Ed.Note: Here's a story from Walpole School that appeared in last week's Eagle Times. Once again the Walpole school leaders, starting with Principal Sam Jacobs, created a stimulating, highly educational opportunity for the kids. CCB

May 11, 2012

“Vehicle Day” Rolls—and Flies—Up to Walpole School

 Cars, Trucks, and Even a Helicopter

By Chuck Bingaman

       Threatening skies and even a few sprinkles couldn’t dampen excited students’ enthusiasm for Vehicle Day, an every few years event at Walpole School last Thursday afternoon.

       Designed as an enrichment learning experience, Vehicle Day offered students from kindergarten through 2nd grade—along with their 5th grade “buddies”—“up close and personal” encounters with a range of service vehicles and their drivers. And some fresh air, racing around and question time as well.

       “We see it as a real learning experience,” according to Walpole Principal Sam Jacobs. “It’s a chance to learn about the actual functioning of vehicles they’ve seen, read and talked about. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and have a discussion with the grownups that use the vehicles, and it’s a chance to see that our public safety professionals are friendly, interested people they can communicate with.”

       Arrayed around the Walpole primary School parking lot from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. were 15 vehicles and a Dartmouth-Hitchcock medivac helicopter that flew in and landed on the school soccer field for the event.  They included an 18-wheel tractor/trailer from BDR in Bellows Falls, three of Walpole’s fire trucks along with firemen and EMTs in uniform, a Thomas Transportation limousine with uniformed driver, a fully equipped E.E.Houghton plumbing truck with Eric Smith explaining how the equipment and supplies are used, a school bus with lift for wheelchair-bound students, and a Walpole Police Department squad car with Chief Michael Paquette demonstrating all the policing equipment.  There were also two dump trucks, two tractors, a vintage MG and even a 1960 Ford Edsel.

       The 130 students in kindergarten through 2nd grade, and their 5th grade buddies, had spent previous days reading about and discussing the vehicles they would see and forming questions to ask their users.  Students were waiting in groups of 10-12, each with a teacher or two, when the Dartmouth-Hitchcock medivac helicopter appeared overhead at 1:05 to signal the beginning of the event. Once the ‘copter had landed, Principal Jacobs sent the teams of students and teachers to their pre-arranged visits to each of the vehicles.  Then, at crisply timed seven-minute intervals, he instructed them to move on to their next stop so all the students visited all the vehicles in an orderly progression.

       School secretary Deborah Smith coordinated the event, and school parent Heather Bradley facilitated the visit of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock helicopter.

       Each of the vehicles was a hit in its own way. Students crowded into the Thomas stretch limo and eagerly took in the TV screens and curving sofa seats.  They were all eyes, ears and questions for Chief Paquette in the squad car, and they delighted in climbing into the medivac helicopter and questioning the EMTs and pilots about transporting ill or injured patients.

       Bryan Wetherby, a volunteer Walpole firefighter/EMTI, had rapt crowds as he walked them around the Department’s Search and Rescue truck, opening equipment bins and showing off inflatable boats, breathing equipment, and fire axes.

       Jacobs was still enjoying memories of the event on Friday and noting that one 1st grader told him,” Mr. Jacobs, this is the best afternoon of my life!”

                             --30--

 

      

 

      

      

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SLECTBOARD

MAY 3, 2012

 Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Chas Street

                                    (Absent:  Jamie Teague)

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people present in the audience.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $50,781.03.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

North Walpole Village District:  Mr. Street moved to acknowledge the request from the North Walpole Village District that $100,000 be transferred to them.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Forest Fire Reports/Bills:  Mr. Street moved to sign the following Forest Fire Reports/Bills to be submitted to the State of NH, Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Forests and Lands for reimbursement as follows: 

·         Forest Fire bill dated April 17, 2012 for North Walpole having responded to the Old Claremont Road fire in the amount of $489.64;

·         2) Forest Fire bill dated April 12, 2012  for the Walpole Fire Department to respond to 76 Westminster Street in the amount of $269.90;

·         3) Forest Fire Bill dated April 8, 2012, for the Walpole Fire Department to respond to March Hill Road in the amount of $405.11; and

·         4) Forest Fire bill dated April 4, 2012 for the Walpole Fire Department to respond to 193 Old Drewsville Road in the amount of $83.76. 

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 28, 2012, for checks dated May 4, 2012, for gross wages in the amount of $19,666.91.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,018.49.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 26, 2012:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 26, 2012, with the following correction:  Page 3 – Jack Pratt – change the second sentence from “They agreed with the original intent that was for each town to elect a representative and then there would be another representative elected from the four towns in the district of Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Westmoreland and Walpole” to “They agreed with the constitutional requirement which was for qualifying towns (Walpole, Chesterfield and Hinsdale, in this case) to elect their own representative to Concord”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting –May 3, 2012- Page 2

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – April 26, 2012:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Selectboard Non-Public Session of April 26, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC SESSION – April 26, 2012:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Hooper Trustees Non-Public Session of April 26, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will be sealed until November 2012.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meeting:

·         North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – May 1, 2012.

BUILDING PERMIT:

KING, Stevens Lane, Map & Lot #005-045-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2012-12 for Andrew W. King to construct a 40’ x 25’ 1 story addition onto the existing home.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

GALLOWAY Revocable Trust 2004, Rapids Road, Map & Lot #002-012-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the Galloway Revocable Trust 2004, Cut # 12-461-03-T.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PEAVY, Ramsey Hill, Map & Lot #011-009-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Elizabeth Peavy and Dexter Peavy, Cut # 12-461-04-T.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

LETTER FROM RAY BOAS:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Ray Boas.  There was a consensus to thank Mr. Boas for his letter but the Selectboard concurred that they should hold onto the wooden chairs for the time being.  They authorized Mrs. Clough to find a home for the old piano but to wait until Mrs. Teague is made aware of this.

HADLEY CONNECTION, LLC, d/b/a Bogey’s Grille at the Hooper Porch:  Mr. Street moved to approve the request from Diane Power, Hadley Connection, LLC, d/b/a Bogey’s Grille at the Hooper Porch to sell beer, wine, liquor and have periodic entertainment at the Hooper.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Clough will be asked to write a letter to the State of New Hampshire giving Selectboard approval for Ms. Power to sell alcohol on the Hooper premises.

OLD BUSINESS:   

JIM TERRELL:  With reference to the meeting last week when Red Smith inquired about stopping the erosion of Mad Brook by the property they are giving to the Town, Mr. Aldrich reported that Mr. Terrell mentioned that it would take about six months to get a Wetlands Permit from the DES to do the project.  

LETTER FROM MARCIA GALLOWAY – Conservation Commission Appointment:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to table this letter until a full board is present.

Selectboard Meeting –May 3, 2012- Page 3

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss ( c) Reputations.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:25 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:33 PM.  No announcements were made.

RECESS MEETING:

Mr. Street moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Mr. Aldrich called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:36 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Hooper Mansion Repairs:  Mr. Street moved that the bill from the E.E. Houghton Company, dated May 1, 2012, in the amount of $616.47 for opening the Hooper Manson be approved for payment.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session  pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c ) Reputations.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:39 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:45 PM.  No announcements were made.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the regular Selectboard meeting.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.   

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich resumed the regular Selectboard meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:49 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 26, 2012

 Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague, Chas Street

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

MARCIA GALLOWAY:  Mrs. Galloway, President of the Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club, advised that they would like to put a bridge across Great Brook at the bottom of Watkins Hill (Town land) and on Britton’s land.  She requested that the Selectboard approve the application for a Grant In Aid Project to the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Trails.

Mrs. Teague moved to allow the Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club the right to pass over Town land and to authorize the Chair to sign the application.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RED SMITH:  Mr. Smith was present to approach the Selectboard to find out if and when they might be interested in stopping the erosion of Mad Brook by the property they are giving to the Town.  They had the Department of Environmental Services (DES) look at the area and they suggested that Mr. Smith contact the Selectboard.  The culvert could block up and cause extensive damage to the Town property.  Mr. Terrell felt they would have to get a Wetlands Permit to work in there but that might take 6-to-12 months plus an engineer would have to complete the application.  He has been watching the area and feels the quickest way to alleviate the situation would be to take the tree down and stack up big rocks along the bank.  Mr. Smith noted that they hesitate to do the landscaping before something is done.  He is getting a price to rebuild the stone wall.  Mr. Terrell will start to gather prices to take the tree down and rent equipment to do the other work.

KEVIN HEALY – Building Permit – Map & Lot #010-049-001:  Mr. Healy submitted a Building Permit application to build a barn on 43 School Street.  He has 10.8 acres.  The barn will be 700 feet off the road and used for storage only; he stated that he will not be living there.  

