|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Where is NSTAR?
August 31, 2011 — The sign (Enhanced due to reflected sunlight), apparently put up by a frustrated resident of the School Street/Elm Street neighborhood, says, "Day 4. NSTAR, where is our power?" The residents of the homes below, a day-care on the left off-camera, and a residence of an 86 year-old stroke victim who is trapped in her home because NSTAR has other apparent priorities. She has a tree guy standing by to remove the tree if NSTAR would just come shut the power so that no one is electrocuted while they do their jobs. And if the photo below that is definitive, then they have really bad management, too. Scroll down to see it. NOTE: The police and fire would be happy to extricate the resident and bring her to family, but what 86 year-old wants to leave her home?
The NSTAR employees in the truck below told bystanders that they had to just sit there while a private tree company cuts up trees 150 feet down the road, after the power was shut. "No pictures," said one as the photographer did just that. "This is going to be publicized," the photographer said. "What are we supposed to do?" asked the worker, after which he was told about the stroke victim. The photographer added that people should not be paid to sit around.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Picture Perfect
August 31, 2011 — DPW workers wasted no time yesterday making the showcase of the town look like nothing happened in Hopkinton. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Senior Moments Volunteer Appreciation Sock Hop coming up soon
by Nancy Drawe (Punky)
August 31, 2011 — ALL
the people who volunteer at the
After a nice dinner of chicken parmesan and pasta catered by TJ’s, and trays with delicious assorted desserts, it was time for the speeches. This year’s special guest speakers were Selectman John Mosher and Town Manager Norman Khumalo. They both spoke very highly of all the volunteers; how important they are to center and how much they are appreciated. Council on Aging Chairman, David Holly, also stressed how much the volunteers are needed and how the senior center wouldn’t be able to run without them. Ellen Wright, the center’s Volunteer Resource Coordinator spoke about each of the different volunteer groups and gave a lot of praise for the wonderful job everyone does.
A treat for all the
volunteers for the second year in a row, was music by an A Cappella
group called, “Street Magic.” They are a group of five men from the
Everyone enjoyed the
wonderful meal and entertainment, had lots of laughs and of course,
prizes were given to the lucky ticket holders, compliments of the
Friends of the Seniors. It was a fun evening for all! Cheers to every
single person who volunteers at the
Speaking of 50’s and 60’s music, don’t forget to get your tickets to the Senior Center’s 2nd annual SOCK HOP on Friday, September 16th, from 7-11 pm, hosted by the most awesome SOCK HOP GIRLS! The very popular group, “The Reminisants,” will once again return to transform the Great Room into a Rock and Roll fest! Tickets are on sale now at the center for $12 each and are also available that night at the door . Get out your poodle skirts and saddle shoes and come on over to a blast from the past!
Birthday lunch! Second Thursday of the month—this month the date is the 8th, so if your birthday is in September, call the center to sign up and your lunch will be free that day! Can’t you just taste that delicious birthday cake too?
That’s it for now, so if you have any comments or suggestions, you can email me: Punkala@aol.com. Until next time, have a great week! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sign up as a player or a sponsor for Police Golf Tournament The Hopkinton Police Local 254 has extended the deadlines.
It hasn't been easy, says Officer Linda Higgins, getting people interested due to the proliferation of these types of events, and golf associations and outings that are competing for the same dollars and time.
The Hopkinton Police Local uses the proceeds from this event to fund charitable causes, like Project Just because, RAD self-defense classes for women, and to officers in need to name a few.
So to help out with these very worthy causes, build camaraderie with the police officers, and enjoy a great day of golf at the area's newest 18 holes, high on the hills at Shining Rock, click on the entry form and make it happen.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
YOUR HOME
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Area Crime Milford man arrested in possession of stolen heavy equipment Police ruse snags suspect
(Milford, MA.) August 30, 2011 — On Monday
August 29, 2011 at approximately 9:26 pm Joseph A. Russo age 33 of 73
West Street Milford, MA was arrested on 4 felony counts of Receiving
Stolen Property. Russo was in possession stolen heavy equipment behind
the Double Tree Hotel and attempting to sell the equipment to undercover
police officers from the Sutton Police Department who worked the case
with Milford Police. The equipment was described as a black 2004 Ford
F-350 Dump Truck, a utility trailer, a CAT Fork and a John Deer Track
Skid Steer Loader. When Russo arrived with the stolen equipment he asked
the undercover officer for the money at which point Milford Police
Detectives Sousa and Carneiro approached them and arrested Russo. Russo
responded at the scene “You guys got me”. The suspect was handcuffed, transported to the police station and booked per department policy. Bail was set at $5,000 for arraignment in Milford District Court. The investigation determined the equipment was stolen from a Landscape and Construction business in Millis, MA. ~Milford PD |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Opposition to Casino Growing?
