Reminder: Help Our Trails Tomorrow – 5/17/25

EVENTS 05/16/2025 Leave a comment

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

Uncategorized 05/15/2025 Leave a comment

Click the link below to download the latest newsletter from the Walpole schools.

WAA May 2025 Newsletter for PublishingDownload

June 2025 Clarion Closing Date – 5/22/25

Uncategorized 05/14/2025 Leave a comment

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

EVENTS 05/14/2025 Leave a comment

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

Uncategorized 05/14/2025 Leave a comment

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.

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A person holding a piece of paper AI-generated content may be incorrect.
A person holding a bag of toys AI-generated content may be incorrect.
A person holding a piece of paper AI-generated content may be incorrect.
A person holding a piece of paper AI-generated content may be incorrect.
A person holding a piece of paper AI-generated content may be incorrect.
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A person holding a piece of paper AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Planning Board Agenda – 5/13/25

PLANNING BOARD 05/12/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Agenda

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

7 pm

Town Hall

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed.
Call to order:
Minutes: Review minutes of the April 2025 meeting.

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, Commercial District. Agent Chad Branon Fieldstone Land
Consultants, Applicant is Acorn to Sky Investments LLC in Meriden, NH.

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 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 acre of Bisson/Pickering now 8.67 acres.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/1/25

SELECTBOARD 05/09/2025 1 Comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MAY 1, 2025

Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair; and Cheryl Mayberry

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Absent: Carolyn Vose

Guests Present: Sable Westover, Vicki Hurlburt, and Peggy Pschirrer (via phone)

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

The following item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests who wished to speak to the issue

Old Home Days – Street Party: Sable Westover and Vicki Hurlburt presented to the Selectboard an open container request for the Street Party/Dance being held on Friday night, 6/27/2025.  The dance runs from 5:00 – 11:00 PM in the Savings Bank of Walpole parking lot.  They requested that a portion of Westminster Street be closed for the dance.  Mr. Dalessio made a motion to lift the restriction on open containers from 5:00 – 11:00 PM in the parking lot and closed the section of Westminster Street from Jake’s to the phone building.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

There was also a discussion on how to handle trash for Old Home Days.  There will be trash barrels and recycling barrels around the Common and for Friday night at the SBW parking lot.  Mr. Nash will take the recycling to the Recycling Center, but Recycling will need to sort it. 

There are some changes/additions for this year: 

  • The fireworks on Friday night will be set off in the field on Old North Main and shot over the town.
  • The 5K race is moving to Sunday morning. 
  • There will be a hot dog eating contest on Saturday.

Ms. Westover and Ms. Hurlburt left the meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTREES

Mrs. Pschirrer was called on the phone.  Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:45 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry and in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:14 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees Non-Public session.

PAYROLL

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,610.85 dated 5/2/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,725.47.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a Payroll Register totaling $403.23 dated 5/2/2025 and a 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $60.29.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – April 24, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 24, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – April 24, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 24, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Trustee of Trust Funds Meeting – April 23, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

WATER AND SEWER WARRANTS

Walpole Water Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for Walpole Water Fees for $43,352.32.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for Walpole Sewer Fees totaling $75,170.45.   Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

North Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for North Walpole Sewer Fees for $57,149.34.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio requested that Mrs. Daigle run a delinquent report.

TIMBER YIELD TAXES ASSESSED AND WARRANTS – first two together; 3rd separate

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the taxes assessed and warrant on the following:

  • Op # 24-461-07, Map and Lot # 008-062-000 for $993.01
  • Op # 24-461-09, Map and Lot # 010-034-000 for $330.36. 

Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Op # 24-461-08, Map and Lot # 011-001-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the taxes assessed and warrant for $519.95.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-13, Map and Lot# 010-036-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-13 for Map and Lot # 010-036-000 to construct a 15’ x 15’ sunroom addition. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot # 011-012-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot #011-012-000, off Ramsey Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

SUP Application and Bond: Mr. Dalessio noted that the State sent instructions that the $1,000 bond must be paid.  The State provided wording for the bond.  Nicole Adams has permission to go ahead and prepare the necessary paperwork.  When the application is complete, the Selectboard will review the bond language.

Deed of Gift to the Historical Society: Ledger books from the Town Hall basement vault were donated to the Historical Society.  They are being reconditioned.  The Chair needs to sign two copies of the form.   Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Chair signing two copies of the form.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS

Municipal Work Zone Agreement: There is an agreement from NH DOT for the Rt. 12 repaving project in North Walpole.   Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the agreement for State project 43911, Project X-A005(540) and for the Chair to sign it.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the agreement was accepted and signed by Mr. Dalessio.  

NH DOT Crosswalk Maintenance Responsibilities Form: The form relates to the Russell Street sidewalk and the repaving project.  The Town will be responsible for maintaining the sidewalk.  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the form and for the Chair to sign it.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the form was accepted and signed by Mr. Dalessio. 

New England Power Asset Report Request Letter: The letter requesting updated asset information for New England Power which is to be sent to Avitar.  Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the letter.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the letter was signed.

SWRPC Bylaws Draft Update:   SWRPC is requesting comments on the draft before the new bylaws are accepted at their Annual Meeting.  Ms. Mayberry will summarize all Walpole’s comments at the meeting next week.

Site Plan Public Hearing: As an Abutter, the Town received notice of a Site Plan Public Hearing for a Domino’s Restaurant off Red Barn Lane.  The hearing is on 5/13/2025 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall.

Takodah YMCA Thank You Letter:  A thank you letter was received from Camp Takodah for a donation from the Town.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:38 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:58 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the May 8, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Putney Painters & Friends Paint Walpole – 6/14/25

EVENTS 05/06/2025 Leave a comment

From Nancy Guzik, President, Richard Schmid Fine Art Foundation:

Second Annual Putney Painters & Friends Paint Walpole
(Walpole Common) Walpole, New Hampshire, June 14th

Walpole, New Hampshire — The Richard Schmid Fine Art Foundation invites art lovers, families, and community members of all ages to its Second Annual Putney Painters & Friends Paint-Out, on Walpole Common. This celebratory art event will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will be followed by an evening art exhibition and sale, at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Putney Painter’s Paint-Out: Celebrating the legacy of renowned Walpole, NH artist Richard Schmid, this event will feature many of the artists that Richard influenced throughout his life, especially his beloved Putney Painters. Attendees of all ages can enjoy watching this group of professional artists demonstrating their plein-air painting skills live throughout the day. 

Children and Teens: Children and teens are invited to join in some hands-on artistic fun! Scheduled activities include a dedicated area for children and teens to create their own original artwork, make Father’s Day cards, also take part in face painting. Complimentary art supplies will be provided by Richard Schmid Fine Art Foundation. Children age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

Art Exhibition, Reception & Sale: From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., art enthusiasts, collectors, and families are welcome to attend the exhibition and sale at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, located directly across from the Walpole Common. The exhibition will showcase the paintings created by the artists including some of the children and teens artwork. This is a perfect opportunity to take home an original painting and help to support the local art community!  

Our Gift to Walpole: The presentation of a $2,000 donation from the Richard Schmid Fine Art Foundation will take place at St John’s Parish Hall and will help support the Art After School program located at the corner of Elm & Westminster Streets, Walpole, NH.

In addition, 10% of all painting sales will be a shared benefit of Art After School programs located at St. John’s Parish Hall and River Valley Church. Event attendees can also participate in a raffle drawing, the winner will take home one of Richard Schmid’s Landscape prints signed by the renowned artist. 

Participating Artists Include: Putney Painters: Penelope Simpson Adams, Kathy Anderson, Carol Arnold, Stephanie Birdsall, Jo-Ann Denehy, Nancy Guzik, Charlie Hunter, Susan Jositas, Johanne Mangi, Cat Nunn, Julie Rosa, Madeline Ullrich, Dalan Wells and late artist member, Tim Thies. Artist Friends: Grace DeVito, Catherine Hafer, Dianne P Miller, Judy Stach, and Jon Traynor.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Rain date, Saturday, June 21st)
Day Event Time: 10 AM – 4 PM | Location: Walpole Common, Walpole, NH
Evening Event Time: 5:50 PM – 7:30 PM | Location:  St. John’s Parish Hall—Corner of Elm & Westminster Streets, Walpole, NH
Cost: FREE and open to the public. 

• Teens and children are welcome! Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. 
• The 2025 event is being sponsored by Richard Schmid Fine Art Foundation, a private 501(c)3 non- profit organization. Richard Schmid’s mission is: Art Has the Power to do Good!  

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Above: Raffle ticket winner will receive the signed lithograph by Richard Schmic titled, CHIPMUNK (DIANA’S MAPLE), oil, 12 x 20, 2002, painted in Vermont.

Great Decisions at the Library – 5/12/25

EVENTS 05/05/2025 Leave a comment

One Week from Today!

“Great Decisions” Welcomes Stapleton Roy as Moderator

The “Great Decisions” discussion group will meet again on Monday, May 12, at 6:00 p.m. in the Walpole Town Library. Our topic is “U.S.- China Relations in Tense Times,” and we are most fortunate to again have Career Ambassador Stapleton Roy join us via Zoom to moderate the discussion. (Career Ambassador is the highest rank in the U.S. Foreign Service.) 

Stapleton Roy began his diplomatic career in 1956 and rose to become a three-time United States Ambassador, serving in Singapore, the People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia. Subsequently he joined the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States at the Wilson Center in Washington. He was a Trustee of the Asia Foundation and the Carnegie Endowment for Peace. I assure you that a conversation with “Stape” is delightful and unforgettable, his depth of understanding is unparalleled – this is a rare opportunity not to be missed!

The relevant reading from the Foreign Policy Association is “Competition, Cold War, or Conflict? Navigating U.S.- China Relations in Tense Times,” by Thomas J. Christensen, which is available at the Walpole Library. A copy of this article can be emailed to you upon request by contacting Jane Malmberg, Library Director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org 

All are welcome at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, in the Hubbard Meeting Room, Walpole Town Library. We begin with a Master Class video prepared by the Foreign Policy Association which cannot be shown over Zoom. Those of you joining via Zoom, please join at 6:30 p.m. For the Zoom link, please contact Jane Malmberg in advance of the meeting.

Help Our Trails (HOT) Day – 5/17/25

EVENTS 05/02/2025 Leave a comment

Help Our Trails (HOT) Day

Saturday, May 17

Attention all prospective Walpole trail work volunteers: The Walpole Trail Committee will host its 3rd Annual Help Our Trails (HOT) Day two weeks from tomorrow, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9 am to 12 pm.  It’s time to sign up now!

On Help Our Trails Day, volunteers come together to help maintain and improve Walpole trails, including those at Mill Pond, Fanny Mason Forest, and the Cheshire Rail Trail.  HOT Day participants should gather at the Walpole Town Hall, 34 Elm Street, before 9 am.  Please dress for trail work and bring your own water, work gloves, and hand tools.  Useful tools include clippers, loppers, hand saws, shovels, and rakes.  Do not bring chain saws or power tools.  No dogs, please.  Working in small teams at various locations, trail workers will help clear fallen branches, trim vegetation, maintain drainage, pick up litter, and undertake other selected trail improvement projects. 

We strongly encourage all Help Our Trails Day volunteers to sign up in advance by sending an email to walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com.  This will enable us to plan the trail work and to contact you with additional HOT Day details.

Please join us on Help Our Trails Day, Saturday, May 17th, from 9 am to noon.  Rain date is Sunday, May 18th.  

Wendy Grossman

Walpole Trail Committee