Northern Flicker January 7, 2021 — Julie Ford, Hopkinton's
resident bird expert, shares this facebook post:
"I love shots like this....not your typical posed pretty bird shot.
And I ADORE the Northern Flickers, always grab the camera when they
are around! According to Science World, Flickers may have the
longest tongue among all North American birds, extending 5 cm beyond
the tip of the beak. Many woodpeckers tend to have barbed tips on
their tongues, but the flicker's tongue is flattened with extra
sticky saliva for picking up ants, which is their favorite food!
Yummy!!"
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
UPDATE: Man Identified in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in
Newton
911 Call, Radio Transmission Released
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.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt.
Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Violence at the US Capitol
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!
Despite COVID-19 Increase, Health Director Sees Flattening of
Curve
January 6, 2021 —
Hopkinton Director of Public Health, Shaun McAuliffe, gave the
Select Board his regular periodic update on the Corona virus and
Hopkinton's status to date at last evening's meeting of the
Select Board. Mr. McAuliffe said that a spike that occurred due
to the holidays and travel, "...will take weeks to recover."
Following a seven months-long respite from deaths, Hopkinton
families suffered four additional deaths in the last three weeks
of December, 2020. He said the uptick of symptomatic residents
will continue until Thursday.
Mr.
McAuliffe said that the state will be launching communication
campaigns to get people to buckle down.
"We
are not in as dire a place like some of the Southern states and
California. We had a better plan and we stuck to it," he said.
Hopkinton's Community Dashboard showing the status and progress
of the COVID-19 pandemic
can be seen here.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Unemployment fraud, disturbing messages from
client,
18-wheeler collided with vehicle and did not stop,
phone number stolen, erratic operator from Milford,
deer struck, call from social worker,
January 4, 2021
January 5, 2021
Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting Under Investigation in Newton
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.
High Water Mark The high water mark of Lake Maspenock is
clearly visible on the north side of the islands, as seen from the
West Main Street Causeway. The
LMPA represents
members who are largely homeowners from Hopkinton, Milford, and
Upton, and has announced an 8' drawdown in hopes of exposing and
killing the invasive weeds that choke the lake every season.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Secret Santa?
January 5, 2021 — The
man who left these packages on a bench at Hopkinton Common today
called police to say he was social distancing in an exchange of
presents, COVID-19 style. He did the 6-foot rule much
better and sat in his car waiting from 100' away. We did not
wait for the exchange.
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 tosign
up for the email list to receive meeting notices and project
updates.
For questions or to report issues related to the work to the project
team, please emailA8@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.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
TAX RELIEF FUND NOTICE
Applications for Tax Relief for 2021 have been mailed to last year's
recipients. You can also find the
application HERE.
Applications must be filed on or before March 1, 2021 and can be
returned to the Drop Box in the front alcove at Town Hall or mailed
to: TAX RELIEF COMMITTEE 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs An individual locked in an ATM,
different individual locked in ATM -
smashed out glass to escape,
a car into a building leads to an OUI arrest,
2-car MVA w/personal injuries (x2),
sidewalk obstruction, senior facility refuses
to return deceased father's sentimental photos,
missing handicapped 20 year-old - K-9 deployed,
loud bang, large hole, loose dog, employee asked
individual to remove hat and hood - refusal led
to confrontation with a different customer,
puppy in apartment above making noise, much, much, more...
December 17, 2020 [Inadvertently skipped]
December 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Arrest
Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton
New Transactions from December 24, 2020 to January 2,
2021
Choose Links to See Town's Property Card
January 3, 2021 — Clifford Kistner, both a
former Hopkinton resident and Planning Board Member, sits in his
truck with an owl on his glove after getting a Westborough
Police escort to Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts
in Grafton.
Mr. Kistner had been inbound to Hopkinton on Hopkinton Road when
the owl flew across the road and slammed into the windshield of
the vehicle two cars in front of his. He wrapped the stunned
bird in his jacket to keep the dazed creature from making the
wrong move and getting killed.
"It was flailing on the side of the road. I
pulled over and it watched me remove my jacket and put it around
him and pick him up," he said.
"He has talons are as big as an eagle's,"
said Mr. Kistner, who is coincidentally the owner of Eagles Nest
Tree House Resort, a concept for a very large tree house resort
planned for his 400 acre plot in North Carolina, "but he didn't
scratch me."
"It is serendipitous!" he exclaimed.
Mr. Kistner said that Tufts will examine the
bird and then he will return it to its habitat on the
Hopkinton/Upton line, where its mate and family are surely
missing it.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
KENNEDY CLOSES CONGRESSIONAL SERVICE
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
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Afternoon Stroll January 2, 2020 — Two deer in a group of four
can be seen strolling through a backyard on Clinton Street,
unconcerned with the vehicle starting and stopping to get a better
angle. Their lack of concern is evidenced by the fact that their
tails are hanging down. When they are concerned with a predator,
human or beast, they will point their tails in the air, revealing
white fur, and flee. That behavior is believed to be the source of
the American idiom, "high-tailing" it; to rush away.
Lake Whitehall January 2, 2021 — Hopkinton is blessed with
two State Parks in the Department of Conservation and Recreation
system. Above is
Lake Whitehall, where boating is allowed at 12 mph, and
restricted to no personal water craft. And on the southern end of
the lake across Pond Street, the trails connect to the Upton State
Forest. The land and water capture rarefied air that people would
expect in a more northern environment, and boasts nests of birds
such as the American bald eagle and loons.
Governor Signs Bill
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
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
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 visitwww.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
January 1, 2021 — Recent pastel work shared
by Cathy Burns Howe.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
The Original ESL Coffee House
with Barbara Kessler, nearly ten years ago!
State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Stoughton
January
1, 2021 — At approximately 11:30 p.m. yesterday Troopers
assigned to State Police-Milton responded to reports of a
multi-vehicle crash on Route 24 southbound in the area of Exit
20 in Stoughton. The crash resulted in the fatality of one of
the operators.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2020 Nissan Altima
was traveling on Route 24 southbound prior to Exit 20 when the
operator lost control and struck a guardrail. After striking the
guardrail the Nissan then struck a 2020 Honda Accord. A
25-year-old male passenger in the Nissan suffered minor
injuries. The operator of the Nissan, identified as Brandon
Rose, 34, of Boston, exited the vehicle and was struck by a 2008
Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by a 32-year-old male from Milton.
Rose suffered fatal injuries in the second collision. The
operators of the Honda and Jeep were not injured.
The crash remains under investigation by Troop H of the
Massachusetts State Police with assistance from the State Police
Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime
Scene Services Section, Norfolk County State Police Detective
Unit, and the Troop H Detective Unit.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
The Way it Was in 2017
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Customer accused of fraud - refuses to leave
W Main business, water main break,
theft at South Street location,
raccoon walking into woods, stolen dog,
package received in error, more
December 30, 2020
The World Health Organization Game Plan
Final 2020 Performance of Steve Spector's World of Hopkinton Tour
Mt. Washington December 30, 2020 — Karin and Walter Protas
share this photo Walter took of Washington this morning from Loon
Mountain.
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.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
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 100th
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.
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Car next to 40-foot drop, erratic operator,
rabid raccoon,
individual lost wallet, aggressive driver tailgating,
dog damages vehicle, water leak,
illegal burn on Rocky Woods, unemployment fraud,
anonymous caller with a tip, more...
December 29, 2020
December 30, 2020 — Mallard couple at
Hopkinton State Park at sunset yesterday.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
12:00
pm 12/30/2020 - Please be advised that the Woodville area water
main break has been repaired
and water restored to the area.Please check your
water before using it and you may need to flush your cold water
pipes before using it. Due to the large nature of the break,
there could be several pockets that move back and forth through
the system for several days as pumps turn off and on. Crews will
be monitoring the situation and flush hydrants in the problem
areas. Thank you.
--
Eric J. Carty Water-Sewer Manager
Hopkinton Water-Sewer Dept.
9:30 am - 12/30/2020. Please be advised that crews are responding to
a major water main break in the Woodville area. This break will
cause discoloration throughout the water system. Please check your
water before using it and you may need to flush your cold water
lines before using them.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
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 Foundationhttps://www.kidney.org/donation
For additional information or to send the
family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online
guest book atwww.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
Wonder Where to Recycle the Tree?
December 29, 2020 — Bring your tree to feed
the animals for free at Arena's Butcher Shop on Ash; maybe pickup a
steak or pork chops while you are there. Or, reach out to the Troup
4 Scouts to pay $15 for tree pickup.
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.”
“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.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Parking ban warning, tree crew blocking road,
large truck of lumber on Lumber Street blocking road,
55 gallon drum of oil into catch basin,
dumpster fire on Wood Street knocked down,
multiple cars doing burnouts at former Liberty Mutual (GOA),
K-9 deployment to Marlborough, more...
December 28, 2020
Shining Moon and Rocks
December 28, 2020 — Tonight's Moon phase is called a waxing gibbous
as was Julie Ford's closeup of the Moon the other night. Behind
those trees are fairways of the Shining Rock Golf Club in
Northbridge/Upton. The club and the surrounding golfing community
are so named after the outcropping of rock and ledge, which appears
above with a warm, somewhat orange tone as the sun falls low in the
sky, and the Moon looks on as a silent, but knowing, sentinel.
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
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Found dog, struck deer, dead turkey, traffic
signals at South Street refuse to reset,
K-9 team deployed on College Street for open door,
erratic operator, MVA on West Main,
multiple trees/branches on wires or down or aflame,
looking for Cobblers Way for Watertown PD, much more...
2020000013845 12/26/2020 21:16 WEST
MAIN ST.
Robbery Report Responding
Officers Detective Gregg DeBoer Brian Sanchioni Benjamin Stickney
Preston Mucciarone Sergeant William Burchard Patrol Officer Brittany
E Firth Incident Dispatcher Remarks: 911 CALL REPORTING A ROBBERY
THAT JUST OCCURRED. NO WEAPONS SHOWN, SUSPECT ASKED FOR TWO
DOUGHNUTS AND THEN ASKED FOR THE REGISTER. SUSPECT LEFT ON FOOT VIA
THE SIDE DOOR. 24, 36, 800 ENROUTE. MILFORD PD, UPTON PD, 37, 16
ENROUTE. GBC ISSUED. 25 ENROUTE. 800 CLEARED MUTUAL AID 22:00 .
HopNews file photo.
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> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton
New Transactions from December 19, 2020 to December 24,
2020
Choose Links to See Town's Property Card
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.
Waxing Gibbous
December 27, 2020 — Thanks to Julie Ford for
sharing this photo taken last evening of the Moon in the Waxing
Gibbous phase with her digital camera.
REMINDER:
COVID-19
New Temporary Capacity Limits
Begin on December 26, 2020
See them here
Facebook Gem
Unintended consequences department
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Another Look December 25, 2020 — This pastel by Cathy
Burns Howe deserves another look, and another "thank you for
sharing!"
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
NORAD SANTA TRACKER
We present our annual tradition since 2004 of
this image of Santa by Ashley Jackson of
Santa correcting Rudolph's route:
Sleigh Repair December 24, 2020 — Apparently, Santa had
some work done on his Sleigh in Upton this afternoon. Above,
he is being transported to the stables, so that he can hook up his
reindeer and return to the North Pole to begin his fantastic
journey, documented by NORAD. See the frame above.
Found: Retriever! From HPD facebook:
Anyone missing a very happy, very high energy Golden Retriever? One
was brought to the PD, with no tags, that was found in the area of
Cedar St and C St. He/she has been brought to Baypath Humane to wait
for his/her hoomans.
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New Temporary Capacity Limits
Begin on December 26, 2020
See them here
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Vehicle ran stop sign and almost struck
pedestrian, indoor odor of natural gas,
reports her son lost wallet,
individual reports his wallet stolen, incident of fraud,
red ford into snow bank, cell phone found,
suspicious male on Aspen Way,
alleged TT unit hit and run on 495, more...
