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24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748

Updated: March 18, 2013 02:53:29 PM

Methuen Tournament

Pictured: Captain Mike Ferris (135 lbs) wrestles his opponent to a 3^rd place finish at the Methuen Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, January 30, 2010. Both Captain Tommy Karner (152 lbs) and Captain Pete Racenis (171 lbs) placed 2^nd. Sophomore Tyler DeWolfe (125 lbs) placed 4^th and Sophomore Jesse Shea (140 lbs) placed 6^th. Overall, our wrestling team placed seventh out of nineteen teams.

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Pack 4 Pinewood

January 31, 2010 — Hopkinton Cub Scout Pack #4 continues the 1953 scouting tradition by holding it's Pinewood Derby race on Friday, January 29, 2010 at Hopkins School. Pictured (L to R) are Pack 4's 2010 Derby Winners: Nick DePatie-Second Place, Patrick Barnes-First Place, and Nate Morissey-Third Place and Tiger Winner! All Winners are eligible to participate in the District Pinewood Derby to be held in April! It is absolutely amazing to see what a block of wood can be made into. Congratulations to all Scouts and families for their dedicated participation. It was a fun and exciting evening! If you are interested in having your son join Cub Scouts, boys from first to fifth grade can join at any time. Please visit our website at: www.pack4hopkinton.org

Song 2 of 4

Clayton Willoughby Sings "Devil And The Deep Blue Sea"

Please enjoy song 2 of a 4-part presentation from the Hopkinton room of Clayton Willoughby's that has been untouched for the last 50 years, immediately following its being stuck in time — in the twilight zone!

GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT Federal government to release state job figures; Massachusetts Recovery & Reinvestment Office issues Citizens’ Update detailing administration’s stimulus investments for last three months of 2009

BOSTON – Saturday, January 30, 2010 – In advance of today’s release by the federal government of stimulus-funded job figures for each state, Governor Deval Patrick announced that, in the last three months of 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has funded 4,722 full time equivalent (FTE) positions, which amounts to 13,882 individuals at work in Massachusetts thanks to the Recovery Act.

Last week, the Massachusetts Recovery and Reinvestment Office submitted the state’s data to the federal government for the second ARRA reporting period from September 30 through December 31, 2009. Today the office issued its Citizens’ Update highlighting the administration’s stimulus investments during this period. The Update is available online at www.mass.gov/recovery. All data provided to the federal government by the states will be posted at www.recovery.gov later today.

“Today’s jobs announcement is another example of the ongoing impact and importance of the federal Recovery Act in terms of community health, infrastructure improvements and – most importantly – jobs,” said Governor Patrick. “Through our strategic investments in projects across the state, the Commonwealth is getting back to work.”

“Thirteen thousand jobs created since October is a big benchmark of progress towards getting people back to work while strengthening our infrastructure for the long haul. With the new high-speed rail funding for the Northeast Corridor we secured just this week, we will build on this foundation,” said Senator John Kerry

Since ARRA’s enactment in February 2009, Massachusetts state agencies have received $4.3 billion in stimulus awards. Of that amount, $3.1 billion, or 72 percent, has been committed and over $2.4 billion has been spent on programs and projects across the Commonwealth. Governor Patrick and his team have met or exceeded every deadline for using recovery money put forth by the federal government. In fact, by next week, the administration will have obligated its entire $437.9 million allotment of ARRA highway funding, a full month ahead of schedule. File photo

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Sliding Downhill

January 30, 2010 — A young woman walking on the ice with her companion appears to be sliding downhill on the ice, due the tilted horizon in the camera.

Beatrice M. "Bea" Hewins, 76

HOPKINTON - Beatrice M. "Bea" Hewins, 76, died at home Friday January 29, 2010. She was the wife of the late Raymond Hewins, who died in 1991. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Mary (Carey) Thomas.

She was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Milford and Mt. Ida College. She was employed as a waitress at Ken's Steak House in Framingham for 52 years before retiring in April 2009.

