HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT
TRASH CRASH
South Asian club offers ‘sense of belonging’ HopDrug
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
M
ike Wilander, advisor to the South Asian Affinity Group at Hopkinton High School, wants the community to know that its members “feel school spirit, feel like a part of the community — both at school and in town. They are Hillers,” he said.
Wilander has been associated with the school club since the beginning approximately eight years ago. Participation waned during the pandemic, but the group is reviving and striving to identify its priorities.
“The club aims to spread awareness about the South Asian community. It’s a new beginning for us, and we’re looking to grow our membership,” said sophomore Arshia Tharakabhushanam, one of the officers.
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Planning Board at its meeting Jan. 6 approved in an 8-0 vote a revised plan for Main Street Crossing, the proposed multifamily mixed-use development at the former location of Hopkinton Drug.
The complex, which includes 4852 Main Street and an abutting property at 6 Cedar Street, was the central focus of the board’s discussion. The modified plan addressed issues raised by board members and the Cedar Street abutter at the Dec. 16 meeting about the potential impact of vehicle exhaust emissions and light and sound pollution concerns. Parking would be located on one underground level and on the first floor. A retail establishment also would occupy the first floor. The two upper floors would contain a total of 60 apartments. Attorney Neal Bingham said that because the development is located in the downtown business district, it is an as-of-right use for the property. He noted that the development team evaluated the previous concerns and
Members of
GREAT SKATE
A skater takes to the ramps of the newly renovated Hank Fredette Skate Park at EMC Park. The park officially opened for skaters on Jan. 1.
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 7,700 addresses. It’s also available for free pickup at Muffin House Café and Price Chopper as well as at many other local businesses. Hopkinton Independent, LLC is equally co-owned by Bagdon Advertising, Inc. and Susanne Odell Farber.
STAFF
contact us
Publisher: David Bagdon
Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber
Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett
Managing Editor: Jerry Spar
Social Media director: David Bagdon
STAFF WRITER: Mary Ellen Gambon
Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Chris Villani, John Cardillo, Jane Bigda, Susan Gonsalves, Courtney Cornelius, Nick Schofield
FOR ADVERTISING: Contact Susanne Odell Farber
Cell: 508-954-8148 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com
FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent Office: 508 435-5188 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com
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.
Schools’ inclusivity
admirable
In December, a letter to the editor was published that questioned some of the actions of Dr. Carol Cavanaugh, superintendent of schools. As a former administrator at Elmwood School, a parent in town and now principal in a nearby town, I feel compelled to respond, as there were several parts I found both confusing and factually false. While the letter takes issue with a number of things in Hopkinton schools, I believe the real spirit of that letter is to deny the equity and inclusion of our LGBTQ+ students.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
First, the author states that the administration goes far beyond state guidelines in terms of providing an inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ students. I encourage the author to review state guidelines, especially Massachusetts Executive Order 526, as well as the Massachusetts Student Rights Law (MGL Ch. 76, Sec. 5). These documents provide guidance on the inclusion of all students, making statements such as, “Implementing an inclusive curriculum helps to ensure that all students feel represented and supported. These resources will help students value the contributions of LGBTQ+ people and understand their place in history, literature and other fields.” It is crucial that we continue to incorporate LGBTQ+ students into our discussions and curriculum, recognizing that this is not only a legal obligation but also a moral and ethical one.
Second, the author asserts that many more gay pride flags fly in our Hopkinton schools than state or national flags. This statement isn’t true, but addressing that inaccuracy doesn’t get at what’s most important. The pride flag is a signal to ALL kids that they will be accepted in that school and community. It tells students they are welcome. Representation matters.
The author then makes an unsubstantiated correlation between anxiety and depression and the actions and policies of the current school administration’s support of LGBTQ+ students. I encourage the author to read Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation,” which outlines research on why these rates have skyrocketed since 2009, pointing most directly at the use of smartphones and social media, not inclusive school practices for LGTBQ+ students.
Ultimately, I think about what I want my own two children to be taught here in Hopkinton. I am hopeful that whoever the School Committee chooses to be our new superintendent will continue the vital work initiated by our current administration, ensuring that inclusivity remains a priority in our schools.
— Aidan McCann, Hopkinton
Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions, check the Hopkinton Independent website (HopkintonIndependent.com) and click on the Contact header, then on Editorial Deadlines.
PHOTO/HOPKINTON PARKS & RECREATION
New roster for Trails Committee finalized
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Select Board on Jan. 7 appointed nine members to the newly created Trails Committee, mixing the membership with previous trails advocates and new faces in an effort to create a unified approach to trail development and public engagement.
Last September, the Select Board voted to disband the Upper Charles Trail committee as well as the Trails Committee, formerly known as the Trail Coordination and Management Committee (TCMC). The two committees had an acrimonious relationship, including competing for state grant funding. Peter LaGoy, the former Trails Committee chair, had submitted a nonbinding article that passed at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting calling for the UCTC to be disbanded after the UCTC proposed a controversial trail segment that would have had multiple crossings on busy Hayden Rowe Street.
In May 2023, the Select Board voted to suspend the UCTC. After it circulated a townwide survey, the Select Board decided that August that the UCTC should remain a separate committee from the Trails Committee, not a Trails Committee subcommittee, as LaGoy proposed. In September 2024, the Select Board voted to disband the UCTC and disband the Trails Committee later that year once it completed its scheduled projects. Members agreed that a new iteration of the Trails Committee would bring a more focused approach on trail development and community outreach.
Chair Brian Herr said that because this is a new committee, there would initially be one-, two- and three-year terms. After those terms expire, the term length would be three years.
During the meeting, LaGoy clarified that the terms are actually for six months, 18 months and 30 months, respectively, because they are being created in January.
Thirteen people applied for the nine seats. Applicants included veteran members of both former committees as well as several newcomers.
“It’s great to have so much interest in this new committee,” said Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, noting the interest of new people.
“This Trails Committee is the culmination of work by those who have served on other trails-related committees in town,” said Herr.
Herr suggested that LaGoy and former UCTC chair Jane Moran be appointed, while member Joe Clark said he believed all former members should be appointed, with Moran and LaGoy having three-year terms. They included former UCTC member Scott Knous and Fran DeYoung, Linda Chuss and Charles Dauchy from the former Trails Committee. Applicant Ken Parker had served on both.
LaGoy told the board he was interested in the two-year seat. Moran was flexible, saying, “I serve at the pleasure of the board.”
Knous said he wanted a three-year
seat, while Chuss preferred a two-year term. DeYoung requested a one-year term. Dauchy initially sought a twoyear term but decided to withdraw his name from consideration after hearing the interviews with new applicants in order to free up a seat for one of them.
The board initially voted 4-0-1 for Moran, Knous and Parker for threeyear-terms; Dauchy, Chuss and LaGoy for two-year terms; and DeYoung for a one-year term. Ritterbusch abstained, saying that she had hoped that more seats would have been available for new people.
After that vote, the new candidates presented themselves to the board.
Jack Buckley, a 27-year resident of Hopkinton, is retired from the state’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. He worked as its deputy director from 1988-2015 and the director from 2015-18. From 2019 until his recent retirement, he served as the chair of the state’s Stewardship Council, which oversees the Department of Conservation and Recreation. One of his goals would be to make residents more aware of the trails throughout town and how they connect.
David Freed discussed a longdistance tour he took last summer on a couple of rail trails that stretched from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. He saw the creation of the Upper Charles Trail as the committee’s top priority. He also wanted to connect more trails throughout Hopkinton.
Sean Kimball is a 16-year resident of Hopkinton who enjoys hiking and biking. He has volunteered in the past with youth sports and the Scouts as well as with the Trails Club and the Hopkinton Area Land Trust. He said a problem he saw regarding the trails is that “there is no single source of truth” because of the number of trail-centric committees and organizations.
Andrew Proos moved to Hopkinton about a year-and-a-half ago, with one reason being to enjoy the trails. The retiring physician’s goal in joining the committee would be to join trail systems together. He also suggested creating events on trails.
Applicant Anna Levit, who earlier in the meeting was appointed to a seat on the Cultural Council, noted that she did not have experience with trails but has utilized them during the pandemic. James Lennon was the only applicant who was not present.
The board voted unanimously to appoint Kimball to a two-year term. Buckley and Freed were selected for one-year terms.
Other appointments approved
The board appointed Sharada Kunam, Carla Pepka and Levit to the Cultural Council to fill its three vacant seats.
It also appointed Ira Steckler to a term on the Council on Aging that would expire on June 30, 2027. Levit also sought this seat. There will be an upcoming vacancy, Lazarus noted.
The team of Chuck, Ann and Mike was exceptional during the sale of our home in Hopkinton! They are very professional, trustworthy, easy to talk to and they always gave us reliable advice. We would highly recommend them to anyone buying or selling in Hopkinton.
Select Board member LaFreniere faces DUI charge
S
elect Board vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere was arraigned Dec. 16 in Framingham District Court on a charge of driving under the influence. She was arrested after leaving TJ’s Food and Spirits, a bar on the Hopkinton-Ashland line, the previous night.
“It happened,” LaFreniere said in an interview with the Independent. “That’s it. I went to court earlier [Dec. 16], and I will have a hearing in February.”
LaFreniere was dining at the local pub after attending a wake, she explained. She reportedly drove onto a curb and damaged a wheel, leading to an interaction with police who arrived on the scene.
“I was very professional,” she said. “The police were very professional.”
When asked if there would be any effect on her role as Select Board vice chair, she expressed some uncertainty.
“I’m really not sure what will happen,” said LaFreniere.
“I only have five months left on the Select Board, ever,” she continued, noting that she will not seek reelection in May.
Select Board chair Brian Herr commented in an interview that it is “a really unfortunate situation” for the vice chair.
“Obviously Mary Jo will have to make decisions based on what she needs to address in her life,” he said. “We are all elected individually, and we are public officials who are judged on what we do.”
He did not comment as to if or how her position on the Select Board would be affected.
“It’s a tough situation,” said Herr. “But the board has a lot on its plate and a lot of important issues that we are dealing with. The board has to press on.”