December 23, 2020
Response December 23, 2020 — Forty-five minutes
earlier, Hopkinton Police began an investigation of an alleged hit
and run on Route 495 of a TT unit in which the State Police become
involved. This is at the Mobil on West Main Street to where the
alleged victim followed the tractor trailer. The investigation was
handed off to the State Police.
"X" Marks the Spot December 23, 2020 — Teresa Boyce, she of
Snappy Dogs fame, breathed deeply from her imagination and saw the
"X" in the sky that could be marking the North Star, she thinks. Or
would it be more appropriately, the Great Conjunction?
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Due to the
Christmas
and
New Year
Holidays, Hopkinton Town Hall and municipal buildings will be closed
on Fridays 12/25/20 and 1/1/21
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Caller bothered by Cambridge officer, advised
concerned caller,
accident with airbag deployment, fraudulent check,
caller referred to Board of Health for no facemask in business,
found a rewards card, MSP secured loose manhole cover,
fraudulent check, outside odor of gas,
Milford PD cancels K-9 for missing 14 yr-old, more...
December 22, 2020
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Sunset Hockey December 22, 2020 — Jonathan Goldberg (orange
hat) and Spencer Asselin cleared some ice on Ice House Pond on Monday
and gave it their best, at dusk on the day of the Winter Solstice.
The Great Conjunction
December 22, 2020 — Unable to capture a
decent photo of last night's conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn,
John Sherffius instead recreated what he saw in a small
telescope in this computer rendering. Though not as close as
Monday, the Solar System's two largest planets will still be
neighbors in the sky and easy to spot this week. Look west, near
the horizon, about a half hour after sunset.
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.
Norman Khumalo,
Hopkinton’s Town Manager, and Estela Shingleton, Bank Manager for
Webster First Federal Credit Union’s Hopkinton branch, were elected
to the organization’s Board of Directors at its meeting of December
2nd,
for terms to begin in 2021.
“The entire
community applauds the selection of Norman and Estela,” according to
Cristina Morrissiey (photo), President of the Hopkinton Chamber of
Commerce and Vice President, Area Relationship Manager for UniBank.
“We are confident that they will both be strong advocates for the
town’s and region’s economic interests,” she added.
“We are thrilled
to welcome Norman and Estela to our board,” said Jason Palitsch,
Executive Director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership. “Hopkinton is a
fast-growing, vibrant community that is home to some of the region’s
most important businesses and economic engines. With Norman and
Estela joining our board, we will benefit from their important
perspectives on both Hopkinton’s municipal government and its
business community.”
“I have always
been a strong believer in the power and potential which arise from
effective partnerships,” said Khumalo. The 495/MetroWest Partnership
understands how partnerships work and I am pleased to represent
Hopkinton on its Board of Directors,” Khumalo added.
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.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
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/
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From Senate President Karen E. Spilka
“I am pleased to announce that the Senate will
be advancing police reform and racial justice legislation today. It
is not enough to say that the lives of Black and brown people matter
in this Commonwealth; we must turn words into action, and action
into law.
"The version of the bill we will be voting on
today takes into account the priorities expressed by people of
color, including the development of use-of-force standards and the
limitation of facial recognition technology, while also striking a
balance amongst all involved to ensure this landmark bill becomes
law.
"I’d like to thank Senators Brownsberger and
Chang-Diaz for their continued efforts, our members for their
thoughtfulness and dedication to this issue, and the many advocates,
activists and members of the public who raised their voices to
ensure we met the moment with this bill.”
Hannelore Elisabet Morin, 80
Hannelore
Elisabet Morin, 80, of Hopkinton, passed away
Monday, December 21, 2020 at Care One in Newton, 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.
Mrs. Morin’s obituary is pending at this time. Private family
arrangements are being held and are under the care of the Chesmore
Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
A Visit with Santa Sponsored by Hopkinton Drug
and Hopkinton Card & Gift
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Inside odor, unemployment fraud (x2), scam
calls (x2)
necklace found in State Park, car vs. deer - Car 1, Deer 0,
winch-out, blood in snow?, ice-skating on pond,
unhappy with overnight snow removal, more...
December 18, 19, 20, 2020
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Open for orders today, Monday,
December 21, 2020 for your convenience.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Please enjoy a rerun of our longtime favorite snow tune by that
mysterious Hopkinton vaudevillian,
Clayton Willoughby:
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REMINDER:
'I took a trip to the North Pole': Anthony Fauci tells children he
vaccinated Santa
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.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
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Over the Line December 19, 2020 — Hopkinton Officers were
called to Ashland to investigate a minor accident that dispatch said
occurred in Hopkinton..
Fay School
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.
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
Day Three Update: Individual's body recovered by
divers. December 18, 2020 — What began as a search
for a missing person three days ago turned into a recovery operation
the same day, and continued today, at Ashland Reservoir. A police
spokesman would not comment on today's outcome, but promised there
would be information forthcoming. The large truck central in the
photo is a "rehab" vehicle that offers food and drink to
firefighters at the scene of emergencies. Additionally, someone
bringing a case of spring water to firefighters at rest after
heavy work at a scene, is said to be bringing "rehab."
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Homeowners and the surrounding
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From Ashland police
facebook 2:15 pm
Police and Fire personnel are currently on scene of a single vehicle
crash on Main Street near Kidde Fenwal. Initial reports were that
the vehicle was submerged and the operator was trapped inside. First
arriving units discovered the vehicle was not submerged and were
able to extricate the operator who was uninjured. Main Street is
closed as the vehicle gets removed.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Male Cardinal December 18, 2020 — Julie Ford gets yet
another bird to pose for her.
Local, Convenient, Cut-to-Order
Still Taking Orders Open This Monday, too, For Your
Convenience
A Remarkable Gift From the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra
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.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
TOWN OF HOPKINTON PROPERTY VALUATIONS AND TAX RATE SET FOR 2021
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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Sunset Sledding December 17, 2020 — It appears that small
families and small groups of friends took advantage until dusk of
the thrill of sliding downhill and the rewarding climb up, at
Hopkinton Reservoir Dam today.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
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> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
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.
