From Julie Rios:
The book talk with Alice Fogel that was originally scheduled for tonight, 9/17/25, has been postponed until next Wednesday, 9/24/25, at 7 pm. That gives you more time to read the book and join in the discussion!
October 2025 Clarion Closing Date – 9/22/25
From Ray Boas:
It is time again to send your submissions for the next CLARION — inputs are due for the October issue a week from now, by 5 pm Walpole Time, Monday 22 September. The files will go to the printer shortly thereafter – so do not miss out. With school back in session, and fall activities picking up there should be more to share with you in this issue and the rest of the year. Make sure to visit the CLARION website for contact information, and article and advertising submission details.
Your early submissions help as I start developing the layout well before the closing date. If you have some “news” send it along. I also 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 – 9/9/25
Walpole Planning Board Minutes
September 9, 2025
Town Hall
7 PM
Roll Call: Board Members Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternate Travis Adams. Absent: Board Members Joanna Andros and Trevor MacLachlan and alternate Bill Carmody.
Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. He asked alternate Mr. Adams to fill in for Trevor MacLachlan, one of the absent board members. Mr. Adams agreed.
Minutes: These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the October meeting for corrections.
Review minutes of August 2025. Mr. Harrington made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Old Business:
Site Plan: Public Hearing: Andrew Pollock, Academy Lane LLC, 40 Main Street, Tax Map 21, Lot 13, Commercial District. Mr. Pollock intends to add a fourth apartment to the building on the Academy Lane portion of the property.
Mr. Pollock explained his plan. The biggest project is adding a 1600 square-foot apartment making it the fourth apartment for the Main Street complex. A deck from the kitchen is being added as an egress from the apartment and he is also converting the existing attic into apartment space. There being no questions, Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:09 pm.
Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the project as presented. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. Mr. Miller told Mr. Pollock to get in touch with Fire Chief Mark Houghton and have him look at the project. He suggested Mr. Houghton email Mr. Pollock and Mr. Pollock share that email with the Planning Board.
Gravel Pit Inspections
RSA 155-E states that gravel pits must be inspected yearly by the Planning Board. In Walpole, there are three remaining pits still operating: Cold River Materials on Brewery Road, Tim Graves gravel pit at the end of Wentworth Road and Josh Perry’s gravel pit, on the west side midway on Old Drewsville Road. Cold River Materials is actually a subsidiary of Eurovia SAS, which is located in Chantilly, VA.
For the last couple of decades the Zoning Board of Adjustment has been inspecting these gravel pits, but the authority is really with the Planning Board so they have reabsorbed that task. Mr. Tom Murray, chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment was at the meeting to discuss gravel pit inspections. Mr. Murray has inspected at one time or another all the above gravel pits. He shared his experiences at each of the pits and answered questions from Planning Board members who asked questions about the inspection sheet. Planning Board members will contact the owners of the pits and arrange a date in September or early October when they can visit the pit. They will return the completed inspection sheets at the October meeting.
October Meeting
It was suggested that the Board revisit the site plan application and site plan submission rules that are on the town web site at the October meeting. Mr. Harrington will lead the discussion.
Adjournment
Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn at 7:40 pm. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes -9/8/25
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Conservation Commission
September 8, 2025
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October 6, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting.)
Members Present: Wendy Grossman, Paul Happ, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto (Cochair), John Peska (Cochair & Presiding)
Alternates Present: Hale Morrell
Members Absent: Nicole Adams, Lewis Shelley, Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Rep), Tom Beaudry
Visitors Present: Rob Traver (Acworth Conservation Commission)
CALL TO ORDER: John called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall.
SEATING OF ALTERNATES: There was a quorum of members – no Alternates were seated.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Peter moved to accept the August 4, 2025 minutes as written. France seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.
Public Business
Financial Report: No financial report available.
Correspondence: No new correspondence.
New Business
Hooper New Leadership Introduction: Postponed to next month due to illness.
