Friday Updates - May 19, 2023

Friday, May 19, 2023

Wagon Hill and the Milky Way from Dover resident, Chuck Maranhas, May 17, 2023.

Durham Parks & Rec. has planned a number of community events that are right around the corner. All are invited to come down to Main Street on Monday, May 29th at 10:00am for the Memorial Day Ceremony. There will be a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting our country. There will be guest speakers, musical tributes, a wreath ceremony and more. Please join in to honor and remember.

On Friday, June 2nd, Durham Parks & Rec. and Growing Places will be hosting the 1st Annual Durham Day Dash 5K & Mini Dash races (NEW). The first 100 registrants will receive a race day shirt. A $10 coupon to Tideline Public House will also be given to the first 200 registrants. All 5k registrants will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an inflatable stand-up paddle board! The Mini Dash races will be run first with the 5K to follow. Race awards and after-party will be held at Tideline concluding the race.

Then head downtown on June 3rd from 12:30-3pm for the Downtown Durham Day Community Celebration! There will be a lot going on throughout this fun afternoon on Main St., Jenkins Court, and 66 Main Street - Live music by the Dan Walker Band, a BBQ Fundraiser by Scout Troop 156, food samples, games, give a-ways, crafts and more.

And the Family Camp Out at Wagon Hill Farm is back! Join Durham Parks & Rec. on Saturday, June 24th-25th for a special night of camping near the waterfront at Wagon Hill! Pre-registration is required.

The Oyster River schools as well as all Town offices will be closed May 29th in observance of Memorial Day.

The Durham Police Department would like to remind residents that UNH will be hosting several commencement ceremonies at the Whittemore Center this year that should be much smaller than in years past.

The ceremonies will start on Friday, May 19th (today!) and continue through Sunday, May 21st.

Due to the smaller size of the individual ceremonies, impact to traffic should be slightly decreased when compared to previous years. To decrease the impact of additional traffic, shuttle buses will be used to transport graduates and their families. Part of that route will necessitate the buses using Madbury Road and Edgewood Road before they stop by the Wildcat statue on Main Street to be dropped off.

We would recommend residents find alternate routes on those days to alleviate any possible congestion.

Congratulations to all graduating students and their families!

EPA ISSUES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER TO TOWN OF EPPING REQUIRING TAKING CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO ELIMINATE DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER INTO LAMPREY RIVER UPSTREAM OF DURHAM/UNH

On Monday, May 15, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the issuance of an Administrative Order (AO) requiring the Town of Epping, NH to complete timely corrective actions at the Town’s wastewater treatment facility. On multiple occasions starting in December 2021, the Town of Epping has bypassed certain treatment processes and discharged partially treated wastewater into the Lamprey River, in violation of its Clean Water Act discharge permit.

The violations at the Epping wastewater treatment facility are very serious. This order will help ensure clean drinking water for the downstream communities of Durham and the University of New Hampshire. The Lamprey River is also a popular recreational waterway that empties into ecologically sensitive Great Bay. This week’s action on the part of EPA will help safeguard water quality and protect public health and the environment.

The AO requires Epping to complete all work on a Short-Term Corrective Actions Plan by December 31, 2023, including eliminating the discharge of partially treated wastewater, and submitting to EPA and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) a Long-Term Corrective Actions Plan by June 30, 2024. The AO also requires Epping to evaluate additional wastewater treatment options and ensure that its plant operator and backup operator satisfy the stringent state requirements for such positions.

The Administrative Order also requires the Town of Epping to:

• Develop a Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) program;
• Conduct a staffing evaluation at the facility;
• Develop and implement a plan for public notification of bypass; and
• Submit quarterly progress reports to EPA and NHDES documenting its progress.

The UNH-Durham water system intake is more than 11 miles downstream and has avoided use of the Lamprey River supply during the bypass operations, such that there is no impact to the public drinking water supply in Durham or at UNH. Testing of the Lamprey River is being performed to ensure that bacteria levels have not increased. UNH-Durham drinking water system also undergoes rigorous water quality testing to ensure ongoing compliance with all drinking water standards.

Compliance with the requirements of this Order is mandatory. If the Town of Epping fails to comply with the requirements of this Order, EPA reserves the right to pursue additional enforcement actions including the referral of this matter to the U.S. Department of Justice for appropriate injunctive relief and substantial civil penalties which can be up to $64,618 per violation per day. EPA, in coordination with NHDES, will be closely monitoring the Town of Epping's efforts and compliance with the Order.

DURHAM SELECTED ONCE AGAIN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN’S MUNICIPAL EQUITY INDEX (MEI)

Durham has again been selected to participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s MEI index. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and query (LGBTQ+) Americans. The MEI is the first nationwide evaluation of municipal laws, policies, and services affecting the LGBTQ+.

This year, the MEI will evaluate 506 cities rated in last year’s publication (such as Durham). These include the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the country, the five largest cities in each state, the cities home to the state’s two largest public universities, 75 cities and census-designated places with high proportions of same-sex couples, and 98 cities selected by the Human Rights Campaign and Quality Federation group members and supporters.

Over the last eleven years, Durham has had the highest MEI score in NH of those communities surveyed.  

Coyote seen in Durham this week. Courtesy Daniel Keefe.

TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS 2023/24 COUNCIL GOALS FOR DURHAM

On Monday, May 15, 2023, following several weeks of review and discussion, the Town Council adopted goals for 2023-24. They are listed below. 

Mission

To provide ongoing stewardship for the Durham community including effective and efficient municipal services.

Core Values

Excellence, Integrity, Justice, Resilience, Respect, Transparency

Goals

Note: These goals are intended to convey a 1- to 5-year time horizon and assume but do not list all baseline activities.

        1. Facilitate continued optimal functioning of Town government through continuous improvement, new efficiencies, waste reduction, and inter-agency collaboration.

        2. Conduct planning and take steps as necessary to protect public health and safety. and provide ongoing service continuity given the anticipated impacts of climate change, the post-pandemic era, and general operational challenges.

        3. Pursue long-term economic strength and resiliency, anticipating the community’s, the region’s, and the nation’s economic characteristics and opportunities.

            Task the Administrator with meeting the following: a) Holding the updated (post-             revaluation) municipal tax rate at the 2023 level or less. b) Continue to make an effort             to control spending, enhance revenues, broaden the tax base, and explore innovative             ways to stabilize or reduce the municipal tax rate.

        4. Pursue long-term environmental sustainability and resiliency, taking into account existing and predicted impacts of climate change in multiple areas including drinking water, agriculture, food, society, transportation, ecology, and economy. 

        5. Pursue long-term social resiliency and quality of life in Durham intended to strengthen the community in a welcoming and inclusive manner by supporting the needs of residents, families, and other identified stakeholders by offering a wide array of active and passive parks & recreation and library opportunities, programming, events, facilities, and publicly facing educational information celebrating the rich tapestry of Durham history. 

        6. Continue cooperative and collaborative efforts with UNH to enhance mutual intellectual, cultural, environmental, social, and economic benefits associated with hosting New Hampshire’s flagship state university. 

        7. Leverage town committees and subcommittees to develop tactical plans to align with the broader goals of the Council and encourage them to collaborate with each other and communicate as necessary with the community at large.

 * Note that the order of the goals does not imply priority.

AMTRAK DOWNEASTER IMPLEMENTS SUMMER SCHEDULE - ADDING SERVICE TO OLD ORCHARD BEACH - Durham residents can take the train to the beach and home again. Talk about being cool on a hot day!

The Amtrak Downeaster’s Spring-Summer Schedule went into effect on May 15th, 2023. Seasonal service to Old Orchard Beach is now available. There are no other schedule changes.

Click HERE to view the new schedule.  

Going to a ball game or concert in Boston? The Downeaster has your return ride covered with the Event Nite Train. Train 689/699 will depart from Boston North Station at 11:25 pm on evenings of Red Sox home games and major concerts at the TD Garden and Fenway Park. Please check the schedule on the Downeaster website for dates of interest.

LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM NOW OPEN

The Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program is designed to lessen the economic burden of the State Education Property Tax on certain at-risk taxpayers.

An eligible applicant for the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief is a person who is:

• Single with adjusted gross income equal to or less than $37,000; or Married or head of NH household with adjusted gross income less than or equal to $47,000; and
• Owns a homestead subject to the State Education Property Tax; and
• Has resided in that homestead on April 1 of the year for which the claim is made.

You can file your claim online at www.revenue.nh.gov/gtc or download a paper form from www.revenue.nh.gov/forms/low-moderate.htm.  Paper forms can also be picked up in the Assessor's Office at the Durham Town Hall. The form can also be requested by calling (603) 230-5001. The completed application must be submitted to the Department of Revenue between May 1st and June 30th. The law allows 120 days to process the form from the date they receive your completed application.