She is survived by her children Raymond W. "Rusty" Hewins Jr. and his wife Colleen of Westborough, Shane and his wife Elizabeth of FL and Scott and his companion Joanne of VT. In addition, she leaves her sister Beverly King of Framingham and her sister-in-law Linda Thomas of ME. She also leaves 10 granchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, she is predeceased by her daughters Beverly and Beatrice, her brother Henry Thomas and her sister Mary Eaglind.

A memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street, Memorial calling hours will be Tuesday February 2 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street. Following cremation, burial will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery, Hopkinton.

Donations may be made to VNA Care, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608-1280.

SOUTH BOSTON MAN ARRESTED, ARRAIGNED IN CONNECTION WITH ALLEGEDLY POSSESSING AND DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

BOSTON – Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office announces that a South Boston man has been arraigned for allegedly possessing images of child pornography. George Shipps, age 47, is charged with Possession of Child Pornography and Distribution of Child Pornography. Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s Office, with assistance from the Boston Police Department, arrested Shipps last night at his residence in South Boston.

Late last week, the Massachusetts Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force obtained information about a computer offering known child pornography images located in the South Boston area. Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s Office tracked the computer system to Shipps’ residence and obtained a search warrant for that computer. Investigators discovered that Shipps allegedly possessed images of child pornography and allowed them to be accessed through a peer-to-peer online network. Authorities executed the search warrant yesterday, after which Shipps was placed under arrest without incident. He was subsequently transported to the State Police Barracks in South Boston for processing.

He was arraigned today in South Boston District Court where he entered a plea of not guilty, and is currently being held on $100,000 cash bail, $1,000,000 surety. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 26,2010, for a probable cause hearing.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Christopher Kelly of Attorney General Coakley’s Cyber Crime Division, and was investigated by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts ICAC Task Force. The Boston Police Department assisted with the execution of the search warrant last evening.

Hopkinton 60, Millis 49

Katie Sousa stretches for the ball during Friday night's game against Millis at home.

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Dick Bliss Honored at Middle School

January 29, 2010 — Coach Dick Bliss was honored this evening with a dedication of the court at Brown Gym of the Middle School 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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Hopkinton Students Perform at State House

January 29, 2010 — Above, Hopkinton music students who were invited to perform at the State House today by State Representative Carolyn Dykema.

School Committee Votes a .5% "Preliminary" Budget Increase

Town asked for 2.65% decrease

by Heather Kelley

January 29, 2010 — Thursday night, the School Committee held a public hearing on the FY 11 school budget. Many citizens took the opportunity to stand up and voice their opinions about the proposals presented over the past weeks by principals and other school department heads. Late in the evening, the School Committee voted on a preliminary proposed budget for next fiscal year. “It’s a starting point,” commented Superintendent John Phelan, as the Committee members weighed in on what their budget number would be.
This first step brought them to a bottom line of $32,419,015 which they said is a 0.5% increase over the FY 10 school budget. The members unanimously agreed that the production and consideration of a budget that was a 2.65% reduction from FY 10 was necessary and worthwhile. However, in the end they also agreed that none of them could vote for submitting such a budget proposal, saying that it cut too much.

Starting the meeting with a short slide presentation, Phelan explained that he had been charged by the School Committee with producing two budgets: one that maintained level services from this year, and another that called for 2.65% less than this year’s budget. The Board of Selectmen, in the fall, had asked all town departments to submit FY 11 budgets that maintained level services while at the same time spent 2.65% less. Phelan made note that the idea of level services was a misnomer; since cuts had been made for a number of successive years in the schools, he viewed it more as a “maintenance of effort budget.”

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, concerned residents presented a uniform message of wanting to spare the schools. No one who spoke was in favor of the cuts, either those in the budget decreased by 2.65%, or in the so-called “Superintendent’s budget,” which sought to maintain the current level of services.

Beginning the public comments, Amy Ritterbusch cited the “Keep Hopkinton Schools Strong” petition (as of this writing it has 248 signatures) that was presented earlier in the day via email to the School Committee. Among other points, this letter exhorts the Committee and the town not to implement the cuts that would lead to larger class sizes. “Our schools cannot withstand the proposed class sizes without diminishing the quality of our children's education,” the letter says.

More residents stood and spoke in favor of keeping the freshman soccer, baseball and softball teams in the budget. Others asked for the 5^th grade music program to be spared. And the issue of class sizes came up repeatedly. One citizen shared the story of how her son was missed in Kindergarten, and made it to the first grade without knowing how to properly hold a pencil or write the letters of the alphabet. How much more frequently, she wondered, would this occur with yet more children in each classroom. “How many fundamental building blocks are going to go missing?” she asked.

After closing the public hearing, the School Committee began the task of creating their preliminary budget. A short discussion of the town’s fiscal situation ensued, during which time Director of Finance Geoff MacDonald explained that Governor Deval Patrick’s budget shows a level funding of state aid.

Following this discussion, Rebecca Robak declared herself against the 2.65% reduced budget. “We can’t make a 2.65% cut without hurting the students,” she said.

Troy Mick agreed. “What’s been proposed hurts the students, at the end of the day.”

Jean Bertschmann and Richard de Mont concurred.

Nancy Burdick summed up her understanding of the community’s desire: that the people wanted even more in the school budget than what the so-called level services budget provided.

Having decided not to go the route of the 2.65% reduced budget, the Committee discussed what they were willing to cut, and what they were going to put back, at least for this first shot at a budget. Deciding, among other things, to cut the late busses, keep the 5^th grade music program, and add back the freshman athletic teams, the Committee also floated the idea of adding four math tutors to the school district’s remedial math efforts. With their total cuts and adds amounting to a 0.5% increase over the FY 10 budget, the Committee unanimously voted for their preliminary FY 11 budget.

Town Seeks $3.4 Million from State for Downtown Area

Conway School of Design Holds Charrette at MS Lecture Room

Above, student Gareth Crosby speaks about her passion for creating gardens.

January 29, 2010 — The Conway School of Landscape and Design, armed with a $6,000 grant from Hopkinton government and business, has been commissioned to design a plan that, "...helps the people of Hopkinton work towards making their Downtown a thriving community center."

Thursday evening, students from the school met with Hopkinton Chamber members at Ciao Time Catering, and later with members of Hopkinton government and others at the Middle School Lecture Hall, where they heard about the likes and dislikes of the town from those attending.

Among recurring themes of what is positive about Hopkinton were its people, the sense of community and neighborliness, as well as the sense of belonging, and the rural feel of the town. Stone walls, trees and old buildings were added to the list of likes.

The negatives were strong about the safety of the crosswalks in the Downtown, the pedestrian safety overall, as well a shortage of convenient parking and the speed of vehicles driving through.

The students called Thursdays meetings information-gathering, and promised to return with a preliminary design in March for review, and then have a completed plan by the end of March.

Director of Public Works, JT Gaucher, attended to alert the gathering of the application for funding from the Mass DOT Highway Division in the amount of $3.4 million for improvements to the roadway and pedestrian safety in the Downtown. The Project Initiation Form was completed by Beta Group, whose Senior Vice President, Anthony Lionetta (Photo), was in attendance.

The project area would cover Main Street from Ash to Wood Street. Some of the scope of improvements includes high visibility crosswalks. It also addresses the possible need for a light at Pleasant and Main Streets and land takings at the main intersection Downtown.

Traffic lights, ADA compliant sidewalks and other pedestrian upgrades are being considered.

The aim is to improve the Downtown area in the areas of traffic flow, infrastructure upgrade and as pedestrian safety.

Mr. Lionetta said that the Worcester District Office of the MassDOT will decide whether to kick the project up to the next level in Boston.

If the $3.4 million project is approved, the town will need to come up with $350,000 for planning and design.

Mr. Lionetta said there is a reasonable likelihood of approval.

Hopkinton vs. Keefe

January 29, 2010 — Taylor Hammond (119lbs) was victorious Wednesday evening as was the Hopkinton wrestling team, which defeated Keefe Tech 50-18.

