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Residents Give School Committee a Tongue-lashing
by Muriel Kramer October 19, 2013 — Emotions ran high at the School Committee Meeting Thursday night with several residents voicing their dissatisfaction with the SC; asserting that they speak for many, they criticized the SC for its unsuccessful hiring practices and further for failing to communicate effectively with the public.
Brenda Coutinho spoke as a parent and a resident, “I’m here representing our community and concerned parents in the matter of the hiring practices of the School Committee. As my husband expressed, it’s no wonder the community has a mistrust of the School Committee at this time with the poor hires of a superintendent and high school principal.”
In a rare break with SC policy that allows people to speak but affords no opportunity for exchange by SC members, Chairman Nancy Alvarez Burdick interrupted Coutinho saying, “I want to comply with our own policies and give you the opportunity to speak but also keep the order.” Alvarez Burdick recommended that Coutinho make an appointment to speak to the Superintendent directly if she had issues over the hiring of Mike Cournoyer as HS principal, making it clear that the hiring authority for principals is the superintendent.
Coutinho continued, “I know there was input not to hire him, but he was hired. I think the School Committee could understand how we feel about the hiring that lasted not two weeks. The School Committee has made no apology for the lack of leadership and upheaval for our high school students.”
Speaking to this point later in the meeting, Superintendent Cathy MacLeod disagreed with Coutinho on the point of lacking leadership at the HS. “All the decisions I have made are to ensure that Hopkinton High School has the very best and very strongest leadership that I can provide. And I have done that. His name is Evan Bishop.”
Coutinho wrapped up, again “speaking for the entire community,” saying, “… your silence is not golden but deafening. It doesn’t sit well with the community. It would serve you to hold a public forum.”
Brian Herr took his turn at the microphone next speaking “as a selectman but not for the Board.” He asserted, “Without question the community is very frustrated.” He added that the community can understand that we at times make good hires like Dr. MacLeod and bad hires like a former Town Manager, then we deal with it and explain it to the community. “The lack of explanation is dividing our community. I believe we collectively as elected officials are failing this community. We need to work together to bridge that gap.”
Alisa Wade spoke next targeting in large part Alvarez Burdick, “I think there is a lot of frustration. Nancy you’re acting very smug talking down to us… I don’t think you should keep pretending that it’s all roses over there.”
SC member Jon Graziano interjected, “We do understand people’s frustrations and in some cases share them.”
Alvarez Burdick added, “I’ve been here [on the SC] 9 years; I’ve had a tough time making my skin thick. It takes a lot to remain composed when people arrive and they are not composed.”
Resident Dan Terry up next respectfully took the SC to task for a public comment process that is dissatisfying to many. “I’d like to suggest this particular part of the meeting isn’t effective… I personally don’t think it works; I don’t think it’s effective.” Adding later, “I don’t consider it communication if the process is for one side to speak their mind and the other to sit and fold their hands… I appreciate the dialogue that has occurred tonight.”
SC Vice Chair Scott Aghababian took a moment to appreciate the feedback and remind listeners that we still have exceptional staff in the schools that deserve our confidence. Then added, “I just want to express that there are times when confidentiality and things like that are involved, it’s very hard for us to disprove anything that may never have happened.”
Rob Strechay also spoke encouraging the committee to be more proactive in engaging the community especially in the communication process. After the discussion, Strechay continued the conversation outside the meeting in the corridor. He acknowledged that the schools are really why he moved here with his family. He is frustrated by the lack of transparency in the process, and acknowledged that the recent circumstances with the botched hiring of a new principal for HHS was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” for him.
Editor's Note: Since the Thursday meeting, the MetroWest Daily News has revealed the existence of a lawsuit for $2 million against a former Middle School teacher as well as school administrators and the town. |
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Hopkinton 49, Dover-Sherborn 0 |
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Check back later
for Last Night's School Committee Report from Muriel
Kramer. Facebook and Twitter followers will get alerted when it is online here. |
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Summary The Hopkinton Police were involved in the following incidents, which are not included in the detail report below. 3 Motor Vehicle/Person/Home Checks. 1 Motor Vehicle Accident without personal injury. 2 Disabled Motor Vehicles.
