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Durham Parks & Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski leads the way on her bicycle for everyone participating (approx. 180) in the Trot in the Trees 5k trail race held on October 17, 2021 at Tibbetts field in Madbury with a course through Powder Major Forest and surrounding trails. Courtesy Jeremy Gasowski
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Goss Manufacturing site has sold. The properties owned by Goss in Durham sold to a Delaware LLC this week named 121 Tech Owner LLC for $21,000,000.
Beginnng next week, residents will have to use the 603 area code when dialing NH phone numbers.
Halloween trick-or-treating in Durham takes place October 30th from 5 - 7:30 PM.
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COVID CASES BEGIN TO TREND DOWNWARD ACROSS THE US … BUT NOT IN NH
Overall, COVID-19 cases in the United States are trending downward. That includes many of the states where the virus was hitting the hardest in the past few months, including Florida and Georgia. But five states saw cases increase more than 10% last week, and one of those states was New Hampshire. New Hampshire’s 7 day positivity rate as of this date was 5.9%. The positivity rate as part of the UNH universal testing program is 0.27%.
Public health officials have expressed concerns that when the weather truly gets colder, there could be more spikes of the virus. The most effective way of keeping it in check is vaccination, but vaccination rates continue to remain flat in New Hampshire.
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT’S FIRST VIRTUAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK OPEN HOUSE A SUCCESS
The Durham Fire Department’s first virtual Fire Prevention Week Open House 2021 was a success with several hundred views and engagements on each FB post totaling thousands of public interactions spreading the department’s fire safety messages. The DFD has posted a full week of activities and information on its website HERE and on its Facebook account. Thank you to DFD members who assisted with ideas and submitting materials to support the department’s community risk reduction mission.
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CERTIFICATION OF SIGNATURES ON REFERENDUM PETITION SEEKING TO REVERSE THE ACTION OF THE DURHAM TOWN COUNCIL TAKEN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 TO REMOVE THE MILL POND DAM
On October 18, 2021, Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt certified for the Town Council that 805 of the signatures as indicated on the submitted petition were registered voters in the Town of Durham. There were 203 names that were disqualified due to illegible names, no signatures on voter registration, duplicate names on the petition, or names not on the voter checklist. 750 certified signatures are required by the Town Charter for certification of a petition. The Council is scheduled to discuss next steps at its upcoming meeting on November 1, 2021. As noted last week, a few options were outlined and will be investigated further in terms of holding a Town-wide vote on the issue.
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MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER GRANT APPLICATION WITH NHDES
On Wednesday October 20th, DPW received notification from NHDES that the pre-proposal submitted on September 17, 2021 for FY22 Watershed Assistance Grant Funding rated very high and that the proposal was well received, however NHDES is reluctant to move forward with any additional applications because of the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate fate of the dam given certification of the petition referendum. The recommendation from NHDES is for the Town to resubmit its application in the FY23 grant cycle if the Town ultimately votes for dam removal. Our understanding is that if the Town had been able to move forward with submitting the complete application at this time, the grant would likely have been awarded for FY22 in the amount of $125,000. This is one of several potential external funding opportunities.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Many of your old tablets/computers are packed with components containing rare metals that are difficult to find and pull out of the ground. Once those components wind up in the landfill, there’s no easy way to recover them, so the limited supply we already have shrinks even further.
There are some important ways you can help with the e-waste challenge and keep old technology out of the landfill.
Re-purpose your old technology.
Tablets
Dedicated video call station: If your tablet has a half-decent front-facing camera, it might make for a decent video calling machine. Load it up with Zoom, Facebook Messenger or Skype and keep it on a countertop or your desk. Note: Much older tablets may struggle with this. If that’s the case, consider the following.
Digital photo frame: You probably bought the tablet for its screen size, so put it to good use again by displaying your photos on it. Apple’s Photos app for iPads has a built-in tool to create looping slide shows from pictures in an album, and the Google Photos website lets you do the same on Android or Apple devices.
Computers
Media server: If you have loads of home movies or legitimately acquired digital versions of films taking up hard drive space, there’s an easy way to get them running on your TV: put them all on an older computer (or an external hard drive connected to one) and install the media server app Plex. After a little setup, install the corresponding Plex app on your smart TV or streaming device, and you can watch all those classics on the big screen.
Donate it: Some organizations accept donations of old computers for various causes. Your mileage will vary depending on where you live, but Digitunity is a helpful place to start: You can punch in your Zip code to see if nearby schools or nonprofit groups could benefit from your old hardware.