For assistance, contact the NH Department of Revenue Administration at (603) 230-5920.

Have you visited any of the Oyster River Greenway’s three properties - Milne Nature Sanctuary, Mill Pond Park, and Town Landing? If so, please help the Land Stewardship Subcommittee learn more about your experiences by completing a short questionnaire which you can find by clicking HERE.

DID YOU KNOW? - Plant containers are not recyclable.

Plastic containers that hold plants and flowers are not recyclable locally and should not be put in curbside bins or brought to the Durham Transfer Station for recycling. 

So, what to do with all those empty plastic plant containers? 

Blue Bell Greenhouse in Lee will accept 4” or larger plant pots and 10” hangers back for re-use. (This is only applicable for plants bought at the Blue Bell Greenhouse - no thin plastic plant trays please).

Home Depot recycles the plastic pots that hold flowers, plants, bushes and trees. At all Home Depot Garden Centers nationwide, customers can bring back their empty pots for growers to refill. When the pots are no longer reusable, Home Depot’s partner, East Jordan Plastics Inc., turns them into new pots, trays, and hanging baskets. 

Lowe’s also accepts plastic planter pots and cases in their garden center for recycling. Bring your items in, follow instructions at the recycling center, or garden center, and Lowe’s will take care of the rest.

Why take the extra step to return your plastic plant containers?

Recycled plastic containers can recover upwards of 60% of the energy tied to initial product processing and diverts unnecessary waste from the landfill. 

Sources: www.homedepot.com, www.lowes.com

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check out this site to find out: www.recyclesmartma.org

MAY IS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH! - Advocate for your Community

The International Code Council (ICC) has declared the month of May as Building Safety Month. Each week in May there will be a topic in Friday Updates on Building Safety for both individuals and communities. This week's topic is Advocate for your Community. This week of Building Safety Month 2023 focuses on helping to advocate for building safety in your community.

We all have a role in making sure the places where we live, work and play are safe. From reaching out to your local media, to advocating for building safety to local leadership, even the smallest action can make a difference. Here we've included education and advocacy tips, as well as templates that are easily editable and shareable.

• Talk to your network about building safety and share fact-based information and resources on your social media accounts.
• Share news releases with your local newspapers, radio stations and television networks to encourage local media to cover stories related to building safety.
• Share building safety information or concerns with your public information officer, city manager or mayor.
• Plan community events to raise awareness or attend local events about building safety.
• Contact the code officials in your area to learn more about the building industry and discover local volunteer opportunities.

Click HERE to learn more.

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CLIMATE ACTION MASTER PLAN SCHEDULED FOR MAY 24

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on the draft Climate Action Master Plan on May 24. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm and the hearing will be held shortly after that. This draft chapter of the master plan was prepared by Kyle Pimental, Principal Planner with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, in collaboration with representatives from all Town departments. You can view the draft plan HERE.

The board will also talk with Bart McDonough, Newmarket Town Planner (and Durham’s former Conservation Commission chair), and Ellen Snyder, Chair of the Newmarket Conservation Commission (and Durham’s former Land Stewardship Coordinator), about issues of common concern. You can see the meeting agenda HERE.

SPRING BULKY WASTE CURBSIDE COLLECTION CONTINUES - The annual collection represent a major undertaking for DPW over several weeks...

The Durham Public Works Highway and Solid Waste Teams have been hard at work on the 2023 Spring Bulky Waste Curbside Collection Program over the last several weeks and are currently wrapping up collection. Over 100 truckloads of bulky waste material totally over 92 tons have been collected and transported to Waste Management’s Turnkey Landfill in Rochester, NH.

A reminder that this program is for residentially created bulky waste items only and the maximum load per household is 6 yd³ or one truck load.

Acceptable items include bulky waste (mattresses, box springs, upholstered chairs, couches, painted/stained decking, rugs/carpeting/padding, pressure treated wood, etc). Certain electronics (computer monitors, televisions, and laptops) and refrigerant containing appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water coolers, dehumidifiers) will be collected but REQUIRE an electronics/appliance sticker which are available for purchase at Durham Public Works.

Unacceptable items include small items (plastic sheeting, flowerpots, bird houses, etc.), leaf/yard waste, brush, hazardous materials (oil-based paints, motor oils, gasoline/diesel/kerosene, propane tanks, light bulbs, mercury containing items, etc.), and solid fill (dirt, concrete, stone, brick, asphalt, etc.) 

