Friday Updates - September 29, 2023

Friday, September 29, 2023

Fungi Flower Courtesy, Carol Birch

This past weekend a recent Oyster River graduate reached out to let Administrator Selig know there was a great article from an author, originally from Durham, in the New York Times! The author was Joyce Maynard, and her piece is called, "In Search of Fall Colors: A Long Drive on New Hampshire Roads.” It's a nice reminder of the fall colors we're about to experience. 

"[E.B.] White got it right. Every autumn brings a small death, marked by the most glorious explosion of color, like the final round of a fireworks show before the sky goes silent. The good news: the seasons keep turning. Come spring, new leaves will sprout and we’ll begin the cycle again, if luck is with us."  Joyce Maynard.

You can read the article HERE if you have a subscription to the New York Times.

TRICK-OR-TREATING this year will be on Monday, October 30, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS WEEKEND FOR UNH PARENT'S WEEKEND

The University of New Hampshire Parent’s Weekend festivities are scheduled for this weekend, starting Friday, September 29th. The Durham Police Department wants to make community members aware that on Saturday, September 30th, the University of New Hampshire will be hosting a football game at 3:00 PM. Tailgating for the game starts at 11:00 AM. As of Thursday, September 28th, over 10,000 tickets have been sold. Traffic delays are anticipated for anyone traveling in the areas of Main Street, College Road, Mill Road, Dover Road, Madbury Road, Edgewood Road and Route-4. Please try to use alternative routes if possible and set aside extra time for arrival to your destination. 

Budget development for FY 2024 is now in full swing and departments, boards, committees, commissions, and external providers of services have been meeting or sharing their requests with Administrator Selig, Business Manager Gail Jablonski, Financial Analyst Deb Ahlstrom, and various members of the Council who have had the opportunity to stop in one or two at a time. A LOT is in flux so the information provided herein is VERY preliminary and is most certainly going to change in the weeks to follow.

Purely for early projection purposes and to keep Councilors updated, requested budget increases to date show a change from the approved FY 23 budget of $18,256,249 to $19,666,670, or an increase of around $1,410,421 (or 7.73%). Assuming only a 1% increase in assessed valuation (there remains very little construction/development activity in Durham therefore we don’t have much new value over which to spread the increasing cost of public services), for early discussion purposes that would translate into a tax rate increase of around $.72 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation (a 12.52% increase in the municipal portion of the tax rate). 

Now if there were stripped out all requests except wages/benefit increases, which are more or less driven by contractual obligations, collective bargaining (note, Durham has four collective bargaining units) we show a budget increase of $620,089 (or 3.4%) equating to around $.30 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation (a 5.18% increase in the municipal portion of the tax rate). 

The US CPI for August 2023 was 3.7%. 

One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2023-2024 states:

“Pursue long-term economic strength and resiliency, anticipating the community’s, the region’s, and the nation’s economic characteristics and opportunities. Task the Administrator with meeting the following:

    a. Holding the updated (post revaluation) municipal tax rate at the 2023 level or less;

    b. Continue to make an effort to control spending, enhance revenues, broaden the tax base and explore innovative ways to stabilize or reduce the municipal tax rate.”

We continue to dig down and fine tune numbers on both the revenue and expenditure sides of the equation. In addition, we won’t have a final tax rate for Durham using the updated assessment values until late October. So again, a great deal is in flux. These numbers are not meant to scare, shock, or appease. They are simply the numbers with which we are currently faced. They will change and be fine-tuned and trimmed back in the weeks ahead. 

The requested CIP projects from departments were presented to the Planning Board on 9/13/23 for the board’s feedback. The final draft proposed CIP will be integrated into the formal budget proposal for FY 2024 by Administrator Selig for the end of October.  

IT’S BUDGET SEASON, SO PLEASE EXCUSE THE DELAY IN MR. SELIG FOLLOWING UP ON EMAILS, VOICEMAILS, LETTERS, ETC.

Budget season is upon us in Durham and as such, Administrator Selig is actively working with the Business Office and our various department, boards, committees, and commissions in formulating a proposed budget for consideration by the Town Council. By Town Charter, Mr. Selig has until the last business day in October to propose a budget to the Council. The Council then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget of its own, or the Administrator’s proposed budget becomes the FY 2020 budget by default.

At this time of year, Mr. Selig is in constant budget meetings, in additional to normal responsibilities, and as such responding to correspondence and calls/inquiries, is typically delayed. Urgent matters should be sent to the attention of Administrative Assistant, Karen Edwards at kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us.  

