Let's support local businesses!

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “I share in the grief felt by those across the country at the tragic loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A mighty force for justice and equality, Ginsburg’s fighting spirit was an inspiration to me, as well as generations of women and girls everywhere. She taught us to stand tall, raise our voices, and never to give up. Her legacy now lives on in all of us.” Senate President Karen E. Spilka D-Ashland

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk



September 18, 2020 — By Julie Ford.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



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Hopkinton Public Library Partial Reopening

Have You Heard? We’ve Reopened to the Public!

Here are some important things you need to know….



We are open for quick browsing from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on weekdays. Admittance through Church Street doors.

A mask covering the nose and mouth is required.

There will be limited people allowed in the building at one time. Solo browsing is encouraged. Services/areas not available at this time: Computer Use

Study & Meeting Rooms

All Seating

Children’s Play area

Bathrooms (except for emergencies)

Book returns should continue to be made at the outside book return at the Church Street entrance.

Curbside pickup and printing will continue.

Please continue to visit our website for updates on services.

Upton VFW’s Run to Remember Going Virtual

Upton, MA – VFW Post 5594 is pleased to announce the 11th Annual Run to Remember 5K is going virtual for 2020! Participants will receive a race bib and gaiter and can engage in either a walk or run category. The Virtual Run to Remember will take place from Saturday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 11th.



According to Shawn Craig, Post Commander, “Like so many individuals, businesses, and non-profits, our Post has been greatly affected by the spread of COVID-19 and the CDC’s social distancing recommendations. We were unable to bring the carnival to town last spring, and then had to significantly delay our weekly Cruise Nights this summer. It’s these fundraisers alongside our hall rentals that support our community programs and services. I’m excited about going virtual as it opens the event to our family, friends, and others who may be living outside the area but still want to support our efforts.”



Participants can register to run the 5K (3.1mi) or walk 2.25K (1.4mi). Kids get their own Virtual Fun Run (from a 50-yard dash up to 400 meters). The race honors all Active, Reserve, and Guard members and veterans who served our country in the past. Each participant is encouraged to wear the name of a veteran they wish to honor. Runners submit their times using the honor system. Prizes will be given (mailed) to 1st Place male and female 5K runners!



Please visit www.uptonvfw.org/5k for more details or to register online.







Hopkinton Police Incident Log

Furniture dumped on lawn,

fraud, MVA on West Main, SS telephone scam

September 18, 2020

Existing Arrest



TOWN OF HOPKINTON

18 Main Street

Hopkinton, MA 01748

Town of Hopkinton Community Survey 2020

TOWN OF HOPKINTON18 Main StreetHopkinton, MA 01748 Dear Hopkinton Resident: The Town is undertaking a survey of resident opinions about community and services in collaboration with the National Research Center. Your responses regarding the quality of services, public trust, and community characteristics are extremely important to us. The survey results may be used by staff, elected officials, and other stakeholders for community planning and resource allocation, program improvement, and policymaking. The questionnaire is available at http://bit.ly/opt2020hopkinton and should take about 16 minutes to complete. If you need more information regarding this survey, please contact the Town Manager's office at 508-497-9700 or email vdutta@hopkintonma.gov Thank you for your time and thoughtful feedback. Regards. Norman Khumalo Town Manager Town of Hopkinton























Crews will be working in the intersection of Wood and West Main tomorrow starting at 7:00AM. The detour that was in place last week will be used again. West bound traffic will be detoured down Wood, up and Elm and out Lumber Street extension.

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Regarding Sign Thefts To the Editor:



The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) is deeply concerned about reports of recent yard sign thefts. We believe that whether they support LGBTQ+ Pride, Defend or Defund the Police, or any political candidate, yard signs represent the kind of civic engagement that should be encouraged. Under no circumstances should anyone enter someone’s property, remove their personal belongings, and interfere with their right of freedom of expression.



As we approach what promises to be a contentious and spirited election on November 3, the HDTC urges all Hopkinton residents to obey the law and respect the property of others. We further request that parents discuss with their children the importance of responsible, productive civic engagement. Those who wish to find out more about how to engage effectively in the political process should contact the campaigns or the Town Committee of their choice.



Respectfully,

The members of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee



Thanks very much,

Amy Groves

2 College Street

The Letter "M"



September 17, 2020 — Stretching on the common on Tuesday.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Shhh...





September 17, 2020 — The new bridge at the entrance to Whisper Way, which will be home to more new upscale homes, is looking pretty solid.









Hopkinton Police Incident Logs

Assist female retrieve her belongings,

fraudulent phone call, laptop stolen,

lawn sign stolen, call from not the police...

September 16, 2020

Existing arrest

The Goose Hokey-Pokey



September 17, 2020 — "You put your left foot in, you put your left foot in, you put your left foot in... repeat."

As seen from South Mill Street.

Mary Wise Mary Wise, age 84, of Hopkinton, MA, formerly of Natick, passed away with her family by her side on September 14, 2020, after entering hospice care in early June. Mary was born and educated in Newton, graduating from Our Lady’s School, class of 1952. After graduation she worked at Raytheon where she met her husband, Charles Wise. They moved to Natick where they lived for 30 years before moving to the Cape where her husband passed away following his retirement.



Mary’s faith sustained her throughout her life. She was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Hopkinton for many years. She followed Catholic Television and prayed the rosary daily. After retiring, she went on to do volunteer work for many years for the Hopkinton School system, Senior Center, and St. John’s Church. Mary had boundless energy, was a Bocce League member, and a fierce card player. Always active, she loved organizing, helping her children, the Red Sox, Bingo, Bowling and attending church. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and Wordscape and refused to pay for help on Candy Crush. Mary took great joy in creating loving holiday memories for her family. She was the daughter of the late Lucas and Concetta (Giacci) Taddeo, and the wife of the late Charles M. Wise who passed in 1996.



She is survived by her children, Deborah Grant of N.C., and Arthur Wise and Mimi Wise Auger, both of Hopkinton, MA. Mary is also survived by her sisters Antoinette Piana of Canton, Rita Taddeo of Ludlow, and Rose Taddeo of Newton. Mary was the grandmother of Emily Boutin, Lucas and Jesse Wise, and Abigail Auger, and great grandmother of Joseph Russo, Hazel Lisa Lyon, and Baylee and Tyler Boutin, all of whom she loved and cherished. Mary comes from a large family and was a loving aunt to her many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Frank and Lucas Taddeo of Waltham in 2019, Dora Taddeo of Newton, and Yolanda Ferolito of Watertown.



A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 25th at 10:30 am at St. John the Evangelist in Hopkinton MA. All are welcome to attend. Due to Covid concerns, a celebration of her life will be postponed until further notice. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com/

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Red-breasted Nuthatch





September 17, 2020 — Thank you Julie Ford. Wow!











Hopkinton Police Incident Log

Unemployment fraud, injured bird in roadway,

DMV at Cumby's, assist individual picking up property,

Spring Street power outage...



September 15, 2020

Existing Arrest

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities





"It's truly to change people's lives. And that's what we're going to do." — CEO Anthony Rotunno



Lykan Bioscience Mission Statement and Ribbon Cutting September 15, 2020 — Above, Anthony Rotunno, Lykan Bioscience CEO shows off the citations he just received from State Representative Carolyn Dykema and State Senate President Karen Spilka's offices today at Lykan Bioscience's 99 South Street location, where town leaders and business people were treated to introductions, a tour and lunch. Below, company executives and guests help in the ribbon cutting. Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined via a pre-recorded video message, in the background above. The company promises 125 new jobs and received a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) for its endeavors. Vice-President and General manager Matthew Treon led off the speakers. "Completion of this 64,000 square foot facility is a significant milestone in the evolution of Lykan Bioscience," he said. "A further commitment to manufacturing lifesaving therapies for our partners and their patients. "We were determined to consolidate our expertise with cell and gene therapy manufacturing to provide a true end to end solution..." Chair of the Hopkinton Select Board Brendan Tedstone noted a partnership between the town, the state, and Lykan that brought the opening to completion. He also noted that the high school science leaders would look forward to working with them on STEM projects. Mr. Rotunno spoke of the work like a mission.

"These new therapies are life changing and sometimes life saving.

"That's why I had a moral responsibility to put my team together. To save lives, not to make money," he said. "Although people will make money," he added.













Hopkinton Police Incident Log

Caller hit on Pike, Harassment Prevention Order,

2-car w/injury, erratic operation,

arrest for OUI & Marked Lanes Violation,

Nazneen neighbor speeding, mailbox stolen,

hit deer, disturbance on Rosewood,

strange noises...

September 14, 2020

One new arrest

Hopkinton Fuel Assistance The Outreach Department at the Senior Center, 28 Mayhew Street, is assisting residents of all ages with applications to SMOC (South Middlesex Opportunity Council) for fuel assistance for the upcoming home heating season, if state income guidelines are met. A household of one, $39,105; household of two, $51,137; etc. Please phone 508-497-9730 for more information or to make an appointment.

Silly Signs, All Over Town



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Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities





Women's Club Runner





Dawn Barnes running her individual marathon for the Hopkinton Women's Club, which is celebrating 100 years of service and women's cultural enrichment. THANKS DAWN!!!"



She is donating all the money she raised to the club and we are thrilled and would love you help in thanking her and letting people know about our 100th!







Contributed content



Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



School Committee Makes "...last best offer." to HTA HOPKINTON, MASSACHUSETTS – September 14, 2020 — The Hopkinton School Committee tonight made a last best offer to the Hopkinton Teachers Association (HTA) regarding a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) related to working conditions and school-year expectations as we return to school during the pandemic.

