“FRIDAY UPDATES”

May 15, 2009

 

Taken at the UNH horticultural research farm
Courtesy Matt Carter

 

Town brush collection was completed last Friday.  The chipping of all brush yielded 1,223 cubic yards of chips—a substantial amount—some of which will be offered to residents for landscaping purposes and the rest will be sold to energy plants for revenue. 

 

DURHAM DISTRICT COURT

As you are aware, the Town of Durham has a two-year lease agreement ($31,173 per year) with the New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services for use of the old Town Office building located at the corner of Newmarket Road/Dover Road of the Durham District Court. The New Hampshire District Court system has long desired to consolidate the Durham District Court into the new Dover District Court facility.  The Durham District Court is structured so that there are designated days/times for Durham, Lee, Madbury, and UNH cases.

 

Over the last two months, a series of meetings have taken place with the intent of finding a way of reaching middle ground with the State of New Hampshire to accommodate the Durham, Lee, Madbury, and UNH caseload, while at the same time consolidating the Durham District Court into the Dover facility. I am pleased to report we were able to work through an arrangement whereby Durham, Lee, Madbury, and UNH cases will continue to be afforded appropriately designated dates and times to meet our needs at the Dover facility. Working in conjunction with the Town, Representative Janet Wall introduced legislation this week to facilitate the change. While we are still working through the logistics, it is likely that the Durham District Court will move all operations to Dover at the end of June.

 

OLD TOWN OFFICE/HISTORIC BUILDING – WHAT TO DO IF THE COURT MOVES OUT

The old Town Office building, located at the corner of Newmarket Road/Dover Road, is currently being utilized by the Durham District Court on the first floor and by the Durham Historic Association (DHA) on the second floor. Many residents may not be aware of the fact that numerous artifacts relating to the Town’s history are housed by the DHA, including Durham’s historic hearse. With the likely departure of the Durham District Court from the first floor of this facility, the Administrator is looking to find an appropriate tenant for the structure’s first floor. At the present time, the Administrator has had conversations with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) to determine whether or not there would be any interest by SRPC in moving to this site. The SRPC coordinates regional planning for Strafford County, and as such the Administrator believes there would be many synergies associated with the location of the SRPC here in Durham. The SRPC is also, evaluating potential facilities offered by the City of Rochester and the City of Dover—yet few other sites afford the history and dignity of Durham’s historic building.

 

The Grange

The Town of Durham owns the H.A. Davis Grange building located at the corner of Main Street and Madbury across from the Post Office. For many years, the Grange housed the Growing Places child care infant facility. Both our Master Plan and the recent Mill Plaza Study Committee planning process identified the Grange building as a potential second egress to the Mill Plaza should that area ever be developed. The Grange is in need of substantive repair, including a new boiler, which has failed and was not replaced once Growing Places left the building. The facility is currently unoccupied. While it is important to preserve the community’s options with respect to utilizing the general area of the Grange for a second egress to the Plaza location, the Administrator is interested in finding a productive use for the property in the near-term. A number of interested parties have contacted the Town in recent months; one of which has an interest in entering into a long-term lease with the Town and possibly purchasing the land and building, or just the building, for use as a restaurant to serve the broader community. The Administrator has also been contacted with regard to the concept of exploring use of the building as a possible youth center. In an effort to move forward with direction regarding the future of the facility, the Administrator is planning to prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP) for entities interested in utilizing the site.  The RFP should be forthcoming within the next few weeks.

 

SPRUCE HOLE BOG

The National Parks Service (NPS) is interested in recognizing the Spruce Hole bog. Over the last several weeks, the Town has been contacted by the NPS to follow up with communications it had with the Town approximately eight years ago in regard to having the NPS officially recognize the Spruce Hole bog as a unique geological occurrence. The bog is a kettle hole, which by definition is a  depression left by the melting of an ice block lodged in a deposit of till or drift. Kettles are often found embedded in moraines and on outwash plains. The NPS has offered to provide the Town with an official US Government bronze plaque that the Town can install at the site. The Durham Conservation Commission discussed this item at its meeting on May 14^th and last evening scheduled a site visit at 8:00 AM on May 28^th to identify an appropriate location for placement of the plaque. Once a location has been selected, a resolution will be crafted for the Council to accept the bronze plaque on behalf the community. A thank you is extended to Conservation Commission members George Thomas and Peter Smith for meeting the representative from the NPS and providing her with a tour of the site on very short notice.

