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"The Sweet Power of Musicke" December 10
Ed. Note: Marche' Brown sent the following notice of an outstanding concert for the town. Marche' deserves that ' over--not beside--her e, but ColdFusion software, on which The Walpolean lives, doesn't want to put it there! CCB
On Sunday December 10th at 4:00 a group of five performers will present a free concert, “The Sweet Power of Musicke” at the Unitarian Church on Main Street in Walpole. The program is a creation of Judith Davidoff, director of the New York Concert of Viols and combines readings from Shakespeare with period songs and instrumental music played on the viola de gamba. With her on treble and tenor viols will be Alison Fowle, of Thetford, Vermont and Phylis Olson of Walpole. Renaissance songs such as Greensleeves and others less well known will be presented by soprano Nicolette Corrao of Bedford Center, Vermont and passages from Shakespeare, read by James Fowle of Thetford, Vermont, will provide context. Donations for the benefit of the Walpole Historical Society will be gratefully accepted. Call Phyllis Olson (756-0968) for more information.
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Paul Galloway Eagle Times Story
Ed. Note: Here is a story that appeared in yesterday's Eagle Times. CCB
11-20-06
Paul Galloway’s Search for Giant Trees
By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer
Some people collect stamps or teacups. Paul Galloway of Walpole collects trees. Big trees!
Early in the 1950s, Galloway and his brother Pen (now deceased) heard about the New Hampshire Big Trees project to identify the largest living specimen of all types of trees growing in the Granite State. And they were hooked!
Galloway, 77, has spent his whole life in Walpole. “Trees are in my genes. They really are!” he admits. “Most of my ancestors were farmers and lumbermen. And my most famous ancestor, Richard T. Fisher, founded the Harvard Forest educational and research center in 1907 that’s still going strong down in Petersham, Massachusetts along with a wonderful little museum named for him and 3,000 acres of forest that it manages.”
“Pen and I got wind of the Big Trees program about the time it started. He was all over New Hampshire, but I pretty much stuck to Walpole. We had a LOT of fun finding big trees and species that were new to us! And I’ve always wanted to get other people interested.”
Walpole is located in a transitional forest, according to Galloway, in that it contains a large variety of deciduous trees—trees that shed their leaves in the fall—and a large variety of evergreens. “All my life I’ve roamed these hills in Walpole,” he notes, “and my eyes are just focused on trees. So I have a pretty good idea of what’s out there.”
And, charting “what’s out there” in terms of the county’s, the state’s and even the nation’s largest beech, white oak, red maple and dozens of other species has fueled Galloway’s competitive passion.
Created by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and now administered by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Service, the New Hampshire Big Trees program is similar to comparable programs in most states. See http://extension.unh.edu/forestry/BigTree.htm for the current listing of New Hampshire’s largest trees in each category. Anyone is eligible to file the official form nominating a specific tree and reporting the number of points it deserves based on its breast level trunk circumference, its height, and its ACS or average crown spread measured in feet and quartered. One can even check the NATION’s largest known tree specimens at http://www.americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees/.
In Galloway’s case, his championship nominations are not based on casual size estimates! Trunk girth is measured by tape measure. Crown spread—the widest spread of the leaves—is measured by pacing off and measuring width of the widest and narrowest parts of the crown, averaging them, and dividing by four. He measures height, the most difficult to check accurately, with a “clinometer”, a precision Finnish instrument made by the Suunto Company. “I can get a really accurate height measurement. 83 feet, not 84! Of course, if the tree is on a hillside or closely surrounded by other trees, as many in Walpole are, I need to take several measurements to be sure I have it exactly right!” The number of points a tree rates is the total of the three measurements.
Galloway and his big tree hunting friends keep a running roster of largest specimens among 27 tree species in Walpole from black cherry to black ash, from eastern hemlock to northern red oak. Eighteen are Cheshire County champs—meaning the largest known example of their kind in the county—eight are New Hampshire state champs, and one, a recently found black ash not far from the Connecticut River, has been nominated by Galloway to be the new national champion! And each champion big tree has a story.
· * “Years ago, way the Hell back,” says Galloway, “my friend Tucker Burr called me up and said ‘I’ve got a buttonwood tree you should see’”. Sure enough, Burr’s buttonwood—also known as a sycamore—turned out to be the state champ, and it still stands in perfect health just outside Burr’s house off Old Drewsville Road.”
· * A fellow woodsman told Galloway last summer about the potential national champion black ash. “A friend and I prowled around a swampy area down near the river—black ashes are very rare and like wet areas—and sure enough, we were able to identify it by its location and physical characteristics and measured it. The current national champion is down in Virginia, and its number score is a lot lower than ours. So we’re hopeful to get it certified as the national champion soon!” If the nomination is accepted, it will be New Hampshire’s third national champion.
· * Galloway spotted one of his current Cheshire County champs, a gray birch, almost by accident. Leaving Alyson’s Orchard after updating the measurement of proprietor Bob Jasse’s county champion American elm, Galloway says, “a gray birch just happened to catch my eye. I needed a new county champion because gray birches are short-lived, and my county champion had recently succumbed.” New measurement, new submission, new champ!
“Big, champion trees are what I collect,” Galloway laughs. “It’s fun, and it’s healthy. I love to find them. And there’s constant turnover because when we’re talking about the size of trees we’re also talking about their age. We’ve had many champions that are dead and gone. But as soon as one dies, we’ll measure the next one we know about and see if we can find the new champion.”
--30--
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Former Iranian Ambassador to Speak in Brattleboro
Windham World Affairs Council Program
Ed. Note: This promises to be an interesting evening program ten days from now. CCB
Former Iranian Ambassador Discusses Middle Eastern Perceptions
of American Policy
Mansour Farhang, former Iranian Ambassador to the UN, will discuss Middle Eastern perceptions of America's stated intentions in the region in a talk at Brattleboro's Brooks Memorial Library on December 6. The talk, "America and the Middle East," is part of the Vermont Humanities Council's First Wednesdays lecture series and takes place at 7:00 p.m. The program is cohosted by the Library and the Windham World Affairs Council of Vermont.
Farhang was Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in 1979-1980. Since 1983 he has taught international relations and Middle Eastern politics at Bennington College. He has written for academic publications, popular periodicals, and newspapers. He serves on Human Rights Watch/Middle East and has appeared as a commentator on television and radio, and is the author of A Theology in Power: Reflections on the Iranian Revolution, to be published in 2007.
The program is free, accessible to people with disabilities and open to the public. For more information, contact Brooks Memorial Library at 802.254.5290, ext 101, www.brooks.lib.vt.us, or contact the Vermont Humanities Council at 802.262.2626 or info@vermonthumanities.org, or visit www.vermonthumanities.org.
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11-15-06 Walpole Zoning Board Minutes
Thanks to board secretary Pam Aslinger, here are the minutes of the 11-15-06 Zoning board meeting. CCB
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Walpole, NH 03608
Minutes---15 November 2006
Present: M. Mansouri, J. Galloway-LeClerc, L. Britton, L. Carignan (alt), B. Webb(alt), L. LaClair (alt), L. Weber
NOTE: THE Following MINUTES WILL BE REVIEWED ON 20 December 2006.
The meeting was called to order at 7:40pm
Public Hearing: Ch. Mansouri said the Horn’s have written a letter to the Board of Selectmen saying they have decided not to install a shed on their property, the Public Hearing has been cancelled. She read the letter (on file).
New Business: Ch. Mansouri said some folks were coming in about a home business however no one was present in the audience. Ms. Weber said someone had left a message on her home answering machine regarding a home business that was a decorating business with no customers, instead you go to the client’s home. Ms. Weber told them to appear before the Board, she was not able to give an answer over the phone or without the entire Board’s input. She did not get the person’s name and left that message on their answering machine. She did not regard their proposal as a problem but was concerned it was in the Rural Agricultural Zone which does not have the same language for home businesses as in the Residential Zone. She suggested the Board ask the Planning Board to revise the Zoning Ordinance to include the same language for 2007. She suggested the language be identical to the wording in the Residential Zone. The ZBA has granted a couple of variances this year in the Rural Ag. District for home businesses. Mr. LaClair asked if the Board would need a motion to make the suggestion to the Planning Board and remembered the issue being raised before by former member Mr. Vose. Ch. Mansouri asked if members would like to continue the discussion or use the same exact language as in the Residential district. Ms. Weber read the language from Article V Residential District A and B, B. (3). It is not an issue in the Commercial District or Industrial or Timberland. She sees no reason to prevent a property owner in the Rural Ag. District from having a home business as described in the Residential District. Mr. Webb said the wording in the Residential District is inclusive and should be used in the Rural Ag. Ms. Weber said it would be best to have the same wording. Ch. Mansouri asked if the Board would like to make a motion. Mr. LaClair asked if the minutes could be referred to, to see if a vote was taken before. Ms. Weber referred to past minutes of 26 July 2006 special meeting. It stated the same language should be used but discussion should be taken up at another time with a full board. Ms. Weber moved to write a letter to the PB recommending that the current home business language in the Residential District, which has been extended to the Commercial District should be specifically extended to the Rural Agricultural District as well. Seconded by Mr. LaClair, motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Britton expressed concern that as the Rural Ag. District slides into more of a residential use, the farming activities are lost and clashes between the two would increase. Ms. Weber reminded that the preamble of the Rural Agricultural District protects the District. Ms. Weber noted the Commercial District shows only a reference to the use permitted in Residential B. She wondered if it would simplify the change.
