July 2026 Clarion Closing Date – 6/22/26

Uncategorized 06/15/2026 Leave a comment

A week away for your submissions for the July 2026 CLARION. Closing date for the July issue is Monday, June 22 – 5 pm Walpole time. – or earlier if you can. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.

Walpole does not have any 250th Anniversary specific events planned, but if you are aware of something in the area that CLARION readers may like to attend, do let me know. I will mention Keene’s Monadnock 250 celebration, which is hosting many area events.

Your early submissions are always welcome and appreciated as I start developing the layout well beforehand. If you have some “news” send it along. In addition, I like to have on-hand material of interest that is not time-sensitive to fill space to round out a pleasing issue. So, if you would “like to be in print” and have something to write and share (images as well), send along for possible inclusion space permitting. Please do remember, it is the advertisers in each issue that make this community publication possible, so please support and thank them.

If you have any questions, or interest in placing an advertisement, reaching over 1900 Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville addresses, I welcome your inquiries, so please do get in touch with me. Advertising information and contact information is on the CLARION website.

Thank you, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/9/26

PLANNING BOARD 06/15/2026 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Minutes

June 9, 2026

Town Hall

7pm

Roll Call: Board Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternates Present: Travis Adams, Tom Murray.

Call to order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. A full board was present so an alternate was not needed to fill in. As residents continued to trickle in, board members twice had to go to the basement for another rack of chairs. The actual meeting started about 10 to 15 minutes later.

Minutes: Review minutes of the May 2026 meeting. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the carried unanimously.

Old Business:

Public Hearing No. 1: 

Site Plan Application: Hubbard Farms, Jim Wilson and Mark Houghton presenters. Enlarge building at 45 Hidden Acres Lane, Town Tax Map 4, Lot 3-5 in the Rural Agriculture District, Currently the existing building is 40 feet by 60 feet Proposed is an addition of a 35 feet by 35 feet. There are five parking spaces.

Mr. Houghton showed a picture of several buildings in a row on Hidden Acres Lane. The smallest one was the building that would be enlarged. It is used so personnel can shower before and after being in any of the buildings on the property. This is a safety precaution so personnel will not take in or leave with any possible contamination. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve Mr. Houghton’s request. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Public Hearing: Continued from May.

Site Plan Application: Snowplow Sales Development, Brookside Real Estate LLC Mike and Levi Hubbard, 538 Main Street, Tax Map 12, Lot 58, Commercial District. This project includes a 3,360 square-foot office and a two-story 8,000 square-foot store for snowplows sale as well as small equipment and landscaping items. The store is in the timber frame style. A warehouse will be behind the store. There will be bins with various types of soil and mulch in them along one boundary line and two larger ones for sand and salt. They will host a landscaping business. John Noonan of Fieldstone Land Consultants made the presentation.

Mr. Noonan explained that the property is located on Main Street which intersects with Route 123/12 and Upper Walpole Road. It is 75.5 acres and located in the commercial district. Besides the two buildings there will be an outdoor display area on the left as one enters the property, parking spaces on three sides of the office and on the perimeter of the parking lot. The parking lot will be asphalt. There is a wetland area off to the south that will not be touched. However, they do need and are planning on getting an Alteration of Terrain permit from the state to deal with storm water. There is an infiltration basin at the east portion of the property. Trees will be placed at the entry way and along the eastern boundary line. There will also be shrubs and flowers around the office and parking lot. Instead of a private well on the property they have decided to hook up to the local water system that runs along the western side of Route 12. That means going under Route 12, all the lighting is dark sky compliant and down lit. They have received a driveway permit from NHDOT.

John Peska, co-chair of the Walpole Conservation Commission, read a letter about their concerns on environmental impacts. It says, “A significant concern due to the slope of the parcel, is the flow of storm water into Blanchard Brook, which borders the northern boundary of the parcel flowing west through the Malnati farm and directly into the Connecticut River. Both surface and underground water flow of storm water and/or industrial spill would contaminant a valuable waterway. … Development should be restricted to area within the established 200 foot width of commercial zoning. 

