Friday Updates - May 23, 2025

Friday, May 23, 2025

The late John Hatch of Durham created the beautiful stained glass above located inside the Memorial Union Building (MUB) on the UNH campus. More information is provided below. Courtesy Todd Selig

Durham's annual Memorial Day Ceremony coordinated by Durham Parks & Rec. will take place on Monday, May 26 at 10:00am at Memorial Park, Downtown Durham. The community is invited to gather together on Main Street to remember and pay tribute to the U.S. military personnel who have died in service to our country.

The Town Offices and Durham Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 26, for the Memorial Day Holiday.

The Raymond. A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be OPEN on Saturday, May 24 from 7:30am – 3:00pm. Additionally, there will be NO curbside collection on Monday, May 26. Monday’s route will be collected on Tuesday, Tuesday’s route on Wednesday, etc. There will be no changes to the commercial recycling route on Friday.

NEW HAMPSHIRE'S OFFICIAL STATE WAR MEMORIAL IS LOCATED IN... DURHAM -- AT THE UNH MEMORIAL UNION BUILDING

Many Durham residents may not realize that New Hampshire's official state war memorial is located right here in Durham on the campus of the University of New Hampshire. Situated on the third floor of the MUB, the Memorial Room reflects that distinction and honors all New Hampshire residents who perished while in military action from World War I through present day. Funds to create this building as a war memorial came from alumni, the state, businesses, and civic groups.

In 1953, when Governor Hugh Gregg signed a proclamation declaring the UNH Memorial Union as the State's official war memorial (prior to building construction that was completed in 1957), he wrote that it was “desirable that as many youth of the state as possible should know and revere the courage and the sacrifice of New Hampshire men and women who served their country.”

The windows in the MUB's Memorial Room were designed by Durham resident and UNH Art Professor John Hatch. Hatch taught at UNH from 1949 - 1985 and was best known as a painter of landscapes. Hatch captured the essence of New Hampshire in his paintings of the White Mountains and the Isles of Shoals. Prior to his death in 1998, Hatch was honored as a “New Hampshire Living Treasure” by Governor Jeanne Shaheen who presented him with the biennial Governor's Award in Arts. [Note, the large map of Durham in the foyer of Town Hall was also created by John Hatch.]

In 1995, the Memorial Union Building underwent extensive renovations and the location of the Memorial Room and the windows shifted from the west end of the building to its current location at the east end of the third floor. John Hatch supervised their removal and storage.

With concerns about how the windows would fare in the move, Hatch’s collaboration with the construction company ensured their preservation. Today, students and visitors from Durham and across New Hampshire and beyond are able to enjoy the windows from an improved vantage point and can be reminded of the meaning of the building's status as a war memorial.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT THIS SUNDAY AT 8:00 PM ON PBS

The 2025 National Memorial Day Concert will be held on Sunday, May 25th, at 8:00 PM EDT on PBS. The concert, which honors the service and sacrifice of our nation's service men and women, will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. It will be hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise and feature musical performances and personal stories. 

The concert is a long-standing tradition, and this year's event will be the 36th annual broadcast. It aims to bring the country together in remembrance and appreciation of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. PBS will also be streaming the concert live on their website, YouTube channel, and app. 

For more information and a brief preview click HERE.

On Friday, May 16, Sergeant Brett Pestana and Detective Sergeant John Lavoie attended the 33rd annual New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial in Concord. Pictured with the sergeants are Colonel Kevin Jordan, of New Hampshire Fish and Game, who is the President of the memorial association, and Zachary and Joshua Brannock, who are the great-grandsons of Lieutenant Robert Hollis, a Durham Police officer who died in the line of duty on March 5, 1975. 

The ceremony is moving and solemn, but necessary to show respect and remember each and every one of the 54 fallen heroes who are included in the Roll of Honor. For the last two years, Zachary and Joshua have been selected to participate in the ceremony by handing officers and families of the fallen a symbolic rose that is placed on a memorial wreath. Zachary and Joshua, who are twelve, are a staple of the ceremony.  

Congratulations to Emily, Fred, and the Slama family — their dog Mia has been named Durham’s 2025 Top Dog! Winners. Mia is a 5-year-old Brussels Griffon–Terrier mix with a gentle temperament and a friendly, social nature. She’s happiest when she’s around people, playing ball in the yard, or enjoying a spirited game of tug-of-war. With her cheerful personality and wagging tail, Mia brings joy wherever she goes.

The Town of Durham established the Top Dog contest to promote timely dog licensing and raise awareness about the annual April 30 deadline. All residents who license their dogs before April 30 are automatically entered into a raffle. One licensed dog is randomly selected each year to earn the title of Durham’s Top Dog. This initiative serves as a fun reminder for residents to keep their pets properly license each year.

