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24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748

Updated: March 18, 2013 02:53:35 PM

Quiet Night

January 1, 2010 — Hopkinton Police reported just one arrest in the last 24 hours, and called New Year's Eve a "quiet night."

Iris H. Mulhall, 90

HOPKINTON - Iris H. Mulhall, 90, died Tuesday December 29, 2009 at Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. She was the wife of William Mulhall, who died in 1980. Born in Weston, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Bertha (Mork) Hamm. She was a graduate of Concord High School and Burdett College.

She is survived by her daughter Katherine Herlicka and her husband Albert of New Boston, NH, her sons Paul and his wife Donna of Hopkinton and Stephen and his wife Anita of Coffeyville, KS, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Family and friends will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2009 at the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton. A graveside committal service will be held at St. John's Cemetery, 32 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, at 11:00 a.m. Calling hours at the funeral home are Sunday, January 3 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Snow Causes Multiple Accidents

December 31, 2009 — Police and Fire were all over the town today, as a very slippery snowfall beat the DPW in hitting the ground with a rapid accumulation, and accidents like this one on Ash Street, occurred in multiple locations.

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Boys Swim Team makes History

Above, Sophomore Megan Murdock

December 31, 2009 — The Boys and Girls Swim Team went against Lincoln Sudbury in a non-league meet on Tuesday. The girls were defeated 92-78. The boys however were able to get by the Warriors for the first time in program history, 99-81.

Partying Tonight?

Don't let Car 10 be your ride

December 31, 2009 — New Year's Eve is here again, and the year 2010 will chime in several hours from now.

Many people go to parties at the home of friends, at a favorite watering hole, or at an event out of town.

For those who decide to drink alcoholic beverages, appointing a designated driver is often the best decision a person or group can make.

Because for those who drive over the limit and get caught, the Hopkinton Police will have an entire crew of officers ready to designate themselves as the driver.

However, their destination will not be Home Sweet Home, it will be the Blue Lantern Inn. And because District Court does not convene on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it will be a three-day weekend for those arrested, in accommodations less than luxurious.

Be smart. If you find yourself over the limit, ask for a ride home; or if you see someone you know well, over the limit, offer a ride.

Because if there is one thing Hopkinton residents can be sure of, and many have discovered, it is that the members of their Police Department love their jobs.

They really do.

New Hampshire man Dies on Pike in Westborough Crash - UPDATED

December 31, 2009 — This morning, at approximately 2:54 a.m. Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Weston responded to a one-vehicle accident on Route 90 westbound at the 103.2 mile marker in Westborough which resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Thomas Adams indicates that 45-year-old Julie Hellinger from Nashua, New Hampshire was driving a 2009 Toyota Yaris westbound on Route 90 when she lost control. The vehicle went off the right side of the road striking the guard rail. Hellinger was transported by ambulance to UMass Medical Center in Worcester with minor injuries.

A passenger, 49-year-old Geoffrey Kennedy from Nashua, New Hampshire, was ejected from the Toyota and sustained fatal injuries. was ejected from the Toyota and sustained fatal injuries. His identity is being withheld pending proper next of kin notification.

This crash is under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. Members of the Westborough Fire Department assisted Troopers at the scene.

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Brian Herr Announces Run For Treasurer's Office

HOPKINTON — December 30, 2009 — Brian J. Herr, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Hopkinton, today announced his candidacy for the office of Treasurer and Receiver General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

For the past twenty five years Herr has worked in the private sector, primarily managing businesses focused on the commercial construction and industrial control markets. Over the last ten years, Herr has also been active in the public sector, serving the citizens of Hopkinton on the Personnel Committee, the Planning Board, and the Board of Selectmen. In addition, he currently serves as a board member for the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority.

In a statement today, Herr said, "Our government needs to be run more efficiently. The Treasurer's office should set the tone and lead by example when it comes to financial matters within the state. We need to create a culture of accountability by using clear and concise performance metrics for state employees and the programs that they manage. My experience in the private sector and my years of volunteer public service make me highly qualified to help lead Massachusetts out of the difficult economic conditions that we currently face. I look forward to the campaign and will be happy to entertain questions at any time regarding my qualifications and my vision for the future of the Commonwealth."

The Treasurer is responsible for managing the Lottery, the state's pension programs, and the School Building Authority, among other key departments. Herr's view is that in each of these there are significant opportunities to reduce the cost structure and create a culture of continuous improvement.

