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Hold on Tightly

July 18, 2007 — This handsome creature was doing dragonfly types of things with a few hundred relatives on Lake Whitehall on Tuesday.

Truck Rolls Over on Ramp

July 18, 2007 — According to Hopkinton Fire Lt. William Lukey, an out-of-state tractor trailer driver heading to Boston with a trailer full of swinging beef lost his power or power steering and could not turn the wheel to follow the ramp from Route 495 South onto the Mass Pike yesterday afternoon. It took no fewer than three heavy duty trucks to upright the vehicle. The driver, according to Lt. Lukey, was taken by Hopkinotn Ambulance to Milford Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, which the man sustained when he re-entered the overturned truck. Photo below.

A Little to the Left

July 18, 2007 — Towing Company Ted's of Fayville sent no fewer than three heavy duty wreckers and a specialty vehicle with air cushions to upright this overturned truck on the ramp leading from route 495 to the Pike. Above, one worker straddles the trailer while his coworkers on the ground assist, and a member of the Massachusetts State Police Truck Team observes from a safe and secure area.

If a Tree Falls...

July 17, 2007 — Alicia Gleason surveys the damage to her vehicle caused by a fallen tree on a Hayden Rowe Street property that tree expert Joe Regan had already removed the majority of branches from. Next, he positioned his boom to lift the tree off of the car and cut small sections off at a time, to eliminate further damage to the vehicle. It also struck a car on the opposite side.

Airborne

July 17, 2007 — Alex Barker-Hook touches down after a flight around his Mom at the Common on Sunday during the musical performance.

POLICE NEWS UP-TO-DATE

Today, July 16, 2007

10:28 am A caller reported that he was almost struck by a vehicle while he was using the crosswalk on Grove Street...

10:20 pm Sgt. John Porter, Officer Aaron O'Neil and the Fire Department responded to a report of some type of fire bomb that was set off in the roadway of Alprilla Farm Road...

9:05 pm Officer Matthew McNeil stopped a motor vehicle on Wood Street. Sgt. John Porter responded as back up and subsequently a 21 year old male was arrested and charged with Trash, Litter from a Motor Vehicle...

7:18 pm A caller reported that teens were walking on Birchwood Lane towards Elm Street with a rifle of some type...

50 Cent(s)

July 16, 2007 — Left, William Livis, 10, and friend Jeremy Brug, 11, offer ice-cold lemonade at the corner of East Main Street and Prestwick Drive today, while Mom, Deb Brug, left, keeps hold of the dog.

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Most recent first

Compiled by Eric Montville for HopNews.com, July 16, 2007

Address	Buyer	Price	Date	Seller
10 Carriage Hill Road	Lauren D. Budden & Joseph W. Budden	$669,900	July 12, 2007	Richard Torres
254 West Main Street	Sudip Hore & Sreyasi De	$339,900	July 12, 2007	Danielle D. Boulanger & Christopher M. Boulanger
4 Gibbon Road	David W. Ranney & Kelly M. Ranney	$645,000	July 11, 2007	Katherine B Chope & Jose M. Garcia-Lopez
25 Huckleberry Lane	Timothy P. Burke & Diane L. Burke	$10,000	July 11, 2007	Kevin D Normandeau & Jamie L. Normandeau
Previous update:
6 Holt Street	Bruce A. Creswell	$125,000	July 10, 2007	Karen L. Sherman
13 Cole Drive unit 21	Margaret M. Carey	$397,000	July 10, 2007	William A. Depietri
34 Sanctuary Lane	Irene F. Cook Michael F. Cook	$459,900	July 09, 2007	Weston Development Group, Inc
15 Overlook Road	Afrah M Jama & Mohammed Ali	$990,000	July 02, 2007	Richard Murley & Tina Murley
8 Elm Street	James A Schroeder & Jennifer Schroeder	$692,000	July 02, 2007	Thomas J. Dexter & Tammy Dexter
7 Tammer Lane	William S. Chace & Lisa M. Chace	$760,000	July 02, 2007	Primacy Closing Corporation
7 Tammer Lane	Primacy Closing Corporation	$760,000	July 02, 2007	Mark R. Weyer and Christine R. Weyer
See Full List back to February 1, 2007

Press Conference on Arrest of Marcelo Mota, Part One

July 16, 2007 See the first half of the press conference conducted at the Hopkinton Police Headquarters regarding the arrest of the alleged sexual assault perpetrator from 2003.

Parks and Rec Presents:

Night at the Museum

Hopkinton Parks and Recreation will be showing Night at the Museum on Saturday, August 4th on the field behind Doyle Gym at dusk.

This “Drive In” style PG movie will be shown on a 13’ x 17’ screen with a 200 watt audio system. This is a free event.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. There will be popcorn and snacks for sale. If it is raining, it will be held in the Hopkinton Athletic Center.

