Friday Updates - April 5, 2024

Friday, April 5, 2024

Eggs sit ready for the Durham Egg Hunt organized by Parks & Rec. last Saturday at ORHS's Turf Field. Courtesy, Todd Selig

We continue to coordinate with Eversource to advocate for the 11% of Durham residents who remain without power. There are no further updates, however, from what was posted earlier today. If you need assistance into the weekend, don't hesitate to contact the Durham Police Department at (603) 868-2324. Dispatch will put you through to an on duty officer to open the Ray Burrows Community Room at the department as a warming station and charging center for cell phones, etc. If you need help, just call.

The big item next week is the Solar Eclipse on Monday, peaking around 3:30 PM. To learn how to safely view it, with SAFETY being the key word, check out last week’s UNH Today HERE. In short, don't view the eclipse with the naked eye! While you would not think it so, the powerful sun rays will burn your eye and cause permanent vision damage.

The new Lamprey River Advisory Committee Spring Newsletter is out! You can access it HERE.

CELEBRATE OYSTER RIVER HOCKEY! was held March 15th and organized by Churchill Rink staff as a way to recognize accomplishments by all levels of Oyster River Hockey teams and players from Mites through High School. There were 70+ participants on the ice and approximately 100 spectators at the event. The spectators seemed to enjoy the program based on the many large smiles on their faces as their hockey players were announced and allowed to skate a lap or two around the ice “Stanley Cup Style” holding a trophy whether they’d had a winning season or not! All teams were announced by Rink Manager and event emcee Bill Page and fun music was played on the PA system by event DJ, current Rink Staff Member, and Oyster River Hockey alumnus Sadie Wright-Ward. Past Oyster River Boys High School coach Griffin Richard, also a rink employee, assisted Sadie with appropriate song selections including “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang! There was also a special visit from the Oyster River High School Mascot, Bob-D-Cat! 

The program started with recognition of the youngest and culminated with the unrolling of a banner celebrating the High School Boys team who had just won the school’s first-ever State Championship. The banner will hang at Churchill Rink in perpetuity. The Oyster River Portsmouth High School Girls team was also held high as they finished as Runners-Up in the state tournament. The girls team hopes to capture their first State Championship next season so rink staff can hang a banner for them! 

As the focal point of the Main Street portion of the Durham Historic District, the 175-year-old steeple of the Community Church is as important to the historic identity of Durham as it is to the identity of the church. Despite regular church maintenance, the steeple is in need of a significant refurbishment and the Friends of the Steeple are moving forward with careful plans to ensure that the work preserves the appearance, while replacing rotting elements and reinforcing the internal structure.  The total cost for this substantial work, which must be done high in the air, is $205,000!

To help fund the revitalization of this Durham icon, the Friends are applying for grants, one of which is from the NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP). LCHIP requires at least a 50/50 match, which the Friends are working to raise from church and community members who value the historic character of Durham. Broad community support is essential for a successful LCHIP grant application.

Details, including the project, the history of the spire, and pictures of its condition can be seen at this web site HERE, which also provides the opportunity to make a donation for interested community members. 

Cat Trax is back for the season, thanks to partnership and support from the Town of Durham. With more than 300 members and nearly 2,000 rides to date, the campus and community bike share continues to grow.

It took three years+ as part of conversations between UNH and Durham, and eventually local bike shop Oyster River Cycle, to launch the bike share program. Funding was unfortunately cut as part of UNH budget cuts this winter. To replace the funding, the UNH Sustainability Institute secured grant funding to cover 1/2 the approx. $15,000 annual program cost and Durham supported the residual. Supporting the bike share program is part of the Town's Climate Action Plan. We're hopeful that UNH will be able to restore full funding next year.

On April 1st, UNH Sustainability Interns organized a Repair Clinic with maintenance partner Dover Cyclery, attended by dozens of enthusiastic students. 

To learn more and register to use the service, click HERE.

