Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Town of Hopkinton

The Lake Maspenock Weed Management and Control Advisory Group will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., at the Hopkinton Library, 13 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA to consider the possibility of applying the herbicides “diquat” and “endothall” in Lake Maspenock in calendar year 2020 in order to control weeds.

All interested parties are invited to attend and comment. Attendees are requested to park in the overflow parking lot at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 20 Church Street.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Peter Kenneth Familetto

Peter Kenneth Familetto, 69, of Hopkinton, passed away Friday, October 25, 2019. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Eleanor (L’Esperance) and Lawrence Familetto. He was the husband of 18 years to Kathleen (Hardin) Familetto of Hopkinton. 

Peter was a member of the Army National Guard. He worked as an electrician and was a member of the IBEW Local 103 and was the first electrician at Santa Maria Hospital in Cambridge. He had worked for many contractors as well as Harvard University. He retired from MBTA in 2015.

Besides his wife, Peter is survived by his siblings, Paul Familetto and his wife Jerilyn of Belmont, Barry Familetto of Waltham, Mark Familetto and his wife, Patty of Colorado, David Familetto and his wife, Michelle of Tyngsboro, and Marie Lahaie of Westford. He also leaves behind a niece, Elena and a nephew, Ben. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1st from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 26 Highland St. Southborough. Burial will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bay Path Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farms North, Hopkinton, MA 01748 (www.Baypathhumane.org  ) or to ASPCA www.aspca.org

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Todd Michael Mayo, 56

Todd Michael Mayo, 56, of Holliston passed away Wednesday,  October 23, 2019. Born in Natick, he was the son of Nancy (Hardigan) Mayo of Sherborn, and the late John M. Mayo III. He was the husband of 23 years to Dawn (Erskine) Mayo of Holliston. 

Todd grew up in Sherborn on Course Brook Farm with his three brothers. He was the co-owner of Mayo Construction with his late brother, Scott. Kind, gentle, warm and funny – these are some words that describe Todd. He was one of those people you just liked being around. He loved his family and friends, and those who knew him will think of him on Sundays watching the Patriots. We will never forget his infectious smile and subtle humor. 

Besides his wife and mother, Todd is survived by his two brothers, Matthew Mayo of Sherborn and Brad Mayo and his wife, Sara of Hopkinton. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Nancy Mayo of Holliston as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his cat, Mavis.  

Visitation will be held at LaCantina’s in Framingham from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Middlesex Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be aware of subpoena scam

BILLERICA, Mass. – The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is today warning residents of a new twist on a previously reported scam.

On Wednesday, October 23, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) received a call from a local resident reporting she had been contacted by an individual identifying himself as a member of the MSO.  The man – using the name of a retired Middlesex County, New Jersey officer – said he was seeking to collect bond money for her alleged failure to respond to a subpoena.

Recognizing the call was a scam, the woman hung up.  The man then called back a second time, with “Middlesex Sheriff’s Office” showing on the woman’s caller ID.  In previous scams, individuals have used spoofing technology to display telephone numbers associated with legitimate law enforcement agencies. 

This scam is similar to previously reported ones in which callers pose as members of law enforcement, the IRS or the courts, claiming warrants have been issued for residents’ failure to pay taxes or perform jury duty.  The imposters will tell those they have called that they can avoid arrest if they pay an immediate fine.

“As these scams evolve and spread, it’s critical that residents be aware of the underlying similarities so that they can protect themselves and their hard-earned money,” said Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.  “In this case, the intended victim immediately recognized this was a scam and notified us, allowing us to alert the public.”

 Join our dedicated group of regulars! PJB needs volunteers who can commit to two hours every week on an ongoing basis.

Have fun and help a good cause at the same time! Your time will be spent helping PJB to fulfill basic necessities for those in need.
PJB hours are Mon-Thu from 9am-4pm.  If you can help, please email pjboffice@comcast.net

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

Theodore L. “Ted” Gassett, 76,

Theodore L. “Ted” Gassett, 76, a lifelong resident of Hopkinton, died peacefully Mon. Oct. 21, 2019. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Carol A. (Stevens) Gassett; their children, William A. Gassett and partner Adrienne Hollis, and Ann Michelle Dragsbaek and husband Torin, all of Hopkinton; 4 grandchildren, Maddie, Cole, Morgan and Luke Dragsbaek; two brothers, Jim Gassett of FL and Tom Gassett of Colombia; and many nieces, nephews and their families. He was the brother of the late John, Joseph and Eugene Gassett, and the late Charles Rutkowski.

Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Joseph and Ann (Foy) Gassett, and was a graduate of Hopkinton High School, Class of 1961. Mr. Gassett served honorably in the US Army National Guard from 1964-70. A builder and real estate developer, he owned and operated Circa 1700 Builders and Bay State Housewrights of Hopkinton. Ted was a longtime parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church and was a president and member of the Hopkinton Kiwanis. He loved York Beach, Maine, enjoyed westerns and keeping up with current events on CNN and Fox News.

Visiting hours are Fri. Oct. 25th from 4-7pm at Chesmore Funeral Home, 57 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Sat. Oct. 26th at 10am in St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church St., Hopkinton. Burial will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Fatal Stabbing Under Investigation in Framingham

FRAMINGHAM – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Framingham Chief of Police Steven Trask have confirmed the investigation into a fatal stabbing that occurred today on Interfaith Terrace in Framingham.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. today Framingham Police responded to an Interfaith Terrace residence to conduct a well-being check at the request of an individual known to the victim who was unable to access the residence or reach the victim. Upon arrival police located the victim, a female in her 20s suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was pronounced dead on scene. No arrests have been made at this time.

This is an open and active investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Framingham Police.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Ruth M. VanFossen, 69

Ruth M. VanFossen, 69, of Holliston, passed away October 17th while surrounded by the eternal love of her family at the Rose Monahan Hospice House in Worcester. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Mary (Melia) and Arthur F. Kelley. She was the beloved wife of 47 years to Thomas Richard VanFossen Jr. of Holliston, MA.

She was a wonderful and caring individual who touched the lives of all who knew her through her constant love and support. She enjoyed reading, spending time with her grandchildren and visiting Scituate with her sisters. She was also an avid volunteer with her therapy dog Barney, bringing immeasurable comfort to people of all ages at St. Mary’s Hospital in Langhorne, PA. She was smart, creative, and so incredibly special to all those who love her.

She was the loving and devoted mother of Brian Thomas VanFossen and his wife, Betsi of San Diego, CA, Mary-Kate VanFossen and her husband, Justin Gadsby of Hopkinton, MA and Amy VanFossen and her husband, Chris Dimitri of Arlington, MA. She was the cherished Grammie of Emily VanFossen, Braeden and Emerson Gadsby and Anderson Dimitri. Ruth will also be loved and remembered by two sisters, Martha Voner and her husband, Dan of Burlington and Maura McClintock and her husband, Tom of Norwood; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and assuredly everyone else she met.

Visitation will be held on October 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com . A funeral service will follow visitation at 5:00 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Spooky Kids PJ Yoga Party

Special Halloween Sessions 

October 25th with Shannen Roy

Ages 3-6: 5:00 to 6:15pm

Ages 7-10: 6:45 to 8:00pm

Click here to sign up

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Please be advised that as a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding public service of Representative Elijah E. Cummings, of Maryland, who passed away this morning, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. 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 Friday, October 18, 2019.

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.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Representative Dykema Announces Local Office Hours

Continuing a tradition that began when she was first elected, Representative Dykema will be holding her quarterly office hours in each of the four towns of the 8th Middlesex District.
 
“My local office hours give me the opportunity to hear directly from constituents about the challenges they face and the issues they’re most passionate about,” said Rep. Dykema. “These conversations shape my priorities at the State House and are essential to the work I do to effectively represent our communities.”
 
Residents are encouraged to stop in to their local office hours to share concerns, questions and opinions on state issues or simply to chat over a cup of coffee.
 
As always, if the scheduled office hours are not convenient for you, please call the office at (617) 722-2680 or email Benjamin.Kaplan@mahouse.gov  to set up a personal appointment either in the district or at the State House.

Hopkinton *private room available*

Monday, November 4th

10:00 - 11 am

Hopkinton Library

13 Main Street

District Attorney Marian Ryan Partners with Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center to Prevent and Address Bullying
During National Bullying Prevention Month the District Attorney’s Office Reminds People of Resources to Deal with Bullying or Cyberbullying

WOBURN - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, in partnership with the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC), recently hosted a Train-the-Trainer workshop for administrators and teachers to provide educators with research-based techniques to prevent and address bullying, including cyberbullying.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, it serves as a reminder that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied at school this year. This workshop helps teachers, administrators and officers to identify signs of bullying, especially when it is with a conscious intent to hurt another child, that could have a severe impact in or outside of the classroom.

