“Connecting Spirit Through Music”
Eugene Friesen, cello
Liz Rogers, voice
Cliff Oster, planetary gong
In concert this Sunday, March 1
10 AM
Walpole Unitarian Church
Corner of Main and Union Streets, Walpole NH
All are welcome!!!
“Connecting Spirit Through Music” at Walpole Unitarian Church – 3/1/26
Hooper Institute High School Program Mentors
The Hooper Institute is looking for local businesses interested in mentoring and employing a summer worker in the coming months. This would need to be an opportunity that aligns with the Institute’s subject areas of agriculture, forestry, botany, soil science, and environmental science. The Institute is committed to educating Walpoleans of all ages and supporting our community. The Hooper Institute’s summer work program was created to build bridges between our youth and local businesses. This is a young student’s first chance to begin exploring their interests in future careers and a chance to mentor the future of our community.
We are looking for a variety of businesses in Walpole to assist in mentoring a student worker. Previous placements have included farms, vineyards, and landscaping. The Hooper Institute is open to hearing further suggestions and offers that align with our subject areas and values. As an employer you will serve foremost as a patient teacher and mentor. This is a student’s first professional experience building habits and skills such as communication, time management, and work ethic.
Staff at the Hooper Institute will encourage students entering 9th grade and onwards to apply. Our team will require these students to submit an application and complete an interview, as a means of experiential learning. Our goal is to immerse students in their first professional atmosphere for further development.
Students will be paid through the Hooper Institute’s available funds. These workers must follow local and federal labor laws. Supervision and safety are essential considerations for all job placements. If you are interested please contact us at hooper.educator@gmail.com or 603-756-4382.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/12/26
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
February 12, 2026
Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair, Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:40 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Payroll
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,873.62 dated 2/13/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,632.02. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, Payroll was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
2026 Budget and Warrant Article Hearing – February 5, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the 2026 Budget and Warrant Article Hearing of February 5, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Hearing minutes were approved.
Selectboard Meeting – February 5, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 5, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 5, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 5, 2026. The minutes will remain sealed. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.
Committee Reports
Ms. Mayberry brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
- Walpole Fire District Meeting – January 7, 2026
Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.
Elderly Exemption:
Map and Lot # 028-094-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 028-094-000. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Map and Lot # 028-132-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 028-132-000. This is an updated application because of a change in ownership. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Map and Lot # 028-132-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Blind Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 028-132-000. This is an updated application because of a change in ownership. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Veterans’ Exemption:
Map and Lot #028-132-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Veterans’ Exemption for Map and Lot# 028-132-000. The applicant’s spouse served more than 90 days of active duty and was honorably discharged. This is an updated application because of a change in ownership. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Old Business
Reservoir Dam Update: Mr. Dalessio explained that the delay in work on the Reservoir Dam was caused because funds needed to be moved to permitting from engineering and construction. This has been taken care of. There is no change in the budget for the project.
2027 Senator Shaheen Congressional Spending Grant: The deadline is 2/18/2026. Mr. Dalessio passed the grant information to the Police Department to see if they want to apply.
250th Anniversary of American Independence – Walpole Event: Two additional ideas have been put forward. Mrs. Downing will contact all who made suggestions for the celebration. The Selectboard will meet with all who have responded after Town Meeting to make plans for the event.
Town Report: The Town Report needs to be finalized by 2/18/2026 so that the printer has a couple of weeks to complete the printing. Mrs. Downing is still missing several pieces including the MS-9, the MS-636 and several other reports. Proofing is underway for completed pages.
New Business
Town Hall Use by Civic Groups: There are repeated issues with groups not scheduling when they will be in the Town Hall and with doors being propped open during heating season. Mrs. Downing explained that any cardholder can always get in, but doors do not stay unlocked unless scheduled. As a result, groups who for not schedule their time in Town Hall prop open the doors so that fellow group members can get in. Walpole citizens pay the Town Hall heating bills with their taxes. By consensus, the Selectboard asked that an email be sent to civic groups using the Town Hall to please remember to be good stewards in the care and use of the Town Hall.
Goodlander Community Project Funding Notice: This is another legislative funding opportunity. Mr. Dalessio will review the requirements to determine which departments might apply.
