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Autumn Wonderland
October 16, 2006 — The beauty of this early snow in Buffalo, NY, is tempered by the fact that the photo was taken while Hopkinton Firefighter Patrick Gross, wife Maria, and their children were stuck in the snowstorm in Buffalo for 12 hours. |
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Town Manager Committee whittles candidates down to three
Terri Ackerman, of Concord Glen Fratto, of Arlington Anthony Troiano of East Sandwich
by Robert Falcione October 16, 2006 — The Selectmen held a joint meeting this evening with members of the Town Manager Search Committee, Michael Neece and Jean Vickers, who offered them their interviewing expertise, as well as the names and resumes of the three finalists, who their committee has chosen for a final interview by the Selectmen for the position of the Town of Hopkinton's very first Town Manager, as provided by the new Town Charter. Mr. Neece said that the finalists had been either Town managers or the number two person in a large community. All have Master's Degrees, Mr. Neece said. "See, we listened to you, Mary," he said, turning to Mary Pratt, referring to an apparent suggestion she had early on in the process. The Selectmen plan to formulate a series of questions that they can aggregate and cull at the next meeting, Monday, October 23, and then interview the candidates the following Monday. They plan to interview the candidates in Executive Session, and then vote in public session at another time. Mr. Neece said all of the candidates are enthusiastic about being the town's first Town Manager. Mr. Clark introduced a motion to put the name of the current Executive Secretary, Ted Kozak, onto to the list for consideration for the job of Town Manager, but was outvoted 3-2 with Len Holden also voting in the affirmative. Mr. Kozak has performed many of the types duties of a Town Manager, but has had to defer many important decisions to the Selectmen. The Charter Commissioners have previously said that the Town manager's job will not add a position, just a new title with new responsibilities, meaning that the new Town Manager will perform the duties formerly performed by the Executive Secretary as well as having additional authority. Mr. Clark said, "It was the decent thing to do for someone who worked for the town for 17 years, who got 4 of 5 outstanding performance reviews." Selectman Mary Pratt said that she voted in the negative, because, "I think there would be legal ramifications." Mr. Neece and Ms. Vickers had emphasized the importance of asking each candidate exactly the same questions, and Mrs. Pratt's reasoning seemed to speak to that procedure. |
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Water Tank back on line ~ Second test also negative
October 16, 2006 — The additional sample that we took at the West Main Street Tank on Friday came back negative (no bacteria) for the second straight time. He have put the tank back on-line with the system. ~ Eric Carty, Water/Sewer Manager |
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The preliminary poll results are in for the Governor's race, but they appear manipulated. It is not in the best interests of HopNews to speculate or define a closed set of reason as to how it can be done, but it appears that someone with a lot of time and few scruples has added scores of votes to Kerry Healey's total. Mrs. Healey's votes have surged several times during the poll, a phenomenon that indicates tampering. In addition, for an 11-hour poll, the total is high. |
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Whitehall Injunction "Taken under Advisement" Citizens' Petition heard in Superior Court Nation attorney wants decision tomorrow, Tuesday
by Robert Falcione
October 16, 2006 — Middlesex Superior Court Justice Nonnie All parties agreed that the town may go forward with whatever it needs to in order to move toward the sale, and that includes negotiating an extension from Builder Ron Nation, who was referred to as a Trustee today, rather than the owner of the property. Today was a hearing to see if the temporary injunction, granted last Thursday against the sale of the Whitehall property "as written," would be made permanent, or lifted, until the case can be heard on its merits. The town was given 20 days to respond in that matter. The injunction was not lifted. After hearing the same arguments that have been reported in the media for weeks, the urgency of action by Justice Burnes was tempered by all sides finally agreeing that their was no immediate urgency for action. An Attorney for Mr. Nation said that he expected Mr. Nation to agree to an extension, because "...he has been paying interest since July." The judge noted October 24, but the parties have been negotiating for a November 10 date, in order to learn of the grant application results and time for Treasurer Maureen Dwinnell to borrow the money. He also said that if he does not get results by November, Mr. Nation will pursue other options. |
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POLICE NEWS UP-TO-DATE today, August 16, 2006
11:41 pm The Ashland Police Department reported that they received a call of a car that was off the road on East Street. Detective Scott Van Raalten and Officers William Burchard and Jacob Campbell responded and found the motor vehicle in the woods with no one around the area of the crash...
