Positives: in the face of all the negative....

[The Raven]

How about a positives thread only...this board seems to be "gripe central".

I know for a fact: there are a lot of very neat things about our town. Chime out on this thread....:D


I hear a lot about Adams Farm (one of my favorite roosts..) but have you ever checked out the area behind the football fields at the high school? There is an old dam there, and the scenery at this time of year is fantastic.

You can park at the high school, walk through the path down to the dam, then along the river to the bridge that crosses the river. Simply beautiful. That, my friends, is part of Our Town Forest. Check it out:D

[Unregistered]

Here is something we can and should be proud of:

3 teams in the top 4 Transcript power rankings. Good stuff



5. Norwood girls soccer (10-2-2) – Overheard this cell phone conversion at Wednesday’s game. “I’m at the Framingham-Norwood girls game…...It’s 0-0 at the half……..No, not anymore. They’re actually very good.”

4. Walpole football (5-1) – Fun fact: The Rebels have as many wins as their next three opponents combined.

3. Dedham girls soccer (10-2-2) -- They’ve won six straight, but I have a feeling the Marauders’ best soccer is still ahead of them.

2. Walpole boys soccer (9-2-3) – Gotta admit, didn’t think that the Rebels’ run in the No. 2 spot would last this long.

1. Walpole field hockey (14-0-1) – This whole Porkers home turf development can’t be good for the rest of the league. Or the state.

[Unregistered]

Did I read correctly? The Walpole Porkers beat the Worcester Notre Dame Rebels recently? (what a laugh!)

[Unregistered]

I thought that was a fake post, until I found this:

http://www.telegram.com/article/20071015/NEWS/710150403/1009/SPORTS

[Unregistered]

Walpole Youth Cheerleaders, Teams A, B, C and D, went to the Lowell Auditorium last Sunday to participate in the Baystate Cheerleading Competition...

A, C and D teams all came in First Place.
B team placed Third.

All 4 teams will proceed to the Regionals... way to go girls!!!

[Brown Bear Returns]

There are a lot of good things about Walpole......
1) Adams Farm is beyond fantastic. Take a walk out to the back meadow and return by way of the trail that starts at the end of the field. Go out at night and cross-country ski there.
2) How we celebrate the Fourth of July on the Third
3) Even been to The Pinnacle? You'd think you were in a different place.
4) Bird Park - a true gem
5) Town Forest - great place to take a walk
6) Turner Pond - we had some good ice for hockey last winter. Looking forward to the same this year.

[Unregistered]

I personally like coming home down Main St as the sun is setting, and what do I see....a familiar brick building with the oddest looking witch-hat for a roof. Now that tells me I am home...! If I time it right (6:30, am or pm) I get an extra "blast" to reinforce the homecoming. Come on: What other towns blows obsolete fire horns and maintains them?

All of this carefully monitored by "the bicyclist" (aka "the walker")...the guy that sits on the bench at town common, near the flagstaff. Want to raise that guys spirits? Honk-and-Wave. You will make his (and your) day.

[Unregistered]

I believe that a strong positive in walpole is its residents. We are proud of our town. We are bright ambitious, and decent people. I am confident in the residents of this town. When faced with challenges to the town we have managed to stand up band together and do the right thing. We bulit a new high school, defeated a sludge plant, built new athletic fields, and on and on. I believe when it comes to protecting the town from the impending powerplant proposed by the CPV company and the risk to the character of the town and to our water supply, that the citizens of the town will once show their strength, band together and do the right thing!

[Unregistered]

OK, so the town is going all Hatfield-McCoy, Union v. Confederate, i.e. just ready to kill each other over the power plant thing. Big Deal. Let's put aside our differences for one afternoon at least and head out to UMass Boston to cheer on the girls basketball team take on Wellesley for the South Sectional CHAMPIONSHIP. Yes, something all of Walpole can get behind and be proud of, free of stupid politics.

If we channel some of the passion we have shown being either for or against the power plant into cheering on these fantasitic young women, there's no way we could lose!

This is going to be a classis, as the teams split the two games between them this year.

Tomorrow at 2 p.m. See you there!

[Unregistered]

how did the basketball team do at Umass??

[Unregistered]

We lost by 4 to a very good Wellesley team. Making it to the finals of the South Sectional tournament is a lot farther than anyone expected this team to go. Congratulations to Coach Bilodeau, League MVP Caroline Stedman, the rest of the varsity for a great season. Expect more of the same next year, with a very talented class of Juniors this year, and an upcoming JV team who went undefeated with relative ease.

[Unregistered]

Walpole is awarded the #3 spot in an article about great, yet affordable family-oriented towns. Check it out!

http://www.visitingnewengland.com/family.html

It doesn't tell us anything we don't already know, but does give us reason to take a moment appreciate that we do typically get to a pretty workable set of compromises here in Walpole. We should feel good that all the energy we collectively put into forwarding Walpole's direction and thinking creatively about positive solutions to our challenges has effected some pretty enviable results!

[Unregistered]

Walpole is awarded the #3 spot in an article about great, yet affordable family-oriented towns. Check it out!

http://www.visitingnewengland.com/family.html

It doesn't tell us anything we don't already know, but does give us reason to take a moment appreciate that we do typically get to a pretty workable set of compromises here in Walpole. We should feel good that all the energy we collectively put into forwarding Walpole's direction and thinking creatively about positive solutions to our challenges has effected some pretty enviable results!


too bad the article links to the anonymous backstabbing on Walpole Words!

[Unregistered]

Very nice comments about Walpole. The person who wrote the article referred to Common Street as Chestnut Street, but that's okay, unless you are a stranger to town looking for the stately homes on "Chestnut Street".

[Unregistered]

Walpole is awarded the #3 spot in an article about great, yet affordable family-oriented towns. Check it out!

http://www.visitingnewengland.com/family.html

It doesn't tell us anything we don't already know, but does give us reason to take a moment appreciate that we do typically get to a pretty workable set of compromises here in Walpole. We should feel good that all the energy we collectively put into forwarding Walpole's direction and thinking creatively about positive solutions to our challenges has effected some pretty enviable results!

As was pointed out at the recent town meeting, Walpole has been saved from many bad developements in the past. But unlike the speaker inferred, it was not due to our zoning laws. It was due to the determination and integrity of some citizens. The RTM who spoke out about this, was not one of those citizens who sacrificed years to protect our town from unsigtly developement. Thank you to those brave soles who are responsible for Walpole even being mentioned in this article. Sadly, they are not amongst those leading our town today, which is why we are headed towards such a very bad place.

[Unregistered]

too bad the article links to the anonymous backstabbing on Walpole Words!

Obiviously, this poster might be one of those mean respondents.

[Unregistered]

From today's Transcript sports dept. ranking of local teams:

(HINT: Skip to ## 1 and 2)

Onto the Poll:

5. Norwood football (2-1) – Was the win over Weymouth a little lucky? Sure. Was it undeserved? Absolutely not.

4. Ursuline volleyball (7-0) – The rest of Division 3 is hoping that Newton North score was misprint. It wasn’t.

3. Norwood girls soccer (7-0-1) – It’s easy to forget this team was winless in the league just two seasons ago.

2. Walpole football (3-0) – Rebels’ 32.7 points per game tops in BSC. The 14.7 against just seventh.

1. Walpole field hockey (8-0) – Something things never change with the Porkers. Dominant play and the best concession stand deal in all of Transcript Land, the 50-cent homemade chocolate chip cookies at the Porker Pen. Keep up the good work on both ends.

Way to go Walpole High!!!

[Unregistered]

WALPOLE 20 - READING 12


Congratulations Boys! Showed great composure playing in this tough game. Good luck on Saturday. See you at Gillette!!!

