Friday Updates - July 31, 2026

Friday, July 31, 2026

Workers cut the last section of the Mill Pond Dam. Courtesy, Todd Selig

The concrete comprising the Mill Pond Dam has proven to be unexpectedly fragile. As SumCo Environmental, the dam removal contractor, began impacting the various arch sections of the historic Ambursen-style structure, portions below crumbled easily and had a chalk-like consistency. Because the Section 106 historic mitigation plan requires preservation of the gate structure and the nearest arch, SumCo performed a controlled saw cut on the adjacent arch (see photo above) to protect the remaining historic elements.

Residents are urged to use caution when walking out onto and around the edges of the former pond area. To date, three individuals have sunk into the mud up to their thighs or waist and became trapped, requiring assistance from SumCo personnel and Durham Police. This is a serious safety hazard. Once a person becomes stuck in the mud, self-extraction is not possible without help from others.

The Town of Durham website was recognized as one of New Hampshire's "model websites" by the NH Campaign for Voting Rights for providing clear election information. Durham was selected as one of only four communities statewide to receive this recognition. Kudos to Supervisor of the Checklist Ann Shump for keeping the voter registration section of the website up-to-date! To download a copy of the letter from the NH Campaign for Voting Rights, click HERE.

Durham Day is coming right up...

AUGUST 3 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS

• Advice and Consent for appointing Jack Dalton as new Police Chief
• Approve Water & Sewer Warrant
• Set Public Hearing on Resolution to Rescind Authorized and Unissued Debt 
• Approve one Tax Abatement
• Set Public Hearing on Resolution to Affirm the Public Purpose of Adopting the Provisions of RSA 53-F and to Designate the Town of Durham in its Entirety as an “Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy District"
• Presentation by Gail Jablonski, Business Manager on the Quarterly Financial Report 
• Presentation by Fire Chief, Dave Emanuel, on the operations of the Fire Department
• Presentation by Councilor Lawson and discussion regarding the municipal parking data collection and analysis from the spring of 2026
• Public Hearing to increase height limits in a section of CB1 along with several other Zoning amendments
• Public Hearing to expand meter parking to Wagon Hill Farm
• Public Hearings to expand meter and permit parking to Technology Drive
• First Reading of an Ordinance to allow a single-family residence in the OR zoning district by right and to allow ADUs in the C, CC, and OR zoning districts by right
• First Reading of an Ordinance to require owner occupancy on any single-family residential lot that contains an accessory dwelling unit
• Discussion of a Council-Initiated Zoning Amendment to allow parking as a principal use in the Church Hill and Central Business-2 Districts by right and to allow accessory parking lots to also serve neighboring properties 

PLANNING CONTINUES FOR CHURCHILL RINK RENOVATION AND POSSIBLE RECREATION EXPANSION

Planning for the renovation of Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing Park, along with the potential addition of new Recreation Department space, continues to move forward with positive community feedback. Engineering, soil, and architectural analyses confirm that the site can support both an upgraded rink and expanded recreation amenities despite significant physical constraints, including adjacent roadways, coastal wetlands, and the presence of a historic graveyard. The playground would likely be relocated across the Old Piscataqua Road. These factors have required careful study to determine what is feasible while respecting environmental conditions and surrounding features. The project team plans to seek input from the Durham Planning Board next, prior to developing preliminary cost estimates and advancing to a funding strategy.

All planning work to date is being funded through the Churchill Rink Special Revenue Fund, which currently has a balance of $542,000, not from tax dollars. Early discussions indicate a strong preference to fund the project through a combination of fundraising, grants, and facility-generated revenue, consistent with the rink’s self-sustaining model. At this stage, there is no request for taxpayer funding, and the project team remains mindful of Durham’s broader financial constraints as planning and due diligence continue.

Advancing the project will depend on Planning Board feedback, refinement of project scope and costs, and the development of a viable funding plan aligned with community expectations. Additional discussion may be required regarding any new Recreation Department facilities included as part of the project, particularly to ensure that all elements are financially sustainable and consistent with the Town’s goals.

SumCo Environmental working on dam removal and river restoration on 7/28/26. Courtesy Todd Selig

MILL POND DAM REMOVAL UPDATE - Dam Breach and Fish Ladder Removal Complete

This week, SumCo worked on completing the dam and fish ladder demolition, preparing one cell of the dam to be preserved, and monitoring activities related to the recent rain event. Other week-to-week tasks include turbidity monitoring upstream and downstream of the work area and other general site preparation activities. Next week, SumCo will continue channel construction and downstream boulder placement.

