Hurricane Irene Update - 8/31 PM

Good news regarding power restoration and recovery following Hurricane Irene reported tonight via the Lee E-Crier News & Events listserv:

Power Update

Earlier today, PSNH contacted the Town of Lee an indicated that by 8:00 pm, tonight, August 31, 2011 all PSNH customers in the Town should have power restored. It is the Towns belief from what has been indicated to us that all NHECOP power has been fully restored.

If you or someone you know does not have power restored as indicated, please contact the utility company directly, do not assume that they know your power is out.

PSNH contact number is 800-662-7764. NHEC 800-698-2007

Closed Roads

The only road closed is High Rd. This is due to bridge construction and not storm damage. All others that were closed due to storm damage have been open.

Private Storm Damage

All private property owners who suffered property damage related to Tropical Storm Irene should collect as much information on the damage as they can and report it by calling 211 New Hampshire.

Written estimates from contractors, bills for actual expenditures, photographs – any records that may be used to establish the amount of losses should be retained.

Reporting losses to 211 will help the state determine the extent of damage to private property and will assist state officials in applying for federal disaster assistance.

There is no guaranty that the state will receive assistance for private property damage, which is known as Individual Assistance. If it is granted, property owners will have to report the same information a second time, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

211 New Hampshire

211 New Hampshire is a great way to stay connected with what is happening around the state, it is not just for “Irene”. It is a very valuable resource that is always available.

Hurricane Irene Update - 8/31 PM

Update from Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig, on the power restoration and recovery following Hurricane Irene:

Hurricane Irene | Power Restoration Update
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 – 12:00 PM

Dear Members of the Community,

As of 7 AM today, PSNH indicated that to the best of their knowledge, all Durham customers had been restored with electricity except Hemlock Drive and Longmarsh Road. If you still do not have power and live on another Durham roadway, please call PSNH directly at (603) 868-5578 to re-report your outage.

DO NOT ASSUME PSNH KNOWS YOU HAVE NO POWER

Residents without power should not assume the power company knows that they have no power even if the outage was previously called in.

At times, the utility company will address the problem believed to be causing the power outage and after doing so will “clear” the circuit with the assumption that all power service has been restored within that circuit even though it may not be fully restored. If you do not let the power company know you still do not have power, the company will not know.

WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE

During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire should contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.

ROAD CLOSURE REPORT

Unfortunately, we have experienced additional smoking tree branches across power lines on Packers Falls Road and therefore Packers Falls Road has been closed at the Newmarket line near Constable Road.

PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER DAMAGE ASSESSMENT REPORTS REQUESTED BY THE STATE OF NH

All private property owners who suffered serious property damage related to Hurricane Irene are asked to collect as much information on the damage as they can and report it directly to the State of New Hampshire by calling 211 New Hampshire.

Written estimates from contractors, bills for actual expenditures, photographs – any records that may be used to establish the amount of losses should be retained.

Reporting losses to 211 will help the state determine the extent of damage to private property and will assist state officials in applying for Federal disaster assistance.

There is no guaranty that the state will receive assistance for private property damage, which is known as Individual Assistance. If it is granted, property owners will have to report the same information a second time, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Thank you for your patience as we work with PSNH to restore power to the community.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

As of 6:16AM today, PSNH is reporting 9 customers without power in Durham, 109 in Lee, and 66 in Madbury.

2011 Oyster River Cooperative Bus Routes

The Oyster River buses are ready to run on time, but the InfoFinder bus transportation site is straining under the stress of a new school year. In case you can't access the transportation website, the district has sent out the full bus schedule [PDF] in document form via an AlertNow message:

Good afternoon. Today, August 30, 2011 we discovered our bus transportation website has stopped working. In order to provide you timely information we have attached the bus route information for the 2011 school year. We are sorry for this inconvenience and hope to have this issue resolved soon. If you have any questions, please call the transportation department at 603-868-1610.

Hurricane Irene - Private Property Damage Assistance Data Collection

Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig, conveys a request from the state to report serious property damage that resulted from Hurricane Irene to aid in applying for federal disaster assistance:

Hurricane Irene
Private Property Damage Assistance Data Collection

Dear Members of the Community,

All private property owners who suffered serious property damage related to Hurricane Irene are asked to collect as much information on the damage as they can and report it directly to the State of New Hampshire by calling 211 New Hampshire.

Written estimates from contractors, bills for actual expenditures, photographs – any records that may be used to establish the amount of losses should be retained.

Reporting losses to 211 will help the state determine the extent of damage to private property and will assist state officials in applying for Federal disaster assistance.

There is no guaranty that the state will receive assistance for private property damage, which is known as Individual Assistance. If it is granted, property owners will have to report the same information a second time, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

Hurricane Irene Update - 8/30 AM

Hurricane Irene Update from Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig:

Hurricane Irene Update
Tuesday, 8/30/11, 11:30AM

Dear Members of the Community,

The N.H. Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management reported at 5 AM that approximately 34,000 electric customers state-wide were still without power.

PSNH utility crews arriving in Durham late yesterday afternoon worked hard to address a variety of power challenges here. A number of roadways were reopened. Many, but not all, customers had power restored.

Today there are 4 utility crews working in town as well as tree removal crews.

In Durham there are approximately 3,127 utility customers total. Yesterday afternoon there were around 1,300 customers without power. At this time the number of customers without power is at 665.

PSNH anticipates that the great majority of Durham will have power restored by this evening.

Reinforcement power crews from Tennessee have arrived in the region to supplement PSNH forces. The weather is perfect for power restoration.

Residents are asked to let the PSNH crews go about their business when they are signted in town. A PSNH supervisor has contacted the Town to indicate that if we want the crews to go about resoring power, they cannot spend time in the field answering questions from residents. Please be considerate of this challenge on the part of PSNH employees.

DURHAM CLOSED ROADWAYS

The Durham listing of closed roadways associated with PSNH power lines is as follows to the best of our knowledge given the fact that PSNH crews are now operational in town:

• Bagdad Road at Sophie Lane
• Packers Falls Road 100 yards from Newmarket town line
• Adams Point Road

Town has been in touch with PSNH over the course of the day and will continue to do so until power is restored.

If residents have specific concerns about road closures, please contact the Durham Department of Public Works at (603) 868-5578. The Public Works Department is not able to remove downed trees that involve power lines hence the reliance on PSNH.

DO NOT ASSUME PSNH KNOWS YOU HAVE NO POWER

Residents without power should not assume the power company knows that they have no power even if the outage was previously called in.

At times, the utility company will address the problem believed to be causing the power outage and after doing so will “clear” the circuit with the assumption that all power service has been restored within that circuit even though it may not be fully restored. If you do not let the power company know you still do not have power, the company will not know.

If your neighborhood does not have power, don’t hesitate to let the Public Works Department know at (603) 868-5578 so that we can continue to advocate for power restoration in your neighborhood.

WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE

During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire should contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645.

DOWNED POWER LINES SAFETY TIPS

Residents are encouraged to be aware of hazards associated with downed power lines.

• Consider all wires ENERGIZED and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized may become energized at any time.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from the wire.
• Electricity can travel through the ground. Therefore, a live wire touching the ground can harm you even if you don't touch the wire.
• Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire.
• Never use any object to move a downed wire.
• If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle:
  • Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives, as your car may be energized.
  • Warn others not to touch the vehicle and have them call for help.
  • If you must leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible with both feet landing on the ground at the same time. DO NOT touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911.




