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Pictured are Fire Captain Gary Kustra, FF Brendan O'Sullivan, and FF Arthur Boutin. Courtesy DFD
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On this date in history, in 1960 Elvis Presley recorded ‘It's Now Or Never’, ‘Fever’ and ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ at RCA studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
If you know of others who might benefit from reading Durham's "Friday Updates" and the ongoing COVID-19 information and resources we put out during the course of the week as relevant information becomes available, please pass this email along. It's possible to sign up to receive them directly on the Town of Durham home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us Just click on the "Friday Updates" button.
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A PARADE OF FIRE TRUCKS MAY BE COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TONIGHT OR ON ANOTHER NIGHT IN THE COMING DAYS - Durham Fire Neighborhood Lights
The Town of Durham’s available emergency services units will be conducting a rolling community visit through some of Durham’s neighborhoods tonight, April 3, 2020, between 6:00 and 7:00 PM.
An apparatus parade will trail through the following streets twice: Buck’s Hill, Partridge-Berry Lane, Sumac Lane, Daisy Lane, Ambler Way, Gerrish Lane, Sophie Lane, Noble K. Peterson Drive, and Strout Lane.
The intent of this visit is to spread cheer by giving the kids and families something to look forward to as well as to let the community know that their emergency responders are still here and available to respond during the COVID-19 crisis. Different neighborhoods will be visited each week.
This event subject to pending emergency or service responses.
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UPDATED COVID-19 COVER CASE INFORMATION FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE On Thursday, April 2, 2020, DHHS announced 64 new positive test results for COVID-19. There have now been 479 cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in New Hampshire. The new cases are 42 adult females and 22 adult males. The new cases reside in Rockingham (17), Hillsborough County other than Manchester and Nashua (12), Strafford (6), Merrimack (4), Cheshire (1), Grafton (1), and Sullivan (1) counties, and in the cities of Manchester (19) and Nashua (3).
Ten of the new cases were hospitalized for their illness; thus far, 73 (15%) of the 479 positive cases have been hospitalized. Thirty-seven of the new cases have no identified risk factors.
Community-based transmission continues to increase in the State and has been identified in all counties with cases. Most of the remaining cases have either had travel to domestic or international locations or have had close contact with a person with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.
DHHS has also announced the fifth death related to COVID-19. The person was a male resident of Hillsborough County under the age of 60 years old with underlying medical conditions.
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DURHAM TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TO BE CONDUCTED ENTIRELY VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM - Monday, April 6, 2020
The Durham Town Council meeting for Monday, April 6, 2020, will be conducted entirely virtual via Zoom. All Council members will be participating electronically, which was authorized pursuant to the Governor’s Emergency Order. Below are instructions for the public to be able to participate via Zoom or by phone audio only.
To Join the April 6th Town Council Zoom Meeting
Go to: https://www.zoom.us/
Click on: Join a Meeting
Enter the following information:
Meeting ID: 332 990 471
Password: 401668
To participate by phone audio only
Dial: 929 436 2866 US
Meeting ID: 332 990 471
If you have a problem accessing the information, please call 603-590-1383 or email mailto:dcat@ci.durham.nh.us.
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The pie chart above is a helpful visual aid in understanding that 31% of the funds that come to NH, come from the Federal government. Federal contribution to NH represents about $1,500 per person for the Granite State.
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WHERE IS DURHAM CURRENTLY ON THE CENSUS COUNT? Have you completed your US Census questionnaire yet?
Well, Durham is coming in third at the moment with 40.3%, while Newmarket is at 44.3% and Dover at 46.5%.
With the current health emergency situation, it is easy to understand how completing the census is not a priority. However, I urge you to please understand how much we can do for our community if our government gets the complete and full census number of people living in our town. Durham will receive it’s fair share of federal funding for health care, education, infrastructure, fire, roads etc..
Here are the FIVE BIG reasons why you should fill out your census forms:
- Help Your Community Thrive. Does your neighborhood have a lot of traffic congestion, elderly people living alone or over-crowded schools? Census numbers can help your community work out public improvement strategies. Non-profit organizations use census numbers to estimate the number of potential volunteers in communities across the nation.
- Get Help in Times of Need. Many 911 emergency systems are based on maps developed for the last census. Census information helps health providers predict the spread of disease through communities with children or elderly people. When floods, tornadoes or earthquakes hit, the census tells rescuers how many people will need their help. When Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida in 1992, census information aided the rescue effort by providing estimates of the number of people in each block.
- Make Government Work for You. It’s a good way to tell our leaders who we are and what we need. The numbers are used to help determine the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal and state funds. We’re talking hospitals, highways, stadiums and school lunch programs. Using census numbers to support their request for a new community center, senior citizens in one New England community successfully argued their case before county commissioners.
