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Monarch butterflies. Courtesy Maggie Moore
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The Durham Great-Bay Rotary will be working at the Longmarsh Trails tomorrow morning from 9AM until 12:00 Noon, clearing trails and repairing bridges. Anyone who wants to help is welcome to come. Tools and expertise will be provided. Help is always welcome!
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ELIGIBLE DURHAM COMMUNITY MEMBERS STRONGLY URGED TO CONSIDER BECOMING FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 | ADDITIONAL COVID INFORMATION FOR DURHAM
The current public health recommendation is to become fully vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated will decrease your chances of becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus or transmitting it to your family, friends, and others in the Durham/Oyster River community with whom you have close contact.
In addition, fully vaccinated people who become infected with COVID-19 are less likely to experience severe symptoms, hospitalization, or death. If you have questions about the vaccine, it is recommended that you discuss this with your personal physician.
With fall approaching and the strong likelihood of increased active cases across NH and in Durham, the time to be proactive and become fully vaccinated is now.
A high percentage of Durham staff are fully vaccinated. Admin. Selig is pleased to note that as a result of an informal survey of departments, we estimate 96% of Town employees are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Those who are not typically do not have direct contact with the public. Underlying health conditions may be a factor as to why the remaining members of the staff have not become fully vaccinated. The Town does not require the vaccination of its staff at this time, and such a step is not envisioned to be necessary locally.
Vaccination clinics being organized by the Town/Library for community. We are in the process of scheduling with the State of New Hampshire a free vaccination clinic to be held at the Town Hall sometime in September. The Durham Public Library is also working with the state to schedule a clinic on another date in the fall. More details will be provided in future "Friday Updates."
Will masks be required again in Durham? If Covid-19 active case counts and the rate of transmission in the region becomes an increasing concern, there is a likelihood that we will require the wearing of masks within Durham municipal facilities once again for the general public and for staff interacting with the public, regardless of vaccination status. We've ordered a new batch of masks to provide to the public if this becomes necessary to supplement waning supplies. The ORCSD will be requiring the wearing of masks within each of the school facilities by faculty, staff, students, and visitors. UNH has announced this afternoon that it is requiring the wearing of masks within classrooms per CDC guidance. At this time there is not a plan to require masks downtown within local businesses/restaurants but we will continue to monitor the evolving situation. The Town of Hanover passed an emergency mask ordinance for all inside business/public locations in that community earlier this week.
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OYSTER RIVER NEEDS YOU, BUS DRIVERS!
The Oyster River Cooperative School District owns and operates its own fleet of school buses. As of August 11, we have space for up to 10 more drivers in our team! Without more drivers, we are unable to provide bus transportation to ORHS and ORMS athletics teams and may even need to adjust school day schedules in order to have enough time for all bus runs. ORCSD offers a guaranteed work week, health insurance, paid holidays, and a well-maintained bus fleet. Call Lisa Huppe, Transportation Director, at 603-868-1610 to apply or for more information
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DID YOU KNOW?
People often think of recycling and composting when it comes to Sustainability. It’s also important to remember that re-using items is an important part of the Sustainability equation.Durham’s own Swap Shop (located at the transfer station) offers many second hand items in good condition at no cost. For example, check out their wide selection of LP's, CD's, and VHS tapes as well as their used book selection.It’s a great way to save yourself some money and help the environment at the same time!
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
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66 MAIN STREET PARKING LOT/POCKET PARK UPDATE - The project is coming along nicely. -- Parks & Rec. plans to host Durham Day here on Sept. 18th.
The Durham Public Works Department continues to advance improvements to the former ATO property located at 66 Main Street recently acquired by the Town. Highway Division team members completed construction on a large storm water detention pond at the rear of the property to capture stormwater runoff and allow for the management of peak stormwater flows and volumes while also infiltrating water into the soil below which recharges groundwater and removes pollutants. The team also completed work on the entryway and a staircase along with sidewalk paving that will allow pedestrian access from Pettee Brook Lane at the rear of the property to Main Street. Some of the work remaining includes installation of fencing at the front of the property, lighting installation, pavement markings, loaming and seeding of the pocket park and plantings in the area adjacent to the existing retaining wall along Main Street. Most of this work is scheduled to be completed mid- September.
