Friday Updates - February 27, 2026

Friday, February 27, 2026

Oyster River Park after a recent snowstorm Courtesy, Carol Birch

March is finally here! Let's hope spring is not far behind!

TAX TIME REMINDER FOR DURHAM RESIDENTS

As you prepare your federal income tax forms, a quick reminder that much of the information commonly requested by tax preparers is already available online or in your personal records.

• Property tax bills can be found on the Town of Durham’s website HERE.
• Motor vehicle registration fees paid during the year are listed directly on your registration—look in the bottom right-hand corner.
• Utility billing information is also available online HERE.

To help us best serve the community, we kindly ask residents to avoid calling or emailing the Town Clerk’s Office to request copies of documents that are already available online or in your possession. With limited staff and resources, your cooperation allows us to focus on essential services for all residents.

Thank you for your understanding, and best wishes for a smooth tax season!

HEAR, HERE!? - Do you need audio assistance at Town meetings?

Are you or someone you know in need of audio assistance while attending Durham Town meetings (including Council, boards, commissions, etc.)? The Durham Human Rights Commission has created a short survey for those who may struggle with hearing during town meetings. The results from the survey will help the town better serve those that need hearing assistance. To participate in this survey, click HERE. Answers are confidential.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR MARCH 10 ELECTION

Absentee ballots are now available for the March 10, 2026, Town and School Election.

Important Information

Absentee voting is only available to voters who are unable to vote in person on Election Day. State of New Hampshire law does not allow early voting or no-excuse mail-in voting.

Election Day Details

• Date: March 10, 2026
• Time: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Oyster River High School-Multipurpose Room

Voters who are able are strongly encouraged to vote in person on Election Day. A photo ID or notarized application is now required to vote by absentee ballot.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

To receive an absentee ballot, you must complete an application and submit it to the Durham Town Clerk’s Office no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 9, 2026.

For eligibility requirements and application details, click HERE.

Please contact the Durham Town Clerk’s Office for more information at: 603-868-5577.

REGISTER TO VOTE BEFORE THE MARCH 10 TOWN ELECTION

The Town/School Election will be held on Tuesday March 10 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the ORCSD High School. If you are not yet registered to vote, you may do so at the session of the Supervisors of the Checklist on

Saturday - February 28 - 5:00 – 5:30 PM in the Town Hall

You also may register at the Town Clerk’s office whenever they are open up until that date. Registration will then be closed until Election Day in order to prepare the Checklist. You will be able to register, change your local address, and/or change your party at any of the above times as well as at the March 10 election.

If you are unsure about whether you are registered or in which party, you should be able to check that HERE, as long as you registered before February 9. Now is a good time to check this. June 2 is the last day to change party, and you can easily do that at the Town Election.

Applicants for registration must bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by March 10), U.S. citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Affidavits are no longer accepted. The list of proofs currently accepted, especially for domicile, is rather complicated. A NH Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s License with your local address is the easiest thing to bring for identification, age, and proof of domicile in Durham. However, it does not prove citizenship, even if it is a Real ID, so you must bring another document for that.  Passport, birth certificate with your current name, or naturalization papers are the best proofs for citizenship. However, if you have voted before in New Hampshire, that will suffice as long as your name can be found on the Statewide Voter Checklist. If you are unsure of what paperwork is necessary and what will be accepted, please call the Clerk’s office at 603-868-5577 or check the Secretary of State’s website HERE and click on the link ‘Registering to Vote in New Hampshire.’ Laws change frequently.

Many traditional tea bags contain plastic and do not break down, causing long-term pollution in soil and waterways.

Why is there plastic in tea bags?

Plastics can frequently be found inside the paper filter bags and/or in the glue used to heat seal the tea bags. When steeped, these bags release significant amounts of microplastics per cup. 

What are my sustainable options?

List of 100% plastic-free teabags

The following tea brands do not use any plastic in manufacturing their tea bags and closing them together. These are examples of teabags that can be commercially composted.

• Bromley
• Equal Exchange
• Hampstead Tea
• Pukka Herbs
• Stash Tea
• The Republic of Tea
• Traditional Medicinals
• Uncle Lee Tea
• Yogi Tea

Loose Leaf Tea

Loose leaf tea is generally plastic-free, offering a significantly healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to tea bags. It consists of pure, whole leaves with no plastic-based bags. You can steep tea leaves in a metal tea ball.  It is often sold in tins or paper bags, making it a sustainable, zero-waste, and compostable choice. 

For more information, please click HERE.

Source: Implasticfree.com

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.

Did you know this past week was National Invasive Species Awareness Week? An invasive is a plant or animal that is not native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or even harm to human health.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread. Find out how to identify and help curb the spread locally through these New Hampshire resources:

Invasive Plants - NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food

Rockingham County Conservation District (Yes, even though we are in Strafford County, the Town of Durham has worked for several years with Rockingham County Conservation District staff to manage invasives on our Conservation properties, notably at Doe Farm)

You can also report your sightings HERE.

On March 6 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. the Freedom Cafe at 37 Main Street, Durham, is hosting the group "Kouchera R&B Across the Decades." From the soulful rhythms of the 70s to the infectious beats of the 80s, the smooth melodies of the 90s, and the modern hits of the 2000s, we'll be celebrating some of the best of R&B music across several decades.

Kouchera (/ˈkoo-CHAIR-uh/) is a high-energy ensemble that delivers electrifying performances with emotional depth and boundless fun. Seamlessly fusing Rhythm, Haitian Konpa, and Soul, Kouchera creates an unforgettable musical experience that will leave audiences inspired and dancing.

For tickets, click HERE.

Raising Chickens in Your Backyard – a workshop for Durham residents interested in starting and maintaining a healthy flock, will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 10am to Noon at Durham Town Hall. Join the Agricultural Commission and UNH Cooperative Extension for this free workshop that will provide essential information and practical guidance for successfully keeping chickens in your backyard. Please register for the workshop by emailing the Agricultural Commission at theresawalker@comcast.net or calling Theresa Walker at 603-534-3913.

Earn $35/hr doing something you love!!! Oyster River Lacrosse would love to hire you to ref all our home games!!!

New Hampshire Youth Lacrosse Association (NHYLA) and Seacoast Youth Lacrosse League (SAYLL) — along with Oyster River Lacrosse — are recruiting former players to become youth lacrosse officials for the 2026 season.

Register for Training HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Scheduled School Closures

March 13: All Oyster River schools will be closed for a teacher workshop day.

NH SAS Testing Schedule

Assessment dates have been published on the website calendar HERE and the district's Assessment page HERE.

Annual Meeting Sessions and FY27 Information

• The ORCSD Annual Report of the District has been published online HERE.
• February 3 Deliberative Session may be watched on the ORCSD Videos YouTube channel HERE. The meeting minutes are on the district website HERE.
• March 10: Voting Day at each town's voting location.
• Budget Video Series: The district launched a series of videos intended to share information related to the FY27 budget. Watch the videos on the new FY27 Budget Videos page HERE.
• Budget and warrant articles information is available on the District website's Budget Documents page HERE, under the Budget FY 26-27 tab.

Elementary Project Update

• Video Series: An informational video series featuring Superintendent Shaps, Director of Facilities Dave Totty, Director of Student Services Catherine Plourde, and Principals Misty Lowe and David Goldsmith can be found HERE.
• Frequently Asked Questions are answered on our FAQ webpage HERE.
• Tours & Listening Sessions: The last opportunity is March 2 at Moharimet School. The District invites residents to attend one of its upcoming school tours and listening sessions to see firsthand the facility challenges we're addressing. Tour schedule and registration information are available on the district's Elementary Project webpage HERE.

School News

ORMS Celebrates Bobcat Week & Community Day - Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) celebrated Bobcat Week from February 16–20. Organized by the ORMS counseling team, Bobcat Week was a spirited, school wide event designed to celebrate what it means to be part of the ORMS community. Thank you to the many staff members, volunteers, and community members who supported the activities! More information can be found 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.

March 3: ORHS Scholastic Art Exhibition Opening Reception

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Durham Public Library. Oyster River High School (ORHS) is celebrating an exceptional year in the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards, with students earning a total of 50 awards for their outstanding creativity and craftsmanship. Thirty-two students were recognized, several for multiple works of art. 

March 12: ORCSD Faculty Concert

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School.

March 19: Music in Our Schools Concert

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School.

March 25: ORHS National History Day Exposition (Please note: This event was rescheduled from March 19 due to the conflict with Music in Our Schools Concert)

5:00-6:30 p.m. Cafeteria at Oyster River High School.

March 26: ORMS Humanities Night

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Oyster River Middle School.

March 28: Moharimet Pancake Breakfast

8:00- 11:00 a.m. at Moharimet School. Suggested Donation: $6 per person or $20 per family. Cash or check to Moharimet School will be accepted. Maple syrup and t-shirts will be available for sale.