"The News Starts Here!" Since 2003 Hopkinton Online Press^TM 24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 Updated: February 03, 2012 10:43:22 PM 508-435-5534 Editor@HopNews.com

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CORNELL'S

Super Bowl Sunday

5:00 pm FREE Lasagna Dinner

FREE Appetizers During the Super Bowl

Stop by to see Rob Cornell at his last Super Bowl as the owner of Cornell's Pub. This Tuesday, Selectmen will hold a hearing on the transfer of the license to the new owners, Colm and Ellen Scanlon.

True Friends Indeed

February 3, 2012 — On a Mother's Day nearly three decades ago Greyhound Friends president Louise Coleman acquired her first greyhound from Wonderland Racing in Revere and a spark was ignited. It is a spark that stays lit to this day after having found homes for more than 9,000 dogs. Although Massachusetts has banned dog racing, other states continue the sport, keeping the need alive for shelters like Greyhound Friends.

      Today, volunteers from the non-profit organization visited Elmwood School and explained the breed to nearly four dozen inquisitive students. How old is the breed? How long was its ownership confined to royalty? Are all greyhounds good with all size animals? Do they like to run, or are they lazy, or both?

      These animals that have been bred for racing must learn how to walk stairs, and not try to walk on water after being placed in a home. They need to be leashed, because if they decide chasing a squirrel is proper, no one can catch the dog.

 The program’s core message stresses kindness to animals and the value of involvement in one’s community, while educating students about the unique history and characteristics of the greyhound breed.

       To learn more, visit Greyhound Friends

Who is Running For Local Office?

Please check Election 2012 button link on top at any time for the latest list of who has taken out nomination papers. And when a party holds its primary or caucus, HopNews will be there to inform.

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Trails Club Hike

Sunday,February 5, 1:00 pm: The Hopkinton Trails Club will explore Wenakeening Woods in Holliston with folks from the Upper Charles Conservation Land Trust.  Come on out and get a little exercise & fresh air before the Big Game! Further details about the area are available on the Upper Charles CLT website. Parking is available in a small lot located on the East side of Summer St., just north of the Wilde Company building, or at the far (southern) end of the Fatima Shrine parking lot. Patriots attire welcome! Plan on a hike of about 1.5 hours.

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YOUR HOME

Committee Mulls Curriculum Changes, Purchase of Terry Land, Boasts Energy Savings

“Every dollar we save on utilities is a dollar we can use for the classroom,” Ralph Dumas.

by Muriel Kramer

February 3, 2012 — Many changes are in the works for students in all grades to align the math curriculum with the Massachusetts Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Robert Berlo, Director of Secondary Education, and math teachers Cathy Anusauskas from the Middle School and Carla Crisafulli from the High School were at the School Committee meeting to give an overview of the changes ahead (Respectively from left in photo).

The new standards were formally introduced last March and require schools to adjust their curriculums to align with the new standards. From the State’s document, “For over a decade, research studies conducted on mathematics education in high-performing countries have pointed to the conclusion that the mathematics curriculum in the United States must become substantially more focused and coherent in order to improve mathematics achievement in this country. To deliver on the promise of common standards, the standards must address the problem of a curriculum that is ‘a mile wide and an inch deep.’ The standards in this Framework are a substantial answer to that challenge and aim for clarity and specificity.”

The new standards are intended to establish a great deal more rigor in the curriculum rather than establish new concepts or teaching strategies; this won’t be “new math” but rather more rigorous study of math. The changes outlined last night affect those entering High School next year and below; those currently in High School will continue with the existing curriculum.

Some key considerations from the State: acceleration programs for more gifted math students cannot begin before grade 7, one year of math must be taught within one year, and all math students should have as a minimum one year of math instruction beyond Algebra II. As an example, the District currently offers an Algebra I class that spans eighth and ninth grades giving needier students more time for mastery; that won’t be an option going forward. As Berlo pointed out, there are challenges ahead to meet both the needs of accelerated students and those that struggle in math.

The curriculum as designed offers multiple pathways for students of varying skill levels and strategizes in advance supporting students who need to adjust their placement within the curriculum during their high school career. The Math Pathways for Grades 5 to 12 is currently is in draft form; next up for discussion is mapping out a method to introduce this to parents and students before course selection begins for next year.

READ FULL STORY...

Full Day Kindergarten Lottery

February 2, 2012 — The School Committee conducted a live lottery this evening by using a random number generating website, Random.org, to choose numbers to assign seats for full-day kindergarten. The numbers, and what they mean, will be posted on the School Dept's Website tomorrow (Friday).

A Constitutional Constitutional

February 2, 2012 — Jackie Potenzone takes her daily walk while exercising her right of freedom of expression today near 85 Main Street. Mrs. Potenzone does not favor the proposed changes to the Downtown and wants people to know about the meetings, because she believes that other people will also be against the changes. Below, a letter of support from Henry Allessio.

Rooting For Jackie

Dear Editor:

     Thinking out loud.
     For now, I'm rooting for Ms. Potenzone.
     Town officials with assistance from the Beta Group are examining a way to improve public safety.  As I understand the safety concern is large trucks (e.g., class 8 Harvey trucks and trailer rigs) having a difficult time turning from eastbound West Main Street to westbound Wood Street (Route 135), and vice-versa.

     This is how I see it (without the supporting facts available to the Beta Group and others).  A large truck turning onto Wood Street from West Main, must have started its journey (How many large trucks do you think start their journey East of Golden Pond ?) somewhere between the intersection and, say, Golden Pond.  If the journey starts further west, the large truck can use Elm Street (with a short entry from Lumber Street Extension) to reach Wood Street.  Its the same situation traveling easterly from Wood Street to West Main, starting somewhere between the intersection and Oliver Lane.  In both instances, Elm Street is a more direct route.

      Traveling on Elm Street today (between West Main and Wood) requires right-angle turns to gain access -- the same right-angle turns that are in the new intersection design.

      It seems large-truck access between West Main and Wood streets exists today -- except for those large trucks that start their journey* on the roadway a few hundred yards west of the intersection.  Using the large-truck safety argument for constructing a new intersection and moving or razing an historic house is lame. 

     Please let the voters know the real (and thus far unstated) reasons for encouraging this expenditure for a bridge to nowhere.  Otherwise move on to something more important.

Henry P. Allessio

252 Pond Street

February 2, 2012

SERVICE GUIDE

Hiller Boys & Girls Indoor Track Teams Each Capture TVL Titles - Finish Impressive Season, Undefeated!

By:  Lou Ottaviani

February 2, 2012 — If anyone has had the chance to catch a Hopkinton indoor track meet this season, one would get to witness a classy group of high school coaches and athletes.  Yesterday’s dual meet against Westwood pitted both boys and girls schools against each other, with the victors looking to walk away with their respective TVL titles. 

Both the Hillers and Wolverines teams entered their meets undefeated, with each team realizing that a loss would eliminate them from obtaining the top slot in the league.  The Hopkinton athletic center was filled with fans from both schools.  The pumped up crowd exemplified what a great high school meet should be all about!  The Hopkinton boy’s and girl’s teams had no intentions of letting down their supporters.

Last year Hopkinton was faced in somewhat of a similar situation, in that, both Hopkinton teams went into their last season match undefeated needing to win their last meet to capture the title, as did their opponent, Medfield.  End results, the girls were victorious while the boys suffered a very difficult loss at the hands of a very powerful and excellent Warrior boys team by two points which came down to the last event.  Hopkinton boys Coach Mike Donahue had nothing but praise for both teams and congratulated Medfield for an incredible meet.  From that situation, one could say that the Hillers may have learned something from that experience.  “Last year we lost to Medfield for the title and perfect season,” said Donahue.  “Losing by two points was a tough loss, but we lost to a great team.  It was an excellent meet and hats go off to both teams.”

This year, the Hopkinton boys and girls teams faced a similar situation, only this time it was the boys and girls from Westwood.  This year’s outcome was more rewarding as both Hiller teams got to enjoy and savor the taste of common victory.  Results: Hopkinton boys (62-23) and girls (51-26) both winning impressively over Westwood to remain undefeated (8-0) and TVL champions. 

“This year we have been blessed with a lot of depth and the guys had the ability to pick up points,” said Donahue.  “This year we have that special one-two punch which helped us a lot, whereas other teams may not have that luxury.”

It isn’t that easy to have both boys and girls high school teams win titles together in the same season.  But this year the Hopkinton teams had a lot of similarities between their squads.  Both teams have their share of talented and exceptional athletes.  Things such as depth, flexibility and a balance between elite and competitive level athletes play an integral part to their successes.  Another important aspect is the tradition these teams have established over the years.  This can be attributable to the many year of solid coaching and leadership from the respective captains year after year. 

On the girl’s side, Jen Lynds, Tam Mills, Mirelle Raza and Kaelynn Merloni are the captains who lead this year’s squad for the Hillers.  “These girls are great,” says girls Coach Brian Hall.  “They integrate the younger girls well and teach them the right way to do things.  They’re like big sisters to them.”

REST OF STORY...

Hopkinton vs Westwood Indoor Track Meet

February 1, 2012 — Above a Maddie Whittles goes through her motions to launch the shot today at the Hopkinton High School Athletic Center against Westwood. This meet is the subject to the HopNews Sport of the Week feature story, so please check back later for veteran sports writer Lou Ottaviani's take on today's meet.

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Yoga for Kids

February 1, 2012 — BCalm Power Yoga was invited to Elmwood school today at the end of the day for early release.  The HPTA offered  yoga as a fun way for kids to enjoy their early release as well as experience the benefits of yoga.  

In the picture, it is at the beginning of the class, where all the kids sit  in a circle, with a tall spine, in easy pose with their eyes closed.   All 25 students went around in a circle and shared how they were feeling at the moment.  They did this again at the end of the physical practice. Most of the practice was done with partners to make it fun and to keep the kids interested. They  will be offering this again on the next early release day.   Boys and girls participated.

YOUR HOME

Hiller Girls Home Game to Benefit American Cancer Society

Hopkinton, Ma., February 1, 2012 - The Hopkinton girls basketball team is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to host a Coaches vs. Cancer game to be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Hopkinton High School in Hopkinton, Massachusetts at 6:30pm.  