“The height of the lights, their intensity, and their color, should not disturb the night vision of passing drivers, nor should they attract insects, or impact migrating birds using the Connecticut River Valley flyway.

“To conserve the rural character of our town and overall quality of life, as stated in our 2006 conservation plan for protecting drinking water, wildlife habitat, and agricultural soils are our highest priorities…The State of New Hampshire has designated the soils of the parcel being proposed for development, of local importance.”

The rest of the meeting continued with residents discussing the driveway and their safety concerns. Ms. Pauline Barnes asked the Hubbard brothers to consider changing their minds about the location of the driveway. Others did the same. The flow of cars will be cars from three different directions. Those entering Route 12 from a slip of road that come from Main Street. Then there will be cars coming from both the south and north on Route 12. Those coming from the north will have to cross two lanes of traffic to enter the site.

Mr. Miller asked Mr. Levi Hubbard how much traffic he expected. Mr. Hubbard replied there would be 15 employee cars or trucks and from 10 to 50 cars daily depending on the season.

Hank Shedd said the placement of the driveway is a challenge for drivers. They have several places to look. If a driver is coming from the slip he has to look in his rear vision mirror to check for cars coming from the south as well be aware of anyone in front of him as well as anyone turning from the northern lane to see if anyone is going to cross two lanes to enter the site. Mr. Matthias Gohl said the cars entering from the slip seem to pose the biggest problem. He could envision rear end collisions. He suggested that maybe the town should be looking at fixing that problem. The sentiment of these two people was repeated over and over.

Mr. Miller explained that he had contacted the NH Municipal Association about the matter of the driveway cut and the that the board had a problem concerning the safety of drivers considering the layout of lanes near the cut. What would happen if the Board denied the site plan due to safety concerns. “Do we have any legal standing? We have no expertise or data just our intuition?”

Mr. Jonathan Cowal, Legal Services Counsel with the Association, replied “As a general rule, you are not going to be able to deny an application due to safety concerns related to access to a state highway, especially if it based solely on intuition. Even if you have empirical evidence to support this concern. I think at best you could bring it to the attention of the state and see if they are willing to enforce anything. But even then the planning board does not have control over access to a state highway so you would not be able to deny an application based solely on concerns related to the access point on the state road.” Therefore, Mr. Miller said, if the board did deny it, the matter would most likely go to Superior Court, cost the town a great deal of money and would not win the appeal.

There being no more comments from the public Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:50 pm.

Board members considered the application. Ms. Andros and Mr. Marcom both voiced their concerns about safety for drivers and hoped for another solution. Mr. Marcom summed it up by saying, “It flies in the face of common sense.” 

Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the site plan, Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion was approved in a vote of 6 yeas and 1 nay.

Signage

Mr. Noonan showed a picture of the new sign. It is 4 feet by 8 feet and continues in the style of the building, timber frame. It is 20 feet high, will be placed near the entrance. Two independent sign panels advertise two services – Connecticut Valley Yard Work and Snowplow Sales. A heavy chain holds the two panels. It is made of cedar or Douglas Fir and will be lit from below.

Adjournment

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 8:15.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

Summer Reading Challenge at the Library – Starts 6/20/26

EVENTS 06/13/2026 Leave a comment
Summer reading challenge. Plant a seed, read. June 20, 2026 - August 1, 2026. Kids 5 years and younger: Collect colorful beads for your own necklace. Sticker sheets are also available for little ones. Age 6 and up - including adults: Earn raffle tickets; weekly prize drawings. Stop by the library to sign up.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/4/26

SELECTBOARD 06/12/2026 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

June 4, 2026

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose, Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, and Steven Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer and Tom Murray of the Walpole Foundation

Call to Order: Ms. Vose called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The Non-Public session was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests who wished to speak to the first item on the non-public agenda.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c)(d)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c)(d) at 6:30 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 6:52 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Murray left during the Non-Public session.