Pair arrested for alleged home robbery
Two suspects were arrested Dec. 28 by Hopkinton Police Department officers on multiple charges in what the department’s deputy chief said he believes was a “targeted” robbery of an abandoned home on Wood Street.
The alleged home invasion took place at 1:36 p.m., according to the police log. A Wood Street property owner had reported he saw on his security camera individuals breaking into his home via a basement entry.
Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Nicholas Walker responded and searched the home. HPD Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten stated that officers established a perimeter around the property while waiting for additional units to arrive.
“During this time, the suspects began to exit the property through the bulkhead and were subsequently arrested,” van Raalten added.
Leah Gottlich and Brett Lightfoot, both of Manchester, New Hampshire, were
arrested and charged with trespassing, breaking and entering for misdemeanor, possession of burglarious instrument, and receiving stolen property worth more than $1,200.
The deputy chief stressed that he believed this was a targeted incident because the police investigation revealed that this property was listed on “a social media group that posts about abandoned properties throughout New England.”
“Officers were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle, conduct a search, and recover what is believed to be stolen property, likely obtained from another B&E they committed,” van Raalten continued.
“This incident underscores the importance of security cameras and the necessity of notifying the police when suspicious activity is observed, van Raalten stressed. “Thanks to the quick response of our officers, the immediate call from the property owner, and the valuable information relayed to our communications officer, we were able to apprehend these criminals.”
Man arrested after driving in yards
An allegedly intoxicated Blackstone man was arrested early Dec. 26 on four charges after several 911 calls reported a white pickup truck “doing doughnuts” in yards on Proctor Street and eventually becoming stuck in a backyard.
Zachary Walter Lemelin, 26, was arrested at 12:03 a.m. by Hopkinton Police Department officers, according to the police log. He was driving a white Toyota Tacoma truck. He was charged with operating under the influence of liquor. Other charges included reckless operation of a motor vehicle, malicious destruction of property over $1,200, and carrying a loaded firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Lemelin was arraigned on these charges in Framingham District Court, according to Hopkinton Police Sgt. Cody Normandin. He is to appear back in court on Feb. 13.
In a phone interview with the Independent, Normandin explained that one Proctor Street resident confronted Lemelin as police arrived.
Said Normandin: “The resident said he was ‘out of it.’ ”
When Lemelin exited the vehicle, officers saw a firearm on his waistband, according to Normandin. The report he read stated the firearm was loaded.
“Because of the firearm, we didn’t perform a field sobriety test,” Normandin explained. “But the report said officers could smell alcohol on his breath. He was staring blankly and slurred his speech when trying to answer questions. He was arrested for his own safety.”
Carrying a loaded firearm while intoxicated “shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 2 1/2 years, or by both such fine and imprisonment,” according to the mass.gov website.
Normandin added that the incident appeared to be random.
“At least six different yards were significantly damaged and torn up,” he said, noting the circular dirt patterns known as doughnuts. “The truck became stuck in the backyard at one home, which is where he was arrested.”
Art’s Towing in Milford was called to remove the vehicle. The company had to bring additional tools to the site to winch out the truck.
Vehicles roll over on Wood Street
A tractor-trailer rollover in the area of 226 Wood Street caused the road to be reduced to one lane of traffic during the Jan. 3 morning rushhour commute.
Hopkinton Fire Department Lt. John Sheridan told the Independent that the incident occurred at 6:59 a.m.
“A tractor-trailer carrying scrap metal was driving down Wood Street when the trailer part overturned,” he said. “There were no injuries and no hazards.”
He added that Hopkinton Police Department arrived on the scene as HFD cleared the road of the metal debris.
on Dec. 26.
“Traffic was reduced to one lane of travel,” Sheridan said, noting that HPD officers directed traffic until the vehicle was towed away. The street was in the process of being cleared at 11 a.m. when he spoke with the Independent.
HPD Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten noted via email that the driver of the tractortrailer was outside of the vehicle when HPD arrived and “appeared to be uninjured.”
“The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Commercial Enforcement Team was
vehicle sits upside down after rolling over off Wood Street
Board of Health discusses budget restraint, restaurant issues
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Health Director Shaun McAuliffe
informed the Board of Health at its Jan. 6 meeting that the town’s budget tightening measures will force a reduction in health services.
“We are told the hiring process is on hold,” he informed the board. “With the 1.3% increase, there’s a hiring freeze.”
At a Select Board meeting in December, Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre reported that the town’s operational budget could tolerate only a 1.3% increase over fiscal year 2025. She warned this would result in “significant cuts” across multiple departments.
McAuliffe reported to the board that the budget necessary to meet that 1.3% threshold meant cutting nursing programs and staffing.
“I will not be able to hire the nurses that I was promised,” McAuliffe explained in a follow-up email to the Independent. “I have to cut our nursing and operating budget and reduce services.”
Grants recently awarded to the department will allow vaccination services to continue, but “there will be no large clinics,” he noted.
The department had been working with the town to bring on another per diem nurse. Its FY 26 budget also had been approved to move forward to the Appropriation Committee. However, the town’s financial issues have halted the department’s plans, according to McAuliffe.
“We still have the chance to make arguments — to scratch back some of the funding,” McAuliffe said. “But that would be something we would be focused on over the next few months.”
“We expect the cuts and level funding to last for at least three years,” he informed the Independent.
Apart from nursing and the reduction in clinics, the town’s hoarding program is on the chopping block as well. That program recently had its costs to the town increase back in October.
Additionally, the department will not have the budget to fund its communication efforts. Public health nurse Simone Carter noted this as an area of concern.
“Word of mouth is great, but it’s not the sort of consistent go-to that we envisioned,” said Carter. “We have tried to get out very critical things.”
Board of Health chair Richard Jacobs commended the Health Department’s ef-
forts in spite of the budgetary issues.
“It’s a very difficult situation,” said Jacobs. “You’ve made it clear what you need — that’s all we can ask for.”
Board addresses issues at Ko
Li Feng Lin, owner of Ko Sushi and Grill, appeared before the Board of Health to address consistent food safety violations found at his restaurant.
Health services agent Kelechi Obika detailed Ko’s “continuous, habitual pattern of violations” in recent years. These include issues with adequate handwashing provisions, sanitizing for food contact, food separation and crosscontamination.
“There are gaps in terms of fundamental things that need to be done,” said Obika. “It’s a holistic kind of problem.”
According to Obika, the restaurant has addressed some of the Health Department’s concerns while others — such as the lack of adequate lighting in food preparation areas — have not been resolved.
McAuliffe provided additional context, stating that the restaurant was violating conditions of a variance the Board of Health approved 20 years ago.
Should the restaurant fail to come into compliance following its meeting with the Board of Health, it could face the suspension of its license and closure.
Board members clarified the timeline of violations and what remediation had been implemented.
“It seems like your operation is reactive,” member Mary Jo Ondrechen said, addressing Lin. “What can you do to stop the violations?”
Lin asserted that he had “done everything” to resolve the violations.
“Sushi-wise, we test every single year with no problem,” he said. “We want people not to get sick.”
The board agreed on a suggestion from McAuliffe that the restaurant must hire a food safety consultant as a remediation effort.
“We need to establish a pattern of consistency and compliance,” said McAuliffe. “[You need to] demonstrate you can go through a series of inspections and pass them without any critical violations.”
Lin agreed to the arrangement and for Health Department officials to further evaluate the restaurant’s lighting concerns.
Vehicles roll over on Wood Street
requested to assist with the investigation and inspection of the tractor-trailer,” he continued. “Preliminary findings suggest that speed may have been a contributing factor, and the MSP will be conducting an inspection of the vehicle for any deficiencies. Currently, the road is reduced to one lane and cleanup is in progress.”
This is the second accident in which a vehicle overturned in eight days at this area of Wood Street. On Dec. 26, a driver sustained minor injuries when her vehicle overturned and rolled at least 10 feet down an embankment near the Wood Street Fire Station.
HFD Lt. Scott Jurasek, in a phone interview with the Independent, described the scene, which occurred near Fire Station 2.
“We got a call at 9:47 a.m. about a motor vehicle accident where a vehicle rolled down an embankment,” he said. “Police arrived at the scene first.”
Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief Scott van Raalten confirmed via email that “when officers arrived on scene, the operator and sole occupant was out the vehicle. She sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.”
“There was no indication as to why it happened,” Jurasek continued. “The car dropped about 10-12 feet and landed upside down.”
Presents
‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
This issue’s winner is Dylan Andreola for this photo of Sunny playing in the snow at the Fruit Street dog park on Christmas Eve. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@ hopkintonindependent. com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.
The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by BoMain. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to BoMain.
All photos must be submitted by individuals 16 and over. The photo must be high resolution, and not submitted for use by any other media outlet. Winners will pick up their gift certificate at BoMain.
Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest
Select Board grapples with FY 26 budget
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
As the town faces a $3 million deficit for fiscal year 2026, the Select Board at its meeting Jan. 7 addressed concerns that the School Department would be held to the same budget increase standard as other town departments of no more than 1.3%
At the last meeting on Dec. 17, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus said the town was facing a $4.5 million deficit. In response, she requested that all departments review their budget requests and “submit something with a no greater than a 1.3% increase.”
— Select Board chair Brian Herr
The deadline for the departments to submit their budget requests was Jan. 6. Lazarus will review these requests with Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre on Jan. 8.
“It wasn’t necessarily a directive to the schools,” Lazarus stressed. “It was sent to all town departments. We have to get to a balanced budget one way or another.”
LaPierre told the board that the most updated deficit number has decreased to just over $3 million. The town’s free cash amount is expected to be certified “by next week.”
During the public comment period, Jen Halliday expressed concerns over this policy directive. She is the chair of the Hopkinton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), but she spoke as a resident.
“We’re halfway through this budget process that was started in good faith,” she said. She noted that she had anticipated a 5% increase ceiling, and that 1.3% wouldn’t cover the cost of inflation.
Town Meeting warrant opened
Lazarus told the board that the warrant has opened for the submission of articles for Annual Town Meeting, which will begin May 5. Articles must be submitted to the Town Manager’s office by Feb. 3.
“So let’s be clear here,” Halliday continued. “Education really isn’t a place for cost-cutting experiments. … It sends a message that either we don’t respect the effort or time of our educators or that education in Hopkinton is expendable.”
Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch said she heard concerns at a budget advisory meeting the previous week that the smaller budget increase limit could “scare off educators” who might plan to leave the school system before the town budget is finalized.
“Faculty could begin to panic should cuts be made, because that is the one area that has any room, because everything else is bone,” added School Committee member Susan Stephenson.
“Zero decisions have been made about the budget,” stressed chair Brian Herr. “This is all fact-finding. We’re gathering the cards to see the hand we have to play.”
He added that during his previous tenure on the board, the budget process tends to start off with a deficit of between $2 million-$4 million.
Lazarus recommended that the Select Board submit two articles. The first would be a legislative petition to designate the money collected from the meals tax for economic development purposes.
Member Joe Clark and Ritterbusch said that the language needs to be refined, as “economic development purposes” could be taken in a broader context.
The other article Lazarus recommended that the board submit would be to allow the Center School to obtain a long-term lease. She said this would allow the town to issue a request for proposals to seek a nonprofit partner. Previous discussions about the proposed reuse of the Center School for some town departments and public meeting space included a partnership with the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, which is looking to expand its class space.
Electronic waste an issue
During its meeting on Dec. 17, the Select Board tabled a discussion on halting the Department of Public Works’ electronic waste collection program.
Said Herr: “This is not an insane number.”
He went over the School Department budget requests approved by the board since FY 20. They ranged between 2.88% in FY 23 to 7.95% in FY 24.
“Everybody should stay calm,” he said, noting that sometimes the budget does not get finalized until the night of Annual Town Meeting in May. “Let us sort it out.”
Stressed Herr: “The town always supports the schools.”
“We also want to be very cautious not to hurt our departments to the extent that it gets to the bone,” added member Shahidul Mannan. “I know it’s a tough game, a tough challenge. I am sure with everyone’s thoughtful understanding, analysis and consideration, we will get there, like we always do.”
Ritterbusch added that she did not believe that the budgets for the Water Department or the Department of Public Works should be cut, as the community remains concerned about removing PFAS from the town’s water supply. She noted that clean water was deemed a “human right” by the previous board.
Said Ritterbusch: “Everyone is very concerned about the PFAS, and we want to get that cleaned up.”
In her budget review, LaPierre noted that the state’s Department of Revenue indicated that there may be a reduction in state aid for FY 26, which would affect the final budget. She had planned for a flat increase.
The School Committee will review the School Department’s proposed budget before the end of January, Lazarus said.
DPW director Kerry Reed gave a brief presentation to the board that outlined her department’s reasoning for requesting the program’s suspension.
“Fees [for electronic recycling] have not changed but costs go up,” said Reed. “It is no longer self-sustaining.”
First developed in 2005 by what is now the Sustainable Green Committee, the electronics waste program charges a “nominal fee” depending on the item being recycled. E.L. Harvey then picks up those items and charges the town by weight. The company will charge additional fees if banned waste — air conditioners, refrigerators, cathode ray televisions, etc. — is collected.
According to documents provided to the Select Board, the DPW collected over $2,000 in program revenue but paid over four times that amount in fees to E.L. Harvey in fiscal year 2024. The program has continued to pay out more than it takes in since FY 22.
Beyond the financial issues, Reed pointed to operational hiccups and issues with illegal dumping that impact the program’s efficacy.
Board members expressed apprehension over discontinuing electronic recycling, even when alternatives outside of the town are available to residents.
“I don’t think we should cut down a service that is as significant as this one, even though it’s a small one,” said Select Board member Shahidul Mannan.
All Select Board members agreed they needed input from both the SGC and residents before moving forward.
“We’re open to trying to figure something out,” said chair Brian Herr. “I think we should give this a little time, socialize it more and get some feedback.”
CPC halts funding for adaptive playground engineering plans
Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
In a unanimous decision, the Community Preservation Committee voted Dec. 19 to halt further spending of CPC funds on engineering plans for an adaptive playground project.
Chair Ken Weismantel explained the reason for suspending the expenditures, citing concern over whether the project would get support from the town.
“They should not be spending to make more bid documents until we know we have a project,” said Weismantel.
Vice chair Eric Sonnett agreed. “We need to quit spending money until we can figure out if they can do the project,” he said.
The Adaptive Playground Committee and the School Department submitted a request for funding as the CPC began its application review process for fiscal year 2026 in October. The project is estimated to cost around $1.2 million to construct.
The CPC provided the School Department a $100,000 grant to conduct design and engineering studies after declining a $1 million funding request in 2023. The committee has continued to push back against funding the whole project, arguing that the playground is a School Department project and should be funded through the schools.
In a compromise, the committee voted in November to recommend $300,000 of CPC funds be set aside for
We need to quit spending money until we can figure out if they can do the project.
— CPC vice chair Eric Sonnett
the playground project. The town will vote on the recommendation at Annual Town Meeting in May.
Thursday night’s vote suspended the $100,000 grant provided to the School Department. Weismantel said $61,000 of the grant already had been spent, and he preferred the committee be frugal with the remaining balance.
“Quite frankly, if the town isn’t going to go for the balance of [the project], I would rather have $39,000 and put it toward something else,” he said.
Parks & Recreation Commission liaison Dan Terry echoed Weismantel’s concerns.
“I think we’re enthusiastic about the project, but at this point, it’s not prudent to spend any more money,” Terry said.
McFarland-Sanger House project closed
After some disagreement about funding for the historic McFarlandSanger House, the CPC voted to end the project’s funding.
“There’s nobody in charge of it,” said Weismantel.
The house, which sits on Lumber Street, reportedly is one of the oldest houses in town. A lack of water and sewer connections along with grading issues make the property difficult to live in or sell.
The town currently owns the house. A proposal was approved nine years ago to restore the building’s facade, but no progress has been made toward those renovations.
In July, the CPC agreed to submit a letter to the Select Board requesting information about the town’s plan for the property.
Sonnett reported that the committee never received a response. However, he pushed back against Weismantel’s motion to close out the project.
“The only money that’s left is $9,000 to handle any emergencies,” he said. He warned that if the house remained unrenovated, damage from weather events could be irreversible.
Other committee members did not share Sonnett’s perspective.
“The town has facilities money
that pays for that now,” said Weismantel. “Anything more on the Sanger house is wasted money.”
Terry also was in favor of closing out. “The applicant certainly can reapply for funds for further work,” he noted.
The CPC voted 8-1 to end funding for the McFarland-Sanger house. Sonnett was the sole holdout.
Projects sent to new Trails Committee
CPC members briefly discussed the status of existing trail projects before voting on a motion to transfer the management of funds for those projects to the new Trails Committee.
Before the Select Board disbanded the Upper Charles Trail Committee and the Trails Coordination and Management Committee in September, both organizations were working on projects funded through CPC grants.
Members disagreed on whether the CPC should close out any projects that had low balances or were near completion.
“Let the new committee figure that out,” said member Steve Levandosky. The motion — which passed unanimously — transferred the management of seven existing project funds to the new Trails Committee. These include projects such as trailhead parking for trails on Ash Street and Pond Street, a segment of the Upper Charles Trail and a trail for middle school cross country.
Conservation Commission hears pushback on herbicide use
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Conservation Commission at its Jan. 7 meeting continued its hearing about a townwide vegetation management plan requested by the Department of Public Works that includes the usage of herbicides.
The request for determination of applicability (RDA) would apply to all easements and rights of way throughout Hopkinton, explained DPW Director Kerry Reed.
“The biggest question we’ve been getting is, ‘Why do we need this?’ ” she said of the plan. The town’s population growth, along with the new roads and sidewalks it has spurred, is one factor. Hand and mechanical weed removal cannot keep up with the increase.
Because the DPW is responsible for maintaining all roads, sidewalks and bicycle lanes, a comprehensive plan “is another tool” for the department to maintain safety as well as aesthetics, Reed noted. The overgrowth of invasive species over the past several years, particularly Japanese knotweed, has been difficult to combat. Another reason for creating the plan is to tackle the backlog of requests that come in, particularly from residents during the summer.
While a four-year vegetative management plan previously had been approved in 2014, Reed added, it never was implemented.
— Donald Sutherland
Reed also reached out to the Sustainable Green Committee because of its ongoing concern about herbicide application on public property. This was evidenced when controlled herbicide use was applied to weeds in Lake Maspenock last year.
Stephanie Hanson, a principal scientist at civil engineering firm Comprehensive Environmental Inc. (CEI), said a five-year plan and a one-year operational plan have been submitted for consideration. They are compliant with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) standards for rights of way, according to Hanson, and are “currently under MDAR review.” There is a 45-day comment period for each plan, after which MDAR and a statewide committee review the five-year plan. If approved, the next step is a 21-day notification period to town departments and the SGC before the
application of an herbicide mixture.
The plans limit the amount of herbicide use, and only a small number of herbicides have been approved by MDAR for use in rights of way, she explained. Decreasing amounts of herbicides would be used as the situation becomes more manageable.
Member Ed Harrow said the issue is “a wicked sensitive thing for me.” Harrow, who also is chair of the Open Space Preservation Commission, said trying to control overgrowth on OSPC land is difficult to do by hand or mechanically. Mechanical harvesting has increased the spread of knotweed because of cuttings left behind. Using chemicals is not his preferred method. He requested an educational component for residents on how to manage invasives on their own properties.
“It is a huge battle, and we need to get our hands around it somehow,” he stressed. “And it’s not going to be
pretty.”
Added chair Melissa Recos: “Definitely it will take a village to tackle this stuff.”
SGC member Donald Sutherland, who chairs its environmental working group, said the group opposes the plan for what he called the “unsafe, ecologically harmful, unfettered use of pesticides compounding the town’s toxic chemical health risk.”
Added Sutherland: “This is a blanket approval to expand the contamination of the community with toxic pesticides anywhere the DPW designates [rights of way].”
He also suggested that the DPW could handle the problem via mechanical means if the department had a larger budget for it.
Fellow SGC and environmental working group member Carol Esler also opposed the plan. She said it shows the town getting on the “toxic treadmill” of repeated use of chemical management.
The hearing was continued until Jan. 28 to allow for more time to review the plan.
