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Committee Fails to Reach 80% 1-1 Laptop initiative Participation Goal - Extends Deadline Landman resignation details not discussed
by Muriel Kramer June 8, 2012 — The public had a lot to say last night, but the School Committee remained mum on the subject and circumstances of Superintendent Jonathan Landman’s abrupt resignation after serving only one year of his current three year contract. Resident Gail Welsh was the first to speak attesting to the great concern in the community about Dr. Landman’s decision to leave and additionally about the severance pay he will receive. Landman will receive up to seven month’s pay and health insurance benefits; the salary compensation alone could total up to $105,000. Welsh asserted, “The explanations that have been provided don’t satisfy the taxpayer.” Resident Joe Markey was the next to speak to the issue. “The resignation of Dr. Landman came a s a surprise to me and many in the community.” He too asked for more detail from the School Committee. Commenting on assertions that Dr. Landman did not appear to be a good fit with the expectations and approach of the School Committee or the District, Markey pointed out that either the criteria we set were not right or the Superintendent did not meet expectations. “We need to know in a public forum what it is that went wrong.” Markey continued suggesting either that the public wasn’t privy to conversations that led up to this decision and in that case there was likely some violation of public meeting law, or alternatively he posed that some subset of the School Committee had held discussions on this and in so doing done a disservice to other members of the committee. “From what we can see, Dr. Landman was a great choice.” Markey concluded by saying that performance reviews are to be done in public. “My concern is that an assessment was done outside that forum. Open Meeting law is not set up for the convenience of the School Committee but for the protection of the public.” Resident Ed Harrow spoke next, and he was direct and to the point. “I support Dr. Landman 100%, and I was extremely disappointed to read that he had resigned.” He also echoed Markey’s comments and concluded with a reference to Mark The School Committee made no comment to these or any issues accepting Dr. Landman’s resignation unanimously and without discussion. Human Resource Director for the Schools Kim Pulnik spoke next to the process going forward. She recommended seeking an interim superintendent for the next year from Aug 12 to Jun 13 suggesting that often times those candidates are retired superintendents that are limited by law to how many hours they can work and how much pay they can earn while receiving retirement benefits from the State of Massachusetts. Pulnik has set a schedule shooting for July 9th to begin interviewing candidates. In the meantime, she spoke to the need to appoint an acting superintendent suggesting perhaps using a principal from one of the schools. Instead, School Committee Member Rebecca Robak (photo, left) made the motion to appoint new Assistant Superintendent Mary Ann DeMello to the position; the motion was seconded by new School Committee Member John Graziano. A second perfunctory vote was held—no discussion and unanimous. School Committee Member Scott Aghababian spoke to the difficult situation ahead calling on administrators and staff to help sustain the school system. “I challenge our administrators to understand and step up here to help us.” 1:1 Laptop Initiative Resident Dana Hall spoke to the laptop initiative for next year’s incoming ninth graders. “I actually think it’s a great idea, but the current plan is flawed.” First there were only 3 options to participate and no 4th option to not participate. “To be fair... |
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REMINDER: FOXNEWS in Hopkinton on Friday FOX25 Morning News team is on the road for another season of Zip Trips! Every Friday morning we're live in cities and towns across New England. Our next stop is Hopkinton, MA, 01748! This is the ninth season of Zip Trips with visits to more than 150 New England communities. Join FOX25 Morning News Co-hosts Shannon Mulaire and Gene Lavanchy, Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon, News Commentator Doug "VB" Goudie and Reporter Elizabeth Hopkins on Friday, June 8th at The Town Common on Main Street. Our live broadcast is from 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. Neighbors, residents, and kids of all ages who want to share their "Hopkinton Pride" are encouraged to be part of our live audience! We'll have special guests and features that celebrate the unique qualities of Hopkinton. Explore this historic town with us, meet the people, and enjoy specialty food demonstrations. Features Include:
Hopkinton residents are invited to drop-off a brand new children’s book from our book list featured on the Zip Trip page at myfoxboston.com. All new books collected will benefit Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit that prepares America’s youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. |
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Checked the Interactive Calendar Lately? Neighbors and friends have put their own events on the Hopkinton Interactive Calendar, always above. Below are a host of events for Saturday. Check out the calendar to see what great events are happening Sunday, too.
Hopkinton Boosters Sports Equipment Swap: Shop 10am-4pm @ Hopkinton High School www.HopkintonBoosters.com Family Fun Day & LMPA at Sandy Island. General Meeting 11am-2pm. General Meeting & Executive Board Elections 11am-12:30pm. AnimalAdventures.net Demonstration w/ Live Animals & Reptiles 12:30pm-1:30pm www.LMPA.org Mad Hatter Tea Party. The HCA Farmhouse, 98 Hayden Rowe Street.Ages: preschool and up.Tea times must be reserved ahead of time and is available in half hour slots from 10 - 4 pm. www.hopartscenter.org Friends of the Library Book Sale 10:AM-4:PM 9:AM Early preview for members. Join at the door. |
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Superintendent's
Resignation Accepted Dr. Mary Ann DeMello appointed Acting Superintendent June 7, 2012 — The School Committee accepted the controversial resignation of School Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Landman this evening and appointed Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mary Ann DeMello as Acting Superintendent until the end of July. Then, the Committee will seek an interim Superintendent while they search for someone to fill the position permanently. Hopkinton High School Principal Alyson Geary recognized the Class of 2012 for their gift of a sculpture, "Peace Offering", by Hopkinton sculptor Micahel Alfano. File photos. Check back for report by Muriel Kramer. Chose thumbnail for larger image. |
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Two Men
Arrested For Alleged Extortion Of Two Victims
Howard Winter, aka
“Howie”, 83, of Millbury and James Melvin, 70, of
Both
defendants are charged with attempted extortion and
conspiracy and are scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow
morning in Somerville District Court.
“We allege that Howie
Winter and James Melvin agreed to,
and did engage in, crimes of extortion,
putting two victims in fear of their lives,” District
Attorney Leone said. “This type of illegal activity is
at the root of many crimes that corrupt the integrity of
our communities and undermine public safety by placing
citizens in tremendous fear and perpetuating an
underworld of crime. Today’s actions are the result of
an extensive investigation by the members of the
Massachusetts State Police and ADAs assigned to the
office’s PACT Unit, and I want to thank all of them for
their outstanding work.”
The investigation, conducted by Massachusetts State
Police and attorneys from the Middlesex District
Attorney’s PACT Unit, uncovered activities in which
individual and collective attempts were made to extort
$35,000 each from two victims.
According to authorities, in November of 2011, a man who
needed money to fund his business venture contacted one
of the victims to inquire about securing a loan for
himself. The victim agreed and contacted the second
victim, who agreed to loan the man $100,000. In January
2012, the man allegedly ceased repaying the loan to the
victims and, beginning in February of 2012, the victims
began receiving phone calls from an unknown male
requesting a meeting to discuss the money owed to them
by the man. The unknown male told one of the victims
that he needed to meet him at the Sons of Italy in
In early February, it is alleged that one of the victims
met with two individuals whom he did not recognize,
later identified as Howie Winter and an associate, at
the Sons of Italy to discuss the third party’s
outstanding debt. It was at this meeting that Winter,
whom the victims had never met, informed the victim that
he and the second victim were expected to pay tens of
thousands of dollars each to Winter for loaning the
third party the money without consent or permission. It
is alleged that, following this meeting and for several
weeks after, both victims received several threatening
phone calls from James Melvin, acting in concert with
Winter. The victims, fearful, contacted law enforcement
at this time.
In furtherance of Winter and Melvin’s scheme, the
victims were again requested by Melvin to meet him and
Winter at the Sons of Italy for an additional meeting.
Afraid and feeling that they had no other choice, in
late March, the victims
again met
with Winter and Melvin at the Sons of Italy. It is
alleged that at this meeting, Winter and Melvin again
repeated their demand that the two victims each pay
Winter $35,000. When one of the victims asks who Winter
is and why he’s involved in their loan agreement and
transaction, it is alleged that Winter responded
“There’s no one in the (expletive) country that don’t
know who I am…when you tell me you don’t know who I um,
you’re full of (expletive). There’s nobody that don’t
(expletive) know me; I wish they didn’t know me, OK?”
When one of the victims asked if he should be worried
for his safety, it is alleged Melvin responded, “Yeah,
yeah…really you should.”
When the victims ask what will happen if they don’t pay
the extortion amounts, it is alleged that Winter
responded: “You don’t pay me…then you’re gonna have
problems.”
It is alleged that the victims justifiably felt that
their lives and the lives of family members were in
danger if they didn’t comply with the defendants’
demands. At one point, after not being able to contact
one of the victims via telephone, Melvin and an
unidentified subject whom Melvin indentified to the
victim as his “friend”, went to the victim’s home and
left a letter in the victim’s mailbox indicating that
they were there. According to authorities, it is alleged
that this act was intended to intimidate and threaten
the victim and to confirm to the victim that the
defendants knew where the victim lived in order to
motivate the victim to make further payments to Winter
and Melvin.
Over the next several weeks, State Police troopers
supervised several cash payments to Winter and Melvin by
one of the victims in furtherance of the investigation.
Winter and Melvin, continuing to act in concert, further
demanded that the victim pay $5,000 per month to them.
These charges are allegations, and the defendants are
presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the |
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Free Birds June 7, 2012 — The mallard couple above, seen through a barren tree on the shore of Lake maspenock, enjoys a post-storm respite flitting from one spot to another. The female is in the lead as they catch some air for a landing. |
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Stating the Obvious June 7, 2012 — Smokey states the obvious on Cedar Street during this afternoon's deluge. |
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Crossing a Line June 7, 2012 — Moments after this photo was taken this afternoon, with the edge of the storm clearly defined, the sky opened up over Hopkinton. |
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Thunderclouds June 7, 2012 — The appearance of these beautiful cumulonimbus clouds in the sky usually precedes a thunderstorm, like they did today. |
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Former
EMC Employee Indicted For Stealing Company Money
Alleged to have spent $220,000 on travel, lodging,
sporting events and plastic surgery
Madeline Vinton, 35, of Webster was indicted on five
counts of larceny over $250. An arraignment date in
Middlesex Superior Court has not yet been set.
“This defendant knowingly and fraudulently stole from
her employer, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars
on unauthorized personal expenses,” District Attorney
Leone said. “She took advantage of her position of trust
within the company. We and EMC take such clandestine
larcenous activity extremely seriously.”
According to authorities, in April of 2006, Vinton was
hired as an administrative assistant at EMC in
Hopkinton. In early 2012, EMC investigators noticed a
pattern of travel and expense activities that were
inconsistent with Vinton’s role and assigned duties and
began an investigation. Further investigation by EMC, Hopkinton Police and the Middlesex District Attorney discovered that Vinton had illegally used a company-issued credit card for more than $155,000 in personal expenses. According to authorities, Vinton spent company money on limousine rides, Boston Celtics tickets, purchases on Amazon.com, hotels, meals and rental cars. She allegedly used the company credit card for more than $500 on plastic surgery.
She also made fraudulent
purchases on her boss’s company credit card. The
defendant also claimed payments for more than $48,000 in
overtime for which she never worked.
Vinton was terminated by EMC in February 2012.
These charges are allegations, and the defendant is
presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by Hopkinton Police, the
Middlesex District Attorney’s PACT Unit, and EMC. The
Assistant District Attorney is Stephen Gilpatric. |
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A NOTICE FROM YOUR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS ELM STREET CONSTRUCTION The Contractor will resume construction activities on Elm Street on June 19, 2012. The last day of school is scheduled for June 18 so this will not impact buses or school activities. The work necessary to complete the project includes adjusting structures on the road, paving the top course of pavement, and painting the street lines. The work is expected to take approximately one week, weather permitting. The road will likely be closed during the construction activities so please plan accordingly by seeking alternate routes and leaving extra time for your commute. The DPW greatly appreciates your support. Sincerely, John K. Westerling Your Director of Public Works |
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Reminder:
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The 9th Annual Sharon Memorial 5K Race/Walk and Family Fun Day to Cure ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
Please note that traffic will be heavier
than usual. There will be a section of
Police will be available to redirect traffic
through these areas. PARKING WILL BE VERY LIMITED. ALLOW EXTRA TIME AND PARK ON SIDE STREETS IF POSSIBLE, CAR POOL IF POSSIBLE or use our secured bike valet. 9th Annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event: Sunday June 10, 2012 8:30 AM 5K sold out!
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Hopkinton Author Pens New Novel
Author George Foster Leal invites you to join him as he
introduces his latest novel, “The Lost Colony of
Roanoke,” from noon to 3:00 pm at the Rome Restaurant in
Franklin MA on June 24th, 2012. Copies of the book will
be available that George will sign for you, and he will
answer any questions you may have.
A cash bar and appetizers will also be available.
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Practice makes Perfect
The Baystate Gazelles AAU basketball team won the M-Plex
Jamboree Tournament in Mansfield over the weekend! The
Gazelles went 4-0 in the tournament- winning the
tournament championship game 49-41..
Top Row from Left to Right: Emily Gildea, Julia
Canestrari, Mikayla Pucci, Danielle Hassan, Laney
Emerson, Lauren Hamm.
Front Row: Grace Marquedant, Ally Maffiore, Mercedes
Lahaie, Isabelle Giordano.
Coaches (not shown): Roger Canestrari, Chris Gildea and
Keith Maffiore. |
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Evelyn L. Wood, 92
We
mourn the loss of Evie
(Haynes) Wood, 92, who passed away June
5. She is lovingly remembered by family and friends for
her warm, loving personality and constant smile. Her
home was the gathering place for all the neighborhood
children, friends, and relatives.
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Tending the Common June 6, 2012 — Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Ken Driscoll and Scott's Landscaping's Scott Dryden look over some upcoming work for the Hopkinton Common, which has become lush and green under recent management. |
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Police Incident Log - Most Recent First Updated Tuesday, June 5, 2012
INCIDENTS |
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COOKING FOR ONE Friday, June 8, 10:30 AM If you are tired of eating the same old things over and over or have lost your enthusiasm for cooking, this seminar is for you! Find new ways to make mealtime healthier and more enjoyable. Hopkinton Senior Center RSVP (508) 497-9730 |
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Graduate with High Honors June 4, 2012 — Hopkinton resident Keith Bohlin graduated with high honors recently from the Holderness School in Plymouth, NH. For the second consecutive year, he was inducted into the Cum Laude Society "in recognition of meritorious attainments" during a ceremony on May 26, 2012. The Cum Laude Society is a national organization that recognizes scholastic achievement in preparatory schools, while striving to encourage qualities of excellence, justice and honor. Keith has been accepted and plans to attend Wake Forest University in the fall. |
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A Breath of Fresh Air
After a
fun-filled day of summer activities, enjoying the peace
and quiet of a starry night sky is the perfect getaway;
Naquaan, of the Bronx, did just
that.
Since 2011, Catherine and Robert Buday of Hopkinton have
welcomed Naquaan into their home through The Fresh Air
Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program. A summer vacation
away from the hustle and bustle of New York City offers
a new perspective and an opportunity to experience the
simple pleasures of summertime. |
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Whirlwind Tour
June
4, 2012 — Father and son Team Hoyt, Dick and Rick Hoyt, listen
to artist Dustin Neece in a packed Selectmen's meeting room in
Town Hall this morning. On display is a lithograph of the
painting of the Hoyts created by Mr. Neece, and commissioned by
the Easter Seals. Today, E. L. Harvey and Sons principal Jim
Harvey presented the signed and framed copy to Hopkinton
Selectmen at the gathering attended by Harvey family members,
selectmen, legislators and visitors from the Respite Center.
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