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Biscuit likes Bonnie. Courtesy Mark Houle
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A final reminder that the Town/School Elections in Durham will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at the Oyster River High School Multi-purpose Room located on Coe Drive. The polls will be open from 7AM to 7PM.
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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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The COVID-19 virus is demanding a great deal of band width in Durham and across the world. For example, so concerned are companies that the release of the new James Bond film, due for release on April 3rd, has been pushed back by seven months (!) as coronavirus continues to spread.
Locally, Durham state representative Judith Spang, having just returned from a trip abroad to Italy, is self-quarantined in her home. You can learn more about Representative Spang's situation HERE.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
The New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services, Bureau of Infectious Disease Control, has prepared an informative flyer/notice of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). View the flyer HERE.
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DURHAM RANKED AS SAFEST COMMUNITY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE!
The National Council For Home Safety and Security released its 2020 Safest Cities Report this week and Durham ranked #1 within New Hampshire.
See the full report HERE.
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Retired Army Colonel Hunt Kerrigan presents Deputy Town Clerk-Tax Collector Rachel Deane with a challenge coin for her outstanding customer service and professionalism. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DEPUTY TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR PRESENTED WITH A CHALLENGE COIN
This morning, resident and retired Army Colonel, Hunt Kerrigan, presented Deputy Town Clerk-Tax Collector Rachel Deane with a challenge coin for providing outstanding customer service.
According to Wikipedia, "A challenge coin may be a small coin or medallion, bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. In addition, they are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel. Modern challenge coins are made in a variety of sizes and are often made using popular culture references to include superheroes and other well known characters in a way that creates a parody. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They are also exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization. Modern day challenge coins feature popular culture attributes."
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PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS ON THE MARCH 10, 2020 TOWN ELECTION BALLOT - A chance to read about the recommended charter amendments with explanations before you arrive at the polls.
For the past several years, the Administrator’s Office has been accumulating various Charter amendments that have been identified as needing to be made. Amendments to the Town Charter were last made in March 2009. In addition, the town’s attorney, Laura Spector-Morgan, has also reviewed the Charter and has identified other areas within the Charter she felt could also be amended.
The proposed Charter amendments with explanations for each amendment can be viewed HERE under "supporting documents" at the bottom of the page. Sample ballots for both the Town and School elections may also be viewed.
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2020 MARCH TOWN ELECTION - CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING
To view the questionnaires completed by the candidates running for Town elected offices at the March 10, 2020 Elections, click HERE.
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2020 MARCH TOWN ELECTION – ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Durham residents that cannot attend the town election on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 may still vote absentee. Registered voters must complete an absentee ballot application in order to receive an absentee ballot. Please visit or call the Town Clerk’s Office at 603-868-5577 for more information.
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FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Durham Town Hall on Saturday February 29, 2020, from 3:30 – 4:00 PM to make corrections to the checklist and to accept new voter registrations. Changes in party registration CAN be made at this time. June 2 will be the last day party changes can be made until after the September 8 State Primary.
Prospective voters will be asked to show proofs of Identity, Age (18 by March 10), Domicile/residence in Durham, and U.S. Citizenship. A driver’s license and a birth certificate or passport are useful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if any proofs are lacking.
The Checklist for the Town Election may not be completely updated with party changes and new addresses. Every attempt is being made to make sure parties are correct by the time the checklist has to be printed, but address changes take many, many hours after a large election. Our limits are truly being tested with only 3 ½ weeks between the Primary and printing of the new checklist.
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Entrance to Merrick Woods off Bagdad Road. Courtesy Todd Selig
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WHEN CALIFORNIA’S HOUSING CRISIS SLAMMED INTO A WEALTHY SUBURB, ONE PUBLIC SERVANT BECAME A CONVERT TO A RADICALLY SIMPLE DOCTRINE - Build Build Build Build Build Build Build Build Build Build Build Build Build Build
Durham resident Walter Rous passed along an article from the NY Times written by Conor Dougherty from Feb. 13, 2020, which Planning Director Michael Behrendt shared with members of the Planning Board and Mr. Selig. As we embark locally upon a conversation around affordable housing, residents in Durham might find this article of general interest.
From the article...
"The City Council of Lafayette, Calif., met the public two Mondays a month, and Steve Falk liked to sit off by himself, near the fire exit of the auditorium, so that he could observe from the widest possible vantage. Trim, with a graying buzz cut, Mr. Falk was the city manager — basically the chief executive — of Lafayette, a wealthy suburb in the San Francisco Bay Area that is notoriously antagonistic to development.