5:01 pm The State Police reported an erratic operator on Route 85. The caller described the vehicle as a blue older model Ford Explorer. The caller also stated that the operator was bobbing their head...
11:18 pm A caller reported that a suspicious male was yelling, growling and ranting on Coburn Road... |
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 Hopkinton visitor elected Mayor of Marathon, Greece
October 16, 2006 — Spyros Zagaris, who visited Hopkinton last year during the dedication of the Mico Kaufmann statue commemorating Stylianos Kyriakides, who won the 1946 Boston Marathon and brought attention to his country's plight, has been elected Mayor of Marathon, Greece by a majority of 53.15%, according to a forwarded email from Dimitri Kyriakides, son of Stylianos. Mr. Zagaris accompanied Mr. Kyriakides on the trip for the dedication of his father's monument and during the surrounding events that brought Hopkinton and Marathon, Greece to become "fraternal" cities as a result of their common interest in the marathon. Timothy Kilduff, who was instrumental in bringing the New Balance-commissioned statue to Hopkinton, prophetically introduced Mr. Zagaris as, "The next Mayor of Marathon, Greece," at a breakfast reception for Mr. Kyriakides earlier this year that featured former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis. Mr. Zagaris takes office in January, 2007. Original story. |
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Senior Moments
Seniors have no excuse to sit
around by Ann Di Leo October 16, 2006 — BOO….TRICK OR TREAT!!!! People in Hopkinton are well prepared for Halloween with pumpkins, goblins, and other scary decorations. Davis Road is particularly well decorated this year, there is a lively group here. Pictured are the witches and warlocks of Davis Road right here at unit 91 waiting to scare neighbors. The entire otherworldly group belongs to Della Miles. A welcome new neighbor.
Brampton Circle Club will give
seniors a chance to doll-up or ware-down, depending on
temperament,
After all the tricks or treats I think I’ll just get on my broom and fly away! But…Wait….there must be life after Halloween. We now have breakfast and lunch at the new Senior Center which is nearby, and always welcoming. There are so many activities there every day. Seniors have no excuse to sit around. George, our bus driver is still available to pick up seniors around town and still takes them shopping, and to the mall as well as the Center. After all the fun and games the next most important date for seniors is Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Senior Center, when seniors will be offered a Health Clinic. Many health issues will be addressed personally, including the EYE MOBILE offered by the Lion’s Club, which offers eye and hearing tests. Contact the Board of Health at 508-497-9725 for more information. And don’t forget, there will be plenty to do from now on, with all the activities at the Senior Center;: tai chi, line dancing, reading, playing cards, volunteering to help. So don’t prepare to sit in front of the TV until spring. …trick or treat…. Love , Annie |
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Lake Whitehall in fall
October 15, 2005 — The wind was brisk over Lake Whitehall on Friday. The peninsula on the right is where the interior land is located that the town has entered into a contract to purchase from Ron Nation. On Monday at 2:00 pm in Cambridge, the Town will have a chance to answer a temporary injunction filed by 20 residents that has halted that $2.685 sale. |
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And now, for something completely different...
October 15, 2006 — The sky over Sandy Beach looked like a scene from the Alfred Hitchcock movie, The Birds. The number of birds shown above was only about one tenth of the total of birds that flew past. |
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Hopkinton Community Endowment numbers in $26, 835 + $25,000 + $25,000 = $76,835 and counting !
October 15, 2006 — The Hopkinton Community Endowment Telethon, a show to raise money for an endowment that its promoters want to reach $1 million, raised $26,835 in pledges from the internet and over the telephone today that will be matched with $25,000 in donations from businesses, and $25,000 from private individuals, according the the Master of Ceremonies, Chuck Joseph. Mr. Joseph added that he expects another 30% of the donations to come in after the show, because the callers left messages on the machines of people who were not reached during the three hour period. The endowment most recently purchased a police cruiser for Hopkinton Police Department. |
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Movers and Shakers
Tambourines heard 'round the world
October 15, 2006 — The opening of
Hopkinton’s new senior center, no longer a depressed basement
room in the Town Hall but a separate expanse of light and window
views, should be marked with French horns and drum rolls — or a
shaking of tambourines by residents, inspired by their
counterparts 25 miles to the north. |
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Hopkinton Community Endowment Telethon October 15, 2006 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. on HCAM Channel 8
October 15, 2006 — HCAM Station Manager Jim Cozzens speaks to someone off camera while Community Producer Kathleen Culler puts some powder on the show's Master of Ceremonies, Chuck Joseph, today before the start of the program. |
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Lose your troubles
October 15, 2006 — Today, Fr. Michael Billingsley blessed the new labyrinth built at St. Paul's Church on Wood Street by Sean Donahue as part of his Eagle Scout project. The flagstones came from Camp Macgregor in Vermont, where there is an old quarry on site. "It is a path with no dead ends, no blind corners, that will lead you to that central place where is our soul, where we can meet with God. "It is an invitation to leave those things aside that bring us down, aside, leave those things behind," said Fr. Billingsley. A participant is expected to walk slowly toward the center giving themselves time to communicate with God. |
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ESL Beauty Pageant
October 15, 2006 — Mark Laumeister put on his best tutu for ESL's Chubby Cherub Beauty Pageant, a skit during last night's ESL Live at Woodville Rod and Gun, that included a Tonya Harding type of incident. |
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October 15, 2006 — That's really spooky stuff across from the basketball nets in front of the Middle School. |
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The right stuff
October 15, 2006 — Lyn Calkins showed her style yesterday at the start of the 2nd Annual Hopkinton Tennis Tournament that will continue today, in addition to both days next weekend. |
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Fatal Crash in Wrentham ~ Man Charged with MV Homicide and OUI
October 15, 2006 — At about 9:50 p.m. last night, State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Route 495 North, just south of Route 1A in Wrentham.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Denise Adams indicates that Brian F. Harland, age 34, of 14 Crocker Ave. Franklin, operating a 2005 Ford F10 Pickup, was traveling in the left lane of Route 495 North just south of Route 1A in Wrentham. His vehicle swerved to the right across three lanes and struck a 1995 Saturn SL being operated by Paul J. Rudeen, age 21, of Framingham. The collision caused the Saturn to go off the roadway, rollover and travel into the wooded area. Mr. Rudeen suffered serious injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. The Ford Pickup came to rest in the right travel lane.
Brian Harland suffered minor
injuries and was placed under arrest at the scene for: 1. Operating a Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol 2. Speed 3. Operating after Suspension of License 4. Operating a Motor Vehicle as to Endanger 5. Motor Vehicle Homicide
Wrentham Fire Department, Mass Highway, State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and State Police Crime Scene Services Section, assisted troopers at the scene.
Three lanes of Route 495 North were closed for approximately four hours. File photo |
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And Now, the News, ESL Style (VIDEO)
October 14, 2006 — ESL Theater put on the second night of their ESL Live performance at the Woodville Rod and Gun Club this evening to a sold-out crowd. Their irreverent and risqué humor hit home with spoofs of well known people and politicians in Hopkinton, as well as national figures. Above, Jean Vickers and Keith Rowe keep straight-faced while the audience breaks up. |
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Oh say can you say...