Accounts Payable

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $176,835.97 dated 6/9/2026 which includes a $100,000 request for warrant article funds from WFD.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

There is also a request for approval for March, April and May 2026 ACH payments of $583,655.19 per month to Fall Mountain Regional School District.  These payments were already made but were not previously approved by the Selectboard.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the ACH payments for March, April and May 2026 of $583,655.19 each to Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $43,178.82 dated 6/5/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,173.12.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – May 28, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 28, 2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – May 28, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of May 28, 2026.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

Committee Reports

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

  • Hooper Institute Board Meeting Minutes – January 6, 2026
  • Hooper Institute Board Meeting Minutes – February 3, 2026 
  • Hooper Institute Board Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
  • Hooper Institute Board Meeting Minutes – April 7, 2026
  • Police Station Building Committee Meeting Minutes – May 11, 2026
  • Planning Board Meeting Minutes – May 12, 2026

Ms. Vose acknowledged these minutes.

Timber Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant

Op 25-461-03, Map and Lot # 011-007-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the taxes assessed and warrant for $1,443.04. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Abatements

Map and Lot # 005-058-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to deny the Abatement request for Map and Lot # 005-058-000 as recommended by Avitar because significant locational differences were not accounted for and the equalized value for this property is $440,696.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved, and the request is denied.

Timber Intents

Map and Lot 014-005-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 014-005-000, off Whitcomb Road.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Building and demolition Permits

2026-11, Map and Lot# 003-058-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Demolition Permit #2026-11 for Map and Lot # 003-058-000 to remove a garage/barn.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

2026-12, Map and Lot# 014-044-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2026-12 for Map and Lot # 014-044-002 to construct a 36’ x 24’ two bay garage with loft. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

2026-13, Map and Lot# 014-011-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2026-13 for Map and Lot # 014-011-001 to construct a 25’ x 12’ overhang on an existing garage. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

2026-15, Map and Lot# 012-001-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Demolition Permit #2026-15 for Map and Lot # 012-001-000 to demolish an existing 26’ x 50’ workshop. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

2026-16, Map and Lot# 012-001-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2026-16 for Map and Lot # 012-001-000 to construct a 38’ x 58’ storage shed. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Special Town Meeting: Ms. Mayberry stated that the superior court hearing was today.  Mr. Hockensmith went through the complete request. He explained that the emergency that necessitated the special meeting is the condition of the existing police station and incomplete information at the time of the Town Meeting.  Ms. Mayberry reported that the judge ruled from the bench that Walpole can hold the special meeting and that the Town must start publicizing the meeting right away.  

The Special Town Meeting to vote on the bond for the new Police Station will be on Monday, August 17th at 7:00 PM.

Reservoir Dam: Mr. Dalessio said the Wetlands Permit application, which is active for five years, has been submitted. It will allow the Town to breach the dam.  All funding for this project will cease as of July 1st.  Everyone involved in the project has been warned.

Town Hall Generator: The tree at the northwest corner of the property is scheduled to be removed on Monday, June 8th.  This will allow for the installation of a propane tank for the generator for Town Hall.

160 Prospect Hill Road: A building permit was due on May 31st.  A complete application has not been submitted. Mrs. Patch picked up the building permit but never completed and returned the application.  She was reminded of the approaching deadline.  A letter will be sent notifying them of the $500 fine.

Congregational Church Barbecue: The date of Congregational Church barbecue planned for the July 4th weekend has been moved to August because not enough workers will be available on the holiday weekend.  A new date has not been selected.

New Business

Recreation Revolving Fund Request: The Recreation Department is requesting $1,237.00 from the Revolving Fund to purchase summer basketball jerseys.   The sponsors reimburse the cost of the jerseys.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Purchase Order # 457330 for $1,237.00 to be taken from the Recreation Revolving Fund to purchase jerseys from Bulldog Designs LLC.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion passed, and the Purchase Order was signed.