Mrs. Teague moved to approve Building Permit No. 2012-08 for Kevin Healy to construct a 36’ x 24’ barn.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

JIM TERRELL – Highway Department:  Mr. Terrell reported that the March Hill project is coming along well.  Cold River Bridges is doing that project.  He received four quotes to do the sidewalk project.  Fuzzy Brothers was the lowest bidder at $69,000.  They should be starting this project soon.  The NH Department of Transportation contacted him as they are going to do construction and paving on Route 12 in Walpole.  The DOT representative wanted to know if the Selectboard would give them permission for the temporary easements.  The Selectboard approved this request.

SELECTBOARD OFFICE – Closed Every Wednesday:  The Selectboard wanted to remind the public and committee/commission members that the Selectboard Office is closed every Wednesday.  The staff is present but their goal is to focus on uninterrupted work.   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $63,685.66.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting –April 26, 2012- Page 2

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 21, 2012, for checks dated April 27, 2012, for gross wages in the amount of $16,297.23.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,537.41.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 19, 2012:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 19, 2012, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – April 19, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 19, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

·         North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 24, 2012;

·         Zoning Board of Adjustment – April 18, 2012; and

·         Conservation Commission – April 2, 2012.

BUILDING PERMIT:

University of NH – NH Public Broadcasting – New Cingular Wireless, AT&T, Scovill Road, Map & Lot # 003-082-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to grant Building Permit No. 2012-11 for the University of NH – NH Public Broadcasting, New Cingular Wireless, AT&T to install antennas and related equipment to tower and build a 12’ x 20’ shelter with a 11’ x 4’ generator at 88 Scovill Road.  This is subject to receipt of a Certificate of Insurance.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS:

WATER – Walpole Youth Baseball Association, Upper Road, Map & Lot #012-052-001:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Abatement for Water in the amount of $300.00 for the Walpole Youth Baseball Association.  They should not have been charged for a sprinkler system.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY – Tousley, Darling Lane, Map & Lot #012-004-004:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $1,413.16 for Toby Tousley.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Letter from Ray Boas: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Ray Boas relative to his assumption of duties as the Town Treasurer.  He does not have final figures for last year but yet within a week or two his first reconciliation date is approaching.  His term began on April 1st.  Mrs. Mansouri advised that she will be giving Mr. Boas the beginning balance plus a list of all the outstanding checks.  Mrs. Clough stated she spoke with the auditors in February and they said they would be here in May. She will follow up with them. 

Selectboard Meeting –April 26, 2012- Page 3

BOSTON CANE:  The Selectboard extended their sympathy to the family of Natalie Nelson who recently passed away.  Mrs. Nelson was the holder of the Boston Cane. 

Mrs. Clough was asked to send a sympathy card to the family on behalf of the Selectboard.  She will inquire about the family returning the Boston Cane to the Town.  A notice will be posted to advise that the Selectboard is accepting letters with the names and ages of Walpole residents who might be eligible to be the next recipient.

MS-2:  Mr. Street moved to approve and sign the MS-2 form to certify that the amount of appropriations for the Town of Walpole is $3,528,712.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FOREST FIRE REPORT/BILLS FOR OUT OF TOWN FIRES:  Mr. Street moved to approve and sign the two Forest Fire Reports/Bills for Out of Town Fires that will be submitted to the State of NH as follows:  1) Melway Road - $342.25; and 2) Old Claremont Road in Charlestown - $833.89.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WORKPLACE HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION:  Mrs. Teague recommended that a Workplace Harassment and Discrimination training class be scheduled once a year.  The Local Government Center is available on June 14th and June 20th.  They can do two different sessions.  Mrs. Clough will make the arrangements.

SELECTBOARD MEETING DATES AND TIMES:  Due to conflicts, there was a consensus to change some Selectboard meeting times and dates during the month of May as follows:

·         May 03, 2012 – 7:00 PM

·         May 10, 2012 – 4:30 PM

·         May 17, 2012 – 7:00 PM

·         May 24 will be moved to Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:00 PM

·         May 31, 2012 – 4:30 PM.

OLD BUSINESS:

HOOPER INSTITUTE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT:  The Selectboard received notes from two residents who expressed an interest in being appointed to the Hooper Institute Committee.

Mr. Street moved to appoint Joseph Coneeny to a three year term on the Hooper Institute Committee.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.   

JACK PRATT – HB 592:  The Selectboard referenced the last meeting when Jack Pratt discussed HB 592 which establishes new state representative districts.  They agreed with the original intent that was for each town to elect a representative and then there would be another representative elected from the four towns in the district of Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Westmoreland and Walpole.

Mrs. Teague moved to have Mr. Jack Pratt continue to represent the Town of Walpole with the potential of rebuttal of HB 592.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS MEETING:  Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:56 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Selectboard Meeting –April 12, 2012- Page 4

Mr. Aldrich called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:57 PM.

HOOPER COTTAGE:  Mrs. Clough talked with Peter Kenney about doing the repairs and painting at the Hooper Cottage.  He would be able to start the job immediately.

Mrs. Teague moved to accept Peter Kenney’s three separate quotes to do the work in the Hooper Cottage for a total of $7,161.00.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:08 PM.  No announcements were made.

HOOPER SEWER LINE:  Mark Houghton advised that the sewer line out of the pro shop needs to be repaired.  It happened today.  He questioned who is responsible for the work – the Hooper Golf Association or the Hooper Trust.  The Selectboard agreed that in accordance with the current lease the landlord is responsible therefore they signed the purchase order to authorize the repairs.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich resumed the regular Selectboard meeting at 9:14 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:35 PM.  No announcements were made.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:36 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The Hooper Institute has announced its summer program offerings for 2012 for Walpole residents. 

     * A half-day camp will meet between 9 AM and noon beginning Monday, June 18th through Friday June 29th at the Hooper Institute building, 165 Prospect Hill Road, across from the golf course. Campers entering grades 1 through 4 will engage in hands-on activities related to animals, water, trees and gardens using the field and forest.  Rebecca Whippie will supervise a staff of Walpole teens who will serve as counselors.

     * Children entering grades 5-8 can participate in two camp experiences directed by Eloise Clark.  Adventure Camp meets June 18-22 at various locations around Walpole.  These energetic hikes visit the Academy Ravine, Fall Mt., Kingsbury Mt., plus a cookout at the Hooper Shelter and a bike-hike along the railroad bed. 

     *  Woodworking camp will be held between June 25-27 for either a morning (9-11:30) or afternoon (12:15-2:45) session.  Campers work on projects of their own choice to take home.

     *  Nature Rambles is a program for families or folks of all ages, held July 2, 3, 5, 6.  Children under the age of 8 need to be accompanied by an adult.  We will explore the environment of Walpole at a leisurely pace from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on those days.  The group will explore High Blue, the Mill Pond, Fanny Mason Forest and the Connecticut River.

Registration information has gone home through the Walpole School.  Should you still need a form, they are available in the drop box by the front door at the Institute. Call 756-4382 with questions.

The Walpole Town Pool is having its annual Community Day June 15 from 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm. The event is free but donations are welcomed to help fund the accessible chair lift that is by law required to be installed. There will also be a (G or PG) movie around 8:00pm that will be played on the pool deck.  There will be food for sale.  Sign up for swim lessons will also be held on this day.  If you have questions please contact Eliza Miller at elizamiller2@gmail.com

WFM Opens This Friday
(with a drawing for gifts)

The Walpole Farmers Market begins its weekly summer season this Friday, May 18 on the Common from 4 to 6 pm each Friday, rain or shine, through October 12.

WFM customers will see the return of most of last year's vendors and a number of new vendors this year, bringing more produce, pickles, jams, cheese, sweet and savory pies by the slice and whole, bedding plants, perennials, and cut flowers.

At the opening market, two lucky customers will win envelopes with gift certificates from a sampling of market vendors. Tickets for the drawing will be available throughout the market at vendors' booths.  There will be two drawings, one at 4:45 pm and another at 5:45 pm. (No purchase required, one entry per customer, please.)

It looks like the weather will be cooperating with a glorious afternoon! And our farmers have promised lots of fresh spring greens!

For more information about the market, visit the website, walpolefarmersmarket.com, email jill@walpolefarmersmarket.com or call 603-756-3168.

Ed. Note: Thanks to the Walpole Grange, this is one of the best evenings of the year! It's a great opportunity to thank key--and often unsung--leaders in our community for the great work they've done. Everyone should make a point of being there! CCB

The Walpole Grange will be hosting its annual Awards Night on Tuesday, May 15th, at 7:00 pm in the Walpole Town Hall. 

