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POLITICAL LETTERS SURPRISE DEADLINE - NOW, MAY 14, 2013, 9:15 PM
Thank you to all who participated.
(All letters received were displayed, with the exception of one we just opened without a home address.)
Check in tomorrow for a video from the candidates - and a HopNews Poll.

SERVICE GUIDE
  
 


Come Support Relay For Life Team: YANKEE DOODLERS
Pancake Breakfast THIS Saturday    9AM - 11 AM
Asking for a $5 donation
Includes coffee, tea, OJ, hot pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, dessert and raffle items
Where you ask??    haha 
Hopkinton Housing Authority 
100 Davis Road  Hopkinton

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Main Street Water Main Replacement to
Begin After Memorial Day
Meeting with public slated for May 20, 4:00 pm at Town Hall

May 14, 2013 — Water Department employees were out on Main Street today marking areas of concern for the replacement of approximately 2,500 feet of the 125 year-old water main between Pleasant Street and Hayden Rowe that Town Meeting generously voted to fund with nearly $1 million in the last two years.

In a letter to residents and business owners in the area made available to the press, DPW Director John Westerling assured people that there would be two lanes of traffic open "when possible" during the construction, which is expected to begin after Memorial Day this year, and run through November. The final paving of the trench is supposed to be completed in Spring of 2014.

The construction company for the project is Russo Bros. of Framingham, who dug a trench and laid a water main for the Alprilla Farms wells down Alprilla Farms Road, Front Street and Clinton Street.

 

Construction will take place from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. Monday Through Friday.

   

Support for Ellen Scordino

Dear Editor:

 

I have been watching the School Committee race closely and was compelled to put pen to paper on a few issues for taxpayers to consider before they vote.

 

There have been whispers suggesting Ellen is too ‘busy’ to serve our town.  Nonsense!  We all know when something needs to be done, ask a busy person!  Successful ‘busy’ people know how to prioritize, delegate and execute as appropriate. They know how to GET IT DONE.

 

My family is busy.  Ann & I both work.  We have 3 school-aged kids. We travel often and we have a very large extended family, requiring time and effort.  We both have aging parents with health issues, requiring still more time.  And yet, we get it all done. 

 

And I note: nobody ever said I was too ‘busy’ to be a Selectman.

 

On the issue of qualifications: clearly, our country and towns need volunteers to work at their best.  I commend Ellen’s opponent for her acts of volunteerism.  Make no mistake, however: prior volunteerism does not qualify one as the best candidate.  Volunteers, in general, are a tactical solution - not a strategic one.   

 

Ellen, on the other hand, is a strategist, a negotiator, a collaborator, a leader – a qualified candidate – with all the skills we need in this next School Committee member.

 

Please join us and vote for Ellen Scordino on May 20; this is a critical race, it will be tight and we need your vote.

 

Thank you.

Todd A. Cestari

19 Elizabeth Road

May 14, 2013

 

Amy Ritterbusch Third Candidate Statement – School Committee Election 2013

 

My name is Amy Ritterbusch and I am running for School Committee. I have lived in Hopkinton for nine years, have three children in the Hopkinton schools and I am committed to keeping our schools strong. I am a dedicated volunteer with a proven track record of bringing fresh ideas to each volunteer role I’ve taken on in town. I have been actively participating in our town budget process for several years and I feel that now is the right time for me to step up and take on a larger role.

 

I am thrilled that the Center School Feasibility Study passed at Town Meeting.  I am very happy to see the Elementary School Building Committee move forward in a direction that will be supported by the majority of voters, a non-districted PreK-1 solution to the challenges of the aging Center School. I have been impressed with their work to date and as a School Committee member will continue to support their efforts.

 

I have a long history of advocating for small class sizes and other school and town issues. I recently worked on a citizens’ petition to allow community groups to hang temporary banners over Main Street for upcoming events, which I am pleased to report passed at Town Meeting last week.

 

Over the years I have volunteered in a variety of capacities in Hopkinton including: HPTA, Hopkins School Council, HPS Strategic Planning Committee, Educate Hopkinton, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and MOMS Club. I’m an effective communicator and have introduced new and innovative forms of group communication to each organization for which I have volunteered. I will do the same for the School Committee. Having watched their process in recent years, I have many new ideas to improve communication between the School Committee and the public.

