The Walpole Clarion

Accepting donations “sets a bad precedent,” Selectboard Chair Cheryl Mayberry stated. Board members, Steve Dalessio and Peggy Pschirrer agreed, explaining to accept a gift shows “the rich get their way.” Rejected May 6th was granite curbing to enhance both sides of the Town Common, a showplace enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for almost two centuries. The rejected proposed gift – nine hundred feet of curbing on Elm and Washington Streets – installed costs $18,000. The majority of the Village, called the quintessential New England Village by late author James Michener, is curbed in granite.

This decision is contrary to the intent of the Internal Revenue Code which encourages a “…contribution or gift to or for the use of a State, a possession of the United States, or any political subdivision of any of the foregoing but only if the contribution or gift is made for exclusively public purposes.” A community improvement, one that is out in front of everyone and every day, is not for a few, but certainly for the public benefit.

Recently many Walpole community improvements have been accomplished with donations from those who have had the ability and desire to be charitable. The Walpole Town Library was enlarged and renovated. In September 2016, private donations surpassed the goal of $80,000 to install a new playground at the Walpole Primary School. Contributions to purchase the Walker Road Property has protected 1,000 feet of Connecticut River frontage. The “Save Hooper” campaign raised private contributions to buy the easement on the Hooper property and save it from development. On the Town Common, the gazebo was a single private gift for the benefit of the community. “Dog poop” containers were contributed. The Veterans Memorial was gifted, and is visited by many residents and out of town guests. And trees to be enjoyed by all have been gifted to the Town for the Common, one going back a hundred years. Are we now entering an era where private generosity for community improvement in Walpole is being discouraged?

RAY BOAS

Yes, five months into the year, and your May issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION is now on-line. There is a slight delay at the printer, so this issue may not be at the post office until Friday, and hopefully in your hands on May 1.

But, you may click on this link now – https://thewalpoleclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/clarion-may21-topress.pdf – to read the issue. Or, click on page one of the May issue below.

The June issue closes on Friday, May 21, so do plan ahead. All of my contributors for the May issue had their copy and ads to me by the day before, and that helps a great deal. Thank you.

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

NO MORE FOOLING — You know your writing is good when you write about something for April Fool’s and people take you seriously. Last week the printer “stopped the presses” and called me saying I had foreign words in my files they thought were a mistake. They laughed when I said the Spanish, Latin, mixed with Greek was April Fools Day fun.

I have learned that other stories, specifically the seven-cents user light fee, were not well received. I have gotten calls with people laughing at the cleverness, but – the phone calls have been mixed, some were not happy with the fun.

My apologies to all — the CLARION is serious endeavor, and I believe I will no longer have any silly stories in future April issues. Thank you for your understanding, and again my apologies, yours, RAY

I have received a few nice Facebook comments. No “negatives” as yet, but in fairness I will share those also. Here they are:

— On March 31 — I laughed! You gave so many clues in the article that it was a joke. LOL. The picture with the article was the topper. LOL. You did fool me at first when I thought I had to look up the April 2015 edition for information. LOL.

— More March 31 — You got me with the Arch bridge tolls! Although it did sound bizarre and I did wonder if you really knew what you were talking about. When I told hubby about it he did not believe it for one minute! Hahahaha!

— Still more March 31 — My favorite was the hotel by the vet and then the Jumbotron on the Common!!! — thank you, RAY

— Please don’t stop. I’ve lived in Walpole for 3 Aprils and you’ve gotten me every time! But it’s fun!

— No apology necessary!

— and, this email just in from a dedicated and faithful reader:
Good evening Ray.I set up my account with DOT. The guy asked for 3 credit card numbers but I only have 2 so he made an exception for me so I gave him all the numbers. Don’t want to get in trouble with the government. Great article giving a heads up to all of us uninformed people.

and, a second note from this “true fan,” – Hi Ray, it took me about half way through your masterpiece before I got the message. How many places on earth can share a chuckle during these crazy times. Keep up the good work. … I hope your computer is blowing up from frantic Walpoleans.

