Hopkinton’s Elementary School Building Committee Begins Work

Hopkinton, MA –  The newly formed Hopkinton Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) will next meet Thursday, March 28^th at 7:00 PM in the Fire Station training room at 73 Main Street.

 Regarding the makeup of the new committee, newly-elected ESBC Chair Joe Markey commented, “This committee is a Dream Team for Hopkinton, each member bringing a depth of experience, wisdom and passion to this project that bodes well for the future of our community’s youngest students.”  The committee was formed by a vote at the March 5^th Board of Selectmen meeting, where ESBC members were officially appointed by the Selectmen and sworn in by Town Clerk Ann Click.

 The committee’s documented mission is “To facilitate the development of a proposed solution to the operational and educational constraints of Center School that will be supported by the voters of Hopkinton, as well as the MSBA.”   

 To date, the ESBC has held two public meetings, during which the following topics were discussed:

 The first meeting on March 15^th provided members a chance to introduce themselves to each other, to elect officers, and gain basic orientation to the ESBC charter and timeline.  Elected as officers at the March 15^th meeting were Joe Markey, Chairman; Mike Shepard, Vice Chairman; and Rob Nickerson, Secretary and Clerk.

· At its second meeting March 21^st, the group began discussing and providing feedback on two Statements of Interest being prepared to initiate engagement with the Massachusetts School Building Committee (MSBA). This discussion discussion that will continue at the March 28^th meeting.
                         “Our goal is to set a standard for communication and transparency that far exceeds the minimum threshold required by Open Meeting Law,” commented Rob Nickerson, ESBC Secretary and Clerk. Nickerson has begun working with Town Hall staff to establish an ESBC presence on the town website (http://www.hopkintonma.gov/home/government/boards/esbc), and will review additional communications ideas and plans at the 3/28 meeting.  Town Hall staff are working to create email addresses for all ESBC members, which will be added to the site along with agendas, minutes, and other important project information.

Who are the newly appointed Members of the Elementary School Building Committee?

1.          Joe Markey (Chair) was appointed as the At Large member of the Community.  Joe is a former Planning Board chairman who brings knowledge of land use planning, Town Meeting process, and a passion for transparency in local government.  Joe’s professional work spans nearly 25 years at locally based global technology companies including EMC, focused on market research and program management.  Besides five years on Planning Board, Joe has also served on various other boards and committees in Hopkinton since moving here 10 years ago.  With one child attending Center School today, another a Center School graduate, and a third scheduled to enter Kindergarten in 2017, Joe brings a connection with a parents’ network related to Center School. (Voting member)

2.          Mike Shepard (Vice-Chair) fills the role as a community member knowledgeable in educational mission and function of facility. Mike is a former Hopkinton Selectman with extensive MSBA school building experience in Hopkinton and in Brookline. He is a qualified and practicing building inspector with a strong understanding of construction, building codes, standards and materials. He has four grandchildren in the Hopkinton school system. (Voting member)

3.          Rob Nickerson (Secretary and Clerk) was appointed to the spot for a community member with communications, marketing and/or facilitator experience. Rob possesses extensive experience as a facilitator and project manager. He works at MathWorks and brings professional experience and passion for communications, meeting facilitation, and integrating user experience input to web application development. Rob has two young children who will attend Hopkinton public schools in the coming years. (Voting member)

4.          John Weaver was appointed as a community member with architecture, engineering and/or construction experience. John has four children who went through the Hopkinton’s school system and wants to give back to the community. He is co-owner and Managing Principal of DiGiorgio Associates Inc. and has overseen multiple large construction projects in the healthcare sector. He has demonstrated ability to help project leaders understand and incorporate different stakeholders’ interests and bring closure to projects. (Voting member)

5.          Local Chief Executive Officer, John Mosher, Board of Selectmen (Voting member)

6.          Administrator or Manager, Norman Khumalo, Town Manager (Non-voting member)

7.          School Committee Member, Jonathan Graziano (Voting member)

8.          Alternate School Committee Member, Scott Aghababian (Non-voting, except in the absence of the other SC Member)

9.          Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Hiersche (Non-voting member.

10.     Local Official Responsible for Building Maintenance, David Daltorio (Non-voting member)

11.     School Principal, position currently filled by Hopkins School Principal Greg Martineau until a permanent Center School principal is hired (Non-voting member)

12.     Local budget official or member of local finance/Appropriation Committee: Pam Waxlax (Voting member)

13.     A member who is MCPPO certified: Ralph Dumas, Hopkinton Schools Finance Director (Non-voting member)

PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION APPROVES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THAT WILL CREATE AND RETAIN 7,144 JOBS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

BOSTON – Tuesday, March 26, 2013 – The Economic Assistance Coordinating Council today approved nine projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program, which are expected to create 1,209 new jobs and retain 5,935 existing jobs, in addition to leveraging nearly $267 million in private investment and supporting construction projects across the Commonwealth.

