By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
For months, public libraries have wrangled with the consequences of the pandemic. In addition to moving their programming to a virtual format, library staffers have also rethought the physical layout of their spaces to make things safe for the eventual return of patrons.
Residents sound off on solar panels
One of the more interesting things about the debate is that it pits environmentalists against each other, debating whether cutting down forests to put up solar panels is the right thing to do.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On Thursday night, Norfolk County had...
Public hearing regarding solar farm, 11/19
On Thursday, November 19, at 7:00 p.m. there will be a public hearing regarding the future of two Norfolk county-owned pieces of land located in Walpole. These 25 acres of land located at 1377 North Street and 400 Main Street.
According to the public hearing notice, "The County of Norfolk...
Walpole films Veterans Day celebration
Afghanistan veteran and longtime Walpole resident Thomas Stewart discusses the attributes of a Veteran.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Some towns have tried to host Veterans Day events virtually, some towns have just hung banners and signs in their squares and commons, and some...
Aggie donates $50K worth of produce
Jeff Thompson gives the crowd a brief timeline of the project during Wednesday’s ceremony.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In the middle of a pandemic, with $8,000, Norfolk County Agricultural High School (Norfolk Aggie) produced $50,000 worth of food for local food pantries and...
Knights hosts socially-distanced blood drive
Donors were required to have their temperatures taken, although the blood will still be tested for COVID-19 in case anyone slips through.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
While workers across the country are adapting to working from home and meeting virtually, the shift from...
4youIwillfight keeps on fighting
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
To date, Tara O’Brien (Pacella’s) ALS charity, 4youIwillfight, has raised over $100,000 that she has given directly to the Healey Center at Mass General Hospital, ALS One and Compassionate Care ALS. When Tara started this effort on January 6 this past year - the very day...
Bird Park features First People Trail
By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
Every so often, I’m sent to Bird Park in Walpole to cover an event or activity. Each time, I’m amazed at the openness of the grounds and relief I feel at seeing the huge wide-open field, paved paths, and wooded trails that make up...
Maffei looks to reduce solar project
If the project goes through in full, access to the woods behind Norfolk Aggie will be severely restricted.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
As it increasingly looks like Norfolk County is planning to go ahead with its proposed solar panels project, various citizens...
Friends of St. Patrick cancel luncheon
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Looking to the future, there are many unanswered questions about COVID-19 and potential lockdowns. Will there be a second wave in the winter? Will schools return to full-time, in class learning? Will stadiums return to full capacity for marquee events like the Super Bowl? While...
Epiphany pumpkin patch returns despite COVID
The Epiphany Parish pumpkin patch will run to October 31.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
So many annual traditions have gone by the wayside this year due to COVID-19, and we are fast approaching every town and family having to make a decision...
Walpole hosts parents and kids soccer
A coach explains the rules of his unique, pirate themed training games.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On Saturday morning, the fields around Walpole Library were full of tiny children playing soccer, courtesy of the Walpole Recreation Department. But while they may grow up...
Hiking the Harold LeBlanc Trail
From now on, walking this path should be called 'hiking the Harold.'
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Harold LeBlanc Trail at the Fisher School was cleared by Paul Bolton and a crew of Boy Scouts this March. On the Walpole Trails Facebook page,...
Town struggles with land leasing decision
The planned solar panels on Fisher Road.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Residents have called it “basically extortion by the county,” warned “we will regret this,” and threatened lawsuits to both the town and Norfolk County for damages if it goes through. Board of...
COA takes on COVID-19 challenges
By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
For months, the Walpole Co-Operative Bank South Street Center has been closed to visitors. Programs have run strictly through Zoom. Ride services have shut down. But during these last few months, staff at the South Street Center has found new ways of communicating with...
Endean Trail an apparently forgotten path
The Endean Trail begins just to the right of Dog Rock, which makes parking a bit tricky.
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
At the Tweeter Center, I once watched Jerry Lee Lewis sing “Great Balls of Fire” to about a hundred people who mostly...
School committee votes for hybrid option
By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On August 6, the Walpole School Committee unanimously voted to attempt the hybrid model of school reopening in the fall. While the committee emphasized fluidity and adaptability, they thoroughly outlined the model and tried to respond to possible issues that could arise.
Electronics recycling, September 12
On Satday, September 12, residents of Walpole and other nearby communities can drop off their unwanted electronics at the Blessed Sacrament School to be recycled for a small price. The event is being hosted by Green Day Recycling.
There will be no charge for cell phones, bikes, and car...
Bird Park highlights women’s suffrage movement
By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
Bird Park has always been a popular spot during the summer. With wide-open fields, playgrounds, and a number of trails, the park has something for everyone to enjoy. On Saturday, August 9, I visited to try the self-guided Women’s Suffrage and the Bird Family...
New Life announces reopening
New Life Furniture Bank of Massachusetts has officially reopened following its months-long closure due to the pandemic.
New Life is currently accepting donations, though only through appointment. Those interested in dropping off items, including furniture and household items, can schedule an appointment here. Drop-off appointments are available on Saturdays between...