60 VOLUNTEERS FROM LIBERTY MUTUAL'S "SERVE WITH LIBERTY" INITIATIVE UNDERTOOK MANY IMPORTANT OUTDOOR PROJECTS IN DURHAM THIS PAST WEEK

Over the last several weeks, The Town of Durham was host to nearly 60 volunteers from Liberty Mutual Insurance. Durham Public Works organized a series of beautification projects throughout town which included:

• A fresh coat of paint on the outbuildings at the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center.
• A spring clean-up of the Durham Police Department and Durham Public Library (raking, mulching, loaming/seeding).
• Planting of 500 annual flowers within Memorial Park and the traffic island at Main/Madbury including edging and mulching of the planting beds.
• Playground maintenance, mulching, raking, and trail maintenance at Jackson’s Landing.
• Playground maintenance at the Father Lawless Fields.
• Raking and a stick/branch/litter pickup of the Schoolhouse Lane Cemetery.

This year, the department’s resources were heavily committeed across several construction projects and the Curbside Bulky Waste Collection Program, making it challenging to carry out these in-house beautification projects in a timely manner without the help of volunteers.

The Liberty Mutual Teams that assisted the Department did an excellent job, and we genuinely appreciate their efforts!

Protect the community’s outdoor playgrounds for yourself, your pooch, and the environment. Add your name and the Town (Durham!) in the form at the link HERE and take the pledge to scoop the poop, every time. Did you know that NHDES reports out which Towns have received the most pledges!? Please help to show how much our community cares.

Also, if you see that someone has left their pooch’s poop behind, please pick it up!

As a reminder Durham Ordinance #2018-5 and Chapter 49 of the Town Code requires the removal of dog excrement/feces. 1st offense is $25, 2nd offense is $50 and 3rd offense is $150.

USED OIL RECYCLING AT THE RAYMOND A. LAROCHE, SR. TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTER – A Reminder to residents...

Durham Public Works would like to remind residents that the used oil recycling container at the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center is for USED OIL ONLY.

The tank was contaminated twice last year with products such as antifreeze, gasoline, diesel, and cleaning solvents which resulted in very costly remediations.

For this reason, Durham Public Works requires residents to sign a confirmation form when disposing of used motor oil to acknowledge that no unacceptable materials are present. Additionally, used motor oil will only be accepted in clear containers and may be subject to random contaminant testing. Durham Public Works would like to thank residents for their cooperation.

Durham Public Works and its contractor, Pichette Brothers Construction continue to progress on phase 1 of the Emerson Road Water main Replacement Project.

Over 1,200 linear feet of 8” McWayne ductile iron piping has been installed to date. Phase 2, which extends from Edgewood Road to Little Hale Road, is expected to begin over the next several weeks.

This next phase will involve temporary water piping while excavation and removal of the existing water main is completed. Durham Public Works staff will contact impacted property owners within the Phase 2 project area prior to installation of temporary water system to ensure residents are informed of this setup.

Potable drinking water will be available during construction at all times, with the exception of very limited periods, including when service lines are connected. 

Notice of this service interruption will take place a minimum of 48 hours in advance.

EDGEWOOD ROAD SEWER RELINING PROJECT – Construction to Commence Week of May 29th

Durham Public Works recently awarded a contract to Green Mountain Pipeline Services, Inc. for the Edgewood Road Sewer Lining Project.

A CCTV inspection last year of the pipe segment from Strafford Avenue to Madbury Road revealed several deficiencies in the pipe and manhole structures. After careful review, Durham Public Works and its consultant, Wright-Pierce, determined that a lining of the pipeline segment and manhole structures was the appropriate repair approach. This cost-effective solution will involve applying a new lining to the existing sewer lines, reinforcing their structural integrity, and extending their lifespan.

The lining process will eliminate the need for extensive excavation, reducing costs, service disruption, and environmental impacts.

A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for next week with affected residents and the total project duration is not expected to exceed one month. Vehicular traffic disruptions will be minimal, with alternating one lane traffic in the immediate work area.

SEMI-ANNUAL GATE VALVE EXERCISING AND WATER MAIN FLUSHING PROGRAM COMPLETED

The UNH/Durham Water System completed its semi-annual gate valve exercising and water main flushing this week. The flushing program helps to keep the water distribution piping clean and ensures the delivery of high-quality water to customers. Gate valves are exercised to ensure proper operation so that pipe section isolation can occur during an emergency eve

The Durham Public Works contractor for its Crack Sealing Program, Indus, Inc. of Braintree, MA completed the 2023 Crack Sealing Program over the last several weeks.