Lots released for development at The Trails
The commission voted 5-0 to release three lots at The Trails for development even though the commission previously issued a cease-and-desist order after receiving stormwater management violations.
Engineer Peter Bemis said the lots are on Waterville Lane. He submitted a more detailed plan on best management practices. There has been a new sediment basin constructed for the 10 units planned for construction. Two stone channels are planned to direct water into this basin.
Construction on the three units is anticipated to start in about three weeks. He hoped to appear before the commission again in mid-February to request the release of three additional lots and the remaining four in April.
Recos told Bemis said that the “level of detail” provided by Bemis at this hearing is what she had been seeking previously. This made her comfortable in releasing the three lots, providing that the scheduling sequence is followed. The board agreed, approving the release in a 5-0 vote.
Improvements made at Newbury Glen
Conservation administrator Judy Day noted that she observed sediment that went beyond the limit of work of construction on Dec. 30 at the Newbury Glen development. There was sediment in the two basins off Blueberry Lane as well as in a catch basin on Fitch Avenue. She also saw sediment “a mile downstream.”
Rich Kirby, a senior wetland scientist at LEC, said several improvements have been made since then. They included the installation of floc logs as well as straw, compost socks, rocks and a silt fence along the road’s edge. A large amount of straw was put along the Fitch Avenue catch basin. A temporary basin also was planned, he added, as well as planting hydrograss, straw and seed around it. This had not yet been done because of the frigid temperatures.
Van Raalten promoted to deputy police chief
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Ben-
nett and Lt. Scott van Raalten appeared before the Select Board on Dec. 17 as van Raalten was appointed as the town’s new deputy police chief.
Before the proceeding began, Select Board chair Brian Herr clarified for the record that the appointment was a continuation of a process to fill the deputy chief position. That process was slowed down in June following the election of a new Select Board.
“The board … opted not to fill [the position] for a time so that new members could get their heads around what was going on in the department, what was going on in town, et cetera,” Herr explained.
“It was about making an informed decision,” added member Joe Clark.
Both Bennett and Town Manager Elaine Lazarus reviewed the process that led to the chief’s recommendation of van Raalten. After a formal recruitment process, work with a consultant group, interviews and an assessment center, Bennett said van Raalten “came out on top.”
“Through the process — every part of it I saw — Lt. van Raalten was the front runner,” said Bennett.
According to the chief, van Raalten effectively assumed the role of secondin-command in August 2022 after former Deputy Chief John “Jay” Porter was placed on administrative leave over allegations of child rape.
In April of this year, van Raalten was elevated to the rank of lieutenant in a unanimous vote by the Select Board.
“When he made lieutenant, it was probably the first decent night’s sleep I’ve had since August 2022,” Bennett said.
Once the chief provided his remarks, the board took turns questioning van Raalten. Both Clark and member Shahidul Mannan asked the lieutenant to share his vision for the HPD going forward.
“We’ve never had this many officers,” van Raalten said. “The next role for us is to build the leadership — to build the future of the agency.”
Prior to van Raalten’s hearing, the board approved three new police officers to join the HPD. One officer, Peter Lord, is a lateral transfer. Eva Cann
and Jennifer Manning are academy candidates who will attend the Boylston Police Academy starting Jan. 21.
The addition of these three officers brings the department’s roster up to 28.
Lt. van Raalten acknowledged that the unprecedented growth of the HPD likely would cause hiccups, but he asserted the officers were up for the challenge.
“Without a doubt, I have full confidence in the officers we’ve hired,” the lieutenant added.
Herr and Clark asked van Raalten to reflect on his growth in the department and how mistakes he’s made have shaped his 23-year career with the HPD.
“The mistakes I’ve made … it was more about explaining why it happened and what occurred,” said van Raalten. “If punishment is due, then punishment is due.”
“As long as you’re doing the right thing for the right reasons, I think at the end of the day you’ll be OK,” he added.
Clark and Herr’s questions followed remarks during the public comment period of the Select Board meeting, ahead of van Raalten’s appearance. Resident Karen Crum levied criticisms against the town on a number of issues, including the handling of former HPD officer Tim Brennan.
Brennan was dismissed by the Select Board in February for failing to report the child rape allegations against former Deputy Chief Porter.
In her remarks, Crum singled out van Raalten. “He’s probably the only person we promoted in the department within eight months who has the most amount of internal investigations on him,” Crum claimed. She alluded to investigations relating to “racial events,” among other concerns.
[Editor’s note: While van Raalten was investigated for two incidents that occurred more than 20 years ago, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office cleared him of of wrongdoing in one incident and determined there was insufficient evidence of any wrongdoing on his part in the other. Last year, the office closed the matter.]
After further discussion, the Select Board voted 4-0 to promote van Raalten to the role of deputy police chief. Member Mary Jo LaFreniere, who attended the meeting following her arrest on Dec. 15 for a DUI charge, recused herself from the vote.
Monday, January 20 • 6-9pm at TJ’s Food and Spirits • 355 W Union St, Ashland Sponsored by the Hopkinton Republican Town Committee
Our family-owned and operated independent agency offers only competitively priced and time-tested insurance products designed to fit your individual needs. Specializing in home, auto, business, condo and renters insurance since our establishment in 1950, our agency is deeply rooted in the communities we serve and committed to providing the very best of value for your hard-earned dollars. Whether new to the area or a lifelong resident, you will benefit from the sound advice provided by our professional service advisers.
Scott van Raalten speaks at the Dec. 16 Select Board meeting, where he was promoted to deputy police chief.
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Customized, 1-on-1 guidance at Elevate Personal Training
A client works on her personalized training plan in one of the four private training suites at the newly opened Elevate Personal Training in Hopkinton at 17 Main Street, Suite 2. She is working with Ryan Sullivan, who owns the fitness center along with his business partner, Dan Goulet. Both are certified personal trainers.
Focusing on the individual, Elevate Personal Training is committed to helping clients achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
“We offer one-on-one, personalized training plans based on our client’s full evaluation and their health and wellness goals,” said Ryan Sullivan, who along with his business partner, Dan Goulet, owns the new business at 17 Main Street, Suite 2, in Hopkinton.
Clients, ranging from teens to seniors citizens, start their personal training at Elevate with a complimentary fitness evaluation.
“The assessment takes about an hour-and-a-half and includes a functional movement screen to identify deficiencies or imbalances such as shoulder or back pain that they want to improve. We want to address the causes such as posture or tight muscles,” said Sullivan, “We then perform a InBody screen, using a medical grade device to assess muscle, fat and water mass plus visceral fat and metabolism. Using the data and the client’s goals, we develop a personalized workout plan to help the individual achieve success.”
Sullivan stresses that the personalized plan focuses on empowering the individual, boosting energy and creating lasting results.
“If a client wants to lose 20 pounds, we want to make sure it is a healthy
20-pound loss of fat while helping build lean muscle,” said Sullivan. “While we craft plans for everyone from former athletes to those beginning training, we want all our clients to look, move and feel better.”
Elevate has four private fitness suites where clients work one-on-one with a trainer.
“Our suites are outfitted with freeweight exercises, not machines,” said Sullivan “We want our clients to have good technique and develop consistency before they increase the intensity of their workout. We don’t want someone working so hard that their muscles are sore and they stop exercising. Consistent exercising is important.”
Elevate also has a cardio area where clients can work on their own. Virtual sessions can be scheduled to cover vacations and travel.
The customized training packages vary in length. Each session lasts 45 minutes, and while always done one-onone, can be held with any of Elevate’s trainers.
“Our staff works collaboratively,” said Sullivan. “Because each of us has a different background, we each might see something different in how a client moves. Working together, we can adjust a workout plan to include that input. It is like getting a second opinion.”
All the Elevate trainers are certified and hold degrees in the field. Goulet and Sullivan each have about 20 years experience working in various personal training environments and are fully certified. Sullivan earned his bachelor’s in applied exercise science at Springfield College and his master’s in leadership and athletic administration from Boston College. Working at the collegiate level, he did strength and conditioning training at universities including USC and Boston College.
Anyone seeking more information about Elevate Personal Training or looking to register for an assessment can visit ElevateTrainingMA.com, call 508463-0000 or email Ryan@ElevateTrainingMA.com. In January, Elevate is offering five free sessions when clients sign up for a training package.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.
The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter.com.
Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.
Winter Weather Policy
The Senior Center is closed to the public when the Hopkinton Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. Those interested in visiting should play it safe — watching the news and checking for school closings. Individuals also can call the Senior Center or check out the Facebook page for closing updates. Transportation assistance could be impacted by inclement weather as well.
Visit the Nashville Parthenon
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2:30 p.m.
The Parthenon in Nashville is the world’s only exact replica of the original temple in Athens, Greece. Led by a museum staff member, this live online presentation includes discussion, PowerPoint images with detailed and up-close photographs, and plenty of Q&A time.
To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.
HCAA Lunar New Year Gala Jan. 25
The Hopkinton Chinese American Association (HCAA) will host its Lunar New Year Gala on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 5-9 p.m. at Hopkinton High School. There will be food, music, dances and fun activities. All are welcome. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit HCAAMA.org.
Women’s Club Ladies Night Out Feb. 3
The Hopkinton Women’s Club will host Ladies Night Out at Central Public House on Monday, Feb. 3, from 7-9 p.m. There will be cocktails, appetizers, desserts and fun, with all proceeds benefiting the HWC’s scholarship and charitable giving funds. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, visit hopkintonwomensclub.org.
Veterans Breakfast First Friday of Each Month
The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508497-9730.
Al-Anon Weekly Meetings Thursdays
Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend a confidential Al-Anon meeting, which takes place every Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. at the meeting room in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (61 Wood Street). For more information, visit al-anon.org or call 888-4AL-ANON.
Annual HCA
18 @ 7 p.m.
Hey, blues enthusiasts! Are you ready for this? It’s the fourth annual Winter Bluesfest hosted by the talented Chris Fitz, including Los Sugar Kings and The Wicked Lo-Down! The Sugar Kings (named after a Cuban baseball team) is a Boston-based quartet known for their dynamic live performances, rich harmonies, intense musicianship, and ability to transcend genres with an authenticity rarely heard. The Wicked Lo-Down blends raw Texas blues and hard-hitting Northeast R&B into their original house rockin’ sound.
Enter Stage Left Theater Presents: Willy Wonka Jr. | Jan. 24, 25, 26
Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the worldfamous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure. Featuring enchanting songs from the 1971 film and a host of fun new songs, Willy Wonka Jr. is a scrumdiddlyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. Wonka Jr. will be performed in the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium, 88 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton.
Planning for Medicare
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts presents this informational seminar about planning for Medicare. This virtual program is for those who are getting close to Medicare eligibility, whether planning to retire or continue to work. Medicare can be confusing, so this webinar is designed to help individuals be confident they are making the right health coverage decisions.
Get to Know Your ASAP: Springwell
Thursday, Jan. 23, 1 p.m.
Springwell is the local Area Agency on Aging appointed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs for the residents of Hopkinton. The agency’s goal is to provide information, services and support in order to assist elders in securing and maintaining independent living in a home environment. This presentation will give a detailed overview of all the services that Springwell provides.
Tax Assessor Info Session
Monday, Jan. 27, 1 p.m.
Anyone interested in learning how to save money on their town tax bill can join members of the Hopkinton Assessor’s Office for a presentation on the multiple tax exemptions and programs that exist. An exemption is a release or discharge from the obligation to pay all or a portion of a local property tax. Attendees will learn about eligibility, deadlines and what paperwork should be submitted.
Craft with Jessica: Winter Diamond Art
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m.
Participants will create a sparkling, vibrant and mosaic style drink coaster using the process of applying tiny resin rhinestones (known as “diamonds”) to a pre-printed design — usually on an adhesive board. This project requires working with small “diamonds” and tools that require good dexterity. Advance registration is required, and space is limited.
Understanding Advanced Directives
Thursday, Jan. 30, 1 p.m.
This presentation, by Carol Valcourt from Patient Presence, will help attendees understand advance directives, POLST, DNR and pacing for ADL. Topics will include a living will, hospice care, the role of a doula, how to have a conversation on this issue with loved ones, and end-of-life plans to maintain the highest quality of life.
Stand Up Comedy Night Jan. 25 @ 8 p.m.
HCA is excited to welcome a trio of comedians from Mike’d Up Comedy Productions. Grab your friends and family members and beat the winter blues with a night of fun and laughter! Hosted by Anthony Eugenio with headliner Mike Donovan and feature Tony Moschetto.
Teen Open Mic Jan. 31 @ 7 p.m.
Calling all teens! Join the members of the HCA Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and show off your talents. We welcome singers, poets, musicians, dancers, and storytellers to share their art!
Members get a full range of benefits and also help HCA change the lives of artists and art-lovers through its nurturing faculty, state-of-the-art facility, and need-based scholarships.
4th
Winter Bluesfest Jan.
•
• Ornamental/Shrub
• Insect/Disease
• Mass/ISA
Schedule a consultation today 781.801.3576
Dan@peerarboricultural.com
Kevin@peerarboricultural.com
The turn of the New Year is a perfect time to review and update your Estate Planning Documents. We are here to help.
In life, you often get second chances — and the same is true with investing. To illustrate: You might not have been able to contribute to a Roth IRA during your working years due to your income level, but you may get that opportunity as you near retirement, or even when you are retired — through a Roth conversion.
Why is a Roth IRA desirable for some people? Here are the key benefits: Tax-free withdrawals — You put in aftertax dollars to a Roth IRA, so you can withdraw your contributions at any time, free of taxes and penalties. And if you’ve had your account for at least five years and you’re at least 59½, you can also withdraw your earnings free of taxes.
No RMDs — With a traditional IRA, you’ll have to start taking withdrawals — called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — when you turn 73, or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later. But there’s no RMD requirement with a Roth IRA — you can essentially leave the money intact as long as you like.
Tax-free legacy for your heirs — When your heirs inherit your Roth IRA, they can withdraw the contributions without paying taxes or penalties, and if the account has been open at least five years, they can also withdraw earnings tax free.
But even if you were aware of these advantages, you might not have been able to invest in a Roth IRA for much of your life. For one thing, you might have earned too much money — a Roth IRA, unlike a traditional IRA, has income limits. Also, a Roth IRA has only been around since 1998, so, in the previous years, you were limited to a traditional IRA.
As you approach retirement, though, you might start thinking of just how much you’d like to benefit from a Roth IRA. And you can do so by converting your traditional IRA to a Roth. While this sounds simple, there’s a major caveat: taxes. You’ll be taxed on the amount in pre-tax dollars you contributed to a traditional IRA and then converted to a Roth IRA. (If you have both pre- and after-tax dollars in your traditional IRA, the taxable amount is based on the percentage of pre-tax dollars.)
If you have large amounts in a traditional IRA, the tax bill on conversion can be significant. The key to potentially lowering this tax bill is timing. Generally speaking, the lower your income in a given year, the more favorable it is for you to convert to a Roth IRA. So, for example, if you have already retired, but have not started collecting RMDs, your income may be down.
Timing also comes into play with the financial markets. When the market is going through a decline, and the value of your traditional IRA drops, you could convert the same number of shares of the underlying investments and receive a lower tax bill or convert more shares of these investments for what would have been the same tax bill.
Finally, you could lower your tax bill in any given year by stretching out your Roth IRA conversions over several years, rather than doing it all at once. You’ll want to consult with your tax advisor before embarking on this conversion — but if it’s appropriate for your situation, you could find that owning a Roth IRA can benefit you and your family for years to come.
Freeman Edward Jones Financial Advisor 77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017
Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week
Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 7-year-old Chewy.
Here is Baypath’s description of Chewy:
“Meet Chewy, a sweet and adventurous 7-year-old dog with a heart full of love and one special eye that makes him even more unique!
“Despite his past, Chewy is a happy-go-lucky guy who enjoys long walks in the woods, sniffing out all the exciting smells the outdoors has to offer. He loves hanging out with his dog friends and is always up for a good play session or some chill time together.
“Chewy is the perfect companion for anyone looking for a loyal, gentle friend who’s full of personality. He may have one eye, but he sees the world with so much love and gratitude. If you’re looking for a wonderful, loving dog to join your family, Chewy just might be the perfect fit! Please reach out today!”
For more information about Chewy and any of the other available pets at Baypath, email adopt@baypathhumane.org or visit baypathhumane.org/adopt.
For more Adoptable Animals of the Week, check the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in
Revised downtown development moves forward
responded with some minor architectural adjustments.
More brick was added to the building’s façade on Main Street to help it better mirror the street’s current architecture, architect Richard Rankin of Rankin Associates explained. He said that the Juliet balconies on that side are “more aesthetic,” whereas balconies facing the proposed inner courtyard may be designed for residential use.
He added that after the last meeting, the team decided to “mechanically ventilate these garages.” The lower level of parking on the Cedar Street side would have grating, while the upper level would have glazing. They would be “enclosed for the most part,” with the only open part being on the lower level of Cedar Street, which would have some panelized detailing.
The north side of the building will use a translucent garage window system to allow in some natural light and “cut down any glare that may occur from the parking activities.” The east side, where the courtyard will be located, will use glazing on the upper parking level.
Another modification made to the plans was to “increase and centralize” the trash collection area on the upper parking level, placing it adjacent to the entrance, Rankin said. This occurred in response to last meeting’s concerns about trash collection tying up street traffic.
Member Jane Moran asked if trash and recycling chutes had been considered that would direct materials into the trash collection area. She was told that buildings are moving away from that concept and that this area would be kept clean.
Landscape architect Matt Mrva from Bohler Engineering detailed the landscaping on the Cedar Street side in response to concerns raised by Kathleen Reale, who owns an adjacent property at 8 Cedar Street. A mixture of arbor vitae would be planted on that side that would be able to tolerate shade. The plants would be 6-8 feet tall at the time they are planted.
Vice chair Matthew Wronka asked if a requirement should be made in the conditions for approval that the applicant ensure that the trees can thrive there. This triggered a lengthy discussion as to whether a performance bond should be required or if this could be achieved through the wording of a condition. Wronka advocated for a performance bond. Principal Planner John Gelcich added that this is the means by which concerns of this type usually are addressed.
There was also debate over whether the applicant should be required to
I still just want to touch upon the fact of how important this project is, not just to me but to the whole town of Hopkinton.
— Abutter Kathleen Reale
maintain these trees for 18 months or two years, and whether that period would begin post construction or when the certificate of occupancy is issued.
Eventually the board and the development team agreed on a performance bond for landscaping maintenance on the Cedar Street side for two years from
the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy to ensure that the trees are stable.
While Reale thanked the development team and the board for hearing her concerns over the past few months, she said she still believed that “the building is just too big for the space.” It would
also be “looming over” her property, from her perspective.
“I still just want to touch upon the fact of how important this project is,” she added, “not just to me but to the whole town of Hopkinton.”
Chair Rob Benson agreed with Reale, calling the 60-unit complex “massive.” But he also asserted that “property owners have rights” to develop their properties.
He read a lengthy list of findings which pertained to stormwater management, erosion controls and site stabilization both during and after the construction period. The board approved the stormwater management permit with these findings 8-0, with member Lucia Lopez absent from the meeting. The major project site plan also passed 8-0 with conditions regarding construction activity.
LIBRARY CORNER
For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary.
Schedule Update
The library will be closed Saturday, Jan. 18, through Monday, Jan. 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Library of Things: Guitar/Amp
Library patrons now can borrow an electric guitar and amp from the library of things. This guitar, built by Hopkinton’s Stan Pulnik, is a copy of a Fender Telecaster and was built using parts from other companies. The setup is “very simple to use for a beginner.”
Animanga
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.
Anime and manga fans will meet in the Young Adult Room to discuss manga, watch Crunchyroll, draw characters and eat fun snacks. This program is open to teens and pre-teens in fifth grade and up.
Español Ahora!
Wednesdays, Jan. 15 and 22, 6:30 p.m.
In an eight-class experience with Spanish as the vehicle, individuals will practice yoga, make bread, play with math and do a little traveling. This is Spanish for everyday interactions. Informal conversation will be used to build a practical vocabulary, learn common phrases and practice Spanish in a comfortable environment. These classes are led by Bea and Laura, experienced educators who are natives of Spain. Registration is required, as space is limited.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesdays, Jan. 15, 22 and 29, 7-7:45 p.m.
Individuals are invited to drop by to practice reading aloud to Hula, one of the library’s therapy dogs.
ELL Conversations Group:
Conversation and Culture
Thursdays, Jan. 16, 23 and 30, 6:30 p.m.
Conversation and Culture provides a unique opportunity for the advanced learner to meet and practice conversation in a relaxed, social setting with trained leaders. The members of this group are comfortable with everyday vocabulary and grammar and are seeking an opportunity to practice their skills. It might be that help is needed when talking with work colleagues, participating in a meeting, or simply greeting the neighbors. It may simply be a chance to meet new people and share a conversation. This Lifelong Learning program has been made possible by the support of the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.
HHS Exam Week Study Hall
Tuesday-Thursday, Jan. 21-23, noon-7:45 p.m.
During midterm exam week, the Betty Strong Room will be open to high school students from noon until 7:45 p.m. There will be plenty of table space for studying as well as complimentary coffee and refreshments.
Monthly Music & Movement
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
This month’s children’s concert, supported by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, is with the Little Groove Band. It’s recommended for ages 0-5.
Half-Day Open Gameplay with One Up Games
Friday, Jan. 24, 1-4 p.m.
Middle school and high school students looking for something to do on the early release day can join One Up Games for an afternoon of video games and virtual reality, a program sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1-6 p.m.
Registration can be found at rcblood. org/3AmuYsP.
Revived HHS South Asian Affinity Group seeks to spark awareness
She explained that Hopkinton has a large South Asian population, and considering that, the group wants to provide “better representation and bring a sense of fitting in and making [students] feel comfortable.”
Junior Sanvi Ayachitam, another officer, said, “Representation is important. We want to bring everyone together and meet new people. With freshmen, we hope to build bonds and create a sense of belonging for them.”
Wilander described the club as a “support network,” noting that the students meet in his classroom every other week to talk about the challenges of being a South Asian student as well as the pressures at home.
As an example, he talked about a student who wanted to go to film school, a desire at odds with the parents’ plan for a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) career.
“The student did not know how to tell the parents and risk disappointing them while still wanting to pursue their dreams,” Wilander said. “The club is really students supporting students and understanding these challenges.”
Wilander, a ninth grade world history and AP history teacher, emphasized that the group is entirely student run, and he asks the members what they want to do rather than tell them.
So far, the students’ focus has been on fundraising and spreading awareness to other student groups like the Diversity Club and Muslim Student Association, he said.
Much of their time this fall involved partnering with the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton to plan the GlamJam Diwali Gala at the Hopkinton Center
for the Arts on Nov. 16.
Not only did they help prepare “a sequence of dances,” according to the students, but they manned a booth to highlight the school club and its goals.
Going forward, the group will co-host a tournament with the Badminton Club and a large cricket event and aspires to raise funds for organizations in India, including those contributing to the education of girls, according to Tharakabhushanam.
The students also plan to volunteer service hours at events that resonate with their South Asian culture.
Other members of the club’s leadership team include seniors Aarushi Kamra, Armaan Kamra and Shrija Kumar.
Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said affinity groups like this one are valued at the high school because they allow students to establish a community of “like peers, to share the lived experiences that are related to their identity, to develop a collective identity in the building and to foster understanding and respect across the many different identities of the kids at HHS.”
Added Cavanaugh: “Hopkinton’s students have the incredible opportunity to thrive in an educational setting where we respect and celebrate people of all races, cultures, religions and identities.”
Wilander said that students can be “an outstanding bridge or vehicle” to help improve everyone’s understanding of different cultures.
“It is a great opportunity beyond the classroom,” he said.
The advisor added that the students are doing “exactly what I think any parent wants their kids to do. … In a small way, make the world a better place.”
HHS team to compete on televised ‘Quiz Show’
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
Students from Hopkinton High School are among 17 Massachusetts teams to compete on Season 16 of “High School Quiz Show.”
The award-winning academic tournament on GBH2 premieres Feb. 8 at 6 p.m., while Hopkinton’s opening-round match against Mansfield High School airs March 15.
Last year, Mansfield defeated Hopkinton in the second round. Lexington High School won the tournament.
The four main HHS team members this year are Pranamya Keshkamat, Abhishek Vijay, Ishan Ramesh and Alex Stephan. Abhishek and Ishan competed on the show last year, and Pranamya was the alternate. All four members of the team are seniors.
Hearing Aid Recommendations
Hearing Aid Repairs • Custom Earplugs
Quality Care to Help You Hear Better
Coach/advisor Mason Challinor indicated the competition is helpful in two ways for students. He said it provides a community where knowledge is “inherently valuable for its own sake,” which helps counter some “all-too-common feelings connecting grades and knowledge to an unhealthy degree.”
Also, Challinor said competitions of this nature help build awareness of the players’ strengths and weaknesses.
He said as the team is being constructed and strategy is discussed, “members must be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses to make sure that
the team has a well-rounded knowledge base instead of just four experts in overlapping areas.”
Challinor said he has heard players apologize for missing questions in their niche area “only to have their teammates respond by building them up.”
Added the coach: “That level of kindness and self-awareness stems directly from our time together and is great to see.”
Teams are quizzed on topics including literature, history, civics, science, geography, math, the arts, pop culture, sports and current events.
The winning team receives gold medals, a trophy, a school banner and $1,000 for its school. The runnerup receives silver medals and $500 for its school.
“High School Quiz Show” is hosted by Joe Hanson and can be watched on GBH’s Youtube channel.
Hopkinton High School students set to appear on GBH’s High School Quiz Show are (from left) Pranamya Keshkamat, Abhishek Vijay and Ishan Ramesh. Not shown is fourth member Alex Stephan.
scHools At joint meeting, boards examine proposed school budget again
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
Another look at the proposed fiscal year 2026 school operating budget was taken by members of the School Committee, Select Board and Appropriation Committee on Jan. 9.
Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh and Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich led the presentation, highlighting, among other things, requests for additional personnel.
The department is requesting a budget of $67.1 million, which is 6.1% over last year. The amount includes estimates for salary increases for the teacher, custodial and cafeteria workers, who are negotiating three-year pacts.
Personnel requests outlined
The school district is seeking 8.9 fulltime equivalent (FTE) positions. These are an intensive special education (SPED) teacher split between Marathon and Elmwood, an assistant principal at Elmwood, a reading tutor at Hopkins and a French teacher at the high school.
Other requests are for a 0.4 FTE orchestra teacher at the middle school, a 0.6 FTE computer teacher at the high school, a 0.5 FTE custodian (to make a person full-time) and a technology staff person.
Three paraprofessionals already in place will have their salaries rolled into this budget. Rothermich explained that these are the only current grant-funded positions that must be absorbed into the budget.
Carol Cavanaugh said the needs are based on enrollment, student interest and other factors like lowering class sizes and SPED requirements.
There are 600 students (14.2% of enrollment) who receive special education services.
Transportation costs include contract increases of $117,000 for the fleet of 35 buses and an additional bus at $93,000 to address over-capacity issues and the length of bus rides, according to Rothermich.
Select Board chair Brian Herr said the school department has been using less than 1% free cash for the budget consistently over the past few years, ranging from $400,000 to $600,000.
“I would say that is pretty darn good,” Herr said. “It is a very good sign the money was spent as planned and not wasted.”
One discussion surrounded the French teacher request. The superintendent said many students want Advanced Placement French, and the number of students fluctuates among the foreign languages offered.
She noted that some students are taught by VHS (Virtual High School) if the high school does not offer what they want or need, such as Latin.
Ideally, Carol Cavanaugh said, the district could hire an educator who teaches dual languages such as French and Spanish.
Regarding negotiating contracts, she said, “The salary schedule has complexity to it.”
She noted that in addition to step increases and cost of living adjustments, some educators “change lanes” when they attain higher than a master’s degree, for example.
Board members acknowledged they would likely see information about the gov-
ernor’s budget in the next couple of weeks to get a better picture of the state’s finances.
Herr: Talk of cuts premature
School Committee vice chair Jamie Wronka emphasized that anything below the proposed budget of “level services” would negatively impact students.
School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh said the budget reflects the district’s “strong needs.” However, she said, “The concerning thing is on the revenue side. … If that falls short, we will have to roll up our sleeves and decide where the priorities are. Losing student-facing personnel is always the biggest concern.”
Nancy Cavanaugh added, “We are going to have to look at ways to realistically move forward.”
Herr said while he did not see “fat” in the proposed school budget, the town must take care of its other departments as well.
“I believe we can figure it out,” Herr said. “We’re not there yet.”
Herr said it is unnecessary to talk about cuts at this point. The budget gets finalized out into the spring, he added, and the town will know more when free cash and state aid amounts are determined.
Donations approved
In other business, the School Committee approved $6,060.35 for the Hopkins School Gift Account from the Meadow Farms fundraiser and accepted the donation of a 14-passenger Sprinter van for after-school travel of athletic teams. The van is valued at $77,529.
The board also accepted donations of school supplies valued at $250 for the SEPAC SHARK project.
The superintendent reported enrollment of 4,251 students in pre-K to Grade 12, an increase of three since December. She said the number will change as people move in and out of town and children turn age 3 and are eligible to enter pre-K.
Focus group forums to be held
The School Committee was scheduled to soon meet again with the New England School Development Council (NESDEC), the consultant assisting with the new superintendent search. Carol Cavanaugh is retiring on June 30.
For that effort, the School Committee agreed to have four focus groups with two sessions for staff starting after school at 2:45 p.m. (for middle and high school) and 3:45 p.m. (for elementary level) and two forums for community members, one virtual and one in person.
The community forums will start at 7 p.m., with dates to be determined for all sessions.
At its previous meeting, the School Committee decided to go with 12 or 13 members on the Superintendent Search Committee, which is tasked with the initial review of applications, preliminary interviews and the whittling down to three or four finalists. At that point, it is up to the School Committee to interview and appoint a superintendent.
HHS boys basketball hopes for health in ’25
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
The Hopkinton High School boys basketball team started 2025 hoping for the same thing that many wish for in the new year: health.
