President Barack Obama is the
recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, an award so-named
after the inventor of dynamite, who bequeathed his fortune
for the purpose of awarding prizes for accomplishments in
literature, chemistry, physics, medicine and peace.
The Peace Prize is given to a
person
"during the preceding year
[...]
shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity
between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing
armies and for the holding and promotion of peace
congresses." ~ Excerpt from Nobel's will.
Detractors say he hasn't earned
it, others say he has.
Did We Mess Up?
One writer emailed that the poll
was skewed because of my [Robert's] bias, but was unable to
conclude which way I was biased when asked. However, the
phrase "during the preceding year" was in bold font, as it
was on Wikipedia, where we got the info from. But after
receiving the email, this writer dug more and found Alfred
Nobel's will, where the entire language above resides. One
thing was different. The phrase was not in bold in his will.
So, the phrase became not bold for the latter part of the
poll. We can never go back in time to see what effect the
poll would have had in the state above, but we can conclude
one thing.
Someone
who wanted to affect opinion added the bold font to the
Wikipedia entry. And although we put the phrase in quotes,
we copied the bold font along with it. Never again!
Real Estate
Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Sponsored by:
Compiled by Eric Montville for
HopNews.com
Transactions ending
October 12,
2009
Address
Buyer
Price
Date
Seller
290 Wood Street
Michael S. Barry & Janice L. P. Barry
$250,000
Oct. 09, 2009
Eduardo J. Aguila
11 Meserve Street
J. C. Builders Inc.
$99,900
Oct. 08, 2009
Walker Realty LLC
11 Highcroft Way unit 11
David L. Goolgasian Jr.
$280,000
Oct. 07, 2009
Wells Fargo Bank
Last Week
2 Smith Road
Matthew Cummings & Lynn Cummings
$313,000
Oct. 02, 2009
Raymond T. Warren & Patricia B. Warren,
Trustees of the Warren Realty Trust
16 Old Farm Road
Donna L. Egan
$150,000
Oct. 01, 2009
Catherine E. Walkey & Catherine M. Egan
65 West Elm Street
Amit Chaudhary & Bhawna Chaudhary
$450,000
Sep. 30, 2009
Jonas A. Merrill & Alissa H. Merrill
58 Lakeshore Drive
Louis M. Przystas
$156,000
Sep. 30, 2009
US Bank National Association
SCOUTING FOR FOOD TAKES PLACE NOV. 7 AND 14
Once again,
Hopkinton’s Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts will be collecting
non-perishable grocery items for this year’s Scouting for Food program,
set to take place on Nov. 7 and 14.
The program benefits
the Hopkinton Food Pantry, located at Project Just Because headquarters
at 86 South Street. With the recession forcing many more people out of
work, PJB staffers say that more individuals and families than ever are
depending on the food pantry, which serves only Hopkinton residents.
Scouts will delivering
plastic bags to mailboxes and doorsteps around Hopkinton on Nov. 7.
Residents are asked to fill the bags with non-perishable grocery items
and return the filled bags to their mailbox or doorstep before 10 a.m.
on Nov. 14, when the Scouts will begin their collection efforts.
Scouts will also be stationed at Colella’s Supermarket on Nov. 14 to
collect groceries. We ask that people please check expiration dates
before donating; expired items can’t be used.
Other communities in
the Scout’s Knox Trail Council will also be participating in this 21st
Scouting for Food, Good Turn for America. event Over 4,000 scouts and
leaders will be out collecting food for local food pantries in the Metro
West area. The Council has set a goal to collect more than 100 tons of
food in the 2009 Scouting for Food drive, up from the 80 tons collected
last year.
For additional
information on the 2009 Scouting for Food Drive, a National Good Turn
For America, please go to the Knox Trail Council Website –
www.ktc-bsa.org/food.htm. ~
Catherine A. Buday
Touchdown!
