Public Alert! - Frozen pipes

Note this number:  508 843 3656

ZERESKI PLUMBING & HEATING, of Hopkinton MA ,warns of high probability for frozen pipes this week as temperatures drop to single digits and will not rise above freezing most of this week!!!   Be prepared and keep house temperatures set much higher than normal and keep cabinet and vanity doors open to allow heat near pipes! 

Keep fixtures prone to freezing set to a slow drip overnight to stop ice from forming.  Slight freeze ups on water supply pipes can be thawed with a hair home dryer or heating pad if you catch it early. Be sure to not leave ANY heating device un-attended! Any freeze on a heating pipe should be thawed right away or you might loose the whole heating system making the house un-livable until it has been repaired.  Usually the frozen area of pipe will be near a door or window. If you notice a zone of your home is not heating up even with the thermostat turned up to the max, call us right away for electric pipe thawing service before a hard freeze sets in. If a pipe stays frozen for more than a few hours it may rupture and burst causing water damage!  If you need help with frozen pipes call us at 508 843 3656 as soon as you notice the problem, so we can get it before it gets you!

NOTE: Peter Zereski Plumbing & Heating has the latest flameless equipment for safely thawing frozen pipes. People may know Mr. Zereski from his videos:

Pinewood Derby Reminder

Cub Scout Pack 97s annual Pine Wood Derby will be held on Saturday, February 8th from 9am - 11am at St. John's Church in Hopkinton.

MLK Day Activities Begin Today!

Jan 18 - Hopkinton Public Library - 3 - 4:30 PM MLK Song Circle, Public Welcome

Jan 20 - Hopkinton Middle School -

     9:00 AM  - 2 PM Public Welcome

    9:00 AM   - Breakfast

    9:45 AM   - Speakers - State Rep Carolyn Dykema and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop One Hopkinton

    10:30 AM - Activities in Brown Gym for ages 5 - 95. See attachment for list

    10:30 AM - Service Projects out in Community by various Youth Groups

See ALL activities HERE.

Superintendent Supports Full Day Kindergarten

"...I support your recommendation and send you back to do your homework.” ~ Chairman Alvarez-Burdick

by Muriel kramer

January 17, 2014 — It was standing room only at the School Committee Meeting last night and, by a show of hands, all were there to support the proposed Full Day program for all kindergarteners. After a brief presentation and summation by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cathy Macleod and some Q&A with the attendees, the School Committee resolved to make tuition free Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) a priority issue for FY ’15; the audience of approximately 100 parents responded with polite applause. The issues still to be resolved are not insignificant, but remarkable traction has been made in a very short time since the idea was first presented as a possibility in early November by Dr. MacLeod and Lauren Dubeau, principal at Center School.

                The decision to have FDK creates a substantial budget impact that has not yet been fully addressed. For next year, it adds an approximately 1.4% overall increase to the superintendent’s proposed budget that already included a 4.4% increase over FY’14, making for a total 5.8% proposed increase. The School Committee will be addressing the budget more completely in its next two meetings before voting and sending its recommendation to the Board of Selectmen by February 1^st.

                There will be no lottery this year for FDK; next year the Superintendent and the SC hope to provide FDK for all incoming kindergarteners. If parents are interested in a ½ day program, they should still indicate that while registering their child(ren) because it is possible that there will still be a ½ day offering as well as FDK for those that want it. The details are unfolding real time, but the superintendent and SC have decided to work towards making FDK for all students a reality in the district for next year.

                FDK has generated substantial parental interest in the form of letters, emails and attendance at a recent coffee held at Water Fresh Farm. Providing FDK continues to be a goal included in the District’s Strategic Plan. According to Dr. MacLeod, FDK allows better access to curriculum as well as better opportunities for assessment and intervention as necessary. Beyond the money questions are challenges because of space at Center School, and Dr. Macleod has found a way to address that in the near term indicating there may be a way to utilize extra space at Elmwood or modular classrooms. Neither option is optimal, but for the time being, the options will provide the space needed for a FDK program.

                One parent asked, “What is the opposition?”

                Dr. MacLeod responded addressing that there are other things that need to take place in town, so the budget is a big challenge. Additionally some families still want the choice of a ½ day option.

                Another parent asked if there was data on the benefits of FDK versus 1/2DK on our own students. Dr. MacLeod responded that that data was being compiled, “but from personal experience in other communities, the differences are outstanding within a matter of months.”

                MacLeod and Dubeau maintain in presentations that the big drawback to the district in having some students as full day and others as ½ day limits the extent that the FDK program can be enriched and implemented because the district must maintain parity for all students. Keeping some students in 1/2DK means that the District cannot fully realize the potential of a FDK program.

                Addressing the SC members, Dr. MacLeod presented detail on budget numbers for next year. Loss of tuition revenue totals $670,000; to help balance that, there is $80,000 in the revolving account currently for FDK, $50,000 in savings for the eliminated midday bus trips, $26,000 in requested technology improvements that Dubeau agreed can be deferred to future years, $70,000 in administrative cost savings, $14,000 in reduction in supplies and $10,000 from foundation reserves.

                SC member Jean Bertschmann proposed considering a reduction in tuition to help soften the increase in the budget.

                SC Chairwoman Nancy Alvarez-Burdick summarized, “I am hearing you say that this has to be a priority issue in the budget. When people get to Town Meeting, they are going to vote on a budget. What you are saying is that when they vote on it, they will get FDK for free.”

                Dr. MacLeod responded, “I recognize this is a high number. The more I learned about the district and the more I learned about this need, the more I understand that we need to do this. Yes, I am asking you to support this number.”

                Alvarez-Burdick responded, “Well, I am not going to support that number, but I support your recommendation and send you back to do your homework.” The SC will be addressing the final budget recommendation in its next two meetings before sending their recommendation forward to the Selectmen.

                Board of Selectman Chairman John Moser asked about what happens once the program has been in place for a year and how does the budget get impacted in the out years.

                School Finance Director Ralph Dumas acknowledged that the funding for next year includes a lot of one time funds and that the budget impact for future years has not been fully investigated. That discussion is part of the homework that the administrative team needs to do before taking this initiative to the voters.

                The SC also addressed the feedback that Dr. MacLeod provided on her progress in accomplishing her goals thus far this year. SC members universally spoke to the challenging goals, as well as additional challenges that have arisen, and responded positively. Ellen Scordino acknowledged being impressed at what Dr. MacLeod has been able to accomplish, “it’s been better than smooth sailing.”

                Upcoming:  State of the Schools presentation January 21^st at 7PM at HCAM studios and Adolescent Health Survey Results February 4^th at 7PM in the High School Auditorium.

Joe P. Tassia, 82

Joe P. Tassia passed away peacefully on January 15, 2014 in the company of his son and daughter. 

Joe, a resident of Punta Gorda, Florida in the winter and Hopkinton, MA in the summer, was born in Baltimore, MD on November 15, 1931.  He spent his early years in York, PA working in the family produce business alongside his grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, brother, two sisters, and cousins.  As a teen, one of Joe’s fondest memories was working behind the soda fountain at the Valencia Ballroom, also owned and operated by the Tassia family, while listening to some of the greatest musicians of the time – like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey.  These childhood experiences instilled in Joe a lifelong love of music and ballroom dance. 

After serving his country in the Korean War, Joe received his degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University, followed by his Masters in Engineering Management.  He spent ten years working as an engineer before switching to real estate, a career he truly enjoyed.  He bought Able Realty Associates in the early 70’s and worked 40 years, until just two months ago,  selling real estate in Southborough and the surrounding communities.  A resident of Hopkinton for over 50 years, Joe enjoyed spending his free time on Lake Maspenock - fishing, swimming, and bird-watching.  During these years, he was blessed with two children, David and Diane, and three grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. 

When the winter cold became too much to bear, Joe headed down to Florida, to enjoy the warmth.  Over the past ten years, he formed many wonderful friendships there while playing tennis, kayaking, and fishing.  And of course, he was a regular presence on the dance floor, in both Punta Gorda and the Boston suburbs, where he was fortunate to form some of his most loyal friendships.   He also was grateful for his wonderful neighbors in both Punta Gorda and Hopkinton who were so much more than the person next door; they were among his closest and most trusted friends.  He will be missed.

