|
|||||
|
Jim Harvey feted by Scouts
Front row, Janet Harvey flanked by granddaughters Julia Harvey, left and Victoria Harvey. Rear, Jim Harvey flanked by former Hopkinton Selectman Eric Sonnett, left, and Selectman Ron Clark. October 26, 2006 — Jim Harvey, well known businessman and Treasurer of E. L. Harvey and Sons, where, among other things, the Hopkinton recycling is done, was honored for his work for the community by being chosen as this year's recipient of the Westboro Good Scout Award from the Knox Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America. This evening, 225 people showed up at the Indian Meadows in Westborough to join in honoring Mr. Harvey. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Garden Club treated to show
October 26, 2006 — Sandra Delbridge brought her Interior Design magic to the Garden Club and other interested people, nearly all women, in the High School Auditorium this evening to the delight of the audience, who saw her creations with a green theme become beautiful elements of decor. The latter part of the evening is devoted to the all-popular raffle, with donations from 25 companies. The Garden Club show is an annual event. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
CPC discusses funding requests
October 26, 2006 — The CPC (Community Preservation Commission) met this evening to discuss funding requests, the largest of which was the recent Whitehall purchase. The only outstanding funding request that anyone brought up was the fountain ion the Common which member Jeff Furber said he is discussing the repair with a welder, who would like to remove the fountain to do the work. "I spoke with a welder who suggested taking the whole fountain and sandblasting and welding it. There is water [pipes] there, but it is so old," Mr. Furber said. "Then when the fountain is gone, they can fix the water." Chairman John Coolidge said that there had been no date set yet on the passing of the papers for the Lake Whitehall land purchase that seems to have cleared all hurdles with the latest news from the Superior Court denying a Restraining Order. A restriction for passive recreation was read into the Town Meeting Article, that Mr. Coolidge had said was necessary to get State funding, a grant that he would apply for. However, this week, the granting agency denied the request. In response to a reporter's question about the further need for the restriction, and the possibility to open the land for active recreation, Mr. Coolidge said, "We may look back at some of the uses, especially in light of some of the stuff we'd like to do. "We're going to get rid of the house, tie the land into Reed Park." The CPC account, which funds requests for active and passive recreation, historical and housing, has, according to figures given this evening, nearly $2 million budgeted. |
|||||
     |
|||||
|
Remember: Win $500 HINT: We are now getting nearly 50,000 visits a month.
Be the closest in guessing the time and day of HopNews' millionth visit on the visit counter and win $500. We picked the closest time and day, as opposed the the exact time and day, so that someone has to win. That's right, just be the closest. HINT: We are now getting nearly (Registered*) 50,000 visits a month. However, the only way qualify to win is to send the time and day from the link above, or from the link at the bottom of the page. * Actual visits have historically been about 20% more than the cookies-based visit counter registers.
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Veterans' Real
Estate Exemptions Amounts Increased
The Board of Assessors has received notification from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, that the increased real estate tax exemptions for certain veterans will be effective in the current fiscal year, rather than the originally scheduled Fiscal Year 2008. The new exemption amounts are: 10% Disability $400, an increase of $150. Purple Heart $400, an increase of $150. Surviving Spouse $400, an increase of $150. 100% Disability $1,000, an increase of $400 These exemptions are funded from the Assessors Overlay Account Because these increased exemption amounts are mandated by Statute, the State will reimburse the Town for the increases. John H. Duffy, Chairman, Board of Assessors |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Grade 8 Field Hockey
October 26, 2006 — There's heavy traffic here during the eighth grade field hockey game against Wellesley, as #20 goes after the ball. Photo by Ben Lewis. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
On your mark...
October 26, 2006 — Most of the Middle School students above were in the "set" position awaiting the word to begin their game of dodgeball, as one student appears to be in the middle of a taunt with the opposing team made up of fellow students. The youngsters were enjoying an Early Release day at the First Congregational Church. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Alumni Notebook: According to d3football.com, their Team of the Week includes "Hopkinton graduate Michael Nicol, a Senior at Springfield, who forced two fumbles and recovered a third against St. John Fisher. He also had five solo tackles, four tackles for a loss for 26 yards, and three sacks for 25 yards." Thanks to Springfield graduate John Barclay for the heads up. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Today, October 26, 2006
12:20 pm A Main Street business complained that several youngsters game him some trouble...
9:01 pm Officer Stephen Buckley solved a past hit and run...
8:19 pm Ding-dong-ditch on Briarcliff Drive...
8:41 pm Officer Matthew McNeil arrested a 44 year-old male Worcester resident on Cedar Street... |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
What did you say?
October 26 — This mallard couple likely had to break a bit of ice this morning off of the causeway on West Main Street. The mallard appears to be cupping his webbed foot to hear better, but is more probably simply scratching himself |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Whitehall Grant Denied Court Denies Restraining Order
by Robert Falcione GRANT
October 25, 2006 — Today was a
bittersweet day for the town as the Self-help Grant that was
applied for in the sum of "We came in 19th," said John Coolidge, Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), who added that he didn't know which 13 communities actually got the award (File photo). The absence of the grant means that the town will have to come up with the money for the closing which should be fast-tracked by the attorneys who have been working on the land deal for months. Selectman Ron Clark said in a telephone interview, "I am very disappointed that we are not going to get any grant funding. "And for me it is vindication that we were not given correct information at Town Meeting; and from Representative Loscocco. "He stood up and discussed at length everything he was doing," said Mr. Clark. "The motion was for passive recreation, but now we'll lose the grant. We were told there was a high probability of getting the grant, but that was more incorrect information," he said. "We'll have to close in 3 or 4 days as soon as we get the go-ahead from the attorneys," said Mr. Coolidge. "I am really disappointed. I have to make calls this afternoon to the Friends of Whitehall," he said. Mr. Coolidge said he expected only around $10,000 to have been raised by the group to try to help offset the cost of the Whitehall land to the town. "I am trying to get it set up in case it comes down, so I can borrow as quickly as I can," said Town Treasurer, Maureen Dwinnell, after hearing that the grant was not approved. "We're obviously disappointed," said Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Muriel Kramer. "And I think we want to find out why it failed. "We had a lot of support at the State level. I don't know what other properties were awarded a grant, so I don't know what kind of competition we faced," she said today. Reacting to the news from the Court, Mrs. Kramer said, "That's a piece of good news. And hopefully we won't face any more obstacles.. We'll just get this deal finalized and we'll purchase the property."
COURT Justice Nonnie Burnes of the Superior Court, had taken under advisement a restraining order to halt the sale of the 20 or so acres of Whitehall land after hearing the defendant, the Town of Hopkinton, and the Plaintiff, 20 residents represented by resident and member of the CPC, Jack Speranza, give oral arguments in Superior Court on October 16, the date the land was supposed have passed papers. Judge Burnes set Monday, October 23 as the day for the order to end. Today, she made it plain that the lapsed order was in fact denied by her. To approve the restraining order and hear arguments on its merits, the judge would have to believe that there was a likelihood of success on the part of the Plaintiffs. Apparently, she did not. In the Memorandum of Decision made public this afternoon, Judge Burnes did not find merit in the plaintiffs' claims that Chapter 44B was violated in two cases, one by Town Meeting's vote, and the other on the legitimacy of the appraisals. Mass General Law Chapter 40, Section 14, provides in part, that a city may not purchase land for more than 25% in excess of its its average assessed value for the three years prior to the purchase. The judge denied the claim by the Plaintiffs citing case law that states a town has no restrictions, only a city. So, the sale will proceed as planned barring any unforeseen circumstances. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Two Sisters in Princess Plays
Abby Levy and Olivia Kent are rivals—and sisters—in The Princess Plays, which opens on Friday, November 3 and again on November 4 at 7:00 pm in the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium. Tickets, available at the Middle School Office or at the door, are $5 for students and seniors, and $7 for adults. Photo by Kathleen Culler |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
GO SLOW
October 25, 2006 — The driver of this vehicle that skidded off of Saddle Hill Road took full responsibility for his actions, but a neighbor blamed the new road sealing process for making the road slippery. "Stop this process immediately," said Saddle Hill road resident Vincent Frascatore to DPW Director J.T. Gaucher who was in the area of the new road repair. The road repair, as demonstrated to a group of area highway department mangers last week, is touted as a patented system to seal cracks and prevent the material from coming out while curing by the application of a sand and wood mulch immediately on top of of the applied sealant. "This should be rolled," said Selectman Mary Pratt during the demonstration, worrying about the efficiency of relying on vehicles to press the mulch into the sealant. "There was a rainstorm and it was like driving on ice," said Mr. Frascatore. Mr. Gaucher explained in a phone interview that there is a 48 curing period and the material would have been swept up the next day, but after today's accident, he called the sweeper immediately. "We had 'Slow' signs in two places," he said. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
150 Middle School Students enjoy Early Release Day
October 25, 2006 — Aaron Greene catches some air as he avoids being hit with a tennis ball in the Ga Ga Pit at the First Congregational Church during their Early Release Day sponsored by the Church, the Youth Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department. According to point person Kim Harvey, 150 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students came to enjoy the games, crafts and snacks at $10 per person. |
|||||
|
Edith Mae (Davis)
Minkle,
84, of Kennebunk, Maine, formerly of
Hopkinton, died peacefully after a long illness Sunday, Oct. 22,
2006, at the Medway Country Manor Nursing Home in Medway. She was the wife of the late Henry F. Minkle for 64 years. ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETE |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
OFFICIAL NOTICE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS WATER/SEWER DIVISION 85 WOOD STREET P.O. BOX 171 HOPKINTON, MA 01748 Ph. 508-497-9765 Fax 508-497-9767
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Recent Tests Showed Coliform Bacteria in The Hopkinton Water System
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation. READ FULL NOTICE NOTE: According to Water/Sewer Manager Eric Carty, this is the same notice distributed previously, but is necessary to satisfy statutory requirements. |
|||||
|
Veterans' Day Dinner
Thursday, November 9, 2006 Woodville Rod & Gun Club Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:00 pm
The 5th annual Veteran's Day Dinner co-sponsored by the Council on Aging and the Hopkinton Veteran's Celebration Committee will be held at the Woodville Rod & Gun Club on Thursday, November 9th, 2006. The doors will open at 5:30 pm, with the dinner starting at 6:00 pm. The dinner is free to all Hopkinton veterans. Last year we had over 95 attendees, this year we hope to have more. Veterans only, please call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730 to RSVP. The Woodville Rod & Gun Club is located at 252 Wood Street, Woodville. File photo.
The Hopkinton Veteran's Celebration Committee will also be holding our next Bugles Across America "Taps Vigil" on the Hopkinton Common, November 5th at 7pm. Please join us in honoring our Veterans! Thank you -Hopkinton Veterans Celebration Committee
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Selectmen vote to recommend against new wine licenses
by Robert Falcione
October 25, 2006 — The Selectmen, by
4-1 this evening, voted to endorse a "No" vote on ballot
question #1, that would Selectman Ron Clark, looking over the requirements of the types of food that a store must sell in order to apply for the new license said, "Subway doesn't sell apples," apparently refuting the argument that convenience stores will be able to sell wine if the measure passes. "They will," said a chorus of voices in the room. "Massachusetts is 48th in terms of drunk driving fatality rate," said Clelland Johnson (Left in photo), owner of Hopkinton Wine and Spirits, who said he was asked by Dale Danahy of Colella's to appear and speak against the measure. Joining Mr. Johnson in opposition to the ballot question was Peter Turlo of Hopkinton, who owns Natick Wine and Spirits, and Chief of Police, Thomas Irvin. "Many families are in trouble because of substance abuse, and we don't need to increase it," said Chief Irvin. "I have a "vote no" bumper sticker," said Vice-chair Mary Pratt. "I urge anyone listening to vote 'No'," said Selectmen Michael Shepard. E. L. Harvey & Sons FULL STORY |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
In an act inspired by the possible incorporation of Devens, the former Fort Devens, as a town, we asked readers to tell us whether they would vote to separate Woodville and Hopkinton.
A surprising number, almost 40% voted yes. Although it is a poll, a proper survey would have asked the residence of each person responding, because as it stands, we don't know if it was Woodville people who voted to separate or the rest of Hopkinton, or a little of both. Perhaps next time. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Tickets, Two for One The Hopkinton Volleyball game against Holliston is at 5:00 pm on Friday at the High School Athletic Center, with both teams evenly matched. It is also Senior parent night, so it should be very exciting for everyone. Anyone attending the volleyball game will be able to get into the football game with their ticket stub. Or inversely, any football fan wanting to support the volleyball team could enjoy the game, and then attend the football game with the same ticket (stub). |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
DAY CHANGED TO OCTOBER 30
10th Annual Toys for Tots Open House Toy Drive
24 Main Street, Hopkinton Monday October 30, 2006 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Bring your child in costume with a new toy and get a complimentary keepsake portrait* Must be new and not gift-wrapped No toy weapons Photographic Images will remain a Toys for Tots drop-off center until December 15, 2006. *Complete packages will be available The USMC will do their best to have a Marine at the event. Background donated by Angel's Garden Center and Chip Plourde. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Teacher travels to India
Students donate books
October
24, 2006 — At the Hopkinton Middle School, sixth graders from
the Stymiest team donated books to an orphanage for HIV positive
children in Hyderabad India. Last week HMS Special Ed teaching assistant, Claudia Vanderpool, traveled with a small team of women to the orphanage. Her responsibility was to photograph these children for a fundraising event here in the states to raise money and awareness.
Before they left India, the team outfitted a much needed playroom for the children. Claudia's luggage was filled with over 80 lbs of books (!!) thanks to the kids on the Stymiest team. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Found: Pair of eyeglasses left at 10/11 Planning Board Meeting at Fire Station Meeting House. |
|||||
|
"If you see Tom Pratt this week, wish him a happy 45" |
|||||
|
Arc of Innovation hosts Deval Patrick
October 23, 2006 — The Arc of Innovation, a group of business, educational and governmental leaders devoted to advocating for the 32 cities and towns in the 495 corridor it serves, played host today to Democratic candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, who came to the Sheraton Tara Framingham to pitch a message of multi-lateral cooperation, streamlined town permitting and dense development to the gathered Hopkinton and area Legislators and municipal employees, as well as students and interested voters. The Arc of Innovation represents the area in an effort to promote traffic and housing solutions with a regional perspective. To see a video featuring Arc Director Paul Matthews as well as Senator Karen Spilka and Deval Patrick, choose this. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Gather your tattered and weary American Flags
Do not throw away flags
On Saturday, October 28, 2006, at 10:00 am American Legion Post 202 Commander, Peter MacGregor, will be retiring American Flags in a decommissioning ceremony at Garner Bros. Sawmill. For the uninitiated, American Flags must not be thrown away or otherwise discarded, but retired by a burning ceremony dedicated to that purpose. People whose flags may have seen better days, are free to call Legion member Mike Whalen for a no-charge pick up at 508-435-2397. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Today, October 23, 2006
9:23 pm A caller from Blueberry Lane reported that someone or something was in her garage, knocking over cans...
7:35 pm A caller from Jackson Street reported that cars were squealing their tires...