[Unregistered]

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x793911912/Modest-man-makes-his-mark-in-Walpole

Congrats to Ed Forsberg!

(double thumbs up)

[The Raven]

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x793911912/Modest-man-makes-his-mark-in-Walpole

Congrats to Ed Forsberg!

(double thumbs up)

Three thumbs up (and two claws and a beak :D)

[Unregistered]

Here's some great news on an otherwise bleak day in Walpole. Taylor Silvestro has been named Transcript Player of the Year. As the article points out, Taylor made the most out of the skills she has. She is well respected and loved by her teammates and coaches, not just for field hockey, but for who she is as a person. Very talented academically as well. Congratulations also to Dom and Randi - you must be very proud of your daughter.



http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/sports/x512367950/FIELD-HOCKEY-PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR-Walpoles-Silvestro-is-small-wonder

[Unregistered]

I have a small pair of rabbit ears that I use for one of my televisions. The reception has been rather susceptible to the old time fading when I get up, move around, etc. Remember that?

I decided to hook up th Digital TV Converter box last night and GOLLY BEEJEEKERS....I suddenly have 6 new channels, and ALL CRYSTAL CLEAR RECEPTION...with the rabbit ears now retracted to about 6 inches!!!!!

I am totally floored at the quality. It looks like cable television!

They have the channels listed as 2.1, 2.2, etc.

Channel 44 has 44.1, 44.2, 44.3, & 44.4.....all different programming. Same with 68.1, 68.2, 68.3, 68.4.

The other channels all have X.1 and X.2, but on both channels is the same programming. Probably due to change in February???

There is also a programming guide pulldown and excellent closed captioning controls.

This is great news for those of you hurting in this economy: You can ditch the cable tv if you want.

I receive crystal clear tv from channels 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 25, 38, 44, 56, 62, & 68. Including the extra 3 channels at 44 & 68, I get 19 crystal clear channels. The rabbit ears are on top of the television on the first floor.

A wonderful surprise for Walpole. We get pretty good tv reception with rabbit ears here. No fading, snow, blurring, etc. Crystal clear digital TV. Why wait until February? Switch now!

with out cable tv via the internet I save about $25/month. Thats not too bad. :)

[Unregistered]

I too have a new converter box but I can't pick up channel 25 (Fox). What kind of TV do you have (how old, model)?

The setup was easy but still no channel 25.

[Unregistered]

I was up at Iorio Arena and caught the WHS Girls Hockey game last night. This team is off to a good start 5-0-1 backed by strong goaltending and balanced scoring.

They beat a strong team, Newton North last night 4-3. The Walpole goalie "stood on her head" making some phenomenal saves picking shots out of the air not allowing any rebounds.

Check them out for a good story in 2009.

[Unregistered]

I too have a new converter box but I can't pick up channel 25 (Fox). What kind of TV do you have (how old, model)?

The setup was easy but still no channel 25.

Play with the antenna. Most converter boxes have a feature called "antenna" on the pull down menus. Go to channel 25, and go to the pulldown menu for "antenna". From there, you can see a bar-graph representing the signal strength. Move the antennas around...you may find a sweet spot (just like the old days).

I have found that the digital signals can drop out...you may need an amplified antenna. They sell them at Wal-Mart. Not to pricey either.

You don't need to go out and buy a new television. Just get a converter box.

[Unregistered]

BOYS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Walpole's Hoag a creative pitchman

By Keith Pearson/Daily News Staff
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jan 01, 2009 @ 11:59 PM

Every soccer coach hopes to have a finisher on his roster that can regularly pop home a goal, but at the top of a coach’s wish list would be a maestro in the midfield. Someone that can play end-to-end down the middle of the pitch with the vision that stretches from touchline-to-touchline.

No sport is based as much on possession than soccer and for Walpole High, nobody was better than senior David Hoag by helping the Rebels control the game simply by having the ball on his foot.

Whether it was building up the attack with a square ball out to the flanks, chipping a ball into the penalty box into a group or having to give it a go because his team needed him to take on a more active role in the attack Hoag’s ability to do it all makes him the 2008 Daily News Transcript Boys SoccerPlayer of the Year.

“In soccer games are won or lost in the midfield and David and (defensive center midfielder) Nick (Mucciarone) possessed the ball and dictated tempo as any combo in the Bay State (Conference),” said Walpole coach Lee Delaney.

He finished his Walpole career with eight goals and 12 assists in 19 games and was rewarded as a unanimous selection as a First Team Bay State Conference All-Star.

Not a bad honor for someone who had started the previous two years but had hardly received any recognition from anyone outside of the Rebel program.

“He was determined to make the most of his opportunity as a senior captain,” said Delaney. “In the offseason he hit the road and the weight room to increase his strength and stamina, every time during baseball season I’d walk by and he was always headed to or coming out of the weight room to increase his upper body strength and really made a year-round commitment to the sport and it really paid off for him.”

Whether the objective was short-term or long, Hoag and the Rebels were successful, piling up the goals finishing with a 12-5-3 record and a second straight Herget Division crown.

The success even caught Hoag by surprise as the team replaced all but one defender from a year ago in senior Mike Freiberger and Mike Gallivan was taking over in goal. That unit quickly turned into a formidable unit, only conceding 22 goals over the course of the season with seven shutouts and only allowing more than two goals on a pair of occasions.

What they did return was their 1-2 punch up front in Davis Butts and Mike Quintanilla and both mainstays in the midfield in Hoag, a three-year starter, and Nick Mucciarone, who was a starter from Day 1. Having played together since learning the game, the pair of central midfielders formed the perfect tandem as Hoag had always been one to push forward while Mucciarone tended to make sure the back was settled.

That role of needing to push forward was never needed as much as the beginning of the season with Butts missing the first five games to an injury. With opposing defenses squarely focused on preventing Quintanilla getting the ball in finishing range, the field opened up for Hoag to shift from more of a midfielder and act more like a forward.

While the Rebels only got off to a 2-2-1 start without Butts, Hoag delivered a key two points with the only goal of the game at home against rival Natick. Despite missing a key forward, the Rebels were holding their own and earned a key division win.

“I knew I had to do it to win some games,” said Hoag, who also netted the game-winner at Natick as well that essentially sealed the division crown. “I had to score and play in the midfield, so I just tried my best and did it.”

“Two great games and he came up big in both of them,” said Delaney of the Natick matches.

With Butts on the field opening up more space for the rest of the Rebels, it resulted in instant offense for Walpole as they reeled off four straight wins, averaging more than three goals a contest. Hoag had more room to operate and Quintanilla and Butts would combine for 24 goals, many of which were created by the attacking center mid.

“When they were all on the field together it was fun to watch,” said Delaney. “We had a number of games in the second half of the season that were over at halftime. That rarely happens in soccer. We knew (Butts and Quintanilla) were going to be threats, but he just made our offense difficult to defend with his marked improvement.”

The big blow on Hoag’s terrific season came in the dying seconds of the Rebels’ 1-0 win over Silver Lake in the Division 2 preliminary round. With the game seemingly sewed up, he got involved in a verbal tussle with the Lakers goalkeeper and was issued a rare red card for taunting, leaving him out of the Rebels next two games.

It would serve as an inappropriate end to a fine career as Walpole fell 4-1 to top-seeded Canton in the first round.

“It was tough seeing my team lose without me being out there,” said Hoag.

Hoag hopes to get back onto the field as he prepares for college. He said Keene State College in New Hampshire has expressed interest in him playing, he also lists Bryant University, which just made the jump to Division I this past season, as one of his top choices and would give walking on a try.

Even though he was not pleased with how the season ended, for himself or the team, he will look back fondly on the strides the Rebels made throughout the year in 2008.

