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Vigil held in downtown Durham last night honoring George Floyd. Courtesy Todd Selig
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UPDATED COVID-19 CASE INFORMATION FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE (As of 6/4/20, 9AM)
Number of Persons with COVID‐19: 4,876
Recovered: 3,187 (65%)
Deaths attributed to COVID-19: 273 (6%)
Total Current COVID-19 Cases: 1,416
Persons who have been hospitalized for COVID-19: 472 (10%)
Current hospitalizations: 86
Total persons tested at selected laboratories, Polymerase Chain Reaction: 79,765
Total persons tested at selected laboratories, Antibody Laboratory tests: 12,944
Persons with specimens submitted to NH PHL: 27,122
Persons with Test Pending at NH PHL: 1,350
Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time): 4,025
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Town Councilor Wayne Burton. It’s a pandemic; wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message, "I care about your health, in addition to my own." Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM ISSUES ORDER REQUESTING USE OF CLOTH FACE COVERINGS TO HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
Due to nationwide public health concerns regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, the Town of Durham, consistent with NH Department of Health and Human Services recommendations, requests all residents, visitors, business employees, and passersby within the jurisdictional boundaries of the municipality to wear cloth face coverings when outside of the home to help slow the spread of Covid-19. In short, if you need to leave your home, wear a cloth face covering while out and about anywhere in Durham.
While at work and in public, employees should wear a cloth face covering to help protect against the spread of the virus.
This advice is based on data about how COVID-19 can spread before a person has any symptoms. A mask helps protect others around you if you are infected and don’t know it.
A cloth face covering is one more voluntary precaution all individuals in Durham can take to help slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s not a substitute for physical distancing and other prevention measures.
You still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people and wash/sanitize hands frequently, even when wearing a face covering.
Examples of when to wear a face covering…
- Trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, doctor or hospital
- Essential workers at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other business setting where they cannot maintain at least 6 feet distance between themselves and others
- At home if you are sick and have other people in the house
- Home care workers caring for vulnerable populations
- Riding the bus, taxi, or ride share
- Walking on a busy and crowded street
- While at work and in public, employees should wear a cloth face covering
Examples of when you don’t need to wear a face covering…
- At home, if everyone in the home isn’t showing symptoms
- Going for a run or bicycle ride -- if it’s not too crowded
- Going for a walk in the woods or in your neighborhood. (But bring one in case you encounter other people and stop to chat.)
Who should never wear a mask…
- Children under the age of 2
- Anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious
- Anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance
It’s a pandemic; wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message: "I care about your health, in addition to my own."
Information regarding wearing masks and other Covid-19 guidance for the workplace may be found at State of New Hampshire Stay at Home 2.0 Universal Guidelines.
Learn more about wearing masks from the NH Bureau of Infectious Disease Control HERE.
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CLOTH MASKS AVAILABLE AT TOWN HALL
Cloth masks have been donated to the Town of Durham and are available outside the Town Clerk's Office for those residents in need of a mask.
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VOTER REGISTRATION IN DURHAM - Remember to stop by the Town Hall to register to vote this fall.
Election officials in Durham would like to congratulate Oyster River students who are about to graduate and to invite them to consider registering to vote this summer. Many states, including New Hampshire, are encouraging voters to vote absentee this fall because of the pandemic. If you are registered in Durham, you can vote in person in the fall without standing in line to register or you can vote absentee here whether you are staying in Durham or going away to college. The supervisors of the checklist would like to encourage you (and anyone else who has moved to Durham and not registered yet) to register soon and then request your absentee ballot later if you should decide to vote that way.
Voter registration can be done in person at the town hall (while social distancing and wearing a mask, of course) or absentee. If you come in person you will be asked to show proof of identification, age (18 by the September 8 election), citizenship (passport or naturalization papers), and domicile within Durham. Affidavits may be signed in the absence of proofs. This may be done up until about 10 days before the election. To register absentee, please call the town clerk’s office (868-5577) and ask for the absentee registration packet. Read the instructions carefully. Make sure all forms in the packet are completed and signed (some need to be witnessed) before returning it with required proofs.
June 2 was the last day to change party in New Hampshire before the State Primary on September 8. If you wish to check your standing, you may do so at https://app.sos.nh.gov/. If this does not reflect what you think it should, please call the town clerk’s office. They will direct you to a supervisor.
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TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE NOW OPEN - On line transactions still strongly recommended.
The Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office resumed its normal business hours and reopened to the public on Monday, June 1, 2020. Although no appointment is necessary and all transactions will be accepted, we strongly encourage residents to continue utilizing our online, mail, and drop box services for non-urgent transactions. The Town of Durham has updated its online portal for residents to conduct their business quickly and safely at home. By visiting http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/, you can renew your motor vehicle registrations and dog licenses, pay for your water and sewer bill, and view and pay for current and past property tax payments
If you feel you still need to visit the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office in person, please be sure to follow the Town of Durham’s social distance guidelines when entering the building. The Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office will continue to utilize a walk-up window, located in the Town Hall lobby.
COVID 19 Safety Guidelines – Easy as 1, 2, 3
Only five people allowed in the building at a time.
Please wear a mask in the building. No mask? Just ask. We have disposable masks available.
Practice social distancing.
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PLANNING, ZONING, AND ASSESSING OFFICE NOW OPEN - Online transactions still strongly recommended.
The Planning, Zoning, Assessing and Building Office resumed its normal business hours on Monday, June 1, 2020. However, we strongly encourage residents to continue utilizing our online, mail, and drop box services for non-urgent transactions. To review a file in person, please call Karen at 603-868-8064 to reserve an appointment time. Inspections will continue to be limited. Please call 603-868-8064 for all inspection requests.
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Durham resident Gwendolyn Howard and Police Chief David Kurz were two of a number of people to speak at Thursday night's vigil for George Floyd, including Council Chair Kitty Marple and the Rev. David Grishaw-Jones from the Durham Community Church. Courtesy Todd Selig
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CANDLELIGHT VIGIL HELD ON DURHAM’S MAIN STREET THURSDAY EVENING
Last evening, long-time resident Susan Roman organized a vigil on Main Street in Durham. As you know, George Floyd died on Memorial Day after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, 44, knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd pleaded he could not breathe. Chauvin, 44, was charged last week by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, charges that were upgraded to second-degree murder Wednesday. J. Alexander Kueng, 27, Thomas Lane, 36, and Tou Thao, 34, the other former police officers at the scene, are charged with one count each of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
Floyd’s killing has led to vigils and protests across the country. Last night’s vigil in Durham was peaceful and contemplative for all who were in attendance. Durham Community Church Rev. David Grishaw-Jones, Town Council Chair Kitty Marple, Police Chief David Kurz, Deputy Police Chief Rene Kelley, Susan Roman, and any others who attended in the crowd one by one came to the microphone to say a few words, almost in the fashion of a solemn and respectful Quaker meeting. Around 200 people were in attendance.
