Ed. Note: This notice comes courtesy of Lyn Cooke. Well done Friends! CCB
FRIENDS OF WALPOLE TOWN LIBRARY ANNOUNCE PUBLIC POTLUCK AND SEASON OPENING PROGRAM
The Friends of the Walpole Town Library have received a grant from the New Hampshire
Humanities Council to sponsor humorist and author Rebecca Rule as the guest speaker at their
potluck dinner to be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, upstairs in the Walpole Town
Hall.
Rule is well known on the Humanities circuit as a master of Yankee humor with jokes and
stories collected from years of small-town gatherings in and around New Hampshire. Her
storytelling style is reminiscent of "Bert and I" and often incorporates audience participation.
The potluck dinner is the Friends kick-off for a series of entertaining and thought-provoking
monthly programs being scheduled by the Friends in partnership with the Humanities Council.
These will take place at the Walpole library, Main Street, Walpole, at 7:00 pm on the 2nd
Wednesday of each month from October through April, excluding December.
All programs are free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information about the Walpole programs please call Judy Shumway at 603-756-3664. For more information about the
New Hampshire Humanities Council in Concord please call 603-224-4071.
Ed. Note: This item is from publicity person Barbara Vaile. CCB
Murder Stage Right
The Walpole Players will present a mystery dinner theater September 18 and 19 for the benefit of the Walpole Old Home Days fund. The show will be presented in the Helen Miller Theater at the Walpole Town Hall beginning at 6:30 pm, but the audience is encouraged to be in the theater by 6:15 to mingle with the actors. Dinner choices are: Beef tips, Chicken Marsala or Veggie Stuffed shells with the cost of $25 per person for the show and dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance by September 15th so that dinner can be planned for each patron. Tickets may be purchased at Real to Reel or Galloway Real Estate. For additional information or to reserve tickets, call Ray Boas at (603) 756-9900.
“Murder Stage Right" takes place during the final dress rehearsal of Hamlet by the Robert Armin Players, in a temporary theatrical venue in Chicago, 1946. As the audience enters they mingle with the actors learning that they are returning from the last intermission of Hamlet. The theatre company of John Barryless had fallen on hard times, but John did not suspect that performing Hamlet for a group of potential investors was the road to dusty death. Can Inspector Jacques Cluless untangle the webs of deceit woven by troupe members and solve the murder?
Co-directed by Carolyn Norback and Ray Boas and assisted by Becky Pearson and Deb Robarge, the cast includes: Robert Wellington, Vince Dolan, Lee Hentschel, Tom Durnford, Chas Street, Jean Kobeski, Fran Kemp, Rebecca Holtz and Lindsey Sanchez-Narraro. Additional members of the Walpole Players will serve guests throughout the evening.
Ed. Note: Thanks to Elaine Moore, here are the minutes of the August 19 Zoning Board Meeting. CCB
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Meeting of August 19, 2009
Present: Chair Myra Mansouri, Regulars: David Calhoun, Leo Carignan, Peggy Pschirrer, and Mary Therese Lester. Alternates: Bill Webb, Ernie Vose, and Jan Galloway-Leclerc.
Chair Mansouri opened the meeting at 7:30 PM.
MINUTES: June 17, 2009 – Mary Therese Lester moved to approve the minutes as written. Seconded by Peggy Pschirrer. All in favor, so voted.
MINUTES: July 15, 2009 – Peggy Pschirrer noted a change in the minutes. Delete line: Acting Chair Peggy Pschirrer opened the meeting at 7:30 PM. The line was deleted and Mary Therese Lester moved to approve the minutes with the above change. Seconded by Jan Galloway-Leclerc. All in favor, so voted.
NEW BUSINESS:
Kerry Pickering was in regarding a proposed variance for her property at 88 Alstead Center Road, Drewsville, NH. Map 015-025-000. The intent is to build an attached shed onto an existing garage. The lot line is less than the required 20-foot minimum. Brian and Kerry Pickering applied about 10 years ago for a Variance to build a garage on the property, and were given approval by the Zoning Board. Ernie Vose questions if the request should be for an Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use, rather than a Variance due to the shed being attached to a garage that was already given a Variance. After discussion Peggy Pschirrer moved to have the Pickering’s come in next month for a hearing for an Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use. Seconded by Leo Carignan. All in favor, so voted. Mrs. Pickering was given an application for an Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use and was informed the application must be in no later than September 1, 2009 for the September 16, 2009 meeting.
OLD BUSINESS: Industrial Zone Changes. Bill Webb questioned land requirements in the Industrial District. The only requirement is the 85-foot setback from the middle of the road. There is no requirement on road frontage. Bill stated he believes road frontage should be looked at for proposed changes. If changes were made to require road frontage existing lots would be grandfathered. Leo Carignan suggested using the same road frontage as Commercial lots. The frontage for Commercial being 150 feet.
There was discussion regarding building a house in the Industrial Zone. At this time no restrictions apply and a house can be built in this zone. David Calhoun asked if there was any Industrial business going on in the Park. The answer at this time is no.
There was discussion involving the length of Class 5 road in the Industrial Park.
Some of the items discussed were: Land standards: Lot Size – 25,000 square feet, which is less than ½ acre, road frontage minimum of 150 feet, and a setback of 85 feet. Chair Mansouri explained if the Zoning Board wants to adopt changes to the Industrial Zone, the proposed changes will need to be submitted to the Planning Board, they in turn put the item on the Town Warrant.
Leo Carignan asked what if someone complains about noise in the Industrial Zone. The Zoning Board brings the complaint to the Select Board. After recommendation from the Select Board the Zoning Board would hold a Public Hearing on the complaint.
OTHER:
BURDICKS: David Calhoun questioned the Board regarding Burdicks. Are they staying within the same footprint as the original building? Ernie Vose indicated they are in compliance.
GRAVEL INSPECTIONS: The Board discussed gravel inspections. This will be discussed further at the September meeting. The Secretary will prepare the gravel checklist for the Board for September’s meeting and will also research last Gravel Tax paid by Joe Sawyer for his pit on Route 12.
Peggy Pschirrer moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Leo Carignan. All in favor. Chair Mansouri closed the meeting at 8:47 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Moore, Secretary
(These minutes are unapproved. Any changes or corrections will be reflected in the minutes of the September 16, 2009 meeting.)
Ed. Note: What follows is a new service from The Walpolean--publication of minutes of periodic meetings of the Cold River Local Advisory Committee (CRLAC) as submitted by Walpole resident and Co-Chair of the CRLAC, Charlie Montgomery. Preceding the minutes is a short summary of what the CRLAC is all about written by Charlie to give you some context for the minutes--to get you into the flow of things. Hope you find this as interesting and enlightening as I did. Chuck Bingaman, Editor Background
Of the many rivers in New Hampshire only about 15 are “Designated Rivers”. The Cold River is one of these.