This yearly event is an opportunity for the Town of Walpole to honor outstanding people in the community.  The categories of awards will be:  Firefighter of the Year, Policeman of the Year, Educator of the Year, Youth Service Award, Young Farmer of the Year, Agriculture Award, and, for the first time, Business of the Year.  The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award, given each year to a person who exemplifies the essence of volunteerism and community citizenship. 

The celebration will feature entertainment by The Sawyer Family Blue Grass Band, who will be playing some toe-tapping tunes for our listening enjoyment.  The Sawyers n- Seth on the guitar and Candi on the upright bass – love to sing and play bluegrass music, and you can see they are having a great time when they perform.  Joining them on stage are their sons Adam, 16, and Matthew, 13, both great vocalists and musicians. 

Refreshments will be served – and, as everyone knows, Grangers are great cooks!  Come and help honor our award winners!

Admission to the celebration is free and all ages are welcome.  You need not be a Grange member to attend. 

The Walpole Grange is an organization that has been in existence in Walpole for over 125 years.  Membership is open to anyone interested in community service.  Among some of the Grange projects are The Walpole Leadership Academy, the Dictionary Project, Meet The Candidates Event, election day food, among many others. 

For more information on the Awards Night celebration, call Kathy Yardley at 756-3677.

Cruise Night At The Real Twist

     The Real Twist Ice Cream stand in Walpole, NH  will hold its first Classic Car Cruise Night of the season, weather permitting, on Sunday, May 13th, from 6-9PM. Here’s a chance for the whole family to enjoy a Sunday evening looking at old and antique cars, while enjoying a soft serve ice cream or frozen yogurt. There will be live music by Doc Vinnie Dibernardo (vet on-call duties permitting). Anyone who brings his classic car to show will get a free regular sized sundae. Everyone visiting can get free jimmies, diptop or flavorburst with any cup or cone. Make sure to enter the drawing for free ice cream or DVD’s!

The Real Twist is located next to Real to Reel Video at the North Meadow Plaza in Walpole. It is open noon – 9PM, seven days a week. Enjoy your ice cream outside, in the lovely garden, or under the porch.

Future 2012 Season Cruise Nights are scheduled for June 10th, July 15th, August 12th  and September 2nd.

 GREAT RIVER CO-OP ENROLLS 500TH MEMBER

The Great River Co-op, serving the Upper Valley region around Walpole and Bellows Falls, has enrolled its 500th member.  Lamont Barnett and Pamela Parant, co-owners of the Rock and Hammer jewelry store in downtown Bellows Falls, purchased a family membership and won gift certificates to the Bellows Falls and Walpole farmers markets for helping the co-op reach this milestone. 

“Having enrolled 500 members in just 16 months shows the strong support in our region for the idea of a community-owned market,” says Steve Fortier, president of the Great River Co-op’s board of directors.

The co-op’s 500th membership was announced on April 24 at the first annual meeting of the co-op’s member-owners.  The event was held at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole.  The 10 board members elected by members were installed; Steve Fortier, board president, reviewed the co-op’s progress to date; and members learned about the co-op’s market study in progress.  The study is scheduled to be completed before July.

The Great River Co-op is a volunteer organization working to organize a member-owned community market featuring local produce, meats, prepared foods, and other products from our region.  For more information or to join, please see the co-op’s website at www.greatriverfoodcoop.com, e-mail holly@greatriverfoodcoop.com, or call 603-477-4732.

 

-end-

Ed. Note: Here, courtesy of Ben Daviss, is the agenda for tomorrow's Walpole Planning Board meeting. CCB 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

Walpole, NH 03608

MEETING DATE AND LOCATION:

            Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall Meeting Room.

AGENDA

Open Meeting:

A.      Roll Call – Designate Alternates;

B.     Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting on April 10, 2012, and

Workshop Session – April 24, 2012

Public Hearing:

A.      Site Plan Review:  L.A. Burdick for an addition onto the production facility for a pastry kitchen at 288 Main Street, Town Map #024, Lot #038 in the Commercial District.

New Business:

A.      Final Report on Water Resources Protection Ordinance –

Antioch College Graduate Students: Kim Goddu and Emily Hall

Other Business: 

Planning Discussion:

A.      Workshop Session on May 22, 2012, at 7:00 PM (Held in Downstairs Office)

Communications and Miscellaneous:

A.      Handouts, Announcements and Other

Adjourn Meeting:

   Minutes of the April 12 Select Board Meeting

Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague, Chas Street

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with six people present in the audience.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

The regular meeting resumed at 7:50 PM.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

JIM TERRELL – Highway Department:  Mr. Terrell received four bids for the new truck but only submitted three for consideration as the price for the fourth bid was much higher.  The three bids were:

·         Peterborough Built of NH for a Peterbuilt in the amount of $89,722.00;

·         Patriot Motors for a Freightliner in the amount of $97,359.00; and

·         S.G. Reed Truck Service for an International in the amount of $96,699.00. 

The Selectboard reviewed the specs that were put out for bid and Mr. Terrell answered several questions.  The plows and other equipment will be purchased through a different bid. 

Mrs. Teague moved to authorize Mr. Terrell to purchase the International truck from S.G. Reed Truck Service for the amount of $96,699.00.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Teague requested that Thank You notes be sent to the other companies that submitted bids. 

 

Mr. Terrell reported that this week they have been working on the dirt roads.  He is getting quotes for the sidewalk work.  To-date he talked to four companies and received two quotes.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $455,681.79.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

It was noted that the above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $421,551.02 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.

 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 07, 2012, for checks dated April 13, 2012, for gross wages in the amount of $17,735.39.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,805.63.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 4, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 4, 2012, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting –April 12, 2012- Page 2

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 4, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 4, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meeting:

·         Planning Board Workshop Session – March 27, 2012.

VETERAN’S EXEMPTION:

ROGERS, Old Drewsville Road, Map & Lot #015-004-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Veteran’s Exemption for Paul and Kathaleen Rogers.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:

HODGKINS & SONS:  Mr. Street moved to approve the following Notices of Intent to Excavate forms for Hodgkins & Sons as follows:

·         Hodgkins & Sons, Industrial Drive, Map & Lot # 001-010-000, No. 12-461-01-E; and

·         Hodgkins & Sons, Old Drewsville Road, Map & Lot #012-073-000, No. 01-461-02-E.

Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

LANE CONSTRUCTION CORP:  Mr. Street moved to approve the following Notices of Intent to Excavate forms for Lane Construction Corporation as follows:

·         Lane Construction Corp., Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000, No. 12-461-03-E;

·         Lane Construction Corp., Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000, No. 12-461-04-E; and

·         Lane Construction Corp., Whipple Hill Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000, No. 12-461-05-E.

Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SEWER ABATEMENTS:

Mr. Street moved to approve the following Sewer Abatements for meter adjustments:

·         Wheeler, Parris Lane, Map & Lot #029-040-000 in the amount of $12.02;

·         Pecor, Main Street, Map & Lot #030-060-000 in the amount of $4.03;

·         Capron, Birch St., Map & Lot #030-048-000 in the amount of $30.60;

·         Aumand Realty, Mountainview Road, Map & Lot #028-144-000 in the amount of $26.28;

·         Hill, Hillcrest Road, Map & Lot #029-042-000 in the amount of $56.63;

·         Chaffee, Kilburn St., Map & Lot 029-002-000 in the amount of $8.28.

Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the following Property Tax Refunds for overpayments:

·         Emmerman, March Hill, Map & Lot #011-058-000 in the amount of $10.81;

·         Wright, Old Cheshire Tpk, Map & Lot #013-033-000 in the amount of $24.40;

·         Kidder Farm, LLC, Ramsay Hill Rd., Map & Lot #011-007-002 in the amount of $14.02;

·         Audsley, Whitcomb Rd., Map & Lot #015-005-001 in the amount of $8.74;

·         Cohen, Watkins Hill Rd., Map & Lot #005-055-000 in the amount of $371.13;

·         Kasper, Prospect Hill, Map & Lot #017-020-000 in the amount of $22.37;

·         Kasper Real Estate, Main St., Map & Lot #021-014-000 in the amount of $19.61;

·         Aumand, Cray Rd., Map & Lot #028-127-000 in the amount of $5.65;

·         Granite State Electric, North Walpole, Map & Lot #Util-Util-1A in the amount of $66.13.

Selectboard Meeting –April 12, 2012- Page 3

Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

SELECTBOARD MEETINGS:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to change the start time of their regular meetings from 7:30 PM to 7:00 PM beginning with the next meeting on Thursday, April 19, 2012.

OLD BUSINESS:

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICIES:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to table taking action on the Drug and Alcohol policies.

RECESS MEETING:  Mrs. Teague moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:41 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Mr. Aldrich called this meeting of the Hooper Trustees to order.