 

Oyster River Dam

On Monday evening, May 18, 2009, the Durham Town Council will hold its regular meeting beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council chambers at the Town Hall. At that meeting, the Council will continue its discussion relative to the Oyster River dam. To view the May 18^th Council communication containing more information on this topic, click HERE.

 

HOME INVASION – SCOTLAND ROAD

As much of the Durham community is aware, on May 11^th, the Durham Police responded to a residence on Scotland Road after a reported armed home invasion. 

 

Investigating officers have determined that five young white males entered the residence and accosted the residents.  While the intruders were armed with handguns and ordered the residents onto the floor, the resulting criminal acts have been determined not to be a chance incident. Subsequent investigation has concluded that the incident was perpetrated by people familiar with the residents. 

 

As is normal in investigations of this magnitude, the police are conflicted with wanting to assure the Durham community that they live in a safe community yet restrained by the ongoing complexities of the investigation.  While it is now obvious that we are not immune from such horrific acts in Durham, this incident was not random but was very deliberately targeted to this residence and its occupants. 

 

The community should be aware that the Durham police have committed significant resources towards successfully resolving this investigation and as of Thursday evening have arrested Jonathan P. Cassili, 20, of Ham Street in Dover and charged him with participating in this incident.  The investigation concerning this case is continuing in earnest and further arrests are anticipated.

 

If residents or neighborhood associations would be interested in meeting with representatives of the department to discuss their concerns about the incident, please contact Police Chief David Kurz at 868-2324.

 

ORIENTATION FOR CHAIRS & VICE CHAIRS OF TOWN BOARDS

In an effort to provide chairs, vice chairs, and other committee members with information on the proper structure of meetings, the role of the committee chair, vice chair, secretary, alternates, and Council representatives, as well as outlining the basics of the Right-to-Know Law including agenda preparation and posting, minutes of meetings, and e-mail correspondence, Town Administrator Todd Selig will hold an orientation session for chairs and vice chairs of the various Town boards, commissions, and committees on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Council chambers at Town Hall. At the conclusion of the orientation, the administrator will open the floor for a question and answer session. All board and committee members are welcome to attend this important and informative orientation.

 

ORCSD STRATEGIC PLAN OVERSIGHT GROUP

The Oyster River School Board has committed to the development of a District Strategic Plan by June 2010.  An important next step will be to form a representative group of interested people to help shape and oversee this exciting work.  If you are interested in representing the school community at large, and would like to be considered as a candidate for this committee, please click HERE to view details and contact information.

2009 Memorial Day Parade    

On Monday, May 25, 2009, all veterans are invited to join in the 62^nd annual Durham Memorial Day Parade. Colonel Richard “Dick” Dewing, United States Air Force, retired, will be our Parade Marshall.

 

This year, the Auxiliary Unit 94 of the Bourgoin-Reardon American Legion has requested that the Town assume primary responsibility for planning and organizing the Memorial Day Parade.  To this end, the Town and the Parks and Recreation Committee will take on and continue this traditional Durham activity. The Bourgoin-Reardon Unit 94 Auxiliary has faithfully organized the Memorial Day Parade for many years in Durham and we extend a warm thank you to the members for their considerable efforts.

 

Prior to the parade, a ceremony honoring New Hampshire veterans who served in the US Armed Forces will be held at 9:00 AM in front of the UNH Memorial Union Building.  For those residents who have not seen the Memorial Room in the MUB for which the building was named, the visit is well worth the trip. The room in the MUB is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows developed by the late Durham artist/resident John Hatch, and the names of those who died in the service of our country. At the conclusion of this ceremony, limited transportation—mainly car-pooling—will transport marching persons to Laurel Lane.

