Friday Updates - May 9, 2025

Friday, May 9, 2025

Raindrops on a tulip Courtesy, Todd Selig

A reminder that there will be a Legislative Listening Session this Wednesday, May 14, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Oyster River Middle School Recital Hall with locally-elected legislators. Come and share your feedback, concerns, compliments, hopes, and/or aspirations.

UNH Commencement is Saturday, May 17!

April showers bring May flowers!

LET'S SUPPORT DOWNTOWN DURHAM - Shop Local and Strengthen Our Community

Downtown Durham is more than just the home of UNH—it's a vibrant hub of local businesses that add flavor, convenience, and community to our daily lives. Whether you're running errands, meeting a friend for lunch, or simply enjoying a walk through town, there are many unique, locally owned spots waiting to be explored.

Start your morning with a fair-trade brew at The Freedom Café or enjoy an espresso at Breaking New Grounds. For lunch or dinner, savor flavorful dishes from Bamee, Mei Wei, or Thai Smiles 2, offering fresh, Asian cuisine. Pauly’s Pockets remains a town favorite for its delicious Middle Eastern offerings, and Clark’s American Bistro brings classic comfort food. For something sweet or a snack on the go, try Campus Creamery located within Town & Campus.

Pizza enthusiasts have great options with Wildcat Pizza, serving the community for over 40 years, and Durham House of Pizza, a staple since 1976. Village Pizza offers a diverse menu of pizzas, subs, and more, while Domino's Pizza provides convenient delivery and carryout options. For a quick bite, Franz's Food offers an array of sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast items. The newly opened The Blue Flame provides late-night breakfast buffets and live entertainment, adding to the town's dynamic dining scene.

Downtown also supports a variety of salons and barbershops, making it easy to support local. For those interested in tattoos, Scarlet Rose Studio offers both tattoo and nail services, and Fine Line by Kota specializes in fine line, illustrative, and black and gray tattoos.

Hayden Sports is your go-to for UNH apparel and sporting goods. Amy’s Frame Shop provides custom framing services to preserve cherished memories. Em & Elle Boutique offers a curated selection of women's clothing and accessories. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweetened Memories Bakery, known for custom cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. For a fun group activity, Beyond Escape NH offers immersive escape room experiences. University Market is a convenient stop for snacks, beverages, and essentials.

If we want to maintain a dynamic and diverse downtown with offerings that serve all ages and interests, we need to support these businesses year-round. Every visit and each purchase helps sustain the local economy and ensures that Durham remains a thriving place for everyone.

A beautiful flowering tree downtown. Courtesy, Todd Selig

DURHAM’S DOWNTOWN IS NAVIGATING A CHANGING WORLD

Durham’s downtown, like many across the country, is navigating a period of change driven by multiple forces -- COVID-related impacts, evolving consumer habits, the rise of e-commerce, and shifts in how people dine, shop, and work. These broad economic and societal shifts have presented real challenges to small businesses, many of which go well beyond the reach of local policy. UNH staffing and enrollment has also declined over the last several years, impacting downtown.  

That said, the Town has not stood still. It has made deliberate and sustained investments in our downtown to make it safer, more attractive, and more functional for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. These include improvements to roadway conditions and traffic flow, widened and walkable sidewalks, pedestrian-scale ornamental lighting, landscaping, and the recent installation of rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) to improve crosswalk safety. These enhancements reflect a strong commitment to building a downtown environment that encourages activity and connection.

Parking is another area where Durham continues to prioritize balance and accessibility. The parking program was never intended to be a revenue generator—it’s a tool for ensuring turnover and access. Without active management and enforcement, our downtown risks becoming a long-term parking lot for university students, making it harder for customers to frequent local businesses. While no parking system is perfect, ours is structured to maintain the availability of prime spaces throughout the day, and we continue to monitor usage data and make adjustments and improvements each season.

The Town Council has recently adopted changes to RSA 79-E, making it easier for downtown property owners to access redevelopment incentives. We are also actively considering three zoning amendments aimed at encouraging more flexible, productive use of property in the downtown core. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating conditions that allow businesses to succeed, while also supporting housing and walkability—two key elements in sustaining downtown vitality.

We continue to believe in the long-term promise of downtown Durham as a dynamic, mixed-use hub where students, residents, businesses, and visitors intersect in meaningful ways. Our focus remains on building toward that future—step by step, in partnership and support of the local businesses’ efforts.

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.

Tideline Public House was recently named one of New Hampshire Magazine’s “Best New Places to Eat, Drink & Be Merry,” a well-deserved recognition for a business that has brought something fresh and fun to Durham. If you haven’t been to Tideline yet, stop by and check it out.

