The Walpolean

Jeanne Jeffries asked me to remind everyone that:

The Walpole Seniors will meet for potluck lunch at the Congregational
Church on the Walpole Common at noon on Monday, August 19, 2013.
Everyone is asked to bring a contribution for the Fall Mountain Food
Shelf. Bring a dish to share. All Walpole Seniors are welcome. Come
for fun and good socialization. Trip Planning information will be
available.

Here it is.  A terrific summary of the Hooper Golf Course situaion straight from the chairman of the study committee.  Thank you, Peggy Pschirrer, for the great post but, especially thank you for agreeing to this daunting task called “Save Hooper”.

Scene:   a Birthday party in Hanover

First Guest:  Peggy, What is happening in Walpole to the Golf Club? Ever solve your problem?

First Guest to Second Guest:  Ever play the Hooper Golf Club?  Terrific nine hole golf course.

Peggy to First Guest: Roger, we have a Win, Win, Win situation.  In May the Monadnock Conservancy voted to begin the process of granting us a Conservation Easement.

First Guest: Terrific.  Let me know how it goes.

**************************************

That was a real exchange in late June and one month later we are one month closer to that win, win, win situation.

The recommendations and solutions proposed by the Hooper Study Committee are, we believe, the best way to “Save Hooper”.   Those signs about town mean something different to almost everyone.  The Study Committee interpreted them in the broadest sense by recommending that the Trustees encumber the property (Golf Club and Timberland) with a Conservation Easement and sell the land in a private sale at fair market value – thereby enlarging the Trust and more closely meeting the intentions of the Hooper Trust.

The Town of Walpole wins because the property returns to the tax roles, with a conservation easement, which we believe is compatible with the purpose of the Hooper Trust.

The Hooper land is saved in perpetuity for year round recreation use – in season a golf course, in winter an ideal spot for cross country skiing, sledding, walking, and/or snowmobiling in the woods.

The Hooper Trust is enriched by approximately $1,200,000.00 which will generate more income for education that promotes agriculture, botany, forestry and environmental studies.

The Department of Charitable Trusts will support the Trustees of the Hooper Trust as they petition the Probate Court to apply the Cy Pres Doctrine to the Trust that will enable us to secure the Easement and eventually sell the property.   The Court Decree in 1995 recommended a sale of the property. The Department of Charitable Trusts approves the Easement because the value of the Easement will be returned to the Trust.

Before we petition the Court we must have a Town Hearing.  The Trustees (Select Board) have set the Hearing for August 17, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Middle School.   The Hooper Study Committee will make a presentation before all present.  The public will have an opportunity to ask questions and comment.  The Trustees will vote at their next Select Board meeting following the hearing.

We also expect to announce our plans to fund raise for the Conservation Easement August 17, 2013.   Our goal is to raise approximately $600,000 to purchase the easement and cover all administrative costs.  All contributions will be tax deductible.   We want to turn every “ Save Hooper “ sign into  “I Helped Save Hooper.”

Even though this may be a “scoop” on The Clarion, I don’t feel bad including this post because it came to me from Joy Nalevanko via Barbara Kasper.  Given Barbara’s excellent work with The Clarion I dthought she must be comfortable allowing me to say, “You saw it first in The Walpolean.” – Lil

Grease paint and curtain calls…these elements of theater and Alstead history have been melded into a two act play written and directed by Marilou Blaine. “All Stayed in Alstead” will be presented for two nights, August 8th and 9th beginning at 7:00 pm at the 3rd Congregational Church in the Village.

The play’s span of time is between the signing of Alstead’s charter in 1763 and the beginnings of the Revolutionary War in 1776 and follows several families of our first settles through their hardships, fears and triumphs. From the beginnings in an unsettled land to notable homes of Alstead, to prison, to Boston and finally to the former home of Simon Baxter, the story of Alstead’s beginning unfolds.