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs 12/15:
Property checks, vehicle checks,
parking ban warnings, watching meteor shower,
door tampered with, dogs running loose,
community policing... 12/16:Two Hopkinton
officers assisting Ashland with search on land for
missing person, parking ban citation issued,
suspicious vehicle, someone took packages off porch,
confused caller from Leominster...
December 15, 2020
December 16, 2020
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
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.
"The IMC will create
a global focal point that will highlight, amongst other
elements, the power of the human spirit. It promises to be a
cultural institution that will bring to light the fact that
there is more to the marathon than running 26.2 miles
"While this is an
important step there is much more work to do including site plan
approvals and of course fundraising," Mr. Neece concluded.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
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Hopkinton Joins Ashland, Framingham, State, Others in Missing Person
Search
December 16, 2020 — Above, the Massachusetts State Police
launched a heavy duty vessel into Ashland Reservoir shortly
before dark on Wednesday to help search for a missing
individual. According to officers on scene, a thorough search of
the land surrounding the reservoir inside Ashland State Park by
about ten supporting agencies did not bear fruit.
As the emergency vehicles left the boat launch area on Spring
Street in Ashland to re-stage by the quarry, one official said
the reason was that the Mass State Police boat was to put in,
and that the purpose of the investigation had now had turned
into a "recovery operation."
Citing privacy concerns governed by law,
officials would not disclose any information about the
individual. The search was called off at dusk.
A Tip of the HopNews Hat to Ed Thompson for this
tip.
Baker-Polito Administration
Directs Non-Emergency State Employees
To Not Report to Their Workplaces on Thursday
BOSTON – Due to the upcoming winter storm, the Baker-Polito
Administration has directed that non-emergency state employees
working in Executive Branch agencies should not report to their
workplaces on Thursday, December 17, 2020.
Employees who have the capacity to telework will be expected to
do so in accordance with the Telework Policy.
The Administration is urging residents to stay off roadways and
to use public transportation when possible.
The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with
the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, National Weather
Service, MassDOT and State Police to monitor the forecast. The
MBTA Storm Desk will continue to monitor rail service throughout
the storm and provide updates to commuters at
http://www.MBTA.com/winter
.
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
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
International Marathon Center One Step Closer Select Board Meets Remotely in ZOOM Webinar
by Robert Falcione
December 15, 2020 — The Select Board came
out of Executive Session this evening with an agreement between
the Town of Hopkinton and the 26. 2 Foundation to lease land at
45 East Main Street that was included as a gift to the Town in
the Legacy Farms Host Community Agreement for the purposes of
sport. The Foundation plans to build an International
Marathon Center on the 19 acres site near the one-mile mark
of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon. We await an answer to our inquiry
on the cost and length of the lease.
As it was announced a few days ago, the contract for the
Main Street Corridor Project was awarded to
A.F. Amorello & Sons, Inc. of Worcester. Town Manager Norman
Khumalo noted that there will be a website created for
communications from the residents affected by the construction,
as well as meetings with the Chamber of Commerce.
Cornell's Irish Pub requested the blessing of the board to make
their temporary, COVID-inspired outdoor dining permanent, and
the board consented; although Cornell's will still need to be
approved for the change by the Planning Board.
Although there was an agenda slot for the Health Director Shaun
McAuliffe to give an update on the COVID-19 situation in
Hopkinton, he did not answer when called upon, presumably absent
from the ZOOM webinar. However, the
Community Impact Dashboard shows an additional 2 deaths from
COVID-19 in the
last 7 days.
Cornell's joined pretty much every other establishment in
Hopkinton in receiving a renewal of their licenses. However, the
vote for Hiller's PIzza was 4-1, with Chair Brendan Tedstone
voting against it without comment.
The Hopkinton Garden Club will be working with Town Engineer
Dave Daltorio on maintaining the beauty of the downtown during
the construction.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
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 toCOVID-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:
·Limitin-person
celebrations to household members only
·Postpone
or canceltravel this holiday season. If you do
choose to travel, be aware of and comply with Massachusetts travel
orderrequirements.
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 togathering
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;
There is a significant storm front coming our way. Please be
prepared. Make sure there are no vehicles parked on the roadways per
the parking ban. Make sure you have supplies before the snow starts
falling! ~HPD
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Fraud, unemployment fraud, electrical
transformer exploded,
Hayden Rowe business reports trespassing
by nearby business, CC fraud,
suspicious activity on Parkwood Drive with
truck unloading into personal vehicles, more...
December 14, 2020
Male Northern Flicker
December 15, 2020 — Asked why he was
sticking his tongue out, Julie Ford replied, "He was just eating
suet from one of the bird feeders. Stopped in the tree to clean
off his beak! And get it all out of the inside of his beak too!
"Flickers have the longest tongue of any north American bird,
just over 5 inches! Their tongue is also very sticky, their
favorite diet is ants, hence such a long and sticky tongue. The
more you know!!"
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs K-9 team on loan for Milford bomb threat,
lost wallet, 2-car MVA on Hayward Street,
unemployment fraud, Woodview Way yelling
and loud music, unleashed dogs in Whitehall State Park -
one bites* a hiker/walker on trail, more ..
December 11, 12, 13, 2020
*allegedly
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.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton
New Transactions from December 4, 2020 to December 11,
2020
Choose Links to See Town's Property Card
Framingham native, actor Roger Kabler, who
transplanted to Hopkinton and made a splash
for a few years, channels Al Pacino in this little bit from
his
facebook page.
Roger will be virtual only at the
Regent Theater in Arlington on Thursday.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Capping it off December 13, 2020 —With new restrictions
taking place today, last night's performance by the incomparable Dan
DeCristofaro, a regular performer at Bill's Pizzeria (above), Bills'
sister restaurant in Ashland, MAZI, and the best of the best on
Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, often with his band, Blue Light
Bandits, was his last until the restaurant restrictions are rolled
back again. The new order bans entertainment in restaurants in order
to mitigate the surge in COVID-19. Click on the photo to hear
one song from Dan's performance.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
December 12, 2020 — No caption necessary.
