January 20, 2010 —
In this photo by David Sheehan, the Hiller boy above leaves everyone
else in a blur at the Athletic Center today. Below, Austin catches the
Hiller girl going for the high jump.
Democrats to Hold Caucus
20th
at 10:30am to elect seven delegates and three alternates to the 2010
Massachusetts Democratic Convention.
The Convention will be held on June 4th and 5th at
the DCU Center in Worcester. The primary duty of the convention will be
to nominate Democratic candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney
General, Treasurer, Secretary of the Commonwealth, and State Auditor.
The caucus is open to all registered Democrats in Hopkinton. All ballots
will be written and secret. Those not elected as Delegate or Alternate,
who meet the qualifications, may apply to be add-on delegates in the
following categories: youth, minority, and disabled
All registered Democrats in Hopkinton are invited (and encouraged) to
join us. Come and meet some of your fellow local Democrats.
For further information, please contact Dick Duggan, Corresponding
Secretary HDTC, at
dduggan47@gmail.com
or 508-435-4007.
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Paul Occhitinti Speaks
About Being in Haiti During Quake
January 20, 2010 —
Paul Occhitinti comes into the HopNews Studio to talk about his recent
trip to Haiti and being there when the devastating earthquake hit.
You are invited to join us for the
Coach Bliss Court Dedication at the Brown Gym
Friday, January 29th,
2010
4:45 Ceremony before JV
Girls Game
5:00 JV Girls Basketball
vs Millis- Brown Gym
6:30 Varsity Girls
Basketball vs Millis -Athletic Center
This dedication is to honor Coach Dick Bliss
for his long-term service as Athletic Director, Wellness Teacher, Golf
Coach and both Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball Coach.
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Scott Brown Wins "The People's Seat"
Hopkinton Youth Commission
Thanks Everyone
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Hopkinton Youth Commission, we’d like to thank our
friends and neighbors in Hopkinton and surrounding communities for
making the Third Annual Martin Luther King Day of Giving Back a
tremendous success.
Over 800 people
participated, despite the snowy weather. People of all ages gathered at
the middle school to enjoy breakfast and hear our wonderful speaker,
Evren Gunduz, play "Amazing Grace" on his trumpet, share humorous
anecdotes and inspire the audience to give back throughout the year and
throughout their lives. Enter Stage Left’s a cappella group also
performed beautifully.
Together, we then
engaged in over 20 different service projects to benefit others. Most of
these projects were led by middle and high school youth and their clubs,
teams, church or scouting groups. Many commented how nice it was to see
our teens mixing in with other generations to give back - and having fun
doing it! We all made a difference, by helping the homeless, giving
blood, raising money for Haiti and writing thank you notes to our
troops, just to name a few.
Thank you to the
Middle School for hosting this event. We are grateful to the town DPW
crew who cleared the lots bright and early, to the school custodial
staff and to HCAM for filming throughout the day. A huge thank you to
South Street Dunkin’ Donuts for being the primary sponsor for our
breakfast. Thanks to our additional sponsors -The Women’s Club, The
Mom’s Club, Ciao Time Catering, Colella's, Hopkinton Gourmet, Roche
Brothers, Café Mocha, Bronx Bagels, Westborough BJ’s, Milford Stop and
Shop, Milford Hannaford and Sodexo Dining Services.
This event could
not have taken place without the hard work from our dedicated committee
– specifically, Dorothy Marusca, Elaine Rosen, Suzanne Gallo, Anne
Mattina and Lori Robak. Many others helped to make this day such a big
success. It was great to see the support of Representative Carolyn
Dykema, some of our selectmen and school committee members and our new
town manager.
Please e-mail your
ideas for next year and/or interest in joining the MLK committee to
And most of all,
thank you to the people of Hopkinton who made this event so successful.
Our entire community should be proud of the amazing response we had in
promoting service and volunteerism in the spirit of Dr. King.
Linda Katz
Anne Schneider
Hopkinton Youth
Commission
January 19, 2010
Scott
Brown Takes Hopkinton With a 3 - 2 Ratio
Total Votes:
6,760
Scott Brown:
4123
Martha
Coakley: 2,600
Joseph L.
Kennedy: 35
Write-ins: 2
January 19, 2010 —
A tip of the HopNews hat to Hopkinton Republican Town Committee Chairman
Ken Weismantel for hanging out at the polls unit the last vote was cast,
and all the votes were counted, and making those numbers available for
his folks and HopNews readers.
Mr. Weismantel said that 6,760 people voted, which is 70.8% of
registered voters, and a number that was higher than even he predicted.
When asked why the turnout was higher than surrounding towns, he said,
"Hopkinton always takes their civic responsibility seriously, and votes.
We typically vote 2-3% higher than surrounding towns."
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Main and
Grove
January 19, 2010 —
Two people were uninjured when their vehicles collided at the
intersection of Main and Grove Streets shortly before 6 :00 p.m. today.
Above, center, Sgt. Michael Sutton arrived first, while Officer
John Moran comes
down the hill.
Rain, Snow,
Sleet, Etc.
January 19, 2010 —
Supporters of candidates in the Special Election today, lopsided in
favor of Scott Brown, lined the driveway leading to the polls at the
Middle School. Two supporters speak, below: (Video still processing @
6:15 pm)
Vote Today January 19,
2010
Hopkinton Polls Open January 19, 2010
Hopkinton Middle School
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Hopkinton Sculptor Completes Kennedy Sculpture
HOPKINTON, Mass., Jan. 19
/PRNewswire/ -- A realistic portrait sculpture of
Senator Edward Kennedy
was completed by Michael Alfano
to coincide with the election and installment of his
successor in Washington.