- Reduce Risk for American Business. Because census numbers help industry reduce financial risk and locate potential markets, businesses are able to produce the products you want. “All the Basic Facts You Need to Know to Start a New Business,” a publication of the Massachusetts Department of Commerce, shows small businesses how to use census numbers to determine the marketability of new products.
- Help Yourself and Your Family. Individual records are held confidential for 72 years, but you can request a certificate from past censuses that can be used as proof to establish your age, residence or relationship, information that could help you qualify for a pension, establish citizenship or obtain an inheritance. In 2072, your great-grandchildren may want to use census information to research family history. Right now, your children may be using census information to do their homework.
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APRIL 15TH IS FAST APPROACHING! - Qualifying Durham taxpayers should be sure to submit your exemption applications.
April 15th is the last day to submit applications for property tax exemptions and veteran tax credits.
Applications and information pertaining to property tax exemptions and veteran tax credits may be found on the Town’s website under the Assessing Department.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessing Department at 868-8064.
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HAVE YOUR APPLIED FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION YET?
If you own property in Durham and recently installed, upgraded or replaced 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, 2020. 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 2020 assessment.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064.
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New COVID-19 advisory signs being installed at entrances to trails in Durham. Courtesy Ellen Snyder
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WALK, RUN, BIKE TO DISCOVER DURHAM’S TRAILS ... BUT PLEASE -- Maintain safe social distancing and reduce congestion at trailhead parking areas for everyone's safety
The Town of Durham’s open spaces offer places for maintaining mental and physical health for individuals and families, during these stressful times. The trails are open for exploration—due to the COVID-19 threat, visitors must maintain appropriate social distancing, which generally means keeping 6 feet apart. This is especially important on weekends, when visitation is high. If sites are congested, please seek alternate locations. It is mud season, please treat trails gently.
NEW WEEKLY SCAVANGER HUNT ACTIVITY FOR THE COMMUNITY... To enhance your outdoor experience, we offer a weekly scavenger hunt for things that you might see as you hike a Durham trail (or walkabout your neighborhood). Please leave what you observe and take only memories or pictures, and carry out what you carry in. Enjoy and Stay Safe. Trail maps for Durham conservation areas are available HERE. Click on the following to get your weekly scavenger hunt:
March 27, 2020 Week 1 Scavenger Hunt
April 3, 2020 Week 2 Scavenger Hunt
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HELP BUILD A NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ON THE MERRICK EASEMENT: $2,279 RAISED SO FAR!
Tom and Mary Merrick conveyed a conservation easement on their 23-acre property to the Town of Durham in 2006. The Merrick family continues to own and manage their property, while the easement protects their land in perpetuity from further development. A network of public trails connects the entrance off Bagdad Road, near the Oyster River High School, with an entrance and small parking area off Canney Road, close to the new Riverwoods complex. The trail entrance off Bagdad Road runs through a wet section of the property and despite several attempts to cross this wet section with wood bridges or stepping stones in the past, they have not lasted. Our plan is to build a solid, decked bridge that would allow water to flow underneath and cross the wet, muddy stretch of trail. Our goal is to raise $2,500 for the cost of materials by May 1, 2020 so that we can complete the project with volunteers by September 1st. You can read more about the project HERE and find a pledge form HERE.
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DOWNEASTER UPDATE: Modified Service and new Train Status web-link - March 30, 2020
The Amtrak Downeaster continues to service UNH-Durham with two daily roundtrips between Boston-Portland-Brunswick on a modified schedule. In addition, Amtrak is now providing, on a pilot basis, real-time train status, which can be viewed HERE.
This is in addition to real-time train status (and ticketing) available on the Amtrak app. Passengers are encouraged to use e-ticketing via the app or https://www.amtrak.com/home.html. Although the station vestibule remains open and the Quik-Track remains fully accessible, the Dairy Bar restaurant and restrooms are closed. As always, please check the train schedule and purchase your ticket in advance of departure. General information on the Downeaster can be found at https://amtrakdowneaster.com/
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 3rd 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 3rd Annual Contest to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honeybees
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. In 2019 there were 12 participants. This year we hope to double or triple this number. *
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.
* This year Durham has been challenged to a “Two-Town Contest” with Kingston, NH. The winner will be the town with the most participants. Show your pride and “Bee-a-Contestant”!
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POSTED ROADS- NOTICE TO ALL CONTRACTORS- SPRING HEAVY HAULING ORDINANCE HAULING LIMITED TO SIX (6) TONS OR LESS EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 2020 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2020
Depending upon road conditions and as directed by the Director of Public Works, hauling over six tons will not be allowed on the following roads:
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The Town of Durham's Ordinance Regulating Heavy Hauling will be in effect from Tuesday, March 15, 2020 at 12:01 AM, until Saturday, April 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM.