Among the eight approved projects are four manufacturing companies and five projects located in Gateway Cities. The EDIP program helps reduce the cost of business for these companies, which is one of the five main focuses of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s long-term economic development plan. These are the first projects approved in 2013 by the Coordinating Council, which meets on a quarterly basis to review applications.

Perkin Elmer Health Sciences, Inc. (Hopkinton) – Perkin Elmer Inc. is a global company which focuses on improving the health and safety of people and the environment. Its businesses range from multi-vendor laboratory services, software and informatics to clinical lab testing. While currently based in Waltham, Perkin Elmer will relocate its life sciences and technology business elements to Hopkinton where the company recently purchased Caliper Life Sciences, a biomedical company which is a leader in imaging and detection solutions for life sciences research, diagnostics and environmental markets. This relocation will allow Perkin Elmer to form a “center for excellence.” This investment and relocation will bring 150 new jobs to Massachusetts and will assist in the retention of 250 jobs. Perkin Elmer Health Sciences is making a private investment of $13 million and will receive local Tax Increment Funding from Hopkinton for 13 years valued at $827,991.

Hopkinton High School Principal Finalists Announced

Hopkinton, MA

3/25/2013

Hopkinton Interim Superintendent, Dr. Steven Hiersche, is pleased to announce that he and the High School Principal Screening Committee have identified two outstanding candidates for further consideration for the position of Hopkinton High School Principal.  The Screening Committee included representation from building level administration, professional teaching staff, as well as a parent and a High School student representative.

The Screening Committee interviewed five applicants. The following candidates (in alphabetical order) will be further considered:

Mr. Michael Cournoyer (2006 file photo) holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Worcester State College, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education from the University of Lowell.  He is currently the Principal for Holliston High School. He previously served as Assistant Principal of Hopkinton High School, and began his career in education as a high school health teacher at Southbridge High School.

Mr. John Smith holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Worcester State College, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History, from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst).  He is currently the Principal for Westborough High School.  He previously served as Principal and Assistant Principal/Dean of Students for Nashoba Regional High School.  He began his career in education as a social studies teacher at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg.

The finalists will be individually interviewed by the Superintendent and members of the administrative team this week, and will participate in a Public Forum in early April.  Interested faculty, staff, parents, and community members will be invited to attend this forum, and will be given the opportunity to provide feedback to the Superintendent.  Public Forum details will be announced later this week, once finalized.

KEEFE TECH STUDENTS WIN NINETEEN AWARDS AT
DISTRICT SKILLSUSA CONFERENCE

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

Highest Honor

Top Row L to R: John Houley, Benjamin Abernathy, Reece Griffiths, Michael Giusti, Nate Shingleton, Ben Morey-Beale, Matthew Kiszla
Bottom Row L to R: Devin Kelly, Fletcher Clark, Austin Summers (contributed by John Kelly)

On March 21, 2013 Ten Cub Scouts from Pack 97 earned their Arrow of Light, the highest award that can be received in Cub Scouting.

Thomas Harlowe Morris, 61

MIDDLEBOROUGH - Thomas Harlowe Morris, 61, of Middleborough, formerly of Hopkinton, passed away Friday March 22, 2013.

Born in Natick, he was the son of the late Thomas and Ginny (Flett) Morris. A graduate of Hopkinton High School and Quinsigamond Community College, he was a lifelong resident of Hopkinton until moving to Middleborough 6 years ago. Tom worked for the Boston Center for Independent Living for many years. He was an active member of the South Middlesex Baptist Church in Framingham and dedicated volunteer for the church AWANA Youth Group.

Mr. Morris is survived by two sisters; Carlene (Brackett) Welch of Middleborough and Melody (Morris) Guthrie of Ft. Worth, TX; his former wife; Terri (Matthews) Morris of Middleborough; mother-in-law; Ida Matthews of Halifax, MA; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his loving stepfather, Walter J. Knapp of Framingham.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 27, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4 - 7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association, 500 Belmont St., Suite 200, Brockton, MA 02301-4985. www.mataresefuneral.com

Representative Dykema and Senator Eldridge Celebrate World Water Day with 
2013 Massachusetts Water Forum

BOSTON— Representative Carolyn Dykema and Senator Jamie Eldridge, co-chairs of the Water Infrastructure Finance Commission, joined Representative Russell Holmes and Foundation for a Green Future Inc. to co-host the 2013 Massachusetts Water Forum at the State House Friday in honor of United Nations World Water Day. 

Legislators, exhibitors and sponsors were on hand for the day-long forum that explored how leaders can inform their constituencies and contribute to the state’s long-term water resiliency.  The event was held in honor of United Nations World Water Day and the work begun at the forum will continue through a series of follow-up sessions and events throughout the year.

“World Water Day is a great day to reflect on Massachusetts' long, proud history of caring for our precious water resources," said Representative Carolyn Dykema. "It’s also a time to recommit ourselves to investments, innovation, and policy that will strengthen our water infrastructure and protect our natural waters far into the future. Today's events reminded us all that we have a responsibility to our children: to safeguard our most basic, human need - water - and the systems that supply and protect it."

“I am proud to join in the celebration of World Water Day Water Day today to highlight the importance freshwater plays in our everyday lives,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “Government at home and abroad, plays a key role in providing access to freshwater and overseeing the management of freshwater resources. These are issues that I have worked on very closely through my work on the Water Infrastructure Finance Commission (WIFC) that led to legislation I filed this session that will overhaul and upgrade our state’s water systems.”

Two key topics that will be explored during the forum are Emerging Water Innovation and Priorities for Massachusetts and Accounting for Water Capital in Massachusetts and Policy Recommendations.  Speakers include Fred Laskey, Executive Director, MWRA; Greg Watson, Commissioner of Agriculture; Martin Pillsbury, Environmental Director, MAPC; and Phil Griffiths, Undersecretary for Environment.   For a complete schedule of the day’s events visit www.masswaterforum2013.eventbrite.com/#.

In addition, there will be an interactive program for students in grades 7-12 that will focus on water priorities and action steps and an exhibit viewing showing a range of water related organizations.

“When we celebrate life, we celebrate water.  This is where life begins and this is what maintains all life,” said Dr. Karen L. Weber, Executive Director of Foundation for a Green Future, Inc.  “The world is headed towards very complicated times regarding water and the more we are able to show good stewardship for our water locally, the better Massachusetts can be a partner globally.  In honor of World Water Day, the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. is proud to be working with legislators, elected officials, schools, and interested parties, both for-profit and nonprofit, to have a discussion that we hope will lead to concrete sustainable actions.”

During her remarks, Rep. Dykema highlighted the legislative package she filed based on final recommendations of the Water Infrastructure Finance Commission including:

   - Creation of 10-year Water Infrastructure Bond to fund local drinking water, wastewater and storm water improvements;
   - Defining and establishing guidelines for best management practices in long-term planning and financing;
   - Promoting innovative water technologies; and
   - Conducting a feasibility study relative to implementing watershed based permitting.

A complete schedule of the day’s events and information about the Massachusetts Water Forum can be found here, more information about the United Nations World Water Day can be found here.

The Water Infrastructure Finance Commission (WIFC) was charged with developing a comprehensive, long-range water infrastructure finance plan for the commonwealth and its municipalities following two years of research, public hearings and meetings. The final report is available online here.

Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. is a Boston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing environmentally focused programs to the Greater Boston community. Throughout the year, we run a series of programs focused on greening our urban spaces through gardening, green roofs and living walls. We also provide green jobs training and promote environmentally friendly business practices. Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. works with local schools, community centers, and neighborhood organizations to educate young and old about the many dimensions of green technologies and design interactive curricula to suit their needs.


World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.  An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. 

Hopkinton 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee Announces Marathon Runner

The Hopkinton 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee is happy to announce that Meaghan O'Neil will be running the Boston Marathon this year to help raise funds for 2015. Please consider donating to what promises to be a wonderful celebration!  Checks may be made out to "Friends of Hopkinton Anniversaries" and mailed c/o Pat Lynch, PO Box 373, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Committee members will be on the Town Common Marathon Weekend, stop by and say "hello" and find out about how you can participate in plans for the anniversary year.

Hopkinton Police Department

Press Release

Incident 2013-2506

On Friday March 22, 2013 at approximately 12:15 pm, the Hopkinton Police Department received a call of two suspicious persons walking around a residence in the west side of town. Upon the police arrival, a male and female were seen running into a wooded area behind the house. It was quickly learned an adjoining residence had been broken into. The female suspect was quickly apprehended at the scene. A perimeter was set up with assistance from Westborough, Upton and State Police. A State Police K-9 was requested and tracked the male suspect through the woods for approximately 35 minutes. The male suspect was located and arrested. HopNews photo, above.

The two suspects have been identified as:

1.      SOMADELIS, Michael, age 19 of Hopkinton

2.      MANJORIDES, Christine, age 19 of Hopkinton.

SOMADELIS has been charged with:

1.      Break and Entering Daytime for Felony

2.      Larceny in a Building

3.      Larceny over $250

4.      Possession of Burglarious Tools

5.      Receiving Stolen Property over $250

MANJORIDES has been charged with:

1.      Break and Entering Daytime for Felony

2.      Larceny in a Building

3.      Larceny over $250

4.      Receiving Stolen Property over $250

5.      Possession of a Class E Substance