Churches Collect 74 Boxes for Operation Christmas Child

HOPKINTON, MASS. (November 20, 2012) – Members of Hopkinton’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Grace United Methodist Church recently put together 74 boxes filled with gifts for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will distribute these boxes – filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items -- to children in need throughout the world.  Operation Christmas Child plans to collect and deliver eight million boxes to children in more than 100 countries this Christmas season.

“I continue to be moved by the support and participation of the congregations of St. Paul’s and Grace Methodist,” said Sue Ramsley, one of the coordinators of the Operation Christmas Child project.  “This is our third year taking part in Operation Christmas Child and even in tough times people still come through with generous gifts.  It is gratifying to see God’s love reflected through the actions of these parishioners.”

Members of St. Paul’s and Grace United who have signed up on-line will be alerted via email as to the country where their boxes are scheduled to ship. “We pray that each child who receives a shoe box will feel very special and will have the opportunity to learn more about God’s love,” Ramsley added.

Michael Peter McLaughlin, 24

Michael Peter McLaughlin, 24, a lifelong resident of Hopkinton passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 20, 2012. Michael leaves behind his loving parents Mike and Laura, and his devoted sister Marie, all recent residents of Mendon. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Joseph and Jeanne Martin of Hopkinton, paternal grandmother Annette Lockhart of Ashland, paternal grandfather Brendan McLaughlin of Milford, his many aunts and uncles, Toni and Scott Alexander, Marie and Ken Clark, Paul and Cathy McLaughlin, Trisha Johnson, Lisa and Eric Carty all of Hopkinton, Jeannine and Brian Collins of Douglas, and many very close cousins. He is also survived by his birth brother David Johnson and his loving family. He is predeceased by his Uncles, Peter Martin and John McLaughlin.

Michael will be remembered for his clever wit and amazing smile. He found enjoyment in fishing and hanging out with his cousins and friends. Those who knew him will remember his love of duct tape, any kind of rope, M.R.E.'s, and all things military. He was an avid reader with a photographic memory. Michael was finishing his degree for a career in law enforcement and aspired to do many great things.

Michael was a warrior who fought a long, courageous and private battle against his illness. He was loved by all who knew him and will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 25, 2012 from 3-8pm at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A funeral mass will take place at 10:30a.m. on Monday at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Hopkinton Library, 13 Main St. Hopkinton, MA. 01748.

ISRAEL SOLIDARITY LECTURE WITH BOSTON GLOBE’S JEFF JACOBY

Milford, MA – November 21, 2012 – Due to the current volatile situation in the Middle-East, Chabad House Jewish Center of MetroWest will host a lecture, by award-winning journalist Jeff Jacoby from the Boston Globe on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Milford at 6:30 in the evening. The lecture is open to the public; and people of all religious and/or political persuasions are encouraged to attend. As space is limited, reservations are recommended at: www.GotChabad.com/Jacoby .

Mr. Jacoby will lecture on the topic of: “Whatever Happened to Israel’s Good Name?!” Over the past two decades, Israel has bent over backward to demonstrate its willingness to make peace. Yet, during the same time span, its international standing has gone sharply downhill. Could the two be connected? Jeff Jacoby will argue that the ‘peace process’ has been a disaster, not least for Israel's image, as well as for the safety and security of the entire Middle East.

The current situation in Israel seems to be going from bad to worse. The “information-war” makes it difficult for us to differentiate between right and wrong! How did things get to this point? Whatever happened to the peace from the peace treaties?

With thousands of rockets raining down daily on innocent civilians in Israel, and Israel defending its citizens, we need to probe into what should have been done differently, and more importantly, what can be done now to bring peace and stability to the Jews and Arabs living in Israel and the rest of the region.

“The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s call for real-enduring peace, using truth and determination as the only guide, has been ignored for too long,” explains Rabbi Mendy Kivman of Chabad. “Not only have these “peace treaties” not brought any peace, but rather they have brought about more violence and bloodshed for Jews and Arabs alike.”

“As the Rebbe’s emissary, I feel it is my responsibility to inform people of what can be done now to bring peace to the Middle East,” says Rabbi Mendy. “And we feel that Jeff Jacoby, having researched this topic extensively, will shed light and is the perfect candidate to put it all in perspective.”

The DoubleTree Hotel is located at 11 Beaver Street in Milford and the lecture will begin at 6:30 PM. The lecture is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. A question/answer session will follow the lecture. Sponsors can also take part in a pre-lecture cocktail-hour with the speaker and other dignitaries. Find out more information and to reserve go to: www.GotChabad.com/Jacoby, or call (508) 473-1299. Advance reservations are $10; at the door: $15. College students who pre-register online are free of charge.

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Police Incident/Arrest Log - Most Recent First

Updated November 21, 2012

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School Department Press Release

Superintendent Search Successful Candidate Profile

Hopkinton, MA
11/21/2012

During the months of October and November, 2012, with the assistance of the New England School Development Council (NESDEC), the Hopkinton School Committee conducted a Community Needs Assessment. Through focus groups, interviews and an online questionnaire, participants provided their views regarding the qualities and characteristics desired in a new Superintendent of Schools, and the immediate tasks and challenges he/she should focus upon in the first six to twelve months in the position.

The Hopkinton School Committee subsequently reviewed and finalized all the input and comments collected through this needs assessment process. The resulting Successful Candidate Profile is designed to guide the interview and selection process during the superintendent search.

The Hopkinton School Committee wishes to thank and commend all those in the community and the schools who took the time to participate in the community needs assessment process. The School Committee looks forward to using the valuable insights gained through the needs assessment as candidates are considered for the position of Superintendent of Schools.

The Successful Candidate Profile can be viewed on the Superintendent Search section of the district website:
https://sites.google.com/a/hopkinton.k12.ma.us/suptsearch/

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A Hidden Lifesaver: 
Serenity House, Hopkinton, MA
 

Deirdre Foley wiped a tear from her eye as she spoke about a time in her life when she felt utterly lost and alone. “When I came here (to Serenity House), addiction had completely taken over my life, taken away my three year old daughter, and I had nothing…..I was so down on myself and had no hope that I could ever get my life back.” Now, almost 3 years later, Deirdre, a graduate of Serenity House, works as a recovery specialist with the 30 plus women that reside there. “Serenity House absolutely saved my life”, she said as her eyes welled up again with tears. “I’m now living on my own, working and I can take care of myself and my daughter. Helping the women here is just one way I can give back.” (Photo of Rasheena Niles, former client, for illustration only)

Serenity House, a cozy looking residence nestled in the back woods of Hopkinton, is a non-profit residential program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and operated by South Middlesex Opportunity Council. According to Jane Schwager, program director, they can house up to 35 women at a time. Currently they have 3 infants in residence as well. “When these women come to us, they have lost everything, and we do everything we can to support them and help them fix their lives, get back on their feet and repair the many damaged relationships that often go along with addiction.”

As I stepped into the house, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and cheer, as the women were doing various chores. What struck me was how much these women had lost, and how strong they were in fighting to take back control of their lives where it had spun so out of control. “When you get caught up in addiction, the importance of everything else in your life gets lost”, Foley explained. “You need so much help relearning how to feel good about yourself and how to fix everything. It takes a while and I could not have done it without Serenity House.” I saw not only their determination, but also realized that these women were no different than me, my sisters, my friends…. Their gratitude resonated with me, and as I walked away, I felt how blessed each of these women felt for being a part of this community.

With Thanksgiving knocking on our doors, it is truly a time when we can all reflect on how blessed we are in various aspects of our lives. It is a perfect time to keep in mind the message of gratitude and giving back; and a valuable time of year to reflect on our values, passions and where we spend our energies.

Colella’s will have a donation bin in the back of their store by the cash register area from November 23 – December 1st, 2012. Please consider donating anything from the list below of items very much needed:
• Old and New Towels
• Shampoo and Conditionaer
• Deodorant
• Toothbrushes
• Tampons and Pads
• Lotions
• Gift Cards to Target ot other stores where children's gifts can be located

~ Abbie Rosenberg-Sisitsky

Press Release from Hopkinton Police Regarding Hit and Run of Police Officer

 Allegedly Unlicensed Driver Left Scene of Personal Injury

On Tuesday 20 November 2012, a Hopkinton Police Officer was directing traffic at a work site on Clinton St. At approximately 10:43 am, the officer radioed Hopkinton dispatch that he had been struck by a mirror of a commercial truck as the vehicle passed by him. The officer was able to give a description of the vehicle.

Several officers were dispatched to the area in an attempt to locate the vehicle. Due to the description of the vehicle given, the vehicle was identified and located at the company store. The operator was contacted and was requested to come to the Hopkinton Police station with the vehicle.

Upon arrival the vehicle operator admitted to striking the officer and leaving the area. The operator will be summoned to court at a later date for the following offense:

1.    Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident

2.    Fail to Use Care in Passing

3.    Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle

The Officer was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.

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Charles T. Dever, 73

Arrangements incomplete

Charles T. Dever, 73, of Hopkinton, passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham. He was the husband of Beverly A. (Connolly) Dever of Hopkinton. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home.
www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com

Two Troopers, One Hopkinton Officer Struck by Vehicles in Separate Incidents

November 20, 2012 — Today at 9:44 a.m. a Massachusetts State Trooper conducting a motor vehicle stop was Rte. 128 South Bound in Lynnfield was struck on the elbow by a passing motor vehicle.   Currently members of the Massachusetts State Police are conducting an investigation of the events and circumstances surrounding this matter.  The Trooper has been transported by ambulance to Leahy Clinic North for evaluation and treatment.  At this time the extent of the injury is unknown.  Traffic in this area of 128 SB is not expected to experience any delays.

In a separate incident, this morning at approximately 4:00 a.m. a Massachusetts State Trooper was   protecting a construction crew in a work zone on Rt 128 South Bound when his cruiser was struck by a passing motor vehicle.  The initial information from the scene suggests that the passing motor vehicle traveled in to the coned off work zone and struck the Marked Sate Police Cruiser.  The Trooper did not sustain any injury.  The operator of the other vehicle was transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital for evaluation of what are believed to be minor injuries.  Traffic on Rt 128 SB in this area was delayed for about an hour while the scene was processed.  Traffic was restored to normal at approximately 5:00 a.m. 

This morning, a Hopkinton Police detail officer in the area of Front and Clinton Streets was struck in the arm by a service truck passing his position. The vehicle did not stop. The longtime Special Police Officer/Dispatcher calling in the details of his own victimization, had signs of apparent stress in his voice. He was able to describe a yellow Michelin Tire service truck to a surprised Police Dispatcher. Units swarmed the area in search of the vehicle, but it was an apparent quick investigation by Lt. Charles Wallace at the station that identified the vehicle involved and got the driver to return to the police station.

Hopkinton Police do not have a press release at this time, and are not speaking to reporters, we are told, until tomorrow. The identity of the officer is known to HopNews, but we await word that his family has been notified.  His condition is not known, because police refused to release any information this evening.
The preceding was compiled from State Police Press Release and scanner communications.

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Carmen Morales, 89

Hopkinton - Carmen Morales, 89, of Hopkinton, passed away Monday, November 19, 2012 at the Beaumont Rehabilitation Center in Westborough. Born in Cuba, she was the daughter of the late Carmen (Marrero) and Antonio Gonzalez. She was the wife of the late Antonio C. Morales who passed in May 2008.

A Hopkinton resident since 1957, Carmen was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. She was very devoted to her family and was an exceptional cook - no one could hold a candle to her Ropa Vieja or Black Beans and Rice. She was also fortunate to travel back to Cuba on several occasions over the years to visit her family.

Before her retirement, she worked side-by-side with her husband at Old Colony Container of Ashland for many years, while always maintaining an impeccable home.

She is survived by 2 sons, Lino Morales and his wife Teresa of North Grafton, and William Morales and his wife Linda of Hopkinton; 3 brothers and 1 sister in Cuba; as well as 3 granddaughters, Cari Morales, Lee Ann Morales and Tina DeFazio and her husband Ryan; 3 great-grandsons, Riley Morales, Jordan Jacobs and Kole DeFazio, all of Hopkinton. She was predeceased by several brothers and sisters in Cuba.

Visitation will take place on Friday, November 23, 2012 from 4-7p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A 10:00a.m. funeral mass will be celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church of Hopkinton on Saturday, November 24th. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Project Just Because 86 South St. Hopkinton, MA 01748