What is a “designated river”? The term reflects a legal relationship between the State of New Hampshire and a “local advisory group” for that particular river. The process of becoming such takes a long time (two years in our case, from about 1998 to 2000), is dependent upon jumping through a significant number of hoops and fulfilling legal requirements and the requiring of the particular advisory group to fulfill a significant list of requirements and obligations. One of those obligations is to provide local citizens (within the “designated” river’s watershed) minutes of its meetings.
The Cold River from prime source (Crescent Lake) to its entering the Connecticut River (just south of Aubuchon’s hardware store) is 23 miles long and has many contributing streams. Its watershed is 102 square miles. Along its banks are 5 communities: Walpole, Langdon, Alstead, Acworth, and Lempster.
The Cold River Local Advisory Committee (CRLAC) serves as an advisory, not a regulatory, committee. It advises local people, town governments, and the State of New Hampshire via the Department of Environmental Services (DES).
The CRLAC regularly studies the river from many viewpoints but most particularly does scientific measurements of entities in up to 70 locations along the river and its tributaries. These measurements include flow rate, pH, volume, temperature, biologicals (E-Coli and micro-invertebrates), chemicals, conductance, oxygen concentration, obvious contaminants, etc.). They are reported to DES.
What follows is the most recent approved minutes of our Committee.
Charles H. Montgomery and Jennifer Polcari
Co-Chairs of the Cold River Local Advisory Committee
Minutes of July 23, 2009 Meeting of the Cold River Local Advisory Committee
Call to Order
7:05 PM
Present
Carol Drummond, Fred Ernst, Michael Heidorn, Deborah Hinman, Austin Hunter, Susan Lichty, Cathy MacDonald, Charles Montgomery, and Sam Sutcliffe.
Absent
Jennifer Polcari
Minutes of June 25, 2009
After identifying minor typos Cathy moved and Carol seconded that the minutes of June 25, 2009 be accepted as amended. All approved.
Procedures regarding Agendas
Charlie announced that he and Jen have agreed that he will serve as point person at meetings and she will forward all email communications from DES and others. The new Agenda format is in alphabetical order and the Chair will announce their time priorities at each meeting.
Treasurer’s Report – Sam Sutcliffe
A written report dated July 23, 2009 was received from the Treasurer with June 30, 2009 Balance. Copies were given to the Chair (Charlie) and to the Secretary (Debby). There were no expenditures in June and $3.99 of interest accrued to create a balance of $8101.69. Charlie gave $15.00 cash to the treasurer from sale of Atlas maps made at the Alstead Town Festival.
Acworth Land – Debby Hinman
Nothing to report other than ongoing discussions and searching for a method that could protect this land as easily as possible. She has a copy of a recent survey of the property
Alstead Festival – Charlie
Mike set up the display that included a sub-watershed map, the large Atlas copy, and our logo and contact information. (Sue would like to use this display for upcoming Lempster Old Home Day) Charlie managed the table by himself, and enjoyed the conversations with the dozen or so people who stopped by. The Alstead Open Space project was the focus of the conservation commission’s display. The CC has a new newsletter and a land conservation pamphlet available that mentions an Easement Walk with Nan and Bruce Montgomery (no relation to CM) on Old Settlers Road on September 26 at 1pm.www.alsteadnh.org is the place to learn more.
Management Plan – Charlie
Charlie has created a 3-page summary of the Management Plan that he will email to all members. Distribution accomplished to date includes:
q Sue to John McGee at Fish and Game in Concord
q Sue to Lempster CC and Planning Board. Lempster Selectboard is aware these plans are in town.
q Mike to Lake Warren Association. (Alstead CC and PB coming up soon)
q Deb to Unity CC instead of Crescent Lake Association, plus the Joint Rivers Commission, and Ashuelot LAC. (Acworth CC and PB soon)
q Charlie to Walpole CC with Walpole PB coming soon.
Designated River Signs –Sue Lichty
Sue has spoken with Steve Couture. Signs are on back order and our two should be coming soon. These will be placed on the Rt 12 bridge over the Cold River in Walpole (we’re not sure which side would be best or exactly who decides; DOT or LAC?) and just below Crescent Lake beside the Lempster wetland area on the 2nd NH Turnpike. Sue was asked to find out what the cost of additional signs would be and whether or not the Educational Outreach grant at DES might be used to cover such costs.
Membership- Cathy MacDonald
Membership is listed on the DES and CRLAC websites as well as in the Annual Report. This seems sufficient.
Program on Ethics and Frogs- Carol Drummond
Carol would like to coordinate frog assessment sites that are related via wetlands to our WQM sites. Programs that Carol already does could relate to our own frogs; monitoring would be during breeding season in the spring, followed by location and count of young ones in summer. Within a year of a full cycle, she could begin to make presentations on the findings, perhaps as early as 2010.
The 2005 flood wiped out the wetland complex at the base of Cooper Hill, where she lives. No frogs appear to have been breeding there since, but the ten years of data that she had collected on the amphibian populations in those wetlands prior to the flood now prompts her to work toward rebuilding the populations of species that used to be there. Thus, she is making a “nursery pond” to raise frogs!
Mike and Carol will discuss possible assessment sites along the river and how to present a plan to the LAC and to tailor the program for success. A question was raised about the heavy layer of scum seen on several ponds around the watershed this summer; Carol responded that tadpoles eat this scum, so a very heavy layer probably means a lack of tadpoles.
Water Quality Monitoring –Mike Heidorn
Summer collections will begin next week. DES needs to re-calibrate the meters. He will notify members of dates that monitoring will take place.
Trout, Pools, and Rocks –Fred Ernst
John Hansel of Walpole gave Fred a film about work done in Vermont by Barry Cahoun and others to build J-dams to create trout habitat. He and Mike discussed possible Cold River sites for such work. Mike mentioned that he has spoken with Sean Sweeney who was to do a design and assessment at the Griffin Hill area where there are interested landowners but we’re not sure where these plans stand. Mike will contact Sean S. A recent email indicates that Stimulus Funds may be forthcoming soon but that a proposal is still needed. Does Sean know about this?
Discussion among members regarding the fact that the post-flood work was “stabilization” not “restoration” led to conclusion that there is still a great need for habitat work in the near future. Concern was expressed that towns and landowners might not be interested in any more big work projects given the massive stabilization projects of past four years. Fred will explore funding and other possibilities regarding wildlife habitat restoration. He and Mike will talk and explore our monitoring sites and others for possible projects.
