The Walpole Historical Society will sponsor another free Genealogy
Workshop on Thursday February 8, 2014 from 10-12 noon. We welcome
beginners as well as experienced persons. Hints regarding research
sources as well as stone walls will be shared. Call for reservations
at 603 756-2933. More information can be found on the Walpole
Historical Society website: walpolehistory.org.

Jeanne A Jeffries
Box 933
Walpole NH 03608
603 756 2933

Winter Market This Saturday, Jan 18

The first of our four monthly winter markets will be held this Saturday from 11am to 1pm in the Walpole Town Hall. Lark has helped to organize this market and got news about what some of the vendors plan to offer. Abenaki Springs will be bringing potatoes, squash & pork. AmieArt will be there with her whimsical creations. Brookfield Farm will be bringing pork, beef, lamb & goat meat, and if we all get lucky, perhaps a pork pie to serve by the slice for lunch! Bill Lauer will be bringing his special, folding Adirondack chairs. Judi Ryner & Jamie Page will both bring their beautiful Alpaca products. Penni’s Pantry will have a goodly display of jams & preserves. Johanna of the Purple Hummingbird Woolens is especially happy to be bringing felted wool vests – great for cold weather! Sonia of Sawyer’s Artisanal Cheese will be bringing their very newest product, Newmont cheese, aged 3 months. Ken & Hope will come with all their beautiful maple products & fresh-baked bread. And Lark will be there with – still- a very strong assortment of organic fruit jams from one of the best fruit years we’ve seen in awhile. Everyone – come! Dispel the gloom & have a visit!

As we look forward to the summer season of the Walpole Farmers Market, we realize that changes are needed.

A very small number of volunteers have been organizing the market and keeping it running for four years. We are tired and frustrated. There is way more work involved and much less profit than you probably imagine.

The market has won devotees as much for being an amiable, family oriented community event as for being a pleasant place to shop for local food and products. For the farmers and producers who are the foundation of the market, the market continues to teeter either side of the profitability line.

Now is the time for both vendors and shoppers who want to see the market continue to step up to the plate to help keep it going. If there is sufficient interest in keeping the market going, we will schedule a joint vendor/shopper meeting to discuss how to move forward.

Thanks for your support of the market!

Jill, Holly, Bruce
Founders

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Fall Mountain Regional High School Library

Monday, December 16, 2013

6:30 PM

Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Library. In attendance were John Streeter, Andy Collins, Linda Christie, Lil DeCoste and Gabe St. Pierre. Lori Landry and Jamie Teague were also in attendance.

BOARD HONORS

Superintendent Landry stated that Fall Mountain’s Athletic Program placed 1^st. in Division 3 for the NHIAA Fall Season of School Sportsmanship Award.  She stated it was the goal of Matthew Schmidt, Athletic Director, to improve sportsmanship and improve the culture of the FM athletics program.  Mr. Schmidt announced that the following individuals collectively received the NHIAA Athletic Sportsmanship Award for the Fall 2013 season.

Girls Cross Country Varsity Head Coach- Rick Elliot

Boys Cross Country Varsity Head Coach – Larry Sayers

Varsity Football Head Coach – Frank Brown

Varsity Football Assistant – Kevin Hicks

Junior Varsity Football Coach – Steve Stewart

Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach – Justin Parrott

Girls Junior Varsity Soccer Coach – Josh Beer

Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach – Tim St. Pierre

Boys Junior Varsity Soccer Coach – Kristy Zurmuhlen

Girls Varsity Volleyball Head Coach  – Missie Swift

Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach – Ally Robinson

Coed Golf Head Coach – Ron Rosco

The FMRSD School Board commended the coaches for their dedication and hard work and presented them each with a board honors certificate of excellence.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve the minutes of the November 25, 2013 Public Session.  Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve the minutes of the November 25, 2013 Non-Public Session. Passed unanimously.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/PUBLIC INPUT

Superintendent Landry discussed the work that is being completed to continue our partnership with the Cheshire Career Center to promote Career and Technical education for our students.  She introduced Jim Logan from the Cheshire Career Center in Keene. Mr. Logan discussed the terms of the three-year agreement presented to the board for approval. He indicated that there might be amendments along the way that will need to be sent back to the board for approval. Mr. Collins commented that he was very impressed with the facility and quality of teachers during a tour last year. Mr. St. Pierre asked Mr. Logan what he expected students to take away from these programs. Mr. Logan explained that he saw them becoming completers in the program and to provide them with the ability to easily enter into certificate programs.

REPORTS OF ADMINISTRATORS

Jamie Teague, Business Administrator provided the board with a draft copy of the proposed warrant articles. Conversations ensued, changes were requested and the board will discuss the updated versions at the next board meeting.

Mike Davie from EEI Energy provided the board with a presentation on potential energy savings. EEI preformed a study for the school district with the goals of reducing energy cost and consumption throughout the district. The audit showed that we would be able to reduce our expenditures by more than $100,000.00 and retain rebates and grants for approximately $130,000.00. The district was selected to receive a 100,000.00 grant for wood pellet stoves in both Walpole Elementary School and Charlestown Middle School. With oil costs trending higher, there is a push to remove oil heating and add propane to larger schools and wood pellet heat to smaller ones. Recommendation for oil to be left as a backup. The energy savings over time will pay for the improvements.

A conversation also ensued regarding the installation of LED light fixtures, walk in cooler controls and other weatherization.

Motion: (Collins/DeCoste) to include the energy saving initiatives and EEI contract into the budget in the form of a lease agreement to be funded by the new efficiencies. Passed 4:2 Streeter/St. Pierre

Mr. Streeter voiced a concern that the individual towns will not have a vote; felt that it should be town specific.

Ms. Teague suggested we survey voters in Charlestown and Walpole regarding fuel sources available and their preferences of wood pellet or propane at the two middle schools.

Mary Henry pointed out that we are promoting energy efficiency, the company can guarantee savings and that she believes it will improve the educational environment.

Mr. St. Pierre commented that he supports it to be put out for a vote.

Andy Collins commented that the school board is elected to do a job. If it is costing the taxpayers money, it should be put out for a vote. This initiative falls in line with the school boards goal to be fiscally responsible in facilities and to become better global citizens.

The board asked that Mike Davies present at the Deliberative Session and answer any questions that the taxpayers my have.

Construction would begin once school closes in June and completed before reopening in August.

Superintendent Landry reported that last week was the statewide kick off leadership Conference for SWIFT. Ms. Landry commented that is was an honor for Fall Mountain to be involved in this national program. The SWIFT team will be coming on January 2^nd and 3^rd for a FITT assessment.    Ms. Landry stated that she was seeking to make the School Board aware of the SWIFT Policy Principles and the SWIFT Domains and Features, such as Administrative Leadership, Multi-tiered Systems of Support, Integrated Education Framework, Family and Community Engagement, and Inclusive Structure and Practice.  She also reviewed the 6 key SWIFT Principles and asked FM School Board to support the SWIFT Program at the Charlestown Schools.  Ms. Connell, stated that through the interview process the SWIFT committee really liked what was happening throughout the district. Ms. Connell commented that the SWIFT Team has met with national leaders and has great hopes for this project.

Ms. Landry also stated that last week; phase-two of the Task Force Report for Teacher Effectiveness was released. She, Deb Connell, Chris Young, and Gail Rowe have been directly involved with the process. The report can be found on the DOE website.

Alstead Primary has been using the teacher evaluation system and the principal’s evaluation has been used for the last two years here in the district. Next year, all Title I schools throughout the state will be required to use the new teacher evaluation process.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Simon Pierpont, Student Representative updated the board on the happenings at the high school.

Chair Henry recognized Bill Ranuaro who stated that the high school would be offering a new course next year. AP European History will be phased out and replaced with AP World History. Mr. Ranauro mentioned that AP Euro History was one of the best professional experiences to happen to him.

OLD BUSINESS

Lil DeCoste reported that she and Andy met with Ms. Stansbery and Ms. Teague regarding Pre-Kindergarten transportation.  The district is willing to try and work with parents when transportation issues arise. Ms. DeCoste mentioned it is important to communicate transportation needs with Ms. Stansbery immediately during enrollment time if there is a potential issue and there should be deadlines to sign up for transportation routes.

The policy committee will review the transportation policy again regarding mid-day runs.

John Streeter mentioned that NHSBA Attorney, Barrett Christina would be here on December 19^th for a policy workshop. This workshop will be specifically to provide clarify on policy process and procedures.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to table the approval of the 2014-2015 District Budget as presented.  Passed unanimously. Due to the changes discussed at this evenings meeting, the updated proposed budget will be presented at the next meeting for approval.

Motion: (Collins/Streeter) to accept the 2013 NH Vocational Region 13 renewal agreement for the Career and Technical Education Program as presented. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to accept the resignation of Amy Robertshaw, Paraprofessional, Charlestown Primary School, effective December 21, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Lisa Holmes, Speech and Language Assistant. Passed unanimously.

Discussed ensued regarding time off requests.

Motion: (Elsesser/DeCoste) to approve an unpaid, two-day leave of absence for Karen St. Pierre, Food Service, North Charlestown School. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Elsesser) to accept the retirement of Meg Green, Reading Specialist, effective December 31, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (St. Pierre/DeCoste) to approve a conditional contract for Tamala Fletcher, Payroll Administrative Assistant effective, December 11, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to approve co-curricular nominations for Amy Jenkins, District Wellness Coordinator, Dakota Benedetto, Drama Club, Bruce Ferland and Liz Collinsworth, Future Farmers of America Club Co-Advisors. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve an unbudgeted request for a 1:1 paraprofessional, Vilas Middle School effective December 17, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (DeCoste/Collins) to approve the reimplementation of a Computer Applications course, effective 2014-2015 school year. Passed unanimously.

A brief discussion ensued.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve a new course AP World History to replace AP European History, effective SY15.  Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve Sunday event requests for- UNH Granite State Challenge Studio, January 12, 2014 and KSC Basketball Tournament, December 29, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve the following overnight requests for FMRHS:

March 5-6, 2014, Robotics Competition at UNH

March 14-15, 2014, Dance-a-thon Community Service Project

March 29-30, 2014, Robotics Competition in Hartford, CT

Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve amended policy JICI-Weapons on School Property for first reading. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve proposed policy GEA-Athletic Team Coaches for first reading. Passed unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Motion: (Streeter/Collins) to approve the Treasurer’s Report for period ending December 9, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Payroll                                   $753,144.68

Accounts Payable               $455,485.53

OTHER

Jim Elsesser announced that he is looking to purchase a home in Florida. If this happens, he will plan to step down from his position as school board member. He will keep the board posted on the progress. The board members offered their congratulations.

Andy Collins mentioned that he would like to look into Drivers Education funding and discuss it at the next board meeting.

Motion: (Streeter/Collins) to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A: 3(c) to discuss a student concern. Passed unanimously.

Following an affirmative roll call vote, the Board entered non-public session at 9:44 PM.

The Board exited non-public session at 10:02 PM and immediately adjourned.

Motion: (Streeter/Henry) to adjourn the meeting.  Passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

• The upcoming Common Core State Standards (CCSS) instructional shifts are:
  

• The following information is provided by the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) taken by our students last year: The percentage of students who rode one or more times in the past 30 days in car or other vehicle by someone who had been drinking alcohol: 17.7% (NH State Mean: 18%)
  
• FMRHS Alumni Adam St. Pierre is a US Junior Olympic Nordic Coach and will be representing our country at the World Championships in Norway.
  

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

PO Box 729

Walpole, NH 03608 

AGENDA

MEETING DATE AND LOCATION:

Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall Meeting Room.

Open Meeting:

1.  Roll Call – Designate Alternates;
2. Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting on December 10, 2013.

Public Hearings:

1.  There were no Public Hearings scheduled for this meeting.

New Business:

1.  Boundary Line Adjustment:  Aumand Realty Corporation in North Walpole.
2. Minor Subdivision:  Thomas Bognar.
3. Well Head Protection Ordinance:  Up-Dating of Maps – River Well and Watkins Hill Well.

Old Business:

Other Business:

Planning Commission:

1.  Workshop Session – Reminder:  There will be a Workshop Session on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, in the Walpole Town Hall Downstairs Office.

Adjourn Meeting:

With all the holiday excitement you may have forgotten, but Lyn Cooke asked me to remind you of a special evening coming up.  These local, prominent poets will be at the Walpole Town Library and the library trustees hope for a turnout of local citizens that will demonstrate our appreciation of their talents. By the way, she also asked that I stress that refreshments will be served! – Lil

Mark your calendars for an evening of mid-winter poetry at the Walpole Library, on Friday January 10^th at 7 p.m.   The poets include:

• James Fowler, a 25-year Navy veteran, first became fascinated with Japanese poetry forms while stationed overseas.  Fowler, who now teaches poetry at the Village Bookstore in Bellows Falls, will be reading works that reflect various Japanese poetic traditions, including prose poems, free verse and strict iambic forms.

• Martha Carlson-Bradley has published five collections of poetry.  She’ll be reading from her most recent book, Sea Called Fruitfulness (WordTech Editions, 2013), which was inspired by a 1651 map of the Moon.

• Patricia Fargnoli,  the New Hampshire Poet Laureate from 2006-2009,  has published seven collections of poetry.  She’ll be reading selections from her latest book , Winter (Hobblebush Books, 2013) which explores the nature of winter, a time of looking to the beauties of nature, of memory, of spiritual contemplation.

• Kathleen Fagley’s chapbook, How You Came to Me, was published in July 2012 by Finishing Line Press as a finalist in the New Women’s Voices Series.  She has had poetry published in The Stillwater Review, Memoir Journal, Cutthroat, The Comstock Review and others.

The reading is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served.  For more information, call the library at 756-9806.

Thanks to Stacie Gay and Krystyna Marcom I now know that it is Bruce Bickford we have to thank for the skating rink.  When I drove by yesterday I was amazed to see that even after a day of 40 degree weather on Monday, the rink was smooth as glass.   I may no longer be a skater but I sure can appreciate good work when I see it.  Thank you, Bruce. – Lil

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Monday, November 25, 2013

6:30 PM

Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Library. In attendance were John Streeter, Andy Collins Linda Christie Lil DeCoste, Jim Elsesser and Gabe St. Pierre. Lori Landry, Jamie Teague and Simon Pierpont were also in attendance.

Motion: (Christie/St. Pierre) to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2013 Public Session.  Passed-Unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2013 Non-Public Session. Passed Unanimously

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Simon Pierpont, Student Representative reported that 6 selected students would be participating in the Granite State Challenge. The event will be televised and scheduled for filming to begin in January. Fall Mountain’s first opponent will be Keene High School.

Brandon Hill, Teacher Representative provided the board with an update on the happenings throughout the district.

Lil DeCoste reported that the PD Committee has secured a speaker for the August workshop.

REPORTS OF ADMINISTRATORS

Superintendent Landry and Business Administrator, Jamie Teague presented an overview of the proposed budget. Each attendance area principal provided a brief explanation of their portion of the budget.

Gail Rowe also reported that a recent inspection from the Fire Marshall has resulted in a mandatory removal of the stove at Acworth School. Jamie Teague explained that a complete list of requirements would be brought forward at the next meeting.

Jamie Teague explained that bids for installation of a new pump house, water supply entrance and sprinkler system for Sarah Porter School and a new pump house and water supply entrance for the Fall Mountain Regional High School also to include update of existing sprinkler system to meet industry standards, have been posted and are due in by Dec. 6^th.

Andy Collins commends the administration for their work and efforts on designing a budget that is reasonable.

He explained that this budget is drastically different than the one that they started with, understanding that cuts needed to be made.

Linda Christie echoes Mr. Collins commendation and stated that she is very pleased with the result.

A further discussion ensued regarding enrollment figures and class sizes.

OLD BUSINESS

Jamie Teague explained to the board that the previously discussed solar grant did not come through. However a 100,000 grant for biomass system has been awarded through the NH PUC. The district is still working on a plan with EEI. They will be presenting the project options for energy efficiency systems on December 9, 2013.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (St. Pierre/DeCoste) to approve a co-curricular contract for Heidi Plummer, Vilas Spirit Coach and Scott Bardis, Vilas Girls Basketball Coach. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Collins/Streeter) to accept the resignation of Roger Wilbur, Bus Driver, effective November 27, 2013. Passed unanimously, with gratitude.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to accept the resignation, with gratitude, of Nicholas MacLeay, Payroll Assistant, Central Office effective December 6, 2013. Passed unanimously, with gratitude.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to accept amended policy EEA-STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES for second reading and adoption. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to accept amended policy JFAB-ADMISSION OF TUITION STUDENTS AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS for second reading and adoption. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to accept amended policy JH-STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES for second reading and adoption. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to accept amended policy JLCJ-CONCUSSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES for second reading and adoption. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve the Treasurer’s Report for period ending November 25, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Payroll                                   $676,033.48

Accounts Payable               $542,079.94

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A: 3(a) (c) to discuss a personnel issue. Passed unanimously.

Following an affirmative roll call vote, the Board entered non-public session at 8:45 PM.

The Board exited non-public session at 9:12 PM and immediately adjourned.

Motion: (Streeter/Henry) to adjourn the meeting.  Passed unanimously.