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"The News Starts Here!"

24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748  508.435.5534

Editor@HopNews.com

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Hopkinton 52, Medfield 59

February 29, 2008 — Above, Kevin Cassata shows his style against Medfield this evening. Bottom photo, Mark Masucci catches some air.

Choose a thumbnail to see a larger photo. All photos by Ben Lewis.

Middlesex County Crime and Justice

 

Everett Man Arrested In Connection With Death Of Lynn Woman

Found In Malden On Wednesday Afternoon
 

MALDEN – February 29, 2008 —  Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone and Malden Police informed the public today that an Everett man has been arrested in connection with the death of Norma Gilles, 41, of Lynn.

 Malden Police, Everett Police, and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office arrested Lesly Cheremond, 48, of Everett, at approximately 5:15 this afternoon outside of his apartment at 30 Stuart Street in Everett. Cheremond is charged with murder and will be arraigned on Monday morning in Malden District Court. Cheremond is the ex-boyfriend of Gilles.

 “We believe that this is another instance in which an ex-boyfriend resorted to deadly violence against his former girlfriend,” District Attorney Leone said. “We can not forget that there is a victim behind each and every one of these all too familiar tragedies, and we will continue to pursue this case on behalf of Norma Dorce Gilles and her family.”

 According to authorities, Gilles had last been seen on February 13 at a hair salon where she worked at 374 Salem Street in Malden. A missing persons report was filed on February 23 with Lynn Police. Malden Police discovered Gilles' car Wednesday afternoon on Faulkner Street in Malden and subsequently towed the car to the Police Department. Malden Police notified State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and a joint investigation was immediately commenced. Gilles’ body was found in the trunk of her car.

 The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (ME) completed an autopsy today and ruled the victim’s death a homicide caused by asphyxia due to smothering and compression of the neck.

 Cheremond worked in an adjacent business to the hair salon that Gilles was employed. Gilles had a prior restraining order against Cheremond resulting from a pending case in which he is charged with the alleged assault of Gilles in February 2007. Cheremond is charged with aggravated assault and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in that case which is scheduled for trial on April 29, 2008.

 The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Keeley.

 

Saturday is the last day to take advantage of Colella's current flyer.

Check their website Monday for next week's flyer!

Their ad button is always on HopNews

 

 

Destination Imagination

February 29, 2008 — This 3rd Grade team from Elmwood School is participating in the Destination Imagination regional Tournament being held Saturday, March 8 at the Hopkinton Middle school.  This team has selected a construction/engineering "challenge" where they will showcase their woodworking and engineering skills at the tournament and compete with other 3rd to 5th grade teams within the area.  They have been preparing for the March 8 tournament since November.  Team members include (from left to right):  Mitch Karpe, Andrew Mace, Brian Giusti, Nick Mirable, and Nick Temple.

For details on advertising, please call Robert at 508-435-5534.

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The Pointer Sisters Headline Show at 2008 MÈlange

Milford Regional’s Annual Black Tie Fundraising Gala

 
Local platinum record legend Ruth Pointer donates private performance to Milford Regional’s Annual Black Tie Fundraising Gala

Milford, MA – February 28, 2008 — When Milford Regional Medical Center holds “MÈlange: The Golden Age of Hollywood,” its fourth annual black-tie fundraising gala, on Saturday, April 12th, guests will be treated to a very special private performance by Hopedale resident and four-time Grammy Award-winner Ruth Pointer of The Pointer Sisters. Ruth will be accompanied by her daughter, Issa, who joined The Pointer Sisters in 2003.

“We are thrilled that our Hollywood theme is being graced by real gold,” said Francis M. Saba, CEO of Milford Regional Medical Center Inc. “Ruth and her husband, Mike Sayles, have been so gracious to join in this year’s gala in such a special way. We are so grateful for their continued support.”

“We never realized when we chose this year’s theme that we would have such distinguished show business performers,” said Elaine Osgood, president and CEO of Atlas Travel International, who serves as chair of the MÈlange committee. “Ruth and Issa will really light up the place in a special way. With Ruth having had her star placed on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1994, it will be a thrill to have her on our MÈlange Walk of Fame on April 12th.”