The Durham Town Council has given the Director of Public Works authority to impose the load limit regulations before or after these dates if deemed necessary. Please be on the lookout for posted signs indicating the beginning of the restricted area(s). The Ordinance restricts hauling over six (6) tons on specific Class V roads within the Town of Durham. The roads affected, exempted hauling and other information is contained in Ordinance 96-02; Code of the Town of Durham, Chapter 153, section B and is available at the Durham Public Works Department, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham or by calling (603) 868-5578.
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US postal carrier John Pacheco submitted the above photo of a chalk drawing on a driveway at Mill Pond Road created by Corinna Sietz.
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ESSENTIAL DURHAM BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS/GROCERY STORES LIST
View a list with information about essential businesses in Durham , as well as a list with Durham restaurants hours provided by the Durham Business Association HERE.
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UNH CURTAILS WILDCAT TRANSIT ROUTE 3
The University of New Hampshire will curtail Wildcat Transit Route 3 (Dover) service to two weekday roundtrips per day effective Monday, April 6, 2020.
Wildcat Transit Routes 4 (Portsmouth), 5 (Newmarket) and all Campus Connector Services in Durham were suspended on March 31.
Full information on the Dover reduced services schedule can be found at HERE. Full informatioin on UNH status can be found HERE.
The Amtrak Downeaster continues to provide two roundtrips/daily as well - offering connection between Durham, Dover on their Boston-Brunswick route.
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MESSAGE FROM THE US POSTAL SERVICE CONCERNING COVID-19
The US Postal Service has released a statement concerning the COVID-19 virus. Part of the full statement reads:
"To reduce health risks, we are temporarily modifying customer signature capture procedures. While maintaining a safe, appropriate distance, employees will request the customer’s first initial and last name so that the employee can enter the information on the electronic screen or hard copy items such as return receipts, PS Forms 3811 and 3829. For increased safety, employees will politely ask the customer to step back a safe distance or close the screen door/door so that they may leave the item in the mail receptacle or appropriate location by the customer door."
View the statement in its entirety HERE.
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DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE - Durham does have a Leash Law
There have been several reports of dogs off leash recently.
Town ordinances require that a dog be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times when off the private property of the owner. If the dog bolts from the owner’s property to harass or frighten people this is a violation of the Town Ordinance.
We all love our pets but there are some who may be frightened of a dog they are not familiar with and it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their animal is restrained when off their property limits.
Read Durham's ordinance concerning the regulation of dogs HERE.
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FRIENDLY REMINDER TO LICENSE YOUR DOG BY APRIL 30, 2020 - Attention all dog owners!
This is friendly reminder to all dog owners that they must license their dogs by April 30, 2020. Residents are automatically entered into the town’s first annual Top Dog raffle if they register their dogs on time. The gift basket currently includes over $225 of donations and gift cards from the Yellow Dog Barn, Oyster River Veterinary Hospital, Take Five Dogcare, LLC, and Great Bay Kennel. The raffle will be held in May 2020. The Town Clerk’s Office would like to extend a big thank you to all of our local businesses that contributed to the gift basket.
Please note that the Town Clerk’s Office is closed to the public at this time, but you may complete your dog license registration online, by mail or through the Town Hall’s drop box. If you are not renewing online or if this is your first time registering your dog in Durham, please make a check payable to the “Town of Durham” and mail it to the Town Clerk at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. Spayed and neutered dogs are $7.50 each and non-altered dogs are $10.00 each. Your dog’s rabies vaccination must be current in order to receive a license.
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LOCAL FARMS HAVE SAFE, LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD!
The road ahead is tough for local farms and food producers and our support is needed now more than ever. Please visit Seacoast Harvest for a list of farms selling and delivery food. And follow Seacoast Eat Local and Seacoast Harvest on social media to keep informed about local sources of food and how to support farmers. Please contact Theresa Walker of the Durham Agricultural Commission if you need more information, mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net
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Another thank you sign located at the entrance to the Durham Historic Association on Main Street. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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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.
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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.
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In compliance with the NH State Stay at Home Order effective March 27th, Durham Public Library will be ending curbside service at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 27th. For information regarding available services during our closure and our updated Director’s Statement, please visit our website HERE.
Our Library Haiku Contest Is Still Happening!
Celebrate National Poetry Month in April with DPL!
- Write a Library-themed haiku of 17-syllables or less in 3 lines.
- Submit your haiku to mailto:durhampl@gmail.com with "Poetry Contest" in the subject line anytime! We will announce the final submission date once we have a reopening date!
- Submissions will be posted anonymously in the library lobby for public voting through April's National Poetry Month or for a month as soon as we are able to reopen!
- The winner will be announced - TBA based on reopening
- Open to all.
- $100 cash prize and publication on our website and in our newsletter!
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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."
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1968 - A swan arrived on the Mill Pond, was christened Alice and became the pet of the town. A mate, Hamilton, was obtained. Broods of cygnets have been produced but only one survived. Flying to Portsmouth for open winter water, they have always returned for Town Meeting day.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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Have a very nice weekend and stay safe and well.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator/Emergency Management Director
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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