Tideline Public House has become a favorite spot in Durham’s downtown core. Located at the old Town Office site at 15 Newmarket Road, Tideline features a rotating lineup of food trucks, 16 taps of craft beer, and an attractive outdoor space with firepits—making it a great place to gather with friends and family. Stop downtown for dinner and walk down to Tideline for dessert, or vice versa!

Owners Scott and Karen Letourneau opened the venue in 2023 after returning to New England from Oregon, bringing with them a love for casual, community-focused spaces like this.

To read the New Hampshire Magazine article, click HERE.

Former Durham resident and Oyster River High School graduate Xanthi Russell was recently crowned Miss New Hampshire 2025. She will go on to compete in the Miss America contest later this year.

As early as 2022, Xanthi was a proponent of the 4-H Program, and now she begins her year of service as Miss New Hampshire promoting leadership development among young people in the Miss America Opportunity and the 4-H Program.

To read an article about Xanthi in the NH Union Leader, please click HERE.

DURHAM VOTER REGISTRATION SESSION ON MONDAY

Supervisors of the Checklist will be holding a public session in the Town Clerk's Office at the Town Hall (8 Newmarket Rd) for the purpose of registering new voters and accepting changes to name, address, and/or party on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 7:00 – 7:30 PM. You may also register to vote or make changes to your registration at the Town Hall any time the Clerk’s office is open. There is no future election in Durham in 2025.

Applicants for registration must bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Affidavits are no longer accepted. The list of proofs currently accepted, especially for domicile, is rather complicated. A NH Driver’s License with your local address is the easiest thing to bring for identification, age, and proof of domicile in Durham. However, it does not prove citizenship, even if it is a Real ID, so you must also bring another document for that.  If you are unsure of what is necessary and what will be accepted, please call the Clerk’s office at 603-868-5577 or check the Secretary of State’s website https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote and click on the link ‘Registering to Vote in New Hampshire.’

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

Spring blooms. Courtesy, Todd Selig

DURHAM RESIDENT CLIFFORD E. ZETTERSTROM PASSES AWAY

Clifford E. Zetterstrom, 81, of Dover Road, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

A proud veteran, Cliff served with honor in the United States Marine Corps Air Wing during the Vietnam War, where he flew on VH34 helicopters. His bravery and service were recognized with the awarding of the Purple Heart.

Born to the late Clifford E. Zetterstrom, Sr. and Mildred (DuBois) Zetterstrom, Cliff was a man of integrity, warmth, and wit. He is survived by his beloved wife and dedicated Durham Transfer Station volunteer, Bonnie McDermott; his children, Todd Zetterstrom and his wife Dorry, and Kim Tolbert and her husband Jim; and his cherished grandson, Nicholas Zetterstrom and his wife Jess. He is also survived by his brother, David Zetterstrom, and his loyal dog Luna, who remained a constant and comforting companion.

Cliff was a dedicated volunteer for the Town of Durham's, contributing his time and effort to ensure the smooth operation of Durham’s elections. In 2020, during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, his service was critical during a time of uncertainty. The Town of Durham is deeply appreciative for his commitment to civic duty.

Those wishing to honor Cliff’s memory may consider a donation to Wentworth Homecare and Hospice, 9 Andrews Road, Somersworth, NH 03878, or to any animal rescue organization of their choice—an especially fitting tribute for a man who loved animals deeply.

In keeping with his wishes, funeral services will be private.

CONDITION OF SEVERAL PROPERTIES IN DURHAM'S HISTORIC DISTRICT QUESTIONED

A former member HDC member spoke with Planner Michael Behrendt this week about the condition of a number of properties in the Historic District. They observed a lack of maintenance in some of the buildings and in the management of trash and debris around the sites. It was suggested that the HDC walk around the district to observe the state of the district and determine whether there are specific properties that call for attention. 

The Town has on staff Andrea Seledee, an excellent person working on enforcement on a part-time basis. She is diligent about dealing with trash, parking, and other potential violations, and has good relationships with the landlords. Andrea works closely with Audrey Cline, our part-time Code Enforcement Officer. 

We are pleased to note that the new Oyster River Marker has now been installed. Several years ago, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation removed the former “Oyster River Massacre” plaque from Durham Town Landing among numerous signs statewide, pending a re-evaluation of the appropriateness of certain existing markers.

On July 18, 1694 a band of Wabanaki attacked the fledgling settlement of Oyster River killing more than 100 residents. There was a significant back story that was not included, and many found the tenor of the sign offensive and one-sided. 

