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Durham's Farmers Market is in full swing with lots of fresh vegetables and other items to choose from. Be sure to visit the many vendors at the 66 Main Street Parking Lot!
Courtesy Todd Selig
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With the increasing news coverage of the Monkeypox virus, and a low number of cases (15) presently identified in New Hampshire, some residents may become concerned about having accurate and timely information. The Center of Disease control has an informative website for those wishing to learn more.
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ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 13,, 2022 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE
Absentee ballots for the 2022 NH State Primary are now available at the Durham’s Town Clerk’s office. New Hampshire voters may vote by absentee ballot for specific reasons including being absent from the voter’s town, a religious observance, disability or illness, and employment commitments (including caregiving) during the entire time the polls are open. For more information on voting by absentee ballot, please click HERE for you may visit the Durham Town Clerk’s Office between 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
With respect to Covid-19 concerns, according to the NH Secretary of State’s Office, a voter may vote by absentee ballot if, based on their health circumstances, medical authorities have advised them to avoid going out in public. This applies to voters with symptoms of a communicable disease or illness and voters that must limit public exposure as a preventative measure. If applicable, voters should select "physical disability" on their application as the reason they are voting by absentee ballot.
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TOWN’S BANNER SYSTEM OVER PETTEE BROOK LANE MAY NEED TO BE REMOVED IN THE FUTURE
A brief note to inform the community that the banner system over Pettee Brook Lane may need to come down in the future. The banner is owned by the Town of Durham and both Durham and UNH use the banner for many announcements about Town/University events, etc.
The banner is connected to a pole on a private lot on the easterly side of Pettee Brook Lane (where the small yellow house is located). The owner of the property has an application before the Planning Board to redevelop the site. The plan includes a building that fills the site so there would not be room for the pole nor for a replacement pole on the property.
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ATLANTIC BROADBAND OPERATING AS BREEZELINE MOVES FORWARD WITH CABLE/HIGH SPEED INTERNET INSTALLATION IN DURHAM
You may recall that a cable television franchise agreement was approved by the Council in 2021 for Breezeline Communications (formerly Atlantic Broadband). The work includes installation of aerial and underground fiber within Durham.
Recently Public Works met with representatives of Breezeline and JBC construction, who will be performing the initial installation of the underground work. The majority of underground work will take place on residential roads and an excavation permit will be issued which will contain certain conditions such as, Traffic Management Plans, public shade tree protection, bonds and insurances, as-builts, construction notifications to impacted residents and restoration requirements. The roads being impacted by the initial phase of underground work are noted below.
Roads impacted include: Worthen, Edendale, Roysann, Britton, Mill , Carriage, Surrey, Sullivan Falls, Cold Springs, Corson Lane, Ross, Meader, Ellison, Strout , Noble K Peterson, Coe, Sofie Lane, Shearwater, Razorbill, Cormorant, Morgan Way, Williams Way, Tirrell, Deer Meadow.
Unfortunately, earlier today Breezeline's contractors hit the power line while excavating within the Deer Meadow neighborhood and took out power to the area!
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DID YOU KNOW? - Compostable Products
Compostable products (Ii.e. plates. cups, utensils) are not recyclable, so don't put them in your curbside recycling bin. These items will NOT have the standard triangle recycling symbol. If you can't compost them, throw them away.
Why can’t I recycle these products?
Organic materials in compostable products can damage recycling equipment, so a majority of recyclers don’t accept them.
What happens to these products if I throw them in the trash?
Organic waste that ends up in the landfill can produce and release methane gas, a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide.
What do I do?
Luckily for us here in Durham, all compostable products ARE accepted at our transfer station and sent to our industrial composter, Mr Fox.
Please keep in mind…
It’s always a more eco-friendly choice to opt for a reusable product to cut down on waste entirely. Use reusable ceramic plates or plates made from stone, recycled glass, or stainless steel.
Brought to you by the Integrated Waste Management Committee
Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com
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AUGUST 20TH IS FARM DAY!
Visit farms in Durham, Lee, and Madbury, all offering a wide range of free, family friendly activities and opportunities to purchase locally grown food. Some events have a fee and/or require pre-registration.
View full list of activities HERE.
Hosted by the Durham and Lee Agricultural Commissions and farmers in Durham, Lee, and Madbury.
To find farms in the three towns click HERE. If you eat, you're in!
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UNH GETTING READY TO LAUNCH BIKE SHARE PROGRAM IN CONJUNCTION WITH OYSTER RIVER CYCLE AND SPORT IN DURHAM – Soft launch to take place Friday morning, August 19th
UNH, Durham, and over the last couple of years Oyster River Cycle and Sport have been working to launch a bike share program for the campus/community. A soft-launch of the program will take place next Friday, August 19th—at which point we will be riding 30 newly assembled bikes to points on campus and across Durham!
The bikes will be available to campus and community members to use, by virtue of paying a membership fee and then ride fee through a third-party app, Spinlister.
Info about the “inaugural ride” event can be viewed at https://unhserves.unh.edu/need/detail/?need_id=719478
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MILL POND DAM REMOVAL PROJECT SECTION 106 PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Following the referendum vote on March 8, the Town has been advancing the design and permitting for the removal of the Mill Pond Dam, which does not meet current dam safety standards.
Due to the historic nature of the Mill Pond Dam, the removal involves what is known as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), which requires federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of projects they carry out, assist, fund, permit, license, or approve throughout the country. The public were invited to an informational meeting which took place on July 14, 2022, at 6:30 PM. The meeting was held to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the Section 106 process, receive an update on the project status, and provide input on cultural resources under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The meeting can be viewed by visiting this town website link HERE.
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DATA VERIFICATION FOR 2023 REVALUATION IS UNDERWAY
As you may be aware, the State of New Hampshire requires all real estate within the municipality to be reappraised at least every five years (per RSA 75:8-a) so property tax assessments are at their full and true value. To keep in compliance with this law, the Town of Durham has contracted with Municipal Resources, Inc. to reappraise all residential and commercial properties in Durham for TY 2023.
Staff members from MRI have started the process of measuring the exterior and inspecting the interior all structures in Durham to make sure the data regarding each property is accurate. Post card notifications will be mailed to residents letting them know they will be working in specific neighborhoods during the next few weeks. If, for any reason you are not comfortable allowing an interior inspection, we kindly ask you to verify information at the door. If you are not home, a notification will be mailed to you requesting an inspection or to verify information by phone. If you do not wish to have a representative from MRI visit your property, please notify the Durham Assessor’s Office as soon as possible. All MRI representatives will have a photo ID and a Municipal Letter of Introduction.
Any questions regarding the project should be directed to the Durham Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064. Updates regarding the project will be posted in the Friday Updates newsletter and through mailings. We greatly appreciate your cooperation throughout this project.
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DPW SEEKS EXPERIENCED WASTEWATER CHIEF OPERATOR
Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful Seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field and operates an awarding winning state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility utilizing the four-stage Bardenpho Process for nitrogen removal. We are seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of public works professionals to serve in the role of Wastewater Chief Operator.
The Wastewater Division works closely with our partner, the University of New Hampshire, to provide wastewater collection and treatment services to both the Town and University. The Department is a fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. In 2023, the Treatment Plant is scheduled to undergo $3.8 million in process upgrades as part of its detailed Capital Improvement Plan.
In this important role you will report to the Superintendent of the Public Works, Wastewater Division and undertake challenging and rewarding work involving the operation, construction and maintenance of the Town’s Wastewater Treatment and Collection System.
This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $26.04 to $33.02/hour, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years of municipal wastewater related experience, a strong knowledge of all aspects of various mechanical systems, pumps, electrical, computer, laboratory techniques, regulatory reporting, SCADA associated with the treatment process, and the ability to troubleshoot and repair all associated equipment.
