CHANGE OF MEETING LOCATION: The Women of Walpole will meet this Wednesday, May 21, at 2:00 pm at the home of Susan Johnson. For address or directions, please contact Carolyn LeBail at carolynlebail@gmail.com.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 5/13/25
Walpole Planning Board Minutes
May 13, 2025
Town Hall
7 pm
Roll Call: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros. Absent Board members Trevor MacLachlan and Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternates: Travis Adams, Bill Carmody.
Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
Minutes: Review minutes of April 2025. On page 2, section on adjournment Ms. Andros corrected the word “passes” to “passed.” Mr. Harrington made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Old Business:
Site Plan: Public Hearing: 1,400 square-foot Domino’s Restaurant, 504 Main Street, & Red Barn Lane, Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3 Unit 2 A, Commercial District. Agent Chad Branon Fieldstone Land Consultants, Applicant and owner is Acorn to Sky Investments LLC in Meriden, NH.
John Noonan, project manager for Fieldstone Land Consultants, presented the proposal and announced the answer to two previous questions the board had. There will be no seating in the building. The business is for take-out only. Customers may go in the building for pick up. And yes there will be delivery.
Mr. Noonan continued that this is a hearing for a Domino Pizza on land that is a condo lot. It is Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3, 2A and shares an access entrance road with Dollar General off of Red Barn Lane and abuts Tractor Supply to the north. This plat supersedes a recorded plat that the Planning Board did not approve. That plat was filed with the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds in Keene in April 2024.
The plan presented included revised elevations. The color of the siding of the building is castle stone or beige with white trim and a black asphalt roof. It is a design that will fit well in the community, Mr. Noonan said. It has a gable roof in the center. The entrance to the building is at the end of shared driveway with Dollar General and then goes around to the back of the building to the take-out window and comes around in the front of the building to exit. The remaining land is convertible land, which means that it may have another business on it, wetlands and a pond. Operation hours will be 11 am to 8 pm.
Mr. Noonan pointed out a couple of sites where there is drainage, one in the top right-hand corner of the lot and one near Red Barn Lane. Lighting is mounted on two poles and there is lighting on the building. Landscaping will consist of trees and shrubs. He mentioned a few red maples, Ms. Kim lilacs, hydrangeas and he pointed out the location of the enclosed dumpster, which also will be surrounded by shrubs. The electrical box will also have shrubs surrounding it. The entire project will connect with town water and sewer on Red Barn Lane. It was suggested that Mr. Noonan contact Walpole Fire Chief Mark Houghton to get approval on fire safety.
Mr. Miller asked if there were any other questions. Being none he closed the public hearing at 7:15 pm. The Board had no more questions. Mr. Harrington made a motion to approve the site plan as presented and Mr. Perron seconded the motion. Mr. Miller thanked the owner, Bobby Oakes, for working with the Board to sort out the “condo” problem.
There were a few Walpole residents at the meeting and Chris Burchstead raised her hand and asked when they were going to have their input at the meeting. The time for them to speak up was when Mr. Miller asked if there were any other questions. The gist of their concern was another drive-up business and more traffic. Mr. Miller point out that this is in the commercial district and the Board cannot determine which businesses can or cannot locate in it. As long as a business follows the site plan the Board cannot legally oppose the project. Mr. Perron reminded them that a couple of years ago that there was an article on the warrant to ban formula businesses of which Domino’s Pizza is one. That article was turned down by residents. Holly Gowdy, who has land that abuts land on which the Domino Pizza will be built, was there to complain about the traffic on that section of Route 12. She said trailer trucks go 60 miles per hour down that stretch of road. It is dangerous and she fears there will be a fatal accident. She thinks there should be more of a police presence on that portion of Route 12. Select Board member Carolyn Vose advised anyone who has a complaint should call the police department, not 911, but the regular police department number.
Lot Line Adjustment: Public Hearing, Nathan Bisson and Allegra Pickering, 310 Main Street: Tax Map 24, Lot 13-14, 14-1 and 15. Residential A and Commercial District. Swap land between Doug Palmer and Bisson/Pickering. 0.13 acres from Palmer to Bisson/Pickering for front lawn. 0.14 acres on Main Street from Bisson/Pickering to Palmer of Old Hewitt Barn Properties. Purchase from BNB Realty to Bisson/Pickering 0.04 acres. Total acreage of Bisson/Pickering now 8.66 acres, formerly 8.4 acres.
