Hopkinton Independent December 18 2019

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 20 | No. 26 | December 18, 2019

Main Street moves ahead Town resoundingly supports project

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

P

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

erhaps years from now this will be remembered as nothing more than a bump in the road for the Main Street Corridor Project.

Those who opposed the project had their say, and the town remained committed to improving the downtown area. Almost 800 residents made their way through the rain into Hopkinton Middle School for Special Town Meeting on Dec. 9, and the vote to continue forward won out overwhelmingly, as Article 1 was defeated 504-278.

“It was great to see so many residents brave the weather and participate in the purest form of democracy on the planet,” Select Board member Brian Herr stated via email the day after the meeting. “The vote for the Corridor Project was loud and clear.

SCOUTS SEEKING SANTA

Girls Scouts race across the Town Common to see Santa Claus during the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 7.

Main Street | 6

Schools get support from town

INSIDE

Expansion articles OK’d at STM; ballot vote next

NEWS

By Melissa Orff Contributing Writer

SCHOOLS

Town supports LFN street acceptance Public gets look at HPS’ ambitious 10-year plan

T

Expansion | 9

11

SPORTS PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

he Hopkinton Public Schools are one step closer to increasing the number of classrooms in three of their buildings after four warrants were approved at the Dec. 9 Special Town Meeting.

The warrants, which listed expenses totaling $10 million, were approved resoundingly by residents after a presentation by superintendent Dr. Carol Cavanaugh and director of finance and operations Susan Rothermich.

With the steady increase in

7

Superintendent Dr. Carol Cavanaugh speaks at the Dec. 9 Special Town Meeting while director of finance Susan Rothermich looks on.

HHS basketball teams set sights on tourney

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019

Hopkinton Independent The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent.

Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,200 addresses. It also is available at Hopkinton Public Library and Town Hall as well as dozens of other sites through town.

STAFF

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett

Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Editorial contributors: JEAN CANN, LYN CALKINS, MICHELLE SANFORD, MELISSA ORFF, CHRIS VILLANI, DEBORAH BURKE HENDERSON, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, Ed Turner, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Gethin Coolbaugh

contact us:

For advertising, contact Susanne Odell Farber at: Cell: 508-954-8148 or email: sue@sodellconsult.com Or you may call the Hopkinton Independent at: 508-435-5188 (office), 508-366-2812 (fax) Editorial comments and inquiries, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to: editor@hopkintonindependent.com

Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s name, address and contact information for verification. Letters should be no more than 400 words, and the Hopkinton Independent offers no guarantee that all letters will be printed. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking volunteers and sponsors.

Special Town Meeting especially memorable

S

pecial Town Meeting turned out to be an interesting night at Hopkinton Middle School on Dec. 9. Here are a few notes from the event. (For full coverage of the votes, see Page 1.)

— A moment of silence was held prior to the start for town employees who passed away since the last Town Meeting.

Town moderator Thomas Garabedian called special attention to two individuals, longtime town volunteer Mary Pratt and former superintendent of schools Cathy McLeod.

Planning Board chair Muriel Kramer served on the Select Board with Pratt.

“Mary Pratt was INDEPENDENT a visionary with an incredible intellect THOUGHTS and seemingly endJERRY SPAR less energy,” Kramer shared via email after the meeting. “She was an effective and dedicated public servant protecting the interests of Hopkinton locally and at the state level for over 50 years. Mary was the one who answered the call when it came in. She led by example and set the gold standard for all of us in the area of community service.

Mary was an individual who saw what needed to be done and always looked to herself first — to define the issues, tackle the problems and craft solutions.

Mary worked selflessly for Hopkinton, always keeping the needs of the entire community in the forefront; she worked not for herself but for the community as a whole. She saw the big picture often before the rest of us could get up to speed, and she jumped in advocating for action rarely taking no for an answer. She was smart, dedicated, capable and persistent.”

Pratt undoubtedly would have been pleased with the results of Special Town Meeting, especially the support for the schools.

“Mary was dedicated to environmental and conservation issues, honesty in government, and the welfare of her

community,” Kramer added. “But education was perhaps her greatest passion.

She knew that that the single best way to build a strong community was by focusing on excellence in education.

Mary worked for decades to bolster our collective educational product, focusing on the spectrum of needs from advances in special education to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) initiatives and on to enrichment opportunities for the most talented and gifted students.

She appreciated that every investment across the spectrum of educational services was one that repaid society many times over, and she delighted in children and their pursuits.

“Winston Churchill once said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ Mary left an incredible legacy with all that she gave.

She will be missed.”

— It was exactly 10 p.m. when town clerk Connor Degan made a motion to cease debate and take a vote on Article 1, the Main Street Corridor Project. After polling the auditorium about whether residents wanted to end the public comment portion, Garabedian said he wanted to hear from the gymnasium — where about 200 residents were located after the auditorium reached capacity — so he asked for those individuals to respond.

A few seconds of silence passed, so Garabedian moved on, not realizing there was a 20-second delay to the television feed in the gym. After Garabedian asked if there were any other procedural motions, a loud chorus of “ayes” rang out from the gym.

“That must have been an echo,” Garabedian joked.

— After the vote on Article 1, about a third of the people in the auditorium departed, and it was very noisy as superintendent Dr. Carol Cavanaugh waited to speak on Articles 2-5, concerning temporary additions to some school buildings to accommodate an influx of students.

Cavanaugh joked to the individual next to her, “Should I talk over these Independent thoughts | 3

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The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 3

PHOTO CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

Independent thoughts | from page 2

buffoons?” She added that was getting “punchy,” undoubtedly due to the late hour.

Well, the comment was picked up by the microphone and could be heard on the HCAM feed. The following morning, Cavanaugh issued an apology. “[I] said something I should not have said,” she acknowledged in an email to the community. “While it was a flippant thing to say, I honestly meant nothing by it. And now, I cannot say how regretful I am that I uttered such an unkind term.

“To all of you, I am sorry. As the leader of your public schools, I should have exercised more patience and grace.”

The rest of the night went well for Cavanaugh, as all four school articles passed easily. Perhaps her most uncomfortable moment came during public discussion on the final school article, when resident Jeff Doherty chided the first-year superintendent for the fact that the middle school auditorium always gets too hot when there’s a crowd due to poor air ventilation — a longstanding complaint.

“Why is when we come into this auditorium that we cannot have proper ventilation?” he said, eliciting laughter from the audience, many of whom were fanning themselves with their voting cards. But Doherty was serious. “I graduated in the mid-’70s. I was up on that stage and performed, and they had the same problem. Can we do something about it? I’ve spoke about this at spring town meetings before. This is ridiculous, and you should be embarrassed.”

Members of the Select Board (from left) Irfan Nasrullah, John Coutinho, Brian Herr and Brendan Tedstone vote in support of the Main Street Corridor Project during the Dec. 9 Special Town Meeting at Hopkinton Middle School.

May Peace and Joy Be With You and Your Family Throughout the Season

Verizon again holds up project Department of Public Works director John Westerling provided an update on the long-delayed intersection improvement at Hayden Rowe and Chestnut Street, and it’s a familiar story.

The town again is waiting on Verizon to do its share of the work before the project can be completed.

According to Westerling, Verizon indicated it planned to handle its responsibility — relocating wires and poles — by Nov. 11. As of mid-December the company had yet to come through.

It’s a familiar refrain for a project that was started a full year ago. Cement barriers sit at the corner and fully operational lights sit atop the blinking ones that remain in use.

Once Verizon completes its work, the barriers can be moved while the town finishes up. However, now that we are into the winter season, further delays are likely.

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Congratulations to the Hopkinton High School football team, which was awarded a Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Team Sportsmanship Award. The award is for “outstanding demonstrations of sportsmanship and respect during the football season.”

Coach Dan MacLean and some of the assistant coaches and players represented the team and accepted the award during a presentation at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 6.