The twice life-size scale echoes
Ted Kennedy's stature and implies the daunting
gap facing the next Senator from
Massachusetts. Standing
two-feet tall and bearing a striking resemblance, the
bust vividly calls up the late Senator's presence, even
from across a large exhibit hall.
Alfano was inspired to begin
the sculpture last August when Kennedy's funeral
tributes put perspective on his collective body of
contributions. Through the fall, he created the clay
version, working from photos in his studio. The first
weekend in November, just before the Senatorial primary
election, Alfano showed the work-in-progress outdoors at
a Newbury Street gallery in
Boston that carries his art. Streams of
pedestrians of all political leanings remarked on its
uncanny likeness to the legislator, whose face is widely
recognized given his forty-six year term.
The first casting of the
sculpture is in a stone-like material. A bronze casting
is being prepared. Alfano is currently scheduling
display of the portrait at government buildings and art
venues.
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Martin Luther King Day of Giving Back
Hundreds participate
at Middle School
January 18, 2010 — See video of events from
the Martin Luther King Day of Giving Back, featuring keynote speaker
Evren Gunduz on trumpet, as well as interviews of several attendees by
David Sheehan.
To the people of the town of Hopkinton, the school community,
family and friends:
We
cannot begin to express our gratitude and thanks for your heart
rendering love and support of Marissa, our sixteen year old
daughter who was stricken with Guillain-Barre Syndrome early in
December. Since the very beginning, her teachers, faculty and
administrators at school, her classmates, friends and family
sent wishes and gifts, visited the hospital, sent texts and
posted on her
website (www.caringbridge.org/visit/marissabell).
All visits, postings, cards, gifts and
wishes were so much enjoyed by Marissa!! While she was in ICU
for three weeks, classrooms made posters which are up on her
walls, groups gathered to put care baskets together, pictures
were sent of fun times and memories were revisited which made
Marissa look forward to more good times ahead. Her JV soccer
team kept her focused on the training required during physical
therapy to improve and eventually get home. Marissa's Coach
Donahue, Coach Fenn and Mrs. Welch visited to remind her of her
strength to continue to fight this disease.
Special thanks to the following families: Hoyt, Foster, Fenn,
Fabricant, Krapf, White, Brown, DeSantis, MacEachern and Spector
for their extraordinary support, gifts, food and visits despite
two different hospital locations and difficulty with travel due
to location and weather.
Please accept our thanks to ALL who continue to support
Marissa's recovery, who have sent cards and continued good
wishes, who have made blankets, who have sent various comfort
items and who continue to send their thoughts and prayers her
way. She is boosted every day by the wonderful community we
live in and we are blessed to be a part of.
She hopes to be home soon in Hopkinton and can't wait to see
everyone there as she continues her recovery.
With Many Thanks,
Mark Bell, Gayle Gonthier Bell, Marissa Bell (class of 2011) and
Jeff Bell (Marissa's
Brother, class of 2006)
January 18,
2010
Claflin
Hill Symphony Orchestra Features
WGBH Commentator Ron Della Chiesa and his Protégé Vocalist on January
30, 2010
Milford, MA -- The
Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra (CHSO) continues its Tenth Anniversary
Season on Saturday, January 30th with “Songs of America!,” featuring a
special appearance by WGBH music host Ron Della Chiesa, who will
introduce rising star soprano Ms. Melanie Campbell as the special guest
soloist of the evening. The concert will take place in the Grand
Ballroom of Milford Town Hall at 7:30PM.
Campbell recently received her Masters of Music and Graduate Diploma at
New England Conservatory as the recipient of the Wendy Shattuck’75
Presidential Scholarship for Vocal Studies.
“Songs of
America” will be conducted by long-time Claflin Hill Guest Conductor
Thomas Hojnacki, who is also the Chair of the Harmony Department at
Berklee College. Hojnacki is an award-winning composer who has premiered
several of his works with the Claflin Hill Symphony over the last 10
years. In addition to Duke Ellington’s “Harlem,” the program will also
include Hojnacki’s “Toccatta, Tango and ‘Toons,” as well as Gershwin’s
“Cuban Overture.” Music from “Motown” will round out the evening.
“Songs of America” on January 30th is made possible with Claflin Hill
Business Partnership grants from International Power in Milford and the
Waters Corporation. Tickets are $35 Reserved, $30/$25 non-reserved adult
and student/senior.
Taylor Hammond pins his
opponent just in time at the Northbridge Wrestling Tournament on
Saturday.
January 18, 2010
Click
above for full report
8:42
am A resident of Fruit Street reported several cars parked in front
of her house, and pedestrians on the overpass holding
political signs. She felt this was a hazard today with the weather and
the plows...
12:40 pm A business reported an overnight breaking and entering on
Main Street...
1:43 pm Resident of Downey Street reported numerous snowmobiles
operating in roadway and on the lake...
9:38 am A Hopkins School employee reported the odor of smoke in the
building. They had pulled the fire alarms and the Fire Department was on
their way. Students were relocated to the High School...
William F. Gorman & Christine R. Gorman, Trustees of Gorman
Revocable Trust
$100
Jan 05, 2010
William F. Gorman, Jr. & Christine R. Gorman
Day of Giving
Back
January 18, 2010 — Above,
Mr. Evren Gunduz plays
trumpet, while Linda Katz and Ann Schneider, members of the Youth
Commission, watch in appreciation. He is a science teacher at the Middle
School, currently on leave while pursuing a graduate degree at the
Harvard School of Education. A 2009 “Excellence in Education” award
winner from the Goldin Foundation, Mr. Gunduz is the founder of the
IGNITE, a dynamic program staffed by 8th graders as mentors
to incoming 6th graders at the Middle School.