March 31 — I have a true fan who just emailed again saying, “Good evening Ray. You have made my day, thank you. I am still laughing inside as I read, again, your masterpiece. This kind of stuff brings me out of my conservative shell and it feels good. You should think about becoming a fiction author. See you around town now that I need not to worry about the Government coming after me. Good evening…”

———–

Comment on the Hubbard Press Release — Is this an April fools joke also? — and my reply — No it is not – a serious reply to those concerned. Will have to address how I may handle in the future the April stories. This press release came in after the April issue was mailed.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Hubbard Farms. Oliver Hubbard graduated from the New Hampshire Agriculture College in 1921, and began his commercial poultry business in Walpole. From 1921 up to the acquisition by Merck in 1974, it was a family company. Benefitting from the sale were many non-profits around the State. In Walpole, the Walpole Foundation was formed. We have the work of the Foundation to thank for the preservation and restoration of the “downtown” village to its splendid 19th century appearance. As this year evolves, the CLARION hopes to profile this Walpole institution.

Yesterday the CLARION received a copy of a recent press release from Hubbard. It starts:

USA – Hubbard® has announced plans to expand and upgrade its Walpole, NH, US, Research and Development (R&D) operations. Representing an investment of $20 million, the project will mean an increase in capabilities and capacity, as well as improvement in performance, biosecurity and innovation, along with bird health and welfare. Work will commence immediately, with completion slated for mid-2022. When finished, the expansion will bring approximately 40 new jobs to Walpole and Cheshire County.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO READ THE ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE

Follow the CLARION for more information as the expansion and upgrades begin.

And, when you see a member of the Hubbard Family, say “thank you.”
RAY BOAS, Publisher

The April 2021 CLARION is now at the post office (a day early) and I am posting on-line as well. You can access the on-line copy using the links below.

You may click on the link below
April 2021 CLARION
or on the image below, and please enjoy.

You will see on page 5 an article – “A Nightmare on Elm Street?” A March 18 Selectboard meeting prompted that article. That night the Road Agent stated his plan to widen Elm Street by eight feet along the Common (most likely on the west side of the roadway) thus removing trees, and damaging root systems of those not removed. At that meeting the Road Agent was asked to return with a plan on April 1. I asked to be involved with that plan, and as yet (March 29) have not been invited.

With this previously unknown plan, I alerted the public to this possible irrevocable desecration of Walpole’s Town Common and surroundings using CLARION and Facebook posts. There were over 1,000 reads of that message in just 36 hours, and as a result about 80 Zoom attendees at the March 25 Selectboard meeting, several attendees hosting several people in the room. Starting the meeting, the Selectboard chair stated no decision had been made. I then read a statement with required studies and recommendations into the minutes. I urge you to click below, and read what I stated.

RAY BOAS
Statement to Walpole, NH Selectboard
25 March 2021

This looming problem has not gone away, studies, and public input are needed before any work is begun. At the March 25 meeting all attendees (save one) indicated they were not in favor of any change to the Common and its surrounding appearance. That one individual, who works for the Road Agent, stated Walpole is no longer bucolic, and the widening and tree removal should go forward.

Please, please, voice your opinions now by email, phone call or visit to the Selectboard office, or a Selectboard member. And, plan to attend the April 1 meeting. The Zoom link will be posted on the Town website ( https://www.walpolenh.us/ ) around 2PM on April 1st – under Residents, then click Town News. I will also share it via CLARION and Facebook posts. Thank you, yours, RAY

PS – My next post (check back tomorrow) will have some good (actually fantastic) news for Walpole, received today, after the April issue was done. That news (and hopefully more on it) will also be in the May issue.

Deadline for the May CLARION is Friday, April 23

Thank you – RAY BOAS, Publisher

Representive Lucy Weber has provided this information to the CLARION:

the following dates were announced for the opening of vaccine registration for anyone who has not yet qualified:

Anyone aged 40-49 may register starting Monday, March 29.
Anyone aged 30-39 may register starting Wednesday, March 31.
Everyone aged 16+ may register starting Friday, April 2.

To Schedule your appointment go to:

https://www.vaccines.nh.gov — or call 211.

Onward!
Lucy
Rep. Lucy McVitty Weber

Cell: 603-499-0282
lwmcv@comcast.net

The following was posted moments ago on the Town of Walpole’s website. This is the meeting you are strongly urged to attend

In addition I have contacted Fact8TV for information on how to view their transmission of the proceedings, and a link for when the meeting is posted. I have yet to receive a response, but do check – https://www.fact8.com/

Thank you for all the support forwarded in the last twenty hours, yours, Ray Boas, Publisher

At Walpole’s Selectboard meeting, Thursday, March 25 at 6:30 PM, a proposal made by Walpole’s Road Agent to widen Elm Street along the Common by eight feet and remove trees forever will be challenged. The Road Agent works for, and is supposed to take direction from, your Selectboard. Everyone works for you, as a resident of Walpole.

You are urged to attend the Zoom meeting and express your opinion. In the past when I have wished to attend Town Zoom meetings, I have asked the Selectboard office to send me an invite. In fact, the Selectboard specifically sent me an email inviting me to attend last week. In my original writing of this email, I wrote “To get a Zoom invite to the Selectboard meeting on March 25, email Sarah at the Town Hall –sdowning@walpolenh.us – and ask her to send you an invite with the link. The office phone number is 603 756-3672. On late Thursday a link to the meeting should also be posted on the Town Website –https://www.walpolenh.us “

Because of the interest in this looming detrimental problem and interest in attending this meeting, Ms. Downing, just before 4 PM today, asked the Walpolean to post, “For members of the public that wish to attend Selectboard Meetings, the Zoom Meeting link and call-in information is posted on Thursdays  at 2 PM or later on the Town of Walpole website:  www.walpolenh.us under the Town News page. The agenda is also posted with meeting access information. If the public has access or connectivity issues, they are to call the Selectboard Office for assistance at 603-756-3672.” In my experience the links to the meetings are not posted in a timely manner.

I invite you to look at the stakes planted by the Road Agent on the west side of Elm Street just hours ago, today, Wednesday 24 March. Abutters to this project have yet to have any official notification of this project. Walpole residents are yet to have any knowledge to the desecration of the Town Common area. Mr Rau, in talking to a neighbor hours ago, stated his plans are to expand Washington Street next year.

No matter what means you use, get the link, attend the selectboard meeting, and comment. If you wish to email a Selectboard member, email me for individual email addresses.     The Road Agent, and our Town officials I anticipate will not like my words here. Please show your concern.

Thank you, RAY

This just in from Lucy, our State Representative, and a must read if you still have not received your shot. Dates are being moved up, so read, and take action if you have not gotten your shot – Stay safe and stay well, yours, RAY BOAS, PUBLISHER

COVID Vaccine Midweek Update

All of the information in today’s update comes  from the Governor’s press conference today.  Occasionally in the past, the press conferences have gotten out in front of the folks on the ground who have to administer the programs.  If that happens this time, please let me know, so I can pass the word, but kindly refrain from yelling at the messenger.  I took a lot of flak back when the Governor announced that primary care  providers would sign up medically fragile persons in Phase 1-b for their shots and it turned out that local providers had not heard about that program yet.

All three vaccines have proved extremely effective at preventing hospitalization or death; you are not given a choice of which vaccine you will get.

With the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine, and the contract for Merck to also manufacture the J & J vaccine under the Defense Production Act, vaccine administration is ramping up to the next level in NH.  According to the Governor’s press conference today, we got 42,000 doses of vaccine into the state this week, with more doses coming in through a federal program distributed in NH by the Walgreen’s chain.

Phase 1-b:  The Governor said that everyone in Phase 1-b (that’s the 65+ group) who wanted to get their date moved up from April to March has been moved up, so if you are still scheduled for April and want an earlier slot, call 211 and they can reschedule you.

