Friday Updates - October 10, 2025

Friday, October 10, 2025

This will be a long holiday weekend for the national holiday known as Columbus Day! In Durham, the Town Council designated Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day via Council Resolution #2017-28 on September 18, 2017.

The Council also approved the following Land Acknowledgment Statement for the community...

• "The Town of Durham, New Hampshire wishes to acknowledge the spiritual and physical    connection maintained by the Pennacook, Abenaki and Wabanaki peoples to N’dakinna    (homeland), aki (land), nibi (water), lolakwikak (flora) and awaasak (fauna). New Hampshire has been home to these Indigenous people for thousands of years. The residents of Durham acknowledge the ongoing hardships endured by our Indigenous neighbors after the loss of their unceded homelands which we now steward and we will work to foster relationships to support the well-being of Indigenous people who carry forward the traditions of their ancestors."

And in this turbulent world, some hopeful news from a resident who wrote to Mr. Selig this week with the following: "I have seen a pair of Monarch Butterflies flying by my patio, for several weeks. This is migrating time, so they are probably flying through on their way to Mexico. They will mate along the way. The female will lay her eggs and die. Female mortality is 100%. The second generation will complete the migration South. This will be repeated in Mexico. It takes four generations to complete the migratory cycle. If all goes well, we will see the fourth generation passing through next Autumn."

DURHAM TOWN OFFICES TO BE CLOSED FOR COLUMBUS DAY/INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY

All town offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, for Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples' Day). 

There will be NO changes to the curbside collection routes or to the hours of operation at the Transfer Station next week.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY – October 25th at Durham Public Works

Durham Public Works would like to remind residents that the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Event will be held on October 25th. This event provides an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of certain common household hazardous waste products free of charge while protecting the environment. Please call Durham Public Works at 603-868-5578 for additional details. Pre-registration is required!

Three Chimneys decorated for fall. Courtesy, Todd Selig

2025 PRELIMINARY RESIDENTIAL REVALUATION VALUES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED! - Notices to residential property owners to be sent out in next few days. Commercial notices to follow about two weeks later.

The Town of Durham, in conjunction with Whitney Consulting Group, LLC, has completed an update of all residential property values for the 2025 tax year. These updated assessments are based on real estate market activity over the past several years and are intended to reflect each property’s estimated market value as of April 1, 2025.

For residential property owners, you will receive notice of your new assessment by mail in the coming days. Commercial valuations are still in progress and notices will be mailed shortly.

DO NOT apply the current tax rate to your preliminary assessed value. The new tax rate will be set in the coming month by the NH Department of Revenue. The new tax rate will be adjusted based on the new total value of the Town. Often when property values go up across the board, the tax rate goes down.

This statistical revaluation process helps ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the property tax burden by aligning assessed values with current market conditions.

The last town-wide revaluation was conducted in 2023. Since then, the real estate market -- particularly residential -- has continued to experience significant appreciation. Durham’s preliminary residential property assessments have increased on average by 22% across all strata. This can further be broken down into the different residential strata, improved residential properties have increased on average by 21%. The waterfront properties within this stratum have seen a more drastic increase ranging on average from 21-65%. The condominium properties have increased on average by 22% and residential land has increased on average by 55%. All commercial property valuations are still in progress.

Further information regarding the preliminary results of the residential portion of the statistical revaluation can be found on the Assessing page of the Town of Durham’s website HERE. Please note that the Assessor’s Online Database, located on the website, which is hosted by Vision Government Solutions, will not be reflective of the preliminary property assessment. Once values have been finalized and approved, this database will be updated. To obtain a copy of the updated information on your property please call the office at (603) 868-8064.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss the 2025 preliminary assessed value, please call Town Hall at (603) 868-8064. Please remember the individuals answering the phones will be scheduling appointments and will not be able to answer questions about your property. Your appointment may be conducted in person or on the telephone at your preference. Appointments will be available on October 15th, 16th, 17th, 21st, and 23rd.