The Pointer Sisters, who began as a quartet in 1972, have continued to thrill audiences and win awards and are currently touring as a trio including Ruth, Anita and Issa Pointer. During her career, Ruth has been nominated for ten Grammy Awards (winning four), won three American Music Awards, various MTV awards, been inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame and Soul Train Hall of Fame. She has performed on countless soundtracks and was the lead voice in Disney’s animated feature, Oliver & Co. She has performed at the White House for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton, and is an International Spokesperson for the USO. MORE…
The Pointer Sisters Headline MÈlange 2008/page 2

“MÈlange 2008 sponsorships are rolling in,” said Osgood. “We are pleased to already have commitments from a distinguished list of local businesses and families. We are still looking for additional support in the way of sponsorships, auction items and, of course, ticket sales. I encourage local businesses and individuals to become involved in this unprecedented event.”

Tickets are currently on sale for $175 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets to this star-studded gala, please contact Sheba Verma at the Milford Regional Development Office at 508-422-2034. For more info or to download sponsorship form, visit:
http://www.milfordregional.org/Site/pages/helping/melange.cfm

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Editor's Note: The following is a response from Town Manager Anthony Troiano to an opinion piece by an Editor of the MetroWest Daily News, Jim Klienkauf, who did not express very high opinions of anyone in Hopkinton. Although much of the referenced letter can be inferred by Mr. Troiano's response, it is not in the town's interest for HopNews to give it any more legs. However, our Town Manager has not seen fit to take it lying down.

 

Town Manager Shares Letter to MetroWest Daily News

Mr. Kleinkauf,

 

Having never met you, I really can’t comment on your motivations for writing an article based solely on subjective opinion.  However, I don’t subscribe to one sided partisanship, and never will. I took offense at your characterization of town leaders,  including the Board of Selectmen,  Planning Department, Legal Team, and myself. To my recollection, you have never attended a meeting where I was present,  and you have never called me for info or my opinion on any topic. 

 

You insinuate that :

 

1.       I’m somehow in the Selectmen’s pocket

2.       That I have no experience in town government

3.       That I’m not a real Town Manager

4.       That I’m trying to extort money from Boulder Capital

5.       That the town has no real leadership

6.       That our Planning Board is inept.

 

If you truly were visible and attending meetings over the last three months you would see that things are very different.  Change in town government is slow, evolution to a town manager form of government has growing pains.  My peers and mentors all agree that the first town manager in a community faces many hurdles.  Engrained institutional  behavior has to be modified and refined with patience, finesse, and honesty.  I doubt that any of the Selectmen I have worked with would characterize me as weak, or afraid to speak my piece.  Quite honestly, I’ve worked very hard at listening to everyone.  Characterizations are easy to spin, they have no depth, and create more misinformation then good. 

FULL LETTER

Open Mic to be Hosted by Acclaimed Hopkinton Performer

Monthly gig begins Saturday March 8

 

February 28, 2008 — Enter Stage Left Theater will be hosting monthly Open Mic nights beginning on Saturday, March 8 at 8:00 p.m., and continuing thereafter on the first Saturday of every month.  Aspiring teens and adult singers and/or songwriters are invited to show off their talents at this informal venue, which will be led by accomplished folk artist Barbara Kessler, whose works include Stranger To This Land, Notion, and Barbara Kessler.  Open Mic nights will be held at ESL’s intimate studio at 30 Main Street in Hopkinton.  Tickets are $5.00.

     “I like to think of these Open Mic nights as a performance venue, where people can sing whatever they’d like – be it original music, show tunes, folk music or anything in between, “said Kessler.  “We are also hoping to tap into the rich pool of songwriters all around New England, and give them a place where they can test out new material.  The purpose is to have fun and support all the talented people in this community.”

 

About Barbara Kessler
Hopkinton-based Kessler has been critically acclaimed by music critics and has won awards such as Best Debut Folk/Acoustic Album by the Boston Music Award, and First Prize in the USA Songwriting Competition/Folk Category.  Her
music has also been featured on television shows and on the Play Station game Rogue Galaxy.

