School Cancellation (today) Uses up Last Snow Day

Laptop Initiative meeting set for March 14

by Muriel Kramer

March 8, 2013 — During last night’s School Committee Meeting Dr. Hiersche worked to dispel rumors that there is talk about making up snow days during April vacation or on Saturdays; as of last night those conversations have not been initiated according to Hiersche. There are five snow days built into the calendar; today’s school cancellation is the fifth snow day this year (file photo).

The School Committee recognized Olivia Spar Grade 8 for her nomination and selection to Governor Patrick’s Project 351 that according to its overview "celebrates the power of young people as a force for positive change through service, leadership development, enrichment, and friendship. With a statewide community of peers, Ambassadors build skills and confidence, explore issues, embrace leadership, and motivate a lifetime of service." Olivia had the opportunity to work alongside Governor Patrick painting inspirational murals at the Amory Street Housing Development.

Hopkinton High School Assistant principal Ashoke Ghosh and Technology Director Kathy Dooley were on hand to address the 1-1 laptop program for upcoming freshman.  There will be a parent/student information night March 14^th to introduce the program and answer questions.  Ghosh reported that approximately 97% of the current ninth graders have signed on with their own devices or leases despite earlier projections that suggested participation would be lower.  Looking forward to next year’s installment of the initiative, they are hoping to get out to bid and have machines purchased earlier than last year. Early (pre-bid) estimates put the payments for parents to lease at $323.69 per year plus a one-time $15 fee for imaging.  Parents and interested residents are urged to log onto the High School web page and explore the 1-1 blog.

The SC took no action last night in response to the Board of Selectman’s request to trim their budget request by $125,000.  SC member Rebecca Robak spoke to the request suggesting that in light of the request, the committee might have to re-think reducing the fees as planned by 20%.  She emphasized that the SC had forwarded what she felt was a responsible budget request, if the SC was to look at reducing the budget by the requested amount, “maybe we should look at reversing the idea on reducing fees.”

Speaking to the issue of fees, School Finance Director Ralph Dumas was clear that he needed to know for certain at this meeting, so that letters to parents could go out in a timely fashion.  There was a minor adjustment made for administrative ease, so the bus fee and parking fee will be reduced by just under 20% making the fee $190 rather than the projected $189.  He also spoke to leaving the harsh late fee and delay for enrollment in place to continue to “change the behavior” of parents paying after the deadline.  To that end the late bus program enrollment fee will remain $260, and parents will risk timely inclusion for their children if they miss the deadline to enroll and pay.

Summarizing for the majority of the SC, Jon Graziano said, “I really want to leave fees where we have them and address the BOS request separately.” The SC decided to keep the fee reductions in place for next year.

While they took no action regarding the BOS request for a reduction in their budget request, they agreed in principle with SC Vice Chairman Scott Aghababian that they wanted to work collaboratively with the BOS.  “We do want to work with them [BOS] and go to Town Meeting with a budget we can all agree to.”

The SC next meets on March 21 at 7:30 PM in the Middle School Library and will include action on the School Building Project Statements of Interest (SOI’s) for the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process.

20-year-old Wayland Man Guilty for Murder of Ex-Girlfriend

WOBURN– A 20-year-old Wayland man has been found guilty for the 2011 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Astley, 18, also of Wayland, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Nathaniel Fujita was found guilty by a Middlesex Superior Court Jury of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (2 counts), and assault and battery following a 3 week trial in Woburn Superior Court.

Middlesex Superior Court Judge Peter Lauriat sentenced the defendant this afternoon to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, and 9-10 years in prison on the assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charges, and 2 1/2 years in jail on the assault and battery charge, those sentences to all run concurrent.

