Friday Updates - March 27, 2026

Friday, March 27, 2026

Think Spring! Crocuses are blooming on Glassford Lane! Courtesy, Paul Rasmussen

Happy spring!

At the organizational meeting of the new Council on March 23rd, Joe Friedman was selected to continue as Chairperson and Councilor Darrell Ford was selected as Chair Pro Tem. 

A welcome is extended to newly elected Town Councilors Em Friedrichs, Jim Lawson, Michael Lehrman, and Carden Welsh, all of whom were sworn into office at the start of the meeting by Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector Audrey MacKenzie. And thank you once again to outgoing Town Councilors Wayne Burton and Sally Needell for all of their work, effort, and contributions over the last three years.  

Also... remember to bring in those bird feeders - bears are coming out of hibernation! See below for more info.

A FEW WORDS TO OUR READERS...

The Friday Updates is indeed long, yet informative. There’s always a lot happening in Durham, and we want residents to stay aware of what’s going on. Readers can choose what to read or skip, but at least they’ll be informed and can engage on topics that matter to them. We’re always looking for ways to balance thorough communication with readability within limited staff time.

Many subscribers read the entire edition despite its length. We format headings to make it easy to skim and find sections of interest. Some email systems shorten longer messages and require a click to view the full text, which we unfortunately can’t control.

The Friday Updates is not a newspaper. It’s produced by Town staff with Administrator Selig serving as principal contributor and editor. Every effort is made to present information clearly and objectively, but since earnest people - not journalists - assemble it, some perspective naturally comes through. The goal is always to inform, explain, and encourage thoughtful understanding of local issues.

We’re not a newsroom, and each week’s edition depends on contributions from busy staff members. Many weeks it’s a lift to get it out by day’s end. When readers enjoy it, that’s thanks to a team effort. When they don’t, Mr. Selig takes responsibility; he has big shoulders.

Administrator Selig originally designed the Friday Updates to keep Town Council members informed about emerging issues. Over time, it has grown into a major information source for the community and beyond, now reaching more than 4,200 subscribers.

Suggestions for improvement are always welcome and will be thoughtfully considered. Readers can click the AgendaHero link at the bottom to view and add highlighted events to their calendars.

CONSIDER SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMS THIS YEAR

With the food growing season beginning soon, the Durham Agricultural Commission encourages the support of local farms through the purchase of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares. Emery Farm in Durham is currently offering shares of their Locavore Membership available HERE. Other farms offering CSA shares can be found via Seacoast Eat Local’s publication, Seacoast Harvest HERE. 

VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

Consider becoming a volunteer member of a local board, commission or committee. It's a wonderful way to become active in local affairs affecting our community!

The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill the vacancies listed below.

Interested citizens may stop in or contact the Administrator’s office at kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us to obtain a board application form. You can see more information on vacancies at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/volunteer.

LONG-TIME BUSINESS MANAGER GAIL JABLONSKI TO RETIRE THIS FALL - Recruitment Planning Under Way

Long‑time Durham Business Manager Gail Jablonski has informed the Town that she plans to retire this fall after many years of dedicated service to the community. She has been with the Town of Durham since 1987, starting first as Office Manager at the Public Works Department and then becoming Business Manager. Gail has played a central role in overseeing the Town’s finances, budgeting, human resources, and general assistance, and her work has been an important part of Durham’s overall stability and sound management.

With her planned retirement in mind for the October time frame, Admin. Selig has begun thinking through a recruitment/search process to identify her successor and map out a thoughtful transition. The goal is to have a strong candidate in place with enough time for overlap and job shadowing so that knowledge can be transferred smoothly and day‑to‑day operations in the Business Office continue without disruption. 

CAPTAIN GARY KUSTRA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT

After more than 21 years of dedicated service, Captain Gary Kustra has announced his intention to retire from the Durham Fire Department effective August 20, 2026. Captain Kustra joined the department in November 2004 and has been an integral part of its operations and culture ever since. Over the years, he's played a key role in maintaining the department’s hose and equipment inventory, overseeing annual testing programs, and managing uniform procurement for staff.

Known for his professionalism, leadership, and optimism, Captain Kustra has earned the respect and gratitude of colleagues across the department and community. Additional information and any planned recognition will be shared as his retirement date approaches. 

ORCSD SUPERINTENDENT SHAPS ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RETIRE IN JUNE 2027

Oyster River Cooperative School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps has announced that he will retire on June 30, 2027, following completion of his three-year contractual term. Dr. Shaps, who has served as superintendent in four districts over his 28-year career as a school district leader, expressed gratitude to the Oyster River community and reaffirmed his commitment to continue advancing the district’s goals through the remainder of his tenure.