Website-Debby Hinman
Jen Polcari reported via email on a very satisfactory conversation she had with Karen Winterholer of Goshen, a contact recommended by Debby. After a brief discussion of prices and options , Sam moved and Carol seconded that the LAC hire Karen Winterholer to move our website from the current host to Karen’s preferred hosting site and begin to assess what is needed to meet our need to have an active website that can be updated to include scheduled events. Vote in the affirmative was unanimous. Deb will send Fred and Charlie’s email addresses to Karen, for they did not receive the information that she sent us. More info may be found at Karen’s web http://www.maiadesigns.com where you may click on Webdesign at bottom of the page for her prices.
Work on Tentative Plans as outlined in February 2009 meeting –Charlie
Remnants of an earlier discussion took place on what should constitute the LAC’s “Primary Functions” as written in the 2-26-09 minutes. Debby and Mike said that it is difficult to create a list of the LAC’s duties without a copy of RSA 483-B in our hands, since that is where all LAC’s official duties are spelled out. None the less, discussion continued, adding details to the following list of items that members in attendance in February had listed as important:
1. Water Quality and flood control issues
2. Wildlife habitat issues
3. Acting as liaison between towns, landowners, and state and/or other interested parties
4. Educational outreach to schools, landowners and towns
5. Annual reports
Discussion then turned to storage of our ten years’ worth of materials. Ideally these would be in a public place and readily accessible but there is no such place as of yet and thus they remain in Hinman’s upstairs room. She reiterated that this is not her first choice. Talk then turned to management of records and how data should be backed up or saved to memory sticks or CDs. Discussion will continue later on ways to keep our data safe and not inundate ourselves with unnecessary materials.
As new chair, Charlie stated that he does not want mail and notices and other papers to be brought to our meetings and take up undue meeting time unless they have first been announced via email so members can assess if they might be interested (or not) in spending time on such items. Charlie and Jen will send emails to members of all phone calls, emails and mail received between meetings from members and others. It was suggested that perhaps these workshop fliers and other news of interest could be brought up each meeting under “New Business”, thus not take time away from items needing more attention during the meeting but not preclude sudden finds of interest on day of meeting. There was no voting on these matters but the chair asked that members think of how we might conduct our business most effectively at our monthly meetings.
New Business-members
q Debby showed the newly published book, Where the Great River Rises that we received from the Joint Rivers Commission. Rebecca Brown, of the Joint Commissions, was editor of the book and did a wonderful job. Six members placed orders for purchase at a special rate. Debby will place one order for all six books and be reimbursed by the individuals. She’ll email the final price once shipping is determined.
q Sue brought her copies of the 4 new Habitat Stewardship Series brochures created by Cooperative Extension. The new ones are on Peatlands, Shrublands, Appalachian Oak-Pine Forests, and Lowland Spruce-Fir Forests. There was also a brochure on New England Cottontail Rabbits in NH in a Focus on Wildlife brochure. These may all be found at www.nhwoods.org or call the Cheshire Coop Ext office at 352-4550 or Sullivan County office at 863-9200.
q An important reminder about our event with David Deen and the Nature Museum at Grafton at the mouth of the Cold River on Saturday, August 22, 9-11am. More announcements about this event will come soon from the museum calendar and then we can send to our email contacts.
q Charlie discussed Emergency Management planning in Walpole and a Habitat for Humanity project he is involved with.
Monahan Bags Telly Award for Documentary Tribute to Brother
by Chuck Bingaman
Chris Monahan of Walpole recently earned a Telly Award as the producer of “Jay: The Story of Katie Couric’s Late Husband”, a documentary tribute to his deceased brother for whom The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health is named at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Medical College of Cornell University. See www.monahancenter.org.
Monahan, who left a 20-year career as an equity trader in Darien, Connecticut to move to Walpole five years ago, has been reinventing himself as a documentary film producer since coming here. And, in fact, this award was only the latest in several he has garnered for non-broadcast videos.
Telly Awards are given annually for achievements in film and video production. See www.tellyawards.com.
Originally produced in collaboration with Eric Ewers, “Jay” tells the story of Chris’s big brother Jay, a New York City criminal defense lawyer who was married to television personality Katie Couric and who died in 1998 at age 42 of colorectal cancer. In addition to his practice, Jay had gained national prominence as am MSNBC television commentator on legal cases including the O.J. Simpson trial and many others.
“Katie’s been so devoted to spreading the word about the dangers of colon cancer and ways of preventing it,” Monahan noted. “His doctor, Mark Pochapin, suggested the creation of a center in Jay’s name for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these deadly diseases. And it opened in 2004. So a lot of good has come from Jay’s death.”
But, after several years of the Center’s operation, Chris saw that there was little of Jay’s presence in the Center, something he could fix. Hence the 42-minute documentary on Jay and his life, emphasizing the magnetic personality that attracted clients, persuaded juries, enchanted Katie Couric and informed TV viewers from coast to coast. Now the documentary is shown on a daily basis to patients and visitors to the Monahan Center in its reception room.
Monahan, 50, recently set up Barnett Hill Productions, his own company, to produce what he calls “milestone videos”, non-broadcast productions designed to highlight events, achievements, and personalities. His clients include families that wish to memorialize beloved members, companies that need to celebrate achievements and accomplishments, and colleges and prep schools that need top-quality video for student recruitment and alumni communications purposes. “There is a world of non-broadcast video opportunities out there, and we are focused on being one of the top quality producers. We edit all of our productions down to their emotional core, add evocative music people can relate to, and seek a dynamic, long-term impact. For information visit Monahan’s web site at www.barnetthillproductions.com.”
The Coffeehouse on the Common is moving outdoors this summer to the Walpole Common for an evening of food, conversation and live music on this Friday, the 28th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Hot or cold beverages and homemade goodies will be made and served by the friendly people of the First Congregational Church of Walpole. A suggested donation of $5.00 includes refreshments and entertainment.
Singer/guitarist Jim Baucom and vocalists Ken and Julie Olsson will be the featured artists for this event. Selections will include jazz, folk, Broadway, and standards.
Table seating is limited so bring chairs and blankets just in case. If it rains, the coffeehouse will move across the street to the first floor of the church, which is handicap accessible.
The Coffeehouse on the Common provides a casual, wholesome, and inexpensive night out on the town with family, friends, and neighbors. Everyone is welcome!
On Saturday, August 29, there will be a joint local food celebration with the Inn at Valley Farms and Alyson's Orchard from 10am - 4pm. Enjoy activities at both farms throughout the day (pastured chicken talks, heirloom tomato tasting, fruit wine tasting, compost and vermicomposting demos, garden tours, garlic growing Q & A), PYO apples and peaches, wagon rides, children activities, live music by Donald Saaf and his friends, Walpole Creamery Ice Cream and more. Tour the Inn at Valley Farms (our 10th anniversary!) and participate in a free cookie tasting.
