Ed. Note: Our Walpole TriVillage Energy Committee continues to create innovative, important events and opportunities for all of us to learn about ways to steward our energy supplies and budgets. Here is their latest program. CCB
Cold River Watershed Energy Challenge
The Cold River Watershed Energy Challenge will present a solar hot water workshop on Friday, January 16 at the Town Hall in Acworth, NH. The presentation will offer an introduction to solar, how solar hot water heating works, benefits and will discuss The Cold River Watershed Solar Initiative and how people can participate. Call Alice Fogel at 835-6783 for further information.
The program will begin with a potluck supper.
The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was extended and expanded in October 2008 making an investment in solar energy more affordable than ever. The ITC provides for a 30% tax credit on the hot water system price (after rebates) and caps at $2,000. The tax credit can also be extended over a five year period. In addition to the federal incentives customers of the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative can receive additional rebates.
groSolar, North America’s premier distributer, installer and integrator of solar power solutions for homes and businesses based in White River Junction, VT has partnered with the energy committees of Acworth, Alstead, Walpole and Langdon to presetnt this kickoff tof he Cold River Watershed Energy Challenge! See www.grosolar.com.
The Energy Challenge is designed to introduce people to solar hot water and utilize cooperative buying to lower the costs of installed solar hot water systems. Solar hot water systems are designed to provide hot water using the clean and renewable power of the sun, supplementing the existing hot water heating system. In addition to cooperative buying through the town energy committees, there are a number of federal, state and utility incentives to make solar hot water even more affordable.
Congratulations again to The Walpole Players for their inspired production of "A Christmas Carol" and for their generous gift of all proceeds to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf. Ray Boas reported yesterday that the three-night event raised over $2,300 for the Food Shelf! CCB
Congratulations to Walpole Players' Co-Directors Ray Boas and Tara Sad for their magnificent production of "A Christmas Carol" that opened its three-night run in Town Hall last night! Everything about it was the best imaginable that a small town can be from Ray's inspired adaptation of Dickens' classic to the terrific set built by Bill Perron to the talented cast led by Jim Skofield as a masterful Charles Dickens himself!
It's a shame that space doesn't allow my naming every member of the cast and crew, but I urge you to make your way through the snow and attend this great event if you possibly can tonight or tomorrow. The tickets ARE sold out, I understand, but the weather may prevent a few from coming and more tickets might be available at around 6:45 p.m. (Oh, and I should remind you that tickets are FREE but you'll be asked to make a cash or check donation to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf in the amount that you choose. You could even do that if you don't get to the play!)
Also, I remind you that the Walpole Farmers Holiday Market is set for 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. tomorrow at the Town Hall. I understand there will be as many as 25 stalls with locally produced agricultural products with emphasis on seasonal items. Don't let the snow keep you away!
Finally, Walpole School's PrincipalSam Jacobs reports that the school will be having a special assembly Tuesday afternoon, December 23 at 2:00 p.m. culminating the school's first "Caring & Giving Month" involving all the school's students. Students at the assembly will report on their successes in performing acts of kindness during the month and collecting canned goods, mittens & hats, and cash donations and they'll report where all the collected items are going. The public is invited to attend. CCB
The First Congregational Church of Walpole invites the public to attend its 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, December 21, at which the choir will offer John Rutter’s Gloria, along with a professional brass ensemble, organ and percussion. This is a thrilling work being offered in the spirit of the holiday season and is sure to put you in a festive mood. For more information, call Judy Spinella at 756-9221.
1. Print Holiday Farmers Market Poster below.
2. Tape on front of fridge.
3. Read often between now and Saturday.
4. Attend and enjoy!
5. Have Happy Holidays!
Mrs. Claus to Appear at the Walpole Holiday Farmer's Market!
by Sue Bingaman, Contributing Writer
Mrs. Claus (from 11:30 am - 12n) and Santa's elf (from 12n - 1pm) host the first Walpole Holiday Farmer's Market at the Town Hall Saturday, December 20 from 10 am to 2 pm. Have lunch or a snack and stock up on food items and last minute Christmas gifts!
Visitors will see many of their favorite farmers there with good things to eat: Great Brook Farm - milk and ground beef, The Walpole Creamery - lots of flavors of "home grown" ice cream, Boggy Meadow Farm - cheeses, Clark's Sugar house - maple products, Valley View Bison - bison burgers, Alyson's Orchard- complimentary apples!, Black Cat Honey- honey products, RAE - garlic, Old Cider Press Farm - apple pies, blueberry, peach, apple turnovers, Porkside Farm - pork, Bo-Riggs Cattle Company- beef, Vermont Shepherd- sheep cheese, Brookfield Farm- grass fed lamb and veal AND eggnog by the glass, Orchard Hill Breadworks- healthy bread.
It is a great opportunity to feed your freezer for the winter. Visitors can relax and have a sandwich and hot soup from Scudderly Delicious or savory turnovers from the Samosaman or a fruit turnover from Old Cider Press Farm.
Local artisans will appear at the Holiday Market as well. Barn Door Wreaths will offer eggs and balsam gifts, Grace and Miss Mouse - soap, Crescendo Acres - alpaca products. Inkle Loom Weavings will demonstrate weaving and will sell woven belts, plant hangers, bookmarks; Wake Robin Folk Ornaments will sell ornaments from straw and birch bark, Bonnie Bloom will sell medicinal herbs and Sanctuary's Alpaca Farm will sell alpaca products.
Abenaki Springs Farm will have information about their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and pastured meat and Valley Farms will have information on their eggs, poultry and meat products. The Walpole Grange will have information and top notch cookbooks for sale!
As the Holiday Market is sponsored by TriVillage Energy visitors will see demonstrations and hear discussions by experts on how to can and preserve food for winter, how to store root vegetables in sand in the cellar, how to can tomatoes, make preserves and more! And they will be able to discuss the community garden being organized in Walpole for ground breaking next spring.
Opinion: How Fortunate We Are to Have Chief Dick Hurlburt Lead Walpole’s Volunteer Fire/EMS Service
Wow! Do you know how fortunate all of us in Walpole are to have Fire Chief Dick Hurlburt and our crack team of over 40 volunteer firefighters and EMS providers?
Having sat in last night for the Walpole Leadership Academy’s final session of the first half of the year’s curriculum, I was impressed all over again with the leadership demonstrated by Dick and further described by Bill Carmody, an Academy class member and eight-year volunteer firefighter himself who moderated the session.
* Dick Hurlburt has been our Chief for 12 years and served another multi-year stint before cutting back to being a regular volunteer for several years when his children were growing up.Dick’s dad was chief for 22 years (and still helps out!), and his grandfather was chief for 5 years.
*Dick—and his assistant, Mark Houghton—plan, schedule and lead the extensive, year-round training program the department keeps beginning, intermediate and advanced firefighters and EMS crews up to date with the latest techniques.They also train the men to maintain all the complex equipment the department uses from tankers to ladder trucks, from emergency rescue equipment to outboard motors, to high-tech medical equipment.
*Dick supervises the 24/7/365 on-duty status of the department, seeing that highly skilled teams are ready on a moment’s notice to save US and our property from fires and other emergencies.They receive between 200 and 300 ambulance calls per year and over 100 fire calls!(Incidentally, our volunteers DO get paid a small wage for time they are actually answering calls.Unlike past tradition, local employers actually dock their pay for hours they are away working to protect us.)
* Dick is also the town's emergency preparedness manager.
It’s difficult to capture in words the level of commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm Dick Hurlburt embodies when speaking about the department.But when you see his passion in person and realize that Walpole has more volunteer firefighters than most surrounding communities combined, you know where that level of group dedication comes from.
And you know the type of leadership Dick provides when he answers the question “What’s the best part of the work for you?”with “It's when I see the younger guys—and the veterans as well—jump in and do their jobs really well automatically and without any further instruction or direction!”
What a lesson in leadership!What a terrific example! What a great way to end the first half-year of the Walpole Leadership Academy!Chuck Bingaman
Mr. Sawyer called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM with five people present in the audience.
