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

 - June 13, 2011

11:59 pm A caller, through the State Police, reported that the vehicle in front of him turned left at the end of the 21B ramp, heading eastbound in the westbound lane of West Main Street...

12:47 am A Daniels Shays Road resident reported an individual firing a weapon from a moving vehicle...

7:26 pm Officer Gregg DeBoer shut down South Mill Street construction..

11:27 pm After responding to a noise complaint on Laurel Canyon and discovering an under-age drinking party...

7:30 am The owner of a dog that attacked another dog and its owner on Peg's Way...

Right, two car accident at West Main Street Cumby's today.

A Family Affair

June 12, 2011 — A doe and her fawn head south across the road in Hopkinton State Park early this evening in this layered and seamless composite photo that makes it possible to see both mother and offspring in the same frame. Both animals were against the background shown, but a few seconds apart.

   

Water-Logged

June 12, 2011 — This cormorant sits higher in the water than normal after sitting around drying off at the Hopkinton Reservoir this afternoon. Cormorants are diving birds that become water-logged due to incessant diving and need to dry their wings before flying. They often sit lower in the water than the one above, because of their usual condition.

  

Bat Replacement

June 12, 2011 — This bird and others like it are abundant at Lake Whitehall and the Hopkinton Reservoir Dam, where they flit around eating insects, apparently taking the place of bats, which once populated that area. Bats in the Northeast are suffering from white-nose syndrome, a fungus that has killed millions of them, and threatens to wipe them out.

 

REMINDER:

Court Orders Ballot Opened

 

 

June 10, 2011 — Associate Superior Court Justice Edward P Leinesperger has answered a complaint submitted by Town Clerk Ann Click and election official Annie Marcy with an order to open a ballot that was discovered after the recent election. That election ended in a tie between June Harris and Leda Arakelian for a seat on the Board of Library Trustees, resulting in a "failure to elect" opinion from Town Counsel.

 

 

The Hopkinton Board of Registrars has scheduled a public meeting for Monday, June 13, 2011 at 5:00 pm in Room 215 at which time it is expected that the sealed ballot will  be opened.

 

A copy of the court order with the judge's signature blurred by HopNews is to the left.

Girl's Lax

June 12, 2011 — Tess Chandler gets ready to ram one through the Duxbury defense during the Hiller's one point win on Friday.

            

Only 91 spots left!!

Sharon Timlin Memorial 5k Race

Saturday, June 18 ~ 8:30 am 

Hopkinton MA High School

 

 

Thank you to those who have already registered. We have 1709 registered for the 5k (only 91 spots left), 151 for the Kids 1-Mile (49 left) and 265 for the Kids Mini- Marathon. File photo, Mike Timlin.

 

To confirm your registration, click here and then simply enter your last name and click the search button. If there are any issues with your registration -- please contact us at run4als@gmail.com

 

Our official deadline is Tues June 14, however we will sell out and soon! There are less than 100 spots left... 

Click here to register online. 

 

 

NEW THIS YEAR -- Our first ONLINE RAFFLE!!!  RED SOX TICKETS- GREAT SEATS!!! Mon June 20 7pm vs San Diego

 

Left Field Box Seats - Section 30/Box 76 approx 6 rows back from the field! Great Father's Day Gift

 

$10/entry - Drawing to be held Fri June 17th at 8pm

 

Click here to visit our Fundrasing Raffle page and make a donation. Every $10 donation increment gets you one entry into the drawing. (For example, a $30 donation gives you three entries.)

 

Other great raffle and silent auction items will be available at the event.

Moon Orbit

June 11, 2011 — David Auslander captured this photo of a jetliner passing between him and the Moon and shares it with HopNews readers.

When ESL Comes Marching Home

June 11, 2011 — Dylan Bushe plays a wacky Danny Kaye in Enter Stage Left Theater's presentation of their WWII USO tribute show. The performing company ended its two-day stint at Hopkinton Senior Center Saturday evening.

Click on a thumbnail above for a larger photo, and check out some excerpts from Saturday's performance in HD below.

 

Hopkinton girls tennis wins Mass South Sectional Final

First Sectional title ever for Hopkinton Girls tennis!

            

Elizabeth Ann England Zivan, 80

Ashland- Elizabeth Ann England Zivan, 80, of Ashland, passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham. Born in Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late James England and Elizabeth Wilford.

She is survived by her children, Susan Crosby and her husband Bruce of Upton, Jennifer Wilson and her husband Patrick of Washington, Jonathan Zivan and his wife Umaporn of Somerville; her sisters, Nancy Seidlarz and Florence Slick both of Pennsylvania, and Margaret Oliphant of AZ. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A memorial service will take place at the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10:30. Burial services will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to World Vision,
www.worldvision.org Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com

A WOODVILLE MINUTE

A snapping turtle, a dog and two Canada geese families: 

Won by One

Hopkinton 13, Duxbury 12

June 10, 2011 — Congratulations to the Hiller Girls Lacrosse for their win over Duxbury today in the Division 2 South Finals at home. Above, a Hiller is about to fire a bullet through the Duxbury defenses to put another point on the board.

See a girls LAX moment below:

 

  

Best View in Town

June 10, 2011 — It was raining golf balls at the Hopkinton Education Foundation annual golf ball drop early this evening. The group sold tickets for the event, making about $5,000 net to give to the schools. Linda Dickason was the big winner, closest to the hole, making $1,000 and the Strickland family was the furthest, getting a $100 prize for themselves.

   

Hopkinton 4, Situate 1

girls tennis team which one 4-1 yesterday over #1 seed Scituate in the South State sectional semi-finals.  The meet Foxboro tomorrow at 3:00PM at Medway High School in the finals and if they win that, they will make it to the State finals next week!!

            

Huge, Huge Garage Sale
Car Wash
Plant Sale

Saturday, June 11, 2011
8am - 2pm
Furniture, tools, sporting equipment, exercise equipment, toys, games,
books, glassware & more!
First Congregational Church
146 E. Main St.
Hopkinton

 

 

Court Orders Ballot Opened

 

 

June 10, 2011 — Associate Superior Court Justice Edward P Leinesperger has answered a complaint submitted by Town Clerk Ann Click and election official Annie Marcy with an order to open a ballot that was discovered after the recent election. That election ended in a tie between June Harris and Leda Arakelian for a seat on the Board of Library Trustees, resulting in a "failure to elect" opinion from Town Counsel.

 

 

The Hopkinton Board of Registrars has scheduled a public meeting for Monday, June 13, 2011 at 5:00 pm in Room 215 at which time it is expected that the sealed ballot will  be opened.

 

A copy of the court order with the judge's signature blurred by HopNews is to the left.

School Committee Hires Director of Student Services

"Cold Room Problems at Center School Fixed"

At last night’s School Committee meeting, the Committee voted to accept Superintendent Dr. Jack Phelan’s candidate choice as the new Director of Student Services. Marijane Hackett is currently the Director of Special Education for the Bellingham school system.

 

“We were impressed with her,” said Rebecca Robak, Committee Chair.

 

“Her references were phenomenal,” concurred Dr. Phelan.

 

The Committee also voted to extend the current bus contract with Michael J. Connolly and Sons, Inc., for the two ‘option years’ available under the terms of the contract. Director of Finance Ralph Dumas had put the contract to bus the district’s students out to bid. According to Dr. Phelan and Ms. Robak, for the past 11 years, every time the contract went out to bid, only one company submitted a bid. This time, two offers landed on the table, but ironically, the Committee voted to stay with the current bus company on the recommendation of Mr. Dumas.

 

“Through analysis you can see that it is in our best interest to exercise the option years,” said Mr. Dumas.

 

The Committee agreed and voted unanimously to do so.

 

Mr. Dumas also twice reminded parents and guardians that the deadline to buy a bus pass is fast approaching on June 17th. Passes purchased after the deadline will cost more, and no new stops or routes will be added for late purchasers. Payment can be made online through the school system’s website.