Today, Mr.
Gunduz told a story of when he volunteered with his parents for the
Salvation Army, and got hooked on the idea. Today, he played "Amazing
Grace" on his trumpet, inspired the audience to pursue a life of
giving and read a Top Ten list of things to do to
give back.
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Hopkinton
Swimmers Take TVL Title
january 17, 2010 —
Sophomore Tom Reimonn (facing forward), and sophomore Alex Carbone (back
to camera, appear to be waving to each other during the 500 freestyle at
Norton on Friday night.
The Swimming and Diving team captured its first Tri-Valley League (TVL)
title in the first year of the TVL League with a strong win against
Norton on Friday night by a score of 99-71.
Brown Has 9.6% Lead in New
Poll
Brown
supporters focused most on pocketbook issues,
Coakley supporters on healthcare reform, undecided
voters split
January 17, 2010 — A
poll conducted by the
Merriman River Group
(MRG) and
InsideMedford.com
indicates that Scott Brown leads Martha Coakley
50.8% – 41.2% in the contest to fill the seat of the
late Senator Ted Kennedy. Liberty Party candidate
Joe Kennedy pulls in just 1.8% support, while 6.2%
of voters are still not sure. Brown and Coakley both
have most of their supporters locked in. 98% of both
candidate’s supporters say they are definitely or
probably going to vote for their candidate. In
contrast, 22% of Kennedy’s supporters are just
leaning toward him, suggesting that Brown and
Coakley may both want to take aim at swaying those
voters.
Not surprisingly, nearly
all of Coakley’s supporters approve of President
Obama’s job performance, while three-quarters of
Brown’s supporters disapprove. Coakley may see a
glimmer of hope in the fact that more than
two-thirds of undecided voters approve of the
president’s job performance while only 6% disapprove, especially
in light of the president’s swing through the state
to campaign for her later today.
47% of Brown’s supporters say that taxes, jobs, and
the economy represent the most important issue to
them in this race, while half of Coakley’s
supporters say that healthcare reform is most
important to them. Undecided voters are nearly
evenly split between the two issues—40% say they’re
most concerned with taxes, jobs, and the economy
with 37% saying that healthcare reform that most
concerns them. “For Coakley to have a chance, she
needs to convince voters that the Democratic party’s
agenda for the economy is the right one, and she
needs to do it fast,” said MRG’s executive director,
Matt Fitch.
The recent dust-up
between the candidates over abortion laws seems to
have had minimal impact on the race. Only 8% of
Brown’s supporters and 5% of Coakley’s supporters
say it’s the most important issue to them.
The endorsement in
Medford on January 7 of Martha Coakley by members of
Senator Ted Kennedy’s family appears to have had
little effect on most voters and to have backfired
with others. 55% said that it was not important to
them, but 27% said it made them less likely to vote
for Coakley, while only 18% said it made them more
likely to vote for her. As for undecided voters,
more than two-thirds said the endorsement was not
important. “The Kennedy family endorsement seems to
have hurt more than it helped Coakley, despite the
popularity of the Kennedys in the state and in
Medford,” said Allison Goldsberry, Editor of
InsideMedford.com .
What seems to tip the
race in Brown’s favor most is his popularity among
Moderates, Independents, and men, and Coakley’s lack
of an advantage among women. Brown nearly doubles
Coakley’s total among Moderates, 62% – 32%, and has
an even bigger margin among Independents, 64% – 26%.
There’s also a one-way gender effect that favors
Brown, who holds a nearly two-to-one lead over
Coakley among men while women are split evenly
between the two candidates. Brown does best among
white voters, while Coakley leads among non-whites,
suggesting that minority turnout may play a crucial
role on election day. Brown is also leading among
all age groups.
Methodology
MRG surveyed 565 likely
voters between 5:00 P.M. and 8:45 P.M. on January
15, 2010 using touch-tone polling technology. The
margin of error is +/– 4.1%. Some columns do not sum
to 100% due to rounding.
January
17, 2010 — As a child, raised in Hopkinton, David Troupes was
introduced to nature in a backpack carried by his father, a
surveyor. At three, according to his mother, he stared at alphabet
characters.
For the rest of his thirty years, in becoming a poet, David has been
marrying words to the visible world. He writes about Saddle Hill,
“my favorite hilltop at the floor of the amber halls of evening,”
and a snapping turtle in a local brook where “the creature moved
away upstream, / Green-black under the water, / gliding its bony
mountain/ effortlessly through the flood.”
Critics of his first book, Parsimony, recently published in
Scotland, have noted his ‘poetry of watchfulness, of immersion in
wilderness filtered through a “wonderfully lyrical sensibility.”
“Most of my poems come from moments I've lived or experiences I've had:
an image, a whole scene, the mood which accompanied a certain walk,
whatever makes me want to put pen to paper later on,” David explains.
“These sort of real-life kernels open doors to that swirling inner life
of half-formed ideas which fill my head, and everyone else's too, and
that's the real work of the poem: once begun, it allows me a space to
explore whatever's been nagging my brain.
“I
don't make anything up. I wrote a short poem about an uneventful
encounter with a coyote (we just looked at each other and then it
trotted off). Had I let myself get away with making the encounter up I
couldn't have trusted whatever ideas that encounter led me to.
“I
try never to write a poem with some purpose in mind, some meaning which
I want the poem to convey like a fortune baked into a cookie.
“The world is a complicated place and poetry needs to reproduce that
complication and provide a different perspective on it, to encourage
thought. Otherwise it's just a form of propaganda, handing readers the
poet's conclusions instead of asking them to reach their own.”
On Saturday, January 9,
2009, the Hiller Girl Track Team defeated previously undefeated
Holliston 60.5 – 25.5. The Girls continue to dominate the Tri-Valley
League.
The Girls had many
exciting performances and many personal records (PR) were set. Sam
Prescott (7.4), Kelly O’Connor (7.6) and Kaelynn Maloney (7.6), gave the
meet a great start capturing 1st, 2nd and a tie
for 3rd place in the hurdles. Jenny Curly (6.1) and Sheena
Dupuy (6.2) took 2nd and 3rd place in the dash for
Hopkinton. Kellie Lodge (12.18.5) and Rececca Govoni (12:47.5) finished
1st and 2nd in the 2 mile run.
READ MORE
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Part Time Job
School
Street, Hopkinton resident due to a vision problem that prevents him
from driving for a period of time needs someone to provide
transportation in the local area.
Rides to the
Commuter Rail on RT. 85 near State Park, Monday - Friday, and local
shopping on Weekends.
Person can
provide all or part of the rides needed. Please call 774-278-0124
any time for details.
Casting Call
ESL to Hold
Auditions for
Hello Dolly
on Jan. 24;
Just Another
High School Musical on Jan. 25
HOPKINTON, MA
(January 15, 2009) – Aspiring adult and middle school actors are invited
to take part in one of two auditions
Enter Stage Left Theater will be hosting the week of January 24.
Hello Dolly!
Adult Auditions – January 24
On Sunday, January
24, ESL will be hosting auditions for Hello Dolly! at its studios
at 30 Main Street. Auditions are by appointment only, and participants
will be asked to prepare the appropriate music for the part they are
auditioning for. Performances of ESL’s adult spring musical, directed by
Denise Laumeister, will take place on May 7 -9 and rehearsals will be on
Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings. For more information or to
schedule an audition, please visit
Just Another High
School Musical Auditions –
January 25.
Middle school
students are welcome to audition for this comedy that pokes fun at high
school musicals, written by Stephen Murray and directed by Mary Scarlata-Rowe.
Auditions will take place on January 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Farmhouse at
98 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton.
Enter Stage Left
Theater, Inc. is a non-profit, performing arts center in Hopkinton
offering theater education, training and performances for students of
all ages. For more information call 508-435-2114 or visit
www.enterstagelefttheater.com.
Rivers
is
Only School with Two Bands at NYC Jazz Competition
Hopkinton resident is
Jazz Director
January
17, 2010 — It was recently announced that both the Jazz Combo and Big
Band at
Rivers
School of Weston were selected from a pool of more than 100 schools
nationally to compete in the second annual Charles Mingus Competition at
the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) in New York. Rivers is the only
school in the entire country to field two bands at the event, which
takes place as part of a three-day “Mingus Summit” at MSM February 12 to
15, 2010.
Jazz director Philippe Crettien, a Hopkinton resident, expressed great satisfaction with the
fact that the school could field two competitive bands at the event two
years in a row. “This is a fantastic testament to the great talent of
our students and the ultimate recognition of their hard work for the
last four years,” says Crettien. “Now our focus is to prepare for the
best possible performance in New York!”
The Rivers Select 1 Combo was among the three finalists in the “Combo
Category – Regular”, while the Rivers Big Band was among the top-three
in the “Big Band Category – Regular”. (Specialized institutions such as
art schools had distinct categories). Prizes will also be awarded in the
categories of Outstanding Soloists, Outstanding Big Band Section, and
Outstanding Combo Arrangement.
The Select 1 Jazz Combo will perform “Sue’s Changes,” “Song With
Orange,” and “Haitian Fight Song” at the competition. The Big Band will
perform “Pythecanthropus Erectus,” “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat,” and “Better
Get Hit In Your Soul.” Awards will be given for both individual and
group performances, including a limited number of scholarships to MSM.
A
full day of clinics and workshops will also take place at MSM, overseen
by prominent jazz educators and musicians such as Gunther Schuller. (Explore
Rivers).
Donations to Red Cross
for Haitian Relief to be Accepted
Planning to
join your neighbors and friends at the MLK Day of Giving Back on
Monday? Along with a host of service activities, donations -- cash
or checks to the Red Cross -- for victims of the earthquake in Haiti
will be accepted. All events will be held as scheduled beginning at
9 am at the Middle School, rain, snow or sunshine! Check
http://www.hopkintonyouth.org/mlk.html for details and a list of
additional donation items needed. Hope to see you there!
January 17, 2010 —
In 2008, 400 Hopkinton students,
families, and friends participated. In 2009, the number grew to over
700. In 2010, the crowd may be even bigger so don’t risk being the only
one still in bed as Hopkinton celebrates its Third Annual Martin Luther
King Jr. Day of Giving Back on January 18. Please make sure to mark your
calendars now for this important event.
Volunteers Wanted
for Community Events
Sponsored by the
Hopkinton Youth Commission, this community-wide day of service has
quickly become a tradition in town. From the National Honor Society to
the Women’s Art Forum, student and community groups contribute time,
talent and materials for service projects throughout Hopkinton and
beyond. Past projects have ranged from book and food drives, letters to
the Troops, and lunch for Hopkinton seniors.
Award-Winning
Middle School Teacher Evren Gunduz to Speak
The day begins
with a kick-off breakfast along with a short program in honor of Dr.
King’s legacy. The highlight of the morning is an inspirational message
delivered by a person who exemplifies Dr. King’s dedication to service.
Continuing the tradition will be this year’s very special guest, Mr.
Evren Gunduz! Mr. Gunduz (File photo) is a science teacher at the Middle
School, currently on leave while pursuing a graduate degree at the
Harvard School of Education. A 2009 “Excellence in Education” award
winner from the Goldin Foundation, Mr. Gunduz is the founder of the
IGNITE, a dynamic program staffed by 8th graders as mentors
to incoming 6th graders at the Middle School. He is sure to
get the day off to a rousing start!
About MLK Day of
Giving Back
The MLK Day of
Giving Back is a day of community-wide of service sponsored by the
Hopkinton Youth Commission. It is inspired by the works of Martin
Luther King and is held yearly on Martin Luther King Day. For more
information contact Linda Katz or Anne Schneider at
MLKhopkinton@comcast.net
IN A NUTSHELL:
9:00 a.m.– 9:30 a.m.
Light breakfast for volunteers and an inspirational, short presentation
by Hopkinton
Middle School
teacher, Evren Gunduz, a 2009 “Excellence in Education” award winner
from the Goldin Foundation in the Middle School auditorium
10:00
a.m.
– noon:
Service projects, Brown Gym
12:30 p.m.
Basketball game – Special Olympics vs. Hopkinton Freshmen Boys team,
Brown Gym
10:00 a.m. – 3:00
p.m.
– Blood Drive,
Doyle Gym.
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Team Plays Northbridge Tournament
Four champions wrestlers
Front Row: Peter Racenis, Tyler DeWolfe,
Tommy Karner, Mike Ferris. Back Row: Assistant Coach Corey Mills, Matt
Dry, Tucker Mayo, Taylor Hammond, Coach Tim Nelson, Assistant Coach Eric
DeWolfe, Assistant Coach Ryan DeWolfe.
The Hopkinton Wrestling Team placed 3rd out
of sixteen teams at the Northbridge Wrestling Tournament on Saturday,
January 16, 2010. Individually, four wrestlers were champions at their
respective weight classes. Placing first were Tyler DeWolfe (125lbs),
Mike Ferris (135lbs), Tommy Karner (152lbs), and Peter Racenis (171lbs).
State
News
UNION
AGREEMENTS TO SAVE TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, PROTECT KEY SERVICES
- Gov. Patrick
AFSCME Council 93, SEIU Local 888 agree to contract changes to help
solve budget gap
BOSTON
– January 17, 2010 – Governor Deval Patrick announced Friday that the
Patrick-Murray Administration has reached
agreement with nearly 9,500 union workers on a new contract that will
save the Commonwealth millions of dollars and help mitigate employee
layoffs.
Members of Unit 2 represented by AFSCME Council 93 and SEIU Local 888
ratified by an eight to one margin contract revisions that will save
taxpayers an estimated $22.8 million over the next three years,
including roughly $3 million this fiscal year. It is the first time
since collective bargaining was established in the Commonwealth that a
Governor has successfully negotiated such compromises.
The Governor called for renewed union negotiations and concessions in
October, as the Administration identified a $600 million revenue
shortfall in the current fiscal year. To date, the Governor has reached
tentative agreement with four state employee unions. Unit 2 is the
second bargaining unit to ratify the agreement.
“I thank the workers of AFSCME Council 93 and SEIU Local 888 for their
contribution to the Commonwealth and their willingness to work with us
to find ways to save money in the face of very difficult budget
challenges,” Governor Patrick said. “It’s that spirit of shared
sacrifice that I hope other collective bargaining employees will
demonstrate when they take similar votes in the coming weeks.”
If approved
by the Legislature, the new contracts will save tens of millions of
dollars through a combination of delayed wage increases and eliminating
some payments to the Health and Welfare Fund. Members affected are
predominantly developmental service workers and mental health workers at
the Departments of Developmental Services and Mental Health, as well as
employees of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the
Soldiers’ Homes at Chelsea and Holyoke, the Department of
Youth Services, the Department of State Police and a number of other
state agencies.
The savings
from these revisions will allow the Administration to protect key
programs and services and prevent some employee layoffs.
“State
workers have contributed significantly to help address our challenges
over the last two years, and we thank them for that,” said
Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez. “As we head into
another difficult budget year it is important that we all make the
necessary sacrifices that will help us climb out of the recession and
position the Commonwealth for long-term economic growth.”
The
Governor last month reached agreement with the bargaining units of SEIU
Local 509, SEIU Local 888, the American Federation of State, County, and
Municipal Employees Council 93 and the National Association of
Government Employees. These four unions cover roughly 30,000 union
employees – or 75 percent of unionized state executive branch workers.
The Governor is continuing to seek agreements with the remaining state
unions. File photo.
New Library
Friends
January 17, 2010 —
The Friends of the Library are proud to announce their new slate of
officers elected at the annual meeting held January 6, 2010. Left to
right are Nancy Baker Fowler, Vice President, Susie Johnson, President,
Barbara Beale, Treasurer, Raymond Gendreau, Secretary and Christine
Clifford, Member at Large.
We are
most excited for the Friends of the Library and the community. WE
HAVE A DREAM.....
Our dream
is that there will be a new Library built in the near future. We
will continue with the support of the programs that we have in the
past, ie Museum passes and library programs, etc. Join us the first
Thursday of the month 7-8 pm. in the Library.
OPEN BURNING RULES & REGULATIONS FOR PERIOD JANUARY 15, 2010 TO MAY 1,
2010
New Rule - Residents must
appear in person at Fire Station to complete permit
Daily phone notification,
with adherence to rules, okay only after that
The following
rules and regulations will apply for the 2010 Open Burning Season.
1. Written
burning permits will be issued Sunday through Saturday by fire
personnel on duty at the Fire
Headquarters.
2. The
written permits must be obtained in person at Fire Headquarters
prior to any burning.
3. Permits
issued in prior years are no longer valid. A new permit must be
obtained in person each new burning period.
