Above, Jeff Furber. Inset,
"Spotted Turtle" drawn on the mural behind Mr. Furber by a mischievous
Davidson Welch when he revitalized the mural last summer. Some circles
blame the discovery of the endangered spotted turtle for scuttling a
world-class country club planned for an area on Fruit Street, which the
town subsequently purchased.
March 23, 2005 —
Friends
of Whitehall, an environmental group dedicated to the preservation
of Lake Whitehall and inspired to
action by the possible development of a peninsula in that village of
Hopkinton, continues to move toward opposing that Ron Nation
development, as evidenced by their meeting this evening.
Ron Nation is a builder most well known for his quality single-family
neighborhoods, like Ravenwood. However, this project, Whitehall Estates,
involves garden style homes, or condos, on a previously undeveloped
parcel of land and at a denser rate than is customary for the
neighborhood, for a total of 37 units.
FULL STORY.
Like a symphony
Photo, Elizabeth Morgan gets loaded with
another pile of spaghetti meals in the kitchen of the Golden Spoon
Restaurant.
March 23, 2005 — Owners of the Golden Spoon, Monica and Bill Morgan,
donated their time this evening — and their restaurant — to feed up to
350 diners a spaghetti feast, from salad to dessert, to benefit the
Hopkinton High School Band's trip to Montreal. Their daughter Elizabeth
plays trombone in the band. After the cost of the food, the band gets
all of the money from the event. The Morgan's also kicked in the drinks.
According to owner Bill Morgan, they cooked 60 pounds of spaghetti, 600
meatballs, and 50 pounds of salad.
March 23, 2005 — James McKenna makes it look easy as he cleans a trough
in the roof of the Library. He found a bird's nest and other debris —
and a hole which was causing the leak which prompted the call to his
roofing company. In this case a picture isn't worth a thousand words
because the bottom of the ladder is actually about thirty
feet away and at the same angle as the roof.
High School Leo Club and
HPTA team up for a month-long Book Drive
The Hopkinton High School Leo Club, a student branch of the Lions
Club, and the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association (HPTA) have
teamed up for a month long Book Drive. All donations will be
delivered to Hands Across the
Water (HATW), a public charity which promotes both local
conservation and reuse of books as well as international literacy
and education.
If you are
interested in making a donation to this book drive, simply deliver
your new or used English language books, videos, CDs and DVDs and to
any of the designated “Book Drive” boxes at any of the Hopkinton
Schools. Donations may include any of the following: all reading
level books, magazines, videos, cassette tapes, and DVDs. If you
have questions regarding this
effort, please contact Nancy Burdick (HPTA) at
nancyb88@hotmail.com.
Teacher's alto horn missing
from storage closet
Dear Editor,
After I returned from February
vacation, I went to the Middle School band storage closet to pick up one
of my instruments, an alto horn. When I picked up the case, all that was
left were the mouthpieces. The instrument is missing.
READ FULL LETTER AND MORE
SPEAC Invites Members to General
Session Meeting March 29
Hopkinton’s Special
Education Advisory Council (SPEAC) invites members to attend a General
Session meeting being held at the Middle School Lecture Hall at 7 p.m.
on Tuesday, March 29. The planning meeting will give people the
opportunity to talk in an informal setting and discuss ideas for future
meetings and speakers. Strategies for
improving communication between parents and Special Education personnel
will also be addressed. SPEAC is looking for members to
participate in many aspects of future programs, and the meeting will
give members a chance to learn about opportunities for their involvement
in the coming year.
Learn more about SPEAC.
MILE 1 Celebration with the Hoyts
March 23, 2005 — Marathon wheelchair favorites, Dick and Rick
Hoyt (Above), always get a cheer from the crowd at the start of the Boston Marathon as soon as they hit
the pavement. But this year, Hopkintonians and other fans will be able
to get more than a fleeting glimpse of this father and son racing team.
The Hopkinton Athletic
Association (HAA) in collaboration with the Hopkinton Chamber of
Commerce is sponsoring a very special evening to kick-off Marathon Week
with extraordinary guests Dick and Rick Hoyt. The Massachusetts
father-and-son team is known worldwide for competing together in
marathons and triathlons. The event will be hosted at Weston Nurseries,
on April 9th at 6:30 P.M. The Mile 1 celebration will include more than 200
guests from the MetroWest area.
All proceeds raised at this
charitable event will help fund Hopkinton athletic, recreational and
health related programs. The HAA collaborates with international,
national and local fitness professionals, organizations, and local
schools to create program for kids, families and seniors to encourage
overall fitness and health.
Tickets are $55 per person and can
be purchased/ordered through the following means:
NEW! We have enabled a new
feature on the first page. When a hyperlinked text is hovered over, the
text color will change and italicize, in order to let people see more readily
that it is a live link. For instance, this is the
Police News.
Welcome to Sportstown
March 22, 2005 — A collaboration between the Hopkinton Board of
Selectmen and the Hopkinton Athletic
Association has resulted in the
unveiling of the design above, by artist Geri Holland, of a new sign
celebrating the athletic victories of Hopkinton High School teams.
The permanent home for the sign is a site on West Main Street near
Interstate Route 495. The sign, now under fabrication, is slated to be
on display at the Hopkinton Common on Patriot's Day, the day of the BAA
Marathon, for that one day celebration.
There is room on the sign for many more future accomplishments, and
presumably more teams.