October 11,
2009 — One year-old Reilly Neff-Pratt shows off her best routine today
as Mom captures the moment on a digital device at Weston Nurseries,
where there is a backdrop set up just for that purpose on the level
above the fountain-scapes.
Buying? Selling? Call one of our experts.
Things are starting to Move!!!
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Signs of the
Season
October 11,
2009 — At Hopkinton State Park, the spots of orange on the tree in the
center are prologue to the tree becoming a fiery orange ball soon, as it
is lit today by the setting sun and framed in a vignette by the trees in
shadow on either sides. Another sign of the season is the U-Haul truck
backed up to the boat house to remove items for storage elsewhere.
Variations
on a Theme
October 11,
2009 — Caitlyn Sonsonetti, 4 1/2, looks pleased at the handiwork of
Nuria Navarro today at the Craft Fair at Weston Nurseries, the colors on
her face mimicking the colors and designs of her blouse. Dozens of
crafters set up spaces at the nursery today offering everything from
glassware, hollow painted gourds, totems, photos, and much more.
Break of Day
October 11,
2009 — Reader John Daley got up before the sun one morning last week to
capture the soft light falling from the newly lit sky onto the gazebo
and its surroundings at Ice House Pond, while a natural vignette frames
the structure.
Get ready for the upcoming season by having your yard and home
winterized.
Eye-Catching
October 10,
2009 — This flower was not only attractive to humans, but these bees are
having a last hurrah gathering pollen into very small pouches before the
deciduous plants lose their leaves. photo taken on the town-owned Fruit
Street property.
Distinctive
Tree
October 10,
2009 — This tree on Dogwood Drive in Hopkinton State Park is taking
advantage of the brilliant sunlight and dark background as the oaks
behind it will decide to be among the last to show colors.
Not a Whale
October 10,
2009 — Gathering on this whale-like rock on North Pond are seagulls that
have been hanging out elsewhere since last year until now.
Push It
Alex Anagnostaras pushes for extra yards after
catching this pass on Friday as Hopkinton came together and stopped the
unbeaten Norton on their turf.
Photo
courtesy Steve Spiegel.
From the Desk of State Senator Karen
Spilka
Just a
notice to alert you to the Registry
of Motor Vehicles’ (RMV) new service— as you know, since
November 2008 the RMV no longer sends you a renewal in the mail for your
driver’s license.
To address public
concern, the RMV has created a system which will send you one alert via
email, phone or text message (you choose which) approximately 30 days
prior to your license expiration.
“. . . the Registry of
Motor Vehicles newest customer convenience — safe electronic
notification services that will help you remember to renew your MA
driver’s license or MA ID.
With this free service
you determine how the RMV reminds you by email, phone or text (SMS)
message. The RMV has partnered with Sendza, an outside firm that will
deliver your automatic reminder * at no cost to you or the Commonwealth.”
I did it- and it is
very easy and takes less than a minute!
Have a great weekend!
Karen Spilka
Hopkinton
20, Norton 16
Above, Mike Decina scores the wining touchdown.
October 10, 2009 —
Hopkinton won 20-16 at Norton on the late touchdown by Mike Decina. Mike
also threw two touchdowns to Mike Maresca who played an outstanding
game. Alex Anagnastaras and Sam Macdonald also had
interceptions. Photo courtesy Steve Spiegel.
Buying? Selling? Call one of our experts.
Things are starting to Move!!!
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Starter's
Pistol Fires for Hopkinton Reading Marathon
Happy
2500th Marathon
Above,
Denise Griben of Ciao Time Catering cuts the anniversary cake while Pat
Mahon stakes the first claim.
October 9,
2009 — Thursday evening was the kickoff for the Hopkinton Public
Library's Reading Marathon as luminaries and dignitaries joined staff,
sponsors and others at the Library for the premiere event of the
Hopkinton
Reading Marathon.