Based upon feedback from several downtown businesses, the Town’s parking team was recently able to discuss the present downtown parking situation.  After much conversation and discussion, the group decided a number of changes were appropriate to implement on a pilot basis given changing customer trends downtown and the existence of the large new 66 Main Street municipal parking lot, funded largely by TIF dollars, which is now the primary Business Parking Permit area, thereby freeing up many spaces within the Petteebrook Road parking lot and other spaces downtown. Town have also noted changing parking demand patterns post the COVID 19 pandemic. This pilot program will enable the Town to survey downtown parking demand in late-April/May 2024, and again next fall in October/November 2024, allowing us to revisit as needed thereafter.  

The Pilot changes outlined below will be implemented when new signage is available and meter reprogramming can be undertaken, likely by mid-April, if not sooner. We’re working to fast-track the changes:

• Free parking to be available after 5 PM, M-F, along the NE side of Main Street between Pettee Brook Lane and Madbury Road (where the current 1-hr. free spaces are located immediately in front of downtown businesses), and within the Store 24/Sammy’s/Tedeschi/Ravi Lot (to be renamed the Bobcat Corner Lot).
• Free parking to be available Saturdays (Sunday free parking is already available) within Store 24/Sammy’s/Tedeschi/Ravi Lot (to be renamed Bobcat Corner Lot).
• The 66 Main St. Business Parking Permit lot will be opened for free general parking after 5 PM, M-F, and on weekends. (Note, overnight parking is not allowed anywhere downtown.)
• The addition of several additional 15-minute free parking spaces will be installed within the downtown core as follows to support local businesses:
• 1 additional spot to serve Sweetened Memories on Pettee Brook Lane. First spot past the entrance into the Permit Lot.  
• 1 additional spot to serve Aroma Joes, Subway, and the bank on Main St. There is the 1 single spot between Aroma Joes and the M&T Bank exit that is between the two pay stations in the area.  
• For 2 additional spots to serve mid-Main St. downtown area, we’re 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.  

Again, staff will revisit once the fall 2024 UNH semester gets under way to gauge effectiveness and/or whether new problems are created.  These changes in pilot form also anticipate parking displacement along Madbury Road from Pettee Brook Lane to Garrison as a result of the Phase I water/sewer/complete streets DPW work that will commence in late spring/summer.

Saturday, April. 20, 3-5 PM, The Barn at Powder Major’s Farm. Join in for the Oyster River Community Read CLOSING EVENT in collaboration with the Durham-Great Bay Rotary Club. 

Community Connections: Ways to Make a Change in Our Community. 

Meet the local non-profit groups working to overcome poverty. There will be LIVE MUSIC and refreshments. RSVP HERE.

UNH Hamel Scholars helping to stuff all of the eggs prior to last Saturday's Parks & Rec. Egg Hunt. Courtesy, Rachel Gasowski

DURHAM RESIDENTS SOUGHT TO FILL VACANCIES ON THE STRAFFORD REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Durham is seeking three local residents to represent the town as Commissioners on the Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC). The role of SRPC Commissioners is to provide local and regional perspective on a wide range of issues impacting life in southeast New Hampshire. Commissioners oversee and guide SRPC in fulfillment of three distinct responsibilities:

1. As a Regional Planning Commission with a focus on municipal and regional land use and environmental planning;
2. The Policy Committee, which oversees federally required transportation programs; and
3. The Board of Directors for the Economic Development District.

Commission meetings occur on the third Friday of every month at 9:00 am, at the SRPC office in Rochester. Meetings always have a virtual option. Meeting agendas rotate between the three “hats” that SRPC wears. There are quarterly “field trips” to visit important projects or efforts in-person.

Visit the Strafford Regional Planning Commission website for more information: https://strafford.org/. If you would like to apply to become a Commissioner, please email Karen Edwards at kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us.

Durham Resident Eleanor Lonske has painted all of the Durham landmarks above. She then created this 34"x36" poster of all of the paintings (see how many sites you recognize!). The poster is available for sale in the Town Clerk's office for $50 by either cash or check. The proceeds from the sale go to the Durham Historical & Cultural Resource Trust.