During his time with ORCSD, Dr. Shaps has prioritized helping to make ORCSD the best public school system in the state through curriculum enhancement and expansion of academic opportunities for all students. In the months ahead, he and the School Board plan to finalize and launch a new strategic plan built on community input gathered through recent forums, focus groups, and district wide conversations.

The Planning Board held a public hearing on Wednesday, March 25 on a proposal to increase the height in a section of the Central Business-1 District to five stories and 60 feet. Following a great good deal of public feedback, the Board voted not to move forward with this amendment. This change would have affected a limited number of properties – those shown on the map here inside the area marked in red and bounded by Main Street, Jenkins Court, and Pettee Brook Lane. The height limit for the rest of the Central Business-1 District would have remained at 4 stories and 50 feet. 

The Planning Board will be working on a new proposal and a new public hearing will be held in the future.

BUSINESS OFFICE RESPONDS QUICKLY TO PAYROLL SCAM, ENHANCES SECURITY MEASURES

The Town recently experienced a payroll-related fraud incident involving a spoofed email that appeared to originate from a Fire Department employee requesting a change to their direct deposit information. Unfortunately, the fraudulent request was processed, and one payroll cycle (approximately $3,000) was directed to an unauthorized account before the situation was identified. The matter was immediately reported, and notification was promptly made to the Durham Police Department, the bank, IT, and the Town’s insurer, Primex.

Primex has reimbursed the Town for the lost funds, and the affected employee has been made whole. Both the bank and Durham Police Department continue to investigate. The Town maintains established internal protocols and training designed to prevent fraudulent activity of this nature. In response to this incident, the Business Office and IT are reviewing current procedures and coordinating additional cybersecurity and fraud-prevention training to further strengthen the Town’s administrative safeguards.

UPDATE ON LEASING THE BICKFORD-CHESLEY HOUSE APARTMENT AT WAGON HILL FARM

Work continues to move forward on leasing the newly renovated apartment within the historic Bickford‑Chesley House at Wagon Hill Farm. The Town is working with local property manager Tom Toye to finalize the lease and caretaker agreements, including confirming an appropriate market rent and clarifying caretaker responsibilities associated with the unit.

Two Durham-connected prospective tenant groups have been identified and have been in conversation with the Town. Once the remaining lease details are resolved and an agreement is in place, the Town will be in a position to move ahead with selecting a tenant and putting this asset into productive use.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED IN YOUR PREFERRED POLITICAL PARTY PRIOR TO THE SEPTEMBER STATE PRIMARY

June 2 is the last day to change your party affiliation before the September 8 State Primary. Now is a good time to make sure you are registered to vote the way you wish to be. All changes that were made to the Voter Checklist by end of day on March 10 (town election) have been updated. The paper checklist at the town hall has not been updated yet, but you should be able to check your status at app.sos.nh.gov/voterinformation or ask at the Clerk’s office. 

If you have not yet registered to vote in Durham, you may still do that (and choose your party) any time up until about 10 days before the Primary. This is also a good time for High School seniors to register to vote, as long as they will be 18 by the September 8 election.

Remember, if you are registered Undeclared, you may choose either ballot at the Primary. However, you will then be considered registered in that party until you return to Undeclared, either before you leave the polling place or any time later at the Town Hall or at a Supervisor Session. The only time your party matters is at a Primary.

POTENTIAL TAX RELIEF FOR THOSE STRUGGLING TO PAY PROPERTY TAXES

If you are in a situation where you are finding it difficult to pay property taxes, there are programs that have been adopted by the Town of Durham and the State of New Hampshire that may be of assistance. These programs are in the form of property tax exemptions, credits, and low to moderate income tax relief. We encourage you to reach out to the Durham Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064 or visit the Town of Durham’s Assessing website HERE.

A quick guide to exemptions and credits offered by the Town can be found HERE. Applications are due by April 15, 2026, for the 2026 tax year.

Additionally, the State of New Hampshire provides property tax relief for low to moderate income homeowners. This relief only applies to the state education portion of the tax rate. Applications are due after May 1, 2026, but no later than June 30, 2026, for relief of 2025’s taxes. Please note this is a form of relief offered by the State not the Town; applications can be filed online at www.revenue.nh.gov/gtc or by contacting the Department of Revenue Administration at (603) 230-5000.