Barbara A. Vento, 78

HOPKINTON - Barbara A. Vento, 78, died Thursday, January 24, 2010 in Woonsocket, RI. She was the wife of Anthony Vento, to whom she was married for 58 years. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Bertrand and Huberta (Clements) Patch. She was a 1950 graduate of Bedford-Lexington High School.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Linda MacLaughlin and husband Glenn of Chelmsford, John Vento and wife Pamela of Fitzwilliam, NH, Anthony Vento and wife Deborah of Upton and Nicholas Vento of Cumberland, RI. She also leaves 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her son Joseph Vento, who died in April 2004.

The funeral will be held Monday, February 1, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. from the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. Calling hours at the funeral home are Sunday, January 31 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701-4688.

Part-time Photographer

Part-time photographer to help fill hours that current photographers cannot fill due to multiple events or other obligations. Sports experience or willingness to learn, and proper equipment required. Email resume to Editor@HopNews.com

Clayton Willoughby Visits His Hopkinton Vacation Home

The video above was captured in High Definition and can be viewed in any of a variety of resolutions when choosing to "Watch on YouTube."

January 28, 2010 — That old master of song and laughter, Clayton Willoughby, left his Pleasantville, Ohio home for a visit to his Hopkinton homestead, which he has left untouched for over 50 years. Take a step back in time when Coca-cola came in bottles, Lucille Ball was the highlight of television, and Clayton Willoughby existed, even if only in the Twilight Zone.

Today, he invited the HopNews video camera back in time and into his sanctuary to sing a fitting song, among many, while a January snow fell across the town.

Poll Results

HopNews ran the statement below next to its poll earlier today. The results could be the greatest disparity between answers that a HopNews poll has ever had.

January 28, 2010 — The Lowell, Mass government would like to install GPS tracking devices in its police cruisers to know where they are at all times, according to a WBZ Story this week. The locations could show up on a map, much like the days of old, where a dispatcher could use push pins on a wall map to remind himself of the general location of his vehicles.

As it is, all cell phones have had, for many years, a GPS signal that always transmits when they are on. When working correctly, public safety officials can located the source of a 911 call that is mute, in order to respond to a person who is in distress.

The Lowell police union is opposing the move, as it did when the same thing was proposed for its health agents, citing privacy concerns.

Should workers in government cars be subject to such oversight? Should supervisors of the Fire and Police, the DPW, and other government departments have that information at their fingertips?

(To see such a system at work, choose our link, always above, and see the Live Bus Tracker.)

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STILL DOWNTOWN

January 28, 2010 — Although the curtain has basically closed on Enter Stage Left Theater's presence in the Downtown, Sparks Art Studio, long associated with ESL, with remain on the second floor above the 34 Main Street entrance.

Sparks, run by Robin Batchelder and Nancy Barton, who both hold Masters Degrees in fine arts, is offering a new term of weekly art classes, from pre-K through teens, starting February 1. And for first-time students and referrals, they offer a 10% discount.

Sparks is available for birthday parties and early-release workshops as well as summer camp and weekend art workshops.

They can be reached at 508-450-0664.

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The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the School Budget Proposals on Thursday, January 28, 2010 in the Middle School Library at 7:30 p.m. Well over 200 people have signed a petition against the 2.65% budget. It is likely that many of them plan to be at that meeting. Scroll to see the letter below.

Become informed: Read Superintendent's Budget Here and talk about it here: .

For nearly 25 years, Boston Brass has set out to establish a one-of-a-kind musical experience. From exciting classical arrangements, to burning jazz standards, and the best of the original brass quintet repertoire, Boston Brass treats audiences to a unique brand of entertainment, which captivates all ages. The ensemble's lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences in an evening of great music and boisterous fun. The philosophy of Boston Brass is to provide audiences with a wide selection of musical styles in unique arrangements, provided in a friendly and fun atmosphere.

This program is being underwritten by the Hopkinton Music Association and David French Music Co.

