Friday Updates - June 10, 2026

Friday, June 10, 2026

A red squirrel gathering some food at the Milne Sanctuary Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

This week we lead with a poem and an observation about the Mill Pond Dam from residents Wayne Burton and Henry Butler, respectively.

Requiem for Durham's Dam - by Wayne Burton

The rushing waters flow no more

Like Puff we’ve stopped their fearless roar

Durham's dam with history galore 

Succumbing to whims of sportsmen sore

Silencing the sound, the water’s anthem.

What will we save for historic reason 

The Circle K?, sounds like treason. 

Commuting to Mass for many a day, 

The sound from the dam washed the day’s crisis away. 

When I turned off at Seabrook, 

Traveling the back way. 

I slowed crossing the bridge 

After coming down from the ridge. 

The song of the water rushing over the dam

Reassuring the day’s headaches would against a wall slam 

Thank you for the therapy you’ve given 

To Harriet the swan and many critters away driven. 

Our town is grateful for your service 

You gave life to the town in your early years

Lest we forget as we give way to tears. 

The End of Mill Pond - by Henry Butler

The pond is gone and soon, the dam will be removed.

The work crew has built a road from the peninsula to the Oyster River and is now constructing walkways on both sides.

Today, a back hoe operator was placing planks behind a bush to build one of those walk ways.

On the other side of that bush, a Red Wing Black Bird was chilling out without paying attention to anything the back hoe operator was doing.

EXPECT SIRENS: UNH TESTING EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM JULY 24 AT NOON

Each July, UNH performs the Clery Act required test of the alert / siren notification system for emergency preparedness. This is done by announcing to the community, in advance, that this audible test will be taking place. The purpose of the test is to ensure our systems are working and that any corrective action that is needed can be done before our students return from break.

The time for this event will be Friday, July 24th, at 12pm. This test is brief, usually a few minutes in duration. There will also be a RAVE alert to pre-empt this test. Also, there will be communication with the campus community a number of days before the test is to happen so that they are already aware and prepared.

This is what that RAVE alert will read: The University of New Hampshire is testing the Emergency Alert System. In accordance with the Clery Act this test is conducted annually to ensure all methods of communicating an emergency to our community members are functioning as designed. The University is testing the outdoor Whelen Sirens, the RAVE system, and our social media platforms. The sirens will sound from each tower in sequence, not simultaneously; you may hear the alert up to 4 times.

For more information on the University’s emergency evacuation plan please visit our website at HERE.

If you have any questions on what to do in an emergency don’t hesitate to reach out to the UNH Police Department for guidance at 603-862-1427.

This week, SumCo worked on installing water control features in the impoundment area upstream of the dam. These features will divert water flow to river-right (looking downstream) in preparation for work on river-left. This work will continue through next week in preparation for initial dam breach, which is currently scheduled for the week of July 20^th. In addition to water control work, SumCo will be seeding the exposed riverbanks next week in areas that were submerged prior to impoundment draw down.

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

Upstream is to right. Downstream toward historic, head of tide dam is to left. Courtesy, DCAT Studios

STRONG FIRST INSTALLMENT PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS ON PACE AT 91%

As of July 7, the Town has collected approximately 91% of the 2026 first installment property tax warrant, totaling roughly $17.8 million. This collection rate is consistent with prior years and reflects a steady and reliable payment pattern.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane reports that payments have been coming in regularly, with residents demonstrating patience and courtesy throughout the process. The Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s office will continue to accept payments over the coming weeks.  

Hemlock Varnish shelf mushrooms have found a home on the roots of a downed tree in Longmarsh Preserve. Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS!

NH RSA 654:39, passed last year, requires Supervisors of the Checklist to do an Annual Verification of the Checklist. This year is the first of the Annual Verifications (commonly known as a Purge). In the past, we have done this every 10 years, and it has been 5 years since we last did it. 

Anyone who had not voted in an election after April 2021 or who had not registered to vote SINCE the November 2024 Presidential Election was sent a letter explaining they would be removed from the Durham Checklist if they did not re-register before June 22, 2026, giving them more than 30 days after the mailing of the letters to do so. This verification has been completed in Durham, with over 3000 individuals having been deleted from our Checklist.