October 14, 2006 — Husband and wife team Mary Scarlata-Rowe and Keith Rowe spoof State Police Ret. Sgt. Dan Clarke, who sings the National Anthem at the Marathon each year, as part of ESL Live this evening. The group performed several skits in the genre of Saturday Night Live to uproarious laughter for the last two evenings at the Woodville Rod and Gun Club. |
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Checking in with Hopkinton
The volunteers will continue their work Sunday, October 15, 2006. |
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Three years
October 14, 2006 — Tracy and Lynn were on hand today for Hopkinton Wine and Spirits Third Anniversary open house and wine tasting. |
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Official Open House
October 14, 2006 — Volunteer Jack Palitsch shows off the stainless steel kitchen to a visitor today at the new Hopkinton Senior Center's Open House. |
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Teach them early
October 14, 2006 — Jen White and Danny, 4 months, arrived early to the Hopkinton Trails Club hike in Hopkinton State Park this morning. |
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October 14, 2006 — These State Park workers, Supervisor Richard Trubiano, Ranger Deanna Collins and Sean look over the gathering group from the Hopkinton State Park this morning as they prepared for a group hike. Mr. Trubiano said that the workers would accompany the group, splitting it into thirds, in case they had any questions during their hike. |
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Ah, my little...
October 14, 2006 — This chickadee let the photographer very close before it flew off, yesterday in Hopkinton. |
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Super Fans
October 14, 2006 — These Hopkinton students were just a few of the Super Fans near the end zone who were cheering more loudly than the official loudspeakers at last night's game. |
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Hopkinton Wine and Spirits 3rd Anniversary Open House Open House & Grand Tasting Saturday, October 14, 1 – 6 PM Want to taste over 50 great wines? Join your friends at Hopkinton Wine & Spirits at the wine event of the year! Open House & Grand Tasting Saturday, October 14, 1 – 6 PM. Enhance your wine knowledge with some of the region’s leading wine experts. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste wines from around the world. 77 West Main Street (at Lumber Street). 508-435-1292 |
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Hopkinton 35, Millis 6 Hopkinton history made
Choose a thumbnail below for a larger photo.
October 13, 2006 — Hopkinton Hillers Football team poured out the bench this evening as they built a huge lead against Millis, and the first female Hopkinton varsity player hit the field — photos 4th and 5th from the left, above. Peter Marso's report follows: by Peter Marso Senior Caroline Wood became the first female football player in history to play for Hopkinton High School, as the Hillers buried the Millis Mohawks 35-6 in a Tri-Valley League game played tonight in Hopkinton. Wood was put in the game as a member of the kick off team becoming the first female to play in a varsity game. She later went in as a wide receiver as the Hillers won a big game from the Mohawks. Paul Ostrander continued to make spectacular catches and Mark Sanborn was five for five from the kicking game. John Sables sacked the Millis quarterback three times and Will Morningstar was tremendous on defense. There were many high points on the night as the Hillers were playing great football after being stolen from victory last Friday against Holliston. Matt Potenza who was coming off of an injury scored two touchdowns — and the big yardage picked up by Anthony Tomasz. The Hillers will now have to take on the spoiler role, as they have had a great season. The night has to go to Caroline Wood as she has put herself into the History Book. Congratulations to her and her determination to play High School Football. A great courageous act of willingness!! |
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Water Samples Update ~ No coliform ~ Tank offline until one more test
Re-tests of the water at West Main Street tank and the up and downstream sites all came back clean (no Coliform Bacteria). An inspection of the tank was conducted by a professional company and no defects were found. We again flushed hydrants in the area and took another sample of the tank today and we will have the results on Monday. Although the tanks tests results came back fine, we wanted to take one additional sample to make sure everything is fine and we are leaving the tank off-line until those results come back. We will also be consulting with our engineers to determine what additional steps can be taken to help prevent future problems. ~ Eric Carty, Water-Sewer Manager |
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Likes Woodville land
Editor, |
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Practice makes perfect