Visit both farms during the event and enter to win a free weekend at the Inn as well as other great prizes including an Alyson's apple wine and local
cheese basket, $50 gift basket of grass fed beef and more. Grass fed beef,
pastured chicken and eggs available for purchase - bring a cooler and take
home some of the region's cleanest, healthiest foods! Bring the family, a
picnic, a camera for photo opportunities and spend the day! Only extreme
weather cancels. Rain date Sunday, August 30th. Visit www.walpolevalleyfarms.com for a schedule of the day's events.
Ed. Note: Walpole resident Celeste Longacre wrote the following commentary/opinion on the dairy farm crisis that has appeared in the Sentinel and other local publications. I thought you might want to read it here if you had not seen it elsewhere. Incidentally, our state representative, Tara Sad, is chair of the New Hampshire House Committee on Agriculture and the Environment and is working actively to find solutions to the problems. CCB
The Dairy Crisis & Why We Should All Care
By Celeste Longacre
Our country right here, right now, is experiencing a colossal national security crisis and few people seem to notice. Dairy farms all across our nation and particularly in our state are failing at an alarming rate. It is estimated that, by the end of this year, there will be no dairy farms left in the state of New Hampshire. None. Not a one. Zero. To me, this is completely and utterly unacceptable.
The problem, it seems, is with the price of milk which has fallen 50% since last December. Milk prices are set nationally by the Chicago Mercantile and based on cheese futures. We routinely gamble the value of this precious commodity on the stock market. Farmers have no say in what they can charge and it bears no connection to the amount of money it takes to produce it. [Ed. note: Currently our diary farmers are receiving $9-10 per "hundred weight" of milk, and it costs them $17-19 per hundred weight to produce it.]
There are those who would like to see all of the small farms fail. Huge, factory farms in California are allowed to dehydrate their milk, ship it across country, re-hydrate it and sell it at the supermarket as “fresh milk” (no special labeling required). China, also, is sending us freighters full of powdered milk that they produce “on the cheap.” And, how many Chinese babies died in the last adulteration of their milk?
If we lose all of our dairy farms, we will become a region that can no longer feed itself. A region that can no longer feed itself has become—by definition—enslaved. What happens if there is a disruption in the distribution networks? Any combination of natural disasters or terrorist attacks could result in such a scenario. Think of the danger in which we place our children and grandchildren if we lose all of our farms! No farms—no food. Period.
It is time to take action to support our local farmers. We need a huge, loud and insistent demand that action be taken on the national level to stop the hemorrhaging of our small farms. Call, write or email (or do all three!) our Senators, Congressmen and the Governor. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, 520 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, (202) 224-2841. Senator Judd Gregg, 201 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC, 20510, (202) 224-3324. Congressman Paul Hodes, 1317 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC, 20515, (202) 225-5206. Governor John Lynch, Office of the Governor, State House, 25 Capitol St., Concord, NH 03301, (603) 271-2121.
Tell the government that it is time to stop gambling with our food supply! What a sad epithet it would be for our country to fail because “we became so enthralled with technology, that we forgot to care about sustenance.” We can live without Ipods and flat-screen TVs, but we cannot live without food.
Wait!! Jackie Caserta has changed the plans once more!! The Wizard IS on tonight as previously scheduled at The Inn at Valley Farms, but it will be IN the barn--not outside! Enjoy!! CCB P.S. The fun begins at 7:30 and the cartoons begin at 8:15 p.m. CCB
The Inn at Valley Farms Movie Night has been postponed due to weather. Movie event will take place tomorrow (Sunday, August 23rd) in our 3-story century old barn beginning at 7:30 with a pot luck dessert and classic cartoons as originally planned. This year's feature film - the 1939 classic, must-see family movie... The Wizard of Oz will begin at 8:15. Popcorn, drinks and homemade cookies provided. Bring a folding chair if you can. Hope to see you there!
TriVillage Energy will be screening "Mad City Chickens" on Saturday, September 19 at 10 am in the Walpole Town Library as part of a film festival celebrating farms, local food, and community. The festival is being organized by the Cheshire County Conservation District.
Chicken lovers (and lovers of chicken lovers) will be informed and entertained by this "trip through the world of backyard chickens."
A press release, listing all the films, with screening times and places (mostly Keene) is attached. "Mad City Chickens" will be the only film screened in Walpole, so mark your calendars now!
Walpole Players Murder Mystery Dinner Theater September 18 and 19
Murder Stage Right!
The Walpole Players will present a mystery dinner theater September 18 and 19 for the benefit of the Walpole Old Home Days fund. The show will be presented in the Helen Miller Theater at the Walpole Town Hall beginning at 6:30 pm, but the audience is encouraged to be in the theater by 6:15 to mingle with the actors. Dinner choices are: Beef tips, Chicken Marsala or Veggie Stuffed shells with the cost of $25 per person for the show and dinner.
Setting -- 'Murder Stage Right" takes place during the final dress rehearsal of Hamlet by the Robert Armin Players, in a temporary theatrical venue in Chicago, 1946. As the audience enters they mingle with the actors learning that they are returning from the last intermission of Hamlet. The theatre company of John Barryless had fallen on hard times, but John did not suspect that performing Hamlet for a group of potential investors was the road to dusty death. Can Inspector Jacques Cluless untangle the webs of deceit woven by troupe members and solve the murder?
Co-directed by Carolyn Norback and Ray Boas and assisted by Becky Pearson and Deb Robarge, the cast includes: Robert Wellington, Vince Dolan, Lee Hentschel, Tom Durnford, Chas Street, Jean Kobeski, Fran Kemp, Rebecca Holtz and Lindsey Sanchez-Narraro. Addition members of the Walpole Players will serve guests throughout the evening. Tickets may be purchased at Real to Reel or Galloway Real Estate. For additional information or to reserve tickets, call Ray Boas at (603) 756-9900.
Ed. Note: Here's one of the most fun events in Walpole's summer, and it's really for Walpole people! Incidentally, Inn at Valley Farms ProprietorJackie Caserta is featured in a story on Saving the Family Farm in the September New Hampshire Magazine. Way to go Jackie! CCB
Movie Night at Inn at Valley Farms!
DON’T MISS THIS GREAT FAMILY EVENT!
Saturday, August 22nd - Join us for an evening of old-fashioned fun! Sit on hay bales (or bring your own blanket or chair) and watch great cinema projected on the side of our century-old barn surrounded by neighbors and friends under the stars!
