Dear
ITL: I saw a 13 year old riding a 4-wheeler across the ice
on Lake Whitehall. My question was regarding the legality of the
boy riding this motorized vehicle on the ice/public property. I
thought that it was illegal to ride one of those ATV's and
simply wanted to know what the laws were related to this. ~
Concerned
Dear Concerned: Chapter 90B, Section 25 of the General
Laws of Massachusetts reads, in pertinent part, as follows:
“Snow vehicles or recreation vehicles may be operated on any way
that is not maintained or used for the operation of conventional
motor vehicles.”
Title 323, Chapter 3.03 of the Code of
Massachusetts Regulations indicates that a person between the
ages of 12 and 14, inclusive, may operate a recreational vehicle
only if directly supervised by a person of age 18 years or
older, and then only on property on which the operator of the
vehicle is domiciled. This chapter of the Code goes on to
say that “snow vehicles” (I’m thinking snowmobiles here, not
ATVs) may be operated on public property only with the
permission of the owner of the property (in this case, the town,
or perhaps the Commonwealth, I would imagine), but is silent as
to the same use of “recreational vehicles” (including ATVs) on
public property. This ignorance of detail is not unusual
with regard to legislation, and is a greater portion of the
reason why legal questions are difficult to answer with any sort
of specificity, at least without bringing the matter before a
court.
READ FULL STORY
<- News Tip form the Desk of Ed
Thompson
Ted Kozak wins vote for
Northbridge Town Manager position
February 6, 2007 — According to the
a report in the Worcester Telegram, Ted Kozak has won
the position of Town Manager of Northbridge by a 3-1 vote. The
sole holdout,
Selectman Charles Ampagoomian, Jr., said that he would work with
him, although Mr. Kozak was not his first choice.
Mr. Kozak, Hopkinton's Executive Secretary for 17 years, was
selected as the final choice last week, but needed a formal vote
to move the process along.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work with the people
of Northbridge," said Mr. Kozak in a telephone conversation this
morning.
According to the report, contract negotiations for the
Northbridge position will continue next week.
Fruit
Street WWTF Approval Appealed
February
5, 2007 — Today, the Selectmen's office received a copy of an
appeal of the approval of the Waste Water Treatment Facility
location by the Conservation Commission. The Commission had it
on their agenda this evening, but their discussion is unknown at
this time.
In the space for the Person or party making request,
"Residents' Appeal of Fruit Street Permit" is written as the
requester. No individuals responsible for the action are named
anywhere on the document.
The major complaints are that the project is too dense, the WWTF
is located in a wetlands buffer and near Whitehall Brook, that
the travel time for the waste water is too short before entering
the brook, and that the plant should have been located on
another part of the property or another area in Hopkinton.
Several people have opposed the placement of the WWTF discharge
area as too close to the town's water supply.
Read the six-page document here.
Brian
Herr Takes out Papers for Selectman
by
Robert Falcione
February
5, 2007 — Republican Brian Herr (File photo), Chairman of the
Zoning Advisory Committee and former Planning Board Chairman,
has taken out papers for one of two seats on the Board of
Selectman, the only person to do so thus far in the election
season.
Mr. Herr is the New England District Manager of an electrical
distribution company. "I manage an $80 million company similar
to [Town of] Hopkinton."
A father of five whose spouse, Mary Murphy, owns the successful
Hooked on Books, Mr. Herr has a Master's Degree in Government.
"There are several big issues before the town," Mr. Herr said
this evening in a telephone interview. "I've always been drawn
to volunteer efforts," he said. Mr. Herr recently played a role
in the CAA Barn Project, which is underway.
"I can help sift through some of the major issues over the next
several months, if not the next several years. Weston Nurseries
is a big opportunity for the town and is one that needs to
be handled well. It is such a big issue that the town needs to
weigh on on it.
"I am in favor of the process. I am more concerned about the
process than the purchase. I personally would not support it,
and that's where I stand. I think the best place to decide is at
the ballot. I think the important issue is for the whole town to
vote.
"I manage people and an organization for a living.
"I think I can help," he said.
NOTE:
Two Selectmen seats are up this year: Ron Clark and Len Holden,
both Republicans. Mr. Clark has said he would not run, and when
asked following a Selectmen's meeting tonight if he had changed
his mind, he said jokingly, "If drafted I will not run, and if
elected I will not serve," quoting a well known phrase, but
repeating his decision not to run. Mr. Holden was also asked,
but said he had yet to decide.
Selectmen mull budget
Center School "decommissioned"
February
5, 2007 — Town Manager Anthony Troiano and Selectmen met his
evening, and hosted School Committee Chair Rebecca Robak, to
discuss budget shortfalls and administrative responsibilities
under the new Charter form of government, as well as budget
differences.
"What happened to 1%?" asked Selectman Mike Shepard, referring
to a vote by the Board of Selectmen to limit budget requests to
a 1% increase. "How come we got 2.1% from the schools?" he
asked. "I don't want someone to go without because someone's
getting extra.
"I don't want to get to the midnight override scenario."
Mr. Troiano said, "Everyone's debating budgets but not showing
funding sources."
He said there would be a $100,000 deficit for the "Town" side of
the budget, even with only a 1% increase, but that there is
still $150,000 left over left over in the snow removal budget
that could make up the shortfall.
"Is the reality starting to dawn?" asked Mr. Clark.
"We are going to need debt exclusions and an override," he said.
"We are trying to present a budget without an override,"
contrasted Mr. Troiano.
Ms. Robak said that $300,000 above last year is the lowest the
School Committee wanted to come in at.
There was a consensus that without revenue figures from the
state, exact budgets were impossible.
Ms. Robak presented five Articles for the Town Meeting Warrant;
the first one was the vote on the school budget.
The second Article is for a new Center School boiler and heating
system at an estimated cost of $243,000, a figure that must be
funded by a bond.
"The School Committee has decommissioned Center School, we just
don't know where to put the students," said Ms. Robak.
"Don't let the SBA know that or you won't get any funding," said
Vice-Chair, Mary Pratt.
Article 3 requests funding of around $3 million for repairs to
the Middle School exterior walls and roof.
Article 4 is for bringing Hopkinton Schools into compliance with
the Americans with Disabilities Acts of 1990, but no
dollar amount is known.
Article 5 is for "stadium repair," but the $450,000 is supposed
to be funded privately.
"We are not going to spend any taxpayer's money," Mrs. Robak
said.
Mr. Shepard, referring to a need to engage the public said, "We
really have to do a good education campaign this year."
Mr. Troiano said he will know more about incoming revenues in
the next few days.
Article revised
10:54 am.
MetroWest YMCA at Hopkinton opening
Pre-Kindergarten Academy
Discovery Center
Open House
scheduled for Saturday February 10th
On Saturday February
10, 10am-Noon.
Learn about our
Pre-Kindergarten Academy, Discovery Center, Elementary Extended
Day programs at our Hopkinton location. Meet and greet teachers
and staff, fill out enrollment forms, prepare for the new school
year, and tour the NAEYC Accredited Early Childhood Center.
Our
program is a wonderful place for your children to grow and
learn. We offer a great variety of activities, as well as indoor
and outdoor playtime with a dedicated, multilingual staff. We
also offer financial assistance to qualifying families.
School-Readiness Program for four and five year olds will be
opening in September 2007. The Pre-Kindergarten Academy will
focus on providing children the exposure to skills and
experiences necessary to start kindergarten ready to learn and
flourish. Using a daily schedule and five day a week
commitment model frequently used in kindergarten settings,
students will build on the social, emotional, physical,
listening and other skills necessary to be successful in a
kindergarten environment. In addition, students receive support
in developing their early literacy and numeric skills to promote
their skills in language and mathematics. The program will
provide a rich variety of learning experiences that touch all
senses.
Students will be
provided group and individual learning experiences including
opportunities for creative expression, environmental education
and movement education.
An
open house is scheduled for Saturday February 10th
from 10:00am until 12:00noon. This will give parents and their
children an opportunity to meet the staff, review the
curriculum, tour the classrooms and have questions answered.
For more information on this program or the open house please
contact the MetroWest YMCA at Hopkinton at 508-435-9345.
Hopkinton Youth Commission states
goals
The Hopkinton Youth Commission
begins the 2007 year with new members and ambitious goals.
Comprised of representatives
from key organizations that work with youth and members of the
community at-large, the role of this appointed board is to
advocate for Hopkinton’s young people.
After input from teens, teachers,
and the community, the Youth Commission has identified five goal
areas:
1.
More Activities For Youth
We’re continuing the after
school/early release programs for middle school students because
they love it and so do parents
·We’re working with the
YMCA, schools, churches and other community groups to expand
opportunities for youth activities
·We are supporting
efforts by the Middle School and High School as well as
community groups to expand volunteer opportunities for teens.
2.
Safe, Central Place to Hang Out
·Working with Parks and
Recreation, we’re currently talking with the Selectmen and other
leaders in the community about a close, safe, supervised place
kids can hang out after school.
FULL STORY
ESL
Holding Auditions for USO Musical Tribute on
February 13 and 15
HOPKINTON, MA (February 4, 2007) –
Enter Stage Left Theater Workshop Inc. will be hosting auditions
for AMusical Tribute to the USO Shows of WWII on
February 13 and 15 at 8:00 p.m. at ESL’s studios at 30 Main
Street in Hopkinton. Auditions are open to adults
and teenagers 14 years of age and older, and participants are
encouraged to prepare a 1940s style song to sing.
Performances will be May 18 and 19th, and rehearsals
will be held twice a week in the evenings.
A
Musical Tribute to the USO Shows of WWII is being produced
in collaboration with the Cultural Arts Alliance and proceeds
will go towards the renovation of the CAA barn.
Enter
Stage Left Theater Workshop, Inc. is a performing arts center in
Hopkinton offering theater education, training and performances
for students of all ages. For more information
call 508-435-2114 or visit
www.enterstagelefttheater.com
Category:
Comedy
Over two
years ago, in the fall of 2004, Annie and Leah went on camera to
promote Annie's parents' eatery. Although we've had it on a
couple of times before, new readers might get a kick out of it
too — and besides, it's worth seeing again. Just try not
to hurt yourself laughing along with these two cute girls.
(Remember, Main Street Specialties is now Sauce on Main). Click
twice.
Today, February 5,
2007
12:47
am
A 911 caller reported a structure fire on Hayden Rowe Street...
6:39 pm
Officer Matthew McNeil conducted a motor vehicle stop on South
Street. Sgt. Joseph E. Bennett and Officer Aaron O'Neil
responded as back up and subsequently a 35 year old male from
Southbridge was arrested...
7:24 pm
The State Police reported that they had a motor vehicle pursuit
on 495 south, passing Route 9...
6:38 pm
Officer Matthew McNeil conducted a motor vehicle stop on Main
Street. Officers Thomas Lemon and Gregg DeBoer responded
as back up and subsequently a 39 year old male from Framingham
was arrested and charged...
Hopkinton Wrestlers
The
Hopkinton Hiller wrestling team had three guys place first in
each of their weight classes. Derek Grant, Brain Kramer and
Marty Racenis. Placing 2nd was Andrew Beaver, 3rd Dan Fortin and
4th Scott Carlson. This was the Dual County league tournament
and the team placed 4th out of eleven. All of the wrestlers have
been doing great with the guidance or coaching from coach Tim
Nelson and Coach Robert Nee. This took place Saturday at Newton
South High School. ~ Photo by Kim Grant
Armed Robbery
(Feb
4, '07; est. 5:30 pm)
Milford
and area police are looking for three Hispanic males, all
wearing black hooded sweatshirts, who are suspects in an
Armed Robbery at the Off Track Bedding in Milford, during which
it is alleged a gun was shown and an employee tied up with duct
tape.
