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Since 2003, Hopkinton News
TM

P.O. Box 351, Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-5534

Editor@HopNews.com



 
Musicians 50th Reunion of Inky and Doug from Moonfast
  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
Not a Killer

May 21, 2022 - "This is NOT a murder hornet. We have no such thing here 😂 This is a European Hornet. I caught him when watching some large Bumblebees, and there was NO way to miss this guy, he was larger than the biggest Bumblebee and sounded like a small helicopter. Fascinating to watch, of course I had to do some research and found according to Mass Audubon, they are more common in Southern Massachusetts. They are not native, came over with settlers in early 1800s.


"They eat mostly nectar, sap of oak trees, and can bite directly into fruit! They also eat other bugs like katydids, moths and grasshoppers, their favorites for bringing to the nest for the youngins. Interesting, this is the only true Hornet in the United States (genus Vespa). Bald-faced Hornets are actually yellow jackets. He was completely peaceful with the hundred of other bees feasting on my blooming shrubs."

~ Julie Ford

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Reminder of the Timlin Race; An Invitation from Mike Timlin:
 
 
50th Reunion

May 21, 2022 - Above, a screenshot of a 4k HopNews Video from The Black Box in Franklin last evening from the 50th Reunion show for Doug Betschart, far left, and Inky Fair, center on bongos, who present themselves as Back Pages Duo in Hopkinton at Bill's Downtown Pizzeria on a regular monthly rotation. Add Steve McCrossan, far right and you've got Back Pages Trio, an ensemble fit for larger rooms, and for wide open spaces.
Also on stage from way back when is Tom Yates, center, who performed for five years with Inky and Doug at Timothy Spirits and Company in Framingham after a stint with them in Moonfast close to fifty years ago. Tom Brodeur was a guest on the last few songs, drummer far left, who was with them in Moonfast, the original, solid group following a stint with Apoplexy. We hope to have a 4k video of their presentation of Santana's "Soul Sacrifice" ready for viewing later today.

Brian F. Fuery, 69, of Hopkinton formerly of Holliston passed away Thursday May 19th after a period of declining health. He was the son of the late Francis Fuery and Lorraine (Noltie) DeJoie and her husband Robert. He was the husband of Linda (Carroll) Fuery for 29 years. Brian worked as a jeweler for E.B. Horn in Boston for many years before moving to Florida and working as a greenskeeper at Prestwick CC in Ormond Beach, FL.

In addition to his wife of 29 years, he is survived by one son Justin R. Fuery of Boston, two step children, Derek Varriale and his wife Jennifer of Ashland, and Tracy Varriale and her partner James Drummey of Holliston, five granddaughters, Ashley and Sarah Varriale, and Claire, Ailie, and Willa Drummey, brothers, Bruce Fuery and his wife Robin of Medway, David DeJoie and his wife Cindy of Medway, Chris DeJoie of Hollis, NH, and the late Robert DeJoie and his wife Jane of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services are private. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.


Hopkinton Town Manager Norman Khumalo Chosen by Screening Committee - As One of Four Finalists for Cambridge City Manager Position

May 20, 2022 -Hopkinton Town Manager Norman Khumalo, appearing to be out of consideration for the top job in Watertown, has made the final four in Cambridge, applying for City Manager in that world-class city that can boast both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology within its borders.
         Mr. Khumalo will be considered, as will the other three finalists in a "Meet the Finalists Forum" on May 31, 2022, 6-9:00 pm.

          This process is in its infancy, and will play out as time moves on and other interviews take place.

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 

50th Anniversary Celebration Tonight, May 20,2022

 

For 50 YEARS Inky Fair (drums & vocals) and Doug Betschart (guitar, vocals & bass pedals) have played music together throughout New England, starting with the band “Moonfast” in 1972. After joining with Tom Yates (guitar, bass, keyboards & vocals) they formed “Fair, Yates & Betschart”, becoming the renowned house band at Timothy’s Spirits Company in Framingham for 5 years. They packed the house weekly and released their album “Spirits” of all original material. Inky and Doug then became the rock duo Back Pages for 30+ years and with the recent addition of Steve McCrossan (keyboard, bass & vocals), continue to perform throughout the local area.

For this 50th Anniversary night at THE BLACK BOX, 50 West Central Street in Franklin, Tom Yates is returning to the fold to form “Fair, Yates, Betschart & McCrossan” along with some special guests from the early years! With the unusual combination of our varied talents, the band will cover a vast eclectic mix of classic and modern rock spanning five decades. It’s an event not to be missed… (~ From the Black Box Promo).

Editor's Note: Hopkinton author George Foster Leal will be on hand to sell and sign copies of Waiting for the Next Applause, a book he carefully crafted in 2015 with the words of Inky, Tom and Doug telling their separate narratives.

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton

New Transactions from May 7, 2022 - May 18, 2022
Choose Blue Links to See Town's Property Card
Address
Buyer
Price 
Date
Seller
Hopkinton
3 Weston Lane Unit 3WES Osei-Boateng Kwame $789,000 May 16, 2022 Trails LLC
6 Frostpane Lane Unit 79 Suyash Arvind Sahasrabhojannee, et al $815,000 May 16, 2022 Sudhakar Ramabhotla, Lalitha G Ayyaguri
53 Aspen Way Unit 254 Manoj Hulikere Math, et al $825,490 May 16, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England
25 Valleywood Road Julian Joseph $597,500 May 13, 2022 Anita Palmaccio
5 Overlook Road Sudheer Kumar Sharma, Sonakshi Sharmas $2,000,000 May 13, 2022 John Galanek, April Galanek
16 Birkdale Lane Unit 16 BIR Paul E Goss $654,000 May 12, 2022 Trails LLC
23 Primrose Circle Unit 215 Lakshmanan Meyyappan, Valli Anitha Senthilnathan $1,065,000 May 11, 2022 Kiran Kumar Kammili, Fnu Shahid Perveen
55 Aspen Way Unit 253 Shraddha Bhatt, Saumil Bhatt $828,275 May 11, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England
10 Bandon Lane Unti 10 BAN Prabodh Parekh, Lavanya Parekh $659,000 May 11, 2022 Trails LLC
4 Beach Road Matthew C Knowles, Amy Cooke $530,000 May 11, 2022 Benjamin T Hedges
14 School Street Qindong Zhang, $1,060,000 May 9, 2022 Barbara Fargnoli Tr et al
Last Time        
2 Grandview Drive Unit 15 Kanchana Durga Aravapalli $975,000 May 6, 2022 Trinadh Rongali, Parvathi Rongali
14 Saddle Hill Road Victor C Galvani $400,000 May 6, 2022 Saddle Hill Realty
9 Greenwood Road Venkata Malladi, Poornima Malladi $1,400,000 May 5, 2022 Kamal Bhambhani, Sushila Bhambhani
36 Lakepoint Way Unit 18 Edward J O'Brien $750,000 May 5, 2022 Richard S Tedlow, et al
18 Chamberlain Street Andrew P Ferretti, Courtney L Ferretti $675,000 May 5, 2022 Lisa Huntington
5 Cole Drive Unit 12, Bldg 5 Thomas L Collins Jr, Lisa J Collins $760,000 May 5, 2022 Karen B Keane
29 Walnut Way Unit 15 Oxford Entities Inc $1,150,000 May 4, 2022 Anitha Rajagopal, Magheshvaran Krishnan
45 Forest Lane Unit 40 Fereshteh Rashidi $559,900 May 3, 2022 Aghababian, Elizabeth Aghababian
19 Overlook Road Bryan Towns, Megan Towns $1,590,000 May 2, 2022 Jerry Gomez, Mari Elaina Gomez
57 Aspen Way Unit 252 Srinivas Jillella, Ujwala Jillella $945,380 April 29, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England llc
14 Kimball Road Wendy Swank, Randy Swank $477,000 April 29, 2022 Annie W Chin
102 Main Street Erik Fyrer, Kathryn McKillop $585,000 April 29, 2022 Jessica L Keesan, et al
7 Appaloosa Circle Juan J Sanchez, Mariana G Faria Urbina $855,ooo April 29, 2022 Warren Fowler
109 Hayden Rowe Paul Sawyer, Alicia Sawyer $960,000 April 28, 2022 Leo Mencoboni, Patricia Menoboni
27 Greystone Lane Manuj Pathak, Nidhi Joshi $1,156,000 April 28, 2022 John D Devine, Alison Trummel Devine
74 Ash Street Richard Yang, Ya-Mei Yang $1,060,000 April 28, 2022 Christopher J Elliott, mary Beth Elliott
8 Curtis Road Peipei Zhang $731,000 April 28, 2022 Sean M Graber, Eleanor Jane Graber
17 Elizabeth Road Yang Wang, Wenyu Zhao $1,625,000 April 27, 2022 Henry A Katz, Elissa F Katz Trust
41 Aspen Way Bagyalakshmi Giridharan, Vigneshwaran Rathinam Asaithambi $840,000 April 26, 2022 Pritish Kar, Sonali Dash
3 Pendulum Pass ZF SPV LLC $1,000,000 April 25, 2022 Susan Lallier Tr et al
Traffic Advisory
Please be advised that as part of the water work for the new service station center, All Town (formerly Mobil station) on West Main St,. the contractor, in conjunction with the DPW, will be working on the water connection Wednesday night starting at 7PM, weather pending. Please be advised that the road will be narrowed to accommodate the work. Detail officers will be on site to facilitate traffic flow. This night work is necessary due to the location of the water main in that stretch of road and to minimize traffic and public safety emergency response impacts. (Submitted rendering).

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Louise B. MacCarn, 93, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Monday, May 16, 2022. Born to Richard and Loretta Weindorf in Hewlett, New York, she grew up alongside five siblings on Long Island, where she spent the majority of her life.

Louise graduated from Woodmere High School and went on to marry Neale W. MacCarn, a loving husband and owner of MacCarn’s Auto Body, in 1951. During their forty-three years of marriage, they raised two children, Sandra and Kenneth.

 

 Louise took great interest in her children’s and grandchildren’s education and herself attended classes in art and English. She earned her private pilot’s license in 1962, and both she and her husband had many friends in the aviation community.

A spunky, loyal supporter of her family, Louise is remembered fondly for her humor and her honest, practical advice. She extended her gift of hospitality to both family and friends, building a reputation as a good cook and a generous hostess. She loved listening to music, painting flowers, wearing snazzy shoes, and shopping at her local Talbots, where she was always greeted by name.

 

More recently, she enjoyed her retirement at a family home in the Adirondacks, where she spent her time feeding ducks and sitting by the lake. Nearly every one of the cars she owned during her lifetime was red. 

 

Louise is predeceased by her husband and her son Kenneth. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Mark) Wittman of Hopkinton, MA; her grandchildren, Lydia Wittman and Rachel (Josh) Fisher; her brother, Charles (Linda) Weindorf; her sister, Barbara (Herb) Eicholz; and many nieces and nephews.

 

A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale, NY.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, Hopkinton, MA.

 


Choose to visit the chamber website to see who and  how. Some of the HopNews sponsors are participating, some are not. Regardless, when it comes to food and drink, we heartily thank our sponsors:
           
       

Town of Hopkinton Invites Residents to Complete Survey on Annual Town Meeting

HOPKINTON — Town Manager Norman Khumalo invites residents to complete a survey regarding Annual Town Meeting.

The Town of Hopkinton is working to better understand residents’ feelings about Hopkinton’s Annual Town Meeting and gather feedback about possible modifications to Town Meeting logistics or procedures that may help to increase participation in the town’s legislative body.

 

The survey includes 17 questions and asks the respondent their feelings about Annual Town Meeting, how they get information on Town Meeting, what prevents them from attending or what may encourage them to attend more often, possible changes to Town Meeting procedures, some demographic questions, and more.

"Annual Town Meeting is an important legislative process and community participation is vital to help ensure the decisions that are made are reflective of our residents' sentiments," Town Manager Khumalo said. "We encourage residents to take a few moments to complete this survey. Your responses will provide us with important information that will help us as we plan for next year's Annual Town Meeting."

The survey is open to all adult residents of Hopkinton no matter if they are a registered voter or have attended Annual Town Meeting.

The survey will remain open through Friday, June 3.

Complete the survey here.

The survey responses will be reviewed by the Town to help inform possible changes to future Annual Town Meetings.

The Town of Hopkinton currently has one Annual Town Meeting held on the first Monday of May. Town Meeting approves the town budget, sets general bylaws and zoning bylaws, and affects individual property taxes. Annual Town Meeting is open, which means everyone can attend and every person registered to vote in Hopkinton may vote on Town Meeting items.

You can learn more about Annual Town Meeting here.

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Two-car MVA in lot on West Main - no PI, individual
walking in the middle of West Main Street - advised not to,
airline ticket fraud, traffic complaint, MVA with injuries on
Main Street, possible bullet through a window - was a rock,
erratic operator on Ash Street ###
School bus in back lot with lights on - apparent oversight,
truck making delivery on East Main checks okay,
report of fraud cancelled enroute, construction equipment
reportedly parked in a dangerous spot - checks okay,
Lakeshore Drive resident reports her dog named
Bear missing since morning - LM w/ACO, 2-car MVA on
East Main Street - no PI...

May 17, 2022
May 18, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

EEE Mitigation


Re-organization Elects Amy Ritterbusch as Chair, Mary Jo LaFreniere
as Vice-chair of Select Board
 ~ Carnival back in town ~

May 18, 2022 - Amy Ritterbusch handily won the election to the Chair of the Select Board last evening, but  there was a little fuss about there being two nominations for Vice-chair. Whoever nominated Muriel Kramer withdrew the nomination and the Board elected Mary Jo LaFreniere, who expressed a strong willingness to serve in that position.
      During the Public Comment item of the meeting, longtime "60 years" resident Ken Swenson complained that the carnival workers, who are not allowed to smoke on school property, smoked in front of his house "all day long" during past carnivals. He was just a tad early, because minutes later Erin Graziano, representing the Hopkinton PTO in a Public Hearing, requested an entertainment license for said carnival to take place from June 23 - June 26 at the High School. The license was granted with conditions.

       The Select Board also heard a presentation regarding a new public safety building(s), and where the final design could be located.

       Eversource was again out of favor this evening as a letter from town counsel complained that the LNG facilites in the state were not sharing information with the host towns affected by their possible switch over to hydrogen by 2050.

