Dear Stratham Residents,

Please read below for news and notes from the Town of Stratham.  In this edition:

• Town Meeting Materials Posted to Website
• Election-related Clerk Office Closures
• Parks & Recreation- Adult Programming Notes
• Presentation - Captain Thomas Wiggin
• DPW message regarding skunks
• Seeking Members for Stratham's Conservation Commission 

To sign-up for these updates and other notifications, please visit this section on our website and check the "Select Board" box under News and Announcements.

The Select Board
Michael Houghton, Chair                   Allison Knab, Vice-Chair                   Joe Anderson

TOWN ELECTION AND TOWN MEETING

The Town Election will be on Tuesday, March 11 at the Stratham Memorial School, 39 Gifford Farm Road.  Polls will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm. 

Town Meeting will be on Saturday, March 15 at the Stratham Memorial School.  The meeting will begin at 9:00am.  Please see the Town Meeting page for important materials to review., including

• Video Explanations of Zoning Articles 2-9 and Warrant Articles 10-24
• Voter Information Night Slide Presentations
• 2025 Voter Information Guide
• Town Warrant including zoning articles
• 2024 Town Report
• Link to Wiggin Memorial Library Voter Information Night video

CLERK'S CORNER

• The Town Clerk’s Office will be closing at 5pm on Monday, March 10th for town election preparations.
• The Town Clerk’s Office will be closed on election day, Tuesday, March 11th.
• The Town Clerk’s Office will be opening at noon on Wednesday, March 12th  the day following the town election.

Voter registration closed March 1st.  If you need to register to vote, you will have to do so on election day.  Guidance for requirements for voter registration can be found here. 

PARKS & RECREATION

"STAYING CONNECTED IS A KEY TO HEALTHY AGING" 
THANK YOU for supporting our community mission of keeping you healthy and bring us together!  We continue to work hard at offering programs that will bring you to our community.  We are always open to your suggestions.  As we spring ahead, I want to call your attention to a few programs we are offering this month:

• Every Friday - EXPRESSO YOURSELF - 9-10 Enjoy yummy treats while meeting new friends!
• March 17th -  Happy St Patrick's Day Fiddle & Folk Jam.  2pm at the Senior Center.  We will serve Irish Bread, green treats and refreshments. FREE
• March 19th - Monthly History Munch & Learn 12:00pm- an informative History Talk while enjoying pizza and salad.  FREE 
• March 21-  Our van will be taking us to the Currier Museum in Manchester!  Leave Stratham at 9:30. 

Find more info and register for these events on our website.  We look forward to seeing you! 

STRATHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY / WIGGIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY PRESENT:

Captain Thomas Wiggin, His Final Years (1655-1665)
Just 3 Days Away!  Monday, March 10 at 7:00 pm in the Morgera Room at the Fire Station, the Stratham Historical Society and Wiggin Memorial Library will jointly sponsor: "The Last Ten Years in the Life of Captain Thomas Wiggin (1655-1665)".  This presentation will be given by Stratham's own Peter Wiggin, 13th great grandson of Captain Thomas Wiggin.  For more information, click here. 

DPW MESSAGE REGARDING SKUNKS

Mid-February through mid-April marks skunk mating season, which means our striped friends will be more active. While Striped Skunks in New Hampshire don’t truly hibernate, they enter a deep sleep state called torpor and wake occasionally. By mid-February, male skunks begin venturing out in search of a mate. However, if a female isn’t interested, she’ll spray in defense—so if you catch that unmistakable scent, you know love is not in the air!
For further information about skunks and other wildlife encounters, please read this message from the DPW

Skunk Season is Here!

Mid-February through mid-April marks skunk mating season, which means our striped friends will be more active. While Striped Skunks in New Hampshire don’t truly hibernate, they enter a deep sleep state called torpor and wake occasionally. By mid-February, male skunks begin venturing out in search of a mate. However, if a female isn’t interested, she’ll spray in defense—so if you catch that unmistakable scent, you know love is not in the air!

• Be Cautious: Skunks will be out and about, even in the snow. Keep an eye on the roads and be mindful of your pets.
• Roadway Animal Removal: If you see a small dead animal (skunk, rabbit, turkey, etc.) on a public roadway, please call the Stratham DPW at (603) 772-5550 (Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
  •      Private Property: Removal of dead animals on private property and private roads is the responsibility of the property owner.
  •      Larger Wildlife: If the dead animal is a moose, deer, or bear, report it to NH Fish & Game at (603) 868-1095.
  •      Lost Pets: If the dead animal appears to be a pet, please contact the Stratham Police Department at (603) 778-9691.

Stay safe and skunk-aware this season!

SEEKING MEMBERS FOR STRATHAM'S CONSERVATION COMMISSION

If you love Stratham and are passionate about nature, joining the Conservation Commission is a fantastic opportunity for you!  Get involved and make a meaningful impact in preserving the beauty of our community.  The Stratham Conservation Commission leads efforts to preserve land in Stratham and oversees the management of conservation areas to ensure they are properly maintained.  Additionally, the Commission advises the Select Board, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment on matters related to land use applications, open spaces, and land preservation.  It also organizes volunteer events to promote environmental stewardship within the community. 

Interested in learning more about becoming a member of the Conservation Commission?  Please call the Planning Office at 603-772-7391 ext. 184 or send questions to the Planning Staff.  If you are ready to get started -  click here to fill out an Application for Appointment.  Thank you for your interest!