Friday Updates - April 25, 2025

Friday, April 25, 2025

A male and female wood duck couple were seen last week swimming in the Durham Point Aviary Courtesy, Bernie Casey

Happy Arbor Day! Durham celebrated the event with the planting of a beautiful new tree in Memorial Park.

Next week is Oyster River School District vacation week. See Parks & Rec. activities for the week below.

Congratulations to Oyster River Middle School for being named the 2025 Middle School of Excellence in New Hampshire by the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards (EDies)! Read more about this honor below.

CAN THE 1988 DEER MEADOW COLD CASE BE SOLVED? - A very interesting program from the Durham Historic Association this Saturday.

You won’t want to miss the cold case mystery that the Durham Historic Association will present on Saturday, April 26, at its Annual Meeting at the Durham Town Hall at 2:00 p.m. You will hear from an eyewitness how, in 1988, three bodies were discovered during construction of a septic system for a new house in the Deer Meadow subdivision. Learn what the Medical Examiner and the State’s Archaeologist initially thought about the physical remains.

With help from the current state offices of the Medical Examiner, Forensic Investigator and Archaeologist, along with UNH anthropologists and historians, the DHA hopes to solve the mystery of who these people were. Come learn what the DHA is piecing together using the latest forensic evidence, as well as information from old maps, deeds, probate inventories, and genealogies. We hope to identify these individuals and illuminate what kind of lives they lived, so they may be reburied to rest in peace.

The eggs sitting ready for last weekend's Egg Hunt! Courtesy, Todd Selig

DRUG TAKEBACK DAY IS SATURDAY, April 26

The Durham Police Department will partner with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 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!

CELEBRATE WORLD TAI CHI & QIGONG DAY IN DURHAM THIS SATURDAY AT 10:00 A.M.

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of April in hundreds of cities in over 80 nations. People gather at 10:00 am local time to practice tai chi and/or qigong, often in large scale events. The day begins with events in the earliest time zones of New Zealand and then spreads around the world ending in Hawaii.

Durham has two ongoing tai chi practice groups (Tues-Thurs/Wed-Fri) that meet weekly using space at the Durham Public Library, the Durham Parks & Rec building, and/or at Jackson's Landing.

Some members from both groups will meet this Saturday, April 26, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the community room on the third floor of the Durham Library and run through various forms of tai chi (24 Form, Stick Form, Long (108) Form, Fan, Yilu, and Sword) before concluding with a qigong exercise known as the dao yin.

Members of the public are invited to stop by to watch and learn more about tai chi. 

The Egg Hunt begins! Courtesy, Todd Selig

PLANNING BOARD UPDATES

Four Lot Re-Subdivision:

On Wednesday, the Planning Board approved a four-lot re-subdivision for a parcel of land located on Bagdad Road and Old Bagdad Road. Frank Lavalliere purchased the property recently and is renovating the 1715 historic house on the property for use as an accessory dwelling unit. 

9 Madbury Road Commercial to Apartments:

The board also approved the conversion of the fourth floor of 9 Madbury Road (at the corner of Mathes Terrace) from commercial use to apartments. 

Zoning Change for Mill Plaza:

The board recommended that the Town Council adopt a zoning change that would place Mill Plaza into its own new zoning designation, Central Business District-2 (but without any significant changes to the zoning standards at this time). 

The zoning amendment would also allow mixed-use with residential developments in the rest of the Central Business District (CBD-1) by right rather than by conditional use. The conditional use process is a challenging procedure requiring that an applicant meet eight criteria before approval. 

This change was initially proposed by the Housing Task Force in order to encourage development in the downtown.

RSA 79-E Adoption:

Monday evening the Town Council adopted a revised resolution guiding the implementation of RSA 79-E, also recommended by the Housing Task Force. This state statute allows a developer who meets certain requirements to rehabilitate an existing building or to build a new structure downtown and to have the assessed value of the property remain at the pre-development level for a certain number of years (usually five years). 

By freezing the assessment, a developer may decide to move forward with a worthwhile but risky project when they might otherwise be discouraged from doing so due the increase in taxes that would be due from the development. 

The Town Council would decide whether to approve an application under RSA 79-E as an inducement to a developer to proceed, after evaluating the prospective benefits to the public, the long-term tax revenue, the uncertainty about whether the applicant will go forward, and the loss in tax revenue in the near term. 

Durham has approved three projects under RSA 79-E in the past, but none in recent years. 

It is hoped that the new resolution will now encourage some high-quality developments to be proposed. To read more about this resolution, click HERE.

Tuesday April 22, 2025, marked the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Durham has a long legacy of conserving historic sites, scenic landscapes, farms, forests, recreational areas, wildlife habitats, wetlands and shorelines, and drinking water supplies. This tradition dates back over 100 years, beginning when Olinthus Doe left his farm on Bennett Road to the Town in his 1909 will.

This week we'd like to highlight the Milne Nature Sanctuary. This property on Mill Pond Road was given to the Town by Margery and Lorus Milne, UNH professors and authors of over 55 books on natural history, so that residents could come, not for active recreation, but to enjoy the site as a “source of serenity” and “a place to observe undisturbed nature. 

The Milne Nature Sanctuary Committee has worked tirelessly to remove invasives, establish native plants and make the Sanctuary a welcoming place for wildlife and people alike. They are now looking for local resident volunteers to join them in their efforts, even an hour of your time can make a difference. 

For more information, please email the Town's land Stewardship Coordinator Veronique Ludington vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

A local woodchuck checking to see if it is safe to come out from its home. Courtesy, Carol Birch

Did You Know?  April is Earth Month!

As part of Earth Month, we will continue to answer your most frequently asked questions about recycling.

What do I do with envelopes that have plastic windows? 

These envelopes are recyclable. You do not have to remove the plastic window before putting them in the recycling bin.

What do I do with my junk mail?

Junk mail is recyclable. Please remove free staples and any plastic credit cards inside. 

You can opt out of receiving catalogs, coupons and credit card solicitations. Sign up at www.catalogchoice.org.

Can I recycle shredded paper?

Shredded paper cannot be recycled and must go in your garbage bin, unless you choose to use it in other ways (see the link below).

Why can’t I recycle my shredded paper?

Once shredded paper arrives at the recycling center, it either ends up floating all over the place like confetti or, if it gets wet, it turns into pulp. Either way it isn’t captured for recycling. 

What are other options for shredded paper?

There are often local shredding events to which you can take your paper (Bank of New Hampshire often offers these events each year, for example). There are also many options to repurpose your shredded paper. Check out the link HERE to learn more.

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: https://recyclesmartma.org/

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

JOIN SCOUT TROOP #154 FOR "TRASH THE TRASH DAY"

On Saturday, May 3, Durham's Scout Troop #154 is sponsoring a community clean-up day for the town's center. Bring the whole family and help clean up Durham's downtown from any trash or debris left over from the winter.

Meet at 10:00 a.m. on the 3rd in the bottom parking lot of the Community Church of Durham. This is an outside event, rain or shine, so dress accordingly and bring your own water bottles.

For more information on Facebook, click HERE.

Protect the community’s outdoor playgrounds for yourself, your pooch, and the environment. 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 out 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.

On Thursday, April 17th, Harrison Spalthoff and Billy Hanley of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity donated a basket of fidgets to Durham Fire Department.

These fidgets will be placed on emergency apparatus for interactions with individuals who may be experiencing feelings of anxiety or boredom. 

Pi Kappa Phi also plans on volunteering at the upcoming Special Olympics on June 7th at UNH.

NH POLICE CADET TRAINING ACADEMY TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS JUNE SESSION

The New Hampshire Police Cadet Training Academy is an excellent opportunity for young adults 14-20 years old to learn more about law enforcement while working to strengthen attributes such as self-discipline, motivation, pride, and confidence. This is a week-long, overnight academy where cadets will participate in physical fitness each morning, and attend classes taught by law enforcement officers from around the state.

The academy is broken down into three distinct phases beginning with the Basic first year class, an Advanced second year class, and finally the Leadership course in the third year should a cadet choose to be ambitious enough to complete all three. The academy is modeled on the full-time police academy that New Hampshire Police Officers must complete to obtain their certifications, however, the lessons learned go well beyond a law enforcement specific curriculum. This year, the NH Police Cadet Training Academy will be held from June 21-27, in Concord, NH. Interested candidates can go to www.nhpcta.org for more information.

Spring daffodils Courtesy, Farzaneh Farhoodi

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - If applicants don't have all required certifications, DPW may be able to work with them to ensure they obtain such within a reasonable time frame.

Buildings and Grounds Division – Maintenance Laborer

This position involves using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance, construction, and operations of Town-owned buildings, parks, public lands, and related equipment to ensure the proper upkeep and functionality of the Town’s municipal services. The position performs laboring tasks and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor and Operations Manager in this versatile and exciting role.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the maintenance of grounds and building systems. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement and possess a Category B Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or have the ability to obtain it within 1 year of hire. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on April 25th, 2025.  

Solid Waste Division Supervisor

The successful candidate will undertake meaningful and challenging work involving the management of the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center and the Town’s Curbside Collection Program to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals while protecting public health. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.

This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. The salary range for this position is from $26.90 to $33.97/HR, depending upon qualifications. Normal work hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 07:00 AM – 03:30 PM.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (2) years of experience in municipal solid waste operations and in the operation of commercial vehicles and related equipment. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. The successful candidate will also possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License This position requires strenuous physical work, emergency response on a 24/7 basis for winter storm events, and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on May 5th, 2025.  

Part-Time Seasonal Laborers

The successful candidates will assist the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance.

The salary for these part-time, seasonal positions is $16-18/hr, depending upon qualifications. These 40-hour/week positions run from May-August and normal work hours are 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday.

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawnmowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers is desired.

Please submit applications to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on May 17th, 2025.    

Highway Division – Heavy Equipment Operator

The position performs laboring tasks when not assigned to equipment operation and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, Assistant Public Works Director, and Public Works Director in this versatile and exciting role.

This full-time, 40-hour-per-week position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. The salary range for this position is from $25.09 to $28.59/HR, depending upon qualifications.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the safe operation of equipment used in road and utility construction and maintenance in addition to heavy equipment operation and maintenance procedures. Preference will be given to applicants with excavator experience. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on May 20th, 2025.   

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers (ORPP) will turn 25 this fall and we are planning some events to celebrate the rich and meaningful experiences and connections that have formed between parents and children over the past two and a half decades.

If you were a part of this organization either recently or way back in the early days and you want to hear about and/or help with planning any of the events of the 25 Year Celebration of ORPP, please use this link HERE to opt in so we can stay in touch. Please pass the link on to any friends or neighbors who have been involved with ORPP over the years. We are looking forward to having the chance to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the ORPP community past and present!

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Planned April School Closures

April 28 - May 2 - All Oyster River schools will be closed for April Break.

SAU Office Closed April 25 and May 2

The SAU office (36 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824) will be closed to the public on April 25 and May 2, 2025.

June 18: Last Day of School

On April 16, the ORCSD School Board determined that the last day of the 2024-2025 school year will be June 18, 2025. June 18 will be a full day of school, and students will be dismissed at their usual time.

ORMS Named 2025 Middle School of the Year

On April 21, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) was named the 2025 Middle School of Excellence in New Hampshire by the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards (EDies). ORMS was selected for its competency-based curriculum and assessment system, intentional integration of student voice and agency, its inclusive, welcoming climate and student-centered model, its forward-thinking design, and sustainability achievements. Additional information and photos can be found HERE.

ORCSD Transportation Celebrates Bus Drivers

On April 22, the ORCSD Transportation team and administration celebrated National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. The team read the 150 compliments received from students, parents, guardians, staff, and administrators. If you would like to join our amazing team of drivers, you may apply HERE. Learn more about the celebration HERE.

ORHS Students Visit the Wright Museum of World War II

When Mr. Cangello’s Social Studies classes left school for a field trip to the Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro in October 2024, they were looking forward to enhancing their understanding of an in-class unit exploring U.S. History and the Cold War in the 1960s. The museum staff were filming a video that day, which they just recently released, and were pleased to include their vibrant energy in the production. Learn more HERE.

May 6 & 27 Strategic Planning Sessions

Superintendent Shaps invites the Oyster River community to join him at Oyster River Middle School on May 6 and May 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., for two Strategic Planning Sessions. This is an opportunity for Oyster River community members to contribute to ORCSD’s next 5-year strategic plan. During these two identical sessions, Dr. Shaps will guide participants through the World Café protocol, a collaborative and interactive approach to group discussions designed to share ideas and generate collective insights. Please let us know if you plan to attend by completing this form HERE so we can accommodate everyone.

May 13 ORHS Ensemble Concert

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

May 16-18 ORHS Spring Musical: MAMMA MIA!

Four performances in the Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Tickets sold at the door: $7 for students and $10 for adults, cash only please. 

• May 16: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• May 17: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
• May 17: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• May 18: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

May 20 ORMS Spring Orchestra Concert

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

May 29 Mast Way Art Show

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Mast Way School (23 Mast Rd, Lee, NH 03861).

May 30 Mast Way Mayfair

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Mast Way School (23 Mast Rd, Lee, NH 03861).

May 30 Coffee House

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Multipurpose room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Coffee House celebrates the quarterly launch of award-winning student publication Mouth of the River. The $5 admission can be purchased at the door and is one of MOR's primary fundraising sources. Food and drink are included with admission.

Some gnomes have been spotted living in the hollow of a tree! Courtesy, Farzaneh Farhoodi

CELEBRATE UNH THEATRE & DANCE 101st ANNIVERSARY ON APRIL 26!

For over a century, the University of New Hampshire’s Theatre & Dance Department has educated and graduated generations of artists. This year, on our 101st Anniversary, we are celebrating the incredible students, alumni, artists, and educators that have sustained Theatre & Dance as a pillar of excellence at UNH.

Enjoy a spectacular evening of performances and celebration honoring the history of UNH Theatre & Dance. Alumni spanning nearly six decades are invited to take part in this milestone anniversary.

5 pm: Pre-Reception with refreshments, UNH Museum of Art 

7 pm: Live Performance, Johnson Theater  

Pre-Reception & Performance Ticket: $50.00 (limited capacity)

Performance Only: $25.00

Can't make it to the show? Livestream from your home: $10.00

To register your attendance and for more information, click HERE.

The 101st UNH Theatre & Dance Anniversary Celebration is underwritten in fond memory of Gary Russell O’Neal ’73 by his loving sister.