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24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748

Updated: March 18, 2013 02:53:44 PM

Richard Varnum, 83

Hopkinton - Richard Varnum, 83, of Hopkinton, beloved husband and father, died peacefully Tuesday morning November 17, 2009 at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham, Ma.

He was born on October 19, 1926 in Framingham, son of the late Olive Pearl (Jean) and Walter Sewell Varnum.

Raised in Hopkinton, he served as a 3rd class petty officer, drill instructor and squad leader in Okinawa for the Sea Bees during World War II. Known for his ambition and hard work, he was a very well known general contractor, builder and heavy equipment operator. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his wife, traveling, gardening and household projects.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Sandra E. (Colella) Varnum of Hopkinton, daughters Deborah A. Leacu of Ashland, Janet L. Robson of Hopkinton, Peggy J. Varnum of Milford, Diane O. Mercier of Upton, Susan J. Varnum of Milford, son Richard C. Varnum Jr. of Gig Harbor, WA, 2 sisters Lorraine Hunt of Tilton, NH and Marilyn Gallo of West Springfield, Ma, 6 grandchildren Carrie Rose of Worcester, Jessicca Varnum of Puyallup, WA., Amanda Micona of Gig Harbor, Wa, Alexandra and Emily Mercier of Upton, Thomas Robson of Hopkinton and 2 great grandchildren Connor and Evelyn Micona of Gig Harbor, WA, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Walter Varnum, Jean Donovan and Donald Varnum.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. Contributions in his memory may be made to Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors, 28 Mayhew St. Hopkinton, MA. 01748.

Fresh cut potatoes = The World's Best French Fries, Now at Cornell's

Remember, Colella's posts their lunch specials daily on their website

Planning Board Hears Project Proposals

Fruit Street Sewerage Plant Expected to Open October, 2011

Town to ask for $3.85 million more at Special Town Meeting

November 16, 2009 — Above, Attorney Wayne Davies, who represents the interests of Golden Pond Resident Care Corporation, speaks to the members of the Planning Board about his client's expansion plans in an informal informational presentation.

Golden Pond would like to expand and upgrade their existing facility and become more competitive, first by adding space in the existing dining area at 50 Main Street and building a footbridge to a new 25,211 square foot building to be built on the 58-60 Main Street parcel that would house the existing child care facility as well as 14 beds for elderly housing and space for acute care physicians, rehabilitation specialists and medical care providers. The applicant is calling this Phase II, but it covers a lot that has pre-existing uses, and a new lot, which will need the Board of Appeals blessing. The Phase I is defined as the existing condition.

Phase III is a 30,000 square foot addition of the existing building on the existing, 50 West Main Street lot. It will have 44 beds as well as offices for doctors who may see patients who are resident at the facility or patients who travel to the facility for a doctor's visit.

"To stay competitive and current in this business, you need to supply appropriate medical care for its residents.," said Mr., Davies. "It's a plan to become competitive in this business."

Opponent of the plan, Planning Board member Sandy Altamura, an abutter who steps off of the board during discussions of the expansion, brought up two points she felt were important.

She said the addition of doctors' offices open to outside patients not in the facility's care amounted to a new use as professional offices.

"There is not enough parking. That should be addressed," she added.

Mr. Davies refused to answer questions from former Selectman Mary Pratt by saying those matters were not the purview of the board.

"When you come before this board," said Chairman Mark Abate emphatically to Mr. Davies, "you will be expected to answer every question you're asked."

Although this evening was an informal session, Golden Pond will need to appear before the board again, after approvals from the Conservation Commission and the Board of Appeals, for an official site plan review.

Fruit Street

DPW Director JT Gaucher was on hand to tell the board that bids for the the Fruit Street Waste Water treatment Facility were coming in at $7.5 million, a figure that has been approved by previous Town Meetings. He said an additional $1.5 million will be needed for a forced main and another $1.75 million for engineering and extended costs.

It appears that an $3.8 million bill will be handed to resident attendees of the Special Town Meeting in December in the form of an article.

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Cheerleaders Win Division 2 Regional Championship!

The Hiller Cheerleaders took Division 2 by storm in their first season competition in this division. After a great performance they finished with their first SOUTH SECTION REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in over 7 years.

The Hillers will be representing the South Region and Hopkinton High School this Sunday, November 22nd at the Reggie Lewis Track Center.

Please wish your cheerleaders best of luck and congratulations! ~ Contributed content

Lake Whitehall Sunset

November 16, 2009 — Brian Wilson shares this photo of Sunday's brilliant sunset from the vantage point through the pines on Winter Street looking to Lake Whitehall toward the west.

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Roundtable for Small Business

BOSTON - November 16, 2009 - Representative Carolyn Dykema would like to invite small business owners to a Roundtable Discussion with the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business. This is an opportunity for MetroWest small businesses to voice their opinions, challenges and suggestions directly to the committee on which Representative Dykema serves.

November 19, 2009

4:00 pm

Memorial Building

150 Concord St.

Framingham, MA 01702

For more information, contact leah.robins@state.ma.us in Rep. Dykema’s office or kate.souza@state.ma.us with the Committee on Community Development and Small Business.

John W. Robbins, 58

John W. Robbins, 58, of Southborough, died Monday, November 16, 2009 in Northborough. Born in Framingham, he was the son of Walter and Claire (McIntyre) Robbins of Woodville.

John grew up in Hopkinton and was an Eagle Scout. He was a member of the Woodville Rod and Gun Club and was a Southborough resident for 30 years before moving to Northborough.

He is survived by 1 son, John W. Robbins Jr. and his wife Stacie of Northborough, a daughter, Kimberly Walsh and her husband Daniel of Southborough, a brother, Gary Robbins and his wife Laura of New Boston, NH; 3 sisters, Linda Morales and her husband Billy of Hopkinton, Deborah Robbins of Woodville, Bonnie Wright and Greg Wright of Woodville. He also leaves behind 3 grandchildren, Zachary Robbins, Nicholas Robbins, Jared Walsh. He was also anxiously awaiting the arrival of his fourth grandchild in March of 2010.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday November 18, 2009 from 4-8p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St.

A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 10 am in the funeral Home. Burial will take place at a latter date in Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Dana Farber 14 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757

Open House at Sunshine Pre-School Tonight

November 16, 2009 — Teacher Mrs. Carrie Greene shows the children in her room, one of the many classrooms at Sunshine, the letter "H" that is the first letter of the object hidden in the box, which everyone guessed was a hanger. Today was Very Important Person Day, where the youngsters got to have a favorite adult come with them to school and spend some time.

Sunshine is having an Open House tonight starting at 7:30 pm. School Director Mrs. Christine Martin would appreciate it if people interested in visiting would call ahead to reserve a spot. 508-435-5477. For those who cannot make it tonight, there will be a final Open House on Tuesday December 8, 2009 for this term.

HopNews Was Here!

November 16, 2009 — HopNews got to carve its name into the new cement sidewalk in front of Town Hall today. Although The photograph will last forever, the crude carving did not.

Fresh cut potatoes = The World's Best French Fries, Now at Cornell's

Remember, Colella's posts their lunch specials daily on their website

November 16, 2009

Click above for full written report.

7:37 am A Davis Road resident reported that his vehicle was broken into on Friday morning and an iPod, iPod dock and $50.00 was stolen from it...

4:04 pm A walk-in from Clinton Street reported that he sold two unregistered vehicles and the check that he received for them bounced...

8:33 pm A 911 caller from West Elm Street reported that there was a woman screaming in the woods behind her home...

6:20 pm A detail officer reported that a group of Medway students were trying to start a fight in the parking lot of the High School...

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Smoke on the Water

November 15, 2009 — The roving HopNews camera caught this sunset behind Bernat Mills Antiques in Uxbridge this evening, as a rolling fog over the Linwood Pond kept pace with the moving water. Bernat Mills was one of the many shops that got burned out by the mill fire in Uxbridge in July, 2007.

Purgatory is a Chasm

November 15, 2009 — There is a link, always above, to Department of Conservation and Recreation sites across the state: . The HopNews roving camera made it to Purgatory Chasm State Reservation today; the scale of the rocks at the entrance can be inferred by the person in pink on the left, and by the people barely discernable on the trail in the left center. To find its location, click on the DCR icon and choose to view parks by an alphabetical list. To see what could happen when you visit, like what happened several years ago, choose this movie of Richard and Jacob performing an original tune captured on one of the first removable media digital movie recorders.

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Scouting for Food

November 15, 20009— The older Girl Scouts did the final collection summary. They counted 275 filled bins and estimated that on average each bin was about 60 pounds. That works out to over 16,000 pounds of food or about 8 tons! ~ Scouting for Food

Right Here in River City

November 14, 2009 — The Hopkinton High School Drama Ensemble cast of the Music Man had their last performance this evening at the Hopkinton High School Auditorium. Thanks to Maria Gross for the photo.

