DMSE SPORTS HELPING TO KEEP PEOPLE HEALTHY WHILE ALSO HELPING TO BRING BACK OUR SPORT

by Dave McGillivray

January 15, 2021 - I’ve always felt that what DMSE Sports does was special, that is, we help raise people’s self-esteem and self-confidence by giving them an opportunity to set a goal, accomplished it and then go home feeling good about themselves. Unfortunately, the pandemic temporarily put all of that on hold. As a result, we almost went out of business but we are better than that. Instead, like many others, we pivoted. We started doing drive-in movies and supporting outdoor restaurants and COVID test sites and doing a few virtual running events, especially for charity. However, what we have now committed to is arguably our greatest mission ever, that is, saving lives and keeping people healthy.

We are now engaged with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, CIC Health, the New England Patriots, Fallon Ambulance and Mass General Brigham in standing up a mass vaccination site at Gillette Stadium. Yesterday was opening day as we conducted a “soft” opening and vaccinated many first responders and medical personnel. Eventually, it is our collective goal to be vaccinating over 7,000 people a day. We will be working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day for perhaps 6 months – nonstop – with the goal of seeing everyone in the Commonwealth vaccinated.

DMSE Sports has been retained as the overall operations coordinator of the site. It is amazing how our event management skill set can be applied to running a massive vaccination site. And, to think this all came together in only a few short weeks. Matt West is leading the charge for us and doing a great job. Supporting cast is Ryan McGillivray, Aaron Nemzer, Tom Maglio, Tim Barry, Chris Troyanos and Andy Deschenes...so far. As we scale up, we may need to engage additional DMSE personell who have worked our race events for years.

One of our funniest experiences is the our DMSE team get regular emails “from the refrigerator” where the vaccine is stored letting us know the temperature inside. Never thought we’d be getting emails from a refrigerator but these are surely “unprecedented” times!

In addition to Gillette Stadium, we will also be standing up another mass vaccination site in a few weeks – Fenway Park! The great thing about all of this for us is that we have worked with both venues in producing events at these sites for years so we are already familiar with the venue and have great relationships with these organizations.

Here is a link to an article in the Boston Globe yesterday mentioning DMSE Sports.

So, while we are part of a team working to save lives, we are also grateful to be doing this as it is helping to save us, too, as an ongoing business. I’ve always said the “comeback is always stronger than the setback” and this is a perfect example of that.

Dave McGillivray is the Race Director of the Boston Marathon as well as the owner of DMSE Sports.

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Matthew J. Westbury, 26

Matthew J. Westbury, 26, died Sunday, December 27. He is survived by his loving parents, Jim, and Jeanne (Martens) Westbury; a younger brother, Drew Westbury, and a younger sister, Eliza Westbury, all of Hopkinton, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins within the family.

Matthew was born in Milford, December 2, 1994. He was a lifelong Hopkinton resident, attended school there, and as a youth, was active in Hopkinton town athletic programs. He excelled at basketball and loved everyone around him while playing it.  At the time of his passing, Matt was a merchandising agent at Lowe's.

Matt had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He loved animals immensely, drawing, was an avid reader, and closely followed politics and current events.

Matt's Funeral was a graveside service Monday, January 4, at 11:00AM,  in Pine Grove Cemetery, Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville. There were no Calling Hours. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Matt's memory may be made to  Learn To Cope, 4 Court St. Suite 110, Taunton, MA 02780, or online at  www.learn2cope.org. 

Hannelore Elisabet Scanlon Morin, 80

Hannelore Elisabet Scanlon Morin, 80, of Hopkinton, passed away Monday, December 21, 2020 following complications of Covid-19. Born in Walldurn, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Ottilia (Mackert) and Rudolf Lohlein. She was the wife of the late George B. Morin.  

Hannelore came to America in 1960 as a young bride. She immersed herself in classes to learn English and become a teacher… all while raising 3 children and working nights in a Woonsocket shoe factory. Once she became a teacher, Hanni spent her career dedicated to her students. Not only did she teach at St. Clare High School and then at Woonsocket High School, but she also helped develop curriculum in other high schools around the country. Hanni took great pride in educating her students and enriching their lives through learning. Hanni also had a great love for animals and there was always a sweet dog by her side. She was an incredible gardener with a gift for drawing the beautiful blossoms in her garden. In retirement, she became an accomplished pastel artist and sold some of her works in art galleries.   

Hannelore is survived by three daughters, Helga Tate and her husband, Scott of Hopkinton, MA.  Heide Fenste and her husband, Joe of CT, and Lori Lisa Beg of Virginia. She also leaves behind her siblings, Gertrud Bilyeau of Savannah, GA; Maria Martin and her husband, Manfred of Germany; and Georg Lohlein of Germany. She is predeceased by her brother, Karlheinz Lohlein. She will be missed by her 7 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Private family arrangements are taking place and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton MA,  www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Academy Metrowest Student Scholarship Fund (218 Speen Street, Natick MA 01760) or Bourbon County Animal Rescue (262 Hutchison Rd Paris, KY 40361)

Two Off-Duty Virginia Police Officers Charged in Federal Court Following Events at the U.S. Capitol

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plan To Begin Vaccinations for Congregate Care Facilities, Updates to Phase Two

Administrations outlines steps to move to next priority phase and begin shots for 83,000 Residents

BOSTON — January 13, 2021 — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration outlined plans to start vaccines for congregate care settings, the next priority group within Phase One of the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.

The Command Center also made updates to the first priority group in Phase Two of the distribution plan to include residents and staff of low income and affordable senior housing.

Congregate Care

Beginning Monday, January 18, vaccinations will begin at residential congregate care and shelter programs and correctional facilities within Phase 1 of the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 distribution plan. This will include over 94,000 eligible individuals, both residents and staff, across the Commonwealth.

This wave of vaccinations includes residential congregate care programs, including group homes, residential treatment programs, community-based acute residential treatment programs, and clinical stabilization service programs, emergency shelter programs including homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and Veterans’ shelters, and approved private special education schools which offer residential services and are approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and correctional facilities. Correctional facilities will also begin vaccinations for staff and inmates.

This week, congregate care vaccinations began at some facilities that enrolled in the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program with CVS and Walgreens.

Congregate Care facilities can vaccinate their residents, clients, and staff over the age of 16 through one of three vaccination options:

Option #1: Program “Self-Administration”

Organizations that have the capability to directly receive and administer COVID-19 vaccines can request vaccine from the Department of Public Health if they meet certain requirements.

Self-administering organizations must plan to vaccinate 200 individuals. However, the scale can be achieved by partnering with other organizations. For more information, visit the Congregate Care Vaccine page.

Option #2: Leverage Existing Pharmacy Partnerships or other Medical Provider Relationships

Programs with existing pharmacy partnerships can leverage these partnerships to administer COVID-19 vaccines. This includes programs that work with pharmacies to administer the regular flu vaccine clinics, and/or other existing relationships with local hospitals, health care practices, community health centers, university health centers, or VNAs.

Option #3: Mass Vaccination Sites

Mass vaccination sites can also be utilized by congregate care settings. Yesterday, the Commonwealth announced the opening of the first mass vaccination site at Gillette Stadium that will launch on Monday.

The Command Center is working to finalize plans for additional mass vaccination sites and expects additional provider and pharmacy vaccination sites to launch. These sites will require appropriate identification to establish you meet the congregate care prioritization criteria.

Correctional Facilities

Vaccination of staff and inmates of correctional facilities will also begin next week.

For the Department of Correction (DOC), vaccinations are expected to last for three weeks to inoculate all residents and staff.

The total population of DOC inmates and civilly committed persons is about 6,500 and the total number of staff is about 4,500, for a total of about 11,000.

Inmates will receive their vaccines from DOC’s medical provider, Wellpath, in the facilities. DOC is also working to establish regional vaccine sites for staff, who will receive their vaccines from Armstrong and Brewster Ambulance staff.

Houses of Correction run by the sheriffs will follow a similar procedure, with medical staff providing vaccines.

Updates to Phase Two

Residents and staff of public and private low income and affordable senior housing will now be included in step one of Phase Two of the vaccine distribution plan.

Similar senior facilities are already receiving vaccines through the FPPP as part of Phase 1 of the plan, so this change will bring the timetable for the other facilities more in line.

The revised vaccine distribution timeline will be reflected on www.mass.gov/covidvaccine later today.

~ Press release from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

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Baker-Polito Administration Announces Launch of First COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Site at Gillette Stadium

Foxboro Stadium Will Ramp Up To Inoculating 5,000 First Responders Per Day

BOSTON – January 12, 2021 - Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the first location for a COVID-19 mass vaccination site in the Commonwealth, located at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

These sites will initially be available to first responders and later other eligible individuals as the Command Center works through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.

This site will open with the capacity to do 300 vaccines per day, ramping up to administering up to 5,000 vaccines per day over time.

CIC Health will operate the site, with Brigham & Women’s Hospital as the medical director and Fallon Ambulance supporting the clinical staffing.

Eligible vaccine recipients will be able to schedule appointments on the state’s COVID vaccine website at mass.gov/COVIDvaccine and CIC Health’s website at www.cichealth.com/vaccines  .

The COVID-19 Command Center is working to set up additional mass vaccination sites throughout the Commonwealth, and more details will be available soon. ~ EOHHS.

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Half-staff Respect

Please be advised that as a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across this great Nation, and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

This gubernatorial order applies to:

1.  The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls

2.  Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings

3.  All state military installations

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Alabama Man Charged With Possession of Eleven Molotov Cocktails

Found Near Protest at U.S. Capitol

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Thirteen Charged in Federal Court Following Riot at the United States Capitol

Governor Baker Signs Health Care Legislation

BOSTON – January 8, 2020 — Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders to participate in a ceremonial signing of S.2984, An Act Promoting a Resilient Health Care System That Puts Patients First.

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito were also joined by Senator Cindy Friedman, Senator Julian Cyr, and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr to participate in the ceremonial signing. The Governor also acknowledged the work of Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, and other legislators for their work in advancing this comprehensive health care legislation.

The new law increases insurance coverage for telehealth services, expands the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, other specialized nurses, and optometrists, and takes steps to protect consumers from surprise medical bills. Recognizing the continuing impacts of COVID-19, the law also extends requirements for all insurance carriers in Massachusetts to cover COVID-19 testing and treatment. In addition, the legislation takes several steps to increase MassHealth member access to urgent care sites, including eliminating referral requirements before urgent care visits and requirements for care coordination with the member’s primary care physician.

Click here to learn more about the new law.

Main Street Corridor Project Update

Above, rendering of project concept.

HOPKINTON, MA (January 8, 2021) - The Pre-Construction meeting for the Main Street Corridor Project was held on Thursday, January 7. In attendance were representatives from town departments, MassDOT, contractor A.F. Amorello & Sons, Inc., public outreach firm City Point Partners, Town Engineering Consultant VHB, and utility companies.

MassDOT announced during the meeting that their survey crew is scheduled to be back onsite, weather permitting, starting on Tuesday, January 19th. They are scheduled to complete the right-of-way survey and start laying out project easements. The survey of the easements will require MassDOT survey personnel to work on private property.

Project Manager Tobias Pawlak-Silva, of A.F. Amorello & Sons, Inc. presented a preliminary construction schedule showing a construction crew starting work on the east side of the project (Ash Street to Route 85 intersection). The work will commence as early as weather permits, which could possibly be as early as March. The schedule also showed a second crew starting on the west side of the project (Wood Street to Route 85 intersection) shortly after the first crew started.

“Announcing the start of the construction for this project is a long awaited milestone,” said Town Manager Norman Khumalo. “We can now look forward to realizing the many benefits that will result from its completion.”

Also discussed at the meeting was the importance of the public outreach plan. Maintaining effective, two-way communication with stakeholders and abutters is an important goal of this project and will be achieved through continued and consistent community engagement. Public outreach for the project will be a coordinated effort between the town, VHB, MassDOT, the contractor, and the public outreach firm, City Point Partners and will include a dedicated Main Street Corridor Project website which will be updated on a weekly basis. A future press release will announce the formal launch of the project website.

For additional information or questions regarding the Main Street Corridor Project, please contact Town Engineer David Daltorio, P.E. at ddaltorio@hopkintonma.gov  or 508-497-9738. Above, Town of Hopkinton press release.

https://www.cleargov.com/massachusetts/middlesex/town/hopkinton/projects/120/main-street-corridor-project

Karen Harvey Cox, 72

Karen Harvey Cox, 72 of Hopkinton, Massachusetts passed away unexpectedly at home on January 6th. She is survived by her husband Edwin B. Cox Jr. of 33 years, daughters Ashley Cox of Hopkinton, MA and Sarah Cole and husband Michael Cole of Cary, NC. Along with her joy, three grands RJ and Brayden Gibson and Logan Cole. Also survived by her mother, Doris Harvey; sister, Susan Ann and husband, Bob Messier and niece Martha, Sister Lynne and Husband Steve Drinkwater.

Born in Queens, New York City, and growing up on Long Island, Karen was the daughter of Doris and Francis Harvey. Karen later traveled the world with her husband and two girls, including living in Hong Kong and Toronto, Canada, raising her family abroad.

Before starting a family, Karen was a successful businesswoman in Manhattan, NY working at Xerox and Morgan Stanley. With a lifelong love of art, Karen was also an accomplished water color and fabric design artist of more than 40 years. She was published in several magazines, including in 2015, when she was published in Victoria Magazine for her Hydrangea Cape Cod Pillow.

Karen is remembered as a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother (Mammaw). Her joy came from her family and creating beautiful things. Karen was a believer of Jesus and cherished her close relationship with Christ. She loved inspiring people with faith, sharing words of encouragement, and hope through her artwork. She was the writer and self publisher of several children’s books including, “The Thankful Coat," which is taught in classrooms around the world today.

A private memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Karen was an avid long time supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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Governor Baker Signs Police Reform Legislation

BOSTON – January 7, 2021 — Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined legislators and public safety officials to participate in a ceremonial signing of S.2963, An Act Relative to Justice, Equity and Accountability in Law Enforcement in the Commonwealth.


Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito were also joined by Senate President Karen Spilka, Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano, Senator William Brownsberger, Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, Representative Claire Cronin, Representative Russell Holmes, Representative Chynah Tyler, MA Chiefs of Police Association President Ed Dunne, and former MA Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers President Larry Ellison to participate in the ceremonial signing.


The legislation will create a mandatory certification process for police officers, increases accountability and transparency in law enforcement and gives police departments a greater ability to hire or promote only qualified applicants. The new law also identifies the general circumstances under which police officers can use physical force, and places strict limits on the use of so-called ‘no-knock warrants.’ In addition, the legislation requires law enforcement to seek a court order when conducting a facial recognition search except in emergency situations.

Click here to learn more about the new law.

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UNIBANK TO HOST FREE UNIPAY PAYMENT WEBINAR FOR
BUSINESSES AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:
February 24, 2021

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


Join Kristy Genga, AVP from UniPay by UniBank for a 45-minute webinar on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 1 pm to learn how this solution can help your business or non-profit and enhance your revenue collections!


All attendees will be entered to win a $50 Staples gift card. Sweepstakes to win $50 Staples gift card is subject to complete official rules which are available at www.unibank.com/  . Register at www.unibank.com/ . No purchase or account required to enter or win.


To register, visit www.unibank.com/ .


UniBank is rooted in the Blackstone Valley with assets of $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2020. A full-service, mutually owned community bank, UniBank has branches in Central Massachusetts and the MetroWest region of Massachusetts. UniBank is dedicated to contributing to the overall quality of life and economic health of the communities it serves, while maintaining a high level of financial soundness and integrity. UniBank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC and Member DIF. UniBank NMLS #583135. The company website is www.unibank.com .

Hopkinton Town Clerk Connor Degan on Personal facebook Page

"I do not usually share things of a political nature on social media, but this is more than that.

"I absolutely and unequivocally condemn the terrorists that assaulted the United States Capitol, the very symbol of our democracy, in an attempt to prevent the peaceful transition of power, a cornerstone of our democratic system. We have stood as a powerful union and as a beacon of hope, we must now save that reputation through strong leadership in years to come and by ending this attempted insurrection on the government of "We the People" by an angry mob that wishes to usurp our voices through violent actions."

from the facebook page of Connor Degan.

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NEWTON – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has confirmed the identity of the man shot by police in Newton yesterday as Michael Conlon, 28, of Newton.

On January 5, 2021 at approximately 1:43 p.m., Newton Police received the following 911 call from the owner of “Indulge!”, a candy store, reporting a man with a knife. The call can be heard here.

Police were dispatched to the location. The radio transmission can be heard here.

Two Newton Police Officers, one in plainclothes and one uniformed, arrived first on scene and located the 28-year-old male, who lived on the second floor of the building, holding a knife in the second floor hallway of the building.

Upon arrival police called for additional police officers and a negotiator. A clinician with mental health expertise arrived on scene before the shooting but did not enter the building due to safety concerns since the man was armed with a knife.

Additional Newton Police officers arrived on scene as well as two Massachusetts State Police troopers.

Mr. Conlon allegedly fled to the third floor, followed by police. There are two apartments on the third floor. A woman who resides on that floor of the building fled her apartment, allowing officers to enter her home creating distance from Mr. Conlon, who was in the hallway. Officers on scene spoke with Mr. Conlon, responding to his requests, offering to contact his family and requesting that he drop the knife. Mr. Conlon became confrontational with police, arming himself with a metal fire extinguisher in addition to the knife.

The preliminary investigation suggests that after Mr. Conlon refused to comply with verbal commands to drop the knife, Newton Police attempted to deploy less than lethal force. A Massachusetts State Police Trooper also deployed a Taser that failed to subdue him. Mr. Conlon allegedly advanced on officers while still holding the knife in a threatening manner. Two Newton Police officers fired their service weapons striking the man. Based on radio transmissions from Newton Police, the shots were fired at approximately 2:11 p.m.

The man was transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Newton Police Officers involved in the altercation have been placed on temporary paid administrative leave.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. The cause and manner of death are pending a ruling by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito issued the following statements:

“I join with Americans from every corner of the country to condemn the violence unfolding at the Capitol, and President Trump and his supporters must do the same immediately,” said Governor Baker. “The chaos now unfolding is the sad but predictable outcome of weeks of attacks, perpetrated by President Trump and his supporters against the democratic process that makes America the greatest nation on earth, and these baseless challenges to President-elect Biden’s victory must stop.”

“The horrific violence unfolding at the Capitol is an attack on our democracy and should be condemned without qualification by President Trump and his supporters,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “It is time for all Americans to embrace a peaceful transition of power and move forward to heal our nation.”

Akston Biosciences and LakePharma Announce Strategic Partnership to Manufacture Second-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine

SAN CARLOS, Calif., Jan. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Akston Biosciences, which develops new classes of biologic therapeutics, and LakePharma, a leading U.S.-based CRDMO serving the biotechnology community, announced today that they have established a strategic partnership. LakePharma will manufacture commercial quantities of Akston's adjuvated COVID-19 vaccine candidate (AKS-452), which is scheduled to begin Phase 1/2 clinical testing later this month.AKS-452 is the most advanced COVID-19-specific Fc fusion protein vaccine in commercial development and is engineered to induce or boost a Th1/Th2 mixed immune response in patients against the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spike protein. The inherent nature of this construct provides a unique combination of benefits compared to nucleic acid, viral-vectored, and inactivated virus vaccines. [Editor's note: Lake Pharma has a facility on South Street in Hopkinton].