Ch. Mansouri asked if the Board would like to change the vote to use the language in the Commercial District. Ms. Weber referred to other uses in Res. B not compatible in the Res. District, the original motion and vote remained in place.
Other New Business: Ch. Mansouri received cell tower regulations from SWRPC, they are holding a teleconference on the issue December 5th at 2:45 pm in the meeting room at the K-Fox studio in Keene. She said there is a website to view the agenda. She asked if any member would like to attend. Mr. Carignan volunteered.
Old Business: Gravel Pits.
Ch. Mansouri said she and Larry Britton went to the Cold River Materials on Whipple Hill Rd. and plant on Old Drewsville Rd. She said the main plant is run very well possibly because it is closely watched by other State agencies. The Whipple Hill site has materials removed and burned. They did find some standing water was in the pit. She spoke with Bill Jeans and Rick asking to them to improve the ditching and clean up the water. She will go back in a week to see if it has been taken care of.
They also went to the Wood pit on Alstead Center Rd. They designate the pit closest to Drewsville Pit A, which seems to have been abandoned. Reclamation has begun by way of pine trees growing and cow manure piled. Mr. LaClair asked if they had followed a reclamation design? Ms. Mansouri and Mr. Britton said no, but the pit shows no gravel has been taken and the vegetation is fast growing. Ch. Mansouri suggests they write a letter to Mrs. Wood telling her what they found. Pit B is closer to the Langdon town line on the same side, a couple of hundred yards up where Mr. Putnam grows corn. There has been activity. She and Larry have not filled out the form yet. Mr. Britton said they had a hard time locating Pit B. They had never been there and finally had to have Ernie help them. Ms. Mansouri was there this am. Mr. Carignan asked if Ernie had filled out 2 reports for these pits. The answer was no, only one report was filled out for the pit in the past. It was thought they were the same pit. Lucy remembered there being only one. Ch. Mansouri said there seems to be a delineation between the pits, but it may have been one continuous pit in the past. She said they prefer to treat them separately especially since Pit A appears to be abandoned. Mr. LaClair asked if there were any problems with Pit B, answer was no.
Ms. Mansouri interjected she has received a handbook for earth excavations from the SWRPC and offered to share the information with the other members.
Mr. LaClair asked if a motion was needed for the letters. Mr. Britton was concerned that there is only one pit. Mr. Carignan agreed saying there was a slight burm between them, but they are the same pit. Ch. Mansouri said the burm is substantial now and definitely divides the two. Mr. Britton asked if it is a grandfathered pit, how specific does the inspection get in the excavation? Ch. Mansouri said it was a good question but she is not sure what the answer is. Ms. LeClerc was not in favor of creating a second pit because part of it was abandoned. Mr. LaClair read from the regulations where it shows areas of 5 acres or more that aren’t being used must be reclaimed. Mr. Britton said it is not more than 2 acres. Mr. Carignan asked if Pit B is larger? Ch. Mansouri said it was approximately 4-5 acres. Mr. LaClair said the total area is 6-7 acres with only part of it being excavated. He read from the Regs Section 155 E 5 (a) Incremental Reclamation stating areas of greater than 5 acres that have not been used for 2 years must undergo reclamation measures within 12 months. Ch. Mansouri said the area is less than 5 acres.
Mr. LaClair asked if a motion was in order to clarify the ZBA believes it is one pit, not two, therefore the area that has been unused is small enough that it does not require reclamation, so no letter is to be sent. So moved by Mr. LaClair, seconded by Mr. Britton, motion carried unanimously.
Old Business Continued:
The Board has written a letter to Mr. Russell Hodgkins. Ms. Weber asked if it had been mailed. Ch. Mansouri said she did mail it, however Mr. Hodgkins was not present at the meeting. She read the letter aloud, on file. The letter stated the site visit and the issues needed addressing and to appear before the Board at tonight’s meeting. The letter was dated 10/19 and clearly stated for Mr. Hodgkins to appear before the Board. Mr. Britton suggested a copy of the letter to go to the Board of Selectmen. Members agreed, they have given Mr. Hodgkins enough notice and information. Mr. Carignan suggested another letter go to Mr. Hodgkins stating if they do not hear from him it will be turned over to the Selectmen. A suggestion was made to send the letter certified, return receipt requested. It was noted this issue was discussed extensively at the last meeting.
Mr. LaClair moved to have the Board Secretary write a letter to the Hodgkins Company with copies of the prior letters and correspondence attached, to be sent by certified mail notifying Mr. Hodgkins the Board would like him to appear at the December 20th meeting. If he cannot appear at the meeting the matter will be turned over to the Selectmen. Motion was seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Weber will write the letter.
