Friday Updates - May 31, 2024

Friday, May 31, 2024

Memorial Day brought young and old together to honor soldiers who have died in war. Courtesy, Todd Selig

June 2024 is LGBTQIA+ Pride month. From the Library of Congress: “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the United States the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as ‘Gay Pride Day,’ but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the ‘day’ soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.”

UNH’s Office of Community, Equity and Diversity offers a list of related activities scheduled around NH for the coming month by clicking HERE.

TRAFFIC/CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY – Edgewood Road Closed to Through Traffic

Please be advised that as part of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project there will be a replacement of the Edgewood Road Culvert at Littlehale Creek. Edgewood Road will be closed between Madbury Road and Emerson Road for this construction. This closure will begin on Wednesday, June 5 and continue through September. Durham Public Works and its contractor, Severino Construction, will work on the Edgewood Road Culvert replacement.

Access will be maintained for residents and vehicles making deliveries within the closure limits. Refuse collection, mail and other deliveries will not be disrupted during construction and, unless notified otherwise, all rubbish should be placed at or near the curb in the normal manner. Please have all refuse and recycling containers out by 7:00 AM on your collection day as Town collection crews will be in this area early to avoid conflicts with road construction crews. We ask that the commuting public seek alternative routes if possible and allow additional time to reach their destinations. Please direct all questions to Durham Public Works by calling 603-868-5578 or emailing publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.  

Town Council Chair, Sally Needell, speaks at the Memorial Day ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 2, FROM 12:00-4:00 P.M. - ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) SHOWCASE AT TIDELINE PUBLIC HOUSE - Sponsored by the Durham Energy Committee

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.

EVs scheduled include, Chevy Blazer, Ford Mach E, Hyundai IONIQ, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Audi e-tron and Toyota RAV4 Prime.

Explore the EV experience, ask questions, get EV owners real world driving experience while enjoying some good food and mingling with your neighbors. Overflow parking available across the street at Town Hall.

Durham's Farmers’ Market Opening Day is Monday, June 3. The Market is open each Monday through the summer from 2:30pm – 6:00pm at 66 Main Street in downtown Durham. Come purchase fresh produce, bread, eggs, mushrooms, kimchi, and more! Visit Seacoast Eat Local for more information HERE.

TOWN HALL STAFF TO RECEIVE AED TRAINING NEXT WEEK

The Fire Department will be providing a training/refresher session for Town Hall staff this coming Wednesday morning on how to utilize the AED devices within the facility. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can be used to treat a person whose heart has suddenly stopped working. This condition is called sudden cardiac arrest.

AEDs are available in many public places, such as government buildings (i.e., Town Hall), schools, airports, and other community spaces. Small, lightweight AEDs are available without a prescription for use at home.

It’s been several years since the training was last provided. In the event a member of the public or a staff member had a cardiac arrest at the Town Hall, the hope is he training may one day save a life.

Come join Milne Nature Sanctuary supporters in weeding the pollinator gardens and removing invasive species on Friday, June 7th from 9:00 am to 11:30. You can help for the whole morning or for only an hour. This quaint conservation area is located along Mill Pond Road at the confluence of College Brook and the Oyster River. 

Please dress appropriately for yard work in long pants and sturdy shoes. Work gloves will be provided, or you can bring your own. Parking is located along Mill Road across from the Mill Pond Park.

Email Land Stewardship Coordinator, Sara Callaghan, if you have any questions or are planning on attending, at fireflystewardship@gmail.com.

Per the agreement between Durham and Portsmouth regarding access for the City of Portsmouth’s water line project that crosses Wagon Hill Farm, Portsmouth will shortly be tapping its cross-country transmission line to service the Bickford-Chesley house. Residents who visit Wagon Hill Farm may therefore observe excavation in the vicinity of the gravel drive leading to the water as part of this process. Once tapped, Durham will extend the line to the farmhouse.  

REVOLUTION: 1774 IS JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY!

Revolution: 1774 is two weeks away! Make plans to be there on Saturday, June 15, for the parade and all the outdoor fun! (Rain date: June 16th) The program starts promptly at 11 am.

There is still room on a reproduction Gundalow for a catered supper cruise donated by Three Chimneys Inn in support of Durham’s Freedom Cafe. Cast-off from Adam’s Point will be at 6 pm. We will have experts onboard to share their knowledge of the events of December 15th, 1774.  Purchase your tickets at www.revolution-1774.org/supper-cruise

About 20 years ago, modeled on advertisements utilized in the London Underground observed by Mr. Selig while visiting family there, the Town installed several vertical billboard-type advertising panels intended at the time to combat recurring graffiti in this location.  The effort was a great success, eliminating the graffiti problem entirely and allowing for several of the Town's then business establishments to advertise their wares, as well as for UNH to promote some of its offerings to travelers.  

Two decades later, the panels are now faded and many of the businesses are no longer in operation.  As such, over the last year the Town has been working with UNH on a potential redesign/refresh of the effort, moving away from business advertising to instead focus on community attributes of both Durham and UNH.  It's still a work in progress and in the near future UNH will provide Admin. Selig, Public Works Dir. Rich Reine, and Dir. of Planning & Community Development Michael Behrendt with an overview of the latest concept.

TOWN COUNCIL CONTINUES WORK ON ANNUAL GOAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS FOR DURHAM

At the Town Council’s April 1st meeting, Council members began discussing the process for the development of goals for the upcoming year. At the Town Council meeting on April 15, 2024, the Council was presented with a draft document including Council members’ suggestions for changes/additions to the goals. The discussion on the draft was continued until the Council meeting on May 6th, at which time Councilors began to work their way through a consolidated document. Administrator Selig updated that document to reflect the May 6 discussion, and the Council reviewed it once again at the meeting on May 20th. Further revisions were then made based on Council suggestions, which will be reviewed at the upcoming June 3, 2024 meeting. Council goals generally have a 1-3 year time horizon.

