Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

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Milford Regional’s Annual Tree Lighting Event Celebrates Hope and Life

MILFORD - A festive crowd attended the annual Tree of Life ceremony at Milford Regional Medical Center Monday night, celebrating life and paying tribute to those who have survived cancer, battled the disease or have been touched by cancer.

This year, the annual event raised more than $12,500 for the Oliva Fund for Cancer Care at Milford Regional. The fund is named in honor of the Oliva Family of Milford and provides oncology patients with support during their treatment at the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional.

The evening included a performance by the Very Merry Dickens Carolers, as well as remarks from Edward J. Kelly, president and CEO of Milford Regional; Mona Kaddis, MD; and Peter F. Orio, III, DO.

Gold and silver tribute angels, as well as tribute luminaries, were displayed as a reminder of loved ones affected by cancer. Each light on the tree symbolizes a loved one affected by cancer, and the tree remains lit during the holiday season to serve as a reminder of hope in the fight against cancer.

The tree was lit in honor of Anthony “Babe” Oliva, who passed away earlier this year.

To make an online donation to the Oliva Fund please visit www.foundation.milfordregional.org/treeoflife  or contact the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation Office at (508) 422-2228. ~ Contributed content.

TREBLEMAKERS WINTER CONCERT



Two performances: Wednesday December 11th and Thursday December 12th @ 7:30 pm. PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE THROUGH OVATION: CLICK HERE

Join Enter Stage Left Theater's adult community chorus, the Treblemakers, for their annual Winter concert filled with holiday favorites. There will be light refreshments after the concert.

Directed by Eric Miller

Adults: $15 | Students and Seniors: $10

Public Health Council Approves Regulations Restricting Access to Vaping and Tobacco Products

New regulations effective today outline steps for implementation, enforcement

BOSTON (December 11, 2019) —The state’s Public Health Council today approved new regulations that restrict the sale of nicotine vaping and flavored vaping and tobacco products. This action follows the Legislature’s passing and Governor Charlie Baker’s signing into law An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control, which provided the Massachusetts Department of Public Health with additional authority to regulate access to tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems, including vapes. With today’s actions, the Governor’s temporary statewide ban on the sale of vaping products in place since September is no longer in effect.

Effective immediately, the new law places the following restrictions:

1) The sale of non-flavored nicotine vaping products (with a nicotine content of less than 35 milligrams per milliliter) is restricted to stores licensed to sell tobacco products, such as convenience stores, gas stations, and other retail outlets.

2) The sale of non-flavored nicotine vaping products (with a nicotine content over 35 milligrams per milliliter) is restricted to licensed, adult-only retail tobacco stores and smoking bars.

3) The sale and consumption of all flavored nicotine vaping products may only occur within licensed smoking bars.

A chart on what tobacco products can be sold where can be found here.

“Massachusetts has taken important steps to protect its residents from the emerging public health risk posed by vaping products, and with the new law signed by Governor Baker and the introduction of today’s regulations, we continue to prioritize actions that protect the public health,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “As a physician and commissioner of the Department of Public Health, I continue to recommend that people not use any e-cigarette or vaping products, as these products are not safe. The new law expands the availability of smoking cessation resources through insurance, and DPH continues to remind people that help is available through a variety of tools.”

Beginning June 1, 2020, the sale of flavored combustible cigarettes and other tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored chewing tobacco, will be restricted to licensed smoking bars where they may be sold only for on-site consumption. Also taking effect on June 1st is the addition of a 75 percent excise tax on the wholesale price of nicotine vaping products, in addition to the state’s 6.25percent sales tax.

The new regulations lay out a roadmap for the implementation of the new law, including enforcement authority, penalties for non-compliance, legal signage, and advertising requirements.

The regulations which are effective today:

· Require posting of signage in any location where vaping products are sold to warn customers of the dangers of severe lung disease associated with vaping products and more generally advising them of the health risks of vaping.
· Specify the Commissioner’s authority to prohibit the sale of a designated vaping product on a determination that the product causes an imminent danger to public health.
· Strengthen state and local enforcement, specifying procedures by which DPH or local Boards of Health may inspect retail locations and the products they are selling for compliance with the law, and providing for penalties for violations, ranging from $1,000 for the first violation to $5,000 for three or more violations,.
· Establish how retailers and manufacturers must comply with the law's requirement that vaping products with nicotine content of more than 35 mg/ml may only be sold in 21+ establishments.
· Require vaping products to be placed behind the counter in all non-age restricted retailers (e.g., convenience stores).

A public hearing on the regulations will be scheduled within the next 90 days.

Massachusetts clinicians are still required to report to DPH any individual experiencing vaping-related health problems and to ask patients to retain any vaping devices and products for possible testing by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

To date, DPH has reported 93 cases (31 confirmed and 62 probable cases) to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including three deaths from vaping-associated lung injury.

The cause of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) remains unknown and under investigation at both the state and federal level. The Department of Public Health recommends that people not use e-cigarettes or vaping products.

