Friday Updates - May 24, 2024

Friday, May 24, 2024

The late John Hatch of Durham created the beautiful stained glass above located inside the Memorial Union Building (MUB) on the UNH campus. More information is provided below. Courtesy Todd Selig

Memorial Day is Monday.

If you're not sure what the difference is between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, you're not alone. Here's a Reader's Digest version of what you need to know...

Every year, two seemingly similar holidays at opposite ends of the calendar celebrate and honor Americans who have served our country. You may know that Memorial Day falls on a Monday at the end of May, creating a nice long weekend to kick off summer (it falls on May 27 this year), while Veterans Day, on the other hand, falls annually on Nov. 11 and serves an entirely different purpose.

Memorial Day: This holiday honors military personnel who died in service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

Veterans Day: This holiday honors everyone who has served in the military, whether or not they served in wartime or died in battle.

We hope you'll join us for a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 AM on Monday, May 27 in Durham's Memorial Park at the intersection of Main Street and Mill Road (in front of Clark's American Bistro). There will be a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting our country. Please join in to honor and remember.

NEW HAMPSHIRE'S OFFICIAL STATE WAR MEMORIAL IS LOCATED IN... DURHAM -- AT THE UNH MEMORIAL UNION BUILDING

Many Durham residents may not realize that New Hampshire's official state war memorial is located right here in Durham on the campus of the University of New Hampshire. Situated on the third floor of the MUB, the Memorial Room reflects that distinction and honors all New Hampshire residents who perished while in military action from World War I through present day. Funds to create this building as a war memorial came from alumni, the state, businesses, and civic groups.

In 1953, when Governor Hugh Gregg signed a proclamation declaring the UNH Memorial Union as the State's official war memorial (prior to building construction that was completed in 1957), he wrote that it was “desirable that as many youth of the state as possible should know and revere the courage and the sacrifice of New Hampshire men and women who served their country.”

The windows in the MUB's Memorial Room were designed by Durham resident and UNH Art Professor John Hatch. Hatch taught at UNH from 1949 - 1985 and was best known as a painter of landscapes. Hatch captured the essence of New Hampshire in his paintings of the White Mountains and the Isles of Shoals. Prior to his death in 1998, Hatch was honored as a “New Hampshire Living Treasure” by Governor Jeanne Shaheen who presented him with the biennial Governor's Award in Arts. [Note, the large map of Durham in the foyer of Town Hall was also created by John Hatch.]

In 1995, the Memorial Union Building underwent extensive renovations and the location of the Memorial Room and the windows shifted from the west end of the building to its current location at the east end of the third floor. John Hatch supervised their removal and storage.

With concerns about how the windows would fare in the move, Hatch’s collaboration with the construction company ensured their preservation. Today, students and visitors from Durham and across New Hampshire and beyond are able to enjoy the windows from an improved vantage point and can be reminded of the meaning of the building's status as a war memorial.

If you would like to visit the State War Memorial on Monday, the MUB will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. You will need to enter either through the doors at the MUB circle entrance or the bookstore entrance. Parking near the MUB is free on Monday.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT THIS SUNDAY AT 8:00 PM ON PBS

The National Memorial Day Concert that will be broadcast this Sunday (26 May 2024) at 8:00 pm on NH PBS. 

This annual, multi-award Memorial Day Concert honors our country’s veterans, servicemen and women, and military families. The concert is intended to unite the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation. Notably, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff and Joint Chiefs of Staff of each military service participate. In particular, they offer their leadership perspective on the value and honor of military service while acknowledging the challenges that veterans and their families face.

FIREWORKS PROHIBITED IN DURHAM EXCEPT BY SPECIAL EXCEPTION - 30-days in advance needed for permit process.

On May 3, 2021, the Durham Town Council passed Ordinance #2021-01 Amending Sections 6.5.3. and 6.5.4 of Chapter 68: Fire Prevention of the Durham Town Code to Prohibit Consumer (Permissible) Fireworks Displays within the Town of Durham unless granted a special exception by the Town Administrator. 

Applications must be submitted to the Fire Department at least 30 days prior to the date of the requested display. Applications may be obtained online HERE.

ENHANCED ROUTE 4 TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT TOOK PLACE THIS PAST WEEK – The focus was on speed and hands-free driving. Durham Police will continue to focus on the roadway, resources permitting.

