Senate Passes Bill to Expand Take-Out and Delivery Options in Restaurants 

Legislation will support Public Health and Economic Recovery

BOSTON (07/10/2020) – On Friday, July 10, 2020, the Massachusetts State Senate passed bipartisan legislation that gives restaurants more flexibility, and customers more choice, while the Commonwealth continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill, An Act to Expand Take-out/Delivery Options in Response to COVID-19, would allow restaurants to include mixed drinks with take-out and delivery orders. Restaurants were previously authorized by the legislature to sell beer and wine with take-out orders.  The bill would authorize restaurants to serve mixed-drinks to-go until the Massachusetts’ state of emergency in response to COVID-19, declared by the Governor on March 10, 2020 is lifted.

“The Senate has stood by our small business owners throughout this pandemic, and today's bill provides yet another tool to help the restaurant industry get back on their feet,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “While the work to support our small businesses impacted by COVID-19 continues, I am proud to see this measure advance today. I want to thank Senators Diana DiZoglio, Michael Rodrigues and Joe Boncore for their advocacy and collaboration on this issue.”

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

BOSTON (July 9, 2020) - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of WNV was confirmed today by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in two mosquito samples collected July 7 in the town of Belmont in Middlesex County. No human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year. There is no elevated risk level or risk-level change associated with this finding.

“The first WNV positive mosquito sample has been identified this year in Massachusetts,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “It is important to remember that WNV can cause very serious illness, especially in individuals over 50 and those who are immune compromised.”

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 5 human cases of WNV in 2019. In 2018, there were 49 human cases of WNV infection acquired in Massachusetts – the greatest number of cases the Commonwealth has ever had in a single year. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

“People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “The tools for prevention include using a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient according to the directions on the label, wearing clothing to reduce exposed skin when weather permits, draining standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and repairing window screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home,” she said.

Information about current mosquito activity in Massachusetts is updated daily and can be found here..

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at https://www.mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks , which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

(BOSTON, 7/8/2020) – On June 30, 2020, Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation to authorize $200 million for local road and bridge repairs across the Commonwealth. Amid a difficult fiscal climate, the bill authorized $200 million in bonding which will reimburse cities and towns for critical maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges.

Under the legislation, the towns of the 8th Middlesex District represented by Rep. Dykema, are authorized the following amounts according to a formula that accounts for the number of roadway miles within each municipality:

Holliston: $510,535

Hopkinton: $639,701

Southborough: $434,459

Westborough: $788,542

“During this unprecedented time when our municipalities are stretching resources to meet a range of new and critical needs, this funding will help ensure towns are able to perform regular and necessary roadway and transportation maintenance,” said Rep. Dykema.

“These funds will provide much needed support for local projects, including roads and sidewalks, that will strengthen our communities’ economic and transportation infrastructure.” The legislation also extends the term of the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board for an additional year. The Board, originally established to oversee the operations and fiscal management of the commonwealth’s public transit systems, was established by the legislature as part of the transportation reform initiative in 2015. The Board’s authorization was set to expire on June 30, 2020.

The bill has been signed into law.

Representative Carolyn Dykema represents the communities of Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough and Precinct 2 of Westborough in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of free COVID-19 testing sites in eight communities from July 10 to August 14 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

This “Stop the Spread” initiative is a data-driven effort to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities that are above the state average in total cases and positive test rate, and have experienced a decline in testing levels since April. The initiative is being launched in Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, and New Bedford. Residents of these communities are urged to take advantage of the availability of these new testing sites, even if they are asymptomatic. While these sites are being launched in these communities, they are open to all residents of the Commonwealth.

“While the Commonwealth has made progress on reducing the overall positive test rate, there are still communities where the number of positive tests is above the average of the rest of the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Focusing our efforts to increase testing in these communities will help identify new cases and stop the spread. Residents of these communities, even those who are asymptomatic, are urged to take advantage of these new sites.”