According to Susan Marshall, Adult Services Librarian, people can read
anything. Adults need to read 26.2 hours, and kids need to read 26
picture books.
When a person completes a "reading marathon" their name will be placed
in a drawing, of which there will be three. The event is a tie-in to the
2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, where Phedippedes ran the
length of a modern marathon to warn the Athenians of the coming of the
Persian Army. The entire details and the sign up are available at the
library's website.
One of the books on the reading list is Running with Phedippedes,
by Nick Tsiotos, a Boston School teacher who co-authored the book with
Andy Dabilis. He sat down for a short interview before the library event
and explained that the book is about the inspiring story of Stylianos
Kyriakides, the winner of the 1946 Boston marathon, who came to run in
the golden anniversary of the Boston Marathon to publicize the plight of
his people in Greece, who, says Mr. Tsiotis, lost one-eight of the
population of the country due to starvation during the Nazi occupation.
Mr. Tsiotis said that Mr. Kyriakides drew inspiration from the first
modern marathoner, Spiridon Loues, who is featured with Phedippedes on a
cast sculpture by Mico Kaufmann at Weston Nurseries, a sculpture nearly
identical to one he created that resides in Marathon, Greece.
Mr. Tsiotis drew parallels between the people of Marathon, Greece and
the people of Hopkinton. Among them, that both towns are about the same
population, "are hospitable and warm, and they care about their
community."
At the
event, below, from right, Executive Director of the BAA Guy Morse, State
Senator Karen Spilka, HAA President Tim Kilduff, Selectman Chair Brian
Herr, and State Representative, Carolyn Dykema.
Get ready for the upcoming season by having your yard and home
winterized.
Hopkinton v.
Norton
October 9,
2009 — Allie Lateria returns one to her Norton counterparts today at the
Hopkinton High School Athletic Center.
Hopkinton 4,
Dover-Sherborn 0
October 9,
2009 — Liz Keefe makes a move against her Dover-Sherborn opponent this
afternoon.
Hopkinton 2,
Holliston 0
October 9,
2009 — Zack Hutchinson makes a move toward the goal during a quick
two-goal run this afternoon at the High School.
Green Thumbs
October 7, 2009 —
The High School Garden Club was started by three juniors last year. It
is now one of the most popular in the school, with over 100 members. The
group is a charitable one, donating all produce to the Respite Center,
which amounted to over 200 this year. Above are respite center members
and club members planting today.
Woman Dies As Result of
Injuries Suffered in Sept. 27 Crash
State Police Charge Dartmouth Man with Motor Vehicle Homicide
A New Bedford woman has died
as a result of injuries sustained in a Sept. 27, 2009 motor vehicle
crash on the
Purchase Street
ramp leading from Route 18 southbound. As a result of her death,
Massachusetts State Police charged the Dartmouth man who
allegedly caused the crash with motor vehicle homicide.
Hazel Giusti, 86, died Wednesday at Rhode
Island Hospital as a result of injuries she suffered when the car she
was driving was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by PEDRO
FURTADO, 27.
State Police have added a motor vehicle
homicide charge to the other charges that FURTADO was previously facing:
negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, and a marked lanes
violation.
Evidence collected by State Police suggests
that FURTADO was driving a 2005 Volkswagon Phaeton at a high rate of
speed in the left lane when he attempted to move into the right lane and
struck the 1997 Subaru Legacy driven by Giusti, causing her to lose
control of her vehicle. The Volkswagon then struck a 2006 Chrysler
Pacifica driven by 26-year-old Brie Ryan of Dartmouth, sending the
Chrysler into the guardrail on the left side of the road. After striking
the Chrysler, the Volkswagon struck a retaining wall on the right side
of the road and knocked down a light pole. Immediately after the crash,
Giusti was transported to Rhode IslandHospital by emergency personnel. Neither
FURTADO nor Ryan were injured in the crash.
Buying? Selling? Call one of our experts.
Things are starting to Move!!!
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Help
Odin Get Home
Missing
Cat, last seen at home in Woodville (near Lake Whitehall) on
Thursday, October 8th at around 10:30 AM.
Odin is a four year old Maine Coon
mix. He has a cataract in one eye, which accounts for the odd
color. He has a microchip implant, but was not wearing his collar
when last seen. He is very affectionate and has a
distinctive quack-like meow. He answers to his name, Odin.
This is the first time he has ever been away from home for this
long. Please call 508-435-6340
if you have any information about
him. Thank you so much.
Get ready for the upcoming season by having your yard and home
winterized.
Hopkinton
Class of 1989
20th
Reunion!!
Attention members of the Hopkinton Jr.-Sr.
High School Class of 1989: It's time for your 20th reunion! We will be
celebrating this milestone on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at Maxwell
Silverman's in Worcester, MA from 7 p.m. until Midnight. Cost is $45.00
per person and $80.00 per couple. Check payments can be mailed to Deb
St. Angelo at 202 Williams Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. PayPal
payments can also be made to
hopma89@aol.com. RSVP deadline is November 1, 2009.
Invites have gone out electronically to
all classmates who provided an email address and via US Mail to those
who provided a street address. If you have not received yours, please
check your SPAM filters and mailboxes. Please contact the committee at
hopma89@aol.com to request your invitation be resent if you do not
have one. We are looking for our classmate, Sabra Wagner. If
anyone has contact information for her, please contact the committee at
the email address listed above.
Visit our website
www.hopkinton89.com for additional details including hotel discounts
for night of the event.
Please join
your classmates and share where life has taken you in the last two
decades!
The
website addresses in the ad above are clickable links.
Save the date
TLC
(The Learning Center) of Hopkinton
Open
House - Family Fun Day and Fair
Saturday, October 17, 2009 10:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
October 8,
2009 — Let the countdown to family fun begin. TLC, The Learning Center
of Hopkinton, "Where creativity and learning is the rule," is having and
open house and Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 17, 2009, complete
with a clown, face-painting, Moon-bounce and a complete tour of
their facility. If a child
feels like they are comfortable and at home
at Trish Miller's TLC, it is because it is a ranch home, expanded to
accommodate a full and half-day pre-school program as well before and
after school programs for children from 6-12 years-old.
In addition to summer camp, a kindergarten wrap-around program and an
infant and toddler program are filling fast. For those not willing to
wait until October 17 to place their child in a program, call
508-497-0892
for more information.
TOWN OF
HOPKINTON RECYCLING CENTER
ADDITIONAL
DAYS for FALL CLEANUP - BRUSH and LEAF DISPOSAL
Please be advised
that Town of Hopkinton Recycling Center located on Route 135 at
Hopkinton/Westborough Town Line will be open on Sundays this Fall
beginning October 18, 2009 for six consecutive weeks for Leaf and Brush
Disposal and Fall Cleanup.
Additional dates
and times are as follows:
Sunday October 18, 2009; 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday October 25, 2009; 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday November 1, 2009; 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday November 8, 2009; 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday November 15, 2009; 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday November 22, 2009; 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
These Sunday hours
are in addition to the regular Recycling Center hours of 7:30 AM to 3:00
PM on Saturdays.
Please note that
the Town’s Green Recycling Bins will be available for purchase on these
dates as well as on each Saturday for $7.00 each.
J.T.
Gaucher, P.E., Director, Hopkinton Department of Public Works,
508-497-9740
Sadie M. Drapeau, 82
Sadie
M. Drapeau, 82, of Hopkinton, died Wednesday, October 7, 2009
at the Metrowest Medical Center in Natick. Born in Charlestown, she was
the daughter of the late James and Bertha (McGaffigan) Devlin. She was
the wife to the late Gordon Drapeau.
A Hopkinton resident for the past 46 years, she was retired from Kidde
Fenwall and was a member of the Hopkinton Senior Center.
She is survived by a son, James Drapeau and his wife Ann of Ayer; 2
daughters, Patricia Kimball and her husband Kevin of Maine, Janice
McIntyre of Hopkinton; 1 brother, William Devlin of Arkansas, 2 sisters,
Ann Connors of Uxbridge and Catherine Blanchard of Hudson. She also
leaves behind 7 grandchildren an 5 great-grandchildren. She is
predeceased by her brothers, James, Anthony and Joseph.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2009 from 5-8p.m. at the
Chesmore
Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. A Mass of Christian
burial will take place on Tuesday, at 10:00a.m. at St. John the
Evangelist Church in Hopkinton.
Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or the Friends of the Hopkinton
Seniors, 28 Mayhew St. Hopkinton, MA. 01748
Like a
Rainbow
October 8,
2009 — Like a bouquet at the table of a wedding guest, these trees on
North Pond north of the West Main Street causeway offer a treat for
those passing, as well as those stopping to enjoy them, like the male
mallard duck sitting alone on a rock in the very center of the water,
whose iridescent neck and head, in any other season, would be the visual
treat.
Buying? Selling? Call one of our experts.
Things are starting to Move!!!
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A Moat Point
October 8,
2009 — It appears the DPW has created a moat of sorts around the Fruit
Street public parking area to keep vehicles from entering the property
any further. If it were not for the large boulders on the top of the
moat, it would be nothing more than another jump for the four-wheelers.
The space shown above between the rock and the gate, however, is more
than enough needed for a dirt-motorcycle to pass through.
Get ready for the upcoming season by having your yard and home
winterized.
Zio's Bistro
Open for Business
"The WOW!
factor is huge"
Above,
owners Kimberly and Paul Winshman inside Zio's Bistro.
October
7,2009 — "The WOW! factor is huge," said Judy Coffey of Country Plus
at 20
Main Street after visiting Zio's Bistro for a sneak peek today for some
of the closest neighbors of the new eatery, which has been totally
remodeled with a 14 seat bar and 16 booth and table seats at 15 Main
Street.
"It is so elegant," said Tina Nobilini of the Lovely Lady Salon next
door after a visit and a sampling of food today.
Zio's is opening for business permanently on Thursday, October 8 serving lunch and
dinner to Hopkinton customers, with fine quality food and reasonable
prices they boast about.
The lunch menu offers a choice of 10 sandwiches for $6.75 each, served
with a choice of side dishes, such as house soup, house fries, or house
salad. The Grill menu offers "Jumbo" burgers, chicken and beef starting
at $7.50.
The 9 lunch entrees, starting at $7.95, include chicken, veal, shrimp
and fish dinners. And that's only lunch.
Mr. Winshman says Zio's Early Dinner Specials that start at $11.95 and
are available to 6:00 pm are a huge hit at their other two locations and
expects them to be just as popular with his Hopkinton customers. They
include chicken haddock, steak, veal and shrimp dishes.
For those who cannot make it before 6:00 pm, the regular dinner menu
starts at $12 and offers dozens of specialties and "Starters."
Unlike their other locations, there are no high chairs at Zio's Bistro.
The space is too small for young children, says the menu.
Those wishing to make reservations or call ahead for food to go may call 800-435-6925.
Saga of the Woodpile
Nation Civil Suit Claims Ownership by "Adverse Possession"
Town of
Hopkinton has 12 days left to reply
October 7,
2009 — In very public dispute, John Coolidge of the Open Space
Preservation Committee asked the town for enforcement action in the way
of a no-trespass letter to Craig Nation, who has been stacking wood on
land Mr. Coolidge claims belongs to the town as part of the purchase of
land from Mr. Nation's father, Ron. Craig and his wife live at 279 Wood
Street.
In question is an 8' strip on the
west side of the entrance of the town-owned lake Whitehall property that
Ron had slated for development of eleven homes.
The Planning Board, of
which Mr. Coolidge was and is also a member, denied the plan, but
instead approved 9 homes. Ron appealed the decision, saying the Planning
Board was trying to design his development. Abutter Brian Morrison also
appealed the decision for other reasons.
Ron's plan would have given 10 of the 20 acres
as open space to the community. Instead, Mr. Coolidge negotiated to
purchase the land on behalf of the Open Space Committee . The town
bought the entire parcel of approximately 20 acres for $2.65 million, at
about $700,000 more than the town's original appraisers had valued it.
The
no-trespass order that expired yesterday with no action taken,
threatened Mr. Nation with arrest if he did not comply. A no-trespass
order is a legal remedy used in property disputes of this nature, where
a second party claims rights originally granted to the first land owner.
Mr.
Craig Nation's claim of adverse possession is rooted in
centuries-old law that gives a person who has used a property without
permission, the rights of ownership under certain conditions. The
lawsuit says that a period in excess of 20 years is required.
Walking or riding on land does not constitute possession, but other
activities do.
Five conditions that must be met in some jurisdictions, according to
Wikipedia, are:
Actual possession of the
property
Open and notorious use
of the property
Exclusive use of the
property
Hostile or adverse use
of the property
Continuous use of the
property
Mr.
Nation's civil suit claims that the land adjacent to
his, constituting approximately 8 feet in width, and
about 100 feet in length, has been maintained and used
by property owners "notoriously" in excess of 20 years,
since 1979, giving him the right of adverse possession.
The action, dated September 30, 2009, requires the town
to respond in 20 days with a reply or a counter-claim or
lose the rights to do either. Seeing as the first day of
the document does not count, the town has until October
20, 2009 to file a reply.
Craig Nation has not responded to phone calls.
Hopkinton
19, Medway 44
October 8,
2009 — Hopkinton is weighted in the lead above as they run across the
Hopkinton reservoir Dam against Medway
Hopkinton
1, Norton 0
October 7,
2009 — Hopkinton hosted Norton today. Nikki Somadelis is featured above,
thwarting her Norton opposite.
Hopkinton 0,
Medfield 3
October 7,
2009 — Hopkinton lost its first game of the season to unbeaten Medfield
at home on Wednesday.
A New
Openness
October 7,
2009 — Jerry Lazzaro, owner of Hopkinton Gulf, was the surprise
beneficiary of a landscaping makeover of his facility by Cumberland
Farms, owner of the land and of the Gulf brand. Gone are the overgrown
yews that obscured the station from a total view from the southern and
western points. Although the yews were trimmed each year, they had grown
at least a third of the way up the signposts, and obscured the station
from view. Now, the new and inviting space should be conducive to an
increased and attractive presence in the Downtown.
Buying? Selling? Call one of our experts.
Things are starting to Move!!!
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H O M E S
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H O M E S
Troop 4 Meets Challenges head On
by Thomas
Dawson
October 6,
2009 — Two weeks ago our active troop had our Second Annual Trek to
Mt. Washington, NH, this time staying for two nights in lean-to's
at Hermit Lake Huts, at the base of Tuckerman's Ravine. The boys
got a chance to explore the ravine and surrounding area, also
getting a taste of yummy backpacking dehydrated foods (most for the
first time). The uncanny three days of wonderful weather was only
overshadowed by the absolute splendor of the views while hiking,
camping, and from the summit.
The top was the most crowded (ever) this hiker has ever seen! We had
two hiking assault-teams toward the summit, one going up through the
bowl of Tuck's, past Lunch Rocks and over the Headwall, then on up
to the top to meet at Summit House for food, views, and a break
before the descent. Our second squad did something even more
incredible than the first, taking the Most Difficult Trail in The
White Mountains System, up and over the Headwall of Huntington's
Ravine, the more rugged, less-traveled cousin to Tuckerman's. It
actually has an 800 ft. rock face, 150 ft. higher than at Tuck's.
The scouts were brave, and robustly scaled the very challenging
terrain, often involving bouldering and a 5-point connection (hands,
feet, and clinching teeth!) to the rock croppings. The old-man
scouters also made it!
The trip is
part of the troop's focus on physical fitness (one of the three
tenets of the BSA program, along with community service and
character building), as well as getting several of the scouts ready
for going to The National Scout Jamboree next July and August 2010
in rural Virginia to celebrate Scouting's 100th Anniversary in the
USA. The troop has six (6) scouts and two (2) adult leaders
planning to make the once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Thomas A.
Dawson
ScoutMaster, Troop 4
Hopkinton, MA
Get ready for the upcoming season by having your yard and home
winterized.
DPW Saves
the Day
October 7,
2009 — Two DPW workers driving past a driveway at the intersection of
Main and Wood streets today noticed that a tree had fallen in a
homeowner's driveway, taking down wires from the electrical service. The
men immediately notified emergency responders and took upon themselves
to warn the elderly homeowner, who was walking on her driveway toward
the destruction, that the wires were live. NSTAR was notified and had an
ETA of 30 minutes at the time of this photo.
Downtown Revitalization
Ponders Liens on Abandoned Property
by Heather Kelley
October 7, 2009 —
The Downtown
Revitalization Committee last night voted to craft a mission statement
for their vision of an improved downtown. Members also approved a motion
to approach the Conway School of Landscape Design, to inquire about
having Hopkinton’s downtown revitalization plan be a project for the
school’s graduate students.
“What we want from
the students is presentation materials that we could put up on a board
for the town to look at,” said Peter LaGoy, Chairman of the Committee.
Under guidance from their professors, the students would spend a
semester on the project, charging around $6000 for their services.
Ideas for
inclusion in the vision were floated. “A more walkable town; even a
bike-able town,” suggested Kathy Dragin.
“A more park-able
town!” quipped Susan Marshall.
LaGoy contributed
pedestrian safety to the conversation, and Bridget Perry wanted there to
be a family-focused component. “The library wants to be a hub,”
submitted Marshall.
These were
summarized by member Joe Markey, “Make the downtown a hub of business,
civic and community activity.” This met with general approval.
The Committee also
discussed fundraising for the effort. Markey reported that the offices
of Representative Carolyn Dykema and Senator Karen Spilka could be
helpful on the state level. He also suggested private fundraising, and
perhaps seeing if Town Meeting would authorize CPA funds.
Members Dragin,
Markey and Marshall all attended this past Saturday’s Walkable Community
Workshop, and brought back ideas from presenter Cathy Buckley of the
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization. Suggestions included
the narrowing of roads in order to slow traffic, and the striping of
sidewalks across expansive driveways. “It sounds like some of the
suggestions are not costly to implement,” noted member Pat Mangiacotti.
During a
discussion of how best to publicize the Committee’s efforts and plans,
and who would write something to send to the press, Pat Mangiacotti
stated that the press was conveniently present, pointing to this
reporter. At which point Markey complained about a lack of announcement
of such presence. He asked that quotes be offered to Committee
members for review before publishing. In a conversation with Mr.
Markey today, he explained he was trying to help a new reporter
understand the workings of the committee.
A discussion of
abandoned properties followed. LaGoy said he is proposing an article for
the Zoning Advisory Committee. “What this article does is give people
warning,” he explained. “The town will clean it up and put a lien on it
for the cost of cleaning it up.” While LaGoy suggested that residential
properties could be excluded, members Mangiacotti and Perry demurred.
Members of the group insisted that no one property was being targeted,
but the only property on Main Street that falls into the category
described is the one owned by John Burns, the vacant lot next to Action
copy Plus.
Appropriately, the
town’s own offices will soon be a beacon of the revitalization sought by
the Committee. “They should be starting work shortly on the front of
Town Hall,” said LaGoy.
