The Walpolean

Ron Rosko asked me to share.  If it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words, I would say that this picture sort of says it all and is worth a lot! – Lil

Hooper Golf Club

Play All the Golf you Want Starting September 1^st

– ONLY $150

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Charlestown Middle School Library

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Board Chairperson, Mary Henry called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Charlestown Middle School Library. In attendance were Linda Christie, Lil DeCoste, Gabe St. Pierre, John Streeter and Andy Collins.  Lori Landry and Jamie Teague were also in attendance.

The meeting was called to order to discuss the Sarah Porter Building project.

Jamie Teague presented the board with a timeline of events.

A conversation ensued regarding the size of the addition at Sarah Porter and additional requirements from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Jamie explained that in January, the board was notified of the fire safety updates that needed to be made to the Sarah Porter School. An addition was mentioned at that meeting, however a size specification was not provided because the needs where unknown at that point.

Gabe St. Pierre, who sits on the Facilities Committee, stated that he was aware of the additional space being planned.

The Superintendent shared the events of the last two weeks and the current status of the project. The engineers are working closely with the state Fire Marshal’s Office to get the project back up and running for the start of school.

Lori Landry, Jamie Teague and Mary Henry will be attending the Langdon Select board meeting on Monday, July 21, 2014 to answer any questions that may arise.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to enter into non-public session. Passed unanimously.

After an affirmative roll call vote, the board entered non-public session at 7:40 PM under RSA 91-A:3 (a) (c) to discuss a student and personnel issue.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously

The board exited non-public session at 8:56 PM and immediately adjourned.

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Fall Mountain Regional High School Library

Monday, June 23, 2014

Board Chairperson, Mary Henry called the meeting to order at 6:38 PM in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Library. In attendance were, Linda Christie, Lil DeCoste, Gabe St. Pierre, David Hogan, Gabe St. Pierre and Andy Collins.  Lori Landry and Jamie Teague were also in attendance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: (Christie/DeCoste) to approve the minutes from Monday, June 9, 2014 Public Session. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (DeCoste/Streeter) to approve the minutes from Monday, June 9, 2014 Non-Public Session. Passed unanimously.

RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC INPUT

Ellen Kok, Author (Drewsville) presented the board with a book on Athletics at Fall Mountain. Ms. Kok thanked the board for the opportunity to work with the young athletes. Matt Schmidt thanked Ms. Kok for the time she invested in the project.

Cindy Hill (Charlestown) spoke on behalf of the music association. She commented that they have run into numerous conflicts with scheduling of athletics and music. Ms. Hill commented that it is unfair to the students to ask them to choose.

Shane Remer (Charlestown) asked to discuss the appointment of the Girl’s soccer coach, mentioning that a committee met and a recommendation was made, however nothing has been brought to the board.

Superintendent Landry explained that the decision is still under review.

Roland Brault (Acworth) spoke to a request made to have his son remain at Charlestown Primary School for the 2014-2015 school year.

Chair Henry requested that Mr. Brault hold off and discuss his concerns in non-public session.

REPORTS OF ADMINISTRATORS

Superintendent Landry introduced Frank Mazolla who provided the board with a presentation on the National Board Certification process on behalf of Dori Ferreira and himself. Dori was unable to attend this evening. Mr. Mazolla shared experiences from a recent National Board conference in San Diego. Mr. Mazolla thanked the board for the opportunity.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Hogan) to enter into non-public session. Passed unanimously.

After an affirmative roll call vote, the board entered non-public session at 7:00 PM under RSA 91-A:3 (a) (c) to discuss a student issue and a personnel issue.

The board exited non-public at 7:55 PM and resumed public session.

Deb Connell, Assistant Superintendent updated the board on the SIG process and reviewed the goals for the upcoming school year.

Ms. Connell thanked Selena Garrison for all of the technology support that she has provided throughout the process.

Lynne Phillips, Technology Director provided the board with an update on technology throughout the district. Ms. Phillips explained that the district has successfully quadrupled the bandwidth, district wide. In addition, she explained the FirstClass to Google transition and the new communication system, SchoolMessenger are underway.

Greg Amend presented a PowerPoint presentation using Chromebook. Vilas will be rolling out a 1:1 pilot program next school year.

