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Clock on UNH's Thompson Hall. Courtesy UNH
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Don't forget to set your clocks to "spring" forward by one hour this weekend. Daylight Saving Time begins this coming Sunday at 2AM.
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A year ago yesterday, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the outbreak of a novel coronavirus first detected in China had developed into a global pandemic. The deadly virus that causes Covid-19 was first reported in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 before it spread rapidly across the world.
Over the past year, the virus has infected more than 118 million people and taken over 2.6 million lives, as countries have battled the pandemic with unprecedented social-distancing measures and lockdowns.
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UK VARIANT OF COVID-19 IDENTIFIED IN TWO MEMBERS OF DURHAM/UNH COMMUNITY AS PART OF UNH ONGOING TESTING PROGRAM
UNH recently started genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from samples submitted to the UNH Testing Lab and samples provided by the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The University is now able to provide data for use by the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in surveillance of the virus thanks to state and federal support of this important work.
While it does not change anything related to patient care, including recommendations for isolation and quarantine, genomic surveillance enables public health officials to monitor genetic variations occurring in the COVID virus and better understand how they are circulating and how they affect public health. Viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, are constantly changing and over time may have different characteristics.
In the sequencing of several hundred samples from last month, the UK variant (B.1.1.7) was detected in the samples of two members of the UNH Durham community. This was not unexpected as the UK variant was first detected in New Hampshire almost a month ago. Based on CDC guidance, UNH is not able to share any additional details, but patient information has been provided to DHHS for further action if necessary.
The university will continue to conduct genomic surveillance on positive test results out of the lab. Any additional variant findings will be reported by the state by county only; if additional variants are discovered or public health guidelines are adjusted UNH will work in partnership with the state to share the necessary information.
UNH is one of the few institutions in the country contributing in this way to help monitor community spread of Covid-19 and its variants.
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ORCSD VACCINATION POD FOR EDUCATORS AND CHILDCARE PROVIDERS COMING SOON TO DURHAM
The Oyster River High School will be the host site for a COVID vaccination pod. Per the Governor’s order vaccination pods in phase 2A are being set up across the state to facilitate the vaccination of all educators and childcare providers. The pod Oyster River is hosting will provide the opportunity for vaccination to all school staff in the Oyster River and Barrington school districts.
The ORCSD has also invited licensed community childcare providers and community recreation staffs that work with school-aged children in the Oyster River and Barrington communities. The district anticipates vaccinating up to 1000 people through this pod. They have already reached their limit of 1000.
The vaccine being used requires 2 shots. The date for the first shot clinic is Wednesday, March 24, 2021. The 2nd shot is scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2021. Oyster River and Barrington nurses will support Strafford County Regional Health in administering the two shots.
To facilitate the vaccination clinics and to minimize disruption to the school day Superintendent James Morse will be recommending to the school board that March 24 and April 19 be teacher workshop days in the Oyster River School District.
This will be a drive through vaccination process, meaning hundreds of cars will traverse Coe Drive on both days. ORCSD has been working closely with the Durham Police and Fire Departments to ensure as little disruption to residents of Coe Drive as possible, however, if you do not live on or off Coe Drive, you should avoid Coe Drive on both days.
Any local resident who is eligible for Phase 2A but due to space limitations has not been able to be included in the OR/Barrington Pod will be able to sign up for an upcoming regional shot clinic on the DHHS web site starting on Wednesday, March 17 at 8:00 AM. DHHS tells us that vaccination slots are being reserved for Phase 2A people.
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DURHAM’S STATE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION TO ATTEND UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING
Members of Durham’s state legislative delegation plan to attend the upcoming Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 15, 2021.
At that meeting, the Council will have the opportunity to receive an update on legislation either currently being discussed or which has been acted upon that might pertain to the Town of Durham, and to exchange information with its representatives on matters of particular interest to the Durham community. Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka and Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington have also been invited to attend this meeting.
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MADBURY ROAD RECONSTRUCTION - RFQ Selection Process in Process
Engineering Design Contract Update - Following the Town’s solicitation for qualifications packages, Durham Public Works received two qualification packages from joint consultant teams on February 25, 2020.
The first team was led by Green International Affiliates, Inc., and supported by Wright Pierce, and WSP.
A second qualifications package was submitted by a joint team led by Vanasse Hangen and Brustlin (VHB) supported by CMA, Doucet Survey, and SW Cole Engineering.
Town Council Chair Kitty Marple, Town Engineer April Talon and Director of Public Works Richard Reine conducted interviews of both teams at Town Hall on Monday March 8, 2021. The selection team rated each consultant team on various aspects of their qualification package including relevant project experience in the New England area, thoroughness of their qualifications package, project references, familiarity with multimodal transportation, complete streets and public engagement and interview quality.
After deliberating with the selection team, it was determined that the VHB team was the most advantageous firm in the Town’s QBS process for the Madbury Road Reconstruction Project. Durham Public Works will now begin scope and fee negotiations with the VHB team which will allow for Administrator and Town Council contract approval.
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Early photograph of Smith Chapel (provided by the Durham Historic Association)
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SMITH CHAPEL - Submitted by Michael Behrendt
The Historic District/Heritage Commission is developing a plaque for installation at Smith Chapel to recognize inclusion of the chapel on the National Register of Historic Places (listed in 2013). Placement on the register is a great honor. Only a few properties in Durham are listed including Thompson Hall at UNH, Wiswall Falls Mill Site, and the Durham Historic District (in entirety as a district).
Smith Chapel, located about a half mile down Mill Pond Road from Newmarket Road, was built in 1900 (or 1901 - the exact date is not clearly established) as a memorial for Hamilton Smith. Mr. Smith died at the age of 59 on July 4 of that year while sailing on the Oyster River. He had a fatal heart attack while trying to free his boat after it ran aground. His widow Alice Smith selected this site which was then part of their 70-acre estate which ran down from their home at the Red Tower on Main Street to Mill Pond and the river (Mill Pond Road did not exist at the time).
This stunning Gothic-revival jewel is reminiscent of medieval parish churches the Smiths likely visited during their years living in England. They were Episcopalian but attended the Durham Congregational Church (now the Durham Community Church) next to the Red Tower.
The chapel is notable for its rugged two-foot thick granite walls, six massive stone buttresses, steep slate roof, pointed arches over the openings, and Celtic cross at the peak. The rich interior includes wrought iron fixtures, S-shaped ceiling trusses, brass hardware, a chancel screen, an altar, and a herringbone brick pattern in the floor. The interior was originally illuminated only by natural light coming through the opalescent stained glass window on each elevation. The building is nearly unaltered except for the installation of utilities. Unfortunately, the identity of the architect is not known.
Hamilton and Alice Smith are buried together in a cemetery in front of the church along with Edith Angela Congreve Onderdonk, Alice’s daughter from her first marriage. Edith built a new dam in 1913 (now the subject of much debate by the Town) at the outlet of Mill Pond to preserve the pond. There is another later marker for Alice Hamilton Onderdonk Van da Linda, daughter of Edith and her husband Shirley. Gravestones behind the chapel for the family’s beloved dogs – Boy, Hana, Child Emily, Dick Smith, and Captain Joy – were relocated here in 1979 from a pet cemetery elsewhere on the Red Tower estate.
Who was Hamilton Smith?
Hamilton Smith was born near Louisville, KY but his father was from Durham. Hamilton’s mother died in 1845 when he was a small child and he was sent to live with his grandfather Judge Valentine Smith who lived at 18 Main Street (in the house now known as “The Valentine Smith House”). He attended Durham Academy, a private high school on Schoolhouse Lane operated by the Christian Baptist Church in Durham from 1841 to around 1963 (The building was demolished at that time). Smith later moved to Cannelton, Indiana to work with his father who had acquired large coal mines in the area. Smith was a self-taught engineer and he became a leading expert on hydraulic mining (a method using high-pressure jets of water to dislodge material). He amassed great wealth from gold mining in California, gold and diamond mining in South Africa, the London stock market where he introduced several mine securities, and other ventures. He also helped develop the London Underground system. Hamilton Smith Hall, Smith Hall, and Congreve Hall at UNH were named for members of the family who bequeathed money to the university to fund the construction of women’s dormitories and the library.
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Hamilton Smith with his unmistakable mutton chops (photograph from Portsmouth Athenaeum)
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The Red Tower Estate...
The Red Tower estate, which included much of what is now the Faculty Road neighborhood, was sold and subdivided in the mid-20th century. The chapel was reserved on a separate lot and donated to the Town in 1963 with an endowment of $5,000 for its upkeep. The structure was partially rehabilitated in 2011. Reverend Congreve Hamilton Quinby (now deceased), great grandson of Hamilton Smith, came down from Burlington, Vermont to join Reverend Michael Bradley, former rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church, in a moving ceremony rededicating the chapel in 2019.
The property is available for weddings and small gatherings on request. For more information about Smith Chapel, including the richly detailed National Register nomination form, visit the Historic District/Heritage Commission’s website HERE.
(The Smith Chapel National Register Nomination Form from 2013 and information provided by Andrea Bodo and Janet Mackie were the primary sources for this article.)
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Rev. Quinby and Rev. Bradley in front of the Altar Window depicting the Gates of Paradise and River of Life (photograph by Andrea Bodo)
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DID YOU KNOW?
There are many myths about recycling. For the month of March, the IWMAC (Waste Management Advisory Committee) will highlight and dispel some of these myths!
Myth: Containers must be squeaky clean in order to be recycled.
Answer: False
While bottles, cans and containers should be clean, dry and free of most food waste before you place them in your recycling bin, they don’t need to be spotless. The goal is to make sure they are clean enough to avoid contaminating other materials. Try using a spatula to scrape cans and jars, or use a small amount of water and shake to remove most residue.
Source: Waste Management, http://RecycleOftenRecycleRight.com/
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LEE WELL AND PUMP MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION COMPLETED
On Thursday March 4, 2021, Weston and Sampson completed the scope of work developed with Durham Public Works to confirm the Lee Well performance and ensure continued reliability.
The work included, isolating the system and conducting a controlled flow test operating the existing pumping equipment at up to 5 different rates, including shutoff. Data collected during the testing procedures included:
- Flow rate measurements utilizing a Pitot Tube installed on the existing blow-off line
- or yard hydrant
- Static and pumping water level measurements
- Discharge pressures using a calibrated pressure gauge installed within the pipeline.
- Electrical data including amperage, voltage, kilowatts, electrical Hp
The scope was also a maintenance component which included,
- Draining and replacing motor oil
- Add grease as necessary to motor bearings
- Remove and replace stuffing box packing material
- Perform “MegOhm” test on motor leads to assess condition of insulation
A written report detailing the information collected and observations made will be prepared and submitted for review to determine if further steps are required. Whenever possible, the current data will be compared against previous data collected to evaluate if well redevelopment work or reconditioning is required to restore the performance of either the well or pumping equipment.
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BLACK BEAR HAS A BALL IN WOODRIDGE
Late last week a sizeable black bear was wandering around the Woodridge area and stopped to play tetherball. The property owners are sharing this delightful video they made of the bear’s escapades. It’s guaranteed to bring smiles. View the video HERE.
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TIME TO BRING IN YOUR BIRD FEEDERS - Bears are active!
As demonstrated in the black bear video featured above, bears are definitely coming out of hibernation and this is a good time to remind residents that bird feeders should be brought indoors or they could be destroyed.
According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans. They are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on minimizing human-bear conflicts.
It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire. Intentional feeding can create problems within residential areas and can result in fines. It also may threaten the life of the bear, if it becomes a nuisance animal as a result of this feeding.
New Hampshire Fish and Game understands the importance of educating the public and provide very good tips for helping to avoid conflicts with bears. You can find some tips on living with bears in New Hampshire HERE.
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Bird feeder torn down by a bear at Madbury Rd & Edgewood Ext. Courtesy Wayne Burton
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VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES - We'd love to have interested residents get involved - new/old alike. It's a wonderful way to become active in local affairs affecting our community!
On April 30, 2021, terms on various Town boards, commissions, and committees will expire. In April, the Town Council will begin the process for making its annual appointments/reappointments to Town boards, with appointments to take effect May 1, 2021. The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill these vacancies, which are listed below.
Citizens interested in board appointments may stop in or contact the Town Administrator’s office at 868-5571 and ask for a board application form. Applications are also available on the home page of the Town’s web site: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ at the top of the page. Click on “Helpful Resources”, then “Town Documents”, then “Forms and Applications”, then “Application for Appointment”.
Completed applications may be mailed to the Town Administrator’s office, or submitted via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday, March 26, 2021.
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TOWN/SCHOOL ELECTIONS
The Durham Public Works crews assisted Town and ORCSD officials in the coordination and procurement of the local and school elections this week.
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DURHAM RECEIVES THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION'S "TREE CITY USA" DESIGNATION FOR THE 43RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR!
On March 1, 2021, the Town was enthusiastic to learn that for the 43rd consecutive year Durham has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a “Tree City USA”. The Tree City USA program has been in place in the United States since 1976. It is a nationwide program that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees.
More than 3,400 communities have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA. They have achieved Tree City USA status by meeting the core standards of sound urban forestry management. The Town of Durham is honored and proud to have enjoyed this status for 43 consecutive years, making it the longest recognized Tree City USA community in New Hampshire!
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BUDGET CONCERN BEING MONITORED: SNOW AND ICE CONTROL WINTER BUDGET WATCH
DPW staff have done a really nice job of providing comparisons of winter maintenance expenditures for the department over the last 6 years through the end of March. YTD through end of February shows 2021 at 42.91% compared to 2016 at 32.69%, 2017 at 61.76%, 2018 at 33.86%, 2019 at 38.19% and 2020 at 28.04%.
So far, so good. But let's continue to hope for an early spring!
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Durham resident Bernie Casey sent in this photograph of a pileated woodpecker couple whacking away at a tree on Edgerly Garrison Roard in Durham in search for carpenter ants or other insects.
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PART-TIME DPW MECHANIC POSITION VACANCY
The Town of Durham is in seek of a permanent part time mechanic to assist in performing equipment maintenance on the Town's fleet. Requires knowledge of regular fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair, diagnosis of malfunctions utilizing test equipment and technical repair manuals. Employee will work up to 24 hours per week, flexible scheduling available. Position receives paid holidays and pro-rated vacation and sick leave accruals.
High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one year of formal training in fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair or equivalent experience. Possession of a Class B CDL Operator's License and Certification to perform NH Safety Vehicle Inspections highly sought after.
Hourly wage starting at $20/hour, higher possible depending on experience. Job will be posted until position is filled. Interested parties please send application/letter of interest/resume to:
Rich Reine, Director of Public Works
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
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PART-TIME DPW TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT SOUGHT
The Town of Durham is looking for a part time Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part time, non-benefits. Applicants must be comfortable dealing with public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain license within 2 months of hire. Duties include checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, maintenance and cleaning of facility. Pay $14-$17/Hr based on experience. Hours will be Saturday from 7am-3:30pm, potential for more hours. Valid driver’s license, background check will be performed. Applications accepted through Wednesday, March 31st.
Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact below:
Janice Richard
Assistant to the Director
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
868-5578
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WASTEWATER PUMP STATION OPERATIONS IMPACTED BY MARCH 1ST WINDSTORM
The extremely high winds and downed trees had a large impact on the Town’s wastewater collection and treatment systems with all three sewage pump stations and the main treatment plant losing line power during the storm. The first pump station located on Old Concord Rd lost line power for approximately 5 hours. The next two facilities were the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Dover Road main sewage pump station which lost line power for 4 hours. The Oyster River sewage pumping station was the next facility to be impacted with a power loss. Due to the extensive damage resulting from a fallen tree at the Oyster River Pumping station which caused two electrical poles to break, this station was without power for approximately 56 hours.
Due to the prudent investments made in Durham’s wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure, including backup generator emergency power at these locations, along with the outstanding response from the Durham Public Works and Town of Durham emergency responders, there was no interruption of collection and treatment processes and all facilities continued to operate during the line power outages.
In addition, Public Works crews continued the storm damage clean-up effort this week, Targeted areas included the Doe Farm, Thompson, and Oyster River Forest trail networks and the Wagon Hill Farm. Highway personnel noted that the majority of trees which sustained damage where either White Pine or Norway Spruce and were either uprooted or snapped partially up the trunk.
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THE GREAT BAY RAIN BARREL PROJECT
Collect free water for your garden and help protect the Great Bay by harvesting stormwater that can carry excess nutrients into our rivers and our Great Bay. We have connected with The Great America Rain Barrel Co. that sells repurposed, food-grade, BPA-free barrels with spigots and screened tops.
Community Discount Cost: $70-$79 depending on color.
Key dates:
April 11: Deadline to order & pay for barrel
April 16 4-6 pm: Pick up barrels at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 28 Cataract Ave., Dover, NH 03820
Volunteers will put it in your car.
Who is coordinating this initiative?
Volunteers in the Energy and Environment Committee of the NH Dover Democrats.
This is NOT a fund-raiser. This is just a way to help folks harvest rainwater.
To order & learn more:
Order discounted barrels for Dover NH pick-up HERE.
Also,
See “How to Use” section in the above website for helpful videos.
Barrels come with connectors for overflow into another barrel or garden space.
Fun idea: Paint barrel with unique designs to enhance your garden.
Questions?
Email these volunteers: Cindy Walter & Mike Atherton at
Ward2DoverDemsChair@gmail.com
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2021 STREET SWEEPING AND STORMWATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The Durham Public Works Department took advantage of the warmer days this week and began its annual street sweeping program – a welcome sign indicating spring is just around the corner!
The street sweeper collects everything from organic and aggregate materials to litter.
This program is an integral component to the Department’s efforts to mitigate the amount of pollution from storm water runoff, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing roadway surface and curb line.
The street sweeper will be scheduled to visit all public paved roadways over the coming months.
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Courtesy Bergmeyer Associates
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NEW BUILDING PROPOSED FOR 74 MAIN STREET
The Planning Board will review a preliminary site plan application for a new building proposed for 74 Main Street (at the intersection with Pettee Brook Lane) at the March 24 meeting. The 5-story building would include commercial space and 15 residential units. Doug Clark is the property owner. The building was designed by architect Zachary Smith of Bergmeyer Associates (Boston).
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ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION WEBINAR
The Active Retirement Association in Durham is presenting New Life for the The Wood Island Life Saving Station in a Webinar on March 16. Life Saving Station Association President Sam Reid will talk about the history, the restoration, and the plans to open it to the public. Read more about the Webinar HERE.
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TOWN FACILITY FIRE ALARM SYSTEM UPGRADES
The Durham Public Works Department’s fire alarm and security system contractor began working on upgrades to the fire alarm communication system within numerous town facilities this week. Antiquated phone lines will be replaced by digital AES mesh radio technology. These devices transmit signals through a wireless network, making them significantly more reliable than phone lines. They also provide the fastest transmission speed available on the market today, with the average alert to receiving time ranging from 15-30 seconds compared to 45 seconds through a phone line.
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LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE WINTER 2021 NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee's Winter Newsletter is now available and can be viewed HERE.
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DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
The Durham Agricultural Commission would like to call readers to several online workshops on raising livestock offered by UNH Cooperative Extension in March, April and May:
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DURHAM'S WINTER COMPOST CHALLENGE - FEBRUARY 15 - MARCH 26, 2021. Thought about composting? Want to get started? What’s the Impact of Removing Compostable Materials from Durham’s Solid Waste?
Durham collects compost at our Transfer Station to help keep organic material out of the Town’s Solid Waste Collection and the Turnkey Landfill. The anaerobic decomposition of the organic material in the landfill generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
The Winter Compost Challenge will be conducted by the Integrated Municipal Waste Advisory Committee (IWMAC) along with support from Parks and Rec and the DPW to provide data on what percentage of our community waste collection may be compost. Durham families are invited to sign up through Parks and Rec (To register online, visit: http://durhamrec.recdesk.com/). You will be provided with a compost bin and compostable bags, and we ask that you weigh your compost and household waste weekly, take your compost to the Transfer Station toters, and record and share your data. If you participated in the Fall Compost Challenge, you may join this challenge as well, and we will collect your data. Fall Challenge participants will not need to pay to participate again and will not receive another bin and bags.
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PAWSOME NEWS FROM THE TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE
The 2021 dog tags are now available and residents may obtain their licenses starting Monday, January 11, 2021. Please note that NH-State law requires that all Durham residents license their dogs no later than April 30, 2021. You may renew your dog license online HERE or by visiting the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. New dog licenses must be done in person or by mail. If you have any questions, please contact the Town-Clerk Tax Collector’s office at ph: 603-868-5577.
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Town Clerk Tax Collector, Lorrie Pitt, and Deputy Town Clerk, Rachel Deane, hold the Top Dog basket that will go to this year's Top Dog raffle winner. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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OBTAIN A DOG LICENSE BY APRIL 30, 2021 AND AUTOMATICALLY ENTER THE 2021 TOP DOG RAFFLE
The Town of Durham is proud to announce the 2021 Top Dog raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. Residents automatically register for the Top Dog raffle when they obtain a dog license before April 30, 2021. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket donated by the clerk’s office. The gift basket contains a fleece dog blanket, KONG-brand durable tennis balls, disposable dog waste bags, a high quality dog leash, and dog treats.
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 2021 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 2021 raffle winner’s dog will be included in the Durham Friday Update.
- The winner will be drawn at random by clerk’s office at a Town Council meeting in May 2021.
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SWAP SHOP TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO PANDEMIC
DPW officials recently met with a subcommittee of the Integrated Solid Waste Committee and coordinators of the Swap Shop to evaluate the possibility or re-opening. The consensus was to continue to keep closed. A poll was taken of the volunteers to determine if there was any interest in opening and found that concerns over COVID including possible spikes in the fall and winter remained and people felt it was a better approach to keep closed until spring. We will keep updating the community as things change.
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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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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Registration is open for Upcoming Events!
Sign up for an author talk with author Matt Hongoltz-Hetling about his 2020 release A Libertarian Walks Into A Bear on March 23rd! Check out our NEW monthly program with McGregor EMS, Ask Your Ambulance on March 25th! The monthly topic is "The First 5 Minutes of an Emergency." Finally, it's getting warmer! Get excited for spring training with the Ultimate Presentation for Red Sox Nation with Marty Gitlin on April 5th!
Need tech assistance or access? DPL staff is available every Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm via phone or zoom for all your tech questions and we now have 2 laptop PCs and 2 mobile hotspots available for our patrons to check out! Need help registering for the COVID-19 vaccine? If you’re currently part of the demographic eligible for the vaccine in NH, the library can assist with computers and tech help to get you registered. Call us at 603-868-6699 to set up a time!
What’s New in Youth Services?!
Register HERE for our Steve Blunt Sing-a-Long on Sat. March 20th at 10:30 am! This is another joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. Also available are sign-ups for regularly-scheduled programming including Zoom Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM crafts to go. Sign up for the YA Zoom Activity, the next Racoon Readers Book Group, the Patch club and more! Or download the complete March calendar!
Daily Operations at DPL!
The Library is currently open for 20-minute visits to the Library for quick browsing, checkouts and the use of computers, the printer and copy machine. Notary services are available by appointment. Meeting rooms and the Cafe remain closed. At this time, we are limiting the number of patrons in the building to no more than 50% of our normal comfortable browsing capacity on the main floor. We request that anyone using the Library do so wearing a cloth mask or face covering and masks are available to patrons who request them. We ask that patrons not gather or congregate in the Library and for those uncomfortable coming in, our contactless “Library to-go” services continue! Please visit our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ for complete information! Still have questions? We can be reached at 603-868-6699 during open hours or at durhampl@gmail.com any time!
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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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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1718- Known as the second falls in 1694, the "hole streame of Lamprele River for erecting mills" was sold to Capt. Thomas Packer, of Portsmouth, and others. The name Packers Falls did not appear in Town records until 1750, but since the name has been used for the road and the district.
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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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