         Photo: Screen capture from HCAM.tv

 

Water Use Restrictions - HERE


With the prolonged dry conditions and very little rain accompanied by high temperatures, water use has risen drastically. We would like to remind everyone of our current state required watering restrictions. It is of the utmost importance that everyone adhere to these restrictions to ensure an adequate supply of water for everyday essential needs and for firefighting capabilities.
  Please see our website for full details.  

 Lawn watering is only permitted twice per week by precinct before 7AM and after 7PM and there is no watering on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.  All other non-essential use is only permitted before 9 AM and after 5 PM.   We have record heat on the way for this weekend and it is only with your cooperation that we will be able to sustain water supplies.

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
2203 Voters take part:
ALL OF THE (Unofficial) 2022 ATE RESULTS
SELECT BOARD RACE (2): Mannan 1,431 - LaFreniere 1,381 - Coutinho 899 - Blanks 641
ALL ballot questions passed, and among contested races, we  know that Beth Malloy handily won her Constable race and Nancy Richards Cavanaugh kept her seat on the School Committee. We'll have more in the morning.

The ballot said pick two for the Select Board, and pick two they did, both Democrats. The high number of blanks may signify a reluctance on the part of the voters who voted for Mr. Coutinho, a Republican, to vote for a Democrat, too. When we receive the tally of total voters, that may add some insight to the analysis.
More when we receive the totals from the Town Clerk in the morning.
Stand-outs

Above, School Committee candidate Nancy Richards Cavanaugh and daughter Megan enjoy socializing while they hold signs to hopefully let people know who is who today in the Middle School driveway. Below, Kelly Karp makes her selection known this afternoon, too.

Below, School Committee candidate Ashley Fogg is surrounded by her doppelgängers this afternoon in the driveway to the Middle School polling place.
Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Fire alarm activation on Spruce Street, fire alarm sounding
at South Street location, assist Mass State Police and Ashland PD
at Hopkinton State Park for large out-of-control crowd, truck ran
out of diesel fuel in the middle of West  Main Street, truck loses
tire on Lumber Street, caller reports her email hacked, Briarcliff Drive
reports it l ooks like someone trying to get in front door, kids urinating
on a vendor's truck on Hayden Rowe, multiple calls for a hit and run MVA
on Granite Street,  crash on Chestnut Street - no PI, wallet lost weeks ago,
wallet just found, ongoing speeding on Ash Street, 911 caller reports an
employee assaulted - individual left park, MVA on West Main - no PI,
teens fighting on Constitution Court, assist other police agency on I-495,
large turtle on I-495, speeding complaint on Highcroft Way,
tire in the middle of I-495N,  caller reports she lost her hearing aid yesterday,
Oakhurst Road caller reports dog in yard, youths tried to break into Center
School - BBall hoop damaged,

May 13, 14, 15, 2022

Hopkinton Health Department May 16, 2022

Due to a recent uptick in COVID cases, the Town of Hopkinton is strongly recommending the wearing of face coverings by residents indoors (when not in your home) in order to help prevent further spread of COVID. This is based on guidance from the CDC, and driven by Middlesex County’s community level rating of high.
Read more here

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

More HPD Derby

May 15, 2022 - Mom, Kristen Murphy, and daughter Piper enjoy the day and wait their turn to fish on Saturday. Below, brother Tommy comes up empty-handed on this cast, but just wait until next year!

Below, a very happy participant brings her fish to the measuring table, as the boys in the photo below that measure theirs.


 
Bargains Galore

April 14, 2022 - Hopkinton Card and Gift held a sidewalk sale on Saturday to sell at bargain prices wares and displays that they no longer needed. Above, Wendy Colella (Yes, that Wendy Colella) peruses the offerings on Saturday. Ms. Colella worked the deli at a longtime Hopkinton namesake family supermarket, the property of which was sold in recent years (Yes, that supermarket).

The Derbies are Back!!

May 14, 2022 - Woodville Rod and Gun held their fishing derby today at Pratt Pond (anyone got a photo?); as did the Hopkinton Police Association at the Hopkinton Sportsmen's club; they show off their trophies, above. One section of the pond, below, serves a portion of the estimated 150 attendees.
  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
Saturdays Off? Not Today

May 14, 2022 - Hopkinton Health Director Shaun McAuliffe makes one last trip to the car after packing up following a day of greeting people and answering questions during "Hopkinton 101."

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

María “Rita” (Stiefel) Eguía, 80, of Hopkinton, MA, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, at home surrounded by her adoring family. Born in Pascanas (Córdoba), Argentina, she was the daughter of the late María Rita (Castellano) and Otto Stiefel. She was the wife of 54 years to José María Eguía, M.D.


In Argentina, Rita obtained her Masters in Spanish Literature, taught in high school,and worked at the Catholic University of Córdoba. She came to the United States in 1969 at the age of 26with her husband and oldest daughter. Her son and younger daughter were born in Dallas, TXand Norwood, MA, respectively. Cheshire, CT was her home for 43 years, until she moved in January this year to Hopkinton, MA. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Bridget’s Church in Cheshire. She always missed her large family, her husband’s family, and good friends in Cordoba, Argentina but came to see the US as her home, which was eased immensely by her close circle of Argentine-American and other family friends. She was an adjunct professor of Spanish for 14 years at Southern Connecticut State University and Gateway Community College in New Haven. Upon retirement, Rita enjoyed volunteering at Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic and Cheshire Food Pantry, both in Connecticut. Rita immensely enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, children, and extended family fromSpain and Argentina. She had a humble and generous spirit, and visitors to her home often left with multiple bags of groceries or housewares.


Besides her husband, she is survived by three children, María Eguía-Brusco and Sam Brusco of Cranston, RI; José Eguía, Jr.and John Brown of San Francisco, CA; and Cecilia and Mark Kelly, of Hopkinton, MA. In addition, she was “Aba” (abuela) to four loving grandchildren, James and Raymond Brusco, and Caroline and Lauren Kelly, as well as a granddog, Phoebe, whom she tolerated from a distance; this was a big step for her. She also leaves behind two sisters, Luisa Gorrochategui and Beatriz Becerra, both of Córdoba, Argentina. She is predeceased by four sisters and two brothers, Teresa Pizarro, Raúl Stiefel, Susana Torres, Noemí Orías, Otto Stiefel, and María Eugenia Casella. She was a mother to many other Argentines who came to the US; most recently,her “pollitos” included Marcelo Orías, Fernando Orías, Josefina Stiefel, and José García. She was also very proud of and dearly loved by all her godchildren.


Visitation will be held on Monday, May 16th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church St., Hopkinton, MA. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cheshire Food Pantry, 175 Sandbank Rd, Cheshire, CT 06410 or https://www.cheshirefoodpantry.org .


Prom-Ready

May 13, 2022 - Thanks to the Sentinels of the Claflin Fountain, Ken Weismantel and Eric Sonnett for getting the water running, and the Hopkinton Garden Club for gussying up the Claflin Fountain just in time for prom. Photo © 2022 Ken Weismantel.
 
Support for John Coutinho

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to show support for John Coutinho's bid for election to the Select board.

 

John is a bright, engaging and passionate man with many years of hands-on volunteering for the town. He cares deeply for the town and its citizens.

 

As a member who is stepping off of the board, I can say for certain that the board needs John on it. He has and will make decisions for the better of Hopkinton. He will not try to bring the national garbage in to his decision making process that other members frequently do. He has always been the epitome of "Think nationally, act locally."

 

The board needs diversity and differing opinions. John is not afraid to give his opinion. Please join me in voting for John next Monday.


Brendan Tedstone

45 Pleasant Street

May 12, 2022


Support for John Coutinho

Editor:

 

Hopkinton has a reputation for one of the best school systems anywhere, beautiful open space and as one of the safest places in the country. Those qualities also make Hopkinton one of the best places in New England to raise a family. John Coutinho’s contributions have helped Hopkinton to get where it is, and he can keep it moving in the right direction.

Hopkinton is a very different place now than it was not long ago, dramatic growth has driven the need for more services, schools, staff and public safety. Hopkinton has managed to balance needs, growth and fiscal responsibility in spite of those challenges, but more lie ahead. John’s broad experience is ideal to help prioritize and address those challenges successfully. His deep commitment to family, community, and lets get it done together approach have helped move Hopkinton forward.

The Select Board has two seats open, please join me in supporting John for one of those seats on May 16th!

 

John Mosher

13 West Elm Street

May 12, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Support for John Coutinho

Dear Editor:

I agree with the letters and opinions of other former Select Board members who served with John Coutinho and have firsthand knowledge of his integrity and dedication to the citizens and employees of Hopkinton.

Over the last 10 years, no one has volunteered more of their time for Hopkinton than John. Period.

The Town’s forward inertia has slowed over the last 2 years. While National issues are of concern to us all, we elect neighbors to this Board to act locally to make Hopkinton a better, safer, more desirable place to live. Hopkinton’s Select Board is not the voice of moral authority for the community and they should not conduct themselves as though they are. It deeply disturbs me to see letters from Board members who don’t seem focused on Hopkinton, and who too easily launch into a defensive stance when discussing employee turnover or lack of progress. When obvious shortcomings come to light, it’s easy to tell people about the challenges – it takes leaders to step up and admit some honest introspection is in order – “maybe we could have done more… .” More to retain top employees, more to move Hopkinton forward. Leaders don’t accept things being too difficult – they dig in and find ways to persevere.

No reasonable person expects perfection from our volunteers. The current Board, and those before them, have sacrificed time and energy to do what they think is right for the Town, and what they’re capable of executing. Now it’s going to take a “doer” like John to help the Town regain positive momentum.

Monday, May 16 is Election Day. It’s the one day of the year when voters can, through action, declare, “We think the Board can do better!” It’s what’s needed for our entire community – Schools & Public Safety, children & seniors, townspeople & employees.

Please join me and vote for John Coutinho for Select Board.

Todd Cestari
19 Elizabeth Road

May 12, 2022

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
SATURDAY:
 
Let Arena's do the Hunting and the Gathering
You do the Cooking
 
Roll-Over

May 12, 2022 - Although severe looking, this roll-over accident at West Main and School Streets produced no injuries.
Contributed photo from a loyal reader.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Personal Invitation From Mike Timlin
to Help Cure ALS for the 19th Year

Click to View Specimen Ballot
  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
Turtles Everywhere

May 12, 2022 - The turtles all over the rocks on Bloods Pond Wednesday seem unconcerned about what appears to be a fireworks container atop the largest rock.
Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Accident on College Street - No PI, debris on Pond Street removed,
Walk-in reports her son lost his glasses over the weekend,
Possible DMV turned out to be Inspector of the Roadways,
glass debris in roadway, vehicle on West main possibly involved
 in road rage incident is GOA, removed debris from roadway on
Legacy Farms South, on Grove Street driver was cited for Marked
Lanes and immediate threat - refused  medical eval, on Hayden
Rowe - negative find on youth riding on top of a van,
cars behind Center School revving their engines ###
Items discovered on a school bus, Hayward Street caller reports
road rage incident from earlier - will come in with video footage later,
a walk-in requests to speak with officer regarding a civil money issue,
caller concerned that swan's foot is stuck on something, unkown male on
Spring Street property three times over three hours with blond hair -
wearing a blue polo and carrying a dirty tennis ball ###
Turnbridge Lane caller concerned about white truck in area,
sick possum on Wilson Street, Border Patrol fraudulent call,
electrical box knocked off telephone poles, caller reports her
vehicle's window smashed on West Main Street, helping man
get home, walk-in found license - returned to owner, 2-vehicle
MVA on East Main - no injuries, multiple calls regarding man
stumbling in roadway on Main Street, tree down on Clinton, 2-car
MVA on Main Street with air-bag deployment - no injuries, individual
requests to speak with officer regarding someone who lives
on his property...
May 10, 2022
May 9, 2022
May 6, 7, 8
 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

HOPKINTON — Chief Joseph Bennett is pleased to share that the Hopkinton Police Association will hold its annual fishing derby this coming weekend.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon

WHERE:
Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Association, 95 Lumber St.

WHAT:
Kids and teens ages 15 and under are invited to attend. The event is free.

The Hopkinton Police Association has arranged for the pond to be stocked with fish. Participants will start fishing at the same time and compete until the end of the derby. At the end, trophies will be given out to the winning participants.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. A limited supply of fishing poles and tackle will be available for participants who need to borrow equipment.

“Events like these are some of our favorite days of the year. The fishing derby means a lot to the Hopkinton Police Association," Officer Matthew LaTour said. "It’s a chance to get together and do something that puts a smile on the faces of a lot of people. I love fishing so this was something I naturally wanted to be involved in. This will be my first time participating so I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to meeting more people in town.”

Food and drinks will also be provided at the event.

Registration:

Parents/guardians can register participants by filling out and submitting an online form, found HERE Participants can also register in-person on the day of the event. The first 150 participants to register for the event will receive a free t-shirt.


Please join us for our BRAND NEW LIVE online “Ask the Houseplant & Tropicals Expert” event featuring Chris Bell, along with our Garden Center houseplant staff, and a host of other houseplant lovers and tropical experts who love indoor plants as much as you do!

This is our weekly series that will answer your questions and chat with you about everything gardening—both indoors and out—from 6 to 7pm.

Join us and get answers to all of your pressing houseplant and tropical questions! FREE for everyone! Pre-registration is requested!

Pre-register Here https://bit.ly/asktheexpertweston

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. See you Thursdays at 6pm EST!

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
Milford Regional Nationally Recognized for Patient Safety for 8th Consectutive Time with an "A" Hospital Safety Grade


Milford, Mass. – May 10, 2022 - Milford Regional Medical Center received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2022. This national distinction recognizes Milford Regional’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital. This marks the eighth consecutive period that Milford Regional has received this top grade from the Leapfrog Group.

“Patient safety is our highest priority. Our ability to maintain exemplary performance on this front is only possible due to a commitment by many throughout our inpatient and outpatient settings,” said Milford Regional’s President and CEO Edward J. Kelly. “We take great pride in our comprehensive safety efforts.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“As our health care system continues to feel the strain of the pandemic, I thank the workforce and leadership of Milford Regional Medical Center for sustained commitment to patient safety, day in and day out,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is an outstanding achievement, and one that is not possible without a 24/7 effort by the entire health care workforce to protect patients from harm. This community should be proud.”

Milford Regional Medical Center is a full-service, community and regional teaching hospital located in Milford, Mass. and serves patients from more than 20 towns in Central Massachusetts. The 149-bed medical center is a nonprofit, acute-care facility, where more than 300 primary care and specialty physicians are committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to our community with dignity, compassion and respect.

Support for John Coutinho

Editor:

The race for Select Board this year includes a couple of strong candidates. John Coutinho is one of them. I served with John in Town Hall for many years. I know he is dedicated, reasoned and focused on the issues that matter most to Hopkinton.

Beyond the excellent education our kids deserve, John recognizes the positive economic impact great schools have on our property values and our town. As he has done in the past, John will always protect our schools as a member of the Select Board.

John also understands how important public safety is to our community. No volunteer in town has worked harder in the last ten years to be sure we can rest easy in our homes than John Coutinho. John will always keep an eye on the town departments that work tirelessly on our behalf!

Lastly, John is experienced in the budget process. He will make sure your hard earned tax dollars bring the strongest return on investment possible to the Town of Hopkinton. John is very careful with our money!

 On Monday May 16th please join me in casting one of your two votes for John Coutinho.

 Thank you!

 Brian Herr
 49 Hayden Rowe Street

  May 10, 2022

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Let's Eat!

       
 

Support for Shahidul Mannan

Editor:

I am pleased to offer my endorsement for Shahidul Mannan for Select Board.

Ever since I have known him, I have seen the commitment and passion he has for this town. He has been an extraordinary leader, advocate, and a friend to all here in Hopkinton. He has always held high standards and has made educated decisions that are in the best interest of the town. I can be assured that Hopkinton will be in great hands with Shahidul's leadership.
Thank you for all that you do. Election matters so please join me in electing Shahidul Mannan for Select Board.

Julia Mathai
14 Washington Lane
May 10, 2022


Support for Shahidul Mannan
 

Editor:
Shahidul Mannan's experiences with both big data and town finances make him an ideal candidate for Select Board.

His position on the appropriations committee means he spent years learning and subsequently supporting the fiduciary responsibility of the town, a key need within the Select Board. He tempers that with compassion and understanding. He has a friendly, even disposition, something that is required when dealing with so many diverse groups and needs within the town.

His day job, in charge of data and engineering for a major hospital, reinforces both those traits and proves that others see the value in his unique perspective. It demonstrates his ability to understand complex numbers and how to make hard decisions based on them, but with an understanding that those who are represented by those numbers are real people with real needs.

I am proud to call him a friend and to endorse him for Select Board.

Regards,
Lya Batlle-Rafferty
5 Meadowland Drive

May 10, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Support for Shahidul Mannan and Mary Jo LaFreniere

Editor:

I am writing to ask my Hopkinton neighbors to vote for Shahidul Mannan and Mary Jo LaFreniere for Select Board on Monday May 16th; they are uniquely suited to serve on the Select Board with their municipal finance experience. Mary Jo has served on the Hopkinton Board of Assessors for nearly a decade, and she was the professional Principal Assessor for Plainville for 10 years until retiring just a few years ago.

Shahidul is a successful business strategist and has served on the Appropriation Committee for Hopkinton for 7 years. Both Mary Jo and Shahidul bring municipal finance experience far greater than any other candidate does or has in the last twenty years that I have been active in Town Government. We will be truly lucky to have their shared municipal finance experience on the Select Board.

Additionally, they bring an established and shared collegiality to work respectfully in concert with their colleagues on the board, with other board and committee members, and with town professional staff. They work to elevate the common good and purpose of their neighbors and the goals of the town recognizing fully that their contribution is necessary and important but never more so than anyone else’s contributions.

Further, they engage respectfully on issues of importance that may be difficult for many to get involved with, issues I believe we all need to invest in for the greater good. These issues may indeed require hard conversations, and we need respectful, open dialogue to have those conversations and elevate needed advances for human rights – these are issues of equity, including health equity and reproductive health equity; education and employment equity; racial justice and needed reforms; environmental action to protect our shared future; and advancing mental health as a shared community priority.

I hope to see you at the polls on May 16th – your vote matters! And I sincerely hope you vote for both Shahidul and Mary Jo for Select Board.

Sincerely,
Muriel Kramer
39 North Street
May 10, 2022

 

Support for Holly Morand

Editor:

I am pleased to endorse Holly Morand for the 2-year school committee seat.


Holly brings a depth of knowledge, broad qualifications and proven collaboration to the table for School Committee.


Two things I am impressed with is her past work in town hall with former youth & family services director Denise Hildreth who has endorsed Holly and I respect greatly and to be chosen to be on the Freedom Team's board of directors which is doing incredible work in areas of inclusion & diversity. Being on the board of the Freedom Team is a true collaborative effort of representation from the schools, police, select board, school committee, SACH and more working as a team preserving freedom through unity in the community.


What our community & the world have been through is not "paranoia" or "fear mongering" as I have heard some say, it is a public health crisis not seen in a century.


It is important that we have compassion, science driven data and respect for the other boards in town especially the board of health to glean their expertise. The school committee's scope of governance is for the educational well-being of over 4,000 youth, the largest share of our town's budget, one of town's largest employers and more encompassing than mask/unmask issue that seems to be a social talking point.


The big picture is budgets, strategic growth planning, additional academic resources for students (whether special needs, gifted etc.) and supporting emotional well-being of the students & staff with mental health, anti-bullying resources and I see no one better qualified than someone who has served in our Youth and Family Services office like Holly has.

 
I am voting for Holly Morand for Hopkinton School Committee; she has a proven collaborative track record and hope you will join me on May 16th.

Darlene Hayes
1 Third Rd

May 9, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Red-Winged

May 9, 2022 -To be more exact, it is a male red-winged blackbird, whose job it is to protect the area surrounding the nest and offer food to the female, who may accept or reject the offering. Unlike the male, the female is not black and has no colorful markings. Thanks to David M. Hughes for sharing.

Support for Shahidul Mannan

Editor:
I am writing to express my support for Shahidul Mannan and his efforts to be elected as Select Board member. Shahidul has spent the last few years giving back to the community, and tirelessly volunteering in town. His time on the growth study committee and appropriation committee has brought value to the residents of Hopkinton. The town is lucky to have a talented pool of candidates like Shahidul. I wish him and his family the best on election day. I ask the residents of Hopkinton to support Shahidul Mannan on May 16.

 

Amman Haidri

7 Spring Lane

May 9, 2022

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 

Support for Mary Jo LaFreniere

To the Editor:
It is with great pleasure that I endorse Mary Jo LaFreniere for re-election to one of the two Hopkinton Select Board seats.
Although I do not customarily endorse candidates, I make an exception here because of a long and enduring personal connection. I have known and respected Mary Jo for over 20 years. In fact, she was one of the people who inspired me to run for State Senator.


As District Director for my predecessor, David Magnani, Mary Jo assisted with constituent concerns and helped Senator Magnani make local municipalities’ needs heard at the state level. Since then I have followed her work on many Hopkinton boards and committees, including the Board of Assessors, Commissioners of Trust Funds, Tax Relief Committee, Marathon Committee, and finally the Select Board. Consistently, she has served with integrity and humility, and with strong emphasis on teamwork. Truly, Hopkinton is her heart.


Senator Karen E. Spilka

Ashland

May 9, 2022

 

Support for Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh

Editor:

Please consider joining me when I vote for Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh for School Committee (three-year term).

 

Over the years, I have watched Nancy from afar. I would often see Nancy at town, school and community events.

 

Nancy is hardworking, smart, empathetic and experienced. Nancy has been a long-time resident of Hopkinton, and a dedicated volunteer in our public schools. Nancy has four children and all have been educated by our top-notch teachers.

 

Nancy is the current Chair of the School Committee and has a unique perspective, being both a parent and an emergency mental health clinician. Having a professional on our School Committee, with mental health expertise, is now more important than ever.

 

Additionally, Nancy is the consummate giver. Recently I asked (via social media) if there was anyone who could spend some time with my son’s roommate via a Zoom call. My son’s roommate was writing a paper on mental health issues and the pandemic. Nancy was one of the first to respond and devoted an hour plus to this Zoom call. I have never socialized with Nancy. I am not in her friend group. Someone who takes an hour plus out of their week to help a college student, over 1000 miles away, is my kind of School Committee member.

 

Please join me in voting for Nancy on Monday, May 16!

 

Sincerely,

Patricia Hunt Sinacole

4 Edge Hill Road

May 9, 2022

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton

New Transactions from April 25, 2022 - May 6, 2022
Choose Blue Links to See Town's Property Card
Address
Buyer
Price 
Date
Seller
Hopkinton
2 Grandview Drive Unit 15 Kanchana Durga Aravapalli $975,000 May 6, 2022 Trinadh Rongali, Parvathi Rongali
14 Saddle Hill Road Victor C Galvani $400,000 May 6, 2022 Saddle Hill Realty
9 Greenwood Road Venkata Malladi, Poornima Malladi $1,400,000 May 5, 2022 Kamal Bhambhani, Sushila Bhambhani
36 Lakepoint Way Unit 18 Edward J O'Brien $750,000 May 5, 2022 Richard S Tedlow, et al
18 Chamberlain Street Andrew P Ferretti, Courtney L Ferretti $675,000 May 5, 2022 Lisa Huntington
5 Cole Drive Unit 12, Bldg 5 Thomas L Collins Jr, Lisa J Collins $760,000 May 5, 2022 Karen B Keane
29 Walnut Way Unit 15 Oxford Entities Inc $1,150,000 May 4, 2022 Anitha Rajagopal, Magheshvaran Krishnan
45 Forest Lane Unit 40 Fereshteh Rashidi $559,900 May 3, 2022 Aghababian, Elizabeth Aghababian
19 Overlook Road Bryan Towns, Megan Towns $1,590,000 May 2, 2022 Jerry Gomez, Mari Elaina Gomez
57 Aspen Way Unit 252 Srinivas Jillella, Ujwala Jillella $945,380 April 29, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England llc
14 Kimball Road Wendy Swank, Randy Swank $477,000 April 29, 2022 Annie W Chin
102 Main Street Erik Fyrer, Kathryn McKillop $585,000 April 29, 2022 Jessica L Keesan, et al
7 Appaloosa Circle Juan J Sanchez, Mariana G Faria Urbina $855,ooo April 29, 2022 Warren Fowler
109 Hayden Rowe Paul Sawyer, Alicia Sawyer $960,000 April 28, 2022 Leo Mencoboni, Patricia Menoboni
27 Greystone Lane Manuj Pathak, Nidhi Joshi $1,156,000 April 28, 2022 John D Devine, Alison Trummel Devine
74 Ash Street Richard Yang, Ya-Mei Yang $1,060,000 April 28, 2022 Christopher J Elliott, mary Beth Elliott
8 Curtis Road Peipei Zhang $731,000 April 28, 2022 Sean M Graber, Eleanor Jane Graber
17 Elizabeth Road Yang Wang, Wenyu Zhao $1,625,000 April 27, 2022 Henry A Katz, Elissa F Katz Trust
41 Aspen Way Bagyalakshmi Giridharan, Vigneshwaran Rathinam Asaithambi $840,000 April 26, 2022 Pritish Kar, Sonali Dash
3 Pendulum Pass ZF SPV LLC $1,000,000 April 25, 2022 Susan Lallier Tr et al
Last Time        
6 Bandon Lane Unit 6BAN David Flanagan, Susan Flanagan $629,000 April 22, 2022 Trails, LLC
356 Wood Street Kyle Tremblay, Kimberly Tucker $652,500 April 21, 2022 Jeffrey L Hill, Catherine C Corliss
42 Lakeshore Drive Enrico Romoli, Amelia $590,000 April 21, 2022 Michael J Guerra Jr
54 Aspen Way Unit 244 Jing Liu, Yue Wang $895,135 April 19, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England LLC

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

HOPKINTON GIRL SCOUT TROOP HOLDING ATHLETIC SHOE DONATION DRIVE

Hopkinton, MA - Hopkinton High School Girl Scout Troop 65294 is holding an athletic shoe drive in coordination with GotSneakers?. Gently worn, used, and new sneakers are being collected and sent to GotSneakers, a social enterprise, whose work helps to repurpose sneakers instead of throwing them away. Anyone can help by simply donating gently worn, used, and new sneakers.

GotSneakers? has developed a program that asks communities to reach into their closets! The sneaker recycling program helps keep sneakers out of landfills, which has harmful effects on our environment. Learn more about GotSneakers? by visiting their website at www.GotSneakers.com .

Troop 65294 is pleased to be partnering with the local community by having donation bins located at Jump Start Physical Therapy (Natick), PR Running (Westboro), and Resilience Fitness (Hopkinton). The Troop also has donation boxes at the following drop-off locations around Hopkinton for any donations: 8 Price Street,1 Ledgestone Drive, 31 Valleywood Road and 4 Belknap Street (Westboro).

In addition to these donation locations, we are excited to be collecting donations at the Timlin 5K Road Race, which will held be in person again this year at the Hopkinton High School on Saturday June 18th. Athletic shoe donations can be dropped off at the GotSneakers? table between 8:30am - 12pm on race day.

For more information, feel free to contact Carolyn Johnson.

About GS Troop 65294
Girl Scout Junior Troop 65294 has been together since 2010. There are five tenth grade girls in the Troop - Agnes Agosto, Hannah Connors, Stephanie Johnson, Lauren Strechay, and Kelly Strickland, and they have all known each other since kindergarten. The girls will be bridging to Girl Scout Ambassadors in May 2022.

About Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
We’re Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts ― 50,000 strong, with 35,000 girls and 15,000 volunteers in 178 communities in eastern Massachusetts. We’re here to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit www.gsema.org

 
From Julie Ford:
  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
Welcome

May 8, 2022 - All smiles with a new Welcome sign! L-R: Kris MacPherson, member of Hopkinton Garden Club, Ann Hussey Hogaboom, President of Hopinton Garden Club; Tim Kilduff of The 26.2 Foundation; Scott Richardson of Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects; Nancy Tarsi, Past President of Hopkinton Women’s Club; and Doris Early, President of Hopkinton Women’s Club. PHOTO: Kathleen Culler for Hopkinton Garden Club
New “Welcome to Hopkinton” Sign in Place
A beautiful new “Welcome to Hopkinton” sign, extending a warm welcome to all who visit and live in Hopkinton, has been placed on West Main Street across from Golden Pond Living facility, in a collaborative effort led by Hopkinton Garden Club, just as they’d done with the original sign in 1996. The original wooden sign rotted at the supports and fell over last December. A race against time, with a goal to have the new sign in place in time for the Marathon, was successfully met!

A huge thank you to our generous donors, including Hopkinton Garden Club’s members and supporters of our Garden Club’s Plant and Greens Sales; The Hopkinton Women’s Club; The 26.2 Foundation; Scott Richardson of Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects, as well as Diane Bullock, former Hopkinton resident and lifetime Hopkinton Garden Club member, for her generous donation.

“We also extend thanks to Sign Right of Marlborough, for constructing the sign so quickly; Peter Mezitt of Weston Nurseries, for two beautiful mountain laurel shrubs; and Scott Dryden of Scott’s Landscaping, for time and materials to replace the soil in the planting area,” Ann Hussey Hogaboom, President of Hopkinton Garden Club added, “Thanks, too, to Hopkinton Garden Club member, Kris MacPherson, who seamlessly coordinated the efforts to ensure the sign was up in time for the Marathon.”

This site, one of numerous sites and planters across Hopkinton, is maintained by Hopkinton Garden Club, whose members share their time and talent to plant and care for seasonal plantings as part of their beautification efforts, with the assistance of generous site sponsors.

The Hopkinton Garden Club is a nonprofit organization whose mission in the local community is education, beautification, and conservation. The Club was organized in 1924 and is an affiliate of The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts. Find us on our Club’s website: www.hopkintongardenclub.org , Facebook (HopkintonGardenClub) and Instagram (@hopkintongardenclub  ). Contributed Content.


Comedy in Woodville
 

Support for Mary Jo LaFreniere

To the Editor:

 

Mary Jo LaFreniere served as district coordinator in my senate office, representing Hopkinton for 10 years. During that time she exhibited, exquisitely, all the leadership qualities needed to be one of Hopkinton's most effective Select Board members ever: She is organized, committed, energetic, intelligent, collaborative and enormously personable, even in stressful situations. Her "marathon" service to Hopkinton is legendary. Throughout all the challenging situations she faced as the senate district director, she was always friendly, collaborative and professional. I strongly believe that Hopkinton could do no better than to re-elect Mary Jo LaFreniere to the Hopkinton Select Board.

-- State Senator David P. Magnani (ret.), Framingham

 

David P. Magnani Ed.D.

13 Cherry Oca Lane

Framingham, MA 01702-5663

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

 
Hopkinton Vets Meet

Hopkinton Vets Breakfast, 6 May 2022

Discussions of military history that coincide with the date of the monthly Vets Breakfast (in this instance, May 6th) provided a full agenda of significant topics.  Most notably were the many military actions leading to the end of World War II.  The May 1945 sinking of a German U-boat off Block Island sparked a review of Hopkinton veterans' involvement in "submarine chasing" along the eastern shore of the United States.  Additionally, there's never a lack of remembering Hopkinton's recently deceased veterans who were so vital in creating real-life military history in several different war eras.

 

A few of the three-dozen veterans who participated are seen in the attached photo.  Standing L to R: Gordon Winston, USAF, and David Almy, US Army.  Sitting L to R: Neil Svendsen, US Army, Barry Rosenbloom, US Army, Jim Rose, USAF, and Neal Swenor, USAF.  Mr. Rosenbloom is showing a photo of a Lockheed P-3 Orion which is tasked with anti-submarine and marine surveillance.  Mr. Rose is holding a representation of the announcement of Hitler's suicide, which helped bring about the end of World War II.


The next Vets Breakfast is scheduled for 3 June 2022.  More Hopkinton Military History will be analyzed. 


Mark Your Calendar...TWICE!!
Two Derbies, Same Day

1. Hopkinton Police Department

2. Woodville Rod & Gun
  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
All in All, Ukraine Benefits raise $16,000

May 7, 2022 - After last Saturday's Ukraine fundraiser on Pond Street, Margaret Bower announced the the fundraising  total for the ongoing web page and the party, was $16,000. Above, mom and son enjoy the company of a Bower horse, while the band played on.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Rally for a Photo

May 7, 2022 - From the Main Street web cam, we can see just one corner at the main intersection in Hopkinton taken up with sign holders for the Town Election on May 16 at about 11:45 this morning. Anyone got a closeup? Ed. Note: We were told that the group was clustered for a photo. Prior to this photo, they covered all four corners, we've been told.
 

Support for Mary Jo LaFreniere and Shahidul Mannan

Editor: 

I am pleased to support and endorse Mary Jo Lafreniere and Shahidul Mannan for our Select Board in Hopkinton. I have had the pleasure of working with both of them during my career of service. I am inspired by both and their commitment to volunteering on these boards and the service that they provide for us all. Mary Jo and Shahidul are driven by a desire to serve their community.

Mary Jo is a proven dedicated volunteer and knowledgeable civil servant. In Hopkinton, we have been fortunate to have her knowledge and expertise applied to serve us in many volunteer positions that have helped the community for decades. Her knowledge of municipal finance and general government has served to significantly strengthen the Select Board in their decision making. She has shown a drive and dedication to support our community and bring us all together.

Shahidul is brilliant when it comes to municipal finance. His questions posed while on the Appropriations Committee showed how much thought he puts into the budget process and financial responsibility on behalf of the Town. It also shows how much he cares about the services provided to the community. We would be fortunate to have his expertise and broad background set in continued and expanded service to the community.

We are so fortunate to have amazing volunteers that want to support our community in so many ways. I am grateful that we have these two running to serve as a part of the Select Board and inspired by their commitment to continually improving our Town. Please join me in voting for Mary Jo Lafreniere and Shahidul Mannan at the Annual Town Election on May 16th. Together we will move our amazing community forward while ensuring no one is left behind in that mission.

Sincerely,
Connor B. Degan
48 Hillcrest Drive

May 7, 2022


Support for Holly Morand

I write to ask you to join me in voting for Holly Morand for School Committee on May 16th.  Our community has the rare opportunity to fill three seats on this critical board and our choice for the two-year seat could not be more important.  Our choice cannot be a one issue candidate.  Rather, we need a candidate who can help our community continue to emerge from a once in a lifetime pandemic and help shepherd our Schools into the future.  We need a candidate with the broad skill set and expertise to confront the broader, bigger challenges facing our schools, such as our significant community growth, budget constraints, our mental health crisis, and retaining and attracting the faculty, administrators and programs that make the Hopkinton school system one of the best in the Commonwealth.  

 

We need Holly Morand.   

 

For the two-year race, Holly’s qualifications are unparalleled.  Holly is a social worker, devoted volunteer, scientist and researcher.  Her service to our town - especially as a social worker and in-school counselor - offers unique insight on the struggles Hopkinton school families are now facing.  Her service as a devoted volunteer and former President of the Hopkinton PTA - reveals depth of knowledge of our Schools.  Her unique expertise in social work and behavioral health will be crucial aids as our community confronts an unprecedented mental health crisis.  

 

I first came to know Holly for her important work advocating for compassionate and smart school policies during the pandemic. In fact, along with 352 other Hopkinton residents, I signed onto the last letter Holly co-authored: one that asked our School Committee to offramp to optional masking on March 14 to accommodate the potential February vacation exposures.  With hundreds, I proudly signed onto Holly’s letter because it embraced science, equity and a safe transition into optional masking in our schools.    

 

Even though school masking (thankfully!) is now a moot issue, I appreciate a candidate with gravitas.  What Holly’s advocacy showed was a deliberative process that we need in a School Committee member.  We need someone who can process complex data; someone who values content area expertise when necessary; someone who balances pragmatics and equity with sophistication and compassion. What we need for the vast and complex issues facing the new School Committee is Holly Morand.  

 

Sincerely, 

Caitlin Condon

7 Courtney Circle

May 7, 2022

On Saturday:

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 

Support for Shahidul Mannan

 

Editor:

I have known Shahidul for several years and am so impressed with his involvement in town prior to running for the Select Board.

 

His seven years on appropriations and two years on the planning board has allowed him to provide input in two critical volunteer boards and to demonstrate his priority to serve and time commitment for the town work. He brings a corporate leadership perspective and knows how to identify with the smaller business community as an entrepreneur.

 

I have been a registered Republican since I first came to Hopkinton 33 years ago, and this year I am pleased to Support Shahidul for the Select Board and the vision he has for the future of Hopkinton.

 

Ron Foisy

25 Chamberlain Street

May 6, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Caller reports unemployment fraud, wood in roadway
on West Main Street, caller reports someone left a
bicycle at Main Street Service one week ago, caller wishes
to speak with an officer regarding a previous incident,
walk-in reports he has been followed for a year by the
same vehicle, suspicious persons on Whirty Circle were
actually neighbors having difficulty entering home due to
a failed battery...
May 5, 2022
For Oil Painters to Envy
"One Hour Ago": 9:00 am

May 6, 2022 - Male Hummingbird this morning! I started noticing them last Saturday, but they've been pretty skittish. They seem to be getting a little more settled in ❤ ~ Julie Ford.

Every day is Fish Day, but especially Fridays and Mothers Day!
 

Jane von Bauer Rathburn, 93

Jane von Bauer Rathburn, 93, of Hopkinton, passed away at her home on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Born in East Brookfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Ellen (Ellstrom) and Waldo Simpson. She was the wife of 51 years to the late Harold Rathburn.


Jane enjoyed doing cryptograms, crosswords, gardening and cooking. She loved traveling with her family and had many enjoyable trips to Ireland, Hawaii, Caribbean cruises and the beaches of Cape Cod. Most of all, Jane enjoyed Sunday dinners around her kitchen table with her family.


Jane is survived by her three daughters, Sally Rathburn of Hopkinton, Sherry Kuring and her husband, Steven of Ballston Spa, New York, and Jane Rathburn Goodman and her husband, David of Hopkinton. She also leaves behind two brothers, John and Waldo Simpson both of North Grafton; and 5 grandchildren, Shelby and Eric Kuring, and Charlotte, Cooper and Carter Goodman. She is predeceased by her sisters, Cloris Simpson, Lola Connaugthton and Jessie Larter.


Visitation will be held on Monday, May 9th from 10:45-11:45 a.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. A service will follow visitation at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Care Hospice, 254 2nd Ave. #200 Needham, MA 02494


Snappy Dogs

May 5, 2022 - Teresa and Lisa served about 200 people on their opening day today. Remember when.....?
Has it really been 13 years?
  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 

Support for Jared Pray

Dear Editor:
Like many families, one of the things that attracted us to Hopkinton was the great public school system. We have not been disappointed with the quality of our children’s education. However, the schools deserve and need better guidance from our School Board, and there is no one better suited for that than Jared Pray. With three children who will pass through the Hopkinton schools, he cares deeply for how our schools function. We’ve known Jared for several years and have had many conversations with him regarding the issues the school has faced during that time. He is level-headed, rational, intelligent, and
plows through research when faced with important decisions. Some may say that his lack of experience on a School Board is a negative, when the reality is just the opposite – the School Board needs a fresh perspective; someone who will bring new ideas and a proactive approach to the new issues we face. To quote Dr. Grace Hopper, “The most dangerous phrase in the English language is, ‘We have always done it this way’”. That is not what our children need. What they need is a leader, an innovator, and a person who truly cares about improving our schools for the future. What they need is Jared Pray.


Sincerely,
David Tiber, M.D. and Mina Tiber
2 Singletary Way


Abhay Patel, M.D. and Nupa Patel
4 Singletary Way


Rachel and Justin McCarthy
12 Wedgewood Drive


Tina and José Estevam
44 Wedgewood Drive

 

May 5, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Attempt to Resurrect Article 45 Defeated
"Is HCAM Live? If you are watching, we need you to come down [and make quorum]." ~ Town Moderator Ellen Rutter at 7:01 pm
Day Three of Annual Town Meeting Adjourns Until Election Day May 16

May 5, 2022 - A soundly defeated Article 45, to purchase land at the former Liberty Mutual site, was brought up again Wednesday evening, Day 3 of Town Meeting, after a crushing defeat Tuesday evening.
     Proponents wanted to suspend the 2/3 majority requirement for passage, and revote, but given the vote on Tuesday, it still would have failed. The vote to suspend the bylaw met the same fate.

      In less controversial discussions, Lykan Biosciences of South Street was voted a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) agreement for expanding operations and adding employees; and Wilson Street Solar Farms' PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement was accepted, in which the company agrees to make payments to the Town, although voluntary, because they meet requirements as a no-tax entity.

        Moderator Ellen Rutter adjourned the Annual Town Meeting until Election Day, Monday, May 16, 2022. A Tweet from the Town of Hopkinton says the Town Meeting was dissolved at 8:29 pm last night.

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See Mothers Day Page Here

 

Support for Shahidul Mannan

Editor:
I am writing in support of my friend, Shahidul Mannan, for the Select Board. I have known Shahidul for a number of years and have always been so impressed with his service to this town on multiple boards and commissions, as well as his dedication to really listening to our citizens and their concerns. His experience and positivity will be a great addition to our wonderful, hard working Select Board.

Beth Watson
152 Hayden Rowe Street
May 4, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Day 2: Another Quorum Challenge, Another Early Adjournment
"Since there is a question on the floor of a quorum, now we have to stop and take a count." ~ Patrick Atwell, acting Town Moderator

May 4, 2022 - Article 45 was the last Article of the Warrant voted on last evening, followed by a failed quorum count. It proposed, in a Citizen's Petition, that the Town of Hopkinton take by eminent domain former Liberty Mutual land, which has been purchased by a company planning to build solar arrays.


The motions document put the price of the undeveloped portion of the property to fund at $700,000, but speakers noted that an appraisal could come in for millions of dollars.

 

Despite the impassioned pleas of the petitioner and supporters, the Article 45 was defeated by more than the 2/3 majority necessary; 26 in favor and 87 not in favor. The wide spread of yeas and nays is well illustrated by one proponent, Mary Arnaut [bottom right corner of photo], being the only "yea" vote in that frame.

 

Ms. Arnaut took to the mic following the defeat of the Article and questioned why, if there was a quorum [128 voters], only 113 people voted.

 

"People can abstain from voting," said Patrick Atwell, sitting in for Moderator Ellen Rutter.

 

"I've just been advised by [Town] Counsel that we're going to do a quorum count, but the vote [on Article 45] still stands. We don't go backwards," said Mr. Atwell, answering a question yet to be asked, but presumed by many.

 

"We currently have 119 people [voters] in the room. We do not have a quorum (128). So we will have to adjourn... for the evening," declared Town Moderator Ellen Rutter.

 

Town Meeting reconvenes Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00 pm in the Hopkinton High School Athletic Center.

 

Support for John Coutinho

Dear Editor,

I write this letter in support of John Coutinho for Select Board.

I commend all the men and women who are currently serving on the many boards and committees for the Town of Hopkinton. I also commend those who are currently running. I understand the dedication, energy and time needed to fill these seats. John has served the residents of Hopkinton on various boards and committees for over 14 years. John was a member of the Select Board for six years, Zoning Advisory Committee for nine years, and Planning Board for four years. John has been in the trenches for some of the most important decisions this town has made the past 10 years. Other town committees John has been a member of are too numerous to mention. The experience John has gathered throughout the years is invaluable and will serve the Town of Hopkinton well.

I personally have seen John’s commitment to public safety as the Select Board’s liaison to the police department. I also have personally seen John’s commitment to the townspeople by helping The Friends of Hopkinton put on our annual Family Day. John is a community member, community helper and a community leader.

With the downtown revitalization project ongoing, the trails project running into roadblocks, our water supply contaminated with PFAS6, a new Elmwood School on the horizon and traffic issues on West Main Street needing immediate attention, John brings his experience and knowledge to the table to help guide Hopkinton to successful conclusions.

Please join me on Monday May 16th and cast your vote for John Coutinho for the Hopkinton Select Board.

Patrick O’Brien
13 Ray Street

May 3, 2022

Who Will Pay for the Extra Year?

Editor:

Who will be paying for the third year of the 2 year Downtown Project? "Free" money from the state started this project which will not alleviate Downtown traffic congestion. It will not beautify Downtown. The overhead wires will only be buried from the Police Station to Ash Street. The Historic District will be destroyed with more asphalt, less usable green space and a plethora of state mandated signage. The Downtown Project is a disaster for Hopkinton.

Beth and Rick Kelly
5 Ash St


2-Year Project Now a 3-year Project?

Editor:
The Main Street Corridor Project, which was sold to residents as a “two construction season” project, has now entered its second construction season. The project is apparently already delayed by one year, as the project specialist recently advised that the project is “on schedule” with an October 2023 end date.

Per a 9/26/2019 HopNews.com article: "Also at issue is a 5-year length of time on the easements, leading some people to conclude wrongly that the construction will last 5 years. Chair Brendan Tedstone clarified. He explained that the plan called for the work to be completed in 2 construction seasons, beginning next year. Mr. Tedstone explained that the remaining years were for the warranty period."

Per a 10/2/2019 Hopkinton Independent article: "'We’ve been apprised that this will cover two construction seasons,' Khumalo stated. . . . It also was noted that construction season generally runs from April through November, depending on weather conditions."

Per a 6/1/2020 MetroWest Daily News article: "Design plans have been completed and the project is scheduled to go out to bid in the next four to six weeks, with bids likely due back in September or October. The bid process will likely determine the actual start of the work, said Herr. Construction is expected to take about two years."

Per a 12/2/2020 MetroWest Daily News article: "'We’ll be working in earnest in the corridor,' said Herr. . . . . Construction is slated to take about two years."

Per 3/15/2022 communication with town engineer: “The Town’s response has always been to questions related to the anticipated project duration . . . I recollect the general response from the Town always being that for a project this size it would be a 2-3 year project.”

If the town “always” knew that this would be a 2 to 3 year project, why did Norman Khumalo, Brian Herr, and others make the above statements to the press and residents?

How can a two construction season project be “on schedule” when the estimated completion date is three construction seasons after the project started?

Sincerely,

Sandra Ward
67 Main Street

May 3, 2022

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Quorum Challenge Adjourns Annual Town Meeting - Will reconvene Tuesday at 7:00 pm
"If anyone's watching and wants to come down, we need three people." ~ Town Moderator, Ellen Rutter

by Robert Falcione

May 2, 2022 - A shouted challenge of the quorum — the number of voters needed to continue with the Town Meeting's business — came from a person off-camera, but sparked a halt to the discussion just prior to completion of Article 22. The required counting of the qualified voters present fell three short of the 128 needed to continue.


"If anyone's watching and wants to come down, we need three people," said Town Moderator Ellen Rutter to the cable cameras. It was reminscent of Townies' stories of calling a couple of the local watering holes where politicians knew they would find some constituents and phoning them at the bar to request their presence for a quorum and a vote.

 

After a 15-minute stretch and another count, even fewer people were in attendance, and Ms. Rutter adjourned the meeting until Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 7:00 pm in the High School Athletic Center.

 

It had been pretty much smooth sailing through the first 21 Articles; a $100 million-plus budget, 4975 students projected for FY30-31, employment benefits, discounts on sewer by income, required water tank cleaning, a $60,000 pickup truck. But the town water itself, PFAS and all, presented challenges.

 

School Department representatives assured everyone that the schools' kitchens used bottled water. If your child is compromised, bring a bottle of water to school, people were told.

 

DPW Director John Westerling suggested one solution to the discovery of PFAS above acceptible levels in a Town well is to make an indirect connection to the MWRA through Southborough, which would cost $1 million for the  design alone. Mr. Westerling said that towns with PFAS were getting some of the entry fee into MWRA waived. Otherwise there was the possibility of filtration with activated charcoal systems, a costly project in itself.

 

Well known Hopkinton resident Tom Terry questioned if the MWRA water also has those chemicals.

 

"The MWRA has no detectable PFAS," Mr. Westerling said. "Their water comes from the Quabbin.[Ed. Note: The Quabbin has a 412 billion gallon capacity, 6.3 times the capacity of the Wachusett Reservoir.]"

 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Brush fire on Pike - east of Hopkinton, Assist FD on Davis,
caller lost a wallet, woman can't locate her granddaughter -
father reported her at home, Animal traps in someone's Ash Street
yard - a live possum in one and dead animals in others - ACO
notified and will take action if necessary, female in red jeep appeared
impaired - GOA, assist FD, OUI Arrest on West Main, truck
struck sign on East Main and kept going, injured turkey on
East Main euthanized, MVA on Connelly Hill Road - caught up with
driver and issued citation, more...

April 29, 30, 2022 - May 1, 2022
Arrest
 
Hopkinton Fire Dept. Pitches In

LINWOOD, MA - May 2, 2022 - Hopkinton Ladder 1 and C-1 provided Mutual Aid to the Linwood section of Northbridge on Friday to assist with a four-alarm fire at the Victorian House, a residence that has been the location for many weddings over the years, as well as many wedding photographs. Witnesses say a dog was rescued, and a firefighter was injured. The Blackstone Valley has suffered  disproportional losses of historic structures, such as  the Mills In Uxbridge and Millbury in recent years. This one Friday and the shuttered Sutton Drive In on Route 146, below, in the town next door yesterday afternoon, also in the Blackstone Valley, are the latest examples. The one below was stated as a brush fire.



 

  The Hopkinton Music Association is again sponsoring the 17th annual Hopkinton Community Summer Band. 

 

The band is open to the greater Hopkinton Community ages 14 and up.  If you played an instrument in the past or are currently playing an instrument, come and join us.

 

Rehearsals will be from 6:30 – 8:00 on Tuesday nights inside the High School Band room. The first rehearsal will be on Tuesday, June 21st and continue on the following Tuesdays through July 12th.   There will also be two Thursday rehearsals on July 7th and July 14th.  The band will perform on Sunday, July 17th  on the town common as part of the Summer Concert Series.   

 

There is a $40.00 registration fee to help defray some of the costs of the summer band program.

 

Please click on the following link to register: 2022 Hopkinton Community Summer Band Registration


Red-tailed Adult and Young

May 2, 2022 - Once again, Julie shows us a reason to be in awe of our surroundings. Thank you, Julie Ford!
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Support for Shahidul Mannan

Editor

I was thrilled to learn that Shahidul Mannan is running for a seat on the Select Board. Shahidul is a compassionate, thoughtful leader and is invested in Hopkinton’s continued growth and progress. He’s a great advocate for Hopkinton and its families, and brings a wealth of knowledge from serving on various committees. I cannot think of a more qualified candidate and I enthusiastically support his candidacy.

Thank You!
Praveena Tenneti

36 Huckleberry Road

May 2, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Proud of Select Board

Editor:

I try to steer clear of the campaigns for Select Board when I am not running, however given the comments disparaging the Select Board, I feel compelled to respond. The allegations that the that the Select Board is responsible for the resignations within town government ignores the nationwide economic conditions. The great resignation is happening throughout all aspects of the economy, including private businesses and local government. To blame the Select Board is simply trying to make the Select Board look responsible for issues that have nothing to do with the work of the Board.

Over the past four years I’ve come to know our town manager, Mr. Norman Khumalo and personally witnessed his devotion and dedication to the Town of Hopkinton. I’m proud to call him my friend and I agree that if he were to leave, he will be sorely missed. But with any friend, I wish him the best in advancing his career. If he were to advance his career by taking on a job in a larger community, it would be just that, career advancement.

Mr. Coutinho was a contributor to the Board, and I have tremendous respect for the work the Select Board accomplished during his tenure, however, he was not solely responsible for any of the projects completed during his tenure. The same way I cannot take responsibility for the accomplishments of the current board, including collaborating with town staff on the Pledge, Principles and Actions on Systemic Racism, supporting much needed capital projects to address population growth such as the Marathon School addition, and maintaining level services throughout the pandemic to name a few. For me to take credit for the accomplishments of the town over the past four years ignores all the work others have done through collaboration with the Select Board.

Leadership is creating a vision for the future and collaboration with the profession staff and the incredible volunteer effort within the Town to make it happen. Coming out of this pandemic, the Select Board has gone through great lengths determining the priorities for the Town moving forward, including addressing mental health issues after isolation during the pandemic and connecting to the MWRA as a long-term solution to the town’s water needs to name a few.

I am proud of the work that WE, as a Select Board have accomplished. I am proud of the work the Select Board accomplished while John Coutinho was a member, and equally proud of the work we have accomplished since Mr. Coutinho has left. Our job is to work together as a team, through collaboration and leadership, and I am proud to be a member of this Select Board.

Irfan Nasrullah, Select Board Chair
211 Winter Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748

May 2, 2022

 
Ukraine Fundraising Goals Surpassed
Click on Photo to Play a Song by the band Shell Theory - choose HD

May 2, 2022 - Well,  Margaret and Mike Bower held a fundraiser for Ukraine this past Saturday, and added to the fundraiser that was online. The total came to $7,654. For those who still wish to contribute to the cause, use the link and read the origin of Mighty Cause: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Sisbgg  . But in the meantime, watch the video and enjoy a beautiful cover of "Different Drum," a song written by Mike Nesmith — yes that Mike Nesmith — and made popular by Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Ponies way, way back. Oh, and see a few scenes from the party, too.
 
Select Board Candidates' Debate from HCAM-TV

Believes Change is Inevitable

Editor:

“I cannot remember anyone blaming the Select Board in 2009 when our last town manager left, because it didn’t happen.” – quoted from Beth Malloy, this is a very valid point.

 
When people reach retirement, celebrate their contributions and wish them well. When someone takes a career advancement or transition, even outside our beloved community, celebrate their contributions and wish them well.

Retention is important, more often than not people do not take a position for life but as part of their career. How does the town prepare for inevitable transition, career growth & development, opportunities and transitions? > These responsibilities fall under the Human Resources Department and Personnel Committee, not micromanaged by a Select Board who along with the town manager are part of the governance and collaborative process.

Before the pandemic, for 5- or 6-years town hall saw huge turnovers, so did the school system, fire and police department and never did I see the Selectman at the time blamed for folks retiring, choosing a different career path and advancements to their own journey. Whether it was a fire chief, police chief, town clerk, town treasurer, family services director, admin/support staff, superintendents, principals and vice principals.

 

There was high turnover and internal unrest but never heard any fault the Selectman at that time. It seems as an example; when someone like Josh Hanna who was raised here, served as one of our high school vice principals was able to advance to principal of the Franklin high school, we are proud, congratulate and wish them well. Our own Town Clerk, Connor Degan is currently running for State Rep., if elected this would expand his career in public service, Hopkinton should be proud.


This should be true if our town manager is given the opportunity to advance his career and journey, yes, all these changes are felt as loss, but change is inevitable.

Darlene Hayes
1 Third Road

May 1, 2022

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Hopkinton's Annual Town Meeting: What is it ?

~ Press Release from Town of Hopkinton

REMINDER:
Saturday Fundraising Party for Ukraine

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Displeased With Current Select Board

Dear Editor:
Norman Khumalo has done a fantastic job in Hopkinton for over a decade.  His dedication and passion for excellence is second to none.  Should he accept a new position, he will be missed!  His collaboration and focus with several strong Select Boards has propelled Hopkinton forward.

 
Unfortunately, this is yet another significant loss for the community under the current Select Board's watch.  Their inability to retain key personnel, including numerous public safety employees, must be addressed immediately.  If not, the town will soon be adrift like a ship without a rudder.  The current Select Board's lack of vision for our future, based on our local needs, continues to erode our collective potential.  We need a Board that understands when it comes to Hopkinton's future, it all starts here! 

Sincerely,

John Coutinho

1 David Joseph Road

(Candidate for Select Board)

April 29, 2022

 

Warrant, Other Relevant Information Ahead of Town Meeting - Press Release

HOPKINTON — April 29, 2022 — Town Manager Norman Khumalo, Select Board Chair Irfan Nasrullah and Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus are pleased to share information with residents regarding the Town of Hopkinton’s upcoming Annual Town Meeting.

Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 2 beginning at 7 p.m. To better accommodate social distancing guidelines, the meeting will be held in the gymnasium at the Hopkinton High School Athletic Center, 90 Hayden Rowe St.

To view the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, click here.

The Annual Town Meeting will begin with reports from town officials. Residents will then be asked to consider a 53-article Annual Town Meeting Warrant, which includes the town’s proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2023.

“For members of local government, the Annual Town Meeting really is like our Super Bowl,” Town Manager Khumalo said. “It is a chance for all of our residents to come together and participate in their community’s legislative process and have their voices heard in the most democratic of ways. A great deal of thought and attention has been given to each of the articles on the warrant. It is our sincere hope that residents will attend this meeting and contribute to the process of moving the Town of Hopkinton forward.”

Article 5 of the warrant will ask residents to vote on a proposed $104 million FY23 operating budget. The budget vote is the culmination of eight months of work by several boards and committees in town, including the Select Board, Appropriation Committee, and School Committee and staff.

The budget message and schedule were set back in September of last year. Since then several meetings and public hearings have been held to gain input from both town employees and residents. This included several public meetings by town boards, the Select Board’s Budget Listening Session, and a virtual public hearing held by the appropriation committee on April 13 for comment from any community members who wished to offer opinions on or ask questions about the proposed budget.

The resulting proposed budget reflects the town’s commitment to sound fiscal management, which meets the immediate needs of residents and positions the town to have a strong financial future for years to come.

“The budget process is highly collaborative and reflects the diverse needs of our population,” Chair Nasrullah said. “I would like to thank and recognize all of the boards and committees that contributed to this process and the residents who shared their thoughts and concerns along the way.”

A notable item on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant is Article 19, which will ask the town to vote on several capital improvement expenditures including replacing multiple public safety vehicles, replacing the rooftop HVAC system at the Main Street Fire Station and the roof at the Police Station, and funding major mechanical system upgrades at the Police Station.

Other notable articles include establishing a shared Housing Services Office revolving fund (Article 6), creating a fund to support public, educational, or governmental (PEG) access cable television services in the town (Articles 8-10), establishing a School Special Education reserve fund to support the fluctuating cost of out-of-district Special Education (Article 17), funding significant repairs to the Woodville Fire Station (Article 26), funding the proposed Fruit Street Fields turf replacement project (Article 28), and the creation of a seven-member Commission on Disability (Article 48).

“There is a great deal of behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a Town Meeting Warrant and making sure the meeting runs smoothly, and I commend everyone in town who helped make it possible,” Assistant Town Manager Lazarus said. “The articles being voted on impact a wide range of residents and town employees, and we thank all those who continue to go above and beyond making sure Hopkinton is a welcoming and inclusive community that always puts the health, safety and wellbeing of its citizens at the forefront.”

For more information on the 2022 Annual Town Meeting, including links on the FY23 operating budget, the complete Town Meeting Warrant, information on Town Meeting presentations from various boards and committees and more, visit the town’s 2022 Annual Town Meeting information page here

While mask and building capacity restrictions will be relaxed following the ease of all COVID-19 restrictions in town, the Town of Hopkinton encourages residents to exercise health and safety practices such as social distancing and proper hygiene while at the Annual Town Meeting.

The town will also be making a sign language interpreter available for any resident who needs those services. Press Release. 

 


Hopkinton Town Manager a Finalist for Watertown City Manager Position


April 28, 2022 - Hopkinton Town Manager Norman Khumalo is now one of three finalists for the position of Watertown City Manager, according to the City of Watertown website, following a meeting Wednesday night to narrow the field.


Mr. Khumalo has served the Town of Hopkinton as Town Manager since 2009. We await a word back from him regarding his  move from Hopkinton, but while we await his words, his submitted resume to the City's search executives, as well as the glowing references he received from people he has worked with and for, can be read here, along with the other two candidates. For those who only wish to read Mr. Khumalo's submission, choose the link above, and then in Windows choose ctrl+f and type in his name in the dialogue box that appears.

 

File Photo

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Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Assist FD on East Street, Community Relations at
the Senior Center, Officer Jessica Ferreira assisted an individual
in picking things up at his ex wife's residence, Ashland PD requests
assistance locating 15 year-old - not found...
April 27, 2022
No Arrests
 
Support for Shahidul Mannan

Dear Editor,

I met Shahidul Mannan a few months ago and I knew right away that he was a wonderful and kind man. When I heard he was running for a seat on the Select Board, I thought about how lucky the other members of the board will be to have Shahidul join them as a Select Board member. This was even before I knew about all his qualifications and volunteer positions he has on multiple other committees in Hopkinton.

 

Not only does he have such expertise and knowledge, but his quality as an amazing man is so important to this town. I am so honored to call him my friend and will be very happy knowing he will be an advocate for me and everyone else in Hopkinton as a member of the Select Board. Please join me in proudly voting for Shahidul Mannan on May 16!

Sincerely,
Nancy L. Drawe (Punky)
13 Davis Road

April 28, 2022

 
Hopkinton Women's Club Makes Presentations

April 27, 2022 - The Hopkinton Women's Club held a luncheon at the Hopkinton Country Club this afternoon as an oppurtunity to present awards to two deserving students. From left, students Ananna Schaefer, winner of the Junior Endeavor Award, and Saibhaskar Gudenpati, winner of the Mary McDonough Community Service Award*; and from left, Incoming Women's Club President, Doris Early, and outgoing President Nancy Tarsi. In addition, the parents of the students, as well as both the in and the out Presidents, received bouquets. Also thanked for their contributions were two invited Hopkinton media people, luncheon guests Robert Falcione of HopNews.com and Jim Cozzens (pictured below) of HCAM-TV. *Corrected.
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Why Did the Wild Turkeys...

April 27, 2022 - Seeing a few turkeys crossing the street up ahead this afternoon on Saddle Hill Road, the photographer slowed down, which put him in close proximity to the birds for longer than they could feel safe. Instead of staying still, they paused their foraging and scurried up and over the ridge to avoid being seen. But, as can be plainly seen, the Tom turkey appears to feel safe and out of sight, unaware that the height of his feathers' brilliant display for his suitor gives his location away.

Unsafe?

 
April 27, 2022 - Neighbor Beth Kelly feels that this trench wall support, which is designed to keep a trench from collapsing while construction proceeds, is dangerous being so close to the Doughboy Monument. Photo by Beth Kelly.
 
Common-cam

April 27, 2022 - No need for words.
 

"The Dangerous Truth..."


Hopkinton Coalition for Prevention (HOP)/Hopkinton Youth & Family Services invites you to a virtual program on high potency cannabis and teen mental health; Tue May 10th at 7pm. This program was arranged by Ashland Decisions at Every Turn with HOP and several other local coalitions as collaborators.

 

"The Dangerous Truth About Today's Marijuana: Johnny Stack's Life & Death Story", presented by Laura Stack.

 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Barbara Kimball, 94

Barbara Kimball, 94, of Hopkinton died comfortably at home in hospice, in the care of her family just as she wanted. Born in Wellesley to the late Leroy and Anna Siebert, Barbara was determined to live her life her way. She took up flying when her father told her she couldn’t get a motorcycle license. Working at Hilliard’s Candy Store helped her afford lessons that later led her to join the Civil Air Patrol.

In her life, she was a Sunday school teacher at Grace Church in Framingham, a Cub Scout Den Mother, Hopkinton Secretary for the Selectman, worked at the Welfare Office, and more notably Assistant Branch Manager at the Hopkinton/Holliston Bank for Savings, now Middlesex Savings Bank.

Barbara was an avid outdoors woman and loved going to the various Audubon Sanctuaries and trips hosted by the Audubon; her favorite being Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Norfolk that she led birding walks at. Her other favorite place in the world was Baxter State Park, where she was always on the lookout for a moose. Many family trips out hiking, snow shoeing, canoeing, and camping with her late husband Everett, children, and/or grandchildren over the years gave her great joy. She would often be spotted for her evening walks around town with her son Wayne. On trips down to Arkansas where she would visit her son Ken and his family, she enjoyed adventures with the grandkids and great grandkids including mudding on four wheelers. Another group she enjoyed was the Walk’n Mass Volkssport Club.

This tenacious and wonderful woman was predeceased by her husband Everett, their daughter Deborah Anne, their son Kenneth, and grandson Kenneth Jr. She leaves behind her two sons, Wayne and his partner Sharon, and Clifford and his wife Barbara, three grandchildren Tracy, Christine, Carrieann, and Kat, 8 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren with one more on the way. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, massaudubon.org or Walk’n Mass Volkssport Club, https://www.walknmass.org/
Funeral arrangements are being held privately with family and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com

 

Christo “Papou” H. Mastrogianis, 86

 

Christo “Papou” H. Mastrogianis, 86, of Hopkinton, passed away at his home on Monday, April 25, 2022. Born in Salem, MA, he was the son of the late Mary (Caracostas) and Hercules Mastrogianis.

Christo took pleasure in gardening, movie nights with his Davis Rd. neighbors and discussing current events. Christo spent more than 25 years working as a mechanical engineer for Chemplast Corporation. During his retirement, he was employed as a driver with JFK Transportation; a place where he was treated like family and a job which brought him great joy and fulfillment. Most importantly, Christo enjoyed time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Christo leaves behind two children, John Mastrogianis and his wife, Tami of Hopkinton, Lena Marie Smith and her husband, Jeff of New Castle, Washington; his sister, Angela O’Connell and her husband, Ted of Peabody; 4 grandchildren, Christina Hartry of Framingham, Tia Mastrogianis of Millbury, Joseph and Alexandra Smith of Washington.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1st from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com  A funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Advocates, 1881 Worcester Rd. Framingham, MA 01701


Support for Holly Morand

 

It is with genuine excitement that I am writing to endorse Holly Morand for School Committee. Holly is a thoughtful, intelligent, and well-informed candidate who I have the pleasure of knowing through her outstanding work with the Hopkinton Freedom Team. I have witnessed Holly help those in crises, calm a room, lead a large group, and ensure that all voices were heard in matters that impact our entire community. She is a fair and strong advocate committed to doing what is best for our schools.

Holly comes to the table with a wide breadth of experience, from her work as a community social worker while working directly with youth in our community, her time leading local organizations, her extensive applied science and analytical skills in her past and current careers, or her years volunteering her time to local government committees. Her professional and community experience will serve to ensure thoughtful and transparent collaboration with the community and HPS administration, and she has excelled in her other roles as a voice of experience, equity, and sincerity. The Hopkinton Public Schools, and indeed the entire community, stand to benefit greatly if Holly joins the Hopkinton School Committee.

Sincerely,
Stacia Friedrich Krozy
7 Lilac Court

April 25, 2022

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Support for Shahidul Mannan


Hopkinton deserves to have elected leaders who are focused on the best interest of all of its citizens. These leaders should be able to assess the challenges presented and the diverse interests of all stakeholders in town and make decisions they believe will best serve the town. In our experience, the best leaders to make these decisions combine dedication, experience and curiosity.

Getting to know Shahidul and watching his work on town board, we’re confident that he displays all of these. Serving on the Planning Board for seven years he helped manage the Town’s budget balancing the needs of a growing town with being responsible to taxpayers. He has continued to expand his work in Hopkinton moving to the Planning Board and serving on other volunteer committees. This work has not only shown his dedication to make Hopkinton a better place but also has prepared him with the necessary experience for the Select Board.

Shahidul genuinely also wants to understand all aspects of an issue before making a decision. In any conversation about town issues he seeks the input of people who have different experience than he does. This critical quality also shows that he puts the Town’s needs ahead of his own individual viewpoint. He is truly interested in serving the best interest’s of Hopkinton which is why we believe he will be an excellent member of the Select Board.

We hope you will join us in voting for Shahidul Mannan for Select Board on May 16.

Sincerely,
Jon and Erin Graziano

8 Kimball Road

April 25, 2022

 

 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton

New Transactions from April 16, 2022 - April 24, 2022
Choose Blue Links to See Town's Property Card
Address
Buyer
Price 
Date
Seller
Hopkinton
6 Bandon Lane Unit 6BAN David Flanagan, Susan Flanagan $629,000 April 22, 2022 Trails, LLC
356 Wood Street Kyle Tremblay, Kimberly Tucker $652,500 April 21, 2022 Jeffrey L Hill, Catherine C Corliss
42 Lakeshore Drive Enrico Romoli, Amelia $590,000 April 21, 2022 Michael J Guerra Jr
54 Aspen Way Unit 244 Jing Liu, Yue Wang $895,135 April 19, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England LLC
Last Week        
21 Weston Lane Unit 21WES Abby J Guinard, Wade E White $750,705 April 15, 2022 Trails LLC
Chestnut Street Leandro Augusta De Paula Costa $180,000 April 14, 2022 Frederick A Grant, et al
31 Chestnut Street Universal Construction, Inc $475,000 April 14, 2022 Frederick A Grant Jr, et al
8 Bandon Lane Unit 8 BAN Linda Kanter $659,000 April 13, 2022 Trails, LLC
15 Parker Point Road Diane Corsi, Robert Dobinski $625,000 April 13, 2022 Dennis F Ford, Gercina M Ford
51 Aspen Way Unit 255 Krishna Chaitanya Ponnada, Rashmi Rao Kolluri $738,755 April 12, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England
4 Benson Road Matthew S Morand, Holly Morand $1,100,000 April 11, 2022 Richard F Kane, Janice C Kane
8 Highcroft Way Unit 8 Patrick MacCarthy, Skye Stock MacCarthy $704,000 April 11, 2022 Redfinnow Borrower, LLC
49 Aspen Way Unit 256 Shankar Krishnamony, Sheela Krishnamony $733,425 April 8, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England,LLC
5 Locust Lane Unit 53 Dhwani Khokhani, Neel Khokhani $775,000 April 7, 2022 Narasimha Reddy Ettedi, Anusha Reddy Lambu
35 Wedgewood Drive Ronaldo Solano, Adriana $1,700,000 April 7, 2022 Patrick M MacCarthy, Skye S MacCarthy
42 Primrose Circle Balaji Ganesan, Sasirekha Subbaiahpappa $1,050,000 April 6, 2022 Praveen A Balan, Shweetah Prabhukumar
15 Longwood Drive Manyun Lei, Weijia Qi $925,000 April 1, 2022 Francis J Beninati
4 Bandon Lane Unit 4BAN Arnold E Cohen, et al $659,000 April 1, 2022 Trails, LLC
12 Maple Street Ext Nicholas Dangelo, Kathleen Dangelo $415,000 April 1, 2022 Rosalbal Mische, Rosalbam Saunders
TIME BEFORE        
52 Aspen Way Unit 243 Ramesh Vabai Jayachandran, Lavanya Vabai $987,827 March 31, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England
80 Hayden Rowe Street Gregory Prall $730,000 March 31, 2022 Jeffrey R Prall, Cynthia R Prall
5 Crispwater Way Unit 159 Bharatwaj Srinivasan, Nithya Bharatwaj $721,000 March 31, 2022 Ramya Ramachandran,Srinasan Chandrasekaran
70 Hayward Street Sirjana D Parajuli, Suren Parajuly $350,000 March 29, 2022 Wako Johnson, William L Lowe
47 Aspen Way Unit 257 Monica White, Amam Saleh $777,515 March 28, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England llc
10 Highland Street Vanessa C Pogany, Benjamin G Pogany, Eugen L Pogany $735,000 March 28, 2022 Robert T Dobinski
3 Canterbury Lane Venkata S Vongala, Swarna D Vengala $1,250,000 MArch 28, 2022 Xi-Yong Fu, Hanyan Chu
10 Patriots Boulevard Unit 4A Ruizhe Ma, Chong Wang $656,000 March 25, 2022 Paramjit Singh, Rupinder Kaur
45 Aspen Way Navdeep Arora $730,505 March 24, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England
TIME BEFORE        
43 Aspen Way Unit 259 Spandan Kataya, Sangeetha Laxman Mysore $785,965 March 18, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England llc
67 School Street Unit 38 Karen Cirrito $365,000 March 18, 2022 Judith C Chance
41 Aspen Way Unit 260 Pritish Kar, Sonali Dash $803,380 March 16, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England llc
 




Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts

Manhole cover removed, 2 dogs running on HR Street, scam
phone call, DMV East Main, Worcester PD requested to check if
male individual is at work on Avenue E (was not), dump truck broken
down on Main Street, dmv on Cedar Street requests blue lights
for safety, loud explosions reported from Mechanic Street - done,
individual says he was scammed into purchasing gift cards,
mva with PI on Pond Street - vehicle unoccupied - MSP Airwing
eta 2 hours away - Officer Sanchioni and K-9 Titan - both now with
Milford PD - called in - neg find - SGT Schofield reports individual
now in Protective Custody, debris on I-495 roadway, ice cream
truck taking up 2 handicap spots, 2 unlicensed youth operating
vehicles at high rate of speed on Nazneen Circle, caller said she was
threatened by somoene trying to buy a dog, brush fire on Ash Street,
pizza delivery brought her food to the wrong address - concerned re: Credit Card,
April 22, 23, 24
No Arrests

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 
Marathon Way Closed

April 24, 2022 - Marathon Way is closed and cordoned off for the  ease of construction of the Downtown Corridor Project. Above are stacks of tubing, presumably, we are told, intended to carry some sort of wiring.
 
Little League Parade

April 24, 2022 - The common was packed with players, parents and coaches waiting for the Little League Parade to begin. We will have many more photos of the parade after dinner.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Farmer Chris

April 24, 2022 - Chris Casella checks out his ram, among many animals he is taking care of on Pond Street, where he grew up and graduated from Norfolk County Agricultural School (aka Norfolk Aggie), and where he bred animals on land generously donated by his neighbors. He still has his neighbors to thank for their generosity as he continues to build his current inventory. Below, Mr. Casella moves his 11 year-old donkey into the grazing area across the street. He was asked the purpose of having a donkey.

        "They keep the coyotes away from the chickens," he said. (NOTE: Photos taken one day after another).

 
Spring Colors

April 24, 2022 - Colorful boats await Hopkinton State Park users. In the background is the Hopkinton Reservoir Dam.

Taking Sides

The statue of George V. Brown, "The Starter," has made its opinion known to visitors to Hopkinton as did the B.A.A. leading up to the 126th Boston Marathon by banning Russan athletes from running the foot race, and siding with Ukraine.
 
50th Anniversary Year

Last Saturday, Back Pages (duo), Doug Betschart, left, and Inky Fair, rocked Bill's Downtown Pizzeria and Bar for their longtime followers and some new fans, too. They will return Saturday evening, May 14, 2022 - they are on a monthly rotation - and the following Friday, May 20, 2022, they will be performing at the Black Box in Franklin, Mass as a trio joined by Tom Yates, and then their final set with members of their band with whom they performed 50 years ago in 1972.
  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

       
 

Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh Candidate Statement for Re-election to School Committee

 

I am seeking re-election to the School Committee 3 year seat this May to continue to work on behalf of Hopkinton students, families and staff, while still meeting the fiduciary responsibility we hold to the town. Emerging from the pandemic and in the midst of a youth mental health crisis, our students are facing greater social and emotional needs and learning gaps than we have seen in the past. They need leadership and advocacy at the School Committee level and collaboration with our town partners to meet them where they are at right now and I believe my background and record of commitment to the town and schools position me best to provide this leadership.

 

My Background: I have lived in Hopkinton for nearly 25 years and, along with my husband, moved here prior to starting our family. We currently have two children enrolled in the Hopkinton Public Schools, in 6th and 11th grades, and two children who are graduates of Hopkinton High School. I have had the benefit of working with the schools in various volunteer roles across all grades over the years, including as a classroom volunteer, an HPTA (now HPTO) Board member, and a Middle School Council member. I reported for a local news outlet for over 10 years, many of which were focused on covering the schools and the School Committee. The lens of my experiences and engagement with the schools sparked an interest in serving the schools in a greater capacity and I was first elected to the School Committee in 2016.

 

I have a Master’s Degree in clinical Social Work from Boston University and I have spent my professional career working in the mental health field. I have seen first hand the devastating impact the pandemic has had on youth mental health and I know some of the effects of the pandemic will continue to ripple through our schools for years to come. I have a history of working collaboratively on the School Committee with our state legislators and community organizations to increase programmatic opportunities and grant funding for our students and I believe such collaboration is especially vital to support our students in this increased time of need.

 

We know that success for each of our students may look different and that even our District’s outstanding state and national rankings don’t tell the whole story. I have shown over my tenure that I am not a one or two issue candidate— I remain committed to diving in with equal passion for the many issues confronting all of our students and educators today. Here are a couple of issues I want to highlight which will continue to merit attention in the years ahead:

 

Growth in the District- fueled in part by the excellence of our schools, we face additional significant enrollment growth over the next ten years which will require campus-wide proactive planning. We need to bring all stakeholders together in the community to ensure our infrastructure supports academic and programmatic excellence and that we continue to attract and retain the outstanding educators who have made our schools top notch.

 

Bullying and bias-related incidents, During the pandemic, we saw an increase, not just on the national landscape, but here in Hopkinton of bullying and bias-related incidents. The divisions we have seen politically have trickled down to our students. Along with supporting increased social and emotional learning, we need to work collaboratively with the community to make sure every student feels safe and supported. Hopkinton is stronger when we work together.

 

I have worked to increase transparency and engagement with the community while on the School Committee, instituting office hours and maintaining an active School Committee social media presence. I believe the continuity and lens of experience I provide to the School Committee will help position us strongly for the coming years. I respectfully ask for your vote at the May 16 Annual Town Election.

 

Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh

25 Priscilla Road

April 22, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 


Pre-register here
 




Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Vehicle all over the road on Wood Street - GOA,
solicitors door-to-door on Cherry Lane - GOA
vehicle struck while parked on Connelly Hill Road, Honda
keys found on Wood Street, 2-car accident on Cedar Street -
no PI

April 21, 2022
Arrests

Support for Shahidul Mannan

Editor:
I am writing to offer my support for Shahidul Mannan for Select Board.

During these difficult times regarding covid, economy, ARPA funds etc. There is no better time than now to elect Shahidul. The town needs experience more than ever and his resume speaks for itself.

Shahidul has served on the Appropriation Committee for seven years, a position responsible for overseeing the Town’s budget and taking part of managing its growth. With his experience and having an MBA in finance, Shahidul has a firm grasp on how to balance a budget, monitor our taxes, and be fiscally responsible.

Shahidul is very active in town government. Currently he serves on the Planning Board, and was appointed to the Community Preservation Committee. He has also served on the Growth Study Committee.

Shahidul is dedicated and committed to seeing our town thrive. You can feel that passion and energy when he speaks. I can personally say he is an honest and caring man for his family and our town.

Shahidul’s education and experience is top-notch but his passion and drive surpasses most. Please join me in voting for Shahidul Mannan for Select Board.

Patrick Atwell

6 Hehn's Farm Way

April 22, 2022

 

Support for Shahidul Mannan

   Dear Editor:

 

I am writing to endorse Shahidul Mannan for Select Board. I have had the privilege of working with Shahidul for many years as a result of our roles serving the community of Hopkinton. During my tenure on the School Committee, I had the opportunity to work with Shahidul in his role on the Appropriations Committee. I found Shahidul to be extremely knowledgeable about town finance, and appreciated the careful review he gave to the budgets of all town departments, including the schools. He worked hard to understand the complexities and priorities of the school department, as well as to balance the needs of the schools with all other town departments. Shahidul has also served on many other town committees, including the Planning Board, the Growth Study Committee, and the Community Preservation Committee.

 

Shahidul demonstrates all the qualities and experience I look for in a leader. Very shortly after moving to Hopkinton, he became deeply involved in town government and has served for many years in multiple capacities. This gives him the deep understanding of all department needs, combined with the broad community perspective and knowledge that I value on our Select Board. His professional background in technology, engineering, and finance provide an excellent foundation for navigating the complex challenges and opportunities that face our town today – strategically managing growth while maintaining fiscal discipline and quality of services. On a personal level, I find Shahidul to be a man of great integrity, intellect, and diplomacy. He works hard to understand the issues, asks probing questions, and is balanced in his assessment of competing priorities. He is thoughtful and respectful in his interactions with others, and I believe he will prove to be a community-builder though his role on the Select Board. I value the diversity of experience and opinion that Shahidul will bring that role as well.

 

Shahidul has demonstrated a deep commitment to the town of Hopkinton, is a trusted and transparent leader, and keeps the good of the larger community at the heart of his decision making. I am confident that he will be an excellent addition to the Select Board.

 

I am proud to be supporting Shahidul Mannan for Select Board at the polls on Monday, May 16, and I hope you will join me.

 

Sincerely,

Jean Bertschmann

4 Cider Mill

April 22, 2022

 
Wreath Ceremony

April 21, 2022 - L to R - Tom Grilk, BAA President and CEO, Mary Jo LaFreniere, member of Hopkinton Select Board, Amy Ritterbusch, Vice-Chair, the Honorable Kostas Bakoyannis, Mayor of Athens, Greece, at a ceremony that was held at the Consult of Greece in Boston prior to the recent Boston Marathon.

Below: The gold wreaths that were transferred from the people of Greece to the BAA and were placed on the heads of the
the winners of the 126th Boston Marathon in honor of Stylianos Kyriakides the winner
of the 1946 Boston Marathon at the ceremony in Boston. Contributed

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

More Pics from 126th Boston Marathon

Please enjoy a few photos from Jonathan Goldberg at the marathon on assignment for HopNews.
  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

                           
 
Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Company working before 7:00 am but not in violation of bylaw -
they were using hand tools - no noise, Thayer Heights vehicle
egged overnight, identity fraud, caller reports her son is
possibly being extorted for money, 2 dogs running free
on Wilson Street, large dog running loose on Ash Street,
caller reported someone walking down his driveway
when he arrived home - was just a misunderstanding,
caller reports erratic operator all over the road on Pike,
large TT units going over smal bridge on North Mill Street,
door was open and dog missing - brought to BayPath,
Complaint of teens doing wheelies on their bikes on Main
Street were spoken to by Officer Jessica
Ferreira...

April 20, 2022
Arrests

Friends of Whitehall Spring Clean-up April 23rd 2022

The Friends of Whitehall‘s spring lake and trail clean-up will be held on Sat. April 23rd 2022 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. We will gather at the boat landing parking lot at Whitehall State Park on Wood St. (rte.135) and be assigned areas of trails and shoreline around the lake to clean up debris and refuse. We will work on both the DCR state trails and the Whitehall Conservation Area trails. We will also clean up some of the roadsides near the lake. Gloves, trash bags, tools, bug spray and water will be provided. We will also have coffee and donuts available for volunteers. We will be working with the approval of the Department of Recreation. This is a wonderful opportunity to help your community and we hope you will join us.

 

The Friends of Whitehall started in 2005 and have had clean-ups since then. FOW’s main mission is to preserve, protect and improve the wonderful natural resource of Lake Whitehall and its environs. We are proud of our many accomplishments which are cited on our website www.friendsofwhitehall.org. Even if you do not live in the immediate area around the lake, we would love to have you join our organization. Membership forms can be downloaded from our website. We are also on Facebook.

 

We hope you will help with the clean-up on Saturday, April 23rd and that you will consider becoming a member of FOW. We are a non-profit 501c (3) organization.

 
Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton

New Transactions from April 1, 2022 - April 15, 2022
Choose Blue Links to See Town's Property Card
Address
Buyer
Price 
Date
Seller
Hopkinton
21 Weston Lane Unit 21WES Abby J Guinard, Wade E White $750,705 April 15, 2022 Trails LLC
Chestnut Street Leandro Augusta De Paula Costa $180,000 April 14, 2022 Frederick A Grant, et al
31 Chestnut Street Universal Construction, Inc $475,000 April 14, 2022 Frederick A Grant Jr, et al
8 Bandon Lane Unit 8 BAN Linda Kanter $659,000 April 13, 2022 Trails, LLC
15 Parker Point Road Diane Corsi, Robert Dobinski $625,000 April 13, 2022 Dennis F Ford, Gercina M Ford
51 Aspen Way Unit 255 Krishna Chaitanya Ponnada, Rashmi Rao Kolluri $738,755 April 12, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England
4 Benson Road Matthew S Morand, Holly Morand $1,100,000 April 11, 2022 Richard F Kane, Janice C Kane
8 Highcroft Way Unit 8 Patrick MacCarthy, Skye Stock MacCarthy $704,000 April 11, 2022 Redfinnow Borrower, LLC
49 Aspen Way Unit 256 Shankar Krishnamony, Sheela Krishnamony $733,425 April 8, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England,LLC
5 Locust Lane Unit 53 Dhwani Khokhani, Neel Khokhani $775,000 April 7, 2022 Narasimha Reddy Ettedi, Anusha Reddy Lambu
35 Wedgewood Drive Ronaldo Solano, Adriana $1,700,000 April 7, 2022 Patrick M MacCarthy, Skye S MacCarthy
42 Primrose Circle Balaji Ganesan, Sasirekha Subbaiahpappa $1,050,000 April 6, 2022 Praveen A Balan, Shweetah Prabhukumar
15 Longwood Drive Manyun Lei, Weijia Qi $925,000 April 1, 2022 Francis J Beninati
4 Bandon Lane Unit 4BAN Arnold E Cohen, et al $659,000 April 1, 2022 Trails, LLC
12 Maple Street Ext Nicholas Dangelo, Kathleen Dangelo $415,000 April 1, 2022 Rosalbal Mische, Rosalbam Saunders
LAST TIME        
52 Aspen Way Unit 243 Ramesh Vabai Jayachandran, Lavanya Vabai $987,827 March 31, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England
80 Hayden Rowe Street Gregory Prall $730,000 March 31, 2022 Jeffrey R Prall, Cynthia R Prall
5 Crispwater Way Unit 159 Bharatwaj Srinivasan, Nithya Bharatwaj $721,000 March 31, 2022 Ramya Ramachandran,Srinasan Chandrasekaran
70 Hayward Street Sirjana D Parajuli, Suren Parajuly $350,000 March 29, 2022 Wako Johnson, William L Lowe
47 Aspen Way Unit 257 Monica White, Amam Saleh $777,515 March 28, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England llc
10 Highland Street Vanessa C Pogany, Benjamin G Pogany, Eugen L Pogany $735,000 March 28, 2022 Robert T Dobinski
3 Canterbury Lane Venkata S Vongala, Swarna D Vengala $1,250,000 MArch 28, 2022 Xi-Yong Fu, Hanyan Chu
10 Patriots Boulevard Unit 4A Ruizhe Ma, Chong Wang $656,000 March 25, 2022 Paramjit Singh, Rupinder Kaur
45 Aspen Way Navdeep Arora $730,505 March 24, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England
TIME BEFORE        
43 Aspen Way Unit 259 Spandan Kataya, Sangeetha Laxman Mysore $785,965 March 18, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England llc
67 School Street Unit 38 Karen Cirrito $365,000 March 18, 2022 Judith C Chance
41 Aspen Way Unit 260 Pritish Kar, Sonali Dash $803,380 March 16, 2022 Pulte Homes of New England llc
 

Suspect Arrested After Pike Pursuit from Charlton to Stockbridge; Wanted on Felony Warrants out of Maine, Illinois


April 20, 2022 - Massachusetts State Troopers today captured a man wanted on felony warrants out of Maine and Illinois after a lengthy pursuit of the stolen car the suspect was driving.


At approximately 7:24 a.m. today a Trooper assigned to the Massachusetts State Police-Charlton Barracks located a vehicle at the Charlton Service Plaza on the Massachusetts Turnpike westbound that had been reported stolen out of Biddeford, Maine. The Trooper located the male driver sleeping the back seat; the man refused to unlock the doors of the car, a 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor. The man began moving around inside the vehicle and said he could not find his keys. He then suddenly turned the ignition on and drove away westbound on the Turnpike. The Trooper initiated pursuit of the stolen vehicle.


The suspect, identified as KEVIN OLDAKER, 48, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, refused to stop for pursuing Troopers. OLDAKER utilized crossovers to evade cruisers in Chicopee and again in Ludlow. He exited the Turnpike in Ludlow, then re-entered the highway continuing west.


The suspect eventually hit a tire deflation device deployed by Troopers, causing a flat tire. The pursuit continued until the suspect stopped in Stockbridge, approximately three miles from the New York line. OLDAKER again refused to exit the vehicle and a brief standoff ensued. OLDAKER eventually surrendered and was taken into custody shortly after 9 a.m.


OLDAKER is wanted on two extraditable warrants, one out of Maine issued last week charging him with violent stalking and one out of Illinois from February 2014 charging him with home invasion and sex assault.


As of this writing OLDAKER is still being processed on the warrant charges and on fresh charges from today’s incident. We will update the release once the booking process is completed. The photo shows the scene at the end of the incident.~MSP PR

  > Food and Beverage <
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Part of a Well-Oiled Machine

April 20, 2022 - The mother and daughter, Jen and Emily Blake participated in delivering accurate and timely information
from the course to WBZ-TV's on-air talent during the station's live Boston Marathon broadcast. The mother-daughter team was part of a system that utilizes volunteers positioned at every mile mark on the course.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

HMA “Countdown To Pops Concert” Calendar Raffle

Hopkinton Public School music students and the Hopkinton Music Association (HMA) are selling tickets to their 2022 “Countdown To Pops” Calendar Raffle now through May 15th to raise funds for music scholarships and music program needs at the Hopkinton Public Schools.

Tickets for the “Countdown To Pops” Calendar Raffle are $10 each. Purchase as many as you wish! Each ticket is eligible for prizes in up to 29 daily drawings depending on when the purchased ticket is received. Thus multiple prizes per ticket are possible!

Daily drawings begin on Sunday, April 24 through Saturday, May 21 with the final drawing of a Boston Symphony Orchestra Gift Certificate taking place at the High School Pops Concert on Sunday, May 22nd! Calendar Drawing tickets can be purchased from any Hopkinton Public School music student in grades 5 through 12. If you are unable to find a music student, contact Karen Bograd at ktbograd@gmail.com . Thank you for your support!

Look for the 2022 “Countdown To Pops” Calendar and list of winners in April and May on our website: www.hopkintonmusicasso.wixsite.com/hopkintonmusic/fundraising


Support for Mary Jo LaFreniere

Editor:

I am writing this letter of support for Mary Jo LaFreniere for the Hopkinton Select Board!

She has lived here for over 40 years and has the institutional knowledge of what Hopkinton needs and has all Hopkinton citizen's interests at heart.

She served on the board of Assessors even as chair and understands the tax assessments of the real estate in Hopkinton.

She is a massive advocate for our Police and Fire Departments!

For many years she was a boy scout leader and loved providing training and guidance to the young men in our community to teach them how to be good citizens.

She was the past district director for former Senator Magnani and understand how the government is run at the state level.

She understands the town's fiscal budgets and the balance needed for the residential tax base deeply.

She has served on Hopkinton Marathon Committee for 35 years and even was honored as one of the wave starters 5 years ago.

Please join me in voting for Mary Jo for Select Board!

Liisa Jackson
8 Cross Street

April 20, 2022

 
Support for Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh

Dear Editor:
I wholeheartedly support Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh for a third term on the Hopkinton School Committee because of the personal and professional experience she brings to the role. I have worked with Nancy in multiple capacities across the years on the School Committee, on the 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee, the Farewell to Center School Committee, and the HPTA. Nancy has a very long track record of committed service to the town, and particularly to the schools.


Nancy brings the experience, passion, and credibility to the School Committee that is critical for the next three years. Major issues in the short term include the Elmwood School Project; continuing to address the longer term effects of COVID; and increasing budget costs. Nancy has tremendous experience with the Marathon School Project which will help lead the community through a challenging decision process and support the best outcome for the students. Nancy demonstrated consistent, compassionate, and collaborative leadership throughout the pandemic. Her steady hand and deep knowledge of the priorities and concerns of all stakeholders – teachers, parents, students, community partners – will continue to help Hopkinton work through the lingering learning and mental health challenges. Nancy has intimate knowledge of the school and town finances, and is meticulous in her efforts to provide the best educational outcome possible for all students in the district, within the means of the town, and with respect to other town priorities. Nancy is transparent and trustworthy.


Nancy has proven to be an exemplary community leader in Hopkinton. She cares deeply about the issues and concerns of all members of the community, and seeks input on all issues. She works tirelessly to ensure that the public has awareness of and access to current information regarding finances, policies, and decisions by the School Committee. She is a constant presence at school and community events, always available to support students and highlight their achievements.


I am proud to be supporting Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh at the polls on Monday, May 16, and I hope you will join me.

Sincerely,
Jean Bertschmann
4 Cider Mill

April 20, 2022

 
Hopkinton Police Incident Log Abstracts
Something smashed caller's window as she was driving,
a huge turtle on Twin Island Road, erratic operator on West Main,
2 young girls riding scooters in middle of Nicholas Road,
son is acting erratic - now ok - she will call, large trash can
in road, tree in road on Chestnut Street, wire smoldering on DiCarlo Road,
accident with PI, kids playing ding, dong, ditch on Huckleberry,
Hillcrest Drive caller reporting threats, caller reports more threats,
8 units assist FD. OUI crash on East Main, Marlborough PD
wants to speak with resident re: illegal dumping, 2 reports of fraud,
individual trying to wave vehicles down on West Main, caller requests advice on RO,
vehicle locked and keys lost at Fruit Street Fields, golf balls all over caller's yard
on Carriage Hill Road - same happened last year - Officer DeBoer checking area,
loose dog on Church Place, poodle running in middle of Chestnut Street, found
property at Runners Village, reportedly intoxicated bicycle rider checks ok,
identity theft, two loose dogs on Main Street, more...
April 15, 16, 17, 18, 2022
April 19, 2022
New Arrest

Support for Shahidul Mannan

Editor:

I am writing to offer my support for Shahidul Mannan for Select Board.

Shahidul is sincere, honest and works for our community. People may not know this as the committees that he has served do not receive much public attention but critical for Town’s success. He has done yeoman service to the town by serving on the Appropriation committee for 7 years overseeing our budget and managing its significant growth over time.

 
He also served in Growth study committee for 2 years analyzing our growth issues and giving ideas for managing it.

More recently, I’ve had the good fortune of currently serving alongside Shahidul in the Planning Board.

His background and knowledge in finance is a great asset. Shahidul is involved in the town happenings and is very knowledgeable regarding the challenges that face Hopkinton. I am confident that he will bring his professional experience and formidable problem solving skills to develop strategies to help better life in Hopkinton.

Please join me in voting for Shahidul Mannan for Select Board.

Thank you,
Sundar Sivaraman

20 Carriage Hill Road

April 19, 2022

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

 

Francis Edward “Skip” Hayward, 88, died Saturday, April 16, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Jean (McSweeney) Hayward, to whom he was married for 67 years. Born in Hopkinton, he was the son of the late Francis “Doc” and Virginia (Fecteau) Hayward.

He was a 1952 graduate of Hopkinton High School. As a member of the football team for all four years, Skip played running back and fell in love with a cheerleader, Jean McSweeney. Three years after high school in 1955, Skip and Jean got married. During those early years of marriage, Skip worked at Pyne’s Sand and Gravel.

In the late 50s, he began what would become a long and highly impactful career at Rosenfeld Concrete. Skip was an incredibly dedicated and reliable employee for the company. During his time with Rosenfeld, the company expanded to become one of the largest concrete suppliers in Eastern Massachusetts and was instrumental to the expansion of the Massachusetts Turnpike into Boston in 1965.

Skip was also deeply connected to the Hopkinton community. He served as an on-call firefighter and plowed for the town during major snowstorms. Skip was an incredibly talented operator as he was one of a select few that ran the largest snow plowing grater in Hopkinton.

He enjoyed traveling all over the world with his wife and friends. In later years, his hobbies included working with his son, babysitting grandchildren, watching the Patriots, listening to the Red Sox, and visiting Foxwoods. He truly loved his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Skip is survived by his children Michael Hayward, Diane Hayward, Susan Aitken and husband Gary, and Mary Prescott and husband Michael, all of Hopkinton; Joanne Sables and husband John of Melbourne, FL and Susan Roberts of Leominster. He also leaves 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his siblings David Hayward, Shirley Clark, and William Hayward, as well as his son-in-laws Fred Hoskins and Gordan Roberts.

The funeral will be held Friday, April 22, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. from the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, Hopkinton. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, Hopkinton. Burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Skip’s memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 20 Church St., Hopkinton, MA 01748. 

More Stills from The Start of "Boston"

April 19, 2022 - WBZ Sports Director, Steve Burton, interviewing son and grandsons of the late Dick Hoyt, who pushed his son, Rick (Not pictured), through marathons, including Boston, and triathlons in Rick's wheelchair. Choose each thumbnail below to see it enlarged.




Below, Chairman of the Select Board, Irfan Nasrullah welcomes the runners and spectators.

  > Food and Beverage <
Let's Eat!

                           
 
Carol Ann (Luukko) Kaminsky, 81

HOPKINTON - Carol Ann (Luukko) Kaminsky, 81, of Hopkinton, MA, passed on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Milford Regional Medical Center in Milford, MA.

Carol was the middle daughter of the late Edward and Helen Luukko. She lived in Westborough, MA, until her marriage to Frank Kaminsky on September 20, 1958. They were residents of Hopkinton for the entirety of their marriage.

Carol was a dispatcher for the Hopkinton Police Department and served Hopkinton’s youth for many years as a baker at both Center and Elmwood schools. She later worked at Framingham Union Hospital. Carol loved the beach. When her children were young, summers were spent at Sandy Beach, Hopkinton State Park, down the Cape and at Ocean City, MD. She enjoyed travelling to the coast of Maine in later years. Carol loved collecting antique and vintage bottles as well as finding treasures at yard sales far and wide. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of 63 years, Frank Kaminsky, Carol leaves her daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Fred Prince of Seven Lakes, NC; son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Laurie Kaminsky of Winchendon, MA; and her daughter Lynn Beecher of Hopkinton, MA. She leaves 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Carol was preceded in death by her sisters, Patricia Campbell and Nancy Gaucher.

Calling hours will begin at 10 AM on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Callanan Cronin Funeral Home located at 34 Church Street, Hopkinton, MA. The family will receive friends for viewing from 10 AM to 12 PM and a brief service will be held at 12 PM. Internment will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carol’s memory to Baypath Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farms North, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.callanancronin.com .

 
2 C-130 Transports Fly Over Start Line

April 18, 2022 - A roar came from the West as these transports passing the Start line in Hopkinton demanded awe and respect, courtesy of the United States Air Force.
 
Evans Chebet Wins Boston Marathon Men's Division

April 18, 2022 - Oftentimes, we see the eventual  Race winners lined up at or near the Start Line of the Boston Marathon as the Starter's pistol sounds. In this case, Evans Chebet (red arrow) of Kenya came in first 2:06:51 hours and minutes later across the Finish in Boston; and Manuela Schar bottom, won  the women's Wheelchair Ddivision
Women's Division Winner, Jep Chirchir, 2:21:01

Manuela Schar Women's Wheelchair 1:41:08

April 18, 2022 - Red arrow above points to eventual winner of Women's Wheelchair Division, Manuela Schar at the Start. Daniel Romanchuk won the men's division. He is in a feature photo below taken a couple of days before the marathon at the Doughboy Triangle with Alex Danahy. He also won the Boston in 2019.
HopNews photo.

Happy Easter from Sally Drawe

April 17, 2022 - That's what she wrote in the email.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities