Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 1/4/16

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 01/28/2016 1 Comment

Minutes for the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, January 4, 2016

 

Present:  Gary Speed, Tom Beaudry, John Peska, Kelli Wilson, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Lewis Shelley, and Alicia Flammia

Not Present:  Sharyn Tullar (alt.), Duncan Watson, Whit Aldrich (SelectBoard representative)

Mr. Beaudry, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM.

Non-Public session: 

No alternates were needed to achieve quorum.

Minutes

Mr. Speed moved to accept the minutes for the December 7, 2015 meeting as presented. Ms. Mansouri seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.  It was noted that Mr. Peska was listed as both Present and Non-Present.  He was indeed Present at the December meeting.

Treasury/Budget Report

As of November 30, 2015, the balance in the Conservation account is: $53,183.96 and in the Forestry account: $12,347.88 which includes a deposit of $2,000.00.

New Business

  1. Mr. Palmiotto is stepping down from his position on the SWRPC. Ms. Flammia is interested in the position.  Mr. Speed moved to recommend Ms. Flammia as the representative to the SWRPC. Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Beaudry will present the recommendation to the Selectboard.
  2. Michael Nerrie of Distant Hill Gardens spoke about vernal pools documentation in the Monadnock region. The Ashuelot Valley Environmental Observatory (AVEO) has created a map of currently documented vernal pools: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=00813910980f4b1a931697e2a27c58d6
  3. Mr. Nerrie will be holding a class on 4/29/16 to teach how to recognize the obligatory species (mole salamander, wood frog, fairy shrimp).  Details can be found on his website: http://www.distanthillgardens.org/2016-hours-events/2016-workshops  Additional locations of vernal pools are needed.
  4. The Stoddard Conservation Commission is against the opening of a trapping, hounding, and baiting season on bobcats by the NH Fish and Game Commission. The SCC invites the Walpole Conservation Commission to join them in protesting this action. Speed, as a member of the group recommending the season, added information:

In 1989, the number of bobcats had decreased so much that a moratorium was put on trapping them. Five to six years ago, the numbers of calls complaining of bobcats attacking bird feeder & pets had increased so much that Fish & Game was asked to do a survey to determine the actual population. The study was done by Fish & Game, UNH, and NH Trappers Association. Although Walpole was not in the original study which caught 24 cats in Cheshire County, a 37lb adult cat was trapped on Brewery Road.  The cats were tagged, had a tooth removed for aging, and released.  The tags broadcast to UNH every time the cat passed a cell tower.  Fish & Game determined that there were sufficient numbers for a limit of 70-75 cats in a season. Since there is never 100% in a hunt, it is likely that only 50 cats of the more than 1,000 in the state will be killed. Every surrounding state has a bobcat season. The cat from Brewery Road ended up being killed 2 years later in Vermont.

The letter from Stoddard had additional references.  Ms. Flammia moved to table the discussion until the next meeting to investigate all the information.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor (except Mr. Speed who recused himself).

Old Business

  1. Academy Ravine behind the Town Garage would not make a good Scout project. It has been worked on in the past and gets flooded out.  The soils are not conducive to good trails due to the shale slopes. Mr. Shelley will discuss this further with Ms. Tullar.
  2. No activity yet in the Water Co. Forest. The deadline is April 1st.
  3. The Vose Conservation Easement is moving forward.

Other

  1. Monadnock Conservancy letter about the Reservoir Town Forest regarding the Hooper Hoppers snowmobile trail. They want to relocate the trail to avoid some wet areas.
  2. Per a Selectboard member, the Jack Franks/Avenru Development Current Use money will be paid and the Conservation Commission will get $25,000 for 2015. The $25,000 for 2014 is in question because it was paid in 2015 but it seems likely that WCC should get some of the 2014 money.
  3. Tullar wants to start a process of putting an Easement on property that will be coming up for sale on Prospect Hill. This property would almost connect the Academy Ravine with Hooper.
  4. Annual dues for NH Association of Conservation Commissions was previously approved for payment and will be submitted to the Town for payment. Nick Coates has resigned as Executive Director; his interim Director Emily Lord has also moved on.
  5. The Hooper Institute has taken down a gate and is offering it to the Conservation Commission. Shelley and Mr. Palmiotto believe that it would be useful at the Fanny Mason Forest. The Trustees will be notified of this opportunity; as well as the building of a kiosk at Fanny Mason.
  6. Research on Class 6 roads has revealed that Scoville Road was discontinued from Society Gate to the Surry line in 1928 by Maryanne Tatum. Also the Stage Road was discontinued quite a long time ago.
  7. Merriam Farms was sold and closed 12/31/15 to Dan Morgan, abutter, except for two 3 acre lots in Surry. He put it all under Conservation Easement.

