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P.O. Box 351, Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-5534

Editor@HopNews.com



Dave McGillivray to Run his 42nd Boston Marathon in Support of the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation

Renowned race director also will provide keynote address at NSGA in April and serve as commencement speaker at two schools in May

BOSTON (April 1, 2014) – Dave McGillivray of DMSE Sports, the renowned race director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, has a busy spring and summer planned.

This month, he will run his 42nd Boston Marathon run – after everyone has crossed the finish line on April 21 and his work is done – to benefit the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation, which was formed by the parents of the 8-year-old boy killed at the Boston Marathon bombings last year. To donate, go to this link set up for McGillivray’s run.

"This is a wonderful foundation for a very special boy,” McGillivray said. “I am proud to be running in his honor that day.”

McGillivray actually ran the entire historic 26.2-mile course this past Saturday as a training run and felt great. “Finally, I am in decent shape this time of year and am looking forward to marathon day like all the other 36,000 runners.”

Also, in late April, he will serve as keynote speaker at the Third Annual All-Star Awards Luncheon of the NSGA (National Sporting Goods Association) Annual Conference in Palm Springs, California.

"McGillivray is unique in that he is both an accomplished athlete and businessman. He knows what it takes to complete an endurance event and also the painstaking detail and management that go into a successfully run event, from a 40,000-person marathon to a 500-person charity walk," the NSGA Program says.

A motivational speaker, McGillivray also will be the commencement speaker at Newbury College in Brookline, Mass. on Sunday, May 11, and at Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass. on May 27.

He also plans to run 60 miles as part of his annual birthday run in August – something he has done since age 12 when he discovered running was his passion. This year he’ll have to fit it in around DMSE’s management of two of the country’s most iconic road races – the TD Beach to Beacon 10K on Aug. 2 and the New Balance Falmouth Road Race on Aug. 18. McGillivray turns 60 on Aug. 22.

“It may seem a little over the top to do these long runs year after year, especially at my advancing age, but it’s a tradition and I’m still excited about the challenge as I was 40-years ago,” he said.

McGillivray has spent much of his life on the run. He gained national prominence with his 1978 cross country run that took 80 days and raised almost $150,000 for the Jimmy Fund – the first money any runner ever raised for a cancer charity, according to Runner’s World. He has completed a number of similar feats of endurance since his groundbreaking cross country trek, including a second cross-country run in 2004 from San Francisco to Boston as part of TREK USA, a relay team event that raised more than $300,000 for five children’s charities. He has now logged more than 150,000 miles, eight Hawaii Ironman Triathlons and finished 130 marathons – including 41 (soon to be 42) consecutive Boston Marathons.

McGillivray is a pioneer in what is now one of the most important aspects of the endurance sports industry – combining athletics with philanthropy. Nearly every DMSE event combines fitness and fundraising, giving back to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital, Lazarus House and many others charities and non-profit organizations in New England and across the country. He along with all the events he has directed have helped raised $100 million for charity over the years.

After a medical scare last fall, when McGillivray learned he had coronary heart disease, he has spoken out about getting healthy and going in for heart tests, even if you think you are healthy and in shape. “Although I am fit, I’ve recently learned that doesn’t mean I’m necessarily healthy I have coronary heart disease. So it can happen to anyone,” he said. Since last fall, he has lost 27 pounds, dropped his cholesterol level by over 70 points and has been following a very, very strict and healthy diet, which he credits as having given him his health back and now feels he is in his best shape in 15 years. McGillivray actually plans to return to Kona, Hawaii in October to participate in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship for the ninth time – but his first in the past 25 years.

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The Diary of Anne Frank

The Milford Performing Arts Center's Full Circle Theatre Company presents The Diary of Anne Frank, a dramatization by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett based upon Anne’s journal and which received the Tony Award for Best Play during its original Broadway run.   An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, The Diary of Anne Frank captures the realities of their daily existence — their fears, their hopes, their laughter, and their grief.

 

The Diary of Anne Frank will be performed at the MPAC studio at 150 Main Street, Milford on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 7:30 PM and on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 2:00 PM.  Tickets are $10 students/seniors and $12 adults.  For tickets and more information, please call MPAC at 508 473-1684 or email us at milfordpac@verizon.net.