“This initiative will provide widespread testing in easy to access community locations,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If you live in these communities, please get tested to protect your family, loved ones and neighbors from COVID-19.”

“Increased testing within these communities will help to identify new cases of COVID-19 and break the chains of community transmission,” said COVID-19 Command Center Director & Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “As we move into the summer, we will continue to closely monitor positivity and testing rates across the Commonwealth.”

The population of the cities in which the free testing will be conducted – Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, and New Bedford – make up approximately 9% of the Commonwealth’s population, but have seen 27% of the Commonwealth’s positive tests in the last two weeks.

The statewide positive test rate over the past two weeks is approximately 2%, but in these eight communities, 8% of tests have been positive.

Despite the continued elevated spread in these communities, total testing in these communities has declined 39% since the end of April, and the total cases as a percentage of population for these communities is nearly double the state average.

Residents may visit mass.gov/stopthespread   to find testing locations.

Residents are reminded that if they test positive for COVID-19, please answer the call when they are contacted by the Community Tracing Collaborative or their local board of health. Also, any individual who needs a safe place to isolate can call (617) 367-5150 to access an isolation and recovery site at no cost.

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

Dear Editor,

Reading the item about Hopkinton's historic water trough, I was intrigued by Dave Kumlin's saying, "I don’t know who J. B. Moore was and what made him an Honored Citizen in 1891… but that would be interesting to know."  So I went to Ancestry.com to see if I could find out.

Almost certainly this Honored Citizen was John Burgess Moore.  John lived for decades in Hopkinton, which made it relatively easy to trace him.  John lived long enough to be enumerated in the 1900 census, which offers a trove of information.

The 1900 census tells us that John Moore was born in Ireland in July 1834.  John's age at death was 74 years, 4 months, and 17 days, which (using the Tombstone Birthday Calculator at http://www.searchforancestors.com/utility/birthday.html) computes to a birth date of July 14, 1834.

All of John's appearances in census records give his birth place as Ireland.  Intriguingly, both the record of his marriage in 1862 and the record of his death in 1908 give his birth place as Natick.  We'd guess that John and his family of origin lived in Natick at some point after they emigrated from Ireland in 1836.  His father also was named John; his mother was Mary or Nancy Burgess.

On July 27, 1862, in Hopkinton, John married Polly Catherine Claflin, born in Holliston on September 19, 1840, the daughter of William Henry Harrison Claflin and his wife Margaret Railton Thompson.  Polly was 22 years old and a Holliston resident at the time of their marriage; John was 25 and a resident of Hopkinton.  (We note these things because ordinarily a wedding takes place in the bride's hometown, but these two married in Hopkinton.)

John B. Moore was a butcher, and a successful one: The 1870 census shows John's real estate valued at $9300; his personal estate was valued at $5000.  Multiple census records show him and his family living on Hayden Rowe.  According to the 1900 census, John & Polly had six children, only three of whom were still alive at that time.  Those three children, per census and other records, were Nettie E., George W., and Emma C.

John died in Hopkinton, of pneumonia, on December 1, 1908.  His death record says that he was buried in Milford.

Perhaps what made John B. Moore an Honored Citizen of Hopkinton was that he had the means to make a gift of the water trough and the generosity to do it.

Sincerely,

Elaine Schenot
(formerly of Hopkinton, now of Greensboro, NC) 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

by Dave Kumlin

[Dave is the son of "Cookie" Kumlin, who is memorialized by the Doughboy area of Marathon Way, which was officially designated "Cookie's Corner" after his passing several years ago.]

The original location of the water trough was in front of the current high school.

I don’t know who J. B. Moore was and what made him an Honored Citizen in 1891… but that would be interesting to know.

Anyway… originally, it provided water for horses.

Probably, its exact location can be seen in old pictures of the area in front of the High School.

It was then converted and used as a water source/bubbler for the ball field that used to be where the high school entrance and tennis courts are now.

My father and uncles played ball on that field and I was told it was a beautiful field.

