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Since 2003, Hopkinton News ^TM
P.O. Box 351, Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-5534

Quality Conversations

by Robert Falcione

August 26, 2012 — There have been some fantastic conversations among some brilliant people on our discussion page, Town Talk. But lately, and for some time now, it has become more like "Troll Talk," with people bashing someone's business; or like just the other day, when someone called a well known business person dishonest. It has taken up so much time to watch that board and delete the bad posts. You just never know when they are going to pop up. So, despite its entertainment value — people enjoy looking at train wrecks, too — we'll be taking it down very soon. It may stay up for a few days for people who have trouble with the new "Quality Conversations," but after that, buh-bye.

Already, many people have signed up on the new page, but this is the first time we've linked it from the front, so we expect many more readers to sign up. And the reason we feel comfortable in doing that now is because Rory Cornell, who suggested that particular page, helped us get it straight today, so that members can post without having to go through the moderator. Rory is a 2012 High School grad who has immersed himself in computers and all they can do since he could use a keyboard. Those needing computer help can give me a jingle and I will be happy to forward your number along to him.

Guests may read the new page, but they may not post. People who sign up will get an email confirming their member status immediately. And then they may log on and post right away. If a person violates the terms of service, their email, their IP, their username, and their posts can be deleted permanently. It shouldn't take long to weed out the troublemakers.

The page has some great features, such as letting you know if a fellow member is online; and private messaging other members, too. People may, in a certain time period, edit their post if they see errors. Oh, there is much more to learn.

Q. Gee, Robert, if it is so great, why did you wait so long to switch pages?

A. Thanks for asking. As I have stated before, HopNews was on a Windows server, and so we were comfortable with that technology until a news event this year moved us in the direction of moving to a Linux server, which is a more widely accepted technology, and allows the use of PHP. PHP is a server-based solution for communications from the user to a website. It allows the user to alter information on a website, such as people sort of did with our previous Windows-based Town Talk — they could add information (posts). But that technology has not been upgraded or supported since 2003 ( which is also the start date for HopNews). We are still moving the HopNews content to the new server from the old one. People who log onto HopNews, except for some archived pages, will continue to be redirected to HopkintonNews.com, while we rewrite (Whew!) each page manually from the old server.

Please sign up as members and let the quality conversations resume.

YOUR HOME

Fleeing Suspect Captured
"She took off on me..." Officer Matthew McNeil

August 26, 2012 — "A woman just barged her way onto a home on Grove Street," offered the Hopkinton dispatch, "and they pushed her out."

Moments later, Officer Matthew McNeil caught up with the suspect and activated his blue lights. "She took off on me," he said. "She's heading back toward the center of town."

Not long afterward, Sgt. Michael Sutton, said, "I have her in custody," with rapid, deep breathing indicative of a struggle. Above, Officer McNeil and Sgt. Sutton place her in a cruiser. The vehicle had fresh damage, according to Sgt. Sutton; but Officer William Burchard, who checked in with the victim and his sister, said there was no damage to vehicles at that property.

It is unknown at this time if the individual was known to the victims, or if it was a random act. Above, video screenshot in front of HMS.

SERVICE GUIDE

Ahoy!

August 26, 2012 — Friends and fellow soccer players Michael Spector, Graham Kulig and Colin Staab enjoyed some open water camaraderie today on Hopkinton Reservoir. Above, they pause for a photo before leaving the shore area by the dam.

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There It Is... Gone!

August 26, 2012 — Above, the Roving HopNews Camera captured a bit of the smokestack at the former Whitin Machine Works mill in Whitinsville coming down today by the wrecking ball. The mill building is now home to several unrelated businesses, including the well-known Eastern Acoustics Works. Below is a wider view.

HELP BEST BUDDIES AT HOPKINTON HIGH SCHOOL

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28TH
Freshman Orientation and HHS Picture Day!
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

On Tuesday, August 28th, Kona Ice will be at HHS from 10:00 – 3:00.
Kona ice offers shaved ice treats in over 25 different flavors that are nut, fat, gluten, and dairy free!
Prices are $2.00 - $5.00 and 25% of all proceeds will go to HHS Best Buddies!

