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Selectmen Candidates Roundtable sponsored by HopNews 7:00 pm at 77 Main Street For those attending in the audience, please come 15 minutes early. |
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School Committee School Budget Increase of $1,286,690 • School choice nixed • "Hughes Stadium" and "Dick Bliss Court" named
by Derek Dobachesky May 1, 2009 — The
Hopkinton School Committee finalized its fiscal year 2010 budget
proposal at its regular meeting on Thursday, April 30, nearly finishing
a process that started back in September. "I think it's a
budget we feel pretty comfortable with," Committee Vice Chair Phil
Totino said. The final budget
proposal, which will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting on May 4-6,
reflects an increase of $1,286,690 Concerns about an
unexpected cost of $182,107 for a new special education student were
addressed after the last meeting on April 16, when members of the Board
of Selectman assured the Committee that they would provide funding for
the cost. The Committee also
addressed renewal of Hopkinton Public Schools food service contract,
school choice for 2009-2010 and the naming of school facilities during
its new business section. The meeting was chaired by Totino, since
Committee Chair Nancy Alvarez Burdick was not in attendance. The Committee
rejected allowing school choice students to attend Hopkinton Public
Schools. Committee members stated that the public largely expressed
opposition when school choice was addressed the prior year, and there
likely would be opposition again if the Committee indicated it was
seriously considering allowing school choice students. Member Richard de
Mont voted against the motion to reject school choice students, while
Totino and members David Stoldt and Rebecca Robak voted in favor.
The Committee voted unanimously to name two athletic facilities after coaches. The football stadium will be named Hughes Stadium, after Dave Hughes (File photo), and the court in Brown Gym will be named Dick Bliss Court after Bliss. Committee members stated they were naming the facilities after the coaches due to the longevity of their careers and their impact on Hopkinton student-athletes.
After hearing an
update on the strategic plan working group from Superintendent John
Phelan and unanimously adopting an updated Curriculum Development and
Adoption Policy, the Committee heard MacDonald's report and
recommendation on a proposed town meeting article on Energy Management. The Committee had
planned to introduce an article at the town meeting next week,
cosponsored by the Board of Selectman, to contract an energy manager to
help improve school facilities to lower costs through energy
efficiencies. However, MacDonald recommended the Committee dismiss this
article because a new energy plan would be less costly. NSTAR, a gas and
electricity utility company, has already provided a free evaluation of
Hopkinton Public Schools' facilities, using federal Green Communities
Act funding. NSTAR has offered to begin working on the facilities this
summer. The company will subsidize around 50 percent of the cost of the
capital improvements, as well as provide financing over a period of 24
months at no interest. MacDonald said he anticipated that, initially,
the cost of the program would be offset by the energy The Committee will meet at the Annual Town meeting on May 4-6, at 7 p.m. each night in the Middle School Auditorium. It will hold its next regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14. |
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Hopkinton Officials Discuss Flu Protocols "If you have flu symptoms, stay home." Town Moderator Bruce Karlin on reverse 911 today None sick in Hopkinton
by Robert Falcione April 30, 2009 — Hopkinton public safety, school and health officials, as well as Town Moderator Dr. Bruce Karlin, met in Town Hall this afternoon to discuss preparedness strategies and protocol checklist for mobilization in case of an outbreak of the swine flu in Hopkinton. The body of high-level officials brain-stormed about which groups in Hopkinton needed to be informed of ways to avoid spreading the disease. Sick students and teachers staying away from school was one group's solution. Superintendent of Schools, Jack Phelan sent a letter to parents today with a checklist of proper behaviors to help avoid getting and spreading diseases like the swine flu. The School Department is also creating a wellness page on their website. Dr. Bruce Karlin said he doesn't want sick people at Town Meeting on Monday. If there is no quorum on Monday, due to an outbreak, or fear, Dr. Karlin said Town Meeting could be put off for a week. They also discussed the importance of notifying churches and other religious organizations, youth groups, sports groups and the elderly of the importance of proper health etiquette. "This is a good example of us managing a process instead of it managing us," said Selectman Chair, Brian Herr. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a video here, as well as a world of resources — and a phone number - 211 - for further information. See "And Now... the News!" in the video below, where Mr. Herr gives a summary of the evening's meeting, and hear updates on events over the weekend, as well as Mrs. Silver giving away saplings — and much, much more.
Governor Deval Patrick speaks about the Mass cases in the video below.
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SUNDAY TAPS VIGIL, MAY 3, 2009 - Location Changed Hopkinton to join thousands of communities across America
“Taps” traditionally serves two important purposes. At military outposts around the world it is played in the evening to signal the time for quiet, rest and reflection after a day of duty. It is also mandated by the Department of Defense to be sounded live by a bugler, if possible, at the funeral of each and every American veteran as a final tribute to that individual veteran’s honorable time of service to his or her country. An average of over 1,600 American veterans are laid to rest each day. Hopkinton has held this ceremony, on the first Sunday of each month, since it was initiated in March 2004 by the national non-profit organization Bugles Across America. Since the ceremony was first proposed, over 1,500 communities across America, as well as in Canada and several other countries, now participate. |
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Patricia (Patty) J. McIntyre
RICHMOND, ME Patricia (Patty) J. McIntyre, age 55, lost her courageous battle with cancer on April 25, 2009. Born in 1954 in Framingham, MA she was the loving daughter of Barbara Jean and Francis J. McIntyre. She is survived by her best friend and devoted husband Tom Barnett of Richmond, ME, with whom she shared a joyful and fulfilling life. She also leaves her brothers Francis McIntyre and his wife Donna, and Brian McIntyre all of Hopkinton, MA and Michael McIntyre and his wife Joan of Taunton, MA, as well as many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
She obtained her degree in Sports Medicine and was a dedicated and enthusiastic instructor of gymnastics, swimming, lifeguarding, and water safety in the Brunswick, Maine area for many years. A pioneer in the recycling movement, she and her husband Tom were avid certified organic gardeners. Patty was especially proud of awards she won at the Common Ground Fair. She enriched the lives of a wide range of people, young to old, and will be greatly missed. |
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Hopkinton is Full of Sunshine!
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Board of Selectmen Wrap Up Most Town Meeting Business Assessors attend - unhappy with budget change
April 29, 2009 — John Palmer and Dr. John Duffy, members of the Board of Assessors appeared before the Board of Selectmen as aggrieved parties on Tuesday evening after seeing the Town Hall budget on March 30, morph into something different the next day.
Interim Town Manager Clayton Carlisle, in his quest to save money and
streamline Hopkinton Mr. Palmer and Dr. Duffy said they understood the concept, but not the method with which it was accomplished, which raised "public service and morale" issues. They asked the Selectmen to order the Town Manager to roll the budget back to the place it was before the departmental labor change that they were not consulted on. Town Planner, Elaine Lazarus, was also on hand to say things had been fine the way they were. Mr. Carlisle explained that he didn't take the hours away from the departments, just the payroll, which went into a new department line item he created for Finance. He explained that health and custodial services are not paid by each department, but by a different account. The Selectmen heeded the call of the attendees to roll back that change, and to the suggestion of Selectmen Vice-Chair Mary Pratt to begin at "square one" with the concept. Mrs. Pratt did not go away as happy as she would have liked when her fellow Selectmen deferred her appointment to a liaison position until until May 18, after the election. Selectman Michael Shepard, attending his last full meeting of the Board of Selectmen, said it would not look good from the public's perspective if the Board appointed a Selectman who is up for reelection, just before the election. Mr. Shepard decided not to seek reelection after serving one three-year term. "There will never be anyone who will do that job," snapped Mrs. Pratt. The Board, after hearing a suggestion from Selectman Matt Zettek, decided to ask Mrs. Lazarus if she would be the alternative appointee, on the same evening they discuss Mrs. Pratt's role. Attorney Doug Resnick appeared before the Board on behalf of the Garner Brothers who had an easement through the Pyne Property on Fruit Street before the Town bought it. They wish to memorialize the easement with a formal document that would allow the town to move the easement when it builds Fruit Street projects, but would also cost the town to repave the new road. The recommendation of this Article by the Selectmen will need a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting. On Tuesday evening, they decided to approve it contingent upon approval of Town Counsel, Ray Miyares. Department of Public Works Director JT Gaucher summed up the Town's sewer needs as $23.3 million, $8.9 of which has already been appropriated, but not spent. He said that the $4.57 million from the government announced today needed to be applied for by June 30, and that is the reason for the Article in the Special Town Meeting warrant. Selectman Chair Brian Herr reminded that the money is only part grant and part borrowing. The story below, from Senator Spilka's office says that 9% of the money will be grants and the rest will be a low interest, 2%, rate for borrowing. "You can get an SRF loan for 2%," said Mrs. Pratt. "So, you're not getting anything!" |
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Hopkinton 11, Bellingham 10
The Hillers defeated Bellingham today 11-10. They are 7-3 (7-1) in the Tri-Valley league. The picture is of Luke Haroian about to connect with a fastball. The Hillers take on Norton Wednesday at home at 3:45. |
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Favorite Place |
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Buying? Selling? Call one of our experts. Things are starting to Move!!!
