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The tree in front of the post office is at peak. Courtesy Jean McPeak
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The Swap Shop committee and volunteers are gearing up to open the Swap Shop on Saturday, June 5th. They will have some new rules and COVID protocols in place. The belief is that the Swap Shop can be opened safely especially when most of the customers spend the majority of their time outdoors. The Swap Shop is ready to shut down if COVID conditions change.
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MASK ORDINANCE STILL IN EFFECT IN DURHAM
Yesterday, the CDC announced new guidelines (see next item for more information) for individuals who have received their vaccinations + 14 days. The CDC indicated that individuals who are two weeks past their final inoculation may forego wearing masks in most indoor and outdoor settings. A full list is available HERE.
However, the CDC also stated people must continue to abide by existing local laws and regulations, and follow rules for businesses and workplaces.
As such, the mask ordinance for Durham is still in place until the Town Council rescinds it or it sunsets as currently scheduled on June 5, 2021.
After that local businesses, Town Offices, ORCSD, and UNH may continue to require masks to be worn in their facilities, as they deem appropriate.
Please respect their decision.
View Durham’s Emergency Facial Coverings Ordinance HERE.
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NEW GUIDANCE FROM CDC ON MASK WEARING ISSUED LATE-THURSDAY; DURHAM TO REVISIT NEXT STEPS WITH LOCAL OPTION MASK ORDINANCE MONDAY EVENING
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new and unexpected guidance Thursday afternoon indicating that if a person is fully vaccinated, they may go without a mask in most situations, including indoors. But NH state health officials are in the process of reviewing this information, as is the Town of Durham.
The guidance notes that the vaccines in place (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) are highly effective at preventing infection and dramatically reducing hospitalizations and deaths. While masks are still recommended in crowded indoor situations, such as on buses, subways, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, and as determined by state and local government entities like Durham, UNH, or the Oyster River School District, the CDC said restrictions can be eased in other situations.
When asked at yesterday’s NH Covid-19 briefing about this change, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said this doesn’t mean people should throw out their masks. He indicated the CDC made the announcement without talking to state health departments first, so he hadn’t had a chance to see the rationale.
The major point of agreement is that vaccines are very effective.
But what does such guidance mean for businesses, local governments, and attendees at public meetings in crowded Town Hall conference rooms that cannot adequately accommodate 6 ft. social distancing with space available and staffed/attended by people/citizens/board members who won’t be able to tell if someone is vaccinated or not?
What does such guidance mean for patrons at the Library, the Town Clerk's Office, the Planning Dept., or for folks who may visit the Public Works Department in order to protect the health of municipal staff who serve the public and who may not have the ability to distance themselves physically from unvaccinated persons, and no ability to determine if someone has in fact been vaccinated or not?
Plus the science has shown that vaccination in conjunction with continued mitigation measures — wearing masks and maintaining distance — will drive COVID-19 cases down faster and lower than either vaccination or mitigation alone. Durham also hosts UNH and off campus social activity has been on the rise as the end of the academic year and graduation draws near (though interestingly Covid active case counts for Durham and UNH have continued to drop significantly - as shown in the graph above).
As of today, the state isn’t changing any recommendations as yet. The CDC’s new guidance does highlight the benefits of widespread vaccination. Durham officials continue to monitor the issue closely in an environment where they may not be clear answers.
The Town Council will be discussing the issue of modifying the local facial coverings ordinance on Monday evening. What was proposed by Administrator Selig to the Council this past Wednesday for discussion on this coming Monday, prior to the CDC’s newest guidance issued yesterday afternoon, was for the existing requirements to remain in effect through June 5th as planned and as of that date to require mask wearing only in Town of Durham government buildings.
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New Hampshire will allow walk-ins at its state-run vaccination sites beginning Monday. The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children, ages 12+, which is outstanding, but there still remains a five week period at the soonest for those tens of thousands of kids to obtain two doses of vaccine, spaced three weeks apart, plus fourteen days.
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FDA AUTHORIZES COVID-19 VACCINE FOR KIDS, AGES 12+
Starting on Thursday, May 13, 2021, the State of New Hampshire will open appointments in VINI, the state’s COVID-19 vaccine scheduling and appointment management website, for individuals 12 to 15 years of age.