 

The Milford Performing Arts Center is a not-for-profit Massachusetts corporation and tax exempt under US IRC Section 501(c)(3). 

Personal Services 
    
  
Hopkinton Cheer Wins Division

April 1, 2014 — The Hopkinton Cheerleaders were led through town yesterday by police and fire departments in a traditional victory lap after winning a national competition. Below, they hoist the trophy as they have each other during the months of competition and exhibition. Photo by John Cardillo.

 

SERVICE GUIDE
   
 
     

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 area of West Main, Elm, School, Priscilla, DiCarlo, Elizabeth, Hearthstone, Stonecrossing and side streets in those areas.  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. 

We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Eric J. Carty

Water-Sewer Manager

Hopkinton MA, 01748

P 508-497-9765

ericc@hopkintonma.gov
hopkintonma.gov/ water  @hopkintonwater

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AUTISM AWARENESS & ACCEPTANCE DAY

 WHEN: APRIL 2, 2014

WEAR: BLUE

 

 

LIGHT IT UP BLUE is a unique global initiative that kicks-off Autism Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about autism.  Come celebrate the unique talents and skills of people with autism.  This is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced by their community. So, show your support and acceptance by wearing BLUE!

         AUTISM FACTS

   Autism is a brain disorder that affects the ability to: communicate, relate to people, understand sensory input, control movement, learn, and think.

•   Nevertheless children with autism can learn, grow, and lead happy lives.

 

 

      CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM

    There is great diversity among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

•      difficulty relating to people, objects, and events

      repetitive movements such as rocking or spinning and hand twisting

•      atypical reactions to sensory stimuli (e.g. touch, sound, taste, pain)

•      insistence on certain routines; difficulty with change and transitions

•      limited or poor eye contact; impaired communication skills

      use of toys & objects in an unconventional manner; little imaginative play

•      may have exceptional abilities in specific areas, but lack other basic skills

 

AUTISTIC PEOPLE ARE “DIFFERENT BUT NOT LESS” – Temple Grandin

Personal Services 
    
  
"Flush" a Friend Today

April 1, 2014 — A group of Hopkinton Students along with their parents have teamed up to " Flush Away Cancer" in support of a local friend fighting ovarian cancer.  This spirited group has already raised $4,700 with a goal of reaching 10K to support  the American Cancer Society.  

 

The Relay for Life is an annual event in Hopkinton being held June 13-14.  Rie Rie's Riot is kicking off their fundraising campaign with their signature purple toilets.  You can "Flush a Friend" for $25.00, a voluntary donation will remove the toilet from your yard.  Sneaking the toilet onto lawns has helped friends have a good laugh and feel they are involved in supporting this great cause.  If you would like to join in the fun please contact Dawn Ronanmdcronan@verizon.net to "Flush a Friend". 

 

Ocean Trip

April 1, 2014 — Water from the recent rains pours under the dry-laid stone bridge over the Sudbury River, the dividing line between Hopkinton and Southborough, and rages downriver on its way to eventually seek its own level at the Atlantic Ocean.  Some areas of New England are reporting flooding This viewpoint is from the partially completed roadway bridge on Route 85. which will also feature a sidewalk.

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State Police Arrest Suspect in Multiple Carjacking Incidents in Bedford Area
 

March 31, 2014 — Today at approximately 2pm, Troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Concord Barracks, and troopers from the State Police K9 Unit, apprehended DONALD HALL, 28, of Everett after a pursuit which came to an end on Spring Road in Bedford.  HALL is suspected in numerous carjackings in various communities, which began just after 2am this morning in Haverhill.

 

Just before 2pm, troopers observed a Toyota Tundra fitting the description of the wanted vehicle on Hall Road in Concord.  When they attempted to stop the vehicle, HALL fled.  HALL subsequently crashed the Tundra on Lowell Road in Concord and immediately carjacked a Ford Flex.  State Police continued to pursue HALL into Bedford, where he subsequently crashed on Spring Road.

 

He was taken into custody and was transported to Leahy Clinic in Burlington with non-life threatening injuries.  The various incidents over the approximate twelve hour period remain under investigation by numerous police agencies including the State Police, as well as troopers assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.  It has yet to be determined when and where HALL will be arraigned on numerous charges. Contributed. Photo courtesy MSP Air Wing.

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One of Two Winning

Destination Imagination

Teams

Hopkinton DI teams excelled once again at the MA State tournament held at WPI on 3/29. This year, two Hopkinton teams grabbed 1st place and will now advance to the DI Global Tournament, to be held in Knoxville, TN, May 21-24, where they will compete with more than 1300 teams from around the globe! They make our community and schools proud! It is particularly noteworthy that both these teams chose a challenge that involves community service and outreach.



1st place Elementary (Challenge Name: "Pitch N Play" ) 

(top row) Tara Joshi,  Paige Lavelanet, Cindy Bernardo, Sara Bernardo, Haley Bernardo, Elizabeth Kane, Mia Sannicandro

(bottom row) Ceara Perry and Vani Sharma

SERVICE GUIDE
   
 
     

 Marathon Prayer Event, April 6, 2014, 1:30 pm, Town Common

The pastors in Hopkinton are sponsoring a short gathering in honor of those impacted by last year’s Boston Marathon tragedy, as well as in support of those participating in this year’s race. The gathering will be held at the Hopkinton Town Common, April 6, 1:30pm.

Tim Kilduff, former Marathon Race Director, will offer a short devotional which will be followed by a time of guided prayer by pastors from town churches.

All are welcome and encouraged to join in prayer for the upcoming Boston Marathon to be held April 21.

For more information, please contact Pastor Mike Laurence, 508.435.5900.

Personal Services 
    
  
Framingham Fire Inspector Charged with Falsifying Reports

FRAMINGHAM – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announces today that a Framingham fire inspector has been indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on charges of accepting a corrupt gift, falsifying an official report, and obstruction.

Todd Young, 42, of Framingham, will be arraigned April 3 in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn.

According to authorities, on January 17, 2014, Young is alleged to have entered a business called Chi Gong TuiNa Body Work at 406 Union St. in his uniform and identified himself as a fire fighter and fire inspector for the town of Framingham. It is alleged that Young requested free services in exchange for not issuing fire code violations.

After being confronted by police, the defendant created two reports of inspections of the business which are alleged to be false.

The charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the Framingham Police Department. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant District Attorney Chris Tarrant.

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Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton Massachusetts

Compiled for HopNews.com by Eric Montville © 2014 All Rights Reserved
New Transactions from March 24, 2014 - March 31, 2014
Click on blue links to see Town's property card w/photo
Address Buyer Price Date Seller
3 Sanctuary Lane unit 19 Judith B. Gemma $389,900 March 31, 2014 Lois P. Robbins
7 Cold Spring Brook Road Andrea Gossage, Keith Gossage $786,000 March 31, 2014 Lyman A. Chapin, Suzanne H. Chapin
83 South Mill Street Keith R. Simard, Amanda L. Simard $462,500 March 28, 2014 Laura Klein
20 Patriots Boulevard unit 8B Laura L. Minnucci $346,990 March 27, 2014 Stagecoach Heights Realty
4 Bumps Lane Brock N. Jacobites, Julie Colantuoni $140,000 March 27, 2014 James Lee Wright
206 Lumber Street Jeffrey Strassman, Jessica Strassman $710,690 March 26, 2014 South Mill Street LLC
31 Forest Lane unit 24 Andrew A. Espinosa, Charla J. Espinosa $395,000 March 25, 2014 Janet Leigh Shifflette-Scott
6 Spring Lane Beth A. Cameron $342,250 March 25, 2014 Marjorie A. Touzjian
Last Week
34 Walcott Valley Drive unit 62 Christina K. Stone $135,000 March 21, 2014 Arthur M. White, Julia A. Gallagher, Carolyn D.
Chace
Week Before
6 Winter Street Rachel J. O'Connell, Peter Graham $345,000 March 21, 2014 Andre M. Griben, Denise D. Griben
16 Lilac Court unit 15D Mark A. Cafarelli $255,000 March 21, 2014 Michael A. Donfrancesco, Lori A. Donfrancesco
271 West Main Street Kenneth Smith, Deborah Smith $195,000 March 20, 2014 Mae Fannie, Federal National Mortgage
Association
28 Walcott Valley Drive Lisa A. Dexter $165,000 March 14, 2014 Jay R. Scharff, Claire E. Generazio-Scharff
190 Hayden Rowe Street Francis T. Moschini, Jr. $180,000 March 14, 2014 Michael U. Moschini
90 Saddle Hill Road Kenneth A. McGowan, Michelle R. McGowan $220,000 March 14, 2014 Richard Olson, Paul Constantino
292 Hayden Rowe Street Bradford D. Verrecchia, Lynn K. Verrecchia $415,000 March 13, 2014 Metrowest Holdings LLC
37 Lakeshore Drive Robert W. Kenefick $300,000 March 12, 2014 Patrick M. Roddy, Heidi M. Roddy
5 Morse Lane Colm A. Scanlon, Ellen L. Scanlon $540,000 March 10, 2014 Frank Iuso, Mary Grace Iuso