Next week we will share important information about how to best recycle your old tablets/computers.
Source: The Washington Post
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
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OCTOBER 25, 2021 CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING CANCELLED
The scheduled meeting of the Conservation Commission for this Monday, October 25 has been cancelled as there is no pressing business. The Planning Board is meeting this Wednesday, October 27, to continue its review of the Mill Plaza project. The board has three items on its agenda for the following meeting on November 10: a preliminary application to expand the apartment building at 32 Madbury Road (at the intersection with Garrison Avenue), a nonconforming use that may be expanded by conditional use; continued review of the 16 unit subdivision off Gerrish Drive; and continued review of the parking lot at 19 Main Street.
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WISWALL DAM IMPROVEMENTS BEING EVALUATED ON LAMPREY RIVER
Durham Public Works (DPW) continues to discuss findings with dam structural engineers, Pare Corporation, about outstanding dam stability review at Wiswall Dam. DPW recently executed a proposal with Pare Corp to evaluate dam adhesion through coring of the dam and analysis of the bedrock/concrete dam interface. This analysis has the potential to result in favorable findings eliminating or greatly reducing the need for costly upgrades. In the event findings indicate less than desirable adhesion, it may be necessary to install shear pins into the dam bedrock interface to anchor the dam to the bedrock below in lieu of rock anchors that were originally anticipated. More information will be shared when this work can be scheduled, likely this fall.
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AN EXPLANATION CONCERNING WHY CERTAIN ROGUE/UNAUTHORIZED TRAILS ON UNH LANDS WILL BE CLOSED
In 2018 unauthorized trails totaling about 3 miles on UNH’s Thompson Farm and MacDonald Lot were identified for closure. Unauthorized trail building can conflict with other uses like research and wildlife habitat management and can grow to become unmanageable from a practical standpoint.
There have been a number of questions about the recent closure on Thompson Farm. Issues of concern are addressed in the link below. Several informational signs were also recently posted on site highlighted with caution tape. Among other things, the signs pointed out that the trail was built through permanent forest inventory plots and provided this information (summarized):
“These plots are used to monitor tree growth, forest health, regeneration and other things. The information is available to our researchers to use for a variety of purposes. When the plots were installed in 2013 there was not a trail present. The installation and continuous use of the trail makes the plots uncharacteristic of the rest of the forest, making them less useful in terms of scientific method.”
It is certain that the trail builders did not knowingly go through the plots. However, even after users were made aware that the plots were there, both prior to the closure (verbally) and afterwards, through signage, the trail has seen continuous use.
These events underscore one of the primary reasons for areas to be set aside for purposes other than recreation. Although the vast majority of trail users do not disturb work on purpose, preserving the integrity of forest research is justification enough to close this trail and preserve areas where future research will not be disturbed.
Users should respect the request to discontinue the use of certain areas. Proposals for new trails should come endorsed by either the Town of Durham or some locally or nationally recognized group and will be reviewed by the Woodlands Committee, a board that oversees the management of UNH properties and is made up of UNH Natural Resource Faculty and Staff members.
Please call Steve Eisenhaure, UNH Land Use Coordinator, Office of Woodlands and Natural Areas, with any questions, 603-534-7979.
View a list of the Thompson Trail Closure Frequently Asked Questions HERE.
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VIRTUAL INPUT SESSION REGARDING DURHAM'S CLIMATE ADAPTATION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER - VIA ZOOM
A virtual input session has been scheduled for residents to share their feedback on Durham's climate adaptation master plan chapter on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 8:30 - 10AM.
The Town of Durham is preparing for impacts from hotter temperatures, flooding from more intense rainfall events, and rising sea levels. At this public input session, you will have an opportunity to discuss the draft recommendations addressing climate change impacts on a variety of issues - from critical infrastructure and natural resources to local economy, public health, energy, housing, and more. Your feedback can help Durham prioritize recommended actions to build resilience to these impacts.
View registration information HERE.
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THE UNH DURHAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND WATER SYSTEM SERVICING DURHAM – Learn more about how our local water system works.
The UNH-Durham Water System is a jointly operated water system, meaning that both UNH and the Town of Durham contribute to the production of safe drinking water. Water in Durham comes from combined sources provided by UNH and/or the Town at any given time. There are 1,300 water meters in the Town’s System, which are read monthly and billed quarterly and over 200 UNH meter locations.