Indus applied 1,700 gallons of polymer crumb-rubber modified (PCRM) crack sealant to Edgewood Road, Canney Road, Faculty Drive, Mill Pond Road, Sandy Brook Drive, sections of Bagdad Road, the University Market Parking Lot, and Metered Parking Lot. PCRM is a high-performance crack sealant that consists of a performance-graded asphalt binder cross-linked with an SBS polymer and a proprietary adhesion promoter to produce an asphalt that has the ability to resist deforming at high temperatures while also being able to stretch and flex at lower temperatures. 

This high-performance asphalt is then blended with a finely ground crumb-rubber. During this blending process, the rubber particles absorb the polymer-modified asphalt and swell, increasing in volume and further enhancing the same properties afforded by the SBS polymer. 

The result is a material that has unmatched adhesion, elasticity, and load bearing capacity across a wide range of temperatures. Durham Public Works remains committed to using the latest technology and materials to improve the Town’s infrastructure and provide safe and efficient travel for its residents and visitors.

2023 ROAD RE-STRIPING PROGRAM – Significant progress made this week in advance of UNH commencement.

The Durham Public Works Department’s Traffic Control Division has performed exceptionally well over the last week striping and painting of traffic symbols within the downtown corridor and surrounding major collector roads, completing 200 stencils and 90 crosswalks.

The Department’s contractor, Industrial Traffic Lines, performed center and edge line painting, completing 13 miles of double yellow center and 6 miles of single white edge lines.

We undertake to complete the majority of this work prior to UNH graduation in mid-May, weather permitting.

The Fleet Services Division of Durham Public Works, led by supervisor Mike McCrillis, completed several challenging projects this week on the fleet of solid waste collection equipment.

The team worked tirelessly to complete the replacement of a radiator in one of trucks which failed prematurely during the commercial recycling route late last week. The radiator is a critical component in the cooling system of a vehicle. It is responsible for transferring heat from the engine to the air passing through the radiator, thereby keeping the engine at a safe operating temperature. When the radiator fails, the engine can quickly overheat, which can cause severe damage and even engine failure.

Additionally, a second solid waste collection truck experienced a mechanical failure of the compacting ram this week. The compacting ram is responsible for compressing and consolidating garbage and other waste materials inside the truck’s hopper. The ram plays a critical role in reducing the volume of waste and maximizing the truck’s capacity, allowing more garbage to be collected before the truck requires emptying.

The Fleet Service Division acted quickly, performing a temporary fix within an hour allowing the truck to complete its daily route without significant service interruption.  Well done, Team!

STORM DEBRIS DISPOSAL CAN BE BROUGHT BY DURHAM RESIDENTS/TAXPAYERS TO RAYMOND A. LAROCHE TRANSFER STATION & RECYCLING CENTER

Durham Public Works would like to remind residents that the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center located at 100 Durham Point Road accepts brush and tree limbs no greater than 5” in diameter free of charge to Durham residents.

The Facility is open Tuesday’s and Saturday’s from 7:30am – 3:00pm. A reminder that a permit is required to use the Facility may be obtained from either the Durham Public Works Office or Durham Town Hall. 

Durham Public Works and its contractor, Apex Construction, continue to progress on the construction of a new water booster pump station on Technology Drive. This project is necessary to provide dependable and uninterrupted water service to the newly constructed Lee waterline extension and MtBE (Methyl tert-butyl ether) impacted customers from the Lee Well and Beech Hill Water Tank while also providing a new pump station for all Durham/UNH water customers. A recommendation to NHDES for award to Apex Construction was made in 2022 in the amount of $1,168,000. This project includes:

• Installation of a new prefabricated booster pump station and emergency generator along Technology Drive.
• Demolition of the existing buried pump station vault.
• Installation of a new automated flushing assembly along Concord Road.
• Associated water main connections, hydrant assemblies, pavement repairs, and landscape restoration.

Funding for this project was secured through the NHDES MtBE Remediation Bureau. MBTE funds are financial resources allocated by the State of New Hampshire specifically for addressing issues related to the contamination or remediation of groundwater due to the presence of MTBE, a gasoline additive. These funds are dedicated to supporting projects that improve water quality, infrastructure, and water supply systems. 