 

About the Video

     Click on the video icon for a very large High-band video of Barbara Kessler when she kicked off ESL's Coffee House last year. Please be patient during the downoad, because the video is large enough to fill most computer screens.

 

About ESL
Enter Stage Left Theater, Inc. is a non-profit, performing arts center in Hopkinton offering theater education, training and performances for students of all ages.    For more information call 508-435-2114 or visit www.enterstagelefttheater.com

Middlesex County Crime and Justice

Homicide Investigation Launched In Malden
 

MALDEN – Malden Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office are investigating the death of a woman found this afternoon in a car on Faulkner Street in Malden.

 Malden Police immediately notified State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and a joint investigation was immediately commenced.

 “We are in the very early stages of this investigation and will continue to follow any and all leads to determine the cause and circumstances of this victim’s death,” District Attorney Leone said. “We are treating this as a homicide investigation and are speaking with a number of people who we believe may have information regarding her death.”

             The office is not releasing the victim’s name pending identification and family notification.

Other Shoe Drops

Town discards Legacy Farms "building moratorium"

 

by Robert Falcione

February 27, 2008 — Following a two-day marathon of negotiations between Boulder Capital and the town's negotiating team of Town Manager Anthony Troiano, Town Planner Elaine Lazarus and Town Counsel Ray Miyares, Selectmen Chair Muriel Kramer announced this evening that the town has dropped support for a building moratorium Article planned for Town Meeting that would have bought the town time in case the zoning changes proposed for Legacy Farms at Town Meeting had failed.

     At Monday night's Planning Board meeting, several stakeholders met in a sidebar out of the public's ear, and came out of that meeting to announce in pubic session that Boulder Capital had withdrawn its Preliminary Subdivision Plan, which had been the apparent impetus for the moratorium in the first place. The group said they would move toward a solution to the impasse, but refused to drop the moratorium until this evening.

       Mrs. Kramer said tonight, "The Town and Boulder Capital will work toward an OSMUD," referring to the set of proposed zoning changes for 940 unit, 450,000 commercial/retail development that will be unique to that parcel of town. The group agreed that the town would drop the moratorium, and that Boulder Capital would submit an Open Space Landscape Preservation Development plan.

      "Today the negotiating team and Boulder Capital met and agreed on a plan that would make the moratorium Article not necessary.  We're going to formalize the agreement next week," Mrs. Kramer said.

       "The agreement allows a 6 month period to continue to work together to achieve an OSMUD or variation of the OSMUD... no later than November fifth," said Mrs. Kramer at the start of the meeting.

       After Selectman Brian Herr asked if Boulder agreed with it, Boulder Capital President Roy S. MacDowell, Jr. took the microphone.

       "Yes, we're very much in agreement with it and I'm understanding that there'll be an agreement within the next couple of days," he said.

        "The agreement stipulates in fact that the town and Boulder will continue to work cooperatively toward the goal of presenting the OSMUD toward a Special Town Meeting no later than November 5, 2008. Essentially, the agreement provides for a six-month period to achieve the mutually desired goal of a successful OSMUD vote by Town Meeting voters.

       "During the interim, the agreement does allow Boulder to pursue a Special Permit for an Open Space Landscape and Development Plan, which they will only act upon if the OSMUD in an acceptable form is not passed before November 5.

        "This agreement eliminates the need for a moratorium Article on the Town Meeting Warrant," Mrs. Kramer said.

        Tonight's meeting was held to take input from the public, but few of the faces were new to the process. Many were abutters or others who had attended similar meetings.

        Abutter Julia Linnell of Curtis Road asked what the Host Community Agreement entails.

        Mrs. Kramer said the agreement is to address the items that are not covered by permitting, such as phasing and management costs. It is to address what will make the project more tenable and positive for the community, she said.

        Ruth Gorman (File photo), Chair of the Friends of the Common, asked that tree removal and tree planting of the Common be negotiated as part of the Community Host Agreement.

        Mike Kennedy asked that the NW ridge that is visible from Route 85 and the State Park be left free of structures. He later complained about the timetable and lack of information, and had water and traffic concerns.

