My Hero’s Name: Melissa Bennett
Whether I need (another) ½ cup sugar, an emergency babysitter or just a listening ear, Melissa is always there when I need her. A terrific neighbor and a wonderful friend…
Kim Mailloux
My Hero’s Name: Marilyn Bresaw
Marilyn is my hero because of her devotion to the people in our community who are in need of food, shelter, or heat. In her role as Human Services Coordinator, she has had a huge impact on the Town of Hopkinton. Thank you, Marilyn, for all that you do to make the lives of many a whole lot better.
Elaine Loft
My Hero’s Name: Holly Charron
I like how she always helps me when I need help. Even though I’m done with school she still helps me. I’m glad that she does Special Olympics with our team ‘cause she helps us prepare for the games. Mrs. Charon is a lot of fun. I’m glad that she and I became friends.
David England
My Hero’s Name: Susan Covert
Susan is a hero for our town because she works to keep us all informed and connected through her ever-growing email list. By helping to spread the word about charitable events, town functions, and opportunities to vote, she makes our community stronger.
Sara Persechino
My Hero’s Name: Barb Diaz
Everyone who comes into the library knows and loves Barb. She is always cheerful and funny and so eager to help with anything. Her enthusiasm inspired me to become a library volunteer and she continues to brighten everyone’s day whenever they see her, no matter what. She is a wonderful asset to the library and to Contoocook and I can’t think of anyone else who has been such a kind and warm ambassador for both. She is truly a Hopkinton Hero not just to me, but to countless others!
Jonathan Riggs
My Hero’s Name: Dennis Dobe
He noticed we were running out of firewood in early April, and showed up in our driveway with a vanload.
Alayne Brandt
My Hero’s Name: Mrs. (Sara) Duval
She helps us learn. She is warm when we give her hugs. She does lots of fun projects with us.
Lucy Beardmore
My Hero’s Name: Aimee Echelberger
Aimee is my right-hand girl! I have two very busy boys and a packed work schedule. Aimee is always just a phone call away. She comes to my house to help with just a moment’s notice and she always brings a big smile and a can-do attitude! She really is “up for anything” I throw at her! Aimee plays three sports, she is in the school Interact Club and she has a full schedule herself, but she’s become an extension of my family. Aimee is dependable, honest, a great listener and my boys would tell you she’s a Lego PRO! We love you, Aimee! Thank you for all that you do for us!
Mary, Jack (age 4) and Noah (age 10 months) Welles
My Hero’s Name: Tammy Erhmanntraut
Tammy did an incredible job coordinating this year's PTA Fun Fair held at Harold Martin School in the spring. Due in no small part to her dedication and hard work, along with that of many other volunteers, the Fair raised approximately $7,000 this year. The Fun Fair is the PTA's main fundraiser and the funds raised are used at all three Hopkinton Schools to purchase supplies and fund special programs.
In addition to the work she did to coordinate this Fun Fair, I see Tammy has volunteering on a regular basis at Harold Martin in the classrooms and helping with special events. Her committed volunteerism extends beyond the schools to our town as well. I am never surprised to see her quietly helping out at community events such as the Sestercentennial Celebration. In fact, I am quite certain there are many other activities in which she is involved as a volunteer that am not even aware of, but I bet that some of you reading this can add to the list. Thank you Tammy for all that give of yourself to our schools and community!
Juliana Dapice
My Hero's Name: Tammy Ehrmanntraut
Tammy is a hero for all she does for the Hopkinton community: For her volunteer work organizing and running the PTA fun fair each May, for her volunteer work with running two Girl Scout troops and still finding the time to mentor new leaders, for her volunteer work with the cub scouts organizing the popcorn sales and for the zillion other things that she does to help our community run while still raising 4 awesome kids! Thank you Tammy!!!
The Noble family
My Hero’s Name: Tammy Ehrmanntraut
Tammy is selfless in her commitment to the children of Hopkinton. She is a Girl Scout leader, PTA member and school employee. She has managed Fun Fair for years. Without Tammy, many of the events in town wouldn’t happen.