The Durham Historic District/Heritage Commission hosted three professionally-facilitated roundtable discussions with representatives of the commission, Durham Historic Association, Durham Human Rights Commission, NH Historic Resources, NHDOT, and the Native American community to develop language for a new plaque.

The roundtables were successful and NHDOT has installed the new plaque -- now located at Jackson's Landing by the boat launch area.

These days, when you’re at Wagon Hill Farm you see a busy construction site at the old farmhouse. The Bickford-Chesley House is named for the owner who built the house in ca. 1804, and the family who lived and farmed there in the 1900s. After sitting empty for years, and five years of planning, it’s now being rehabbed at last, with funding from LCHIP grants and the Town of Durham.

A lot of the work is out of sight, like the cellar excavation – for footings to support structural posts and to install a vapor barrier and floor slab. Similarly, electrical wiring, fire protection, and rough plumbing are nearly complete.

Easier to see and admire: siding and trim replacement where needed, and resetting of granite foundation blocks. An exciting architectural mystery to be solved is the discovery that the twin kitchens of 1804 represent a smaller and earlier two-room house frame, entirely enveloped in the grander structure of 1804. What is the history of this little structure?

Work goes on inside and out, restoring the main block for a new life as exhibit galleries, and adapting the connecting Ell as the entry and service spaces – restrooms and a warming kitchen.

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.

Your check payable to the Wagon Hill Farm Heritage Expendable Trust may be mailed 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!

Did You Know? - Plastic Plant Containers

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? 

Instead of throwing plastic plant containers in the trash, consider the following options:

*Gardener’s Supply Company located at 64 Breakfast Hill Road in Greenland is hosting a Plastic Pot Take Back Day sometime in June. Contact the store at (603) 436-2732 for details on the specific date and time.

*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.

*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.

*The Durham Swap Shop accepts plastic plant pots and has them available for residents to reuse. Note: Please use this option as a “ last resort” since the plastic containers do eventually get thrown in the trash if they are not picked up by residents.

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. Reusing plant containers cuts back on the demand (and energy needed) to make new pots and keeps unnecessary waste out of our landfill.

Sources: The Home Depot.com, Lowe’s.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.

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.

Are you interested in local waterways? Would you enjoy mornings out with other volunteers, collecting and testing water samples from the tributaries and freshwater reaches of the Oyster River? Please consider joining us! 

Monitors go out in small groups from May-October, taking monthly water samples from streambanks or bridges and recording data on water clarity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. Training is provided. Levels of involvement can vary from a few times a season to more, depending on your time and interests.

This program is sponsored by the Oyster River Watershed Association (http://www.oysterriver.org), the NH Dept. of Environmental Services’ Volunteer River Assessment Program (NH VRAP), and the UNH/Durham Water Treatment Plant. If you are aged 16+ and would like to learn more, please email Emily Poworoznek, EL@usnh.edu

Garlic mustard is an aggressive invasive herbaceous plant introduced from Europe in the late 1800s for its culinary and medicinal purposes. It takes 2 years to flower and can be difficult to control once established since its seeds remain viable in the ground for more than five years. The plant also emits chemicals that prevent the growth of native plants, and we will quickly dominate a woodland understory if left unchecked. 

Now is a great time to pull it out of the ground, while it is flowering but before any seeds start to form. 

Proper disposal is a very important part of the process: bagging plants and disposing of them at a landfill or in a burn pile is the best way to ensure they do not develop seeds or re-sprout. 

For more information click HERE.

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT - Here are some frequently asked questions we've been receiving...

The Durham Human Rights Commission discussed this issue at its meeting at 4 PM on April 17th. You can watch the informative presentation from Police Chief Rene Kelley and Deputy Chief David Holmstock on DCAT On Demand HERE. It begins at the 9 minute 55 second mark.

Q: Does the Durham Police Department (DPD) assist with federal immigration enforcement efforts?

A: No. The DPD does not enforce federal immigration laws. Federal immigration matters, including deportation or visa violations, are handled exclusively by agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DPD focuses solely on enforcing New Hampshire state laws and Durham municipal ordinances.

Q: Does DPD share resident information with federal or state immigration authorities?

A: Not as a routine practice. The department does not proactively share photos, warnings, arrest records, or residential data. If an outside law enforcement agency makes a request, it must be based on a specific, valid purpose. Each request is evaluated individually by the Police Chief and approved only when justified under the law.

Q: Is DPD an independent agency separate from the Town of Durham?

A: No. The DPD is fully integrated into the Town government. Its funding is controlled by the Durham Town Council, and the Police Chief reports to the Administrator.