Lastly, the Town has a statutory obligation to place a lien on your property if you have not paid your property taxes within 30 days of the due date. After two years and one day, the municipality can then tax deed the property to the municipality for unpaid taxes. If you are behind on your taxes and are at risk of tax deed, you can also apply for legal assistance through the 603 Legal Aid organization at www.603legalaid.org or by contacting them at (603) 224-3333. 

If you have any questions about the different forms of tax relief available, please contact the Durham Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064.

If you have any questions regarding the lien or tax deed process, please contact the Durham Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office at (603) 868-5577. 

Over the winter the Town Hall Lost & Found box has accumulated quite a few things:

4 pairs of gloves

3 adult hats

1 child's hat

A wristwatch (It's still ticking!)

A fluorescent cover for a dog

2 single gloves

If any of these belong to you, they are located in the Lost and Found box in the entry area of the Town Hall. If not claimed within the next month, they will either be donated or disposed of.

Construction activities along Phase 4 are set to begin during the week of March 30th. As part of the project, traffic on Madbury Road from Edgewood Road to Emerson Road will be restricted to southbound only, with northbound traffic detoured via Edgewood Road and Emerson Road as shown in the detour map above.

Construction activities along Phase 3 are set to resume during the week of April 6th. As part of the project, traffic on Madbury Road from Garrison Avenue to Edgewood Road will be restricted to northbound only, with southbound traffic detoured via Edgewood Road and Strafford Avenue.

The individual Phase 4A and Phase 4B Roadway, Drainage, and Streetscape Projects were awarded to G.W. Brooks and Sons, Inc. of Freedom, NH. The two projects are an extension of Phase 3 and include the installation of traffic calming measures, including attractive median islands with crosswalks, along with streetscape improvements, landscaping, and hardscape improvements from Edgewood Road to Hampshire Avenue. The two projects also include the addition of a left-turn lane from Madbury Road southbound onto Emerson Road, heading toward the Oyster River Middle School. Installation of lighting in key locations along the corridor will also occur, in addition to a fully contained stormwater collection system that will partially connect to water quality media box filters for roadway stormwater treatment filtration installed during the Phase 1 project in 2024.

Temporary sidewalks along the west side of the corridor from Edgewood Road to Hampshire Avenue will be constructed in the interim, as the Phase 5 multi-use path is not scheduled to replace them until the State’s 10 Year Transportation Improvement Plan is approved. The plan, which includes Durham’s federally and state funded $1.8 million multi-use path, is anticipated to be approved during the summer of 2026 with multi-use path construction funding currently programmed in 2033. The Town intends on working closely with NHDOT to accelerate this schedule for early construction based on completion of all permitting and final design and to coincide with the States U.S Route 4 and Madbury Road roundabout intersection improvement project. 

On or around June 29, 2026, Durham’s curbside solid waste and recycling collection will transition to fully automated collection! See this week's "Did You Know?" below for more information.

For a relative size comparison of the different cart sizes, please see photo above of Assistant Director Sam Hewitt who stands 6’2” tall next to 48-, 64-and 96-gallon containers, or stop into the Durham Public Works offices located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive to view and test each size in person. Actual cart dimensions are also provided below to assist in resident cart size decision making.

Please note that this illustration in last week's Friday Updates had the wrong height size for the 96 Gallon container. It has been corrected below.

For full program details, please visit Durham’s Automated Curbside Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Handbook HERE or contact Durham Public Works with specific questions or needs at (603) 868-5578. Stay Tuned for more information as the roll out date approaches.

Changes are coming to Durham’s trash and recycling curbside program. The transition to an automated curbside collection is planned to begin on or around the week of June 29, 2026, with standardized carts and educational materials being distributed in early June.

Why is the Town adopting automated curbside collection?

Automated collection is now the industry standard for residential curbside service. The Town currently uses manual collection, which requires workers to physically lift and empty materials into the truck. Manual collection is being phased out nationwide and will no longer be supported by service vendors in the future.

What will change?

The Town will provide new trash and recycling carts in early June which must be used for automated collection. There will be no charge to residents for these new carts:

• One 64 gallon trash container
• One 96-gallon single-stream recycling container

Curbside collection days will remain the same and trash will continue to be picked up weekly. Recycling will transition to single-stream (all recycling materials in one container) and will be collected every other week.

Old trash carts and the Town's current recycling bins will no longer be usable for automated collection. Trash bags will not be collected if placed at the curb outside of the new trash carts. All materials, including cardboard, must be placed inside the new carts for collection. 

There will be an opportunity to pass in your old recycle bins and trash carts for recycling if desired - more details to come.

