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Aerial Fun

March 8, 2011 — These two hawks, presumably red-tail, enjoyed riding thermals hundreds of feet over the flat area at Weston Nurseries on East Main Street around noontime today.

     

Fire on the Hill

March 8, 2011 — Hopkinton Fire Department responded to an unattended fire on the grounds of the Laborer's Training Center. A firefighter followed the tracks of a backhoe to investigate the source.

   

John Joseph Iuso,18

 

Hopkinton- John Joseph Iuso,18, of Hopkinton, left this world on Sunday, March 6, 2011, joining his brother Michael in everlasting life. Born in Worcester, he was the son of son Frank and Mary Grace (Farese) Iuso of Hopkinton.

While a student at St. John's High School, he was on the swim and diving team, crew team, and a member of the computer club. He was a graduate of the Hopkinton Class of 2010 and attended Salem State College.

Besides his parents, he is survived by his brother, Andrew Iuso of Hopkinton, who currently attends college in NYC, his maternal grandparents, Andrew and Betty Farese of Bronx, NY.; his aunts and uncles, John Farese, Faye Farese, Joseph Farese, Camella and Dan O'Connor, Margaret and Larry Iuso, as well as several cousins.

Visitation will take place on Friday, March 11, 2011 from 4-8p.m. at the
Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. A funeral mass will be held at St. John's Church in Hopkinton on Saturday at 11:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's High School Campus Ministry,378 Main st. Shrewsbury, MA. 01545.

 

Massachusetts State Police units are assisting Somerset Police in a search for a bank robbery suspect. State Police K-9 units and patrols are on scene, and the State Police Air Wing has just launched from Plymouth air base. The search is focusing on a swampy location in the area of South and County streets in Somerset.

Boston Athletic Association Boston Marathon Introduces Three-Wave Start.

 New, third wave will not increase field size of 2011 race.

 

HOPKINTON, Mass. – The B.A.A. will employ a third wave for the start of the 2011 Boston Marathon, creating a more efficient and improved running experience for participants in the 115th edition of the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon.  This year’s race will be held on Monday, April 18: Patriots’ Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

Working in cooperation with the Town of Hopkinton and the Hopkinton Marathon Committee, the B.A.A. will institute three waves of mass participatory starters. Each wave will include approximately 9,000 official entrants, and each wave will be identified by its background bib color in a coordinated, patriotic color scheme: Wave One (red bibs), Wave Two (white bibs), and Wave Three (blue bibs).

 

The three-wave start will not increase the field size of the 2011 Boston Marathon.

 

The start times for the 2011 Boston Marathon are as follows:

                                                Start time          Approx. No. of Entrants              Bib Color

Mobility Impaired participants:     9:00 a.m.          6

Wheelchair Division:                   9:17 a.m.          30

Handcycles:                              9:22 a.m.          24

Elite Women:                            9:32 a.m.          50

Elite Men and Wave One:           10:00 a.m.         9,000                                        Red

Wave Two:                                10:20 a.m.         9,000                                        White

Wave Three:                              10:40 a.m.         9,000                                        Blue

 

Next month’s Boston Marathon has a field size of approximately 27,000 official entrants, including those in the wheelchair division, visually impaired athletes and those competing in handcycles.

 

“The introduction of a third wave at the start of the Boston Marathon will provide a better pre-race and starting experience for our runners,” said Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon Race Director (File photo).  “We continue to study methods to improve the race for our participants, and we are pleased to have a partnership with the Town of Hopkinton which allows an improved staging area and start for both the participants and the Town of Hopkinton’s residents.”

 

Police News UP-TO-DATE <--- FOR FULL REPORT

March 7, 2011

 

5:14 pm A Hopkins Road caller inquired what to do about a neighbor's dog using her lawn as a bathroom...

 

3:55 pm An individual brought a deceased cat into the station...

 

1:01 pm A Town Hall employee witnessed six individuals enter a five-passenger vehicle...

 

4:03 pm A North Street caller complained that a male jogged by his home...

 John Iuso

 

John Iuso, 18, of Hopkinton, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2011. He was the son of son Frank and Mary Grace (Farese) Iuso of Hopkinton.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

ZAC Member Runs for Planning Board

March 7, 2011 — Father of two and Zoning Advisory Committee member Brian Karp switched his political party designation from unenrolled today to run as a Republican candidate for a five-year term on the Planning Board.

    In a prepared handout, Mr. Karp states, "I am running for the Planning Board because it is a critical time for Hopkinton given the decisions to be made about the future of the downtown area and the groundbreaking at Legacy Farms."

    He goes on to say that he would like to build consensus about issues coming before the Planning Board, as well as increase the town's commercial base while maintaining its character.