Homebound folks:  Starting tomorrow, if you are homebound, you can sign up to get a shot administered at home, even  if you are not  signed up with a home health agency.  If you are a patient of a home health agency, and have not yet been contacted by them about your vaccine, call them to find out your options.  If you are not signed up with a home health agency, you can still get transport to a vaccine center, or can get a vaccine at home.  Call 211 to make those arrangements.  As always, expect to be on hold for some time when you call 211.  Have a book or a crossword or some other occupation available to help you pass the time while you are on hold.  Also, know that it will take some time to get to everyone who is homebound, so if you can manage to be transported to a vaccine site, you will probably get the vaccine significantly sooner than waiting for it at home.

Phase 2-A  Teachers, School Administration and Staff, and Child Care Workers: Having said very recently he will not move educators up on the list, the Governor now says that it is time for workers in this category to get into the mix.  Many educators will be vaccinated on-site by arrangements set up by their employers.  If your employer is not setting up arrangements for you to be vaccinated, you may register for vaccination starting on March 17^th, with appointments starting on March 22^nd.  The sign up is supposed to be via the new state registration system, referred to as VMS, as opposed to the problem-plagued VAMS.  No word yet how to connect to VMS, but let us hope the information will be up on the NH COVID web site, found here:  https://www.nh.gov/covid19/ .  That is where you go now to start the registration process.

Phase 2-b  People 50+:  If you are 50 years of age or older, registration starts on March 22^nd, with appointments starting on March 25^th, again via the new VMS system.

Two more new cases in Walpole today; three so far this week.  Today, Cheshire County has the second highest 7 day average rate of infection per 100,000 in the state, at 24.2.  Only Grafton, at 28.3, is higher.  Sullivan County, right next door, is the lowest in NH at 9.9.  Hillsborough, usually at the top of the list, is at 17.8.  Windham County VT, just across the river, is at 8.1.  We have work to do.

Wear your mask, even while distancing.  Keep your distance, even while wearing a mask.  Wash your hands.  And keep well.

Lucy
~Representative Lucy Weber
603-499-0282
Lwmcv@comcast.net

Provided by our State Representative, Lucy Weber

COVID by the Numbers—February 28 Edition

From a low of 5 active cases of COVID at the beginning of the week, Walpole rocketed back up to 10 active cases on the 27^th, before backing down to 8 active cases as of this writing.  Last week we had 4 new cases of COVID in town; this week we are up to 9 new cases for the week.

In Cheshire County, our seven day average of reported cases per 100,000 is also going in the wrong direction.  The county went from an average of 20.5 cases per 100,000 last week back up to an average of 23.1 this week.  This makes our county rate the 4^th highest in the state.  More worrying, the infection rate for the county which was 0.67 towards the beginning of the month, has gone up to 1.00 or just above.  The infection rate reflects the average number of other people that each infected person passes the virus on to.  If it stay around 1.00, the numbers or new cases are likely to remain the same.  When the infection rate goes above 1.00, the numbers are likely to rise.

Active cases in Cheshire County went from 135 up to 149.  Two more COVID cases were hospitalized this week, and we have lost one more citizen to the pandemic this week.

Statewide, the numbers are significantly better.  The seven-day average of reported cases has gone down from 27.9 to 21.1.  Active cases have gone from 2,940 down to 2, 532.  Hospitalizations have gone from 109 down to 89, a real milestone.  We lost 23 citizens statewide last week; this week the number was 16.  We did, however, cross the 75,000 mark in total numbers of cases.  As of this writing, 75,424 cases of COVID have been confirmed in the state.

Still, the numbers in NH are significantly higher than those in California in general and Los Angeles County in particular, which is not a good place to be.

Please keep on taking good care of yourselves, and each other.  Don’t let down your guard.  Be careful out there.  There is still work to do.

Wear your mask, keep your distance-even when wearing a mask, wash your hands, and keep well.

 ~Representative Lucy Weber
603-499-0282
Lwmcv@comcast.net