The project team continues to make steady progress on Phase III of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project. Recent activity includes granite curbing installation, along with select utility pole relocations. Granite curbing installation, utility pole relocations, and multi-use path/sidewalk fine grading will continue over the next few weeks, followed by multi-use path/sidewalk paving, decorative light pole installations, and roadway striping.

Completion of the two-center median pedestrian refuge islands will take place in the spring. The timing of spring installation is planned to prevent potential damage to the cobblestone apron and radius curbing over the winter. In the interim, the area will receive temporary pavement, with pavement markings to indicate the island’s layout and function to drivers and pedestrians until the permanent installation is complete.

Durham Public Works greatly appreciates the continued patience of the residents and other stakeholders within the project limits as they work to complete these necessary infrastructure improvements and beautify Madbury Road.

A public hearing has been set to discuss increasing safety at the intersection of US Route 4 and Madbury Road in Durham. The planned project will construct a hybrid roundabout. The hybrid roundabout will replace the existing traffic signals and consists of two lanes on US Route 4 in each direction and one lane on Madbury Road in each direction. The proposed work will extend approximately twelve hundred feet in each direction along US Route 4, and approximately six hundred feet in each direction along Madbury Road. A ten-foot-wide multi-use path will also be constructed along Madbury Road to match the Town of Durham’s Madbury Road Complete Streets project. The project will include pedestrian crossing accommodations at the US Route 4 and Madbury Road intersection.

The hearing will be held at Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The Town Hall will be open at 5:30 pm for the inspection of plans by any interested persons. The NH Department of Transportation will conduct a public hearing to determine whether there is an occasion for the laying out of this project and acquiring necessary rights-of-way.

Interested landowners, local officials, and highway users are invited to attend the hearing and will have the opportunity to express their comments relative to the project. Audio of the hearing will be recorded. Maps, plans, environmental studies, and other pertinent information developed for the Department, along with written reports received because of the coordination with other agencies, are available at the Department of Transportation at the John O. Morton Building, 7 Hazen Drive, Concord, New Hampshire, for inspection and copying. Please call Timothy Dunn, Project Manager, at (603) 271-1618 in advance for an appointment.

Written statements and other exhibits may be submitted to the Chairman of the Commission, c/o Tobey Reynolds, Assistant Director of Project Development, NH Department of Transportation, PO Box 483, Concord, NH 03302-0483, or by email to Bureau50@dot.nh.gov until October 27, 2025, for inclusion in the official record. 

The Durham/UNH Water System would like to advise our customers that effective Thursday October 9, the Town of Durham and Stafford County continue to be in a D2 category, severe drought condition and asks system users to practice wise water use.  Practices may include:

• Limiting the irrigation of landscaped areas using hose-end sprinklers or automatic systems
• Water gardens, trees, flowers or other landscaped areas with handheld hose, a faucet filled bucket or watering can
• Utilize soaker hoses when irrigation is necessary
• Limit vehicle washing with bucket or hand-held hose with automatic shut-off
• Draw less water for bath or reduce shower time
• Do not let water run while shaving, dish washing, brushing teeth, etc. 
• Keep pools covered if not used on a daily basis
• Use water displacement device in toilet tank
• Install aerators on faucets
• Utilize water reuse where possible
• Replacement or retrofits with ultra-low flow fixtures is encouraged
• If necessary, use a broom or blower instead of a hose to wash off driveways, decks, etc.
• Use commercial car washes that recycle water
• Take measures to prevent runoff from your property from reaching streets, sidewalks, or impervious areas.

An excerpt from the U.S. Drought monitor states “Drought conditions continued to worsen this week across much of the Northeast after a mostly dry week. Temperatures this week were mainly above normal, with most locations 3-9 degrees warmer than normal. Extreme drought expanded in portions of northern New England and far eastern New York, where short-term precipitation deficits continued to deepen, causing further losses in soil moisture and streamflow levels."

Mr. Selig and Business Mgr. Gail Jablonski have been meeting over the last month+ with each of the Town’s department heads and members of their departments to better understand budget requests, as well as departmental CIP requests. Members of the Town Council were invited to these meetings and in numerous cases between one and four Councilors were able to sit in. 