DPH continues to offer resources to help people quit through its Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or by visiting makesmokinghistory.org  or Mass.gov/QuitVaping  to connect to treatment. The Massachusetts Smoker’s Helpline (1-800-QUIT NOW) has doubled the availability of free over-the-counter nicotine replacement products from 4 weeks to 8 weeks, once a person receives counseling by phone.

Effective January 1st, 2020, Massachusetts commercial health insurance plans plus the Group Insurance Commission and MassHealth, must cover smoking cessation counseling and FDA-approved products such as gum, lozenges, or patches without cost-sharing. Information about today’s announcement is available at www.mass.gov/NewTobaccoLaw. The site will continue to be updated as new information and resources are available.

Charles Francis Lowell, 76, of Hopkinton, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2019. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Evelyn (Hamm) and Charles Theodore Lowell. He was married to the love of his life, Donna Irene (Wright) Lowell for 53 years, this month.

Charlie graduated from Hopkinton High School and then went on to serve as a paratrooper in the Army’s 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam War Era. After his time in the military, he returned home to meet his wife Donna, whom he had only known in school growing up and coincidentally had marched beside in their junior prom promenade. Together, Charlie and Donna built a life together filled with love, friends, and family. While Charlie started out working at General Electric in Ashland, he then moved on to become a Union Arbitrator at United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America in New York City, where he honed his skill and passion for advocating for the needs and rights of others.

After many years in New York, Charlie returned home to open his own businesses. He started out with Lowell’s General Store in Holliston and then expanded from there. Throughout the years, Charlie met many customers who would go on to become close friends.

Charlie enjoyed retirement with traveling, most often to his home away from home, Aruba, playing golf and becoming a park ranger at Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough, meeting his friends for coffee club, rooting for his favorite sports teams, watching Phil Mickelson compete, most notably on a lifetime dream trip with his friends to the Masters, walking his dog, Fella around town greeting everyone on their way, taking trips to the casino and scratching lottery tickets, becoming active in both local and national politics and most especially spending time with his family and friends. One special event in his retirement was being honored by a group of young men that he held in high esteem, his Babe Ruth baseball team that he led to win the American League Championship in 1967. There were many members of this team that remained in contact with him throughout the years.

Charlie was a people person. He greeted everyone with a smile and always had a helping hand out for anyone in need, expecting nothing in return. Wherever he went, Charlie was loved. His spirit of positivity, his proclivity to create fun, and his genuine desire to see others succeed, endeared him to all.

Charlie was the father of the late Charles Edward Lowell, who passed away in 1987. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Donna Marie Lowell-Bettencourt and her husband, Troy of Edgartown; two sisters, Elizabeth Anne Tombs of Torrance, CA, and Janice Olsen of Palm Springs, CA; 5 grandchildren, Holly White and her husband, Will, Alex Bettencourt, Luke Bettencourt, Charlotte Delasin and her husband, Zach, Jovanna Lowell-Bettencourt; and 3 great-grandchildren, Charlie, Juliet and Maddie White; as well as his brother- and sister-in-laws, Donald Wright, Debbie Peddle, and Darlene Montville and many special nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law, Douglas Wright.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13th from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com  A funeral service will follow visitation at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, cancer.org  or Boston Medflight, bostonmedflight.org

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

You are needed Monday night at 7PM in Middle School for Special Town meeting: 

• Editor:

• Town Meeting can be an unpredictable forum – only those attending call the shots: The article on easements requires only a 50% threshold to stop the town’s well planned and fully funded Main Street improvements.

•  

• Many important Town Meeting articles over the years have passed or failed by a SINGLE vote. Don’t let that ONE VOTE be yours – please show up to ensure the broadest community interest is represented!

Some highlights and links below:

• FOR the Main Street Corridor Project Facebook Page - browse the posts to gather information on various topics.

• The project is fully funded and in final design stages, with recent accommodations made based on input from all parties, and current design spending on target with project expectations.

•  

• The town's share (only 22% of the total project cost) is fully funded by Town Meeting appropriations from 2010 and 2018- the remaining 78% comes from state and federal funds, grants, and mitigation from related projects.

•  

• Safety is a key theme of this project, which balances many requirements: vehicles, pedestrians, bikes, parking, property, signalization, drainage, intersection alignment.  ADA compliance throughout enhances safety for all including wheel chairs and strollers, making our town center more accessible and safe for a growing populations. Bike lanes have been designed to minimize use of full right-of-way and to enhance safety over current conditions via a bike path separated from the road and sidewalk that puts bikes on a separate path away from moving and parked vehicles. The Common gains enhancements to its appearance, functionality and safety at Marathon Way. 

•  

• We are a growing community. Growing communities require infrastructure investment.  After years in the MassDOT project pipeline, Hopkinton has a well vetted plan and a cost-effective way of getting this done now.    
  