Following FDA authorization and a vote by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available for individuals between 12 and 15 years of age. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has previously been available to anyone 16 years of age and older.
Parents and guardians can register and schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for their children aged 12 to 15 years old. Same-day appointments are available at some vaccination clinics.
Anyone under 18 must have consent from a parent or guardian. This can be verbal consent from the parent or guardian onsite at the time of the vaccination, written consent that can be filled out by the parent or guardian in advance or while onsite, or an electronic consent form that can be signed by the parent or guardian at the time of registration.
Due to FDA emergency use authorization requirements, recipients under the age of 18 years old may only receive the Pfizer vaccine, which is available at the following locations:
All state-managed fixed sites and Walgreens locations
Androscoggin Valley Hospital (Berlin)
Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (Colebrook)
Weeks Medical Center (Lancaster/Whitefield)
Littleton Regional Healthcare (Littleton)
Huggins Hospital (Wolfeboro)
Memorial Hospital (North Conway)
Concord Hospital – Laconia (Laconia)
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon)
There are more than 25,000 first dose appointments still available in VINI prior to Memorial Day.
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STRAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH NETWORK/ORCSD/DURHAM WILL HOST TWO DRIVE-THROUGH VACCINATION CLINICS ON SATURDAY, MAY 15TH AT OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL IN DURHAM
Who is eligible:
- Any person age 12 or older who is a student at a Strafford County elementary, middle, or high school, or other equivalent educational/vocational program.
- Any child age 12-17 who is a Strafford County resident.
Clinics time and locations:
- Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham NH) on Saturday, 5/15/21 from 10:00am-4:00pm
- Rochester Middle School (47 Brock St, Rochester NH) on Saturday, 5/15/21 from 10:00am-3:00pm
Please complete a registration form for any student attending. Any child under age 18 must attend with a parent/guardian OR a completed consent form.
Registration form is available HERE.
Consent form is available HERE.
Additional information:
- This clinic will use only Pfizer vaccine.
- No online appointment registration is needed. Please complete a paper registration form only. For a shorter line, avoid the first and last hour of a clinic.
- Second dose clinics will be available on Saturday, 6/5/21 at Rochester Middle School and Sunday, 6/6/21 at Oyster River High School.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Compostable goods (food items, etc.) are often thrown in the trash by well meaning consumers who think they’ll simply break down in the landfill.
Unfortunately, these products get buried underneath trash with very little oxygen. Compostables cannot break down safely without oxygen, the right amount of light, and bacteria.
So, should I just put them in the recycling?
No. Compostable goods can’t be recycled because they will contaminate the other items as they decompose.
WHAT NOW?
Make sure you are disposing of your products correctly & try to prioritize reusable products on your sustainable journey.
PRIORITY LIST:
REUSE - avoid single use whenever possible.
REDUCE - If it can’t be recycled, don’t buy it.
COMPOST - correctly
RECYCLE - correctly
It takes a little extra time, but the impact on our environment makes it worth it!
Source: The Good Trade
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
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Sunrise May 3rd, 5:25 AM, from the Durham side of the Scammell bridge, kayak launch/fisherman's access parking lot. Courtesy Scott Standley
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ACCREDITATION REVIEW OF DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT BY CALEA COMPLETED WITH HIGH MARKS AND A POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION FOR REACCREDITATION
The Durham Police have long been engaged with the accreditation process through CALEA (https://www.calea.org/) because it provides the community with assurances that the Durham Police are engaged in providing best practices to the community due to inspections by an outside entity. It also provides feedback from outside professionals about new and innovative practices that may be applicable to the Durham community. With all of the national discussions surrounding police, the Durham Police recognize the delivery of services to the community as a profession which involves transparency and welcoming input and feedback.
View the latest review of the Durham Police Department by CALEA HERE. The comprehensive report provides a wide array of topical discussions about Durham Police Department’s use of force, police discipline, bias and community engagement. Police Chief Rene Kelley invites Durham citizens to review the report from CALEA about your police department and asks that if you have any questions, you contact him directly at (603) 868-2324 or email him at rkelley@ci.durham.nh.us.