DURHAM HIGHLIGHTED ON WCVB'S "CHRONICLE" THIS WEEK

WCVB's TV show Chronicle highlighted some points of interest in Durham this week in a very nice presentation. You can watch the show HERE.

ALSO IN THE NEWS....TOWN HALL ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING PLANS HIGHLIGHTED IN ARTICLE FROM "THE NEW HAMPSHIRE"

The New Hampshire is a UNH student-run newspaper. This week there was an article in the paper regarding the planned active shooter training for the Durham Town Hall. You can read this article by clicking HERE.

The windows of the Town Hall were all washed this week - inside and out! Courtesy, Todd Selig

COLUMBUS IN HIS OWN WORDS - An upcoming program at the Community Church of Durham

Monday, October 9 at 4:00 pm

Durham Community Church Chapel, 17 Main St., Durham

The journal of Christopher Columbus in his voyage of 1492 was described by Sir Clements R. Markham as “the most important document in the whole range of the history of geographical discovery, because it is a record of the enterprise which changed the whole face, not only of that history, but of the history of mankind.”

In observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day, Durham residents Chuck Hotchkiss, Linette Miles, David Richman, and Susan Richman will bring Columbus’s words to life in this dramatic reading. The script for this performance, based on Columbus’s Journal and other primary source materials, was created by Susan Richman. A discussion facilitated by Rev. David Grishaw-Jones will follow the performance. Sponsored by Durham United and the Community Church of Durham.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY EVENT – October 14th at Durham Public Works

The annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Event will be held on October 14th. This collection event provides an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of certain common household hazardous wastes free of charge while protecting the environment. Please call Durham Public Works at 603-868-5578 for additional details. Pre-registration is required.

OCTOBER 6 IS THE LAST DAY TO CHANGE VOTING PARTY AFFILIATION BEFORE THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

The last day to change your voting party affiliation before the Presidential Primary (date yet to be determined) will be:

Friday October 6, 2023 from 7:00 – 7:30 PM at the Durham Town Hall

New voter registrations will also be accepted at this time.  Applicants for registration should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Driver’s license and passport are helpful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking. 

Changes may also be made at the Town Clerk’s office any time before this. The Clerk's Office is open from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday (until 6:00 PM Monday 10/2). New registrations will be accepted in the Town Clerk’s office any time up until about 10 days before the actual election. 

A new voter checklist has been updated through August 21 and printed. There is a copy of the checklist in the lobby of the Durham Town Hall. You may also check your current party registration HERE. If you get a frowny face, scroll down to find your party affiliation and polling place. If you can’t find your name, please contact the Town Clerk’s office. We occasionally make an error with spelling or with Date of Birth. If you have changed your party or registered since August 21 and want to double check that you have been entered, you may call the Town Clerk’s office to check. You will be considered “pending” until the Supervisors have another meeting.

If you are registered as Undeclared at the time of a Primary, you will be asked to choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot. You will then become a member of that party until you request to be returned to Undeclared. You will have a chance to do that as you leave the polls on Election Day, or you may do it any other day in the Town Clerk’s office up until about 90 days before the next Primary (early next June).

NEW HAMPSHIRE WEEK WITHOUT DRIVING - Monday, October 2 to Sunday, October 8, 2023

In 2020, Disability Mobility Initiative began documenting the experiences of non-drivers in the State of Washington. In 2021 and 2022, they challenged elected officials and other decision-makers to a Week Without Driving – with profound effects on those who participated. For 2023, Disability Mobility Initiative is partnering with America Walks to take Week Without Driving national.

America Walks urges elected officials, public officials, transportation professionals, organizations, advocates, and individuals to participate in the National Week Without Driving. The goal is for those who have the option to drive regularly to understand the barriers and challenges that non-drivers face when trying to move safely in their communities, and work with non-drivers to create better communities for all.

Consider Taking Action

Want to challenge yourself to not drive for one week? Whether you make it the entire week without driving, or just a day or two, you can sign up for the challenge and share your thoughts, observations, and what you learned. Driving during the challenge does not signify failure.

Sign up for the #WeekWithoutDriving challenge HERE and get connected to local organizations hosting the events.

Unfortunately, individuals traveling to the new (and excellent!) Tideline Public House are ignoring signage and parking at the Durham Town Hall lot – taking up all of the parking spaces so that board members and the public have no place to park for Durham town meetings. This is a challenge. If the trend continues, the Town will need to take additional steps to address. Evening public meetings routinely occur weekdays, Mondays-Thursdays. 

Ample customer parking is available at Tideline, along Schoolhouse Lane, and along Mill Pond Road.