One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2025-2026 states: "The Council, Administrator, local Boards, and Departments will work collaboratively to broaden and diversify Durham’s tax base as the primary strategy for maintaining a stable municipal tax rate, adjusted over time for inflation using the Boston-Cambridge-Newton CPI-U and trends in construction and labor markets. This includes promoting taxable business development in the commercial core, guided by smart growth principles and at key locations such as Technology Drive and Stone Quarry Drive. It also involves partnering with UNH on economic development projects like The Edge at West End and potentially 66 Main Street. At the same time, we will continue to manage spending and reserve levels prudently, increase non-tax revenues and external grant funding where possible, and make the strategic personnel and capital investments necessary to support the ongoing delivery of high-quality services for residents and businesses.”

Per Town Charter, the Administrator is charged with the development of the annual budget and CIP program. The proposed annual budget must be submitted to the Town Council by the last business day in October. The Town Council by Charter then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget or the budget submitted by the Administrator becomes the budget of the Town by default.

The requested CIP projects were presented/discussed with the Planning Board on Sept. 24. You can watch the Planning Board meeting HERE. Mr. Selig is now in the process of evaluating capital proposals and integrating (or not) into the CIP as part of his formal budget proposal by the end of October as described above.

As noted previously, it’s proving to be a challenging budget year for FY 2026 with a general lack of significant new taxable development in town, the potential for loss of federal and/or state funding, three union collective bargaining contracts (firefighters, middle managers, and AFSCME/DPW) expiring December 31, 2025 and in play, and a projected increase in health insurance costs of around 10%. 

In addition, we're confronted with general inflation and cost increases across the operation, UNH fiscal challenges and projected future student enrollment declines, and less interest earnings on investments. 

Requests for additional personnel or operational changes across departments include: 

• two additional firefighters, 
• an additional part-time fire admin. asst., 
• an additional part-time accreditation manager at police, 
• potentially contracting out solid waste/recycling collection at DPW, 
• moving the land stewardship coordinator from part-time to full-time, etc.

There was a one-time use of around $420,000 in undesignated fund balance to stabilize taxes for FY 2025 that cannot be sustained indefinitely to future budget cycles. 

Two weeks ago the Town also received notice from SchoolCare, one of our health insurers covering two separate employee groups, that around $30 million will need to be collected in October/November across all participating NH public employers to rebuild reserves – Durham’s share of which is around $126,000 in a year in which the Council previously paired back the Town’s contingency fund from the historic $125,000 to $50,000 as a FY 2025 cost savings. 

In terms of the General Fund operating budget alone, departmental requests have come in reflective of a $2,280,064 increase (or 17.42%) over FY 2025. Please note this is before any reductions have been made by the Administrator.

Mr. Selig has spent about five hours this week, both during the day and in the evenings, carefully reviewing the proposed operating budgets across all operations. During this time, he made a number of adjustments across various budget lines. Many of his initial ideas for larger changes were not feasible after closer review. Business Mgr. Jablonski has been working on things on her end as well – capital projects (which she and Todd discussed late-last week) and revenue estimates. Based on Mr. Selig’s cuts, Gail is in the process of sending questions, suggestions, and possible cuts to department heads, and Mr. Selig looks forward to receiving feedback provided for additional review next week. Total cuts Mr. Selig has suggested to date total around $557,225.

Due to significant capital bonded outlays associated with the recent Madbury Road water and sewer line replacement/repairs from 2024 & 2025, debt service increases will cause a jump in those respective budgets. Because the budgets are comparatively small versus the general fund, even small increase have large impacts. As such, largely consistent with last year's fiscal forecasting, the sewer fund rate is expected to increase by around 8% and the water fund is expected to increase by around 16%

One takeaway is that each department has done an excellent job preparing its budget. Requests are well justified, and the budgets contain little to no unnecessary padding. While Mr. Selig has to date unfortunately not identified the level of savings for which he was hoping, this process reinforces that Durham’s operations are efficient and funds are being used responsibly. 

The challenge ahead remains the lack of new revenue [expanded tax base] to offset natural increases in operational costs, and that is not generally an issue that the departments can solve. Indeed, in numerous respects the community has made many thoughtful decisions over the years that make it more difficult to expand the tax base in Durham, and such decisions have helped to ensure the character of the community has remained intact creating an attractive, inviting, sustainable, and highly desirable town.

On Monday evening (10/6/25), following the below referenced public hearing and numerous public comments, the Durham Town Council approved the following three actions relative to the project, each by a vote of 8 in favor and 1 opposed:

A. Public Hearing and Possible Adoption on Resolution #2025-18 Authorizing the Acceptance and Expenditure of Funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-Based Restoration Program, for the Mill Pond Dam Removal and Oyster River Restoration Project, In the amount of up to $3,247,201, and Authorize the Administrator to Sign and Submit Grant Paperwork on Behalf of the Town of Durham.

B. Shall the Town Council, Upon Recommendation of the Administrator, Award the Construction Contract for the Mill Pond Dam Removal and Oyster River Restoration Project to SumCo Eco-Contracting, LLC of Peabody, MA in the amount of $3,142,193, Subject to Receiving Remaining Federal Grant Funding from NOAA, and/or Subject to Funding with a FY26 Capital Improvement Program Item, and Authorize the Administrator to Sign Associated Documents?

C. Shall the Town Council, Upon Recommendation of the Administrator, Award the Construction Phase Engineering Services Contract for the Mill Pond Dam Removal and Oyster River Restoration Project to VHB, Inc. of Bedford, NH in the amount of $394,950, Subject to Receiving Remaining Federal Grant Funding from NOAA, and/or Subject to Funding with a FY26 Capital Improvement Program Item, and Authorize the Administrator to Sign Associated Documents?

People interested in viewing the lengthy public hearing and public comments can watch the replay of the meeting online on DCAT HERE.

PLANNING BOARD APPROVES REMOVAL OF MAPLE TREES TO HELP WITH RESEARCH ON SAP PRODUCTION AND TREE HEALTH

The Planning Board approved an application from Tanner Frost on Wednesday to remove a half dozen maple trees in the wetland and shoreland overlay districts. Tanner is a UNH graduate student analyzing sustainable tapping practices for five species. A tree sustains some damage each time it is tapped, and the ability to close off that wound may be key to its long-term health. Better understanding can help inform the selection of sap bearing trees for production in the future. This may become important if there are fewer sugar maples, the primary source of maple syrup in this region, due to the species migrating north because of climate change. You can see detailed information about his project HERE.

Tanner will tap the subject trees, remove them from the site using techniques to cause minimal ground disturbance, and then cut them into cross sectional “cookies” to examine their response to the tapping. Silver maples, red maples, Norway maples, and box elders (in addition to sugar maples) also yield sap suitable for creating edible syrup though the market for these products is uncertain.  Tanner swears by the quality of the syrup from each tree but acknowledges that the appeal for that of the box elder “may be an acquired taste.” Tanner promised to return later to report on the success of the project.

Oyster River Forest Trail this fall. Courtesy, Jean McPeak

PLANNING BOARD INITIATES SEVERAL CHANGES TO ZONING ORDINANCE BASED ON NEW STATE LAWS

On Wednesday, the Planning Board held a public hearing on several amendments that were prepared in response to recent legislation in Concord. The board voted to initiate changes to the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to restrictions on dwelling units, accessory dwelling units, and allowing multi-unit residential in commercial areas. 

One of the statutes prohibits zoning based on familial and nonfamilial relationships including the status of students. Whether one agrees with this position or not, in anticipation of the new law, the Town rescinded its three-unrelated rule, a tool the community had in place for many years serving to limit unrelated occupants in an apartment or single-family house to three people, as one of many strategies to mitigate potential problematic behavior. 

The zoning amendments now go to the Town Council for consideration. The board also adopted one change to the Site Plan Regulations due to another state law stipulating that towns may not require more than one parking space per dwelling unit. You can see the amendments HERE. 

People not involved in municipal government might wonder why the Town always has to do what the state tells it to do. The U.S. Constitution lays out powers of the federal and state governments but there’s no mention of municipalities (cities, towns, and counties). These more local layers of government are thus creatures of the state government. This means the states have authority over local communities. In so-called “home-rule states” (such as Massachusetts and New Jersey) municipalities can generally do anything that is not specifically prohibited by the state government. Where home rule is not in place, including New Hampshire, local governments can do only what they are specifically authorized to do by state law.  