Foster’s Daily Democrat interviewed some local leaders concerning the impact, which can be read HERE.
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One of the many thoughtful speakers at Thursday evening's vigil on Main Street. Courtesy Todd Selig
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UNH STUDENTS PLAN MARCH ON SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH, AT 1 PM
We understand that UNH students have organized a march on Sunday beginning at 1 PM at Thompson Hall. Our understanding is that there will be several speakers at Thompson Hall commenting on the recent George Floyd tragedy in Minnesota and comments about how to make a meaningful impact in society. There will then be a march that will likely proceed to the UNH Football Stadium where a film that looks at the progression of racism in society will be shown but plans were not definitive on Friday afternoon beyond the 1 PM starting point at T-Hall.
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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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Lupines surrounding Durham's Historic District marker on Newmarket Road. Courtesy Robin Mower
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JUNE IS PERENNIAL AND POLLINATOR MONTH!
Wild lupines are the only larval food host for the federally endangered Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis). Its caterpillars will eat nothing else. The Karner Blue is now found in parts of WI, MI, NJ, NH, and NY. Other butterflies dependent on lupines include the Northern Cloudywing, Gray Hairstreak, Henry’s Elfin, Painted and American Lady, and Orange Sulphur, but the plants also attract hummingbirds, bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators. (Check out http://Wildflower.org/)
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NHDOT BEGINS PLANNING FOR 5-DAY SHUTDOWN OF ROUTE 4 AT BUNKER CREEK
NHDOT is beginning to plan for a 5 day shutdown of Route 4 at Bunker Creek for the Bridge Replacement Project. The 5 day closure of Route 4 at Bunker Creek is expected mid/late July. The section of Route 4 on either side of the project will be open for local traffic only.
View the detour plans that will be put in place during this shutdown period HERE. More information will follow as the planning continues.
Work will be contingent on weather conditions and current COVID-19 constraints.
If you have questions, please contact the Design-Build Team,
Facebook - NHDOTRte4Durham
Twitter - @NHDOTRte4Durham
Email - mailto:nhdotrte4durham@gmail.com
For project history or background information you can also visit the NHDOT's Webpage
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THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MUNICIPAL WORKLOAD IN DURHAM – Using email traffic as an indicator
As a result of the pandemic, it has felt exceptionally busy here within the Town’s various departments over the last four months and Admin. Selig has been trying to find a way to objectively note this for the community. Emails came to mind this week as a potential measure because Mr. Selig’s anecdotal experience for the last two months is that he, for one, simply cannot get ahead of them! When someone writes, they are conveying information the sender hopes local officials will read/consider, they are asking a question or requesting a service, or information is being exchanged between units of activity (DPW to Police, Parks & Rec. to DPW, Land Stewardship to Planning, etc.). Admin. Selig therefore did a little research and gleaned the following data from his email archives.
Selig’s email stats for 2018 and 2019 help to establish historical norms…
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His 2020, email trend follows (Note, Mr. Selig neglected to archive every month so there is some averaging as you’ll see):
2020 Emails received:
Jan. 1,841
Feb. 1,841
Mar. 3,619
Apr. 4,438
May 4,438
This equates to 16,177 emails over 5 months, 3,235 emails/mo, and 106 emails/day.
On a daily basis, increasing from around 67 emails/day to 106 emails/day represents a 58% increase in email activity for 2020. So objectively, it’s been pretty busy!
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Members of the Durham community at Thursday's vigil on Main Street. Courtesy Todd Selig
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STATE AID TO MUNICIPALITIES STILL ON TRACK ACCORDING TO GOVERNOR SUNUNU – Welcome news for Durham, Lee, and Madbury taxpayers.
Towns and cities across NH have been understandably concerned about potential reductions to state aid and revenue sharing due to the pandemic. While we receive significantly less support from NH than in years past, further reductions would only represent additional downshifting of state responsibilities to local taxpayers.
Some municipalities are in the process of finalizing their fiscal year budgets right now (Durham is not because our fiscal year is a calendar year), while many others have already adopted budgets that include the anticipated amounts from the state in meals and rooms tax, municipal aid, and other state aid – such as Durham, Lee, and Madbury.
The New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA) has been asking the same questions we have here in Durham. Yesterday, NHMA confirmed that the governor has no intent to make any reductions to state aid amounts. Additional information regarding state aid follows…
Meals and Rooms Tax (M&R) Distributions
RSA 78-A:26 provides a formula for distribution of M&R revenues to municipalities, which is based on the most recent estimated population numbers provided by the Office of Strategic Initiatives. The statute uses the prior year’s M&R collection as the basis for the distribution, with 40 percent of the tax revenue intended for municipalities, and includes the so-called “catch-up” provision to reach that level of municipal funding. However, as you may know, RSA 78-A:26 has been suspended by the state in nine of the past eleven years as part of the biennial state budget. Each year since 2017 the state has appropriated and distributed $68.8 million regardless of the amount of tax revenue received.
For the fiscal year 2020/2021 biennium, the state operating budget again includes an appropriation of $68.8 million each year for the meals and rooms tax distribution. This is a state general fund appropriation and is not tied to the actual amount of tax revenue the state receives. As such, and as confirmed by the governor, cities and towns will receive the same level of meals and rooms tax distribution in fiscal year 2021 (typically paid at the end of December) that they received last December, with minor adjustments due to updated population estimates used in the distribution formula.
Highway Apportionment Block Grants
RSA 235:23 and RSA 235:23-a provide for formulaic distributions of state road toll (gas tax) and motor vehicle fees to municipalities for various local transportation needs. Unlike the M&R tax distribution, these grants are based upon prior year state highway fund revenues. At this time, the state estimates fiscal year 2020 highway fund revenues to be under the revenue plan by an aggregate 7.5%. The state will provide an updated fiscal year 2021 highway apportionment block grant amount to each municipality upon the close of state fiscal year 2020 (i.e. after Jun 30, 2020).
One-Time Grants to Municipalities and School Districts
The state operating budget contained funding for one-time grants to both municipalities and school districts. Both grant amounts are based on data from state fiscal year 2020, including the number of children who qualify for free and reduced lunch. The municipal grants are fixed at an aggregate $20 million, with funds going out under a proration formula. The education grants are not fixed but are estimated to equal $62.5 million in fiscal year 2021. According to the governor, legislative action, not executive action, would be required for any changes to these state aid distributions.
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DURHAM ELIGIBLE FOR $110,200 FIRST RESPONDER STIPEND FUNDS
The Homeland Security & Emergency Management has initiated a First Responder COVID-19 Stipend Program through the CARES Act Grant. To qualify an individual must be engaged in a first responder activity that requires them to interact, in person, with the public or to be out among the general public. Individuals are ineligible for this stipend if their role does not, in their normal course of business, require them to be in physical contact with the public. Payment is effective May 4, 2020 and valid through June 30, 2020. Members are only eligible for one first responder stipend payment per week.
The Town of Durham is eligible for $110,200 of first responder stipend funds. This amount is based on $300/week for 8 weeks for full-time police and fire responders and then a partial payment for call firefighters. While these relief funds have been allocated to Durham, action must be taken to receive the funds. Each local government must submit a signed First Responder Stipend Worksheet to be eligible for funds.
At the June 1, 2020 Town Council meeting, the Durham Town Council adopted Resolution #2020-10 authorizing the acceptance and expenditure of CARES Act grant funds in an amount up to $110,200 for first responder stipends and authorized the Administrator and/or Business Manager to sign and submit the First Responder Stipend Worksheet to NH Homeland Security & Emergency Management on behalf of the Town of Durham.
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DOE ALLOCATES $33.9 MILLION IN CARES ACT FUNDS TO NH SCHOOLS - Federal grants will offset expenses related to COVID-19 and remote instruction
The New Hampshire Department of Education has allocated $33.9 million in federal funding provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to New Hampshire schools. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund) created under that law provides funds for expenses incurred relative to COVID-19 and remote learning backdated to March 13, 2020, the date of the declaration of emergency. The New Hampshire Department of Education applied for and received $37,641,371 in ESSER grants to help K-12 educational entities prevent, prepare for, and respond to impacts of COVID-19. Under the law, 90% of the ESSER formula funds, $33,811,234, must be allocated to school districts and public charter schools proportional to the 2019-2020 school year Title 1 Part A allocation.
“New Hampshire schools have earned nationwide praise for their transition to remote instruction this spring,” said Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut. “But that shift came with significant disruption. The ESSER Fund will help New Hampshire schools meet the needs of each student as we plan for a safe and effective learning environment in the fall.”
The Department of Education has allocated each district’s ESSER grant into the state’s grant management system (GMS). Each school district and public charter school must detail activities undertaken in response to COVID-19 and remote instruction in order to use these funds. Due to the ongoing debate in Washington over the proper allocation of equitable services funding, the Department is asking districts to calculate equitable service funding under both Title 1 Part A and Title VIII, and to set aside the higher amount until further guidance is available.
For more information, email mailto:CARESact@doe.nh.gov
View the school allocations list by municipality HERE.
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NH GIVES - 2020
If you are considering donating to a local nonprofit in the coming weeks, an incredible opportunity has opened up to double your impact on June 9th!
NH Gives is a statewide 24-hour online fundraising event hosted by The NH Charitable Foundation. This year, the foundation is making possible a 1:1 match for any donation up to $1000 for the first $250,000 given during the 24 hours event. The site-wide match will be turned on at 6PM on June 9, 2020.
Many of our Oyster River Nonprofits are participating. You can view their profile and make donations through the following links:
Elder Pet
Friends in Action
NH PBS
Oyster River Womanade
The Freedom Cafe
The Waysmeet Center
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TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST FUNDS SEEKING RESIDENTS INTERESTED IN SERVING AS ALTERNATE TRUSTEES
The role of the Trustees of Trust Funds is to have custody of and administer the Town’s financial reserves and trusts. Trustees are elected directly by the voters, and not appointed by the Council, in order to assure the financial separation of the funds in their custody from other Town monies. In Durham, the Trustees also are involved with the management of two Town properties through trust funds left to care for those properties: Doe Farm and Smith Chapel. In addition, the Town Charter fixes the membership of the Cemetery Committee as the three Trustees and 3 members of the Town Council. Changes to the Charter approved by the Town at the March 2020 elections included the addition of up to 2 Alternate Trustees to the membership of the Trustees of Trust Funds. The Trustees are seeking residents interested in serving as Alternate Trustees.
The process for becoming an Alternate Trustee is:
- If interested in becoming an alternate trustee, e-mail the trustees at mailto:trustees@ci.durham.nh.us with your name and telephone number, or speak with one of the Trustees.
- The Chair of Trustees will call you to get started.
- If you decide to apply for appointment, you will need to prepare and submit to the Town Administrator an “Application for Board Appointment” which you can find HERE.
The nature of the Trustees’ responsibilities, including membership on the Cemetery Committee, requires some changes to the application process outlined on the application form:
- Meet with Chair of Trustees to be briefed on Trustees’ responsibilities.
- Attend at least one (preferably two) meeting(s) of the Trustees.
- Meet separately with the Chair of Cemetery Committee to receive a briefing on Cemetery Committee responsibilities; tour the cemetery with Cemetery Committee Chair to understand the burial process.
- Agree to attend NHDOJ seminar for Trustees in Concord (usually in May-June), and/or other workshops/training as appropriate.
- Attend the Council session for appointment as an Alternate Trustee.
Notes:
- Trustees are elected by popular vote at town elections. In the event of a vacancy between elections, the Council appoints a Trustee for the remainder of the vacant term, and a new trustee is elected at the next town election, to serve the remainder of the uncompleted term.
- Alternate Trustees are appointed by the Town Council to a one-year term.
- The Trustees view service as an Alternate Trustee to be preparation for election or appointment as a Trustee.
- Notices of vacancy should include Town Facebook, Twitter accounts and Friday Updates.
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The Great Bay Rotary came up to the Transfer Station and Recycling Center to help rebuild some shelves at the swap shop last Thursday. Volunteers have also been cleaning out and sprucing while they can taking advantage of it being closed during Covid-19. Although there are no definite plans yet for the swap shop re-opening, we are hoping to be able to in the fall and by then it will be nicely organized and such due to the help of the rotary and the volunteers! Thank you! Pictured are left, William Lenharth and David Hadley.
