The boys and girls varsity soccer teams had humbling and wonderful successes with both their teams and coaches this past fall.  Evren Gunduz is the varsity girls coach and Garrett Sawyer is the varsity boys coach. Both are teachers in the Hopkinton School District.  Evren's first coaching job was as the boys JV coach/Garrett's assistant coach.  Garrett mentored Evren and taught him everything he knows about coaching.  After 4 seasons as Garrett's assistant in the boys program, Evren took over as the head of the girls program and varsity girls coach. 

This year, both coaches earned distinction with Evren being awarded the Coach of the Year in the Tri-Valley League in his second year as a varsity coach. In addition, Garrett was awarded an even greater distinction when it was officially announced yesterday that he is the Coach of the Year in the entire South District of Massachusetts which includes around 10 leagues!  Additionally, the girls varsity team was awarded the league sportsmanship award for the first time and won their first state tournament match in over seven years. The boys varsity team made a major run in the state tournament making it all the way to the South District finals meaning they were one of eight teams left in the entire state.  The boys also have an exciting player, Jack Hilger, who is committed to play D1 soccer at Princeton University next fall!

Garrett has been the head coach of the boys program for seven years and it was a special day when he was awarded a south district coach of the year award and his mentee coach, former assistant and best friend off the field was awarded a league coach of the year award all in the same season.  Garrett mentored Evren all four years that he was his JV boys coach and they became best friends off the field, golfing, going to soccer games, hanging with each other's family's, and so on. ~Contributed Content

Lessons in Citizenship

November 16, 2011 — Above, Cub Scouts from Troop 4 listen to Master Sergeant Chris Anderson explain how long a deployment is, and how a person can feel after being away from home in terms the scouts can understand. Mr. Anderson earned his Eagle Scout as a member of Troop 1, he said, to lighthearted jeers.
       He and Cub Master Bob Murchie explained that troops exercised citizenship in one way, and that this evening, the scouts will exercise citizenship by packaging a range of needed items and decorating cards, all to be sent overseas to the troops.
       Below, Adrian Wech, 9, enjoys the presentation.

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Basketball Player Gets Full Ride to Stonehill

Above, Varsity Girls Basketball center Alee Leteria, flanked by Varsity Coach Ritz Atkinson and Athletic Director Eric Karjel.

November 16, 2011 — Hopkinton Hiller Girls Varsity Basketball center Alee Leteria signed a letter of intent today to attend Stonehill College, after receiving a full scholarship to attend that Easton, Mass school.
         "It's a big accomplishment," said a proud Head Coach Rita Atkinson about her varsity player about to enter into her last season as a Hiller.
         "It's a great opportunity for Alee," said Athletic Director Eric Karkel.
         "Girls basketball has had a lot of success with the program and we are extremely pleased to see our player going to the next level and playing college ball," he said.
         Why Stonehill?
         "I went to a basketball camp there when I was a sophomore and I met the coach and the girls and I loved the team.
         "Stonehill has a great balance between sports and academics," Alee said.
         She is interested in majoring in physical, occupational or speech therapy.
         "I'll start in liberal arts and see where it takes me," she said.        

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New Detours Coming Up

November 16, 2011 — A police officer stands ready to direct traffic at the detour for Clinton Street today, as nature sends a steady sheet of rain, and the road crew for Russo Bros on behalf of Legacy Farms makes its own fog behind him. 

ROAD CLOSING NOTICE 

Hopkinton Police would like to advise residents and motorists of road detours due to the Legacy Farms Project. Starting Friday November 18, 2011, Front Street will be closed from Clinton St. to Ash St. during the hours of 7 AM to 4 PM. Detour and traffic control signs will be placed to assist residents entering or leaving their residence or business. Some side roads in this project area may be closed or detoured. The roads will be passable for emergency vehicles and school buses. Detail police officers will be on-duty to assist as needed. This project is expected to last 2 weeks, weather-dependent. Clinton Street will re-open on Friday November 18,  2011.

ESL’s Jungle Book Kids November 19-20

HOPKINTON, MA (November 14, 2011) – Enter Stage Left Theater will be presenting Jungle Book Kids at 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on November 19 and 20 at the Hopkinton High School. This family-oriented show features young talent from Hopkinton and surrounding towns. Tickets are $10 per person; $5 for children under 12 or Stage Door members, and are available via www.hopartscenter.org  . 