Brian Herr is a 1984 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his MA in Government from Harvard University in 1994. He lives in Hopkinton with his wife Mary Murphy and their five children. Mr. Herr was elected to the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen in May, 2007 and has served as Chairman since May, 2008. He is a Founding Member and former Chairman of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, and is the only individual who has participated in the event in each of the 20 years it has been held. The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge has raised $45,000,000 for basic cancer research since its inaugural run in 1990.

HopNews file photos.

Town Manager’s Office

Town Committee/Board Vacancies*

Current Vacancies:

· Appropriation Committee: one (1)

· ADA Oversight Committee: one (1)

· Board of Appeals: one (1) associate member

· Cable Committee: three (3)

· Capital Improvement Committee: two (2)

· Conservation Commission: one (1)

· Downtown Revitalization Committee: one (1)

· Economic Development Committee: three (3)

· Historical District Commission: one (1) position available

June 30, 2010- Board of Realtors representative)

· Hopkinton Cultural Council: eleven (11) (minimum of five (5) members; maximum of twenty-two (22) members)

· Housing Committee: one (1)

· MAPC – alternate: one (1)

· Recycling Committee: one (1)

· Sustainable Green Committee: one (1) at large member; two (2) associate members

· Youth Commission: two (2)

*For more information about these positions, please Email geri@hopkinton.org

From the Office of:

Abandoned Property Liquidation Sale Nets Over $76 Million

BOSTON, December 30, 2009 - State Treasurer Tim Cahill announced today that the Massachusetts Abandoned Property Division’s stock liquidation sale and eBay auction this December have generated a combined $76.1 million in revenue for the Commonwealth.

“The success of both the stock liquidation sale and eBay auction are a true testament to the Abandoned Property Division’s dedication to returning assets not only to its rightful owners but to the Commonwealth,” said Treasurer Cahill. “During this economic climate it is increasingly important to come up with new and creative ideas on generating to generate revenue for Massachusetts, and the Abandoned Property Division has found great results in their recent endeavors.”.

The stock liquidation raised $76 million for the General Fund, including the transfer of dividends earned on liquidated shares prior to the sale. The amount could go even higher in upcoming weeks once a small amount of final items are liquidated.

The stock liquidations came from the 2004, 2005 and 2006 abandoned securities accounts. This was the first stock liquidation since June 2007. Under normal market conditions the division would have proceeded with the stock liquidations two years ago. However, the sales were delayed until the market improved. When the market reached its 52-week high in recent weeks, it was deemed in the best interest of the Commonwealth to proceed with sale of liquidation eligible accounts. Stock liquidations are governed by the provisions of M.G.L. C. 200A, s. 9 (b).

At its conclusion, the 5th annual eBay auction will yield approximately $102,000 in gross sale receipts. . The appraised value of the items placed in auction was $56,000, demonstrating the success of the eBay auction process by nearly doubling the appraised value of the items and ultimately generating more revenue for the Commonwealth.

The highest closing lot in the eBay auction was a set of U.S. Flying Eagles and Indian Pennies dated 1857-1909, originally appraised at $1,500 and sold for $4,550. Other lots that sold dramatically over their appraised value include a $3 U.S. gold coin, appraised at $450 and sold for $1,451 and a lot that included men’s Hamilton and American pocket watches, appraised at $4 and sold for $235.49.

By year-end, the Abandoned Property Division will have returned over $54 million to abandoned property owners in 2009. The Division also returned over 533,000 shares of stock during the past year. Since Treasurer Cahill took office, the Abandoned Property Division has returned over $300 million to rightful owners.

According to the Massachusetts law, most financial assets that have been inactive for more than three years are declared “abandoned” and turned over to the Treasury. Contents of safe deposit boxes are held in “Special Deposit” for seven years after the owner fails to pay the annual rental fee. The assets are then turned over to the Treasury. The Treasury attempts to locate abandoned property owners or their heirs through an aggressive outreach program that includes sending notice to the last known address of the owner and advertising the names online and in local newspapers. Since Treasurer Cahill took office, the Abandoned Property Division has returned over $300 million to rightful owners.

“It is estimated that one in every ten people has unclaimed property in Massachusetts, and we have over $1 billion in assets waiting to be claimed by rightful owners,” said Treasurer Cahill. “My goal is to return as much of this property as possible to the residents and taxpayers of the Commonwealth.”

To search for unclaimed assets, call 888-344-MASS or visit www.findmassmoney.com. Both the call and website are free of charge.

Visual Treat

Mouse-over image to see crane

December 30, 2009 — Bill's Pizza is on track, its workers defying the cold weather that sends other construction companies indoors. A snapshot of today's progress offers strong diagonal lines, triangles and other geometric shapes, a diminishing perspective, as well as congruity and symmetry, all visual attributes that humans find pleasing in a scene, for some reason. Mouse-over the image to see the crane that is placing the roof trusses.

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Girls Track is Back

December 30, 2009 — The girls indoor track team is off to a winning start this season. They have won their first three Tri-Valley League meets beating Westwood (62-24), Bellingham (62-15) and Millis (64.5 – 21.5). The team is 75 girls strong with many freshmen joining the squad. These articles will present the highlights of the team members with each one featuring different girls. We will start by featuring the captains.

Kellie Lodge (Distance Captain) came off an amazing Cross-Country season and has been a major contributor to all three wins. Kellie placed first in both the 2mile and 1000m against Westwood with times of 11:55 and 3:23.1. At the Winter Festival at Reggie Lewis, she was 3^rd in the 1000 (3:13.25) and a member of the 1^st place 4x800 relay team. Kellie then ran a league best 5:25 mile at Monday’s Boston Holiday Invitational.

Kim Bolick (Distance Captain) came back to Winter Track from Varsity Soccer. Kim began the month with a 2^nd place finish in the 600m against Westwood (1:45.4) and a 2^nd place finish in the 2 mile against Millis. Kim shone for Hopkinton at the Winter Festival placing 2^nd in the 600m with a time of 1:41.73. She was also a member of the winning 4x800 relay team. At the Boston Holiday Invitational, Kim took 3^rd with a personal and TVL best of 2:23.6 in the 800m.

Dana Cavedon (Sprints and Hurdles Captain) came off a strong Varsity Field Hockey season to regain her place among the sprinter girls. Dana took 2^nd in the hurdles (7.5) and 3^rd in the 300m (48.5) against Millis. At the Winter Festival, she came in 12^th in the 55 meter hurdles and contributed a strong 400m leg of the 4x400m relay at the Boston Holiday Invitational.

Cecily Boyce, file photo above, (Jumps and Field Events Captain) jumped 4’10” in her first meet this year to take 1^st place against Westwood. Unfortunately, due to a lingering volleyball injury, she was unable to compete at the Winter Festival. Cecily will be back competing shortly.

These four captains are all role models for members of the team. They have performed well under pressure and have created successful activities for team bonding.

In addition to the four captains, many of the returning runners and new members have had excellent performances. Samantha Prescott, Stephanie Hadley, Kaelynn Maloney, Sheena DuPuy, Jenny Curley, Tamara Mills, Hannah Krueger, Haley Anderson, Alice LaGoy, Samantha Oleson, Maggie Olney, and Jackie Chirco all scored in the meet against Westwood. Against Millis, Kelley O’Connor, Mirelle Raza, Mills, Rebecca Govoni, Jordyn Labriola, DuPuy, Cavedon, Jen Lynds, Krueger, Marissa Mahoney, Andrea Gendron, Liz Kelley, Abigail Perrault, LaGoy, Oleson, Olney and Chirco scored.

Coach Hall has had the luxury of moving the girls around at different distances. This allows him the opportunity to see where each girl can excel while allowing all of the girls to strive to meet their own personal track goals. It has been an exciting season so far. The girls next scheduled meet is against Medway and Ashland on Wednesday, January 6^th at the Hopkinton Field House. The following Saturday Jan 9^th at 9am could be the key meet in the TVL this season as Holliston comes to town as the only other undefeated team. HopNews file photo of Cecily Boyce. Other content contributed.

Jeannette M. (Lemieux) Reimer, 91

Jeannette M. (Lemieux) Reimer, 91, of Hopkinton, formerly of Ashland, passed away December 29^th after a period of declining health. She was born in Montmagny, Canada, the daughter of the late Alderic and Eva Lemieux. Married for 67 years, she was the wife of Charles Reimer. She was a former member of St. Cecilia’s Church in Ashland and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, James O. Carey Post for over 50 years. Jeannette loved being with her family, NE Patriots, crocheting, bingo, and baking.

Besides her husband, she is survived by two sons: Charles Reimer and his wife Janet of Fairfax, VA; Gilles Reimer and his wife Sonya of Salisbury Mills, New York; two daughters: Lillian Holden and her husband Leonard of Hopkinton and Irene Foster and her husband J. Alan of Wayland; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass of the resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 10 AM at the Holy Family Chapel of St. Patrick’s Manor 863 Central Street in Framingham with viewing from 9:00-10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held on Friday afternoon from 3-5 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main Street, Ashland, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Patrick's Family 863 Central Street Framingham MA 01701.

Congressman Jim McGovern Meets with Legacy Farms and Town Officials

Project is largest in district

Above, from left, US Congressman Jim McGovern, State Senator Karen Spilka and legacy Farms President, Roy MacDowell.

December 29, 2009 — Congressman Jim McGovern met with the Legacy Farms team Tuesday afternoon to hear an update on the Legacy Farms development, and to meet Hopkinton town officials. Legacy Farms plans to build 940 residential units and 450,000 square feet of commercial/retail space on land purchased from Weston Nurseries.

Congressman McGovern told the gathering that this project is the largest in is entire district, which spans four counties and twenty-eight towns.

He said that there would be more stimulus money available in 2010.

Roy MacDowell, Jr., principal of Legacy Farms LLC, referring to the economy, said, "Mass is ahead of the curve."

Vice President of Wells Fargo, James Cristofori, who Mr. McDowell referred to as his favorite banker, said, "We have a ton of exposure in Las Vegas, where this parcel would be small, but, it is huge for Massachusetts." Wells Fargo took over the Legacy financing from Wachovia, and recently refinanced the Legacy loan.

"How do we make this [new housing] affordable," Mr. MacDowell asked rhetorically.

He said that although the project will not change one bit, the sizes of the of the homes could be smaller than originally projected. He said the market would dictate the size of the amenities.

Congressman McGovern said that the latest round of stimulus money has been used up, but there would be a new round soon under the jobs bill.

"We are here to help," he said.

Referring to the need to be shovel-ready, Mr. MacDowell said, "As soon as we get our permits, we want to go full bore."

Congressman McGovern said, "This is a good project, and we don't want to be very old when it is done."

Choose the player below to view some clips of the meeting and to watch the Congressman, the State Senator and State Representative speak to the people of Hopkinton.

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$500 reward offered**

Another resident adds $350 to the reward total.

** Email Editor@HopNews.com to add to the reward, or to turn the thief in.

December 29, 2009 — Unhappy with the continued absence of a stolen Baby Jesus figure that was part of the crèche on the Hopkinton Common, a resident has offered to add $350 to the reward total.

The amount is far more than the value of the plastic figure, but is representative of the value placed on the figure that represents the birth of Jesus Christ, and the importance for many Christians of the celebration of His birth on Christmas Day.

The reward is offered for the identity of the thief or prankster, and not for the return of the figure itself.

If someone can return the figure, or even leave it at the front door of HopNews, people would undoubtedly appreciate it.

Pedestrian Struck Near Crosswalk Downtown

73 year-old resident struck

UPDATE

December 28, 2009 — According to a witness, the driver of a truck that sat at the end of two sets of skid marks, 40 feet from the crosswalk at Main and Hayden Rowe Streets, told the victim he did not see her because of the blinding sun. The truck had a cracked driver's side front bumper guard.

The witness said that she knew that the victim, Carol Chisholm, 73, of Eastview Road in Hopkinton would get hit as she watched the scene unfold at about 3:30 this afternoon, but did not observe the actual impact.

Because of the nature of the crash, she was transported under Advanced Life Support protocol to UMass Worcester.

According to police, the driver of the pickup truck, Dana Hanna, 56, of Northborough, who a witness has said was doing about 20 mph before the impact, has not been charged.

The unusually bright intensity of the sun in the western sky is evident by its reflection in the background off of the building at 1 Ash Street.

December 28, 2009

Click above for full report

2:49 pm A cell phone caller reported an erratic operator who was driving up on sidewalks going down Hayden Rowe Street. The vehicle then hit some branches at EMC park, went down the middle of the road and back up on the sidewalk on Grove Street...

10:36 am A caller reported that a person was trying to run up a fire escape to open a window...

6:58 am There was a report of a black pickup truck with a female and male party in the parking lot of a West Main Street gas station fighting...

4:26 pm A caller reported that a red pickup truck just drove around a corner on Lumber Street, almost hitting her...

Woodville Rod and Gun Club, Inc

Annual Ice Fishing Derby

Saturday, January 23, 2010

7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Woodville Rod and Gun Club, Inc. is hosting it's annual Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, January 23, 2010. The hours are 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Entry fee is $20.00 per person. Breakfast will be served the morning of at the clubhouse for a nominal fee. Information can be found at www.woodvillerodandgun.com or call 508-435-4148. Fishing will be at Lake Whitehall. No ice date is February 27, 2010. Please join us for a great time! Registration forms can be downloaded from the website or obtained at the club house. Please join us for a great time!