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

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Easement is Seizure of Private Property

Dear Editor:

Prefers Two, One-way Bike Paths

To the Editor:

A two-way bike path is definitely inferior to 2 x one-way bike paths. It's natural for any vehicle driver to only look towards approaching traffic when exiting a driveway. The cyclists approaching from the "unnatural" direction will get crushed, no doubt about it.

Here's the scenario for even an "attentive" driver: He desires to exit a driveway, looks both ways as a cautious, careful driver fully aware of the bike lane. But as he pulls out, there is traffic in roadway, so he waits for an opening. Then he sees his opening since he's laser-focused on the oncoming traffic and pulls out to claim his gap in the traffic and whack; another cyclist is plastered against his fender since he didn't look a SECOND time.

Looking  the artist renderings, it would seem much more desirable to take the wide brick buffer away and use the space for two one-way bike lanes on either side of the road. Further, the car/bike buffer need not be a 4" painted strip as suggested in a rebuttal but rather a cross-hatched zone. Even approaching cyclists on this two-way path will converge at an alarming rate.

As a cyclist who rides in downtown Boston daily (mainly on the Charles River bike path), the potential for accidents is extremely high. I don't ride in downtown Hopkinton, but if I did, I'd much rather take my chances on the primary roadway with my collection of front and rear blinking lights - better for cars to see you in the clear rather than obscured by parked cars and distraction overload. In summary, the two-way bike path idea is a loser and must be eliminated from consideration if your aim is to make a safer system than what we have now.

Joe Kaiser
10 Longwood Drive 

December 5, 2019

Join us this weekend in Hopkinton and enjoy a wonderful day creating Christmas memories with your family! Choose the perfect trees and wreaths, pick out just the right ornaments, find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list and celebrate with a yummy Liege Waffle from Liege Belgian waffle food truck (www.liegewaffles.com) and a delicious cup of hot cocoa on Saturday from 11am to 6pm! Our doors open at 9am for shopping for gifts, ornaments, wreaths, trees and more! The Hopkinton Holiday Stroll starts at 10am!

We've got carolers from The Treblemakers and so many gorgeous trees, wreaths, gifts, ornaments and everything else you need to make a Christmas full of memories for your family! Make sure to come by and say hello. Celebrate the holidays with us this year!

Santa will be here on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to noon and again from 1pm to 3pm so bring your little ones to say hi and share their letters with him and Mrs Claus! They'll be here the same times on Sunday, December 8, too! We wont have a photographer this year so bring your camera and charge your phones so you can capture every magical minute!
 
File photo of young girl with Santa, who Dick Brault brought to Weston Nurseries and other Hopkinton venues for years prior to his retirement.

Favors No Biking Downtown

Editor:

The writer of a recent letter to the editor spent several years convincing engineers that a multi-level, 2-way, separated bike lane, not only qualified for state funding but will make the downtown safer for families and children. Sounds benevolent but there is no proof of that since the only comparable bike lanes in the US are on flat land in places like Tampa, WDC, Minneapolis, and Cambridge. Non-urban hilly Hopkinton seems hardly the right training ground for such an experiment and whose child will go first?

The writer also states that “currently cyclists are mingling in with the traffic and pose a potential hazard to themselves” but neglects to mention that seasoned cyclists prefer travelling in the road and the state welcomes them there, even when bike lanes are available.

Bike lanes are NOT inherently safe but the state holds funding hostage, while mandating construction of what will soon become an albatross. Imagine the first time an unwary bicycling family comes to the end of the bucolic, tree lined Center Trail only to face Main Street traffic inches away, then share the narrow 2 way bike lane with skill sets ranging from inexperienced children to aggressive adults.

The next ¾ of a mile will encompass elevation changes and 30 driveways/roadways to awkwardly negotiate with entering and exiting vehicles. If the family gets to the Town Common, I suspect a call for a UHAUL van will get them back to their car or home safely, vowing never to return.

There are good reasons why bicyclists have avoided downtown Hopkinton since the 70`s and formal bike lanes won`t change any of them, as incessant commuter traffic will continue to increase with no viable alternative. I submit the only safe biking downtown is NO biking, especially for the infrequent rider.

 Without these bike lanes, traffic will flow more smoothly on the wider road and the land-taking right-of-way and easements will disappear. The writer states that Main Street Alliance supporters should consider the needs of others before their own, but she advocates for her desired recreational bike lane benefitting but a few. What`s the answer? Terminate this outlandish image over substance Downtown Corridor Project and use the money saved to repair our streets and sidewalks. Hopkinton has solid bones and doesn`t need a fashion makeover. Please vote your conscience at the STM on December 9.