DID YOU KNOW?  - HOW DO I RECYCLE WASTE OIL OR ANTIFREEZE?

Waste oil and Antifreeze are toxic, caustic, and are considered household hazardous waste - they should NOT be burned, dumped, or thrown into your household trash.

Antifreeze (also known as coolant or radiator fluid) is toxic and can be especially dangerous because its sweet smell and taste can attract pets, who can quickly become fatally poisoned if they ingest any of the liquid.

RECYCLING WASTE OIL OR ANTIFREEZE

Antifreeze:

There is used antifreeze recycling available at Durham’s Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center (TS).

Waste Oil:

Due to several occurrences of contaminated oil and the resulting very costly remediations, the transfer station is no longer accepting used motor oil. Residents are encouraged to return their used oil to the store where they purchased new oil or by visiting one of the following locations:

• NAPA Auto Parts – Dover, Portsmouth
• O’Reilly Auto Parts – Portsmouth, Rochester
• Advanced Auto Parts – Portsmouth, Rochester
• Autozone – Portsmouth, Rochester
• Jiffy Lube – Portsmouth, Rochester
• Pep Boys – Portsmouth
• VIP Tires & Service – Portsmouth, Rochester
• NAPA Auto Parts – Portsmouth

Source: Northeast Resource Recovery Association

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee.

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: www.Recyclesmartma.org

LAND STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR SARA CALLAGHAN'S MONTHLY REPORT FOR MARCH

• Collaborated with Rockingham County Conservation District on this year’s invasive species treatment plan and proposal at Doe Farm.
• Attended Conservation Commission meeting.
• Completed a site walk at Oyster River Forest in response to several reports from trail stewards about down trees and communicated trail needs to DPW.
• Reviewed and responded to trail steward reports.
• Collected trail asset information at Jackson’s Landing using DPW’s GPS system.
• Compiled information about the wetlands crossings at Longmarsh Preserve and guided members of the stewardship subcommittee on a walk to review recent trail work and infrastructure needs.
• Communicated with trail stewards and coordinated the collection of additional information on the Town Conservation Areas for the land stewardship master spreadsheet.
• Visited Stevens Woods to collect information on the property and to assess the trails conditions subsequent to an intense rainstorm.
• Coordinated volunteer workdays for the upcoming month.

Upcoming Volunteer Workdays

Sunday April 14 – Longmarsh preserve trail work with Air Force ROTC

Friday April 19 - Removal of old fencing and invasive management at Pike Property.

LINDA H. HOLLISTER SWAP SHOP RE-OPENS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6th

The Linda H. Hollister Swap Shop (Swap Shop) will be opening for the season on Saturday, April 6th, 2024! Durham Public Works and Swap Shop Volunteers would like to remind residents that the Swap Shop does not accept certain items. While we would like to keep reusable items out of the waste stream and the landfill, indoor storage space is limited, and other safety concerns must be considered.

When entering the Transfer Station, it is mandatory to stop and check-in with one of the Attendants to review the items you wish to donate to the Swap Shop. The Attendant(s) will evaluate each item(s) based on the criteria below to determine if it will be accepted. A bulky waste coupon may be required in situations where the item(s) is not accepted. We encourage residents to discuss other options for donating their goods with the attendants and Swap Shop Volunteers.

A reminder that users of the Swap Shop are encouraged to remain at the facility for no longer than thirty (30) minutes during any one visit to allow other residents an opportunity to view and take items. The following is a list of items that are not accepted at the Swap Shop:

• Dirty, moldy or stained items. Stained fabrics may go into the Ecosmith Textile Recycling bin.
• Broken, non-functioning or items missing pieces (a chair without a leg, desk without a drawer or drawer knobs, etc..)
• Boxes full of unsorted items (unless approved by a Transfer Station Attendant or Swap Shop Volunteer.)
• Upholstered furniture (mattresses, box springs, chairs, couches, headboards, pillows, etc.).
• Electronic items (all of which require an electronic coupon for disposal): Refrigerators, Dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners, Other items containing a refrigerant, Televisions, Computer Monitors
• Construction materials of any kind (wood, shingles, sheetrock, insulation, etc.)
• Concrete, bricks, stone, solid fill.
• Appliances larger than a microwave (appliances containing refrigerant that have an electronic coupon will be considered for donation).
• Hazardous Materials or Chemicals (oils, gas, diesel, kerosene, propane, oxygen, mercury containing items, etc.)
• Food, beverages, cosmetics
• Textbooks, dated manuals, reference books (can be recycled using the Discover Books bin)
• Skis, ski boots, snow boards
• Child safety equipment (car seats, helmets)
• Weapons
• Broken glass (including glass from picture frames)
• Clothing and shoes (Use the Salvation Army bin for clothing and shoes in good condition. The Ecosmith bins for these and any stained bedding, towels, fabric stuffed animals, etc.)

DURHAM ROADWAYS POSTED FOR RESTRICTED WEIGHT LIMITS

Durham Public Works would like to remind residents and contractors that unless specifically permitted by the written directive of the Public Works Director, it is unlawful for any person, partnership or corporation to haul, transport or cause to be transported by vehicle with a gross weight over six (6) tons any material over the following Class V roads from 12:01 am on March 15th through 11:59 pm on April 30th:

1) Back River Road – From US 4 to Madbury Town Line

2) Bagdad Road – From Canney Road to NH 108

3) Bay Road – From Newmarket Town Line extending to Durham Point Road

4) Bennett Road – From Packers Falls Road extending to NH 108

5) Canney Road – From Madbury Town Line extending to NH 108

6) Dame Road – From Newmarket Town Line extending to Bay Road

7) Durham Point Road – From Bay Road extending to 100 Durham Point Road

8) Emerson Road – From Bagdad Road to Madbury Road

9) Longmarsh Road – From NH 108 extending to Durham Point Road

10) Mill Road – From Packers Falls Road extending to Woodridge Road

11) Packers Falls Road – From Newmarket Town Line to Lee Town Line

12) Watson Road – From Back River Road to terminus

13) Wednesday Hill Road – From Packers Falls Road extending to Lee Town Line

14) Winecellar Road – From Longmarsh Road extending to terminus

15) Wiswall Road – From Packers Falls Road extending to Lee Town Line

As part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budgeting process, the Durham Town Council endorsed a recommendation by the Administrator, Durham Public Works, and the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, to eliminate the curbside collection portion of Durham Public Works’ Bulky Waste Program. This decision, in part, was made to further align with the Town’s sustainability goals and promote the reduction of municipal solid waste materials sent to our landfills. Further, because of increased program and project responsibilities, Durham Public Works no longer has the capacity to conduct this program.

This resource-intensive program resulted in 116 tons of material sent to the landfill in 2023 alone, which represented 6% of the total material sent to the landfill by the Town of Durham and consumed 400 hours of staff time. This program change will allow Durham Public Works to redeploy these resources for projects this Spring that would normally require contracted assistance and funding. 

In lieu of this program, Durham Public Works will offer an annual bulky waste coupon to each residential property. This coupon, which is now available at the Durham Public Works Offices Only, located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive, will allow the property owner to dispose of up to one dump trailer sized load of bulky waste per year free of charge and at their convenience during normal public open hours at the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center. Property owners with smaller vehicles will be eligible to make multiple trips during the same day equivalent to a dump trailer sized load utilizing the coupon to dispose of their materials. (A thank you to resident Dick Lord for his good suggestion.) As they have in the past, certain electronics and refrigerant containing devices would still require a $15 sticker for disposal.

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS SEEKS SEASONAL LABORERS - A great summer opportunity for Oyster River students 18 years of age and older.

The Public Works Department is seeking several highly motivated team members to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Part-Time Seasonal Laborer.

The successful candidates will assist the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance.

The salary for these part-time, seasonal positions is $16-18/hr, depending upon qualifications. These 40 hour/week positions run from May-August and normal work hours are 7:00am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday.

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawn mowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers is desired.

Applications are available at Durham Public Works or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please submit applications to Durham 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.

Officer Keith Letourneau, of Methuen, MA, was sworn in as a Durham Police Officer on Monday, April 1, 2024. Officer Letourneau is a certified police officer from Massachusetts, who started his law enforcement career in Haverhill, MA and was most recently employed as a police officer at Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown, MA. He is a 2016 graduate of Mount Washington College, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice. Please join us in welcoming Officer Letourneau to Durham.  

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 are proud to announce the placement of another AED into the community in Durham. Northeast Passage, a program of UNH, was pleased to place their AED into service. This AED will be used as a portable unit while Northeast participants are enjoying outdoor events and trips.

Since 2013, when the Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 assisted the first sorority with their AED, we have placed 27 total to date. The AEDs can be found in churches, businesses, recreation fields, and Greek houses on the campus of UNH. Congratulations to the Northeast Passage for doing your part to keep the community safe!

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 #14

Don’t over plug outlets.

Teach you kids not to overload power strips or extension cords, better yet, have them ask you to plug in devices.  For more information, click HERE.

NEWS FROM THE OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT

DEIJ Community Event

The ORCSD DEIJ Committee invites you to One Community, Many Voices: Embracing Belonging this coming May 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Join the district for this special event to share stories, experiences, and celebrate our differences. No RSVP required. For more information, click HERE.

Celebrating Superintendent Morse

Join the district at the Oyster River Middle School on May 16 to celebrate Superintendent Morse's coming retirement and 12 years of dedicated service to the Oyster River community. Additional details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Rescheduled: Moharimet Finding Nemo Jr.

Due to this week's forecast the Finding Nemo Jr. evening performance has been rescheduled to Friday, April 5, at 6:30 pm. At the Oyster River High School Auditorium (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Open seating, no tickets required.

E-Waste Collection April 8-19

ORCSD schools will be collecting electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) between April 8-19. Details about where to drop-off and a list of eligible items may be viewed HERE.

Mast Way Spring Musical: Willy Wonka Jr.

The public is warmly welcome to attend Mast Way's 3rd and 4th grade spring musical on Thursday, April 11, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Oyster River High School Auditorium (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Open seating, no tickets required.

April 11 Community Dinner

The ORCSD Sustainability Committee will be hosting a community dinner on Thursday, April 11, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Oyster River High School. The dinner will be followed by a musical performance of Mast Way students in the auditorium. Dinner cost: $10 per adult or $25 per family (a family includes up to 2 adults and children living within the same household). A sign-up document will be made available next week. Kindly RSVP HERE by Tuesday April 9.

Moharimet Pancake Breakfast April 13

The public is invited to attend Moharimet's 20th edition of its famous Pancake Breakfast this coming April 13, 8:00 - 11:30 a.m. Suggested donations: $6 per person or $20 per family. At Moharimet School gymnasium (11 Lee Rd, Madbury, NH 03823)

Reduced Plastic Lunch Day April 16

On Tuesday, April 16, the ORCSD Sustainability Committee will be hosting a reduced plastic day and join school cafeterias across the US in a nationwide initiative to reduce single-use plastics. On April 16 lunches will be served with limited single-use plastic foodware and packaging. Students who bring their own lunch to school are invited to participate by bringing a lunch free of single-use plastic packaging.

UNH HOSTS THE NOSSRAT YASSINI POETRY FESTIVAL

The Nossrat Yassini Poetry Festival, taking place April 12-14, 2024. While this event is taking place on the UNH campus (95 Main Street), it is a community-wide event, free and open to all in Durham and beyond. For more information, click HERE. The Festival was just named one of the top 30 spring festivals by the Boston Globe (click HERE if you have a Boston Globe subscription)