UNH CONTINUES TO KEEP THE HAMEL RECREATION CENTER OPEN TO RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FOR SHOWERS AND FOR USE AS A RESPITE AREA IF NEEDED

The University of New Hampshire has graciously opened its Hamel Recreation Center up to residents and UNH students for showers and as a respite location. The facility is located at 128 Main Street, Durham, NH [MAP] and is open at this time.

A thank you is extended to UNH for this community focused effort in supporting residents at a time of distress.

WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE

If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.

Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911.

TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE

As has been the case in the past, the Town has endeavored to issue public service alerts as needed to keep the community informed of emergency situations in town. Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” broadcast system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.

JOINT DURHAM-UNH OPERATIONAL COMMAND CENTER ACTIVATED FOR STORM EVENT

To ensure limited personnel were optimally deployed on Saturday, at 6 AM a Joint Operation Command Center was activated at the Durham Fire Department for police, fire, UNH, and public works forces.

This approach proved extremely successful in Leaning up our emergency response. Where two to three vehicles from various agencies were required in the past to confirm a problem and then direct the appropriate equipment to address it, now one vehicle was frequently able to handle the issue freeing up other staff to address myriad other challenges over the course of the day yesterday.

Compliments are extended to the Durham Fire Department and Chief Corey Landry for this Kaizen suggestion.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as the Public Works Department and PSNH work to open roadways and restore power to residents.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

Hurricane Irene Update - 8/29 PM

Hurricane Irene Update from Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig:

Hurricane Irene Update
Monday, 8/29/11, 6:00PM

Dear Members of the Community,

​It will be at least several days before power is restored to all Public Service of New Hampshire customers across all of New Hampshire that lost power on Sunday. As of 11:30 a.m., PSNH reported about 90,000 customers were without power due to the impact of Hurricane Irene. PSNH line crews are currently working to restore power across the 159 impacted New Hampshire communities.

There remain a number of areas in Durham with roadways closed, and to our knowledge approximately 1,300 PSNH customers in Durham without power.

On a positive note, PSNH reports that as of 4:30 PM there were two powers crews in Durham and a number of tree crews were headed toward the community. We have received a report that a section of Packers Falls Road has had power restored.

PSNH is working to restore power to the Sprucewood assisted living facility on on Mill Road as a priority location at this time. PSNH reports that Packers Falls Road has been a challenge for them.

Residents are asked to let the PSNH crews go about their business when they are signted in town. A PSNH supervisor has contacted the Town to indicate that if we want the crews to go about resoring power, they cannot spend time in the field answering questions from residents. Please be considerate of this challenge on the part of PSNH employees.

Two PSNH trucks are also addressing power challenges in downtown Newmarket.

In speaking with colleagues and others over the course of the day today, it appears that Durham has more PSNH restoration activity this afternoon than any other community within the Epping workcenter area. PSNH is simply strapped for manpower as power crews that would typically assist NH are allocated elsewhere addressing power loss in CT, MA, VT, and Canada as a result of Hurricane Irene.

DURHAM CLOSED ROADWAYS

The Durham listing of closed roadways associated with PSNH power lines is as follows to the best of our knowledge given the fact that PSNH crews are now operational in town:

• Longmarsh Road at Route 108
• Bagdad Road at Sophie Lane
• Packers Falls Road 100 yards from Newmarket town line
• Packers Falls Road near Jenkins Road in Lee
• Durham Point Road at #360
• Adams Point Road

In addition, two citizen calls have come in this morning with power line concerns:

• 19 Garden Lane reports a large cluster of branches on lines that they fear will pull the lines down with a strong wind.
• 74 Mill Road reports a large maple tree on the wires.

All of this information has been called in to PSNH.

Town has been in touch with PSNH over the course of the day and will continue to do so until power is restored.

If residents have specific concerns about road closures, please contact the Durham Department of Public Works at (603) 868-5578. The Public Works Department is not able to remove downed trees that involve power lines hence the reliance on PSNH.

DO NOT ASSUME PSNH KNOWS YOU HAVE NO POWER

Residents without power should not assume the power company knows that they have no power even if the outage was previously called in.

At times, the utility company will address the problem believed to be causing the power outage and after doing so will “clear” the circuit with the assumption that all power service has been restored within that circuit even though it may not be fully restored. If you do not let the power company know you still do not have power, the company will not know.

If your neighborhood does not have power, don’t hesitate to let the Public Works Department know at (603) 868-5578 so that we can continue to advocate for power restoration in your neighborhood.

WHAT WAS PSNH DOING TODAY IN DURHAM'S REGION?

The PSNH Epping Work Center which services Durham is at this time centering its efforts on restoring a main transmission line along Route 4 which will restore power to areas of Madbury, Lee, Barrington, and Strafford.

Unfortunately, a Hydro-Quebec Power reinforcement caravan routed to the Epping Work Center was recalled to Canada in the early hours of the morning to address Hurricane Irene damage in Canada. These additional crews from Hydro-Quebec were scheduled to arrive this morning as reinforcement for local work center crews.

WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE

During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire should contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645.

DOWNED POWER LINES SAFETY TIPS

Residents are encouraged to be aware of hazards associated with downed power lines.

• Consider all wires ENERGIZED and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized may become energized at any time.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from the wire.
• Electricity can travel through the ground. Therefore, a live wire touching the ground can harm you even if you don't touch the wire.
• Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire.
• Never use any object to move a downed wire.
• If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle:
  • Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives, as your car may be energized.
  • Warn others not to touch the vehicle and have them call for help.
  • If you must leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible with both feet landing on the ground at the same time. DO NOT touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911.




UNH HAS OPENED THE HAMEL RECREATION CENTER UP TO RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FOR SHOWERS AND FOR USE AS A RESPITE AREA IF NEEDED

The University of New Hampshire has graciously opened its Hamel Recreation Center up to residents and UNH students for showers and as a respite location. The facility is located at 128 Main Street, Durham, NH [MAP] and is open at this time.

WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE

If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.

Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911.

TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE

As has been the case in the past, the Town has endeavored to issue public service alerts as needed to keep the community informed of emergency situations in town. Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” broadcast system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.

JOINT DURHAM-UNH OPERATIONAL COMMAND CENTER ACTIVATED FOR STORM EVENT

To ensure limited personnel were optimally deployed on Saturday, at 6 AM a Joint Operation Command Center was activated at the Durham Fire Department for police, fire, UNH, and public works forces.

This approach proved extremely successful in Leaning up our emergency response. Where two to three vehicles from various agencies were required in the past to confirm a problem and then direct the appropriate equipment to address it, now one vehicle was frequently able to handle the issue freeing up other staff to address myriad other challenges over the course of the day yesterday.

Compliments are extended to the Durham Fire Department and Chief Corey Landry for this Kaizen suggestion.

FIRE DEPARTMENT WENT DOOR TO DOOR IN BENNETT ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD

On Thursday afternoon, 8/25/11, firefighters went door to door within the Bennett Road/Cold Springs Road neighborhood encouraging residents to take appropriate precautions given the propensity of that area to flood and be cut off during heavy rain events. If the neighborhood does become isolated due to flooding, the Fire Department will again endeavor to post a crew within the isolated area to provide assistance.

