Burned by Billionaires Book Talk at the Library – 3/5/26
Book Talk with Author at Walpole Library:
Burned by Billionaires by Chuck Collins
Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 pm
At Walpole’s Bridge Memorial Library
Don’t miss this engaging talk followed by a Q&A.
Books signed by the author will be available for sale.
Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power Are Ruining Our Lives and Planet by Chuck Collins is a book that argues extreme wealth concentration among the ultra-rich negatively impacts society, politics, and the planet, leading to issues like political hijacking, housing crises, and environmental damage. Collins, a scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies, details how the actions of the top 0.01% rig the system in their favor, undermining democracy and creating a “myth of meritocracy”. The book serves as both a critique and a call to action, offering solutions for a more equitable society with universal abundance.
Seating is limited. RSVP is required by emailing rsvp.walpole@gmail.com. Please indicate if you would like to join the event via Zoom, and we will send you the link before the event.
Sponsored by Working for Democracy
Forest Stewardship Winter Workshop – 2/7/26
2026 Forest Stewardship Winter Workshop
Register Today!
Active Timber Harvest Tour
When: Saturday, February 7th, 10AM-12PM
Where: Fanny Mason Trailhead, 3H24+C2, Fanny Mason Forest, Walpole, NH
Join us for a 2026 Winter Forestry Stewardship Workshop!
Join CCCD and local Long View Forest foresters for a tour of an active timber harvest in the Fanny Mason Forest. The Fanny Mason forest is a 286-acre property owned by the town of Walpole and managed by the Walpole Conservation Commission for recreation, wildlife habitat, and wood production. Take a walk in the woods to learn how forest management can balance all these goals.
If you are interested in learning about forest management and getting to know a local hiking trail, then join this CCCD event. The walk will leave at 10:00 from the Fanny Mason Trailhead at the northbound rest area along the eastside of Route 12 in Walpole (43.050914205814934, -72.4450459794439, 2.5 miles south of the Route 123 Westminster-Walpole bridge).
This series is presented by Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD), Walpole Conservation Commission, Antioch University New England, Long View Forest, UNH Cooperative Extension, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Cost: Free, Registration Required
For additional information, questions, or for assistance in registration, contact: info@cheshireconservation.org or (603) 904-3011
Conservation Commission Meeting Agenda – 2/2/26
Agenda
Walpole Conservation Commission
Monday, February 2, 2026
Location and Time: Walpole Town Hall, 7:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Peter Palmiotto, co-chair
1. Call to Order
- Introductions of attendees and visitors
- Welcome new recording secretary Holly Gowdy
2. Seating of Alternates
3. Review and Approval of last month’s Minutes
4. Public Business
- Treasury Report
- Correspondence
5. New Business
- Trail committee – chair appointment
6. Old Business, updates
- Fanny Mason Forest Management
- Winter harvest, CCCD forestry tour
- Dams: Reservoir, Cranberry Meadow
7. Trail Committee
- Rail Trail, other trails
8. Other Business
- Hooper Institute Board
9. Agenda next meeting March 2, 2026
10. Adjournment
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 1/5/26
Unapproved Minutes
Conservation Commission
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
January 5, 2026
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 2, 2026 Conservation Commission meeting.)
Members Present: Nicole Adams, Tom Beaudry(alt), Paul Happ, Peter Palmiotto (cochair & recording), John Peska (cochair & presiding), Lewis Shelley,
Members Absent: Hale Morrell (alt) Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Rep)
Visitors Present: Holly Gowdy
Call to Order: John called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm in the Town Hall.
Seating of Alternates: Tom Beaudry was seated to obtain quorum.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Paul moved to accept December 1, 2025. Lew seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.
Public Business
Financial Report: no financial report was available
Correspondence: (1) Southwest Regional Planning highlights newsletter, (2) intent to cut. 65 acres Maple Grove Road, 3 Acres French Road
New Business
WCC files organization proposal – Paul proposed the commission review and update physical files in 15 minute work sessions at each meeting. Discussion prioritize files relevant to town land and easements responsibilities with the goal of having files organized by the end of the year. Proposal was supported.
Old Business
Fanny Mason Forest Management: Fanny Mason Forest winter harvest contract was reviewed and supported for selectboard signature. Commission supported Longview’s request to host a CCCD forestry workshop at Fanny Mason in early February.
Easement Monitoring: Wendy emailed an update that she submitted 3 monitoring reports –Ballam Farm, Graves and Mill Pond. She also accompanied Phil Warren on the Monadnock Conservancy’s monitoring visit to Nelson and March Town Forests.
Reservoir Dam: The permit process for the option to breach the Reservoir Dam is on- going. The Federal govt clawed back a large portion of grant the town had therefore more funds need to be secured for any option to address the dam issue.
Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam: Paul continues to work on completing and submitting a wetlands permit to address cleaning out cattails. Paul will secure quotes for managing vegetation at this time. The dam’s operation manual was discussed for guidance on annual maintenance.