While we understand the desire to watch the project and observe construction, the Town of Durham wants to emphasize that the Route 108 bridge over the Oyster River is a very dangerous place to stand and observe the project work. There is no sidewalk on this stretch of road, and this is a high traffic area where cars are not expecting to see pedestrians and bystanders in the roadway. Drivers distracted by the dam removal project compound the danger even further. Please use caution and common sense if you decide to try and observe the project work, for your safety and others.

An updated Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ) document has been prepared by the Town and is now available on the Town Website, HERE. Other general information about the project, including the decision to remove the dam, can be found in the January 26, 2022 FAQ located HERE.

More details about the project including the NHDES Wetlands Permit and Contract Documents can be found HERE. A hard copy of the Mill Pond Dam Feasibility Study and some supplemental information have been provided to the Durham Public Library and is accessible for public review.

Any questions regarding the project can be directed to Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at 603-868-5578 or via email at atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

Black-Eyed Susan Courtesy, Todd Selig

PROPOSED APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHIEF JACK DALTON AS DURHAM’S NEXT POLICE CHIEF UPON RETIREMENT OF CHIEF RENE KELLEY

Admin. Selig will bring forward Deputy Police Chief Jack Dalton on Monday for appointment as Durham’s next Police Chief, effective September 1, 2026, subject to the advice and consent of the Town Council as required by the Town Charter. This follows the upcoming retirement of Chief Rene Kelley on Sept. 1st, who has served the community as chief since 2020. Rene Kelley has faithfully devoted 39 years of service to the citizens of Durham. After evaluating the department’s needs and consulting with Chief Kelley, the Administrator is recommending Deputy Chief Dalton to lead the department forward. Upon his appointment, Captain John Lavoie is expected to be promoted to Deputy Chief, with a process to follow for filling the Captain position.

Deputy Chief Dalton brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, including service with Durham Police since 2001, and has advanced through every rank within the department. He has led critical incidents, overseen accreditation efforts, and played a central role in officer recruitment during a challenging hiring environment. A recipient of the department’s Medal of Valor, Dalton is also actively engaged in the community. Captain John Lavoie, a 16-year member of the department and UNH graduate, has held leadership roles in patrol and investigations and currently oversees key administrative functions, including accreditation, parking, and budgeting, while also contributing to strong Town and UNH partnerships.

To support a smooth transition, Chief Kelley will return on a part-time basis this fall to assist with prosecutions and provide continuity during the leadership change. This arrangement will help ensure that the department continues to benefit from his experience and leadership while easing the workload on the Deputy Chief position during and after the transition.

FINANCE DIRECTOR SEARCH DRAWS INCREASED INTEREST; PLANNER FINALISTS ADVANCING

The Town continues to make progress in its recruitment efforts for two key positions. As of the July 27 soft deadline, 14 candidates have applied for the Business Manager position, now titled Director of Finance & Administration. According to Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI), applicants represent five states, including seven from New Hampshire, three from Massachusetts, two from Maine, and one each from Idaho and South Carolina. Eleven candidates hold master’s degrees and two hold bachelor’s degrees. Compared to the prior recruitment effort, this pool reflects a slightly higher concentration of local candidates and a greater percentage with graduate-level education. MRI is currently reviewing and scoring resumes and has expressed general satisfaction with both the number and quality of applicants. Preliminary background work is underway, with phone interviews to follow, and a shortlist will be forwarded to the Town for further consideration.

Separately, the Town’s interview team met with five candidates (all from New Hampshire) for the Director of Planning & Community Development (Planner) position on July 30. The initial interview panel included Cons. Commission Chair Dwight Trueblood, HDC/HC Chair Larry Brickner-Wood, Planning Board Chair Paul Rasmussen, Councilor Heather Grant, Councilor Jay Gooze, Councilor Darrell Ford, Planner Michael Behrendt, Alan Gould (MRI), and Admin. Selig. Following those interviews, four candidates will advance to a second round with a broader panel anticipated to include Code Officer Audrey Cline, Assessor Darcy Freer, PZA Admin. Asst. Tracey Cutler, resident Tom Daly, Councilor Em Friedrichs, DPW Dir. Rich Reine, Fire Marshal Brendan O’Sullivan, Mr. Behrendt, and Admin. Selig, subject to availability. These follow-up interviews are expected to take place over the next two weeks.