December 13, 2020
— SACH [South Asia Circle of Hopkinton] members disassemble their
Diwali sign on Hopkinton Common to store for next year, when a
populated celebration may be possible. According to the
Wikipedia entry, "Diwali
is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated byHindus,JainsandSikhs.The
festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during theHindu
lunisolarmonthKartika(between
mid-October and mid-November)."
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL
During the Season
by Frank Mazzaglia
Is it
ever right to tell a lie?
It’s
a question worth thinking about after hearing a story first
reported by the British Broadcasting Company on the 60th
anniversary of the liberation of Rome. It’s the story of a young
28-year-old Italian Physician named Vittorio Sacerdoti during
the Nazi occupation of Italy. The setting was in a small, old
hospital on an island in the river Tiber.
Just two
weeks before Christmas, the underground caught word that the
Gestapo was preparing to round up as many Jews as possible. The
Nazis had good reason to be upset at Italians for hiding so many
Jews. The Italians just couldn’t understand the German
pre-occupation with anti-Semitism. They called it “the German
disease.”
Hearing
about the Nazi plan for a major roundup, Dr. Sacerdoti sent out
word that any Jewish man, woman, or child without a place to
hide and in danger of being arrested should come immediately to
the hospital. The clever young Dr. Sacerdoti had a plan. Once
Jews arrived at the hospital, they could be admitted as
“patients” and diagnosed to have contracted a strange and highly
contagious disease.
As the
word went out, 45 Jewish “patients” were immediately admitted.
Then, with the complicit cooperation of the entire hospital
staff, Dr. Sacerdoti diagnosed every one of his new Jewish
patients with this fictitious disease they called the “K
Syndrome.” The “K” was chosen after the German commander
Kesserling.
Then,
Sacerdoti instructed the “patients” to keep comfortable until
the Nazis came. When that happened, they were to get into their
beds and cough loudly again and again, and again, and to just
keep on coughing.
Finally,
the dreaded moment came. Rolling up in trucks filled with
soldiers, the Nazis surrounded the hospital. The officers
entered first and demanded to know if there were any Jews there.
“Well, yes, we have some Jewish patients.” Said the attendant at
the door as armed soldiers rushed in.
Calmly
Dr. Sacerdoti led them toward the ward, then stopped abruptly to
say. “Wait! Before you enter here, please put on these
protective robes and masks.” He explained how these Jews had
been diagnosed with the incurable mysterious, and highly
contagious K Syndrome.
As the
door opened, the Nazis were startled to hear the loud and
uncontrollable coughing of the 45 Jews inside.
“Close
those doors,” ordered the Nazi officer in charge. “How long do
those Jews have to live?” he asked the young doctor. “Only God
knows for sure,” answered Sacerdoti, “but if I were you, I would
get out of here as fast as possible.”
Thee
Nazis didn’t have to be asked twice as they bounded down the
stairs as fast as they could, out of the hospital and into their
waiting trucks. They thought it was a type of infectious
tuberculosis or some other kind of horrible disease, or worse as
they fled.
The best
part of this story is that it’s really true. Steven Spielberg’s
Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education has
a detailed testimony of the event. However, the record remains
silent on the joyous spirit that year when red Italian wine
flowed freely as Jews and Christians celebrated life and
Christmas together in that old hospital on that River Tiber
island.
The
incident raises an old philosophical question. Is it always
wrong to tell a lie? Of course, some people will tell you that a
lie is a lie, period. Others, particularly Italians, will tell
you that it all depends on the situation and upon the act, the
motivation, and the circumstances.
Think
what you will. Just picturing a bunch of armed Nazis running
away from that hospital as fast as they could is magnificent
medicine for the soul as Christians prepare to celebrate the
birth of Jesus.
That
event illustrates a great truth as the wonderful season of
Hanukkah continues and the joy of Christmas approaches.
Diversity
does not mean adversity.
Reprinted with permission
Entertainment
Tonight 12/12 Matt Brodeur is at MAZI----------->
<-Incomparable Dan DeCristofaro is at Bill's Both 6:30 - 9:30pm
This is the last entertainment until a rollback.
Fay School Virtual Open
House Tuesday, January 12, 2021
10:00 - 11:00 am
Join Fay School virtually on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 10:00 -
11:00 am to learn more about the programs for k - grade 9. Visit www.fayschool.org/openhouse2020 for
more information and to RSVP.
UniBank to Host Free Home Buying Webinar
on December 16th at 1 p.m.
REGISTER HERE
UniBankwill be sponsoring a free home
buying webinar on December 16, 2020. This educational opportunity
provides homebuyers with valuable information about finding and
buying the home of their dreams. Important discussion topics
include: Negotiating a Winning Offer, Finding the Right Mortgage and
Pre-Qualifying, Down Payment Options, The Importance of Home
Inspections, and more. Join UniBank's Mortgage
Representative, Dave Sampson (NMLS #688948) for the webinar.
Two More Days
December 11, 2020 — Teresa Boyce (far-most
left top) and Lisa have just this Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am
to 3:00 pm to make people happy who are dreaming of Snappy Dogs,
with their dogs, homemade relish and whoopie pies. After that, April
is usually the opening day of the new year. Stop by to say hello
before they are gone for the winter.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
December 11, 2020 — On the beginning of
Hanukkah, Cathy Burns Howe shares a photo of her menorah,
an ancient Jewish symbol of which the molten candle wax represents
years of family history.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Hopkinton Honors Its
Veterans In Public Service From:
State Representative Carolyn Dykema
Chaplain Michael Whalen, Marine Corps League, Hopkinton, MA
December 10, 2020 — The
Commonwealth and our municipalities honor military veterans every
year for Veterans Month, traditionally recognized during the month
of November. This November, due to COVID-19 concerns, many Veterans
Day and other events to recognize veterans were cancelled or
limited.
The “Hopkinton in Service” panels were created as a new opportunity
to recognize local veterans who continue to serve the community
through local public service roles. These roles are crucial to
protecting the community and its residents as well as enhancing
civic life. Each veteran’s story is unique, but what they have in
common is that they have chosen to serve in the military, and
pursued a career in service, in order to contribute to the greater
good.
We hope these panels will be shared widely, allowing the community
to show its gratitude and inspiring a new generation of residents to
service.
A special thanks to Hopkinton resident John Sherffius for designing
the panels, which incorporate the flag image from an old photograph
of Hopkinton’s World War I Doughboy statue and flagpole.
Representative Dykema and Whalen hope that you will join her in
recognizing these veterans, and all veterans, for their dedication
to country and community. If you are, or know of a veteran who has
served in the military and continues to serve locally and who wishes
to participate in the Hopkinton in Service initiative, please
contact the office of Representative Carolyn Dykema at
Carolyn.dykema@mahouse.gov , call 617-722-2680, or email
Chaplain Michael Whalen at
Michael.Whalen@va.gov .
Each story is a great read. Choose each thumbnail to
enlarge.
From left,
Rebecka Lapierre, Nathan Wright, Ray Shehata.
Electric Menorah December 10, 2020 — A few Hopkinton Jewish
families wore masks and kept socially distant this evening for the
lighting of the first candle of the electric Menorah on Hopkinton
Common this evening, marking the beginning of the eight-days'
celebration of Hanukkah. Two families are framed by the structure,
above. Below, people await the arrival of others. Some
congregations, as in Framingham, actually burn a real flame. Eight
candles become lit, one each day of the holiday, as well as a
central one.
And Now, Direct from the Arctic... December 10, 2020 — Thanks to John Collins
for sharing his photo of a snowy owl. He writes, "A Snowy Owl shows
its unique eye color and beautiful wings as it flies on Boston's
North Shore yesterday! An Arctic bird, it migrates into the upper
United States during the Winter months."
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Drawdown Extended
December 10, 2020
Dear LMPA Members and Neighbors,
As previously communicated, the Hopkinton Conservation
Commission recently approved an extended drawdown of the lake
this season beyond the normal 5' to a target of 8' in an attempt
to address the excessive weed growth via deep freeze. Although
the dam gate has been open, due to some necessary maintenance of
the dam and significant precipitation the lake is only down
approximately 33".
The order of conditions for the extended drawdown requires the
Town of Hopkinton to close the dam gate and begin to allow the
lake level to rise no later than January 15th. Because it is
highly unlikely that the 8' drawdown can be reached in this
timeframe the Conservation Commission agreed to extend this
timing to February 5th.
The LMPA would like to thank the Hopkinton DPW, Weed Advisory
Committee and Conservation Commission for their continued
support of our lake and creativity in addressing the excessive
weed growth.
We hope everyone is staying safe and we wish you all a happy
holiday season.
Regards,
LMPA Executive Board
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
The Birth
December 10,
2020 — Members of Faith Community Church of Hopkinton have
erected their crèche on Hopkinton Common, seen in this photo
from last evening. It depicts the birth of Jesus Christ, as told
in the New Testament of the Bible, a dearly held, sacred belief
of Christians. There is hard plastic or Plexiglas® on
the front, an addition to the structure following the theft of
the baby Jesus statue in 2009.
Hopkinton's Jewish community will be singing, saying prayers and
lighting the first candle of the Menorah on the other side of
the Veterans Memorial Gazebo this evening at 5:00 pm, the
beginning of Hanukkah. Participants are asked to wear masks and
socially distance, and inasmuch as the prayers and songs will
not be handed out, they can be
printed
from here.
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Dec 8 - Unemployment fraud,
TT unit stuck, courtesy ride,
van doing laps around Walcott Valley with infant on driver's lap,
fist fight at gas station on West Main, More... Dec 9 - Lost India passport, MVA with knee
injury, erratic operator,
scam phone call, MVA with hand injury...
December 8, 2020
December 9, 2020
Too often these newsletters contain sobering, but necessary updates
about the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, I have
good news to report today.
This morning, the Governor announced the first planned rollout for
the acquisition and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. The
Commonwealth has already requested 59,475 doses of vaccine from the
federal government, and expects to receive 300,000 total by the end
of December.
The first doses will go directly to hospitals in Massachusetts to be
distributed to front-line health care workers providing
COVID-19-facing care. The next round of vaccine doses will be
distributed to residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities.
Residents of long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable
to COVID-19, with over 60% of statewide COVID-19 deaths occurring in
long-term care populations.
A full description of the priority timeline for vaccine distribution
can be found in the graphic above and at mass.gov/COVIDvaccine. This
schedule was designed to provide safe, equitable, and effective
distribution of the vaccine with two primary goals in mind: 1)
maximizing preservation of life, and 2) protecting the integrity of
our health care system.
More information on today's announcement can be found here, and
answers to frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine
can be found online as well. Please keep in mind that, although we
can see a path forward to a "new normal," that it will likely be
several more months until vaccine distribution and immunity is at a
level where we can relax public health guidelines. In the meantime,
our actions to keep ourselves and each other safe can and will
continue to save lives.
To receive this newsletter in your inbox, sign up here. Past issues
and additional resources can be found at
www.carolyndykema.com/covid19
.* You can also check my Facebook page for more up-to-the-minute
updates and communications. Overall, the state Dept. of Public
Health website is the best source of accurate and up-to-date
information and contains a wide-range of information and a likely
source of answers to many of your questions.
While the State House is closed to the public, my office continues
to operate remotely. The best way to reach me or my staff at this
busy time is via email at
carolyn.dykema@mahouse.gov . We are also available by phone if
necessary at 617-722-2680.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Baker-Polito Administration
Announces Statewide Rollback to Phase Three, Step One, Additional
Restrictions Effective December 13th
Governor Baker Announces New
Restrictions Statewide for Capacity, Mask Compliance and Distancing
Due to Increased Cases, Hospitalizations
BOSTON –Today,
the Baker-Polito Administration announced that effective Sunday,
December 13th, all communities in Massachusetts will
return to Step 1 of Phase 3, of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan.
This will reduce indoor capacities across a broad range of sectors
of the economy and tighten several other workplace restrictions. The
Administration announced the roll-back to respond to an increase in
new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations since the Thanksgiving
holiday that is straining the health care system in Massachusetts.
The return to Step 1 will also
require the closure of certain businesses designated as Step 2
industries. These include indoor performance venues and certain
high-contact indoor recreational businesses. In addition, capacity
limits will be reduced to 40% statewide for most industries, and the
limit on outdoor gatherings will be reduced statewide from 100
persons to 50 persons. Additional safety measures will be applied to
restaurant dining as well.
These new measures are designed to
prevent infection and viral spread, especially in indoor settings.
They will create stronger mask compliance, more social distancing,
and limits to the time spent with people outside of your immediate
household.
The Administration also announced
additional guidance for certain sectors including restaurants,
office spaces and gyms, to address activities where mask wearing is
not possible at all times. See full list
of Phase III Step I here
100 Years-old !
The Hopkinton Women's Club is celebrating 100
years! The members
filled a Time Capsule, to be opened in 50 years, with Club documents
such as minutes, their Handbook, records of their giving to their
Scholarship Fund PLUS information about happenings in Hopkinton in
2020
including local newspaper articles about coping with COVID, Town
reports, food ads, activities in Town, pictures, and much more.
Pictured sealing the Capsule are Nancy Tarsi, Club President, and
Barbara Buchner, Secretary. For more information about the Club and
the
January 11 meeting go to Hopkintonwomensclub.org
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Select Board Fine-Tunes MAPC Pledge to Fit Hopkinton;
Passes Unanimously
by Robert Falcione
December 8, 2020 — After a slight
rewriting of the MAPC Pledge to suit the more suburban needs of
the town of Hopkinton, the Select Board scheduled this evening's
meeting and gave attendees who wanted to speak, up to one minute
of time — and Chair Brendan Tedstone stuck to it, warning people
when the limit approached; and then the webinar operator would
cut them off despite some of them attempting to continue.
In addition, it is unclear if every attendee
who spoke had read the new version of the pledge, which was
available on the town's Google Docs, or was working off of what
they had read in the original version, which had singled out the
police department as being the most in need of the admonitions
presented in the document. However, more than one person in
attendance spoke against the new version that removed those
references.
"I kinda [sic] take issue that all specific
mentions of police were removed," said Madeline Boyce. Actually,
the police were tacitly included in the "municipal services" phrasing
of the new document, in the indented text below.
Twenty-four year-old Michael Werner, sharing
Ms. Boyce's microphone, said he experienced hearing quite a bit
of racism here [in Hopkinton], and heard someone call him the
"n" word. He also shared Ms. Boyce's singling out of the police.
"I don't believe we have proper
accountability over our police officers," he said.
Select Board member Amy
Ritterbusch, at the suggestion of Select Board Chair Brendan
Tedstone, read the entire text below for the folks at home, and
as well as for the 48 people participating in and/or attending
the the ZOOM webinar.
Mr. Tedstone
concluded, "I'm glad that we were able to get together,
collaborate as a board, as a town, and come up with a very
nicely worded document that we can put on our website, and take
to heart and turn into each of our personal credo. My children
are very well taught in right and wrong and the repercussions of
being right and wrong. It all starts at home."
PLEDGE, PRINCIPLES, AND ACTIONS ON
SYSTEMIC RACISM IN OUR COMMUNITY AND OTHER COMMUNITIES
We, the undersigned members of the Select
Board of the Town of Hopkinton, as to our own community and in
support of other communities throughout the Commonwealth, pledge to
address systemic racism, social injustice, and inequity in the way
we govern and provide services to our residents and businesses.
Recent violent events across the country, such as those involving
George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and
other people of color, have revealed that systemic racism—whether
through violence, bias, or privilege—requires change. Our residents
are demanding it; we hear them and we are listening. Their calls for
action serve to remind us of the values set forth in our own Town
Charter:
The Town of Hopkinton welcomes residents of all races, ethnicities,
religions, abilities, gender identifications, and sexual
orientations; the Town of Hopkinton, further, is committed to
providing a climate of safety and acceptance to all residents. The
Town of Hopkinton will actively address and resist acts of
discrimination, bullying, or intimidation.
These are our ideals. They are our responsibility. We pledge to
ensure that our Town government will intensify its efforts to
address systemic racism, social injustice, and inequity by
reaffirming the commitments we have already made and by making new
commitments to ensure that all residents are safe and accepted in
our community—especially those who have experienced exclusion,
unfair treatment or discrimination from Town government.
WE MUST ACT LOCALLY TO CHANGE
We must act locally to ensure that our Town, through its
departments, boards, committees, and officials, addresses systemic
racism, social injustice, and inequity. We recognize that we have
made past efforts and progress, including in our policing, but we
also recognize our responsibility to do more to place our commitment
at the heart of all we do. We recognize that we, like every other
community, have only begun the work that needs to be done. To
continue and expand our efforts, we pledge to implement or
strengthen new local policies and actions in our own community and
support other communities’ pursuit
of the same goals.
As we take action and engage in community conversations to
learn more from our residents, the following principles will guide
us:
1. We agree that systemic racism is a public health emergency. It
must be addressed by strong and decisive actions over the coming
weeks and months and by patient and determined efforts years into
the future. We are in this now; we are in it for the long haul.
2. We acknowledge that racial biases, social injustice, and
inequities exist. We are committed to achieving racial equity and
identifying disparities in local municipal services, education,
health, housing, transportation, jobs, law enforcement, and youth
programming, among others. We are committed to providing safe spaces
for community input and dialogue around these issues and we will
continue to work together to share best practices and to make
progress.
3. We are committed to instituting an approach to municipal services
that prioritizes the safety, health, and well-being of all community
members as its primary goal. We will incorporate practices that seek
to de-escalate conflict, minimize the use of force, enhance trust,
foster dialogue and promote community engagement with all residents,
especially communities of color, into all decisions about the
delivery of municipal services.
4. We will continue to address racism within all local municipal
services, administered through all Town departments, boards,
committees, and officials in a proactive, intentional, and
consistent manner.
5. We will make it a priority to take action now, not later. We will
also advocate for state and federal policies and funding to enable
all cities and towns to accomplish the goals of this pledge.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs 18-wheeler pulls down wires, unemployment
fraud (x3),
removed unwanted construction worker,
barking dog, hanging wires, BOLO black Taurus,
inside odor on first floor, gas odor from generator...
