Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

This Saturday:

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Open Mic Feature

Join us October 2 for our First Friday Open Mic at 7:30pm with host Jack Byrne and feature Nico Rivers! Sign up to perform or just tune to the Facebook Live performance and enjoy the music!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b49a4a62ea4f94-first22

Born and raised in Marshfield, a small ocean side town in Massachusetts, Nico’s musical experiments have taken him across the country and world into labs of all shapes and sizes. A true multifaceted musical artist, Nico draws influence from artists as diverse as he his. Artists such as Neil Young, Radiohead and Bright Eyes.

Sponsored by:

Wedding Announcement

Katelyn Sarah Sousa and Connor William Kirkwood were married at Lakefalls Lodge in Stoddard, NH at 3:30 pm, Sunday, the 6^th of September 2020.  The wedding was officiated by Leonard Layne and followed by a reception at the lodge.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Sousa of Hopkinton, MA while the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kirkwood of Wayland, MA..

The bride, 27, went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for her Bachelor’s degree in UI/UX and Master’s degree in IT.  The groom, 26, went to Westfield State University for his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Connor continued on to join the US Marine Corps and is currently enlisted in the Reserves. It was a mutual attraction at first sight when the couple met playing a game of Magic the Gathering at a local game shop. Their attraction grew to a deep and abiding love, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Katie and Connor honeymooned in Tahiti and are looking forward to starting their married lives together along with their fur babies, Maia and Kekoa.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Ann Louise Forrest, 87

Ann Louise Forrest, 87, of Hopkinton, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Born in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late Mabel (Melanson) and Richard Doucette. She was the wife of the late Kenneth David Forrest.

Ann had worked for the telephone company until 1967. She was an active daily participant at St. John the Evangelist Church. She enjoyed taking care of her yard, especially her plants and flowers.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Kendra Weldon and her significant other, Mark Campbell and two grandchildren, Kristina and Kyle Weldon all of Hopkinton. Ann was 1 of 9 children and leaves behind 2 siblings.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2nd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St.  www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com   A graveside service will be held at10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3rd at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Assoc, 8180 Greensboro Dr. Ste 400. McLean, VA 22102

TOWN OF HOPKINTON INSPECTIONAL SERVICES

Charles E. Kadlik Director of Municipal Inspections

Zoning Enforcement Officer

Residents Asked to Review Temporary Sign Regulations

HOPKINTON, MA (October 1, 2020) - Due to the proliferation of home/residential signage displayed in town within the last six months, the Town of Hopkinton is requesting the help of its residents regarding the display of temporary signs. The temporary sign regulations are contained in Zoning Bylaw § 210-179, and the enforcement of temporary sign regulations falls under the purview of the Building Department.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Good afternoon, Hopkinton Families, Students and Staff:

THE HOPKINTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL REOPEN TOMORROW, OCTOBER 1, 2020.

PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!

The Hopkinton Public Schools  want to remain open, so it’s important that all families follow these protocols:

1. If your child or anyone in your family has been in contact with a COVID-19 positive person, please keep your child HOME. Call your pediatrician as well as the Hopkinton Health Department (508) 497-9725 for guidance.   

2. When a child is determined to be  a “close contact” because that student has come in contact with a COVID-19 positive person in our schools, that “close contact”  must be quarantined for 14 days, even if the “close contact’s” PCR test comes back negative. “Close contacts” then lose in-person learning days for the duration of their quarantine. 

3. We are sure COVID-19 cases are going to come into our town and inadvertently into our schools; therefore, we need everyone to work toward stopping the transmission of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene, staying socially distanced, staying home when sick, disinfecting, and covering coughs and sneezes.

4.  In regard to siblings of those who are quarantined as “close contacts,” the following criteria must be met in order to return to school:

           A. the “close contact” quarantined student must take a PCR test and be determined to be negative and be symptom free; 

           B. the “close contact” quarantined student must have a place within the household where that student can be isolated from all other household members;

           C. only if  these criteria are met, may the sibling of the “close contact” quarantined student return to school.

5. If your child is unwell or shows any of the following symptoms, please keep your child home:

•  

• Fever of 100 degrees F or greater

• Chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

As we have all just experienced, the transition from hybrid to remote is very challenging. We are excited to welcome students back tomorrow. Let’s do our collective best to keep all of our students who wish to attend in the hybrid model IN OUR SCHOOLS. 

My best

Carol Cavanaugh

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Step II of Phase III for Lower Risk Communities Effective October 5th

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that effective Monday, October 5^th, lower risk communities will be permitted to move into Step II of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. All other communities will remain in Phase III, Step I. Governor Charlie Baker also issued a revised gatherings order. Industry specific guidance and protocols for a range of Phase I, II, and III businesses will also be updated.

Phase III, Step II:

On May 18, the Baker-Polito Administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy based on sustained improvements in public health data.

Last month, the Administration began releasing data on the average daily COVID cases per 100,000 residents, average percent positivity, and total case counts, for all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns.

Lower risk communities are defined as cities and towns that have not been a “red” community in any of the last three weekly Department of Public Health (DPH) weekly reports.

Effective October 5, a limited number of sectors will be eligible to reopen, with restrictions, in Step II of Phase III for lower risk communities only:

• Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people.

• Outdoor performance venue capacity will increase to 50% with a max of 250 people.

• For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional Step II activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag will also be permitted to open and capacity will increase to 50%.

• Fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores. 

• Gyms, museums, libraries and driving and flight schools will also be permitted to increase their capacity to 50%.

Revised Gatherings Order:

• The limit for indoor gatherings remains at a maximum of 25 people for all communities.

• Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 50 people for all communities.

• Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in Step I communities, and a limit of 100 people in lower risk, Step II communities.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

CONGRATULATIONS!

--to Hopkinton resident Mike Hovagimian (file photo), the Hopkinton Historical Society’s runner, for completing the B.A.A.’s 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon. Although called a “virtual” race, Mike ran his 26.2 miles with real sweat and real hard work. The brutally hot summer made training extra challenging, but despite this added difficulty, and without the electrifying motivation of the Marathon crowds, he completed his race on September 5^th, with an official finish time of 4:55:23.

For Mike, a major motivator was his sense of honor. He explained that for the privilege of receiving a coveted charity bib, he felt duty bound to live up to the promise he had made to the Historical Society, the Boston Athletic Association, and the Town of Hopkinton to run this race. It was also a personal record for this Hopkintonian, as the 124^th Boston Marathon (COVID altered though it was) marked his 24^th consecutive running of this world famous race.

Never a quitter, Mike still hopes to reach his fundraising goal of $5,000. The cancellation of the April 2020 Boston Marathon made fundraising more difficult for the town’s many charity runners. You can still contribute to Mike’s fundraising effort with a check to Mike Hovagimian, 11 Ridge Rd.Hopkinton, (include “HHS Marathon Fundraiser” in memo field), or via Venmo to @Mike-Hovagimian, or by visiting the Dell Corp. “Your Cause” fundraising page, open until Sept. 30, at:

https://dell.yourcause.com/public#/fundraising/7951 . Contributions from Dell employees will receive a generous 100% match from Dell! ~ Claire Wright

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Gloria R. Cipolla, 89, of Abington, PA, returned home to God on September 24.

She was a 50-year resident of Clifton Heights, PA, where she raised four children with her beloved husband Gaetano A. (“Tot”) Cipolla Jr., who died in 1998. In her later years Gloria lived near her son and his family in Jenkintown, PA, and with her daughter and family in Hopkinton, MA, before moving to Sunrise Senior Living in Abington for the past year.

Gloria was born to Gaetano and Marie (Signoretti) DiNatale on February 28, 1931, in Queens, New York, and graduated from Jamaica High School. As a young woman she worked as a secretary at several menswear company headquarters in Manhattan, until she married Tot and settled near his large and close-knit family in Clifton Heights. Tot was a gifted amateur photographer, and his beautiful wife, who was sometimes mistaken for Audrey Hepburn, was his favorite subject.

Gloria also had true inner beauty; she was a friend, confidante and honorary mom to many. Her radiant smile, warmth and common sense could soothe the pain of a scraped knee, a school or job disappointment, a troubled home life or a broken heart. Next to her beloved children and grandchildren, Gloria’s greatest pleasures included Italian peasant food; finding designer clothes at thrift stores; Audrey Hepburn movies; visits to Boothbay Harbor with Tot and her brother John and wife Marilyn; and anything with whipped cream.