Ideally, residents and customers will police themselves so that the police department will not have to do so.

Last week’s Friday Updates included October events taking place in Durham to support #LightUpMBC, which shines a light on the need for research and funds for Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). Here is a reminder on how you can get involved. Please note the time for the Community Church lighting is now Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m.

#LightUpMBC is a global campaign with over 200 participating landmarks across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the globe, that aims to shine a light on the importance of awareness and funding for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) research and benefits non-profit METAvivor Research and Support Inc.

The campaign was founded by a Durham resident, Laura Inahara, in memory of her best friend taken by the disease at only 36 years old. Every year, more than 685,000 people worldwide die from metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as Stage 4 or advanced breast cancer, for which there is no cure. MBC is when the cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body.  

Here is how you can get involved. You can take part in one or all of the following events:

October 1st:

• Walk or run to help raise funds for MBC research by taking part in the Granite State #LightUpMBC Fun Run at 10:30 AM at Derryfield Park in Manchester. Click HERE for more information. Not in NH? There are over a dozen #LightUpMBC Fun Run events that are planned in October from NH to TX!
• Go to Tideline Public House from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. 10% of proceeds from the Public House will be donated to METAvivor (*note: food trucks are not included). While at Tideline, visit the table selling Sweetened Memories brownies where all proceeds from the browning sales will be donated to METAvivor.
• Attend The Community Church of Durham campus lighting ceremony at 7:00 pm. The church will light up in green, teal and pink to shine a light on the need for those living with MBC. It will be lit each evening for the entire month of October.

October 7th:

• Attend the UNH Men's Soccer game vs. Bryant University at 6:00 p.m. This is a free family event. There will be a 50/50 raffle and the proceeds will be donated to METAvivor. Please note: Raffle sales are by credit card only. 

October 13th: National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

• Watch #LightUpMBC Live, a virtual benefit, that will begin at 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT. Viewers can live stream the event through the LiveOne app and platform HERE, @METAvivor on YouTube or Facebook Live or HERE. The event will include inspiring MBC stories from illuminated landmarks around the country. Celebrity and more.
• Find a participating landmark that is lit, snap a picture in front of it, post it publicly and tag @lightupmbc for a chance to be featured in the live show. To view a list of participating landmarks and for more information, click HERE. Additional New Hampshire landmarks participating include: The Hotel Concord of Concord, Community Church of Durham, Town Common of Londonderry, CCA Global Partners, Elliot Hospital Cancer Center of Manchester and the Memorial Bridge of Portsmouth (the first landmark to ever light for the campaign in 2017)

All month long in October:

• Sweetened Memories will donate $2 to METAvivor for every brownie sold at their downtown shop as well as at Tideline (on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays) for the month of October.
• The Community Church of Durham will be illuminated in MBC colors each evening in October.
• Shine your own light on MBC! Consider lighting your own house for the month of October. Once you have your lights, program them to teal, pink and green. Post a picture publicly and tag @lightupmbc. (Light purchasing suggestions can be found HERE & HERE.)
• Wear your support all year long by purchasing #LightUpMBC apparel HERE.
• Please follow #LightUpMBC social channels Facebook @LightUpMBC and Instagram @LightUpMBC. The more followers the campaign has the more they can help the MBC Community by broadening their reach.

If you would like to donate, please click HERE. 

PLANNING BOARD NEWS

The Planning Board is conducting a complete rewrite of the Zoning Ordinance. The board is going through the ordinance article by article developing proposed improvements. On Wednesday, the board finished a first review of the Definitions, requiring a rather demanding effort. Once each review is completed the board will hold a public hearing on the amendments and then pass the draft onto the Town Council for consideration. 

At its next meeting on October 11, the Planning Board will discuss the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning tool. A PUD is an innovative land use method appropriate for development of large mixed-use parcels. The Board plans to craft a PUD ordinance for use in reviewing the West Edge development project, likely to be put forth by UNH in the near future.

Two years ago, the Planning Board approved a site plan for Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) for a new fraternity building at 18 Garrison Avenue. ATO met their precedent conditions and was close to moving ahead but the estimated cost for construction went way up at that time due to the pandemic, with big jumps in costs for materials and labor. ATO put the project on hold to do “value engineering,” i.e. to review all aspects of the project to find cost savings that would not diminish the quality of the project. Fortunately, ATO has now determined that the project is workable, and they are going ahead. The Town held a preconstruction meeting with ATO and their construction team last week so they should be starting site work at the vacant lot soon.