Mt. Kilborne: Letter of support was sent to MCA on their desire to discuss with utility landowners about establishing a formal relationship and climbing opportunities.
Trail Committee
Rail Trail Work Plan: Nicole reported the rail trail work plan was submitted to the state. Commission thanked her and all that provided input. Areas of concern were discussed, Nicole would follow up with the state when she hears back about the work plan. To support the rail trail maintenance Ruggiero has offered support up to $5000 in 2026.
Other Trails: Trails committee meeting will be 2nd Wednesday of month (1/14) 7 pm in town hall. Governance of subcommittee is one agenda item (ie selecting a new sub committee chair).
Other Business and Updates
Hooper Institute Board: Looking for recording secretary. Board Meeting 1/6/26.
Strategic Planning Sessions scheduled for Sat 1/10 and 1/17.
Discussion with Holly Gowdy who expressed interest in serving the town in the role as recording secretary. Commission supported her application.
Next Meeting February 2, 2026
Adjournment: John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Palmiotto, acting recording secretary
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/22/26
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
January 22, 2026
Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair, Carolyn Vose (remote due to illness – she is home alone) and Cheryl Mayberry
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: Jo Cowgill
Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
The next item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest.
Police Assistance to Ice Involved Situations: Jo Cowgill wished to discuss this topic with the Selectboard. Mrs. Cowgill noted that there are no problems at this time in Walpole, but she wants the community to be prepared for ICE activity, particularly during demonstrations. There were about 400 people at the last demonstration near Jouvay Chocolate. There was a discussion about drivers who were surprised by the large group of people gathered and that some may be fearful. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that Walpole Police have always cooperated with Federal agencies in various investigations. Mr. Dalessio has spoken with Chief Sanctuary regarding the matter. The Walpole Police Department will continue to cooperate with agencies that are acting lawfully. Mr. Dalessio stated that the Town can depend on Walpole Police to know what is right in the future. Mrs. Cowgill would also like Walpole Police Officers to protect demonstrators. It was recommended that she call Chief Sanctuary ahead of time, to make the request.
Mrs. Cowgill left the meeting.
Accounts Payable
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $204,608.82 dated 1/27/2026 including $73,296.50 payment to McGovern MHQ for a new Police vehicle. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. The new police cruiser purchase was approved at the 2025 Town Meeting under warrant article #11.
Payroll
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,307.10 dated 1/23/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,000.09. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – January 15, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 15, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting –January 15, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 15, 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 Planning Board – October 14, 2025
- Hooper Institute Board of Directors – November 6, 2025
- Hooper Institute Board of Directors – December 2, 2025
- Police Building Committee – January 6, 2026
Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.
Old Business
2026 Town Budget: The Selectboard reviewed and discussed the 2026 budget. Ms. Mayberry will send the Excel spreadsheet to Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose for final review for next week. The Selectboard feels things are in a very good position in preparation for public meetings, the Town Report, and Town Meeting.
2026 Warrant Articles: Attorney Hockensmith is working on a response to the format question regarding the petition articles to determine if they are legal in the current format. The final version of the Warrant Articles will be ready for next week.
Privacy Release Form re: Federal Legislative Assistance: Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign the form giving permission for the Federal Government to speak to Mr. Dalessio or Mr. Paul Looney. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form. The form is to get assistance to process the federal tax reimbursement for the solar energy system at the Recycling Center.
New Business
250thAnniversary of American Independence: Mr. Dalessio has been approached with questions as to what Walpole will be doing to celebrate the anniversary. There was a consensus that a message should be sent to all civic organizations in Town to see what they might want to do. Mrs. Downing will send an email to all organizations and others who might be interested. The email will request a response by March 31st. July 4th is a Saturday this year.
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 7:41 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:57 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.
Hooper Trustees
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:57 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 PM.
Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 29, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 1/29/26
TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA
January 29, 2026
Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall
SELECTBOARD MEETING
CHESHIRE COUNTY “AT A GLANCE” PRESENTATION
PAYROLL
- Payroll Register totaling $36,579.14 dated 1/30/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,214.72
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
- Selectboard Meeting – January 22, 2026
- Selectboard Non-Public Session – January 22, 2026
COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – October 8, 2025
- Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – November 12, 2025
- Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – December 3, 2025
- Library Trustees Meeting – January 13, 2026
- Trail Committee Meeting – January 14, 2026
- Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – December 17, 2025
- Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – January 21, 2026
- Police Building Committee Meeting – January 21, 2026
WARRANTS
- Walpole Water Tax Lien
- Walpole Sewer Tax Lien
- North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien
- Walpole Water Fees
- Walpole Sewer Fees
- North Walpole Sewer Fees
SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT
- Map and Lot# 012-013-4U1
- Map and Lot# 012-013-4U2
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
- 2026 Town Budget
- 2026 Warrant Articles
- Reservoir Dam Update
- High Street Bridge/Culvert
NEW BUSINESS
- Front Cover for 2025 Town Report
- Inside Front Cover Dedication Page
- Whitcomb Park Rental Inquiry
- February In-Person Staff Meeting
- Handrails for 2nd Floor Stair in Town Hall
- Second Floor Window Shrink Kit Coverings
- Boston Post Cane
- Municipal Clean Energy Projects
- Public Notice for a Subdivision Hearing
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) (c)
**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**
Correction: Planning Board Public Hearing – 2/10/26
[Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this post had the incorrect date for this public hearing. The correct date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026.]
WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD
WALPOLE, NH 03608
PUBLIC NOTICE
You are hereby notified of the following Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 7 pm in the Town Hall. The following submitted application will be reviewed by the Board for completeness and, if complete, accepted by the Board and a Public Hearing held.
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.
All abutters and interested parties are encouraged to attend. To be heard on this matter you or a duly authorized agent must either attend the hearing in person or submit your comment in writing, prior to the hearing to Walpole Planning Board, PO Box 729, Walpole, NH 03608
If final action is delayed or the hearing continued, the application will remain on the agenda for the following Planning Board meeting, or until a decision is reached, without further notice. The application and plans are available for public inspection at the Town Offices. Meeting minutes and public notices are posted inside the Town Hall and on the bulletin board outside the Post Office.
Marilou Blaine
WPB Secretary
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/15/26
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
January 15, 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 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Payroll
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,377.53 dated 1/16/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,308.97. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the payroll was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – January 8, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 8, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 8, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 8, 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:
- Safety Committee Meeting – November 13, 2025
- Conservation Committee Meeting – January 5, 2026
Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.
Abatements
Map and Lot # 019-039-000: This abatement is the settlement of BTLA property tax appeal of 2023 that rolled into the 2024 tax year. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Abatement for Map and Lot # 019-039-000. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Veterans’ Tax Credit:
Map and Lot #011-039-004: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 011-039-004. The applicant served more than 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict and was honorably discharged. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Old Business
First Point Power Electricity Sales Agreement: Ms. Mayberry explained that a revision to the contract signed earlier is needed. There is a better rate for five months than the earlier contract for four months. Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the revised contract for a lower rate for five months. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed and initialed the contract.
Fanny Mason Timber Cut: Mr. Dalessio explained there is a temporary permit for the Fanny Mason Timber Cut logging driveway that has been obtained from the State. This allows logging trucks to turn onto Route 12. It is the same landing and driveway used last time cutting was done in that area.
Hooper Revised Reimbursement request to Trustees of Trust Funds for the Renovations: Ms. Mayberry stated that the previous request was halted when an error was discovered in the Hooper Renovation expenses. The corrected amount has now been sent to the Trustees of Trust Funds.
New Business
Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Reimbursement: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the ARPA grant reimbursement of $10,227.50. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.
2026 Warrant Articles – First Draft: The Selectboard reviewed the first draft of the Warrant Articles. Additional reviews will be done weekly as missing information is added.
The Selectboard Office received three petition articles that are formatted in an unusual way. Attorney Hockensmith has been asked to determine whether they can be used as is, or if they need to be reformatted. Mr. Dalessio noted that there is plenty of time to make sure everything is done legally.
School Withdrawal: Fall Mountain Regional School District will have a budget hearing on Monday, January 26th. There will be no rebuttal presentation. Everyone can attend and ask questions. The Selectboard also worked on some of the information being prepared for residents.
SWRPC Winter Meeting: The SWRPC Winter Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in Heberton Hall in the Keene Public Library Annex First Floor. The Social Hour begins at 5:00 PM and the program will start at 5:30 PM.
Avitar Utility Rates for 2026: Avitar sent a letter stating that work relating to utilities will be billed at the annual rate of $200/hour. This also includes property valuations and defense of valuations for BTLA. Mr. Dalessio acknowledged the letter.
Langdon Hazard Mitigation Plan: SWRPC invited other towns and interested parties to participate in the Landon process. The Selectboard will send Langdon a copy of Walpole’s hazardous mitigation plans, which were updated recently.
Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c)
Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c) at 7:13 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:53 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 7:54 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 22, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)
Planning Board Public Hearing – 2/11/26
WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD
WALPOLE, NH 03608
PUBLIC NOTICE
You are hereby notified of the following Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2026 at 7 pm in the Town Hall. The following submitted application will be reviewed by the Board for completeness and, if complete, accepted by the Board and a Public Hearing held.
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.
All abutters and interested parties are encouraged to attend. To be heard on this matter you or a duly authorized agent must either attend the hearing in person or submit your comment in writing, prior to the hearing to Walpole Planning Board, PO Box 729, Walpole, NH 03608
If final action is delayed or the hearing continued, the application will remain on the agenda for the following Planning Board meeting, or until a decision is reached, without further notice. The application and plans are available for public inspection at the Town Offices. Meeting minutes and public notices are posted inside the Town Hall and on the bulletin board outside the Post Office.
Marilou Blaine
WPB Secretary
The Walpolean 
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