Hopkinton Public Schools will open with a hybrid learning model on Wednesday, September 16 that is based on the district’s reopening plan. The plan was thoughtfully compiled by a number of stakeholders, including members of the HTA. Informed by scientific data, the plan attends to the health, safety and well-being of everyone in the school community. Uppermost in our mind, as ever, are the needs of our students. In concert with the members of the RAG, we decided upon a hybrid model which calls for 75% of the district's students to attend school in-person on an every-other day basis. On September 9, 2020, the HTA membership rejected a proposal which had been tentatively endorsed by HTA leadership at the bargaining table on September 4th. We believe the rejection was in large part because the agreement included a plan to live-stream a small group of classes to 145 elected-remote high school general education students, and it also provided live-streaming to fulfill the needs of some remote special education students. "We have worked collaboratively and at length with the HTA to address with care the union concerns regarding safety, childcare for teachers, flexibility in work location, and remote instruction for a hybrid reopening. We have heard and care deeply about the teachers' concerns,” said Amanda Fargiano, Chairperson of the Hopkinton School Committee [photo]. “While in-person instruction is ideal, we know that some students and families have health and other concerns that guided their decisions to elect remote learning. To ensure these students have access to our outstanding Hopkinton teachers and their classmates through live streaming, we offered the union both technical support and an additional stipend. " We hope the HTA will approve the MOA and recognize how important live-streaming is for this small number of students who must 1) be able to stay connected to Hopkinton High School (HHS), its teachers and students, 2) continue learning progressions established in HHS and preserve the ability to return to HHS classes seamlessly next year, and 3) maintain the option to transition to in-person hybrid learning and rejoin classmates later in the year as conditions allow.” Contributed press release.

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Smile in the Sky





September 14, 2020 — Thanks to John Sherffius for sharing this upside-down rainbow today, and for researching what he calls a circumzenithal arc.









Hopkinton Police Incident Logs

Loud music from boat at 4:00 am, male w/red backpack

trying to entice resident to go on walks, wallet lost, wallet found,

picture of someone taking a picture, speeding and passing,

500 houses w/o power, car vs motorcycle, large party on

Elizabeth Road in violation, male causing scene,

wandering mule,

50 cars gathered illegally via social media for loud

party on Parkwood Drive at 2:00 am -

mutual aid from Milford, Upton, State Police...





September 11, 2020 - September 13, 2020



No arrests

Boston Bound!





September 14, 2020 — Two Black Hawk birds flew over the Start of the Boston Marathon at exactly 10:00 am this morning in Hopkinton to celebrate the virtual marathon that many are participating in this year. Above, inbound over Main Street and below, passing over the BAA building on their way to Boston.



Counting Blue Turtles



September 14, 2002 — On Bloods Pond on Sunday.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Radishes and Facemasks







Below, Rita Doucette will turn 100 years-old on September 25, 2020 and celebrate at Fairview Estates. Her daughter-in-law and son, Cece and Stephen are behind her in the photo, getting ready to shop the farmers' market.

September 13, 2020 — The Hopkinton Farmers' Market did a brisk business today with everyone social distancing and wearing face coverings. Good job, people!Below, Rita Doucette will turn 100 years-old on September 25, 2020 and celebrate at Fairview Estates. Her daughter-in-law and son, Cece and Stephen are behind her in the photo, getting ready to shop the farmers' market.

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What Drought?



September 13, 2020 — The black line in the photo at Hopkinton Reservoir indicates the usual high-water mark.

Hee Haw



September 13, 2020 — On Pond Street today.

Shake it!



September 13, 2020 — A Canada goose creating its own little whirlpool on Blood's Pond today.

Boston Bound



September 13, 2020 — This T commuter rail takes off from the Southborough station over the Route 85 bridge, just feet from the Hopkinton town line with several cars trailing. Although at first glance it appears the engineer is looking at the camera, he is likely looking at the side/rear view truck-type mirror attached outside.

Best Wishes for Jack



September 13, 2020 — The Hopkinton Police Department stands with and supports Jack Spector in his fight against cancer. Good luck with your battle and with 4th grade this year. ~ from HPD facebook



Legacy Farms Road North Approved!

Budget, Just Shy of $100,000,000, Passes

Town Meeting 2020

September 12, 2020 — Hopkinton's Annual Town Meeting was held in the former bus loop beside Hopkinton High School this morning. All of the Planning Board/zoning articles were deferred until next May at the 2021 Town Meeting. The first Article under major consideration, moved to the top of the order by vote, was Article 19, which the assembly voted to take no action. Article 20 was a citizens' petition to purchase the former Liberty Mutual land off of Frankland Road. Town Counsel Ray Miyares noted that the project could be moved forward by next May's Town Meeting; and also noted that the land's value can increase with each new permit or improvement. The meeting voted to authorize the Select Board to negotiate a purchase price with the owners. Town Clerk Connor Degan got a raise through Article 5. [During the last few Articles of the Town Meeting YouTube broadcast, the audio became unintelligible. We thank Town Clerk Connor Degan for keeping notes and filling us in.] The town budget, just shy of $100 million, got passed without much fanfare or opposition. The portion of the School Department was $51,206,402, which represents a 6.6% increase, said Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh, down from her original budget increase of 8.9%, she added. Article 10 passed easily, and gives the Select Board the authority to lease a parcel of land on East Main Street for 99 years to an International Marathon Center, the brainchild of 26.2 Foundation founder Timothy Kilduff. Among the Article 11 Community Preservation Funds approved was $400,000 for the Terry Family Farmhouse, part of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, to be restored. Article 21 was of grave concern for a few days, after pesticide residue was discovered in dust on a window sill in the neighborhood, and threatened to scuttle the entire thing. The Legacy Farms North roadway was approved by Town Meeting after the motion was altered to remove some of the contingency language, because the parties had come to an agreement.

Hopkinton Annual Town Meeting 2020 Hopkinton Town Meeting - It All Starts Here< <---Click for docs and more!)



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Report being written as we speak. We'll alert on facebook when complete.Be sure you are signed up!

Chris Etre of Upton Awarded the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery

BOSTON — Today, in a virtual ceremony commemorating the nineteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Baker-Polito Administration presented the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery to 49-year-old Chris Etre of Upton who rescued a woman from a submerged car in December 2019. This annual award honors a civilian who demonstrates exceptional bravery, without regard for personal safety, to save the life of another in actual, imminent danger.



At 10:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2019, in the area of Worcester Street and Wheeler Road in Grafton, Etre observed a car driving at a very high speed down a steep hill. The vehicle struck a patch of black ice, spun off the road, and jumped over an embankment into the Quinsigamond River. While a teenage male escaped the vehicle, a female teenager was trapped in the sinking car. Etre entered the water and, using a wrench from his car, broke the passenger window to free the victim and guide her to safety through freezing water to the shore. Police, fire, and EMS personnel responded to the scene and found the car fully submerged and empty. Both teenagers were taken to UMass Memorial Hospital for evaluation and found without serious injury.



“Putting his own life at risk, Chris Etre personified the selfless courage we remember Madeline ‘Amy’ Sweeney for,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “In the face of life-threatening danger, he acted quickly and decisively to bring a stranger to safety and is an inspirational example of her legacy. ”



Known as “Amy,” Ms. Sweeney was an American Airlines flight attendant for 14 years. She lived in Acton, Massachusetts with her husband, Michael Sweeney, and their two small children. On September 11, 2001, she was killed aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first of two aircraft hijacked by terrorists and flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Before the plane hit the North Tower, Sweeney contacted the airline’s ground services crew to convey critical information about the hijackers and their actions on the plane that morning. It is for her heroism and the 2,977 victims of September 11, 2001, that this award was created.



“Nineteen years ago, Amy Sweeney’s extraordinary bravery saved countless lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Heroes like Chris Etre remind us each and every day of the incredible sacrifice that Amy and so many others made on September 11, 2001.”



“The award in Amy Sweeney’s name is one of the highest honors the Commonwealth can bestow,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco. “This year, it honors her memory by recognizing Chris Etre and the actions he took to save a life even at great personal risk. Every second counts in these incidents and I thank Mr. Etre on behalf of the public safety community.”



Etre was nominated for the award by Senator Michael O. Moore, Representative David Muradian, and Grafton Police Chief Normand A. Crepeau, Jr. He was selected by the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery Selection Committee, which is chaired by Lt. Governor Polito.



“Chris Etre’s quick action to save a young teenager from certain death in icy waters was exactly the kind of heroic and selfless act that the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery aims to honor,” said Senator Moore. “Chris deserves to be honored for his bravery in a situation which certainly placed him in imminent danger and could have resulted in the loss of a young life.”



“After hearing of his heroic actions, I knew it would be an honor to nominate Chris Etre for the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award to recognize his civilian bravery,” said Representative Muradian. “Chris’ selfless actions reflect his putting-people-first mentality that he has always exuded, and I can say with great confidence that the world would be a better place if there were more individuals who, under such distress when presented this unfolding horror in front of them, responded with the calm, courageous and selfless actions that Chris Etre displayed.”

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Defend the Police Rally





September 11, 2020 — We were alerted to a "Defend the Police" rally in Northbridge by a Hopkinton facebook group, and so went to take a look. And got a sign!

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



In an Instant



September 11, 2001, long before, and long afterward.

Photos from Robert Hole and Sheila Zarba-Campbell.