 

The parade will step off from Laurel Lane at 10:00 AM with transportation provided for those who elect not to march, proceed down Route 108/Newmarket Road to the Oyster River Bridge for a brief ceremony, and continue up Churchill to Memorial Park opposite Young’s Restaurant for a third and final ceremony. Town Councilors are invited to march in the parade and Councilors interested in participating should plan to be at Laurel Lane at 9:45 AM.

 

The parade has grown from the original World War I and II veterans to include all veterans from that time forward as well as many of our civic organizations. Please join us in showing our respect and gratitude for those who have served our country and our Town. We hope for a strong turnout at the parade. All are welcome to join with us to honor those who have defended our nation from colonial days until the present.

 

DURHAM DAY 2009

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - Durham Day 2009 has been set for Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 12:30-4:30 PM at Wagon Hill Farm. More information will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

 

PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR POSITION (PART-TIME)

The Town of Durham is seeking a part-time, year-round (20+ hours/week) Parks and Recreation Director responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating parks and recreation programs and services for the community.

 

Ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work closely with volunteers, strong planning, organizational, and writing skills, independence & initiative, and a general knowledge of parks and recreation issues, funding sources, and budget development and oversight.

 

This is a newly created position which will work closely with a volunteer Parks & Recreation Committee, town staff, and other community groups.  The position reports directly to the Town Administrator. 

 

Minimum qualifications are a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management or related field preferred, and at least one year working with the public in a parks and recreation position or related area.  An acceptable combination of experience may be combined to fulfill the formal educational requirement.  Hourly Pay Range: $19.46 to $23.79. 

 

Durham is a dynamic community located in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region with a population of approximately 13,626, and is home to the University of New Hampshire.

 

Interested persons should reply with cover letter and resume by May 31, 2009 to Town Administrator’s Office, 15 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or email information to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. To view the detailed job description for this position, click HERE. 

 

The Town of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

WISWALL BRIDGE HISTORIC INTERPRETATION COMMITTEE

The Department of Public Works is coordinating the establishment of an advisory committee to help plan a historic interpretive exhibit for the Wiswall Bridge project. This interpretive exhibit is required for the historic mitigation for replacing the existing stone masonry abutments, which were deemed historic, with new concrete abutments. It is likely this committee would also become involved with developing a more comprehensive historic exhibit for the Wiswall Mill site.

 

The preliminary list of members includes a representative each from the Town Council, Historic District Commission and/or Durham Historic Association, Conservation Commission, Lamprey River Advisory Committee, and a few residents from the Wiswall Bridge neighborhood. Anyone interested in participating on the advisory committee should contact Town Engineer David Cedarholm at 868-5578 or email dcedarholm@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

PROPERTY TAX BILLS – FIRST HALF 2009

At the Town Council meeting on Monday evening, May 18, 2009, the Town Council will be asked to approve a Warrant directing the Town Clerk-Tax Collector to collect partial payment of property taxes assessed for April 1, 2009.  As part of an ongoing effort to enhance efficiencies within our departments, property tax bills have been outsourced and will be processed and mailed, and residents can expect to receive their bills by the end of May. Payments will be due on July 1, 2009.  

 

SPRING WATER AND SEWER BILLS

A reminder that the 2009 spring water and sewer bills are due on Monday, June 1, 2009.

 

DOG LICENSES

A reminder that dog license renewals are due to the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office every April with the month of May as a grace period.  Late fees of $1.00/month will be charged beginning June 1^st until the dog(s) license is renewed.  Civil Forfeitures will be issued in July for any dogs that remain unlicensed.  Civil Forfeitures carry a $25 fine and a summons to court if dog(s) are not licensed by the specified date. 