Fiscal Year 2010 Property Valuations- Click Here Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts Sponsored by: *Compiled by Eric Montville for HopNews.com © 2009All Rights Reserved* Transactions ending December 28, 2009
Address	Buyer	Price	Date	Seller
31 Connelly Hill Road	Joseph H. Altman & Melissa Hughes	$1,330,000	Dec 23, 2009	Connelly LLC
16 South Mill Street	Corey J. Kincaid & Colleen Kincaid	$216,000	Dec 22, 2009	Braim Farm, LLC
8 South Mill Street, Lot 7	Richard G. Borges & Sheila Borges	$225,000	Dec 22, 2009	Braim Farm, LLC
230 Hayden Rowe Street	Eric W. Rockey & Thomas J. Last	$249,000	Dec 22, 2009	Keith A. Parker & Kristen L. Parker
60 Elm Street	Kathleen E. Tripp	$10,000	Dec 22, 2009	David M. Nicless, Trustee in Bankruptcy of Gary E. Tripp
Last Week
13 Sanctuary Lane	Margaret Barton	$156,500	Dec 18, 2009	Weston Development Group Inc.
313 Wood Street	Paul S. Walker	$285,000	Dec 18, 2009	Dorenda S. Rice
409 Wood Street	Dilip Francis & Sandhya Vasudevan	$485,000	Dec 16, 2009	Peter Pandolfino & Mary E. Pandolfino
31 Knoll Road	Edward A. Kozaryn & Laura E. Snelgrove	$312,500	Dec 15, 2009	Kevin J. Flynn & Rachel L. Flynn
4 David Joseph Road	Ellen A. Scordino & Harvey Aquinn	$760,000	Dec 15, 2009	Michael J. Cassata & Juanita M. Cassata
6 South Mill Street	Brian W Cheever & Brian K. Gassett, Trustees of Summit Realty Trust	$225,000	Dec 14, 2009	Braim Farm LLC
Two Week Ago
8 Nezneen Circle	Sunil Lukose & Prima Lukose	$485,000	Dec 11, 2009	Ahmed Mirajuddin, Trustee of Peppercorn Village Realty Trust
14 Pendulum Pass	Leo V. Colborne	$850,000	Dec 11, 2009	Barry M. London & Carole L. London
35 Smith Road	Linda S. Gelsinger	$1,115,000	Dec 09, 2009	Donald J. Mackenzie & Ellen E. Mackenzie
15 Front Street	James F. Houley & Carolyn Speranza-Houley	$200,000	Dec 08, 2009	John Speranza & Sarah B. Speranza

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Over 308 million, and counting, in US. Population clocks tick at www.census.gov

HopNews has other interesting facts behind the button, always above.

SUNDAY TAPS VIGIL, JANUARY 3, 2010

Hopkinton to join thousands of communities across America

Please join the Hopkinton Veteran’s Celebration Committee on Sunday, January 3, 2010 as we join thousands of communities across America for a remembrance ceremony at the Senior Center in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. The Committee is hosting a “Sunday Taps Vigil” starting at 7:00 p.m.

The ceremony will consist of a short tribute to American soldiers, veterans and their families and is expected to last 15 minutes. The ceremony will include the sounding of the 24 hauntingly beautiful notes of “Taps”.

The Veteran’s Celebration Committee would like to have veterans from surrounding towns join us in this ceremony and all future ceremonies.

“Taps” traditionally serves two important purposes. At military outposts around the world it is played in the evening to signal the time for quiet, rest and reflection after a day of duty. It is also mandated by the Department of Defense to be sounded live by a bugler, if possible, at the funeral of each and every American veteran as a final tribute to that individual veteran’s honorable time of service to his or her country. An average of over 1,600 American veterans are laid to rest each day.

Hopkinton has held this ceremony, on the first Sunday of each month, since it was initiated in March 2004 by the national non-profit organization Bugles Across America. Since the ceremony was first proposed, over 1,500 communities across America, as well as in Canada and several other countries, now participate. File photo of volunteer bugler, high school student Michael McCann.

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And the Winner Is...

December 28, 2008 — After noticing in a video report below that reporter Robert Falcione made extensive and distracting use of the interjections, "ah" and "uh," HopNews ran a contest promising to pay the first person who emailed the correct amount of those utterances, one dollar for each one. The contest is now closed.

The Hoyt family of Maple Street listened and came up with 34 utterances. HopNews counted 33. And although we did specifically state that "ah" and "uh" were the valid sounds, we believe the Hoyts may have considered an "urgh" in their count. Nonetheless, we will not only accept that as valid, we'll pay the extra dollar. Thanks for participating.

Holiday Wishes from Down Under

Editor:

As a former Hopkintonian, I would like to thank you for all the great photos and info you share. I particularly have enjoyed seeing the preparations for Christmas with the tree and menorah lighting on the common - but what I've enjoyed most are the photos of the snow. I live in Australia now and have been here for the past 12 years - although I love it, I really miss a white Christmas and all the old traditions I fondly remember from Hopkinton (i.e. today it is 110 degrees in the shade - hardly Christmas weather in my book!).

I saw the article about the Lovely Lady and remember Nancy doing my hair - I'd still recognize her anywhere - she has always had a great smile!

Thank you again for letting me feel a touch of home and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends in Hopkinton.

Mary (Harrall) Smith

18 View St., Batehaven,

NSW 2536 Australia

December 23, 2009

(Note: An apparent email glitch delayed the receiving of the sender's address)

Martin Luther King Day of Giving Back

January 18, 2009

Begins at 9:00 am

in the Middle School

by Anne Mattina

Looking forward to the New Year, the resolution to help others may be on your list. Come join your friends and neighbors on January 18^th at the Martin Luther King Day of Giving Back. Hopkinton’s participation in this national day of service is entering its third year, and events are sure to be rewarding to all. Last year over 700 people showed up after a snowstorm!

Make it a day “on” rather than a day “off” on the third Monday of January. The Day of Giving Back honors the legacy of Dr. King through the volunteerism of community members. Everyone is invited to participate, you do not need to be part of an organized group; you just need to be willing to give few hours of your time! Community, church and school groups provide multiple opportunities for participating in service projects, all are welcome to join in.

Sponsored by the Hopkinton Youth Commission, the day begins at 9:00 am in the Middle School with a light breakfast and short program. South Street Dunkin Donuts will again provide coffee, hot chocolate bagels and donuts, with other local business such as Ciao Time, Colella’s and the Hopkinton Gourmet contributing treats as well. This year’s program will feature Hopkinton teacher Evren Gunduz, a 2009 “Excellence in Education” award winner from the Goldin Foundation. The founder of the IGNITE, a dynamic program staffed by 8^th graders as mentors to incoming 6^th graders at the Middle School, Mr. Gunduz is sure to be inspirational as he gets the day started. After the program, service projects begin in the Brown Gym. You may write a letter to a soldier, make a blanket or scarf for a homeless child, prepare potted plants for senior citizens or choose among many other projects, with events winding down by noon.

Plan to stay to cheer on the Special Olympics Basketball team at 12:30 as they challenge the boys’ freshman basketball team. There will be a blood drive all day from 10am to 3pm at the Doyle gym. E-mail janeroche@aol.com for an appointment.

Families with young children (ages 4 to 9) are encouraged to sign up at the library children’s room for a story time / craft session led by teens. Senior citizens are needed to complete a book drive sorting project for children’s and adult books. Call the senior center to sign up.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the main event at the middle school. Children 6^th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult. For updates on the day’s events and requested items for donation, please check www.hopkintonyouth.org in January and find us on Facebook at “Hopkinton’s 3^rd Annual MLK Day of Giving Back”. You may be surprised who you see on there! For questions, please contact Linda Katz or Anne Schneider at MLKhopkinton@comcast.net.

In the Pink

December 27, 2009 — The Veterans Memorial Gazebo is certainly "in the pink" as its condition is new, but so is the surrounding sky, in every direction, an infrequent occurrence of the setting Sun. It is reminiscent of the old saying, "Pink sky at night, sailor's delight. Pink sky in morning, sailors take warning." NOTE: A wide angle lens tilted upward, causes the vertical lines in a composition to bow toward the center.

Construction Proceeds at Rapid Pace

December 27, 2009 — Bill's Pizza has set up Bill's on Wheels behind the Middlesex bank to take care of their customers' needs during the construction of their new building, the framing of which can be seen in the forefront of the photo.

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Art Mimics Art

December 27, 2009 — As these young photographers compose their photographs, they become the subject of the HopNews camera, and unwitting participants in a demonstration of the "Rule of Thirds" of visual arts.