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DOWNTOWN PARKING ENFORCEMENT HAS RESUMED - Without active meters, an increasing number of area tenants have been occupying free parking as their private parking lot.
While there has been nothing positive about the Covid-19 pandemic, parking enforcement had stopped when the Durham Police were aware that businesses had begun curtailing activity. While monitoring available parking spaces to ensure that the situation was not being taken advantage of, tickets for parking violations were not issued for the last two-months.
Now that curbside and take-out activity is increasing, parking enforcement has resumed. We have maintained a parking enforcement officer in the downtown to monitor and to offer any responses to questions as they arose. They have noted that parking spaces are beginning to become occupied more frequently and that vehicles are not moving from these spaces, which is not the desire of the program. Parking in Durham has never been about generating revenue but to ensure that when shoppers and visitors need a space that parking should be available.
While every effort will be made to ensure that the kiosk machines are cleaned and sanitized daily, the existing “out-of-order” signs will be replaced with signs that indicate persons using the machines may desire to disinfect their hands before and after using the Kiosks.
As always, if there are any questions, please feel free to contact the Durham Police at 868-2324 or via email at mailto:police@ci.durham.nh.us
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The Oyster River Dam at the Mill Pond. Courtesy Todd Selig
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OYSTER RIVER DAM AT MILL POND - Upcoming presentation by Engineers of VHB at June 15, 2020 Town Council Meeting via Zoom
As part of an on-going evaluation of alternatives for the dam, the Town of Durham has hired a consulting team to complete a thorough engineering and environmental analysis of the dam removal alternative along with options that would retain, modify, or replace the dam.
The Town Council will be meeting with the consulting team on June 15 at 7:00 PM to receive a progress update on the study, including a preliminary review of several project alternatives. All members of the Durham community are invited to ensure that the public is informed of the study and to seek community input that will be important to making the study successful.
Meeting Objectives
- To familiarize the public with the context, work plan, and schedule for the Feasibility Study;
- To discuss preliminary project alternatives, including Dam Repair, Dam Stabilization, Dam Redesign, and Dam Removal;
- To discuss next steps for the Feasibility Study, including the overall project schedule.
This Council Meeting is entirely virtual.
The Zoom preregistration page can be found HERE.
Preregistration information is generally posted a few days before the meeting.
Information on how to join the zoom Town Council meeting can be found HERE.
You have to pre-register to join the zoom meeting to speak at public comment, please follow the directions in the link.
If you have any questions or require any information, don’t hesitate to contact April Talon at (603) 868-5578 or mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us.
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ZOOM ATTACKS NECESSITATE MEETING PRE-REGISTRATIONS
Zoom-bombing or Zoom raiding is the unwanted intrusion into a Zoom Town Meeting by an individual or individuals, causing disruption. The Town have had two meetings under attack. The Town Council meeting on Monday evening and the Energy Committee meeting on Tuesday this week were both Zoom bombed by bad actors, and effectively neutralized by DCAT staff. Swastikas were drawn on the Zoom screens that were visible by Councilors on Monday, followed by a large male figure laying in a pile of marijuana leaves upon which phallic symbols were drawn.
All Town meetings are open to the public and are at high risk of these intrusions. Due to the attacks, DCAT & IT have set new Zoom meeting parameters to hopefully thwart the raiders. Anyone wishing to take part in a Zoom Town meeting, will have to preregister before being sent the Zoom Town meeting link. You may also be asked to wait in a Zoom waiting room until the host allows you entry into the meeting. Preregistration links can be found on our Zoom Meeting page by clicking HERE. If you have any questions about Zoom meetings or preregistration, please contact: mailto:dcat@ci.durham.nh.us or call 603-590-1383.
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MAIN STREET MAILING AND MARINER REALTY CLOSING JUNE 12
Due to the impact of Covid-19, two of Durham’s long time businesses, Main Street Mailing and Mariner Realty will be closing effective Friday, June 12.
Thank you to Richard Whitney for the many, many years of service to our Durham community.
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Durham resident Walter Rous submitted the above photograph of horseshoe crabs, a 450 million year old species. Every year around this time they come in on the high tide to mate, burrow in the rocky shore, and lay tiny little pearl-like eggs (inset). Walter says "It's a free-for-all."
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UNH LOOKING TO THE FALL AND ENGAGING WITH THE TOWN ON JOINT PLANNING – A request for feedback from the Durham community.
UNH President Dean noted this week that the University, in consultation with the USNH Board of Trustees, is continuing to build out its plan for re-opening this fall, consistent with state policies and the recommendations of public health experts. (The plan is conditional on continued stabilization or reduction in positive cases of the virus.)
UNH has committees working to address each of the topics we have all become so familiar with: testing, social distancing, quarantining and so on. UNH and the Town will continue to share plans with the community as they come together. For now, the best place to go for information concerning for the planned fall opening is UNH’s COVID-19 website. UNH will continue to update this site throughout the summer and fall.
Next week UNH will have the near-final number of new students entering the university, an important component of UNH’s financial picture for next year and beyond. The UNH financial teams are preparing forecasts for fiscal year 20-21. As you know, the virus has created serious financial problems for UNH, and President Dean and his staff are making plans to address them. At this time, UNH is continuing to limit hiring, travel, spending, and construction projects. President Dean indicates he will have more to share about UNH’s financial picture in the coming weeks.
If residents, downtown businesses, or property owners have feedback they would like to share for both the Town and UNH to review and consider, please send these to Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry at mailto:jberry@ci.durham.nh.us who will share them with both Administrator Selig and President Dean and their respective teams. Note, this effort is not intended to create an active dialogue as the volume of ongoing correspondence and time limitations will not permit. It will be reviewed and thoughtfully considered, however.
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The Rev. David Grishaw-Jones from the Community Church of Durham during Thursday evening's vigil. Courtesy Todd Selig
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UPDATES ON PANDEMIC RELIEF
Paycheck Protection Program:
Last night, the Senate passed by unanimous consent, H.R.7010, Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act of 2020. The bill amends the small business provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) to the following:
- Extends the forgivable period from 8 weeks to 24 weeks or the end of the calendar year.
- Adds flexibility to the forgiveness ratio for non-wage expenses from 75% payroll and 25% non-payroll eligible expenses to 60% payroll and 40% non-payroll.
- Establishes a minimum loan maturity of 5 years for the remaining balance after the balance is adjusted for forgiveness. The CARES Act allowed the Treasury Department to set a maturity of up to 10 years; however, the Department set loans at only two years, which was not consistent with congressional intent and would have been very challenging to most borrowers.