“We came pretty far, we started off and we did not think we were going to be that good, and we just progressed and progressed and we became a real good team,” said Hoag.

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

Congratulations David Hoag and family. Congratulations Lee Delaney on contunuing to run a superb program.

Folks, keep your eyes on the Walpole Boys Soccer team, Class of 2013-2014. While only 7th and 8th graders now, these kids are something special on the soccer pitch.

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/01/hungry_seal_hit.html

a nice feel-good story in the midst of all the gloom :)

[Unregistered]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE1stHaC7AA

Put a highly experienced pilot in charge of a jet in distress, with the real temptation to land on a runway only, and you get this....

Its a great way to start of a bad year.... :) :)

[Unregistered]

OK, so the rest of the Town may be going to he!! in a handbasket, but WHS still gives us plenty to be proud of.

From today's Transcript:

No new teams in the Power Poll but with four of the five teams dropping a contest this week, the rest of the field is catching up.
Onto the Poll:

5. Walpole wrestling (14-2) – Last weekend confirmed that Natick is still large roadblock in Division 2 Metro, even if they are scared of Adam Riegel.
4. Walpole girls hoop (9-2) – Undersized Rebs could use a Roof over their heads tonight.
3. Walpole boys hockey (11-3-1) – Was tempted to lift the Rebels over the Hawks by virtue of Saturday’s tie against Needham, whom Xaverian lost to earlier this season. The Red and Blue took care of that thought yesterday.
2. Xaverian hockey (5-3-2) – Hawks are going to be busy down the stretch with 10 games in the next three weeks.
1. Nobles girls hockey (14-0) – Jackie Young can now compare U-18 World Championship gold medals with teammate Corey Stearns.

3 out of the top 5 - AWESOME job WHS student-athletes!

Have a great weekend everyone,

Best regards,

Bluto

[Unregistered]

OK, so the rest of the Town may be going to he!! in a handbasket, but WHS still gives us plenty to be proud of.

From today's Transcript:

No new teams in the Power Poll but with four of the five teams dropping a contest this week, the rest of the field is catching up.
Onto the Poll:

5. Walpole wrestling (14-2) – Last weekend confirmed that Natick is still large roadblock in Division 2 Metro, even if they are scared of Adam Riegel.
4. Walpole girls hoop (9-2) – Undersized Rebs could use a Roof over their heads tonight.
3. Walpole boys hockey (11-3-1) – Was tempted to lift the Rebels over the Hawks by virtue of Saturday’s tie against Needham, whom Xaverian lost to earlier this season. The Red and Blue took care of that thought yesterday.
2. Xaverian hockey (5-3-2) – Hawks are going to be busy down the stretch with 10 games in the next three weeks.
1. Nobles girls hockey (14-0) – Jackie Young can now compare U-18 World Championship gold medals with teammate Corey Stearns.

3 out of the top 5 - AWESOME job WHS student-athletes!

Have a great weekend everyone,

Best regards,

Bluto

Bluta: I wonder if you would ever get so excited with the kids that make the honor roll every semester!

(I doubt it)

[Unregistered]

To Doubting Thomas or Thomasina (see, I don't want to surmise which gender you are, not after last time!)

That is a great idea! I do the Transcript power poll because its a fun thing for a Friday, and easy to copy and paste.

I would put the WHS honor roll here for people to see, but I never see it published electronically anywhere. The Times publishes it, but not on Wicked Walpole (or whatever the heck that is - it's useless, but that's the subject of another post.)

But not just the honor roll! WHS has so many admirable groups. My other favorites are the Robotics Club, the music department and the kids that participate in Film Festival. Yes, there are many, many others (foreign language stars, school play, WHS TV, artists, etc.) But, in addition to alll of our sports teams, I have a special place in my heart for the three groups listed above. The cleverness, dedication and ability of the kids I see in those three groups blow me away. Endless source of pride.

Bluto should start a separate thread, called "Bluto's WHS Star of the Week", whether it be sports, or adademics or extra-curriculars, community service, or whatever. What do you think, TG?

Best regards,

Bluto

[Unregistered]

C'mon #30! Blutarski even references in his positive piece that congratulations are owed to WHS "student-athletes" what else should he have said? The day the Walpole Times has an "Academics" section in the paper next to the "Sports" section, you can make that statement. How about giving the guy a little credit for not being the typical whiny anonymous sniper in here, but instead actually looking for things to be positive about. Yes, we are proud of the Walpole boys and girls who have gone on to play, and GRADUATE from Northeastern, Harvard, UVM, Bryant, Stonehill, Holy Cross, and other quality schools in just the most recent years. As I told my kids, when they came home with A's.."that's what you are supposed to get!!" Kudos to Bluto, and c'mon in and have a beer, it don't cost nuthin'!!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

Is this all we can talk about!

[Unregistered]

OK, the context may have been sports-related, but this story from today's Transcript is very heart-warming, and reflects the true nature of Walpole Nation. The story was about how Norwood beat Walpole in hockey last night 5-3. But then reporter Bruce Lerch's story takes a very human turn:

"Despite the loss, Walpole had a very special fan in attendance at Iorio Arena. Tom Tempesta Sr., whose son Tommy is a senior captain, was able to see his first game after spending 120 days in the hospital and having his left leg amputated after an allergic reaction to anesthesia after suffering heart problems.

The elder Tempesta is two days removed from leaving a six-week rehab stint that was the culmination of a tumultuous six months during which he almost died during an 8-day coma induced by doctors. His first night home was Tuesday, which he spent watching his other son Mark play basketball for the Rebels, and last night he sat perched above the crowd in his wheelchair as a mass of Walpole friends and fans greeted him and wished him well in his recovery.

“There was a time when I thought I’d never be able to see either of them play again,” Mr. Tempesta said between periods. “It’s been very exciting for me and for my family to be able to be here, and the support we’ve gotten from the Walpole community has been simply amazing.”

Added Meehan, “He’s an unbelievable guy. Even though he hasn’t been at the games he’s definitely been with us the whole season. We’ve been taping the games and sending them to him. I talked to Tommy at practice (Tuesday) and he was just excited that his father was going to be back and finally see a game in person. I know he was disappointed he couldn’t get a win for him tonight, but it’s a wonderful thing for the family to have him back.”"


Wow. I don't know what is more inspiring - this man's will to survive and be there for his family, or the Town's response to the family's crisis.

So my point is this, my good friends, we Walpolians may quibble over some things, but when one of us is down, we pull together and do what's right. We lift the person up and ease their burden. Indulge yourself for a moment and take pride in the town you call HOME.

Best regards,

Bluto

[Unregistered]

Bluto... on this we agree. Thanks for the reminder of what OUR home is ablout!

[Unregistered]

fyi: I voted for Obama...

but found these mad magazine covers priceless....!

definitely worth a great laugh


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/obama-mad-magazine-cover_n_161326.html

[Unregistered]

is it just me, or did I witness a pretty together president last night, handling the press conference? Remember all those comments about his ability to give speeches only, but not think on his feet??

I think we really do have the right guy for the job

5 stars, two thumbs up

its been a long time since we had a president who could think clearly on his own two feet.

[Unregistered]

"is it just me, or did I witness a pretty together president last night, handling the press conference? Remember all those comments about his ability to give speeches only, but not think on his feet?? "


Here is another way to look at last night, from the Heritage Foundation:


TUESDAY, FEB. 10, 2009


Yesterday’s Top 5 Most Audacious Obama Statements



Yesterday the Pew Research Center released a new poll on the economic stimulus debate. Like every other poll taken so far, the Pew poll showed again that support for President Obama's Trillion Dollar Debt Plan has fallen since it was first announced. While 92% of those polled viewed Obama as a good communicator, those Americans that were paying the most attention to the stimulus debate also were the most opposed to the plan. The more that Obama's lofty rhetoric is tested against fact and common sense, the less support his policies have.