Old Business
Acworth Conservation Commission: Rob Traver described their project to restore the Keyes Hollow Wetland. An inlet stream to the wetland moved which is causing about 14 acres of the wetland to dry up. The Davis Foundation from Yarmouth, Maine is willing to consider a grant application for the preliminary work that needs to be completed for wetland restoration. The restoration is especially important for flood control on the Cold River and for restoring the brook trout that used to be plentiful in the dehydrated area. The Acworth Conservation Commission requested a letter of recommendation from the Walpole Conservation Commission. Once the preliminary work is complete the Connecticut River Conservancy will apply for grants for the restoration and take the project to DES. Paul moved that Peter and John prepare a letter of support to be emailed to Rob Traver this week. Seconded by France. With all in favor, the motion passed.
Reservoir Dam: We received an invoice from Houghton for clearing & brush hogging the dam for a cost of $2,544.55. It was done only once this year. Paul moved to accept the invoice and pay it from the Forestry Account. France seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
We just received notification that the Wetlands application was rejected because the fee is now $8,000, which is more than we paid (the rule changed in mid-July). There have been emails between the Selectboard, the State, and Fuss and O’Neill. The concern is that all ARPA invoices must be submitted by September 15, 2026 and there is a lot to do before then.
Gateway Management – Invasives Control: Only the Gateway was treated for invasives, and since it is not part of Fanny Mason, it must be paid from the Conservation Fund, not from the Fanny Mason accounts.
Fanny Mason Forest Management: Chris Ricci is planning to harvest the area near the Route 12 rest areas this winter. Alex Barrett, the Town Forester, recommends clear cutting the red pine on the west side which will leave the mature hardwood trees. Peter moved that we waive the timber tax for the Fanny Mason harvest. France seconded. The motion passed.
Tree Planting: The next Tree Planting will be Oct 19th. Five trees will be interspersed with existing trees on the Common. There were no cherry trees available, so two will be ordered and planted in the spring. This is a change from the four cherry trees previously discussed and will avoid over-crowding around the Veterans Memorial.
Planning & Land Use Manuals: It was decided to order one paper/eBook copy at $17.75.
Trail Committee
Updates: All the trail work this month was on the Rail Trail:
- Dirt that had been dumped in the ditch just south of Halls Crossing was cleared so the ditches are now functional. More ditch work will be needed in the future, but that will require an excavator.
- The Malnati bridge, which is no longer passable for tractors or bikes, and the bridge just north of the wildlife management area (where a biker fell and broke bones last year) are on the list to be repaired by the NH Bureau of Trails. The Malnati bridge has been measured for materials and a sign posted to walk bikes across the bridge, so that one should be repaired this fall. They will probably work on the other one too.
- The second brush hogging was done August 19th, and it was well done again. The Trail Committee cleaned away branches and logs before the brush hogging. The invoice for the June brush hogging just arrived and will be given to Rich Kreissle.
Other Business and Updates
Hooper Institute Board Update: Paul hopes to be on the Hooper Board (taking Nicoles seat since she resigned) and is just awaiting approval of the Selectboard. France moved that once approved by the Selectboard, Paul will also be the Conservation Committee Liaison to the Hooper Board. Wendy seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Peter will send the Longview invasives contact to Paul to pass on to the appropriate person at Hooper Institute.
Next Meeting – October 6, 2025
Adjournment: Peter moved to adjourn the meeting. France seconded. All were in favor. John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 9/9/25
Walpole Town Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 9, 2025
Present: Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Jana Sellarole, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director)
Absent: Bill Ranauro
Amy Howard called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. in the Main Library Community Room.
Approval of Minutes: Gail made a motion to accept the June minutes as written. Erin seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy emailed the Treasurer’s Report to the board prior to the meeting. The report shows income is $13,000 more than we budgeted, which was from the Friends. They gave us an additional $5,000 during the summer. We also received more fees and donations than were budgeted. Amy reminded us that the fees and donation money would be used for our scholarship.