        Robert Benson, photo above, told the story of visiting a friend, whose 15 year-old cluster zoning Walpole neighborhood was being built in. He said the builder petitioned the town and got to build in the open space. Mr. Benson also asked if Boulder planned to only build, or to stay and manage the property, but was shot down by Mrs. Kramer, who told him he'd have to get the information from the Planning Department or the developer.

        Jane Moran (File photo) proposed that putting the moratorium into a bylaw would be best. She also suggested sidewalks and other pedestrian safety devices. Mrs. Moran is a Police Sgt. in Southborough as well as an abutter.

        Former Selectman and Library Trustee Len Holden pitched for some land for a new Library, saying that grants would be available, but only if the Library had three acres for their expansion.

        Abutter Chris Barry expressed concern for traffic, and asked that Clinton Street be made a one-way from the exit of the Boulder property.

        Resident Kevin Shea pitched for the success of commercial and residential development, but did not agree with the abutters who had spoken before him.

        "If the abutters feel it can be done so poorly that it'll damage things economically, therefore you would conclude nobody would want to live there, nobody would want to work there.

        "The developer takes 100% of the risk here; a very rocky economic time right now for homebuilding.

        "If we constrict the project too much, and we get a retail development that doesn't attract business, we all lose. I came down - I was watching on TV," he said.

        Mr. Shea then went on to show his viewpoint on Hopkinton's existing businesses.

       "Right now we have one business there that declared bankruptcy, and there's no way of telling whether the remaining business that's left there is economically viable," he said.

        However, as part of the purchase and sale of the property, Boulder will pump millions into a revitalized Weston Nurseries and provide 70 acres for growing and other nursery activities.

        "I go out of town to shop for almost everything except food at Colella's," he said, making a pitch for more business at the Legacy Farms location.

        Town Planner Elaine Lazarus said that the Planning Board will continue its Public Hearing on the OSMUD District on March 17.

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Think Like an Egyptian

February 27, 2008 — Brian Moffat and twelve year-old daughter, Stephanie, stand by her exhibit in a packed Middle School Gym for the Egyptian Project, an effort, according to Middle School teacher Mrs. Erica Smith, that has been going on since January. Several sixth grade classes took part in the project that called for each to study a different pharaoh. Stephanie chose 14th Century BC Queen Nefertiti for her subject.

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Design Review Board Sees New Veteran's Memorial Gazebo

Original granite will have a permanent place

Above, clockwise from left, Scott Richardson, member Claire Wright, and architects, Chairman Jeannette Thompson and member Richard Brousseau.

 

February 27, 2008 — Architect Scott Richardson (Gorman-Richardson Architects) brought his latest and presumably final design of the Veteran's Memorial Gazebo before the Design Review Board last evening in the basement of Town Hall. 

      Mr. Richardson said that the Friends of the Common, a fundraising group of individuals, had made presentations to the Veteran's, the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Historic District Commission, which asked him to add a railing to the design he presented.

      A group of volunteer veterans helped with the existing building that is about 20 years old. There is granite on the original building that the Veteran's Committee would like reused in some way, and as a result, Mr. Richardson has design an octagonal inset into the floor of the projected building.

      Mr. Richardson said that the building materials would be ling-lasting, including synthetic slate for the roof.

      "It'll last 75 years," said FOTC Chair, Ruth Gorman.

      Mr. Richardson said that the basement, which has been notoriously wet for years, would be filled in.

      "We want to improve the lighting. We want to get a lighting consultant involved," said Mr. Richardson.

      "Come back with lighting [plan]," said Ms. Thompson.

Hopkinton-based Caliper Life Sciences to Present at Susquehanna’s Second Annual SIGnificant Options in Healthcare Conference
 

 

HOPKINTON, Mass., February 27, 2008 -- Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALP) today announced that its presentation at the Susquehanna Second Annual SIGnificant Options in Healthcare Conference in NYC, will be webcast on Tuesday, March 4 at 11:30 a.m. EST. Kevin Hrusovsky (Filephoto), President and CEO of Caliper, will be providing an update on the company’s business. The live webcast can be accessed at http://www.wsw.com/webcast/sig7/calp/ . An archived presentation will be available for 90 days.

PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT: 2008 BOSTON MARATHON

No parking on Patriot's Day 5:0 am - 12 noon


Dear Resident:

The Board of Selectmen, on behalf of the Hopkinton Police Department, wishes to inform all residents that parking motor vehicles on all public ways on Marathon Day, Monday, April 21, 2008 is prohibited in the Town from 5:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, unless vehicles have a permit issued by the Police Department. This prohibition will only be enforced on public ways critical to supporting the start of the race.

Also, the Police Department will post parking restrictions, as needed, to facilitate setting up for the race from 7:00 a.m., on the Wednesday before the race, through 5:00 a.m., on the morning of the race.

On Marathon Day, Monday, April 21, 2008, all roads in Hopkinton are closed to traffic at 7:30 a.m. The roads will re-open as soon as possible; but no later than 12:00 noon.

Sincerely yours,
Geri Holland, Executive Assistant
Town Manager’s Office 508-497-9700
geri@hopkinton.org 

83 Main Street Proposal Gets Thumbs Up From Design Review Board

New building proposed for rear of lot at 81 Main Street

February 27, 2008 — Last night the Design Review Board gave its blessing for the design presented by property owner Joe Strazzulla for an additional building on his property at 81 Main Street. Mr. Strazzulla also owns the abutting property at 85 Main Street, commonly referred to as the Old High School.

      According to Mr. Strazzulla, the building will face the parking lot and toward Main Street.

     "We're looking to build something compatible with the existing structure on the property," he said [Please hover over the photo below to see the satellite view of the existing lot superimposed].

     Mr. Strazzulla presented samples of the long-lasting, maintenance-free materials he plans to use to the Board, which is comprised of two architects as well as other professionals.

     "We'll be doing a lot of excavating to alleviate a severe drainage problem from the ball fields," he said. Carrigan Park, a Little League field, is located behind the old high school, and is frequently accessed from that property.

     "We want the lighting to be warm and friendly rather than set back and isolated," he said.

     Member Claire Wright said, "It might be reasonable to have the pole lights go off — you do have residences across the street."

      "We would have them o off at 10:00 p.m. It'll be a white light — metal halide, a warm light. They will be low-energy fixtures," he said.

      "Only one exit?" asked Mrs. Wright.

      "According to code, you don't need a second exit for this size building," said Mr. Strazzulla.

      "There's no exit in the rear," she replied.

      "There's nowhere to go [in the back]," answered Mr. Strazzulla.

      Members of the Board approved the plan as submitted.

    Please mouse-over the drawing below to reveal the existing satellite view of the property.

Support the Hopkinton Food Bank and join our local Hopkinton models: Marie Smith, Nadine Stewart, Joyce Ingrassia, Beth Maguire, Judi Allessio, Michelle Carbonneau, Maureen Missaggia, Julie Rodgers, Annabelle Champlin, Jennifer Schroeder, and Cherylann Lambert Walsh for a fun evening of fashion and friends. For tickets to the fashion show call 508-497-9388 or email hopkintonwc@verizon.net

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School Committee Moves to Decrease Expenses, Increase Revenue

Editor,

Over the past several years, the School Committee has watched as pressures have mounted on schools to meet higher standards along with increasing state mandates, all while state funding and aid to all communities have gone down.

In trying to meet these higher standards within fiscal restraints the School Committee, over the years, has cut programs, reduced staff and increased fees.
READ FULL LETTER

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Selectmen Double Their Meeting Schedule

To meet every week

by Demian David Tebaldi

February 27, 2008 — The Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Chair Muriel Kramer that said during Tuesday evening's meeting that Legacy Farms, as well as ongoing budget discussions, would be the main topics during the month of March, and that the Board would be meeting every Tuesday night during the next month from 6:30 until 10:00 to ensure that both were covered sufficiently.

 

Interviews for various open positions within the Town’s departments and committees took place during the public meeting.  Among the candidates were Ms. Della Miles of 91 Davis Road, who applied for one of two vacancies on the Veteran’s Celebration Committee; Mr. David Holly of 28 East Street and Mrs. Beverly McIntyre (Photo) of 30 Elm Street, each vying for a single vacancy within the Council on Aging, and; Ms. Deborah Kollmeyer of 11 Grove Street, who expressed an interest in an open elected position, one vacancy on the Hopkinton Housing Authority created by the recent resignation of Nancy Kelleigh.  Ms. Della Miles was voted to the position on the Veteran’s Celebration Committee; Ms. Beverly McIntyre was selected over Mr. David Holly for the position on the Council on Aging, and; Ms. Deborah Kollmeyer was appointed to the unexpired position on the Hopkinton Housing Authority, her term to come up for re-election in 2011.

 

With the 112th annual running of the Boston Marathon fast approaching on APRIL 21, 2008, one of the many discussions on the table regarded various aspects of the relationship between Hopkinton and her sister-city, Marathon, Greece.  In the planning stage was the possibility of Hopkinton receiving the eternal flame from Mayor Zagaris of Marathon, Greece, to perhaps be carried by runner from Hopkinton to Boston on the day of the race.  Selectman Mike Shepard expressed the Board’s concern that there was not enough time for the Boston Athletic Association to properly plan the event surrounding acceptance of the gift of the flame, and that it would be more appropriate to postpone acceptance of the gift until 2009, giving the B.A.A. an opportunity to plan for the care and transportation of the eternal flame.

 

Mr. Anthony Troiano (Photo) presented his bi-weekly Town Manager’s Report, passing, rather than touching, on such topics as various town department requests for legal assistance, latest developments in the Legacy Farms project, and the bulk sale of tax receivables.  Instead, Attorney Raymond Miyares of Miyares & Harrington, town counsel for Hopkinton, was called upon to give an update on the status of the agreement with Boulder Capital, and the progress made to date on various action items, with regard to Legacy Farms.  Included among the issues presented by Attorney Miyares were the well and water connection agreement, the consultant agreement, the OSMUD (Open Space and Mixed Use Development) zoning article, and the host community agreement. 

 

“There is still lots and lots of work to be done.  The negotiating team has been working very hard, Tony and Elaine in particular.  A good amount of the time that Tony has put into this process has been in fielding public input.  Representing a town in a process like this is not an easy task, as it is not as if everyone will have the same point of view of what priorities should be,” said Attorney Miyares.  A lengthy question and answer period followed Attorney Miyares’ presentation.

 

The various issues surrounding the Legacy Farms project will be presented this evening, Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium, during which time brief comments and concerns of the public will be entertained by the Board of Selectmen.

Planning Board Sends Project Back to Drawing Board - Literally

 

Red text on plan added by HopNews

 

by Robert Falcione

February 26, 2008 — Plans to build a new 10,000 ft2 building smack-dab in the middle of the parking lot behind 77 West Main Street were not well accepted at the Planning Board on Monday evening.

       Vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as rear truck deliveries, were paramount on the members' minds for the area around the new building that is promised to a tenant of the current building, Main Street Pediatrics, which wants the entire building.

     "It is a relocation of the existing tenants, so there'll be no new traffic," said engineer Robert Clark for owner Paul Mastroianni. Planning Board member Ken Weismantel did not buy the argument.

     "They wouldn't want more space if they didn't want more business. I don't believe there will not be any new trips if you are adding 10,000 square feet.

     "It appears you have two different styles of buildings. It isn't cohesive to the rest of the site," he said.

     "I don't like this plan. It is an overdevelopment of the site," said member Sandy Altamura.

     More than one member of the Board recommended adding to the existing building to make up the desired increase of floor space instead of putting a new structure in the parking lot.

     "It doesn't look too good if we vote now," said second Vice-Chair Joe Markey, implying a rejection of the proposal.

     "We would obviously request a continuance," said Mr. Clark.   

