Blackwell Rocks Crowd at Last Summer Concert [Video]

The band of high school students had the crowd movin' and groovin' at Goodwill Park last night.

Last night a crowd of more than 100 people gathered at Goodwill Park in Holliston to see local band Blackwell perform some old favorites and some original music. The band, made up of four seniors at Holliston High, started out with Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix before playing more classic rock, some new rock and even a few of their own songs. The Summer Concert Series is put on by the Holliston Arts Council with help from numerous groups around town.

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You Ask, Patch Answers

Restricted Parking or Open Parking in Bertucci's Plaza?

Have you seen the covered up parking sign in front of Lost Art of Life?

Have you ever wondered what needs to happen for a business in a plaza to have a specific parking spot? What if that parking spot is surrounded by a busy restaurant, a nail salon and many other businesses? This sign outside Lost Art of Life said "Parking for Lost Art of Life Only; 15 Minute Parking." According to workers in the area, though, the sign wasn't printed properly. A solution is being worked on to free up parking for short-term visitors to the plaza who will not be spending an hour in one of the businesses.

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Hopkinton Lands Top 10 Ranking on 'Best Communities' List

GoLocal Worcester has compiled rankings for Central Massachusetts' best communities. See where Hopkinton falls, and tell us if you agree.

Out of 72 cities and towns in Central Massachusetts,Hopkinton is the fourth best, according to GoLocalWorcester. The Worcester-based online news source has been releasing "Central MA Best Communities" rankings throughout the week, starting with the lowest-ranked and ending with the highest. Hopkinton's biggest draw, according to GoLocal, is its education system. Other positives include safety and economic condition. Affordability and arts and culture didn't score as high, with Hopkinton being listed 56th and 32nd, respectively, on those factors.  For more on GoLocal's ranking criteria, see this explanation.

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Solarize Hopkinton Announces Panel Installer

On Monday Town Hall and Hopkinton Solar Coach Andy Boyce announced the installer who will be working throughout the town as part of the green energy program.

After weeks of discussions and deliberations, SolarFlair Energy Inc was announced to have executed their contract with the Mass CEC. “Hopkinton’s participation in the Solarize Mass program reflects the community’s commitment to sustainability, continued recognition of its importance and speaks to the community’s resolve and attitude towards fulfilling that commitment,” Board of Selectman Chairman Ben Palleiko said. “We are quite pleased that Hopkinton continues to be recognized as a leader in the state in advancing these and other alternative energy options.”  The Framingham based company will be installing in Hopkinton, as well as other towns participating in the Solarize program. “I am pleased that SolarFlair Energy, a MetroWest based …

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How Do You Handle the Grad Gift-Giving Scramble?

Graduation season means ceremonies, parties—and for some, lots of outgoing cash.

For most high schools and colleges in the area, the tassels have been turned and diplomas have been awarded. Before graduates go off into the world, they head to graduation parties: their own, and those of their friends. You may find yourself invited to many of these parties this month. So, our question to you, is, "What is graduation gift etiquette?" If you're the parent of a grad, you have your own son or daughter's graduation to contend with, and depending on your kids' plans after graduation, those plans and parties may come with a hefty price tag. Add in the invitations to a dozen of your kid's friends' graduation parties, and, assuming you're bringing a gift, things really start to add up. If you're invited to a party, how do you …

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Keep Your Kids Busy Through the Summer Months

Want to get your kids out of the house? Here are four ways to combat summer boredom.

Year after year parents struggle with ways to get their kids off the couch and out in to the world over their summer vacation. Although video games are getting more interactive and physical (see Dance Dance Revolution, Xbox Kinect) nothing can make up for the fresh air and natural sunlight kids get while being outside. Visit the Beach: Holliston has one of the best parks around on Lake Winthrop. Stoddard Park has plenty of fields to play pick-up sports games or lay in the grass and read a book. There is also a playground for younger children and grills to cook some dinner. Oh yeah, and then there's the beach! Go for a swim, wade in or just dip your toes in. Volunteer at a Charity: Holliston has lots of great charitable organizations to …

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Leading the Library into the Future

Rownak Hussein is the Director of the Hopkinton Public Library. Learn more about her and the expansion project below.

A love of books, an opportunity to be closer to her daughter’s and an obvious joy in her love of library sciences led Rownak Hussain to become the director of the Hopkinton Public Library. “I have been the Director since 2005,” Hussain said. “I moved to Hopkinton and the opportunity to leave academic libraries and come back to a public library presented itself. I loved the idea of  doing everything and being involved in every corner of the library.” Hussain, who has a degree in library and informational sciences, admitted that management was not initially in the cards for her, but when she was laid off from another job the opportunity to try something new was appealing. “I am the pulse of the library,” Hussain said. “I know what’s going on…

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Green Volunteers – Thank you!

After a great green-up day, The Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee wanted to thank everyone who made the event such a success.

Submitted By Caroline McManus, Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee The Sustainable Green Committee would like to extend a warm ‘Thank You’ to all of the Hopkinton residents that participated in Green Up day and Shred day last Saturday. Some of the items that were collected and removed from streets and green spaces in Hopkinton include:  a couch, toilets, empty alcohol bottles, water bottles, construction wire, various furniture pieces, a broken hula hoop, and dozens of bags of garbage. Such a great effort was made to beautify the town, and we hope that everyone continues to make this effort throughout the year. Please note that a dumpster is available on the last Saturday of every month at the DPW Highway Garage, 83 Wood St, for large …

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