Friday Updates - July 28, 2023

Friday, July 21, 2023

A photo of an American Bald Eagle resting in a pine tree above the Swampscott River taken by Durham resident Bernie Casey

Every year the Town seeks to have a photo of a scene from Durham on the cover of the Town Report. If you have a photo that you would like to submit for consideration for the cover of the 2023 Town Report, please email it to Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards at kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us. Nature scenes, Durham buildings, or activities from Durham events are all acceptable. Photos with high resolution are the best.

THE LAND STEWARDSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR HELP! - Fill out a questionnaire on Wiswall Dam and John Hatch Park

Have you visited Wiswall Dam and John Hatch Park (outlined in purple on map above)? If so, please help the Land Stewardship Subcommittee learn more about your experience by completing a short questionnaire. You will find the link to the questionnaire at the website HERE.

Thank you! The Land Stewardship Subcommittee

DID YOU KNOW? - PLASTIC FREE JULY

Each week for the month of July, we are offering simple actions you can take to reduce plastic waste.

Plastic packaging is the single largest source of plastic waste and it’s also one that we can do without. 

Send a message to your local chain supermarket that you want them to decrease packaging and increase bulk and refillables. 

• Purchase loose produce whenever possible. Consider buying produce from our local farmers market (Mondays from 2:30-6:00 pm in downtown Durham).
• Replace single-use plastic produce bags with reusable ones on sale at Hannaford, We Fill Good, etc.

Even though Plastic Free July awareness month is coming to an end, the simple sustainable changes you make in your everyday life have the potential to make an important difference in our community. In fact, being conscious of the choices you make is an important start to sustainable change.

Source: York EcoHomes Action

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check out this site to find out: www.recyclesmartma.org

Want to know more about the Swap Shop?  Find out HERE.

Mark your calendar - August 19th is Farm Day, rain or shine! The Durham and Lee Agricultural Commissions invite you to the 10th Annual Farm Day, featuring farms across Durham and Lee. Free and family friendly activities, information on backyard food production, behind the scenes farm tours, and much more. Download a full list of the events by clicking HERE. 

The Durham Historic Association Museum doors are open to the public this summer every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Explore Durham's 400-year history in eight chronological periods, from the 17th century to the present, in air-conditioned comfort. Come see the latest exhibits and improvements to this historic space. The museum is located above Parks & Recreation on the second floor of the old brick Town Hall/District Court building on the corner of Rt. 108 at the traffic lights.

This past Monday the Conservation Commission noted the Town’s acquisition of the Pike Property, reviewed the Town Council goals for 2023-2024, and discussed the suggestion of installing public-use binoculars at Horsehide Brook. Horsehide Brook, located just west of the Town’s transfer station, is a beautiful wetland with significant open water that attract birds and wildlife. Durham Point Road narrowing at the crossing could make it challenging to find an appropriate place for a viewing area. 

The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Nick Lanzer, a professional forester and member of the commission, about forest health. You can watch Nick's presentation by clicking HERE, starting just before 38 minutes into the meeting.

PLANNING BOARD MEETING UPDATE - 121 Technology Drive and Density Bonus Law Discussed

On Wednesday the Planning Board discussed a new site plan application from R. J. Kelly for various changes at 121 Technology Drive. R. J. Kelly is doing extensive renovations on the interior of the building to accommodate two major new tenants – Raytheon and Airtho. The site improvements - affecting landscaping, lighting, utilities, parking, loading docks, and pedestrian ways - are being made as part of the general enhancement of the property. A public hearing on the proposal will be held on Wednesday, August 9. All documentation on the proposal can be found HERE. 

The Planning Board also discussed a new state law that requires all cities and towns that give a density bonus for senior housing (for those over 55 years old), to grant the same density bonus to workforce housing. Workforce housing in New Hampshire is defined as housing for sale, which is housing that would be affordable to a household with an income of 100 percent of the Seacoast area median income, (i.e., with a purchase price at or under $407,000, whether for a single family house or a condominium) In addition, housing for rent is defined as housing that would be affordable to a household with an income of 60 percent of the Seacoast area median income, (i.e., with a rent at or under $1,840 per month). The Town of Durham zoning ordinance permits senior housing at twice the density allowed for residences that are not set aside for seniors.

On Wednesday of this week, members of the Durham Police Department gathered to say goodbye to Sergeant Greg Ruby, who has accepted a law enforcement position out west. Greg has been a member of the Durham Police Department for twelve years, starting as a patrol officer before moving to the detective division. Greg was later promoted to Sergeant and spent the remainder of his time with the Durham Police Department as a patrol supervisor. During his tenure, Greg was the senior firearms instructor and team leader for the Strafford County regional SWAT team. We all wish Greg the best of luck as he transitions to his new department!

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING - DEPUTY CHIEF OF OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

The Durham Fire Department is accepting applications to fill an open vacancy for the position of Deputy Chief of Operations and Training.

The Deputy Chief of Operations and Training is third-in-command of the fire department and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the department to ensure a constant state of readiness. The Deputy Chief is required to respond to emergency calls as necessary to effectively command and control the operational goals of the department. The primary function of the Deputy Chief position is to perform administrative, operational, technical, and supervisory work functions related to fire suppression, EMS, staffing levels, and training. The Deputy Chief may also assist with inspections and community risk reduction efforts, as needed.  

The complete position description and requirements, along with the Town of Durham employment application may be found on the Town’s website by clicking HERE.

The application deadline is Friday, August 11, 2023, at 5:00 pm. Position to remain open until filled. 

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents and guardians can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #29

Family time around a firepit or outside around the fire ring is always fun. Here are some helpful tips for safety, click HERE.

CAR MEET TO BENEFIT THE OYSTER RIVER CLASS OF 2024

The Oyster River class of 2024 is hosting a car meet to fundraise for their upcoming graduation. This event is a chance for those with unique cars to come together to display their vehicles for all to see. The event will be held at the Oyster River High School on Saturday, August 5, from 12-4:00 p.m. The cost is $10 per person cash at the entrance, and kids under 3 are free. Restrooms available on site.

This family friendly event will have face painting for the kids, and many other activities! Come join us for some live music and a treat from The Kona Ice truck!

All the cool cars welcome!!

Thank you for supporting this cause to ensure our kids have a safe night after graduation.

UNH NAMED TO MONEY'S 2023 BEST COLLEGES IN AMERICA LIST - Selection based on quality of education, affordability and student outcomes.

A press release was issued last Tuesday by the University of New Hampshire to announce that the university had been selected to The Best Colleges in America 2023 list by Money, earning four-and-a-half out of a possible five stars under the outlet’s updated metrics that focus on affordability, quality of education and student outcomes. Schools were evaluated on 26 categories within the three primary “buckets,” including graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid and alumni salaries. To read the full press release, click HERE.