Week of July 4th Selectboard Meeting: A meeting is currently scheduled for July 2nd, which is the evening before the Town holiday on July 3rd.   By consensus, the Selectboard agreed to move the meeting to Wednesday, July 1st.

Hooper Trustees

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:36 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:40 PM.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 7:43 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the June 11, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Correction: Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum Interactive Presentation – 6/24/26

EVENTS 06/12/2026 Leave a comment

[Editor’s Note: The previous version of this flyer had the incorrect date. The presentation will take place on June 24th not June 26th.—Kelli]

Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum digital presentation on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Walpole Town Library. Get ready for an exciting digital adventure as a museum educator takes us on a virtual tour of the museum and its captivating mission. Expect to dive into engaging, hands-on artifact examinations that will make history come alive. Afterward, there will be plenty of time for lively questions and stimulating discussions, making this a truly interactive experience.

River Valley Seniors at Home “Cuppa Conversation” – 6/26/26

EVENTS 06/12/2026 Leave a comment
River Valley Seniors at Home cordially invites Walpole Seniors to our monthly "Cuppa Conversation." Friday, June 26 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. John's Episcopal Church Parish Hall (corner of Elm and Westminster streets). Join us for coffee, tea, pastries, and lively conversation with your Walpole neighbors. Accessibility through the church or use the steps on the north side of the building.

Don’t Forget: Gear Grab Tomorrow – 6/13/26

Uncategorized 06/12/2026 Leave a comment

Reminder: Great Decisions at the Library – 6/15/26

Uncategorized 06/12/2026 Leave a comment

“Great Decisions” Meets on Monday, June 15, 6:00 p.m. in the library

“Ukraine and European Security”

The grim and grinding war in Ukraine is well into its fifth year, with no end in sight. The threat of further Russian aggression has forced European nations to confront their own vulnerability in view of America’s sharply decreased role in a frayed alliance.

Join our discussion of the challenges to European security and beyond. Adrian Basora, former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, will serve as moderator.

“Great Decisions” will meet on Monday, June 15, at 6:00 pm in the Walpole Town Library. The reading from the Foreign Policy Association is “Ukraine and the Future of European Security” by Thomas Wright, eminent scholar and practitioner who has served on the U.S. National Security Council. A copy of his article can be emailed to you upon request to Library Director Jane Malmberg: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

All are welcome to join in person or via Zoom. You can click above to request the Zoom link from Jane Malmberg and instead join at 6:30 pm, following the “Master Class” video which cannot be shown via Zoom.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/11/26

SELECTBOARD 06/11/2026 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

June 11, 2026

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $211,000.00 for checks issued 6/15/2026. Approval request for June 2026 monthly payment of $583,655.19 to Fall Mt. Regional School District (FMRSD).

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $37,651.41 dated 6/12/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,974.04

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – June 4, 2026
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – June 4, 2026

LAND USE CHANGE TAX

  • Map and Lot# 003-001-002
  • Map and Lot# 005-043-002
  • Map and Lot#  010-024-02-2

BUILDING  and DEMOLITION PERMITS

  • 2026-14, Map and Lot# 003-032-000
  • 2026-17, Map and Lot# 005-044-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Parking Ordinance, Reservoir Dam, Library Ramp Railing Extension

  • Special Town Meeting
  • 2024 Financial Audit
  • 2026 Petition Warrant Articles

NEW BUSINESS

  • Employee Resignation Letter

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 Workshop Meeting – 6/23/26

PLANNING BOARD 06/10/2026 Leave a comment

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD

WORKSHOP MEETING

You are hereby notified of the following Planning Board Workshop meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 7 pm in the Town Hall. The meeting will be held in the basement conference room for the purpose of working with Sarah Bollinger of Southwest Region Planning Commission to draft an ordinance on Family-Based Child Care.

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary