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Raymond (Ray) I. Burrows was appointed as a Durham police officer in 1959. Eight months later, he became Chief when the former Chief died of a heart attack. Ray Burrows served as the Chief of Police until 1979, when he too suffered a heart attack. He is buried in the Durham Cemetery located on Old Concord Road. Courtesy Todd Selig
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Monday, May 25th is Memorial Day.
The origins of Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, lie in the Civil War. Southern women laid claim to the custom of a day set aside to decorate the graves of the war dead. Union veterans laid claim to a specific date, May 30th, but it wasn't until after World War II that North and South were willing to observe Memorial Day on the same date.
If you are observing the weekend as most Americans do as the semi-official start of the summer vacation season, please pause occasionally to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. (See more on Durham's planned Memorial Day virtual ceremony below.)
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MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBER AND HONOR VIRTUAL CEREMONY
Tune in to Channel 22 at 9:30am as we remember and honor the military personnel that have died while serving our country.
On Demand access will be available at: http://durham.vod.castus.tv/ (click on recent videos to view the ceremony). The Ceremony will also air on Channel 22 at 10:30am,11:30am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm & 7:00pm on Memorial Day.
Many thanks to our Memorial Day Event Committee for all the creative planning and organizing of the event this year. Also, special thanks to following who helped make the virtual ceremony possible:
Kitty Marple (Town Council Chair): Brief welcome and closing remarks
Alana Ervin (ORCSD Graduate, now attends Yale University): National Anthem
David Grishaw-Jones (Durham Community Church): Invocation
CAPT Lee Alexander (Durham resident and US Navy retired): Memorial Day remarks & Closing Poem
Ty Mountain (ORHS Student): Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
Madeline Blandini (ORHS Student): America The Beautiful
David Ervin (Music Director & ORMS Teacher): When the Saints Go Marching In
Leah Zamansky (ORHS Student): When the Saints Go Marching In
Will Blandini (ORMS Student): When the Saints Go Marching In
Keira Johnson (ORMS Student): When the Saints Go Marching In
James Li (ORMS Student): When the Saints Go Marching In
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 25TH
All Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. The Transfer Station will be CLOSED ON SATURDAY, MAY 23RD. Curbside collection of refuse and recycling will be delayed one day on the week of 5/25- 5/29, for example, if your collection is normally on Monday, it will be on Tuesday that week, Tuesday’s on Wednesday’s, etc.
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Town Council Chair, Kitty Marple. It’s a pandemic; wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message, "I care about your health, in addition to my own." Courtesy Todd Selig
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ZOOM ATTACKS NECESSITATE MEETING PRE-REGISTRATIONS
Zoom-bombing or Zoom raiding is the unwanted intrusion into a Zoom Town Meeting by an individual or individuals, causing disruption. The Town have had two meetings under attack. The Town Council meeting on Monday evening and the Energy Committee meeting on Tuesday this week were both Zoom bombed by bad actors, and effectively neutralized by DCAT staff. Swastikas were drawn on the Zoom screens that were visible by Councilors on Monday, followed by a large male figure laying in a pile of marijuana leaves upon which phallic symbols were drawn.
All Town meetings are open to the public and are at high risk of these intrusions. Due to the attacks, DCAT & IT have set new Zoom meeting parameters to hopefully thwart the raiders. Anyone wishing to take part in a Zoom Town meeting, will have to preregister before being sent the Zoom Town meeting link. You may also be asked to wait in a Zoom waiting room until the host allows you entry into the meeting. Preregistration links can be found on our Zoom Meeting page by clicking HERE. If you have any questions about Zoom meetings or preregistration, please contact: mailto:dcat@ci.durham.nh.us or call 603-590-1383.
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DURHAM TAKES ADDITIONAL STEPS TO SUPPORT DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES
The Town of Durham has been brainstorming how the municipality can help our downtown businesses during the pandemic. This week Administrator Selig announced two administrative orders affecting local businesses:
Administrative Order 4 - suspension of 30 day time limitation for outdoor display permit during covid-19 pandemic (allowing for outdoor display during pandemic period)
Administrative Order 5 - suspension of $25 permit fee for outdoor sidewalk cafe; table placement during pandemic
Businesses still need to fill out the permits and submit to the Planning Department. Email Admin. Assist. Karen Edwards for more information at mailto:kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us.
