"The News Starts Here!"
Since 2003, Hopkinton News
TM

P.O. Box 351, Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-5534

Editor@HopNews.com



Evergreen Center Keeps Yearly Tradition Alive

From left to right: teacher, Angela, students Marcus, Devon and Nicky, with teacher Dan.

December 7, 2011 — True to form, students at the Evergreen Center of Milford made a beautiful wreath to give to the Town of Hopkinton for hanging in front of Town Hall as they do every year. The Evergreen Center is a residential school in Milford serving children and adolescents with severe developmental disabilities.

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

           

495 ROLLOVER UPDATE 3:30 pm  

At this time, the right travel lane and the breakdown lanes are still being occupied from this morning's rollover on Route 495 South in Marlborough; the center and left travel lanes are open and clean up of some leaking diesel fuel is underway. A preliminary investigation by Trooper Stephen Sullivan indicate that the operator of a tractor trailer unit, CHRISTOPHER LEE HUDSON, 38, of North Carolina, was driving on the ramp onto Route 495 southbound from Route 20 in Marlborough. The load on the truck shifted and the tractor trailer rolled across Route 495. A box truck driving southbound on Route 495 took evasive measures to avoid the turned over truck and came to rest in the median strip. There wasn’t any contact between the two vehicles. It is unknown what HUDSON was transporting at the time of the crash. HUDSON was transported to Marlborough Hospital by Marlborough EMS for complaints of minor injuries. HUDSON will be cited for speeding and unsecured load. We have no estimated time of when the road will be fully opened. Mass State Police state they will not be offering further updates on this incident. 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY 11:20 am

495 SB Closed in Marlborough

State Police units are just on-scene of a crash involving two tractor-trailer units on Route 495 southbound in Marlborough. One TT has rolled over. The entire southbound side of the highway is shut down. There are no injuries. Southbound traffic is being diverted onto Route 20 in Marlborough at the Northborough exit prior to the crash scene.

 

    

 Region

Nine Dean College Students Expelled - Criminal Charges Expected 
Student beaten down while others watched, cheered at Franklin College
 

December 7, 2011 — A YouTube video that went viral, presented in a report below by Channel 4 News, shows a student who believed another stole his sneakers, beating that student, removing the sneakers from his feet, and then hitting him with them. Eight students who watched, cheered, or mocked the student in front of the camera, as well as the alleged perpetrator, have been expelled from the college.
       According to several media reports, in addition to the action taken by the administration of the College just three towns away, police are expected to file charges.

>   FOOD AND BEVERAGE   <

HOPKINTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLANNING SURVEY NOW CLOSED
 

From November 21 through December 6, the School Committee conducted a community survey asking residents to weigh in on important criteria and hypothetical solutions to the conditions of the Center School.  The survey was available online and in hard copy at the Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. In order to gather feedback from the entire community, the survey was broadly advertised through all local print and online media. In addition, a postcard was sent to every home in Hopkinton to encourage participation. 

The survey garnered the largest response rate to date of any community survey conducted by the School Committee. The results of the survey are now being analyzed.  The data will be presented to the School Committee, Board of Selectmen, and community at a meeting on January 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm in the Middle School Library.  The meeting will be televised for those who cannot attend in person. 

The School Committee would like to thank the community for the tremendous response.

YOUR HOME   

 

Seventy Years Ago 

   

Selectmen Hear Storm of Complaints About Downtown Steering Committee
"You can't bait and switch!"
~ Jackie Potenzone
"Tone-deafness to the Community has cost us dearly." ~ Claire Wright

Ron Eldridge Accepts Appointment to Appropriations Committee

December 6, 2011 — Speaking as the Clerk of the Works of the Center Trail Project, Peter LaGoy  told Selectmen this evening that he would be responsible for spending the $120K to move the project forward, despite his Downtown committee's lack of a voting quorum at their meetings.
         Selectmen's Clerk Geri Holland, at the behest of the town manager, immediately dug out the record from Town Meeting, which stated that the money was to be spent through the Community Preservation Committee. The board agreed that Town manager Norman Khumalo would provide the oversight for that.
         The Board of Selectmen then adjourned and reconvened as the Appointing Committee, inviting Town Moderator Dr. Bruce Karlin to join them in appointing longtime past Appropriations Committee member Ron Eldridge (standing, above), who they solicited to help out.
          "You paid your dues; you've been a loyal citizen for a number if years," said Dr. Karlin.
          "I do hope that some other people step up," he said, conveying the frustration Town Hall has had in getting volunteers to serve on that committee.
          The Downtown Initiative Steering Committee (DISC) has been holding hearings, conducting meetings and getting together with residents to hammer out ideas presented to them by the engineering firm, BETA Group, for the $4 million Downtown revitalization initiatives. The firm continues to assure town leaders that the town's project is in the state's pipeline for funding.
          The (expanded) project scope involves a study of drainage, traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and streetscape on Main Street from Ash Street to Wood Street. An additional piece not considered for funding under this project scope would be the burying of utilities on that stretch estimated to cost upwards of an additional $7-$8 million. That portion would be paid for by taxpayers or utility users, depending upon the funding mechanism.
           The group came before the Selectmen this evening to get their feedback on proposals from the group for improved parking, traffic, streetscape and the burying of utility wires.
           DISC Chairman Tom Nealon presented the group's perspective to the Selectmen. He said that the objective was to balance
moving traffic, but keeping as much street parking as possible. However, the presentation by the group on November 3, 2011 illustrated all of the parking removed in front of Phipps Insurance, Hopkinton Gulf, and Hopkinton Gourmet, as well as some in front of 34 Main Street, and several spaces near Hayden Rowe Street.
            A total of 45 were removed, according to Colella's President Dale Danahy, who expressed surprise this evening that the group was considering acquiring her property to straighten the intersection at Main/Cedar/Grove, especially after the BETA Group said at the DISC hearing November 3rd that that plan was no longer being considered as an alternative. Mrs. Danahy recently resigned from DISC.
            "We [Colella's] may not be here in five years if this [taking of part of Colella's parking lot] goes through.
            "Today, I am flabbergasted that you want to take my property," she said.
            "Unlike Ron Eldridge," she said, "I will not return to this [DISC] committee."
            Mrs. Danahy's departure leaves just four members on the six member committee made up of Tom Nealon, Joe Strazzula, Ken Driscoll and Ria McNamara. However, Ms. McNamara has not attended the last few meetings, and Joe Strazzula, a Downtown business owner, may be forced to resign, if some have their way. Mr. Strazzula is a former Selectman and former longtime Hopkinton resident who is now a Milford resident. He was referred to tacitly this evening in a bid to have him removed from the committee, because he is no longer a resident. Planning Board and Historical Commission member Claire Wright said that he was not reappointed to ZAC for that reason.
            Mrs. Wright also said that the two public hearings by DISC were well attended, but contentious. She noted a reduction from 100 parking spaces down to 56 on the plans, something that would be detrimental to business. She said the proponents would not disclose their cost estimate of the project.
           Mrs. Wright said that at the first meeting, the most drastic proposals, the ones that involved land acquisition, were not on the table, and the less impactful ones were being considered instead, according to reports she read.
            However, she said the diagram that was presented at the second meeting, one she attended, showed a plan that did not include the acquisition of any land; but when the presentation began, the overhead projections did, showing a different version of the plan.
            As a member of the Historic Commission, Mrs. Wright complained to the proponents of the plans that they were considering including the demolition of a historic home at 2 West Main Street. She said she was told  by one of the proponents that they could wait out the 6-month statutory demolition delay on the Circa 1830 home.
             She said she was told by the proponents, "We've cut a deal with the homeowners to buy them out."
             However, the owner of the home at 2 West Main Street,
Will Jacomme, was in attendance this evening, and said that although he was amenable to moving the home to another piece of land, the committee never discussed a price with him.
            "Our treasures should be protected," Mrs. Wright said.
            "The benefit for the proposed plan for this intersection is essentially to improve it for truck traffic going to the recycling center [Harvey's] on the border of Westborough and Hopkinton," she concluded.
            Jackie Potenzone (file photo), owner of a home business at 12 Wood Street, spoke passionately about not having had a good night's sleep since the November meeting she attended. Mrs. Potenzone complained of there not being an overlay on the plans showing a before and after, and said that her neighbor at 2 West Main Street did not know of the committee's plans to acquire his home until she told him she read it on HopNews.
            "I speak for the Downtown," she said, but that is not accurate.
            She said the plans that the public was told were moving forward were not the same ones she saw presented this evening, concluding that if the group changed their minds, they should have held another hearing and invited the public. She said she felt slighted. She said that if the plan to demolish 2 West Main Street was carried out, she would have headlights hitting her home. She called the change "a bait and switch."
            Selectman Ben Palleiko suggested, to the agreement of his fellow board members, that of all of the goals of the committee, the group should consider moving the parking component forward right away. DISC member Ken Driscoll said that they had been in conversation with land owners at —  and surrounding — Bill's Pizza to acquire land in that area for expanded parking.
            After their time at the microphone was over, Selectman Brian Herr lambasted those who criticized the DISC committee, calling the members "...volunteers who have spent a lot of time."
            "Don't yell at volunteers who have spent thousands of hours on this," he said crossly to the critics of the plan.
            However, after the meeting, Frank D'Urso, who also spoke against the plan, pointed out that the three major critics were also volunteers, among them serving on about a dozen town or civic organizations combined. 