Lynne Phillips introduced Chris Fecteau, Distance Learning Lab Coordinator/Help Desk who gave a brief overview of the laptop incidents and necessary repairs.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (DeCoste/Christie) to approve a conditional contract for Robert Gordon, Math Teacher, FMRHS effective August 2014. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (St. Pierre/DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave for Emma Vanalstyne. Passed Unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the donation and planting on district property of a flowering dogwood tree in memory of Scotlyn Silfies, donated by National Field Representatives of Claremont. Passed Unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented for period ending June 23, 2014. Passed unanimously.

Payroll:                                  $ 1,248,174.69

Accounts Payable:              $ 240,971.15

OTHER

Jamie Teague discussed a proposal for food service. She explained that with so many changes in the federal mandates, that contracting an outside source makes sense.

Lil DeCoste recognized Sheryl Chuda and thanked her for going over and beyond for a young student in Walpole. Ms. Chuda went to stay with the student who was admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital so that the parents could attend the older siblings graduation.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously.

Hearing nothing further, the meeting adjourned at 9:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

Barbara Kasper forwarded this story that was too late to make the September edition of The Clarion.  The Walpolean circulation is not as large as The Clarion so we need to help spread the word to friends and neighbors! – Lil

Walpole Community CROP Hunger Walk to be held on Saturday, September 27.  Registration starts at 9:00 am and walk begins at 9:30 am.

Looking to make a difference in these trying times, the Walpole Community CROP Hunger Walk has set a goal of 60 Walkers and hopes to raise $3000 to help stop hunger and poverty here in our community and around the world, through self-help initiatives.  A portion of the funds raised here in Walpole will go to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.

Last year, 51 Walkers (pictured here) raised more than $2,500 in their locally organized CROP Hunger Walk.

This year Walpole and some 2,000 cities and towns nationwide are joining together in interfaith community CROP Hunger Walks around the theme “Ending hunger one step at a time.”  Many of the CROP Walkers will be wearing  T-shirts, proclaiming their solidarity with the millions of neighbors around the world who have to walk to live — as well as with the millions served by local food pantries, food banks, and meal sites here in the U.S.  These local ministries share in the funds raised by CROP Hunger Walks.

Haiti is one part of the world where CROP Hunger Walks are making a big difference.  In the aftermath of the killer earthquake, Church World Service was there with much-needed emergency assistance.  With the recovery effort in full swing, CWS is helping families and communities to rebuild homes, food supplies and livelihoods.

CROP Hunger Walks also play a role in the U.S., helping communities ravaged by floods and tornadoes to recover.

For more information about the Walpole Community CROP Hunger Walk, contact Ellie Shaw at 756-4866 or Jana Sellarole at 756-4380.

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
AUGUST 14, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street (Chair); Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Street called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
PAUL COLBURN – Recycling Center: Mr. Colburn distributed and reviewed copies of the “2014 Summary Monthly Comparison 7th Month Ending July 31, 2014”. This is the revenue coming in. Basically it is down a little. Fewer items are coming in; the biggest issue is returnables. The year forecast was for $25,000; the estimate is $38,575.
Mr. Colburn distributed and reviewed copies of the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison”. This outlines the recyclables. Cardboard is the biggest product but is at the lowest of the five year period. He projected about 350,000/ton but they are about 75/ton under that. Plastics are up as well as their price. They take in about $50,000 of tubes. Mr. Colburn calls the NRRA to advise when a load is ready to go and they take care of the recyclables. The total of everything is down; they took in just under 40/ton for the month of July and that is the lowest; the highest was 52/tons.
Mr. Colburn handed out information on a program “Tabs For Taylor”. All tabs (on aluminum cans) are collected and taken to the Shriner’s Hospital for children. Someone in North Walpole had been coming in to remove them from the soda cans but is no longer doing that however Mr. Colburn proposed setting out a box to collect them. Robie Speed collects coupons for education; they end up at a reservation school in Arizona. The Recycling Center also collects Coke product soda caps; there is a number inside and the schools benefit from them so they are given to the Fall Mountain Regional High School. Collection of the tabs, in a large pail, would follow along the same lines. The Recycling Center would just provide a location for the collection; a resident of North Walpole will come in to take care of them. It seemed like a good thing for the community to get involved with. The Selectboard agreed that this is a good project.
Mr. Colburn advised that some of the roll-off boxes are the original ones that go back to the 1980s. The insides were never painted therefore over the years they have rusted out. For the glass container they had Taylor Welding make a piece that slid right in over three sides. This has to be done for two of the other boxes. The employees can do the welding. Some of the storage trailers where they drive on catch the weather and the wood is falling apart so they made that safer with scraps of wood they had.
They have a new volunteer from North Walpole, Jane Nickerson. They also have two youth from the Hooper Institute and a community service person. This enables them to get things done that would not have been done otherwise.
Mr. Ruggiero came in as he had three boxes of mixed paper that he donated. There was no labor involved other than unloading the truck. They will keep track of how much he brings in.
Mr. Colburn reported that they are moving along. During budget time they need to have Taylor Welding look at the burn pit now that the laws have been extended. It appears that the top of it will need to be replaced as it has rusted. He will get an estimate.
The oil burner has been cleaned but they did not get the grant back yet. The good news is that the burner did not need to be replaced as it is an expenditure of about $800.

MYRA MANSOURI: Mrs. Mansouri advised that it was brought to the attention of the Zoning Board of Adjustment by several different people that behind Tom Rogers’ property there are numerous old and/or partial cars; it has become a junk yard. In addition, there is some kind of repair business going on in the lower rear garage. This is the big barn across from the Walpole – Bellows Inn. Mrs. Mansouri looked at the property; they cannot have a junk yard in a Commercial District. This matter will come before the ZBA at their next Wednesday meeting and they can write a formal letter to the Selectboard who are the enforcers. Mr. Street advised that the Selectboard will look into this.
Mr. Dalessio pointed out that there is no signage on the road for the Ruggiero Processing Facility. Mrs. Mansouri advised that this is not a zoning requirement and they never applied for a sign permit.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated August 15, 2014, in the amount of $627,927.73. This amount includes a monthly payment of $460,493.39 to the Fall Mountain Region School District. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending August 09, 2014, for checks dated August 15, 2014, in the amount of $24,946.09, that covers three payroll vouchers. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,551.71 for checks dated August 15, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 7, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 7, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – August 7, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 7, 2014, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectbard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – August 12, 2014.

BUILDING & DEMOLITION PERMITS:
Demolition & Building: SYLVESTER, Firehouse Road, Map & Lot #024-028-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Demolition & Building Permit No. 2014-29 for Edward & Joan Sylvester to “Demolish a 40’ x 24’ 1 story home that was damaged by fire and rebuild a 40’ x 24’ 1 story home on the same location and footprint” at 14 Firehouse Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:
Mrs. Clough presented the following list of Administrative Follow-ups:

Avitar Mapping: Mrs. Clough reported that the Avitar maps were received this week. They need to go over them to verify properties against the old maps and let Avitar know what the discrepancies are. Mrs. Clough pointed out that they want to be sure the maps match the assessing system as well.

Forms Due to the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA). Mr. Dalessio wanted to know when certain forms are due for the DRA therefore Mrs. Clough distributed copies of the Town Forms Required that include:
 MS1 – property “Summary Inventory of Evaluation” due September 1, 2014; and
 MS4 – Estimated Revenues – MS4 is due September 1, 2014.
Mr. Dalessio’s goal is to have these forms ready for next week to allow time for the Selectboard to review them before the September 1, 2014, deadline. He requested that the preliminary Auditor’s Report be received next week.

Hooper Institute Painting: The bill was received from Tania Wright but the invoice was not clear. Mrs. Clough gave it to the Trustees of Trust Funds and they returned it to Mrs. Clough for a clearer understanding. She emailed Ms. Wright on August 4th and 13th but still has not received a reply.

Town Hall Painting: The painting is to begin the 1st part of September. Mrs. Clough is waiting on a quote for additional repairs of the roof and foundation cover.

Tennis Courts: Mrs. Clough is waiting for a return phone call from Gary Clark of Wilson & Lawrence. Their originally projection was to start in July but did state the work is weather related.

Recreation Department: They will be meeting on Sunday, August 24th to discuss purchases to come from the Recreation Trust as well as the most recent anonymous donation.

Department Head’s Meeting: They are scheduled to meet next Thursday, August 21st and then will meet with the Selectboard at their meeting that night.

Water Shut-Offs: Three properties are left. Shut-offs are not done on Fridays.

Town Credit Card: The credit card company has removed Mrs. Teague’s name as the authorized person and added Mrs. Clough. New credit cards should be here shortly.

North Walpole Sewer: Mark Houghton was unable to attend this meeting but did send an email. Following a discussion, the Selectboard asked Mrs. Clough to contact Attorney Hockensmith to obtain a legal opinion to clarify what Mr. Houghton outlined.

Auditor’s Report: Mrs. Clough answered the last of their questions and was told they are finalizing the audit now. They will send a preliminary report and if the Selectboard would like to meet with them arrangements can be made.

Credit Card Machine for the Town: Mrs. Smith is excited about this as she has asked about one for a long time. Blupay is a third party vendor that the Savings Bank of Walpole uses. This will also allow ACH processing of checks. They will also be receiving an agateway terminal which will hook into the office computers for payments for water and sewer, taxes, etc. There will be two – one for the Town Clerk’s office and one for the Selectboard office. The Town can charge a convenience fee. It will cost $19.95 a month for these items. There have been a lot of requests to use credit cards.

Avitar / Franks: Mrs. Clough is waiting to hear back from Loren Martin at Avitar regarding the Avanru / Franks property on Main Street. Mrs. Martin has been out of the office doing re-evaluations.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (b) Hiring and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:16 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:52 PM. No announcements were made.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:18 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:19 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
AUGUST 7, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street (Chair); Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Street called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people present in the attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated August 8, 2014, in the amount of $20,803.49. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Voided Check register in the amount of $1,100.16 (this check was not received for the week ending August 02, 2014, therefore it was voided and reissued). Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending August 02, 2014, for checks dated August 08, 2014, in the amount of $25,722.71. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,585.57, for checks dated August 08, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 31, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 31, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 31, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 31, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 24, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 24, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 29, 2014; and
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – August 5, 2014.
Mrs. Clough reported that the North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners was going to attend this meeting to discuss water shut-offs on properties where the owners have not paid their delinquent sewer bills however they decided to postpone their visit until after they received and reviewed a proposal and an outline from the Selectboard. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to ask Mr.
Mark Houghton to attend the next meeting to discuss this matter or to send an email with his proposal. The Selectboard discussed the option of sending the delinquent bills to Small Claims Court for collection.

VETERANS CREDIT:
ALDRICH, Valley Road, Map & Lot #013-045-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Veterans Credit for Joseph Aldrich at 427 Valley Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Street in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. W. Aldrich abstained from the vote.
Mrs. Clough advised that this credit will not be effective until 2015 as the application was received after the 2014 deadline.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:
NORBACK, Old Cheshire Tpk., Map & Lot #013-020-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, Cut #14-461-07-T, for Carolyn Norback, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

LANE CONSTRUCTION, Whipple Hill Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, Cut #14-461-08-T, for Lane Construction, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

LANE CONSTRUCTION, Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, Cut #14-461-09-T, for Lane Construction, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
Pool Closing: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of an email from Justin Cassarino regarding arrangements he made to keep the pool open during the week of August 18th through August 22nd with limited hours from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Friday, August 22nd will be the last; he plans to have music and other fun activities. The Selectboard was in favor of this schedule.

Tennis Courts: The Selectboard advised that the tennis courts project is expected to start next week. It has been delayed due to weather conditions.

Personnel Forms: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Personnel Forms for Katherine Doyle and Jackie Rogers for pay increases. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Letter from SWRPC – Transportation Alternatives Program: A letter was received from the Southwest Regional Planning Commission regarding Transportation Alternatives Program. There is an opportunity to apply for grant money for sidewalks, etc. However this came in late; the deadline for applications was August 6th. A similar program was researched a few years ago. Mrs. Clough forwarded a copy to the Fall Mountain Regional School District for their information.

OLD BUSINESS:
Town Hall Painting Update: An email was received from Rohr Cook regarding painting of the Town Hall and prices for siding on the back wall. Mrs. Clough talked to Mr. Cook today and he anticipates starting the work the first week in September. Mr. Cook feels the separate roof facing the church next door needs repairs. Following a discussion, the Selectboard agreed to have all four sides of the Town Hall painted due to budgetary concerns; $23,000 for the painting, $8,500 for trim repairs and $1,000 for
specialty knives that might have to be custom made to duplicate the crown molding. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to also have Mr. Cook look at the roof and the concrete outside. Mrs. Clough pointed out that the budget also included painting the foyer and having the stairs done.

Ruggiero Processing Facility: Mr. Street felt that the email they received from the Department of Environmental Services (DES) was explanatory. It is in the State’s hands so they will look into it. Mr. Dalessio’s concern is that there is no signage at the road for the facility; he feels there should be a sign.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:42 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:09 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (b) Hiring. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:21 PM. No announcements were made.

OTHER BUSINESS:
DRAINAGE: Mr. Street discussed several drainage issues that include Main Street, in the area where his property is, and on Union Street. There have been many heavy rain storms recently that have caused problems throughout the Town. He recommended checking the Butternut Creek area. Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Terrell about cleaning out catch basins and culverts as he plans to ride with Mr. Terrell next Monday to look at several problem areas.

TREE IN THE PARKING LOT: Mrs. Clough advised that Mr. Gallagher from the Connecticut River Bank has come into the office as he is concerned with a tree in their parking lot. The bank had given the parking lot to the Hubbard Foundation who finished the work on the lot but then gifted it to the Town in exchange for their maintenance. Mr. Adams and the bank have already paid to have some trees cut and brush removed. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that Mr. Terrell will brush hog all the brush that is now over the parking lot and get a quote on cutting the trees down. Mrs. Clough noted that Mr. Gallagher said the bank will take care of the trees but the bank would like some help from the Town. Mrs. Clough will research the records to confirm the agreement made on the parking lot.

PARK ON MAIN STREET: As a follow-up to the meeting last week, Mr. Terrell pointed out that the Highway Department was asked to maintain it when it was grass but then it became landscaped and they do not do landscaping. The Selectboard talked about the Town not being able to maintain it to the level the Hubbard Foundation would like it to be therefore they Selectboard was willing to give it back to them.
Mr. Dalessio moved to request that the Hubbard Foundation take back the 78 Main Street Park. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:44 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Thankk you to Steve Fortier for arranging this and to Meeting Waters for sponsoring it. – Lil 

Over the next several years, Meeting Waters YMCA leaders hope to train 5% of the adult population in its service area in the “Stewards of Children” child sexual abuse prevention workshop. They set off toward that ambitious goal on Wednesday, September 17^th in Bellows Falls.

According to information from the Stewards of Children website, “Child sexual abuse is likely the most prevalent health problem children face, with the most serious array of consequences. In fact, 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. This means that whether you work with youth, are a parent, or are simply a member of a community, it is highly likely that someone you know and care for has experienced, or is currently experiencing, child sexual abuse. The good news is, it can be stopped.”

Meeting Waters YMCA Program Director Susan Fortier became a certified Stewards of Children workshop leader last spring as part of an initiative of the New Hampshire Alliance of YMCAs. The Y Alliance has partnered with the Granite State Children’s Alliance which oversees the Child Advocacy Centers around the state to roll the program out throughout New Hampshire. As the only Y providing services in both Vermont and New Hampshire, Meeting Waters YMCA is offering Stewards of Children on both sides of the river.

“We are very proud to offer Stewards of Children workshops as our latest community service,” says Meeting Waters YMCA Executive Director, Steve Fortier. “This is an issue with deep and lasting consequences for our children and our communities. As a community of adults—educators, coaches, parents, childcare providers, youth group leaders, anyone that cares about children—we need to come together, learn about the issue and implement simple, proactive steps to prevent child sexual abuse.”

The first “Stewards of Children” workshop is being hosted by the United Church of Bellows Falls from 6-8pm on Wednesday, September 17^th. The cost is $10 per person which covers the cost of program materials. As with all Meeting Waters YMCA programs, if the fee is a barrier to participation, financial assistance is available. A registration form is available at http://www.meetingwatersymca.org. Space is limited to 25 participants.

Reverend Janice Chilek, pastor at The United Church of Bellows Falls, said that the church is “honored to have the opportunity to host the program.” She adds, “Gaining an awareness of the reality around us and being prepared to react appropriately and timely are life-long skills. We hope many will join us as we work to make our communities safer places of care and compassion through training and knowledge.”

Fortier encourages school administrators, municipal recreation leaders, PTA leaders and others to contact the regional Y if they’d like to host a Stewards of Children workshop. “We aim to train thousands of adults over the next few years. It will take leaders like Reverend Chilek to step forward and organize a workshop in order for us to create a regional safety net for our children.” For more information or to set up a training, contact Meeting Waters YMCA at 802-463-4769 (BF-Fall Mountain area), 802-885-8131 (Springfield area) or 802-246-1036 (Brattleboro area).