DURHAM'S PLANNER PRESENTS SESSION AT NHMA LAND USE LAW CONFERENCE

Last Saturday, Town Planner Michael Behrendt presented at the New Hampshire Municipal Association Land Use Law Conference on the topic of Planning Board Roles and Responsibilities. While this annual event typically features presentations by attorneys on local law and state statutes, this year NHMA invited Michael to share a planner’s perspective.

His session highlighted how, in addition to legal guidance, a seasoned planner can provide a broader and more nuanced orientation—encouraging boards to engage applicants in constructive dialogue, strengthen goodwill among stakeholders, raise the quality of projects, and enhance the community’s character, while also fostering personal growth and enjoyment for board members. Planning Board Chair Paul Rasmussen also participated in the conference, serving on a panel in a dynamic related session on strengthening collaboration between land use boards and planning professionals.

At the end of the month, Administrator Selig will attend the ICMA (International City/County Management Association’s) annual conference in Tampa, Florida. This gathering draws thousands of local government professionals from across the world to discuss best practices, explore emerging trends, and examine new solutions for community improvement. The conference includes keynote speakers, workshops, specialized learning tracks, and sessions that address real-world issues facing municipalities today. There are also on-site demonstrations, which Mr. Selig always finds of particular interest. 

Alongside educational programming, Admin. Selig will have opportunities to connect with other municipal leaders, see demonstrations of the latest tools and technology, and gain insight into developments shaping the field of local government. Insights and ideas from the event will be brought back for the benefit of town staff and residents.  

Because Durham has worked with the World Affairs Council of NH hosting international visitors through US State Department programming, he will be one of four panelists from across the country to speak at the conference in a small session titled, “Local Governance Beyond Borders – A Tale of 4 Cities.” The other communities are: Lancaster, TX; Bartlett, IL, and Grand Rapids, MI.

Thanks to the great crew of volunteers who came last Saturday to the workday at the Pike Property to help remove the old fences and also some invasives. This was a great step in ensuring safe passage for wildlife and start of managing invasive species there.

Please stay tuned for the next workday on one of our treasured Conservation properties and email our Land Stewardship Coordinator at vludington@ci.durham.nh.us if you’d like to receive information about future events.

A big THANK YOU to all our volunteers who help steward and maintain Durham’s trails.

Are you working on some home Improvement projects? Are you moving into a new apartment or home and need some quality, low cost items? The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a retail outlet that offers renters and homeowners access to a variety of budget friendly items. From plumbing and lighting to furniture and cabinetry – their gently used items are available to the public at 30% to 80% below retail costs. 

ReStore is located in Newington, and it’s proceeds benefit SENH Habitat for Humanity, whose mission is to provide safe, decent, affordable, and energy-efficient housing to hard-working, low-income families in Strafford and Rockingham counties. In addition, for every $1 you spend at the ReStore 1.3 lbs. of waste is diverted from a landfill!

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore also accepts donations. To learn about the logistics of donating, as well as a list of what is currently being accepted, please check out this link HERE.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

29 Fox Run Rd

Newington, NH 03801

(603) 750-3200

**Please note that Durham‘s Swap Shop is also an option for donating gently used wooden and metal furniture items. No upholstered items please.

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.

Campus Creamery at 60 Main Street is open daily from 12-10 pm. Stop by for a cold drink or an ice cream after having lunch or dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants in our downtown.  

WAGON HILL FARM PHASE 2 LIVING SHORELINE RESTORATION PROJECT

Design and permitting have been completed and bidding is underway for this critical coastal resiliency project with a pre-bid site walk planned for interested contractors during the week of October 13 and bid responses due on November 3. The project will provide:

• stabilization of the seaward edge of up to 1,470 lineal feet of existing tidal marsh
• stabilization of up to 365 lineal feet of upland slope and the rebuilding of tidal marsh
• installation of up to 1,185 lineal feet of walking trail and 1,800 lineal feet of adjacent fence
• installation of one trail bridge

The project is funded through a $1.9 million-dollar National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) grant that the project team, which includes the Town of Durham, the NHDES Coastal Program, the University of New Hampshire, Streamworks, Strafford Regional Planning, PREP, the Great Bay Stewards and many others, were successful in obtaining. Construction is planned for late 2025 through 2026.  

