Friday Updates - February 21, 2025

Friday, February 21, 2025

ANOTHER LOSS FOR DURHAM THIS WEEK

Elisabeth (Lisa) Maurice of Durham NH passed away on February 13 surrounded by her loving family. Lisa was born in Boston on June 30, 1936, a daughter of the late Stephen Vail and Elisabeth (Colson) Huppertz and grew up in Waban, MA. 

Lisa’s purpose in life was to volunteer and give back. She truly was a most generous person. She served in the elected position of Supervisor of the Checklist for Durham from 1980-1998 and again in 2000, and then as the Assistant Moderator for Durham from 2002-2014. She continually served as a volunteer at the polls up until 2024.

To read the full obituary, click HERE.

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS HAS BEEN BUSIER THAN A ONE-HANDED WALLPAPER HANGER

Durham Public Works has been out straight these last several days due to the storm. After more than 36-hours of snow operations, we had to release the majority of the staff for a day so they could go home and rest on Monday.  

A skeleton crew worked on Monday daytime to wing back drifting snow with the high winds across town. Even without new snow falling, there were white out conditions and drifting snow on roadways such as Mast Road and Durham Point Road. The wind caused drifting snow on sidewalks as well in many locations.  

Staff have been working hard on the sidewalks. DPW had all-hands-on deck working to clear out the large snowbanks downtown to make room for parking and for a more complete job plowing the downtown sidewalks. Unfortunately, at a certain point with these large storms, plowing the roadways sprays new snow onto the sidewalks and vice versa – like a game of ping pong. This was a constant problem along Route 108 on Dover and Newmarket Roads with the NHDOT plows.  

Driving around Durham early yesterday AM, one can see that downtown was in a much better position in terms of sidewalks versus Wednesday morning.

Durham is host to UNH and we have a significant presence of college students who impact the socio-economic characteristics of our small town. The Census indicates that Durham has 15,410 residents. That figure includes UNH students who live off-campus in Durham. By comparison, UNH has an enrollment of around 11,387 undergraduates.

Managing the commercial use of off campus student housing is a fundamental and overarching issue in Durham, as it is in college towns such as Plymouth, Keene, Hanover, New London, and Rindge.

The construction of approximately 2,400 new privately-owned off-campus apartment beds in Durham since 2011 has created opportunities for in-commuting students to move into safe, state-of-the-art, professionally managed, and walkable housing from surrounding communities in Strafford and Rockingham Counties (Newmarket, Dover, Portsmouth, Somersworth, Rochester, Lee, Madbury to name a few), freeing up hundreds of regional apartments for traditional workforce housing and producing ample off campus housing for our college student population. 

What’s different about Durham’s rental housing market, which is true of most college towns, is local rents are derived on a per-bed basis. This market factor creates an incentive for landlords and property owners to rent to college students, rather than conventional renters seeking workforce housing, because their gross monthly rent can be twice as high, driving up property prices and rents to the point that most conventional renters and families cannot compete financially against the student housing rental market and its investors.

Family workforce housing units behave fundamentally different from non-family commercial congregate living catering to undergraduate college students, particularly with per bed student rentals with individual leases promoting a transient “boarding house” atmosphere.

Over many years, Durham has thoughtfully adopted a host of regulations to address the impacts of college housing including a noise ordinance, an open container ordinance, a trash ordinance, a disorderly house ordinance, parking ordinances, fire/life safety regulations, and more; but a cornerstone of our ability to manage density and use within non-family commercial college student housing units has been through local zoning.

Durham has been doing its part to address NH’s housing challenges. Two months ago, the community adopted an attainable housing ordinance and now looks forward to the construction of perhaps as many as 200 rental units on a large parcel of land along Route 4. That housing would be appropriately located and managed to attract a much-needed local workforce.

On Monday evening, 2/17/25, after months of review, the Durham Town Council adopted Ordinance #2025-03. You can read this Ordinance HERE. Under this zoning change, 4 or fewer college students are now able to live together in all zoning districts anywhere in town.  Five or more full time college students would constitute a commercial use and would be limited to four identified commercial zoning districts, all walkable to the core UNH campus and serviced by Wildcat Transit bus service,

This local change limits the number of occupants in a dwelling unit based on the State Fire Code.

At a hearing this week concerning HB 457, the bill that would prohibit the adoption and enforcement of any zoning ordinance that restricts the number of occupants of a dwelling unit to fewer than 2 occupants per bedroom, and also prohibits the adoption and enforcement of any zoning ordinance that discriminates based on familial, non-familial, or marital status, including college students, representatives from Durham provided testimony against HB 457 and in favor of an amendment that Rep. Al Howland plans to introduce that would prohibit communities from restricting occupancy beyond that allowed by the state fire code.