The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. when we gather for desserts and conversation. At dusk (@ 8:15) the projector starts rolling with classic cartoons and @ 8:30 we’ll start this year’s feature film - the 1939 classic, must-see family movie... The Wizard of Oz!
Popcorn, drinks and homemade cookies provided. Open to the public. Free-will donations appreciated. Bring a dessert (finger type) to share if you can. The Inn at Valley Farms is located at 633 Wentworth Road in Walpole just 3 1/2 miles from the center of downtown Walpole and just past the back entrance to Alyson's Orchard. Questions? Call 756-2855. Rain date: Sunday, August 23rd.
According to the Rev. Susan Kershaw, Art After School begins its third year of sessions on Wednesday, September 16, 3:30 – 5:00 P.M. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 26 Elm Street in Walpole. The Fall block of sessions continues on Wednesday afternoons through October 21.
Art After School is just what its name says—a creative after school activity that encourages the imagination and builds community. "Any child age 6 and up (preferably in first grade, but we’ll consider 6 year old kindergarteners on a case-by-case basis) is welcome to attend. There is no cost this year, thanks to a generous Hubbard grant encouraging community activity," according to Kershaw. The program is lead by local artist Racheal Scott (a member of Walpole Artisans) and Susan Kershaw, Rector of St. John’s Church. Fall is a great time for drawing and painting outdoors. The children will having fun and creating great art using pencils, markers, Cray-pas, chalk pastels, and watercolors—maybe even some air-drying clay. We hope to welcome a few guest artists to show us their favorite kind of art. As Fall is a time of many holidays, we’ll also do a few seasonal crafts and decorations (paper pumpkins, turkeys, etc.).
If you are interested in registering your child, please call St. John’s Church, 603-756-4533. Space is limited, so please call today.
Ed. Note: Here are Pam Aslinger's draft minutes of the August 11 Planning Commission meeting. Note the description of the proposed Tractor Supply development. CCB
PLANNING BOARD
Walpole, NH 03608
MINUTES: Regular Meeting – Tuesday, August 11, 2009 7:00pm Town Hall Basement
Presiding: Jeff Miller, Ch.
Members Present: Ben Daviss, Henry Fletcher, Bob Miller, V-Ch., Sheldon Sawyer, select., Jeff White, alt., Donn Lounsbury (7:30pm) Members Absent: Eric Merklein, Dave DeCoste
Recording: Pamela L. Aslinger, Sec./alt.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September 8, 2009 meeting for errors, corrections and omissions. There were 7 persons in the audience.
I. Meeting opened at 7:10pm
A. Roll call – Jeff White designated for Eric Merklein and Pam Aslinger for Dave DeCoste.
B. Ben Daviss moved to approve the minutes as presented for the 7/14/09 meeting, seconded by Mr. Sawyer, motion carried unanimously.
II. New Business
A. Cold River Advocacy Commission – Charles Montgomery submitted a document entitled “Cold River Watershed Management Plan” covering the Towns of Acworth, Alstead, Charlestown, Langdon, Lempster, Marlow, Unity and Walpole dated April 2009. Prepared by Cold River Local Advisory Committee and Michael Heidorn professional geologist. Mr. Montgomery credited the Selectboard for the disaster plan created for the Town, it being dovetailed with the State and Federal plans. Mr. Montgomery stated that the plan summarizes natural river features recent changes to the river particularly those caused by the 2005 flood, and offers a management plan overview. The river reached “designated river status” as of 1999, the role of the commission is advisory only to the State of NH and to the citizens of the Cold River watershed that is 21 miles long and occupies 102 sq. miles emptying into the Connecticut River south of the Aubuchon’s Hardware store. The committee is made up of 3 reps from each of the eight towns on the watershed. Walpole’s reps are Fred Ernst, Austin Hunter and Mr. Montgomery. He mentioned volunteer work related to trout habitat, salmon stocking and recreational goals. Cold River has it’s own website: www.coldriver.org. The planning board copy will be kept in the office. The document may be viewed on the web at des.nh.gov. Ch. Miller thanked Mr. Montgomery for his presentation. Members considered including a reference to the plan in the master plan.
B. Primax Properties, LLC, Mr. Frank S. Alexander, project director from Charlotte, NC introduced himself as a developer working on behalf of Tractor Supply Co. They are interested in a parcel north of LaValley Building supply owned by Mr. Fred Dill and formerly known as the Bailey property. Their intent is to subdivide the parcel into two lots of 4.92 acres (1) and 11.5 acres (2). Mr. Bergeron of Brickstone Masons in Keene is engineering the building and he gave the board a brief overview of their intentions. They intend to build a 19,000 sq. ft. building with parking lots and a storage yard on lot 1. A shared driveway will service both lots with 54% of the lot 1 remaining in greenspace. They referred to preliminary layout maps. Mr. Dill will retain lot 2, they will apply for an alteration of terrain permit with DES and would like to connect to the water and sewer lines. The heat will be propane and the building sprinkled with a backup water storage backup system. Primax Properties will lease the building to Tractor Supply and they have recently completed six stores in Vermont. The style of the building will be in keeping with Walpole’s character with an agricultural influence - barnlike. Tractor supply was started as a catalog business in the 1930’s supplying farms with tractor parts but they don’t actually sell tractors. Today they supply mostly home farmers. They will employ about 15 persons, have an extensive training program and like to staff the departments with persons who have hands on experience and are local. Their time frame is to complete the permitting process this fall and begin construction in the spring when the weather improves. They were asked to contact the Secretary to be placed on the next agenda to formally
Walpole Planning Board Meeting 8/11/09 page 2
submit the application for subdivision and site plan review, the public hearing would be scheduled for the October meeting if they were ready to submit in September. They were asked to contact Mark Houghton in regard to the water/sewer hook up possibility and the zoning board for signage. Landscaping within the parking lot was considered for a waiver due to snow removal. Mr. David Howell of Walpole asked how Tractor Supply would affect existing farm businesses in the area. Mr. Alexander said the greatest impact would be to Agway and Community Feed Store in Westminster.
C. Vilas Bridge – Selectman Sawyer announced a meeting set for 4:30 pm Thursday August 13th at the Vilas Bridge to discuss the restoration and repair. The meeting will begin on the bridge and adjourn for discussion to the Walpole Town Hall. He said representatives from SWRPC, NH State Reps, NW Village Commissioners, Dept. of Transportation and Bellows Falls business persons will be on hand. He said there’s an estimate of 9 million dollars to modernize the bridge, it is registered as a historic bridge. It was removed from the current 10 year plan developed in conjunction with SWRPC’s advisory representative without adequate study. He asked the board to support re-prioritizing the modernization. The Selectboard is hoping to help move the process along. Members discussed stimulus funds and having our state reps introduce a bill for support. Mr. Fletcher mentioned that in 1930 Charles Vilas donated $90 thousand dollars to construct the original bridge.
