Make the Senior Center Your Holiday Decorating Headquarters! 

New Donations Arriving Daily: new and gently used lights, ornaments, snowmen, wreaths, knick knacks, garlands, stockings, live poinsettias and much more for sale at bargain prices.
   The Thrift Shop is open Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will open at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 before the Police Association Christmas Party.  

New Hilltopper Senior Newsletter Now online.

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Adolescent Health Survey Results     Wednesday, November 30, 2011 
 7:00 P.M.
 Hopkinton High School Auditorium

Please join us for this informative presentation on the results of the Adolescent Health Survey given to all Middle and High School Students. Come learn what our children are telling us about the issues in their lives.

Some of the areas to be addressed are:

• Current use of alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and cigarettes

• Students perception of stress in their life.

• The percentage of students who have seriously considered suicide

• The number of kids who ever sent or have been sent a sext message

• How safe kids feel in school.

• How many kids have been a victim or perpetrator of bullying or cyber bully.

The presentation is a collaboration between the Hopkinton Public Schools and the Hopkinton Youth Services Department.  Jean Vazza (Hopkinton Youth Services) and Danielle Petrucci (Wellness Coordinator for Hopkinton Public Schools) will be the presenters for this event.

Please come and bring a friend! It is important to know what is happening in our children's lives. Help us spread the word about this important presentation!  

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HOPKINTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLANNING
COMMUNITY WIDE SURVEY TO FIND COMMON GROUND

From November 21 through December 6, the School Committee is conducting a community wide survey designed to collect residents’ opinions regarding key considerations for any potential capital project related to the Center School. The survey is designed to take 10‐15 minutes and can be accessed via this link: www.brgrs.com/elementaryschoolsurvey, or by checking the home page of the school district website, www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us. Paper copies of the survey are available at the both the Hopkinton Public Library and Senior Center. Online access is also available in both locations for residents. Participants are asked to take the survey just once to ensure a reliable and valid administration, and safeguards have been built into the survey to prevent ‘ballot stuffing’.

Using data compiled from the March 2011 Exit Poll survey, Spring 2011 Listening Session and from the recent community workshops, the School Committee, Superintendent of Schools and Boston Research Group have created a survey which includes questions about key project evaluation points, and includes several hypothetical scenarios designed to understand the location and configuration of potential building projects. By collecting opinion from the spectrum of voters (i.e., single residents, couples without children in the schools, families with children in the schools, families with pre‐school children, families whose children are in college, empty nesters and senior citizens), the School Committee hopes to gain some clarity regarding what the town would support as a future project. The School Committee and School Department are encouraging Hopkinton voters to voice their opinions.

The survey responses will be analyzed during the last weeks of December with plans to present results and conclusions to the community, School Committee, Board of Selectmen and Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in early January 2012.

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Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty
Supports Horizons for Homeless Children
Local Agents Collecting New Clothing, Books &
Art Supplies for Homeless Children Across Massachusetts 

HOPKINTON, MA (November 29, 2011) – Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty is sponsoring a clothing and gift drive to support Horizons for Homeless Children. The Hopkinton agency will also be matching donors’ financial contributions, dollar for dollar.  

Horizons for Homeless Children is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe, nurturing environment for educational play for children living in homeless shelters, while helping their families establish economic self-sufficiency. They help parents foster the growth and development of their children, and help them learn and grow through job training, GED, and college courses. 

The Hallmark Sotheby’s office is collecting the following new items for homeless children this holiday season: 

Children's pajamas, Children's boots, Children's snow pants, Children's socks, Hats, mittens, and gloves, General art supplies,Wooden toys and puzzles, Cars and trucks, Construction tool sets, Musical instruments

“It’s heartbreaking to think of any child being homeless,” said Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty broker Erika Paul. “We’re so impressed with the amazing work that Horizons for Homeless Children does to break the cycle of homelessness and help families get back on their feet.” 

To make a donation, please stop by the Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty office at 11 Grove Street, Hopkinton, MA between 9am-5pm Monday through Friday to drop off a gift, or mail a donation to the office by December 12, 2010.

ESL’s Holiday Choral Concert December 11

HOPKINTON, MA (November 29, 2011) – Enter Stage Left’s adult chorus, the Treblemakers, and ESL’s middle school/high school chorus Tone Deft, Too, will present a Holiday Concert at the Hopkinton Historical Society building on Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for Stage Door Members and are available via ESL’s website, http://www.enterstagelefttheater.com/. Refreshments will be served. The Hopkinton Historical Society is located at 168 Hayden Rowe, Hopkinton. Contributed photo.

REMINDER:

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REMINDER:

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A cast of 100 students and a crew of nearly 40 will present the show, making this the largest student production ever at the school.

Tickets will be $8 for students/seniors and $10 for adults,  with a $2 discount for bringing a donation to the Project Just Because New Toy/New Book program. Tickets may be purchased in the HMS Main Office in advance or at the door.  Please bring your donation at the time of purchase.

Photo by Michael Roswenzweig.

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Above, Elmwood School Wee Deliver postal workers pose for a photo after being sworn in to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
November 29, 2011 — Principal Ilene Silver invited Hopkinton Postmaster Carl Zagame to administer the oath of office as Postmaster to two third grade students today, in the thirteenth year of the Elmwood School Wee Deliver program.
      Mrs. Silver hosted a Q & A with students who packed the library, to talk about specifications on sending a letter through the Wee Deliver program, and the cost of doing so.
      "How much does it cost to send a letter?" Mrs. Silver asked.
      "Nothing," she said, answering her own question.
      Mrs. Silver said that their mailboxes are so real looking that a parent mistakenly mailed a college tuition check. It eventually found its proper address.    

Below, Postmaster Zagame preps an intent Mirabella Paolucci and her mom, Selina prior to the swearing-in ceremony.

Below from left, Tara Joshi and Mirabella Paolucci listen to Postmaster Zagame just prior to being sworn in.

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<---- CLICK FOR FULL REPORT
 - November 28, 2011

3:55 am A Lincoln Street resident calling from a neighbor's home where he ran after freeing himself from being tied up by robbers, reported that four men... 

5:08 am Officers spoke with an individual who was observed running on Granite Street and was picked up by a vehicle Hayden Rowe Street...  

12:05 am Officer Linda Higgins came upon an intoxicated woman... 

3:16 am [A police officer, Linda Higgins] struck a pole on Fruit Street...

(OOPS! Full report is now updated. Sorry for the glitch)

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Kansas Man Found Guilty Of Larceny By Foreign Lottery Scam
Defendant Convicted Of Stealing $195,000 From Elderly Victim In Arlington
DA LEONE WARNS ELDERS 

            MEDFORD – A Kansas man has been found guilty after he stole nearly $200,000 from an elderly victim in Arlington through a foreign telephone lottery scam, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.  

            Darrell L. Kinney, 55, of Iola, Kansas, was found guilty today by Middlesex Superior Court Judge Kathe Tuttman on one count of larceny over $250 from a person over 60.  Judge Tuttman will sentence the defendant on Monday, December 5 at 2 pm.   

“This defendant has now been convicted of stealing a substantial amount of money from an elderly victim, by deceiving the victim into thinking she had won the lottery,” District Attorney Leone said.  “I commend the Arlington Police Department for their dedication and commit to solving this case on behalf of a member of our most deserving population- elders.  We continue to warn people never to send money to anyone who has contacted you that you do not know.  If you believe that you have been a victim of a similar scam, we urge you to contact your local police department.”  

            According to authorities, between February and June 2009, the elderly Arlington victim was called and told that she had won a lottery in Jamaica.  The defendant then told the victim that in order to claim the winnings, she had to pay the taxes on the prize money.  In this case, the victim sent multiple checks and cash totaling approximately $195,000 to an address in Kansas. 

            Arlington Police, working with Kansas authorities, were able to effectively trace the telephone number used to contact the victim, as well as the Kansas shipping address, to this defendant.  The defendant was in custody in Kansas on an unrelated matter and, upon posting bail, was placed under arrest on July 13, 2009 for the Massachusetts warrant.  The defendant was rendited to Massachusetts by Arlington on August 20, 2009 and was arraigned on August 21 in Cambridge District Court where Judge Roanne Sragow ordered the defendant held without bail.   The defendant was indicted by a Middlesex County grand jury on September 1, 2009.  He was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn on September 23, 2009 where Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan ordered the defendant held without bail.  

DA Leone continues to warn residents, particularly seniors, about the dangers of these telephone lottery scams. Typically, the lottery scam is conducted by a third party who contacts a victim by phone and convinces the victim that they have won a lottery.  The party than tells the victim that before they can claim their winnings, they must first pay taxes on the prize money, which is usually in the tens of thousands of dollars.  After the victim mails the check, the subject informs the resident they should wait until a fictitious date, when the supposed “winnings” will be awarded.  The winnings are never sent.       

            The prosecutors assigned to this case are Assistant District Attorney Marian Ryan, General Counsel for the MDAO and Chief of the Elder and Disabled Abuse Unit and Assistant District Attorney Elisha Willis.  The case was investigated by Arlington Police.