The characters are brought to life by notable thespians of Alstead. Colleen Heidorn portrays Sarah Cady in the story of the little lost boy; Aiden Jasmin is the British officer who explains the responsibilities of the charter to the new land-owners. Others appearing are Dan Hall as Captain Benjamin Bellows, Joyce Campbell as John Burroughs, Steve Blake as Samuel Chase, Dennis Molesky as the infamous Tory, Simon Baxter, Ellen Chase as his wife Prudence and John Mann as Judge Wyman. Not to be left out are Donna Sabin, Jackie Walker and Julie Stevens as narrators.

This promises to be an enlightening experience for all ages. The performances are free, there will be one intermission with refreshments.

I was so taken by the poster for the Historical Society Golf Tournament, that I missed some if the information Donna Drouin had forwarded!  When I said you should register soon I realized I couldn’t tell anyone how to do that.  I contacted Donna and she gave me the following ways. – Lil

If you want to register or are just looking for more information, you should call 603-756-3449 or see the following website: www.walpolehistory.org/golf.aspx 

No excuses now, unless, like me, you don’t play golf!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be presented for the Sixth time by The Walpole Players on December 11-14, 2013, at the Helen Miller Theater, Walpole Town Hall in Walpole, NH. The four performances will again be held for the benefit of local area foodshelves.

Auditions will be held Thursday and Friday, November 7th and 8th with rehearsals beginning on Sunday November 10th. Rehearsals are on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Production week we rehearse Sunday, full-dress on Tuesday, and then the performances are on Wednesday through Saturday. Thus, from start to end is five weeks.

If you would like to join us this year, please email: rayboas@comcast.net As time approaches you will be provided full details.

Thank you, Ray and Tara

This poster from Donna Drouin and the Walpole Historical Society says it all.  How could I possible embellish it? – Lil

August 3rd is coming faster than we think – or at least, would like to think.  Better sign up today!

Kids ASPIRE for Greatness at YMCA

Helping youth learn, grow and thrive in the out-of-school hours

Thanks to Meeting Waters YMCA, hundreds of kids in southeastern Vermont and Walpole, NH can continue to learn, grow and thrive even after the bell rings at the end of the school day.  At least as importantly, says, Steve Fortier, the organization’s executive director, that also means that several hundred parents can work with the peace of mind that their child is in a safe and nurturing environment. “When Sue (Fortier, the Y’s Program Director) and I created Y-ASPIRE in 1998, we made sure that it would meet the needs of working parents,” said Fortier. “What we do at ASPIRE is all about positive youth development. When we do ASPIRE is all about supporting working parents.”

Now in its sixteenth year of operations, the Y’s After-School Program for Inspiration, Recreation and Education  (Y-ASPIRE) takes place at Brattleboro’s Oak Grove, Green Street, and Academy schools; Dummerston School; at Meeting Waters YMCA’s Bellows Falls facility for students that attend Saxtons River School and Rockingham Central School; and, new this year, Walpole Primary School which serves youth and parents from North Walpole and Walpole Elementary schools, as well.

The Y-ASPIRE program runs after school for each of the 180 school days. It also runs for full days on all school vacations and most holidays, as well as for half-days on teacher in-service and other early release days. In all, the program operates for over 210 days during the school year.

Each day of a Y-ASPIRE program includes physical activity, nutritious snack, assisted study time and a cooperative group project. Activities are centered around monthly themes such as Different But the Same; Our Community; and Kindness and Justice. Through various activities, students in Y-ASPIRE develop “life skills” such as cooperation, problem-solving, group decision-making and leadership. They also learn more about themselves, their community and their world. Service learning projects benefit other community agencies as well as the ASPIRE participants. Monthly family events focus on family strengthening and health.