 

ORPP DONATES NEW PICNIC TABLE FOR JACKSON’S LANDING

We’d like to thank the Oyster River Parents of Preschoolers (ORPP) for their donation of a new metal, handicap accessible picnic table to Jackson’s Landing.  The heavy duty, high quality table should endure many visitors, and we hope it is enjoyed for many years to come.  Thank you ORPP.

 

Possible driveway paving scam

Residents should beware that there may be a driveway paving scam occurring. Remember that the Town does require a driveway permit for work done to your driveway, even if it is just an overlay.  Recently, a resident had a paving contractor come to their door saying they had extra asphalt and offered to repave the resident’s driveway right then for one price. Upon completing the job, not only did the contractor double the price that was originally quoted, but did not match the driveway in properly with the road leaving the resident with an additional problem.  The resident has no phone number or contact for this contractor at this point. Please be sure to obtain a driveway permit for any work done to be done on your driveway so the Town is aware of the contractor doing the work and to ensure that the contractor is aware of any Town requirements. 

 

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meeting is scheduled for the coming week in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town Office and will begin at 7:00 PM unless otherwise indicated below.

 

Town Council – Monday, May 18, 2009

Parks and Recreation Committee – Thursday, May 21, 2009

Economic Development Committee – Friday, May 22, 2009 (7:30 AM)

 

To view the agenda for the meeting listed above, please click HERE.  All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing. 

To view the Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, click HERE. 

To view the Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, click HERE.

 

DURHAM CABLE ACCESS TELEVISION PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

To view a listing of the DCAT programming schedule, click HERE 

 

2009 UNH OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL VOUCHERS

Pool pass vouchers will be available at the Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office, 15 Newmarket Road beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2009. The Town Clerk’s Office is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This year there will be 447 pool vouchers available only for Durham youths ages 2-17 and senior citizens 62 years and older to receive a $45.00 discount off the full price of a season pass. This is an additional $10.00 discount over last year. Vouchers are issued on a first come, first served basis. Pool pass vouchers must be picked up BEFORE purchasing a pool pass, and are sold at the Front Service Desk at the Hamel Student Recreation Center, located next to the Whittemore Center on the UNH campus.  

 

More information as to when pool passes will go on sale and when the UNH outdoor pool will open for the season may also be obtained by calling the UNH Campus Recreation Department at 862-2031 or visiting their website at http://campusrec.unh.edu.

 

FREE PARKING FOR THE UNH OUTDOOR POOL AVAILABLE

A reminder to residents utilizing the UNH Outdoor Pool this summer that free parking is available.  UNH annually makes its Woodside Lot available to Durham residents.  A parking permit is required and may be picked up free of charge to Durham residents at the UNH Transportation Services located at 295 Mast Road.  (From Route 4 West take the exit for Route 155A. At the bottom of the ramp take a left. Follow Main Street approximately 3/4 mile. Take the second left on to North Drive. At the first intersection along North Drive take a right onto Mast Road. The Visitor Information Center is the second building on your left (white with green trim), 295 Mast Road.)  Residents can also park for free during the summer months at the Town-owned Depot Road Lot located behind/next to the UNH Dairy Bar.  

 

BOY SCOUT TROOP 154 OF DURHAM

This past weekend, 21 members of Boy Scout Troop 154 of Durham and several adult leaders and parents camped out at the Doe Farm on Bennett Road.  This annual event is intended to introduce the newest Boy Scouts, usually those that have recently transitioned from Cub Scouts, to basic camping and outdoor skills. Older scouts act as mentors and instructors. Skills practiced included: setting up a camp, safe knife, hatchet & axe use, poisonous plants, map & compass skills, knot tying, fire building, and outdoor cooking. Another quickly learned skill was the sharing of limited tent space when one of the eleven tents flooded during the Saturday evening rain. Scouts and adult leaders also repaired foot bridges, cleared brush from the Doe cellar hole and picked up trash. The members of Troop 154 would like to thank the Doe family, the Trustees of the Trust Fund, and the Town of Durham for the use of the Doe Farm property.

