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REWARD FOR STOLEN SIGNS? In the past, HopNews was successful in finding the person who committed a wrongful act, by offering a reward. Should we do that in the case of the stolen signs? Please respond to Robert's post in Town Talk. |
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
May 17, 2008 — On Friday evening ESL presented the first of many shows listed below and on the HopNews Calendar. Please check out some clips above.
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10K Draw a Wild Success
May 16, 2008 — Hopkinton Little League held their 4th Annual $10,000 Draw at the Portuguese Club in Milford on Friday night, an event that attracted hundreds of parents as well as league coaches for a chance to win the grand prize, and enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and socializing. The $100 a ticket event, the league's most beneficial fundraiser, promised $10,000 in grand prize money, leaving $20,000 for the league before expenses. After disqualification rounds, ten winners are chosen. They will get a chance to split the 10k or move on to the next elimination. To learn the winner(s), check back in this space. |
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H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S
H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S |
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Memorial Day Events in Hopkinton
On Monday
May 26th Hopkinton will hold its annual Memorial Day
commemorative events. At the town’s nine military veteran memorial
locations wreaths will be placed, prayers and readings will be read and
echo bugle taps will be played. A parade from Mayhew Street to the town
common will include boy scouts, girl scouts, brownies, cub scouts,
police, fire department, veterans and others. Events at the Gazebo will
include short speeches, the band and other tributes to the members of
our armed forces both alive and departed. |
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Ciao Time is fast, and oh, so good!
Sauce on Main Takes Your Reservations for the Weekend |
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Flag Returns From Iraq
Above, U S. Army Staff Sgt. Charles M. Rupprecht, and left to right, Napoleon Sylvester and Jonathan Deyoung from Pack 26 performing honor guard duty, recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
May 16, 2008 — Pack 26 held their Crossover ceremony at Elmwood School on Friday, and at the same time played host to U S. Army Staff Sgt. Charles M. Rupprecht, who brought the pack a special flag. Last Christmas season, the members of Pack 26 sent thirty-four care packages of food and other items to the troops serving in Iraq. In return, Sgt. Rupprecht brought the pack a flag (Not pictured) that had been flown in their honor over the multi-national headquarters at Camp Victory in Baghdad. Pack Leader Dan Field accepted the flag on behalf of the pack. |
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Babysitting is not an Amateur Sport Training Programs available
by Elizabeth Eidlitz
May
16, 2008 — For young teens and ‘tweens who’ve outgrown selling
parent-subsidized lemonade from front lawn stands, babysitting can
In supermarkets and other free public spaces, eager, though inexperienced entrepreneurs, post carefully scripted notices like this one:
“Hi, my name is Tabitha. I live in Framingham. I am a 12-year-old female. I prefer to babysit for kids ages 1-4, any gender. I only charge $3.00 per hour, $.50 for every extra child, and $.45 for extra chores/ activity. I can sit for two children at a time. I did not take a course, but I've baby sat for my aunt’s 3 –month- old baby and have understood the responsibility of babysitting. I've also watched my younger brother for several hours often. I have a 4.0 GPA and I'm very trustworthy and responsible !!!!!"
Parents of an 18-month-old boy who live two blocks away hire Tabitha. They leave for dinner in Boston, expecting to return in four hours and will take Tabitha home. They give her their cell phone number and permission to have her best friend with her to do homework together.
