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"The News Starts Here!"

24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748  508.435.5534

Editor@HopNews.com

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Selectmen Vote to Support Planning Board as Special Permit Authority for OSMUD

March 17, 2008 — "We are better served by not contributing to some kind of turf war," said Selectman Michael Shepard, leading to his statement in support of the Board choosing the Planning Board as the Special Permit authority for the OSMUD Zoning District at Legacy Farms proposed by Boulder Capital. Some communications have suggested that the Board of Appeals would be more suited for issuing permits for the uses of property.

     The Planning Board will eventually vote on a Master Plan for the 720 acres that will house 940 residential dwelling units as well as 450,000 square feet of commercial/retail. There are a variety of uses that will be voted on in the zoning changes that will be before Town Meeting in May, or at a Special Town Meeting at a later date.

     Mr. Shepard said the recommendation originated with Town Counsel Ray Miyares, and made a motion to support the concept, which the other two Selectmen in attendance agreed to.

Much Wearin' o' the Green

March 17, 2008 — The Senior Center served over 150 meals to senior citizens at lunch today. People 60 and over are qualified as seniors for these purposes, but it appeared a few may have had fake id's.

Police News UP-TO-DATE  Today, March 17, 2008

 

 

7:40 am There were several calls reporting that a deer had been hit and had a broken leg...

 

11:03 pm A caller reported an under age drinking party on Laurel Canyon Road....

 

10:10 pm A caller from Hearthstone Road reported a ding dong ditch...

 

6:35 pm There were multiple 911 calls regarding a motor vehicle driving slowly around the Charlesview development.  

 

Please Click link above for complete Police News.

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Compiled by Eric Montville for HopNews.com, March 10, 2008

Address

Buyer

Price

Date

Seller

8 Summer Street Shawn McGuinness $325,000 Mar. 14, 2008 Steven J. Nagle & Maria T. Nagle
9 Pinecrest Village Estela A. Shingleton $157, 335 Mar. 14, 2008 Bryan R. Kindl
20 Forest Lane Marie P. Lucking $335,000 Mar. 11, 2008 Kathleen C. Kilduff
Previous update:        
9 Connelly Hill Road Andrew Martone & Carolyn Martone $1,099,900 Mar. 05, 2008 Connelly LLC

See Full List back to February 1,  2007

Link above is renewed each week

Lasting Memories in Little League Brick Project

 

Families wishing to make a lasting impact in the community may purchase a brick with their family name on it as part of the Hopkinton Little League’s Buy-A-Brick fundraising program.


March 17, 2008 — Hopkinton Little League’s ongoing brick fundraising project is a meaningful way to raise money for one of the largest community programs in Hopkinton while creating a long lasting tribute that kids are sure to remember.
      Funds generated from the brick program will be used toward new dugouts and ongoing field improvements. Small brick pavers engraved with family names and other messages are now part of a new walkway in front of the concession stand at Carrigan Park ready for action when the 2008 HLL baseball season opens with the traditional parade on Sunday, April 6.
     According to league president Pat Mahon, Phase II of the initiative will include an extension of the walkway at Carrigan Park. Mahon credits Adam West and Warren Whittles for their wonderful work installing the walkway as well as Scott Richardson for the design.
     The Hopkinton Little League includes 1,100 boys and girls who play baseball and softball well into mid-summer. If you would like to “buy” a brick with your family name on it and contribute to a lasting memory for your children, contact Lynn McCluskey at lynnmccluskey@comcast.net  or check with any coach for more information.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Corned Beef and Cabbage at Following Locations:

• Lunch and Dinner at Cornell's with Entertainment by Greg Brady in the Evening

• Lunch and Dinner at Ciao Time

• Lunch at Golden Spoon

 A message from the  Hopkinton Youth Commission

Become Informed About

Underage Substance Use in Hopkinton

 Join an open meeting for parents organized by the Hopkinton Youth Commission

 Tuesday March 18th at 7PM

Upstairs at the Fire Station 

Dear Parents,

      Risky behaviors (a.k.a. drinking/drugs at houses when parents are away) continues as it has in the past. 