Chief Kelley would like to take this opportunity to thank Retired Durham Police Chief Dave Kurz for his vision and determination to bring accreditation to the Durham Police Department. Chief Kurz is a pioneer in the accreditation world having examined over 50 police departments throughout the country. In 1999 the Durham Police Department was first awarded accredited status. At that time the Durham Police Department was one of only 13 departments our size throughout the country to have attained the level of accreditation that the department was awarded. Since our initial accreditation the department has been awarded the distinction of “Meritoriously Accredited.” Thank you Chief Kurz!!!
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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST TO VERIFY THE VOTER CHECKLIST - In process of purging inactive names through detailed state process
The Supervisors of the Checklist are required by New Hampshire law to verify the voter Checklist every 10 years. This is the year. We are about to start this process and would like to share part of what needs to be done. Anyone who is currently on the Durham Checklist who has not voted in 4 years (since April 1, 2017) will be sent a letter explaining that they will be removed from the checklist. This letter is scheduled to be sent out on June 3, 2021. If the person does still live in Durham and would like to remain on the checklist, they may either come before us on the dates and times below, or simply go to the Durham Town Hall during regular business hours, to re-register. They may also call the Town Hall at 868-5577 with questions.
If your household should receive one of these letters and the person no longer lives there, simply toss the letter. Unfortunately, people who registered last fall but then did not vote or whose absentee ballot arrived late, will also receive a letter and will need to re-register at some point. Please keep in mind you can always register to vote at any election. If you receive the letter and need to re-register (or believe you truly have voted since April 1, 2017), the Supervisors will meet on the following dates for this purpose:
Thursday, July 22 - 7:00-8:00 PM Durham Town Hall
Monday, August 9 - 7:00-8:00 PM Durham Town Hall
The Supervisors will also be accepting applications for new voter registration, requests for the correction of the checklist, and/or change of political party affiliation at these times. Voters may check party affiliation on-line HERE.
Applicants for registration or re-registration, whether at the Clerk’s office or with the Supervisors, should bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election), citizenship, and domicile. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
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SPRING CLEANUP BULKY WASTE DAYS AT THE TRANSFER STATION
Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and other concerns described above in the preceding item, the Town has elected to manage the bulky item disposal program this season similar to last spring’s collection. The Transfer Station will be open for Spring Cleanup with extended hours and days as listed below. All participants will be required to practice social distancing and wear masks as they drop off items. On the days listed below, facility users with Resident/Tax payer permits may enter the Transfer Station to dispose of BULKY WASTE ITEMS ONLY (Bulky waste items include mattresses, box springs, upholstered chairs, couches, painted or stained decking, rugs/carpeting/padding, and pressure treated wood) at No Charge and will NOT require coupons.
Wednesday, May 19th and Thursday, May 20th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
Wednesday, June 2rd and Thursday, June 3rd between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
Residents will have to unload their own material. The Transfer Station attendants will be monitoring activities to ensure capacity will allow for social distancing at each vehicle drop off point. Please Note, electronics items (such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, computer monitors, televisions, laptops and water coolers) still require a $15 electronics sticker which may be purchase with check or cash at DPW or with check only at the Transfer Station. Metal items (such as Bicycles, rolled wire fencing, metal pipe, cast iron sinks and tubs, aluminum screen doors/windows without glass, lawn mowers (fluids removed), bed springs, washers/dryers, empty paint cans, fitness machines) should be separated and put in the metal pile.
Durham Public Works asks that all regular trash and recycling and “regular” transfer station activities be limited to regular Transfer Station hours, Tuesday and Saturday, 7:30am- 3:00pm.
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New Pettee Brook bridge which is now substantially completed and open to pedestrian traffic. Courtesy Richard Reine
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MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE ANNUAL ISSUER COMMENT REPORT FOR TOWN OF DURHAM, NH – Aa2 Bond Rating
This week Moody’s released their Annual Issuer Comment for Durham. Excerpts from the report follow…
Credit Overview
The credit position for Durham is very high quality. Its Aa2 rating is a little stronger than the US cities median of Aa3. Notable credit factors include a robust financial position, a very strong wealth and income profile, and an adequate tax base. It also reflects a small debt burden and a somewhat inflated pension liability.
Finances
The financial position of the town is robust and is relatively favorable in comparison to the Aa2 rating assigned. The cash balance as a percent of operating revenues (95.3%) is far above the US median, and stayed the same between 2015 and 2019. Moreover, the fund balance as a percent of operating revenues (31.2%) is consistent with other Moody's-rated cities nationwide.
Covid-19 Risks
We regard the coronavirus outbreak as a social risk under our environmental, social and governance framework, given the substantial implications for public health and safety and the economy. We do not see any material immediate credit risks for Durham. However, the situation surrounding coronavirus is rapidly evolving and the longer term impact will depend on both the severity and duration of the crisis. If our view of the credit quality of Durham changes, we will update our opinion at that time.
Economy and Tax Base
The town has a very strong economy and tax base overall, which are comparable to its Aa2 rating. The median family income equals a robust 185.3% of the US level. Yet, Durham's full value per capita ($74,319) is slightly weaker than the US median. Yet, this number increased from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, the total full value ($1.2 billion) is below other Moody's-rated cities nationwide. The local economy benefits from the institutional presence of The University of New Hampshire with an estimated student enrollment of 16,000.
Debt and Pensions
The debt and pension liabilities of Durham are moderate overall. The town's net direct debt to full value (1.6%) is slightly higher than the US median. Furthermore, the Moody's-adjusted net pension liability to operating revenues (2.1x) unfavorably is slightly above the US median.
Management and Governance
New Hampshire cities have an institutional framework score 3 of "Aa", which is strong. The sector's major revenue source, property tax, is not subject to any caps.
View the full report HERE.
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FRAUD FRIDAY - Fake Amazon Email, Paypal, EBay, Venmo…
Problem:
- A scammer posing to be Amazon (or any other account you use and have to enter banking information)
- Email indicated a password was entered too many times
- A prompt asks: “Is that you?”
- Upon clicking, “No, Secure My Account” you are directed to enter credit card information
Remedy:
- When in doubt, call the company in question using a reputable telephone number to ask if an email was legitimate or not.
- Pay attention to subtle clues like long email addresses from senders or misspellings/poor grammar.
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UNH COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PLANT-A-ROW PROGRAM
During the pandemic and beyond, more Granite-Staters are facing food insecurity. Most significantly, access to fresh and healthy, local produce.
The UNH Cooperative Extension is offering the Plant-A-Row program in a timely manner because it's gardening season. The plan of this program is simple: Planting an extra row in your garden bed or an extra container to donate the resulting produce to a food pantry nearby to feed those in need.
When people pledge to plant an extra row they will be provided with a garden kit, growing tips, activities, recipes and other resources. There's information on which vegetables are most suitable to donate, garden tips, food access in NH, etc. and so many other great resources.
More information about the program and how to register can be found HERE.
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Courtesy Laura Harper Lake of ArtfulHarper Design
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DURHAM FARM DAY IS BACK!
Mark your calendars for the Saturday, August 21st. The Agricultural Commission is finalizing the agenda for this day-long celebration of Durham’s working landscape of farms, gardens, and woodlands. We’ll be offering contests and opportunities to learn farm and garden skills. Stay tuned!
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DURHAM IS A BEE CITY USA COMMUNITY
The Durham Agricultural Commission led the Town’s effort to become the first Bee City USA community in the Northeast. We encourage everyone to support pollinators. UNH and UMaine Cooperative Extension are offering a free webinar for home gardeners about supporting pollinators on May 26th from 6pm-7:15pm. You may register HERE.
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MAY IS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH - Water Safety
Clean water is the world’s most precious commodity. According to World Health Organization estimates as of June 2019, 785 million people lacked even a basic drinking-water service, including 144 million people who are dependent on surface water. Building, plumbing and green codes help guard it for future generations through proper construction, conservation and safe disposal. Code officials are vigilant protectors of our water supply. Because of their dedicated service, you can turn on the tap in your home and draw sufficient, clean water. They take nothing for granted, so you can.
View more information on this important topic HERE.
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SEACOAST BIKE/WALK MONTH TRAIL PASSPORT
The Seacoast of New Hampshire offers a variety of trails for outdoor activities such as running, walking, and bicycling. During the month of May, New Hampshire residents are encouraged to have fun exploring the ten suggested trails and record their visits to win prizes.
View more information regarding the trails HERE.
Scan the QR code below with your smart phone to access the digital trails passport.
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NH PRESERVATION ALLIANCE RECOGNIZES EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT WITH AWARD FOR EXCEEDING STATE AND FEDERALLY MANDATED COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT AND RESTORATION OF HISTORIC DURHAM CABLE HOUSE
The NH Preservation Alliance has recognized the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project, a new 115 kilovolt transmission line stretching from Madbury, though Durham and Newington, to Portsmouth, for exceeding state requirements and federally mandated compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. “The high-quality survey of archaeological and historic resources yielded significant results, and a variety of mitigation measures included the temporary relocation and full rehabilitation of the historic Little Bay Underwater Terminal Cable House in Durham.” Learn more HERE.
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Firefighters Matthew Wilder and Warren Kadden
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT TRANSITIONS APPARATUS CHECKS TO STATION CHECK BY ESO
In keeping with the approved Capital Improvement Program, the Durham Fire Department has recently began the process of transitioning the department record management system to ESO Solutions. As part of the new software program, the department is pleased to report that they have transitioned to paperless reporting for the apparatus daily, weekly, and monthly checks. The apparatus checks are based on the required National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1911 standards. The new reporting software will reduce paper waste and will allow members to complete apparatus checks from any electronic hand-held device.
Prior to the implementation, completing the apparatus checks was a time-consuming manual process which involved filling out paper checklists and entering the information manually into a software program. If deficiencies were found, it necessitated follow-up emails regarding needed repairs. The new software platform allows all these tasks to be completed efficiently and seamlessly with a click of a couple buttons.
The department wishes to extend its appreciation to the community for their ongoing commitment and support. The department also extends its sincere appreciation to Captain James Brown and Assistant Chief Randall Trull for their hard work in coordinating the installation and implementation of the Station Check program.
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 4th Annual Durham Dandelion Contest
In conjunction with Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 4th Annual Contest (2021) to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honeybees and other pollinators.
Town residents are invited to submit a photo(s) of where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow. Like last year, the contest now includes nine (9) categories:
Criteria
- The most dandelions per unit area (>50% dandelions)
- Greatest total area (50% grass and 50% dandelions)
- A scraggly lawn that is improved by dandelions
- A garden site where dandelions can grow
- A single dandelion blossom or bouquet
- Aligns with Ladybird Johnson’s beautify America’s roadways initiative
- A dandelion blossom with honeybee or bumble bee
- Dandelions growing in the downtown area or on Town property
- Dandelions growing under difficult circumstances
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to:
Lee Alexander
e-mail: leealex64@gmail.com
mobile: 603-866-2822
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Each contest participant will receive a small (2 oz) squeeze bottle of “Lee’s Bees” Wildflower Honey. The winner of each of the nine (9) contest categories will be awarded a larger (12 oz) bottle.
Note: Durham has again been challenged by Kingston, NH to a “Two-Town Contest”. The winner will be the town with the most participants. Show your pride and “Bee-a-Contestant”!
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Fun facts about dandelions
- All parts of the dandelion are useful: root, leaves, flower. It can be used for food, medicine, and dye for coloring.
- Dandelions can be used to produce wine and root beer. The root of dandelion also can be used as a substitute for coffee.
- Honeybees, bumblebees, and songbirds, insects and butterflies consume nectar or seeds from dandelions.
- Dandelion is used in folk medicine to treat infections and liver disorders. Tea made of dandelion acts as a diuretic.
A not so fun fact: Each year, millions of dollars are spent on lawn pesticides to have uniform lawns of non-native grasses. In some regions of the US, over 25% of municipal water supplies are used to keep a lawn green.