 

Also, this coming Saturday, in preparation for Memorial Day, the members of Boy Scout Troop 154 will be placing American Flags on the graves of all known war veterans in Durham.  This includes all war veterans back through the Revolutionary War.  If you are aware of the Durham grave of a war veteran that has not received a flag in the past please contact Tom Richardson at 868-7382 with the name and location of the war veteran.

 

 

Com Post-it Note

Get outside more * Grow some vegetables * Compost kitchen waste * Repeat

The Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) has a compost display in Durham’s Town Hall lobby with information and samples of compost bins designed to suit your situation. Included is a model that can be conveniently placed under your sink and works almost as easily as throwing trash in the waste basket. You can also build your own (see http://extension.missouri.edu) or take advantage of a discount on buying one during this compost campaign. May 29, 2009 is the last day to place your order for one of the Earth Machine compost bins for only $40.00. So check out the possibilities and either e-mail the IWMAC at iwmac@ci.durham.nh.us or call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 by May 29, 2009 to place an order.

 

EVENTS AT THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

·      Resume Writing Workshop, Tuesday, May 9, 6:45 PM.  If you’ve been in the job market a while or just graduating from college, you’ll need a resume that gets you noticed. Join presenter Shawn Finnegan as she helps you revamp your resume or write a new one.  Please pre-register at the Circulation Desk or by calling the Library at 868-6699.

 

·      Librarian’s Bookclub, Wednesday, May 20, 7:00 PM.  This month we will be reading “There is Room for You,” a novel by Charlotte Bacon, UNH Professor of English.  Copies of this month’s selection are available at the Circulation Desk.

 

·      Bike Decorating Workshop, Saturday, May 23, 10:30-12:00 PM.  Have wheels?  Want to march with the staff of the Durham Public Library in the Memorial Day Parade?  Then join us for our Bike Decorating Event and show off your patriotic bike.  (By “bikes” we don’t just  mean bikes—we also would love to see decorated strollers, trikes, wheelchairs, scooters, roller skates…surprise us with your wheels).  We’ll supply the streamers and flags; you bring your wheels and your imagination.  For more information, and to pre-register for the decorating workshop, call the Library at 868-6699 and speak to Yvette. 

 

·      We’ll see you at the Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 25.  If you will be marching in the parade with the Library or riding your decorated wheels, meet up with the DPL staff at Laurel Lane by 9:45.  The parade will step off at 10:00 am at Laurel Lane.  The parade will continue down Route 108/Newmarket Road to the Oyster River Bridge for a brief ceremony, and continue up Churchill to Memorial Park opposite Young’s Restaurant for a third and final ceremony. 

 

·      First Annual Durham Treasure Hunt, Monday May 25. Beginning immediately after the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, let’s continue the family fun and meet on Main Street in front of Young's Restaurant to seek out clues among Durham's local treasures.  The hunt will take approximately 90 minutes to complete on foot or by bike.  Strollers are recommended for the youngest treasure hunters.  Prizes will be awarded to the teams that complete the course. Pre-register your team by calling the library at 868-6699 or at the Circulation Desk.  For more information, contact Ann Windsor at annwindsor@myfairpoint.net.

 

·      Trustee News - The Trustees of the Durham Public Library meet every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Durham Public Library. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 21. All are welcome to attend.

 

·      Friends' Corner - The Friends of the Durham Public Library is a non-profit group of volunteers from the community who are passionate about the Library and all it has to offer our town.  Friends meet every third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 PM at the Durham Public Library.   Next Friend's Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 20.

 

COMPUTER TOURING ON TUESDAYS WITH THE EMILY’S

The Durham Public Library is fortunate to have two volunteers, Emily and Emily, who will be available on Tuesdays from 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm to assist patrons with their computer questions.  Need help with E-mail?  the Internet?  Word processing…? No question is “wrong”.  Patrons are gently reminded that Emily and Emily will not be able to offer advice regarding finances, health, legal issues or other such matters that you are researching on the Internet; please abide by the Library’s computer and Internet usage policy, which can be found in full on the Library’s website at  http://durhampubliclibrary.org/internetuse.html. 