Rob Phipps
80 Main Streete property owner
Sutton resident

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

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 In Favor of Bike Lanes and Downtown Corridor

To the Editor:
The Upper Charles Trail Committee (UCTC) has been charged by the Select Board to plan, design and build a Class 5 (fully developed) Trail from Milford to Ashland and it must include the Center Trail. The UCTC came late to the conversation about 4 years ago, and originally wanted to cross Main St by the Hopkinton Lumber store, where the Center Trail connects with Main St. The State DOT however would not allow the flashing warning lights necessary for our trail because it was too close to the existing Wood/Main St traffic lights. The committee met with engineers and developed a plan to combine the north cycle lane with the south cycle lane. This process took years to develop until the State engineers, Town officials, engineers, and other town committees and boards agreed on this 2 directional, separated bike lane that met the State and Federal requirements for safety and funding purposes. It far surpasses current conditions and makes for a destination point for residents from multiple neighborhoods to enjoy our downtown businesses and Town Common. It makes it a safer place for families to enjoy a walk and cycle to the downtown area. Most importantly it makes a safer place for our school children who currently flood the downtown area on early release days.

I also want to offer other comments on the downtown design. Traffic calming measures, similar to what the Town accomplished on Hayden Rowe by narrowing the road, forces the traffic to slow down, at the same time includes turn lanes that allow for a smoother flow and more volume of traffic to travel through the intersections. All of these improvements are made possible by the Town’s utilization of the easements. Without the easements, there will be no improvement to the downtown area, as we will not be able to comply with State and Federal Regulations. A two directional bike lane separated by curbing and elevations so that it is completely separated from the traffic is also vital to our down town improvement plan as it satisfies the required element of mandatory bike lanes to qualify for the MA TIP monies.

Currently cyclists are mingling in with the traffic and pose a potential hazard to themselves. The plan envisions children, families and folks of all ages including those who struggle with disability issues to utilize the two lanes, (separated bike lane and pedestrian lane) to fully enjoy our downtown and make for a safe passage. A few people have criticized this plan as unsafe for cyclists to pass in front of existing driveways and business exists. Currently cyclists and pedestrians safely pass these same exists. The Town & State are trying to make the downtown safer. We must work with what we have, as do other bike paths in MA, and plan for a better, safer route for all.

I urge all residents to attend the Special Town Meeting on December 9 and hear the facts and make an educated decision.

Respectfully,
Jane Moran,
70 East Main St,
Chair, Upper Charles Trail Committee

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Theodore “Ted” Alvin Hatch, 84
    

Theodore “Ted” Alvin Hatch, 84, of Holliston, passed away at his home on Friday, November 29, 2019. Born in Newton, he was the son of the late Frances R. (Anderson) and Willard G. Hatch. He was the husband of 60 years to Diana (French) Hatch of Holliston. 

Ted was a member of the Massachusetts National Guard. He had worked as a computer technician in the finance industry, and upon his retirement, he spent 19 years driving a school bus for Michael J. Connelly in the town of Hopkinton. He was an active Mason for 40 years in Mount Hollis Lodge of Holliston and a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason in the Valley of Boston. He was a member of the Colonial Craftsman Club, a Masonic group reenacting 1776 On the Square, and National Camping Travelers, a Masonic camping group. He also enjoyed camping with his family and friends for many years. 

Besides his wife, Ted is survived by his children, Cynthia Lynch and her husband James J. of Monson, Sharon Greenwood and her husband, Royce Jr. of Hopkinton, Rebecca Sherman and her husband, Scott of Palmer, and Gretchen DuBois and her husband, Rick of Natick. He also leaves behind a sister, Verna Ross-Hoyt and her husband, Allen of Milford, NH, a sister-in-law, Jackie Hatch of Columbia, SC, his brother-in-law, Donald French, Jr. and his wife, Mary of Berlin, NY as well as 11 grandchildren, James P. Lynch, Dorothy Wegiel, Victoria Lynch, Colin Lynch, Melissa Setterlund, Royce “Chip” Greenwood III, William Greenwood, Simon Sherman, Rachel Meacham, Benjamin Sherman and Kathryn DuBois, and 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Alan Hatch.  

A memorial service will take place at the First Congregational Church of Holliston on Saturday, December 7th at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational Church of Holliston, 725 Washington St., Holliston, MA 01746.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

HELP!

The Water Department requests your assistance, in maintaining accessibility to the town's fire hydrants, for the safety and protection of everyone. During the winter hydrants can become buried by snow during a storm. If you have a fire hydrant that that is near your home, please help us make it visible and accessible to the Fire Department for use in an emergency. Precious seconds can be lost, searching for the hydrant or removing snow to gain access to it. Talk with your neighbors about taking turns shoveling around the hydrant in winter. Help make your neighborhood safe for everyone!

Please be aware that it poses a major fire safety hazard to bury a fire hydrant by shoveling, plowing or snow blowing. It is also prohibited by Mass General Law and can incur a fine.

The Water department would like to thank you for your cooperation in helping to maintain fire safety!

Eric J. Carty Water-Sewer Manager
Hopkinton Water-Sewer Dept.

   Current Road Space Sufficient for Bicycles

   Dear Editor,

I note the following comment regarding the so-called ‘Main Street Corridor Project’ on the proponents’ webpage. “The project includes a bicycle lane in order to separate bicycle traffic from vehicle traffic flow, improving safety. Today, bicycles share narrow road space with moving and parked vehicles.”