     As parents, we should discuss this with our kids as a learning opportunity:

*   What is the law?  Social host, youth drinking, etc

*   How did you address this with your kids?  What should you be saying to your kids?

*   What steps can/should you take to reduce the likelihood your kids will be doing the same?

     District Attorney Gerry Leone (File photo) will be in attendance along with other community members to help answer your questions and listen to your suggestions.

     Studies show that parents are the biggest influence on a child's decision to use alcohol or drugs. 

     Please attend and try to become more educated about the laws and what's going on in town, and how to talk to your children to prevent drug and alcohol use.

      Please join us for an evening of discussion Tuesday night at 7PM Upstairs at the Fire Station. Questions – Please contact   Ron Foisy  435-9127  ron_foisy@msn.com

See you there. The Youth Commission

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What's With the Message Over Some of the Photos?

     Readers may notice a message that appears over some of the photos, making it easy for people to see our phone number for contacting us to purchase copies of our copyrighted photos. To avoid seeing the message when reading HopNews, scroll the page with the cursor in the red area, or with the scroll bar, or at least outside of the area of the images.

      We hope you continue to enjoy the photos generated by two talented photographers. ~ Editor 

HAA and BAA Help MSO to Kick off Hopkinton's Boston Marathon Week~ 2008

April 13th, 3:00PM

Hopkinton High School Auditorium


 

March 17, 2008 — The Hopkinton and Boston Athletic Associations proudly present Dr Peter L Cokkinias leading the MSO in the 2nd Annual Boston Marathon Kickoff Concert. The performance will kick off Hopkinton’s Marathon Week, a week of events leading up to the 112th running of the Boston Marathon, the worlds oldest and finest! The performance will take place in Hopkinton High School's beautiful Auditorium on Sunday, April 13th, 3:00PM, 90 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, MA.
     The unveiling of the newly forged Alfano Sculpture of George V Brown, Hopkinton’s First Citizen of Sport, will highlight the afternoon. George V. Brown’s involvement in Boston Marathon, US Olympic, and Ice Hockey is legendary in sport’s history.
     The MSO will perform an array of orchestral masterpieces including Mars from the The Planets, Stravinsky’s Firebird, and Suppe’s Light Cavalry Overture. A guest celebrity “conductor” will make an appearance to lead the symphony in a rousing march.
     Our special Guest Artist, Veteran Marathoner and Concert Pianist, Ronald Kmiec, will perform the majestic Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1. This performance will honor Kmiec’s 35th consecutive running of the Boston Marathon.
     In collaboration with the Art Institute of New England, the MSO will play the World Premier of Chris Florio’s “Nenikékamen,” a piece depicting Greek soldier Pheidippides’ legendary run from the plains of Marathon to Athens with the news of the astounding victory over the superior Persian army. Florio will also create a spectacular interactive multimedia presentation to compliment the evening’s performance.
      Tickets prices are $15 for Adults, $6 for Students and Seniors, Children under 12 are always free. They may be purchased at the door or through our website at www.metrowestsymphony.org . For further information or ticket reservations and purchases, visit our website, or email tickets@metrowestsymphony.org.
       This concert is presented by the Hopkinton and Boston Athletic Associations, the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, and funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, an agency that funds your local cultural council, and by the generosity of many donors in your community.
       The whole family will enjoy this event - come and celebrate Hopkinton’s Marathon Week kickoff event with the MSO!

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$5,000 for Food Pantry

To the Editor:
     The Hopkinton Women's Club Spring Fashion Show was held at the Hopkinton Country Club on March 11th. The event raised over $5,000 for the Hopkinton Food Pantry which is managed within Project Just Because for residents of
Hopkinton.
     On behalf of the Hopkinton Women's Club, many thanks to the businesses who were the ad sponsors, and those that gave us gift certificates, discounts or services in support of the Fashion Show. READ FULL LETTER...

Transients

March 16, 2008 — These white-winged black-tipped ducks stopped by North Pond, known as Lake Maspenock, on Sunday with another dozen of their friends.