Troopers Arrest Man for Possession of Stolen Firearm Just before 6 p.m. yesterday Trooper John Heavey, along with his field training officer, Trooper Jeffrey Lang, were on patrol assigned to State Police-Weston. While monitoring traffic on Route 90 at Exit 18 in Boston they observed a Honda Accord, with extremely dark window tint, pass their location. Trooper Heavey entered traffic and followed the vehicle until they reached a safe location to conduct a motor vehicle stop. As they entered Cambridge Street, Trooper Heavey activated the cruiser’s blue lights and stopped the Honda. As the vehicle was pulling over both Troopers observed the operator duck out of sight. The Troopers immediately approached the vehicle and observed the operator, later identified as KEVIN GARCIA, 20, of Dorchester, crossing and leaning over his legs. In fear that GARCIA may have been concealing a weapon, the Troopers removed him from the vehicle, along with two other occupants. After a pat frisk of the specific area the Troopers observed GARCIA reaching, a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol, capable of holding thirteen rounds in total, was located. After it was determined GARCIA did not possess a license to carry firearms, he was placed under arrest. The two other occupants of the vehicle were cooperative and eventually released from the scene with no charges. An electronic inquiry of the serial number on the firearm revealed it was stolen from New Hampshire earlier this year. Additionally, an inspection of the vehicle’s windows revealed they had a transparency of only 11%. GARCIA was transported to State Police-Weston for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted and placed a bail amount of $5,000 on GARCIA. GARCIA was able to post bail. He is expected to be arraigned at Brighton District Court on the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm; Carrying a Loaded Firearm; Receiving Stolen Property, under $1200; Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device; Possession of Ammunition without FID Card; and Illegal Window Tint.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Rose M. Scianna, 95

Rose M. Scianna, 95, of Hopkinton, passed away September 10, 2020 at Timothy Daniels House in Holliston. Born in Natick, she was the daughter of the late Immaculata (Paganuzzi) and Joseph Ortenzi. She was the wife of 70 years to Nicholas P. Scianna of Hopkinton (previously Natick).

Rose was a lifelong resident of Natick and graduated from Natick High School in 1942. First and foremost she was a devoted homemaker who was dedicated to her family. She loved to cook, bake, and enjoyed creating beautiful crewel embroidery.

Besides her husband, Rose is survived by her children, Linda A. Scianna of South Grafton, Joanne R. Scianna of Maynard, and Joseph N. Scianna of Framingham. She also leaves behind her granddaughter, Amy M. Jordan and her husband, Scott; her great-grandson, Casey N. Jordan and her brother-in-law, Louis J. Scianna and his wife, Joanne of Bonita Springs, Florida. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings, Joseph Ortenzi, Nick Ortenzi, and Angela Rotelli.

Funeral services will be held privately with family and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

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See a sample performance here.











Flickering ornament, motor vehicle into mailbox and pole,

dogs running loose, family matter involving money,

road rage, speeding BMW, beach-

goers sent on their way,

cars crowding C Street...

September 9, 2020



Existing Arrests

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



A Happy Space



September 9, 2020 — Somewhere in Hopkinton.

COVID-19 Update September 9, 2020

Town Meeting

Saturday September 12, 2020 at 9:30 AM at the Hopkinton High School in the “old bus loop” area. There will be one large tent, able to accommodate 200 people with socially distanced seating. Families, or those residing in the same household, will not be exempt from the socially distanced seating arrangements - and so we ask for your cooperation in not moving or relocating chairs. There will be additional seating outside the tent, for overflow, should attendance be over 200. Members of the Hopkinton Emergency Management Team, and Public Safety, will be on hand to usher and direct residents for parking and registration. In the event of severe inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday September 13, 2020 at 1:00 PM. More details will be forthcoming. Additional documentation can be found Annual Town Meeting - REMINDER Annual Town Meeting will be held onat the Hopkinton High School in the” area. There will bewith socially distanced seating. Families, or those residing in the same household, will not be exempt from the socially distanced seating arrangements - and so we ask for your cooperation in not moving or relocating chairs. There will be additional seating outside the tent, for overflow,Members of the Hopkinton Emergency Management Team, and Public Safety, will be on hand to usher and direct residents for parking and registration.More details will be forthcoming. Additional documentation can be found here, at Hopkinton’s ATM20 webpage.

At the Hopkinton High School (former) Bus Loop

Under the Tent



MOA between District and Teachers

Hopkinton Public Schools - NEW UPDATE The District and the Hopkinton Teachers Association have reached a tentative Memorandum of Agreement; pending its ratification and School Committee approval, the district will be well poised for reentry on September 16, 2020. Signage, tents, hand sanitizer, and more are in place--ready for reopening!

See full COVID-19 : 9-9-2020 Update Here





It isn't too late to have your dreams come true, too, from Scott's Landscaping or Thomson Architects (or both).





Golden Wreaths





September 9, 2020 — L to R, Michael Neece, Chairman 26.2 Foundation, Brendan Tedstone, Chairman Select Board, Nick Ypsilantis, President of the Alpha Omega Council of Boston, Timothy Kilduff, founder of the 26.2 Foundation and Stratos Efthymiou, Consul General of Greece in Boston pose in front of the late Mico Kaufmann's sculpture, Spirit of the Marathon on East Main Street. Photo by Bruce MacDonald.

Main Street Corridor Project: Bid Opening Begins Contractor Selection Process HOPKINTON, MA (September 8, 2020) - Bids for Hopkinton’s Main Street Corridor project were opened by MassDOT on September 1, marking the beginning of the process that will result in the selection of the project’s contractor. Early good news is that the first and second lowest bidders were within $500 and the apparent low bidder was $500,000 lower than the engineer’s estimate. Moving forward this week, VHB, the town’s engineering consultant, will review the bids and coordinate with MassDOT on the award, sending them a letter of recommendation. After the notice of award is made by MassDOT, the project will move into the construction phase. A press release will be sent out by the Town to announce the selected contractor and the proposed start date. “We are pleased to have opened bids with such positive results as the project moves towards its construction phase,” said Town Manager Norman Khumalo. “With the selection of a contractor by MassDOT to follow, the project continues to progress, moving the town closer to its goal of improving roadway safety for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and reducing congestion throughout Hopkinton’s downtown corridor.” At this time construction is anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2021. For more information about the Main Street Corridor Project, visit the project website at https://www.cleargov.com/massachusetts/middlesex/town/hopkinton/projects/120/main-street-corridor-project . [Town of Hopkinton Press Release]

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Hopkinton Police Incident Logs

BMW key FOB lost, erratic operator passes field sobriety tests, damage to mailbox, wallet in mailbox, bat in house, Amazon driver over a ledge, OUI arrest...



September 8, 2020



One new Arrest, One Existing

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



HCA Dance Studio The HCA Dance Studio welcomes students of all ages and abilities from around the MetroWest. Led by Director Jessica Wilson, the studio is known for its high level of training and welcoming environment where students are encouraged to take chances and learn. Our instructors care about the whole student and are here to guide and challenge them. The dance studio places an emphasis on the classical ballet techniques passed down from the greats, but also embraces the non-traditional dance student, including adults and older teens who are looking for recreational classes in other areas of dance. This fall all in-person classes (grades 1 and up) will also be available in a virtual format for those students who prefer to take a dance class from home. The studio is not just a place to learn dance, but also a place to meet wonderful people and build lasting friendships. Together we explore, celebrate and promote the art of dance.

Want to learn more? Contact Jessica Wilson at jessica@hopartscenter.org to set up a phone or Zoom call and have all of your questions answered.

Thank you for visiting the HCA Dance Studio. For more information on a class, or for class placement assistance for your child, please contact the studio today or check out our Dance FAQ, which answers many frequently asked questions.

Approval of Legacy North Roadway Takes Detour

To be decided at 8:45 am Saturday meeting before ATM



by Robert Falcione September 8, 2020 — Pesky pesticides became an eleventh hour issue at this evening's meeting of the Select Board convened largely to approve the Legacy Farm North Road. The road itself is within a 50' wide right-of-way, but where the offending pesticides are located was not articulated at this meeting.

At the last meeting, the board insisted that developer Roy MacDowell complete a punch list of items that he estimated would cost him around $10,000. After completion, the board would vote to ask Town Meeting on Saturday to approve the roadway. School buses would then be covered by motor vehicle insurance and Mr. MacDowell will get his $776,581 bond freed up.

However, Mr. MacDowell said he was "blindsided" today with a letter from the town insisting that he indemnify the town from any actions resulting from the finding of pesticides [dieldrin] "on the road." Mr. MacDowell said that the entire roadway was stripped and built with new soils.

He explained that the entire site has been sampled for pesticides, and he can make those results available. But how could it possibly harm the town? DPW Director John Westerling was on hand. He explained that the soil, if there is any that is contaminated, would need to be removed and hauled out of the region. He said there is no place in New England that does that work. Mr. MacDowell expressed concern that the discovery and mitigation could have "... a de-valuing effect on all those homes." Health Director Shaun McAuliffe said that his concern was for protecting the town. Mr. MacDowell said, "As long as it is below reportable levels, it is not construed a danger." The board agreed that Town Counsel Ray Miyares and counsel for Roy MacDowell, Bryan Connolly, should try to agree to agree to something that may extend past Saturday's Town Meeting, and pass the Article. The board plans to meet before Town Meeting at 8:45 am Saturday to take a position on the Article approving the street, after hearing from the attorneys. Below, the view looking up the hill to Legacy North.

