The Walpolean

COVID by the Numbers—April 18 Edition

A couple of milestones this week:  The grimmest is that worldwide, we crossed the 3,000,000 mark of number of lives lost to COVID.  Here in NH, a total of more than 90,000 people have had reported cases of COVID.  On a more hopeful note, in the US, over 50% of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine.  In NH, that figure is over 58%, with 24.6% having been fully vaccinated. 

As of Friday, Governor Sununu lifted the statewide mask mandate.  Cities and towns may still have their own mandates, so there will be a patchwork of regulation for a while.

And as of today, anyone over 16 may sign up for a vaccine, anywhere in the country.

It is hard to figure out what to make of the numbers this week.

Statewide last week, the numbers rose from a seven day average of reported cases of just over 31 per 100,000, to an average of 32.4 per 100,000 on the 16^th, before falling back to an average of 29.8 on the 18^th.   We had a high of 552 new cases on the 15^th, and a low of 308 new cases on the 18^th.  Hospitalizations in the state rose from 87 two weeks ago to 110 last week, to 133 this week.   There were 13 new deaths in the state this week, up from 10 last week.

In Cheshire County, the county average of reported cases rose from 14.6 per 100,000 two weeks ago to 17.3 per 100,000 last week, to 19.0 this week.That is still the second best rate in the state.  There were 0 new deaths in Cheshire County this week, and 0 new hospitalizations.  There are 110 reported active cases in the county, up from 99 last week.

In Walpole, we have had only 1 new case this week, the same as last week, and there remain 1-4 reported active cases in town.

So please continue to take good care of yourselves and each other. 

Wear your mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, and keep well.

~Representative Lucy Weber

lwmcv@comcast.net

603 499-0282

Present were: Gail Lahaise, Amy Howard, Kate Nerrie, Jean Kobeski, Susan Johnson, Tim Lester, Bill Ranauro, Jane Malmberg, Peggy Pschirrer, Shirley Capron.    

Absent:  Jeanne Ramey, 

The Meeting commenced at 4:30 p.m. with Amy doing a roll call of members present with a show of hands.    

Approval of Minutes:  Tim moved, Jean seconded, all approved (8-0) the March ’21 Minutes with a show of hands.   

Treasurer’s Report:  On April 8, Kate e-mailed her report for March ’21 to all.   Re, she said she had no comments.  

Bills:  On April 7, Jane e-mailed her March’21 Bills Report to all.  There were no questions re.   Amy moved, Gail seconded, all approved with a show of hands (8-0) both the Treasurer’s and Bills Reports. 

Old Business:  Jane reiterated at length her April Library Report she e-mailed April 8, along with “Monthly Library Statistics” to all.   

– She said $750 was received in memory of Nancy Shepard.

– Library visits and checkouts are increasing.  

– The IEP Workshop went well and hopefully there will be more collaborating re in the future. 

– There will be two adult programs in May; two Wed. evenings in a row:  “Fostering Communities on the Topic of Race.”  The “Cookie Bake Off” is an additional Library program being offered. 

– All are pleased to learn there was no vandalism with the exhibited papers for the “Story Walk” in the North Walpole Park.  S.W. is discontinuing now because of plants in the way, and there may be another spot for it in the future.  

– Fritzie Till, with Jane, will be starting up a Seed Library again, hopefully this spring/summer.   

– Many overdue items exist.  Amy said we encouraged people to keep their borrowed items during the renovation time, and because of the COVID Pandemic.  Jane said she will e-mail and call delinquent borrowers.  Bill inquired about an Amnesty time. Jane said there are no charges when material is returned, just as long as it is.  Tim suggested, when contacting overdue borrowers about returns, to say that he could pick up the overdue material if they could not make it to the Library.  Bill said he could pick up needed returns also.  Both Tim and Bill were thanked for their offer re. 

– Quarantining is comfortable with the staff and it is still being reviewed. 