Senator Karen Spilka Champions Bill to Expand Child Protection in Massachusetts

 Senate's Child Protection Legislation Revamps State Agencies, Focuses on Care of Children


(Boston, MA) - Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) led the charge today to make comprehensive changes made within the state's child service agencies to better protect the children of the Commonwealth.
     "For our children's sake, let's pass this bill today and make these reforms reality," Senator Spilka argued in defense of the bill. "One tragedy is one tragedy too many."
      Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said the bill will both review and reform current laws related to child abuse and neglect.
      "Providing children with a happy, healthy and safe environment in which to grow is both our legal and moral obligation," the Senate President said. "This bill gives us the tools to help prevent tragedies and get children and their families on the right track."
     The legislation creates the Office of the Child Advocate, responsible for examining the quality of child services provided by state agencies and reporting directly to the Governor. In addition to an oversight and ombudsman capacity, the Child Advocate will also be charged with developing a long-term plan to further coordinate and modernize the child welfare system.
     "The new Office of the Child Advocate will report directly to the governor and have the complete picture of the state's child health and welfare services within its scope," said Senator Spilka, lead sponsor of the legislation. "This dedicated Advocate will have an investigatory and oversight role to ensure that our children receive timely and effective services as well as humane and dignified treatment.
     "In addition, we have undertaken the historic task of updating and improving the Commonwealth's foster care system," Senator Spilka added. "Along with other important provisions contained within the bill, these changes represent a tremendous opportunity to better serve the children of Massachusetts."
     Under this legislation, the foster care system sees considerable improvements. The bill extends support for those "aging out" of the system, allowing services to continue for children-turned-adults between the ages of 18-22. Also, in addition to the tuition that is already provided, foster care children will receive fee waivers at all state universities and colleges.
     Additionally, the bill establishes a foster care registry to track the success of foster parents in the state system. The system can search for relatives or other adult persons who have positively influenced a child's life.
     The bill also makes several changes and improvements within the Department of Social Services, seeking to change its name to the Department of Children and Families and targeting issues of racial inequality within the department.
     Another reform includes the creation of a commission to study the status of grandparents raising their grandchildren.
     "This is a landmark piece of legislation that constitutes a long-overdue, comprehensive reform of our laws related to child abuse and neglect," Senator Spilka said. "Through a careful review of the nation's best child welfare practices, and in close consultation with the individuals and agencies charged with keeping our children safe, we have created a bill that will immediately and immeasurably improve the health, safety and protection of all the Commonwealth's children."
     The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for further action.

TOWN CLERK
Ann M. Click

Town Clerk Office Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Tuesday 8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

REMINDER FOR HOPKINTON DOG OWNERS
To avoid a $25.00 late fee any dogs six months or older
owned or kept by Hopkinton residents must be licensed
by April 1 each year. Licenses may be obtained in person
or by returning the mail-in form included with the annual
census. To apply by mail include the form, the fee and
a copy of the up to date rabies certificate.

Water Levels Lift Some Restrictions

 

Ground water levels at our well fields have finally again reached normal levels. We will be reverting back to a voluntary outdoor use restriction until May 1, 2008. At that time our State mandated water use restrictions will again take effect and we will send out notification prior to May with the detailed information.  

 

We would like to thank you for your cooperation throughout the late summer and fall when we encountered the second driest period ever recorded.  We are now in the midst of what could be the wettest February every recorded but as we have seen lately, things can change quickly.

 

We would like to remind everyone to please check out our website @ www.hopkinton.org/water for conservation tips both in the home and outside. We will also be looking at water conservations programs, which include rain barrels, free water saver kits and other possible new initiatives for the spring.

 

Eric J. Carty, Water-Sewer Manager       

Hopkinton DPW, 85 Wood St., PO BOX 171, Hopkinton, MA 01748

www.hopkinton.org,  508-497-9765 P 508-497-9767 F

Little League Sponsorship Deadline Extended

Download form to sponsor team

Last chance to sponsor a Hopkinton Little League Team
 Team Sponsorship includes Sponsor

Name on back of team's shirts,
 • Sponsorship Sign

 • Name listed on website

Appreciation Plaque with team picture.

Please contact Maura Stanley at maurastanley@verizon.net or
508-981-0089 by 2/29/08.

 

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FOOD              FOOD              FOOD              FOOD            FOOD

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