"Last One"



September 8, 2020 — The Select Board will hear from the town's peer review specialists, BETA this evening, who will report on the progress of the Legacy Farm Road North punch list of items that needed completion in order to accept the roadway at Town Meeting on Saturday. Above, Erick Swenson, who works for Baystone Development, pauses to say hello this afternoon as he clears out a drainage conduit.

When asked how many items were left on the list, he said, "This is the last one." If Town Meeting accepts the 8,376' roadway, it will be accessible for school buses, the developer will get his $776,581 bond released, and everybody wins. The Select Board will be voting on whether to recommend acceptance this evening. Meeting begins at 6:00 pm on ZOOM.



Hopkinton Police Incident Log

Cyber harassment referred to FBI,

illegal dumping, SS fraud,

citizens speak to chief regarding

harassing social media posts,

hoards entering restaurant on Cedar Street,

neighbor bothering him and service dog,

deceased deer in the middle of the road,

relative giving 15 year-old drugs...



September 4 - September 7, 2020



One new arrest

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Bullying?



September 8, 2020 — Romance can sometimes look like bullying, in the world of Canada geese. Thank you, Julie.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Almost P rivate Spot





September 8, 2020 — A fisherman enjoys some casts as local boaters passing by return the photographer's wave at the West Main Street Causeway car top drop. The Town of Hopkinton Sandy Beach is in the background, nearly aligned with the bow of the boat. The shores of Lake Maspenock are lined with boat docks.





























Please be advised that the water department will be working at the intersection of Wood and West Main Street on Wednesday, 9/9/2020 starting at 8 AM. The West Main Street, Westbound lane at the lights will be closed and detoured down Wood Street and up Elm during the work. We ask you to please plan ahead.

~Eric Carty, Water-Sewer Mgr.



Increased Activity



September 8, 2020 — Anecdotal observations indicate that area po lice departments are stepping up traffic enforcement, as more vehicles are hitting the roads during this COVID-19 pandemic. Most observers would agree that the police in the region backed off of the number of patrols they had engaged in pre-COVID, but are now back on the roads in full force. Above, Hopkinton Police Sgt. Timothy Brennan checks a driver's paperwork on Main Street.

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"Pick Me! Pick Me!"





September 7, 2020 — Two Canada geese competing for best "Eagle-on-the-Back-of-a-Quarter" impression to an uninterested audience at Bloods Pond.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Marathon Wreaths



September 7, 2020 — Stratos Efthymiou, Consul General of Greece in Boston, handing wreath to Alpha Omega Council President Nick Ypsilantis. Four golden wreaths that were to be presented to the winners of the 2020 Boston Marathon were instead presented to the B.A.A., the New England Sports Museum, the Greek Consulate in Boston, and the 26.2 Foundation. The marathon, in general, commemorates the Battle of Marathon, which the Greeks won, ensuring that democracy would continue.



Behind the subjects is The Starter, by Hopkinton sculptor Michael Alfano, and commissioned by the 26.2 Foundation, a memorial to George V. Brown, whose family has fired the starter's "pistol" continuously for decades. Read much more in this 2009 HopNews feature.

Saying Farewell, for Now





September 6, 2020 — Following calling hours for 13 year-old Mason Lee, a Hopkinton Police cruiser led a couple of dozen mourners' vehicles past several dozen blue balloons on the route from Chesmore Funeral Home to Mt. Auburn Cemetery for the funeral. Blue was undoubtedly Mason's favorite color. The Police Department made a tribute noticeable on their sign, too, which they posted on their facebook, below.

How Does Your Garden Grow?



The "X" on the bottom of the post about 1/3 distance from the left side of the photo indicates the origin of the near-90° angle that the wide-angle lens has nearly straightened out. The left side of the X is on Main Street, the right side is on Mayhew Street. Got a remarkable garden? How about sharing a photo? Send to Editor@HopNews.com

I'll Splash Your Back, If You Splash Mine



September 6, 2020 — Bloods Pond, absent of geese in any large numbers for the last couple of fall seasons, looks to be a desirable gathering spot before flying off to wherever they go this year.

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Off of the Road Vehicle





September 6, 2020 — This vehicle went off of the roadway on Oakhurst Road, and landed with its front end elevated and unable to get its front paws onto the roadway for traction. Nothing a winch can't fix.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Choices





September 6, 2020 — Next to the fire, under the stars, under an umbrella, in the dining room or under the tent; MAZI has many locations from which to enjoy the atmosphere, the food and the entertainment. Hopkinton's Rob Scarpato can be seen inside on the left, in front of the microphone stand. The fine folks at Bill's Pizzeria have entered this venture with chef cooked meals from scratch and a beverage menu to match. MAZI is located in Ashland across from Shaw's. Bill's Pizzeria also has entertainment every Saturday evening with a rotating cast of musicians.

Worth the Trip



September 6, 2020 — Sometimes a trip to nearby farmland is worth the view, which this steed could not care less about.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



A Little to the Left...



September 6, 2020 — Thanks again to Julie Ford for sharing this photo of a red-legged

grasshopper, who apparently enjoyed posing for the photo.

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Getting Your Ducks Turkeys in a Row



September 5, 2020 — Thank you, Julie Ford.

More Chalk Art from Yesterday







Click to enlarge each one.



September 4, 2020 — Please enjoy more images from the artists who shared their talents at the high school.Click to enlarge each one.

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TONIGHT September 4, 2020 from Hopkinton Center for the Arts in Cyberspace! First Friday Open Mic Live on Facebook Our fall line-up for the First Friday Open Mic Live on Facebook is shaping up! Join us September 4 at 7:30 pm with host Jack Byrne and feature Ella Atkinson! Sign up to perform or just tune in to enjoy the music! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b49a4a62ea4f94-first21 For first time viewers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/644247046027344/ For first timers, they just have to request to "JOIN GROUP" and then go to the link tonight to see the performances. C ontribute d content

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities











Hopkinton Police Incident Logs

Fireworks on Center Trail,

gathering at Sandy Beach lot at 1:25 am - dispersed,

loose boxer, branch in road, identity theft,

lost wallet, well vandalism,

someone videotaping son and friend,

teen on roof of car, aggressive person

let dog off leash on trail.

September 1, 2020

September 2, 2020

September 3, 2020

More Chalk...





September 3, 2020 — Great color combinations, great sentiments, great artwork, above at Hopkinton High School.

Click a thumbnail to enlarge. We'll have more tomorrow !





MO RE... Let's Chalk About Change!





September 3, 2020 — High School student Sarah Levenson showed off her skills today, first at Walcott Valley, above, and below, in front of Town Hall. Above, neighborhood kids lined up to cast their shadows for when the sun came from behind the clouds. We'll have much more from the High School after dinner, at about 9:00 pm.





Let's Chalk About Change



April 3, 2020 — Members of the Hopkinton Police Department will be participating in "Lets Chalk About Change" event on September 2nd (Moved to today because of yesterday's rain), hosted by the HHS Diversity Club. This event encourages members of the community to speak up in support of equality, social justice, and inclusion in our town.

Let's Chalk About Change, will showcase messages and artwork, drawn in chalk, by Hopkinton residents and business owners and displayed on their sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.

Feel free to join us by creating your own artwork and sharing it on our page! ~HPD Thank to the HFD for sharing. Great Job!

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Troopers Arrest Man with Firearm, Narcotics CANTON, MA - A t approximately 11 a.m. Tuesday, Trooper Nidu Andrade and his Field Training Officer, a member of the H Troop Community Action Team, were on patrol traveling on Route 138 southbound in Canton. As they were approaching Route 93 they observed a gray Kia sedan traveling at a high rate of speed cutting off other vehicles. The Troopers were able to catch up to the vehicle after it got stuck behind slower moving traffic. As it entered the on ramp to Route 93 the operator increased speed to approximately 55 miles per hour where the posted speed limit is 35 mph. Trooper Andrade activated the cruiser’s emergency lights and subsequently stopped it on Route 93 northbound prior to Exit 4. After the vehicle stopped, the Troopers approached it and attempted to identify the operator. After several minutes of conversation, it was determined that the operator provided a false name and date of birth with the intentions of concealing his true identity. He was removed from the vehicle and eventually identified as RICHARD WIGFALL, 30, of Holbrook. It was determined on scene that WIGFALL’s driver’s license was revoked for a prior charge of Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was placed under arrest and seated in the rear of Trooper Andrade’s cruiser. After WIGFALL was secured the Troopers attempted to conduct an inventory of his vehicle prior to it being towed from the scene. During the inventory WIGFALL forcefully struck the interior window of the cruiser he was seated in and shattered it. Additional Troopers responded to the scene for assistance. Once WIGFALL was under watch Troopers continued the inventory. They located a loaded .380 caliber firearm with the serial defaced rendering it unable to be traced. WIGFALL does not possess a license to carry firearms. Troopers also located a small amount of a white substance believed to be Cocaine along with an open alcoholic beverage in the front cupholder. Due to WIGFALL destroying the window on the first cruiser he was transferred to another cruiser then transported to State Police-Milton where he was booked. WIGFALL was able to post bail. He is expected to be arraigned at Stoughton District Court on the following offenses: Possession of a Class B Substance; Possession of a Firearm; Possession of a Firearm with Defaced Serial Number; Possession of Ammunition without FID Card; Malicious Damage to Motor Vehicle; Failure to Identify to Police; Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked License, Subsequent Offense; Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle; Marked Lanes Violation; and Speeding.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