           “Today, Nathaniel Fujita has been found guilty of brutally murdering Lauren Astley. While we are very grateful for the measure of justice delivered by the jury’s verdict, there remains an overwhelming feeling of sadness and emptiness amongst so many who are still working to process and recover from this unspeakably evil act,” District Attorney Leone said.   “Primary among the community who feel such profound loss, are Lauren's parents, who displayed such personal grace, strength and resilience despite the anguish and torment caused by the dark and evil acts of this defendant that robbed them of enjoying the light of their lives who was their only daughter. We will continue to work as hard as we can, in concert with our community partners, to ensure that young people know there are options and resources available to them when they are in need of help to prevent teen dating and relationship violence.   I commend the Wayland Police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office for their diligence and professionalism in investigating this case and for serving the community of Wayland so ably.”

According to authorities, on July 3, 2011, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Wayland Police were notified by the family of Lauren Astley that she was missing.   She had last been seen leaving work in Natick shortly before 7:00 p.m. that evening.  Authorities launched an immediate investigation into Lauren’s whereabouts.

On the morning of July 4, 2011, at approximately 7:30 a.m., a bicyclist passing by a marshy area off of Route 27 in Wayland observed a body.  That bicyclist immediately called 911 and Wayland Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office responded and located the body of Lauren Astley, evidencing an obvious wound to the neck. 

The death was determined to be suspicious and subsequently declared a homicide.  The cause of death was determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (ME) to be strangulation and incised wounds to the neck.  The ME also noted that the victim had multiple superficial wounds. 

After an investigation, it was determined that the defendant met with the victim at his home after she left work on July 3, 2011 and killed her, then drove over 5 miles and dumped her body in the marsh.  Pursuant to the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s home, investigators found evidence of the crime, including the defendant’s blood-stained clothing and traces of blood in the kitchen and the garage. 

GOVERNOR PATRICK HONORS QUINCY TEEN FOR HEROISM DURING BLIZZARD

BOSTON – Tuesday, March 5, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick yesterday met with Dylan Hughes, a Quincy teenager who rescued his 103-year-old neighbor at the height of the massive winter storm in February, to present a citation officially recognizing his heroic act.

Governor Deval Patrick honors Dylan Hughes, a Quincy teenager who rescued his 103-year-old neighbor at the height of  the massive winter storm in February, to present a citation officially recognizing his heroic act. From left to right: House Majority Leader Ron Mariano, Representative Tackey Chan, Joseph Pereira, Governor Patrick, Dylan Hughes, Representative Bruce Ayers and Sally Hughes.
(Photo credit: Hawley Shea / Governor’s Office)

“I am deeply humbled by Dylan's courage and deeply encouraged by his example,” said Governor Patrick.

"Dylan sets a great example; we are all very proud of him," said Representative Bruce Ayers. 

"Dylan's thoughtful act of neighborliness not only saved a life, but also stands as a great testament to our young people and why I have such tremendous faith in our community's future," said Quincy Mayor Tom Koch. 

Known throughout his community for his thoughtfulness and compassion, the 16-year-old Thayer Academy honors student decided to check on his 103-year-old neighbor during the blizzard on Saturday, February 9, 2013 and discovered that she was shivering and had fallen on the floor of her home. Hughes immediately called for emergency assistance and helped shovel a pathway to his neighbor’s house before an ambulance brought the neighbor to Quincy Medical Center, where she fully recovered.

SAVE THE DATE FOR A SWINGING GOOD TIME– SATURDAY APRIL 27TH!     
Sponsored by Friends of Anniversary Celebrations, Inc

LISTEN AND DANCE TO THE SOFT TOUCH BAND PLAYING BIG BAND MUSIC OF THE 40’S, 50’S, 60’S -- ACCOMPANIED BY 2 SINGERS, SWING DANCE DEMO’S,  AND INSTRUCTION ON THE DANCE FLOOR – HS GYM FROM 7:30 TO 11TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: THE GOLDEN SPOON, COUNTRY PLUS, SUNNYSIDE GARDENS, COLELLA’S OR BY CONTACTING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: ANNIE MARCY AT 435-0244, JOANN PHIPPS (435-3010), JOHN GARDNER (435-5062),  MICHAELYN HOLMES (435-4279), OR SANDY SULFARO (435-4268)

GOVERNOR PATRICK MEETS WITH AMBASSADORS FROM IRELAND AND EUROPEAN UNION

BOSTON – Monday, March 4, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today met with Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the United States João Vale de Almeida, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States Michael Collins and Consul General of Ireland in Boston Michael Lonergan. Ireland currently holds the rotating EU Presidency. The meeting builds on the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to cultivating and expanding the existing relationship between Massachusetts and the EU, its largest trade partner.