– Staff consensus was had re opening back up for regular hours in Walpole, spreading out visits, letting kids back in the Kids Room with adults, and older kids on their own, all if they were vaccinated,  

– Jane would like to think more about the Branch opening in June.  Amy said the COVID case rate in N.H. is bad at present, but we might see an improvement in a couple of weeks.  

– Gail inquired about gathering in the Community Room. Jane said meetings are open to the public and that there are no specific guidelines for libraries re.  Peg said we are under the Governor’s mandates and that we may hear more in a couple of weeks.  Amy said we have a month to decide if we meet in the Library for our May meeting, and she will obtain a concensus from all Board members re.  Kate agreed we should wait on deciding. She, Jean and Amy declared their support with Jane’s decision. 

Building & Grounds:  Brad said the light on the pole was working, that it must come on when it gets dark, and that it might not have anything to do with the problem. 

– The locksmith is to come tomorrow about the problem door. 

Tim has experience with locks and said he could help re. 

– Jane is contacting Bellows about the chimney leaking in her office. There have been no new leaks with it wrapped in plastic, but we need to fix it this summer.

– Jeanne is working with Jenn Burr about replacing two trees.  She also is consulting with a road agent re.  Gail inquired as to why two trees are needed.  Amy said Walpole Town is losing trees in certain areas and that it would be nice to have more greenery. 

Old Business:  Amy said that the wording on the recognition plaques needs to be finalized. Shirley will e-mail Amy and Gail with the number of years Rose worked. The plaque for Rose will be hung in the Branch.  

New Business:  Amy filled out the “Trustee Survey” to return to Jane by May 5, or to the State Library as requested. Jean did, and other Trustees will do so also. 

– Electing Officers:  Responding to Amy’s remark about electing officers yearly, Kate said elections of officers and committee members are usually done after Town Meeting in March.  Tim and Peg recommended it be put into the By-laws.  Bill said the Historical Society has it in theirs and he could check re.  Sue said she will investigate those in Massachusetts.  Amy said we can figure out the process for the next Board meeting and that she will draw up a draft policy to put in the By-laws.  

– The annual schedule of Board Meetings was discussed. Amy suggested sticking to the present schedule in the By-laws re. 

– Jane declared that a Library Selection Policy is needed as she cannot find the one that supposedly exists.  She wants to have one in case the Library is challenged, and is happy to work on one that she can present at the Board’s next meeting. 

Operations: There is an orientation for new Trustees and there is a spring meeting that looks good to attend virtually. Info re will be sent to all. 

– Tim and Bill should have the Board’s “Policies of Government.”  Amy will send to all Board members, an electronic copy including the “N.H. Library Trustee Association Handbook,”    

– Amy asked Jean to send to all Board members and to Jane, a new roster of Board Members with their home address, phone number, and e-mail address. 

– Sue inquired about re-opening.  Amy said it would be nice to have an event re and to start thinking about it, remarking “No action now, but an opportunity to return to normalcy.” Tim suggested that when we know when it is safe, to have a Grand Opening. 

With no further business, Amy moved to adjourn, Sue seconded, all approved (8-0) with a show of hands at 5:38 p.m. 

Faithfully submitted, 

Shirley Capron, Secy.

One week away, and now looking towards the fifth month of 2021 – still hard to believe. With care and optimism there may by the end of the year be activities to report here for you to enjoy, but it still appears it will be a quiet summer.

Construction is planned in the village that will be reported on in the May issue, and bridge construction begins next week. A few outdoor activities are in the works, but if you have something to share with the Walpole, North Walpole, and Drewsville community, send you news along by the end of next week, Friday, April 23.

If you have any questions, or desire to advertise, feel free to contact me, thank you, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

We will meet at Dexpart, 31 Industrial Park Drive, Walpole at 10am on Sunday, April 25^th. Safety information will be discussed and then we will be broken up into groups with blue bags to attack the litter on the roadside of Route 12 from the pull offs heading north to either South Street or the bridge to Westminster (depending on many volunteers we get, we could go even farther!). Please RSVP so we know how many to expect. Also, please wear a mask and a brightly colored shirt!