FIRE LAST THURSDAY ON MAST ROAD

There was a serious structure fire this past Thursday morning at 256 Mast Road. This is a UNH property occupied by maintenance personnel. Occupants of the structure were not injured. Two cats perished. Three dogs were saved. One dog was provided CPR by fire personnel and was miraculously saved. Unfortunately, one Durham firefighter had to be transported to the hospital following the fire. After an evaluation, the firefighter was released.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as the Public Works Department and PSNH work to open roadways and restore power to residents.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

Letter to the Editor Regarding David Taylor Lawsuit

Here is another letter regarding the recent lawsuit filed by Durham citizen David Taylor.

To the editor: By suing the ORCSD David Taylor is, in essence, suing himself since his tax dollars will be used to defend the suit.

This desperate, pathetic attempt by a former Board member, ousted and overwhelmingly rejected by the voters/community merits nothing more than a skit on Saturday Night Live.

How sad and that Mr. Taylor's self-indulgent actions are harming the school district to which he claims such devotion.

Mr. Taylor, you may want to take a second look at your motives. You really are making a fool out of yourself and elevating the "sour grapes" thingy to a whole new level.

Patsy Pratt
Durham

Hurricane Irene Update - 8/29 PM

Hurricane Irene update from Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig:

Hurricane Irene Update
Monday, 8/29/11, 12:30 PM

Dear Members of the Community,

There remain a number of areas in Durham with roadways closed, and approximately 1,315 PSNH customers in Durham without power.

The Durham listing of closed roadways associated with PSNH power lines is as follows:

• Longmarsh Road at Route 108
• Bagdad Road at Sophie Lane
• Packers Falls Road 100 yards from Newmarket town line
• Packers Falls Road near Jenkins Road in Lee
• Durham Point Road at #360
• Adams Point Road

In addition, two citizen calls have come in this morning with power line concerns:

• 19 Garden Lane reports a large cluster of branches on lines that they fear will pull the lines down with a strong wind.
• 74 Mill Road reports a large maple tree on the wires.

All of this information has been called in to PSNH.

Town has been in touch with PSNH over the course of the day and will continue to do so until power is restored.

If residents have specific concerns about road closures, please contact the Durham Department of Public Works at (603) 868-5578. The Public Works Department is not able to remove downed trees that involve power lines hence the reliance on PSNH.

DO NOT ASSUME PSNH KNOWS YOU HAVE NO POWER

Residents without power should not assume the power company knows that they have no power even if the outage was previously called in.

At times, the utility company will address the problem believed to be causing the power outage and after doing so will “clear” the circuit with the assumption that all power service has been restored within that circuit even though it may not be fully restored. If you do not let the power company know you still do not have power, the company will not know.

If your neighborhood does not have power, don’t hesitate to let the Public Works Department know at (603) 868-5578 so that we can continue to advocate for power restoration in your neighborhood.

THE LATEST FROM PSNH

The PSNH Epping Work Center which services Durham is at this time centering its efforts on restoring a main transmission line along Route 4 which will restore power to areas of Madbury, Lee, Barrington, and Strafford.

Unfortunately, a Hydro-Quebec Power reinforcement caravan routed to the Epping Work Center was recalled to Canada in the early hours of the morning to address Hurricane Irene damage in Canada. These additional crews from Hydro-Quebec were scheduled to arrive this morning as reinforcement for local work center crews.

WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE

During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire should contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645.

DOWNED POWER LINES SAFETY TIPS

Residents are encouraged to be aware of hazards associated with downed power lines.

• Consider all wires ENERGIZED and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized may become energized at any time.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from the wire.
• Electricity can travel through the ground. Therefore, a live wire touching the ground can harm you even if you don't touch the wire.
• Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire.
• Never use any object to move a downed wire.
• If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle:
  • Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives, as your car may be energized.
  • Warn others not to touch the vehicle and have them call for help.
  • If you must leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible with both feet landing on the ground at the same time. DO NOT touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911.




UNH HAS OPENED THE HAMEL RECREATION CENTER UP TO RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FOR SHOWERS AND FOR USE AS A RESPITE AREA IF NEEDED

The University of New Hampshire has graciously opened its Hamel Recreation Center up to residents and UNH students for showers and as a respite location. The facility is located at 128 Main Street, Durham, NH [MAP] and is open at this time.

WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE

If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.

Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911.

TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE

As has been the case in the past, the Town has endeavored to issue public service alerts as needed to keep the community informed of emergency situations in town. Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” broadcast system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.

JOINT DURHAM-UNH OPERATIONAL COMMAND CENTER ACTIVATED FOR STORM EVENT

To ensure limited personnel were optimally deployed on Saturday, at 6 AM a Joint Operation Command Center was activated at the Durham Fire Department for police, fire, UNH, and public works forces.

This approach proved extremely successful in Leaning up our emergency response. Where two to three vehicles from various agencies were required in the past to confirm a problem and then direct the appropriate equipment to address it, now one vehicle was frequently able to handle the issue freeing up other staff to address myriad other challenges over the course of the day yesterday.

Compliments are extended to the Durham Fire Department and Chief Corey Landry for this Kaizen suggestion.

FIRE DEPARTMENT WENT DOOR TO DOOR IN BENNETT ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD

On Thursday afternoon, 8/25/11, firefighters went door to door within the Bennett Road/Cold Springs Road neighborhood encouraging residents to take appropriate precautions given the propensity of that area to flood and be cut off during heavy rain events. If the neighborhood does become isolated due to flooding, the Fire Department will again endeavor to post a crew within the isolated area to provide assistance.

FIRE LAST THURSDAY ON MAST ROAD

There was a serious structure fire this past Thursday morning at 256 Mast Road. This is a UNH property occupied by maintenance personnel. Occupants of the structure were not injured. Two cats perished. Three dogs were saved. One dog was provided CPR by fire personnel and was miraculously saved. Unfortunately, one Durham firefighter had to be transported to the hospital following the fire. After an evaluation, the firefighter was released.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as the Public Works Department and PSNH work to open roadways and restore power to residents.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

Hurricane Irene Update - 8/28 PM

Hurricane Irene update from Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig:

Hurricane Irene Update
Sunday, August 28, 2011 – 2:40 PM

Dear Members of the Community,

Durham and the region are being impacted by high winds associated with Hurricane Irene. Numerous Durham roadways are closed and our emergency personnel have been exceedingly busy.

UNH HAS OPENED THE HAMEL RECREATION CENTER UP TO RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FOR SHOWERS AND FOR USE AS A RESPITE AREA IF NEEDED

The University of New Hampshire has graciously opened its Hamel Recreation Center up to residents and UNH students for showers and as a respite location. The facility is located at 128 Main Street, Durham, NH [MAP] and is open at this time. The web link is http://campusrec.unh.edu/index.cfm?id=9438EBD2-B06D-9BFD-FAD67F6A461B9D8D.

PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS STATE OF EMERGENCY & STORM TRACK UPDATE

President Obama signed a State of Emergency Declaration for New Hampshire on 08/27/11.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for all of NH. For additional information concerning Irene, see the National Hurricane Center Website at HTTP://www.NHC.NOAA.GOV.