4. You
will be issued one burning permit number that will be valid for
the new period. This permit will remain in effect for the period
unless there are repeated violations of the rules and
regulations.
5. Should
there be repeated violations such as burning beyond the 4:00 PM
limit, or leaving fires unattended, the permit will be revoked
for the remainder of the season.
6. Once
issued a burning permit you will be entitled to burn brush
only. No brush to exceed three inches (4”) in diameter.
The burning of leaves, stumps, grass, logs exceeding the three
inch (4”) diameter, hay and building materials is prohibited by
Open Burning Regulations 310 CMR 7.00.
7. On the
day that you wish to burn, call Fire Headquarters at
508-497-2325 and give your permit number and address. At
that time you will be notified if burning is being allowed that
particular day. If weather conditions warrant, burning will be
suspended for the day at the discretion of the Fire Chief, or in
his absence his designee. You will call after 9:00AM
to request to burn. No permits will be issued before that
time under any circumstances. Should your fire become out of
control you will call 911 to report the problem as for
any fire.
8.
Permission to burn will be issued on Sunday through Saturday
between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PMonly if
conditions allow.
9. Burn
piles should not exceed 10’x10’x3’in size and
don’t use gasoline!
Stephen T Slaman
Deputy Fire Chief
Hopkinton Fire
Department
Jane (Cousins) Hale
HOPKINTON -
Jane (Cousins) Hale, formerly of
Hopkinton, passed quietly at her home in Rural Hall, NC on January 13.
She was the daughter of the late Bunny and Bea (Hurt) Cousins and was a
Hopkinton native and graduate of Hopkinton High School, class of 1956.
She raised her family in the San Diego area while working as an
operating room nurse.
She is survived by her two children Brian and Deborah, her very dear
friend Bob Pinney, and her loving sister Marjory Buffo and her husband
Gary of Tacoma, Wash. She also leaves her aunt and uncle, Ruth and Paul
Phipps of Hopkinton, many first cousins, nephews and nieces and a
wide-spread extended family. Services in Rural Hall, NC, were private.
Local arrangements were provided by the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home.
Please consider using the services of HopNews sponsors for your home.
Where There
is Ice...
January 16, 2010 —
Drew Saporoschetz, 8, leaves his father and brother behind, skating at
Ice House Pond today, even though the ice was rather soft.
All Out For Scott Brown
January 16, 2010 — Above, Brian Herr and two
of his five children stand on the Fruit Street Bridge in Hopkinton
overlooking Route 495 North on the stump for Scott brown.
Below, Eric
Sonnett answers questions from Austin at the Main Street intersection
while holding Scott Brown signs. And see Brian Herr and a couple of his
children holding signs atop the bridge.
Below is the turnout for Scott Brown at the main intersection in
Hopkinton.
Lonely Vigil
January 16, 2010 — Democrats Alex Brown and Joe Markey turned out to
support their candidate Saturday.
Lucy B. (Rice) Jenner
Lucy B. (Rice) Jenner SOUTH YARMOUTH
Lucy B. (Rice) Jenner, age 74 of South Yarmouth, died in her home on
Tuesday, January 12, 2010, with her family at her side. She was horn and
raised in Hopkinton, MA, the daughter of the late Arnold and Gladys (Howes)
Rice. Following her marriage, she and her family lived in Ashland, MA
1956 to 1964. They moved to Hyannis, MA in 1964 and lived there for many
years before moving to South Yarmouth. She worked at Colonial Candle
Company, in Hyannis tin many years, she was employed as a dispatcher for
Intercity Alarm Company for over 20 years, retiring in 1997.
She was the wife
of the late A. Edward Jenner. She is survived by her four children,
Arthur E Jenner of So. Yarmouth, MA, Jennifer L. Jenner of North
Chelmsford, MA, Karl K. Jenner of South Yarmouth, MA and Alan W. Jenner
of Falmouth, MA. She is also survived by six grandchildren, and two
great grandchildren. A graveside service was held in Evergreen Cemetery,
Hopkinton, MA on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of
flowers donations in her memory may be made to Disabled American
Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 Attention: Gift
Processing.
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Hopkinton vs. Medfield
January 15, 2010 — Tim Dlugolecki makes his move
against his Medfield opponent Friday night at the Athletic Center.
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
Hopkinton vs. Medfield
January 15, 2010 — Tess Chandler gets above the fray
Friday evening against Medfield.
Poll Results
The results of the
poll are to the left, giving Scott Brown a tremendous, but incredulous
lead.
Incredulous because the
lead is much greater than the opinion polls, which show the race as a
statistical tie.
Vote January 19,
2010
Hopkinton Polls Open January 19, 2010
Hopkinton Middle School
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
(Revised, refined version
of video from earlier)
January
15, 2010 — Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Colonel Marian
McGovern is Sworn in by Governor Deval Patrick at the Hanover Theater
for the Performing Arts in Worcester. See clips from the ceremony with
the Governor and Lt. Governor speaking, as well as Colonel McGovern; and
see our HopNews interviews of Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone
and Colonel McGovern by Video Reporter David Sheehan. (This is a
revised video, complete with introductory title and transitions. The
original is below, but it will go away soon. Computer problems kept us
from completing anything but the basic tasks last night.)
Please consider using the services of HopNews sponsors for your home.
REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES EMPLOYEE
ARRESTED, ARRAIGNED IN CONNECTION WITH BRIBERY AND FALSIFICATION OF
DRIVER’S LICENSES IN REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES SCHEME
HAVERHILL
– Attorney
General Martha Coakley’s Office announces that an employee of the
Haverhill branch of the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) was arrested
yesterday by Massachusetts State Police in connection with operating a
scheme to accept bribes in exchange for the issuance of full driver
licenses to people who were not eligible for legitimate licenses. Lyn
Toscano, age 39, of Haverhill, is charged with Bribery, Falsification of
a Driver’s License and Conspiracy.