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

HOLIDAY STROLL WINNERS Winners of the Holiday Stroll Passport Challenge stopped by UniBank’s Hopkinton branch to collect their prizes on Dec. 13. Pictured are (from left), Jack Davis ($500 winner), Chamber of Commerce representative Amanda Faucher (AB Designs), 9-year-old Isabella Racine-Brooks (whose family was the $1,000 grand prize winner), Chamber of Commerce representative Kelly Grill (Hopkinton Center for the Arts), Chamber of Commerce president Cristina Morrissiey (UniBank), 7-year-old Nolan Oram, Maria Nolan and 3-year-old Cecily Oram (whose family won $500), and Melissa Hayes ($500 winner). Missing is Derek Desrochers ($500 winner). The third annual Holiday Stroll is scheduled for Dec. 5, 2020.

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019

Community

Q&A

Everyone in town has a story to tell and opinions to share. In this feature, we shine the spotlight on one resident to learn more about them and their connection to town.

HI: What do you do for a living?

Meet Dick Germaine Hopkinton Independent: What brought you to Hopkinton?

Germaine: “I came [to Hopkinton] in 1972 to become pastor of the [First] Congregational Church and was pastor for 30 years. Then I began a parachurch ministry reaching out to pastors, which was called ‘Barnabas Ministries.’ Our goal is to provide support groups for pastors. And I stayed in town because we owned our own home here and it was more convenient. Plus, most of the friends my wife and I had were in the church and in the community, and we did not want to leave, either. We loved the town, and we loved our friends.”

Germaine: “After having founded and led Barnabas Ministries for 14 years, the ministry had grown to the point where we were able to hire a new executive director and I became just the chairman of the board. That gave me opportunity to do things I had not been able to do, for the most part. Notably, oil painting. I had secretly been doing oil painting since I was a pastor in Waterbury, Connecticut, in the 1960s, but I only did about one painting a year because I didn’t have much time. So, when I retired from Barnabas Ministries, I then had the time to really commit myself to oil painting. So I started painting in earnest, I took some courses that helped me immensely. I still take courses, and I love doing the painting.

I came out in the open as a painter last March when we had my first art show [in town].”

HI: What activities do you enjoy in your free time?

Germaine: “I used to hunt. I can no longer do that. I used to fish. In fact, I used to come to Hopkinton before I moved in to become the pastor of the church here to fish on Lake Whitehall.

Every spring I came over to trout fish, because they used to stock Whitehall with trout. So, I knew the town from that perspective. One of my sons, Steve is his name, got his master’s in ornithol-

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ogy, and I was fascinated with his study of birds. And with his encouragement and help, I became a [bird watcher].

So, I’m very avid in my bird watching, and every February I’m part of a large group of people online called the Great Backyard Bird Count. I spend four days watching all the birds come and go, recording them here on our property. … Just about anywhere I go, I take my binoculars with me so I can continue to watch birds.”

HI: What makes Hopkinton unique?

Germaine: “I got to know many people in the town, partially because I was pastor here. And many of the people have roots that go back generations in this town. I found that fascinating. I loved getting their stories, because I like history, and I studied the history of the church all the way back to when the first people came [to Hopkinton] from Framingham in 1715 to settle out here.

What we especially appreciate about the town at present, even though [we’ve had] no children in the school system for a long, long time, we appreciate the quality of education the kids get in this town. It is really great. It’s gone so, so far beyond the little, almost semi-rural education people were getting when we first moved in. Another thing I like is the friendliness. In our neighborhood in particular, we built a new home in one of the developments … back in 1991, and a whole generation of people have come and gone. Now we have a whole generation of young families with little kids in the neighborhood, and we’re really enjoying getting to know our neighbors again.”

HI: What is your favorite Hopkinton memory?

Germaine: “When I first moved in, Hopkinton was a very small community.

Somewhat rural, had a number of small family farms in it. [It had] a few commuting businesspeople, but very few. I think the population was something like 5,900 back then. I loved the quiet space of Hopkinton. Believe it or not, it used to be you could walk across Main Street at any time of the day or evening — weekdays, even — without being bothered by traffic, except at about 3 in the afternoon when the commuting traffic from the old General Motors assembly [factory] in Framingham used to come back this way. It was really small. We loved it.”

HI: What are some of your favorite places around town?

Germaine: “One of my favorite places is Hopkinton State Park. I go in there, and because I have to use mobility scooters to get around now, I take a scooter with me over there, and when I have my quiet days — I still have a day of prayer periodically — I like to go over there in warm weather and [be in] the outdoors. I meditate, I pray. And also, guess what? I have the binoculars with me. So I birdie over there! I like the center of town, that sort of early New England feeling it gives you. I love my church, I worship with others at Faith Community Church. My wife and I really enjoy the Dynasty restaurant. We also enjoy Carbone’s Restaurant — that was here in town when we moved in in 1972. Long history in this town.”

— Interview conducted by Gethin Coolbaugh

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The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 5

Bittersweet nearly ready to open its doors enormous grease trap in order to to meet regulations.

“It takes up so much of the building,” he said.

A Dec. 16 inspection was scheduled for the business, and Dunne said within days of that he was hoping to have the approval from the town to open his doors.

“The people at the Town Hall held my hand through this whole thing. They were great. They had my back through this whole process,” Dunne said.

The owner said he felt bad for having to keep his business closed for so long.

“I think the community lost out more that I did,” he said. “They missed this place. I believe it’s a great gathering spot that’s unpretentious and casual.”

For quite some time, Bittersweet has been in the middle of a big transition, moving from its original location at the historic Hopkinton Supply Co. building to its new space next door at 22-24 Main St. The café has added beer and wine to its menu and was approved for an entertainment license earlier this year.

Back in May, during a hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals, Dunne explained live entertainment will take place on certain evenings and include low-key acts such as acoustic guitar, poetry readings, DJs and possibly independent movie nights. The music is expected to be background sound in order to allow customers to talk. A new logo was created, too.

With the exception of a few Sundays, Bittersweet will be open seven days a week, much to the delight of Dunne and his regular patrons.

“I’m really anxious to open,” Dunne said. “My customers are like family to me. The wait will be worth it when we finally open.”

Bittersweet’s new location is expected to be open any day now, according to owner C.J. Dunne.

By Michelle Sanford Contributing Writer

I

t’s been a long road for Bittersweet Co. owner C.J. Dunne to finally be able to open his new Main Street location. The café hit some bumps over the last nine months or so, causing it to remained closed. Still, when Bittersweet does reopen, it will be nothing but sweet for Dunne and his employees.

For months, loyal customers have been eagerly waiting to see the café, bakery and espresso bar’s front doors swing open to welcome them back. Initially, Bittersweet was initially expected to open in April, then June. However, as Dunne explained, he had to take a step back to focus on something more important.

“I had to step away for a bit due to ill health,” he said.

In an interview in early December, Dunne said he now expects his business to open shortly after final inspections are approved. Initially he thought he’d be opening on Dec. 1, but soon after realized that was not a realistic date.

One of the latest and biggest undertakings for the eatery was installing an

PHOTOS/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

HOLIDAY STROLL FUN The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Stroll was held Dec. 7 and drew a crowd to local businesses for a day of activities and shopping. In top photo, Hopkinton’s Amanda Maffei performs for Vicki Rosa and her daughters Mia (2) and Tess (6) at Hopkinton Drug’s open house. In bottom left photo, 7-year-old Emily Jones decorates an ornament inside Guaranteed Rate. In bottom right photo, Kelly Strickland waits to board the Holly Trolley.

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“The Big Picture in a Small Town”

6 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019

STM votes to continue Main Street Corridor Project Main Street | from page 1

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

Town Meeting reaffirmed their support for the project to proceed as designed.”

Added Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone: “Regardless of the outcome at Town Meeting, it was nice to see the meeting so well attended. The dialogue that transpired was cordial, kind and accepting of others’ points of view. Although it’s known that I was against the concept of calling a Special Town Meeting, it’s in our charter and it’s something I support. Seeing the auditorium as packed as it was is proof positive that when an issue is close to ones heart, it will get the vote out. I’m even more proud to be a Hopkintonian today than yesterday.”

At a previous Select Board meeting, Herr proposed starting the project the same day as the 2020 Boston Marathon (April 20). There are a number of steps that need to be completed before then, but it remains a possibility.

“The Select Board will work with town staff and town counsel to finalize the details and get the project out to bid,” he said. “We are optimistic that a groundbreaking will take place in the late afternoon of Marathon Day 2020!”

For those opposed to the project who formed the Main Street Alliance to fight it, they can take some solace in the fact that they forced more discussion — and some concessions in the form of fewer and smaller easements — before the final decision was made.

“The town has spoken and the message is clear, so while the result was not what we worked for, we are left to hope that our concerns become lessened

Supporters of the Main Street Corridor Project stand and hold their voting tickets to be counted during the Special Town Meeting on Dec. 9.

with time,” said Rob Phipps, a former which they insist they did not get when longtime resident who still owns Phipps the easements were approved at Town Insurance on Main Street. “Frankly, Meeting last year. we are comforted that our efforts had Jackie Potenzone, who lives and a hand in the excellent turnout and feel runs a business at 12 Wood Street, next the vote was definitive enough to allow to the Main Street/Wood Street interus to move on. We trust the transition section, said the town did not make it from the ‘old’ downtown to the ‘new’ clear enough whose properties would be one will be as seamless as possible, on affected when the 2018 Town Meeting budget and on time. We thank all of our vote was held. supporters and pray the improvements “I didn’t have a voice,” she said promised will stand the test of time, as at the Special Town Meeting. “I didn’t Hopkinton hasMilford since 1715.” know Grade I was on the11/11/19 plan. … The town Regional / Leapfrog Safety Created Perhaps most importantly, the opdidn’t have a map of the properties and - 10.25 xIf7.5) CMYK ponents got their chance to be heard, (Half-Page the easements.

I had known at that

Hopkinton Independent

Town Meeting I was on the map, I would have gotten up and spoken.”

Dale Danahy’s family owned Colella’s Supermarket for 70 years before selling the building and land at 61 Main St. to Crosspoint Associates in 2015.

The building now houses a CVS along with Marty’s Fine Wines.

The property is the one most affected by the project — at least in terms of property lost — as the town wants to take land alongside Route 85 South to straighten the intersection with Route 135. This would result in the loss of 20 parking spaces alongside the building.

Danahy said spoke to Crosspoint representatives the morning of Special Town Meeting, and they expressed concern about the company’s discussions with the town. She described the negotiations as being at an “impasse” and questioned what the cost would be if eminent domain was used.

“Negotiations are still ongoing,” responded town attorney Ray Miyares.

“We have not been told by Crosspoint that the negotiations are an an impasse. What we have been told is that Crosspoint is waiting to see what happens at Town Meeting tonight to decide how it would like to proceed.

“We have a fully fleshed-out negotiation agreement that has been wordsmithed to death by the attorneys, including us. The donation agreement provides that the town will pick up the costs of certain improvements to accommodate the concerns that have been raised.

“If it turns out that negotiations go Main Street | 8

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“The Big Picture in a Small Town”

The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 7

Town supports accepting Legacy Farms North Road

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

R

esidents of Legacy Farms North will not have a remedy for their school bus issue this school year, but thanks to support from the voters who stayed for Article 6 at Special Town Meeting on Dec. 6, a solution might be in place by next year.

Legacy Farms North (LFN) resident Ravi Gorti presented the case for his neighbors, explaining that because Legacy Farms North Road is a private road, school buses will not travel on it due to liability issues. This means LFN schoolchildren must walk or be driven to the end of the development in order to access the bus.

On a typical morning, Gorti explained, about 33 cars line up at the corner of Legacy Farms Road North and Frankland Road on one side, or Legacy Farms Road North and Wilson Street on the other side.

There are no parking spots and no shoulder, and traffic speeds by as the road is a cut-through from Route 135 to Route 85.

It the winter it’s even more treacherous as the snowbanks cut down on visibility.

Developer Roy MacDowell has attempted to work with the residents and the town to find a solution, but the options were not workable for a variety of reasons.

So the residents pushed for the town

to accept the street as a public road, even though the development is not completed.

After some debate, and assurances from MacDowell that he would not abandon his responsibilities if the road was accepted early, the Planning Board and Select Board supported the idea.

At Special Town Meeting, residents — at least those who stayed past 11 p.m. for the final article of the night — supported the proposal unanimously (by a voice vote). This means the developer and town will continue to work together to have the road ready to be accepted, then it will need to be approved via another vote at the Annual Town Meeting in May. “I so appreciate the voters’ understanding and support in problem-solving this unique situation for LFN, so we as a town can address the problem effectively and as soon as practicable,” Planning Board chair Muriel Kramer stated via email the day after the vote. “Additionally, I and others on the Planning Board truly appreciate the Select Board, School Committee and other town boards/committees working collaboratively to pursue the best possible solution for the families and the town. It was great work by the parents that made this possible; I continue to appreciate their patience and perseverance. This hasn’t been easy for them.”

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‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

Sweetest

This issue’s winner is Anuj Shroff, for this photo of Simba playing in the snow during an early December snowstorm. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

, n o t n i k p o H y He

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The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton.

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019

STM votes to continue Main Street Corridor Project PHOTOS/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

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Above: Main Street business owner Rob Phipps, a member of the Main Street Alliance, makes a presentation explaining why he’s opposed to the Main Street Corridor Project during Special Town Meeting on Dec. 9.

Main Street | from page 6

off in a different direction, we always do have the right to exercise eminent domain, but that is not something that we are currently planning to do.”

Ken Weismantel, who served on the Planning Board during much of the planning for the project, noted that until the town included a plan to straighten the Route 85/135 intersection, the project “didn’t have enough points” to sway Massachusetts legislators and lock up state money, which is funding the majority of the estimated costs of the project.

“Once we got the Town Meeting vote to straighten out the intersection, that all went away,” he said, crediting state Sen. Karen Spilka, now the Senate President, for her backing. “I really believe that the traffic improvements, straightening out the intersection, is a key part of this project. It really needs to be done.”

Not all abutters expressed opposition to the project. Christopher Stoppiello, who lives at 121 Main St., spoke in support of it.

Stoppiello said he had a “great” experience working with engineering firm VHB, which altered the design so it would not impact his property as much as originally planned.

“My wife and I moved here four years ago from Boston,” he said. “We picked Main Street hoping that it would be great to continue walking to bars and restaurants and points of interest. And we don’t feel safe walking on Main Street now.”

Downtown abutter Jackie Potenzone makes her case as to why she believes the Main Street Corridor Project should be halted.

Safety also was an issue raised by resident Ed Harrow, who made a presentation to back up his point that the proposed two-way bike lane is a poor choice primarily due to the topography and the numerous cut-outs along the downtown corridor.

“It is patently dangerous, and widely recognized as such,” he stated.

The meeting, scheduled to start at 7 p.m., was delayed by more than an hour because there were so many residents — many of whom were queued up outside in the rain for 15-20 minutes — waiting to register and get inside Hopkinton Middle School. After the auditorium filled up, the overflow crowd — about 200 people — was seated in the gymnasium across the hallway.

The public comment portion of the evening was generally polite and respectful, despite strong feelings on both sides. At 10 p.m., after almost two hours of presentations and public comment, the vote was held, and the project’s supporters claimed victory — with some acknowledgement of the abutters’ sacrifices.

Said project supporter John Jannino: “You take the good with the bad and you move forward.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 9

Schools Schools get support from town Expansion articles OK’d at STM; ballot vote next

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Expansion | from page 1

enrollment over the past few years, an increase that is projected to continue for the foreseeable future, lack of classroom space has become a major issue for the district.

“I am sure it comes to no one’s surprise that Hopkinton has seen extraordinary growth over the last five years,” Cavanaugh said. “We have reached the point where we are going to need additional classrooms in several of our schools to ensure that children have places to learn.”

Articles 2 and 3 asked for the immediate funding of $500,000 for a design and engineering study to be done prior to the end of this school year for six additional built-out permanent classrooms at Hopkinton High School and $4,500,000 for the actual construction work. The $500,000 for the study will come from the School Department Stabilization Fund and from the Legacy Farm host community agreement, according to the Appropriations Committee. Funding for the construction work would be a debt exclusion.

“The school was built for 1,080 students, we currently have 1,234 students, and the estimated enrollment for HHS in the 2029-30 school year is 1,606 students,” Cavanaugh said.

Cavanaugh cautioned, however, that the purpose of building these six classrooms at the high school was just for current space needs, not for future growth.

“We are building these classrooms because we have so many students in our building today that we have children learning in what used be storage closets, in the cafeteria, in common areas,” she said.

“We need to remedy that, and we need to remedy that immediately.”

The classrooms will be built at the back of the building onto a wing that can be built out to accommodate the new classrooms. Cavanaugh also assured the community that these six classrooms will be used for the duration of the high school even if a 10-year capital building plan moved forward.

After a brief discussion, Article 2 passed 404-6, while Article 3 passed 375-7.

Article 4 asked for four modular stacked classrooms at the Elmwood Elementary School for an estimated $2 million.

“These four classrooms will get us through the next five years,” said Cavanaugh, who reminded the townspeople that there is a statement of interest into the Massachusetts School Building Authority for a larger renovation or new building

project.

The modular classrooms are movable, so they could be used in other school buildings in the district if a longer-term project is taken on. The modular classrooms will be purchased and can be resold if there is a market for them after their useful life is up in Hopkinton.

Article 4 passed 339-11.

Article 5 asked for four modular stacked classrooms at Hopkins Middle School at an estimated cost of $3 million.

Rothermich explained the difference in costs between the two installations. At Elmwood, the connection to the building would be a simple walkway with an interior staircase within the modular classroom. At Hopkins they will be integrating right into the first and second story, so workers would be breaking into the building on each story.

Rothermich noted that the figures are estimates, and the actual bids could come in lower, which would decrease the impact to the town.

Article 5 passed 304-6 after a brief discussion.

Articles 3, 4 and 5 now move to a ballot vote early next year due to the fact that they would be debt exclusions.

For now, school officials and the School Committee are pleased with the support they received from the taxpayers during the Special Town Meeting. “[The] ask was not small,” School Committee chair Meena Bharath said the morning after the vote. “With a concerted effort from our administrative team led by Dr. Cavanaugh in establishing what is needed, asking for what is needed, and clearly explaining why it is needed, backed by data, the passing of this article became possible at the Special Town Meeting.”

Expansion | 11

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space has been transformed for a special group of Hopkinton Public Schools students thanks to the efforts of the entire community.

The White House — the EXCEL student Maxwell McNamara (center) shows off building that forthe new dining room at the White House with his teacher merly held the Katie Hibbert (left) and HPS director of student services Student Services Dr. Karen Zaleski. and Transportation offices on Hayden Rowe — opened its doors for a celsoon,” said Hibbert. “Those are the inebration on Dec. 5 to show off the new dependent living skills where they can home of the 18-22 Special Education get hands-on experience here.”

Program.

Thanks to the new space, the stuRenovations of the building have dents soon will be able to host other been ongoing since last spring and districts that have similar programs to summer so that the new space would be further enhance social opportunities ready for the beginning of the 2019-20 and peer connections. The students school year. A complete kitchen realready are planning their first homemodel and new laundry facilities have cooked meal — an Italian one — to been part of the plan to give students serve to their special guest, “Mrs. Z” in the program their own space outside (Dr. Zaleski). of the high school.

“She is going to sit right here and “This new space allows the stueat with us,” said Maxwell McNamara, dents the opportunity to have their an 18-year-old student in the EXCEL independence as young adults,” said Program, excitedly talking about the HPS director of student services Dr. dinner party the students plan to host Karen Zaleski. in their fully furnished dining room.

The 18-12 program, also called the Their first official hosting duty, EXCEL Program, allows the students however, was the open house, where to increase their independent skills in administrators, teachers, students, partransitional areas, including vocational, ents and the community were invited social skills, independent living skills, to see their new space. communication, and self-care. These “I was here when it was just office students focus on transition from secspace. They have done a tremendous ondary education into adult life. job renovating it,” said McNamara’s Now that the students in the profather, Paul. gram have access to this new space, the Although the 18-20 program has opportunities for learning are endless, a new home, students still will visit according to school officials. numerous locations in the greater “We are able to spread out here,” Hopkinton community throughout the said Katie Hibbert, the instructor of the week, including the Hopkinton Public program. “There have been so many Library, the Sheraton Framingham Hoopportunities for hands-on learning. tel and Conference Center, Encompass The students even built the furniture Fitness in Marlborough, and Framingin these rooms.” ham State University. The students The White House, which now is set will continue to assist the Hopkinton up very much like a traditional house, Center for the Arts with the distribureceived donations from the commution of fliers and brochures to various nity of furniture as well as money to locations as well. buy pieces such as shelves and chairs But it was due to the hard work that needed to be assembled. The proand generosity of the school district gram also received donations of labor and Hopkinton community that the to help with renovations and electrical 18-22 program can now call the White and plumbing work.

House “home.”

“The plumbing was just finished “We are extremely grateful for the [in the kitchen] so we will be cooking support of all involved,” Zaleski said.

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The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 11

HPS capital plan includes new school, multiple renovations Dramatic changes recommended to handle expected increase of students over next decade

By Melissa Orff Contributing Writer

T

he community had a chance to see what the future of the Hopkinton Public School system could look like during a public forum on Dec. 5.

Superintendent Dr. Carol Cavanaugh and representatives of DRA Architectural Firm, the firm hired this year to conduct a capacity study of the current school buildings, presented their recommendations for a 10-year capital plan, which included building a new elementary school, renovating a number of existing schools, and attaching the middle and high school buildings.

With the influx of students in the Hopkinton Public Schools over the past few years, and enrollment predictions of an additional 1,000 students coming into Hopkinton over the next 10 years, space has become a large concern for the district.

The district is looking at a temporary solution of constructing an expansion at the high school of six new classrooms, and purchasing modular classrooms for Elmwood and Hopkins Elementary Schools. Although these new classrooms will help alleviate some of the overcrowding issues currently, future space needs will still need to be taken into consideration, said school officials.

“This work speaks to how Hopkinton would carry through the next 10-15 years,” said James Barrett, principal of DRA.

The first of the two proposed options for the 10-year plan would be for a new three-story Grade 2-5 school built on the Todaro land (on Hayden Rowe Street, just south of Marathon School) that would replace Elmwood School, a renovation of Hopkins Elementary School that would hold Grades 6-7, and connecting the middle and high schools, where Grades 8-9 would be taught on the middle school side and 10-12 on the high school side. The new Grade 2-5 school would keep Grades 2-3 separate from 4-5 but would share a connecting cafeteria and library.

“It would be schools within a school,” said Cavanaugh. Combining the middle and high schools would also allow students in the lower grades the chance to take higher-level coursework while allowing a Grade 8-9 “academy” feel.

The second option is to build two new separate elementary schools — one for Grades 2-3 and one for Grades 4-5.

Although it would mean that the grades could have separate spaces, it would increase initial capital and ongoing operational costs as they wouldn’t be able to share resources due to being in different buildings.

Having all of the grades in one school also would save money on transportation expenses, said Cavanaugh, with the town having to pay for two tiers of busing instead of three.

Although a large undertaking, building a big school complex in one area could mean significant reimburse-

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ment from the state, and reconfiguring the remaining school buildings could help accommodate the predicted 1,000 additional students that will be coming into Hopkinton over the next 10 years.

After the presentation, the audience was given the chance to ask questions.

Questions ranged from the reason for moving ninth grade out of the high school to what the impact would be on traffic if a new 2-5 school was built on Hayden Rowe Street.

To that, Cavanaugh responded that the architects have a plan to build a driveway that would take cars off of the main road to access the school campus.

“That would alleviate a lot of the traffic that is already there,” she said.

Several residents voiced concerns that although there would be additional

space, it still might not be enough.

“How do we know that these projections are correct?” asked one community member.

“We have no way of knowing if these are real until we live through this experience,” answered Cavanaugh. “But these projections are based on live birth rates, open land, new housing developments [and pother factors].”

Next steps are to wait until a statement of interest from the district is approved with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Once approved, it could be upwards of five years before a project could come to completion, which is why it is important to start the process now, said Cavanaugh.

“We need classrooms today,” she said. “It’s time to act.”

Schools get support from town Expansion | from page 9

Bharath said she was “elated” with the outcome, allowing the projects to move forward to a formal vote.

“We have renewed, as a community, even in the most stressful times of growth and change, our commitment to quality education spaces occupied by some of the most important members of our community, our children and teachers,” she said.

Cavanaugh was also thankful for the community’s support for the additional classrooms for Hopkinton High School,

Hopkins and Elmwood, as the number of students enrolled in the schools has exceeded the capacity of the space currently available.

“The Town Meeting vote will certainly alleviate many of the capacity strains we are feeling,” she said the day after the vote. “Hopkinton is known for its excellence in education. We want to ensure that we are able to provide the facilities and resources that enable our teachers and students to remain among the highest ranked in the commonwealth.”

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019

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hree more FY21 budgets for Hopkinton Public School departments were presented to the School Committee during its Dec. 5 meeting.

The Athletic Department, Curriculum Department and Middle School preliminary budgets will add close to $400,000 to the overall operational budget for next school year. This was one of a number of discussions about the budgets, with the rapid increase in enrollment causing a strain on district resources. Although the original budget message from the town was to keep increases to 5.5 percent, the school district is looking at a 5.1 percent increases just in non-negotiable contractual obligations for next year, and that is without adding a single teacher to keep up with the explosion in enrollment said school officials.

First-year athletic director Rich Cormier told the committee that his major budget drivers include moving the Athletic Department administrative assistant from half-time to fulltime, hiring an additional middle school football coach, and dealing with increases in coaching stipends and transportation.

“We have the largest athletic program in the Tri-Valley League,” said Cormier, who added that the increase in staff is needed to keep up with the growing number of athletes each season.

Assistant superintendent Jen Parson told the committee

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that the time has come for the district to hire an English learner (EL) director to join the administrative staff.

“It is a very important position considering the growth in the district,” she said. “We require the presence of an administrator who is an expert in this area.”

The EL director will work with teachers and specialists to support English learner students throughout the district.

The projected 92 students for next year at Hopkinton Middle School will mean an increase of three additional classroom teachers and one world language teacher, principal Allen Keller told the committee.

The other request is to bring the assistant principal position back from half-time to full-time.

“I believe strongly that it is needed with the amount of students projected for next year,” he said.

Keller’s expense increases, which he reduced by $130,000 from the initial round of budget presentations, include textbook expenses, new wall maps for civics classes and new mats for the physical education classrooms.

These budgets joined the ones that were presented last meeting from Special Education, Buildings and Grounds, and Technology.

The driving force behind the proposed Technology budget increase is a new website/data position to maintain the new website and to support the data across the district.

Three additional night custodians will be needed to keep up with the cleaning of the buildings in the district.

Other departments will be presenting their budgets at a future School Committee meeting.

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he Association of the United States Army is joining with local sponsors Phipps Insurance Agency and UniBank to hold a Military History Essay Contest for high school students who are residents of Hopkinton.

Winners will receive scholarships worth $1,000 (first place), $500 (second) or $250 (third).

The essays will be evaluate NEWS BRIEFS by a distinguished panel that includes Joseph DePinto, CEO of 7-Eleven and a civilian aide to the secretary fo defense, state Rep. Carolyn Dykema and local Vietnam veteran Hank Allessio.

Essays are due by Feb. 1, and winners will be announced on Memorial Day. For more information, email hopmilhistory@gmail.com.

Town committees have vacancies The town announced on Dec. 10 that there are vacancies on the following board and committees: Community Preservation Commission, Cultural Council, Personnel Committee, Sustainable Green Committee, Veterans Celebration Committee, Commissioners of Trust Funds, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board and Open Space Preservation Commission.

Interested residents can apply via the online volunteer form at hopkintonma.gov/hug.

The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 13

Hillers boys basketball takes aim at tourney again

Mark Underdah Remodeling

the program. “But we also want to keep improving. We want to keep getting better every day. I don’t have a number of wins in mind, but hopefully we will have a winning season and keep getting better.”

Hopkinton finished 14-6 last year, bowing out in the first round of the sectional tournament. The Hillers graduated three starters Kitchens • Baths from the 2018-19 squad, but several veteran players return, includAdditions • Remodels ing point guard Tommy Ambrosone.

“He ran the point for us last year and he will be doing it again this year,” Keane said. “He does a little bit of everything. He kind Insured & Licensed of fills up the stat sheet by distributing the ball, rebounding, playing Lic.# CS071977 defense, he does it all.”

Steven Maffiore will be one of Hopkinton’s top scoring threats after scoring 13 points per game during his junior campaign and earning Tri-Valley League All-Star recognition. Keane said the senior is an excellent shooter from the perimeter but will be pressed into handling the ball more this winter.

“Our guard play is an area of strength, and I think we should have a lot of kids who can shoot the ball well,” Keane said.

Despite being more guard-oriented, Keane said the Hillers will be focusing on improving their interior defense and rebounding.

“We are trying to improve defensively,” the coach said. “We Same Day Delivery want to turn teams over more than we did last year and get out in Senior Discounts transition a little bit better.”

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Keane said he is hopeful his team’s experience will be a boost as it tries to keep pace with the TVL’s best. yan is a senior at Hopkinton High School. He is hoping to “We have seven returning players and we are going to count study Engineering in college next year. Ryan is a member of on them,” he said. “The whole senior class is made up of kids who UNITE, where he is described by faculty members as one of the are going to get some minutes.”

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Forward Drew Rancatore is one of the seniors who will be counted on to provide leadership and experience for the Hillers this season.

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talented and experienced backcourt leads the Hopkinton boys basketball team into a new season, and the Hillers are aiming to return to the postseason after making the sectional tourney a year ago.

“We always want to make the tournament,” said Hillers head coach Tom Keane, who has led the team to the playoffs in 16 of his previous 19 seasons at the helm of

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HHS girls hoops brings experience into new season

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

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he Hopkinton High School girls basketball team comes into the season with 10 players returning from a squad that just missed a spot in the postseason a year ago, and coach Mike Greco is hoping his team can use that experience to compete with the best in the Tri-Valley League.

“It’s nice to hit the ground running with a lot of returning players,” Greco said. “Last year was definitely a learning experience. We had a lot of players with very little varsity experience or no varsity experience.”

That will not be the case for the Hillers this winter. Two sophomore starters return in guard Lauren Cho and forward Lexy Trendel. Cho had to learn the point guard position on the fly last winter, her first as a varsity athlete. Trendel is someone Greco says can bring athleticism to the floor for his team, even more so now that she has a year as a starter under her belt.

Senior co-captain Olivia Gladu is back healthy after missing time last year with an injury. She will be joined in a leadership role by fellow senior captain Cami McDonald.

“Cami has all the intangibles you’d ever want in a player,” Greco said. “She hustles, she provides great leadership, she is smart, she knows the game well, she’s extremely unselfish. She is our glue, I would say.”

Caroline Connell, a junior forward, is another veteran player and a hard worker who led the team in minutes last year.

“She plays extremely hard,” Greco said. “Her biggest contributions come on the defensive end. There will be a lot of times when we ask her to guard the opposing team’s best player.”

Sophomore Kiki Fossbender has shown flashes of being a dynamic scoring presence for the Hillers, her coach said.

The young player has “a great knack for scoring the ball,” Greco said, adding he has been impressed with her growth and development over the course of the offseason and during summer play.

Defending Tri-Valley League champion Norwood along with Medfield and Millis figure to be among the stronger teams on the Hillers’ slate this year.

Greco labeled Norwood and Medfield the likely teams to beat in the TVL Large School Division and added, “We are hoping to be right there with them.”

After an 8-12 campaign a year ago, Greco asked his team last week to come to practice with a list of goals in mind for the new season. The coach has some ideas in mind for what he would like to see from his squad.

“Our goal is to focus on the process of getting better,” Greco said. “We want to play present. Whatever it is we are doing in that moment, that’s where our focus needs to be.”

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019

Senior Snippets All activities unless otherwise noted are at the Hopkinton Senior Center, 28 Mayhew St. The Senior Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 508-4979730 for more information or to register for a program. For a more extensive listing of programs check Ourseniorcenter.com/find/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or www. hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

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Conversation Cafe

50-plus Job-Seekers Networking Group

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 12:30 p.m.

Attendees should wear their favorite holiday attire and sing along to the music that they love. Together with the Mellowtones, the Senior Center chorus, participants will sing favorite holiday carols for this jolly event. Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, Dec. 20, 10-11 a.m.

Do you like to laugh? Do you like to discuss current events? Do you like to talk with people or do you prefer to sit back and listen? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then the Conversation Cafe is for you. Conversations help us think differently, and the Senior Center challenge residents to think differently with D’Eon, outreach coordinator and facilitator of this new program. Light refreshments will be served.

Holiday Movie: ‘Elf’

Monday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m.

This holiday season seniors are invited to share the Senior Center with their younger neighbors, grandchildren, nieces and/or nephews. All are welcome for a showing of “Elf” (2003). Buddy (Will

Monday, Jan. 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

If you are 50-plus and unemployed, underemployed, returning to the workforce or seeking employment, you are eligible for this program. Learn the skills needed to obtain employment in the current job market, including resume writing that works, creating an elevator pitch, confronting ageism, managing stress and locating senior friendly employers. Ed Lawrence, a career coach, will facilitate each meeting.

There will be time for networking as well.

The multi-month series takes place the first and third Monday of the month. For more information or to register, contact Ashley Shaheen, co-facilitator, at 508-497-9730 or visit the website at www.mcoaonline. com/50plusregistration. This program is free thanks to a grant from MCOA.

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.

The New Year is the time to make changes.

They can be simple, like drinking more water, using the stairs instead of taking the elevator or participating more frequently at the Senior Center. Statistically, only 8 percent of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. We want you to succeed in 2020. Join us and plan your goals. We will help each other stay accountable in the new year. “Mocktails” served.

Medication Drop-off Box

Santa visits seniors Santa paid a visit to the Senior Center on Dec. 7 as part of the annual holiday party hosted by the Hopkinton Police Association.

Thursday, Jan. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Hopkinton Police Department will be at the Senior Center to collect unwanted or expired medications. Stop by to chat or have coffee with one of the officers while you dispose of these items.

No sharps will be collected at the Senior Center, but they may be deposited in the needle box at the Police Station.

Our Time Memory Café at the Hopkinton Public Library

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 1-3 p.m.

Our Time Memory Café, which meets every second Tuesday of the month at Hopkinton Public Library, is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The monthly events are free, offering conversation and refreshments in a relaxing atmosphere.

A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. Registration is requested but not required. For more information, call 508-497-0108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org. Our Time Memory Café is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and the Hopkinton Public Library.

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Let’s Talk New Year’s Resolutions

www.hopkintonvision.com 508.435.4711

Thursday, Jan. 16, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

This is a presentation by Henry Quinlan, who has more than 30 years experience with the former USSR and the new Russia. He made more than 60 trips between 1986 and 2018 and lived in Moscow for five years. From the tragedy of Chernobyl to the Mueller investigation, Henry Quinlan’s life has been impacted.

This is a unique presentation that is both entertaining and educational. As a publisher in 1986 Henry signed a contract with a young Soviet diplomat to do a book contrasting living in Moscow and living in Washington D.C. He witnessed the fall of communism and the tanks in the streets.

He toured Soviet space facilities with Wally Schirra, one of the USA’s original six astronauts. He represented President George W. Bush in organizing the publishing of the book “Make Way for Ducklings” in Russian in Moscow and the erection of the statutes of the ducks (the same as in

“The Big Picture in a Small Town”

Boston) in Moscow. These are just some of his stories.

Tapfit

Wednesdays, 5 p.m., starts in January Tapfit is a total body tap dance cardio fitness workout class. Tapfit combines tap dancing, cardio, resistance training and body sculpting moves to give participants maximum results for their mind and body.

Tapfit is a fun, fabulous and easy to follow fitness class for the whole body. Participants should wear flat-soled sneakers. See instructor Rebecca Tredeau with questions.

Pound Class

Wednesdays, 5 p.m.

Instructor Rebecca Tredeau leads the world’s first class jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing and sweatdripping playing of the drums. Designed for all fitness levels and any age. Pound sticks are available for 25 people, and some yoga mats will be available. Class size is limited. Seniors 55-plus take precedence.

Sign up in advance. The cost $3 per class (paid monthly). No child care services are provided.

Yoga: Slow Flow

Wednesdays, 6 p.m.

This class is suitable for all levels of yoga practitioners, with or without yoga experience, looking to explore the asanas (l poses) through slow and clear alignmentbased practice. The focus is on building strength and stability through fundamental poses from the ground up. Fundamental standing poses, sun salutations, seated poses and twists, pranayama (breath control) and meditation will be taught in each practice. The instructor is Crystal Lee. The first class is free, then it’s $5 per class for drop-ins or $3 per class if paid monthly.

Call to register.

Chi Gong

Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Chi Gong combines deep breathing with whole body movements to harmonize mind and body to promote energy, prevent illness and accelerate healing. The instructor is Linda Bellefeuille. The cost is $5 per class for drop-ins or $3 per class paid monthly.

The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 15

Library Corner Whitcomb House... an Assisted Living and Memory Care with twenty years of caring for seniors brings stability, satisfaction & smiles. Call today to schedule a complimentary lunch and tour.

We look forward to meeting you!

For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. The library also can be found at Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

Schedule Note

Be sure to ask about our limited-time special pricing incentives!

The library will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and there might be early closures on Christmas eve and New Year’s eve.

Visit us online for more information!

Technology Assistance By Appointment

For those who have a basic technology question about: — Using services such as Overdrive, Libby or RBDigital to download and read e-books, e-audiobooks, or electronic magazines; — Searching for and reserving items using the library catalog; — Using the library’s free online resources, such as databases,Ancestry or Mango Languages; — Using features in Microsoft Word, Google Apps or similar software; — Setting up and using e-mail; An appointment can be set up with the technology librarian. Call the reference desk at 508-497-9777 or email dcook@hopkintonma.gov.

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Library Survey

1/28/16 10:30 AM

Happy Holidays

The public is invited to take a survey about the library’s website to indicate preferences for a planned site renovation. The survey can be found at bit.ly/HPLwebsitesurvey.

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Overdrive Update

Those who use Overdrive should be aware that in early to mid-January there will a change in how users log in to Overdrive. The site will begin to require a password in addition to a library barcode number to log in. The password will be the same as the one used for the user’s online library account.

Final week to purchase

‘Lucky Day’ Collection of High-Demand Books

Thanks to the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, beginning in January the library will have a “Lucky Day” collection of high-demand books. These books will remain available on the library’s shelves when returned and will not have holds placed on them or renewals allowed. It will be readers’ “lucky day” when they visit the library and find them available.

gift certificates online or onsite... give the gift that keeps on giving!

Looking for stocking stuffers?

Fine-Free Wednesday Wednesday, Dec. 18

Office gift? We have

All items returned this day will not incur any fines. This does not include past fines.

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Kids Movie Matinee: Popular Pixar Movie

Stop by, there’s still time!

Thursday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The The library will be screening “Toy Story 4” (rated G). Children must be attended by an adult for the duration of the movie. Due to the capacity of the room, registration is required. Each child and caregiver must sign up in advance.