There is also room for donations. Those wishing to help, please make
checks payable the HAA, PO Box 820, Hopkinton, MA 01748 or contact
Selectman Paul Nelson at 508-497-9211 for more information.
Lack of broader inclusion
disappointing
Editor,
Thank you for the factual reporting on the recent events of the Land Use
Planning Committee appointments. It is unfortunate that the Selectman
chose not to increase the ratio of the residents to other appointed Town
officials nor to consider changing the meeting times so that more
abutting and other interested citizens could attend and participate. FULL
LETTER AND MORE
Youth Appreciation Month
Photo, front from left: Nicole Cooprider,
who is involved with church, volunteer, youth groups, drama, music and
athletic endeavors. Sean Terry, who qualified in swim competition
as an All-American, for his personal best at the State Championships.
Dalia Auerhahn, for all her volunteer work and her dedication to her
field hockey team as captain. Rear: Debbie Krans, School Adjustment
Counselor. Valerie Ludorf, nominated for her academic
excellence even when ice-skating in national competitions. She is said
to be a good leader who works well wioth others and is helpful to both
adults and peers. School Resource Officer, Jay Porter.
March 22, 2005 — In observance of Youth Appreciation Month, these young
people, shown above with their mentors, have been singled out for their
academic and personal achievements and chosen by their mentors for
special recognition.
Hopkinton approved for $6.76 million in financing
Money
earmarked for wastewater disposal and water supply
BOSTON – March 22, 2005
— The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) has announced
that the Town of Hopkinton
has been granted approval for financing for two projects, totaling
$6,760,000, designed to increase capacities for water treatment and
water supply. The State Revolving Funds provide low-interest loans to
municipalities to assist in the completion of environmental projects,
the interest rate for these loans being just 2%.
Under the
Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Hopkinton has been allotted $5,450,000
for effluent disposal beds for wastewater. This project is vital to
ensuring the continued sanitary treatment and disposal of wastewater
from Hopkinton by significantly expanding treatment capacity.
Under the
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Hopkinton has been allotted
$1,310,000 for new well construction. This project will bolster
Hopkinton’s water supply and provide the operational flexibility to meet
Hopkinton’s long term water supply needs.
Senator
Karen Spilka (Photo) commented, “Planning ahead is critical when dealing
with environmental issues, especially something as vital as the water
supply. I commend the Town of Hopkinton for effectively anticipating
the town’s needs in the years ahead and diligently working to meet
those needs. The low-interest loans coming from the state will prove
very helpful to town administrators working to achieve their water
treatment and supply goals.”
Representative Paul Loscocco (Photo, right) added, “These funds from the
state will significantly help the town meet its growing water needs
without further increasing the tax burden on homeowners. Hopkinton has
shown great foresight in planning to preserve and protect its precious
water resources as it continues to grow and thrive as a community."
Selectman Ron Clark (Left) who is Chairman of the Fruit Street
Development Committee, which is planning the siting of treatment
facilities and water wells on a 257 acre parcel the town purchased, gave
a lot of credit to the firm which studies Hopkinton's water resources.
"It's something Earthtech helped us apply for," he said.
"The low-rate interest will be a big help to finance it when it gets to
that point," Mr. Clark said, referring to the development of the Fruit
Street property.
BILL
RODGERS UNVEILS 109TH BOSTON MARATHON BANNERS
Four-Time Boston Marathon
Champion Leads Banner Day Festivities
BOSTON, MA -- March 21, 2005 -- Today, four-time winner of both the
Boston and New York City Marathons, Bill Rodgers climbed aboard a cherry
picker to unveil the 109th Boston Marathon banners. The event, which
traditionally welcomes spring and unofficially kicks off the marathon
season, took place at the Boston Marathon finish line in Copley Square.
The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of
the most prestigious road racing events in the world. John Hancock is
celebrating the 20th year of its landmark sponsorship of the race this
year.
"This event really helps to jumpstart the Boston Marathon festivities,"
Bill Rodgers said. "Helping to raise the banners creates a significant
buzz throughout the city that the race is just around the corner.
Despite all the snow we had this winter, the Boston community is
counting down the days until Marathon Monday."
John Hancock provides hundreds of banners, which will be hung throughout
the city in the coming days to celebrate the race and the achievements
of the athletes. The colorfully designed banners will add a welcomed
sign of spring to the streets of Boston.
A Massachusetts local, Rodgers has raced competitively in the top
echelon of his sport for more than a quarter century. The two American
records he set at Boston in 1975 (2:09:55) and 1979 (2:09:27) remain
among the fastest times ever run. In the history of the race only
Rodgers and two other men, Clarence DeMar and Gerard Cote, have been
crowned champion four or more times. Ranked the number one marathon
runner in the world by Track & Field News three times during his career,
Rodgers won Boston in 1975 and then was a three-peat winner from
1978-80. Photo by John Hancock's John Pickett.
Police News
Far
Left, Arrest for Receiving -$250, Operating Unregistered and more.
Left, Hopkinton Emergency personnel wasted no time responding to the
report of a motorcycle accident on East Main Street. Patient refused
treatment.
Dear
Editor,
One of the side projects in which the Friends of Whitehall are engaged
is to compile a History of Woodville, and specifically Lake Whitehall.
We are particularly spurred on in this project by a member of the Town
Planning Board who, at the presentation of the proposed Woodville
Historic District, remarked that he didn't know what Woodville was and
why it was so special.
SEE
LETTERS for full letter and more.
WHAT YOU NEED TO
KNOW: PREPARING FOR AGING
March 22, 2005 —
Is your head spinning just thinking about the changes retirement
will bring? Are you confused about Medicare, Medicare supplements,
circuit breaker tax rebate, health care proxy or Homestead Act? As
the child of an aging parent, are you worried about the needs of
your frail elder or are you concerned about your own changing needs
as you get older? Do you know where to turn for help in accessing
services in times of need?
The Hopkinton Senior
Center will be providing an all day seminar to help working people
sort out the myriad of information and programs available to seniors
on Saturday, April 30, at the Senior Center located at the
lower level of
Town Hall. Save the date. Registration is free.
The morning session will be
geared especially for those nearing retirement ages. Information
will include an overview of Medicare benefits and gaps,
supplementary Medicare insurance and prescription Drug options,
elder law essentials, real estate tax saving programs and COA
programs and services.
Children and friends of
declining elders are especially invited to attend the afternoon
session that will focus on issues facing fragile elders. Speakers
will include a rheumatologist and psychiatrist, outreach workers and
representatives from alternative living options.
Tom O'Hare, an attorney specializing
in health care issues will be available to notarize health care
proxies for participants. Schedule
of events. ~ Cindy
Chesmore, Director of Senior Services.
Photo Cindy Chesmore and musician
John Giudo at Senior Center St. Patrick's Day dinner.
911 is now enhanced to
E911
Above, Dave Clemons, Dispatch Supervisor who
also carries the titles of
APCO
Communications Specialist, Webmaster and Systems Manager, demonstrates
the new
E911
console at Hopkinton Police Headquarters.
March 21, 2005 — According to
Hopkinton Police
Department Dispatch Supervisor and Communications Specialist, Dave
Clemons, Hopkinton is one of three towns in the state with the new
system, which has a
GPS
(Global Positioning Satellite) driven capability.
"If someone calls 911 we will get the same information we have been
(Name, address, phone). But the Important Location Window will pull up
an area on a map.
"If it's a call from the house, we'll continue as we have. But if a call
comes in from outside from a cell phone, the system will tell us within
100 meters, and specify the location," Mr. Clemons said.
Mr. Clemons agreed that today
Charles
Stuart, who in 1989 killed his pregnant wife and blamed an
non-existent black man in a nationally broadcast 911 call, would not get
away with lying about his location as he did then. Stuart identified an
innocent man, and eventually jumped off the Tobin Bridge in Boston as
police closed in on him for the heinous crime.
"If someone were locked in the truck of a moving car, we could actually
refresh the system and see it move," Mr. Clemons said.
As is often the case with a 911 call which comes in to the police
station, a caller will protect the abuser when the officer gets to the
home, saying that it was only a verbal argument.
"Now, if an officer goes to a domestic abuse call and the caller says
everything is okay, with E911 we can transmit the actual phone call to the
officer on the scene," Mr. Clemons said.
The system is slated to be operational on Tuesday, March 22.
Former Hopkinton Teacher
Joseph “Joe” Morrissey, 52, of
Hopkinton, passed away, Sunday, March 20th, at
Milford-Whitinsville Hospital. See
ARRANGEMENTS
Spring flight
by Cheryl
Burgoyne Perreault
White on white
this bird
with painted tips
of black on wings
to balance dark from light
or rest from flight
flaps fans of sleepy feathers
as it glides
silently
over hard ice-white of water.
How far to go,
until it finds
the reassurance
of little bits of green
poking out below.
Earth’s promise
that spring is waiting
to wave its salutation skyward.
March 20,
2005 — This coastal scavenger was likely in search of some open inland
water; after all, it is the first day of spring according to most
calendars. The only open water he found in Hopkinton Reservoir was in
the holes the ice fishermen made.
Poet
Cheryl Burgoyne Perreault has added her inspiration.
NOTICE OF CAUCUS TO SELECT
CANDIDATES FOR MAY 2005 TOWN ELECTIONS
The Hopkinton Republican
Town Committee will hold a caucus to select candidates for the May 2005
Town elections on Thursday, April 7, 2005 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the
Second Floor Planning Board Hearing Room ( #211) in Town Hall on Main
Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748. The Republican Caucus is open to all
Hopkinton registered Republicans and un-enrolled voters. The following
positions are available:
Board of Selectmen- 3 year term, Moderator- 1 year term,
Board of Assessors- 3 year term,
Board of Health- 3 year term, Cemetery Commission- 3 year term,
Cemetery Commission- 1 year term, (expires 2006),
Commissioner of Trust Fund- 3 year term ,
Housing Authority- 5 year term, Parks and Recreation Commission- 3 year
term ( 2 positions), Planning Board- 5 year term ( 2 positions),
School Committee-- 3 year term ( 2 positions)
For further information or to be placed on the Republican caucus ballot,
contact Len Holden, Secretary, at 508 435-3326 prior to April 5, 8 PM.
You must be a registered Republican to be placed on our caucus ballot.
~ Republican Town committee
Way to go, police!
Editor,
I was overjoyed on
Friday when I saw one of our finest writing out a ticket for a
truck parked in the handicap spot in front of the Town Hall. Way to go
Hopkinton Police Department!!!!!
March 20, 2005 – Over 50 Hopkinton Little
League Baseball and Softball coaches came to attend a clinic put on by
Varsity Baseball Coach, Steve Simoes last weekend. Every year, for as
long as most could remember, the Hopkinton High School Baseball program
hosts a clinic to help give guidance, insight and some tips to Little
League coaches. Simoes, with assistance from his assistant coaches and
varsity players, delivered a well prepared lecture and fascinating
demonstrations that kept the coaches jotting notes and asking questions
all night.
