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 - December 19, 2011 

2:46 pm A caller complained of someone riding up and down Pleasant Street... 

5:46 pm A neighbor complained of someone operating heavy equipment... 

12:20 pm A resident complained about a family of beavers... 

4:26 pm A caller hit a deer on Wilson Street, but the deer fled... 

12:57 pm A Yale Road resident reported that a neighbor is shooting BBs... 

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New Album by Hopkinton's Barbara Kessler Jump-Started by Online Sales 

December 18, 2011 — Hopkinton resident Barbara Kessler (file photo), whose work has graced these pages several times, has recorded a new album of songs from the heart that is available for pre-release purchase exclusively from PledgeMusic.com and offered here first. In addition to the album, there are various levels of involvement for fans, all the way from a signed CD, to a full band concert, and everything in between. 

The funds raised with the album "pre-sales" will be used to fund the promotion to radio and press for the official "release" in January. A portion of the proceeds raised during pre-sales will be donated to the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. The cover art for the CD was created by local artist, Sue Pelletier. Have a listen, compliments of Barbara Kessler, to "New Me," a single from the album, and check out the video above, with a greeting from Barbara and a peek at the album cover art.

The Wow Factor

December 18, 2011 — Three and a half year-old Norah Cox shares something bright and colorful with mom, Maegan, at Weston Nurseries Garden Center this afternoon.

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If the Hat Fits...

December 18, 2011 — Pam Hamlin has a good laugh as son, Jack, tries on a festive hat at Hopkinton Drug this afternoon.

YOUR HOME   

Maxine E. Adams, 79 

Maxine E. Adams, 79, was called home to be with her beloved husband, Francis Adams, on Saturday, December 17, 2011. Born in Milford, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Maxine Wright.

A lifelong Hopkinton resident, Maxine was a gracious hostess at Maxine's Marathon Madness for the past 12 years. She worked for the town of Hopkinton for 33 years and spending time with her family and friends was one of the things she valued most.

She is survived by her brother, Robert and his wife Rita of North Carolina, and her four children, Robert Adams of Phillips, Maine, Donald Adams of Framingham, Deborah Wright and her husband Timothy of Hopkinton, and James Adams and his wife Jaynne of Hopkinton. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Kelly Gilman, Alisa Adams, Andrea Adams, Jaime Wright, Daniel Wright and his wife Michelle, Samantha Brinton and her husband Rob, Chelsea Adams, Holly Adams and James Adams. She also leaves behind 2 great grandchildren and many extended grandchildren who lovingly called her Nan.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 4-7p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 10:00a.m. at St. Paul�s Episcopal Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St. Boston, MA. 02115 or dana-farber.org  File photo.

If It Quacks Like a Duck...

December 18, 2011 — This creature, by all accounts, appears to be an American bald eagle spreading its wings on a rock on Lake Maspenock this afternoon. A young seagull is in the upper left, and West Main Street is above the rocks on the horizon. The eagle is at least 1,000 feet from the camera, which was on the shore of Woody Island.

SERVICE GUIDE

Sturbridge Motor Vehicle Stop Leads to 159 Pounds of Marijuana

December 17, 2011 — Today at 12:19, Trooper Scott Driscoll from the State Police Barracks in Sturbridge stopped a 2011 Toyota Sienna for motor vehicle violations on Route 84 eastbound by the toll booths in Sturbridge.  

While the trooper was conducting the motor vehicle stop, he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the inside the car. He requested assistance from Trooper Christopher Coscia and his K-9 partner Dante (HopNews file photo). Dante alerted to the vehicle, which subsequently led to the discovery of approximately 159 pounds of marijuana.  

Placed under arrest at the scene was the driver, ANDREW K. LOCKE, 34, of Surprise, Arizona, and his 30-year-old passenger, TANIK S. KERR of Phoenix. Both parties are charged with distribution of a class D substance. Additionally, Locke was charged with failing to keep right, speeding, and unsafe lane change. 

Both men are due in Dudley District Court on Monday. Contributed content.

Medfield 72, Hopkinton 58

December 16, 2011 — Ryan Hamilton starts his drive down the court looking for two against Medfield at the Athletic Center this evening. Below, Charlotte Cheney and Katherine Sheridan sing the "Star Spangled Banner" a cappella, and for much of the song, albeit inadvertently, without amplification.

It was Hiller Fan Appreciation Night at the Athletic Center, and fans got in for free. They in turn showed their appreciation by showing up in the hundreds.

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Medfield 61, Hopkinton 39

December 16, 2011 — The Hillers fell to a hard driving Medfield team this evening in the Athletic Center. Above, Lindsey Doucette starts a drive down the court.

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Trooper Relieved of Duty - Allegedly Found with Streetwalker in Cruiser 

LYNN - December 16, 2011 — EFRAIN MONTANEZ, 50, of Salem, was observed by Lynn officers picking up a suspected prostitute, who entered his pickup truck in a parking lot between Union and Blake Streets, near Central Square. Lynn officers followed the pickup for a short distance, until it stopped on Suffolk Street. The Lynn officers approached on foot, observed MONTANEZ and KATELYN PUMPHRET, 23, believed to be homeless with a last known address in Winthrop, engaged in a sexual act inside the truck. After an officer displayed his badge, MONTANEZ put the truck in reverse and then accelerated forward to get away. As he did so, one of the Lynn officers had to put his hands on the truck and push himself away to avoid getting hit.  

The Lynn officers followed the vehicle. At the intersection of Washington and Broad streets, the passenger door swung open and PUMPHRET exited the vehicle. The truck continued driving, and Lynn officers activated a blue light on one of the pursuing vehicles. The truck ran a stop sign at the intersection of Nahant and West Baltimore streets and ultimately pulled over at Nahant at Lynn Shore Drive.  

MONTANEZ was taken into custody and charged with unnatural acts; assault with a dangerous weapon (the vehicle); failure to stop for police, and stop sign violation. PUMPHRET was charged with unnatural acts and being a common streetwalker. Please note that these charges were filed by Lynn officers and for the full details of the arrest, media should contact Lynn.  

The pick up truck is MONTANEZ’s department issued unmarked cruiser. He was off-duty at the time of the incident.  

MONTANEZ is a 27-year veteran of the State Police and is currently assigned to the Gang Unit. Two State Police commanders responded to the Lynn Police station and relieved MONTANEZ of duty. State Police have taken custody of his badge and his department firearm. He was bailed from the station and is expected to be arraigned today in Lynn District Court. For arraignment results, please contact the Essex District Attorney’s office. State Police will monitor the progress of the criminal case against MONTANEZ.  

Additionally, State Police have scheduled a hearing for late this morning to amend MONTANEZ’s duty status. The State Police Internal Affairs Section will open its own investigation.  

The actions of MONTANEZ as alleged in the Lynn Police report are an outrageous breach of duty and a violation of the public trust. MONTANEZ’s behavior, as alleged, is an utter embarrassment to the Department and the overwhelming majority of troopers who wear the badge with integrity and honor. The Department has no tolerance for such conduct and will take appropriate action.  

We are grateful that no Lynn Police officer suffered serious injury and we thank the Lynn officers for their restraint in last night’s incident. ~ MSP
~ Contributed content.

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Winterized Your Spigot Yet? What's a Spigot? 
See Peter Zereski in this reprise of a very helpful HopNews Household Tip

SERVICE GUIDE

Hospice Volunteers Sought

SolAmor Hospice is currently seeking volunteers to support their Novel Approach program of complimentary therapies used with hospice patients. Reiki, Music, Pet, and massage, scrapbooking are some of the volunteer opportunities available. Volunteers are also needed to be weekly companions to patients as well to sit vigil during closing hours of life. Training programs are being offered. All volunteers are screened and are a valued part of the interdisciplinary team. Volunteers are especially needed in the Greater Milford Area. If you are interested please call Karen Spangler at 508-743-0203 or Karen.Spangler@solamorhospice.com .

