Orford, New Hampshire, Grafton County
Orford is a rural community on the Connecticut River in western New Hampshire. Home to approximately 1200 people, Orford is known for its historic “ridge” homes, as well as family farms and small businesses. Much of Orford is forested, providing for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, snowshoeing and hunting. Chartered in 1761, Orford has a history of close ties with its neighboring towns on the Vermont side of the river. In 1998, Orford and the Vermont towns of Fairlee, West Fairlee and Vershire formed the preK-12 Rivendell Interstate School District. Mount Cube, Sunday Mountain and Cottonstone Mountain, Indian Pond and Upper and Lower Baker ponds are distinctive features of the Orford landscape. The Appalachian Trail passes over the summit of Mt. Cube, and the cross-Rivendell trail connects Orford to neighboring Vermont towns.
Orford is about 18 miles north of Hanover and Dartmouth College, along the scenic Connecticut River Valley. It’s an easy drive to the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park, the Kancamagus Highway, and Lake Winnipesaukee.
COVID-19 information
| From the NH DHHS/DPHS/Bureau of Public Health Protection
The DPHS phone lines have been very busy, and we’d like to refer people to the correct resources. The information reported here may change, so please visit the trusted websites and read email updates each day. In the best-case scenario, a citizen would get information from a trusted source and avoid calling the phone lines. If they need more information, they can call 211 with general questions, or call NH DPHS for suspect-case questions, or if they feel sick, call a healthcare provider. Please note that the hours of the phone lines for the NH DPHS have changed. General questions on COVID-19 can call 2-1-1 Callers will reach a phone menu, and then select the ‘COVID’ option to reach a live operator. Callers should expect to wait patiently for many minutes to reach an operator. To report any suspected cases of COVID-19 (via exposure or travel), please contact the DPHS at these phone numbers: During the day, call 603-271-4496 (office hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) or 603-271-5300 (only after hours). Caller should expect to leave a message with an operator, or leave a voice mail, and wait patiently for a return call within a few hours. For those that are sick (i.e. symptomatic with fever, cough or shortness of breath), please call your healthcare provider: If they don’t have a provider, they can call an urgent care clinic and ask for an evaluation. To learn more about COVID-19, please use these trusted websites: NH DPHS: https://www.nh.gov/covid19/ For more information on COVID-19, please refer to the Emergency Management page |
Upcoming Events
State of New Hampshire Social Distancing Boardband Impact Survey
Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent social distancing period for many individuals, there is a focus on broadband / internet connectivity for households across New Hampshire. The State of New Hampshire is interested in capturing data related to availability, affordability and reliability of your broadband service at your residence. The State of New Hampshire is partnering with Mission Broadband, Inc. to conduct the following survey. Please click here to access the survey, and please answer all questions.
At this time, the Orford Town Offices are open – for information on conducting Town business, please refer to the Selectboard page.
Cancellations – Due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, the Selectboard has voted to cancel swim lessons and to close the beaches for the 2020 season. The Masonic Association has decided to cancel their annual Car Show, and the Orford Volunteer Fire Dept, Inc. has decided to cancel their annual flea market.
Upcoming Events:
Share your COVID-19 Story – please refer to the Historical Society page for details
Now thru July 22, 2020 – the Town of Orford is accepting bids for the Quinttown Road Dual Culvert Head-walls – please refer to the Selectboard page for the bid specs. Sealed bids should be mailed to Town of Orford-Head-walls, 2529 Route 25A, Orford, NH 03777 – bids must be received by July 22th by 4:00 pm
Now thru July 29, 2020 – the Town of Orford is accepting bids for the Town Garage Addition – please refer to the Selectboard page for the bid specs. Sealed bids should be mailed to Town of Orford-Garage Addition, 2529 Route 25A, Orford, NH 03777 – bids must be received by July 29th by 4:00 pm
July 17, 2020 thru October 3, 2020 – Household Hazardous Waste Collections – please refer to the Services Page for specific dates, times and locations
*July 25, 2020 – Household Hazardous Waste Collection at the Piermont Transfer Station, Bedford Road, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am (Orford & Piermont residents only)
September 8, 2020 – State Primary, polls open from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm, Niles Room in the Orford Town office
November 3, 2020 – General Election, polls open from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm, Niles Room in the Orford Town office
Please refer to the Calendar for regularly scheduled meetings
The NH Legal Assistance (NHLA) Community Guidance for COVID-19 Crisis
NHLA has put together an overview on public programs and systems – please click here for information on Social Security and Unemployment Benefits, Utilities, Food Stamps, Cash Assistance and Medicaid, Domestic Violence, Housing, and Senior and Consumer Law.
Paycheck Protection Program – Small Business Loans
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone. Please click here for more information