This clean up day will be in addition to the clean up day the Walpole Recycling Center will host on Saturday, May 8^th.

Also, please remember that blue bags for litter cleanups done on your own are available at the Walpole Recycling Center. If you see litter, please pick it up and dispose of it properly! Encourage your friends and family to do the same, and, more importantly, to not litter in the first place.

Thank you!

Kara Dexter

volkspete@hotmail.com

Selectboard Present:​Cheryl Mayberry (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were four members of the public in attendance.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio was present; Peggy Pschirrer was present and Cheryl Mayberry was present.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

OLD BUSINESS:

Elm Street Water/Sewer and Repaving Project:

Ms. Mayberry made the following statement:

“The infrastructure on Elm Street has aged out of its productive life, repair and line replacement has become necessary so the Selectboard has decided to go ahead with the replacement of the water and sewer lines as planned.  The road will also be repaved to its existing footprint with drainage improvements along the Common.  This project was already approved back in 2015, budgeted to be done this year and plans will continue to move forward so as not to interfere with the Brownsfields project.  Once a formal plan has been submitted for the Selectboard to review, the abutters will be invited to weigh in on the project via a public meeting; similar to what was previously done on Pleasant Street.  All other details and considerations that directly affect the project may be brought forth at the public meeting at which time both resident concerns and budgetary limitations will be discussed.  Any and all other concerns relating to Elm Street and the Common may be discussed, budgeted and planned for at a future date.

We appreciate all the residents who have already voiced their opinions and concerns on the Elm Street project but in the absence of a formalized plan, any additional commentary on this topic is considered premature and unnecessary at this time.​Thank You!” 

With that being said the Selectboard agreed to move along with the agenda.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $484,819.18 for checks issued April 02, 2021.  This includes a final installment payment of $464,025.00 to Consolidated Communications, Inc. for the Broadband Bond.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending March 27, 2021, in the amount of $27,821.75 for checks dated April 02, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,265.66.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – March 25, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 25, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved. 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 MINUTES – March 25, 2021: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of March 25, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 MINUTES – March 25, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of March 25, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – March 25, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of March 25, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – February 10, 2021;• Library Trustees Meeting – March 16, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 16, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 23, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX PENALTY FOREGIVENESS:

MAP and LOT #021-032-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Penalty Foregiveness for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #021-032-000.  The lien notice fee was erroneously applied and needed to be forgiven.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

Permit #2021-12 – MAP and LOT #005-065-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-12 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-065-000 to add a “31’ by 17’ Roof Mount Solar Array on Barn”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

North Walpole Library Lease:  Ms. Mayberry reported that the North Walpole Library Lease has been sent to the North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners and they approved signing the lease during their meeting last Tuesday.  After it is returned, the Selectboard will also sign the lease. 

April 13, 2021 Planning Board Meeting re: Town Hall: Ms.  Mayberry advised the Planning Board has requested having an in-person meeting in the Town Hall on April 13, 2021.  Mr. Dalessio has no concerns providing they follow all the mask and social distance requirements.  Mrs. Pschirrer does not have any concerns except if one of their members feels uncomfortable, is there a way they can call in?  Mr. Dalessio replied “yes” they can call in.  Mr. Dalessio suggested that any elected/appointed Board / Commission can have an in-person meeting at their discretion.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if they are ready to start renting the Town Hall.  Mr. Dalessio said “no” it should be open to just elected/appointed Boards and/or Commissions.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Governor’s Emergency Orders are still in effect.  Mr. Dalessio added they will all have to follow the regulations of wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands, and sanitizing. Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry concurred.

FMRHS Prom at Whitcomb Recreation Park:  Ms. Mayberry reported the Fall Mountain Regional High School Prom is scheduled for May 15th from 7:00-to-10:00 PM.  They are expecting about 200 attendees.  Mrs. Pschirrer is concerned with the large number of people. They cannot require it but effective tomorrow many of those students are eligible to sign up to be vaccinated and that would help.  They will be in close proximity; they will be dancing.  In her conversation with Mr. Kraig Harlow, Recreation Director, the students are also considering another location but it is not their first choice as they like the access to the Recreation Park bathrooms.  Mr. Dalessio is concerned with the number of people.  They can rent portable bathrooms for the FMRHS fields.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to deny this request.  Mrs. Pschirrer will let Mr. Harlow know of their decision.  Ms. Mayberry will notify the Superintendent. 