- Extends the required period during which an employer may restore wages to December 31st.
- Allows borrowers to defer payments until they receive compensation for forgiven amounts. Those who don’t apply for forgiveness can have 10 months from the program’s expiration to begin making payments.
- Allows for PPP borrowers to also defer payroll tax payments including payment of principal, interest, and fees, until the date on which the amount of forgiveness determined under section 1106 of the CARES Act is remitted to the lender.
This bill does not allow for current PPP borrowers to receive additional PPP funding.
IRS:
Yesterday, the IRS issued a reminder that many low-income Americans who don't usually file tax returns can register for a payment by October 15th HERE.
Federal Reserve:
Yesterday, the Federal Reserve announced an expansion in the number and type of entities eligible to directly use its Municipal Liquidity Facility (MLF). Under the new terms, all U.S. states will be able to have at least two cities or counties eligible to directly issue notes to the MLF regardless of population. Governors of each state will also be able to designate two issuers in their jurisdictions whose revenues are generally derived from operating government activities (such as public transit, airports, toll facilities, and utilities) to be eligible to directly use the facility. More information can be found HERE.
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Durham resident Bernie Casey submitted this photograph of these lupines which add a nice foreground along the new stone wall on Rte 108 in Durham. Bernie said that they are reminiscent of the beautiful lupines seen every June at the Lupine Festival in Sugar Hill, NH.
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DURHAM'S UNH SUSTAINABILITY FELLOW ROLLS UP SLEEVES AND GETS TO WORK - She will develop a municipal carbon and nitrogen footprint analysis for the Town.
During the summer of 2019, the Town engaged a UNH Sustainability Fellow to create a climate resilience assessment for Durham, designed to dovetail with resilience planning on the UNH campus. The resulting report evaluated the Town's strengths and vulnerabilities in light of future climate scenarios, and offered recommendations for future climate action. The foremost recommendation of the 2019 resilience assessment was for the Town of Durham to conduct a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory to quantify the Town's emissions, and thereby inform the process of prioritizing GHG reduction strategies.
Based on this recommendation, the Town has engaged Mary Potts, an MS candidate in Environmental Conservation and Sustainability, as its Sustainability Fellow in 2020 to conduct a municipal GHG inventory.
To continue the close collaboration between the Town and UNH around climate action planning, this analysis will be conducted using SIMAP, the Sustainability Indicator Management & Analysis Platform. SIMAP, developed at UNH, is an online tool designed to calculate, track, and manage both carbon and nitrogen footprints. NH, and hundreds of campuses across the country utilize SIMAP not only to evaluate their GHG emissions, but also to assess environmental impacts related to nitrogen pollution. In 2018, a UNH Sustainability Fellow working with the City of Dover, NH utilized SIMAP to calculate the first-ever combined municipal carbon and nitrogen footprints. Durham’s 2020 Sustainability Fellow will employ a similar model to calculate carbon and nitrogen footprints for the Town of Durham, to establish a baseline for reducing the Town's emissions.
In getting started this week, Mary Potts noted, "This is a really exciting project! Durham already has a major focus on sustainability and by conducting energy benchmarks and municipal carbon and nitrogen footprints, we can inform and prioritize our future greenhouse gas reduction initiatives. My passion is working on science-based policy solutions to climate change, so I am very much looking forward to collaborating with Durham to determine where the Town currently stands and to tailor possible solutions to make it even more of a sustainability leader."
Incidentally, Mary is the niece of long-time residents Esther Tardy Wolfe and Peter Wolfe!
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ASSESSMENT OF INTEREST ON UPCOMING PROPERTY TAXES DUE EXTENDED BY AN ADDITIONAL MONTH BY TOWN COUNCIL
On Monday evening, the Durham Town Council approved the tax warrant authorizing the Town Clerk-Tax Collector to collect partial payment of Durham property taxes assessed on April 1, 2020.
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, several property owners expressed a general concern that they or others may not be able to pay their property tax bills by the July 1st deadline (or 30 days after the issuance of the tax bills), which is when 8% interest would begin accruing per RSA 76-13.
Although RSA 76:16 states that the selectmen or assessors can abate accrued interest for good cause shown, Durham’s legal council did not believe that RSA 76:16 could be applied during a pandemic. As a result, Durham, Rochester and Keene wrote to Governor Sununu expressing this concern which lead to his Emergency Order #25 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04 Temporary Modification of Interest Penalty for Late Payment of Property Taxes, authorizing municipalities and counties to use their abatement authority pursuant to RSA 76:16 and RSA 29:12 regarding accrued interest.
After much deliberation between Administrator Selig, Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt, and Assessor Jim Rice, it was agreed that an extra 30-day extension would be a good faith effort to Durham taxpayers considering the pandemic before interest would accrue. This recommendation was made to the Town Council and on this past Monday evening, it was unanimously approved – in essence that that 8% interest would begin accruing 60 days after the issuance of the June 2020 property tax bills (versus the statutory 30 days typically observed).
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THREE CHIMNEYS INN DINING ON THE DECK
The Three Chimneys Inn has been happy and lucky to see all the dinner guests out on the terrace.
"The community has shown such support and have truly made our days brighter by dining with us and through curbside pick-up. A special thank you to all those embraced Three Chimneys during this crazy time and continued to rally behind us. We hope to see many more faces on the deck enjoying this beautiful weather!"
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OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION WILL BE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020 AT THE HIGH SCHOOL --- CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020! -- Some ORCSD news...
The popular REACH summer enrichment program, a collaboration between Durham Parks & Recreation and the Oyster River Schools, is offering REACH-in-a-Box activity kits for kids and families to explore each week between June 29 and August 7. The initial set of materials has sold out, and the team that organized the kits is working to find additional materials to be able to offer more REACH Boxes.
The grant-supported school meal program is continuing to deliver meals to children who have signed up across Oyster River through June 12. For June 15-June 30, requested meals can be picked up at ORHS or Mast Way School. The Child Nutrition department is assessing community interest and possibilities for providing meals in July and August after the grant ends.
An informal survey regarding Remote Learning received 819 parent and guardian responses, and 621 responses from middle and high school students. Thank you to students and families for the huge amount of feedback. The school administration and school board are just beginning to review these data.
The 1:1 student laptop program started with the middle school in the 2018-2019 school year. For the 2019-2020 school year it expanded to cover grades 5-9. Starting in fall 2020, all ORHS and ORMS students will be included in the 1:1 program.
