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On Town Meetings

Dear editor, 

This is only one resident's view on town meetings, and it is not intended to reflect an opinion on any issue.

Since the late 1700s people in New England communities have had a direct vote on the governmental affairs in their town. This is a rare chance to vote in a truly democratic process. There is no electoral college or filibuster options involved here.

Issues are addressed in the open and voted publicly (not privately). This becomes the will of the people in town. If you don't show up the only chance (in some instances but certainly not all) would be at the ballot box in the town elections.  Many residents may only attend when "their ox is to be gored" and then retreat.  However, budgets, zoning, development, long term capital projects and many other issues are decided upon every year.  These issues may affect you or your neighborhood or out town in the future.

A few insights based on attending over fifteen of these while in town.

A.  Direct your question to the moderator who will call upon the appropriate town board representative for a response.

B.  Do not make any personal attacks, most of the people on town boards are volunteers and must follow State laws regarding their decisions.

C.  Avoid restating what prior people have already stated. This is usually ineffective at gaining support. Add to the discussion by introducing a new fact to your pro or con position.

D.  Pay attention, really pay attention to the affect of your vote. It may seem at times that your preferred outcome is a vote in the opposite direction.

As my parents have said many times, You can't complain about the rules after the vote if, you stay home.

God bless Hopkinton, Massachusetts, America and the World.

Your Home

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Reality Check Needed

It’s as predictable as death and taxes: election season candidates making out-sized promises. On every level, local, state, and national, it’s a campaign staple to get votes. However, this year in our town elections, I am struck by the many new candidates with far-reaching expectations of the role of town government and grand promises. Pervading many campaigns seems to be a vision of a most powerful Hopkinton government, led by boards with great ability to dictate, mandate, direct, and control growth and development. And if this is not presently the case, the candidates pledge to make them so.

We know the ultimate of control, the Five-year Plan of the old Soviet Union, resulted in economic collapse. Thankfully, here we are governed with private property rights, personal freedom, the rule of law, and the right to derive just benefit and enjoyment from what is yours. Our town government has its constraints – and rightly so. It can guide, it can encourage, negotiate, mitigate, and regulate within limits, all within the bounds of our rights and existing law. It cannot force an owner to build if financial or market conditions are not favorable, nor conversely can it deny an owner fair use of what is theirs.

This election season, I urge everyone to do a serious reality check on campaign promises and where government can and cannot take us.

Claire Wright

28 Hayden Rowe

April 20, 2017

Pictured: Don Brown and daughter Lizzy celebrating post-race

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Support for Amy Ritterbusch for Planning Board

Editor:

I am writing to encourage fellow Hopkinton voters to join me in supporting Amy Ritterbusch as candidate for a 5 year term on the Hopkinton Planning Board.

I met Amy soon after my family moved to Hopkinton in 2007. Over the last decade, I have been greatly impressed with Amy’s dedication to the Hopkinton community through her service in numerous volunteer roles. I have known Amy as a patient leader of a troop of girl scouts; a board member of a non-profit organization that provides information to Hopkinton voters on its website and social media about important town issues; and more recently as a member (now Chairperson) of the Hopkinton Center Historic District Commission. In these positions, Amy has successfully collaborated with a wide variety of individuals, groups & organizations. In each case, I have observed Amy to be hard-working, organized, thoughtful and respectful of others while working tirelessly for the benefit of our town. On Monday May 15^th, I hope you will join me in electing Amy Ritterbusch to the Hopkinton Panning Board.

Very truly yours,

Laura Barry

7 Nicholas Road

April 28, 2017

      Support for John Coutinho for Selectman

Editor:

John Coutinho gets my vote for Board of Selectmen and I hope you will support him also.  

 

I've known John for almost 20 years and I've seen how much he's done for this town! John is dedicated to improvements for our town.  He supports our schools, he has worked on preserving open space, improving the trail network, downtown revitalization plus much more.  John’s volunteering resume is an impressive one. John is an active participant in several other town committees- he can be seen in town hall most evenings.

 

John does all this volunteer work while working at Hopkinton’s local elder care facility, Golden Pond.  When John took the job at Golden Pond, I was not surprised.  Hopkinton is where John’s heart is.  And, John loves taking good care of people.  John is a fixer and a caretaker.  He takes care of his friends, his neighbors, the elderly, and even strangers through continuous acts of kindness. 

 

John has shown me what community means.  John’s fair, logical and thoughtful approach to problem solving, professional leadership gives him the ability to think and strategize at a high level, and at the same time bring a level of pragmatism and realism, fiscal restraint and positive energy to everything he does.  Hopkinton is fortunate to have him so invested in this community.

