Friday Updates - May 30, 2025

Friday, May 30, 2025

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Andrew Corrow and CAPT (Retired) Lee Alexander preparing to lay a wreath at the WWII Memorial on Memorial Day Courtesy, Todd Selig

Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane decided to venture into ChatGPT land after a recent department head meeting where the topic of AI was discussed. She tested out various features and enjoyed this ChatGPT creation – you may as well!

Durham, NH Officially Declared Greatest City in the United States by Absolutely Everyone Who’s Been There Once

Durham, NH — Move over New York, step aside San Francisco, and kindly take a seat, Austin. The Town of Durham, New Hampshire — population: chill — has officially been declared the Greatest City in the United States, according to a prestigious panel of local residents, and a few enthusiastic UNH students.

Perched majestically on the banks of the Oyster River (which is, yes, both a body of water and an elite seafood flex), Durham combines small-town charm, collegiate brainpower, and just the right amount of New England grumpiness to form a civic utopia previously thought only to exist in Hallmark movies.

A Town Where Everyone Knows Your Business — and That’s a Feature, Not a Bug ...

What makes Durham so great? Is it the fact that you can walk from a library to a farmer’s market to a live hockey game in under 10 minutes? Is it the tree-lined streets that whisper sweet autumnal sonnets into your ears every October? Is it the sacred Town Hall where miracles (like getting a resident parking pass for an extra free hour at the downtown meters on the first try) occasionally happen? Yes. Yes to all of that. “It’s like if Stars Hollow and a New England liberal arts brochure had a baby,” said one former resident, misty-eyed and clutching a reusable co-op tote bag.

UNH: The Ivy League of Oyster River ...

Home to the University of New Hampshire, Durham also boasts a population that is seasonally overrun with caffeine-fueled undergrads, PhD students trying to explain AI ethics, and at least one guy named Kyle who wears shorts in January “because it builds character.” With world-class academic resources and a student body that can quote Nietzsche and shotgun a beer within the same breath, Durham is where intelligence and absurdity coexist in perfect harmony.

A Government That Functions (No, Seriously) ...

Durham’s local government is run with precision, pride, and at least one Town Clerk who could run the Pentagon blindfolded. Civic engagement in Durham is so high that residents once debated the exact shade of green for street signs for 90 minutes — and enjoyed it. “Every time someone registers a dog here, democracy wins,” said a local official, possibly with a tear in their eye.

Final Thoughts: Manifest Destiny Ends in Durham ...

From its legendary bagels to its aggressive composting program, Durham doesn’t just meet the American dream — it edits it for grammar and puts it on town letterhead. While some skeptics may say it’s “just a small town in New Hampshire,” those people are wrong and probably haven’t tried the maple lattes yet.

All hail Durham: the humble, lovable, bureaucratically efficient heart of the republic!

Maura Sullivan was a guest speaker at the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday. Courtesy, Todd Selig

SUMMARY OF ITEMS ON MONDAY NIGHT'S COUNCIL AGENDA

The Town Council will meet on Monday, June 2, at 7:00 PM at Town Hall. The main topics on the agenda include:

• Presentation to this year's "Top Dog" winner
• Adopt a Resolution authorizing Bonds and Approval of a Loan Agreement with the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank
• Approve a Special Events Permit for Durham Day in downtown Durham on August 7th
• Adopt a Resolution reaffirming Juneteenth Independence Day as a Legally Recognized Holiday and reaffirming Durham’s Opposition to any form of Oppression
• Approve Unsealing Non Public Minutes from 2015, 2016 & 2017
• Presentation by Jen Kennedy, Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation
• Presentation by Richard Belshaw on activities of the Human Rights Commission
• Further Discussion on 2025/26 Council Goals

UPCOMING PROPERTY TAX BILLS – DUE JULY 3, 2025

Property tax bills were mailed on Thursday, May 29, 2025, to be received by property owners no later than Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The due date is Thursday, July 3, 2025. This installment is based on 2024 assessed property values and the current tax rate of 20.33.

A new assessment and updated tax rate for 2025 will be issued by October and will appear on the final property tax bill due in December 2025.

Please ensure your payment is submitted by the July 3rd deadline to avoid penalties. Property tax bills in Durham are issued twice per year, and each installment is due 30 days from the billing date, due in July and December of each year. 

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 property tax bill by email at rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us or by phone at 603-868-5577.

A large flag was hung from a fire truck ladder for Monday's Memorial Day Ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

PAY STATION PARKING CHANGES COMING TO THE DOWNTOWN - "Pay-by-Plate" comes to Durham.

The Town of Durham will be replacing the current parking pay stations downtown with a pay-by-plate parking method. This change-out is scheduled to occur during the week of June 9th.

The new meters require you to input your license plate number. The need to return to a vehicle to display a receipt on the dashboard will no longer be necessary.

The one-hour-free parking will still be in effect with these new meters. Durham residents will still be able to get their second hour for free when they use their 2025 resident/taxpayer sticker number at the pay station (instead of their license plate number).

If you don’t have a 2025 resident/taxpayer sticker, make sure to go to the Town Hall Clerk’s Office or the Public Works Department, to obtain a sticker if you are eligible. The new stickers for 2025 were mindfully designed with this purpose in mind. Each contains a unique number to denote residents.

There will be a learning curve for all, so please be patient. Parking enforcement officers will be more visible in the downtown area after the replacement to assist with this transition, so please don’t hesitate to ask for help!

NH STATE SENATE COMMITTEE LEAVES $100,000 IN FUNDING FOR NH’S REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSIONS OFF THE TABLE

The Senate Finance Committee voted this past week against reinstating the funding for NH’s regional planning commissions. While a floor amendment could be introduced, the prospects of success are slim. 

The Strafford Regional Planning Commission, of which Durham is a member, utilizes their share totaling $11,111 of the annual state appropriation for economic development initiatives such as local technical assistance and housing efforts. This constitutes a portion of the required match for SRPC’s federal Economic Development District grant. SRPC will need to replace those dollars somehow, and will be working to identify alternative local or private funding that can replace the lost state funds.  If the funding is diverted to local town/city contributions, those additional costs would equate to higher annual SRPC membership dues for communities like Durham. 

Councilor Curtis Register spoke at Monday's Memorial Day Ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

PROPOSED CUTS TO FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE WILL IMPACT STATES AND COULD IMPACT LOCAL COMMUNITIES LIKE DURHAM

The Urban Institute has analyzed proposed federal policy changes that would significantly reduce the number of disasters eligible for federal aid and shift a much larger share of disaster recovery costs onto state and local governments. Note, the 2025 hurricane season has just started.

A key change is a fourfold increase in the per capita impact (PCI) threshold, which is the measure of disaster damage per resident required for a presidential disaster declaration, raising it from the current level of $1.89 to $7.56. This would make it much harder for states, especially smaller states and communities, particularly rural ones, to qualify for federal disaster assistance. Other proposed changes include denying federal aid for snowstorms (likely to impact states like NH) and limiting the federal cost share for public assistance to the statutory minimum of 75 percent, rather than the higher shares sometimes provided in recent years.

If these changes had been in effect from 2008 to 2024, the Urban Institute estimates that 71 percent of disasters that previously qualified for federal assistance would not have been eligible, shifting about $41 billion in costs to states and localities over 16 years.

While large states like New York, California, Florida, and Texas would lose the most federal funding in absolute terms, smaller states such as Iowa and NH would be hit harder on a per capita basis, and some states would see all of their recent disaster events disqualified from federal aid.

The study warns that these changes could leave many communities, especially those with limited budgets, struggling to fund recovery, potentially leading to delayed rebuilding, higher local taxes, and increased fiscal strain.