Fresh cut potatoes = The World's Best French Fries, Now at Cornell's

Remember, Colella's posts their lunch specials daily on their website

There it is...gone!

Mouse-over image to see from opposite end

November 14, 2009 — For those who haven't been Downtown today, this is the site of the former Bill's Pizza at 14 Main Street, which was demolished and removed today. The building in the photo is the Middlesex Savings bank. Mouse-over the image to see it from behind the machine facing the Hopkinton Public Library. Bill's on Wheels will be opening in the rear in.... Oh, just let Mike tell you about it in the video below from last Sunday.

RELAY FOR LIFE

There will be a meeting of the Hopkinton Relay for Life planning committee on Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the high school. Anyone interested in learning more about the Relay, i.e., participating in the planning of the event, how to start or join a team, etc. are welcomed to attend. Any questions, please call Donna McGuire at 508-435-5542.

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Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Awards Micah Ulrich, Student-Athlete of the Month

November 14, 2009 — Citing her membership on the Hopkinton High School track and soccer team, of which she was captain this year, as well as being named a Tri-Valley League All-Star — and her academic achievements as a high honor roll student, a member of the NHS, Art Club and Spanish Honor Society, as well as other academic accomplishments — MIAA has named Micah Ulrich, a Hopkinton High School senior, as a Student of the Month for October, 2009.

The entire press release from the MIAA as well as quotes from HHS Counseling Departments' Coordinator, please click here.

Ruth S. Gorman, 89

Framingham - Ruth S. Gorman died on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at Metrowest Hospital at the age of 89. She was the beloved wife of the late Samuel Gorman, the mother of Michael and his wife Ruth of Hopkinton and Susan of Pound Ridge, NY; the devoted grandmother of Rachel and Matthew Gorman and Caitlin and William Watterson; sister-in-law of Alan Gorman, Harry Gorman, and Cele Finklestein.

A resident of Framingham for the past six years, she formerly resided at Wynmoor Village, Coconut Creek, FL; Livingston, NJ; and NYC. Burial will be private. Expressions of sympathy can be made to The Healing Garden, Hopkinton Garden Club, PO Box 61, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Funeral arrangments have been entrusted to the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

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Hopkinton Board of Public Works Act Signed by Governor

November 14, 2009 —Yesterday, Governor Patrick (File photo) signed into law Hopkinton Home Rule Petition ‘An Act relative to the election of the members of the Board of Public Works of the Town of Hopkinton.’ It is now Chapter 136 of the Acts of 2009.

According to Board Chairman Dan McIntyre, the act was required in order to stagger the election of the members.

"Instead of the board turning over every three years, this will bring continuity," he said. At the next election, the person having the highest vote count will have the three-year term, the second highest will have the two year term, and the third highest will have the one-year term.

Working together, Rep. Carolyn Dykema and Sen. Karen Spilka pushed this legislation through the House and Senate so it would be on the Governor’s desk and signed into law before Thanksgiving.

Click here to read a pdf of the legislation.

State and Local Police Cracking Down on Seat Belt Use

‘Click It or Ticket’ Blitz Aims to Increase Compliance, Awareness as Holidays Near

November 14, 2009 — Thanks to $660,000 in federal highway safety funds provided by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts State Police and local police departments will launch a statewide effort, featuring additional patrols and a public awareness campaign, to remind motorists to wear seat belts. The “Click It or Ticket” mobilization will run from Nov. 12-29.

State Police have issued a zero-tolerance enforcement policy, and across the Commonwealth more than100 local police departments have committed to similar efforts. This crackdown marks the third seat belt enforcement campaign in Massachusetts since May, designed to increase seat belt use and decrease fatalities from motor vehicle crashes.

“Seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce tragedies on our roads,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Mark F. Delaney. “But too many people still haven’t got the message and continue to put their lives at risk by not buckling up.”

According to EOPSS, in 2008 72 percent of those killed in motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts were not wearing seat belts. Statistics show that when worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and mini-vans.

“With Thanksgiving Day and busy holiday travel around the corner, we will utilize the grant funds to roll additional patrols on state roads through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, targeting drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seat belts. Unless you want to risk a ticket – or worse, to risk your life – please remember to always buckle up.”

For more information, please visit www.mass.gov/highwaysafety.

Hopkinton 7, Dover-Sherborn 24

November 13, 2009 — Above, Mike Decina takes it across the line of scrimmage this evening at the David Hughes Stadium in Hopkinton against Dover-Sherborn. Below, Mike Maresca does a high-jump to snag this pick off in the end zone tonight.

Fresh cut potatoes = The World's Best French Fries, Now at Cornell's

Remember, Colella's posts their lunch specials daily on their website

Hopkinton Historical Society Holds Feast

November 13, 2009 — Above, Madeline Silva, 5, and Matthew Zettek, nearly 5, offer enthusiastic applause for silent auction winners at the Hopkinton Historical Society's Annual Harvest Dinner.

Hiller Cheerleaders are competing for the South Section Division 2 Championship as well as a bid to the Fall State Championship at Taunton High School (50 Williams Street, Taunton) this Sunday, November 15th. The Start time is 10:00 a.m. and our expected performance time is 11:00 a.m. with awards immediately following.

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REMINDER

On Saturday, November 14, 2009, Scouts will begin collecting the food from homes after 10 a.m. and bring them to a collection hub at the Hopkins School. From there, vans will be shuttling the food to Project Just Because headquarters at 86 South Street (in the same area where the Vineyard Church is located. Scouts will be unloading bags outside PJB. Inside Project Just Because, dozens of Scouts and parents will be sorting through the thousands of donated items. Mid-afternoon (around 3) would be the best time to capture all the action. Jack Ryan will be in charge of the operations there.

REMINDER

Hopkinton High School Drama ensemble presents...

The Music Man

Saturday, November 14 at 2 pm and 7 pm.

Tickets are $8 for students/seniors and $10 for adults.

Tickets are general admission and will be available at the door.

The high school drama ensemble will be presenting The Music Man next week in the middle school auditorium. Performances are Thursday, November 12 at 4 pm, Friday November 13 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, November 14 at 2 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are $8 for students/seniors and $10 for adults. Tickets are general admission and will be available at the door.

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REMINDER

SPEAC Craft Fair

16 Blueberry Lane in Hopkinton,

Friday November 13 from 6-9 PM

Saturday November 14 from 10-3

SPEAC has brought together some local SPEAC crafters for a day of Holiday Fun! This craft fair is being held to help raise funds for items that SPEAC has identified with a Special Education Walk through of our schools. Come support our kids and their teachers!

Beaded watches, Stained Glass, Metal art, Quilting, Mosaic picture frames, Knitted crafts, Beaded jewelry, Hats, scarves, ties, Health and Beauty products.

Please come visit and support your schools! All are invited! Most purchases will be cash or check only.

** There will also be a Project Just Because Donation Box for new unwrapped PJs, hat and mittens, socks, toys or books for Holiday Gifts. Please consider bringing a new gift for the box! Tax receipts available for your donation to PJB.

REMINDER

Winter Parking Ban

The DPW wishes to remind all Hopkinton residents of By-Laws pertaining to the parking of motor vehicles during the winter months.

Traffic Rules and Orders, Town of Hopkinton, Article lV, Section 8 “It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle, other than for an emergency, to park said vehicle on any street between the hours of 1:00am to 6:00am from November 15 through April 1.

Article X, Section 1 By-Laws Town of Hopkinton

The Highway Manager, for the purpose of removing or plowing snow, or removing the ice from any way shall be authorized to remove or cause to be removed to some convenient place, including in such term a public garage, any vehicle interfering with such work. The owner of any vehicle so removed shall be liable for the cost of such removal, and for the storage charges, if any, resulting therefrom. The Highway Manager, whenever any vehicle is so removed, shall notify the Police Department and said Department shall render all necessary assistance to the Highway Manager in enforcing this by-law.

Article 3

No person shall pile, push, throw, shovel, plow or by any other method or means cause snow to be deposited or placed on any public roadway or sidewalk of the Town so as to impede, obstruct or interrupt or otherwise adversely affect the unrestricted flow of traffic or the safe travel of any pedestrian on such roadway or sidewalk. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to any person in the employ of the Town, or in the employ of an independent contractor, which has been hired by the Town for the purpose of snow removal. Whoever violates this section shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding twenty-five dollars for each such violation. Each instance of such conduct shall constitute a separate violation of this By-Law.

The DPW would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Mike Mansir, Highway Manager

REMINDER

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Hopkinton Police Department

Public Safety Alert

Numerous vehicular break-ins — Common denominator is unlocked doors

November 13, 2009 — During the over night hours of Thursday 12 November to Friday 13 November, the Hopkinton Police investigated numerous motor vehicle break-ins where GPS Units, I-Pods, Money, credit cards and other personal items were taken. These incidents occurred on the west side of Hopkinton; specifically School Street, Pond Street, Stonegate Road and Stewart Street. All of the vehicles were unlocked.

Hopkinton Police request your assistance in combating these crimes. Please remove all personal items from your vehicle. Please lock your vehicle. Please turn on any motion activated outside lights.

If you observe any suspicious activity, immediately call the Hopkinton Police at 508-497-3401. For emergencies, dial 911.

Fresh cut potatoes = The World's Best French Fries, Now at Cornell's

Remember, Colella's posts their lunch specials daily on their website

Veterans Day 2009

November 12, 2009 — Above are clips from the Veterans Day event at Hopkinton Town Hall yesterday, including a performance of God Bless the USA by Amanda Osowski.

First Vaccine for Canine Influenza

Available at Healthy Paws

Canine influenza has emerged as a serious cause of canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) complex in recent years. First identified in 2003 in Florida,' it is now widespread, With documented occurrences in 30 states and the District of Columbia's Fortunately, there is now a vaccine that can aid in the control of the disease. Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 has been shown to reduce viral shedding, thereby minimizing spread ; lessen the occurrence and severity of clinical signs; and decrease the likelihood of serious complications like pneumonia." It has also been proven safe and well tolerated in more than 700 dogs.

This timely new vaccine means that you can now provide more complete respiratory protection for dogs, especially those in multiple-dog settings. And lessen the ramifications of a canine influenza outbreak.

It's a pretty hot subject in the dog world community; most boarding kennels, groomers and animal daycare facilities will be requiring their clients to have their dogs immunized by Christmas/first of the year. Canine influenza has migrated to the north from the south (Fla.) and the Caribbean. If not caught early, it can kill.

Dr. Russell at Healthy Paws Veterinary Center, is an advocate of the canine influenza vaccine and is one of the only veterinarians in the area that is currently offering it to clients and their dogs.

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STATE

Treasurer Cahill encourages veterans to apply for tax-free payment

Front Row (L to R): Secretary of Veterans Services, Thomas Kelley, Richard Lee of Stoughton, Robert Leroux of Fall River, Toby Turner of Everett, Brian Smith of Dorchester,Senator Thomas McGee, Brigadier General Thomas J. Sellars, Senator Jack Hart, Representative James Vallee. Back Row (L to R): Representative Steven Walsh, Representative Steven Stat Smith, Treasurer Tim Cahill, Representative William Galvin, Representative Lori Ehrlich, Representative Robert S. Hargraves.

BOSTON, MA - November 12, 2009 — State Treasurer Tim Cahill today presented four service members with “Welcome Home” Bonus checks. Timothy Lee, USMC, of Stoughton (Grandfather Richard Lee accepting on his behalf), Robert Leroux, USN, of Fall River, Brian Smith, USAF, of Dorchester, Toby Turner, ARMY/ARNG, of Everett, all received $1000 bonus checks.

The presentation, held on the Grand Staircase at the State House, was made by Treasurer Cahill and Tom Kelley, Secretary of Veteran Affairs. “In acknowledgement of Veterans’ Day, it is an honor to be able to recognize these brave service members,” said Treasurer Cahill. “We owe these men and women a debt of gratitude, and one way to show it is through the ‘Welcome Home’ Bonus. Our goal is to make all eligible service members aware of this program.”

The “Welcome Home” Bonus is a one-time tax-free cash payment available to eligible United States service members activated since September 11, 2001. The “Welcome Home Bill” was signed into law on Veterans Day, November 11, 2005.

The “Welcome Home” Bonus program is administered by Treasurer Cahill’s office. Today, any service member from Massachusetts who 1) has served in Iraq or Afghanistan, or 2) has served in any other nation in the world for a period of 180 days or more is eligible for the “Welcome Home” Bonus. To date, over 19,000 applications have been approved.

To apply for the “Welcome Home” Bonus, service members or their families must submit an application, which is available from Treasurer Cahill’s office; a Residence Certificate; a copy of Discharge Papers (DD214); and a W9 form.

For more information about the “Welcome Home” Bonus program, or for an application, please contact Treasurer Cahill’s office at www.mass.gov/treasury or 617-367-9333 x350.

Treasurer Cahill’s office also administers a bonus program for veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The Office of Veterans Services administers a bonus program for Gulf War veterans.