National Night Out against Crime
Tuesday August 1, 2017 (5:00pm to 8:00pm)
Hopkinton Town Common
    

What is National Night Out against Crime?

National Night Out is an opportunity for community members of all ages to come together to strengthen neighborhood spirit, support local crime prevention, build police-community partnerships and just have fun! This is a national event happening in communities like ours.

What Does the Evening Include?

Hopkinton’s National Night Out against Crime has table exhibits, interactive safety demonstrations, food, live music, children’s games, face painting, bouncy house, and more!


I Can’t Make It. How Can I Show My Support for Local Crime Prevention?

We’re sorry we won’t see you but there is something you can do to show your support. After the event, from 9pm to 11pm, we ask that you turn on your porch light to show Hopkinton’s solidarity in preventing crime!

        

July 10, 2017 -- Shortly past 2:30 pm today, Police and Fire Departments rushed to the scene of a report of an unconscious man in the roadway on West Main Street. Further reports indicated that he struck something with his vehicle, and was not breathing. Radio reports indicated that the man was administered CPR by onlookers and had not resumed breathing before professional responders arrived. There were no further radio reports of the patient's condition. Traffic was backed up in both directions.

July 10, 2017 -- A rafter of turkeys took their time crossing Legacy Road North, until they saw someone with a camera, at which time they quickly melted into the hillside brush, in the soft shadow of a western sun, late this afternoon.

July 10, 2017 -- On or about June 20, the HopNews photographer took a photo of a water lily (Photo is currently the first piece of content on Page 2) between the Lake Whitehall Dam and the spillway. Hanging on a structure to lean more closely, and looking through a camera around his neck, proved too much to juggle when the phone rang and he began a short conversation. He fell, partially into the water.

          His phone ended up in the water at the shore, smashing against a rock just beneath the surface, and the camera and lens became submerged, ruining the lens immediately. The camera eventually stopped working, too. It was not the Photographic Images portrait camera, it was the camera and lens we take out of the office to get great shots of things far away, and crystal clear photos of things close up. The lens was 35 or so years old, one of the best Canon ever made, and the camera was an early "Prosumer" digital camera built to be rugged and with a heavy duty, robust shutter. It cost about $2,000 new.

          The photographer's favorite used camera store had both pieces in "Like New" and "Like New+" conditions. Most of the photos above were taken with the recently purchased equipment. They both passed the road test. The approaching storm scene below was photographed with the camera in the new phone. All is excellent+.

WHITINSVILLE, MA – July 5, 2017 -- UniBank awarded a total of $46,000 in scholarships to twenty-three class of 2017 graduates from local high schools in the towns of Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Milford, Shrewsbury, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Whitinsville, and Worcester. UniBank offers annual scholarships to support the educational endeavors of exceptional students in the towns served by UniBank branches in Central Massachusetts and MetroWest. Each school selected a winner using UniBank’s qualifying criteria: character, involvement in school or community activities, financial need and academic achievement.

Scholarship winners and their parents were honored at a recent breakfast reception hosted by UniBank President and CEO, Sam S. Pepper, Jr. at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, MA. Mr. Pepper spoke with the students about their achievements through high school and adventures that lay ahead as they head off to college. UniBank’s branch managers were on hand to present the students with their scholarships at the breakfast.

Photographed:
(Back row left-right): Jesse Asare, graduate of North High School in Worcester; Austin Odell, graduate of Hopkinton High School; Kweku Sam Colecraft, graduate of Abby Kelly Foster Charter Public School in Worcester; Harmit Raval, graduate of Milford High School; and Cameron LeBlanc, graduate of Burncoat High School in Worcester.

(Center row left-right): Lauren Bek, graduate of Whitinsville Christian High School; Audrey George, graduate of Douglas High School; Cali Bloem, graduate of Northbridge High School; Angela Vergilis, graduate of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (Recipient of the UniBank Corporal John Dawson Memorial Scholarship); Sam S. Pepper, Jr., UniBank President and CEO; Savannah Russell, graduate of Sutton High School; Danirose Billings, graduate of Hopedale High School; Ina Perez, graduate of Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester; and Julia Markowski, graduate of Grafton High School.

(Front row left-right): Neve Palmieri, graduate of Uxbridge High School; and Leana Radzik, graduate of Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science in Worcester.

Not photographed: Alexander Le, graduate of South High School in Worcester; Bryhannah Young, graduate of University Park Campus School in Worcester; Kayma Snook, graduate of Nipmuc Regional High School; Saralynn Spear, graduate of Blackstone-Millville Regional High School; Tabitha Fields, graduate of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School; Arianna Kassos, graduate of Shrewsbury High School; Emilia Roemer, graduate of Worcester Technical High School; and Nhi Tran, graduate of Claremont Academy in Worcester.

Learn more about Fay School at Walk-in Wednesdays!

Everett Man Convicted of 7th OUI 

EVERETT -- June 29, 2017 – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Chief of Police Steven Mazzie have announced today that Steven Byrnes, 53 of Everett was convicted of operating under the influence of alcohol, threatening to commit a crime and disorderly conduct by a Middlesex Superior Court Jury on June 28, 2017. Following a bench trial today, the defendant was found guilty of operating under the influence of liquor, 7th subsequent offense.

Judge Elizabeth Fahey sentenced the defendant to four years to four years and a day at a state correctional facility on the operating under the influence charge. Judge Fahey also ordered the defendant be placed on three years probation from and after his committed sentence with the conditions that the defendant not consume any alcohol and that he submit to random alcohol testing twice a day, he was also ordered to complete an alcohol evaluation and follow up treatment. The defendant was also ordered not to drive and to complete anger management.

At approximately 2:20 p.m. on November 28, 2016, Everett police received a report of a parent who was intoxicated near an Everett School. Upon the arrival of the police Mr. Byrnes became agitated and began yelling at the officers and threatened an individual at the school. The officer noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on Byrnes’ breath and that he was slurring his words.

Steven Byrnes was then placed under arrest and after being booked, was released from the Everett Police Department.

On the same day at 11:43 p.m. a 911 call was placed by a family member of the defendant reporting that Byrnes was believed to be intoxicated and that he just left his home on a yellow motorcycle.

Everett Police Officers subsequently observed the motorcycle make several turns and noted that the bike was “all over the place”. Police ultimately stopped the motorcycle on Linden Street in Everett. Once stopped Byrnes did not comply with orders to get off of the bike. Officers noted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, glassy eyes, and that Byrnes was swaying side to side while standing.

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to this case was Julie Kunkel. The Victim Witness Advocate was Kristen Chamberlain.

June 28, 2017 --Hundreds of vehicles pass this weather-worn piece of wood, known momentarily for this piece as a dog-wood, every day. Be the first to identify its location most exactly, and win $25. Editor@HopNews.com

Boston Marathon Fundraising Raises $34.2 Million in 2017 Race
BY JOHN HANCOCK: BETH MCGOLDRICK | 2017-06-28

BOSTON, June 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Marathon participants who ran on behalf of more than 200 non-profit organizations raised $34.2 million for charity in the 121st year of the historic race. The fundraising total represents a twelve percent increase, or $3.6 million, over 2016's results.

Total funds include $17.96 million raised through the Boston Athletic Association's Official Charity Program, $12.3 million raised through John Hancock's Non-Profit Program, and $3.97 million from other qualified and invitational runners. Photo, Brian Herr

Most of the fundraising runners gained entry through the B.A.A. and John Hancock programs, which provide non-profits with guaranteed entries ("bibs") that enable runners to fundraise for their organizations.

"As we reflect on this year's race and the enormous fundraising it generated, we're again reminded of the power of our community," said B.A.A. CEO Tom Grilk. "While the race means so much to those who compete within it, it means just as much for the communities which surround it. We're honored to be associated with such profound goodwill."

"For the ninth consecutive year, we set a new fundraising record in the John Hancock program, and we celebrate our non-profit runners for their commitment and generosity," said Michael Doughty, interim President and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock. "We are proud to continue to leverage our 32-year principal sponsorship of the Boston Marathon to provide meaningful support to our community partners."