HOOPER COTTAGE:  The Selectboard reviewed and signed the Rental Listing Agreement for the Hooper Cottage with Galloway Realty as presented by Mrs. Mansouri.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the regular Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:46 PM.  

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich called the recessed Selectboard meeting to order.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and ( c) Reputations.  Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:49 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:25 PM.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:

CONSERVATION COMMISSION:  Mr. Street moved to appoint Sheldon Sawyer and Jane Worley to the Conservation Commission for three year terms to fill the two vacancies.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Teague would like the Conservation Commission to send the Selectboard their thoughts on who they would recommend for two Alternate members.

Selectboard Meeting –April 12, 2012- Page 4

FREDERICK H. HOOPER INSTITUTE COMMITTEE:  Mr. Street moved to appoint Karen Kuniholm to the Frederick H. Hooper Institute Committee to fill one of the two seats available for a three year term.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Teague noted that there is still one vacancy on the Hooper Institute Committee.  Interested residents should submit a letter of interest to the Selectboard.

WRAP COMMITTEE:  Mr. Street moved to re-appoint Don Lennon, Roger Weil, David Adams and Carol Christian to the WRAP Committee for three year terms.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:46 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 
 TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 4, 2012

Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague, Chas Street

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 5:40 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

WALPOLE RECREATION COMMITTEE AND JOE GOODHUE – Pool – Chair Lift:  Kerry Pickering, Stacie Gay, and Alishia Miller from the Walpole Recreation Committee and Joe Goodhue, Recreation Director, came into the meeting to discuss the ADA pool lift.  Mrs. Gay advised that they heard back from Clearwater today and were given a ball park figure. They also have the one firm quote. Mr. Goodhue advised that the Walpole Pool only needs one accessible means of entry.  It needs to be in enough water so the person can get into the pool and be ready to swim but it can not be over four feet.  They have a place where the pool goes from 3-feet to 4-feet and there is a lifeguard seat there so it would be the perfect spot.  Mr. Goodhue talked to a person who indicated that there has been a lot of negative feedback about portable lifts.  A permanent lift would be sturdier so it would be safer.  There are covers available to protect it in the winter time so it won’t get damaged.  This is a motorized lift.  There has to be two means of access; the pool has the steps and the other choices are the lift or a ramp.  Mrs. Teague felt this would not only be used by handicapped people but also by elderly residents.  Mr. Aldrich recommended that they try to get three quotes.  Mrs. Gay advised that the other consideration is that there is a pretty big electrical component with the installation.  Some have a battery source but they would have to be sure that the staff keeps track of keeping it charged.  The State Department of Justice is accepting feedback and comments on the ruling until April 4, 2012.  The deadline may be extended again.  One reason for the Department of Justice to extend the deadline is the lack of sufficient pool lift manufacturers to meet the need.  Mr. Street felt that the best way to approach this is to push it out one year; the committee should decide what they feel is best to meet the ADA requirements and possibly the amount can be included in the 2013 budget.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $50,044.13.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 31, 2012, for checks dated April 6, 2012, for gross wages in the amount of $19,594.53.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,183.13.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 29, 2012:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of March 29, 2012, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting –April 4, 2012- Page 2

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 29, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of March 29, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC SESSION – March 29, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees Session as printed.  The Minutes were not intended to be labeled as Non-Public therefore the Minutes will not be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.             

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

·         Hooper Institute Committee – March 27, 2012;

·         Conservation committee – March 5, 2012.

VETERAN’S TAX CREDIT:

PRENDERGAST, 3 Willow Street, North Walpole, Map & Lot #029-016-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Veteran’s tax Credit for John Prendergast.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

TOLE, River Road, Map & Lot # 007-009-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant Building Permit No. 2012-09 for A. Paul Tole, Jr. to construct a 24’ x 24’ 1-1/2 story garage at 98 River Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WATER ABATEMENTS:

KASPER, Prospect Hill, Map & Lot #017-020-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Water Abatement in the amount of $235.41 for Robert Kasper, Jr.  This is due to the fact that the meter at the barn is a credit meter for sewer.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BROOKS, Homestead Avenue, Map & Lot #024-008-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Water Abatement in the amount of $63.00 for Ted Brooks (Brooks Living Trust).  This is the result of there being a second outside meter.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SEWER ABATEMENTS:

KASPER, Prospect Hill, Map & Lot #017-020-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Sewer Abatement in the amount of $170.93 for Robert Kasper, Jr.  This is due to the fact that they charged sewer fees for water going through the outside meter.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GAY LIVING TRUST, Duffy Street, Map & Lot #030-014-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Sewer Abatement in the amount of $39.92 for the Gilbert Gay Living Trust.  They should have been billed a minimum of $36.00 but were billed for $75.92 (2 meters).  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

CONNECTICUT RIVER JOINT COMMISSION & WATERSHED ADVISORY COMMISSION APPOINTMENT:  Mr. Street moved to re-appoint Mary Lou Montgomery to represent the Town on the

Selectboard Meeting –April 4, 2012- Page 3

Wantastiquet Local River Subcommittee of the Connecticut River Joint Commissions for a three year term.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES:  The Selectboard reviewed the “Procedures for Appointment of Committee Members” document.

Mr. Street moved to accept the Procedures for Appointment of Committee Members document as presented.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Teague will send information on posting the positions to Linda Edkins.  The Selectboard will make the decisions on the appointments during their meeting on Thursday, April 12th.  

HOOPER INSTITUTE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT REQUEST:  There was a consensus to table this committee appointment until the next meeting.      

PERSONNEL REQUEST:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve Police Chief Michael Paquette’s request to take vacation time.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

LAND INFORMATION REQUEST – SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF NH FORESTS:  Mrs. Teague moved to sign the Request for Information received from the Society For The Protection of NH Forests for Map #006, Lot #025, John C. Faulkner Trust property and to check “are not” aware of any problems.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

TRI-VILLAGE ENERGY COMMITTEE FUNDS:  Mrs. Clough advised that back in 2009 the Tri-Village Energy Committee rolled over their funds but they went into the General Fund.  Now they are questioning how they can access their money. Mrs. Teague felt they could appropriate money in the amount they had into a separate account.  

CLASS REUNION PICNIC:  An email was received from Donna J. Gay, FMRHS 1982 Class Treasurer, to request that they be allowed to reserve the pool area for a Class Reunion Picnic from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on June 24, 2012.  Stacie Gay feels it would be a disservice to the community to close the pool.  Groups are allowed to use the pool when it is in service but it has never been shut down.  No alcohol is allowed.  Mrs. Clough will write a letter / respond to their email request and advise that if they choose to use the Hubbard’s Pit they are welcome to use the pool and they would be happy to give them a group rate.  If this is done the Recreation Department needs to know so that another life guard can be on duty.  Other options and places of use will be advised.  

OLD BUSINESS:

LETTER FROM BRIDGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY:  Acknowledgement was made of receipt of a copy of the letter from Lyn Cooke, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Bridge Memorial Library, to Mr. Varone in response o his letters to them.            

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:45 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:41 PM.  No announcements were made.

Selectboard Meeting –April 4, 2012- Page 4

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MARCH 29, 2012

Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague, Chas Street

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with six people present in the audience.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:48 PM.  No announcements were made.

BILL THERRIEN:  Mr. Therrien submitted a letter to the Selectboard from Holly Piccirillo, President of the Hooper Golf Club of Walpole, to advise that the Hooper Golf Club intends to sub-lease the Hooper Mansion to Diane Powers, d/b/a Hadley Connection, LLC.  She requested that pursuant to paragraph 14 of their lease agreement, the Hooper Trustees will provide them with their written consent to said sub-lease. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of two letters from Dave Adams, Clerk/Treasurer of the Walpole Fire District.  The first request was that a check be made payable to the Walpole Fire District in the amount of $140,000.00 in accordance with the following articles approved under the 2012 Warrant:

·         Article #5 – Operating Expenses (partial draw)                                               $ 20,000.00

·         Article #6 – For deposit into the Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve   120,000.00

Total Amount Requested                                      $140,000.00

Mr. Street moved to authorize the issuance of a check made payable to the Walpole Fire District in the amount of $140,000.00 in accordance with 2012 Warrant Articles Nos. 5 and 6 as requested.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

The second letter was to request the withdrawal of $102,000.00 from the Ambulance Replacement Capital Reserve Fund which was approved under 2012 Warrant Article #7. 

Mr. Street moved to authorize the issuance of a check made payable to the Walpole Fire District in the amount of $102,000.00 in accordance with the 2012 Warrant Article #7 as requested.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD HOME DAYS:  Following a discussion relative to the Old Home Days funds, Mrs. Teague suggested that the Selectboard ask Heather Ferland to come into the meeting next week to explain why they need the money now.  Mrs. Clough has a formal request from her to release the funds. 

