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Area Crime

Milford Police Arrest Man for Assault with Intent to Murder on Christmas Eve

(Milford, MA.) December 26, 2011 — Milford Police arrested Jose Mayllazhungo A. Saeteros age 32 of 60 South Bow Street Milford, MA on Saturday December 24, 2011 at 2124 hours. He was charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault with Intent to Murder. Milford Police responded to 32 Water Street for a reported stabbing. There officers found a male victim bleeding heavily onto the floor from wounds to chest and stomach area. The victim was treated by EMS and transported to the Milford Hospital and later airlifted to Umass Hospital in Worcester, MA.

Officers learned from the victim and other that the reported stabbing had occurred at another location a short distance at 19 Oliver Street and quickly began their investigation and subsequently arrested the suspect outside of 19 Oliver Street. He and another male subject were observed with blood on their jackets at the time of the arrest. The subject was then transported to the Milford Police Station for booking. Bail was set at $15,000.00. The suspect is being held pending arraignment Tuesday December 27, 2011 in the Milford District Court.

Milford Police Detectives assisted in the investigation and are continuing their investigation.

Suspicious Odor

December 25, 2011 — Firefighters responded to Pinecrest Village for the report of a suspicious odor on Saturday. Police apparently had suspicions of their own, because four cruisers, both marked and unmarked, responded and staged around the property, and an ambulance staged at Angel's. Officials said there was an odor generated by cleaning chemicals.

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Please enjoy a reprise of a HopNews cartoon by Ashley T. M. Jackson

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Eagle-eye

December 24, 2010 — This hawk does its best to disguise itself, but that is not enough to avoid the eagle-eye of the photographer, as well as a long zoom lens yesterday. NOTE: Photo of same hawk in flight is below.

Sandra McCarthy, 59

Sandra McCarthy, 59, of Hopkinton, passed away, Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the MetroWest Medical Center in Natick. Born in Dorchester, she was the daughter of the Doris (Pitty) Carver of Hopkinton and the late Phillip Kelly. She was also the stepdaughter of the late Harold Carver.

Sandy enjoyed traveling, friends and family. Besides her mother, she is survived by her 2 sons, Mark Kaferlein and his wife Amanda of Uxbridge and Matthew Kaferlein and his wife Stephanie of Spencer. She also leaves her siblings, Kathleen Gosselin and her husband Richard of NC, Paula Hooper and her husband Gary of Longmeadow, Harold Carver Jr. and his wife Linda of Auburn, Thomas Carver and his wife Mary of Hopkinton, Colleen Brewer and her husband James of Ashland, and Scott Carver and his fiancee Michelle of South Grafton. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Liam, Brooklyn, Matthew, Connor and Zachary Kaferlein and Brayden Pratt,
as well as many nieces and nephews and her former husband, Arthur McCarthy of Hopkinton. She is predeceased by a brother, Phillip.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. A funeral home service will take place in the funeral home on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Department of Transplantation, Lahey Clinic, 41 Mall Rd. Burlington, MA. 01805.

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Mabel C. Magee, 106

Mabel C. Magee, 106, of Hopkinton, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2011. Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Ada (Oram) and James
Cooper. She was the wife of the late George Magee who passed in 1987.

Mabel was a member of St. Paul's Church in Hopkinton. She was a member of the Myrtle Chapter #33, Order of the Eastern Star, for 61 years. The oldest resident of Hopkinton, she was a recipient of the Boston Post Cane in 2007. She was a hello girl for New England Telephone in the 1920's and worked for Telechron in Ashland. Mabel was a machine operator in the 1950's and 1960's for Lampin Corp. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and art work, including silhouettes, oils and pastels. She had been a member of the Hopkinton Women's Club and hosted many afternoon teas in the 1950's. She was a member of both the Framingham and Westborough Artist's Guilds. She acted for the Civil League Players in Framingham.

Family was very important to her and she enjoyed having them around and their accomplishments. She is survived by her children, Gerald L. Magee and his wife Ruth of Augusta, ME., and Pamela M. Main and her husband Leonard of Hopkinton. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Susanne Woodworth, Deborah Magee, Karen Hinds, Robert Main, Theresa Main, Mark Magee, and Jared Magee. She also leaves behind 10 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her son, Wayne B. Magee and her 10 siblings.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28th from 5-8p.m., with an Eastern Star Service at 7p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
A funeral service will take place at 10:30a.m. on Thursday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Woodville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church Building Fund, 61 Wood St. Hopkinton, MA. 01748 or Grand Chapter of Mass., Order of the Eastern Star Scholarship Fund, PO BOX 600583, Newtonville, MA 02460.

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Hopkinton High School Graduate Makes A Comedic Christmas Carol

What would happen if, instead of the ghosts who meet Scrooge actually... Oh, never mind; just watch the video by 2010 HHS grad Tommy Karner and 2010 Uxbridge resident and BVT grad Devin Lyons at Fitchburg State University where they major in film:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING SURVEY RESULTS

On January 4, 2012, the results of the recent community survey regarding criteria for an elementary school building project will be presented to a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. More than 1200 people responded to the survey. The meeting will be held in the High School Auditorium at 6:30 pm, and will be broadcast live on HCAM. The community is encouraged to attend.

At 6:30, Paul Flaxman, Vice President of Boston Research Group, will present the survey methodology, data, and results, followed by questions and answers from both boards. At the conclusion of the discussion, the meeting will be opened up to community members who would like to ask questions regarding the survey.

The survey presentation and public discussion will end promptly at 8:30, at which time the Board of Selectmen and School Committee will consider and vote on potential Statements of Interest for the Center School and the Elmwood School, in order to meet the January 11 deadline for submission to the MSBA. A vote of both boards is required. The boards will also discuss the Hopkinton Elementary School Building Committee (HESBC).

Mabel C. Magee, 106

Mabel C. Magee, 106, of Hopkinton, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2011. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com

NOTE: In 2007, Mabel Magee, file photo, was presented the Boston Post Cane, given to the oldest resident of Hopkinton.

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It's Official - Finance Director Candidate Says "No Thank You"

December 23, 2011 — The Town Manager's candidate for Finance Director of the Town of Hopkinton was on the Selectmen's agenda Tuesday to be introduced and voted on. However, Randy Scollins was a no-show. According to Town Manager Norman Khumalo, Mr. Scollins called him Monday to say he felt there was overwhelming community and staff support for him to stay in Foxboro.
       "He called me Monday afternoon to give me a heads-up that he had initiated a process to rescind his resignation in Foxboro," wrote Mr. Khumalo today in response to inquiries.
       "This morning he called to confirm that he in fact will be staying in Foxboro," added Mr. Khumalo.
       Mr. Khumalo said there has been no correspondence when asked for a copy of the communication withdrawing from consideration.
        Suzanne Marchand will continue as Interim Finance Director, part-time, he said.
        The position became available when Mr. Khumalo failed to reappoint veteran finance director, Heidi Kriger six months ago.

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Medical

December 23, 2011 — Police and Fire Department staged a rapid response to a medical situation at Center School this afternoon, which resulted with an individual being taken to a local hospital.

Landing Gear Still Down

December 23, 2011 — This red-tail hawk kept his legs extended right after pushing off of the treetop on the left, knowing he was just crossing the street to another high perch, in the western part of Hopkinton this afternoon. The photographer inadvertently hit a dial that slowed the shutter down, causing the motion blurring (sorry :-( ).

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MADD Tips

Tie One On For Safety

The month of December is one of the busiest on the nation's roadways, and also one of the most dangerous, due to a high incidence of alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. During December 2009, there were 753 people killed in traffic crashes that involved a drunk driver.