“This show features a cast of 47 children ranging in age from 4-11, and includes our littlest performers,” said Kelly Grill, executive director of ESL. “They are terrifically talented and this show is perfect for the entire family!”

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Make Your Weekend Pick -- Hiller Holiday Shopping


Get started on your holiday shopping at the Hopkinton High School Boosters store -- which will open this weekend in conjunction with the Hopkinton Youth Basketball Association's (HYBA) annual Tap-Off Tournament. Hours are Fri., Nov. 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well as Sat., Nov. 19 and Sun., Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store is regularly open week days from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and Weds., 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
 

Cool Day

November 16, 2011 — Dave Adelman shares a photo of this cool looking great blue heron near his Woodville home.

 FULL STORY

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Selectmen Retain Single Tax Rate
Approve Downtown liquor store license transfer

November 15, 2011 — The first of two of the largest pieces of business at this evening's Selectmen's meeting was the Tax Classification Hearing held to determine whether to have a single tax rate for both residential and business properties, or to split it and charge businesses a higher rate.
        Members of the Board of Assessors were in attendance, as was Principal Assessor Robert Bushway, who narrated a slide presentation of the current state of affairs, as well as a recent history of property values and tax rates, which can be viewed here.
         Selectman Brian Herr noted that shifting the burden to business properties would only amount to around an $80 yearly savings to the average homeowner.
         "It would not make sense," he said.
         Selectman John Mosher said, "What would be burdensome to the commercial class would not provide significant relief for the residential class." The town's tax base is largely residential, which puts the tax burden on homeowners regardless.
         A representative of EMC, which owns the town's most highly valued property at nearly $140 million, asked that the town keep the status quo.
         Mr. Herr made the motion to retain the single tax rate, which passed unanimously.
        In keeping with businesses renovating the Downtown, William Tetlow (photo), through his company WT Pond Corporation, doing business as Old Town Liquors, applied for a liquor license transfer from the former Star Package Store. He also requested approval of a manager for the new package store, Pamela French, with whom he has worked for 30 years.
         Milford-based Attorney Joseph Antonellis, representing Mr. Tetlow, said that there is a signed purchase and sale agreement for the property as well as the liquor license. He noted Mr. Tetlow's previous experience in the liquor business in running the North Pond House, at the location that is currently the Marathon Restaurant at North Pond. Mr. Tetlow owns the buildings and land where that restaurant and the Dunkin' Donuts lease.
         The real estate was said to cost $395,000*, but the license was an additional $170,000 due the need to resolve issues with the Department of Revenue.
         The Selectmen approved the transfer of the license to Mr. Tetlow's company and the instatement of Mrs. French as manager.
         Another liquor license came up for renewal, the license for the former Ciao Time at 28 Main Street. It was essentially cancelled, because the company has not been doing business from that location and has no other location to transfer to.
         Town Manager Norman Khumalo noted that the town has fifteen All-Alcohol licenses assigned to it for distribution, but only seven are being used. He gave Carbone's, Cornell's and the Dynasty as examples of businesses that had them. He said there are eight more licenses available in Hopkinton.
          He added that there are two available Wine and Malt licenses, five available Wine and Malt Package Store licenses, but the three available All Alcohol Package Store licenses are now taken.   *Price corrected from earlier printing.   

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Churches Collect 96 Boxes for Operation Christmas Child

HOPKINTON, MASS. (November 15, 2011) – Members of Hopkinton’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Grace United Methodist Church recently put together 96 boxes filled with gifts for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will distribute these boxes – filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items -- to children in need throughout the world.

This week (November 14 -21) is National Collection week for Operation Christmas Child, and anyone who would like to participate can call (800) 353-5949 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. Operation Christmas Child plans to collect and deliver eight million boxes to children in more than 100 countries this Christmas season.

“I am so deeply moved by the continued interest and participation of the congregations of St. Paul’s and Grace Methodist,” said Sue Ramsley, one of the coordinators of the Operation Christmas Child project and senior warden at St. Paul’s. “One grandmother at Grace Methodist put together 11 boxes working individually with each grandchild! She even created a scrapbook of the process.”

Members of St. Paul’s and Grace United who have signed up on-line will be alerted via email as to the country where their boxes are scheduled to ship. “We pray that each child who receives a shoe box will feel very special and will have the opportunity to learn more about God’s love,” Ramsley added.

Here Comes the Holiday Fun!

The festive spirit is in the air for Hopkinton children in grades K-to-5 and their parents!
The Hopkinton Lions Club and High School Leos Club are sponsoring a Holiday Giving party at the Hopkins school on Sunday, December 3^rd from 1 to 3 pm. No reservations needed.
Why not get into the spirit by . . .
~ Bringing a pair of mittens or gloves to decorate the Mitten Tree.
~ Decorate cookies and holiday cards!
~ Make Christmas Craft gifts for your family!
~ Enjoy caroling with Kathi.
~ Write your letter to Santa! ~ Do some face painting!
Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
Admission is one unwrapped gift of greater than $10. value to be donated to the Hopkinton churches for their holiday giving programs

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Turkey Drive in Progress

Mitch Sanborn, left, delivered a turkey for the Hopkinton schools' annual turkey drive for the Salvation Army on Tuesday morning at Hopkinton Middle School.  With him are the Kramer children, who are helping to coordinate the drive:  Ethan, Julianna and Kacey.  Begun 12 years ago by Hopkinton student Dan Merzel, this annual tradition has collected more than 1,000 turkeys for families in need.  More turkeys are needed.  Bring turkeys Wednesday, Nov. 16, to the Elmwood School cafeteria between 7:30 and 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. (sign in at the office first). On Thursday, Nov 17, turkeys will be collected at the middle school (outside the Brown Gym) from 7 to 7:30 a.m. and at Elmwood from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Cash donations are also welcome.

4th Annual Hopkinton Community Spelling Bee Spelled S-U-C-C-E-S-S

The 4th Annual Hopkinton Community Spelling Bee was held on Friday, November 4^th at Hopkins School. The event, co-sponsored by the Hopkinton Education Foundation and the HPTA, was a huge success with $10,000 raised for the Hopkinton Schools. This money will go directly to the schools in the form of educational grants, curriculum enrichment, professional support, and scholarships.

Twenty-eight teams competed for a Bee trophy, bragging rights, and the admiration of the entire community. Over 250 people were in attendance to watch the teams battle for first place. The team, “Friends of the HPTA” (Bruce MacDonald, Margie Wiggin, Didier Sartor) won the Bee, spelling the most words correctly in the final round.

The “Mini-Bee,” geared toward students in the town’s elementary schools, attracted 70 participants. All of the children who entered the Mini-Bee received a Bee magnet commemorating their participation. Any child who spelled all of the words correctly was entered into a drawing to win a bee themed movie appropriate to his or her grade level. Lucas Coffman (Kindergarten), Katie Cooper (1st Grade), Matthew Coffman (2nd Grade), Isabelle O'Rourke (3rd Grade), Abby Heyd (4th Grade), and Julia Fowler (5th Grade) were the lucky winners.

We would like to thank the many businesses and individuals who made the event a success

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A Dog Day Morning
Hopkinton Drug program donates $500 to Greyhound Friends

Above, Hopkinton Drug President Dennis Katz and Director of Sales and Marketing Michael Macione present Louise Coleman, Director of Greyhound Friends, a check for $500 this morning, following a tour of the Saddle Hill Road facility. 

November 15, 2011 — A $500 gift from Hopkinton Drug to Greyhound Friends this morning is part of a program at the drug store that returns a portion of the proceeds from veterinarian prescriptions back to the animal community. The program, Hopkinton Drug Fund for Massachusetts Animal shelters, donates to animal shelters and rescue organizations "that provide a valuable service to animals in need," according to Mr. Macione.
       Hopkinton Drug is a local Hopkinton pharmacy offering traditional pharmacy services, durable medical equipment, a wide selection of supplements, a lactation center, homeopathics and herbals, and a free lecture series on a wide range of topics by experts in their fields.
       Pharmacist Dennis Katz specializes in compounding for humans and animals that are distributed nationwide, and will be establishing a new state-of-the-art environment for their manufacture.
       Greyhound Friends, according to Ms. Coleman, grew from an inspiration, after rescuing her first greyhound..
       "This all started from my living room couch in Cambridge," she said.
       She began in Hopkinton in 1987, renting a kennel from Betty Fitzpatrick, and then purchasing nearby property in 2003, where the facility is currently located.
       Massachusetts has since banned greyhound racing, but there is still a need to help greyhounds that have passed their racing peak from other states, like West Virginia. The dogs go into an approved isolation area for two days observation before being let into the common areas.
       Then, the dogs are neutered and further observed for behavioral traits so that they will be a match for the right family (which is also observed).
       Ms. Coleman said that the dogs, which date back to the days of the Pharaohs, do not need an estate to run on, but she would like to match them with those who can afford to give them a good home. "It makes sense for someone to pay," she said. Ms. Coleman said that $250 is what people give to get a greyhound.
       To learn more about Greyhound Friends, please  visit their website.

NO DOGS ALLOWED ON HOPKINTON TOWN COMMON
Parks and Recreation Commission rescinds earlier vote

by Robert Falcione
November 14, 2011 — The Hopkinton Parks and Recreation Commission met this evening to discuss, among other things, reconsidering the recent vote they took to remove the four signs from the Hopkinton Common prohibiting dogs, and in essence, allowing them. They had also voted to put up a sort of poop station with a sign encouraging owners to pick up after their dogs along with a dispenser with plastic "doggie bags."
       Chairman Ken Driscoll led the discussion this evening explaining how the original vote was taken to be inclusionary, to bring more people to the Common. But after receiving input from the community, he said, he would like reconsider that vote.
       Commission member Brian Eberlin suggested seeking an area in Hopkinton for a dog park and making the Common dog-free once again. Another member complained that the prohibition and the $10 fine were not being enforced.
       Dale Danahy stopped by the meeting to offer her viewpoint.
       "If it is not being enforced, then take it up with the police," she said.
       The Commission voted unanimously, on a motion made by Mr. Eberlin, to rescind their earlier vote, and make the Common a "No Dogs Allowed" zone once again by putting the signs back and removing the doggie station.
        Vice-Chair Karl Morningstar suggested that a $100 fine would be a good deterrent, but the group decided to return to the previous status quo and address the fine amount at a later time.

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Tree of Life Event at Milford Regional Medical Center

Tree of Life, an annual celebration for those who have survived cancer, who have battled the disease or who just want to celebrate life, will be held on Monday, December 5, 2011 at Milford Regional Medical Center. This year’s celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment and refreshments in the cafeteria, followed by the tree lighting in front of the Medical Center.  

Family members and friends can be honored or remembered by donating $10.00 for a light on the tree, $25.00(per person) for a luminary, $100.00 (per person) for a silver angel or $200.00 (per person) for a gold angel. Proceeds from this special program will benefit the Oliva Patient Comfort Fund, which supports the comfort and care of Milford Regional Medical Center’s cancer patients. 

Gifts must be received by November 25, 2011 to be included in the Tree of Life program. To make a donation online, please go to Milford Regional’s Web site at www.milfordregional.org/treeoflife . To request that a donation form be sent to you, call 508-422-2228. Donations may also be made by sending a check to Milford Regional Medical Center, Foundation Office, Tree of Life, 14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757.

‘Tis the Season: Massachusetts State Police Gear Up for Another Toys for Tots Campaign

On Nov. 10, the national marked the 236^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, and the Massachusetts State Police thank the men and women of the USMC for their service in the name of freedom. Likewise, the State Police are proud to again support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program to help local families in need.  

Members of the Massachusetts State Police and United States Marine Corps Reserve urge the public to support Toys for Tots through donations of toys or money. The donations will assist charitable organizations that provide children’s gifts and holiday meals for Massachusetts families in need.  

“More than ever, in this, the season of giving, we need your help,” said Colonel Marian J. McGovern, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “Your assistance can make holiday joy possible for a child who otherwise would go without. Every girl and boy deserves a gift this holiday season. Please help us make that difference in their lives.”  

This year is the 64^th anniversary of the Marine Corps’ leadership of the Toys for Tots Program. In this state, the Massachusetts State Police have partnered with the Marines on the program for the last 27 years.  

Donors are asked to give new, unwrapped toys with non-violent themes, designed for either boys or girls, ages newborn to 14. As in years past, toys can be dropped off at any State Police Barracks through Friday, Dec. 16. A formal kickoff will be held Nov. 30. As well, the State Police are planning their second annual “Fill the Cruiser” event, at which troopers will be collecting donations for needy children at five Toys ‘R’ Us locations in the state, for Dec. 3. More information will be forthcoming on those events in coming days.  

For more information or who wish to make a monetary donation may visit the program’s website at http://www.toysfortots.org/.

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Champions

Hillers Cheerleaders took first place at the South Sectional Regional Championship with a nearly perfect routine. They now move on to States.

Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors
Holiday Sale
Friday, Nov. 18
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 19
8 a.m. – noon
Don’t miss the annual Holiday Sale at the Senior Center.
You will find all kinds of new and gently used holiday decor including Christmas jewelry,
snowmen, silk greens, trees, ornaments, wreaths, angels, candles, nutcrackers, and much more.
There will also be a bake sale and Santa’s Workshop with new gifts.  
Bring the kids to shop for gifts they can buy for under $1.

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<---- CLICK FOR FULL REPORT
 - November 14, 2011 

8:10 am IRS advised they are executing a... 

10:54 pm A fox that had fallen and couldn't get up... 

11:58 am The owner of a Connelly Hill Road property reported that he found a pay stub... 

2:11 pm Lawnmower dumped on a lawn with a "free" sign on it. 

7:06 pm A caller reported a man on the side of Hayden Rowe Street writing in a journal...

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The Wild Things

November 14, 2011 — The Wild Things, a group of 4th grade soccer players from Hopkinton, participated in the Soccerween Tournament in Lancaster, MA this weekend. The girls won 3 games in division play and their semi-finals to earn a spot in the tournament finals for U10 girls.
         All of the teams dressed in costume for Soccerween. The Hopkinton girls were Cookie Monsters. The girls on the team were Alexis Hasbrouck, Meredith Cesnek, Mia Wahlberg, Tess Bouvier, Makenzie Gorman, Molly Andrews, Emelia Webster, Meghan Sullivan, Kate Lagasse, Emma Naughton, Emily Murphy, Delaney Mick and Livi Gladu. They were coached by Paul and Sue Pedevillano.

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Bottoms Up

November 13, 2011 — This mallard couple practices synchronized submersion at Little Pond at the southern end of Lake Whitehall this afternoon.

Susan A. (Friar) Dyer, 47

Susan A. (Friar) Dyer, 47, of Swansea passed away Sat. Nov. 12, 2011 in the Somerset Ridge Nursing Care Center. She was the beloved wife of Ian S. Dyer and devoted mother to Thomas E. and Eric A. Dyer. 

Born in Fall River, daughter of Atty. Thomas S. Friar and Claire P. (Greenstein) Friar, retired Swansea School Teacher at the Brown School. Susan was a lifelong resident of Swansea, a 1982 graduate of Case High School, and a 1986 graduate of Framingham State College. 

Susan was the manager of the South Coast Health Federal Credit Union at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed traveling.

Surviving are her husband, parents and two sons, all of Swansea. She is also survived by two sisters Deborah A. Phelan and her husband Thomas R. Phelan of Hopkinton, MA, Linda J. O’Connell and the late Kevin R. O’Connell of Lynn, MA, daughter-in-law to Hugh D. and Anne Dyer of Middleboro, MA, sister-in-law to Kevin H. and Loretta Dyer of Webster, MA and Catherine J. and David Luke of Berkley, MA. Susan was the loving Aunt of Daniel T. and Catherine J. Phelan, Christa and Elizabeth Dyer, and Sarah and Emma Luke. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Tues. Nov. 15, 2011 from 5-8PM in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT BIRCHCREST 189 Gardner’s Neck Road Swansea. A private burial will be conducted at a future time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the: National Brain Tumor Society, Boston Brain Tumor Walk, Attn: Team Susan, 124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D, Watertown, MA 02472.

For online tributes and directions visit http://www.waring-sullivan.com/

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Old School Recycling

November 13, 2011 — It appears this Sixties-era Buick convertible coupe and the adjacent farm machinery in Woodville are slowly becoming part of the earth again.

Future Leaders

November 13, 2011 — Pack 4, Den 3 Webelos 1 were given a tour of Town Hall last week as part of their earning a Citizenship Badge. Above, they take the Selectmen's chairs for a test drive with former Selectman Eric Sonnett.