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Massachusetts State
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Always on the Job
September 22, 2011 — Officer Aaron O'Neil issues a warning for speeding to the driver of this vehicle on Main Street this evening. |
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Working Out the Bugs
September 22, 2011 — Fire Chief Ken Clark inspects equipment on the rooftop of a new building on Main Street today after a smoky haze in a ventilation duct set off alarms. |
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What Does the Other Guy Look like? Mouse-over to see
September 22, 2011 — Judging from the skid marks, the Crown Victoria above was westbound on West Main Street when the driver somehow lost control, crossed the median and hit a DHL truck in the eastbound lane. Mouse-over the image to see the truck that got hit. |
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Big Job
September 22, 2011 — Jeff Deiana works the machine while dad, Bill, gets ready to guide the compacting machine to the ground as they continue to work shoring up the roadway collapse of East Main Street that is costing the town, in materials, machinery and labor around $200,000. The Selectmen voted Tuesday to authorize spending the money under emergency statutes. |
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The Sign Says it All
September 22, 2011 — A woman with a camera helps create more great memories at Center School, as generations of children have had at the school, during Grandparents' Day today. In the photo above, the boy's grandparents were apparently unavailable and an older sister sat in for them. |
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Catching Some Air
September 21, 2011 — Shelby Aarden is up in the air as she bounds off of the bridge at the Hopkinton Reservoir Dam, well ahead of the pack of Girls Cross Country runners against Holliston today. She went on to win in the girls division and beat her own personal record. |
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Swimming in the Gene Pool
September 21, 2011 — This water fowl appears to have the traits of families outside of the usual gene pool. |
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Dover-Sherborn 1, Hopkinton 0
September 21, 2011 — Julie Younis fires one down the lane today against Dover-Sherborn. |
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Late Bloomer
September 21, 2011 — This handsome fellow was helping himself to whatever is in those flowers, and in a frantic way on Winter Street this afternoon. |
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Vacancies Available on Downtown Revitalization Committee Selectmen adopt Public Safety Mutual Aid Law
Above, a joint meeting
between Selectmen and Hopkinton Housing Authority to appoint
resident Warren Johnson to fill a vacancy.
September 21, 2011 — Selectmen appointed Elizabeth Road resident and neighbor of two selectmen, Bill Shander, to the Downtown Revitalization Committee last night. Mr. Shander said he witnessed the revitalization of Kennebunk, Maine, and would like to do the same to Hopkinton with the town's approval. They also accepted a gift of land from the Drowne Family Subdivision as part of their subdivision plan. Fire and Police Chiefs were on hand to support the adoption of the Public Mutual Aid Law, which helps protect assets of the town when working in another town. Fire Chief Ken Clark said it was just a formalization of a practice that has gone on for 50 years. "It makes sense of what we have been doing," said Police Chief Rick Flannery. The Selectmen voted to pay the more than $200,000 in bills incurred following Hurricane Irene, but not appropriated. Acting Finance Director Suzanne Marchand suggested paying the money and looking for reimbursement, which she said has a high likelihood of being done. The public portion of the very short meeting adjourned an hour after opening. |
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Senior Moments
Sock Hop "Rules"
Nancy L. Drawe (Punky)
September 21, 2011 —
Let’s ROCK ‘N
ROLL! That’s what everyone was talking about last week at the
A date was set, flyers printed and posted, tickets made, refreshments and decorations decided upon, a promo and commercial was done for advertising and an awesome poster featuring the Sock Hop Girls was designed and placed around town. The Sock Hop Girls were ready to go—we were ROCKIN’!
We decorated the Great Room the day before and the day of the Hop and did the set up of food, etc—along with help from honorary Sock Hop Girl Kitty Kelsey and her daughter Heidi, and Ronnie’s granddaughter, Donna. The guests started arriving around 6:30 and handed their tickets over to volunteers Nellie and Devin Gross. By 7 pm, the senior center Great Room was packed! We had almost 100 people rockin’ and rollin’ to the awesome music of The Reminisants. It was amazing to see the different age groups in the room—it wasn’t just for seniors, anyone could attend, and not just from Hopkinton either!
It was a blast! I’m
going to tell you EVERYTHING about the Sock Hop because it was that much
fun! People were doing all kinds of dances, especially
There wasn’t one moment when the dance floor wasn’t full! And if you want to know how the “Sock Hop Ladies” were doing? Let me tell you, we RULE! We make a great team and hopefully you haven’t seen the last of us! It was a night full of fun and dancing; people will be talking about it for a long time! Cheers to everyone who made the Hopkinton Senior Center Second Annual Sock Hop another great success! Rock On, Sock Hop Girls! Don’t miss your chance to go shopping at the center’s annual Jewelry Sale, this Friday, the 23rd from 4-6 and Saturday, the 24th from 9-12. This is a great sale because it’s your opportunity to buy awesome jewelry at a bargain price! While most of it is costume jewelry, there is always a good selection of silver and other quality pieces as well as watches and novelties, some vintage as well as modern. In the past years, a lot of people have come to this sale to buy Christmas presents for friends and family. You’d be surprised at the beautiful pieces that you can find! Additional jewelry donations would be appreciated—there’s still time to bring your old jewelry in to the center. All the money raised from this sale goes toward supporting the transportation and nutrition programs, which are not covered by the town budget.