Swim Team Senior Night

First Row – Tommy Trudeau, Samantha Racicot, Emily Crain, Alexandra Brown, Meghan Krueger
Second Row – Will Olson, Kate Richardson Back – Matt Younis

January 27, 2010 — The Hopkinton Swimming and Diving team held their Senior Night last night as they faced defending State Champions Wayland. The Hillers who are the TVL Champs for the first year, will be graduating a talented and dedicated group of seniors.

Powerball sales to begin Sunday in Massachusetts

Arrival of second multi-state game to raise $25 million for local aid

BRAINTREE, Jan. 27, 2010 – As part of the largest agreement in U.S. lottery history, the Massachusetts State Lottery will begin selling tickets for Powerball, the multi-state, high jackpot game at its 7,500 agents across the Commonwealth on Sunday.

Powerball will likely increase Massachusetts Lottery sales about $50 million annually and generate about $25 million in new profits each year. The arrival of the new game is also expected to bring in an additional $10 million to $12 million in Lottery profits this fiscal year.

“This is a significant boost for local aid and our 351 cities and towns,” said Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, who chairs the Lottery Commission. “After months of intense negotiations, we have been able to deliver new excitement for Lottery players and more revenue for our communities.”

Thirty-three state lotteries, representing a combined population of 199 million people and 147,000 agents, will be offering both Mega Millions and Powerball under the new agreement. The market for these games has the potential to expand to 45 state lotteries, representing 291 million Americans and 182,000 retail outlets.

Millions of additional Powerball and Mega Millions players are expected to dramatically increase the frequency of gigantic Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots. Those jackpots often exceed $100 million and have approached $400 million. (See attached list). Since the inception of the games, Powerball and Mega Millions have raised about $17.6 billion for education, public safety and other essential municipal services throughout the U.S.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring our players another opportunity to win huge jackpots,” Executive Director Mark Cavanagh said. “Players will have more chances to win and jackpots will grow more rapidly than ever before. With more people playing, there will be more winners and more prizes than ever before.”

Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. at Universal Studios in Orlando. The drawings will be aired locally by WCVB-TV Channel 5.

HopNews sponsors carrying the lottery are: Colella's Supermarket, Cornell's, Hopkinton Wine & Spirits and Hopkinton Gulf.

School Committee Public Hearing on Budget

The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the School Budget Proposals on Thursday, January 28, 2010 in the Middle School Library at 7:30 p.m.

Well over 200 people have signed a petition against the 2.65% budget. It is likely that many of them plan to be at that meeting. See the letter below.

Read Superintendent's Budget Here

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Residents Start Petition Against "2.65%" Budget (Over 200 sign)

To the Editor:

We are writing to express concern about the potential cuts to the Schools if they are required to reduce their budgets by 2.65%.

We understand that the task facing our town leadership is a difficult one -- and cuts will need to be made. However, a 2.65% reduction for the schools goes too far. Our children's education is not something that we can sacrifice. Significant cuts have been made for the last five years and this round will severely impact our children's education. Hopkinton must maintain reasonable standards of education for its children, which the current budget cuts do not allow. Therefore, we ask that all parties -- Town Leadership, Unions, School Committee and Department Heads -- work creatively and cooperatively and make every effort to avoid imposing the most harmful cuts.

If the Schools are required to reduce their budget by 2.65% ($854,617), some of the significant results would be:
· Elimination of 13.4 teaching positions, which translates into even larger class sizes, particularly at the elementary levels which will increase by 2 to 3 students per class. Over the past five years, the schools have seen a total reduction in staff of 34.7. Yet, student enrollment has only dropped by 8. Hopkinton has been burdened with larger class sizes in the elementary grades than comparable towns for some time and we cannot afford to lose more ground.

K Gr.1 Gr.2 Gr.3 Gr.4 Gr.5 Gr.6 Gr.7 Gr.8

2010 20 24 24 22 24 24 24 23 22

2011 increases 22 25 26 24 24 26 25 22 23

· The percentage of High School core classes with over 25 students per class would rise from 18% to 22%.

· The Middle School related arts program would be reduced.

· A High School Guidance Counselor would be cut.

· Five HS and MS athletic teams would be cut.