Window washing at the Town Hall. Working to ensure the Town Hall remains fully transparent! Courtesy, Todd Selig

One of the most impactful ways to recycle is to compost food scraps and lawn clippings and leaves. Furthermore, one of the best ways to combat climate change is to enrich our soils. 

In collaboration with the Durham Public Library, IWMAC is presenting the award-winning documentary, Kiss the Ground, narrated by Woody Harrelson. The event will be held on Wednesday evening, October 4 at 6:30pm at the Durham Public Library and will be followed by a group discussion. The showing of this approximately 45-minute long documentary (shortened version) is a continuation of IWMAC’s education initiative promoting sustainability in Durham. 

Kiss the Ground is a very informative, beautifully done movie well worth your time. Please consider attending! To see a trailer for the documentary Kiss the Ground, please click HERE.

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Click HERE.

Want to know more about the Swap Shop?  Click HERE.

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS AWARDED $723,681 GRANT FOR EV AUTOMATED SIDE LOAD SOLID WASTE COLLECTION TRUCKS

Durham Public Works recently submitted a grant application as part of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding for the replacement of two refuse collection vehicles with fully electric units. The DERA program funds grants and rebates that protect human health and improve air quality by reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines. 

On Tuesday, September 26th the Town was notified and is excited to learn that Durham has been selected to receive the requested amount of $723,681, which represents a 45% share of the cost for these EV automated side loader collection vehicles and charging infrastructure. additional program funds are included within the FY 2024 proposed budget currently under review. Upon approval Durham Public Works will continue its program planning efforts, including a large public outreach component. 

New Hampshire RSA 228:99 and RSA 240 require that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) propose a plan for improvements to the State's transportation system every two years. The purpose of the Ten-Year Plan is to develop and implement a plan allowing New Hampshire to fully participate in federally supported transportation improvement projects as well as to outline projects and programs funded with State transportation dollars. The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT), which is made up of the five Executive Councilors and the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), has scheduled public hearings to present the plan with one hearing taking place in Durham on Tuesday September 26, 2023. The purpose of these Hearings is to receive public comments/testimony on transportation projects and priorities included in the draft 2025-2034 Ten-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. The Town of Durham has several projects within the plan, including bridge reconstructions and roadway improvements which can be viewed HERE.

As a side note, one of the gentlemen doing the State presentation said to DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens, "We've been to many places around the State and this space by far has the best tech out of any of them."  As Craig Stevens later relayed, “One small "tech" feather in our cap!”

The Town hosted the LCHIP Review Committee on Tuesday – September 26, 2023 at the Bickford Chesley House at Wagon Hill Farm as the Committee considers an application requesting $321,000 in LCHIP grant funds targeted toward the restoration of the farmhouse built in 1804. This requested funding, along with existing capital funds, will be used in the first phase of restoration to include moisture mitigation, exterior envelope repairs, new deck and ramp, clapboard restoration and painting, new sash and storm windows, and creation of public and exhibit spaces on the first floor. 

UNH MILL ROAD ASH TREE REMOVAL PROJECT

Four large diameter ash trees ranging in size between 34” and 41” located on University of New Hampshire property between Mill Road and Alexander Hall are in severe decline with extensive crown dieback and root zone damage. UNH has hired a professional abreast who has performed a comprehensive assessment and determined the risk these trees present in this heavily used pedestrian and vehicle corridor is unacceptable. Due to poor health, instability, and no viable management alternatives to mitigate this risk, it has been determined that removal is the only option. The University anticipates a late October removal and will coordinate with the Town around all traffic management requirements. 

STORMWATER MS4 NPDES PERMIT - Year 5 Annual Report submitted this week.

Durham Public Works submitted the Year 5 Annual Report this week on September 28, 2023. Durham Public Works in conjunction with its MS4 Permitting consultant, Environmental Partners, Inc., completed dry weather screening of all outfalls and interconnections, catchment investigations, as well as enhanced system mapping as required in the Year 5 permit, which began on July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. The public is encouraged to review the Town’s stormwater management plan and associated documents HERE.

Comments and questions about Durham’s stormwater program can be sent to Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION - Begins Monday, November 6th at 7:00am

The annual curbside Fall leaf and brush collection begins on Monday, November 6th at 7:00am. During this curbside collection program, Durham Public Works crews collect brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. It is important to note that this program runs independently from the regular curbside solid waste and recycling collection.

Leaves must be placed in paper leaf bags (plastic bags are not recyclable and will not be picked up). Paper bags may be purchased at Aubuchon Hardware and stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road during public open hours.

• Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please). 
• Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter. No stumps will be accepted.
• The amount of brush and limbs is limited to ONE TRUCKLOAD PER HOUSEHOLD.
• Cutting off small limbs from branches will help maximize each load.
• Remember, backyard composting of your leaves and brush reduces the flow of waste, while at the same time, produces valuable organic matter for the soil. It improves your soil and the plants growing in it.

RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR NEEDED

The Department of Public Works is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Recycling and Solid Waste Collection Equipment Operator.

The successful candidate will undertake meaningful and challenging work involving the collection, transportation, and final disposal of municipal solid waste and recycling in an effort to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals while protecting public health. Additional duties will include providing assistance on projects within Durham Public Works’ Highway, Facilities, Grounds, Water, and Wastewater divisions. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Municipal Solid Waste Supervisor and Public Works Operations Manager.

This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $23.65 to $26.95/HR, depending upon qualifications.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (2) years of experience in operating commercial vehicles and related equipment. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. The successful candidate will also possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License or the ability to obtain within (6) months of hire. This position requires strenuous physical work, emergency response on a 24/7 basis for winter storm events and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by Friday, October 6th, 2023.

REGULAR PART-TIME MECHANIC NEEDED

The Department of Public Works is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Regular Part-Time Equipment Mechanic.

The successful candidate will assist the Fleet Services Supervisor in the maintenance, repair, and installation of a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment within the Public Works Fleet. Responsibilities include diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, performing regular preventative maintenance on equipment, ensuring equipment is operating safely and efficiently, and keeping accurate and detailed maintenance records. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Fleet Services Supervisor and Operations Manager.

The salary for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr, depending upon qualifications. Flexible scheduling is available for this 24 hour per week position, with normal work hours from 7:00am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (1) year of experience or formal training in the maintenance of fleet vehicles and heavy equipment. Possession of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License and State Inspection Certification desired.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us.

PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT NEEDED

The Department of Public Works is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Transfer Station Attendant.

The successful candidate will assist in the operation of the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center during public open hours on Saturdays. The Transfer Station Attendant will frequently interact with residents to ensure that materials are placed in the proper receptacles and answers questions regarding solid waste and recycling. Additionally, the Attendant will perform general facility maintenance and cleaning as well as operates a skid steer and backhoe to transport/consolidate materials.

The salary for this part-time position is $17/hr.

The successful candidate will possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License or the ability to obtain within (6) months of hire.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and completed application to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us.

A generous donation of subs and sandwiches from the owner of Moe’s Italian Sandwiches of Durham was received Thursday afternoon by Durham Police dayshift officers. The subs were a token of appreciation and thanks for the officers daily policing responsibilities. They fed the evening, midnight, and extra shift coverage officers who were working a busy Thursday night. Chief Kelley and all of the officers appreciate the nice gesture!

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, the Durham Fire Department will host an open house at the fire station. In keeping with National Fire Prevention month, which occurs annually during the month of October, the open house hopes to bring awareness to the importance of fire prevention in the home and in the community. For more information, please scan the QR code. The Fire Department hopes to see you there!

Durham firefighters recently had the opportunity to sharpen their Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) skills with a two-day training session by New England Fire Training at the Durham Fire Station. 

The purpose of a RIT Team is to provide a dedicated team of fire personnel for the immediate rescue of firefighters who become lost, trapped, injured, or any other event or situation that may require immediate assistance or intervention. Firefighters were provided with practical, hands-on training, focusing primarily on building good basic fireground skills by performing short-burst scenarios designed to create muscle memory and build confidence. The training provided a variety of scenarios which included utilizing a half-wall obstacle, forcing doors, performing firefighter-down CPR, and firefighter pack conversions. The sessions also included training in SCBA Confidence, Firefighter Survival Skills, and Search and Rescue.

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents and guardians can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #38

The weather is getting cooler and it's time for some Autumn safety tips. For some helpful tips, click HERE.

ORCSD SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE SEEKS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

The ORCSD School Board Superintendent Search Committee would like to cordially invite the Oyster River community to assist with the ongoing superintendent search by providing critical feedback. You may find below a few opportunities to do so. Feedback collected will be used to create a preferred candidate profile for the screening committee.

• Complete the Survey: A survey can be accessed HERE between September 15 and October 6, 2023.
•  Attend an In-Person Focus Group: October 4, 2023, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Oyster River High School's Multi-Purpose Room (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

NO SCHOOL OCTOBER 6 & 9, 2023

All Oyster River Schools will be closed Friday, October 6, for a teacher workshop day. All schools and the district office will be closed Monday, October 9, in observance of Indigenous People's Day.