   

Christina P. (Sprague) McGrath, 84 

HOPKINTON - Christina P. (Sprague) McGrath, 84, died Monday, December 5, 2011 in Milford.  Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Stella (McDonald) Poirier.  She was employed by T.J.'s Restaurant, Ashland, for over 20 years. 

She is surived by her daughters Cynthia LePouttre of Springfield, Patricia Braley of NC, Marie Braley of Hopkinton and Deborah Evans of OH; her sons James of Milford and Robert of IL; 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren   In addition, she leaves her brother Ronald Poirier of NH and her sisters Mary Carey and Joann (Susie) Deletti, both of Hopkinton. 

Calling hours will take place Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street.   A funeral service will commence at the funeral home at 5:00 p.m.   

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA  02241-7005

SERVICE GUIDE

   

   

Milford Regional’s Tree of Life Raises Funds for Cancer Care

Milford Regional Medical Center’s Tree of Life event raised over $14,000 to benefit the Oliva Patient Comfort Fund. Over 190 guests attended this annual gathering which celebrates life and is a tribute for those who have survived cancer, who have battled the disease or who have been touched by cancer.  

Members of the community enjoyed entertainment provided by The Holiday Mix quartet from The Sounds of Concord Barbershop Chorus. The group performed a 4-part a cappella harmony in barbershop style with true heart-felt emotion. Comments were made by Francis M. Saba, Milford Regional CEO, Edward J. Kelly, Milford Regional president and oncologists Michael Constantine, MD, and Mona Kaddis, MD, Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center. The group then moved outside along a path lit by tribute luminaries to the front of the Medical Center for the tree lighting ceremony. Each candle on the tree is a symbol that honors or remembers a loved one affected by cancer. The tree will remain lit during the holiday season as a reminder of hope in the fight against cancer. 

The Oliva Patient Comfort Fund will assist oncology patients purchase items to help make their lives more comfortable during their treatment at the Medical Center and Cancer Center. To receive information regarding donations to Milford Regional Medical Center please contact the Foundation Office, Milford Regional, 14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757 or call (508) 422-2228. Donations may also be made online at http://www.milfordregional.org/ .
 The annual Tree of Life was lit by cancer patient Dayra Ocasio and her son Angel Gomez, pictured here with oncologist Michael Constantine, MD.  Milford Regional raised over $14,000 for cancer care. Contributed content.

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

           

Hopkinton Resident One of Two River Students Receive All-New England Honors in Football

WESTON, MA – The Rivers School is proud to announce that two members of its senior class have been named All-New England Class C Selections in football. Chelsea resident Ash’Shaquor Sandiford ’12 and Hopkinton resident William Oldach ’12 both received the honor. 

“Shaq and Billy are two outstanding young men both on and off the field,” said head football coach, Dan Keohane. 

As Rivers’ quarterback, Sandiford ran for more than 400 yards and passed for more than 1,000 yards this season. Keohane said he was the “heart and soul” of the team. 

Oldach has experienced great success as a long snapper and was also named the New England Class C Lineman of the Year. Coach Keohane called him one of the hardest working players he has seen. “Both were great leaders and will be missed next year,” said Keohane.

 

    

SEN SPILKA AND OTHERS TO DISCUSS DANGERS OF TEXTING WHILE DRIVING AT KEEFE 

Senator Karen Spilka will speak to students about the dangers of texting while driving at the Joseph P. Keefe Technical High School, 750 Winter Street, Framingham, MA Wednesday, December 7th 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 

The event is part of AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign aimed at raising awareness about the risks of texting and driving. As part of the presentation tomorrow, AT&T will show a 10-minute documentary which tells the true stories of young drivers whose lives were altered or even ended because of texting and driving. 

Principal John Evens, Mike Fabbri of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office (File photo), and Dave Mancuso of AT&T are also scheduled to address the students beginning at 8:30 a.m. The program will then be repeated for a second group of students at 9:40 a.m. 

Spilka also spoke to students and young drivers when the presentation was held in October at Marian High School in Framingham. 

>   FOOD AND BEVERAGE   <

Toys for Tots Drop-Off Box Locations

• Hopkinton Police Station Lobby • High School • Middle School • Hopkins School 

YOUR HOME   

 

   

Police News UP-TO-DATE <---- CLICK FOR FULL REPORT
 
- December 5, 2011
 

1:24 pm A homeowner on East Main Street called to report that there is a giant pig... 

8:01 pm Caller reports her 18 year old daughter is babysitting on Pond Street... 

1:49 pm A C Street resident called to report what appeared to be a drug transaction... 

6:54 am New England Laborers Training Center called to complain of a man trespassing with his dog... 

5:40 pm Caller reports that a man on Saddle Hill Road on his bicycle is yelling at him..

   

3... 2...1... Lights!

December 5, 2011 — Kelley Danahy holds one of her young charges today immediately following the tree lighting at The Learning Center of Hopkinton on Wood Street.

SERVICE GUIDE

   

   

Spikey Do

December 5, 2011 — This rust-colored squirrel at North Mill Pond shows off its savvy fashion sense with its spiked ear-do.

 

    

Rare, Indeed

December 5, 2011 — These reclusive mergansers found a spot away from not only people, but cameras as well in East Hopkinton.

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

           

ST. PAUL’S INVITES ALL TO “BLUE CHRISTMAS” SERVICE DECEMBER 18
 

HOPKINTON, MASS. (December 5, 2011) – Do you need some comfort and fellowship during this holiday season? St. Paul’s Episcopal Church invites you to a non-denominational "Blue Christmas" service on December 18 at 6:00 p.m. This is a special reflective service to acknowledge the blue in our Christmas. It will be a service of readings, music, candle lighting, and silence and will take place in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s, which is located at 61 Wood Street (Rte. 135) in Hopkinton. All are welcome.

>   FOOD AND BEVERAGE   <

 

Menorah Lighting Celebration in Hopkinton 

Come celebrate Chanukah in Hopkinton with a menorah lighting at the Town Common. The lighting will be on the first night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 20th at 5:00 p.m. We’ll light the menorah, sing a few songs and even enjoy some treats!  Hope to see you there!*

YOUR HOME   

 

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Compiled  for HopNews.com by Robert Falcione © 2011 All Rights Reserved

New Transactions from November 27, 2011 to December 5, 2011

Address

Buyer

Price

Date

Seller

12 Trevor Lane Matthew Cullinan, Jessica Cullinan $455,000 December 12, 2011 Pannaben H Nangha, Chavda Chaitanya
68 Ash Street Brooke N Ferencsik, Tracey L Ferencsik $470,000 December 2, 2011
Rebecca M Brosnan
208 Wood Street Frankie Investments LLZC $199,000 November 30, 2011 Patricia M Kennedy_Canava, Thomas F Canava
16 Blueberry Lane Emily Anderson, Todd D Anderson $615,000 November 30, 2011 Karen L Weiskerger, Gregg Weiskerger
6 oak Street Hongliang Tang, Oiang Shao $860,000 November 30, 2011 Dean Giovanniello, Lillian Giovanniello
52 Walcott Valley Drive #53 David M Jones, Aureliea A Jones $170,000 November 29, 2011 Eileen Flynn, Elaine Oliveiri Elaine, Paul R Annunziata, Estate of
   Last Week        

47 Saddle Hill Road

Jinchuan Yang, Wenli Li

$475,000

November 28, 2011

Catherine M Lynch, Ichael J Lynch

Week Before

       

7 Oliver Lane

Anand Narayan, Kalavathi Anand

$515,000

November 18, 2011

Vijay Sundhar, Rukmini Sundhar

9 Hillcrest Drive

Sarah Wills

$255,000

November 18, 2011

Makepar Corp

36 Alexander Road

Steve Perryman

$439,000

November 17, 2011

Renata M Clark Fam Tr, Michael S Clark Tr, Diana C Clark Tr

11 Canterbury Lane

Vincent L Porzio, Margarita, Porzio

$812,500

November 15, 2011

Allen J Peshler, Deborah L Peshler

   

Caroling at the Library 
Please enjoy a clip from the ESL Carolers at the Hopkinton Public Library on Friday:

YOUR HOME   

 

Photographer Available for Portraits

Individual and family portraits by photographer Robert Falcione, as well as portrait gift certificates, are available before and after the holidays.