MG Building on South Street: Ms. Vose expressed concern regarding the recent Planning Board minutes related to the “MG” building, noting that it appeared the process for granting a special exception was not being followed. Mr. Dalessio assured Ms. Vose that the required process will be followed when the “MG” building is sold, and the property is proposed for commercial development. He also clarified that, at the time of the Planning Board meeting, no site plan application had been submitted, which is the first step in the approval process.
Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b) at 7:15 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:07 PM.
Ms. Vose moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 19, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/10/26
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair; Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry
Others Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Steve Varone, Treasurer
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 5:36 PM in the Selectboard Office of the Town Hall. Mr. Dalessio introduced the Selectboard and others present at the meeting.
SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL PRESENTATION: Ms. Vose handed out copies of the draft PowerPoint slides for review. The Selectboard went through the ten slides and gave Ms. Vose feedback with suggested changes and additions. The titles on the slides were Vision, Fiscal Accountability, Why Withdraw?, 2026 Legal Framework, Financial Realities and Responsibilities with the Withdrawal, Definitions: SAU vs. School District, Forming a Walpole School District, Proposed Timeline for 2026-2027 and Community Information and Next Steps.
There was a consensus that questions would be held until after the presentation was completed.
SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL MAILINGS: The Selectboard received a question regarding the cost of the mailings. The Selectboard accepted a donation for the entire cost of the three mailings. There was no taxpayer funds used to post the mailings.
The appropriateness of the Selectboard endorsement at the end of the letter on the first mailing was questioned by a citizen. By consensus, the Selectboard agreed to sign both mailed letters. The Walpole Selectboard has a responsibility to address the impact of the school district’s budget on the Walpole tax rate. The Town approved a warrant article at the 2025 Town Meeting to conduct a feasibility study for the Town to withdraw from the cooperative school district. The initial study group concluded that it would be beneficial to the Town to withdraw from FMRSD. It is up to the voters if they want educational and financial control of the Walpole Schools.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 6:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 19, 2026, Selectboard meeting.)
2026 Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship
Apply to the 2026 Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship by February 28th
The Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship endeavors to connect young people with agriculture & the natural world. Scholarship-eligible programs include select farm camps and after school programs at Stonewall Farm, Orchard Hill, Kroka Expeditions, U-Mass Farm Academies, and memberships to NOFA-NH. Scholarships cover the full program cost unless otherwise noted.
Additional info and applications can be found at https://www.cheshireconservation.org/cheshire-kids
Submit Your Application via E-mail or Mail To:
11 Industrial Park Dr. Walpole, NH 03608
Main Library Closed Today – 2/19/26
Due to the forecasted storm, the Main library will NOT be open today. The North Walpole branch IS OPEN until 1 pm. Come on in and say “hi”.
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 2/19/26
TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA
February 19, 2026
Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall
SELECTBOARD MEETING
PAYROLL
- Payroll Register totaling $36,585.32 dated 2/20/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,933.82
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
- Selectboard Meeting – February 10, 2026
- Selectboard Meeting – February 12, 2026
- Selectboard Non-Public Session – February 12, 2026
COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Conservation Commission Meeting – February 2, 2026
- Planning Board Meeting – January 13, 2026
- Planning Board Meeting – February 13, 2026
- Safety Committee Meeting – February 5, 2026
- Library Trustees Meeting – February 10, 2026
BUILDING PERMITS
- 2026-01, Map and Lot# 008-077-001
OLD BUSINESS
Pending Further Actions: Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant, 250th Anniversary of American Independence, Parking Ordinance
- True and Attest Form
- ARPA Water Asset Management Grant Reimbursement Request
NEW BUSINESS
- MS-636
- Hooper Institute Fundraising and Tax-Exempt Status
- Hooper Institute Funding for Additional Renovations
- North Walpole Trash Pick-up
- Concerts on the Common
- Evening Film Shooting Road Closure Request
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (e)
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES
- Hooper Trustees Meeting – February 6, 2026
HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS
- Hooper Banking Access
HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II
**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**
Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 2/10/26
Walpole Planning Board Minutes
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Town Hall
7 pm
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed for corrections at the March 2026 meeting.
Role Call: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Absent: Board member Jeff Harrington and alternate Travis Adams.
Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. There was a quorum present.
Review of minutes of January 2026 meeting: Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the January 2026 minutes as presented. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
Site Plan: Lawrence & Lober – Preliminary meeting.
Rick Hamm, president of Lawrence & Lober Electric and Adam Steele, vice-president, were at the meeting to discuss preliminary plans for a potential building. Mr. Hamm said they were considering buying the former Abingdon Spares property on South Street for the business, which is now located in Bellows Falls, Vt. He is looking at building a 6,000-to-8,000-square foot building for his warehouse and office. He said he had about 25 employees, but most of those employees take the company trucks home at the end of the day. There already is plenty of space for parking in back of the building for employees, he said, as well as more on the property. After a question from Board member Andros Mr. Hamm said the building would face toward Route 12.
Chair Miller said that the property has been designated at Residential B, so the buyer would need a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment as well as a site plan application form the Planning Board. The Zoning Board meets the following week on a Wednesday and the person to contact would be Chair Tom Murray. Mr. Miller suggested that Mr. Hamm look at some of the buildings at the former Pinnacleview Equipment because all their buildings have a colonial architectural style and since this building would be the entrance to the town of Walpole it would be in keeping with the town’s architecture. Mr. Miller also suggested he consider the landscaping. Mr. Hamm and Mr. Steele left the meeting and will let the Board know if they would be back for a more formal meeting.
Old Business:
Public Hearing:
Subdivision, Sabin Rock Farm LLC, 79 Reservoir Road, owner Margie Palmer, Tax Map 10, Lot 26. One lot into three lots: Lot 1 9.58 acres, 559.67 feet road frontage, Lot 2 6.42 acres, 200.92 feet road frontage, Lot 3 17.99 acres, 771.21 feet, rural/ag zoning district.
Mr. DiBernardo presented the project saying it changed from an original two-lot subdivision to a three-lot subdivision because there were already two residences on the property and that is not allowed according to Walpole’s Zoning Ordinances. Mr. DiBernardo pointed out the lot sizes and frontage, which all conformed to Walpole’s zoning ordinances now. Mr. Miller closed the hearing at 7:12 pm.
Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the project as presented. It was seconded by Mr. Marcom and it carried unanimously.
New Business:
Subdivision: Elisse McGuirk 2000 Living Trust, Tax Map 13, Lot 15, Valley Road and Tax Map 12, Lot 76, Valley Road in the Rural/Agricultural Zoning District. Surveyor Jon C. Buschbaum of Envirospect Land Services, LLC explained the project via speaker phone.
There are two parcels of land across the street from one another on Valley Road. The notes on the plat says “the purpose of this plan is to subdivide Map 13, Lot 15 and Map 12, Lot 76 into 2 residential lots.” He said the plan for Tax Map 13, Lot 15, which is 38.7 acres, would be to separate off the current residence on the property. That property is 1.94 acres. Regarding the lot across the street, which is 13.4 acres, it would be divided into two lots one of 5.87 acres and one of 7.53 acres. Mr. Buschbaum requested a public hearing for the next month, March. Mr. Buschbaum did not submit an application with the plat but said he would drop off the application and fees to the town by February 25th.
Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing at the March meeting for the subdivision of the McGuirk properties. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Subdivision William Allen, 142 Prospect Hill Road, Walpole, NH 03608, Tax Map 8, Lot 68, Residential A Zoning District. One lot into two lots. Lot 1 would be 1.48 acres with 254.21 feet of road frontage and Lot 2 would be 3.16 acres with 200. 63 feet of road frontage.
Surveyor Joe DiBernardo presented this project for Mr. Allen and asked for a public hearing on the matter in March. Mr. Marcom made a motion to hold a public hearing in March for the William Allen subdivision. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Adjournment
Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion. The time was 7:31 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
Recording Secretary
Volunteers Needed for Meals on Wheels
Volunteer(s) help wanted to deliver Meals on Wheels Tuesdays.
Pick up in Alstead, and deliver in Walpole. Approx. time 10:30 -11:30. Will train.
Call Krystyna for further details. 603-756-4509.
The Walpolean 
Recent Comments