That’s it for now, so if you have any comments or suggestions, you can email me: Punkala@aol.com. Until next time, have a great week! |
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SPILKA FILES AMENDMENTS TO EXPANDED GAMING BILL
“The legislature has debated and voted on expanded gambling in Massachusetts for several years now, and this year it looks closer to becoming a reality than ever before,” said Spilka. “Throughout this entire process, my main priority has always been to protect and support my district’s residents, communities, neighborhoods, and local businesses. I have filed these amendments to make sure the needs of surrounding communities are better addressed and understood so we can have the best possible outcome for our towns, our residents, and the Commonwealth as a whole.”
Spilka has already fought hard to include protections for communities that find themselves impacted by another community’s choice to host a gambling facility in the current version of the bill. After hearing from and discussing this issue with many of her constituents and local officials, Spilka submitted amendments to strengthen these community safeguards and ensure that surrounding communities and the public are involved in the entire process.
Highlights of Amendments filed by Senator Spilka:
• Changing the definition of “surrounding communities” to ensure fairness to all impacted communities and to give them a seat at the table during the process;
• Giving surrounding communities and substantially impacted communities the ability to vote – not just host communities; • Ensuring public sentiment is taken into consideration by requiring the Gaming Commission to consider the public support or opposition in the host and surrounding communities;
• Increasing surrounding community involvement in the long term mitigation process by allowing each Local Community Mitigation Advisory Committee to appoint one member to the Subcommittee on Community Mitigation – which currently only has representatives from the host communities;
• Increasing fairness to cities and towns when negotiating with a casino by requiring the applicant to pay for legal or financial costs incurred by municipalities during the negotiation process;
• Requiring the Gaming Commission to consider how to prevent concentration of gaming establishments in a particular area when awarding a license for a region
“Working on my constituents’ behalf to further strengthen our communities is the reason I get up in the morning and their priorities come first,” said Spilka. “These amendments were submitted with the needs and concerns of my constituents foremost in my mind.”
The Senate has formally scheduled Monday, September 26th to begin debate on the bill. |
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Public Forum October 18, 2011 7:00 PM
It is recommended that a written summary of the idea or proposal be emailed (elainel@hopkinton.org) or sent to Elaine Lazarus, Director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting, at Town Hall prior to October 13. For more information, please email or call Elaine Lazarus at 508-497-9755. |
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Hopkinton vs Ashland & Dover/Sherborn
Hopkinton Varsity golf at Hopkinton Country Club Tri-Match with Ashland & Dover/Sherborn. Senior Captain Jace McCarron carries out a chip-shot. |
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12 Year Employee Was Given 6 Months Pay in Exchange for Silence and Release (Scroll down for story) |
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Donate Used Bicycles -- Needed
in Developing Countries
St. John the Evangelist in Hopkinton is collecting bicycles in conjunction with the Bikes-Not-Bombs (BNB) program in Jamaica Plain. Donated bikes directly benefit communities in the developing world as well as teens in Boston through their Earn-A-Bike and Girls in Action programs. People use bikes in developing countries in the same way we use cars, trucks and buses--they improve access to everything--water, food, employment opportunities, schools and healthcare. Also bikes create income opportunities as bike parts are used to build pedal-powered machines and bike repair shops create jobs. BNB has sent over 40,000 bikes to Central America, the Caribbean and Africa (and New Orleans) in the last 25 years. Please consider donating your unused bikes and bring them to St. John's, 20 Church St., Hopkinton. The bike collection will be Sunday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, bikes may also be dropped off at St. John’s on Friday Sep 30 or Sat. Oct. 1. Bikes should be left in the very back parking lot, behind the Parish Center (look for the sign). BNB requests a donation of $10 per bike, to help defray the costs of refurbishing and shipping, and to support their local programs. BNB will of course accept bikes without this donation. For more information, call St. John’s at 508-435-3313. Thank you!! File photo. |
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Expanded Emergency Notification Methods
Hopkinton MA – 20
September 2011 – Due to power outages related to Tropical Storm
Irene the Town of Hopkinton Emergency Management Group
To ensure your text and email addresses are in the database, log onto the Fire Department or Town website at www.hopkintonfd.org or www.hopkinton.org and follow the CodeRed link. Those without Internet access may call 508-435-0555 Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. Required information includes a street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes) for location purposes and a primary phone number. To receive email and text messages, individuals will also need to provide cell phone carrier information.
Thank you for your continued cooperation. Fire Chief / Emergency Management Director Ken Clark |
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Massachusetts School Building Authority Responds to HPS Questions About Flexibility Regarding Use of Existing Fruit Street Grant
In March 2011, Hopkinton voters rejected the proposal to build a new, districted K-5 school at Fruit Street at both a Special Town Meeting and at the polls. On June 16, 2011, the HPS received a letter from the MSBA. The letter explained that if the town wished to proceed with MSBA grant support, it had two options. The first option was to start over with a new Statement of Interest, self-fund a new Feasibility Study, and develop a new proposal which the community supports, in which case the MSBA would consider putting Hopkinton back in the funding pipeline.