Representatives from the Town provided testimony on 2/18/25 before the House Housing Committee, and things did not go well.   

It appeared that the majority of the group was negatively disposed toward singling out college students in any way through zoning in Durham.  

Lamprey River Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

NHDES SENDS STRONGLY WORDED LETTER TO TOWN OF EPPING - Permit Violations Impacting Lamprey River Could Result in $10,000 per Day Penalties

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has expressed serious concerns about the Town of Epping's ongoing failure to address deficiencies at its Wastewater Treatment Facility. The facility, which discharges into the Lamprey River—Durham's primary drinking water source—has committed over 120 permit violations since April 2022. Despite a decade of patience from NHDES and EPA, Epping has not implemented necessary long-term upgrades to ensure compliance with permits, statutes, and rules. The letter warns that continued non-compliance may result in a referral to the New Hampshire Department of Justice for civil penalties, which could reach up to $10,000 per day per violation.

This situation poses a significant threat to the water quality of the Lamprey River, which is crucial for Durham's drinking water supply, the University of New Hampshire, and the river's rich ecosystem.

"FOOD TOGETHER DURHAM" - Agricultural Commission Survey

Durham has strong historical roots in growing food, and the many back- and front-yard gardens that dot our neighborhoods show that growing food locally remains at the core of our community. For many, it is an enjoyable way to connect with the outdoors while harvesting the benefits of fresher, more diverse and nutritious food, and sharing their bounties with family, friends and neighbors.

Growing food can also bring together and strengthen communities. The Durham Agricultural Commission, with partnership and support from undergraduate student researchers at the University of New Hampshire, is interested in learning whether our town residents view opportunities for more neighborhoods to produce food together. Your responses to the short survey will help the Durham Agricultural Commission better understand your perspectives, and help aspiring neighborhoods connect toward Food Together Durham.

To participate in the survey, please click HERE. Please complete the survey no later than March 9, 2025. 

Bluebirds at a feeder on Madbury Road Courtesy, Richard Meyer

REGISTER TO VOTE PRIOR TO THE TOWN ELECTION

Supervisors of the Checklist will be holding a public session at the Town Hall (8 Newmarket Rd) for the purpose of registering new voters and accepting changes to name, address, and/or party on Saturday March 1, 2025, from 2:00 – 3:00 PM.

This will be the last chance to register to vote before the Town/School election on March 11 at Oyster River High School from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You may also register to vote or make changes to your registration at the Town Hall any time the Clerk’s office is open (8:00 – 4:30 M-F) up until that date or at the polls on Election Day.

Applicants for registration must bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Affidavits are no longer accepted. The list of proofs currently accepted is rather complicated. If you are unsure of what is necessary and what will be accepted, please call the Clerk’s office at 603-868-5577 or check the Secretary of State’s website https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote and click on the link Registering to Vote in New Hampshire.

Did You Know?  Recycling Tech

Do you have unused tech lying around the house?  There’s good news for anyone who wants to unload their unwanted electronics while making some money, Here are five places where you can get cash for old electronics without a hassle. 

Decluttr

Decluttr gives a quick and free valuation for any tech item you want to sell. Just enter the type of gadget and its condition on the site. You will then get a quoted price. If you accept the offer, pack up your devices and ship them off for free. Once the items are received and processed, payment is sent via PayPal or direct deposit as long as the device passes inspection. To access Decluttr's website, click HERE.

Gazelle

Gazelle makes selling devices a quick process. Within two minutes, you’ll get an offer for your unwanted device. If you agree to the price, you’ll then ship your item for free to be inspected, and you’ll receive payment shortly after. To access Gazelle's website, click HERE.

Gizmogo

Gizmogo takes tech items in any condition to recycle them. The site accepts everything from Kindles to headphones. To sell an item, search the site for your device. Once you enter the condition, you’ll receive an offer. If you accept the price, ship the device with their prepaid packaging and get paid within one business day. To access Gizmogo's website, click HERE.

SellCell

SellCell comparative shops by checking over 40 companies to get you the best deal. Simply choose the highest offer, mail your device and get paid. To access SellCell's website, click HERE.

Swappa

Swappa is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell everything from tablets to cameras, laptops, Airpods and tech gadgets without worrying about scams. When you sell on Swappa, you are selling to another person, listing a price you think is fair. Swappa is a direct-to-consumer service with a team of moderators who ensure quality, and that users follow strict guidelines. Buyers and sellers each pay a 3% fee after the item sells, with instant payment via PayPal. To access Swappa's website, click HERE.