Simoes started off
the evening with the motto of the 2004 State Champions, “Attitude and
Effort”. He continued to preach to the audience that it is essential to
prepare student-athletes to meet their individual academic and athletic
goals, while teaching the concept of group and community responsibility.
Coach Simoes enters the 2005 season as Head Coach of the Hiller for the
13th time, but as the first time as defending, TVL, South
Sectional and Division 2 State Champion.
March 19, 2005 — In case your wondering how former Hopkinton Hiller two
sport athlete Matt Giusti is doing. Go no further!
The
Hiller pitching ace and quarterback is on his way to Stonehill College
in Easton Mass.
If you followed the Hiller baseball drive to the state title last year
you would remember that Matt pitched one of the greatest games in
Hopkinton Hiller history! The 3-1 victory over a tough Lincoln-Sudbury
team in the state semifinals enabling the hillers to advance to the
state finals and win the state title .
Matt is in the process of completing a year of prep school at the
Williston-Northhampton school in Western Massachussetts, where he
excelled at quarterback for Coach Conroy, who also tutored Assumptions
Matt Anderson (former Hiller).
Matt had an outstanding season as he passed for 1384 yards ! Rushing for
6 touchdowns and gaining 122 yards. He also played defense were he
intercepted two passes and one fumble recovery. Matt will be towing the
rubber for coach Pat Boen's Stonehill nine. The Hiller alumnus will most
likely make a big impact at the college pitching level. His gridiron
days may not be over as he may go out for football in the fall. Good
luck Matt! The Hillers are proud of you!
NOTE:
SPORTS
and ELECTION 2005
above.
Paul
Abajian, 88
of Framingham died Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Carlyle House
Nursing Home of Framingham.
SEE
ARRANGEMENTS.
Sammy's Day
March 19, 2005 — The wearin' o' the green was given a second life
this evening at the Woodville Rod and Gun in honor of beloved Hopkinton
resident Sam Click, as his friends and family got together to celebrate
his life and promote a scholarship fund in his name with a corned beef
and cabbage feed catered by TJ's of Ashland. Mr. Click's children have
started the Sam Click Memorial Foundation in his memory, and awarded
their first scholarships this year. The party continues until 11:00 pm.
The award is open to any resident of Hopkinton who is a high school
senior and plans to attend University of Massachusetts, any campus. For
more information, contact Stu Glassman 508-435-5655 or Dave Click
508-655-2816.
The Middle School played host to
Destination Imagination, where hundreds of students put on their
thinking caps to create imaginative solutions to problems posed to them.
The program is a nationwide competition. Photo above is the closing
ceremonies in the Middle School gymnasium where all of the students
marched into in a processional.
March 19, 2005 — The tail lights are running lights. There was no one in
this truck as I photographed it, because the driver had walked away to
get a sandwich, even after I pointed out the sign to him and cautioned
that if it remained I would get my camera.
"Go get your camera," he said to me, after some choice words were
exchanged.
So I did.
Daffodil Days
Above, seated from left: Andrea Stratton,
Spencer Gusha. Standing from left: Abby Levy, Sarah Krawie, Mike Roti
and parent Rhonda Levy.
March 19, 2005 — The Middle School students above were one of several
groups who manned business locations throughout Hopkinton during
Daffodil Days, a program to help raise funds for the American Cancer
Society.
Positively Hopkinton
Hopkinton college student embarks on new adventure
Justin Wright to manage painting
business
March 19, 2005 — Hopkinton native Justin Wright, a full time student at
UMass Amherst and a recognizable face from Hopkinton Drug and Brigham's,
is trying his hand in an internship with College Painters this summer.
Justin has recently emerged from a regimen of training in the field of
running a business, which is his minor course of studies, and is in the
middle of intensive training in the craft of painting homes.
As part of his duties, he has the task of hiring all of his painters
under his command and visiting the Hopkinton home sites to provide
interested homeowners with free estimates.
For an estimate, or to learn more about his guarantee, call Justin
Wright at 508-667-8967.
Destination reached
Photo of third grade team from Elmwood
School: From left: Rachel MacLean, Olivia Harvey, Hannah Elliott, Nick
Cassasa, Scott Barter, Emily Katz.
March 19, 2005 — Destination Imagination, according to parent
Mary-Beth Elliott, "...is a program that uses the kids ingenuity to
develop their own imagination skills. It is turning trash into
treasures," she said. The competition taking place at the Middle School
today featured over 60 teams from towns from the region who have to come
up with original solutions to tasks in several categories. Hopkinton
competes with teams for the second grade through high school. At this
competition, the judges will decide who goes on to the State
championship.
Grassroots group schedules meeting
March 19, 2005 — A Community Meeting
concerning the proposed sale of more than 600 acres of Weston
Nurseries property in Hopkinton and Ashland will take place on
Thursday evening, March 31, 2005. The meeting will begin at 7:00PM
and will be held at the First Congregational Church in room#225
located on Rte. 135 near the Hopkinton /
Ashland border (146 E. Main Street, Hopkinton).
This will be the third meeting
organized recently by a group of residents and neighbors concerned
by news reports of the proposed sale of Weston Nurseries property.
Issues that will be discussed include what is being sold and when,
what have our town officials done so far, will the quality of life
and property values be diminished and why it is important to get
involved now. The meeting is open to the public, will be held in
room#225 and is accessible. Contact Mavis O’Leary (Tel. # 508
435-3602) or Liisa Jackson (Tel. # 508 625-1141) for more
information.
The two
women form the newly formed group, HOPE (Hopkintonians
Organized to Preserve and Enhance), has sent letters to the
Board of Selectmen asking them to appoint an equal number of
Hopkinton residents and board or committee members. Currently the eleven member board
has two at-large members. The other nine members are either
developers or members of town boards or committees, and HOPE would
like more residents appointed and the appointment deadline extended.
They have
also asked in a letter that the Selectmen direct the Land Use
Committee to schedule their meetings at a time when residents, in
their words, "...can conveniently participate
(unfortunately,
its upcoming 7:30 a.m. meeting does not meet this criteria)."
Photo: Liisa Jackson (and Celia) and
Mavis O'Leary enter Town Hall to be sworn in as members of the Land
Use Study Committee on Thursday.
YOUTH
APPRECIATION MONTH
Above, front row from left: Leigh Daniels,
John Danis, Matt Younis, Michael Vanderpool, Jackie Levine, Lauren
Blake, Kelsey Levangie, CJ Younis. Midddle row: Richie Kane, Oliver
Clough, Tamra Mills, Christa Gramenelles, Malcolm Cheney. Rear: Matt
Mills, Kristen Baldiga, Luke Frasier, TJ Dlugolecki, Dan Hoskins,
Michael Wyzga, Adam Merzell.
March 19, 2005 — March has been proclaimed Youth Appreciation Month by
the Board of Selectmen in concert with efforts by the Youth Commission,
teachers, and other mentors. The group of young people above are
partners who play alongside Special Olympics athletes every week and
have been singled out for special recognition.
According to Teacher Claudia Vanderpool, "They are incredibly dedicated;
so much so that they often forego their own games."
March 19, 2005 — Hopkinton's Doug Glazier, left, competed in an amateur
boxing show Friday night sponsored by the Massachusetts State Police
Boxing Team. Doug, who boxes in the Masters Division (age 35 and over),
is pictured congratulating Sgt. Dale Kiley of the State Police Academy,
who he won a split-decision over. "I just love the sport," said Doug
after the bout. "It's the most exhilarating thing you could ever do.
It's a test of your courage, your skills, your heart. It's really a
blast." The bouts were held at West Brookfield High School and benefited
diverse charities throughout Massachusetts. ~ Ron DiMichele. HopNews'
Ron DiMichele also writes for
www.EastSideBoxing.com
Fundraiser for Serenity House
Press
Release from Beth Jacobs:
Please join The Hopkinton Women's Club with The Pampered Chef as they
host a Fund-raiser event on Monday, March 28th for Serenity House!
Serenity House is a traditional recovery home in Hopkinton that provides
rehabilitative services for 35 women including 4 pregnant and postpartum
who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The length of stay
is six months with an extension of up to one year for mothers and
newborns. Any woman who is over the age of eighteen years of age with a
desire for living a drug free lifestyle is a candidate. Serenity House
is committed to providing services with full attention to a person's
dignity and believe that all women should have access to treatment
regardless of ethnicity, physical handicap or sexual preferences.
Nancy Peters
to run for re-election to Board of Health
"I think I have a contribution to make."
~Nancy Peters
by
Robert Falcione
March 18, 2005 — Incumbent Nancy Peters, a Democrat, took out nomination
papers from the Town Clerk's office yesterday minutes after Muriel
Kramer took hers out for Selectman.
She and fellow Democrat Muriel Kramer exited the front door of Town Hall
within minutes of each other to find Republican Selectman Ron Clark
speaking with a HopNews reporter.
In display of democracy at its core, Mr. Clark signed Mrs. Kramer's and
Mrs. Peters' nomination papers, and they signed Ken Weismantel's, for
which Mr. Clark was collecting signatures. Mr. Weismantel, a Republican,
is also running for Selectman.
"I really feel the Board of Health is a very important board," she said.
"It would be easy to walk away, but I think I have a contribution to
make.
"I have experience, skills, and education that goes with the job," she
said. "I worked in an OR, and an ER as a Registered Nurse; and before I
retired, I was a Certified Occupational Health nurse and ran the Health
and Safety department for a large company.
"I was responsible for insuring that the employees were adequately
protected and to help them become educated on protecting themselves,"
she said.
"I have been on the other side of the table for 26 years," she said,
referring to the permitting process.
"I had to get air and water permits in many countries," she said. "The company I
worked for was international in scope."
The Annual
Easter Egg Hunt on the Common scheduled
for Sat., March 26th has been cancelled. Weather and ground
conditions on the Common have forced the Parks and Recreation
Department to cancel this event.
~ Parks and
Recreation Dept.
School Committee looks for $1.6 million
$600,000 override looming
by Muriel Kramer
March
17, 2005 — The budget is tight, has been and will still be tight for the
foreseeable future, and next year the reality is going to affect the
kids in the classrooms according to School Committee members and the
School Department. The cumulative effects of tight budgets year after
year are now forcing cuts in services for the first time, including a
possible increase in class sizes at various levels according to School
Committee.
Meeting in a working session
after the regular School Committee meeting, members of the School
Committee and Administrators worked to find ways to trim $500,000 to
$600,000 out of their proposed budget for FY 06. This is in response to
the request by the Appropriations Committee to address the identified
$1,679,000 shortfall (1,879,000 if the sewer shortfall is included)
projected for next year’s Town budget. The Appropriations
Committee is suggesting that the Town address the projected shortfall by
asking the schools to cut 1/3 of the total overrun amount from their
budget, then asking the Town to cover 1/3 from the stabilization fund,
and seeking an override for the remaining 1/3. That translates to
approximately $600,000 out of the school’s proposed budget, $600,000
from the stabilization account which currently stands at roughly
$2,000,000, and then $600,000 from an override that will need voter
approval at Town Meeting and a favorable vote at the election.
FULL STORY, MORE
PICS.Photos by Muriel Kramer.
On Thursday March
17, 2005 Milford Police Detectives conducted an undercover sting
involving prostitution. As a result of the sting three males and one
female were arrested by Milford Police and charged for SEXUAL CONDUCT
FOR A FEE M.G.L. Chapter 272 Section 53A. The arrests took place
between 5:07 p.m. and 10:53 p.m. on Fortune Boulevard and in the area of
the Rt. 109 Shopping Plazas. The four arrested all reside outside the
town of Milford and were booked, released on bail and scheduled for
arraignment in the Milford District Court on Friday March 18, 2005.
Detective Dustin Testa the lead investigator was assisted by several
detectives and officers.
The persons
arrested are:
Robert J. Miller 3rd,
age 38 of 629 Washington Street in Holliston, MA
Robert Cota, age 56 of 21 Cinnamon
Dr. in Johnston, RI
Patrick C. McKeever age 43 of 142
South Main St. in Uxbridge, MA
Lareina H. Hurley, alias Lareina
Barrows age 24 of 1446 Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester, MA
The Milford Police
Department expresses its sincere appreciation to local businesses that
cooperated with members from the detective division. Milford Police
Department has worked together in partnership with several local
businesses and groups. This is another example of Community Policing
where a very important segment of the community helped the police
perform their duties to detect and apprehend persons suspected of
criminal wrongdoing.
Press Release from
the desk of Lt. James Falvey,Detective Commander.
St. Patrick's Day, Hopkinton
style
March 17, 2005 — Above, Cathy and Jackie ham it up while Greg Brady
plays a mix of Irish and traditional American music after unplugging and
joining the patrons at Cornell's for the traditional St. Patrick's Day
celebration.
Below, Mike Hastings, a music instructor at the Cultural Arts Alliance,
plays his original and cover music to an after-dinner crowd at the Rose
Garden in Upton on St. Patrick's Day.
MILFORD HIGH STUDENT ARRESTED FOR SETTING FIRE AT MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL
(Milford, MA.) On Thursday March 17, 2005 at approximately 12:45
p.m. a 16 year old female juvenile student from Milford High School was
arrested by Milford School Resource Officer Paul Parisi after an
investigation into a fire at the high school. Milford Fire Department
responded at approximately 9:30 a.m. and contained the fire inside the
girls bathroom located in the upper C wing. Damage was limited to the
paper towel and trash receptacle in the girls bathroom. Milford Fire
Department contacted the Milford Police Department to investigate the
incident who determined who was responsible for the fire.
The girl was arrested, booked and released to her
mother and scheduled to be arraigned in Milford District Court at a
later date.
Charges alleged against the student include: Burning
Building Contents and Disturbing a School Assembly. ~ Press Release from
the desk of Lt. James Falvey,Detective Commander.
To All Hopkinton Residents
PUBLIC
SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear Resident:
The Board of Selectmen, on behalf of the Hopkinton Police Department,
wishes to inform all residents that parking motor vehicles on all public
ways on Marathon Day, Monday, April 18, 2005, is prohibited in the Town
from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., unless vehicles have a permit issued by
the Police Department. This prohibition will only be enforced on public
ways critical to supporting the start of the race.
Also, the Police Department will post parking restrictions, as may be
needed, to facilitate setting up for the race, from 7:00 a.m., on the
Friday before the race, through 6:00 a.m., on the morning of the race.
On Boston Marathon Day, Monday, April 18, 2005, all roads in Hopkinton
are closed to traffic from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Sincerely yours, Geri Holland, Executive Assistant, Selectmen’s
Office, 508-497-9700
geri@hopkinton.org
Saturday
Morning Poetry at the Café Espresso
With host
Hopkinton's own Cheryl Perreault
March 19th 2005, 10:30 a.m.
Café Espresso
108 Mechanic St.
Bellingham, MA.
Admission free
On March 19th,
Saturday Morning at the Café Espresso will feature award winning
poet Suzanne Owens of Littleton, MA. Owens, also a playwright,
professor of English and former actress, is the author of Theater Poems, Actresses: Famous,
Funky and Forgotten, and The Daughters of Discordia (poems
about women criminals in history).
FULL STORY, PICS
March is Youth
Appreciation Month
March 17, 2005 — In celebration of the recently proclaimed Youth
Appreciation Month, the Youth Commission, teachers, counselors and other
mentors, have nominated several young people for special recognition for
their special acts or accomplishments or goals that do not necessarily
fit into a standard category.
CLICK HERE to
see who these young people are and why they are getting special
recognition.
It's Official!
Muriel Kramer
takes out papers
March 17, 2005 — Muriel Kramer, mother of six and pharmacy Technician at
Hopkinton Drug, has taken out papers to run for a three year term as
Selectman. Mrs. Kramer is a Democrat.