GERALD McAULIFFE REGARDING PROPERTY TAX APPEAL:Gerald McAuliffe and James McAuliffe were present to discuss their Property Tax Appeal for 1021 Main Street in North Walpole that had been submitted to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals.They distributed copies of comparable assessments in that area that were reviewed by the Selectboard.After looking at all the data there was a consensus of the Selectboard to request that Avitar schedule an appointment to re-inspect this property.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
DAVID HEWES:Police Chief David Hewes discussed advertising the vacancy for a dispatcher.The new employee would begin work in January 2009.Tomorrow the vacancy will be posted in-house for seven days and then it will be published in the newspapers for three days, posted in the Town Hall, put on the Town’s web page, forwarded to the Walpolean and the employment offices in Springfield, Claremont and Keene.Chief Hewes will develop the job description.A committee will be formed to do the interviews.
Chief Hewes was told that the City of Salem is going to introduce legislation to eliminate the Physical Training test for police departments.The Selectboard felt it should be called to the attention of the Town’s three legislators.Chief Hewes will pursue this matter as it is an important issue.
Chief Hewes discussed the purchasing policy that was recently approved by the Selectboard.Mr. Sawyer felt the issue should be visited again as he felt the Department Heads could pick-up a credit card, return it the same day and, at the same time, fill out the paperwork.This would eliminate any delays in getting the purchase information into the office.
Mr. Aldrich moved that when someone uses the credit card they bring it back the same day and fill out a purchase order.Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
WALPOLE GRANGE:Kirk Congdon from the Walpole Grange explained that when they met in the Town Hall last Tuesday night the room was freezing at 50 degrees and they could not turn the heat up because of the locked box.They meet on the third Tuesday of each month and he asked if there was a way to have heat the next time they meet.Elaine Moore will see that the heat is turned on for their next meeting.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $21,825.78.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
PAYROLL:Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the supplemental payroll voucher for gross wages in the amount of $113.92 or net wages in the amount of $99.51.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
Selectboard Meeting – November 20, 2008 – Page 2
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the supplemental electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $17.42.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending November 15, 2008, for gross wages in the amount of $13,934.19 or net wages in the amount of $5,868.37.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,273.15.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 13, 2008:Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of November 13, 2008, as printed.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed the minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of November 18, 2008.
ABATEMENTS:
AUMAND REALTY –MAP 028-144-000- PROPERTY:It was discovered that the Aumand Realty garage was on the wrong map.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Abatement in the amount of $201.00 for the 2008 Property Taxes for Aumand Realty.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
VINCENT and CAROL MALNATI – WATER:The meter was reading in gallons instead of cubic feet.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Abatement for Water in the amount of $46.50 for Vincent and Carol Malnati.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
OLD KEENE ROAD BRIDGE INSPECTION:Mr. Sawyer announced that Jeff Marsden and Mike Croteau will be doing an inspection of the Old Keene Road Bridge on Friday, November 21st at 11:00 PM.
TOWN HALL and LIBRARY – FUEL PROBLEM:Following a discussion, Mr. Sawyer advised that the vent pipe in the Town Hall and Library will be repaired.
LYNN DeWALD – Result of Visit of November 19:Mrs. Teague and Jim Terrell did the site visit to the DeWald property last Tuesday.Mr. Terrell confirmed that this clean-up will be on his maintenance schedule for every spring and fall.The Selectboard agreed that a letter be sent to Mr. and Mrs. DeWald advising that Mr. Terrell will do this clean-up every spring and fall and he will discuss it with the Town employees.
CONSERVATION FUND SPECIAL ACCOUNT:Mrs. Mansouri has been complying with Article 23 as voted upon during the Town Meeting on March 14, 1989 and provided an up-to-date figure on this separate Conservation Fund Special Account.
Selectboard Meeting – November 20, 2008 – Page 3
FANNY MASON FOREST ACCESS:Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Aldrich visited with Doug Graham and Renee Fishe at the Department of Transportation office in Swanzey to discuss access to the Fanny Mason Forest off Route 12.They were provided copies of a map with the following note:
“Construct a drive within safe passing sections to a rest area to be constructed by the Town of Walpole on town property.Location to be determined during clearing phase of construction, in conjunction with the Selectmen”.The DOT authorized access to the forest for one year.This information was provided to Marcia Galloway, Chair of the Conservation Commission.