Accountability and Consequences

 

 

Editor:

     Recent events in town demonstrate the challenges parents face in keeping their kids safe from drugs and alcohol. We have new data now that demonstrates the risks for teens who use alcohol or drugs. It should not be seen as simply ‘a rite of passage for teens’. Consider these facts:
     • The younger kids start drinking, the more likely they are to become addicted
     • Kids who drink are far more likely to drive drunk, have sex, and experiment with other drugs.
     • More than 65% of all sexual assaults and date rape of teens and college students involve alcohol
     • Regular marijuana use causes memory problems and increases the risk of developing a serious mental illness.
     • Alcohol is the leading killer of teens.

As parents, we need to do everything we can to protect our children from alcohol and drugs. If and when they make the wrong decision, they need to be held accountable for their actions so that they learn there are consequences for those actions. The Hopkinton Police Department and the Hopkinton School staff are committed to work in partnership with parents to help keep our kids safe. READ FULL LETTER...

Hopkinton Democrats Elect Officers

 

The Hopkinton Democratic Town committee elected officers at a meeting held at the Hopkinton Fire Department on Thursday, March 13.  Ed Mills was elected to chair the Committee for a two year term.  Jo-Ann Morgan was elected as Vice Chair and Dave Morgan was elected as Treasurer.  Mary Arnaut and Dick Duggan were elected respectively as Recording and Corresponding Secretaries.    

 

Thirty nine members elected on the ballot in the February 5, along with six life members and one associate member constitute the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee. 
 

The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee is the local unit of the Democratic Party.  It meets monthly except July and August and the meetings are open to all who are interested.  The committee works to promote the Democratic Party and its candidates.  For more information on the Committee contact Dick Duggan 508-435-4007 or dduggan47@gmail.com.

Woodville Rock and Gun Club

March 15, 20078 — The five-piece band Emerald City featuring Hopkinton's Steve Spector and sister Sarah rocked the Woodville Rod and Gun Club Saturday evening for the benefit of the Cultural Arts Alliance.

GO TEAM

March 15, 2008 — During Saturday's Special Olympics vs. Hopkinton Police basketball game, above, School Resource Officer Phillip Powers gives a pep talk to athletes while Dispatcher Luis Gonzalez whoops it up in the background. Below, Sgt. Charles Wallace guards his goal against an incoming Special Olympian.

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BINGO!

March 15, 2008 — Karen Carver and Meghan Herlihy, 8, and brother Andrew, 4, learn about Bingo at the Family Fun Day Health & Fitness Fair that took place at the High School Athletic Center and Cafeteria on Saturday.

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Hopkinton Girls Compete at National Indoor Track Finals

New record set

Pictured above Mollie Morningstar, Cait Dourney, Cecily Boyce, and Mollie Kessler at the Armory Track and Field Center in NYC after competing in the National Indoor Finals.

 

March 15, 2008 — On Friday, members of the Hopkinton High School girls track team, Mollie Morningstar, Cait Dourney, Cecily Boyce and Mollie Kessler competed in NYC at the National Indoor Track finals.  Running in the sprint medley the girls set new school and TVL records, crushing the previous record by eight seconds.  “The girls did a tremendous job competing” said Head Coach Brian Hall.  Overall the girl’s medley team came in 19th in the country.

Help Friends of the Seniors Insure Special Van

Local man to run for cause

 

Helping our parents and elders age gracefully is something that many of us are challenged with these days.   For many seniors, even their daily "stuff of life" (shopping, etc.) often becomes a challenge as their mobility begins to diminish. 

 

The Friends of the Hopkinton Senior Citizens is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to raise funds that will help educate, organize, promote, and support services that enhance the well-being, quality of life, and independence of our Hopkinton Senior Citizens.   Their specific focus is on transportation services and nutrition programs - neither of which are funded through the town's Council on Aging budget.

 

This marathon season, the Friends are working with a local auto dealership to obtain a van, fully wheel-chair enabled, to provide the Hopkinton Seniors with transportation assistance to help them maintain their quality of life and independence.  Of course, vans need insurance - roughly $1500 per year - and that is where you and I can help.  