Ed harrow has offered to share his letter to Selectmen with HopNews readers: 

Resident Unhappy with Downtown Study Process

Dear Board; 

News reports featured an extensive report on the recent Board meeting where DISC presented their controversial plan to ‘align’ the Main St/Cedar St intersection. No data was provided about the actual results of the traffic signal cycle modification, “If the traffic light tweaks would have provided close or equivalent benefit, ‘We would not have gone down that road.’ ” (Quoting Tom Nealon as quoted in the MWDN). When was the test done? For how many, and which days? What time of day were the tests conducted? Where is the data and how was it collected? Was all or any portion of the duration of the test recorded on video? Oh, wait, do I understand the failure of such a modification is mere opinion? ‘Alignment’ of this intersection will cost hundreds of thousands, if not a million dollars, and we’re not going to even run empirical tests with a modified signal light cycle? I guess it’s fun spending Other People’s Money. 

Said intersection ‘alignment’ targets a third-generation small business that is the heart of the community. I find that utterly amazing. That this ‘improvement’ should be under the auspicious of an appointed committee consisting, mostly, of members of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce (Some of whom are not even town residents!) is shocking. That such a committee, made up of said members, could believe that such disruption would have little or no effect on Collela’s Market is beyond absurd. Further, that they would agree to significant loss of convenient parking spaces along Main St speaks volumes.  

The Wood St intersection has been a subject of discussion for years. The ‘improvements’ sought should have been accomplished when Patten Plumbing closed, and the planning for Next Generation begun, not at the expense of an iconic Hopkinton home just to benefit Next Generation patrons, and truck traffic that likely has an out of town destination. Perhaps the ‘study’ has collected data determining the source and destination towns of those trucks that navigate that intersection and has that on file? 

I fail to see how removing convenient parking spaces, demolishing an icon house, significantly and adversely disrupting a long-established Hopkinton business, all just to ‘improve’ traffic flow through town for a few hours five days a week generates any benefit to Hopkinton businesses and little, if any, to our residents. I see said ‘improvements’ as only benefiting those who are passing through, not those of us who are stuck with the bill. Perhaps the committee has collected traffic-volume data, and can provide same so that the town citizens might know the hours of peak flow so that we may better understand, by dividing those few hours a day into the total bill, and dividing that value by an arbitrary 20 years, the cost of this project on a benefit-hour basis. Further, I question the impacts ‘down stream’ of a greater volume of traffic moving through Hopkinton at a higher speed. I would like to see the data collected as to how these ‘improvements’ will effect afternoon and evening traffic at the South Street lights, and on to Upton.  

Lastly, as one 30-year resident who will be stuck with the bill, I attended a public presentation done at the High School. When an attendance sheet was passed around I provided my name, address, phone number and email. I expected, quite naturally, to be advised of future meetings. I was not. 

Sincerely,
Edwin E Harrow
8 Spring Lane
Hopkinton, MA 01748
December 12, 2011

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MIDDLESEX SAVINGS BANK APPOINTS TWO HOPKINTON RESIDENTS TO NEW POSITIONS  

NATICK, Mass. – December 15, 2011 – Middlesex Savings Bank president John R. Heerwagen has announced that Hopkinton residents John (Jack) Dean and Kathleen A. Maroney have been elected officers of the bank and promoted to new positions.

Dean has been promoted to Community Banking Officer and manager of the Middlesex branch at 235 Old Connecticut Path in Framingham. He had been assistant manager of the bank’s branch in Holliston. Before joining Middlesex in 2001 he was an assistant manager at Citizens Bank. He also worked at Caldor Corporation as a customer service manager.

       A 1992 graduate of Emerson College, Dean holds a bachelor degree in advertising with minors in both public relations and mass communication. He is a board member of the Hopkinton Lions Club and has volunteered for Metrowest Habitat for Humanity. He resides in Hopkinton with his wife Renee and daughter Linnea.

       Maroney joined Middlesex Savings in 2011 and has been promoted to vice president and manager of government-assisted lending in the bank’s commercial division. She works with borrowers and lenders on the underwriting and management of loans that have been enhanced and strengthened with assistance from government agencies such as the United States Small Business Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation.

       A 1983 graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a degree in economics, Maroney joined Middlesex Savings in 2011 after four years as vice president and commercial services manager at Metro Credit Union. Her extensive career in banking and finance also includes nearly 20 years in credit, lending, and relationship management positions at Multibank and its successors BankBoston and Fleet.

       She also served for two years as business development and finance specialist for the Center for Women and Enterprise, and she continues to share her professional expertise with women entrepreneurs as a volunteer expert for The Story Exchange.

Looking for something FREE to do during school vacation?  

Join the Hopkinton Demons for a FREE children’s ice skating lesson, free skate and pizza party on Wednesday, December 28^th from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Navin Arena, Route 85 in Marlboro. Kids aged 4-10 are welcome. Skaters must have helmet, skates and mittens or gloves. No hockey gear or sticks allowed. For more information contact Harry Keates at programdirector@demonsyouthhockey.org. For directions to the rink, visit http://www.fmcicesports.com/. The Demons are Hopkinton’s official youth hockey organization. Visit their website at www.demonsyouthhockey.org

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Kindergarten Registration beginning Dec. 29

Registration for the September 2012 Kindergarten class will be held at Center School in Hopkinton on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, 9:00- 2:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, 3:30– 7:30 p.m.
A complete registration packet includes:
 Student Information Sheet
 Guardian Information
 Health/Immunization forms
 Emergency contacts
 Home Language Survey
 Preschool Information
 Release of Information form
 CORI form (volunteers)
 Copy of birth certificate
All forms are available online at: http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/center/Kregistration12-13.php
Full-Day Kindergarten lottery applications will be available at registration. We anticipate having more Full-Day Kindergarten slots for 2012-13, but if necessary, a lottery for available slots will be held "live" on February 2, 2012, 7:00 p.m. Full Day Kindergarten Information Night will be held on Monday, Jan 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton High School auditorium

Concie Kniager, Secretary, Center School, 508-497-9875, ckniager@hopkinton.k12.ma.us 

YOUR HOME   

Payroll Taxes Controversy for Beginners from the White House
If you make less than $1 million a year, you may want to watch this:

SERVICE GUIDE

Doe, a Deer...

December 14, 2011 — This doe had one ear turned, like a radar antenna, toward two vehicles passing the Hopkinton State Park building to leave, that had stopped to watch the deer. The other ear, as it is plain to see, was turned toward the photographer, who had driven past, parked on the other side of the entry building and exited his vehicle to take a photograph.
         Below, the deer bounds into the air to flee the paparazzi-like gathering. Deer are more active during the rut, when the females are in estrus and the males become more active in response. This area is in the waning of the rut, but the herd is still very active. NOTE: Remember, double-clicking on a word on page one reveals its definition and pronunciation as well as sound.

 Senior Moments

Police Association Party for Seniors a Success

Nancy L. Drawe
(Punky) 

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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Pelecypoda Hopkintonia

December 12, 2011 — These shucked fresh water clams on a rock in Lake Maspenock were opened and eaten by gulls like the one in the photo below (or by muskrats), as a result of them being exposed in the mud during the lake's extreme draw-down this year. It is done in hopes of killing the roots of invasive weeds, which have overrun the 234-acre lake, when the seasonal freeze comes.  The draw down is being conducted by the LMPA.

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GOVERNOR PATRICK APPOINTS EXPERIENCED LEADER STEPHEN CROSBY AS CHAIR OF
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAMING COMMISSION

BOSTON – Tuesday, December 13, 2011 – Governor Deval Patrick today appointed Stephen Crosby as chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. A former CEO, secretary of Administration and Finance and gubernatorial chief of staff, Crosby currently serves as dean of the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at UMass Boston.

“Steve Crosby possesses the integrity and strong management skills we need to lead the new Gaming Commission,” said Governor Patrick. “I trust Steve to build an organization that meets the public’s high expectations and my own for integrity and professionalism. I look forward to working with the attorney general and treasurer on the remaining appointments.” 

As the chair of the newly created Commission, Crosby will lead the implementation of expanded gaming in Massachusetts.

“It will be up to me and the Commission to assure both the public and the participants in the gaming industry that the process for developing expanded gaming in Massachusetts is honest, transparent and fair,” said Crosby. “The Commonwealth and its residents have much to gain, most particularly in the creation of jobs.”

Crosby has served in a variety of senior leadership positions in the private and public sectors, serving under both Republican and Democratic governors. In May of 2000, Governor Paul Cellucci appointed Crosby as his secretary of Administration and Finance. In January 2002, acting Governor Jane Swift named Crosby chief of staff. In 2006, Governor Deval Patrick named Crosby a co-chair of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s budget and finance transition team, implementing the initial policies that have positioned Massachusetts as a national leader in fiscal responsibility and economic recovery. In March of 2009, Governor Patrick tapped Crosby to lead a review studying compensation of top managers at the state’s quasi-public agencies and in 2010, Crosby was picked by the state’s Supreme Judicial Court to serve on a task force to review hiring practices of the Massachusetts courts and probation department.

“This is a terrific appointment,” said former Governor Cellucci. “Steve Crosby is a bright and effective leader and a natural consensus seeker who will solicit all viewpoints respectfully.”

“Dean Crosby is a terrific choice for Governor Patrick,” said UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley. “His experience in state government, contributions to the University of Massachusetts Boston’s McCormack Graduate School and commitment to sound public policy and good government will serve him well as he embarks upon this new and challenging position.“

A successful entrepreneur and business executive, Crosby was founder and publisher of CCI/Crosby Publishing in Boston. He has served as chairman and CEO of technology and publishing companies, including Interactive Radio Corp., Inc., SmartRoute Systems, Inc., Crosby Vandenburgh Group and MetroGuide, Inc.

The expanded gaming legislation signed by Governor Patrick in November 2011 allows for up to three destination resort casinos in geographically-diverse locations, along with one slots facility, competitively awarded statewide. The legislation includes many of the principles Governor Patrick has advocated for throughout the lengthy public debate on expanding gaming, including transparent and competitive bidding of licenses, maximizing long-term value to the Commonwealth, expanding jobs and economic development benefits across all regions of the state, protecting host communities and nearby regions, addressing all social impacts and costs and ensuring rigorous public safety, regulatory and enforcement mechanisms will be the best in the country.

Through the legislation, the five-member Massachusetts Gaming Commission was created as an independent body responsible for implementing and overseeing the gaming licensing process with the utmost integrity. The chair of the Commission is appointed by the Governor and the attorney general and treasurer will each appoint one member. The remaining two members will be appointed by two out of the three appointing authorities. The Commission must be bipartisan, with no more than three members representing the same political party. The full Commission must be appointed by March 21, 2012. Contributed content

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Hopkinton Basketball Fan Appreciation Night 

Come Support Your Hillers at the HHS Athletic Center!! 

Friday December 16th 2011
 Girls Varsity Basketball vs Medfield 5:00PM
Boys Varsity Basketball vs Medfield 6:30PM

ALL HOPKINTON RESIDENTS FREE

Women's Club Donates TV to Respite Ceneter

December 13, 2011 — Yesterday, the Hopkinton Women's Club donated a 42 flat panel to the Respite Center. The ladies kneeling are women's club members who delivered the TV, Pam McPherson, left, and Kathy Yankee. ~ Contributed

SERVICE GUIDE

Traffic Advisory - Mass Pike Eastbound Accident - 8:10 am

UPDATE
At this time — 9:15 am — all lanes of traffic are open however, traffic remains heavy.

December 13, 2011 — At this time, 8:08 am, troopers from the Massachusetts Turnpike are responding to the eastbound side of Route 90, (118 mile marker) in Natick, for a three car collision with non-life threatening injuries. The left travel lane will be closed to allow for EMS to provide medical services and to allow for clean up. Traffic is reported to be heavy and the collision is expected to further impact the commute. We will update you as we receive more information.

Ahoy!

December 12, 2011 — This recent photo may look like the view off the side of a barge steaming to the islands, but it is actually the Hopkinton Reservoir as seen looking south from the boat house rail at sunset one recent day.