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April 5, 2010 Click above for full report
10:37 pm A caller reported two vehicles possibly drag racing. Officer John Moran attempted to stop the vehicles...
12:57 am A caller on Ridge Road reported coyote's running around in the woods behind his home...
8:35 am A caller on Hayden Rowe Street reported a hit and run motor vehicle accident...
6:00 pm A business on West Main Street reported a security camera was stolen... |
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Ernst Van Dyk of
Ninth
Wakako Tsuchida seeking fourth consecutive victory in women’s race
Boston, MA – April 5,
2010 —The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that
eight-time Boston Marathon Champion Ernst
Van Dyk has won in
Clarence H. DeMar’s seventh Boston Marathon title in 1930 stood until
2000 when Jean Driscoll won her eighth women’s push rim wheelchair
division title. The B.A.A. record book could again be re-written in
2010. “Ernst Van Dyk has become synonymous with winning at New for 2010, the Boston Athletic Association has reduced the controlled start for the wheelchair competitors from a half-mile to a quarter-mile. A prize purse of $60,000 will be distributed to the top finishers in the push rim wheelchair division, which debuted at the Boston Marathon in 1975. For more information on the 114th Boston Marathon, please visit www.baa.org. |
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Changes to Downtown Brewing Mouse-over image to see Common after proposed tree removal plan Debt-exclusion in the works for Downtown design - $350k previously mentioned
April 4, 2010
• On Monday, April 5 at 7:00 pm the Parks & Recreation Commission will be holding a public hearing to review the Tree and Landscape Plan for the Town Common, presented by Weston and Sampson. Included in this plan are 7 trees that have been recommended for removal. Mouse-over image above for new plan, minus trees. Another part of Weston and Sampson's plan is below. Mouse-over to see existing, and then pull the mouse off to compare. The plan adds a short crosswalk and removes 9 or more parking spaces as it narrows and delineates the roadway. Weston and Sampson plan is available by email request (4.5 MB file).
To see a conceptual plan submitted instead by HopNews to the Downtown Revitalization Committee as well as The Conway School of Landscape design, CLICK HERE.
• At Tuesday's
Selectmen's meeting, the Board will consider an Article for Town Meeting
and a Ballot Question, to exclude from the constraints of
Proposition 2½, plans for upgrades to the Downtown. On January 29* of
this year, Director of Public
Works, JT Gaucher, attended a charrette organized by the Conway
School 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. * Information from January 29,2010 HopNews report. |
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Taps Ceremony
April 4, 2010 — Above, bugler Mike McCann plays taps at the Common during the Hopkinton veteran's participation in Bugles Across America on Sunday evening. |
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SRO at ESL
April 3, 2010 — Ciao Time on Main Street was the venue for ESL (Enter Stage Left) Theater's open mic on Saturday evening which was SRO (Standing Room Only). |
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Jeffrey M. Messerman, 57 Jeffrey M. Messerman, 57, of Hopkinton, died Saturday, April 3, 2010 after a brave battle with cancer. He leaves his true love Lynda S. (Ward) Messerman of Hopkinton, who is thankful for finding and sharing her life with her one true love. Arrangments are incomplete and under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com |
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Swan's Lake
April 3, 2010 — This swan led the photographers' canoe into a headwind and away from his mate, but couldn't escape from the long HopNews lens, in the middle of Lake Whitehall on Saturday. Video of the adventure is forthcoming. |
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Tree Climbers
April 3, 2010 — The tree may be horizontal, but nonetheless, it proved irresistible to these young men during their excursion around Lake Whitehall on Saturday. |
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EASTER BUNNY VISITS HOPKINTON
April 3, 2010 — The Easter Bunny made its annual pilgrimage to Hopkinton Common on Saturday. An estimated 600 children took part in the egg-hunt and a visit with the droopy-eared animal. Hopkinton Drug and Parks and Rec co-sponsored the event. Hopkinton Drug, as it has every year, donated the candy. HopNews photos by Austin Falcione and Robert Falcione.
Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.