Celebrations of Joe’s life will take place in Punta Gorda, FL as well as Hopkinton, MA at dates to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to The American Cancer Society.  Please email dtcoopozi@gmail.com for further details.

Staties Seize 36 Pounds of Marijuana on Car Stop in Sturbridge

January 16, 2014 — Yesterday,  at approximately 9:50 p.m., Trooper Yuriy Bukhenik of the Sturbridge Barracks was on patrol of Interstate 84 in the town of Sturbridge when he stopped a BMW SUV for motor vehicle violations.  The operator was identified as SHUI TIM LOUIE, 38, from ElmHurst, NY.  Trooper Patrick Robinson with K-9 Jari also assisted Trooper Bukhenik with the motor vehicle stop.

As a result of an investigation and subsequent search of the motor vehicle, approximately 36 pounds of green vegetable matter, which is believed to be marijuana, was located.

LOUIE was placed under arrest and transported to the Sturbridge Barracks.

LOUIE was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class D Substance.  Bail was set at $5,000.00.  LOUIE will be arraigned in Dudley District Court.  LOUIE was also issued a civil citation for Speeding and Marked Lanes Violation.

~Mass State Police Media Release

Massachusetts State Police Media Release—01152014—Rhode State Police Active AMBER Alert

The Massachusetts State Police is sending this information on behalf of the Rhode Island State Police to the Massachusetts Media.  Massachusetts has NOT activated an AMBER Alert.

The Rhode Island State Police in conjunction with the Woonsocket Police Department are asking for the public’s help in locating an abducted 6 year old male child from Woonsocket, RI.  The child Daniel Britt, is described as a white male approximately 4’3” tall, weighing 50 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Daniel is believed to have been abducted by his non-custodial mother, Andria Britt, 34, from Woonsocket, RI. Andria is described as a white female approximately 5’5 “tall, weighing 135 pounds with light brown hair and blue eyes. Andria was due to appear in RI Family Court on January 8, 2014 but failed to do so and has neglected to return Daniel to his custodial father.  There is reason to believe Andria may cause harm to the child.

It is believed Andria Britt is operating RI 942649, a red 2004 Ford Focus. 

If you have seen and/or know the whereabouts of Daniel Britt and Andria Britt please call the Rhode Island State Police at 401-444-1000.

State Rep. Guilty in Assault on Arlington Woman

            CAMBRIDGE – State Representative Carlos Henriquez was found guilty on two counts of assault and battery related to a July 8, 2012 incident in Arlington, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan informed the public today.

            “This case demonstrates the complexities involved in the prosecution of incidents of domestic violence,” said District Attorney Ryan.  “The conviction of an elected public official, a person who was expected to uphold the law and serve the public, reflects the stark fact that domestic violence can and does happen everywhere in our society.  Domestic violence is about power and control and occurs in all our communities, regardless of gender, or social, educational, or economic circumstances.  That is why we are committed to ensuring fair, yet aggressive, prosecutions, and to leading education, training and innovative prevention initiatives to end this epidemic of violence.”

            The guilty verdict on the two assault and battery counts followed a week-long trial in Cambridge District Court in Medford.  Following the announcement of the verdict, Cambridge District Court Judge Michele Hogan sentenced the defendant to two and one half years in the House of Correction with six months to serve, with the balance suspended for two years and the following conditions: attend a certified batterers program and stay away from and have no contact with the victim.  Henriquez, 37, of Dorchester, was found not guilty on charges of larceny, witness intimidation and a third count of assault and battery.

            According to authorities, the defendant, who had had a relationship with the victim, met her outside of a residence in Arlington in the early morning hours of July 8, 2012.  Following a disagreement, the defendant held the victim down and punched her in the chest.  The defendant then departed the area with the victim still in the car and drove to Boston.  There the victim was able to escape from the car and Boston Police were subsequently notified.  Henriquez was arraigned July 31, 2012 in Cambridge District Court.

            The case was investigated by Arlington Police and Boston Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Clarence Brown.  The Victim Witness Advocate was Alyssa Donovan. From DA Ryan.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR PATRICK:

“In light of today's jury verdict, Representative Henriquez should immediately resign from the House.”