August 30, 2011 — Is the HopNews reader voting in the poll a sample representative of the rest of the community? Is the sample large enough to be accurate? Those are some of the questions a person needs to ask when judging the veracity of a poll. Although there is no way of truly determining that, a local pundit's finger to the wind could come to the same conclusion as the poll. A majority of Hopkinton residents do not favor a casino next door in Milford. The poll below on the left (a 6 hour poll) was offered in June, 2010, the one on the right (a 13 hour poll), today. Fewer of today's respondents answered that they need more information, and instead have come down on the side against the casino. Keep in mind that this poll did not even ask about a casino in Hopkinton, but about the desire for one in the adjacent town to the south, Milford, Mass. Hopkinton Selectmen are meeting at Town Hall in Room 215 tomorrow, August 31, 2011 at 6:30 pm, to discuss the bill pending in the state legislature that would allow three casinos, one in each of three separate districts in Massachusetts. People who feel strongly about the issue should attend and express themselves.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SERVICE GUIDE
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SCHOOL IS SLATED TO OPEN WEDNESDAY, August 31st
The Hopkinton Public Schools are pleased to announce that school will start for all students in Pre-K and grades 1 through 12 tomorrow morning. Due to storm damage, however, families need to be aware of some special circumstances.
First, there are obstructions along a number of bus routes. As a result, bus schedules will be altered in a variety of ways. In the morning, until further notice, students are required to be at bus stops a full ten minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time (this is five minutes earlier than usual). Pick-ups may be early or delayed. In the afternoon, children’s arrival at bus stops may be delayed, as well. The administration regrets this unavoidable inconvenience.
Second, there are still a small number of families whose bus stops cannot be reached at this time. The schools will be calling each of these families to offer an alternative drop-off and pick-up site.
Lastly, parents of children who will be walking to school or to a bus stop are urged to have a conversation about safety with their children prior to tomorrow morning. Children should steer clear of any downed wire, and if walkers need to step into the roadway to avoid fallen branches, they should take special care to look and listen for traffic.
Superintendent Landman thanks parents for their patience. “We are looking forward to an exciting and positive start to the new school year for all of Hopkinton's children!” |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
> YOUR VEHICLE <
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Like Ships in the Night
August 30, 2011 — This great blue heron is coming in for a landing at Blood's Pond as a cormorant paddles in the opposite direction, neither concerned about the other. Photo shot from opposite shore. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Time to Make the Flowers
August 30, 2011 — Nancy Purdue makes sure the flowers and grasses in front of Weston Nurseries get enough water to keep them looking colorful today along East Main Street. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
TOWN OF HOPKINTON RECYCLING CENTER BRUSH AND LEAF DISPOSAL
EXTRA HOURS FOR RESIDENTIAL
CLEANUP Please be advised that Brush and Leaf Disposal Area of the Town of Hopkinton Recycling Center located on Route 135 (Wood Street) at Hopkinton/Westborough Town Line will be open this week for BRUSH AND LEAF disposal resulting from TROPICAL STORM IRENE. EXTRA HOURS: Tuesday August 30, 2011 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Wednesday August 31, 2011 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Thursday September 1, 2011 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday September 2, 2011 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday September 3, 2011 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM RULES:
John K. Westerling, Director, Hopkinton Department of Public Works, Telephone (508) 497-9740 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Come On Down
August 30, 2011 — Erin wants her customers to know that she has added Tuesday to her hours at Cornell's Pub, where she serves cold beverages and hot food, Tuesday though Saturday, from open until 6:00 pm. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
YOUR HOME
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Safety Tips in the Aftermath
At this time we would like to thank the citizens of Hopkinton for their support during this severe weather event. It truly took the assistance of the entire community to successfully meet the demands we all faced during Hurricane Irene. I would like to make you aware of some critical issues that we still need to be aware of in this collaborative effort;
Again, thank you for your continued assistance and support during the tropical storm emergency. Your patience and cooperation will be key as we move into the clean up phase.
Respectfully,
Fire Chief Emergency Management Director Ken Clark |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
- August 29, 2011
9:25 am An individual stated he was punched by a partygoer...