The Durham Police Department takes very seriously its responsibility to enforce all traffic laws in the Town of Durham. Route 4 is heavily traveled and that there are unfortunately vehicle operators out there who do not obey traffic laws. 

DPD does its level best to patrol Route 4, and all streets and roadways in Durham to make the roads and streets safe for everyone to travel. The department assigns all patrol shifts directed patrols in areas where we either receive complaints or know historically that cars, trucks, and motorcycles routinely exceed the speed limit, such as along busy Route 4. 

Each shift is assigned a different area to conduct directed patrols and Route 4 is on the top of the list for increased enforcement efforts. In 2021 along Route 4 Durham officers made 341 traffic stops. In 2022 the department made 456 traffic stops on Route 4. In 2023 along Route 4, Durham officers made 589 traffic stops. The data demonstrates that despite the department’s best efforts, there are still those vehicle operators who violate motor vehicle laws, and there is still more work to do. At the same time, the Town has limited resources on each shift, and DPD has a long list of requests for extra traffic enforcement in many areas of town. The department does its best to accommodate all the requests received and will continue to do so.

As some residents noticed, this week, in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Safety, the Durham Police Department, State Police, and municipal departments along the Route 4 corridor conducted an intensive enforcement effort to kick off the summer season. 

Durham Police Chief Rene Kelley plans to speak with the Troop Commander for Troop A of the State Police to request his troopers spend some additional time on Route 4 to add to our ongoing efforts but candidly, the State Police are currently short 90 trooper positions and they are stretched quite thin. In addition to the Spaulding, Route 95, and Route 101, they are also responsible for a number of smaller towns that rely on them for overall police coverage.

Lilac's are in bloom! Courtesy, Loren Selig

MADBURY ROAD COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT TO COMMENCE SHORTLY – Parking on Dennison Road will be used as laydown area by contractor.

In the coming weeks, the Madbury Road Complete Streets project will begin which involves the reconstruction of underground utilities (water, sewer) and reconstruction of the roadway, sidewalk, drainage system, construction of traffic calming features and street scape improvements.  

The first phases of this project will involve sections of Madbury Road between Main Street and Maple Street with significant roadway construction taking place between Pettee Brook Lane and Garrison Ave. The contractors will be utilizing the parking spaces on Dennison Road across from the ORMS for laydown and equipment/material storage making it unavailable for public parking over the next two construction seasons. If possible, Durham Public Works will try to set aside 6-8 spaces for public parking toward the Garrison Ave end, but contractor usage may preclude that.  Public Works placed a variable message board on Dennison Road earlier this week notifying residents of the upcoming change. DPW will be coordinating with the management of Bagdad Wood as well to apprise them of the project and impacts.  

Resident can find a link to the project website HERE.

DURHAM PROPERTY TAXES DUE JULY 3, 2024

The first installment for the 2024 property tax bills will be mailed next week to be received by June 3, 2024. Payment of property tax bills will be due on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. 

Property tax bills are issued twice a year in Durham (July and December) and are due 30 days after the bill date. Bills may be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Additional fees apply for credit cards. Payments are accepted in person, online, by mail, or in the Town Hall drop box. 

Please contact the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office if you have any questions about your tax bill by calling 603-868-5577. The Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. For your convenience, the office will be open from 8am-6pm on Monday, July 1, 2024.

LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM NOW OPEN

The Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program is designed to lessen the economic burden of the State Education Property Tax on certain at-risk taxpayers.

An eligible applicant for the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief is a person who is:

• Single with adjusted gross income equal to or less than $37,000; or Married or head of NH household with adjusted gross income less than or equal to $47,000; and
• Owns a homestead subject to the State Education Property Tax; and
• Has resided in that homestead on April 1 of the year for which the claim is made.

You can file your claim online at www.revenue.nh.gov/gtc or download a paper form from www.revenue.nh.gov/forms/low-moderate.htm.  Paper forms can also be picked up in the Assessor's Office at the Durham Town Hall. The form can also be requested by calling (603) 230-5001. The completed application must be submitted to the Department of Revenue between May 1st and June 30th. The law allows 120 days to process the form from the date they receive your completed application.

For assistance, contact the NH Department of Revenue Administration at (603) 230-5920.