Firefighter Evan Crafts recently resigned from the Durham Fire Department to accept a position in private industry. Evan has served with the department since August 21, 2018, and was assigned to D Shift. The Town of Durham thanks Evan for his many contributions to the department and service to the community and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.  

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #20

More BIKE SAFTEY Tips

ALWAYS HAVE BOTH HANDS ON THE HANDLEBARS.

By having both hands on the handlebars you can maintain the best control of your bike.   Click HERE for more information. 

EMPLOYMENT POSITION OPEN FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE PLANNING/ZONING/ASSESSING OFFICE

The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications for the position of Administrative Assistant to the Planning/Zoning, Building, and Assessing Offices. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position, with good pay and benefits, starting as soon as possible.

The Administrative Assistant is responsible for processing building permits; scheduling appointments and meetings; placing notices for public hearings; assisting residents, builders, developers, businesses, and board members; maintaining records, and generally ensuring the smooth operation of the department. For a full job description click HERE.

An Associates degree and three to five years of experience in a comparable administrative capacity, or an appropriate combination of education and experience, is required. The successful candidate will have strong computer, organizational and customer-service skills, and be able to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects. They will find the work engaging and challenging with new issues continually presenting themselves. We support career growth, continuing education, and participation in professional associations. 

The Town of Durham prides itself on being an outstanding place to work. The Town boards and the Town Council are excellent and appreciate the efforts of the staff. Our workplace culture is open, friendly, and supportive. 

Please mail resumes with references and cover letters to the Town of Durham, Attn: Karen Edwards, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or email them to kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us. Position open until filled. Therefore, a prompt reply is encouraged.  

ONLINE USED BOOK AUCTION OPPORTUNITY TO BENEFIT THE FREID/CARROLL SUSTAINABILITY SCHOLARSHIP

From May 19 - 22 there will be an online Book Auction with all proceeds going to benefit the Oyster River High School Freid/Carroll Sustainability Scholarship.

The Online Auction Opens at 8 am Friday, May 19 and Closes at 10 pm Monday, May 22.

*Put a Bid on a Book or Buy Instantly 

*300 Books in Excellent Condition 

*Many Genres including New Release, Fiction, Non-Fiction, YA, Childrens

*All Sold Books will be Sorted and Available for Pick up at an Outdoor Location. All Participants will be Notified with Details. 

Click HERE to visit the auction site.

OYSTER RIVER ATHLETICS PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES – New ORHS tennis courts & new ORMS turf field are up and running and they're ... great!

Superintendent Morse visited the new high school's tennis courts in April to perform the first coin flip on the new courts The Oyster River Middle School will soon celebrate its first full year of activities on the new field. The ORCSD would like to extend a warm and sincere thank you to the community for its enthusiastic support of Oyster River athletic programs and facilities.

OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL NURSE IS THE 2023 NH SEACOAST REGION HEALTHCARE HERO

ORHS Nurse Kimberly Wolph was celebrated on May 17 by her peers and colleagues in the high school auditorium as the 2023 Seacoast Region NH Healthcare Hero. Since late 2020, the NH Healthcare Heroes organization has honored dozens of individuals as NH Healthcare Heroes. The organization accepts nominations for clinical and nonclinical providers, administrators, educators, facilities, custodial and kitchen staff, and others who provide direct or indirect care to patients and families.

 Ms. Wolph was celebrated for her dedication and exemplary commitment to Oyster River High School students. She received a banner, a pen, a pin, and a swag bag.

OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL CELEBRATES SERVICE PALOOZA ON MAY 25 - Get ready to see middle school students and staff performing public service all around town!

On May 25, the ORMS will celebrate its annual Service Palooza. The beloved school-wide tradition was launched ten years ago. All middle school students and staff will participate in a local act of community service. Student grades 5 to 8 will receive special lessons about the importance of giving back to their community. Durham Public Works has been busy coordinating with different ORMS classes on local service projects.  

ORHS MUSIC CONCERT MAY 24, 6 - 7:30 PM

Support the Oyster River High School band, string orchestra, and chorus students at the Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall.

When: Wednesday, May 24, 6:00 - 7:30 pm| Where: Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824) 

MAST WAY ART SHOW - MAY 30

The community is invited to join the Mast Way Elementary School staff, students, and families this coming Tuesday, May 30, between 5:30 - 7:00 pm to enjoy an art show. Every student will be a displaying artist. Free admission.

When: Tuesday, May 30, 5:30 - 7:00 pm | Where: Mast Way Elementary School (23 Mast Rd, Lee, Durham, 03861)