H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S |
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Hopkinton to Receive Additional $4.57 million in Grants and Loans for Water and Sewer Funding Money added to previous $1 million CDAG grant
"In these tough times, it is essential that we keep our communities moving forward in their capacity to support economic development, and the money for the Fruit Street project will go a long way in ensuring that we as a state are doing that," stated Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. "This is wonderful news for Hopkinton and for the MetroWest."
"We will see long-term dividends from this investment," stated Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston). "These funds will create new jobs, jumpstart economic recovery and couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s good news for Hopkinton, the region and the state."
“We are very pleased to receive this much
needed grant," stated Brian Herr, Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Chair.
"The infrastructure improvements planned at Fruit Street and the Milford
connection project will help stabilize our tax base for the
Currently, this project would receive 9% of its funding as a grant and the rest as a 2% loan, but there is a bill before the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies that would change these to 0% loans. "As chair, I am working hard to get the bill ready to report out of committee so that these funds can be released," stated Spilka.
In addition, as part of the Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, Hopkinton was one of four communities (Previous story), along with Lawrence, Fitchburg and Lowell, to receive Community Development Action Grants (CDAG) totaling $3.56 million. The communities will receive funding for public infrastructure projects that promise to generate significant economic activity in each community. Taken together, the grants will create more than 490 new local jobs and 160 affordable housing units.
In Hopkinton, $1 million in CDAG funds will build approximately 2,800 LF of new sewer line and connections along Elm Street to eliminate existing capacity problems and allow for residential and business growth, including the Lonza Biologics Inc. expansion. The project will bring the following direct benefits to the community: $110 million in private investment, a 12-unit affordable rental housing project proposed for downtown and 278 new management, professional, technical, skilled, and entry level jobs over the next two years.
Created as part of the Patrick Administration’s 2008 Housing Bond Bill, the CDAG program provides funding for publicly-owned or managed projects that improve the overall economic condition of a city or town. CDAG grants are designed to support workforce and affordable housing needs across a range of incomes, create or retain long-term employment opportunities, and leverage significant private investment. |
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Boston Marathon Art and Design Competition Reception
There will be an artists' reception is this Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 10: am to 11:30 am at the Ashland Community Center.
The managers will be displaying the art and then drawing the names of 2 winners, 1 from each town for an iPod Nano 8GB video MP3 Player.
Also, the ice cream coupons from Golden Spoon for all who entered will be distributed in the next couple of weeks. Look at the Library for an exhibit of winning artwork in the coming week. The prizes and certificates from the town will be given out at the Selectmen's meeting on Tuesday May 12 at 7:00 pm.. Any questions, please contact Susie Johnson at susie.johnson@commonmoves.com . |
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Sweet Home Solar System by Mr. Evren Gunduz and Science Class
On April 14, 2009, Hopkinton Middle School Science Teacher Evren Gunduz received a Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education Award, one of two Hopkinton teachers receiving it for their captivating teaching methods.
We've seen Elmwood teacher Patricia Diamond, the other recipient, and her growing orchestra at each meeting of he Eagles. Now, check out Mr. Gunduz playing a guitar as part of his innovative teaching methods. |
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Hopkinton is Full of Sunshine!
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Coffee and Dessert Honoring our Tireless Volunteers (that's you!!)
***********************
Date: Monday, May 4 When: 1:00 - 2:30 PM Where: Project Just Because, 45 South Street, Unit G
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Cherylann Lambert-Walsh, President, Project Just Because, Inc. |
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No Deaths in US from Swine Flu - 40 Cases in US, None in New England Despite exaggerated media attention to the swine flu, there have been no cases in Massachusetts, or New England, for that matter. The following information is provided by Hopkinton resident Liisa Jackson, MA Region 4A Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Coordinator:
The US Centers for Disease Control is currently reporting only 40 confirmed cases, with no deaths, in the United States. No cases have been reported in Massachusetts or New England. MA Region 4A Medical Reserve Corps recommends the public take the following actions:
Symptoms of
influenza include: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea,
or vomiting or diarrhea.
Below is a hand-washing, germ-avoiding tutorial from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
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Steve Spector Returns to Cornell's with Hot Acoustics Saturday, May 16, 2009 8:30 pm to Midnight
Steve Spector brings his merry band back to Cornell's for an encore performance on May 16. Steve writes to his friends and fans, "Special thanks to everyone who came out to the last Hot Acoustics show at Cornell's in March. What a night — truly one of the most enjoyable for me in a long time — the intimate setting, the warm ambience of Cornell's (We dimmed the lights.), great drinks, great tunes, great friends, all so close to home. "Based on that gig, arriving on the early side may be a good idea. That will give you plenty of time to have one of Cornell's famous cheeseburgers and a drink or two before the show. "Tim Leavitt, Carter Berking and I look forward to another fun, spontaneous night playing and singing our hearts out." |
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Colorful Sparks
April 27, 2009 — Robin Bachelder guides Harrison York with his artwork at Sparks Art Studio on Walcott Street today. Below is a sample of what is on the Sparks website Spring into Art!
Preschool ages 4 and 5
6-week workshop Fee:
$100.00 |
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Attention parents of High School Seniors!
A senior class video is created each year that includes pictures from each senior in the class. These pictures have to be submitted by the student/parent. This is the last week that pictures can be submitted to have them included. Pictures can be sent to or dropped of at Lisa Farley's at 19 Aprilla Farm Rd. The DVD will be shown at the senior class parent banquet on Thursday May 21. Please submit three pictures: a baby picture, a high school picture and one in between. Any questions, call Lisa Farley at 508-435-9891. |
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John W. Long, Sr.
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Hopkinton is Full of Sunshine!
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Say, "Springtime!"
April 27, 2009 — A perfect spring day brought Wellness teacher, Ms. Diane Welch, and one of her classes to the Hopkinton Common today for some Frisbee throwing, football, and other activities, leading up to her taking the group photo above. Ms. Welch said that all ninth and tenth grade students must take Wellness. |
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Better Bee Careful
April 27, 2009 — This bumblebee must have been waiting for the full bloom of the PJM rhododendrons that are at the foot of the enormous magnolia blossoms that are waning, at the corner of East Main Street and Frankland Road. |
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Click above for full report in prose,
or read the
raw log here
6:52 am A Cross Street resident reported hearing gunshots behind her house...
1:45 pm A caller stated that while she was walking into a bank on West Main Street she was approached by a man in his 50's, with a very small child, who asked her if she "wanted to get high"...
4:30 pm There were several calls reporting a group of youths breaking glass bottles on Main Street and possibly playing with fireworks as well...
4:57 pm The State Police reported that the operator of a blue Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was registered to an address in Hopkinton, was showing a handgun while driving on Route 9 west... |
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"The
News Starts Here!"
Tonight -Live on HCAM Television
over the fiscal year 2009 budget. $595,301 of the increase is expected
to come from increased funding from the town of Hopkinton, while
$679,906 will come from cost-saving measures, federal stimulus funds for
special education and the anticipated fiscal year 2009 year-end balance.
Director
of Finance Geoff MacDonald reported to the Committee on the different
food service contract proposals that he and the rest of a food service
committee had evaluated. Two companies, Whitson's and Aramark — the
current food service provider — submitted proposals. The committee found
the quality of Whitson's product to be better, but one concern was the
cost to the students purchasing lunches. In addition, Aramark offered
$25,000 worth of new lay-outs at the Center, Elmwood and High Schools.
Due to this commitment, and Aramark's consistency at staying on-budget,
MacDonald recommended renewing Hopkinton schools' contract with Aramark,
which the Committee did with a unanimous vote.
Please
join the Hopkinton Veteran’s Celebration Committee on Sunday, May 3,
2009 as we join thousands of communities across America for a
remembrance ceremony at the Gazebo in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
The Committee is hosting a “Sunday Taps Vigil” starting at 7:00 p.m. The
ceremony will consist of a short tribute to American soldiers, veterans
and their families and is expected to last 15 minutes. The ceremony will
include the sounding of the 24 hauntingly beautiful notes of “Taps”.
government, had taken one position in both the Assessors and Planning
Departments and placed them into a new Finance Department.
April
28, 2009 - Senator Karen Spilka (left) and Representative Carolyn
Dykema announced today that Hopkinton will receive
$4.57 million in State Revolving Fund (SRF) grants and loans for work on
its proposed sewage treatment plant on Fruit Street. The SRF Program,
run by the Department of environmental protection, provides low interest
loans to cities, towns, and other local governmental units for drinking
water & wastewater-related infrastructure projects.
future
and create new jobs in a challenging economy. The timing is near
perfect as the appeals process is winding down and we are ready to put
shovels in the ground. Our thanks go out to everyone that has worked
with us to secure this funding.”
Special
Guests: Senator Karen Spilka and 