Source: MSN.com

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: https://recyclesmartma.org/

The Durham Police Department actively engages with the community through education and outreach programs. Here are some recent highlights...

UNH Forensic Sciences Class

Detective Sergeant John Lavoie recently gave a presentation to about 160 undergraduate students in an Introduction to Forensic Sciences class at UNH. This guest lecture, which Sergeant Lavoie has been giving each spring since 2022, focuses on crime scenes and evidence analysis. Students find the class engaging and ask great questions.

Statewide Training on Sexual Assault Cases

Sergeant Lavoie is also participating in a statewide training program on how law enforcement and higher education institutions can work together on sexual assault cases. Sergeant Lavoie has presented at:

• Plymouth State University
• St. Anselm's College in Goffstown
• Upcoming presentation at Keene State College in March

The goal of the program is to improve relationships between law enforcement, university officials, university investigators, and crisis support centers across New Hampshire.

Such activities demonstrate Durham PD’s commitment to supporting and educating the Durham and NH community, as well as improving staff’s ability to handle sensitive investigations effectively.

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT EXCELS IN NATIONAL ACCREDITATION REVIEW

The Durham Police Department has successfully completed its annual compliance review as part of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Advanced Program. This review, conducted remotely from February 14th to 21st, 2025, assessed approximately 25% of the department's standards.

DPD reports that the review went exceptionally well, with the CALEA Compliance Services Member praising our policies and documented proofs.

Looking ahead, a CALEA assessor will visit Durham from March 23rd to 27th, 2025, for an on-site evaluation. This visit will include observations, inspections, and interviews with community members, partners, and police staff.

The resulting report will highlight the DPD’s strengths and suggest improvements, ensuring our police department continues to uphold national best practices in law enforcement.

This rigorous process demonstrates Durham’s commitment to providing residents with the highest quality of professional police service.

Firefighter Ken Lundberg is retiring from the Durham Fire Department effective March 1, 2025.

Ken began his career in the fire service in 2001 and was hired as a full-time Firefighter by the Durham Fire Department on January 20, 2004.

Ken has frequently been a key player in innovative fire department community outreach and public education ranging from developing firefighter story time videos, organizing neighborhood parades through the COVID period, firefighters reading at the Durham Public Library, or supporting numerous Durham Main Street events with the Firefighter’s Association. His passion for public service and grounding in family values has had an impact on the department and in the community.  Ken also served for several years as president of the Durham Professional Firefighters Association.

A retirement reception was held at the fire station on February 19, 2025, to thank Ken for his many years of dedicated service and to wish Ken and his family all the best in the years ahead

Congratulations, Ken!   

The Durham Fire Department would like to encourage residents to adopt a fire hydrant in their neighborhood and keep a clear access path to and around that hydrant. 

DO YOU KNOW A COMMUNITY MEMBER WHO DESERVES RECOGNITION?

The Center on Aging and Community Living (CACL) is seeking nominations for the 2025 UNH Wildcat Inspirational Award.

The Wildcat Inspirational Award recognizes individuals that exemplify what it means to age well. Ideal candidates are those who inspire the people around them through their engagement in healthy, active aging. 

To be considered for the award, nominees must be 60 years of age or older. Additionally, nominees should have a demonstrated history of inspiring those in their community through acts of:

• Community Service
• Education and Learning
• Commitment to Active Aging
• Leadership
• Innovation

Please consider nominating someone today by going to this link HERE. Applications are due Monday, March 3rd. The award will be presented at the 2025 Age of Champions event on Saturday, April 26 at the Hamel Rec Center

FRUIT TREE PRUNING WORKSHOP THIS SATURDAY

There will be a series of fruit tree pruning workshops in the month of February within the watershed community. These workshops will be held in different locations from 1-4pm. During the workshop, we will go over techniques and practices of pruning with Bryan Cassidy who will support participants to actively engage in pruning in the later part of the workshop.

Bryan believes that pruning fruit trees benefits the ecosystem (wildlife and human) through shelter, fruit, and health but maybe more importantly our interdependence of belonging and supporting the abundant gifts that come from a little attention close at hand and foot. Bryan dreams of a posse of pruners, all reimagining and engaging in the magic of fruits and trees still here. 

When: 1-4pm.

• Saturday February 22nd: Tuckaway Farm (blueberries) 36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd, Lee, NH

What to bring: Wardrobe for the weather, water/snacks, and any tools available to you (loppers, pruning saw, pole saw, gloves, safety glasses to prevent falling wood shavings from saw cuts.) 

Cost: Suggested Donation of $10 to Bryan Cassidy by cash or check are welcome. No one will be turned away related to cost, please be welcome as you are.  

Please RSVP to bryancassidy77@gmail.com or with any further questions!