 

We need a Selectman that we can trust. John has earned that trust by putting Hopkinton and its residents first.  He respects budget limitations, does not take our hard-earned tax dollars for granted, and collaborates with community members and the other boards in town.

Please join me in voting for John Coutinho on May 15 for reelection to the Board of Selectmen.

Thank You,

Kirsten Terry

9 John Matthew Rd.
Apr 27, 2017

Hopkinton Community Summer Band

    The Hopkinton Music Association is again sponsoring the 13th annual Hopkinton Community Summer Band. File photo.
 
The band is open to the greater Hopkinton Community ages 14 and up. If you played an instrument in the past or are currently playing an instrument, come and join us.
 
Rehearsals will be from 7:00 – 8:30 on Tuesday nights in the High School Band room. Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays. Rehearsal dates are June 13, 20 and 27 and July 11. There will also be two additional Thursday rehearsals on July 6th
and 13th.The band will perform on Sunday, July 16th  at 5pm on the town common as part of the Summer Concert Series. This year, there is a rain site and there may be additional performance opportunities.
 
We will be wearing the same t-shirts as last year. If you are new to the group or need a new shirt please check the box with your size on the registration form.
 
There is a $40.00 registration fee to help defray some of the costs of the summer band program. Please make the check payable to the Hopkinton Music Association.
 
Please click on the following link to register:

HCSB Registration 2017

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Man Arrested for 4th OUI After Collision with State Police Cruiser in Methuen

METHUEN - April 27, 2017 -- Tonight at about 8:00 p.m., a state police cruiser was struck on Route 495 southbound, prior to Exit 45 in Methuen which resulted in injuries to the trooper and the driver who struck him. That driver is now under arrest for Operating Under the Influence of Liquor – 4thOffense – among other charges.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a state trooper was working a road construction detail when his cruiser was struck by a 2005 Cadillac Escalade operated by JOSEPH DOIRON, 59, of North Andover.
The trooper who was operating the cruiser was transported to Holy Family Hospital in Methuen for treatment of minor injuries. DOIRON was transported to Lawrence General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  He was subsequently placed under arrest on the following charges:
Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (4th Offense)
Operating to Endanger
Failure to Stay within Marked Lanes
Having an Open Container of Alcohol in Vehicle
Speeding
DOIRON is currently at Lawrence General Hospital. He will be arraigned in Lawrence District Court at a later date.
State Police were assisted on scene by Methuen Fire and EMS.

Governor Helps Stock Pond

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today joined Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, Department of Fish and Game Commissioner George Peterson, local legislators, City of Boston officials and students from Mary Curley Elementary to help the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife stock Jamaica Pond in Boston with trout.

The fish stocking event is part of a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife program to supplement existing fish populations and provide greater recreational opportunities while distributing brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout into more than 500 bodies of water throughout the Commonwealth each year. This spring, the division will release 500,000 trout produced at state-operated hatcheries in Belchertown, Montague, Sandwich, Palmer, and Sunderland.  Contributed content.

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Treblemakers Chorus Concert

The Treblemakers, a regional adult chorus based in Hopkinton, will be presenting their spring concert on Wednesday, May 24, at 7:00 pm. The concert is entitled “Yesterday, Once Again: Music You Know and Love.” Come enjoy an evening of tunes from the 60s and 70s that will have you reminiscing and singing along. Admission is $15, $10 for seniors and children under 5 are free. The cost includes light refreshments after the show. It will be held at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ new building in the Delbridge Performance Center, at 98 Hayden Rowe Street in Hopkinton. Tickets will be on sale at the door and online. To purchase tickets or for more details, go to www.hopartcenter.org/    . The Treblemakers is part of Enter Stage Left Theater, a non-profit, full-service community performing arts organization dedicated to promoting quality theatrical programs for all ages.

See a sample of their work from the PJB Christmas in July event from last summer.

Pavement Management Program

As we approach the start of our roadway resurfacing season I would like to thank the residents of Hopkinton for their continued support of our Pavement Management Program. We had a very successful 2016 season and hope to continue that in 2017 as funding allows. Each street that is on this year’s list has been inspected and evaluated to determine which treatment method is best based on its current condition. This will help ensure that we are maximizing the use of our roadwork funding.

Every year our goal is to begin Pavement Management work as soon as school ends in June and finish in September when school begins. We will post updated construction dates as we move forward with each project.

Under the Town of Hopkinton’s Road Opening Permit Policy, No permit will be granted for a period of 5 years on newly paved streets except in the case of an emergency. If your street is on this year’s list and you are considering having any utility work done to your home that would require the road to be cut I would recommend contacting the appropriate utility company and schedule the work to be done before June 17^th, 2017. This will ensure that you get the work you need done before we begin resurfacing that street.

Here is a list of streets that are currently scheduled to be resurfaced this year.