A house finch couple have made their home in a hanging flower basket Courtesy, Deb Alberts

2024 NH STATE PRIMARY FILING PERIOD FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND DELEGATE TO THE REPUBLICAN STATE CONVENTION

The filing period for the 2024 NH State Primary will be from Wednesday, June 5, 2024 – Friday, June 14, 2024. Forms and information are available in the Durham Town Clerk’s Office. Only candidates running for NH STATE REPRESENTATIVE or REPUBLICAN DELEGATE that are domiciled in Durham must file in the Durham Town Clerk’s Office. No filings will be accepted before or after those dates. Mailed filings will be accepted through Thursday, June 13, 2024. Filings MUST be done IN PERSON on Friday, June 14, 2024 (Clerk’s Office Open until 5pm). Please note that these forms must be notarized. Please contact the Durham Town Clerk’s Office if you have any questions at 603-868-5577.

DO YOU NEED TO REGISTER TO VOTE OR CHANGE PARTY AFFILIATION?

Residents of Durham who are not yet registered to vote, may do so at the Town Clerk’s office any time that office is open. Residents who are already registered may change party, address, or name, also at the Town Clerk’s office any time that office is open.

Residents may also register to vote or change party or name with the Supervisors of the Checklist on the following date:

           Date:             Tuesday June 4, 2024

           Time:             7:00 – 7:30 PM

           Place:            Durham Town Hall

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

A person’s party is not important EXCEPT at a primary. The next election in Durham will be the NH State Primary, which will be held on September 10.  The final date to change party for that election will be the above date, June 4, 2024.  Don’t be caught at that election finding that you are not registered to vote with the party you wish! You may check your status HERE. If you have trouble finding your personal information, please call the town clerk’s office. We have had a few instances where we had the wrong date of birth. Also, any changes made since the town election in March may not show up yet.

The Durham Historic Association (DHA) Museum will open its doors to the public this summer on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The DHA welcomes you to visit and explore Durham's 400-year history in eight chronological periods, from the 17th century to the present, in air-conditioned comfort. Come see the latest exhibits and improvements to this historic space.

The museum is located on the second floor of the old Town Hall/District Court brick building on the corner of Rt. 108 at the traffic lights. Parking is available directly behind the building.

The Durham Heritage Commission recognizes May as National Preservation Month. This week, they highlight one of Durham's important historic areas, the First New Hampshire Turnpike, now Piscataqua Road/US Route 4. 

FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE TURNPIKE

Before the Revolutionary War, water provided the easiest means of travel, with Great Bay’s daily tidal flows providing assistance to boats moving from Portsmouth to settlements like Dover and Durham. During the war, roads began to be cut for the movement of troops and supplies. Afterwards, new water-powered factories began to appear along inland rivers, needing roads to move products to market.

The First Hampshire Turnpike was approved by the legislature, the General Court, in 1792 and the “Proprietors of the New Hampshire Turnpike Road” incorporated in 1796. The Turnpike was built during the next few years to connect the seacoast with Concord. 

The Turnpike began at the north end of the new Piscataqua Bridge, just opened in 1794 connecting Newington with Durham. In 1803 public notice appeared that construction was sufficiently complete for toll collection to begin.

Eighty-one other New Hampshire turnpike companies were incorporated in the following years to build roads – and collect tolls to finance the work. The turnpike era of the early 1800s saw rapid development of roads in New England, with private development filling a need that the new states’ governments were unable to afford. Road and bridge development continued until the mid-1800s, when railroads became a superior means of transportation. In New Hampshire, the evolution of tourism meant that roads had a continuing role to play and new turnpikes continued to be planned.

The eastern stretch of the First NH Turnpike from Meader Point (today’s Cedar Point) to Durham Falls (then the town center) was an important highway, though it was a dirt road two lanes wide. Prosperous farms lined the road, with grand houses facing the turnpike on both sides. The Smith-Emery house of 1803 and the Bickford-Chesley House of 1804 still face each other proudly from their hilltop sites. The Bickford-Chesley House at Wagon Hill Farm is poised to begin a major rehabilitation to make it handsome and functional again.

Scouts from Troop 154 placed 275 flags at the graves of all veterans in the Durham Town Cemetery last week. The Troop is located in Durham at the Community Church and includes Scouts from the Oyster River area: Durham, Madbury, and Lee.   