Bills: Jane said the tops for the shelves came in. She received a bill for $2,755.72 for the shelves, which does not appear on the Bills Report. She will pay it out of the money from the Friends and will revise the Bills Report to reflect this payment. Gail made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills, including the bill for shelving. Sarah seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Old Business
Long Range Planning: Jane distributed copies of the last Strategic Plan on which she noted what has been accomplished, what is in progress, and what still needs to be done. There was a brief discussion about programming. Jane explained the children’s movies have been discontinued due to low turnout. Bimonthly adult movies will continue, at least until December.
The Ken Burns display needs to be updated and publicized once again. Jane will contact Florentine Films; Sarah suggested asking for materials they may have celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.
Jane wanted to discuss the Mango language program that our library previously offered. Usage was low, so she discontinued the program due to its $1000/year price. Since that time, some patrons have asked for a program that offers sign language and Mango now does. Jane said she would send more information about this program to board members, give them a chance to sample a trial run, then make a decision about reordering it. With the addition of sign language, the price would be $1260. Kathy suggested that we issue patrons a small slip of paper or bookmark asking if they would be interested in using Mango. We could collect their answers as they check out their books.
In our survey conducted last spring, some patrons wrote that they would like to see more books and programs for adults. Jane said that having the extra money from the Friends has enabled her to offer more programs for adults. She tries to do this on a monthly basis. She reported that the recent chocolate presentation was excellent and well-attended. Sarah suggested that we could offer programs conducted by community members. She and a few others have already successfully done so. It was decided that in our weekly newsletter we would invite people to contact the library if they have a program they would like to lead.
It is Jane’s goal to reach out to families to find out what resources they would like to see in the library. For example, the library is going to sponsor a mothers’ group after Story Time to give mothers an opportunity to discuss issues important to them.
The next step for a new Strategic Plan is to first, identify our goals. Jane said when we establish goals, they need to be measurable. Three goals she has identified are:
1. Increase the adult collection.
2. Increase adult programming.
3. Update the Ken Burns display and establish a timeline for changing displays.
Jane offered to write up a new preliminary Strategic Plan and distribute it to board members for comments and suggestions.
New Business
Circulation Policy: Jane distributed the Circulation Policy with suggestions for change. In regard to Confidentiality, she suggests stating: ”The Walpole Town Library adheres to NH RSA 201-D:11 and NH RSA 91-A:5 regarding user record, confidentiality, and privacy.”
Erin stated that the first paragraph of the policy be changed since there is no North Walpole branch librarian. It will be changed to “Library Director.”
2026 Budget: Jane had to submit her preliminary 2026 town budget by September 8. She distributed her budget worksheet to the board and explained that this year departments were not level-funded. She was able to increase line items such as electric and heating oil to reflect price increases. The building maintenance line is questionable because the library is facing a major repair, and we don’t know yet if the work will require a warrant article.
Jane reviewed the worksheet with the board and said she would meet with the select board in December to finalize the budget. At that time the decision about a warrant article for repairs to the building will be made.
Jane then reviewed the library budget with the board.
Alarm system: The alarm in the morning keeps going off. The alarm company came once and mistakenly thought they repaired the problem. It continues. There is a work order to repair it.
Tea Dishes: Dishes from the Renovation Project High Tea are being stored in Peggy Pschirrer’s basement and it was decided that it is time to remove them from her home. The board is not interested in keeping them and suggested selling them at the book sale or on Facebook Marketplace. Jane is going to check to see if the Friends are interested in selling them. No other decision was made and this will be discussed at a future meeting.
Operations: Jane sent her report to the board prior to this meeting.
Buildings and Grounds: Jane will show board members the foundation problem on the front of the building after the meeting.
Other Business: Gail suggested reviewing library committee assignments for possible changes. Amy told the board to think about what committee they may want to chair. It will be discussed at the next meeting.
Adjournment: Gail made a motion to adjourn. Sarah seconded. Amy adjourned the meeting at 5:23 p.m.
The next meeting will be October 14, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in North Walpole.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the October 14, 2025 meeting.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/3/25
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
September 3, 2025
Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair; Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: Andrew Dey, Peggy Pschirrer, Sue Nadeau, Annette Beer, and Greta Drager
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
The Hooper Trustees Meeting was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests who wish to speak to these topics.