Wood St – Rocky Woods Rd to Exchange St

Hayden Rowe St – College St to Milford town line

Daniel Rd – Full length

West Elm St – West Main St to 1100’ N of West Main St

Nancy Ln – Full length

Hopkins Rd – Full length

Valentine Rd – Full length

Valentine Cir – Full length

Coburn Rd – Full length

Once work begins on each project please expect delays, seek alternate routes when possible and plan accordingly. The DPW appreciates your patience and cooperation during this 2017 construction season.

Sincerely,

Mike Mansir

Highway Manager

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Fire Flow Testing

On Thursday, April 27^th, a required fire flow test will be done on Parkwood Drive at approximately 9:00AM. EMC/DELL will be conducting required fire flow tests on South Street, Saturday morning at their facilities, April 29^th.  You may notice some discoloration in the water during and after the test. This is due to the scouring of the minerals on the inside of the pipe. Please avoid doing any laundry or dishwasher loads during this time.  Any discoloration that may occur will eventually dissipate. You may need to run the water in your home for a short period of time to flush your internal pipes once the test is complete.
Eric J. Carty Water-Sewer Manager
Hopkinton Water-Sewer Dept.

Your Home

Supports Gary Trendel for Planning Board

We are writing to support Gary Trendel in his campaign for a 5-year seat on the Planning Board. Gary’s platform supports working in unison with the community on the strategic direction of Hopkinton to match the vision of the Hopkinton Master Plan. His proactive perspective to ensuring the preservation of the town’s charm, while also understanding its needs for the future, is why we are proudly supporting Gary and encourage our community members to do the same.

Gary has a solution based approach to problem solving that will serve him well in this role: He overcomes obstacles through a pragmatic perspective, a strong work ethic and a tireless will to serve the greater good. He has an approachable personality, high character, and his well-rounded background qualify him to be reliable partner for the town in this open position (Gary has a B.S. in Civil Engineering, a MBA, is a former volunteer Upper Charles Trail Committee member and a local youth athletics coach to name a few).

His active participation in local government has made his voice a valued one in this community and know he will bring passion, enthusiasm and innovation to the Planning Board in preserving our hometown of Hopkinton’s best interest for the future.

Please join us on May 15^th in voting for Gary Trendel to a 5-year seat on the town of Hopkinton Planning Board.

Sincerely,

Tim & Carly Panciera

45 Chamberlain St

April 26, 2017

Candidate Supports Elected Constables

Hello Neighbors,

I'm Frank D'Urso and I'm running for the Town Constable (1 year) position.

As some of you may recall, I attended and participated in many of the Charter Review Committee meetings as a proponent of retaining elected positions in our town government.  We were successful with this effort at Special Town Meeting earlier this year and Annual Town Meeting last year.  

This May at Annual Town Meeting we will be asked to consider an article making the Town Constables all appointed rather than elected.

I stand opposed to this article.  Hopkinton currently has six Constable positions.   Three are elected and three are appointed.  I believe that this is the fairest way to ensure that the people have a direct voice in who is elected, and the Police Chief and Board of Selectmen can chose three to ensure that there are always more than one Constable available.  Last election there was one Constable position up and it was a contested race.

There is no problem with the Town Constable position as it stands, let the people have a voice.

I urge all Town Meeting members to vote NO against this article.

Frank D'Urso
173 Saddle Hill Road

April 26, 2017

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MILFORD — Milford Regional Medical Center has received the 2017 Annual Employer Award from the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition, celebrating its employer partnership with Crossroads Clubhouse.

The award recognizes the hospital for choosing to diversify their workforce by employing adults and young adults with psychiatric disabilities through Crossroads Clubhouse, an employment and recovery center located in Hopedale.

Currently, three adults from Crossroads are employed at Milford Regional.

“It has been a pleasure working with Crossroads to help find gainful employment for their clients, give them the opportunity to showcase their skills and find a home with Milford Regional,” says Leisa Meade, human resource generalist at Milford Regional. “The hospital has gained skilled, loyal and dedicated employees, and so much more.”

In addition, Milford Regional received citations from the state legislature, which were presented by presented by Sen. Ryan Fattman and Rep. Kevin Kuros.

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Host Families Needed

Educatius International seeks 3 more Hopkinton Host Families for HHS’ International Student Program. We have a young man from China and 2 young women from China; all will be seniors this upcoming year. Host families receive $900/month tax free in exchange for providing room and board and family support. We also welcome family referrals and will thank you with $100 if a family you recommend successfully signs on to host. This is an incredible opportunity to embrace cultural diversity in our town and promote world peace while doing so.

Please contact Ann Northup, your Local Coordinator, at ann.northup@gmail.com; 508-480-8513 for more information.