Thank You Letter for Use of Walpole Elementary School Gym:  Mrs.  Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You letter for Use of the Walpole Elementary School Gym for the Annual Town Meeting on March 13, 2021.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.                   

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Houghton Brook Bridge, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio had no up-dated information.  Vilas Bridge Joint Meeting:  The Joint Meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2021, at 6:30 PM.  Executive Councilor Warmington Meeting Request:  No response has been received.  These items will remain on the Pending Further Actions list. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for the sale of two lots D563 and D564.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Vaccinations:  Mrs. Pschirrer had sent out a notice to Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry to review.  It was to encourage Town employees to get their vaccinations.  They saw no issues with sending out this notice. Therefore, Mrs. Downing was asked to distribute it to all employees.    

April Basketball and Summer Basketball Camps:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mr. Kraig Harlow is eager to have some vacation time basketball workshops.  School vacation begins in two weeks.  He would also like to advertise summer basketball camps.  Doing this during vacation time gives kids something to do outside.  Mr. Dalessio had no problem as long as he follows the guidelines.  Mrs. Pschirrer approves it; it is outside in fresh air, doing an organized sport as long as guidelines are followed. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to approve April Basketball and Summer Basketball Camps.

Donation Thank You Letters:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged Thank You letters from the Southwestern Community Services (SCS), from the YMCA for Camp Takodah and from the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).    

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 6:55 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:59 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 (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:26 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 01, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

Starting at 6:30 PM via Zoom and may be live-streamed on FACT-TV

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $648,659.42 for checks issued 4/16/21

PAYROLL•

Payroll Register totaling $37,887.28 dated 4/16/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,976.62

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES•

Selectboard Minutes – April 8, 2021•

Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes – April 8, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – March 30, 2021

Conservation Commission – April 5, 2021

EXCAVATION INTENTS

Map and Lot# 001-016-002

NH DOT Rt.12 Project 14747

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot# 027-008-000

OLD BUSINESS

North Walpole Library Lease

Elm St. Project – Notification to Abutters Letter

Houghton Brook ARM Grant and Scope of Services Agreement

Recreation Pool House Replacement Roof Bids

Vachon Clukay Representation Letter for Tax Collector Audit

Letters to State and US Representative re: Vilas Bridge Repair

Walk in Walpole with Exec. Councilor Warmington

Tax Pre-Payments

OHRV Signage Request for Whipple Hill Road

Central Plating Brownsfields Project Update

Pending Further Actions

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam, Vilas Bridge Joint Meeting

NEW BUSINESS

Vachon Clukay 2020 Audit Engagement Letter

Donation Thank You Letter

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES• Hooper Trustees Meeting – April 1, 2021• Hooper Trustees Meeting – April 8, 2021

HOOPER BUSINESS

Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Maintenance Fund

Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Educational Fund

HOOPER NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

SELECTBOARD MEETING – continued

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

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

TOWN OF WALPOLE

FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING

The fire hydrants covering South Walpole will be flushed Monday, April 19, 2021 thru Tuesday, April 20, 2021.  Residents may experience discolored water when first running the water during this time. Please run the water for five minutes until clear before using. If the water does not clear after the five minutes you may contact the Water and Sewer Department at (603) 756-3672.  Thank you for your patience during this necessary work.

The Walpole Water Department

COVID by the Numbers—April 11 Edition

Statewide, the numbers have risen from a seven day average of reported cases of just over 28 per 100,000, to an average of just over 31 per 100,000.  On two days this week, there are over 500 new cases reported in NH.  Hospitalizations in the state rose from 87 to 110 just this week alone, There were 10 new deaths in the state this week.