In August
2009, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s
Office began an investigation after the matter had been referred by the
RMV. Investigators discovered that Toscano allegedly told an associate
that she could secure a Massachusetts driver’s license for a fee for
individuals who were disqualified from obtaining licenses lawfully.
Investigators discovered that Toscano completed numerous out of state
license conversions at the RMV for her customers. Authorities allege
that all of the out of state license conversions had been completed by
overriding various computer system requests for information. By
allegedly overriding these required transactions, Toscano allowed people
to receive licenses without taking a written and/or road test, or
without having a valid social security number or valid out of state
license per RMV requirements. Authorities allege that at least 31
licenses were unlawfully issued in exchange for bribes.
Yesterday, Massachusetts State Police arrested Toscano at
her place of employment and then transported to the Massachusetts State
Police Barracks in Newbury where she was subsequently released on bail.
Today, Toscano was arraigned in Haverhill District Court where she pled
not guilty, and is currently being held on $1,000 cash bail. Upon her
release on bail, Toscano will be monitored by electronic bracelet.She scheduled to appear in court on February 18, 2010, for a
pre-trial conference.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant
Attorney General Tom Ralph, Chief of Attorney General Martha Coakley’s
Cyber Crime Division, and Assistant Attorney General Anne Yas, also of
Attorney General Coakley’s Cyber Crime Division, and was investigated by
Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s Office.
The Massachusetts State Police Compliance Unit and the Registry of Motor
Vehicles Auditors also assisted with the investigation.
Trouble Comes
in Bunches
January 15, 2010 —
The adage that trouble comes in bunches rang true today ad the Hopkinton
Fire Department got several calls at once; among them, gas leaking into
a storm drain drain, above, and smoke reported at the Hopkins School.
Below, the Ashland Tower responding to Hopkins. The school was
evacuated, and the students marched to the High School while the
problem, which turned out to be an air handling unit, was investigated.
School Committee Ponders Cuts
File photo
by Heather Kelley
January 14, 2010 — Tonight the School
Committee held a Working Session to discuss the FY 11 budgets for
Special Education, Buildings and Grounds, and the Central Office. Each
subgroup presented two possible budget scenarios for the next fiscal
year. One option, the “(2.65) Budget,” represents the 2.65% budget
reduction from FY 10 that was a part of the budget message published by
the Board of Selectmen, and requested of all Town departments. Another
option, the “Superintendent’s Budget,” spoke to a different part of the
Selectmen’s budget message, which was the directive to maintain in FY 11
level services from FY 10.
“We should take the 2.65 Budget and the
Superintendent’s Budget and turn them into a School Committee Budget,”
said Chair Nancy Burdick. To begin this process, Burdick fielded a list
of concerns from those present at the Working Session. Burdick began
the list with a concern of her own, the potential loss of the music
program at
Hopkins. Superintendent Dr. John Phelan
interjected that at the January 21st School Committee
Meeting, Principal Martha Starr would be presenting possible ways to
prevent just this situation. Members Jean Bertschmann and Troy Mick
added the reduction of guidance counselors and the elimination of some
athletic teams at the High School. Members also discussed fees:
Bertschmann queried whether parents would prefer paying fees instead of
eliminating items, such as some of the after school clubs at the Middle
and High Schools. Mick questioned the equity of level fees for sports
with disparate price points in terms of actual cost to the schools to
run the programs, and also the levying of fees for sports but not for
other after school activities, such as clubs.
Continuing with the list, Richard de Mont
suggested that it could be worse financially to defer maintenance on
items, if deterioration occurred that would cause the Schools to have to
pay to replace the items outright. Mick took a metaphorical step back
and asked the Committee to remember to look at the individual budget
submissions in the plainer light of the whole School Budget package.
Perhaps, he suggested, it would be better to let some schools cut more
items from their budgets, in order to preserve yet more basic services
at another school; one example he gave was remedial math at the Middle
School.
“To come up with the numbers we’re talking
about here, we have to reduce some personnel,” remarked Superintendent
Phelan.
Mary Lou Haroian, a member of the Town’s
Appropriations Committee, and in attendance at the Working Session,
countered this sentiment with another possibility: to consider “rate
cuts” instead of “head cuts.”
Phelan agreed, saying that all options would
have to be explored.
January
14, 2010 — Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Colonel Marian
McGovern is Sworn in by Governor Deval Patrick at the Hanover Theater
for the Performing Arts in Worcester. See clips from the ceremony with
the Governor and Lt. Governor speaking, as well as Colonel McGovern; and
see our HopNews interviews of Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone
and Colonel McGovern by Video Reporter David Sheehan.
Please join us for our 3rd annual
LMPA WINTER GATHERING
Adults Only
Saturday, January 30th, 2010
6:00pm-10:00pm
Woodville Rod & Gun Club
252
Wood Street
Woodville,
MA
508-435-4148
Hearty Appetizers & A Cash Bar
This gathering is for LMPA members only.
If you are not a member and would like to renew or join, please go to
our web site
www.lmpa.org and pay on line. We will also accept memberships on
the night of the social.
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
Governor Patrick Swears-In Marian McGovern as
MassachusettsState Police Superintendent
New Colonel is First Woman to LeadState’s Police Force
January 14, 2010 — On December 10, 2009, Governor Deval Patrick
appointed then second-in-command, Marian McGovern, as Colonel and
Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and today he made it
official by swearing-in Colonel McGovern to the position during a
ceremony, heralded by pipes and drums, inside a packed Hanover Theatre
for the Performing Arts on Southbridge Street in Worcester.
Her family took up the first rows of the theater, but friends and
colleagues filled the other thousands of seats.
Secretary Kevin Burke of the Office of Public Safety and Security opened
the remarks, saying that after hearing of her appointment, a friend
called him and said, "Marian was filled with joy."
"That's interesting. Joy is not ordinarily a cop word. You don't see
'joy' in a lot of police reports," he said.
"But it is a perfectly descriptive word for someone who has reached... a
pinnacle of their life's work, and someone who is thrilled with the
challenge," he said, adding, "She is a great cop."
Lt. Governor Timothy Murray thanked Governor Patrick for his
"outstanding choice," calling it "well-served."
"She is the right person at the right time to lead this historic public
service agency," he said. The Massachusetts State Police was founded in
1865.
Standing in front of the podium, Governor Deval Patrick drew laughter
when he remarked, "For an occasion as joyful as this, we are an awfully
solemn group. If you are as proud of this appointment as I am, let's
give a hand."
"There was much said about the fact that I would be the first woman
Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police," said Colonel
McGovern.
"Well I am very proud and honored to have that distinction. ...For I
believe that it is abilities and experience, not gender, that are
important to the performance of this job. I mentioned that today because
I believe the fact that I am a woman reinforces that a successful career
in law enforcement is available to anyone who is willing to pledge their
commitment to public service."
A press release from the State Police Headquarters states, "Colonel
McGovern holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from
Framingham State College and a Master of Science degree in criminal
justice from Westfield State College. She is a past recipient of the
Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award by the National Center for Women and
Policing and the Distinguished Law Enforcement Award from Blue Mass,
Diocese of Worcester. She was raised in Worcester,
where she attended local public schools and HolyNameHigh School."
The Massachusetts State Police department was created in 1865, making it
the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in the nation. Today, it is
comprised of more than 2,200 sworn officers and several hundred civilian
members. The department operates a Division of Field Services, Division
of Investigative Services, Division of Standards and Training, and
Division of Administrative Services.
Please consider using the services of HopNews sponsors for your home.
HPTA Fundraising Successful to Date
for 2009-10 Fiscal Year
So far in the 2009-10 fiscal year, the HPTA has raised approximately
$42,000 through fundraising events, sales, corporate programs, and
membership. With many events meeting or exceeding estimated income and
several large fundraisers remaining, funds raised by the end of the year
should surpass the $116,975 raised in 2008-09.
Profits from fall
fundraisers ranged from $300 at Pinz to $8,227 through book fairs. The
Harlem Wizards basketball game and Genevieve's sales netted $5,312 and
$4,263, respectively. Ongoing fundraisers include the No Bake Sale that
has raised $6,202 and sales of supplies like Notes from Home and Water
Bottles. The community-wide monthly can and bottle recycling program has
already brought in $816.
The HPTA expects
its largest fundraiser, the Silent Auction slated for March 6, to raise
$40,000. Several spring fundraisers also project strong earning
potential, with Square 1 Art sales anticipated to raise $6,000 and the
Mini Marathon, HopSwap, Carnival and sales of Schoolkidz School Supply
Kits each expected to net $2,000.
Membership fees have added $5,979 to HPTA coffers, while interest has
added another $1,204. Sale of Guida's products at Colellas should bring
in $2,000.
Several other programs (Box Tops for Education, ink cartridge recycling,
and programs at Target, Hannafords and Stop & Shop) initiated and/or
coordinated by the HPTA send funds directly to the schools, rather than
through the HPTA budget.
Web advertising has raised more than $3,000, and a $1,450 grant from the
Hopkinton Cultural Council partially funded ArtQuest.
"The series of presentations are coordinated with the social studies
curriculum and explore American History through art and social history,"
said Esther Driscoll, HPTA's grant writing coordinator.
All money the HPTA raises this year will fund enrichment programs,
classrooms materials and professional development during the 2010-11
school year. As always, we appreciate your help in reaching our
financial goals!
"The
News Starts Here!"
20th
at 10:30am to elect seven delegates and three alternates to the 2010
Massachusetts Democratic Convention. 
January 18, 2010 — See video of events from
the Martin Luther King Day of Giving Back, featuring keynote speaker
Evren Gunduz on trumpet, as well as interviews of several attendees by
David Sheehan.
We
cannot begin to express our gratitude and thanks for your heart
rendering love and support of Marissa, our sixteen year old
daughter who was stricken with Guillain-Barre Syndrome early in
December. Since the very beginning, her teachers, faculty and
administrators at school, her classmates, friends and family
sent wishes and gifts, visited the hospital, sent texts and
posted on her 
Claflin
Hill Symphony Orchestra Features 
by
Allison Goldsberry,
InsideMedford.com
47% of Brown’s supporters say that taxes, jobs, and
the economy represent the most important issue to
them in this race, while half of Coakley’s
supporters say that healthcare reform is most
important to them. Undecided voters are nearly
evenly split between the two issues—40% say they’re
most concerned with taxes, jobs, and the economy
with 37% saying that healthcare reform that most
concerns them. “For Coakley to have a chance, she
needs to convince voters that the Democratic party’s
agenda for the economy is the right one, and she
needs to do it fast,” said MRG’s executive director,
Matt Fitch.
January
17, 2010 — As a child, raised in Hopkinton, David Troupes was
introduced to nature in a backpack carried by his father, a
surveyor. At three, according to his mother, he stared at alphabet
characters. 
by Linda Clancy
Award-Winning
Middle School Teacher Evren Gunduz to Speak
agreement with nearly 9,500 union workers on a new contract that will
save the Commonwealth millions of dollars and help mitigate employee
layoffs.
Headquarters.
Poll Results