All of the photos on HopNews pages 1 and 2, are by Robert Falcione, unless otherwise noted. To schedule a portrait, please call 508-435-5534, or to learn more, visit http://www.PhotoImages.com/ .

>   FOOD AND BEVERAGE   <

August Hangos, 86


August Hangos, 86
, of Hopkinton, passed away Friday, December 2, 2011. Born in Chicago, he was the son of the late August and Sophie (Myers) Hangos. He was the husband of the late Irene Hangos.

August was a member of the Carpenter's Union Local #475, with 50 years of service in the field. He was retired for 15 years, and had just received a 65 year pin. He was a member of Woodville Rod and Gun Club, rode his motorcycle until the age of 82, and was a member of the Distant Thunder for many years.

He is survived by his son, Mark Hangos of Hopkinton, a sister Dorothy Bagdonas of Marion, IL and one grandson, Kyle Hangos of Westborough. He is predeceased by his former wife Eleanore Hangas.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 7th from 9:30a.m.-10:30a.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton with a service following in the funeral home at 11:00a.m. Burial will follow in West Sutton Cemetery in Sutton.

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

           

Tradition

December 3, 2011 — Prior to the lighting of the Christmas tree this afternoon on the Hopkinton Common by the Parks and Recreation Department, the hundreds of attendees were treated to caroling by the Girl Scouts and hot chocolate as well as visits with Santa. To the left of the tree is a crèche put up each year by a volunteer group. Unlike previous years, the interior of the display is secluded by a Plexiglas barrier that keeps people from entering the space. A couple of years ago, someone stole the figure of the baby Jesus, and despite reward offers, it was not returned. To the right of the gazebo, off-camera, is an unlit menorah, which will be lit, one light at a time, starting on December 21.

 

    

Fa, La, La

December 3, 2011 — ESL's singers perform holiday songs at the Hopkinton Public Library to the delight of about 100 adults and children.

SERVICE GUIDE

   

   

Ho, Ho, Ho

December 3, 2011 — Patrons of the Library's program, who happened to walk out at the end of their program to visit Santa at the Common this afternoon, were excited to see him drive by on his way there in an antique fire truck driven by Tom McIntyre.

   

Face Painting

Dedember 3, 2011 — Danielle Sutton puts the finishing touches on 5 year-old John Marchetti today at the Hopkinton Drug Open House.

   

One of a Kind

December 3, 2011 — Hopkinton artist Ashley Jackson renders his perspective of Andrew Hayes this afternoon at Hopkinton Drug's Open House.

YOUR HOME   

 

Star of the Day

December 3, 2011 — Pierce Wellington sings with children's entertainer Cheryl Melody at the Hopkinton Drug Annual Open House today.

>   FOOD AND BEVERAGE   <

One Plus One

December 3, 2011 — This great blue heron was one of a pair this afternoon on Lake Maspenock.

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

           

            Checked out the Hopkinton Interactive Calendar Lately? Here is what is on today: 

• Santa Claus Weston Nurseries. 10 AM - 11:30 AM, and 1 PM - 3 PM 93 E Main St Hopkinton.

• Library 7th Annual Holiday Program - 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Music performances & story time.

•  4:00 pm Holiday Caroling on the Common, Presented by the Hopkinton Girl Scouts and Hopkinton Parks and Recreation. Caroling and Hot Chocolate 4pm. visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Write A Letter to Santa...

• "New England Song" Hopkinton Middle School auditorium 88 Hayden Rowe Street 7:00 pm

• A Christmas Carol, presented by Enter Stage Left Theater at the Hopkinton Historical Society, 168 Hayden Rowe St, 7:00pm, Tickets available at the door or at http://www.enterstagelefttheater.org/

Hopkinton Drug Open House - See banner above

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

           

Bah, Humbug!

December 2, 2011 — Enter Stage Left Theater presented their premier performance of A Christmas Carol this evening at the Hopkinton Historical Society, 168 Hayden Rowe Street. Check the Interactive Calendar for other performances this weekend and next.

>   FOOD AND BEVERAGE   <

New England Song

December 2, 2011 — Performed by the Hopkinton Middle School drama Club, this play features the works of three early New England authors as well as a cast of many. They will have an encore performance Saturday at 7:00 pm.

YOUR HOME   

 

Artists' Reception

December 2, 2011 — Andrea Green and Kris Waldman were two of the CAA member artists showing their work at a reception at the farmhouse on Hayden Rowe Street this evening. The show is open to the public for the rest of the month.

   

   

Capital Article to Address IT Improvements

by Muriel Kramer
December 2, 2011 —
The School Committee with its Director of Technology Kathy Dooley and the Town Manager with new Town IT Director Chris McClure have put the finishing touches on a proposal to bring to Annual Town Meeting in May for a technology initiative that includes a capital article for $301,000 to be spent under the direction of the School’s Director of Technology. This effort has been discussed at the School Committee meeting over the last month. The capital article includes onetime expenses to address virtualization, networking equipment, a necessary wiring project at Elmwood and administrative work station replacements for the School Department and the Town. The Board of Selectmen will hear the complete proposal at their meeting on December 20th.  

The joint project intends to both improve services and reduce costs over time. The plan will also move some technology around, as some equipment is adequate for the Town’s needs but no longer capable of handling the School department needs. In all about 30 town servers will be eliminated reducing operating and maintenance costs. According to McClure and Dooley this should lead to easier management, increased data protection and a more secure environment overall. 

The operating budget will also be affected by the technology initiative, and the options there are still being discussed. According to Dooley, the operating budget will capture the replacement schedule and includes professional services to get new equipment on line. The goal is to maintain a five year replacement schedule, so no equipment is more than five years old. That will also allow the Town and School Departments to take advantage of new technologies as they become available because they will always have up to date equipment in the inventory. The plan at this point also builds in a network administrator and possible assistants. In short, this initiative does represent an overall increase proposed for the operating budget going forward. 

The large capital article was removed by the School Committee from their capital project list given that it is a joint effort much like the ADA improvements have been; it was not clear who the sponsor would then be. The $301,000 initiative is split about 70/30, and the monies if approved at ATM will be spent under the direction of the School Director of Technology. The option for the operational budget approach has not been finalized, so the impact to the bottom line is not firm. The School Committee also briefly discussed the full list of capital initiatives that are under consideration this year which total 2.7 million dollars without the technology piece. Amid murmurs that this was too much to take forward from committee members, the decision was made to maintain placeholders for all of the initiatives on the ATM Warrant. “If it was me, I’d put them all on,” said School Committee member Troy Mick. 

Dr. Jonathan Landman, Superintendent of Schools, asked if there was any value in prioritizing the items on the list at this time but that was not taken up. For her part, School Committee member Nancy Alvarez Burdick did assert, that while being in support of maintain placeholder positions for the proposed articles, “I’m not comfortable at all bringing that many millions of dollars worth of capital articles forward; I will be looking for opportunities to discuss and prioritize later.” 

The School Committee members continue to encourage the public to respond to the surveys currently available online or in hard copy form at the Library or Senior Center. The survey does ask about alternatives that would necessitate land purchases, and the School Committee had Director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting, Elaine Lazarus, in to the meeting to discuss parcels now privately held in town that could be looked at should the public decide to build a new school on a new parcel located more closely to downtown or in downtown. That initiative is in its infancy especially given that survey results are not yet in. The survey remains open until December 6th. School Committee member Rebecca Robak also reminded the public that the Center School initiative, in whatever form that eventually takes, is intended to include moving the Pre k program from the Middle School to Center School.

SERVICE GUIDE

   

   

Hopkinton Education Foundation Celebrates 20 Years
with $1 Million Dollar Goal and Revitalized Website
 

ThumbnailHopkinton, MA, November 29, 2011 – The Hopkinton Education Foundation is celebrating 20 years of supporting innovation in Hopkinton public schools by kicking off its annual appeal, in an effort to reach $1 million in grants since its inception, and by rolling out a new website that details the positive impact the organization has in its community. (Please enjoy a reprise of a HopNews video of how technology can make a difference in schools). 

For the past 20 years, the Hopkinton Education Foundation has provided more than 275 grants totaling about $900,000 to the Hopkinton public schools. These grants have touched all five schools and support educators as they search for and deliver new ways to teach students. Grants have included introducing iPad and e-book technology to enhance second and third grade language arts curriculum, piloting a writing mentoring program between fifth and first grade students, providing interactive software to high school science classes, and helping Center School teachers implement new literacy assessments and instruction.  

This year, the Hopkinton Education Foundation celebrates the good it does with a goal of reaching $1 million in grant support through its annual appeal and other fundraising initiatives held throughout the year, such as its Thank-a-Teacher program, annual gala, and spring Golf Ball Drop. Its annual appeal, which highlights grants, upcoming programs, and donors, is being mailed to Hopkinton residents the week of November 28.  

In the 2010-2011 school year we provided about $79,000 in grants to help our town’s educators. Each dollar raised through the kindness of corporate and individual sponsors not only helps our teachers and administrators bring new ideas and innovative tools to our classrooms, but it also opens up a world of exciting possibilities for the way students can learn,” says Hopkinton Education Foundation President Di Collins.  

The Education Foundation is rich in history that has been built on 20 years of volunteer services. The most important factor in a quality school is what happens in the classroom. The Hopkinton Education Foundation started as a grass roots effort that had and continues to have a direct link to the classroom,” says Tim Kilduff, former Education Foundation President. 

Collins says the Education Foundation could not be where it is today without the continued generous support of individual donors and corporate sponsors.

 

    

Hopkinton Potter at Holiday Craft Fair and Market

 

Get in the Christmas spirit at the Holiday Craft Fair and Market at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll find gifts of pottery by Carol Mecagni, jewelry, wooden stocking stuffers, food, clothing and unique items for holiday entertaining and gift-giving.

 

The church is located at 183 West Main Street, Westborough at the fork of Route 30 and West Main Street. Handicap accessible. Plenty of parking. For more information call: 508-366-7095

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

           

HOLIDAY RETAIL FAIR AND WOMEN-ONLY OPEN NETWORKING 

On Monday, December 5th, NEW (Network of Enterprising Women) will host a holiday retail fair and open networking for all area business women. From 8:30 am and until 10:00 am and located at the Faith Community Church, Rte 135, Hopkinton, attendees will be; treated to a free, healthy breakfast, an opportunity to network with other Metro West business women and time to visit/shop at the many retail tables provided by members. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase and all proceeds will go to benefit Project Just Because of Hopkinton. All Metro West women are welcomed to attend. For more info on NEW, go to; http://www.networkofenterprisingwomen.com/

   

YOUR HOME   

 

Off-Road

December 1, 2011 — This vehicle ended up against a tree on Cedar Street without any apparent skid marks leading to it. Two EMTs accompanied the male operator in the ambulance to the hospital, and two wreckers removed it from the ditch.

>   FOOD AND BEVERAGE   <

Steady Hands

December 1, 2011 — Ralph Cram watches Arthur Lowell's shot head toward its target this morning in the Hopkinton Senior Center's activity room. The facility was abuzz with activity. The computer room was well occupied, another room was filled with people making quilts, the lobby entertained a dozen women knitting charitable gifts, the kitchen was preparing a low-priced meal, and the Hopkinton Garden Club was assembling table decorations for the Veterans' monthly Friday morning breakfast.

   

Labor of Love

December 1, 2011 — These guests of the Hopkinton Senior Center, part of a group of about a dozen, are knitting items to be donated to Project Just Because, a Hopkinton-based charity.

SERVICE GUIDE

   

   

 

    

Donations for Dogs

Hopkinton Girl Scout Troop 72977 is running a dog food drive to benefit Greyhound Friends.  They are accepting dog food donations (dry or canned dog food, dog biscuits, white rice or olive oil) at the Holiday on the Common event on Saturday 12/3.  If you cannot bring a donation to the event, take a gift tag from the dog house then drop off donations at the Library, Elmwood School, and directly at Greyhound Friends until 12/23/11.

Pictured (from left to right): Leah Patrick, Charly Cheverie, Zoe Beauregard, Elizabeth Schneider, Deirdre Belger, and Megan Joyce (missing are Abbey Lussier and Emily Jurasek) with one of our Dog House Donation bins. Contributed photo.