The second option was to successfully garner the community’s support, by March 2012, for the “same” project rejected by voters in the spring, in which case the district would still be eligible to make use of the $14.5M grant that had been available in March 2011.
MSBA RESPONDS TO HPS INQUIRY
At the close of the day Friday, September 16, the district received a two-page response from the MSBA. According to Dr. Landman, “The MSBA makes clear that the existing MSBA grant cannot be used to build the existing Fruit Street design for use as a PreK-3 school. However, the letter also leaves the door open for Hopkinton to continue working with the MSBA towards a solution to the Center School.” Over the coming days,” says School Committee Chair Jean Bertschmann, “the School Committee and Board of Selectmen will be reviewing the letter and discussing its implications for moving forward. We are committed to finding a solution to the problems at the Center School facility.”
The MSBA’s September 16th letter has been posted on the HPS District website, and can be read here.
For additional information, contact: Dr. Jonathan Landman, Superintendent 508-417-9360, jlandman@hopkinton.k12.ma.us, www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us Above is a press release form the Hopkinton Public Schools. |
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Perspectives on Wealth Understanding and Managing Financial Risk
Part 1
by Wayne Davies
September 20, 2011 —
We have
experienced extreme volatility in the markets recently. The Dow Jones
Industrial Average went down 635 points on August 8, up 430 the next
day, down another 520 the next, and up again on August 11 by 423 points.i
It’s no surprise that investors are concerned or even frightened. Most people want to put away and keep a nest egg for their retirement, their children’s education, or a legacy for their heirs. And, it’s difficult when our hard earned savings are threatened. So, what should be done? The answer is to understand and manage financial risk as best as we can. But to do so, we first need to comprehend the different types of risk that exist. I will briefly overview some of the types of financial risk here in Part 1 of my commentary.ii I will discuss what you can do to manage these risks in Part 2 that will follow.
As you will see, financial risk exists all the time and affects everyone. Even if we choose to do nothing, we are still subject and exposed to some type of risk. Financial risk is unavoidable, and that is why the best course of action is to attempt to manage it, not ignore it.
Inflation Risk – This could be the greatest financial risk of them all. Inflation over many years will increase prices of the items you buy and reduce the purchasing power of your savings. We have been fortunate during the last 10 years. From 2000 to 2008, the inflation rate averaged +2.90%. In 2009 we actually experienced deflation, or negative inflation of -0.34%. The rate was up again in 2010, but only +1.64.iii However, continuation of these low inflation rates is not guaranteed.
We have experienced disastrous inflation before. For 13 years, from 1969 to 1981, inflation averaged +8.01% per year, and was in double digits in 1974 (+11.03%), 1979 (+11.22%), 1980 (+13.58%), and 1981 (+10.35%).iii What was the impact? Well, in 1982 you would need $262.94 to purchase the same basket of goods that cost only $100.00 in 1969.iv If that happened again today, your income and savings would have to grow by more than 2 ½ times just to break even in purchasing power.
With the recent increase in the US money supply, the spikes in the price of gasoline, food, and other commodities, some sources are predicting significant inflation in coming years.v Inflation can be the most devastating on those with fixed incomes and be brutal when savings and investments do not keep up with increased prices.
Interest Rate Risk – When it comes to fixed investments, interest rate risk is a crucial consideration. Many investors who are afraid of stocks are currently heavily invested in US bonds and CDs, which pay in US dollars. Consumers are generally aware that interest rates have fallen lower and lower over recent years. One major bank is currently paying only 0.08% on money market accounts and 0.30% on 9 month CDs.vii In the past, bonds have earned a “premium” as interest rates have fallen which has resulted in above average returns. But what will happen when the rates reverse? Rising interest rates generally cause the values of existing bonds to decline as investors seek the higher rates available from newly issued bonds. When interest rates rise, low interest paying bonds will lose value and will sell at a discount. Bond holders will lose money due to interest rate risk unless they hold the bond to maturity. This makes long term fixed instruments especially chancy at this time of low interest rates.
