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Friday, September 3, 2021
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Kayaks at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Parks & Recreation
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Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins Monday evening September 6, 2021 through Wednesday evening of next week.
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A U.S. military C-17 carried the last American troops out of Afghanistan on Monday, marking the formal end of the longest war in U.S. history.
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Fifty years after his death at age 27, rock music lovers from France and across the world visited the Pere-Lachaise cemetery in eastern Paris where The Doors’ front man, Jim Morrison, is buried.
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On a Roll: Procter & Gamble said it is ramping up production of toilet paper and paper towels as demand increases with the resurgence of the Covid-19 Delta variant.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
All Town offices will be closed on Monday September 6th, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Although all Town offices will be closed Monday there will be NO CHANGES TO THE CURBSIDE REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION – please have all items out by 7am on your regular day as always!
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HIGH RATE OF VACCINATION REPORTED AT UNH THIS FALL – Very positive news for the collective Durham community.
Optimism about the University of New Hampshire’s ability to enjoy a normal semester this fall is based on an expectation of a high rate of vaccination—and a low rate of infection—among the UNH community. Per this week’s UNH Covid-19 dashboard, of 13,215 students arriving on campus, 88% have provided proof of full vaccination. In addition, 77% of faculty and 70% of staff have confirmed they are vaccinated; this includes people who are not on campus but have shared their vaccination status with UNH Health & Wellness. With these numbers, we can be confident that most people around us in Durham have done what is necessary to protect neighbors, as well as themselves.
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THE REASON WHY UNH CAN’T REQUIRE THAT ALL STUDENTS ARE VACCINATED AS A CONDITION OF ENROLLMENT -- The Legislature and Gov. Sununu stepped in and enacted House Bill 220, which forbids all public entities in New Hampshire from requiring a COVID-19 vaccination.
Many Durham residents have questioned why UNH is not requiring vaccinations and masks. An editorial from the Keene Sentinel explains why private institutions can do so, but not public institutions. All members of Durham’s legislative delegation opposed this outcome, but they were in the minority in our collective effort to protect the Town and the University. We thank our Durham legislative delegation for their support.
View the editorial from the Keene Sentinel HERE.
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UNIVERSITY DAY RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH – MAIN STREET WILL BE SHUT DOWN FOR THE EVENT
Out of respect for the observance of Yom Kippur occurring at sundown on September 15th, UNH has rescheduled University Day to Thursday, Sept. 9 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event will still take place on T-Hall Lawn, Main Street, and Scott Hall Lawn. The rain date will be September 22nd. During this time, Main Street will be shut down from the intersection of Edgewood Road to the intersection of Garrison Avenue.
Residents are encouraged to seek alternate routes during that time period.
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TOWN COUNCIL TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER AT SEPTEMBER 13TH MEETING
The Oyster River Dam, also known as the Mill Pond Dam, is located on the Oyster River as it flows through the Town of Durham prior to its discharge into the Great Bay. Constructed in 1913, the dam is a concrete Ambursen-style dam consisting of a spillway, a set of gated outlets at the right abutment, and a fish ladder at the left abutment. It is approximately 140 feet long, with a maximum structural height of approximately 13 feet. Due to its age, engineering significance, and association with local history, the dam is listed on the NH Register of Historic Places.
The NHDES Dam Bureau has identified several safety deficiencies associated with the current dam, including concerns with its overall structural integrity and stability. The Town was notified of these problems in multiple Letters of Deficiency, most recently in February 2018.
The dam impounds the Oyster River, forming the 9.5-acre “Mill Pond” as well as portions of the Oyster River and Hamel Brook upstream of the Pond. The impoundment is used for numerous recreational activities such as fishing, paddling, birdwatching and ice skating. Over the years, water quality in Mill Pond has declined and portions of the pond have filled with sediment, converting much of the former open water area to emergent wetland habitat. The pond is listed by NHDES as an impaired water body.
A detailed Feasibility Study published in November 2020 described several alternatives for addressing the dam safety issues, including detailed discussions of “Alternative 3 (Dam Stabilization)” as well as “Alternative 5 (Dam Removal).”
Following publication of the Feasibility Study, the VHB team was asked by the Town Council, following public input and hearings, to conduct a Supplemental Analysis of Alternative 3 (Dam Stabilization) without Option 1 (Pond Restoration Dredge), as well as to explore additional analysis of the effects of Alternative 5 (Dam Removal). These analyses address questions related to watershed management actions that could improve Mill Pond water quality, the effect of upstream water withdrawals on Mill Pond, and whether Alternative 3 could be modified to improve fish passage and water quality. That report is dated July 2021.