COVID-19 Updates - Full Report (Excerpt below) As of today’s (9/2/20) weekly Public Health Report and Community Level Data Reporting issued by the Commonwealth, Hopkinton’s 14-day Average Daily Case Rate (per 100,000) remains steady in the <4 cases per 100,000 (green rating). While Hopkinton currently has zero active cases, most of the five new cases over the past 14 days are attributed to travel. While Hopkinton, as a community, continues to fare well - this is a reminder that we all need to stay vigilant. A negative movement of the 14-day Average Daily Case Rate (per 100,000) to 4-8 cases per 100,000 would move Hopkinton into the yellow rating, and may negatively impact the school reentry, reduce the likelihood of Fall sports and jeopardize the health and wellness of the community. Annual Town Meeting - NEW DETAILS At their meeting on Tue 8/18/2020, the Hopkinton Select Board voted to reschedule Annual Town Meeting to Saturday September 12, 2020 at 9:30 AM. The location has been confirmed, and ATM will take place outside at the Hopkinton High School in the “old bus loop” area. There will be one large tent, able to accommodate 200 people with socially distanced seating. Families, or those residing in the same household, will not be exempt from the socially distanced seating arrangements - and so we ask for your cooperation in not moving or relocating chairs. There will be additional seating outside the tent, for overflow, should attendance be over 200. Members of the Hopkinton Emergency Management Team, and Public Safety, will be on hand to usher and direct residents for parking and registration. The High School building itself will remain closed to the 1 public during this event. Portable restrooms will be onsite. In the event of severe inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday September 13, 2020 at 1:00 PM. More details will be forthcoming.



Official State Primary Results State Primary Results

Democrat Republican Libertarian Green



From Town Clerk Connor Degan

Mason (Jennifer) Lee, 13

Mason (Jennifer) Lee, 13, of Hopkinton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 1, 2020. Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, he was the child of Kim Henderson-Lee and Andrew Lee of Hopkinton.



Mason was an outstanding student at Hopkinton Middle School, where he had a small but close group of friends. Mason was an avid soccer fan and player on the town Academy team, loved listening to music, and took great pleasure in learning to play the guitar. He was also an aspiring artist and writer and spent hours drawing pencil sketches and writing fiction. He also enjoyed baking for his family and reading.



Besides his parents, Mason leaves behind his brother, Gabriel Lee; his grandparents, Joan Ruuska Warburton, Charles Warburton, Beverlee Lee, Pam Henderson, and Fred Henderson; his aunts and uncles, Matthew Lee, Nathaniel Lee, Bryan Anderson, Aimee Harmelink, and Mark Henderson; and his cousins, Kathryn, Juliana, Alexander, Griffin, Samson, Jacob, Leigha, Zach, and Josh.



Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 6th from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral service will follow visitation at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MetroWest OUT ( https://outmetrowest.org/ ) or Project Just Because ( http://projectjustbecause.org/ ).

State Primary Results in Hopkinton

Markey wins over Kennedy statewide, and in Hopkinton

Jesse Mermell, winner in Hopkinton for Fourth District says she is waiting for final statewide counting.

Democrat Republican

There were 10 ballots cast for the Libertarian Party and 4 for the Green Party. Neither offered a written candidate.



Select Board Meets in Zoom 9/1/2020

September 2, 2020 — The Select Board starting their Tuesday meeting with some complaints from the public regarding letting people speak from anonymity. This came about as two residents, fearful of retribution for speaking out, went before the Select Board anonymously at a previous meeting and called for the resignation of Planning Board member Muriel Kramer for her role as the Treasurer of Massachusetts Bail Fund, which has bailed out dangerous criminals who then reoffended while out on bail. Board Vice-Chair Irfan Nasrullah also read two letters from people he did not publicly identify. However, at this week's meeting, Mr. Nasrullah emphasized that those were not his words. Board member Mary Jo LaFreniere insisted that the board must "put together a policy with name and address" on the letters. Health Director Shaun McAuliffe (photo) was on hand and asked that parents have the right discussions and acclimate their children to wearing facemasks and social distancing, and put politics aside. He also suggested parents with children returning for the holidays put a plan in place. He added that the department has been challenged by property owners about jurisdiction on private wells, and suggested people being sensible about the shared resource of water. "It's a recommendation," he said. Town Counsel Ray Miyares weighed in on a complaint by Darlene Hayes that the anonymity of the meeting previously discussed was a violation of the Open Meeting Law. He said it was not. However, he suggested the board develop a policy. The acceptance of Legacy Farms North Road is a Town Meeting Article that must be passed if Developer Roy MacDowell is to receive his $776,000 bond returned. Public Works Director John Westerling said there is a punch list of items that must be completed before the Select Board can recommend passage of the article. They will confirm that the punch list has been completed next Tuesday. Mr. MacDowell said there is only about $10,000 worth of work left to be done. Once the roadway is accepted, school buses can pick up children along that spine road, something they are currently unable to do.

> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <





In Mourning



September 2, 2020 — About thirty-six mourners came to the Hopkinton Common at 4:00 pm to participate in a prayer service to support in prayer the family of a Middle School student who died too young. There were four representatives of the Hopkinton Police Department also in attendance, including Chief Bennett. Resident Kathy LaFlash announced the moms' club service in a facebook group.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Merlin Falcon





S eptember 1, 2020 —Thanks to Julie Ford for sharing this photo of a female Merlin falcon.

Teresa Road Area

Please be advised that due to the use of a fire hydrant in the Teresa Road area, you may notice some discoloration. Crews will be flushing hydrants at the lower flows to help clear the lines. You may need to run your cold water line to help clear your internal pipes. Please be advised that due to the use of a fire hydrant in the Teresa Road area, you may notice some discoloration. Crews will be flushing hydrants at the lower flows to help clear the lines. You may need to run your cold water line to help clear your internal pipes.



Eric J. Carty Water-Sewer Manager

Hopkinton Water-Sewer Dept.

PO Box 171

Hopkinton, MA 01748

Standout



September 1, 2020 — Hopkinton Democrats favoring Jesse Mermell for the Fourth Congressional District are above prior to her arrival yesterday. She faces eight other primary challengers today.

> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <





Guard Activation Order Rescinded “Following coordination with municipal leaders through the weekend regarding potential large scale demonstrations, Governor Baker today authorized the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard to end the Governor’s Aug. 28 activation order. That activation, which made Guard personnel available in the event that municipal leaders required their assistance, will end at midnight tonight.”



– EOPSS Spokesperson



• Governor Baker’s Aug. 28 order (attached) allowed up to 1,000 members of the Guard to assist municipalities “until further order of the Adjutant General.”



• National Guard personnel were ready to assist cities and towns throughout the activation but did not take an active role in any municipal operations.



• The Massachusetts National Guard’s diverse and highly-trained members live and work in communities across the Commonwealth. The Guard has a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities during and after emergencies, and its units frequently train side-by-side with state and local first responders, making them well-suited for in-state operations.



• Members of the Massachusetts National Guard are always ready to assist cities, towns, and agency partners across the Commonwealth. They performed COVID-19 testing, delivered food, and secured medical facilities during the height of the pandemic. They also respond when tornadoes, blizzards, and other natural disasters strike a community.



• Personnel drawn from MANG's military police units undergo federally-accredited police training and receive additional instruction on Massachusetts police training standards. When assisting a local police department, they use that department's policies, radio frequencies, etc., whenever possible.



• While federal Title 32 funding has been extended for COVID-19 missions, Guard personnel activated by this order served on state active duty.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities









Hopkinton Police Incident Log

Harassment on Walcott Valley, door is ajar,

check fraud in Westborough,

mailbox smashed with watermelon,

coyote/fox acting strangely, lost lab,

lost documents, found credit card,

speeding on Pond Street,

suspicious social media message,

road rage...

August 31, 2020

Vote in Primary Tuesday, September 1, 2020



Above, Democratic candidate for the Fourth Massachusetts District in the United States House of Representative, Jesse Mermell, right, came to Hopkinton to stand out on the corner of 85 and 135 tonight, Monday, Primary Election Eve. She hopes her support and momentum will help her stand out among the nine people on the ballot for that seat. Beside Jesse are supporters Meena Kaushik and her husband, Sundar Sivaraman.





Democratic Ballot Republican Ballot Libertarian Ballot Green Rainbow

Courtesy of Town Clerk Connor Degan Specimen Ballots for September 1, 2020 PrimaryCourtesy of Town Clerk Connor Degan

Carbone’s Restaurant

Remember the Good Times

It is with very mixed emotion and great reluctance that the Carbone family announces the closing, or hopefully, the potential sale of our family-run restaurant after 87 years in business. This will occur sometime in the near future. The actual closing date will depend on several factors that are impossible to predict at this time. There were many business and personal reasons, too numerous to mention here, that went into this decision. It is a decision that we are not taking lightly, and we announce it with a great deal of sadness.



Over the years, there have been friendships developed with our customers and employees that we will cherish forever. We have thought of you as more than customers and employees, but, as family to us. This restaurant has been our life and the lives of two generations of family that preceded us. It has been an incredible run that regretfully will end soon. Let’s just say it is time for us to begin a new chapter in our lives. We can never thank everybody enough for your loyalty and support over the years, and for being a part of this journey with us. The time is fast approaching when we will say our last goodbyes here, but let’s never forget the good times we all shared together. The Carbone Family August 31, 2020

Carbone's Italian American Restaurant to Close in 4-6 Weeks

"It's True," Owner Peter Carbone



by Robert Falcione August 31, 2020 — A Hopkinton staple for 87 years will close in 4-6 weeks, "If the help lasts," said owner Peter Carbone in a phone interview today. "I have no one coming up. I'm burned out."

"You can't keep a building like that [vacant] forever," he said, listing taxes, insurance, some utilities, and upkeep. "Hopefully someone will reopen as a restaurant," he said. Mr. Carbone agreed that leasing it out as a restaurant was a possibility, but only as a last resort. "Independent restaurants don't last that long," said the three-generation owner of an 87 year-old restaurant that beat all of the odds. He said there are only a couple of gift certificates out there which are unfulfilled, and the people will have 4-6 weeks to use them. Would he sell the name, too? "I would like to look across the street from my home and see my name on the sign and know we started it. It would be a good location for a mixed use," he said of the 12 acre site. "Vendors and employees will all be paid and the gift certificates honored. "A club in Bolton recently went out and closed their doors and chained the gate. "I wouldn't do that to people," he said. The restaurant will be open 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Monday thru Saturday.

http://carboneshopkinton.com/

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities









Hopkinton Police Incident Log

Missing dog, POD hit and run,

bullying, suicidal statements,

bicycle kicked - person took off on a motorcycle,

road rage followed to individual's home,

teens causing disturbance,

dog sniffing roadkill...

August 28, 29, 30, 2020

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State Police, Along With Local and Federal Law Enforcement Partners, Crush Two Drug Trafficking Organizations, Take More Than 6 Kilos of Fentanyl Off the Street Full story here.

Lightning Striking Again, and Again...



August 30, 2020 — A tip of the HopNews Hat to a couple of readers for alerting us to this powerful lightning strike that blew the top off of the tree in the center, as well as its bark and branches, which can be seen at its base. Other nearby trees were also fatally damaged, on a trail in Lake Whitehall Reservation.

Rows and Flows of Angel Hair ~ Joni Mitchell



August 30, 2020 — Lake Whitehall was rich for photography today, with a sky full of curious clouds even passing by to take a long look.

Acrobats



August 30, 2020 — Looking like a group of rodents in the middle of some revelry in Little Pond today, these broadleaf weeds pique the imagination.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Millie Found :-(



Sad news this morning. We found our sweet Millie in the woods where she loved to run and romp. Her passing is heartbreaking but we are grateful to have found her and to bring her home. Thank you for positive words, prayers, and for those who walked the woods of Hopkinton looking for her.

The Cheney Family

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Mary J. (Juzaszek) Midura, 91

Mary J. (Juzaszek) Midura, 91, a longtime resident of Framingham died at her home on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Born in Chicopee the daughter of the late Severyn & Mary (Kuk) Juzaszek, she was the beloved wife of the late Ernest A. Midura for 62 years. Mary graduated from Chicopee High School and shortly afterwards went to work for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. She met her future husband after he returned home from World War II at Mountain Park Ballroom in Holyoke. He noticed her gold shoes and their love for dancing and each other never waivered. They moved to Framingham where she spent the last 64 years. Proud of her Polish heritage, she carried on Polish traditions to the next generations. Mary was a past President of the Framingham Garden Club, former member of the St. Bridget Church Guild, worked at Big Brother Big Sister, and worked part time at the Framingham State College Book Store. She was an accomplished cook who shared her special recipes with her loved ones and continued to enjoy cooking throughout her life. Mary was also an avid reader, and enjoyed many international and domestic travels into her 90s. The definition of a beloved Matriarch, Mary is survived by her children, David B. Midura & his wife Rose of San Diego, CA, Christine M. Ward & her husband Joseph of Boston, Diane B. White & her husband David of Westborough, and Donna M. Spector & her husband Steven of Hopkinton, her 10 grandchildren, Amanda Farren, Justin and Andrew Ward, Kristin Robinson, Matthew Midura, Jillian Lowbridge, Nicole Kelly, Robert Boucini, Olivia and Michael Spector, her 17 great grandchildren, Leo, William, Owen, and John Ward, Miles Farren, Clara, Patrick, and Benjamin Robinson, Tierney, Kayla, and John Midura, Mila and Andrew Lowbridge, John, Benjamin, and Penelope Kelly, and Katarina Boucini. Family and friends will honor and remember Mary's life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Sunday, August 30th from 2-4 P.M. Due to the continued health restrictions, visitors are asked to wear a mask, observe social distancing requirements, and not linger in the funeral home. Mary's Funeral Mass and interment will be celebrated privately. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Mary's name to: The American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. For online tributes, or to share a memory with Mary's family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com.

All in the Wrist



August 29, 2020 — Thirteen year-old Connor Teague displays great casting technique fishing with his dad at Bloods Pond this afternoon, as a light mist began.

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Appropriation Committee Report with Recommendations Annual Town Meeting September 12, 2020 Approved: August 27, 2020



Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



*************ROAD WORK******************

There will be continuous road work on South Street every weekend between Friday night and Monday morning. Expect delays and traffic congestion during these times. Construction will begin around 6pm on Friday and end at approximately 5am on Monday. ~HPD

Anonymity Distasteful Dear Editor: Most civilized countries feature, in their legal code, a means enabling an accused to legally step outside of a jail cell by posting bail, of cash or other value. That is then held by the court with the expectation that the accused will return to stand trial. And while the accused may then “Go directly to Jail”, the bail will be returned to whomever posted it. The party providing the bail is not responsible for determining if the accused is appropriate to be let back out into society. The bail provider is not responsible for setting the dollar value of the bail. The party so responsible is an officer of the court. The judge. In our public life, it is expected that before speaking at a Town Government function one identifies oneself. It is customary, to have one’s letter published in a news publication, to identify oneself. And it is customary, if one has the courage of one’s convictions, to identify oneself. I am more than disappointed to read that at a Hopkinton public Select Board meeting (held via ZOOM) this customary expectation of a party stating their name before speaking, or that when a letter is read to those in attendance the name or names of the signers will be stated, was not followed. That a long-time, earnest, competent, thoughtful member of the Hopkinton community was skewered, anonymously, at a Select Board meeting, and that it was enabled by our elected officials, I find profoundly distasteful. Sincerely, Edwin E Harrow 8 Spring Lane Hopkinton, MA August 29, 2020

Governor Activates National Guard as a Precaution August 28, 2020 - Today, Governor Baker signed an order activating members of the Massachusetts National Guard in the event municipal leaders require their assistance. Please see attached for a copy of the order and below for a statement and background. Statement: “Governor Baker today signed an order activating up to 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard in the event that municipal leaders require their assistance. National Guard personnel are deployed only at the request of, and in coordination with, the communities seeking support.”– EOPSS Spokesperson Background: The Massachusetts National Guard’s diverse and highly-trained members live and work in communities across the Commonwealth. The Guard has a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities during and after emergencies, and its units frequently train side-by-side with state and local first responders, making them well-suited for in-state operations.



These are some of the same National Guard members who performed COVID-19 testing, delivered food, and secured medical facilities during the height of the pandemic. They are also some of the same National Guard members who respond when tornadoes, blizzards, and other natural disasters strike a community.



Personnel drawn from MANG's military police units undergo federally-accredited police training and receive additional instruction on Massachusetts police training standards. When assisting a local police department, they use that department's policies, radio frequencies, etc., whenever possible.



Guard personnel provided assistance to local law enforcement throughout the COVID-19 response.



While federal Title 32 funding has been extended for COVID-19 missions, Guard personnel activated by this order will serve on state active duty.

> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <





On Pond Street



Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Share the Road



August 28, 2020 — We don't have the report, but dispatch said someone kicked someone's bike. The alleged kickees are above. The alleged kicker was located nearby. The final disposition is unknown.

Just Hanging Around



August 28, 2020 — Thank you, Julie Ford.

Area Detectives on the Lookout Hopkinton Police Detective Bureau along with area Detectives need help identifying two suspects involved in the recent vehicle break-ins and thefts. The suspects, pictured, are targeting unlocked vehicles during the early morning hours. These suspects are often in stolen high end vehicles with Connecticut license plates driving through neighborhoods between 11p-4am. The vehicles they have targeted are usually high end vehicles like Mercedes, Range Rovers, BMWs etc. All of the vehicles involved have been unlocked, sometimes with the key fobs in them and usually have other items of value in plain sight inside the vehicle.

We have not yet had any reports of vehicle thefts or break-ins in Hopkinton. The majority of the towns that surround Hopkinton have had multiple incidents with this group. It is imperative that you lock your vehicle at all times. Remove all valuable items or secure them in the trunk. Do not leave keys, fobs or garage door openers in your vehicle or leave them unsecured. If you notice any of these items missing, you should immediately contact the police department.

If you recognize any of these individuals or recognize the vehicle (white Mercedes sedan) please contact the Hopkinton Police Detective Bureau at 508-497-3401.Via HPD Facebook.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Missing Juvenile FOUND The Grafton Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing female juvenile. The child left her residence in the Bruce Hollow housing complex at approximately 5:00pm EST.

We are seeking information on the whereabouts of Madeline Veech, age 12. Madeline was last seen wearing a blue jacket with hood and black leggings. She is described as having medium length brown hair, most often worn in a ponytail, brown eyes, standing approximately 4'10" tall and weighing approximately 80 lbs.

If you have information as to the whereabouts of Madeline, please contact Grafton Police at 508-839-2858.

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Missing Dog



Dog missing since this morning. Medium sized (60 lbs), friendly and responds to Millie. Last seen at Lake Whitehall. Please call if you see her or if you have any information: (508) 314-2134. Thank you! Lissa Walls.

