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Crocus, a sign of spring. Courtesy UNH Cooperative Extension
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Spring 2021 will arrive at 5:37 a.m. Saturday, March 20, which is squarely in the middle of the range of days on which it can fall, March 19, 20 or 21. The first day of spring is also known as the vernal equinox. That's also why our calendar adds an extra day every 4 years, giving us our leap years.
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Correction from last week. The article about Smith Chapel included the wrong date for the close of Durham Academy. The academy was open from 1841 to around 1863 (not 1963) when it closed. Durham Academy was a private high school operated by the Christian Baptist Church in Durham. The two-story brick building was located on Schoolhouse Lane just beyond the burial ground. At its height, there were 112 tuition-paying students, of which about 40% were female. Hamilton Smith attended the academy as did other notable Durham residents including Mary Pickering Thompson (author of Landmarks in Ancient Dover), Winthrop S. Meserve (an author of the 1913 history of Durham), and Major Enoch G. Adams (cigar manufacturer at Adams Point). The structure was demolished in 1864.
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American flag at half-staff in Durham, NH. Courtesy Todd Selig
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GIVEN THIS WEEK'S TRAGIC SHOOTINGS IN GEORGIA, A REMINDER THAT DURHAM, NH IS A WELCOMING COMMUNITY WHERE DISCRIMINATION OR RACISM IS NOT TOLERATED
The American flag is flying at half-staff at the Town Hall in Durham this week. President Joe Biden ordered national flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of the tragic shootings in the Atlanta area that killed eight people.
On May 1, 2017, the Durham Town Council adopted Resolution #2017-19 affirming the Town of Durham as a welcoming community that embraces all people and their inherent inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; a premise fundamental to our nation.
As a diverse community within NH’s seacoast region and host to the University of New Hampshire, our community embraces residents and visitors of various cultural and ethnic identities from across the country and around the world.
The Town Council has declared that the policy of the Town of Durham is that all people are valued and should be accorded dignity and respect.
We value equity and diversity and acknowledge and affirm that the Town’s greatest strength is realized as a multicultural and inclusive community in which discrimination or racism of any form is not tolerated.
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DPW'S SAM HEWITT PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OPERATIONS
Congratulations are extended to DPW Building and Grounds Foreman, Sam Hewitt, in his promotion to Assistant Director Public Works operations within Durham Public Works.
Sam has been a DPW team member for nearly 11 years in which time he has progressed to his current role and has gained an in depth knowledge of public works operations. He attended Norwich University’s Public Works Institute, and has a B.S. Degree in Meteorology with a Minor in Mathematics from the State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego.
We are excited to have Sam in this new role to take on new challenges and look forward to his continued success.
Sam is originally from Durham and is an Eagle Scout.
Long-time Assistant Director Doug Bullen retired from service earlier this year.
DPW'S SHANE BICKFORD PROMOTED TO OPERATIONS MANAGER
Congratulations are also extended to DPW Highway Foreman, Shane Bickford, in his promotion to Operations Manager within Durham Public Works. Shane has been a member of the DPW team since 2009 where he progressed from Heavy Equipment Operator to Foreman.
Shane has gained substantial knowledge and experience in the public works field along with heavy construction expertise having worked in leadership roles since 1997. Shane is a U.S. Marine having served as a Sargent Infantry Platoon Leader for 8 years.
We are excited to have Shane take on this new role and look forward to his continued success in the department.
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ORCSD SCHOOL BOARD NEWS - Board chair transition, middle school construction update, vaccinations for school staff, sustainability efforts, 5 day in-person instruction planning, etc.
School Board members, including Student Representative Megan Deane and Superintendent Morse, expressed appreciation for the leadership of Thomas Newkirk who served as School Board Chair for the last 7 years. Dr. Newkirk continues to serve as a School Board member.
Andre Kloetz of Bauen Construction provided an update on the new Middle School construction. Construction is now over 42% complete. Interior framing as well as mechanical, electrical, and pumping installation is in full swing. The dark blue layer on the exterior of the facility is a rubber sealant and is now being covered with three inches of foam insulation and fireproof plywood. Additional insulation is being installed on the inside of the exterior walls. The existing ORMS gymnasium will be demolished beginning over April school vacation. To make way for driveway and parking lot work.
Kendall Gray and Maggie Morrison, ORCSD Sustainability Coordinator, presented a greenhouse gas inventory for the school district. This is the first study of its kind for a public-school district in New Hampshire and will inform a Sustainability Management Plan for the district. [The Town of Durham via Durham's UNH Sustainability Fellow is also in the final phase of studying greenhouse gas emissions for the entire Durham community (municipal, ORCSD, UNH, and all other private/residential/business sources) and is coordinating with the ORCSD team to integrate data).
March 24, 2021 and April 19, 2021 will be teacher workshop days with no school for students. This is a change to accommodate the vaccination of all ORCSD and Barrington school staff as well as licensed childcare and youth rec program personnel on these dates. The vaccination pod is being run by Strafford County Public Health Network at ORHS with the active support of ORCSD, Durham Fire, Durham Police, McGregor Memorial, etc..
The School Board approved Dr. Morse's request to begin planning for a 5-days-per-week, full day school model. The district wants to have plans in progress should the state order a change. No decisions have been made yet about implementation. The School Board will meet on March 24, 2021, in a workshop meeting to discuss planning progress.