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Appearances Can Deceive
April 2, 2010 — No, this man is not engaged in some sort of vile salute, but instead, is shielding his face from the camera lens, while asking for privacy. He was in front of the bank soliciting signatures for nomination papers for a young candidate for state representative from Holliston. The photographer thought the hat was interesting. |
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REMINDER Hopkinton Police Dinner/Dance April 10, 2010 6:30 p.m. - 12:30 am Portuguese Club, Milford Tickets 508-497 -3401 with Hot Acoustics
Hot Acoustics is Ray Elwood (drums, vocals), Carter Berking (bass guitar, vocals), Sara Spector (keys, vocals) Steve Spector (guitar, vocals) & Tim Leavitt (guitar, vocals). |
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The Running Man
April 2, 2010 — Hopkinton Selectman Chair Brian Herr is running down West Main Street in this photo, has run the Boston Marathon for 21 years on behalf of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, and is running for US Congress from the Third Congressional District. |
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PATRICK-MURRAY
ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
"We are pleased that the Obama Administration is working expediently to send funds to people in the areas of our state in need of help," said Governor Patrick. "I have visited some of our state's hardest hit communities and want our residents to have this financial assistance in hand as soon as possible."
The unemployment assistance eligibility began on March 14, 2010, and the disaster declaration assistance runs through October 2, 2010. The filing deadline for individuals eligible for assistance is May 3, 2010. An individual must be continuously unemployed as a result of the disaster in order to continue receiving Disaster Unemployment Assistance and, if eligible, he or she can collect benefits for the weeks during which they fulfilled the necessary criteria.
Workers who experienced temporarily job loss because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state Unemployment Insurance Benefits, such as self-employed individuals, may also be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
"Severe flooding has impacted so many workers and their families." said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne F. Goldstein. "Relief is available through Disaster Unemployment Assistance. It's important that people who are eligible access these funds as soon as possible."
Examples of reasons for unemployment that may make a person eligible to receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
Please note - this list is not exhaustive and if you are uncertain as to your eligibility, you are encouraged to apply. All applicants will be required to submit wage information and documentation regarding the basis of your claim.
To apply for Disaster Unemployment
Assistance an individual must first file for regular Unemployment
Insurance. He or she must file an application by the deadline of May 3,
2010, with the Division of Unemployment Assistance at 617-626-6800 or
visit a walk-in claims agent at one of
For more information, please visit www.mass.gov/dua/disasterui |
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ESL’s Open Mic to Feature Tom Smith on April 3
ESL’s Open Mic will again be held at its new venue, Ciao Time
Restaurant, 28 Main Street in Hopkinton, which will offer appetizers and
drinks. Singers and musicians can register to perform at 7:00 p.m., and
the performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 per person to
listen or perform. 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 . |
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School Committee Settles on $32,549,015 Budget New MS Principal search
by Heather Kelley
April 2, 2010 — At last night’s School
Committee meeting, Chair Nancy Burdick presented an FY 11 budget
update. The committee received news of new, mandated expenditures in
special education for next year due to four new special education
students with diagnoses ranging from developmental delay to autism. As
a result, the budget will need to include one, probably two, preschool
assistants, as well as a part-time school psychologist. This is on top
of news from
Town Manager Norman Khumalo came before the School Committee to promote the plan for a town-wide Permanent Building Committee. “I’m a strong believer in the one town, one solution concept,” said Khumalo. He explained that the Permanent Building Committee would provide resources and expertise when asked, but that the School Committee would retain authority over all school building and maintenance projects.
Superintendent John Phelan reported that the Coordinated Program Review finished last week. “They thought we had exemplary programs,” said Phelan. Among the financial implications of the audit: funds should be set aside for translation services should they be needed in the future. Additionally, half day kindergartners will need to receive physical education classes starting in 2012; currently, only full-day kindergartners are slated to have gym class next school year.
Assistant Superintendent Mary Colombo
presented a proposal to accept non-immigrant students into the high
school on a tuition basis. These students would pay
yet-to-be-determined tuition, as well as fees, and be members of the
high school community for one year, staying with host families in town.
Four applications have already been received.
Dr. Phelan announced the search for a new Middle School Principal; the current principal, Dr. William Lynch, will be retiring at the end of this school year. There will be pre-screenings and two rounds of interviews, culminating in a public forum scheduled for April 14th, when Phelan plans to present two candidates for the position. Phelan expects to announce the new principal on April 15th. “There is a dearth of candidates for all leadership positions,” said Phelan, as he agreed with member Troy Mick that the timeline was aggressive.
The 2010-2011 school year calendar has been revised, changing the last day of school to Wednesday, June 15, if no snow days are used. A clerical error had incorrectly listed December as having 16 school days. It actually will contain 17, thus allowing for school to end one day earlier in the spring. |
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EFFECTIVE APRIL 5th, 2010
Trench Safety Permit $25.00
Driveway Opening Permit $50.00 Permit fees will be due with the permit application; please make all checks payable to the Town of Hopkinton. Please contact the Department of Public Works with any questions at 508-497-9740 |
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Two Arrested In Highway Pellet-Gun Shootings
Under arrest are a 19-year-old man and an
18-year-old man, both of
Investigators developed information late last night that, following further investigation throughout the day today, led to the charges. The arrests are the result of an extensive and thorough investigation that began March 17 and was conducted by the State Police, Plymouth Police, Kingston Police, and Plymouth County District Attorney, with the assistance of the State Environmental Police, Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, and Massachusetts Highway Division. |
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Town to Apply for Disaster Money
Above, Selectman Chair Brian Herr, resident Pierre Trudeau and Fire Chief Ken Clark discuss flood damage to the underlying structure of the bridge over the culvert on Fourth Road, and possible relief from disaster funds. |
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William H. Sparks
William H. Sparks, age 78 of Oak Park Heights, MN, formerly of Newton, died Monday, March 29, 2010. He was the beloved husband of 49 years to Joanne M.(Murphy), loving father of William H. Sparks Jr. of Westborough, Cynthia A. Sparks of Sterling, Frederick L. Sparks of Richfield, MN, Katherine F. (David) Wallner of Forest Lake, MN and Robert E. Sparks of Jordon Kowloon, Hong Kong; proud grandfather of Carleigh, April, Will, Dylan, Samantha, Robert, Leo, Ali, John and Julia. William was the brother of Frances Lage, Eleanor Sparks, Joanne Jones, Phyllis(Joe) Lewis, and Burton(Donna) Sparks. He was preceded in death by his parents Johanna and Herbert. Mr. Sparks was a retired Plant Manger for 3M. He was a veteran of the US Navy. He was a graduate from Our Ladies in Newton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 6 at 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist, 20 Church St, Hopkinton. Calling hours will be held 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., prior to Mass at the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church St, Hopkinton. Donations can be made in William's memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. There was always room for another at his table. |
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ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE April 1, 2010 - Due to severe flood damage Fourth Rd will be closed for an undetermined amount of time from the intersection of Knoll Rd to #4 Fourth Rd. Knoll Rd is open full length. -- Mike Mansir, Hopkinton Highway Manager. |
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Blackstone Floods Homes and Businesses
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AG COAKLEY WARNS OF SCAMS BEWARE OF HOME REPAIR SCAMS IN LIGHT OF RECENT FLOODS
BOSTON -
Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley cautioned victims of the 2010
floods to do their homework when selecting contractors to repair the
water damage to their properties, to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.
“Today, most of the state for the second time is dealing with the damage from these unprecedented storms,” said Attorney General Coakley. “While many people have banded together through this difficult time, there are also unsavory individuals seeking to capitalize on this situation, and we urge consumers to do their homework when picking a contractor to fix their homes.”
The Attorney General’s Office offers the following advice for homeowners:
· Make sure that the person you are dealing with is a licensed contractor affiliated with a legitimate business. · Ask for references—names of satisfied customers who can tell you about the business. Ask a neighbor, friend or co-worker for the name of a business they have used. · Check for a history of complaints with the Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. · Obtain a written contract or estimate describing the work to be done, the price and estimated date of completion. · You should not pay more than one third the cost of the project at the inception of the contract, with another third due half way through the project and the balance paid when the work is completed to your satisfaction. · If you think you have been the victim of a scam, call the Attorney General’s Office and file a complaint.
The Attorney General’s Website also offers tips for how to understand and get the most out of their insurance policy and how to select a home improvement contractor.
To check the history of a business or to file a complaint about a scam, the Attorney General’s Office urges you to contact its consumer hotline at (617) 727-8400 or file a complaint online at www.mass.gov/ago/consumercomplaint. HopNews File photo. |
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Spring Cleaning?
Some of the items needed include clothing in good condition for all ages, small furniture, bric-a-brac, clean linens, toys, kitchen gadgets, children’s books and almost anything else. Items may be dropped off under the tent in front of the garage and receipts may be picked up at the front desk during business hours. We are sorry we cannot accept computers, printers, scanners, vcrs, televisions, exercise equipment, skiis, large furniture, refrigerators and air conditioners. ~Sally Almy |
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Anne Monterio, 60, and Jack Lucas, 55, both of Dracut, were indicted March 25 by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on counts of forgery, making a false claim to a government agency, making a false statement for medical assistance, medical assistance fraud by a non-provider, larceny over $250 and conspiracy to commit larceny over $250. They will be arraigned on April 6 at 9am in Woburn Superior Court. The case was referred to the office by State Auditor Joe DeNucci following an investigation by his Bureau of Special Investigations. “The defendants are alleged to have taken advantage of a taxpayer-funded program that provides help to those in need to get the necessary medical care they could not otherwise afford,” District Attorney Leone said. “We allege that these defendants took advantage of the program and stole over $175,000 from a state aide organization at the taxpayers’ expense.”
“This Personal Care Attendant (PCA) According to authorities, Monterio qualified to receive at home medical care by a state medical assistance program. Beginning in 2001 and ending in 2007, she began to forge timesheets alleging that certain individuals worked for her as a personal care attendant when, in fact, they had not. Beginning in 2004 and also ending in 2007, Lucas, Monterio’s boyfriend, also qualified for home medical service and also began submitting time sheets for service he never received. As a result of the false timesheets that the defendants submitted, the state medical program paid out in total approximately $132,000 to Monterio and approximately $43,000 to Lucas. Most of this money was sent in the form of checks to Monterio and Lucas that were to be distributed to the supposed personal care attendants. Instead, most of these checks were then deposited into bank accounts held by Monterio and Lucas and not paid out to the payee/supposed personal care assistant. These charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Doug Nagengast. The investigation was conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney's PACT Unit and the Massachusetts State Auditor’s Office. |
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Hopkinton High School Class of 1973 Reunion Saturday, August 21 – 3 pm Sue (McMahon) Bradford’s home in Milford, MA e-mail: l.poirier1@comcast.net (Linda Hutchins) |
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A Meeting of the Eagles
March 31, 2010 — Elmwood School held a meeting of the Eagles today. Andrew Sweeney reports in the video above. |
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GIVING Presents on Birthday
Haley Bernardo and her best friend Sara Dunn had a joint sleepover party for their 9th birthdays. And instead of receiving presents from all of their friends, they collected money to go to the BayPath Humane Society. They collected $375 and brought the money over to the Humane Society yesterday in a handmade collection bottle made by one of their friends, Emily Whelan. Both families are very proud of them for wanting to give to others that are less fortunate than to receive instead. ~ Cindy Bernado |
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Two New Republican Candidates for Office
March 31, 2010 — This morning two Republican candidates scheduled their public announcements to the media at the Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall 30 minutes apart.
Candidate for Planning Board, Deborah Thomas, who has lived in
Hopkinton for 10 years, is a mother of two grade-school students,
is a volunteer, according to a press release, for many school projects.
In that release, she cites concerns about legacy Farms and the ability
need for Hopkinton to balance growth with keeping its small town charm.
Candidate for Board of Selectman, Ben Palleiko, a 13-year resident and father of three student boys has served on the Appropriations Committee, and cites his career in the US Navy as a decorated Lieutenant Commander and subsequent career in finance and investment as qualifying experience in a press release. HopNews Video Interview. |
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Both Sides Now
March 31, 2010 — The Sudbury River on the Hopkinton/Southborough border can barely fit under the bridge on Route 85 as seen in this photo this morning. Mouse-over the image to see how the river has breached its banks on the other side of the road, and ironically, flooded McCarthy Pools. |
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A Heritage
March 31, 2010 — The Blackstone River, whose power was harnessed in the 1820s with the building of the Blackstone Canal, which brought goods from Worcester to Providence, has breached its banks in many locations, like the one above in Northbridge on the other side of Upton, minutes from Hopkinton. Nearby, a vestige of the Canal, which is usually a vernal pool, is a racing waterway.
In the photo below, on the other side of Northbridge, the Blackstone has found its own course and flooded adjacent homes and businesses, and in some places, crossed the road. Video of both locations is forthcoming.
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Don't Want to be Counted? You will be noticed! by Elizabeth Eidlitz
2010 census forms have been mailed to more than 100
million households, and, if past percentages are predictors, 40% of
Some, who view the census as part of “Big Brother government,” feel that asking anything beyond number of people in household is an unnecessary intrusion of privacy.
So what happens if you ignore the form and its postage-paid, return envelope?
Someone is likely to notice.
The Constitutional mandate to count everyone living in this country, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, has been in effect for each of the 22 censuses conducted since 1790. After April 1, all responses received by the U.S. Census Bureau will be compared to major lists of U.S. residences.
Ironically, objections to big government only increase the size of the Federal government workforce, since more taxpayer money will be spent hiring, training and deploying census takers to collect the information in face-to-face interviews. The Census Bureau projects that for every one percentage point increase in the national mail back participation rate, the federal government saves $85 million, which can be returned to Congress.
There are even better arguments for spending about ten minutes answering the ten questions on the short form (the long form has been eliminated).
“It’s easy, safe, critically important,” says Local Census Office Manager Richard A. Liguori. “Census employees take an oath. It’s against Constitutional law to divulge any personal information for 72 years and carries a five-year jail sentence. Additionally, census data affects the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives, it drives redistricting and helps determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding is spent annually on emergency services, hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and other public works projects.”
For a snapshot of the population on April 1, Census Day, the form asks residents for name, age, gender, ethnicity, whether they own or rent their home or have a usual residence elsewhere.
Homeownership rates, which serve as an indicator of the nation’s economy, are also used to administer housing programs and to inform planning decisions.
Ethnicity data is used to monitor compliance with anti-discrimination provisions, such as under the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act, planning and administering bilingual programs, and assessment of fairness of employment practices.
If you’d like to ask the questions, in addition to answering them, now is the time to apply to be an enumerator in your own community.
Temporary, short-term census jobs (April through July) offer flexible scheduling, an hourly rate of approximately 20 dollars, paid training, and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while engaged in non-response follow ups
To apply, call toll-free 1-866-861-2010 and schedule an appointment to take the half hour employment test. A sample of the 28 multiple-choice questions is online http://www.2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/documents/Practice_Test.pdf 10 questions correctly answered constitutes a passing grade, but the higher your score, the greater the possibility that you'll be hired. You may retake the exam if you don't pass or would like to try to improve your score.
Your employment chances depend on the number of people in your area who didn’t return the mailed out census forms. Potential enumerators, entered into an electronic database, are thus contacted as needs for them are defined after April 1st.
For authorized census workers who make unannounced visits to homes to conduct personal brief interview, it’s an eye-opening adventure. Since I took the confidentiality oath when I was hired as an enumerator for the 1990 census, I can say no more.
Except for this recommendation: I covered the largest part of my door-to-door territory in Hopkinton by bicycle on early evenings when most people are home. Pedaling in pleasant June weather, through lemon yellow light, is probably as beautiful a free fitness workout as you’ll ever get. |
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Senior Moments Senior Health Fair More Than Just Fair
Nancy L. Drawe (Punky)
March 31, 2010 — If
you weren’t able to make it to the Health Fair at the
The Lion’s Club vision and hearing screening mobile van was a very popular spot—many “patients” took advantage of the free eye and ear tests. It was so funny when people came out of the van—they would say, “Hey, I can see, but I can’t hear!” Or, “I can hear, but I can’t see!” There were blood pressure screenings from a few of the vendors in the “great room,” and I heard people say how good they felt after having their blood pressure and cholesterol checked.
I don’t really have
the room to write about each company represented because it would take
me forever, so I’ll just say that the vendors and speakers were great!
They were very helpful and had wonderful products and ideas for
everyone. There were lots of “freebies” too—everyone had goody bags
full of pens, thermometers, brochures, date books and of course, candy.
This program provided a wealth of information about options for seniors
and their families regarding health care and ways for seniors to stay
safe in their own homes. Since there is definitely a great need for
families to know that there is support for them and their elderly
parents, each of these speakers and vendors were a beneficial part of
this program. Kudos to the
The Art Show was a big hit too! You wouldn’t believe the beautiful quilts and afghans on display, all made by people who come up for the quilting and knitting classes. People are still talking about how awesome they were. In the craft room, there were amazing pieces of ceramics that were made by the students in the pottery class. The paintings from the students in Bill Robinson’s painting class were absolutely professionally done! Very nice!
The Veteran’s breakfast will be held on Friday, April 9th at 9 am this month instead of April 2nd, which is the first Friday. It’s always so wonderful seeing the dining room full on these Friday’s with Hopkinton’s finest, all of them chatting, eating and having a grand ol’ time. This breakfast will be funded by the Lion’s Club—thanks again to a GREAT organization!
Stay tuned for special activities during the month of April!
That’s it for now, so if you have any comments or suggestions, you can email me: Punkala@aol.com. Until next time, have a great week! |
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Aptly Named Street
March 30, 2010 — It is unlikely that Pond Street was named for this gigantic, larger-than-normal rainy day puddle, but it was a very apt name today. |
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What a Difference Two Weeks Make Mouse-Over to see difference
March 30, 2010 — The photo above contrasts with the same spot photographed on March 14, 2010, when, during the raging storm on that day, the high-water mark on the Lake Maspenock rock above was far above the water. Not so today. |
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Remember to Click on any ad to see more.
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Great Lake
March 30, 2010 — Lake Whitehall was boiling today as wind-whipped rain blasted its surface, and whitecaps formed. Some are calling this the storm of the century, but only some areas are the hardest hit. Hopkinton, Massachusetts and the immediate area was not hit as hard as Rhode Island, where water rose over vehicles on some streets, and thousands were evacuated. Hopkinton, RI residents have to deal with a widening breach in a failing dam. |
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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 |
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High-Speed
March 30, 2010 — This vehicle plowing through the Cedar/Grove Street intersection today proves that it is faster than cable. |
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Public Hearing On April 5 at 7:00 pm the Parks & Recreation Commission will be holding a public hearing to review the Tree and Landscape Plan for the Town Common, presented by Weston and Sampson. Included in this plan are 7 trees that have been recommended for removal. |
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Hopkinton Gets MORE Grant Payment Early $1,250,000 paid to Hopkinton is 50% of total
March 30, 2010 — On March 9, 2010, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced a $2.5 million MORE grant to help connect South Street sewers to Milford, which would culminate a 10 year-old rejuvenated agreement between the two towns for a little over 203,000 gpd of wastewater transfered to that town. Today, Selectman Chair Brian Herr announced that the first installment, which has come earlier than the projected June, 2010 date, has been paid. To see a reprise of HopNews interviews with the governor and others recorded on the day of the his visit, choose the video below.
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Please consider using the services of HopNews sponsors.