State Police Investigate Fatal Accident on Route 90 in Boston Wrong

- Way Driver Charged with Motor Vehicle Homicide, OUI

December 27, 2009 — Today, at 1:49 a.m., state troopers from the Ted Williams Tunnel Barracks responded to multiple reports of a wrong-way operator who was driving westbound on the eastbound side of Route 90, prior to the Prudential Tunnel. The wrong-way operation caused a two-car crash at the 133.3 mile marker, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to another victim. The driver of the vehicle going the wrong way, who was not injured, was allegedly impaired and has been charged with vehicular homicide and drunk-driving related offenses.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Brian Garrant indicates that a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, being operated the wrong way by 33-year-old PHILIP DANIELS of Boston struck a 1978 MG.

The man driving the MG was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries. The adult male passenger in the MG suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. DANIELS, the operator of the Jeep, was uninjured in the crash.

DANIELS was placed under arrest at the scene and charged with: motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol, operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and wrong way operation of a motor vehicle.

The identities of the operator and passenger in the MG are being withheld pending proper family notification.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Boston Fire Department and Boston EMS personnel also assisted at the scene.

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HBA Alumni games

December 27, 2009 — The Hopkinton Basketball Association held it's third annual Boys and Girls Alumni basketball games in Brown Gym on Saturday night December 26th. Players from a number of recent classes at Hopkinton High School participated in this fun event with the Green Team winning for the girls and the White Team winning for the boys. Ken Driscoll organized the event which has grown in attendance and interest every year. The talent showed on both ends of the court and the fans saw two closely contested games. Thanks to all for making this a fun tradition during the holidays.

Coffee Shop Talk:

Selectman Brian Herr Plans to Finish Term

Coffee Shop Talk spawns rumor

December 26, 2009 — Sometimes an honest question can start a rumor. Sometimes a suggestion is nearly as powerful as an accusation.

And although we don't know the motive, we do know that some morning Coffee Shop Talk pondered whether Selectman Brian Herr would resign before his term is out. HopNews asked Mr. Herr if he had any plans to resign from the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen if he announces plans to run for State Treasurer, a run he is considering.

"Absolutely none. I quit track in the 9th grade. I have been running most of my life in an attempt to forgive myself for quitting when I was only 14 years old. I have not quit anything since.
"I love being on the Board of Selectmen and will definitely finish my term regardless of anything else that may occur," said Mr. Herr.

Mr. Herr noted that the seats of him and Matt Zettek are up for election in May. He said if he does run for a statewide race, he will not be on the ballot for Selectman. File photo.

NOTE: Heard any Coffee Shop Talk? Any water cooler talk? If you have heard something, speculation or a rumor that needs clarification before it goes too far, drop us a line. Editor@HopNews.com

Resident Places Doll in Cradle*

Cabbage Patch type of doll placed in crèche to keep it from being empty

$150 reward offered**

Another resident emails with an addition to the reward total.

** Email Editor@HopNews.com to add to the reward, or to turn the thief in.

December 25, 2009 — At some point after reading this story — it has been revised — someone posted on the Town Talk that their family placed their son's Cabbage Patch Doll in the cradle in the crèche as a gesture of good will so that it would not be empty on Christmas, after the theft of the original figure. The life-like figures were purchased by a group of families led by the Doyles, and permitted to be on the Common by the Parks and Rec, as are other religious symbols.

A week ago Wednesday, a police officer discovered the figurine of the Baby Jesus missing, a story broken by HopNews and eventually picked up by all of the Boston television outlets.

HopNews, with the help of contributors is offering a $150 reward for the name of the person who took the original that leads to its return, or even the prosecution of the person who took the $150 statue.

*This headline and story have been updated to reflect new information, as well as a higher reward.

** Email Editor@HopNews.com to add to the reward, or to turn the thief in.

Swimmers Strong in Wins and Loss

December 25, 2009 — The Hopkinton Varsity Swimming and Diving Team took on two teams on Wednesday night. The Boys were victorious over Norwell and Cohasset, and the girls beat Cohasset easily, and narrowly lost to Norwell in a fantastic last relay. The meets featured some fantastic swims by some veterans an some newcomers to the program.

Pictures are of Senior Captain Matt Younis, above, competing in the 100 yd. butterfly, and freshmen Holly Franke, competing in the 100 yd freestyle.

Please enjoy an reprise of an Ashley Jackson/HopNews illustration, above.

Baby Jesus Figure Still Missing

Media interest broadens

December 24, 2009 — Above, Brendan Doyle speaks about the missing Baby Jesus figurine and what it means to the community. The Boston television stations have caught on to the incident — HopNews was the first outlet to have covered it — and have been visiting Hopkinton to interview people.

If someone is pulling a prank and plans to return it, it will be rather difficult for them to do so with all of the community and media attention.

One police officer suggested, off of the record, that there is a Safe Haven Law, and whoever took it could leave it on the front step of the police station unharmed.

NOTE: Editor Robert Falcione makes one of his rare appearances, and demonstrates why they are rare. Be the first to email with the total amount of "ah's" and "uh's" he utters and win one dollar for each one. Editor@HopNews.com. Only one winner, the first.

Please Enjoy a Reprise of

A Christmas Carol

presented by the Sheehan children

HopNews again presents A Christmas Carol, acted, filmed, staged and edited by the children of Janet and Tim Sheehan about five years ago, when the oldest might have been all of 15 years-old.

Please choose to watch in the Vimeo player above, but expect about 5 seconds of black before the visuals begin.

To see the video presented in a larger player, Click on the Vimeo logo.

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

Ashland 6, Hopkinton 2

December 24, 2009 — Although it isn't clear who made the goal, the one thing that is certain is that Hopkinton just put one in the net, last night at Navin Arena in Marlborough against Ashland.

County Crime

Virginia Man Indicted For Attempted Kidnapping of 12-year-old Littleton Girl

WOBURN- December 23, 2009 - A Virginia man has been indicted on attempted kidnapping charges after he traveled from Virginia on November 20 to meet a 12-year-old girl in Littleton, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today. The two had made initial contact over the Internet on the social networking site "43things.com"

Daniel O’Brien, 32, of Virginia, was indicted today by a Middlesex Superior Court Grand Jury on charges of attempted kidnapping, child enticement, and reckless endangerment of a child.

An arraignment date has not yet been set.

According to authorities, on Friday, November 20, Littleton Police were contacted by a Littleton resident who was concerned about Internet communications his girlfriend's daughter was having with a Virginia man over the Internet. The resident stated that the child, the victim, was acting unusual that morning before school and that her backpack was filled with extra clothes and money. After dropping her off at school, he and the victim’s mother made the decision to go through their computer where they located e-mail exchanges between the victim and a man, allegedly the defendant, who claimed that he was 25 years old. The conversations revealed that the defendant offered to help the victim runaway from her home that day. The conversations also revealed that the defendant planned to travel by bus from Virginia to Boston. He stated to the victim that he would then take a train from Boston to Littleton to meet her that afternoon. He then planned on taking the victim back to Virginia with him that same afternoon.

This information was relayed to Littleton PD who contacted the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to assist in the investigation. After a subpoena was granted, authorities were able to locate and identify the account user as the defendant, as well as get a description of his physical appearance and the approximate time the bus on which he was traveling would arrive in Boston and the train he would take to Littleton.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Littleton police and two FBI agents were conducting surveillance of the Littleton Train Station in anticipation of the defendant’s arrival and were able to identify the defendant and place him in custody.

Once in custody, the defendant admitted that he planned on meeting the victim and returning to Virginia with her. He also admitted that he knew her age and that he intended to entice the victim into sexual conduct.

O’Brien was arraigned on November 23 in Ayer District Court on charges of attempted kidnapping and child endangerment. Ayer District Court Judge Gailey ordered O’Brien held on $50,000 cash bail and ordered him not to contact the victim in this case. The Commonwealth requested the defendant be held on $500,000 cash bail.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by Littleton Police, the FBI, and members of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Child Abuse Unit, Cyber Protection Unit, and PACT Unit.

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to this case is Patrick Fitzgerald. The Victim Witness Advocate is Joanne Szeto.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Cyber Protection Unit, created by District Attorney Leone when he took office in 2007, is the office’s first-ever unit of prosecutors and investigators specifically focused on the protection of children and other citizens from the predatory dangers of the Internet. The Unit consists of a coordinating Assistant District Attorney, other lawyers, State Police, and civilian forensic specialists. That team focuses on the investigation and prosecution of cases involving the use of computers to commit crimes and store evidence, including those who target children, the elderly and other victims. It also addresses financial and other related cyber crimes. In addition to its prosecutorial components, the program engages community and law enforcement partners to conduct county-wide trainings, build and develop public-private partnerships, launch pilot initiatives, and support the office’s pre-existing school and community-based prevention and intervention programs. -Contributed content.

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