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Shadowy Group Promises to

Go Public soon

 

by Robert Falcione

December 5, 2007 — Residents calling themselves Hopkinton Citizens Association, most likely abutters and residents near the proposed Legacy Farms project, have involved themselves in a group that raises ominous questions in a well designed color postcard that was left on this reporter's windshield during the Holiday Stroll on Saturday.

     Several people have admitted to being involved in the group, but each has refused to name anyone else in the group, or even the officers.

     At Monday's Planning Board meeting, abutter Jane Moran admitted to being a member but would give no more information to this reporter, or to Lyn Branscomb, a reporter for another organization. 

      "You're making a mistake," Ms. Branscomb said to Mrs. Moran, addressing the anonymity of the group.

      "Wait a week," said Mrs. Moran, promising information then.

      "As a public relations professional, believe me, you are making a mistake," Ms. Branscomb repeated.

       A message sent to the listed email address was greeted with an auto reply promising a follow-up, but none has come.

       Abutter John Knowles, in a chance encounter at the bank Tuesday afternoon, admitted to being a member, but would not name one other member, or any officers. "Officers? We're just a group of people," he said. He said he had handed out postcards to people during Saturday's Downtown Stroll.

      A search of Internet Registry records shows the group's website listed to a proxy registrant company, which gives them anonymity. The PO Box does not have a person's name on the address.

      At the ZAC meeting Tuesday evening, ZAC member and Legacy Farms abutter Mavis O'Leary said, "I attend meetings," when she was asked if she was a member. When asked to say more, Mrs. O'Leary said, "There'll be a press release soon." She shook her head "no" after being asked to identify the leaders.

      Chris Barry, a Clinton Street abutter who is a professional printer, was reluctant to speak about his role in the group at the ZAC meeting he also attended. Mr. Barry organized a move for the town to exercise its 61a rights and purchase the land at Town Meeting, an announcement he made after Taurus Development pulled out of their deal for a conservation development last May, just two weeks before the June 11 vote. The knee-jerk effort came within about three votes shy of the 2/3 majority that was necessary to buy the land.

      "I'm involved totally with the [post] card," Mr. Barry admitted in a phone call to the HopNews office after the ZAC meeting.

      "No one is trying to stop it [Legacy Farms], but people would like to see more input," Mr. Barry said. He argued that the Town Meeting voted not to purchase the land last spring, but didn't vote for the Boulder proposal. ZAC is designing a zoning proposal to submit to the Planning Board that will then go to Town Meeting next year.

       Mr. Barry said he is not interested in getting people "all riled up" about it, but he feels there are people who are too wrapped up in their lives to become involved. He was asked how many members were in the group.

       "I can't go into that stuff with you," he said. He promised a press release soon.   

ZAC Debates Affordable Housing and Open Space for Legacy Farms

 

December 5, 2007 — The Zoning Advisory Committee met Tuesday evening at the Firehouse Meeting Room and entertained suggestions from Boulder Capital for their OSMUD (Open Space Mixed Use Development Project) Affordable Housing component.

      The term "Affordable Housing" in the sense used by governmental planners and private developers is defined by an individual's income capped at 80% of the median income of the town, and a living unit priced lower than the full-priced units, whether for purchase or rental. This formula determines eligibility in a process often held by lottery.

       In a community with less than 10% of the housing stock deemed affordable, a developer can bypass local zoning and submit an application for a comprehensive permit from the Board of Appeals and build what is known as a 40B project, so named after the statute allowing it, a project that is usually denser, and what some planners call "unfriendly."

       Boulder has proposed building 60 affordable units in their 240-unit plan, but according to DHCD guidelines, all 240 units would count toward the goal of reaching 10% of the housing stock in Hopkinton. But now, developers and others have been pushing the legislature to eliminate the law, and have gathered, by one count , 60,000 signatures to enable a spot on the ballot, if enough signatures are validated.

       If the 40B law is repealed, Boulder has promised 94 affordable units, but have asked that 60 be allowed for rent and 34 for sale. This would comply with the town bylaw that demands 10% of a development be affordable. ZAC agreed on the change unanimously.

       Open Space was the next topic on the agenda and proved to become the most controversial. Boulder is proposing language that compares with the current Hopkinton bylaw that allows both active and passive recreation as well as forestry, agriculture, trails, conservation and a host of other uses.

        Boulder promised that there would be 500 acres of open space in the OSMUD (Photo above shows dark green areas as open space). Project Manager Steven Zieff showed a swath of land that could be traversed from Rafferty Road to East Main Street without interruption.

        Many present at the meeting agreed that the perception of some of the townspeople may not coincide with the way the law is written, and cautioned that a problem may develop. Many people only see the conservation component as open space instead of the other components such as fields; and they lobby for their cause, as demonstrated by the town's purchase of 20 acres of land in Woodville for $2.65 million last Town Meeting.

        A cemetery was one of the uses added to the open space proposal, and suggested by members of the Cemetery Commission. At the meeting, Mr. Weismantel suggested that the word "municipal" be added to the language, and the group agreed. 

        Weston Nurseries will lease some 77 acres of the open space for 100 years for agricultural purposes related to their business. Some members objected to the use, but a read of the bylaw by Planner Elaine Lazarus proved that the use is allowed in open space.  

Department Heads Look Ahead to Budget Struggles

$2 million deficit currently projected

By Demian David Tebaldi

 

December 4, 2007 — The Hopkinton Senior Center on Mayhew Street was the venue for the Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Selectmen Tuesday night.  Over 40 people sat in attendance in the open hall of the Center as the evening’s agenda, narrow in scope, played out.  First was the introduction by Town Manager Anthony Troiano (File photo) of Attorney Raymond Miyares of Miyares & Harrington, Hopkinton’s new Town Counsel, who was recently sworn in to the position.  A recommendation was made to the Board by Attorney Miyares that a deviation from traditional Town practice be made with regard to the role played by Town Counsel.  In the past, the heads of the various departments within the Town would make official written requests from the Board of Selectmen for legal services required by their respective departments, including an expectation of how many hours would be required to resolve an issue.  Going forward into the new year, it was recommended by Attorney Miyares that the Town Manager act as a “gatekeeper” or interface between the departments and legal counsel, to create a more expeditious process for resolving legal issues.  No action was taken on the recommendation, but the matter will be brought up at the next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen, on the suggestion of Board Chair Muriel Kramer and Selectman Mary Pratt.

 

Mr. Troiano then gave a brief executive summary of the Town’s budget for fiscal year 2009.  As of this writing, the Town of Hopkinton is facing a two million dollar deficit for the coming year, if it implements a much needed 5% budget increase.  Without an override by the Board, this amounts to a tax increase of $264.00 for the average single family home owner.  In the event of an override, this amount increases by $352.00 to a total of $616.00.  With these figures in mind, the Board of Selectmen invited the heads of the various Town and School Departments to address a tender issue – what problems they, as heads of their respective departments, would face if their budgets were to remain level (i.e., a 0% increase from last fiscal year) going into 2008.  Selectmen Brian Herr asked each of the department heads the same question, namely, whether there were any services performed by their respective departments that were not “core services” and that could perhaps be suspended until Town revenues rose to compensate. READ MORE...

Hopkinton Builder Named First Vice President of BAGB

"Membership a worthwhile investment"

 

December 5, 2007 — As president of Meyer Homes, Craig Meyer builds upscale homes and communities that maintain the integrity of the environment. As the newly elected First Vice President of the Builders Association of Greater Boston (BAGB), Craig Meyer hopes to continue to have a similar effect, helping to build the value of a BAGB membership and positively impacting what’s currently a difficult market for builders.

Founded in 1944, BAGB has evolved into one of the largest trade associations in New England with more than 700 members. Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Home Builders Association of Massachusetts (HBAM), BAGB provides its members with educational programs and professional development opportunities—including certification programs to become a Graduate Builder and Re-modeler—as well as access to the Association’s reference library, networking events to meet fellow builders and discounts on supplies and services.

“Being named to the leadership team of an esteemed organization like BAGB is an honor and a responsibility I take quite seriously,” said Meyer. “As our industry faces a difficult market and many other challenges, BAGB can play a major part in not only the development of its members, but making sure its voice is heard in the business community and on Beacon Hill.”
 

“Builders nowadays face a great number of issues, like the repeal efforts of 40b, the movement toward green building and developing criteria and standards, local zoning restrictions and a tight housing market,” continued Meyer. “As part of BAGB’s leadership team, I want to make sure that we’re at the forefront of addressing and maybe even solving a few of these issues while making a membership to our association a more than worthwhile investment.”

First night of Hanukkah

December 4, 2007 — Hopkinton Jewish residents as well as friends and observers gathered at the Hopkinton Common tonight for the lighting of the first of eight Hanukkah candles. The new Menorah was built by David Auslander, his children and friends

MetroWest YMCA Hopkinton

Holiday Vacation Club

December 26-28th

 

The MetroWest YMCA Hopkinton will be holding a Holiday Vacation Club for children in grades K-6 during the  School Vacation Week, December 26-28th.  The program runs from 8:30am to 6:00pm with the option of morning care starting at 7:00am. Holiday Vacation Club participants will take part in a variety of sports, games, challenge activities, swimming, arts and crafts, along with a field trip.  This is a program your child won’t want to miss!  Those interested can register for individual days or for the entire program.  For more information or to register for this program, please contact Roberta Sinclair at 508-435-9345 or rsinclair@metrowestymca.org.  The last day to register for this program is Wednesday December 19th, space is limited so don’t miss out!

Manual Orthopedics Donates Exercise Bicycle

December 4, 2007 — Senior Center Volunteer Lois Kamishlian gets instructions on use of the Senior Center's newly donated exercise bicycle from Janet Nolen of Manual Orthopedics, the company that donated it.

     "We saw a need for our senior clients to be able to follow up therapy with home exercise, and this is an ideal, accessible, safe and free location," Ms. Nolen said.

      "A gym can be pretty intimidating for a 70 year-old," she said.

      The exercise bike is available for use after seeing an attendant at the Senior Center.

WEE DELIVER POST OFFICE Open at Elmwood School

All employees sworn in for their new jobs!

 
     On Monday, December 3, Assistant Postmaster Doreen Harrington from the Hopkinton Post Office attended the swearing in ceremony for two new postmasters, Stephen Auslander and Molly Hawkins, as well as the 30 student employees who will be processing mail through the Wee Deliver Postal System. This has been in place since 1998 and it’s a great way for children to learn to write a letter, address an envelope and communicate with fellow students and teachers and staff at Elmwood School.     

     Mail is processed by the student employees under the direction of the Postmaster two days a week. The school has their own stamps which are free and a directory of all the addresses in the school (Principal Ilene Silver’s address is 48 Office Square, Silverville MA 01748). If you want to send a note to any of the students or staff at Elmwood check out their website for the directory and pick up some stamps at the office. The first session runs through January 24th and the second session starts in February and runs through the end of March.

     Brighten a child’s day. ~Cathy LaFlash

Planning Board Mulls Legacy Farms Procedure

Downtown likely to lose more parking spaces

 

Legacy Farms

 

December 4, 2007 — The Planning Board discussed the approach to take in dealing with the approval of a Master Plan or development agreement for Boulder Capital's Legacy Farms, a 700+ acre development with 940 residential units and 500 acres of open space. Most Board members agreed that an appeals process was part of the package.

      Member Claire Wright said, "This town has been going nowhere because of incessant appeals."

      "I think we should go with a Special Permit with a Master Plan," said Member Ken Weismantel.

      "The downside is our legal system that allows appeals. Unfortunately, that's our system," he said.

      "I'm not afraid of appeals. We haven't lost one yet," said member John Coolidge.

      Legacy abutter Jane Moran (Photo) lobbied for mitigation.

      "In other towns the Planning Board forces a 6% mitigation. This would help with a lot of the traffic problems coming into the town," she said. Rockwood Estates, a project slated for development in Upton, recently promised the Planning Board $25,000 toward a new traffic signal at the intersection of West Main and School Streets is projected to cost up to a half million dollars at an intersection that has already been labeled as "failed," long before the developer has turned a spade on the earth.

      Planner Elaine Lazarus explained that any mitigation would have to be tied to an effect on traffic caused by a new development.

      "It cannot be a tax," she said.

      Member Carol DeVeuve said, "We were wishy-washy with Rockwood. Other towns must have a method."

      One member stated at a previous meeting that a development in Westwood was giving about $15 million to the town for mitigation.

      Abutter Chris Barry said, "The community has to buy into the whole program. I don't see any push-back to Boulder Capital," suggesting that Boulder Capital was getting its way in the zoning process.

      Toward the end of the meeting, Chairman Mark Abate argued against that point of view.

      "Roy [MacDowell, Boulder President] has started this process in the driver's seat, but we have yanked him out of it," he said. READ MORE

Tony Giuliano at ESL Coffeehouse

on December 15 at 8:00 p.m. 


Musician, vocalist, and songwriter Tony Giuliano will be performing at the ESL Coffeehouse on December 15. Giuliano’s songs are about every day observations, interactions and situations and are orchestrated with catchy lyrics and insightful melodies.

 

He will perform at 8:00 p.m. at ESL’s intimate studio setting at 30 Main Street in Hopkinton. Tickets are $10.00.

The Hilltopper Now Online

Check the Senior News button, always above, for more news...

 

VETERANS’ BREAKFAST

What were you doing on Pearl Harbor Day? We bet you remember it very clearly. On Friday, Dec.7 at 9am, Jim Cozzens of HCam TV will be at the Veterans’ Breakfast to record your comments. Your choice of chipped beef or Spam will be served along with a rerun of the slide show of Hopkinton veterans. We hope that the monthly get together will become a much anticipated part of the schedules of those who served. These breakfasts are held the first Friday of every month at 9. Your fellow veterans hope to see YOU there.

 

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

The annual Christmas Party for Hopkinton senior citizens, provided and hosted by the Hopkinton Police Association, will be held at the Senior Center on Saturday, December 15 at 4 pm. Always a spectacular event, there is delicious food, plenty of prizes and a visit from Santa. The Friends of Seniors will hold their annual raffle, too. Transportation is available. Please contact the Senior Center to make your reservation.

 

CHRISTMAS TEA

  The Friends of Seniors will host a Christmas Tea, Tuesday, December 18th at 1 for our Hopkinton seniors. The Great Room will be decorated, party sandwiches, pastries, and treats will be served. Our Hopkinton Senior chorus will provide entertainment for us. Come, join with others and celebrate the holidays. Please make your reservation by contacting the Senior Center. Lunch will not be available that day.

Toys For Tots drop-off at Hopkinton Police Headquarters

Every Day, 24 hours a day

 Middlesex County Crime and Justice

 

Two Ayer Juveniles To Be Charged With Causing Ayer Fire

 

CAMBRIDGE Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone’s office, Ayer Police, and the Office of the State Fire Marshall informed the public today that two Ayer juveniles will be charged in connection with setting the fire that occurred at Moore’s Lumber Co. in Ayer on November 12.

             The two juveniles - ages 15 and 12 – will each be charged with counts of burning a building. They will be arraigned on those charges in Lowell Juvenile Court in the coming days. Their names will be withheld due to the confidentiality requirements of Juvenile Court proceedings.

             According to police, on November 12 at approximately 6:57 p.m., the Ayer fire and police departments were dispatched to 22 West Main Street (Moore’s Lumber), for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, authorities discovered that the fire was in a block of storage buildings located on the southeast side of Mill Street. The fire spread quickly and intensely, and eventually consumed most of the Moore structures on that side of Mill Street. Fire apparatus from eight communities responded to the fire.

             A thorough investigation was conducted by Ayer Police Detective Brian Gill, Ayer Fire Captain Paul Fillebrown, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and agents from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. That investigation encompassed site excavation, witness interviews, and surveillance video review.

             As a result of the investigation, it is alleged that the two juveniles were on the roof of the Moore building and dropped objects that were lit on fire down a vent hole and into a storage building on the property. Those acts ultimately caused the fire and resulting damage that occurred on the property.

 

Police News UP-TO-DATE

 

Today, December 3, 2007

 

12:57 pm A caller reported that a man parked his motorcycle on the side of Teresa Road and then walked down the street into the woods...

 

4:51 am The Ashland Police Department requested assistance with searching for two males on foot who were suspects

 

8:40 pm A Meadow Land Drive resident reported that a suspicious older model tan vehicle was driving...

 

Click on the title above to see the entire police news.

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Compiled by Eric Montville for HopNews.com, December 3, 2007

Address

Buyer

Price

Date

Seller

14 Pond Street

Christopher J. Bullock & Michelle K. McInness

$500,000

Nov.  30, 2007

Fourteen Pond Street Realty Trust

5 Alexander Road

Ben Greene & Carrie Greene

$490,000

Nov.  30, 2007

Yury D. Levin & Anna Simanowski

4 Sylvan Way

Jane H. Lesslauer

$1,457,500

Nov.  28, 2007

Meyer Homes, Inc.