 

Police Incident Log - Updated March 31, 2014

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Arrest Log

Friday, March 28, 2014

12:09 pm Sgt. John Porter arrested Manuel Buestan-Delgado, 24, of Waverly Street, Framingham, on Hayden Rowe Street and charged him with Speeding in Violation of Special Regulation and Operating a Motor Vehicle With License Suspended, Subsequent Offense.


Incident Log

Sunday, March 30, 2014

11:52 pm Officer Aaron O'Neil assisted a disabled motor vehicle on West Main Street.

10:20 pm A caller from Hidden Brick Road spoke with Officer William Burchard regarding an involved person burning her sweatshirt in her driveway last Friday.

7:31 pm The owner of a disabled motor vehicle advised that his vehicle was parked behind a South Street business until it could be removed in the morning.

4:52 pm A passing motorist reported seeing a dumpster fire on South Street. Two officers responded along with the Fire Department and advised that the small fire was contained.

3:02 pm Two officers responded to a motor vehicle accident without personal injury on Ash Street.

11:38 am Officer Patrick O'Brien responded to West Main Street to assist with a motor vehicle accident without personal injury.

10:27 am A resident of Lumber Street requested assistance for his son. Two officers responded and advised that all was quiet at this time.

9:59 am A Grove Street resident reported that catch basins were overflowing near his home. Officer David Shane responded and advised that all looked normal.

9:32 am A caller reported that a male wearing a white helmet and carrying a doll was walking down the middle of Hayden Rowe Street. Officer David Shane responded and advised that all was ok, he was a resident.

9:06 am A caller reported loud noise and water gushing from the water tank near the Middle School. Officer Patrick O'Brien responded to assist.

9:00 am A resident of South Mill Street reported that construction equipment was being operated near his home. Officer David Shane spoke with the individual who was operating a backhoe attempting to prevent a flood.

8:25 am A resident of Thayer Heights Road reported waking up to a flooded basement and an alarm sounding. The Fire Department was notified and will check the problem.

8:19 am A Grove Street resident reported that an unusually large amount of water was gushing into his house around the meter. The Water Department was notified.


Saturday, March 29, 2014

11:36 pm Officer John Moran checked a motor vehicle on Oliver Lane.

9:34 pm There were multiple calls reporting a power outage due to a blown transformer on Harrington Way. The Fire Department and electrical company was notified.

10:06 pm A caller from Eastview Road reported a CO detection. The Fire Department checked the area with a negative find.

9:55 pm A resident reported suspicious activity, possibly an underage party on Baker Lane. Five officers responded and subsequently issued two complaint applications under the social host law.

9:32 pm A Briarcliff Drive resident reported that a suspicious motor vehicle was parked on her street with its lights off for an extended period of time. Officer Patrick O'Brien spoke with the operator who stated that he was waiting for a resident who lived on the road.

7:28 pm A motorist reported being behind an erratic operator heading into Ashland on East Main Street. The Ashland Police Department was notified.

12:16 pm Officer Patrick O'Brien assisted the Fire Department with a fire alarm activation on Patriots Boulevard.

7:22 am Officer Patrick O'Brien spoke with the operator of a backhoe on South Mill Street who was not aware of the town's by-law.

1:48 am Officer Linda Higgins checked a parked motor vehicle that was in front of the High School.


Friday, March 28, 2014

10:00 pm A 911 caller reported hearing loud noises that were possibly coming from a party on Partridge Road. Officer Aaron O'Neil checked the area and advised that it appeared that the party had just ended.

5:07 pm The Upton Police Department reported an erratic operator heading into Hopkinton. Officer Aaron O'Neil responded but was unable to catch up with the vehicle before it turned onto Route 495. The State Police were notified.

1:31 pm A motorist reported being stopped by a male in civilian clothing and an unmarked vehicle on Route 495. She was unsure if it was a real trooper or not. The State Police was contacted and confirmed that he was a State Trooper.

9:25 am A caller from Avenue C reported that a white van had been parked in their lot for about a week now. A message was left with the owner to contact the Police Department.

11:48 am Sgt. John Porter stopped a motor vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street and subsequently arrested a 24 year-old male from Framingham and charged him with Speeding in Violation of Special Regulation and Operating a Motor Vehicle With License Suspended, Subsequent Offense.

8:13 am Officer William Burchard removed a pallet from the roadway on Wood Street.

6:44 am Officer Linda Higgins assisted a disabled motor vehicle on Cedar Street.

6:28 am Officer Linda Higgins stated that she could not locate the owner of a vehicle that was left unattended with its doors open on Hayward Street.

1:51 am Officer Jacob Campbell spoke with an Upton Police Officer who stopped a Highway Department vehicle that had its tailgate open and was dumping salt/sand in the roadway at the town line.


Thursday, March 27, 2014

9:35 pm A 911 caller reported a motor vehicle accident on Route 495. The State Police were notified and responded.

9:20 pm Officer Aaron O'Neil checked and spoke with the operator of a motor vehicle on Loop Road.

5:02 pm Officer Aaron O'Neil checked and spoke with the operator of a motor vehicle on Chestnut Street.

4:04 pm A caller reported a large pothole in the middle of Oakhurst Road that was created by the removal of a dumpster. Officer Matthew McNeil responded and notified the DPW.

3:17 pm A 911 caller reported that a dumpster had been dropped partially in the roadway on West Main Street. Officer Matthew McNeil responded and advised that the dumpster had been picked up.

12:28 pm Sgt. John Porter assisted another department on South Street.

11:52 am The DPW reported a guide wire issue with a pole on Pond Street. The telephone company was notified.

10:10 am The DPW reported a missing roadway traffic sign on West Main Street.

7:43 am An East Main Street resident reported that a dead deer was in his yard. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

6:51 am Officer Aaron O'Neil checked the area of West Main Street for a disabled motor vehicle with a negative find.

5:10 am A resident of Winter Street reported hearing voices coming from the first floor of his house. The caller was transported to the hospital and two officers responded to secure the house.

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Milford Regional Medical Center Breaks Ground on New Building Project

Board includes two Hopkinton residents

 

Above:  Milford Regional celebrates a historic groundbreaking on a 78,000 square foot building project that will expand emergency care, ICU and private patient rooms. Pictured (left to right): Senator Richard T. Moore; Vascen Bogigian, MRMC board trustee & building committee chair; Edward J. Kelly, MRMC president; Francis M. Saba, MRMC CEO; John Burns, MRMC board trustee chair; Tina Robakiewicz, MD, MRMC medical staff president; and Representative John V. Fernandes.

 

March 31, 2014 — Milford Regional Medical Center launched a new era of healthcare with a groundbreaking ceremony for a historic major capital initiative that will result in a new emergency department, intensive care unit and private patient rooms. 

            The new two story structure, to be built by local developer Consigli Construction, will more than double the size of the current ED from 30 to 52 private treatment rooms, increase the number of patient rooms in the ICU from 10 to 16 expanding their size to accommodate the latest technology, and add a 24-bed private room unit with the intent to convert all hospital patient rooms to private. 

             “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a momentous occasion for all of us at the Medical Center and everyone in our community,” says Francis M. Saba, CEO of Milford Regional.  “This is a transformational project that will result in a new, more modern, more efficient, more comfortable, and better healthcare facility.  Ultimately, our goal is always the best possible care close to home, and today we take another enormous step in that enduring mission.” 

             The $54 million project is being funded through a combination of reserves from hospital operations, traditional financing, and the most successful capital campaign in the organization’s history.  Excellence…The Campaign for Milford Regional Medical Center was launched in November of last year and has already raised nearly $17 million toward its goal of $25 million.  The flourishing fund raising effort features several seven-figure gifts, including one of $5 million from Board member Kevin Meehan and his family.  Mr. Meehan’s gift is the largest in the history of the Medical Center. 

            “We are extraordinarily proud and grateful today,” says John Burns, chairman of Milford Regional’s Board of Trustees, as well as chairman of Excellence. “There are so many people to thank who have had an impact on our progress…all who worked tirelessly on the project plans, and all who have contributed time, effort, and resources toward our capital campaign.  That includes donors from those who have been generous at the highest levels to our employees.  It is uplifting to participate in a project that has so galvanized everyone in the community.”

            With a projected completion in the fall of 2015, the new emergency department will accommodate 70,000 visits annually and be designed for today’s volume challenges and tomorrow’s advances in technology and treatment methodologies.  The new intensive care unit will address the need for space with an increase in beds, and also derive added benefit from its juxtaposition to the emergency department.  Modern design and the additional space will offer enhanced privacy for patients and families include family sleeping space, private bathrooms, televisions and kitchen accommodations.  The private patient unit suggests the importance of patient privacy and safety fo those who seek care at Milford Regional.  The project includes reconfiguring the Medical Center so that eventually every room will be private.

             “Healthcare has changed drastically in a very short period of time, and it is imperative for us, as a community hospital, to be inventive and imaginative, to prepare for the future and plan aggressively, and to exercise forethought,” says Saba. 

              “This initiative is the product of smart and caring people who are first and foremost community and patient-minded in their approach to the future of our Medical Center.  We are forever in their debt.”

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Angel's Wisp

March 30, 2014 — Like brushstrokes, wispy threads of angel's hair pouring downstream where the eastern side of Elm Street meets Wood Street today is an effect made possible with a 1/15 of a second shutter speed. Most people can hand-hold a camera at that relatively slow shutter speed with a 50mm or wider lens, but using a longer focal length or slower shutter speed might necessitate a tripod, or a stabilizer in the camera.

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Smoke on the Dumpster

March 30, 2014 — The Fire Department responded to Avenue E for a dumpster fire this afternoon. Above, the smoke and steam from the firefighters' hose obscures the two firefighters, who are on the other side of the dumpster, from the view of the camera. The fire fighters had the fire down in minutes.

SERVICE GUIDE
   
 
     

 

 

 

 

Destination Imagination

Hopkinton DI teams excelled once again at the MA State tournament held at WPI on 3/29. This year, two Hopkinton teams grabbed 1st place and will now advance to the DI Global Tournament, to be held in Knoxville, TN, May 21-24, where they will compete with more than 1300 teams from around the globe! They make our community and schools proud! It is particularly noteworthy that both these teams chose a challenge that involves community service and outreach.

1st place (Challenge Name: "Pitch N Play" , Middle Level. Team Manager: Leda Arakelian ): Aren Arakelian, Neal Patel, Patrick Webb, Austin Marques, Izzy Puri, Niha Gopi, Eva Kuruvilla. Contributed content.

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Disgruntled Hopkinton Resident
 

     It is with a great deal of disappointment that I am compelled to write this article.  I am a Special Police Officer with the Hopkinton Police Department so I have had the privilege of working with Interim Chief Charles Wallace and Sergeant Joseph Bennett.

 

     A recent article in the local newspaper invited townspeople to welcome and be introduced to the potential candidates for the Police Chief's position.  The introduction was to be held at the Town Hall on Thursday, February 27, at 5:30 p.m.  At 6:45 - 7:00 p.m. we were still waiting for the meeting to start.  There was never a formal introduction of all the candidates by the Selectmen to the public.  The candidates were placed in a back room and the Chairman announced there would not be any questions allowed from the public.

 

     We had two equally qualified candidates that were presented to the Board from the present staff.  Chief Wallace advanced from patrolman to sergeant to lieutenant to acting chief for the last nine months.  He also has 28+ years with the Hopkinton Police Department. I find it difficult to believe that anyone can achieve those types of promotions without being qualified.  Patrolman Bennett has been on the Hopkinton Police Department for 22+ years and has advanced to sergeant on the force.  He also would have made a qualified chief.  Both men worked hard to achieve advancement and, having lived my entire life in this town, I believe it is the first time for a candidate to have been chosen from outside the Department.

 

     This letter is in no way intended to put either outside candidate down, but rather let our townspeople know of a great injustice done to our Hopkinton Police Department.  Best wishes to two of Hopkinton's finest - Chief Wallace and Sergeant Bennett.

 

     Artie Pyne

     3 Curtis Road

     Hopkinton, MA 01748

       March 30,  2014 

Personal Services 
    
  
Support for Library Expansion

“Libraries and community. They’re really inseparable.”  Wayne Senville, editor of Planning Commissioners Journal, wrote this in his recent article about libraries being at the heart of our communities.  We could not agree more. The Hopkinton Public Library has been an important part of our town for more than 100 years.  And despite the advent of the digital age, public libraries across the U.S. – including the Hopkinton Public Library - are busier than ever. 

According to the American Library Association (and verified by the Pew Research Center), public libraries circulated 2.46 billion materials in 2013, the greatest volume in 10 years. During this same period, the circulation of children’s book and materials increased by more than 28 percent. Public libraries nationwide hosted 3.75 million public programs, and attendance at library-hosted programs for kids hit 60.5 million. Public libraries are not becoming extinct!

At our Annual Town Meeting, which begins on May 5, you have an opportunity to show your support for our library by voting to fund its renovation and expansion. Our historic, downtown building has not expanded since 1967 (that’s almost 50 years!), while the population of Hopkinton has quadrupled. If you have visited the library recently, you know that space is scarce. The building is not fully compliant with ADA regulations, visitors have limited access to technology, and the library director’s office, staff room, and book processing and reference areas share a common space that lacks privacy. Because the reading room is also the library’s only meeting room, special events must take place when the library is closed, otherwise the area must be closed to visitors. The children’s room is woefully undersized.  The teen/young adult area is located in the downstairs hallway, allowing no room for study or collaboration. Despite these and other physical shortcomings, the Hopkinton Public Library continues to provide excellent service. The dedicated staff works hard to meet our needs and improve and add services.

In 2011, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved Hopkinton’s library building plan and awarded the town a $4.5 million grant toward the total project cost of $11.7 million. Hopkinton is now #3 on the MBLC waiting list. The town should receive state funding within a year. In just 4 ½ months, the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation (HPLF) raised more than $275,000 in private funds to help defray the cost to taxpayers. The organization’s efforts will continue until library construction is completed. And in the future, HPLF will continue fundraising to support the library.

 

Help provide Hopkinton with a 21st century library.  Annual Town Meeting begins at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5, in the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium. Come, join us and vote YES on Article 20. 

 

Ron and Marie Eldridge

10 Alexander Road

March 29, 2014

 

Upside-Down


March 29, 2014 — Roving HopCam, which happened to be a zoomed-in smart phone camera today, caught this image on Route 85 in Marlborough this afternoon.

W E L L N E S S

Support for Library Expansion

Editor:

When I moved to Hopkinton 38 years ago, one of my first actions was to apply for a library card.  Over the years, my family has been ardent library users, and now my granddaughters continue the tradition.  I have seen tremendous growth and increase in stature to our town.  I have also seen the Hopkinton Public Library staff doing an amazing job of providing the town with an array of materials, both print and digital, in a warm and informed atmosphere, with limited resources, and constricted space availability.

 

But, the library building, however charming, is old and way too small to accommodate a modern library.  It is far from energy efficient, and the systems are in a constant state of disrepair. Minimal repairs would cost the town over a million dollars.  Staff must make hard decisions to weed materials for lack of space.  There is no meeting space for teens or adults, and the children’s room is cramped and overflowing.   Computer users compete with readers and book club meeting for space in the main reading room. 

 

The Town of Hopkinton has an opportunity to create a jewel for our town center.  An expanded library will become an anchor for the downtown area.  There will be ample space for children and teens’ activities, from homework, to technology to special programs and meetings with friends.  Adults will have access to computers, meeting rooms, book clubs, and more.  And, of course, more room for resources, from books to magazines to computers and attendant technology.

 

We have the opportunity to take advantage of a $4.5 million dollar grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the ongoing fundraising by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation (visit their website to take part!).  This will reduce the town’s (taxpayers’) responsibility considerably.

 

The renovated and expanded building, seen on the Hopkinton Public Library or the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation’s website, is designed to take advantage of the latest technology.  Take the virtual tour and see what a wonderful asset could soon be ours.

 

Please attend Town Meeting on May 5, 2014 and vote to bring our library into the 21st century.

 

Susan Porter

348 Wood Street

Hopkinton resident (and

Hopkinton Public Library Trustee)

March 29, 2014

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