 

Director of Buildings and Grounds Al Rogers joined the Committee to discuss facilities issues at Center School. The big conundrum was how to solve the problems encountered this year while not investing too heavily into a building whose future was uncertain, a sentiment shared by many at the table. “For next year, we have to do the best we can,” said newest Committee Member Scott Aghababian.

 

Committee Member Nancy Burdick agreed. “We’re looking at what can be done with what we have now, before we open the doors [in the fall],” she said.


Mr. Rogers said that the issues with the cold rooms this past winter at Center have been fixed. A piece of equipment broke and had to be sent out for repairs. The only spare available was insufficient to do the job properly, said Mr. Rogers, and that was why the rooms were cold. The equipment has since been fixed.

 

Interestingly, Mr. Dumas said that the cold rooms were not caused by window problems per se. He said that replacing the windows would not result in huge energy savings, but would only save about $5,000 per year.

 

Also at issue is the timing of any repairs or upgrades. There is currently no money set aside for studies of problems, let alone money for funding the solutions, said Mr. Dumas. Thus, there is no time for any large projects this summer.
 

Dr. Phelan recommended that, if there will be a special town meeting in the fall, the School Committee should submit an article to fund a study of the heating and ventilating system at Center School. Performing that study in the fall and winter would enable the Committee to come back to annual town meeting in the spring with an article to fund the solution.
 

A study of Center’s heating and ventilating system would cost around $25,000, said Mr. Dumas.

 

The heating system at Center is complicated in that the 1927 section of the building uses steam radiators for heating, and the 1954 section of the building uses unit ventilators, according to Mr. Rogers.

 

Due to asbestos in the adhesives of ceiling and floor tiles, agreed Mr. Rogers and Mr. Dumas, work could not be performed during the school year and would have to be done when students were not in the building.
 

Members Jean Bertschmann and Nancy Burdick reported that they are closing in on a survey for community members to fill out regarding communications with the School Committee.
 

Member Troy Mick expressed his approval of the draft survey, praising that it had questions to address “the how, the how often, and when” of receiving and delivering information to and from the Committee.

 

Middle School Principal Alan Keller presented the Middle School Program of Studies, which received kudos from the Committee. Points of interest include the introduction of a new course, Digital Literacy, and the revamping of the math tutoring program.

 

Dr. Phelan announced that the MSBA has ceased its Green Grant Program. The program has helped to fund repairs such as roof and window replacements in school systems across the state, but has been suspended for an unknown time frame.

Major League Catch

Hopkinton Little League: In a shootout between the Quad A Mets and Red Sox, 10 year-old Michael Ianelli makes a major league catch to help the Red Sox secure their lead and go on to win 13 - 7. Second Photo by Sue Hadley of this great catch.

Senator Karen Spilka Votes with Unanimous Senate to Pass State Finance Reform

Performance management and Zero-based budgeting implemented


BOSTON - June 9, 2011 — Senator Spilka (D-Ashland) on Thursday voted for significant, fundamental changes in how state government operates. A unanimous Senate passed legislation that updates the Commonwealth's finance laws and implements performance measurement requirements for government agencies and programs to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability.

"This bill takes important steps to ensure that our government is efficient and careful." said Senator Spilka, "it is another effort by the Senate to increase oversight and require smart and effective management of the state's finances."

The bill puts in place a process to ensure continuous evaluation of agencies and government programs. It creates a "sunset commission" to use data to regularly evaluate the productivity, successes and failures of agencies and programs, and it establishes a special commission to make decisions about the ongoing need for existing state agencies and boards based on their core missions and performance.

"The laws governing our state finances have never received a comprehensive update, and it's about time we do it," said Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), the author and lead sponsor of the bill. "It's also time we require all state-funded agencies and programs to start measuring performance and outcomes. We should no longer assume that the purpose of any state budget is to preserve existing programs and agencies.

"Instead, we need to continuously evaluate agencies and programs and invest in those that are high-performing," Murray continued. "If we're putting taxpayer money in, we need a better idea of what's working and what isn't. That's what this bill does for us."