In 1973, Gloria returned to work at Upper Darby High School, where she was secretary to several principals over 34 years before retiring in 2007. She took a special interest in students who were troubled or whose families were suffering hard times, helping them with bus tokens, classroom tips, advice and encouragement. Her biggest thrill on the job was meeting comedienne Tina Fey, an Upper Darby alumna.

She is survived by her four children: Catherine Buday and husband Robert of Hopkinton, Mass.; Julia Mullen and husband Michael of Clarks Green, PA; Daniel Cipolla and wife Elena of Jenkintown, PA; and Maria Boulden and husband Ronald of Landenberg, PA and Rehoboth Beach, Del. Gloria is also survived by her 12 grandchildren: Rachel and Ryan Flynn; John Buday; Matthew Mullen and wife Lindsey; Gregory Mullen; Michael and David Boulden; Daniel Cipolla and wife Catalina; and David, Joseph, Maria and Thomas Cipolla. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Carmen Cipolla and Finley Mullen; her brothers, Nicholas DiNatale of Valley Stream, NY, and John DiNatale of Riverhead, NY; and honorary grandchildren Bryan Boulden, Stefanie Harmon, Rachel Mansour, Jesse Buday and Ben Buday.

Gloria’s health declined over the past few years, and her family is eternally grateful to the special angels who helped care for her and lift her spirits -- including Katherine Wright of Northborough, MA; George Robinson of Hopkinton, MA; canine companions Gus and Rita; and the wonderful staff at Sunrise of Abington, where Gloria was affectionately known as “Momma G.”

A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Church 602 West Ave. Jenkintown, PA. Her interment will be private, but another memorial service is planned for the future when it is safe for Gloria’s many relatives and friends to gather. The use of masks and social distancing will be observed.

Donations in Gloria’s honor may be sent to:
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 100 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096
World Central Kitchen www.wck.org
Friends of the Hopkinton Senior Citizens, Inc., 28 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Gloria’s funeral mass will be live streamed. Please go to her obituary on our website www.McGoldrickFH.com  and click on watch event under events.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Hopkinton High School Student Tests Positive for COVID-19

Investigation of movement and contacts

September 26, 2020 — As the Town of Hopkinton now knows, the Hopkinton Public Schools have had their first student test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or COVID-19. This press release is designed to clear up confusion in the community about how this particular case played out as well as how, when, to what degree people--including administration, faculty, staff, students, and families--are made aware COVID-19 cases in our school community.

First, it’s important to note that the School District typically learns of a COVID-19 positive student or staff member through Hopkinton’s Health Department. On Friday, September 25th, in the middle of the day, the School District learned from a student’s parent that there might be a COVID-19 positive High School student. (The student was not in school on Friday.) The Health Department then confirmed this particular case to be positive.

The investigation that was carried out at Hopkinton High School is, of course, unique to a high school schedule. An investigation at an elementary school would be very different, given that elementary students tend to remain in the same classroom with the same teacher for most of the day.

Immediately Principal Evan Bishop set the wheels in motion. It was determined that this particular student last attended school four days prior, on Monday, September 21st, and attended only three classes that day. Once the classrooms were identified, Mr. Bishop sought out seating plans from the three impacted classrooms, essentially from two teachers and one paraprofessional. The purpose of the faculty members and Mr. Bishop discussing these lists is to identify for the Health Department the names of students who might prove to be “close contacts.”

A “close contact” is defined as being within 6 feet of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more, or coming in direct contact with secretions (e.g., sharing utensils, being coughed on) from a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, while that person was symptomatic.

The first point of clarification for the community is that seating chart work is not a perfect science. For example, in one of the three classes, there were only five students, all wearing masks, and these five masked students were engaged in lab work, which required movement in the room. Because the School could not say who sat to the front, back, left, and right of the COVID-19 positive student, all the students in the room were deemed “close contacts.” Essentially, the School and the Health Department were erring on the side of caution.

Mr. Bishop also investigated whether the student took the bus. The student did not. Mr. Bishop investigated whether the student ate lunch in the building. The student did not. It’s important for the community to know that a thorough investigation took place. Once the “close contacts” were identified with input from both the Building Principal and the School Nurse, Sarah Patterson, the Town Nurse, Kasey Mauro, informed only those students who are considered close contacts. Throughout the process, Sarah Patterson collaborated with both the Head Nurse for the Hopkinton Public Schools, Kathy Bain, and Town Nurse, Kasey Mauro. These three medical personnel work tirelessly to ensure that the process is carried out with the wellness of the whole school community at top of mind.

Here is a second point of clarification. Late this afternoon, Mr. Bishop reached out to the three adults in the Hopkinton Public Schools--again, two teachers and one paraprofessional--whose classrooms the student had been in on Monday, September 21st. The District will continue to notify classroom teachers and paraprofessionals whose students test positive for COVID-19. That way, if the teachers or the paraprofessionals wish, for peace of mind, to be COVID-19 tested, they certainly may choose to be. The Schools do not have permission to release a student’s name to anyone. Ever. Just as is true with students, if a teacher is deemed a “close contact,” that teacher will hear directly from the Hopkinton Health Department.

The Hopkinton Public Schools value the health and safety of all. And, in collaboration with the Hopkinton Health Department, Hopkinton has resources the community can be proud of.

Carol Cavanaugh, Ph.D.,

Superintendent

Michael J. Zilembo, 98

Marlborough-  Michael J. Zilembo, 98, of Hopkinton and formerly of Marlborough died unexpectedly Thursday April 9, 2020 at Milford Hospital. His wife of 66 years, Margaret (McMaster) Zilembo died in 2012.  He was born, raised and educated in Marlborough the son of the late Charles and Mary (Notartomaso) Zilembo. Part of “the Greatest Generation”, he was a US Navy Veteran of World World II serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater aboard the USS Starling with the rank of  “Sonarman Third Class”. Following an honorable discharge, Mike worked in the construction field helping to build several large projects in Boston. He then went on to work for the City of Marlborough in the school department where he stayed for over 25 years retiring as head custodian in 1988.  Mike was a member of the former St. Ann's Church most of his life and currently the Immaculate Conception Church. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He traveled extensively while in the Navy and then with his family to Bermuda, Cape Cod, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, and the mountains of New Hampshire. Mike enjoyed fixing things around the house, running errands around town and always made time for a fresh cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts. He was a loving Father and family man always putting family first and especially enjoyed time spent with his great grandson Dylan and his great nephews and nieces.  

 He leaves two daughters, Susan M. Lindberg and Dale A. Zilembo both of Hopkinton; a grandson, Sean M. Lindberg, his wife Melissa, a great grandson Dylan Lindberg currently living in Australia as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings Nicholas, Thomas, Johnny, Lucy, and Charlie who died in February. 

 A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated Saturday October 3 at 11:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, Prospect Street. Military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street. All are invited to sign Mike’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com 

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Thomas Joseph Ellam, 72

Thomas Joseph Ellam, 72, of Hopkinton, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Born in Clinton, MA, he was the son of the late Katharine (Durkin) and Joseph H. Ellam. He leaves behind his wife, Susan Stevens of Hopkinton, his daughter, Sarah Stevens Ellam and her husband, Leigh Walker, of Hopkinton, and their two daughters, Rhys Ellam Walker and Tessa Ellam Walker, his son, Matthew Stevens Ellam and his partner, Deanna Meeske, of Boston, and his son Timothy Stevens Ellam and his wife, Shannon, of Everett. He also leaves behind his sisters, Mary Ellam Lane, Katharine Ellam, and Elizabeth Ellam, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families. He is predeceased by his brother, Joseph J. Ellam.

Thomas was a 1965 graduate of St. John’s in Shrewsbury, a 1969 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and he earned his MBA from Babson College. Upon graduating from Notre Dame, he served in the US Army as an Intelligence Analyst and Vietnamese Interpreter in Vietnam. During his long career, he worked in sales and management for Xerox, Nortel, and other networking companies. In all of these places, Tom made lasting friendships. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans Association, served on the Hopkinton Veterans Celebration Committee, and he coached Youth Basketball and Little League Baseball.

Tom/Dad/Grandpa Tom was a devoted father, beloved grandfather, and dear friend to many. He was grateful for the love and laughter of all his close Hopkinton friends, his old-time Clinton friends, and especially his Notre Dame family from across the country. He will be remembered for his unwavering passion for the Fighting Irish, his pursuit of knowledge, his quick wit, and most of all, his love for his family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 28th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber or Vietnam Veterans of America, www.vva.org/

State public health officials announce eighth human case of West Nile virus in Massachusetts

Peak risk for WNV infection continues

BOSTON (September 24, 2020) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced an additional human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the state, bringing the total number of WNV cases this year to eight. The individual is a male in his 40s, who was exposed to WNV in Middlesex County.

Most WNV virus activity this year has continued to be focused in an area around Boston and includes parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties. Information about current mosquito activity will continue to be updated regularly and can be found here. In 2019, there were five human cases of WNV infection.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.

When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. However, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes. DPH recommends the following precautions:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

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

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

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

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

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

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

Protect Your Animals

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

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

Thomas Joseph Ellam, 72

Hopkinton- Thomas Joseph Ellam, 72, of Hopkinton, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Born in Clinton, MA, he was the son of the late Katharine (Durkin) and Joseph H. Ellam. He was the beloved husband of 44 years to Susan Stevens of Hopkinton.

Mr. Ellam’s obituary and arrangements are pending at this time and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

September 23, 2020 (8:03 pm) - The Hopkinton school district’s reliance on livestreaming classes to students using remote learning plans is not effective, according to the Hopkinton Teachers Association.

“ The district’s extensive use of livestreaming shortchanges both the students receiving in-person instruction and those viewing the class remotely,” said HTA President Becky Abate.

Abate noted that educators are still without a contract, and that the district has significantly changed working conditions without bargaining.

“Our working conditions are our students’ learning conditions, and right now both of those are unsettled,” Abate said.

On Sept. 16, Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh told educators to change their teaching strategies so as to include remote students with their in-person classes. Educators had less than 24 hours to meet this demand. The change was made with virtually no upgrades in technology and without any training or time to prepare. The district provided no clear communication about procedures, policies, and expectations. Many teachers were not told how many students or in which classes they would be livestreaming and only knew after logging into the classroom computer platform used by the district.

Because of technology shortfalls, many students in remote settings could not hear or see what was taking place in the classroom.

Although the high school did offer other computers to make it easier for remote learners to hear and see what was happening in the classroom, many of those computers were not formatted correctly, and teachers could not even log into them. Although technology has been delivered to classrooms, it has yet to be set up for teachers to begin using with their students. With limited training which only took place this past Monday, many teachers are uncertain how to use these new devices.

Educators have heard from remote students that they feel very uncomfortable being visible to their classmates and have opted to turn their cameras off, making it impossible for teachers to easily check on their progress.

Students in the classroom cannot hear students at home and vice versa. Teachers experience disruptions to instruction as their attention is diverted to resolving technology issues.

All of this has had a significant negative impact on establishing routines and environments that allow teachers and students to feel comfortable in their learning space--something that is crucial to establish after a six-month hiatus of in-person learning.

Educators expressed these concerns in a letter signed by the full membership that was sent to the School Committee on September 17th. School Committee has chosen to not respond to this letter or address the needs of Hopkinton educators or students.

Abate said that the HTA saw a few instances where livestreaming could work easily, such as in upper-level high school courses with small class sizes. The district though wants to use livestreaming across many courses.

“We understand that every family wants the high quality of education that Hopkinton teachers supply, and every student in Hopkinton deserves that,” Abate said. “But livestreaming does not guarantee that quality of instruction and in many ways undermines it.”

Press release from Hopkinton Teachers Association, above.

The Hopkinton School Committee went into executive session at 7:00 pm this evening for the stated purpose of strategizing a negotiating position with the Hopkinton Teachers Association. The most recent correspondence was on September 14, 2020 from Chair Amanda Fargiano. It is reprinted below. They may have a statement following this evening's executive session that was slated for 7-8:00 pm.

Press Release from Hopkinton School Committee.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Severe Drought Water Restrictions Remain in Place

Due to the continued severe drought, watering restrictions remain in place. No lawn watering is permitted. The only permitted uses are the hand watering of plants, shrubs, or gardens before 9 AM or after 5 PM. Also for Health or Safety reasons; for the production of food and fiber; for the maintenance of livestock; or to meet core functions of a business. We are now at over an 8” rain deficit for the year with no significant rain in sight through the remainder of the month. Anyone that still has their lawn sprinklers on, needs to shut them off immediately! As seen by the major fire in town recently and the need to fight it with a significant amount of water, we need to ensure a safe and adequate supply for fire protection and essential daily needs.

The restrictions will remain in place indefinitely, past the normal end of September time frame. It will take many significant rain events and snowmelt from the winter to return groundwater levels to normal.

We thank you for your cooperation in this important matter.

Eric J. Carty Water-Sewer Manager
Hopkinton Water-Sewer Dept.
PO Box 171
Hopkinton, MA 01748

HopNews photo at Hopkinton Reservoir

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Joanne M. (Powell) Ouellet, 75

Joanne M. (Powell) Ouellet, 75, of Milford and formerly of Hopkinton passed away Friday, September 18, 2020 with her family by her side, after a short period of declining health. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Vernon and Irene (Shaw) Powell and is survived by her brother Daniel (Ted) Powell and his wife, Diane of Upton. She is predeceased by her husband of 34 years, James C. Ouellet. 

Joanne was employed by Cushing Hospital in Framingham from the early 1980’s until its closure.She then worked at Medfield State Hospital in the activities department; where she educated patients on gardening and planting.   

Joanne leaves behind her three children; Cathleen Wiley Berube and her husband, Steve Berube of Millbury, a devoted son, Matthew Wiley and his wife, Kory of Blackstone, and a dedicated son, Jason Wiley and his wife, Sabrina of Hopkinton. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Nicknames include “gum Grammy, “ice cream Grammy” and “cookie Grammy”.

Joanne had a deep affection for dogs, this could be observed throughout her home. She would collect miniature sculptures of cocker spaniels and display pictures of her own dogs in every room. Her devoted spaniel Jack passed in 2016 and up until her passing she expressed wanting another dog.   

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A funeral home service will follow visitation at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com   In lieu of flowers please donate to Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England, LLC  http://csrne.org/

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

“I share in the grief felt by those across the country at the tragic loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A mighty force for justice and equality, Ginsburg’s fighting spirit was an inspiration to me, as well as generations of women and girls everywhere. She taught us to stand tall, raise our voices, and never to give up. Her legacy now lives on in all of us.”

Senate President Karen E. Spilka

D-Ashland

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Upton, MA – VFW Post 5594 is pleased to announce the 11th Annual Run to Remember 5K is going virtual for 2020! Participants will receive a race bib and gaiter and can engage in either a walk or run category. The Virtual Run to Remember will take place from Saturday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 11th.

According to Shawn Craig, Post Commander, “Like so many individuals, businesses, and non-profits, our Post has been greatly affected by the spread of COVID-19 and the CDC’s social distancing recommendations. We were unable to bring the carnival to town last spring, and then had to significantly delay our weekly Cruise Nights this summer. It’s these fundraisers alongside our hall rentals that support our community programs and services. I’m excited about going virtual as it opens the event to our family, friends, and others who may be living outside the area but still want to support our efforts.”

Participants can register to run the 5K (3.1mi) or walk 2.25K (1.4mi). Kids get their own Virtual Fun Run (from a 50-yard dash up to 400 meters). The race honors all Active, Reserve, and Guard members and veterans who served our country in the past. Each participant is encouraged to wear the name of a veteran they wish to honor. Runners submit their times using the honor system. Prizes will be given (mailed) to 1st Place male and female 5K runners!

Please visit www.uptonvfw.org/5k  for more details or to register online.

Regarding Sign Thefts

To the Editor:

The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) is deeply concerned about reports of recent yard sign thefts. We believe that whether they support LGBTQ+ Pride, Defend or Defund the Police, or any political candidate, yard signs represent the kind of civic engagement that should be encouraged. Under no circumstances should anyone enter someone’s property, remove their personal belongings, and interfere with their right of freedom of expression.

As we approach what promises to be a contentious and spirited election on November 3, the HDTC urges all Hopkinton residents to obey the law and respect the property of others. We further request that parents discuss with their children the importance of responsible, productive civic engagement. Those who wish to find out more about how to engage effectively in the political process should contact the campaigns or the Town Committee of their choice.

Respectfully,
The members of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee
 
Thanks very much,
Amy Groves
2 College Street

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Mary Wise

Mary Wise, age 84, of Hopkinton, MA, formerly of Natick, passed away with her family by her side on September 14, 2020, after entering hospice care in early June.  

Mary was born and educated in Newton, graduating from Our Lady’s School, class of 1952. After graduation she worked at Raytheon where she met her husband, Charles Wise. They moved to Natick where they lived for 30 years before moving to the Cape where her husband passed away following his retirement.  

Mary’s faith sustained her throughout her life. She was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Hopkinton for many years. She followed Catholic Television and prayed the rosary daily. After retiring, she went on to do volunteer work for many years for the Hopkinton School system, Senior Center, and St. John’s Church. Mary had boundless energy, was a Bocce League member, and a fierce card player. Always active, she loved organizing, helping her children, the Red Sox, Bingo, Bowling and attending church. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and Wordscape and refused to pay for help on Candy Crush. Mary took great joy in creating loving holiday memories for her family. She was the daughter of the late Lucas and Concetta (Giacci) Taddeo, and the wife of the late Charles M. Wise who passed in 1996. 

She is survived by her children, Deborah Grant of N.C., and Arthur Wise and Mimi Wise Auger, both of Hopkinton, MA. Mary is also survived by her sisters Antoinette Piana of Canton, Rita Taddeo of Ludlow, and Rose Taddeo of Newton. Mary was the grandmother of Emily Boutin, Lucas and Jesse Wise, and Abigail Auger, and great grandmother of Joseph Russo, Hazel Lisa Lyon, and Baylee and Tyler Boutin, all of whom she loved and cherished. Mary comes from a large family and was a loving aunt to her many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Frank and Lucas Taddeo of Waltham in 2019, Dora Taddeo of Newton, and Yolanda Ferolito of Watertown.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 25th at 10:30 am at St. John the Evangelist in Hopkinton MA. All are welcome to attend. Due to Covid concerns, a celebration of her life will be postponed until further notice. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com/

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Hopkinton Fuel Assistance

The Outreach Department at the Senior Center, 28 Mayhew Street, is assisting residents of all ages with applications to SMOC (South Middlesex Opportunity Council) for fuel assistance for  the upcoming home heating season, if state income guidelines are met.  A household of one, $39,105; household of two, $51,137; etc.  Please phone 508-497-9730 for more information or to make an appointment.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities

School Committee Makes "...last best offer." to HTA

HOPKINTON, MASSACHUSETTS – September 14, 2020 — The Hopkinton School Committee tonight made a last best offer to the Hopkinton Teachers Association (HTA) regarding a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) related to working conditions and school-year expectations as we return to school during the pandemic.

Hopkinton Public Schools will open with a hybrid learning model on Wednesday, September 16 that is based on the district’s reopening plan. The plan was thoughtfully compiled by a number of stakeholders, including members of the HTA. Informed by scientific data, the plan attends to the health, safety and well-being of everyone in the school community. Uppermost in our mind, as ever, are the needs of our students. In concert with the members of the RAG, we decided upon a hybrid model which calls for 75% of the district's students to attend school in-person on an every-other day basis. 

On September 9, 2020, the HTA membership rejected a proposal which had been tentatively endorsed by HTA leadership at the bargaining table on September 4th. We believe the rejection was in large part because the agreement included a plan to live-stream a small group of classes to 145 elected-remote high school general education students, and it also provided live-streaming to fulfill the needs of some remote special education students.

"We have worked collaboratively and at length with the HTA to address with care the union concerns regarding safety, childcare for teachers, flexibility in work location, and remote instruction for a hybrid reopening. We have heard and care deeply about the teachers' concerns,” said Amanda Fargiano, Chairperson of the Hopkinton School Committee [photo]. 

“While in-person instruction is ideal, we know that some students and families have health and other concerns that guided their decisions to elect remote learning.  To ensure these students have access to our outstanding Hopkinton teachers and their classmates through live streaming, we offered the union both technical support and an additional stipend.

"We hope the HTA will approve the MOA and recognize how important live-streaming is for this small number of students who must 1) be able to stay connected to Hopkinton High School (HHS), its teachers and students, 2) continue learning progressions established in HHS and preserve the ability to return to HHS classes seamlessly next year, and 3) maintain the option to transition to in-person hybrid learning and rejoin classmates later in the year as conditions allow.”

Contributed press release.

Working hard for Hopkinton Homeowners and the surrounding Communities