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Frank Responses to Barney's Retirement

Governor Deval Patrick:
BOSTON – Monday, November 28, 2011 – The following is a statement of Governor Deval Patrick on the announcement that Congressman Barney Frank plans to retire from the U.S. Congress at the end of his term:  

"A generation of Bay State residents have known Barney Frank for his wisdom, wit and passion for service," said Governor Patrick. "Barney's leadership, on issues ranging from civil liberties to financial system restraint, will be sorely missed. He has earned the good wishes of the people of the Commonwealth."  

Ken Weismantel, Hopkinton Rep Town Committee:
HOPKINTON — The Hopkinton Republican Town Committee welcomes the news that Congressman Barney Frank is retiring. Under the new district map, he would have been a candidate to represent Hopkinton in 2012.  We are happy that we will not be represented by the congressman whose policies were at the heart of the housing market collapse.
 
The Republican Party needs to identify a solid candidate that can win in the November 2012 election cycle.  The Hopkinton Republican Town Committee will be  active  in  our  support for  Republican candidates to redirect  the  path the  country is  on and  get  our  economy moving again.  If  you  have  an interest  in  running for  this  office  or state offices, please  contact  me at  ken@weismantel.com

Brian Herr, former 2010 Republican Primary Candidate:
Hopkinton — When asked about the possibility of his candidacy, Brian Herr said, "It's a little early to tell. It's a very interesting development, that's for sure.
        "We learned a lot in 2010. Open seats are a rare occurrence these days. It merits a lot of thought; and conversations with my wife and kids and other people, too.
        "I want to continue working with my colleagues on the hockey rink, Downtown Revitalization and other  matters for the town."

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Barney Frank NOT Running for Reelection in 2012

November 28, 2011 — Congressman Barney Frank announced earlier today that he would not be seeking reelection in 2012. He said  that he had always intended to retire from office after this next term. However, the Congressional Districts have just been reconfigured, and Frank said that he would have lost some of his committee positions, as well as the New Bedford area, where he served the fishing industry's needs for decades. He said he would not want to try to represent over 300,000 new voters in a new district in a term that would expire too quickly to get things done for his constituents. He has not represented Hopkinton, but would have if he won election in the newly formed district. Until the reconfiguration takes effect at the next election, Hopkinton will be represented by Congressman Jim McGovern in the 3rd Congressional District, which included Worcester. However, Hopkinton will be part of the new 4th District, which will not include Worcester, but will reach to the south to working-class Fall River and to affluent Wellesley toward the east. 

Hopkinton Selectman Brian Herr lost the 2010 Republican primary to Holliston's flamboyant Marty Lamb, who then lost to Democrat  McGovern in the last Congressional election. His response to a telephone inquiry is above.

Full Response

November 28, 2011 — Firefighters responded to an East Main Street home and quickly extinguished a fire that originated in the kitchen. Ashland also responded with their ladder truck, and Southborough covered the station. Milford and Westborough also sent men and equipment. There were no injuries reported from the residents.

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Turkey Bowl Champs - Five Years Running

Front row, left to right; Tom Hunt, Craig Sager (holding trophy), Connor Berry (behind Craig)
Back row, left to right; Jikado Hanna, Joe Clark, Ryan Hamilton, Steve Taylor, Eric Ostrander, James Marquedant, Sean Atcherly. Contributed photo.

November 27, 2011 — "The champions' team picture from today's tenth annual Hopkinton turkey bowl.   The Sager team won it's fifth championship in a row.   There was 8 teams in this year's competition and the weather was unusually warm.   The championship game was between the Sager team and the Doyle team and went into overtime with the Sager team pulling it out on a long touchdown pass.   The Doyle team played a great game as well, but the most important part of the day was that old friends came together once again in a competitive environment and enjoyed playing Hiller-type football." ~ A fan

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Low Water

November 27, 2011 — The Lake Maspenock Preservation Association is targeting a 7 foot drawdown of the lake in order to freeze the roots of the invasive weeds. Pout Rock, foreground above, shows a high-water line about 4 feet above the water. According to plan, the water is not yet as low as the association would like it. However, the rocks in the background show the danger that lurks beneath the surface of the normal water height for skiers and others who use the lake recreationally.

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Back in Time

November 27, 2011 — This postcard of 25 Main Street shows a building much the same as today, except for lush and properly scaled landscaping worthy of its classic architecture.

Serious Injury on Route 495N in Hopkinton
November 27, 2011 — At approximately 12:26p.m. today troopers from the Millbury barracks responded to numerous calls for a rollover crash on route 495 northbound in Hopkinton. Preliminary reports indicate two vehicles attempted to simultaneously occupy the center lane and possibly collided. Reports also indicate one of the vehicles overcorrected when it pulled away from the center lane and into the median where it rolled over numerous times. The lone occupant of that vehicle was seriously injured and transported by Hopkinton EMS to UMass Medical Center. State and local police in the surrounding area were advised to be on the look out for a small, dark-colored car with possible damage to its driver side.

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Keeping Things Safe

November 27, 2011 — A patrolman requested a sergeant after checking on two occupied parked vehicles in the late evening at the Hopkinton High School parking area. After checking the occupants for license status and warrants, which passed okay, a small amount of marijuana was confiscated from one of the young individuals.

Over There!

November 27, 2011 — This male mallard appears to be directing traffic on Little Pond yesterday, but he was caught by a fast shutter speed in the middle of flapping his wings in a frantic bath.

Community Spirit

November 27, 2011 — Members of the Hopkinton Garden Club enjoy putting garland on the Veterans Memorial Gazebo yesterday, on a breezy, Indian summer Saturday.

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Wooly Bully

November 27, 2011 — These Woodville residents, including the alpaca in the backa,  move toward humans, knowing where the best food comes from, unlike their flying counterparts, who keep a good distance and show their backsides when a human comes near.

In the Thick of It

November 27, 2011 — Retired engineer Dave Adelman is kneeling on the shore of Lake Whitehall near his home removing some invasive weeds from the area. The thicket behind him and the tall grass in the foreground could be mistaken for a scene in Africa.

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State Police at Logan Airport Arrest Utah Man for Child Pornography
  Observations of Images on Laptop Made During Flight to Boston

November 27, 2011 — Yesterday, at approximately 2:53 p.m., troopers assigned to the Massachusetts State Police Barracks at Logan Airport were made aware of a male passenger aboard a Delta Airlines flight from Utah to Boston who was viewing pornographic images of children on his laptop computer during the flight.    

The suspect, identified as GRANT SMITH, 47, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, was interviewed by troopers when the flight landed in Boston at 4:12 p.m. As a result of the investigation, SMITH was placed under arrest and charged with possession of child pornography.  

SMITH is being held at the Logan Airport Barracks and his bail has been set at $15,000. He is scheduled to be arraigned at East Boston District Court on Monday.  

SMITH was seated in seat 4A of the first class section. A passenger made observations of SMITH’s computer screen and alerted the flight crew. The investigation is ongoing at this time and more charges against SMITH may follow.

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Turn Left

November 26, 2011 — The leader of these geese flying over the Downtown this morning may have something other than the usual in mind, as he is leading them to the west.

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Lunchtime

November 26, 2011 — This muskrat on Little Pond today couldn't get enough of whatever it was devouring, until it heard the camera shutter. Looking very similar to a beaver, whose handiwork surrounds the pond, he slid off of the log and revealed a rat's tail that ended any doubt about his type.

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Triumph

November 26, 2011 — These members of Troop One and their parents raise the Christmas Tree on the Hopkinton Common in a pose reminiscent of the Marines at Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima raising the American Flag. The scouts donated the tree to the town for the purpose of display on the common.

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Proud as a Turkey

November 25, 2011 — These two wild turkeys were part of a rafter of about a dozen walking through a yard on East Main Street today, one day after Thanksgiving. There were none to be seen anywhere on Thanksgiving, except on the dining room table.

Division of Labor... of Love!

November 25, 2011 — The Woodville Rod and Gun Club set their annual Thanksgiving tables in the main meeting hall and served nearly 30 turkeys to over 100 people on Thanksgiving Day, all free of charge. In addition to the traditional oven-baked turkeys, Lee Wright kept a steady stream of deep-fried turkeys in two fry-olaters cooking outside the hall, as the kitchen crew loaded the waitresses with meals to distribute to the guests..

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Lifetime Commitment

November 25, 2011— These two mature mute swans enjoyed a cruise together on Lake Maspenock this morning. Mute swans are known to mate for life, but will take another mate after the death of one.

Catch Me If You Can

November 25, 2011 — Two and a half year-old Cameron Geneseo enjoys his dad, Nicholas, filming him this afternoon as he feels exhilarated by running around the fountain on the Hopkinton Common, as generations of toddlers before him have done.

Late Visitor

November 25, 2011 — This great blue heron at Lake Maspenock this morning is stretching his stay up north this year, as most of his kind have headed to warmer climates.

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