Friday Updates - December 5, 2025

Friday, December 5, 2025

A frosty morning at Oyster River Forest Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

Tis the season for concerts, craft fairs and outdoor fun! Check out all that Durham has to offer this holiday season in this week's Friday Updates!

Admin. Selig has provided the Town Council with the proposed FY 2026 budget on Oct. 31st, as required by the Town Charter. The package covered all operating funds—General, Water, Sewer, Library, Parking, Depot Road Lot, Churchill Rink, and Downtown TIF—as well as a ten-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that includes the Capital Fund budget for FY 2026.

The proposal reflected a careful balance between limited resources and funding priorities. The budget lines up wherever possible with Council goals while maintaining the service levels our community expects, as well as adapting to evolving needs. As with communities across the country, we continue to manage rising public sector wage demands, inflation, increased healthcare and energy costs, and a particularly stagnant local tax base due to lack of new construction. This has led to a “status quo” approach that aims to keep Town operations running efficiently and reliably.

Departments started the process by submitting responsible, lean budgets over the summer. The Business Manager and Admin. Selig reviewed each line, working to ensure that every request was justified and reflected the real needs of our boards, committees, commissions, departments and partner organizations. The approach focused on cutting waste, seeking new efficiencies/innovations where possible, and aligning spending with Town Council goals. This allows Council members the flexibility to prioritize big-picture issues affecting Durham.

At the time of submittal, this year’s 2025 property revaluation statistical update was still underway. With the information in hand, the budget assumed a modest increase for tax year 2026 (note, we’re currently in tax year 2025)—about 0.5% or $9.5 million—in assessed values using last year’s (2024) data. 

Without future growth in the tax base, new operating efficiencies, or significant non-property tax revenue, Mr. Selig again emphasized it will become increasingly difficult to keep the tax rate growing at or below inflation without service reductions. This reality is reflected in the FY 2026 proposal.

On the revenue side, Durham is facing a projected drop in non-tax General Fund revenues by $1.2 million, or about 10%. The Council used $442,000 from reserves last year to artificially soften the tax impact for 2025, but this is not sustainable and consequently isn’t included in the FY 2026 plan. Two major one-time projects—the Bickford/Chesley House restoration and Madbury Road Complete Streets—were also paid from fund balance last year, so those funds will not recur in 2026. Overall, revenues are also impacted by reduced state and federal support, though there is a projected $84,000 increase through a new year-round downtown parking pass program for local renters (converting the use of around 70 spaces at 66 Main St. and on Dennison Rd. for rentals ideally targeted for workforce renters who seek to live downtown but require parking for their vehicle in order to do so).

Durham continues to receive annual compensation from UNH for policing services (about $150,000) and partial coverage of costs related to Main Street upkeep. UNH also funds 50% of Fire Department operations and capital needs, and a significant share (around two-thirds) of water and wastewater projects, as outlined in our longstanding partnership agreements. 

Abatement costs are a concern in the coming year, with reserves set to cover cases from recent litigation and property appeals. The contingency fund was increased by Admin. Selig from $50,000 to $100,000, though this remains well below historical norms and represents less than one-half of one percent of the total budget — not much margin for error.

Personnel costs remain our largest expense—about 62.7% of all spending. Including debt service and required expenditures, fixed costs make up over 75% of the total budget.

For FY 2026, the proposed General Fund budget is $22,449,335, down $282,566 (1.24%) from last year. However, if you back out last year’s use of unassigned fund balance, actual spending increases by about $1.89 million (9.2%). Key budget drivers include $837,000 in anticipated personnel costs (with three union contracts up at year end and still in negotiation), $807,000 more for debt service, and the absence of last year’s supplemental fund balance contribution totaling $442,000. The budget also reflects a 3% COLA for non-union personnel, an increase in health insurance, adjustments for energy and materials costs, and the usual mix of departmental requests.

The Consumer Price Index for our region (Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH) went up 3.2% from August '24 to August '25.

Based on these factors, the municipal portion of the tax rate for 2026 (which had not yet been established at the time of budget submittal) was projected to rise by $1.07 (using 2024 tax rate data) — an increase from $5.95 to $7.02 per thousand dollars of assessed value, or 18.02%. For a $500,000 home, that would mean about $535 more per year. More information on tax rate trends was included in the complete proposal provided to the Council.