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ASSESSMENT OF INTEREST ON UPCOMING PROPERTY TAXES DUE EXTENDED BY AN ADDITIONAL MONTH BY TOWN COUNCIL
On Monday evening, the Durham Town Council approved the tax warrant authorizing the Town Clerk-Tax Collector to collect partial payment of Durham property taxes assessed on April 1, 2020.
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, several property owners expressed a general concern that they or others may not be able to pay their property tax bills by the July 1st deadline (or 30 days after the issuance of the tax bills), which is when 8% interest would begin accruing per RSA 76-13.
Although RSA 76:16 states that the selectmen or assessors can abate accrued interest for good cause shown, Durham’s legal council did not believe that RSA 76:16 could be applied during a pandemic. As a result, Durham, Rochester and Keene wrote to Governor Sununu expressing this concern which lead to his Emergency Order #25 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04 Temporary Modification of Interest Penalty for Late Payment of Property Taxes, authorizing municipalities and counties to use their abatement authority pursuant to RSA 76:16 and RSA 29:12 regarding accrued interest.
After much deliberation between Administrator Selig, Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt, and Assessor Jim Rice, it was agreed that an extra 30-day extension would be a good faith effort to Durham taxpayers considering the pandemic before interest would accrue. This recommendation was made to the Town Council and on this past Monday evening, it was unanimously approved – in essence that that 8% interest would begin accruing 60 days after the issuance of the June 2020 property tax bills (versus the statutory 30 days typically observed).
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SPRING CLEANUP UPDATE AND BULKY WASTE DAYS AT THE TRANSFER STATION
a reminder that with spring cleanup being postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic, in an effort to assist the community in getting rid of their materials in a safe manner to both residents and DPW employees, we have decided to do the following; On the days listed below, residents with Resident/Tax payer permits may enter the Transfer Station to get rid of BULKY WASTE ITEMS ONLY and will not require coupons.
Wednesday, June 3rd and Thursday, June 4th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
**Residents will have to unload their own material
**We will restrict drop off to 3 vehicles at a time with a dumpster for each vehicle drop off point. Vehicles would wait in line for a vehicle to clear.
We ask that all regular trash and recycling and “normal” dump activities be limited to regular Transfer Station hours, Tuesday and Saturday, 7:30am- 3:00pm.
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Photographs courtesy John Pacheco and Todd Selig
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THE DURHAM EVANGELICAL CHURCH OFFERS TO ASSIST COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO MIGHT NEED ASSISTANCE DURING PANDEMIC
The Durham Evangelical Church (DEC) is a community of people who are ready and willing to assist during the pandemic. The DEC encourages community members needing assistance to mailto:relief2020@durhame.org for any help needed. From grocery shopping to IT support and learning how to connect with your family and friends to requiring a ride -- and everything in between.
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NHDOT's BUNKER CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT ON US ROUTE 4
This update is being provided to inform motorists who could be impacted by the NHDOT's Bunker Creek Bridge Replacement Project on US Route 4 in Durham, NH.
Progress since last update:
- Concrete placement of all abutment sections (4 of 4 sections).
Upcoming work:
- Continue reconstruction of 700 feet of roadway on eastern side of bridge to Morgan Way.
- Reconstruction of 450 feet of roadway on the western side of the bridge.
The week of May 18th required extended work hours (approximately 6 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday) to ensure asphalt pavement could be placed before the Memorial Day weekend. June 1st through June 12th will also require extended work. During those time periods the existing asphalt pavement will be removed and traffic will travel on a gravel roadway until the new asphalt pavement can be placed. Work will be contingent on weather conditions and current COVID-19 constraints.
For project history or background information you can also visit the NHDOT's Webpage.