 

I cannot wait to get started and respectfully ask for your vote on Monday, May 20. For more information: http://amyforsc.amyritterbusch.com.

YOUR HOME
   

Ellen Scordino Third Candidate Statement – School Committee Election 2013

 

In Hopkinton, the School Committee is responsible for the strategic management of our school system – that includes defining how much taxpayer money is required to run our schools, and how to best spend that money to result in a “best in class district.”  I can help do this.  I will bring an independent voice and fresh perspective to these discussions.         

 

I grew up with a keen understanding of the value of a dollar.   I financed nearly 90% of my undergraduate education through scholarship, work programs, and loans.  And, once I paid those loans off, I went to law school.  I financed law school by working full-time as a chemist at a pharmaceutical company and attending the evening school at Fordham Law.  I know the value of hard work.  As a result, I have great respect for the hard-working families of Hopkinton and I will not take your tax dollars for granted. 

 

In my profession, I budget for clients and cases, big and small.  I look for ways to be creative and add value.  I ask the same of the attorneys I manage.  There is little opportunity to request more money or say, “Nah. We couldn’t get that done with what we had.”  We always have to get it done and live within our clients’ means.  To do this, we need to be able to prioritize, and manage up and down.  We need to keep our eyes on progress and spend.  I do this well.

 

Educating our town’s youth is important.  Hopkinton residents know this.  I know this.  Our children need to have access to cutting edge technique, qualified instruction, outside opportunities, and up-to-date tools and facilities.  The School Committee can make this happen while spending your tax dollars wisely.  

 

If elected on May 20th, I will be committed to delivering an outstanding education in an economic, efficient and effective manner.  Please visit www.ellensforhopkintonschools.org  and vote Ellen Scordino on May 20.

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THANK YOU!

Thank you, readers, for all of your letters supporting Amy Ritterbusch and Ellen Scordino, unenrolled candidates for the one open seat for School Committee. Due to the overwhelming volume of letters, and the rapidly approaching election, we will be announcing a cut-off very soon. And inasmuch as the day is drawing near, from hereon in, no letters mentioning the other candidate, directly, by implication or tacit reference, will be accepted.

 

Coming Soon: All is not done with. Stay tuned for a poll suggested by a reader, as well as video messages from our two candidates.

    
Bohlin Recognized

Above, Ryan Bohlin, right, with Head Football Coach, Jim Girard.

May 14, 2013 —  On Monday May 13th, at Lombardo's Banquet Hall in Randolph, Ryan Bohlin was recognized by the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame: Jack Grinold Eastern Massachusetts Chapter.

 

The award is presented to selected individuals for outstanding football ability and performance, outstanding academic application and achievement, and outstanding school leadership and example.

 

Ryan was the Tri-Valley League's Defensive MVP this past season for the 9-2 Hillers. He will be continuing his football career at Tufts University in the Fall.

Contributed content.

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Hopkinton 9, Holliston 0

May 14, 2013 — The Hillers shut out Holliston yesterday at home, as Ryan Sullivan, above, catches some air.

YOUR HOME
   

Hopkinton 4, Holliston 1

May 14, 2013 — Hopkinton Boys tennis were in charge of the courts at home yesterday against Holliston.

 

Barbara E. Lechner, 60

 

Barbara E. Lechner, 60,Barbara E. Lechner, 60, of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Friday, May 10, 2013 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Her passing followed a sudden and recent diagnosis of widespread cancer. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Dr. Edgar H. Lechner and the late Evelyn (Kroemer) Lechner.

A Hopkinton resident for the past 10 years, Barbara was a graduate of Summit School/St. Paul Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was also a graduate of the University of Minnesota where she received a BA degree and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She received a Master's Degree in College Counseling at Northeastern University and was a long-term employee at both Northeastern and M.I.T.

She is survived by her partner of 18 years, Joan W. Dugas of Hopkinton; her father, Dr. Edgar H. Lechner of St. Paul, Minnesota; a brother, Edward Lechner and his wife Jeanne of Tampa, FL; a nephew, Matthew Lechner and his wife Rebecca of Bloomington, Minnesota; her grand-nephews, Henry and Theodore Lechner; and an aunt, Elinor Yungbauer.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A memorial service will be held at M.I.T. in late May. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or cancer.org

   

Support for Ellen Scordino

Dear Editor,

 

I am writing in support of Ellen Scordino for School Committee. Ellen will be the fresh, new voice we need on the School Committee. As the mother of 2 young children, Ellen will bring her passion for a strong education to our school system in a collaborative way that will renew trust in our School Committee.

