Cast of Witnesses: A Musical – 4/11/25

EVENTS 04/07/2025 Leave a comment
Cast of Witnesses: A Musical. Music by local lyricist Carol Clark. Musical Direction by Tim Golden. Script by Philip Turner.

Cast of Witnesses – A new Cantata comes to Walpole

On April 11, 7-8 PM, Walpole Congregational Church will host the performance of an original cantata, Cast Of Witnesses. The cantata recounts the events of Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem, his subsequent trial and unjust execution, and his Easter resurrection. The main witnesses sing solos written by local lyricist, Carol Clark, outlining their feelings and motivations as these events unfold around them. The nine soloists are supported by a large chorus who round out the Cast of Witnesses. Musical Direction by Tim Golden; Director, Philip Turner. Come, hear and see this unique musical retelling of the Passion narrative.

A matinee performance 1:30-2:30 PM will be hosted on April 13th at Life on Main and a final evening 7-8 PM performance on April 15th at St. Luke’s, both in Charlestown. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com for $10 and at the door. Children will be admitted for free. More information? Call 603-504-4637. Reserve your seat soon.

Great Decisions – 4/14/25

EVENTS 04/07/2025 Leave a comment

“Great Decisions” 

Our Public Forum Resumes on Monday, April 14

“America at a Global Crossroads”

“America at a Global Crossroads”— our next “Great Decisions” public forum — will be moderated by Adrian Basora, former United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. This discussion will be on Monday, April 14, 6:00 p.m., in the Walpole Town Library, and promises to be a timely and illuminating analysis of what we now might describe as “American Foreign Policy in the Crosshairs.”

We are grateful to have Adrian Basora – trustee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and member of the Council on Foreign Relations – to guide us through this uncharted territory.. During his 33 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, Adrian served in former Soviet Bloc countries and worked on programs supporting their transition to democracy.

The Foreign Policy Association’s article by G. John Ikenberry, “America at a Global Crossroads,” is available at the library.  Writing in November 2024, following the election, Ikenberry describes three strategic choices for American foreign policy. The America First agenda of Trump’s administration has already broken with liberal internationalism, challenging rules-based, multilateral cooperation and traditional alliances. What are the dangers and advantages this nationalism poses for our future security? A copy of the relevant article can be emailed to you upon request by contacting Jane Malmberg, Library Director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org 

All are welcome to join at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, in the Hubbard Meeting Room, Walpole Town Library, or via Zoom. We begin with a Master Class video prepared by the Foreign Policy Association which cannot be shown over Zoom. So those of you joining via Zoom, please join at 6:20 p.m. For the Zoom link, please contact Jane Malmberg in advance of the meeting: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

Sue Kibbe

Walpole Trail Challenge Winners

Uncategorized 04/05/2025 Leave a comment
Trail challenge winners: Cindy Stewart won a backpack; Becky Pearson won a stove; Kara Dexter won a windscreen. And, you all won time on our beautiful trails! Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming summer challenge that starts at the end of mud season.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 3/27/25

SELECTBOARD 04/03/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MARCH 27, 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: Ernie Vose, Zoning Coordinator

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

ZONING PROCESS: Mr. Vose had questions about the zoning process now that Article #2 has passed.  Mr. Vose works with people planning to build in Walpole by answering questions, giving initial guidance on the laws, ensuring they know what forms they need and the required steps to obtain the necessary permits. Going forward, if a hearing is needed, people will come to the Selectboard. If they disagree with the Board’s findings, they can appeal to the Zoning Boad of Administration (ZBA).  Mr. Dalessio reported that the new Dunkin on Rt. 12 was told to remove their flags, which are not permitted in Walpole, by 3/28/2025. 

There was a discussion of North Walpole Zoning Ordinances.  Ms. Mayberry will check the North Walpole Zoning Ordinances to determine the differences and what the process is if something is not specified in the North Walpole ordinances. Ms. Mayberry wondered if it defaults to Walpole Zoning Ordinances. The Planning Board now is responsible for gravel banks, signs and commercial development.

PAYROLL

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,586.88 dated 3/28/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,051.61.  Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – March 19, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 19, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – March 12, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of March 12, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – March 19, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of March 19, 2025 as amended.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Police Building Committee Meeting – March 3, 2025
  • Trail Committee Meeting – March 12, 2025
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – March 19, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

Map and Lot # 009-034-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 009-034-000, of $157.63.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-05, Map and Lot# 011-059-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-05 for Map and Lot # 011-059-000 to construct a 24’ x 24’ 1.5 story two car garage. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

2025-06, Map and Lot# 024-013-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-06 for Map and Lot # 024-013-000 to construct a 100’ x 80’ 1.5 story warehouse. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam Pre-Application Meeting: Copies of the Wetlands Permit have been distributed.  One copy is available at the Selectboard Office for public review.  Mr. Dalessio reported that the project has been approved to submit the application to DES.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey: The survey will be in the April Clarion. It is on the Town website and flyers are being posted.  Ms. Vose recommended it should be sent to the North Walpole Village Facebook page and the Walpolean.  The next meeting will be April 3rd at 2:00 PM.