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) SHOWCASE PLANNED BY ENERGY COMMITTEE FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 2, FROM 12-4:00 PM - Looking for EV car owners to display their cars

The Durham Energy Committee has organized a showcase of EVs that will be on display at the Tideline Public House. EV owners will be present as well as new car dealers to answer questions in an educational, non-sales environment. Multiple manufacturers and current models will be represented. Explore the EV experience, ask questions, enjoy some good food and mingle with your neighbors!

Volunteers are needed who want to display their EV during all or part of the event. Please sign up on the web page below as a “Participant” and indicate your model EV and year. Due to limited display space, recent models and the greatest variety are being sought, but all owners are encouraged to attend to share their experiences with newcomers to electric vehicles.

More information is available at the web page HERE.

A bee enjoys some lilac blossoms. Courtesy, Carol Birch

AN UPDATE FROM THE DURHAM HOUSING TASK FORCE - Important Definitions Regarding Housing

The town is currently dealing with the issue of available or affordable housing for those starting out in their careers. This would include nurses, teachers, etc. This issue is being faced nationally as well as on the state level by many NH communities. The 2015 master plan for the Town of Durham has increasing housing diversity for the town as one of its goals and has charged the Housing Task Force with examining this issue.

Housing costs have increased at a much greater rate than incomes over the past 25 years, and as such, what was once affordable is no longer affordable for many of the groups that previously would have been able to live in Durham. For those who work in Durham, their commutes have become longer since they are living in places that are more affordable but farther away. This is less than ideal for many reasons…environmental, economic, and diversity issues. Transportation is a major contribution to our carbon footprint here in Durham. Until more affordable housing stock is available, the above situation will only get worse.

Look for further updates over the next month in the Friday updates addressing these issues.

As a starting point, here are some important definitions to understand.

What does affordable housing mean?

Affordable means that your housing cost is no more than 30% of your income. Housing cost includes rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes, and fees associated to the housing.

What is area median income (AMI)? 

Area median income is the average income for your region as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These are updated annually and posted on the HUD website. AMI is further scaled based upon family size. Please click HERE for more information. Durham is included in the Portsmouth-Rochester region. 100% AMI means exactly the median (50% of families make more and 50% make less). A community with a healthy housing mix will have housing for a wide range of the AMI scale.

How is this different than low-income housing (subsidized)?

Where one lands on the AMI scale determines one’s “income level.” Low is 80%, very low is 50%, and extremely low is 30%. These values are not exact, modifications are applied to adjust for high and low rental markets so it is important to check the HUD data for exact income and rental at any given time. HUD provides housing assistance (vouchers) for people in the 80% and lower income brackets. HUD also provides construction loans and other incentives for developers and landlords that intend to create housing specifically for the lower end of the rental markets. There are many restrictions placed upon these loans and vouchers.  Not all housing that meets the low-income criteria are necessarily subsidized.

How does various income levels compare to the AMI levels?

Where a person is in their life and career path affects their income level, even an entry-level engineer makes less than AMI. Here are some examples of jobs and their incomes from the State of New Hampshire. For ease of comparison hourly rates have been converted to an annual wage using 2000 hours for the year.

Job(Dover-Durham area)    Entry Level    Average        Median    Experienced

Teacher, Middle School        $49,755        $69,351        $66,623        $79,148    

Registered Nurse                $64,900        $83,040        $78,400        $92,100                    

Firefighter                          $37,980        $51,920        $51,260        $58,900

"Are you looking at me?!" A bluebird takes a moment to see who is photographing him before enjoying a tasty mealworm. Courtesy, Deb Alberts

Many Durham residents know about  EcoSmith, a local business that recycles clean, dry used clothes, etc. But, what you may not know is that there are MANY additional items that EcoSmith also accepts. Here is a partial list:

• Sheets
• Blankets
• Towels
• Curtains/Drapes
• Table linens
• Comforters
• Throw rugs
• Decorative pillows (not bed pillows) 
• Shoes
• Boots
• Sneakers
• Cleats
• Hats
• Bags (pocketbooks, backpacks, duffle bags, totes)
• Belts
• Ties
• Stuffed animals and other plush toys
• Halloween costumes
• Rags (non-contaminated)

The Durham Transfer Station offers an EcoSmith bin for drop offs. Before putting your items in the bin, however, please make sure they are in a closed plastic bag. EcoSmith does not accept wet items, and the bin is not waterproof.

For a complete list of what EcoSmith does and does not accept, please click HERE.

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.Durham.nh

Questions about recycling or composting: Email us at DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com.

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

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH THE TOWN OF DURHAM - Benefits/Payroll Specialist in the Business Office.

The Town of Durham is seeking a Benefits/Payroll Specialist who will provide a full range of complex administrative, financial and technical support duties in the Business Office. The primary focus of the position is the processing of payroll and human resources/benefit coordination.

The individual shall be a highly organized and self-motivated team player and proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word. They shall be technologically proficient. Preferred candidates will have experience with municipal accounting software, currently Munismart.

Minimum qualifications require an associate degree in administrative, business or related field, plus five years of administrative experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position is a full-time, benefited position of 40 hours per week. The Town of Durham offers excellent benefits to include health and dental insurance, life insurance, 12 paid holidays and vacation and sick days. Salary range starting at $28.47 per hour. Consideration may be given to part-time applicants working no less than 32 hours per week.

For a full job description see https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs. Please submit your resume and letter of interest to the Durham Business Manager, Gail Jablonski, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or via e-mail at business@ci.durham.nh.us. Position will remain open until filled.

The Town of Durham is an equal opportunity employer.

Main Street will be closed for two nights the week of May 27 (exact dates to be determined) in order to install a temporary bypass line across Main Street.

UNH Contractor, Charters Brothers Construction, is erecting construction fencing at the corner of Main Street and Pettee Brook Lane to prepare for a utility piping replacement project that will cross Main Street. Construction will occur through late August. This is short-planned emergency replacement project to replace heating lines that were found to be in failure in March.

Two parking spaces on Pettee Brook Lane will be closed for the duration of the project and several parking spaces on Main Street will be closed in July and August. Every effort is being made to keep traffic flowing smoothly and minimize disruption to residents. Signage and message boards will be installed to notify drivers and pedestrians of the work. A flagger will be at the site to receive trucks from the Pettee Brook Lane to the construction area.

In July and August, the traffic lanes will shift, and lanes will be narrowed, but two-way traffic will remain possible. There will be limited road closures of 1-day or less required in order or deploy, relocate and recover, jersey barriers to separate the work area from the traffic. Traffic details will be provided during any lane closures. 

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible. This schedule is subject to change without notice due to weather, mechanical issues, and other conditions.

On Friday, May 17, 2024, officers of the Durham Police Department responded to the Oyster River Middle School for a morning of good clean fun with the students. Multiple students and staff participated in the Oyster River Middle School Service Palooza car wash. In addition to washing all the department’s cruisers, the students passed out handmade thank you cards to the officers. The effort and kind gesture from the students was quite impactful on the officers, and our department is now decorated with all the cards that were handed out. From the entire staff at the Durham Police Department, we would like to thank all the students and staff that participated and organized this event! 

Durham Police took time to honor fallen Lieutenant Robert Hollis of the Durham Police Department in Concord at a ceremony remembering all fallen New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers. Sergeant John Lavoie and Sergeant Brett Pestana were honored to escort family members of Lt. Hollis to place memorial flowers at the site of the State Law Enforcement Memorial. Family members include Shirley Hollis Brannock (daughter), Andrea Brannock (granddaughter), and Josh and Zach Hollis (great-grandsons). In addition to looking extremely well dressed, Josh and Zach were selected to participate in the ceremony by handing out each memorial flower to the families and agency members of fallen officers. They met with Governor Sununu and stood proudly for the entire ceremony while all fifty-five names of fallen officers were read.  

Lieutenant Hollis was born on November 7, 1927 in Medford, Massachusetts. After graduating from Medford High School in 1945, he served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a captain of the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Commandant of Cadets in Portsmouth from 1949-1959. He graduated from the executive accounting program at MacIntosh Business College in Dover in 1952 and served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Lieutenant Hollis was a twelve-year veteran of the Durham Police Department and on the afternoon of March 5, 1975, he was on duty when he suffered a fatal heart attack. He was taken to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover where he died. Lieutenant Hollis was 47 years old.

On Friday, May 10, 2024, Firefighter Finnegan Brown was sworn-in at the Durham Town Council Chambers by Town Clerk Rachel Deane.