Market Risk – Market risk is the risk that
a given security or portfolio will incur losses due to daily movements
in market prices. Share prices of a stock are driven by
many factors, such as the general health of the economy and the earnings
of the company. Unsystematic risk include
variables that impede the realization of revenue and profit such as
financial and operational risk (for example, business inefficiencies),
competition, management vision, and product risk (bad product, bad
market timing). Such adverse internal factors shake investors'
confidence in the company and lower the share price. Systematic risk
exists when the overall economy catches a cold, or the stock market
sneezes. In other words, recession, war, interest rates, lack of credit
availability, which are all external factors. Summary Just by living in society, we are all exposed to many types of financial risk. There are some things that we can control, and others that we cannot. However, understanding the financial risks that exist and doing our best to manage those risks is our best course of action. Next…. in Part 2, I will offer a few ideas on what we can do to manage financial risks that we all face. Part 2 will appear next Tuesday
Wayne R. Davies, CFP, ChFC September 20, 2011 web site: www.DaviesWealthMS.com Telephone 508-478-2600 e-mail: Davies@DaviesWealthMS.com
Please mouse-over here for sources. |
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- September 19, 2011 12:15 am After a motor vehicle stop on Chestnut Street, the discharge of pepper spray, and a struggle... 10:46 am A caller reported needles and syringes on Cunningham Street... 6:21 pm An individual complained that a resident of C Street was building his own speed bump... 12:12 am A School Street caller believed to highly intoxicated impersonated Officer McNeil... 5:18 pm A caller complained of shooters on the Fruit Street property... |
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ANNUAL (gently
used) also Books and Framed Prints FRIDAY SEPT. 23, 2011 FROM 4 - 6 SATURDAY SEPT. 24, 2011 FROM 9 - 12 HOPKINTON SENIOR CENTER 28 MAYHEW STREET HOPKINTON, MA 01748
Sponsored by the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors Proceeds to benefit the Senior Center’s transportation and nutrition programs |
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12 Year Employee Was Given 6 Months
Pay in Exchange for Silence and Release
Ms. Kriger was paid $37,872.08 as well as accrued vacation of $6,653.21, which comes to half of her annual salary of $89,050.59. The Town of Hopkinton also promised not to contest any unemployment claims that Ms. Kriger may file as a result of her separation. In another term of the agreement, Ms. Kriger was forbidden from discussing with anyone the "terms of this agreement or the negotiations leading" to it, with the exception of spouse, attorney or accountant; and the Town promised to keep it confidential, "except to the extent required by state or federal law." Upon request, public records must be made available by the record keeper, who has up to ten days, if necessary, to comply. In the case of this agreement, Mr. Khumalo said that because it has to do with employment, some information would be redacted. In addition, both the Town and Ms. Kriger promised to hold each other harmless and to protect the good names of each other. See the redacted document here. Above, file photo. |
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East Main Street Roadway Collapse Caught Just in Time
September 19, 2011 — About 100 feet of roadway on East Main Street westbound partially collapsed following the recent visit by tropical storm Irene. Arrows point to where the road surface is still connected to fallen guard rails where the roadway has collapsed. Above, Jeff Deiana operates a Caterpillar shovel while building up the surrounding earth to build the roadway support. |
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Hopkinton's
Oldest Church Changes Name to New name reflects growth and continued commitment to community
September 19, 2011 — Founded simultaneously with the town of Hopkinton, Faith Community Church of Hopkinton is the new name for the church that has been a part of the Metro-west area for more than 285 years. Previously known as the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, the Christian church continues its growth and commitment to the surrounding local communities.
The people of Faith Community Church have partnered with organizations like Project Just Because and the Salvation Army to bring relief to people in the surrounding towns as well as sponsorship for about 400 children in impoverished countries of the world.
“At Project Just Because, we help families by being a resource for them in times of need. Last year when we had an especially large challenge, the families of Faith Community Church helped us provide over 5,000 blankets to keep children and families warm,” said CherylAnn Lambert Walsh, President of Project Just Because. “The caring and faith of the families that not only attend, but are being helped by the church make this a very fitting name.”
On a typical Sunday, about 725 people gather from more than 30 different towns to worship in one of three services. The large contemporary services offer vibrant music while a smaller traditional service meets in an intimate chapel on the same campus. In addition, over 400 children and teens participate in various events at Faith Community Church. With 92,000 square feet, the building that houses the church is one of the largest in the area and home to ministries and activities specifically designed for woman, men, children and teens.
The name change was official on Sept 5, 2011. The church is located at 146 E. Main Street in Hopkinton MA. Services are held at 9 am and 10:45 am on Sunday mornings. You can learn more at www.fcch.org . Contributed content. |
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Day One - Chapter Two
September 19, 2011 — George Vrahliotis ends ten years at 97 Main Street in Hopkinton and begins another chapter in the history of Hillers Cleaners, which he purchased from Vinnie Ferrelli, whose late father, Champ, started the business 35 years ago. The new location, in a new building that he had built after purchasing the former Hitchings Hardware property for $310,000 and demolishing the building, is at 63 Main Street, next to Colella's Supermarket, which has enjoyed over 65 years in the same location. For new and old clients, there is free coffee at the front of the store today. |
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Plane Crash in Deerfield
Massachusetts State
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Always on the Job
September 22, 2011 — Officer Aaron O'Neil issues a warning for speeding to the driver of this vehicle on Main Street this evening. |
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Working Out the Bugs
September 22, 2011 — Fire Chief Ken Clark inspects equipment on the rooftop of a new building on Main Street today after a smoky haze in a ventilation duct set off alarms. |
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What Does the Other Guy Look like? Mouse-over to see
September 22, 2011 — Judging from the skid marks, the Crown Victoria above was westbound on West Main Street when the driver somehow lost control, crossed the median and hit a DHL truck in the eastbound lane. Mouse-over the image to see the truck that got hit. |
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Big Job
September 22, 2011 — Jeff Deiana works the machine while dad, Bill, gets ready to guide the compacting machine to the ground as they continue to work shoring up the roadway collapse of East Main Street that is costing the town, in materials, machinery and labor around $200,000. The Selectmen voted Tuesday to authorize spending the money under emergency statutes. |
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The Sign Says it All
September 22, 2011 — A woman with a camera helps create more great memories at Center School, as generations of children have had at the school, during Grandparents' Day today. In the photo above, the boy's grandparents were apparently unavailable and an older sister sat in for them. |
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Catching Some Air
September 21, 2011 — Shelby Aarden is up in the air as she bounds off of the bridge at the Hopkinton Reservoir Dam, well ahead of the pack of Girls Cross Country runners against Holliston today. She went on to win in the girls division and beat her own personal record. |
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Swimming in the Gene Pool
September 21, 2011 — This water fowl appears to have the traits of families outside of the usual gene pool. |
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Dover-Sherborn 1, Hopkinton 0
September 21, 2011 — Julie Younis fires one down the lane today against Dover-Sherborn. |
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Late Bloomer
September 21, 2011 — This handsome fellow was helping himself to whatever is in those flowers, and in a frantic way on Winter Street this afternoon. |
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Vacancies Available on Downtown Revitalization Committee Selectmen adopt Public Safety Mutual Aid Law
Above, a joint meeting
between Selectmen and Hopkinton Housing Authority to appoint
resident Warren Johnson to fill a vacancy.
September 21, 2011 — Selectmen appointed Elizabeth Road resident and neighbor of two selectmen, Bill Shander, to the Downtown Revitalization Committee last night. Mr. Shander said he witnessed the revitalization of Kennebunk, Maine, and would like to do the same to Hopkinton with the town's approval. They also accepted a gift of land from the Drowne Family Subdivision as part of their subdivision plan. Fire and Police Chiefs were on hand to support the adoption of the Public Mutual Aid Law, which helps protect assets of the town when working in another town. Fire Chief Ken Clark said it was just a formalization of a practice that has gone on for 50 years. "It makes sense of what we have been doing," said Police Chief Rick Flannery. The Selectmen voted to pay the more than $200,000 in bills incurred following Hurricane Irene, but not appropriated. Acting Finance Director Suzanne Marchand suggested paying the money and looking for reimbursement, which she said has a high likelihood of being done. The public portion of the very short meeting adjourned an hour after opening. |
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Senior Moments
Sock Hop "Rules"
Nancy L. Drawe (Punky)
September 21, 2011 —
Let’s ROCK ‘N
ROLL! That’s what everyone was talking about last week at the
A date was set, flyers printed and posted, tickets made, refreshments and decorations decided upon, a promo and commercial was done for advertising and an awesome poster featuring the Sock Hop Girls was designed and placed around town. The Sock Hop Girls were ready to go—we were ROCKIN’!
We decorated the Great Room the day before and the day of the Hop and did the set up of food, etc—along with help from honorary Sock Hop Girl Kitty Kelsey and her daughter Heidi, and Ronnie’s granddaughter, Donna. The guests started arriving around 6:30 and handed their tickets over to volunteers Nellie and Devin Gross. By 7 pm, the senior center Great Room was packed! We had almost 100 people rockin’ and rollin’ to the awesome music of The Reminisants. It was amazing to see the different age groups in the room—it wasn’t just for seniors, anyone could attend, and not just from Hopkinton either!
It was a blast! I’m
going to tell you EVERYTHING about the Sock Hop because it was that much
fun! People were doing all kinds of dances, especially
There wasn’t one moment when the dance floor wasn’t full! And if you want to know how the “Sock Hop Ladies” were doing? Let me tell you, we RULE! We make a great team and hopefully you haven’t seen the last of us! It was a night full of fun and dancing; people will be talking about it for a long time! Cheers to everyone who made the Hopkinton Senior Center Second Annual Sock Hop another great success! Rock On, Sock Hop Girls! Don’t miss your chance to go shopping at the center’s annual Jewelry Sale, this Friday, the 23rd from 4-6 and Saturday, the 24th from 9-12. This is a great sale because it’s your opportunity to buy awesome jewelry at a bargain price! While most of it is costume jewelry, there is always a good selection of silver and other quality pieces as well as watches and novelties, some vintage as well as modern. In the past years, a lot of people have come to this sale to buy Christmas presents for friends and family. You’d be surprised at the beautiful pieces that you can find! Additional jewelry donations would be appreciated—there’s still time to bring your old jewelry in to the center. All the money raised from this sale goes toward supporting the transportation and nutrition programs, which are not covered by the town budget.
That’s it for now, so if you have any comments or suggestions, you can email me: Punkala@aol.com. Until next time, have a great week! |
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SPILKA FILES AMENDMENTS TO EXPANDED GAMING BILL
“The legislature has debated and voted on expanded gambling in Massachusetts for several years now, and this year it looks closer to becoming a reality than ever before,” said Spilka. “Throughout this entire process, my main priority has always been to protect and support my district’s residents, communities, neighborhoods, and local businesses. I have filed these amendments to make sure the needs of surrounding communities are better addressed and understood so we can have the best possible outcome for our towns, our residents, and the Commonwealth as a whole.”