October 13, 2006 — These Hopkinton senior citizens practiced their volleyball skills today at the new Senior Center, playing "chair volleyball." Some of them talked about challenging seniors in surrounding towns. |
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Selectmen defer Whitehall action until after Monday court hearing "Every person on the Board of Selectmen — every one wants to do what's right for the town." ~Chairman Muriel Kramer October 13, 2006 — The Selectmen met this morning with Town Counsel Richard D'Angelis and Special Counsel John Dennis, and upon their recommendations, deferred decisions on the Whitehall property until a hearing Monday in Superior Court that will determine whether to continue the temporary injunction it granted against the sale of the Woodville property until a hearing can be held on its legitimacy. Treasurer Maureen Dwinnell also attended the meeting. "I would not want to take any action until you speak with bond counsel," attorney D'Angelis advised Mrs. Dwinnell. "I can't pass judgment on the boding," he said. "I have to notify the bank about the IG and the injunction [Stories below]," said Mrs. Dwinnell, referring to the investigation by the Inspector General. According to sources at this morning's meeting, the IG sanctioned the sale according the questions asked of counsel Angela Atchue of that office. The injunction that was filed and received by the Selectmen's Office late yesterday has put the town in a position of asking for another extension, something they had planned to do anyway because a grant that was applied for will not be made known until the end of October. "I spent time with the seller, Angela Atchue, the State grant agent, because I needed a better sense on closing. And in speaking with Mr. Nation, I made a pitch to extend the closing for a reasonable time to learn about the grant," said Attorney Dennis. "It would not be reasonable to force the town to forfeit the grant," he said. Mr. D'Angelis asked rhetorically how the sale could be reversed if the judge finds merit in the restraining order. "With this new information, all bets could be off with Mr. Nation," said Selectman Michael Shepard. "I want to discuss that in executive session," said Selectman Mary Pratt, although it is unclear if she was addressing Mr. Shepard or other chatter at the table. Chairman Muriel Kramer asked for a motion to go into executive session. Selectman Ron Clark said that people have legitimate questions about the purchase price and the appraisals. "If the purchase price had been $2 million, there'd be no question," he said. "At GE, we were taught that besides the legal thing, do the right thing," he said. He mentioned that many of the names on the petition for the injunction were not familiar ones in town politics. "When you see names like this, it is the silent majority," he said, using a line coined by Richard Nixon, who resigned the Presidency in disgrace. "No speeches, please," said Mrs. Kramer. "It is not in the best interests of the town." After the Executive Session that lasted close to an hour, Attorney Dennis said, "I don't think we've been served yet." He went on to say that he got his copy of the document from HopNews. In answer to a reporter's question about preparations that could be done in the meantime, Mrs. Kramer said, "To be conservative, we decided not to do anything until Monday," referring to the court hearing. In the hallway speaking to reporters, after the Selectmen had left their closed meeting laughing loudly, Mrs. Kramer said, "Every person on the Board of Selectmen — every one wants to do what's right for the town." |
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Whitehall sale derailed Preliminary Injunction granted - hearing on Monday
"Until such hearing, WE COMMAND YOU, said Town of Hopkinton and your agents attorneys and counselors, and each and every one of them, to desist and refrain from finalizing the proposed purchase of the Whitehall Property as presently structured" ~ Barbara J. Rouse, Esquire, Chief Justice of the Superior Court at Cambridge, Massachusetts this 12th day of October, 2006.
The Petitioners:
JACK
SPERANZA, STEVEN BRYANT, DOROTHY MARUSKA, VICKI HOLT, LEWIS HOLT,
KATHERINE DLUGOLECKI, THADDEUS DLUGOLECKI, MAURA SHEA, SUSAN LAMPERT,
GERALD LAMPERT, ANNE SCHNEIDER, MICHAEL LAVOIE, DONNA LAVOIE, RICHARD
BROUSSEAU, GARY HAROIAN, MARY LOU HAROIAN, DAVID HAMACHER, R.J. DOURNEY,
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Poll results ~
Skewed again!
Burnes heard arguments this afternoon from Town Counsel Richard
D'Angelis and Special Counsel John Dennis for the Town of
Hopkinton, as well as from Hopkinton Attorney Jack Speranza,
whose John Hancock was the first on the petition signed by 19
other people who want court intervention in the sale of the
$2.685 million Whitehall property. And after hearing arguments,
Justice Burnes took the matter under advisement.
Oct.
30, beginning at 6 p.m. at $3 each, for an evening of
Halloween fun, with dinner, costumes, prizes, and who knows what
???
by
Elizabeth Eidlitz