This lot line adjustment is a swapping of small parcels of land mainly to straighten out boundary lines. There was a small adjustment to the plat that Surveyor Joe DiBernardo presented. It regards fencing that BNB put up on the western boundary for its preschool. That was readjusted to 38 square feet being annexed to BNB property. With the lot line adjustment Bisson/Pickering get a new front lawn. The final tally is .52 acres after adjustment for BNB; 1.5 acres for Hewitt Barn; and a final 8.66 acres for Bisson/Pickering.
Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the lot line adjustment as presented. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Zoning Ordinances: The changes to Walpole Zoning Ordinances that were approved in March have been reorganized into a new booklet that will soon be available. Southwest Regional Planning Commission was in charge of the work. The booklet will soon be copied and distributed.
Adjournment: Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The time was 7:45 pm.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the June 10, 2025 Planning Board meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
WPB Secretary
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/14/25
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
May 14, 2025
Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry
Staff Present: Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant, Tax Collector, and Water and Sewer Clerk, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Selectboard Absent: Steven Dalessio, Chair
CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Payroll
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,993.80 dated 5/16/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,364.23. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – May 8, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 8, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – May 8, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of May 8, 2025. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.
Committee Reports
Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
- Police Building Committee April 21, 20205
Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.
Building Permit
2025-15, Map and Lot# 003-067-003: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-15 for Map and Lot # 003-067-003 to construct a 48’ x 30’ attached garage and in-law suite. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the building permit was approved.
Old Business
Walpole Fire District Letter: The Selectboard needs to sign the letter approving Steve Horton to be the Owners’ Representative for the Walpole Fire Department construction. Ms. Vose moved to approve Mr. Horton as Owner’s Representative for the Fire Department construction, and to sign the letter. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the letter was signed.
The purpose of this letter is to allow Mr. Horton to work with USDA on the grant. It is hoped there will be good communications between the Selectboard and the Fire Department as the project proceeds. A Memo of Understanding should be created to ensure nothing falls through the cracks on this important project with responsibilities divided between the Town and Fire Department.
Pool Shade Fencing: Ms. Vose moved to approve $2,250 from the Recreation Revolving Fund to build 49’ of 6’ privacy fence for the new Pool Shade Structure, and to sign Purchase Order # 204598 for Cheshire Fence Company to install the fence. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
New Business
Burdick’s Restaurant – Bastille Day and Oktoberfest: Ms. Vose moved to approve Burdick’s Restaurant having a tent for Bastille Day on Friday, July 11, 2025, and Oktoberfest on September 26th and 27th in the parking lot in front of the restaurant, and to permit alcohol consumption in the tent. Both events will start at 11:00 AM and end by 9:00 PM. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Support for Liquor License: Ms. Vose moved to endorse 166 Prospect Hill Road, LLC DBA Watkins Inn & Tavern in their request to obtain a liquor license. They are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages outside on the covered and uncovered porches. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the letter was signed.
Hooper Trustees
Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:45 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:04 PM.
ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 7:04 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the May 22, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 5/5/25
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Conservation Commission
May 5, 2025
Members Present: Nicole Adams, Wendy Grossman, Paul Happ, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto (Cochair and Facilitator), John Peska (Cochair); Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard)
Alternates Present: Tom Beaudry
Members Absent: Lew Shelley
Call to Order: Peter called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall.
Seating of Alternatives: None needed
Review and Approval of Minutes
John moved to accept April 7, 2025 minutes as written. France seconded and all voted in favor. The minutes were approved.
Public Business
Financial Report:
- Conservation $280,663.74
- Forestry $52,368.91
- Mason Forest Expendable $525,816.29
- Mason Forest Nonexpendable $23,387.78
Correspondence: None
New Business
Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund Grants: NH DES has $7,000,000 available for grants for aquatic resource mitigation. $1,044,000 is available in our region. Erosion control is especially needed above the dam in North Walpole, where prior efforts have not been fully successful. Currently the dam is used to control the flow of the river to decrease erosion. Other sites were also discussed. Cheryl is willing to write the pre-application, which is due May 31st, so get possible project ideas to her as soon as possible. If NH DES selects a project to apply, the full grant application is due in the fall.