As I have said, multiple times, I believe (and I am not alone) that the separated bike lane, as proposed, will NOT improve safety, so I make no further comment with respect to this portion of the claim.

However, “Today, bicycles share narrow road space with moving and parked vehicles.”

 This statement is partially correct, but only as far as “sharing the road." Main Street, from Hayden Rowe to the Rt 85 intersection, provides an expanse of space for parking, bike, and vehicular traffic. That portion of Main St varies from approximately 85’ to 53’ wide. Parking spaces are 8’ wide. A travel lane 11 to 12’ wide. If we assume the 53’ width dimension (measured at the intersection crosswalk), with three 11’ travel lanes, and one row of parking at 8’ (as it is currently), that still leaves 6’ of ‘bike space’ each way at this narrowest point. That is sufficient to meet AASHTO guidelines; it is far from the “narrow road space” mentioned, and provides reasonable security from the dreaded ‘door zone’ for this narrowest portion of this section of Main St.

The westerly portion of Main Street, even where as narrow as 40’, provides more than adequate room for bike lanes, assuming parking is not extended West of the current limits. The needed crossing for the bike lane on the West-bound side of Main St to connect with the Center Trail, could be just a few feet past the Center Trail, at the existing Wood Street lights.

Sincerely,

Ed Harrow

8 Spring Lane

December 3, 2019

Dear Editor,
The Main Street Alliance is excited to announce that our story will be featured on Nightside with Dan Rea on Thursday, December 5, 2019, starting at 8 p.m.

Please tune in at 8 p.m. on WBZ NewsRadio, radio dial 1030 AM, or listen online at https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com . Rob Phipps and Jacqueline Potenzone will be Dan Rea's guests in the studio, and will speak about the Main Street Alliance's opposition to the Hopkinton Main Street Corridor Project.

If you would like to call in to speak with Dan Rea, the studio telephone number is 617-254-1030. You can reach the Main Street Alliance at mainstreetalliancehopkinton@gmail.com  or through our website at http://mainstreetalliance.freeforums.net/ .

In closing, please tune in on Thursday night and also attend the Special Town Meeting on Monday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. We ask your support in voting to stop the corridor project as it is currently designed.

Warm regards,
Jackie Potenzone, on behalf of the Main Street Alliance
12 Wood Street
Main Street Alliance
Website: http://mainstreetalliance.freeforums.net/

Governor Baker Announces 10:00 AM Delayed Start Time for Non-Emergency
Executive Branch State Employees on Tuesday

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker is announcing a 10:00 AM delayed start time on Tuesday, December 3rd for all non-emergency state executive branch employees as road crews and public safety officials respond to the ongoing winter storm. The Administration continues to urge everyone to plan ahead and use public transportation when possible and check www.MBTA.com/winter for updates. 

Mary Catherine Pratt, 91

Mary Catherine Pratt, 91, of Hopkinton, passed away Monday, December 2, 2019. Born in Natick, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Devitt) O’Brien. She was the wife of the late Joseph William Pratt. 

Mary had  a BA from Regis College and a Masters from Wellesley College in Chemistry. In her early years, she did Radioisotope Medical Research. Mary was a public servant for over 50 years. She began her involvement in town government in the early sixties working on education. Before there was special education in any school, she educated herself with graduate classes to find out what could be done in the public schools to meet the needs of those students that needed extra support.  She was always an advocate for special education as well as for programs for the exceptionally gifted students. She worked successfully to get kindergarten into the regular curriculum in Hopkinton. She would regularly attend school events and continue to participate to show her support to students. 

Mary was a Selectwoman for many years and held a number of other elected and appointed positions over the years. In 2012, she was honored by the Town of Hopkinton for her years in public service. She participated with the MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Council and SWAP (Southwest Area Planning Committee).  She also served on the Organization for Balanced Fiscal Future, the Fire Station Building Committee, the Hopkinton Housing Partnership and the Open Space Committee. She had many successes including the reconstruction work at the Whitehall Dam, the purchase and stewardship of the Lake Maspenock Dam. She took pleasure in being so involved so she could better the town of Hopkinton  and advocate at the State level for things that Hopkinton needed. 

Mary is survived by her children, Daniel Pratt and his wife, Kelly of Harrison City, PA, Maryanne Bilodeau and her husband, Thomas of Westborough, Thomas Pratt and Susan Bush of Hopkinton, Robert Pratt and his wife, Jennifer of Hopkinton, and Martha Pratt-Rice (and her late husband, Joel Rice) of Warwick, MA. She also leaves behind her sister, Joanne O’Brien of Natick as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by two sisters, Patricia Haswell and Marjorie Laprise,  and her son, Joseph Pratt who passed away November 13, 2019.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 4th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St.   www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com/  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 5th  at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Parish in Southborough. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Natick. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org

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Arlene Frances (Dunne) Martineau

Fort Mill, SC and formerly Holliston/Hopkinton- Arlene Frances (Dunne) Martineau passed away peacefully at home with her loving husband, Jim and daughter, Elizabeth by her side on Saturday, November 23rd, 2019, after a brave and long struggle with cancer. Arlene was born February 9, 1945 to Edmund and Margaret Dunne.

Arlene left us just as she lived, with grace, strength and beauty, and greatly admired by all who knew her. While growing up in New York City, she didn’t know how many lives she would touch in the course of hers. Arlene was imaginative, kind, and a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and the best friend anyone could ever have. 
Arlene graduated from Hunter College in NYC. She married James Patrick Martineau on June 19, 1966. Arlene loved little children both as an elementary school teacher & later as an advocate for sick children. She had an unbelievable talent for making people feel loved! Arlene was an elementary school teacher in New York City and in California and a kindergarten teacher and special education teacher in Massachusetts.

After her son Scott was diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease, Arlene became very involved with children’s health issues. Arlene was the Director of Pediatric Home Health Care for Olsten (Gentiva) Home Health Care and was awarded the first nationwide Fred Olsten Award from her company. She was also awarded numerous other honors in the pediatric home health care industry. Arlene also developed and brought to fruition the first Pediatric Health Day Care facility in New England, with the help of many dedicated people.

Mental and social issues were a passion with Arlene. She was a board member of the Pseudo Obstruction in New England and worked with Social Services for children in crisis. Arlene also volunteered – working with abused women and with parents and children afflicted with Wilson’s Disease, along with volunteering for her children in Brownies, Cub Scouts, 4H and sporting activities.

After she moved to South Carolina to be close to her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Arlene became a certified Court Appointed Guardian Ad Litem. She was working on a book entitled, “The Smoking Room at Boston’s Children’s Hospital” that told of the good days and bad days that parents and children face with serious illness.

Arlene loved to cook and entertain and was a great hostess in her Holliston home for extended family and friends. She brought everyone together for her famous Thanksgiving Dinners! (while everyone else was out running the”Turkey Trot”). She was a voracious reader, loved NYC theater and dancing the night away with Jim!

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents Edmund & Margaret Dunne, beloved son, Scott Christopher Martineau and brother, Brian Francis Dunne. She is survived by her husband, James Patrick Martineau, daughter, Elizabeth Martineau and her husband, James Bascio; her grandchildren, Jared, Jessica and Jonah Bascio; her sister, Ellen Welsh, sister- in-law, Jane Dunne and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12th from 9:00-10:45 a.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. A Requiem Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Matthews Church in Southborough. Private Interment will be held at a later date. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Wilson’s Disease Association, www.wilsonsdisease.org  or a charity of their choice.

Judith Ann Meyers, 78

HOPKINTON - Judith Ann Meyers, 78, died Monday, November 25, 2019 at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital in Westborough, MA.  Born in Almont, MI she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Kathryn (Neumann) Duggan.

Judi worked for 42 years at Marlette Community Hospital in Marlette, MI. 

She is survived by her son Brad Meyers and wife Kathy of Strongsville, Ohio and her daughter Michele Crowe and husband David of Hopkinton, MA.  She leaves her grandchildren Faith Meyers, Derek Crowe, Keegan Crowe and Hope Meyers.  She also leaves her sisters Jan Barden and Pat Bitel, both of Michigan.

Judi’s family remembers her as a loving mother, sister and grandmother.  She was the sweetest, kindest and most caring person they knew. Funeral services will be held at a later date in Michigan.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.

Memorial tributes may be made to the National Down Syndrome Society.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Pauline M. Hutchinson, 96

Pauline M. Hutchinson, 96, of Hopkinton, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2019. Born in Peterborough, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late Marguerite Bedell and Donald S. Greene.

A resident of Hopkinton for 57 years, Pauline regularly worked two jobs to support her children, grandchildren, and so many others in the community around her. She took pleasure in housing Boston Marathoners over the years and was known for waving and smiling at all the runners in her most elegant attire from her doorway on Hayden Rowe Street. She was a fantastic gardener, storyteller, and had a personal style that was second to none. She believed in an “open door” policy to all children, veterans and any other humans or animals in need. She took care of people until she was 88 years old, providing home care to a trio of sisters in their 90s. She was affectionately called Nana by almost anyone she met, and she loved that.

She is survived by her children, Sharon of Milford, Michael and his wife, Rachel, of Upton; her siblings, Shirley, John, and Bob; 4 grandchildren, John, Kaylyn, and Michael, and Randle Rae; as well as 2 great-grandchildren, Zachary and Aniken Hutchinson, as well as her late daughter Cheryl’s longtime partner, Bill McGrath, and granddaughter Cassie-Leigh’s best friend and partner for life, James Stewart. She is predeceased by two children, Roland who passed away at the age of 21, and Cheryl Ann who passed July 23, 2019, her siblings, Jigs, Bernard and Bette, and her granddaughter, Cassie-Leigh, who passed July 15, 2019. Nana knew she would be seeing them all and so many friends again.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 4th from 8:30-10:00 a.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. A funeral mass will follow visitation at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church of Hopkinton. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. Please dress in attire that you feel celebrates Pauline. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National League of POW/MIA Families https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/

Favors Downtown Corridor Project

Letter to the Editor;

I am writing to urge all Hopkinton residents to attend the Special Town Meeting (STM) on December 9 so they become informed of facts, both pro & con for the Downtown Corridor.