Ultimately, the proposed policies would reduce federal disaster spending but place a much heavier burden on state and local governments, potentially undermining their ability to recover quickly and effectively as climate-related disasters become more frequent and costly. To read more, click HERE:

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.

Mark your calendars! The Durham Farmers' Market returns Monday, June 2nd and runs every Monday through October 6th, from 2:30–6:00 PM at the Downtown Mini Park on Main Street. 

With live music every week featuring talented local Seacoast musicians, it’s the perfect Monday ritual. Each market offers a rotating selection of fresh local produce, baked goods, lobster, canned goods, maple products, homemade soap, crafts, and more. Want to know who’s coming each week? Check out the interactive market map HERE ahead of time to plan your visit. (You will need to choose the date of Durham's Market in the drop-down menu to see the map for Durham.)

Opening day will feature fresh kettle corn popping on site and a fun “build your own seed pot” activity for kids. Dogs are welcome too, so bring your furry friends along and join us for a vibrant afternoon to kick off the season!

This market is managed by Seacoast Eat Local, a small nonprofit based in Lee. 

This guy (or maybe gal) was spotted at the end of Edgewood Road Extension Courtesy, Eve Kornhauser

Did You Know?  Spring Cleaning Time

Are you doing some spring cleaning? Many of us are looking to clear out items we do not use or that no longer work. A recent CNET survey found that 31% of US adults are still holding onto unused old devices, including computers, etc., because they are unsure what to do with them. 

Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some businesses that recycle hard-to-dispose-of items in order to keep them out of our landfills.

Best Buy

Best Buy has collected over 2.7 billion pounds of e-waste and appliances, making them the nation’s largest retail collector of e-waste.

At most Best Buy stores, you can recycle up to three items per household per day.  Here are just a few of the many items Best Buy accepts for recycling:

• TVs
• Computers
• Vacuums
• Space heaters
• Hair dryers
• Shredders

Haul-Away and Recycle Service

Best Buy also offers a haul-away option. If you need old products hauled away, Best Buy can remove and recycle up to a total of two large products, along with an unlimited number of select smaller products, for a fee.

Mail-In Recycling Service 

If you need to recycle electronics, but can’t drive to the store, Best Buy offers a mail-in recycling program.

Service and Repair Program

Best Buy offers both service and repair options for various items.

To get a complete list of items Best Buy recycles, and learn more about their Haul-Away Recycling Service, Mail-In Recycling Program and repair/service options, please click HERE.

Sources: BestBuy.com, MSN.com

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.

Superstar Volunteers Neil Slepian and Ralph Danko helped Land Stewardship Coordinator Veronique Ludington with some trail work at Jackson’s Landing Nature Trail.

Invasives removal (glossy buckthorn, burning bush and honeysuckle) was part of the process of creating a short trail to complete a loop on the property. Another workday will take place soon to remove the bigger invasives identified and place trail markers.

If you’re interested in volunteering for land stewardship projects like this one, please contact Veronique Ludington by email vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

DURHAM POLICE ACTIVITY | May 16–29, 2025

Over the past two weeks, the Durham Police Department has remained active with a steady mix of routine and directed (i.e., neighborhood requested speed & stop sign monitoring) patrols, motor vehicle stops, and responses to minor incidents throughout town. Officers have focused on maintaining a visible presence, especially during busy periods such as graduation events, and have addressed several noise complaints and gatherings, none of which required legal action.

There were a few motor vehicle accidents, most of which were minor, though one resulted in a negligent driving summons. Officers also made several arrests for offenses such as operating after suspension, driving while intoxicated, and resisting arrest. In one case, a search warrant was obtained following a vehicle stop, leading to the seizure of a small quantity of controlled substances.

The department responded to multiple medical calls, including assisting individuals in need and coordinating with Durham Fire/McGregor EMS when necessary. Officers also provided support in sensitive cases, such as sexual assault investigations and the issuance of protection orders.