   

Electronic and Appliance recycle day

 

Electronic and Appliance recycle day to be held at the  parking lot of Grace United Methodist Church, 61 Wood Street, Hopkinton, MA  on Sat. March 12th for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Accepting all electronics to include but not limited to monitors, TV's, computers, printers, fax machines and copy machines for recycling as well as any appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, ac units, dehumifiers, etc. In addition we will be accepting snow blowers, lawn mowers with gas removed, exercise equipment. This is a fund raiser for the Grace United Methodist Church with low fees of $5 each monitor or computer, $10 any appliance or small TV and $15 each TV over 20". Any cell phones, car and truck batteries, bikes are free. Any questions J.wood36@yahoo.com

     

REMINDER: Student Government Breakfast

 

The Student Government Week Breakfast will be on Friday, March 25, from 7:25 – 8:30 AM in the High School Cafeteria.   All local government officials are invited to attend, and asked to RSVP as soon as possible to the Selectmen’s Office.   As of now, Congressman James McGovern, State Senator Karen Spilka, and State Representative Carolyn Dykema are also planning to attend.  

Chuck "Mully" Mullen Alumni Scholarship

Attention HHS Alumni classes of 1986-1988?

 

Generous contributions from the Chuck Mullen Memorial Bike Run have made it possible to establish a scholarship to honor the memory of Chuck Mullen, Hopkinton High School graduate, class of 1987. Through this scholarship, the Mullen Family and friends hope that his spirit will endure and continue to enrich the lives of others. This scholarship is for a 1986-1988 H.H.S. alumni's son or daughter to attend college. The student may be graduating from Hopkinton or any other high school. If you have a son or daughter who will graduate from high school this year, encourage them to apply for the Chuck"Mully"Mullen Alumni Scholarship. Applications may be obtained from the H.H.S. Counseling Office nhoagland@hopkinton.k12.ma.us  or by contacting Elaine Mullen 508-435-4926 or emullen1146@verizon.net . The deadline to submit applications is May 1st, 2011.

 

Daniel Garner, 83

 

Hopkinton - Daniel Garner, 83, of Hopkinton, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2011 at his home. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth Garner. Private funeral services will take place with his family at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Sally Anne McCormack, 48

 

HOPKINTON - Sally Anne McCormack, 48, passed away Friday, March 4, 2011 at Milford Regional Hospital after a long battle with Calciphylaxis.  Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of Mary (Boudreau) McCormack and the late Edward H. McCormack, Jr.

She was a lifelong resident of Hopkinton and graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1981.  She worked alongside her parents for most of her life serving firefighters across the globe with ISFSI and most recently FDSOA.  She also worked for many years with EMC in Hopkinton.  Her biggest accomplishment was being Auntie to her Pumpkin.  She loved the pool and lobster, loved to paint and loved her friends and family. She had a special love for all the doctors and nurses who cared for her over the past year.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister Trish Rutkowski and her husband Thomas and her niece Emily Wilcox, all of Hopkinton, her brother James McCormack and his wife Becky of Indianapolis and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The funeral will be held Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. from the
Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street.  Callings hours at the funeral home are Wednesday, March 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Burial will be private.

The Sally McCormack Calciphylaxis Memorial Fund will be established with UMass Memorial Medical Center of Worcester in the coming weeks.  In lieu of flowers, donations to support the research and study of Calciphylaxis may be sent to the The Sally McCormack Calciphylaxis Memorial Fund, 140 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton, MA  01748.

Ten Years and Counting

March 6, 2011 — Above, Mary Murphy, owner of Hooray for Books poses with her husband Brian Herr and their five children yesterday during the ten year anniversary of her business. Over 250 people, said Ms. Murphy in an email, made it to the celebration on Saturday.

     

Analyze This

March 5, 2011 — Thickness of ice + weight of people = allowable proximity to one another. Color of ice is another factor. Photo taken at Hopkinton Reservoir this afternoon.

   

MOMMY & ME CLASSES at TLC

• Movin’ & Groovin’ With Gretchen!! Wednesdays 9:30-10:15am

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.

• Little Monet Art Classes —Wednesdays 11:00-11:45am

Is your little one an emerging artistic genius?  If so, come paint, sculpt, build and get messy with Gretchen at the TLC.  Each week we'll choose a famous artist and explore their world by creating works of art centered around their unique and individual style.  We'll learn about Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Pollock, Calder and Warhol just to name a few.  Get those aprons on and join us in our exploration of the World of Art! 8 weeks/$80.00.

Please register at TLC of Hopkinton. Classes Start Wednesday, March 23rd 2011 (No Classes April 20th School Vacation Week) and Classes will end May 18th 2011. For further information please call 508-497-0892.

Hopkinton 61, Foxboro 42

March 5, 2011 — The HHS girls defeated Foxboro Friday night in the second round of the Division 2 South State Tournament. Above, Sarah Moses sees an opening and takes advantage of it.

Elementary School Parity would cost additional $3.5 - $12 million for Elmwood,

$1.4 million for Hopkins, on top of Fruit Street Cost

 

by Heather Kelley

March 4, 2011 — Thursday night, at their joint working session with the Board of Selectmen and the Appropriations Committee, the School Committee gave dollar amounts for achieving parity at Hopkins and Elmwood Schools. This has been a divisive issue for many residents, who have voiced their concerns that it would not be fair for one third of the elementary students to get a new school, while the other two-thirds were stuck with older schools.