Man Arrested in Alleged Hopkinton,

Westborough Sexual Assaults

by Robert Falcione

July 16, 2007 — A man police believe to be responsible for a home invasion and assault in Hopkinton, and two home invasions and rapes in Westborough, was arrested Friday evening by police in New Jersey as he was leaving a New Jersey eatery on a warrant issued by Hopkinton Police.

Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone held a press conference today in the second-floor Hopkinton Police Department Conference Center and said that a fingerprint from a banister at the Hopkinton victim's Doyle Lane address matched prints taken from Mr. Marcelo Mota, 28, in New Jersey. Mr. Mota, who was in a Framingham-based cleaning business, had never been invited into the home for that purpose, said DA Leone.

Other evidence includes DNA gathered at one of the Massachusetts crime scenes that matches DNA gathered at a New Jersey crime scene that was in the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) data base, an FBI funded computer system designed to store criminal DNA information. However, the samples have yet to be matched with DNA taken from Mr. Mota since his arrest, but the investigation is proceeding in that direction.

Attorney Leone said in a release, "We allege that this defendant preyed on these unsuspecting women and, in the process, caused many residents of these MetroWest communities to live in fear.

"It appears that some good police work here and in New Jersey, along with some luck, will allow us to bring some peace to the victims and to all the communities affected by these crimes," he said.

The suspect is alleged to have broken into a Windsor Ridge Apartment townhouse in Westborough and raped a 24 year-old victim at gunpoint on August 2, 2003.

On August 13, 2003 a 58 year-old Westborough female was threatened with a knife and raped.

Then, the next night, August 14, 2003, a 41 year-old Doyle Lane female successfully fought off an attacked who had invaded her home and assaulted her.

Mr. Mota allegedly admitted responsibility for the incidents in Hopkinton and Westborough and has allegedly admitted to similar, more recent incidents in New Jersey. (Photo, Hopkinton Chief of Police, Thomas Irvin, Middlesex County DA Gerry Leone, and Worcester County DA Joseph Early.

When asked by a HopNews reporter if Mr. Mota is a citizen, DA Leone said that his INS status is being looked into.

A video of the news conference will soon follow.

Peaches and Cream

July 15, 2007 — The trees on either side of the background, the dark clothing on the subjects on both sides, and the shadow on the grass in the foreground provide a perfect natural vignette for this photo taken while three year-old Carly Headstrom was dancing to the music at the Common on Sunday afternoon, while the sky was overcast, and a storm was brewing. The blond hair and orange dress may contribute to her prominence in the photo, but the large camera aperture contributes to a shallow depth of field, putting the background into a soft focus, bringing the main subject forward, giving the photograph more dimension. She is mimicking an older girl dancing on the other side of the grass in front of the Gazebo.

Three-wheeled Vehicle

July 15, 2007 — A teen driver, who escaped without injury after being distracted, became one of many people to have sideswiped a particular tree on North Mill Street that competes with drivers for space on the roadway. According to one person on the scene, the frame is bent, and the vehicle is a total loss.

Micro Drama

July 15, 2007 — According to reader Cheryl Rose, the dipping dragonfly is actually a female widow skimmer dragonfly egglaying. The blue creatures are damselflies. The male is contact guarding the female as she lays her eggs underwater-- nymphs crawl out of the water to emerge as dragonflies. Some emerge on plant stems, some on piers, or even the sides of homes near lakes or ponds.

Cheryl Rose has a photographic show of dragonflies and damselflies at Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick until July 31st that explains a lot of this.

Hee, Haw

July 14, 2007 — Sean Cahill, 3, gets a look at a donkey with some clover in its mouth at the Golden Goose Academy's 6th Annual Fun Day on Saturday.

Free Ride

July 14, 2007 — Zachary Waltzman, 5, gets a ride on a pony at the Golden Goose Fun Day on Saturday as his parents and a line of youngsters await his return.

UPDATE

Three Survive Aircraft Crash, Rescue in East Templeton

July 14, 2007 — Today at approximately 4:00 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Athol responded to a report of the crash an aircraft located by the Gardner Police near the Gardner Airport on Airport Road in East Templeton.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Corey Benoit indicates that a Piper Cherokee single engine fixed wing aircraft (Similar to photo) crashed in the area of Airport Road in East Templeton while on approach to land at the Gardner Airport. The pilot, 55 year-old Sylvia L. Vriesendorp of Manchester, MA, and passengers, 53 year-old Joan Bragar Mansour of Westminster, MA and 60 year-old Richard A. Magnuson of Westminster, MA all sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. Vriesendorp, Mansour and Magnuson were transported by ambulance to Heywood Hospital in Gardner and then subsequently transported by medical helicopter to UMass Medical Center in Worcester.

This crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Gardner Police Department and Gardner Fire & EMS assisted troopers at the scene.

Recycling with the Lions Club

The lazy, hazy days of summer are here . . . and the barbeque season is in full swing. Are your recyclable bottles and cans piling up? The Lions Club can help. They will be running their monthly drive on Saturday, July 28th from 9 am to 2 pm at Colella’s Market. Come on by and drop off your empty bottles and cans. All funds collected go to those in need. Thanks for your help.

Catch Me if You Can

July 13, 2007 — It may be just a frog on that rock, but in no way is it stupid enough to let five year-old Megan White anywhere near it, on Friday at the "Water Feature" behind Weston Nurseries Garden Center.

4-H Show Coming Up

July 13, 2007 — Laurie Kelley is at Weston Nurseries fundraising for 4-H Trailbusters Horse Club and goes on camera to tell people about it. Sue Skip and Melissa Lukey will be putting on a show at the Carriage Hill Farm on Mechanic Street on July 22, starting early in the morning. To learn more, give them a call at 508-435-4129.

Or visit www.woodvilletrailbusters4hclub.org

Gigantic Rodent?

July 13, 2007 — This chipmunk is normal size, but the house and train tracks are miniature. How many people know where this is?

No Pattie-Cake Here

July 13, 2007 — Katie Hoskins and Catie Kelley appear to be playing a game all kids learn, but it is undoubtedly a game for older girls. They were manning he Trail Busters booth at Weston Nurseries.

Home, But Not Alone

July 13, 2007 — Playing the dad, Andrew Hayes reads a list of emergency phone numbers to "babysitter" Elizabeth Christ as he and his "wife" prepare to leave their children with her, a list that began with "911, restaurant, poison control center.." and ended with "FBI," drawing a huge laugh from the audience. The play was the culminate of a ten-session seminar for young actors.

State Police Seek Additional Assistance in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash on Route 495 in Haverhill

On Friday, June 29, 2007 at approximately 1:09 a.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Newbury Barracks responded to a two-vehicle hit-and-run crash on Route 495 South just beyond Route 110 in the City of Haverhill.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Matthew Topping indicates 23 year-old John R. Grant of Chelmsford was operating a 2005 Hyundai Tiburon on Route 495 South in Haverhill when his vehicle was struck by an unknown second vehicle, exited the roadway and struck a tree. During the crash, Grant was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased on the scene. A passenger in the vehicle, 19 year-old Aja M. Mocherman of Chelmsford was also ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was transported by ambulance to Holy Family Hospital and later transported by medical helicopter to Brigham and Woman’s Hospital with serious injuries. The second vehicle, believed to be a large white sport utility or pickup truck with a white painted front bumper, fled the scene after the crash. The second vehicle is believed to have suffered minor to moderate front end damage as a result of the crash and should have a transfer of blue paint on it.

The crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. The State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the Haverhill Fire Department and MassHighways assisted troopers at the scene.

During the crash investigation and vehicle removal, the right and middle travel lanes as well as the breakdown lane of Route 495 South were closed for approximately two hours.

The State Police are requesting that any witness to the crash or anyone with information concerning the second vehicle that fled the scene contact the State Police Newbury Barracks at (978)-462-7478.

Slowly I Turned...

July 13, 2007 — Budding nature photographer Maria Gross shares this postcard-pretty photo she took during the family's recent trip to Niagara Falls.

Break a Leg

July 13, 2007 — Matt Cardillo, 6, peeks out at the audience, perhaps in a case of pre-performance jitters, before the presentation of a play by him and is fellow acting students at ESL Theater Workshop this morning.

EMC to Add Support for Oracle® Database 11g

Extensive Testing and Support Helps Accelerate Benefits of Oracle Database

July 13, 2007 — EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC), the world leader in information infrastructure solutions, today announced planned support for Oracle® Database 11g. As a Certified Advantage Partner in the Oracle PartnerNetwork, EMC has been an active participant in the Oracle Database 11g Beta Program, helping to ensure customers can take advantage of the benefits of Oracle Database 11g.

Leveraging the long-standing active engineering relationship between EMC and Oracle, customers will be able to confidently deploy Oracle Database 11g across all of EMC’s major platforms including EMC Symmetrix®, EMC CLARiiON® and EMC Celerra® networked storage systems. The new capabilities in Oracle Database 11g help customers reduce storage costs and augment the recently announced EMC Information Infrastructure for Oracle offerings that help mutual customers realize business efficiencies. EMC will continue to release new solutions based upon Oracle Database 11g in support of the EMC Information Infrastructure for Oracle offerings.