Q: Does the Durham Police Department receive any direct state or federal funding?

A: Not at this time, though DPD has received funding for radar enforcement and additional police officers in the past through specific competitive grants. However, the Town of Durham receives significant state and federal funding, which could be placed at risk by adopting policies that violate state or federal laws. In FY 2024, Durham received approximately $7.5 million in funding that could be categorized as “state funding,” including:

$1.47 million in Meals & Rooms Tax distribution

$277,241 in Highway Block Grants

$72,365 in Municipal Bridge Aid

$851,739 in Environmental Grants

$2.39 million from the UNH Fire Services Agreement, plus substantial additional payments for services and infrastructure.

This does not include millions of dollars in Federal funding. Loss of these funds would have significant implications for the Town’s operations and financial health.

Q: What would happen if Durham passed a local ordinance that conflicts with state or federal law?

A: All proposed ordinances are reviewed by legal counsel before reaching the Town Council for a vote. If legal review identifies a conflict with higher-level laws, the ordinance is typically revised or withdrawn. Enforcing an ordinance that contradicts state or federal law could expose the Town to legal and financial liability and would not protect individual officers involved. Town officials such as Town Councilors, the police chief, and Administrator are all administered an oath to impartially carry out local ordinances and the laws of the state. State law supersedes local ordinance.

Q: Why didn’t Durham declare itself a sanctuary city?

A: In 2018, following much debate and community input, the Town Council chose not to pursue sanctuary city status. This decision reflected a desire to maintain legal integrity, uphold public safety while continuing to respect the civil rights of all residents, and preserve the Town’s access to important state and federal funding sources.

Q: What is Durham’s general approach to immigration-related concerns?

A: Durham seeks to strike a thoughtful balance: protecting the rights and dignity of all people in the community while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The Police Department’s practices reflect this commitment to safety, professionalism, and public trust.

Q: If residents were to witness concerning ICE activity—such as masked ICE agents with weapons detaining people from unmarked vehicles—should they contact the Durham Police Department?

A: Absolutely. If anyone feels uncomfortable, frightened, or believes a crime may be occurring, they should not hesitate to contact the Durham Police Department. In an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies, call 603-868-2324. The safety and well-being of everyone in the community is a top priority, and DPD encourages residents to report any suspicious or alarming activity.

DRUG TAKEBACK RESULTS

As reported in the April 25th Friday Updates, the Durham Police Department partnered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, to take unused, expired, and unwanted prescription medication for proper and safe disposal. 

The Durham Police Department is pleased to report that this program yields results, as a receipt received from the DEA showed our community turned in over 50 pounds of unused prescription medications from our drug take back program. This amount was collected over a six-month period.

We want to remind the community that the Durham Police participate in this program every day. There is a drop box in the lobby of the police station where you can drop your medications at any time. If our lobby is closed during non-business hours, simply use the call box next to our front door to contact an officer and they will be happy to help. Please, no needles or liquids.

Remember, proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives, protects the environment, and our overall community. 

A yellow blanket forms from the blossoms under this forsythia. Courtesy, Todd Selig

NH BANS DISPOSAL OF RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES – Effective July 1, 2025

Due to a significant increase in fires at waste facilities -- many caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries -- NH has passed a new law banning their disposal in landfills and incinerators. Beginning July 1, 2025, all rechargeable lithium-ion batteries must be recycled through approved programs rather than thrown in the trash or curbside recycling.

These batteries are commonly found in phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools, lawn equipment, toys, and other rechargeable electronics. While generally safe when used correctly, they can become dangerous fire hazards if crushed or damaged in the waste stream.

What You Need to Know:

• Do not place rechargeable Li-ion batteries in the trash or curbside recycling.
• Starting July 1, 2025, you must recycle them at designated drop-off locations.
• Durham residents can recycle them at the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center, located at 100 Durham Point Road, Durham, NH.
• Residents can also use participating retailers like Staples, Best Buy, Home Depot, and BatteriesPlus.

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.

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.

ORCSD Celebrates Educators

The week of May 5- 9, 2025, marks Teacher Appreciation Week. ORCSD educators were honored with celebrations in all Oyster River schools and received numerous compliments from families and colleagues, thanking them for their critical contributions to our school community. 

2024-2025 ORHS Robotics Season: Milestones and Momentum

The Oyster River High School (ORHS) F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team, Team Overdrive #8410, concluded a memorable season filled with milestones and momentum. Overall, the team ranked 16th in the division out of 48 teams, which is 21 places higher than the team’s final placement last year. Learn more about the team’s season 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 13 ORHS Ensemble Concert

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

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.