To download the working draft of Town Council goals, click HERE.

Michael Mone recited the Gettysburg Address at the Memorial Day ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

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.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Corrow (Retired) and CAPT Lee Alexander (Retired) lay a wreath at the Durham WWII Memorial at the Memorial Day ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

AN UPDATE FROM THE DURHAM HOUSING TASK FORCE - Different Types of Housing

The Town is currently dealing with lack of affordable housing for those starting out in their careers and those with moderate incomes. These workers include nurses and other healthcare workers, teachers, firefighters, public employees, retail workers, etc. This is a significant issue nationally and in NH, where it is being confronted locally by cities and towns, as well as at the state level. Durham’s 2015 master plan identifies increasing housing diversity as an important goal. The Town Council charged the Housing Task Force with examining the issue.

Housing costs have increased at a much greater rate than incomes over the past 25 years and a home that was once affordable is no longer within reach for many who previously would have been able to live in Durham. For those who work in Durham, commutes have become longer as many have needed to look further in rural areas where housing is still relatively affordable. This situation raises environmental, economic, fairness, and diversity concerns. Transportation is a major contribution to our carbon footprint.

What kind of housing is more affordable? Here are some examples of what is called “missing middle housing,” traditional forms of housing, bigger than single family houses and smaller than large apartment buildings, which can often fit nicely into an established neighborhood, depending on design and exact location.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are common in Durham. We have over 270 units here.  You may not even notice them since most are incorporated into single family houses or built over a garage. ADUs provide independent living facilities for one or more persons. Here are some examples of various types:

Duplexes can be built side by side or stacked one on top of the other. When well-designed they fit seamlessly into a neighborhood. Duplexes can be owned as one property or as separate condominiums.

A townhouse, also called a townhome, has two or three floors with a shared wall between units. They may be owned individually or rented.   

Look for further information on housing from the Housing Task Force over the next month in the issues of the Friday Updates.

It is important to:

ONLY put non-flammable, non-hazardous metal in the scrap pile at the Durham Transfer Station. The following flammable items should never be put in the scrap metal bin:

• Fuel or gas of any kind (including compressed gas)
• Hidden batteries (check items before disposing)
• Refrigerant or Freon (NO air conditioners, NO refrigerators, NO dehumidifiers) 
• Petroleum products

If you have questions, please be sure to ask a transfer station attendant. 

Source: Northeast Resource Recovery Association

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

The Oyster River Middle School band contributed some special music to the Memorial Day ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

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.

US Army Colonel (Retired) John Kraus at the Memorial Day ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT – Are you aware if you have one?

A rule of thumb is that if you are not on Durham's municipal sewer system, you have a septic tank -- and it needs ongoing maintenance. Getting your septic system pumped doesn’t just help to keep it functioning properly. It also helps our community stay safe by keeping wastewater out of the Oyster and Lamprey Rivers, as well as the Great Bay Estuary. You can learn more HERE.

Did you know that a single gram of dog poop can contain 23 million bacteria? Rain washes bacteria and nutrients in pet waste left on the ground into nearby rivers and streams. None of that bacterium belongs in our water! Scoop the poop to protect local waterways! Add your name and the Town (Durham!) in the form at the link HERE and take the pledge to scoop the poop, every time. Did you know that NHDES reports which Towns have received the most pledges? Please help to show how much our community cares.

Also, if you see that someone has left their pooch’s poop behind, please pick it up!

As a reminder Durham Ordinance #2018-5 and Chapter 49 of the Town Code requires the removal of dog excrement/feces. 1st offense is $25, 2nd offense is $50 and 3rd offense is $150.

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 #22

Summer is just around the corner and Smokey wants you to be safe when you’re outdoors. Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun and heat. For some helpful tips, click HERE.

The Oyster River High School girls tennis team captured their 2nd straight Division II championship with a 6-3 win over Souhegan! Courtesy, Al Pike/Seacoastonline

NEWS FROM THE OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT

ORCSD Concerts and Events

• 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
• June 10, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Mast Way Barnyard Moosical, Morse Recital Hall at the Oyster River Middle School

Top 10 Seniors - Class of 2024

Principal Rebecca Noe and the ORHS team wish to acknowledge and celebrate its Top Ten Seniors of the Class of 2024. In alphabetical order following the valedictorian and salutatorian: Landon Wolph, Katherine Stone, Maya Grainger, Chris Hawley, Ella Higginson, Marlise Hyde, Benjamin Limric, Abigail "Abby" Owens, Molly Schmidt, and Erin Turnbull. Photos and additional information are available HERE.

Oyster River Middle School Hosts Arts & Humanities Night

On May 23, ORMS staff and students hosted a festive celebration in honor of the arts and humanities. Guests were invited to partake in creative activities and enjoy multiple art displays. Photos and additional information are available HERE.

Reminder: ORCSD Last Day of School is June 14

Students will be served lunch at school and buses will provide service to their usual routes. Please note the following early dismissal times for our last day of school.

• Oyster River Middle and High Schools: 12:10 pm
• Moharimet and Mast Way Schools: 12:35 pm

A hardy milkweed sprout pushing its way through a driveway pavement. Monarch butterflies love milkweed! Courtesy, Beth Olshansky

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!

This year the Durham Community is invited to enjoy live music, food trucks, craft and local vendors, UNH departments, games and activities, and a cash bar a the UNH Wildcat Picnic happening on Saturday, June 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.