Old Business continued:
Mr. LaClair asked if Ch. Mansouri had checked with SWRPC regarding lawyers on retainer? Ch. Mansouri said she had spoken with them but they were not able to make any suggestions. She did speak with Selectmen Miller who said the Town does have it’s own Attorney. Mr. Webb said he didn’t think he was on retainer, the Selectmen haven’t done this in the past. He said there wouldn’t be enough use. Mr. LaClair said the discussion was about whether the Board could call on someone that was specialized in Zoning and Planning matters specifically. Mr. Carignan said the ZBA has no power of enforcement, why is it an issue. Mr. LaClair said it would be an issue if someone files suit against the ZBA. Ms. Weber said the seminar some members attended suggested Boards have on retainer their own lawyer to prevent someone from consulting with all attorney’s in the area, thereby eliminating them from representing the ZBA, which does happen. Unless the Board has their own legal budget, they are subject to using the Selectmen’s choice. Pamela. Aslinger, recording secretary and Planning Board alternate stated the Planning Board had lived through an instance recently that limited their choices because the person who was bringing suit had consulted with several of the Board’s choices ahead of time. She said the Planning Board was requesting a legal amount of $1000.00 for the 2007 budget in order to have the authority of choosing their own representation if the need were to arise. She said however, the Town’s attorney did a satisfactory job for the Board. She said since the two Boards were separating their budgets it would be a good time to add the legal lines. She suggested when the ZBA reviews their budget, they should bring their fees in line to a break even point, that it is a
good selling point to the BOS. Mr. Webb was concerned with the $1000.00 if it were not used. The amount could be encumbered or go back to the general fund. Mr. LaClair asked if the PB was going to put a lawyer on retainer? Ms. Aslinger said the PB would like to get the line in first, approaching legal representation would be the next step, whether to have them on call or on retainer would have to be determined. Mr. LaClair suggested the ZBA and PB piggyback their efforts. Mr. Britton said if the PB had good service from the Town’s Attorney, why change? Ch. Mansouri asked about the PB fee increase to cover legal fees. Ms. Aslinger gave the Board an overview of the PB fees collected and the budget request for 2007. The Zoning Board discussed some line items in relation to their fees. Ms. Aslinger suggested they take the number of applications they processed and divide it into the budget items that are application related to see if the fees are covering the costs. Ms. Mansouri asked if a deadline had been set for submitting the budget. Ms. Aslinger said Teresa had not given her a deadline but thought the sooner the budgets could be prepared and submitted the better. Mr. LaClair suggested the Board take an action to review the budget and have further discussion about adding the legal line into the budget. He suggested they contact the Planning Board about sharing the legal expenses. Mr. Britton is against a retainer. Ms. Aslinger related her time spent on the Warner Planning Board where they had a Town Lawyer on retainer. She said all Boards were able to call on him at anytime about any Town, zoning or planning issue. She said at one point all the land use boards held a special meeting with him, asking the common questions that continuously come up, such as how to determine a conflict of interest. She said she still refers to the question and answers from that meeting, she feels it is a very important tool. Mr. Carignan questioned whether the same lawyer could represent both boards without a conflict of interest? Members thought it could be a problem. Mr. LaClair felt whether the lawyer was on retainer or not, is not that important. Ms. Weber offered to make a few calls to determine a more accurate dollar amount before requesting it in the budget. She would like to get something for the amount that was useful to the Board. Mr. LaClair felt the main importance of having the line is to have the ability to choose ZBA representation. Ms. LeClerc wondered whether the Board would suffer under the Selectmen’s choice. Ms. Weber thought it was more likely that a particularly litigious person might consult with every lawyer in the area to prevent the Board from choosing anyone of their first choice, this would be the reason to retain. Mr. LaClair moved that the ZBA ask a subcommittee be appointed by the Chair to review the fees and come back with a recommendation and at that point develop the budget that will include a line item for legal expenses for the Zoning Board with the understanding that they reserve the right to talk to the Planning Board about possibly making an arrangement with the lawyer they might be selecting. Ms. Weber said she wasn’t sure she was ready to do the line item. Ms. Mansouri asked if it would be better to review the budget first and fees. Then discuss the line item later. Ms. Weber said the line item could be added next month, without making a motion. Mr. LaClair was concerned if they didn’t pass the motion the issue would get dropped like a few have been in the past. He prefers to act on it now. Mr. Carignan doesn’t worry about it being dropped. Ms. LeClerc prefers to have Lucy call a couple of Attorney’s and see if the Town’s Attorney is available before they vote on a line item. Larry Britton agreed with Jan. Mr. Webb said each person on the Board seems uneasy but nothing is eminent so more information would be his recommendation. Mr. LaClair
felt the Board should act to address the issue prior to the Board needing an Attorney, to select a specialist in the area and to create the line for this year’s budget even if it isn’t used. Ms. Mansouri asked if Mr. LaClair would like to amend his motion. He said he would amend it to ask Lucy to do her review work, gather information about retainer fees and attorneys in this area. Mr. Webb seconded the motion. Vote was called, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Britton was concerned that a lawyer would be hired on retainer only, asking if the motion contained that provision. It did not. Ms. LeClerc asked if the line item was part of the motion. Answer was yes, but Mr. LaClair suggested it could be amended later. Ms. Weber agreed that the line item should be delayed until the other information is gathered and reviewed. She didn’t realize she voted it in on the last motion. Mr. Britton said he didn’t think it was unusual to have things move slowly on the Boards, he didn’t agree that things fall through the cracks. Ms. Weber said the budget process has spurned this discussion and will move it forward. Ms. Mansouri asked if Mr. LaClair would like to amend his motion. Mr. LaClair said no, it could be reassessed at the next meeting. Ch. Mansouri asked if any others wanted to make another motion. Mr. Webb asked if Mr. LeClairs’ motion was causing any harm. Answer was no. He said the issue could be reviewed again at the December meeting.
Minutes of prior month’s meeting: Mr. LaClair asked to have Mr. Hodgkin’s first name added to the minutes, Russell. Mr. LaClair referred to later in the minutes the Board discussed filling member vacancies. Mr. LaClair noted the Board is required to fill a membership vacancy if it comes up. The information came from the Seminar they attended. He stated the lawyer said if there is a member vacancy they could not just fill it meeting by meeting with an alternate. Mr. Carignan stated, if it is required, the Board needs to act on it. Mr. Britton said when the meeting is started someone was to be appointed there was not an appointed alternate at this meeting. Ms. Weber said she was late getting to tonight’s meeting and assumed an alternate had been appointed. If the Board agrees, this is a very good reason to fill the vacancy. Mr. Britton moved to appoint Leo Carignan to fill Ernie Vose’s vacancy. Ms. LeClerc seconded, vote was called, the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Britton suggested another alternate be appointed to keep the Board seats filled. Ch. Mansouri called for a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. LeClerc made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion was seconded, vote was called. The motion carried unanimously.
Being no further business the Meeting adjourned at 9:10pm. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 7:30pm
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Aslinger, Recording Secretary
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Selectmen's Minutes from November 9
Here are minutes of the Selectmen's meeting of November 9 meeting supplied by secretary Regina Borden. CCB
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
NOVEMBER 09, 2006
Selectmen Present: Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, (Absent: Sheldon Sawyer)
Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with two people present in the audience.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
ATTORNEY TOM HANNA: Attorney Hanna has a client who is interested in purchasing property and building in the Town of Walpole. The Board of Selectmen suggested that he attend the next meeting for further discussion when a full Board is present
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Dick Hurlburt prepared a preliminary budget but had some questions regarding the Emergency Management. There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen that he meet with Teresa Kissell to work on several of the budget line items.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Miller moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $74,070.97. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
PAYROLL: Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending November 4, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $15,088.66 or net wages in the amount of $7,572.22. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
Mr. Miller moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,491.77. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- NOVEMBER 02, 2006: Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of November 02, 2006, as printed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meetings of October 30, 2006 and November 07, 2006.
WARRANTS:
WALPOLE PROPERTY TAX WARRANT – RE-SIGN: Mr. Miller moved to approve and re-sign the Warrant for the 2006 Town of Walpole Property Tax Second Issue in the amount of $3,210,404.00. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
OLD BUSINESS:
HEALTH INSURANCE RATES FOR 2007: Mr. Miller moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Local Government Center Medical Coverage and Rates document. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
HOOPER MANSION – NATIONAL REGISTER: Mr. Miller agreed to follow-up on the nomination of the Hooper Mansion for the National Register. Tom Cashel did a lot of the preliminary work and wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen outlining what he did.
USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES: Mr. Miller moved that the Chairman be empowered to sign the “Assurances Relating To Real Property Acquisition” form that was covered in the Public Hearing on the Emergency Watershed Protection Program preceding this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
NEW BUSINESS:
POLICE DEPARTMENT: The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Walpole Police Activity Graph that Police Chief Hewes provided.
PARKING LOT: Mr. Aldrich received a phone call from Red Smith following the recent incident at Burdick’s. He called the power company relative to having another light put on the pole in back of the old Fire Station next to the Walpole Tavern as people are concerned with having more light in that area. A decision will be made when a full Board of Selectmen is present.
LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:
CONNECTICUT RIVER BYWAY: Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the letter to the Connecticut River Byway regarding the Vilas Bridge. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
Mr. Miller moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted. The time was 8:34 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
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Walpole Journal Notes...
Fall Mountain High School students are giving their production of "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder November 30 and December 1 and 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the school. Trina Carmody of Walpole, a Guidance Counselor at the school and teacher Bill Finnerty are directing, and several Walpole kids are in the cast. Might be a fun evening!
Had an interesting interview with Principal Tom Ferenc in connection with a story I'm writing about Fall Mountain's preparations for dealing with security issues in a modern high school. Security is clearly a complex, high-level concern, and school officials are very tuned into the kids and the issues. The story will appear in the Eagle Times in a week or two.
Sharon Boccelli, proprietor of Bocelli's on the Canal, the Italian eatery in Bellows Falls, the associated grocery and the auction house next door, has now opened Sharon Bocelli & Co. Antiques up Canal Street opposite the SoverNet office and next to The Village Printers. What a dynamo! Sharon told me she was working years ago on a General Motors assembly line and bought a $2 book on entering the antique business. In her first antique venture near Boston, she literally scavenged furniture other people were throwing out, restored it, filled a storefront, and sold it all! Then she discovered auctions and their ability to sell a whole store full of items in a few hours. That led to her becoming a licensed auctioneer. For several years now she has purchased entire estates and sold or auctioned them. Her first major auction was in Bellows Falls last week, and she expects to hold monthly estate auctions in her handsome hall next to the restaurant beginning after the first of the year. She moved to Bellows Falls a little over a year ago, stayed home in Westminster West for a year and then started creating businesses! Check THEM out!
Also had a good update with old friend Jim Mort, proprietor of Fat Frank's, The Wurst Place in Town, the terrific hotdog place on Main Street in Bellows Falls. All sorts of hotdogs, sausages, and great mustards. Pay him a visit when you get a chance! Jim, incidentally, will be opening a wine, beer and cheese store next to Frank's in the spring.
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Let's Party with the Walpole Artisans!
Friday, November 24 at Hastings House!
Ray Boas writes that, "In thanks for all the support our Walpole friends and neighbors have given us over the years, the Walpole Artisans are hosting our Opening Reception at Hastings House from 5 PM to 7 PM on Friday, November 24th. Besides displays of the artisans' work, wine and refreshments are being provided by area merchants including: Boggy Meadows Farm; Bellows House Bakery; Burdick's Restaurant; Alyson's Orchard; and the Walpole Creamery. All Walpolean readers, among others, are welcome!" (The 4th Annual Walpole Artisans Tour itself will take place on the weekends of Noember 25 and 26 and December and 3. More details later!) CCB
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Walpole Hearing on Rt. 123 Bridge Design
Ed. Note: Several plans are being considered for the replacement of the century-old double arched stone bridge that was knocked down by the flood on the Cold River 13 months ago. This hearing announced below by NHDOT will allow citizen input on the preferred design of the new span. To date the question has been whether to build a single span or a dual span. The dual span would cost more and take a little more time ot build. Recently a local group suggested a wooden covered bridge. Orginally the goal was to build it in 2007; now it's looking more like 2008. Come to this hearing to get the latest info and to speak your piece if you have an opinion or a suggestion. CCB
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation announces a Public Informational Meeting will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2006 in Walpole to discuss options for replacing the bridge that carried NH Route 123 over the Cold River.
The purpose of this meeting is to present citizens and public officials with information regarding the proposed bridge options and to solicit input in order to ensure that project decisions meet public transportation needs, community goals, and protect and enhance the environment.
The December 5 public meeting will be held at the Walpole Town Hall, 34 Elm Street in Walpole, New Hampshire, beginning at 7:00 pm.
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Major Bridal Show at Alyson's Orchard on Sunday
There will be a major bridal show at Alyson's Orchard from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. THIS Sunday, November 12. Alyson's is hoping to attract brides, future brides, maybe even those who would like to meet a bride, to come to the orchard and see its terrific facilities for hosting weddings. The day will feature fashion shows, door prizes, caterers handing out samples, etc. For further information, phone Tara Sad at 756-9800. CCB
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Great Success for Friends of the Library Book & Tag Sale
Friends of the Town Library Chair Lyn Cooke has announced that the book and tag sale it sponsored two weeks ago raised over $3,300 that will be used for book acquisition and other needed items for both the Walpole and North Walpole branches. Once again Carol Christian chaired the project, and she was assisted by several dozen hard-working volunteers that collected and sorted books during the summer, transported them to the Town Hall, supervised the sale, and dealt with all leftover books. It was a huge project that will greatly benefit our libraries! Congratulations to Lyn, Carol, and all of those who made it such a success! CCB
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Tuesday, November 14 Planning Board Agenda
Thanks to Pam Aslinger, here is the tentative agenda for next Tuesday's Planning Board meeting. CCB
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
November 14, 2006 7:30PM Town Hall
Agenda
I. Open Meeting
A. Roll Call/Designate Alternates
B. Approve Minutes of 10/10/06
II. Review Applications Submitted for Completeness: Accept -- Reject -- Delay
A. Benson Woodworking Co. Inc./Emicor LLC: Proposed Site Plan Review
Located on 6 Blackjack Crossing Rd., Map 1, Lot 4, Rural Agricultural District,resulting in a new 56 x 100 sq. ft. storage building attached to existing West facility on the South end. The building will be for storage only of completed homes awaiting seasonal construction times. Mr. Randall Walter presenting.
B. Margaret P. Cray Revocable Trust/Stephen Bragdon Esq.: Proposed Minor 2 Lot Subdivision - Located on 129 Main St./Cray Road in North Walpole, Map 27, Lot 10-1, Residential District, creating Lot 1 of 2.95 acres with an existing house and Lot 2 of 33.21 acres. Lot 2 lacks 75 ft. road frontage but was granted a variance by N. Walpole ZBA on 10/19/06. Mr. DiBernardo presenting.
C. Alyson’s Orchard/Robert Jasse: Revision to Approved Subdivision
Located on Wentworth and Graves Rd., Map 5, Lots 2-9, Rural Agricultural District. Purpose is to reconfigure the approved R.O.W on lot 2. Original 7 Lot Subdivision was approved on 9/14/2004. The Board is not required to hold a public hearing on this minor revision. Mr. DiBernardo presenting.
III. Close Meeting -- Open Public Hearings
A. Benson Woodworking
B. Margaret P. Cray
IV. Close Public Hearings -- Re-open Meeting
V. Take Action on Applications Submitted: Approve -- Disapprove -- Delay
A. Benson Woodworking
B. Margaret P. Cray
C. Alyson’s Orchard/Robert Jasse
VI. Old Unfinished Business: Pending Applications
A. Claire Whitcomb Trust - 3 Lot Subdivision - Continued Review/Action
B. Marvic Management LLC - 4 Lot Subdivision N. Walpole - Continued Review/Action
VII. New Business: Preliminary Conceptual Consultation (s)
A. Eric Frink - Class VI Road resolution Merriam Rd.
B. Other
VIII. Communications and Miscellaneous
A. Budget Review for 2006/2007
B. Zoning Amendment Proposal 2007 - Dearborn Circle
C. Master Plan/Zoning Ordinance Revision(s)
D. Other
IX. Adjourn Meeting
Posted: Town Hall, Lobby, Burdick’s Market, www.thewalpolean.com
CC: PB, ZBA, Town Office’s, N. Walpole VC, ZBA, Fire Dept.
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Walpole Recycling Center Closed Tomorrow!
Thanks to Nan Durling for letting us know that Walpole's Recycling Center is CLOSED tomorrow--Saturday--for Veterans' Day. CCB
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Christmas Sale at the Walpole Historical Society
Thanks to Judy Shumway (756-3664) for this info on the Christmas Sale at the Walpole Historical Society.
The Society will hold a special Christmas sale on Saturday and Sunday, November 18th and 19th . The gift shop will be open from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 18, and from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 19th.
Located in the old Academy building on Main Street in Walpole, the gift shop is stocked with a wide variety of items just perfect for holiday giving. Items range from note cards, advent calendars, invitations and cocktail napkins to period toys, decorative pillows and unique jewelry. Also available are all manner of things related to Walpole: books, photographs, maps and much, much more. Plan to start your holiday shopping at the Walpole Academy
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Test Entry for Walpolean Maintenance Purposes
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October 26, 2006 Selectmen's Minutes
Thanks to Secretary Regina Borden, here are the minutes of the October 26 Board of Selectmen's meeting. CCB
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OCTOBER 26, 2006
Selectmen Present: Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer
Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with no one present in the audience.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $371,735.86. Seconded by Mr. Miller. All in favor, so voted.
The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $328,427.85 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.
Mr. Miller moved to approve the voided check register for check No. 049400. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. All in favor, so voted.
PAYROLL: Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending October 21, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $14,691.91 or net wages in the amount of $7,256.67. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. All in favor, so voted.
Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,486.02. Seconded by Mr. Miller. All in favor, so voted.
MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- OCTOBER 19, 2006: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of October 19, 2006, as printed. Seconded by Mr. Miller. All in favor, so voted.
DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of October 24, 2006.
ABATEMENTS:
ALAN DUPREY – WATER AND SEWER: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement in the amounts of $112.00 for Water and $60.00 for Sewer for Alan Duprey. Seconded by Mr. Miller. All in favor, so voted.
THOMAS CASHEL, JR. – WATER AND SEWER: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement in the amounts of $827.07 for Water and $636.21 for Sewer for Thomas Cashel, Jr. This is due to a break and inaccurate readings. Seconded by Mr. Miller. All in favor, so voted.
REFUNDS:
LLOYD BROOKS – SEWER: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Refund in the amount of $62.00 for Sewer for Lloyd Brooks. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Mr. Miller was opposed. With Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
POLICE – TRACY NASH FUND: Mr. Sawyer moved to allow the Police Department to transfer their Benevolent Fund in the amount of $452.20 to the Tracy Nash Fund. Seconded by Mr. Miller. All in favor, so voted.
BRATTLEBORO PAINTING: Mr. Sawyer moved to invite Mr. Jockell of the Brattleboro Roofing and Painting Company to attend a Board of Selectmen meeting to explain what will need to be done to the Town Hall roof so the amount can be included in the budget for next year. Seconded by Mr. Miller. All in favor, so voted.
WALPOLE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: Mr. Aldrich noted that the Board of Selectmen will be participating in the Walpole Leadership Academy seminar on Saturday, November 4th from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Topics for discussion were outlined.
NEW BUSINESS:
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ADMINISTRATION: The Board of Selectmen announced that the DRA representative will be in the office on Monday, October 30th at 10:00 am to set the tax rate.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: The Board of Selectmen approved the request from Jim Terrell to hire a full time employee with a CDL license for the Highway Department.
CRJC – HARVEST SUPPER – NOVEMBER 15: The Connecticut River Joint Commissions will be holding a Harvest Supper on November 15th at the Queechee Inn.
Mr. Sawyer moved that Mr. Miller draft a letter to the CRJC requesting that they consider using Byway funding to repair the Vilas Bridge. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. All in favor, so voted.
MEETING: There will be a meeting on November 2nd in Alstead to discuss the Draft Assessment Report and Prioritized Restoration Sites for the Cold River, Bowers Brook and Warren Brook Restoration Plan at the Vilas Middle School from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Miller. All in favor, so voted. The time was 8:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
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Walpole Notes 11-5-06 by Chuck Bingaman
Beth Yardley Merrill, who grew up in Walpole, was installed today in an impressive ceremony at Stonewall Farm in Keene as the State Master of the New Hampshire Grange. Her sister Kathy Yardley, currently president of the Walpole Grange, was also installed as the State Ceres.
Walpole Selectmen Whit Aldrich, Chuck Miller and Sheldon Sawyer presented the program Saturday morning for the Walpole Leadership Academy. Their 90-minute presentation explained the many roles of selectmen, the way that the town budget is put together and how the various town officers, committees and commissions interact. Elaine Moore, administrative assistant to the selectmen (and herself a Westmoreland selectman), also joined in the session and invited participants to visit the selectmen’s office to meet the other staff members and to see how the records are organized. The next Walpole Leadership Academy session precedes the Planning Board meeting on November 14.
Wednesday, November 8 is National Parents as Teachers Day. Parents as Teachers is a nationwide voluntary family education and support program aimed at giving children the best possible start in life. Locally, Walpole resident Jana Gillespie Sellarole is Director and Parent Educator for PAT in Sullivan County AND the Fall Mountain School District. Jana and her staff coordinate home visits by PAT-certified parent educators, offer group educational meetings for parents, do developmental screenings, and provide referrals to needed community services for parents and children. Further information on the Parents as Teachers National Center is available at www.patnc.org.
Did you know that Stonewall Farm in Keene is going organic by June, 2007. As are dairy farmers throughout New England, Stonewall has been struggling with low milk prices and hopes to do better with the higher prices and increasing demand for organic milk. Glen Yardley, formerly of Walpole, is the Stonewall Farm Manager. For further info, see www.stonewallfarm.org.
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Out of Print and Antique Book Sale Event
Sunday Final Day; Ray Boas on the Common in Walpole Taking Part
Ed. Note: I am tardy in telling you about this event, but the ROUND THE MOUNTAIN BOOK SALE has its final day on SUNDAY,and our Walpolean friend Ray Boas is participating this year. ROUND THE MOUNTAIN BOOK SALE has been held every fall and spring for over ten years. Five out-of-print bookshops in the Mt. Monadnock area host this sale event, and this fall for the first time, Ray is joining Aard Books in Troy; Eagle Books in Keene; Homestead Books in Marlborough, and Bequaert Old Books in Fitzwilliam. Tomorrow--Sunday--is the last day.
Cathy and Ray Boas started attending the "Round the Mountain" and to vacation in the area surrounding Mt. Monadnock 10 years ago. They credit attending the tour and friends they met while doing so as contributing to their moving their bookshop to the Common in Walpole from Connecticut in 2002. Or call Ray at 756-9900.
For more information and directions to the shops please visit: www.roundthemountain.com
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