Mr. Speed moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:59pm.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

 

The next meeting will be Monday, February 1, 2016.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Recording Secretary

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

Reminder – Public Hearing Tuesday Night – 1/26/16

EVENTS 01/25/2016 Leave a comment

Hope you remember that tomorrow night, Tuesday the 26th, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a petition to amend our zoning ordinance so as to allow Walpole to maintain control over its trash facilities? The hearing will be at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall.

Name That Tune – 2/2/16

EVENTS 01/25/2016 Leave a comment

The North Walpole Library is again hosting Steven Damon on Feb. 2nd Tuesday, the program “Name That Tune”.
This will be from 2-4pm. We hope everyone will come and enjoy the music, entertainment, laughter and guessing the Title of each tune Steven plays for us.
We also will have light refreshments. Bring your friends too.

February Clarion – On-line

EVENTS 01/25/2016 Leave a comment

The February 2016 issue of The Walpole Clarion went to press today, Monday, 25 January 2016. And, it is now posted on the website for your reading pleasure. — http://thewalpoleclarion.com

If you would like to get a notice that the new issue is on-line directly in your email in-box (and have not already done so), please follow the instructions on the CLARION home page on the right where it says: “Follow Blog via Email.”

The closing date for the March 2016 issue is February 19, 2016.

Thank you, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

A Feel Good Story – Beneficial to all

OPINIONS 01/25/2016 Comments: 7

A big thank you to everyone who was involved in this!  We can all reap the benefits for years to come. – Lil

LundField_PhotoCredit_Stacy_Gambrel

Farmland, fresh produce and local inspiration

A man’s love of the land helps keep young farmers in business

It could have ended up as a parking lot or a big box store – but instead, this rich farmland along the Cold River in Walpole will remain part of the area’s long agricultural history. Owner Perley Lund’s 9-acre field is a key parcel for John and Teresa Janiszyn, who rely entirely on a network of leased land to grow vegetables for their well-known farm stand, Pete’s Stand, on Route 12 in Walpole.

“So much farmland is being developed and paved over,” John said. “If we don’t all work together to do something about it, it’ll all be gone.”

JaniszynFamily_PhotoCredit_Bill_Sumner EasementClosing_PhotoCredit_JenniferZaso

The Monadnock Conservancy worked with Perley Lund to conserve his land with a conservation easement, which guarantees that the land will never be developed and can continue to be used for farming.

Perley’s love of the land and of farming is a big part of his motivation to protect his land. “People need to know where their food comes from, and to be able to enjoy fresh, local vegetables,” he said.  Perley expressed relief and gratitude about being able to protect his land, which has been in the Lund family since the 1940s. “It’s just the right thing to do — for the land and for the community,” he remarked.

Many generous supporters helped to make Perley’s vision a reality, including the State of New Hampshire’s Moose Plate grant program, the 1772 Foundation, the Thomas W. Haas Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the Russell Farm and Forest Conservation Foundation.

 

Candlelight Vigil Held – 1/17/16

EVENTS 01/22/2016 Leave a comment
#HumanityNotHate Kicks off in Walpole with Candlelight Vigil in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
More than 50 Walpoleans and other neighbors from the area braved the cold to gather on the Common on Sunday, January 17 in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to stand up for Humanity Not Hate. By candlelight and flashlight, Revs. Craig Breismeister and Susan Kershaw spoke about the legacy of Rev. Dr. King and the importance of continuing his work to honor our country’s promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness by supporting efforts to be a respectful, civil and tolerant society. Former Cheshire County Commissioner Jack Pratt, who actually worked with Rev. Dr. King during the civil rights movement of the 1960s, spoke of his experience and reminded those gathered that the work of equality and dignity for all must continue. The event concluded with a moving rendition of “We Shall Overcome,” led by the children who attended.
The candlelight vigil, sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Walpole, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Walpole Unitarian Church, was the first of a series of events being planned in Walpole in 2016. #HumanityNotHate seeks to bring Walpole area citizens together in a variety of ways through our public spaces to affirm the importance of religious freedom, respect for diversity and civility in the face of a national discourse that has become increasingly hostile, divisive and fear-mongering. The happening occurred as a result of a few concerned Walpole citizens who started talking amongst themselves about how to bring a positive voice and attitude out into our public sphere, particularly to counter messages of Islamophobia. More details of future events will be announced as the clergy and Walpole citizens involved in the planning finalize them. If you have any questions or would like to take part in #HumanityNotHate, please contact any one of the churches.
(Photo credit: Ryan Harrison)
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Friendly Friday – 2/26/16

EVENTS 01/22/2016 Leave a comment
Friendly Friday Coming Up February 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Walpole
Shake off your winter blues with fun, fellowship and good food! Rev. Craig and his family invite Walpole families of all kinds to join them at the church for a game night. We’ll play group games that are fun for kids of all ages and their grown ups too. Bring a side dish or main dish to share. The church will provide drinks and dessert.
For more information, “like” the Friendly Fridays FaceBook page or contact the church at 756-4075, walpolechurch@yahoo.com. Additional upcoming Friendly Fridays are March 18 and April 29.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/14/16

SELECTBOARD 01/22/2016 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 14, 2016

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Whitney Aldrich; Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were five people in attendance.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

  1. MARK RUESSWICK – Building Permit: Mr. Dalessio explained that during the Selectboard meeting last week questions were raised as the Building Permit application was missing some information. There is nothing on it about where the solar panels will be placed and where is the drainage ditch.  Mr. Ruesswick sketched this information in on the plan.  When he bought the property there was an existing swale, when he put in the driveway the swale was brought all the way down the property line.  He clarified where it was and where it is now.  In the spring the swale is wet but in the fall it is dry.  He will be extending the swale 20-feet.  There was a concern that the swale drains on the Sloane property however Mr. Ruesswick clarified that there is a steep slope and any water ends up draining into the field.  Mr. Ruesswick has a house and a workshop on his property known as Lot #2.  If approved, eventually he will shield the panels from view either with a fence or plantings.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit #2015-52, Map and Lot #009-048-000, 64 Barnett Hill Road, for Mark and Deborah Ruesswick to “Construct 4 sets 24’ x 8’ high Solar Panels”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (b) Hiring.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:08 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:11 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 14, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $563,621.38 for checks dated January 15, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

It was noted that the above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $533,448.73 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 9, 2016, in the amount of $20,912.85 for checks dated January 15, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,446.96 for the week ending January 9, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 7, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 7, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 7, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 7, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

  • Hooper Institute Committee – January 12, 2016;
  • North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – January 12, 2016;
  • WRAP Committee – December 20, 2015.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the Hooper Institute will not be having a Winter Festival because there are not enough volunteers.  Mr. Aldrich noted the lack of snow.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they need more people on their Board.

OLD BUSINESS:

Hubbard BBQ Pit: Mr. Dalessio advised that the Town received the Deed from Hubbard LLC regarding the BBQ Pit.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Deed without Covenance from Hubbard LLC for the BBQ Pit area.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Clough was asked to contact Hubbard, LLC to let them know that the Selectboard moved to accept the Deed as presented.  Hubbard LLC also sent the Town a copy of the BBQ reservation form they used; if the Town will use this form, it will be put on the Town letterhead.

NH Department of Labor Audit and Inspection Report Response Form:  Mrs. Clough typed up the response for the Labor Audit.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that now they will begin responding to each of the categories.  He will work on that.  Mr. Colburn will go out to look at various locations/items to see if everything was taken care of.  The Police Station needs an eye wash station; it will be the same unit that the Recycling Facility has.  Mr. Travis Kemp will do the maintenance work needed in this building.

Town Hall Building: Mr. Dalessio reported that on Monday night a Boy Scout slid across the floor in the Meeting Room and when he reached the wall he could not stop in time and put his hand through the wall.  Repairs have been made and it will be painted as soon as the color can be matched.

Citizens Report Form – Nancy Sloan:  Following the discussion with Mr. Ruesswick, Mr. Dalessio pointed out that he is only going to extend the ditch another 20-feet.  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a letter to Ms. Sloan to advise that the Selectboard reviewed this issue and that Mr. Ruesswick is not in any violation of the Town regulations.

Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual:  This project will be continued next month.

2016 Warrant Articles:  Mr. Dalessio advised that a quote was received in the amount of $30,000.00 for the repairs to the pump and filtration system in the pool. There will be a meeting of the Recreation Department, Mr. Mark Houghton, Mr. Justin Cassarino, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio to talk about what needs to be done to go forward.  The other Warrant Articles have remained the same.

Planning Board:  The Petition for a Public Hearing on the expansion of the Ruggiero Processing Facility was approved by the Planning Board.  The scheduled date is January 26th, 2016.

Department Reports for the 2015 Town Report:  The Selectboard will proof-read the Department Reports for the 2015 Town Report.  Mr. Dalessio will write the draft for the Selectboard’s report that will be reviewed by Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Pschirrer.

NEW BUSINESS:

Email from Ray Boas, Welcome Sign Competition:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Ray Boas advised that the competition for the Welcome Sign has been cancelled.

Southwest Regional Planning Commission Nomination:  Mrs. Clough questioned the Town’s nominations to the Southwest Regional Planning Commission.  They received nothing from the SWRPC about an appointment but received a letter from the Walpole Conservation Commission requesting that the Selectboard appoint Alicia Flammia to the position as Peter Palmiotto has resigned.  The Conservation Commission has voted for her to fill the position.  Mrs. Clough called SWRPC requesting information on SWRPC Advisory Boards and Commmittees, and who is representing Walpole on the different Boards and/or Committees. She had no record of Mr. Palmiotto serving as the Conservation Commission representative to the SWRPC.  She has asked for something in writing.  Mr. Dalessio felt that Mr. Ben Daviss has been one of the representatives for several years.  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry is on their Transportation Committee.  Mrs. Clough is waiting for a response from SWRPC.

Trustees of Trust Funds:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Ms. Karen Galloway has agreed to replace Mr. Tom Goins as a Trustee of Trust Funds to be effective immediately and then she will run for that office.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Ms. Karen Galloway to the position as the Trustee of Trust Funds until the next Town Meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich stepped off the Selectboard for the next item:

American Legion:  Mr. Aldrich is the Commander of the American Legion.  They meet in the downstairs meeting room and have a framed Charter they would like to hang on the wall but did not want to do it without permission from the Selectboard.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to permit the American Legion Post to hang their Charter on the wall in the downstairs meeting room in the Town Hall.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich resumed his seat on the Selectboard.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:42 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:02 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

 

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:20 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of January 14, 2016, be sealed.   Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

 

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 1/20/16

ZONING BOARD 01/22/2016 Leave a comment

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment

Minutes: January 20, 2016

7:30 pm.

 

Present: Board Members: Chair Myra Mansouri Vice-Chair Jan Galloway Leclerc, Mary Therese Lester, Ernie Vose. Alternates: Judy Trow and Stephanie Stoughton..

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the February 2016 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Ms. Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. There was a full five-member board present so no alternates were needed to fill in.

Minutes of December plus workshop minutes. Ms. Stoughton pointed out in the December minutes that there was a space in Ms. Leclerc‘s last name and on page two, fifth line, the word maybe was repeated.  Ms. Stoughton also said Gary Patch was manager of Whipple Hill and not owner. Ms. Leclerc pointed out that her name is spelled without the space and without the capital “C”. She added that when she made a motion to accept the minutes of the executive session, she also said she wanted to have them sealed.

Ms. Mansouri asked for a motion to accept the corrected minutes. Mr. Vose so moved, Mr. Anderson seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board.

Town Events: Ms. Mansouri reminded the Board of other events going on to get ready for Town Meeting. She mentioned that there was going to be a Candidate’s forum, Review of the Budget and urged everyone to attend. She said that Selectman Steve Dalessio is also reviving the Leadership Program in which participants visit all parts of local government including the fire department, police department, all the various boards both in Walpole and North Walpole.

Site Plan Review Regulations and Subdivision Regulations: At the last meeting, a Board member made a wish. She wished she had a copy of the Site Plan Review Regulations. This month Site Plan Review Regulations as well as Subdivision Regulations were handed out to the entire Board.

Special Exception Matrix. The Board made some additions and corrections to the Special Exceptions matrix. The purpose of the matrix is to make it easier for an applicant to navigate the path when variances and special  exceptions are needed. Draft 3 is on the next page.

Palmer Photographs: The Board looked at photographs of Mr. Doug Palmer‘s garage, which has been converted into living space. Palmer received a waiver from the Board last fall for his family to live in the garage while they are building a house nearby. He promised to return the garage to a “regular” garage and remove the living facilities when the house is completed.

Zoning Ordinances: When are we going to address the changes to the Special Exception? Mr. Anderson asked. Ms. Mansouri said we are not changing the Special Exception form. The discussion last month was about updating the Zoning Ordinances regarding B&Bs and Junkyards. Ms. Mansouri said the changes would in the numbers that match the state’s numbers. It would be on next year’s ballot. The ZBA would have to have a public hearing.

The other thing the Board has to do is go through the names of the boundary district, Ms. Mansouri said. For example, Hitchcock Road is now Alstead Center Road. Watkins Hill Road used to come down to Maple Grove Road, but when 911 came in it was changed and now ends at the bottom of the hill. Look through and make sue the road names are corrct, Ms. Mansouri suggested. Check to see if Bellows Falls Road, then Turnpike Road, is now called Main Street. She suggested looking at previous Town Reports to get the correct language to put on the ballot. Mr. Anderson volunteered to do the research on Junkyards and present it at the next meeting.

There was a question on whether or not B&Bs and Junkyards, which were changes the state made, needed to go on the warrant or if can just be changed in the ordinance. Ms. Mansouri will check. She also said that the Board should limit the number of things put on the warrant so as not to overwhelm the puclic.

Mr. Vose made a motion to go into executive session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Lester and it was approved by the Board. The Board came out of executive session 20 minutes later.

After the Board was back to its regular session, Ms. Leclerc made a motion to accept the minutes of the executive session in December as presented and seal them. Ms. Lester seconded the motion and it passed the board.

The Board adjourned at 8:20 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

 

Minutes are posted inside the Town Offices and on the bulletin board outside Walpole Grocery.

Cc : WPB, The Walpolean, http://www.walpole.nh.us

Draft 3 – Special Exception Matrix

 

What District?

Does project conform to zoning ordinance?

Yes                                                                                No

Go to PB for                                                             Go to ZBA

Site Plan Review                                                         Fill out application

 

Variance                                          Special Exception

Needed                                                            Needed

Variance Hearing                                                               Go to PB

Set Hearing Date

Get Recommendation

 

Judgment made                                                                   Return to ZBA for Special

Exception Hearing

 

Go to PB for                                                             Judgment made

Site Plan Review

Memoir / Personal Narrative Workshop

EVENTS 01/22/2016 Leave a comment

Thanks, Pam Bernard for sharing this information. – Lil

If You Don’t Tell Your Story, Who Will?

Award-winning author Pam Bernard will conduct an 8-week series of writing and reading workshops, to begin early February, at her home in Walpole. These workshops are for those interested in transforming the deep exploration of experience into a convincing and compelling narrative.

This workshop is not a competitive sport. It is aimed at exploring the genre to learn the ground rules, to experiment with different approaches to making the personal universal, and to develop your unique voice and style to bring your story to life. Each member is encouraged to participate at his or her own pace and comfort level.

Apprehending experience and shaping it into a piece of writing that carries meaning to your reader is the best antidote for our steady diet of mediocrity and of the disposable. Vivian Gornick says: Penetrating the familiar is by no means a given. On the contrary, it is hard, hard work. Rather than cannibalize your life, a successful narrative will rise from that experience and your willingness to honor your life. Because something happened does not make it worthy of inclusion in a memoir.

The good memoir has an eye to shaping memory and experience. You own what has happened to you, and this includes what you remember. No one else can claim that. Please join other writers at the table. This workshop could change your life. Please call for more information. 603.756.4177, email pam@pambernard.com, or visit pambernard.com

Pam Bernard, author of four books, is a poet, painter, editor, and adjunct professor at the New Hampshire Institute of Art and Franklin Pierce University. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College and BA from Harvard University. Her awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Poetry and a MacDowell Fellowship.