With a population of just 25,000, Lafayette was wealthy because it was a small town next to a big town, and it maintained its status by keeping the big town out. Locals tended to react to new building projects with suspicion or even hostility, and over a series of Mondays in 2012 and 2013, Mr. Falk took his usual spot by the fire exit to watch several dozen of his fellow Lafayetters absolutely lose their minds."
Read the full article HERE.
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CHARRETTE ON WORKFORCE HOUSING COMING TO DURHAM
Durham resident, planning board member, EDC member, and Executive Director of the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Seacoast is excited to be back on the University of New Hampshire campus this semester working with Mary Friedman, program coordinator and principle lecturer in the Community and Environmental Planning program.
The Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast is working in Durham this semester with students taking CEP 777: Advanced Topics in Planning. Students studying Community and Environmental Planning, Environmental and Resource Economics, and Environmental Conservation and Sustainability will use the Coalition's charrette process to consider how the Town of Durham can expand housing supply, diversity, and affordability.
This project is already underway with students tackling the basics of workforce housing; collecting quantitative data; building a foundation of knowledge of Durham's current housing stock; and looking at case studies and various examples in New Hampshire and beyond. Next, the students will focus on the qualitative data, collecting feedback and insights from Durham residents and local leaders. The students will analyze the results of a survey conducted by the Workforce Housing Coalition last year, and conduct key informant interviews. Later in the spring, the students will use this information to inform their recommendations for regulatory change and create a library of design ideas.
At the end of the semester, the students will have finished a report with a summary of qualitative and quantitative data (including feedback from stakeholders); a library of design ideas and a story map, outlining possible locations for future development/infill; and a set of recommendations for actionable next steps. All of this work will inform the new Housing Committee, the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Town Council, and Economic Development Committee moving forward. The students will present their findings at the May 13th Planning Board meeting at 7 PM.
Stay tuned for more information.
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SCHOOL BOARD NEWS - MARCH 2020
Oyster River School District elections are March 10 in Durham, Lee, and Madbury. Voters will decide on the proposed new middle school, 2020-2021 budget, teachers' guild contract, 2 school board members, and moderator. Please vote!
A Zero Waste Community Supper will be held April 22, sponsored by the ORHS Sustainability Club, ORCSD Sustainability Committee, Lee Sustainability Committee, and Oyster River Child Nutrition Department. Mark your calendars!
Candidates for Principal of Mast Way School will meet members of the public between 4:00 and 6:00 pm on Monday, March 9, in the Mast Way gym. This is an opportunity for all to ask questions of the candidates and provide input to the selection committee.
The School District has been in frequent contact with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education regarding recommendations and response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and is following latest CDC and State guidance. Special thanks to the Facilities, Transportation, and Child Nutrition departments, which have stepped up disinfection and cleaning procedures.
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RESIDENT RICHARD (DICK) LORD AND "COUSIN-ITT"
While recently searching for interesting jigsaw puzzles, resident Robin Mower stumbled upon a puzzle of resident Richard (Dick) Lord with "Cousin-Itt" and shared the link with residents Beth Olshansky and Carden Welsh who suggested submitting it as a "Friday Update" item. Beth emailed Dick for his thoughts about the suggestion and he responded as follows:
"Over the years I've licensed over a dozen of my photographs to the good folks at Piece-Time Puzzles for use on their puzzles. I have no objection if Todd wants to put "Cousin-Itt" in Friday Updates. I'm happy to supply the photograph.
The "Hairy old man" cactus is in the conservatory at Fuller Gardens in North Hampton, NH.
I also use the "Cousin-Itt" image for my photography business card. People get a laugh and tend to hang on to the card."
View the "Cousin-Itt" puzzle at https://piecetimepuzzles.com/cousin-it/
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THE PROCRASTINATOR'S LAST-MINUTE SAT PREP WORKSHOP
All members of the ORHS class of 2021 take the SAT through the College Board’s “SAT School Day,” April 14, 2020.
The SAT is tricky. Familiarity with the test format, scoring procedures, and frequently used question “traps” can make a meaningful difference. To confidently face this 3-hour mental marathon, training is essential.
The Procrastinator's Last-Minute SAT Prep Workshop is a a six-session test prep course held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings in advance of the April 14, 2020, mandatory in-school SAT.