School Withdrawal Study Timeline and Town Representative: The School District sent the study timeline.  A Town representative is needed for the study.  Ms. Vose will represent Walpole.  Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Varone will probably attend a lot of the meetings.

NEW BUSINESS

MS-232: The form will be uploaded to the portal.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the MS-2332 to upload to the portal.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Legislative Delegation Meeting Invitation: Keene is hosting a meeting with members of the Legislature on April 16th at 6:00 PM at the Keene Public Library.  Mr. Dalessio said the meetings are usually very worthwhile.

Great River Hydro PILOT:  Walpole received another request for a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement.  PILOT agreements with Great River Hydro have a history of being problematic.  Walpole is not going to sign a PILOT agreement currently.

Concerts on the Common: The Savings Bank of Walpole is seeking permission to have the concerts this summer.  Ms. Vose moved to approve the schedule of concerts from June 15th through August 10th including the Boy Scout concert on June 22nd.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c) at 7:13 PM.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:48 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 8:49 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 2, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 4/2/25

SELECTBOARD 04/02/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

April 2, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING 

SPECIAL USE PERMIT (SUP)

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

  • Hooper Institute Renovation Update
  • Agreement Approvals
  • Hooper Maintenance Trust – Petition to the Court
  • Executive Director Search Committee Update

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

  • Hooper Trustees Meeting – March 19, 2025

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

SELECTBOARD MEETING – continued

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $82,587.64 for checks issued 4/07/2025.

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $33,346.20 dated 3/28/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,425.20.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – March 27, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – March 27, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Library Trustees Meeting – March 11, 2025

LAND USE CHANGE TAX

  • Map and Lot# 005-016-001
  • Map and Lot# 010-009-001
  • Map and Lot# 004-013-000

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

  • Map and Lot# 023-014-000
  • Map and Lot# 027-001-006

VETERANS CREDIT

  • Map and Lot# 019-009-000

BUILDING PERMITS

  • 2025-07, Map and Lot# 013-031-002

OLD BUSINESS

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

  • Irving Oil and Propane
  • Streetlight on Kilburn Street

NEW BUSINESS

  • Recreation Revolving Fund Request
  • FMRSD Invitation
  • Stone Monuments and the Common
  • Signage on the Common
  • Thank You Note

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**

Reminder: Author Talk with Duncan Watson – 4/3/25

EVENTS 04/02/2025 Leave a comment
Author Talk. Join Duncan Watson as he explores the often overlooked world of recycling with anecdotes from his book, "Everyone's Trash." Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 5:00 pm at the Main Library.

Clarification: Walpole Trail Challenge Deadline Today – 4/1/25

Uncategorized 04/01/2025 Leave a comment

HEADS-UP, HIKERS!

DATE CLARIFICATION

Send log sheets anytime, on April 1st,

to France Menk’s studio email.
iam@france-menk.com

April 4th

First, second, and third place winners will be notified
of their hiking related prizes,
and results will be posted in the Walpolean,
and our WCC website.

walpoleoutdoors.org

Easter Egg Hunt – 4/19/25

EVENTS 03/30/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Trail Challenge Deadline – 4/4/25

Uncategorized 03/30/2025 Leave a comment

From France Menk:

WALPOLE TRAIL CHALLENGE DEADLINE  

Log sheets are due by midnight, April 1st. The winners will be  announced in the Walpolean, on April 4th, and on our WCC website,  

walpoleoutdoors.org

First, second, and third place winners will receive hiking-related prizes.

Please send your logs to France Menk at her studio email. 

iam@france-menk.com

April 2025 Clarion Now Online

Uncategorized 03/28/2025 Leave a comment

From Ray Boas:

And at the post offices for delivery to you shortly – No Foolin’. Twenty pages with Town Meeting wrap-up; up-coming outdoor and nature events; Priscilla continues with some unique “sunshine” events; Hooper Institute has announced coming summer programs; and, learn of a “new discovery” – Walpole’s Mammoth Cheese.

So, click on this link for the issue, or the front cover below. Yes, it is still March, April’s issue is in the mail, and with the May closing date of April 23, today I received the first article for the May issue. Yes, I can balance three months at a time. Enjoy, stay safe and well, and Happy Huntigowk

– RAY BOAS, Publisher.