1 Time the Police participated in Community
Relations or passenger safety. Incident Log Thursday, October 17, 2013 11:47 pm A caller reported that while exiting a West Main Street business a younger teenager asked her an offensive question. Officer Jacob Campbell checked the area but could not locate the individual. 2:14 pm The bus office reported that a delivery truck was parked on Ash Street making it so that a bus could not get through. Officer Matthew McNeil responded and advised that there was no issue. 2:14 pm A caller reported that another dog had chased her and her dog off of the sidewalk and into the roadway on Hayden Rowe Street. The dog then came up and bit her dog. The Animal Control Officer was notified of the situation. 1:52 pm A caller reported that two large dump trucks were speeding on South Mill Street. Officer Patrick O'Brien advised that one of the trucks were identified and that he attempted to contact the business. 12:43 pm The Fire Department responded to Route 495 to assist the State Police with an overturned tractor trailer unit that had a person trapped inside. 9:50 am A walk-in from South Street reported that a silver minivan side struck his vehicle this morning and then fled the scene. Officer Stephen Buckley will investigate the situation. 8:22 am A Granite Street resident reported a past breaking and entering incident. Officer Patrick O'Brien advised that he will investigate.
2:48 am A
911 caller from North Street reported that she was
awakened by her dogs barking and a woman screaming.
Two officers checked the area with a negative find
on anything suspicious. Wednesday, October 16, 2013 2:06 pm A resident of Hayward Street sent an email to Detective Timothy Brennan regarding suspicious activity. Officer Stephen Buckley responded and spoke with the resident. 10:16 am A walk-in reported that someone obtained her daughter's social security number and filed a tax return with it. |
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Top
Cop Applications Due Today
October 18, 2013 — In case applying for the job of
Chief of Police of Hopkinton, Mass
has slipped your mind, be reminded that the
application process for the position closes today.
To apply for the position, learn more here.
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Pile of Dreams October 18, 2013 — What good is raking leaves into a pile if you can't jump into them afterward? Photographed on Wood Street yesterday by a dad. |
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Air Support October 18, 2013 — These Canada geese are being flanked by a mallard couple, far right, this morning on the northern side of the causeway of North Pond. |
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New Water Meters to be Installed
Please be advised that the DPW water and sewer division
will be installing new outside water meter reading units
at customer’s homes and business in the Pond Street,
Lake Maspenock and Thayer Heights area. In
most cases this does not require entry into the home. However,
in some instances technicians may need to gain access to
your basement to make the necessary connection. |
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Fay School Evening Open House
Tuesday, October 22 from 7:00-8:30 PM
Meet at Fay House, 60 Main Street, Southborough, MA Come learn about Fay's dynamic PreK-9 program and meet our talented faculty, who are committed to our mission of educating each child to his or her full potential. Questions? Contact Anique Seldon at 508-490-8201. For more information about Fay School please visit us online at www.fayschool.org/welcome.
Evening Open House Program 7:00 PM - Welcome Reception 7:15 PM - Campus Tours Depart 7:45 PM - Video Presentation & Panel Discussion 8:30 PM - Conclusion |
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Orange Tree, Very Pretty October 17, 2013 — Unlike the lemon tree, this orange tree, which is just a tree that is orange, has no fruit. But the first person to email Editor@HopNews.com with the correct location gets a check for $25. It's that simple. |
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Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee invites you to a Membership Mixer
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 Did you know that Hopkinton is a designated Green Community? Stop by to talk about Green-Up Day or Town/School Recycling or Community Solar. Do you have new green ideas that you'd like to see implemented in town? We are recruiting new members. Come meet and greet with our committee. |
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Speed Possible Factor in 495 Tractor Trailer Ramp Rollover Hopkinton Fire Department extricates man and woman
October 17, 2013 — Reports
indicate that the tractor trailer was travelling
southbound on route 495 when it entered onto the ramp to
the Massachusetts Turnpike and rolled over. The
occupants, a male and female, both 65 years old, became
trapped at the time of the crash and had to be
extricated by Hopkinton and Westborough Fire
Departments. Both occupants were transported by
ambulance to UMass Medical Center with non- life
threatening injuries. A preliminary investigation
suggests that speed may have been a factor in the
rollover crash. Troopers from the State Police
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section are currently on
scene conducting an investigation into the crash. The
truck’s cargo is listed as being glass containers. The ramp from Route 495
southbound to the Massachusetts Turnpike remains closed
and is expected to for several more hours. Route 495
southbound remains open and traffic is moving freely.