Through Head Basketball Coach Rita Atkinson and her work with the Coaches vs. Cancer program, the girls basketball team has chosen to dedicate this home game that will benefit the American Cancer Society. Pink and purple will be worn by the players to honor all of their loved ones who have been touched by all cancers. Fans are encouraged to wear pink or purple to the game. The teams will be asking for donations and everything given is very much appreciated because this game commemorates those whom we've lost and all who are survivors of Cancer.  All proceeds will be donated to the Society in order to assist in their goal of creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

For more information regarding the event or how to get involved, please contact Coaches vs. Cancer Coordinator, Janice Portlock, at 781-314-2621 or by email at janice.portlock@cancer.org.

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Super Bowl Bet Between Boston Marathon and ING New York City Marathon Race Executives “Kicks Off”

February 1, 2012—The Super Bowl battle between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants will take to the streets with a “running” bet between Boston Athletic Association  executive director Tom Grilk (File photo) and New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg, it was jointly announced today by race officials.

If the Patriots win, Wittenberg will wear a Tom Brady jersey during the 2012 B.A.A. 5K on Sunday, April 15, during Boston Marathon weekend. If the Giants prevail, Grilk will don an Eli Manning jersey during the 2012 NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K on Saturday, November 3, during ING New York City Marathon weekend.

For the Patriots and Giants, the road to the Super Bowl will turn into a highly anticipated fight on the field in Indianapolis on Sunday. The championship game will determine which of these notable marathon executives will be “fielding” wisecracks down the road—a 3.1 mile road, to be exact.

The 116th running of the Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 16. For more information, visit www.baa.org.  

The 43rd running of the iconic ING New York City Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 4. For more information, visit www.ingnycmarathon.org.

Both races are part of the World Marathon Major series. For more information, visit http://worldmarathonmajors.com.

Gannetts Honored by Milford Regional for Service

February 1, 2012 — William (Bill) and Nancy Gannett, of Hopedale, were honored recently at Milford Regional Medical Center’s annual meeting as the Board of Trustees’ first Trustee Emeriti. The Gannetts are retiring from the board after more than 76 years of combined service to the hospital.

Milford Regional’s Board has chosen to honor individuals, through this new designation, for exemplary service to the Corporation, the Medical Center, and the community. The position of Trustee Emeritus recognizes a minimum of 20 years of Board and community service, participation in Medical Center events and activities, philanthropic support as well as ongoing advocacy and ambassadorship of the Corporation. Bill and Nancy served on the Board together since 1978; Bill joined ten years prior in 1968. He is the grandson of Milford Regional’s original founder Eben Draper.

During his annual meeting speech, Francis M. Saba, Milford Regional’s CEO, described Bill and Nancy as modest, humble, kind and sincere. “They have earned every bit of our gratitude,” he stated, “They simply are very good and special people whom we all love.”

Seated. William and Nancy Gannett. Standing left to right:  Francis M. Saba, CEO; Dr. Albert Crimaldi, Board of Trustee chair; and Edward J. Kelly, president.

Hear Ye!, Hear Ye!

February 1, 2012 — Jackie Potenzone, self-styled Town Crier, wearing a sandwich board and carrying a sign, walks the Downtown this morning to draw attention to herself and the Downtown Initiative Steering Committee meetings, one on February 9, 2012, and one on February 16, 2012, both at 10:00 am. Mrs. Potenzone has been a vocal critic of the BETA Group plans for Downtown renewal presented at various meetings, saying that they change from one meeting to another, in a "bait and switch" tactic. Mrs. Potenzone, who lives at 12 Wood Street said that her home will be in the intersection of West Main and Wood Streets if the proposed plan, below, is approved. However, it actually appears that her home will be further from the intersection in the new plan. The entirety of the changes for the Downtown encompasses Wood Street to Ash Street. One proposed option would acquire part of Colella's land.

Press Release From DISC

Would you like to learn more about what changes the Town of Hopkinton is considering for the downtown revitalization project (Main Street, between Ash Street and Wood Street)?  Do you have comments and recommendations to offer? Aesthetic improvements, pedestrian safety, parking, changes to the major intersections and the possible placement of utility lines underground are all being discussed. 

The Town is providing an opportunity for those who are interested to learn more about the Project and discuss aspects of the Project with the Town Engineer, DPW Director and Director of Land Use Planning and Permitting. They will be available to provide a brief summary of the key elements of the Downtown Revitalization Project and answer any questions.  Your comments and recommendations will be conveyed to the Downtown Initiative Steering Committee.

The purpose of the meetings is to provide an update to the public and to gather additional input for DISC.  With town meeting deadlines on the horizon, this will help to inform and shape the decisions that will be made as to how the Town will proceed with the various elements and the overall Project.

Please consider attending one of the two daytime meetings, which will be held in Room 215 (Board of Selectmen meeting room) at the Hopkinton Town Hall, 18 Main Street, on;

1. Thursday, February 9^th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM

2. Thursday, February 16^th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM

In addition to these daytime meetings, the Project will be presented to the Planning Board at its February 6^th meeting at 7:30 pm in Room 211 of Town Hall, where residents will also be able to ask questions and offer recommendations relative to the Project.

The DISC will be holding its’ next meeting on February 21^st at 7:00 PM in Room 216 of Town Hall where  it will be provided with an update and the feedback received at the three meetings.  The DISC will also discuss and determine next steps in presenting the Project to the Board of Selectmen.

SERVICE GUIDE

Marlborough Candidate Indicted On Voter Fraud Charges

Allegedly forged signature of dead person

MARLBOROUGH – A 2011 Marlborough candidate for Councilor-At-Large has been indicted on voter fraud charges, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

 Mark Evangelous, 51, of Marlborough, was indicted today by a Middlesex County grand jury on charges of forgery, uttering, and violating absentee voting laws.

 An arraignment date has not yet been set.

 “We allege that this defendant, a candidate in the 2011 Marlborough city election, intentionally forged a signature of a deceased resident in an attempt to provide himself with an advantage in the election,” District Attorney Leone said.  “These allegations are a direct violation of the people’s right to a true and honest democratic process and, under Massachusetts law, are criminal.”

              According to authorities, on October 28, 2011, at approximately 9:45 am, the defendant submitted a handwritten absentee ballot application to the Marlborough City Hall.  The ballot was filled out with the name of an 89-year-old Marlborough resident.  The resident’s signature appeared at the bottom of the application and under the signature line where there is a designated area to state that the person needed assistance in completing the form, was left blank.

 Upon receiving the form, a Marlborough City Hall employee examined and matched the application against current citizens in Marlborough who were registered to vote in that election. During this review, it was determined that the resident listed on the ballot was not registered to vote in the election and had passed away earlier in the year. 

 The Marlborough police were notified and began an investigation into the allegations. 

 Authorities allege that the defendant filled out and signed the absentee ballot knowing that the resident whose name he was using was deceased.  It is further alleged that the defendant provided false information to police regarding his knowledge of the investigation. 

             These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. ~ Contributed content

Elmwood School Wee Deliver Installation

Have a peek into the inner sanctum of the Elmwood School Wee Deliver postal program installation ceremony

Political Notice

Presidential Primary

March 6, 2012

Last day to register and change party enrollment for State Primary: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012

State Primary: Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Absentee Ballots are available For the Presidential Primary

Contact Town Clerk’s Office or http://www.hopkinton.org/clerk/forms.htm

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Everywhere a Sign...

January 31, 2012 — No matter what the sign says, it is there for a reason. Too many people apparently believe it is okay for them to violate the law at their convenience. The photographer of this photo was rear-ended yesterday by someone who thought he was going through the stop light like she was intending to do. That individual was about to ignore the red light, but that is only part of her standard operating procedure. She was a citizen of another country driving on our roads without a license, and the State Police Trooper who responded was very unhappy about it.

YOUR HOME

January 31, 2012 — Elmwood School conducted a second six-week session of Wee Deliver Postmaster installation today.  Above are the personnel selected and sworn in for the task who surround the newly installed Postmasters, Lulu Murphy, second row, center, in pink, and Cate Cestari to her left in white.

          The students learn to send a letter and receive a letter by dropping them in a Wee Deliver mailbox inside Elmwood School, Colella's and the Hopkinton Main Post Office. The first session, according to one parent, delivered 1,000 pieces of mail in a week. A video will be available Wednesday morning..

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<---- CLICK FOR FULL REPORT

January 31, 2012

5:01 pm A Fruit Street caller reports semi-automatic weapons being fired...

3:01 pm An resident sent her boyfriend a text message threatening to harm herself...

7:56 pm An alert neighbor in Pinecrest Village reported activity in a recently vacated unit...

8:21 pm A caller thought it suspicious that people walking on Wilson Street were ducking onto the woods...

8:24 am A business on Lumber Street reported a man  wearing a yellow raincoat was in the woods...

READ ALL

SERVICE GUIDE

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts Compiled  for HopNews.com by Robert Falcione © 2012 All Rights Reserved New Transactions from January 24, 2012 to January 30, 2012
Address	Buyer	Price	Date	Seller
42 Connelly Hill Road	Mark Linton, Natasha Linton	$905,000	January 27, 2012	Connelly LLC
19 Forest Lane Unit #14	Joseph R Mendes, Sheri R Mendes	$301,800	January 27, 2012	Robert J McGeary
89 Mill Street	David W Turner, Kristen B Turner	$510,000	January 27, 2012	Mark Linton, Natasha Linton
7 Elizabeth Road	Katie Toptsikiotis	$665,000	January, 27, 2012	David L Fine, Susan P Fine
6 Sanctuary Lane Unit #23	Patricia F Jordan	$156,500	January 27, 2012	Weston Development Group Inc
18 Cunningham Street	Stephanie Hovagimian	$292,500	January 25, 2012	Brian K, Brian W Gassett
Last Week
26 Nazneen Circle	Jangul Abdul Aslam, Minu Aslam	$480,000	January 20, 2012	Ahmed Mirajuddin TR, Peppercorn Village Realty Trust
10 Stonegate Road	Andreas Graham, Nichole E DeCoteau	$1,025,000	January 19, 2012	Maureen English
Week Before
213 Winter Street	Paul A Petracca Realty Tr, STL Realty Tr	$128,750	January 17, 2012	Donna L Smith, Jan Marie Evans
53 Pinecrest Village #8	Richard W Hill	$140,000	January 13, 2012	Mary A Harvey
28 Fruit Street	Robert E Scott, Melisa A Scott	$219,000	January 13, 2012	Bruce E Garner, Claudia A Garner
209 Winter Street	Victor Gonzalez, Susan C Gonzales	$450,000	January 12, 2012	John C Wilson, Carol J Wilson
11 North Street	Anthony MacPherson, Dorothy MacPherson	$648,400	January 11, 2012	Gene DeCristafaro, Joann C DeCrostofaro
Winter Street	Paul a Petracca Tr, STL Realty Trust	$51,328	January 11, 2012	John C Wilson, Carol J Wilson
2 Michael Way	Carl J Canales, Julie A Canales, Carl J Canales	$490,000	January 10, 2012	David Brian Davies, Heidi Davies

Crunch!!

January 30, 2012 — Sgt. Michael Sutton is calling in the license plates of the vehicles at the site of this 7:00 pm crash this evening at the intersection  of Pleasant and Main Streets, while one occupant was being evaluated in the ambulance, which is expected to transport the individual to the hospital. The intersection is the site of many crashes, and has been suggested for a traffic light by people involved in the Downtown revitalization discussions.

A New Hilltopper for February is Now Online

The Hilltopper, the newsletter for Hopkinton's senior citizens, is now online and available by clicking the blue button, always above. It is chock full of advice for seniors as well as schedules for free and low cost services, like tax preparation. drug coverage information and movie schedules. Please join other Hopkinton senior citizens who have a great place to go and learn, have fun or to just keep learning.

Recon Team

January 30, 2012 — Troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Team responded to a truck vs passenger sedan collision at the intersection of West Main and Lumber Streets today that resulted in the injury to the driver and two passengers.

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Great Coach from Hopkinton

January 30, 2012 — Keefe Regional Technical School Boys Soccer Coach Kevin Kramer, a resident of Hopkinton, MA, has been named Coach of the Year by two local daily newspapers. Kramer has been coaching soccer at Keefe Tech for 17 years. He is also a Special Education Job Entry Training  Instructor at the School.

YOUR HOME

FREE MUSIC

Hopkinton Historical Society will offer a free program on Popular Music of the ‘40’s and ‘50’s at 2pm on Sunday February 19. 2012. The meeting is open to the public and no reservation is required.

John Root, a local musician and educator, has performed similar well-received programs in Hopkinton for several years.]. Popular Music of the ‘40’s & ‘50’s features a delightful repertoire of instrumental and vocal musical styles from two previous decades. Everyone is invited to sing along and to experience the range of feelings evoked by this music.

John sings seldom-heard verses as well as the more familiar choruses of these songs, accompanying himself at the keyboard with authentic period piano arrangements. Lyrics of these songs offer insights about the customs and values of American popular culture at this time.

Free refreshments will be available after the program to provide an opportunity to meet old and new friends.

The program is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Society and will be conducted at the Hopkinton Historical Society’s building at 168 Hayden Rowe ( Rt. 85 ) in Hopkinton. Contact Ray Gendreau ( 508.435.9865 ) with any questions

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The Race is On

Team Hoyt photo by Kathy Boyer of artist Dustin Neece and model Rick Hoyt.

January 30, 2012 — Local artist Dustin Neece has received a commission from Easter Seals of Massachusetts to create a portrait of  Dick and Rick Hoyt, who will be participating in their 30th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16, 2012.

         When Rick was born, according to the narrative on their website, oxygen deprivation to his brain caused him to be a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Despite advice from experts to institutionalize Rick, parents Dick and Judy saw an intelligence in him that they wanted to help grow, and they did whatever they could to integrate him into the community.

         When Rick was 10 years-old, engineers at Tufts university built an interactive computer so he could communicate. His first words were, "Go Bruins!"

         Rick told his dad, Dick, that he wanted to participate in a 5 mile race to benefit a lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Dad pushed Rick for the entire distance, giving Rick a feeling of exhilaration that he continues to exhibit at every race.

          In order to capture the spirit which Dick and Rick embody, Dustin will continue the modeling sessions.

          Limited edition lithographs will be produced with sales to benefit the Hoyt Foundation and Easter Seals of Massachusetts. This is the second in what Dustin hopes will be a series of paintings,  "Honoring the Spirit," of people who inspire and encourage others.

          The inspirational story of the triumphs of a man and his son can be read about on their website, http://www.teamhoyt.com/

SERVICE GUIDE

Hopkinton Hockey Players Make Competition Finals

Goalie Dylan O’Leary and forward Owen Delaney, Demons youth hockey players from Hopkinton, have advanced to the finals of the New England mini one-on-one competition in the Boys 10 and Under group, held at the TD Boston Garden. The pair faces the Portland Jr. Pirates in the final round on Tuesday January 31 to be broadcast during the first intermission in the Bruins-Senators game, which starts at 7:00 p.m. on NESN.

The Demons players advanced from the semi-final contest against the Portland Maine Gladiators that aired during the Bruins-Capitals game on January 24. A video of the event is at http://www.nesn.com/2012/01/demons-youth-hockey-advances-to-td-bank-mini-1-on-1-finals-with-win-over-maine-gladiators.html.

The one-on-one competition uses the NHL overtime shootout format where each forward tries to score against the opposing goalie for three shots, with single-round elimination after that if needed. Delaney and O’Leary are among the 88 players from New England who qualified for the USA-Hockey competition.

Three Injured

January 30, 2012 — Three passengers, a man and a woman, as  well as an elderly woman, in the Volvo above were transported by one Ashland  two Hopkinton ambulances to UMass Worcester, following a collision between a Volvo and a large dump truck at the intersection of Lumber Street and West Main Street, according to Hopkinton Fire Dept. Lt, Carl Harris. The truck was apparently turning left onto Lumber Street, and was well into his turn when the collision occurred. The protocol for the transport was Advanced Life Support.

Town Talk is Back

January 29, 2012 — After an especially taxing few hours of reading and responding to negative posts, and I mean really ignorant, inconsiderate stuff, stuff by haters, this writer decided to take some time off today and took the link off of Page One. Sometimes when we do that, it breaks the momentum of those trolls and they have to go elsewhere to vent. The hope is that when they come back, they will have mellowed a bit.

In the meantime, a few posters found ways to get to the page without using the link and posted opinions; nothing wrong with that. But it means that anyone visiting today after an absence will have more to catch up on.

It would be nice if people used the page to do more positive stuff, like congratulate an athlete or scholar, toast a teacher, or thank a public safety official. Those things do happen, but wouldn't it be nice to see more of it and less of the angry stuff.

Deleting the bullying, name-calling, jealous, angry, mean and simply negative posts has become tiresome and time-consuming. People need to take a moment and ask themselves if they are revealing more about themselves than the person they are raging against.

But then again, we have the regular posters who enlighten, entertain and offer insight. Welcome back.

Pac-Roc

January 29, 2012 — It looks a little like Fred Flintstone and his gang might have had a great time chiseling the original Pac-Man out of bedrock. But is actually some rocks on the Ledges Trail off of the main trail behind the headquarters at Hopkinton State Park. It is on the western side of Cedar Street, and so is not on the official trail map of the park.

        There is scat on the trail as well as evidence of beavers and otters, but none in front of the camera on this day.

Fast Response

January 29, 2012 — A bus driver collapsed at Hopkinton High School while awaiting passengers who were bound for Wachusett Mountain Ski Area this afternoon. The male bus driver, described by one public safety official as a senior citizen, was transported to a local hospital; another driver came to take his place.

        "Good thing it didn't happen while he was driving," said another public safety official.

SERVICE GUIDE

Neighborhood Love

January 28, 2012 — Hopkins School student ten year-old Allison Lundy died of brain cancer on January 20, 2012. In honor of her memory and her life, her entire neighborhood of upscale homes in Highland Park, each with unique architectural features, but cookie-cutter mailboxes, is sporting a ribbon of pink, Allie's favorite color, on each and every mailbox in the entire neighborhood, bar none.

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HOPKINTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE FY13 BUDGET - 3.42% increase

January 28, 2012 — Today the Hopkinton School Committee voted a budget of $34,085,238, which is an increase of $1,127,516, or 3.42%, over the FY12 budget.

The budget includes support for the following concerns highlighted by the community:

• 6 classrooms of Full Day Kindergarten and 4 sections of Half Day Kindergarten, each with a full time teaching assistant;

• Average class sizes of 20 students or less in all Kindergarten and 1st Grade class rooms;

• An additional classroom teacher in 4th grade and in 5th grade, resulting in average class sizes of 22 at each grade level;

• Reinstatement of the Middle School Drama Related Arts course;

• Funding for curriculum alignment to the new state mandated Common Core frameworks in Mathematics, including increased student and staff support as well as some textbooks;

• Support for Strategic Plan initiatives in foreign language (funded by the F-1 Visa program that allows foreign students to tuition into the district); and

• Needed maintenance at Center, Elmwood, Middle School, and High School, as well as the Special Education offices.

To support all of the items listed above, the School Committee:

• Reduced technology requests;

• Reduced funding for supplies;

• Increased athletic fees at the Middle School and High School from $125/sport to $150/sport;

• Implemented a $25 activity fee for Middle School and High School non-athletic extracurricular activities (one annual fee/student covers as many clubs as the student participates in);

• Increased Full Day Kindergarten tuition from $3,700 to $4,000; and

• Implemented a $100/student transportation fee to local daycare/afterschool program providers.

With this budget, the School Committee is able to protect the classroom experience provided to students, continue to work toward Strategic Plan initiatives, and be fiscally responsible to the community. There was a tremendous amount of feedback offered by the community throughout the budget process, and the School Committee would like to thank all who shared their comments and perspectives. Understanding what the community values and prioritizes helped guide the School Committee through difficult choices between many valued programs and initiatives, and the current economic challenges faced by residents. The School Committee would also like to thank the administrative staff for support in revising the budget to meet community desires.

~ Press Release from the School Committee. File photo.

YOUR HOME

New Employee

January 28, 2012 — Hopkinton Drug President Dennis Katz introduced Compounding Pharmacist Danielle Petrie to the gathering at the Senior Center on Thursday. Ms. Petrie is a former employee who returned to be hired for the new position.

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Hopkinton 49, Norton 31

Janaury 27, 2012 — Above, #25 Dana Gogolin eludes a Norton defender. Below, #35 Alee Leteria takes it home while coach Rita Atkinson is transfixed in the background.

There It Is

January 27, 2012 — The subject of this painting by Hyacinthe Rigaud at the Worcester Art Museum, Charles-Auguste D'Allonville, Marquis de Louville, appears to be admiring the floral arrangement designed by the Hopkinton Garden Club, but it is just coincidental.

      The project is called Flora in Winter and it is done by the Hopkinton garden club. Interpretive arrangers Jackie Potenzone and. Tee Johnson designed this one. ~Contributed photo.

SERVICE GUIDE

Always on the Job

January 27, 2012 — DPW employee Lou Mongiat helps pump out the basement of 28 Main Street where a water pipe broke this week.

MASS. STATE POLICE AND F.B.I. ANNOUNCE ARREST OF FUGITIVE HOMICIDE SUSPECT

Today at 8:00 a.m., the F.B.I. Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section Members, Massachusetts State Police STOP Team, Massachusetts State Police K-9, U.S. Marshal Task Force Officers and Springfield Police Warrant Apprehension Officers arrested 25-year-old ESTEBAN RAMOS-CRUZ in front of 31 Rutledge Avenue in the South End of Springfield. ESTEBAN RAMOS-CRUZ was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. The charges include Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Use/Carry and Discharge of Firearm During Crime of Violence, Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence, Narcotics Conspiracy and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime.

RAMOS-CRUZ is wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred in Buffalo, New York. The F.B.I. Buffalo New York Field Division conducted the fugitive investigation. During the investigation, RAMOS-CRUZ was featured on America’s Most Wanted in an effort to locate him. After a nine month investigation by the F.B.I., information was developed that RAMOS-CRUZ was possibly hiding in the Springfield Massachusetts area. The F.B.I. Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force and Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section conducted a joint investigation. RAMOS-CRUZ was arrested without incident and booked at State Police Springfield pending arraignment in U.S. District Court in Springfield.

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Outdoor Aviary

January 27, 2012 — In the waters north of the West Main Street causeway, this great blue heron perches, apparently on one leg, as mallards move quickly to duck, pun intended, behind the rocks to evade the camera. Warm weather and open water has kept these birds in the area.

YOUR HOME

Nature's Lenses

January 27, 2012 — As with any lens, these raindrops invert and reverse the light passing through it; the sky is on the bottom, and the trees are on the top. A camera lens acts in the same way, but a built-in mirror and prism correct the image before the photographer sees it through the viewfinder.

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

The State of Pond Hockey

January 27, 2012 — Just days ago, this goal was part of a pick up game of pond hockey by some teens at Blood's Pond, but is put in drydock now for safekeeping in the hopes that the pond will freeze again before the winter is over

SERVICE GUIDE

Superintendent's School Department Budget Increases Nearly 4%

Would sustain reasonable class size, support for math, special needs, and more...

by Muriel Kramer

January 27, 2012 — The School Committee is working to put the finishing touches on the budget that will be submitted to the Town Manager by February 1^st. They held a Public Hearing last night giving residents a chance to voice their concerns and priorities, chief among them – saving the Middle School Drama curriculum, minimizing class sizes and re-considering hiking numerous fees particularly for older students.

The Superintendent of Schools, Jonathan Landman, recommended a budget that shows an increase of 3.95% over FY 12 in an attempt to minimize cuts and protect the district’s existing curricular and extracurricular programs. Considering the district’s fixed cost increases of $1,581,156, to maintain level services would necessitate a 4.8% increase. A level funded budget in keeping with the Selectmen’s budget message would mean cutting $1.3 million in services as well as roughly 25 jobs with corresponding increases in class sizes and elimination of services.

According to Dr. Landman’s presentation materials, the recommended budget would mean sustaining reasonable class sizes, adding professional math support, enhancing support for children with special needs, aligning the grade 4-9 math program with the State’s Common Core, providing leadership to advance world language, enabling technology upgrades and expanding on-line course offerings.

As part of the recommended budget, Landman recommends additional fees to offset some of the costs. He proposed raising full day kindergarten tuition from $3,700 to $4,000, parking fees from $210 to $250, bus fees from $210 to 250 and athletic fees from $125 to $200 per sport. Additionally parents of children traveling to daycare or after school programs may be charged a $100 fee for that bus service.

Amy Ritterbusch and Laura Barry put forward a petition signed by over 100 parents in town specifically addressing increases in class sizes particularly for grades 4 and 5. The petition in part reads:

We are writing to express concern that the Hopkinton Public School Budget for academic year 2012-2013 will not maintaining manageable class sizes for all elementary school students. Specifically, we are concerned about children entering 4th and 5th grade in the Fall of 2012, all of whom are projected to have class sizes of 24 or 25 students.

As parents, we feel that class size directly impacts the quality of our children's education. It is evident that the both the members of the Hopkinton School Committee and School Administration share this belief by the fact that under the proposed budget, all classrooms from Kindergarten through Third Grade will have 23 or fewer students, and class size for Middle School students will range from 18 to 23 students.

Two classes of students, however, will not be afforded these manageable class sizes. The Fourth Grade in 2012-2013 is projected to have 302 students and will likely be the largest class of students in the school district. In just 3 years, the number of students in this grade has exploded from 231 during Kindergarten to 298 in Third Grade. Despite this growth, school officials have added just one additional section in three years. Presently, this class is divided into 13 sections, with average class sizes of 24 students. The proposed budget for 2012-2013 maintains 13 sections, and average class sizes of 24 students, even for Integrated classrooms. We request that Hopkins School add another section for these students in order to reduce class size to 22 students.

At the close of the Public Hearing, the School Committee discussed but did not formally vote on some of the adjustments that they will impose on the recommended budget before it goes forward to the Town. The School Committee meets again on Saturday in a working session to hopefully put the finishing touches on the budget.

The three committee members present, representing a majority of the board, agreed that they were in support of maintaining the drama curriculum at the Middle School as well as adding a teacher in both fourth and fifth grade. Also on the table and seemingly an easy decision for the group was to preserve the $5-7,000 needed to maintain the clubs and extra-curriculars at the Middle School. “Some of these clubs were brought forward by students; to discourage that would be the wrong thing to do,” asserted School Committee member Troy Mick.

Raising fees was a tougher topic. School Committee member Scott Aghababian commented, “I am generally against raising fees.”

For his part, Mick has gone on record as wanting to establish a ten year plan to eliminate fees. And School Committee Chairwoman, Jean Bertschmann commented “As a parent, I don’t like fees either.” She further held that raising the athletic fees by $75 was not something she felt she could support, but an increase of $25 might not be unreasonable. One idea under consideration was brought forth by some speakers at the public hearing, that is to charge an activities fee of $25 for all students to reduce the impact of fees on parents of older students.

The School Committee meets again Saturday at 9:30 AM in the Middle School Library for a working session intended to finalize the proposed budget for FY 13.

Car Snaps Pole - Operator Arrested

Traffic Advisory (2:00 am)- East Main Street Closed

Could affect morning commute

UPDATE: EAST MAIN STREET IS OPEN

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January 27, 2012 — This vehicle snapped a telephone pole on East Main Street this morning, knocked the bottom a few feet, and landed, suspended, on top of the remaining stump. A 911 call at 12:36 am reported the driver trapped in the vehicle, but that was not the case. However, the pole was leaning dangerously, and wires were hanging low. Police shut the road down due to the hazard, while awaiting crews from NSTAR to replace the pole. The morning commute could be affected. The tow truck was told to return to the scene at 5:00 am.

        According to Hopkinton Police, the operator, Jeanne S. Murphy, 48, of Hayden Rowe Street, was arrested by Officer Linda Higgins and charged with OUI Liquor.

Crowd Turns Out in Holliston to Hear About Casino Bill

Above, Holliston Selectmen Chair Jay Marsden greets the gathering at the Adams Middle School auditorium in Holliston.

January 26, 2012 — More than 160 people attended a forum on the casino bill that allows three casinos and a slot parlor to be located in Massachusetts. State Senator Karen Spilka and State Representative Carolyn Dykema addressed the gathering, and both said they although they voted against it, each tried to impact the legislation in a way that would protect those affected by it. Senator Spilka, who recently received the position of Assistant Majority Whip, assured attendees that she made sure she could get as many community safeguards as possible written into it.

        Three casinos will be located in each of three regions of the state; the Eastern, Southeastern and Western regions. The minimum capital investment a developer must pony up is $500 million. And whoever offers a larger investment would have a greater chance of being considered. Not done in a year after beginning? That comes with a $50 million fine.

         Although the head of the Gaming Commission, which is the state agency that will provide oversight for the casinos and slot parlors, has been appointed, the other members, according to Senator Spilka, may not be in place for up to another 18 months. She said there are protections for communities in the bill.

         Before an application for a casino will be accepted by the commission, a Memorandum of Understanding must be signed by the host community and the developer. The surrounding towns that might be affected must be identified by the developer and mitigation must be offered. In addition, a developer must pay for studies and legal costs of affected communities.

         Senator Spilka said that the geographical location will be another factor in deciding that a casino should not be located in one area that could be close to another in one of the other two regions.

         A show of hands demonstrated that the large majority of attendees were from Holliston, but Selectmen from surrounding towns, including Hopkinton's Selectman Brian Herr and Selectman Chair Todd Cestari, who have been working in concert with the others to develop strategies, were also in attendance.

          Although reactions from the crowd indicated a majority against locating a casino in Milford, the purpose of the meeting, Mr. Marsden said at the outset, was informational.

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