Below are just the five most audacious sales pitches Obama employed to gin up support for his Trillion Dollar Debt Plan.

No Earmarks: "What it does not contain, however, is a single pet project, not a single earmark, and it has been stripped of the projects members of both parties found most objectionable." - This is a clever semantic ploy by Obama. While it is true that no individual Congressman stuffed a Bridge to Nowhere in the bill's conference report, when Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. David Obey (D-WI) wrote the bill, they included billions of line-item spending elements to payoff leftist interest groups, including: $450 million for NASA "climate-research missions”, $600 million for NOAA “climate modeling”, $2 billion for a single power plant in Obama's home state of Illinois, and on and on.

4 Million Jobs: "My bottom line is to make sure that we are saving or creating 4 million jobs." -Obama is not creating 4 million jobs. According to the Congressional Budget Office, under the most optimistic models Obama's Trillion Dollar Debt Plan would create only 3.6 million jobs and could produce only 1.2 million jobs. And one in five of these jobs will be a government job.

Spending: "Look, I would love not to have to spend money right now. This notion that somehow I came in here just ginned up to spend $800 billion, that wasn't -- that wasn't how I envisioned my presidency beginning." - Obama's chief of staff exposed this lie when he said;" Never allow a crisis to go to waste…They are opportunities to do big things." But the bill itself is all the proof you need to know that Obama and his leftist allies thoroughly love their chance to blow a trillion dollars. The Obama Trillion Dollar Debt Plan doubles the size of the Department of Education and creates 32 brand new government programs. Worse, it sneaks in a major down payment on Obama's health care plan creating the bureaucracy and tracking systems necessary to force socialized medicine on the American people.

Free Lunches: "Once the economy stabilizes and people are less fearful, then I do think that we're going to have to start thinking about how do we operate more prudently, because there's no such thing as a free lunch." - Obama's Trillion Dollar Debt Plan is founded on the belief that government's can provide endless free lunches to the American people. Does Obama believe the trillions he wants to spend grows on trees? Nobel laureate Gary Becker writes: "There are no free lunches in spending, public or private. The increased federal debt caused by this stimulus package has to be paid for eventually by higher taxes on households and businesses. ... The burden from higher taxes down the road has to be deducted both from any short-term stimulus provided by the spending program, and from its long-run effects on the economy."

Japan: "We saw this happen in Japan in the 1990s, where they did not act boldly and swiftly enough, and as a consequence they suffered what was called the "lost decade" where essentially for the entire '90s they did not see any significant economic growth." - This statement is audacity defined. Since 1992 Japan has spent $6.3 trillion in stimulus spending, racking up the largest public debt in the developed world — totaling 180 percent of its $5.5 trillion economy. And this massive borrow-and-spend splurge did nothing to help the economy. And Obama thinks this is evidence in support of his Trillion Dollar Debt Plan?

No wonder support for Obama's economic stimulus plan is sinking like a rock.


Open debate is what makes America great!!

[Unregistered]

It's just you.

[Unregistered]

I thought he looked confused, defensive, and not that "with it."

Honestly, his lack of touch with reality scares me, and while I did not vote for the man, I did give him the benefit of the doubt and hoped, (and assumed), he would do well and at least know his stuff.

I was disappointed.

And is this really the greatest economic crisis since the Depression? During the late 70's, early 80's -- things were bad. Inflation and unemployment were much higher than they are now. Mortgage rates were in the high teens. etc, etc. Why is he "piling on" our country?

[Unregistered]

Yes, it was just you. Softball questions, followed by 10 minute pedantic filibuster responses, outright lies: "there is no pork in this stimulus package", juvenile debating techniques like establishing the GOP is a. opposed to any package, b. only interested in tax cuts, or c. unresponsive to the pain the public is feeling, or other strawman arguments. You sure you were watching the same presser? BHO received 52% of the vote, not a countrywide mandate. He has showed an unerring ability to improperly vet his Cabinet choices, has already gone back on campaign promises, and shown a true lack of leadership by allowing Pelosi to hijack this package and stuff it full of pork entitlements so that it resembles something the MA legislature would produce! Hope'N'Change, right!

[Unregistered]

Yes, it was just you. Softball questions, followed by 10 minute pedantic filibuster responses, outright lies: "there is no pork in this stimulus package", juvenile debating techniques like establishing the GOP is a. opposed to any package, b. only interested in tax cuts, or c. unresponsive to the pain the public is feeling, or other strawman arguments. You sure you were watching the same presser? BHO received 52% of the vote, not a countrywide mandate. He has showed an unerring ability to improperly vet his Cabinet choices, has already gone back on campaign promises, and shown a true lack of leadership by allowing Pelosi to hijack this package and stuff it full of pork entitlements so that it resembles something the MA legislature would produce! Hope'N'Change, right!


You left out the most important point: he is to blame for the mess we are in. Not the guy that was in for 8 years. he also arranged to have that bailout money go to corporate-types (to pay their bonuses). Yeah, what a bum he is!

I am quite sure his next pres con. will go differently: he did go on and on a bit too much....

[Unregistered]

Happy Friday, Are we all looking forward to School Vacation??

I can't tell whether to call this week's Trnascript Power Poll, "The More Things Change, the More they Stay the Same" or "out With the Old, In With the New." This Week, Walpole Teams still occupy 3 of the 5 spots (as usual), but we have two new teams in these slots - Gymnastics and Wrestling. Boys and Girls hockey had their time in the sun, but have since slipped a bit. So, Way to go, grapplers and tumblers! Way to hang in there, girls hoops.




Wait, there's more. Transcript writer Tom Fargo also names his best Transcript land athletes ever (well, since 2000) and two (of the 4 total) Walpole athletes are there. Check it out:

"Well, in the interest of proving Transcript Land reader with the freshest, most original material out there, I have decided to scoop ESPN and reveal my own personal Mount Rushmore of Transcript Land. The list only covers from 2000 on, my era on the local beat, and those considered had to actually be from one of our four towns.

Let the arguments begin.


Nicole Wolff (Walpole, 2002):

Credentials: Led Walpole to back-to-back unbeaten BSC championship campaign and state final berth, winning the Division 2 crown as a senior and losing just twice in a Rebel uniform. Won league MVP award for Walpole for the BSC and for Milton Academy in the ISL. Scored 2,164 points, still 27th all-time state wide and 14th among girls. Was named Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year and McDonald’s National Player of the Year while captaining the East team in All-American Game at Madison Square Garden. Earned Division I scholarship from defending national champion UConn, where she started as a freshman before her career was derailed by stress fractures and a torn ACL.

The lowdown: I can still remember the buzz going around Walpole when it started to leak out that Wolff was transferring home after two years at Milton Academy. The Rebels were coming off a 19-2 season with four underclassmen starting and adding the best player in the state. Talk about the rich getting richer. But what made the 6-foot point guard special is that with her ridiculous skills she could have scored 35 points a night but was smart enough to know getting everyone involved was the key to success, so instead she turned her self into a triple-double threat every time she step on the court, Her left-handed stroke was a work of art and she was probably the most fundamentally sound high school player I ever saw, but what do you expect from a coach’s daughter?


Sean McDermott (Walpole, 2007)

Credentials: Led the Rebels to three straight BSC Herget Division titles and a Division 1 South sectional title in 2005. Compiled a 25-2 overall record with 17 saves in his four-year career with Walpole with a 0.89 ERA and 327 strikeouts and just 60 walks in 233 innings. Had a 59-inning scoreless streak the season and led the team in hitting senior year with a .343 average. Also a part of a pair of American Legion State Final Eight teams with Walpole Post 104 and a standout tight end for the football team. Earned a scholarship to Division I Virginia Tech, where he earned a spot in the starting rotation as a freshman last spring.