Suzanne Carmichael
Our Family Heroes: The Noble Family, The Westover Family, The Walsh Family, The Hodgdon Family, The Mailloux Family, The Eck Family, The Gregory Family, The Crawford Family, The Zapton Family, The Hogblom Family, The Boudette Family and The Chapin Family
Our mommy had knee surgery this spring. While she was getting better, our heroes were the families that made us dinners and delivered them to our house. We loved that the meals had bread and delicious desserts. It helped that our daddy didn't have to make dinner every night. Mommy was happy to see friends when they brought the food over. We’re grateful that so many people were kind, generous and helpful.
Thank you to The Noble Family, The Westover Family, The Walsh Family, The Hodgdon Family, The Mailloux Family, The Eck Family, The Gregory Family, The Crawford Family, The Zapton Family, The Hogblom Family, The Boudette Family and The Chapin Family.
Hannah, Abby and Jack Bennett
My Hero’s Name: Dr. Robert Furness, DVM
Dr. Furness is a wonderful veterinarian who goes out of his way to help pets as well as their owners. He and his team are always very busy but make sure to answer your questions and go the extra mile. He’s a great person and a great professional and we’re lucky to have him in Contoocook. He is especially good with my dog Peachy!
Marshall Greenleaf and Peachy
My Hero’s Name: Lisa Garside
I like to call her “the light of Hopkinton.” She always lifts your spirits whether you know her or not. You can not help but to smile when you are around her. Her presence is always joyful and infectious. She will literally give you the clothes off of her back if you asked-without a question! I am honored to have her in my life and to call her my friend.
Becki Standefer
Our Hero: Mrs. Gearing
You have always been a hero to me. You have always helped me. If there was no nurse I don’t know who we’d go to. I think you’re the best nurse ever! I’m really sad that you won’t be at Maple Street School next year. Also, I think you can help anyone.
From: Lincoln Wilson
Mrs. Gearing is my hero because she is always there for me. I’m sick? She’s there, calling my parents. Need a band-aid? She’s there, giving me one and some advice. I have a headache? She’s there giving me medicine. She cares. If she sees me trip in gym, , next time she sees me, she asks if I’m alright. She attends to everyone all at once and always seems to be on top of things. She cares about everyone. Subbing, a helping hand in times of trouble…that is why she is my hero.
Submitted by Abby Stone
My hero is Jeanne Gearing because she is always there for me. When I’m sick, all I have to do is ask for a pass, then go see her.
Then she calls my parents. And when I need a band-aid, oh look! She’s there. And it’s fun to see how I progress in getting taller when she does the check-ups. All I can say is, thank you Mrs. Gearing, our school nurse.
Submitted by Gina F. Simpkins
She is my hero because she had helped so many people. When you have a headache you can go to her. She is helpful in many ways, like providing clothing and medications. Lastly, she helps with cuts and scrapes. That’s why I picked Ms. Gearing.
Best of Luck to Ms. Gearing,
Submitted by Piper Otis
She has always looked out for me when I am hurt. (Which is a lot) I really like how she is always smiling. She is so cheerful and always willing to help. Once I had an enormous hole all the way down my pants so she just sewed it right up. She is the most wonderful nurse ever.
Submitted by Payton
Mrs. Gearing is my hero. She is my hero because she is always there for me if I get hurt. If I’m sick she will call my parents. She does my eye tests and hearing test. If someone scrapes their knee she will clean up the blood or if someone gets stung by a bee she will be there with an ice pack. She is a hero because she will help us if we start to overheat. That’s why she is my hero.
Submitted by Jonah Klingler
Mrs. Jeanne Gearing, my hero! Mrs. Gearing is my hero because she always helps me and everyone else who needs it. Mrs. Gearing has a big heart and she always has a busy office! She will always listen to what everyone has to say! Maple Street School would fall apart without her. Mrs. Gearing is my hero!
Submitted by Maddison Janinda
My hero is Mrs. Gearing, she is the best nurse you could ever have. She is also the best mom! She helps me when I am sick or hurt. She is nice, kind, loving, caring, funny and a wonderful nurse. I will miss her next year, but I am glad she was here for my first year at MSS ( Maple Street School)! I am proud she is my hero and I would not want anyone else as a nurse or a mom!
