Peggy Pschirrer was so happy to be able to share this with us.  My feeling is, “right back at you Peggy”! – Lil

The first ever Winter Festival was a huge success because you all turned out for an afternoon of outdoor fun at the Hooper Institute and the Hooper Golf Club.  It was exciting to see so many children, youth and adults enjoying the snow and the organized activities.   A heartfelt thanks to all of you who participated.

The Savings Bank of Walpole generously sponsored the Winter Festival, which was planned by both the Hooper Preservation Fund and the Hooper Institute.  This sponsorship, plus the donations from local businesses enabled us to bring the Festival activities and food to everyone without charge.   In addition to The Savings Bank of Walpole, we received support from the following:  Allen Bros. Farms, Best Septic, E. E. Houghton Co, Inc., Fall Mountain Regional School District, Great Brook Farm, Green Mountain Orchards, Hooper Hill Hoppers, L.A. Burdick Chocolate, Shaw’s Supermarket, Walpole Highway Department, and the Walpole Police Department.

The Volunteer Corps was numerous and dedicated as they worked as a team on Sunday.  We couldn’t have carried out the Festival without them.  All volunteers were important but a few need special mention:  Andrea Blades who coordinated the event; Marcia Galloway who brought us the Hill Hoppers; Peter Graves who drove the tractor pull hayride; Jamie Teague who set up the mansion, made the chili and baked cupcakes; Jack Blades who made the pulled pork – a real treat; Sarah Downing who served cup after cup of hot chocolate made by John Cook; Ryan Owens who led a snow shoe hike in the woods; Pam Howard and Gail LaHaise who sold t-shirts and took donations; Christina Mansfield, Jennifer Lefebvre, Sue Dalessio,  and Jennifer Kenson who assisted with games; Chas Street, our traffic director; Steve Dalessio, our MC; Joe Aldrich and Whit Aldrich who assisted with games; Eloise Clark and Rebecca Whippie for keeping the Hooper Institute open and  Lowell Bauer whose pictures have recorded the event for posterity.

A new Walpole tradition began on Sunday, March 2, 2014.  Let’s begin the plans for next year!

Regards to all,

The Hooper Preservation Committee