Applicants will have a New Hampshire Class B CDL license with a clean driving record or the ability to obtain within one year of hire and the ability to hold or obtain a tanker endorsement. Possession of a New Hampshire Grade III Wastewater Operator license at a minimum is required. Applicants will be required to be on a rotational standby and required to work rotational weekends once per month. The position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and works in adverse weather conditions performing occasional strenuous physical labor.
Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs. Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Acting Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us
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DURHAM POLICE - SEASONAL PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The Durham, NH Police Department is seeking applicants for the position of Seasonal Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO). Applicants selected to serve as the part-time PEO will enforce state and local parking laws and ordinances for our nationally accredited police department. This position works flexible hours during the University of New Hampshire academic school year. Part-time parking officers will not work holidays, summertime months, or any time the University is not in session. This position pays $16.00 an hour.
PEO duties will include state law and local ordinance enforcement, collection of parking meter monies, parking meter repair, traffic direction and control, some radio communications, maintaining access to meters during the winter, and other duties as assigned or as applicable. Training and uniforms will be provided.
Minimum qualifications for this position include a high school diploma or GED, the ability to walk and/or stand for a minimum of 8 hours each day, lift/carry a minimum of 50 pounds for short distances, and must read, write, and verbally communicate in the English language. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. The qualified candidate will be subject to a background check and reference check.
A Letter of Interest and Resume should be emailed to Sandra Hebert at: shebert@ci.durham.nh.us. This position will remain open until filled. The anticipated starting date from this selection process is Monday, August 15, 2022. This date is subject to change.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.00 per hour
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SEACOAST EAT LOCAL FARMERS' MARKET IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON
The Town of Durham is excited to welcome Seacoast Eat Local as the new management of the weekly Farmer’s Market in Durham. The Farmer’s Market is located at the new pocket park and parking lot at 66 Main Street. Please find information below for hours and location along with other helpful information.
Location: Downtown Durham Pocket Park and Parking Lot at 66 Main Street
Market Day and Time: Mondays 2:30 PM-6:00 PM, excluding holidays
What: Local vendors selling: Jams from Marti Gooze, Vegetables, flowers, small batch natural body care, pottery, textiles, broth, and goat's milk fudge and cheeses.
Music: A variety of local artists will be playing music the entirety of the season. Musical stylings expected include acoustic, bluegrass, folk, blues, and Americana. The opening day musician plays Acoustic Americana.
Make sure to follow on social media for updates, or go to their website: http://seacoasteatlocal.org/.
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DRIVEWAY PERMITS - Tis’ the season for re-doing driveways!
A friendly reminder that anyone who wishes to modify (by moving a driveway entrance, paving of an existing gravel drive, or repaving of an existing paved drive) or construct a new driveway from a Town controlled road cannot do so without a written permit issued by the Department of Public Works.
An application for a driveway permit can be obtained from the Public Works Department or online HERE.
The application fee is $100.
Questions should be directed to Town Engineer April Talon at (603)-868-5578.
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FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS EACH WEEK IN UNH TODAY ... AND VIA THE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CALENDAR PAGE
UNH Today is the official online publication of the University of New Hampshire. It delivers news, events, and multimedia devoted to bringing community members a weekly glimpse of the remarkable things happening on campus, in New Hampshire, and around the world.
As a subscriber, you'll learn about student and faculty achievement, the impact of UNH in the community, and timely information on the arts, sports, and special events that make UNH (and in part Durham) a vibrant place.
You may sign up to begin receiving UNH Today by clicking HERE
As you know, there is always a great deal happening on campus, and many events are not mentioned in UNH Today. Many other campus happenings can be researched via the UNH online calendar, which can be accessed HERE.
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RAYMOND A. LAROCHE ST. TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTER NOT ACCEPTING SALVATION ARMY DONATIONS AT THIS TIME
Due to staffing shortages at the Salvation Army, donation bin service has been temporarily suspended. As a result, the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center will not be accepting these donations during this time. Residents are encouraged to seek an alternative outlet for these items or hold onto them until service returns.