The Hillers saw their top returning player, senior captain Sam Dadagian, and starting point guard, junior Gavin Cho, each miss time with ankle injuries. Other Hopkinton players have dealt with concussions, having teeth knocked out and an assortment of other injuries.
“It’s been a MASH unit so far,” said coach Tom Keane.
But Hopkinton got healthier with the turn of the calendar as both Dadagian and Cho returned to practice. Keane has high hopes for his team this season, particularly if it can stay healthy.
“It should be good for us that a lot of kids who didn’t have a lot of varsity experience had to step in and play a lot of minutes,” Keane said. “Hopefully, when we get everybody back, it will strengthen us as a team.”
Sophomore forward Ryland August moved into the starting lineup at the start of the season. Tory AhlstromHall, a junior guard, has also seen an increased role. Seniors Jackson Canales and Mitch Simulis are stepping to more court time than they might have had in the past and Keane said both are responding well.
Still, Keane spent the winter break looking forward to getting his stars back, including Dadagian, who earned a nod as a Tri-Valley League All-Star a season ago after averaging 17 points and eight rebounds per game.
“He is one of the best players in our league,” Keane said. “He has gotten even stronger and taller since last year, so I expect he will continue to lead us offensively and defensively. He gets to
the basketball well, he finishes in transition well, and his threepoint shot has gotten better and better every year.”
Hopkinton hit winter break winning three of its first four games despite being relatively depleted by injuries and playing a tough schedule. The Hillers faced two teams — Norwood and Milford — who started 6-foot-10 centers, beating Norwood and falling to Milford on the final possession. Hopkinton also earned close wins over Dedham and Holliston as it started its march through Tri-Valley League large school competition.
The Hillers’ top new year’s resolution is to get healthy. Its other goals are similar to most seasons: compete in the TVL and get to the postseason.
“We have been lucky enough to get to the state tournament for 21 out of the 24 years I have been coaching,” Keane said. “We want to make it to the state tournament again, and make a run when we get there.”
Sam Dadagian returns for his senior season after leading the Hillers to the state tournament last year.
PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE
Rogers recorded personal bests in three events against Holliston on Dec. 23, including a second-place finish in the 55-meter hurdles. In a win over Westwood on Jan. 3, she she took third in the hurdles and second in long jump. At the Freshman-Sophomore Meet the next day, she earned a fifth-place medal competing against the best underclass athletes in the state and recorded a personal best in the long jump. “Kylie prioritizes practice and comes prepared to compete at meets,” coach Jean Cann shared. “She is humble, a fierce competitor and a pleasure to have on the team.”
Desilets, also a football standout, joined the wrestling team last year as a junior and quickly made a name for himself as a contending heavyweight. In December, he placed second at the Milford Holiday Tournament and qualified for Day 2 of the prestigious Lowell Holiday Tournament. “Jacob has a work ethic in the practice room and willingness to learn that I do not see often,” coach Corey Mills stated. “That is what has helped him close the gap with more experienced wrestlers. … Jacob is setting his postseason goals high, and with his work ethic, the sky’s the limit!”
Sponsored by Laura at laura@customhomerealty.com
‘New faces’ come together for HHS girls hoops
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
Hopkinton High School girls basketball coach Mike Greco was not exactly sure what to expect with a number of younger players on his team this season. But the veteran coach has been pleasantly surprised with the way the team has been able to jell despite having several players who are new to the varsity level.
“We have made the jump a little bit faster than I would have expected,” Greco said. “These are kids who are excited to be in the gym. We are still learning and trying to get the game to slow down for these kids making the jump from eighth grade or JV to varsity basketball, but they are learning and picking things up quickly.”
Added the coach: “It’s been a fun group to work with.”
Senior co-captain Holly Paharik, who was expected to miss most of January after breaking her wrist in late December, is the team’s “most important player,” Greco said, largely for the intangible impact she has on the team.
“She isn’t going to stand out in any particular area, but she brings tremendous leadership and is probably our best defensive player,” he said. “She has been great.”
Meghan Grady is another strong leader and a returning senior captain.
Hopkinton also is led this winter by junior captain Teagan Resteghini, who shifted over to point guard.
“That is not her natural position, but she has done a great job leading us and taking care of the ball,” Greco said.
The skilled veterans have mixed with some talented newcomers, including freshman forward Abbie Rabinovich.
“She has really come on lately,” her coach said. “She can play inside or outside, the sky’s the limit for her in terms of the player she can develop into. She is going to be a very, very good player.”
Sophomore Julia Chatten has established herself as a leader in the transition game. The Hillers also have received a boost from junior Sofiah Wightman Kraus, who Greco said came back this year looking like a different player.
“She is more confident, more fluid and stronger,” he said.
Heading into the bulk of Tri-Valley League play, Greco and the Hillers are adopting a day-by-day approach as opposed to focusing on overarching goals. But Hopkinton wants to earn a spot in the state tournament at the end of the season and also compete with the top teams in the TVL, including Norwood and Westwood.
“I think we will be in the mix for the league,” Greco said. “I think we will be able to compete with anybody.”
HHS Athlete Spotlight
Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.
Kylie Rogers Girls indoor track Sophomore
Jacob Desilets Wrestling Senior
Laura Wauters REALTOR®
PHOTO/HENRY
obituaries
Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.
Dolores Constantine
Dolores “Dolly” R. (Leblond) Constantine, 75, of Hopkinton was called safely home on Dec. 11. She passed into eternal life at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston after a valiant battle with glioblastoma surrounded by the care and comfort of her loving family.
She was born in Holyoke on Feb. 25, 1949, a beloved daughter of the late Edmond and Rita (Caouette) Leblond. She was raised in Holyoke and graduated from the former Precious Blood High School in Holyoke. She lived in Holyoke for many years and later lived in Chicopee, in Westfield for 25 years, then Framingham, and moved to Hopkinton in 2007.
Dolly was last employed as an assistant underwriter for Conexco Insurance Company in Westborough and retired in 2007. Dolly was employed as an administrative assistant for 16 years at the Lumber Insurance Company in Natick. She loved to crochet and donated many of her creations to the church and civic groups for the benefit of others. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and many friends. She also enjoyed camping and boating over the years and was an avid reader and loved her books. Dolly and her husband, Manny, were snowbirds and wintered in Treasure Island, Florida, over the past 15 years.
She leaves her loving husband and soul mate, Manuel J. Constantine. They were married at the former Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Holyoke and were blessed with over 54 years of happiness together. She also leaves her loving son, Brian E. Constantine of Bellingham, her loving daughter, Julie M. Constantine of Milford, her cherished grandson, Tyler C. Bilodeau of Milford, her loving sister, Denise S. Green of Westfield, her dear nephew, William S. Green of Westfield, her dear brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Carol Constantine of Agawam, Pauline and Roland Roy of Hebron, Connecticut, Christina Constantine and Ron Krzeminski of Marlborough, Beatrice Rielle of Palmetto, Florida, and Theresa and George LaBarge of Chicopee; and many other nephews, nieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended family members.
Besides her parents, she also was predeceased by her dear brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law, William Green, Anthony Constantine, Roger and Alice Roy, Henry and Catherine Touchette, Hervey and Sandy Constantine and Donald Rielle.
Her funeral was held Dec. 19 at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels in Chicopee (stpierrephaneuf.com), with her committal service in the chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. Her family requests
that memorial donations be made in her memory to the Glioblastoma Research Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.
William Whalen
It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of William (Bill) Whalen, 59, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a stroke on Nov. 27.
Bill was born on St. Patrick’s Day, which certainly set the tone for his carefree, fun-filled and easygoing life. Bill grew up in Hopkinton (Woodville) and moved to Florida to attend college at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).
Bill was an avid runner, running varsity cross country and indoor/ outdoor track as well as the Boston Marathon in high school (Marian High School in Framingham) and was awarded the Scott Bailey Memorial Scholarship his senior year. After high school, Bill attended FIT and then began a dedicated career (over 30 years) at Outback Steakhouses around the Central Coast of Florida. Bill loved all sports, especially baseball and golf, and was a walking sports encyclopedia. Bill would have been a wonderful color commentator in sports broadcasting had the stars aligned differently. Bill was a funny, friendly, kind and gentle soul who could strike up conversations with anyone about anything. Bill was generous to a fault, and he would give you the shirt off his back. In that spirit, Bill was an organ donor and was able to help many others in need after his passing.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents (Gloria and James) and is survived by his sister Michele (husband Bob) Washek, and brothers Thomas (wife Grace) and Robert (wife Michelle). Bill is also survived by four nieces, one nephew and one great-niece (Emily, Melissa, Julie, Zenaida, James and Isabella). Bill also had many wonderful friends, who he also considered his family.
There is a celebration of Bill’s life planned for noon on Sunday, Jan. 19, at Kiwanis Island Park in Merritt Island, Florida.
To honor Bill, please consider donating to his hospital to help pay for his medical bills (hf.org/healthcare-home/ health-first-foundation/make-donation).
Sandra Celozzi
Sandra Lee Celozzi, 78, of Framingham and formerly Hopkinton, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Dec. 16. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Amalia “Molly” (Riga) and John J. Celozzi.
Sandy was known for her infectious smile and joyful laugh, which brightened the lives of those around her. She dedicated many years to her work at Shaw’s in Ashland, where she was a familiar and friendly face. In her
earlier years, she also worked as an Xray technician, a role in which she took great pride.
Funeral services were to be held privately with family, under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
John Dunphy
John “Jack” R. Dunphy, 79, of Hopkinton, passed away on Dec. 17. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Virginia (Burke) and John B. Dunphy. He was the husband of 34 years to the late Christine (Gallagher) Dunphy. He was a longtime resident of Hopkinton, where he lived for 46 years.