Old Business
Forest for the Birds Contract: The next step is to see if the Hooper Board wants to share the contract cost. There was a discussion of the long-term benefits of this study, which is to use bird count and the varieties to score an area of forest. The information can then be used to recommend how to enhance the forest in the future. It was noted that there are observation points on the Skofield property which is owned outright by the Monadnock Conservancy. Hooper Board is interested and Nicole will ask them about financially supporting the project. With observation points on Monadnock Conservancy land, Chris Liazos will need to contact them for permission and to see if they want to help with the project cost.
John moved that the Conservation Commission agree to the Bird Count proposal that the Commission will fund up to half the project cost. The project is not to exceed $1,500.00, and if it does it requires permission from the Walpole Conservation Commission before continuing. In addition, permission must be obtained from the Monadnock Conservancy regarding the Skofield property they now own, and they should be asked if they are interested in contributing to the project. All this is pending agreement from the Hooper Board. Paul seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Gateway and Hooper Invasives: The proposal from Longview to treat invasives at the Gateway for $1,800 was discussed. The area would be expanded from the previous treatment two years ago. The chemicals used by Longview cause less damage than other herbicides. The treatment will not harm the corn in lower field (the farmer agrees). Nicole moved to approve the contract and treatment can proceed after July 1st for a cost of $1,800. John seconded and the motion carried. Paul and France abstained. Peter signed the contract.
Old Home Days – Planning: There will be two tables:
- The Conservation Commission will have the Fish and Game Officer. There will be maps of Conservation property and charts of invasives (Wendy has the invasives chart). There is a very big wooden sign for the Conservation Commission in the tool shed that might be of use. Wendy will have either GEM or Staples laminate the invasives poster, and it will be put up at the Recycling Center after Old Home Days. Chris Liazos will lead a birding walk around town after the parade on Saturday.
- The Trail Committee will have trail maps. The Committee would like to print their name on a tablecloth. France will get the cost from GEM. They will have two special events on Sunday at the Gateway. First Sharon will lead a birding walk at 7:00. They would like to create a new trail about a quarter mile long along the berm overlooking the river and then wrapping back around the field. They’ll lead walks there on Sunday morning.
Town Hazard Mitigation Plan: The plan has been revised. They were pleased that they received a lot of public input. The plan will be on the Town website May 15th for two weeks for public review. One change was that Reservoir Dam is now ranked higher than it was. In addition to having the plan for safety reasons, it will help us get grants to address the issues – the Town is already working on these issues, and the public is involved.
Response to MCA Request: Since the hiker fell the Commission has been in communication with Jeff, the group leader, and encouraging them to close the loop with North Walpole and to plan for rescues. This communication will continue to work with and encourage them.
Trail Committee
Updates: HOT (Help Our Trails) Day was moved from May 3rd to the 17th at the last meeting. They are currently planning projects for the day and getting organized. There was a review of Mill Pond trails. Some of the needed work can be done on HOT Day, but some tasks will have to be done at other times. After an inventory of the tool shed, it was recommended they purchase two pulaskis and a rogue hoe for about $275. Wendy made a motion to purchase the two pulaskis and a rogue hoe for a total price not to exceed $275. Paul seconded and the motion passed. Wendy will purchase the tools and submit receipts to Rich for reimbursement.
The Green Mountain Club will be coming to review the Academy Ravine trail and recommend what additional work is needed.
Rail Trail Brush Hogging: the draft permit application is with the state. They responded that there needs to be a $1,000 bond and they provided typical language. The Town Attorney needs to be review it before the Selectboard approves. It was also noted that the Town must be added to the contractor’s “additional insured” for the duration of the project.
Other Business
Dam Updates: All the permits are filed for Reservoir Dam, and Fuss & O’Neill have had all the information requested for about a week.
Hooper Institute Board Update: The Board meets tomorrow night. As discussed earlier, the Bird Count is of interest, and the lesson plans might be particularly helpful to the new Executive Director while getting up to speed.
2023 Rail Trail Grant Questions: Cheryl is answering questions for the Town audit of 2023. The Commission was able to answer all the questions asked by the auditor about the 2023 Rail Trail grant and associated funding.