We hope all faculty, students and friends will stop by and have some Kona Ice to support Hopkinton Best Buddies!

Elusive Butterfly

August 25, 2012 — Although this butterfly flitted about Weston Nurseries Garden Center during the Farmers' market on Friday, it found a home among these flowers that sort of mimic its appendages.

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End of Summer

August 25, 2012 — Enjoy the flowers at the Duffy's residence at the crest of Main Street while the season withers away, and their colors soon yield to those of fall. The saturation of the colors of the flowers about has been pumped up.

Walk This Way...

August 25, 2012 — A bride and her escort await the imminent playing of the pipes to herald their processional on Hopkinton Common to the Veterans Memorial Gazebo, where Aerosmith's "Walk this way" greeted them to the delight of the cheering guests.

2012: A Jazz Odyssey

August 25, 2012 — The jazz band that performed this evening at the Sunset Jazz series at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts breaks down their musical equipment under the harsh glare of vehicle headlights and the surreal atmosphere they engender, reminiscent of a certain Stanley Kubrick movie.

TOLL ROAD

August 25, 2012 — Keeping with a theme of helping, Hopkinton and other area firefighters set up at major intersections on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, filling their boots with whatever people could offer.

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Police Incident Log - Most Recent First
Thursday, August 23, 2012

11:51 pm A Greenwood Road resident reported that her neighbors appeared to be having a party, playing basketball and being loud. Officer Jacob Campbell spoke with the home owner who stated that they will shut down the music and stop playing basketball.

9:27 pm A walk-in from Ash Street reported that her husky had run away. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

9:11 pm A resident reported a noise complaint of barking dogs behind her house on School Street. Officer Matthew McNeil checked the area but did not find the barking dogs.

8:39 pm A caller reported that construction work was going on behind her house on School Street. Two officers checked the area and advised that all was quiet.

6:24 pm A 911 caller from Forest Lanes reported a suspicious incident with her home. Officer Aaron O'Neil responded and spoke with the home owner.

3:37 pm A motorist from West Main Street reported that she was cut off twice by a state vehicle. Both vehicles pulled over and the caller stated that the other operator was very rude to her. Officer Gregg DeBoer attempted to contact the agency.

12:10 pm A walk-in reported that he ran over a rock in the roadway on East Main Street.

10:32 am An officer assisted the Fire Department with smoke and an odor inside a residence on North Mill Street.

8:41 am Officer Stephen Buckley performed community policing on Cedar Street.

5:05 am A caller reported some type of heavy equipment being operated on Holt Street. Officer Linda Higgins checked the area with a negative find.

SERVICE GUIDE

Don't Shoot - I'm just a Cat*

Well, I did it again - got curious about the outside world and wandered off from my comfy Priscilla Road home.

My name is Shindig, but my owners apparently think the Lion King is a better look for me. After grooming me to look like a tiny Simba, I can only be thankful that they did not use hair dye or shoe polish on my snow-white coat of fur.

If you see me, please feed me some warm zebra meat and then call my owners at 207-939-8995.

*Shindig returned home from his safari.

YOUR HOME

Rescue at Reservoir

August 23, 2012 — A young woman, according to an eyewitness, called for help after becoming distressed while swimming at Hopkinton Reservoir. Her boyfriend swam out to assist her to shore while Hopkinton Fire and Police arrived on scene prepared for a water rescue. Video of eyewitness is below:

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"800 Pound Dog"

August 24, 2012 — Christopher Casella, a student at Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole, Mass, known as "Norfolk Aggie," knows how to make a cow happy, as he scratches under Cherry's chin today. Cherry, who knows her name, is due to give birth in February. Christopher plans to keep her for milking. He calls her his 800 pound dog.

Police Incident Log - Most Recent First

Updated Thursday, August 23, 2012

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

10:15 pm A 911 caller reported that he was run off the roadway by another vehicle on West Main Street and received minor damage to his vehicle. Officer Matthew McNeil checked for the vehicle to the town line with a negative find.

8:21 pm Officer Aaron O'Neil spoke with a contractor who was finishing up an installation of a light on Legacy Farms.

7:02 pm A motorist reported that there was a bad solar glare making it hard to see the traffic light on West Elm Street.

6:45 pm A caller reported that a suspicious vehicle pulled out of a driveway, on Peppercorn Road, from a home where the residents were believed to be on vacation. Officer Gregg DeBoer checked the residence and found it to be all secure.

6:29 pm A detail officer requested an officer for a motor vehicle that ran a red light, almost causing an accident on South Street. Officer Gregg DeBoer responded and issued a civil infraction to the operator.

6:09 pm A school employee from Elm Street reported that a woman was walking her dogs on school property and has been informed several times no to do so. Officer Gregg DeBoer checked the area but could not locate the dog walker.

5:47 pm A caller reported a disabled motor vehicle that was out of gas on South Street. An officer responded but could not locate the vehicle.

5:06 pm There were multiple calls for a motor vehicle accident without personal injury on West Main Street. Officer Matthew McNeil responded and advised that two vehicle were towed (Photo, Officer McNeil on radio to dispatch. Trooper stopped to assist.)

5:06 pm Officers Gregg DeBoer and Aaron O'Neil assisted the Southborough Police Department with an armed robbery on Cedar Street.

4:30 pm A 911 caller reported that passengers involved in a motor vehicle accident on Wood Street were complaining of neck and shoulder pain. Officer Gregg DeBoer responded and advised that the patients refused treatment.

11:43 am A walk-in reported that a dog belonging to the owner of a Claflin Place business was hit by a car in the parking lot. Officer Thomas Griffin responded and advised that the owner took the dog to the vet.

11:36 am The FDC faxed a Warrant of Apprehension for a individual believed to be living in Hopkinton but was unsure of exactly where. While attempting to locate the individual, her father called and advised that she was at the Framingham ER with her boyfriend. The Framingham Police Department was notified and subsequently arrested her.

11:18 am A detail officer reported that another crew appeared to be blocking a lane, without a detail officer, causing a traffic issue on Grove Street. Officer Thomas Griffin responded and advised that it was another crew with a detail and have moved along.

3:40 am A caller stated that he was locked inside the Fire Department after using the bathroom. The Fire Department was contacted and stated that he was not in there building. The individual advised what number building he was in and the Fire Department obtained the keys from a Knox Box to open the door. Subsequently Officer Jacob Campbell placed the person into Protective Custody.

1:24 am Officer John Moran checked a parked motor vehicle on South Street.

1:20 am Officer John Moran checked a parked motor vehicle on South Street.

1:09 am A walk-in dropped off a rent check to an officer.

12:48 am Officer John Moran checked a parked motor vehicle on West Main Street.

Hold On

August 23, 2012 — This damselfly or dragonfly holds on tightly at the Lake Whitehall Dam spillway as a brisk wind, accelerated by the open water, challenges its abilities. Its gender is difficult to determine, because it is holding its desert-camo decorated wings in an awkward position.

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A Little Help From a Friend...

August 23, 2012 — Accidents like the one above occur at this site with such frequency that a neighbor of Cumby's, whose nearby West main Street house has been hit and is still under reconstruction, helps move traffic along with the techniques he has witnessed so often in the past. It is one of the most, if not the most, areas where accidents occur most frequently, even though it is just a driveway exit. A police officer, who turned the ambulance back after no injuries were reported, was on scene off-camera.

SERVICE GUIDE

Armed Robbery in Southborough

August 22, 2012 — According to witness reports, a tattooed white male about 6'1" with facial hair, and wearing sunglasses and a hat, brandished a knife and made off with about $1,000 in cash from Fitzgerald's General Store in Southborough, across the tracks from the T station, just over the Hopkinton line. Police from surrounding towns converged on the scene to lend manpower in the search for the individual. The man went out the back door of the store and disappeared toward Hopkinton. He was not found, but police took photos of skid marks from a nearby business. Ashland canine, Dax, accompanied by Officer Christopher Alberini were called to assist.

Above, police gather to discuss events in front of Fitzgerald's General Store in Southborough as the inbound to Boston T train leaves the station.

YOUR HOME

YMCA AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS ADDRESS ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF YOUTH

August 22, 2012 — Providing youth with opportunities to continue to learn and engage in meaningful activities at the end of the school day can boost their academic success. To help motivate and inspire kids to learn, the MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center is offering an afterschool program to school-aged children throughout the Hopkinton and Ashland School Districts. The Y’s afterschool program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment for youth who might otherwise be left unsupervised.

During the school year, 15.1 million U.S. children are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., according to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization. In Massachusetts 26% of children are left alone and responsible for taking care of themselves. With the start of the new school year, the MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center encourages parents to make sure that children are involved in safe, educational experiences after school.

“At the MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center we believe all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve,” said John D. Barclay, Branch Executive Director, of the MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center. “In the Y’s afterschool programs, youth are cultivating values, skills and relationships and have an extra support system that encourages them to achieve success.”

Studies show participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households.

YMCA afterschool programs promote a love for learning, social and emotional development, and character and creativity. In the MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center’s afterschool program youth receive help with homework and can also explore arts and crafts, sports, reading, science, outside nature study and play. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

For more information about the MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center’s afterschool program, please contact John D. Barclay, Branch Executive Director at 508-435-9345 or Jbarclay@metrowestymca.org .

Police Arrest/Incident Log - Most Recent First

Arrests

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

6:15 pm Officer Matthew McNeil arrested Todd A. Anderson, 27, of Cranberry Drive, Hope, RI, on Cedar Street for a Warrant.

11:45 am Officer Stephen Buckley arrested Priscilla S. Jackson, 65, of Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT, on Grove Street and charged her with OUI Liquor.

Incident Log

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

6:10 pm Officers Philip Powers and William Burchard responded to a motor vehicle accident with personal injuries on Hayden Rowe Street. Two patients were transported to the hospital and the vehicle was towed.

5:59 pm Officer Matthew McNeil arrested a 27 year old male from Hope, RI on Cedar Street for a Warrant.

5:19 pm A 911 caller from West Main Street reported that a vehicle pulled up, hit his vehicle with the door, and took off in an unknown direction. Officer William Burchard checked a possible address for the vehicle with a negative find.

3:51 pm A 911 caller reported that a pit-bull/boxer type dog was in the roadway on Wood Street. Officer William Burchard responded and requested the Animal Control Officer because the dog was aggressive and nearly bit a pedestrian. The dog was returned to it's owner.

1:11 pm A walk-in spoke with an officer regarding an accident without personal injury on South Street.

11:19 am A 911 caller reported a confused person on Grove Street. Officer Stephen Buckley responded and subsequently arrested a 65 year old female from Simsbury, CT and charged her with OUI Liquor.

9:17 am Officer Stephen Buckley spoke with a realtor on Thayer Heights Road.

8:45 am A resident reported that there were two dump trucks parked in a hazardous area on Lumber Street. Officer Patrick O'Brien responded and advised that they were gone upon his arrival.

1:09 am A resident of Stone Crossing reported that someone rang their doorbell. Two officers checked the area with a negative find.

Hopkinton Resident Promoted to Senior Vice-President

August 22, 2012 — Hopkinton resident, Jon Hood has been promoted to senior vice president of management information systems at Corvias Group, a privately-owned, vertically-integrated real estate solutions group. Jon Hood is now responsible for the overall development and implementation of information strategy for Corvias Group.

In addition to Jon, four others who previously held vice president positions in the company’s military housing division, Laura Calenda, Kerrie Iemma, David Rozen and Donna Sinnery, will now oversee their respective departments for the parent company. The five newly promoted senior vice presidents will lead the communications, information systems, design, finance and human resources departments

The promotions follow last month’s announcement by Picerne Military Housing, a pioneer and leader in the privatization, construction and management of U.S. military housing, to expand into the student housing market with the launch of a new parent company, Corvias Group, and a new student housing division, Corvias Campus Living.

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"...The Greens of Summer"

August 22, 2012 — "Give us the greens of Summer," droned Paul Simon in his ode to Kodachrome, a slow-speed slide film made by Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester in the 1970s when Kodak was the name in film, before the quality of Fuji Films hit the U.S. marketplace and forced them off of their throne ("Mommy, what's film?").

Above, Donald Sutherland and wife Laura Davis work in the fields on the former Amato Farms property where they use acreage for their Community Supported Agriculture endeavor, Long Life Farms (Video Reprise).

Dykema Hosts Annual Picnic for 8th Middlesex Seniors

August 22, 2012 — Yesterday Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) hosted seniors from across the 8th Middlesex District of Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Southborough and Westborough for an annual picnic at the New England Laborers’ Training Center in Hopkinton.

“This picnic is great send off to summer ,” said Dykema. “It’s great to see so many friends from years past and new neighbors attending as well.”

Local officials including Holliston Selectman Jay Marsden, Hopkinton Selectmen Ben Pallieko and Brian Herr, and Westborough Selectman George Barrette manned the grills and spoke with guests. Senator Jamie Eldridge, Puja Mehta from Senator Karen Spilka’s office, Southborough Planning Board Chairman Charles Gaffney, and Southborough Town Planner Eric Denoncourt also stopped by.

Over 125 seniors joined in the afternoon festivities featuring food fresh off the grill, music and a raffle featuring local businesses.

State Representative Carolyn Dykema represents the towns of Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway (pct. 1), Southborough (pct. 2 & 3) and Westborough (pct. 2).

SERVICE GUIDE

Police Arrest/Incident Log - Most Recent First
Arrests

Monday, August 20, 2012

1:44 am Officer John Moran arrested Andrew Robert Castle, 35, of Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, on Hayden Rowe Street on a Warrant and also charged him with Assault and Battery.

Incident Log

Monday, August 20, 2012

11:50 pm Officer Aaron O'Neil checked and spoke with the operator of a motor vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street.

10:41 pm A caller from Ralph Road reported that his car alarm had just gone off and his backyard motion light was triggered. Two officers checked the area but did not find anything suspicious.

8:53 pm Officer Matthew McNeil issued a narcotic violation on West Main Street.

8:07 pm A 911 caller reported an erratic operator on West Main Street. Officer Peter Booth looked for the vehicle with a negative find. The Upton Police Department was notified.

7:54 pm A 911 caller reported two suspicious men dressed in black on Forest Street. The Upton Police Department was notified.

7:33 pm A sewer pump alarm was activated on Carriage Hill Road. On-call sewer personnel was contacted and responded.

7:20 pm A resident of Wood Street reported a violation of a town by-law. Officer William Burchard responded and advised that the contractor was leaving upon his arrival.

6:28 pm There were several 911 calls reporting an assault on Clinton Street which was possibly road rage related. Officers spoke with both individuals involved.

5:43 pm A caller reported that a raccoon was running through several yards on Erika Drive. Officer William Burchard checked the area but did not locate any raccoon.

3:44 pm Officer William Burchard came upon a large water leak on Elm Street. The Water Department was contacted and responded.

1:46 pm Officer Stephen Buckley spoke with an operator who pulled over to use a phone on Clinton Street.

11:58 am Officer David Shane assisted a disabled motor vehicle on Elm Street.

10:32 am A motorist reported that there was a rug in the roadway on West Main Street. The Highway Department removed the rug.

9:47 am The Holliston Police Department requested assistance with a motor vehicle stop on Ash Street. Officer Thomas Griffin responded and advised that they were clear of the stop upon his arrival.

12:29 am A caller from Hayden Rowe Street reported a verbal argument between two people and that she was assaulted by the male involved. Three officers responded and subsequently a 35 year old male from Hopkinton was arrested for a Warrant and was also charged with Assault and Battery.

12:13 am Officer John Moran checked a parked motor vehicle on Clinton Street.

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