D. Town Hall meeting room ceiling – Mr. Sawyer reported that the delay in repairing the ceiling is due to funding, but it has been resolved and the construction will begin. He reported no attendance at the public hearing they held for input.
III. Planning Discussion
Master Plan
1. Review and sign contract – Sec. Aslinger reported the original contract was not yet available, she would check with SWRPC, action delayed.
2. Review and discuss Land Use pages 1-16 forwarding results to Lisa Murphy – Members offered no changes or suggestions. Ch. Miller reminded that Mr. Murphy was tentatively scheduled to attend the October meeting.
3. Discuss Economic Models – A few members who had reviewed the models found sections of each that were useful but not one in particular. Mr. Daviss suggested setting up a subcommittee to consider Walpole’s specific needs. Ch. Miller, Bob Miller, Jeff Smith, Don Lounsbury and Mel Schupack volunteered.
IV. Communications and Miscellaneous
A. Sec. Aslinger announced she would be absent for a couple of months due to travel plans but will arrange to have an alternate secretary.
V. Meeting Adjourned 8:30pm - Next regular meeting to be held September 8, 2009
Alyson’s Orchard Opens for Pick-Your-Own Apples…and more!
Chosen by New Hampshire Magazine in 2008 as the “Best Agricultural Experience” in New Hampshire, Alyson’s Orchard will open for the Pick-Your-Own season on Saturday, August 15 with a rain date of August 16. It’s the perfect choice for an afternoon of family fun!
Starting at 10 a.m. visitors will be able to pick Paula Red apples and blueberries and go for a free wagon ride in a special fire truck wagon pulled by a John Deere tractor. (The first 50 kids who ride will receive a fire chief hat.) There will also be free hot dogs and live music from 12 – 3 PM.
The farm stand will be open, selling apple pies, jams, local honey and maple syrup, cheese, chicken pies, gifts and more. Other seasonal fruits such as peaches and plums will be available at the farm stand, as well.
There will be a wine tasting featuring Alyson’s Heirloom Apple and Dry Apple wines, along with some new, award-winning selections from LaBelle Winery of Amherst, NH from 12-3 PM.
This event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weather permitting.Alyson’s is located on Route 12 in Walpole, 12 miles north of Keene.For more details visit their website www.alysonsorchard.com or call the Orchard at 603-756-9800.
Alyson’s Orchard Opens for Pick-Your-Own Apples…and more!
Chosen by New Hampshire Magazine in 2008 as the “Best Agricultural Experience” in New Hampshire, Alyson’s Orchard will open for the Pick-Your-Own season on Saturday, August 15 with a rain date of August 16. It’s the perfect choice for an afternoon of family fun!
Starting at 10 a.m. visitors will be able to pick Paula Red apples and blueberries and go for a free wagon ride in a special fire truck wagon pulled by a John Deere tractor. (The first 50 kids who ride will receive a fire chief hat.) There will also be free hot dogs and live music from 12 – 3 PM.
The farm stand will be open, selling apple pies, jams, local honey and maple syrup, cheese, chicken pies, gifts and more. Other seasonal fruits such as peaches and plums will be available at the farm stand, as well.
There will be a wine tasting featuring Alyson’s Heirloom Apple and Dry Apple wines, along with some new, award-winning selections from LaBelle Winery of Amherst, NH from 12-3 PM.
This event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weather permitting.Alyson’s is located on Route 12 in Walpole, 12 miles north of Keene.For more details visit their website www.alysonsorchard.com or call the Orchard at 603-756-9800.
Alyson’s Orchard Opens for Pick-Your-Own Apples…and more!
Chosen by New Hampshire Magazine in 2008 as the “Best Agricultural Experience” in New Hampshire, Alyson’s Orchard will open for the Pick-Your-Own season on Saturday, August 15 with a rain date of August 16. It’s the perfect choice for an afternoon of family fun!
Starting at 10 a.m. visitors will be able to pick Paula Red apples and blueberries and go for a free wagon ride in a special fire truck wagon pulled by a John Deere tractor. (The first 50 kids who ride will receive a fire chief hat.) There will also be free hot dogs and live music from 12 – 3 PM.
The farm stand will be open, selling apple pies, jams, local honey and maple syrup, cheese, chicken pies, gifts and more. Other seasonal fruits such as peaches and plums will be available at the farm stand, as well.
There will be a wine tasting featuring Alyson’s Heirloom Apple and Dry Apple wines, along with some new, award-winning selections from LaBelle Winery of Amherst, NH from 12-3 PM.
This event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weather permitting.Alyson’s is located on Route 12 in Walpole, 12 miles north of Keene.For more details visit their website www.alysonsorchard.com or call the Orchard at 603-756-9800.
Mary Lou Montgomery reports that the Walpole Conservation Commission is sponsoring three upcoming walks to explore town conservation lands and special places. Each walk meets on the Common 15 minutes before its scheduled start, and refreshments will be served afterward.
This year's Conservation walks are as follows:
Saturday, August 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Exploring Drewsville Gorge. This deep gorge was cut by the Cold River and passes several water falls and two deep swimming holes. It is rich in history with several former mills sited along it as well as an old pill box factory. Duncan Watson, a resident of Drewsville, will lead this exploration, and, weather permitting, there may be opportunities to swim for those that bring bathing suits. Children are welcome with adult supervision.
Saturday, September 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Boggy Meadow Oxbow. The is a wonderful exampole of an oxbow long since abandoned by the Connecticut River. This unique swamp drains out of each end, and there is evidence of beaver activity including a dam and lodge. Eloise Clark of the Hooper Institute will lead this walk along an old carriage road laid out by Fanny Mason in the early 1900saround the perimeter of the swamp. The route approches the embankment of the old railroad bed and passes along the edge of the Fanny Mason Forest. The walk is 2-3 miles long and flat, but wear water proof shoes as there may be wet spots.
Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Reading the Rocks of Fall Mountain. Dr. David Howell of Walpole, a practicing geologist, has been reading the rocks on many continents to undertstand their growth and the shaping of contnnents for many decades. He'll help us understand the origins and content of Fall Mountain and the modern risks from natural hazards.
For information on any of the walks, call Marcia Galloway at 756-3604 or Lew Shelley at 756-3640.
