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Hopkinton Police vs Hopkinton Special Olympics 

Clips and interviews from today's game, March 19, 2011

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

   

Special Olympics 56 , Hopkinton Police 28 (Video later)

Officer Pat O'Brien attributes loss in part due to being distracted preparing for

Police Association Dinner/Dance at the Portuguese Club, Milford

Tonight: Starts @ 6:30 pm. $40/person

March 19, 2011 — From left, Officer Luis Gonzalez. Officer Jacob Campbell and Officer John Moran pose with some of the Special Olympics athletes at the Brown Gym today.

The Latest Buzz on the Proposed School

 

March 19, 2011

• The Massachusetts School Building Authority sent a letter to Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Phelan in response to inquiries by Hopkinton residents regarding the proposed new elementary school at Fruit Street, the funding of which will  be voted on this coming Monday.

• Answering a question about a change in the project's scope, the MSBA states that if the project's scope — which was for a K-5 elementary school — is changed substantively, then the MSBA may require a new feasibility study.

• In answer to a question about a failed vote, the letter states that if the town changes the scope and needs to engage in another feasibility study, then the MSBA will not participate financially. "We paid our share," said one representative in a telephone interview with Editor Robert Falcione Friday afternoon. Read the entire letter here.

 

Notes:

--> If the school passes at Special Town Meeting but fails at the ballot, (only) the Board of Selectmen can bring the ballot question back. - Ann Click, Town Clerk

 

--> If the school fails at Special Town Meeting and passes at the ballot, another Special Town Meeting can be called with the signatures of 200 voters  - Ann Click, Town Clerk

 

--> Although the language references prop 2½, the proposal is for a debt exclusion, which is only for the term of the debt. A prop 2½ override never goes away. - Maureen Dwinnell, Treasurer/ Collector

HOPKINTON DEBT IMPACTS

By fiscal year 2015, according to charts provided by the Town manager's office today, the impact of combined existing and new debt to the average tax bill is supposed to be over $1,200 annually if all proposed projects, including the new school, library and DPW facility are approved at Town Meetings. To see that chart and all of the other charts provided, click here.

 

Vegetable Palace

March 19, 2011 — Work continues at 151 Hayden Rowe Street where two greenhouses have been removed to make way for a 16,000 sq. ft. retail space to sell agricultural products. American Hydroponics has been operating greenhouses and growing tomatoes, cucumbers and various herbs in water, rather than soil, year-round. They are expected to continue doing that, while adding a retail component with their own and imported farmstand type of products.

 

Recalling the Summer of Youth in Hopkinton

Dear Editor:

 

As a one-time resident of Hopkinton (1939-1953), I do occasionally read HopNews and enjoy seeing how much my old hometown  has changed (and stayed the same) over the years.  I left town in 1953 to begin a career with the US Navy and have been away since then, except for a couple of short visits in the interim.  My family and I have lived in Jacksonville, Fl for a number of years, enjoying the climate, the people and the amenities of the area.

 

As I read through this week's issue, a couple of things attracted my attention;  buzzards and turkeys!  Now, I wandered the woods around  our home on Lumber Street, fished in Echo Lake, swam in the quarry on Lumber Street as well as a lot of other boyhood adventures in the outdoors (Dad, Elmer T was Scoutmaster and founder of Troop 2 BSA), and I never saw either bird!  I know that they did not as we see them here a lot.  Where did they come from?

 

A couple of other items of interest to me ; the conversation over Center School where I began my education those many years ago.  It was pretty new back then and even had facilities for such things as "wood shop".  My classmates and I enjoyed our years there and out on the large dirt playground.  Snatching apples from the orchard next door was a huge adventure back then. Has it deteriorated that much over the years?  Then, seeing Joe Martin's picture amazed me as I would not have recognized his smiling face!  And a Senior Center!  I managed several here for the city before I retired.  It was a rewarding time for me; what else when I had 50-75 Grandmas and Grandpas waiting for me every morning to begin another great day!

 

Thank you and your staff for enabling me to recall some of the days of the summer of my youth.

 

PS I would be happy to reminisce with any "Stone Throwers".

 

Philip Thibodeau (Phil in J'ville)

2134 Myra St.

Jacksonville, Fl, 32204

phlyerphil@gmail.com

March 18, 2011

     

Hopkinton Republican Town Committee

 Notice of Caucus to select Candidates for the May 2011 Town Election on

Friday, April 8, 2011 from 5PM to 7PM

 in Room 211 at the Town Hall.