The lowdown: Very few male athletes come in make the type of immediate impact that McDermott did as freshman. Walpole coach Bill Tompkins, notorious for his preference of veterans, tried to keep his talented southpaw a secret as long as he could but couldn’t resist installing him as closer right out of the gate, the ultimate nod. As money on the mound as anyone as anyone I’ve seen in high school ball, the most underrated part of his game was the thunder he brought to the plate as a first baseman. And the great thing about the unassuming McDermott was you always knew what you were going to get: lots of strikes and lots of wins."





Good stuff.

Have a nice weekend and relaxing week if you have kids at home.

Best Regards,

Bluto

[Unregistered]

Nice Article in Today's Globe sports section about Walpole's Brian Mandeville. He has a shot at the pro's. Brian was a beast on the football field and on the basketball court. He played a key role in the 2004 state b-ball championship team.



http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/football/articles/2009/02/19/combining_hope_angst

I wish him luck, and I also hope he gets his degree from NU.

[Unregistered]

The Coskren family of Walpole has a lot to be proud of. What a family accomplishment. I wonder how many hockey games Tim and Paula have seen over the years? The kids probably learned to skate on that little pond on Oak Street. Check out this article from the Globe:


http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/mens_hockey/articles/2009/02/19/from_cellar_to_top_shelf/

Have a nice weekend. Enjoy all our town has to offer.

[Unregistered]

http://www.samobar.com/180/

Sam Obar, a local kid with a lot of spunk and a goal to make a career in journalism deserves some praise here.

Note: He is one of the ONLY people to put his name to a post on Walpole Words. That is a sign of character. I am proud to know the young man. he puts most of us adults to shame in that regard.

Sam: you are going places! two thumbs up

I think we have another Ron Hurst in the making.

(guess who :)

[Unregistered]

SammO,

I Have checked out your blog site. Nice work! I will check back often to see what you have to say. Pretty sophisticated for a high school kid - you address some interesting and complicated issues with a lot of thought.

You should write an editorial, or do some reporting, or something for the Walpole Times. They could use your help. Do you write for the Rebellion?

Best wishes for future success!

Bluto

[Unregistered]

Nice Article in Today's Globe sports section about Walpole's Brian Mandeville. He has a shot at the pro's. Brian was a beast on the football field and on the basketball court. He played a key role in the 2004 state b-ball championship team.



http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/football/articles/2009/02/19/combining_hope_angst

I wish him luck, and I also hope he gets his degree from NU.

Best of luck Brian! Brian is not only an outstanding, hardworking football player , he is also a great person and a wonderful role model for the kids who played with him at WHS. A very kind kid who never let his achievements on the field go to his head. Good Luck Brian!!

[Unregistered]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-sad-story-of-tight-end-Brian-Mandeville?urn=nfl,143293


Sad story, and so ironic that he was recently mentioned on here. I'm glad they found his heart issue early, and I hope he can lead a healthy life.

[Unregistered]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-sad-story-of-tight-end-Brian-Mandeville?urn=nfl,143293


Sad story, and so ironic that he was recently mentioned on here. I'm glad they found his heart issue early, and I hope he can lead a healthy life.


Just a weird coincidence how the Globe reports how hard Brian was working to do well at the combine, just a couple of days before he was found to have this ailment. Makes you wonder how he plays 4 years of Division I football and they never found this before. I think the article said it was not life threatening, which is great news.

Also, others have posted what a great kid he is with strong family support. With this and his NU education, bet he will do just fine without a chance at a career in the NFL.

[Unregistered]

Check out this story!

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x1739334296/Proud-parents-helping-Walpole-schools

Here's a glimpse:

WALPOLE — As the economy worsens and money for local programs is getting scarce, a local couple has stepped into the fiscal breach.

Michelle and Maurice Lamarque of Hampton Court in East Walpole have donated $30,000 to the Landmark School in Beverly - a facility for students with language-based learning disabilities - to start a partnership with the public schools here.

With the donation, outreach staff from Landmark - an internationally recognized school - will offer Walpole teachers professional development through summer courses and seminars

How cool is this family! The parents for this generous contribution, and son John for his achievements.

Thanks and congratulations!!

[Unregistered]

Check out this story!

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x1739334296/Proud-parents-helping-Walpole-schools

Here's a glimpse:

WALPOLE — As the economy worsens and money for local programs is getting scarce, a local couple has stepped into the fiscal breach.

Michelle and Maurice Lamarque of Hampton Court in East Walpole have donated $30,000 to the Landmark School in Beverly - a facility for students with language-based learning disabilities - to start a partnership with the public schools here.

With the donation, outreach staff from Landmark - an internationally recognized school - will offer Walpole teachers professional development through summer courses and seminars

How cool is this family! The parents for this generous contribution, and son John for his achievements.

Thanks and congratulations!!

Thank you for sharing this story, it is a wonderful example of what people can do and a beautiful example of kindness and grace. Thank You.

[Unregistered]

http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/918800.html

[Unregistered]

http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5989595.html

How about a town "coffee klatch".....adults only. We could charge $10.00 per cup of coffee. What say?

Meet at finnegans tomorrow night to discuss...booth 14b

[Unregistered]

Do you own stock in Finnegan's?

[Unregistered]

Check out this story!

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x1739334296/Proud-parents-helping-Walpole-schools

Here's a glimpse:

WALPOLE — As the economy worsens and money for local programs is getting scarce, a local couple has stepped into the fiscal breach.

Michelle and Maurice Lamarque of Hampton Court in East Walpole have donated $30,000 to the Landmark School in Beverly - a facility for students with language-based learning disabilities - to start a partnership with the public schools here.

With the donation, outreach staff from Landmark - an internationally recognized school - will offer Walpole teachers professional development through summer courses and seminars

How cool is this family! The parents for this generous contribution, and son John for his achievements.

Thanks and congratulations!!

This story touched me deeply. This family's incredibly generous donation is aimed right at the kids in the Walpole Public Schools, giving them the opportunity to have the best services available to them in their own town. After what this family must have endured to give their son an appropriate education, their thoughtfulness & generosity is inspirational.

[Unregistered]

Do you own stock in Finnegan's?


unfortunately no.

the only benefits I get from the place are temporary, and are gone by sunrise the next day. :)

[Unregistered]

http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5989595.html

How about a town "coffee klatch".....adults only. We could charge $10.00 per cup of coffee. What say?

Depends on who is serving the coffee!

[Unregistered]

Depends on who is serving the coffee!


Uggh! The Administrator expunged the appropriately funny, albeit slightly off-color remainder of my post! We are all adults, we can take it!

“Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime.”

—Potter Stewart, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court

[Unregistered]

Uggh! The Administrator expunged the appropriately funny, albeit slightly off-color remainder of my post! We are all adults, we can take it!

“Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime.”

—Potter Stewart, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court

How do we know that everyone here is an adult? Bravo for the Admin. for removing what you state as off-color.

Good rule of them, if the author finds something merely off-color, a lot of readers will find it down right offensive. Lets keep it clean!

[Unregistered]

How do we know that everyone here is an adult? Bravo for the Admin. for removing what you state as off-color.

Good rule of them, if the author finds something merely off-color, a lot of readers will find it down right offensive. Lets keep it clean!


I agree, I was just having some good-natured fun with Tom. Obviously, this site has become extremely popular for discussions, serious and ridiculous, and everything in between. Just imagine all the stuff we don't see!

The post in questions related to the topless coffee shop the original link led to. Tom probably removed it not because it was off-color but because it was a really bad pun.