The workshop will be held on March 30, April 1 and 2 & April 6, 8 and 9. Classes run from 6 – 8 p.m and will be held in ORHS Classroom C127 (Ms. Stetson’s room). The workshop is for any student taking the SAT in April or beyond.
The cost is $350.00 per student (includes all materials). ORHS Project Graduation 2020 will receive 30% of the tuition price.
The instructor will be Beth Mennelle, college English teacher and experienced SAT test prep instructor.
To register, send an email with your student(s) name to mailto:oysterriverprojectgrad@gmail.com
Space is limited — sign up by March 20.
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THE US CENSUS BUREAU IS SEEKING CENSUS WORKERS FROM DURHAM TO HELP CANVASS THE COMMUNITY – Help us Complete the Count.
You can help out the Town of Durham. Apply for one of thousands of temporary #2020CensusJobs through the US Census Bureau. Census results determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives as well many other things including how funds are spent on roads, schools, and hospitals, as well as setting baseline qualification for a host of federal programs for which Durham may ultimately be eligible. You can make a difference and earn extra income in the process for doing it. Apply online at http://2020census.gov/jobs. #ApplyToday.
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DURHAM RESIDENTS: BEING COUNTED IN THE 2020 CENSUS MATTERS!
You are an important part of the Town of Durham’s story. You can make sure Durham’s story is told by RESPONDING to the 2020 Census. The Census is a count of everyone living in the United States as of the 1st of April 2020. When you respond, you will help our town get the most Complete Count possible!
RESPONDING is important for Durham. Census results affect our voice in government, how much funding our community receives, and how our community plans for the future.
View more information HERE.
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TOWN FILES COMPLAINT IN SUPERIOR COURT ALLEGING OVER-OCCUPANCY VIOLATIONS AT 14 EDGEWOOD ROAD
The Town of Durham, through its Code Enforcement Officer, has initiated a Complaint in Superior Court against the tenants and property owner of 14 Edgewood alleging that the defendants have, and continue to, over-occupy the premises. The Town is seeking civil penalties of $275 per day since the formal Notice of Violation was received by the defendants in early December, as well as reimbursement for all attorney fees expended by the Town as a result of this action.
Article XII of the Durham Zoning Ordnance limits the occupancy of properties in the Residence A District to no more than three unrelated occupants. Over the course of many months, Durham Code Enforcement Officers developed a case that 14 Edgewood was in violation of the ordinance, and approached the defendants in an effort to resolve the violation. The efforts were rebuffed and No-Trespassing signs were installed by the property owner. Based on documents submitted, the Superior Court issued an Administrative Inspection Warrant to the Town to allow for an internal inspection of the dwelling. Information collected during the inspection supplemented the evidence previously developed.
Strafford Superior Court has issued the Summons and Notice to Defendants to the seven individuals for the Court date of May 20th.
View the Summons and Notice HERE.
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Outgoing Council member, Carden Welsh. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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PROFILE OF CARDEN WELSH
We are pleased to present this profile of Carden Welsh, who is now concluding his second three-year term (with a one-year hiatus in the middle) on the Durham Town Council. Monday, March 2nd, was his last meeting.
In reflecting on his experience Carden said, “Serving on the Town Council is a great way to try to do something positive for the community. I really enjoyed the work. I learned about a variety of things that were new to me – infrastructure, water, sewer, police, fire, planning, zoning, taxation. It truly is fascinating. We are lucky. There are a lot of bright people in Durham with expertise in many areas. I had to sharpen my debating and negotiating skills in order to persuade other council members of my position.”
View the entire profile on Carden HERE.
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Resident Beth Olshansky at the March 2nd Town Council meeting. Addressing outgoing Councilor Carden Welsh, Beth said that she could always count on him for his thoughtful consideration of all issues, looking at many different angles, and asking tough questions, which she appreciated. She said she was also in awe of his enduring patience while watching some of the slow and windy legislative processes move forward. Beth concluded by saying that Councilor Welsh had set a high standard and thanked him for all that he has given to the town. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM-GREAT BAY ROTARY NO LONGER ABLE TO ORGANIZE DURHAM’S JULY 4TH FIREWORKS CELEBRATION – Citing financial and horse-related challenge.
