Page 3

"The News Starts Here!"

24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748

Editor@HopNews.com  508-435-5534

Updated: March 18, 2013 02:53:52 PM

POLL Results, left

Accompanying text below in blue

President Barack Obama Receives Nobel

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!!!

  H   O   M   E   S         H   O   M   E   S        H   O   M   E   S         H   O   M   E   S

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.

 

To sign up for this free service, go to https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us/RMVReminder/intro.aspx

 

“. . . 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!!!

  H   O   M   E   S         H   O   M   E   S        H   O   M   E   S         H   O   M   E   S

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 Island Hospital by emergency personnel. Neither FURTADO nor Ryan were injured in the crash.

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

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.

 

The committee is compiling a yearbook of sorts with each classmate's current information.  Please visit our survey link ASAP to be included even if you can't attend the reunion!  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2bATcffQ8Yfj_2f52qq0MenoA_3d_3d

 

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!!!

  H   O   M   E   S         H   O   M   E   S        H   O   M   E   S         H   O   M   E   S

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!!!

  H   O   M   E   S         H   O   M   E   S        H   O   M   E   S         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 Island Hospital 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 Hopkinton Senior Center.    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! 

 

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