Friday Updates - May 16, 2025

Friday, May 16, 2025

Lady Slippers in Oyster River Forest Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

Today, Friday, is National Bike to Work Day!  As a town, we’re very proud of our commitment to sustainability. Our many connections and partnerships with the University of New Hampshire contribute to this ethos. Programs like Cat Trax Bike Share, which offers free bikes for both students and Durham residents, make it easy for everyone to get around in an environmentally friendly way. Last year, Cat Trax riders logged almost 4,000 miles. 

Check out a Cat Trax bike (for free) to take a spin around town and campus. You can find instructions HERE.

UNH COMMENCEMENT IS THIS WEEKEND! - Expect traffic delays in and around campus.

The Durham Police Department would like to remind residents that UNH will be hosting several commencement ceremonies at the Whittemore Center this coming weekend.

The ceremonies will start on Friday, May 16 and continue through Sunday, May 20. Residents will notice an increase in motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area of the Whittemore Center.

Congratulations to all graduating students and their families. It's a great time to be a Wildcat!

SUMMARY OF ITEMS ON MONDAY NIGHT'S COUNCIL AGENDA

The Town Council will meet on Monday, May 19, at 7:00 PM at Town Hall. The main topics on the agenda include:

• Welcoming New Firefighters: The meeting will begin with the official swearing in of two new firefighters, Joshua Gaultier and Kenneth Richard.
• Property Taxes and Town Investments: The Council will vote on issuing the first half of the 2024 property tax bills ($19,053,199) and will review the Town’s investment policy for the year.
• Emergency Generator Project ($856,800): Decisions will be made regarding the installation of a new emergency generator for town facilities and the hiring of engineers to oversee the project.
• Changing a Future Meeting Date: The Council will consider moving the January 2026 meeting to avoid a conflict with Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Day.
• Committee Appointment: The appointment of David Marcouillier as an alternate member of the Agricultural Commission will be considered.
• Annual Reports: Updates will be presented from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Historic District Commission on their work over the past year.
• Public Hearings: Town Bonding: Residents will have the opportunity to comment on a proposal to borrow up to $14.3 million for various capital projects and equipment. Zoning Changes: There will also be a public hearing on proposed changes to the Town’s zoning rules, including the creation of two new business districts downtown.
• Setting Council Goals: The Council will continue discussions regarding goals for the upcoming year. You can see a draft of the goals HERE.
• New Business: The Town’s IT Manager, Luke Vincent, will discuss the concept of providing tablets for Councilors to use for Town email, etc.

Next week, May 18–24, marks National Public Works Week. It's a time set aside to recognize the often unseen but always essential work of public works professionals. Here in Durham, our Department of Public Works is more than just a team keeping roads plowed and water flowing. They are stewards of our town’s well-being. They are quiet problem-solvers who approach every challenge with professionalism, creativity, and a sense of responsibility to our community.

What sets Durham’s public works staff apart is their commitment to continuous improvement and citizen service. Whether it’s implementing sustainable practices, responding to unexpected emergencies with calm efficiency, or collaborating with residents to solve local issues, our DPW team consistently demonstrates integrity and pride in their work.

Their efforts may not always make headlines, but the positive impact they have on the daily lives of everyone in Durham is important and lasting.

This week, please take a moment to notice and appreciate the people whose dedication keeps our community running smoothly, safely, and sustainably.

Did you know that Emery Farm and its Market & Cafe and Garden Center out on Route 4 is a community leader in providing locally grown and sourced food, gifts, and even plants? 

Aside from the delicious food and specialty items found inside, this time of year the outside Garden Center is in full bloom with locally grown flowers, herbs, and vegetable starter plants. They specialize in offering Local Ecotype perennials, shrubs, and bushes too. 

This summer take advantage of their Thursday evening Love Local Fests. These will be starting June 19 and run through early September. Every week you will find live local music, adult beverages, a special evening menu, and freshly shucked oysters from Fox Point Oysters. 

Lastly, stay tuned for PYO (pick your own) blueberries that will start in early July. The berries are sure to be extra juicy this season with all the rain we've had.  

WATER AND SEWER BILLS DUE MAY 19, 2025

Durham residents are reminded that the second installment of the 2025 Water and Sewer bills will be due on Monday, May 19, 2025. This billing period covers water and sewer usage from January 2 through March 27, 2025. Be sure to submit your payment by the May 19 deadline to avoid penalties. Water and sewer bills in Durham are issued quarterly, with each payment due 30 days after the bill date. Please note that credit card payments are accepted, but they may be subject to additional processing fees. Payments sent by mail will be honored according to the postmark date, so residents are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid late fees.