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Support for Gary Trendel

We are writing to express our enthusiastic support for Gary Trendel for Planning Board. Our endorsement comes from the perspective of both a 4th generation Hopkinton resident (Katie’s father operated Kenney’s Service Station at the corner of Hayden Rowe and Grove for decades) and a first generation Hopkinton resident. We support Gary for Planning Board because he understands the “old” and the “new” Hopkinton and the need for the Planning Board to be proactive to ensure that future development in town is consistent with Hopkinton’s Master Plan. As Gary has noted, the Master Plan “provides a fantastic vision for Hopkinton in the future, [but] it doesn’t provide a pathway to get there.” Gary is motivated to identify the best pathway towards implementing the Master Plan and to use the power of the Planning Board to appropriately regulate future development so that the vision of the Master Plan is realized. Gary is the right person to join the Planning Board at this critical juncture. Thank you for your consideration. Please vote Gary Trendel for Planning Board on May 15.

Don and Katie Keavany
14 Whalen Road
Hopkinton, MA
April 24, 2017

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Candidate Statement

I am Meena Bharath, and I am running for one of two open seats on the School Committee. My husband and I moved into Hopkinton nearly 7 years ago, when our son was 11 months old. It is hard to believe that our son is about to complete first grade and move to Elmwood. As he grew, my interests and career priorities changed. After having been part of the corporate world for over 15 years, I resigned from my position as Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management at a large investment Bank in Boston last year to spend more time with family and pursue a career in education.

When our son was born, education took a deeper meaning for me. As he moved from a Montessori pre-school to our public school system, my interest in education and play grew even more. This interest slowly engulfed me to the point that it was a key reason why I chose to leave my career in finance and explore the possibility of turning my interest into my life’s work. Having an even-keeled and supportive husband helped! I have recently started conducting enrichment programs for kids at the Framingham Public Library and Milford Public Schools.

My leadership skills, integrity, hard work, and can-do attitude helped me succeed in my career. I carry this work ethic with me on and off the corporate job, including the volunteer activities I have undertaken over the years, including Hopkinton Senior Center, FPL’s Homework Center.

I believe we have a strong school system in Hopkinton. I would like us to make greater strides in the areas of communication, fiscal responsibility and programs for advanced and gifted learners. If given the opportunity, I will serve on the School Committee with utmost sincerity and integrity which is rooted in love for the community and education.

Meena Bharath

213 Ash Street
Hopkinton, MA - 01748

April 24, 2017

Support for John Coutinho

Dear Fellow Hopkinton Residents,

As a 15 year resident, business owner, mother of three children, and fellow Town of Hopkinton elected official having served on the Board of Health for the past three years, I whole-heartedly endorse current Selectmen, John Coutinho for re-election. I’ve known John both professionally and personally over the last 15 years and can say without hesitation that there is no person better suited for this position. He has the experience necessary to navigate the oftentimes difficult sinews of politics. John’s unwavering commitment to the Town and its residents, is evidenced by his loyalty and dedication to the betterment of our Community. Please take a moment to look around; at local business openings, at sporting events, at political events, at countless Town meetings, at ribbon cuttings and the list goes on, and John Coutinho is present.

John is a father, husband, entrepreneur, teacher and leader. He is truly engrained in our Community and carries the spirit of Hopkinton in all that he does. His life is focused around his family and the Town; and his passion is evident.

I ask the residents of the Town of Hopkinton to join me in support of John Coutinho, as Selectmen, and please exercise your right to vote on Monday, May 15^th.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Jennifer Belesi

24 Huckleberry Road

April 23, 2017

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Hopkinton is fortunate to have such dedicated citizens as Muriel and Amy, folks who make this such a great place to live!  I can't think of two people more qualified to serve as Planning Board members and know that each will treat every issue that comes before them with the diligence and dedication that they have shown to other projects throughout their time in town. Thank you for considering Muriel Kramer and Amy Ritterbusch on May 15.  

Sincerely,

Anne Mattina 

40 Eastview Rd.

April 23, 2017

Support for Muriel Kramer

Editor:

We are happy and proud to support Muriel Kramer for a 5-year term on the Planning Board because of her strong and deep commitment to Hopkinton. We have known Muriel for almost 25 years, and have seen her devote countless hours of her time for the betterment of our town. Over the course of the past 15+ years, she has been a dedicated volunteer and has served us tirelessly on the Board of Appeals, on the Master Plan Committee, as a Selectman, and currently as a Commissioner of Trust Funds, and as the Deputy Town Moderator. She has developed a knowledge and understanding of the town’s issues and priorities that are second to none.

As a Hopkinton homeowner, and a parent of six wonderful children, Muriel understands the sometimes competing and conflicting needs and concerns of her neighbors, property developers, business owners and other stake-holders in the town, when it comes to development and growth issues that affect multiple factions. She is fair-minded and approachable, and consistently demonstrates her ability to not only listen, but hear and respect all sides of an issue. Her approach is always with an open mind, with no hidden agenda or pre-determined conclusions, and always with the goal of reaching logical and proper conclusions and decisions. Anyone that knows her will say she is honest, sincere, has unquestionable integrity, and WILL tell you what she thinks!

We have no doubt that Muriel will be an asset and leader on the Planning Board, and that she will serve with the same tireless energy and commitment that she has in the past, and that she always brings to the activities and endeavors in her life. Please join us on Monday May 15^th in voting for Muriel Kramer for a 5-year term on the Planning Board.

Annie & Jeff Merzel

27 Alexander Road

April 23, 2017

Thomas McIntyre, 62

HOPKINTON - Thomas McIntyre, 62, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Beloved husband of Kathleen (Fahey), whom he married in 1986. Loving father of Thomas and his fiancée Madeline Mylett of Boston, and of Kelli and her fiancé Paul Mylett of Hopkinton. Born to the late Charles and Beverly (Welch) McIntyre of Hopkinton, on December 16, 1954. Brother of Charles and his wife Patricia of Indianapolis and of Daniel and his wife Eileen of Hopkinton. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Jacquelyne Fahey of Hopkinton, his aunt Kathleen Welch of Townsend, and his nieces and nephews—Colleen, Paul, Erin, Marissa, Kevin, John, and Kathryn.

A lifelong Hopkinton resident, Thomas graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1972. After graduation, he bought a truck and a piece of land on Wood Street and started his business, known today as McIntyre Loam. Thomas was a volunteer firefighter on the Hopkinton Fire Department since 1974. He served on the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce and was a past president of Hopkinton Little League. Thomas enjoyed restoring pieces of Hopkinton history throughout the town, including the planter in front of Colella’s; two fire department bells—one at the Fireman Memorial on Mt. Auburn Street, the other at the Woodville Fire Station. He also created and placed the granite marker at the Pond and Winter Street intersection and the sign in front of the fire station, built from the foundation of the original gazebo at the Town Common. He loved antique fire trucks, the Boston Red Sox, and the Hopkinton Horribles Parade, which was started by his family over 80 years ago.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, with burial to follow at St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, April 25, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. John's Parish Hall.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton.

Donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute or Hopkinton Ambulance Fund, 73 Main St. Hopkinton, MA 01748.

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Support for John Coutinho

Editor:

It may be odd that a candidate’s wife writes in to endorse her husband. What else would she think, right? Well, I feel I need to remind the voters how dedicated John Coutinho is to this town and speak to his character and his beliefs. I know him the best around here after all. If I had to choose 4 words to describe John it would be: selfless, generous, thoughtful and fair. I can attest that John spends many, many volunteer hours every week, thinking about, researching, vetting agenda items and town matters that come to the Board of Selectmen for consideration. He does not speak or act along party lines; he considers what is fair and right and timely for the town. He works in this town and has his finger on the pulse, he has excellent relationships with Town Hall staff, police and fire departments and business owners. He is readily available and often meets with or calls residents who have concerns or thoughts about town government. He has long time friendships with “townies” and works hard to keep this town authentic and as lovely as they all remember it. He has spent many years on different Boards and Committees to build good relationships with all walks of life in Hopkinton. His favorite day of the year is Memorial Day; a day he says shows the best of Hopkinton. The Common looks beautiful, green and in bloom, and the town turns out to honor and thank its veterans for the sacrifices they have made so that we may enjoy life in our small town in this free country. He likes it too, because youth organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts march in the parade and he knows that future generations are learning what Memorial Day means.

If you don’t know John personally, please make a point to get to know him in the next couple of weeks. If you don’t know him, please don’t assume that you do. We have raised our two daughters in a multicultural, multilingual, multiracial and multi spirited family. Politics make odd bedfellows. I know that; John and I don’t always agree on national politics and issues. Nationally, he votes in line with one or two issues that are important to him. You may feel swayed one way or the other because of his party affiliation. I would respectfully ask you to look at his service, his diligence, his dedication, his affability and his integrity when you vote on May 15^th.

Thank you for your consideration and your vote for John Coutinho on May 15.

Brenda Coutinho, MD, FACOG

1 David Joseph Road

April 23, 2017

Candidate Statement

My name is Muriel Kramer and I am asking for your vote for Planning Board on May 15^th. When I participated in the first Voices for Vision in 2003, trends emerged that still hold true today nearly fifteen years later. We value our strong school system, want a vibrant & revitalized downtown, appreciate preserving open space and sites of historical significance, and seek to find ways to encourage increasing our commercial and industrial tax base in ways that both support the local economy and maintain our small town rural feel.