MADD has these tips to help ensure everyone's safety this holiday season:

Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin;
Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol the last hour of the gathering;
Never serve alcohol to those under the age of 21;
If you've been drinking, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
If you see an impaired driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver's keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Remember, impaired driving crashes are 100% preventable. Do your part this holiday season by choosing not to drive impaired and help others do the same.

This Holiday Season, Make Sure to Tie One On For Safety

Started in 1986, Tie One On For Safety® is MADD's longest running and most visible public awareness project. We ask holiday drivers to tie MADD red ribbons to visible locations on their vehicles, or place window decals on their vehicles' windows. The red ribbons represent drivers' pledges to drive safe, sober and buckled up, reminding others to do the same. To get your ribbon-email us at ma.state@madd.org .

Holiday Grief Tips

For many people, this is a season of celebrations. However, the holidays can be a difficult time for those of us who are bereaved and coping with loss. Many bereaved and injured people face this season with apprehension, often in fear of their emotional reactions to what are supposed to be happy, memorable events. Here are some suggestions for people experiencing bereavement and/or injury for coping during the holidays. ~ Contributed.

Town's New GIS System Online

December 22, 2011 — What cost the Town $1, but is now worth over $1 million? Well, if we are reading the figures correctly, it would be Center School at 11 Ash Street.
          Above is a screenshot from the Town's GIS map that is integrated into property values, assessor's data, as well as wetlands designations, zoning, land conservation, hazard designations, land use, water resources protection and water resource protection. (Center School property, both the developed parcel and the significant, undeveloped parcel are outlined in yellow above)
          Christopher McClure, the Town of Hopkinton's IT Coordinator, gave the Selectmen a presentation of the newly available information during Tuesday evening's meeting.
           Not only is the requested address available on the map, but once a map is generated, all of the parcels on that map become active, and a simple mouse-over will give the user a quick summary. In addition, a user can move it with the mouse cursor similar to a Google map. And while the map is on the screen, a dialogue box appears and offers overlays of the various data. Are there wetlands issues? Zoning? Conservation? The overlay will appear without so much as a flicker.
            Or, if you prefer, choose to view an aerial photo or a street map.
            The ease and availability of this information puts Hopkinton Town Hall in the forefront of the information age. See the above map here: GIS System Map. Or visit our link anytime and choose the link on the left side of the Hopkinton.org homepage to start with a clean slate.

Sandra McCarthy, 59

Sandra McCarthy, 59, of Hopkinton, passed away, Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the MetroWest Medical Center in Natick. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

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DISC Hears Parking vs. Bicycling, Crosswalks, More...

December 22, 2011 — This afternoon members of the Downtown Initiative Steering Committee met with representatives of the BETA Group as well as David Daltorio, Town Engineer and Town Manager Norman Khumalo. Today’s meeting focused on several areas of public concern with the changes DISC proposed for downtown Hopkinton. Both Daltorio and Khumalo expressed a desire to offer the public an opportunity to meet with them and ask questions about the plan. Daltorio hopes to compile a list of generalized answers to common public questions to hand out to the public. Khumalo stressed to the members of the DISC that he wants all future meetings to allow for public participation in the plans for downtown. Ultimately, Daltorio and Khumalo’s goal is to incorporate the feedback from the public into future downtown plans.

The committee spent some time discussing potential locations of crosswalks and new sidewalks. In response to concerns raised by residents, they will consider creating crosswalks at Summer Street and Main Street, and at Ash and Main Streets. They hope to install a pedestrian cross light at Pleasant Street. DISC members were disappointed to learn that “all public feedback” on the plan for a raised island at Hayden Rowe and Main Street was negative. Members of the BAA and Marathon Committee felt that the island would create an impediment to marathon runners while the DPW expressed concerns about plowing problems. Committee members questioned whether this public feedback was due to lack of information and explained that anyone that did not like the design should state a specific reason for their opinion.

When the discussion turned to on-street parking, members of the public and the committee had varied opinions. The current plan eliminates parking spaces in front of the Star Package Store and Phipps Insurance as well as spaces in front of and across the street from the Hopkinton Gourmet. DISC members explained to the public that current parking spaces are only 18 feet in length and BETA recommended spots 20 feet in length. The parking study used in BETA’s plans was conducted several years ago.

Representatives from the BETA group explained that the proposed plan eliminated on-street parking primarily for the purpose of adding bicycle lanes. Under Massachusetts Department of Transportation Guidelines, plans that include bicycle lanes receive favorable treatment when they are reviewed by the DOT. Committee member Ken Driscoll stated that after hearing public comments on the loss of parking, he would rather preserve on-street parking than create bicycle lanes.

One member of the public commented that most people would prefer bicycle lanes Downtown over parking spaces and said that the public should know that it is not possible to have both. He believes that bicycle lanes create more benefit than parking spaces. In response, another resident told the committee that she would rather have on-street parking than bicycle lanes because the parking is crucial to downtown businesses. Driscoll stated that if the Star Package Store loses its parking spaces, they will “lose the building.” Khumalo remarked that the public appears to want to protect street parking. Thomas Nealon briefly mentioned that discussions with local businesses indicated that those businesses do not support a plan that requires them to create their own off street lots. At the current time, it is unclear whether the police would support a parking lot on their campus, as has been suggested. Contributed Report.

Buried Treasure

December 22, 2011 — This individual is looking for metallic objects beneath the surface at Sandy Beach this week in this shot taken from Oakhurst Road. The shorefronts of Lakeshore Road properties are in the background.

SERVICE GUIDE

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Telephone Fraud Advisory

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone’s Chief of the Elder/Disabled Unit, Marian Ryan asked the Hopkinton Police Department to make the public aware, through the Senior Center and local media, that there are calls targeting the elderly that are circulating around the town and the area.

Information has been received regarding suspicious calls received by elders from individuals wishing to update/verify bank account information. The caller has a very thick accent, noise in the background and has the elder's name and address. In some cases the caller states their Medicare benefits will be discontinued if they do not provide their account number and ABA.

Some of the victims are told the caller is calling from the Social Security office, while others claim to be from Medicare.

The Hopkinton Police Department reminds everyone to never share any personal information with anyone they do not know. Legitimate agencies such as the Social Security Administration would never ask for this type of information.

facebook fans and twitter followers got alerts from HopNews about this advisory.
Sign up so that you will too next time there is important information or news.

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Almost Ready for Prime Time
Water Fresh Farm Marketplace to Open January 5, 2012

December 21, 2012 — Following many delays, Water Fresh Farm Marketplace is ready to satisfy the curiosity of all the passersby at 151 Hayden Rowe Street with an opening on January 5, 2012. The store has been the dream of the Barton and Todaro families for many years.
         "This is the families' farm," said a beaming Donna Todaro today during a tour of the 16,000 square foot market that will feature many local and nearby vendors.
         The Garden Gate Florist of Main Street will be offering fresh-cut flowers, and Liz Swenson of the Olde Thyme Cupboard on Hayden Rowe Street will be selling gift items such as April Cornell placemats.
         "Our focus is to provide fresh fruits and vegetables," Mrs. Todaro explained. There will be an area for apples, bananas and other unrefrigerated fruit as well as space for refrigerated vegetables. Behind the the marketplace are six heated greenhouses growing tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and other products hydroponically, without soil. The market will reach all over New England and beyond for products they do not grow.
          "In the dry goods section, we are trying to select items that you would not find in a conventional grocery store," she said, "and in a way to complement the vegetables and prepared foods." They'll have no part of the commonplace. Instead of Nestles, she said, they carry Silly Farms hot chocolate, and Four Star Farms flour and wheat berries instead of the usual.
           The market is more like a large farm stand which will not be carrying laundry detergent or cleaning supplies.
           In addition to the dry goods and traditional farm stand offerings, the market will have a substantial variety of cheeses, fresh baked goods, meats cut to order, meals to go and fresh fish.
           Fresh bread will be sped from Pan D'Avignon in Hyannis, and the pies will be made by Ever So Humble Pie Company in Walpole.
           Armeno Coffee Roasters of Northborough will be available by the pound or by the cup; coffee, cappuccino or espresso, brewed fresh right on site.
           Chef Gil Berke will be preparing meals to go, and perhaps his renown couscous, introduced to Hopkinton when he delighted patrons of Bettergoods, which was located Downtown 15 years ago.
           There'll be cupcakes, cookies, candy by the penny or the pound, and many more neat offerings that will be fun to learn about in person, starting on January 5, 2012 when they will open their doors with a fully staffed store.

NOTE: Daughter Katie Todaro, a fine art student at UMASS Amherst designed and painted all of the hanging signs. The late Nancy Barton, who was part of the families team, designed the logo.

YOUR HOME

    Please enjoy a reprise of the Sheehan family children's version of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
   The oldest was 15 at the time of the production.
      After choosing the play button, right clicking on the moving picture will open more options, such as watching (Zoom) in a larger mode.

Fog Alert

December 21, 2011 — The fog rolled over the waters of Hopkinton today, like above at the Hopkinton Sportsmen's Club.

Got Lights?

December 21, 2011 — If you have a great lighted scene to share, like this one on a side road Downtown, please send it to Editor@HopNews.com.

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vacation, home addition, or stone wall?

Hopkinton Students on Honor Roll and Headmaster's List at Worcester Academy, First Trimester

Kara Banson 11 Headmaster's List, Daria Cenedella 10 Honor Roll, John Chase 9 Headmaster's List, Emily Doherty 12 Headmaster's List, Riley Doherty 9 Headmaster's List, Corey Gaston 12 Honor Roll, Matthew Kelly 12 Headmaster's List, Olivia Lucas 9 Honor Roll, John MacDonald 7 Headmaster's List, Bridget McCarthy 12 Headmaster's List, Madeline McNamara 12 Honor Roll, Alexandra Radel 10 Honor Roll, Daniel Radel 11 Honor Roll, Molly Riordan 10 Honor Roll, Kathryn Roche 10 Honor Roll, Jake Scumaci 9 Honor Roll, Amanda St. Laurent 10 Honor Roll, Brooke Szczygiel 11 Honor Roll, Nicholas Szczygiel 10 Honor Roll, Samuel Waxlax 8 Honor Roll.

TOWN CLERK
18 MAIN STREET
HOPKINTON, MA 01748
508-497-9710
ANNUAL TOWN STREET LISTING NOTICE

Annual Street Listing and Mail-In Dog License forms will be sent during January. Please complete and return the forms to the Town Clerk as soon as possible. Approximately 150 households will receive notification of change of precinct effective Dec. 31, 2011. Also, included will be a 2012 Election Calendar.

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Senior Moments

Favorite Holiday Moments
Nancy L. Drawe
(Punky)

(A special reprint of last year’s Christmas column)

Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, Silent Night and Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly! During this Christmas season, the Senior Center itself is all decked out in preparation for the holiday. Winter greeneries drape the mantel over the fireplace, candy canes fill the dish on the front desk, a beautiful poinsettia sits on the table in the lobby and there’s even a brightly decorated tree sitting in front of the window. Make sure you check out the Thrift Shop, it’s filled with all kinds of Christmas items for sale (at half price now) that will make great gifts. Everyone at the Center in such a festive mood; there’s jingle bell earrings and necklaces, Santa hats and Christmas clothing galore. How wonderful it is to believe in the magic of Christmas!

Just the other day, I was thinking of all the fun Christmas’ I had when I was a kid and thought, “How nice it would be to hear other peoples favorite holiday memories.” What a better place to go than the senior center! Some of the people there have 25-30 more years of Christmas memories than I do! I would like to share just a few of the responses I got from got my question, “Do you have a favorite holiday memory?”

Doris Carver’s best memory was when her first son Philip was about three years old, he wasn’t afraid of Santa like the other kids were. When Philip first saw Santa Claus in person, he was so excited that he ran up and hugged him!

“I was 20 yrs old and in the Marines in 1945 at Christmastime,” said WWII veteran John Cahill. “When we dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, I was so happy that I didn’t have to go in and invade, all I had to do was occupation duty then. That’s my favorite Christmas memory.”
FULL STORY

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Selectmen's Meeting

Eagles and More

December 20, 2011 — Selectmen recognized two Eagle Scouts from Troop 4 this evening, from left Daniel Liberta, who built a bocce court at the Senior Center, and Andrew Dawson, who built two footbridges on Lake Whitehall trails.
      Daniel told Selectmen, in answer to a question, that he felt the greatest challenge was to get through all of the paperwork.
      "The amazing thing is this young man was able to navigate all of the paperwork and get something done in Hopkinton," joked Selectman Brian Herr, making fun of the difficulty of moving through governmental processes.
      When asked his greatest challenge, Andrew answered, "It shows me I can do what I set my mind to."
      The Selectmen were also expected to consider the appointment of Randy Scollins as the Town's Finance Director, and the appointment of Eric Rogers to the Veterans Celebration Committee. They heard a pitch for a Conservation Restriction on the Navez property at 221 Pond Street, and watched a presentation of IT updates by IT Coordinator, Christopher McClure. More on the IT updates tomorrow.

YOUR HOME

Downtown Revitalization Commission Meets

December 20, 2011 — Above, Peter Lagoy chairs the DRC which brainstormed with Hopkinton athletics icon Timothy Kilduff this evening on ways to increase interest in Hopkinton the weekend leading up to the Boston Marathon.
Kathy Dragin coined "Race to the Start" as a possible phrase to use to promote a Hopkinton-based race that weekend, as opposed to the Boston Marathon, which is a Boston Athletic Association race.
Other members kicked around ideas like a 5k race, the slogan "Forty is Beautiful" to commemorate forty official years of women in the Boston marathon, and the involvement by invitation of other groups in Hopkinton.

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School Committee

Dr. Mary Colombo Receives High Praise
"You have a gentle grace about you" ~ Nancy Alvarez Burdick

December 20, 2011 — Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Colombo received warm praise this evening, her last School Committee meeting before her official departure from the Hopkinton School Department. Dr. Colombo said of her retirement that she will continue in a new phase of work, such as being a consultant. Above, School Committee Chair Jean Bertschman offers Dr. Colombo an award as they exchange an embrace. Mrs. Bertschman thanked Dr. Colombo for her five years with Hopkinton schools.
        Committee Member Rebecca Robak remarked how she thought Dr. Colombo had big shoes to fill when she started.
        "You've more than filled them," she said. "We're really going to miss you.
        Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jonathan Landman thanked Dr. Colombo for staying on for an extra six months during the transition period following the departure of Dr. Jack Phelan and said, "You represent absolute, consummate professionalism."
        "It has been a distinct honor," said Dr. Colombo, "to serve in this district.
        "You are truly the most professional school district I have ever worked with."
        Regarding the survey that the School Committee distributed to learn public opinion surrounding the issue of renovation or replacement of Center School, Mrs. Bertschman said that the 1,200 responses was the most they ever had.
        "We feel it is a great opportunity to get results we can rely on."
        The School Committee and the Board of Selectmen will hold a joint meeting in the Middle School Library on January 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm to herald the results of the survey.

First Day of Hanukkah
First light on Menorah lit
Mouse over photo to light the Menorah

December 20, 2011 — David Auslander, center, on behalf of Hopkinton's Jewish community, organized the lighting of the symbolic menorah today at 5:00 pm on the Hopkinton Common on this the first day of Hanukkah. Beside him from left are his children, Robyn, 12, Stephen, 13, with Olivia Rosen. Each day of Hanukkah an additional light is lit.

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Former Medical Office Manager Pleads Guilty, Sentenced for Stealing More Than $350,000 From Hopkinton Former Employer

Sentence Includes Jail Time and Restitution

WOBURN – December 19, 2011 — A former office manager for a Hopkinton medical practice has pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her former employer, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office announced today.

Margaret Connor, age 56, of Marlborough, pleaded guilty to charges of Larceny over $250 by Continuous Scheme and False Entries in Corporate Books. After the plea was entered, Judge Jane Haggerty sentenced Connor to one year in the House of Correction followed by 10 years’ probation. As conditions of probation, Connor is ordered to pay $350,000 in restitution and may not accept work involving access to financial records or money without disclosing her conviction to her employer. Connor will begin serving her sentence on January 3, 2012.

“The defendant stole hundreds of thousands of dollars for her own personal gain and falsified records to conceal her thefts from her employer,” AG Coakley said. “Our office will continue to hold accountable those who deceive their employers.”

In May 2010, the Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into Connor’s activities after the matter was initially investigated and referred by her former employer. Beginning in late 2003, Connor was promoted to the role of office manager for a private medical practice in Hopkinton. Her daily duties included paying bills, managing the practice’s books, and managing health care and life insurance coverage of staff members. In early 2010, Connor’s former employer discovered that she had listed a non-employee as an employee on one of the company’s health insurance rosters in order to obtain health care coverage for the individual. This prompted the members of the practice to review the bank records, invoices and corporate books. After discovering discrepancies, the employer referred the matter to the AG’s Office for prosecution.

Connor wrote more than 150 checks from the company’s bank account for her own personal benefit and made false entries in the company’s accounting software in an effort to conceal her thefts. Many of the unauthorized checks Connor wrote were used to pay for personal expenses such as: travel, dining, clothing, furniture, and jewelry she purchased using personal credit cards. Investigators also discovered that Connor paid her mortgage and utilities bills from her employer’s checking account.

A Middlesex Grand Jury returned indictments against Connor on March 22, 2011. Connor was arraigned on April 7 in Middlesex Superior Court where she entered a plea of not guilty and was released on personal recognizance. Connor pleaded guilty today and was sentenced to committed time and probation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Molly Parks, Senior Counsel for AG Coakley’s Fraud and Financial Crimes Division with assistance from Nikki Antonucci of the Victim Witness Services Division and investigators from AG Coakley’s Financial Investigations Division and State Police assigned to Coakley’s Criminal Bureau.

The AG’s Fraud and Financial Crimes Division focuses on cases of fraud and white collar cases. These cases include: employee embezzlement; thefts by attorneys and investment advisers; tax fraud; mortgage fraud; and other crimes against companies that impact their financial standing.

~ From the office of the Attorney General

Work Continues on Legacy Farms

December 20, 2011 — Russo Bros. continues their work today on the Legacy Farms Road South in Legacy Farms in preparation of the start of a 240-unit apartment complex by Wood Partners in the Spring of 2012.

Beverly Ann Fecteau, 65

Beverly Ann Fecteau, 65, of Cape Coral , FL passed away on Nov. 15, 2011 at Hope Hospice, in Cape Coral . Beverly was born on April 23, 1946 in Weymouth , MA to Charles (Ted) and Barbara Walker. She was the youngest of three children. She lived in Cape Coral , FL for the past 19 years, formerly from Hopkinton, MA . She is survived by her husband, Milton Fecteau, her sons, Justin and daughter-in-law Jennifer Fecteau, Joshua Fecteau, and stepson John Fecteau and wife Melissa. Grandchildren Andrew, Faith, Michael and Kaylee. Her brother Douglas and sister-in-law Angela Walker, of Marion, SC. Sister-in Law Marilyn and husband Robert Buck, of Cape Coral, FL. Sister-in-law Pricilla and husband Robert Cordeau, of Cape Coral, FL. Nephews Kevin Walker and Paul Walker. Nieces Geraldine Pellerin, Jennifer Wolfe, Victoria Buck, and Allison Gibson. She was preceded in death by her parents and bother, David Walker. The memorial service was held at 3pm on Dec. 11th at Grace Community Center in North Ft. Myers, FL. Friends may sign the guest book at www.horizonfunerals.com.

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5 pm Menorah Lighting on Hopkinton Common tonight. Sing some songs. Enjoy some treats.

John J. Hagenbuch, Sr

HOPKINTON - John J. Hagenbuch, Sr., 95, died Sunday, December 18, 2011 in Framingham. Born in Boston on June 18, 1916, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Sullivan) Hagenbuch. He was the widower of Nell (Biedler) who died in February 2001.

John grew up in Watertown, MA and graduated from Watertown High School in 1934. He was a graduate of the Lowell Institute, Franklyn Technical School and MIT. He worked for the Mass. Department of Public Works from 1936 until his retirement in 1984.

He attended the Mass. Military Academy from 1938 to 1940. He joined the Massachusetts National Guard in 1935 and was called for active duty in the Army from September 1940 to January 1946 and again from March 1951 to March 1953. During World War II, he served in the European Theater and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. In the Mass. National Guard, he commanded the 211th Air Defense Artillery Group for over one year until it was deactivated. He also commanded the 241st Engineer Battalion until its deactivation. He retired from the National Guard in 1969.

He is survived by his son John Jr. and his wife Marie of Hopkinton and his grandchildren John A. Hagenbuch and his wife Dana, Steven J. Hagenbuch, Brian W. Hagenbuch, Dina M. Alexander and her husband Glenn and Jennifer M. Hagenbuch. He also leaves six great granchildren.

The funeral will be held at Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. from the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will be held on Friday, December 23 in St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Wednesday, December 21 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Donations may be made to Marian Community, Inc., 154 Summer St., Medway, MA 02053.

NOTE: Obituaries, as well as those accompanied by photos, are always free of charge.

> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <

Credit Union to Locate New Branch in Hopkinton
Less costly fees, higher interest than banks - CEO Michael Lussier

December 19, 2011 — What has $630 million in assets, employs 220 people, has 52,000 members, and will be opening a branch in Hopkinton in 2012? If you guessed Webster First Federal Credit Union, you are correct.
       Webster First has been serving Worcester County for the greater part of the last 100 years, but has acquired other institutions that already do business in Middlesex County, and so they will be expanding with additional new locations in Middlesex.
        The institution that began in 1928, according to their website, now boasts of being ranked in the top 2% of credit unions in the country.
        Asked the difference in a telephone interview today between a credit union and a bank, CEO and President Michael Lussier said, "The fees are less, and we pay more in interest."
        Mr. Lussier added that although deposits are insured up to $250,000, a depositor can have greater extended coverage.
        "You can deposit $2 million with us and have it be fully insured."
        According to Mr. Lussier, the official announcement on the location will be made later this week.

YOUR HOME

Hiller Hockey Alumni Game
7:30 pm
December 29
Navin Arena in Marlborough
$15 to skate

The annual Hiller Hockey Alumni Game is scheduled for Thursday night, December 29, at The Navin Arena in Marlboro. The game will begin at 7:30. The cost per player is $15.00. Please join former teammates for an evening of skating, reminiscing, and fun!

SERVICE GUIDE

Students Pledge to Help Stop Bullying

Elmwood and the Middle School join forces to stop bullying. Ms. Bagley's third-grade class at Elmwood School show off their new "Stop Bullying" t-shirts presented to them by the Hopkinton Middle School.

The students from Elmwood created themed posters and books for the students at the Middle School and were then visited by Middle School guidance counselor Bill Meehan who talked with the students about bullying and presented them with the t-shirts in return. Students from Ms. O'Malley's, Mrs. Altavilla's, and Mr. Keane's classes also participated in the joint effort to stop bullying in the Hopkinton Schools.