Cart accommodations

During the initial roll-out, different cart sizes will be available to residents based on availability and eligibility. Different cart sizes are available for households which generate minimal trash and recycling, and residents requiring ADA or other accommodations. Residents may request to change the default cart sizing for both carts, or keep the default size of one cart and change the other. Residents can also opt out of receiving any carts and choose not to participate in curbside trash collection, but can arrange other options, or visit the Durham Transfer Station for trash and recycling disposal.

Opt Out / Different cart size request

Residents must submit a request by April 8, 2026 to receive different cart sizes, based on availability and eligibility, or to opt out of collection entirely. Call Durham Public Works at 603-868-5578 or fill out the online request form HERE. Requests will be reviewed for eligibility. The town will be finalizing cart order by April 8, 2026. 

What else do I need to know?

More information will be provided as it becomes available.To learn more about the new automated curbside program, including proper and improper placement of curbside carts and tips to help with the curbside collection of materials, check out the Durham Public Work’s Story Map at the link HERE.

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.

The Blanding’s turtle, a critically imperiled and state‑protected species in New Hampshire, relies heavily on the wetland buffers found throughout Durham. They are described as a 7- to 9-inch turtle with yellow speckles that often run together to form streaks on the carapace. Easily identified when basking from its characteristic yellow throat and chin.

These turtles use shallow wetlands for feeding and overwintering, but they travel through upland buffer areas each spring and summer to nest, bask, and move between wetlands.

Because they cross roads and developed areas during these migrations, maintaining intact, vegetated buffers is essential for their survival. By limiting disturbance, keeping pets on trails, and supporting conservation land, you can help protect these transition zones and ensure that this long‑lived, charismatic species continues to thrive in Durham’s connected network of wetlands and forests.

The Granite State’s black bears are emerging from their winter dens and beginning to actively search for any available food sources.

With the arrival of spring, it’s recommended that Durham residents be both proactive and responsible by taking down bird feeders no later than April 1. 

Backyard farmers should protect poultry, livestock, and bees with electric fencing, being sure to remember these fencing needs when picking up new chicks this spring.

Additionally, residents can help prevent the attraction of bears by securing dumpsters and garbage cans and storing grills, pet food, and animal feeds indoors. The easiest way to solve bear–human conflicts is to prevent them in the first place—please do your part to help protect New Hampshire’s bears.

Bears have an extremely acute sense of smell, long memories, and high intelligence. If bears are not rewarded with food in neighborhoods, they do not continue to frequent those locations.

Diana Carroll talking about the Milnes at the Milne Nature Sanctuary in October 2025. Courtesy Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

Lorus and Margery Milne could not have had more different backgrounds– he was the only child of a well-off Canadian family that valued decorum, she was an adventure-loving New York City kid who frequently escaped to the zoo and loved eating her lunch up in a tree. When the two met as zoology students at Woods Hole Biological Station, it was love at first sight. Their lives wrapped around natural history, writing, and each other. As authors and UNH professors, they traveled for National Geographic, published over 50 books, and made appearances on national TV.

Come hear the Durham story "The Milnes and their Legacy" presented by Diana Carroll, a close friend of the Milnes, at the Durham Public Library on Tuesday April 7 at 6:30 PM, in partnership with the Land Stewardship Subcommittee. Diana gave this great presentation at the Milne Nature Sanctuary by the Mill Pond last fall during one of the Land Stewardship's Discover Durham Trail walks. There was so much interest that it was decided to partner with the Library to offer a more in-depth program! Thanks to Diana Carroll for all her contributions to preserving and sharing the Milne's legacy in Durham. For more information on the Milne Nature Sanctuary, click HERE.

UPCOMING AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WORKSHOPS

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop – March 28, 1-3pm at Tuckaway Farm, 36 Captain Smith Emerson Road, Lee. Join Durham Agricultural Commission member Bryan Cassidy to learn how to prune fruit trees young and old. Bryan is building a posse of pruners to care for fruit trees. Dress for the weather and email bryancassidy77@gmail.com to register. A $20 fee is requested but not required to participate.

Seed Starting Workshop – April 4, 10am, UNH Macfarlane Research Greenhouse, 13 Botanical Lane, Durham. Join Durham Agricultural Commission members Ellen Karelitz and Dave Langley to jump start your garden. This free workshop is for experienced and new gardeners interested in growing their own food. We’ll discuss garden planning, starting seeds, a sowing calendar for our region – what to sow, when to sow it – extending the growing season, using vertical space to reduce ground area needed, determining the space you need (it’s much less than you might think), and time saving techniques. Please register for the workshop by emailing Dave Langley at davelangleydesign@comcast.net

There is a new community organization evolving out of the Madbury Community Club (founded in the 1950s) that is expanding membership to include residents of Madbury, Lee and Durham. The organization, called 'Community Connections,' is still getting its footing, but there is hope to be able to provide support and connections to residents who might be feeling isolated or lonely, and to help coordinate activities and get togethers among residents of our three communities. 

The first event is an art exhibit called "Community Arts Share," which will be held at the Madbury Public Library, opening on April 11 and running for a month or so, featuring both professional and hobbyist artists from our three communities. Of the 11 artists whose work will be displayed, 4 are from Durham. 

For more information on Community Connections, you can email Mary Downes at mary.downes.7@gmail.com.

THE ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS “HOMELESSNESS AS A CRISIS OF DEMOCRACY”

The Active Retirement Association (ARA) announces a FREE presentation, “Homelessness as a Crisis of Democracy,” on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 1:30 - 3:00 PM, at the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street, Durham, NH, and also via Zoom. The featured speaker is Paul Schofield, PhD, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Bates College in Lewiston, ME, who has written essays and op-eds about homelessness for numerous national publications and is completing a book on the subject that is due to be published late next year.

Schofield states that “Homelessness is a wholesale exclusion from society, community, and civic life. It is exclusion that is inconsistent with our democratic values. This realization should shape our political response to the homelessness crisis as well as our thinking about how those who are housed should treat those who have nowhere to live.”

This FREE event is open to the public; however, pre-registration for non-ARA members is required at seacoastara@gmail.com. Please be sure to indicate whether you plan to attend in person or via Zoom.

The ARA is an all-volunteer organization for people ages 50 and over, whether retired or not. Originally begun by and affiliated with UNH, it currently has over 370 members from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond. The ARA is committed to encouraging life-long learning for its members by offering lectures, workshops, discussion groups, cultural tours, walks/hikes, member-interest Programs on Demand (PODs), and much more. For more information visit www.aranh.org, or to inquire about membership write to arainfo1982@gmail.com. We invite you to join us and expand your world!

The Active Retirement Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is not affiliated with any political, religious, ethnic, or special interest group.

Sorority Life and the Child Study and Development Center will be hosting a community drop-off event in partnership with the Durham Fire Department at the Community Church on Main Street on Tuesday, March 31st from 2:00–6:00 PM. This event is open to all local families, and light refreshments will be provided.

In addition to physical donations, they will be accepting cash, checks, and gift cards at the event, all of which will go directly toward purchasing diapers and wipes for the CSDC.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

You're Invited! April 22 Community Dinner

The Oyster River Sustainability Committee invites you to a community dinner and Earth Day celebration at the Oyster River High School, 5:00-6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to enjoy a delicious, locally and sustainably sourced cookout dinner (beef or veggie burger, hot dog, and grilled chicken). Each meal includes side salad options (garden, potato, macaroni, and coleslaw), a beverage, and dessert. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available. Cost: $15 per adult or $40 per family. Please RSVP HERE by April 20.

School News

The Sweetest Time of the Year

Each year, Moharimet students tap maple trees, collect sap, and transform it into maple syrup. For more than 30 years, maple sugaring has been a cherished school tradition. Learn more HERE.

ORHS Students Perform at Universal CityWalk

Oyster River High School (ORHS) orchestra, band, and chorus students traveled to Florida for an exciting five-day adventure and performed in a concert at Orlando’s Universal Studios. Trips like these could not occur without the help and support of our community. Learn more 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 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.

April 9: ORHS Coffee House

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

April 17: Moharimet 4^th Grade Spring Musical (The Jungle Book)

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Auditorium at Oyster River High School.

April 22: Community Dinner

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cafeteria and Courtyard at Oyster River High School. $15 per adult or $40 per family (a family includes up to 2 adults and children living within the same household). Please RSVP by April 20.

April 22-23: Mast Way 3-4th Grade Musical (Disney's Moana Jr.)

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Auditorium at Oyster River High School.

The MENA Research Lab at UNH is Seeking Parents of Children Between 3-5 years old to Participate in the Farm to Early Care and Education and Parent Engagement in New Hampshire Research Study.

The University of New Hampshire is currently recruiting parents of children ages 3–5 to participate in a research study on parent engagement in nutrition opportunities for families with young children attending licensed early care programs in New Hampshire. Participants will take part in an online group discussion with other parents and will receive a gift card as compensation.

If you are interested, please scan the QR code on the flyer or use the following link HERE to complete a brief eligibility screener. A member of our research team will follow up with you.

You can also learn more by watching our recruitment video HERE.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at mena.lab@unh.edu or call 603-862-4262. We look forward to hearing from you!