The bill pushes government agencies toward more efficient electronic accounting and reporting with the elimination of outdated paper-based systems, and it moves the Commonwealth away from traditional "maintenance"-based budgeting with a requirement for "zero"-based budgeting.

            

U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN, U.S. SEN. JOHN KERRY ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR HOPKINTON

FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

June 9, 2011 — U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (File photo) and U.S. Sen. John Kerry today announced that the Hopkinton Fire Department has been awarded $202,274, under the Assistance to Firefighters program.

 

            “This substantial grant is excellent news for Hopkinton,” Rep. McGovern said.  “I believe that homeland security starts with hometown security.  It’s critical that we provide local first responders with the resources they need to protect our communities.  The federal government must be a partner in that effort.  I will continue to be a strong supporter of this Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, and I’ll work to maintain its funding in Congress.”

 

The Hopkinton Fire Department would like to thank U. S. Rep Jim McGovern’s office for assisting us in securing this safety equipment grant which will replace our aging Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This new equipment will enhance firefighter safety, increase equipment standardization with local mutual aid fire departments and increase the efficiency of our service delivery to the citizens of Hopkinton.

 

            The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident.  More information can be found at www.firegrantsupport.com

   

High School Golfer Takes Third

Above, Asst. Coach, Bryan King, Kelsey Baker (Class of 2011), Head Coach Dick Bliss
Kelsey Baker, a recent graduate, and member of the Hopkinton Varsity Golf Team competed on Tuesday at the Massachusetts Girl's Individual Golf Championships held at the par 73 Crestview Country Club in Agawam, MA. Even though her golf season was in the fall, she qualified for this tournament for the second year in a row. Last year, at Woodland Country Club in Newton, Kelsey shoot a 90, which was good enough for 10th place. This year, Kelsey saved her best round for the last time she played wearing the Hiller's Golf uniform. She shot a 78, which was good enough for 3rd place in the State, and qualifying her to play in the New England Championship held at Bretton Woods, on June 20th. Kelsey plans on attending Ithaca College in the fall, where she plans on continuing to play golf for the Bombers.

  

 

FOUND CAT: Orange Tabby (domestic, not feral) 

DATE: Thursday, June 9th, 11 AM

LOCATION: Church St., near the library in Hopkinton

GENDER: Appears to be female

AGE: Young Adult (2-3 years)

DISPOSITION: Friendly, but lost, hungry and crying a lot.

CONTACT: Catherine at 508.435.3089

 

I really like being with Catherine, but I have another home, which is where I belong.

 

Please, if I look familiar to you, call my owner and give her the number above. I really miss her and the kids (And they probably miss me too - I can't stop crying). Or if you are my owner, just call the number above. She knows cats.

• HopNews Tidbit - Town Manager says that court has allowed Town Clerk to Open Ballot

to see if an uncounted vote will break the tie in the vote between June Harris and Leda Arakelian for Library Trustee.

Thursday Night - Golden Spoon - Fish and Chips, Cole Slaw, French Fries $3.99

BALL DROP POSTPONED UNTIL TOMORROW, FRIDAY

Due to the possibility of inclement weather tonight the Hopkinton Education Foundation Golf Ball Drop now will be held on Friday, June 10 at 5:15.

Please see updated information below and in the attached release.

WHAT:            The Hopkinton Education Foundation Annual Golf Ball Drop

 

WHEN:                        June 10, 2011  - 5:15 p.m.

 

WHERE:                        Field 10, Behind Hopkins School, 104 Hayden Rowe, Hopkinton, Mass.

 

WHY:            Due to the possibility of inclement weather tonight, the Hopkinton Education Foundation Golf Ball Drop now will be held on Friday, June 10 at 5:15.

 

Instead of dropping the golf balls from a hot air balloon, balls will be dropped at 5:45 from an 80-foot high boom provided by sponsor Consigli Construction.

Hopkinton 21, Ashland 11

Hopkinton beat Ashland 21-11 on Tuesday.  They are now scheduled to play Duxbury in the MIAA D2 South finals this Friday. photo by Kathleen MacDonald.

   

HOPKINTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Important Reminder!!!