Mr. Street moved that the Selectboard move $1,500.00 out of Staff Relations and replace it in the line item for Old Home Days.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $190,315.18.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

It was noted that the above amount includes a monthly payment of $27,622.58 for health insurance.

Selectboard Meeting –March 29, 2012- Page 2

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 24, 2012, for checks dated March 30, 2012, for gross wages in the amount of $23,388.80.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,667.02.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 22, 2012:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of March 22, 2012, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of March 22, 2012, with corrections.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.       

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – March 22, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of March 22, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will be sealed until December 31, 2012.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC #1 – March 22, 2012:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees Non-Public Session #1 of March 22, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will be sealed until November 12, 2012.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC #2 – March 22, 2012:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees Non-Public Session #2 of March 22, 2012, with edits.  The Minutes will be sealed until November 12, 2012.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

·         North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 27, 2012;

·         Walpole Fire District – March 15, 2012;

·         Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – March 21, 2012; and

·         Planning Board – March 13, 2012.

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

MOORE, 322 Watkins Hill Road, Map & Lot #005-049-005: Mr. Street moved to grant the Veterans Tax Credit for Bruce Moore.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY EXEMPTION:

GADBOIS, Willow Street, Map & Lot # 029-010-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Elderly Exemption for Robert Gadbois.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

Selectboard Meeting –March 29, 2012- Page 3

HUBBARD, 16 River Road, Map & Lot # 007-013-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve Building Permit No. 2012-07 for Dale Hubbard to close in an existing porch on the farm stand.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

INTENT TO CUT TIMBER:

Hardwick, Church Street, Map & Lot # 037-005-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber # 11-461-26-T for Donald Hardwick of H & H Investments.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

TOWN POOL REQUIREMENTS:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the new ADA requirements for public pools.  Mr. Joe Goodhue will be requested to attend the next meeting to talk to the Selectboard about this.

CEMETERY BUY BACK:  The Selectboard received a letter from Mary Hewey requesting that the Town of Walpole buy back two cemetery lots as she no longer has a need for them.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve this request to buy back the two cemetery lots from Mary Hewey.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WRAP COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: The Selectboard received a letter from Dorothy Ransome from the WRAP Committee requesting the reappointment of three members whose terms expire in 2012.  Mr. Street asked if these vacancies should be posted.  The interested people that want to serve should notify the Selectboard in writing.  He volunteered to draft a Town Procedure, in writing, so everyone will have the same guidelines; it will be reviewed by the other Selectboard members.  Mrs. Teague added that starting now each open position will be posted even committee appointments.  

Mr. Street moved to table this as it will be taken under advisement until the Selectboard researches how many members are on the WRAP committee and the vacancies should be posted.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PERSONNEL REQUEST:  A request to take off Thursday, April 5th and Friday, April 6th, 2012, was received from Mrs. Clough. 

Mr. Street moved to approve having Mrs. Clough take these two days off as requested.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.         

TOWN HALL AND GAZEBO RENTAL:  Mrs. Clough advised that the Monadnock Conservancy is renting the Town Hall and Gazebo for August 25th, 2012, but they would like to put up a 30’ x 60’ tent on Friday night and not take it down until Sunday.  The concerns are that the Walpole Farmers Market is on the Common on Friday late afternoons and the Savings Bank of Walpole band concerts are held on Sunday evenings.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to notify the Monadnock Conservancy that they can set the tent up on Friday after 6:30 PM and it has to come down on Sunday by 2:00 PM.

OLD BUSINESS:

CONSERVATION APPOINTMENT REQUESTS – 5:  The Selectboard agreed to table this request from the Conservation Commission until they have approved the proposed Town Procedure as discussed above.

DRA & AVITAR MEETING:  Mrs. Clough reported that the meeting on the Total Revaluation with the Department of Revenue Administration and Avitar Associates is scheduled for next Wednesday, April 4th at 4:00 PM. 

Selectboard Meeting –March 29, 2012- Page 4

NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING:  As a follow-up from the last meeting, the Selectboard will move their next regular meeting from Thursday, April 5th at 7:30 PM to Wednesday, April 4th at 5:30 PM.  This will follow the Revaluation Start Up meeting.

ALSTEAD SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Street and Paul Colburn attended the meeting that was held in Alstead.  They had a good attendance from the other towns.  Topics included the possibility of the towns going in together for bids on equipment and vehicles; a lot of these items fall under the State program.  They talked about buying a gravel pit to share.  There was discussion about joining together in an insurance pool and loss of tax revenue from poles and lines.  There will be another meeting in August.  

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:  Mr. Street met with Mr. Terrell regarding the Highway Department.  Mr. Terrell went back and researched the over-time and it is minimal except for when hurricane Irene came through.  They talked about lawn mowing and the possibility of purchasing a new lawn mower.  Mrs. Teague mentioned that they usually like to have three quotes, local is possible.  No decisions were made on this purchase at this time. 

Mr. Terrell will be opening the quotes for the new truck on April 10th at 9:00 AM at the Town Hall.

RECESS MEETING:  Mrs. Teague moved to recess this meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 10:12 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Mr. Aldrich called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 10:13 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting resumed at 10:22 PM.  No announcements were made.

Adjournment:  Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will resume their Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich called the recessed Selectboard meeting to order at 10:23 PM.

Selectboard Meeting –March 29, 2012- Page 5

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 10:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MARCH 22, 2012

Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich, Jamie Teague, Chas Street

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with six people present in the audience.

Mrs. Borden, Recording Clerk, asked for nominations for the Chair.

ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON: 

Mrs. Teague nominated Mr. Aldrich to serve as the Chairperson for the next year. Seconded by Mr. Street.  There were no other nominations.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Street in favor, the nomination was approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained from the vote.  

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Jim Terrell:  Mr. Terrell recommended a raise for Leif Jackson as he has been an employee for a year now.  He also recommended a raise for Michael Rau as he is doing an excellent job as the Foreman and his six months in this position will be up in April.

Mrs. Teague moved to accept the Highway Superintendent’s suggested pay raises for both Mr. Jackson and Mr. Rau.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Terrell mentioned that the department usually goes to a four-day work week in the summer time.  The Selectboard votes on this during the first week in April; this schedule ends in September.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to approve this request but Mrs. Teague noted that she wants everybody to be working as efficiently as possible.

Mr. Terrell asked if the Selectboard had received complaints on the dirt roads.  Mrs. Clough noted that there were a few calls but she spoke to Mr. Terrell about them as they came in.  Mr. Terrell explained that the mud road season was minimal for Walpole as compared to surrounding towns.

Mr. Terrell advised that the department may be involved with the sidewalk work but it will be going out for bid.  He will be starting on this very soon.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mrs. Teague moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Mr. Aldrich called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:44 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. 

The regular meeting resumed at 8:12 PM.  No announcements were made.

Adjournment:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the recessed Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting –March 22, 2012- Page 2

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich called this recessed Selectboard meeting to order at 8:13 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:48 PM.  No announcements were made.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

LIBRARY REQUEST:  A request was received from Kate Nerrie, Treasurer of the Walpole Town Library, that the Town release $3,401.63 to the Library for utility costs and building maintenance.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve issuing a check for the $3,401.63 as requested by the Town Library.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TOWN:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $21,556.44 for checks to be dated March 23, 2012.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 17, 2012, for checks dated March 23, 2012, for gross wages in the amount of $18,346.24.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,530.63.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 15, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of March 15, 2012, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the minutes were approved.  Mr. Street abstained from the vote.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 15, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 15, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the minutes were approved.  Mr. Street abstained from the vote.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – March 15, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of March 15, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will be sealed until November 2012.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the minutes were approved.  Mr. Street abstained from the vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meeting:

·         Hooper Study Committee – March 12, 2012.

BUILDING PERMIT:

Selectboard Meeting –March 22, 2012- Page 3

Frink, Merrian Road, Map & Lot #003-054-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit 2012-06, a Renewal of Building Permit No. 2009-01, for Eric Frink to construct a two story, three bedroom 40’ x 36’ house with attached garage on Merriam Road for one more year.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

INTENT TO CUT TIMBER:

MONADNOCK LAND CLEARING, NH Route 12, Map & Lot # 007-006-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Monadnock Land Clearing & Chipping, Inc., Cut # 11-461-25-T.  This cut will be done in the Fanny Mason Forest.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.    

NEW BUSINESS:

HOOPER INSTITUTE COMMITTEE MEETING:  The next Hooper Institute Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 27th at the Institute.  There will be a pot luck dinner at 6:30 PM.

CONSERVATION APPOINTMENT REQUESTS – 5:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of five letters from interested residents to serve on the Conservation Commission. 

