|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Ken Weismantel Announces for Planning Board
March 7, 2007 — Republican Ken Weismantel (Above) announced his candidacy and took out papers for one of two five-years terms on the Planning Board today, the only person to do so, and the only person to announce so far. Planning Board members Scott Aghababian and Jaime Goncalves' terms are up, but neither has signaled an intention to run for another five years. At Town Hall today, Mr., Weismantel said, "There are a lot of key projects before the planning Board for the Town — the old Terry property and Weston Nurseries. What the Town decides to do with these properties, and how they are developed, will have a big impact." "I worry about the revenue for the Town — growing the residential and not the commercial at the same rate. "We have to find a way to fix that," he said. In a prepared statement, Mr. Weismantel suggests zoning changes to increase the commercial tax base of the community. "How we plan for the continued development of Hopkinton is the key for our financial future." Mr. Weismantel has served as Water and Sewer Commissioner, as a Cemetery Commissioner, the DPW Study Committee and the Municipal Facilities Needs Committee. Mr. Weismantel, who was a candidate for Selectmen in 2005, is most well-known for his outspoken and frequent contributions at Town Meeting, so frequent that most returning participants could likely remember his address, something that must be spoken at each introduction to the microphone. According to Mr. Weismantel's prepared statement, he "graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Industrial Administration. He then went on to serve four years of active duty as a US Air Force Officer. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
The Importance of Being Earnest
March 7, 2007 — The Hopkinton High School Drama Department present The Importance of Being Earnest starting at 4:00pm on Thursday, March 8. The performance will also be held on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm at the High School. Above, students working on the set last Saturday. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Dave McGillvray book signing
On Thursday, March 22, 2007, many Hopkinton community groups will come together to participate in a new event sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library. The Library will be sponsoring a presentation and book signing by Dave McGillvray (Photo, blue jacket), author of ‘The Last Pick’, and Race Director of the Boston Marathon. The event will be held at the Hopkinton High School Auditorium. Current and historical Marathon paraphernalia will be on display at the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.
At age 23, Mr. McGillvray ran 3,452 miles across the United States to raise money for cancer research. He has completed 115 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. He will give a motivational presentation, and will be available afterward for questions and a book signing. FULL STORY
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Middle School Teacher to wear special Marathon number
Exciting News! SPEAC has a Boston Marathon number and Middle School Science teacher Sally-Ann Segars has volunteered to proudly to wear the number in the Boston Marathon - An event we are calling "Segars Strides for SPEAC!" Sally-Ann will help SPEAC raise awareness for the world of special education and donations for SPEAC. All donations will be put towards the Navigator Scholarship Fund, books for school libraries and parent/teacher programs and speakers. Please join Sally-Ann and the rest of the Segar’s Striders for the SPEAC team by cheering them on throughout the marathon and helping them with donations for SPEAC. All donations can be made out to SPEAC and sent to Kate Buckley at 10 North Mill Road, Hopkinton, MA 01748. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Special Olympics Massachusetts State Tournament
March 7, 2007 —The Spirit and the Pride, both Hopkinton Special Olympics teams, participated in the Massachusetts State Tournament this past weekend. Both teams played very competitively against other Special Olympics teams, with the Spirit placing fourth and the Pride taking home the gold in their respective age categories. Most importantly all the participating athletes and unified partners had a lot of fun. Pictured above are both teams, along with their coaches, Alec Levine, Claudia Vanderpool and Dan Hoskins. ~ Kathy Dlugolecki |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Town Considers Purchase of Weston Nurseries Land Board of Selectmen invites Trust for Public Land to join in Process TPL proposes 51% Town ownership
March 6, 2007 — The Board of Selectmen, following a morning session with the Land Use Study Committee (LUSC), during which that committee voted unanimously to ask the Selectmen to support the introduction of the non-profit Trust for Public Land (TPL) into the Weston Nurseries land sale process, met this evening to consider that option. And with a unanimous vote, the Selectmen agreed to do so. The Town of Hopkinton has the right of first refusal under Chapter 61A agricultural tax status to match a bona fide offer to purchase property that changes use or ownership from agricultural. 700-plus acres of land owned by Weston Nurseries, Mezitt Agricultural, and members of the Mezitt family, fall under that category. The Town was officially notified on February 26, 2007 of the inches-thick Purchase and Sale Agreement between those entities and developer/lender Boulder Capital, and has until Friday, March 9, 2007 to object to the Bankruptcy Court to the form of notice, if it is so inclined. It is believed that the 120-day for the Town to exercise its rights begins on that day, barring any objections. Tonight's motion to embrace TPL included a commitment to engage in a public information campaign prior to a Special Town Meeting that the Selectmen will call to consider purchasing all or some of the property. "They work in a partnership with the community," said Selectman Chair Muriel Kramer this evening, referring to TPL.
"Build consensus around a vision for the property that identifies those portions that should be conserved as open space," read one line in the document. Mrs. Kramer said that 50% of the land must be kept as open space in perpetuity. And in answer to a question from Selectman Ron Clark, Mrs. Kramer said that ball fields and golf facilities would be considered to be open space. "Identify, with advice and input from the LUSC and others, a developer partner," reads another line. "Determine a funding structure to cover the cost of any property that is to go into Town ownership," reads another. TPL also promises to do title and environmental reports to help with the Town's decision. Tonight's invitation does not stop Boulder Capital from moving forward with its presentation to the Town, which is tentatively scheduled for March 20, according Boulder representative, Steven Zieff, interviewed after the meeting. "This doesn't change anything for us," Mr. Zieff said after the meeting. Part of TPL's approach is to often partner with a developer. "We would be open to talking with TPL," he said. "But if we purchase, we would be paying the rollback taxes," he said, "which are in the seven-figures," he continued, posturing for his purchase. [NOTE: Check this space Wednesday for an update from Town Treasurer on more exact figure] "It's got to work for us and the Town," he said. Mr. Zieff refused to get specific when asked by reporters about the retail component of Boulder's development plan for the land, admitting nonetheless that "There will be a retail proponent. "When we come out of the box, we won't equivocate," he said. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Hopkinton Matters 3.6.07
March 6, 2007 — Wellness Teacher Diane Welch talks with David Sheehan at the HopNews studio about the Family Fun Day - Health & Fitness Fair 10:00 am - 2:00 pm @ Hopkinton High School on Saturday, March 10. David also mentions other HopNews Calendar items that matter. Theme song by Hopkinton resident Michael Nolette. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
SENIOR CENTER WWII VETERANS' NARRATIVES
written by Russ Greve
March 6, 2007 — Last month a few
Hopkinton veterans of WWII gathered with some interested
observers at the Senior
John Cahill
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 at age 17and went from Hopkinton to Boston in John Thayer’s truck. From there he went to Washington, DC and South Carolina. He said it was the first time he had seen separate drinking fountains and toilets for black people and white people. He was asked what he wanted to do and replied Para Marine (paratrooper), Raider or demolition man. Since the Para Marines and Raiders were being phased out he was assigned to demolition. Above are Officers on the beach below Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima after the U.S. invasion; from the collection of Paul Phipps (See arrow). LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RAISING OF THE FLAG. See HopNews Video of some of the conversations on HopNews YouTube Page. He landed on Iwo Jima and at first thought it wouldn’t be so bad since they got ashore easily in Amtracs (amphibious tracked vehicles). His narrative jumped ahead 25 days when he and three buddies were told to go to a rear area to take a shower to get the dried blood off (it drew flies). They were stopped by MP’s because they had no pass. John went in back of a rock and forged four passes. Only two of them survived the battle. He spoke of an Apache sergeant, Basil Me Hawk who died when he took a round to the stomach. Men were dying to the left and right of him. COMPLETE NARRATIVE |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
A Little to the Left, Please
March 6, 2007 — This fox scratching itself, photographed by Cathy Dietz, apparently prefers the proximity of humans to the vast undeveloped land (Shhh, don't tell anyone!) behind its Prestwick Way neighborhood. It spent the entire day yesterday in the Dietz's yard. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Rider's-eye View
March 5, 2007 — Macho-the-Horse pauses for a moment while Liisa Jackson takes a photo facing east inside Weston Nurseries' property. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
State and Local Police Apprehend Subject in Marshfield
· Receiving Stolen Property · Operating Motor Vehicle with Suspended License and · Failure to Stop for Police Troopers were assisted by the State Police Canine Unit and the Marshfield Police Department Canine Unit. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Today, March 5, 2007
1:58 pm A caller from Pleasant Street reported that there had been a fox laying in his backyard all day and was unsure if it was sick. Officer Thomas Griffin responded and the animal ran off upon his arrival.
1:06 pm A resident reported that a deer was buried in a snow bank on Lumber Street. The Animal Control Officer was advised and will contact the DPW.
11:26 am A caller from Pegs Way wished to see an officer regarding a possible bb hole that penetrated through an interior home window. Officer Thomas Griffin checked and spoke with the resident.
11:08 am Officer Thomas Griffin stopped a motor vehicle on Wood Street and issued a civil citation for minors in a motor vehicle with no seat belts and for failure to yield for an emergency vehicle. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
It's a Race! Matthew Zettek is third Selectman Candidate to Announce
Above, Matthew Zettek signing papers at the Town Clerk's Office, his father Charles by his side. His mother, wife and son were there also, off camera.
March 5, 2007 — Hopkinton native and Democrat, Matthew Zettek, son of Anne and Charles Zettek, has announced his candidacy for one of two seats for a three year term on the Board of Selectmen. Previously, Republican Brian Herr and Democrat David Stoldt have announced their candidacies. In a prepared statement, Mr. Zettek said, "While the challenges we face as a Town have changed over the years, the need to conduct Town business with civility and respect should not." When asked what difference he would make while at the Town Hall today, Mr. Zettek said, "My background growing up in the town and my professional experience working with towns and cities and my previous public service should give me the insight I need." "We need a more civil Board [of Selectmen]; respect is the common denominator," he said. His mother, Anne Zettek was also at the Town Hall today and said, "He grew up with two people who were active in the Town." Mrs. Zettek was a School Committee member for 12 years and a PTA mom; and his father Charles was a member of the Planning Board for many years, a Conservation Commission member, and the Town Moderator for 12 years. According to his prepared statement, Mr. Zettek, a graduate of Hobart College, has studied Leadership in Contemporary Democracy as a Raoul Wallenberg Scholar in Jerusalem in the 1980's and gained experience working for a Massachusetts State Representative while becoming involved in the Framingham and MetroWest area. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Introduction to the Senior Center
March 5, 2007 — Hopkinton Town Manager took a tour of the Senior Center today and got to meet quite a few people. Above, Town Manager Anthony Troiano speaks with Jack Palitsch and Irene Salvucci. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Two more candidates, both incumbents Ed Mills,
Chairman of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee has taken
out papers for another 3 year term on the Board of Assessors,
and fellow Democrat Lynn Fournier has taken out papers to ask
people to return her to the Cemetery Commission for another
three years. For an update on candidates and available offices,
see our
Election
2007. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
Town Talk (Discussion Page) can be funny ~ See below10 Other Reasons Not To Buy WNFrom: Crash 10. PJM Rhododendrons may soon be on the endangered species list. 9. The flare stacks from the gas plant will melt the windmills. 8. Roy McDowell and the Mezitts probably work better by themselves. 7. The Selectmen will want to move the "Go Kart" track from Whitehall to Mahars Meadow. 6. Letting pretend-developers play with my money defies my common sense. 5. East Hopkinton may be part of the "axis of evil". 4. We can't afford to keep taking land off the tax rolls. 3. Someone will discover that all the surveys said to "maintain open space" is because there was no option for free ice cream and apple pie. 2. We haven't finished ruining the rest of the town yet. 1. Spotted turtles don't like horse manure. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Battle of the Bands Video 2007!!
Check out snippets from Saturday's HHS Battle of the Bands, above. Camera: David Sheehan Editing: David Sheehan |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Article II from School Committee
Fewer students in lower grades Larger class sizes
"No one said that the town would not need an override this year to maintain the level of services. "
by Hopkinton School Committee
Right now, the proposed FY08 budget includes fee increases that add $264,000 to school revenues. It also cuts 18.5 full-time equivalent positions (administrative, teaching, and support).
In last week’s article, the School Committee described how the municipal financial system in Massachusetts creates a structural deficit – a situation where, as a town and a school system, we can never afford to maintain what we had the previous year unless something extraordinary occurs to increase revenues. The article listed examples of how the town’s revenues had been boosted in recent years by one-time events.
No such events are expected next year, so the town is in a bind to balance its budget for FY08.
A year ago, when the town voted $1.9M Proposition 2 ½ override to fund the town and school operating budget, the expectation was that the town would not ask for an override this year. No one said that the town would not need an override this year to maintain the level of services. The belief was that it would not be prudent to request an override a year after a relatively large override had been approved. COMPLETE ARTICLE |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
March 8 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Woodville Baptist Church
Sasaki Associates' third presentation of scenarios for the development of East Hopkinton. If you attended the last one, come and see if they incorporated your feedback into this new version of the plan. Sick of seeing the same faces in the news at these meetings? Then be a new face and have your voice heard. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Hopkinton Democrats to hold caucus
Any registered Democrat from Hopkinton is invited to participate in this caucus. For more information, call Ed Mills (508-435-5864) or Dick Duggan (508-435-4007), chairman and corresponding secretary respectively of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Moon over Hopkinton
March 3, 2007 — This was the sight from Main Street this evening as the shadow of the Earth crossed the Moon in a total lunar eclipse, something that only happens when the Moon is full. The black portion is the umbra, or center of the shadow. The penumbra, the edge of the shadow, covers the rest of the Moon. MOUSE OVER THE IMAGE AND SEE A NEGATIVE IMAGE. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Battle of the Bands
March 3, 2007 — Above, James Regan, the drummer for Dream Catchers, one of ten bands competing in the Battle of the Bands this evening at Hopkinton High School, gives his best. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Destination Imagination next Saturday On Saturday, March 10, Hopkinton Middle School will be the host site for the MADI South Metro Regional Destination Imagination tournament. DI is a creative problem solving program for children of all ages. Sixty teams from surrounding towns will be taking part in this celebration of fun, teamwork, and creativity. Note: The IC (Instant Challenge) and Studio portions of the program do not allow for access to the public. ~ Claudia Totino, MADI Regional Director - 7 - South Metro |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
On the Catwalk
March 3, 2007 — Owen O'Neil stands on the catwalk today, high above the stage at the High School Auditorium, during a rehearsal of The Importance of Being Ernest, which begins on March 8. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
North Mill Revisited
March 3, 2007 — A little added contrast gives the dreary winter colors some life in this photo of the North Mill Dam today. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Mother and Child Reunion
March 3, 2007 — Erin Geshwiler and her son, Connor enjoyed the music at ESL Theater today during the Musikgarten classes, structured to give the parent or caregiver an opportunity to play with their baby in a musical setting, experiencing music and movement activities designed to delight the child and awaken his or her curiosity about music. |
|||||
|
The Original HHS Blogger has started a podcast, above, which readers can listen to here. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Hopkinton High Hockey All Stars-Tri Valley Left to Right: PJ Burnham, Jake Krilovich, TJ Elder, Coach Paul Hogan, back row Mike Curtin, next to Hogan Brian Doyle, CJ Younis |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
March 2, 2007 —
Dressed up as Cat in the Hat.Childrens' Librarian Denise Kofron gave a
presentation of a Dr. Seuss story today at the Hopkinton Public Library, dressed
up as Cat in the Hat, while the children listened intently. After making crafts,
the children were treated to a birthday cake for his birthday. Learn more about
Dr. Seuss and other birthdays every day by choosing our Free Daily icon at the
top
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
7 vehicles damaged
March 2, 2007 — The weather got the best of West Main Street today at 5:50 p.m. as seven cars got damaged going into potholes on both sides of the street. Sgt. Charles Wallace put down flares while the Highway Department was en route to put out cautionary barrels. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
MO7S
March 2, 2007 — The sign surely says MO7S, but the brain turns it into SLOW immediately, as seen on Ash Street tonight. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Center School
Evacuated for third time in two weeks
Safety Officials respond immediately
by Robert Falcione March 2, 2007 — The Center School classrooms were evacuated today, and the children moved to a safe area of the building after the odor of natural gas was smelled for the third time in about two weeks. On each occasion, the odor was smelled after the lighting of a gas stove burner in the kitchen.
It has been reported on the School Department's web site, and a letter sent home
to parents (See link to letter highlighted in yellow on the front page). The cause of the odor is believed to be a faulty ventilation fan that is not dispersing the odor of natural gas that is common when a gas stove burner starts. The School Department and the Fire and Police responded immediately and made used precautionary measures to insure the safety of the students and others. File Photo |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
New Information Changes Aid Formula No premium for Special Ed Surpluses in Activities Accounts Means Lower Ticket prices
By David Hamacher
Member Phil Totino said, “It doesn’t make any sense for us to try to make changes and then have to make additional changes before our budget can be accepted. So, I’m in favor of waiting for the new information and then dealing with those issues then.” Rough calculations show that the schools could be looking at further cuts of just over $200,000 dollars. Superintendent John Phelan’s office has put forth five articles on the warrant of the town meeting to address further needs. In addition to the FY’08 budget which is now pegged at $31,230,877; they are looking for $243,000 for the needed new boiler at Center School. For planned upgrades to the High School athletic fields, they are looking to forge an alliance partnership with both the Hopkinton Athletic Association, and Boston Athletic Association, who have pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars toward the upgrade funding of the proposed stadium. The preliminary costs come in at $450,000, with most of those funds being offset by fundraising through private sources. Three remaining exterior walls at the Middle School are planned to be repaired next year as well as the roof being replaced and it’s projected that this bill will be an additional $2,950,000. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
March 2, 2007 — John Tomlinson is enthralled by Childrens' Librarian Denise Kofron's presentation of a Dr. Seuss story today at the Hopkinton Public Library, as she was dressed up as Cat in the Hat. |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
Click here to make HopNews your default
homepage! <---works with Internet Explorer.
The Selectmen agreed to use LUSC as a reporting and working
group, which is included the motion defining the elements of the
process TPL will now engage in.
Center to share some of their memories of World War II service.
Here are some of their stories: 
Today,
at about 10:20 a.m., on Route 3 North in Kingston, Trooper
Keith Ledin observed a vehicle that was the subject of a
LoJack activation. The vehicle was confirmed to have
been reported stolen. Requesting and awaiting back-up,
Trooper Ledin followed the vehicle as it exited Route 3 onto
Route 139 East in Marshfield. When troopers attempted to
stop the vehicle on Route 139 in Marshfield, the operator
initially failed to stop but shortly thereafter stopped on
his own at 612 Plain Street (Route 139), exited the vehicle
and fled on foot. Within about 15 minutes, State Police
with the assistance of the Marshfield Police apprehended the
subject. The subject, Christopher P. Pina, age 24, of
Brookline, was transported to the State Police Barracks in
Norwell for booking and held pending arraignment in Plymouth
District Court on the following charges:
March
5, 2007 — Cuts in staff, cuts in services, and increases in fees
proposed by the School Committee for next year’s budget are
prompting residents to ask questions like “What’s happening to
our school system?” “Why is the School Committee cutting
staff next year?” “Is this the start of a downward trend?”
East
Hopkinton Presentation 
The
Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee will hold a Caucus , Saturday, April
7 at 10 am - 12 noon at the Hopkinton Fire Station (upstairs conference room,
rear entrance). The purpose of the caucus is to select candidates for the
town election in May.
March
2, 2007 — School Committee Chairwoman, Rebecca Robak reported, “not so good
news, and worse news regarding the current next year’s (FY ’08) budget. Governor
Patrick released his version of next year’s budget which calls for a small
increase of Chapter 70 funding for schools showing a net increase of
approximately $71,000. The increase town-wide preliminarily projects to be about
$136,000, according to rough estimates of several variables. In a recent
meeting, the Appropriations Committee strongly indicated that the schools
probably have to come in at less than 1% increase. More calculations have
to be made in order to honor the new regulations of the town Charter as well as
the other moving pieces of the budget process. A meeting between the Board of
Selectmen and the Appropriations Committee should add new insight to the school
budget at their March 15th meeting, and there will be at least one
more public hearing before heading to the Annual Town Meeting. 
