Friday Updates - January 10, 2025

Friday, January 10, 2025

Former Georgia governor Jimmy Carter, who chose the rear seat of a regular car over a staff limousine, talks to reporters on his first trip to Concord on Feb. 14, 1975, while campaigning in the first-in-the-nation primary. Courtesy Concord Monitor

POSITIONS OPEN FOR MARCH 11, 2025, TOWN ELECTION - Filing period begins Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

The 2025 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Oyster River High School, Multipurpose Room, Coe Drive, Durham, N.H. The polling hours are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Candidates interested in running for Town office should file their declaration at the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office starting on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 8:00 am, through Friday, January 31, 2025, until 5:00 pm. 

The following positions are available:

• Three positions for Town Councilors (3-year term)
• Three positions for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (3-year term)
• One position for Trustee of the Trust Funds (3-year term)

Did you know that there are 61 known cellar holes in Durham? Northern New England is full of reminders of past lives: burial grounds, stone walls, old foundations, and more.

Please join the Durham Historic Association in the Durham Town Council Chambers on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 2pm, for A Walk Back In Time: The Secrets of Cellar Holes, presented by Adair Mulligan and co-sponsored by NH Humanities.

Mulligan, Executive Director of the Hanover Conservancy and former Conservation Director of the Connecticut River Joint Commissions, will speak on the topic of Cellar Holes and the rich histories to be discovered in their remains. Light refreshments will be served. Inclement weather date: Sunday, January 12.

NEW RAYMOND A. LAROCHE SR. TRANSFER STATION PERMIT STICKERS AVAILABLE

2025 Transfer Station Permit stickers are available at Durham Public Works or the Town Clerk/ Tax Collector’s Office at Town Hall. This permit sticker is required for entry and is available free of charge for Durham residents.

The permit stickers also allow an extra hour of free parking downtown in the Bobcat Corner lot and along Main Street in front of the shops between Pettee Brook Lane and Madbury Rd.

Gary P. Sonnenschein of Madbury, NH died on October 29, 2024. Gary was born on September 4, 1950 in Keene, NH to Fritz and Kitty Sonnenschein. From his earliest day, Gary was a fan of anything on wheels, a fascination that presaged his career and many hobbies. He was the owner and operator of Foreign Motors of Durham for over 40 years.

When he wasn't repairing other people's cars, he was often hunting down and restoring rare vintage micro-cars.

To read the full obituary click HERE.

FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR LONGTIME UNH POLICE CHIEF PAUL DEAN SCHEDULED FOR JAN. 17

There will be a ceremony saying goodbye to UNH Police Chief Paul Dean on Friday, January 17th at 1:00 PM to 3PM at the Victory Club inside of the Wildcat Stadium here at UNH (155 Main Street – Durham, NH). 

Chief Dean, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, is retiring from the UNH Police Department. Dean is the Immediate Past President of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), and currently the 2nd Vice President for the NH Association of Chief’s of Police. He leaves a legacy of commitment to public safety and law enforcement both within the University System of New Hampshire, as well as the state. 

Chief Dean has been chosen to serve on Governor Kelly Ayottes’ executive staff. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON SITE PLANS AND ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS

There are numerous public hearings coming up related to site plan applications and proposed zoning amendments.

Planning Board - Public Hearings on January 22

1) an application from Torrington Properties for façade enhancements of Mill Plaza on the rear building, site improvements around the rear building, a drive through for a bank on the rear building and other site improvements. For more information, click HERE.

2) a preliminary proposal to relocate the Dunkin Donuts from the Irving Gas Station site on Dover Road/Route 108 to the unused lot with the vacant building to the right of Holiday Inn Express. For more information, click HERE. 

Ken Weston, UNH Campus Architect is also scheduled to speak to the board that evening about the large Edge project to be located off Mast Road.

Town Council - Public Hearings on February 17

1) a significant rewrite of the Definitions article in the Zoning Ordinance. For more information, click HERE.

2) minor changes in the purview of the Historic District Commission. For more information, click HERE.  

The Planning Board has forwarded a proposed amendment to the Town Council regarding Student Rentals, the Three-Unrelated Rule, and Habitable Floor Area. It is tentatively scheduled for first reading on February 3 with a possible public hearing on February 17. For more information, click HERE.

HIGHLIGHTING OUR VOLUNTEERS

For the next few weeks in the Friday Updates, we will be profiling some of the dedicated volunteers who serve on Town Boards, Committees and Commissions. The goal is to honor those who work diligently to better this Town, as well as to encourage others to consider volunteering. Our first profile is of Tracy Schroeder, member of the Parks & Recreation Committee.

How long have you lived in Durham? I have lived in Durham for 38 years.

How long have you been on the Parks & Rec Committee? I have been on the Parks and Rec committee for 4 years.

Why were you interested in joining the Parks & Rec Committee? I am retired and wanted to give back in some capacity. My husband, Kenny Rotner was a big supporter of Rachel [Gasowski] and Parks and Rec., as am I. I think Rachel has done amazing things to grow the program. Parks and Rec is an important community builder, and I want to support it in whatever way I can.

What would you say to those thinking about joining the Parks & Rec Committee? For those who are thinking about joining, I can only say what’s not to like? --helping with fun activities such as Downtown trick or treat, Durham Day, and Frost Fest and working with our two great Parks and Rec administrators Rachel and Kelly.

The Parks & Rec Committee currently has two vacancies for alternate positions. Click below to learn more.

2025 Dog licenses are now available in the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office. Durham offers dog licensing online HERE. All dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination to obtain a license, which may be uploaded online or emailed to rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us. Residents may also come into the Town Hall to get a dog license during the clerk’s hours on Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

The Town of Durham is excited to announce the return of the Top Dog raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30. Residents automatically register for the Top Dog raffle when they obtain a dog license before April 30. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket donated by the town clerk and their dog’s biography will be featured in the Durham Friday Updates. Your dog could be the next Top Dog! 

RULES & REGULATIONS

• Contestants will automatically be entered into the raffle when they register their dog(s) before April 30 (only open to Durham residents).
• Residents who DO NOT want to be included in the raffle may opt out by writing, calling, or emailing the clerk’s office.
• Contestants must be 18 or older and be the owner of the dog on file with the clerk’s office. Town of Durham employees and elected officials are not eligible.
• The contestant must have a 2025 Town of Durham dog license by April 30. A current rabies vaccination will be required to obtain the license.
• The raffle winner may submit a digital photo and brief biography of their dog. Photos of the 2025 raffle winner’s dog will be included in the Durham Friday Update.
• The winner will be drawn at random by clerk’s office in May 2025.

Did You Know?  Disposal of Christmas Trees

If you still have your Christmas tree and you are looking for a more sustainable way to dispose of it, Hickory Nut Farm in Lee, NH is accepting all Christmas trees for their goats. The animals love to eat the trees! 

The Hickory Nut Farm is located at:

22 York Lane

Lee, NH 03861. 

You are welcome to bring your tree by anytime. Please be sure that all ornaments, tinsel, etc. have been removed from the tree. No chemically sprayed trees please. As you drive in to the farm, you will see a pile of Christmas trees you can add your tree to.

BENEFITS 

By providing a food source for the goats, the farm can cut back on having to purchase expensive hay during the winter months.

PLUS 

You will be keeping your tree from ending up in the landfill or being put in a burn pile. Hickory Nut Farm will take as many Christmas trees as they can get! 

To learn more about this small, family owned and operated farm, please check out this link: https://hickorynutfarm.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/

This hawk was spotted in the trees at the entrance to Schoolhouse Lane bracing himself against the cold winds. Courtesy, Craig Stevens, DCAT Coordinator

JOB OPENINGS FOR THE TOWN OF DURHAM

Part-Time Assistant Town Clerk-Tax Collector

The Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office is accepting applications for a Part-Time Assistant Town Clerk/Tax Collector position. This individual will assist the Town Clerk-Tax Collector in various duties including, property tax and water/sewer payment collection and bill preparation. Some of the other duties will include motor vehicle registrations, vital records, dog licenses, elections, and maintaining town records. Please click HERE for more information.

Three Police Officer Candidates

The Durham, New Hampshire Police Department is seeking three Police Officer candidates. The applicants selected will provide law enforcement and community-oriented services to this diverse Seacoast/University community. The Durham Police Department is a Meritorious CALEA Accredited agency. Patrol Officers work a 4 day on 3 day off schedule. Please click HERE for more information. 

Public Works Project Engineer

This position includes performing civil and environmental engineering activities associated with the investigation, design, maintenance, and construction of public works projects. The position requires a Bachelor of Science degree with major course work in civil engineering from a recognized college or university with a minimum of two years of responsible experience in the field of civil engineering, including design and inspection. The successful candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office computer software applications, stormwater modeling software, and geographic information system software. Must also have competency in using engineering/survey instrumentation. Please click HERE for more information.

Maintenance Worker IV – Highway Division

The successful candidate will undertake rewarding and challenging work, at times using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance and construction of roads, sidewalks, right of ways, open spaces, Town properties, and drainage conveyance systems to ensure the safety and functionality of the Town’s infrastructure and multi-modal transportation network. The position performs laboring tasks when not assigned to equipment operation and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, Assistant Public Works Director, and Public Works Director in this versatile and exciting role. Please click HERE for more information.

OYSTER RIVER PROJECT GRADUATION RAFFLING CELTICS TICKETS

Oyster River Project Graduation is a planning a fun, substance-free, overnight graduation party for the class of 2025! To do so, we need to raise approximately $35,000. Therefore, we are raffling off tickets for the January 29th, Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls game at TD Garden. For more information, and to purchase tickets, please click HERE. The raffle drawing will be held on January 19. Thank you!

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Planned January 2025 School Closures:

January 20: All Oyster River schools and the SAU office will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day.

January 27: All Oyster River schools will be closed for a teacher workshop day (grades 5-8 parent teacher conferences).

2025-2026 ORCSD School Calendar is Now Available

The 2025-2026 ORCSD school calendar has been made available on the District's website HERE.

January 14 Oyster River High School Early Future Planning with Granite Edvance

For ORHS students and their families. January 14, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Oyster River High School Auditorium (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH, 03824). Snow date: January 16.

January 17-19 Oyster River Middle School Wizard of Oz Musical

Four performances at the Oyster River High School Auditorium (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH, 03824). 

January 17, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

January 18, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

January 18, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

January 19, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

January 23 Oyster River Middle School 5th Grade Concert

January 23, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at the Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

ORCSD School Board Meeting Schedule

The 2024-2025 ORCSD School Board meeting schedule can be found on the district's school board Meeting Schedule page HERE.

ORCSD School Board Openings and Warrant Deadline

OPENINGS: Individuals wishing to file for a school district opening must do so between Wednesday, 1/22/25, and up until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 1/31/25: one moderator position (1-year term) and two At-Large School Board members for the ensuing three years. There is no filing fee to register for placement on the ballot. Contact School District Clerk Susan Caswell at 603-550-2592 to set up a time to file, or Wendy DiFruscio at the SAU 603-389-3286 to make an appointment.

WARRANT DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting petitioned warrant articles for Session I of the Oyster River School District Annual Meeting is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. All petitioned articles must be submitted in writing, signed by 25 or more registered voters from Durham, Lee, or Madbury and given to a school board member or delivered to the school district office (SAU #5, 36 Coe Drive, Durham). For additional information contact Wendy DiFruscio at the school district office at wdifruscio@orcsd.org, or 603-389-3286.

Notice of Public Budget Hearing

The ORCSD School Board will hold a public budget hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 school budget January 15, 2025, 7:00 p.m., in the Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

Cat Trax is a collaborative bike share program with a mission to make sustainable transportation more accessible on campus and in Durham. With a fleet of 30 maintained bikes, and an app-based rental program, it's accessible to campus and Durham community members. UNH and Durham community members ride free! 

“Active transportation” options like biking and walking promote public health, protect air quality, and help reduce the carbon pollution that leads to climate change. Bikes are also a fun way to build community connection.

In spite of being cut from the Transportation Services budget in January 2024, the Cat Trax bikeshare program has been sustained thanks to partnership and support from the Town of Durham and the Student Activities Fee Committee (SAFC) and program administration by the Sustainability Institute.  Cat Trax garnered 530 members, 3,942 rides, and 3,925 miles ridden in AY23-24 (representing >50% increases over annualized data from last year’s pilot start). 

The program continues to grow in use and popularity, with a dedicated group of high-frequency users, as well as more casual ones. It has been featured in campus admissions tours to demonstrate the UNH’s sustainability leadership position. Sustainability Interns who lead the program have organized community bike rides, repair clinics, and an info session at the Durham Public Library to promote wider community as well as campus use.

The UNH Sustainability Institute team continue to explore ways to strengthen and expand the program and build stronger community awareness. For more information, click HERE.

ENROLLMENT FOR UNH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMING OPEN ON JANUARY 15

The University of New Hampshire is offering its usual robust summer youth programming in 2025 for kids in Durham and beyond! Whether you’re looking for day or overnight programs, academic enrichment or athletic camps, UNH's Summer Youth Programs provide an endless array of opportunities for students from kindergarten through high school.

Enrollment opens on Wednesday, January 15 for these programs:

• Summer 1-1 Literacy Support
• Camp Pageturner
• Field Hockey
• Football
• KEEPERS
• Strength & Conditioning (NEW!)
• Boys Soccer
• Girls Soccer
• Volleyball
• Writers Academy

Visit https://www.unh.edu/youthprograms/ for more information and to register.

Don’t see the program you’re interested in? Even more youth programs will open on Wednesday, February 12.