The leaves are a changing! Courtesy, Todd Selig

TRAFFIC/CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY – ROADWAY GRADING

Please be advised that Durham Public Works will be grading Dame Road, Longmarsh Road, Winecellar Road, and 254 Main Street from Tuesday, October 14th, to Thursday, October 16, 2025. The roadway will be restricted to one lane in the work area with alternating traffic between 7:00am and 4:00pm.  

Access to adjacent residences, businesses and institutions within the work areas will be maintained at all times. Disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be minimal, however we ask that the commuting public seek alternative routes if possible and allow additional time to reach their destinations. We thank you for your patience.  For additional information please contact Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578.

RAYMOND A. LaROCHE SR. TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTER CLOSED ON VETERANS’ DAY

Durham Public Works originally scheduled the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center to be open during normal business hours on Tuesday, November 11. Due to resource constraints and given that the day falls on a Town observed holiday (Veteran’s Day), the facility will be CLOSED. There will be no changes to the facility hours on Saturday, November 8 and November 15. Please find the updated schedule HERE.

Durham Public Works is in the process of gearing up for the upcoming winter season which now includes a liquid pretreatment, anti-icing program utilizing liquid magnesium chloride and molasses. This winter maintenance strategy sprays a mixture of magnesium chloride and a molasses-based liquid onto roadways at high risk locations (e.g. hills, intersections, higher elevations, freeze prone areas, etc.) using a truck mounted tanker with pumps and a spray bar before a storm to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. 

This "anti-icing" method is more effective and environmentally preferred than de-icing alone, as it keeps roads clear and safe, reduces the amount of salt needed, and lowers the freezing point of water, which can melt existing ice and prevent refreezing. The molasses acts as a carrier for the magnesium chloride, making it less corrosive and potentially helping it last longer on the road surface while minimizing salt “scatter” beyond the roadway. 

DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE SEEKING INTERESTED RESIDENTS

Durham’s Energy Committee is looking for residents interested in pursuing a cleaner energy future through activities and projects that the committee sponsors. There are currently two openings on the committee, which meets the first Tuesday evening of the month in Town Hall. The goals of the committee adopted in 2024 are:

1. Assist Durham in achieving the Climate Action Plan goal of renewable energy options through Durham Community Power (CPCNH), including a 100% renewable energy option.

2. Explore and provide education regarding other sources of renewable and “Green” electric power.

3. Improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of existing residential and commercial buildings in Durham.

4. Support EV ownership through Education & Infrastructure Installation.

5. Improve and expand Community Outreach and Education to achieve Durham Climate Action Plan goals.

If you are interested, please contact Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards at Town Hall, kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us, (603) 868-5571.

Attend this upcoming hybrid meeting on Tuesday 10/21/25 from 6-7:30pm at Newington Town Hall or via Teams for an overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) research conducted within the Great Bay Estuary and New Hampshire’s coastal waters.

This hybrid presentation is hosted by the Environmental Health Program at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, with participation from state agency staff and local university partners. The goal of this session is to share ongoing research efforts towards PFAS occurrence, scope of these investigations and to give researchers an opportunity learn more about community concerns.

Register to attend virtually HERE.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION PRESENTATION - Looking Ahead to the Midterm Elections

The Active Retirement Association (ARA) announces a FREE presentation, “What Next? A Look Ahead to the November 2026 Midterm Elections,” featuring Dante Scala, PhD, professor of Political Science at the University of New Hampshire. Scala, a noted author and nationally recognized political analyst, will offer a preview of the upcoming midterm elections and an assessment of the political landscape during these tumultuous times. The event will take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 2:00 – 3:30 PM, at the Durham Evangelical Church (lower level), 114 Dover Road (Route 108), Durham, NH.