Spilka has already fought hard to include protections for communities that find themselves impacted by another community’s choice to host a gambling facility in the current version of the bill. After hearing from and discussing this issue with many of her constituents and local officials, Spilka submitted amendments to strengthen these community safeguards and ensure that surrounding communities and the public are involved in the entire process.
Highlights of Amendments filed by Senator Spilka:
• Changing the definition of “surrounding communities” to ensure fairness to all impacted communities and to give them a seat at the table during the process;
• Giving surrounding communities and substantially impacted communities the ability to vote – not just host communities; • Ensuring public sentiment is taken into consideration by requiring the Gaming Commission to consider the public support or opposition in the host and surrounding communities;
• Increasing surrounding community involvement in the long term mitigation process by allowing each Local Community Mitigation Advisory Committee to appoint one member to the Subcommittee on Community Mitigation – which currently only has representatives from the host communities;
• Increasing fairness to cities and towns when negotiating with a casino by requiring the applicant to pay for legal or financial costs incurred by municipalities during the negotiation process;
• Requiring the Gaming Commission to consider how to prevent concentration of gaming establishments in a particular area when awarding a license for a region
“Working on my constituents’ behalf to further strengthen our communities is the reason I get up in the morning and their priorities come first,” said Spilka. “These amendments were submitted with the needs and concerns of my constituents foremost in my mind.”
The Senate has formally scheduled Monday, September 26th to begin debate on the bill. |
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Public Forum October 18, 2011 7:00 PM
It is recommended that a written summary of the idea or proposal be emailed (elainel@hopkinton.org) or sent to Elaine Lazarus, Director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting, at Town Hall prior to October 13. For more information, please email or call Elaine Lazarus at 508-497-9755. |
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Hopkinton vs Ashland & Dover/Sherborn
Hopkinton Varsity golf at Hopkinton Country Club Tri-Match with Ashland & Dover/Sherborn. Senior Captain Jace McCarron carries out a chip-shot. |
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12 Year Employee Was Given 6 Months Pay in Exchange for Silence and Release (Scroll down for story) |
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Donate Used Bicycles -- Needed
in Developing Countries
St. John the Evangelist in Hopkinton is collecting bicycles in conjunction with the Bikes-Not-Bombs (BNB) program in Jamaica Plain. Donated bikes directly benefit communities in the developing world as well as teens in Boston through their Earn-A-Bike and Girls in Action programs. People use bikes in developing countries in the same way we use cars, trucks and buses--they improve access to everything--water, food, employment opportunities, schools and healthcare. Also bikes create income opportunities as bike parts are used to build pedal-powered machines and bike repair shops create jobs. BNB has sent over 40,000 bikes to Central America, the Caribbean and Africa (and New Orleans) in the last 25 years. Please consider donating your unused bikes and bring them to St. John's, 20 Church St., Hopkinton. The bike collection will be Sunday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, bikes may also be dropped off at St. John’s on Friday Sep 30 or Sat. Oct. 1. Bikes should be left in the very back parking lot, behind the Parish Center (look for the sign). BNB requests a donation of $10 per bike, to help defray the costs of refurbishing and shipping, and to support their local programs. BNB will of course accept bikes without this donation. For more information, call St. John’s at 508-435-3313. Thank you!! File photo. |
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Expanded Emergency Notification Methods
Hopkinton MA – 20
September 2011 – Due to power outages related to Tropical Storm
Irene the Town of Hopkinton Emergency Management Group
To ensure your text and email addresses are in the database, log onto the Fire Department or Town website at www.hopkintonfd.org or www.hopkinton.org and follow the CodeRed link. Those without Internet access may call 508-435-0555 Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. Required information includes a street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes) for location purposes and a primary phone number. To receive email and text messages, individuals will also need to provide cell phone carrier information.
Thank you for your continued cooperation. Fire Chief / Emergency Management Director Ken Clark |
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Massachusetts School Building Authority Responds to HPS Questions About Flexibility Regarding Use of Existing Fruit Street Grant
In March 2011, Hopkinton voters rejected the proposal to build a new, districted K-5 school at Fruit Street at both a Special Town Meeting and at the polls. On June 16, 2011, the HPS received a letter from the MSBA. The letter explained that if the town wished to proceed with MSBA grant support, it had two options. The first option was to start over with a new Statement of Interest, self-fund a new Feasibility Study, and develop a new proposal which the community supports, in which case the MSBA would consider putting Hopkinton back in the funding pipeline.
The second option was to successfully garner the community’s support, by March 2012, for the “same” project rejected by voters in the spring, in which case the district would still be eligible to make use of the $14.5M grant that had been available in March 2011.
MSBA RESPONDS TO HPS INQUIRY
At the close of the day Friday, September 16, the district received a two-page response from the MSBA. According to Dr. Landman, “The MSBA makes clear that the existing MSBA grant cannot be used to build the existing Fruit Street design for use as a PreK-3 school. However, the letter also leaves the door open for Hopkinton to continue working with the MSBA towards a solution to the Center School.” Over the coming days,” says School Committee Chair Jean Bertschmann, “the School Committee and Board of Selectmen will be reviewing the letter and discussing its implications for moving forward. We are committed to finding a solution to the problems at the Center School facility.”
The MSBA’s September 16th letter has been posted on the HPS District website, and can be read here.
For additional information, contact: Dr. Jonathan Landman, Superintendent 508-417-9360, jlandman@hopkinton.k12.ma.us, www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us Above is a press release form the Hopkinton Public Schools. |
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Perspectives on Wealth Understanding and Managing Financial Risk
Part 1
by Wayne Davies
September 20, 2011 —
We have
experienced extreme volatility in the markets recently. The Dow Jones
Industrial Average went down 635 points on August 8, up 430 the next
day, down another 520 the next, and up again on August 11 by 423 points.i
It’s no surprise that investors are concerned or even frightened. Most people want to put away and keep a nest egg for their retirement, their children’s education, or a legacy for their heirs. And, it’s difficult when our hard earned savings are threatened. So, what should be done? The answer is to understand and manage financial risk as best as we can. But to do so, we first need to comprehend the different types of risk that exist. I will briefly overview some of the types of financial risk here in Part 1 of my commentary.ii I will discuss what you can do to manage these risks in Part 2 that will follow.
As you will see, financial risk exists all the time and affects everyone. Even if we choose to do nothing, we are still subject and exposed to some type of risk. Financial risk is unavoidable, and that is why the best course of action is to attempt to manage it, not ignore it.
Inflation Risk – This could be the greatest financial risk of them all. Inflation over many years will increase prices of the items you buy and reduce the purchasing power of your savings. We have been fortunate during the last 10 years. From 2000 to 2008, the inflation rate averaged +2.90%. In 2009 we actually experienced deflation, or negative inflation of -0.34%. The rate was up again in 2010, but only +1.64.iii However, continuation of these low inflation rates is not guaranteed.
We have experienced disastrous inflation before. For 13 years, from 1969 to 1981, inflation averaged +8.01% per year, and was in double digits in 1974 (+11.03%), 1979 (+11.22%), 1980 (+13.58%), and 1981 (+10.35%).iii What was the impact? Well, in 1982 you would need $262.94 to purchase the same basket of goods that cost only $100.00 in 1969.iv If that happened again today, your income and savings would have to grow by more than 2 ½ times just to break even in purchasing power.
With the recent increase in the US money supply, the spikes in the price of gasoline, food, and other commodities, some sources are predicting significant inflation in coming years.v Inflation can be the most devastating on those with fixed incomes and be brutal when savings and investments do not keep up with increased prices.
Interest Rate Risk – When it comes to fixed investments, interest rate risk is a crucial consideration. Many investors who are afraid of stocks are currently heavily invested in US bonds and CDs, which pay in US dollars. Consumers are generally aware that interest rates have fallen lower and lower over recent years. One major bank is currently paying only 0.08% on money market accounts and 0.30% on 9 month CDs.vii In the past, bonds have earned a “premium” as interest rates have fallen which has resulted in above average returns. But what will happen when the rates reverse? Rising interest rates generally cause the values of existing bonds to decline as investors seek the higher rates available from newly issued bonds. When interest rates rise, low interest paying bonds will lose value and will sell at a discount. Bond holders will lose money due to interest rate risk unless they hold the bond to maturity. This makes long term fixed instruments especially chancy at this time of low interest rates.
Market Risk – Market risk is the risk that
a given security or portfolio will incur losses due to daily movements
in market prices. Share prices of a stock are driven by
many factors, such as the general health of the economy and the earnings
of the company. Unsystematic risk include
variables that impede the realization of revenue and profit such as
financial and operational risk (for example, business inefficiencies),
competition, management vision, and product risk (bad product, bad
market timing). Such adverse internal factors shake investors'
confidence in the company and lower the share price. Systematic risk
exists when the overall economy catches a cold, or the stock market
sneezes. In other words, recession, war, interest rates, lack of credit
availability, which are all external factors. Summary Just by living in society, we are all exposed to many types of financial risk. There are some things that we can control, and others that we cannot. However, understanding the financial risks that exist and doing our best to manage those risks is our best course of action. Next…. in Part 2, I will offer a few ideas on what we can do to manage financial risks that we all face. Part 2 will appear next Tuesday
Wayne R. Davies, CFP, ChFC September 20, 2011 web site: www.DaviesWealthMS.com Telephone 508-478-2600 e-mail: Davies@DaviesWealthMS.com
Please mouse-over here for sources. |
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- September 19, 2011 12:15 am After a motor vehicle stop on Chestnut Street, the discharge of pepper spray, and a struggle... 10:46 am A caller reported needles and syringes on Cunningham Street... 6:21 pm An individual complained that a resident of C Street was building his own speed bump... 12:12 am A School Street caller believed to highly intoxicated impersonated Officer McNeil... 5:18 pm A caller complained of shooters on the Fruit Street property... |
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ANNUAL (gently
used) also Books and Framed Prints FRIDAY SEPT. 23, 2011 FROM 4 - 6 SATURDAY SEPT. 24, 2011 FROM 9 - 12 HOPKINTON SENIOR CENTER 28 MAYHEW STREET HOPKINTON, MA 01748
Sponsored by the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors Proceeds to benefit the Senior Center’s transportation and nutrition programs |