Finn’s prior work experience includes Highland Mountain Rescue, Northfield, NH; Canterbury Fire and Rescue, Canterbury, NH; and American Medical Response, Manchester, NH. 

Finn attended Concord High School, NH Fire Academy Recruit School, and the Granite State EMS Program.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Durham Fire Department as well as Finn’s parents, Bob and Julie Brown, and his siblings, Sydney and Grady. During the ceremony, Bob Brown pinned his son with the probationary firefighter’s badge. 

Congratulations Finn! 

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 #21

RIDE YOUR BIKE IN A SINGLE FILE ON THE STREET WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

By staying in a single line, no one is riding their bike in a traffic lane it is much safer. Click HERE for more information.

UNH shared with the Town this week that Union Court, located on the second floor of the Memorial Union Building (MUB), will be open this summer, offering a variety of food, beverages and treats in the middle of campus. Union Court opened on Monday, May 20.

To accommodate this change, UNH closed the Dairy Bar for the summer on Friday, May 17. The Dairy Bar will re-open for fall semester. UNH indicates that business at the Dairy Bar has been down significantly in the summer months over the last few years. 

Union Court Summer Hours

• Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Union Court summer menu will feature popular ice cream flavors, wraps, and sandwiches from the UNH Dairy Bar. They will also be opening the patio outside of Union Court so patrons can enjoy some summer sun. 

DURHAM RESIDENTS SOUGHT FOR UNH RESEARCH STUDY ON POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF VIRTUAL REALITY FOR OLDER ADULTS

An exciting research study is being conducted by Ferdinand Delgado, Ph.D., a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of New Hampshire's College of Health and Human Services. Ferdinand is seeking 20 participants ages 65 and up for this study that is assessing the potential benefits of virtual reality (VR) applications on older adults' cognitive and physical functions. Participants will undergo a comprehensive cognitive and physical function assessment, engage in VR sessions twice a week for eight weeks, and receive their results at the end of the study. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Ferdinand Delgado at ferdinand.delgado@unh.edu or 603-862-2740, though email is the best form to get in contact. Join this innovative study and help advance understanding of VR's impact on health and well-being!

NEWS FROM THE OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT

ORCSD Spring Concerts and Events

• May 29, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Band-a-Palooza, Oyster River Middle School Athletic Field
• May 29, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. ORHS Senior Art Show, Oyster River High School Multi-Purpose Room
• May 30, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Mast Way School Annual Art Show, Mast Way School
• May 31, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Mast Way May Fair, Mast Way School
• June 3, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Middle and High School Chorus Concert, Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall
• June 3, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. ORHS Science Showcase, Oyster River High School Library

No School May 24 and 27

All ORCSD schools will be closed for a Teacher Workshop Day on Friday, May 24. ORCSD schools and the SAU office will also be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

ORMS Concert Hall Named Morse Recital Hall

On May 16, 2024, during a ceremony in honor of retiring Superintendent Morse, the ORCSD School Board announced that the Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall would now be known as "Morse Recital Hall". This honor is a lasting testament to Superintendent Morse's significant impact on the Oyster River community and his unwavering support of the arts. Superintendent Morse was also presented with a commendation letter from Governor Sununu. Learn more and view photos by clicking HERE.

ORMS Celebrates Service Palooza

On Friday, May 17, Oyster River Middle School students and staff of all grade levels took part to Service Palooza, in part working on several public works projects in Durham. Service Palooza is an annual tradition and an opportunity for students and staff to give back to the community. Additional information and photos are available HERE.

ORMS Jazz and Festival Bands Honored

Oyster River Middle School students achieved resounding success at the Music in the Parks festival in Hershey, PA, on May 18. The ORMS Festival Band and Jazz Band both placed first in their school size division for middle school jazz ensemble and middle school concert band. They also each earned the overall middle school jazz ensemble and overall middle school concert band. Photos and information available HERE.

Mast Way and Moharimet Named Among Best in the State

Both schools were ranked by U.S. News & World Reports on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school. The reports highlight students' high level of achievement in math and reading, ranking well above the state average. Additional information is available HERE.

ORCSD Director of IT Elected to NA-LG

Oyster River's Director of Information Technology Joshua Olstad has been elected to serve on the 2024 North American Leadership Group (NA-LG) for a two-year term, where he will have a hand in guiding the development of the A4L Community in North America. Additional information is available HERE.