According to Stacie Gay, Friday is Community Day at the Walpole Pool. Admission is free from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and hamburgers, hotdogs and pizza will be available for sale. Donations will be accepted, and proceeds will be used for renovations of the pool house. Music will be provided by a DJ, and movies will be projected on the pool house wall beginning at 8:00 p.m. CCB
Mrs. Teague called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM with one person present in the audience.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
GAIL BEAUDOIN – Re: Signage on Barnett/March Hill Roads:Ms. Beaudoin presented the following Petition to the Selectboard signed by most residents on the roads:
“We, the undersigned Walpole residents of Barnett and March Hill Roads, request that the town of Walpole post signage at (an) approximate site(s) on those roads indicating that there is the possibility that there are farm animals/horses on those roads – or limiting the speed on those roads to 30 mph (as posted on the Walpole Valley Road).
There is virtually no signage whatsoever on Barnett/March Hill Roads to slow traffic, although there has been a considerable increase in building and population in this area over the past twenty-five years.
The real possibility of an automotive accident on Barnett and March Hill Roads involving farm animals/horses would be greatly reduced by such signage.
We trust that this request will be addressed in a timely fashion.”
Ms. Beaudoin called Jim Terrell today so he is aware of this Petition.She invited the Selectboard to walk the loop on a Saturday afternoon with her.Mrs. Teague would like to look over the road before making a decision.She will ask Mr. Aldrich to go with her.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $18,236.79.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
PAYROLL:Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending July 25, 2009, for gross wages in the amount of $17,325.17 or net wages in the amount of $9,629.14.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,725.98.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $96.11.This is for the supplemental payroll from last week.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING –July 23, 2009:Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 23, 2009, as printed.Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.Motion passed unanimously.
Selectboard Meeting –July 30, 2009- Page 2
DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of July 28, 2009.
BUILDING PERMITS:
THOMAS and LOIS GALLOWAY –Map 003-084-000:Mr. Sawyer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2009-015 for Thomas and Lois Galloway to remove the dog kennel and expand the existing deck on Scoville Road.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
BRIAN and KERRY PICKERING –Map 015-025-001:Mr. Sawyer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2009-016 for Brian and Kerry Pickering to construct two dormers above the garage and make it into a bedroom on Alstead Center Road.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
ABATEMENT:
ELBERT SHAUGHNESSY –Map 028-045-000:Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Abatement in the amount of $53.86 for Elbert Shaughnessy.Seconded by Mrs. Teague.Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
BOSTON CANE – Walpole Grange:Following a request from the Walpole Community Grange, the Selectboard feel it would be a good idea to consult with the Walpole Grange on the selection of the next recipient and presentation of the Boston Cane.It will be presented by Mr. Aldrich, Chair of the Selectboard, during one of the summer band concerts.
LETTER TO DRA FOR EMERGENCY TOWN HALL EXPENDITURES:The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Department of Revenue Administration.They will pursue providing additional information to the DRA on the Town Hall repairs.
ROBERTS, GREENE & DROLET, PLLC – Proposal:There was a consensus of Mrs. Teague and Mr. Sawyer to wait for a full Board to be present to discuss this agenda item.
TREE IN DREWSVILLE CEMETERY:The Selectboard is waiting for more information from the Cemetery Trustees on removal of the pine tree.They are also considering the possibility of doing a site visit.
NEW BUSINESS:
VILAS BRIDGE:The Town of Rockingham Selectboard and the Town of Walpole Selectboard will meet on the Bellows Falls side of the Vilas Bridge on Thursday, August 13th at 4:30 PM to do a site visit.They will then continue their meeting at the Walpole Town Hall.The North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners and the Southwest Region Planning Commission will be notified of this meeting.
DRAINAGE:The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Sam Hicks regarding drainage.They will refer this to Jim Terrell but do not believe there is sufficient funding in the budget to take care of it this year.A response letter will be written to Mr. Hicks.
Selectboard Meeting –July 30, 2009- Page 3
Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously. The time was 8:40 PM.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING
Mrs. Teague called the meeting of the Hooper Trustees to order at 8:41 PM.
HOOPER GOLF CLUB LEASE: The Selectboard is in the process of determining a committee to work on the Hooper Golf Club lease. Interested people should contact the Selectboard’s Office.
Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously. The time was 8:46 PM.
The Friends of the Walpole Town Library urgently need books for the annual book sale in October. Books may be dropped off at the library Monday-Saturday, only during library hours. Please do not leave them by the front door when the library is closed. Books may also be brought to the garage at 152 Wentworth Road, on sorting days only: Wednesdays between 9-10 a.m. and Fridays between 3-4 p.m. Please do not leave books at the garage if no one is there.
Any questions or to volunteer to help on the sale? Contact sale chairperson Carol Christian at 756-3879.
Join nationally known artist and author Janette Schuster for a day of creative fun. For the first time, the author of Mixed-Media Collage Jewelry: New Directions in Memory Jewelry will be teaching local workshops on found object art. This eco-friendly art form involves reinventing as art materials objects most people toss in the trash or recycling bin.
On Saturday, August 29, Schuster will demonstrate how to make her popular small icon assemblages in a workshop titled “Little Saints and Sinners: Miniature Ancestor Icons.” Students will make several icons by transferring family photos onto wood and embellishing them with found objects. In “Robot Riot” on Saturday, September 26, students will learn how to use found materials, including items from the grocery and hardware stores, to construct a unique found object robot.
Each full-day workshop will be held at a private studio located on the village Common in Walpole. Tuition of $125 includes written instructions and most materials. For additional information or to register, visit www.VisualApothecary.com or contact the artist at janetteschuster@comcast.net or 603-756-3697.
Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM with eight people present in the audience.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
TIM GREENE – AUDITING: Tim Greene introduced his partners, Tamar Roberts and Sue Drolet, from the auditing firm of Roberts, Greene and Drolet. Mr. Sawyer explained that the Town has had the same auditing firm for more years than recommended by the Department of Revenue Administration therefore they are contacting other auditing firms to meet them and obtain quotes. It is not that the Selectboard was dissatisfied with them. Mr. Greene advised that they have been doing government work for about 30 years with other firms but this is a new firm. Ms. Roberts noted that their goal would be to get the audit back within 30 days. Mrs. Teague recommended that they contact the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners to meet with them. Mr. Greene said they had looked over Town Reports and will make an appointment to visit with Teresa Kissell, Bookkeeper, next week. After doing some additional research they will submit a quote for doing the audit.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $7,039.64. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
PAYROLL: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending July 18, 2009, for gross wages in the amount of $21,497.98 or net wages in the amount of $12,977.50. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the supplemental payroll voucher for the week ending July 18, 2009, for gross wages in the amount of $500.00 or net wages in the amount of $442.14. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Teague moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,573.54. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC BUSINESS (Continued):
TRI VILLAGE ENERGY – Tara Sad and Andrew Dey: Tara Sad and Andrew Dey were present to present some good news! Last year Andrew Dey applied for a grant through the Public Utility Commission known as “REGI”. They applied for $43,000 but were granted $138,000 because they would like to do a retro-fit in both the Town Hall and the North Walpole Fire Station building that also houses the Commissioner’s Office and Library. The goal is to reduce green house gas emissions. They will plan to do the work this fall. This will show what can be done in older buildings. Mr. Dey would like to meet with the interested parties and re-visit the analysis, buildings and scope of work. Mrs. Sad noted that the Tri Village Energy Committee would like to take care of the advertising, education on the savings and outreach planning. A meeting will be scheduled in early August.
Selectboard Meeting –July 23, 2009- Page 2
VILAS BRIDGE – Francis “Dutch” Walsh: Mr. Walsh, Community Development Director for the Town of Rockingham, advised that the Town of Rockingham Selectboard would like to meet with the Town of Walpole Selectboard to discuss the Vilas Bridge and to work on a well-crafted letter to be sent to both the New Hampshire and Vermont Governors, Senators, Representatives, etc. They need to know that it is having an impact on the quality of life on both sides of the river. Mr. Walsh had been looking over past correspondence and noted that in 1994 there was an agreement between the parties that said within ten years they were going to restore this bridge. Mr. Sawyer noted that it is now scheduled for the year 2014. Mr. Walsh mentioned that the closing of the bridge has had an economic impact in the area. Business in Bellows Falls is down 30% and the increased traffic flow on the other two area bridges is significant. It is especially noticed in North Walpole when the traffic is backed up because the railroad is going through their crossing. There was a consensus of the Walpole Selectboard to meet with the Rockingham Selectboard and they agreed to host the meeting since most of the bridge is in NH. Mrs. Teague recommended that the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners be invited. Mr. Walsh will take back two proposed meeting dates to the Rockingham Selectboard to see which one is best for them.
MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING –July 15, 2009: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 15, 2009, with the following correction: Page 1, Merriam Farm, delete “They were denied a Class V up-grade” and replace it with “The Selectboard previously denied the occasion for a Class V up-grade”. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present. With Mr. Sawyer and Mrs. Teague in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD PUBLIC HEARING –July 20, 2009: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Public Hearing of July 20, 2009, as printed. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC MEETING –July 09, 2009: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Selectboard Non-Public meeting of July 09, 2009, with the following change: First sentence, change “resignation” to “retirement”. The Minutes will not be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings: 1) Planning Board –July 14, 2009; 2) Conservation Commission –July 06, 2009; 3) North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners –July 14, 2009; and 4) Zoning Board of Adjustment –July 15, 2009.
REFUNDS:
DAVID and SUSAN HOWELL –Map 007-024-000: Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Refund for 2008 Property Taxes in the amount of $2,818.00 Principle and $119.51 Interest for David and Susan Howell. This is the result of their Appeal to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
BUILDING PERMIT:
PETER KING –Map 012-055-022: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2009-014 to construct a 12’ x 16’ shed for Peter King on Dearborn Circle. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
Selectboard Meeting –July 23, 2009- Page 3
OLD BUSINESS:
TREE IN DREWSVILLE CEMETERY: This agenda item is still pending therefore the Selectboard agreed to table it for a future meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
MYRA MANSOURI – Saving Bank Signatures: Mr. Sawyer moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Wire Transfer Agreement renewal between the Walpole Savings Bank and the Town of Walpole for the MBIA account. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
RESIGNATION – Recycle Center: Mrs. Teague moved to accept the resignation of Ann Marie Estes with gratitude. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Teague moved that the Town advertise for a part-time attendant for the Solid Waste / Recycling Facility. It will be posted at several local areas, put on the web site and sent to the Unemployment Offices in Claremont, Keene and Springfield. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
RECYCLE VOLUNTEERS: The Selectboard discussed Paul Colburn’s concern regarding children volunteering at the Solid Waste / Recycling Facility.
Mrs. Teague moved to give permission for having children volunteer at the facility with the following conditions: 1) They must be a teenager; 2) they must be 13 years or older; and 3) a parent must sign a liability waiver document in the office prior to the person beginning to volunteer and Paul Colburn must witness the signature on the document. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
RECYCLE – Vandalism: Mrs. Teague reported that vandals cut the lock to the old dump for a third time. There was a consensus to have Paul Colburn talk to a Cold River Materials representative to see what can be done to secure the site in a different manner.
RECYCLE – Paul Colburn Will Attend the Alstead Board of Selectmen Meeting to Observe on July 28, 2009: The Selectboard agreed that Paul Colburn should attend this meeting.
VACATION REQUEST – Chief Hewes: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the request for vacation time for Police Chief David Hewes and Lt. Paquette. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
Corporal Sanctuary and Sgt. Huntley will be in charge during their absence. Lt. Maslan of the NH State Police will be available.
INTENT TO CUT TIMBER –Mary McMahon- Map 003-001-002 and Map 003-001-000: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the two Notices of Intent to Cut Timber on Map 003-001-002 and Map 003-001-000 for Mary McMahon on Whipple Hill. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
BOSTON POST CANE: The Selectboard announced that they are looking for the oldest person in Walpole over the age of 96. If anyone is aware of a Town resident who would be eligible to hold the Boston Post Cane please notify the Selectboard office.
Mr. Sawyer moved to pass on the Boston Post Cane to the oldest resident they can find. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
Selectboard Meeting –July 23, 2009- Page 4
ROCKINGHAM OLD HOME DAYS: Mrs. Teague reported that Police Chief Hewes applied for permission to close the bridge for the Rockingham Old Home Days fireworks on Saturday, August 1st. This has not yet been received in writing. Chief Hewes is planning to bring in two or three additional officers
Adjournment: Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously. The time was 9:26 PM.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING
Mr. Aldrich called the meeting of the Hooper Trustees to order at 9:27 PM.
SMOKE DETECTORS: Mr. Aldrich noted that there was a fire in the Hooper property barn but it was under control in a short period of time as a golfer noticed it before it did much damage.
Mr. Sawyer moved to have Elaine Moore contact Countryside Lock and Alarm for a quote on smoke detectors. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
LETTER REGARDING SERVING OF ALCOHOL ON PORCH: When the letter from the State came back to L.P. Putters Fare, LLC they noticed that it did not include serving alcohol on the porch of the Hooper Mansion Club House. They need a letter from the Selectboard to request this extension of their Liquor License.
Mr. Sawyer moved to sign a letter stating that the Selectboard approves having L.P.Putters Fare, LLC serve alcohol on the attached porch of the Hooper Mansion as well as the Club House. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously. The time was 9:32 PM.