WEATHER PREDICTION FOR SOUTHERN, NH SUNDAY

This Afternoon: Tropical storm conditions expected. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 74. Southeast wind 26 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: Tropical storm conditions expected. Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 28 to 33 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Gusts such as those we are experiencing at this time are likely through 4 AM Monday.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. West wind between 9 and 17 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 79.

DURHAM CLOSED ROADWAYS

There have been numerous roadway closures due to fallen trees and limbs, as well as a large number of small electrical fires associated with exploding transformers and downed power lines.

The list is constantly changing as roadways are reopened and blocked once again by debris anew. At this time, the following locations are known to be blocked.

• Adams Point Road – Completely Blocked (2nd time)
• Bagdad Road at Sophie Lane
• Faculty Road by #27
• Durham Point Road at Adams Point
• Durham Point Road at #360
• Longmarsh Road at Route 108
• Madbury Road by #47
• Packers Falls Road by #93
• Packers Falls Road by #271

In addition, the Parking Lot at the Town Landing will shortly be under water as a result of rising waters at the Oyster River.

WHERE IS THE SHELTER FOR DURHAM LOCATED IF ACTIVATED?

At this time, the UNH Hamel Recreation Center is open for showers and respite as a warming center. (See note above.)

Should full scale sheltering be required, the Oyster River High School located at 55 Coe Drive [MAP] would be the location in Durham. The Oyster River High School is NOT open for sheltering at this time.

Regional shelters ARE open in Kingston, Nashua, Keene and Bow as of 6:00 pm 08/27/11 as part of the State of NH Emergency Response System.

JOINT DURHAM-UNH OPERATIONAL COMMAND CENTER ACTIVATED

To ensure limited personnel are optimally deployed today, at 6 AM Saturday a Joint Operation Command Center was activated at the Durham Fire Department for police, fire, UNH, and public works forces.

This approach has proven extremely successful in Leaning up our emergency response. Where two to three vehicles from various agencies were required in the past to confirm a problem and then direct the appropriate equipment to address it, now one vehicle is able to handle the issue often on the first try freeing up staff to address myriad other challenges. Compliments are extended to the Durham Fire Department for this Kaizen/good sense suggestion.

Public Works has tree crews on call, detour signs available, barricades ready, equipment fueled, and construction projects buttoned up. All DPW personnel have been recalled for duty to reopen roadways and clear debris.

The Durham Fire and Police Departments have additional staffing on hand at this time.

DOWNED POWER LINES

Residents are encouraged to be aware of hazards associated with downed power lines.

• Consider all wires ENERGIZED and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized may become energized at any time.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from the wire.
• Electricity can travel through the ground. Therefore, a live wire touching the ground can harm you even if you don't touch the wire.
• Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire.
• Never use any object to move a downed wire.
• If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle:
• Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives, as your car may be energized.
• Warn others not to touch the vehicle and have them call for help.
• If you must leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible with both feet landing on the ground at the same time. DO NOT touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911.

WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE

During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire are encouraged to contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645.

Members of the community are encouraged to make note of the contact numbers now so they are readily available if power is lost.

WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE

If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.

Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911.

TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE

As has been the case in the past, the Town will endeavor to issue public service alerts as needed to the extent we are able to logistically able to do so. Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.

FIRE DEPARTMENT GOES DOOR TO DOOR IN BENNETT ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD

On Thursday afternoon, 8/25/11, firefighters went door to door within the Bennett Road/Cold Springs Road neighborhood encouraging residents to take appropriate precautions given the propensity of that area to flood and be cut off during heavy rain events. If the neighborhood does become isolated due to flooding, the Fire Department will again endeavor to post a crew within the isolated area to provide assistance.

FIRE THURSDAY ON MAST ROAD

There was a serious structure fire this past Thursday morning at 256 Mast Road. This is a UNH property occupied by maintenance personnel. Occupants of the structure were not injured. Two cats perished. Three dogs were saved. One dog was provided CPR by fire personnel and was miraculously saved. Unfortunately, one Durham firefighter had to be transported to the hospital following the fire. After an evaluation, the firefighter was released.

The Town's email system and web site have gone down so we are operating per backup plans with an offsite web domain (in sunny California) which allows us to display emergency announcements at www.ci.durham.nh.us.

We continue to monitor the Hurricane Irene situation closely. Emergency responders from Durham Public Works, Durham Police, and Durham Fire are very busy with calls for service. They are doing a terrific job to date.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

Hurricane Irene Update - 8/28 AM

Hurricane Irene update from Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig:

Hurricane Irene Update
Sunday, August 28, 2011 – 9:40 AM

Dear Members of the Community,

In an effort to not unnecessarily overwhelm email accounts, we are working to keep public service messaging to a minimum.

However, some information may be of general interest to residents, UNH students, and visitors as Hurricane Irene makes its arrival in Southern New Hampshire.

UNH HAS OPENED THE HAMEL RECREATION CENTER UP TO RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FOR SHOWERS AND FOR USE AS A RESPITE AREA IF NEEDED

The University of New Hampshire has graciously opened its Hamel Recreation Center up to residents and UNH students for showers and as a respite location. The facility is located at 128 Main Street, Durham, NH [MAP] and is open at this time. The web link is http://campusrec.unh.edu/index.cfm?id=9438EBD2-B06D-9BFD-FAD67F6A461B9D8D.

PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS STATE OF EMERGENCY & STORM TRACK UPDATE

President Obama signed a State of Emergency Declaration for New Hampshire on 08/27/11.

The first bands of rain from Hurricane Irene began falling on New Hampshire late last night. NWS Gray indicates that the center of the storm is predicted to cross over Southern NH 4:00 pm and Northern NH 9:00 PM Sunday 08/28. At the time the center of the storm crosses NH winds will die down, picking back up for Southern NH between the hours of 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, and Northern NH 10:00 pm and 12:00 am. A tropical storm warning is in effect for all of NH. For additional information concerning Irene, see the National Hurricane Center Website at HTTP://www.NHC.NOAA.GOV.

WEATHER PREDICTION FOR SOUTHERN, NH SUNDAY

Tropical storm conditions expected. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog before 10am, then Patchy fog after 2pm. High near 75. Southeast wind 40 to 50 mph increasing to between 45 and 55 mph. Winds could gust as high as 75 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts in excess of 4 inches possible.

Tonight: Tropical storm conditions expected. Showers likely, mainly before midnight. The rain could be heavy at times. Patchy fog before 2am. Otherwise, cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 58. West wind 45 to 55 mph decreasing to between 15 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. West wind between 9 and 13 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. West wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

WHERE IS THE SHELTER FOR DURHAM LOCATED IF ACTIVATED?

At this time, the UNH Hamel Recreation Center is open for showers and respite. (See note above.)

Should full scale sheltering be required, the Oyster River High School located at 55 Coe Drive, Durham [MAP] and the Whittemore Center located at 128 Main Street, Durham [MAP] would be the two identified locations in town. Depending upon conditions, either might be utilized. There are no shelters open in Durham at this time.

Regional shelters were open in Kingston, Nashua, Keene and Bow as of 6:00 pm 08/27/11 as part of the State of NH Emergency Response System.

JOINT DURHAM OPERATIONAL COMMAND CENTER ACTIVATED

To ensure limited personnel are optimally deployed today, at 6 AM Saturday a Joint Operation Command Center was activated at the Durham Fire Department for police, fire, UNH, and public works forces.