Wiswall Bridge and Lamprey River covered in snow Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

THE ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A FREE DISCUSSION ON “WHY AM I ALWAYS WORRYING?”

Did you know that stress can contribute to heart disease, cancer, lowered immunity, digestive issues/reflux, less productivity, disturbed sleep, and relationship problems? The Active Retirement Association (ARA) invites you to a FREE presentation to learn the difference between stress and anxiety, the origins and types of stress, and techniques on how to be calmer and therefore healthier. Presenter Dean Pratt, MBA, MA, MS, MDiv, is a psychotherapist at the Seacoast Mental Health Center specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and the aging brain. He will discuss at least 30 ways to reduce stress.

This FREE event is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM, at the Durham Community Church, 17 Main Street, Durham, NH, and also via Zoom. Pre-registration is required for ARA non-members at seacoastara@gmail.com. Please be sure to indicate whether you plan to attend in person or via Zoom.

The ARA is an organization for people ages 50 and over, whether retired or not. Originally begun by and affiliated with UNH, it has over 350 members from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond. The ARA is committed to expanding the world of its members by offering lectures, workshops, discussion groups, films, cultural tours, walks/hikes, on-demand member interest groups, and much more. For more information visit https://www.unh.edu/ara/ or to inquire about membership write to arainfo1982@gmail.com

The Active Retirement Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is not affiliated with any political, religious, ethnic, or special interest group.

The Seacoast Big Band will be giving a performance at Oyster River Middle School on March 4, 2025 at 8PM. The band will be featuring the music of Dan Gailey, who is the current Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Kansas. The concert is free and open to the public!

Dan is an award-winning composer, arranger and educator, and he will be directing the band that evening. The Seacoast Big Band has been a part of the artistic community in the Seacoast region for more than 40 years and have been featured with some of the most prominent names in jazz, including: Clark Terry, Frank Wess, Louis Bellson, among many others. The band was previously directed by David Seiler and is currently under the artistic direction of Nathan Jorgensen.

We hope that you can join us for a beautiful evening of swinging and contemporary jazz gems!

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

All Oyster River schools will be closed February 24-28 for February Break. The SAU Office will be closed on February 24.

All Oyster River schools will be closed on March 14 for a Teacher's Workshop Day.

ORCSD Capital Plan Information Available Online

Superintendent Shaps extends his gratitude to everyone who attended the district's February 19 Capital Plan Information Session. Your engagement and thoughtful questions are critical to our work, and we appreciate your continued support. 

For those who were unable to attend, or if you would like to review the materials NOVO Studio Architects shared during the event, please visit our Capital Planning web page HERE. Those who wish to view the presentation can do so on the district's YouTube channel HERE.

Thank you again for your involvement and commitment to Oyster River students and community.

March 5 Oyster River High School Art Show

The Oyster River High School (ORHS) Art Department presents Creating Connections, an exhibition of the 2025 Scholastic Art Award entries (drawings, paintings, sculpture, photography). At the Durham Public Library (49 Madbury Rd, Durham, NH 03824). The public reception is on March 5, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

March 11 ORCSD Faculty Concert

Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Raffles and fundraising proceeds will be donated to Save the Music Foundation.

March 11 - Annual Meeting Session II - Voting Day - Vote in Town of Residence

• Durham: Oyster River High School, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Lee: Lee Safety Complex, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Madbury: Madbury Town Hall, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

March 13 ORMS/HS Chamber Orchestra Concert

Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824) 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

March 20 Humanities Night

At Oyster River Middle School. Additional details will be made available next week.

Mast Way and Moharimet Students Celebrate 100^th Day of School

On February 12, Mast Way and Moharimet schools celebrated the 100th day of the 2024-2025 school year. Special activities took place throughout the day at both locations. Additional details are available HERE.

ORMS Students Create Clocks to Support News Orleans

When Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) 6th grade students returned from school after the winter break in January, Art Teacher Joe Boucher had a special project for them. Shocked by the New Orleans tragedy on New Year’s Day, Mr. Boucher had the idea to work on clay clocks depicting the famous Water Meter Sewage plate. Additional details are available HERE.

ORMS 6^th Grade STEM Golf Project

This winter, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) 6th-grade students put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test by designing and building their own miniature golf courses. Additional details and photos are available HERE.

ORCSD Kindergarten Registration

Parents and guardians who were unable to register their child by the February 7 deadline may complete kindergarten registration forms (available HERE) at the SAU office (36 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. starting Monday, February 10. Please note that, unfortunately, Mast Way and Moharimet schools are unable to accept registration at the school site or via email.

A picnic area in Thompson Forest next to the Lamprey River. Courtesy, Jean McPeak