Friday Updates - October 4, 2024

Friday, October 4, 2024

Leaves have begun to fall Courtesy, Todd Selig

Please note that the Town Clerk/Tax Collector's Office will be closed Thursday, October 10, for a Staff Training Day at NHCTCA in Nashua, N.H.

The Lamprey River Advisory Committee Fall Newsletter is now available. You can download it HERE.

October 9th is Leif Erickson Day. Years ago (and for many years since), Mrs. Doris Peterson and others organized one of the shortest parades in the world, marching from the Durham Laundercenter on Main Street next door to Young's Restaurant for an early morning breakfast!

Yom Kippur, a time of atonement, fasting, and the holiest day of the year within the Jewish faith, begins the evening of Fri, Oct 11 through sundown on Sat, Oct 12, 2024.

Durham Election Officials met with staff of the Oyster River School District this past week to plan for the November 5, 2024, General Election.

THE QUESTION OF THE WEEK:  When will the current phase of work on Madbury Road be complete?

Durham Public Works reports that the first segment between Pettee Brook Lane and Garrison Avenue is scheduled to reach substantial completion in mid-November. The next segment between Main Street and Pettee Brook Lane is to be constructed beginning in spring; however, if weather allows, the contractor may begin construction of that segment earlier - in late November.  

NH SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF DURHAM PLANNING BOARD IN GAIL KELLEY V. TOWN OF DURHAM, ET. AL – A new subdivision that has been delayed for over two years off Gerrish Drive due to abutter’s appeal.

The petitioner, Gail Kelley, appealed the October 26, 2022, decision of the Durham Planning Board (“Board”) approving a subdivision application with conditional use permits.

The applicants (the Mulherns) proposed to construct an age-restricted condominium development off Gerrish Drive in Durham (“the Mulhern Project”). The project required both subdivision approval and a conditional use permit for two Gerrish Drive wetland crossings, both of which the Durham Planning Board originally granted on May 12, 2021. In an earlier case, the petitioner appealed that decision to the Superior Court, which held that the Durham Planning Board improperly accepted an incomplete application because the application lacked a verified High Intensity Soil Survey (HISS) Map. The court remanded the matter back to the Board for further proceedings. (June 1, 2022 Order).

Upon remand, both the Durham Planning Board and the Durham Conservation Commission reviewed the HISS map and reached similar conclusions, with the Commission recommending approval of the conditional use permit and the Planning Board approving both the subdivision and conditional use permit on October 26, 2022. 

The court held a hearing on May 24, 2023, at which it heard arguments from Ms. Kelley and the Town of Durham (“the Town”) represented by Town Attorney Laura Spector-Morgan. Based on the certified record, the parties’ arguments, and the applicable law, the Superior Court found and ruled as follows:

“The petitioner’s concerns involve the verified HISS map submitted to both the Commission and the Board, specifically that the map was too small in scope; not properly explained by the applicant’s engineer; not used appropriately; and not understood by the Board. Per the court’s first order, the applicants submitted a HISS map signed by New Hampshire Certified Soil Scientist and Wetland Scientist Michael Mariano (C.R. 127), and verified by Certified Soil Scientist Michael Cuomo (C.R. Tab B), before the applicant’s engineer presented it to the Commission and Board. Neither entity expressed issues or concerns with interpreting the map, and, moreover, the record demonstrates that the Board reviewed each individual criteria in consideration of the additional information provided by the HISS map. (C.R. 270-71). That the petitioner proposes an alternative interpretation disagreeing with the applicant’s presentation and the Board’s conclusion does not on its own render the Board’s decision unreasonable. The petitioner also objects to the use of the Gerrish Drive access, claiming that there are two other potential access points that would create less impact on the wetlands which the Board should have further investigated. Zoning Ordinance § 175-61(B)(3) requires that “[t]he location, design, construction, and maintenance of the facilities will minimize any detrimental impact on the wetland.” This court previously determined that the Board is not mandated to procure additional reports or studies to compare whether the proposed use minimizes negative effects. (See June 2022 Order at 9). Notably, the petitioner does not argue that the record lacks evidence, but, rather, disagrees with the Board’s conclusions. (See Petitioner’s Att. ¶ 60, 71). Despite the petitioner’s contentions, both the Board and the Commission found the applicant’s efforts to minimize the impact on the wetland sufficient—specifically, designing two 11-foot travel lanes, three-foot gravel shoulders, and retaining walls and grades as low as possible while meeting engineering standards. (See Orig. C.R. 471, 523; C.R. 166, 170, 270). The record clearly demonstrates that the Board reviewed all WCOD and conditional use criteria, taking into consideration the HISS map, and once again approved the project. Despite the petitioner’s disapproval of the Board’s decision, the record does not reflect evidence that the Board acted unlawfully or unreasonably. The petitioner’s appeal, therefore, is DENIED.”

