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24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748  508.435.5534

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No Scrooge here

December 3, 2006 — These two singers called themselves and the group surrounding them (Off camera) the Claflin Carolers, later joined up with singers in front of Enter Stage Left and joined several more people in song. See the video.

Free Ride

December 3, 2006 — Elizabeth Herlihy enjoys the comfort of her mother, Kathleen's, arms yesterday at the Common in a scene that was repeated perhaps hundreds of times.

Community Spirit

December 3, 2006 — Hundreds of people gathered on the Hopkinton Town Common early last evening to drink cocoa, have sweets, and sing along with carols, karaoke style.

Positively Hopkinton

Community hits the Downtown

Above, Maria Forte of Caffe Italiano dressed in period garb invites people into her restaurant

December 2, 2006 — Today the downtown was abuzz with people who took advantage of Hopkinton's first Hopkinton Holiday Stroll, which coincided with Hopkinton Drug's annual open house and the Library's Chamber Singers. Merchants and service providers up and down Main Street opened their doors to offer giveaways from cocoa to combs.

   To see a video of some of the events, including caroling and the tree lighting ceremony on the Common, click here.

November 2, 2006 — Hundreds of people filled the Common around the Gazebo this evening, eating goodies, drinking hot chocolate, and singing carols before the lighting of the tree on the Common. 

Mass Most Wanted Sex Offender Arrested in CT

December 2, 2006 —  At about 12:50 p.m. today, following the investigative efforts of the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), one of Massachusetts Most Wanted Sex Offenders was apprehended in Connecticut.    

      VFAS developed information in their search for 38-year-old Juan Silvestre of Lawrence that led them to believe that he was residing in New London, CT.  This information was forwarded to the Connecticut State Police, who worked with the New London Police Department in an effort to locate Silvestre.  At about 12:50 p.m., New London Police Officer Laurey spotted Silvestre in a vehicle on Trument Street.  He stopped the vehicle and arrested Silvestre without incident on a Fugitive from Justice Warrant. 

      Silvestre was transported to the New London Police Department for booking and held without bond. He will be arraigned on Monday in New London Superior Court. When returned to Massachusetts, Silvestre will face charges of Indecent Assault & Battery on a Person over 14 years, two counts of Violation of Abuse Prevention Order and Failure to Register as Sex Offender.

      VFAS announced its third release of the Most Wanted Sex Offender list one week ago on November 25, 2006. On Tuesday, November 28, 2006 VFAS announced the arrest of John Manning in Maine.  Silvestre was the second arrest from this most recent Most Wanted Sex Offender list.

Louise F. (DeStefano) Mongiat, 87, died Saturday, December 2, 2006 in Framingham. Born in Watertown, she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Antoinette (Tallone) DeStefano. She was a 1938 graduate of Hopkinton High School and a Hopkinton resident and homemaker for over 60 years. ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETE

Party in woods

December 1, 2006 — Several police officers responded to a party in the woods off of Pond Street that resulted in youths being charged. The Fire Department was called to put out an abandoned bonfire on this balmy, moonlit night.

The First Christmas

December 1, 2006 — The private crčche has been assembled on the Hopkinton Common on the left side of the Gazebo this year. On the opposite side, as this is written, is located the tree, which will be lit at 4:30 pm on Saturday, at the end of the Downtown Stroll (See below), which has been organized by members of the Downtown Revitalization Committee. To say the event is a well attended community event would be an understatement. There will be cocoa and caroling with the Girl Scouts.

R. J. Dourney and Let's Dish! Featured on TV

First show at 10:00 am Saturday morning

December 1, 2006 — Hopkinton resident and restaurant executive R. J. Dourney (File photo) and his Let's Dish! franchise with be the feature on two television programs in the next few days.

     Mr. Dourney's Let's Dish! locations offer the choice of picking up a prepared meal, or going there and preparing it yourself.

     The nearest Let's Dish! location is in Needham, but it won't seem like a long drive after you see the December offerings.