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DURHAM AND UNH POLICE HOST RACIAL PROFILING AND BIASED POLICING TRAINING
In collaboration with the University of New Hampshire Police, the Durham Police Department hosted a day-long training focused on Racial Profiling and Biased Policing. The course was put on by Quantum Innovation Corporation this past Thursday and was led by two of the most esteemed professionals in this space. Chief Kelley believes that the subject matter taught at this training is essential to policing in our wonderful community. Instructor bios can be viewed HERE.
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TOWN COUNCIL TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER AUGUST 16TH
The Oyster River Dam, also known as the Mill Pond Dam, is located on the Oyster River as it flows through the Town of Durham prior to its discharge into the Great Bay. Constructed in 1913, the dam is a concrete Ambursen-style dam consisting of a spillway, a set of gated outlets at the right abutment, and a fish ladder at the left abutment. It is approximately 140 feet long, with a maximum structural height of approximately 13 feet. Due to its age, engineering significance, and association with local history, the dam is listed on the NH Register of Historic Places.
The NHDES Dam Bureau has identified several safety deficiencies associated with the current dam, including concerns with its overall structural integrity and stability. The Town was notified of these problems in multiple Letters of Deficiency, most recently in February 2018.
The dam impounds the Oyster River, forming the 9.5-acre “Mill Pond” as well as portions of the Oyster River and Hamel Brook upstream of the Pond. The impoundment is used for numerous recreational activities such as fishing, paddling, birdwatching and ice skating. Over the years, water quality in Mill Pond has declined and portions of the pond have filled with sediment, converting much of the former open water area to emergent wetland habitat. The pond is listed by NHDES as an impaired water body.
A detailed Feasibility Study published in November 2020 described several alternatives for addressing the dam safety issues, including detailed discussions of “Alternative 3 (Dam Stabilization)” as well as “Alternative 5 (Dam Removal).”
Following publication of the Feasibility Study, the VHB team was asked by the Town Council, following public input and hearings, to conduct a Supplemental Analysis of Alternative 3 (Dam Stabilization) without Option 1 (Pond Restoration Dredge), as well as to explore additional analysis of the effects of Alternative 5 (Dam Removal). These analyses address questions related to watershed management actions that could improve Mill Pond water quality, the effect of upstream water withdrawals on Mill Pond, and whether Alternative 3 could be modified to improve fish passage and water quality. That report is dated July 2021.
The August 16th meeting is intended to be a discussion amongst Councilors, not a public hearing. Members of the public will be able to provide feedback during the public comment portion of the meeting. The public had until the end of last month to submit written questions/comments about the July 2021 VHB report to the Town Engineer to share with the VHB consultant team for possible follow up, as necessary.
The Council is not expected to resolve the issue until its meeting on September 13, 2021.
To view the July 2021 VHB report, click HERE. To view additional information about the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River click HERE.
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PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on a proposal from the Agricultural Commission to rezone a number of lots situated on and near Piscataqua Road from Residence Coastal (RC) to Rural (R) this Wednesday, August 18 starting shortly after 7:00 p.m. You can see all of the documents related to the proposal HERE. Feel free to contact the Town Planner at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions or if you would like to submit any comments about the proposal..
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CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT TO BE HOSTED BY RAVI'S MARKET - Thursday, September 9th, 4 - 9PM
Ravi's Market, located at 7 Madbury Road, will hold a Customer Appreciation Event on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. This is a FREE event for the community with food and drinks to be provided. Vendors will also be in attendance with samples. There will be music, raffles, and prizes.
Members of the Council are encouraged to stop by. Ravi Kumar, owner of the former Sammy's Market (now Ravi's Market), has been working hard to make improvements to the store and wants to make it more a part of the non-UNH student portion of the Durham community.
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OYSTER WORKSHOPS AT DURHAM'S COMMUNITY OYSTER GARDEN - At the Town Landing.
Have you ever wondered what oysters are up to? Where do they live, and what types of animals make their home among them? Come learn and explore at the new Durham's Community Oyster Garden with our Oyster Workshops! The Durham Community Oyster Garden is located at the Town Landing where The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will be installing cages full of young oysters. TNC will be hosting oyster workshops for the public, where they will be doing presentations about oysters and the environment. There will be interactive activities, including examining inside the oyster cages and exploring what types of animals and plants occur in an oyster habitat. If they like, volunteers will also be able to help collect data on the oysters in the garden to help in an ongoing conservation study.
The event is free, but spots are limited to 6 per event because of COVID restrictions. Luckily the events will be happening through September!
Learn more and register on the Nature Groupie website.