Three other Meeting Waters YMCA programs complement the ASPIRE program to provide year-round “out-of-school” supports for kids and their parents. Their Kindergarten ASPIRE program runs during the first two weeks of school in Brattleboro. During that time, kindergarten ends at 1:00 which provides a challenge for working parents. For the past nine years, Meeting Waters YMCA has filled that void. The regional Y’s Snow Days Program in Brattleboro provides full day care when schools are unexpectedly closed due to inclement weather. And, when the school year ends, Meeting Waters YMCA’s Lewis Day Camp— with bussing from Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Walpole and six other Vermont and New Hampshire communities—then kicks in to serve kids and parents in the summer months.

Financial assistance for all Meeting Waters YMCA “out-of-school” programs is available through the NH and VT Childcare Subsidy programs and Meeting Waters YMCA’s Reach Out to Youth scholarship fund. As in all of the YMCA’s programs, no one will be denied access to ASPIRE for lack of ability to pay full program fees.

For more information and registration materials, visit http://www.meetingwatersymca.org, call Meeting Waters YMCA’s main office at 802-463-4769, or email them at info@meetingwatersymca.org.

Meeting Waters YMCA is a charitable, non-profit, social service organization founded in 1895. Its services positively impact children, teens, families and communities throughout the Fall Mountain, Springfield, Bellows Falls and Brattleboro regions.

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
JUNE 26, 2013

Selectboard Present: Whitney Aldrich; Chas Street, (Absent: Jamie Teague – Chair)

CALL TO ORDER: In the absence of Mrs. Teague, Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people present in the audience.
These are unapproved Minutes.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
There was no Public Business at this meeting.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated June 28, 2013, in the amount of $25,423.90. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending June 22, 2013, for checks dated June 28, 2013, in the amount of $18,904.96. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,276.68. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 20, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of June 20, 2013, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 20, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 20, 2013, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – June 18, 2013;
 Conservation Commission – June 3, 2013;
 Walpole Fire District – May 8, 2013;
 Walpole Fire District – April 10, 2013;
 Zoning Board of Adjustment – June 19, 2013;
 Cemetery Committee – June 13, 2013; and
 Hooper Institute – June 19, 2013.
BUILDING PERMIT:
FRYE, Bookseller Road, Map & Lot #004-035-000: Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-19 for Paul E. Frye at 90 Bookseller Road to “Construct a 40’ x 28’ Pole Barn”, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
ABATEMENT – WATER AND SEWER:
TSITSONIS, 417 Main Street, Map & Lot #012-009-000: Mr. Street moved to grant the Abatement for Water in the amount of $651.69 and Sewer in the amount of $510.01 for Lambrini Tsitsonis. This is due to an incorrect reading of the meter. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
ABATEMENT – PROPERTY TAX:
SWANSON, 113 Church Street, Map & Lot #030-027-000: Mr. Street moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $954.00 for Sigurd Swanson. This is the result of a property assessment decrease as recommended by Avitar Associates. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
ABATEMENT – PROPERTY TAX:
BLANCHARD, 283 Valley Road, Map & Lot #013-021-000: Mr. Street moved to deny the request for an Abatement for Property Taxes for Mrs. Blanchard at 283 Valley Road as recommended by Avitar Associates. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
HODGKINS & SONS, Old Drewsville Road, Map & Lot #012-073-000: Mr. Street moved to grant the Intent to Excavate, Sand, No. 13-461-05-E for Hodgkins & Sons on the Old Drewsville Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
HODGKINS & SONS, Industrial Drive, Map & Lot #001-010-000: Mr. Street moved to grant the Intent to Excavate, Gravel and Other Fill, No. 13-461-06-E for Hodgkins & Sons on Industrial Drive, as submitted, Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
PERSONNEL – Highway Department: Mr. Street moved to grant the request from Bruce Russell to roll over one week of his vacation time on his anniversary date of August 30th. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
JULY MEETING DATES: The Selectboard agreed to set the following meeting schedule for July:
 Thursday, July 4, 2013 – No Meeting
 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 – 3:00 PM
 Thursday, July 18, 2013 – 3:00 PM
 Thursday, July 25, 2013 – 3:00 PM.
ICE CREAM VENDOR REQUEST: Mr. Brad Nash, Penguin Paradise Ice Cream Sales, recently started a summer ice cream sales business. He wanted to know if he could solicit sales from the Pool/Rec Area and also if he is allowed to sell ice cream on the Common during the Summer Band Concerts. Mrs. Clough contacted Mr. Goodhue at the Walpole Pool who is in favor of a vendor selling ice cream. Mr. Goodhue suggested he would work out days and times to post that he is coming so the kids will have their money.
Mr. Street moved that Mr. Brad Nash, Penguin Paradise Ice Cream Sales, be approved to sell ice cream at the Recreation Center, as scheduled, and on the Common during the Summer Band Concerts. Mr. Nash is restricted to ice cream sales only. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE: Mr. Aldrich, as Acting Chair, signed the Exemption Certification for the Walpole Police Department to purchase from the Federal Cartridge Company.
Selectboard Meeting –June 26, 2013- Page 3
OLD BUSINESS:
TOWN HALL FLOORS: Mrs. Clough has been working with the company that will be doing the Town Hall floors to set up dates, etc. The dates will be from July 22nd through August 14th. The Town Hall is booked from September to Christmas. Mrs. Clough will advise the Boy Scouts that there may be a few Sundays in which they cannot use the kitchen due to the floor. She will also advise all committees and boards and it will be posted publicly. The Selectboard just wanted to be sure that everyone that uses the Town Hall during these dates will be notified.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:10 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 4:16 PM. No announcements were made.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:17 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 4:53 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Street moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the July 10, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

JULY 9, 2013

Presiding:        Robert Miller (Vice-Chair); James Aldrich, Henry Fletcher, Dennis Marcom, Eric Merklein

Alternates:      Steve Dalessio, Ed Potter, Jeff White

Recording:      Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

These Minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the August 13, 2013, meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.  There were seven people present in the audience.

Meeting Opened:  Mr. R. Miller, Vice-Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that meetings are tape recorded therefore asked anyone that wishes to speak to identify themselves.

Roll Call:  Mr. R. Miller noted that regular member, Mr. J. Miller (Chair) and Mrs. Teague, Selectboard representative, were not present.  He called upon alternate member, Mr. J. White, to sit on the board for Mr. J. Miller.  An alternate member cannot be seated on the Board for Mrs. Teague, as the Selectboard representative.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING on June 11, 2013, and WORKSHOP SESSION, June 25, 2013:  Mr. Dalessio advised that during the June 11, 2013, meeting Mrs. Teague had mentioned that she would take up the lighting issue at the Family Dollar Store with the Selectboard.  He requested that this be added to the Minutes.  Mr. Marcom moved to approve the Minutes of the regular PB meeting of June 11, 2013, with the above addition and to approve the Minutes of the Workshop Session of June 25, 2013, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all members in favor, the Minutes were approved.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Mr. R. Miller called this Public Hearing to order at 7:04 PM.

Proposed Amendment to the Site Plan Review – Changes and Alterations in an Approved Site Plan:

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Town’s Site Plan Review does not mention that approved Site Plans can be amended.  This does not add or take away anything but gives the Site Plan review the ability to amend previously approved Site Plans.  Mr. Dalessio read the proposed change as follows:

“If at any time before or during the construction of the Site Plan, unforeseen conditions make it necessary or desirable for the applicant to modify the location or design of any of the required work or previously submitted plans, the Planning Board may, after a duly noticed public hearing with notice to abutters and general public, authorize such modifications.

The applicant shall submit revised documentation for review and approval.  The Planning Board may elect to waive certain site plan and/or documentation requirements based on the nature of the changes being submitted.”   

Mr. Marcom noted that it does not add or subtract any regulations but, in fact, it makes it a smoother transition if there are any changes or modifications.  Mr. R. Miller feels it will now be in black-and-white which the PB did not have before.  Mr. Dalessio noted that the PB would still go through the process.  Discretion will be used.  Mr. R. Miller said the PB will still have to vote on whether to approve or deny any requested amendments.