The Town’s Master Plan does a credible job capturing our shared vision for Hopkinton and creating broad goals; what is still needed is a strategic implementation approach to measure development, prioritize preservation, and manage growth in terms of that vision and that plan. We need prioritized goals with benchmarks that help us measure progress towards those goals. I hope we can find ways to be more proactive in working towards our shared ideals and less reactive than we now seem to be in the planning process.

When weighing your vote on May 15^th, I want you to know that I am invested in Hopkinton and our shared values for great schools, sound fiscal management, preservation of beautiful open spaces & important historical sites, as well as managed growth. I believe the essential work of the Planning Board is to help find the best solution, that necessary middle ground, for all stakeholders when considering a particular project or development. I will listen to everybody and work hard to address the concerns and priorities of residents foremost while working also to respectfully and professionally address developers and their plans for Hopkinton’s future growth.

I will earn my Masters Degree in Social Work at Boston College in May this year. As I look forward to my next career in social justice advocacy, I find I am ready to re-engage more actively in town government. I have served on the Board of Appeals (2002-’04), chaired the Master Plan Committee (2004-’06), and served as a selectwoman including two years as chair (2005-’08). I am currently serving as the Deputy Town Moderator (2009-present) and as a Commissioner of Trust Funds (2014 – present).

I respectfully ask for your vote for Planning Board on Monday, May 15^th

Muriel Kramer

39 North Street

April 22, 2017

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Thomas McIntyre, 62

HOPKINTON - Thomas McIntyre, 62, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Callanan Cronin Funeral Home (www.callanancronin.com), and are incomplete at this time.  (file photo).

Wants More Trees on Common

Editor:

As Arbor Day approaches (April 28) the town should move forward with the shade tree planting program that was proposed by the 2010 Weston and Sampson report. This report, paid for by the town, suggested that yearly 4 shade trees should be planted on the Common to replace the 29 trees that were removed. It has been 5 years since any shade trees have been planted. The Common is a town treasure and a green oasis in the downtown. The shade tree planting program should not be ignored.

Rick and Beth Kelly

5 Ash Street

Hopkinton, MA

April 22, 2017

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Support for Muriel Kramer

Muriel Kramer is running for a five-year seat on the Hopkinton Planning Board. Over the years, Muriel has served Hopkinton in many capacities including chairing the Master Plan update and Chairman of the Selectman,

While Muriel currently is finishing up her Master’s Degree at Boston College, and raising a large active family, she still is out many week nights doing the town's business. Muriel has what seems a relentless well of energy. She always finds time to research her project, do the homework, and come to the table well informed and ready to participate.

Muriel is one of the most dedicated and honest people I’ve ever met. She would be a brilliant addition to the Hopkinton Planning Board. I feel the Planning Board is at a point where it needs diversity and new energy.

Please vote for Muriel Kramer for Planning Board.

Thank You,

Sandy King Altamura

33 Elm Street

April 20, 2017

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John J. Beale, 81

HOPKINTON - John J. Beale, 81, died Monday, April 17, 2017 at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital in Westborough after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Barbara (Smith) Beale, who died in October 2002.

John was a 1954 graduate of Natick High School and A US Marine Veteran. He was employed by the Framingham DPW until his retirement. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed the Patriots and Red Sox. John also enjoyed and had the pleasure of extensive travel.

John is survived by an extended family including many nieces and nephews whom he mentored over the years. He also leaves a close friend Dorothy Meehan and her family of Hopkinton.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. from the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home www.callanancronin.com, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, Hopkinton. Burial with military honors will follow at 1:45 p.m. in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Calling Hours at the funeral home are Monday, April 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Dr. Kenneth Blanchard

Dr. Kenneth Blanchard, of Newton, April 15, 2017. He is survived by his wife Dr. Rita (Campbell) Blanchard, two sons, Brian Blanchard and Scott Blanchard, three grandchildren Grace, Rose and Cole Blanchard and his brother Fred Blanchard. Born in Perth Amboy New Jersey, he was the son of Fred and Edith Blanchard. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a PhD from Princeton University and after a brief teaching stint at Vassar College where he married his wife of over 50 years, Dr. Rita (Campbell)Blanchard, he then entered medical school.

Both Rita and Ken graduated from Cornell Medical College with doctorates in medicine. Ken then interned at New York Hospital followed by a fellowship in endocrinology in Boston. After completing his Fellowship, he entered private practice in Newton Massachusetts. At the time of his death, he was still seeing patients and had earned a worldwide reputation for his success in treating those with thyroid disease and had authored two books on his methods of treatment. A Memorial Service will be held in the Newton Cemetery Chapel, 791 Walnut St, Newton, on Saturday, April 22nd at 2:30. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Ken's memory. NOTE: Dr. Blanchard became known to Hopkinton Drug Lecture series patrons. Some became his patients.

