Friday Updates - April 17, 2026

Friday, April 17, 2026

April showers bring May flowers! Courtesy, Todd Selig

AGENDA ITEMS FOR APRIL 20 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

• Approval of the 2nd Water & Sewer Warrant
• Appointment of Harrison Potter to the Energy Committee
• Appointment of Micah Warnock to an alternate position on the Zoning Board and Joseph Warzin to a regular position on the Zoning Board
• Presentation of Quarterly Financial Report
• Public Hearing on Ordinance #2026-04
• Discussion of 2026/2027 draft Council Goals
• Continued discussion on the priorities for future Planning Board amendments
• Continued discussion on Council appointments to Boards/ Commissions/Committees
• Discussion of proposal by Councilor Welsh to add back design standards to the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a 5th story in portions of CB-1

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION AT WAGON HILL FARM

The Durham Public Works Department will be holding an Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 24 at 10:00 AM at Wagon Hill Farm near the circle, adjacent to the Bickford Chesley House, where they will be planting two trees and reading an Arbor Day proclamation.  

This celebration will coincide with the Town's designation as a Tree City USA community for 48 consecutive years, the longest standing Tree City community in New Hampshire, and Durham’s application for its 49th year as a Tree City USA.   

DRUG TAKE BACK DAY IS APRIL 25

The Durham Police Department will partner with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10AM to 2PM, to take unused, expired, and unwanted prescription medication for proper and safe disposal. Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue. Proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives and protects the environment and our overall community. 

Although Saturday is Drug Take Back Day, Durham Police participate in this program every day. There is a drop box in the lobby of the police station where you can drop your medications at any time. If our lobby is closed during non-business hours, simply use the call box next to our front door to contact an officer and they will be happy to help. Please, no needles or liquids!

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing this Wednesday, April 22, on proposed changes to building height in the Central Business Districts. In addition to several amendments regarding commercial uses and parking in the districts, the amendment would increase the allowed height on six lots (shown in red on the above map) located westerly of Jenkins Court from 4 stories and 50 feet to 5 stories and 60 feet.

You can see the proposed amendment and related documents HERE.  You can see an agenda for the meeting HERE. Contact Michael Behrendt, Town Planner, at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions or comments.

Just a friendly nudge (and a tail wag) to Durham Dog Owners. All dogs 3 months and older must be licensed each year in accordance with New Hampshire law. The annual license period runs May 1–April 30. Licensing your dog helps ensure lost pets can be quickly reunited with their owners and helps the town remain in compliance with state law. Thank you for doing your part! Please license your dog by April 30 to avoid late fees.

Click HERE to renew your dog license online. Dog licenses can be completed online for your convenience. A valid rabies vaccination is required. Rabies certificates may be uploaded during the online process or emailed to rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us. Once submitted online or by mail, your license and tag will be processed and mailed to you. You are also welcome to visit the Clerk’s Office during normal business hours if you prefer to license your dog in person.

License Fees

Unaltered Male or Female: $10.00

Spayed or Neutered Dog: $7.50

Senior Citizen Owner (65+) – first dog: $2.00

LocaBerry is a small, diversified farm operation based out of Emery Farm, focused on growing high-quality fruits and vegetables while connecting people to where their food comes from. Run by Farmer Jameson, LocaBerry works in partnership with Emery Farm to steward the land and produce a wide range of crops including blueberries, salad greens, tomatoes, flowers, and more.

What makes LocaBerry unique is its commitment not just to growing food, but to building a strong local food network. In addition to what’s grown on-site, LocaBerry collaborates with a number of nearby farms across the Seacoast and greater New Hampshire region to provide a diverse, seasonal selection of produce. The goal is simple: grow what we grow best, partner with others who do the same, and bring it all together in one place.

For the 2026 season, LocaBerry is offering two main ways to get involved:

The LocaBox CSA is a weekly farm share that provides members with a rotating selection of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the summer and fall. Each pickup is an opportunity to visit the farm, enjoy the space, and experience the rhythm of the growing season.

The PickersPass offers a more hands-on experience, giving members access to pick-your-own blueberries (and more) throughout the season.

Whether you’re looking to eat more locally, support area farmers, or simply enjoy fresh, flavorful food, LocaBerry offers a way to be part of something bigger.

Learn more and sign up HERE.

The Durham Historic Association invites you to attend their Annual Meeting and April Program on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Durham Town Hall. Thomas Hubka, professor emeritus of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, will present a special program drawing on his award‑winning book Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn: The Connected Farm Buildings of New England, where Hubka reveals how ordinary New England farmers responded to competition from regions with richer soils and easier growing conditions. Their solution—the connected farmstead, uniting home‑industry and mixed‑farming in one continuous structure— became a hallmark of northern New England architecture. In this illustrated presentation, Hubka will present case studies showing how farmers adapted their traditional, separate house‑and‑barn layouts into the connected forms we recognize today.

Thomas Hubka earned his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon. His publications include Resplendent Synagogue: Architecture and Worship in an 18th-Century Polish Community; Houses without Names: Architecture Nomenclature and the Classification of America’s Common Houses; and, most recently, How the Working-Class Home Became Modern, 1900–1940. His research centers on the historical development of architecture and the cultural forces that shape the built environment.

Books will be available for purchase after the program and light refreshments will be served. This program is funded in part by New Hampshire Humanities.

Join us for an exciting day of exploration alongside scientists and field experts, or on your own, to identify and learn about the species that live in Oyster River Forest/ Spruce Hole Bog Conservation property. Improve your naturalist skills and help us learn more about the biodiversity of our Conservation property.

We will have Bioblitz kits stocked with tools like magnifiers, ID guides, data-sheets, and sampling gear to help you explore and document local biodiversity.

Registration required for the guided walks only HERE or just come and spend time with us recording observations on your own or in smaller groups. We will have scientists available to help participants identify species in smaller groups and children activities including a scavenger hunt with prizes. 

If you have any questions, email Veronique vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

On Wednesday, April 29th, from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Memorial Union Building at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, National Passport Center staff will be available by appointment to assist you with passport applications or renewals. Click HERE to register.

For more information, check out: https://pappas.house.gov/passport. 

If you need help scheduling your appointment or have questions, please contact my office by calling (603) 285-4300 or email nh01cp_casework@mail.house.gov. 

It is estimated that about 78,000 tons of prescription pill bottles are discarded annually in the U. S. Many of these wind up in landfills, and vast numbers end up in our oceans and waterways - contributing to the massive plastic pollution problem we have. 

Why can’t I recycle my prescription pill bottles?

Prescription medication containers are considered prescription drug waste and should NOT go in the recycling bin.

Which pill bottles are recyclable?

If what you have are over-the-counter med containers (vitamin bottles, aspirin, etc), it is okay to put them in the recycling as long as they are bigger than 2 inches by 2 inches. Anything smaller than that will fall through the cracks and will not be recovered.

What do I do with my prescription pill bottles that I cannot recycle?

Donate them! Animal shelters are almost always happy to take donated pill bottles, because they use a lot of them. 

Pope Memorial Humane Society - Cocheco Valley, located at 221 County Farm Rd in Dover accepts small and medium sized pill bottles (be sure to remove the labels first). You can leave the pill bottles in their donation bin out front. (NOTE: They have limited amounts of storage, so they can’t take large quantities all at once).

New Hampshire SPCA, located at 104 Portsmouth Ave in Stratham also accepts label-removed prescription pill bottles for reuse.

Humanitarian Aid organizations need pill bottles. Matthew 25 Ministries will accept donations of clean, label-removed pill bottles for example. Their site offers instructions on how to prep your bottles, as well as a mailing address. You can access their website HERE.

A great way to reuse prescription pill bottles.

When traveling, you can fill up empty prescription pill bottles with creams and lotions that you can store in your luggage. The screw-on lids will prevent leakage and make a convenient alternative to large original containers (which may leak).

This hack is both a time- and money-saver as it allows you to use items that are already in your house and replaces plastic travel bottles, which can cost over $20 a set. 

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

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

Check us 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.

Senior students at the University of New Hampshire, Julian Baldwin, Erin Classey, Haley LeMoine, and Sydney Vanasse are conducting a Sustainability Capstone project examining the potential spread of invasive plant species after the removal of the Mill Pond Dam. The goal is to identify species in areas surrounding the pond and to offer strategies to prevent their spread into the newly-exposed river bed. Those observed to be most prevalent are Glossy Buckthorn and Japanese Barberry, but others such as Purple Loosestrife, Common Reed, Multiflora Rose, and Oriental Bittersweet also pose a threat.

These species can impact habitat availability, soil fertility, and ecosystem chemistry. They can out compete native flora to quickly populate the new mud flats and possibly also the riparian zones downstream in the estuarine environment. A GIS map depicting the presence of invasives and a pamphlet explaining the project will be produced. The team will help the Land Stewardship Subcommittee at the Milne Workday Invasive Pulling event tomorrow, April 18, where they will be providing educational materials.

You can see details about the dam removal at the Town’s website, including more information about the potential for the spread of invasives after removal HERE.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the crew who cleaned up dog poop at Wagon Hill Farm this past Sunday morning!

What amazing weather and participation we had with the informal dog owners group organized by Wendy Moreau, the new Trail Steward at Wagon Hill!

Wendy is a Dover resident who has walked her dogs at Wagon Hill Farm for years and is willing to help with getting the word out on the negative effects of dog poop on the environment, and keep the property clean.

Credit to Brenda, Stephanie and Krista for all their help, car flyers, extra shopping bags and the munchkins! Also Darah, Bill and Amy, the real early morning crew who are the stars on a daily basis, always taking extra measures to keep things neat.

If you want to help keep our Conservation Properties clean, please contact Land Stewardship Coordinator Veronique vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

On Saturday April 18th, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM there is an opportunity to get this small but mighty nature paradise right downtown by the Mill Pond ready for the season and its numerous visitors, including wildlife!

Also, there will be an information table managed by Durham's Land Stewardship Coordinator with the support of a group of UNH graduate students working on their Sustainability Capstone Project about invasives management after the removal of the Mill Pond Dam.

There will be lots of handouts and information to share, feel free to stop by just to chat with someone. For more information, contact Veronique Ludington at vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

UNH ROTC EVENT ON MAY 1 TO INCLUDE ARMY HELICOPTER LANDING

The University of New Hampshire Army ROTC Wildcat Battalion will host its annual Commander’s Cup on Friday, May 1, 2026. This event is a cadet physical competition designed to promote teamwork, leadership, and esprit de corps.

As part of the event, an Army helicopter will conduct a scheduled landing on College Field between approximately 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM for a static display. The aircraft will remain on the ground during this time for educational and engagement purposes.

Community members may notice increased activity in the area during the event. All operations are coordinated with university officials and local authorities to ensure safety.

The international back to back sheep-to-sweater competition started 30 years ago with the aim to knit a sweater starting from sheep shearing, all in one day. All teams have to participate within a certain time frame. Teams "compete" asynchronously, that is it will be the final time to determine how well a team fares.

All teams have to choose an organization benefiting cancer research or cancer patients to send the money raised through the handmade raffle item. During the event, there will be support team members to offer some educational content to visitors, as the team spins and knits. 

Durham residents Katie Ellis and Francesca Brescianini are a part of team "Granite Web Makers." Come cheer them on as they compete April 26 in Rollinsford!

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Planned April School Closures

April 27-May 1: All Oyster River schools will be closed for April Break.

June 16: Last Day of School

The last day of school for students for the 2025-2026 school year will be June 16, 2026.

Superintendent Shaps' Climate and Culture Survey Communication

On April 15, Superintendent Shaps shared a message with the Oyster River community to address the Climate and Culture survey results shared by the teachers' Guild, and reaffirmed his commitment to students and staff, collaboration, and improving district climate. Learn more HERE.

Additional Sessions: Kindergarten Registration May 18-21, 2026

ORCSD will be offering additional kindergarten registration sessions for the 2026-2027 school year on May 18-21, 2026. Registrations for all incoming kindergarten students will be accepted in person at the SAU office (36 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824) during the sessions listed below. Our full registration packet and requirements details are available online HERE.

Daytime Registration

• Monday, May 18: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 19: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Thursday, May 21: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Evening Registration

• Wednesday, May 20: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

School News

Mast Way's New Food Forest: Where Learning Grows

Mast Way School is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new food forest in the school courtyard. This innovative project brings together real-world math skills, environmental science, and hands-on learning in one thriving outdoor classroom. Learn more HERE.

Coming Events 

Please consider supporting Oyster River students and staff by attending the following exciting events in our schools! Our full calendar of events is available online HERE.

April 17: Moharimet 4^th Grade Spring Musical (The Jungle Book)

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Auditorium at Oyster River High School.

April 22: Community Dinner

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cafeteria and Courtyard at Oyster River High School. $15 per adult or $40 per family (a family includes up to 2 adults and children living within the same household). Please RSVP by April 20.

April 22-23: Mast Way 3-4th Grade Musical (Disney's Moana Jr.)

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Auditorium at Oyster River High School.

May 5 ORMS/HS Jazz Bands and Guitar Ensemble Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

May 12: ORMS/HS Band Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

ORHS Spring Musical: Legally Blonde

Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Tickets sold at the door, cash or check only. Seniors: $7.00 | Students & Teachers: $7.00 | General Admission: $10.00

• May 14: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
• May 15: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
• May 16: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
• May 16: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

May 19: ORMS/HS Orchestra Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

The Oyster River High School Junior Class is having a Spring Flower Hanging Basket Fundraiser. The following are the hanging baskets available to order:

• Calibrachoa Mix - $30
• Wave Petunia - $30
• Ivy Geranium - $30
• New Guinea Impatiens - $30

Orders can be place by either scanning the QR code above or clicking HERE. Orders must be placed by Friday May 1st at 3pm.

Payment: Cash or Check (payable to: Oyster River High School, memo line: Class of 27 Spring Flowers) are due at pick-up.

Pick-up: Thursday May 7th from 3pm to 6pm from the ORHS Multi-Purpose Room.

Thank you for supporting the ORHS Class of 2027!