With a few exceptions, the proposal as submitted on Oct. 31st was a status quo operational budget:

• The Code/Zoning Officer and DCAT Coordinator positions are reduced to part-time (saving $46,000 and $54,000 respectively).
• The Land Stewardship Coordinator moves to full-time (35 hours/week) as of April 1, 2026 ($26,000 increase).
• A new part-time (24 hours/week) CALEA Coordinator is added to the Police Department starting in July 2026 ($17,000 increase).
• Outsourcing of solid waste curbside collection is proposed as of July 2026, with a preliminary cost increase of $70,000 (still under review at time of submittal on Oct. 31). 

The proposed ten-year Capital Improvement Plan (FY 2026-2035) was also made available for review. Mr. Selig recommended reviewing the implications of projects, especially those impacting the 2028 budget year, where future significant increases were projected due to capital expenses.

 Additional highlights:

• The Water Fund will require a 3% increase in user fees ($11.25 per hundred cubic feet).
• The Sewer Fund reflects a 4% increase in user fees ($11.08 per hundred cubic feet).

All details are available in the FY 2026 budget book, the 2026-2035 CIP, and a supplemental information booklet—each available online or in hard copy at Town Hall and the Durham Public Library. These documents can be found on the Town’s web site HERE.

So, what has happened since budget submittal on Oct. 31 and the public hearing on the budget which took place on November 17th? 

At Monday’s Town Council meeting, Dec. 1st, the board discussed and voted on numerous changes to the proposed budget (see below), which when combined with several post-budget submittal initiatives brought forward collectively by Councilors and staff, ultimately reduced proposed spending by $199,215 and increased revenues by approximately $66,880. This has reduced the estimated increase in the municipal portion of the tax rate to 16.6%, or an increase from $5.12 to $5.97 (an 85 cent increase) based on the new just completed 2025 revaluation assessments. Those taxpayers whose new 2025 valuation is up over around 20% will see a higher rate of increase, and those whose valuation increase for 2025 is below that will see a lower rate of increase. The Town portion of the tax rate makes up around 27% of the full Town tax rate. See next item for comparison of tax rate by Town/Local School/State School/County. 

To watch Monday’s Council meeting on DCAT On Demand, click HERE. 

12.1.25 Town Council Mtg. Budget votes/changes:

• Reduce Council Contingency from $100,000 to $50,000. Passed 7-0
• Amended CIP to keep Madbury Road Part 5 in 2026 and bond only 20% or $364,000 as Durham’s local match with the residual coming from state grant funds with total project cost of $1,820,000. If Durham doesn't receive state grant funds, the project will not go forward. Passed 7-0
• Approved list of numerous additions/suggestions in spreadsheet circulated by Admin. Selig dated 10/31/25totaling $74,500 in additional revenue and $124,715 in spending reductions, for a combined impact of $199,215. Passed 7-0
• Woodridge Courts. Remove $100,000 from CIP in 2026 and postpone to 2027 and instead put $5,000 in budget for crack filling of large 1” crack. This will postpone the larger project by one to two years. Passed 7-0
• No further change on OT Fire Suppression after discussion. (See next item)
• Proposal to reduce OT by an additional $15,000 in Suppression OT. Reduce OT Fire Suppression to 460k. Passed 6-2. Suggested this instead of training reduction originally contemplated.
• Proposal reducing Land Stewardship Coordinator position to part-time/status quo for a budget of $47,000. Fails 2-6
• Reduce police education and training by another $4,000 to $40,000. Passed 8-0
• Remove partial allocation for the police dog to $2,500. If DPD believes the program has merit, must find the money in that budget. Maybe solicit/receive private donations. Passed 5-3. Remove $5,000 from Moderator budget for the voting booths. Passed 6-2.
• Remove $1,000 from staff dev. professional line in Parks & Rec. Passed 5-3.
• Fire Dept. remodeling reduced from $500,000 to $400,000. Passed 5-3.
• Reduce Historic district commission budget by $2,000. Passed 7-1.
• Cut $200,000 from DPW budget from road resurfacing program. Failed 0-8.
• Reduce non-union wage allocation for increases to 2.5% - Failed 0-8.
• Reduce the part-time role in planning dept. by $18,300. Failed 2-6.
• Reduce the part-time hours in the planning dept. to $9,150. Failed 4-4.
• Motion to reduce overlay allocation Failed 0-8.
• Motion to remove CALEA assistant from budget entirely to potentially revisit later this year. Not seconded. Failed.

The Town Council will continue budget deliberations on Monday evening, December 8th, at the next budget work session at 7 PM in the Town Council chambers at the Town Hall. Residents can always provide input to the Council by writing to council@ci.durham.nh.us

Durham has received the finalized 2025 tax rate from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. The new combined full rate (Town, County, State School and Local School) for 2025 is $18.87, a decrease of $1.46 (or 7.18%) compared to the 2024 tax rate of $20.33. The overall decrease is due to the increased valuation (appreciation) of the Town as part of the statistical revaluation update that was just completed for 2025, offset by changes in spending patterns at the Town, School, and County governmental entities. Because Durham remains a highly desirable community in which to live, residential prices have continued to increase significantly. To see the breakdown of the tax rate, click HERE.

Each of the levels of government, Durham Town Council, ORCSD School Board, and Strafford County Commissioners work diligently to keep spending to a minimum while still endeavoring to meet the ever-changing demands of the community. In the end, three factors impact the tax rate: Spending (intended to meet goals/community programming expectations), revenue (user fees, grants, motor vehicle registrations, program fees, permits, etc.) and assessed valuation. 

PROPERTY TAX BILLS DUE JANUARY 12, 2026

Durham’s next property tax billing has been processed, and property owners can expect to receive their tax bills no later than December 12, 2025. Payments will be due on January 12, 2026. 

If you plan to deduct your property taxes on your 2025 federal income taxes, you are advised to make your payment before December 30, 2025.

The Clerk–Collector’s Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on Wednesdays, as well as on December 25, December 26, and January 1 for the holidays.

Payments may be made online (fees apply), in person, or by mail. The Town of Durham accepts check, cash, or debit/ credit cards (fees apply for any card). A 24-hour drop box is also available for your convenience (please note: no cash may be left in the drop box).

For more information, please visit: www.ci.durham.nh.us/clerk

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY PARKING CHEER - Enjoy extra free time while you shop local!

Consistent with past years, the Town of Durham will once again relax enforcement in our downtown short-term parking areas for the upcoming holiday season from December 15, 2025 through January 10, 2026 (Bobcat Corner Lot; Main Street in front of the businesses; Jenkins Court; and Madbury Road from Main Street to Pettee Brook Lane).

In these areas, where parking is normally 1 hour free and the 2nd hour is $1.00, time limits will be suspended to support shoppers and downtown businesses during the holidays.

All long-term pay stations will remain operational and enforced (Depot Road Lot, Garrison Avenue, Madbury Road from Pettee Brook Lane to Garrison Avenue, Pettee Brook Lane, the Metered Lot, and Main Street in front of the President’s House and Huddleston Hall).

ADA/handicap spaces, fire lanes and hydrants, loading zones, and 15-minute spaces downtown will continue to be strictly enforced for everyone’s safety and accessibility.

Seacoast Area Firefighters, including members of the Durham Professional Firefighters Association (DPFFA), are busy preparing for the collection of toys and donations to be distributed to families in need.  

To submit a request for assistance, click HERE for the online application or contact the fire station at (603) 862-1426 and one of our elves will get back to you!  Application due date will be Friday, December 19, 2025. Toy pickup will be December 17-23, 2025, at the Durham Fire Station, 51 College Rd Durham NH 03824.

We are thankful to partner with Hannaford, M&T Bank, Service Credit Union, Durham Public Library, Durham Police Department, and Durham Town Hall for hosting drop-off locations. Toys can also be dropped off at the Durham Fire Station.  Final toy collection will be the weekend of December 20-21, 2025.  

Please click HERE for further information on the Seacoast Area Firefighters Toy Bank. Donations from the local drive will be distributed to under-resourced families in the Oyster River School District with any remaining donations being sent to other communities that need assistance. 

For further questions contact:

Rob Rosselli, Firefighter/AEMT

Phone: 603 862 1426

Email: robert.rosselli@unh.edu

Registration Fee Changes by Vehicle Weight

• 0–3,000 lbs: $31.20 → $42.00 per year ($2.60 → $3.50 per month)
• 3,001–5,000 lbs: $43.20 → $48.00 per year ($3.60 → $4.00 per month)
• 5,001–8,000 lbs: $55.20 → $66.00 per year ($4.60 → $5.50 per month)

For a complete list of all affected fees, please check the NH DMV official website at https://www.dmv.nh.gov/

We appreciate your attention to this update and wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

POSITIONS OPEN FOR MARCH 10, 2026, TOWN ELECTION - Filing period begins Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The 2025 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Oyster River High School, Multipurpose Room, Coe Drive, Durham, N.H. The polling hours are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Candidates interested in running for Town office should file their declaration at the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office starting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 8:00 am, through Friday, January 30, 2026, until 5:00 pm.

• Three positions for Town Councilor (3-year term)
• One position for Town Councilor (2-year term)
• Two positions for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (3-year terms)
• One position for Moderator (2-year term)
• One position for Supervisor of the Checklist (6-year term)
• One position for Town Clerk/Tax Collector (3-year term)
• One position for Town Treasurer (3-year term)
• One position for Trustee of the Trust Fund (3-year term) 

The Planning Board approved Riverwoods Phase II at its meeting on November 12. The project, depicted in the orange buildings in the image above, includes two new buildings with 55 independent living senior units, a community center, and a maintenance garage. 

Developing the 22.6-acre parcel on the northeasterly side of Stone Quarry Drive was challenging due to the extensive wetlands (shown in dark green) on the site. The design threads the buildings, parking lots, and other components carefully amidst the wetlands to minimize impact. No wetlands will be directly impacted, but a conditional use and a variance were needed for some limited construction within the 75-foot buffer. 

Congratulations to Riverwoods and their development team (engineer Erik Saari and attorney Chris Boldt) for what will be a fine addition to the Durham community!

HOUSING TASK FORCE HONORED WITH THE 2025 MUNICIPAL LEADERSHIP AWARD FROM SEACOAST WORKFORCE HOUSING COALITION

We are pleased to announce that the Town of Durham and the Durham Housing Task Force have been selected to receive the 2025 Municipal Leadership Award from the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast. In an email to the task force, Emmy Ham, Executive Director of the Housing Coalition, said that Durham was selected for its, “…exceptional efforts to address housing diversity, supply, and affordability at the local level. The award is given every year to a community that has done any or all of the following: 

• Taken advantage of available resources, including, but not limited to, a workforce housing design charrette or municipal technical assistance grant;  
• Completed or initiated the process of completing an effective workforce housing ordinance or worked toward adopting zoning ordinance amendments;   
• Embraced the critical role of community engagement and education as part of their efforts; or   
• Demonstrated an interest in working with the Coalition or other entity as a partner.

…Congratulations and thank you so much for your work over the course of the year. We are grateful for municipal leaders like you and look forward to celebrating your accomplishments in December!”

We are pleased to note that the Durham Housing Task Force has performed all of those activities (except for conducting a charrette) over the past few years, notably helping to craft the Town’s Attainable Housing Ordinance, overseeing extensive outreach to the community, and developing significant proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance to expand housing opportunities (This amendment will be reviewed by the Planning Board in the coming months as time allows).

Recognizing that the task force has fulfilled, or made meaningful strides in addressing, the goals in its charter, the Town Council sunsetted the Task Force in October. A lot of information pertaining to housing in general and the work of the Task Force is included on its webpage HERE.

The members of the former Task Force included Sally Tobias as Chair, Heather Grant, Al Howland, Michael Mulhern, Eileen Murphy, Paul Rasmussen, and Judith Spang. Mimi Kell and Emmy Ham served as advisors. The award will be given to the Task Force at the Housing Coalition’s annual celebration and awards night on Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 pm at the Brook Casino in Seabrook.

Foss Farm forest under a blanket of snow Courtesy, Lori Mendelsohn

TOWN COUNCIL HEARS RESULTS OF COMPOST CHALLENGE AT THEIR DECEMBER 1 MEETING

Last fall several UNH students who are interested in sustainability teamed up with Durham's Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) to offer a Compost Challenge to Town Councilors and Town Employees. The Challenge occurred between October 4 and November 15.

At the Town Council meeting of December 1, the UNH students presented their findings from the Challenge. You can download a copy of their presentation HERE, or you can watch the presentation from the meeting recording HERE by choosing 11C in the listing of items to the right.

SWAP SHOP CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Due to the arrival of snow on Tuesday, December 2nd, the Swap Shop has closed for the rest of the season. They plan to reopen in early April.

Swap Shop volunteers have stored books, games, office supplies, and some of the sports equipment in bins for the winter. Most other items have been taken to Savers, the Goodwill, or other locations.

Thank you for your support this year! It's been wonderful to see so many items stay out of the landfill and find new homes this year. If you have items that need a new home before April check this link HERE on the Durham Town website for additional locations. 

Many of us will be giving holiday gifts this season. When choosing how to wrap your gifts, it’s important to know that most gift wrap is not recyclable. This is because it is laminated with a plastic coating, has a metallic or glittery finish, or is made with non-paper additives that contaminate the recycling process. These materials are difficult for recycling facilities to separate from paper fibers, causing entire batches of recyclables to be sent to the landfill. 

If you wish to choose more sustainable gift wrap options, please consider the following:

❄️Choose brown Kraft paper instead of wrapping paper.  Brown Kraft paper can be recycled.

❄️Save and reuse any wrapping paper you receive that is in good condition.

❄️Consider using gift bags that can be used again and again.

❄️Instead of purchasing colored tissue paper for gifting, stick to white or brown (without glitter, etc.). White and brown tissue paper (only) can be composted. Colored tissue paper that cannot be reused must be thrown in the trash and cannot be recycled or composted.

❄️Save ribbons and bows to use on future gifts. The materials used for ribbons and bows are often considered "tanglers" that can get caught in recycling machinery. Place ribbons and bows in the trash unless you are able to reuse them.

Sources: Oregon Environmental Council, Recycle Smart 

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

Durham's Land Stewardship Coordinator concluded the field visits for the annual monitoring of conservation easements just in time - right before the snowfall! Cold frosty mornings in the field are so peaceful and beautiful. 

What is a Conservation Easement? A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement between a landowner (the Grantor) and an eligible conservation organization or agency (the Grantee) that permanently restricts future development of a property.

The Town of Durham owns several Conservation Easements, including Merrick and Powder Major’s Forest.  Find out more HERE. 

THANK YOU TO THE HERON BROOK FUND FOR THEIR DONATION TO THE BICKFORD-CHESLEY GALLERY

The Bickford-Chesley House Advisory Committee wishes to thank the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation's Heron Brook Fund for the donation of $3,000 towards the Bickford-Chesley House Gallery at Wagon Hill Farm.

The Advisory Committee appreciates the partnership and commitment behind this generous donation!

The Hannaford in Durham has selected Growing Places childcare in Lee to benefit from the Community Bag Program throughout the month of December. The Hannaford Community Bag Program makes it easy for shoppers to contribute to their local communities.

Every time a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Hannaford located at 7 Mill Road in Durham in December, $1 will be donated to Growing Places. This is a great way to broaden awareness of the mission of Growing Places and help their cause.

Share the news with friends and family. The more people who purchase a Community Bag in December, the greater the donation received from Hannaford!

For more information about this program, please click HERE. To learn more about Growing Places, please click HERE.

Chief Rene Kelley and the Durham Police Department are thrilled to announce that Detective Emily Bolton has been selected as this year’s Strafford County Child Advocacy Center “Everyday Hero!”

Each year, at the Hands of Hope celebration, Child Advocacy Centers from each New Hampshire county name one special member of their multidisciplinary team — someone who goes above and beyond, embodies leadership, kindness, ingenuity, and shows up for the children in our community every day. 

In her role, Detective Bolton has worked tirelessly alongside multidisciplinary team partners to ensure that children who come through the doors of the police station and Child Advocacy Center are met with care, respect, and a truly survivor-centered response.

Her dedication reflects the heart of CAC’s mission: promoting justice, hope, and healing for child victims. Detective Bolton has not only been a fierce advocate in investigations, but also a gentle champion for families navigating the trauma of abuse.

Please join us in celebrating Detective Bolton’s remarkable contributions and in thanking her for being a true champion for children. Her work exemplifies the very spirit and the impact of collaborative child advocacy efforts.

Detective Bolton will be honored alongside the other winners of this award in April at the Grappone Center in Concord. Congratulations Detective Bolton!

Officer Chloe Scott spent the day back in UNH Professor Kirk Trombley’s Intro to Justice Studies class—a course she once took as a UNH student!

She walked students through real-life scenarios covering the 4th and 5th Amendments, including post-arrest searches, frisks, and consensual searches. She even “arrested” Professor Trombley (strictly for demonstration purposes)!

Officer Scott also talked about Miranda Rights, demonstrated an interrogation, and reviewed open-container violations and their penalties.

Students wrapped up the session with a Q&A, where Officer Scott shared what it’s really like to serve as an officer here in Durham.

DURHAM DEMS DECEMBER MEETING - Understanding Changes to New Hampshire Election Laws

The Durham Democratic Committee (Durham Dems) will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Durham Public Library. This meeting will focus on recent changes to New Hampshire’s election laws and what they mean for voters ahead of the 2026 elections.

Durham Election officials will offer an overview of the new requirements. This will be followed by presentations on statewide and local efforts to support voter education and engagement. 

You do not need to be a registered Democrat to participate, and residents of neighboring communities are welcome.  

Your Durham neighbors Nancy and Ernst Linder and Chris Chance invite you to join us to Rock Your Soul this holiday season.

Enjoy spirit-lifting music while supporting our message of multicultural celebration, and ongoing outreach to people in need of spiritual uplift in nursing home and jail settings around the region. 

To purchase tickets, click on the QR Code above or go HERE.

DARLA WINTER LIGHT CELEBRATION THIS SUNDAY AT 4:00 P.M.

The Dover Area Religious Leaders Association (DARLA), working to bring people of diverse backgrounds together to support spiritual connection and social justice, invite anyone interested to a unique Winter Light Celebration hosted at Durham’s Unitarian Universalist Fellowship this Sunday, December 7, starting at 4:00 p.m.

The DARLA Winter Light Celebration is a meditative service with poetry, music, and space for prayer and sharing on the topic of moving through darkness to light, sadness to joy. All are welcome!

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Planned November School Closures: December 24-January 2: All Oyster River schools will be closed for Winter Break. The SAU office will be closed on December 25-26 and January 1-2.

Inclement Weather Information

On December 2, ORCSD experienced its first snow day of the 2025-2026 school year. Learn more about the district's inclement weather protocol and the difference between a snow day, a delayed start, and remote learning HERE.

School News

Giant Whale Brings Ocean Learning to Life

On November 25, Mast Way students experienced an unforgettable up-close encounter with marine life when the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation brought their remarkable 65-foot inflatable whale, Ladder, to campus. Learn more HERE.

ORMS Science Fridays

Science Fridays is a lecture series for Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) students offered in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire (UNH). On select Fridays during advisory, interested students gather in the Morse Recital Hall to hear UNH researchers discuss their work in the community and beyond. Learn more HERE.

ORCSD Schools' Health Offices Share Resources for Families

Oyster River families in need of assistance can contact their school nurse or counselor for confidential support. The resources listed by each school can help families locate food pantries, community programs, and essential services, just click on the school link below.

• Mast Way School
• Moharimet School
• Oyster River Middle School
• Oyster River High School

Coming Events

The following events are free and open to the public.

• December 8, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: ORHS Blood Drive - Multipurpose Room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).
• December 9, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: ORMS/ORHS Orchestra Concert - Grades 6-12. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Snow date: December 12.
• December 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Mast Way 3rd Grade Concert - Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).
• December 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Moharimet 4th Grade Winter Concert - Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).
• December 13, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: ORMS Robotics Competition - Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Snow date: December 14.
• December 16, 6:00-8:30 p.m.: ORMS/ORHS Band Concert - Grades 6-12. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Snow date: December 19.
• December 18, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: ORMS/ORHS Chorus Concert - Grades 6-12. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Snow date: December 19.

SPRING ORYA LACROSSE REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN - NOW UNTIL JANUARY 1st! 

Please register early — this is important because there will be brand-new uniforms ordered for 2026. Uniform ordering information will be sent out to families shortly AFTER registration closes. Sign up, secure your spot and help us plan for teams, coaches, and uniforms. Click HERE to Register.

ORYA Lacrosse is proud to offer a community-based program for players ages 4–14. Kids can join at any age, and no prior lacrosse experience is required. Whether your child is trying lacrosse for the first time, or returning for another great season, this is the perfect opportunity to be part of a fast-paced, confidence-building, and incredibly fun sport. Lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country, and we love welcoming both new and seasoned players to our program.

If your child wants to try lacrosse before registering, there will be a FREE clinic on December 6th—a perfect chance to check it out! 

Where: Oyster River Middle School Gym

When: Saturday, December 6th 

1:45-2:45pm 7U players (pre and K)

2:45-3pm New Lax parents Q&A session

3-4pm 8/10U players (1st to 4th grade)

4-5:15pm 12/14U players (5th thru 8th grade)

Want to stay updated on all our fun upcoming events? Be sure to follow on Facebook HERE.

Looking forward to another fantastic spring on the field with our Oyster River athletes!