The School Board workshop is a public meeting, but with a limited agenda. The School Board will not take any actions or votes. Workshop meetings are generally not televised and do not include public comments. The public is always invited to provide input by email to orcsdsb@orcsd.org. The next regular meeting of the School Board including public comments is scheduled for April 7, 2021.
In order to allow staff to focus on planning for the potential 5-full-day model, the elementary schools will not add Wednesdays as synchronous learning days in April as previously announced.
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DECISION REGARDING DOGS OFF LEASH AT WAGON HILL FARM
Given all we have heard and learned since December, taking into consideration feedback from Durham Police, Parks & Rec., DPW, our Land Stewardship Coordinator, the Land Stewardship Subcommittee, Seacoast D.O.G., and the many, many people who have taken time to provide thoughtful feedback, Admin. Selig plans to leave the status quo unchanged (continuing to allow dogs off leash (reasonably under an owners control) from dawn to 10 AM), combined with additional signage, and enlisting the gracious support/assistance of Seacoast D.O.G. volunteers (as time allows) in encouraging responsible pet ownership at WHF during posted periods.
A major sign refresh at the property is in order, and we’ll put this on our spring/summer work plan for Durham Public Works and our Land Stewardship Coordinator, including signage requiring dogs to be on leash at all times within the parking area (a great suggestion from both Seacoast D.O.G and Parks & Rec.), as well as cautionary signage denoting sensitive shoreline/ecological locations.
This does not solve the ongoing parking crunch at the property during pandemic-influenced heavy use periods, which according to Durham Police have regularly occurred this winter both during active sledding periods and on pleasant weather weekends/holidays during morning off leash hours. We’ll need to continue to consider parking strategies but that topic is not central to addressing the off leash hours issue.
We'll continue to monitor and adapt to challenges regarding these issues as time moves forward.
A thank you is extended to all who took the time to provide feedback.
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BEE HIVES COMING THIS SPRING TO WAGON HILL FARM - At the WHF Community Garden.
The board of directors of the Wagon Hill Farm Community Garden requested and was granted permission by Admin. Selig to place one or two hives at the WHFGC beginning this spring.
The plan is to place the hive(s) in the west corner inside the fenced in area. Additional fencing and inside gate would create a fence enclosed area of approximately 10’ x 10’ to safely locate the hive(s). A member of the WHFCG board is an experienced beekeeper and the owner of the hive will be the primary keeper.
The hives are able to be moved at the end of the 2021 growing season if the WHFCG board and/or Town decide not to continue with this activity.
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OBTAINING FIRE PERMITS IN DURHAM AVAILABLE ON LINE
According to the website for the NH Division of Forests and Lands, the cost of obtaining an online burn permit will increase from $3.00 to $5.50 effective March 31, 2021. The online transaction fee supports the development and management of the fire permit system. The fee increase will be used for upgrades and improvements to the system such as ease of use with devices, the ability to obtain multiple permits at one time and increased functionality for the local Forest Fire Wardens and fire departments. These changes are intended to streamline the fire permitting process and should significantly enhance the public’s experience obtaining their permits. The Town of Durham and State of New Hampshire do not receive any portion of these fees. Permits may be obtained online: https://nhdflweb.sovsportsnet.net/ or by utilizing the following QR code:
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Please keep in mind that seasonal permits may be obtained through the site for Category I and Category II burn permits. Seasonal permits must be renewed annually and are valid until December 31st of that year.
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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: Hoses, tanks, shower curtains, swing sets, etc. are made of plastic so they must be recyclable.
Answer: False
If it’s not bottles, cans, containers or paper, it probably doesn’t belong in your curbside recycling bin and may even require special handling. Just because an item is made from plastic, or contains plastic parts, doesn’t mean recycling facilities can handle it. There are other resources (Example: Earth911.org) that can help answer questions about what to do with non-recyclables or household hazardous waste.
Source: Waste Management, http://RecycleOftenRecycleRight.com/
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THANK YOU FROM DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION - Hannaford community bag fundraiser.
The Durham Historic Association thanks everyone who purchased a Hannaford Community Bag in February, which resulted in a donation to our organization. It is very much appreciated! And a special thanks to our local Hannaford store, located at 7 Mill Road, for supporting the DHA through their Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program.
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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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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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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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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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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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DOG LICENSES AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE
The 2021 dog tags are now available and residents may obtain their licenses at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's office. 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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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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THIS COMING WEEK'S PLANNING BOARD MEETING
The Planning Board is meeting this Wednesday, 3/24/21. The agenda may be viewed by clicking HERE. The board continues its review of Mill Plaza and the Gerrish Drive Subdivision. A new preliminary application has been submitted for a five-story mixed-use building at 74 Main Street, at the intersection with Pettee Brook Lane. Fifteen residential units are proposed along with nonresidential space to house the nonprofit organization Foundation for Civic Leadership. Feel free to contact the Town Planner with any questions at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.
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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." It's spring! 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!
What’s New in Youth Services?!
Our new Teen Advisory Board (TAB) grades 9-12 is taking applications. Click HERE for information and applications! 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 and April calendars!
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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1724 - Moses Davis and son were ambushed in their cornfield and both killed. A Negro slave killed one Indian and presented the scalp to Gov. Wentworth for 100 pounds bounty. The slave was later buried at the feet of Moses' daughter, Love, and the graves may still be seen on Mill Road.
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Have a very nice weekend. The weather looks quite promising!
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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