In Cheshire County, the county average of reported cases rose from 14.6 to 17.3 per 100,000.  That is still the second best rate in the state, behind Sullivan County which is at 16.2.  Strafford County is the current hot spot, with an  average of 45.3 cases per 100,000.  There were 0 new deaths in Cheshire County this week, and only 1 new hospitalization.  There are 99reported active cases in the county.

In Walpole, we have had only 1 new case this week, and there remain 1-4reported active cases in town.

Today, it was reported that NH has seen 3 reported cases of COVID in persons who were fully vaccinated.  Please remember that vaccination is NOT 100% against transmission of the disease.  A few vaccinated people will still contract the disease.  And the person who contracts the disease may be asymptomatic, and never know they have the disease, which increases the chance that they might pass it on to others, unknowingly.

So please continue to take good care of yourselves and each other, and keep well.  

~Representative Lucy Weber

lwmcv@comcast.net

603 499-0282

Members Present: Alicia Flammia, John Peska, Lewis Shelley, , Steven Dumont, Laura Hayes, France Menk, Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard Liason), Jean Kobeski (Secretary)

Members Absent: Jackie Kensen

Alternates Present: Myra Mansouri, Peter Palmiotto

Visitors Present: Kelianne Hamburg, Michael Nerrie, Steven Lamonde, Kara Dexter

Call to Order: Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

New Business

Kellianne Hamburg: Linden Nature Connection Skills (LCNS): Kellianne described a new program she has developed for children ages 4-8 that will connect kids to nature. Scheduled to take place at Distant Hill Gardens, it is early childhood education in the woods that will connect resiliency and sustainability, observation and familiarity, reciprocity, stewardship, and reflection. It will involve play-driven learning during which children will learn risk-taking and develop character, resiliency, personality, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

The program is divided into 4-week sesions, 10/year, 1-2 classes /week. The cost is $245 for 4 classes; $495/ 8 classes, with scholarships available. Sessions will run from 9:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. and include circle time, a play block, free play, learning activity lessons, lunch, story time, reverie, rest, and closing circle. It will also introduce practical skills like using hammer and nails, fire, saws, and knives.

Kellianne outlined the advantages of outdoor play for physical and emotional development. She also said that this learner-led outdoor program will help children develp a greater sense of community connection. France echoed the advantages of a program like LCNS and thanked Kellianne for her efforts. Programs like this help to raise responsible adults.

Michael Nerrie and Steven Lamonde: A Living Field Guide to Walpole, NH: Michael introduced Steven Lamonde, who explained how he and Michael are studying the biodiversity of Walpole using the app, iNaturalist. They have done a trail bio inventory at Distant Hill Gardens, studying species and plant and animal phenomena. They have submitted their observations to iNaturalist.org to create a Living Field Guide to Walpole, NH. They have completed 1,022 observations and identified 578 species using the app, as well as mapped what places have been explored.

Steven is doing this project in Chesterfield and Hancock, as well.

Michael and Steven want to welcome the public to join in this fun and informational program by submitting photos to iNaturalist and mapping their observations. They also want people to be be aware that they can simply use iNaturalist to identify species they observe. The pair hope to publicize the program in the May or June Clarion; they also said they may do some type of public presentation. Laura said she would pitch it at the Hooper board meeting, and Steven Dumont suggested putting a piece about it on the WCC website.

WCC Website: Alicia asked the Commission what they would like to include in the new WCC website. She suggested conservation maps, WCC membership, and the 2006 Conservation Plan. Laura suggested they archive articles from the Clarion; France offered to send photos. It was also decided to include Trail Subcommittee reports, Leave No Trace information, and the iNaturalist program.

Review and Approval of Minutes: Laura moved, France seconded, and all voted to accept the March 1, 2021 minutes.

Public Business

Treasury: ForestryAccount – $30,821.46

Conservation – $154,273.49

Walker Road – $3,364.01

Report from the Chair: Alicia announced that there is funding available for the Saving Special Places program, which will be a virtual event this year.

