Abutter Wants Dunkin Changes

Editor:

Many of the residents on Elm Street have lived here for more than 50 years, they have modest homes that are close together and now are faced with a huge negative impact to their neighborhood. They are frustrated that their town doesn’t seem to really understand the problems that this proposed Dunkin Donuts will cause. Yes, Lights are an issue, but for us, the more immediate concern is the traffic nightmare about to come true.

1) Extreme issues with Elm Street traffic.

Neighborhood would like to eliminate proposed entrance from Elm Street.

This is not a “rear entrance” as it is stated on DD’s proposal - it’s 1 of 2 main entrances. It is the only one that traffic off of I495 will be using...as well as all East bound Main St. traffic, all traffic generated from the new “Acres” development (new Lumbar St. apartments/condo’s tennis & racket club), also from the new expansion on Elmwood Park. And, there is more property on West Elm that is slated for Condos (as stated in the Traffic Survey for the Lumbar St. expansion)

a) Specific Traffic Problem: When heading East on Elm Street the 180 degree turn from Elm onto High will be extremely difficult. When a vehicle is at the proposed stop sign, a vehicle cannot make that 180-degree turn without running into the vehicle at the stop sign. Also, the Site Distance from the proposed stop sign looking West on Elm is very limited....it will be impossible to safely exit High Street. Traffic will back up exponentially and “turn arounds” in our driveways and lawns will be constant at all hours.
b) Dunkin Donuts states there will be significant foot traffic generated: There aren’t any sidewalks in that part of Elm and High Streets, which is already a major problem for pedestrians with current traffic flow.

2) Hours of operation need to be reduced.

4:30AM to midnight translates into 4AM until 12:30AM...not necessary in a residential setting. The Traffic impact study just completed states that weekday rush hour is 7:30AM to 8:30AM, 4:45PM to 5:45PM. Dunkin Donuts states that 4:30AM to midnight are the existing hours for the Gas Station Dunkin Donuts...this proposed Dunkin Donuts will not be in a Gas station, it will be up against our homes and neighborhood!

3) Height of Lights need to conform to the surrounding existing businesses.

Hopkinton does not have any town ordinances regulating height of business lights. The proposed lighting is 22ft and 15ft.....much higher than the existing lights at the current Dunkin Donuts which are 12-feet. Dunkin Donuts is sighting safety issues if the lights are lower, however that is not a logical argument considering they have had 12-ft lights for years at the current site.

Please attend the next Planning Board meeting on Monday, June 24 at 7:30 to let your views be heard!

Respectfully, Amanda and Patrick Faucher

61 Elm Street

June 19, 2013

Milford Regional Dedicates Take The Stairs Mural

The completion of an impressive mural to promote healthy living in one of Milford Regional Medical Center’s stairwells was celebrated at a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Medical Center on Tuesday, June 18. 

The creation of a mural was the brainchild of the Medical Center’s Healthy Balance Committee as part of an initiative to inspire hospital employees to maintain and improve their health by “taking the stairs.” The focus on health became a community project when community muralist Tova Speter got involved along with the Painting and Design students from Blackstone Valley Technical High as well as their instructors. Hospital employees worked side by side with BVT students and the muralist to complete this project.

Recognized at the dedication was the hospital’s Colleague Giving Program as well as community partners who provided donations to make the project possible.

Horribles Parade to be Held July 4, 2013, 12:00 noon at Hopkinton Common

The Horribles Parade is on for July 4^th.   This year’s theme is “Patriotism”.  It’s not a surprise to anyone that there are no shortages of opinions among the citizens of Hopkinton.   Come celebrate our diversity and unity by participating in this year’s parade.  In past years, individuals, families, neighborhoods and clubs have creatively honored our history, politics, patriotism, sports teams and family spirit.     

The parade starts at Noon at the Town Common.  It will continue up Hayden Rowe, down Grove Street to Pleasant Street, then along Main Street back to the Common.  Floats should show up at the Common by 11:30.  No need to register in advance - just show up and enjoy the fun.