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Investigation into Serious Pedestrian Crash in Natick Continues

Investigators Ask Public with Any Information to Contact Police

NATICK - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Natick Chief of Police James Hicks have confirmed that the investigation into the serious crash that occurred on August 18, 2020 injuring two pedestrians remains ongoing at this time.



The preliminary investigation suggests that at approximately 6:24 p.m. on August 18, the driver of a dark blue, four door, Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck struck two pedestrians on Washington Avenue in the area of Summer Street before fleeing the scene. Investigators have seized the suspect vehicle as part of the ongoing investigation and are actively interviewing witnesses and collecting and reviewing video surveillance in connection with the crash.



Today the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Natick Police are asking any member of the public who has information about the crash or who saw a vehicle matching the description of the involved vehicle to contact Natick Police at 508-647-9500. Investigators also continue to seek any additional video of the suspect vehicle or the crash.



More specifically, members of the public are being asked to think broadly and to contact police both if they were in the immediate area at the time of the crash or if they were in the surrounding neighborhoods or communities including Sherborn or Holliston in the early evening of August 18. During the subsequent investigation police learned that the driver of the vehicle may have been seen or been in contact with the operators of other vehicles including a tan or brown sport utility vehicle and a black sedan that were also travelling in the area of Washington Avenue prior to the crash. Police are seeking to speak to these individuals.



The preliminary investigation suggests that the victims in this case, a 51-year-old female and a 39-year-old male were walking northbound on Washington Avenue in the area of Summer Street when they were apparently struck on the sidewalk by a pickup truck. The male has been treated and released and the female remains hospitalized with serious injuries.



The family of the victims have asked for privacy at this time and have requested that any media inquiries be directed to their designated spokesperson and family member Tony Catlin who can be reached at 508-314-4386.



This investigation is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Natick Police and the Massachusetts State Police Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Section. No charges have been filed at this time.





Tonight at Mazi, 320 Pond Street Ashland (Across from Shaw's)

Musical entertainment by Mike Tarara

See Exciting Menu

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities







Hopkinton Police Incident Log

Juvenile on bike at 1:00 am, unemployment fraud,

assist Ptown Police, mailbox struck with watermelon,

kids on school roof flee, hit & run.



Four unaccompanied children (father lagging behind),

kids on school roof (ongoing),

hanging around at boat ramp after hours,

driving with no plates (stolen).



August 25, 2020

August 26, 2020

No arrests

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It's All About Scale



August 27, 2020 — A quick glance could lead an individual to believe they are looking at a group of huge rock faces through which ships pass. The true scale is clear when the turtles come into focus. Who can see the face in the near-center of the photo?

LAST DAYS OF TENT SALE







Let's Chalk About Change!



Members of the Hopkinton Police Department will be participating in "Lets Chalk About Change" event on September 2nd, hosted by the HHS Diversity Club. This event encourages members of the community to speak up in support of equality, social justice, and inclusion in our town.





Let's Chalk About Change, will showcase messages and artwork, drawn in chalk, by Hopkinton residents and business owners and displayed on their sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.





Feel free to join us by creating your own artwork and sharing it on our facebook page!

Select Board Meeting

Board Lowers Town Meeting Quorum to 80 voters

Votes to recommend $92,813,795 Town Budget

Public forum in defense of Muriel Kramer



by Robert Falcione

August 26, 2020 — In contrast with last week's meeting, last night's meeting opened with the Public Forum item during which two residents spoke in defense of Muriel Kramer, who had been criticized last week for her association as treasurer of the Massachusetts Bail Fund, which had bailed out dangerous criminals who went on to allegedly re-offend while out on bail. Those letter writers and speakers were granted anonymity out of their fear of retribution by those criminals, and of being ostracized by members-only facebook groups that promote the latest in social justice, but are unkind to those who are not in lock-step with their agenda.

Select Board Vice-chair Irfan Nasrullah, who last week read letters from people without revealing their identities that called for the resignation of Mrs. Kramer from the Planning Board, said at the outset, that those were not his sentiments.

"Calling for Ms. Kramer's resignation in light of the tragic events will not resolve the issue," he said.

Anne Mattina spoke next during the Public Forum and said that the decision to grant anonymity was a "poor one."

The board considered the approval of Town Meeting Articles, most of which were voted in the affirmative, including a $92,813,795 budget, the creation of an Economic Development Office, and making the name change of the Select Board official.

One Article that did not produce any support was Article 22, the purchase of the remaining Liberty Mutual property by the town, sponsored by a resident.

"I would not support an Article that hasn't been vetted," said Select Board member Brian Herr, noting that the matter had not been addressed by the appropriate boards.

"I'm okay with it going to Town Meeting, and if there's no funding, it's dead in the water," Said Chair Brendan Tedstone.

Town Manger Norman Khumalo recommended no action.

Deferred until next meeting on September 1, 2020 is a discussion of the acceptance of Legacy Farms North road.

The Board went into Executive Session for an "unforeseen agenda item." (File Photo, above)

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Level 1B Nursery Approved For Milford Regional Medical Center MILFORD – Milford Regional Medical Center (Milford Regional) has been licensed and approved by the Department of Public Health to operate a Level 1B Continuing Care Nursery within The Maternity Center. The new designation allows Milford Regional to provide a broader range of services to newborns that require additional specialized care and support.



Milford Regional’s Level 1B nursery is designed to accommodate the extra care, comfort and needs of late preterm babies at 35 weeks and beyond, as well as those with health issues. It is equipped with the latest technologies, including:

• Cardiopulmonary monitors

• LED phototherapy lights for elevated bilirubin levels

• Radiant warming units

• Resuscitation and stabilization care centers

• IV infusion pumps

• Isolettes

• Donor milk

• Oxygen therapy



“Those who lead and work within The Maternity Center at Milford Regional have been diligent and focused in their effort to achieve a Level 1B designation which provides greater specialized care for our newborns,” says Edward J. Kelly, president & CEO of Milford Regional Medical Center. “Our Maternity team is to be congratulated for their dedication to serving our newest members of the community with the very best care.”



For more information on The Maternity Center at Milford Regional, go to www.milfordregional.org click on “Medical Services,” and then “Maternity.”

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Acro-Yoga





August 25, 2020 — Katherine Fernald practices Acro-yoga with friend, John Doe on Hopkinton Common yesterday afternoon.

UNIBANK TO HOST FREE UNIPAY ONLINE PAYMENT WEBINAR FOR

BUSINESSES AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:

September 17, 2020

UniBank will be sponsoring a free UniPay Online Payment Solution Webinar for businesses and non-profit organizations who are interested in offering online payment as a solution to customers/donors. It's a simple fact: customers today expect the convenience of making payments online. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more customers are seeking online payment options to minimize in-person contact and help with social distancing. UniPay by UniBank is simple, efficient, secure, reliable, and can help your business or non-profit increase efficiencies. The solution is customizable and offers your business or non-profit the ability to accept payments securely 24/7.



Join Kristy Genga, AVP from UniPay by UniBank for one of our two one-hour webinars on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at either 1 pm or 6 pm to learn how this solution can help your business or non-profit and enhance your revenue collections!



To register, visit https://www.unibank.com/business/free-unipay-payment-seminar



Hopkinton Police Incident Log

Mailbox damaged, loan fraud, package found,

mail stolen (ongoing issue), brakes smoking,

person stuck in elevator

August 24, 2020

No arrests

Support for Mass Bail Fund Editor:

I want to respond to some of the controversy that has arisen around the release of Shawn McClinton who was recently charged with assaulting a woman after the Massachusetts Bail Fund posted his bail.



First, the Bail Fund didn’t do anything that wasn’t legal. This is because the Bail Fund didn’t do anything that any person in Massachusetts isn’t legally entitled to do; and that is to post their bail and go home.



It is hard to look at a high bail amount and not think there must be a very good reason for it. It feels instinctual to believe that people are held on high bails because they must be dangerous, but this is patently not the law in Massachusetts. Bail’s sole purpose is to incentivize the accused person to come back to court as their case is processed. If a person doesn’t come back, they forfeit their money. That’s it.



Our criminal system is slow. People can wait in jail pre-trial for years, and the consequences are devastating. People lose their jobs, their housing, their children. Not because they are dangerous, not because they are bad parents, but because they could not pay their fee. In overwhelming numbers, they come from historically marginalized communities who do not have a spare $5000 to expend in an emergency. The highest court in Massachusetts thus declared that unaffordable bails are unconstitutional, but they are still imposed.



It is tempting to say that we aren’t talking about "those people.” We’re talking about the $15,000 bail people and the people with prior criminal records. But when we talk about what the Bail Fund does, we are talking about those people. We’re talking about people who were only sitting in jail because they could not pay this purely administrative cost. If prosecutors request higher bails because they believe a person is dangerous, then they are using bail unlawfully. And when we talk about people’s “prior criminal records,” this cannot be divorced from our criminal justice system’s documented practices of over-policing and over-incarcerating poor communities and communities of color.



None of this excuses a violent act or diminishes a victim’s trauma, but it is disingenuous to crucify the Bail Fund and condemn the thousands of vulnerable families who literally rely on the Bail Fund for their lives and liberty.



This aside, the state is not helpless when it believes a person is dangerous. There’s a clear process to address this very thing, but it is not through bail. It’s called a dangerousness hearing, and this process is not obscure; it is well-worn and used by district attorneys’ offices across the state. In fiscal year 2020, the Boston Municipal/District Court alone held more than 3,500 of these hearings. It is the prosecutor’s sole call whether to seek one, and it was not done in this case.



We have a criminal system that inflicts harm every day. While I grieve for the victim and her family, I stand with the Bail Fund’s values.



Lindsay Kramer Custer

8 Avon Street

Somerville, MA

August 25, 2020



Editor's note: Mrs. Kramer-Custer is the daughter of Muriel Kramer, Hopkinton Planning Board member whose position as Treasurer of the Mass Bail Fund has sparked calls for her resignation following the alleged criminal act of a client who the fund bailed out, while he was out on their bail. The motto of the group, stated on its website landing page is, "Free Them All."

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George Paul Reimann Jr., 84 George Paul Reimann Jr., 84, of Hopkinton, passed away at UMass Memorial Medical Center on Saturday, August 22, 2020. Born in Needham, he was the son of the late Margaret (Atwood) and George P. Reimann Sr. He was the husband of 30 years to Nancy (Rising) Reimann of Hopkinton.



George was a graduate of Needham High School and went on to attend Northeastern University, graduating with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. George was an avid camper who enjoyed time spent fishing. He also enjoyed playing cribbage with friends. He especially loved spending time with his family, and his wife, Nancy.



Besides his wife, George is survived by his children, Deborah Reimann and her partner, Deb Mongeon, Paul Reimann and his wife, Karen; his step-children, Susan Blasczak and her husband, Richard, Amy Turpin and her husband, Sean, and Robert Rider Jr. and his wife, Brianna. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Simpson.



Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com/ Due to current restrictions, face masks must be worn and social distancing must be adhered to. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Diabetes Assoc., www.diabetes.org



Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities









Hopkinton Police Incident Logs

Sheetrock in roadway, unwelcome parking,

ongoing handicap violation, handicap violation -

different vehicle but same owner, swerving, loud party,

deceased fox, son harassed in State Park,

rolling domestic bleeding, star gazers sent on their way,

lightning striking... again,







August 21, 22, 23, 2020

No arrests

Fay School plans to reopen for in-person teaching and learning this fall! Please visit our Reopening Web Page for more information, and check back regularly for updates.

Our campus remains closed at this time, and only essential employees are permitted on campus. Most staff members are working from home, and their contact information may be found in the Faculty and Staff Directory.



If you'd like to learn more about Fay, you can visit us virtually! Click here to learn more.

Early Voting



Come down to the Hopkinton Senior Center and vote early in person! No lines and we are open until 2 PM today.

We will be opening at 8 AM everyday this week (8/24 -8/28). We close at 4:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; we are open late on Tuesday until 7 PM and we close early on Friday at 2 PM.

Foreboding



August 23, 2020 — Sunday, as the first few raindrops began to fall.

Silhouettes on the Water



August 23, 2020 — At Lake Whitehall Dam Spillway retention pond.

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Today, Before the Storm



August 23, 2020 — Subject matter in art and photography is said to be the strongest at or near intersecting lines of thirds. Panning (Moving the camera in unison with the moving subject) can keep the moving subject in focus and blur the background. To keep the action within a moving subject from blurring, a shutter speed of about 1/400 of a second is advisable. Taken at Bloods Pond.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Hopkinton, MA Police Department

Do you have a loved one who suffers from a medical condition who may be at risk? The Hopkinton Police has a Person At Risk program where you can submit a form with information about the individual which we can use in an emergency! This information is kept confidential and is never given out.

The program is free and open to all Hopkinton residents. It is intended to provide first responders with immediate information during an emergency or crisis.

If you are interested in registering someone for the program you can fill out the link below. If you have any questions please contact Officer McGaffigan for more information! Or choose this to see form. [From HPD facebook].

During the Downpour Yesterday



August 23, 2020 — Hopkinton Common was not very populated when the town-wide cloudburst opened up. Two women who were by the Claflin Fountain when the huge drops, sometimes sounding like hail on the Honda's roof, began to fall. They took cover in the shelter of the Veterans War Memorial Gazebo, where they were during this photo.

Before the Downpour Yesterday





August 23, 2020 — Intricate patterns on this duck in Bloods Pond help define its beauty. Not long afterward, a passing cloudburst drenched the town (frame above). Below, a field on Legacy North Road after the storm's passing.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities



Ecce Hopkinton!



August 22, 2020 — Thanks to Julie Ford for sharing this photo of some river otters at an undisclosed location in Hopkinton.

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Aftermath



August 22, 2020 — Last week's isolated storm, like a passing ship in the sky, left a beautiful landscape behind.

Hopkinton High School to receive national recognition from Special Olympics for achievements with inclusion

Hopkinton, Massachusetts/August 21, 2020 – Special Olympics Massachusetts has announced that Hopkinton High School, a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, is receiving national banner recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities. Hopkinton High School is receiving this honor as a result of meeting national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy and respect. An award presentation will take place at a later date, to be determined. Hopkinton High School will be amongst a select number of schools to receive this distinction. They will be presented with a banner to hang in their school and be included on a list of other schools around the country who have achieved this distinguished status. “ Receiving National Banner recognition is truly an outstanding and well-deserved achievement for these 15 schools. It shows that they have truly embraced what it means to be inclusive both on and off the playing field, in the classrooms and in their communities,” said Patti Doherty, Vice President of schools and Community Development for Special Olympics Massachusetts. “Not only do these schools offer Unified sports, youth leadership and whole school engagement within their school, but they have elevated it to the next level and have reached the standards of excellence set forth at a national level.” Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is a strategy for schools Pre-K through university that intentionally promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments, utilizing three interconnected components: Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. More than 210 schools are currently participating in Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools programming in Massachusetts, as part of more than 7,500 schools across the country engaged in the program. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools aims to expand to 10,000 schools by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools model is supported by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. This model has been proven, through research, to be an effective and replicable means to providing students with and without disabilities the opportunity to form positive social relationships and promote a socially inclusive school climate*. Key data points include:

94% of teachers/school staff say the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program increases opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to work together.



98% of involved teachers believe participation in the program has increased the confidence of students with disabilities.

92% credit the program with reducing bullying, teasing, and offensive language. A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement, and respect for all members of the student body and staff. A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. The primary activities within these standards include: Special Olympics Unified Sports ® (where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates), inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement. National banner schools should also be able to demonstrate they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to sustain these activities into the future. *Evaluation conducted by the Center for Social Development and Education (CSDE) at the University of Massachusetts Boston

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District Supports Hopkinton Teachers in Re-Opening

August 21, 2020 - With the return of Hopkinton teachers scheduled in just ten days, the district and the Hopkinton Teachers Association (HTA) are working hard to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for fall re-opening. On Thursday, August 20, 2020, Superintendent Dr. Carol Cavanaugh (Photo, left) shared with the Hopkinton School Committee a few of the accommodations the district is making to support the teachers and their families during this pandemic, as well as some supporting data:



On-Site, Flexible Childcare: With many teachers facing childcare challenges due to changes in school schedules for their own children, the district is pleased to announce that we will host on-site, flexible childcare for district teachers at Hopkins Elementary School, with options for families to sign up for only the days they need at very reasonable rates. By utilizing the four new modular classrooms with a separate entrance, this Kidsborough program for teachers’ families will be able to safely serve up to 60 children ages 5 and up in a contained space isolated from Hopkins classrooms. Although providing on-site childcare typically requires a lengthy licensing process, Hopkinton is extremely fortunate to provide this option due to our pre-existing relationship with Kidsborough at Hopkins and our availability of an appropriate, separate space.



Teacher Retention: Also at the School Committee meeting, Dr. Cavanaugh spoke at length about the work being done to retain all Hopkinton teachers during this pandemic. Said Cavanaugh, “We wanted to make sure that we are keeping all of our teachers intact.” Because supporting and retaining Hopkinton teachers is so important to the district, HPS will invest roughly $225-250k to cover the cost of in-person proctors and other required supports for teachers who qualify for remote accommodations. So far, only one teacher is facing a possible reduction in schedule. With the exception of a few specific, higher-level high school courses, Hopkinton students will be taught by Hopkinton teachers in all learning models, hybrid and remote.



Safety: In addition to this week’s announcements, Dr. Cavanaugh previously shared (on August 13th) details of the district’s investment in workplace safety. Some of these investments include: all necessary and appropriate PPE, plastic face shields available to all teachers, plexiglass dividers for any teacher needing to do extensive one-on-one work with a child, well-maintained and high-quality HVAC systems with the highest level filters appropriate for each specific system, multiple disinfecting spray guns at each school, de-densified student populations with a minimum of six feet for social distancing, an outside facilities consultant’s audit of our buildings for COVID precautions, and hand sanitizing stations installed throughout the buildings.



Data: Both teachers and administrators have said that an in-person education model is the best learning model for students, not only for academics but also for social/emotional wellness. With the empirical data of Hopkinton’s low COVID case count (currently one active case), extremely low percent positivity rate (0.4%), and an unshaded (fewer than five cases) designation on the state’s re-opening chart, the state, the district, and the School Committee believe the data supports bringing Hopkinton students, teachers, and staff into the schools with our precautions in place. Although the pandemic continues, our extensive investment in safety measures and protocols, our Board of Health/school nurse partnership in contact tracing since March, our positive experience with Hopkinton summer programming and camps, and the recent announcement of state-supported mobile rapid testing options for K-12 all combine to support our teachers and students who will begin the new year in the hybrid learning/elected-remote model.



Negotiations between the HTA and the district continue on Monday, August 24th.



Respectfully submitted by: Amanda Fargiano, Chair, Hopkinton School Committee