· The Late Buses would be cut.

· The 5th grade instrumental music program would be cut.
It is important to note that over the past five years the School District has made extraordinary efforts to mitigate inadequate funding by cutting costs and generating revenues. In addition to the reduction of nearly 35 positions, the School District has:

· Generated $8.8 million in revenue enhancements through grants, fees, gifts and other proactive measures. (Of that amount, $3.3 million has come from athletic, transportation, and community use fees.)

· Realized $5.1 million in cost savings and efficiencies through: the development of in-district Special Education programs; technology and Special Education reorganizations; administrative reductions; discounted cooperative purchasing through school district collaboratives; and energy efficiency initiatives.

READ FULL LETTER

Jeanne K. Hendricks, 71

Jeanne K. Hendricks, 71, of Hopkinton and formerly of NY, died Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

Jeanne was an Episcopal Priest who celebrated at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Staten Island, NY, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Hopkinton, MA, and was the Rector at Grace Episcopal's Church in Port Jervis, NY.

Prior to being called to the priesthood, Jeanne taught speech and communications at the University of Guam and Pace University. She was also on the faculty of Wagner College on Staten Island, NY for many years and taught voice and diction and theater and was the costumer for the theater program at Wagner.

Jeanne is survived by her son Norman Hendricks and his wife Liz, of Saugerties, NY, her daughter, Liz Hutto and her husband David of Hopkinton, a sister, Nancy Swift Hennessey of Raleigh, NC., 4 grandchildren, Adam and Rebekah Hendricks, Annika and Lina Hutto, and a niece, Jennifer Swift Bennett of Raleigh, NC.

A funeral will be held at 4:00p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Hopkinton. Arrangements are From the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to either The Smile Train, 28th Floor 41 Madison Ave. NY, NY. 10010 or Heifer International, 1 World
Ave. Little Rock, AR. 72202

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Come and have a groovin' good time with Gretchen at the TLC!　 We'll sing, dance, run, and jump on our comfy colorful mats and our trusty trampoline.　 Take a ride on the parachute choo-choo, learn the peanut butter song, balance on the beam and pop lots and lots of bubbles.　 Your child will learn new skills including focus, communication, imitation, and following simple directions.　 Join us for a groovin' good time! 8weeks/$80.00.

Classes begin March 2, 2010 . Please register at TLC of Hopkinton. For further information please call 508-497-0892.

Hopkinton Pack 97 Cub Scout Derby

January 27, 2010 — Kyle Perkins of Hopkinton Pack 97 Cub Scouts displays his trophies for winning First Place Overall and First in his rank in their Pinewood Derby held January 23. Others (not shown) who won First place in their rank and then finished respectively Second, Third, and Fourth Overall in the Grand Finale were Michael Giusti, Nicholas Mirabile, and Thomas Mirabile.

It was a special Derby Event because it was the last for which outgoing Cubmaster Chris Nadeau served as the Master of Ceremonies. He will be missed for his tireless efforts making sure each boy was recognized for their efforts and heralding the speed of their pine racers. ~ Kevin Perkins

African Village Coming to Hopkinton

Town Again Ponders Selling Town Hall

January 27, 2010 — Among the items before the Board of Selectmen Tuesday evening was an introduction by Pastor Michael Laurence of programs being planned at the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton leading up to the BAA Boston Marathon

The international relief organization, World Vision, will be building a museum quality African Village in the Fellowship Hall, he explained, that will educate people on how Africans cope with HIV. The exhibit will be called Step Into Africa.

In addition, pastor Mike said that his church will be heavily involved in the celebration of the 2500th Anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, and plans to welcome 71 Greek runners to the exhibit after picking them up at the airport. He said most of them will need local housing, as will 20-plus people associated with the group.

Pastor Mike also said that he has invited American marathoner Ryan Hall to visit, but has yet to secure a definitive answer. Mr. Hall placed third in last year's Boston Marathon and is considered by many, including HAA President Tim Kilduff, as the first runner in many years who could don the laurel wreath for the United States.

