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Veterans Receptive to New Gazebo Concept
by Robert Falcione October 31, 2007 — The Friends of the Common, a group of citizens volunteering for fundraising and brainstorming, presented plans to the Veteran's Committee this evening for the construction of a new Veteran's Memorial Gazebo to replace the existing one, which has come into disrepair. Part of the incentive for building a new structure as opposed to renewing the old one, is to make it handicap accessible during the process. While accessibility can be added to the existing structure by means of a lift, the cost could be up to $25,000. Questions have arisen as to who would be the key holder, and how accessible it would actually be. Someone in a wheelchair waiting for a key holder, said one veteran recently, is not access with dignity. Other costly repairs would include a new roof, new electrical system, modifications to the foundation for ventilation, as well as repairs to the steps and railings. A newly constructed gazebo would be lower to the ground so that a handicap ramp could be built at a slope so gradual that a railing would not even be required. A ramp must rise one inch for every foot. The current gazebo floor, at 48 inches, would require a 48" foot long ramp, which would degrade the aesthetics, the main reason cited for keeping the existing one. Features of the new design include full accessibility, a larger footprint to accommodate a larger variety of performances, an extended platform for speeches, and materials that are more maintenance-free. And to top it off, the Friends of the Common will set up an endowment to provide for maintenance for the future upkeep of the structure. The friends have raised almost $30,000 to date for the project that will include a new landscape/tree plan, and repair of the historic fountain. (To see a list of donors, click on the Commonometer near the top right of the page). Although the Veterans did not vote this evening, Chairman of the Friends, Ruth Gorman said that they were receptive to the idea. FOTC member, Scott Richardson, principal of Gorman Richardson Architects, said that the design above was not the final one, but had been put together during the afternoon to have a representative plan available for the Veterans to see. Next, the Friends have to appear for a second time before the Historical District Commission, who were also receptive to the idea, but wanted to hear what the Veterans had to say. Veteran Michael Whalen took notes of all of the comments and will forward them to the proper committees. After that, the FOTC will meet finally with the Parks and Recreation Department, from whom the FOTC would like a positive vote. |
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Day of Giving Back
The committee organizing Hopkinton's First Annual Martin Luther King "Day of Giving Back" will hold an open meeting for anyone interested in planning and/or volunteering for this event. The holiday commemorating Dr. King's birthday, designated by former President Clinton as a "national day of service" is a no-school day, and will be observed on January 21, 2008. Organizer Linda Katz of the town's Youth Commission is hoping for families and citizens of all ages to participate in this important event. The planning meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 7:00pm in the lower level of the Town Hall (former Senior Center). Please bring ideas for service projects, all are welcome! For more information, contact Linda Katz at MLKhopkinton@comcast.net |
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Simplicity
October 31, 2007 — The excerpt above of a Davison Welch painting can be seen in its entirety at the Hopkinton Senior Center, the subject matter of its background. The people in the painting, patrons and volunteers of the facility, are immediately recognizable to anyone who knows them. When painting Hopkinton scenes, Mr. Welch always incorporates local people. Although not as prolific as in his earlier years, the 87 year-old Hopkinton artist, well known for his paintings of the Boston Marathon and of Boston itself, is still painting with his strong, what some may call primitive, style. His work can always be seen at the annual PolyArts event in September. |
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Fatal Crash on Route 495 North in
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Anthony Kurgan indicates that a 2003 Ford Windstar Van operated by 32 year-old Donna M. Howard of Milford was traveling north on Route 495 when it abruptly went off the roadway into the median. Howard was pronounced deceased at the scene.
This crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (C.A.R.S.) and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Marlborough Fire Department, Marlborough EMS and personnel from Mass Highways assisted troopers at the scene. |
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Cheryl Perreault's Poet's Corner
October 31, 2007 — Natalie is a third grade student at Elmwood Elementary School. Her teacher, Paula Tangredi reports that the students in Natalie’s classroom have been busy writing, memorizing and presenting poetry recitations about the season of fall and Halloween. On behalf of Natalie’s poem, we would like to wish all Hopkinton “Clickers”, “Zoomers”, “Thumpers” and “Crunchers” a Happy Halloween on Wednesday night! ~ Cheryl EDITOR'S NOTE: The hay bales, corn stalks, pumpkins and other vegetables were the background for Photographic Images' Eleventh Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive today, and were donated by Angel's Garden Center, keeping alive the tradition begun by it's namesake, Angel Doherty, who passed away a few short years ago. |
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In the Spirit
October 31,2007 — Executive Assistant to the Town Manager, Geri Holland took the holiday seriously today, as she and two other office staffers dressed for the occasion. In the background and in his office is Town Manager Anthony Troiano preparing for the Special Town Meeting on Monday, November 5. |
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Revised Story: Read Appeal here. Hopkinton Square Stalls Appealed by abutter ~ "...disrupts the safe use of the Appellant's Property."
The parking plan to develop 100,000 square feet of retail and office space as it applies to some uses was contingent at one point during testimony of the applicants upon an alleged "shared" parking plan with the very abutter who is appealing. The Zoning Enforcement Officer weighed in during the process and wrote that the cross parking easement could not be used by CJPM to meet their parking requirements. In their Appeal, the appellants claim that, "The approved plan still shows a direct access from the Appellant's property to that of CJPM. The use of this direct access will add traffic to the Appellant's property. The Appellant believes that the use of direct access by CJPM was not considered by the Planning Board in its analysis of the traffic issues. The Appellant also believes that the use of the use of direct access is an overburdening of the Appellant's property and disrupts the safe use of the Appellant's property." The Appeal also claims that the Planning Board did not have authority to grant the approval The Appeal will be heard on November 14, at 7:30 p.m. by the Hopkinton Board of Appeals, a quasi-judicial arm of Town Government, which usually sets a higher standard of proof and peer review than the Planning Board. It will be a Public Hearing in which the abutters and other members of the community will be allowed to give testimony which usually impacts the Board of Appeals' Decisions. |
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Traffic Advisory Route
95 North and Route 295
These lane closures are expected to be in effect for and extended period of time and the left lane of Route 95 North will be closed during the crash investigation and vehicle recovery. Traffic will be diverted off Route 95 North when that closure goes into effect.
Travelers are urged to seek alternate routes. |
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Special Town Meeting Monday, November 5, 2007
A special Town Meeting will convene on Monday and address, among other things, bringing water to two homes near the Westborough line whose wells have been contaminated by the type of road salt that the Mass Pike uses, an ambulance for the Fire Department, and an agreement with Legacy Farms for the Alprilla Farms well. |
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| CORRECTION: After re-reading notes, a change has been made in the Planning Board story of October 29 to more accurately reflect Mr. Markey's statement. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Pumpkin Prom
October 31, 2007 — The Deejay, right, had all of the girls doing aerobic type of dancing at the pumpkin Prom, put on by the Lions Club, at the Middle School this weekend. |
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REMINDER (Always check the HopNews Community Calendar) Bee part of all the buzz in Hopkinton!
For more information visit our website at www.HopkintonSpellingBee.info . With your participation the HPTA and HEF can expand their support of the Hopkinton Public Schools while providing a fun event for families and community members! |
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REMINDER Scouting for Food drive set for Nov. 3 and 10
On Saturday, Nov. 3, scouts will visit Hopkinton’s neighborhoods to distribute plastic grocery bags and flyers for the food drive. Residents are asked to fill the bags with non-perishable foods (see below for suggestions) and place them by their mailboxes or on their doorsteps by 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, when scouts will return to collect the filled bags. |
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Officer Phil Program
October 30, 2007 — The Officer Phil safety program came to Center School today to the delight of hundreds of students who were taken to uproarious laughter by the presenter, JT (James Taylor). Mr. Taylor taught School Safety, Car Seat Safety, and Halloween Safety as well as Stranger Danger, with the use of humor, magic and ventriloquism to a fascinated audience. The program, sponsored by the Hopkinton Police Department, is overseen by Officer Phil Powers, who just happens to have the appropriate namesake. |
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Law Firms Pitch Services to Selectmen Four firms answer request for proposals by James A. Bures
The four firms
interviewed were: Deutsch Williams Law Office, the Law Office of Richard
DeAngelis, who is the current There were several issues which these firms agreed upon. First of which is that the Town Manager would need to function as the gatekeeper for access to Town Counsel. In this manner, erroneous and repetitive contact with Town Counsel from other town employees or citizens would be avoided. One issue for the town was how to enact preventative measures so that town workers are educated in how to perform legal related matters, such as on zoning or land issues. These firms generally agreed that holding seminars and training sessions at least one a year was advisable. With the exception of Kopelman and Paige, P.C., the firms maintained a policy not to represent abutting towns to prevent conflict of interest issues.
Deutsch Williams Law Office, represented by Paul De Rensis and two
accompanying attorneys, represents approximately five towns in
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Hopkinton Village Center Approved Builder hopes for springtime groundbreaking
by Robert Falcione October 29, 2007 — On Monday evening the Planning Board, over the objections of some abutters, approved Ron Roux's 45,000 square foot mixed use development to be built behind 25 and 35 Main Street.
The building will consist of retail space on the first floor, offices on the second floor and residences on the third, all condominiums. Mr. Roux said that the condos could be purchased or rented, depending upon the prospect's wishes. David Philips of Hopkinton Gourmet objected to Mr. Roux's plan to remove a parking space from in front of his building. The authority for that is unclear, but more than one person questioned his claim that increasing the existing spaces to 18 feet long, and the deletion of one space and the addition of another would result in no loss of parking spaces on Main Street
Grove Street abutter Garrett McClean got a concession written into the
Approval that would require the developer replace a large ash tree that
provides shade for his property if construction work causes it Planning Board 2nd Vice-Chair Joseph Markey said, "It would be more pedestrian-friendly if you could get a sidewalk to the church." . "Joe, you and I can talk about that off-line, because that [absence of steps] is ridiculous," said Chairman Mark Abate. Among the conditions for the approval were to close the center driveway (shown on the plan); add a parking space, layout parking spaces between Main and Grove; make improvements to the sidewalk; prohibit exiting left turns between 4-6:00 pm; all lighting pointed downward, and more. The Board voted with all members in favor of approval, except John Coolidge, who abstained without audible explanation. HopNews File Photos. |
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Today, October 29, 2007
5:54 am Officer John Moran arrested a person suspicious of an OUI. The individual was later released...
10:45 pm A caller from Old Farm Road reported that someone may be on his neighbors property...
10:00 am A Valleywood Road resident reported hearing gun shots near his house...
8:32 am A caller reported what appeared to be a homeless person on South Street... Click the link above for the full report. |
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Hopkinton Boys Varsity Soccer team is all smiles after clinching a spot in post season play. The Hillers beat TVL's 2nd place Norton 4-1, at Norton. Contributed Photo. |
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After winning the Hockomock Championships last week at The University of Rhode Island's Ryan Center, The Hopkinton-Ashland Raider A Squad Cheerleaders are beginning their fundraising to raise money to support their continuing efforts to compete in the Regional and National Pop Warner Cheer and Dance Competitions. On Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th, The Raider Girls will be at the Golden Spoon Restaurant on West Main Street in Hopkinton and The Sunnyside Café on Front Street in Ashland, selling Raffles for Prizes like Capitol Grill Gift Certificate, Jackets and More. They will then have their Spaghetti Dinner at the Woodville Rod and Gun Club on Wood Street in Hopkinton on November 16th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm for $6.00 per person. Come out and support the girls. Go Raiders! Photo by Mike Torosian. |
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Troop 1 in Bolton
October 29, 2007—Troop 1 spent last weekend at Camp Resolute (in Bolton) camping out and working on their Outdoor Survival skills. Contributed photo taken Sunday. |
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Veteran’s Day Dinner November 8, 2007
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Mayor of Marathon, Greece Sends Greetings
We are really enthusiastic for
Tim Kilduff's visit.
Mr. Tim Kilduff is a guest of honour for our Municipality. He is going
to attend
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The Birds and the Bees (and babies) Come to First Congregational Church Hopkinton |
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State Police Recover Body of Missing Fisherman in Tolland
October 29, 2007 — Today, at approximately
10:58 a.m. troopers assigned to the State Police Underwater Recovery
Unit recovered the body of an adult male from the Otis Reservoir located
in the
Preliminary investigation indicates that yesterday, October 28, 2007 at
approximately 5:40 p.m. troopers from the State Police Barracks in Lee
responded to the Otis Reservoir to investigate a report of a missing
fisherman. It was determined that during the afternoon
47-year old Charles Frestachi and
46-year old Marc Camporeale both from New York City were
fishing in a canoe when it capsized.
Frestachi swam to shore but
Camporeale was believed still
in the water. A search of the Reservoir and surrounding area was
conducted by members of the Massachusetts State Police Airwing, the
Massachusetts State Police K-9 Unit, the Environmental Police
Department, the Otis Police Department, and Otis Fire and Rescue. At
approximately 10:00 p.m. the search was suspended due to safety
concerns. Frestachi was
taken to Today, at approximately 6:30 a.m. as the search resumed four members of the Massachusetts State Police Underwater Recovery Unit joined the search, and at approximately 10:58 a.m. Camporeale was recovered from the Otis Reservoir. Further investigation into this incident will be conducted by the Berkshire County State Police Detective Unit. |
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Katherine F. "Kay" Murphy, 97, died Monday, October 29, 2007 in Framingham. She was the wife of Frederick Murphy, who died in 1983. Born in Natick, she was the daughter of the late James and Annie (Kyte) Moran. She was a 1927 graduate of Natick High School where she was class treasurer. A 60-year resident of Hopkinton, she worked at Telechron in Ashland and her husband was the former owner of Day Pharmacy in Hopkinton. |
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So Far From the Bamboo Grove Middle
School Library
Yoko Kawashima Watkins, author of the seventh grade summer required
reading book, "So Far From the Bamboo Grove," will be visiting the
Hopkinton Middle School from 11/13-11/15/07. On Wednesday, 11/14,
parents and the community are invited to hear Yoko speak. Parents,
siblings and all community members are welcome. |
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Looking for Lunch or Dinner?
Try Cornell's for the best burger in the world, and wide-screen digital television for your eyes.
Check out Prezo's menu and get your mouth watering with a variety that you won't believe.
Check out Colella's daily specials on their website and phone ahead. Click on the icon now.
After trying Sauce on Main, be sure to look at the street sign to be certain you're not on Moody Street in Waltham.
Bill's famous dinner meals are always available, and now pizza is less expensive with coupons you print at home. Click on the icon to see. |
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Hopkinton Police Make 5 unrelated OUI Arrests on Sunday. |
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From Dusk to Dawn
October 29, 2007 — The Hopkinton Historical Society arranged a well-attended, standing room only, Cemetery Tour of the cemetery across from the Hopkinton Common on Sunday evening. Scores of people waited in line for the next tour to get over, as guides in period garb brought each group to a series of the land's residents, who explained their lives. |
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Pumpkin Prom
October 29, 2007 — Above, Stephen Knox brought his sister, five year-old Katherine, to the Eleventh Annual Pumpkin Prom held at the Hopkinton Middle School. According to one official, Hopkinton girls from Kindergarten to Fifth Grade are encouraged to bring their father or another male family member to the dance sponsored by the Lions Club, which donates 50% to Lions International, and the rest to the local organization, which gives out $5,000 in scholarships to Hopkinton High School Seniors. |
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Congratulations Red Sox, World Series Champions 2007 |
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Pompous Perch
October 28, 2007 — This great blue heron enjoys his one-legged pose on Saturday at Blood's Pond, while a whale-like glacial rock watches in the background. He appeared to be the only bird on the pond. |
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Fire Department Open House
October 28, 2007 — Ethan Jones makes sure his new fireman's hat is on straight at the Hopkinton Fire Department Open House on Saturday. Below, Lt. William Miller uses a special saw to cut the glass windshield of the demonstration vehicle, to show how it is done in a real rescue.
To see a video of the simulated rescue, choose our YouTube video below
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Hold Still
October 28, 2007 — Franscesca Casasanta paints Eliza Altobelli at the CAA Fall Fest on Saturday. |
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"It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown"
October 28, 2007 — Young actors from ESL Theater entertained several audiences in a number of shows at Weston Nurseries this weekend, getting laughs from audience members of all ages. |
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Acting!!
October 28, 2007 — The First Congregational Church of Hopkinton put on Acts 2 Mystery Theater Saturday evening to a very appreciative audience |
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Point of View
October 28, 2007 — This view of the Hopkinton Common from Park and Hayden Rowe Streets shows some light coming through the dark canopy from where leaves have already fallen. The Common is slated for an overhaul in three categories: Gazebo, Trees, and Fountain. A group of citizens, Friends of the Common, is leading the fundraising, which has reached over $28,000 to date to contribute to those issues. To see a lighter version of the photo, one in which the diseased trees on the left and right can be seen more brightly, please mouse-over the photo. |
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Slow Down
October 28, 2007 — This snapping turtle had traffic weaving around him on Wood Street on Saturday. A neighbor concerned about the safety of that activity of her fellow humans phoned police, upon which time the turtle scurried across the roadway and toward some water. |
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Hopkinton Happenings Carol Mecagni in Westborough
October 28 “Pottery, Tapestry, Watercolor: Three Mediums, One Artist”, works by Hopkinton artist Carol Mecagni, Oct. 28 – Jan. 31, 2008 at Tatnuck Bookseller and Gallery. Opening reception: 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday Oct. 28, including a pottery demonstration by the artist at 3 pm. Tatnuck is at 18 Lyman St., Westboro. Open daily 9 to 9, Sunday 10 to 6. Tel # (508) 366-4959 for Tatnuck. |
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Hillers lose tough one at Bellingham 28-21 in a Tri-Valley League Football game.
Above, Luke Warren makes the opposition dance. The Hopkinton Hillers for the most part almost upset the Bellingham Blackhawks in a Tri-Valley League football game only to be nosed out as the Hawks held off with two minutes left by pulling out a key interception . The Hiller's led 21-14 at intermission as Luke Warren contributed two touchdowns.~ Peter Marso |
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Six Vehicles Involved
October 27, 2007 — Sgt. Jay Porter directs traffic on West Main Street, while Officer William Burchard exits his cruiser, and Officer Philip Powers was behind the camera's position as they sorted out two three-vehicle accidents that occurred moments apart and just a few feet apart Friday afternoon. |
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Child's Scooter Jams Dam Gate Open All Day Friday "I want my dollar back" ~ J. T. Gaucher
Above, Hopkinton Fire Chief Gary Daugherty, wearing a wet suit, pulls a scooter and rope used to retrieve it, from the downstream side of the dam on Friday, after an entire afternoon trying.
October 27, 2007 — Shortly after noon yesterday, DPW workers went the Maspenock Dam, which the town bought for a dollar, to lower the gate according to standards practiced for the last 150 years, and slow the escape of water. The gate would not move down despite the use of bars and other levers. The situation became worse as they raised the gate hoping that the unseen obstruction would be carried through by the force of the water current, but the gate became stuck in a higher position, sending more water downstream to Nipmuc Gun Club's 7-acre pond, causing the water to rise past the high-water marks. The DPW then requested the assistance of the Fire Department, who arrived with a remote underwater camera, among other tools. "It's a scooter!" shouted Lt. Bill Miller, seeing the image clearly on the video screen, as the lake water rushed through the sluiceway, trying to take the camera with it. The men acted in concert, but could not dislodge the scooter in the fast-moving current, despite the use of ropes and hooks. Director of Public Works, J. T. Gaucher arrived and said, "I want my dollar back," smiling, and referring to the price the Town of Hopkinton paid for the dam at a Town Meeting that was well attended by residents around the lake. When sheer force failed to dislodge the scooter, Chief Gary Daugherty, Firefighter Scott Jurasek and Ashland Firefighter Anthony Duca, all certified divers, donned diving suits and hit the water. Chief Daugherty immediately retrieved two stolen and discarded cash registers from the shallow water near the dam. Although the street was lined with Fire Department and DPW apparatus, a crowd of town employees was on the dam, and the air was filled with the sounds of barking dogs, only one couple that lived nearby came over to investigate the reason behind the activity. Firefighter Duca was the diver who went down against the force of the rushing water. When Firefighter Duca dropped from visibility, Lt. Miller kept in constant verbal communication over the radio intercom. "You okay, Tony?" he would ask repeatedly as Chief Daugherty stood by, and Firefighter Jurasek (Photo, below) stood in the water as a backup, with his hands in front of himself and ready to spring, like an outfielder waiting for a line drive to reach him. The cure for the hurt was to open the dam even more and let the water push everything through. The one-dollar dam became a little more expensive on Friday.
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Class of 2004 graduate of Hopkinton High School, Army Private Kyle A. Wagoner, the son of Betsy Wagoner, graduated from basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. Wagoner. |
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"The
News Starts Here!"
Today,
at approximately 2:39 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police
Leominster Barracks responded to a single vehicle crash on Route 495
North, south of exit 25 in 
October 31, 207 — The ambitious plan by CJPM Development, (Chuck Joseph and Peter Markarian)
to develop the corner of West Main and South Streets that was
approved by the Planning Board on September 25, 2007 has been appealed by an abutter,
Maspenock Professional Building Realty Trust, which houses doctor and
dentist offices on West Main Street. The Trustees are Dr. John Pandiscio
and Dr. Joseph Menna, who say they are aggrieved by the Planning Board's
Decision.
Town Counsel, Miyares and Harrington, LLP and Kopelman and Paige, P.C.
These firms ranged in size from one person counsel to legal firms
employing about one hundred attorneys. Proposals ranged from a flat
retainer of $48,000 to hourly fees ranging from $140 to $165 per hour.
to die. However, Mr. McClean was not granted his request for the
developer to send his groundwater into the town's drainage system.
all the official programmes for the 25th Classic Marathon. This year we
have for the first time an opening ceremony with the "Marathon flame" at
the archaeological place "Tomb of Marathon," torch running from the Tomb
to the starting point of Marathon and for the first time, the Aims
Symposium in Marathon organized by our Municipality, SEGAS and AIMS.
October
29, 2007 – Are you dreading the moment your four year old asks where
babies come from? Did you provide a quick answer to your child’s
question about sex, wishing all the while you could provide a more
confident, thorough response? First Congregational Church of Hopkinton (FCCH)
is hosting a seminar on Sunday, November 4th from 2 pm to 3:30 pm titled
“Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Talking to Your Child About Intimacy”.
The presentation will provide parents of children aged three to twelve,
valuable information on how to easily talk to their children about sex.
Yoko
Kawashima Watkins, author of 
Hopkinton
High Class of 2007 graduate, Airman Andrew S. Beavers,
son of Kathy Beavers graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force
Base, Texas.