Mr. Franks asked who the author of this amendment is.  Mr. R. Miller advised that the PB worked on this during several Workshop sessions.  Mr. Franks asked what the intent is.  Mr. Dalessio clarified that the current Site Plan does not have any wording in the document for amendments; this is to make it clear that an applicant can come in and request an amendment.  It makes a legitimate path to follow.  Mr. Franks asked if an attorney looked at this.  Mr. Dalessio responded that it had not yet been looked at but that is a PB decision.  It is always a good practice to do so.  Mr. Franks pointed out that this could still delay a project about four months.  He appreciates this as it is something that will allow an amendment process to be looked at but the way this appears to be written, to him, leaves the discretion at the PB’s favor and does not take into consideration those that are putting forth their own funding and time constraints.  He just wants to be sure that any unforeseen circumstances, for both sides, are tended to in a fair manner.

Mrs. Mansouri felt that under the PB RSAs there is something that can be taken from the green book regarding amendments.  Mr. Dalessio clarified that some wording was taken from that book and it was compared to what other towns use.  Mrs. Mansouri stated that we are Walpole, that is who we are and who we should be compared to.

There were no other comments therefore Mr. R. Miller closed this Public Hearing at 7:18 PM.

Mr. R. Miller opened up the regular meeting for discussion.

Mr. Aldrich moved to have our Town Attorney look at the verbiage in this proposed change to the Site Plan.   Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. R. Miller advised that this discussion will be continued at the next regular meeting pending an opinion from the Town Attorney.

NEW BUSINESS:

Subdivision – One Lot Into Three Lots:  Richard S. Francis, III, Ramsay Hill, Tax Map #011, Lot #007-001, Residential Zone District.  Mr. Joe DiBernardo, DiBernardo Associates LLC, was representing Mr. Francis.  He displayed a plan and explained that Lot #1 will be 23.81 acres and has Mr. Francis’ house on it; to the north will be Lot #2 that will be 13.03 acres with an existing shed on it, and Lot #3 will be 20.19 acres.  Mr. Francis wants to reserve some areas for views.  He is stipulating that the owners of Lot #1 and Lot #2 keep the field mowed to maintain the view.  There is plenty of road frontage.

Mr. Merklein moved to schedule a Public Hearing for the August 13, 2013, meeting for this application.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

Bruce Carruthers – Preliminary Consultation:  About two years ago Mr. Carruthers bought the building that Fitz Vogt and Associates is renting on Main Street but they will be leaving at the end of September.  It is currently being used as Commercial but he would like to change it to Residential.  The current plans are for three fairly large units of about 2,000 square feet each.  He has plans for development in the front only at this time.  It is a continuous foundation.  He is asking for guidance and the process that should be followed.  This is an 1874 Victorian building.  Mr. Carruthers wants to protect the integrity of the building as it is.  He plans to reduce the size of the parking lot and do landscaping.  Daniel Scully, Architect, displayed the preliminary plan.  The only exterior change is to put in a two car garage for the units.  There will be some new interior construction.  They plan to work within the existing footprint.  Mrs. Mansouri felt there is a slab and not a continuous foundation.  According to the Zoning regulations it would have to be on one foundation.  Mr. Carruthers noted that there is crawl space under a portion but it is one foundation; there are windows in the foundation in the basement.  It was noted that the building is in the Commercial Zone.  Mr. R. Miller said they want to check and verify that it is an exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Mrs. Mansouri advised that they cannot change the zoning but can change the use of the zoning.  They do not have to change the use because apartments would be allowed in the Commercial zone but they are converting to a multi-family dwelling.  The PB will look for the recommendation from the ZBA.