A new Checklist has been printed and is available to peruse at the Town Hall or you can check your status at https://app.sos.nh.gov/voterinformation.   Be sure to scroll down a bit on the screen. If you have registered or made any changes to your registration since June 22, you may not find your information yet. Supervisors officially accept such voters in a public meeting. At that point, all who have registered, moved, changed names, etc., are placed on the official checklist or removed from it if they have moved or died. 

If you believe your name might have been removed in error, please call the Town Clerk (603-868-5577). They can check your name on the Statewide Voter Checklist or they will forward your message to the Supervisors. Re-registration is fairly simple at this point. You have to fill out a new registration form, but only need to show ID and proof that you live in Durham. Driver’s or non-Driver’s license with local address will suffice. There are many other things that can prove your domicile. It is strongly recommended that you don’t wait until election day to do this because the lines can get quite long.

The Town of Durham’s Madbury Road Complete Streets Project has received a 2026 Merit Award of Excellence from Plan NH, recognizing outstanding achievement in planning, design, and community impact. The award highlights the transformation of a key corridor linking downtown, nearby neighborhoods, and UNH into a safer, more accessible, and community-focused roadway.

The project addresses longstanding concerns with traffic speeds, gaps in sidewalks, limited crossings, and aging infrastructure. Improvements include a continuous multi-use path for walking and biking, upgraded sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, improved lighting, and modernized drainage and utilities. The design was shaped by extensive public input and engagement, with a strong emphasis on safety, accessibility, and better connections between neighborhoods, the middle and high school, downtown businesses, and community destinations such as the Durham Public Library.

Plan NH recognized the project as a model for collaboration among the Town, NHDOT, and project partners, and as an investment that supports economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and expanded transportation choices for residents.

POLICE CHIEF RENE KELLEY TO RETIRE; LEADERSHIP TRANSITION PLAN ANNOUNCED

Police Chief Rene Kelley has submitted his retirement effective September 1, 2026, concluding more than 39 years of dedicated service to the Durham Police Department and the community. In his retirement letter, Chief Kelley described his work in Durham as “the honor of my life” and reflected on the guidance and support he has received from Town leaders, colleagues, and his family throughout his career. Administrator Selig plans to appoint Deputy Chief Jack Dalton as the next Police Chief, with Captain John Lavoie to be promoted to Deputy Chief, followed by an internal process to fill the resulting Captain position.

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. In accordance with the Town Charter, the appointment of Deputy Chief Dalton as Police Chief will be brought forward for Town Council advice and consent at the August 3 meeting.

FIRST ROUND OF BUSINESS MANAGER RECRUITMENT DOES NOT RESULT IN HIRE

As previously reported, long-time Business Manager Gail Jablonski will be retiring this fall. The Town conducted interviews for her replacement in June, interviewing two semi-finalists in-person at the Town Hall, both from out of state, but ultimately the finalist withdrew from consideration citing cost-of-living concerns in the Seacoast New Hampshire region.

The recruitment effort has been relaunched with the position retitled Director of Finance and Administration to reflect more contemporary organizational trends, along with a modest $10,000 increase to the salary range. The Town is hopeful that these adjustments will help attract a strong pool of qualified applicants in this second round. You can read the advertisement HERE.

Horseshoe crabs spotted underneath the Route 108 bridge near the dam. Courtesy, Erika Naumann Gaillat

PLANNING DIRECTOR SEARCH PROCESS UNDER WAY

Long-time Director of Planning & Community Development, Michael Behrendt, will be retiring this fall. A search process is currently underway with four semi-finalists to be invited to Town Hall for in-person interviews later this month. 

The interview committee that will assist Admin. Selig in talking with candidates will include representatives from the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historic District/Heritage Commission, and Town Council. Members invited to participate include: Em Friedrichs, Heather Grant, Larry Brickner Wood, Paul Rasmussen, Dwight Trueblood, Darrell Ford, Michael Behrendt, and Alan Gould from Municipal Resources Inc.  

DCAT REORGANIZATION AND UPCOMING CHANGES TO BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETING COVERAGE

As you may know, long-time DCAT, web, and social media coordinator Craig Stevens concluded his service with the Town on June 25. Craig's terrific daughter, Rachel Stevens, will also be departing. Rachel has worked for the Town in a part-time evening capacity for more than 14 years, helping to provide meeting coverage on DCAT! We sincerely appreciate all of her efforts. The Council approved a resolution thank ing Rachel for her service to the Durham community on July 6. Rachel will be spending more time in the evenings with her young family.

DCAT services have expanded significantly over time to include television broadcasting, web-based viewing, and Zoom participation options.

In an effort to conserve resources and deploy them as effectively as possible to meet budget goals, we have been meeting internally over the past seven weeks to develop a reorganization plan. Admin. Selig is pleased to share that these changes are now in effect. The following staffing adjustments have been made:

• Assistant MIS Coordinator Michael Rohr has been reassigned as Assistant Manager of Information Technology (Digital Media and GIS).
• GIS Manager Steve Lutterman, currently based at DPW, has been reassigned as GIS Program Administrator and Digital Media Services Coordinator and will relocate to the DCAT office at Town Hall.
• DPW Administrative Assistant John Baker has been reassigned to Administrative Assistant, GIS Technician, and Analyst (DPW).

These changes will allow us to continue covering the core responsibilities previously handled by Craig Stevens, though without the DCAT, web, and social media coordinator position. In the short term, this will impact the level of programming we are able to provide.

Effective August 1, the following programming changes will be implemented:

Boards with evening live television and Zoom coverage:

Town Council

Planning Board

Zoning Board

Boards with record-only DCAT coverage and no Zoom:

Agricultural Commission

Parks and Recreation Committee

Conservation Commission

Historic District Commission and Heritage Commission

Energy Committee

Boards with daytime live television and Zoom coverage:

Land Stewardship Subcommittee

Trustees of Trust Funds

Human Rights Commission

If any board currently scheduled for record-only coverage is interested in moving to a daytime meeting slot, we would be open to revisiting the possibility of live television and Zoom coverage.

We will also be advertising to fill the part-time vacancy created by Rachel Stevens’ departure. If we are successful, or if we are able to secure additional part-time evening DCAT operators, we hope to restore some of the affected meeting coverage.

Asian eggplant blossom Courtesy, Diane Tregea

LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATES - Budget Planning, Capital Projects, Tax Collections, Library Programs, and Police Transition

The Town’s Leadership Team (think department heads) met this week to coordinate departmental presentations for the Town Council, review budget development guidance, and share major operational updates across departments. Planned educational presentations for the Council include the Fire Department on August 3, Police Department on September 14, Public Works on September 28, and a New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank presentation targeted for October, all intended to be completed before November budget discussions.

Budget Planning and Finance

Todd Selig outlined budget guidance for FY2027, asking departments to submit personnel costs to the Business Office so Gail Jablonski can refine associated benefit expenses and to target a 2 percent reduction in non‑personnel budget lines while seeking efficiencies and potential service modifications. The Business Manager position has been retitled Director of Finance and Administration, with applications due July 27, and departmental updates to the Capital Improvement Program will proceed using worksheets prepared by Gail.

Tax Collection and Clerk’s Office

Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane reported that the Town has collected approximately 91 percent of the 2026 first installment property tax warrant, totaling about 17.8 million dollars, a rate consistent with prior years, with payments coming in steadily and residents remaining courteous and patient throughout the process. She also identified three properties at risk of tax lien or deeding, including two long‑standing residential cases and a cell tower on Christiansen Hall owned by UNH where AT&T has ceased paying, and will follow up with UNH staff regarding the outstanding obligations.

Public Works and Capital Projects

DPW Director Rich Reine reported continued progress on the Mill Pond Dam removal, including dewatering and cofferdam construction, and noted that the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project is 1.5 to 2 weeks behind schedule due to difficult ledge conditions requiring specialized drilling rather than blasting, with traffic detours using Hampshire Ave. and Lundy Ln. Public Works also continues deployment of approximately 4,200 solid waste carts and is planning for a new mini‑split system for the Town Hall data center in FY2027 to improve reliability so we can ensure it does not overheat. Jay Gooze (filling in for IT Manager Luke Vincent) suggested that we may want to look at whether installing AC units at ground level next to the “dog house” lower level exit on the side of the building would be more cost effective than roof-mounted units. However, that would likely require a waiver from the Historic District regulations. 

Planning, Development, and Data Centers

Code Officer Audrey Cline and Planner Michael Behrendt provided updates on several development initiatives, including Riverwoods Phase 2, where a July 15 project kickoff event is planned, and R.J. Kelly’s expansion following approval of a variance for two new warehouse/light industrial buildings. The team discussed data center proposals and concluded that, given Durham’s limited industrially zoned land, high energy and water demands, and existing commitments, large‑scale data centers are unlikely to be a good fit for the community. (Note, data centers are notplanned for the R.J. Kelly site on Technology Drive.)

Library Programs and Cooperative Exploration

Library Director Sheryl Bass reported that July is one of the Durham Public Library’s busiest months, with exceptional participation in Summer Reading: 107 adults are enrolled in Adult Summer Reading, roughly double typical participation, and more than 400 children and teens are registered in Youth Services programs. Youth Services continues collaborating with the Lee and Madbury public libraries on Thursday offerings, including wildlife presentations, messy art, Dino Bingo, and other activities, culminating in the annual Foam Party at Little River Park on July 30, which has drawn up to 800 participants in past years. The Summer Concert Series begins July 14 at 6 p.m. with folk duo Joyce Anderson and Harvey Reid performing on the lawn, and Adult Services has launched a Wednesday Creator Studio series featuring hands‑on projects such as shell decoupage, lavender wands, and miniature terrariums. Library staff are preparing a community needs assessment survey to inform future collections, programs, services, and budget priorities, and are exploring a regional library cooperative with Lee, Madbury, and potentially Barrington to jointly purchase digital resources, software, and supplies, reducing costs through collaboration.

Police Department Leadership Transition and Public Safety

Police Chief Rene Kelly announced his retirement effective September 1 after 39 years of service with the department. Todd has recommended Jack Dalton to serve as the new police chief and John Lavoie as deputy chief, with Rene transitioning to a part‑time prosecutor role working approximately 12 to 15 hours per week. The team also discussed planning for a future Council presentation on police services and operations in September.

IT and Website Initiatives

Luke Vincent updated the group on several technology projects, including the ongoing transition of the Town’s primary domain from durham.nh.us to durham.gov, anticipated for completion by year‑end, and a comprehensive website review led by Steve Lutterman that is examining URLs and content line‑by‑line. IT is resolving Adobe license issues through the Town’s vendor and migrating remote access from TeamViewer to Splashtop, while working with Planning and Public Works to review and appropriately archive older planning and zoning records dating back to 2012 so that essential historic materials remain accessible.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Events

Recreation staff continue to manage summer camp operations and are planning upcoming community events, including Downtown Durham Day and the Trot in the Trees 5K trail race. Staff are coordinating with Madbury and Oyster River Cooperative School District officials regarding the Seven Rivers camp near the Sugar Shack area to ensure accurate reporting and appropriate permissions for future use from the Town of Madbury.

Heron nest at Longmarsh Preserve Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

PLANNING BOARD UPDATE

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Planning Board voted to initiate a zoning amendment that would require the owner of a lot with a single-family residence and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to live on the premises, voted to adopt amendments to the Lighting Regulations, and voted to approve a plan from Eversource for cutting trees on three scenic roads - Bay Road, Durham Point Road, and Packers Falls Road. The Planning Board will soon begin reviewing a proposed new Planned Unit Development ordinance that was written to facilitate review of the prospective Edge development by UNH.

ADU AMENDMENT - The proposed amendments for ADUs now goes to the Town Council for consideration. Existing sites where the owner does not reside are protected against this proposed amendment. You can see the proposal HERE.

LIGHTING AMENDMENT - The main purpose of the lighting amendment for site plan review is to specify a softer, warmer color that is not harmful to insects in contrast to the bright white lights often used in development. At the public hearing, resident Diana Carroll explained that flying insects are drawn to, and frequently obsessed with, white light, such that they will continue flying around until they drop from exhaustion or die. This loss of insects also reduces the food sources for birds and other animals. A committee of residents has been distributing yellow light bulbs at various Town events for free.

SCENIC ROAD CUTTING - The Town of Durham has designated five scenic roads: Bay Road, Bennett Road, Dame Road, Durham Point Road, and Packers Falls Road. When Eversource or another utility seeks to remove trees or trim trees that have a diameter greater than 4-3/4 inches (15 inch circumference), they must obtain approval from the Planning Board. The board reviews application in accordance with our policy, shown HERE.

DURHAM COMMUNITY POWER UPDATE: RATES RISE AUG. 1; EVERSOURCE SLIGHTLY LOWER

The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has notified member municipalities, including Durham Community Power, that electricity supply rates will increase for the period Aug. 1, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2027. The new CPCNH Granite Basic default rate for residential and small commercial customers will be 14.949 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to the Eversource default rate of 14.009 cents per kWh approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

Customers may switch between Durham Community Power and Eversource at any time without penalty. Based on average household usage of 650 kWh per month, Eversource is currently about $6.11 less per month for basic service over the next six months. Durham Community Power also offers options for customers who wish to opt up to higher “greener” renewable energy content. More information is available at https://www.communitypowernh.gov/community/durham

Rates are based upon energy prices CPCNH is able to negotiate on the basis of its aggregated customer base across 68 NH towns and regions. The adjustment reflects higher energy supply costs associated with wholesale market conditions, including impacts from geopolitical conflicts and increased electricity demand during the past winter. 

While Eversource is presently the lower-cost option, the New Hampshire Consumer Advocate has expressed support for CPCNH, citing its role in expanding consumer choice, supporting renewable energy development, and addressing prior financial reserve concerns. The Durham Energy Advisory Committee will continue to monitor CPCNH performance and pricing closely.

Long-time Durham resident Bill Hall has brought to our attention that if your home was built between the 1950s and the early 1980s, it may contain a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel with "Stab-Lok" breakers -- a type of electrical panel that fire safety experts and home inspectors have flagged as a potential hazard.

Independent researchers have found that these breakers may have a notable failure rate, meaning they may not trip as intended during an overload or short circuit -- a condition that can lead to overheating and, in serious cases, fire. These panels were installed in an estimated 25 million homes across the country, and some remain in service in Durham. You can identify an FPE panel by opening your breaker box cover and looking for the words "Federal Pacific," "Federal Pacific Electric," or "Stab-Lok" on the panel interior. Durham homeowners who find one are encouraged to contact a licensed electrician to evaluate the panel and discuss whether replacement is appropriate. 

A helpful video overview of this issue can be viewed HERE, and questions may also be directed to Durham's Code Enforcement office or the Durham Fire Department.

Construction activities continue for this critical coastal resiliency project that will provide:

• stabilization of the seaward edge of up to 1,470 lineal feet of existing tidal marsh
• stabilization of up to 365 lineal feet of upland slope and the rebuilding of tidal marsh
• installation of up to 1,185 lineal feet of walking trail and 1,800 lineal feet of adjacent fence
• installation of one trail bridge

The project is funded through a $1.9 million-dollar National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) grant. The boulder toe section of the work has been completed as shown in the photo, and the contractor has now moved on to rock toe ramp installation starting from the 3^rd access point and has completed approximately 200 lineal feet of shoreline restoration.

The UNH Pool is excited to welcome you back for another season of sun, fun, and relaxation. Even better, MVP and Seasonal membership prices have not increased for the third consecutive year!

Looking for a weekend deal? Every Saturday in July, take advantage of a special offer: buy two entries and get the third free, perfect for bringing along friends or family.

Thursday Night Buddy Nights - Bring-a-Buddy Night Swim – at the UNH Outdoor Pool on July 2, July 16, and July 30 for a special evening swim! Current pool members may bring one guest free, and valid MVP pass holders may bring one additional guest free (two guests total).

Stay tuned for Saturday events! Beginning in July, there will be pool deck chalk art, bingo, trivia, and more! Events will be listed on the Know Before You Go HERE.

Ready to dive in? Explore membership options and sign up today HERE.

SCORE OFFERS FREE BUSINESS MENTORING AND RESOURCES FOR DURHAM BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS

Durham resident and Alternate Planning Board Member Munish Nanda recently met with Administrator Selig to highlight SCORE, a nonprofit resource that provides free, confidential mentoring and guidance to small business owners and those considering starting a business. SCORE’s network of experienced volunteer mentors offers support on business planning, financing, marketing, operations, and more.

SCORE also provides webinars, templates, and tools to help entrepreneurs at every stage, from concept through the stages of business growth. Durham residents and business owners are encouraged to take advantage of these services at no cost. To learn more or connect with a mentor, click HERE.

Another relic found at the bottom of the drained Mill Pond Courtesy, Darrell Ford

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps people reduce plastic waste through simple, everyday choices. Every change, no matter how small, cuts down on the plastic pollution that affects all of us.

Single-use plastics are designed to be used once, and then thrown away. The problem is, plastic does not go away, but degrades into microplastics, basically lasting forever. These plastics often end up in our oceans and waterways, causing big problems for wildlife and our environment. In addition, micro plastics are often found  in our bodies and can cause health problems.

The good news is, we can take steps to push back on plastic pollution. For the month of July (and beyond), we will offer small steps you can take that will make an impact on plastic waste.

One step you can take

Choose to refuse plastic pre-packaged fruit and vegetables at the grocery store. Although it is convenient, it produces plastic waste.

How you can do it

Instead, consider purchasing loose fruit and vegetables in your store, or head to a farmers market or local CSA.

Choose reusable produce bags instead of the single-use plastic bags that are usually provided. Many stores offer cardboard boxes as alternatives as well.

It’s also worth asking if you really need a bag at all. For example, if you’re buying bananas, consider keeping them loose and transporting them home in a reusable shopping bag.

Taking the next steps

Support stores that provide loose fruit and vegetables. If your local store doesn’t do this, why not share your concerns and request they reduce their plastic packaging. 

The impact

Avoiding plastic-wrapped fruit and vegetables:

• Stops plastic from entering our oceans and landfill where they break up into tiny micro plastics and remain forever.
• Reduces plastic that is fatal for animals who mistake it for food or become entangled in it.
• Reduces the demand for new plastic production.

Check out www.plasticfreejuly.org for many more easy changes you can make to cut back on plastic use.

Source: www.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 brings an increase in wildlife activity across Durham. New Hampshire Fish & Game reminds residents that most encounters, especially with baby animals, require no intervention. Young foxes, fawns, raccoons, and fledgling birds are often left alone for hours while parents forage, and picking them up or “rescuing” them can cause real harm. The safest response is to give wildlife plenty of space, observe quietly from a distance and secure your pets. If an animal appears injured or sick or is repeatedly approaching homes, residents should share the information with a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator (a person trained to help injured animals) or NH Fish & Game. 

Dogs pose significant challenges to wildlife. Their presence triggers "landscapes of fear" where native species, including small mammals and songbirds which naturally treat dogs as predators, may alter their habitat to avoid them. Outdoor cars pose a major threat, killing billions of birds (estimated 1.3 to 4 billion) and small mammals (estimated 6.3 to 22.3 billion) each year. It is best keep cats indoors, to let them outside only on a leash or in a contained play area, or to put a bell on the collar so that prey might hear a warning if a cat approaches.

The Durham Agricultural Commission encourages homeowners to "Rethink Their Lawn." In particular, purposefully delayed and/or selective mowing favors the development of clover lawn. Not only is a clover lawn attractive, it is hot weather resistant, and beneficial for both native pollinators — and  honeybees!

Come on Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00 PM for the monthly Oyster River Democrats meeting, featuring two Democratic candidates running in the primary for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District: Carleigh Beriont and Christian Urrutia.

A recent UNH Survey Center poll found that 47% of likely Democratic primary voters are still undecided. The primary election is September 8, so now is the time to get to know the candidates. Hear directly from two of them, ask questions, and get a feel for who they are and what they'd bring to Congress.

The meeting will be at the Community Church of Durham Fellowship Hall — NOT the usual Durham Public Library spot.

All are welcome! You do not need to be a registered Democrat, nor do you need to live in an Oyster River town to attend. 

A Zoom option is available for those who can't attend in person. Email Oysterriverdemocratsnh@gmail.com for the link. More details HERE.

Come early to grab a seat and say hello, and plan to stay afterward to talk with the candidates one-on-one. 

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.