OK, back to work . . . .

[Unregistered]

Check out this story!

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x1739334296/Proud-parents-helping-Walpole-schools

Here's a glimpse:

WALPOLE — As the economy worsens and money for local programs is getting scarce, a local couple has stepped into the fiscal breach.

Michelle and Maurice Lamarque of Hampton Court in East Walpole have donated $30,000 to the Landmark School in Beverly - a facility for students with language-based learning disabilities - to start a partnership with the public schools here.

With the donation, outreach staff from Landmark - an internationally recognized school - will offer Walpole teachers professional development through summer courses and seminars

How cool is this family! The parents for this generous contribution, and son John for his achievements.

Thanks and congratulations!!

This will probably be misunderstood and attacked, but it's just a question.

If this program is successful and the WPS system becomes a leading school for special education in the area, will that then attract more families with special needs children to the system and our town? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it more expensive to educate special needs children? Could this have an adverse effect on the overall cost of our schools?

Please don't be angry, I'm just asking the question. Of course I think it's great that a family feels strongly enough about our town to do something like this, I'm just wondering what the overall effect will be?

[Unregistered]

I agree with your comment and thought the same thing regarding the donation to the Landmark school. The cost to go to Landmark is $42000 a year for a 3 to 1 ratio and for living $50,000 a year. I think the only thing we might get is for the Landmark school administrator to come to Walpole and give us pointers. The ratio in the landmark schools is 3 to 1 and that is what really helps the student. We will never be there and that is why you have the Landmark schools. I think what that family did to help that child succeed was incredible.

[Unregistered]

This will probably be misunderstood and attacked, but it's just a question.

If this program is successful and the WPS system becomes a leading school for special education in the area, will that then attract more families with special needs children to the system and our town? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it more expensive to educate special needs children? Could this have an adverse effect on the overall cost of our schools?

Please don't be angry, I'm just asking the question. Of course I think it's great that a family feels strongly enough about our town to do something like this, I'm just wondering what the overall effect will be?

$30,000 towards training current educators in the Walpole Schools about teaching children with dyslexia is a good thing. Its very doubtful that the school system could ever attain the teacher-student ratio at the Landmark School in Beverly. I checked the website, but couldn't find the tuition. It looks like a very expensive place. I think this was a wonderful gesture by these people, who obviously have the money to both send their son to a private school like that, and also to drop $30,000 on the town of Walpole.


thank you very much!

[Unregistered]

This will probably be misunderstood and attacked, but it's just a question.

If this program is successful and the WPS system becomes a leading school for special education in the area, will that then attract more families with special needs children to the system and our town? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it more expensive to educate special needs children? Could this have an adverse effect on the overall cost of our schools?

Please don't be angry, I'm just asking the question. Of course I think it's great that a family feels strongly enough about our town to do something like this, I'm just wondering what the overall effect will be?

Good question, but I don't think we have anything to worry about.

Public schools are required by federal law to provide services to students with special needs and learning disabilities. If the local system is not equipped to provide those services, the students are often bussed (at public expense) to schools in other towns that can provide the needed services. The town pays for the transportation, and also must pay the provider of the educational services. This is why special needs children are usually more expensive to educate.

By improving our local capacity to provide these services in our own school system, we save in three ways. First, we avoid the costs and inconvenience of outsourcing special needs education for Walpole residents. Second, it means that Walpole may be able to provide these services to students in neighboring towns, which will help to offset the costs of the program. Third, with more good programs in place, and teachers trained in recognizing these issues, our children can benefit from this extra assistance earlier, and hopefully reduce their future needs.

I wouldn't worry about Walpole becoming a magnet for special needs students, because (as mentioned earlier) every town is mandated by federal law to provide these services anyway.

I think this is a wonderful gift to the young people of Walpole!

[Unregistered]

Congratulations to our girls hockey team for their first tourney win ever, in their still young program. Here's the story in today's Transcript:

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/sports/x594724893/Walpole-4-Canton-2-Serving-ice-dream-at-Iorio

Congratulations to all the girls, the coaching staff and families. Here's Coach Verderber on the win:

“This was huge for the girls,” said Walpole’s second-year coach Joe Verderber. “It’s the fourth year of the program and they get better and better every year…It’s a great credit to the girls on the team, it’s a great credit to the boosters and all the people involved."

That's you, Walpole citizens, he's referring to. Take pride.

Good luck going forward girls!

OH, and let's not forget, the boys hockey team won too, and Boys Hoops won the night before!!

Girls hoops - in the spotlight tonight - with a tough game against Bishope Feehan in Attleboro.

Recession? What recession?

[Unregistered]

Good question, but I don't think we have anything to worry about.

Public schools are required by federal law to provide services to students with special needs and learning disabilities. If the local system is not equipped to provide those services, the students are often bussed (at public expense) to schools in other towns that can provide the needed services. The town pays for the transportation, and also must pay the provider of the educational services. This is why special needs children are usually more expensive to educate.

By improving our local capacity to provide these services in our own school system, we save in three ways. First, we avoid the costs and inconvenience of outsourcing special needs education for Walpole residents. Second, it means that Walpole may be able to provide these services to students in neighboring towns, which will help to offset the costs of the program. Third, with more good programs in place, and teachers trained in recognizing these issues, our children can benefit from this extra assistance earlier, and hopefully reduce their future needs.

I wouldn't worry about Walpole becoming a magnet for special needs students, because (as mentioned earlier) every town is mandated by federal law to provide these services anyway.

I think this is a wonderful gift to the young people of Walpole!

Great response. Thanks for calming my fears.

[The Raven]

Walpole is a New England town, and as such, we have a built-in toughness to take tough times. This recession is NOTHING like the great depression here in Walpole (The Raven Knows).

So, yes you may need to cut back on some expenses, and yes, if you overextended yourself with credit you may be facing some pain, but look at the bright side: the days are getting longer again, the trees will be blossoming soon, and if we are lucky (I think we will be this year) we will be blessed with a most beautiful spring.

Think of the indigenous people that lived here along the banks of the Neponset, our dear river....there is still a little part of that world here. Unfortunately our river is covered over in places but "those in the know" know exactly where to find her....(the dam behind the high school and the "white bridge" are the best-kept secrets in town...don't tell a soul!). Shh! Don't let anyone know about what lurks behind our town center! SSSECRET!

Ditch the cell phone, the blackberry (I eat those), the cable tv (more channels now with rabbit ears than ever before!). Buy your donuts at your local donut shoppe (They are real and fattening...they got me through this winter in fine shape). Keep the opinions rolling...thats part of democracy at work.

Work hard and honestly, and play hard and honestly too. Things are looking up. (and buy stock, will ya? my 401k is hurtin'...)

[Unregistered]

Buying donuts at the local shop is not going to help us regain what we have lost - money saved for retirement, education, day to day living. I'm not interested about the typical Walpole ancient history that has nothing to do with the year 2009.

[Unregistered]

Way to go, Rebel girl hoopsters (I was going to call them cagers, but that would definitely show my age!).

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/sports/x1237136973/Walpole-53-Whitman-Hanson-46-Answer-is-final

See you in Boston (UMass) Saturday at 2:00!

[Unregistered]

Buying donuts at the local shop is not going to help us regain what we have lost - money saved for retirement, education, day to day living. I'm not interested about the typical Walpole ancient history that has nothing to do with the year 2009.


Now THATS a positive comment!

[Unregistered]

Way to go, Rebel girl hoopsters (I was going to call them cagers, but that would definitely show my age!).

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/sports/x1237136973/Walpole-53-Whitman-Hanson-46-Answer-is-final

See you in Boston (UMass) Saturday at 2:00!

Congratulations Rebels , you have made your town proud all season ! Good luck in the countdown to the Garden.

[Unregistered]

Walpole is a New England town, and as such, we have a built-in toughness to take tough times. This recession is NOTHING like the great depression here in Walpole (The Raven Knows).

So, yes you may need to cut back on some expenses, and yes, if you overextended yourself with credit you may be facing some pain, but look at the bright side: the days are getting longer again, the trees will be blossoming soon, and if we are lucky (I think we will be this year) we will be blessed with a most beautiful spring.

Think of the indigenous people that lived here along the banks of the Neponset, our dear river....there is still a little part of that world here. Unfortunately our river is covered over in places but "those in the know" know exactly where to find her....(the dam behind the high school and the "white bridge" are the best-kept secrets in town...don't tell a soul!). Shh! Don't let anyone know about what lurks behind our town center! SSSECRET!

Ditch the cell phone, the blackberry (I eat those), the cable tv (more channels now with rabbit ears than ever before!). Buy your donuts at your local donut shoppe (They are real and fattening...they got me through this winter in fine shape). Keep the opinions rolling...thats part of democracy at work.

Work hard and honestly, and play hard and honestly too. Things are looking up. (and buy stock, will ya? my 401k is hurtin'...)

Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy what is around us as well as making me smile.

[Unregistered]

Bluta: I wonder if you would ever get so excited with the kids that make the honor roll every semester!
(I doubt it)

Nyah, nyah!

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x148338142/Walpoles-RoboRebels-Rule


Just one more thing to be proud of, WHS. Way to go!

Best regards,

Bluto

[Unregistered]

Nyah, nyah!

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x148338142/Walpoles-RoboRebels-Rule


Just one more thing to be proud of, WHS. Way to go!

Best regards,

Bluto

Bluto: Do you agree with the Walpole Robotics logo: that of revolutionary war soldiers? I suppose they are trying to appease the politically correct forces in town. (Sorry, but it looks ridiculous to me).

[Unregistered]

The area around the memorials in Walpole Center looks amazing, the grass is beautiful and everything looks clean and well kept. Thank you to all the people who have worked on this it is truly something for us to be proud of.

[Unregistered]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/index.html

This was good news now, wasn't it?

Thanks to all our servicemen around the world, and especially the U.S. Navy Seals...

100 thumbs up!!!

[Unregistered]

Walpole does indeed have its challenges, but so do other towns. We have a lot of work here to do to potentiate the greatness of our town. But in a sense we are already a great town. The community spirit, so many nice neighbors, the open land, the seasonal events... we have much to be proud of.

Thought you might enjoy a photo tour of some of what makes Walpole a nice place, indeed... http://www.visitingnewengland.com/scenesofnewengland88.html

[Unregistered]

No. 3 Walpole (22-1) vs. No. 4 Concord-Carlisle (22-2)

Today, Harvard Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

ROAD TRAVELED: The third-seeded Rebels faced little resistance in wins against Sharon (17-1), Falmouth (18-6) and Franklin (15-4) to reach the semifinals, outscoring their opponents 50-11. The semifinals proved to be a much different story as Walpole had to roar back from a 7-2 halftime deficit that grew to 9-3 in the third against No. 2 Reading, but managed to force overtime. Leo Ajemian, who scored the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of the Division 2 football semifinals, produced the game-winner for Walpole in a 10-9 win to send the Rebels into the sectional final for the second straight year.

The Rebels bring a talented defense of their own into the game, allowing just 84 (3.7 per game) with Vermont-bound Michael Connors along with juniors Connor Whittemore and Peter Bowes (verbal commitment to Loyola of Maryland) having been the key parts of the defense in each of the past two seasons. Brian Merrigan has played well in the cage throughout the year.

Davis Butts, chosen an All-American for the second time, has been particularly impressive during the postseason with 12 goals and 10 assists in the four games, giving him 58 goals and 50 assists for the year. Junior midfielder Ryan Izzo has a team-high 14 goals in the postseason, giving him 51 on the season and Kyle Guilbert stands two shy of the 50-goal plateau.

COACH’S CORNER: Walpole’s Jason Andalo. “We’ve worked hard since last year, guys have matured and grown into their roles and we’ve have great leadership. The guys have had it in their mind to get back (to the sectional final).”

QUICK STICKS: The teams shared three common opponents this year; Dover-Sherborn, Franklin and Reading. Both squads earned wins over D-S and Franklin, with Walpole winning by larger margins in each case. The Rebels needed OT to knock off Reading, but Concord-Carlisle suffered a 14-6 setback, the most goals they allowed in a game this season by six. … Walpole is looking for its first sectional title and is making its second straight appearance in the sectional final.

Good luck Today, Boys LAX!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

Congrats to the Rebel Lacrosse team!! Nice work!

[Unregistered]

It's about time.

[Unregistered]

Congrats to the Rebel Lacrosse team!! Nice work!

The Walpole High School Boys Lacrosse Team kicked "Butts" beating St. Johns of Shrewsbury 17-8 in Worcester. It was never even a game, we crushed them from beginning to end.

They have come a long way in a very short time. Just add another sport we are dominant in!

[Unregistered]

Congratulations to the Walpole Rebels Boys Lacrosse team-State Champions!! Great job !

[Unregistered]

Walpole's Vinnie Lee is the fastest sprinter in Massachusetts, and on Saturday, the fastest kid in New England in the prelims (10.90) , and finished tied for 3rd overall (10.96). Amazing . . . .

Stats:

http://www.runnerspace.com/news.php?do=view&news_id=5984

Here's the video. Vinnie is #757 in Lane 4

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/235170/186597

Congratulations, Vinnie. (Going to Tufts next year I hear??)

[Unregistered]

Chris Cameron, 300 meter hurdles, also starring at the New Englands. If I read this right, Chris is also the fastest hurdler in New England, and it looks like he set the meet record with a 38.05.....

Stats

http://www.runnerspace.com/news.php?do=view&news_id=5984

They didn't post the finals information, so we can't tell how he ended up. Nevertheless, awesome job Chris!!

Walpole is so proud of both of you student-athletes

[Unregistered]

Way to go Caroline Stedman for being an all-american selection at Amherst College. Your family, friends, teachers coaches and fellow students at WHS and the whole town of Walpole are very proud of you.

Good luck with the rest of your career. Hope Amherst wins the national championship next year.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/sports/x1224664778/Stedman-enjoys-All-American-status

[The Raven]

I am proud to say I know Virginia Griffin personally, and commend her and others in Walpole for helping out at Long View Farm. Its nice to know that at least some people in Walpole are helping out at Longview, instead of wishing that the place would fall into a dark hole and disappear.

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=volunteer_spotlight_virginia

When Longview takes on more children that are disadvantaged, I hope more Walpole residents will help out. I am planning on doing so as well. Its called giving back to the community.


http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/opinions/letters/x1224667191/Letter-Clearing-up-misconceptions-about-Home-for-Little-Wanderers-expansion

[Unregistered]

Ms. Griffin .. what a lovely lady!

[Unregistered]

The letter in regards to Longview was very interesting. It's a good explanation of what Longview and the Home For Little Wanderers is all about. Now Walpole can be not only anti-business, but we can be known as the place that doesn't want to help the children if they're not from Walpole. Walpole is a nice place, and these kids should get to see that. Let them see something outside of JP. Walpole has a chance to be involved in something good. It shouldn't be fought as hard as it is. I'm not saying they should be allowed to come in and do whatever they want to do, but I think the big picture should be kept in mind as well. And helping kids that may come from broken homes or whatever the case may be, is a big part of that picture.