Locks of Love
Feb 13 - Feb 17
Call Ann-Michele for an appointment.
Give 10" of hair or more, and get a complimentary
cut. Choose the "Locks" button and learn about this
great program that collects hair for prosthetics for
kids.
Fire Update
David K. Beck, 51, the sole occupant/owner of the property
at 24 Hayden Rowe that caught fire early this morning, was
airlifted by LifeFlight medical helicopter UMass Medical, after
being treated in the Ashland ambulance by a medical team who
came with the chopper to UMass Medical, where he was evaluated.
After a quick evaluation for his burn injuries, he was flown to
Brigham and Women's.
The
cause of the fire is being investigated by Hopkinton Detective
Scott Van Raalten and Massachusetts State Police.
Air
Hockey
February 4, 2007 — Dillon Malloy gets ready to slap down this
puck shot by his Dad, off-camera, at the Ice House Pond this
afternoon.
It's a
Family Affair
February 4,
2007 — Left, Tyana Vaz, 11, gets ride from Dad, Mario, while her
cousin, Patrick Moutinho, 13, rides his own 4-wheeler on Lake
Whitehall today.
Camera shy
February 4, 2007 — This denizen of the Downtown, a turkey
vulture, got a little camera shy and flew away when the second
person with a camera showed up and gawked at him and his
mate last week.
Hopkinton
Meets Hollywood
Last week, Hopkinton residents Ellen Mace, Kelly Loring, and
Karen Abrams took out their friend Lisa Giusti for a birthday
dinner at Grill 23 in Boston. It was a nice
surprise to have Robin Williams at the next table!
Pictured in photo (Lisa Giusti and Robin Williams)
Fire on Hayden Rowe
February 4, 2007 — The call came in for a structure fire early
this morning, bringing in Firefighters from Hopkinton and
Ashland, as well as several pieces of equipment and several
Hopkinton police officers to Hayden Rowe, where the smell of
burning upholstery or a burning mattress filled the air.
One person was taken to UMass by LifeFlight (Photo below) for
treatment of burns. The Fire Marshal was called, and Hopkinton
detectives as well as the Chief of Police arrived on the scene
of the fire.
LifeFlight
February 4, 2007 — The LifeFlight Helicopter from UMass Memorial
Medical Center starts its takeoff with a fire victim from this
morning's fire, from behind Center School early this morning.
HEF
Gala
February 4, 2007 — No, this isn't a beauty pageant, but seven of
the partygoers last night at the 14th Hopkinton Education
Foundation Gala at the Sheraton Tara Hotel in Framingham.
Couples danced to the tunes and bid on some great items with a
live auction.
Click on a thumbnail below for a larger photo
Didn't go to
the Gala? See the movie above.
Check Water before using
The water department worked from 2:00am until 4:30pm on the
water main on
Wood
Street. Conditions were extremely
difficult due to the destruction the water caused to the road
and the amount of ledge that the main was sitting on. Repairs have
been made to the water main and the water has been turned back
on. Some people may still notice low pressure and/or
discoloration. Please check your water before using it. ~Eric
Carty, Water/Sewer Manager
Cheryl Perreault's
Poet's Corner
Will
Yaggy is a third grade student who attends ElmwoodElementary School. He wrote this
haiku after his teacher Paula Tangredi taught his class about
haiku poetry and then asked each child to write a poem about
winter. Will had to use his imagination since there wasn’t any
snow on the ground at the time. However, Will and his
classmates are less apt to be spending their time pondering
poetic thoughts about snow this weekend since they are most
likely out there finally playing in it!
~ Cheryl Perreault
To avoid a $25.00 late fee, any dogs six months or older
owned or kept by Hopkinton residents must be licensed by April 1
each year. Licenses may be obtained in person or by returning
the mail-in form included with the annual census. To apply by
mail include the form, the fee and a copy of the rabies
certificate.