Mrs. Teague moved to table this for one week as she would like to see how many meetings the applicants have missed.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

It was noted that the CC currently has seven regular members and three alternate members. 

SELECTBOARD – DEPARTMENT & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:

The Selectboard agreed to be liaisons to the following departments and committees:

·         Highway Department – Mr. Street;

·         Police Department – Mr. Aldrich;

·         Solid Waste Department – Mrs. Teague;

·         Recreation Department – Mr. Street;

·         Planning Board – Mrs. Teague;

·         Conservation Commission – Mr. Aldrich;

·         Hooper Committee – Mr. Aldrich;

·         Tri-Village Committee – Mrs. Teague;

·         Library Trustees – Mr. Street.

Question about Workshop Meetings / Sessions have come up in the past.  Mrs. Clough was asked to obtain information on this from Mr. Sanderson of the Local Government Center.

RE-EVALUATION START UP MEETING:  The Selectboard would like to schedule this meeting for April 4th at 4:00 PM with the Department of Revenue Administration and Mrs. Loren Martin of Avitar Associates.  Mrs. Clough will work on making these arrangements.  If the DRA and/or Avitar are not available on this date it will be scheduled for April 11th at 4:00 PM.

NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to move their Thursday, April 5th meeting at 7:30 PM to Wednesday, April 4th at 5:30 PM.  This would follow the Re-Evaluation Start Up meeting.

SELECTBOARD MEETINGS:  Mr. Aldrich advised that the Selectboard meetings will continue to be held on Thursday nights beginning at 7:30 PM. 

Selectboard Meeting –March 22, 2012- Page 4

PERSONNEL FORMS:  Mr. Street moved to approve and sign all the personnel forms for Town employees who are eligible for pay raises.  This was approved at the Town Meeting to be effective January 1, 2012.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PART TIME TOWN CLERK POSITION:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Sandy Smith, Town Clerk / Tax Collector, to advise that she hired Elaine Heleen who will work flexible hours on a trial basis.

TOWN HALL BUILDING:  Mrs. Teague pointed out that there are three ceiling tiles out in the main meeting room.  She asked Mrs. Clough to call Mr. Houghton to check the sprinkler line.  If there are no leaks then the tiles should be replaced.  The light outside the side door is out and needs to be replaced.

OLD BUSINESS:

PO and AP PROCESS:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Purchase Directive policy that was originally effective on January 5, 2006, revised on July 17, 2008 and March 22, 2012, to be effective on April 2, 2012.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DOG ORDINANCE:  Mrs. Smith provided Mr. Aldrich with a copy of the Town of Walpole Dog Ordinance that was approved by the Selectboard during their meeting on December 10, 1998.  Mrs. Clough was asked to send it to Chuck Bingaman to request that it be put on the Walpolean and it will be put on the Town’s website – www.walpolenh.us.        

KOSTER PROPERTY:  Mrs. Clough advised that Mr. Koster was in the office today.  Reference was made to his attending a Selectboard meeting on January 26, 2012 to discuss a right-of-way that is on the Connors property off the Alstead Center Road.  It was suggested that Mr. Koster call the secretary to the Planning Board to request that he be put on their Agenda for the April meeting. 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 10:16 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 10:41 PM.  No announcements were made.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 10:43 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Ed. Note: At last Tuesday's Walpole Historical Society annual meeting, Walpole architect David Howard discussed the historical and cultural significance of Walpole. The following is the story I wrote for today's Eagle Times on the talk. CCB

4-25-2012

Why New England Villages Were and Are Important

David Howard Breaks Down Walpole

By Chuck Bingaman

         It’s the best-planned place in the country for living a “simple, holistic life”, a model scene for what life ought to be. It’s the New England village perfectly exemplified by Walpole.

        “I’m awestruck by the richness of life here in Walpole!” said Walpole architect David Howard Wednesday evening at the annual meeting of the town’s historical society. “It’s still functioning as they planned it 250+ years ago!”

        Speaking with obvious love of his home for more than 40 years, Howard laid out why Walpole is important, what the town is exactly, why he lives in it, and, why his children all moved away.

        With remarks that could also fit many New England villages, Howard urged his fellow citizens to see the value in what they have and to preserve it for future generations.

        “First of all, in the mid-1600s to mid-1700s when this country was being formed, there were few towns in the south and mid-Atlantic areas, and the ones that were there were ‘European’ in nature. They were governed by men appointed by the king of England and centered around a near palace and a state sponsored church,” noted Howard.

        “But in New England there were hundreds of villages being developed, and the settlers were seeking lives apart from dominant central governments and government sponsored churches.  And they laid out their towns with the idea of local control through the town government, its typically placed town hall on the common, and the planning for more than one church facing the common,” he explained. “It was dramatically different from European villages with the governing family’s castle or palace on the hill!”

        These largely self-sufficient villages—often hacked out of dense forest as was Walpole—offered lives where everyone interacted: rich and poor, old and young, farmers and merchants, all day everyday.

        “Moreover,” argued Howard, “the houses and other buildings New Englanders built in their villages reflected and expressed a sense of how a mature society should feel.”

“Imagine our colonial buildings as people. They present themselves with dignity. They have uniform setbacks and spaces between them.  They are built to absorb the abuse and even neglect of generations. They place greater value on being part of the group than having marked individualism or indicators of prosperity.  Contrast that with our modern, especially commercial, buildings that I would describe as adolescents: they have little interest in the greater good, their long-term future, or the group. Their sole concern is themselves in the short term.”

“The beauty of Walpole and not too many other villages is that it still looks and functions just as it did 50 or 100 years ago. Much credit for this goes to the Hubbard family that has generously supported Walpole's historic preservation and restoration in period sensitive ways,: Howard said. "Everyone in the village can still walk downtown for business, mail, groceries—whatever—and walk home. In the process he sees many acquaintances and keeps the society vibrant.”

So why do the children leave this “perfect” setting? “Too many opportunities for specialties elsewhere,” says Howard, who admits that may not be the complete answer. “But some are coming back, and it’s possible that the Internet may make the specialized life viable in the future…even in New England villages.”

                         --30-

 

       

¿Hablas Español?  ¿Estás aprendiendo a  hablar Español?

 Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning to speak Spanish?

Come join our Spanish conversation group in Walpole.  We meet the first Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 pm at the Walpole Town library.  Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 1.

If you're a beginner don't worry. I'm a beginner and make lots of mistakes (or learning opportunities!).  If you're more advanced please come and share your expertise. All ages are welcome. This group is a friendly place to practice and have fun learning a language. 

If you have any questions please call Julie Rios at 756-4173 or email me at jriosfamily@gmail.com.

 ¡Espero a te verte allí! We hope to see you there!

Ed. Note: Thanks to the Walpole Grange, this is one of the best evenings of the year! It's a great opportunity to thank key--and often unsung--leaders in our community for the great work they've done. Everyone should make a point of being there! CCB

The Walpole Grange will be hosting its annual Awards Night on Tuesday, May 15th, at 7:00 pm in the Walpole Town Hall. 

This yearly event is an opportunity for the Town of Walpole to honor outstanding people in the community.  The categories of awards will be:  Firefighter of the Year, Policeman of the Year, Educator of the Year, Youth Service Award, Young Farmer of the Year, Agriculture Award, and, for the first time, Business of the Year.  The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award, given each year to a person who exemplifies the essence of volunteerism and community citizenship. 

The celebration will feature entertainment by The Sawyer Family Blue Grass Band, who will be playing some toe-tapping tunes for our listening enjoyment.  The Sawyers n- Seth on the guitar and Candi on the upright bass – love to sing and play bluegrass music, and you can see they are having a great time when they perform.  Joining them on stage are their sons Adam, 16, and Matthew, 13, both great vocalists and musicians. 

Refreshments will be served – and, as everyone knows, Grangers are great cooks!  Come and help honor our award winners!

Admission to the celebration is free and all ages are welcome.  You need not be a Grange member to attend. 

The Walpole Grange is an organization that has been in existence in Walpole for over 125 years.  Membership is open to anyone interested in community service.  Among some of the Grange projects are The Walpole Leadership Academy, the Dictionary Project, Meet The Candidates Event, election day food, among many others. 

For more information on the Awards Night celebration, call Kathy Yardley at 756-3677.

Spring Craft Fair--Saturday, June 2, 9 - 3, on the Walpole Common. The spaces for crafters and artists are quickly filling up, but there’s still room for a few more! Please contact the Rev. Susan Kershaw as soon as possible to register (church office 756-4533 or email, rector@stjohnswalpole.org). Interested crafters and artists can get a registration form by visiting St. John’s website: www.stjohnswalpole.org . Look for the link to the Walpole Spring Craft Fair.  

