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According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, "August's full moon was traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon because the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer." Courtesy Francoise Meissner
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Don't Forget that next Thursday, August 13th, is Outdoor Community Movie Night featuring Mary Poppins Returns. 8:00pm
Bring your chair or blanket to the outfield area of the baseball and softball field at Oyster River High School for an outdoor community movie night! Mary Poppins Returns will be projected on a large inflatable movie screen. Bring your own popcorn! Movie will start at dusk between 8-8:15pm.
Social distancing is required for this event. Members of the public attending are strongly encouraged to wear face covering over their nose and mouth to the fullest extent practicable and especially when there is a high likelihood of coming into contact with others and social/physical distancing of at least 6 feet may not be possible. Participation is free.
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A REMINDER: IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO REMOVE OR DEFACE POLITICAL ADVERTISING – Some specifics follow.
Unfortunately, we have received a report that some candidate election signs have been stolen from yards in Durham. Under RSA 664:21, the legislature has established a civil penalty of up to $1000 per violation for removing, defacing, or destroying political advertising on private property. It takes a lot to put ones name forward for elective office. Stealing their election signs is not only not right, it’s against the law.
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REVIEW THE LATEST TOWN COUNCIL GOALS UPDATE - QUARTERLY REPORT AS OF JULY 30, 2020 - For people passionate about Durham, this is a must read (though perhaps not a real page turner)! :-)
Administrator Selig has provided the Town Council with a progress report on quarterly goals as of 17/30/2020. View the updated goals HERE.
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TOWN COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTS FACIAL COVERINGS EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
The Town of Durham has passed a mask ordinance, impacting residents and visitors of Durham, as well as the UNH community, as they prepare for their return to campus for the fall semester.
Emergency Ordinance #2020-11 “requiring the wearing of face coverings under certain conditions within the Town of Durham” was passed unanimously by the Durham Town Council on Monday night and is effective immediately as reported in TNH.
Employees and customers of all businesses and restaurants, patrons in town buildings, and pedestrians in certain zoning areas when unable to social distance are expected to wear a mask.
Read the full article in The New Hampshire HERE.
Read the actual facial coverings ordinance on the Town web site at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/administration/durham-mask-ordinance-map
On Wednesday evening, the Town of Newmarket also adopted a mask ordinance. You can read more in Seacoast Online at https://www.fosters.com/news/20200806/newmarket-town-council-passes-mask-mandate
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COVID-19 ETIQUETTE - 6 Common Conundrums
How do you tell a stranger to be better at social distancing? What do you do when a backyard gathering suddenly has one too many unmasked guests? This NPR episode walks through the new rules of etiquette during COVID-19.
Read in NPR HERE.
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DURHAM POLICE CONDUCTING FIREARMS TRAINING
Durham residents in close proximity to the Durham Public Works facility on Stone Quarry Drive may hear periodic shooting next week specifically on August 10th, 12th 13th and 17th, as the Durham Police conduct their annual qualifications with their firearms. While there are significant portions of the annual training that involves practicums without the discharge of a weapon, there will be periods of active shooting.
Residents may recall that the Durham Police are working with Strafford County officials to construct a county-wide firearms range. Unfortunately that range has not fared very well on the County budget and has been pushed off yet another year. Letters have been sent to abutters, or those who may be in earshot of the actual training, advising that the training is scheduled.
Chief Kelley hopes that much of the noise will be diminished by the leaves on the trees, the buffering of the area by a large berm, warmer weather and the day-time hours. If there are any concerns please feel free to contact the police department at 868-2324 or Chief Kelley at mailto:rkelley@ci.durham.nh.us
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BIKE RACKS DOWNTOWN IN DURHAM
Coming downtown for a meal or some shopping? Prefer to leave your car at home and get some exercise and fresh air? The downtown has a number of bike racks scattered around for convenient and safe bicycle parking.
Thanks to the generosity of Oyster River Cycle & Sports, a new rack is now located in Sammy’s lot for public use. Plenty of space to accommodate your friends and family too! Grab your helmet and see you downtown.
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DID YOU KNOW? - Don't crush those aluminum cans!
It is important not to crush your aluminum cans before recycling them.Crushing cans makes it harder to sort the aluminum out of the recycling stream and causes contamination, which is ultimately worse for the environment.