December 7, 2020
No Arrests
December 8, 2020 —
The Hopkinton Select Board will meet early this evening with one
purpose in mind: To discuss a
pledge
document brought forward from the
MAPC [Metropolitan Area
Planning Council] that largely addresses racism and police
practices, and began as follows.
"We, the undersigned mayors and managers from cities and towns
throughout Metropolitan Boston, pledge to address systemic
racism in our communities and violence in law enforcement."
The board addressed the document at last week's meeting, and
three of the five members were in favor of signing it, although
there has never been a public incident of racism or violence in
memory regarding the Hopkinton Police. The Hopkinton Police
Department, in addition to protecting Hopkinton, is an integral part of the multi-agency police force
that provides spectators and runners with protection, some
30,000 or so, every Patriot's Day for the running of the B.A.A.
Boston Marathon*.
Chair
Brendan Tedstone (photo) said, "I have a hard time criticizing
our police department over an issue that has not come to light
to us." He recommended bringing town employees in on the
conversation in a future meeting scheduled for that sole
purpose. That meeting is to be held this evening through
ZOOM.
Member Brian Herr was also critical of the wording, noting that
it could alienate members of Hopkinton's public safety
community.
"I am struggling with a pledge for things we are already doing,"
Mr. Herr said.
Since that meeting, many residents have sent correspondence to
the Select Board, emails that can be read by choosing the link
in the headline, then choose the link under 1. "Correspondence
to the Select Board."
or click here.
A more local, Hopkinton-centric document has been put together
that encompasses all of the municipal services under its
umbrella. It can be read in the body of the agenda packet.
In addition, resident Brad Fenn is expected to introduce a
petition in support of the principles of the MAPC document.
* The Boston Marathon was not run
at all this year, and is not expected to be run on Patriot's Day
in 2021.
Hopkinton Police Incident Logs Dozens of property checks, Unemployment fraud
(x2)
parking warnings (x11) violations (x5)
multiple trees and branches on wires,
vehicles disabled, unemployment fraud (x2),
much more...
December 4, 5, 6, 2020
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton
New Transactions from November 29, 2020 to December 4,
2020
Choose Links to See Town's Property Card
Snow-monster December 6, 2020 — Joe Deiana and son,
Elijah, 4, are in the middle of making their snow monster today on
Hopkinton Common. Elijah is displaying the arms he is going to give
to the finished work,
which can be seen
here.
Seasonal December 6, 2020 — Hopkinton Reservoir Dam
gets just as much of the park patrons' attention during the snowy
season as during the other three. And yes, that is a jump near
the bottom of the hill!
Celebration
December 6, 2020 — A greeting at the head of the entrance to EMC
Park.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Stylish December 6, 2020 — Thanks to Cathy Burns
Howe, whose paintings sometimes look like photos, and whose photo at
sunrise. above, could be mistaken for a painting. At York, Maine.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Carleen B. Hageman, 85
Carleen
B. Hageman, 85, of Belmont, NH and Fort Myers Beach,
FL, passed away Friday, December 4, 2020. Born in Middletown, CT,
she was the daughter of the late Thera (Mitchell) and Carleton
Bircher. She was the wife of 50 years to the late Charles W.
Hageman.
Carleen worked as a nurse at numerous
hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics in Florida, New Hampshire and
Connecticut throughout her life, and retired as a nurse at 81 years
old. She lovingly cared for her granddaughter, Brittany Hageman who
passed away in 2003 and her husband who passed away in 2008. Carleen
was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards. She especially loved
spending time with family, being at the lake and celebrating the
holidays.
Carleen is survived by her children, Robert W. Hageman and his wife,
Kitty Stalsburg of Old Lyme, CT, Thomas S. Hageman and his wife,
Kira of Chichester, NH, and Tara L. Wilson and her husband,
David of Hopkinton. She also leaves behind her brother,
William Bircher and his wife, Linda of Harwinton, CT; and 5
grandchildren, Avery Hageman, Kathryn Hageman, Nathan and Kaitlin
Wilson, Keely Smith and 2 great-grandchildren, Harrison Stith and
Edie Bremner.
Services are being held privately and are under the care of the
Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to PNH Research and Support Fund,
www.aamds.org/ or to CHAD,
https://www.chadkids.org/donate
.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
Great Form
December 6, 2020 — Santa took a break from all of his virtual
appearances as soon as the snow hit the ground in Upton yesterday.
He said that since snowboarding has taken over the slopes, he has to
bushwhack to ski safely.
> FOOD AND BEVERAGE <
Otter Be Careful December 5, 2020 — This cute but savage
mammal photographed Tuesday by Julie Ford, is well suited for
stealth. It can hide most of its body beneath the surface of the
water, making sure that, by design, its nose, eyes and ears are
perfectly aligned to stay above the water to minimize its
presence and size, yet be able to breath, as well as smell, see and
hear any danger. Thanks again to Julie Ford for sharing her special
world.
Working hard for Hopkinton
Homeowners and the surrounding
Communities
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. 
BOSTON
– Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito issued
the following statements:
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. 
Renato
'Ray' Agapito Angelone, 94
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. 
January
1, 2021 — At approximately 11:30 p.m. yesterday Troopers
assigned to State Police-Milton responded to reports of a
multi-vehicle crash on Route 24 southbound in the area of Exit
20 in Stoughton. The crash resulted in the fatality of one of
the operators.
Alberta
Inez Irvine, 92,
and water restored to the area.
John
Joseph Nally, 51
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. 
Ethan
Andrew Bagge, age 22
Barbara
F. Strickler, 86
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.
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.
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.
It’s
a question worth thinking about after hearing a story first
reported by the British Broadcasting Company on the 60th
anniversary of the liberation of Rome. It’s the story of a young
28-year-old Italian Physician named Vittorio Sacerdoti during
the Nazi occupation of Italy. The setting was in a small, old
hospital on an island in the river Tiber.
Carleen
B. Hageman, 85