4:50 pm A caller from Wilson Street reported that her dog was attacked by her neighbors dog on Sunday... |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Train Depot
October 23, 2006 — This is the old train depot in the last stages of exterior refurbishing at Ice House Pond, and in fact, residing inside the old foundation of the ice house that existed there. The Hopkinton Historical Society has gathered volunteers for the effort, such as newly crowned Eagle Scout Christopher Barry, who received his rank in a ceremony on Saturday for those very efforts. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Early Birds
October 23, 2006 — These Democrats were not the first, but the only partisans holding signs at the main intersection in town on Saturday morning. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Pop Warner
A Squad
Front (L-R): Amy Romanello, Ashley Siden, Sophie Cramer, Ashley Haworth, Stepahnie Navarro, Karissa Collins, Allison Cameron Middle (L-R): Taylor Tognacci, Hillary Waite, Nicole DeMore, Alison McNay, Brianna Stratton Back (L-R): Shannon Motyka, Mary Kate Shanahan, Olivia Caputo, Jennifer Boothby, Michaela Forbes, Laura Melanson, Kelli Filippone The Hopkinton Ashland Pop Warner A Squad Cheerleaders placed second in the morning session Large Midget Novice Division Hockomock Competition at the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island on Saturday, October 21st. The girls are from Hopkinton and Ashland and are in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. They will compete again on Saturday, November 4th in the Hockomock Championships. Picture taken by Kathy Tognacci |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
State Trooper Struck on Route 25 in Bourne
Preliminary investigation by Sergeant Henry Bushfan indicates that Trooper Michael Burgess of the State Police Barracks in Yarmouth was working a paid detail on Route 25 East in Bourne. He was positioned outside his cruiser when he was struck by a 1996 Subaru operated by 64-year-old John W. Normington of Putnam, CT. Trooper Burgess was transported by ambulance to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Normington was uninjured in the incident. Normington was cited for Failing to Use Care for Men and Equipment on a Highway. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Tennis Tournament wraps up for 2006
Above, Hal Whitehouse and Lyn Calkins, who won the advanced mixed doubles. Photo by John Gallant
The winners of 2006:
We had over 50 participants in 36 matches. We had some really terrific matches this year, particularly in the very hotly contested men’s singles, intermediate category, which had the largest draw. Thanks go to the committee members who helped organize this event. They are Hal Whitehouse; Lyn Calkins; Teri Gallant; Medi Servat; Dexter Siglin; Rick Jacobs; and Mike and Mary Schwartz. Also, thanks to Mike Preite and the Hopkinton Parks and Recreation team for their assistance in pulling this off. ~John Gallant |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Twin City Mayor-elect
October 22, 2006 — State Senator Karen Spilka shares a photo of herself with the Mayor-elect of Marathon, Greece, Spiros Zagaris in front of the statue by Mico Kaufman, Spirit of the Marathon, of which there is a "Twin" statue at Weston Nurseries on Route 135, to go along with the endeavor to promote culture and commerce in a Twin City relationship between Hopkinton, Massachusetts and Marathon, Greece. |
|||||
|
|
Click here to make HopNews your default
homepage! <---works with Internet Explorer.
$500,000 for the Ron Nation land in Woodville was denied by the
granting agency, but the Restraining Order to halt the sale was
also denied, clearing the way for the passing of papers on the
$2.685 purchase.
TOWN
OF HOPKINTON
create a new class of liquor licenses to allow stores that sell
certain types of food to also allow them to sell wine. Given the
population criteria, Hopkinton alone would get 7 of the new
licenses if the measure passes, in addition to the existing
types of licenses. The vote is not binding, but sends a message
to the community that their leaders are not in favor of the
further proliferation of alcoholic beverages.
Poll results
Photographic
Images
October
22, 2006 — At about 10:10 a.m. this morning a State Trooper who was
working a paid detail was struck by a passing motorist on Route 25
East, at the base of the Bourne Bridge, in Bourne.