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DURHAM PD REMINDS CITIZENS TO REMAIN VIGILANT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS
Recently one of our citizens received a notification (above) claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The letter informed the receiver that their social security number would be suspended within 48 hours due to suspicious activity. The person receiving the notice immediately recognized the letter to be a scam. The letter showed some of the telltale signs of a scam such as different size or different color font. The Social Security Administration may call you in some situations related to an account you may already be working on with them or if you have requested a call. According to the Social Security Administration, they will never:
- Threaten you.
- Suspend your SSN.
- Demand immediate payment from you.
- Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, or wire transfer.
- Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.
- Ask for personal details or banking information to give you a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
- A caller saying there is a problem with your SSN or account.
Don’t be fooled! You should look out for:
- Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
- Scammers pretending they’re from us or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by email may look official, but they are not.
How to protect your family:
- If you receive a questionable call, hang up, and report the call to our Office of the Inspector General.
- Don’t return unknown calls.
- Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision.
- Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss.
- Learn more at http://oig.ssa.gov/scam.
- Share this information with friends and family.
Learn more about fraud prevention and reporting at https://www.ssa.gov/scam/.
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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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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Oyster River Otters Swim Team registration is open for the Fall/Winter season, which has an anticipated start date of Sept. 18th. The swim team, which practices at the UNH Swasey Pool, is open to youth who can swim the length of the pool without stopping or pulling on lane ropes. Registration holds a spot for your swimmer. For more information about the team and to register go to our website. For answers to questions email us at otterswimteam@gmail.com
One World Language School has partnered with the Oyster River School District. We will be hosting Chinese at Mast Way and Moharimet after school during the 2022-2023 academic year. Space is limited to 8 students per class and based on first-come, first-serve. For questions, please call or email Pranav Dadarwala; 207-370-8398 or pdadarwala@oneworldlanguageschool.org
To view more information regarding the above upcoming events, please CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW.
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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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"At last, Spring is Here" by Barrington artist Barbara Betjemann, now on display at DPL. Courtesy of Barbara Betjemann
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Art is back in our upstairs gallery with an exhibit by local painter, Barbara Betjemann in August! For more information about her work, click HERE or stop by the library anytime to view her work! While you're on our website, make sure to check out our Upcoming Events page where registration is already open for many fall adult programs including philosophy and history programs from the NHHC, spooky genealogy methodology and case study workshops in October, adult art class and the return of meditative yoga!
Congratulations summer readers! We read approximately 162,831 minutes this summer! For the month of August, make sure to pick up your prize book and Bagel Works gift certificate for participating in our program! And a big thank you to all of our sponsors this year: Oyster River Cycle and Sports, Bagel Works, The Big Bean, Wildcat Pizza, Golick's Barrington, Sweetened Memories, Hop 'n Grind, Monkey Minds Escape Rooms and Bah-mee! For more fun things to do in August and to keep an eye on fall programs (coming very soon!), visit our youth webpage HERE!
In the meantime...have you taken a look at DPL's digital resources lately? The library website offers so many great services to explore, and they're all free with your library card! Check out the list below or browse the site at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/!
Digital Resources from DPL
Libby (previously Overdrive): for ebooks, audiobooks, magazines
hoopla: for ebooks, audiobooks, movie and music streaming
Kanopy: for movies and educational films
AtoZ databases: a comprehensive research database for job searching, business marketing and local demographics
Ebscohost: a collection of academic, health and consumer databases available for research including Consumer Reports and Explora for Educators
Mango Languages: beginning and intermediate level language learning in more than 70 languages including ESL
Universal Class: Hundreds of certified CTE courses in a wide range of subject matter from computer literacy and software to crafts and hobbies
The New York Times & Wall Street Journal: daily access to the digital newspapers including NYT digital archive access
Questions? We can help! The library staff is always available to answer your questions during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at http://durhampl@gmail.com!
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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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1850 - By vote of the town, Jacob Mathes was employed to quarry a stone, 3'10" by 1'10" and marked "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE" to be used in the construction of the Washington Monument. Inserted in the east wall of the 130' level it has been viewed by astonished Durhamites over the years.
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Have a very nice weekend. Stay cool!
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
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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