The 2025 rates are:

• Water: $10.92 per 100 CF
• Sewer: $10.66 per 100 CF

Payments can be made in several convenient ways:

• Online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/clerk
• In person at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 8:00am-5:00pm (closed Wednesdays)
• By mail to Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824
• Using the drop box located at Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824

Please contact Rachel Deane with questions regarding your water and sewer bill at: rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us, 603-868-5577

A ranunculus flower Courtesy, Carol Birch

COMING THIS SUMMER - 2025 PROPERTY VALUE STATISTICAL UPDATE

The Town of Durham is working with Whitney Consulting Group, LLC and Town Assessor Darcy Freer to update property values for the 2025 tax year. This update, called a statistical revaluation, is required by the State of New Hampshire to ensure that all property assessments are fair and reflect current real estate market conditions as of April 1, 2025.

The last full revaluation in Durham was completed in 2023, when property assessments were found to be, on average, 94.2% of actual market value. Each year, the Town monitors real estate sales to track changes in property values. For the 2024 tax year, this monitoring showed that assessments had dropped to 82.5% of current market value. In simple terms, this means Durham’s real estate market values increased by about 11.7% in just one year. State law requires towns to keep assessments within 90% to 110% of market value after a revaluation. Because our assessments have fallen below this range, this year’s update is necessary to bring property values back in line with the market and make sure everyone is paying their fair share.

What to Expect…

• Preliminary new property values will be mailed to all property owners in late August or September 2025.
• These values are based on recent sales and should reflect what your property could sell for in today’s market.
• You’ll have the opportunity to review your new value and, if you have questions or concerns, schedule a one-on-one informal hearing with the Assessor and Whitney Consulting Group. Instructions for scheduling an appointment will be included with your notice.

It’s important to remember that an increase in your property’s assessed value does not automatically mean your property taxes will go up. After the revaluation, the overall tax rate is adjusted based on the new total town value. Often, when property values go up across the board, the tax rate goes down. Please do not use the current tax rate to estimate your new taxes. The final rate will be set by the state later in the year after all budgets are finalized.

If, after receiving your fall tax bill, you still believe your new assessment does not reflect market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal (called an “abatement request”) with the Town. The deadline for this is March 1, 2026.

We’ll keep you updated throughout this process. Updates will be shared in the weekly Friday Updates e-newsletter, and more information will be posted on the Assessing Department’s page at www.ci.durham.nh.us/assessing starting the week of May 19, 2025.

If you have any questions at any time, please contact the Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064. Thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep Durham’s property assessments fair and up to date.

FOR SECOND TIME THIS YEAR, NH SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF DURHAM PLANNING BOARD: Town & Campus, Inc. v. Town of Durham (April 14, 2025)

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has affirmed its earlier decision from April 14, 2025, upon request for reconsideration by the litigant, regarding the Durham Planning Board’s approval of a site plan amendment for Clark Properties, LLC, rejecting the appeal brought by Town & Campus, Inc. 

Here’s what was at issue and how the court responded:

Frontage Requirement: Town & Campus, Inc. argued that the site plan amendment would leave their lot without the required street frontage, making it nonconforming under Durham’s zoning ordinance.

The court disagreed, finding that Ballard Street continues to provide the necessary frontage for the lot. The amendment did not change Ballard Street’s status as a legal right-of-way, so the lot remains conforming.

Reliance on Town Planner’s Opinion: Town & Campus, Inc. also claimed the Planning Board acted unreasonably by relying on the town planner’s legal opinion about the frontage.

The court found that the Planning Board was justified in relying on the town planner’s assessment. The planner correctly noted that Ballard Street, even as a “paper street,” still counts as frontage under the ordinance.

Timeliness of the Challenge: Finally, Town & Campus, Inc. said it had raised its concerns in a timely manner.

The trial court had ruled that if there was a problem with Ballard Street’s frontage, Town & Campus should have raised it back in 2018, when the subdivision was first approved. The Supreme Court noted that, since it found Ballard Street does provide the required frontage, it did not need to address the timeliness issue further.

The NH Supreme Court’s decision supports the Planning Board’s process and upholds the original site plan amendment. Durham was represented in the case by Town Counsel Laura Spector-Morgan, who has been very successful in defending the Town in such matters. 

To download the full decision, click HERE. To download the Court’s decision regarding the most recent reconsideration request, click HERE.

Spring Tulip Courtesy, Todd Selig

NEW HOURS FOR THE DURHAM TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR

A reminder that the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office has adjusted its public office hours. The new hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays — extending the hours by 30 minutes. The office is now closed to the public on Wednesdays. We anticipate minimal disruption to residents and appreciate your understanding. Below is a summary of the changes and the reasoning behind them.

Why are the office hours changing?

Q: Why is this change necessary? The previous staff managed with the old schedule.

A: There are three key reasons for this update:

• Reduced In-Person Traffic
• More residents now use the Town’s online services and mail-in options, decreasing the demand for in-person visits. Many New Hampshire Town Clerk offices have adjusted their hours in response to similar shifts.
• Cost Savings for Residents and the Town
• Shortened hours help manage staffing costs and reduce the need for additional full-time positions, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.
• Support for Staff Well-being
• In 2024, hours were reduced for the Deputy and Assistant Town Clerk-Tax Collector positions by five hours each per week, reflecting a department-wide 10-hour reduction. These changes support work-life balance for our dedicated team.

What does this mean for you?

Q: I prefer to pay in person and want to avoid online fees. How will this impact me?

A: We understand your concerns and have options available:

• Emergency In-Person Needs on Wednesdays - While the office is closed to the public on Wednesdays, Town Clerk-Tax Collector Rachel Deane is available to handle emergency situations. You may email her at rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us. Rachel checks her email regularly and will respond as needed.
• 24/7 Lockbox Option - To avoid mailing or online fees, residents may use the secure dropbox located outside Town Hall (items processed next business day). It’s available 24/7 for:
• Tax and utility payments
• Motor vehicle renewals
• Vital records requests

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Rachel Deane, Town Clerk-Tax Collector at rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us

FOOD INSECURITY IN DURHAM – Regional and Local Resources Available.

Food insecurity is a year-round challenge, and Durham residents have access to a network of organizations working to meet this need. Gather, a Seacoast-based nonprofit, provides free fresh produce, pantry staples, and proteins through its Pantry Market in Portsmouth and Mobile Markets in Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth, and Seabrook. While Gather does not currently operate a Mobile Market in Durham, any New Hampshire or Maine resident, including those from Durham, can and do register and use Gather’s services at any of these locations. To learn more, visit www.gathernh.org, email info@gathernh.org, or contact Community Relations Manager Kate Constantine at kconstantine@gathernh.org.

For those seeking food support closer to home, several Durham-based organizations offer direct assistance:

• The Waysmeet Center’s Cornucopia Food Pantry (15 Mill Road, Durham, NH 03824) provides groceries by appointment on Tuesdays (3–6 pm), Wednesdays (1–4 pm), and Fridays (12–3 pm). Call (603) 862-1165 or email foodpantry@waysmeetcenter.org for more information.
• St. Thomas More Food Pantry (6 Madbury Road, Durham, NH 03824) accepts non-perishable food donations and offers pantry support. Pantry Hours: Thursdays 4-6 PM. (603) 868-2666.
• Oyster River End 68 Hours of Hunger (33 Coe Drive, Durham, NH 03824) provides weekend food bags for students and accepts donations of food, toiletries, and funds. Call (207) 752-7264 or email oysterriver@end68hoursofhunger.org.

These organizations work together to ensure that no one in our collective Durham community goes hungry, and they welcome donations and volunteers year-round, not just during the holidays. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you’d like to support these efforts, please reach out to any of the contacts above.

DURHAM FARMERS’ MARKET RETURNS DOWNTOWN FOR 2025 SEASON

The Durham Farmers' Market is set to return for the 2025 season, bringing fresh, locally sourced products to the heart of downtown. Starting Monday, June 2, and running through October 6, the market will operate weekly on Mondays from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Downtown Pocket Park, located at 66 Main Street (between M&T Bank and Town & Campus).

Organized by Seacoast Eat Local, the market features a diverse array of vendors offering fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, eggs, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts, and body care products—all produced, grown, or crafted locally.

The market aligns with the goals of the Durham Agricultural Commission, which aims to promote local agriculture and encourage residents to support local food systems. By situating the market downtown, it also supports the Town Council's objectives of fostering community engagement and bolstering local businesses.

Residents are encouraged to visit the market to enjoy fresh products and to explore the Town’s local shops and eateries, enhancing the vibrancy of Durham's downtown area.

To encourage a positive attitude toward dandelions, the Durham Agricultural Commission Bee Friendly Program offers the following:

- Dandelions are not weeds but bee-utiful spring wildflowers.

- They are an important source of both pollen and nectar for honeybees.

- Honeybees visiting dandelions in the early spring contributes to sweet results (honey!) that can be enjoyed throughout the entire year.

- There are at least eight beekeepers and over 20 beehives in Durham producing local honey.  Honeybees fly 2-3 miles away from their hive to find nectar and pollen.