In another matter, Town Manager Norman Khumalo recommended against the suggestion of the Conservation Commission to create a Fruit Street Development Committee. He explained that an expired permit for the property was likely the impetus for the suggestion, but he is confident that the Land Use and Planning Department can take care of the matter.

While discussing capital improvements with the Appropriations Committee, RJ Dourney suggested that, rather than put $800,000 into improving Town Hall, that the building be sold.

For several years, the School Committee has wanted to vacate Center School and build a new one. During that time, a Selectman or two has recommended moving town offices to the school. And lately, the Library has also mulled a move to the space. But not so fast.

After studies that showed a declining student enrollment, the School Committee was forced to set aside plans for a new school and pay for a feasibility study to determine if repairing Center School was more desirable.

The School Department, as well as the affected Town departments, are putting their plans on hold until that state-mandated half-million dollar study is done later this year, and a determination is made by the state whether they will help fund a new school, or choose to help pay to modernize Center School.

Selectmen also voted to lift the hiring freeze so that the Hopkinton Police Department could fill Lt. Richard Flannery's position, who was recently appointed Chief of Police due to Tom Irvin's upcoming retirement. They also agreed that the positions that open as a result of presumed in-house promotions will also be filled.

Hopkinton 65 Bellingham 32

January 27, 2010 — Megan Kessler drives past her defender as Hopkinton wins over Bellingham, tonight at Bellingham.

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Senior Moments

Hot, Hot, Not

Senior Moments

Nancy L. Drawe

(Punky)

January 27, 2010 — Super spicy hot? Pleasantly Mild? Oh yes, I’ll take Pleasantly Mild any day! This is Chili talk time! That’s what is was like for me this past Sunday when Doris Carver and I went to the Woodville Rod and Gun Club for their Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the HPTA.

We went especially to cheer on a friend of ours, Zahra Ali. Zahra, who is one of the cooks at the Hopkinton Senior Center, and was there to represent them, entered her famous “winner” chili in the cook-off. Her chili had previously won at the Grace United Methodist’s cook-off a couple of months ago.

At the cook-off, there were probably about a dozen or so contestants, all with different types of chili. Everyone had a nice little set up with their chili in crock-pots and extra condiments like shredded cheese, nachos, chowder crackers and sour cream available. Zahra had said that her chili was not “hot,” so that was reassuring to me, since I do NOT like anything too spicy. Hers was the first one I tried and it was delicious! There might have been a little kick to it, but not too bad for my taste buds; I really liked it.

I tried a couple more and they were pleasantly mild, too! I thought, “This is great, none of the chili’s are super spicy!” Feeling safe, I tried another contestant’s chili and without any kind of warning, my mouth started burning, my eyes started sweating and that was the end for me! Haaa, It was VERY hot and spicy, but I was a good sport about it because it was actually funny. It was a popular chili with the die-hards though! It was a fun afternoon and all the chili entries were great! The judges awarded prizes to a few of them and Zahra’s famous Texas Chili won for “Best Carnivore!” Cheers to Zahra—she really is a winner!

People visiting the senior center for lunch on Mondays and Tuesdays, can taste Zahra’s cooking. Sometimes she’ll cook something special, introducing South Asian foods like cooked spinach and cheese, which I really liked! Zahra will also be hosting an informative talk at the senior center on February 8, her third in the series about Islam.

February is almost upon us; there will be many special events coming up next month at the Senior Center, so stay tuned!

That’s it for now, so if you have any comments or suggestions, you can email me: Punkala@aol.com. Until next time, have a great week!

Haitian Relief:

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Forums on Downtown

CiaoTime, 28 Main: Local business and property owners Thursday, January 28th at 5 PM

Middle School Lecture Room: on Thursday, January 28th at 7 PM

High School cafeteria: Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 10-12 for residents

January 26, 2010 —The Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC), with the assistance of the team from the Conway School of Design, will be conducting a public forum at the Middle School Lecture Room on Thursday, January 28th at 7 PM. The purpose of the forum is to gather input from town committees, boards, and departments on issues, concerns, and ideas, which will assist in the development of a practical design plan for the downtown area. Topics will include pedestrian flow, safety, infrastructure improvements, and current and future uses of our downtown.