FANNY MASON FOREST – Payments to Lew Shelley and Marcia Galloway:
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve payment to Lew Shelley in the amount of $200 and Marcia Galloway in the amount of $100 for trail work they had performed.This money is to be taken out of the Fanny Mason Trust Fund.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
TOWN HALL ROOF LEAK:Elaine Moore talked to Mrs. Smith, Long’s Roofing, about the roof repairs but she felt it might be a year before they could do it.Mr. Sawyer asked Elaine Moore to call them to ask if they could schedule it in as the first job in the spring.
NEW BUSINESS:
EVELYN TEWKSBURY LETTER – REF: LEAVES ON LAWN:The Selectboard discussed the letter that Ms. Tewksbury had published in the newspapers with reference to leaves not being removed on the Common.Mr. Terrell wrote a letter of response that was read at this meeting.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve sending Jim Terrell’s letter to the Keene-Sentinel, Eagle Times and Brattleboro Reformer.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
SAXTONS RIVER ART GUILD – TOWN HALL RENTAL:A letter was received from the Saxtons River Art Guild requesting rental of the Town Hall on October 10, or October 3, 2009, for their Fall Arts Festival annual event.The Selectboard had previously voted to not commit to renting the Town Hall for four months prior to an event except for weddings.The Selectboard felt it would be appropriate to write to the Saxtons River Art Guild to advise that the date will be penciled in but it will not be official until four months ahead of time because Town functions take precedent.
TRI VILLAGE ENERGY – FARMERS MARKET IN TOWN HALL:There was a consensus of the Selectboard to put this request on-hold.
HOME DEPOT PURCHASE:The Selectboard agreed to put this Home Depot purchase on-hold until next week to allow time to get more information from Jim Terrell.
SET DATES TO WORK ON BUDGETS:The Selectboard set the following dates to work on the proposed Town budget:
Tuesday, November 25th at 6:00 pm;
Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:00 pm;
Thursday, December 4th at 5:30 pm;
Wednesday, December 10th at 6:00 pm; and
Thursday, December 11th at 6:00 pm.
Selectboard Meeting – November 20, 2008 – Page 4
FOREST FIRE REPORT / BILL – FIRE PERMITS 2007-2008:Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payment of $500 to the Fire Warden, William Houghton, for the issuance of Fire Permits for the Town of Walpole in 2007 and 2008.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
AVITAR PHONE CALLS:Elaine Moore reported that there is a list of property owners whose houses Avitar could not get into so they are trying to make appointments.Avitar will begin making phone calls on December 1st and 2nd.
LETTER:
GOOD CIRCLE – LETTER TO JOAN SMITH:Following a discussion, the Selectboard agreed to send a copy of Dr. Morosini’s letter to Joan Smith and to write a separate letter to invite her to come in to meet with the Selectboard on December 4th to discuss this matter.
Mr. Sawyer declared this meeting adjourned at 10:04 PM.
The Acworth Energy Committee is hosting a GREEN CHRISTMAS / GOOD ENERGY POTLUCK at the Acworth, NH Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 19 at 6:00 PM, for the entire NH/VT area.
Says Ackworth organizer Alice Fogel, "Come one and all! Come see a brief inspirational film; share ideas for a greener Christmas--like alternatives to throw-away wrapping, electric lights and wasteful consumer-centered gifting; see a re-fashion show by local Green Team teenagers; and eat good food with
energy-conscious friends and families. Find out what other local energy groups are up to, and relate the goals and successes of yours.
We encourage including local ingredients in your contributions to the
potluck."
Call Alice at 603-835-6783 for more info or directions.
Drewsville resident Stacie Gay reports that the village of Drewsville will celebrate the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony on the Common Saturday, December 6th.The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and include wagon rides, caroling, cocoa, cookies and a much anticipated visit by the man in the red suit! CCB
Ed. Note: This note from Elaine Moore, administrative assistant to the Selectmen....CCB
POSITION OPENING: POLICE DEPARTMENT SECRETARY
40 hours per week
Salary $25,000 - $29,000 depending on experience.
The secretary is responsible for providing general administrative and secretarial support to a department of three full time officers and eight part time officers.Confidentiality will be strictly adhered to. Applicant will be required to process incoming and outgoing correspondence and reports, handle all telephone inquires, handle emergency dispatching as required, maintain filing system, and handle other administrative duties deemed necessary.Must be able to type 50 words per minute, have knowledge of computers, possess excellent interpersonal skills and professional telephone etiquette, work well with others, and must be able to concentrate and accomplish tasks despite interruptions.The employee will be responsible through the chain of command to the Police Chief.
Applicant will be required to obtain a Justice of the Peace appointment from the State of New Hampshire. Applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation.Send Resume to Walpole Police Department, PO Box 729, Walpole, NH03608Applications must be submitted no later than December 19, 2008.
Ed. Note: Thanks to secretary Elaine Moore here are the minutes of the November 19 Zoning Board meeting. CCB
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Meeting of November 19, 2008
Present: Chair Myra Mansouri, David Calhoun, Larry Britton, Mary Therese Lester, and alternates Peggy Pschirrer, Bill Webb, and Ernie Vose.
Absent: Leo Carignan and alternate Jan Galloway-LeClerc.
Chair Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM, with twelve members present representing the Walpole Leadership Academy.
Chair Mansouri asked for an alternate to volunteer to take Leo Carignan’s place as a regular to the meeting. Ernie Vose volunteered.
David Calhoun made a motion to approve the minutes of October 15, 2008 as written. Seconded by Mary Therese Lester. All in favor, so voted.
Secretary Elaine Moore thanked Peggy Pschirrer for doing the minutes of October 15.
Red Smith was in to request a Special Exception regarding two sign placements at 16 Westminster Street, owned by 1834 Washington Square II LLC. The signs will be placed less than the 100 feet from each other. One sign will be 7” x 33” and will say Firstday Cottage, Inc., which will be placed on the right hand side of the door facing Westminster Street. The second sign will be 60” x 5” and will say Griswald Place 1834.
Larry Britton moved to set a Special Hearing Date hearing for December 17, 2008 at 7:30 PM. for 1834 Washington Square II LLC. Seconded by Ernie Vose. All in favor, so voted.
OLD BUSINESS: Gravel Pits
Larry Britton and Mary Therese Lester visited the two Hodgkins gravel pits and the one Graves pit. The Hodgkins pit on Route 12 appeared completed. There was a question regarding reclamation on Route 12 pit. The Board believes this lot is ok without the reclamation, as it will be used for industrial purposes.
Chair Mansouri explained the Walpole Leadership Academy group that all pits are reviewed once a year and are checked for intense use, safety issues, signage, gates, and other safety factors. Grandfather status was discussed. Chair Mansouri indicated if a pit is not in use, or less than one hundred yards are taken out per year, the grandfather status is lost and the land is taxed as a regular lot.
Bill Webb and Ernie Vose visited the Woods pit. Map 015-018-000. It appears the pit has not been used for some time and is inactive.
OTHER:
Chair Mansouri and Board discussed minutes of the Planning Board Meeting of 11/14/08. The Board reviewed various Zoning Ordinances the Planning Board Secretary indicated may need to be put in place, noting some were turned down by the Planning Board. Some were in place already, for example 2 family home on one lot.
Special Exceptions were discussed. If not implemented within one year the permit would become void. To make this change there would have to be an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Some in the audience felt one year was not enough time to implement the Special Exception and should be given a longer time before it becomes void. Discussions brought about other thoughts and the idea needs to be explored further.
Mary Therese Lester moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by David Calhoun. All in favor. Chair Mansouri adjourned the meeting at 8:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Moore
Zoning Board Secretary
These are unapproved minutes. Any corrections or additions will be made at the December 17, 2008 meeting.
