October 2025 Clarion Now Online

Uncategorized 09/29/2025 Leave a comment

And at the post offices on Monday the 29th for delivery to all postal customers in Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville. Back to twenty pages with variety of information for your reading enjoyment Remember, if you do have an event to share with the community, submit your article for possible inclusion in the next issue. And on this month’s pages pay attention to the advertisements, some of which invite you to events or activities early in the month.

But for now, click on this link for the issue or the front cover below. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and please stay safe and well, yours– RAY BOAS, Publisher.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/17/25

SELECTBOARD 09/27/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

September 17, 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 Pollock and Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c) – Part 1

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c) at 6:32 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:23 PM.

Mr. Miller and Mr. Pollock left during the Non-Public meeting.

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.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,321.18 dated 9/19/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,006.96.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – September 11, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 11, 2025.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – September 11, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 11, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

  • Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – September 8, 2025
  • Library Trustee Meeting Minutes – September 9, 2025
  • Planning Board Meeting Minutes – September 9, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

Trail Maintenance Agreement: Ms. Vose moved for the Chair to sign and initial all the pages of the Trail Maintenance Agreement.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the first page and initialed all the other pages. 

NEW BUSINESS

Junkyard Permit: Ms. Vose moved to approve the annual renewal for E.W. Salvage dated 9/17/2025 to continue operating the junkyard.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the permit was signed.

Building Permit Question: Does the new picnic pavilion at Alyson’s Orchard require a Site Plan Review and/or a building permit?  The Selectboard noted that when the Walpole School built a similar pavilion, they needed a building permit. Therefore, the rule applies to Alyson’s Orchard also.  Mrs. Downing will let them know.  On Facebook, the pavilion is already in use.

Recreation Department Update: Ms. Vose reported that over the past year, Mr. Wilkes has worked an average of 16 hours per week.  Mr. Wilkes has been receiving emails asking for an AED near the pickleball courts. He is checking with Mark Houghton about an outdoor AED and a recommended location near the tennis and pickleball courts.

Phone System for Town Hall: David Joyce from Arcomm, would like to explain the change from copper lines with analog phones to an Internet-based phone system to the Selectboard.  Arcomm installed and maintains the key car lock system for Town Hall. Mr. Joyce will explain the challenges that will be encountered when making the change to a new phone system. The Selectboard wants to know the total cost and the potential monthly savings.  Mr. Joyce will be present at 6:30 PM on 9/25/2025 to meet with the Selectboard.

Town Hall Folding Chairs: Mrs. Downing reported that there should be excess funds in the Municipal budget.  She asked the Selectboard if a set of 25 chairs can be purchased for the Town Hall.  These are the same chairs the Fire Department has.  By consensus, the Selectboard approved the plan to get a cart and 25 chairs.

10-Year Transportation Plan Meeting: The meeting is scheduled for September 22nd at the Keene Recreation Center. Lucy Weber cannot attend. NH needs to cut $14,000,0000 [Editor’s Note: It’s unclear what this figure is supposed to be, so I’m publishing it exactly as it appears in the draft minutes.] from its budget.  The Vilas Bridge shifted out to 2032, but it is still on the 10-Year Plan. An alternative date for the meeting is October 22nd in Peterborough.  The current 10 Year Plan includes fixing Rt. 12 in Charlestown.  Ms. Mayberry will draft a letter and emphasize the importance of the Vilas Bridge repairs. She will send it to Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose for comments before sending it to the State.

SWRPC Fall Meeting:  The meeting is scheduled for October 14th with the social hour at 5:00 PM with the program to begin at 5:30 PM in the Keene Library.  The program will discuss the flood management program.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:02 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:21 PM.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (b) – Part 2

Ms. Vose moved to re-enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b) at 8:21 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:51 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 8:51 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 25, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