The Town has received formal notification this week that the Durham-Great Bay Rotary is no longer able to organize the annual fireworks celebration. Rotary had stopped hosting the event many years ago due to the club not being able to cover the cost of the event. For the last two years, Durham-Great Bay Rotary organized the event once more and worked very hard to get donations to cover the costs and provide this wonderful community event. While Rotary received many generous donations from businesses and families in and around Durham, unfortunately, the club was unable to fully cover the cost of the event and members had to cover the cost, which the club simply cannot sustain.
In addition, apart from the inability to attract and event underwriter, for the last two years Durham-Great Bay Rotary has received complaints from the UNH Horse Barns. Rotary received a communication two years ago from a concerned horse owner accusing the club of “cruel and inhumane torturing of animals.” The club members were horrified at this accusation because in all of the past years of Rotary hosting fireworks at the site, this had apparently not come up. Durham Great-Bay Rotary contacted the UNH Veterinarian responsible for the UNH Horse Barns and developed a “Horse Protocol” in conjunction with him. Despite Rotary’s best efforts there were apparently still concerns at the UNH Horse Barns after the second year.
With these challenges, the club has decided due to funding limitations and horse-related issues regretfully it will not host the July 4th fireworks in 2020. Rotary indicates it is saddened the club will not be able to continue this tradition but is looking into having other events that are more sustainable and have an impact upon the community.
A thank you is extended to Durham-Great Bay Rotary for all of the club’s significant efforts as part of this event in Durham. It has been greatly appreciated.
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PUBLIC MEETING OF THE STRAFFORD COUNTY DELEGATION
A Public Meeting of the Strafford County Delegation is scheduled to be held Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 7:00 p.m. (Snow Date: Saturday, March 14, 2020, 9:00 a.m.) in Superior Courtroom II, second floor of the William A. Grimes Justice and Administration Building, County Farm Road, Dover, New Hampshire, to conduct the following business:
- Receive Recommendations of the Delegation Executive Committee on Commissioners’ 2020 Proposed Budget
- Vote on Acceptance of the Strafford County 2020 Budget
- Receive & Vote on Recommendation of Policy & Procedures Subcommittee for 2021-2022
- Elected Officials Salaries
- Approve Minutes of January 22, 2020 Public Hearing
- Any other business which may legally come up at that time
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Into the woods at Merrick Woods. Courtesy Todd Selig
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BENNETT ROAD RR BRIDGE TO BE RESURFACED BY NHDOT BEGINNING WEEK OF MARCH 23, 2020.
I heard back from Pan Am this morning. They cannot accommodate our bridge work the week of 3/16, but they were able to schedule us the following week (Monday 3/23/20). We are planning on beginning on 3/23/20 with the daily closures from 8am to 3pm, M-F. If you have any concerns or comments feel free to contact me. Thanks,
The NHDOT Bureau of Bridge Maintenance is planning to replace the timber deck on bridge Durham 093/080 (Bennett Rd over PAR). The bridge is a timber bridge with concrete/masonry abutments over the Pan Am Railway. NHDOT IS only anticipating replacing the 3”x 8” timber deck planks. This bridge has been “red listed” by the NHDOT due to the deterioration of the deck planks.
To perform the work NDHOT will close the bridge between the hours of 0800 and 1500 on weekdays beginning March 23rd for around 11 days. Closing the road will allow NHDOT to complete the work significantly faster and cheaper. NHDOT will provide all necessary signage to complete the work and close the road. NHDOT will utilize variable message boards at the NH 108/Bennett Rd and Bennett Rd/Packer Falls Rd intersections a week in advance of the work advertising the closure hours. NHDOT will also put out a press release in advance of the work.
NHDOT is coordinating directly with Pan Am, which owns the RR line and coordinates flagging along the RR tracks.
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FIREFIGHTER/AEMT VACANCY - (Salary range: $46,244 to $48,584)
The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications to create a hiring eligibility list for the position of Firefighter/AEMT. The hiring list may be active for up to eighteen months and could include a temporary military leave position.
The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/fire/durham-fire-department-firefighteraemt-position-opening.
Submit materials per the instructions by March 16, 2020 at noon. Position(s) to remain open until filled.
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OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO WALK THROUGH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL TO LEARN ABOUT EXISTING CONDITIONS - Learn firsthand why a new school is being recommended by the School Board and the Deliberative Session of School District Meeting
The Oyster River Cooperative Middle School will be open for a final public viewing on Monday, March 9th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
For those interested in viewing the current condition of the middle school before the March 10th vote, please RSVP to Jay Richard, Principal ORMS at mailto:jrichard@orcsd.org to schedule this tour.
