ENJOY WALPOLE’S RAIL TRAIL

Uncategorized 06/29/2023 1 Comment

The grass has been cut all along the Cheshire Rail Trail in Walpole! It’s a great time for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians to explore the 7+ miles of State-owned Rail Trail within the town’s borders.

Again this year, the Conservation Commission has funded brush hogging of the Rail Trail under a State-issued permit. For 2023, the plan is to have the Rail Trail brush hogged a second time later in the summer, so that the grass and weeds can’t grow too high.

Trail users in Walpole can enjoy views of forests, farmlands, historic railroad features, the Connecticut River and Vermont. The trail surface is mostly grass/weeds and dirt, with some wet and muddy spots.

In Walpole, the usable trail extends from behind the CITGO/JiffyMart in the north to the Westmoreland border in the south. The Cheshire Rail Trail then continues southward to Keene and beyond.

The Rail Trail is accessible from Blackjack Crossing Rd., Halls Crossing Rd., River Rd., the Walpole Gateway, Route 123, and the Boat Launch WMA. There is limited parking at many of these locations.

Please be respectful of the private landowners who abut the trail. Please follow trail signs, especially through Homestead Farm. Please practice “leave no trace” principles. Do not litter. No motorized vehicles are allowed (except for snowmobiles.)

Maps of the Rail Trail are available on the Conservation Commission website ( http://www.walpoleoutdoors.org/trail-maps and in Town Hall. 

Many thanks to the Walpole Trail Committee, the Walpole Conservation Commission and the Walpole Selectboard for supporting this project.

Enjoy the Rail Trail!

Wendy and Will Grossman

Walpole Trail Committee

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/29/23

SELECTBOARD, Uncategorized 06/29/2023 Leave a comment

Clarion Now On-line

Uncategorized 06/29/2023 Leave a comment

With the holiday weekend coming, I have just posted on-line the July CLARION, and it will be at the post offices tomorrow for mailing the hardcopy to you. To see the July CLARION – Click this Link – or on the front page below.

Have a Happy and Safe July 4th holiday weekend — Enjoy, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Pickle Ball Lessons

Uncategorized 06/29/2023 Comments: 2

Pickle Ball lessons for Adults at Walpole Recreation Area.

For more information –

Please call and leave a message:

Mike Hayes 
603-209-3836

Unitarian Church Food Sale – 7/1/23

EVENTS 06/27/2023 Leave a comment

Walpole Unitarian Church

Summer Food Sale

   The Walpole Unitarian Church will host a summer food sale on Saturday, July 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., in front of the Walpole Post Office.  Come and enjoy our selection of delicious homemade items (both sweet and savory), including items to take home for the weekend or to freeze and serve later.   We look forward to seeing you at the table!

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/15/23

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Selectboard Present:  Steve Dalessio, Cheryl Mayberry and Peggy Pschirrer, Chair

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary; Vicki Gohl, Deputy Town Clerk & Tax Collector

Others Present: Michael Hayes

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Committee:  Mr. Hayes stated he was present to discuss the Recreation Committee. He is interested in pickleball and the Town pickleball courts. Mr. Hayes was advised by David Kuniholm that he was not allowed to record the minutes of the Recreation Committee. Ms. Mayberry clarified that recordings must be declared. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the chair of the meeting is typically the individual to notify if a recording is taking place. Mr. Hayes asked what the criteria were for being on the Recreation Committee. Mr. Hayes questioned the practices of the Recreation Committee in regard to taking minutes. Mr. Hayes attended a Recreation Committee meeting on 4/19/2023. Ms. Mayberry informed Mr. Hayes as to the member makeup of the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Pschirrer advised Mr. Hayes that members of the Recreation Committee are voluntary. Mr. Hayes stated that before January he told Ms. Mayberry that he wanted to be on the Recreation Committee, and his agenda was pickleball. Ms. Mayberry stated that there was not a position open on the Recreation Committee at the time he communicated his interest.  Ms. Mayberry stated that the goal is not to have members on the Recreation Committee who have only a single interest. Ms. Mayberry described the process by which the Recreation Committee sought to gauge interest in pickleball prior to assigning funds to pickleball. Mr. Dalessio asked if the Drewsville basketball court was suitable for pickleball. Mr. Hayes stated that he did not know but commented that the sound of pickleball has been a common complaint from residents who live near a pickleball court. Ms. Mayberry stated that the goal was to minimize any potential conflict between those playing tennis and those playing pickleball. Mr. Dalessio reflected his understanding that Mr. Hayes was raising one issue of the Recreation Committee meeting, and a second issue of pickleball itself. Mr. Dalessio stated that it is important to know what the utilization of a town property is before the allocation of Town funds. Mr. Hayes asked if the land on Walker Road would be suitable for pickleball. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the Conservation Committee may be against this potential pickleball court site. Mr. Hayes thanked the Selectboard and left the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Website: Ms. Gohl stated she would be asking the Selectboard if they would sign off on the core design of the website which she has in draft. The design portion is the boxes, colors, and functionality of the home page. After the designer is finished, the project manager finalizes the website for approval. Ms. Gohl showed the Selectboard the draft design on her laptop and demonstrated options for the home page. She spoke about graphic options available for images. The Selectboard and Ms. Gohl discussed potential ideas for images and graphics that would best serve the purpose of the website. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke about the importance of the usability and accessibility of the website for Town residents. Ms. Mayberry commented that another consideration should be given to newly arrived residents who are seeking Town services. Mr. Dalessio clarified that the website should not be structured by color, so to comply with ADA requirements. He stated the most commonly used links should be prioritized. Ms. Gohl found agreement in the Selectboard for the colors she chose for the website. A general discussion was had regarding the possibilities for function and user friendliness of website options. Ms. Gohl asked how the Selectboard wanted to proceed with the development of the website. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that Ms. Gohl sending the Selectboard members the link to the website for review would be preferable. Ms. Gohl thanked the Selectboard and left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $862,013.92 dated 6/16/2023, this includes a $700,531.13 payment to the Fall Mt. Regional School District.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,704.98 dated 6/16/2023 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,442.95.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 8, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 8, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – June 8, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the amended Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of June 8, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Dalessio brought attention to:

  • Police Study Committee – May 15, 2023
  • Cemetery Trustees Meeting – June 12, 2023

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these reports.

TIMBER INTENT:

Map and Lot#013-057-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber intent for Map and Lot# 013-057-000 for a wooded lot off of Cheney Hill Road. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio commented that for Houghton Brook Bridge there are no further funds available. At present, the project is being looked at for redesign potential.

NEW BUSINESS:

Trustee of Trust Funds Request:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the request for $935 from the Cemetery Trust Fund for a boundary survey invoice. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Unlicensed Dogs Listing:  Mrs. Pschirrer commented on a report listing residents who have not paid their dog licensing fees. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a mailing postcard should be considered for residents who have expired dog licenses. Mr. Dalessio spoke to the practices that occur in other jurisdictions when an individual fails to pay their dog license fees. He was aware that dog registration can be done at any time of the year. The Selectboard reviewed the list of individuals who have failed to pay the dog registration fee and acknowledged their receipt of this list.

Granite Bench on the Common:  Mrs. Pschirrer commented that a complaint was received about a bench on the Common that they fear is going to burn children because of its material heating in the sunlight. The Selectboard stated that a laminated sign would be placed near this bench.

Thank you notes:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged a thank you note received from the Nash Family. She then mentioned a second thank you note from the Fall Mt. High School Prom Committee.

Planning Board: Mr. Dalessio stated that at a recent Planning Board meeting, there was a discussion regarding Alyson’s Orchard. The fruit crop has been damaged this year due to the weather. Mr. Dalessio mentioned other developments at Alyson’s Orchard in the expansion of their operational capacity.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c): 

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) and (c) at 8:07 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:35 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING: 

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Hooper Trustees Meeting at 8:36 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:58 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio motioned to adjourn at 8:59 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Selectboard meeting adjourned. 

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/22/23

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Library Meeting Minutes – 6/13/23

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Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Representative)

Amy opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the library.  She presented Peggy with a card and one of the new canvas bags from the trustees along with our thanks for serving as our select board liaison for the past several years.

Approval of Minutes:  Tim noted that the date of the meeting was incorrect. It should read May 9. With that correction, Gail moved to accept the May minutes; Amy seconded, and all voted to approve. 

Treasurer’s Report: Kathy noted that she spent $63 for stamps, which did not appear on the bills.  Amy asked about the plan for the money listed on the Children’s Miscellaneous line of the budget. She was reminded that it is for shelving for the children’s room.

Bills:  Jane reported that bills were high last month due to the logo design, 9 boxes of books that arrived, children’s book orders, museum passes, and software subscriptions (once a year).  Kathy stated that years ago the town added a line to its budget to cover certain things at the library.  Jane explained that money is used for ILL fees and the NH Downloadables. Amy then moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Gail seconded and all voted to approve.

Old Business

Chimney:  Work will begin as soon as Barry supplies a lift.

Front Door:  Work begins next week.  Amy and Jane stated there have been numerous inquiries about what we plan to do with the old door that is being replaced.  The board agrees that they would want it to be repurposed.  Some have questioned why we are replacing the door or why it will take so long. Jane explains that the door is not secure and needs to meet accessibility requirements.  Kathy stated there will be a lot of construction that takes time. Amy said we need to wait to see the condition of the door after construction before deciding what to do with it. She said the board welcomes suggestions. 

Sign:  After a lengthy discussion about design, cost, as well as the purpose of the sign, the board decided not to purchase a sign with moveable letters at this time. Instead they will buy a sandwich board to announce special events. They will track its effectiveness in attracting program participants and at the September board meeting will decide if they want a more permanent sign with changeable letters.  Amy suggested that we buy a sandwich board for North Walpole.  Jane said, in the past, we have not been permitted to use one there.  She said she would ask again.

New Business

Library Data Base:  Jane stated that usage of Universal Class has dropped significantly;  since it costs $1,000 she is looking to replace it with digital newspaper subscriptions that would be accessible at home. She is looking at the New York Times and ProQuest which provides newspapers from around the country. Peggy told Jane to ask a lot of questions about the ease of online usage.   

Community Wide Read:  New Hampshire received a grant for this nationwide program, so our library is one of 100 in our state to participate.  Participants will read the book, The Bear, and Jane said the library will receive 100 copies to distribute to patrons (no check out necessary). 

Events will take place in October.  They will have a book discussion facilitated by a NH Council on the Humanities representative, and this will be a hybrid presentation so people can join at home. Helen Dqlbeck from the Hooper Institute will present programs on bears for children and adults.  Jane said the library will show a film addressing climate change, one of the themes of the book. There are also a number of Zoom events taking place around the state. 

Jean suggested connecting with the schools for this project.

Copier:  Our leased copier needs to be replaced. The replacement copier will cost $107.84/month  

Operations:  Jane is mentoring a librarian from Boston.  

Soiled Materials:  Jane and the trustees discussed what to do when soiled or damaged books are returned to the library. Jane was particularly concerned about books from ILL belonging to other libraries. It was decided she should send a formal letter addressing this matter before revoking ILL privileges for any patron. 

Friends of the Library:  A check from the Friends was received and deposited. Plans for the book sale are underway.  

Other Business

Bench Dedication:  Gail reported that the dedication and reception were lovely and there was a large turnout.  

Adjournment:  With no further business to discuss,  Amy adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.

The next meeting will be  September 12, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the September 12, 2023 meeting

Reminder – Great Decisions – 6/26/23

EVENTS 06/19/2023 Leave a comment

“Great Decisions”

Politics in Latin America – with Special Guest Jose Manuel Lezcano

Our next “Great Decisions” topic for discussion is “Politics in Latin America.” We will meet on Monday, June 26, at 6:00 p.m. in the Walpole Town Library. Joining us will be Cuban-American virtuoso guitarist Jose Manuel Lezcano, Professor Emeritus at Keene State College. Renowned as a composer, teacher, folklorist and classical guitarist, Professor Lezcano has performed in Columbia, Cuba, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago (as well as in China, Europe and throughout the United States). A Fulbright Award enabled him to study the guitar in indigenous solstice festivals in Ecuador, where he also taught at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica. As a musician, Lezcano’s perspective on Central and South America’s political turmoil may reflect an entirely different sensibility from that of the political scientist.

Suggested reading is the article “Political Trends in Latin America,” by Jorge Castaneda, available at the library or via email by contacting Jane Malmberg, Library Director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org. Also available at the library is the Master Class on DVD, “Politics in Latin America,” with which we will begin our meeting on June 26.

This is a complex topic to tackle, with dictatorships, social democracies and populist governments rising and falling. What does democracy look like in Latin America? Why have left-wing governments been popular? Can the new governments overcome problems of extreme income inequality, gang violence and leadership corruption? How well do we understand our southern neighbors, their contemporary elections, our own culpability, the growing influence of China and the plight of migrants seeking asylum?

All are welcome to join this public forum at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 26, either in person in the Hubbard Meeting Room at the Walpole Town Library or via Zoom. For the Zoom link, please contact Jane Malmberg in advance of the meeting: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org.

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/13/23

PLANNING BOARD 06/19/2023 Leave a comment

Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternate Travis Adams. Absent: Board member Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom and alternate Bill Carmody. 

Also at the meeting were Adam Naeck, new owner of Alyson’s Orchard, and recording secretary Marilou Blaine.

Minutes: Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the May 2023 minutes as written. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order a couple of minutes before 7pm.

New Business: Visit with Adam Naeck.

Mr. Miller explained that he invited Mr. Naeck because there were some changes being made at Alyson’s Orchard and he wanted to make sure that all the I’s are dotted and all the T’s crossed when it comes to a site plan. The orchard is in the rural/agricultural district.

Mr. Naeck said the first change he was working on was upgrading the business side of the operation – new computer and telephone systems are being installed. One goal is to accommodate more weddings. The deck outside the back of the function room has been completely rebuilt, he said, and the bridal suite upgraded. Future plans include offering a catering service for the weddings. The cost of the function room may be $800 but wedding parties pay as much as $12,000 for a catering service, he said.

Mr. Naeck has purchased seven (7) fire-resistant tents and is planning to currently use five for campsites around the pond. Each campsite will have a concrete foundation and a deck. There will be a port-a-potty and individual tents will have beds, lights, a wash station, a microwave and a refrigerator. The largest tent is 384 square feet and can accommodate six people. There will be three two-to-four person tents and two of the larger tents around the pond. There is already a bathroom with a shower in the farm store for use by campers. The maximum length of stay is 21 days, which is determined by the state.  

The petting zoo and playground have been enlarged and remain in the same location.

On Fridays and Saturdays he has opened a tavern-style eating place that, according to Naeck has grown in popularity. Some nights he has served 200 to 300 patrons. So he has plans to open from Wednesday to Saturday during the summer. He already has a chef and wait staff. Because it’s not officially a restaurant according to state regulations, he has to apply for a liquor license every week. Eventually, he plans to build a restaurant on the property.

Mr. Naeck is also planning to sell more vegetables from the farm store and had planned an addition to the store. He had already purchased a two-story timber-frame building but since the loss of all his fruit because of a frost in May, it has been put in storage in one of the barns and will be reassembled and attached to the current farm store next year. He will, however, plant some sweet corn this year and plans to log an adjacent lot.

Because of the changes Mr. Naeck is making by adding the camp site and the addition to the farm store next year, Mr. Naeck will need to to file a new site plan. He received an application for a site plan that he will present to the Board the second week in July for a public hearing in August. Mr. Miller offered to help if he need it in filling out the checklist.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Workshop

There will be a workshop this month on the fourth Tuesday with Henry Underwood of Southwest Regional Planning Commission.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the July meeting for corrections, omissions and additions.