ATTENTION: Parents, educators, school board members, voters
Want to learn how our state supports education?
What are the issues?
Learn some facts in the comfort of the air conditioned library tomorrow evening.
June 24th – Education in New Hampshire
Join Representatives Patty Cornell, Dave Luneau, and Nick Germana as they discuss various aspects of education in our state. Topics will include state resources, property taxes to support K-12 education, vouchers, charter schools, and the low level of state support for higher education. The event will be moderated by our own Rep. Lucy Weber
In connection with Old Home Days, the Walpole Conservation Commission and the Walpole Trail Committee, are offering several nature outings for the community.
Saturday, 6/28, from 8:30 to 10:00 am, Chris Liazos, an Antioch University MS graduate student, will lead a birding walk around town on behalf of the Conservation Commission. To join the walk, please come to the Conservation Commission booth on the Common at 8:30 am.
Sunday, 6/29, the Walpole Trail Committee invites you to visit the Gateway, the town-owned property nestled against the Connecticut River across Route 12 from South Street. At 7 am, Sharyn Tullar will lead a birding outing next to the river. Bring your own binoculars. At 10 am, there will be a guided hike along the Gateway River Ramble, a short new trail with outstanding views of the Connecticut River. The meeting spot for both events is the kiosk at the top of the hill. Dress for an outdoor adventure (comfortable shoes, tick and insect protection, etc.)
On Saturday, the Conservation Commission and the Trail Committee will have side-by-side booths on the west side of the Common opposite the Congregational Church. Please visit us to learn more about conservation and trails in Walpole.
The “Great Decisions” public forum will meet again on Monday, June 16, 6:00 p.m. in the Walpole Town Library. Our topic is “Climate Change: A Global Challenge amidst Geopolitical Tension.” Leading the discussion is science teacher, environmental activist, climate-change educator Tom Sintros of Alstead, NH. Along with his many environmental and educational projects, Tom was a Climate Reality presenter for Al Gore and speaker for Carbon Coalition. He has worked with The Climate Project, Climate Solutions University, and Clean Air Cool Planet, and was a founding board member of Keene Cities for Climate Protection.
The relevant reading from the Foreign Policy Association is “International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil” by Joshua Busby. This article is available at the library or 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, June 16, in the Hubbard Meeting Room, Walpole Town Library. We begin with a 20-minute Master Class video prepared by the Foreign Policy Association which cannot be shown over Zoom. For those joining via Zoom, please contact Jane Malmberg for the Zoom link in advance of the meeting and join at 6:20 p.m.
First Congregational Church (on the Common), Walpole, NH
We will accept items of clean, gently used clothing and tag sale items (no cords, please, and no furniture or shoes) on Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29 from 10 am to 6 pm
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!
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.
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!
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” 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.
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
Please Note: The Walpolean is a citizen-run blog and is not affiliated with the Town of Walpole.
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