By Town Charter, both positions are appointed by the Administrator with the advice and consent of the Town Council.  

The Town has received reports of vehicles striking curbing and, in some instances, experiencing tire damage while traveling through the new traffic-calming median islands on Madbury Road. Public Works has carefully reviewed these occurrences and acknowledges that some drivers have had difficulty navigating the configuration. Over the duration of construction, social media anecdotally indicates ten people have damaged their vehicle tires. These experiences have been taken seriously and incorporated into the Town’s ongoing evaluation of the corridor.

Prior to construction, the median island design underwent extensive engineering analysis to ensure an appropriate balance between traffic calming and safe vehicle movement. Using conservative AutoCAD turning templates, the design was tested with a range of vehicles, from passenger cars to large tractor-trailers. This analysis demonstrated that passenger vehicles, SU-30 trucks, and WB-40 medium tractor-trailers can pass through the islands without encroaching on the cobble aprons, while larger tractor-trailers with 50- and 62-foot wheelbases can also navigate the corridor by utilizing the cobbled areas as intended. Field observations to date are consistent with this analysis when vehicles are traveling at the posted speed and operating as intended.

As construction progresses, the section of roadway between Garrison Avenue and Edgewood Road will receive its final pavement course, which will bring the cobble aprons flush with the roadway surface and improve drivability. In addition, although not considered necessary for safe operation, the Town is evaluating minor curb-line adjustments at select locations where contact has occurred to provide additional clearance. Together, these measures are expected to further reduce issues while supporting the overall goal of traffic calming and improved safety for all Madbury Road users.

Construction continues on the segment of roadway between Edgewood Road and just north of Emerson Road. As reported last week, underground drainage structure installation is nearing completion with roadway reclamation and binder course paving, curbing, temporary sidewalk and median island construction scheduled to begin during the week of Aug 3. Roadway reclamation is planned to begin during the week of August 10 with binder course paving scheduled for the week of August 24; however, this is subject to change due to weather and site conditions. The temporary sidewalk will remain at gravel for a period until curbing installation, driveway and private walkway tie ins are completed.  

MADBURY ROAD PHASE 3 AND 4A/4B COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The project team continues to make steady progress on the two active phases of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project. In Phase 3, between Garrison Avenue and Edgewood Road, crews have started trimming joints at each driveway apron and applying wearing course pavement to the aprons. Wearing course pavement application on the roadway will occur thereafter. This work is expected to continue through early to mid-September with minimal traffic impacts. Once the wearing course is down, crews will install pavement markings, which will bring this phase to a close.

In Phase 4, between Edgewood Road and Hampshire Avenue, work is ongoing following the 2025 water main replacement between Maple Street and U.S. Route 4. Underground drainage installation and widening along the east side of the segment to accommodate the lane shift is now complete. Starting the week of August 3rd, crews will lower drainage, water, and sewer structures, then mill, reclaim, grade, and amend the roadway with stone before a second reclamation, final grading, and binder course paving. Curbing, temporary sidewalk, and median island construction are tentatively scheduled to begin mid-to-late August, though this timeline may shift depending on weather and site conditions. The temporary sidewalk will remain gravel until curbing and the driveway and private walkway tie-ins are completed.

Durham Public Works greatly appreciates the continued patience of residents and other stakeholders within the project limits as this important work continues to improve and beautify Madbury Road.

Eastern American Jack-o-Lantern mushrooms in Stevens Woods Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

DURHAM WEBSITE REFRESH – LAUNCHING AUGUST 1st!

As part of the Town's 2026 budget goals, a refreshed version of Durham's website will launch on Saturday, August 1! Durham staff have been working hard behind the scenes to convert and update the site onto a modern, mobile-friendly platform that will make it easier than ever to find Town information, services, and resources — all while keeping the content residents rely on fully intact.

You can find us at www.durhamnh.gov.

What to expect:

• A cleaner, more intuitive navigation structure;
• Improved search functionality;
• A responsive design that works great on phones and tablets;
• Easier access to popular services like online payments, permits, and forms.

During the soft launch period, both the current site and the refreshed site may be available as staff finalize content and iron out any final details. We appreciate your patience as we make this transition ... and we welcome your feedback — if you spot something that doesn't look right or a broken link, please let us know at webmaster@ci.durham.nh.us.

Thank you for your continued support as Durham refreshes its online presence!

A look behind the Mill Pond Dam Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

THE NH PRIMARY IS COMING UP - Are you registered to vote?

Prospective voters may register to vote or make certain changes to their registration at the Durham Town Hall, any day except Wednesday from 8:00 – 5:00 or at the next meeting of the Durham Supervisors of the Checklist on:

DATE: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

TIME: 6:00 – 7:45 PM

LOCATION:  Durham Public Library, 49 Madbury Rd

This will be the final date to register before the Primary on September 8, at which time you may register at the polls (Oyster River High School). It will save you time to register early. Party changes cannot be made at this time. If you are registered as Undeclared, you may pick either the Democratic or the Republican ballot and then return to Undeclared as you leave the polls or any time thereafter. You may register as long as you will turn 18 by or on September 8.

Prospective voters must show proofs of identity, age, domicile/residence in Durham, and U.S. Citizenship. A Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s license and a birth certificate or passport are strongly encouraged. These may not be sufficient, and there are other documents that can be used. If you have questions, please call the Town Clerk’s office during business hours. 

You may check https://app.sos.nh.gov/viphome information to check your current status.

ELECTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Town Clerk’s Office is looking for Durham residents who are interested in helping with election preparations leading up to the NH State Primary on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Please note: This volunteer opportunity is limited to PRE-ELECTION work. Volunteers will not be working on Election Day, September 8.

You do not need prior election experience—training will be provided! The only requirement is that volunteers be registered voters in Durham.

Volunteer hours are flexible and can be scheduled between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You can volunteer for as much or as little time as your schedule allows.

Volunteer duties may include:

• Verifying and organizing election materials
• Preparing absentee ballot envelopes
• Answering commonly asked questions about voter registration and election information
• Assisting with small administrative tasks
• Other general election preparation as needed

Volunteers will work either at a table in the Town Hall lobby or in the Town Clerk’s Office.

Interested in Helping?

If you are a registered Durham voter and would like to help with pre-election preparation, please email rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us with your name and general availability.

Please EMAIL rather than call the office about volunteering. Our staffing is limited, and we need to keep our phone lines available for residents who are calling with time-sensitive town business and election-related issues. We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Thank you for considering volunteering and helping us prepare for a successful NH State Primary!

A squash or pumpkin plant blossom in front of the UNH/Durham Train Station where there are also sunflowers planted. Courtesy, Todd Selig

NOAA FACILITY BECOMES FIRST ANCHOR FOR THE EDGE AT WEST END - A meaningful development opportunity for both UNH and Durham.

Construction of the new NOAA Center of Excellence at UNH marks a significant milestone for The Edge at West End, a 60-acre mixed-use development planned to bring together research, industry, housing, and other uses in Durham’s western edge. The 70,500-square-foot facility is expected to serve as the first major anchor in the larger project and reflects the long-standing partnership among NOAA, UNH, and local and state stakeholders.

Town officials view the project as more than simply a new building. In addition to supporting ocean mapping research, workforce development, and collaboration with private industry, The Edge could expand Durham’s tax base through future taxable commercial and residential development, as well as provide an entirely new market to help support the vibrancy of downtown Durham. A full build out is expected to accommodate roughly 1,000 people at a time and could have a major economic impact for Durham and the state over the next two decades.

For Durham, the project also represents an opportunity to strengthen town-gown ties while helping address regional housing and employment needs. The presence of new research and private-sector activity at The Edge may help retain graduates in Durham and in New Hampshire and support a more diversified local and state economy.

To read an article in NHBR about the project click HERE.  

PLANNING BOARD TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PUD ORDINANCE FOR THE EDGE

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on August 12 on a proposed new Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. The ordinance is being drafted in large part to support the proposed Edge project at UNH, though it would also be available for other future projects. A PUD is a planning tool that allows a developer to propose a site-specific design that may not fit within conventional zoning, often providing greater flexibility and density in exchange for a higher standard of project design and community benefit.

If adopted, the PUD process would involve three steps: first, adoption of the ordinance by the Planning Board and Town Council; second, submission and review of a PUD Development Plan, which would outline the overall concept and standards; and third, submission of one or more detailed site plans for phased review and approval by the Planning Board. Public hearings would occur at each stage. The draft ordinance is available on the Town website, and questions or comments may be directed to the Town Planner. At the August 12 hearing, UNH will offer a brief presentation on its proposed project, but the public hearing will focus on the ordinance itself.  

You can see the draft Planned Unit Development ordinance HERE. Feel free to email the Town Planner with any questions or comments at: mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us. 

Data centers are receiving growing attention because they can offer potential benefits such as tax base growth, infrastructure investment, and some employment opportunities, but they also raise important questions about energy demand, water use, land consumption, and community impacts. 

One open question is how much long-term economic benefit a data center actually provides on its own. Some of the stronger arguments for economic value appear to depend on a broader, coordinated strategy that ties the facility to related commerce and industry, which can in turn generate more jobs and local investment for a community/region versus having no plan at all. Brookings, the Harvard Gazette, and other sources suggest that the issue is more nuanced than the public conversation sometimes implies, and that communities are wise to examine both the opportunities and the trade offs carefully.

The New Hampshire Association of Regional Planning Commissions has formed a committee to prepare educational materials and zoning tools so communities can approach data centers in a more informed and consistent way, though there is not yet a timeline for that guidance. 

In the meantime, at the Administrator’s request, the Town Planner has provided some initial thoughts on how a data center might fit within Durham’s current zoning framework. His preliminary view is that Durham has limited land suited to a large facility and that existing zoning may already place significant constraints on such a use, though he has identified several possible approaches should the Town wish to be more proactive. In addition, the energy grid serving Durham is currently inadequate to support a large data center (though some data centers now provide their own power generation) and the Town would have the ability to carefully evaluate and ultimately deny a new water service request that would potentially provide challenges for the UNH/Durham water system. 

We’ll continue to monitor this issue closely and share additional information as it becomes available. At the same time, residents who have legitimate concerns about data centers might also consider their own reliance on AI/technology, and if it's on the rise, how that use will be supported into the future if new data centers are not allowed anywhere at all.  

Join Land Stewardship Coordinator, Veronique Ludington, at Doe Farm, an 87-acre property bequeathed in 1909, marking the beginning of Durham's prolific history of land conservation. The property's 3,000 feet of shoreline helps protect the water quality of the Wild & Scenic Lamprey River. There will be a talk about the history while observing the old cellar hole and family cemetery, the active forest management plan as well as mapping and management strategy being actively pursued.

Accessibility: This walk will be on grassy or uneven terrain trails for 1.5-2 miles.

Registration Required HERE.

As we wrap up our focus on Plastic Free July, we hope you have found our tips helpful to cut back on plastic waste. These suggestions are designed to provide each of us an opportunity to make even one small change in our daily habits to help cut back on plastic pollution.

Here are a few more ways to make plastic-free choices:

Re-think soap.

Bar soaps come in different blends to suit body wash, face wash, shampoo and conditioner bars,  and shaving bars. Making the switch from their liquid counterparts is an easy way to reduce consumption of single-use plastics.  BONUS: Many suppliers use cardboard to package their bar soap which can be thrown in the recycling once used. 

Check your sunscreen for microplastics.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be added to some sunscreens. These particles can enter the environment through wastewater and contribute to plastic pollution. 

To avoid sunscreens with microplastics, look for products labeled as "microplastic-free" or "ocean-friendly." You can also check the ingredients list to see if it contains any of the following microplastic ingredients: 

(NOTE: Not a complete list)

polyethylene

polypropylene

polyethylene terephthalate

polymethyl methacrylate

polylactic acid

nylon

Consider your shaving products.

Disposable razors and shaving cream packaged in plastic contributes to our growing landfill waste.  Instead, more and more people are choosing to switch to shaving lotion bars and safety razors, which are generally made of stainless steel and have replaceable blades. While safety razors may be more expensive than disposable razors from the outset, in the long-run they can end up saving you money. Many companies now offer blade refills in cardboard boxes, making it a great way to avoid single-use plastic entirely.

Choose a better ice cream option.

It’s summer - the perfect time to  stop by the Campus Creamery or your favorite ice cream establishment for a treat. Instead of ordering your ice cream in a cup with a spoon or as a frappe with a straw, order it on a cone with no plastic waste.

Source: PlasticfreeJuly.org

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

Summer is the peak season for pollinator meadows in Durham, when native wildflowers burst into bloom and provide essential nectar and nesting habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, and grassland birds. The Durham Master Plan identifies these meadows as high‑value wildlife habitat that supports species that struggle in traditional lawns and heavily managed landscapes. By allowing fields to grow through the summer, planting native wildflower mixes, and avoiding pesticides, residents can create vibrant patches of habitat that sustain pollinators during their most active months. Whether in a backyard corner or a large community field, summer pollinator meadows help maintain biodiversity, strengthen food webs, and bring color and life to Durham’s open spaces.

We hear the term “pollinator” a lot these days. A pollinator is any animal or agent that moves pollen from the male part of a flower (the anther) to the female part (the stigma). This movement fertilizes the plant allowing it to produce seed, fruits, and new plants. Without pollinators, many plants cannot reproduce. While feeding on a flower the pollen grains brush off onto their bodies and then the pollen rubs off when they visit another flower, completing the fertilization process. Pollinators also include beetles, flies, ants, hummingbirds, bats, and some small mammals. Wind and water also act as pollinators for certain grass and tree species. 

WHAT DOES "REUSABLE" MEAN AT THE SWAP SHOP?

For an item to be reusable at the Swap Shop it means that in its current condition another member of our community will find it useful. When items are CLEAN, HAVE ALL THEIR PARTS, and WORK they are more likely to be reused and avoid ending up in the landfill. Items that require additional work, time, or new parts rarely are reused.

Examples of items that are not reusable include chipped, cracked, or stained plates, mugs, and glassware, stained or dirty fabric and stuffed animals, items with broken zippers, incomplete board games,  overly used binders, children’s toys without all of their parts (i.e. tracks without cars, barns without animals) and broken or rusty furniture. Swap Shop volunteers are not able to clean items at the Swap Shop. Please bring items that are CLEAN, HAVE ALL THEIR PARTS, and WORK. Are your items ready for use by your neighbors?

Did you know that there are easy steps you can take in your own yard to support pollinators? 

Did you know that our town’s community garden helps support a local food pantry?

Did you know that Durham has joined the Community Power Coalition of NH?

These are just a few of the topics covered in the second edition of the Sustainability Newsletter - a quarterly newsletter coming out in early August!

Each edition includes quick, easy-to-read updates from many of our town committees, commissions, and entities about the sustainable projects they are working on and ways they are keeping our community thriving.  

NEW TO THIS EDITION - articles spotlighting a local sustainable business and a resident making a difference.

Looking for ways to get more involved, or simply want to be better informed?  Subscribe now to get the newsletter sent directly to your inbox. Quarterly editions will follow (you can unsubscribe at any time). If you have already subscribed, thank you! Your second edition will automatically be sent to you. You can use this link HERE or the QR code listed above to subscribe.

Come downtown to Durham Day on Thursday, Aug 6, from 6-8:30pm or all day long at the Laroche Farm for Farm Day on Aug 15 to pick up free, wildlife-friendly outdoor lighting (two per Durham household) until our renewed supply runs out. Volunteers will be handing out amber yellow bulbs, which can be used in any standard outdoor light fixture. The bulbs have a CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) of 2200K.

The benefits of installing these yellow bulbs vs standard white light bulbs are many: they attract 90% fewer disease vector insects like mosquitoes and flies to your entryway, they make it easier to see the stars, they interfere less in firefly reproduction, and they are less disruptive to circadian rhythms in humans and wildlife.

Join the Agricultural Commission in this annual celebration of the working landscape of farms and gardens across Durham, Lee, and Madbury. Free and family friendly. Highlights this year include guided tours of UNH Kingman Farm’s agroforestry research (and an opportunity to touch their tractors), the Community Gardens at Wagon Hill Farm, and the medicinal gardens of Misty Meadows Herbal Center.

There will be a food fermentation demonstration at the Freedom Café, just in time to learn how to preserve the harvest from local gardens and farms. And don’t forget the community bring-your-own-picnic at Laroche Farm as the Agricultural Commission will be providing sweet corn from Tecce Farm! The full list of events is HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Summer Nutrition Assistance Programs

Oyster River families in need of nutritional assistance during the summer months can contact End 68 Hours of Hunger HERE and Community Action Partnership of Strafford County HERE.

Summer Hours Between June 22 and August 21

The SAU office summer hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The SAU and schools will be closed on July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

The schools' summer hours are:

• Mast Way School: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Moharimet School: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Oyster River Middle School: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
• Oyster River High School: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

2026-2027 Calendars

ORCSD's printable 2026-2027 school calendar is available HERE. This document is subject to change. It is recommend that you check for online updates on the district calendar page regularly.

The School Board's 2026-2027 meeting schedule is available on the district's Meeting Schedule page HERE.