She is currently co-Chair of the Master plan Update Committee with
Planning Board member Pam Duffy, who is running, as well as fellow
Democrat Sandy Altamura, to retain their seats on the Planning Board.
One other person, Republican businessman RJ Dourney, has taken out
papers for the Planning Board. Cemetery Commissioner
Ken Weismantel is the only other serious candidate
for Selectman.
Board of Health Vice-Chair Richard deMont has taken out nomination
papers for the Board of Selectmen, but previously stated he would
drop out if Mrs. Kramer ran. Mr. deMont was unavailable for comment this
afternoon.
Mrs. Kramer, a Hopkinton resident for over thirteen years, ran a close
election for Selectman last year, but has been uncommitted about this
year's race until now.
"I hope to bring a new voice of reason to the current Board of
Selectmen," she states in a press release. "I think a lot of residents
feel disenfranchised by the current board; I am committed to being an
effective legislator for all residents in Hopkinton, putting the needs
and interests of the town in sharp focus." To read the entire press
release from her office,
click here.
Hopkinton 5th
Grade Girls Upset Franklin’s Division 1 Champions
In a battle of Metrowest
Leagues Champions, Division 1 Franklin champions (14-1) faced off with
Division 3 Hopkinton champions (16-0) in an exciting 1st
round game in the Ashland Tournament. Franklin’s superior height and
execution help them race out to a 25-8 halftime lead, dominating
Hopkinton on the boards and with their outside shooting hitting 3 point
shots. All Hopkinton could do was watch and tip their hats to a
superior team.
But
games are not won in just one half of basketball. There are two halves
for a reason. The Hopkinton team found that out very quickly as they
raced out of the 2nd half with a 19 to 2 spurt to tie the
game 27-27 with 6 minutes left in the game. From there the excitement
began. Each team traded baskets, until 1 minute left in the game when
Hopkinton was able to take a four point lead 37-33 and hold on to a
37-35 come from behind victory over Franklin.
Hopkinton was lead by Olivia
Spector who had 10 points 7 steals and Victoria Munger with 8 points and
8 rebounds. The come-from-behind victory would not have been
possible without the all around play of Lindsay Doucette with 4 points
and Jenna Corsi with 6 points. Libbey Campbell led in rebounding (10).
The defensive effort was lead by Bridget McCarthy, Kaylee Harrison,
Lauren Brown and Anna MacDonald. Hopkinton now 17-0 takes on Holliston
Saturday evening.
Happy
St. Patrick's Day
Present from the Past
Irish immigrants in Hopkinton
Many worked in boot factories
by
Joe Markey
March 17, 2005 — “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” so the
saying goes. However, there was a time in Hopkinton’s history when
hardly anyone was Irish. According to one report, “the first traces
of an Irish person living or visiting Hopkinton is on a death
certificate dated 1828, which reads, ‘A foreigner from Ireland.’”
Even by 1846, only 22 Irish people reportedly lived in Hopkinton.
Photo of St. Malachi from A Brief History of Hopkinton.
The number of town residents from Ireland increased dramatically,
however, throughout the remainder of the 1800s. Irish immigrants in
Boston numbered 37,000 by 1847, making up a third of Boston’s total
population. More and more of these Irish immigrants made their way
to Hopkinton over time, where a booming boot and shoe manufacturing
industry demanded more and more labor, and the Irish quickly filled
the jobs. In fact, Hopkinton’s population more than doubled from
1840 to 1860, when it reached 4,340 residents.
FULL STORY.
Positively Hopkinton
Where eagles dare
March 16, 2005 — Mike Albertian, a senior at Hopkinton High School, is
pictured at Hanscom Air Force Base, where he flies out of, in front of
the plane he took up today on his first day of IFR (Instrument Flight
Rules) training. Mike got his pilot's license at 17 after making flying
his childhood goal.
Next year he is looking at Bridgewater State to continue his aviation
studies to work toward his goal of flying for a major company.
Cornell's Annual St. Patrick's Day Party
Boiled dinner at
noon.
7pm, Greg Brady
performs
Click on the video
camera icon
image and see a personal invitation
•
The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee will hold a meeting Wednesday
March 16 at the Fire Station at 7:30pm, to prepare for the upcoming Town
Elections. Please contact Chairman Edward Mills for more information:
508-435-5864.
REMINDER
2nd Annual
Fundraiser to benefit the Sam Click Memorial Scholarship foundation
March 19th at the Woodville Ron and Gun Club
Dinner 5-7, Disc Jockey 8-11
March 16, 2005 — The idea behind the Memorial Foundation is to
establish a scholarship to a senior high school student and Hopkinton
resident who has plans to attend the University of Massachusetts, any
campus.
The
foundation is awarding the scholarships to the winners this month (2nd
Semester ).
A Hopkinton High School graduate, Mr. Click was a teacher and the owner
of a landscape business in Hopkinton. His popularity as a well known
town resident encouraged people, including his three children, Tom,
Kelley and David, to start this Foundation to honor and foster the good
will which surrounded his life.
There will be a full dinner, a DJ and dancing, and the best raffle
prizes a fundraiser can offer, according to sources. Last years event
was very successful, leading to the awards being given this year.
Tickets are available at the door or call Stu Glassman, 508-435-5655 or
Tom Click, 508-655-2816.
JOHN HANCOCK
ANNOUNCES 2005 BOSTON MARATHON ELITE INTERNATIONAL FIELD
Catherine
Ndereba, Timothy Cherigat Head Field of 31 Athletes for 109th Running
BOSTON,
MA - March 16, 2005 - In its 20th year as principal sponsor of the
Boston Marathon, John Hancock announced its elite team of 31 marathon
runners from 13 countries today, including three-time winner and Olympic
silver medalist Catherine Ndereba, and Timothy Cherigat, the men's
defending champion. The race is set for Monday, April 18, 2005.
Five women who finished in the top ten at the 2004 Olympic marathon and
five national record holders will highlight the women's field. Ndereba,
the reigning world champion and second
fastest woman in the world, will seek
to defend her Boston title and make history as the first four-time woman
champion. She faces strong
competition from 2004 runner-up Elfenesh Alemu of Ethiopia who finished
fourth at the Olympics, national
record holder Olivera Jevtic of Serbia and Montenegro who finished
sixth, 2003 Boston champion and national record holder Svetlana
Zakharova of Russia who finished ninth and 2004 Tokyo champion Bruna
Genovese of Italy who finished tenth.
FULL STORY
Selectmen's meeting
Chairman
Sonnett loses vote on Town Meeting Article
A night of
intrigue on the Ides of March
Photo from left: Dave McGillivray, Race
Director of the Boston Marathon, MaryJo LaFreniere, member Hopkinton
Marathon Committee, and Dottie Ferriter, Chair of the Marathon
Committee.
by Robert Falcione
March 15, 2005 — The Selectmen welcomed
Guy Morse, President of the Boston Athletic Association, which runs
the Boston Marathon, and others (See photo) for updates and parade
permit requests surrounding the 109th running the BAA Marathon on
April 18, 2005. He said that the town would be due $65,000 from the
BAA this year.
Race
Director, Dave McGillivray, who was recently selected for inclusion
in the Running USA Hall of Champions, told of a poignant moment at a
race in Florida in January. A man and a woman next to him
from
different parts of the country said that their reasons for running
was to qualify for the Boston Marathon, and the little town where it
starts. He remarked at how people are thinking about the race months
in advance.
Mr.
McGillivray, who directs the race each year, also jumps in at the
end and runs it with fellow marathoner Jacques LeDuc, who is the
painter of the starting line and the color announcer at the
Start line on the day of the race.
The hot button
issue of the evening and the reason for a large resident turnout was
an article authored by Eric Sonnett, Chairman of the Board of
Selectmen. Mr. Sonnett said that he wanted to bring before Town
Meeting an Article to see if the Open Space Preservation Committee
should still be funded in light of the creation of the Community
Preservation Act, in which the State matches the 2% the town puts
aside for open space, recreation and other needs.
FULL STORY AND MORE
Claire
Wright takes out papers for Cemetery Commission
March 15, 2005 — Claire Wright, a member
of the Planning Board and both the Historical District Commission and Historical
Commission, has added Cemetery Commission to her wish list.
Mrs. Wright has
taken out papers for that office and listed Republican as her party
designation.
HopNews will
offer her take on this as soon as we get her phone number.
File photo: Claire Wright helping fellow
Republicans clean behind Town Hall and Bill's Pizza last year.
American Cancer
Society's Daffodil Days find local volunteers
Fundraiser on Saturday, March 19
In an effort to encourage community
service, one of three sixth grade Middle School teachers' groups and
students, the Mason team, will be participating
in the Daffodil Days Program to support fundraising for the American
Cancer Society. The money raised will be used to
provide hope for the future, progress toward a cure, and answers to
cancer questions and concerns. The fundraiser will be held on
Saturday, March 19, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at Colella's
Supermarket, Hopkinton Drug, and the Mobil Gas Station/Dunkin
Donuts.
The Hopkinton High School Leo Club, a student branch of the Lions
Club, and the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association (HPTA) have
teamed up for a month long Book Drive. All donations will be
delivered to Hands Across the
Water (HATW), a public charity which promotes both local
conservation and reuse of books as well as international literacy
and education.
2nd
Annual Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K Road Race
has been granted approval for financing for two projects, totaling
$6,760,000, designed to increase capacities for water treatment and
water supply. The State Revolving Funds provide low-interest loans to
municipalities to assist in the completion of environmental projects,
the interest rate for these loans being just 2%.
those needs. The low-interest loans coming from the state will prove
very helpful to town administrators working to achieve their water
treatment and supply goals.”
BILL
RODGERS UNVEILS 109TH BOSTON MARATHON BANNERS
Police News
The
Hiller pitching ace and quarterback is on his way to Stonehill College
in Easton Mass. 
Grassroots group schedules meeting
Press
Release from Beth Jacobs:
March
17, 2005 — The budget is tight, has been and will still be tight for the
foreseeable future, and next year the reality is going to affect the
kids in the classrooms according to School Committee members and the
School Department. The cumulative effects of tight budgets year after
year are now forcing cuts in services for the first time, including a
possible increase in class sizes at various levels according to School
Committee.
It's Official!
by
Joe Markey
ip to a senior high school student and Hopkinton
resident who has plans to attend the University of Massachusetts, any
campus. 
BOSTON,
MA - March 16, 2005 - In its 20th year as principal sponsor of the
Boston Marathon, John Hancock announced its elite team of 31 marathon
runners from 13 countries today, including three-time winner and Olympic
silver medalist Catherine Ndereba, and Timothy Cherigat, the men's
defending champion. The race is set for Monday, April 18, 2005.
Claire
Wright takes out papers for Cemetery Commission