 

DURHAM TRAIL MONITORING PROGRAM

The Parks & Recreation Committee is looking for people interested in taking part in a trail monitoring program to begin in late May.  Details will follow, but basically the committee is looking for people who enjoy Durham's trails and would like to help ensure that the trails remain in good condition.  Citizens interested in having their names added to the information list are asked to please send an email to durhamtrails@yahoo.com and someone from the Parks & Recreation Committee will be in contact with more information.

 

ORYA 8^TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Oyster River Youth Association will be holding its 8^th Annual Golf tournament on Monday, June 22, 2009 beginning at 7:30 AM at Wentworth By the Sea Country Club. Space is limited. Click here to register.

 

OYSTER RIVER WOMENADE ANNUAL QUACKFEST  

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, at 12:30 AM (rain date: May 17, 2009—no activities), Oyster River Womenade will hold its first Oyster River QuackFest – A Rubber Duck Race down the Oyster River at the Durham Landing. This is a fun family event with a BBQ, Kaleide-scoop Ice Cream, activities for kids and of course, the excitement of cheering the ducks down the river. Oyster River Womenade is a nonprofit group that provides immediate assistance to people in times of hardship. A barbeque lunch will be available for participants. For additional information go to www.orwomenade.org or via e-mail at orwomenade@comcast.net. 

 

ON BELAY – UNIQUE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM

On Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the University of New Hampshire Browne Center will hold its spring On Belay program. On Belay is an organization committed to helping young people (ages 10-18) discover their own power to face the extraordinary challenge of living with a loved ones’ diagnosis of cancer or other life-changing illness. To register for the spring program, visit www.on-belay.org. For more information, please contact Executive Director, Sasha Eisele, at 1-914-643-3345 or email sasha@on-belay.org.

 

BICYCLE HELMETS

McGregor Memorial EMS is pleased to be leading a coalition of Oyster River community members in an effort to promote the wearing of helmets.  Working with Safe Kids NH McGregor is able to offer brand new Bell helmets to the public for $7.50 through bulk purchasing.  Through McGregor's partnership with the Brain Injury Association of NH we are able to offer free helmets to those who can not afford them.  Please contact McGregor EMS via e-mail at nduclos@mcgregorems.org to find out how to obtain a helmet.

 

WALK NH 2009 EVENT

On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and Durham will celebrate Walk NH Week 2009 with a 3-mile walk around the UNH campus and the Town of Durham. New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has proclaimed June 1-7 Walk NH Week as a way to promote walking and help keep New Hampshire residents on a healthy path. The goal of Walk NH Week is to inspire participants to continue walking as part of a healthy lifestyle long after the June events end. For more information and to register online, visit  http://www.unh.edu/hr/walkNH2009.html. Questions regarding the walk can be addressed to Christina VanHorn at 862-0519, Chris.VanHorn@unh.edu.

 

GROWING PLACES SUMMER CAMPS

Growing Places, a non profit early education and youth recreation agency, offers three different camp programs for children!  Camp Cowabunga is for children ages 5-7 and offers arts and crafts, games, swimming, and a field trip every week. Bridge Camp, for children ages 7-9, offers a more active day with team building games, sports, and enrichment activities, daily swimming and field trips.  At Adventure Camp, for ages 10-14, children are involved in more challenging activities, including outdoor adventures, service projects, water sports, and camping trips. All programs are licensed by the state of New Hampshire and have low staff to camper ratios.  Programs run for 8 weeks starting on June 29.  Part time, full time and extended care is available.  Tuition assistance is available for eligible families.  Please contact 868-1335 for more information and a registration packet. 