SBW History of Banking Event – 10/3/25

EVENTS 09/26/2025 Leave a comment
Quills & Passbooks to ATMs & Apps: 150 years of banking history in Cheshire County. Join Savings Bank of Walpole as we welcome Alan Rumrill, renowned local historian and former Executive Director of the Cheshire County Historical Society, who will take a lively look back at the history and emergence of banking in Cheshire County over the past 150 years. Friday, October 3, 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the Walpole Town Hall. Please RSVP by September 29 by calling Deb Cannon (603) 354-4077 or email dlcannon@walpolebank.com

France Menk Photo Workshops – 10/4/25

Uncategorized 09/26/2025 Leave a comment

FRANCEMENKPHOTOWORKSHOPS.COM

Have you ever spent time viewing something you believed would make a beautiful photo only to find, after you had taken it, that it was not what you had envisioned? Even though you ended up with a photograph, the feelings and impressions you had while taking it were not represented in that image?

In my workshops, you will discover how your camera lens differs from your eye’s, and how you can find the language you, yourself, own to translate those differences. 

You will gain a deeper understanding of what ‘seeing’ tells us; a deeper comprehension of your own visions, and knowledge of how to represent them.

PS No age brackets. If you are old enough to know how to use a camera,
you are old enough to join.

iam@france-menk.com for answers to your questions.

“History of Family Reunions” at the Walpole Historical Society – 9/27/25

EVENTS 09/25/2025 Leave a comment

From Tricia Houstoun:

A SPECIAL EVENT EVERY SATURDAY

On September 27 at 12:30 pm you are invited to join Tricia Houstoun at the Museum as she explores the history of family reunions. Tricia notes that family reunions often involve shared family recipes and invites you to bring beloved family dish to Saturday’s gathering.  We’ll have refreshments!

Above is an undated photograph of the E.H. Colburn family reunion—as well as an impressive display of hats and one gigantic bow.

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 – 9/25/25

SELECTBOARD 09/25/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

September 25, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

PHONE SYSTEM PRESENTATION

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $903,625.97 for checks issued 9/29/2025

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $34,394.18 dated 9/26/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,732.92

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – September 17, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – September 17, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Trail Committee Meeting Minutes – September 10, 2025
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes – September 17, 2025
  • Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2025

TIMBER TAX WARRANT

  • Op# 25-461-01, Map and Lot# 011-012-000

REFUNDS

  • Map and Lot# 030-065-000

TIMBER INTENT

  • Map 6, Lots 19,20,21

BUILDING PERMITS

  • 2025-29, Map and Lot# 001-015-008
  • 2025-30, Map and Lot# 003-007-001
  • 2025-31, Map and Lot# 001-008-000
  • 2025-32, Map and Lot# 009-003-000
  • 2025-33, Map and Lot# 021-013-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage

  • Reservoir Dam Update
  • Town Hall Folding Chairs Color Choice
  • New Police Station “Coming Soon” Sign

NEW BUSINESS

  • Cemetery Deed
  • Recreation Revolving Fund Request
  • Written Statement for Two Old Roads
  • PFA Health Insurance Proposal

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

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 9/17/25

ZONING BOARD 09/22/2025 Leave a comment

Zoning Board of Adjustment

September 17, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the October meeting for corrections.

Roll Call: Board Present: Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Pauline Barnes, Shane O’Keefe, William Sommer. Alternate: Don Sellarole. Absent Dave Edkins, Myra Mansouri.

Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7pm. Mr. Murray asked alternate Don Sellarole to fill in for the absent board member. He agreed. Mr. Edkins came in at 7:15 pm.

Review minutes of August 2025: Mr. O’Keefe pointed out that the August minutes didn’t have any approval. The secretary looked back at the August minutes and found that Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to approve the July minutes as amended. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Regarding the August minutes, besides Mr. O’Keefe’s correction Ms. Barnes pointed out three typos. Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Sommer seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Kristen Burke, 68 Cold River Road, Tax Map 26. Lot 24, Rural/Ag. Add a 19-foot-by-foot-14 deck to the back of the house. The ordinance says he must put the deck 65 feet from the middle of the road which is in the front of the house. She said it was 55 feet. 