Route 495 northbound, by Exit 22, The Mass Turnpike, is
experiencing some delays. We expect traffic to be
impacted for the evening commute and recommend seeking
and alternate entrance to the Mass Turnpike other than
the Route 495 southbound ramp entrance. The
Massachusetts Department of Transportation is assisting
with the road closure and cleanup of leaking fluids. |
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It is that time of the year again! Hopkinton Youth Basketball In-town Sign-ups are now open. Please goto ActivityReg.com to register for the 2013-14 Season. Please call the Parks and Recreation office if you have any questions. (508) 479-9750. |
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Traffic advisory:
12:55 pm, October 17, 2013 Tractor Trailer unit roll over - 2 people entrapment - 495 S at ramp onto Mass Pike moments ago. facebook and Twitter followers were alerted immediately |
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Never Too Soon |
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Golf Perfection
October 17, 2013 — Pictured above is the High School Golf Team, after beating Westwood by one stroke at Hopkinton Country Club. The team finished the season a perfect 18-0 for the first time in the HISTORY of the program. Coach Richard Bliss(right) started the program 34 years ago, and has had great success over the years, and has had many players go on to not only play in college, but also as a professional. Six members of the team will compete in the sectional tournament next Monday at Easton Country Club, and four members will compete in the TVL Tournament at Hopkinton next Thursday. |
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Fresh Fish Delivered DAILY ! The Golden Spoon gets their
fresh fish delivered every day from Captain Marden
of Wellesley. Really, every day, and for a very long
time now! Whether it's the fried haddock that is on
the summer menu to the shrimp scampi with mussels
over angel hair that is on special, feel confident
that it is the finest quality a restaurant can
serve, and that your dinner is cooked fresh to
order. And if you know them well enough, Bill
Morgan, or one of his sous chefs, will make the
scampi to order, even when it isn't on special. |
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Senator Spilka Hosts 2013 Senior
Citizen Health & Wellness Fair
Senator Karen Spilka
(D-Ashland) will host her annual Senior Health and
Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 26th at
the Joseph P. Keefe Technical School in Framingham. All
MetroWest seniors are invited to learn more about ways
to continue to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Throughout the course of the
day, seniors will participate in a variety of workshops
and presentations about senior health programs, benefits
and wellness activities. The Fair will also include a
continental breakfast, a hot lunch and health screenings
for attendees. Seniors in the MetroWest area
are encouraged to contact Puja Mehta, Senator Spilka’s
District Director, at (617) 722-1640 or Puja.Mehta@masenate.gov for
more information and to RSVP by Tuesday, October 22nd.
WHO: Senator
Karen Spilka WHAT: Senator
Spilka’s annual Senior Health and Wellness Fair, with a
variety of presentations and other activities including: · Free continental
breakfast and lunch · Workshops on senior
health programs and wellness activities · Opportunities to
learn about senior benefits and discounts · Free health
screenings and flu shots · Performance by the
Golden Tones chorus · Many other booths
and exhibits WHEN: Saturday,
October 26, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Joseph
P. Keefe Technical School 750 Winter Street Framingham, MA NOTE: This event is free, but
RSVP is required. |
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Lingering October 16, 2013 — The ducks are elsewhere, the Canada geese are elsewhere, but the great blue heron remains, on Blood's Pond earlier in the week. |
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DOR Offers Taxpayers a Faster Way
to Settle Tax Disputes
Successful pilot program becomes
permanent option for more taxpayers
(Boston,
MA)-October 16, 2013 — Massachusetts
Revenue Commissioner Amy Pitter today announced that the
Department of Revenue (DOR) will give taxpayers an
option for settling tax disputes faster than traditional
appeal methods or litigation following the success of a
year-long early mediation pilot program. Three of four corporate
taxpayers that participated in the pilot settled their
$1 million dollar or more tax assessments during the
very first mediation session. These cases with tax
assessments ranging from $2.6 to $9.7 million closed in
three-and-a-half to five months compared with the year
or more it would have taken through the department’s
regular appeals process. “This is a win-win for both
taxpayers who are disputing large tax assessments and
DOR,” said Commissioner Pitter. “Long, drawn out appeals
cost us both time and money, but if we can mutually
settle a number of audit cases through early mediation
in under half the time it normally takes, our entire
appeals process becomes more efficient.” Commissioner Pitter noted that
one reason the program worked so well was because
hearing officers who acted as neutral facilitators were
trained in mediation techniques while auditors and
attorneys representing the department took classes in
conflict resolution. “We know from experience that
if both sides can come to mediation early in the appeals
process after the issues and facts have been developed,
but before their positions harden and become polarized,
then there’s a greater chance for settlement,” said
Commissioner Pitter. The success of the pilot
encouraged DOR to make early mediation an integral part
of the department’s resolution process and lower the
eligibility requirement so more taxpayers can choose the
option. The tax assessment threshold is now $250,000
instead of the $1 million dollar base for the pilot
program. Other eligibility requirements for early
mediation include:
·
Taxpayers must state their case
and facts in writing,
·
The issues of the case must be
fully developed,
·
Both the taxpayer and DOR must
come to mediation willing to settle,
·
Decision makers for both the
taxpayer and DOR must participate in the mediation
sessions. Three audit cases with
assessments between $250,000 and just over $1 million
dollars are scheduled for early mediation in October.
Out of 717 pre-assessment audit cases in appeals in
FY2013, 77 are likely to have tax bills over the new
threshold and could be eligible for the program. |
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Edward A. Davis, 58
HOPKINTON - Edward A. Davis, 58, died Monday, October 14, 2013 in Milford after a brief illness. Born in Houston, TX, he was the son of the late Edward and Mary (Day) Davis. He was the husband of Diane T. Capoferri, married for 24 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Americo Capoferri of Santa Monica, CA, Eric Worsnup of Royersford, PA and Gabriel P. and Marcello C. Davis of Hopkinton. He also leaves his sister Carol Ann Davis of Bellevue, WA and nine nieces and nephews.
He was a 1977 graduate of Texas A&M University and earned his Master's from Rice University in 1984. He spent more than 30 years coaching football, and made a huge impact on the lives of thousands of student-athletes. His coaching career began in Sealy, Texas as a high school coach moving to college at Rice, Texas Tech, Temple, Texas State, James Madison, Northeastern, Dean College and Christopher Newport University.
Calling hours at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton are Saturday, October 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be a brief funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
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Autumn Moon October 16, 2013 — This Waxing Gibbous Moon over Hopkinton last night was photographed at just the right moment to accentuate the craters on the bottom-most surface. |
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Where's the Beaver? October 16, 2013 — This beaver dam on North Mill Pond appears to have been worked on recently, but the darn's beaver never shows up for the photo. |
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Summary The Hopkinton Police were involved in the following incidents, which are not included in the detail report below. 1 Time the Police assisted the Fire Department, another department, town, or outside Police agency. 3 Motor Vehicle/Person/Home Checks. 1 Motor Vehicle Accident without personal injury. 3 Disabled Motor Vehicles.
1 Time the Police assisted with an Animal Call. Arrest Log Monday, October 14, 2013 11:26 pm Officer Peter Booth arrested Michael D. Pembroke, 38, of Buffum Road, Charlton, on Cedar Street and charged him with Marked Lanes Violation and OUI Liquor, 2nd Offense.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013 9:04 pm A walk-in reported that a man in a Main Street store was acting suspicious. Officer Peter Booth checked the area for the male with a negative find. 7:30 pm A caller reported that seven to eight youths, with dark clothing on, were walking in the roadway on Elm Street causing a road hazard. Officer William Burchard checked the area but could not locate any youths. 6:11 pm A 911 caller reported that she was just involved in a hit and run motor vehicle accident on Wood Street and the only description of the other vehicle was a large silver minivan. Officer William Burchard responded and took a report. 2:13 pm Three officers responded to Colella Farm Road to investigate an attempted breaking and entering with damage to two doors. 1:32 pm The Holliston Police Department requested assistance with locating a breaking and entering suspect with active warrants exiting the woods in the area of College Street.