Agenda – Next Meeting June 2, 2025
- Old Home Days
Adjournment: Peter declared the meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the June 2, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting.)
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/8/25
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
May 8, 2025
Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair; Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry
Staff Present: Jodi Daigle, Tax Collector, Water-Sewer Clerk, and Administrative Assistant, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: Holly Gowdy
Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (c)
Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (c) at 6:32 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 6:46 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.
Old Business
Deeds for Sealed Bid Properties: Quitclaim Deeds, and Agreements and Deposit Receipts are to be signed for each property.
Ms. Mayberry moved the Chair to sign the Sales Agreement and Deposit Receipt for Map and Lot # 014-005-000. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the Sales Agreement and Deposit Receipt.
Ms. Vose moved to sign the Quitclaim Deed for Map and Lot # 014-005-000, at 522 Whitcomb Road, Walpole, NH. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, signed and notarized.
Ms. Mayberry moved the Chair to sign the Sales Agreement and Deposit Receipt for Map and Lot # 028-105-000. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the Sales Agreement and Deposit Receipt.
Ms. Vose moved to sign the Quitclaim Deed for Map and Lot # 028-105-000, at 11 Merchant Street, North Walpole, NH. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, signed and notarized.
Ms. Mayberry moved the Chair to sign the Sales Agreement and Deposit Receipt for Map and Lot # 028-120-000. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the Sales Agreement and Deposit Receipt.
Ms. Vose moved to sign the Quitclaim Deed for Map and Lot # 028-120-000, at 27 Center Street, North Walpole, NH. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, signed and notarized.
Mrs. Gowdy left the meeting.
Pool Shade: We have contracts from Bensonwood & EE Houghton. Funding will come from the Recreation Revolving Fund which currently has $66,890.27.
Ms. Vose moved to approve payment from The Recreation Revolving Fund totaling $29,100, which includes the concrete foundation (EE Houghton) and the timber frame shade structure (Bensonwood). Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Vose moved to approve Purchase Order # 204594 for $21,700 to purchase a 30’ x 12’ timber frame shade structure from Bensonwood. This purchase includes materials and construction, and the funds will come from the Recreation Revolving Fund. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The Purchase Order was signed.
Ms. Vose moved to approve Purchase Order # 204595 for $7,400 to purchase the foundation for a 30’ x 12’ timber frame shade structure. This purchase includes materials and construction, and the funds will come from the Recreation Revolving Fund. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The Purchase Order was signed.
Ms. Vose moved to accept Proposal # 20255186 for $7,400 from EE Houghton for the foundation for the shade structure at the Town Pool. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was accepted.
Old Home Days Request: By consensus the Rec Department may have use of the Town Pool for free swimming during Old Home Days. The Pool is traditionally open for free swimming Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Old Home Days. There will be paid lifeguards the whole time the pool is open.
Walpole Fire District Letter: There was a discussion of the letter for the Project Manager to represent the Town. Clarification of the duties is needed. He also needs to be bonded. Mark Houghton was not available to clarify, but the Board will sign the letter as soon as it is clarified.
Accounts Payable
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,060,364.38 dated 5/12/2025. 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 $31,796.17 dated 5/9/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,107.18. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Building Permit
2025-14, Map and Lot# 005-066-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-14 for Map and Lot # 005-066-000 to construct a 20’ x 12’ prefab shed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – May 1, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 1, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – May 1, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of May 1, 2025. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.
New Business
NH Floodplain Management Program: Ms. Vose moved to approve the NH Floodplain Management Program and for Mr. Dalessio to sign it. This is the flood insurance program. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the program.
Savings Bank of Walpole 150th Anniversary Celebration: The Savings Bank will host a celebration on July 27, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and invites everyone to games, entertainment and food, all free. By consensus, the Selectboard congratulates the Savings Bank of Walpole on its achievement and agrees to have the Bank use the Common and the field behind St. John’s Church for the celebration. The Bank requested that a Selectboard member read the proclamation. Mr. Dalessio will be there.
Thank You Letter: A letter was received from CASA thanking the Town for its contribution. CASA is Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.
Sympathy: The Board signed a sympathy card for the passing of an employee’s father.
Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the May 14, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
Reminder: Help Our Trails Tomorrow – 5/17/25
Help Our Trails (HOT)
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 9 am – 12 pm
This is a reminder that the Walpole Trail Committee’s 3rd Annual Help Our Trails (HOT) Day is this Saturday, May 17. Volunteers should meet at Town Hall between 8:30 and 9 am. There will be donuts and coffee. Our Trail Committee members have identified a number of HOT Day projects throughout the Town. Volunteer trail workers will divide into small teams and go out to tackle these maintenance projects on Walpole’s trails.
Please dress for trail work and bring your own water, bug repellent, work gloves, and hand tools (clippers, loppers, hand saws, etc.) if you have them. Metal rakes, shovels and hoes will be needed for some projects. Do not bring chain saws or power tools. Litter bags will be provided. There will be trail work available for anyone who comes to Town Hall Saturday morning.
However, if you haven’t signed up yet and plan to attend, it is recommended that you RSVP to walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com, so that you will receive any last minute information.
Bring a raincoat so you can work on Saturday if there is occasional light rain. Those who’ve signed up will be notified if HOT Day is postponed to its rain date, which is Sunday, May 18.
We look forward to seeing you on Help Our Trails Day!
Wendy Grossman
Walpole Trail Committee
Walpole Schools Newsletter – May 2025
Click the link below to download the latest newsletter from the Walpole schools.
June 2025 Clarion Closing Date – 5/22/25
From Ray Boas:
This is the OLD HOME DAYS issue packed with activity information you will want to have sitting prominently on your table. I am giving you a “Baker’s Week Warning” eight (8) days from now I need your ads and articles for the June issue which are due before Thursday, May 22, 5 pm (Walpole time), a week plus a day from now. With the Memorial Day weekend ahead the files will go to the printer the night of the 22nd so your CLARION will be in the mail by the end of the month. Time again for work to begin on the next issue of the CLARION.
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
Author Betsy Small at the Walpole Town Library – 5/20/25
Tuesday, May 20, 7 PM
Walpole Town Library
Sierra Leone is often sensationalized as a place of extreme violence and suffering—of blood diamonds, child soldiers, war amputations, and Ebola and now the highly addictive drug Kush. Before Before captures daily life in a different country, one Betsy Small first encountered as a Peace Corps worker between 1984-87, and then rediscovered when she returned decades later with her daughter. Living in Tokpombu, a remote community of forty rice-farming families, the author faced struggles that changed her forever and witnessed the growing tensions in this rainforest village—between the young and old, between the traditions of oral history and honoring the ancestors valued by the elders and the siren call of the illicit diamond mines faced by the youth.
Before Before offers a rare portrait of everyday people, with particular focus on the lives of women and girls, before the brutal war of 1991 tore the country apart. Through Small’s account of immersion in another world as she witnessed injustice and was welcomed as a friend, readers are invited to explore the shared ground of our humanity.
Town Clerk Announces Dog License Prize Winners
From Holly Gowdy, Deputy Town Clerk:
The Town Clerk’s Office is excited to announce the winners of our 2025 Dog License Drawing. Thank you to our generous sponsors for some really great prizes. Walpole Veterinary Hospital donated five Pet Wellness Exams, Walpole’s Tractor Supply Company donated two $25 Gift Cards, and Walpole’s Blue Seal Feed Store donated a 25 pound bag of En-Trust Dog Chow. There were amazing gift baskets filled with treats and toys for dogs from Horse and Buggy Feed in Keene, Featherstone Kennel in Walpole, and a pet sitting service in Walpole, The PAW-tastic Nanny, LLC. We really appreciate their support and encourage you all to support these local businesses.
The Town Clerk used the tag # for residents that were timely in licensing dogs for 2025, from January 1st to April 30th, as raffle ticket numbers for a free drawing for these prizes. Walpole’s Town Clerk’s Office issued 368 tags during this time period.
The prize winners included: Carol Worcester, Edwin Caspersen, Jillian Hempstead, Jodi Burns, Sally Reid,
Kathy Whiton, Kai Sims, Steve Dumont, Cliff Peters, Sallie Houstoun, and Paul Hurwitz.
The Walpolean 
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