The town and local business and property owners have hired the Conway School of Landscape Design to formulate a practical design plan for the downtown taking into consideration current and future needs. The Conway School of Landscape Design is a graduate school, located in western Massachusetts that is renowned for practical landscape designs that are ecologically and socially sustainable. Some of their past projects have included a Revitalization Guide for Centennial Business Park in Peabody, Massachusetts, and a study of Gardner Hamlet in New York to help that community establish a downtown area.

As an early step in the process of reviewing our downtown, the Conway School of Design Team is looking for input. Meetings are being held to encourage participation from downtown business and property owners, downtown residents, people who work in town, as well residents who use the downtown as a community gathering place. Town boards, committees and departments have given particular attention to details of change in town, and your input is therefore of critical importance to the Conway team.

In addition to the Thursday meetings the Downtown Revitalization Committee is holding a public forum on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 10-12 at the High School cafeteria to solicit thoughts from residents.

For more information please contact Peter LaGoy at 508.435.5937 or Tim Kilduff 508.509.3484. Also feel free to send your input via email to: Peter_LaGoy@msn.com.

HPTA Plans Fun and Games for 27^th Annual Silent Auction and 2^nd Online Auction

Hopkinton, Mass.-- January 26, 20120 — The Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association (HPTA) will hold its 27^th Annual Silent Auction on Saturday, March 6 at Westborough’s Doubletree Hotel. The children’s gallery preview will take place from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., with the main event starting at 7 p.m. The HPTA will also conduct its Second Annual Online Auction, with bidding opening Friday, February 26 and running until 11:59 p.m. on March 5.

“The theme for this year’s 27^th Annual Event is ‘Take a Chance at the HPTA’s Silent Auction,’” said HPTA president Cindy Bernardo. “We chose this theme because we wanted to add something new to the auction this year and change some things up. We are offering great games for guests to come and test their luck. People love the chance to win something!”

Games include the Wheel of Prizes and Hopkinton Plinko and the Money Machine, which offers three lucky guests the chance to grab as much cash as possible in 30 seconds.

The main event will also offer food stations and passed hors d’oevres, as well as silent and live auction with Emcee, Chris Zito from "Zito and Karen Blake in the Morning" on 103.3 WODS.

“We hope this brings a lot of people out to the event to see not only what bargains they can bring home from the auction tables but what great prizes they can win in our new games,” said Bernardo.

Hopkinton High School student Cally Altamura designed the event’s cover artwork, titled “Deck of Cards.”

The Children’s Gallery Preview will include an ice cream sundae bar, autographed Kindergarten through third grade items, a Zhu Zhu pet raffle package valued at $280, Clarity the clown, face painting, balloons and the ever-popular children’s baskets.

Tickets cost $20 in advance at Action Copy Plus, online at http://www.hptaonline.com/ or at the Children’s Gallery Preview in the afternoon. At the door tickets will cost $25, with volunteers paying $15.

The online auction at http://www.biddingforgood.com/hopkinton will begin February 26. “The HPTA’s First Annual Online Auction was such a HUGE hit for the schools, we are bringing it back with even more items this year,” said Bernardo. “We are planning to have double the number of items at the Second online auction than the first. We were so impressed by the breadth and number of people who came out to bid online from all over the country. It is definitely a great way to fundraise for the schools.”

The Silent Auction is the most significant annual fundraiser offered by the HPTA. Over the 15 years of the HPTA organization, the Auction and other fundraisers have allowed the HPTA to budget over $2 million for the Hopkinton Public Schools.　The proceeds of the events go directly to the schools to be used for programs such as student enrichment, scholarships, communication, technology enhancement, and professional development programs.　For more information please visit http://www.hptaonline.com.

Winner of the 42" Samsung Plasma TV raffle @ HPTA Chili Cook-off

January 26, 2010 — Claudia Wadman of Waltham and her husband came to claim her big win tonight.