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Children’s Musician: Shon Gordon

Friday, Dec. 27, 10:30-11-15 a.m.

Back by popular demand is children’s musician Shon Gordon. This unique and interactive music experience includes freestyle dance, instrument show and tell, instrument use, music jams, and more. For ages 1-5. No registration required.

Get Organized in 2020

with Jenna Elliot of The Naked Flower Professional Organizers Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7-8:30 p.m.

This fun and interactive workshop will get participants focused on their organizing goals. Professional organizer Jenna Elliot will share tips on: new ways to think about stuff, creating better habits to help tackle the clutter, utilizing calendar and to-do lists more effectively, and where to start the purging process.

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Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library Annual Meeting

• Estate & Retirement Planning • Residential, Commercial and Business Transactions

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m.

The annual meeting of the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be held Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the library. All members are invited to attend. The agenda will include the election of officers, approval of the dues structure and affirmation of regular business.

The annual meeting will be followed by the January board meeting.

Basic Computer Class

Thursday, Jan. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.

The library hosts a twice-monthly Basic Computers series. Each class will focus on an aspect of basic computer use, from using a mouse to keyboard shortcuts to email and Google. This month, learn about searching the internet for information. Practice googling, learn how to read a page of search results, and understand the importance of keywords.

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Mass. Audubon: Birds of Prey with Kathleen Regan

Saturday, Jan. 25, 1-2 p.m.

Find out why hawks, owls, eagles, osprey and falcons are considered birds of prey, and discover their diversity while meeting live birds of prey native to Massachusetts.

The presenter will share some tips to help attendees see these birds more often where people live. There are many more out there than one might think. This program, which is co-sponsored by the Hopkinton Area Land Trust, requires pre-registration, and space is limited.

“The Big Picture in a Small Town”

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019

Police Log December 3

ARRESTS December 6

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1:45 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street and Officers Robert Ekross and Brendon Lyver responded as backup. Theodore J. Crosby, 27, of 150 West Union Road, Ashland, was arrested and charged with speeding in violation of special regulation, marked lanes violation, and OUI liquor.

2:53 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Benjamin Stickney responded and subsequently arrested Anderson M. Braz, 44, of 18 North Bow St., Milford and charged him with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

December 9

10:46 a.m. Officer Ryan Polselli conducted a motor vehicle stop on Main Street and Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded as backup. Adriano Reis, 37, of 5 Fales St., Worcester, was arrested for a warrant and for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

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December 4

8:26 a.m. Several calls were received about a vehicle that lost a large pane of glass from its back and shattered in the roadway of Wood Street. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and notified the DPW for cleanup.

8:42 a.m. Several calls were received about a vehicle that hit a stop sign and a street sign and drove over a lawn on Walcott Street.

Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Tyler Brabham responded and took a report.

8:45 a.m. A caller reported several vehicles stuck on North Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the DPW to assist. The vehicles were freed and drove away.

6:47 p.m. A motorist reported an erratic operator crossing over lanes on South Street.

Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and was unable to locate the vehicle.

December 5

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9:41 a.m. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Ryan Polselli responded to a motor vehicle accident on Wood Street. No personal injuries were reported. A report was to follow.

10:50 a.m. A motorist reported he was stuck in snow on Stoney Brook Road. Officer Ryan Polselli responded to assist, and the operator was able to drive up the hill.

11:11 a.m. A Woodview Way caller reported a chicken in the parking lot. A message was left for the animal control officer.

6:44 p.m. A walk-in reported a possible illegal burn in a backyard on Wood Street.

Officer Tyler Brabham responded along with the Fire Department and reported a small fire in a fire pit. The homeowner was advised of regulations and extinguished the fire.

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9:11 a.m. Multiple calls were received about a four-car motor vehicle accident with airbag deployment and personal injuries on West Main Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Moira McGaffigan and Tyler Brabham responded along with an ambulance. A tow truck removed two vehicles. A report will follow.

12:50 p.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Moira McGaffigan responded to a motor vehicle accident on South Street that included a minor fluid spill. A tow truck was requested and removed two vehicles.

One operator was given a verbal warning for failure to yield. Sergeant Brennan provided a courtesy transport to one operator. Officer McGaffigan took a report.

3:52 p.m. The school bus office reported a car hit a pole on Wilson Street. Officers Derek Morton and Brian Sacnhioni responded and found a “Slow” sign that was hit. The DPW was notified.

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The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 17

December 6

4:00 a.m. A Wilson Street caller reported hearing what sounded like gunshots every 20 minutes or so for the previous three hours.

Officer Robert Ekross responded and found DPW employees working at the snow dump and reported the noise was coming from their trucks.

10:34 a.m. A caller reported an ongoing issue with illegal dumping on Beach Road.

He posted “Private Property” and “No Dumping” signs, and they were removed. The caller wanted the incident logged.

4:12 p.m. A caller reported her vehicle was hit while parked at her place of employment on South Street. Officer Benjamin Stickney responded and took a report of a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident.

8:42 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator crossing over the yellow line on West Main Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and followed the vehicle and did not observe any violations.

December 7

3:19 a.m. A walk-in reported a vehicle hit a deer on Grove Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and reported no personal injuries.

3:35 a.m. Multiple calls were received about a motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street, where a vehicle crashed in to a snowbank. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and officer Brendon Lyver responded and requested a tow truck. A report was to follow.

9:27 a.m. An Eastview Road resident reported a pickup truck hit a telephone pole in front of the caller’s house. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and reported no personal injuries. A tow truck was requested.

9:42 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street involving two vehicles. No personal injuries were reported.

3:55 p.m. A caller, while out walking his dog, reported seeing a large amount of blood in the snow on Elm Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and reported it appeared to be field dress from hunters in the area.

6:40 p.m. Sergeants Aaron O’Neil and Matthew McNeil and Officer Benjamin Stickney responded to a motor vehicle accident involving personal injury on Cedar Street. An ambulance responded and transported one person to the hospital. A tow truck was requested.

9:50 p.m. A caller reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Valentine Road. The time frame was unknown. Paint from another vehicle was found on the caller’s vehicle. Officer Benjamin Stickney responded and assisted.

11:41 p.m. The Canton Police Department requested assistance locating an elderly woman on McNeil Circle per her son’s request. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and was unable to make contact with the woman.

Resident arrested for DUI in Ashland A Hopkinton resident was arrested on the afternoon of Dec. 10 in Ashland after driving into a curb while leaving a doughnut shop, according to a report in the MetroWest Daily News.

Ashland police arrested 41-yearold Matthew Drake, of 46 Walcott Valley Drive, for driving under the influence of liquor, driving with a license that was revoked for being a habitual traffic offender and driving to endanger, the report stated.

Police said Drake smelled of alcohol, slurred his words and then “did not do well” on the field sobriety tests he agreed to take. Officers also indicated that they found five empty nip bottles inside Drake’s car.

Drake was arraigned on Dec. 11 and released without bail, under orders not to drive. He has a pretrial conference scheduled for Jan. 29.

December 8

5:58 a.m. A walk-in reported backing into an unoccupied vehicle parked on Hayden Rowe Street and leaving a note on the vehicle. Officer Stephen Buckley assisted.

11:10 a.m. A caller reported her mother’s earring went missing some time after she was transported by the Fire Department the day before from an accident on Cedar Street. The Fire Department was notified.

2:45 p.m. A Main Street caller reported possible missing firearms from his home. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and took a report.

December 9

5:05 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle spun out on Wood Street.

Officer Stephen Buckley responded and reported no personal injuries or damage.

5:51 a.m. A motorist reported her vehicle was stuck in a snow bank on Longwood Drive. Officer Stephen Buckley responded and assisted.

5:59 a.m. Multiple calls were received about vehicles stuck on ice on Fruit Street. Officer Stephen Buckley responded and assisted while a tow truck was en route.

6:13 a.m. Officers Robert Ekross and Ryan Polselli responded to a five-car motor vehicle accident on Ash Street. A head injury was reported and EMS was requested. The road was closed and one person was transported to the hospital. A tow truck was requested to assist the vehicles.

6:43 a.m. A motorist reported he was stuck in a snowbank on Clinton Street. Officer Benjamin Stickney responded and assisted.

6:52 a.m. A Pond Street resident reported a vehicle hit his house and drove away. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded.

7:25 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley reported a school bus was stuck on Pond Street. The DPW responded to assist and the bus went on its way.

7:31 a.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil assisted a motorist who hit a tree on Pond Street. No injuries were reported.

9:04 a.m. Multiple calls were received about a car off the roadway of Fruit Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and stood by while the operator waited for a tow.

11:11 a.m. A caller reported a person driving in the wrong direction on Downey Street. The caller followed the driver to his residence. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Moira McGaffigan and Philip Powers responded and spoke with the operator about the wrong-way driving.

1:48 p.m. A caller reported a Jersey barrier was hit on Hayden Rowe Street, and it was creating a road hazard. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and notified the DPW.

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Boy Scouts holiday tree sale

Hopkinton Boy Scout Troop 1 is selling fresh-cut Christmas trees again this year. The tree lot behind CVS opened Nov. 29, and the Scouts will be selling trees until they are gone. Hours are Wednesdays 4-7 p.m., Thursdays 4-7 p.m., Fridays 4-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Along with each tree comes information on how to recycle the tree at the end of the season. Read more at troop1hopkinton.org, or for more information email trees@troop1hopkinton.org.

The Big Tent HCA show Dec. 12-Jan. 9

The annual Hopkinton Center for the Arts member show runs from Dec. 12 until Jan. 9 and features artists of all ages. There will be a free reception on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the gallery. For more information, visit hopartscenter.org.

Live Nativity Dec. 21

Experience the real meaning of Christmas at a Live Nativity at Hopkinton’s Community Covenant Church (2 W. Elm St.) on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 5-7 p.m.

The event features real people, real animals and an outdoor creche display. Warm up afterward with hot drinks and goodies. The event is free, although donations are welcomed for Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit comcovhop.org.

Menorah lighting Dec. 22

The annual Hannukah celebration and menorah lighting will take place on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m. at the Hopkinton Town Common. All are welcome to attend.

NOW OPEN!

HCA presents ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 22

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts presents a full-scale ballet production of “The Nutcracker” on Sunday, Dec. 22, at Ashland High School. There will be performances at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. For more information, visit hopartscenter.org.

New Year’s Eve party at HCA Dec. 31

Ring in the new year with a party at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, featuring the music of Signs of Life. Tickets ($40 each) include small bites, a champagne toast at midnight, music and dancing. There will be a cash bar as well. For more information, visit hopartscenter.org.

Boy Scouts Christmas tree recycling Jan. 4, 11

Hopkinton Boy Scout Troop 4 will hold its annual Christmas tree recycling fundraiser on Jan. 4 and 11. The Scouts will pick up and transport trees to community 28 Main Street, Hopkinton partner JB Sawmill for recycling. Pick up is available to all Hopkinton residents, and the Scouts request a donation of $15 per tree. Register at troop4hopkinton.

508.589.7889 kingscornerbarbershop.com com/tree-collection. Registration dates fill up fast, so it is recommended to reserve early. All donations directly benefit Troop 4 Scouts through support of their outdoor OPEN Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 8am - 5pm activities and leadership development program.

“The Big Picture in a Small Town”

The Hopkinton Independent • December 18, 2019 • 19

Obituaries Larry Keane Lawrence “Larry” Keane, 65, of Framingham died Nov. 27 at his home after a period of illness. Born Feb. 4, 1954, in Waltham, Larry was raised and educated in Waltham. Prior to moving to Framingham he lived in Daytona, Florida, for several years. Larry had been employed with the Hopkinton Public Schools in building maintenance and custodial services, and prior to that he was employed in the building maintenance for the Walter E. Fernald State School in Waltham.

Described by family as a tremendously giving and caring person, he was loved and greatly respected by his family, friends and coworkers. His heart never left Waltham and always drew him back to Waltham, where as a youngster his was a singer in a band known as Uptown Sound.

He was born with sports in his DNA and was an ardent supporter of his New England Patriots and, without saying, the Boston Red Sox, which led him on a path of local coaching and umpiring of multiple sports teams. While in Florida he worked for a period of time as a certified lifeguard.

At home in Framingham he took great pride in his yard and gardening skills. He was the father of the late Jill Keane, son of the late Edward and Florence (Carlos) Keane, brother of the late Michael Keane, Frederick Keane and Robert DeGouff, and loving husband of the late Lori (Yobaccio) Keane. He is survived by Aksana G. Zahorskaya of Adventura, Florida, whom he viewed and treated as his loving daughter.

He leaves his siblings, Joseph Keane of Waltham, Thomas Keane and Richard DeGouff, both of Waltham, Louis Keane of Jacksonville, Florida, Carol Montoya of Nashua, New Hampshire, Marie Caruso of Atkinson, New Hampshire, and Michael DeGouff of California. In addition he leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Larry’s life was held Dec. 5 in the Mary Catherine Chapel of the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home in Waltham (brascofuneralhome.com).

Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701.

Lorraine Sniffen M. Lorraine Sniffen of Venice, Florida, passed away Dec. 9, following a brief illness. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Robertson) Irvine of Hopkinton.

Lorraine attended Syracuse University and earned her RN from Framingham Union School of Nursing. She went on to work at Framingham Union Hospital before relocating to Florida in 2000. In her earlier years, she was an operating room scrub nurse, craft store owner, child care provider and dental technician. Lorraine also was very active in the church, serving as treasurer of St. Paul’s Episcopal church in Hopkinton.

Lorraine is survived by her husband, Mark W. Sniffen, their son, Andrew C. Sniffen and his wife, Kristin, of Anchorage, Alaska, and her daughter, Amy J. Sniffen of Medway. She also leaves behind

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her brother, William Irvine and his wife, Patricia, of Boone, North Carolina, as well as three grandchildren, Tyler Neves, KeyetteLei Neves and Xavier Maxcey. She is predeceased by her brother, Richard Irvine, who passed away Dec. 8, 2014.

A celebration of life will be held in the Hopkinton area in the spring of 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA.

Philip Schiloski Philip J. Schiloski, 70, of Hopkinton, passed away Dec. 3 at Milford Regional Hospital.

Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Charlotte (Smith) and Robert W. Schiloski Sr. Philip had been employed at Bay State Abrasives for 28 years, before retiring and working on the custodial staff for 10 years at Hopkinton High School.

He enjoyed fishing, playing cards and board games, and loved hanging out with his brother, Ken. Philip is survived by his daughter, Roxanne Schiloski of Douglas; three siblings, Paul Schiloski, Lola Dzerkacz and her husband, Frank, and Kenneth Schiloski; two grandchildren, Kelsey and Kyle Zuidema; and one great-granddaughter, Scarlette Storm Gabbard. He also leaves behind a niece, many nephews as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews, and his lifelong friend, Ronnie Gassett of Bellingham. He is predeceased by his brother, Robert W. Schiloski.

Visitation was held Dec. 8 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton (ChesmoreFuneralHome.com). Interment at St. John’s Cemetery was to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place Boston, MA 02215 (joslin.org).

Steven Esper Steven G. Esper, 52, died Dec. 5. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Jeri Esper and the late George L. Esper Jr. Steven was a graduate of St. Bridget’s School and Marian High School in Framingham. He graduated from Framingham State University with honors. He worked and lived for many years in Deerfield Beach, Florida, as the audio visual sound engineer manager at the Boca Raton Resort.

He is survived by his children, Andressa and Alec Esper of Parkland, Florida, his brothers, Jeffrey and Gary Esper of Hopkinton, and his sister, Pamela Moynahan of Hopkinton. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church on Dec. 11, followed by burial at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton. Funeral arrangements were under the care of the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home of Hopkinton (callanancronin.com).

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