The Walpole Clarion

Join the Walpole Conservation Commission Saturday, November 13 at 11 AM at the Kiosk on Walker Road (on the Connecticut River at the junction of Route 12 and South Street) for an informational walk and talk to learn more about the Walpole Gateway property with Town Forester Alex Barrett (Longview Forestry) and the Walpole Conservation Commission. In case of inclement weather, meet at the Town Hall for a discussion only.

CLARION Editor’s Note: This may be an opportunity to further discuss with the Walpole Conservation Commission your ideas and desires for more convenient access to the property and potential uses by the community. — Ray Boas, Publisher

Again, too fast the time is passing, and I am now working on your November issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION. Closing date is Friday, October 22, so you have from now just a tad over a week to submit your articles and advertisements to reach all of Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville. If you have been “wishing and desiring” to write something about an event or something of interest to our local readers, such as in interesting person or place, rush to your keyboard, and give it a try, and email along.

If you have any questions, do contact me. The email address is at the top right of any page on the CLARION website. Stay safe and stay well, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Many of you may know that I have been an out-of-print bookseller for decades. Recently I was called to evaluate someone’s books – something I am always happy to do. We met in her drive, discussed we were both vaccinated and feeling healthy. I was shown the home and books.

The next afternoon (Friday) I received a call. “Ray, I just received positive COVID test results following an exposure I had.” “What?” I exclaimed. She then proceeded to tell me the COVID TESTING Hot-Line phone number in Keene. She should have told me she had been exposed to COVID, and should have told me she was awaiting test results from that exposure. If told, I would have either worn my mask or left. Lesson here – be respectful of your neighbors and be truthful, and even if told by someone you do not really know that they are fine – doubt them.

I immediately called the Hot-Line – 603 354-6700 – at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. Good concise detailed message. You can leave a message for a return call within 48 hours, or visit: https://www.cheshiremed.org/patients-visitors/covid-19-testing-faq – for testing information. I left a message with the information they asked for and requested a return call. I then went to the website address. Not totally intuitive at first, but you are directed to the Dartmouth Hitchcock portal – myD-H patient portal at mydh.org – and then to – https://www.mydh.org/portal/ – to make an appointment. I am in the Dartmouth Hitchcock system, but if you are not you can register.

Doing some fast research, I learned, “It can take almost a week after exposure to COVID-19 to have a positive test result. If you are fully vaccinated, you should wait three to five days after exposure before getting a test. Evidence suggests that testing tends to be less accurate within three days of exposure.” I was at the house Thursday morning, so made an appointment for Monday – four days after my possible exposure.

Not 18 hours after I left a message on the Cheshire Medical Center hot-line I received a call (on a Saturday) from Tonya. Gave her the brief story, and said that I was able schedule my appointment on-line. She was thrilled, provided some tips of what to watch for and said, “please tell people about the hot-line and how to schedule a test.” Little did she know that I have a way to share the information with many people. So, now you have the information, and hopefully will not need it. Arriving for my test, all went smoothly. This is a saliva test, so you are given a vial to fill to a certain level, spin around to another parking spot to accomplish that task, and then deposit the vial in the receptacle for testing.

Stay safe and stay well, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Update 5 October — I got email to get test results on the Dartmouth website, of course the portal for records appeared to be down for well over an hour. Just got in — lots of legalize and disclaimers, but I am “Saliva Symptoms Asymptomatic – “Not Detected” — “A result of “Not Detected” indicates that the viral RNA target is not present but does not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection. False negative results may occur if a specimen is improperly collected, transported or handled;” Guess I am alright, however, comma, I will continue to mask and distance. RAY

The hardcopy October issue of your CLARION should be in your hands on 30 September, and it is on-line for the world to see. Click below, and please do share this post, or the link below, with your out-of-town friends that may like to know what is going on in Walpole

JUST CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE OCTOBER ISSUE
or on the front page below

News has again slowed down again, but I have begun on the November issue, so if you have news for the end of the year, do get it to me. And, new advertisers are always welcome. Please do contact me with any questions.

Stay safe and stay well, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Scary, but time to start work on the October issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION — the deadline for the issue is a tad over a week away, Wednesday, September 22. I am also scared because at this point I am not aware of any news or stories to share with you, other than just a couple I already have. But this happens at the end of the summer, and the beginning of the school year, when people are focused on that seasonal shift. But too, the resurgence of COVID concerns I am sure are playing a part in no activities being scheduled to report here.

But, if you have an event, happening, or article to share with the community get it to me soonest. Even with a deadline date, the sooner the better (as most contributors know and help). We start work on the layout as inputs arrive, and that way shortly after closing date the files go to the printer so you will have the fresh issue in your hands by the first of the month.