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Sadie E. Benson, 91

Sadie E. Benson, 91, of Hopkinton, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017. Born in Milford, she was the daughter of the late Jane (Robson) and Oscar Riedle. She was the wife of the late Estley M. Benson who passed away in 2002.

A lifelong Hopkinton resident, Sadie was an active member of Faith Community Church in Hopkinton and was a member of the former Joy Fellowship group. She was also active with the Milford Pine Street Baptist Church Women’s Group. She enjoyed time spent at the Hopkinton Senior Center.

She is survived by her brother, John I. Riedle and his wife Arlene of Hopkinton, and her nieces and nephews, the Benson, Melvin, and Riedle Families. She is predeceased by two sisters, Florence Riedle and Doris Melvin.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 24th from 5-7 pm at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com. 

A memorial service will be held at Faith Community Church at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 25.  Burial at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Faith Community Church, 146 East Main St. Hopkinton, MA 01748.

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Friends of Whitehall Spring Clean-up April 22nd 2017

The Friends of Whitehall ‘s 13^th spring lake and trail clean-up will be held on Sat. April 22^nd 2017 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. We will gather at the boat landing at Whitehall State Park on Wood St. (rte.135) and be assigned areas of trails and shoreline around the lake to clean up debris and the refuse from the windy winter. The trails have been damaged due to the weather and some will need to be cleared. We will also clean up some of the roadsides near the lake. Gloves, trash bags, tools and water will be provided. Coffee and refreshments will be available. We will be working with the Department of Recreation and Conservation that day in conjunction with Earth Week. This is a wonderful opportunity to help your community.

The Friends of Whitehall started in 2005 and our main mission is to preserve, protect and improve the wonderful natural resource of Lake Whitehall and its environs. We are proud of our many accomplishments which are cited on our website www.friendsofwhitehall.org. Each year we send an appeal letter for membership to residents in the immediate vicinity of the lake and its watershed. We would like to expand our membership to all residents of Hopkinton and surrounding towns who enjoy and use Whitehall, whether for boating, fishing or hiking. Membership forms can be downloaded from our website. We are also on Facebook.

We hope you will help with the clean-up on April 22nd and that you will consider becoming a member. We are a non-profit 501c (3) organization.

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MSP RECOVERS BODY FROM CHARLES RIVER

April 17, 2017 -- At approximately 9:10 am a witness observed a body in the eastern end of Charles River at the locks. The Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit several minutes later recovered the deceased body of an adult male. In an update, he has been identified as Michael Kelleher, 23, of Southborough

The victim was transported to the MSP Marine Unit base. State Police detectives and Crime Scene Services troopers have responded to continue the investigation.

A preliminary identification has been made but official confirmation of that identification is pending. Until that time, State Police will not release the victim’s identity.

The manner and cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The investigation will be led by state troopers assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, with assistance from State Police Troop H.

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Assault Suspect Captured

CARLISLE – April 15, 2017 -- Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Carlisle Police Chief John Fisher have announced that William Baafi, 36 of Lowell was arrested last night and charged with assault, accosting and annoying a person of the opposite sex and breaking and entering a vehicle in connection with an alleged assault on a female jogger in Great Brook State Park on April 12, 2017.

“This arrest is the result of the cooperative work of several local law enforcement agencies to identify and locate the defendant. I applaud the Carlisle Police Department for their comprehensive investigation and their collaboration with our Office which led to resolution in this matter,” said District Attorney Ryan.

“I would like to thank the officers for their hard work in apprehending the suspect involved in this case. It is my hope that bringing in the person responsible for these alleged actions will bring a sense of security to the residents of Carlisle who regularly visit the park,” added Chief Fisher.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 12, Mr. Baafi allegedly approached a female jogger in the Visitor Center parking lot at Great Brook State Park. He allegedly approached the victim’s vehicle, standing behind her car, blocking her from pulling out. The man then allegedly came up to her car window and began yelling at the victim before putting his hands on the car window attempting to assault the victim and enter her vehicle.

This incident was investigated by Carlisle Police with assistance from police departments in Billerica, Concord, Lincoln, Lowell, Nashua, NH, and Westford.

Mr. Baafi was arrested without incident at his home in Lowell. He will be arraigned on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 in Concord District Court.

Weston Nurseries Launches Tree of Hope on April 15, 2017, benefiting the Jimmy Fund

Above, Marketing Manager Liz Mulder shows Weston Nurseries President Peter Mezitt the best way to tie a Hope ribbon to the Tree of Hope

HOPKINTON, MA - There is a good chance you know someone who has battled cancer and the impact it has on families. There are teams of medical professionals working to eradicate the disease, and families hoping it happens soon.  What holds it all together is hope. Hope for a cure, and hope for loved ones who endure this battle.