 

In a little over a month, I will be running the Boston Marathon on behalf of the Hopkinton Senior Citizens and their Friends organization.  I would greatly appreciate any support you can provide to help achieve this objective - please remember, any amount helps!   All donations are tax deductible - checks should be made payable to "Friends of the Hopkinton Senior Citizens) and sent to me at:

Peter Dittman

6 Third Rd.

Hopkinton, MA 01748

You can follow the progress against my goal at: http://www.senior_friends.troop4hopkinton.org

Easter Bunny to visit Hopkinton

11:00 a.m. March 22, 2008

Town Common

 

     The Easter Bunny makes his annual visit to Hopkinton on Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 for the Park and Recreation's Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The event will be held at 11:00 AM on the Town Common. The Easter Egg Hunt is for Hopkinton pre-school to 2nd grade children.
     Please bring your own basket or bag to collect the candy and "Special Prize Eggs". We ask parents not to pick up eggs prior to the start of the event.
     There is no registration or fee for this event and we will try to give candy to all children that attend.
Please note that the Easter Bunny will appear on the common, weather permitting, and that parents are welcome to take pictures with the bunny.
     For more information please call Parks and Recreation at 497-9750 between 10 AM and 1 PM on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
     If there is inclement weather, children can greet the Bunny and receive a treat at Hopkinton Drug Store.

George V. Brown Statue Cast

Above is the hand with pistol that will be a part of the finished statue.

March 14, 2008 — The statue designed by Hopkinton Sculptor Michael Alfano of George V. Brown has been cast and will be unveiled at the Concert of the MetroWest Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at Hopkinton High School. Mr. Brown is credited with bringing hockey to Boston and was the first in a long line of Brown family members to fire the starter's pistol at the start of the Boston Marathon.

Senator Spilka Testifies Against $10M in Turnpike Money Being Used for Boston Greenway

 

BOSTON - In a tone that was respectful but firm, Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) today stated that she supports the overall goal of Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi's bill to transfer control of the Central Artery Parks away from the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, but requested that the $10 million currently slated to come from the Turnpike to help pay for the Boston park be removed.

     "To expect my constituents, the toll payers of the MetroWest, to bear any more of these costs is outrageous and unfair," Senator Spilka stated.  "It is not acceptable."

     Senator Spilka went on to draw parallels for the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, asking if they thought it would be fair if fees from municipal parking garages in Brookline or Acton were expected to pay for a park that benefited primarily Boston residents.

     "If this is truly a statewide benefit, we should find statewide funding solutions, including taking from the general fund, reserves, or the gas tax," Spilka argued. 

     "The turnpike is already telling us that they don't have enough funding for it's own operation."  Spilka continued.  "The Turnpike doesn't have a money tree.  Where is the money going to come from?  From my constituents.  We need to take this plan off the table and keep hands out of the toll payers pockets."

HELP WANTED:

Coordinator for the YMCA's T-ball program that will be running this spring.
The hours are Saturday Mornings from beginning the end of April and running until the end of June.
Some would need to have baseball skills, and enjoys working and teaching younger children
Please Contact:
John D. Barclay, Branch Executive Director, MetroWest YMCA at Hopkinton
45 East Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748, 508-435-9345 ext 14, jbarclay@metrowestymca.org

Liftoff

MArch 14, 2008 — This male mallard duck might be a bit embarrassed if he could see his awkward posture as he gains lift before flight in Little Pond at the southern end of Lake Whitehall today.

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Thank You, Firefighters

March 14, 2008 — Girl Scout Troop 2962 offered the Hopkinton Firefighters a thank-you card this afternoon as part of their Girl Scout Week. According to Leader Margie Wiggin, the girls also made Swedish food as part of their Thinking Day.

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Time to make the Syrup

March 14, 2008 — Ron Yankee of Pond Street boils down maple sap the way they did when the surrounding land was farmed, and cows may have used his farmer's pond on the background. After a ratio of 40:1, the remaining sap will be boiled more gently to make the desired maple syrup.

Hopkinton Police Association

 vs.

Hopkinton Special Olympics

Basketball Game

March 15th

Noon

Hopkinton Middle School

All Are Welcome

 

The Hopkinton Police Association Police Association will be holding the Second Annual Police vs. Special Olympics Basketball Game Saturday March 15th at NOON at the Middle School. All are welcome to support both the HPD and the HSO.  (File Photo).

Richard deMont Takes Out Papers for School Committee

March 13, 2008 — Board of Health member Richard deMont took out nomination papers today, and a HopNews photographer happened to be in Town Hall to capture the moment. Mr. deMont, a Democrat, said if he is elected, he will give up his seat on the Board of Health, which he says he has held for around 10 years.

      "I saw there was an opening," he said, "Normally, I'd want to fill out my term. I didn't want to jump into a race with an incumbent," he said.

      "As an attorney, I'd bring that skill set to the Committee. I've had an interest in educational issues. I spent six years as a trustee of a Montessori school.

      "I finished college and law school at night. I appreciate the value of an education," he said.

      "The challenges we face are to deliver a high quality education within the constraints of a budgetary system. So much of the budget is spoken for — with teacher contracts and infrastructure. So the remaining cuts affect the kids.

       "The solution is to find more revenue and find ways to cut expenses without cutting programs."

ELECTION 2008       It's a Race!

March 13, 2008 — Republican Mark Gates has taken out nomination papers for a three-year stint with the Board of Health. He opposes incumbent Nancy Peters, a Democrat. Please check out the Election 2008 button above at any time for an update on who is running, and the election dates.

Intramural Floor Hockey Championships

March 13, 2008 — The intramural floor hockey team, The Legends of the Lot, won the right to play the teachers, and come out on top this afternoon at the High School Athletic Center. The names of the teams above are unknown. Photo by Eric Montville.

Appropriations Committee Wants to See Cuts

March 13, 2008 — The Appropriations Committee met Wednesday evening and looked for ways to understand and communicate the budget they are supposed to get next week. The Selectmen will be devoting some, if not all, of Tuesday's meeting to the budget.

        "We could balance the budget on available revenues," said long-time Committee member, Ron Eldridge. If people wanted an override, people would have to ask for it on Town Meeting floor," he said.

      "If there is a [money] number with no backup, then you have to come up with a number immediately," said Chairman Joe Karner, arguing for a two-budget scenario for Town Meeting.

      "What about communicating our message to the Selectmen?" asked Marylou Haroian.

      "The Selectmen want us to take the potential heat," said member Rick Moberg.

      "Next Tuesday we have to be clear and crisp," said Mr. Eldridge. "To Phil's [Totino, member of School Committee] point, we have a negotiated budget and we say, 'Here it is.'" Chief Financial Officer Heidi Kriger weighed in on perceived confusion over the Town Manager's budget presentation.

       "He [Town Manager Anthony Troiano] wants the Selectmen to give him guidance and they want him to give them guidance," she said.

        Mr. Troiano then joined the meeting.

       "We're talking about how to get from here to there and come up with a budget and recommend an override or not," he said to Mr. Troiano.

        Mr. Totino said, "You should get together with Jack, Tom, Gary, JT, and say 'that's not workable.'" He was referring to a meeting the group would like Mr. Troiano to have with Superintendent Dr. John Phelan, Chief of Police Thomas Irvin, Fire Chief Gary Daugherty, and Director of Public Works, JT Gaucher on Monday where each would give up some of their "wants."

        "Brian [Selectman Brian Herr] and I are going to meet tonight and hammer things out," Mr. Troiano said.

        "Not good," said Mr. Moberg. The group recommended to Mr. Troiano that he meets with only the aforementioned individuals and keep the politics out of it.

        "We've got one more bite at the apple," said Mr. Eldridge. "If I can help you I'd be more than happy to."

        "There are department managers that are not happy, and there's nothing I can do to bring them into the circle," Mr. Troiano said. "Historically, some of them have taken it on the chin."

         The group wants to see cuts in the proposed budget.

        "Maybe you have to give up the Youth Director," said Mrs. Haroian of a position that has not been funded with town money before.

        "The Charter says you present your budget and get everyone around the table and have this discussion," said Mr. Eldridge.

         "We need to have a coalition," said Mr. Troiano.

         "If we can do it without people who have political interests, we could work it out'" he said.

         "Keep the politicians out of the room," said Mr. Totino.

         "This is going to be a professional staff meeting," said Mr. Troiano.

         Selectman Brian Herr then joined the meeting.

         After hearing some of the conversation, Mr. Herr said that he was on the phone all day with people and that he would present a budget to his fellow Selectmen on Tuesday.

         Mr. Karner advised against it.

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On the Catwalk

March 12, 2008 — Annebel Champlin takes her turn on the runway at the Hopkinton Country Club Tuesday evening for the Women's Club's Fashion Show/Food Pantry Benefit.

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Please visit our discussion page

 

FROM THE DISCUSSION PAGE:

 

Remembering Mrs. Nealon

 

From: R. Macmillan
Date: 12 Mar 2008
Time: 10:01:43 -0700
Remote Name: 68.162.244.174

Comments

Upon learning of the passing of Mary B. Nealon I was saddened, then reminded of what a wonderful person she was. Always willing to help, be it for a fishing license at the "home" office (Church Street even before Hayden Rowe), or explaining municipal duties to a newly appointed town official, she was the model of decorum, tact and patience. She set a fine example for department heads, and was always generous with her time and wisdom. Working with Mrs. Nealon helped make public service rewarding. Now that she has gone to be with Bob, she leaves as fine a family as you could meet, and a town that is a better community for what she has done over the years. Thanks Bunnie.

Bailey, Riel Qualify For NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship

Competition begins Friday

  

Chestnut Hill, Mass. – Sophomore Caitlin Bailey and senior Tiana Riel, a native of Hopkinton, Mass. (File photo), were accepted into the 2008 Indoor Track & Field Championship, the NCAA announced Monday.

 

Sixteen Division I collegiate athletes were chosen to participate in each of the NCAA’s 34 indoor track events. Qualifying times were established during the regular season.

 

Riel, who broke the 4,000-point mark in the pentathlon for the first time in her career on Saturday, was accepted into the Championships with the 13th-highest point mark in the nation. She now ranks second on BC’s all-time performance list with her 4,015 points. This is her first trip to the championship.

 

“I'm really excited about competing at that level of competition,” Riel said. “It's like the bowl game of track and field! I've worked really hard to get to this point and can't wait to just sit back and enjoy the experience.”

 

Bailey, who is now BC’s record-holder in the 800m, qualified automatically for the 800m race with her time of 2:05.24. She ranks sixth in the nation with the time she clocked at this past weekend’s ECAC Championship. This is Bailey’s second consecutive trip to the indoor NCAAs.

 

“This past weekend, I just gave it (the 800m race) everything that I had,” Bailey said. “I know my training has put me ahead of where I was last year, and I am now just happy to be going to the championships. I just want to keep my heart and mind in check and trust that I am in shape to race the way I want to race.”

 

The 2008 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship will be held on March 14 and 15 at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark. Live stats will be made available through the University of Arkansas website at http://www.ladybacks.com/.

Health and Fitness Fair
Hopkinton High School

March 15, 2008
10:00 – 2:00

Sponsored by Hopkinton Public Schools Wellness Department
Children’s activities and games! • Health/Fitness Information • Cholesterol/Blood Pressure checks •   Protecting your skin from sun damage • Nutrition • Relaxation • and much, much more!!
There’s something for everyone!

 Seen the new look in the Calendar lately?

Our Calendar has recently become pictorial, in order to conform with the illustrative nature of the rest of HopNews. The Calendar is updated daily, so please take advantage of this resource that Eric spends hours on each week keeping up-to-date.

 

 

 

 

March 14 Have pizza with State Senator Karen Spilka 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm @ Bill's Pizza. Have a conversation with State Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), who is holding an informal office hour for the residents of Hopkinton to discuss issues of importance to them. All constituents are encouraged to stop by and meet the Senator in person, as well as raise any questions, concerns or ideas they may have. Any resident unable to attend should feel free to contact the Senator's State House office at (617) 722-1640 at any time.

 

 

 

March 15 Spend an evening with Emerald City featuring Steve Spector and with special guests Katrin Roush 7:00 pm @ Woodville Rod & Gun Club. Tickets: $25.00, available by calling the CAA at 508-435-9222. visit the CAA website at www.caahopkinton.org. All proceeds of this show benefit the CAA.

 

 

 

March 15 CAA hosts Kids Comedy Show 10:00 am @ Hopkinton High School Auditorium. Juggling, magic, unicycle tricks and comedy. Featuring Chuckles the Kids Komic. Tickets $5.00 per person, available at the door.  After the show visit the Annual Wellness Fair and Family Fun Day in the lower level of the High School.

 

March 15 Wake Up and Smell the Poetry 10:30 am - 12:30 pm @ HCAM Studios. Featuring Bg Thurston, Dorothy Stone and Nancy Hewitt. Free admission, free coffee, scones donated by Sauce on Main. Open Mic (advance sign up) for songs, poems and spoken word. www.hcam.tv for seating, open mic and information.

 

March 15 Family Fun Day Health & Fitness Fair 10:00 am - 2:00 pm @ Hopkinton High School. Sponsored by Hopkinton Public Schools Wellness Department. Children's activities and games. Health/Fitness Information. Cholesterol/Blood Pressure checks. Protecting your skin from sun damage. Music, Prizes. Nutrition, relaxation and much, much more. There is something for everyone!

 

March 15 ESL will be kicking off the next Hopkinton Idol season with a special concert featuring the 2007 winners on Saturday, March 15. Sasha Yatchenko, last year’s very talented winner, will be headlining the concert, which will also feature performances by second and third place winners Joanna Schell and Amber Manter, and piano accompaniment by Bob Nicoll. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at ESL’s intimate studio at 30 Main Street in Hopkinton. Tickets are $10.00. Hopkinton Idol 2008 will again be a joint effort between ESL and HCAM-TV and auditions will be held Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. at HCAM. The live competitions will be on Thursday nights beginning May 1 and concluding on June 6. More details will be forthcoming and will be posted on ESL’s website www.enterstagelefttheater.com .

Thanks for the Memories

Hopkinton High School Hockey Team held a banquet on March 10. Above, senior boys pose for a photo.

L-R Mike Curtin, CJ Younis, Phil Calderone, PJ Burnham, Pat Shea, Ben Carroll, Chris Lapp, Ricky Odell, Jake Krilovich and Mike Preite.

Manhunt  --> <-- Video

Readers: Thank you for turning to HopNews for the latest news on Tuesday during the manhunt. Although the sheer volume was apparently difficult for the server to handle, more than 5,000 visits were recorded yesterday. We appreciate the trust from both readers and advertisers that HopNews is committed to timeliness and accuracy. At the same time, the long time in the field between visits to the office yesterday gives us some reason to seriously consider the possibility of updating remotely. That's next.

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Selectmen Hear Department Wants

"I am not going to vote for a $1 million override" ~ Selectman Vice-Chair Mary Pratt

"If we come up with a figure for an override, it will be up to the voters" ~ Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John E. Phelan

 

March 12, 2008 — The Selectmen devoted an entire evening to the budget discussion, but ended with no firm figure to grasp despite a near-midnight adjournment. There were twofold major issues.

      Early on in the meeting, Selectman Brian Herr asked Town Manager Anthony Troiano to define a "level-service" and a "level-funded" budget. Mr. Troiano asked him to be patient, because his presentation should answer the question. But at the end of the meeting, it appeared that there was still no consensus on those definitions. A level-service budget, as bandied about at this and at several recent meetings, would mean something different to each department, based on how they operate.

      Mr. Troiano had asked for a level-service and a level-funded budget from each department, but said that he added 2.5% for the Proposition 2½ allowance, the limit a municipality may increase each year without going to the ballot box.

      "The legislature allows a 2½% increase; it is not required," said Selectmen Michael Shepard. In addition to the 2½ % increase that Hopkinton traditional passes along, this year has seen additional money from growth of residential home building, and the addition of them to the tax roles.

      Resident and former Board of Appeals member Vascen Bogigian stepped up to talk about the homeowners' tax burden, and complained that he paid 2.5 times more in taxes for his Hopkinton home than at his Falmouth home, although the values are similar.

      "Falmouth has a lot of second homes down there to help pay for the kids that go to school," answered Selectman Michael Shepard.

       "The notion that we can get away without an override is not acceptable to me," said Selectman Brian Herr. Mr. Herr asked about a balanced budget.

       "It's only balanced with an override," said Mr. Troiano. "You can direct the schools to submit a budget with available funds," he said.

       "That's what we did in January," said Selectman Chair Muriel Kramer. This was the other major issue, more like a bone of contention.

       Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John E. Phelan said, "Our impression was if we looked at cost reductions and consolidation, it was our hope that we would all commit to level services." The School Department did not submit a budget for level-funded, or available funds. Earlier in the evening, they presented a host of measures they have made to cut costs and share services, such as a Technology Director. One Selectman complained that although the Director was shared, it was only for one year, and the funding was still a line item in the Town's budget, one that would not be cut.

        "We don't want to submit less than level-service, because it would be disadvantageous to our students," Dr. Phelan said.

         Vice-Chair Mary Pratt said that the departments needed to submit budgets from available funds in case an override does not pass.

         Mr. Shepard complained that he DPW and Council on Aging did not show more cuts.

        "What do you want to send to Appropriations?" asked Mrs. Kramer.

        "A near-level services budget," said Mr. Herr.

        "I want to pick up the discussion and target a dollar amount. I want to see a number we can defend," she said.

       "They're not going to tell you what  they're going to eliminate," Mr. Troiano said.

       "I am not going to vote for a $1 million override," said Mrs. Pratt.

       The Selectmen will discuss the budget again next Tuesday before sending it to the Appropriations Committee.

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CAPTURED PRISONER IDENTIFIED

 

At 4:50 pm the suspect was found hiding inside a residential garage located within the search perimeter. Two Massachusetts State Police Troopers aided by a k9 placed the suspect in custody and transferred him to a member of the Hopkinton Police Department.

The arrested person has been identified as
40 year old Joseph Patrick Gately. Mr. Gately is a current resident of Mississippi.

He is being charged with:

Breaking and Entering in the Daytime with Intent to Commit a Felony
3 Counts of Receiving Stolen Property
Use of a Motor Vehicle in the Commission of a Felony
Fail to Stop for a Police Officer
Driving to Endanger
Using a Motor Vehicle With Out Authority
Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident

Press Release From Schools and Police

Above, cruiser gets winched out of a muddy field on Clinton Street while the suspect was at large.

Dorothy F. Hodgdon, 71,

UPTON - Dorothy F. Hodgdon, 71, died Tuesday March 11, 2008 in Framingham. She was the wife of George Hodgdon, to whom she was married for 52 years.

Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late James and Louise (Driscoll) Gorman. She was employed for many years as a nurse's aid and had lived in Hopkinton for over 40 years. Arrangements complete

Captured!

March 11, 2008 — Above, Hopkinton Police Officer John Moran driving and Sgt. Joseph Bennett bring in the suspect (Rear behind passenger) after hours of a manhunt that included the help of the Massachusetts State Police Canine and Air Wings as well as Holliston, Southborough, and Ashland Police departments.

       Hopkinton Officer Gregg DeBoer returned to the station and positively identified the suspect as the driver who fled when he pulled him over shortly after 11:00 am today.

       "We believe he was involved in multiple breaks in several towns," said Sgt. Bennett this afternoon after the capture. "He stayed in the woods for 6 hours," said Sgt. Bennett. "We established a perimeter that he was not able to escape.

        "Two State Troopers and a canine took him into custody," he said.

MANHUNT

Below, from left, Ashland Sergeant Gregg Wildman and Ashland Lt. Richard Briggs, Hopkinton Sgt. Charles Wallace and Sgt. Joseph Bennett.

     According to police sources, as Holliston Police responded to a house alarm this morning, Hopkinton Officer Gregg DeBoer attempted to pull over a vehicle in Hopkinton, but the man fled his vehicle. The man is described as having salt and pepper hair and a blue windbreaker. 30-40 years-old. The suspect allegedly stole a motor vehicle and ditched it on Westfield Road. Ashland Police as well as State police canine and air wing joined into the search.

      All Hopkinton Schools were locked down and dismissal was delayed for an hour.

UPDATE: Hopkinton Police have sent a second CTY call to residents in the area to inform then that they believe the subject to have made his escape by making a cell phone call to an accomplice. 

Below, canine Trooper with dog on Alprilla Farm Road after the report of a man fitting the description of the suspect was seen on that road.

State Police Helicopter joined in the search, left to refuel and returned.

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