The folks supporting the Main Street Alliance Group are understandably concerned about their quality of life and property however, we are a population of almost 18,000 people and should consider not only our needs, but others who travel through our town daily, as well as the future of our town.

This conversation has been on going since the 1950’s when the State first identified the downtown intersection needed improvement. I knew the conversation was ongoing however only became involved a few years ago when I realized the Upper Charles Trail (UCTC) could be in jeopardy. The committee has been charged to plan, design and build a trail (subject to Select Board approval) from Milford to Ashland AND include the Center Trail.

The State DOT told the (UCTC) the trail could not cross Main Street by the Center Trail/Main Street exit because the mandatory traffic light required for a trail would be too close to the Wood/Main St lights as it would cause too much traffic backup. So, we continued to negotiate with the State, Town officials and VHB engineers until we came up with a solution, which is the 2-directional, combined multi-use path with handicap accessibility. This is necessary if Hopkinton is to qualify for State funding.

As the plan continued to go forward with multiple changes, alternative suggestions came forward from residents and others. Yes, the plan did keep changing and improving as mandated by all parties involved. In my opinion the Town, State, and VHB engineers have been extremely open and cooperative to hearing all kinds of opinions and suggestions on how to make this the best project possible.

At this point the Main Street Alliance Group seems determined to stop the project, but I have not seen an alternative that provides funding and will improve the downtown area. I have only heard one word from the Main Street Alliance Group and that is STOP.

If the Town does not support Article 47 (easements), then there is no widening of the road. If we do not widen the road, we do not qualify for State funding. I don’t think taxpayers are willing to pay the $15 million for this project themselves, and I also feel as though most residents see and feel the need is real for the downtown improvements.

Please come to the Special Town Meeting on December 9 and cast your vote based on an educated decision.

Jane Moran

70 East Main Street

November 30, 2019

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Phyllis Uline Palitsch, 90

Phyllis Uline Palitsch, 90, a longtime resident of Hopkinton, died peacefully at home with her husband, John A. “Jack” Palitsch, by her side. He survives her, following 71 loving years of marriage. Born in Troy, New York, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Donald and Elizabeth Uline.

 
She is the mother of the late Donna Lynn, and is survived by her son John R. Palitsch of Vernon, Connecticut, and daughter Suzanne Palitsch Barnes and husband, Jeffery, of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kate Palitsch Czaplinski and her husband, Jeffery; Jason F. Palitsch; Jacqueline P. Barnes; and Elizabeth M. Barnes; and her great-grandson, Roy James Czaplinski. She is also survived by her sister, Marilyn U. Hasbrouck and husband Douglas, and many loving nieces and nephews. Phyllis was also a sister of the late Betty U. Engineri and Virginia U. Knippel.

During World War II, Phyllis was a member of the Civil Air Patrol of Troy, trained as an aircraft identity spotter. She graduated from Troy High School, where she and Jack met. Phyllis worked for R.T. Bower CPA Accounting, and then became Superintendent of United Memorial Methodist Church in Sycaway. Phyllis eventually became an officer in the family business, Otto’s Auto Parts, as well as inventory control manager. She was also secretary and treasurer of another family business, J&L Enterprise Real Estate. Phyllis was an avid swimmer; she achieved her certified swimming instructor’s license and taught swimming for 30 years at the Troy YWCA, and served as a Camp Fire Waterfront volunteer swim instructor.

 
After moving to Hopkinton, Phyllis was heavily involved supporting the Hopkinton Senior Center and Friends of the Hopkinton Library. Phyllis was best known for knitting Christmas stockings and sweaters, baking amazing pies and wonderful holiday cookies and feasts for the extended family, especially the summer clam steam, and never ending pool parties and barbeques with family and friends.

There will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Troy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Phyllis to the Hopkinton Senior Center, 28 Mayhew St, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com .

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

TREBLEMAKERS WINTER CONCERT

Two performances:  Wednesday December 11th and Thursday December 12th @ 7:30 pm. PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE THROUGH OVATION: CLICK HERE

Join Enter Stage Left Theater's adult community chorus, the Treblemakers, for their annual Winter concert filled with holiday favorites. There will be light refreshments after the concert.

Directed by Eric Miller

Adults: $15 | Students and Seniors: $10

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Against Bike Lanes

Dear Editor

A recent letter writer noted that only a few parties in Town were having portions of their property taken for the Main Street Corridor Project. Well the writer may feel correct, but I suggest that having 3, 5, or 15’ of one’s ‘front yard’ disappear to pavement will effect one’s property value far more than the compensation being offered for the taking of ‘minor pieces’ of front yard; the major disappearing portion having been within the Town’s Right of Way.