As my father, Cookie, told me…

The contractor that was rebuilding the area in front of the high school and around the old AA House was just going to haul off the water trough and scrap it.

When my father got wind of this, he went right up there with the town’s front end loader, scooped it up and carted it down to the Town Common.

The current location is of no historical significance other than it is right where my father, on a whim, just decided to set it and save it from destruction.

Knowing my father, he was probably the first one to spruce it up and put flowers in it.

I can’t remember the woman’s name, but she was on a committee or board that oversees things such as what commemorative stuff can be added to the Common.

My father said that she put up a big stink about what he did without any kind of approval.

But, in his usual fashion, he didn’t care – With its historical significance being far more important, the town’s water trough had been saved.

And, there it still sits, many decades later.

As told by Bobby Bartlett…

The granite stone curb that surrounds the common was my father’s doing, too.

My father told Bobby that the Common should have a granite stone curb all around it.

Bobby told my father that if he can get someone to donate the granite then go right ahead and do it.

I don’t know who my father got to donate the granite. He knew so many people.

I can see my father now, with his beloved front end loader, a crowbar and shovel positioning each piece into position.

I can’t imagine the Common without that beautiful granite.

Old pictures of the Common can probably show the pre-curb days.

For me, these stories just bring up an endless amount of questions, to which, now, I can’t get answers.

Louis Mongiat can surely fill in a lot of the holes in my 2 stories.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Third Phase of Four-Phase Approach

Consistent with Public Health Data and Trends, Phase III of Reopening Massachusetts Set to Begin on July 6

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that on July 6^th, Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan will begin and updates on gatherings will be in effect. For the City of Boston, Phase III and the gatherings order will take effect on Monday, July 13th.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) also issued updated guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Step One of Phase III:

On May 18, the administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy based on public health data, spending at least three weeks in each phase. Key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, have been closely monitored and has seen a decline allowing for Phase III to begin on July 6th. Phase III will begin on July 13^th in Boston.

The public health dashboard designating the progress of key COVID-19 data metrics has been updated to reflect the number of COVID-19 patients in Massachusetts hospitals to green, indicating a positive trend. 

Since mid-April, the 7-day average for the positive COVID-19 test rate is down 94 percent, the 3-day average of hospitalized patients is down 79 percent and the number of hospitals in surge is down 86 percent.

More than 1,000,000 total COVID-19 tests have been administered, and testing continues throughout the state.

The following businesses will be eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase III, subject to industry-specific rules concerning capacity and operations:

• Movie theaters and outdoor performance venues;

• Museums, cultural and historical sites;

• Fitness centers and health clubs;

• Certain indoor recreational activities with low potential for contact;

• Professional sports teams, under the authority of league-wide rules, may hold games without spectators

Full guidance and list of businesses eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase III can be found at www.mass.gov/reopening. Businesses and sectors set to begin opening in Phase III are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards.

Revised Gatherings Order:

Under the updated gatherings order, indoor gatherings are limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet, but should not exceed 25 people in a single enclosed, indoor space.

Outdoor gatherings in enclosed spaces are limited to 25 percent of the facility’s maximum permitted occupancy, with a maximum of 100 people in a single enclosed outdoor space. This includes community events, civic events, sporting events, concerts, conventions and more. This order does not apply to outdoor, unenclosed gatherings if proper social distancing measures are possible.

This revised order does not supersede previously issued sector guidance, and is effective beginning Monday, July 6. It will be effective Monday, July 13 in the City of Boston.

Public Health Guidance:

In Phase III, health care providers may continue to provide in-person procedures and services as allowed in Phase II, with the addition of certain group treatment programs and day programs. These programs include adult day health, day habilitation programs, and substance abuse services day treatment and outpatient services. Certain human services programs can reopen including community based day services for adults with intellectual and cognitive disabilities and psychosocial rehabilitation clubhouses.       

Health care providers are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards, and must continue to utilize prioritization policies established in Phase II for care delivery and scheduling, as well as monitor patient volume for non-essential, elective procedures and services.

Read the full guidance here.

In Phase III, visitation guidelines have been updated for 24/7 congregate care facilities and programs overseen by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, including the Departments of Developmental Services, Youth Services, Children and Families, Public Health, Mental Health and the Mass Rehabilitation Commission. Offsite visits, including overnight visits, will be allowed, under specific guidelines. Other updated guidelines, including visitation for long term care facilities, will be released later today. Complete visitation guidance is available at www.mass.gov/hhs/reopening. 

MassHealth will also extend its current telehealth flexibility through at least the end of the year to ensure member access to critical health care services and encourage continued adherence to preventative public health precautions. 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Hopkinton Community Leader Meena Kaushik Honored as a

2020 Commonwealth Heroine

by Carolyn Dykema

(Boston) - On June 24, 2020, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women announced the 2020 Commonwealth Heroine Award honorees. The annual awards recognize women across the commonwealth who “don’t always make the news, but truly make a difference in their communities, businesses, or volunteer endeavors.” Among this year’s honorees is Meena Kaushik, a Commonwealth Heroine who has made significant contributions to the community of Hopkinton.

“Meena is a natural bridge builder with a passion for bringing people together,” said Rep. Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston). “Since moving to Hopkinton, she has dedicated herself to giving back and enriching the community through the arts and cultural awareness. Meena is a consummate volunteer and a true leader. It was my honor to nominate her for this recognition.”

One of the founding members of the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton, and the organization’s current Community Outreach Director, Ms. Kaushik has been a visible and active voice for Hopkinton’s growing South Asian community. She is constantly working to ensure that Hopkinton celebrates its rich cultural diversity through organizing holiday events, educational experiences, and bringing residents of all backgrounds together to build a welcoming, vibrant town. Ms. Kaushik is also an active member of the scouting community and the town’s Cultural Council, and was recently elected to a position on the Board of Library Trustees. Ms. Kaushik is also very involved in Budget Buddies, a non-profit that helps women become financially independent.

Ms. Kaushik was recognized and honored at a virtual ceremony on June 24, 2020 hosted by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. The Commission is an independent state agency that was legislatively established in 1998 to advance women in the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities.

100 Years of Women's Suffrage

[The White House] June 30, 2020 - On August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. Eight days later, it was officially adopted, securing the right to vote for American women. 
 
To honor the 100th anniversary of this historic event, First Lady Melania Trump announced an exhibit titled Building the Movement: America’s Youth Celebrate 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage.
 
The exhibit will feature artwork submitted by young Americans, alongside images of women’s suffrage parades, marches, and civic gatherings.
 
“It’s important to include our children in the conversation so they can learn and understand the history behind the women’s suffrage movement,” First Lady Melania Trump said.
 
“It is my hope that this project will both support and expand the important conversations taking place on equality and the impact of peaceful protests, while encouraging children to engage in the history behind this consequential movement in their own home state.”
 
Learn more about the First Lady’s exhibit. 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

From John Coutinho

It has been my honor to serve the Town over the last two decades on numerous boards and committees. Over that period Hopkinton has become one of the premier towns to live and work in Massachusetts. I am enormously proud of the achievements we have accomplished together. It is imperative that the new leadership team protect our wonderful community during these stressful economic times. I'm certain the residents of Hopkinton will expect nothing less.

Thank you
All the Best
John Coutinho

Two Illegal Handguns Discovered at Stop

BOSTON - June 29, 2020 — At 1:56 a.m. today Trooper Daniel Santa from the Massachusetts State Police-Tunnels Barracks conducted a motor vehicle stop for a defective headlight on Massachusetts Avenue at Newmarket Square, near the South Bay Shopping Center, and discovered that the vehicle operator did not have a license.  As the Trooper prepared to tow the vehicle, two passengers sprinted from the vehicle, with one dropping a loaded handgun. 

Troopers Miguel McGovern and Darius McPherson (who just completed his first week on break-in as a new Trooper) quickly ran after one passenger while Trooper Santa ran after the other.

  Troopers McGovern and McPherson noticed that the man they were chasing was holding something close to his right hip as he ran.  After a brief chase the man fell to the ground and gave up.  The two Troopers discovered yet another firearm on this suspect.  Trooper Santa apprehended the other passenger after a slightly longer pursuit.

Trooper Santa seized a .38 caliber revolver and a 9MM Taurus semi-automatic pistol.  Both firearms were fully loaded and had obliterated serial numbers.  The driver, AMANI D. PERKINS, 21, of Mattapan, was arrested for unlicensed operation and an equipment violations. The passengers were each arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and sundry other charges related to the recovered weapons. They are identified as KAMIYA SANTOS, 24, of Boston, and MALIK ACHABE RISE, 19, of Roxbury.

The three were expected to be arraigned today through the Roxbury District Court.

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

Support for John Coutinho for Reelection to the Select Board

Editor:

These are stressful times all around. Our National leadership has caused rifts between friends, neighbors and family members. Division has become the norm, with the so called ‘aisle’ widening as we succumb to the deafening rhetoric from Washington.

Have FAITH! This too shall pass. Hopkinton is an independent spirit. We shall overcome.

It is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT we vote for candidates who show strong leadership skills and have the experience to bring Hopkinton forward through this pandemic and alternate world tensions.

I am a registered Independent, grown from a staunch Democratic family. I lean left. Despite the fact that John Coutinho and I often differ in our political views, I will, with NO hesitation, cast my vote for him on Monday.

WHY?

• John has extensive and relevant experience, ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT NOW with this pandemic spreading and other race and world tensions. He has been on nine boards and committees over the past two decades in Hopkinton, including:

  • Zoning Advisory Board (ZAC) – 10+ years

  • Planning Board – 9 years

  • School Volunteer – 19 years

  • Board of Selectmen – 6 years

  • Liaison to – Police, Fire, Marathon Fund and several other committees

• Politics is not what drives John. He is committed to doing what is in the best interest of all, regardless of party line.

• John is a community builder and solid leader. He is collaborative and comes from a positive place. He builds bridges to boards and communities, facilitating cohesion.

• John is judicious. He will work hard to ensure we make decisions in the long-term best interest of all taxpayers.

• John is committed to the best in education! This is critically important now as we deal with distance learning challenges during this pandemic.

• John comes from a diverse background, from all perspectives. He supports and is accepting of all people. Regardless. Period.

• John is a good listener. He values your perspective. His track record speaks for itself. He is present for his constituents. I encourage you to reach out to him to decide for yourself at electjohnc@gmail.com , or at 508-801-5000.

• Finally, I trust John to do the right thing. He ALWAYS does.

In closing, we NEED consistent and relevant leadership. John has made great strides for us in Hopkinton. He knows the ropes.

I encourage you to vote for John Coutinho on June 29, 2020. He is the right candidate during these unprecedented times. He has the experience and the will, and I am confident John will lead Hopkinton to a better future.

Respectfully,

Ann Brady

19 Elizabeth Road

June 26, 2020

Support for John Coutinho for Reelection the the Select Board

Dear Editor,

As a lifetime resident of Hopkinton and a two term member of the Select Board I have watched John Coutinho closely over the last 5 years.  He is all about Hopkinton.  Sometimes he can confuse his audience (and me) when he rambles on but his intentions are pure.  John brings a ton of energy and commitment to the job.  He has served on the Board during some difficult times.  He keeps his eye on the big picture when making difficult decisions.  He always thinks about what is best for the town and certainly keeps our seniors and veterans in mind as he votes.  The next couple of years are going to be extremely difficult budget cycles.  We need John’s experience on the Board to keep the town on track.  Please join me and vote John Coutinho for Select Board this Monday at the Middle School. 

Brendan Tedstone 
45 Pleasant Street

June 26, 2020

Support for John Coutinho for Reelection to the Select Board

Editor:

Two weeks back I sat down with a cold beverage to watch the Select Board debate between John Coutinho and Amy Ritterbusch. Both candidates are good people and both care deeply about Hopkinton. I was surprised when it ended so abruptly. In the days following “the debate” numerous residents shared their frustrations with me about the tone of our local political dialogue. It seems the Town, like John Coutinho, is fed up with the abusive, nasty, snarky, misinformed and petty drivel some feel necessary to post on social media sites originally intended to foster healthy dialogue. “Key Board Warrior” is the term many use to describe those that post online but would never speak the same words in a public meeting or to an individual directly. On several occasions I have contacted those that have attacked me online and shared my cell phone number with them. I have encouraged them to call me directly. They never do.

John’s refusal to debate in this environment brought attention to an issue that has been growing in town for years. I am with John Coutinho ... enough with the accusations, personal attacks and blatant spread of misinformation. If you want the facts, please watch the public meetings held across our local government. If you want to voice your opinion, please step up to the microphone and voice it for all to hear. Defend your position in the public eye rather than posting a nasty gram, then deleting it, only after you have inflicted significant pain on others. We have serious financial issues to address in the coming months and years due to the pandemic. It’s time to denounce those that tear our community apart and work together towards achieving our collective community goals.

John and I don’t agree on everything. We do agree on moving Hopkinton forward in a positive manner. He has earned my vote with his leadership throughout this campaign, and his last 6 years on the Select Board. I hope his strong leadership has earned your vote as well.

Brian Herr
49 Hayden Rowe Street

June 26, 2020

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

    Heartfelt Support for John Coutinho for Re-election to Select Board

   Dear Editor,

John Coutinho is a man of upstanding character who is deeply dedicated to the town of Hopkinton. I grew up seeing him at the Memorial Day parade every year. Though we did not know each other well, we would always say hello.

One night when I was beginning to learn about politics, I found myself in an unfamiliar town after an event. I had a long walk ahead of me to a train station with a guy I worked with, but didn’t know super well. As it began getting dark, I became a little nervous. Luckily, John happened to be driving by. Without a second thought he offered to give us a ride out of his way to the train station so that we wouldn’t have to walk in an unfamiliar place in the dark. As a young woman, that small gesture to make sure I got to the station safely spoke volumes.

It was easy to tell that this kind of deed was automatic to John. I am not surprised to see stories similar to mine on Hopnews. John’s character is a model for everyone involved in our town government.

In fact, he was the Facility Director at Golden Pond when my Nonni lived there. She didn’t get visitors outside of our family often, but she knew John because he always went out of his way to say hello and see how she was doing.

John cares deeply for Hopkinton and wants what is best for all of its residents. He has worked tirelessly for many years to make Hopkinton a better place. I am confident that his dedication to our town, his business acumen, and above all his character make him the best candidate for the Select Board.

One of the most important things I learned during my four years of college in Washington, DC, is that the viciousness of politics at the national level is corrosive and hurts those who are most vulnerable. I look forward to coming back to Hopkinton because it is a tight-knit community of good people who know each other as neighbors and friends. We know each other’s stories and share experiences with one another that allow us to put ourselves above the national fray. In sharing my stories with you all, I hope you will consider John as he is — a good man and a dedicated servant to our community — and not as a false proxy for the hate in Washington.

Sincerely,

Bri Mirabile

10 Ledgestone Drive

June 25, 2020

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Ryan Hwang to Attend Berklee

Ryan Hwang is a drummer from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, who attended the Berklee City Music Preparatory Academy for four years. He is planning to study drums at Five-Week.
 
“During my time at Prep Academy, I benefited greatly from the program. It was a wonderful experience that improved many different areas of my musicianship, from instrumental skills to technical production. I can't wait for virtual Five-Week,” said Hwang. 

Police Seeking to Locate Man Charged in Connection with Fatal Shooting of Deija Mendez in Lowell

LOWELL - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Police Superintendent Kelly Richardson have confirmed that an arrest warrant has been issued in connection with the murder of Deija Mendez that occurred on June 23, 2020, in Lowell. 

Police are actively searching for Xavier DeJesus, 20, of Lowell. DeJesus is described as being approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds. The public should not attempt to approach him and should dial 911 or contact Lowell Police at 978-459-8477  immediately with any information.

The preliminary investigation suggests that on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Xavier DeJesus allegedly shot Deija Mendez, 23, of Boston outside a residence on Coral Street in Lowell while she was seated in the driver’s seat of a black Chevrolet Tahoe. Upon arrival at the scene, Lowell Police located Ms. Mendez suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Ms. Mendez was pronounced dead on the scene. 

DeJesus has been charged with murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, carrying a firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without an FID card in connection with the fatal shooting.  

The preliminary investigation suggests that DeJesus may have been known to the victim and that there was allegedly a dispute over the possession of a motor vehicle prior to the fatal shooting. 

This remains an active investigation. 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Support for Dawn Ronan for School Committee

I am pleased to endorse Dawn Ronan for School Committee. Dawn will be a powerful voice for our children because she always has the underdogs in mind: students who might have educational needs that don't fit in with the mainstream; children and parents for whom a policy is too expensive; or community members that might not be heard. Dawn was a fellow Girl Scout leader for many years and, while I served as the town Girl Scout Coordinator, Dawn was certain to come to me to make sure policies were fair to all and applied equally to all. Dawn Ronan will be an asset to the Hopkinton School Committee.

Stacy Spies
16 Alexander Rd
June 24, 2020

Support for Amy Ritterbusch for Select Board

With great enthusiasm, I endorse Amy Ritterbush for Hopkinton Select Board. I have known Amy for several years as a fellow Girl Scout leader and as a fellow member of the Historic District Commission and Claflin Fountain Restoration Committee. In her many endeavors, Amy is always exceptionally prepared and arrives with a thorough understanding of the facts before her. She ensures that the rules are followed and evenly applied. Hopkinton will be well-served by Amy's leadership on the Hopkinton Select Board.

Stacy Spies
16 Alexander Rd

June 24, 2020

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

The Hopkinton Cultural Council announces the 2020/2021 slate of officers.

One the June 18^th meeting of the Hopkinton Cultural Council that was held virtually the committee unanimously elected a new slate of officers which include:

Chair- Ilana Cassady

Treasurer- Jonathan Meltzer

Secretary and HPS Schools’ Liaison- Laura Stacey

PR Coordinator- Darlene Hayes

Membership Coordinator- Christine Enos

Grantee Reception Coordinator- Rick Jacobs

“I've had a good time being the chair these past three years. Thank you for all your help.” - Sterling Worrell

The Hopkinton Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 local Cultural Councils (LCC) serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature provides and annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

James Lawrence DeWolfe

HOPKINTON - Educator, Sailor, Car Guy, and History Buff passes after a long battle with cancer.

James Lawrence DeWolfe dies at the age of 76 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his brother Paul and sister-in-law Nancy of Hopkinton, MA, niece Michelle of Broomfield, CO, nephew Scott of Oakland, CA, and long time companion Nina Leblanc of Wellesley. He was born on May 19, 1944, in Framingham, MA. His friends call him Jim, and his family called him Uncle Jim.

Jim’s journey as a life long education started as a graduate of Boston University with a bachelor’s in education and later a Master’s degree in Guidance Counseling from Northeastern. He began his education career at Dublin Academy in New Hampshire as a history teacher, his most loved academic subject. He was also the skiing coach, baseball coach, and sailing instructor. Not only was Jim a sports coach, but he was also a huge football and basketball fan, cheering on the Pats and Celtics.

Jim last served for 32 years as a guidance counselor in Rehoboth. Jim was very active during his tenure in Rehoboth and was beloved by students and faculty alike. Jim’s commitment to education resonated in everything he did, and it was a common topic of conversation with his family. He always said that his college and graduate school experiences were transformative. He emphasized the importance of education countless times, and he can be remembered very well by his niece and nephew as saying, “education makes you think differently, that’s the difference it makes, it will help you make good decisions.” His advice still rings true today, and Jim also continued his learning as an avid reader of history and current events. In his last month, he was even quizzed about the Civil War by an attending nurse, and for a moment, he was stumped but quickly chimed in on the subject matter.

There is no doubt Jim is a real, “car guy,” with an impressive repertoire of facts, figures, and stories behind countless automobiles. His book and magazine collection certainly proves his car obsession. He owned various sports cars now considered classics and was always ready to talk about cars and talk talk talk he did. His son in law John Abel, another “car guy,” would talk for hours with Jim at holiday dinners and family vacations. Jim, also the family historian with an impeccable memory, would always fill in the gaps of a story with all the details and dialogue. No one remembered details like Jim!

Jim picked up golf after he retired from guidance counseling, and as he did with most of his interests, he became a golf fanatic. In addition to golf, Jim was interested in activities that could be described as very New England, if not very Massachusetts. He loved the ocean and boating, and of course Cape Cod. His father Forest built a cottage down the Cape in the early 1950s and that sparked a family love affair with the area.

His brother Paul is a professionally trained musician, and although Jim himself was not a musician, he was well versed in classical music and jazz, often visiting Symphony Hall and Tanglewood. Jim frequented Paul’s concerts as well in Fruitlands and various auditoriums and venues throughout Metrowest and Boston.

We will all keep Jim’s spirit alive and continue to enjoy the Cape, boating, classic cars, music, extol education, and maybe just maybe, continue to swing those damn golf clubs.

Jim last lived in Hopkinton, MA, where his mother Lillian grew up, and he is now in the care of Callanan Cronin Funeral Home. A graveside service is scheduled for June 25 at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Cemetery. Please send donations in memory of Jim to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

HOPKINTON, MA (June 23, 2020) - Vaping has become a huge problem for teens nationwide and to date, over 68 deaths have been confirmed in 30 states. For their Girl Scout Silver Award, Hopkinton Girl Scouts from Troop 65294 chose to focus on the dangers of vaping in adolescents. The girls hope to educate the parents and students in their community to create awareness and encourage changes in their behavior.

While researching this problem, the girls met with health teachers and administration faculty at the Hopkinton Middle and High Schools, pediatricians at local doctors office, the town’s Board of Health Director, Hopkinton Youth and Family Services, Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention and more. All of these groups supported the efforts of the girls and were invaluable with their assistance through this project.

The girls’ original plan was to create a “Hidden in Plain Sight” event to be held at the middle school in early May. This event was to focus on educating adults on how easy it is for adolescence to hide vape devices among their typical daily instruments, from cell phones to USB drives. They also developed a PSA for students at Hopkinton Middle School, and worked in collaboration with Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention to design and print pamphlets to be distributed at local pediatrician offices.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these Girl Scouts were forced to find a different way to complete their project. They decide the best way to reach out to their community was by creating a website. This website would include a digital version of their pamphlet, their PSA, and a survey to find out how much their community knew about vaping. To visit their website, click here ( https://les4072.wixsite.com/learnaboutvaping ).

Dawn Alcott, Director of Hopkinton Youth & Family Services and founding member of Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention, was very impressed by their project, and said, “[The girls’] maturity, determination, willingness to learn, ability to adapt, and care for their peers has been evident in every step from the early stages to completion of their Silver Award vaping prevention project."

A lot of people in Hopkinton and nearby communities have been directly or indirectly affected by this addictive device. The girls seek to make an impact that changes people’s perspectives toward vaping. They hope to teach that vaping is never worth the risk. Contributed Content.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities