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DAY ONE 2007 Annual Town Meeting Completes 31 of 58 Articles Additional 4.5 Million Waste Water Funding Does Not Address Future Development Ten Homes to be Assessed 24K Each
By David Hamacher
(This article
makes several references to the Annual Town
Warrant available
here.) May 8, 2007 — 250 Hopkinton voters attending the first night of the 2006 Annual Town Meeting last night became part of a fast moving, smoothly run meeting, completing 31 of 58 articles on the town warrant. Before the reading of the Articles, departments gave updates. Linda Kimball of the Library Trustees presented ambitious plans for the library's expansion, and brought along a model that was displayed in the hallway (Photo, below). Appropriations Committee Chair, Mr. Stuart Cowart (Photo, right), presented a slide show describing the different ways capital articles would be funded this year. “This is the first time we are doing what we call a one year capital exclusion. This means that those articles which are approved here at town meeting, and again at the ballot, will mean a one-time hit on your tax bill. Next year’s taxes will be increased by the amount, and the following year, your bill will reduced by the same amount if there are no other impacts.” After Personnel Committee Chair, Dr. Ezat Parnia had recommended her annual salary be set at $51,500.00 in Article 2; Town Clerk, Ms. Ann Click, presented a compelling argument that $56,700.00 would better reflect a salary for both the results she had achieved over the past ten years, and her status within the industry. Her amendment also included any cost of living increase that would be offered to any other town employee. The amendment passed easily.
Dealing
mostly with funding issues, Articles 3-12 passed
easily with little debate. Comprehensive
presentations $775,825.07 for expenses of the Sewer Department for 2008 was approved with $750,664.07 coming from revenues received by the department in FY ’08, and $25,161.00 to be raised by taxation. Mr. Cowart explained that the total expenses would actually come out of the Operating Budget. Two articles (9 and 11) covering existing Water and Sewer debt service in the amount of $1,661,095 were approved, along with Article10 for wages, salaries, expenses, shared costs and fringe benefits for the Water Department. This amount will be funded by the Water Enterprises, Fund, taxation, and FY ’08 revenues. FULL DAY ONE STORY |
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No Laughing Matter
May 8, 2007 — For insurance purposes, Jeff Holt, victim of the April 27 Hayden Rowe Street fire had to move his destroyed car from the garage with the help of a humorous friend. |
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PMC Kids-Upton Kids Ride Raise Money for the Pan-Mass Challenge June 23, 2007
WHO:
More than 200+ young cyclists
More than 200+ children ages 1 and up will ride
in the PMC Kids-Upton Kids Ride, the
Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC). The ride hopes to raise $25,000.00+. Proceeds from the Upton Kids Ride will benefit the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, which supports cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. PMC Kids Rides involve young people in volunteerism and charitable giving, while providing a safe and fun opportunity for them to become involved in the PMC mission. In 2006, 17 PMC Kids Rides brought in over $268,000. The PMC expects there to be 20+ PMC Kids Rides in 2007. Children will enjoy a cookout with hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks, face painting and music, and awards given out to the top 20 fundraisers after the event. There will also be a silent auction for the adults. For more information, or to register, visit kids.pmc.org click on kids ride and go the Upton ride or visit www.uptonpolice.org The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is a 192-mile bike-a-thon that draws 4,000+ cyclists from 30 states and six countries to ride across Massachusetts to raise millions of dollars for cancer research and treatment for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. This year's event is set for Aug. 4 and 5. The PMC is presented by the Boston Red Sox and Overstock.com. For more information about the PMC, visit www.pmc.org |
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The Tiller
May 7, 2007 — David Jones is not looking to till the sidewalk on Main Street, but to deliver this antique to Country Plus for display and sale. |
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New Member
May 7, 2007 — Above, former Selectman Eric Sonnett and his wife Suzanne enjoy a moment prior to the start of the Metrowest Symphony's performance at the High School last Saturday. Rob Ocasio, President of the orchestra, has disclosed that Mr. Sonnett, will be joining the MSO of Hopkinton's Board of Directors next month. |
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1:11 pm The Franklin Police Department requested that a resident of Hayden Rowe Street be taken into custody for a restraining order violation...
12:16 pm A caller reported that some youths were climbing on top of the bath house roof at Sandy Beach...
1:56 pm A Main Street business owner reported that a young boy pulled down a store display and cut himself on the cheek while he was doing it...
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HopNews.com Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts Updated on May 7, 2007 by Eric Montville
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Hopkinton Attorney joins Talk Radio
Legal analyst on Blute program
May 7, 2007 — Joseph E. Nealon, of Hopkinton Massachusetts has joined the Peter Blute Morning Show on WCRN 830 AM as a legal analyst. He will be commenting on various social and legal events, topics and issues Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:50 am. Mr. Nealon is a member of the Hopkinton High School Class of 1988 and a graduate of Massachusetts School of Law and has been a practicing attorney since being admitted to the bar in 1998. Joe describes his practice as a truly general practice. “I enjoy being able to help families and individuals navigate the often complicated legal process, identify issues and their personal needs and helping them achieve reasonable solutions.” His practice is currently located at 45 Lyman Street, Westborough, Massachusetts. WCRN is fast becoming the voice of central Massachusetts anchored by Peter Blute from 6-9:00am and Hank Stoltz from 9:00am to 12:00pm. The only morning of complete local talk. |
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Endorsement for Brian Herr for Selectman Dear Editor:
I am writing to you today to endorse my friend and colleague, Brian Herr, for Selectman. For the 5 years I have known Brian, I have witnessed his passion for Hopkinton. In my mind, he is an extraordinary candidate for the Board of Selectmen. He is the energetic, well-rounded leader we all want to represent us.
Brian has integrity. I have seen the way he interacts with others. He treats everyone with respect. He listens intently and responds with empathy. He is forward-looking; he only looks back to learn from the past and apply his experiences to future opportunities. FULL LETTER |
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Taurus Chosen as partner for Weston Nurseries purchase Possible conflict of interest alleged
by Robert Falcione
May 7, 2007 — The Land Use Study Committee has
taken perhaps the most important vote since
their At that Special Town Meeting, the town will vote either to assign the Chapter 61A right of first refusal to TPL, or purchase the land outright. If the town votes to do nothing, Boulder is expected to follow through with a plan that will involve a greater amount of development. Many of the members of the committee who voted for Taurus today gave greater conservation, open space, lower density and quality of life issues as the reasons for their choice. One sour note this morning was the revelation by committee member Eric Sonnett that TPL had sent a letter (Read letter) to the Town disclosing that Badge Blackett, their representative in the process, has a part-time consulting job with Taurus New England Land Ventures company, a sister company of the Taurus New England entity that won the approval of the committee today, after having heard presentations (See Clips) by Taurus, Boulder and Mr. Blackett on other occasions. The TPL letter discloses the relationship, but denies that a conflict exists. Member Muriel Kramer, Selectmen Chair, promised to follow up with an opinion from Town Counsel on the issue of a conflict. Mr. Perry will have a slide to present to Town Meeting this evening. |
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Love for Jerry at Tennis Club
May 6, 2007 — On the Friday before Christmas, 2006, Tennis Pro Jerry Higgins complained of a pain that turned out to be a spinal abscess that masqueraded as a stiff neck for nearly a week. As a result, the infection spread, causing paralysis of the lower extremities as well as substantial loss in his upper extremities. The condition has not improved. The love of the sport that moved Mr. Higgins to give up a successful fish market 30 years ago was evident in the amount of people who showed up at his benefit at the Westborough Tennis & Swim Club, and the love they expressed for him, a benefit that was organized to help defray over $300,000 in first year expenses. Mr. Higgins coached tennis at clubs throughout the area as well as at the Hopkinton tennis courts. To hear some strong testimonials from former students, and from Matt Siegel from KISS 108, play the movie above. And there is a thank-you from Mr. Higgins himself. |
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Hopkinton Student Musicians win awards
The Hopkinton High
School Concert Band under the direction of
Steven Yavarow, and the Hopkinton Middle School
Eight Grade Chorus, under the direction of
Ashley Nelson, won Gold Medals at the 31st
annual Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral
Conductors Association (MICCA) concert and
choral festival. |
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What's the rush?
May 6, 2007 — The turtles are out and about at Lake Whitehall's Little Pond on Pond Street after vacationing in the mud for several months |
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At the Car Wash
May 6, 2007 — Stephanie Torosian directs vehicles into the rear of JC Parmenter for the Girls' Varsity Lacrosse team's car wash today. |
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Whoa, horsey!
May 6, 2007 — Zachary Maloney,3, gets a ride form his dad, Paul, at the High School field today where hundreds of kids in age-driven groups, ran a Mini-marathon. Click on the thumbnails to see other pictures. |
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Juxtaposition
May 6, 2007 — Above, actors from Enter Stage Left Theater play the parts of famous composers at the performance of the MetroWest Symphony Orchestra of Hopkinton this afternoon, as one "helps" the other conduct while the musicians tune and people pour into the High School Auditorium before the official program began. |
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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.,
Hear an invitation in Officer Lemon's own words, above. |
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High School Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Car wash
Today, Sunday May 6, 11:00AM – 4:00PM
Across from Middle School – at JC Parmenter parking lot |
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May 6, 2007 — The HopNews camera recorded candidates, as well as Whitehall cleanup and YMCA open house on Saturday. |
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Look Through any Window
May 5, 2007 — Dan Cloutier, seen through a window pane at 30 Main Street, brought his many musical abilities to ESL Coffeehouse on Saturday night. |
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Flower Power
May 5, 2007 — Cindy Zettek holds son, Matthew, while campaigning in the Center this morning for her husband, Matt, who is running for Selectman. Politicians have a tacit, if not spoken, agreement to stop campaigning Downtown at noon.
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Old Meets Old
May 5, 2007 — South Mill Street is rural all over the place. |
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Hopkinton Masons to Hold Open House
6 Main Street 7:00 p.m. on May 8th.
John Warren Lodge will present "What's It All About," an informative program about Masonry and other Fraternal Organizations at 7:00 p.m. on May 8th. The Lodge is located at 6 Main Street, and everyone attending will be treated to a pot-luck dinner.
Perhaps your father or grandfather was a Mason. Or maybe your mother belong to Eastern Star. This program will feature brief presentations on Blue Lodge Masonry, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shriners, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, and the DeMolay.
We welcome you to learn about the charity work these organizations perform, membership requirements, and community involvement. |
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495/METROWEST CORRIDOR PARTNERSHIP IN HOUSE BUDGET
May 5, 2007 — During floor discussions on the state budget in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the 495/MetroWest delegation’s House members secured a legislative earmark of $250,000 for the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership.
These funds were secured via a budget amendment
filed by
State
Representatives
Stephen LeDuc,
The Partnership is a non-profit advocacy organization serving thirty-two towns, over half a million residents, and an employment base of $13.5 Billion – second only to Boston’s – by addressing regional needs through public / private collaboration, and by enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life while sustaining natural resources. Accordingly, the Partnership is charged with addressing regional constraints and limitations, and has been conducting numerous initiatives on housing, transportation, brownfields, workforce, and water supply issues.
“These legislators have been real leaders on
behalf of the region,” pointed out
Budget deliberations now move the State Senate,
where the |
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What is the Little League $10,000 Draw? Pat Mahon explains in the video above, while in the middle of it. |
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Corner of Hayward & Third Rd
Saturday May 5th 9am - 1pm
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Hopkinton 15, Millis 7
by Peter Marso May 4, 2007 — The Hopkinton Hillers Baseball team returned back to its winning ways with a 15-7 victory over a stubborn Millis Mohawk outfit Friday in Hopkinton. The Victory enables the Stickney nine to up its record to 6-3 overall in the Tri-valley League race. The Hillers got excellent pitching from Adam Merzel ( coming back from injury) and he helped his own cause by belting a Homerun as well. Mark Sanborn also hit a big homerun to give the hillers the victory. Dan Muscatello and Brian Doyle also added big hits as the Hiller offense just was not to be denied. Merzel hopes to take his skills to Emory (Atlanta) and join their baseball team. With proper care this goal is well at hand. Injuries can set a player behind, but Adams determination and desire will help him achieve this goal. The Hillers will be taking on St. Johns Prep (Danvers) Saturday at 3:00 in a non league tilt . St. Johns is a tremendous program and it will be a big task for the Hillers and great experience for them. |
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2nd
Annual Yard Sale to Benefit Avon Walk For Breast
Cancer Saturday, May 5 8:30 AM at 26 Kimball Road Items include books, pictures, picture frames, fireplace screen, dolls, kitchen utensils, household and children's items. And lots more!! Every 3 minutes a woman is diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Your support will make a Difference ! Walking 39 miles in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk are Kristen Park, left, and Tammy Hessberger, right. They each have to raise $1,800 in order to participate in the walk. |
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Hopkinton Patriots Trail Girls Scouts
Hopkinton Patriots Trail Girls Scouts will be holding Spring registration on June 12 from 5PM - 7PM at Bill's Pizza - Contact Maureen Camillucci at 508-881-7171 with any questions or if you cannot make registration night but want to register. |
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Metrowest Symphony Orchestra of Hopkinton Family Concert 3:00 p.m. on May 6, 2007 Hopkinton High School Auditorium |
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from Ms. Marie Eldridge for the By-Law Review
Committee, School Committee Chair Ms. Rebecca
Robak, Planning Board Chair Mr. Mark Abate, and
Appropriations Chair, Mr. Cowart reduced the
need for much debate from the floor. The Fiscal
Year (FY ’08) Operating Budget of the Town in
the amount of $23,691,736.22 was approved, along
with $31,204,200.06 for the local education
budget, and several by-law and zoning changes
outlined in the articles.
Youth will ride 15 Miles or as much as they can
complete. The Upton Kids Ride was started by
Chief Thomas Stockwell and Officer Lisa Vass,
after Owen Bradley at the age of 8 approached
his grandfather (Chief Stockwell) and wanted to
do a ride for kids similar to the Pan Mass
Challenge. 
inception following the disclosure of the sale
of Weston Nurseries land in 2005. This morning
they voted overwhelmingly to recommend to the
Selectmen that Taurus New England be chosen as
the developer for the Trust For Public Land in
the matter of the possible partnership with TPL
in the development of Weston Nurseries land.
Boulder Capital, which had been pitched as
another suitor, also has a Purchase and Sale
with Weston Nurseries. Boulder will get another
shot at it at by inference at the Special Town
Meeting on June 11 if the town takes no action
on its options to purchase outright or to assign
its rights.
The Eighth Grade Chorus performed at Symphony
Hall in Boston on Saturday, April 21st and the
High School Concert Band performed at Mechanics
Hall in Worcester on Sunday, April 29th.
John
Warren Lodge 
STATE
REPRESENTATIVES SECURE STATE FUNDING FOR
Yard
Sale