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The oysters have arrived! 4 cages this year. Courtesy April Talon
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS - August 4, 2021
The first day of school in Oyster River this year is August 30, 2021. All students, staff, and visitors inside school buildings will be required to wear masks to start the school year. ORMS and ORHS athletic protocols for fall were also approved.
This is the last week of REACH summer programming. FREE meals for all children in Oyster River will still be available for curbside pickup at the High School the weeks of August 9 and 16. School meals will be FREE for all students for the 2021-2022 school year, however the School Nutrition department only receives this grant funding based on the number of meals served.
Oyster River has a great team of School Bus Drivers! We are looking for at least 5 additional drivers to fill out the Transportation team. ORCSD offers paid training for new drivers.
A public hearing will be held on August 18 to collect resident and taxpayer input on a proposal to use funds held in a capital reserve account to provide air conditioning in additional parts of the High School.
The school board always invites input from the Oyster River Community, through public comments at board meetings or by email to orcsdsb@orcsd.org. Speakers at board meetings may be limited in time or number to keep within 30 minutes allocated for public comments at the beginning of each regular school board meeting.
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POLICE OFFICER CAMERON HOLDSWORTH
Officer Cameron Holdsworth was hired by the Durham Police Department in December of 2020. He attended the 184th New Hampshire Police Academy from December of 2020 to April of 2021. Upon graduation from the academy, Cameron completed a rigorous 12 - week Field Training Program before becoming a solo officer in our community . Cameron received a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Rivier University in 2020. He is also a member of the Army National Guard and is currently in Officer Candidate School. Cameron lives in the seacoast area.
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POLICE OFFICER JARED MALATAK
Officer Jared Malatak was hired by the Durham Police Department in April of 2021. He attended the 179th New Hampshire Police Academy. Jared started his policing career with the Rollinsford Police Department in 2019. He is a graduate of Great Bay Community College where he received an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. Jared lives in the seacoast area.
We are excited to welcome Cameron and Jared to Durham.
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DURHAM ROAD PROGRAM UPDATE FROM DPW
The Durham Public Works Department’s contractor for its roadway resurfacing program, Continental Paving, recently completed 40 driveway tie-ins along Sullivan Falls Road, Kelsey Drive, Tall Pines Drive, Mathes Cove Road, and a portion of Foss Farm Road. Existing driveway aprons were removed, base materials were re-graded, and a 2” course of binder pavement was applied. Construction will pause for the next several weeks before the top wearing course of asphalt is applied in late August or September.
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DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION - A reminder from Assessor Jim Rice.
While inspecting properties for improvements/renovations, it has been noted that several property owners in Durham who have installed solar equipment have not applied for their solar exemption.
If you own property in Durham and have 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 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, 2022. 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 assessment.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064.
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ONE WEEK UNTIL DURHAM FARM DAY – Saturday, August 21st!
Search your vegetable garden for your longest bean, funniest looking tomato, and heaviest zucchini and bring them to LaRoche Farm for the homegrown veggies contest competition. Entries accepted between 10am and 2pm, with winners announced at 3pm. Lots to see and do across town and campus as we celebrate Durham’s working landscape of farms and gardens, rain or shine.
Full schedule of events available HERE.
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AUGUST IS OFFICIALLY NH EATS LOCAL MONTH
Eating locally is 365, 24/7 celebration in the Granite State. But in August we have 31 days to celebrate the bounty of NH farms, fishermen, and food producers. Durham Farm Day is a NH EATS LOCAL event so post your Farm Day photos to social media! #nheatslocal
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SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE NH BIOBLITZ COMING THIS SEPTEMBER!
A BioBlitz is a species scavenger hunt where anyone can help find and record data on as many different species (plants, animals, insects, fungi) as possible in a certain area and a short amount of time. UNH Extension is sponsoring the NH BioBlitz during the month of September to get community members outside exploring species found on town-owned land in NH!
Find out how to participate HERE.
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INTERESTING JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DURHAM COMMUNITY: NHDES SEEKING PART-TIME COASTAL RESILIENCE SPECIALIST
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Environmental Services, Water Division, Watershed Management Bureau has a part-time vacancy for an Environmentalist I - Coastal Management Specialist to provide project, technical, and administrative assistance to the Coastal Resilience Program and Coastal Habitat Program. To collect, monitor, and analyze technical environmental data associated with coastal management programs for use in evaluating the impact of proposed actions on the environment, evaluating coastal habitats to determine effectiveness of restoration projects, and determining the suitability of estuarine waters for shellfish harvest. This is a part-time temporary position, not to exceed 29
hours per week based at the Department of Environmental Services Seacoast facility.