Soon after the parents leave, the child begins to cry. Tabitha carries the child to the couch where she and her best friend, sitting at opposite ends, play catch with the baby, tossing him back and forth across the length of a sofa cushion, while all three giggle in delight. READ MORE... |
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School Committee Cuts Bus Contract by $71,460 Works to make up for $225,000 shortfall due to fuel hikes
by Robert Falcione May 16, 2008 — Playing a shell game of finding revenue and cutting expenses, the School Committee on Thursday evening made up for a $225,000 shortfall — over an increase in the transportation contract due to fuel costs — by increasing some fees and cutting some costs. "We need to deal with the shortfall right now," said Superintendent Dr. John Phelan. Some of the creative measures proposed by Dr. Phelan are to tighten scheduling of some of the uses of the buses, gain $25,000 in additional revenue for facilities use, a reduction of $10,000 used to advertise positions, an increase in parking and bus fees to $210, increasing Pre-K to $320 a month, and dropping a bus from the fleet. "We have to let teachers and other staff go and increase classes size next year," said School Committee member Phil Totino. "We can't keep saying we are at the bone, and then, oops, $200,000, we found it." School Committee Chair Rebecca Robak had another suggestion. "We could save money by garaging the buses in Hopkinton," she said. The buses would travel less to get to Hopkinton, therefore using less gas. A gas escalator clause is built into the Transportation Contract. "Each bus housed here will generate $1,000 in excise taxes," Ms. Robak said. "We better pursue this aggressively," said Mr. Totino. Excise taxes are collected by the town where a vehicle is garaged overnight. The Committee adopted Dr. Phelan's plan by a unanimous vote. In other business, Mrs. Dooley presented a plan to modernize education by technology online. Mrs. Dooley said, "We are looking at Moodle to put courses online, and we are looking to put most of our courses online. Most colleges are using learning management systems today, either using blended courses so students can submit their materials digitally, or put entire courses online, and run them that way. "So, we are preparing our students for that experience that they'll go on to in college," she said. Mrs. Dooley explained that students viewing an animation of a chemical reaction online would understand it better than from a book. |
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Liisa Jackson for Muriel Kramer
Dear Editor
Muriel’s commitment to the Town of Hopkinton has been amazing she a working mother and she has always devoted an amazing amount of time to educate herself about current issues and to insure that the citizens of Hopkinton have proper and fair representation from her as member and chair of the Board of Selectman. FULL LETTER
Editor's Note: Liisa Jackson's letter arrived at 10:40 a.m., almost two hours before today's close. The next letter, an endorsement for Muriel Kramer, came in at 6:54 p.m., but it was past the spontaneous deadline of 1:35 p.m. today. People frustrated by the close of the letters section may express their opinions and speak in favor of their candidates on the discussion page, Town Talk. Please keep it civil, and do not accuse anyone of a crime. |
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Ciao Time is fast, and oh, so good!
Sauce on Main Takes Your Reservations for the Weekend |
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The Highway Department is having a Hazardous Waste Collection Day on June 7, 2008 from 9:00 am to 1:00 p.m. To see the entire lists of do's and don'ts in a Word document, please click on the graphic above. |
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Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow
Three Hopkinton High Senior ladies were awarded the Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow Award last Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Christina’s Banquet Facility in Foxboro, MA. From L to R: Jessie Lauze – Field Hockey, Nicole Allain – Softball, Nicole Driscoll – Basketball This award program was started last year by the Direct Federal Credit Union for high school female students that exhibit leadership, athleticism and academic excellence. |
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H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S
H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S |
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Ken Weismantel for RJ Dourney Dear Editor,
I have served with RJ Dourney on the Planning Board and the Zoning Advisory Committee for the last year. During that time I have closely observed his analysis of complex issues, his leadership style, his commitment to preserve the environment of Hopkinton, his fairness to everyone speaking at public hearings, and his ability to bring the committee to vote for the best interests of Hopkinton.
His contribution to the Legacy Farms OSMUD zoning change is just one example of his record of advocating for what is best for Hopkinton. FULL LETTER
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Auditions for ESL’s Teen Production of Grease June 16
Grease, which is set in a high school
in the late 1950s, is a musical that celebrates rock and roll as well as
doo-wop music. The
production is being directed by Kelly Grill and Denise Laumeister and
performances will take place on August, 15, 16 and 17. Rehearsals will
be on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from
Enter Stage Left Theater, Inc. is a non-profit, performing arts center in Hopkinton offering theater education, training and performances for students of all ages. For more information call 508-435-2114 or visit www.enterstagelefttheater.com
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Rollover Fatal Crash on Route 90 in Palmer Driver not wearing seatbelt — ejected
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Kevin Fogwill indicates that an adult male was operating a 2000 Ford Explorer on Route 90 East when his vehicle left the travel lane and struck the median guardrail, rolling over the guardrail and landing upright in the left lane of Route 90 West. The operator was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. The operator was declared deceased at the scene. The name of the operator in the Ford is being withheld pending proper family notification.
This crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Palmer Fire Department, Palmer EMS and Massachusetts Turnpike Authority Maintenance Services assisted troopers at the scene. |
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Mathew Zettek for Muriel Kramer Letter To The
Editor |
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The Golden Spoon Has Ice Cream Cones and More !!!
Check out Colella's website, or click here for the Weekly Flyer |
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From Candidate Muriel Kramer
Friends,
please remember to vote on Monday May 19, 2008,
and please vote
Muriel Kramer for Selectman.
I am
For three years, I have worked for Hopkinton as Selectwoman, twice as the Chairwoman, and have been challenged often but also deeply gratified by what the Board of Selectmen has achieved. The Board’s successes are not mine alone, but it has been my privilege to play a role in all that we have worked to achieve. To be sure there are still challenges ahead, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to tackle those. The current Board will continue to work with a unified approach across Town government focusing on the “One Hopkinton” theme, maintaining a professional tone at all times and collaborating across all departments to manage our growth and maintain a sustainable financial strategy.
In the last three years, we have successfully managed the integration of the Charter, hiring our first Town manager and subsequently the Chief Financial Officer. We have transitioned to a law firm that is experienced in Municipal Law offering the town better service at lower cost. Additionally we all worked well together during adversity when the Town Manager had his accident and successfully transitioned back upon his return. Lastly, managing a successful response to the sale of the Weston Nurseries property and subsequent planning opportunity for Legacy Farms was an enormous challenge and as a Board, I believe we served Hopkinton well. FULL LETTER |
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Muriel Kramer: Leadership, courage and fiscal responsibility
I am thankful for the leadership of Muriel Kramer that has led our town government away from past practices of forwarding an agenda by any means necessary. Muriel has helped restore an open, respectful, collaborative approach to solving problems. And this approach works.
I think the accomplishments of the Board of Selectman this past year are exemplary. We have had some major issues before us in this first full year of transition to the town manager form of government. Muriel has shown leadership and wisdom in facilitating the board's thoughtful decisions on tough and complex issues. The board led meetings, executive sessions and workshops to facilitate town decisions on the two major issues; Weston Nurseries 61a rights and the Legacy Farms overlay district.
Also, Muriel was a very steady leader and helped garner the support of our great town employees and members of our boards and committees to rally and fill the gap during the unexpected absence of our town manager. Under her watch, the Selectmen made a sound decision by hiring the Fire Chief as the Acting Town Manager in order to keep the town's agenda moving forward. |
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The Winners!!
May 15, 2008 —
Winners of the Technicolor Dreamcoat Coloring Contest:
Left to Right: Emily Mastroianni (Honorable Mention); Kiera Schnur ( |
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H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S
H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S |
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Thomas M. Viehl, 45 Hopkinton - Thomas M. Viehl, 45 died Wednesday May 14 2008 in Natick. The funeral will be held from the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church St. Monday May 19 at 9 AM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery Holliston. Calling hours are Sunday May 18 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home.
Donations: Project Just Because |
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Letters Are Over At this time we will not be accepting any more Letters to the Editor regarding the election. We will be putting up several that we have waiting in queue until now (1:35 p.m.) |
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More than one person has asked when our Letters to the Editor cut-off date is. To each we have said, "Sometime between now and the election." Holding on to a letter, looking for the right time? It could arrive at any second. Why so coy? It had been discovered by the print media years ago that some political operatives would try to get last-minute accusatory letters in just before an election, and because it was the last edition before election, there could be no chance for redress. It is similar to a whispering campaign we saw here years ago that promised an indictment of the opposing candidate that was supposed to occur just after the election. Despite the nasty campaign, the candidate won. So in order to be fair and equitable, we need to stop the incoming at some point in time, and we need to establish further ground rules: Letters received after at his time, 9:35 a.m. on May 15, may not make reference to a candidate's opponent, but only positive references about one's candidate. The reasons should be apparent to fair-minded people. |
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Hopkinton Police 2nd Annual Awards Ceremony Officer Linda Higgins receives Award for Saving a Life
Above, Chief of Police Thomas Irvin congratulates Officer Linda Higgins and hands her a plaque earned for saving the life of a female victim last November.
May 15, 2008 — The Police Department Conference Room was the location of the 2nd Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening, attended by Town Officials, Police Officers, their Superiors, and family members. The one award for extraordinary performance in the line of duty was received by Officer Linda Higgins, who has been credited with taking actions to preserve, or save, the life of a female discovered in an apparently disabled motor vehicle on Chestnut Street last November. Officer Higgins was recommended by Sgt. John Porter. "Last November, 2007, while on patrol after midnight," said Chief Irvin, "Officer Higgins observed what appeared to be a disabled motor vehicle with flashers activated. "Instead, she found three people under the influence of various intoxicants. Finding one person not breathing and with no pulse, she focused on trying to save a life," Chief Irvin explained. Chief Irvin said that Officer Higgins overcame the challenge in removing the victim that was posed by having to remove her over a broken car seat, and at the same time, watching her back, because of the other intoxicated occupants of the vehicle. Officer Higgins notified dispatch and immediately performed CPR successfully, saving the woman's life. Others received awards for length of service: Officer David Shane, 15 years; Officer Pat O'Brien, 25 years, and Marilyn Palmer, 30 years of service. Below from left are Sgt. Charles Wallace, Officer Pat O'Brien, Chief Thomas Irvin, Sgt. John Porter, Officer Linda Higgins and Officer David Shane.
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The Golden Spoon Has Ice Cream Cones and More !!!
Check out Colella's website, or click here for the Weekly Flyer |
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat First show Friday night
May 15, 2008 — On Wednesday evening, the Middle School Auditorium was filled with uplifting and glorious song, inspiring music, beautiful children, and amazing dancers, as the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat performed a dress rehearsal. The first show is on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.. Please check the HopNews Calendar at any time for events in Hopkinton.
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Does the Deer Have Any Doe?
May 15, 2008 — The deer above turns her ears forward, trying to figure out sound of the photographer's robust camera shutter early Wednesday evening. It soon caught the photographer's scent and showed its white tail as it high-tailed it out of there. |
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A Tribute to Dave Hughes
Above, Terry and Dave Hughes. May 15, 2008 — Retired football Coach Dave Hughes, who earned his 200th win on November 4, 2005 and finished his last season last fall, was feted at the DoubleTree in Westborough on Wednesday evening as former players, coaches, friends, family and guests enjoyed each others' company and a generous buffet. "I coached with him for 18 years," said Phil Schiloski, now Coach at Nipmuc Regional. "He's one of the best coaches," he said. Hopkinton Highway Manager and former player Mike Mansir concurred. "He's a great mentor, teaching respect, how to play tough, and how to live life," he said. |
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H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S
H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S |
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Hillers clinch tie for Tri-Valley championship beating Dover-Sherborn Can win title outright with win at Medfield on Friday!
The Hopkinton Hiller baseball team clinched a tie for the league championship with a 14-5 victory over the Raiders of Dover-Sherborn in a game played in Hopkinton on Wednesday. The win allows the Stickney nine to win the league outright with a victory Friday in Medfield. The team sent Andrew Park to the mound and the lefty picked up the victory. Junior Kelly Cook cracked his first Homerun of the season as the Hillers prepare for the good seed in this years state playoffs. Paul Ostrander continued his hitting streak at 15 games and Chris Farrell drove in 2 runs with a big double in the breakout inning. Kyle Rudden is hitting the ball with authority. This and when it happens will give Mark Stickney his first championship as a head coach of the Hillers.
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"The
News Starts Here!"
HOPKINTON,
MA (May 15, 2008) – Enter Stage Left Theater Inc. will be hosting
auditions for its Summer Stock teen production of Grease on
Monday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. at ESL’s studios at 30 Main Street in
Hopkinton. Auditions are open to college students and teenagers 14
years of age and older, and participants should come with a prepared
song to sing (preferably from the show). 
May
15, 2008 — Today, at approximately 3:15 a.m., troopers assigned to the
State Police Barracks in Charlton responded to a one-car rollover crash
on Route 90 East, at mile marker 61.7, in Palmer that resulted in one
fatality.
running for a second term on the Board of Selectmen, and I would greatly
appreciate your vote.
Letters, We've Got Letters
