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Proposed Charter Amendments to be voted at Special Town Meeting on Monday, January 30, 2017

HOPKINTON, MA (January 23, 2017) --- The Hopkinton Board of Selectmen has voted to hold a Special Town Meeting beginning on Monday, January 30, 2017 from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. at the Hopkinton Middle School. The first article on the warrant for consideration will be Periodic Charter Review: Report and Recommendations, sponsored by Hopkinton’s Charter Review Committee.

At the May 15, 2006 Annual Town Election, Hopkinton voters approved the adoption of Hopkinton’s Home Rule Charter. This charter established the position of Town Manager, who was given the responsibility to oversee daily town business, manage administrative affairs, coordinate activities of town agencies and appoint specific officers of the town of Hopkinton. The original Charter Commission believed that a transfer of more day-to-day duties from part-time volunteers to full-time employees would enhance effectiveness and significantly improve the town’s governmental structure and its ability to deal with contemporary problems, both on a day-to-day and long-range basis.

Proposed changes to Hopkinton’s Home Rule Charter are a result of the required 10-year periodic review of the charter which establishes a special committee for the purpose of reviewing the charter and to make a report, with recommendations, to the Town Meeting.

After deliberation, debate and a vote in the affirmative at the January 30 Special Town Meeting, the approved charter will be reviewed by the Attorney General, and voted on at the ballot in May, 2017. The proposed charter must be approved by a two-thirds supermajority of voters present at Town Meeting and a simple majority at the ballot in order to take effect. To preview the proposed draft charter to be voted on at Special Town Meeting, visit the town’s website here.

To read the accompanying report from the Charter Review Committee, visit the town’s website here.

ABOUT THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Charter Review Committee, consisting of 7 appointed members, is responsible for reviewing the Charter and recommending changes and revisions where appropriate. As part of that process, the Committee is responsible for engaging the community, town departments and committees, proposing amendments to Town Meeting for a vote, submitting the approved amendments to the Attorney General for review and approval, and securing final approval from the Town at the ballot in May of 2017. ~Press Release. -- Art work of original Charter Commision by Ashley T.M. Jackson ©2004 HopNews.com

Revised Obit:

Ryan E. Devine, 34

Ryan E. Devine, 34, of Hopkinton died Monday January 2, 2017 in Boston. Ryan was born July 11, 1982 in Boston, Massachusetts. Ryan is survived by his two sons, Seamus of Charlestown, and Ryan of Weymouth, father Stephen, mother Mary Jane, brother Philip and sister Caroline, all of Hopkinton and brother Peter of Marlborough. Ryan loved his family, friends, reading and drawing artwork and was happiest while participating in team sports. When asked what was the best time of his life Ryan easily replied playing Little League Baseball. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Ryan’s life by gathering for calling hours in the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton, Thursday, January 26th from 6:00-8:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hopkinton Little League. (HopkintonLittleleague.com)

State Police Arrest East Boston Man For Pulling Fire Alarm

State Police have arrested an East Boston man who pulled a fire alarm at the Logan Airport Hilton hotel. State Police and Massport Fire responded to the report of an alarm at the hotel at about 3:40 a.m. Firefighters and troopers determined it was a false alarm.

Further investigation revealed that a DENNIS HARRISON, 25, of East Boston, who was found walking on the hotel property, had activated a pull alarm. HARRISON was not a guest at the hotel and had no legitimate reason to be on the hotel property.

Troopers charged HARRISON with disorderly conduct; disturbing the peace; and setting off a false fire alarm. He is being held at Troop F pending bail.

Trooper Assists in Baby Delivery on Mass Pike in Blandford

January 22, 2017 -- Yesterday morning at about 1:30 a.m., a trooper on patrol on Route 90 westbound in Blandford pulled over to assist with what he thought was a disabled motor vehicle, but ended up assisting in the delivery of a baby.

Trooper Carlos Nunez located the vehicle in the breakdown lane and, upon making contact with the occupants, discovered a woman positioned in the rear seat who reported that she was in active labor.

Trooper Nunez immediately requested an ambulance, but after an on-scene medical assessment, he determined that a delivery was imminent.  Trooper Nunez made preparations for the delivery and, a short time later, the woman gave birth in the vehicle.  Trooper Nunez then provided care to the mother and newborn until Westfield EMS arrived on scene.  Both mother and child were transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for treatment.

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Sheriff Koutoujian announces upcoming Correction Officer exam

Registration open until February 13

     BILLERICA, Mass. – Are you interested in a career with one of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agencies?

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office – this year celebrating its 325th anniversary – is now accepting registrations for the upcoming Correction Officer exam. Registration is open until 1 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2017 and there is no charge for the exam.

“This is an exciting time for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and we are seeking qualified, motivated men and women interested in careers in corrections for our 41st Basic Training Academy,” said Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.

Applicants must be 19 years of age, a U.S. citizen and a resident of Massachusetts by the date of the exam. You must also have a high school degree or equivalent certificate and possess a valid motor vehicle license. A Bachelor’s degree and/or prior experience in law enforcement or security is preferred.

The exam will be administered on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at UMass Lowell.

To read a full list of qualifications and register for the exam please visit: www.middlesexsheriff.org.

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MELROSE - January 18, 2017 -- Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis have confirmed that the body of a missing Malden man, Lewis Rosati has been located. Authorities had been looking for Rosati since he walked away from a nursing home last night.

Early this morning, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Melrose Police responded to a report of an unresponsive male on Main Street in Melrose. Upon arrival authorities located the body of a deceased 54-year-old man, the man was identified as Lewis Rosati.

No foul play is suspected. The matter has now been referred to the office of the Medical Examiner.

Baker-Polito Administration Warns Public
of the Dangers of Thin Ice

January 18, 2017 -- BOSTON, MA - With recent unseasonably warm weather conditions occurring throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, today the Baker-Polito Administration is asking the public to remain conscious of the risks associated with thin ice. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), the Department of Fire Services (DFS), and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are warning the public of the potential dangers of thin ice on the state's many lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers.

"Ice can be deceiving because it freezes and thaws at different rates and ice thickness can vary depending on currents, springs, depth, and debris in the water," said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. "Residents should skate on bodies of water only after there has been a prolonged freeze and steps have been taken to ensure the ice is sufficiently thick.  Always remember, 'when in doubt, don't go out' on the ice."

"Throughout Massachusetts residents will find excellent outdoor recreational opportunities for the whole family to enjoy; however, it is incredibly important that we all remain fully aware of our surroundings, particularly during the winter months, to ensure everyone remains safe," said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. "Falling through thin ice can very quickly become a tragedy, which is why we all must be diligent during this time of year."

The winter months offer many unique opportunities for the general public to explore and enjoy nature, such as ice fishing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.  Unfortunately, every year state and local officials receive and respond to reports of individuals falling through thin ice. An individual who falls into icy waters can quickly experience hypothermia, which can become deadly if not treated immediately. Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, dizziness, hunger, nausea, accelerated breathing, difficulty speaking, lack of coordination, fatigue, and an increase in heart rate.

"The most important thing to remember when someone or a pet falls through the ice, is don't become a victim yourself," said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. "Call 9-1-1 first to get help on the way; then reach with something long or throw something to help them before firefighters arrive."

Below are several ice safety tips everyone should follow when near bodies of water during the winter months:


*        Parents should always closely watch and supervise their children.

*        Never go onto ice alone.

*        Always keep your pets on a leash (if a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue - - call for help).

*        Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it from freezing. It can also hide cracks as well as other weak spots.

*        Ice formed over flowing water (including springs under the surface) is generally weaker than ice over still water.

*        Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be a foot thick in one spot and an inch thick in another.

*        If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw something to him or her (a rope, tree branch, even jumper cables from a car, etc.). If this does not work, go or phone for help. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

*        If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from, and place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once the ice is solid enough to hold you, and you can pull yourself out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand; lying down spreads your weight across a wider area, lessening your weight on any one spot) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back the way you came, keeping your weight distributed, until you return to solid ice or ground.

*        As the season progresses, plan accordingly and use caution, as the conditions of older ice greatly varies and is subject to rapid changes.

Milford Regional Welcomes New Physician to the Cancer Center

Cancer Center Services expand at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional with the appointment of Alexandra Bailey, MD to Milford Regional’s active medical staff.

Dr. Bailey earned her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA in 2008. She performed an internship and residency in internal medicine, and a fellowship in oncology/hematology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Dr. Bailey is board certified in internal medicine and hematology. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Alexandra Bailey to Milford Regional’s medical staff,” states Edward J. Kelly, president & CEO, Milford Regional Medical Center. “Our community will benefit greatly from the expansion of cancer care with the addition of such a highly trained oncologist.”

Prior to joining The Cancer Center at Milford Regional, Dr. Bailey practiced at Dana-Farber Community Cancer Care, South Weymouth, MA. She can be reached by calling Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional at 508-488-3700.

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Hopkinton High School Students Perform

At Central District MMEA Senior High Concert Festival

High School musicians from 64 high schools in the district participated in the 60th annual Central District Massachusetts Music Educators’ Senior High Festival. The 3-day Festival culminated with a concert of all ensembles at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on January 14th. Musicians from Hopkinton include:  Yuyue Dong, Alto, Chorus; Bella Komodromos, Alto, Chorus; Matthew Dempsey, Bass, Chorus; An-Chi Huang, Violin, Orchestra; Bronwyn Pappas-Byers, Violoncello, Orchestra; Devon Rancourt, Violoncello, Orchestra; Rachael Chen, Piccolo, Concert Band; Clare Wu, Bb Clarinet, Concert Band; Dan Moreno, Bass Clarinet, Concert Band; David Antaki, Trumpet, Concert Band; Kyle Stukel, Trumpet, Concert Band; Andrew Keeley, Trombone, Concert Band; Linnea Pappas-Byers, Trombone, Concert Band.

This year’s conductors included Ashley Nelson as Chorus Conductor, David Sporny as Jazz Band Conductor, Dr. Walter Pavasaris as Orchestra Conductor, and Dr. Christian Wilhjelm as Concert Band Conductor.

Students auditioned in November 2016. All ensembles were hosted by Wachusett Regional High School Music Department, Holden, Massachusetts

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Ryan E. Devine, 34

Ryan E. Devine, 34, of Hopkinton died Monday January 2, 2017 in Boston. Ryan was born July 11, 1982 in Boston, Massachusetts. He is survived by his two sons, Seamus of Charlestown and Ryan of Weymouth, his father Stephen and mother Mary Jane, his brother Philip and his sister Caroline, all of Hopkinton and his brother Peter of Marlborough. Ryan loved his family, friends, reading and drawing artwork and was happiest while participating in team sports. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Ryan’s life by gathering for calling hours at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton, Thursday, January 26th from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Alleged Robbery With Hand Saw

Yesterday, at about 12:19 a.m., Troopers Kyle Duarte and Paul Minahan responded to the Mobil Gas Station on Route 24 South for an armed robbery investigation. The store clerk said he was held up by a male subject wearing a green jacket and dark hoodie brandishing a small hand saw. He stole $82.00 from the register and eight packs of Marlboro cigarettes. The subject quickly fled the store in a dark gray vehicle.

During their investigation, troopers overheard radio transmissions that Brockton PD then West Bridgewater PD was in pursuit of a gray vehicle. West Bridgewater Police stopped the vehicle on Route 24 North in West Bridgewater but the operator fled and ran across the highway toward the median and onto the southbound side toward the wood line. Troopers Duarte and Minihan responded to assist.

A female passenger, identified as JENNIFER MURPHY, 28 of Brockton was placed under arrest for possession of Class B, crack cocaine which was located on the front passenger seat. A search of her person recovered the 8 packs of Marlboro cigarettes stolen from the Mobil gas Station. MURPHY was transported to the State Police Barracks in Middleboro where she was booked and charged with possession of Class B Crack Cocaine and Receiving Stolen Property under $250. West Bridgewater Police Sergeant Russell Regan assisted.

As a result of a search of the motor vehicle, a small hand saw, a green jacket and a $10.00 bill was located and seized as evidence.

At approximately 1:46 a.m., Trooper Minihan and West Bridgewater Officer Flaherty and his K9 located the male operator, later identified as JAMES ELLIS, 45 of Berkley, in the area of Manley Street in West Bridgewater. A glass pipe believed to contain crack cocaine residue was found in ELLIS’ pants pocket. ELLIS was transported to the State Police Barracks in Middleboro where he was booked and then transported to the Plymouth House of Correction where he will be held pending his arraignment in Brockton District Court on Tuesday.

JAMES ELLIS was charged with the following offenses:

1. Armed Robbery

2. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon to wit: Small Hand Saw

3. Threat to Commit a Crime

4. Intimidation of a Witness

5. Possession of Class B (2 counts)

6. Possession of a Dangerous Weapon

7. Larceny Over $250

8. Larceny Under $250

9. Default Warrant

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                                                  An excerpt from the senior newsletter "The Hilltopper"

There’s actually some good news about getting older! There are some perks available and you really should use all you can. Hopkinton dog owners 70+ no longer need to pay the license fee. You will still need a yearly valid license. Passes for Sandy Beach are also available at no charge once you’ve reached age 65. The Commonwealth of MA waives the fees for saltwater fishing at age 60; fresh water and hunting at age 70. If you go to Senior MassParks Pass - Mass.Gov you will learn how to apply for a lifetime park pass for a one time charge of $10. These are offered at age 62. If you previously received a waiver at no charge it will continue to be honored.

Many business offer discounts to seniors but you need to ask for it. These discounts can add up pretty fast and they are a benefit you have earned. Go to Massachusetts Senior Discounts for more information. If you don’t use a computer and would like more information, please call the Senior Center and we’ll help you. We may not want to be considered a “senior”, but if you can’t change it - enjoy it! And of course there is always our Senior Center; the official age is 60, but all ages are very welcome. Seniors have dibs, but if there’s room, with a few exceptions, the young folk are wholeheartedly welcome to attend classes and activities or join our volunteer support system. Enjoy February - luckily it doesn’t last long! Sincerely,

~Cindy Chesmore, Director

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Background for Open Burning in Massachusetts

Massachusetts allows residents to burn brush between January 15 and May 1, depending on weather conditions and air quality. You must obtain permission from the Hopkinton Fire Department if you plan to burn brush. The permits are free of charge, but availability depends on information received from DEP and DCR each morning. We have created an online burning system that allows for daily activation of your permit and location of other daily permits. Links are located on our web site; http://fire.hopkintonma.gov/ or directly through the Towns site; http://www.hopkintonma.gov/

Regulations

• You may only burn BRUSH! All other materials are illegal. No leaves, grass, hay, stumps, building debris or any other materials are allowed to be burned.

• All open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from buildings or structures.

• Burning will be allowed to start at 10:00am and must be extinguished by 4pm.

• Any open fire must be attended at all times by the permit holder.

• No person shall set, maintain or increase a fire in open air at any time except by permission.

• You must be 18 years or older to apply for permit and/or set, maintain or increase fire once permission has been granted by the Fire Department.

• You must have an appropriate means to extinguish an open air fire completely at the end of the day or if requested by the Fire Department.

• The Fire Department can refuse or cancel a permit at any time. (Example: Violation of permit regulations, or change in weather conditions.)

• Open burning season is January 15 - May 1.

• Massachusetts Regulation 310 CMR: DEP 7.07 "Open Burning"

• For more information look up Massachusetts DEP; @ http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/air/quality/open-burning-answers-to-your-burning-questions.html

How to obtain a permit and daily notification;

For new permits or non-electronic permits, call the fire station at 508-497-2325 and select option 6. For anyone that has had an electronic permit in the past go to http://www.hopkintonma.gov/ or http://fire.hopkintonma.gov/ and select the open burning tab to activate your daily burning permit.

~ Fire Chief, Stephen Slaman

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William Bill Pyne, 85 of Dennis and formerly of Medway, passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2017, in the company of his loving family after a long fought battle against cancer and Alzheimers disease.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis McDonald Pyne, sons Frederick and his wife Jane of Foxboro, Daniel and his wife Ellen of Swansea, and William and his wife Diana of Brighton; grandchildren Alexandra, Michael, Rachel, Samantha, Daniel and Steven. Bill was born in Framingham, son of the late Frederick and Helene Pyne. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Pyne. He is also survived by his sister Janet and her husband Richard Stewart of Hopkinton. Bill graduated from Hopkinton High School and proudly served in the US Army for 4 years during the Korean Conflict. He was a long standing member of Local 4 of the International Union of Operating Engineers and a member of the American Legion and Medway VFW. Bill had relocated to the Cape from Medway in 1997, to pursue his passion for fishing and boating.

A celebration of Bills life will be held at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd., Brewster on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 11:00am. Bill will be buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bills honor to Leukemia And Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org). Arrangements under the direction of Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home of Dennis. For online condolences please visit doanebealames.com  .

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Free Pasta Dinner at St. Paul’s January 25

HOPKINTON, MASS. (January 11, 2017) – The January Community Pasta Supper at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 61 Wood Street (Rte. 135) will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25. All are welcome to this event, which is being supported by the churches of the Hopkinton Christian Service Connection. This pasta supper is held for the community on the last Wednesday of every month.

The meal will feature pasta (gluten free available), vegetarian tomato sauce, meatballs on the side, green salad, bread, beverages, and dessert. The pasta supper is free, although donations will be accepted.

The mission of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is to minister unconditionally to all in the name of Christ through shared worship, teaching, healing, and service. St. Paul’s is LGBTQ friendly. For more information call the church office at 508-435-4536 or visit www.stpaulhopkinton.org

Ten Students Report Injuries in Waltham School Bus Rollover Today

January 11, 2017
At 12:47 p.m. today Massachusetts State Police received numerous calls reporting a crash between a school bus and a pickup truck, causing the bus to roll over the guardrail on the southbound side of Route 95 in Waltham.

Responding troopers and Waltham firefighters found the bus on its side off the right side of the road, up against a stone ledge. The driver, adult monitor, and 22 students were out of the bus upon troopers’ arrival on-scene. Ten students reported minor injuries and were transported by ambulances to area hospitals. The other 12 students were also transported for precautionary evaluations. The juveniles were taken to Boston Children’s Hospital, Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. The bus driver and monitor were also being evaluated for precautionary reasons only at a hospital.

Preliminary investigation by Troop H of the Massachusetts State Police indicates that the bus was traveling southbound, south of the exit for Route 20 (Exit 26), when a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, also being operated southbound, collided with the bus. The impact caused the bus to veer to the right and roll over the guardrail onto an embankment leading to a stone ledge.

The students are in grades 6-8 at Ephraim Curtis Middle School in Sudbury. The bus is a Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner.

The driver of the bus is a 54-year-old man from Everett. The monitor is a 54-year-old Mattapan man.

The driver of the Silverado is a 29-year-old Belmont man.

State Police only release names of operators who are charged criminally. At this point in the investigation, no charges have yet been filed.

All students had been examined, and treated and released from the hospital, or were expected to be released, by late this afternoon. All had been reunited with their parents. State Police sent personnel to each hospital to help communicate the situation with parents and school officials.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Troop H of the Massachusetts State Police, with assistance from the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit. Troopers from Troop A also provided assistance at the scene, along with the Waltham Fire Department. The bus has been pulled upright and removed from the scene.

Elaine M. McManus, 61

Newton – Elaine M. McManus, 61, passed away on January 9, 2017 at CareOne at Newton, Newton, MA.  The daughter of the late John J. McManus and Marie Thorpe McManus, Elaine grew up in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School class of 1973.

She is survived by her stepmother Irene P. McManus of Marstons Mills, MA and four brothers; John J McManus and his wife Patty of Stone Mountain, GA, Lawrence E. McManus and his wife Mary of Hopkinton, MA, Brian McManus, MD, and his wife Jillian of Plymouth, MA and Keith McManus and his wife Holly of Hyannis, MA.

Elaine was a beautiful and kind person who could lighten up a room with her smile.  She had an engaging personality with a quick sense of humor.  Elaine sustained a traumatic brain injury at the age of 28 but this did not dampen her love of life and deep devotion to family, particularly her brothers and their families.  Her love for them was palpable. Visits with Elaine were always filled with jokes and lots of laughter.  She was particularly fond of her nieces and nephew; Bridget Ballas and her husband Dave, Caroline Clark and her husband Joe, Kathleen McManus and her friend Kurt and Joe McManus and his wife Cooper. Elaine also had four grandnieces who adored her; Kaitlyn and Hayley Ballas and Elle and Cameron McManus.  Despite her years of infirmity, Elaine always kept her great sense of humor, humility, thanking God for her blessings, and always treating her nursing caregivers at CareOne with kindness. They provided her with compassionate and loving lifelong care along with her doctor Mark Rohrer, MD. For this her family will always be grateful.  

Visitation for family and friends will be at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton, MA on Saturday January 14 at 8:45am with a funeral Mass to follow at 10am in St. John the Evangelist, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton. Burial will be private.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parish Upkeep Fund, St John the Evangelist, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, MA  01748 or to a charity of your choice.