Submitted by Rachel Gearing
My hero’s name is Mrs. Gearing. She is my hero because she helps me a lot when I get hurt and is really nice. She is a wonderful person. If you have a headache then you can go to her and she will make sure that you have permission to have Ibuprofen and makes sure you hear and see right.
Submitted by Rose M Findlayson
My hero is Mrs. Gearing. She is my hero because she doesn’t only help me when I am hurt, but she helps the whole school with cuts and check-ups on hearing, eyesight and lots more. Mrs. Gearing is the best school nurse in the whole world!
Submitted by Will C
Mrs. Gearing is my hero because she helped me in my time of need. I mean she helps people every day. Plus it has to be difficult helping people every day. She has helped me a lot of times. One time my eczema got really bad, she called my mom so I could get it fixed. Once my sling got messed up and the ace bandage needed to be rewrapped. She ended up fixing it up for me. But if I kept telling you about what she has done for me we would be here all day. Jeanne Gearing is an amazing person that I respect.
Submitted by Gage Cailler
My Hero’s Name: Jane Gilcrist
This selfless woman gives of her time, money, and kitchen to help friends and neighbors: Walking dogs, caring for sick children and adults, driving people to doctor appointments, shopping trips, or just an ice cream cone, raising money for Christmas gifts, organizing a block party. She is always willing to give and help others, yet asks for nothing in return.
Bob Strine
My Hero’s Name: Jennifer Goldblatt
Jenn has been president of the PTA for the past few years. She dedicates hours of her time to the community. She coaches basketball and softball for HYSA as well. Jenn has been a positive addition to Hopkinton, always making herself available to help others.
Suzanne Carmichael
My Hero’s Name: Dotty Graziano
She is the best neighbor you could ask for! She is so generous and kind to everyone. She will drop off fresh veggies, she will drop off a box of kindling if you are in need and she never has a negative word to say about anyone. She is a true “neighborhood hero” if there ever was one. Dotty works so hard to serve the community in whatever way is possible. Whether it is to take someone’s trash to the dump, drop by with fresh vegetables, or help a person in need, she is always willing!
Kelly Lewis
My Heroes: The Hopkinton Rescue Squad
In 1965, the Hopkinton Rescue Squad was formed as a Riot Squad to help protect the town from unruly motorcycle gangs. Over the years, it has evolved into what today is our Hopkinton Rescue Squad. For fifty years, this has been a 100% volunteer organization. Not one member has ever received payment for their services. They have risked their own lives and given up nights, weekends, holidays and even work hours to answer their calls. They perform heavy rescue services like water search and rescue, ice rescue, Hurst tool rescue (jaws of life) snowmobile rescue, and assist in forest fires and other calls as needed. They hold an annual fundraiser to cover their expenses for their building, equipment and training and maintain everything themselves. To this day, they are an independent organization which makes it not only a special part of our town, but a unique entity in our entire state.
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Hopkinton Rescue Squad!
Kasey Schoch
My Hero’s Name: Don Houston
Don is a true Hopkinton Hero because he consistently gives his time and shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for one simple reason - it helps to make Hopkinton a great place to live. He is active on a number of committees and town groups, has helped build playgrounds and ball fields, actively supports many of our sports teams and is always willing to lend a hand and an ear. He takes huge pride in our town and enjoys helping to make it the great place to live that it is.
Kim Martel
My Hero’s Name: Cydonia Hubicki
Cydonia is my hero because she always makes time for me. She is really smart. She always has good advice for working out things with old friends and making new friends. We do crafts together all the time and talk. She always listens and helps make me feel good. That is how she is. She is always helping other people. Whenever I go to events in town, Cydonia is already there helping:
· The Halloween Holler
· Breakfast with Santa
· High School Craft Fair
· Fun Fair
She also belongs to different groups and volunteers her time there too:
· Friend Program
· Loon Preservation Committee
My Mom says she is a leader and that she is the kind that leads by example. And that those are the best kind. I think she is a really great friend.
Tessa Ruest
My Hero’s Name: Elaine Loft
Elaine planted and tends the flowers in the fountain. She started the farmers market which helps people financially and is contributing to a sense of community. She’s a very selfless person and she’s nice!