NAVIGATING FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, UNH PREPARES FOR FY 2026 AMID HEADWINDS

UNH indicated this week it is facing significant financial challenges as it prepares its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with a projected budget shortfall larger than the previously estimated $15–20 million. This budget gap is driven by reductions in federal research funding, declining enrollment at both local and national levels, decreased (the size of which is still unknown) state appropriations, and rising operational costs.

In response, UNH has identified $12.5 million in cost-saving measures, including not filling vacant positions, reducing the number of adjunct instructors, cutting back on equipment purchases, and limiting service availability and hours. Administrative functions are also being consolidated at both the UNH and USNH levels.

As part of these measures, approximately 35 employees have been laid off, with UNH providing separation benefits and career assistance. Despite this progress, the budget is not yet balanced, and further adjustments are anticipated over the summer.

President Chilton noted that higher education is at an inflection point both in this region and nationally, and UNH anticipates continued headwinds this year and in the years ahead. In response to these broader challenges, UNH will begin redesigning its budget process in the fall to support long-term strategic planning, following the finalization of its new strategic plan later this summer.

Acknowledging the uncertainty facing the University, President Chilton expressed confidence in UNH’s ability to meet these challenges through collaboration, strategic focus, and a continued commitment to its academic, research, and public engagement mission.

On Thursday of this week, Administrative Selig spoke to a group of diplomats representing different countries all involved with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. They were visiting New Hampshire through the World Affairs Council of NH to learn about transparency and corruption/fraud prevention in government. Courtesy, WAC

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.

Come to the Durham Historic Association Museum at 2 Dover Road on Saturday, May 31st, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. for the unveiling of our new exhibit, "How and Why Did Englishmen Come to Oyster River Plantation?" The main attraction of the new exhibit is a near replica of the ship Jonathan, which brought David Thomson to Piscataqua in 1623. This very detailed model was crafted and donated to the DHA by expert ship modeler, Alan Bennett, and it serves as an example of the kind of ship that adventurers and settlers sailed across the Atlantic to seek a better life. Alan Bennett will be present to discuss his work. 

This event also marks the start of DHA's summer hours!

The museum will be open every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. The DHA welcomes you to visit and explore Durham's 400-year history in eight chronological periods, from the 17th century to the present, in air-conditioned comfort.

The museum is located on the second floor of the old Town Hall/District Court brick building on the corner of Rt. 108 at the traffic lights. Parking is available directly behind the building. 

For visits outside of regular hours, please contact museum curator, Nancy Sandberg, at nancy.sandberg@comcast.net.

Participants enjoying last weekend's Discover Durham's Trails Birding Walk at Doe Farm led by Kurk Dorsey. (This is no doubt what the birds see when they watch humans in the wild!) Courtesy, Neil Slepian

Did You Know?  Plastic Plant Containers

Spring is a time when many of us are getting outside to do some gardening. Typically, during gardening season, there are lots of questions about what to do with plastic plant containers. As we shared in a previous Did You Know? (check the May 9 DYK? in the Friday Updates for more details), plastic containers that hold plants, trees and flowers are not recyclable locally and should not be put in curbside bins or brought to the Durham Transfer Station for recycling in the plastics recycling bin.

In order to cut back on waste and make it easier to dispose of these containers sustainably, the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) will collect plastic plant containers and bring these containers to a local Home Depot or Lowe’s for recycling. Just bring your plastic plant containers to the Durham Swap Shop on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9AM-2:30PM and let an attendant know you would like to recycle your plastic plant containers. The IWMAC Committee will collect any plastic containers not picked up for reuse by other residents and ensure the containers get to Home Depot/Lowe’s for proper recycling.

NOTE: This service is being offered to make it more convenient for Durham residents to sustainably dispose of plastic plant containers. Home Depot and Lowe’s both offer recycling programs that allow anyone to drop off plastic plant containers at any time.

The Blue Flame Restaurant has opened at 56 Main Street. Melissa Manseau and Chef Gregory Lester have created a place where they combine good food and entertainment. They have a breakfast buffet opened from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as 10 pm to 2 am Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. However, they also serve a full dinner menu from 4 - 9 pm Wednesday through Saturday. Entertainment includes live music and karaoke nights. Check out their website HERE to see their full menu and a list of weekly entertainment.

Sushi To Go is located at 12 Jenkins Court, Unit 2. This restaurant offers a diverse array of sushi options, catering to both traditional tastes and adventurous palates. Sushi To Go's menu features a variety of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Customers can enjoy classic rolls like the California Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll, as well as specialty creations such as the Rainbow Roll and Dragon Roll. For those seeking a more substantial meal, the restaurant offers bento boxes that include combinations of sushi, sashimi, tempura, and teriyaki, accompanied by sides like miso soup and salad.  Emphasizing convenience, Sushi To Go provides multiple ordering platforms. Patrons can place orders through Seamless, DoorDash, and ToastTab, ensuring a seamless experience whether dining in or taking out.  