The University owns and operates the Surface Water Treatment Plant, which includes the Lamprey River Pump Station, and the portion of the water distribution system serving the University. The brand new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) became operational on March 13th, 2020 and replaces the Arthur Rollins Treatment Plant that was originally constructed in 1935.
The raw water is supplied to the treatment plant from a reservoir on the Lamprey River and/or the Oyster River, or the Spruce Hole Well. This well serves a dual purpose: (1) to convey river water from the Lamprey River to artificially recharge the underlying aquifer; and (2) to convey groundwater from the Spruce Hole Well to the UNH-Durham Water System. In the treatment process chemicals are added to remove impurities through settling. The water is then filtered through layers of anthracite coal and sand. The final stage of treatment involves the addition of chlorine for disinfection, fluoride to minimize tooth decay, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) for pH control, and blended phosphate to minimize corrosion of the piping system. The maximum capacity of the WTP is about 2 million gallons per day.
The Town of Durham owns and operates the Lee Well and Pump Station, Foss Farm and Beech Hill Storage Tanks, the Town reservoir behind the Wiswall Dam on the Lamprey River, Technology Drive and Madbury Road pressure stations and the portion of the distribution system serving the residents and businesses of the Town. (Note, many residential properties located beyond the downtown area are on private wells.)
The Town’s portion of the water system is under direct control of the Durham Public Works Department. The Lee Well is a gravel packed well located on Angel Rd. in Lee, N.H. The Town of Durham owns the land on which the wellhead and pump house are sited. The well has an estimated safe yield of approximately 550,000 gallons per day. The well water is naturally filtered underground. Water pumped into the distribution system has chlorine added as a disinfectant, fluoride to minimize tooth decay, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) for pH control, and blended phosphate to minimize corrosion of the piping system.
View an interesting view about the new UNH Durham Water Treatment Plant HERE.
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HALLOWEEN IS A BUSY TIME IN DURHAM - Information from DPD.
Trick or treating in Durham is Saturday (October 30th) from 5 - 7:30 PM. The Durham Police Department will once again have additional officers out to ensure everyone’s safety while interacting with all the little ghosts and goblins. The police department wants to remind all parents to think “Safety First” and recommends high visibility costumes for your little witches and gremlins.
Additionally, the department will have an expanded compliment of officers on earlier in the day to help handle the increased traffic resulting from the UNH Football game. We anticipate a heavy volume of traffic in the area of Main Street stretching from the Edgewood Road intersection to the Mast Road intersection, and would recommend to all community members to find an alternative route from the hours of 10 AM to 5 PM.
It is expected to be a very active weekend for the department as we strive to maintain a proactive and high visibility presence designed to allow everyone to enjoy the various entertainment opportunities both on the UNH campus and throughout the downtown.
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IT’S BUDGET SEASON, SO PLEASE EXCUSE THE DELAY IN MR. SELIG FOLLOWING UP ON EMAILS, VOICEMAILS, LETTERS, ETC.
Budget season is upon us in Durham and as such, Administrator Selig is actively working with the Business Office and our various department, boards, committees, and commissions in formulating a proposed budget for consideration by the Town Council. By Town Charter, Mr. Selig has until the last business day in October to propose a budget to the Council. The Council then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget of its own, or the Administrator’s proposed budget becomes the FY 2020 budget by default.
At this time of year, Mr. Selig is in constant budget meetings, in additional to normal responsibilities, and as such responding to correspondence and calls/inquiries, is typically delayed. Urgent matters should be sent to the attention of Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry, jberry@ci.durham.nh.us
The proposed FY 2022 budget will be presented to the Town Council on November 1st.
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MADBURY ROAD RECONSTRUCTION DESIGN PHASE UNDERWAY
The Madbury Road Project which will reconstruct improvements to roadway, water and sewer utilities, storm water, and streetscape while also providing upgrades to pedestrian, and cyclist accommodations while using a “Complete streets” approach, where possible, is underway with the engineering design services contract awarded to Vanesse, Hangen and Brustlin (VHB) on September 13, 2021.
The project limits extend from Main Street in downtown Durham to Pendexter Road North of Route 4. Residents and businesses can expect to see survey crews, traffic flaggers and police details on Madbury Road beginning over the next week for a duration of approximately 10 weeks followed by Geotechnical explorations.
Durham Public Works will be developing a Madbury Road Project website over the next several weeks which will provide helpful project information and inform residents of opportunities to provide project input. The first of many public outreach meetings will also be scheduled where stakeholders will be invited to share local knowledge and concerns around this town gateway roadway and adjoining intersections. Any questions can be directed to Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578 or MadburyRoadProject@ci.durham.nh.us
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SMITH CHAPEL PLAQUE ACKNOWLEDGING THE CHAPEL'S PLACEMENT ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
The Durham Heritage Commission developed a plaque recognizing Smith Chapel for its placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The plaque was installed last week by Public Works. Placement on the register is a great honor. Only a few properties in Durham are listed including the General Sullivan House, Thompson Hall at UNH, Wiswall Falls Mill Site, and the Durham Historic District (in entirety as a district). Numerous other properties in town are listed on the New Hampshire State Register and officially deemed eligible for the national and state registers.
Smith Chapel, located about a half mile down Mill Pond Road from Newmarket Road, was built in 1900 as a memorial for Hamilton Smith. Mr. Smith died at the age of 59 on July 4 of that year while sailing on the Oyster River. His widow Alice Smith selected this site which was then part of their 70-acre estate which ran down from their home at the Red Tower on Main Street to Mill Pond and the river (Mill Pond Road did not exist at the time). This Gothic-revival jewel is reminiscent of medieval parish churches the Smiths likely visited during their years living in England.
Many thanks to Durham residents Jim and Deborah Munsey who paid for the beautiful sign. The Munseys were married in Smith Chapel in October of 1978!
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JOIN THE FALL 2021 COMPOST CHALLENGE - Sponsored by the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC), Town of Durham Department of Public Works, and Durham Parks and Recreation
Looking for a small way to make a big difference in our community? Composting is an excellent way for you to be a part of fighting back against Climate Change in our community and our world! Learning to compost is a great way to teach your kids the importance of being sustainable. Sign up for our next Durham Compost Challenge!
October 16 - November 20
View details about what you can compost HERE.
Challenge participants receive a compost bin and compostable bags. Participants are asked to weigh each bag of their compost and household trash and keep records to report weekly. You may choose to compost the organic waste in your yard, have it picked up by Mr. Fox, or drop it off at the Transfer Station. Register for the Challenge with Durham Parks and Rec. The registration fee is $10.00.
Have questions? Contact Julie Kelley at ricjulkelley@comcast.net
Register with Parks & Rec HERE.
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DURHAM POTENTIALLY ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE TWO CONGRESSIONALLY AUTHORIZED SPENDING ALLOCATIONS FOR IMPORTANT LOCAL PROJECTS TOTALING OVER $1.4 MILLION
The Town received notification from Senator Shaheen’s office this week that our request for approx. $900,000 in emergency land and mobile radio communications infrastructure funding for Durham’s public safety departments has passed through the US Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Committee with a favorable recommendation and is moving into the funding appropriations Bill. In addition, Durham’s request for approximately $540,000 for emergency generators/emergency generator upgrades for local critical facilities/infrastructure has passed the US Senate Appropriations Committee.
The appropriations bill will continue along their respective trajectories slowly move toward the US Senate floor where they may be further amended and eventually passed. It is important to note that funds would become available only after new legislation funding the government for FY2022 is approved by both the Senate and the US House of Representatives and signed by President Biden.
A thank you is extended to Senator Shaheen and her staff for supporting these important Durham projects. Thank you as well to our DPW, Fire, Police, and IT teams for moving forward these initiatives for consideration by Senator Shaheen and Congressman Pappas.
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ROAD PROGRAM UPDATE
The Durham Public Works Department Roads Team and paving Contractor, Continental Paving, recently completed the 2021 Road Program. Mathes Cove Road, Sullivan Falls Road, Kelsey Drive, Tall Pines Road, and a portion of Foss Farm Road were reclaimed before new pavement was applied. Despite numerous challenges, the Road Program was completed within the established budget and ahead of schedule.
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BAGS THAT GIVE BACK PARTICIPATE IN HANNAFORD COMMUNITY BAG PROGRAM THIS NOVEMBER
UNH Military and Veteran Services (MVS) has been selected by local Hannaford store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the Community Bag Program for the month of November!
The Hannaford Community Bag Program is an easy way for shoppers to give back to the local community and the environment as part of the regular shopping routine. For every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased, a $1 donation will be sent to UNH MVS, which supports Veteran, Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist, and military-connected students.