Déjà vu all over again

Who Says Doctors Don't Make House Calls Anymore?

by Janice Boagasky

July 13, 2007 — Around 8:00 pm last night, we were beside ourselves when our 8 week old Labrador, Maple, shrieked out in pain after making a running pass and flip on our kitchen floor. As she continued to wail, we franticly telephoned our neighbor, local veterinarian Dr. Margo Roman of M.A.S.H., to find out where to take our young puppy.

Within minutes, Dr. Roman appeared at our door with her triage duffel in hand. She had just returned from working no less than a 12 hour day, missing both breakfast and lunch and now dinner. Yet here she stood in our kitchen.

After a quick assessment it appeared that Maple had a greenstick fracture of her left forelimb. Dr. Roman gave the pup a homeopathic treatment of Arnica Montana, a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, then made a brace to immobilize the dog's leg.

Maple's wails subsided and gave way to thankful licks of appreciation
to Dr. Roman. How many doctors do you know that make house calls?
File this under: "The Good Old Days".

In the photo, Dr. Margo Roman prepares to wrap Maple's forelimb in
cotton batting while Kara Bogasky assists.

Harry Potter Day at the Hopkinton Public Library

Friday July 20^th

The schedule for the day is as follows:

1:00 pm Larry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Poem presented by Bob Thomas. This program is aimed at the younger fans.

3:00 pm Discussion for anyone who wants to predict what is going to happen to Harry in the final book.

5:00 pm Harry Potter Countdown Party

We are encouraging patrons to come in costume! There will be games, crafts, a scavenger hunt and refreshments.

7:00 pm Professor McGonagall (aka Mrs. K) will host a game of Who Wants to be a Harry Potter Millionaire. Contestants must be at least 10 years old and can put their names in the Goblet of Fire – I will draw names of those who get to play the game!

Prizes will be awarded!

ST. PAUL’S “BLESSING OF THE BIKES” JULY 22

July 12, 2007 – Bicycles, motorcycles, and tricycles are just some of the modes of transportation that will receive a special blessing at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 61 Wood Street (Rte 135) in Hopkinton at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 22. All are invited to come and have their bikes blessed. Those interested are also welcome to stay for the Holy Eucharist celebration following the blessing.

“The idea for this came from an article I read about a blessing of motorcycles in the Midwest,” said Father Mike Billingsley of St. Paul’s. “I suggested that St. Paul’s do something similar, and when someone asked what kinds of bikes would be blessed, it got the wheels turning, so to speak, and we decided to open this up to all types of bikes.”

Hopkinton Resident Named one of "Most Dependable Wealth Managers"

July 12, 2007 -Atlantic Capital Management Inc. in Holliston, headed William C. Newell of Hopkinton, was named as one of The Most Dependable Wealth Managers in the Boston area by Goldline Research.

Based on its research on 1,100 local wealth managers, Goldline named just eight as "most dependable" based on stringent criteria: comprehensive wealth-management and financial-planning services, no unresolved grievances or lawsuits, advanced professional certifications, excellent client references and at least 10 years' experience. The honorees had the highest scores.

Atlantic Capital Management provides investment-management and strategic financial-planning services.
"We can provide objective financial advice since we're fee-based instead of relying on sales commissions," Newell said. "My staff and I work hard to serve our clients, and it's gratifying to have an unbiased source recognize us."

He also received the America's Best Financial Planners Award from the Consumers Research Council of America in 2006.

Newell holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Personal Financial Planner (PFP), Certified Divorce Planner (CDFA) and Graduate Estate Planning Consultant (GEPC®) designations. He holds a B.A. in economics, finance and accounting from the University of

California, Santa Barbara.
He's written on financial planning and investing for various local newspapers, professional journals, Boston Business Journal and Physician's Money Digest, and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, USA Today, Kiplinger's, The New York Times and other major outlets.

CRAFTERS WANTED

The Hopkinton Senior Center, 28 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, is accepting applications for a Craft Fair on Saturday, October 13^th, from 9-3. The cost is $25 and space is limited. To apply, please call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730. Payment must be received by August 31^st, otherwise, your space will be given to the next person on the wait list. Crafters are asked to donate one of their crafts to the Senior Center for a raffle. All proceeds will go to the Senior Center.

ALSO:

The Hopkinton Senior Center Thrift Shop, 28 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, is open daily from 9 am - 3 pm. Stop in for some great buys! We will also accept donations except for large furniture, microwaves, TV's and computers.

Central Mass Thunder 12U Softball Team Wins

ASA and NSA State Titles

In Gloucester on June 24^th, the Central Mass Thunder 12U girls softball team swept all-comers including the runner-up Merrimack Valley Twisters to become the 2007 American Softball Association Massachusetts State 12U Champions. Then, in Dracut, on July 8^th, the Thunder beat the runner-up Hudson Heat in two of three games to win the 2007 National Softball Association Massachusetts State 12U Championship.