State Police
investigating motor vehicle fatality
Route 495 NB, north of
exit 10 in Norton
On
Wednesday, October 7, at approximately 7:58 a.m., Massachusetts State
Police Troopers from the Foxboro Barracks responded to calls of a
single-car motor vehicle crash in Norton on Route 495 northbound, north
of Exit 10, which has resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to
another victim.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Brian
Mahoney indicates that a 1991 Ford Explorer entered the median strip on
Route 495, where it crashed. A male occupant of the vehicle was ejected
in the crash and suffered fatal injuries. A woman inside the vehicle was
transported to Rhode IslandHospital with serious injuries. The
identities of the occupants are being withheld pending proper family
notifications.
The crash remains under investigation by
Troop H of the Massachusetts State Police, with the assistance of the
State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section and the State
Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Norton Fire Department is also
assisting at the scene.
Senior
Moments
50/50
Auction a Success
# 14 Auctioneer Izzy Assencoa with Dolores Ivester--Secretary of
Friends of the Seniors and volunteer Katie Potenzone showing off a
handmade quilt up for bids.
by Nancy L. Drawe
(Punky)
October 7, 2009 —
SOLD! To number 71! SOLD! To number 42! SOLD! To number 36! Those
were the words coming out of auctioneer Izzy Assencoa’s mouth last
Friday night during the 50/50 Auction at the
HopkintonSeniorCenter. There were tons of items up for
bid at the live auction and a lot of people who wanted them. I had
never been to a real auction, have only seen them on TV, so it was fun
watching the people hold up their numbered paddles. The best parts were
the “bidding wars” when people wanted to buy the same thing. That was
funny! I’m pretty sure that Izzy had a great time calling out the
numbers. The silent auction was popular too. Just about all the gift
baskets, gift cards, etc. had “secret” bids and the last person with the
highest bid when the auction closed was the lucky winner! There was
even a Wii game system that was in the middle of a secret bidding war.
Since this year is the Center’s third anniversary in the new building,
the Friends of the Seniors members brought a beautiful cake with the
picture of the center in the middle. That cake was gone in no
time—quite delicious! It was a very successful evening, thanks to all
the volunteers, staff and Friends of Seniors members who helped to make
it happen.
The next big
fundraising event at the center will be here before you know it. It’s
the Friends of the Hopkinton Senior Citizens THIRD Annual Craft Fair
which will be held on Saturday, November 7 from 9-2. There is plenty
of room for crafters so plan to get all your homemade crafts together,
pack up your car and spend the day selling all your great stuff! The
fee is only $30 for an 8’ x 8’ space and that includes a table! No
lugging heavy tables and chairs in; it’ll all be set up and ready for
you upon your arrival. If you’re NOT a crafter, that’s okay, you’ll
have the pleasure of checking out all the beautiful homemade crafts and
maybe you’ll purchase that perfect Christmas present or two! Lunch will
be available in the dining room that day also…the all time famous Hot
Turkey Sandwiches! I’m sure you’ve heard about them—they’re always such
a big hit. After you check out the crafts and have a bite to eat, head
on down to check out what’s new in the Thrift Shop which will be open
that day. Then, once you get home and feel the need for a little
snack, open up one of the goodies that you bought from the Bake Sale
that will also be going on. Maybe it’ll be some homemade cookies,
banana bread or maybe even a cupcake or two! See now? I have your
whole day planned for you—all you have to do is mark your calendar for
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7! If you’re a crafter who is interested in
reserving a table, please call the Center at 508-497-9730 or stop by to
pick up an application.
I hope you’re enjoying
these nice autumn days. Have fun watching all the leaves from your
trees fall to the ground—at least it’s perfect weather to rake by!
That’s it for now, so
if you have any comments or suggestions, you can email me:
Punkala@aol.com. Until
next time, have a great week!