Correspondence: None this month

Old Business

Conservation Map: Edits have been made and they are ready to work with the Antioch team. Laura will coordinate this with Steven Dumont, Steven Lamonde, and Peter. Steven Dumont asked if they want to approve an estimated cost for the work up to a certain amount. Peter stated the hourly rate is $40 and it will cost $45 to print a map. John moved that the Commission approve up to $300 toward the map project. France seconded, and all approved.

Invasive Species Walk: Alicia talked to Alex and Tom of Long View about the walk. They set a date of Wednesday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m. There will be no charge from Long View. It was decided to walk the Fanny Mason Forest because of the invasives, and there is ample parking for participants. Alicia will contact Lil DeCoste of the Walpolean and Ray Boas of the Clarion to announce the event and invite public participation. Those joining the walk must wear masks and socially distance. Lew reminded people about ticks.

Walker Road Bench: Lew sent pictures of the two choices of benches to the membership. They preferred the bench attached to the kiosk. Lew said it would cost about $300 for materials (white cedar), and there would be no charge for labor. John moved that the WCC approve up to $300 for the construction of the bench. France seconded, and all approved.

Other Business

Walpole Trail Subcommittee Report: Lew showed samples of the updated map of the Mill Pond to the subcommittee. He would like to have a logo or town seal on the front of the map. Cheryle told him to check with Sarah Downing about the seal. The back of the map would have uses, elevation, etc. France asked if coordinates of the trail could be included; Lew said he could do that for the parking lots. It was recommended that signage accompany each map. Lew’s goal is to have all maps complete in May.

Trail Clean-up Day: France asked of they could have a trail clean-up day. Steven said the Trail subcommittee will schedule one through the Adopt-A-Trail group.

Reservoir Road: John said that once the F & O modeling report comes in, he will send it out for review so that at the next WCC meeting, options can be discussed. He said a public hearing will need to be held to discuss repair vs. shut down.

John also stated that a DES engineer will inspect Mill Pond Dam soon. John and Mark Houghton will participate in that inspection.

Lew reported that he cleared parts of the Hooper trail. He also said that signage for class 6 roads for off-road vehicles with a local phone number contact should be posted. Cheryl said it is tricky to find a phone number to post. Kara offered to help post signs, when they are ready.

Lew also reported that the Mason Forest cable is down.

John stated that there has been a lot of erosion of the lower part of the Ravine Trail. Peter agreed with John’s assessment of the situation and stated that it happens anytime there is drainage in the spillway. Houghton checks it regularly.

John reported that property owners between Shaw’s and Abenaki Farm have been complaining that the stream has been clogging and filling up with water. This is affecting their blueberry bushes and apple trees. Alicia stated they need to contact the wetland bureau or division that deals with small streams.

Fanny Mason Forest: Steven heard from Alex about the Fanny Mason Forest. Alex sent a proposal, which Alicia signed.

Steven would like to schedule another forest boundary marking event. He said he has enough volunteers to tackle more than one location. It should be done before there are leaves on the trees. This will be put on next month’s agenda.

Adjournment: John moved, France seconded, and all voted to adjourn the meeting

at 8:37 p.m.

The next in-person meeting will be on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary *** These minutes are in draft form until approved by the Commission on May 3,

4/21 at 5:30pm

Fanny Mason Forest, Route 12, Walpole 

Please join the Walpole Conservation Commission and special guests for a community walk at one of Walpole’s town forests to talk about invasive species, management, and hopefully do some botanizing (identifying plants) too. The Fanny Mason Forest is approximately 286 acres with extensive trail networks including a group of established trails, trails in need of rehabilitation, and new trails laid out but not yet built.  Special guests include Alex Barrett, Forestry Division Manager (the Town Forester) and Tom Groves, Woodland Services Division Manager at Long View Forest of Westminster, VT. 

PARKING: Please park at the east side pull off from Route 12 where a network of trails emerges. 

SAFETY: Masks and distancing will be required at this outdoor event. Long sleeves and pants to protect against ticks and comfortable footwear for trail walking are recommended.