Some of the signs that parents and educators need to watch out for are:

·         Children appearing upset or mad when they are online

·         Changes in the time they usually spend in the computer

·         Becoming anxious or avoiding social situations

·         Changing the screen or turning off the computer when someone walks by

·         Unexplained drop in grades

Along with the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC), Middlesex District Attorney Ryan encourages parents and family to develop activities to make children feel happy and loved since these can help to build up children’s confidence. If you are concerned about bullying or cyberbullying, MARC has a line for a phone consult where school administrators and educators can schedule a time to discuss and receive advice on best practices to deal with these issues. For more information on MARC visit them online at https://www.marccenter.org.

Town Seeks Zoning Proposals

   The Hopkinton Zoning Advisory Committee is holding a public forum on Monday, October 21, 2019 at 7:00 PM in Room 215/216 at Town Hall.  The purpose of this forum is to hear ideas and proposals for desired changes to the Zoning Bylaw and/or the Zoning Map. Zoning bylaws generally regulate the use of land, buildings and structures. This is an opportunity to propose changes to the land uses permitted in specific areas in Hopkinton, the manner in which certain uses are permitted,  dimensional requirements, or other ideas with respect to land use regulation. The Committee invites residents, businesses, Town board/committee and organization representatives to the  forum to present ideas and suggestions. Proposals may also be submitted in writing prior to the forum to John Gelcich, Principal Planner (jgelcich@hopkintonma.gov).  

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Troopers Bust 4 in Revere

October 16, 2019 -- A joint investigation by federal Homeland Security Investigations, Massachusetts State Police, and Revere Police led to the arrests yesterday of four drug suspects and the seizure of four kilograms of fentanyl.

During the course of the investigation, a purchase of the four kilograms was negotiated with the suspects, at a cost of $60,000 per kilogram. The fentanyl was to be delivered to the Boston area from another state.

Yesterday, investigators made arrangements for the purchase to be consummated at the Northgate Plaza shopping center on Squire Road in Revere. The four male suspects arrived at the shopping center parking lot yesterday afternoon; once investigators confirmed the fentanyl was in the suspects’ possession, State Troopers, HIS-Boston Agents, and Revere Police Officers arrested the four men. The four kilograms, packaged in bricks, were recovered from one of the suspects’ vehicles.

Arrested were:

1.       GAKI ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ, 44, Woodland Park, N.J., charged with trafficking in fentanyl and conspiracy to violate drug laws;

2.       SANDY SUAZO, 42, New Britain, Conn., charged with possession of a Class B narcotic with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws;

3.       DAVID DIAZ RODRIGUEZ, 46, Fountain Hill, Penn., charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws; and

4.       FRANCISCO F. ALVAREZ, 39, New Britain, Conn., charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws.

The suspects were booked at State Police-Revere and held pending arraignment in Chelsea District Court.

The arrests were made by Troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit for Suffolk County, Troopers from the MSP Division of Homeland Security, Agents from the Boston Field Office of federal Homeland Security Investigations, and Revere Police. The case will be prosecuted by the office of Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins. The accompanying photo shows the four kilos.

Grace Ellen Keith, 88

Grace Ellen Keith, 88, of Hopkinton, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2019. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Edith Madelyn (Carter) and James W. Bancroft. She was the wife of the late Charles H. Keith who passed away in 1984.

A 1948 graduate of Hopkinton High School, Grace went on to graduate Class of 1952 from New England Deaconess School of Nursing. She was a lifelong Hopkinton resident and worked for 35 years in the Obstetrical Department at Framingham Union Hospital

She is survived by her children, Sally Peck and her husband, Frank of Florida, Susan Lindsay and her husband, Charles of Ashland, and Robert Keith and his longtime companion, Colleen Scully of Hopkinton. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Robert M. Keith Jr. and Jonathan W. Keith; her step-grandson, Frank Peck Jr.; as well as seven great-grandchildren, Xander, Olivia, Phinneas, Ian, Mason, Logan and Dylan. She is predeceased by her sister, Priscilla Stevens.

Funeral services will be held privately with family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, American Lung Association or Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com .

 The purpose of this meeting, conducted by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), is to provide the public an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) filed by MassDOT for this project. Written comments are due to the EOEEA by December 6, 2019. Written comments should be sent to Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, Attn: Page Czepiga, Assistant Director, MEPA Office, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114 or page.czepiga@state.ma.us  referencing this project with the designation EEA#15334.

The I-495/I-90 Interchange serves as a major crossroads for commuter traffic and is used by nearly half of freight trucking entering Massachusetts. MassDOT’s conversion to all-electronic, open-road tolling allows the agency to make safety and operational improvements to the Interchange which will enhance commerce and facilitate economic growth locally and regionally.

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. MassDOT provides reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance free of change upon request (including but not limited to interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, open and closed captioning for videos, assistive listening devices and alternative material formats, such as audio tapes, Braille and large print), as available. For accommodations or language assistance, please contact MassDOT legislative liaison, Donny Dailey by phone (857) 368-8902, or by email at Donny.Dailey2@dot.state.ma.us . Request should be made as soon as possible prior to the meeting, and for more difficult to arrange services including sign-language, CART or language translation or interpretation, request should be made at least ten (10) days before the meeting.

To be added to the project email list, or to receive a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report, please contact Nathaniel Curtis, Public Involvement Specialist, at (617) 482-7080 or ncabral-curtis@hshassoc.com .

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Sewer Testing and Resulting smoke

In order to improve the sewer service in your area, on behalf of the Town of Hopkinton, Weston & Sampson will be conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewers Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the months of October and November 2019.

During the test, white smoke is introduced to the sanitary sewer system via a smoke-generating machine. During this procedure, white smoke will be venting from holes in manhole covers located in the street and from plumbing vent pipes located on or near your roof surface. THIS IS NORMAL AND SHOULD NOT CAUSE ALARM.

Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is a dry trap in an unused fixture or a defect in your plumbing. You may wish to pour two gallons of water down any basement floor drains or unused plumbing fixtures to ensure that the drain trap will be effective.
Should smoke be detected within your home or building, do not be alarmed. The smoke is NON-TOXIC, NON-STAINING, and dissipates quickly through open windows. IF YOU HAVE A LUNG AILMENT or RESPIRATORY CONDITION SUCH AS ASTHMA OR EMPHYSEMA, STAY AWAY FROM THE SMOKE. Any smoke within a building should be immediately reported to the Fire Department at 911 and the persons conducting the tests.

PRIOR TO SMOKE TESTING, THE TOWN AND WESTON & SAMPSON MUST IDENTIFY LOCATIONS OF RESIDENTS WITH POOR HEALTH CONDITIONS. ALTHOUGH THE SMOKE IS NON-TOXIC AND NON-STAINING, IT IS CAPABLE OF CAUSING IRRITATION, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WITH LUNG AILMENTS SUCH AS ASTHMA OR EMPHYSEMA. IF YOU HAVE A RELATED HEALTH CONDITION PLEASE CONTACT WESTON & SAMPSON AT (508) 293-1074. LEAVE A MESSAGE INCLUDING YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER SO THAT APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS MAY BE TAKEN. PLEASE CONTACT HOPKINTON DPW AT (508) 497-9740 IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK WITH A TOWN EMPLOYEE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

THE TEST IS SCHEDULED TO BE PERFORMED 1-3 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THIS NOTICE AT YOUR HOME PENDING WEATHER CONDITIONS.

PLEASE NOTE:
• YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE AT HOME DURING THE SMOKE TESTING.
• IF YOU WORK DURING THE DAY, PLEASE TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO VENTILATE THE AREA WHERE YOUR PET WILL BE.

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

Lauren Anderson Field Restoration Project Hits Fundraising Goal

by Marie Eldridge

October 11,2019 -- The Lauren Anderson Field Restoration Project has hit its fundraising goal. Thanks to the efforts of Lauren’s family, classmates and teammates, town residents, the school district and community organizations, the project has raised more than $30,000 in donations and in-kind services since it was launched on August 1.
 
“Hopkinton has always been a small town with a big heart,” said Kathy Kilduff, team leader. “It has been inspiring to see how many people remember Lauren and are willing to support this project.”
 
The grassroots project will restore the Lauren Anderson Field at Hopkinton High School in memory of Lauren Anderson, a former student and athlete, who died in a tragic horseback riding accident in November 1994. Donations will be used to refurbish the softball field’s scoreboard and add a set of bleachers, two dugouts with benches and bat racks, dugout and outfield windscreens and fence toppers.
 
Work on the Lauren Anderson Field has already begun. Rich Yurewicz of American Climbers and his crew completed extensive tree work this month. The implementation team, led by HHS graduate Ryan Fowler, will soon build the dugouts, weather permitting. Additional work will take place in spring 2020, in preparation for a May field rededication event.
Information about the rededication will be available prior to the 2020 event.

Riki Anderson Rubin and her family are excited about the project. “We are so grateful to everyone who has helped make this project such a success,“ said Riki. “I wish I had words to express our thanks to each and every one of them, but there are no words that clearly express how truly grateful we feel. The thought that after 25 years Lauren would still be remembered by so many people leaves us speechless.”

“Now Lauren’s legacy, her sparkle, will live on for years to come,” added Kilduff.
Contributed content, concept photo.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

BOSTON (October 10, 2019)—The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that state laboratory testing has confirmed the third human case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection, a man in his 60s from Middlesex County. The man was exposed to the virus last month and there are no risk level changes at this time.

“We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “Although mosquito populations are declining, some risk will continue until the first hard frost.”

The other two human cases of WNV this season involved a man in his 60s from Middlesex County and a man in his 50s from Plymouth County. There have also been 12 human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection, a rare but serious and potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease that can affect people of all ages. Eight horses and a goat have also been confirmed with EEE this season.

State health officials continue to remind residents throughout the Commonwealth to take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Residents can learn more about mosquito-borne disease and ways to protect themselves on DPH’s website.

There are 15 communities at moderate risk for WNV. A map of the state’s current WNV and EEE risk levels can be found here.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:

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% 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 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 draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty 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 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 DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

For the most up-to-date information, Q&As, and downloadable fact sheets about EEE in multiple languages visit the DPH webpage www.mass.gov/eee .

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

HOPKINTON - October 8, 2019 -- The Town of Hopkinton is pleased to announce that the Hopkinton Fire Department has been awarded a grant from the FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response ("SAFER") program.

The three-year SAFER grant will allow Hopkinton to hire four new firefighters. The increased staffing will have a meaningful impact on the Fire Department’s ability to meet its mission by responding to calls with an effective response force capable of de-escalating emergencies.

“This important public safety funding is critical to meet the Town’s growing emergency services needs” said Hopkinton Fire Chief Steve Slaman. Only a small number of the applications to the SAFER grant program receive an award. “I would like to thank the many Town Departments that participated in this successful proposal."

With this award, the core grant team of Fire Chief Slaman, Deputy Fire Chief Miller, and Ben Sweeney, the newly hired Procurement and Grants Manager, have succeeded in their effort to improve safety in Hopkinton" said Town Manager Norman Khumalo (File photo).

The SAFER grant will improve the Fire Department's response capabilities in the growing community. “As a former Hopkinton volunteer firefighter, I have a unique understanding of the important and life-saving work the Fire Department does every day. This grant will have a significant impact in Hopkinton that will keep the community and firefighters safe” said Selectboard Chair Brendan Tedstone.      HopNews photo, contributed content.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Governor Baker Urges Passage of Administration's Impaired Driving Legislation

BOSTON – October 7, 2019 -- Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined state officials, road safety advocates, law enforcement officials and leaders of the cannabis industry to urge passage of the Administration’s impaired driving legislation. Following the Cannabis Control Commission’s approval last month of regulations for social consumption of marijuana, the group assembled at the State House today underscored the need to pass legislation that would implement recommendations made by the Special Commission on Operating Under the Influence and Impaired Driving.

The Governor and Lt. Governor were joined by Helen Witty, National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, David Torrisi, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Dispensary Association, Cannabis Control Commissioner Britte McBride and Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael.

“As Massachusetts continues to implement adult use of marijuana, including potential social consumption sites, it’s vital that we update our impaired driving laws to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the Commonwealth’s roads,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This legislation which draws on thoughtful recommendations from a commission of a broad cross-section of stakeholders, gives public safety officials the tools they need to combat impaired driving and keep our roads safe.”

“Our Administration is committed to working with law enforcement officials and advocates in the public and private sector to combat impaired driving and ensure the safety of our residents and communities,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are grateful for these leaders’ support of this important legislation which will update our impaired driving laws as we confront new public safety challenges.”

According to Massachusetts crash statistics from 2013-2017, marijuana was the most prevalent drug (aside from alcohol) found in drivers involved in fatal crashes. In Colorado, where marijuana has been sold for adult use since 2014, traffic deaths involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana increased 109 percent while traffic deaths increased 31 percent, according to a report prepared by the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Colorado also saw a marked increase in traffic deaths involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana which more than doubled from 55 in 2013 to 115 people killed in 2018. Since recreational marijuana was legalized, the percentage of all Colorado traffic deaths that were marijuana related increased from 15 percent in 2013 to 23 percent in 2018.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners

and the surrounding Communities

Flushing on Chamberlain Street

Please be advised that crews will be flushing the new water main on Chamberlain Street  this Wednesday and Thursday evening at approximately 10PM. Please check your water before using it and if you notice any discoloration, please run your cold water line.