Read the complete job description HERE.
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OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATORY WEEKEND OF SOCCER
In an effort to recognize the phenomenal 60 year success of the Oyster River High School Soccer program, Paul Bamford, OR’s golf coach and soccer alum, is organizing a celebratory weekend of soccer to be held September 24-25, 2021 at the high school. The event is doubling as a fundraiser for the proposed press box/sound system ($175,000+) to be attached to the newly installed bleachers. “The Voice of the Boston Bruins” and former OR/UNH soccer star Jack Edwards will serve as MC.
To commemorate the weekend, a unique event T-shirt, co-designed by Elijah Edwards, Jack’s son (front of shirt), along with Wolfe Ramsay, a star member of this year’s OR basketball team (back of shirt) is being offered. T-shirts can be ordered separately for $25. All orders are on-line only, to be picked up at the event.
Registration instructions for attendance, game/food ticket purchase, and all other information are included HERE.
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Above is the latest rendering by Ellie Lonske, Riverwoods resident and Planning Board member, of a Durham icon. The federal-style Ballard House was built in 1790 by Joshua Ballard at this key intersection of Main Street and Madbury Road, located at the time on the turnpike between Portsmouth and Concord. According to the Historic District walking tour published by the Durham Historic Association, “It was destined to become a favorite tavern stop in the early years of the village. Charles E. Hoitt acquired the property in the late 1800s and remodeled the old house to a home befitting his position in the community. He was a selectman for more than twenty years, a prominent ‘Granger’ and a county commissioner – all in spite of being Durham’s only Democrat. It is said that "his popularity was due to his cordial way of meeting people and to honesty and economy in handling people’s money.” The building, notable for its solid mass, paired chimneys, and fine restrained detailing, now houses several apartments.
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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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Join us for Outdoor Family Movie Night at DPL!
Check our events page throughout August as the upcoming schedule of programs and events is updated! In the meantime, grab one of our many newly arrived titles and mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 18th when DPL will be partnering again with Durham Parks & Rec. to bring you Outdoor Family Movie Night at the library! The movie will begin at 8:15 pm and the feature will be Dolittle! Join us for this fun evening intended for all ages!
Did you know that DPL offers free access to a great number of digital resources including: ebooks and audiobooks, language and CE courses, streaming films and music, daily digital newspapers, job search and business marketing databases as well as much, much more? Need help signing up for or navigating any of these? Give us a call at 603-868-6699 during business hours to set up a device help time with one of our staff!
Thank you for participating in our 'Tails & Tales' Summer Reading Programs!
We've reached the end of the official Tails & Tales Summer Reading program in Youth Services. Congratulations summer readers! You have read appx. 110,000 minutes during the five weeks! For the month of August, pick up your prize book and Bagel Works certificate for a free bagel and cream cheese at the Youth Services desk. DPL would also like to thank all of the local businesses who have sponsored prizes for the summer reading program: Bagel Works, Wildcat Pizza, Big Bean, Clarks, Dunkin, Golick's Barrington, The Juicery, Hop 'n Grind, Oyster River Cycle and Sports, the Seadogs, Sweetened Memories, Monkey Minds Escape Room, and Hayden Sports. There's still fun to be had in August while we get ready for fall programming! Try out the August Literary Calendar to continue with your summer reading goals!
Interested in joining our team? DPL is hiring for a Library Assistant position in Youth Services! For a complete job description and application information, click HERE! Questions? Check out our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/! As always, library staff is available by phone during business hours at 603-868-6699 or by email at mailto: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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1765 - "Voted that those tradesmen who shall be judged by the Selectmen that their respective occupations and businesses are so profitable that their income is sufficient to pay a larger tax should be doomed as much more as the Selectmen should judge equitable."
1765 - The Parish of Lee was established from the western part of Durham, and incorporated with full town privileges. Named by John Cartland, a Friend, who came from Lee, Scotland, Lee Hill was early called Federalist Hill because of the large number of Federalists living nearby.
1765 - "We the under Named Subscribers do hereby Inlist our Selves under the Command of Samuel Demerit Esq., in a Troop of horse to Ride as Troopers under his Command of which Troops the Honorable Clement March Esq., is Colonel." (signed by 38, from B. Brackett to Philip Yeaton).
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Have a very nice weekend.
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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