Kristen Burke came to the meeting. She said she went to the Town Offices for a building permit to add a deck to her house on Cold River Road. She was told to contact the Administrative Zoning Coordinator, Ernie Vose. He suggested going to the town web site for an application. She had filled out an application for an Appeal From an Administrative Decision. That application is for an appeal of a decision already made and was not the correct form.

Ms. Barnes asked about the age of the house. Ms. Burke said it was built in the 1940s. This meant it was a nonconforming. There was a long discussion about Article X in the Walpole Zoning Ordinances document about nonconforming uses. There were five suggestions about possibilities of things to do. As an example item “D” says “A nonconforming use may be expanded or enlarged or changed to another nonconforming use after the Board of Adjustment determines, after a public hearing, that the proposed expansion, enlargement or change will not materially increase the hazard or nuisance value of the nonconformity.”

After several minutes of discussion on nonconforming uses, it was decided to follow the Administrative Zoning Coordinator’s advice. In an email Mr. Vose wrote:

“The problem is that the deck will be on the back of the house and doesn’t change the set back from the street.

“As long as the deck isn’t too close to the rear boundary line

“”I think that a (building) permit should be granted.”

Ms. Burke has about three acres of property behind the house.

It was suggested that Ms. Burke go to a Select Board meeting next week and explain the situation and ask them for a building permit. 

Discussion of MG Building/Abingdon Spares property on South Street.

There was some talk about this property at the September Planning Board meeting and Mr. Murray said he has heard some some talk about possible buyers. Mr. Murray wanted to remind the Board that this property received a variance that had three conditions and that the conditions go with the property. The conditions were: 

1. That only the mail order business be conducted at the above location.

2. Only the existing building be utilized.

3. All business operations be conducted within the interior of the building.

Owners were Doris and Gerard Gougen. They obtained a variance from the Board of Adjustments on March 1980 to conduct a motor car parts mail order business from their premises. The property is located in Residential B district. The use was “Pick and Pack,” a mail order for auto parts. The original use of the building was a chicken coop. The minutes of that meeting say that before zoning the land was categorized as commercial. 

Adjournment

Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 8:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Book Discussion at the Library – 9/24/25

EVENTS 09/22/2025 Leave a comment

From Julie Rios at the Walpole Town Library:

Book Discussion with Alice Fogel. Walpole Town Library's Walpole Reads program and the Savings Bank of Walpole is pleased to present a book discussion featuring "Citizen: An American Lyric" by Claudia Rankine. Walpoleans may recall the engaging discussion led by Ms. Fogel, a former NH Poet Laureate, on "The Humans" during last year's event. The book discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, at 7 pm at the Main Library. To register, please visit the library in person or contact us at 603-756-9806.

“The Development of a Village” at the Walpole Historical Society – 9/20/25

EVENTS 09/19/2025 1 Comment

From Tricia Houstoun:

A SPECIAL EVENT EVERY SATURDAY

On September 20 at 12:30 pm you are invited to join Ray Boas at the Museum, as he explains the out-of-the-ordinary process that created the village we now experience.

Unlike other similar 19th century New Hampshire villages, Walpole did not initially develop around its Common. In fact, Walpole’s Common, as now laid out, came to be in 1815 – 63 years after the Town’s founding.
 
Prior to the Town House opening on the Common in 1825, Walpole’s “commercial area” developed two blocks to the east. Before that development, the village center was proposed, and existed in three other different areas. In his presentation, Ray Boas will explore those other locations, and also relate other Walpole 19th century population centers that no longer stand out.

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!

Rail Trail Reopened

Uncategorized 09/19/2025 1 Comment

From Wendy Grossman:

The New Hampshire Bureau of Trails has completed its bridge repairs on the northern portion of the Cheshire Rail Trail in Walpole. The trail, which had been closed in this area during repairs, has been reopened.

The bridge near Malnati Farm now has a completely new, bicycle-friendly deck. At the bridge nearest to the Boat Launch, some of the gaps between deck planks have been filled to make the bridge surface more level. The repairs at both bridges should improve the safety and enjoyment of Walpole’s rail trail for users, especially bicyclists.  

Many thanks to the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails.

Wendy Grossman

Chair, Walpole Trail Committee