May 3, 2014 — This mute swan, all puffed up and increasing its speed, has frightened the smaller Canada goose into flight, as the swan defends its territory, and possibly some young, as caught by the Roving HopCam in Uxbridge today.

May 3, 2014 — Golden Pond Assisted Living Executive Chef Christopher Reid freshens the fruit salad during the facility's well attended open house on Saturday. Mr. Reid is a graduate of the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) in Hyde Park, New York. He said he cooks three new entrees in his restaurant-sized kitchen every day to treat the residents in their luxurious dining area.

May 3, 2014 — There was a mixture of election and Town Meeting going on at the corner today, with the supporters of the Library out in full force, winning the battle for eyeballs with a demand to vote "YES" at both Town Meeting and at the ballot box.

Police Wiretap Investigation Reveals Major Drug Organization in  Area
Investigation Leads to Arrest of Ringleaders and Sources of Supply,
Seizures of Drugs and Weapons

FRAMINGHAM – A case that began with an investigation of a Framingham-based crack cocaine operation has led to the identification and arrest of major drug traffickers in Middlesex, Suffolk and Worcester counties, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced today. After months of police investigation, prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Office applied for search warrants to obtain telephone wiretap authority, then used those wiretaps to identify the organization’s membership, structure, and the identities of their suppliers.
       The investigation came to a head early Thursday morning, when state police, local police and federal agents executed more than a dozen search warrants at suspected drug locations in Framingham, Marlborough, Natick, Dorchester, Roxbury, Allston, and Worcester.
       The search warrants resulted in the seizure of more than 1,400 grams of cocaine, illegal firearms and ammunition, thousands of dollars in cash, and numerous vehicles that had been used by the organization to transport cocaine. Eight alleged members of the organization were charged on Thursday with offenses including cocaine trafficking, possession of illegal firearms, conspiracy and money laundering, and were arraigned in the Framingham District Court before Judge Robert Greco.
        “This investigation, which started in the streets of Framingham, has now exposed major drug traffickers in three counties, and has taken a huge volume of illegal drugs and dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals and off of our streets. We will continue to do what we can to help people in the throes of drug addiction to regain control of their lives, but we will not tolerate criminal drug traffickers who attempt to profit from the misery of others. I want to congratulate the State Police, Framingham Police, and Natick Police, the troopers, and detectives, and all the agents and officers who assisted them, who worked tirelessly to gather evidence against this organization, and who today have taken a major step toward dismantling their criminal enterprise.”
        

The seizures are described in more detail below:

      At 1585 Concord Street, Apt. C201, police arrested Robert Hairston and recovered approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, and $5000 in cash.
      At 739 Waverly St., Apt. 2, Framingham, the residence of Stephanie Reesor, police arrested Reesor and recovered approximately 70 individually wrapped pieces of cocaine with a total weight of more than 20 grams, hidden on her person.
      At 1399 Commonwealth Avenue, Apt. 15, Allston, MA, the residence of Mark Perkins, police arrested Perkins and recovered approximately one kilogram (1000 grams) of cocaine that Perkins had attempted to throw out a window, a 9 mm bullet, and an electrical weapon.
      At 38 Fox Street, Apt. 2, Worcester, the residence of Cheniel “Biggie” Garcia, police arrested Garcia and recovered a .45 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number, a .380 caliber handgun, ammunition for both weapons, approximately 50 grams of crack cocaine, and multiple cellular telephones.
       At 2 Murray Hill Road, Framingham, MA, the residence of Calvin Hodge, police arrested Hodge and recovered, from two safes, a .40 caliber Hi-Point handgun, a .22 caliber handgun, approximately 8 loose rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, approximately 13 loose rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, approximately 97 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, approximately 125 grams of cocaine, approximately $5000 in cash, digital scales, drug packaging material, latex gloves, and a surgical mask.
      On April 18, 2014, Christine Williams was arrested in State Police in Natick with 125 grams of cocaine concealed on her person, and another 125 grams of cocaine hidden in the car seat of a 1 year old child. She was arraigned in the Framingham District Court and charged with trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine. Her bail was set at $10,000 cash, which was posted on her behalf by another party.
      Yesterday prosecutors alleged that there was a link between Christine Williams and other members of the conspiracy, and that the $10,000 cash posted on Christine Williams’ behalf was actually drug money, earned by her codefendants by selling crack and powder cocaine. A court ordered the bail money to be seized and Christine Williams to be returned to custody.
       It is alleged that at the time of her arrest Christine Williams was moving the cocaine on behalf of the Hairston Organization, that the cocaine had been supplied by Carl Jones, and that it was intended to be brought to Robert Hairston, other members of his organization, and Calvin Hodge. The nine defendants currently charged as a result of the investigation are as follows:
      Robert Hairston, 33, of Framingham, is charged with trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine; trafficking over 100 grams of cocaine; trafficking over 18 grams of cocaine, all as a habitual criminal; distribution of cocaine as a subsequent offender; conspiracy; and money laundering. Bail was set by the court at $10,000 cash.
      Stephanie Reesor, 34, of Framingham, is charged with trafficking over 100 grams of cocaine, trafficking over 18 grams of cocaine, distribution of cocaine as a subsequent offender, and conspiracy. Bail was set by the court at $2,500 cash.
      Cheniel Garcia, 34, of Worcester, is charged with distribution of cocaine, school zone violation, and conspiracy. Additional charges have been sought in Worcester District Court for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of ammunition, and trafficking in cocaine over 36 grams. Bail was set by the court at $20,000 cash.
      Norma Hairston, 50, of Marlborough, is charged with distribution of cocaine as a subsequent offender, money laundering, and conspiracy. She was released by the court on personal recognizance.
       Carl Jones, 33, of Dorchester, was charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine. Bail was set by the court at $50,000 cash.
      Calvin Hodge, 31, of Framingham, was charged with trafficking over 100 grams of cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm as an armed career criminal, possession of ammunition, and conspiracy. Bail was set by the court at $10,000 cash.
       Nasean Johnson, 30, of Roxbury, was charged with trafficking over 100 grams of cocaine, distribution of cocaine as a subsequent offender, and conspiracy. Bail was set by the court at $20,000 cash.
       Mark Perkins, 35, of Allston, was charged with trafficking over 100 grams of cocaine, distribution of cocaine as a subsequent offender, and conspiracy. Additional charges will be sought in Suffolk County for trafficking over 200 grams, possession of ammunition as an armed career criminal, and possession of an electrical weapon. Bail was set by the court at $50,000 cash.
      Christine Williams, 23, of Framingham, was arraigned on April 18, 2014 in Framingham District Court and charged with trafficking cocaine over 200 grams. Her bail was initially set at $10,000, but was reduced yesterday by the court to $1000 cash.
       All charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
      The case was investigated by the Massachusetts State Police, Framingham Police, and Natick Police, with assistance from Boston Police, Worcester Police, Homeland Security Investigations Strike Force, and DEA Strike Force.
       The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys David Solet, Stephen Gilpatric and Christopher Tarrant.

     Content from the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

May 2, 2014 — The common springtime behavior for Canada geese is to find an island away from predators for the female to lay her eggs, and for the male to hang around off to the side until she needs to bathe, at which time he will keep the eggs warm with his body. One can only hope they know this is just a mud hole at Legacy Farms formed by truck tires that will be dry before long.

Letter in Support of School Committee Candidate Lori Nickerson

Editor:

We moved to Hopkinton nearly four years ago with a goal of becoming more involved in our community and building long-lasting friendships for our family. As our young children grow and look forward to reaching school-age, we have become more involved in watching and participating in School Committee meetings as well as learning about town politics. It can be a mystery to newcomers to learn the intricacies of town government, but one thing we have already learned is that choosing the right people for School Committee is vitally important. For this reason, we support Lori Nickerson and hope you will join us in voting for her on May 19.

Over the past few months, we have come to know Lori well and have been impressed by her passion for Hopkinton, her dedication to her family, and her desire to enrich our schools. As a corporate attorney representing publicly traded companies, Lori has invaluable experience understanding the financial ramifications of each decision and will bring a fresh perspective to the group. Additionally, Lori is committed to making sure that the School Committee enhances its communication with the residents of Hopkinton.

As residents and taxpayers, it is our duty to participate in the political process and to learn about our candidates in order to make an informed decision when we cast our ballots. We invite you to get to know Lori, through “Lori Nickerson for School Committee” on Facebook and through www.LoriNickersonSC.com  where you’ll also find dates for upcoming opportunities to meet Lori in person.

Please join us in voting for Lori Nickerson, a strong, committed candidate, on May 19.

Sincerely,
Amy & Mark Cafazzo
2 Old Farm Rd.

May 2, 2014

May 1, 2014 — The warm weather brought out all types to Weston Nurseries today, to enjoy the flowers, the flowering shrubs, and for the goats behind the Garden Center, the fresh hay.

About Stonewall Conservation

Morning session, 10:00 AM
at Upton VFW, 15 Milford St, Upton
Field Trip, 12:45 PM
at Peppercorn Hill

Robert Thorson is an author, educator, geologist and advocate for preservation of historic landscapes who has written several books about stonewalls and landforms of New England. He is a professor at the University of Connecticut, as well as writing for several publications.

The day begins with an indoor presentation at the Upton VFW followed by a question and answer period with an opportunity to purchase Thorson’s books and have them signed. Bring a brown bag lunch and join us for the afternoon field trip to Peppercorn Hill. This program is free and open to all. Reservations are not required for the morning session.
Space is limited for the field trip so you will need to pre-register for that. If we reach our limit, we will give priority to those attending the morning session. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Please leave pets at home. A liability waiver is required for the field trip. To pre-register, send an email, April 15 or after to
uptonopenspaceevents@charter.net .


UPDATE: The afternoon field trip is full, but the morning presentation at the Upton VFW is open to all.

Hopkinton Resident, Cheryl Melody
Performing Free Early Childhood Family Concert: The Musical Imagination Adventure Concert
Location: St. Mary's Church, 8 Church Street, Holliston, MA
Occasion: Holliston Spring Stroll
Date: May 3, Saturday at Noon

Date: Saturday, May 10

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Location: Fay’s Primary School, located at 25 Middle Road in Southborough

by Robert Falcione

April 30, 2014 — Tuesday evening, Town Counsel Ray Miyares was back and forth hammering out last minute details and wordsmithing changes to an amendment to the Host Community  Agreement between the Town of Hopkinton and Legacy Farms LLC that would allow 200 units of active senior living on the northern parcel.
           "I think I see white smoke," joked Legacy Farms' Roy MacDowell, Jr. as he exited a meeting with Mr. Miyares, to his anxiously waiting sons, Roy MacDowell III and Todd MacDowell, referring to the College of Cardinals' method of declaring to the waiting throngs that their business is complete.

            The original proposal of the amendment was for Legacy to trade 200,000 square feet of proposed commercial development for the senior living complex, but all parties this evening agreed that the town preferred that Legacy keep the commercial component as a possible revenue source for the town.

              A couple of notable points in the agreement are that no one under the age of 18 may be a resident in a dwelling in the senior housing complex. Another is that the developer will award the town $120,000 at the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy, again at the 100th, and again at the 200th. Abutter Christopher Barry, a longtime opponent of Legacy Farms, was not happy with the latter point.

              "I want to be sure that as an old man I will get the services I need. $120,000 is laughable. What is going on in Hopkinton is ridiculous," he said, referring to the gold rush of development.

              Mr. Barry, whose home is surrounded by the Legacy land, in 2007, about ten days before a Special Town Meeting to consider Hopkinton exercising  its Chapter 61A right of first refusal to purchase the then Weston Nurseries land, began a campaign to influence Town Meeting voters to vote in favor of funding the town's purchase. His efforts, combined with the efforts of other residents of East Hopkinton nearly derailed the developer's purchase and sale with Weston Nurseries. The final vote of the 865 Town Meeting participants to fund the town's purchase was 576 in favor, just 3 votes shy of the 2/3 super majority needed.

              This evening Town Manager Norman Khumalo said that at full build-out, the new use would generate about $1.1 million per year.

              "The quality of life is being significantly affected, by this development," said Mr. Barry.

              "There was no community involvement in the Host Community Agreement," said Mr. Barry, apparently alluding to the fact that attorneys for both sides, the developer and the Selectmen at the time hammered out the original agreement.

                Another requirement of the developer is to provide 20 affordable units, which may be anywhere in the entire OSMUD (Open Space Mixed Use) development. 

               All in all, the selectmen agreed that this would be a revenue positive situation for the town, and voted to sign the amendment, and as required by the amendment itself, to recommend to Town Meeting voters next week that the zoning changes required to fulfill the amendment, Article 33, be passed at Town Meeting.

                 Zoning articles require a 2/3 majority vote.

April 29, 2014 — Above, Lt. Charles Wallace poses with the citation — different than the type he himself issues — from the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen that he received this evening for "...exemplary service as Interim Police Chief for the Town of Hopkinton."

        When Chief Rick Flannery resigned, with sufficient notice last year, Lt. Wallace accepted the appointment from the Board of Selectmen as Interim Chief of Police, while a search committee was formed and interviews conducted for a permanent replacement.

         Lt. Wallace and fellow Hopkinton police officer Sgt. Joseph Bennett  were among the four who made the final cut. But the selectmen chose Edward Lee, a Captain with the Woonsocket, Rhode Island Police Department as Hopkinton's new chief. Lt. Wallace stepped down and vowed to do whatever he can to help the new chief.

 

          Below, Tom Grilk, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association, which runs the Boston Marathon, poses Tuesday evening with Sgt. Joseph Bennett,  Lt. Charles Wallace and Fire Chief Ken Clark to whom he gave special bibs for their work preparing to keep safe the 2014 Boston Marathon. Deputy Chief Steve Slaman, not pictured, also received one.