 

UNH CAMP WILDCAT BEGINS JUNE 29

Registration is open for UNH Camp Wildcat for the summer 2009. Camp Wildcat is a 7-week summer camp for youth that takes place on the UNH Campus and is sponsored by Campus Recreation.  It has been in existence for over 20 years.  Camp Wildcat currently offers one free session of camp to all Forest Park residents, as well as a scholarship program that offers one free registration for Mast Way Elementary, Moharimet Elementary, and Oyster River Middle School.  The scholarship is coordinated by the nurse’s office at each school.  For more information regarding this program and to register, visit http://campusrec.unh.edu/index.cfm?ID=A7CD2551-96B0-C712-0A368ACAC28CE6D1 or contact Erika Cooper at 862-0845, erika.cooper@unh.edu.

 

LEE CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL 18^TH ANNUAL PLANT SALE

On Friday, May 15, 2009 from 4:00-7:00 PM, and on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, the Lee Church Congregational, located in the center of Lee on Route 155, will hold its 18^th Annual Plant Sale.  Over 2,000 perennials, trees, shrubs, and shade plants--many of them field grown--will be offered.  Vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, and herbs will be offered. Fresh plants for Saturday sales. Featured this year are 4 year-old kousa dogwood trees, hardy deep gold forsythia shrubs, and dwarf lupines.  A beef stew, macaroni and cheese, salad bar supper will be held concurrently with the Friday evening sale from 5:00-7:00 PM.  Breakfast will be available on Saturday morning.  Strafford County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions. For additional information, please contact Barb Wauchope at 659-8857.

 

Precautionary Public Health Guidance Regarding the Swine Flu (H1N1)

In a continuing effort to keep residents and visitors to Durham appraised regarding the Swine Flu (H1N1) virus, the information to follow should be helpful in better understanding it and the precautions one can take to remain healthy. 

 

H1N1 is transmitted mainly through coughing and sneezing through the spread of respiratory droplets. Therefore, while the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is not advising people against going about their regular business, it is advising people to take some common sense precautions when going out in public during this outbreak.

 

H1N1 (and any flu for that matter) can be spread from one person to another when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are sprayed through the air and land on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches cough or sneeze droplets on another person or object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s) before washing their hands.

 

Routine actions are an important way of keeping yourself healthy; these include:

 

·      Wash your hands frequently (15-20 seconds with soap and warm water) or use 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels;

·      Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and always throw away used tissues into the trash, or cough into your elbow/shoulder;

·      If you have not washed your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;

·      Do not share drinking/eating containers or utensils;

·      Avoid contact with ill persons if possible;

·      Monitor your own health;

·      If you do become ill, stay home from work and school;

·      Keep surfaces at home and work clean (such as keyboards, door knobs, computer mice, telephones, light switches, faucets) by wiping them down with a disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

 

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal influenza, including fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and muscle aches, and fatigue. Some patients have also reported diarrhea and vomiting and severe illness, including pneumonia, and sometimes death occurs.

 

For questions about H1N1, possible symptoms, travel information, or other issues related to this illness residents can call 1-888-330-6764 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily. For more information on H1N1, visit www.dhhs.nh.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu.

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 35                                         22 UNH (63%)           13 Other (37%)

*2008/09 Academic Year – 890     567 UNH (64%)         323 Other (36%)

Calendar Year – 413                        261 UNH (63%)         152 Other (37%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

 

Historical data for the same week

Year	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Week	31	42	31	29	35
Academic Year	985	1047	1001	870	890
Calendar Year	448	385	498	429	413

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1911 – The railroad tracks were moved west to eliminate a curve. The station at Lynn, Massachusetts was dismantled and reconstructed here, serving the town and campus until 1964. Bamboo poles, used to convey messages to the passing trail engineers are still in existence.”

 

Have a good weekend.

 

Todd

 

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham
15 Newmarket Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Tel (603) 868-5571
Fax (603) 868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us
www.ci.durham.nh.us

 

Our weekly “Friday Updates” provide updates and announcements concerning the community for interested individuals and we’ve now made it even easier to subscribe.  Please visit this link and fill out our new form to sign up.