Stop by the Hannaford’s at 7 Mill Road, Durham, NH anytime in the month of November to purchase a bag, reduce single-use plastic in the environment, and give back!
For more information about the Hannaford Community Bag Program, please visit hannaford.bags4mycause.com.
If you have any questions, please contact MVS Director Kalyn Ryll at kalyn.ryll@unh.edu.
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OLD TOWN HALL/COURTHOUSE HVAC UPDATES/IMPROVEMENTS TO TAKE PLACE
The Durham Public Works Department’s HVAC contractor, ENE Systems of NH, began a major upgrade to the HVAC system in the Museum portion of the Old Town Hall / Courthouse facility this week. The new system will replace the existing split heating/AC system which had failed earlier this year and will allow for increased efficiency and dehumidification.
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DRIVEWAY PAVING SCAM IN DURHAM - BE AWARE
Durham Police are warning residents to use caution and report unusual activity following several residents reporting that a paving crew allegedly tried to scam them. Durham police are cautioning people not to fall for a common bait-and-switch scam in which a promise of cheap driveway paving through the use of “extra asphalt” turns into an expensive fraud.
Chief Kelley urges residents to contact the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324 if they see suspicious or unusual activity in town, or if they’re unsure if someone attempting to sell something door-to-door is legitimate.
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BUCKTHORN BLITZ WORKDAYS A HUGE SUCCESS
A big thank you to all the Durham residents, UNH students, and other Nature Groupie volunteers for their work over the past two weeks in helping to remove invasive buckthorn plants from the Thompson Forest and Doe Farm Preserves! Volunteers like you are an invaluable resource for the Town in working towards our invasive plant management goals. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to help steward Durham’s natural lands! If you’d like to discuss specific opportunities, or have ideas for volunteer workdays, please contact Durham’s Land Stewardship Coordinator, Tom Brightman at stewardship@ci.durham.nh.us
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NEW AMTRAK DOWNEASTER SCHEDULE
A New Amtrak Downeaster schedule became effective this week which has minor changes to the now daily service schedule in Durham.
View the new schedule HERE.
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AFGHAN EVACUEE RESETTLEMENT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE - Information for Durham residents interested in the subject.
Two organizations - Ascentria Care Alliance, based in Concord, and The International Institute of New England, based in Boston, MA - are in the process of planning the resettlement of 125 Afghan evacuees in New Hampshire. The Afghan people who recently escaped Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover are not considered refugees but as "humanitarian parolees" in legal status. This means that they do not qualify for many refugee benefits available, making their resettlement "more challenging" to quote one of Ascentria's program managers. Basic supplies, financial donations, and housing concerns are therefore needed, as well as volunteers to work with families. Contact either of the above organizations if you would like to help out.
It is being reported that currently Afghan evacuees are mostly unvaccinated, with initial inoculations in progress overseas at their sites of refuge, adding to the challenges of an immediate resettlement. Many Afghans already live in the Lowell, MA, area and the hope is that those who resettle in NH will find homes in locations not too far away. Anyone who may be thinking of offering their homes as temporary housing, please be aware that 2-3 months is the standard timeline for this, English may not be an understood or spoken language for all, and that as (mostly) Muslim, Afghans follow strict dietary restrictions.
It is important that we be accommodating to the Afghan culture, making the resettlement process as comfortable as possible for them. For further details on how you may be of assistance, please check the websites: https://iine.org/ or http://ascentria.org/
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Pictured are (L-R): Officer Emily Festa, members of ORPP, and Officer McKayla Fowler.
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OYSTER RIVER PARENTS AND PRESCHOOLERS TOUR DURHAM POLICE STATION
On Monday of this week, the Durham Police Station was filled with questions, crafts, and lots of energy! Problem Orientated Police (POP) Officer Emily Festa provided a tour of the station, the patrol cars, and all of the equipment Durham Police Officers use every day, to the young members of the Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers (ORPP). On the tour, Officer Festa made police themed crafts with everyone. They also met the officers working on shift for the day. The highlight of the tour was climbing through the patrol cars and turning on the emergency lights.
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LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE FALL 2021 NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee's fall Newsletter is now available and can be viewed HERE.
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FULL-TIME RECYCLING & SOLID WASTE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR NEEDED
The Town of Durham in New Hampshire’s seacoast region is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire. The Durham Public Works Department, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Recycling and Solid Waste Collection Equipment Operator.