 The Spring Craft Fair promises to be a great event!  Some of the best handcrafts persons in the area will be displaying and selling their work, including intricately carved wooden folk art and handcarved animals and toys; stunning photography; playful and pretty cat and dog toys; beautiful jewelry made of silver, beads, buttons and polymer clay; clever custom made tutus and hair accessories; intriguing quilts and quilted placemats, totes, and bibs; gorgeous watercolor paintings and fascinating dollhouse size paintings;  delightful knitted dolls and children’s sweaters; wonderful gift baskets, aprons and scarves;   beautifully turned wood bowls and wine bottle stoppers; and fragrant handmade soaps and lotions. Hotdogs will be sizzling on the grill, and St. John’s excellent bakers will have home made pies, tea breads, and cookies for sale. Come out and support local artists and enjoy a great event!

WALPOLE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting of April 18, 2012

Present:  Myra Mansouri, Peggy Pschirrer, Ernie Vose, Jan Leclerc and Alternate Leo Carignan.   Absent: Mary Therese Lester and Stephanie Stoughton.

Chair Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.   At this time Chair Mansouri asked Alternate Leo Carignan to sit in as a regular member to replace Mary Therese Lester.  Leo Carignan agreed to become a regular member for this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

            Avenru – Mr. Bill Hutwelker from Masiello Commercial Associates was in to represent Avenru.  Avenru has changed real estate agencies, from Remax to Masiello.   He is requesting permission replace the Remax signs to Masiello signs.  Masiello signs will be two smaller (4’ x 8’) four feet by eight feet signs.  There will be a Banner at the top of one sign that says:  13,000 square feet of office space with Mr. Hutwelkers name at the bottom of the sign.  He explained where the signs will be placed and they will be at least (100’) one hundred feet from each other. The section of property the signs will be on shows on the drawing he produced as Building D – Office Rental Building.  Mr. Hutwelker informed the Board the Remax signs will come down before his signs are placed there.   The Board noted the sign sizes are within the Zoning Board of Adjustment regulations and can be placed on the property without a hearing.  Chair Mansouri indicated as they are real estate signs they may stay in place until the property is sold.  Mr. Hutwelker was given a Sign Form to be completed and returned to Elaine Moore, Secretary of ZBA for filing.

        At this time Stephanie Stoughton entered the meeting.

        Peggy Pschirrer – Mrs. Pschirrer presented an application for a Non-Conforming Use Hearing.  The property is at 11 Old North Main Street in Walpole.  Map 020-042-000, in the Residential B District.  Jan Leclerc moved to accept the application as presented, seconded by Ernie Vose.  All in favor, application accepted and a Hearing date of May 16, 2012 has been set.

MINUTES:

            Ernie Vose moved to approve the minutes of March 21, 2012 as read.  Seconded by Jan Leclerc.  All in favor, so voted.

OTHER:   

Chair Mansouri informed the Board ZBA Alternate Bill Webb has moved out of town and the Board will need an alternate replacement.

Burdick’s Chocolates in the RN Johnson Building on Main Street was discussed.  Chair Mansouri will be reviewing minutes of the Board when Mr. Burdick applied for his original application to move a part of his business at that location.  Mr. Burdick has mentioned expanding the business and adding onto the building.

At 8:05 pm Ernie Vose moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Leo Carignan. All in favor, so voted.  Chair Mansouri closed the meeting at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Moore

Zoning Board Secretary.

A Benefit Auction will be held at First Congregational Church of Walpole, N. H. on the Common, Saturday, May 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Articles for sale can be viewed at the church from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.  Phil Warren willl be the auctioneer.  No sales tax or buyer's premium required. Pay with cash, check, or credit card. Lunch will be available for purchase.

A nice collection of antiques, quality furniture, and collectibles have been donated  to include a large assortment of Avon bottles, an 1816 Rockingham, Vt. textile sampler by 8-year-old Jane Webb with later carte-de-visite of maker; Wallace Nutting hand-tinted photos including "Alstead Stream";  period framed engraving of Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside from Elisha Hunt Rhodes collection; c.1900 Dietz carriage & auto kerosene headlight;  signed water color painting of Monhegan Island shoreline by Robert  J. O'Brien; large oil painting of meadow birches and water; several fine oil paintings by Polish artists depicting city scenes, abstracts, and floral; an early 19th century framed oil portrait of a pleasant-looking lady in bonnet; an Orrefors crystal 3-sided tea light on pedestal; a pair of daffodil decorated majolica pitchers useful as vases; an antique convertible highchair; old tall Windsor style stool; child's antique Boston rocker with cane seat; early ladder back chair with new Shaker-style taped seat in red and black checkerboard pattern; fine matching pair of lady and gentleman's Victorian chairs upholstered in rose velvet; two Victorian straight  chairs with slip seats; an antique cherry captains' or ladies' Davenport desk with side drawers & sloping top; large ceramic rooster; Le Creuset  blue pitcher; a pair of tall brass electric lamps; 1920s ceramic Asian electric lamp; Roseville white pot with blue band; punched brass wall tray from India;  unusual cookbook metal holder; several painted folk art signs and trays; large wooden bowl made from many pieces of wood;  "as new" square mission style pale oak end table with front door; as  new pale oak dining table with leaves and 4 matching chairs; a mahogany gate leg table with nice turned legs;  a vintage white wrought iron dining table with heavy glass top and 4 matching chairs with new cushions;  a 4-year-old Casio electric piano & bench; a digital video camcorder with tripod never used;  2 tickets for the LENOX 301 New Hampshire Motor NASCAR sprint Cup Series to be held on Sunday, July 15, 2012; an autograph of African-American contralto Marian Anderson on program at the War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, March 10, 1958; 3 heavy frog lawn ornaments; new roasting pan; Revere stainless steel kettle with lid;  new portable charcoal grill; several handcrafted dollies; collectible Beyer Halloween cloth witch doll; 3 Franklin Heirloom dolls dressed in gowns, hats, wigs w/metal stands (one is of "My Darlin' Lil" the dance hall gal);  set of 3 mahogany inlaid end tables; several trunks; 10 gal. crock; painted milk cans; antique door; space heater; print easy chair and ottoman; an old indoor one-sided railroad station bench;  2 compressors; an antique picnic basket; an antique fire extinguisher;  large heavy cast iron farm sink; old rocking chair; some jewelry; and too many other items to list.  A silent auction will be held concurrently with the auction.

                                     - 30 -

THE FRIENDS OF THE WALPOLE TOWN LIBRARY WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL PLANT SALE ON SATURDAY, MAY 12TH FROM 9 TO 11 AM ON THE LIBRARY LAWN ON MAIN STREET. 

 A WIDE ASSORTMENT OF LOCALLY GROWN PLANTS WILL BE SOLD. THE VARIETY WILL VARY DEPENDING ON DONATIONS.  WE WELCOME DONATIONS OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, VEGETABLES, HERBS, HOUSE PLANTS, AND GROUND COVER.

AREA GARDENERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO DONATE PLANTS, PLASTIC POTS OVER ONE QUART IN SIZE OR WHO WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER WITH PRE SALE DIGGING AND POTTING, PLEASE CONTACT LUCY WEBER AT 756-4338.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE PLANT SALE BENEFIT BOTH THE WALPOLE AND NORTH WALPOLE LIBRARIES.

“Reach Out to Youth” Wednesday the 25th

The Restaurant at Burdick Chocolate, located on Main Street in Walpole, will host a fourth annual benefit dinner for Meeting Waters YMCA’s “Reach Out to Youth Fund” on Wednesday, April 25th. That night, co-owners Paula and Larry Burdick will donate 10% of all dinner receipts to the regional YMCA’s scholarship fund. They will also raffle two gift baskets filled with chocolates and items from their Walpole Grocery.

The Burdick’s two children have participated in Meeting Waters YMCA’s day camp and Youth & Government programs.

Funds raised through the Y’s Reach Out to Youth fundraising drive and the event at Burdick’s help ensure that all children have access to Meeting Waters YMCA programs. Specifically, donations support the regional Y’s youth scholarship fund and its summer camp busing. More than half of all children and families served by the Y’s youth development and healthy living programs receive financial assistance. Hundreds rely on the Y’s camp bus service which costs nearly $20,000 to operate.

According to Meeting Waters YMCA’s Executive Director Steve Fortier, last year’s event at the Restaurant at Burdick Chocolate raised $1,000 for the Y’s scholarship fund. He adds, “This event is always about people enjoying a great meal for a great cause.”

Reservations for the benefit dinner can be made by calling The Restaurant at Burdick Chocolate at 603-756-9058.

Meeting Waters YMCA is a charitable, social service organization founded in 1895. Its programs and services focus on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility and family strengthening. Its annual Reach Out to Youth Campaign is a key component of the Y’s commitment to ensuring that its programs are accessible to all youth in the Fall Mountain, Bellows Falls, Springfield and Brattleboro regions. To learn more about Meeting Waters YMCA’s services and how to get involved, go to www.meetingwatersymca.org.