Public Works has tree crews on call, detour signs available, barricades ready, equipment fueled, and construction projects buttoned up.

The Durham Fire and Police Departments will have additional shift staffing available as needed.

WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE

During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire are encouraged to contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645.

Members of the community are encouraged to make note of the contact numbers now so they are readily available if power is lost.

WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE

If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.

Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911.

TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE

As has been the case in the past, the Town will endeavor to issue public service alerts as needed to the extent we are able to logistically able to do so. Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.

FIRE DEPARTMENT GOES DOOR TO DOOR IN BENNETT ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD

On Thursday afternoon, 8/25/11, firefighters went door to door within the Bennett Road/Cold Springs Road neighborhood encouraging residents to take appropriate precautions given the propensity of that area to flood and be cut off during heavy rain events. If the neighborhood does become isolated due to flooding, the Fire Department will again endeavor to post a crew within the isolated area to provide assistance.

FIRE THURSDAY ON MAST ROAD

There was a serious structure fire this past Thursday morning at 256 Mast Road. This is a UNH property occupied by maintenance personnel. Occupants of the structure were not injured. Two cats perished. Three dogs were saved. One dog was provided CPR by fire personnel and was miraculously saved. Unfortunately, one Durham firefighter had to be transported to the hospital following the fire. After an evaluation, the firefighter was released.

We continue to monitor the situation closely. Durham and UNH are hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst.

Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

[UPDATE] Saturday changed to Sunday in headlines above.

PSNH Outage Report and Map

PSNH provides a number of online resources for staying up-to-date with power outage information. Check their Storm Updates page for the list of towns with PSNH customer affected by power outages. For a visual representation of storm effects, see their Outage Map which updates every 15 minutes. Mobile users can get a lightweight version of the outage map information at http://www.psnh.com/outagelist.

PSNH is an early adopter of Twitter, using it to communicate with customers during the epic December 2008 ice storm and February 2010 wind storm. Follow @psnh on Twitter for the absolute latest.

See Also:

August 26, 2011 — Hurricane Irene Update - 8/25 PM

Moharimet Kindergerten Open House Postponed

The Kindergarten Open House for Moharimet is postponed from Monday to Tuesday. August 30th. Times remain the same, 5:30-6:30PM for morning kindergarten and 6:30-7:30PM for afternoon kindergarten. From Principal Harrington:

Dear Kindergarten Parents,

Due to the impending weather and possible implications, we have decided to postpone our Kindergarten Open House from Monday, August 29th to Tuesday, August 30. The times remain the same - 5:30 to 6:30 PM for morning kindergarten classes and 6:30 to 7:30 PM for the afternoon classes.

Buses will be here for trial runs for you and your child to take together. Lisa Huppe, our Transportation Director, and Brenda Borchers, my Administrative Assistant, will also be available to help with any busing questions and to clear up any loose ends with your child's registration.

The kindergarten teachers and I look forward to meeting you. Stay safe in the storm!

Sincerely,
Dennis Harrington

Mast Way Kindergarten Open House

The district calendar shows Mast Way Kindergarten Open House happening on Tuesday, August 30th at 5:00PM in classroom 4 and 6:00PM in classroom 1.

High School Freshman Orientation

Also from the district calendar, Freshman Orientation at the high school is still scheduled for 9:30AM-12:30PM on Tuesday, August 30th.

Hurricane Irene Update - 8/25 PM

Hurricane Irene update and preparedness information from Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig:

Town of Durham's Hurricane Irene Weather Update
Thursday, August 25, 2011 – 10:00 PM

Dear Members of the Community,

Residents are strongly encouraged to prepare for the possibility of power outages, flooding, fallen trees, and blocked roadways associated with Hurricane Irene which is heading toward the East Coast of the United States. The State of New Hampshire, the Town of Durham, PSNH, and other service providers are already taking precautionary steps to deal with what could be a significant storm event.

To learn more about Hurricane Irene and when it may impact this part of New Hampshire, visit the National Weather Service web site at http://www.weather.gov/.

WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE

During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire are encouraged to contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645.

Members of the community are encouraged to make note of the contact numbers now so they are readily available if power is lost.

WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE

If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.

Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911.

DURHAM PLACES ADDITIONAL STAFFING ON CALL

All Town of Durham departments will have additional staffing on hand should they be needed.

Public Works has tree crews on call, detour signs available, barricades ready, equipment fueled, and construction projects buttoned up.

The Durham Fire and Police Departments will have additional shift staffing available as needed.

Durham and UNH have been in touch regarding logistical operations as have Durham and the Oyster River Cooperative School District.

TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE

As has been the case in the past, the Town will endeavor to issue public service alerts as needed to the extent we are able to logistically able to do so. Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.

FIRE DEPARTMENT GOES DOOR TO DOOR IN BENNETT ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD

On Thursday afternoon, 8/25/11, firefighters went door to door within the Bennett Road/Cold Springs Road neighborhood encouraging residents to take appropriate precautions given the propensity of that area to flood and be cut off during heavy rain events. If the neighborhood does become isolated due to flooding, the Fire Department will again endeavor to post a crew within the isolated area to provide assistance.

FIRE THURSDAY ON MAST ROAD

Unfortunately, there was a serious structure fire Thursday morning, 8/25/11, at 256 Mast Road. This is a UNH property occupied by maintenance personnel. Occupants of the structure were not injured. Two cats perished. Three dogs were saved. One dog was provided CPR by fire personnel and was miraculously saved. Unfortunately, one Durham firefighter had to be transported to the hospital following the fire. After an evaluation, the firefighter was released.

NH OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN ACTIVE PREPARING FOR HURRICANE IRENE

Over the course of the day on Thursday, Durham staff members and emergency service personnel from the entire seacoast attended two separate conference calls with the NH Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to prepare for Hurricane Irene. Hourly reports are being issued by the state to keep local emergency officials coordinated and informed. The state is doing an excellent job.

GENERAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS TO CONSIDER FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Step 1: Build a Kit / "To-Go Bag"

Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items such as non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Prepare your family

Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

Plan to Protect Property

Hurricanes do cause heavy rains and winds that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas.

• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
• Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
• Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Install a generator for emergencies
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting www.FoodSafety.gov.

Step 3: Be Informed

Hurricane hazards come in many forms: lightning, tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, high winds, even landslides or mudslides can be triggered in mountainous regions. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

HURRICANE TERMINOLOGY

Hurricane Watch

A Hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.

Hurricane Warning

A Hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

Category ONE	Winds 74-95 mph
Category TWO	Winds 96-110 mph
Category THREE	Winds 111-130 mph
Category FOUR	Winds 131-155 mph
Category FIVE	Winds greater than 155 mph

All of this information was obtained at the FEMA Website. Please visit this site for more detailed information: http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm

We are at this time watching closely the storm track closely, hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst. Fingers crossed.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

Fosters: New Director of Instruction Joins OR Staff on Friday

Please join us and extend a warm welcome to the new Oyster River Director of Instruction, Phyllis Schlichter. More details from Foster's reporter, Roni Reino:

New director of instruction joins OR staff on Friday

By RONI REINO
rreino@fosters.com
Thursday, August 25, 2011

DURHAM — Oyster River will be welcoming a new Director of Instruction on Friday, as Phyllis Schlichter joins the staff.

School Board members unanimously approved the nomination of Schlichter at their last board meeting.

"Phyllis (Schlichter) comes to us with a pretty extensive background," said interim Superintendent Leon Levesque. "She has her doctorate from the University of New Hampshire in literacy and schooling."

Schlichter is currently working in the Lowell Public School in Massachusetts as the coordinator for reading and English language arts.

While working with Oyster River, she will be overseeing instruction to language arts and special education, having some focus on reading specialization.

Read More ...

Hurricane Irene

[UPDATE 8/28] Hurricane Irene has turned inland and The Weather Channel has updated their threat graphic showing reduced, but still high, risk for the Oyster River area.

[UPDATE] The New York Times has published an interactive tracking map for Hurricane Irene showing estimated path and wind speed over time.

Hurricane Irene is currently expected to travel up the Atlantic coast and hit seacoast New Hampshire late Sunday/early Monday. Threat levels are categorized as "Extreme" by The Weather Channel — the latest information can be found on their Hurricane Irene Status and Forecast page.

Oyster River residents should prepare for potentially high winds, rain, and extended power interruption. Please take care and look out for one another.

Fifth Grade Picnic Today - HS Soccer Tomorrow

[UPDATE] The fifth grade family picnic has been CANCELLED due to severe weather. From Principal Richard:

Fifth Grade Picnic Cancelled

TODAY'S 5TH GRADE FAMILY PICNIC HAS BEEN CANCELLED due to the current forecast and the potential for severe weather. In place of the picnic the fifth grade teams will be holding open classrooms on Monday, August 29, from 3-4 pm. Please feel free to stop by to see your homebase group, talk with your teachers, and visit your new school. We are thrilled that you are joining our school community!

Jay Richard

Don't forget — The fifth grade family picnic is happening tonight at 5:00PM behind the middle school. All are invited! [INFO]

In high school athletics, boys varsity and junior varsity soccer teams host Coe-Brown Northwood Academy. Girls varsity and junior varsity soccer teams are away at Coe-Brown. All games are scheduled for 4:00PM tomorrow, August 26th - more info on the ORHS athletics calendar.

UNH Students Return on Friday

There will be road and parking lot closures on the campus of UNH starting Friday and continuing through Sunday to accommodate students moving into the dormitories. Foot and car traffic in the Durham downtown core will likely be heavy this weekend.

For more details, see the Urgent Special Announcement [PDF] issued by UNH Transportation Services.

Fosters Opinion: OR Voters Have a Right to Know

David Taylor sent this opinion letter into Fosters Daily Democrat defending his recent petition filed against the district:

OR voters have a right to know

Oyster River Chairman Henry Brackett took 53 days — and almost a week after I filed a lawsuit — to produce public documents instead of the 5 days required by the Right-to-Know Law. Both the NH Attorney General's Office and OR Superintendent said a lawsuit is the only way under New Hampshire law to compel him to provide public documents. All the other board members complied within days. He admits in both Foster's Daily Democrat and The Union Leader that he broke the law. This is particularly hypocritical for someone who campaigned under the slogan "Accountability, Communication and Transparency, Now."

I originally made right-to-know requests because of board decisions to not hire Justin Campbell for ORHS Principal and to buy out Superintendent Howard Colter for $185,000. I wanted to know why. Hundreds of citizens, parents and students demanded explanations through public comments, letters and petitions. Instead, the board responded with vacuous statements, confidentiality clauses, minutes with missing dollar amounts, votes at the end of the fiscal year, etc. Not only did they not answer, they actively worked to hide their tracks.

Read more ...

See Also:

August 16, 2011 — Fosters Article: Resident to pursue suit against OR School Board: Believes there is more information he hasn't received
August 14, 2011 — Fosters Opinion: OR School Board can still make it right
August 5, 2011 — Former Board Member David Taylor Sues ORCSD board

ORCSD Solar Energy Project

At last night's board meeting, there was a presentation from Revolution Energy  regarding installing solar technology at the high school.  To reduce the high capital expenditure of acquiring these products, the company has developed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to offset these costs.  In a nutshell, it requires no startup costs from the district and for the course of 20 years, pays a "rate" to Revolution Energy based on kWh output.  I have written a letter to the board this morning stating my feedback and viewpoints on this topic.  I am enthusiastic for this technology and am eager to reduce the carbon footprint but the company needs an answer by September 2011 to start the project, which I feel is too short of a timeframe for due diligence.

Hello, 

I watched with interest during the presentation last night.  The project and the minimal costs seemed a no-brainer to me.  Why wouldn't we do this?  The school can reduce its carbon footprint and save money as well.  However, I went home and was reading the news and caught that Evergreen Solar filed for bankruptcy on August 15th.  An important bit of information that Revolution didn't divulge as this company was their primary source according to the presenter.   

See here http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20093503-54/harsh-lessons-from-evergreen-solar-flame-out/?tag=mncol;title 

Also, thinking more about the 20 year contract and Moore's Law.  For those not in technology, it's a theory that we exponentially increase our technology advances every two years.  This law is applied mainly to the computer hardware industry but perhaps it is also applicable here on a slower scale.  So, to echo a board member's point, what if the solar technology in 20 years is so obsolete that advances in solar technology exponentially increase its efficiency and power output?  More importantly, in this tumultuous economic time, what if the company delivering the PPA is out of business as well as the manufacturer of the solar cells?  If the district wants it removed, who pays for that? 

While the technology is impressive and the PPA is creative, it is also a long-term risk I don't think is at a maturity level for the district to carefully deliberate and select at this point in time.  There are no guarantees that Revolution Energy will exist in 20 years and there is no guarantee that the technology purchased today will be applicable in 2032.   

Here is an article that discusses these new "leases" or PPAs:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20092374-54/sungevity-socks-away-cash-for-solar-leasing/?tag=mncol;title 

On the other hand, if this is truly a cost savings both short and long term with clauses in the agreement that handle these matters, then I would encourage us to move forward.  The opportunity costs may be too high to pass this up today.  As a member of the community, I would like to see the current rates we have been paying over the past 3 years compared with the cost per kWh that the PPA dictates.   

Again, I think it's a wonderful idea and I'm all for it as well as all other aspects of the sustainability committee however, it felt rushed by Revolution Energy last night.  I would want assurances that take care of many contingencies in the PPA before moving forward but I am not hopeful that we can meet these by the September deadline.  

Regards, 

Seth Fiermonti  

Durham

Upcoming ORCSD District Events

The new school year is fast approaching! The following district events were announced at tonight's ORCSD Board meeting:

Middle School Principal Jay Richard announced three events happening at the middle school:

• Thursday, August 25th from 9:00AM - Noon — New student orientation at the middle school.
• Thursday, August 25th from 5:00PM - 6:30PM — 5th grade picnic behind the middle school. [INFO]
• Tuesday, September 20th — School wide open house.

High School Principal Todd Allen announced two events:

• Tuesday, August 30th from 9:30AM - 12:30PM — Freshman orientation at the high school. Pizza generously provided by the Durham Police Department and School Resource Officer Holly Malasky. [UPDATE] Date corrected from 9/20 to 8/30.
• Friday, August 26th — The athletic season opens with boys and girls soccer against Coe Brown Academy.

Principal Allen also mentioned that they are addressing issues with student logins to the PowerSchool portal.

Technology Coordinator Danielle Bolduc announced that bus routes have been posted to the ORCSD website. Discover bus number(s) and estimated arrival times for your address.