The players are (front row L – R): Julia StPierre, Emily Hendricks, Lindsay Mayer, Mikaela Caracciolo, Shannon Smith, (back row L – R) Tori Jensen, AJ Johnson, Lauren Keast, Taylor Archer, Olivia Hendricks, Meg Martin, and Anna O’Neill. The coaches are Head Coach Shawn Smith, and Assistant Coaches Mike StPierre and Joe Caracciolo.

This is the third consecutive NSA State title for the 12U Thunder and the first time that any Thunder team has been crowned both ASA and NSA State Champions in the same season.

The team’s overall record for the 2007 season is 50-6-1.

The team is part of the Central Mass Thunder and Lightning program, a regional, fastpitch softball organization based in Franklin, Massachusetts. The 2007 12U Central Mass Thunder team is comprised of young women from Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Milford, Millville, Norfolk, North Attleboro, and Lincoln RI.

ESL Presents The Diary of Anne Frank July 20, 21, 22 27 and 28

July 9, 2007 – The tragic yet uplifting story of a Jewish teenager in hiding during the Nazi era will be presented by Enter Stage Left Theater on July 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8:00 p.m. and on July 22 at 2:00 p.m. The show features ESL actors from Hopkinton, Milford, West Boylston, Jefferson, and Worcester, and is directed by ESL co-founder Paul Champlin, with set design by Nancy Stevenson. All shows will be held at ESL’s studio at 30 Main Street in Hopkinton and tickets are $12 per person ($10 for seniors and students). Tickets may be purchased by calling 408-435-2114.
“This is a touching and spirited production that focuses on the true story of a 13-year-old girl who is forced to live with her family and some friends in a cramped attic in Amsterdam,” said Kelly Grill, co-founder of ESL. “Paul and the cast have done a wonderful job conveying the drama, humor, hope and despair of their situation, and Nancy’s set is stunning. This show will both move and inspire.”

One of a Kind

July 12, 2007 — A lady may never want to reveal her age, unless of course, she has something to brag about. Mabel Magee at 102 years-old is the oldest resident of Hopkinton, and as such has been presented the Boston Post Cane by Carol Walsh, Chairman of the Council on Aging, and Mary McLeod, Outreach Supervisor.

Hopkinton over Norwood 3-2

Boys set record

Photo by John Cardillo of team celebrating after win.

by Gary Haroian

July 12, 2007 — The Hopkinton 12-year old “Williamsport” all star team pulled out a thrilling come from behind win with 2 outs in the bottom of the last inning to beat a tough Norwood American team 3-2 on Wednesday night. Hopkinton 12 year old teams have been coming down to Kelley and Wall Fields in Norwood for over a decade but this is the first time the Hillers will play in a final game for the District Championship. The Hillers have a 6-1 record surpassing the previous Hopkinton best of 4-2. They will face a very strong Walpole American team that is undefeated at 7-0. The game will be played on Friday night at 8pm at Kelley Field in Norwood (1315 Washington St.). The winner moves on to the Sectional Championship in Newton, MA.

The Hillers held onto a 1-0 lead going into the top of the 6th inning on a first inning run. Hopkinton’s Jason Dlugolecki led off the bottom of the first inning with a single and went to second on a deep fly to center by Tim Moberg. Craig Levergood drew a walk and after making it to third on a wild pitch, Dlugolecki came home on a throw down to second on a steal by Levergood. That one run held up until the top of the sixth behind an outstanding pitching performance by Connor Hudson and some great defensive plays in the field by Jason Cardillo, Craig Levergood, Jake Lehman, Jake Haroian, Sam Rodman, Hank Rudden and Ryan Hamilton.

Hudson was masterful all night keeping Norwood off balance with an assortment of pitches and impeccable control. After retiring the first batter in the top of the sixth, Norwood strung a couple of hits together to tie the game. Saad singled and Ciavottone doubled to right scoring Saad. Tim Moberg came in to pitch for Hudson and was able to retire Perriollo for Norwood but Drummey followed with a sharply hit ball down the 3rd base line and that brought home the go ahead run for Norwood.

With the score at 2-1 in Norwood’s favor going into the bottom of the 6th and final inning, Hopkinton’s lead off batter Roddy Towner hit a bloop single over first base to get things started. He was followed by Jake Lehman who hit a bullet line drive down the 3rd base line that Drummey made a tremendous play on and was able to double Towner off of first. With 2 out, Tim Dufficy fought off several pitches before looping a single up the middle. Hank Rudden followed Dufficy and hit the first pitch on a line off of the top of the fence in right field for a double. Dufficy motored all the way around from first to tie the game at 2. With Jason Dlugolecki up at the plate, Rudden advanced to third base on a pass ball. Dlugolecki then hit a sharp ground ball single over the shortstop’s head and Rudden waltzed home with the winning run.

The team could really use some support on Friday night down in enemy country…Walpole is a neighboring town to Norwood and will probably have a big crowd cheering them on. These boys have played their hearts out and most importantly have come to learn what it means to play team baseball. Win or lose, they will make a great effort and have gone where no other Hopkinton team has dared to go…Go Hillers!!

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Most recent first ~ Up to date

Compiled by Ben Lewis for HopNews.com

Address	Buyer	Price	Date	Seller
6 Holt Street	Bruce A. Creswell	$125,000	July 10, 2007	Karen L. Sherman
13 Cole Drive unit 21	Margaret M. Carey	$397,000	July 10, 2007	William A. Depietri
34 Sanctuary Lane	Irene F. Cook Michael F. Cook	$459,900	July 09, 2007	Weston Development Group, Inc
15 Overlook Road	Afrah M Jama & Mohammed Ali	$990,000	July 02, 2007	Richard Murley & Tina Murley
8 Elm Street	James A Schroeder & Jennifer Schroeder	$692,000	July 02, 2007	Thomas J. Dexter & Tammy Dexter
7 Tammer Lane	William S. Chace & Lisa M. Chace	$760,000	July 02, 2007	Primacy Closing Corporation
7 Tammer Lane	Primacy Closing Corporation	$760,000	July 02, 2007	Mark R. Weyer and Christine R. Weyer
Previous update:
3 Connelly Hill Road	Weikai Christopher Fang & Vivian U. Fang	$1,040,000	Jun. 29, 2007	Richard W. Anderson & Katherine F. Anderson
15 Oak Street	Bradley M. Van Buren & Anastasia Van	$920,000	Jun. 29, 2007	BurenSpringwood West, LLC
21 Hidden Brick Road	Richard S. Vidol & Jeanne Vidol	$810,000	Jun. 29, 2007	Spero N. Dodos & Elaine C. Dodos
6 Peter Procaro Drive	Craig Watchmaker & Heath L. Watchmaker	$800,000	Jun. 29, 2007	James F. Sachs & Marilyn B. Sachs
24 Alexander Road	Kenneth T. Linde & Erin E. Linde	$500,000	Jun. 29, 2007	Barry M Stahl
45 Elm Street	Philip S. McRobert & Donna J. McRobert	$374,000	Jun. 29, 2007	Thomas McIntyre & Kathleen M. McIntyre
10 Tammer Lane	Yigong Gao & Zhi Lilly Wu	$800,000	Jun. 28, 2007	Robert M. Moran & Lorene E. Moran
4 Thayer Heights Road	Michael Kelley & Jessica A. Kelley	$396,500	Jun. 28, 2007	Brian D. Hagberg & Christine G. Hagberg
43 Wood Street	Peter K. Tetteh	$375,500	Jun. 28, 2007	William D. Cunningham
3 Bowker Road	John C. Roche & Marigrace M. Roche	$1,065,000	Jun. 27, 2007	Gregory W. Therkalsen & Jamie A. Therkalsen
14 Highcroft Way	Andrew M. Siber	$365,000	Jun. 27, 2007	Thomas J. Blicharz & Deborah R. Blicharz
12 Carriage Hill Road	Eric P. Karjel & Christine L. Karjel	$735,000	Jun. 26, 2007	Primacy Closing Corporation
12 Carriage Hill Road	Primacy Closing Corporation	$735,000	Jun. 26, 2007	Titus M. F. M. Plattel & Michelle A. H. Derond-Plattel
24 Kimball Road	John S. Bicknell, III & Helen M. Bicknell	$687,500	Jun. 26, 2007	Brian W. Smith & Alison E. Smith
See Full List back to February 1, 2007

Hopkinton Resident Performing in Worcester Play

Hopkinton Resident Caitlin Shea is performing in Mr. Toads Wild Ride now through 14th at Foothills Theatre in Worcester.

Tickets are on sale for $10 per person, and groups of twelve or more are $8 per person. All performances Wednesday through Saturday are at 10am.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting the box office, calling 508-754-4018, or visiting www.foothillstheatre.com .

SELECTMEN’S OFFICE

VACANCIES ON THE TOWN COMMITTEES/BOARDS

The Board of Selectmen announces openings on the following Committees:

ADA* OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE – Three (3) (newly established as of 6/26/07) *American Disability Act
APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE – One (1)
CABLE COMMITTEE – One (1)
CONSERVATION COMMISSION – One (1)
ECONOMIC COMMISSION & DEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY – One (1)
FACILITIES BOARD – One (1)
HOPKINTON TAX RELIEF – Two ()
VETERAN’S CELEBRATION COMMITTEE – One (1)
VOICES FOR VISION CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE – One (1)
YOUTH COMMISSION – Two (2)

If you are interested, please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to the Selectmen’s Office, 18 Main Street, for any of these positions. If you have questions, please contact Geri Holland at geri@hopkinton.org or 508-497-9700.

Human Chain

July 11, 2007 — Laura Barry crosses Main Street holding hands with her children, Catherine, 4, and Ailene, 2, under the watchful eye of Hopkinton Police Officer Stephen Buckley, who was positioned for crosswalk enforcement at the intersection with Church Street. The yellow Town of Hopkinton truck, which stopped for them to cross, is driven by Russell Lukey.

Selectmen Reconsider Fruit Street Development Committee

Ron Clark and others push for reinstatement

by Robert Falcione

July 11, 2007 — When the announcement of a 30% increase in water-sewer rates was made last night, nary an eyelash was batted, but the discussion of the Fruit Street property made it clear why the gallery at the Selectmen's Meeting Room was filled with people.

The discussion of the Fruit Street property turned the five-member board into a three-member board as abutter Selectman Vice-Chair Mary Pratt stepped away from the Board, as did Selectman Michael Shepard, whose daughter lives within a sphere of influence of the property. "A rose between two thorns," said Mrs. Pratt as she sat between Eric Sonnett and Ron Roux in the spectators' seating area. But the conversation, slated to be centered around the uses of the property, turned into a discussion of the dissolution of the FSDC at the previous Selectmen's meeting two weeks ago, and a lobbying effort by those in attendance to reinstate it.

Selectman Brian Herr said, "It makes sense for some of the folks who served in the past — to get that kind of input."

However, Selectman Matt Zettek did not agree, but spoke to the changes made in town government recently, and said, "It makes sense to me to start a new initiative."

At-large member of the dissolved committee developer Ron Roux presented the case for the successes of the committee and the need to move the process along, and to do so for the sake of commercial development that cannot happen without the water and sewer expansion. He then spoke of the Town Meeting-approved uses of the property

"Of the eight uses, the only one that people might question is the appropriateness of the DPW," he said. Mr Roux listed other uses, such as the "implementation of the open space."

Mr. Roux had been on the FSDC as a person with knowledge of the property from his unsuccessful initiative to develop a golf course there, a failure some blame on the discovery of spotted turtles, which were on the endangered species list at the time, but have since been removed.

When FSDC Chairman Ron Clark would come before the microphone later, he would say, "We know where the turtles are buried," an allusion to an apparent derisive inside joke.

Mr. Roux said that the committee was a valuable resource that shouldn't be extinguished. He said that there needed, "...to be a way to make things happen, but I don't think dissolving the committee is consistent with that."

One of the approved uses of the property is athletic fields, but the voters have repeatedly refused to fund them at the ballot box. Mr. Roux said he believed the space allotted the fields should remain the same, as well as the space for the schools and affordable housing.

"Component number 8, market rate housing. There is a huge opportunity there for the town to implement market rate housing and generate some revenue there." However, several speakers would later point out that affordable housing was an approved use, not market rate housing. Market rate housing was a suggestion to the FSDC committee by Mr. Roux, and added to the list of uses by Mr. Clark, but was not a use approved by Town Meeting. Mr. Clark also spoke.

Mr. Clark thanked Chairman Muriel Kramer for the discussion, "Although the committee was not invited — but found out about it," he said.

"However, I am concerned about the process. This is the type of thing that should have happened before the Selectmen voted to disband the committee," he said.

"I still don't know what this 'fresh approach' is that apparently some of the members of the Board of Selectmen want to obtain regarding Fruit Street," he said. Mr. Clark listed the approved uses.

"Ninety-seven acres of open space. Water wells, which I think are coming online.

"Waste Water Treatment Facility, we have been working forward, although some of the members of the Board of Selectmen are working against it.

"Right now, it's being held up by a citizens' appeal ...and it's being held up by Brian Morrison's lawsuit in Superior Court of the Conservation Commission's approval. Those two actions, by town residents and Westborough residents, is holding up approval of the treatment plant." Mr. Clark also noted the other reasons for the purchase of the land, which did not include market rate housing.

After the public conversation had ended, and the Board had a chance to discuss the matter, Mr. Herr noted that the conversation was leaning toward the creation of another committee. Mr. Clark offered his knowledge on the makeup of the creation of the committee, and suggested that he be appointed as an at-large member, as Mrs. Kramer had suggested that no Selectmen be on it. Mr. Clark was a member of the Committee as a Selectmen, but did not run for that position this last election.

Mr. Herr pushed for another committee to be formed that evening, but Mr. Zettek said he wanted to hear more about the issue from the taxpayers.