Ms. Kelley subsequently requested the Superior Court reconsider its decision, which was denied by the court. 

The most recent appeal from Ms. Kelley was to the NH Supreme Court. In Case No. 2023-0705, Gail Kelley v. Town of Durham, the NH Supreme Court on October 2, 2024, issued the following order:

“The court has reviewed the written arguments and the record submitted on appeal and has determined to resolve the case by way of this order. See Sup. Ct. R. 20(2). The plaintiff, Gail Kelley, appeals an order of the Superior Court (Howard, J.) upholding a decision of the planning board for the defendant, the Town of Durham, to grant subdivision approval and conditional use permits in support of the applicants’ plan to construct an age-restricted housing development. The plaintiff argues that the trial court erred by upholding the board’s finding that there is no practical alternative to the proposed access road for the planned development that would minimize disturbance to a wetland conservation overlay district. We affirm.

Judicial review of planning board decisions is limited. See Trustees of Dartmouth Coll. v. Town of Hanover, 171 N.H. 497, 504-05 (2018). The trial court is required to treat the board’s factual findings as prima facie lawful and reasonable, and it may not set the board’s decision aside absent unreasonableness or an identified error of law. Id. at 504. It is the burden of the party challenging the board’s decision to persuade the trial court that, by the balance of probabilities, the board’s decision was unreasonable. Id. The trial court’s role is not to determine whether it agrees with the board’s findings, but whether there is evidence upon which such findings reasonably could have been based. Id. We, in turn, will reverse the trial court’s decision only if it is unsupported by the evidence or legally erroneous. Id. We review the trial court’s order to determine whether a reasonable person could have reached the same decision as the trial court based on the evidence before it. Id.

It is the plaintiff’s burden on appeal to demonstrate reversible error. Gallo v. Traina, 166 N.H. 737, 740 (2014). Based upon our review of the trial court’s well-reasoned order, the plaintiff’s arguments, the relevant law, and the record submitted on appeal, we conclude that the plaintiff has not established that the trial court’s decision is unsupported by the evidence or legally erroneous. See id.; Trustees of Dartmouth Coll., 171 N.H. at 504. Affirmed. MacDonald, C.J., and Bassett, Donovan, and Countway, JJ., concurred.”

UNH ACTIVELY TAKING STEPS TO ADDRESS MICRO MOBILITY ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED BOTH ON CAMPUS AND BY THE TOWN OF DURHAM

We appreciate the efforts of UNH Police Chief Paul Dean and the members of the department on campus in taking the following steps in addressing E-devices: 

• UNH Police applied for and received a community betterment grant for 5 educational sessions 
• UNH Police received an enforcement grant for 10 dedicated patrols 
• UNH Police are working with the student organization “EVO” to create an educational campaign
• UNH is using social media to remind students.
• UNH is experiencing thefts of E-Devices and the UNH PD put out a community alert to raise awareness.

UNH and the UNH Police Department are committed to supporting the Durham Police Department and the Town of Durham to improve the responsible use of alternative means of transportation such as E-Micro Mobility Devices.

There are three mosquito-borne viruses recognized in NH and known to cause human and/or animal disease: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus with its first NH human case identified in 2004, WNV with the first human case in 2003, and most recently JCV, with a first locally acquired case in 2013.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

EEE is an alphavirus, primarily maintained in some perching song bird species found in fresh-water swamp habitats. The virus is transmitted among wild birds in these areas primarily by a mosquito species that feeds almost exclusively on birds. EEE has a cycle of natural infection among wild bird populations with occasional infections of humans, animals (most often horses) and large domesticated birds (emus, ostriches, etc). Infected mammals (e.g., humans, horses) do not serve to spread the virus since mosquitoes biting infected mammals do not become infected. Risk of infection in humans is a function of exposure to infectious human-biting mosquitoes.

Many people infected with EEE will not have symptoms of disease, while others may only experience a mild flu-like illness with fever and headache. However, for people with infection of the central nervous system, a sudden high fever, severe headache, and stiff neck can be followed quickly by seizures, coma, and death.

West Nile Virus

WNV is a flavivirus. Similar to EEE, WNV is also maintained in the environment in a cycle that involves birds, with indiscriminate feeding mosquitoes infecting humans and other mammals. WNV causes sporadic disease in humans, and occasionally results in significant outbreaks.

While symptoms may vary, about one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness (WNV neuroinvasive disease). Severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, and paralysis.

WNV activity varies from year to year. When the proportion of infected mosquitoes in a relatively small geographic area is high, the risk of the virus being transmitted or “bridged” from birds to humans will increase.

Jamestown Canyon Virus

JCV is a bunyavirus belonging to a mosquito group that circulates in nature in a cycle including deer and various mosquito vectors. The transmission cycle of JCV is still being described, but it is thought that early season mosquitoes play a significant role in the early spread of the virus within deer population. Late season amplification as well as transmission to humans is also thought to be connected to certain mosquitoes that will readily bite mammals, including humans.

It is thought that many people infected with JCV do not develop any illness. Typically, JCV will cause a mild, febrile illness, although neuroinvasive disease (meningitis or encephalitis) has been reported.

Potential Action Steps to Reduce Mosquito Activity Around the House…

By reducing their exposure to mosquitoes around their homes and by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, residents can greatly reduce their risk of mosquito-borne virus exposure. Many species of mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes may provide resting areas for the mosquitoes that are most often associated with WNV. Fresh water swamps, marshes, woodland pools, and coastal areas provide larval habitat for the mosquito species commonly associated with EEE and JCV. The NH DHHS recommends citizens take the following steps to reduce opportunities for mosquito breeding:

• Eliminate standing water around residential and commercial areas by discarding outdoor artificial containers such as tin cans, plastic containers, or similar water- holding containers.
• Remove all discarded tires from your property. The used tire is the most common site for mosquito breeding in the United States.
• Dispose of or drill holes in the bottom of containers left outdoors, such as recycling containers or flowerpots. Drainage holes on the sides of containers will still allow enough water for mosquitoes to breed. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
• Mow grass and weeds as short as possible and thin shrubs to allow air circulation through plants.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall and as often as necessary to eliminate standing water.
• Tightly screen “rain barrels” to ensure mosquitoes can’t deposit eggs in or on water.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered. Do not allow these covers to collect standing water.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and plastic wading pools when not in use. Both provide breeding sites for domestic mosquitoes.
• Change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their property.
• Consult with local mosquito control companies for additional solutions to decrease mosquito-breeding activity in nearby areas. Products are available that can be used to reduce mosquito populations (see Mosquito Control Activities below).

Potential Personal Protective Measures You Can Take…

Residents can take simple steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Such steps are critical in reducing the risk of WNV, EEE, and JCV infections. The NH DHHS that residents take the following steps to protect themselves when mosquitoes are most active:

• If outside during evening, nighttime and dawn hours, or at any time mosquitoes are actively biting, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
• If outside during evening, nighttime and dawn hours, or at any time mosquitoes are actively biting, consider the use of an effective insect repellent.
• Repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) have been proven effective. No more than 30% DEET should be used on adults or children.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Environmental Health has updated their recommendation for use of DEET products on children, citing: “Insect repellents containing DEET with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels.” Repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.
• Repellents containing Picaridin (KBR3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (a plant-based repellent) or IR3535 provide protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years.
• Do not apply repellent directly to children. Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child’s skin.
• Infants and children should be protected by placing mosquito nets over strollers in the evening, nighttime and dawn hours or at any time mosquitoes are actively biting.
• Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.
• Store repellent out of reach of children.
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
• Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
• If on trails, stay to the center of the trail and in groomed areas away from brush and tall grasses where mosquitoes tend to rest.

The ORCSD and the Town of Durham have been in communication and should local case counts for EEE, WNV, or JCV rise to a degree where it is determined additional action should be considered, evaluation will be given to the possibility of isolated perimeter spraying around fields/schools, though it is recognized that the personal protective actions outlined above provide the best defense for residents.  It's important to keep in mind that perimeter spraying kills a wide range of insects and pollinators, not just mosquitoes, which we try hard to avoid.

Get ready to explore!

Join in on Sunday, Oct 6th for Discover Durham's Trails at Oyster River Forest!

Learn about seeds & survival, and how animals prep for winter. FREE & all ages welcome! Meet at Mill Rd & Packers Falls Rd at 10am. See you there! 

The Town of Durham is currently seeking volunteers to work at the polls on election day, November 5, 2024. All volunteers must be registered to vote in Durham, New Hampshire. Volunteer shifts typically run for (4) four hours between the hours of 7:00am-7:00pm.

Training will be provided. Please contact the Durham Town Deputy Clerk by email at amackenzie@ci.durham.nh.us to inquire.  No phone calls please.

Current Openings

• New Voter-Same Day Registration
• Filing/Administrative Work
• Absentee Ballot Processing
• Ballot Clerks
• Counting and Assistance after the polls close at 7pm.

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 will be 2 registration events at UNH:

Thursday, October 10      Holloway Commons           11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

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

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.  

Administrator Selig gave a talk on local government and a tour of the Town Hall this week to three Girl Scouts from Troop 10019. Courtesy, Corinne George

SUMMARY OF THIS WEEK’S ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING

Planner Michael Behrendt discussed ongoing zoning and planning issues in the area, including a revised Workforce Housing Ordinance and a new Wetland Shore Land Ordinance. DPW Director Richard Reine raised concerns about stormwater management and utilities in the planned unit development (PUD) ordinance, and Michael explained the two-step process involved in the PUD ordinance. The team agreed on the importance of early engagement and dialogue to address concerns and setting clear expectations.

DPW Dir. Richard Reine discussed the progress of various projects. Rich mentioned the paving program nearing completion, a delay in the Route 4 roundabout project to 2027 by NHDOT, and outstanding issues with the ATO redevelopment on Strafford Avenue. He also discussed constructing a crosswalk and ADA-compliant ramps on the property, which the owners agreed to undertake as part of the conditions of approval. Rich noted the temporary CEO might be extended but believes the crosswalk and ramps should be completed before season's end. 

IT Manager Luke Vincent discussed the ongoing Jump Cloud deployment, the switch to hardware phase, and the issues encountered with Synology devices. He also reminded the team about Cyber Security Awareness Month in October.

Assessor Darcy Freer and Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane shared their progress on tax billing and sales inspections, with plans to bring the tax warrant forward in the first meeting of November, pending the school budget. Rachel discussed the upcoming General Election and the office's tax collection efforts, expressing concerns about security during the renovation as a result of recent water damage. Administrator Selig suggested discussing security measures with DPW Dir. Richard Reine and Police Chief Rene Kelley in a separate meeting. 

Library Director Sheryl Bass updated on the new art exhibit at the library and the upcoming events, including the firefighter story time. Sheryl reported on the library's busy schedule with new programs starting in October and the planning of teacher workshop day trips.

Parks & Rec. Director Rachel Gasowski and Administrator Selig mentioned a proposal from MV basketball to potentially have P&R take on the program’s basketball program for the upcoming year. The Town will suggest that Maximum Velocity speak with ORYA about the program first, and only if ORYA is uninterested, would Durham consider, but not until the following year, as part of the FY 2026 budget process. 

Business Manager Gail Jablonski reminded the group that budget letters are due.

Fire Chief Dave Emanuel shared updates on ongoing projects, including a letter sent to Exeter Hospital regarding the proposed closure of their employee health center, issues with the IT system, and the need for an updated Mass Casualty Incident Response card. He also mentioned the completion of the screening process for a new firefighter.

Code Officer Audrey Cline shared that three, multi-million dollar homes were being built in Durham.

Police Chief Rene Kelley shared updates on the hiring process and the upcoming graduation of a new officer at NH Police Standards and Training from the Academy. Rene also mentioned the arrival of a new cruiser, which will make the police cruiser fleet fully hybrid.

Lastly, Administrator Todd Selig briefly shared his recent visit to Pittsburgh, highlighting its unique topography, history as a steel town, and numerous bridges. He also shared his experience of visiting Fort Point Park and the beautiful river walk, as well as the interesting way the city has addressed the issue of parking and accessibility around the professional sports stadiums, as well as the many ways Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh have seeded development for the city resulting in increased tax dollars, new jobs, new housing opportunities, and the overall vibrancy of the city. Todd shared his experiences from a six- sigma certification course focused on process optimization.

Autumn colors have begun! Courtesy, Jean McPeak

PUBLIC HEARING ON REVISED WORKFORCE HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT ON OCTOBER 9

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing at their meeting of Wednesday, October 9, on a revised version of the proposed Workforce Housing Overlay District. You can see the draft proposal HERE.