11:30 am A
Fruit Street resident reported that there was an
unwanted person at their residence. Two officers
responded, but were unable to locate the individual. Monday, October 14, 2013 10:48 pm Officer Peter Booth stopped a motor vehicle on Cedar Street and subsequently arrested a 38 year old male from Charlton and charged him with Marked Lanes Violation and OUI Liquor, 2nd Offense. 10:22 pm Officer Peter Booth shut down a large piece of equipment working in the roadway on West Main Street until a detail officer could arrive. 10:09 pm An Indian Brook Road resident complained about a loud Jeep that continuously drove up and down the roadway. Officer William Burchard checked the area but could not locate the vehicle. 4:25 pm A walk-in from Victory Lane reported that last Wednesday someone had dumped a car battery on his lawn. |
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Fall on the Sudbury October 15, 2013 — Abutters to the Sudbury River, Andy Boyce and daughter Madeline, took a trip from the T station dam area up as far as they could go, and reported much wildlife and scenic views. There is an area in the corner of the T parking lot where a car-top boat can launch. |
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Milford Regional Collaborates
with Boston Children’s Hospital
October
15, 2013 — Families in MetroWest and Central
Massachusetts now have access to the expertise of Boston
Children’s physicians at Milford Regional Medical
Center. In collaboration with local physicians,
clinicians from Boston Children’s care for children
admitted to Milford Regional’s pediatric inpatient unit,
and newborns in the Maternity Center.
In mid-September, Boston
Children's Physicians began providing pediatric
specialty care in gastroenterology and general surgery
at the Kid Care physician office on Milford Regional's
campus. These services are offered through Boston
Children’s Hospital’s Community of Care, enabling Boston
Children’s physicians to provide high quality, pediatric
specialty care for patients in their local community.
Boston Children’s physicians have extensive experience
in working with local physicians to coordinate care for
patients from birth to early adulthood.
“Boston Children’s is pleased
to begin this new collaboration with Milford Regional,
and we look forward to bringing comprehensive,
compassionate care to children and families in the
region,” says Sandra Fenwick, president & CEO of Boston
Children’s Hospital.
“We are extremely excited to
provide the high level of care that Boston Children’s
physicians offer in pediatrics,” says Edward J. Kelly,
president of Milford Regional. “This collaboration
means parents will no longer have to travel into Boston
to access the very best care for their children. Now,
they can find it close to home. “
More details about the
collaboration between Milford Regional and Boston
Children’s Hospital are available online at
www.milfordregional.org/pediatrics or
www.bostonchildrens.org/milford . |
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Lake Whitehall Fall Cleanup October 26, 2013, 9:00 am - Noon
The Friends of Whitehall will
have their 9th annual fall clean-up on Sat.
Oct 26th from 9 a.m. until noon. Please join
us at the boat landing at Whitehall State Park on Wood
St (Rte.135) in Hopkinton for a little pre-Halloween fun
and work! Our goal will once again be to pick up trash
and debris from the trails and shoreline around Lake
Whitehall. We will also clean up some roadsides near
the lake. Bug spray, gloves, trash bags, tools and water
will be provided. Coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts
will be available before we begin, and more refreshments
will be available after the clean-up. We hope that we
will have many volunteers to help us with this effort.
The Friends of Whitehall was
started in 2005 and our main mission is to preserve,
protect and improve the wonderful natural resource of
Lake Whitehall and its surrounding area. Please visit
our website
http://www.friendsofwhitehall.org/ or join us
on Facebook to learn more about us. We are a
non-profit 501c (3)organization. |
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