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ESL’s Just Another High School Musical April 9 and 10
Saturday, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m
“This musical comedy pokes fun
at the High School Musical craze, and is a lot of fun for
audiences that are in middle school or older,” said Mary Scarlata-Rowe,
director. “The cast is made up of very talented middle school students,
and they bring a lot of energy and vitality to the show. It is sure to
be a great time!” 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 |
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State Police Rescue Trapped Driver
Today at 3:09 p.m., Trooper David Martinelle from the Newbury Barracks who had completed his day shift and was traveling home, and Trooper Patrick Ahl from the Danvers Barracks who had just begun his evening shift, responded to calls for a stranded motorist who was trapped in a vehicle that was rapidly filling with water on Route 95 southbound at the Danvers/Peabody line.
Upon arrival, the troopers located the vehicle floating on the shoulder of the roadway and becoming submerged in the rapidly flooding area. The troopers realized that the operator was trapped inside the vehicle and could not escape.
Trooper Ahl entered the chest deep water to free the female operator
from the vehicle and brought her to a safe location where she was
treated by responding |
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We asked this question this morning and the results are on the left: Where should the American Flag Be Located?
The former gazebo's architecture made the entrance to the structure, which faced Main Street, appear to be the front. The new gazebo's architecture gives it two entrances, with the apparent front of the structure facing the interior of the Town Common, the side on which the flag is currently located. Some have argued that the front of the structure faces Main Street, because the front of all structures are denoted in that way. Some say put one on each side. Another argument is that the flag is so strong of a symbol that it should be on a building of that size only once. |
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PICK YOUR LUCKY NUMBER AT CORNELL’S For the 10K Draw Wednesday, March 31, 2010 from 7 pm to 9 pm |
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Letter from Public Safety Officials to Hopkinton Residents
Memo to: Managers of businesses, residents and property owners of downtown Hopkinton From: Richard Flannery, Hopkinton Police Chief; Andy Deschenes, Boston Marathon Start Coordinator; Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace, Hopkinton Marathon Committee, Chairman Date: Monday, March 29, 2010
Re: Marathon Monday, April
19th,
2010
“It All Starts Here!” In a
few short weeks the town of Hopkinton will host 26,000 runners from
around the world as they gather to participate in the 114th
B.A.A. Boston Marathon. Each runner will cross the start line of the
Boston Marathon on their own journey to Boston. There are thousands of
individual triumphs and accomplishments that have earned them the right
to be part of this April tradition and we congratulate all the runners! For the past year our team including public safety personnel, the Hopkinton Marathon Committee, Hopkinton Selectmen’s Office and the Boston Athletic Association, has been working to develop a race day program that will assure an efficient and safe start for the 2010 Boston Marathon.
Roads in Hopkinton will close at 7:30 am.
The race day program this year is relatively unchanged from last year. The official start time is 10:00 a.m. |
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"The
News Starts Here!"
Van Dyk of South Africa will return to the 114th Boston
Marathon, seeking an unprecedented ninth title – the most in the history
of the event in any division. Wakako Tsuchida of 
of Design, where he announced an application for funding had been
submitted on behalf of Hopkinton to 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.
On
March 29, 2010, President Obama declared 
HOPKINTON,
MA (March 23, 2010) – Veteran folk singer/songwriter Tom Smith will be
the featured artist at ESL’s Open Mic Night on Saturday, April 3 with
host Barbara Kessler. Smith, accompanied by guitar, banjo, and other
instruments, will interweave old folk songs and original songs that are
reminiscent of the very best of the old-school folk tradition, presented
in an easy-going and engaging style. 
The
Town of Hopkinton Department of Public Works has instituted the
following fees on permits issued by the Department:
April
1, 2010 — The Massachusetts State Police, Plymouth Police, Kingston
Police and the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office announce that
two men were arrested this afternoon in connection with the pellet-gun
shootings of several motor vehicles along Route 3 last month.
The 
them will not be returned. 
HOPKINTON,
MA (March 30, 2010) – Enter Stage Left Theater will be presenting its
middle school production of Just Another High School Musical
on Friday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, April 10 at
2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. All performances will take place at the
Hopkins School, 104 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton. Tickets are $10.00
and are available at the door or at
Poll
Results
Some people have
recently complained that the American Flag on the Veterans'
Memorial Gazebo is placed on the wrong side.