"We are extremely grateful to have been in John Hancock's program for the past four years, and the Boston Marathon has quickly become one of our top fundraising initiatives," said Dan Cummings, Executive Director of Journey Forward. "We raised $126,350 in 2017, which will help us purchase the appropriate high-tech equipment necessary to give our clients the best opportunity to improve."

John Hancock again partnered with CrowdRise to offer a centralized online platform to capture Boston Marathon fundraising. The site (www.crowdrise.com/2017bostonmarathon) showcases all the 2017 partner non-profit organizations and features the personal stories of the runners who supported them.

Over the past 32 years, the official B.A.A. Charity Program and John Hancock's Non-Profit Program have combined to raise more than $297 million for community-based organizations. More information on the programs can be found on http://www.baa.org/utilities/charities  and https://www.johnhancock.com/citizenship/boston-marathon.html . HopNews file photo, Hopkinton Selectman Brian Herr, a founder of the original Dana Farber Charity Run. Other content contributed.

Dear Veterans and Friends:

Bless you for celebrating a patriotic Fourth of July -- Independence Day. Take a few moments for Lee Greenwood to add his inspiring message.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q65KZIqay4E 

Your comrades are hoping to share breakfast -- which includes chipped beef -- on 14 July 2017, at 0900 hours at the Senior Center. Fellow veterans served in all military branches, and are prone to reminisce and swap stories from their personal experiences.

Tribute will be paid to comrades who passed-on since our previous breakfast, and those who are on "sick call" will be acknowledged. It is a generous gesture to visit one or more of our ailing local veterans.

Memories of historical military events that occurred on July 14th will be shared. Other announcements will keep you alert to Hopkinton happenings relating to veterans. A free breakfast is available to the first person who correctly answers the monthly baseball quiz: His cousin lives in Hopkinton; he is the only first baseman to have 40 HRs and 30 stolen bases in a season. He did it twice.

Please encourage other Vets to attend the breakfast, and enjoy the camaraderie. Any veteran with transportation difficulties should call Amy Beck on/before 12 July 2017, 508 497-9730.

The McDonough-Carlberg Legion Post 202 will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and blessing of the meal.

See you Friday, July 14. Out.

 ELECTRONIC AND APPLIANCE RECYCLE DAY AT FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
146 E MAIN STREET, HOPKINTON
JULY 8TH FROM 9AM TO 2PM AT THE PARKING LOT
    

It's time to recycle all those old electronics so clean out with an open to all towns electronic recycling event to l be held at the parking lot of the church Please bring any electronic items to the parking lot, to include but not limited to: TVs, monitors, Computer towers, laptops, Scanners, VCR, Copiers ,DVD, Stereo Equipment, Lighting, Vacuum Microwaves, dehumidifiers, Radios, any appliance such as stoves, washers, dryers etc, Exercise. Equipment, Lawn Mowers,, Snow Blowers, Small Engine Items, Flat panel Monitors. TVs cost range some smallest $15 to large projection TV $40, Ac units....$15 Microwave and dehumidifiers $10 each small dorm refrigerators, $10 washers, dryers, stoves $20 each large refrigerators..$25 any lawn mower, ride on, snow blower $10 each, grills $10, any kind of exercise equipment $10. Keyboards, Car Batteries ,cell phones, circuit boards. No cost.

Bicycle Recycle day same day and hours.
Please bring any and all unwanted or under used bikes to the parking lot. We will be accepting any kind of bikes, mountain, road, bmx in any condition as well. Our aim is to keep bikes from being thrown out when they can be reused. Amy kind of bike or condition is a good one. For a free home pick up of a bike please email J.wood36@yahoo.com or call 508-277-6728

June 27, 2017 -- The Planning Board began two Public Hearings last night, one for a stone wall and tree removal sponsored by the Town of Hopkinton, and one for a 32-lot subdivision between Whalen Road and Chamberlain Street brought by Paul Mastroianni. The former was the most controversial.

          The first hearing, a joint one with the Tree Warden, initiated by the Town of Hopkinton was met by vocal and irate opposition by at least two residents. The Town is seeking to remove two trees and part of a stone wall to accommodate parking spaces for four vehicles to visit the Elmwood Farm conservation area, formerly known as the Abbott Farm. The reason for allowing the removal of what was described as a 100 year-old oak tree, given in a memo by the town's Tree Warden, was the existence of fungi on the side of the tree opposite the road. The Tree Warden was referred to only by title, and not by his name, Paul Gleason. The hearing was eventually continued to a date when the Tree Warden is available, because his presence (He was absent last evening) is required by law, the board stated.

           "That would make it unstable and dangerous in the near future,"  Mr. Gleason wrote regarding the effect of the fungi.

           "I challenge the Tree Warden on that fungi," said resident Jeff Doherty.

           "That's not going to be lost to fungus. That's a bunch of bunk," added resident abutter Ken West (photo, right).

           Amid many calls for a relocation of the parking area, acting Town Manager Elaine Lazarus said that there was some land belonging to the Water Department that could be considered.

           The hearing was continued to July 24 at 8:15 pm.

            A plan to build 34 homes between Whalen Road and Chamberlain Street was reborn after having been withdrawn due to the election, which added four new members to the Board. The new plan showed a reduced number, 32, of homes, as well as a determination to build an Open Space Landscape Preservation Development.

            Project Manager Kathi Sherry, for REC Hopkinton and Paul Mastroianni, presented a conceptual conventional development plan as well as an OSLPD plan. She said the engineers would not be detailing the conventional plan any further, because the OSLPD is the plan they want to build.

             Planning Board member Muriel Kramer, who has had experience leading meetings in her prior role as Selectman, led the discussion about the discussion. The Board has a list of talking points and questions that they asked the public to add to for further discussion.

             The new OSLPD plan shows two cul-de-sacs meeting near the middle, and being joined by a gated emergency roadway. People suggested the gate be operated remotely, so a DPW driver would not have to leave his/her vehicle.

              Not all questions have been answered. The Conservation Commission must weigh in on the project. Town water is available, and every lot meets the requirements for private sewage, Mr. Mastroianni said.

              Selectmen Brendan Tedstone, whose family members are direct abutters, suggested that everyone on Whalen Road and Chamberlain Street was on board with two cul-de-sacs and the emergency access road.

               A site-walk is planned for July 8, at 9:00 am, meeting on Chamberlain Street.

 Horrible's Parade 
 Noon on Tuesday July 4th
Gathering at the Common at 11:30. 
All entries welcome and prizes awarded. 

 Theme is "Hopkinton Pride"
Dan McIntyre
508-868-5424

TOWN HALL DEPARTMENTS
CLOSING FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017; OPENING MONDAY AT 80 SOUTH STREET
We will continue to operate our dedicated hotline at 508-625-3497

June 27, 2017 -- On April 11th, the Hopkinton Town Hall suffered extensive damage when a water line ruptured on the third floor that resulted in devastating damage to areas of all the building’s four floors. However, town services were up and running within 16 hours in four separate temporary locations.

In order to continue to provide excellent customer service to residents, Town Hall departments will be consolidating into one location at 80 South Street. This will result in the benefit and convenience of having Town Hall business conducted in one location. Therefore, all Town Hall departments will be closed on Friday, June 30th for the move. Town Hall departments will reopen on Monday, July 3rd at 80 South Street.

Hours of operation at 80 South Street will be the same as they were at Town Hall:
· Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
· Tuesday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
· Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Thank you to the community for your patience during this difficult time. We also recognize that the community’s continued support and investment in technology, facilities and disaster preparedness over the years has made this possible. Without our professional staff, resources and continued collaboration between town boards and committees, this could not have been accomplished.

 

Editor's Note: 80 South Street was formerly occupied by, most recently, EMC, and before that, Caterpillar Equipment. It is the next building to the south of the South Street Dunkin' Donuts. Google Earth photo, above.