Governor Patrick meets with Ambassador of the European Union to the U.S. Joao Vale de Almeida, Ambassador of Ireland to the U.S. Michael Collins and Counsel General of Ireland to Boston Michael Lonergan in the Governor’s Office. (Photo credit: Eric Haynes / Governor’s Office)

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Ambassador Vale de Almeida, Ambassador Collins and Consul General Lonergan to Massachusetts,” said Governor Patrick. “Strengthening our ties with the European Union will allow the Commonwealth to compete in the 21st century global economy.”

Prior to becoming Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States in 2010, Ambassador Vale de Almeida served as the Director General for External Relations at the European Commission. He was also Head of Cabinet for European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, and before that held a senior position in the Directorate General for Education and Culture. Ambassador Vale de Almeida is originally from Portugal.

Prior to becoming Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States in 2007, Ambassador Collins served as second secretary general at the Department of the Taoiseach, or Irish prime minister. He was also Ireland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Emirates, and then to the Czech Republic and Ukraine. Collins last visited Boston in February 2012 with Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The EU, which has the largest GDP in the world at $15.7 trillion, represents 34 percent of Massachusetts’ exports and 27 percent of imports. Supporters believe harmonized standards and regulations between the EU and the U.S. would have a significant effect on GDP growth for both markets.
~ Photo and content, Governor's Office

Murtha Cullina Attorney Kathleen Connolly Ciriello Elected MACC President

Boston, MA (March 4, 2013)… Kathleen Connolly Ciriello (Hopkinton, MA resident), counsel at Murtha Cullina LLP and resident in the firm’s Boston office, was recently elected President of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commission (MACC) for 2013-2014.

In this role, Ms. Connolly Ciriello will lead MACC in advocating for informed land management, development and community conservation by working with state agencies, legislators, developers, the courts, other environmental non-profits and the general public. She will also oversee MACC's promotion of advocacy for manageable, science-based laws and regulations relating to wetlands and other water resources, open space, and biological resources. She will continue her work educating and training the greater conservation and land trust communities and interested public.

“It is such a privilege to have been elected MACC President,” said Ms. Connolly Ciriello. “I look forward to representing MACC as the state proposes and implements new regulatory laws, and also look forward to carrying out MACC’s more than half a century year-old mission of providing conservation recourses.”

Ms. Connolly Ciriello has previously served as MACC Vice President.

Ms. Connolly Ciriello has a wide range of experience in land use permitting law and litigation, and an extensive background in land use and environmental law with an emphasis on zoning planning and conservation.  Ms. Connolly joined Murtha Cullina in 2008. She received her J.D., cum laude, from University of Connecticut Law School, and B.A., magna cum laude, from Boston College.

Troopers Subdue Struggling Suspect in Car Stop, Find Drugs, Gun and Cash

On Saturday, March 2 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Massachusetts State Trooper Ryan Walczak stopped a Dodge Avenger for multiple motor vehicle infractions on the Massachusetts Turnpike in the town of Millbury. Trooper Walczak approached the car and spoke to the operator, who was described as hostile and uncooperative. The driver eventually handed over a Massachusetts driver’s license bearing a photograph that did not resemble the driver. The driver also handed Trooper Walczak a Hertz rental car agreement that was more than two weeks old and under a different name.

The trooper posed further questions to the operator, who gave answers inconsistent with information on the provided license, including his date of birth. The operator was asked to exit his car; a pat frisk yielded a pocket knife.

While troopers were searching the car, the driver suddenly ran out into the busy travel lane, trying to jump in front of moving cars. Trooper Deluca ran out into traffic and struggled to drag him back into the breakdown lane, nearly being struck by a tractor trailer in the process. Troopers Deluca and Walczak struggled with the driver, who tried to climb over a barrier on an overpass over Route 146 below. The suspect stated that he wanted to end his life and take some of the troopers with him. Trooper Walczak radioed for more assistance and responding troopers were finally able to get the operator into custody.

A search of the Avenger revealed a stolen, loaded .40 caliber handgun, an ounce of marijuana with evidence of drug distribution, and more than $2,000 cash.

During the booking process, troopers learned the driver’s true identity is BARRY JEAN-BAPTISTE, 26, of Malden. JEAN-BAPTISTE was booked and held on $20,000 bail. He is charged with the following offenses:

-Unlawful possession of a firearm without a permit;

-Possession of a high capacity firearm;

-Operating with a suspended license;

-Five counts of assault and battery on a police officer;

-Possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance (marijuana);

-Resisting arrest;

-Threats; and

-Numerous motor vehicle violations.

Over the years Glenshane has had the honor of opening for Tommy Makem as well as The Clancy Brothers. Jean and John - as Glenshane - were also the featured performers at a reception in Portland, ME for President Clinton in the mid-nineties.

The duo has appeared on various TV programs including On the Road with Charles Kuralt CBS, Prime Time NBC, and Evening Magazine NBC. Their recordings to date include The Giving Tree Angel, an international love song written to celebrate The Giving Tree exchange program between Rangeley, ME and Lac Megantic, Quebec; and Road to the Mountains, a collection of twelve songs (with three originals) available on CD and cassette.

http://www.jeanniemack.com/about.htm

Directions to Symphony Hall



Hopkinton High School students Ryan Turano '15, Blair Guild -13 and Travis Murdock '14 performed at the 2013 Massachusetts All-State Concert on Saturday March 2 at Boston's Symphony Hall. Ryan and Travis performed with the All-State Band and Blair performed with the All-State Chorus.   More than 2000 students from across the Commonwealth auditioned for places in the All-State groups.  The students attended rehearsals over a three-day conference at the Seaport World Trade Center which culminated in the performance at Symphony Hall.

Let’s Stop the Milford Casino NOW

Dear Editor,

I ask fellow Hopkinton residents to please join me in signing the citizen’s petition to Governor Patrick’s office, the MA Gaming Commission, and both congressional houses to stop the proposed construction of Crossroads Resorts near the intersection of Rtes. 85 and 16 by developer David Nunes.

Now that Foxborough denied the casino proposal from Las Vegas tycoon Steve Wynn and the owners of Foxwoods Casino have joined efforts with Mr. Nunes, the chances of us watching this huge commercial development being built (which will compete with our access to public water) has increased dramatically.

The grassroots efforts of the folks at Casino Free Milford may be our best hope to defeat the proposed casino development of 300,000 square feet, plus 300 hotels rooms and five restaurants. The additional traffic, congestion, and daily interruptions to all the citizens of Hopkinton and surrounding towns need to be stopped now. The petition still needs several hundred more signatures before it will be sent on to our state leaders.

Let’s help the voters of Milford make the right choice because once they support the concept, we will be forced into binding arbitration with the developers to settle on mitigation. The developer, Mr. Nunes, has been quoted* saying, “Those that follow this closely, as I have, realize Foxborough was going to be a tough sell,” he said. “When a community gets its back up, especially in New England, and says this is not what we want, you can pretty much take it to the bank.” Let’s help our Milford neighbors get their collective backs up now.

We can voice our concerns by attending the Milford Board of Selectmen’s meeting on March 18^th, and calling our congressional representatives, Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Carolyn Dykema to confirm their opposition on our behalf. Please join me in signing the petition here http://casinofreemilford.com/.

David Hamacher

42 Walcott Valley Drive

March 4, 2013

*Boston.com on June 3, 2012