Thank you to all the volunteers who showed up to help last Saturday at the Milne Nature Sanctuary. We did some weeding and deadheading, spread wood chips and pulled invasives. This little oasis by the Mill Pond is now ready for visitors to enjoy! Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

AVOIDING HOUSING SCAMS: DON’T FALL FOR FAKE APARTMENT LISTINGS!

Durham Police would like to warn residents and UNH students about an ongoing rise in online housing scams, particularly involving fake apartment listings on sites like Craigslist and other rental housing platforms. These scams often target renters looking for a good deal—especially in tight housing markets. Protect yourself by recognizing the warning signs:

• Too Good to Be True: The rent is significantly below market value for the area.
• High Pressure: The "landlord" urges you to act quickly or risk losing the deal.
• Remote Landlord: They claim to be out of town or overseas and can’t meet you in person.
• No In-Person Tours: They refuse to show the property or make excuses about why you can’t see it.
• Requests for Unusual Payments: They ask for payment through wire transfer (e.g., Western Union), cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards.
• No Background Check or Lease: They’re eager to hand over the keys without any standard rental process.

Always view the property in person before paying or signing anything. Ask to meet the landlord or property manager face-to-face and verify their identity. Using verified listing sites can help protect you, but don’t get a false sense of security. Renters should still do research and be cautious. Scammers are using legitimate websites and platforms to dupe potential tenants. Police recommend searching the address online—if it appears for sale or listed elsewhere (other sites) with different information, it may be a scam. If you feel uneasy or suspicious about a listing, STOP! Do not send money and do not communicate with the listing user anymore.

Fern covered forest floor Courtesy, Carol Birch

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A FREE EVENT - "The Shock of Colonialism: Archaeology 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.

Plant A Row with NH 4-H is a hands-on neighbors-helping-neighbors initiative, organized through NH 4-H and UNH Cooperative Extension in Strafford and Rockingham County.

Plant A Row aims to inform Granite Staters about food insecurity in New Hampshire, nurtures a giving mindset, and encourages participants to grow an extra row or an extra container with produce that will later be donated to a participating food pantry in Strafford or Rockingham County. This will directly benefit local food pantries and their patrons by offering more fresh and local produce and healthier choices.

When people pledge to plant an extra row, they will be provided with a garden kit (fabric garden, sticker, and colorful tote bag), growing tips, and other resources.

Participation is open to all ages in Strafford and Rockingham Counties, and participants don’t need to be 4-H members to sign up. Participation in this program is free.

More information about the program and how to register can be found here:

https://extension.unh.edu/new-hampshire-4-h/pathways/healthy-living/nutrition/plant-row

https://www.facebook.com/StraffordCounty4H/

https://www.facebook.com/UNHExtSC

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. 

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.

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.

ORMS Robotics Teams Compete in World Championship

Two Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) teams proudly represented ORCSD at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, May 12-14, 2025. Team 2820A earned the prestigious Design Award, placing them among the top six teams in the world for excellence in the engineering design process. Team 2820Y competed energetically and placed 44th in their division, competing alongside teams from Canada, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, the U.K., the U.S.A., and Vietnam. Learn more HERE.

ORMS MATHCOUNTS Coach Helps Solve Oldest Algebra Problem

General polynomial equations are deemed to be humanity’s oldest algebra problem. Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) MATHCOUNTS coach Dr. Dean Rubine and retired University of New South Wales mathematician Dr. Norman Wildberger deciphered the enigma. Learn more HERE.

Author Jacqueline Davies Visits Mast Way

On May 14, Mast Way School welcomed Jacqueline Davies, beloved author of The Lemonade War series, for an inspiring and engaging visit with 3rd and 4th grade students. Learn more HERE.

Last Day of School is June 18

On April 16, the ORCSD School Board determined that the students' last day of the 2024-2025 school year will be June 18, 2025. Please note that June 18 will be a full day of school, and students will be dismissed at their usual times.

ORCSD School Board Updates

ORCSD school board meetings recordings are available on the ORCSD YouTube channel HERE, and the agendas and minutes are available HERE. School board meetings are live streamed on the ORCSD Streaming channel HERE.

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 28 ORHS Senior Art Show

5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Multipurpose room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Join us to enjoy drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, and more created by Oyster River High School seniors. 

May 29 Mast Way Art Show

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

May 29 ORMS Band-A-Palooza

6:45 - 7:45 p.m., Athletic Field at the Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

DATE CHANGE! May 29 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 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.

May 30 Mast Way Mayfair

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

June 2 ORHS Science Showcase

6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Library at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

June 3 ORMS/ORHS Chorus Concert

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