Unlike other vaccines that must be kept refrigerated or even deep-frozen for transport and storage, AKS-452 has been shown to be shelf-stable for weeks at up to 37 degrees Celsius (95°F). This greatly simplifies distribution and is critically important for vaccinating the billions of people not served by sophisticated and costly cold-chain transportation.

Akston has engineered AKS-452 to use conventional antibody manufacturing techniques, such that with multiple batches over one year, a single 2,000-liter production train would be capable of producing over one billion doses.

"Our objective is to provide a practical solution to the problem of vaccinating and if need be, boosting the immunity of people all over the world against the SARS-CoV-2 virus," said Todd Zion, Ph.D., President & CEO of Akston Biosciences. "Our team realized early on that our fusion protein platform could be used to design a vaccine that checked all the boxes – transportable at ambient temperatures, produced at very low cost, and suitable for repeated dosing if immunity wanes. Partnering with LakePharma gives us great confidence that we can ramp up quickly to deliver large quantities of AKS-452 on a commercial basis."

"LakePharma started working on various COVID-19 activities in February 2020 and was among the first companies to provide recombinantly-produced SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins for diagnostic and therapeutic development," said Hua Tu, Ph.D., President, and CEO of LakePharma. "We bring three critical components to this partnership: our experience in making SARS-CoV-2 proteins, our stable CHO-GSN technology, and most importantly, the use of the cGMP manufacturing suite in our Hopkinton, MA facility. We have worked with Akston and its fusion protein therapeutics since 2015, and this experience means we can transition AKS-452 into large-scale production very rapidly."

Tip of the HopNews hat to Ed Thompson for the news tip!

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NEWTON – January 5, 2021 — Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has confirmed that today at approximately 1:43 p.m. Newton Police received a 911 call from a business located on Lincoln Street in Newton for what the dispatcher interpreted as a robbery. Two Newton Police Officers, one in plain clothes and one uniformed arrived first on scene and located a 28-year-old male, who lived on another floor of the building, in possession of a knife. After police arrived on scene, the man fled upstairs and was pursued by police to the third floor.

Police called for backup including additional police officers and a clinician with mental health expertise. Additional officers arrived on scene including Newton Police and two Massachusetts State Police troopers who had just completed a uniformed detail on Commonwealth Avenue and who heard the radio call and also responded to the scene.

During the subsequent interaction, Newton Police deployed less than lethal force using a beanbag shot gun. At 2:01 p.m., a Massachusetts State Police Trooper also deployed a Taser that failed to subdue the suspect. Newton Police fired striking the man. The man was transported to Newton Wellesley hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Several officers also received treatment at area hospitals but were not seriously injured during the incident.

The name of the man is being withheld at this time pending next of kin notification. We are still in the early stages of this investigation. The facts and circumstances of the altercation are part of that investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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January 2021 Project Update — Preliminary Work Continues

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will replace bridges on I-90 east and westbound over Flanders Road in Westborough and Parkerville Road, Cordaville Road, and Woodland Road in Southborough. The replacement of the eight bridges (2 spans per bridge) will take place over eight weekends in summer 2021.

The contractor and its subcontractors began preliminary work to prepare for major construction on December 2.

Throughout the month of December, the project team completed the following work:

• • A site walk to identify invasive plant species at each of the bridges for removal prior to the start of major construction;

• • Setting up sound monitoring equipment to measure pre-construction sound levels to develop a noise management plan; and

• • A survey of existing conditions on I-90.

•  

Preliminary work will continue in January with additional off-peak lane closures on I-90 to collect survey data and relocate a fiber optic cable underground in the Flanders Road southbound shoulder. The Flanders Road work will take place Monday through Friday during daytime hours.

Public information meetings will be scheduled throughout the project. Please be sure to sign up for the email list to receive meeting notices and project updates.

For more information about the project and to sign up to receive project updates and meeting notices, please visit the website at www.mass.gov/acceler-8-i-90-bridge-replacements-project.

For questions or to report issues related to the work to the project team, please email A8@dot.state.ma.us.

MassDOT urges those traveling through the area to obey posted speed limits and use caution. The schedule for this major infrastructure project is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

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Newton, MA -- Congressman Joe Kennedy III today released a thank you letter to the constituents of the 4th Congressional District.  After serving MA-4 for four terms, Kennedy ends his service today. 
Originally posted on social media, the letter is pasted in full below: 

To the 4th District: 
 
This is simply a note to say thank you.
 
It has been the honor of my professional career to represent you in Congress for the last eight years.
 
There have been the big moments: Watching President Obama sign my very first bill into law. Getting to deliver the Democratic response to President Trump’s first State of the Union from Diman Voc-Tech here in the 4th District. Working with heroes of mine like John Lewis and Dolores Huerta. Traveling to new places, giving big speeches, meeting some of the most incredible and inspiring people you can imagine.
 
But what will stick with me most are the small moments, the personal ones. Like the first time I ever gave a speech on the House floor. It was to honor the late Dr. Irving Fradkin, a tireless education advocate from Fall River. I was nervous. I spoke too fast. (I always speak too fast!) But it was where I understood, maybe for the first time, what an incredible platform this job affords you, and how you can use it to shine light where light is most needed or deserved.
 
There were all of the late, unremarkable nights with my staff in our messy office, hammering out the details of some complex legislative puzzle and wondering how I got so lucky to do this work day in and day out with people I respect and love.
 
And all the memories here at home, in the 4th. Donning waders and getting knee-deep in the cranberry bogs. Touring the ships at Battleship Cove. Getting my fill at Morin’s or Zaftig’s or Portugalia or Oliva’s or Off Broadway. Walking in your 4th of July parades, visiting your schools, meeting your families… all of that political work that maybe sounds cliché, but means so much to those of us serving. It’s how we stay connected, how we understand what you and your community need. It’s what makes this work so unbelievably worthwhile.
 
This isn’t always an easy job. It’s a lot of time on airplanes, a lot of time away from home and family -- there were plenty of late nights in some crowded committee room on the Hill where I’d wonder why the heck I was here and not home with Lauren, Ellie and James.
 
But you reminded me. Every single day, you reminded me. When you walked into my Washington office and shared your most vulnerable stories, to explain why a piece of legislation was so important. When you pulled me aside at the Whole Foods across the street from our Newton office while grabbing lunch, or the Dunks in Taunton to say thank you. When you showed up at my office hours in your city or town -- maybe to ask for help, maybe to give me hell for a vote you didn’t agree with, but often just to talk.
 
I’m going to miss that. I’m going to miss our talks and visits, my weekly drives up and down Route 24. (Being stuck in endless traffic at the I-93 split? Not so much.)
 
But of course, this isn’t good-bye. I’m excited to be home more. I hope I’ll see you often. I’m counting on us staying in touch.
 
Thank you for the trust you put in me. I didn’t take one minute of it for granted.
 Joe Kennedy III

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January 1. 2021 — Happy New Year! I’m very please to announce that Governor Baker has signed ‘An Act promoting a resilient health care system that puts patients first’ today.

This pandemic has brought an urgency to the need to make quality healthcare more accessible to all.

By eliminating barriers to care, protecting patients from surprise billing practices, and advancing our state’s support for community hospitals, testing sites and medical staff, this comprehensive legislation will equip healthcare providers to truly put patients first.

I am particularly happy that rate parity for telehealth services will remain a permanent option for Massachusetts patients – thereby expanding efficiency in care while reducing stress for everyone involved.

I want to offer my thanks to Senator Friedman, Speaker Mariano and their fellow conferees for their hard work, as well as former Speaker DeLeo for his partnership in advancing these significant reforms, and Governor Baker for signing this important bill.

Karen E Spilka, Massachusetts Senate President 

Renato 'Ray' Agapito Angelone, 94

Renato 'Ray' Agapito Angelone, 94, of Framingham, MA, passed away the evening of Saturday, December 26, 2020. He was 94 years young, and had fully intended to live to see age 100. Ray is reunited with his beloved wife, Dorothy, of almost 50 years. He was so proud of his family and that was how he defined his own success in life. Ray valued the pursuit of education and work ethic and was a loyal employee of Raytheon and an Army veteran.
 
He generously shared his hard-earned wisdom to instill such values in his children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. Ray loved to garden and was well-known for perfect tomatoes, which he himself did not like to eat, but was eager to share with his family and friends. He had a brilliant mind for mathematics and enjoyed reciting the multi-digit value of pi as well as running complex calculations in his mind for relaxation. He enjoyed playing cards, monitoring the stock market, and writing letters to politicians to share his opinions.
 
A true Boston sports fan, watching the Red Sox and Patriots brought him much joy. Above all, his greatest pride and joy in life was seeing his family, extended family, and friends be successful in life. He will be missed by his daughter Julie Hamm and her husband Richard, his son Raymond Angelone and his wife Stephanie, and his daughter Kathleen Mitchell and her husband David; as well as seven grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Brian, John and Lauren Hamm, Aeden and Lilia Angelone, and Owen and Abigail Mitchell.
 
Born in Newton, MA to immigrants Agapito and Domenica Angelone, he was the beloved brother to the late Luigi Angelone, the late Leticia Angelone, Bertha D'Ercole, Gino Angelone and the late Rita Angelone. Ray also leaves his extended family and friends who will miss his love, intelligence, and encouragement. The family is in the process of making arrangements with Duckett-Waterman Funeral Home in Sudbury for a private family service due to current health restrictions.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hope Walks (https://nwh.rallybound.org/hopewalks/  Donate). For online guest book, please visit www.Duckett-Waterman.com/ 
Full obituary is here.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

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

Alberta Inez Irvine, 92

Alberta Inez Irvine, 92, of Framingham and formerly Hopkinton, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Born in Dover, Delaware she was the daughter of the late Cora (McCauley) and Frank Wilson.

She was the beloved wife of 21 years to Wallace “Wally” Irvine of Hopkinton. Wally and Alberta met later in life after both losing their spouses to cancer. They met and fell in love at a bereavement group and married two years later in 1999. They were devoted to each other in every way possible and moved together to Brookdale Cushing Park. The pandemic could not keep these two love birds apart. Wally continued to visit when possible and utilized technology to keep in contact with her during times he could not. Alberta enjoyed baking and cooking. She was an avid seamstress and gardener.

Besides her husband, Alberta is survived by two children, John Guildford and his significant other, Linda Pacquette of Upton, and Jennifer Kile and her husband, Robert of Wentzville, Missouri. She also leaves behind her step-daughter, Nancy Irvine Mooradian and her husband, Dave of North Carolina; four grandchildren, Melissa Derner and her husband, Jason, John Guildford JR, and Andrew and Timothy Kile; as well as four great-grandchildren, Alba Jean Kile, Kinsley Staub, Aiden Harris and Henry Derner. She is predeceased by her first husband, John Guildford and two sisters, Lelia Hally and Marion Temple.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, January 15th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 5:00 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com/  Interment will be held at a later date.

Hopkinton Women’s Club

Announcement for January 11, 2021 meeting

The Hopkinton Women’s Club will be holding its monthly meeting January 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.. The meeting will be on Zoom. Please join us. To receive a ZOOM invitation, contact Judith Weinthaler, membership chair, at HopWCMembership@gmail.com. We welcome visitors from Hopkinton and surrounding communities. The program, following a business meeting, will be “Simple Strategies to Improve Your Nutrition” by Danielle Allen, Nutritionist. For more information about the HWC:https://hopkintonwomensclub.org/

The HWC is now celebrating its 100^th year! Our mission is to improve our community through volunteer service. Our focus is scholarships for Hopkinton students, families in need, and support for local charities.

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John Joseph Nally, 51

John Joseph Nally, 51, of North Attleboro, MA passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2020 at his residence as he awaited a kidney transplant.

Born in Attleboro, MA on July 14, 1969, he was a son of the late Kenneth Francis Nally, Sr. and the late Carolyn Ann (Mullen) Nally.  He was a lifelong resident of the Town of North Attleboro and was a 1987 graduate of North Attleboro High School.

He was currently employed as an Operations Assistant for New England Interior Specialties in Norfolk, MA a position he held for more than 27 years.

Family and friends were of great importance to him. John would rarely turn down a round of golf with his friends and family often with some trash talking along the way. John had a passion for listening, talking about and playing music. His heart bleed black N gold for his beloved Boston Bruins and was an ardent fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, The PGA Tour, and Boston Celtics. 

He leaves his siblings: Kenneth F. Nally, Jr. of North Attleboro, MA; Jeffrey Nally of Providence, RI; Beverly Higgins of Goose Creek, South Carolina; Kathi Mullen of North Attleboro, MA; Nancy J. Korslund of New Jersey; Arthur C. Kistner, Jr. of Alaska; Clifford Kistner of Upton, MA, and Kenny Kistner of Iowa.

John also leaves his beloved cat Phooey behind whom he had for fourteen years.