[Unregistered]

The letter in regards to Longview was very interesting. It's a good explanation of what Longview and the Home For Little Wanderers is all about. Now Walpole can be not only anti-business, but we can be known as the place that doesn't want to help the children if they're not from Walpole. Walpole is a nice place, and these kids should get to see that. Let them see something outside of JP. Walpole has a chance to be involved in something good. It shouldn't be fought as hard as it is. I'm not saying they should be allowed to come in and do whatever they want to do, but I think the big picture should be kept in mind as well. And helping kids that may come from broken homes or whatever the case may be, is a big part of that picture.

Offensive generalities add little to the discussion. Walpole is neither anti-business nor anti-children. What business that you wanted was turned away? Really. Should I hold my breath? As for Longview farm, their work is comendable. It is all about how much is to much of a good thing. I would be willing to be you live no where near there. I know the area, and things have "worked" up until now, though the residents in the area shoulder quite a bit more than most. An expansion of the size they are talking about seems unfair to those residents.

Why is it in Walpole, that ANYTHING is supposed to be OK. Crazy and dangerous industry. Out of scale and scope residential schools for troubled youth..... Why can't we do our part with some moderation and good sense? I am tired of the same angry old person labelling residents as anti-business when they oppose wildly offensive business. I am tired of cooperative residents who have lived with an unusual school in their rural neighborhood being characterized as "hurtful to children" when they won't support an oversized expansion.

And meanwhle our own "I don't want to pay for anything" crowd is somehow within their rights to oppose a library or advocate for something that goes BOOM in the night. This clique has become the self appointed advocates of bad business developement in someone else's back yard, and apparently now a group in support of children (so long as it is not local children and local tax dollars for our own schools).

Treating your own neighbors and fellow residents with a small amount of compassion, empathy, and respect is also a big part of the picture, or at least it should be.

[Unregistered]

Offensive generalities add little to the discussion. Walpole is neither anti-business nor anti-children. What business that you wanted was turned away? Really. Should I hold my breath? As for Longview farm, their work is comendable. It is all about how much is to much of a good thing. I would be willing to be you live no where near there. I know the area, and things have "worked" up until now, though the residents in the area shoulder quite a bit more than most. An expansion of the size they are talking about seems unfair to those residents.

Why is it in Walpole, that ANYTHING is supposed to be OK. Crazy and dangerous industry. Out of scale and scope residential schools for troubled youth..... Why can't we do our part with some moderation and good sense? I am tired of the same angry old person labelling residents as anti-business when they oppose wildly offensive business. I am tired of cooperative residents who have lived with an unusual school in their rural neighborhood being characterized as "hurtful to children" when they won't support an oversized expansion.

And meanwhle our own "I don't want to pay for anything" crowd is somehow within their rights to oppose a library or advocate for something that goes BOOM in the night. This clique has become the self appointed advocates of bad business developement in someone else's back yard, and apparently now a group in support of children (so long as it is not local children and local tax dollars for our own schools).

Treating your own neighbors and fellow residents with a small amount of compassion, empathy, and respect is also a big part of the picture, or at least it should be.

Maybe we can get the state to sell some land at the MCI site to Longview, and do a switch. Move Longview to MCI Cedar Junction, and then build large McMansions on Lincoln Road.

[Unregistered]

Offensive generalities add little to the discussion. Walpole is neither anti-business nor anti-children. What business that you wanted was turned away? Really. Should I hold my breath? As for Longview farm, their work is comendable. It is all about how much is to much of a good thing. I would be willing to be you live no where near there. I know the area, and things have "worked" up until now, though the residents in the area shoulder quite a bit more than most. An expansion of the size they are talking about seems unfair to those residents.

Why is it in Walpole, that ANYTHING is supposed to be OK. Crazy and dangerous industry. Out of scale and scope residential schools for troubled youth..... Why can't we do our part with some moderation and good sense? I am tired of the same angry old person labelling residents as anti-business when they oppose wildly offensive business. I am tired of cooperative residents who have lived with an unusual school in their rural neighborhood being characterized as "hurtful to children" when they won't support an oversized expansion.

And meanwhle our own "I don't want to pay for anything" crowd is somehow within their rights to oppose a library or advocate for something that goes BOOM in the night. This clique has become the self appointed advocates of bad business developement in someone else's back yard, and apparently now a group in support of children (so long as it is not local children and local tax dollars for our own schools).

Treating your own neighbors and fellow residents with a small amount of compassion, empathy, and respect is also a big part of the picture, or at least it should be.

I had made the post to which the above was in response to, and I really can only say one thing in reply....you are absolutely right. I definitely made some generalizations that were out of line, and by no means were meant to be offensive. There actually has never been a business that I wanted to see in town that was turned away, and you are correct, I don't live anywhere near Lincoln Rd. I think sometimes the loudest voices I hear at the ones saying NO, so I get a little narrow minded. And, again you were correct that not everything has to be ok.

Your closing line said it best, and you couldn't be more correct. That should actually be the biggest part of the big picture. I thank you for a thought provoking post, and I think if more people thought like that and kept an open mind, things would run a lot more smoothly.

[Unregistered]

Maybe we can get the state to sell some land at the MCI site to Longview, and do a switch. Move Longview to MCI Cedar Junction, and then build large McMansions on Lincoln Road.

Please respect the purpsoe, intent and integrity of this thread, the only non-negative on on WW. Take your cynicism elsewhere.

This is for celebration of all things Walpole, not this nonsense. All-Americans, state championships, extraordinary acts of kindness, pure community spirit only need apply.

T.G. please keep a tight rein.

[Unregistered]

Maybe we can get the state to sell some land at the MCI site to Longview, and do a switch. Move Longview to MCI Cedar Junction, and then build large McMansions on Lincoln Road.

No one ever brought up building McMansions... it doesn't even fit into the discussion...but is that what you are so angry about? Be happy with what you have and who you are. There is no competition going on. It takes all kinds to make the world go around. I like Walpole because of that economic diversity. As far as I can tell, no one thinks they are any better than anyone else. Don't resent anyone for the gouse they have. If you want a McMansion, go buy one. If you don't want one, don't begrudge anyone theirs. We all make choices in our lives, and it is our job to live with our own choices and ourselves. That is more than enough to fill your day. Leave someone else's life to them. It is a waste of your energy to put time and effort into resenting what someone else is doing.

Oddly enough, their mega tax dollars are better than a low value home. Same number of kids, far greater tax dollars,... and to boot many of the children attend private school. I digress, it is no skin off your nose, so let it go.

[Unregistered]

I had made the post to which the above was in response to, and I really can only say one thing in reply....you are absolutely right. I definitely made some generalizations that were out of line, and by no means were meant to be offensive. There actually has never been a business that I wanted to see in town that was turned away, and you are correct, I don't live anywhere near Lincoln Rd. I think sometimes the loudest voices I hear at the ones saying NO, so I get a little narrow minded. And, again you were correct that not everything has to be ok.

Your closing line said it best, and you couldn't be more correct. That should actually be the biggest part of the big picture. I thank you for a thought provoking post, and I think if more people thought like that and kept an open mind, things would run a lot more smoothly.

Thank you. I salute your open mindedness and thank you for such a thoughtful response.

[Unregistered]

Once again the town of Walpole did a great job on the 3rd of July!!!! The flags lining the parade route looked awesome, the streets and flower beds were looking very spiffy! The parade, the fireworks,the officers doing traffic,everything was perfect. Great job Walpole and many thanks to the fire department,dpw, police, businesses and individuals who contributed to make this an awesome family night!!

[Unregistered]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/opinions/letters/x1814120493/Letter-Government-is-alive-and-well-in-Walpole

the salaries some of these committee members demand are incredible! :) :) :)

nice letter Jim.

[Unregistered]

http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/2011/10/27/in-my-footsteps-walpole-massachusetts?blog=248