The Town of Durham can make money from selling aluminum cans. There are separate blue bins at the co-mingle drop off at the Durham Transfer Station strictly for aluminum cans. The last load the town sold was 1900 lbs at $.30/lb. That’s $570! NOTE: Rates do fluctuate monthly. If you put your aluminum cans out in the mixed plastics recycling pickup, they will be recycled but we lose the $$ opportunity to make some money!
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DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET - Each Monday Afternoon in the Sammy's Downtown Lot off Pettee Brook Lane
The Durham Farmers' Market is now open again this season on Monday afternoons through Monday, October 5, 2020 from 2:15- 5:30, closing 1/2 hour earlier than previous years. Vendors will adhere to predetermined sanitation and Covid 19 prevention standards.
Customers are requested to wear masks, maintain 6’ distance from others, and send only one person per household to shop if possible.
The market has several new vendors participating this year and they are pleased to have prepared food, maple products (including ice cream!), garden plants, and assorted vegetables available.
One positive aspect is that folks can walk downtown to access the market and while they are there, shop/eat in other downtown establishments.
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ABSENTEE VOTING IN DURHAM - Available to All in the Fall
We are encouraging all Durham voters to vote absentee for the upcoming fall elections for the safety of our community - our voters, our poll workers, all of us. Thank you to all of our voters who have heeded the call and submitted your absentee ballot request form. If you haven't yet requested your absentee ballot(s), please do so NOW by downloading the absentee ballot request form HERE and returning it as instructed on page #2; or by calling our office at 603-868-5577 to have a form mailed to you.
And if you have already registered to vote by absentee ballot, the absentee ballots are now available.
THERE ARE NO WARDS IN DURHAM. THE OR HIGH SCHOOL IS THE ONLY VOTING LOCATION.
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REGISTERING TO VOTE/REQUESTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS - Frequently Asked Questions
The New Hampshire Primary Election is on September 8, 2020. If you haven’t registered to vote and would like to participate in the Primary Election you can register at the Town Clerk’s Office. We are open 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday- Friday. Additionally we will be open Monday, August 3, 2020 until 6:00pm. The last day to register before the Primary is August 31, 2020.
If you are unable to come in, or are not comfortable coming into the office, contact us for an Absentee Registration Packet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What do I need to bring to register to vote?
A. You will need to bring proof of identity, age, residency and citizenship.
Examples: a driver/non-driver ID for identity and age, a bill, bank statement,
or lease for residency and a birth certificate or passport for citizenship.
Q. What if I don’t have all the proofs necessary?
A. It is always best to bring actual documentation but Affidavit Forms are available for you to sign.
Q. What is my ward number?
A. Durham does not have wards, you may leave this blank or mark it with “X”.
Q. I received a letter with information on absentee voting and registration. It
stated I should check “Physical Disability” as the reason for requesting an
absentee ballot if I had concerns about Covid-19. Is that correct?
A. Initially yes. On the original absentee request forms that would be correct.
The absentee request form was updated after the letters were printed. The
new form added the reason “Due to Covid-19”. That form was included with
the letter.
Q. I already sent in an old form do I need to fill out a new form?
A. No, both forms are acceptable.
Q. Only one absentee request form was included with my letter, where can I
get more for the rest of my family?
A. You may make as many copies of the absentee request form as you need.
Q. Where do I get the absentee request form if I did not receive a letter?
A. They are available at the Town Clerk’s Office or on our website
ci.durham.nh.us under Town Clerk/elections.
Q. Is there a deadline to request an absentee ballot?
A. There is no set deadline to request an absentee ballot; however, you need
to allow enough time for our staff to receive the request, for us to send the
ballot to you and for you to get it back to us to be processed.
Q. When do you have to receive my ballot back?
A. If you are returning your ballot in person, the last time we can receive it is
between 3:00pm-5:00pm on September 7th, the day before the election. If
returned by mail we must receive it by 5:00pm, Election Day, September 8th.
Q. If I was undeclared before requesting my ballot, how do I change back to
undeclared?
A. If you were undeclared, a change of party form will be included with your
ballot. Complete the form and return it with your ballot.
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VOTER REGISTRATION - If you have not yet registered to vote and are eligible to do so in Durham, please consider doing this as soon as possible. We also suggest you vote by absentee ballot.
We don’t know where we will stand with COVID-19 in the fall, but we would like all who are entitled to vote here to be able to do so safely.
Voter registration can be done in person at the town hall (while social distancing and wearing a mask, of course) any time the clerk’s office is open, or absentee. Supervisors of the Checklist will have official voter registration sessions at the Town Hall on
MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2:00 PM
MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 7:00 PM
August 31 will be the last date you will be allowed to register until the September 8 State Primary.
If you register in person you will be asked to show Proof of Identification, Age (18 by the September 8 election), Citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and Domicile within Durham. Affidavits may be signed in the absence of proofs. This may be done through August 31.
To register absentee, please call the town clerk’s office (868-5577) and ask for the absentee registration packet. Once you receive it, read the instructions carefully. Make sure all forms in the packet are completed and signed (some need to be witnessed, but not by a notary) before returning the necessary forms along with required proofs. Instructions are in the packet.
June 2 was the last day to change party in New Hampshire before the State Primary. If you wish to check your standing, you may do so at https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/Partyinfo.aspx. If this does not reflect what you think it should, please call the town clerk’s office. They will direct you to a supervisor. You can also check your absentee ballot status at this website.
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GROUPS VOLUNTEER WITH DPW TO UNDERTAKE COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Two separate parties have contacted the DPW Director’s Office to offer their volunteer services around the community. UNH Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator Megan Brabec will be providing 10-15 volunteers on August 30th to Trim the invasive plants and other saplings from the 108 bridge abutments at Old Landing along with weeding the four native grass beds in the park that line the river.
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Oyster River Cycle & Sport, Jenkins Court. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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OLD PISCATAQUA ROAD WATER MAIN PROJECT UPDATE
Remaining work includes the construction of a new water service for the property owner at 30 Old Piscataqua Road. This is needed because the Town moved the existing water main location (where the property owner’s existing service was) along the Oyster River to the new location up along Old Piscataqua Road, nearly 1,000 ft away and therefore will require that we build a new water service to connect to the new water main. Town Engineer April Talon had previously put this work out to bid publicly, and we plan on processing a contract for approval shortly.
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UNH Nature Groupie interns Owen Hill, Emily Chen, and Grace McCulloch help clear vegetation at the Oyster River Forest trailhead. Courtesy of Ellen Snyder
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THANK YOU UNH STUDENT INTERNS!
For the third summer, Durham is fortunate to have had the assistance of UNH student interns to work with Land Stewardship Coordinator, Ellen Snyder. These paid internships are funded by UNH Cooperative Extension's Nature Groupie and the NH Charitable Foundation. Each year, Extension’s Nature Groupie staff select undergraduate students enrolled in natural resource related fields through a competitive application and interview process for these summer internships in land stewardship and conservation field work. This summer we had three stellar students: Emily Chen, Grace McCulloch, and Owen Hill. You can learn more HERE.
The interns spend 10 weeks with up to six different New Hampshire environmental organizations including land trusts, public agencies, researchers and communities. This year, Emily, Grace, and Owen spent nearly three weeks with Ellen. Their stint with Durham wrapped up yesterday at Longmarsh Preserve. Thanks to Emily, Grace, and Owen for their hard work, enthusiasm, curiosity, laughter, and camaraderie. And thanks to the UNH Extension Nature Groupie program that makes this collaboration possible.
The following stewardship was accomplished on town conservation areas, amounting to 222 hours of work by the interns:
- Cleared a new walking path around the historic foundations at Doe Farm.
- Brushed out existing trails on Doe Farm, Jackson’s Landing, Longmarsh Preserve, and Thompson Forest.
- With the assistance of Conservation Commission member John Nachilly, cleared the entrance to the Merrick trails off Bagdad Road in preparation for building a new pedestrian/bike boardwalk.
- Pulled, cut, and dug out a lot of invasive plants, which is the best way to learn how to identify each plant—you never forget it! Many invasive plants were removed at the Milne Nature Sanctuary, Doe Farm, Thompson Forest, Longmarsh Preserve, Oyster River Forest, and Jackson’s Landing.
- Cleared vegetation from around the Wiggin cellar hole and the trailhead at Oyster River Forest
- Monitored the Merrick Conservation Easement.
- Contributed to the drafting of a Japanese knotweed control plan.
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AFTER SIGNIFICANT REVIEW AND DELIBERATION, OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES REOPENING PLANS FOR SCHOOLS THIS FALL - Elementary on one path, ORMS/ORHS on another.
The Oyster River School Board met August 5 to select a framework for the start of the school year. The board and administration appreciate the 90+ emails and phone calls, as well as over 1700 parent survey responses that provided significant community input into these decisions.
The first day of classes for students is being delayed until September 2, to allow teachers and staff additional time to plan for the start of the year.
Mast Way and Moharimet will start the year with students attending for half days, four days per week. A fully-remote option will also be offered for elementary students.
Middle and High School students will begin the school year with remote classes, though the school buildings will be open and students with specific needs may have some school work in the buildings. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may include students who are new to their school buildings, or for whom additional in-person contact is needed for academic or social-emotional learning.
The school district will ask each family to re-enroll for the fall to ensure accurate numbers of students for classes and bus transportation. Parents should watch for more information the week of August 10.
The school board and administration will monitor and re-evaluate the selected model as the school year gets started, with the possibility of changes 6-9 weeks into the school year (or sooner if circumstances change abruptly).
The NHIAA has delayed the start of any fall sports practices until after Labor Day, and the school board will consider fall athletics options at its next meeting on August 19.
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Town and Campus, downtown Main Street. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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OYSTER RIVER DAM AT MILL POND FEASIBILITY STUDY
Town staff and VHB were scheduled to meet with the HDC on August 6th to discuss potential mitigation measures for the various alternatives under consideration for the dam in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
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WASTEWATER PLANT MAINTENANCE
The Wastewater Division team members have been extremely busy addressing maintenance work on treatment tanks and associated process equipment along with painting to be ready for the return of UNH student and faculty populations.
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SCENIC ROAD TREE REMOVAL ON DURHAM POINT ROAD
Public Works Director, serving in the capacity of the Tree Warden, and Assistant Director of Public Works, Operations, visited two sites on Durham Point Road to assess the potential removal of 3 White Pines and 2 Oak Trees. After performing a ISA Basic Tree Risk assessment, 4 of the 5 trees were determined to be High Risk Hazard trees with the remaining White Pine assessed as Moderate Risk Hazard. A removal application has been submitted to the Planning Board for a hearing on August 12th.
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LONGMARSH ROAD PARKING AREA
Adjacent neighbor Scot Calitri has indicated his continued interest in potentially allowing for a trailhead parking lot on his property under a license agreement or easement to address conservation area parking conflictions along his frontage due to the increasing interest and cars visiting this trail system. A concept parking lot plan has been designed which includes a 54’ x 36’ rectangle for head-in parking accommodating up to 8 cars (4 per side) with 9’x 18’ stalls and an 18’ aisle width. The lot configuration has been staked out in the field which will allow Mr. Calitri to visualize the impact of the lot.
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A couple enjoying a break from their bike ride at the Bagel Works. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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DURHAM’S FINANCES LOOK STABLE DESPITE THE PANDEMIC
The Town’s expenditures as of June 30, 2020 show a total expenditure of $8,644,051 or 51.4% of the total approved budget amount of $16,814,060. To compare, the amount expended as of March 31, 2019 was 54.1%.
To date we have expended $313,576.74 relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, of which we estimate all but approximately $82,000 is reimbursable from several CARES ACT grants. The Business Office will continue to monitor our expenses and submit for reimbursement as required.
EXPENSES:
We continue to anticipate savings in our police and fire departments due to staff vacancies. The Recreation Department is anticipating a reduction in spending due to the cancellation of programs, however, this will also result in a reduction of revenue. Our legal fees are running slighting under budget. We have not yet advertised for the GIS position which was approved in the 2020 budget effective July 1st but anticipate starting this process in the coming months.
REVENUE:
Property taxes were 88% collected as of June 30th. Although we normally see a collection rate of 90-92% at this time it is noted that with the deferral of interest for a month some people may have decided to delay their payment. By the end of July, we were exactly on track with past collection trends.