Hooper Trustees
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:30 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
All the guests left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:42 PM.
PAYROLL
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $38,646.63 dated 9/5/2023 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,611.85. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – August 28, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 28, 2025. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 28, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 28, 2025. The minutes will remain sealed. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved and remain sealed.
Committee Reports
Ms. Mayberry brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
- North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – August 12, 2025
- Trail Committee Minutes – August 13, 2025
Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.
Building Permit
2025-26, Map and Lot# 012-033-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-26 for Map and Lot # 012-033-000 to construct a 40’ x 28’ garage. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
New Business
Vachon Clukay’s 2024 Audit Agreement: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Vachon Clukay 2024 Audit Agreement and for the Chair to sign it. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the agreement was approved, and it was signed by Mr. Dalessio.
Purchase Order for the Future Home of the Walpole Police Station Sign: Mr. Dalessio explained that the sign will be 4’ x 8’ and read, “Future Home of the Walpole Police Station”. It will be installed at the Upper Walpole Road location. Ms. Vose moved to approve the layout of the sign, which is to be signed by the Chair of the Selectboard and to approve Purchase Order # 544067 to Keene Sign Worx for a deposit of $700. The total cost of the sign will be $900 plus $500 for installation. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The Chair signed the layout and the Selectboard signed the purchase order.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c)
Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c) at 8:01 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:33 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 8:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 11, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
Civil War Medicine at the Walpole Historical Society – 9/13/25
From Tricia Houstoun:
A SPECIAL EVENT EVERY SATURDAY
On September 13 at 12:30 pm you are invited to get inside the tent and hear all about Civil War medicine. Bill Sommer, reenactor, will describe the medical procedures of the Civil War with a collection of the instruments involved.
Reminder to pick up your list of clues for the Walpole Historical Hunt and find the treasures in the Museum. You have until October 18 to find them all!
The Walpole Historical Society will be open every Saturday through October 18, from noon to 3 pm and will feature a special presentation each Saturday at 12:30 pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 9/11/25
TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA
September 11, 2025
Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall
SELECTBOARD MEETING
OLD CHESHIRE TURPIKE ROW
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
- Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $150,782.45 for checks issued 9/15/2025
PAYROLL
- Payroll Register totaling $38,186.38 dated 9/12/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,611.85
- Payroll Register totaling $1,874.97 dated 9/11/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $310.64
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
- Selectboard Meeting – September 3, 2025
- Selectboard Non-Public Session – September 3, 2025
BUILDING PERMITS
- 2025-27, Map and Lot# 003-056-000
- 2025-28, Map and Lot# 012-051-000
OLD BUSINESS
Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage
- FFY26 Highway Safety Grant
- Trail Maintenance Agreement
- Two Reservoir ARPA Grant Reimbursement Requests
- Reservoir Dam Permitting Update
- Penalty for No Building Permit
NEW BUSINESS
- Irving Heating Oil and Propane Agreements
- MS-1
- Hooper Board Resignation
- High Street Garage
- Late A-9 and A-12 Forms
- HealthTrust Public Hearing
- 2026 Planning and Lane Use Manuals
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**
Rail Trail Bridge Repairs Begin Today – 9/11/25
From Wendy Grossman:
RAIL TRAIL BRIDGE REPAIRS
Beginning today, the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails will be making bridge repairs on the northern portion of the Cheshire Rail Trail in Walpole. During repairs, the rail trail will be closed from the Boat Launch/WMA area to just north of the rail trail bridge at Malnati Farm. Please heed any signs and follow any instructions from the repair personnel. It is hoped that the bridge repairs will be completed by the end of next week (9/20).
The Bureau of Trails deserves our appreciation for this work to improve the safety and usability of Walpole’s rail trail.
Wendy Grossman
Chair, Walpole Trail Committee
Lunch and a Movie at the Library – 9/11/25
From Julie Rios at the Walpole Town Library:
The Walpolean 
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