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Crabapple buds. Courtesy Carol Birch
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PART-TIME MINUTE TAKERS NEEDED, TOWN OF DURHAM
The Town of Durham is seeking 2 to 3 reliable and responsible individuals to prepare minutes for the boards listed below by viewing recorded meetings on the Town’s website using DCAT on Demand. Meetings are generally 3-4 hours in length.
Durham Town Council - Meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 7PM.
Planning Board - Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7PM.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7PM.
Applicants are required to possess or have access to a computer and the internet for final preparation of the minutes. Applicants must be able to provide minutes in Microsoft Word document format, possess strong language, written communication and typing skills, and be capable of preparing the minutes with minimal supervision.
Beginning wage rate is $20.00 - $30.00 per hour, dependent on education and experience. Please submit a resume, along with three (3) professional references and a cover letter to Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 by Friday, May 28, 2021. Resumes and references may also be emailed to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us
The Town of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS SOLICITS APPLICANTS FOR NEW PROJECT ENGINEER POSITION
Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful Seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field. We are seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of public works professionals to serve in the role of Project Engineer. In this exciting role you will report to the Town Engineer and undertake challenging and rewarding work involving the fields of water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, street and highway design and construction, stormwater, and geographic information systems.
Durham Public Works is a fully integrated and progressive Department with modern equipment and facilities. The position includes performing professional civil engineering activities associated with the investigation, design, maintenance, and construction of public works projects. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with major course work in civil engineering from a recognized college or university with a minimum one year of responsible experience in the field of civil engineering including design and inspection. Years of related work experience may not be substituted for the formal education required. The successful candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office computer software applications, computer aided drafting and geographic information system software. Must also have competency in using engineering/survey instrumentation and developing topographic site plans.
Salary range for this position is from $65,000 to $81,200, depending upon qualifications. This position includes a generous benefit package: Health, Dental, NH State Pension and Paid Time off. A copy of the job description is located on the Town of Durham’s website HERE.
Send resume and letter of interest to Town of Durham, Town Engineer April Talon, P.E., 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on June 1, 2021.
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COMMUNITY FORUM ON DIVERSITY - FOCUS ON ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CURRENT ISSUES
Tuesday, May 25, 6:00-7:30pm in the ORHS Auditorium. ORCSD will host a forum, "Diversity, Visibility, and Standing Together in Oyster River" with a focus on Asian American history and current issues. Did you know that 1 in every 15 Oyster River residents (6.9%) is of Asian descent? UNH Professor Monica Chiu will introduce us to Asian immigration to America since 1850 – and to some of the barriers and opportunities that Asian Americans have faced in the decades since. Her presentation will be followed by community reflections and a rich discussion on how we can work together towards inclusion and equity for all. Please join this important conversation. View more information HERE.
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This watercolor painting by Riverwoods resident Ellie Lonske depicts the Oyster River and Old Landing Road with the historic 1789 Samuel Yeaton house on the left. Mr. Yeaton, a cooper, bought the land for “17 pounds, 5 shillings lawful money.”
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY SCHOLARSHIP
Did you know that there is an environmental sustainability scholarship awarded annually to graduating Oyster River High School seniors that demonstrate leadership in sustainability efforts?
Recently named the Freid/Carroll Scholarship in honor of its first recipient Alex Freid and the founder Diana Carroll, this scholarship has been funded by community members for the past twelve years and awarded to 27 students.
This year we are excited to announce that our newest neighbor, Riverwoods Durham, has become a new sponsor of this important community initiative. We are so grateful for Riverwoods support!
For more information about this scholarship, please contact one of the committee members: Diana Carroll, Meridith Davidson, Julie Kelley or Maggie Morrison.
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ON LINE USED BOOK AUCTION - Sponsored by the ORHS Environmental Sustainability Scholarship
- All books are in excellent condition.
- Proceeds to benefit the ORHS Sustainability Scholarship.
- Pickup: All books will be sorted and ready for pick up at a local outdoor location. Social distancing will be observed at all times.
On line link to be available May 20.
Stock up on some great summer reading. Your favorite new releases, classics, fiction, non fiction, young adult, cook books, and more!
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WILDLIFE WATCH - Sponsored by the Durham Conservation Commission
For three days, May 14-16, record the wildlife that you see pass through your yard. If you have one, use a trail camera to record activity at night.