 >   YOUR VEHICLE   <

           

204-Acre Terry Property Under Agreement 

(<---Click to enlarge) November 30, 2011 — Responding to questions about rumors circulating in Hopkinton today, Hopkinton resident and entrepreneur Paul Mastroianni conceded that he has reached an agreement to purchase 204 acres of land from former Hopkinton residents Mary and William Terry. Mr. Mastroianni said that he expects to sign a Purchase and Sale agreement "in a couple of weeks."
       A formal agreement to sell land that has been taxed under  forestry Chapter 61 or agricultural Chapter 61A, would trigger the Town of Hopkinton's Right of First Refusal to match the offer agreed upon within 120 days if it so desires.
         In 2005, the land was under agreement between the Terrys and a buyer for $8 million with contingencies that the town claimed altered the actual selling price, giving them the right to revisit if the price came down. The town passed on that offer, but that was not the end — and the price went up, instead.
         The next year, 2006, Erickson Retirement Communities offered $12 million for the land, but with stipulations. After nearly a year of intense engineering studies and meetings with officials from Milford Water company and the Town of Hopkinton, Erickson abandoned the idea, saying that there was not enough contiguous dry land to build their campus-style community the way they wanted. Erickson had hoped to build 1,500 units for elderly there. A year later Erickson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was purchased under those terms to an investment company. And in June of this year, the founder, his family members and others were sued for $100 million by a trustee who claims that company assets were siphoned off for personal purchases. However, the property will soon have a  steward with a proven track record if all goes as planned between Mr. Mastroianni and the Terrys.
         Citing the Midas touch, one family member once said of Paul Mastroianni, "Everything he touches turns to gold!"
         Mr. Mastroianni purchased 77 West Main Street, where the Dynasty is located, upgraded that property, and recently built a separate facility for a doctor's practice in the rear. He told a skeptical Planning Board at the time that the property would end up with more parking spaces after the additional building was built on top of the existing parking spaces. Somehow, it did.
         Mr. Mastroianni also owns the new Post Office, which he also had built.
         "I am trying to continue the legacy of the Terry family,"  said Mr. Mastroianni in a telephone interview this evening about the land under agreement..
         "I am very excited to work with the town and do something for the town. The town has always been good to me," he said.
         Asked about rumors that he would like to build a hotel, he said that the land was not zoned for that use, but that he would be "exploring the options of what the land can provide for the town of Hopkinton."
         The Terry land abuts his current 77 Main Street property and continues down Lumber Street on that side. It appears from the map that the property reaches as far as Chamberlain Street to the south and nearly to the end of Whalen Road to the east.
         Mr. Mastroianni would not reveal the purchase price this evening. It will be public information when the town is notified of the formal Purchase and Sale.

   

Adolescent Health Survey Results are In
Vast majority of Hopkinton Middle and High School students participate

See the presentation here

Above, Hopkinton High School Principal Alyson Geary lists the goals for the evening. 

November 30, 2011 — Jean Vallera Vazza, Hopkinton Youth Services Coordinator, and Danielle Petrucci, Hopkinton K-12 Wellness Coordinator, presented their take on the results of the 2010 Adolescent Health Survey that asked questions about tobacco and drug use, as well as sex, bullying and violence, of Hopkinton Middle and High School students, to parents of those students this evening.
       The survey was self-administered, voluntary and anonymous. Of Hopkinton Middle School students, 94% participated. 93% of Hopkinton High School students participated. The large numbers of students sampled — added to the anonymous nature of the questioning — lends credibility to its results. This evening's meeting was held for parents to increase their awareness of the data, develop a plan to reduce risky behavior, and share prevention and intervention strategies.
       Some of the data compiled was good news, but other data was not as welcome.
       Since 2006, Cigarette use has tripled, from 1% to 3% of students having reported using within 30 days of the questionnaire, but alcohol use has dropped dramatically since 2008, from 10% to 4%, and marijuana use has stayed level at 3% since 2008. Nonetheless, cigarette and alcohol use by Hopkinton students was significantly lower than the average for the state.
        Misuse of prescription drugs has, over the four year period, increased from 9% to 11%.
       Compared to data from the Metrowest region, Hopkinton students' cigarette and marijuana consumption was higher, but alcohol use was lower in comparison to past groups, as was the regional use.
        HopNews will link the entire presentation tomorrow, when it becomes available.    

YOUR HOME   

 

 

All content on this site and linked pages within this domain and affiliate domains are ©2009 Hopkinton News and may not reproduced in any form without written permission. Learn more.