This presentation is FREE and open to the public; preregistration is not required. Light refreshments will be served so come and bring a friend! Donations of non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, and cash for area food pantries will be gratefully accepted.

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 currently has 325 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, cultural tours, walks/hikes, member interest programs on demand (PODs), and much more. For more information visit www.aranh.org, or to inquire about membership write to arainfo1982@gmail.com. Come join us and expand your world!

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

Sarah McQuade will be kicking off the 2025-26 Oyster River Folk Series on October 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Durham Universalist Church, 20 Madbury Road.

Sara’s lush, chocolaty voice combines with her engaging personality and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience, and a captivating stage presence. She is a lifetime achievement award winner of the Ards International Guitar festival; she will entertain attendees with a wonderful, light style. 

Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, and holding dual Irish and American citizenship (now settled in rural England), she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material. From contemplative ballads to playful blues to atmospheric instrumentals, Sarah’s music invites reflection, connection, and a deep appreciation of the quiet power of a well-crafted song. 

After last year's huge success, the Oyster River Community Clothing Swap will run again this year on November 8th from 9am-2pm at Oyster River High School. This entirely free, community-organized event invites you to bring clothes that are clean and in good condition to donate to the event and bring home clothes that are "new to you"!

In partnership with Durham Parks and Rec, Sustainable Durham Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers, and local businesses, New Moon, Replenish, Hello, Again, Wear House and with the help of dozens of community members, we're refreshing our wardrobes, keeping clothes out of landfills, and saving money! 

See the poster for details or visit our Facebook page HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Reminder: Planned October School Closures

All Oyster River schools will be closed on Friday, October 10, for a Teacher Workshop Day. 

All Oyster River schools and the SAU office will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day.

Coming Events

Moharimet School is hosting its annual Pumpkin Stroll on October 23, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Guests will be invited to enjoy a whimsical stroll while admiring students' carved pumpkins.

Mast Way School's annual Spooktacular celebration will be on October 24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Schools News

• Author Victor Piñero visited Mast Way School on September 24. Learn more HERE.
• Did you know that each school day at Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) starts with a special broadcast? Learn about ORMS' Middle School Network News HERE.
• Oyster River High School is offering seniors the opportunity to apply to college for free. Learn about our ApplyNH program HERE.

Community Survey: ORCSD Wants to Hear From You!

The district launched a new Elementary Projects webpage HERE. This is where all information related to Mast Way and Moharimet schools' construction and renovation projects will be published moving forward. On this new page, you may notice a survey. This survey is open to all Oyster River community members. Additional capital planning information is also available on our Capital Planning page HERE.

ORCSD is Hiring Paraeducators

Our paras are essential to the successful delivery of programs for students. The district is seeking to fill full-time, benefit-eligible positions to join our Special Education team. Consider joining us to help students reach their full potential. Apply today HERE!

Transportation Information 

Our Transportation team is hiring! If you or someone you know would like to drive a van or a bus, please contact Director of Transportation Trisha Daley at 603-868-1610 or by email at tdaley@orcsd.org. Additional details are available HERE.

On June 13th, 2025, a young Red Maple tree was planted at Jackson’s Landing, and in September a memorial marker was laid with the inscription “This Tree is Planted in Memory of Glenn D. Hayes and in Honor of the UNH Rowers of April 10, 1983”.   The UNH team of 72 rowers with 8 boats on the water encountered difficult weather conditions during a planned row-a-thon. Five of the eight boats swamped in various regions of the Little and Great Bays. Most sadly, the day resulted in the family, the team, and the University suffering the tragic loss of fellow oarsman Glenn D. Hayes (age 19).

Rowers from Glenn's Men’s Novice squad sought and received the blessing from the Hayes family and the Town graciously received this memorial in remembrance of this tragic event. The rowers, the family and the Town collaborated well on a fitting tree species and location.

On Saturday, October 4 a dedication service was held at the tree at Jackson's Landing where more than 40 people gathered - among them the 1983 rowing team, friends and family and the family of Glenn D. Hayes - to provide an added level of peace and a measure of closure to this tragic loss of more than 4 decades later.