Please plan on starting this tour using the Dennison Road entrance.
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PROPOSED ORCSD MIDDLE SCHOOL
March 10 voters in the Oyster River Cooperative School District will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to approve bonding for a new middle school, to be located behind the existing Middle School on Coe Drive in Durham.
The current building, in true New England fashion, is a set of additions. The oldest section was built in 1935, with major additions in 1954, 1979, and most recently 1996. It is a sprawling structure with 1500 feet of corridor and 60,000 square feet of roof—the equivalent of three football fields. Connecting the various additions has led to ramps, lifts, and half-floors that make navigation difficult for anyone with mobility issues.
The ORCSD indicates that numerous studies have shown the current building has other serious deficiencies that are not correctable.
- There are severe problems with heat, noise, student safety (the terrible traffic pattern, multiple entrances), and handicap accessibility.
- Many of the classrooms were designed for an elementary school and are undersized for a middle school—especially for art and science.
- There is inadequate storage and performance space for the growing music program.
- There is inadequate space for special education work and for foreign language instruction.
- Classrooms are not located to facilitate the team concept that is central to middle school education.
- The current building lacks the break-out spaces and small conference rooms that are needed for today’s education.
- Many of the operational systems are at or near the end of their functional life. Simply to stay in the current building could cost $10-12 million in the near term.
The proposed new building, which will cost $49.8 million, financed by 25- year bonds, will be designed to:
- Support the educational mission of the middle school, particularly the team concept.
- Use geothermal and solar energy, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of the building.
- Provide excellent facilities for sport and music—facilities that will be available year-round to the community.
- Ensure the safety of students by reworking traffic patterns, controlling access to the school, providing maximum visibility of school and grounds, and utilizing state-of-the-art lockdown technology.
- Coincide with the retirement of the high school bond, minimizing the tax impact —and taking advantage of historically low interest rates.
- Be an inviting, sunlight-filled environment to work and learn in.
Voting Locations and Times:
Durham: OR High School 7 AM-7 PM
Lee: Lee Safety Complex 7 AM -7 PM
Madbury: Madbury Town Hall 11 AM-7:30 PM
More information is available on the district website: https://orcsd.org/proposed_new_middle_school
In addition, Maximum Velocity FC (MVFC), a nonprofit youth sports organization based in Lee, New Hampshire, has indicated it supports the Oyster River Cooperative School District’s proposal to build a new middle school. Read Maximum Velocity's full endorsement HERE.
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View of Riverwoods from the Merrick Woods. Courtesy Todd Selig
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SWAP SHOP AT THE DURHAM TRANSFER CENTER UPDATE
In late February the sun is slowly getting stronger and so is interest to drop off or look for items at the Swap Shop. Even though we see more of the brown ground, winter guidelines are still being followed. We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines. Please review them before dropping off items.
- Clean, functional, and intake items can be dropped off at the Swap Shop from 7:30am - 2:30pm on Tuesday and Saturday. It is strongly recommended that large drop-offs (e.g., a filled-up vehicle) be dropped off in the morning. Arriving at 2:25pm (five minutes before closing) with a full vehicle of items requires volunteers to stay longer than what’s expected. Arriving in the morning also increases the likelihood that items will be taken.
- No large items of any kind (e.g., furniture, rugs, machinery/tools) are being accepted due to the lack of space and winter weather. This will be the case until further notice (aka real spring weather!).
- Artificial Christmas trees can be brought to local donation sites like Goodwill (Somersworth, Portsmouth) and Savers (Newington). We have no storage for these bulky items. Artificial Christmas trees are also not in high demand until the end of the year.
- Two boxes of books per day for a household may be dropped off at the Swap Shop. Books need to be without mold, “dog-chewed” corners, dirt, and broken spines. Nonfiction (information) books need to be no older than five years old. Textbooks are also not accepted. We value books and want to display them properly given our limited space. Thank you for your cooperation.
- Swap Shop volunteers are critical to keep this valuable community service open. Volunteers inspect, sort, organize, cull, clean, and help move donated items in and out of vehicles. They especially enjoy chatting with Durham residents and giving back to our community.
Volunteers are always needed and it takes only a few hours to learn the ropes. Please consider giving it a try. Sign-up with a friend or meet a new one!
