7:30 pm – Join our monthly group where you decide what books and programs the library should have.  This month:  Come and make a stained glass mosaic with art teacher Kitri Doughtery from Ways of Color.  Registration is required and space is limited.  Pizza is served.
YA Iron Chef (ages 10 & up), Tues. Oct. 4th, 6:00-7:30 pm – Join us for this new fun program.  Will you be crowned the first DPL Teen Iron Chef?  This month’s theme:  School lunch.  Choose from a selection of ingredients and prepare a prize-winning dish that fits the theme… Just don’t forget the Secret Ingredient.  What is the Secret Ingredient, you ask?  You’ll have to come to find out!  Register in advance at the Children’s desk.
Patch Program has started.  Come and join and collect your patches!  This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.
 

Adult  Programs:

Visit us at Durham Day at Wagon Hill Farm.  Sat. 9/17, 12:30-3:30 pm - Learn about the Durham Agricultural Commission Collection housed at DPL. Stop by look at the books and ask questions!  A fun craft for children will be offered.  Meet Judy Haskell, Interim Library Director.
Adult Talk and Book Signing:  The BIG Trip: A Family Gap Year by Martha McManamy with Evan, Conor, & Laura McManamy.  Thurs. Sept 29, 6:30 pm
Documentary Film to air at DPL Tues. Sept 20, 6:30 pm - Thank You For Playing, is a documentary film, soon to be aired on PBS's show POV. When Ryan Green, a video game programmer, learns that his young son Joel has cancer, he and his wife begin documenting their emotional journey with a poetic video game.   The film follows Ryan and his family over two years creating "That Dragon, Cancer" which evolves from a cathartic exercise into a critically acclaimed work of art that sets the gaming industry abuzz (from PBS website).  Movie followed by a discussion facilitated by Nancy Miner.
In the Gallery Aug 25 thru Sept 17 - Debbie Mueller, Late Bloomer Artist View her work on display in the Durham Public Library Gallery.
CPR & AED Class Mon. Sept. 26, 6-8 pm -   Offered by McGregor Memorial EMS. Contact Sean 603-862-3674 Register http://cprsafe.org
Friends of the Library - Summer Big Read 2016 - Please join Jennifer Lee and other summer read stalwarts for a discussion of Our Mutual Friend by Dickens,Tuesday, September 20, 10:30.There will be no inquiry re completion. For more information, contact Luci Gardner lucigardner@comcast.net
Friends 2017 Membership Campaign -  WE ARE TWENTY: The Friends of the Library are celebrating their twentieth year of library service as set out in the Friends' retrospective and timeline in the library lobby.  Join or re-up for 2017 and you will receive a paper anniversary cake to enter in the membership raffle for a chance to win your choice of two seven hundred plus piece wooden Liberty jigsaw puzzles.  Have your cake and enter it too! 2017 Membership beginning September 15th.  Winner to be drawn October 15th.
Book Donations accepted Sept 26 thru Oct 1. -  Gently used books and DVD's.
The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology: computers, iPads & cell phones, eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) Call to check on availability of the volunteers and set up an appointment. 868-6699 or email  durhampl@gmail.com.

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commenced August 26th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.

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