 

The Walpole Players are pleased to announce that their spring production, The Dining Room by A. R. Gurney, will be performed in the Helen Miller Theater at the Walpole Town Hall Fridays May 4th and 11th and Saturdays May 5th and 12th with the curtain going up at 7:30 PM. Matinees, with the curtain rising at 2 PM will be on Sundays, May 6th and 13th.

 The play is set in the dining room of a typical upper-middle-class WASP home, the vanishing place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions. In this entertaining mosaic of vignettes you will see 57 characters in eighteen scenes taking place both over eight decades in time and over the course of a single day. Scenes jump from one era to another, and often with overlapping action, so cleverly that before one scene is finished characters from the next scene enter. The only connection throughout is the dining room and its table and chairs. Each vignette introduces a new cast of people and event that may remind you of an event in your life and touch you in some way.

 The room and its table and chairs witness arguments, infidelity, hopes, regrets and nostalgia while a father lectures his son on grammar and politics; a boy returns from boarding school to discover his mother’s infidelity; a senile grandmother doesn’t recognize her own sons at Thanksgiving Day dinner; a daughter, her marriage a shambles, pleads futilely to return home; household items must be divided; a brother is insulted; and, more.

 Directed by Sarah Manning, the cast includes: Tara Sad; Ray Boas; Barbara Kasper; Becky Pearson; Mike Delaney; Fran Kemp; Linda Olson; Blaine Lessard; Gail Golec; Angela Smith; Jean Kobeski; Cameron Tollett; Kathy Reilly; Peter Eisenstadter; Mike Wright; Shannon Martin; Deb Robarge; Carolyn Norback; Chuck Lessard; and Seth Lauritsen. Tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for under 12, are available at Galloway Real Estate; Real to Reel; Murray’s and Costume Ladies in Walpole; and at Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls. For more information, call (603) 756-4545.

Ed. Note: As you know a Walpole School student and the school community experienced one of their worst possible nightmares February 10 when the student shot and seriously wounded himself in the school cafeteria before scores of classmates and staff. I do not know the status of the student. I DO know that our Superintendent, Dr. Debra Livingston, and our principal, Sam Jacobs, have worked tirelessly to assist students and staff to get through their feelings of shock, sadness, grief and concern and to return to the positive learning environment that they seek to offer. We are very fortunate to have the quality of leadership they have provided in these complicated times. The following is a story I wrote for the Eagle Times based on a conversation I had with Dr. Livingston and Sam Jacobs yesterday at the school. CCB

4-12-2012 Walpole Principal, Superintendent Reflect on School Tragedy

By Chuck Bingaman

On Friday, February 10, 2012, an 8th grade student shot and seriously wounded himself in the Walpole School cafeteria in the midst of scores of his shocked classmates.

Principal Sam Jacobs was in the cafeteria and immediately seized control of the situation, attended to the student’s medical needs and marshalled SAU60  and community resources to deal with the fallout of the event. The school was locked down until parents could come to retreive their children, students in the cafeteria were interviewed by police, and school counselors from throughout the district offered friendly faces to those that wanted to talk.

Privacy laws prevent their sharing information about the student shooter’s current medical situation. But Thursday Principal Jacobs and Superintendent Debra Livingston shared how they have been responding to the traumatic event--in addition to running the schools’ regular operations--in the two months since.

So, what have Jacobs and Livingston learned from February’s frightening event?  “We learned--maybe re-learned--that anything can happen at any time. That we need to take precautions and be prepared,” according to Jacobs.

 

“Our job is to meet the needs of every single student, and those needs vary widely.   We can never fully explain why something happens, but it is important to learn from all that happens--that’s just good teaching and education.”  Jacobs added, “We try to make a personal relationships with every kid and family, and we know that a lot goes on in their lives.  We only have them six hours a day!”

The emotional shock of a shooting in the close-knit school in a tranquil community took a toll on Jacobs, Livingston, the teachers and the students.  Most, said Jacobs, were amazingly resilient, others asked for and got a range of support stretching from simply more smiles and pats on the back to one-on-one counseling to full-fledged therapy which, in some cases, the school administration assisted in arranging.

Through the past two months, Jacobs has emphasized the message “that we want to take care of each other--we’re like family in the school. We want the kids to understand that we take care of one another. Among other things, we learned again that our kids are very concerned about families and that there are a lot of ways of communicating that concern.”

There are between 40 and 50 students in each of the 6th, 7th and 8th grades at Walpole School and, explained Jacobs, each student participates in a daily home room “check-in” session the first thing each morning. Usually there is no set agenda for the meeting, and students are encouraged to talk about whatever subject may be on their minds. Also, each student is part of an “advisory group” with a teacher or administrator as the leader that meets and discusses their concerns on a periodic basis. “The advisory group leaders get weekly grades for each student in his or her group, so we can know how each student is doing at all times,” says Jacobs. This enables us to keep an eye on each student and to maintain that personal, up-to-date relationship we think is so important.”

Since February 10, Jacobs and his staff have had a series of meetings and discussions with all students to hear their concerns and opinions. “Kids are very articulate,” noted Jacobs, “They love their school. They love their town. They’re sad that this jarring event happened. One of the big points about middle schoolers is that they want to be heard, and they want justice in their environment.”

One outcome of the school’s formal and informal discussions with students on how to have a safer school has been the introduction of a suggestion box in which students can leave anonymous written ideas for dealing with school issues.  “So far,” says Jacobs, “we’ve been getting several ideas each week, some serious and valuable beginning with, ‘I just wanted you to know, Mr. Jacobs...” and, of course, some others complaining about cold chicken for lunch!”

In addition to ratchetting up the already intensive communications with students, Jacobs and Livingston have held a formal event analysis session with the New Hampshire Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team on what they learned from the event and with all first responders on how to be even better prepared for the next serious incident.

According to Livingston, the Behavioral Response Team gave valuable guidance including how to properly sequence follow-up steps, target certain students for special observation and listening, and other procedures.  “The first responder de-briefing,” she observed, “was valuable in sharing different views of the event from the perspectives of the administrators and the law enforcement participants and confirming the value of certain actions they performed that day. Of particular value was the decision to ask Fall Mountain Principal Tom Ronning to attend at the school that afternoon to serve as Principal Jacobs’ right hand man and to handle some matters for him on the scene.”

Livingston and Jacobs agreed that other ideas from the de-briefing remain to be considered and implemented in future planning for emergencies.

Other lessons learned--or re-learned--from the February 10 event? “We do have needy students and parents,” said Jacobs. “All schools do. Parents have to be watchful all the time and conscious of what their children are doing.  The schools and the communities have to be paying attention, listening. Everybody has to help in raising our kids.”

“At the same time,” Jacobs added, “I can’t say enough about this town and how it responded to the tragic event of February 10. They were so caring and supportive to our kids and our staff. I am so thankful for their trusting us to handle the situation effectively. The hugs, emails, bundles of cards were overwhelming!”

Superintendent Livingston added “I truly believe good things can come from bad situations, and we’re using this one to learn for the future. All principals in the district have been around the discussion tables adding to the discussions and learning for the future.”
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Ed. Note: Isn't our library sponsoring interesting, useful programs? CCB

Kindle Workshop at the Walpole Library

On Tuesday, April 17th, the Walpole Library will host a workshop on learning to use your Kindle for library downloads and commercial programs.  Find out how to access the New Hampshire Library’s Overdrive digital library for free – or use your credit card to download books from Amazon and other online booksellers.  Working hands-on with the devices people bring to the session, assistant librarian Julie Rios will answer questions, demonstrate procedures and solve technical problems. 

What: Kindle Workshop

When: Tuesday, April 17, 6:30 p.m.

Where: The Bridge Memorial Library on Main Street in Walpole

Why: So you can download free e-books from the NH Library’s Overdrive system onto your Kindle – or order e-books at commercial sites like Amazon.

To participate:  Register with the Walpole Library by calling 756 9086, emailing us at LibraryDirector@WalpoleTownLibrary or dropping by. 

Ed. Note: The stars ARE aligned! You can file your income tax return AND get your meter read on Monday! You MIGHT even see the Red Sox win their second game of the year! CCB

Town of Walpole and North Walpole

2012 Water and Sewer Readings

    Water/Sewer meters in Walpole Village and North Walpole will be read from April 16, 2012 through April 29, 2012. If you have an inside meter and will not be available for reading during these dates, please contact the Selectboard Office ((603) 756-3672 to make an appointment to have the meter read.

                            ALL OUTSIDE USAGE METERS

MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR READING.