The current proposed plan does, indeed, make much needed improvements for pedestrians. No question. However, as I’ve pointed out previously, to the very best of my knowledge, and neither MassDOT, VHB, or the Town have yet to show me otherwise, there is, as far as I know, no ‘raised, separated, two-way’ bike lane anywhere in the Commonwealth, or the US similar to what is proposed for Hopkinton. It’s been nearly two years since this proposal was announced at the DOT meeting in January 2018 with not one example forthcoming. I have recently been sent a Database of approx. 600 ‘protected’ bike lanes from the People for Bikes organization. One might think that out of these 600 bike lanes, that there would be one similar to the proposal for Hopkinton, if the general opinion was, contrary to mine, that such a design is safe.

Of the 600, 241 are two-way on one side of the street. There are issues with two-way bike lanes on one side, as I’ve mentioned before. Those issues are exacerbated by the grades in Hopkinton. A study of 143 bike/car crashes done in Finland showed that 65% of the car/bike accidents occurred when the bicycle approached from the driver’s right, as the driver crossed a two-way bike lane separated from the street.

If the bike lanes were contained within the confines of the current roadway, much of the current cost and property owner financial pain will be eliminated. And I believe that will satisfy the bike-lane requirement for the Federal and State grants. In any case, the serious recreational cyclist will avoid this proposed bike lane, recognizing it for the danger it poses, and avoid downtown Hopkinton as the roadway (as shown on a recent plan) will be narrowed to 40’ curb to curb, minus 16’ for parking both sides, leaving no room for the savvy rider between parked cars and the ‘door zone’ on one side, and traffic on the other.

Sincerely,

Ed Harrow

8 Spring Lane

November 22, 2019

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

 Richard Andrew Amato, 85

UPTON: Richard Andrew Amato, 85, a longtime Upton resident, died at his home on Thursday, November 14, 2019, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Amato was born in the depression era in Cambridge, MA, the son of the late Joseph and Doris (Straw) Amato. Early childhood years in Medford and East Lexington preceded a family move to Brattleboro, Vermont in 1946. Richard graduated Brattleboro Union High School and subsequently attended college in the ROTC program at the University of Vermont where he graduated with a liberal arts degree in June, 1958. While in Burlington at UVM, Richard met the love of his life, Cynthia (Perry) Amato of Holden, MA. They were married in September, 1957.

The Air Force sent Richard with his young family to Japan for several years. During that time, he traveled to many military installations in the Asia Pacific region and proudly summited Mt Fuji during his stay. After military service, the family returned to Massachusetts where Richard was employed as a mechanical engineer at several companies including EG&G, Draper Corporation, Crompton & Knowles, and Morgan Construction. While employed full-time and taking night classes, he earned his Masters degree in Physics from Northeastern University in 1970.

In the early 1970's, his daily commute from Bolton to Hopedale took him past the Temple Farm on East Street in Upton and his future was set in motion. In 1975, Richard and Cynthia purchased the 140-acre farm including the run-down farmhouse and barn. Farming and home renovations were Richard's "hobbies" for many years. Farming was a family endeavor involving many friends and relatives laboring in the fields and farmers' markets. In 1986, Richard retired from engineering to join his oldest son, Mark, full-time as a farmer. The Amato Farm grew many crops and was well-known for pick-your-own strawberries, the annual Harvest Celebration, and cut-your-own Christmas trees. Over the years, Richard and Cynthia fixed up the old farmhouse into a warm and welcoming family home. The Amato Farm ceased operation in 2003, the same year Cynthia passed away.

Richard was always interested in history: that of his family, his community, and his country. He authored a treasured book of family history which required years of research and studying Italian history and language. He was proud to be an Italian citizen and traveled to Italy with Cynthia in search of his family heritage. Richard volunteered regularly at the Upton Historical Society and enjoyed learning local history, especially that of the Rockwood Farm, which would become the Amato Farm some 200 years hence.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Cynthia (Perry) Amato, his sister, Mary (Amato) Leone of New Paltz, NY, and his son-in-law, Mark Sylvester of Hopkinton. Survivors include his sister, Diana (Amato) Craven and her husband, Steven of Greer, SC; his children: Mark and his partner, Robin Boylen, of Hopkinton; Joe and his wife, Suzanne, of San Francisco; and Elizabeth Sylvester, also of Hopkinton. He also leaves five grandchildren: Andrew Amato and his fiancé, Christina Lombardi; Alyson (Amato) Dixon and her husband Brooks; Alex Amato, Evan Amato, Napoleon Sylvester, and one great-grandson, Parker Amato.

His memory will live on in our hearts forever. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, November 29, in the Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home, Inc. 45 Main St. Upton.

Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. on Saturday, November 30, at the United Parish of Upton Church, 1 Church St. Upton. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Upton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be sent to the United Parish of Upton, P.O. Box 382, Upton, MA 01568 or to the Upton Historical Society, P.O. Box 171, Upton, MA 01568. www.uptonfunerals.com

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities