YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

State Police Arrest Newburyport Man Following Pursuit on North Shore

February 18, 2017 -- Today at about 1:50 p.m., Trooper Joseph Barteaux of the State Police Barracks in Revere stopped a 1998 Infinity QX4 on the Lynnway, near the intersection with Harding Street, in Lynn for motor vehicle equipment violations.  During the encounter, the operator and sole occupant, STEPHEN STAFFIERY, 48, of Newburyport, fled the scene on foot.  During the foot pursuit, STAFFIERY re-entered his vehicle and fled the scene.

Transit Police officers spotted the vehicle on Route 1A in Revere and attempted to pull it over.  The operator fled from Transit officers, who were assisted by Saugus Police.

The suspect motor vehicle continued to flee onto Revere Street. As the suspect continued to attempt to evade capture, the Infinity struck one vehicle on Revere Street and the suspect then continued onto Route 60 westbound. The Infinity struck two vehicles on Route 60 in Revere as the suspect continued to flee.  None of the collisions resulted in injuries.

The suspect vehicle entered Copeland Circle at the intersection with Route 1. He quickly exited the highway in the Salem Street area in North Revere and fled into a residential area of Saugus.

STAFFIERY pulled his vehicle over on Dale Street in Saugus and fled on foot, running through backyards.   Transit Police officers, with assistance from Saugus and Revere Police officers, pursued STAFFIERY on foot and, following a brief struggle, took him into custody.

STAFFIERY was turned over to State Police and transported to the Revere Barracks where he was booked on the following charges:

1.  Equipment Violation
2.  Attaching Plates
3.  Unregistered Motor Vehicle
4.  Uninsured Motor Vehicle
5.  Failure to Stop for Police
6.  Operating on a Suspended/Revoked License
7.  Speeding
8.  Disorderly Conduct
9.  Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
10. Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash
11. Resisting Arrest
12. Receiving Stolen Property (License Plate)
13. OUI Drugs
14.  Possession of a Class A Drug (Heroin)
15.  Fugitive from Justice (Warrant out of NH)
16.  Possession of Burglarious Instrument

STAFFIERY was held without bail and transferred to the Middleton House of Correction pending his arraignment in Lynn District Court Tuesday.

QUINCY BAR CHARGED WITH SELLING ALCOHOL TO MINORS

14 minors found in possession of alcohol

QUINCY – February 17, 2017 -- On Thursday, February 16, 2017 at approximately 11:30 pm, Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) Investigators found 14 minors in possession of alcohol at Revel in Quincy. The underage persons were mainly area college students. The bar will be summoned for a hearing before the Commission; if found to have violated the law, the bar’s liquor license could be subject to suspension, modification, or revocation.

The enforcement was part of the ABCC efforts to prevent underage drinking. Statistics show that three teens die from drinking and driving every day, and approximately six teens die every day of non-driving alcohol-related causes, such as homicide, suicide, and drowning. Alcohol intoxication has also been reported to be involved in 47% of homicides and 23% of suicides involving people under 21. In Massachusetts alone, the overall cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion.

“Bars and restaurants have an obligation to responsibly serve only those patrons that are of age,” said Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, who oversees the Commission. “We will continue to step up our monitoring and enforcement actions because we know this can save lives and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

In 2016, ABCC enforcement programs produced the following results: 1,027 minors in possession or transporting alcoholic beverages; 223 adults procuring alcohol for minors; 118 individuals in possession of false identification; and 399 cases of beer and 469 bottles of alcohol were confiscated by Investigators, preventing delivery to approximately 6,286 underage individuals.

To encourage family involvement and intervention in addressing the problem of underage drinking, the ABCC has implemented a parent notification program to inform parents, at the time of the incident, of the situation in which their child is involved. Investigators have found this intervention to be very effective.

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

A New Sculpture Exhibit at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts will be
 the Centerpiece for Three Exciting Events this March

(February 16, 2017 – Hopkinton, MA) A new sculpture exhibit, featuring the works of acclaimed artist Michael Alfano (file photo), opens at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) this March. The exhibit, titled Ever Evolving, features Alfano’s surreal and philosophical figurative-based sculpture.