11:05 pm A Greenwood Road resident
reported that a green and white snake went up the wheel well... 10:22 pm Officers William Burchard and Philip Powers wrangled escaped horses...
12:42 am Officer John Moran located an individual from Southborough on Rafferty Road who had threatened to take his own life...
Click the banner above for the full story, and arrests! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SERVICE GUIDE
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Casino is Sole Item on the Wednesday Board of Selectmen Agenda
Hopkinton, Massachusetts - August 29, 2011 –
The Hopkinton Board of Selectmen continues
to discuss how it can best act to preserve and protect the
Complete text of the bill is available at: http://www.mass.gov/legis/journal/desktop/Current Agenda 2011/proposedgaming.pdf
Todd Cestari, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, urges all who have an interest in this matter to not only participate in the meeting on Wednesday night, but to engage in correspondence with your legislators and all leaders on Beacon Hill. "The Board of Selectmen will do what it can to ensure Hopkinton is afforded the ability to protect its interests. The Board has limited power at the State level, however, as it is speaks with one non-voting voice. The collection of voters throughout Hopkinton and neighboring towns has the power of numbers. I urge all voters to let their feelings on this issue be known."
The recent ramped up discussion of an expanded gaming bill to be taken up by State legislators has spawned a flurry of activity in and around the MetroWest region. Representatives from the Boards of Selectmen of Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton and Natick met last Wednesday night to discuss the proposed bill that could place a casino in Milford and the impacts that would have on their towns.
According to Cestari, "It’s clear that such a drastic policy change, combined with a project of this magnitude, has substantial implications beyond the borders of just the host community. I believe it’s the obligation of our State lawmakers to provide the neighboring communities with not only a voice, but direct influence on any such project and the mitigation efforts to be required."
Contact: Todd Cestari: tcestari@hopkinton.org , 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748. # End of Press Release. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Afterglow
August 29, 2011 — Audra Lizarralde sits with two and a half year-old twins Maya and Lily outside Playhouse Preschool on South Street with Adrianne Sicotte in the afterglow of today's setting sun. The school held an open house and orientation this evening and had an ice cream truck standing by for the event. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
10 am - 4 pm Saturday, Sept 17th
Polyarts began in 1974 as a demonstration of various arts and crafts to showcase the talents of the local community. Since then it has grown into a day long event with many professional craftspeople, performing artists and community groups participating throughout the day. Polyarts is free to attend and is a family-friendly day with something for everyone, be it food, music, crafts or other entertainment. The polyarts committee raises money to give (2) $1000 scholarships to Hopkinton High School Seniors who are pursuing the arts in college. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
No School August 30, 2011 A Message From Superintendent Dr. Landman:
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Due to downed power lines and trees blocking bus routes, and as a result of power outages and downed phone lines blocking communication, we have canceled school for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 30th.
If you have neighbors without power or phone service, please share this information them.
We are disappointed to have to postpone the first day of school, and hope to have better news about Wednesday.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Landman, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
This message was also sent to HopNews facebook fans and Twitter followers. To sign up for those alerts, choose the links below.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
> YOUR VEHICLE <
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Hopkinton MA. Police Department Missing Person Alert
Mr. GAUNYA suffers from early stage dementia and may become disoriented. Mr. GAUNYA has family and friends in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire.
If you see Mr. GAUNYA or his vehicle, please contact either your local police department or Hopkinton Police at 508-497-3401 reference Incident 2011-7217 as his family in concerned for his safe return. Both Mr. GAUNYA and his vehicle are entered into NCIC. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Party Heartily
August 29, 2011 — The varsity football team topped off their scrimmage on Saturday with a tailgate party behind the Middle School, building team spirit and making parental connections. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
YOUR HOME
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
From the Radical Middle I Think I Saw a Wind Gust
August 28, 2011 — Hurricane Irene and all its fury stormed into town like a common alley cat rather than the proud lion she was heralded to be. True, she did pack a wallop along areas of the Atlantic Coast, and even left about a half dozen dead in her wake; probably the same amount of people out of the tens of millions in the geographical area affected, who would have died in the same timeframe anyway, even if there had been no "Storm of the Century," as some in the media called it. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina killed more than 2,800 people. It was, and remains, the storm of the century, and hopefully will for the next 89 years. Parts of New York City were evacuated today. Mass transit was halted in many cities. The Army Corps of Engineers was poised to cut off Cape Cod from the rest of the world, and shut down the bridges if the occasion called for it. The State Parks were closed. What? The State Parks closed? That is going too far. How does Purgatory Chasm get closed? It has no gate. But if common sense dictates, would anyone in their right mind go there during an impending hurricane that was billed as possibly being full of embedded tornadoes? Embedded tornadoes. Who dreamed that up? Well, no matter. I did experience my first hydroplaning today, on the highway, and it is no joking matter. It was a sort of driver's epiphany. For those who have been behind the wheel of a boat, it is like that experience, but with less control; actually, almost no control. Okay, none whatsoever. It is when a driver truly understands the phrase "Proper speed for conditions." The four tires that cost more than the vehicle they are on is worth were supposed to provide traction in all conditions. I suppose that did not include a combination of highway speeds, a thin river of water on the roadway, and a gust of wind that nudged the speeding vehicle into a gentle, and very scary glide. I do believe in hydroplaning; I do believe. There are downed trees all over town. Scroll down to see just a few. Some have caused power outages, others caused property damage, and most will contribute to the economy of local contractors, and some overtime for NSTAR employees. Everybody is okay, as far as we know, and life in Hopkinton will get back to as normal as it can be in a very short time. The storm did not produce the goods that the media hype predicted, but the public safety officials from the Governor on down, including our local chiefs and DPW, prepared for the worst, and in doing so, were well prepared for what came. It's okay to thank them, even if Irene didn't deliver as promised. They are doing a great job. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Down by the River
August 28, 2011 — The gazebo at Ice House Pond — Golden Pond to us newcomers — is at its highest today as the storm flees town northward. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Goodnight Irene
August 28, 2011 — HopNews offered $25 for the best storm photo sent. Some did not make the cut. For anyone wanting to provide feedback to the editor for the best, feel free to email Editor@HopNews.com . Above, Indian Brook townhouses lost about a dozen trees in a very close area this afternoon, an event that stymied all onlookers. Photos below taken by readers: 1.) Wilson Street by Matthew Zettek. 2.) Wood Street by David Orenstein. 3.) Valleywood by John Ritz. 4) Home by Lee Kellet.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SERVICE GUIDE
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Tidal Surge?
August 28, 2011 — Lake Maspenock, viewed from the causeway access, looks a bit like the seashore today, as forceful winds from the downgraded Hurricane Irene produced waves that would send any boater to shore. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
> YOUR VEHICLE <
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Town Tree
August 28, 2011 — This Catawba tree yielded to the strong winds today, assisted by a soggy ground and top-heavy constitution. The tree, according to Tree Warden Paul Gleason, who was on the scene, is in the right of way of the town. It has damaged the residential structure being used for a business at 20 Main Street. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Be Prepared
August 28, 2011 — People took the recent storm warnings seriously and emptied the shelves at Colella's of sliced bread and other staples. In addition, drivers emptied several gasoline station tanks of their product, partly due to tankers not operating, and to a rush on gas. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Always a Surprise
August 28, 2011 — People usually find out their tree is hollow following a storm like today's, which toppled this willow tree on Hayden Rowe Street this afternoon. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
YOUR HOME
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Governor Deval Patrick Declares State of Emergency Press conference on NECN, below: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SERVICE GUIDE
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
And the Sign Says...
August 27, 2011 — In this composite iphone photo sent in as two separate images by a reader, who also is a dog lover and owner, a person is unaware of the dog prohibition on school property — all school property — or has chosen to ignore it. From what we know, the prohibition is due to the presence of a bacteria in dog feces that is particularly hazardous to children. In this case, writes the reader, the dog did do its business, and its owner left it there. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All content on this site and linked pages within this domain and affiliate domains are ©2009 Hopkinton News and may not reproduced in any form without written permission. Learn more. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"The News Starts Here!"
interests of
the Town and its citizens while considering the possibility of passage
of a revised gaming bill on Beacon Hill. As part of that effort, they
have posted one of a series of special meetings on Wednesday, August 31
at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall. Senator Karen Spilka and Representative
Carolyn Dykema have both been invited to attend. The sole purpose of the
meeting is to have an open forum to discuss the bill with all Town
citizens who attend. 
37th
Annual Polyarts Festival
The
Hopkinton Mass. Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in
locating Steven Thomas GAUNYA, a 70 year
old Hopkinton resident who was last seen leaving his residence on
Wednesday August 24, 2011. At that time he was operating a grey 1999
Lexus ES300 bearing Massachusetts registration 3637XF. Mr.
GAUNYA is white, 5’ 4”, 150 pounds, white hair and brown eyes. He was
last seen wearing khaki pants and
a checkered button down shirt. 
by
Robert Falcione