We saw a loss of approximately $75,000 of anticipated revenues from the parking meters for the first six months of the year due to the shutdown of the meters from mid-March through May 31st. This loss of revenue will impact the amount of revenue we will be able to transfer into the General Fund budget at the end of the year. The Recreation Department is also anticipating a loss in revenue due to program cancellations of approximately 30% or $35,000. According to the Police Department the court fines are currently less than expected due to a backlog of approximately 100 cases at the court level. In addition, arrests have virtually stopped at both the Durham Police and UNH Police Departments due to COVID. The Building Department did see an increase in building permit fees due to the construction of the new Middle School. In OTHER FUNDS the only area to be noted is the decrease in revenue in the Parking Fund as noted above.
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PETTEE BROOK FOOT BRIDGE EVALUATION – The little wooden bridge from the parking lot to Durham Dental
HEB Engineers has been provided a base plan which includes spot elevations, property boundaries, resource area delineations, and contours to develop a scope, fee proposal and bridge cost estimate for providing a basic design for a wood PT LVL constructed pedestrian foot bridge to replace the existing bridge. Dr. Andrew Rutter, the abutting property owner, has been updated on status and will be contacted to discuss options once the proposal is received which is expected next week.
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An example of the orthophotography base layer for Durham. Can you identify this section of town? Courtesy Jim Rice
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DURHAM TAX MAP ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY/PLANIMETRIC BASE MAP PROJECT UPDATE – Your Assistance May be Required!
CAI Technologies of Littleton, New Hampshire has completed the Base Map and Preliminary Record Research phases of the tax map project. The Base Map phase of the project consisted of an aerial “flyover” of Durham which provided orthophotography for the development of a planimetric base map. The Preliminary Record Research phase of the project included initial deed review and gathering available survey plans from the Strafford County Registry of Deeds and from the Town’s archives. All plans gathered during this phase have been inventoried, scanned and indexed.
CAI staff are now moving into the Digital Compilation Phase of the project. This phase includes compiling the information gathered during the Preliminary Research phase onto the planimetric base map. During this phase, CAI may have questions regarding specific property boundary lines. If your property was one of those, you may be able to help.
Over the next several months, CAI Technologies will be mailing letters to those property owners asking for information such as a survey, sketch or written physical description of the physical evidence indicating your property lines. Your assistance and cooperation will assure the Town of the most accurate and meaningful maps possible. Also, it is to your advantage that your property is correctly delineated on the revised tax maps.
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BE BEAR RESPONSIBLE FROM NOW THROUGH THE FALL
New Hampshire Fish and Game explains why bears have been more active near humans this especially dry summer as well as tips to minimize interactions. The Department notes: "Adverse bear-human interactions increased in the Granite State during the first half of the summer, and it is predicted that these encounters will continue into autumn. The escalation of conflicts between bears and the public this summer has been caused by a variety of factors such as weather and human behavior."
See the full article at https://nhfishgame.com/2020/07/31/be-bear-responsible-from-now-through-the-fall/
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DOWNTOWN PARKING KIOSKS REQUIRE UPGRADES IN COMING YEAR
DPW staff has met with Durham PD and parking enforcement officer Sandra Hebert to discuss modem upgrades on 27 parking meters. Durham PD has requested assistance from DPW in the installation of equipment needed to install the new modems. The upgrades will require the removal of the solar panels, main computer boards and replacement of existing antenna. Each kiosk is estimated to require an hour plus to upgrade. DPW will be meeting the representatives from the meter vendor to better understand the scope of work to determine whether DPW can provide assistance with this project. The upgrades are scheduled to take place during the fiscal year 2021 timeframe.
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INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT AT MILL PLAZA? - Join an interactive Zoom call with the developer on August 8th
Please join Colonial Durham and the planners, urban designers, and architects from Harriman to learn about the architecture of the proposed buildings. Colonial Durham’s design team would like to know your preferences for colors, materials, and details, including preferred window styles, the interior community arcade, and other architectural elements. They also want to hear the public’s thoughts on the experience of using the redeveloped plaza as the team discusses improved pedestrian access to Colonial Durham’s existing and future tenants.
Join Colonial Durham and their design team on Saturday, August 8 from 10am-12pm by pre-registering HERE.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This session has been initiated and is being organized by Colonial Durham.
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ROADSIDE MOWING IN DURHAM CONTINUES
Highway and Grounds Division crews continue to do a great job performing roadside clearing operations. Areas of concentration this week have been Bennett road and sections of Packers falls. Next week crews will be mobilizing to Durham Point Road focusing on the section of roadway from Sunnyside to Longmarsh Road. Roadside mowing will continue thru August with neighborhood and side roads being highlighted.
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT GRIT/HEADWORK SYSTEM PROJECT UPDATE
This Project reached substantial completion as of June 12, 2020. This upgrade project will give the Wastewater Division operators much more flexibility and better preliminary treatment of the raw sewage that enters the plant by removing undesirable material in the wastewater stream.
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EMERALD ASH BORER RESEARCH CONTINUES AT DOE FARM
Todd Johnson, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at UNH, is spearheading a research project at Durham’s Doe Farm. You can read Todd’s first progress report about the emerald ash borer study in the June Friday Update, HERE. Todd and his team are investigating the role of tree size and age on the suitability of green ash to the emerald ash borer and two species of parasitic wasps released to slow down the growth of populations of the pest.
The first experimental treatment – placing eggs of emerald ash borer on some ash trees -- was completed in June. Allowing emerald ash borer to colonize some trees facilitates an understanding of how attack by an herbivore that feeds within the phloem of ash may change the composition of defensive chemicals that influence the success of immature emerald ash borer. The researchers have now applied the second treatment to ash trees in the study, the plant hormone methyl jasmonate. You can learn more about this phase of the project and what comes next by reading Todd’s full update HERE.
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2020 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM THIS SUMMER PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE!
The Road Program is fully underway with the completion of top coarse paving on Surrey, Carriage, Maple and Meadow. Roads which remain and are scheduled to be completed are a section of Bagdad, Strout and Cedar Point. DPW anticipates completing those roads in the next few weeks. In an effort to save substantial funding nearing $100,000, DPW is evaluating the removal of the Old Piscataqua Road paving scope from the Sargent Construction Force Main contract which was bid at a cost of $200 per ton in favor of modifying Continental Paving’s existing contract which includes a cost of $74.50 for comparable work. We are currently in discussions with the contractor to formalize this change.
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SEA LEVEL RISE GROUNDWATER MODELING STUDY BEING UNDERTAKEN BY DURHAM, SRPC, UNH RESEARCHERS
The Town of Durham is now conducting a study on the potential impacts of sea level rise on groundwater. This will include looking at high groundwater tables and water quality issues. If your property is affected or if you know of areas in town where the following problems exist, please let us know:
High groundwater tables. including basement flooding, areas where pavement damage occurs frequently, problems with septic systems, stormwater backup, and other related issues.
Measurable salinity (or salty-tasting water) in water from domestic drinking water wells.
Other water quality issues, either in drinking water wells or surface water.
The project will not address the specific problems at your property but rather will provide global information for the town which in the long run could hopefully mitigate these types of issues in the community. Please email Michael Behrendt, Durham Town Planner, with any information including your name, the issue, and where the property is located at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us. Thank you for your help with this important study.
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DOVER ROAD WASTEWATER FORCE MAIN PROJECT HAS REACHED SUBSTANTIAL CONSTRUCTION
Project work on the new sewer force main pipe is at substantial completion as of July 23, 2020. A site walk was scheduled for Tuesday August 4th to generate a punch list for items that the contractor must still complete. An inspection port was cut into the existing sewer force main for a robotic camera evaluation. Even though the existing sewer force main is fifty-five years old, the integrity of the pipe was in very good condition. The new sewer force main will remain online and the old line will be used as an emergency back-up, but also can be used for potential future needs.
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TOWN OF DURHAM-NATURE CONSERVANCY PARTNERSHIP ON OYSTER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM - at Town Landing
DPW this spring installed the new educational Oyster panel at the Town Landing and it looks awesome! The Nature Conservancy has created a lovely video to highlight the interactive panel, community oyster garden, and the partnership between the two groups. The link below is to the video on TNC’s Facebook page
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Wildcat Pizza downtown Main Street. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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SWAP SHOP REMAINS CLOSED FOR NOW DUE TO PANDEMIC
The Swap Shop is clearly missed: it's recycling power, the money savings, and of course the opportunity it affords to visit with neighbors. However the opening must continue to be delayed as the Transfer Station currently has a 15 car maximum to aid in maintaining social distancing. That just isn’t enough to allow for dump runs and Swap Shop parking. When that maximum increases, and there are enough willing volunteers to open, the Swap Shop will be back in business! When the Swap Shop reopens it will be with new shelving thanks to the work of volunteers from the Durham Great Bay Rotary and funding for the supplies from the town of Durham.