RJ Dourney, Chair of the Board of Selectmen, asked for an overview of the money required to achieve parity amongst the elementary schools.

Troy Mick, School Committee member, spoke of three different levels of parity. The first level, he said, was educational. In other words, ensuring that the education received at one school would be equal to that received at the other two.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Mary Colombo, explained that a curriculum database, Atlas Rubicon, six years in the making and one-of-its-kind in the state, is nearing completion. Dr. Colombo said that teachers from Kindergarten through High School have been collaborating and inputting their expertise into this online resource that lays out the curriculum plan for every grade in the district. In this manner, the district has a “guaranteed and viable” curriculum, in that every student is ensured of an education that is equal to that received by their peers. The district has also recently completed a new teacher evaluation system, such that all teachers in the district would be measured up to the same standards, Dr. Colombo said.

Mr. Mick said that the cost of this educational parity would be $0, since this database was already in place.

Mr. Mick went on to say that the second level of parity was facilities: that each school would have an art room, a gymnasium, etc. The cost for this kind of parity, he said, would be $3.5 million for Elmwood, and $1.4 million for Hopkins. The bulk of this cost would be for the Kindergarten classrooms, bringing them into line with state requirements for square footage, bathrooms, and sinks.

Alternatively, Mr. Mick said, the district and town could choose to achieve parity using the checklist provided by the Habeeb report, a study undertaken in 2006 that looked at not only the facilities but also the site layout, including transportation and grounds at Elmwood.

Implementing this plan, said Superintendent Dr. Jack Phelan, would include entirely restructuring the bus and parent pick-up and drop-off roads at Elmwood, as well as “refreshing and renovating” the building.

Among other things, the Habeeb plan would include a new roof, new windows, new doors, and retrofitting Kindergarten classrooms. The cost for this level of parity would be $12 million, which could be spent instead of (not in addition to) the above-referenced $3.5 million, according to Mr. Mick.

“This is not parity,” interjected Ron Eldridge, Appropriations Committee Chair. If there were to be no districting, no new elementary school, asked Mr. Eldridge, how much money would have to be spent to complete necessary renovations to Elmwood?

Mrs. Robak initially stated that Center School is in worse shape and needs attention first.

However, the School Committee then came back and said that $5.1 million in renovations will be required at Elmwood to deal with the aging roof and other issues.

“These are must-dos,” said Mr. Eldridge.

Finally, Mr. Mick referred to the third level of parity, “the twelve sheets of red construction paper in every room,” he quipped.

School Committee member Nancy Burdick said that she had been having discussions about these kinds of minute levels of parity in recent weeks.

“I don’t know,” said Mr. Mick, referring to whether or not each room in each school would have the same number of sheets of red construction paper.

File photos.

 

Call for the Right Reasons

March 4, 2011 — HopNews sponsor Steve Choiniere enjoys sharing a good laugh, especially with people who call to let him know his tailgate is up and his tools are about to fall out. The open door is actually a photograph of an open door pasted onto the closed door.

Singer-Songwriter David Francey Comes to Hopkinton to Support

HHS Drama Ensemble’s Trip to Scotland

Saturday, March 19th 7:30pm HHS Auditorium

On Saturday, March 19th Hopkinton residents and folk music enthusiasts from the area will have a unique opportunity to attend a concert by award winning artist David Francey. The Scottish-born singer and storyteller included a stop in Hopkinton to his “Right of Passage” tour when he learned of the HHS Drama

Ensemble’s upcoming trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and their fundraising efforts.

 

Francey’s wry humor and astute observations combined with his openhearted singing style have earned him a loyal following and will sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Touring with David is American ballad maker and multi-instrumentalist Craig Werth.

Tickets are $20 and are available at the doo the day of the performance.

David Francey: Right of Passage Tour: Saturday, March 19, 2011, 7:30pm HHS Auditorium . More information about the HHS Drama Ensemble can be found at: www.hhsdramaensemble.com

www.davidfrancey.com

Double Fatal Crash in Marlborough

 

March 4, 2011 — This morning at 8:29 state troopers assigned to the Massachusetts State Police Barracks in Holden responded to a four-car crash on Route 85 in Marlborough, near the Hudson line, that resulted in two fatalities.

 

Preliminary investigation by Trooper John Atlas indicates that a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu operated by Adam L. Richard, 34, of Hudson, was traveling westbound on Route 85 when he crossed over into the eastbound lane, clipped the tailgate of a 2004 box truck that was heading eastbound, and then collided head-on with a 2006 Ford Taurus operated by a 60-year-old Oxford man that was traveling eastbound behind the truck. After the head-on collision between the Malibu and the Taurus, a fourth vehicle, a 2004 Toyota Prius travelling behind the Taurus, tried to take evasive action to avoid the crash but could not do so, striking the Taurus.

 

Mr. Richard, who was not wearing a seatbelt but was not ejected, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The operator of the Taurus, who is not being notified at this time pending proper family notification, was transported to Marlborough Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. It is unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt.

 

The driver of the box truck, Richard H. Delisle, 62, of Palmer, was not injured. The driver of the Prius and his passenger, Robert L. Murner, 48, of Wilbraham and Christine H. Murner, also 48 of Wilbraham, were also not injured. Delisle and the Murners were all wearing seatbelts.

 

The investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the crash, including what caused Mr. Richard to drift into the opposite lane of traffic, remain under investigation by Troop C of the Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit. Troopers were also assisted at the scene by the Marlborough and Hudson Police and Fire Departments.

     

New Ballot Question Committee Formed

"To insure voters have the information necessary to make an educated vote."

 

March 4, 2011 — A group of residents has formed a "Ballot Question Committee for Elementary School Options" in apparent opposition to the efforts of the School Committee, and another ballot question committee dedicated to the passage of the upcoming vote to fund a new elementary school on the Town-owned Fruit Street property. A Special Town Meeting has been scheduled for March 21, and a Town Election on March 28. The purpose listed on the Municipal Form filed with the Town Clerk for the new committee states: "To insure voters have the information necessary to make an educated vote."

 

In December, HPTA principals Cindy Bernardo and Amy Ritterbusch were two of four officers who formed the "Ballot Question Committee for Hopkinton's New Elementary School." Their stated purpose was to help the passing of the new school.

 

The new committee's application was received by the Town Clerk on March 1, 2011, and revised minutes later to include a change of Treasurer from Cheryl McIntire to Jane Moran (left), a Hopkinton resident and grandmother, who is the Chief of Police of Southborough. Glen Layton (right), an outspoken critic of the new school and the School Committee's plan to create three districts in Hopkinton, signed as President of the group.

 

Both groups have developed websites.

   

Dr. Jonathan Landman Chosen as Next Super by School Committee

March 4, 2011 —The Hopkinton School Committee interviewed four finalists this week for the position of Superintendent of Schools.  Each candidate spent a day in the school district, touring buildings and meeting with students, parents, staff, administrators, School Committee members and town leaders.   A formal interview with the School Committee was conducted during the evening after the visits concluded.  All four candidates have outstanding credentials and broad experience.

 

Based on the current and projected needs in the district, the School Committee has unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Jonathan Landman as their next Superintendent of Schools, pending successful contract negotiations.  Rebecca Robak, School Committee Chair, said, “We are excited about having Dr. Landman join our district.  His energy, enthusiasm and vision impressed the school community during his visit.”  Dr. Landman will return to the district to meet the public at a forum on Wednesday, March 9th at 7 pm in the High School Auditorium. 

 

Dr. Landman holds a Doctor of Education degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  He also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching History & Social Studies degree from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brandeis University.  He is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning for Randolph Public Schools. He previously served as High School Principal for Belmont Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Community Education for the Acton Public and Acton/Boxborough Regional School Districts.  He began his career as a social studies teacher at the Boston Latin Academy as well as in the Brookline school system. ~ School Committee PR

School Committee Meeting Focuses on Budget

by Heather Kelley

March 4, 2011 — Last night, the School Committee met for a working session prior to a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and the Appropriations Committee.

 

The working session dealt with the budget, specifically where cuts could be made to fill holes left by additional shortfalls in the town’s FY 12 budget. The School Committee came up with a list of cost savings, including easy ones such as retirements and personnel leaving the district. But in discussing cuts, Superintendent Jack Phelan stated his priority that they “try to avoid teachers wherever possible.”

 

Rebecca Robak, Chair of the Committee, added that she was “loathe to cut an Elmwood” item out of the budget, either.

 

Member Jean Bertschmann, admitting it was an unwelcome idea, nevertheless asked what it would take in fee increases to make up the budget shortfall.

 

General consensus amongst members was to not take that route.

 

At this point, the Committee took a break while waiting for the Board of Selectmen and the Appropriations Committee to arrive. Mrs. Robak approached a group of three people in the audience (Photo), including residents Dawn Ronan, left, and Glen Layton, right, and explained to them that there would not be a public comment period during the evening’s meeting. The meeting was to be a working session and a joint working session with the other town groups, she explained, and not a regular meeting.

 

Upon the arrival of members of the Board of Selectmen and Appropriations, the meeting continued. Discussion of the budget ensued. Agreement quickly arose that rising health care costs and contractual salary increases, for both town and school, combined to create an ongoing budget crisis. Other events, such as the phenomenal snow fall this winter, added to the deficit, they agreed.

 

But, Selectman Ben Palleiko asked, “why, when extraordinary snow removal cost $320,000, do we want to reduce our operating budget to pay for it?”

 

More agreement ensued. School Committee member Richard de Mont added to this thinking: “We are faced with having to cut teachers because of a bad winter.”

 

Multiple options were considered instead: borrowing at attractive rates to pay for some maintenance items in the town instead of taking the money out of the operating budget, as well as possibly dipping into the Stabilization Fund to pay for the extraordinary snow removal costs.

REST OF THE STORY:

Ms. Robak suggested that a committee be put together by the town and the school system to together collectively bargain the issue of health insurance.

 

Superintendent Phelan suggested that the town participate with the schools in their locking in of pricing for utilities. By bargaining together, a community of local school districts has managed to negotiate favorable rates, and the town is able to participate. Conversation moved on to the proposed new elementary school at Fruit Street.


A member of the Appropriations Committee asked what it would cost to fix up Center School instead of building a new school.


Ms. Robak responded that it would cost $18 million, plus the cost of temporarily housing students in an alternate location while the work took place. “I think it’s a wash,” said Ms. Robak. (The new school would cost the town an estimated $23 million). In addition, full day kindergarten could not be offered to all families desiring it. The new Fruit Street school would make full day kindergarten available to all.

 

Ms. Robak continued that this fixing up would not address all the problems of the school. A full renovation would cost $41 million, she said. “And we’d still have a rotten site,” she added. She explained that the site has narrow driveways on either side of the building, bringing traffic down to the playground where the students have recess. In addition, she said, the fire and police chiefs in town had written letters in support of a new building on a new site.


RJ Dourney, Chair of the Board of Selectmen, agreed, saying “we don’t want to spend $41 million on a project and end up with something that isn’t worth $41 million.”


Mr. Dourney called for a “user-friendly document” at Town Meeting that would outline the costs not only of the proposed new school, but of all proposed projects, such as the library and the DPW garage. “We can’t make that decision in a vacuum,” he said.

 

Many others at the table concurred, suggesting that all debts, those proposed to come on to tax bills as well as those slated to come off, be listed, so that voters could make informed choices.


Superintendent Phelan presented, at the request of Mr. Dourney, a timeline from 2000 until present day with regards to districting and a new elementary school.


“To me, it’s gone through a lot of vetting,” said Stuart Cowart, Appropriations Committee member, of the project.


Mr. Dourney expressed confidence in the Superintendent, quoting himself as having said “Jack, tell me what is best for the kids.” Mr. Dourney spoke to the opinion, held by the School Committee and the School Administration, that longer grade spans is the educationally better model. “There is too much data that verifies that,” said Mr. Dourney.


Ms. Bertschmann encouraged everyone to come to the next Forum on Monday, March 7, at Center School (6 pm for tours of the building, 7 pm for questions and answers in the gymnasium). She said that all the school administrators would be there, along with the Director of Special Education, School Committee Members, and the Superintendent.

 

Toward the end of the meeting, a member of the audience, Glen Layton, wanted to speak. Mr. Dourney objected, saying that the time and place for audience comment would be at the Forum. Mr. Layton nevertheless attempted to speak, but again, Mr. Dourney insisted that Mr. Layton save his comments for the Forum.

 

“I’m pleading for a little faith,” said School Committee Member Richard de Mont. “Look at where we are,” he said, referring to the superior ranking of Hopkinton’s school district.

 

“We’re in a great place,” said Ms. Bertschmann. “But nobody wants to stay here,” she added, referring to Hopkinton’s continual strive for excellence. “Come to the Forum. Hear how excited [the administrators] are at what more they can do.”

The Compass at Hopkinton Open House 

March 4, 2011 — The Compass at Hopkinton's Alzheimer's Care facility at the Golden Pond Residence Care Facility held a Grand Opening reception Thursday evening. Two of the principals in the care of patients speak to HopNews readers in HD video above.

 

Hopkinton 78, Stoughton 72

March 3, 2011 — Jason Dlugolecki proves that Hillers can jump at the MIAA State Tournament Division 2 South against Stoughton this evening at home.

Celebration

March 3, 2011 — Joe Marquedant and Kerry Kunst share a laugh during the Open House for The Compass at Hopkinton's Alzheimer's Care facility at the Golden Pond Residence Care Facility Thursday evening. Mr. Marquedant is an engineer working on the plans for the expansion of the facility co-owned by Mr. Kunst and his brother. The group recently had reason to celebrate, because the Board of Appeals overturned several conditions of the Planning Board's Decision approving the expansion of the facility. The HopNews HD video camera was there this evening capturing the spirit of the event as well as some interviews with principals involved. That video is processing.

FROM THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE:

COSTS AND TAX IMPACTS FOR PROPOSED NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The average cost for taxpayers will be $253.71 per year, based on the average home value of $472,457.

On February 9th, 2011 the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the agency that funds school construction, approved a new PreK – 5 elementary school at Fruit Street. To seek funding for this project, residents will be asked to appropriate funding at a Special Town Meeting (STM) on March 21, 2011 at 7:00 pm in the High School Athletic Center. If the warrant passes at STM, then the funding must be further approved at a special election on March 28, 2011, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm in the Middle School Brown Gym. The MSBA requires that the full amount of the project, not the net cost, be voted on at both the Special Town Meeting and at the ballot. The Hopkinton Elementary School Building Committee (HESBC) will oversee the construction and all spending on the project.

 

Hopkinton residents will be asked to appropriate $38,037,918 for the Construction Phase of the project. The MSBA will provide a grant of $14,673,527, which will result in a net cost of $23,364,391 to the Town.

 

The estimated cost to the taxpayer will be $53.70 per $100,000 of assessed home value. The average cost for taxpayers will be $253.71 per year, based on the average home value of $472,457. There will be no tax impact in FY12, and the tax levy would begin in FY13. This amount is based on borrowing for 25 years.

 

The MSBA has established a reimbursement rate of 44.7% of eligible costs* for this project. The formula starts with a base amount, adds a factor for the Property Wealth of the town and then adds incentive points. Hopkinton earned 4.86 incentive points, which included 1.86 points out of 2.00 for maintenance of our existing facilities, 2 out of 2 points for building a green school, and 1 additional point for using Construction at Risk Management method of project oversight. [Reimbursement rate is actually 38.57% of total costs. — Editor] 

 

In determining the grant amount, the MSBA also identified expenses that were not eligible for reimbursement. In particular, the MSBA has limits on site development expenses. Because Fruit Street is an undeveloped site, these expenses were higher than if we were building on a site with infrastructure already available at the site like electricity, sewer and water. Project expenses were also increased because of a request by the boards and committees in town that oversee land use activities to expand the infrastructure we were developing to benefit the town in general. A moderate expansion of infrastructure that would benefit the entire Fruit Street property would be cost effective for the Town, even if not reimbursed by the MSBA. For example, the driveway that leads to the school would be widened so that the road could be used as the main access way into the Fruit Street property to avoid potential wetland and well zone complications of the original placement of the entrance to the property.

 

Many people have expressed concern about trying to pay for a new school during these tough economic times, and have asked if the MSBA will defer the grant. The MSBA has clearly indicated it will not do so. The money for this project has been set aside in the MSBA’s capital funding pipeline since 2007 . However, there are many other districts in the state waiting for funding for building projects. If Hopkinton does not continue along the timeline laid out by the MSBA, the MSBA will offer that money to the next district in line. In order to seek money from the MSBA at a later date, a new project would need to be started from square one, and there is no guarantee that the MSBA would consider our project. The time involved in undertaking that process again in the future would not only add interim maintenance costs to the current Center School, it would also result in a potential project with higher construction costs, lesser reimbursement from the MSBA and, therefore, greater costs to the Town.

 

There is a cost benefit to building the school now. The current economy is favorable for getting low construction bids. For recent projects in other towns, the MSBA has been seeing bids come in considerably less than anticipated. This is the reason the MSBA has asked the Town to hold a Special Town Meeting in March, so that Hopkinton can also reap the benefits of this favorable bidding climate.

 

Hopkinton has an opportunity right now to build a much needed school with a considerable portion of the cost paid for by the state. The current grant available to fund a new PreK-5 neighborhood school on Fruit Street has been determined by the Hopkinton Elementary School Building Committee, the School Committee, and the MSBA to be the most cost effective and educationally appropriate solution to address the condition of the Center School.

     

Conversations on Town Talk about the salaries of teachers led to one reader posting a link to the video below.

   

Everett Bank Robbed - Package Left Behind

 

March 3, 2011 — Massachusetts State Police units, including Troop A patrols, the State Police Bomb Squad, State Police K-9 units, and troopers from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting Everett Police in the response and investigation into a robbery of an East Boston Savings Bank on Revere Beach Parkway in Everett. A suspicious package was left behind in the wake of robbery. Patrols and K-9s are assisting in the search for a suspect. Bomb squad and explosives investigations troopers will deal with the package. No further information is available at this time.

UPDATE: Package was harmless.

Family Fun Day and Wellness Fair

Saturday, March 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Ninth Annual Event Will Feature Free Health Screenings, Demonstrations, and a Performance by

The Vegetable Circus!!!

 

Join us on Saturday, March 12th at the Hopkinton High School for the 9th Annual Family Fun Day and Wellness Fair.  

The event will showcase more than 30 groups, organizations, and businesses that promote health, safety, and fitness.  

Visit the interactive booths, learn about healthy foods and products, participate in "fit and fun" challenges, and

get your health and fitness questions answered. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature free screenings such as blood pressure checks,

and informational exhibits on nutrition, sun safety and more.  Bring your family for the moon bounce, and a "play around" session with the Vegetable Circus at the HPTA Wellness and Health booth.  Founded in 2005, The Vegetable Circus program uses circus & movement arts to teach children how to take control of their own health. For more information, contact Jill Leach at jleach@hopkinton.k12.ma.us .

 

Doris E. (Claflin) King, 91½

 

HOPKINTON - Doris E. (Claflin) King, 91½, died Wednesday, March 2, 2011 in Worcester with family by her side.  She was the daughter of the late Robert A. and Olive(Chapman) Claflin. 

She graduated as salutatorian, class of 1938, from Hopkinton High School.  She was an active girl scout and cub scout leader and a life-long resident of Hopkinton.  Her family, the Claflins, was a founding family in Hopkinton, withthree streets in town bearing that name. 

She is survived by her daughter Sandy King Altamura and her husband Carl of Hopkinton, her son Kenny King of Southborough, her brother Ralph Claflin of Southboro and her sister Shirley Donnellon of Sarasota, FL.  Doris also leaves six grandchildren, Troy, Carrie-Lee, Casey, Cally, Ashley and Macayla, and five great-grandchildren, Cody, Brooke, Shane, Colleen and Keely.  She is predeceased by her daughter Beverly, who died in infancy, and her grandson Chucky Altamura.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street. Calling hours are prior to the funeral, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Entombment will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton.  Burial will take place later in the Spring.

Donations may be made to St. Jude's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN  38105.  

Board Votes School Process

March 3, 2011 — The Selectmen voted during an abbreviated Wednesday afternoon meeting to close and sign the warrant for the Special Town Meeting on March 28, 2011, where the sole issue will be the Fruit Street School.

      Chairman RJ Dourney made it clear that the voters will not be deciding whether or not to create three separate school districts, because the School Committee has already decided to do so. He said the cap, the highest amount that the town will receive from the state, is $14.883 million, and that the motion to appropriate money will be vague, per conventional language used for all money articles.

      He said it would take a 2/3 majority to pass at the Special Town Meeting, but a simple majority at the ballot a week later.      

 Hopkinton 51, Fontbonne 49

March 2, 2011 — Tonight was the first HHS girls basketball state tournament game against Fontbonne. Above, Tess Chandler heads for 2 points.
Their next game is March 4th at HHS against Foxboro.

 

 

     

Doris E. (Claflin) King

HOPKINTON - Doris E. (Claflin) King, age 91 1/2, died Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home (http://www.callanancronin.com), are at this time incomplete.

POLITICAL NOTICE — HOPKINTON TOWN CLERK   508-497-9710

Town Clerk’s Office Hours: Mon. Weds. Thurs.  Fri. 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

 

The absentee ballots for the March 28th Special Town Election are available. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Town Clerk’s Office.

Last date to submit absentee ballot applications is March 25th at 5:00 PM.

 

Special Town Meeting – March 21, High School Athletic Center, Time - 7:00 PM. For residents who are not registered voters the last date to register to vote: March 11. Town Clerk’s Office will be open until 8:00 PM on March 11

 

Special Town Election – March 28, Middle School Gym, Time – 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. For residents who are not registered voters the last date to register to vote: March 8. Town Clerk’s Office will be open until 8:00 PM on March 8

 

Residents who are already registered voters do not have to re-register for the Special Town Meeting or the Special Town Election.

   

 

ESL's

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Coming March 24, 25
April, 1, 2
HCAM-TV Studio, 77 Main St., Hopkinton
Tickets: $17 general admission,
$13 stage door members, students & seniors
Purchase Tickets

 

 

     

Bridget Margaret Ivers, 93

 

Bridget Margaret Ivers, 93, of Hopkinton, passed away Monday, February 28, 2011 at the Westborough Healthcare Center. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Darby and Bridget (McCormick) Greene. She was the wife of the late Edward J. Ivers Jr. who passed in 1963.

Bridget is survived by her children, Peter of Ashland, Paul and his wife Kimberley of Blackstone, Michael of Natick, Mark of California, and Kathleen Ivers of Framingham; her godchild Jackie Carr of South Boston and was the sister-in-law of Helen and Edward Sullivan and Sister Mary Corsini. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by a daughter, Mary Lou Daley who passed in 1993, and her siblings Joseph, Francis, Anna, Maria, and Mary.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 4, 2011 from 5-8p.m. at the
Chesmore Funera
l Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. A funeral service will take place at 10:00a.m. on Saturday at Sons of Mary in Framingham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sons of Mary Missionary Society, 567 Salem End Rd. Framingham, MA. 01702

Fish That Did Not Get Away

March 2, 2011 — John Bunar and his son, Jason, need not tell fish stories about the one that got away, because their 1st Place in the 4-5 Bass category is proof enough of a successful day at the Woodville Rod and Gun Club's Ice Fishing Derby last weekend.

 

Hopkinton Babe Ruth is now open for Registration! Please go to hopkintonbaberuth.com   to register.

Back by popular demand!


CAA is having a Spring Boutique the weekend of April 8th. There are several spots open for artists who would be interested in selling. Please contact Karen Weiskerger at
k.weiskerger@verizon.net if you are interested in participating. You do not have to be there in person to sell.

   

 From the School Committee:

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING AND ELECTION

 

The Board of Selectmen has scheduled a Special Town Meeting (STM) for Monday, March 21, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hopkinton High School Athletic Center. Residents will be asked to vote to raise and appropriate funds to build a new elementary school on the town owned Fruit Street property. There will be a Special Election on Monday, March 28, 2011 from 7 am to 8 pm at the Hopkinton Middle School. In order to go forward, the project must pass at both the Special Town Meeting and the election.

In order to participate, residents must be registered voters. Important dates include:

  • The last day to register to vote in the Special Town Meeting is March 11, 2011.

  • The last day to register to vote in the election is March 8, 2011.

  • The last day to apply for an absentee ballot to vote in the election is March 25, 2011 at 5 pm.

To register to vote, or to apply for an absentee ballot, residents must go to the Town Clerk’s office in Hopkinton Town Hall, 18 Main Street.

 

The STM will include a presentation by the school department regarding the state of Center School, the process of evaluation that has been followed, the proposed solution of a new elementary school at Fruit Street, and the neighborhood school configuration. Residents will have the opportunity, through the Town Moderator, to ask questions and share opinions prior to the vote being cast. A quorum of at least 100 people must be present for the vote. Free babysitting will be provided by the Hopkinton PTA. For planning purposes, please contact secretary@hptaonline.com  with the ages and number of children attending.

 

Prior to the STM, information regarding the building project will be available:

  • at a public information forum on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 6 pm at Center School;

  • by e-mailing or calling the members of the School Committee;

  • or by visiting the Elementary School Building Project page on the school district website: www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us .

 

Demons Win Hurricane Invitational Hockey Tournament

Pictured: Will Abbott, Owen Delaney, Connor Delaney, Ali Fujiyoshi, Luke Glidden, Evan Kosheff, Dylan O’Leary, Stephen Simoes and Hunter Temple (all of Hopkinton), Daniel Byers and Casey Rosen of Ashland and William Fitzgerald, Harrison MacDonald and Alexander Naya (all of Holliston). Head Coach is Chris Delaney. Assistant Coaches are Steve O’Leary, Alan Rosen and Steve Simoes (not pictured).


The Demons Youth Hockey Squirt 1 team was victorious in the Squirt A division of the Hurricane Invitational Tournament, held in Hyannis, MA over the President’s Day weekend. Led in goal by Dylan O’Leary of Hopkinton and on offense by Owen Delaney of Hopkinton, the Demons beat the South Shore Conquistadors AAA elite team in the semi-final 3-1, with Owen Delaney scoring 2 goals. In the championship game, the Demons outclassed a very physical Bridgewater Bandits AAA select team 3-1, led by Will Abbott of Hopkinton who had 2 goals. Hunter Temple, Ali Fujiyoshi, Luke Glidden (all of Hopkinton), Will Fitzgerald (Ashland) and Danny Byers (Holliston) also scored goals in the tournament. The Demons (
www.demonsyouthhockey.org) represent Hopkinton, Ashland and Holliston. Contributed Content

Hopkinton Historical Society

Program on Indentured Servants
 

March 1, 2011 — Indentured servants were probably the first European settlers in the Hopkinton area. An indentured servant was typically a young, unskilled laborer who came to America under contract to work for an employer for a fixed period of time, in exchange for their ocean transportation, food, clothing, lodging and other necessities during the term of their indenture. They included men and women; most were under age 21, and most became helpers on farms or house servants. They were not paid wages.

 

When their contract was completed many wanted to own their own land. However, since they did not have funds to reach America they probably did not have funds at the end of their contract. But, it was possible in the area now known as Hopkinton & Ashland to possess land -- as it could be 'rented' only here (99 year lease) from Harvard University.

 

M.P. Barker, an historical costumed interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village and author of A Difficult Boy, a fictional account of indentured servants in Massachusetts, will speak to a joint meeting of the Ashland and Hopkinton Historical Societies at the Ashland Historical Society at 2 Myrtle Street in Ashland on Sunday March 13, 2-4pm. Our program is free and is open to all. Refreshments will be served.
 

Set in western Massachusetts in 1839, A Difficult Boy tells the story of two young indentured servants who must overcome their differences to outwit their abusive master and win their freedom. Barker will talk about her research on indentured servitude and her presentation will include images of some of the documents she used in her research as well as period illustrations portraying some of the locations and characters in the novel. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
 

For additional information contact Ray Gendreau at 508-577-3761.

     

Lightly Worn Clothing Wanted

 

Big Brother Big Sister Foundation would like to thank their generous donors of Hopkinton for contributing to the Foundation’s best year in history. In 2010 the Foundation raised over $1,000,000.00 for local mentoring programs and the children they support. With the hopes to make 2011 even greater, they ask “while you do your spring cleaning, please consider donating your lightly worn clothing to the Foundation”. They will be collecting donations door to door in Hopkinton on Wednesday March 16th.

 

To schedule a free at home pick up please call 1.800.483.5503 or email donate@bbbsfoundation.org. Donations are tax deductible. The Foundation also offers special pick ups for electronics recycling and car donations, please contact them for more information. 

Taps Vigil

Please join the Hopkinton Veteran’s Celebration Committee on SUNDAY, March 6 as we join thousands of communities across America for a remembrance ceremony at the Hopkinton Senior Center at 28 Mayhew Street in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. The Committee is hosting a “Sunday Taps Vigil” starting at 7:00 p.m.

   

 

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