Linda Dunning
My Heroes: Paul and Marilyn McGuire, owners of The Cracker Barrel
Paul and Marilyn are absolutely wonderful neighbors. From plowing to providing advice to offering Yankee wit and wisdom, Paul is always there for us. Marilyn never fails to save two of the very best of her wonderful cinnamon buns for me on Sunday morning. Together, they keep an eye out for our well being and that of our home. And I will never, ever forget after the historic ice storm of ’08, Paul appearing at our doorstep with exactly what we needed – a torpedo heater to thaw out our frigid house. They are what small town caring is all about!
Eric and Dorothy Habben
My Hero’s Name: Ken (Skate) Murdough
Skate has tirelessly worked to manage and operate the Hopkinton Youth Sports Association. He coaches every season, multiple teams. Skate has made participation in athletics available to all kids in our community.
Suzanne Carmichael
My Hero’s Name: Skate Murdough
Why he/she is my hero: Skate goes above and beyond, spending countless hours each year working with HYSA to make sure hundreds of children in our town have the opportunity to play a sport. This benefits our kids and their families both physically and emotionally. His efforts a truly the lifeblood of HYSA.
Jeff Elrick
My Hero’s Name: Derek Owen
Derek Owen has shown me so many types of kindness since my brother’s death. He is a true friend and kind of neighbor all people would want. He has checked on me every day, plowed my driveway when I needed it, tried to get me out of the house when I was depressed, talked to me, listened, and given me a shoulder to cry on. His genuine friendship has helped get me through many a hard day.
Lisa Anderson
My Hero’s Name: David F. Price, Sr.
David is our hero because he is our Papa!
He spends his days in his shop, appropriately named: The Flintlock Shop. He builds custom muzzleloaders for people all over the country. He is the perfect example of filling life with things that make you happy. He has owned and operated three companies through the years and now in retirement, his job is doing what he loves, building guns!
He has many friends and meets new people wherever he goes. Everyone loves his stories about hunting, fishing and life. Even if we've heard them before, we still love to listen to him talk about events that he has fond memories of. He and my grammie have been married for over 50 years and he still thinks she is as beautiful as the day they met.
Lilli and David Price
My Hero’s Name: Joan Rampula
Last winter as I stood on my roof knee deep in snow, my mail carrier waved as she delivered my mail. Within half an hour she returned, climbed the ladder and began to shovel. As an older woman I was thrilled with the help-of course-but even more her kindness. She is a perfect symbol of all the wonderful things this town stands for.
Pat Wallace
My Hero’s Name: Richard “Dick” Strickford
Dick Strickford is my hero because he is the one who keeps our town safe during the winter…he plows out the fire hydrants for the town so the fire trucks can hook up th fire hoses in the event of a fire. He plows all 85 every time 5” of snow falls. Ho often time goes out at 3:00 AM to avoid street traffic. Also, out of the goodness of his heart, Dick is our neighborhood “angel,” clearing driveways and church parking lot.
Diane Myler
My Hero’s Name: Kevin Tomasko
He is my hero because he helped me realize my dream of being a horse back rider. He has also coached me up from almost nothing to riding a nice show horse. He also has inspired me to be a horseback riding instructor when I grow up. He is funny, smart, and can offer me helpful advice about how I can improve.
Smith Westover
My Heroes: The Woody Roberts Family
Trish, Woody, and Annie have cleared my driveway, invited me for coffee, breakfast and other meals when the power is out as I don't have a generator and they do, and cleaned my lawn after the 2014 microburst when my lawn was strewn with debris. Woody has helped me so much that I can't share all the times. The Roberts also help their elderly neighbors by mowing, snow blowing, and giving treats to the Dobsons. They are unequivocally the best neighbors a person could hope for.
Jan Sheen
My Heroes: "My Village!"
“My Village” is the name I give to the group of friends who keep me going! Always eager to help, always there to put a smile on my face, these friends are truly "the family I chose."
To The Meles, the Woods, the Weldons, the Roses, and everyone else who understands "it takes a village," I thank you!
Mary Welles
Whether I need (another) ½ cup sugar, an emergency babysitter or just a listening ear, Melissa is always there when I need her. A terrific neighbor and a wonderful friend…
Kim Mailloux
My Hero’s Name: Marilyn Bresaw
Marilyn is my hero because of her devotion to the people in our community who are in need of food, shelter, or heat. In her role as Human Services Coordinator, she has had a huge impact on the Town of Hopkinton. Thank you, Marilyn, for all that you do to make the lives of many a whole lot better.
Elaine Loft
My Hero’s Name: Holly Charron
I like how she always helps me when I need help. Even though I’m done with school she still helps me. I’m glad that she does Special Olympics with our team ‘cause she helps us prepare for the games. Mrs. Charon is a lot of fun. I’m glad that she and I became friends.
David England
My Hero’s Name: Susan Covert
Susan is a hero for our town because she works to keep us all informed and connected through her ever-growing email list. By helping to spread the word about charitable events, town functions, and opportunities to vote, she makes our community stronger.
Sara Persechino
My Hero’s Name: Barb Diaz
Everyone who comes into the library knows and loves Barb. She is always cheerful and funny and so eager to help with anything. Her enthusiasm inspired me to become a library volunteer and she continues to brighten everyone’s day whenever they see her, no matter what. She is a wonderful asset to the library and to Contoocook and I can’t think of anyone else who has been such a kind and warm ambassador for both. She is truly a Hopkinton Hero not just to me, but to countless others!
Jonathan Riggs
My Hero’s Name: Dennis Dobe
He noticed we were running out of firewood in early April, and showed up in our driveway with a vanload.
Alayne Brandt
My Hero’s Name: Mrs. (Sara) Duval
She helps us learn. She is warm when we give her hugs. She does lots of fun projects with us.
Lucy Beardmore
My Hero’s Name: Aimee Echelberger
Aimee is my right-hand girl! I have two very busy boys and a packed work schedule. Aimee is always just a phone call away. She comes to my house to help with just a moment’s notice and she always brings a big smile and a can-do attitude! She really is “up for anything” I throw at her! Aimee plays three sports, she is in the school Interact Club and she has a full schedule herself, but she’s become an extension of my family. Aimee is dependable, honest, a great listener and my boys would tell you she’s a Lego PRO! We love you, Aimee! Thank you for all that you do for us!
Mary, Jack (age 4) and Noah (age 10 months) Welles
My Hero’s Name: Tammy Erhmanntraut
Tammy did an incredible job coordinating this year's PTA Fun Fair held at Harold Martin School in the spring. Due in no small part to her dedication and hard work, along with that of many other volunteers, the Fair raised approximately $7,000 this year. The Fun Fair is the PTA's main fundraiser and the funds raised are used at all three Hopkinton Schools to purchase supplies and fund special programs.
In addition to the work she did to coordinate this Fun Fair, I see Tammy has volunteering on a regular basis at Harold Martin in the classrooms and helping with special events. Her committed volunteerism extends beyond the schools to our town as well. I am never surprised to see her quietly helping out at community events such as the Sestercentennial Celebration. In fact, I am quite certain there are many other activities in which she is involved as a volunteer that am not even aware of, but I bet that some of you reading this can add to the list. Thank you Tammy for all that give of yourself to our schools and community!
Juliana Dapice
My Hero's Name: Tammy Ehrmanntraut
Tammy is a hero for all she does for the Hopkinton community: For her volunteer work organizing and running the PTA fun fair each May, for her volunteer work with running two Girl Scout troops and still finding the time to mentor new leaders, for her volunteer work with the cub scouts organizing the popcorn sales and for the zillion other things that she does to help our community run while still raising 4 awesome kids! Thank you Tammy!!!
The Noble family
My Hero’s Name: Tammy Ehrmanntraut
Tammy is selfless in her commitment to the children of Hopkinton. She is a Girl Scout leader, PTA member and school employee. She has managed Fun Fair for years. Without Tammy, many of the events in town wouldn’t happen.
Suzanne Carmichael
Our Family Heroes: The Noble Family, The Westover Family, The Walsh Family, The Hodgdon Family, The Mailloux Family, The Eck Family, The Gregory Family, The Crawford Family, The Zapton Family, The Hogblom Family, The Boudette Family and The Chapin Family
Our mommy had knee surgery this spring. While she was getting better, our heroes were the families that made us dinners and delivered them to our house. We loved that the meals had bread and delicious desserts. It helped that our daddy didn't have to make dinner every night. Mommy was happy to see friends when they brought the food over. We’re grateful that so many people were kind, generous and helpful.
Thank you to The Noble Family, The Westover Family, The Walsh Family, The Hodgdon Family, The Mailloux Family, The Eck Family, The Gregory Family, The Crawford Family, The Zapton Family, The Hogblom Family, The Boudette Family and The Chapin Family.
Hannah, Abby and Jack Bennett
My Hero’s Name: Dr. Robert Furness, DVM
Dr. Furness is a wonderful veterinarian who goes out of his way to help pets as well as their owners. He and his team are always very busy but make sure to answer your questions and go the extra mile. He’s a great person and a great professional and we’re lucky to have him in Contoocook. He is especially good with my dog Peachy!
Marshall Greenleaf and Peachy
My Hero’s Name: Lisa Garside
I like to call her “the light of Hopkinton.” She always lifts your spirits whether you know her or not. You can not help but to smile when you are around her. Her presence is always joyful and infectious. She will literally give you the clothes off of her back if you asked-without a question! I am honored to have her in my life and to call her my friend.
Becki Standefer
Our Hero: Mrs. Gearing
You have always been a hero to me. You have always helped me. If there was no nurse I don’t know who we’d go to. I think you’re the best nurse ever! I’m really sad that you won’t be at Maple Street School next year. Also, I think you can help anyone.
From: Lincoln Wilson
Mrs. Gearing is my hero because she is always there for me. I’m sick? She’s there, calling my parents. Need a band-aid? She’s there, giving me one and some advice. I have a headache? She’s there giving me medicine. She cares. If she sees me trip in gym, , next time she sees me, she asks if I’m alright. She attends to everyone all at once and always seems to be on top of things. She cares about everyone. Subbing, a helping hand in times of trouble…that is why she is my hero.
Submitted by Abby Stone
My hero is Jeanne Gearing because she is always there for me. When I’m sick, all I have to do is ask for a pass, then go see her.
Then she calls my parents. And when I need a band-aid, oh look! She’s there. And it’s fun to see how I progress in getting taller when she does the check-ups. All I can say is, thank you Mrs. Gearing, our school nurse.
Submitted by Gina F. Simpkins
She is my hero because she had helped so many people. When you have a headache you can go to her. She is helpful in many ways, like providing clothing and medications. Lastly, she helps with cuts and scrapes. That’s why I picked Ms. Gearing.
Best of Luck to Ms. Gearing,
Submitted by Piper Otis
She has always looked out for me when I am hurt. (Which is a lot) I really like how she is always smiling. She is so cheerful and always willing to help. Once I had an enormous hole all the way down my pants so she just sewed it right up. She is the most wonderful nurse ever.
Submitted by Payton
Mrs. Gearing is my hero. She is my hero because she is always there for me if I get hurt. If I’m sick she will call my parents. She does my eye tests and hearing test. If someone scrapes their knee she will clean up the blood or if someone gets stung by a bee she will be there with an ice pack. She is a hero because she will help us if we start to overheat. That’s why she is my hero.
Submitted by Jonah Klingler
Mrs. Jeanne Gearing, my hero! Mrs. Gearing is my hero because she always helps me and everyone else who needs it. Mrs. Gearing has a big heart and she always has a busy office! She will always listen to what everyone has to say! Maple Street School would fall apart without her. Mrs. Gearing is my hero!
Submitted by Maddison Janinda
My hero is Mrs. Gearing, she is the best nurse you could ever have. She is also the best mom! She helps me when I am sick or hurt. She is nice, kind, loving, caring, funny and a wonderful nurse. I will miss her next year, but I am glad she was here for my first year at MSS ( Maple Street School)! I am proud she is my hero and I would not want anyone else as a nurse or a mom!
Submitted by Rachel Gearing
My hero’s name is Mrs. Gearing. She is my hero because she helps me a lot when I get hurt and is really nice. She is a wonderful person. If you have a headache then you can go to her and she will make sure that you have permission to have Ibuprofen and makes sure you hear and see right.
Submitted by Rose M Findlayson
My hero is Mrs. Gearing. She is my hero because she doesn’t only help me when I am hurt, but she helps the whole school with cuts and check-ups on hearing, eyesight and lots more. Mrs. Gearing is the best school nurse in the whole world!
Submitted by Will C
Mrs. Gearing is my hero because she helped me in my time of need. I mean she helps people every day. Plus it has to be difficult helping people every day. She has helped me a lot of times. One time my eczema got really bad, she called my mom so I could get it fixed. Once my sling got messed up and the ace bandage needed to be rewrapped. She ended up fixing it up for me. But if I kept telling you about what she has done for me we would be here all day. Jeanne Gearing is an amazing person that I respect.
Submitted by Gage Cailler
My Hero’s Name: Jane Gilcrist
This selfless woman gives of her time, money, and kitchen to help friends and neighbors: Walking dogs, caring for sick children and adults, driving people to doctor appointments, shopping trips, or just an ice cream cone, raising money for Christmas gifts, organizing a block party. She is always willing to give and help others, yet asks for nothing in return.
Bob Strine
My Hero’s Name: Jennifer Goldblatt
Jenn has been president of the PTA for the past few years. She dedicates hours of her time to the community. She coaches basketball and softball for HYSA as well. Jenn has been a positive addition to Hopkinton, always making herself available to help others.
Suzanne Carmichael
My Hero’s Name: Dotty Graziano
She is the best neighbor you could ask for! She is so generous and kind to everyone. She will drop off fresh veggies, she will drop off a box of kindling if you are in need and she never has a negative word to say about anyone. She is a true “neighborhood hero” if there ever was one. Dotty works so hard to serve the community in whatever way is possible. Whether it is to take someone’s trash to the dump, drop by with fresh vegetables, or help a person in need, she is always willing!
Kelly Lewis
My Heroes: The Hopkinton Rescue Squad
In 1965, the Hopkinton Rescue Squad was formed as a Riot Squad to help protect the town from unruly motorcycle gangs. Over the years, it has evolved into what today is our Hopkinton Rescue Squad. For fifty years, this has been a 100% volunteer organization. Not one member has ever received payment for their services. They have risked their own lives and given up nights, weekends, holidays and even work hours to answer their calls. They perform heavy rescue services like water search and rescue, ice rescue, Hurst tool rescue (jaws of life) snowmobile rescue, and assist in forest fires and other calls as needed. They hold an annual fundraiser to cover their expenses for their building, equipment and training and maintain everything themselves. To this day, they are an independent organization which makes it not only a special part of our town, but a unique entity in our entire state.
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Hopkinton Rescue Squad!
Kasey Schoch
My Hero’s Name: Don Houston
Don is a true Hopkinton Hero because he consistently gives his time and shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for one simple reason - it helps to make Hopkinton a great place to live. He is active on a number of committees and town groups, has helped build playgrounds and ball fields, actively supports many of our sports teams and is always willing to lend a hand and an ear. He takes huge pride in our town and enjoys helping to make it the great place to live that it is.
Kim Martel
My Hero’s Name: Cydonia Hubicki
Cydonia is my hero because she always makes time for me. She is really smart. She always has good advice for working out things with old friends and making new friends. We do crafts together all the time and talk. She always listens and helps make me feel good. That is how she is. She is always helping other people. Whenever I go to events in town, Cydonia is already there helping:
· The Halloween Holler
· Breakfast with Santa
· High School Craft Fair
· Fun Fair
She also belongs to different groups and volunteers her time there too:
· Friend Program
· Loon Preservation Committee
My Mom says she is a leader and that she is the kind that leads by example. And that those are the best kind. I think she is a really great friend.
Tessa Ruest
My Hero’s Name: Elaine Loft
Elaine planted and tends the flowers in the fountain. She started the farmers market which helps people financially and is contributing to a sense of community. She’s a very selfless person and she’s nice!
Linda Dunning
My Heroes: Paul and Marilyn McGuire, owners of The Cracker Barrel
Paul and Marilyn are absolutely wonderful neighbors. From plowing to providing advice to offering Yankee wit and wisdom, Paul is always there for us. Marilyn never fails to save two of the very best of her wonderful cinnamon buns for me on Sunday morning. Together, they keep an eye out for our well being and that of our home. And I will never, ever forget after the historic ice storm of ’08, Paul appearing at our doorstep with exactly what we needed – a torpedo heater to thaw out our frigid house. They are what small town caring is all about!
Eric and Dorothy Habben
My Hero’s Name: Ken (Skate) Murdough
Skate has tirelessly worked to manage and operate the Hopkinton Youth Sports Association. He coaches every season, multiple teams. Skate has made participation in athletics available to all kids in our community.
Suzanne Carmichael
My Hero’s Name: Skate Murdough
Why he/she is my hero: Skate goes above and beyond, spending countless hours each year working with HYSA to make sure hundreds of children in our town have the opportunity to play a sport. This benefits our kids and their families both physically and emotionally. His efforts a truly the lifeblood of HYSA.
Jeff Elrick
My Hero’s Name: Derek Owen
Derek Owen has shown me so many types of kindness since my brother’s death. He is a true friend and kind of neighbor all people would want. He has checked on me every day, plowed my driveway when I needed it, tried to get me out of the house when I was depressed, talked to me, listened, and given me a shoulder to cry on. His genuine friendship has helped get me through many a hard day.
Lisa Anderson
My Hero’s Name: David F. Price, Sr.
David is our hero because he is our Papa!
He spends his days in his shop, appropriately named: The Flintlock Shop. He builds custom muzzleloaders for people all over the country. He is the perfect example of filling life with things that make you happy. He has owned and operated three companies through the years and now in retirement, his job is doing what he loves, building guns!
He has many friends and meets new people wherever he goes. Everyone loves his stories about hunting, fishing and life. Even if we've heard them before, we still love to listen to him talk about events that he has fond memories of. He and my grammie have been married for over 50 years and he still thinks she is as beautiful as the day they met.
Lilli and David Price
My Hero’s Name: Joan Rampula
Last winter as I stood on my roof knee deep in snow, my mail carrier waved as she delivered my mail. Within half an hour she returned, climbed the ladder and began to shovel. As an older woman I was thrilled with the help-of course-but even more her kindness. She is a perfect symbol of all the wonderful things this town stands for.
Pat Wallace
My Hero’s Name: Richard “Dick” Strickford
Dick Strickford is my hero because he is the one who keeps our town safe during the winter…he plows out the fire hydrants for the town so the fire trucks can hook up th fire hoses in the event of a fire. He plows all 85 every time 5” of snow falls. Ho often time goes out at 3:00 AM to avoid street traffic. Also, out of the goodness of his heart, Dick is our neighborhood “angel,” clearing driveways and church parking lot.
Diane Myler
My Hero’s Name: Kevin Tomasko
He is my hero because he helped me realize my dream of being a horse back rider. He has also coached me up from almost nothing to riding a nice show horse. He also has inspired me to be a horseback riding instructor when I grow up. He is funny, smart, and can offer me helpful advice about how I can improve.
Smith Westover
My Heroes: The Woody Roberts Family
Trish, Woody, and Annie have cleared my driveway, invited me for coffee, breakfast and other meals when the power is out as I don't have a generator and they do, and cleaned my lawn after the 2014 microburst when my lawn was strewn with debris. Woody has helped me so much that I can't share all the times. The Roberts also help their elderly neighbors by mowing, snow blowing, and giving treats to the Dobsons. They are unequivocally the best neighbors a person could hope for.
Jan Sheen
My Heroes: "My Village!"
“My Village” is the name I give to the group of friends who keep me going! Always eager to help, always there to put a smile on my face, these friends are truly "the family I chose."
To The Meles, the Woods, the Weldons, the Roses, and everyone else who understands "it takes a village," I thank you!
Mary Welles