        The collection spans a decade of his work and premiers several new pieces. The free public exhibit runs March 1 to March 26 at the HCA Gallery (98 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton). For gallery hours and more information, visit www.hopartscenter.org/ .

         Alfano’s work will also be highlighted in two unique events. In Art3 = Dance x Music x Sculpture, Alfano’s over-sized participatory sculpture, ‘Cubed,’ will be the centerpiece of a collaborative performance event on Friday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at the HCA. Art3 features composer, musician, and New England Conservatory faculty member Ben Shwendener and choreographer and dancer Shari Repasz. Schwendener’s nonprofit organization Gravity Arts, presents creative music and dance events around the world.

         A meet and greet with all three artists will follow the show. Both events are free and open to the public. Small bites and a cash bar will be made available during the event by the HCA. Providence-based artist David Lee Black will host a meet and greet and present a Photography Workshop as part of his “Creating Your Vision” series on Saturday, March 11 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the HCA. In the session Black guides participants as they shoot innovative compositions with dancer Heather Seabird Brown and Alfano’s sculptures. Registration fee is $50, due in cash or check the day of the event. Attendees should bring their own equipment and cameras.

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Woburn Chief of Police Robert Ferullo have announced that Antoine Harris, 43, of Wareham, was arraigned on February 14, 2017 in Middlesex Superior Court and charged with human trafficking, procuring a person to enter prostitution and being a habitual criminal.

Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan set bail at $1,000 cash. The next scheduled hearing in this case is Tuesday, March 7.

“This is an example of a disturbing and growing trend of websites that use classified advertisements to solicit sexual services,” said District Attorney Ryan. “This case highlights the importance of online vigilance by law enforcement officials as human trafficking cases are not always easy to identify and they may often present as incidents of prostitution or sexual assault.”

Woburn Chief of Police Ferullo added, “The Woburn Police Department is deeply committed to preventing the proliferation of any type of human trafficking. The extremely hard work of the Woburn Police Department brought about this week’s arraignment and ensures that our community is safer.”

On August 25, 2016, members of the Woburn Vice and Narcotics Unit were conducting an investigation into online advertisements for sexual services for a fee. An undercover officer reached out to a female on the website, and following an exchange of texts and phone calls, the officer and the female agreed to meet at a hotel on Commerce Way in Woburn. While conducting surveillance, Woburn Police allegedly observed a female matching the description she had given the undercover officer being accompanied by the defendant outside the hotel. Police also observed the defendant allegedly doing counter surveillance outside of the room that the undercover officer and the female were scheduled to meet in. When the defendant spotted the officers he allegedly ran down the stairs and attempted to flee in his motor vehicle before being stopped by Woburn Police in the hotel parking lot. In the course of their investigation, Woburn officers learned that the room was registered to Antoine Harris.

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

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Jessica Noble. The Victim Witness Advocate is Danielle DeMeo.

According to the International Labour Organization more than 20 million men, women and children worldwide, including the United States, are victims of forced labor and sex trafficking . On February 19, 2012, “An Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People” went in to effect in the Commonwealth. The law targets all aspects of the human trafficking chain and also created new crimes, and increased penalties for existing crimes, especially where they involve juveniles. It also provides a broad range of services for victims and facilitates coordinated information sharing among agencies.

Medford Man Arraigned for Alleged Possession with Intent to Distribute 330 Grams of Fentanyl

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that Kelvin Concepcion-Soto, 24, of Medford, has been arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court and charged with trafficking fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2 counts). Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan set bail at $100,000 cash. The next scheduled hearing in this case is Tuesday, February 28.

“Fentanyl is a very powerful synthetic opioid that has been found in an increasing number of overdose deaths across the state. As part of our multi-pronged approach to this epidemic, we continue to target large-scale drug distribution operations, like this one, in an effort to get more illicit drugs off our streets and out of our communities,” said District Attorney Marian Ryan.

In this case, the defendant was allegedly found to be in possession of a net total 336.7 grams of fentanyl. Authorities allegedly also found cutting agents, plastic baggies and a digital scale indicative of intended sale of the drugs in addition to 117 small plastic bags of fentanyl in the defendant’s home. Under a new Massachusetts law passed last year, trafficking fentanyl at a high level, defined as more than 10 grams, is a crime.

To provide context, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl can be lethal even at very low levels. Ingestion of as little as 0.25 mg can be fatal.

On August 18, 2016, detectives from the Medford Drug Control Unit while conducting surveillance observed an alleged drug transaction between the defendant and a buyer. When police searched the buyer they located four bags of heroin allegedly sold by the defendant.

A motor vehicle stop shortly thereafter allegedly resulted in the seizure of 14 bags of suspected drugs; 12 of the bags were determined through testing to be fentanyl and the remaining two tested positive for cocaine. A search warrant was executed on the defendant’s home which allegedly resulted in the seizure of 117 small plastic bags that were originally believed to be heroin, but later determined to be fentanyl. The net total of fentanyl located in the defendant’s home was allegedly 336.7 grams. Authorities allegedly also found cutting agents, plastic baggies and a digital scale indicative of intended sale of the drugs.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office (MDAO) has seen an increase in overdoses including fatal overdoses due in part to an influx of heroin laced with fentanyl. Drug traffickers frequently mix fentanyl with heroin, without the knowledge of the buyer, putting users at a greater risk of overdose because of the increased potency of the drug, which can be fatal even in very low doses. Fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent that heroin, and even when diluted with a cutting agent its potency is far greater than that of heroin.

Prosecution of large-scale drug operations is one of the top priorities of the MDAO. As part of a multipronged approach to combatting the opioid epidemic, the office has made the prosecution of high-level drug dealers with complex and intricate schemes to distribute large quantities of heroin and fentanyl a priority.

MSP Adds Suspect to Most Wanted List

February 15. 2017 -- The Massachusetts State Police today added to their Most Wanted list a Lawrence man accused of the strangulation homicide of the mother of his child last September in Methuen.

The State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section [VFAS] added EMILIO DeLAROSA, 32, to their list of Most Wanted fugitives and, along with the State Police Detective Unit for Essex County and Methuen Police, is intensively searching for him.

DeLAROSA is wanted for the September 12, 2016 murder of Wanda Rosa, the mother of his 4-year-old son, inside Ms. Rosa’s Tudor Street home. At the time of the homicide, Rosa, 29, had an active restraining order against DeLAROSA, who had been recently released from state prison. DeLAROSA had a prior history of domestic violence against Rosa, including a 2014 conviction in Essex County for attempted murder, kidnapping, assault and battery on a pregnant victim, and aggravated assault and battery.

DeLAROSA is Hispanic, 5’9” tall, weighs about 160 pounds, and has a muscular build, brown hair, and brown eyes. He has two tattoos: a large cross on his back extending up to the base of his neck, and the name “Wanda” on the inside of his left bicep (wanted poster and photos included).

In addition to his previous domestic violence conviction, DeLAROSA has been convicted of assault on a police officer and resisting arrest and should be considered armed and dangerous. He has ties to Lawrence, Methuen, New  Hampshire, and the Dominican Republic.

Anyone who sees EMILIO DeLAROSA, or who has information as to where he is, is urged to call the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section [VFAS] immediately at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873). MSP Press release.

Sign Up for 2017 Timlin Race

Above, 2016 start file photo by Jonathan Goldberg.

February 6, 2017,  The Sharon Timlin Memorial Event is opening registration for the 14th Annual Event to Cure ALS: www.sharontimlinrace.org  .  The event will take place on Saturday June 17, 2017.  This event raises money for the Angel Fund, a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organization, dedicated to helping fund research focused on finding a cure for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's Disease) at UMASS Medical School where groundbreaking world renowned research is being done.  The race/walk starts at 8:30 AM (rain or shine) at Hopkinton High School, Hopkinton, MA.

The tax-deductible registration fee is $30 for all participants until May 17, 2017 and then the fee goes up to $35.00.  The course is USATF certified and professional net timing is provided. The race is strictly limited to 1,800 participants. Registration will close when we reach 1,800. Technical t-shirts guaranteed to those registered by May 17 and then as available after that date. Awards for top 3 male and female finishers; top 3 age group finishers: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+, Wheelchair Division; no duplicate awards.

 
Kids' fun color run for grades 1-6 will start at 10am. Registration fee includes t-shirt, sun- glasses, and bandana. Registration fee is $25  No race day registrations will be accepted. There is a 300 runner limit! See website for more details.

Race day amenities include a great post-race party with fun for the whole family! Live music, food, huge family fun day with prizes, games, silent auction, raffles & more.  Honored guest: MikeTimlin, Retired MLB pitcher for Boston Red Sox will be in attendance.

Be An Angel and raise money to cure ALS. The Angel Fundraising Challenge is open to everyone, including those not participating in the run. Great incentives for all fundraisers! See our website for details. 

There are sponsorship opportunities available with many ways to highlight sponsors through various media outlets and on day of event. Contact sponsorship coordinator, Gail Welsh at www.sharontimlinrace.org  on sponsorship page. If you have any questions please email us at run4als@gmail.com.  

St. John the Evangelist Parish Lenten Mission - March 13-15, 2017, 7:00 PM

As the church reflects on the One hundredth anniversary of Fatima, our parish will consider Mary’s role as Mother of the Church, Mother of Mercy, and Mother of Jesus.

All members of the parish are invited, especially those who have found themselves wandering from an active participation in the faith or who have become discouraged in their faith.

Each evening will focus on various aspects of Mary.

The mission team includes two Redemptorist missionaries from Greenwood, MS, Fr. Ted Dorcey, son of parishioners, Tom & Gerda Dorcey, and Fr. Michael McAndrew.

For those unable to attend the evening services, the missionaries will present the mission talks each day after the 9:00 AM Masses. The priests will also be available one half hour before the morning masses and after mass as needed. Appointments may be made to speak with the missionaries through the parish office.

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

BOSTON – This evening, Governor Charlie Baker announced an 11:00 AM delayed start time for all non-emergency state executive branch employees tomorrow morning to allow crews to keep removing snow and treating road affected by the ongoing winter storm. Governor Baker continued to urge motorists to avoid driving this evening and to exercise caution while traveling tomorrow due to snow and high winds. Residents were also instructed to use public transportation if possible.

"We are implementing an 11:00 AM delayed start time for all non-emergency state executive branch employees to allow crews additional time to treat and clear roadways for tomorrow's commute as this winter storm continues," said Governor Charlie Baker. "Please avoid driving this evening and use public transportation if possible tomorrow as blowing snow will make driving difficult during the morning commute. We ask everyone to continue to check on those in need and assist in keeping sidewalks, storm drains and fire hydrants clear in your neighborhoods. We will continue to work with public safety officials to monitor the forecast and the potential for damage from high winds and flooding in some areas and further update the public as needed."

​The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), National Weather Service, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and State Police (MSP) to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications.

State Office Delays: All non-emergency, executive branch state employees will operate on an 11:00 AM delayed start time on Monday, February 13th, 2017.

Highway Travel: MassDOT has over 3,100 pieces of equipment and 700 employees treating and plowing roadways. Per MSP, the speed limit on I-90 has been reduced to 40 mph from the New York border to Boston with no tandems or propane. Motorists should plan ahead for their commutes, use public transit when possible and avoid distractions on the road. If you must drive, please exercise caution, "Don't crowd the plow," and stay behind snow removal equipment on the roadways.

​MBTA: The MBTA, including the commuter rail, is planning to operate on a normal weekday schedule tomorrow. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow plenty of time for travel and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter or @MBTA on Twitter for real-time updates.

Public Safety: Please clear home and auto exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide exposure and avoid downed utility wires. Also, please assist in keeping sidewalks, and fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood clear. If you should lose power during the storm, please visit www.mass.gov/dfs  for safety tips from the Department of Fire Services on home generators, carbon monoxide and candle safety tips.

The State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is closely monitoring the storm and forecast to provide situational awareness.

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today is urging the people of the Commonwealth to be cautious on the roadways, plan ahead for travel time and prepare for the powerful winter storm affecting much of the state this afternoon and into tomorrow morning, including potential for strong winds and flooding in some areas. The Baker-Polito Administration is advising everyone to avoid unnecessary travel as crews work to clear snow and treat roadways and encouraging people to use public transportation when possible and allow plenty of time for commuting.

"We are currently monitoring the winter storm impacting Massachusetts, including the potential for high winds tomorrow and flooding in some areas," said Governor Charlie Baker. "As the storm continues, we ask everyone to use extreme caution when traveling and avoid unnecessary driving when possible, allowing crews to safely treat and clear roadways. We will continue to monitor the forecast and keep the public informed as the storm progresses. We remind everyone to please assist neighbors in need, and to help keep sidewalks and fire hydrants clear."

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), National Weather Service, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and State Police (MSP) to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications.

John F. Zecco Jr.

John F. Zecco Jr., Worcester - John had a lifelong passion for music and motorcycles. He loved the blues and taught himself to play the guitar. Similarly, his prized possession was his Triumph Bonneville and enjoyed riding and traveling as much as possible. He cared for that bike like it was his third child. Life's simple pleasures. John F. Zecco Jr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 with family gathered at his side. He was born June 4, 1951 in Worcester, a son of Bertha L. (Largesse) Zecco and the late John F. Zecco Sr. Raised and educated in Shrewsbury, he graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1969.

He attended Quinsigamond Community College and served in the United States Air Force Reserves. John worked for the city of Worcester public school department for over 30 years and was retired. In addition to his wife of 34 years, Barbara of Worcester and his mother, Bertha Zecco of Shrewsbury, he leaves his daughters, Jenna E. Turner and her husband, David of Charlotte, North Carolina and Rachel Falcione of Marlborough; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his siblings, Gina F. LeBlanc and her husband, George, Lawrence V. Zecco, all of Shrewsbury and Steven P. Zecco of Worcester; also survived by in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember John's life by gathering for calling hours at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury on Wednesday, February 15th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning where his life will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Burial is private. Memorials in his name may be made Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01609.To view John's online tribute, share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.healdchiampa.com  .

Faith Community Church of Hopkinton to Host World Vision 6k


February 12, 2017 -- The Faith Community Church of Hopkinton (FCCH.org) has applied for a parade permit with the Selectmen for their 6k on May 6, 2017 at 9:00 am. The event is planned to support World Vision and its efforts to bring fresh, clean water to underdeveloped areas in Africa. The reason for the 6k distance, their permit states, is to bring attention to the distance -- 6k -- women and children need to walk daily to acquire fresh water.
Photo from World Vision website.

Dems Caucus This Week

Registered Democrats in Hopkinton will be holding a caucus at Hopkinton Town Hall on Thursday, February 16th at 6:30PM to elect (8) delegates and (8) alternates for the 2017 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will gather to adopt a new Party Platform. The Convention will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell.

The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Hopkinton and the Democratic Committee welcomes all eligible participants. Any person who is not 18 years of age at the time of the caucus but will be 18 by the 2018 Primary date (September 11, 2018) may pre-register to vote with their City or Town Clerk. Delegates will be divided equally between men and women, and all ballots will be written and secret. In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, and people with disabilities who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be add-on delegates, either at their caucus or online at www.massdems.org .

The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee normally meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Hopkinton Town Hall. For more information on the caucus or the committee please contact Darlene Hayes at darlenehayes@yahoo.com / 508-435-6585 or check the committee’s website at www.hopkintondemocrats.org .

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

Lawrence “Larry” Marshall, 94

Lawrence “Larry” Marshall, 94, of Hopkinton, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham, following a period of declining health. Born in Mexico, Maine, he was the son of the late Marion (Smith) and Lawrence Marshall. He was the husband of Ida T. (D’Innocenzo) Marshall.

Larry was retired from Wellesley College where he was the Supervisor of Custodial Services. He enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada. Hunting and fishing trips were always full of adventure and camaraderie along with good buddy, Larry Carden and the boys.

He truly enjoyed the simplicity of spending time with family and friends at the beaches of Maine, which started as a honeymoon trip in 1947 and continued to be a summer destination filled with wonderful memories.

He is survived by his three children, Dennis Marshall and his wife Joan of Raymond, Maine, Michael Marshall and his wife Linda of Marlborough and Dianne Anderson of Hopkinton. He is predeceased by his wife Ida, son-in-law Robert Anderson and his brother, Robert G. Marshall. He also leaves behind four grandchildren; Annemarie Fortini and her husband Paul, Dianne Rollo and her husband Joe, Richard Anderson and Kate Marshall, and five great grandchildren, Avery and Brooke Fortini and Conner, Ryan and Gavin Rollo.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16th from 4-7p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St.  A service will take place in the funeral home on Friday, February 17th at 11:00a.m. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MetroWest HomeCare & Hospice, 200 Nickerson Rd #110, Marlborough, MA 01752; Greyhound Friends, 167 Saddle Hill Rd, Hopkinton, MA 01748; or The Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors, 28 Mayhew St. Hopkinton, MA 01748.

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

Hopkinton Commercial Base Increases by 50%

Today at the 495/ Metrowest Suburban Edge Community Commission, data was presented that shows that Hopkinton grew it's commercial assessed value by 50% over the last 10 years. Hopkinton was only outpaced by Littleton and Northborough which each added large box store shopping centers. Ken Weismantel stated “that is one reason why Planning Board meetings have been so busy. I thank all the commercial property owners that have invested in Hopkinton, our Land Use Department staff, and current / past Planning Board and Zoning Advisory Committee members. Increased commercial assessed value helps relieve the tax burden on residential taxpayers and provides places for us to shop, eat out, and get services such as doctors and dentists that we need.”

The Mission Statement is: “The 495/ Metrowest Suburan Edge Community Commission is charged with identifying the development challenges faced by our smaller suburban communities, and in keeping with the state’s Opportunities for plan, develop recommendations to leverage our local and regional strengths in working with the state to capitalize on state resources and emerging opportunities.”

The Commission expects to finish their work and issue a report by June 30, 2017.

Five of the 26 Commission members have ties to Hopkinton: State Senator Karen Spika is the Commission Co-Chair. Representative Carolyn Dykema is a member and organized the meeting on water resources. Elaine Lazarus, Hopkinton’s Director of Land Use and Operations was appointed by the governor for a designated Municipal seat. John Westerling, Hopkinton’s Director of Public Works was appointed to represent the MA Water Works Association Inc and share his water expertise. Ken Weismantel, Chairman of the Hopkinton Planning Board, was appointed by the governor for a designated seat as a Water Resources Expert.

Snow Day!

Hopkinton Schools Closed Today 2/9/17

All evening and afternoon activities are canceled

From the Town's IT Director:

Hopkinton Public Schools are closed today, Thur 2/9/17 and all afternoon and evening activities are cancelled.  Town Hall, Senior Center, Library, and all other non-essential personnel staffed locations are also closed on Thur 2/9/17.  All Board and Committee public meetings for 2/9/17 are cancelled.  Trash pickup for Thur & Fri is delayed 1 day.  Pickup normally scheduled for Thur will be picked up Fri.  Pickup normally scheduled for Friday will be picked up Sat. 

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

Governor Baker Announces Two Hour Delay for Non-Emergency State Employees

BOSTON – This morning, Governor Charlie Baker announced a two-hour delay for all non-emergency state employees due to icy road conditions and highway closures. 

"The administration is implementing a two hour delay to allow road crews to treat dangerously icy roadways and to respond to several, multi-vehicle crashes,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution as driving is very difficult due to icy conditions and to be patient as public safety officials respond to multiple incidents impacting our highways."

New Red Cross Blood Donation Center to Open at

Milford Regional Medical Center

February 7, 2017 -- Milford Regional Medical Center, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is opening a Blood Donation Center at the hospital. The new, dedicated space for blood donations will be situated off the new Imaging Center’s waiting room where the old emergency department used to be located. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22, just before the door opens to welcome donors to take part in the kick-off blood drive held in its new location. Those who come out to give blood on that day will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Donuts card as a thank you!

Milford Regional has participated in Red Cross blood drives for more than a decade, but they were limited by the availability of space. Trish Sablitz, director of Donor Recruitment, Massachusetts Blood Services Region, recognizes the contribution made by Milford Regional throughout the years. “The Red Cross has always appreciated the support of Milford Regional Medical Center as one of our valued hospital partners,” she says. “We are so grateful to Milford Regional for this new opportunity to offer donors a dedicated space to help save patient lives.”

The need for volunteer blood donations across the country is great. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for those requiring transfusions. In addition, donated blood must be constantly replenished because it only has a shelf life of 42 days. The Red Cross must collect a staggering 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

With the opening of the new emergency department in the Meehan Family Pavilion creating available space in its previous location, Edward J. Kelly, president and CEO of Milford Regional, is excited to now have the opportunity to provide a dedicated area for greater access to blood donations. “As a regional healthcare facility, I feel it is a real opportunity to assist the Red Cross as they go about their mission to provide life-saving blood to those in need,” he says. “This new Blood Donation Center will make it more convenient for blood donors to give and, ultimately, increase the amount of blood contributed through our Medical Center.”

Blood drives will be held twice a month in the new Blood Donation Center; for dates and times, go to the American Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org .

To participate in the Wednesday, February 22, blood drive at Milford Regional, all eligible donors are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org , or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors at this blood drive can schedule to give whole blood or make a Power Red donation, which is a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation.

Bill Goebel of Westborough Selected for

Foundation’s Invitational Boston Marathon Number

HOPKINTON, MA, January 25, 2017 - The Hopkinton Education Foundation is proud to announce that Bill Goebel, a local family man and businessman, is the winner of the invitational number for the 121st Boston Marathon.

Mr. Goebel has committed to raising $5,000 for the Hopkinton Education Foundation, however has high hopes that he can raise more, as he has successfully done in the past. Other organizations he has fund-raised for include Special Olympics and Dana Farber. Photo by Sara Maida. Contributed content.

YOUR HOME           YOUR HOME

Hopkinton Woman New UniBank Vice-President

WHITINSVILLE, MA – Chris Foley, SVP and Director of Consumer Banking of UniBank has announced that Sheri Cesnek has joined UniBank as Vice President and Branch Administration Manager. In this role, Mrs. Cesnek oversees and manages the operations of UniBank’s retail division which includes 13 branch banking locations. She acts as the main liaison between the retail bank and all internal support departments.

Mrs. Cesnek has been a consultant for UniBank and has more than 16 years in retail bank management experience having previously worked as Vice President and Regional Manager at Sovereign Bank. She holds a bachelor’s degree from North Adams State College in Business Administration.

UniBank takes great pride in giving back to the communities it serves and Sheri embraces that mission. She is a member of both the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association and the Hopkinton High School Booster Club. Sheri is also a volunteer for special projects with the Salvation Army in Framingham.

UniBank is rooted in the Blackstone Valley with assets of $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2016. A full-service, mutually owned community bank, UniBank has branches in Central Massachusetts and the MetroWest region of Massachusetts. UniBank’s newest full-service branch opened in Sutton in May of 2016. UniBank has been one of Massachusetts’ fastest growing banks for the last five years and is dedicated to contributing to the overall quality of life and economic health of the communities it serves, while maintaining a high level of financial soundness and integrity. UniBank is an Equal Housing Lender and a member of the FDIC and DIF. The company website is www.unibank.com. Contributed content.