The successful candidate will undertake meaningful and challenging work involving the collection, transportation, and final disposal of municipal solid waste and recycling in an effort to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals while protecting public health. 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. Salary range for this position is from $22.30 to $25.15/HR, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of (2) years of experience in operating commercial vehicles and related equipment. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. The successful candidate will also possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License or the ability to obtain within (6) months of hire. This position requires strenuous physical work, emergency response on a 24/7 basis for winter storm events and performing work in adverse weather conditions.
Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or email jrichard@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on October 8th, 2021.
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HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - DPW is still interviewing for the Heavy Equipment Position that is currently open.
DPW is still interviewing for the Heavy Equipment Position that is currently open.
The Town of Durham in New Hampshire’s seacoast region is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire. The Durham Public Works Department, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Heavy Equipment Operator.
The successful candidate will undertake rewarding and challenging work involving the maintenance and construction of roads, sidewalks, and drainage conveyance 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. Salary range for this position is from $22.30 to $25.15/HR, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in heavy equipment operation. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis, a rotational stand-by schedule, and performing work in adverse weather conditions.
Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to jrichard@ci.durham.nh.us .
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FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION BEGINS ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH
All items must be out by 7am! During Fall Cleanup, Public Works picks up brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. Fall Cleanup is separate from your regular curbside collection!
- Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not recyclable and will not be picked up). Paper bags may be purchased at Aubuchon Hardware and stores such as Lowes or Home Depot. Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road.
- Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please).
- Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter. No stumps will be accepted.
- The amount of brush and limbs is limited to ONE TRUCKLOAD PER HOUSEHOLD.
- Cutting off small limbs from branches will help maximize each load.
- Remember, backyard composting of your leaves and brush reduces the flow of waste, while at the same time, produces valuable organic matter for the soil. It improves your soil and the plants growing in it.
All residents should have received the fall newsletter in the last week.
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TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT SOUGHT - PART-TIME
The Town of Durham is seeking a part time Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part-time with no benefits. Applicants must be comfortable dealing with public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain license within 2 months of hire. Duties include checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, maintenance and cleaning of facility. Pay $14-$17/Hr based on experience. Hours will be Saturday from 7am-3:30pm, potential for more hours. Valid driver’s license, background check will be performed. Applications accepted until the position is filled.
Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824. Telephone 603-868-5578.
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Watercolor of LaRoche Farm, Durham, NH. Courtesy Ellie Lonske
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Ellie Lonske shared her watercolor of the LaRoche Farm on Bennett Road. The LaRoche Farm is celebrating 100 years as a diversified family farm. Visitors during Durham’s Farm Days have enjoyed taking a hayride, touring the maple sugar shack, watching sheep shearing and goat milking demonstrations, and learning about beekeeping.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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"Nightmare on Young Drive, a Halloween Experience" will be doing a spooky walk-through once again. Where: 26 Young Drive When: Sept 30th 4-9pm. View more information on the event by clicking the programs and events button below.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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Next Week at DPL!
Stop by our table on Main St. at the Durham Parks & Rec. Downtown Trick or Treat on Sat. October 23rd! We'll be running the popcorn machine and have lots of treats and library info! Looking for more Halloween fun? Trick or Treat at the Library and stay for Outdoor Halloween Movie Night on Wednesday, October 27th! Trick or treating will start at 6:00 pm, followed by the films Hotel Transylvania at 6:30 pm and Frankenstein at 8:00 pm!
Register now for The Art of Networking or A Guide to Interviewing (for graduating high school and college students) live on zoom with employment expert Gary Gekow! Meditative Yoga is back in person! Join us on Mondays at 10:00 am in the upstairs Oyster River Room at DPL in Nov. and Dec. Space will be limited so please register HERE. Check the Upcoming Events page on our website to register for more DPL programs!
Join us next week for our Halloween-themed Storytimes in the raingarden on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 am and for Baby Lapsit on Wednesday! Register HERE! Have you tried STEAM Saturdays? Sign up for next week's take home project HERE and Make a Yarn Mummy! Our Joint Library programs with the Lee and Madbury libraries will continue in November with Strawbery Banke Thanksgiving history!
Questions? Check out our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/! And as always, the library staff is available by phone during business hours at 603-868-6699 or by email at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1786 - Mail was delivered by post riders from Portsmouth, and in 1796 Benjamin Thompson became our first postmaster. In the next 120 years 12 men and women held the office and did business in 10 stores and homes, being in the Ffrost store by the Falls for 40 years.
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Have a good weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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