Registration period for bussing for the 2011-2012 school year is in full swing and ends on June 17, 2011. K - 6 students living more than 2 miles from their school do not pay and are automatically assigned to a bus. All others must apply and pay a bus fee of $210 per student with a $420 family cap. After June 17th, the price per student increases to $260 with a family cap of $520.

Bus routes & stops will be assigned immediately after the June 17th deadline. No new bus stops will be established to accommodate students whose payments are not received by the June 17th deadline.

All forms are on our website www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us, just click on Departments/Transportation. If you have any questions please e-mail transportation@hopkinton.k12.ma.us or call (508) 417-9381.

            

  

Middle School Concertgoers Evacuated

Isolated smoke condition results in interruption of concert

June 8, 2011 — A smoke condition interrupted the sixth grade concert this evening at the Middle School, and caused the orderly, without incident, evacuation of parents, students and musicians.

       Hopkinton Fire Department covered all bases, sending several units, as did the Ashland Fire Department, which also sent their "Tower," a ladder truck.

       As of 8:30 pm, the Fire Department, with the Electrical Inspector on his way, was still checking the rooftop units as well as the lighting in the room where the smoke was detected. They also employed a heat-sensitive camera that can detect an overheating or fire condition within walls where fire could crawl, or wires could burn.

         A Middle School Administrator promised that the concert would be rescheduled.

Ralph E. "Jumbo" Kumlin, 86

Hopkinton/Seekonk - Ralph E. "Jumbo" Kumlin, 86 died Tuesday June 7, 2011 at home. Born in Hopkinton son of the late David and Edith (Walker) Kumlin, he was a 1943 graduate of Hopkinton High School, a member of the Hopkinton Historical Society, the Hopkinton High School Sports Hall of Fame and an avid antique collector. He was also a graduate of Ventura College, California.


A U.S. Marine, P.F.C. field radio operator, and member of the Underwater Demolition Team, he participated in the the assault and capture of Saipan and Tinian in the Mariana Islands, as well as the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa and Iwo Jima.

 

He is survived by his son Ralph E. Kumlin II and wife Andrea of Seekonk, his daughter Carrie A. Kumlin of Jonesboro, Maine, his grandchildren Hannah and Thomas, his sisters Caroline A. Davidge and husband James of Blackstone, and Ruth E. Phipps of Hopkinton. He is pre-deceased by his brothers Paul and Richard and his sister Mildred.


A graveside funeral service with full military honors will be held Saturday June 11 in Evergreen Cemetery Hopkinton at 12:30 pm. Calling hours at the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church St. Hopkinton, are Saturday 10 to noon. www.CallananCronin.com
 

Ralph had a huge love for animals, Donations can be made to Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton Incorporated Animal Shelter, 5 Rafferty Rd, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Please note "in memory of Ralph Kumlin" on the donation.

SOLD!! For $265,000

June 6, 2011 — The building at 28 Main Street, which is designated on the National Historic Register and whose top header claims a 1906 heritage, has been sold by the family of the owner of Framingham Motor Parts, which was once housed there. An entity called 28 Main LLC, with the sole officer being a principal of Bill's Pizza, Zacharias C Siarkos, has purchased the property. A source close to the sale said the new owners purchased it as an investment.

     Recent tenants over a 25 year period include CiaoTime, Maria's Caffe Italiano, Better Goods, Hopkinton Motor Parts and Framingham Motor Parts.

  

Free Speech

June 8, 2011 — The roving HopNews camera caught this image of Godzilla munching on a cut-out of President Obama in front of Hopkinton resident Mark (Marco) Dendunnen's business, Upton Wholesale Carpet and Tile. Godzilla is holding an upside-down "open" flag; and a sticker on President Obama says, "Republicans welcome."

        Mr. Dendunnen is a collector of WWII military vehicles, and has some on display at his Route 140, Upton location.

            

Mother's Work

June 8, 2011 — This mature snapping turtle came up from Lake Whitehall to the Love/Karlin residence this morning, dug a hole in their garden into which she laid and covered her eggs, then walked toward the water and comically fell off of a wall on the way. We await the hatching.

   

 

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