The public had until the end of July to submit written questions/comments about the July 2021 VHB report to the Town Engineer. At the August 16th Town Council meeting VHB presented the main themes of the questions received and there was a discussion amongst councilors and VHB was directed to provide a written memo answering those questions received by the public. Members of the public provided feedback during the public comment portion of the meeting.
The Council will continue its discussion on this issue at its meeting on September 13, 2021.
To view the July 2021 VHB report, VHB's responses to the Supplemental Analysis, and all other information about the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River click HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS PLANS TO COMPLETE REINSPECTION OF MILL POND DAM THIS FALL WITH VHB AND PARE CORP. AS RIVER FLOW ALLOWS
The Department of Public Works plans to reinspect the Mill Pond Dam this fall to monitor structural deterioration of the concrete, primarily one of the ribs nearest the gate structure. This may require lowering the Mill Pond by a few inches depending on flows in the Oyster River. See pictures below. More information will be provided to the public and abutters when the work is scheduled.
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PAINT MARKINGS IN TOWN ARE IN NEED OF TOUCH UPS – Paint supply chain issues have hindered DPW’S ability to maintain roadway markings.
Durham Public Works is very slowly working on refreshing the pavement markings (crosswalks, bike lanes, sharrows markings, stop sign bars, etc.) throughout town. Our suppliers for roadway paint have been unable to get us paint since early April due to supply chain issues stemming from the Texas ice storm earlier this year and Covid-19 supply chain issues. DPW has been relying on Durham’s road painting contractor who normally assists us in the spring, but even they are having supply problems. DPW will continue to chip away at refreshing our markings as paint becomes available.
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EASYPARK USA TO PHASE OUT NEW HAMPSHIRE SERVICE
The in-vehicle parking payment device EasyPark that works with Dover, Durham, Manchester and Portsmouth parking meter systems will be phased out as customers use up their remaining balances.
EasyParkUSA, the firm behind EasyPark, notified participating New Hampshire municipalities that it is phasing out the devices due to decreased use and increased availability of pay-by-phone options in some communities. EasyParkUSA discontinued sales of its devices to participating New Hampshire municipalities earlier this year.
The final details of the phasing out process are still in the works. If you are a current EasyParkUSA customer, please standby for updates in the up coming weeks. EasyParkUSA will also be alerting New Hampshire subscribers to the program's end via their account emails.
For more information, contact the Durham Police Department, 603-868-2324.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Composting our food and yard waste reduces our Municipal Solid Waste, our impact at the Turnkey Landfill, and the formation of methane gas.
Once the compost is processed it is then used to grow fruits, vegetables and more.
To promote food waste and home composting, residents are welcome to compost materials at the Transfer Station. Six large toters stand along the entrance to the Transfer Station and are available for your use.
All items should be bagged in compostable bags (available at local grocery stores and online) or brown paper bags before being placed in the toters.
Here's a list of what you may compost at the Transfer Station:
- Veggies and fruit (no stickers on these)
- Meat and bones
- Shellfish
- Eggshells
- Dairy products
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Brown* paper napkins, plates, and paper towels
- Tea bags (without staples)
- Flowers and floral trimmings
- Pizza boxes or any cardboard that has soaked up food grease. Recycle the part of the box that is not greasy and put any paper liner or plastic container included in the trash.
- Muffin paper wrappers
- Human Hair
- Pet Hair
- Any brown paper bag (as long as it is not lined with plastic)
- Bamboo paper products
- Certified Compostable Products such as compostable bags, and compostable forks, knives, spoons, bowls, and cups.
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
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ROAD PROGRAM UPDATE
Projects are all proceeding on schedule and within established budgets. The Durham Public Works Department Roads Team and paving Contractor, Continental Paving, remain hard at work on the 2021 Road Program. A fresh 1.5” wearing course of asphalt was recently applied to Mathes Cove Road. Old Piscataqua Road, a 2020 road program candidate road impacted by the sewer force main project also received a 1.5” wearing course and pavement markings. The remaining roadways: Sullivan Falls, Foss Farm, Kelsey, and Tall Pines are all scheduled to have their wearing course applied next week.
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ROUTE 108 PAVING DATE CHANGED TO SEPTEMBER 8
SUR Paving has changed its paving and Route 4 Westbound/108 road closure date. They were originally scheduled for September 9, 2021. They are now moving that date to Wednesday, September 8th.
