Friday Updates - April 19, 2024

Friday, April 19, 2024

Lamb season is in full swing at Great Bay Wool Works at Liberty Hall Farm in Bennett Road. Courtesy, Theresa Walker

Passover begins Monday evening, April 22. Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from ancient Egypt, as recounted in several texts of the Old Testament, including the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Monday, April 22, is also Earth Day. Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement which began in 1970. For some NH Earth Day events to attend this weekend, click HERE.

Oyster River School Vacation is this coming week. See below for kids' activities from Parks & Rec and the Durham Public Library.

PARKING CHANGES AND ADDITIONS IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK

To better serve our downtown businesses, the Town of Durham is enacting a new pilot parking program beginning Monday, April 22, 2024. The pilot program will continue through the Fall of 2024. The following changes to parking enforcement in the downtown will be:

Free parking to be available after 5 PM, Monday through Friday, along the northeast (business side) of Main Street. This area includes between Pettee Brook Lane and Madbury Road, where the current one-hour free spaces are located immediately in front of downtown businesses. It also includes Jenkins Court, Madbury Road (between Main Street and Pettee Brook Lane), and within Sammy’s Lot (to be renamed the Bobcat Corner Lot). 

Free parking to be available Saturdays (Sunday free parking is already available) within the Bobcat Corner Lot. This will begin Saturday, April 27th.

The 66 Main Street Business Parking Permit lot will be opened for free general parking after 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and on weekends. (Please note that overnight parking is not allowed anywhere downtown). 

The addition of several new 15-minute free parking spaces will be installed within the downtown core as follows to support local businesses:

• One additional spot to serve businesses near Sweetened Memories on Pettee Brook Lane. This will be the first spot past the entrance as you enter the Permit Lot. 
• One additional spot to serve the businesses in the area of Aroma Joes, Subway, and the bank on Main Street.  
• Two additional spots to serve the mid-Main Street downtown area, we are currently looking at the two spots right next to the two universally accessible spots in front of Breaking New Grounds and immediately diagonal to Clark’s Restaurant. Currently, we are waiting for the 15-minute parking signs to arrive so that they can be installed. 

There will be no changes to any long-term parking areas and, as always, Sunday parking will be free.

Parking enforcement will continue to monitor the areas and enforce handicap spaces, fire lanes and 15-minute spots. 

DURHAM POLICE SEEKING INFO. ON RECENT CAR THEFTS

On Tuesday, 4/16/2024, Durham Police responded to several reports of theft from parked and unoccupied vehicles. These vehicles were unlocked and unsecured, parked in public areas. Numerous belongings were taken, likely in the overnight hours. Please secure your vehicles no matter where you park them and remove any valuables or identity information when you exit your vehicle. 

If you may have any information about suspicious vehicles, people, or circumstances from the overnight hours on Monday 4/15/2024 – Tuesday 04/16/2024, in the Technology Drive area, please contact the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324, police@ci.durham.nh.us, or you can submit anonymous information via Seacoast Crime Stoppers HERE.

MADBURY ROAD COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT, CULVERT RECONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN APRIL 29 - Motorists advised to find alternate routes during the construction.

Beginning on Monday, April 29, 2024, Durham Public Works contractor, Severino Construction will begin construction activities on Madbury and Edgewood Roads at the Littlehale Culvert locations with select tree removals within the work area. Severino will mobilize first at the Madbury Road location with construction activities expected to last 2-3 days. An alternate lane traffic configuration with traffic direction and flaggers will be in place.  Madbury Road will resume unimpeded two-way traffic at the end of each workday.

The Edgewood Road select tree clearing will begin on May 1, 2024, and is expected to require four days of removal operations. Edgewood Road will remain closed during this entire period.  Access to residential properties will be maintained at all times. 

Culvert reconstruction activities will commence shortly after tree removals and will have similar traffic impacts. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible and allow additional time to reach their destination. This schedule is subject to change without notice due to weather, mechanical issues, and other conditions.

For additional information please contact Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578.

ARBOR DAY 2024 CELEBRATION AND DURHAM TREE CITY USA 46TH YEAR MILESTONE

The Town of Durham and Durham Public Works is planning its Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 26 at noon with the planting of a Black Gum also commonly known as Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) at Bicentennial Park at the intersection of Main Street and Mill Road. This planting is part of the Town’s Public Shade Tree planting program which will also include planting additional public shade trees in Durham’s downtown area. The planting of public shade trees provides a tremendous benefit in the Town’s sustainability and climate adaptation efforts by sequestering carbon, enhancing stormwater management and water quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and improving air quality. 

This celebration coincides with Durham once again being named a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation. Durham achieved this honor for the 46th consecutive year making Durham the longest standing Tree City USA in the State of New Hampshire!

CELEBRATE THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLYMPIC OIL REFINERY DEFEAT 

The Durham Historic Association invites you to attend its annual meeting and 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Defeat of the Olympic Proposal on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2 pm in the Council Room of the Durham Town Hall.

Following the election of officers the DHA will present The Battle for Durham Point and America’s Energy Future, a brief video chronicling the events of 1973-74 when the Town of Durham faced the prospect of Aristotle Onassis building the world’s largest oil refinery on Durham Point. Ten panelists will explore the issues and outcomes of this intense nine-month fight that took place 50 years ago.

This meeting is a chance for newcomers to join one of oldest historical societies in New Hampshire. It’s also a good time for current members to renew their memberships.

To learn more about the defeat of the oil refinery, click HERE.  

As Spring arrives and more bicyclists begin to share the road, please be aware of Durham’s use of shared lane markings known as “sharrows”. A sharrow is a large painted arrow on the road that accompanies an image of a cyclist and is intended to encourage sharing of general-purpose travel lanes by automobiles and bicycles. 

The position of the painted sharrow and direction of the “arrows” indicate the position of travel and suggested lane position for the bicycles.

Durham has sharrows on many of its arterial and collector roadways, notably in areas where narrow lanes exist and where cyclists are encouraged to ride away from parked cars.

DID YOU KNOW?  - Plant-Based Foods

Plant-based foods require significantly fewer resources and produce less greenhouse gas than animal foods. There are a variety of environmental benefits associated with a healthy plant-based diet. 

Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Worldwide, food production is responsible for a significant portion of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions. Meat has been identified as the food source that produces the most greenhouse gas. A global shift to a plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gases caused by food production by 70% by 2050.

Reduces Land Use

Food production is responsible for 80% of deforestation and is the greatest contributor to biodiversity loss. Since meat and dairy production consumes the majority of agricultural land for production, it is one of the biggest threats to species biodiversity. 

Transitioning to more plant-based eating patterns would mean less land being used for meat and dairy production and more land used for growing crops. Studies show that with more individuals eating a plant-based diet, diet-related land use can be reduced drastically.

Decreases Pollution

Scientists estimate that food production causes 35% of planet-warming pollutants. The meat industry is more than two times more responsible for pollution than the production of fruits, vegetables, and grains. 

Saves Water

Plant-based diets may play a role in water conservation. It takes 23% less water to produce 1 kg of grain compared to 1 kg of beef.

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are considering switching to a plant-based diet and you have questions about getting the right amount of protein or vitamins, please consult a dietitian or primary care doctor. 

Sources: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, www.verywellfit.com

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? Check here: www.Recyclesmartma.org

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

The Durham Public Works Highway Team including Shane Bickford, Kevin Linchey, Dana Smith and B.J. Austin began the installation of the first of four RRFB’s at the Main Street at Park Court Pedestrian Crosswalk. Several crosswalks throughout Town were identified that would benefit from the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Systems. An RRFB consists of two rectangular LED bars, pole mounted on each side of a crosswalk that is activated by pedestrians as a warning device to alert drivers of their presence prior to entering the roadway. Capital funding was allocated in FY2024 to fund this type of improvement at the following crossings which will begin later this Spring.

1. Newmarket Road in front to Town Hall by Schoolhouse Lane
2. Dover Road at Young Drive
3. Main Street at Park Court
4. Main Street at #66 (adjacent to new parking lot)

The Durham Public Works Team will prepare each site with the installation of concrete bases, signage, and appurtenances to reduce project costs while gaining project schedule efficiencies. The Town’s signal contractor, Electric Light, will be responsible for signal installation, wiring and programming. 

TRAFFIC/CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY – Roadway crack sealing to begin shortly.

Please be advised that Durham Public Works’ contractor for its Crack Sealing Program, Indus, Inc., will be performing crack sealing operations along Main Street West, Shearwater Street, Razorbill Circle, and Cormorant Drive on Friday, April 26. The roadway will be restricted to one lane in the work area with alternating traffic between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Access to adjacent residences, businesses and institutions within the work areas will be maintained at all times. Disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be minimal, however we ask that the commuting public seek alternative routes if possible and allow additional time to reach their destinations. We thank you for your patience. This schedule is subject to change without notice due to weather, mechanical issues, and other conditions. For additional information please contact Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578.

Durham Public Works and University of New Hampshire Teams, along with contract operations staff at Woodard and Curran, have begun biannual valve exercising preventative maintenance activities during the week of April 15. This effort is led by Durham Public Works Water Chief Operator Dwight Richard and Woodard and Curran Chief Operator Mike Sullivan and water operator John Ciaburri. Locating, exercising, and cleaning all mainline valves in the system is a critical maintenance activity to ensure all valves can be opened and closed properly during emergency shut-down periods while noting any additional maintenance needs for further follow-up.

WATER SYSTEM RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - Some improvements under way.

The Town of Durham and UNH Joint Water System is currently undertaking a multi-phase update to the radio communication system infrastructure by completing a comprehensive radio path study. State of the Art water systems, such as the Durham/UNH system, utilize Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to 1) monitor and control water operations 2) gather and process real time data 3) directly interact with devices such as sensors, valves, pumps, motors, and 4) record various events and information. This is achieved   through radio communication infrastructure at water tanks, treatment plants and well sites. Planned upgrades will eliminate obsolete equipment, further increasing the security, dependability, and resiliency of the water system. 

Durham Public Works’ Facilities and Grounds Supervisor Nick Bennion completed repairs to the stone wall along the frontage of 66 Main Street this week. Several stones had become loose as the result of deteriorated mortar from years of freeze-thaw cycles. 

Durham Public Works’ Traffic Control Division began its annual Pavement Marking Program this week. Team Member Tom Macaione is seen in the photo above applying MUTCD compliant pavement markings to the traffic calming device at the intersection of Madbury Road and Maple Street. Over the next several weeks, Durham Public Works and its contractors will complete the downtown corridor portion of this program along with roadway center and edge markings. 

DURHAM POLICE CALEA ACCREDITATION - PUBLIC COMMENT PORTAL POSTED ON TOWN WEBSITE FOR PUBLIC FEEDBACK

The Durham Police Department is an Advanced level CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) agency. As part of its re-accreditation process with CALEA, Durham Police Chief Rene Kelley would like to announce the availability of the CALEA public access portal.

For those interested, this portal allows commenting on the performance of the Durham Police Department. The link HERE is provided as an opportunity for comments, commendations, and other information regarding the agency’s quality of service or other information relevant to the accreditation process.

If you have any problems with the website, please contact Captain Jack Dalton at: jdalton@ci.durham.nh.us. 

This week Durham Police Officers began training on new less-than-lethal Taser energy weapon systems manufactured by Axon. In 2012, Durham Police first introduced Taser to patrol officers the Taser X2, which at the time, was the world’s first ‘smart’ energy weapon. These weapons can temporarily immobilize a person, using electricity, so that officers can safely control them in certain dangerous and physical struggle situations. In 2018, Axon launched the Taser 7, which has been described as one of Axon’s most advanced energy weapons. Several changes and modifications that were not in the X2, carried by Durham officers, were made to the Taser 7. Because the devices are electronics, they become obsolete and eventually are no longer supported by the companies that built them, which is the case with the X2. Durham Police considered several different options when looking to upgrade, keeping in mind both officer safety and the safety of the use of these weapons against those who acted with resistance during arrests. Ultimately the Taser 7 was the best option due to the improvements made to it over the X2. 

The training for officers to carry a Taser is significant. There is a classroom portion that discusses the science and technology behind the weapon, as well as the effects on humans and animals when in use. Officer tactics and safety are examined and discussed, as well adherence to laws and department policies and procedures. Officers have to complete a written exam. After the classroom portion is complete, officers live fire the weapons to learn familiarization with them for use in the field. The final stage of training is when officers use inert training cartridges (plastic and Velcro pieces) that shoot from their actual, assigned weapons, to a specialized suit worn by an officer acting out a scenario. Officers run through several scenarios that are based on real life experiences to test their de-escalation strategies and, if necessary, to deploy their Taser weapon in a realistic situation. Officers will complete the training over the next week and then will begin carrying the weapons in the field. After their initial training, officers are required to complete annual training and re-certification with this weapon, or they are unable to carry it during their patrols. Durham Police has two in-house instructors, Sergeant Randy Pelletier and Officer Erik Burke, who are able to deliver this important training to all patrol personnel.

Each use of a Taser by a Durham Police Officer is closely reviewed and reported on. It becomes part of the Annual Response to Resistance report that tracks data and the situations for when any type of force is used against a person. Policies, training, and tactics are constantly reviewed to ensure best practices are being adhered to.  

The Durham Fire Department would like to remind residents to use extreme caution with all outdoor burning especially during this time of year when snow cover has melted but fields and forests have not greened up yet. Spring’s low humidity, windy conditions, and dry grasses/leaves contribute greatly to the chances that without proper precautions, outdoor fires may become out of control and spread rapidly, potentially posing danger to life and property.

On April 16, 2024, the fire department responded to a Durham resident’s property where an unattended previously burned brush pile ignited nearby materials which quickly began to spread. It took an extended period of time and assistance from a mutual aid community to fully extinguish and overhaul the approximate .75 acre area. The residents were fortunate that the fire was controlled before spreading to their nearby home.  

Please join the Town of Durham in welcoming Firefighter Finnegan Brown to the Durham Fire Department. Finn’s prior work experience includes Highland Mountain Rescue, Northfield, NH; Canterbury Fire and Rescue, Canterbury, NH; and American Medical Response, Manchester, NH.  Finn attended Concord High School, NH Fire Academy Recruit School, and the Granite State EMS Program.

With Finn's addition to the department, shift vacancies created by retirements and resignations have been filled and the fire department is once again at full staff.

If you see Finn around town, please feel free to say hello and welcome him to our community.

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 #16

BIKE SAFETY

ALWAYS HAVE BOTH HANDS ON THE HANDLEBARS.

By having both hands on the handlebars you can maintain the best control of your bike.

NEWS FROM THE OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT

No School April 22-26

All ORCSD schools will be closed for April Recess April 22-26. School will resume on Monday, April 29.

ORCSD One Community, Many Voices: Embracing Belonging

The ORCSD DEIJ Committee Group invites community members to One Community, Many Voices: Embracing Belonging, a community event on May 2, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). This event is for everyone and will feature three guest speakers and intentional conversations facilitated by the ORCSD DEIJ Community Group. No RSVP required. View the poster HERE.

Celebrating Superintendent Morse May 16

Join ORCSD at the Oyster River Middle School Learning Commons (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824) on May 16 to celebrate Superintendent Morse's coming retirement and 12 years of dedicated service to the Oyster River community. Reception starts at 4:00 p.m. and the ceremony runs 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. No RSVP required. Light refreshments will be served. View the poster HERE.

Last Day of School: June 14

On April 17, the ORCSD School Board determined the last day of the 2023-2024 school year would be Friday, June 14, 2024, with early dismissal. Students will be served lunch at school and buses will provide service to their usual routes.

UNH UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH CONFERENCE APRIL 23 - 27

UNH hosts its 25th annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) from April 23 – 27, 2024. More than 1,600 undergraduates will present their original research, scholarly activity, and creative works at over 20 events on the Durham and Manchester campuses. One of the largest and most diverse undergraduate research conferences in the nation, UNH’s URC showcases a wide range of student scholarship from all academic disciplines: from engineering and the biological sciences, to economics, political science, and occupation therapy, to the creative arts. See the URC website HERE for a full Calendar of Events We hope you will join us as we honor these amazing students.

If unable to attend an event in person, residents can read about some exceptional UNH student research from the comfort of your home of office. Inquiry, UNH's online undergraduate research journal, recently published its spring 2024 issue. Published biannually by the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research and celebrating its 20th anniversary of continuous publication this year, Inquiry features research articles, briefs, and commentaries authored by undergraduates.

We thank you for your support!

ARTEMIS & NEW HAMPSHIRE - A UNH event highlighting how New Hampshire is helping NASA return the USA to the moon and beyond

Join NASA, suppliers and UNH on Tuesday, April 23, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Granite State Room of the Memorial Union Building to celebrate the successful Artemis I mission and learn more about collective efforts to return to the moon to stay. 

This family-friendly event will allow attendees to learn about the NASA Artemis Program, hear from local businesses making critical contributions to the mission, and enjoy interactive STEM and outreach experiences with the entire family.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required for attendance but is appreciated for planning purposes. Parking is available in the Mill Road Lot. To Register, please click HERE.