• TV Diner- NECN (check your local listings all across New England) Saturday, December 2 @10am and repeating at 7pm (also check out the website http://www.boston.com/news/necn/Shows/tv_diner/)

• Chronicle- WCVB-TV (Ch 5).  Monday Night, December 4th @ 7:30pm (note- Let's Dish! will be the first segment up)

Your pottery is a Wonderland

December 1, 2006 — Rachel Griggs, 14, looks over one of her mother's pieces of pottery at the Primarily Potters exhibit at the Cultural Arts Alliance building on Hayden Rowe Street. There are bowl, cups, bells, piggy banks, plates, candle holders, wall ornaments and much more, all made of clay, and all potential holiday gifts.

From the HopNews Calendar:

December 1 & 2 The Primarily Potters, a group of nine potters invite you to a show and sale of their work on December 1 and 2 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Hopkinton Cultural Arts Alliance, 98 Hayden Rowe Street in Hopkinton, Mass. Admission is free. There are platters and bowls, mugs and pitchers, berry bowls, coasters, piggy banks, holiday ornaments and so much more in all prices and techniques. This is a great opportunity to buy original, one of a kind, pottery directly from local craftsman. Click on the Calendar button for a world of things to do this weekend.

Sponsored by members ofthe Downtown Revitalization Committee

Click here for list of events and participating merchants

"This is a play about 7 1/2 cents"

Click a thumbnail above for a larger image

November 30, 2006 — The Hopkinton High School presentation of The Pajama Game premiered this afternoon at the Middle School Auditorium with a full cast and a live orchestra.  According to a message from the Director, Valerie von Rosenvinge, it is not just a boy-girl story, but a message about a 7 1/2 cent pay raise that workers at a pajama factory in Iowa in the 50's want in order to make a difference in their lives.

      Further performances: Friday at 7:30, and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 at the Middle School Auditorium. Admission is $10 and $8 for students and seniors.

Would you like to learn how to send your child to the college of their choice WITHOUT spending your life’s savings or going broke?

Join people from the HPTA For A College Funding Workshop

Presented by Ron Foisy and HPTA Parent Programs

Thursday, January 11,  7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Middle School Lecture Hall

This free workshop is full of great practical information on how to navigate the college funding system, including tips like:

▪   Ways to get thousands of dollars for the college of your choice, even if you make a good living.

▪   How to double or even triple your eligibility for financial aid.

▪   How to pick colleges that give the best financial aid packages.

▪   The 5 greatest myths about college funding, and many other inside college funding secrets.For more information, email jdriscoll734@comcast.net

Greyhound Friends is hosting a holiday party on December 3^rd at 1:00pm at the kennel at 167  Saddle Hill Road, Hopkinton, MA - for all the loyal supporters of Greyhound Friends - including volunteers, staff, board members, and lots of good friends. Refreshments will be served.

     Everyone is welcome! The Homeward Bound Hound Boutique will be open and will offer many holiday gift ideas for dog and greyhound lovers. Shop at the store and get the added bonus of knowing your purchase helps to care of the dogs in the kennel. Directions to the kennel can be found on the website - www.greyhound.org For more information, Contact the kennel - 508-435-5969.

The Pajama Game kicks off

November 30,  2006 — The Hopkinton High School Drama Department gave their inaugural performance of the Pajama Game this afternoon at 4:00 pm. Above, Conductor Steve Yavarow, right, listens as some of his musicians warm up before the performance. Check the Calendar for Friday and Saturday performance times.

POLICE NEWS UP-TO-DATE

Today, November 30, 2006

9:41 pm A caller was concerned that a deer standing in traffic on Cedar Street and not moving...

4:49 pm After multiple complaints of a man in the road on West Main Street, Officers Stephen Buckley and Matthew McNeil spoke with the individual...

2:08 pm A woman walked into the station to report that while walking her dog on Chestnut Street, a man stopped in the middle of the sidewalk...

8:06 am A caller reported a man going through her trash...

 From the Totally Free Classified

Part-Time Hopkinton Police Dispatcher

The Hopkinton Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Part-Time Dispatcher. Part-Time dispatchers work on a per diem basis and must be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays. There is a very good chance that this position will lead to a Full-Time position in the near future. Applicants interested in Full-Time work will be considered before those only interested in Part-Time hours.
     Responsibilities include but are not limited to answering emergency and non-emergency calls for Police, Fire and EMS, dispatching emergency personnel, as well as other related duties. Excellent written, typing, verbal, and computer skills are a must as well as working well under pressure. Certifications in E-911, LEAPS, CPR and First Responder are preferred but we will train the right candidate.
     Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit resume and letter of intent to: 

Dispatch Supervisor Meaghan DeRaad, Hopkinton Police Department, 74 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
mderaad@hopkintonpd.org  508.497.3401 – phone, 508.435.1979 – fax

Chamber Orchestra at Library

November 29, 2006 — The Hopkinton Chamber Orchestra entertained the faithful at Hopkinton Library's Open House, ending wit the ever popular, Greensleeves, after which there was a social with homemade punch and sweets for the children.

FROM THE CALENDAR: December 2 ~ Get into the spirit of the Holidays at a close-to-year-end celebration! The Library will once again present its annual December holiday fest on Saturday the 2^nd at 3 p.m.  Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of storytelling and holiday musical performances by Hopkinton’s young adults and Dan Cloutier.  Master story teller Aili Paal Singer. Hopkinton High School Chamber Singers. Hopkinton Middle School Hopkappella.  We look forward to seeing you there! ~ The Library

CHECK OUT THE CALENDAR FOR A HUGE AMOUNT OF EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS

Pajama Game starts November 30!!

      The Pajama Game is being presented Thursday at 4, Friday at 7:30, and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 at the Middle School Auditorium. Admission is $10 and $8 for students and seniors.

      Seen in the photo above are are Andrew Knox (as Sid Sorokin), Molly Heverling (as Babe Williams) and Tierney Nolen (as Gladys Hotchkiss).

December 3 5th Annual Holiday Open House 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm @ Marylou Knox's house, 43 Proctor Street. browse, buy or just stop by for some holiday cheer! Diane's handcrafted wreaths, etc, Christine's cards, Cindy's scarves & fleece blankets, Laura's handcrafted jewelry, party-lite candles, usbourne children’s books, jewelry designs, wild tree herbs.

Sponsored by the HPTA

Final order pickup!

The last day to pickup your Innisbrook orders.

Backorders will be available for pickup as well.

 when:          December 5, 2006

           where:          Middle School Cafeteria

            how:   Pickup from 2pm – 5pm

?? Questions ??

Ann Karpenski akarpenski@aol.com or 508-544-9851

Michelle Weilding mweilding@comcast.net or 509-435-8112

POLITICAL NOTICE

HOPKINTON TOWN CLERK

Voter Registration  For the Special Town Meeting

Will Be Held December 11, 2006 ~ Office Hours 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.

A message from HCAM-TV

Have you ever wondered what it was really like to make television shows?

We hope so, because on Monday, December 4, 2006, HCAM-TV is opening its doors for an Open House, and we want you there!

     Come see where we create our series such as Senior Upbeat, Physician Focus, Studio Session Live, Wake Up And Smell The Poetry, All About Hopkinton, and more...!

     Meet our Access Producers, your friends and neighbors who volunteer their time and effort to bring you the best in Hopkinton TV.

    Our Open House will be 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. If you enjoy watching your television station, please stop by to show your support for all the work our Producers do here! WATCH  VIDEO INVITATION.

HopNews file photo of previous producers class.

ACTION COPY PLUS 34 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 Now shipping and packaging UPS
	Specializing in: • Blueprint Copies • Binding • Laminating • Computer Services • Black and White as well as Color Copies • Self-inking Stamps • Color Business Cards on Site Phone 508-497-8918  Fax service 508-497-8919 We accept electronic files: copies@actioncopyplus.com

God Squad? Sewage Treatment Plant? Barking Dogs? Strange Editorials?

Check out our Discussion Page and be entertained — or join in!

Tragedy Strengthens

Dear Editor,

Having been a Hopkinton resident for the majority of my life, I am acutely aware of the goodness of its townspeople.  Many times I’ve witnessed Hopkintonians coming to the aid of a family in need or offering support to a worthy cause.  And even though I moved to Upton with my own family three years ago, my children and I recently became the recipients of Hopkinton’s extreme generosity and support.

The unexpected death of my husband this past May was a devastating blow.  But with the help of my family, co-workers, former neighbors, and friends, this tragedy has strengthened, rather than broken us. FULL LETTER

Hopkinton's First Town Manager Pens Contract

Contingent on December 21 Special Town Meeting funding

by Robert Falcione

November 28, 2006 — Hopkinton's new Town Manager, Anthony Troiano, signed a contract this evening, the result of a long process, detailed by Selectman Ron Clark tonight.

       "It started 8 years ago in 1998 when Selectmen appointed a study committee," said Mr. Clark.

       "In November 1999 the report was delivered — it suggested a Charter Commission," he said.

       "The May, 2004 election approved a Charter Commission and elected nine members, " he said.

       The Charter, as delivered by that Commission was approved overwhelmingly at the May, 2006 election, and as a result, a Town Manager Search Committee was formed, which resulted in the approval of four finalists. Mr. Troiano was the favorite of the group, and was chosen by a unanimous vote of the Selectmen.

        This evening, all parties signed the contract that becomes effective when the Special Town Meeting planned for December 21, 2006 at the Middle School Auditorium, is expected to approve the funding. The time, either 7:00 pm or 7:30 pm, has yet to be specified.

       Mr. Troiano spent the day meeting people in Hopkinton, and plans to be a guest, according to Chairman Muriel Kramer, of the Chamber of Commerce at an event to be announced.

Harveys

     Jim Harvey appeared before Selectmen to get them to sign off on an accelerated land swap with the State, a land swap made  necessary by the Harvey landfill encroaching onto DCR land. The swap will give the State the advantage in acreage, and of land that is uncontaminated. the Board of Appeals Chairman Tom Garabedian was on hand as was the Board of Health Chair Nancy Peters, who both expressed concerns about the land swap somehow affecting the monitoring wells and tests established by the DEP and mandated by the Town of Hopkinton.

     The exchange became a bit heated when Mrs. Kramer said...FULL STORY   [Correction in continuance of story]      

Hopkinton Drug Offers Affordable Fixed Price Drug Plan

November 28, 2006 — Americans everywhere face continuing pressure to meet the rising cost of healthcare, and for too many that remain uninsured or underinsured, access to affordable and reliable healthcare options are very limited.  The Hopkinton Drug Store is working to fill the gap.  Hopkinton Drug is now offering an affordable Fixed Price Prescription Drug Plan that makes many commonly prescribed generic medications available at an affordable price and in more convenient quantities as well.

            “I see this as a great way to connect to and better serve our customers,” says Dennis Katz (Photo), President of Hopkinton Drug.  “We will cut our profit margin for the medications offered on this plan, but at the same time, we can reduce our overhead expenses with larger quantities dispensed at each fill.

            Drugs on the formulary will be available to dispense in quantities of 100, 200, 300 or 400 tablets/capsules at a time; the cost will be a flat $18, $34, $48, or $60 respectively.  Members will need their physicians to prescribe the medications in the specific quantities for the larger fills.

            Katz sees this as a win-win situation.  Customers will be able to access many commonly prescribed generics for a lower cost and with increased convenience.  The store will be able to fill more prescriptions with less overhead and hopefully attract new customers at the same time.

            The plan should prove to be very beneficial to customers without insurance or with insufficient insurance.  Many with reliable insurance coverage may find that the Hopkinton Drug’s Fixed Price Prescription Drug Plan is still more affordable for the common generics included on the list.

            As an example, Atenolol, a generic commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and currently available at the cash price of $30 to $50 per #30 tablets depending on brand and strength, would be available to members at the flat rate of $18.00 per 100 tablets.  Over time the potential savings to customers is substantial.  The larger the number dispensed at a time (in increments of 100), the greater the savings.    

            The Fixed Price Prescription Drug Plan is available to all customers who register and pay the annual enrollment fee of $36.00.  The plan offers an extensive list of commonly prescribed generics on the formulary.

            The goal of the program is to address the sky-rocketing costs of prescription drugs to better serve customers by providing many drugs at an affordable price and in convenient quantities, all while building a more diverse customer base for the Hopkinton Drug Store.

 Positively Hopkinton

Nominate an achiever from Hopkinton

This is our town and its people are capable of greatness

by Robert Falcione

November 28, 2006 — As part of the ongoing metamorphosis of HopNews, we will soon be offering our Positively Hopkinton features on a more regular basis. And if that isn't the greatest news since the Marathon moved to Hopkinton, Elizabeth Eidlitz (File photo) will be writing many of the stories, and with her usual depth of understanding, insight and verve.

     Readers familiar with Ms. Eidlitz enjoy not only the subjects she chooses, but her presentation as well, as she sprinkles her stories with gems of wisdom and nuggets of knowledge, and ties it all together with a proper and satisfying finish.

     We encourage readers who know of someone who is making something special, achieving something out of the ordinary, or just displaying all of the ideals that we want to see in our peers, our children, and our leaders, to drop us an email at Editor@HopNews.com and nominate that person as the subject of a Positively Hopkinton feature story.

     It is time for this town to lift itself up and accentuate the positive, embrace the can-do spirit, and repudiate the politics of division as the old way of doing business.

     Be a part of the solution and drop us an email.

Amy is Back

November 28, 2006 — Amy Gorman, Assistant Day Chef to Maria Forte, has returned to Caffé Italiano and brought her special touch to the restaurant at 28 Main Street, which will now be featuring a luncheon buffet slashed to $9.95 with a choice of one or all four authentic Italian entrees cooked fresh daily, as well as a crisp salad and Italian cookies included.

Catch a glimpse of the new Town Manager

NOTE: According to a Selectmen's Agenda received today, the new Town Manager, Anthony Troiano, will appear briefly at the 7:00 pm beginning of the Selectmen's Tuesday, November 28 meeting.

Save the Date!!

 Hopkinton Police Association Annual Dinner-Dance

St. Patrick's Day ~ March 17, 2007

Portuguese Club, Milford

Cocktails 6:30 - 7:00 pm

Dinner 7:30 - 8: 30 pm

Dancing to Tailspin, 8:30 pm - 12:30 am

Tickets are $35 and available at the Police Station

TEEN DANCE AT ST. PAUL’S ON DECEMBER 2

TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

November 28, 2006 – A teen dance to support breast cancer research will be held at St. Paul’s Parish Hall on Saturday, December 2 from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are $5.00 a piece and snacks and beverages will be available.    St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 61 Wood Street (Rte. 135) in Hopkinton.

 Comment on the draft of the new Master Plan for the Town of Hopkinton!

The draft of the updated Master Plan for Hopkinton has been posted on the Planning Board's website for review and comment.  The Plan is posted so that the public can read and make comments to the Planning Board on the draft.  The Town is interested in all constructive comments – positive or negative. 

The Master Plan is a blueprint for the physical growth and development of the Town, and includes goals and recommendations for land use, natural and cultural resources, housing, economic development, community facilities and services, and transportation. 

Comments must be received by December 22, directed to:

By mail:

Planning Board

18 Main St.

Hopkinton, MA  01748

By email: elainel@hopkinton.org

By phone: 508-497-9755

"No Comment"

~ Planning Board

November 27, 2006 — The Planning Board declined to send a formal comment that the Conservation Commission requested after hearing from DPW Director J.T. Gaucher (Photo) and Earth Tech engineer, Tom Parece, regarding a Notice of Intent filed with the Commission on the construction of the Fruit Street Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF).

     The Waste Water Treatment Facility will have to have a 16' wide gravel road built, some of it through a Conservation Restriction, and some of it, according to Mr. Parece, with side-slopes of 25' to 40'. The road will follow existing disturbed areas, he said. There are two main gravel roads through the Fruit Street property where the WWTF will be constructed.

    "As a town at Town Meeting, we voted for this to bring new business into town," said Planning