Paving will be from 7 AM to 5 PM. Additionally, the Route 4 westbound off-ramp will be closed from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
Residents may wish to find an alternate route during this time period as delays may occur.
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY – Morning of Saturday, October 23, 2021
The 2021 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Dept. of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive on Saturday morning, October 23, 2021. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only between 8 – 11:30 AM. To register, you must call the Dept. of Public Works at 603-868-5578 or email publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. THE MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS.
NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS, SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Consider reducing your purchase of products with hazardous ingredients; read labels thoroughly. Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in anything other than their original containers and never remove labels. Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become un-recyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels. NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY – LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year. Latex paints must be dried out first--motor oil, anti-freeze and oil based paints can go to the Transfer Station as-is. Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label.
Common Household Hazardous Waste
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ADMINISTRATOR SELIG TENTATIVELY PLANS TO ATTEND ICMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN PORTLAND, OREGON – Pending trends associated with the pandemic.
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is preparing for its 2021 annual conference in Portland, Oregon, October 2-6.
ICMA reports that members have expressed concerns regarding the safety of conference attendees in Portland. Marc Ott, ICMA Executive Director/CEO, and Troy Brown, ICMA President-Elect, visited Portland in mid-April to assess its public safety. Portland, like many cities, is confronting issues related to social justice, livability, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid it all, it is reported that Portland is a safe place to visit and that attendees exercise the same caution, concern, and common sense as when traveling to any conference destination.
The conference will include keynote speakers with diverse backgrounds and expertise; tools and techniques presented by experts in the local government management profession for consideration by attendees; an array of innovative products and services from solutions providers in the exhibit hall; a place where local government leaders and professionals from all backgrounds can stand together as a profession and learn from one another, and networking opportunities with local government professionals from around the world. Mr. Selig, an ICMA member, is actually on the conference planning committee this year.
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FY 2020 DURHAM FINANCIAL AUDIT BY MELANSON HEATH & COMPANY AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND TO BE PRESENTED TO TOWN COUNCIL SEPT. 27TH
Durham has received its annual Audit report from the auditing firm of Melanson Heath & Company of Nashua, NH for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2020.
A formal presentation by the Auditors to the Town Council is scheduled for September 27, 2021.
View the 2020 Audit and previous Audit documents HERE.
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Sharrows - downtown bike lane. Courtesy Todd Selig
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PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY
As the weather turns colder, the sun sets sooner, and the leaves start to change colors, it reminds us that school is once again in session. It also signals an increase in children young and old riding their bikes or walking to and from school. The combination of excited school children and increased traffic congestion makes it even more important than ever that we are paying attention when driving. The Durham Police Department would like all drivers to be mindful of the following helpful reminders:
- Slow Down and Obey school Zone Speed Limits. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
- No Passing When a Vehicle is stopped for Pedestrians or at a Crosswalk. It is imperative that drivers remain cautious when approaching crosswalks and other intersections where children tend to cross.
- Remain Diligent: Children are quick and impulsive. Even if you see a child pedaling on their bike or walking normally towards an intersection, be prepared for them to dart out into traffic at any moment. When approaching a child on a bike, slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between you. Children can be natural risk takers and therefore they remain unpredictable. Additionally, look for children to appear between parked cars or other objects that may hide them shield them from your immediate view. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles the chances you may be in an accident.
- Never Text and Drive!
- Come to a Complete Stop at the Stop Sign. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in neighborhoods and school zones. Check carefully for children one sidewalks and crosswalks before proceeding.
- Ensure your Child Wears a Helmet when Riding a Bike: If your child rides a bike, require that he or she wear a bike helmet on every ride and discuss the route they will be taking if they are given permission to ride to school. Talk to them about the obstacles they may face and other bike safety rules of the road.
- Remember the “Blind Spots”. Remember where the blind spots are for your individual vehicle and pay special attention to them, specifically when backing up. Remember to back up slowly and remind your children to never play in, under or around vehicles.
- Respect the Bus. According to the National Safety Council, most children who lose their lives in bus related accidents are between ages 4 and 7 years old and they are walking. They are either hit by a bus or a motorist that illegally passes a stopped bus. It is illegal in every state to pass a school bus when it is stopped to load or unload children and yet we continue to see such incidents in our own community. Remember to talk to your children about how to safely exit the bus, and if they must cross the roadway after exiting, to stop, look and listen before doing so.
