9-27-06

Walpole Grange Launches Leadership Academy

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            The Walpole Leadership Academy, created by the Walpole Grange and co-sponsored by the Walpole Foundation, the Bridge-Wilson American Legion Post #77, and Women of Walpole, opens October 14 with a seven-month curriculum led by town officials and a full class of 15 participants.

            “Our purpose in creating the Academy,” said Kathy Yardley, president of the Walpole Grange, “is too identify, interest and prepare the next generation of leaders in the town.  We’ve been thrilled with the enthusiastic reception the idea has gotten from young leaders—men and women—in Walpole and from current office holders and others who will be our primary instructors.”

            The Academy opens October 14 with a panel discussion of the business and agricultural economies in Walpole led featuring Vickie Gohl, the entrepreneur behind several Walpole businesses including Ruggles & Hunt, Dave Westover, former president of Clark-Mortenson Insurance and co-founder of the new Walpole Creamery, and Alan Johnson, President of R.N. Johnson Equipment Co.  After that, the Academy schedule includes one Saturday morning and one weekday evening per month. Each session will look at operation of a town office, service or other function that depends on local leadership.  Current town leaders from selectmen to school administrators and board members to the chief of the volunteer fire department will share their experiences and challenges with the group of 15 participants.   Along the way, participants will learn about the rewards and stresses of town offices, the ins and outs of campaigning for office, and the problems current leaders face on a daily basis.

            “One of the purposes of the Grange from the beginning after the Civil War,” notes Ms. Yardley, “has been the strengthening of rural communities, and this program fits right into that purpose.”

            The Walpole Foundation has funded a number of town improvement projects, principally by rehabbing older buildings in the center of the village.  But, according to Foundation administrator Raynie Laware, “We saw this as a great opportunity to serve the community and expect it to make a real contribution over time to Walpole.”

            Bill Hladky, Commander of the Bridge-Wilson American Legion Post #77, said the Post has been watching for opportunities to become more involved in community projects and sees the Leadership Academy as a prime opportunity to serve the town and to foster a deeper knowledge and understanding of local government."

            Civic leadership programs are, of course, common among larger communities and even states in the region and nationally, but, according to Grange officials, they know of none being established in such a small community as Walpole.

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