|
|
Soon the beautiful trees and bushes will be in bloom again at Durham's Town Landing.
Courtesy Craig Stevens
|
Bryan Bessette, Pastor at Fusion Community Church on Mill Road, is a poet. He read the following poem at a recent HDC meeting in the context of a project that was proposed in the vicinity. The poem refers to Durham’s park along Old Landing Road.
Spring at the Landing
by Bryan Bessette
The rumble of water on rock
Scent of mud and brine
The call of geese and robin song
The patient poise of the Heron
Spring at the Landing
The clear layer of ice stilled water
Slow falling misty chill
Chirping birds break the silence
Huddled ducks frolic
Spring at the Landing
The quiet water, naked trees reflect
Warm sun and greening grass
The bank a fringe of melting cold
Budding leaves embrace the strain
Spring at the Landing
The swelling waters, expansive sight
Darting bluebird, crocus bloom
Unfolding diversity, wild and free
Spring at the Landing
|
OUTDATED BUILDING CODES A “BIG PROBLEM” IN NH - Raft of legislation seeks to meet calls for update
Durham is featured in this month’s NH Business Review concerning legislation dealing with local building codes. We’ve apparently “gone rogue!”
It wasn’t just that Durham had “gone rogue” by updating its energy code to 2018 — in the tongue-and-cheek words of another town’s building code official — we actually moved one county north, as far as the building code is concerned that is.
New Hampshire’s building codes are out of date — a decade out of date. Buildings in the Granite State are constructed to 2009 standards. A 2012 update has come and gone without New Hampshire adopting it, and now the state is shooting for 2015, just as other states are getting ready to adopt the 2018 update. When it comes to commercial codes, New Hampshire is the most out-of-date state in the entire Northeast, according to the Building Codes Assistance Project, and it shares that distinction with Maine when it comes to residential codes, according to the BCAP, and energy codes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, whose concerns about some of the provisions in the energy codes contributed to the delay, now says it’s time to move forward, although with a few exceptions.
Read more HERE.
|
SPRING CLEANUP BEGINS APRIL 29TH! RESIDENTIAL BULKY WASTE CLEANUP BEGINS MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019.
Please place materials curbside no earlier than April 27th and no later than 7AM on April 29th. This is for residentially generated bulky items only. No household trash, no commercially generated waste. The maximum load per household is 6 Cubic Yards (approximately pile of 8' L x 4' D x 5' H).
We will not pick up any loads that exceed this.
Please refer to your spring newsletter for details HERE.
|
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD'S APRIL 3, 2019 MEETING
The last day of the 2018-2019 school year will be June 19.
Moharimet held a free community supper on April 10 at 5:15. Following supper at 6:00, all were invited to a presentation and Q&A about the proposed middle school replacement project. Construction has started at Moharimet for the front entrance remodeling, so follow signs through the west wing to the cafeteria.
Seven ORCSD bus drivers were recently recognized for at least five years of safe driving records by the New Hampshire School Transportation Association. One of these was for 35 straight years! Congratulations and thanks to the ORCSD school bus drivers!
Dorothy Joy 35 years
Cindy Bushong 30 years
Melody Lamore 26 years
Brenda Belanger 20 years
Robert Dallon
5 years
Jennifer Perley 5 years
Kathryn Gibson 5 years
The school board also discussed the proposed 2019-2024 strategic plan and reviewed fall 2020 enrollment projections. The board plans to discuss the strategic plan again at its April 17 meeting and adopt it May 1.
|
The Oyster River Middle School Jazz Band at Disney Springs. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
TEST KITS FOR ARSENIC AVAILABLE AT TOWN HALL
In the March 15, 2019 "Friday Updates", Representative Judith Spang provided information with respect to wells and groundwater contamination, specifically with regard to arsenic.
The Lamprey Watershed Association has set up a table in the Town Hall lobby that has test kits for arsenic available for interested residents.
For questions, consult the DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau’s Arsenic page: “arsenic in drinking water” at https://www.des.nh.gov/. Technical staff are also available at (603) 271-3108 or mailto:dwgbinfo@des.nh.gov
Or contact Judith Spang at mailto:judith@kestrelnet.net
|
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday, October 26, 2019
The 2019 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 - 11:30 AM. To register, you must call DPW at 603-868-5571 or mailto: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.
NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - LATEX AND OLD-BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with a 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.
|
IS THERE AN INTEREST ON THE PART OF RESIDENTS FOR PODCASTS OF LOCAL DURHAM PUBLIC MEETINGS?
The IT department received a suggestion from an interested resident regarding the town possibly providing podcasts of Durham’s public meetings. After some research, we have learned that the network rackmount digital recorder, with installation is around $1,500. The IT department is not certain how much time it would take after each meeting to make the files ready for audio. There are some free podcast hosting services and also paid hosting services. The paid service is roughly $5 per month.
Before considering this further, it would be helpful if residents who might have an interest in such a service would let us know your thoughts by completing the simple survey included HERE.
Thank you.
|
Durham Firefighter Devon Skerry (center) pictured with (l-r): FF Kenneth Lundberg, CPT Gary Kustra, FF Scott Campbell, and FF Brendan O'Sullivan. Courtesy FD
|
DEVON SKERRY, FIREFIGHTER
The Durham Fire Department is pleased to announce that on April 9, 2019, Firefighter Devon Skerry officially completed his one-year probationary period with the Durham Fire Department and is now a regular firefighter with the department. The training modules for probationary firefighters are an intensive course of study which Devon completed in just over 364 hours.
Prior to coming to Durham, Devon previously served with the Lee Fire Department. He also currently serves as an inflight fueling specialist with the NH Air National Guard. Devon resides in Lee, NH and attended the Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, NH for Fire Science.
Congratulations to Devon on successfully completing his orientation period and probationary training modules!
|
PART TIME SEASONAL HELP WANTED DPW - Mowing, landscaping, and facility maintenance.
Seasonal summer help wanted for the Department of Public Works- mowing, general landscaping and facility maintenance, support to other DPW staff, etc. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. Pay will start at $11/HR+ depending on experience. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to apply. Applications may also be requested via e-mail at publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578. Application and copy of valid driver’s license to be submitted to the Public Works Department no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, May 3, 2019. These are super job opportunities for Oyster River residents back home for summer college break.
|
BRING IN YOUR BIRD FEEDERS! Bears are out and about...
It’s that time of year again and the bears are on the move and it is important to understand how we can limit our interactions so the bears and humans remain safe and peaceful neighbors.
According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans. They are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on minimizing human-bear conflicts.
It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire. Intentional feeding can create problems within residential areas and can result in fines. It also may threaten the life of the bear, if it becomes a nuisance animal as a result of this feeding.
New Hampshire Fish and Game understands the importance of educating the public and provide very good tips for helping to avoid conflicts with bears. You can find the following tips HERE.
Take down, clean and put away bird feeders by April 1! Store the bird feeder until late fall. (Birds will do just fine with the natural foods available.) Bear damage to bird feeders is a common and growing spring complaint.
- Clean up spilled seed below feeder stations.
- Keep garbage in airtight containers inside your garage or storage area. Double bagging and the use of ammonia will reduce odors that attract bears.
- Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
- Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in your compost pile.
- Do not leave pet food or dishes outdoors at night.
- Clean up and/or store outdoor grills after use.Use a bear-proof dumpster.
- Never intentionally feed bears to attract them to your yard for viewing.
New Hampshire Fish and Game suggests that you wait at least until December 1 to put your feeder back up. However, if we have not had several days and nights of cold weather, bears may still be active and looking for food; then you should keep your feeder down until we have had several days of cold weather.
|
BAY ROAD CLOSURE IN NEWMARKET
The Town of Newmarket has informed us that they will be replacing a culvert at 110 Bay Road this summer. This road work will require Bay Road to be closed at this location from approximately July 15th- August 26th. There will be no through traffic during this time, the Town of Newmarket will be responsible for signage and message boards alerting travelers of the road closure. Below is a map of the location of the work.
|
WAGON HILL FARM SHORELINE EROSION CONTROL PROJECT
The shoreline erosion control project has begun on Wagon Hill Farm. Please be cautious when utilizing Wagon Hill Farm for recreating- there will be construction vehicles on the property and the shoreline area will be fenced off and closed during construction. Construction is expected to last approximately 6 weeks.
|
ORCHARD DRIVE WOODS: A project to connect the Faculty Neighborhood and beyond to a rich network of conservation lands.
The Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) has agreed to sell 25 acres at the end of Orchard Drive to the Town of Durham for $150,000, half the appraised value. Funds for the acquisition will be raised through grants and private donations. A committee appointed by Superintendent Morse and Administrator Selig is working on fund-raising for the acquisition, is developing a conceptual design for a pedestrian bridge across the Oyster River that would link to downtown neighborhoods, and is collaborating with UNH and NH Fish and Game on a trail network that will link downtown and Orchard neighborhoods to Bennett Road and Doe Farm on the Lamprey River. Committee members include: Kenny Rotner, Dennis Meadows, Malin Clyde, Al Howland, John Nachilly, Ellen Snyder, and Sue Caswell. The Committee is looking for volunteers who want to help with this “Orchard Drive Woods” initiative. More information and a fact sheet will be available soon. If you would like to learn more or help with this project, contact Malin Clyde at mailto:malinelyclyde@gmail.com. View a map of the property and trail plan HERE.
Town Website Update from Ellen Snyder, Land Stewardship Coordinator
Durham’s Land Stewardship Coordinator, Ellen Snyder, has been working on some changes to the town website related to trails, conservation, and stewardship. The goal is to make the information more accessible. If you visit the town website and view the dropdowns under “Our Community” you will find the following topics under “Trails and Town Lands:” Conservation Commission, Land Stewardship, Conservation Lands & Parks, Conservation Easements, and Trails. Check out each of these sections and you will find trail maps for many properties, directions and more information about each town conservation area, opportunities to volunteer, donate, or report a trail issue, and more. We are still working on updates and improvements. Please send any ideas or feedback for making the information even better to mailto:ellensnyder1@gmail.com.
|
CUB SCOUTS VISIT DURHAM POLICE
Last week a group of Cub Scouts visited the renovated police facility and had tours of the booking area as well as the evidence and equipment storage. It was noted that the Scout Masters and parents seemed to enjoy the visit as much as the young scouts! Officers Michael Nicolosi and Emily Festa had an opportunity to have their picture taken with the scouts.
|
The Agricultural Commission is sponsoring its 2nd annual contest for Durham lawn(s) with the most dandelions. Courtesy Lee Alexander
|
DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 2nd Annual Contest for the Durham Lawn(s) with the Most Dandelions
As part of Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Contest to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honey bees and other pollinators.
Town residents are invited to submit a photo(s) of their residential lawn where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow.
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to:
Lee Alexander
e-mail: mailto:leelaine-alex@comcast.net
mobile: 603-866-2822
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Each contest participant will receive a small (2 oz.) squeeze bottle of “Lee’s Bees” Wildflower Honey.
Based on a fair (but somewhat subjective) site evaluation, the lawn judged to have the highest density of dandelions will receive a large (16 oz.) squeeze bottle of honey.
|
DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
The Durham Historic Association will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, April 14th at 1 p.m. in the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers. There will be a brief business meeting for the election of officers and directors for 2019-2021. Annual membership dues will also be collected at this time.
Following the business meeting, the DHA will present “The Lives and Work of Ed and Mary Scheier”.
Ed and Mary Scheier were American potters who were part of the revival of American crafts that blossomed during the mid-twentieth century. They came to UNH in 1940 to teach, and during their long tenure here became internationally famous. Their pottery is unique in the American Craft movement, and is collected by major museums. The work of these former UNH professors, Durham residents, and internationally acclaimed artists continues to be in great demand by collectors.
This program will include a short video presentation about the Scheiers and examples of their work. We also encourage you to share your own memories and stories about the Scheiers. Please feel welcome to bring your own treasured piece to share with the audience.
This event is open to the general public. Refreshments will be served.
|
DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
The Durham Historic Association is looking for local residents who love history and are willing to give back to our community by volunteering some of their time with the DHA. The DHA is seeking additional officers/directors on our board who will help our organization grow and help shape our future.
If you are interested, please contact David Strong at mailto:luckychuck@comcast.net
The DHA's mission is:
- To preserve the memory of events connected with the history of the Town of Durham, or of individuals who may have resided there;
- To serve as guardian of the town's history;
- To preserve the artifacts of the town's history;
- To inform and educate the citizens of Durham and others of the history of the town and how contemporary Durham arises out of its past.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION YET?
If you own property in Durham and recently installed a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of your building; heat water or to provide electricity, you may qualify for a solar exemption. If you are already receiving a solar exemption, you do not need to reapply.
The Town of Durham has adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 where you may qualify for a solar exemption from your property tax assessment.
To qualify for this exemption, you must submit a PA-29 exemption application by April 15, 2019. Applications are located on the Town’s website or you may pick one up at the Assessor’s Office. Your application must also include the total installation cost and a detailed list of what equipment was installed on your property.
If approved, this exemption will be applied to your 2019 assessment.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064.
|
MEDICARE NUMBER SCAM
The Durham Police have warned residents about different scams in past Friday Updates. However, the following was submitted by a resident asking that it be run in this week's updates:
"I have not seen this one before. My siblings and I have diligently warned our mother not to ever give her credit card or social security number over the phone. Unfortunately, we never thought to warn her about her Medicare number. She gave it to a barely legal company and they sent her two boxes of bogus medical devices for a total of over $2200 before my sister found out and called Medicare. Medicare changed her number, but couldn't do anything about the charges for the items she received until my sister could return them - a task that proved daunting as she needed to get a return label from the company first. Please warn residents to guard their Medicare numbers as well as all other personal information."
|
(l-r): Fire Chief Dave Emanuel, Inspector Jessica Plante, Jay Bassitt
|
MEMBER RECOGNITION PROGRAM - FIRE DEPARTMENT
On April 7, 2019 the Durham Fire Department hosted a Member Recognition Program to celebrate our members’ many accomplishments for the year 2018. The event was held in The Den at Holloway Commons and was attended by members of the department and their families as well as honored guests. The event featured an awards program as well as a wonderful dinner prepared by dining hall staff and fun activities for the kids.
Members that were recognized for years of service to the fire service were:
5 Years
Evan Crafts
10 Years
Andrew Davis
Lauren Tirone
15 Years
Warren Kadden
David Blatchford
20 Years
Artie Boutin
Larry Coon
30 Years
Jim Brown
45 Years
Phil Beaudoin
Members that were recognized for years of service to the Durham Fire Department were:
5 Years
Andrew Davis
Matthew Wilder
10 Years
Artie Boutin
Warren Kadden
Nate Katz
Lauren Tirone
Pete Leavitt
15 Years
Barry LaVigne
Phil Beaudoin
20 Years
Dave Emanuel
40 Years
Wes Smith
The following members were also recognized with the following awards:
2018 Call Firefighter of the Year
Larry Coon
2018 Firefighter of the Year
Steven Jautaikis
2018 Fire Office of the Year
Randall Trull
2018 Chief’s Award
Jessica Plante
The Durham Fire Department wishes to thank UNH Dining Hall Staff for their invaluable assistance in hosting this event. The Durham Fire Department also wishes to thank Chaplain Larry Brickner-Wood, as well as Don Bliss (retired NH State Fire Marshal), and Ron O’Keefe, (retired Durham Fire Chief), for their participation in this event.
|
TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
|
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.
|
2019 ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT: SATURDAY, APRIL 13th 2019, 9:30 AM
Durham Parks & Recreation and ORPP proudly present the 24th Annual Egg Hunt at the Oyster River High School Turf Field.
Hunt Details
-Please arrive between 9-9:20am
-The Hunt will start promptly at 9:30am
-Age appropriate hunting zones
-Find an egg with a “Golden Ticket” and win a prize!
-Light snacks & refreshments served
-Parking available in the High School parking lots
-Participation is Free
-Participants should be prepared to hunt outside.
The Egg Hunt will take place regardless of weather!
Our 2019 Annual Egg Hunt has been kindly sponsored by The Candy Bar & Kennebunk Savings.
|
Local photographer, Elise Sullivan (above), will open her exhibit at the Durham Public Libray on Wednesday, April 17th.
|
JOIN THE DURHAM LIBRARY THIS WEEK FOR:
Wednesday, April 17th at 6:30 PM
Familiar Faces: A Collective Portrait of Durham, Part II
Join us as we welcome Elise Sullivan to open her exhibit.
Elise is a photographer specializing in portraiture and a long time Durham resident. This project is intended to reflect on the concept of "envisioning" community, specifically her own community. This collection of images, of both town residents and business owners taken in their natural setting, is a subset of people that make this community a special place to live. ALL ARE WELCOME.
and
Thursday, April 18th at 6:00 PM
Pre-School Explorers Group with ORPP and the Durham Library
This month: Space!
Come and explore the many aspects of STEM with your young scientists. Join us for this exciting monthly event. This month we will examine the many aspects of space and planets. ALL ARE WELCOME.
|
PLEASE SUPPORT THE FRIENDS OF THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
During the month of April every $2.50 Reusable Community Bag sold at the Hannaford store located at 7 Mill Road in Durham will generate a $1 donation to the Friends of the Durham Public Library.
The Friends are a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting the library. They fund these programs for the Durham Public Library community:
Facilitator-led book discussions
Summer outdoor concerts
Children’s Patch Program
Supplies for arts and crafts
Special events and performances
Museum passes
Library enhancements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
|
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
________________________
1910 - Ice harvesting was done from the Mill Pond, College Reservoir, Lamprey River and a small pond on Adams Point Road. Albert DeMerritt sold ice from his 20' x 250' shed to village homes, but most farmers had their own ice houses. Ice was usually cut into 22" x 22 " cakes.
|
If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page. Click on "Friday Updates" then enter your email address and first and last name.
And don't forget, the annual Egg Hunt is tomorrow at 9:30 AM. (See above for details.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