He also leaves two generations of nieces and nephews, extended family members and many dear friends.

With strict adherence to applicable Covid-19 health precautions, including social distancing and the mandatory use of facemasks, a PRIVATE visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro 5-7 pm, followed by a PRIVATE Funeral Service.

Private burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Attleboro Falls, MA.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org/donation

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com/  .

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200

Fall Boston Marathon Date Not Yet Confirmed

December 29, 2020 — Around 11AM today we shared the following short holding statement on the Boston Marathon and B.A.A. twitter and Facebook channels:

Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, we will not be able to confirm a fall Boston Marathon date until early 2021. The B.A.A. will continue to work with city and state officials in preparation for a safe return to in-person racing in the fall.

Kendra Butters
Director of Communications
Boston Athletic Association

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ABCC New Year’s Eve Enforcement to Combine

Impaired Driving Crackdown and COVID Safety Standards

 "Well over 50% of impaired driving arrests originate at bars"

BOSTON – This New Year’s Eve will require additional efforts by the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) enforcement team. In addition to its annual impaired driving program, agency Investigators will be ensuring that restaurants and bars throughout the Commonwealth comply with COVID Safety Standards and the 10 PM mandatory night-time closing period. 

“This holiday season is unlike any other and for that reason alone we must remain diligent,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. “We want to ensure that everyone is celebrating the holiday safely, while also limiting the risk of exposure to themselves and loved ones.”

To date, Investigators have found the majority of restaurants to be in compliance with the Governor’s Orders and Safety Standards. Facility layouts are maintaining proper distancing and restaurant staff and patrons have been wearing proper facial coverings. However, 38 bars have had their liquor licenses indefinitely suspended, when the commission found that they had flagrantly violated the Safety Standards while several more have pending hearings.

Treasurer Goldberg announced today that the impaired driving enforcement efforts will focus on bars previously identified as those most frequently known to sell alcohol to a convicted drunk driver. In addition to police stops of impaired drivers, Sale to Intoxicated Persons (SIP) enforcement by the ABCC is considered an effective tool by Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) officials nationwide. These officials agree that consistent enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to intoxicated persons is vital to impaired driving prevention, as well as an overall reduction in criminal activity.

“These efforts support safer roads throughout Massachusetts,” added Treasurer Goldberg. “This kind of enforcement establishes a long-term deterrence for bar owners from over-serving, helping keep the public safe.”

Alcohol is involved in 40% of traffic crash fatalities resulting in 17,013 fatalities and injuring an estimated 275,000 people annually. Data indicates that well over 50% of impaired driving arrests originate at bars. Contributed content.

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka

“I wish to offer my sincerest congratulations to my partner and friend, House Speaker Bob DeLeo, as he embarks on the next chapter of his long and accomplished career. It has been an honor to work with him to improve the lives of our residents, families, and communities, and help our businesses throughout the Commonwealth. I know the Speaker has definitely made his mark on our state, and the impact of his work will be felt for years to come.”

Senate President Karen E. Spilka
D-Ashland

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Unarmed Robbery of Dunkin' 78 West Main St, Hopkinton

December 27, 2020 — At 9:15 pm on Saturday, December 26th, the Hopkinton Public Safety Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a robbery at 78 West Main Street. Uniformed patrols responded and set up a perimeter. Hopkinton Police K9 responded as well as resources from the Milford Police Department, Upton Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police including uniformed troopers and a K9 Team. The Hopkinton canine as well as the State Police canine attempted to track the suspect. Hopkinton Police Detectives were also on location and have processed the crime scene as well as obtained video footage of the robbery. 
 
The suspect is described as a White Male 5’7-6’0 wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, tan winter gloves, and a black face mask. The female clerk working was not injured. Anyone who witnessed or has any information regarding this incident should contact Detective Deboer at the Hopkinton Police Detective Bureau at 508-497-3401 ext. 1279 or the Crime Tip Line at 508-497-9785  Contributed content.

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

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

495/MetroWest Partnership Welcomes Hopkinton Board Members

Congratulations Extended from Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce

Hopkinton - The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to extend its congratulations to two familiar and respected local leaders who were recently elected to the Board of Directors of the 495/MetroWest Partnership.

On her selection Shingleton said that, “I am proud to join a group of regional business government leaders who play an effective and important role in a wide range of issues, all with the goal of strengthening ties between the public and private sectors.” Contributed content.

Ethan Andrew Bagge, age 22

Ethan Andrew Bagge, age 22, of Holliston, passed away on December 18, 2020. Born in Boston, he was the son of Ruthanne Schill and Michael Bagge and brother to Nathaniel Bagge, all of Holliston. He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Lovingly known as “E”.

Ethan loved music, hockey(Demons Hockey Team), tennis, hiking and camping. A profound writer and philosopher with an artistic soul, Ethan will be deeply missed by those who loved him…his family, friends, teammates, roommates and camping buddies…and he loved them back.

Mental illness is a devastating disease which we hope someday will be understood. This understanding of the disease just did not happen soon enough to save our precious Ethan.

A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, December 29th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com/ 

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

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Barbara F. Strickler, 86

Barbara F. Strickler, 86, of Hopkinton, passed away on December 11, 2020. Born in Bergen, New Jersey, she was the only child of the late Bertha (Kluger) and David Fogelman. She was the wife of 57 years to the late Lawrence J. (Jerry) Strickler.

Barbara had a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and a Masters in Special Education. In the early years of her career, she was a speech therapist with United Cerebral Palsy, and after obtaining her graduate degree, was the Director of the Children’s Program at CHI-Centers in Silver Spring, Maryland, serving children under the age of five with physical disabilities and special needs.

 
Barbara was very outgoing and had a great sense of humor. She made friends easily and cherished the time she spent with her friends and family. She was an avid reader and loved shopping. She loved animals, particularly her cat and companion, Mattie.

Barbara is survived by two children, Jill Strickler-Page and her husband, Malcolm, of Hopkinton, Massachusetts and Scott Strickler and his fiancée, Lorena Velarde, of Boyds, Maryland. Barbara also leaves behind four grandchildren, Jessica Page and her wife, Christina McKee, Ryan Page,Megan Strickler and Andrew Strickler.

A special thank you to all the staff at Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton, the staff at PNPS Nursing Services in Hopkinton, especially her aide and companion, Aimee, and the staff of Brookhaven Hospice, especially Mike and Nane. Your love and support are truly appreciated.

Private family arrangements are being held and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com/  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

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First State Employee in the Commonwealth, a Janitorial Supervisor, Received COVID-19 Vaccination at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital

BOSTON – Earlier today, the first state employee in the Commonwealth received the COVID-19 vaccination at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital. This front-line worker is a janitorial supervisor who has worked at the hospital for 30 years. Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a fully accredited teaching facility that provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care to patients referred by public agencies and private sector providers.

The first state employee to receive the COVID-19 vaccination was front-line worker Sophal “Paula” Soth, 55, an Environmental Services Supervisor at Shattuck Hospital. Soth, a native of Cambodia, began working as a janitor at Shattuck 30 years ago and is now supervises a janitorial team. Shattuck Chief Operating Officer Virginia McErlane and Chief Nursing Officer Justin Douglas were also present at the vaccination.

“The vaccination is important in helping protect me from COVID,” Soth said. “When I was told I had the opportunity to take the vaccine and that I was the first state employee, I felt honored.”

“The federal authorization and allocation of a COVID-19 vaccine has given us hope for the beginning of the end of this devastating pandemic,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “Today marks an important day in public health, and I am so appreciative of the hard work and commitment from each and every state employee during this unprecedented time.”

“I’m so pleased to see COVID-19 vaccination is taking place across the state, including in our public health hospitals,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel. “Massachusetts has placed equity at the core of our COVID response and it is essential that all of our front-line workers receive this critical vaccine.”

The Shattuck Hospital manages 255 inpatient beds, and an array of outpatient services, including surgical services, 26 outpatient specialty clinics and comprehensive radiological imaging and clinical laboratory services. The Hospital's services help economically and socially disadvantaged patients to get high quality, cost-effective care from a staff that respects their dignity.

On December 9, the Baker-Polito Administration announced allocation and distribution plans for the first round of COVID-19 vaccine shipments to Massachusetts. The state’s first shipment of 59,475 doses of the Pfizer vaccine was ordered from the federal government on December 4 and was delivered directly to 21 hospitals across 8 counties, as well as to the State Public Health Laboratory. Doses were then redistributed for access to 74 hospitals across all 14 counties for front-line medical workers.

The next 40,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine will be allocated to the Federal Pharmacy Program to begin vaccinating staff and residents of skilled nursing facilities, rest homes and assisted living residences. The COVID-19 vaccine is being prioritized for these groups to reduce serious illness, maximize preservation of life, and to support the health care system. Based on information at this time, Massachusetts is expecting 266,000 first doses of the vaccine to be delivered by the end of December. The first vaccines, manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer, will require two doses administered 3-4 weeks apart.

Click here to view the administration’s vaccine website: www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine .

Click here to view the administration’s vaccine presentation:https://www.mass.gov/doc/ma-covid-19-vaccine-presentation-1292020

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions

The 2021 Annual Town Meeting will commence on Monday, May 3, 2021. Please be advised that articles may be submitted to the Select Board/Town Manager’s office at this time. In accordance with the Town Charter, the warrant will close on February 2, 2021. Article language must be submitted to the Select Board/Town Manager’s office by Feb. 2, 2021, via email as a shared Google Doc or in Microsoft Word format, to Elaine Lazarus at elainel@hopkintomma/gov , or on paper by mailing to Town Manager’s Office, 18 Main St., Hopkinton MA 01748, or by using the Drop Box at the front door of Town Hall. Please see the Guide for Citizen Petitioners on the Town website for information about submitting articles by petition, at https://www.hopkintonma.gov/Petitioners%20Guide%20Feb.%202020.pdf

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HINT: Choose the YouTube link and then go full screen

The holiday season is in the air and students across the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras have been working diligently on festive projects to share the joy of classical music with our community. We're thrilled to share this special production of Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride' featuring the young musicians of our Repertory Orchestra (REP).

BYSO, like so many others, is operating virtually with our 550 young students from throughout New England. Though it is not easy making music from a distance, we are proud of the work our students do from afar and their dedication to creating music “together”.

While we look forward to a time where we can all enjoy music in person once again, we hope this production brings a little bit of holiday cheer to you and the community!

Wishing you health and happiness and Happy Holidays!

Contributed.

 HOPKINTON, MA (December 17, 2020) - The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved the proposed tax rate for the Town of Hopkinton for fiscal year 2021. The new tax rate for commercial, industrial, and business personal property will shift from $16.80 to $17.07 per $1,000 of assessed value; and for residential property from $16.82 to $17.08. The residential tax rate is one cent per $1,000 of assessed valuation higher because Hopkinton has adopted limited means tested tax exemptions for qualifying seniors, and those exemptions are funded out of the residential tax base.

The average value of a residential home in Hopkinton in 2021 is $655,500, up from $632,500 in 2020 (+3.6%); and the tax bill for that average home will be $11,196, up from a $10,638 tax bill for the average home in 2020. Between the change in the tax rate and the change in the taxable value of property, the combined tax impact on the typical residential property that was already on the tax rolls in 2020 will be 3.8%, with 2.8% tied to increases in spending approved by Town Meeting, and 1.0% tied to special debt for new classroom construction outside the tax levy limit approved by Town voters in February 2020.

The total valuation of property in Hopkinton in 2021 is $4.50 billion, up $218 million (4.9%) from 2020, reflecting both an increase in existing property values and new growth in the tax base from construction, improvements, and increased value in taxable business equipment.

“Hopkinton is continuing to grow in both the amount of property and in the value of existing properties”, said Lesley Ficarri, Chair of the Hopkinton Board of Assessors. “Even with the impacts of COVID-19 and the buildout of Legacy Farms, it’s reasonable to think that Hopkinton’s total property valuation will reach $5 billion dollars within three years.”

Town Manager Norman Khumalo added: “While COVID-19 is having severe impacts on many in our community, Hopkinton’s growth and increasing diversity are a bright spot on the horizon. The Town is working to manage both the benefits and challenges of growth, with a specific focus on helping those in need while preserving excellence in services, including public safety and the top-rated Hopkinton Public School system.”

When asked how the value of existing homes could rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town’s Chief Assessor John Neas explained that there are really two reasons. “First, by state law, our 2021 property values must be based on the values from January 1, 2020, which was before the pandemic hit; so any change that might have occurred from COVID-19 wouldn’t show up until the 2022 valuation,” said Neas. “Secondly, and this was something of a surprise, recent home sales show very clearly that Hopkinton’s market values have continued to rise during the pandemic as more people want to move to less crowded suburbs, and especially to towns like Hopkinton with excellent public school, government services, and high public safety ratings.” Press Release

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Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

St. John the Evangelist
From the desk of Fr. Cannon:

Our Christmas Mass schedule has changed for this year. Please see our website: www.stjohnhopkinton.com/  for more information and to make a reservation to guarantee a seat at Mass.

CHRISTMAS EVE: (Thurs. 12/24) 3PM, 5PM & 6:30 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY: (Friday 12/25) 8 &10AM

Hopkinton, International Marathon Center [IMC] Agreement Memorialized

December 17, 2020 - As reported following Tuesday's meeting of the Select Board, the Town of Hopkinton and the 26.2 Foundation hammered out, according to Town Manager Norman Khumalo,  "A 99-year lease in the amount of $2 per year plus any additional rent including sums paid to the Town paid to cure any event of default."

 

Asked for comment, 26.2 Foundation Chairman Michael Neece said, “The nineteen acres offer an utterly unique and memorable site on which to locate a cultural institution the size and scope of the planned IMC, which will offer revolving interactive exhibits, a sculpture garden, access to passive and active recreational activities, and exhibit space all inspired by 26.2-mile endurance run known as the marathon.

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Pain Medicine Physician Appointed to Milford Regional Medical Staff

MILFORD-Milford Regional is pleased to welcome pain medicine specialist, Edward Michna, MD to the medical staff. He has joined Victor Wang, MD at Brigham and Women’s Center for Pain Medicine at Milford, located in the Hill Health Center at Milford Regional Medical Center. The Center for Pain Medicine offers a multi-disciplinary team approach that works with primary care physicians, spine surgeons and other specialists to provide a thorough and individually tailored program for patients to manage their pain.

Dr. Michna graduated in 1991 from UMDNJ- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey with a degree in medicine after earning a law degree from Seton Hall Law School, Newark, New Jersey. He performed an internship at Monmouth Medical Center, New Jersey and a residency in anesthesia at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA. Additionally, Dr. Michna completed a fellowship in pain medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He is board certified in pain medicine, anesthesia and palliative care. Dr. Michna is an assistant professor in anesthesia at Harvard Medical School and is the Director of Pain Trials Center, Department of Anesthesia at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

At the Center for Pain Medicine, the team offers services that include anesthesiology, psychiatry, psychology, nursing, neurology and physical therapy to treat a variety of conditions including back pain, abdominal pain, vascular pain, headaches, neuropathic pain, neck pain, pancreatitis, pelvic pain, cancer pain, peripheral neuropathy and chronic post-surgical pain.

“We are pleased to offer pain management services to our patients at Brigham and Women’s Center for Pain Medicine at Milford,” says Edward J. Kelly, President & CEO, Milford Regional Medical Center. “Dr. Michna is a highly experienced physician whose comprehensive approach to pain management can provide our patients with a better quality of life.”

Appointments with Dr. Michna can be made by calling Brigham and Women’s Center for Pain Medicine at Milford at 857-307-7246.

Please Help!

The Water and Fire Departments request your assistance, in maintaining accessibility to the town's 700 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 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. Help make your neighborhood safe for everyone!

Please remember that it poses a major fire safety hazard to bury a fire hydrant by shoveling, plowing or snow blowing. It is also prohibited by Chapter 148 Section 27B of the Mass. General Laws and can incur a fine. The Water and Fire 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.

File photo by Ed Harrow

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Baker-Polito Administration Announces Vaccine Update, New Holiday Guidance

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced updates on the Commonwealth’s distribution efforts of the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as new guidance from the Department of Public Health (DPH) to help residents celebrate the holiday safely.

On Monday, the first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the Commonwealth. Four hospitals received 5,850 first doses on Monday.

Today, 53,625 more doses have begun to arrive to 17 more hospitals statewide.

Pending the approval of Moderna’s Emergency Use Authorization, the Commonwealth, based on federal guidance, has been told to anticipate 180,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 120,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine.  In all, the Administration expects the Commonwealth to receive 300,000 doses by the end of December.

DPH places vaccine orders on behalf of the providers. From there, the vaccine is shipped to the hospital or facility directly from the manufacturer on behalf of the federal government. 

When vaccination begins, hospitals report data into DPH, and DPH and the Command Center will launch a public dashboard to keep track of immunizations administered next week. Individuals with questions about what phase they can be vaccinated in can send an email to COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA@mass.gov  for prioritization clarifications.

Additionally, CVS and Walgreens will begin vaccinating in nursing homes the week of December 28th under the CDC’s Long-Term Care Pharmacy Partnership program.  Their doses will come from the state’s Pfizer allocation, between 40,000 – 60,000 will be shipped to CVS and Walgreens for Massachusetts skilled nursing facilities.

Holiday Guidance

Today, DPH released December Holiday Guidance to advise residents on how to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during holiday activities.

This year, the Commonwealth is asking residents to:

·       Limit in-person celebrations to household members only

·       Postpone or cancel travel this holiday season. If you do choose to travel, be aware of and comply with Massachusetts travel order requirements.

·       Follow the current state gathering size limits and sector-specific workplace safety standards.

The DPH guidance also provides tips for engaging in lower-risk celebrations and traditions this holiday season, while discouraging high risk activities.

Higher-Risk Celebrations and Activities

• Any time you gather with others outside of your household, you increase the risk of contracting or spreading illness. All residents are discouraged from gathering.  Gatherings in Massachusetts are subject to gathering size limits.
• You are risking your health and others health if you host or participate in any in-person festivities if you or anyone in your household:
  • has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not completed the isolation period;
  • has symptoms of COVID-19;
  • is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results;
  • may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 10 days; or
  • is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions.

For the full guidance, visit mass.gov/holidays.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Milford Regional Medical Center Nationally Recognized with an ‘A’ for the

Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

Milford, MA – Milford Regional Medical Center was awarded an ‘A’ in the fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Milford Regional’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. This is the fourth consecutive time Milford Regional has been distinguished with an ‘A’ rating. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care.

“Receiving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog four consecutive times is a real testament to our entire staff for their unrelenting dedication to all areas of patient safety,” says Edward J. Kelly, president and CEO of Milford Regional. “While this recognition by Leapfrog affirms these efforts, Milford Regional is committed to providing the resources necessary to support our staff in maintaining the high standard of patient safety and quality care noted in this recent award.”

“We are extremely grateful to hospital leadership and health care workers who have remained steadfast in prioritizing patient safety as our nation battles COVID-19,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “This ‘A’ is a testament to the care and commitment of those who work for Milford Regional Medical Center. With the current pandemic exposing existing flaws within the U.S. health care system, we appreciate you putting patient safety first. Lives depend on it.”

Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

To see Milford Regional’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org . For more information on Milford Regional, go to www.milfordregional.org .Contributed.

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