WATER MAIN BREAK ON WOOD STREET
Wood
Street residents lose service
•
Service to be restored 3-4 hrs. [current time 10:30am]
•When water
comes back, run until clean before using
February
3, 2007 A water main break near TLC has shut down service to
Wood Street residents. Above, Water Department employees devise
a strategy. Residents have phoned HopNews saying their service
is off. ~ A tip of the HopNews hat for this news tip from the
coffee shop.
Groundhog Day at Center School
February 2, 2007 might have been just another day except
it was GROUNDHOG DAY and two first grade classes at the
Center School did a fabulous job of celebrating with family
and friends. Mrs. Kanes' and Mrs. Jacobs' classes
memorized FACTS about Groundhogs and asked the crowd
to listen to the questions and answer the facts, the
pressure mounted as everyone knew if ALL the questions were
answered correctly both classes could celebrate with an
extra 15 minutes of recess on the first day of spring.
The crowd cheered when Principal Mrs. Parson answered the
last question correctly!! They also performed many hit
tunes like "I Wish I Was a Punxsutawney Groundhog" and the
ever famous, "Here Comes the Sunshine" and the biggest hit
of all, complete with dance moves "You Ain't Nothin' but a
Groundhog!". A good time was had by all and Groundhog
day will be remembered in the hearts of many forever.
Good job by ALL!
PS
Punsxutawney Phil says that SPRING is right around the
corner. ~ Kathy LaFlash
First (Real) Snow
February 3, 2007 — David Sheahan shares his unique perspective
of Spring Street this morning.
Sticker
Shock at Colella's
February 2, 2007 — To see video interviews at Colella's for the
Sticker Shock campaign taped earlier today, click the play
button twice.
Hopkinton 33, Dover-Sherborn 35
February
2, 2007 — A nail-biter to the end, the Hiller girl basketball
team fell one basket short in giving Dick Bliss his 300th career
win in the last four seconds of the game.
February
2, 2007 — Coach Dick Bliss gives the Hiller ladies some tips
during a break in tonight's game against Dover-Sherborn.
Relay for
Life is an 18 hour event in which teams of 8 to 15 people walk
around the track in order to celebrate survivors of cancer and
to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The event itself
is on May 18 from 6 pm until May 19 at noon. There is food,
beverages, and live entertainment throughout the night.
There is an informational
meeting on Thursday, February 8 at Hopkinton High School from
7-8:30 pm for anyone interested in creating a team. Teams
can be made up of family members, friends, clubmates, sports
teammates, co-workers, or any group of people. If anyone has any
questions they can contact Carly Boyce at
hopkinton.relayforlife@hotmail.com or Laura French
at
laura.french@cancer.org. This is a great opportunity for our community to unite
together in order to celebrate the survivors of cancer and to
raise funds to fight cancer.
February 2, 2007 — JV Goalie Mike Richardson is about to make a
save against Grafton last night.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Public Comments Impact Proposed
FY '08 School Budget
Committee submits ‘preliminary budget’ for $31,230,877 to
Town Manager
“We always seem to be in the cutting mode” ~ Jeff Crum,
Resident
By David Hamacher
February 2, 2007 — In what was
termed the ‘largest public audience’ to ever attend a public
hearing for the School
Committee budget hearing last night, several public comments
that impacted the school budget were taken to heart by the
committee.
Resident Jeff Crum (Photo) started the public comment section by
asking, “Why is it that after the override last year, we are
back in this situation? We passed an override last year that was
supposed to get us back on track. We always seem to be in the
cutting mode.”
Karen Webb wanted to know why cutting teacher head count was not
the last result when it came to making budget reductions.
Barbara Berke (Photo) stated, “There does not seem to be a
balance in the cut in services. It seems like the Middle School
and High School are taking it on the chin. There will be an
increase in students in both schools, yet we reducing teachers.
I’d like to see you balance the budget across the board. Why
can’t we extend fees to the elementary school population? It
doesn’t look like they pay bus fees. Could there be fees for
chorus and other activities in the elementary schools?
Denise Rao Monaghan focused on the first three stated strategic
goals. “My bottom line is teacher face time with the kids. And
I’m extremely, extremely concerned that you’re cutting a seventh
grade reading teacher.
Mary Pratt voiced concern about the proposed reduction in
special education. Please don’t cut special needs.”
Paul Dietz expressed frustration that there had been, “No back
and forth conversation,” with the public during the budget
process. “We have not been able to see the final copy of the
budget, so I’m not sure that we have wisely allocated our
resources. Why don’t we start the cuts with administration? We
used to share Assistant Principals in the elementary schools,
why can’t we look at that?”
FULL REPORT
Revised Feb 2, 2007
at 3:37
MILFORD
POLICE DEPARTMENT SEEKS PUBLIC'S HELP
Murder suspects on the loose
HELP!!!!
Jose DeLima, 29 years of age, was murdered at his home on Main
Street, Milford, on Monday,
January 29, at about 11:00 P.M..
Milford Police Detectives and the Massachusetts State Police are
investigating this tragedy.
We need YOURHELP!!!
The suspects are believed to be two Hispanic males,
If you know why someone would want to harm Jose DeLima, or
anyone else, please contact us:
ANONYMOUS TIP LINE:
508-473-3800
MILFORD POLICE:
508-473-1113, ext “0”
MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE: 508-832-9124
From: Thomas J.
O’Loughlin, Chief of Police 250
Main Street * Milford, MA 01757 *
February
1, 2007 — Fin Perry, Chairman of the LUSC (Land Use Study
Committee), prefaced this evening's joint Planning Board/LUSC
meeting at the High School by saying, "The stars are aligned."
He announced that on the same day (today) that his group is
rolling out a study of East Hopkinton, the Bankruptcy Court
awarded the bid for Weston Nurseries' property to Roy S.
MacDowell Jr.'s (Photo, center) Boulder Capital, which led the
bidding as a stalking horse. Boulder won over the only other
bidder, National Development, which actually offered $1 million
more than Boulder. However, the court considered not only
just the money, but the ability to commit to the purchase and
follow through with it.
Mr. Perry, after giving a short history of his committee,
explained that the town could decide whether to purchase the
property and then assign its rights to a conservation group or a
developer. The town has the ability to form an EDIC (Economic
Development Corporation), a powerful entity that could buy and
develop the property on behalf of the town. An EDIC must be
voted at Town Meeting. The land would have to be rezoned to
maximize any developer's potential, and Mr. Perry reminded the
gathering that a 2/3 vote is required at Town Meeting for
zoning changes.
The town will get formal notification of the land use change
within days, according Fin Perry, which will trigger the 120 day
period in which the town must exercise its right of first
refusal if it so chooses. At the end of the meeting, Mr. Perry
was asked by an attendee what his committee intended to
recommend to the Selectmen, whose choice it will be to vote to
purchas
Click here to make HopNews your default
homepage! <---works with Internet Explorer.
Dear
ITL: I saw a 13 year old riding a 4-wheeler across the ice
on Lake Whitehall. My question was regarding the legality of the
boy riding this motorized vehicle on the ice/public property. I
thought that it was illegal to ride one of those ATV's and
simply wanted to know what the laws were related to this. ~
Concerned
Selectman Charles Ampagoomian, Jr., said that he would work with
him, although Mr. Kozak was not his first choice.
February
5, 2007 — Today, the Selectmen's office received a copy of an
appeal of the approval of the Waste Water Treatment Facility
location by the Conservation Commission. The Commission had it
on their agenda this evening, but their discussion is unknown at
this time.
Selectmen mull budget
from key organizations that work with youth and members of the
community at-large, the role of this appointed board is to
advocate for Hopkinton’s young people.
Fire Update
Committee budget hearing last night, several public comments
that impacted the school budget were taken to heart by the
committee.
January 29, at about 11:00 P.M..
Weston
Nurseries buyer chosen by Court