Board Member Megan Turnbull announced the Informal Kindergarten Playdates occurring thoughout the next two weeks. [INFO]

Superintendent Levesque reiterated the dates for the public meetings at each of the schools released in the July 2011 Superintendent's Monthly Report [PDF]. He plans to treat this as a listening tour and is interested in hearing answers to the following three questions:

• What do you value most and desire to preserve regarding public education in your school system?
• What would you like to improve, change, or receive more information on regarding public education in your school system?
• What advice or recommendations do you have for the superintendent?

See Also:

August 12, 2011 — August 17 - School Board Regular Meeting
August 4, 2011 — Fifth Grade Family Picnic on August 25th
August 4, 2011 — Informal Playdates for Incoming Kindergarten Students
August 3, 2011 — Superintendent's Report: July 2011

Fosters Article: Resident to pursue suit against OR School Board: Believes there is more information he hasn't received

Article in Fosters today covering Durham resident David Taylor's disagreement with the school board:

Resident to pursue suit against OR School Board: Believes there is more information he hasn't received

By RONI REINO
rreino@fosters.com
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

DURHAM — Although the Oyster River Cooperative School District says it has complied with a Right to Know request, the former school board member who filed a suit earlier this month claims there is more information that isn't being provided.

Durham resident David Taylor issued paperwork at Strafford County Superior Court earlier this month after School Board Chair Henry Brackett failed to respond to his request for records about meetings held earlier this year. Although Brackett has since complied and sent Taylor the requested information, Taylor said there must be more information the district is holding back.

Taylor had requested "all records of communication" from Jan. 1 of this year involving the School Board members, other government officials, school officials and anyone else regarding requests for non-meetings.

Over the last few months, the district has had turnover of three top positions — superintendent, director of instruction and high school principal. At meetings, the board has listened to multiple complaints from community members stating they had an agenda and were not providing open discussion with the community.

Information released indicates Brackett had been holding conversations with lawyers about the termination of former Superintendent Howard Colter as early as March 24. Colter was bought out of his contract in early June.

Taylor claims the board has failed to inform the public of alleged meetings held just before the buyout of the superintendent's contract. The reason for the buyout has still not been unveiled to the public, and Taylor has said people want answers.

"In recent months, the Board has repeatedly violated the tenets of RSA 91-A, has actively avoided compliance with RSA 91-A: 2 and RSA 91-A: 3, and has pursued a hidden agenda that is destructive to the high quality of education expected by the citizens of Durham, Madbury, Lee," Taylor wrote.

Read more ...

See also:

August 14, 2011 — Fosters Opinion: OR School Board can still make it right
August 5, 2011 — Former Board Member David Taylor Sues ORCSD board

Community Commentary: The Bully Pulpit

Community commentary questioning the basis and definition of what is acceptable behavior and acceptable response with respect to the community outrage over ORSCD board member Jim Kach's Twitter stream:

The Bully Pulpit is one of great power and greater responsibility. Professors at state universities have as much responsibility as they do power. They also live in a protected society that is in many cases immune from the realities of human competition which exist in real communities with all walks of life. It is here where money and street violence often dictate results where people function and the conditions under which the poor live, become educated, and work.

In protected societies such as state universities, there is no real challenge for someone who is legitimately concerned with equality and respect for all to blanketly criticize those who disagree with the quintessence of political correctness in Durham, N.H. It would be a challenge to speak out in rural Mississippi or even rural northern Coos County, New Hampshire. Liberal, politically correct speech in Durham is part preaching to the choir and part bullying with no fear of retaliation or debate.

It is worthy to teach one's children respect, but it is also worthy to teach tolerance. Homophobia to one is religious obedience to another. While the fourteenth and first amendment provide certain guaranties of freedom of expression and equal protection and while additional "hate crime" laws have been passed to eliminate bigotry against certain defined groups, there is a growing type of bigotry that is designed to eliminate all debate or discussion concerning certain sensitive social issues. This new form of bigotry is non-violent, Intellectual, anti-theistic, atheistic, and monopolistic. It is intolerant of history and comfortable in a setting that escapes intense economic competition that ultimately provides the funds to pay the salaries and benefit packages of public employees. It picks and chooses when, where, and what humor may be utilized and which victims are fair game, and which are not. It would be acceptable humor to reference former President George Walker Bush's actions as boorish, brutish, imperialistic or lacking in intelligence, but unacceptable to poke humor at the sitting President alleging a lack of intelligence, because it might be construed as racist.

The new bigotry has invaded the world of government. Many state agencies within New Hampshire have adopted sexual harassment guidelines. My favorite is that no court employee may comment on the clothing of another employee. I like your _____ (fill in the blank - tie, shoes, shorts or locket). The obvious attempt is to eliminate references to those sensitive areas which could create embarrassment, fear, or disgust. To avoid even entering the threshold of such topics, bureaucrats have chosen to eliminate all possible comment concerning clothing. The same mentality that established the foregoing prohibition is behind the platform that proclaims collective bargaining to be a fundamental right. If it is, then it is also a fundamental right not to collectively bargain.

What does this have to do with allegations that a school board member is unfit to finish the term to which elected, because of pre-election comments alleged to be either sexist, misogynist or homophobic, everything. It's the modern politically correct in vogue new millennium "witch hunt." I don't like what an elected official said and that those comments offend my philosophy of what vocabulary is acceptable. Consequently I'll attack the official submitting evidence of prior behavior in attempting to force removal or resignation. How convenient, the quest won't even involve analysis and review of the official's actions in performing the duties he or she was elected to perform.

Diversity is one of the buzzwords of the politically correct culture. In practice it is the process of broadening a culture with the infusion of more members from those groups heretofore least represented. As with bigotry, it works both ways. Members of a particular race, ethnic group, or gender should not all be defined by that particular means of identification. Thus, the object of the goal of diversity is tainted by over-generalization. A recent study of academic institutions actually disclosed there was such a high percentage of liberal-leaning faculty that any statistical studies might be biased by the high concentration of like-thinkers in any group compiling and analyzing the information.

Bigotry is a form of bias. There's a long history of intended and unintended social biases that have led to bigotry because many humans tend to choose to be in the company of those they are most comfortable with. True idealists must self-analyze their belief systems before acting to guard against a result tainted by bias. School Board members owe the public a duty to soul search, analyze all data, and consider available resources and funding before making decisions that impact students and families in their school district. They must then analyze their conclusion to safeguard against any bias or an agenda that contradicts available data and then act in the best interest of constituents.

Constituents owe themselves, their elected officials, and their families the same duty. Ultimately this is the process that should unfold to determine the current controversy. It should not be a "witch hunt."

Arthur H. K. Davis
UNH Class of 1968

See Also:

August 15, 2011 — Fosters Article: Petition Submitted Seeking Ouster of OR Board Member
August 14, 2011 — Fosters Opinion: Values Matter
August 10, 2011 — Plying Faith, Courage at ORCSD - Response to Ruth Sample and David Taylor
August 4, 2011 — Fosters Opinion: About the Oyster River Petition...
August 2, 2011 — At least 174 people sign petition asking ORCSD school board member to resign
August 2, 2011 — Response from Ruth Sample to Mr. Jarvis
August 2, 2011 — Answers to Legitimate Questions - A Response to "ORCSD Searching for Truth..."
July 27, 2011 — Oyster River: Searching for truth - any truth
July 27, 2011 — Foster's Editor States that Kach Should NOT Resign
July 24, 2011 — Letters to the Editor - July 24, 2011 Regarding School Board Member Jim Kach
July 20, 2011 — Foster's Letters to the Editor Calling for Resignation of OR Board Member
July 20, 2011 — Foster's Editorial on OR Board Member Kach
July 19, 2011 — ORCSD Board Member Refuses to Resign....Defends Tweets

Fosters Article: Petition Submitted Seeking Ouster of OR Board Member

Fosters article by Roni Reino from the Friday, August 12 edition covering the petition asking board member Jim Kach to resign over the content of his former Twitter stream:

Petition submitted seeking ouster of OR board member

By RONI REINO
rreino@fosters.com
Friday, August 12, 2011

DURHAM — More than 300 Oyster River community members have signed a petition submitted to the School Board on Thursday that asks that board member Jim Kach voluntarily resign from his position for tweets on a former Twitter account.

The petition states that the tweets were "disparaging to women, gay people, people of color, Jews and Muslims," and claim many Oyster River students believe it causes a "hostile learning environment for them in our schools."

"Although Mr. Kach regrets that people have been offended, he has not retracted his comments nor apologized for his views," reads the petition.

It also states those who sign the petition believe Kach can no longer be trusted to uphold the National School Board Association's Commitment to Diversity and Equity. It asks the board as a body to issue a formal statement of reprimand against Kach for his comments and that each member state whether they believe Kach's actions are in compliance with the district's policy of non-discrimination and inclusion.

After learning about the petition, Kach said he was "saddened" and wished the community would focus on the children and their education, rather than comments he made more than a year ago.

Read more ...

See also:

August 14, 2011 — Fosters Opinion: Values Matter
August 10, 2011 — Plying Faith, Courage at ORCSD - Response to Ruth Sample and David Taylor
August 4, 2011 — Fosters Opinion: About the Oyster River Petition...
August 2, 2011 — At least 174 people sign petition asking ORCSD school board member to resign
August 2, 2011 — Response from Ruth Sample to Mr. Jarvis
August 2, 2011 — Answers to Legitimate Questions - A Response to "ORCSD Searching for Truth..."
July 27, 2011 — Oyster River: Searching for truth - any truth
July 27, 2011 — Foster's Editor States that Kach Should NOT Resign
July 24, 2011 — Letters to the Editor - July 24, 2011 Regarding School Board Member Jim Kach
July 20, 2011 — Foster's Letters to the Editor Calling for Resignation of OR Board Member
July 20, 2011 — Foster's Editorial on OR Board Member Kach
July 19, 2011 — ORCSD Board Member Refuses to Resign....Defends Tweets

Fosters Opinion: Be More Careful

Letter to the editor from Durham resident, Jayson Seaman, in response to the July 27, 2011 Fosters editorial, "Kach has been put on notice":

Be more careful

To the editor: What bold editorializing! You equivocated on every issue and ultimately faulted the Internet. Your conclusion that Jim Kach is 'on notice' is already obvious to everyone. But I took issue with one point especially: your glib characterization of people's vociferous concerns as "angry political animosity."

Two separate lines of research challenge this characterization. The first, by sociolinguist Michael Billig, deals with what makes racist jokes humorous. The second, by social psychologist Thomas Ford, deals with the possible consequences of disparaging humor.

Read more ...

See Also:

July 27, 2011 — Foster's Editor States that Kach Should NOT Resign

Fosters Opinion: OR School Board can still make it right

Editorial by Fosters Daily Democrat supporting the recent petition for injunctive relief filed against the district by David Taylor:

The continuing denial by members of Oyster River School Board that they did nothing wrong in deciding not to hire nominee Justin Campbell as high school principal and then ousting Howard Colter as superintendent doesn't hold water. Neither does it make sense to Durham resident David Taylor, who filed a right-to-know request and has pursued full disclosure by filing action in Superior Court.

As reported earlier by Foster's Daily Democrat:

"Over the last few months, the district has had turnover of three top positions, including superintendent, director of instruction and high school principal. At meetings, the board has listened to multiple complaints from community members stating they had an agenda and were not providing open discussion with the community.

"Taylor claims the board has failed to inform the public of alleged meetings held just before the buyout of the superintendent's contract. The reason for the buyout has still not been unveiled to the public, and Taylor has said people have wanted answers."

To believe the School Board did nothing in violation of the Right to Know Law is to believe that members individually woke up one day on the same page. To date there appears to be no logical trail of documentation that lays the groundwork for the board's actions.

There is, however, plenty of speculation that may indicate School Board members have talked privately to some district residents. One of several callers to Foster's, who did so, listed reasons in detail why Campbell was not hired and why Colter was for all practical purposes fired. When challenged how she knew so much the conversation quickly changed direction.

All this shenanigans is unfortunate. As several letter writers have pointed out, the School Board could have simply explained its actions early on and put this debate and doubt to bed. But as is often the case, secrecy breeds contempt and mistrust. And that is why the Oyster River School Board now finds itself challenged under the Right to Know Law.

Foster's would urge the School Board do the right thing and fully explain its actions, in keeping with the Right to Know Law. At the preamble reads:

"Openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure both the greatest possible public access to the actions, discussions and records of all public bodies, and their accountability to the people."

See also:

August 5, 2011 — Former Board Member David Taylor Sues ORCSD board

Fosters Opinion: Values Matter

Additional opinion letter from Ruth Sample to the Fosters Editor concerning Jim Kach's @Jim_NH Twitter stream:

Values matter

To the editor:

I spend a lot of time discussing thorny moral issues with my students. Is it wrong to pay someone to donate a kidney or to serve as a surrogate mother? When is war justified? What are our obligations to those children starving in Somalia right now? These are difficult questions worthy of our most careful thinking. Often, after a day of such discussions, I come home and try to explain to my young kids why they can't hit, use swears, or tell lies. (I'll be honest and tell you that I have resorted to "because I said so.") Thinking about values and then living them out in a thoughtful way is hard work. But it is an investment; if you are lucky, you will end up with a child who treats other people with respect—both as a matter of habit, and as a matter of principle. Teaching your children how to really apologize when they have wronged someone takes more time than just putting them in a "time out." Showing them how to take a stand against bigotry is even more work. But it is even more important.

Read more ...

See also:

August 10, 2011 — Plying Faith, Courage at ORCSD - Response to Ruth Sample and David Taylor
August 4, 2011 — Fosters Opinion: About the Oyster River Petition...
August 2, 2011 — At least 174 people sign petition asking ORCSD school board member to resign
August 2, 2011 — Response from Ruth Sample to Mr. Jarvis
August 2, 2011 — Answers to Legitimate Questions - A Response to "ORCSD Searching for Truth..."
July 27, 2011 — Oyster River: Searching for truth - any truth
July 27, 2011 — Foster's Editor States that Kach Should NOT Resign
July 24, 2011 — Letters to the Editor - July 24, 2011 Regarding School Board Member Jim Kach
July 20, 2011 — Foster's Letters to the Editor Calling for Resignation of OR Board Member
July 20, 2011 — Foster's Editorial on OR Board Member Kach
July 19, 2011 — ORCSD Board Member Refuses to Resign....Defends Tweets