Mr. Merklein moved to schedule a Public Hearing for the August 13, 2013, meeting for Mr. Carruthers.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

Duane Gerenser – Preliminary Consultation:  Mr. Gerenser explained that they are planning to do a project on the Rice Mountain Estate. It consists of 355 acres on the northeast corner in Walpole.  They are looking at it with the thought of creating an up-scale country hotel with approximately 20 rooms.  From the existing infrastructure they would be able to have about 11 rooms therefore they are looking for some new construction.  For the new lodging, to keep things compact, they would be looking to add about 12 new units that would be duplexes (six duplexes).  The existing infrastructure would be used for dining but a commercial kitchen will be needed.  There is a barn that would be used for special events but that would be limited.  The base of the mountain would be used for a parking area due to limited parking on the top and there would be a shuttle to get people up-and-down.  The land consists of a series of plateaus.  On one plateau there are interesting old buildings and on another plateau there is a rail car.  There will be a swimming pool, a spa and maybe tennis courts.  He understands they would need a Special Exception or a Variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment because it is zoned Rural Agricultural.  He spoke with Mr. Jeff Miller and Mrs. Mansouri previously.  The property also has magnificent gardens.  They anticipate that it will be one of the top two-or-three properties in New England.  It will be family oriented.  There are two entrances off Valley Road.  They looked at the access to be sure that Fire and Police services could be provided.  There are two fire hydrants on the property.  They had a preliminary traffic review from an engineer and his proposal was to put a traffic counter on Valley Road.  Mr. Merklein suggested that they meet with Jim Terrell, Highway Superintendent, to talk about the road conditions on Valley Road.  In terms of employment they would need about 22 full-time and 16-to-24 part-time/ seasonal employees.

Mrs. Mansouri pointed out that the PB can make a recommendation to the ZBA and state that the plan is not complete but Mr. Gerenser can still make a presentation before the ZBA and, if the ZBA approved it, it would be a Conditional Approval based on final Site Plan approval by the PB.

Mr. Merklein moved to schedule a Public Hearing for the August 13, 2013, meeting for Mr. Gerenser.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

PLANNING BOARD:

Workshop Session:  Mr. R. Miller advised that there will be a Workshop Session on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Downstairs Office.  He asked what the members would like to discuss so it could be put on the Agenda, however, since a few members would have been unable to attend there was a consensus to cancel the Workshop this month.

Mr. Aldrich moved to take the month of July off from the Workshop Sessions.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

Adjournment:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:17 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

cc:  PB, ZBA, WCC, Town Offices, BOS

Posted:  Town Hall Lobby, Burdick’s Market, Walpolean

Remember when you were asked to fill out a survey to provide feedback to the Walpole Library?  Well, they listened.  Jennifer Kelley forwarded this announcement today.  Thank you Lyn Cooke and everyone else who worked so hard to gather the information, and thank you especially, for following through on what you heard. – Lil

The Walpole Library’s survey last March revealed that patrons wanted more a consistent, predictable schedule, as well as additional hours in the evening.

To respond, the Library has fine-tuned its schedule, so that it is open every day, Monday through Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as evenings, Monday and Wednesday until 8 p.m.  As before, the library is open on Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon and Saturdays, 9 to 1 p.m.

The library is trying out the new hours from now until the end of the year. A small surplus in the budget for salaries allows for the extended schedule without additional funds from the town. Librarian Mary Farrell is monitoring usage during the new hours and will make adjustments as necessary in her plans for next year’s schedule and budget.

“Our Monday evening hours have been very popular, and we are getting more and more people coming in between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. as well,” said Farrell.  “We hope that the additional hours on Wednesday will bring in even more people who can’t visit during the day.”

Because of budget constraints and the varying needs of patrons, the library cannot be open for the same hours on all days; however, the new schedule ensures that the doors will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday.

Here is a complete list of the opening hours for the Bridge Memorial Library on Main Street:

Monday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. to Noon; 1 p.m to 6 p.m.

Thursday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Still confused? In addition, the library has purchased a colorful banner that will fly from the front porch whenever the library is open.