Checklists are available at the Durham Public Library and in the Town Hall foyer. You can also download a checklist right HERE.
Please complete the checklist and send a photo or scan to durhamwildbblitz@gmail.com. You can also place your completed checklist in a Wildlife Watch data box in the Town Hall foyer or Durham Public Library. Your records will help the town determine what pathways or corridors animals use to move through Durham.
Locating wildlife corridors will help us conserve important connectivity greenways.
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METAL DETECTING/DOWSING IS NOT ALLOWED ON TOWN PROPERTY WITHOUT PERMIT
Per Chapter 82 of the Town Code, the practice of metal detection and/or dowsing is prohibited on or in all Durham-owned property if the site is an “historic property,” as defined by New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 227-C:1, VI.
Otherwise, the practice of metal detecting or dowsing is permitted on or in Town-owned property with the following restrictions:
A formal request for metal detection and/or dowsing activities must first be filed with and approved by the Town Administrator. The Administrator shall ensure the application does not involve an historic property or other Town parcel where metal detecting is prohibited and that the applicant understands the restrictions that are in effect in Durham as described herein.
Unless otherwise exempted herein, any items discovered through this practice are and shall be the property of the Town of Durham.
The Town of Durham reserves the right to prohibit metal detecting and/or dowsing on certain of its properties as it sees fit. The Town Administrator, in consultation with the appropriate boards and committees, shall make such determinations.
The Town rarely permits these practices on Town property. If resident see such activity, please contact the Durham Police Department (603) 868-2324 at so an officer may follow up and promptly address the issue.
View the ordinance regarding this matter HERE.
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WASTEWATER DIVISION REQUESTS ASSISTANCE WITH ELIMINATING USE OF "FLUSHABLE WIPES"
The increased use of “flushable wipes” is posing significant challenges in wastewater collection for municipalities requiring costly resources to manage. Recent upgrades at the Dover Rd. Main sewage pumping station included the installation of a new channel grinder to shred incoming items that should not be disposed of down the toilet. This project has proven successful and has worked extremely well to minimize pump damage and plugging due to “flushable wipes”.
The Old Concord Road sewage pumping station that serves the West end of Durham has seen an influx of undesirable materials that are being flushed. Prior to Covid, the two pumps required cleaning approximately once annually. Over this past year, the frequency of having to remove debris from the pumps has gone from once per month to currently, once per week. These unwanted “wipes” and other types of rags have caused excess wear and tear on the pumps as well as extra staff resources to clean them. Durham Public Works requests that users refrain from flushing any debris, rags and “flushable” wipes.
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Lilacs in front of the old Samuel Yeaton 1789 house at the Landing. Courtesy Jean McPeak
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Please read the latest Durham Public Library Service Update from our Director HERE.
Stay tuned! Summer reading program information is on its way! All summer reading programming will run this year from June 28th through July 30th. In the meantime, take a look at our Upcoming Events page and see what is happening virtually at the library! Try out Meditative Yoga on Sundays at 7:30 PM. Need help connecting to our digital resources? We offer device help every Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm to get your started! Call us at 603-868-6699. On June 3rd, McGregor EMS is back for Ask Your Ambulance. This session's topic is Identifying and Responding to a Heart Attack. And June 8th, don't miss a virtual book talk with local author and professor Charles Wheelan detailing his family's experiences in his brand new book, We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year.
It's May in Youth Services! Register Here for the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, "Inspired by Picture Books: Collage", Zoom Youth Hands on Art Program on Sat. May 15th at 10:30 am. This is another joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. Sign-up for regularly scheduled programming, including Zoom Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, the Patch club, STEAM crafts to go and more! Or download and print the May calandar.
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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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1735 - Epidemic of throat distemper (diphtheria) caused the death of 91 inhabitants, 70 being children. Starting in Kingston, it spread like wildfire throughout New England. Thomas Stevenson's farm had tombstones for 5 children, age 2 to 17, who died within 31 days.
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Have a very nice weekend. It looks as though we'll have some sun and temperatures in the 70's in Durham...
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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