If you have any questions on the Horribles Parade, need ideas or assistance please call Dan McIntyre at 508-868-5424.

Contributed content. Photo from the McIntyre collection.

Michael P. Fortunato, 60

Michael P. Fortunato- Mike, a man of endless patience and a caring heart, always thinking of others before himself, passed away Monday June 17, 2013 at Metro-West Medical Center in Framingham. He was the loving father of Marissa, Maria, and Taylor, and soulmate and husband of Colette. He also leaves a brother, John, and his wife, Joanne, of Mendon. Mike, you will always be in our hearts. Te amo.

A funeral memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 6:00p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church St. Hopkinton. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Host Families Needed

Next year will be Hopkinton High School's fourth year accepting international students. Host families are needed for an Italian girl coming for a semester interested in classical music and ballet, a Swedish boy interested in music and tennis and an Italian boy involved in many sports. Host families are also needed for three boys and three girls from China who are all strong students with a variety of strengths and interests. A $700 monthly stipend is provided. If your family might open it's heart to one or two of these friendly students please contact: Ann Northup ann.northup@gmail.com; 508-480-8513

Star Power

June 16, 2013 — Republican US Senate hopeful Gabriel Gomez is flanked by his oldest son on one side, and former Senator Scott Brown on the other while awaiting the start of the Sharon Timlin Race on Saturday in Hopkinton. Mr. Gomez joined his friend Scott Brown and others, who seek a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease by supporting fundraising for research toward a cure.
Just prior to the race, from atop the rear of Adam West's dump truck facing the runners, Mr. Brown dedicated the race to former Governor Argeo Paul Cellucci, who just died from the disease.

PRESS RELEASE:
Elementary School Building Committee to speak with land use, modular building experts

HOPKINTON, MA - Following a unanimous Town Meeting vote to fund a Center School feasibility study, Hopkinton’s Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) met recently to discuss next steps.  At the May 22 and June 5 meetings, ESBC members expressed a desire to use time over the Summer to develop foundational knowledge that may be helpful once the formal Feasibility Study is initiated, as well as plan community engagement activities.  
 
The committee is hosting Town Planner Elaine Lazarus at their upcoming June 19 meeting to learn more about possible sites, and answer any questions about land use. An expert in modular building practices will also attend the meeting to speak about the industry and field questions about the use of modular facilities.
 
Additional work will be scheduled and announced to the public at upcoming meetings, including facility tours at both the existing Center School and Pre-K facility (currently housed in the Middle School), property walks at feasible site locations, and more knowledge-building sessions with experts in land use planning and school building practices.

“Transparency and community engagement are two of our guiding principles,” said Joe Markey, Chairman of the ESBC. “We want to be sure that both the committee and the community are learning together and getting answers to important questions that will continue to come up throughout the process."
 
In addition to attending ESBC meetings, the public can follow the committee on Twitter (@HopkintonESBC), and on the Hopkinton town website at http://www.hopkintonma.gov/home/government/boards/esbc.

The ESBC’s next public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, at 7:00 PM in Town Hall, Room 215.  A detailed agenda is available at: https://groups.google.com/a/hopkintonma.gov/forum/?fromgroups#!searchin/allagendas/esbc.
HopNews file photo

State Police Investigating Bellingham Crash on Route 495 that Killed Girl, 4

At 6:30 a.m. today, Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to the Millbury Barracks responded to report of a single-vehicle crash on Route 495 northbound, prior to Exit 18, in Bellingham. As a result of injuries suffered in that crash, a 4-year-old girl was transported to Milford Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
 
Responding troopers found a 2000 Honda Accord with a Rhode Island registration that had gone over the guardrail on the right side of the highway and rolled over, causing the child, a Providence resident, to be ejected and suffer fatal injuries.
 
The operator of the vehicle was identified as LUIS J. GONZALEZ, 22, of Providence. He was not injured. A passenger, Ilienes S. Santana, 20, also of Providence, was transported to Milford Hospital with serious injuries.
 
State Police have charged GONZALEZ with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failing to properly secure the child in a child restraint seat. He was scheduled to appear in court today; for the results of his court appearance, please contact the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.
 
The investigation into the crash, including other possible contributing factors, is ongoing and is being conducted by Troop C of the Massachusetts State Police, with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section.
 
Please note that the State Police do not identify juvenile victims, and do not confirm or disclose familial relationships.

Unanimous School Committee Vote Frustrates Some Parents

by Muriel Kramer
June 14, 2013 — At last night’s School Committee meeting, some parents were left frustrated after the Committee voted to support the recommendation from the High School Principal and Department Heads to weight credits earned from accelerated math the same as honors math.  Hopkinton HS uses a weighting system that allows students to earn greater than a 4.0 GPA depending on the level of intensity and rigor in the classes taken factored with the grade earned. Currently the weighting system has room that would allow for an additional differentiation for the newly added, oft described as intentionally more rigorous and challenging, accelerated math classes that provide a new pathway to AP level calculus in junior year.
Robert Berlo Curriculum Director for Mathematics in the District told the SC that the teachers and staff agree that they do not want to weight the accelerated math classes higher that the honors level classes because then students might be persuaded to take those classes in the attempt to boost the their GPA; the staff feels it is much more important that the students are placed in the appropriate level classes. The reward for students taking accelerated math will come when as juniors and seniors they are able to take the weighted AP classes. Berlo asserts, “We feel strongly that we should weight the honors and accelerated classes the same. Then students and parents are more able to select the appropriate level course for their son or daughter.”
Newly elected SC Member Ellen Scordino commented that the student’s GPA would not be boosted if incorrectly placed in a higher level class; they would then be poor performers. She also pointed out that there was room in the weighting chart. For their parts Nancy Alvarez Burdick and Jean Bertschmann made the point that the school communicated the level of complexity and rigor of the class in application materials when students apply to college even if it is not factored in numerically to the GPA. The recommendation from the principal was supported unanimously and the weighting will stay the same for accelerated math and honors.
The parents who spoke during public comment advocating for an additional weighting to be adopted for the accelerated math left frustrated. Melissa Abate, Cathy McCrory and Becky Canty all felt that the accelerated math should have an additional weighting factor because of the rigor and complexity of the curriculum. Abate makes the point that not weighting the accelerated math with a higher differential is actually a disincentive to take the more challenging curriculum. She also points out that the “reward” of being able to take AP calculus in junior year might not motivate the average fifteen year old high school student.
The newly approved HS Parent handbook includes some changes for next year including intentionally relaxed wording on consequences for alcohol or substance issues, so students will have to be cited in a police report as being in possession of or “showing signs of being under the influence of” illegal substances to face consequences at school; just being present at the event and being cited in a police report will not be cause to trigger consequences at school.  Using or having a toy weapon that resembles an actual weapon will have explicit consequences, and parents interested in touring the High School will need to present a signed P&S for a local home in order to schedule a tour of the school as a typical practice. Additional changes include prohibition of cell phones in the room during high stakes testing and inclusion of excused absences for college visits at 2 per semester starting in second semester sophomore year.
Alan Keller, Principal at the Hopkinton Middle School, discussed some future initiatives for the MS including finding more ways to include more students in all aspects of programming from clubs to leadership roles to access to their own grades through IPass accounts for themselves; according to Keller they are continuing to pursue ways to empower every student at the Middle school. Changes are in store for Nature’s Classroom next year; the program will be 4 days versus 5 to try and reduce expense and make it easier for MS staff to attend and support the program. The savings is very minimal, just $20 of the cost; the hope is that more staff that attends will stay for the entire program and not split the week.
The Elementary School Building Committee meets next Wednesday night June 19th at 7PM in Town Hall, Room 215, to discuss potential school sites with the Director of Land Use Planning, Elaine Lazarus. Also on the agenda is a discussion of modular construction options.

Two Paths Productions to host performance of
 Kultar’s Mime 

Single performance June 28,2013 • Hopkinton High School Auditorium
90 Hayden Rowe St ,Hopkinton, MA 01748

(Hopkinton, MA) Two Paths Productions hosts a special performance of a new immersive theatrical experience on Friday, June 28 at 7pm in Hopkinton MA. The play depicts the violence unleashed upon Sikhs in Delhi in October 1984, following the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, from the perspective of a group of young Sikh children from one of the poorest and worst affected neighborhoods.
“The world has largely forgotten the innocent victims of 1984” said Mehr Kaur, the director of Kultar’s Mime. “Art is an essential way of responding to oppression, but because of many complex circumstances the artistic community has largely ignored this tragedy in which thousands of innocents suffered greatly”. Kultar’s Mime is adapted from a poem of the same name by Sarbpreet Singh, a Boston Area writer, commentator and playwright, who in 2012 was selected by the Boston Globe as one of the finalists for ‘Bostonian of The Year’ for his interfaith work.
According to Singh, “The adaptation of Kultar’s Mime for the stage, brings to life the stories of many young children, who were brutalized in the 1984 pogrom. Their twenty-nine year long quest for justice has largely been futile as the largest democracy in the world refuses to acknowledge the role that elected officials played in orchestrating the massacre. The staging of Kultar’s Mime, in Hopkinton, which is so far removed from the site of the massacre, by a cast that is completely unconnected to the tragedy speaks to the strength of human compassion and gives me great hope”.
A series of original paintings, depicting the events described in the poem have been commissioned for the staging of the play and will be incorporated into the performance.
Tickets are FREE and may be reserved at : http://kultarsmime.eventbrite.com/

TRAILS CLUB WALK AT WHITEHALL

Saturday, June 15, 1PM: Lake Whitehall walk. For those who are up for it, we'll walk the entire six mile loop around the lake. If that's a bit much, we plan to spot cars at Lyford Road and Pond Street to provide options for shorter walks. The first leg (to Lyford) ends at the historic Hopkinton Springs site (file photo). From there, the trail to Pond, and then back to the start passes through a mix of interesting and beautiful terrains. Meet at the State Park boat ramp on Wood St. (Route 135).

10th Annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event: Saturday June 15, 2013 8:30 AM

No day of registration

WWW.SHARONTIMLINRACE.ORG

• AVOID TRAFFIC AND PARKING HASSLES: Ride your bike and take advantage of the secure, bike valet! Open from 7 AM until Noon. 

• Bring any used shoes to recycle and send to Africa!

• Great raffle and silent auction items will be available at the event including.... Signed Red Sox Memorabilia, Father's Day Packages including an outdoor grill, Orthodontia package donated by Hopkinton Orthodontist, Dr. Elizabeth Blake, and much more!

• Honored guests at event: Mike Timlin (former MLB pitcher) and his family

• Live music by local Hopkinton band, Hot Accoustics!

• FUN FOR ALL AGES!!!

• Event is held rain or shine!

Schedule of Events:

7:00 AM: Event opens (packet pick up, bike valet)

registration for kids 1 mile race open at 7 AM if spaces are available

8:30 AM: 5K Race begins and family fun day opens

9 AM: Dunk tank opens (schedule below)

9:30 AM: 5K Awards

10 AM: Kids 1-Mile begins on loop road

10:45 AM: Awards for kids 1 mile races (on family fun day)

11:15 AM: Raffle/Silent Auction Closes

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

DUNK TANKS OPEN at 9 AM on the field behind the Middle School!

Come "dunk your favorite teacher"......