KEEFE TECH BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ENDS SEASON WITH BEST RECORD IN 20 YEARS

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Joseph P. Keefe Technical School Boys Basketball Team ended their season with their best record held in twenty years, remaining undefeated on their home court.

 

With a final record of 20-3, the Broncos played their best season since 1991. “This has been a very exciting season fueled by lots of talent from great kids,” said Keefe Tech Athletic Director Chris Kane. “It’s been fun to watch them play as a team. They’ve practiced hard, played hard, and they deserve all they credit they get,” he added.

 

The team seeded third in the MIAA Division 3 Central sectionals, and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament, where their record season ended during the March 7th game against Whitinsville Christian School at WPI’s Harrington Auditorium.

 

Lead by Tri-Captains Devin Arroyo of Ashland and cousins Anthony Morales and Jose Morales of Framingham, the team’s strong season was backed by enthusiasm and encouragement from the Keefe Tech community.

 

“We’ve gotten lots of support from our school this season,” noted Anthony Morales. Giving credit to Head Coach Paul Cavicchi and Assistant Coaches Jim Darling and Will Hardy, his fellow Tri-Captains agreed. “They’ve really pushed us to be our best,” said Jose Morales. “Being a member of this team has been a lot of work and a lot of fun,” added Arroyo.

 

According to Cavicchi, this year’s team truly came together in a special way. “We began a couple of years ago with this group, constantly emphasizing that Keefe Tech was a special place. We talk often of how we come together as many races, languages, and different backgrounds and need to work hard to understand what it means to be family. This group believed in themselves, supported each other more and more, and were rewarded,” he said. “Looking to the future, we started 5 juniors in our first tournament game. Our junior varsity had a great season. And the kids are making the connection between sports. It’s not a coincidence that our soccer team also won the league and state vocational championship too,” he added.

 

In addition to leading their team through its best season in twenty years, cousins Anthony and Jose Morales made history for the second time in their family. Their fathers, who are brothers, attended Keefe Tech in the late 1980’s, played on the Basketball Team together under Chris Kane, and were members of the last team to compete at the semifinals.

 

“With a very young and talented Keefe Tech team having a tremendous amount of success this season, our plan is to help them build their skills, keep motivated in the off-season, and take it a step further next year,” said Kane.

 

The members of the 2010-2011 Varsity Basketball Team are: Ashland - Devin Arroyo (Senior Captain/Forward). Framingham - John Cancel (Guard), Carlos Marin (Guard), Glen Mattson (Forward), Eduin Mieses (Center), Thiago Miranda (Guard), Anthony Morales (Junior Captain/Point Guard), Jose Morales (Senior Captain/Guard), Brandon Morales (Point Guard), Darryl Mota (Center), Emerson Portillo (Center), Josue Ribeiro (Forward), Ismael Rivera (Forward). Holliston – Nicholas Enright (Guard). Natick – David Barbosa (Guard), Wilfredo DeJesus (Forward), Jose Ruiz (Forward).

 

Joseph P. Keefe Technical School is a four-year high school located in Framingham, MA and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition to 13 career and technical programs, Keefe Tech offers a complete college preparatory program to students from the communities of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton and Natick.

   

Marijuana Forum

  Thursday March 24, 7:00 P.M.

      Wayland Middle School

 

There is a growing concern about the increased use of marijuana by our youth. The Wayland substance abuse coalition has put together an informative forum to address this issue and educate parents. I encourage you to attend.

  

Where Will They Be When the Smoke Clears?  

 

Do you know the facts and risks of marijuana use? Do you know what to tell your child? Learn the answers Thursday, March 24th at 7:00pm at Wayland Middle School.

  

As one Wayland High School parent said, "I know it is bad but I don't know why it is bad."

  

Learn the facts parents need to know about marijuana from a panel of experts:  Traci Brooks, MD, Director of Adolescent Services, Cambridge Health Alliance; John Sofis Scheft, Esq. Law Enforcement Dimensions, LLC;  Sion Harris, PhD, Investigator, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research, Children's Hospital Boston;  Aaron, a young adult in recovery; Brittany, a student in recovery;  Michelle, a mother of a young person in recovery.

 

This presentation will be held in the Wayland Middle School on Thursday, March 24th, 7:00 pm in the auditorium.

