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Gas Line Break
April 25, 2007 — Chief of Auxiliary Police, Donald Creswell, stands by at the scene of Spring Street construction, where a mechanical shovel digging a trench in the street ripped up a gas service line. |
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Democracy and Pizza
April 25, 2007 — State Senator Karen Spilka (Center) entertained office hours for Hopkinton Residents at Bill's Pizza today between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. At the right is Director of Constituent Services, Pat Vinter. Hopkinton resident Stephen Spiegel was one of several residents who came to speak with the Senator with personal requests. In the background is the Hopkinton Public Library. |
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Tickets: $1/each or 6 for $5 Cash/Check (American Cancer Society) Available at: Hopkinton Gourmet ~and~ Relay for Life Event May 18 – 19 Hopkinton High School Track
Donated by: HPTA Relay for Life Team All Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society
May 18, 19 "Relay For Life" of Hopkinton. It 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. |
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Hopkinton Police 10th Annual 2007 Fishing Derby
Date: Saturday, May 12th (rain date is May 19th) Time: 8:00 am to 9:00 am for children under 10 years of age Fishing Derby 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Location: Hopkinton Sportsman's Club, 95 Lumber St., Hopkinton • Free to all those 15 years of age and younger • Free T-shirt to first 150 children to register • Pre-registration can be made by calling the station • Pond will be stocked with trout • Bait will be provided • Prizes will be awarded throughout the day with a trophy presentation shortly after 1:00 pm • FREE FOOD FOR ALL! Contributions now being welcomed |
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What goes down must come up
April 25, 2007 — The red truck fell off of the white tow truck, the same one up righting it, and rolled over, losing its load of scrap metals. The tow truck, fully loaded dump in tow, according to witnesses, was heading eastbound passing a street sweeper on West Main Street when a truck came barreling over the hill in the same lane. The tow truck turned sharply to avoid a collision, and the red truck rolled over and lost its load. |
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Someone got number wrong Editor: 22 Piazza Lane April 25, 2007 |
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The Cultural Arts Alliance and Enter Stage Left are once again teaming up to bring a unique musical theatre experience to Hopkinton. On May 18 & May 19, 2007 we will be turning back the clock to the 1940’s and presenting a Tribute to the USO Show. Bob Hope, The Andrew Sisters and Abbott & Costello are just a few of the stars that will grace the stage at St. John’s Parish Hall in Hopkinton. ~ ESL & CAA Choose this to learn all about it and then this to help with sponsorship. |
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April 25 Senator Karen Spilka to meet with Hopkinton Residents 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm @ Bill's Pizza. State Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) is holding an informal office hour for the residents of Hopkinton to discuss issues of importance to them. All constituents are encouraged to stop by, have a slice of pizza, and meet the Senator in person, as well as raise any questions, concerns or ideas they may have. Any resident unable to attend should feel free to contact the Senator's State House office at (617) 722-1640 at any time.
April 25 The Hopkinton Youth Commission Club is providing parents of Hopkinton students the opportunity to discuss various topics that are crucial in today's society. These include but are not limited to, communication with one’s child, substance abuse, and respect. It is our hope that after attending "It Takes A Village” Open Circle, parents will feel more confident and comfortable talking with other parents, youth, and most importantly, their own children about issues in our town. It is also the goal of this group to begin with Open Circle as a “kick off” to other future events to come. Every parent who has a child attending middle school or high school is invited to attend and should find this to be a very unique and important opportunity to learn more about the issues and questions of parents and teens in our community. This event will take place from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Hopkinton High School Cafeteria. Parents are invited to arrive at 6:15. Light refreshments will be provided. Please join us and make this event a great success! |
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Dam for a Dollar Selectmen vote to purchase for $1
by Robert Falcione April 24, 2007 — A unanimous Board of Selectmen voted this evening to give Chair Muriel Kramer authority to sign a purchase and sale for the Lake Maspenock Dam, as soon as a satisfactory title and title insurance is in hand. The process, which began at last year's Town Meeting, had become a joint effort between the Board of Selectmen's office and members of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association, who had praise for each other this evening, after the vote that ended in applause. Mrs. Kramer said, "I know this has not been easy for all those involved." Speaking to the positive outcome, she said, "This is the best way government can work." "I am assured we are within a few days of getting all this together," said Selectman Mike Shepard. After the meeting, Association member Peter Oram had good words for all of the Selectmen, but reserved special praise for Vice-chair Mary Pratt, former Selectman Eric Sonnett and Selectman Mike Shepard, as well as the Dam Committee and the LMPA.
Sewer Construction Estimates DPW Director JT Gaucher reported the progress of the planning of the construction of the Fruit Street Waste Water Treatment Facility, which has grown to a total estimated cost of $9,376,295. Mr. Gaucher gave a timeline of permit applications and approvals, including a water quality certificate, which is still under review with the DEP, according to Mr. Gaucher. Selectman Ron Clark said, "The appeal by Brian Morison and two others, and the lawsuit in Superior Court by Brian Morrison has slowed down the process and has taken the attention of the DEP. "It is unfortunate that we are being delayed by the lawsuit. For instance, the Chapter 401 water quality certificate is one more step as a result of the residents' appeal," he said. Mr. Clark asked the board's blessing, absent Mary Pratt and Mike Shepard who step off for all Fruit Street discussions, for him to give the presentation for the Facility at Town Meeting. Mrs. Kramer agreed, saying she didn't want to interfere with Mr. Clark's Town Meeting "razzle dazzle." Mr. Clark has declined to run for Selectman again, and will be seated at the Selectman's table for the final time this spring. Mr. Sonnett, a member of the DPW Advisory Committee, said that the town's water consultant, Earth Tech, said a hearing would cost $3,000, and that his group had voted unanimously against it. Mrs. Kramer objected, saying Mr. Clark promised, "...that we would provide a hearing for the public." "Your accusation is completely false," said Mr. Clark. Mr. Sonnett was on hand to ask that the ConCom and the DPW, both named in Mr. Morrison's lawsuit, be defended by the same lawyer. The $5,000 previously voted was doubled to meet the request. It looks as though Town Meeting could be asked to add another $6 million for the Waste Water Treatment Facility and associated costs on top of last year's$3.5 million.
Weston Nurseries Town Clerk Ann Click was on hand to help set the Special Town Meeting date to consider the purchase of Weston Nurseries. The substance of three questions that will be asked about the purchase is: Does the town want to purchase Weston Nurseries? Does the Town want to assign its rights to the Trust for Public Land? Does the town want to waive its 61a rights? If the town waives its rights, Boulder Capital is expected to purchase the land immediately.
Mr. Clark argued against the inclusion of question for the town to purchase the land outright because, he said, it hasn't been studied. Indeed, the Land Use Study Committee and Sasaki Associates, who have been developing a Master Plan for East Hopkinton, have looked at revenue-neutral or revenue-positive scenarios that are weighted with residential home building. On Monday, Roy MacDowell, Jr. of Boulder Capital (Foreground in photo, left) pitched some of his ideas to the Planning Board. One of his plans included about 60% open space on the 700+ acre parcel with a large residential component and a market center located at the site of the current Garden Center. |
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Milford Man Indicted for Stealing Nearly $400,000
April 24, 2007 — Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. announced today that a suspended insurance broker will be arraigned on larceny charges in Worcester Superior Court on Friday. Michael J. Minnehan, 60, of 76 West St., Milford, was indicted last week by a Worcester County Grand Jury. He is charged with three counts of larceny over $250 by common scheme, victim 60 or older; two counts of larceny over $250 by common scheme; and four counts of impersonation of an insurance agent or broker. “The evidence presented to the grand jury showed a nine-year pattern of misappropriating money entrusted to Mr. Minnehan by clients,” Mr. Early said. “The total funds allegedly stolen in the scheme amount to about $400,000.” Mr. Minnehan was a licensed insurance agent/broker in the 1990's. The indictments allege that, beginning in August of 1997 and until March of 2007, Mr. Minnehan stole money that had been entrusted to him by clients. According to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, Minnehan agreed to a 10-year revocation of his agent's/broker's license, effective May 30, 2000. The indictments allege that since his suspension in 2000, through March of 2007, Mr. Minnehan continued to portray himself as a licensed insurance agent/broker, or as being engaged in the insurance business. The indictments also allege that after his license was revoked, Mr. Minnehan continued to solicit money under the false pretense that he would invest the money in annuity accounts. The indictments allege that Minnehan instead diverted the money to his own bank accounts for his own use. The case is being investigated by Milford Police Detective Craig Stanley and Michael Gray of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts. It is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John A. O’Leary, Director of District Attorney Early’s Financial Crimes Unit. Mr. Minnehan, like all defendants in a criminal case, is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. ~ The office of Joseph D. Early Jr.
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Red Hats Galore
April 24, 2007 — These ladies from Upton and other towns, call themselves the Capertown Belles, and hold their meetings in one of the old hat factories in Upton. They are part of the Red Hat Society. |
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Into the Fire
April 24, 2007 — A Holliston firefighter speaks with Chief Michael Cassidy and Deputy Chief Jim Moore while a truckload of firefighters enters the Holliston Town Forest and the smell of burning brush filled the air for miles around. According to Chief Cassidy, the brushfire was spotted by the Massachusetts Fire Tower system and triangulated to a spot, as evidenced by a map of the area, on the Holliston-Milford line near the border with Hopkinton. |
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Hillers bat around April 24, 2007 — Senior captain Brian Doyle threw a 3-hit gem monde the lefty kept the Raiders of Dover-Sherborn at bay as the Stickney nine won their 4th straight game to at least tie for the league lead in the Tri-valley League race. The Hiller bats proved to much for the visiting Raiders. The Hillers built up a big lead early and batted around at least twice. The team has had many contributions from everybody including a tremendous offensive power from many contributors. The Hillers will have their first big test on Wednesday when they travel to Medfield to take on the Warriors. ~Peter Marso |
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A Call for Help
April 23, 2007 — Hopkinton Firefighter Patrick Gross arrives in Milford on Route 85 early this evening with a brush truck to get instructions on where to enter the woods. Dozens of firefighters with dozens of pieces of equipment from all of the surrounding towns showed up to contain an elusive and rapidly spreading brushfire in an area that borders three towns. |
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Shed vs. SUV
April 23, 2007 — Although it may look like a carport at first glance, it is a shed that has fallen onto an SUV on Ash Street. Hats off to an observant HopNews reader. |
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10:52 am A caller reported vandalism to the soccer fields on East Street...
10:01 pm A caller requested to meet with officers on Eastview Road regarding youths that were found drinking...
5:25 pm A caller reported that a group of six youths were skateboarding in a Main Street parking lot...
9:26 pm A caller reported suspicious activity on Piazza Lane... |
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Shrubs in Bloom
April 23, 2007 — Connie O'Toole from Clinton looks over the ornamental shrubs at the Weston Nurseries Garden Center this morning. Mrs. O'Toole's husband, also from Clinton, worked for two summers when the nursery was located in Weston. |
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Friday and Saturday The Hopkinton Garden Club and the Cultural Arts Association proudly present their Arts in Bloom show. Members of the Hopkinton Garden Club will interpret several juried pieces of artwork with wonderful floral arrangements. It is akin to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts Art in Bloom show, yet in a more intimate setting. The show is open to the public Friday and Saturday, April 27th and 28th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the CAA located on Hayden Rowe. Admission is free! Join us, and welcome in spring - it is finally here! For more information, contact the CAA at 435-9222. ~ The CAA File photo by Sandra Livis. |
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HopNews.com Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts Updated on April 23, 2007 by Eric Montville
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Marathon Poster Contest Artists' Reception
Saturday, April 28, 2007, 10:00 am to noon. Ashland Community Center, Route 135, Ashland
A reception will be held for all the students that entered the Marathon Art Contest on next Sat., Apr. 28, 10am-12 noon at the Ashland Community Center. Posters will be displayed and a drawing will be held for all students who did not win a savings bond. Prizes include 2 iPod Nano 2GB MP3 Players, as well as other prizes. |
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Click above to see candidates' names and read Warrants. |
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Opening Day 2007
Above, Kate and Andrew Welzel receive a commemoration of the day from Pat Mahon in honor of their father, Andy, who was a popular coach until his untimely passing last year. The children each threw out the first pitch, thumbs below. Choose a thumbnail below to see other photos of opening day.
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Opening Day Excerpts
April 22, 2007 — Above are some video excerpts from Little League Opening Day 2007. |
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Sunny Day
April 21, 2007 — Saturday was a great day for taking a ride on a motorcycle, but not a good day to be violating traffic laws downtown. Motorcycle Patrolman Thomas Griffin hands a citation to an alleged violator on Main Street. |
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Northbridge man in fatal crash on Route 146 in Millbury
Preliminary investigation by Trooper David M. Manning indicates 41-year-old Alfred F. Nigro of Northbridge was operating a 2002 Jeep Liberty on Route 146 North in the right travel lane when he lost control of the vehicle. The Jeep rolled over and came to rest on its driver’s side, facing south, on the right shoulder of the roadway and on top of a Jersey Barrier. Nigro was not wearing his seatbelt and at some time during the crash he was ejected through the sunroof of the vehicle. He sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was declared deceased at the scene.
Although it appears speed may have been a
factor, this crash remains under investigation with the assistance of
the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the
State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Millbury Police
Department, the Millbury Fire Department and
During the vehicle recovery and investigation both lanes of Route 146 North were closed for approximately 2 ½ hours and traffic was diverted off and back onto Route 146 at the Route 122 ramps. The right lane of Route 146 remained closed for an additional ½ hour. |
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Where's the Beef?
April 21, 2007 — Not a good day for chickens, but a great day for chicken lovers at the Woodville Rod and Gun turkey shoot today. |
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Bombs Away
April 21, 2007 — Jack Brennan is about to hit the pool of balls at the the YMCA Earth Day celebration today as mom, Kim looks on. |
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The One That Didn't Get Away
April 21, 2007 — Mark Garner holds on to a catch while the angler gets ready to measure his fish under the eagle eye of judge Kim Clark. |
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Meeting of the Minds Committees agree to Whitehall land swap idea
by Robert Falcione April 21, 2007 — In a rare Friday evening meeting, the Open Space preservation Committee (OSPC), Parks and Recreation, as well as members of the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen, held a round table, to Discuss Article 36 of the Town Meeting Warrant that seeks to transfer control of the town-owned Lake Whitehall land purchased last year, from the OSPC to Parks and Recreation. The land was purchased for open space preservation, but the Parks and Rec would like to use some of it to upgrade a field, perhaps build another, and increase parking. The recreational use would need to be changed as it stands, because a conservation restriction is being written that forbids "active" recreation, and specifically forbids tennis courts and bicycling. Town Counsel Richard DeAngelis explained at the last Selectmen's meeting he attended that the Article would likely not pass muster as written, because other steps needed to be taken first. And last night the Parks and Rec admitted that they did not need the entire parcel, even though the Article stated that. The tone of the meeting changed from adversarial to cooperative after Selectman Mike Shepard, who was quick to insist that he was appearing as a private citizen, offered the solution of a land swap. "Why can't we have our cake and eat it too?" he asked. The Parks and Recreation would trade some of their land for land from the OSPC that is easier to build fields on. Steve Radell of the Conservation Commission asked John Coolidge of the OSPC, "Short of a land swap or other mitigation, is it not available for recreation?" Mr. Coolidge replied, "Thanks to Maureen [Dwinnell], the entire thing was passive." Mr. Shepard also suggested forming a committee with representatives from Conservation, Parks and Recreation, and OSPC to meet and work toward the swap. The specific parcels of land have yet to be defined. To see a short video from the meeting, view the YouTube clip below. |
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Mike Shepard suggests solution
April 21, 2007 — Selectman Mike Shepard brought some sense to a process that had become mired in suspicion this evening when he made a suggestion fro two government bodies to swap land at Lake Whitehall. |
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Top to Bottom
April 21, 2007 — As part of a total sprucing up, these overgrown hedges on each side of the building came down today at 25 Main Street. Their height, which reached the second floor, had detracted from the majesty of the structure. |
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Do you have a runner's BMW Jacket?
A marathon runner from Texas shed her BMW jacket after the start in Hopkinton, and left it with a home owner sitting on her lawn. She did not leave her name with the homeowner, nor did she ask the homeowner hers. After finishing the race, she could not pinpoint the home where she left the jacket, and returned to Texas. If you are that person, please call HopNews at 508-435-5534, and we will reunite the jacket with the owner. |
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Hopkinton Trails Club Hike
April hike to "Hopkinton Springs" on Sunday April 22 at 1pm. Meet at the Lake Whitehall boat launch on route 135. The hike will take the group along the west side of the lake to the old Hopkinton springs site. Our resident historian will provide interesting historical details about the area. There will be a long hike and a short hike to accommodate as many folks as possible. A great way to spend a sunny spring afternoon!
~The Hopkinton Trails Club
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homepage! <---works with Internet Explorer.
Do
you check the Calendar Daily?
It is unclear that if one vote gets a yes, the others become moot. If
so, then the order would matter.
News
Tip from Ed Thompson
Arts
in Bloom
April
21, 2007 — Today, at approximately 5:45 a.m. troopers assigned to the
State Police Barracks in Millbury responded to a one-vehicle crash on
Route 146 North at Route 122 in Millbury that resulted in one fatality.