- Due your part by not mowing your lawn mowing until after the dandelions seed heads are gone.

The Bickford Chesley house was built in 1804 by John Bickford (1765-1813), a sea captain and resident of Salem, Massachusetts, who owned several New Hampshire farms managed by tenant farmers. Following Bickford’s death in 1813 in Uruguay, several generations of the Chesley family managed a diverse farming operation used until the mid-2oth century. The Town of Durham purchased the property from the Tirrell Family in 1989.

The trustees of the Wagon Hill Farm Heritage Expendable Trust are asking for donations from the public to support aspects of the renovations to the Bickford-Chesley House, Ell, and Barn not included in the LCHIP grant or town funding.

You can donate on the new Gofund.me page HERE or mail a check payable to the Wagon Hill Farm Heritage Expendable Trust to Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. 

Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and ensures the Bickford-Chesley House, Ell, and Barn are preserved for future generations.

Suggested levels:

$500 - $250 - $100   Or a gift of any amount is valued and welcome! 

Thank you!

Neil Slepian, Conservation Commission member, and Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Director, spent some time this week moving a duck nesting box to a new location, clearing trails, and pulling invasive species on the Sweet Trail.

In addition, a shout out for Durham's new part-time Land Stewardship Coordinator, Veronique Ludington, who is doing a marvelous job in the position!

DISCOVER DURHAM'S TRAILS THIS WEEKEND

Discover Durham’s Trails Spring Birding takes place this Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 am at Doe Farm! Spots are still open, and registration will remain open through Saturday, May 17. Participation is free but registration is required HERE.

Kurk Dorsey will lead the group throughout Doe Farm and will help to identify spring native birds along the walk. Participants should bring binoculars for the walk, bug spray and a filled water bottle.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A FREE EVENT - "The Shock of Colonialism: Archeology in a New England Frontier"

The Active Retirement Association (ARA) announces a FREE event, “The Shock of Colonialism: Archaeology in a New England Frontier.”

The presenter is Meghan C. L. Howey, PhD, UNH Professor of Anthropology and in the Earth Systems Research Center and currently the Director of the Center for the Humanities. She is also the Director of The Great Bay Archaeological Survey. This event will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 2:00 – 3:30 PM, at the Durham Evangelical Church (lower level), 114 Dover Road (Route 108), Durham, NH. Dr. Howey will share stories of global colonialism (ca. 1600-1750) embedded in the local landscape of the Great Bay Estuary from her new book, The Shock of Colonialism in New England: Fragments from a Frontier.

This FREE event is open to the public and is a part of the ARA’s Memorial Fund Lecture Series established in 2004 with a grant from the Robert E. Smith family and further endowed by membership donations. Pre-registration is not required and light refreshments will be served – bring a friend or two!

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 has over 380 members from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond. The ARA is committed to expanding the world of its members by offering lectures, workshops, discussion groups, films, cultural tours, walks/hikes, on-demand member interest groups, and much more. For more information visit www.unh.edu/ara or to inquire about membership write to arainfo1982@gmail.com

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

GENERAL POLICE ACTIVITY IN DURHAM SINCE MAY 5 – An overview.

Over the last eleven days, the Durham Police Department responded to a range of incidents, with notable activity surrounding Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo. Officers remained engaged with arrests, medical calls, vehicle incidents, and quality-of-life issues, while continuing proactive patrols across town.

Derby Day was especially active, resulting in 11 arrests. Charges included unlawful possession of alcohol, resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and DUI. One arrest involved a member of another police agency; their department was notified and took custody of their property. Officers also handled multiple motor vehicle and noise complaints throughout the day.

Mental health-related calls included two serious cases involving individuals expressing suicidal intent—one with a knife and pills, the other while impaired. Both were transported to the hospital. An additional medical response involved an intoxicated, unresponsive person who later regained consciousness and was also hospitalized.

Traffic enforcement remained consistent. Officers issued citations and handled several incidents, including a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, a DUI crash on Main Street involving controlled substances, and a separate crash where a vehicle hit a utility pole. Three stop sign violations were cited, and two vehicles were towed from Jenkins Court to allow for line painting by DPW. A vehicle also struck and damaged a traffic sign on Route 155A, and two others suffered tire damage from potholes on Madbury Road.

Weather created challenges including a power outage on Packers Falls Road caused by a blown transformer. Flooding on Bennett Road due to heavy rains last weekend prompted a full closure between Cold Springs and the Thompson Inn. Public Works responded to both situations.

Officers addressed multiple noise complaints and trespassing incidents, including individuals found on a downtown rooftop and a separate case that led to an arrest. A report of a missing intoxicated individual near the Gables resulted in a successful search and safe recovery.  Parking violations increased during student move-out, particularly in fire lanes.

