September 6th Select Board Newsletter

Tuesday's State Primary - Stratham Memorial School - 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Stratham Parks and Recreation logo.

Dear Stratham Residents,

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

  • Mosquitoes with EEE found in Stratham
  • State Primary Election at SMS - September 10, 2024 
  • Honor Your Veteran(s) - Field of Flags Coming to Stratham Hill Park for Veterans Day
  • Parks & Recreation Open House at SHP, Sept. 11
  • Submissions Needed: Septic Art Show!
  • Building Reminder: Reasons for Obtaining Permits
  • Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day:  Oct. 19
  • Trick or Treat Night Set!
  • Stratham Historical Society - Faces of Stratham
  • Event: The UNH Flax- to- Linen Project - the Brown and Lane Families of Stratham
  • Wiggin Memorial Library - Artist of the Month

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.

MOSQUITOES WITH EEE FOUND IN STRATHAM

MosquitoLast Friday, the State of NH informed our Health Officer, that a batch of mosquitoes from Stratham salt marsh has tested for EEE.  Accordingly,  Stratham joins other nearby communities with such results causing our risk level to be reclassified by the state as “moderate” on this risk map.  In accordance with recommendations from our mosquito treatment service provider, spraying at Town parks and municipal properties took place this week.  Tips for protecting ourselves from mosquito born illnesses, can be found here.  More information can be found on the Town of Stratham website.

Clerks

CLERK'S CORNER

  • The Town Clerk’s Office will be closing at 5:00 pm on Monday, September 9th to prepare for the State Primary. 
  • The Town Clerk’s Office will be closed all day on Tuesday, September 10th for the State Primary.
  • The Town Clerk’s Office will be opening at noon on Wednesday, September 11th following the State Primary.

Did you forget to register to vote ahead of the State Primary?  No worries, you can register on the day of election.  Please bring proof of residency, a driver’s license (does not need to be NH) along with your birth certificate OR passport and we’ll get you registered! 

As a reminder, the polls will be open from 7 am – 7 pm and the voting location is located at 39 Gifford Farm Rd.
See you at the polls!

HONOR A VETERAN(S):  FIELD OF FLAGS COMING TO STRATHAM HILL PARK FOR VETERANS DAY

Coming this Veteran's Day: a "Field of Flags" display at Stratham Hill Park.  The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution invites you to honor your veterans and active duty personnel in a large display of American flags to be planted at the park on November 9th.  Each flag will bear a name, rank and military conflict they were involved in.  The display will stay up for Veterans Day week. Order forms are in the lobby of the Stratham Town Hall, near the 5-flag display.  The five dollar donations for each flag you order will be used to support several veterans organizations as part of DAR's mission.

Forms are available in the lobby at the Stratham Municipal Center, 10 Bunker Hill Ave.  Place your completed form with payment in the drop box.

Parks and Recreation

PARKS & RECREATION

Stratham Parks and Recreation Open House

NATIONAL SEPTIC SMART WEEK IS SEPTEMBER 16th THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20th

Just because something says its “flushable” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe for your septic system.  Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down your toilet.  Watch a quick tip video here:  Don't Overload Your Commode! - YouTube.

Did you know that the placement of trees and shrubs on your lawn can affect your septic system?  Watch a quick tip video on trees and septic system construction here:  Shield Your Field! - YouTube.

Getting your septic system pumped doesn’t just help to keep it functioning properly.  It also helps your community stay safe by keeping wastewater out of local waterbodies.  Learn more here.

The Town is seeking artwork to update our bulletin boards in Town Hall!  Parents, ask your kids if they know what a septic system is and if they can draw it.  Then email the artwork to Planning@StrathamNH.gov or drop off the hard copy at the Planning Office (10 Bunker Hill Avenue) and we will proudly display it on the wall during Septic Smart Week!  Here is a link to a flyer you can download:  Art Show Flyer or use your own blank paper!

BUILDING DEPARTMENT INFO

Commencing Work Without an Approved Permit:  Risks and Consequences
Starting construction, driveway repaving or even reroofing work without obtaining the necessary permits can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions.  Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Legal Penalties: Performing work without the required permits is a violation of local building codes and regulations.  This can result in hefty fines, which are double the standard permit fees.  In some cases, contractors may also face additional penalties, such as violations, citations or even suspension of their license.
  2. Project Delays:  If work is discovered to be unpermitted, local authorities may issue a stop-work order.  This can halt your project until the proper permits are obtained, and inspections are completed, causing significant delays and increased costs.
  3. Safety Concerns:  Permits ensure that construction work meets safety standards.  Without them, there is a higher risk of structural failures, electrical hazards, and other safety issues that could endanger occupants and workers.
  4. Insurance Issues:  Many insurance policies require that all work be performed with the appropriate permits.  Unpermitted work may not be covered, leaving property owners financially responsible for any damages or accidents that occur.
  5. Resale Complications:  When selling a property, unpermitted work can complicate the transaction.  Buyers may be hesitant to purchase a property with unpermitted modifications, or they may require that the work be brought up to code before closing the deal.

In summary, obtaining the necessary permits before commencing any construction or renovation work is crucial to avoid legal issues, ensure safety, and protect your investment.

If you need more detailed information or have specific questions, feel free to reach out to the Stratham Building Department.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection DayHOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY

Mark your calendars!  The annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be Saturday, October 19th from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Exeter Public Works Garage, 13 Newfields Rd.  Pre-registration is required!  There will be a $15 per vehicle user fee, which covers up to 10 gallons or 20 pounds of waste.  Click here for further details.

RoadworkUPCOMING ROADWORK NOTICE

In the coming month, the DPW will be starting road line painting and paving projects throughout the town.  For details on which roads will be affected and the expected timeline, please visit the DPW website home page.

Halloween

TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT

The Select Board has designated Thursday, October 31 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm as Stratham's Trick or Treat Night.  Happy Halloween!

Classroom Photo

FACES OF STRATHAM

by the Stratham Historical Society
Who are these darling youngsters?  They are students from the Ridge School on Portsmouth Avenue in 1892.  Read more about this photo and Stratham schools during this time period. 

The UNH Flax-to-Linen Project - the Lane and Brown families of Stratham

Don't forget about the joint program presented by the Stratham Historical Society & Wiggin Memorial Library:  The UNH Flax-to-Linen Project - the Lane and Brown families of Stratham.  This presentation by Dr. Kimberly Alexander, UNH Senior Lecturer and Director of Museum Studies Program, will begin at 7:00 pm at the Stratham Fire Station, Morgera Room on Monday, September 9th.  No registration required.

Wiggin Memorial Library

AI PenguinsMeet the Artist of the Month: ARTificial Intelligence
Thursday, September 12 @ 5:30pm
Join us and local digital creator Dan Vorosmarty as we venture into the weird, wild world of AI.  Our Artist of the Month exhibit for the month of September is a collection of his creations.  Vorosmarty is a digital artist and multi-instrumentalist musician based in Barrington, New Hampshire.  With a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity, Dan has curated a unique collection that blends photographic realism with abstract elements, challenging traditional perceptions of art.  On Thursday the 12th, we will have a special presentation by Dan as he shows in real time what AI can do -- and what it can't. Prepare for a philosophical discussion and a few laughs and we see what happens when we combine human creativity with trainable computers.  Join us at 5:30 in the Art Way, then in the library meeting room for a multimedia presentation.