A significant incident this past weekend involved assisting with the identification of a missing UNH student whose body was found in Newington. After a thorough investigation by Durham Police and the state medical examiner, no foul play was suspected, and the case has been closed. While extraordinarily sad, this will bring peace to the deceased’s family and loved ones. 

Additionally, the department continued proactive efforts, such as house checks for residents away from home and managing road closures due to downed trees and wires. 

US Army Colonel (Retired) John Kraus and Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Andrew Corrow at Monday's Memorial Day Ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

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.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Durham-Great Bay Rotary Club, third and fourth grade students at Mast Way Elementary School recently enjoyed a truly unforgettable literary experience with celebrated author Jacqueline Davies.

In preparation for the visit, Mast Way educators spent weeks reading Davies’ books aloud and sharing her inspiring journey as an author. Students became deeply engaged with her stories—especially The Lemonade War series—and eagerly anticipated meeting her in person.

The Rotary Club’s support made it possible for every third and fourth grader to receive a personally signed copy of Jacqueline Davies’ latest graphic novel.

In a fun twist, the new book included a Rotary Club contest as part of the plot, sparking laughter and surprise among students who quickly made the connection between the fictional club and the real-life donors behind the event.

Oyster River High School Sophomore, Gwen Ickes, sings the National Anthem at Monday's Memorial Day Ceremony. Courtesy, Todd Selig

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

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.

Class of 2025 Top Ten Seniors

ORCSD wishes to recognize and congratulate the top 10 students in the Class of 2025: Valedictorian Maggie Zhang, Salutatorian Erin Anderson, Isabelle Alix, Mackenzie Cook, Avery Martinson, Luna Merry, Stella Pillet-Shore, Amelia Rury, Paige Stehle, and Luke Sullivan. Learn more HERE.

ORMS Celebrates 10th Service Palooza

On Friday, May 16, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) students and staff took part in the school’s 10th edition of Service Palooza. Service Palooza is an annual ORMS tradition and an opportunity for students and staff to give back to the community. Learn more HERE.

Mast Way Students Attend GLOBE 2025 Symposium

On Monday, May 12, Ms. Bowden-Gerard and her 4th grade students joined Science and Math Coordinator Sarah Farwell and took part in the U.S. GLOBE Virtual Student Research Symposium. Mast Way School students shared their research project's progress with scientists and educators around the country. Learn more HERE.

Moharimet Students Contribute to Beech Disease Research

For the past four years, Moharimet School students have been contributing to scientific research by monitoring and tracking the timing of budburst and the rate of leaf growth on five tree species in the Moharimet forest. The data collected is shared with the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program, a program supported by the United States GLOBE Coordination Office at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Leitzel Center. Learn more HERE.

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).

June 6 ORHS Graduation

6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Rain date: June 7.

The Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay is pleased to announce the successful launch of the new O-Zone Garden at the Durham Public Library, a collaborative community initiative designed to promote sustainability, education, and service.

In partnership with the University of New Hampshire’s Women’s and Men’s Hockey Teams and the Durham Public Library, the Rotary Club coordinated a team who built a series of raised garden beds at the O-Zone site based on the vision and direction of the Durham Public Library Team. The garden features materials donated by the Rotary Club, including lumber and hardware for raised beds, potting benches, and sitting benches—creating a vibrant space for both learning and relaxation.

The project was further enriched by a special donation of seeds from a NASA-sponsored gardening kit, offering a unique educational opportunity that connects space science with sustainability on Earth. The initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to supporting youth, education, and environmental stewardship.

Rotary members worked side-by-side with UNH athletes to construct the garden beds, fill them with soil, and prepare them for planting. Together, they built benches to support ongoing gardening activities and offer a welcoming gathering space for library programs and community engagement.

The O-Zone Garden will serve as an ongoing resource for library-led programs, school visits, and hands-on sustainability learning. It also stands as a model of how service organizations, educational institutions, and local partners can come together to sow seeds of positive change.