Friday, March 8, 2024

The special commemorative USPS cancellation from the Durham Post Office today.

Today’s date is Durham’s Zip code Day (03 8 24), and it only happens every 100 years. So walk with pride with the knowledge that the US postal community is celebrating our town, whether they know it or not.  

Daylight savings begins this weekend. Do not forget to move your clocks ahead one hour this Saturday evening!

TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS RESOLUTION CALLING FOR CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

Following lengthy public comment and ensuing Council discussion, the Town Council voted March 4th to approve Resolution #2024-10 of Durham, NH, a resolution acknowledging the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Israel on residents of the Town of Durham, NH; affirming the Town’s stance against hate, bigotry, and discrimination; and calling for the immediate: safe release of all hostages, the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, and a durable bilateral ceasefire among the parties to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Israel.

To review the resolution, please click HERE.

To watch the meeting on DCAT On Demand, please click HERE.

The resolution has been conveyed to Durham’s US Congressional delegation and to President Joe Biden.  

The entrance sign to Durham along Newmarket Road. Courtesy, Todd Selig

DURHAM NAMED AS ONE OF SAFEST COLLEGE TOWNS IN AMERICA

One of the most peaceful towns in New Hampshire, Durham continues to rate high in various safest American college town rankings (#6). Its violent crime rate of 0.7 is one of the lowest in the state and throughout the country.

"Durham residents enjoy both the joys of rural and urban living, with plenty of wildlife,             marshlands, and sandy beaches, as well as easy access to modern amenities, the report says."

Joining Durham on the roster of states with some of the safest college towns in America are Milton, Massachusetts, Rexburg, Idaho, and Madison, New Jersey, according to the list.

To read more, click HERE. 

THE DURHAM-UNH WATER SYSTEM HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS A CDC WATER QUALITY AWARDED WINNER BY THE NH ORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

We’re very pleased to announce that the UNH-Durham water works operation is a CDC Water Quality Award Winner. The water system staff will receive a certificate, which will be delivered along with a celebratory luncheon.

The NH Oral Health Coalition www.nhoralhealth.org, the NH Department of Health and Human Services, and the NH Department of Environmental Services indicate they are very impressed with the water system Team’s good work.  

In March of 1974 Durham rejected a proposal by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis for what would have been the world's largest oil refinery located on Durham Point. Thanks to a grassroots effort led by Durham resident Nancy Sandberg, NH Representative Dudley Dudley and the owner of a local newspaper, Phyllis Bennett, the town firmly stood its ground to defeat the proposed oil refinery. You can read more about this historic event HERE.

The Town Council passed a Resolution this past Monday evening celebrating the 50th anniversary of this event and recognizing those involved. You can read the Resolution HERE.

The Durham Historic Association will celebrate this 50th anniversary with an event on April 27. More information will follow in upcoming Friday Updates.

TOWN ELECTION -- THIS TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024 - @ Oyster River High School Multipurpose Room

The 2024 Durham Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Voting will take place at the Oyster River High School-Multipurpose Room from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Sample ballots are available for viewing on the Town of Durham’s website, at the Durham Post Office, or in the Durham Town Clerk’s Office. Please click HERE for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: School will be in session on March 12. Residents voting should try to avoid arriving between 7:50 am and 8:20 am when students will be arriving, and also, between 2:30 pm and 3:20 pm, when students will be leaving.

Absentee Ballots are now available for qualified voters that cannot make it to the polls on election day. Please note that New Hampshire does not offer mail-in voting, but rather “absentee voting,” which is limited to qualified voters that cannot appear in-person on election day. Applications for absentee ballots and information on absentee voting may be found on the Town of Durham’s website HERE, or you may pick up an application and absentee ballot at the Durham Town Clerk’s office between the hours of 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.  

Please contact the Durham Town Clerk’s Office by email at rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us or by phone at 603-868-5577 if you have any questions about voting.

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE FOR THE TOWN OF DURHAM ON TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024. 

To learn more about the individuals who are running for office in Durham on Tuesday, residents can look over candidate profiles that are posted on the Town web site HERE. To watch the Candidate Forum, click HERE.

WATCH THE CANDIDATE FORUM FOR THE OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL BOARD ONLINE TO LEARN ABOUT WHO’S RUNNING

The ORHS Student Senate held a candidate forum last evening, March 7, 2024, for candidates running for open seats on the ORCSD School Board. A link to the online program can be found HERE.  Fast forward to timestamp 55:41 for the action to start. 

VOTER REGISTRATION AVAILABLE AT TUESDAY'S ELECTION

Residents may register to vote or change name or party with the Supervisors of the Checklist at the upcoming election on March 12. Address changes can be made with the Ballot Clerks when getting your ballots.

Applicants for registration should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Driver’s license and passport are helpful. A photo ID is mandatory. Affidavits may be signed under oath if other proofs are lacking. 

A person’s party is not important EXCEPT at a primary. The State Primary will be held early in September. The final date to change party for that election will be June 4, 2024. You may make these changes in the Town Clerk’s office during office hours, at the election on March 12, or at any of the Supervisors’ posted sessions. You may also register to vote at any of these times.

Sally Needell, Chair of the Town Council, presents outgoing Councilor Jim Lawson with a certificate of appreciation at Monday evening's Council meeting. Courtesy, Todd Selig

DURHAM’S UNUSUAL CHARTER FORM OF TOWN GOVERNMENT – Town Council/Town Manager

There are two basic forms of town government under New Hampshire law: (1) traditional, board of selectperson/town meeting form; and (2) town council/town manager form described in RSA Chapter 49-D. Each form has several variations.

The board of selectperson/town meeting is the traditional, "pure democracy" form of town government, where the voters themselves, acting at town meeting, are the legislative body of a community. Budgetary, legislative, and other questions are put before the voters in the form of warrant articles, the merits of which are debated, and then voted on at the meeting held on or around the 2nd Tuesday in March.

The selectboard acts as the governing body and carries out the decisions of the town meeting and manages the prudential affairs of the town over the course of the year including town property and municipal staff. The board of selectpersons sometimes creates “administrative assistant" or “town administrator” positions, which have only those powers specifically delegated to them by the selectboard, which can change from year to year as the selectboard changes. Madbury and Lee have an administrative assistant and town administrator, respectively, which fall into these categories. Alternatively, a town at the annual town meeting may adopt the provisions of RSA 37, establishing a statutory town manager position. The town manager is selected with special reference to education, training, and experience to perform the duties of the office, and without reference to political belief. When a town manager position is created, the management of town property and the hiring and firing of municipal staff is transferred from the selectpersons to the town manager. The selectboard, therefore, assumes a policy focus with the town manager carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the municipality.

The town council/town manager is the second form of town government (with a few possible variations) allowing a town to adopt a charter establishing a representative body - the town council - which has powers analogous to those of a city council. The charter must provide for the appointment of a town manager by the council, who shall have all the powers of town managers as set out in RSA Chapter 37 (the town manager may be referred to by a similar name - in Durham it is the “administrator”). The council may have as many as 15 members (!), and must have an odd number unless the vote of the chair is reserved for breaking ties. Durham’s town council, approved in 1988 at Town Meeting and put into effect in 1989, has 9 members. At the time, Durham wanted to ensure there were a large number of members sitting around the table in order to bring multiple perspectives to weighty issues facing the community.  

The adoption of a town council-town manager charter abolishes the traditional board of selectperson/town meeting form of government.

The town council functions as both the governing body and legislative body, as do city councils in cities. Where the town council is both the governing body and the legislative body, it generally has all the powers and duties of selectmen, city councils and boards of aldermen, and may address all matters that general law requires to be done at town meetings, all as provided by RSA 49-D:3, l(a).

Durham's town council may both make local laws (called ordinances) and adopt a budget without further action of the town. The "administrator" proposes an annual budget to the town council. Only bond questions on a single issue with proposed debt in excess of $2.3 million must be approved by referendum. Referendum matters may also be brought to a vote of the town.  

The Town of Newmarket operates under a slight variation of the town council-town manager format. In Newmarket, the town council may adopt ordinances, but the budget still requires adoption by the community at a special annual budgetary town meeting.

The only other town in NH that operates exactly like Durham is Derry, NH. Durham and Derry are in essence the only two towns in NH that have the governmental structure of cities with a council/manager format.

View the Town of Durham's Charter HERE.

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES 7-YEAR CONTRACT WITH ADMINISTRATOR TODD SELIG

The Town Council has reached a new contract agreement with longtime administrator Todd Selig, extending his service to Dec. 31, 2030.

Selig, who has been with the town for 23 years, said Durham is a place where he feels privileged to work.

Selig's last contract agreement came in 2017. At that time, he and the town agreed to a nine-year extension. This time he's agreeing to a seven-year contract, adding five more years to his employment as his current contract would not have expired until 2025.

Selig's contract states his salary for 2024 will remain at $173,219 and increase by 2% each year of his contract, though there are provisions where his pay could increase more if needed to keep Selig's pay at an average among a list of managers/administrators of other New Hampshire communities.

The communities Durham compares salary information to are Bedford, Concord, Derry, Dover, Hanover, Keene, Merrimack, Portsmouth and Rochester.

To read a full article covering the topic in Seacoast Online click HERE.

STRAFFORD COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT AFFIRMS DURHAM PLANNING BOARD DECISION - Town & Campus, Inc. v. Town of Durham, Town of Durham Planning Board

This appeal concerns the approval of an amendment to a site plan application regarding a lot located at 74 Main Street in the Town of Durham (the “Town”), owned by Clark Properties, LLC (the “intervenor”).  Town & Campus, Inc. (the “petitioner”) is the owner of the lot located at 72 Main Street, abutting  the 74 Main Street lot. 

The petitioner runs its business establishment (Aroma Joe’s) at 72 Main Street. The two lots originated from a subdivision application approved by the Planning Board in 2018.  As a result of the subdivision, the petitioner and intervenor executed and recorded three easements as required by the Board. In July 2021, the intervenor applied for a site plan approval to construct a multipurpose building and make associated site improvements on the 74 Main Street lot.  The Planning Board conditionally approved the 2021 site plan application on October 26, 2022.  Subsequently the Planning Board approved amendments to the application.  

The petitioner, Town & Campus, Inc., appealed a decision of the Town of Durham Planning Board, approving an amendment to a previously approved site plan. The Court (Howard, C.J.) granted the applicant Clark Properties, LLC’s motion to intervene in the matter.  The petitioner and intervenor also filed a motion to dismiss, which the Court (Howard, C.J.) granted in part and denied in part.  

The Court held a hearing on the merits on the remaining issues on January 5, 2024.  Durham was represented by its attorney, Laura Spector from The Mitchell Group.  

On February 29, 2024, the Court AFFIRMED the Planning Board’s decision.  To review the decision, click HERE.

PARTNER WITH UNH TO ADVANCE YOUR DURHAM ORGANIZATION’S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

Join UNH’s Sustainability Institute at an info-session online on March 14, 12-1 p.m. to learn about UNH’S Climate Action Clinic and B Impact Clinic and partner to assess any Durham organization’s carbon footprint and other sustainability practices, while building qualified workforce pipeline. To Register, click HERE.

Climate Action Clinic

Leverage UNH's deep expertise in greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement to complete an organization's carbon footprint. UNH will match small teams of UNH students trained in GHG emissions measurement and reporting (and mentored by UNH faculty & staff) with regional businesses, non-profits and municipalities to help them complete the analysis.

B Impact Clinic

Take advantage of the University’s partnership with business leaders from B Corp certified companies to assess a company’s "social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency". The Sustainability Institute matches small teams of UNH students with regional companies to serve as consultants (led by our partners) and add capacity for regional companies interested in completing the B Impact Assessment – the first step to becoming B Corp certified.

NH Fish & Game and UNH researchers were recently at the Old Landing/Oyster River trapping migrating smelt and tagging them to track their migration. Courtesy, Bill Cote

UPCOMING OYSTER RIVER COMMUNITY READ EVENTS ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Oyster River Community Read (ORCR) is a grassroots collaboration aimed at using books as tools to help foster connections and build common understandings among community members. ORCR is currently reading books on the topic of poverty. In addition, ORCR will be offering a variety of free, weekly programs that address poverty, including its roots, the systems that perpetuate it, and ways to overcome it. Two of those programs are listed below.

MONDAY, March 11, 7pm, Durham Public Library. PANEL DISCUSSION: Seacoast Homelessness and Affordable Housing 

Local housing challenges and initiatives will be discussed by:

• Michael Behrendt - Durham Town Planner and Board Member of the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast
• Alix Campbell - Seacoast Mental Health Center
• Kara Rodenhizer - Director of the Home for All Coalition and Granite United Way’s Housing Initiatives
• Nick Taylor - Executive Director of the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast

David Richman will facilitate the conversation.

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 7pm, Community Church of Durham. WORKSHOP: Housing Advocacy

By Nick Taylor, Director Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast. Click HERE to sign up.

This workshop will help community members develop confidence when discussing the topic of affordable housing and provide education, techniques, and tips for how to speak up in favor of affordable housing in your communities. Attendees will learn about local and state government processes, how and when the public can engage, and how to maximize your impact. The event is free and open to the public. No prior knowledge needed – only a desire to make a positive impact in your community!

Eagle at Mill Pond. Courtesy, Craig Stevens, DCAT Manager

DURHAM WITHDRAWS FROM BEE CITY USA PROGRAM

The decision of Durham withdrawing from the Bee City USA Program is based on several factors. In January 2017, the Town of Durham Agricultural Commission submitted the Initial Application for Bee City USA Certification. At that time, it was thought that honeybees and beekeeping would be the primary focus. However, when later acquired by the Xerces Society, the scope of Bee City USA program expanded to include new initiatives and activities for all “beneficial pollinator” species and associated habitats.   

During the past few years, the annual reporting requirements for annual Bee City USA recertification have become more time-consuming. This includes compiling a detailed report on Education and Outreach, Enhancing Pollinator Health and Habitat, Policies and Practices, Annual Conservation by the Numbers, and Narrative of Accomplishments. Some reporting requirements are for activities that are beyond the primary focus of the Durham Agricultural Commission.

During the past year, the Agricultural Commission solicited interest from other Durham committees and boards to take the lead for the Bee City USA program. However, they were already busy with their own initiatives, and declined to step forward. 

Durham is proud that it was the first town in New England to receive Bee City USA certification (in March 2017). Also, some of the Bee City USA related activities previously reported will likely continue. This includes Durham’s:

• “Dandelion Lawn” competition, “Less Mow May”, and “Re-think your Lawn” initiatives
• “Basics on Backyard Beekeeping” seminars
• Elementary/Middle school presentations on beekeeping and pollinators
• Durham’s annual Farm Day event 

Finally, the importance of taking local action to maintain or improve key habitats for honeybees and other beneficial pollinators will continue to be promoted in Durham. Perhaps at some later time, there may be renewed interest in Durham in becoming a certified Bee City USA town again.

A tremendous thank you is extended to resident and Durham Agricultural Commission member Lee Alexander, as well as to the Ag. Commission as a whole, who have collectively shepherded this program from the start over many years. Thank you.

Sally Needell, Chair of the Town Council, presents outgoing Councilor Ellie Lonske with a certificate of appreciation at Monday evening's Council meeting. Courtesy, Todd Selig

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS AVAILABLE

The National Main Street Center has announced a program from American Express offering grants to small local businesses. Eligible business owners can apply for $10,000 grants for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change. Applications will be accepted up to 1:00 pm on April 7, 2024 (or once 5,000 applications have been submitted, whichever occurs first). For a link to the program, click HERE. The application form will be available starting next Thursday, March 14.

Most downtown Durham businesses are probably eligible to apply. The grant covers the following (with examples in parentheses):

• Accessibility Upgrades (ramp, menu translation, accessible website redesign for visually impaired people)  
• Community Events and Programs (open mic night, public educational/training workshops, hosting community fund raisers, partnerships with other small businesses)  
• Equipment and Inventory (point of sale device/software, purchasing of items for sale, display cases, kitchen equipment)  
• Marketing (investing in social media campaign, building a website)  
• Operational Strategy (branding package, accounting software, business coaching, and other types of support that would increase the viability of your business)  
• Physical Improvements (signage, awnings, painting facade, new shelving, new lighting)  
• Sustainability Upgrades (solar panels, rain garden adjacent to business, investing in reusable/compostable/recyclable packaging alternatives)  
• Technology Upgrades (building an online storefront, online ordering system, or other e-commerce platform) 
• Utilities (Note: Must not be more than $2000 or 20% of the requested funds) 

Contact the Town Planner at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING AMENDMENTS FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING- Continued from February 28 meeting.

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, March 13 (continued from the hearing on February 28) on a set of zoning amendments intended to facilitate the creation of workforce housing. The amendments include the rezoning of one parcel of land to a higher density district, the inclusion of a set of requirements for a workforce housing project, and specification where a workforce housing project would be allowed – in the four Research-Industry zones.

The subject parcel is a 117-acre lot located on the north side of Route 4 opposite Harmony Homes. Given its size, a large development could potentially be clustered and located so that it would be virtually not visible from the surrounding roads and handful of residences. Valuable natural resources on the property could be protected in perpetuity. You can see the proposed amendments HERE.

The proposal was prepared and endorsed by the Durham Housing Task Force. You can see information related to housing at the task force website HERE. The impetus for these amendments was a discussion with Dan Keefe, owner of the subject parcel, John and Maggie Randolph, proprietors of Harmony Homes, and Town Planner Michael Behrendt. If the zoning amendments are adopted, the property could be sold to any party for development of any use allowed in the zone. If the site is to be developed for workforce housing, the Randolphs are a likely candidate as they have experience creating workforce housing. The task force had an interesting discussion with them at their meeting on January 8 which can be viewed HERE.

Please contact the Town Planner Michael Behrendt with any questions or comments at: mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us

One of the smelt caught, tagged and released by NH Fish & Game and UNH researchers at the Old Landing/Oyster River. Courtesy, Bill Cote

Oral care products are recycled at the Durham Transfer Station through the Crest and Oral-B Recycle On Us program. There is a cardboard box outside the green hut (or inside during bad weather) that is used to collect toothpaste tubes (caps on), toothbrushes, brush heads, floss containers, floss, floss picks and mouthwash containers (caps on).

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: www.Recyclesmartma.org

CARSEY POLICY HOUR TO HIGHLIGHT COMMUNITY POWER OF NH

Reeling from high electricity costs? Worried about climate change? Granite Staters pride themselves on working with their neighbors to develop community-level solutions to social challenges, and multiple innovative approaches to energy issues are developing in the state.

Jeannie Oliver from the NH Community Loan Fund and Henry Herndon of Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire will join the Carsey Policy Hour on March 13 from 8-9:00 a.m. online to discuss their organizations’ approaches to bringing Community Power and energy equity through community solar to New Hampshire.

For more information and to register, please click HERE.

This January, two storms produced historic flooding, storm damage, and coastal erosion along New Hampshire’s tidal shoreline. Individuals, families, and businesses experienced significant and costly impacts. These events show that flooding is already a very challenging and real experience for people living and working along New Hampshire’s tidal shoreline. In response to these storms and feedback from past participants, the New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup (CAW) is announcing updates to its annual Rising Tides Photo Contest, scheduled for March 9-12, 2024.

This year CAW renamed the event to “Picturing Rising Tides.” Picturing Rising Tides will generate visual and narrative documentation of high tide events and showcase the need to plan and prepare for an increasing frequency and extent of high tide flooding. Photographs and videos taken during the submission period, March 9-12, 2024, or in the last year (since March 13, 2023) are all eligible. Ten entries will be selected through a public voting process to display at local events, libraries, and community spaces. These displays will promote critical dialogue about rising sea levels.  

What to Enter: Participants may submit photographs or videos that show high water, flooding, flood impacts, flood safety, flood mitigation, flood proofing, erosion, local landmarks, buildings, bridges, culverts, piers, seawalls, roadways, beaches, people, wildlife, salt marsh, rivers, and estuarine environments. Photographs and videos must be taken along New Hampshire’s tidal shoreline. For tips on where to go, explore the Picturing Rising Tides Map HERE. 

How to Enter: Photo and video entries must be submitted via the online entry form available on the CAW website HERE during the Contest Submission Period, March 9-12, 2024. Entries submitted via mail, email, or social media will not be accepted. 

Back by popular demand, CAW will host two site visits during the submission period. These visits provide an opportunity to take photos or videos of high tide flooding and learn about local impacts of sea level rise. Volunteer board members and municipal staff, technical assistance providers, natural resource professionals, researchers and students, elected officials, interested residents or community leaders are especially encouraged to attend. Stay tuned for more information and event registration coming soon. Registration will be free. 

Visit the CAW Website HERE for official rules and more information about how to enter, what to enter, recognition, and events.  Questions? Contact Lucy Perkins at Lucy.L.Perkins@des.nh.gov or 603-559-9101.

Durham Public Works and its contractor, Severino Construction, Inc. will begin the culvert improvements portion of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project this Spring. This phase will begin with a rehabilitation and slope extension of the reinforced concrete pipe which carries Littlehale Creek under Madbury Road followed by the replacement of the compromised stone box culvert which carries Littlehale Creek under Edgewood Road and. In advance of the project, Durham Public Works, along with its consultants, met with representatives from Severino Construction and NHDES this week in a preconstruction meeting to coordinate project details and plan for the upcoming construction.

Additionally, as seen in the photo, Unitil isolated their gas main this week over the Edgewood Road culvert in preparation for the open cut excavation. Durham Public Works coordinated closely with Unitil last summer to extend their utility up Emerson Road as part of the watermain replacement project. This extension will allow for uninterrupted service to customers North of the culvert during construction.

Alternating one-way traffic with temporary traffic signalization on Madbury Road can be expected and an approximately three-month road closure of Edgewood Road in the immediate vicinity of the culvert will occur to complete this work. Durham Public Works will schedule a neighborhood meeting with residents and other project stakeholders within the next few weeks in advance of construction. 

Sally Needell, Chair of the Town Council, presents outgoing Councilor Chuck Hotchkiss with a certificate of appreciation at Monday evening's Council meeting. Courtesy, Todd Selig

BULKY WASTE PROGRAM UPDATE

As part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budgeting process, the Durham Town Council endorsed a recommendation by the Administrator, Durham Public Works and the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee to curtail the curbside collection portion of Durham Public Works’ Bulky Waste Program. This decision, in part, was made to further align with the Town’s sustainability goals and promote the reduction of municipal solid waste materials sent to landfills. Further, because of increased program and project responsibilities, the Durham Public Works no longer has the capacity to conduct this program. This resource-intensive program resulted in 116 tons of material sent to the landfill in 2023 alone, which represented 6% of the total material sent to the landfill by the Town of Durham and consumed 400 hours of staff time. This program change will allow Durham Public Works to redeploy these resources for projects this Spring that would normally require contracted assistance and funding. 

In lieu of this program, Durham Public Works is exploring the option of offering an annual bulky waste coupon to each residential property. This coupon would allow the property owner to dispose of up to one dump trailer sized load of bulky waste per year at no additional charge and at their convenience during normal public open hours at the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center. As they have in the past, certain electronics and refrigerant containing devices would still require a $15 sticker for disposal. Additional information providing program specifics will be forthcoming in a future Friday Updates this spring. 

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS SEEKS SEASONAL LABORERS

The Public Works Department is seeking several highly motivated team members to join an exceptional team of professionals to serve in the role of Part-Time Seasonal Laborer.

The successful candidates will assist the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance.

The salary for these part-time, seasonal positions is $16-18/hr, depending upon qualifications. These 40 hour/week positions run from May-August and normal work hours are 7:00am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday.

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawn mowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers is desired.

Applications are available at Durham Public Works or online HERE.

Please submit applications to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on April 1st, 2024. 

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 and guardians 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 #10

As you set the clocks forward in hopes for spring this weekend, there are some things in the house you need to check on.

1.      New Batteries in the smoke detectors.

2.      If you have fire extinguishers in the house, you need to check to see that they are in working order.

3.      Make sure everyone knows the escape plan that you made up.

4.      Make sure everyone knows the meeting place in the event of an emergency.

For a helpful tip on Smoke Detectors, click HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOLS NEWS

Reminder: Election Day March 12, 2024

Election for ORCSD School Board candidates and the FY 24-25 budget will take place March 12, 2024, in each town's voting location. Warrants may be viewed HERE and their explanation may be viewed HERE. All budget documents are available HERE under the FY 24-25 tab.

Reminder: No School March 15, 2024

All Oyster River schools will be closed on March 15, 2024, for a Teacher Workshop Day.

Oyster River Orchestra Concert March 11, 2024

The Oyster River Middle School Chamber Orchestra and the Oyster River High School String Orchestra will be teaming up for a concert on Monday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the Middle School Concert Hall (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

Save the Date: April 11, 2024, Community Dinner

The ORCSD Sustainability Committee will be hosting a community dinner on April 11, 2024, at the Oyster River High School. The dinner will be followed by a musical performance of Mast Way students in the auditorium. Additional details will be made available in the coming weeks.

Oyster River High School Students Exhibit at DPL

Eighteen Oyster River High School students were honored at the Scholastic Art Award of New Hampshire ceremony on February 11, 2024. Their artwork, along with the artwork of other Oyster River High School students, will be on display at the Durham Public Library (DPL) until the end of March.

Oyster River Middle School Bookmark Design Contest

Over the month of February 2024, the Oyster River Middle School library team hosted its first ever bookmark contest and invited students of all grade levels to participate by submitting a design. Additional details may be found HERE.

Extended Learning Opportunities at the Oyster River High School

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) are student-initiated and student-centered learning experiences that provide knowledge and skills outside the traditional classroom methodology. Additional details may be found HERE.

Solar Eclipse - Early Release April 8, 2024

A full solar eclipse will occur in our region on April 8th, 2024. The district will make that day a half day so the students can be home for the eclipse. UNH professors will be visiting the schools to teach kids about the eclipse. UNH has also donated safety glasses for all the students in the district. These glasses allow students to safely observe the sky during the event. There will be a community event around the eclipse from 6pm-8pm at DeMeritt Hall on campus. All are welcome. Thank you to Professor Amy Keesee, Professor John Gianforte, and the NH Space Grant Consortium for the donation.

WINTER FARMERS MARKET AT UNH

Slow Food UNH is proud to present the MUB Market, Winter Farmers Market Series! Stop by the Strafford Room on Thursday, March 14th between 11-3PM to support Seacoast vendors, gather with the community, and learn about Slow Food UNH. You can expect goat cheeses, homemade jams, fresh breads, pastries, winter produce, handcrafted items, vintage clothing, and more! These markets are hosted once a month through the school year and welcome everyone! All students, faculty, staff, and community members are free to attend! Hope to see you there!

Interested in being a vendor? Questions? Email: unhfarmersmarket@gmail.com

The Strafford Room is in the Memorial Union Building (MUB) located at 83 Main Street Suggested parking is in the Campus Crossing Visitor Lot across from Mill Plaza on Mill Road. For more information, please email us.

Mark your calendar for the rest of the markets this semester - April 19th (Earth Day Jam Fest on Thompson Hall Lawn) & April 29th