Tentative Dunk Tank Schedule:

(*subject to change)

9AM: Mr. Sanford and Mr. Kearney

9:15 AM: Ms. Bartley and Mr. Paquette

9:30 AM: Mr. Paquette and Ms. Jordan

9:45 AM: Mr. Keane and Ms. Feldman

10:00 AM: Ms. Jenkinson and Mr. Graeber

10:15 AM: Mr. Grilly and Mr. Bernstein

10:30 AM: Mr. Torilli and Mr. Bernstein

10:45 AM: To be determined

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 AT THE HOPKINTON COMMON

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Hopkinton Farmers market premier

5:00 pm - 7(30?) HELP!, an all Beatles cover band will be kicking off the 2013 Concerts on the Common series.

All concerts begin at 5pm and take place on the Hopkinton Town Common.

Here's a little "taste" of HELP!  from a HopNews video 4 years ago.

Resident Opposes Proposed Dunkin' Donuts as Neighbors

To the Editor:
Dear Neighbors of Hopkinton

We write this letter today regarding a recent planned development within our town that will negatively affect our quality of life as residents and the very character of Hopkinton.
 
We recently read in the Hopkinton Independent newspaper that the Planning Board met on May 13th to discuss a major site plan for a Dunkin Donuts store to go up at 78 West Main Street, which directly abuts our home and sits among several residential properties at the end of Elm Street. The report stated that no decision was reached at the meeting.
 
This past week, our neighbor informed of us of a subsequent review session for this site plan to take place on Monday, June 10th, which many Elm Street residents attended. We reviewed the plan, and a number of serious issues with this plan stood out regarding its residential impact, including:

Hours of operation: Proposed hours are 4:30AM to midnight which translates to 24-7 business activity right next door to many of us.
Noise factor: Traffic 18 hours a day, garbage and recycling pickup every other day, trucks backing up, smashing of dumpster doors. Delivery trucks late at night.
Elm Street traffic: The current plan includes a through way from Elm via High Street, which is a decommissioned way in the middle of our neighborhood. Traffic will be accessing our street at all hours to turn into the Dunkin Donuts, creating congestion, accidents and horns blowing. The south side of Elm has no sidewalks and the turn is directly in front of several houses where children live and play.
Safety & Privacy: This store will bring thousands of non-residents into our neighborhood where they can easily see into our homes, our yards, and see our children with no additional protection or security.
Garbage and Litter: People will litter and it will be blowing around our neighborhood. Many litter task forces site DD as a major source of roadside litter. The odors from the Dumpster will be unavoidable.
Lighting: The store will be lit up like a 7-Eleven nearly 24-7.

I ask anyone who is reading this, especially those on the Planning Board, would you EVER agree to such a development happening next door to your own home and that of your neighbors?
 
There are many places to get coffee in Hopkinton, including 2 Dunkin Donuts within a mile of each other on West Main. Does Hopkinton need a giant Dunkin Donuts as it’s welcome sign?
 
The residents will bear the burden of all the increased traffic, the noise, the garbage, the reduced value of our property and the degradation of the character of our neighborhood.
 
According to Article XX section 210-135 of the zoning bylaws and contrary to statements made by the Chairman at recent meetings, our Planning Board has the power and the duty to approve or deny such plans.
 
If the Board approves this plan, it would represent callous and irresponsible decision that will negatively impact our neighborhood, our families, and our community character for years to come.
 
Amanda and Patrick Faucher
61 Elm Street
June 12, 2013

Kudos to Hopkinton Police

On May 23, 2013, Hopkinton Police Officer Aaron O’Neil and Hopkinton Police Dispatcher Evan Brooks both participated in the 2013 Hoyt 5K Road Race held in Hopkinton. Shortly after the race started, a runner was injured on the course directly in-front of Officer O’Neil and Dispatcher Brooks. Both O’Neil and Brooks are trained EMT’s and rendered assistance to the injured runner until the arrival of paramedics. Once patient care was turned over to paramedics, both O’Neil and Brooks continued running in the event.
 
Dispatcher Brooks was awarded a first place trophy in the male Law Enforcement category. Officer O’Neil also finished with a respectable time. Both O’Neil and Brooks look forward to next year’s event.