 We urge you to attend: Jane Roche, Sue Hadley, beFREE! Chairs

 

UPDATE: All lanes now open

March 18, 2011 - Today at 7:15 a.m., Northborough Route 290 eastbound near Church Street State Police responded to a three car accident. Minor injuries were reported. One of the vehicles caught fire.  The victims are being treated and vehicles removed.  All lanes are closed at this time for the investigation. The motoring public should seek alternate route(s) if possible. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

School Committee Will District Regardless of the Outcome of the Vote

“The decision about districting is what we’re elected to do,” Jean Bertschmann

 

March 18, 2011 — At last night’s School Committee meeting, Chairperson Rebecca Robak reminded residents to go vote at the upcoming Special Town Meeting on Monday, March 21st, at 7:00 pm in the High School gym, and then to cast their ballots the following Monday, March 28th, at the Middle School. Up for a decision will be whether the town will raise funds to build a new K-5 school on the Fruit Street property, taking advantage of state funding for a portion of the cost.

 

Ms. Robak advised residents not to vote against the proposed new school in the hopes of preventing districting in Hopkinton. “We will still move towards some kind of longer grade spans in the schools,” she said.
 

The other members of the School Committee unanimously shared Ms. Robak’s position.

 

“I agree with longer grade spans,” said member Troy Mick. If the new Fruit Street school doesn’t pass, he said, then the conversation will turn to “what is the next best alternative in accomplishing longer grade spans.”

 

“The decision about districting is what we’re elected to do,” added member Jean Bertschmann. She referenced the Board of Selectmen decision to limit residents to two barrels of trash per week, saying that sometimes elected officials have to make the hard decisions.

 

Superintendent Jack Phelan also voiced his commitment to districting, saying that “with every transition, you are impacting learning.”

 

Ms. Robak pointed to three binders, filled with what appeared to be between three and seven inches each of paperwork. The binders contained, she said, the Feasibility Study, the Schematic Designs, and the Elementary School Building Committee materials for the Fruit Street school project. Referencing the materials, Ms. Robak said she wanted people to realize the extent of time and effort from experts in various fields that went into the decisions about the project.

 

One resident, Maureen Belger, appeared for public comment. Speaking in favor of the Fruit Street school plan, Ms. Belger said that longer grade spans would help students with IEPs (individual education plans) as well as gifted and talented students. She argued that having the same learning specialist follow children from kindergarten through 5th grade would help students on IEPs, saying “their needs would be substantially better served.” Pointing out that there are currently no programs for gifted and talented students, Ms. Belger said that with districting, “teachers would have resources within their building” for students performing more than one grade level ahead of their peers.

 

In other business, Mr. Mick thanked Colella’s and all the hosts of the coffee hours that were held to discuss the Fruit Street school project. “It’s lead to fantastic dialogue,” he said.

 

Ms. Bertschmann announced that the search for a new superintendent ended successfully, with Dr. Jonathan Landman accepting the position. Dr. Landman’s term will begin after the retirement of Dr. Phelan at the end of the school year. Ms. Bertschmann said that the search committee was impressed by Dr. Landman’s vision, energy, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

 

The committee finalized the 2011-2012 school calendar, with classes starting on August 30th for students in first through twelfth grades, and kindergartners starting on September 1st. Both the Friday before and the Monday after Labor Day will continue to be days off from school. However, the Monday after Thanksgiving will be a regular school day, unlike this year when the teachers had a day of professional development and traveling students had an extra day to make it back to Hopkinton.

   

Letters to the Editor Deadline Was Noon Today

 

Here are some letters received today, before the deadline of noon:

Malloy, Driscoll

Here are some letters received yesterday:

Sullivan, Roberts, McSweeney, Potenzone, Ford

 

In order to avoid last minute, unanswerable charges and allegations that we have seen before in Hopkinton politics, HopNews usually has always had a surprise termination to Letters to the Editor. This time, readers were given a warning, but unlike others years many submissions were rejected for use of language that was not forthright. People are welcome to continue to use The Town Talk; but keep in mind that the anonymity afforded people on that page emboldens some to say things they wouldn't if they were held accountable. The moderator will watch to be sure it doesn't get too personal.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

TOWN OF HOPKINTON

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2011
 

HAND WARRANT

 

ARTICLE 1:

New Elementary School Project

School Committee

 

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the School Building Committee for the construction of a new elementary school on Town-owned property located at 50 Fruit Street in Hopkinton to replace the existing Center Elementary School, pursuant to a construction contract procured in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 149, or a contract utilizing construction management at risk delivery method in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 149A, as determined by the School Building Committee which school facility shall have an anticipated useful life as an...

CLICK HERE FOR ENTIRE WARRANT

     

Golden Spoon, 85 West Main Street, 508-435-6922

Irish Lamb Stew, Boiled Dinner & Much More until 8:00 pm Thursday

Strong Lines

March 17, 2011 — The outstretched wings of this turkey vulture flying over Main Street this morning form a strong diagonal line in the picture, as he cocks his head toward the camera lens to show off his red face.

 

Foxy Lady

March 17, 2011 — Steve Bianchi was prepared with his camera this morning when this beauty decided to have some breakfast at the same time and place as the day before.

Day of the Shamrocks

March 17, 2011 — Jackie Potenzone, a Friends of the Seniors member speaks with a senior citizen at the Senior Center during the St. Patrick's Day bash put on by the Friends today.

Letters to the Editor - Why Some Have Been Rejected

Deadline for Letters on the School votes: Noon on March 17, 2011

by Robert Falcione

March 16, 2011 — There is a school many people would like to replace. Please allow me to refer to it simply as THE SCHOOL so that I do not repeat the terrible things being said about it. Some Letters to the Editor have been rejected because of the inaccurate and provocative language used in describing THE SCHOOL. And one or more letters has been edited to omit those types of references. There are still kids in THE SCHOOL and they don't need to hear the nasty adult talk about their second home, adult talk that conforms to an end-justifies-the-means type of salesmanship. And inasmuch as many people would like to ignore it, the representatives of the school department have said they may use THE SCHOOL while Elmwood gets its new roof and makeover. Remember, that is one of the reasons why they told the Library they couldn't have the land behind THE SCHOOL. So, even if the Fruit Street School gets built, there may be kids in THE SCHOOL for quite a while to come. Please let them enjoy their time there without suffering anxiety or depression over it — or hysteria like some of their parents! Remember, some parents discuss EVERYTHING at the dinner table.

       So, any letters with the provocative language about failure of safety at THE SCHOOL or failure of the education at THE SCHOOL go into the can-I-edit-this-easily? pile. I have edited references in two such letters and put the letters up. Two other letters that severely trashed THE SCHOOL did not even get edited, because the Editor was so repulsed by tone of the language. If THE SCHOOL was not safe, I trust our inspectional or safety officers would have shut it down, and to say it is unsafe is an insult to those public servants.

        To say the education is unsound at THE SCHOOL is another reason to get rejected. What an insult to the hard working teachers, as well as the students. No more Chicken Little pronouncements, please.

       There are two other letters that got rejected for improper sampling and mishandling of statistics. But let it suffice to say that both sides of the issue of a new school and districting now have advertising buttons at the top, and those proponents can reach their constituents in that way. We will not fact-check those pages, but ask the owners of them to get rid of "facts" that are in dispute, and to not state things as facts that are not. Readers, please be diligent in your research on the claims of all of the parties involved.

         For those who have something new to say, please submit your letter by noon on March 17, 2011. Otherwise, you may use The Town Talk to express yourself after that.

        And if you are in favor of a new school at Fruit Street, please use its features to promote it instead of talking trash about THE SCHOOL. Don't say the heating at THE SCHOOL can't be fixed. It is heat, not rocket science. Of course it can be fixed! And the windows can be caulked or replaced. Don't say there is nowhere to put the kids while the asbestos is removed. Do it in the summer. Don't say the buses have nowhere to go. The Library was going to put in 96 parking spaces, in addition to a huge new building, all behind THE SCHOOL. They could go there.

        If you are against a new school, please do not use districting as a red herring. If you think the town can't afford it, say so now, because if the new school fails the vote, the proponents will have to regroup without the districting and will be looking for support from the people who said they opposed districting but want a new school. It would be embarrassing for the anti-districting people to then become the anti-new school people.

       Here are some letters received recently:

Sullivan

Roberts

McSweeney

Potenzone

Ford

   

Board of Selectman Discusses Budget

March 16, 2011 — The Selectmen voted to request of the Appropriations Committee an extension of the Charter-mandated deadline for the budget submission from March 15, 2011 to March 23, 2011.

      Selectwoman Michelle Gates had the most questions about meaning in the numbers in the budget, such as money spent on startup expenses for a department that should not be recurring, as well as increases in training expenses. Town Manager Norman Khumalo had help from Human Resources Director, Maryrose deGroot and others in Town Hall in explaining increases.

      The Selectmen will meet next week to finalize the budget.     

Christian Ollenborger announces run for Hopkinton Planning board.

 

March 16, 2011 — Christian Ollenborger of Duffield Road announced today that he is seeking a position on the Hopkinton Planning Board.

 

“I am running for Planning Board because I think that we are at a crossroads as a community. The Legacy Farms construction and our efforts to revitalize our downtown area can provide great opportunities, but we also must balance change with maintaining Hopkinton’s character,” Ollenborger said.

 

“I think there are great opportunities for responsible businesses − businesses that see what we see in Hopkinton and wish to fit into that vision. They should be able to come here and prosper with us.”

 

Christian and his wife Wendy recently moved to town. “We chose Hopkinton for the beautiful landscape, great school system and proximity to Boston. We are planting our roots, starting our family, and are here to stay. I believe strongly that people need to give back to their community and I look forward to serving on the Planning Board. ”

 

Christian earned his BS from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his MBA from Fitchburg State College. He is a certified project management professional (PMP) and works as an Information Technology (IT) Project Manager for McKesson Corporation. Christian has also been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. Contributed content.

     

Medical

March 15, 2011 — Firefighters, two ambulances and police responded to Ash Street for a medical emergency late in the afternoon. HD Video capture.

Fitting Flight

March 16, 2011 — Flying more like a fleet than a flock, a group of about a dozen large birds, appearing to be turkey vultures, circled the Common a few times and then roosted, very appropriately, in the trees above the cemetery Downtown. HD Video capture.

Senior Bus Passes 100,000 Mile Milestone

March 15, 2011 — The Mall Walkers celebrate at the Solomon Pond Mall as the Hopkinton Senior Bus logs in 100,000 miles.  The Bus which is eight years old is due to be replaced this year.The Bus is a Blessing to many Seniors and has served us well. Toasting with " Diet Coke " are from left to right: Joanne Duffy, Alice Leal, Bea McMullen, Rosalie Martin, Ray Drawe and Joe Martin. ~ George Robinson  Picture taken by Bus Driver George Robinson

 

 

Highest Individual Special Olympics Fundraiser

 

 

On Saturday, February 26th, Alec Levine represented Hopkinton's Special Olympics program at the annual Passion Plunge at Revere Beach. He and hundreds of fellow Special Olympics athletes and supporters took a dip in the Atlantic to raise money for Special Olympics programs across the state. The event raised over $38,000, and, thanks to his many generous contributors, Alec earned the title of highest individual fundraiser, a recognition he's been awarded for the past five years. The money will go towards sponsoring sports activities and events for Hopkinton Special Olympics programs.

 

Wheels Up

March 15, 2011 — Focusing on a subject and panning the camera with the subject's movement can put other elements into a blur, as the photo of the duck above demonstrates. The duck was spooked by the presence of the photographer, retracted his landing gear and headed for the other end of the pond on the northern side of the causeway on West Main Street this morning with a half-dozen other birds. NOTE: Double-clicking on any word on this page will give its definition and offer a pronunciation. Try " panning ."

     

Robotics Team Wins Championship

Above, HHS Rpobotics team members (Tony Gao, Michael Stratton, Nick VanBeek, Brent Heavey) pose with the 2011 Northern New England First Tech Challenge Championship Winning Alliance Award
 

On Saturday March 12th the HS robotics team won Northern New England First Tech Challenge Championship. They were awarded the 2011 Northern New England First Tech Challenge Championship Winning Alliance Award. The team just missed qualifying for the world championships.

Team: Ben Madany, Mike Stratton, Mike diBenedetto, Bobby Ross, Nick VanBeek, Angelica Heaney, Brent Heavey, Ian Randall, Tony Gao, Team Advisor: Sterling Worrell

   

 

St. Patrick's Day at Cornell's

• Corned beef and cabbage until closing (Or it runs out)
• Leprechauns and four-leaf clovers all day

• Greg (O')Brady singing and playing until the wind is at your back

 

 

Greg Brady has been entertaining Cornell's patrons on this special day for nearly 25 years. Stop by for some Irish tunes, some green beer, Jameson, or Pierre's special cuisine. And of course, it is a day Rob Cornell never misses. 229 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton. (March 17). End the day singing American Pie along with Greg.

 

Bring It On!!

Special Olympics vs. Hopkinton Police

March 19, 2011 at Noon

Brown Gym @ Hopkinton Middle School

Can the Hopkinton Police finally get a win under their belt, or will the Special Olympians again rise to the challenge and take them to basketball school? Stop by the Brown Gym this Saturday at noon and find out.

 

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