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Doug Bullen, DPW Asst. Dir. for Operations. It’s a pandemic; wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message, "I care about your health, in addition to my own." Courtesy Todd Selig Courtesy Todd Selig
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MAIN STREET RELIEF FUND INFORMATION
Prequalification Due Date: May 29, 2020
The State of New Hampshire has authorized the allocation and expenditure of an initial $400 million in emergency funding from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund ("flex funds") to provide emergency financial relief to New Hampshire small for-profit businesses and nonprofits due to the economic disruption caused by COVID-19. However, in order to provide the most effective relief as quickly as possible, New Hampshire small businesses and non- profits desiring to obtain relief will first be required to provide information concerning their possible COVID-19-related lost revenues and receipt of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans or any other federal relief. This information will be used to determine appropriate relief criteria and amounts to meet the needs of those deemed eligible, including whether the initial $400 million is enough or should be increased. All applicants must have its principal place of business in New Hampshire and must have generated less than $20 million in revenue during the 2019 tax year. In addition, healthcare, childcare, and agriculture businesses will not be eligible for the program, as those businesses are or will be addressed through other programs.
Main Street Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions
Submit Your Prequalification HERE.
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UNH Wildcat statute this morning. Courtesy Todd Selig
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OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE
Graduation for the Oyster River High School Class of 2020 will be held June 12 at ORHS. Graduating seniors will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas in a modified ceremony that will also be streamed and recorded.
Recognizing the extraordinary circumstances and effort of district staff, the School Board unanimously approved a proclamation of appreciation on May 20.
Construction has begun on the new Oyster River Middle School site. Live stream video of the construction site is linked on the orcsd homepage.
Breakfast and lunch continue to be available for all children in the school district at no cost to families Monday through Friday through June 26.
Remote learning continues, with the last day of school being June 5. The district will be conducting a survey after the end of the school year to collect feedback from students' families. This feedback is important as the school district has begun planning for multiple possible scenarios for how school may open in the fall depending on how the pandemic and best practices for schools evolve.
An ORCSD Finance Committee has been formed to advise the school board on preparation for the 2021-2022 school year budget and short-term budget adjustments in response to COVID-19.
The school board continues to meet remotely, with meetings streamed live and recorded. The next meeting is June 3.
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MAY IS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH!
Building Safety Month is an international campaign that takes place in May to raise awareness about building safety. This campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures. Each week we will highlight a different aspect of building safety.
Week Three (May 18-24) is about Resiliency, Sustainability and Innovation. The building safety industry is on the cutting edge of technology, building science and innovation. From green construction and resiliency to product evaluation, certification and codification, the International Code Council family of solutions is part of this technological transformation to make our buildings safer and our industry more advanced. More information on these topics can be found HERE.
Week Four (May 25-31) is about Training for the Next Generation. well-trained, motivated building safety professionals are key to creating and maintaining a successful built environment. Training is important because it helps code officials avoid mistakes and accidents and properly enforce the code. The building safety field encompasses a wide gamut of specialties and offers many excellent career opportunities that contribute to the safety of the built environment. View more information HERE.
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Durham resident Bernie Casey submitted this photograph of a small 9” raccoon kit that was out in his yard last Saturday.
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OPEN DURHAM BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS/GROCERY STORES LIST
Residents have been spending so much time at home that they may not be aware of the local businesses that are still open and ready to serve our needs. Check out the website, Mighty Small, to get reacquainted with some familiar and new local shops that want to serve you. Mighty Small showcases seacoast businesses that are open for business during this time. It was created through a collaboration with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission and a local business owner.
See the updated list of the many dining choices in Durham HERE.
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FROM THE DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
Growing food for your family and for others is a good response to the disruptions in food availability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Durham Agricultural Commission believes there are specific steps we can all take to increase our food self-sufficiency and food security:
- Expand the number of home gardens in Durham, to increase cooperative and collaborative food production efforts between neighbors and across neighborhoods;
- Support our robust local food system, including Emery Farm, Tecce Farm, Durham Farmers’ Market, farm stands, food delivery programs offered by farms in the region, and purchasing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares from local farms; use the search tool developed by Seacoast Eat Local to find local food producers;
- Ensure animal agriculture and the integration of plant and animal agriculture and gardening is available to suit the needs and interests of townspeople.
Recognizing that today, with so many working from home and directed to do so, all zoning in town is now mixed use, as most residences are also workplaces. To further enhance food security, we need to plan for more agriculture, not around it. The Agricultural Commission is working with the Planning Board to enable food production that encourages self-reliance and supports the community at large.
If you are already growing food on your property and have food or other gardening resources to share with others, please let us know and we will help spread the word. If you are not sure about what you can do to start a vegetable garden in your yard, please look at the Winans’ inspirational front yard at 109 Madbury Road! In addition, there are many gardening resources on the Agricultural Commission page on the Town’s website.
Please contact the Agricultural Commission for more information, mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net.
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PZA Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards. It’s a pandemic; wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message, "I care about your health, in addition to my own." Courtesy Todd Selig Courtesy Todd Selig
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UNH OUTDOOR POOL, MENDUM’S POND WILL NOT OPEN IN 2020 – Due to pandemic, no Camp Wildcat either.
Due to current guidelines, including physical distancing expectations and the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has decided not to open the Outdoor Pool and Mendum’s Pond this summer. In addition, Camp Wildcat, sailing/kayaking/paddleboarding, and swim lessons will not be offered due to the limitations the pandemic response requires. After such a chilly spring, many are looking forward to the warmer weather. Unfortunately we will have to wait until summer 2021 to enjoy these favorite activities.
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UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM UPDATE
Given the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, and current guidelines, including social distancing recommendations, UNH has decided to largely cancel its on-campus youth programs for 2020. Some programs may offer online learning opportunities or activities.
The health and safety of UNH's youth program participants, staff and volunteers is always, but especially now, a priority. All UNH youth program staff are disappointed that the University cannot provide the usual in-person interactions with youth. They look forward to a healthier 2021.
For future updates, visit the UNH Youth Programs website.
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Bearnard and his friends are having a knitting party. Courtesy John Pacheco
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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST - Party changes...
The Supervisors of the Checklist will hold a session on Tuesday June 2, from 7:00 – 7:30 PM at the Durham Town Hall. The primary purpose of this meeting will be to allow last minute changes of party. This will be the last opportunity to do this before the September 8 State Primary. We ask that you wear a mask and bring your own pen. If you believe you have changed your party (meaning you voted at the February primary or other recent primary and changed your party either that day or after), check the following website to be sure: https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/PollingPlaceSearch.aspx. If you changed your party AFTER the town election on March 10 it may not show up, although the changes should have been made. If you made that change up through the day of the town election and that website does not show it, we definitely need to know. If you would like to make a party change before June 2, you may do it in person at the town clerk’s office between the hours of 8:00 and 4:30 M-F. It is best to call ahead just to make sure someone will be available to help you quickly.
A new form that can be used for Party Changes has been made available by the Secretary of State. It can be found HERE. You may print this and fill it out entirely (or fill out and then print). This needs to be signed by you AND by a witness (any witness), and then sent to Supervisors of the Checklist, 8 Newmarket Rd, Durham, dropped off at the town hall, either in the drop box or in person, or FAXed to the town clerk by 4:30 on June 2.
Remember, if you come to the primary as Undeclared, you will choose which party you wish to vote that day. You may then return to Undeclared that day or any day after. However, you MAY NOT change party at a primary if you enter the polls as a Republican or a Democrat. There are always some people who forget to return to Undeclared after a primary (perhaps they voted absentee) and then are very unhappy the day of the next primary. There was some confusion about this at the Presidential Primary, but we hope to make sure everyone is aware of this well before September.
Voter Registration: People who are not yet registered to vote may do so at the Supervisor session on June 2 or at the Town Clerk’s office as mentioned above with party changes. You will be asked to show proof of identification, age (18 by the September 8 election), citizenship (passport or naturalization papers), and domicile within Durham. Affidavits may be signed in the absence of proofs. There is no hurry to register to vote. This may be done up until about 10 days before the election. This also may be done absentee. To do this, please call the town clerk’s office (868-5577) and ask for the absentee registration packet. Make sure all forms in the packet are completed and signed before returning it.
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Administrator Todd Selig. It’s a pandemic; wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message, "I care about your health, in addition to my own."
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NH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO MEET AT UNH’S WHITTEMORE CENTER ARENA IN DURHAM DUE TO COVID-19
For the first time since the Civil War, the NH House of Representatives will be meeting outside of its respective chambers – in Durham. Instead of meeting at Representatives Hall, the 400-member House will meet at the Whittemore Center at UNH in Durham on June 11th.
The arena is home to the UNH Wildcats hockey teams and is used for other large events, seating about 6,500 people for hockey games.
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SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (Schedule is subject to change and will be updated periodically) - It is expected the new line will be energized around June 1st
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COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY MONITORING REPORT FOR SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT
Eversource’s environmental consultant Normandeau Associates has submitted to the NH Site Evaluation Committee a Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Report for the Seacoast Reliability Project.
It states: “In conclusion, the SRP water quality monitoring program was completed in accordance with the NHDES-approved monitoring plan and demonstrated compliance with SEC permit conditions and the DES 401 water quality certificate. Based on turbidity and TSS sampling within the approved mixing zone, the sediment dispersion model predictions presented in the permit applications accurately represented sediment transport patterns and conservatively predicted the extent and amount of sediment suspension and deposition. The results of the extensive water quality sampling program demonstrated that state water quality standards were attained for all parameters and indicate that ecological impacts during construction were negligible.”
Review the report HERE.
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DID YOU KNOW? - A tidbit from the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee
Durham offers bins for you to drop off compost at the transfer station.
If you want to compost but don’t have a backyard spot for composting DON'T WORRY! You can compost with a small kitchen compost container, store the container under your sink and bring your compost to the transfer station. Several online sites and local businesses sell small compost containers and compostable bag liners. It’s very easy!
If you choose to compost at the transfer station, food scraps (including meat, dairy, coffee grounds and filters, etc.) can be included. You can even compost pizza boxes!
Mr. Fox, a local compost business services the transfer station (as well as our schools, etc.) and they have provided a list of potential items they accept, that can be viewed HERE.
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A Covid-19 aware giraffe yard sculpture in Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM POLICE HONOR LT. ROBERT HOLLIS
Lieutenant Robert Hollis passed away while on duty as a Durham Police office in the 1970s when the police department was located in the current Parks and Recreation facility. At the time, before the building was used as a court, the police operated from this building and Bob, who was on duty at the time, passed away due to a heart-attack. In previous years, Durham Police officers escort a Hollis family member as they formally placed a rose on the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House in Concord. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the State canceled this year’s memorial. However, Sergeant John Lavoie contacted the Hollis family and arranged for an intimate gathering of the Durham Police Color Guard and a few others, including Oyster River Junior Matt Avery who accomplished a wonderful rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as “Taps”. It was a very nice moment to remember a man who served his country in the Marine Corps during WWII and then served the Durham community until his death.
The 15 minute ceremony can be seen on DCAT, Channel 22 HERE.
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OYSTER RIVER GIVES BACK RAISES $9,500 FOR AREA NONPROFITS
The Oyster River community rallied in a major way for the April 29th benefit concert as an opportunity to both thank the teachers & staff and support our local non-profits. Hosted by the Freedom Cafe, Durham Parks & Rec, The Four Rivers Project and Celebrate Durham, the Oyster River Gives Back concert featured performers of students & parents, community members and UNH students.
As a way to thank the Teachers & Staff, $9,500.00 was raised for 7 local non-profits assisting those impacted by the effects of the quarantine.
The talent was fantastic! See a replay of the concert HERE.
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ALZHEIMER'S/DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLE
Please join Meghan Wentworth, Life Engagement Manager, and Officer Holly Malasky, of the Durham Police Department, for an Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group. This Group will take place via Zoom every second Wednesday of the month at 2pm until we are able to reconvene in person. Our caregiver support group creates a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. It gives a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. It also educates and informs participants about dementia and helps participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. This group encourages caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical, and emotional health as well as optimally care for the persons with dementia. For more information, to register and to get the Zoom information please contact Meghan at mailto:mwentworth@riverwoodsdurham.com or by telephone at 603-841-6068.
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Rachel Stevens, DCAT Control Room Tech, at the controls for a hybrid ZBA Meeting. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT STORYTIME VIDEO SERIES
Members of the Durham Fire Department have created a series of videos featuring several of its staff members reading children’s books to the young friends in our community.
During this time of social distancing, the members of the Durham Fire Department appreciate the opportunity to stay connected with our friends and to let you know we are always here for you and thinking of you during this difficult time.
New storytime videos will be posted each week for the next several weeks.
The links to our video series may be found HERE.
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DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE
The Covid-19 pandemic is resulting in one outstanding attribute; more people are out hiking and discovering Durham’s outstanding trail system. The negative attribute is that there are increased reports of dogs off leash and owners failing to clean up after their pets! Ultimately this has been consuming Durham Police time as they attempt to educate dog owners of the Town’s regulations. Town ordinances require that a dog be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times when off the private property of the owner. If the dog bolts from the owner’s property to harass or frighten people this is a violation of the Town Ordinance. Additionally, the ordinances states:
“Any owner or person having custody of any dog shall not permit the dog on public grounds, including public streets, sidewalks, parks, or any other public grounds within the town, unless the owner or person in control has in his possession a mechanical or other device for the removal of excrement/feces, nor shall such owner or person in control fail to expeditiously remove any such excrement/feces deposited by the dog in any such place.”
We all love our pets and with ownership comes responsibility to ensure clean-up is accomplished immediately. We also need to understand that there are some who may be frightened by a dog they are not familiar with and it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their animal is restrained when beyond their property limits.
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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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WOODRIDGE TENNIS COURTS SCHEDULED TO REOPEN ON JUNE 1ST
The Woodridge Tennis Courts are scheduled to reopen for play on June 1st for Oyster River Community members! We are asking that the community utilize the courts safely, and continue to practice social distancing while playing. In accordance with USTA safe play tips and recommendations, community members will be expected to follow these safe play steps and abide by the court rules:
- Courts are for use by players from the Oyster River Community only.
- Stay home if you have one or more COVID-19 symptoms: headache, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, cough, sneezing, fever, shortness of breath, recent loss of taste and smell, chills, respiratory symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea.
- The Town of Durham will close the courts if the court rules are not being respected.
- The Town of Durham will close the courts if community health concerns become an issue due to COVID-19.
- No camps or organized groups allowed to play at this time.
- Carry in and carry out all personal items and trash.
- Please bring your own hand sanitizer.
- Porta Potty on site is cleaned once per week on Wednesdays by rental company. Please use at your own risk.
PREPARING TO PLAY
- Use a hand sanitizer before going to the court- Please bring your own.
- Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles.
- Do not share racquets or any other equipment such as wristbands, grips, hats, and towels.
- Bring a full water bottle.
- Use new balls and a new grip, if possible.
- Consider taking extra precautions such as wearing gloves.
- Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there.
- Avoid touching court gates, fences, etc. if you can.
WHEN PLAYING
- Stay at least six feet apart from other players. Do not make physical contact with them.
- Singles play only
- Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racket or other equipment. Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks or towels.
- Use your racquet/foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Avoid using your hands to pick up the balls.
- Stay on your side of court. Avoid changing ends of the court.
- Remain apart from other players when taking a break.
- If a ball from another court comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet.
AFTER PLAYING
- Leave the court as soon as reasonably possible.
- Use a hand sanitizer after coming off the court. Wash hands thoroughly upon returning home.
- No congregation after playing- All players should leave the facility immediately after play.
NUMBER YOUR TENNIS BALLS
Open two cans of tennis balls that do not share the same number or brand. Take one set of numbered balls, and have your playing partner take a set of balls from the other can. Proceed with play, making sure to pick up your set of numbered balls only. Should a ball with the other number wind up on your side of the court, do not touch the ball with your hands. Use your racket head or feet to advance the ball to the other side of the court
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The Library will be closed for all services on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. Library To-Go services will resume Tuesday, May 26th.
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On Monday, May 18th, Durham Public Library began limiting Library To-Go Services, Monday-Friday from noon-5:00 pm for reserves pick-ups only. Please read the guidelines below to help us ensure best safety practices.
- Library materials may be placed on hold via: the library catalog at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/; telephone at (603) 868-6699; or email at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com.
- Item limits (Temporary exception to the DPL Circulation Policy due to limited resources): 10 items may be reserved per day per patron with a 50 item total limit per patron and/or family.
- Items reserved Monday through Thursday will be ready the next day. Items reserved on Friday and Saturday will be available on Monday. Patrons will be notified that materials are ready for pickup.
- Patrons will enter the building to the Main Library Lobby making sure to observe social distancing. Reserves will be on the shelf in the Main Library Lobby.
- Please exit through the door on the east side of the lobby preventing contact with other patrons. Please continue to use the outdoor book drop to return all materials.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 603-868-6699 or by email at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Check us out on Facebook and Instagram today for a preview of our new Storywalk Book in the rain garden!
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New to DPL! Enjoy complimentary access to The New York Times Digital edition courtesy of Durham Public Library! The New York Times Digital edition is available to all patrons of the Durham Public Library. This service includes unlimited article access on library computers, as well as promotional codes for remote access on your home computer or mobile device. For the full features included, visit the Research and Databases page on our website! Questions? Email us at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com!
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Need help downloading books or accessing our resources on your device? Durham Public Library continues to offer device help on Thursdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm to all of all patrons. Email us at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com for the zoom link to speak to someone live during these hours!
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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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1974 - The official seal was accepted by the selectmen. The rising sun background was from the original State Seal, but the foreground is the scene from the Falls bridge. The gundalow has had much to do with early livelihood of the Town. The seal was designed by Richard Brayton.
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ACADEMIC YEAR ARREST DATA CONCLUDED
Arrest data in Durham is very unique and deserves a more detailed explanation due to the significant influx of student aged visitors during the UNH academic even during a pandemic of Covid-19. The Durham Police monitor the statistical arrest data from all police agencies operating in Durham including UNH Police, State Police and NH Liquor Enforcement in three separate categories: first is accomplished weekly, secondly by the UNH academic year and finally, by the calendar year mirroring the Town’s financial budget. Each category allows for a better understanding of the demands facing the department during these periods. The chart below focuses upon the “academic year” only and while graduation would have occurred last weekend, the data collection ceases but will begin anew in late August as UNH plans to open for the 2020/21 academic on August 31st!
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It is evident the significant impact Covid-19 had on the number of arrests within Durham. Comparing data since 2005, 2020 is the least amount of arrests occurring within the community. The matrix above provides a visual cumulative of arrests made by all law enforcement agencies within Durham during the academic year (September to May) only for 2005 through 2020:
In 2020 the total cumulative arrests were 565.
That total of arrests breaks-down as follows:
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Our correlation of arrest data has monitored the percentage of UNH students versus non-UNH students during this period. Historically the data has remained and/or hovered in the 60% UNH students to 40% non-UNH student category. However, the past several years the data has been 68%/32% with this year demonstrating a slight change of 67% and 33%. The graph above demonstrates these percentages over the monitoring period.
As a note, the New Hampshire State Police have been extremely supportive of fluctuating issues that occur in the Durham/UNH and the New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement remains a continuous presence as they monitor alcohol sales as well as misrepresentations and other specialty violations at locations where alcohol is sold.
The Durham Police continue to focus their resources upon those engaged in criminal activity and their status as a UNH student or not is irrelevant as to whether an arrest is made. Each week, Durham Police provides the UNH administration with the names of ALL persons arrested in Durham and the Vice President’s Office determines student status. When compiled, UNH officials schedule meetings with the individual students arrested and reinforce their obligations as UNH students and responsible residents of Durham. While police activity in Durham is clearly challenged at the opening of the academic year, our physical arrest strategy has demonstrated success especially in the area of recidivism which has been virtually non-existent over the years.
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Each year for Memorial Day we close with the following poem written in 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian physician, poet, and solider who died in France in 1918.
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In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high,
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Wishing all a safe and peaceful Memorial Day weekend.
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
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