Call or text Joanna at 603-969-4732 or Cristina at mailto:foggdrive@yahoo.com
You can also click this link and look for the “Shadow-New volunteers” option.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b49a5a828aaf49-swap
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DISCOVER DURHAM TRAILS IN 2020
Durham Conservation Commission, Land Stewardship and Parks & Recreation, and Oyster River Cycle & Sport are offering once-a-month outings for community members to get outside and learn about and experience the trails and recreation spaces in Durham. Events include bird and nature walks, bike rides, astronomy night, and more. Participation is free. All ages welcome. You can find the event flyer HERE.
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Downed trees in the Merrick Woods prior to last week’s rain. Courtesy Todd Selig
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THE MILL POND
We received an email from resident Robin Mower with a suggested "Friday Updates" item. Her email reads:
"I recently came across the below piece by Margery Milne and thought that the Friday Updates would be a way of sharing anew her observations of life at the Mill Pond that ground us in Durham, but more importantly her closing quote that urges us to be mindful of fragility among us."
REPORT ON THE DURHAM SWANS, Durham 1987 Town Report
For the Durham Swans survival is the name of the game. Once again they continued their pattern of flying free from the iced fresh waters of the millpond in November to the open waters of the sea in Portsmouth. In February they returned to Durham to tackle family life in the same nesting site in the millpond. But they were flooded out of their nest with storms aplenty and high water levels. Bravely Lorus J. Milne went out to the nest and environs to search for eggs or cygnets. None were in sight. They could have been washed away. The swans will have a chance to try again, unlike your faithful swankeeper Lorus J. Milne. In his reverence for life he enjoyed the comings and goings of the swans, and their companions the assorted ducks, the mallards, mergansers, buffleheads, and the black-crowned night and white herons and the occasional coot and cormorants enjoying the fish. The sounds of the bullfrogs and green frogs that kept company with the swans and painted turtles and domineering snapping turtles were and still are a delight to observe. Of course, the swallows and bats and hooting owls on a summer night are there with the swans and the blinking fireflies.
Our millpond is more than a swan sanctuary -- It is a place to make friends with people, plants and animals -- so we do as Ralph Waldo Emerson advised, "Show kindness to all life, for you never know how soon it will be too late."
Margery Milne, Keeper of the Swans
As you know, a feasibility study is now under way that will help guide Town decisions on the future of the Mill Pond Dam.
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STRAFFORD COUNTY FARM BUREAU 7TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER - Sunday, March 15, 2020
This event, co-sponsored by the Lee and Durham Agricultural Commissions, will be held from 7:30AM to 12:00 noon at the Jeremiah Smith Grange Hall, 1 Lee Hook Rd Lee NH. Proceeds benefit agricultural outreach and youth grant programs. Tickets $10/adult, $7/children 14 and under. Purchase tickets at the door. Call Matt Scruton, 941-4956, or Laura Gund, 659-2044, or Erick Sawtelle, 659-8106, for more information.
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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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Tai Chi, Beginner (NEW!): This class will combine Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance with traditional tai chi and qigong exercises. Slow gentle movements focus on strength and balance. Suitable for beginners. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:30am at the Parks & Rec building. $120/person (16 classes) or $10/drop-in.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS
April Library Haiku Contest | Celebrate & Participate in National Poetry Month 2020!
- Write a Library-themed haiku of 17-syllables or less in 3 lines.
- Submit your haiku to the the library front desk or to durhampl@gmail.com with "Poetry Contest" in the subject line, by March 31st.
- Submissions will be posted anonymously in the library lobby for public voting through April's National Poetry Month!
- The winner and runner up will be announced on April 30th
- Open to all.
Monday, March 9th from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
YA Compassion project
Please join us for a program connecting the library with the community.
We will be making book bags for babies in local hospitals. Please bring a new board book to donate. Maybe, your favorite when you were a baby.
Pizza will be served. Ages 10 and up
Tuesday, March 10th at 6:30 pm
Family Fun Night Leprechaun Traps
Come and work together as a family to build a trap to catch a leprechaun! All materials will be provided to make the fun leprechaun traps. Will you catch one in the library or in your house? Create a unique design that will bring you luck all year. All are welcome.
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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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1965 - A 7' x 6' topographical map of the Town made and donated by John Hatch. Encased by Batchelder and Chase, it is in the Town Office. A work of art, it includes in color all buildings, types of roads, sewer and electrical lines, woods, streams and swamps.
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You don’t see a license plate from Alaska in Durham too frequently! Courtesy Todd Selig
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Have a very nice weekend.
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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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