In the mean time, you can donate and pickup castoff but usable items at local thrift store like Savers, Goodwill, The ReStore, and Wonderland Thrift Shop or if you have a Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ORPassitOn or https://www.facebook.com/groups/OysterRiverOnlineYardsale
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DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION - August is NH Eats Local Month
August is NH Eats Local Month and the Durham Agricultural Commission is partnering with over 70 organizations across the state to promote and support the strong local food system we all need to keep our communities vibrant, our economy growing, and our working, rural landscapes healthy. Please visit https://nheatslocal.com/ to learn how you can support eating locally.
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DURHAM FARM DAY 2020 WILL BE A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION OF FARMS AND GARDENS - AUGUST 15, 2020
August 15th was to be the 8th Annual Durham Farm Day but the Agricultural Commission has decided it is not safe for us to hold the event this year. Instead, we invite you to share your photos, sketches, and paintings of gardens and farms across town with the hope we can celebrate our working landscape together, visually and virtually. Please email your images to mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net
It is wonderful to see so many new gardens across town. The Agricultural Commission maintains an informal inventory of farms and gardens in Durham. If you would like to be added to the list, please email Agricultural Commission member Dan Winans, mailto:dan.winans@unh.edu
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Mei Wei Asian restaurant, Mill Plaza. 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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DPL’s CURRENT LIBRARY SERVICES
The Library is open for 20-minute visits to the Library for quick browsing and checkouts and the use of computers, printer, and copy machine. Notary services are available by appointment only. Meeting rooms and the Cafe will remain closed until further notice.
During this phase of reopening we are limiting the number of patrons in the building to no more than 50% of our normal comfortable browsing capacity on the main floor. We also request that anyone using the Library do so wearing a cloth mask or face covering. Masks will be available to patrons who request them. Currently, we ask that patrons not gather or congregate in the Library. Our contactless “Library to-go” services continue. Please check the website at www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information including exclusive hours for high-risk patrons.
There are many great resources to be discovered on the DPL website this summer! Stream movies and music, check out ebooks and audiobooks, take professional development and language courses, get live device help each week, attend guided meditation, research with EBSCO and explore Novelist, Consumer Reports, Explora, and more! Questions? Contact us at 603-868-6699. We are happy to help!
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Thank you for Participating in Summer Reading at DPL!
Congratulations to Matthew Segalla, winner of the Week 5 Adult Summer Reading Challenge! Through August, continue to vote for our final Poetry Contest winner on our website at durhampubliclibrary.org! The winner will be announced on September 1st! Also, keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page for fall virtual programming and registration information!
Congratulations Summer Readers!
We read over 100,000 minutes together on ReadSquared! Great job! A big thank-you to a state-wide READsquared subscription for New Hampshire public libraries, which is funded by the FY20 IMLS CARES Act grant, through the New Hampshire State Library. Thanks also to Wildcat Pizza, Big Bean, Hop + Grind and Durham Dunkin Donuts for their Summer Reading Prizes. Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support.
Throughout August you can pick up your prize books at the library (one per child and pick what you touch please). Raffle winners need to come to the Youth Services Desk or request lobby pick-up to obtain their prize.
Youth Services August Fun and Fall Calendars Coming Soon!
Download our August Literacy Calendar on our website and READsquared. Download "Flat Gnome" on our website and READsquared to color and decorate and take on your travels in August. Fall virtual programs will include storytime, baby lap-sit, YA compassion program, STEAM craft to go, book groups and more. Patch Club will start again on 9/1/20 and run through 5/31/20. This will be online on READsquared starting on 9/1/20. All youth programs will start after Labor Day.
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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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1624 - Lumbering tall trees along the waterways was a profitable occupation for England needed timber for construction of its navy. Later ship building was done along the shores and log rafts conveyed timber down stream for masting enterprises in the coastal fitting yards.
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If you know of others who might find Durham's weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. It's possible to sign up for them HERE.
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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