Friday Updates - October 11, 2024

Friday, October 11, 2024

The Town Hall as it looked 10 years ago when it was opened to the public. Courtesy, Craig Stevens, DCAT Coordinator

It is hard to believe that in one week we will mark the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the "new" Town Hall! The Town purchased the property from Chittenden Corp. in April of 2013 after a bank and Chinburg Builders had vacated the building. The original building was then completely renovated, and a substantial addition was constructed. Employees started working in the new Town Hall on October 20, 2014, and the building was open to the public on October 23, 2014.

All Town Offices and the Durham Public Library will be closed Monday, October 14, for the state-wide Columbus Day holiday. The second Monday in October was also designated locally in Durham as Indigenous Peoples’ Day by Town Council Resolution #2017-28.

There will be NO changes to the refuse and recycling collection schedule on Monday. The Raymond A. LaRoche Sr., Transfer Station and Recycling Center will remain open on Tuesday, October 15 and Saturday, October 19.

The Durham Public Works’ annual Fall Newsletter is now available HERE.

A reminder that Trick-or-Treating in Durham will be held on Halloween this year (a change from the past) -- Thursday, October 31, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

In light of declining market factors, baseline first-year UNH enrollments for Fall 2005 are projected to decline from Fall 2004, to around 2,500 students. At the same time, UNH is poised to graduate a relatively large cohort this year and next. This suggests the need to augment projected new student enrollment if the goal is to stay flat (new and continuing students).

Undergraduate enrollment at UNH has been trending down. Market factors continue to degrade within the NE region (see chart above). 

There are fewer students graduating from high school, more students foregoing higher education, and increased competition resulting in declining market share. 

Long-term, opportunities appear to exist at UNH in increasing enrollment of international students and transfer students. This option is not expected to bring UNH’s enrollment back to its prior levels, rather, it is expected to halt a downward trend. 

Active First-year UNH students as of August 27:

2018 – 3,083

2019 – 2,786

2020 – 2,692

2021 – 2,862

2022 – 2,993

2023 – 2,660

2024 – 2,648

As the Town of Durham discusses long-term strategies for increasing housing opportunities within the community, and given UNH’s policy change this year requiring that all sophomores now live on campus, it will be important to take into consideration the potential impact of a shrinking UNH off campus undergraduate student population.

UNH IS ON THE EDGE OF BECOMING A MANUFACTURING HUB – A informative article in this month’s edition of Business NH Magazine about The Edge at West End in Durham.

For over a decade, Durham and UNH have been discussing the development of a public-public-private partnership, now dubbed The Edge at West End, involving around 60 acres of land owned by UNH on Main Street/Old Concord Road more or less across the road from the horse barns. The area is now populated by old single-story utility buildings, surface parking, etc. 

In this month’s Business NH Magazine, there is a good article that discusses the idea behind the project. You can download the article HERE.

Dir. of Planning & Community Development Michael Behrendt is currently working with the Planning Board on the development of a Planned Unit Development Overlay District (PUD) that would enable a project of this size, scope, and complexity to move forward as part of a coordinated effort that meets the needs of both the University and the Town.

Last night's Northern Lights Courtesy, Brad Scotko

BILLBOARD ADVERTISEMENTS UNDER THE TOWN'S RR TRESTLE ADJACENT TO DURHAM/UNH TRAIN STATION PLATFORM TO BE REFRESHED - A Cooperative effort between Durham and UNH.

About 20 years ago, modeled on advertisements utilized in the London Underground, 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 to redesign the panels, moving away from business advertising to instead focus on attributes of both Durham and UNH. 

We hope in the coming months to unveil the results of the new effort on site. At present, a series of new, attractive, and creative panels have proceeded through design and Mr. Selig understands are now in the fabrication process. 

CURBSIDE FALL LEAF AND BRUSH COLLECTION BEGINS NOVEMBER 12 AT 7:00 AM

During this curbside collection program, Durham Public Works crews collect brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. It is important to note that this program runs independently from the regular curbside solid waste and recycling collection.

Leaves must be placed in paper leaf bags (plastic bags are not recyclable and will not be picked up). Paper bags may be purchased at Aubuchon Hardware and stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road during public open hours.

• Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please). 
• Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter. No stumps will be accepted.
• The amount of brush and limbs is limited to ONE TRUCKLOAD PER HOUSEHOLD.
• Cutting off small limbs from branches will help maximize each load.

Remember, backyard composting of your leaves and brush reduces the flow of waste, while at the same time, produces valuable organic matter for the soil. It improves your soil and the plants growing in it.

Luis Tiant, one of baseball’s most entertaining and charismatic pitchers, died on Tuesday. He was 83.

His death was announced by the Boston Red Sox, for whom he pitched in the 1970s. The team did not cite the cause.

El Tiante, as he was known — or "Loo-ee!" as stadiums full of Red Sox fans would often chant while he was on the mound — won 229 games over 19 big-league seasons, playing for teams in six cities, notably Cleveland and Boston, where he led the Red Sox in 1975 with 18 wins and 18 complete games to a World Series and became one of the most beloved players in the team’s history.

Mr. Selig had a chance to briefly meet Mr. Tiant in Boston in October 2013. Tiant was a very cordial and approachable individual. He was a true Red Sox ambassador.

Luis Tiant passed away at his home just down the road in Wells, Maine.

IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE, NOW IS THE TIME TO DO SO IF YOU WANT TO VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Now is the time to consider registering to vote in Durham if you have not already done so. The lines will be quite long on November 5. You do NOT want to be stuck in the registration line! You may register at the Town Hall any time the Clerk’s office is open (8:00 – 4:30 M-F with a few exceptions). 

You may also change party any time between now and the next primary (2026). If you are not sure how you are registered, check HERE in about a week. All of those changes should be made by then. A person’s party is not important EXCEPT at a primary. 

There are 3 upcoming registration events:

Tuesday, October 15   Holloway Commons  11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Tuesday, October 22  Durham Town Hall 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Monday, October 28   Durham Town Hall 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

October 28 will be the final time to register to vote or make changes before November 5. You may register at the polls in the Multi-purpose Room of the high school and then vote in the Gym. The line for registration will be long.

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.  

Foliage on Riverview Road. Courtesy, Deb Alberts

Eeek! A creepy shadow on a pumpkin. Courtesy, Todd Selig

Many of the shampoos and soaps we use include harmful, non-biodegradable ingredients that damage the environment. Some of these ingredients include:

Parabens

Phthalates

Triclosan

In addition, these personal care products are usually packaged in single use plastics. 

The good news is, there are increasingly more options to choose from that are sustainable. For example, the following brands use safe ingredients that you can feel good about using. Several also avoid using single use plastics in their packaging.

Sustainable Personal Care Brands

• Dr. Bronner’s
• Blueland
• Ethique
• Soapply
• Common Good
• Soap Sense
• Method
• Attitude

Source: Earth911

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

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

Check the IWMAC Committee out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

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

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE.

Fall foliage at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy, Jean McPeak

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY EVENT – *December 7* at Durham Public Works

Due to a scheduling conflict, Durham Public Works has rescheduled the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Event from October 12 to December 7. This collection event provides an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of certain common household hazardous wastes free of charge while protecting the environment. Please call Durham Public Works at 603-868-5578 for additional details. Pre-registration is required! Registrations for those previously signed up for the October 12 event will be transferred to the new date. 

Roadway and Drainage Improvements – Phase 2

Durham Public Works and its contractor, G.W. Brooks + Son, Inc. continue to progress on the Phase 2 Roadway and Drainage Improvements portion of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project. Granite curbing installation began this week in addition to the completion of stone masonry retaining wall construction at #26 and #28. 

Sidewalk and multi-use path fine grading will continue next week, with concrete flat work expected to begin during the week of October 21.

Durham Public Works greatly appreciates the continued patience of the residents and other stakeholders within the project limits as they work to complete these necessary infrastructure improvements and beautify Madbury Road.

Members of Durham Public Works and volunteers from Streamworks, the UNH Jackson Estuarine Laboratory and the Coastal Habitat Restoration Team spent time this week at the Wagon Hill Farm Phase 1 Living Shoreline enhancing the interface between the lower toe protection and marsh grass area. This adaptive management practice will prevent migration of fine-grained materials through the existing seaward boulder sill and add further stabilization to the Living Shoreline site. 

Several members of the Durham Town Council and Admin. Selig participated in a Monday afternoon tour of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities recently. Durham Public Works Director Rich Reine opened the afternoon with an overview presentation of the community water system operated jointly by the Town and University, explaining the importance and redundancy of the water sources and conveyance infrastructure shared by the system. UNH/Durham Water System Chief Operator Mike Sullivan followed the presentation with a tour of the new Water Treatment Plant on Waterworks Road.

The day concluded with a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Piscataqua Road where the group learned about the intricacies of the wastewater treatment process from Chief Operator Matt Collins.

Engineer (PTOE) to undertake a review of the crosswalks to identify enhancements (i.e. signage, pavement markings, lighting adjustments, sightline improvements, roadway geometric changes, and crosswalk relocations) which 1) comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 2) are contextually appropriate and 3) are appropriate based on the mix of users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorists).

The team identified several crosswalks throughout Town that would benefit from the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Systems. An RRFB consists of two rectangular LED bars, pole mounted on each side of a crosswalk that is activated by pedestrians as a warning device to alert drivers of their presence prior to entering the roadway. Capital funding was allocated in FY24 to fund this type of improvement at the following crossings which was completed this past week:

1)     Newmarket Road at Schoolhouse Lane

2)     Dover Road at Young Drive

3)     Main Street at Park Court

4)     Main Street at #66

Officer Zachary Barthel graduated from the 198th NH Police Academy in Concord on October 4, 2024. Officer Barthel graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2024, with a degree in Homeland Security. While at UNH, Officer Barthel was enrolled in the Army ROTC Cadet program.

Officer Barthel is currently in Field Training to acclimate himself to the nuances of Durham. Not only is the style of guardian policing instilled but roadways, critical locations, radio, and report writing, all things unique to Durham, are familiarized as he begins his career serving Durham.

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/Guardian to teach your kids about Fire Safety. The more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #41

Now that fall is here, Smokey wants to pass along some safety tips for Autumn. Please click HERE for some helpful information.

On October 23 from 7-8:30 p.m., the New Hampshire Theatre Project's Elephant in the Room Series presents Aftermath which addresses PTSD and First Responders with a staged play reading followed by a facilitated discussion. The program will be held in the UNH Memorial Union Building, Theater II, and is being co-sponsored by the Durham Police Department and the UNH Police, with additional support from the Durham Fire Department.

While the issues discussed impact First Responders and their communities, everyone is invited. Tickets are free, but registration is required by clicking HERE. Due to difficult subject matter, this is not recommended for young children.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

ORCSD School Calendar Updated to Reflect Changes to K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences

You may find the updated document last revised on October 7, 2024, HERE.

Oyster River Middle School Teacher Selected to Participate in Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program

We are pleased to share that Oyster River Middle School social studies teacher Susan Mathison has received a Fulbright Exchange Award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Learn more HERE.

Oyster River High School Celebrates Spirit Day

On Friday, October 4, Oyster River High School students of all grade levels gathered on the Todd Allen Field for a spirit day celebration and pep rally to conclude spirit week. Details and photos are available HERE.

2024-2025 ORCSD Music Department Concert Schedule

You can view the Music Department's concert schedule HERE. Please visit ORCSD's online calendar to learn about coming concert, musicals, and other opportunities. 

Fall Activities at Mast Way and Moharimet Schools

Moharimet School will be hosting its annual Pumpkin Stroll on October 17, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Guests will be able to enjoy a whimsical stroll while admiring students' carved pumpkins. Mast Way School's PTO will be hosting its annual Spooktacular celebration on October 25. Additional details will be available next week.

October 16 Alumni Community Conversations

Community Conversations is a series of focus groups designed to foster open dialogue and explore a range of educational topics that will help Superintendent Shaps identify important themes. We warmly invite all OR alumni to join us for a virtual Teams meeting on October 16, 8:00-9:00 pm ET. Kindly RSVP no later than October 14, 2024, by contacting ORCSD Director of Communications Genevieve Brown at gebrown@orcsd.org or at 603-590-0052.

Save the Date! November 8 Veteran's Day Breakfast

The Oyster River Middle School will be hosting its third annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Breakfast on November 8, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Additional details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Last night's Northern Lights courtesy of another Durham resident.