 

Ellen brings no agenda to the School Committee, but she does bring unmatched experience as an attorney, along with the belief that a strong school system should benefit our students, and taxpayers alike. Please join me in voting for Ellen Scordino for School Committee on May 20.

 

Bernadette Markey

39 Ash Street

May 13, 2013

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SERVICE GUIDE
  
 

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton Massachusetts
 
Compiled for HopNews.com by Eric Montville © 2013 All Right Reserved
New Transactions from April 29, 2013 - May 8, 2013
Address Buyer Price Date Seller
No New Transactions This Week
Last Week
4 Sadie Lane Clifford Lim, Jessica Lim $870,000 May 3, 2013 Scott D. Van Ummersen, Janice M. Van Ummersen
4 McDermott Lane Christopher J. Masters, Genevieve Masters $725,000 May 2, 2013 Richard P. Barbieri
24 Highcroft Way, Unit 24 Beverly Panagio $384,100 May 1, 2013 Philip A. Kuehne
14 Nazneen Circle Vishnuvardhan Vangapally $508,000 April 30, 2013 Catalina Chew, Danny Chew, Alexandra Silva
 27 Old Farm Road Keith Getchell, Elizabeth Getchell $780,000 April 30, 2013 Richard Morse, Kathryn Traut
15 Alexander Road Christopher P. Dellelo, Lauren M. Dellelo $485,000 April 29, 2013 Lawrence E. Felton, Christine M. Bordonaro
93 Front Street Ryan Christopher Struzik, Emily Rose Struzik $325,000 April 29, 2013 Steven M. Molnar, Adel M. Molnar
16 Yale Road Bimala L. Lima, D. Florencio $250,000 April 29, 2013 Charlotte Sprague Natyniak, Ralph Sprague
Previous Week
7 Joseph Road Tony H. Nguyen, Chris N. Fredericks $655,000 April 26, 2013 Robert G. Murphy, Cheryl L. Murphy
78 South Mill Street Jeremy M. Hartman, Lindsay Hartman $682,000 April 25, 2013 Constantine W. Velentzas, Danielle Velentzas
152 Spring Street Lindsee B. Falcone, Matthew R. Falcone $403,000 April 25, 2013 Elizabeth Nation
25 Briarcliff Drive John Sherffius, Stephanie Beth Sherffius $505,000 April 25, 2013 Caroline Almeda, Arnel Almeda
 5 Courtney Circle Marisa Jones, Kevin V. Jones $620,000 April 24, 2013 Haoxyan Yan, Jianping Chao
68 Greenwood Road Andre W. Bouvier, Eileen M. Bouvier $779,000 April 22, 2013 Kel Kelly


 
    

Police Incident/Arrest Log

Updated Monday, May 13, 2013

   Summary

The Hopkinton Police were involved in the following incidents, which are not included in the detail report below.

2 Times the Police assisted the Fire Department, another department, town, or outside Police agency.

8 Motor Vehicle/Person/Home Checks.

1 Motor Vehicle Accident without personal injury.

1 Time the Police assisted with an Animal Call.

1 Time the Police participated in Community Relations or passenger safety.

Arrest Log

Saturday, May 11, 2013

10:24 pm Officer Peter Booth arrested Michael Steven Boody, 32, of Route 2, Merrill, ME, on Elm Street for a Warrant.

 

Friday, May 10, 2013

11:11 pm Officer Peter Booth arrested Leah Faddoul, 27, of Kathryn Lane, Holliston, on West Main Street and charged her with OUI Drugs, Possession of Class A Substance and Possession of Class C Substance.

 

Incident Log

Sunday, May 12, 2013

11:32 pm A caller from Clinton Street reported that a suspicious motor vehicle pulled into a driveway for several minutes and then eventually went into the garage or behind the house. Officer Jacob Campbell responded and advised that there was no vehicles in the area.

10:55 pm An attendant at a West Main Street business reported that a vehicle had been occupied and parked there for the past two hours. Officer Robert Bielecki spoke with the operator who was just using the phone.

4:19 pm A 911 caller from Proctor Street reported that his nine year old son had just been bitten by a neighbor's dog and was now on his way to the hospital. Sgt. Michael Sutton responded and spoke with the dog owner.

7:49 am The Upton Police Department reported an erratic operator. Officer Thomas Griffin stopped the motor vehicle on Main Street and spoke with the operator.

 

Saturday, May 11, 2013

9:34 pm Officer Peter Booth stopped a motor vehicle on Elm Street and subsequently arrested a 32 year old male from Merrill, ME for a Warrant.

8:52 pm Two officers responded to Leman Lane to follow up on a 911 call. They stated that it was a domestic situation between mother and daughter from earlier in the day. A criminal application was issued for domestic Assault and Battery.

8:14 pm There were multiple calls regarding a man standing in the middle of Priscilla Road acting strangely and attempting to block traffic from passing by. Officer Matthew McNeil responded and escorted the individual to his residence for the night.

7:03 pm A walk-in from Wood Street reported that his mailbox was damaged by another vehicle overnight. Officer Peter Booth responded and took a report.

12:58 pm The Rod and Gun Club reported the theft of a money jar at their fishing derby on Fruit Street. Officer David Shane responded and took a report.

7:31 am A 911 caller reported a large amount of trash bags in the middle of West Main Street. Officer David Shane checked the area with a negative find.

 

Friday, May 10, 2013

10:55 pm A resident of Spring Street reported a loud motor vehicle or motorcycle next door. Detective Timothy Brennan spoke with the operators who shut down for the evening.

10:21 pm A 911 caller reported that an erratic operator stopped at a West Main Street gas station. Officer Peter Booth responded and subsequently arrested a 27 year old female from Holliston and charged her with OUI Drugs, Possession of Class A Substance and Possession of Class C Substance.

9:02 pm A Pond Street resident reported arriving home and finding the back door opened. Three officers checked the area and advised that it was the dog that probably opened the door.

7:37 pm A caller from Oak Street reported that about six or seven teens left their motor vehicle in front of his residence and then walked into the woods. Two officers located five youths and moved them along.

7:09 pm A resident of Gibbon Road reported a suspicious motor vehicle in the area. Officer Peter Booth located the vehicle and issued the operator a verbal warning for a rejection sticker.

5:55 pm There was a report of a suspicious motor vehicle in a Main Street parking lot. Officer Peter Booth checked the area with a negative find.

5:36 pm A walk-in from Cedar Street spoke with Officer Peter Booth regarding a restraining order violation.

3:22 pm The Southborough Police Department reported an erratic operator on Cedar Street. Detective Timothy Brennan checked the area with a negative find.

3:19 pm A Saddle Hill Road resident reported that their fourteen year old child did not return home after school. Officer Peter Booth responded and advised that the individual was located at a friends house.

3:10 pm A walk-in spoke with Detective Timothy Brennan regarding missing prescription medications.

2:07 pm Three officers responded to a motor vehicle accident with personal injury on West Main Street.

12:27 pm A resident of Hayden Rowe Street reported that there was a truck parked in the driveway of a vacant residence. Officer Gregg DeBoer responded and issued a complaint application for larceny of scrap metal.

6:37 am A caller from Granite Street complained about loud construction trucks. Officer Thomas Griffin responded and gave verbal warnings for town by-law violations.

4:10 am A caller reported that he was assaulted while riding his bicycle on Wood Street. Officer Stephen Buckley responded to investigate.

 

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Support for Amy Ritterbusch

Dear Editor,

 

We are pleased to write to you with our wholehearted support for Amy Ritterbusch as the candidate of choice for School Committee. We feel that there are some very important aspects that set Amy apart from her opponent.

 

Amy has lived in town for a long time – she and her husband Tim have been residents here for nine years.  Over that time, we have seen her serve again and again in volunteer positions for various town organizations:  Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the schools, the Parent Teacher Association.  Most importantly, she has committed her time and taken on leadership positions such as troop leader and being in charge of communications for the PTA.

 

Amy is well spoken – at the meet the candidates night, we felt that she had up-to-date and up-to-speed knowledge that she was able to communicate effectively to voters.  She has in-depth and current understanding of our town and what we need to move forward, both for the town in general, and the schools in particular.

 

Amy is dedicated – it came as no surprise to us when she announced she was going to run for School Committee.  It was the obvious next step for someone who cares so much about the schools.  We have been fortunate to receive her many emails while she sat in the audience attending school committee meetings; we were among the first to know of new developments and decisions because of her consistent attendance and her emails.

 

We hope you will join us in voting for Amy Ritterbusch on May 20th.

 

Respectfully,

 

Steve Lanser & Heather Kelley

115 Spring Street

May 13, 2013

 

 

 

Engagement

Peter and Susan Costanza Jr. of Hopkinton , MA and Michael A. Torosian, Sr. of Medway, MA are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Stephanie Louise Torosian to Theron Timothy Richardson, son of Sandra and Jaymen Singleton of Loris, South Carolina.  The groom will graduate from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in December 2013 with a bachelor degree in Exercise Science.  The future bride is a 2010 Graduate of Dean College and will graduate from Coastal Carolina University with a bachelor degree in Health Promotion in August 2013.  Wedding arrangements have not been finalized at this time .

YOUR HOME
   

Support for Ellen Scordino

To the Editor, Friends, & Neighbors,

We are fortunate to live in the Town of Hopkinton.  It is a community rich with history, excellent schools, growing recreational areas, and intelligent and dedicated volunteers who work hard to improve what this town has to offer.  As a community we are made up of veterans, parents, students, longtime residents, and newcomers; all who want the best for our growing Town.  At times, change is needed and I think this is a time that voters in our community need to advocate for a positive change on our School Committee. 

 

Ellen Scordino has the skills we need, coupled with a new perspective that I am confident will help our School Committee work in a way that is more efficient, more strategic, and much more fiscally responsible.  She does not come to this election with a predetermined set of ideas that will keep things operating as they have been.  She is a hard working professional who demonstrates a desire to listen to the community, look at the facts, engage in constructive and open dialogue, and act in a thoughtful and prudent manner.

 

If you do not know Ellen, I encourage you to reach out to her at ellens4hopkintonschools@gmail.com .  I think you will be pleased with what you learn.  Ellen has earned my vote and my confidence in her ability to help bring a more practical and prudent approach to our School Committee.  Please join me in advocating for a positive change on May 20th by voting for Ellen Scordino.

 

Kim Brennan

151 Spring Street

May 13, 2013

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Metro-West Drug Traffickers Charged in Oxycodone Distribution Ring

BOSTON—Fifteen individuals were charged on May 9, 2013 with conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone.

Charged in a criminal complaint with the drug conspiracy were Michael Bourque, 42, of Natick; Robert Hagenaars, 37, of Waltham; Brian Chisholm, 44, of Newton; Barry Goolst, 52, of Waltham; Phillip Goolst, 49, of Waltham; Thomas Ehwa, 26, of Waltham; Frank McGuire, 42, of Natick; Michael Roy, 32, of Milford; Christopher Yancey, 41, of Natick; Corey Assencoa, 43, of Hopkinton; Sean Cotter, 41, of Acton; Mark Newton, 27, of Hudson; Mark Ouellette, 43, of Shirley; John Kinney, 29, of Woburn; and Raymond Panaggio, 44, of Newton. All were arrested this morning.

According to the criminal complaint affidavit, a court-authorized wiretap was utilized to intercept communication between the defendants over the course of approximately four months. It is alleged that Bourque, the owner and operator of DEX Corporation, a shipping company located in Natick, used DEX Corporation as a front for his drug trafficking operations. The criminal complaint affidavit details Bourque’s distribution of thousands of oxycodone (Percocet) pills to both re-distributors and drug customers. Bourque is alleged to have acquired oxycodone from multiple sources of narcotics supply and utilized Yancey, Phillip Goolst, Barry Goolst, and McGuire, among others, as “runners” to distribute pills and collect drug proceeds.

On March 29, 2013, it is alleged that Ouellette and Cotter distributed 700 oxycodone pills to Bourque. In a search of Ouellette’s home, law enforcement recovered 1,500 to 2,000 pills of suspected oxycodone, over $30,000 in cash, and a loaded firearm.

According to court documents, from at least February 2011 through April 2013, Bourque, Hagenaars, Chisholm, Barry Goolst, Phillip Goolst, Ehwa, McGuire, Roy, Yancey, Assencoa, Cotter, Newton, Ouellette, Kinney, and Panaggio purchased, sold, and/or distributed wholesale quantities of Oxycodone.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who wreak havoc in Massachusetts cities and towns through the distribution and sale of illegal drugs,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “We will continue to keep a vigilant eye over the communities and neighborhoods that we serve in an effort to ensure the highest degree of safety and quality of life for all residents. This investigation exemplifies the commitment and cooperation between all levels of law enforcement which strive, above all else, to protect their communities from crime and those that perpetrate illegal activities.”

“With these arrests today, we hope to send a strong message that trafficking and distributing prescription pain medication will not be tolerated, and we will utilize the full breadth of our law enforcement resources to bare. We are committed to identifying, investigating, arresting, prosecuting, and sending to prison those responsible for this illegal drug trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge Arvanitis. “This case highlights the strengths of our law enforcement partnerships and the dedication of the men and women who participated in the investigation.”

The charge of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

U.S. Attorney Ortiz; John J. Arvanitis, SAC of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan, made the announcement today.

The case was investigated by DEA Boston; Federal Bureau of Investigation (Boston); Homeland Security Investigations (Boston); Internal Revenue Service (Boston); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Police Departments of Framingham, Waltham, Millis, Natick, Newton, Lexington, Arlington, Holliston, Boston, Stoughton, Haverhill, Shirley, Hopkinton, Watertown, Braintree, Woburn, Acton, and Milford; Massachusetts State Police; Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (MetroLEC); and Butte (California) Interagency Narcotics Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher and Michael I. Yoon of Ortiz’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

The details contained in complaint affidavit are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

   

Support for Ellen Scordino

Dear Citizens of Hopkinton,

 

There has been many a letter praising both Amy Ritterbusch and Ellen Scordino in area news sources; advocates for both individuals speaking to the future.  Plotting a course to the future requires first knowing one’s current position. 

 

I’d hoped to first have some facts and dollar figures for funds expended over the past year covering the departures of five Hopkinton School administrators; Superintendent Landman, and Principals Silver, Parsons, Kennedy, and Geary.  On 24 April I emailed our acting Superintendent, Dr Hiersche, requesting answers to 5 specific questions.  A week later, after sending a ‘reminder’ email I received the following, “Your request is governed by the Freedom of Information Act. Some of the questions are easy but some may require some work. …”.  On 7 May I received a second email, stating “Most of your questions are easy to answer with the exception of the total of legal fees. That will take some research and will have a cost attached to it. How would you like me to proceed?…”  After two weeks I’m no closer to an answer than at least one question will require “some research”.

 

I believe the net severance salary expense for Dr Landman was $75,000 (He was rehired promptly, reducing the Town’s liability.).  My question related to legal fees incurred in negotiating Dr Landman’s departure and severance package is the item requiring ‘some research’.  The remaining questions, while described as “easy” remain unanswered as I write this letter.  These questions are:

 

  • • What was the expense of Dr Landman's severance package?

  • • Other than your salary, were there any expenses related to your hiring and, if so, what is their total?

  • • Was there a severance package of any sort for the Elmwood principal, Ms Silver?  If so, what was the dollar value?

  • • What expenses, direct or otherwise (search firm, severance package, accumulated sick/vacation time), were associated with the departure and hiring of new principals for both Center and the High School?

 

The unexplained departure of 5 top administrators within the same year (Two departing mid-year!) is a cause of great angst for many in Hopkinton.  Administration turmoil at that level cannot but have a negative effect on the education of Hopkinton’s students.  Electing the individual who was the campaign manager for the previous Chair of our school committee would be to continue the lineage that kept the early departure of Dr Landman from the Citizens of Hopkinton.  (While we know neither details nor dates of the negotiations that lead to his departure, it is perhaps telling that the date of the earliest email released under a previous FOIA request is 6 April 2012, nearly 2 months prior to the announcement.) That shocking announcement was only made public days AFTER the re-election of Jean Bertschmann to the school committee.  Most I have spoken with look upon the school committee’s failure to disclose Dr Landman’s early departure as outrageous election deceit.   

 

Please join me, and many Hopkinton Citizens, in voting in a new voice, a new perspective, and refreshing openness to our School Committee.  I ask you to vote for Ellen Scordino.

 

Sincerely,

 

Edwin E Harrow

8 Spring Lane

May 12, 2013

SERVICE GUIDE
  
 

    

Property Found on Maspenock After Thaw

 

Listed below are a couple of items that recently floated up to someone's property.  If either of these belong to you please contact us:

• A white Meg Rowboat which is now in the stack of row boats on Pine Island.

 

• After the ice broke up on the lake, someone's dock ramp floated into my area. It is in good shape and measures about 12 feet long and two feet wide. It is made of two 2 x 12 x 12's strapped together. If you have heard of anyone losing part of their dock, or of anyone needing a ramp, let them know where it can be found.

 

Thank you,

The LMPA E-Board

   

Dems to Meet

 

All Democrats in Hopkinton are welcome to join us for the May meeting of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee at 7:30 pm on Monday 5/20.  This month's meeting will be held at Carbone's Restaurant.

Please email Dick Duggan (dduggan47@gmail.com) with any questions.

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A Mothers Day Remembrance

by Robert Falcione

May 12, 2013 — My good fortune has been my birth in a country that my grandparents chose to live in, as well as a city, Boston, that brought good fortune to my parents by them having met there, while growing up in adjoining neighborhoods.

 

Over the years, the neighborhoods where they were brought up, where they met, changed demographically. I knew that some people were Italian, Irish, Jewish, Black or Puerto Rican, moving in or out at various times.

 

The Irish seemed to have already been accepted into society when I became self-aware. My mother’s father, who came from County Roscommon spoke with a brogue, I was told. I heard him use it at Fenway Park to shout things at Ted Williams, when Ted did not meet his expectations.

 

My father’s father came from Italy. His manner of speaking was unflatteringly referred to as “Broken English” by most people who cared to define his accent. The Italians have had even more to overcome than “Broken English.”

 

It is difficult for me to forget that a Cuban-American, Desi Arnez of I Love Lucy fame, was quoted in a TV Guide story as saying he enjoyed making every Italian-American look like a bum in the TV series The Untouchables, which he produced. He never explained why.

 

Let’s not forget The Godfather, a brilliant piece of writing by a truly great Italian-American storyteller Mario Puzo, who romanticized not only Italian-Americans, but an Italian criminal enterprise called La Cosa Nostra, as well. Every American, even in those Irish-enlightened times, wondered if the Italian next door was a made man. Some of them still do. But it didn’t end there.

 

Sometime in the recent past, the HBO television series The Sopranos dealt sympathetically with an Italian-American mob family and the boss’s difficulty balancing the needs of a criminal enterprise with the demands of a family. The series ended only six years ago, and is out in syndication to this day, making sure that every neighbor of an Italian-American still wonders what their mother and father wondered about their Italian neighbors a generation ago.  African-Americans had it even worse, being portrayed in movies and television in servile or criminal roles for decades; but these things change one person at a time, and the African-Americans have had a rapid rise in my lifetime as a result of that one-person-at-a-time notion.

 

It was sixty-three years ago that my hand was raised over my head while holding my grandmother’s hand as she led me down Washington Street in Downtown Boston. She enjoyed shopping at Filene’s and Jordan Marsh, and even though I was only three years-old, I am pretty certain shopping is what brought us there on that day. But one thing was indelibly etched in my brain that day by my grandmother, who is most certainly in heaven today, if it exists. And if it didn’t exist when she passed on, they had to make it just for her, because she was a saint.

 

As we walked, I noticed a black man walking across the street. I made loud and animated gestures and sounds, much like Columbus must have when he came upon land. I had discovered the first black person I had ever seen, and wanted to share my discovery with my grandmother, much like Columbus must have wanted to share his discovery with his crew.

 

My grandmother, Rose, would have no part of the excitement. She whisked me into her arms and told me to shush. The individual, the object of my surprise, then crossed the street and walked past us, it seemed at the time, about three inches from my face, and looking very unhappy at being discovered.

 

When the individual was out of earshot, I asked Nana what it was all about.

 

She told me he was a man with a different color skin.

 

In my own three year-old way, I asked a follow up question along the lines of, “But isn’t there more?”

 

“No,” she answered. “He is a man with a different color skin. It is darker on the outside, but he is the same as us on the inside. And that’s all.”

 

On this Mother’s Day 2013, I would like to acknowledge my grandmother, Rose, for the lesson of a lifetime for me, and by extension, for helping pave the way for our town, state and country to have leaders with a different color of skin, none of whom were alive all those years ago when my grandmother made that heartfelt and solid contribution to society, one person at a time.

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Robert E. "Bob" Lindsey, 68

FRAMINGHAM: Robert E. “Bob” Lindsey, 68, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 8, 2013 following a determined and courageous battle from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on September 26, 2011.

            He was born in Milford on May 9, 1944 the son of the late Wallace Edwin Lindsey and Eva M. (Swift) Lindsey.

            Bob is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 45 years, Sheila A. (Brown) Lindsey of Framingham formerly of Holliston. Loving father of Scott G. Lindsey of Framingham and Shauna M. Walsh and her husband David Walsh of Holliston. Cherished grandfather to Lindsey M. Walsh of Holliston. Brother of Brenda Gentilotti of Hopkinton; Kayle Martino of Milford and Joe Lindsey of Milford. Step-brother of Michael Cabral of Quincy, David Cabral and Diane Cabral both of Ashland. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was the step-son of the late George Cabral.

            Bob has been a resident of Framingham for many years and previously resided and was active in the community of Holliston for over 25 years. He was a graduate of Hopkinton High School with the Class of 1962. Upon graduation, Bob enlisted into the United States Navy and served his country proudly and with honor during the Vietnam Conflict on the USS Camp as a Radar Technician. He had a long and distinguished career in the field of sales and was the owner of Tech Sales in Holliston for many years. Bob has always been involved in his community as a volunteer and was instrumental in establishing the Wave to Police Program in Ashland and just before his accident was establishing a similar program in Holliston. For several years, Bob was a keynote speaker at the Memorial Day Activities in Ashland and most recently in Holliston.

 He participated in the Meals on Wheels Program for seniors both in Holliston and Ashland. Bob especially enjoyed community service that involved working with child safety programs and helping others. He was the Commander of VFW Post 8507 in Holliston at the time of his accident, a past Commander with the American Legion of Ashland, an active member of the Holliston Lions Club and a member of the Holliston Men's Softball League prior to his accident. Bob loved to spend time with his family and especially enjoyed all the time he spent with his granddaughter Lindsey at home. He was an accomplished billiard player and cherished the time spent at the beach, especially at Martha’s Vineyard with his family.

            Bob touched many lives and left a lasting impression on all who knew him by his kindness and generosity. He faced the last year and half with dignity and a positive attitude to overcome the many challenges he endured from his accident.

            Memorial visitations will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Rd (Off Rte 30), Cochituate Village, Wayland.

            A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 11:00 am at the funeral home.

            Interment in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Millis will be private for his family only.

            In lieu of flowers, his family strongly suggests that donations in Bob’s memory may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

            For online condolences and directions please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com .

 

Engaged

May 11, 2013 — School Committee candidates Ellen Scordino and Amy Ritterbusch pretend to be engaged in a sword fight, for the camera's sake, during their standouts today in the Downtown. Photo by Droid.

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Joint Statement from Special Agent in Charge Richard DesLauriers and Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis

May 10, 2103 — In light of recent media reports, the FBI and BPD want to ensure the public and our community members that our agencies have long had—and continue to have—a close, strong and effective partnership.

These professional and personal bonds are reinforced every day—from those working the streets to the highest levels of command—as we collaborate on several task forces to serve and protect the citizens of our fine Commonwealth. While some have questioned the level of cooperation and information sharing between our two agencies, question asking should not be confused with a reasonable evaluation of the facts and circumstances surrounding this matter.

During the bombing investigation, an enormous amount of information and intelligence was fully shared, and that sharing resulted in the identification and apprehension of two individuals within 101 hours of the attack on the Boston Marathon. That information sharing was reflective of our long-standing collaboration.

As stated on several occasions, one team—one fight. The cooperation and collaboration between our agencies during the attack was unprecedented in our state’s history. In the days since the attack, an already strong relationship has only grown stronger. We stood side by side before the attack and throughout the days after the attack; we stand side by side now and will do so in the future.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent In Charge, Boston Division of the FBI

Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis

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