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HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - FULL-TIME
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 by 4:30 PM on August 16, 2021.
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TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT - 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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66 MAIN STREET PARKING LOT/POCKET PARK UPDATE
The Durham Public Works Department continues to advance improvements on the former ATO property located at 66 Main Street recently acquired by the Town. The pocket park facing Main Street has been graded and hydroseeded and a colorful assortment of perennial plants were installed along the top of the retaining wall. The Department’s fencing contractor, GC/AAA Fence installed a safety fence behind the plantings to prevent visitors from venturing too close to the retaining wall. A driveway apron was also paved, and the parking lot received a final grading in preparation for parking stall painting next week. Remaining items to be completed over the next few weeks include lighting and staircase hand railing installation. This is one of the most impressive in-house projects completed by the Public Works Department in many years. The entire team has performed exceptionally well in transitioning the once vacant lot into a parking area and beautiful pocket park.
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STORMWATER MS4 NPDES PERMIT - Year 3 Annual Report is due September 30, 2021
Durham Public Works has completed the dry and wet weather outfall monitoring and enhanced system mapping as required in the Year 3 permit, which began on July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The public is encouraged to review the Town’s stormwater management plan and associated documents HERE.
Comments about Durham’s stormwater program can be sent to mailto:ATalon@ci.durham.nh.us.
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CRITICAL ADVANCES FOR OUR ESTUARY (CArE) INITIATIVE UPDATE – PROGRESS REPORT #3, JUNE 2021
The CArE initiative was funded through the Town of Durham utilizing $525,000 in financial support from the Eversource Seacoast Reliability project.
Administrator Selig was pleased with the following stakeholder statement, which demonstrates that this has been a good investment on Durham’s part.
“PREP’s development of the integrated Research and Monitoring Plan (RAMP) is the single most important step forward in establishing a scientific baseline for the Great Bay. The RAMP is and will continue to provide a basis for significant municipal and state investments, and the work would not have been done without funding through CArE.” – Sherry Young, Rath, Young and Pignatelli
View the quarterly report HERE.
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HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL
The Durham Public Works Department’s coordinated with Orion Tree Service, to remove several dead or decaying ash, elm, and poplar trees at Jackson’s Landing and along Faculty Road. These trees posed a significant risk to the safety and functionality of the infrastructure in their vicinity. All trees were safely removed without incident.
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Pictured (l-r): Officer Kevin Abbott, Detective Carrington Cazeau, Detective Sergeant John Lavoie, Intern Andrew DiFraia, Officer McKayla Fowler, Officer Cam Holdsworth, and School Resource Officer Michael Nicolosi.
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OYSTER RIVER FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
Each year Oyster River High School has a half-day orientation for the incoming freshman class. While the students navigate through the high school for the first time, Durham police officers take this opportunity to say hello by serving the new Freshmen class lunch. For the past twenty-two (22) years, the Durham Police have interacted with the students at this exciting time in a very non-law enforcement manner! What better way than to provide them with food! This year officers served approximately 200 freshman students and about 100 staff members.
Thank you to the officers who volunteered their time and the Durham House of Pizza for their outstanding assistance!
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS - September 1, 2021
School opened on August 30 for the 2021-2022 school year in Oyster River. Unofficial 1st day enrollment across the school district is 2112 students. The ORHS theme for the year is "Better Together" and captures the positive energy of having as many students and staff as possible back in school buildings.
Student Representative Olivia Gass joined the school board as of September 1. Ms. Gass is a senior at ORHS and was elected by students in June to serve for the 2021-2022 school year. Congratulations and Welcome, Olivia!
Thanks to parents, students, staff, and Durham Police for making the new traffic pattern for pickup and dropoff at Oyster River Middle School successful.
Bus Drivers and the Transportation Department are moving students to and from school safely and smoothly. It always takes a few days at the start of the school year to iron out the final details. When driving, please respect buses and stop in all directions when you encounter school buses loading or unloading students!
Across the school district, ORCSD is looking to add 11 paraeducators and 10 bus drivers.
ORCSD is utilizing a streamlined set of COVID-19 metrics, available online under the COVID-19 section of http://orcsd.org/. The school district is partnering with UNH to offer free COVID-19 screening testing through schools. Details are being finalized and should be published by the end of September. Families and staff will have the opportunity to opt-in to this program. View the metrics HERE.
Construction on the new Oyster River Middle School is now 74% complete. Some parts of the final layers of brick and tile on the exterior are complete, and classrooms are being sheetrocked and painted. Thus far, construction is on schedule and on budget.
The audit of school district finances for the 2020-2021 school year is complete. The school district will return about $100,000 more to taxpayers than earlier anticipated. The budget process for the 2022-2023 school year begins in earnest at the September 15 school board meeting where the board will discuss budget goals for next year.
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WISWALL DAM IMPROVEMENTS
Durham Public Works (DPW) continues to discuss findings with dam structural engineers, Pare Corporation, about outstanding dam stability review at Wiswall Dam. DPW has requested Pare Corp prepare a proposal 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.
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Milne Nature Sanctuary on Mill Pond Road. Courtesy Tom Brightman
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RESTORING NATIVE PLANTS IN THE MILL POND'S MILNE NATURE SANCTUARY
When you pass the Milne Nature Sanctuary on Mill Pond Road, you may see what looks like a gaggle of weeds. This natural area may initially appear somewhat messy and unkept, and stands in contrast to the many groomed (and over-groomed) areas we are used to. This aesthetic is not a result of neglect, but rather of a strategy the Milne Nature Sanctuary Committee has implemented this growing season. Working toward the restoration of the native plant community (in keeping with the original intent of the bequest of the land to the Town), the committee has decided to let much of the vegetation grow and develop this summer in order to see what native plant species appear. Happily, many native plants are thriving in the plant community that is developing.
Over the past two years, non-native, invasive plants have been removed from the Milne Nature Sanctuary because, once the land is free of non-native plants and sunlight reaches the soil, native plants have a chance to grow and develop. For example, over twenty invasive Norway Maple trees have been removed, stumps and all. (Norway Maples grow quickly, shading out native woodland plants. In addition, they send out an allelopathic toxin from their roots that interferes with the growth of nearby vegetation). We have also removed other invasive species, including: Autumn Olive, Asian shrub honeysuckles, Purple loosestrife, Japanese barberry, Buckthorn, and Oriental bittersweet. Unfortunately, removing invasive species is an ongoing aspect of native landscape stewardship. Thank goodness for the volunteers who help out with this work!
In the past two years, we have introduced a number of native plants to the Milne Nature Sanctuary: Eastern red-flowered columbine, heart-leaved aster, gray dogwood, and alternate-leaved dogwood, among others - many of these have happily expanded their territory within the garden. We have also planted a small meadow area along Mill Road with a native seed mix and are watching its progress. This fall, we will be introducing additional native plants to both the woodland and meadow areas of the Sanctuary.
Volunteers make this restoration project possible. We have several work sessions per season (including an upcoming workday on Sept. 29th from 1-4 pm) and would look forward to having you join us. Kindly contact Diana Carroll at dianacarrollnh@gmail.com
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CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT TO BE HOSTED BY RAVI'S MARKET - Thursday, September 9th, 4 - 9PM
Ravi's Market, located at 7 Madbury Road, will hold a Customer Appreciation Event on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. This is a FREE event for the community with food and drinks to be provided. Vendors will also be in attendance with samples. There will be music, raffles, and prizes.
Members of the Council are encouraged to stop by. Ravi Kumar, owner of the former Sammy's Market (now Ravi's Market), has been working hard to make improvements to the store and wants to make it more a part of the non-UNH student portion of the Durham community.
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OYSTER WORKSHOPS AT DURHAM'S COMMUNITY OYSTER GARDEN - At the Town Landing.
Have you ever wondered what oysters are up to? Where do they live, and what types of animals make their home among them? Come learn and explore at the new Durham's Community Oyster Garden with our Oyster Workshops! The Durham Community Oyster Garden is located at the Town Landing where The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will be installing cages full of young oysters. TNC will be hosting oyster workshops for the public, where they will be doing presentations about oysters and the environment. There will be interactive activities, including examining inside the oyster cages and exploring what types of animals and plants occur in an oyster habitat. If they like, volunteers will also be able to help collect data on the oysters in the garden to help in an ongoing conservation study.
The event is free, but spots are limited to 6 per event because of COVID restrictions. Luckily the events will be happening through September!
Learn more and register on the Nature Groupie website.
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Last night, the Historic District Commission recognized Andrea Bodo, former HDC member, for her extraordinary 17 years serving on the commission. HDC chair Larry Brickner-Wood is presenting Andrea with a plaque that reads: “The Historic District/Heritage Commission of Durham, New Hampshire expresses its abundant gratitude to Andrea Bodo for her many contributions to the community, her peerless dedication to historic preservation, and her vision and generous spirit as a member of the commission. September 2021.”
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DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL POSITION - Starting Salary $71,386
The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Fire Marshal.
The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website HERE.
Applications will be reviewed on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 12:00 pm. Position to remain open until filled.
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GIFT CARD SCAM WARNING FOR THE DURHAM COMMUNITY
Gift Cards are great for birthdays, holidays, and thanking those who have done something above and beyond for you, like your children’s teachers. But, when you get an email, text message, or phone call you were not planning on asking you to purchase a gift card – beware! According to AARP, about 1 in 4 people who report losing money in a scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) say they paid with a gift card, and the median loss in such cases is $840.
Chief Kelley and the Durham Police Department offer these tips so you do not fall victim to what is one of the most prevalent scam schemes we see in Durham:
- Don’t give gift-card information to callers claiming to be from government agencies, tech companies, utilities or other businesses. Only scammers ask you to pay fees, back taxes or bills for services with gift cards.
- Don't respond to an unsolicited email or text message offering you a gift card. Delete it.
- Don’t give personal information to anyone in exchange for a gift card.
- Don’t buy the top gift card right off a store rack. That’s where impatient scammers usually put doctored cards, according to the Better Business Bureau.
- Don’t buy gift cards from online auction sites. They could be counterfeit or stolen, according to the FTC.
IF you do buy a gift card, never respond to a message requesting a photo of the card information, or provide the gift card number to someone you do not know.
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT STATUS
In preparation of the UNH student’s arrival for the fall semester, Wastewater Division staff have been busy slowly bringing the offline treatment tankage back in service. Half of the facility’s treatment process tanks are taken offline for maintenance during the summer months while the students are away while the flows and loadings are reduced.
This allows for maintenance of the treatment plants offline tankage and associated pumps and equipment which has now been completed. This includes oil changes on motors and gearboxes, as well as any preventative maintenance that is required including swapping secondary clarifiers to perform inspections as well as performing maintenance.
All the treatment plants process tanks must be slowly put back in service to continue proper treatment of the sewage and for the microbes, critical for treatment, to slowly adjust to increased flows and loads. The plant must be fully online at the beginning of the UNH fall semester to handle the doubled daily flows and loadings that increase quite quickly.
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Watercolor of Adams Point and gundalow. Courtesy Ellie Lonske
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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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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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HAPPY SEPTEMBER!
What's happening at DPL this fall?
Beginning on September 13th, we will be open on Mondays at 10:00 am! All other hours will remain the same.
Check out our Upcoming Events page to read about some great programs coming this fall, including several on NH history and infrastructure from the NHHC, a lecture on Nicholas Black Elk just in time for Indigenous Peoples Day in Durham and a variety of adult art and employment and college interview related programs! In early September, join us to welcome New Hampshire Humanities Council founder Steven Taylor for two programs, New Hampshire's One-Room Rural Schools: The Romance and the Reality and New Hampshire Roads: Taken or Not! Also back the first week of September, is Ask Your Ambulance with McGregor EMS bringing us the best CPR Tips on September 9th! Register for The Art of Networking or A Guide to Interviewing (for graduating high school and college students) with employment expert Gary Gekow!
The Youth Services Fall Programs are Open for Registration!
All programs will begin on Tuesday, September 6th, require registration and are either outdoor or virtual at this time.This year's fall programs include Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM Saturdays to go, Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade book group.) Our current YA (ages 10 and up) programs include: Compassion Project, Drawing Monsters with Corinne Roberts! And join us again for our Joint Library programs with Lee and Madbury featuring the Mt. Kearsage Indian Museum on Saturday, September 28th at 10:30 am and the McAuliffe Shepard Stellarium on Saturday, October 16th at 10:30 am. Finally, the Patch Club has begun again! This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the DPL.
DPL Digital
Did you know that DPL offers free access to a great number of digital resources including: ebooks and audiobooks, language and CE courses, streaming films and music, daily digital newspapers, job search and business marketing databases as well as much, much more? Questions? Check out our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/! As always, 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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1781 - Alexander Scammell studied law under Sullivan, applied the Association Test, pulled down the British flag at New Castle, was Washington's Adjutant-general, and died of wounds at Yorktown. The Grange, 1930 draw-bridge to Dover Point, and a Fort in Casco Bay are named for him.
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Have a safe and nice Labor Day 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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