If you have any questions, or wish to advertise, please contact me. Thank you, stay safe, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Just waiting for an email from the printer to pick up your September issue, and get it in the mail – probably late Friday, 27 August. But now the issue is on-line for the world to see.

JUST CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Or, clicking on the image above should also work. Lots to read about on 24 pages – anniversaries, school about to start, and some activities picking back up. So take a look and enjoy.

Stay safe please and stay well, RAY BOAS, Publisher

The August 10 Planning Board meeting began with new presentations by the applicants on the advantages of a massive six acre solar array on Route 12, adjoining the shopping plaza. In reply, the Planning Board explained that in its continuing research, with 85% of the power going off site, that this installation is “industrial strength” and thus the proposal must first go to the Zoning Board to request a special exception for industrial use in a commercially zoned district.

As of this writing, the solar applicant is not on the Zoning Board (ZBA) agenda for this Wednesday, August 18, to request a hearing in September.  The ZBA chair has advised the CLARION, “… they may still show up to discuss a special exception.  Anyone may come to the meeting whether they are on the agenda or not… .”  You may wish to attend the meeting on August 18 to find out what happens.

Next discussed was the continuing Dunkin Donut site plan hearing. Board members expressed traffic concerns in this “high crash area” of Route 12. Dunkin has moved their proposed entrance further south, closer to the intersection with Upper Walpole Road, and the crest of the rise while traveling north. The rise for south bound traffic just before the plaza entrance already has most drivers exiting here concerned. 

Board chair Miller stated he was “apprehensive to moving forward … making a bad situation worse.” Selectboard representative Dalessio stated he appreciated the work done by Dunkin, but this is not a safe area. Board member Dennis Marcom then moved that the site plan be approved contingent upon NH Department of Transportation final comments and approval. With no majority vote for or against, the motion failed, thus the proposed site plan failed.

The CLARION will continue to provide updates to its readers both on-line and in print.

RAY BOAS, Publisher

The summer is almost gone it appears, but it is time to share another issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION on-line with you. August can now be read and enjoyed by CLICKING THIS LINK, or the front page below.

A variety of articles, events past and present, and a new addition – new to town, and to the CLARION. So, take a look, and maybe even get involved with our wonderful community is some way. It appears that the pandemic is sadly continuing, particularly among those who have chosen not be be vaccinated. That still puts us all at risk. Please, if you have not done so, get your shot. In the meantime, I am back with my masks in places. Stay safe and stay well, until next month, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

This is your reminder to attend and express your views concerning the proposed SOLAR ARRAY Field and DUNKIN DONUTS complex at the July 13 Planning Board Meeting – 7 PM Walpole Town Hall. To be discussed is the Site Plan for the installation of 1 Mega Watt Solar Array on 5-plus acres adjoining the Plaza to the south. POSTPONED is the Dunkin Site Plan.

POSTPONED — Mr. Clifford of NGP Management, has asked to postpone the continued discussion of the Route 12 Dunkin Site Plan until August. His reason is he needs more information from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT). The Dunkin proposal has been “on the table” since February. During many meetings Clifford and his experts have had incomplete data and inadequate answers. At the May meeting, Dunkin folks stated they added an entrance on Upper Walpole Road. At the June meeting Clifford stated he was still awaiting replies from the NHDOT over congestion concerns with the traffic studies. Supposedly, according to Clifford’s representatives, NHDOT will not release accident data in this area over “privacy concerns.” A State official has stated that “privacy concerns” to withhold data is an incorrect statement.

TO BE HELD — Representatives of Revision Energy will present the Solar Array plan for applicant NGP Management LLC. As discussed in many CLARION issues, this proposal is in the wrong location, and solely for the benefit of out-of-town owners while locals have only a blight on the landscape in return. Solar energy is important, but the impact of a given location must take precedence.  Plan to attend July 13 at 7 PM

RAY BOAS. Publisher, THE WALPOLE CLARION

And I am happy to report it is back to 20 pages with some activities, including Concerts on the Common, beginning to return. Sadly much space has been given to the solar field that the experts tell us will look fine behind a chain link fence and forsythia. They told us the 7 foot fence will hide the 11 foot high panels. But it gets better. The experts said we will get our electricity faster, and with decreased distribution cost. If you believe that, I bet they have a bridge to sell you also, the one in Brooklyn. So, please attend the July 13 Planning Board meeting and express your dismay.

You may click on this link to see the issue, or on the image below

Stay safe, and stay well, and enjoy your summer, ours, RAY