Friday Updates - March 31, 2023

Friday, March 31, 2023

APRIL FOOLS' EDITION

OYSTER RIVER/DURHAM ANNOUNCEMENT ENDS LONGTIME SPECULATION – Oh brother!

There have been whispers for years questioning whether Oyster River School Superintendent Jim Morse and Durham Administrator Todd Selig are related. Both are follically-challenged. Both are handsome and debonair, sharing many characteristics. They seem to get along well. But are they related? 

In their final official action and as a good will gesture of town/school collaboration, outgoing School Board and Council chairpersons, Michael Williams and Katherine (Kitty) Marple, confirmed this week that Morse and Selig … are twins! 

“They’re just two wild and crazy guys,” stated Marple. 

In an unexpected turn of events, long-time Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt announced Friday afternoon that she'll be staying on after all following discovery late-Thursday evening that Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane, Mrs. Pitt’s successor-elect, is in fact the notorious Soviet-era provocateur Anya Alina Anastasia -- the legendary Agent XXX from James Bond adventures. Anastasia narrowly escaped apprehension by Durham police and has fled the area. 

“She’s a really nice person,” stated Police Chief Rene Kelley. “That’s how she managed to give us all the slip!”

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the University of New Hampshire is moving ahead with plans for an “innovation ecosystem” called “The Edge at West End,” which includes university and private company partnerships for research facilities, retail, dining, recreation, housing, and more. 

Close collaboration between Durham and UNH is taking place, so much so that at the last Town Council meeting, discussion centered around ways to link The Edge, the Durham/UNH train station, and the Town’s adjacent large parking lot (formerly the Craig Supply site, a Federally designated brownfield) by constructing a large regional attraction, The Durham Eye! 

Outgoing Town Councilor Sally Tobias, also the representative to the Planning Board, and resident Joshua Meyrowitz from the Faculty Neighborhood, felt equally confident the community would be very supportive of the addition, noting it would be very compatible with the abutting neighborhoods.  "Durham should not be outdone by London, England," they agreed.

Incoming Town Council-elect members Wayne Burton and Emily Friedrichs have expressed initial interest in the concept but want to learn more. 

UNH President James Dean, however, is perhaps the most bullish of all. “To infinity and beyond,” he stated!

The massive popularity of the new hit Netflix series Wednesday having everything to do with the macabre is bringing a lot of attention to Durham! So much so that Durham's own Adams Point family cemetery has begun to gain fame and notoriety as a convenient spot for tiktokers to do the viral dance inspired by the show. Click HERE to view the TikTok dance.

Unbeknownst to these Out of Towners, the Adams name has no relation to the loveably goofy and accident-prone fictional Addams family!

The next time you call 911 to report a fire, you may not get a big red fire engine racing round the corner with its siren wailing and red lights cutting through the smoke. It could be a two-seat MINI!

The Team at the Durham Fire Department are drawing up plans to replace traditional fire engines with smaller cars, including MINI's. The vehicles are said to reduce response times, as they can travel faster and maneuver more easily versus a big truck on UNHG and Town multi-use pathways.

They can cope with a third of all call-outs, including “cat stuck up a tree” calls, “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” calls, fires in dumpster bins, ambulance support, and other small blazes.

Firefighter Scott Campbell, who spearheaded the idea, explained it was about time firefighting moved into the 21^st century. "The fire service is 200+ years of tradition, unimpeded by progress, and that’s about to change here in Wildcat Country,” he said. “Plus the cars are super fun to drive!”

The initiative could save millions. Durham Fire is leading the way in the state with the MINI initiative. The fleet of fire cars will eventually include five firefighting MINI Countrymans including 4x4s capable of carrying water and pumps as well as breathing equipment, enabling crews to tackle house fires. The four-wheel-drive MINI Countryman models used have only two seats, which enables them to fit six extinguishers in the back (two each of water, foam and powder), plus a first aid kit and defibrillator.

“It's a good day to be a Wildcat!,” stated Fire Chief David Emanuel.

Durham resident and retired Fire Captain Michael Hoffman, who has been providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine for several weeks, loves the idea and said he wished he had them when he was in the fire service. "They would have really handled the corners well during an emergency call on Durham Point Road," he said.

Several adjacent parcels in downtown Durham along Main Street between The Outback and Jenkins Court are currently on the market and Planner Michael Behrendt has learned confidentially that a proverbial development dream team comprised of high-powered local architects Doug Bencks, Walter Rous, Art Guadano, and Nick Isaak, along with Engineer extraordinaire Mike Sievert, are planning to acquire the parcels and build the world’s tallest building – The Spindle! 

Burj Khalifa in Dubai is currently the world’s tallest building at 2,722’.

Behrendt believes that the three-story zoning ceiling in this location on Main Street would only be a minor variance issue and that the Planning Board will be inclined to fast track the project. “In just one project Durham can dramatically expand the tax base, expand “missing middle” housing, add hundreds of thousands of square feet of non-residential space, with room for future expansion. What’s not to like?” he said. 

Resident Beth Olshansky, who is optimistic about the Durham Eye project farther down Main Street at the Durham/UNH train station, felt that there would be a natural synergy between the two efforts.  "This will fit right in to the quintessential NE college town feel we've tried so hard over the years to maintain," she said.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY LENDING A HAND AT TOWN HALL

It gets very busy at the Town Hall in Durham. So much so that staff can’t always immediately take queries from residents, developers, board members, etc.  

IT Manager Luke Vincent has therefore trained a model called ChatGPT, which interacts in a conversational way.

The dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer questions, follow up on questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests.

When you call the Town Hall to ask a question these days, it may be a friendly staff member, or it may be ChatGPT. Can you tell the difference? :-)

Thank you to all of those who helped out at the Town Elections this past Tuesday! All went very well. The results of the election can be found HERE.

If you know of others who might benefit from reading Durham's "Friday Updates" and other ongoing public service or emergency announcements we might provide to the community during the course of the week, please pass this email along. It's possible to sign up to receive the “Friday Updates” directly on the Town of Durham home page HERE. 

Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, and ends the evening of Thursday, April 13, 2023. Passover (Pesach) is a religious holiday commemorating the Jews’ Exodus from two centuries of bondage in Egypt. Families and friends gather annually during the first month in the Hebrew religious calendar to recount the liberation and meal eaten by the Jews in Egypt on the original Passover. The foods of Passover such as Matzah, an unleavened flatbread, help retell the story of deliverance and pass on traditions and religious beliefs.

UPCOMING RETIREMENT PARTY FOR LORRIE PITT & JENNIE BERRY ON APRIL 19TH

There will be a combined retirement party for Lorrie Pitt & Jennie Berry on Wednesday, April 19, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers of the Town Hall. Light refreshments will be served. Presentations and sharing will begin at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome! Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking at the Town Hall.

Outgoing Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt (right) and incoming Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane (left) at the close of Tuesday’s election. Courtesy, Todd Selig

WILLING TO RE-THINK YOUR LAWN? WILDFLOWERS ARE "BEE-UTIFUL"

Almost everyone who maintains a lawn wants it to “look nice.” But, as the old saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the bee-holder.” Typically, many residential lawns are maintained as uniform grassy areas. Any flowering plant that is not a “desirable type of grass” is all too often considered a “weed” that needs to be removed. However, many so-called weeds are wildflowers that are highly beneficial to bees, butterflies and other types of pollinators. 

As part of the “Bee-Friendly” Program Initiative, the Durham Agricultural Commission encourages town residents to "Rethink your Lawn."

UNH’S GOAL OF BUILDING AN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM TAKES SHAPE IN DURHAM - The Edge at West End seen as multi-use development with housing, research facilities, retail, dining, recreation.

This week, NH Business Review reporter Paul Brand covered a new initiative at UNH involving both private industry and the Town of Durham. 

After a pandemic-induced pause, UNH is moving ahead with plans for what’s being called an “innovation ecosystem” that includes university and private company partnerships for research facilities, retail, dining, recreation and housing. The Edge at West End in Durham is viewed as a place where private high-tech companies can locate to take advantage of UNH assets of research programs, faculty, and students, according to Marian McCord, senior vice provost at the university.

“The vision for the edge is that it is going to be this live, work, learn, play community. This is really going to be an innovation ecosystem, not just for our campus but for the region,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for bringing in partners who can benefit from that for growing high-tech jobs in the region,” she added.

The Edge research complex would expand a partially developed commercial site on the western edge of campus. It could also provide room to add housing for graduate students and young professionals.

Based on inquiries they’re receiving and what they’ve seen with other universities in the region engaged in similar endeavors, university officials believe there is a demand for what’s envisioned. The University of Massachusetts/Lowell has its Research Institute, while the University of Connecticut has its Tech Park.

To read Paul Briand’s article in NH Business Review, click HERE.

Male Hooded Merganser Duck swimming in a small shallow pond along Rte 155 in Durham, Courtesy Bernie Casey

IT’S GETTING WARMER OUTSIDE – Be aware of increased pedestrian, bicycle, and scooter activity… 

With an increase in sunshine and warm winds, citizens will also see an increase in pedestrian traffic, motorized and non-motorized scooters, and increased bicycle activity. The Durham Police Department would like to take this time to remind everyone about some of the laws and related facts that help govern motorized devices, bikes, and pedestrians alike.  

Motorized Devices/Scooters: The Town of Durham has a town ordinance that governs the use of motorized devices such as electric scooters. Motorized devices are any device with a gas or electric engine and wheels joined to the bottom of a narrow platform that may or may not have vertical handles fixed to the platform, frame or wheels that is powered without the assistance of human peddling, pushing, or gliding. It does not include items designated for elderly or those with disabilities.  

• Operation of a motorized device is strictly prohibited on any Town sidewalk.  
• Individuals under the age of 16 operating on a public way is strictly prohibited.  
• Drivers must obey all official traffic signals, signs and other devices used to regulate traffic. 
• Motorized devices must be equipped with brakes, lights, and some sort of audible alert such as a bell.  
• During the period of one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise, a motorized device must display a front facing lamp, emitting a white light visible for 300 feet. The motorized device must be equipped with a red reflector on the rear visible from 300 feet.  
• Motorized Devices shall not exceed 15 mph and shall be operated as near the right-hand side of the roadway as practical.  
• Operators emerging from a driveway or building shall, upon approaching a sidewalk or roadway yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on the said sidewalk area; and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on said roadway.  
• Unattended motorized devices may only be parked on streets, sidewalks or other Town properties in areas specifically designated and marked by the Town for the parking of such devices, including but not limited to corrals, pods, and bike racks.  
• If found unattended in violation of the ordinance, efforts will be made to contact the owner and they will be given 2 hours to properly park the motorized device and issued a violation notice.  
• If the owner cannot be located and the 2 hours has gone by, the device will be removed.  
• If a motorized device is left unattended and blocks pedestrian passage on a sidewalk or street or otherwise presents a public safety hazard, it shall be removed immediately.  

Bicycles: RSA 265:143 governs the safe operation of bicycles. It directs that all riders have the rights of and are subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the rules of the road. Just as important is RSA 265:143-a that directs all drivers of a vehicle to approach bicyclists with due care and ensure the bicyclists safety and protection by leaving a reasonable and prudent distance between the vehicle and the bicycle.  

• Bicyclists less than 16 year of age must wear a helmet when operating a bike on a public way.  
• Persons riding 2 or more abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.  
• A bicyclist shall wear at least one item of reflective outerwear apparel, such as a reflective vest, jacket, or helmet strip, during the period from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise.  
• A bicycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic.  
• Every bicycle operated upon any way during darkness shall be equipped with a lamp emitting a white light visible from 300 feet in front of the bike.  
• A lamp or reflector that is visible from 300 feet to the rear of the bike is required when operating at night on a way.  

Pedestrians: RSA 265:34 to RSA 265:37 govern pedestrian laws in the State of New Hampshire. These laws require pedestrians to obey the instructions of any traffic sign or regulation specifically applicable to him/her, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.  

• When traffic signals are not in place, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping, if need be, to yield to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.  
• No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.  
• Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a marked or any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.  
• Pedestrians crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway.  

 As the Durham Police Department focuses their attention on these issue, have a safe spring and remember to remain vigilant no matter what mode of transportation you choose to use. 

THEY'RE BACK! SPRING WEATHER HAS PEOPLE, PETS ALREADY PICKING UP TICKS

With the spring season less than a week old, social media feeds are already filling with users bewildered over the discovery of a tick on themselves or their pet. 

"This early?" they ask, posting a photo of the parasitic pest they found clinging to their pant leg or dog's coat. 

While May and June are certainly the "tickiest" months of the year in New England, said University of Rhode Island Professor of Entomology Dr. Thomas Mather, March and April aren't far behind.

Durham Land Stewardship Coordinator Sara Callaghan reported at this week’s Land Stewardship Subcommittee meeting that she pulled several of the little buggers of her clothes after coming in from walking on one of Durham’s trails.

IT'S APRIL 1ST, BRING IN YOUR BIRD FEEDERS – The bears are coming out of hibernation and are hungry!  

The Granite State’s black bears will soon be emerging from their winter dens and begin actively searching for any available food sources. While there may be some leftover nuts from last fall, bears will be primarily reliant on spring greens for food. Because of this limited menu, bears will be easily enticed by a wide variety of human-produced food sources, especially bird feeders.

With the recent onset of spring-like conditions, officials are asking the New Hampshire public to be both proactive and responsible by taking down bird feeders no later than April 1 in the North Country, and immediately in central and southern parts of the state where bear activity has already been reported.

Backyard farmers should protect poultry, livestock, and bees with electric fencing, being sure to remember these fencing needs when picking up new chicks this spring. Additionally, residents can help prevent attracting bears by securing dumpsters and garbage cans, and storing grills, pet food, and animal feed indoors. The easiest way to solve a bear–human conflict is to prevent it in the first place. Please do your part to help protect New Hampshire’s bears!

Help build respectful relationships with bears:

• Stop feeding wild birds by April 1. If you live south of the White Mountains consider removing bird feeders March 15 or at the onset of spring-like weather conditions, whichever comes first since conditions fluctuate throughout the state.
• Clean up any spilled birdseed and dispose of it in a secured trash container.
• Secure all garbage in airtight containers inside a garage or adequate storage area, and put garbage out on the morning of pickup, not the night before. If using a dumpster, inform your dumpster company that you need one with metal locking tops and doors that are inaccessible to bears and other wildlife.
• Never put meat scraps in your compost pile.
• Don’t leave pet food dishes outside overnight.
• Clean and store outdoor grills after each use.
• Never deliberately feed bears. You will be encouraging these animals to rely on human-related foods, which will affect their wild behavior and reduce their chance of survival.

 If you have questions regarding bear-related issues, you can get advice by calling a toll-free number coordinated jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department: 1-888-749-2327 (1-888-SHY-BEAR).

For more Information, please see the NH Fish and Game Website HERE.

Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt talking with Town Councilors Eric Lund and Jim Lawson securing cast ballots from Tuesday’s election. Courtesy, Todd Selig

PUBLIC HEARING ON CLIMATE ACTION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER SET FOR APRIL 26TH

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on the draft Climate Action Master Plan chapter on Wednesday, April 26. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm and the hearing will be held shortly after that. This draft chapter was prepared by Kyle Pimental, Principal Planner with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, in collaboration with representatives from all Town departments. The Town adopted 10 chapters of the Master Plan in 2015 and a Future Land Use chapter in 2017.  

Given the critical nature of climate change, the staff and the regional planning agency thought it worthwhile to pursue grant funding to develop this new chapter. The total project cost of $26,310 was covered with a New Hampshire Coastal Resilience Municipal Planning Grant of $17,540, $3,500 from the Town of Durham, and a match in staff and volunteer time equivalent to $5,270. You can view the draft plan HERE. There is a lot of excellent information about climate change in general and its potential impacts upon the Town of Durham. You can see the 2015 master plan documents HERE. Please feel free to speak at the public hearing or to send an email with any comments to the Town Planner at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.

SWAP SHOP RE-OPENS FOR THE SEASON ON SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST! - No, it's not an April Fool's prank!

The Swap Shop will be opening for the season on Saturday, April 1^st, 2023! Durham Public Works and Swap Shop Volunteers would like to remind residents that the Transfer Station’s Swap Shop does not accept certain items. While they would like to keep reusable items out of the waste stream and the landfill, indoor storage space is limited, and other safety concerns must be considered. When entering the Transfer Station, it is mandatory to stop and check-in with one of the Attendants to review the items you wish to donate to the Swap Shop. The Attendant(s) will evaluate each item(s) based on the criteria below to determine if it will be accepted. A bulky waste coupon may be required in situations where the item(s) is not accepted. We encourage residents to discuss other options for donating their goods with the attendants and Swap Shop Volunteers. A reminder that users of the Swap Shop are encouraged to remain at the facility for no longer than thirty minutes during any one visit to allow other residents an opportunity to view and take items. The following is a list of items that are not accepted at the Swap Shop:

• Dirty, moldy or stained items. Stained fabrics may go into the Ecosmith Textile Recycling bin.
• Broken, non-functioning or items missing pieces (a chair without a leg, desk without a drawer or drawer knobs, etc..)
• Boxes full of unsorted items (unless approved by a Transfer Station Attendant or Swap Shop Volunteer.)
• Upholstered furniture (mattresses, box springs, chairs, couches, headboards, pillows, etc.)
• Electronic items (all of which require an electronic coupon for disposal):
• Refrigerators
• Dehumidifiers
• Air Conditioners
• Other items containing a refrigerant
• Televisions
• Computer Monitors
• Construction materials of any kind (wood, shingles, sheetrock, insulation, etc.)
• Concrete, bricks, stone, solid fill.
• Appliances larger than a microwave (appliances containing refrigerant that have an electronic coupon will be considered for donation).
• Hazardous Materials or Chemicals (oils, gas, diesel, kerosene, propane, oxygen, mercury containing items, etc.)
• Food, beverages, cosmetics
• Textbooks, dated manuals, reference books (can be recycled using the Discover Books bin)
• Skies, ski boots, snow boards
• Child safety equipment (car seats, helmets)
• Weapons
• Broken glass (including glass from picture frames)
• Clothing and shoes (Use the Salvation Army bin for clothing and shoes in good condition. The Ecosmith bins for these and any stained bedding, towels, fabric stuffed animals, etc.)

Town Moderator Chris Regan presents outgoing Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorrie Pit with a “Town Clerk Emeritus” badge for future elections as incoming Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane looks on. Courtesy, Todd Selig

Family boat building is grounded in the belief that families and multi-generational groups will bond and grow together by completing a grand project together. In the past thirteen years, we have helped 72 families get on the water together and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Participating families experience the joy and pride of watching a pile of lumber grow into a beautiful and useful boat through their own efforts. In the process, they grow as a family while they:

• Develop woodworking and teamwork skills and
• Learn about our marine heritage and the natural resources of our coastal and estuarine environment

Friday through Sunday, May 19 - 21, 2023, there will be an opportunity to build the Oyster River Cat, a 12' sailboat. A professionally made sail is included. The marine plywood hull has a 5' beam that easily carries two adults or even three in light wind. She is equally adept as a rowboat for calm days at the lake. For more information and to register, please click HERE.

Sign of Spring! Courtesy Diane McCann 

HIGH GAS PRICES OR HEATING BILLS? Or are you...REPAIRING YOUR HOME OR COMMERCIAL BUILDING THIS YEAR? - Potential grant funding available for Durham residents from the IRA.

Durham's Energy Committee has put together an online tool to help all Durham residents and businesses identify funds for which they're eligible through new federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) legislation. Significant federal funding is available for all income levels to upgrade buildings and vehicles to be more energy efficient. Households and nonprofits are eligible of upward of $14,000 and some businesses upward of $400,000.

The effort was made possible with help from Town Councilor Emily Friedrichs' employer and can be accessed HERE.

What happens when Durham’s committees and commissions collaborate on Earth Day?  It becomes a great community event packed with information that can help your family benefit from a more Sustainable Durham!! 

Here are just some of the things planned for Durham’s April 22^nd Earth Day event between 10AM and 2PM at 66 Main Street:

• Learn about the benefits of composting and about how it helps the environment – and your garden.
• Learn about new tax credits and rebates available when you weatherize your home or install an energy efficient HVAC system.
• Learn about the sustainable value of local food production and get your questions answered by members of the Agricultural Commission.
• Take an up-close look at Electric Vehicles and talk with dealers and owners.
• Get tips and have your questions answered about recycling right.
• Get first dibs at Swap Shop treasures.
• Explore a working solar system and talk to Durham families about their experiences investing in solar energy.
• Learn about the value of Durham’s conservation work and how you can enjoy our conserved lands.
• Plus, lots more!

Have you visited Thompson Forest? If so, please help the Land Stewardship Subcommittee learn more about your experiences by completing the Thompson Forest questionnaire HERE.

Thank you! The Land Stewardship Subcommittee.

DID YOU KNOW? - COMPOSTING IS A GREAT OPTION!

Composting is one of the most effective ways to make a sustainable difference and support our environment. If you’ve been wanting to give it a try, and would consider starting a backyard, compost, you’re in luck!

The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA) is hosting their annual backyard compost bin sale. If you would like to purchase a bin, please bring a check for $63 (a great price!) made out to NRRA to the Durham Public Works office and reserve your bin. 

The deadline to purchase a bin is Monday, April 24 at 4 PM. Please see more information about this great opportunity below!

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee

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

TWO DURHAM POLICE OFFICERS ATTEND WOMEN IN COMMAND TRAINING

POP Officer Emily Festa and Officer Chloe Robidas attended a two-day Women in Command training in Massachusetts taught by Highland, IL Police Chief Carole Presson. The training focused on the traits and skill sets of proven successful leaders and encouraged discussions by current and future female law enforcement leaders. Although being a female leader in a male-dominated profession has its own distinct set of challenges, female leaders have unique ideas, insight, and solutions that make them invaluable. Both officers felt this training was informative, engaging, and helped them discover different perspectives on leading. 

SEEKING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK - DURHAM POLICE COMMUNITY SURVEY NOW ON LINE RELATIVE TO LOCAL SAFETY, SERVICE DELIVERY, ETC.

The Durham Police Department is conducting a survey of Durham community members to better understand concerns about crime in the community, and the Durham Police Department wants to hear from you! Your response is greatly appreciated and will help us make future improvements to our service. Please complete the survey by April 1st, 2023. 

The survey should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Simply click the link HERE to get started! 

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

WEEK #13

If your house is on fire, get out and leave your belongings.

GET OUT AND STAY OUT! THE FIREFIGHTERS WILL GO IN AND GET YOUR THINGS, THEY ARE DRESSED FOR THAT HARSH ENVIRONMENT. Click HERE for 10 dangerous mistakes to avoid during a fire.

The Oyster River Sustainability Committee invites you to a community dinner on Thursday, April 13, 2023, to enjoy a delicious, locally and sustainably sourced spring BBQ dinner (grass-fed beef burgers and hot dogs - each meal also includes a side potato or coleslaw salad, chips, beverage, and dessert) at the High School's cafeteria. All are welcome to join us for this early Earth Day celebration! One bite, and you'll know why our students love their cafeteria so much!

Kindly RSVP by April 11 by using our sign-up sheet so we can prepare enough food for everyone and include the total amount of adult(s) and children. Let us know of any special dietary needs in the comments section.

Cost: $8 per adult or $20 per family (a family includes up to 2 adults and children living within the same household).

Date: 04/13/2023 (Thu.) | Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT | Location: Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ONE OF 40 NATIONWIDE TO RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARD IN COMPUTING - Introducing Kelly Zhang of Durham!

The following is an excerpt from the Oyster River School District website:

"Senior Kelly Zhang of Durham has received the Award for Aspirations in Computing, awarded by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). The award recognizes students in Grades 9-12 who identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary, for their computing-related achievements."

"The National Center for Women & Information Technology is a non-profit community of nearly 1,500 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase the influential and meaningful participation of girls and women in the field of computing, particularly in innovation and development."

To read the full article on this outstanding achievement, please click HERE.

OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING CONCERT DATES - Open to the Public

4/20/23 MS Band Concert: 5th-8th grade band students perform. Concert begins at 7 pm 

5/18/23 MS String Orchestra Concert: 5th-8th grade orchestra students perform. Concert begins at 7 pm 

5/24/23 HS Music Concert: Oyster River High School Band, String Orchestra, and Chorus perform. Concert begins at 7 pm. 

6/1/23 MS Chorus Concert: 5th-8th grade chorus students perform. Concert begins at 7 pm. 

AN EVENING WITH TONA BROWN NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE

If you missed the Evening with Tona Brown concert from last week, you can now view it on YouTube HERE.

Please join UNH Graduate Students at the 2023 Graduate Research Conference, this April 10th and 11th. The GRC is an exciting showcase in which UNH graduate students from all academic disciplines present their work and research. This year, the GRC Oral

Presentations will take place throughout the day on April 10th 9am-5pm at Holloway Commons. The GRC Poster Session will take place on April 11th from 3-4:30pm at Holloway Commons. You can find the schedule of events by clicking HERE. With approximately 55 oral presentations and 88 posters on display, you won’t leave without learning something new!