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12 Year Employee Was Given 6 Months
Pay in Exchange for Silence and Release
Ms. Kriger was paid $37,872.08 as well as accrued vacation of $6,653.21, which comes to half of her annual salary of $89,050.59. The Town of Hopkinton also promised not to contest any unemployment claims that Ms. Kriger may file as a result of her separation. In another term of the agreement, Ms. Kriger was forbidden from discussing with anyone the "terms of this agreement or the negotiations leading" to it, with the exception of spouse, attorney or accountant; and the Town promised to keep it confidential, "except to the extent required by state or federal law." Upon request, public records must be made available by the record keeper, who has up to ten days, if necessary, to comply. In the case of this agreement, Mr. Khumalo said that because it has to do with employment, some information would be redacted. In addition, both the Town and Ms. Kriger promised to hold each other harmless and to protect the good names of each other. See the redacted document here. Above, file photo. |
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East Main Street Roadway Collapse Caught Just in Time
September 19, 2011 — About 100 feet of roadway on East Main Street westbound partially collapsed following the recent visit by tropical storm Irene. Arrows point to where the road surface is still connected to fallen guard rails where the roadway has collapsed. Above, Jeff Deiana operates a Caterpillar shovel while building up the surrounding earth to build the roadway support. |
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Hopkinton's
Oldest Church Changes Name to New name reflects growth and continued commitment to community
September 19, 2011 — Founded simultaneously with the town of Hopkinton, Faith Community Church of Hopkinton is the new name for the church that has been a part of the Metro-west area for more than 285 years. Previously known as the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, the Christian church continues its growth and commitment to the surrounding local communities.
The people of Faith Community Church have partnered with organizations like Project Just Because and the Salvation Army to bring relief to people in the surrounding towns as well as sponsorship for about 400 children in impoverished countries of the world.
“At Project Just Because, we help families by being a resource for them in times of need. Last year when we had an especially large challenge, the families of Faith Community Church helped us provide over 5,000 blankets to keep children and families warm,” said CherylAnn Lambert Walsh, President of Project Just Because. “The caring and faith of the families that not only attend, but are being helped by the church make this a very fitting name.”
On a typical Sunday, about 725 people gather from more than 30 different towns to worship in one of three services. The large contemporary services offer vibrant music while a smaller traditional service meets in an intimate chapel on the same campus. In addition, over 400 children and teens participate in various events at Faith Community Church. With 92,000 square feet, the building that houses the church is one of the largest in the area and home to ministries and activities specifically designed for woman, men, children and teens.
The name change was official on Sept 5, 2011. The church is located at 146 E. Main Street in Hopkinton MA. Services are held at 9 am and 10:45 am on Sunday mornings. You can learn more at www.fcch.org . Contributed content. |
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Day One - Chapter Two
September 19, 2011 — George Vrahliotis ends ten years at 97 Main Street in Hopkinton and begins another chapter in the history of Hillers Cleaners, which he purchased from Vinnie Ferrelli, whose late father, Champ, started the business 35 years ago. The new location, in a new building that he had built after purchasing the former Hitchings Hardware property for $310,000 and demolishing the building, is at 63 Main Street, next to Colella's Supermarket, which has enjoyed over 65 years in the same location. For new and old clients, there is free coffee at the front of the store today. |
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"The News Starts Here!"
(BOSTON)
– September 21, 2011 - In an effort to protect municipalities concerned
about negative impacts from a bill to expand
The
Zoning Advisory Committee will hold a public forum on Tuesday,
October 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM in Room 211
identified a need to enhance emergency notifications capability to our
citizens. The ability to communicate through emails and phones calls was
very limited in areas affected by the power outages. We encourage all of
our families to log onto the CodeRed link on the web sites identified in
this release and insure your ability to receive text messages on your
cell phones is confirmed. During an emergency or prolonged severe
weather event these devices can be kept charged utilizing vehicle
charger systems. The Hopkinton Emergency Management Group will continue
to share critical event information with the community via the CodeRed
emergency notification systems ability to geographically target text and
email messages to citizens through the use of the CodeRED high-speed
notification solution.
Town
officials have received a response from the Massachusetts School
Building Authority (MSBA) to their August 16th
letter. The MSBA letter states that the existing grant cannot be
re-purposed to build the existing Fruit Street design as a PreK-3
building, but keeps the door open for future collaboration on a solution
for Center School. 
HOPKINTON
SENIOR CENTER’S
September
19, 2011 — In answer to a public records request from HopNews, Town
Manager Norman Khumalo made available a redacted version of the
agreement between Finance Director Heidi Kriger, whose contract
was not renewed upon its expiration on June 30, 2011, and the Town of
Hopkinton. HopNews readers and others have been looking for some kind of
coverage to know how much the decision to not renew her contract cost
the town.