19 Walcott Street

Diane M. Golden & Joseph L. Golden

$393,000

Nov.  28, 2007

Xinzhong Wei & Huicheng Yi

Previous update:        

Land off North Street

Rebecca Canty & James Canty

$6,000

Nov.  19, 2007

Eva Tomlin

See Full List back to February 1,  2007

Let It Snow

December 3, 2007 — This group of friends seen on Hayden Rowe Street apparently believes that snow flurries are as good a time as any to take a jog around town.

Hooray!

December 3, 2007 — The crowd cheers as the Christmas tree is lit on the Common on Saturday. Many people had left prior to the delayed lighting, due to the frigid temperatures.

Project Just Because NEEDS YOUR HELP

 

It is that time of year when Project Just Because NEEDS YOUR HELP.  We Need Items To Bring 1501 New Gifts, 1 More gift then last year to meet our goal for local Hospitals!     This is our 9th year bringing in gifts to those local children who can not come home for the Holidays, for some it is there last Holiday with us. Please consider donating a New toy or Stuffed animals and dropping it off at any drop off location around town,  all drop off information locations can be found at www.projectjustbecause.org .

     Second program running is Holiday Wish program for local children please consider donating 1 item of  warm clothing any size boy or girl, gift card from any clothing store, hat, mittens , gloves, warm throw blanket, or 1 fun item  new toy or new book any age to help us make these children's wishes come true. This year we took in 5,000 families and we have many children that still need our help! All Donations are tax Deductible and Tax Receipts are at 45 South Street Unit G year round.

Thank you

We wish you all a Happy Holiday Season

CherylAnn Lambert Walsh, President
Project Just Because, Inc.
508-435-6511 http://www.projectjustbecause.org calsmith@erols.com

Carpetbaggers vs. Townies

 

by Robert Falcione

December 2, 2007 — Linda Freeman (Wright), a Townie who sent an email filled with fond memories of Hopkinton to this writer, as well as others on Sunday, apparently inspired a Town Talk poster to reply in a negative way, especially to her use of the word "carpetbagger," after I had put the email on the front of HopNews (Below) earlier in the day. He did not get the joke.

     After moving to Hopkinton, it doesn't take most people long to discover the gap between many of the Townies, those who were born in Hopkinton, and everyone else. Before the mad rush to Hopkinton, the town of around 7,000 people was largely made up of working class people and home entrepreneurs, as well as small business people prominent in the community. Many of the entrepreneurs went on to be successful in real estate, retail, building and commerce. The newer residents are largely professionals with young familes.

     One of the moments I consider as definitive of the Townie vs. Carpetbagger argument was an exchange between the late Francis and Jean McIntyre, whom I had met for the first time long after they had divorced, but apparently still loved each other. It was at the North Pond House on South Street, the predecessor to O'Toole's, soon to be the new Maria's Caffe Italiano. May I digress for a moment?

     I found Hopkinton through a "position" at Weston Nurseries, while I was living in Wellesley with the love of my life. To a young person, the fields seemed endless, and the town, ideal. The nursery had its specialists in every area of flowers, plants, shrubs, trees and landscaping, and just as many subcultures; for instance, the group of Puerto Rican workers transported every spring and housed in a barracks environment on the grounds of the nursery. Occasionally, they joined some of us at the Central House — or The Tap as it was known — which was located where the empty lot is downtown. Back then it had high-backed booths, presumably so that it would take more than a passing glance for a wife to see if her husband was inside.

READ MORE...

Keefe tech Alumni Group Forming

Meting on Thursday, December 6

      The Keefe Tech Alumni Association is are a newly formed group at the school that has formed to try to collect a database of names of as many alumni as we can. We hope to use this database for informational purposes, such as mailing lists for class reunions and such.

       Often, as many people know, addresses change, names change and it is almost impossible for people to stay in touch. We are just starting out in this process and are looking for as many Keefe Tech alumni as we can find. Alumni can go to this link, http://keefetech.org/page.asp?page=alumniupdates and fill out the form there to be added to our database. There is also a small list of some alumni and what they have done since graduating.