Directly on the Boston Marathon^®’s route, as runners are cheered on by crowds this coming Monday, you will notice Weston Nurseries’ Tree of Hope. We have chosen a visible tree in front of our Hopkinton store to display our enthusiasm for the participants and hope for a cancer cure.

Starting on April 15, during our Weston Nurseries Welcomes Spring Day, ribbons will be available to in our store until June. We invite you to dedicate a ribbon to honor your loved one. We will hang ribbons daily through June.  On April 15th, we will provide opportunities to give to our Weston Nurseries Jimmy Fund Walk team or join our team!

A suggested donation of $5 per ribbon will benefit Team Weston Nurseries for the 2017 Boston Marathon^® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai held on Sunday, September 24. We will be offering fun incentives to team members!  Visit www.WestonNurseries.com     to learn more about our upcoming events and visit http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2017/westonnurseries   to register or support the Weston Nurseries Jimmy Fund Walk team.

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   Lt. General to Start 3rd Marathon Wave

Lieutenant General James C. McConville became the U.S. Army’s 47th Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 on August 4, 2014.

 He is responsible for developing, managing, and executing manpower and personnel plans, programs, and policies for the total Army. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) and Fort Campbell, KY. Lieutenant General McConville hails from Quincy, MA and was commissioned as an Infantry officer in the U.S. Army upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1981.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and was a 2002 National Security Fellow at Harvard University. LTG McConville’s command assignments include command of an Aero-Rifle Platoon in D Troop, 2-10 CAV from 1984 to 1985 and C Troop, 2-9 CAV from 1986 to 1987 in the 7th Infantry Division (Light) at Fort Ord, CA; command of 2-17 CAV from 1998 to 2000 in the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) at Fort Campbell, KY; command of the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX from 2002-2005 with service in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; and command of the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) and Fort Campbell, KY from 2011-2014 with service in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Above, speaking to Currahees). ~ Contributed content.

Search Ongoing After Personal Items Found Near Charles River

Updated Info 9:02 AM:
 We are attempting to locate TAMIKA DANIELLE JEUNE, seen in this photo, a missing person. Ms. JEUNE is 26, lives on Beacon Street in Boston, and is from Dorchester. She is black, relatively tall, with a slender build. Ms. JEUNE attends Boston University School of Law.  Anyone who sees her or has information about her is urged to call Massachusetts State Police detectives at 617-740-7544 or State Police Communications at 508-820-2121.

Original info from 4/13/17 at 7:06 AM:
State Police are searching the Charles River near Boston University and the surrounding area after several personal items belonging to a young woman were found by the river overnight.  The young woman is a BU student and she was not located at her dormitory or her home. At this time there is no reason to believe the young woman entered the river but Troop H and our Marine Unit is conducting a search given that she has not yet been located and the proximity of the personal items to the river. Will provide updates when available. Contributed content.

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Town Hall Closed for an extended Period

The water damage at Hopkinton's Townhall caused by a failed water pipe valve on the third floor is substantial. At this time, we have been advised that the Town Hall building will remain closed for at least two and one half months. The Town is relocating town hall based offices to separate town facilities to be able to serve the public as early as this Thursday (4/13) afternoon.
· The Town Clerk’s office is now located at the Police Station lobby, 74 Main Street
· Human Resources is at Hopkinton Public Schools Administration Building, 89 Hayden Rowe.
· Land Use, Permitting, Board of Health and Town Manager departments are at Hopkinton Fire Station, 73 Main Street.
· Youth and Family Services, Finance, Accounting and Treasurer-Collector offices are at Hopkinton Senior Center, 28 Mayhew Street.

The Town’s investments in technology and facilities over the past years will allow the Town departments to set up offices at the temporary locations with minimal interruption of service and to use the same phone numbers. Postal mailing and email addresses will not change.

Last night the Board of Selectmen designated John Coutinho as its liaison to the Town Hall Repair and Relocation project. John is uniquely qualified for this role. He has 35 years’ experience as an engineer and is a licensed construction supervisor. He is currently Facilities Director at Golden Pond where he restored that facility from a similar event a few months ago. “Town Hall is closed right now to allow the remediation and repair teams to do their work and town staff to set up their offices in the new locations. We are doing our best to ensure that town offices are up and running by this afternoon,” said Mr. Coutinho.

We will continue to post updates  to Hopkintonma.gov twitter.com/hopkintonma  and Facebook.com/hopkintonma.gov  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to be back up and running to serve the residents of Hopkinton. ~Press Release

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