Despite steady rain on some nights, officers remained active with directed and foot patrols, follow-up investigations, and routine calls for service.

Please join the Durham Fire Department in welcoming Joshua Gaultier & Kenneth Richard to the position of Probationary Firefighter/EMT.

Joshua Gaultier's fire service career began in 2022 when he joined New Castle Fire Department where he obtained his firefighter I & II certifications. He is also certified as an EMT-B. Joshua lives in Somersworth, is an avid snowboarder, and his biggest passion is traveling. Joshua was hired to replace Firefighter Kenneth Lundberg who retired earlier this year. 

Kenneth Richard's fire service career began in 2012 when he joined Strafford Fire Rescue as a fire explorer. While at Strafford Fire Rescue, Kenneth obtained his firefighter I & II certifications as well as his EMT-B certification. Kenneth is currently working on his EMT-A certification.

Kenneth has also served on active-duty military aboard US Coast Guard cutters as a damage controlman, small boat engineer, and crewman for search and rescue law enforcement boats at the small boat station in Newcastle, NH. Kenneth lives in Strafford with his wife and two children on an 8th generation family farm. He enjoys farming, hiking, fishing, hunting, and working on equipment.

Kenneth’s hiring fills the first of two positions approved by the Town Council to increase firefighter staffing in the 2025 operating budget. The second new hire is anticipated to take place in the fall of 2025. 

The department wishes to thank Firefighter Daniel Brothwell for coordinating and executing an onboarding recruit training program providing a great opportunity for the new hires to acclimate to the department prior to being placed on shift.   

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - If applicants don't have all required certifications, DPW may be able to work with them to ensure they obtain such within a reasonable time frame.

Traffic Control Division – Traffic Control Specialist

The successful candidate will undertake rewarding and challenging work involving the maintenance, construction, and operation of traffic control signals and devices, street signs, pavement markings, and street lighting systems to ensure the safety and functionality of the Town’s multi-modal transportation network. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.

This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. The salary range for this position is from $25.09 to $28.59/HR, depending upon qualifications.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the trades and construction field, with a strong emphasis on working with traffic control systems. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement. A Certified Flagger designation or an ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire is required. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on June 5, 2025. 

Part-Time Seasonal Laborers

The successful candidates will assist the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance.

The salary for these part-time, seasonal positions is $16-18/hr, depending upon qualifications. These 40-hour/week positions run from May-August and normal work hours are 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday.

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawnmowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers is desired.

Please submit applications to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on May 17th, 2025.    

Highway Division – Heavy Equipment Operator

The position performs laboring tasks when not assigned to equipment operation and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, Assistant Public Works Director, and Public Works Director in this versatile and exciting role.

This full-time, 40-hour-per-week position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. The salary range for this position is from $25.09 to $28.59/HR, depending upon qualifications.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the safe operation of equipment used in road and utility construction and maintenance in addition to heavy equipment operation and maintenance procedures. Preference will be given to applicants with excavator experience. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on May 20th, 2025.   

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

A quince flower Courtesy, Carol Birch

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Planned May School Closure

All Oyster River schools and the SAU office will be closed on May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.

May 27 Strategic Planning Session

Superintendent Shaps invites the Oyster River community to join him at Oyster River Middle School on May 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., for a Strategic Planning Session. This is an opportunity for Oyster River community members to contribute to ORCSD’s next 5-year strategic plan. During this sessions, Dr. Shaps will guide participants through the World Café protocol, a collaborative and interactive approach to group discussions designed to share ideas and generate collective insights. Please let us know if you plan to attend by completing this form HERE so we can accommodate everyone.

May 16-18 ORHS Spring Musical: MAMMA MIA!

Four performances in the Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Tickets sold at the door: $7 for students and $10 for adults, cash only please. 

• May 16: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• May 17: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
• May 17: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• May 18: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

May 20 ORMS Spring Orchestra Concert

6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

May 29 Mast Way Art Show

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Mast Way School (23 Mast Rd, Lee, NH 03861).

May 30 Mast Way Mayfair

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Mast Way School (23 Mast Rd, Lee, NH 03861).

May 30 Coffee House

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Multipurpose room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Coffee House celebrates the quarterly launch of 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.

The UNH Women’s lacrosse coaches, lead by new head coach Taylor Bastien, teamed up with the ORYA Girls teams for a fun evening at Little River Park. The younger girls focused on fundamental skills, while the older girls focused on more advanced game play. The event was a huge hit with the players!!! It was a lovely evening enjoying our green space and highlights the important collaboration between the Oyster River community and UNH!