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This week, Bearnard and his friends enjoy a day at the beach. Courtesy John Pacheco
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UNH OFFERING REMOTE LEARNING YOUTH PROGRAMS
On May 14, the University cancelled its on-campus, in-person summer youth programs for 2020 given the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the health and safety of students, families, and staff.
Since then, a number of UNH youth programs have developed remote learning opportunities to remain connected with students and families. Although the delivery will be different, the programs are designed to continue with enhanced student learning, connections with peers, and gaining new skills.
Registrations are limited, and in some cases, priority will be given to families who were already enrolled in the in-person camp. Although some programs are still being finalized, the remote learning programs include: Art Camp, EPIC (Computer Science), Tech Camp, Theatre Camp, Literacy Center tutoring, and Marine Science classes at Shoals Marine Lab. For more information and to check back for updates HERE.
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INFORMATION FROM THE DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
Growing food for your family and for others is a good response to the disruptions in food availability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Durham Agricultural Commission believes there are specific steps we can all take to increase our food self-sufficiency and food security:
- Expand the number of home gardens in Durham, to increase cooperative and collaborative food production efforts between neighbors and across neighborhoods;
- Support our robust local food system, including Emery Farm, Tecce Farm, Durham Farmers’ Market, farm stands, food delivery programs offered by farms in the region, and purchasing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares from local farms; use the search tool developed by Seacoast Eat Local to find local food producers;
- Ensure animal agriculture and the integration of plant and animal agriculture and gardening is available to suit the needs and interests of townspeople.
Recognizing that today, with so many working from home and directed to do so, all zoning in town is now mixed use, as most residences are also workplaces. To further enhance food security, we need to plan for more agriculture, not around it. The Agricultural Commission is working with the Planning Board to enable food production that encourages self-reliance and supports the community at large.
If you are already growing food on your property and have food or other gardening resources to share with others, please let us know and we will help spread the word. If you are not sure about what you can do to start a vegetable garden in your yard, please look at the Winans’ inspirational front yard at 109 Madbury Road! In addition, there are many gardening resources on the Agricultural Commission page on the Town’s website.
Please contact the Agricultural Commission for more information, mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net.
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RULES OF THE ROAD -- Bicyclists & Motorists
Safety is on all our minds as we use the road. We may think it's the other person who doesn't know what he or she is doing as they drive or cycle on our shared roadways, but do we, ourselves, really know what's what?
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has published a two-sided brochure that summarizes the rights and responsibilities of motorists and cyclists, as delineated and codified in the State statutes, the RSAs. This pamphlet has two sections, Bicycle Safety: What Every Cyclist Must Know and Sharing the Road: What Every Motorist Must Know. The brochure can be downloaded from the NHDOT website on Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic or on the Town of Durham's website.
Please do take the time to read the brochure before you next head out. Also check out the NHDOT website to learn more about shared lane road markings ("sharrows"), which can be seen on Durham's Main Street and elsewhere in town.
A key point to remember: It’s the Law -- Bicycles Are Vehicles. New Hampshire law says bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles.
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WHAT ARE THOSE MARKINGS ON THE STREET ("SHARROWS")? Durham's Main Street joins Daniel Street, Portsmouth — and other communities across the country — in encouraging a sharing of the road by motorists and bicyclists. The "sharrow" marking (a combination of "share" and "arrow") indicates lanes used by both cars and bicycles. Drivers and cyclists alike have the right to use the FULL sharrow lane.
Sharrow markings are often used when there is not enough space to allow for separate bike and motor vehicle travel lanes. They alert both drivers and cyclists to take extra care.
In Durham, you can see sharrows on Garrison Avenue between Madbury Road and Main Street — and more recently on Main Street in a couple of "pinch" areas or areas in which a bicyclist may make a left-hand turn from the right-hand lane on Main Street onto Madbury Road (in front of Libby's).
NH law (RSA Section 265:143) states that bicyclists and motorists have the same rights and duties under the rules of the road (with a few exceptions), as follows:
TITLE XXI - MOTOR VEHICLES
CHAPTER 265
RULES OF THE ROAD
Special Rules for Bicycles and Mopeds
265:143 Application of Motor Vehicle Laws to Bicycles. –
I. Every person propelling a vehicle by human power or riding a bicycle shall have all of the rights and be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the rules of the road, except as provided in paragraph II and as to special regulations in this subdivision and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.
II. (a) Any peace officer, wearing a distinctive uniform, operating a bicycle during the course of his or her duties is exempt from the provisions of this subdivision, except as those provisions relate to driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, if the bicycle is being operated under any of the following circumstances:
(1) In response to an emergency call.
(2) While engaged in a rescue operation.
(3) In the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law.
(b) This paragraph shall not relieve a peace officer from the duty to operate a bicycle with due regard for the safety of all persons using the public way.
Source. 1939, 164:1. RL 106:17. 1945, 188:1, part 20:17. RSA 250:17. 1973, 440:1. 1981, 146:1; 422:9. 2000, 63:1, eff. June 16, 2000.
The Federal Highway Administration for the first time included information about this signage in its 2009 edition of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" (MUTCD), the national standard for traffic signs and road markings.
According to the MUTCD, the sharrow assists cyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a bicyclist's hitting the open door of a parked vehicle. It also assists bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane. The sharrow may be used in addition to or in place of the "Bikes May Use Full Lane" sign.
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On Wednesday, candidates filed their Declaration of Candidacy paperwork for the NH State Primary. The NH State Primary will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Fun side note: that is the day after Labor Day this year. Pictured above, left to right are Durham's representatives in the House Marjorie Smith, Janet Wall, Timothy Horrigan, Cam E. Kenney, and Judith Spang. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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NH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO MEET AT UNH’S WHITTEMORE CENTER ARENA IN DURHAM DUE TO COVID-19 - JUNE 11, 2020
For the first time since the Civil War, the NH House of Representatives will be meeting outside of its respective chambers – in Durham. Instead of meeting at Representatives Hall, the 400-member House will meet at the Whittemore Center at UNH in Durham on June 11th.
The arena is home to the UNH Wildcats hockey teams and is used for other large events, seating about 6,500 people for hockey games.
Read an article regarding this meeting HERE.
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ZOOM VIDEO CONFERENCING TIPS FOR DURHAM BOARD MEMBERS AND PARTICIPATING CITIZENS ALIKE!
Below are some recommendations for using Zoom and other video conferencing tools. These guidelines are provided for Town board and committee members and for members of the public when participating in a Town meeting. People may also find these guidelines helpful for any meeting conducted by video conferencing. We put this list together based on suggestions from Planning Board Chair Paul Rasmussen (who does a great deal of video conferencing in his work life), articles from UNH Cooperative Extension, and an article by Lindsay Crafford in GoToMeeting.
Pick a good location. Set up in a room where you can close the door and have quiet and privacy without interruptions. A simple orderly background is best so that other participants focus on you rather than a messy bookshelf, an unmade bed, colorful artwork, or an open door to the bathroom (bad feng shui!). Find a spot with clear even lighting or side lighting. Do not sit in front of a window or light source which would put you in shadow and cause glare.
We appreciate that you might prefer to be in Hawaii or Paris but recommend not uploading an artificial background unless you have a greenscreen and the background will be static and not divert viewers’ attention.
Eliminate distractions. Please be mindful of potential distractions such as children, pets, and the telephone ringing. You may not notice the background noise but it can be distracting to others.
Dress appropriately. It may be a pleasant relief to participate in a meeting from the comfort of home but please don’t dress like a zhlub. Remember you are still visible to the other board members and the public.
Set up early. Settle in at least ten minutes before the meeting begins to make sure that you have the link to the Zoom meeting, your equipment is set up properly, and you are ready to go when the roll call commences.
Sign in. The Town now requires registration for Zoom meetings. Please make the adjustment so that your full name is shown on the screen. Otherwise people may not recognize you especially if your video turns off for some reason.
Video. If you have the capacity to participate by video is far preferable to using audio only. Some Town meetings still allow for limited physical attendance so if you do not have video available you might consider coming to the meeting (while observing all necessary safety requirements, of course). For project applications it is especially important that the board members are able to see the presenter. Non-board members will likely be on audio only until they actually are recognized to speak.
Set your camera properly. Remember that everybody else sees you from the camera view. Place your camera on a steady surface at eye level or higher if possible. You can use books to raise your computer up. This placement will enhance your appearance and provide a more professional presentation. When you are speaking it is helpful to look at the camera rather than the screen if you can.
Mute your microphone. Please be sure to turn off (or mute) your microphone (a red slash line will go through the icon) as soon as you enter the video conference after you have greeted other board members. Leaving one’s microphone on can be highly distracting and sometimes embarrassing. You should be able to hold down the space bar when you wish to speak to avoid having to keep clicking on your microphone icon. Please check your mute periodically to ensure you haven’t left it on after speaking.
Speak at a good volume. Too frequently others cannot hear because a person speaks too softly or is sitting too far away. On the other hand, please be careful not to shout. Please sit as close to the microphone as is comfortable. The first time that you speak you might ask if people can hear you all right. DCAT cannot adjust the volume of a speaker on Zoom.
Stay focused on the meeting. It may be tempting to check your inbox or multitask during the meeting but please stay focused on the proceedings as best you can. Items of interest can pop up when you are not expecting them plus it can be evident to others if you are engaged with some other activity. Our adult children in Boston or Seattle may insist on having dinner while speaking to us but please don’t eat during meetings. You knew that.
Use your judgment whether or not to inform the chairperson if you need to step away for a few minutes or you might inform another member via the chat function. Of course, if you are uncomfortable sitting for the duration of the meeting feel free to do whatever you need to do. You may want to turn off the video icon when doing your downward dog.
Consider the accessories. Play around with different settings on zoom to find one that is useful, such as speaker versus gallery view.
You may want to look into using a wireless headset or headphones which would allow you to move around some.
Follow norms of the board. Each board or committee may set its own procedures. For example, the norm for starting to speak could involve simply jumping in when there is an opening, raising the hand feature, or using the chat box.
(Thank you as well to Michael Behrendt for aggregating this great information for the benefit of the Durham community!)
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SCAVENGER HUNT: KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR TURTLES AND SNAKES
This week’s Scavenger Hunt features turtles and snakes. With the warm weather and on-set of the month of June, turtles are on the move looking for nest sites, which means they are crossing roads. And snakes often seek out warm pavement for daytime basking. So, keep an eye out as you walk, cycle, or drive on local roads. Click HERE for this week’s tips on identifying some of the turtles and snakes you might encounter and what to do if you do. We encourage people to bicycle local roads or stroll around your neighborhood. Whether on foot or bike, a reminder to maintain appropriate social distancing, which generally means keeping you (and your dog) at least six feet away from others. Enjoy and Stay Safe. Trail maps for Durham conservation areas are available at: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/trails/trail-maps. Find previous Scavenger Hunts HERE.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP PULL INVASIVE PLANTS
Are you looking for a chance to get outside during COVID-19 and help with a stewardship project? Land Stewardship Coordinator Ellen Snyder is seeking volunteers who want to spend one to two hours pulling invasive buckthorn seedlings and small saplings at Durham’s Thompson Forest on Wednesday Hill Road. You can learn about invasive plants and this effort to restore the woods to native plants. This is a great activity for individuals or families; this won’t be a group activity as we need to maintain a 10-foot distance. Volunteers just need to bring their own gloves and water bottle and dress for being in the woods. The best time to do this activity is a weekday between 8 am and 11 am to avoid the heat of the day. If interested, contact Ellen at mailto:ellensnyder1@gmail.com to arrange a time.
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UNH’S INTEROPERABILITY LAB BRINGS TECH GIANTS TO DURHAM - An Article in UNH Today
The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL) tests networking and data communications products. Since 1988, the laboratory has fostered multi-vendor interoperability while preparing students for careers in the industry. The laboratory has grown steadily into one of the industry's premier independent proving grounds for new technologies.
View an article regarding the UNH-IOL in UNH Today HERE.
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DID YOU KNOW? - A tidbit from the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee
Used fluorescent bulbs and car, lithium and rechargeable batteries can be brought to the transfer station. Other types of batteries (i.e. AA, AAA, 9 volt) and bulbs (I.e. incandescent, LED) go into solid waste.
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3RD ANNUAL "DURHAM DANDELION LAWN” - Contest Results
The results are in for the 3rd Annual contest for the Durham lawn(s) with the most dandelions. Conducted by the Durham Agricultural Commission, this year there were 20 participants – almost double the number for 2019. While this increased level of participation is encouraging, it is notable for another reason as well. This year Durham was challenged to a “Two-Town Contest” by Kingston, NH. Like what occurred for Durham in 2018, Kingston had only eight (8) contestants. As such, Kingston did not really lose the contest -- they just came in second.
Early on during this year’s contest, it became evident that many Durham residents admire dandelions and enjoy seeing them -- wherever they grow! In addition to photos of dandelions happily growing in a residential lawn, other interesting photos of dandelions were submitted as well. As such, it was decided to expand this year’s contest to nine (9) categories -- and have a winning contestant for each category.
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For a copy of the full report on the 2020 Durham Dandelion Contest (including photos and brief write-up about each winning contestant), visit the Agricultural Commission's web page HERE.
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT STORYTIME VIDEO SERIES
Members of the Durham Fire Department have created a series of videos featuring several of its staff members reading children’s books to the young friends in our community.
During this time of social distancing, the members of the Durham Fire Department appreciate the opportunity to stay connected with our friends and to let you know we are always here for you and thinking of you during this difficult time.
New storytime videos will be posted each week for the next several weeks.
The links to our video series may be found HERE.
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DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE - Generally speaking, dogs must be on a leash when off private property in Durham.
The Covid-19 pandemic is resulting in one outstanding attribute; more people are out hiking and discovering Durham’s outstanding trail system. The negative attribute is that there are increased reports of dogs off leash and owners failing to clean up after their pets! Ultimately this has been consuming Durham Police time as they attempt to educate dog owners of the Town’s regulations. Town ordinances require that a dog be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times when off the private property of the owner. If the dog bolts from the owner’s property to harass or frighten people this is a violation of the Town Ordinance. Additionally, the ordinances states:
“Any owner or person having custody of any dog shall not permit the dog on public grounds, including public streets, sidewalks, parks, or any other public grounds within the town, unless the owner or person in control has in his possession a mechanical or other device for the removal of excrement/feces, nor shall such owner or person in control fail to expeditiously remove any such excrement/feces deposited by the dog in any such place.”
We all love our pets and with ownership comes responsibility to ensure clean-up is accomplished immediately. We also need to understand that there are some who may be frightened by a dog they are not familiar with and it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their animal is restrained when beyond their property limits.
Note, dogs are allowed off leash at Wagon Hill Farm by administrative order from dawn until 10 AM daily.
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Some of the participants who peacefully attended the vigil Thursday evening on downtown Main Street. Courtesy Todd Selig
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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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WOODRIDGE TENNIS COURTS REOPEN
The Woodridge Tennis Courts reopened for play on June 1st for Oyster River Community members! We are asking that the community utilize the courts safely, and continue to practice social distancing while playing. In accordance with USTA safe play tips and recommendations, community members will be expected to follow these safe play steps and abide by the court rules:
- Courts are for use by players from the Oyster River Community only.
- Stay home if you have one or more COVID-19 symptoms: headache, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, cough, sneezing, fever, shortness of breath, recent loss of taste and smell, chills, respiratory symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea.
- The Town of Durham will close the courts if the court rules are not being respected.
- The Town of Durham will close the courts if community health concerns become an issue due to COVID-19.
- No camps or organized groups allowed to play at this time.
- Carry in and carry out all personal items and trash.
- Please bring your own hand sanitizer.
- Porta Potty on site is cleaned once per week on Wednesdays by rental company. Please use at your own risk.
PREPARING TO PLAY
- Use a hand sanitizer before going to the court- Please bring your own.
- Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles.
- Do not share racquets or any other equipment such as wristbands, grips, hats, and towels.
- Bring a full water bottle.
- Use new balls and a new grip, if possible.
- Consider taking extra precautions such as wearing gloves.
- Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there.
- Avoid touching court gates, fences, etc. if you can.
WHEN PLAYING
- Stay at least six feet apart from other players. Do not make physical contact with them.
- Singles play only
- Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racket or other equipment. Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks or towels.
- Use your racquet/foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Avoid using your hands to pick up the balls.
- Stay on your side of court. Avoid changing ends of the court.
- Remain apart from other players when taking a break.
- If a ball from another court comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet.
AFTER PLAYING
- Leave the court as soon as reasonably possible.
- Use a hand sanitizer after coming off the court. Wash hands thoroughly upon returning home.
- No congregation after playing- All players should leave the facility immediately after play.
NUMBER YOUR TENNIS BALLS
Open two cans of tennis balls that do not share the same number or brand. Take one set of numbered balls, and have your playing partner take a set of balls from the other can. Proceed with play, making sure to pick up your set of numbered balls only. Should a ball with the other number wind up on your side of the court, do not touch the ball with your hands. Use your racket head or feet to advance the ball to the other side of the court
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Get Ready for Summer Reading at Durham Public Library!
This summer’s “Imagine Your Story” Youth Summer Reading program is for ages 0-12 and runs from Monday, June 29th – Friday, July 31st!
Register ONLINE at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ beginning June 15th!
2020 Summer Reading Programs at Durham, Lee, and Madbury Public Libraries
Summer reading is going to look different this year. Instead of in-person programs, we’re going virtual! Check out the library websites for more information about how to participate in our programs this year.
Programs will be presented using Zoom. To ensure security and safety using this platform, registration is required for all virtual events. Once you have registered, a link will be sent to you to access the program. Visit http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ to register!
Special Joint Events:
Kick-off
Thursday, June 25th, 10:30 am
Science Tellers Zoom Party
Thursday July 9th, 10:30 am
Wildlife Encounters
Wednesday July 15, 10:30 am or 11:30
Marine Mammal Rescue with Seacoast Science Center
Thursday July 23, 10:30 am
Chain Reactions (Rube Goldberg Machines)
Finale Event
Friday July 23, 10:30 am
Simon Brooks
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Virtual Story Times
Mondays, 10:30 am | Madbury Library
Tuesdays, 10:30 am | Durham Public Library
Wednesdays, 10:30 am | Lee Library
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Durham Public Library is thrilled to now offer a new digital service to all of our patrons!
hoopla is an all-in-one media service where you can browse 700,000+ titles in six different formats—audiobooks, eBooks, comics/graphic novels, full music albums, movies, and TV—and instantly borrow, then download or stream, the titles of your choice!
You can access the title you borrow instantly on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. With hoopla, there are no holds or waiting! Patrons may borrow six titles per month per library cardholder. You will need your library barcode, a valid email address and your library password/pin to set up your account. Visit us at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ to get started!
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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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1975 - Spruce Hole was purchased by the Conservation Commission for the Town. This fine example of a glacial pot hole was formed when a huge block of ice was covered by sand and gravel. When the ice melted, the hold remained, and its biologically unique environment will be protected.
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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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