The Selectmen decided to discuss it again at the next meeting.

Sexual Assault of a Female by a Suspect Impersonating a Police Officer

On July 8, 2007, a female was sexually assaulted at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Route 24 North in Randolph near the Stoughton line by a suspect who pulled the victim’s vehicle over utilizing a single blue light on a 1990’s era dark colored larger vehicle with a dull finish. The suspect’s vehicle had a metal bar attached to the front and no front registration plate.

The suspect is described as a white male, 45-50 years old, 6-0’ tall, approximately 220 lbs with broad shoulders and short salt and pepper hair. He had neatly trimmed facial hair in a goatee style and wore two large square diamond earrings. The suspect was wearing a long sleeve dark blue shirt with an oval emblem on the left breast, dark blue pants and black gloves.

Artist's sketch, left.

Anyone with information about this subject or incident should contact the State Police Barracks in Milton at 617-698-5840 or Sergeant Brian Howe at 617-740-7544

TOWN OF HOPKINTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PAVING NOTICE
MURRAY PAVING UNDER CONTRACT WITH THE DPW WILL BE PAVING WEST MAIN STREET ON WEDNESDAY JULY 11TH AND THURSDAY JULY 12TH WEATHER DEPENDENT.
APPROXIMATE TIME: 9 AM TO 4 PM
(FROM THE INTERSECTION OF WEST MAIN AND WOOD STREETS TO 500 FT EAST OF LUMBER STREET)
DETOUR: WEST BOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DETOURED ONTO WOOD STREET TO ELM STREET
LOCAL TRAFFIC WILL BE IMPACTED INCLUDING WHALEN ROAD & CLAFLIN PLACE
WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CALL DPW (508) 497 9740

Selectmen to Discuss Town Counsel, Fruit Street Tonight

Jack Speranza not reappointed at last meeting

by Robert Falcione

July 10, 2007 — At their last meeting, the Board of Selectmen took up the matter of reappointing people to various committees, and ended up in a long discussion over the reappointment of Jack Speranza to the Conservation Commission.
When his appointment came up in its place on the list, Selectman Brian Herr moved to nominate Mr. Speranza, but instead of a second to his motion, he got stone cold silence.

Mike Shepard said that he had spoken with Mr. Speranza to alert him of his position in not supporting him; that he felt Mr. Speranza did not interact well other boards. However, Vice-Chairman Mary Pratt had other reasons for withholding her support.

"If Jack is not appointed because of that lawsuit [Injunction against the Town regarding Whitehall], I feel that every person who signed that lawsuit, and there are several that are on Boards, if they come up for appointment, that I cannot vote to appoint them." Mrs. Pratt was referring to an injunction delivered to Town Hall on a Friday summonsing the Town of Hopkinton to Superior Court on the following Monday, October 16, 2006, seeking to halt the sale of the Ron Nation Whitehall land to the town. Mr. Speranza was not only a party to the lawsuit, but a member of the class of plaintiffs, which included several other current or former town officials, such as Henry Kunicki of the Board of Appeals, RJ Dourney of the Planning Board as well as David Hamacher, Vascen Bogigian and Gary Haroian. Globe Story

It has been reported that the Ethics Commission has found Mr. Speranza in violation after he had informed him of his decision to sue the Town, and did so even after being advised not to by them.

"If we're not going to appoint Jack Speranza, we owe him an explanation," said Selectman Brian Herr.

"It boils down to putting the town at risk," said Chairman Muriel Kramer.

"It just shouldn't happen from an elected or appointed member of the town," she said.

Mr. Herr expressed the notion that he had been left out of the loop and that the vote appeared to be set up.

"I don't want a suggestion to live that there was a set up," said Mrs. Kramer. Mr. Shepard also weighed in,

"People out there [watching on television] need to know we don't get to talk about this before we go on TV. That's all the Ethics Commission allows us," he said. Selectmen and other town entities may not meet in a quorum unless the meeting has been posted 48 hours in advance.

"It [the lawsuit] cost the town $40,000. I feel the town was hurt very badly," Mrs. Pratt said.

In the end, the Selectmen decided to hand the appointing authority back to the Boards and Committees where they originate, instead of the practice of the previous Selectmen of taking the authority upon themselves. The Selectmen will continue to appoint at-large members when those appointments come up

This evening the Board will discuss an evaluation of Town Counsel, discussion of a Request For Proposals for legal representation for the town, and the Fruit Street property, which has been languishing due to stalled plans and appeals.

The Fruit Street Committee was disbanded at the last meeting, but having the subject matter of the Fruit Street land on the Selectmen's agenda this evening promises to breath new life into the land.

Say Cheese

July 10, 2007 — Twelve year-old Leah Holmes shares this photo she took of a great blue heron on Lake Whitehall.

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