      We are having our first get together this Thursday, Dec. 6th, at Firefly's BBQ, at 235 Old Connecticut path in Framingham. It starts at 6:00. There is no need to sign up, you can just stop by and maybe see some old friends. While you are there you can sign up to have your name put in the database.

Marilyn M. Lukey, 77

Marilyn M. Lukey, 77, of Athol, formerly of Woodville, died Saturday, December 1, 2007. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Mildred (Edmunds) Farrar. She was the wife of the late James C. "Connie" Lukey for 55 years who passed away July 9, 2006.
     She enjoyed camping for many years and was a member of the Marathon Chapter, Casmaw Chapter, Blackstone Valley Chapter, Holiday Ramblers' Chapter 3 (of Western Mass.) and the National Campers and Hikers Acorn Chapter. She and her husband were the originators of the Marathon Chapter of New England Family Campers Association, which later became the North American Family Campers. She was also a member of the Lakeside Tenants Action Association. She worked for 30 years for Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company. Arrangements Complete

VERY Hot Chocolate

December 2, 2007 — This young man who just finished playing with the Middle School Band in front of the Police Station, cools down some hot chocolate before testing it with his tongue.

Downtown Stroll 2007  

December 2, 2007 — Above, enjoy a few minutes form the daylong Downtown Stroll sponsored by the Downtown Revitalization Committee. You may need to click the play button twice. Once the movie starts playing, you may choose to right-mouse click and choose "full screen" to see the video larger.

Above, Amanda Maffei performs her "spoken word with with movement" to the gathering at the Library — especially the young folks — during the Downtown Stroll on Saturday. Below, the Hopkinton High School Brass Ensemble finishes their set. To see them and Chris Cartier perform at the library, and many more snippets form the stroll, choose the video  above.

Marilyn M (Farrar) Lukey


Marilyn M (Farrar) Lukey of Athol formerly of Hopkinton died Saturday, December 1, 2007 at her home. She was the wife of the late James C. Lukey. Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com

Merry Christmas from a Townie

 

George stopped by yesterday on his annual pilgrimage through town.  He surprised my daughter when he knocked and walked in dropping off a little something for his customers as has been his tradition through the years.  This year brought a package of sweets tied with a red bow and a sticker proclaiming "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, From The McBrides."  Every other year, as long as I can remember, George brought handcrafted tree ornaments.  It made me start thinking about what it means to be from Town.  A "Townie" as they say.

 

You might be a townie if:

 

- You had bottled gas, and therefore a vast collection of ornaments from The McBrides.

- You knew Fred (and loved him anyway).

- Hank, Fran, Bill, Harry and Joan were your heroes.  (That is, unless, you were one of the kids who got into trouble a lot and had to wash the patrol cars behind the old police station for a whole Saturday in what is now referred to as "Community Service.")

- You joined a parade on your decorated bicycle or tricycle or pushing a doll carriage.

- You knew Cookie was a marshmallow under his gruff exterior.

- You had ice cream at the soda fountain at Hopkinton Drug and breakfast at Brown & Smiths.

- You know what Dinosaur Rock is and remember the Question Mark from the top of Bear Hill.

- You remember the Stonethrowers. You have a knitted "Hopkinton Hat."

- You remember areas of town before they were developed and named after whatever they were replacing.

- You still buy your annuals from Jeff, Kathy or Peter -- even though they may be cheaper at the super store or more exotic at a boutique nursery. The super store isn't going to send an arrangement to your dad in the hospital. Or for his grave. You appreciate that.

- You smile whenever you see a popcorn cart and think of Joe.

- You buy your insurance from Paul and Brian or from Rita.  They provide you with excellent service and treat you like a neighbor and not just Policy Number 906578.

- You remember Bicycle Annie and/or Ora Cheney.

- You may buy your pantry groceries elsewhere but you know that the meat department at Colella's is excellent. You give them as much of your business as you can because you know they give as much as they can back to the Town.

- You remember the Grain Store and the Joker's Four.

- You knew Bob when he brokered musical talent at Cornell's.

 

From one "Townie" to all the others (and to all you new folks that we "townies" fondly refer to as "carpet baggers"), MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!  And George,  thanks for the treats.  They were delicious.

 

~Townie, and proud of it. Linda Freeman Wright

Ho, Ho, Ho. Santa at Angel's Garden Center on Sunday

Bring your digital camera

December 1, 2007 — Santa sat with Danny McCabe, 3, and Jack McCabe, 8, at Angel's Garden Center earlier today.  Santa will be there until 2:00 pm today and 11:00 am - 2:00 pm tomorrow, Sunday.

Full House

November 30, 2007 — Three Hundred of Hopkinton High School Senior Kyle Joseph's (Above) closest friends and family showed up to see him, his brother, his cousin and two friends give a musical performance that turned into a modern day hootenanny at the High School Auditorium on Friday evening. The sale of tickets, over $500 worth, is being donated to the Class of 2008 Treasury. Below, Kyle Joseph, center, gets help from his dancers as they open the second set in silhouette.

More Than Just Potters

November 30, 2007 — Deanne Weissflog shows Diane McCauley her clay impressions, which are made by impressing floral objects into moist, rolled clay, and then firing it in a kiln, emulating the look of fossilized slate.

      Primarily Potters will be showing at the CAA Farmhouse, 98 Hayden Rowe Street. FRI, Nov 30 9AM - 5PM. SAT, Dec 1 9AM - 5PM. SUN, Dec 2 12NOON - 5PM.

Press this button anytime for the Free Dictionary:  Dictionaryor this button anytime for Hangman: Free Daily

Show Me the Way

November 30, 2007 — The sun burns off the morning frost a few days ago on the Fruit Street property and majestically lights the way on this connecting path.

Quite a statement!

November 30, 2007 — This squirrel photographed last week waits to see whether or not the photographer will drive on so he can continue his foraging, or stay put, in which case the rodent will choose to flee. His tail forms a furry caricature of the exclamation point.

Caliper Life Sciences to Participate in Deutsche Bank’s Healthcare
Technology Industry Day


HOPKINTON, Mass., November 30, 2007 -- Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALP) announced that it will participate in Deutsche Bank’s Healthcare TechnologyIndustry Day at The Hilton Boston Financial District Hotel on December 6, 2007. Kevin Hrusovsky, President and CEO of Caliper, will participate in a day of one-on-one meetings with institutional investors.

 

These meetings are not webcast; however a copy of the Corporate Presentation, which will be used in these meetings, will be available on the Caliper website at www.caliperLS.com .

Primarily Potters 5th Annual Exhibit and Sale

At the CAA Farmhouse, 98 Hayden Rowe Street

FRI, Nov 30 9AM - 5PM
SAT, Dec 1 9AM - 5PM
SUN, Dec 2 12NOON - 5PM

 

For the fifth year, Primarily Potters of Central Massachusetts will be returning to the CAA. The show will feature the work of area potters and will include functional pottery such as vases, dinnerware and serving ware, candle holders, Celtic crosses, mosaic mirrors and wall pieces, and holiday related items such as clay bells. A selection of the artists' work will be raffled off at the show's conclusion with proceeds benefiting the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association. The show is free and open to the public.


Primarily Potters was formed in the fall of 2002 to provide professional support for its members and to explore opportunities for group shows and sales throughout the region.


Exhibiting members are: Bonnie Muir, Carol Mecagni, Deanne Weissflog, Dinny Potenza, Emily Van Nort, Kathy Taylor, Liz Eidelitz, Maureen Englund, Susan Kaye, Deanne Weissflog.

Center School to Get Study From MSBA

"Decommissioning " will await results

 

November 30, 2007 — Although the School Committee has previously voted to "decommission" the aging Center School, they and Superintendent Dr. John E. Phelan, Jr. have chosen it from a group of three possible projects for a feasibility study by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The result of the study will determine whether the Center School should be renovated, or a new school should be built.

     "There has been a moratorium on school construction for several years. During the interim, a new MSBA formed and they outlined a new process for communities to follow," said Dr. Phelan during an interview today.

       The Board of Selectmen and the School Committee had to authorize Dr. Phelan to submit statements of interest, which he did for the Center, Elmwood and Middle Schools. According to Dr. Phelan, the MSBA left it up to the School District to choose which school to target for "the next step," which will be a feasibility study.

      "Now they will see if the Center School warrants funding for renovation or for replacement.

      "We will get a letter of approval from the MSBA, and then meet with them in January.

      "It seems more viable to build a new facility, but the process is that they [MSBA] want to collaborate with us," said Dr. Phelan. "They want to do their due diligence and determine the most cost-effective and educationally sound solution," he said.

       "The new MSBA has done a great job. They are trying to have accountability," Dr. Phelan said.

       Dr. Phelan said the MSBA contribution to either solution is expected to be 50% of the cost.

Man Following School

Buses Questioned by Police

Residents from Rocky Woods, Falcon Ridge, Pond and Spring Street areas expressed concern

"If something doesn't look right, call us" ~ Lt. Flannery

 

November 29, 2007 — Dr. John Phelan and Chief of Police Thomas Irvin have jointly signed a letter to parents of students informing them that an individual who had been reported to be following school buses has been identified and questioned. The man has done nothing illegal, police say, but because of the concern his presence and behavior has caused, he has been asked to cease the suspicious activity.

      The first call regarding the individual, described as an older man by the caller, came in to police on November 7 from Falcon Ridge. The most recent ones came in the last few days. The police launched an intensive investigation. Lt. Flannery has said the calls indicated a person was driving a brown, older model Buick LeSabre, perhaps 15 years-old, following school buses and driving slowly through affluent neighborhoods.

      Police identified the man and questioned him.

     "He's admitted to being in the area, and has admitted to being there, but has not provided a good accounting of why he's been there," said Lt. Flannery.

     "Anytime people see someone around bus stops, and especially more than once and they don't know why they are there, they should call us immediately," said Lt. Flannery. "It raises a red flag.

      Lt, Flannery said that he has made the man aware of the concerns he is causing from a couple of residents that could lead to a confrontation     

      "The best advice I could give parents is to be aware of your surroundings and teach your children to do the same," he said.      

Charles Joseph Featherstone, 53

[Hopkinton/ Ashland Plumbing Inspector]

 
November 29, 2007 — Charlie J Featherstone, 53, of Ashland, passed early today at home surrounded by his loving family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. Charlie was a life-long and active resident of Ashland and was well known throughout the community. He was the owner of C.J. Featherstone Plumbing & Heating and served as the Plumbing and Heating Inspector for both Ashland and Hopkinton for over ten years. He was a graduate of the class of 1973 from Ashland High School and soon after became one of the youngest in history to earn his Masters License in Plumbing from the state. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Family and friends remember his notorious quick wit and his ability to bring a sense of humor to every situation. He always enjoyed being with family and never passed up an opportunity to travel in his R.V., be it across the country or just for a Sunday ride. Arangements Complete.

Center School in Hopkinton among 83 Schools

Benefiting From $2.5 billion MSBA Grants

 

November 29, 2007 — The MSBA announced today that the MSBA Board will move 83 schools into the next phase in the process for potential funding.   During this phase, the local district and the MSBA will work in collaboration to find the right-sized, most fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solution to a facility’s problems. These schools will eventually become the first part of the MSBA’s $2.5 billion five year capital pipeline.   Moving these projects forward represents years of work to determine which schools meet the criteria of having the worst physical condition or overcrowding contributing to poor educational environments in the Commonwealth. The MSBA will continue to plan and work with the districts on the remaining Statements of Interest (SOIs) that are not moved into the feasibility study stage of the process.

     The MSBA’s goal was to focus on the Statement of Interest each district identified as its priority so that the neediest projects statewide would be given first priority for funding, pursuant to the MSBA’s statute. The MSBA received a total of 423 SOIs from 162 districts. The projects moving forward in the new grant process represent the neediest of the schools that met the MSBA’s criteria.

To view a list of the 83 projects moving forward in the new grant process, please click here

To view a list of all categorized 162 district prioritized projects, please click here

To view the presentation at the MSBA’s Board of Director’s Meeting, please click here

NOTE: This story will be updated once we learn more. Although the MSBA press release above links to (First Link) a document specifying the study for Center School, in the past the School Committee has said they are decommissioning it.

Fruit Street Travel Delays, December 3 through December 7

New well construction

 

As part of the new water well construction on the Fruit Street property, crews will be installing a water main on Fruit Street in front of the existing wells the week of December 3d through the 7th. This work is expected to take approximately one week, weather pending, to complete. Construction will not begin until 9:00 AM after the morning commute has ended. During working hours, people traveling Fruit Street between Victory Lane and North Street may encounter some delays. File Photo

~Eric Carty, Water/Sewer Manager

 

 

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