Anyone may speak at the public hearing or send an email with any comments or questions to the Town Planner at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us

THE SWITCH IS ON - For 75% off Energy Audits for Small Businesses and Farms

Durham small businesses and agricultural producers are eligible for 75% off a comprehensive energy audit. These help your business identify cost-saving opportunities by reviewing insulation, lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, equipment, etc. Contact Scott Maslansky of the NH Community Development Finance Authority at (603) 717-9123 or smaslansky@nhcdfa.org. 

Questions? Email dec@ci.durham.nh.us  

There is a growing global e-waste issue as more and more people own an increasingly large amount of devices. Hanging on to the same cell phone is beneficial for numerous reasons, and it is certainly more sustainable. How can you extend the life of your cell phone and keep it running well? Here are some important tips:

Pick a cell phone model with a high repairability score

Some smartphones are nearly impossible to fix or even replace the battery.  Use the iFixit Smartphone Repairability scores for guidance, (see HERE). iFixit ranks phones on a scale from 1 to 10. Look for models that do not require proprietary tools, have batteries that are easy to replace, and contain modular components.

Remove unneeded apps and files

Deleting unneeded apps and files can free up storage space and help boost a phone’s performance. 

Power down periodically

Shutting off your phone basically clears the RAM, shuts down open apps, and plugs memory leaks. It’s recommended to do this once a week and allow the phone to stay off for a minute before firing it back up.

Get a tempered glass screen protector and a protective case

Look for a case that covers the corners, sides, and back of the phone for the best protection. 

Replace the battery if needed

According to Apple, the average iPhone battery lasts about 500 full recharging cycles before battery performance declines below an 80% charge level, which is still very useful. If your phone is otherwise in good condition, and you are able to replace the battery, resist the urge to buy a new phone just because the battery isn’t charging at a 100% charge level.

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.

Autumn flowers Courtesy, Todd Selig

SAVE OUR SHORES 50TH ANNIVERSARY TO BE HIGHLIGHTED ON NH PBS PROGRAM "WINDOWS TO THE WILD"

NH PBS will be airing an episode of "Windows to the Wild" highlighting the 50th anniversary of "Save Our Shores". It will be broadcast several times between October 3 and October 10 and is also available on PBS Passport.  Below is a list of broadcast dates & times:

• Thu, Oct 3, 8:00 P.M.
• Sat, Oct 5, 10:30 A.M.
• Sat, Oct 5, 5:30 P.M.
• Sun, Oct 6, 10:00 A.M.
• Sun, Oct 6, 5:30 P.M.
• Mon, Oct 7, 5:30 A.M.
• Mon, Oct 7, 2:30 P.M.
• Wed, Oct 9, 7:30 P.M.
• Thu, Oct 10, 2:30 P.M.

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 #40

Next week is Fire Prevention Week. The theme of the week is "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!" You can find more information below.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK - OCTOBER 6 – 12

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance.  Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire that began on October 8, 1871, causing the deaths of more than 250 persons and the loss of thousands of structures, leaving more than 100,000 homeless and burning more than 2,000 acres.

This year’s Fire Prevention theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” with the key calls to action: INSTALL smoke alarms in each separate sleeping area such as bedrooms and hallways, on each level of the home and in the basement; TEST smoke alarms monthly; and REPLACE smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or no longer respond to being tested. Smoke alarms should meet the needs of all occupants of the home, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. 

The NFPA offers educational tools for fire prevention that will help you & your family to prepare in the event of fire. Click HERE for resources to create an escape plan, and for access to videos, activities and tip sheets.

For general inquiries or further assistance, please contact the Durham Fire Department by phone: (603) 868-5531 or (603) 862-1426, or email: Durham.fire@unh.edu. Please note the email address is monitored Monday through Friday during normal business hours only. For emergencies, call 911.

Stay informed, stay healthy, stay safe!

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Important Parent Teacher Conferences Information

On October 1, 2024, the ORCSD School Board voted to move the November 5 Mast Way and Moharimet schools parent teacher conferences to October 11 which is a teacher workshop day. The November 5 Oyster River Middle School parent teacher conferences were rescheduled to January 27 which is also a teacher workshop day.

Five Oyster River High School Seniors Commended by the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program

Congratulations to ORHS seniors Mitchell Keesee, Amelia Rury, Paige Stehle, Hannah Wolfe, and Maggie Zhang for having been named Commended Scholars by the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program! Click HERE for more information.

No School October 11 and 14

All Oyster River schools will be closed for a teacher workshop day Friday, October 11. All Oyster River schools and the SAU office will be closed Monday, October 14, in observance of Columbus Day. 

October 17 School Board Meeting Rescheduled

The October 17 School Board Meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 22, 2024. This meeting will be held at Mast Way School (23 Mast Rd, Lee, NH 03861), 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

October 10 Community Dinner

The Oyster River Wellness Committee invites you to a community dinner celebration on Thursday, October 10, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824) to enjoy a delicious, locally and sustainably sourced fall harvest chicken breast dinner (with roasted root vegetables - each meal also includes a side salad, soup, beverage, and dessert). Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available, and over 15 agencies and community partners will be on-site to offer and share information about local health and wellness community resources. Kindly RSVP by Tuesday, October 8 by clicking HERE.

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.

October 28 Internet and Digital Safety Presentation

This ORCSD free admission program is presented by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) at the Morse Recital Hall (Oyster River Middle School). This program is for adults only and not suitable for students. The program includes an introduction to ICAC, how predators use social media, digital safety for cell phone, personal devices and gaming systems, and a demonstration with K-9 Niko who is New Hampshire's first Electronic Storage Detection K-9. No registration required. To learn more, click HERE.

Inclusive Connections: Support Spaces for Families and Community Members

The ORCSD offers two new event series to offer support spaces for the parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ and multicultural youth and community members. These support spaces are dedicated to offering a welcoming environment to share challenges and resources, celebrate successes, ask questions, and build a network of support. Additional information may be found HERE.

Inclusive Connections: Parents/Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Youth Support Space

• October 21, 2024, 6:00-7:30 pm at the ORHS Library
• December 9, 2024, 6:00-7:30 pm at the ORHS Library

Inclusive Connections: Parents/Caregivers of Multicultural Youth Support Space

• October 22, 2024, 6:00-7:30 pm at the ORHS Library
• December 11, 2024, 6:00-7:30 pm at the ORHS Library

UNH HOSTING A CITIZENSHIP SUMMIT ON OCTOBER 16

UNH, under the auspices of the Responsible Governance and Sustainable Citizenship Project, is hosting a day-long Citizenship Summit on October 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on topics ranging from polling and election security to climate change and international conflicts, as well as sessions on local government (featuring our own Todd Selig!) and NH politics.

This event is open to the public and no registration is required. All events, including the keynote speaker about political change, will take place in the Memorial Union Building. 

There will also be the Summit HQ in the Strafford Room (10–4 pm) with interactive spaces, visuals and more! See the website HERE, with a full list of speakers and bios! 

As autumn ushers in harvest season, the University of New Hampshire’s cucurbit breeding program—North America’s longest-running pumpkin and squash breeding program—continues to yield remarkable results. Led by New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station scientist Chris Hernandez, the team is hard at work gathering and studying hybrid varieties like 'Tetsukabuto' winter squash, a cross that blends the rich flavor of the kabocha with the disease resistance and long shelf-life of butternut squash.

UNH’s cucurbit breeding program, first established in the 1940s, has produced more than 100 new varieties of squash, pumpkins, and melons and generated more than $2 million in royalties for the university through seed catalog sales worldwide. Hernandez, an assistant professor of plant breeding with UNH’s College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, now leads the next chapter of this storied program, developing crops with improved yield, disease resistance, and nutrition, while collecting vital genetic data to preserve the program’s legacy.

To learn more about UNH’s cucurbit breeding program, check out the article HERE.

NH WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH CENTER WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR, ADAM WYMORE

The New Hampshire Water Resources Research Center (NH WRRC) at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) is pleased to announce Adam Wymore, associate professor in the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA), as its new director. Wymore, who has served as assistant director of the NH WRRC since 2020, assumed his new role on September 1, 2024, succeeding Bill McDowell, professor emeritus at UNH, who retired after 23 years as director.

Since its establishment in the late 1950s by UNH professor Gordon Byers, the NH WRRC has been a key player in advancing environmental research in New Hampshire. The center was officially incorporated into the federal Water Resources Research Act (WRRA) Program in 1964, becoming one of 54 research institutes across the country supported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to address regional water concerns.

Under Wymore’s leadership, the NH WRRC will continue focusing on addressing emerging water challenges posed by climate change, increasing development pressures, and shifting land-use patterns. Wymore plans to expand the center’s research on nutrient pollution and water quality, particularly in New Hampshire’s rivers, lakes, and estuaries, which are critical to the state’s ecosystems and economy.

To stay updated on the NH WRRC’s work and upcoming events, visit their website HERE and explore their recent publications and symposiums.