Raised in Milton, Jack graduated from Catholic Memorial High School and Boston College, where his love for Boston College hockey took root. After college, Jack answered President Kennedy’s call to join “the cause of world peace and human progress,” becoming a proud Peace Corps volunteer. Jack served for over two years in Bhubaneswar, India, helping local farmers and dedicating himself to making a positive impact on the lives of others. After he returned home, he began a long and successful career in the telecommunications industry, including helping to create the first statewide 911 system in Vermont. Throughout his life, Jack had a great love for golf, often spending his free time on the course, enjoying both the game and the camaraderie it provided. Jack also loved to travel, especially to visit his daughter, Burke, and grand-dog, Ruffio, in the Bay Area.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Burke Dunphy of San Francisco; his siblings, Paul Dunphy and wife Terri of Needham, Rosemary MacDonald and husband Kenneth of Rockland, Gregory Dunphy of Milton, and Eileen Meuse and husband Paul of Weymouth; as well as many nieces and nephews, and his cat, Gio. He is predeceased by his siblings, Ann Chase, James Dunphy, Virginia St. Ives and Robert Dunphy.
Visitation was held Dec. 27 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 28 at Saint John the Evangelist Church of Hopkinton. Interment was to be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s name may be made to The Bowery Mission (bowery.org), Murray Hill Station, P.O. Box 2000, New York, NY 10156, Abby’s House (abbyshouse.org), 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or Junior Achievement of Greater Boston (greaterboston.ja.org), 80 City Square, Boston, MA 02129.
William Magrini
William E. Magrini passed away Dec. 13 after a long period of declining health. He was 75.
Born in Framingham and raised in Hopkinton, he was the son of the late Ernest Magrini and Alice Ferris Magrini. Bill’s younger brother, John, passed away in November 1980.
Bill was a graduate of Hopkinton High School and went on to serve his country proudly in the United States Air Force as a Vietnam veteran. His 16-year
career ended and he returned to live in Ash, North Carolina.
For nearly 50 years, Bill and Robin Hewette lived together, raising their son, Mathew, and five girls, Brandy, Whitney, Joshlyn, Maylynn and Lila. He is also survived by nine grandchildren.
Bill is also survived by two brothers, Joel Magrini of East Sandwich and Thomas Magrini of Upton. His three sisters, Jean Magrini of Marlborough, Alice Livernois (Magrini) of Worcester, and his youngest sister Catherine Hayes (Magrini) of Union, Connecticut, are all deeply saddened by the passing of our older brother, a mentor and a kind soul.
White Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Shallotte, North Carolina, will hold memorial services after the holidays. After cremation, a celebration of life will take place during the summer at the Veterans of Foreign Wars located in Holden Beach, North Carolina.
The family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made to the homeless veterans organization of Ash, North Carolina, specifically: ABCCM Hope Ministry, Street Outreach Program, 1845 Brevard Road, Arden, NC 28704 (abccm.org).
Mary Grenga
Mary Palinkas Grenga, 100, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17 after living a long, full life. She was born on Sept. 19, 1924. She grew up on the family farm, which also served as a recovery hospital, which is where she met her husband, John, during World War II. In 1953, John and Mary immigrated to the United States, being sponsored by the Federated Church of Wellesley. They settled in Ashland, where they raised their family. After John passed, Mary worked tirelessly to raise her young children and provide for them while working at Fenwal Corporation. She later would marry Karl Grenga, who also predeceased her.
Mary was an expert baker, and everyone asked her to make her famous carrot cake for special events and would look forward to her Christmas cookie platters. She also loved to garden and knit and in her later years loved trips to the casino.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Aranka Ciccarelli of Hopkinton, with whom she lived, Maggie Dicken and husband Larry, and Stephen Palinkas and wife Camellia. She is the treasured Mimi to Sandra McGrath, Joanne Martin, Jennifer Merchant, Nichole Palinkas, Peter Dicken, Matt Dicken, Christy Pritchard, John Palinkas and Liz Thieme. She is the great-grandmother to 27 and great-great-grandmother to three. Her family is her legacy, and she was everything to them.
She is predeceased by both of her husbands, son John Palinkas and grandsons Joseph and Ed Palinkas.
A funeral service was celebrated Dec. 21 in the chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, Ashland, followed by burial in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.
The McBride Team of RE/MAX Executive Realty would like to congratulate Lainey Valutkevich on her award for Student of the Month.
Lainey is a senior at Hopkinton High School this year where she plays varsity field hockey. She was just awarded the Hiller’s Award, which is given to someone who has great sportsmanship and strong character both on and off the field. She appreciates the award tremendously since she strives to be a good teammate in every way.
Lainey is also the co-president of the Mental Health Well-Being for Athletes Club. This club focuses on helping students balance being a student as well as an athlete. Members discuss mental health of student-athletes and strategies for improvement.
Lainey hopes to travel extensively and to study abroad in college. Her future will definitely involve helping people in some way! Congratulations, Lainey!
Katie McBride • Debbie Brosseau 508-277-9600 katie@mcbrideteam.com
Karen Bergeron
Karen J. Bergeron (née Diaz), died peacefully on Dec. 14 at UMass Memorial Medical Center surrounded by family.
She was born April 8, 1955, in Plymouth and resided for several years in Ledyard, Connecticut, before moving to Hopkinton. Karen was the beloved wife and best friend of Richard (Dick) Bergeron Jr. and the loving mother of Richard (Chad) Bergeron III and his wife, Amanda, and Daniel (Dan) Bergeron.
She was the devoted grandmother (Mimi) of Jasper and Evelyn (Evie). Karen was predeceased by her parents, John and Dorothy, and siblings Anthony J. Rapoza, M. Jean Botelho, Richard W. Diaz, Edward A. Diaz and Susan J. Diodato.
She is survived by siblings Cheryl A. Freedman, Donna M. Pereira, John J. Diaz, Robert S. Diaz, Frederick M. Russell, Tracy L. Annabel and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held in the spring/summer of 2025. Memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s name to: American Cancer Society Colorectal Research, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown MD, 21741 or at https://ee.ls/karen.
James Pyne
James G. Pyne, 82, of Hopkinton passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 22. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Margaret (Walick) and Joseph Pyne. He was the husband of 56 years to Bev Pyne of Hopkinton. Jim was a proud lifelong resident of Hopkinton. Jim had been a volunteer firefighter for the town under the Fire Chief Joseph Pyne, his dad. Jim took over the family business at the young age of 21, after both his parents tragically passed away. Jim owned and operated Pyne Sand and Stone with his partner, Dick Stewart. In 2019, after 55 years of hard work and dedication, Jim sold the business and retired. Jim had a love of racing cars and left racing after a short but highly promising career at Westborough Speedway. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He also was passionate about sports, particularly football, and was an accomplished athlete in a men’s softball league.
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by five children, Donna Fairbanks of Milford, Tammie Talvy and husband David of Hopkinton, Artie Fairbanks and wife Janet of Falmouth, Marlen Pyne and wife Caneva of Hopkinton, and Jamie (Pyne) VanderArk and husband Matt of South Carolina. He also leaves behind his sister, Virginia Pyne of Connecticut, and nine grandchildren, Justin, Andrew, Brandon, Jen, Corey, Brandon, Brian, Alex and Tommy, as well as 10 great-grandchildren. Jim is predeceased by
Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Cross Church, 160 Flanders Road, Westborough, on Friday, Dec. 27, from 3-7 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m., also at Chapel of the Cross Church. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund in honor of Jim Pyne. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
Nancy Rhody
Nancy A. Rhody, a cherished wife, mother and best friend, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home on Dec. 28. Born on June 16, 1964, in Framingham, Nancy lived a life marked by love, kindness and a remarkable knack for making the world around her a more beautiful place.
Nancy’s early years were spent in the nurturing environment of Hopkinton, where she graduated from Hopkinton High School. Her passion for beauty and her caring nature led her to a fulfilling career as a hairstylist at the former Essentials Hair Salon in Ashland. Nancy’s gentle touch and warm conversation made her not just a stylist but a confidante to many.
In her personal life, Nancy’s heart belonged to her family. She was the beloved wife of Joseph H. Rhody, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage filled with love and mutual respect. Together, they raised a family that included their sons, Robert and Matthew Rhody of Douglas, as well as stepsons Joseph and Patrick Rhody of Florida. Nancy’s role as a mother was her greatest joy, and she poured her love into every aspect of her boys’ lives. She also is survived by several cousins. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her joy for birdwatching and the peace she found in tending to her plants and garden. She also enjoyed a good campfire that crackled. Nancy was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots, cheering them on with the same fervor she brought to all her passions. Her love for her family was her compass, and she was, without a doubt, an awesome wife and mother. Funeral services were held Jan. 4 at Buma Funeral Home, Uxbridge, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Denis Church, Douglas.
Megan Sullivan-Anderson
Megan SullivanAnderson, 42, of Hopkinton passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 23 at Milford Regional Medical Center. Born in League City, Texas, she was the daughter of Lauren (Pineault) and Gerry Sullivan of Hopkinton. She was the wife of 20 years to Dennis Anderson of Hopkinton.
Megan was a 1999 graduate of Hopkinton High School. She worked as a hairdresser and stay-at-home mom. In addition to her parents and husband, Megan is survived by two children, Kaitlyn and Keegan Anderson of Hopkinton. She also leaves behind brother Greg Sullivan of Hopkinton and brother-in-law Donnie Anderson and wife Sheri of Upton. Arrangements were being held privately and were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
police log
ARRESTS
Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.
December 15
10:34 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officer Robert Ekross came across a motor vehicle crash and subsequently arrested a 76-year-old resident of Walcott Valley Drive in Hopkinton and charged her with OUI liquor.
December 21
1:23 a.m. A caller reported a sedan on Ash Street was pulled over with its hazards on. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and found the operator slumped over the front seat. Officer Saletnik banged on the window and requested backup. Officer Tyler Staback responded with a portable breath test. After attempts to get the driver to exit the car, officers arrested a 27-year-old Lexington resident and charged him with OUI liquor and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
December 22
8:38 p.m. On Curtis Road, Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Justin Cappuccio arrested a 55-year-old resident of Curtis Road in Hopkinton on a default warrant.
Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
December 10
7:25 a.m. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted the Water Department in responding to a report of a broken water line on Oakhurst Road.
7:39 a.m. A caller reported a house lockout with a child inside the home. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Nicholas Walker responded, and entry was gained.
11:11 a.m. A Fruit Street caller reported being harassed by a coworker. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted and took a report.
1:28 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street and took a report.
8:33 p.m. A caller complained of inadequate lighting on Main Street for pedestrians crossing. She reported she was nearly hit by a car when crossing the street. She was advised to speak with town staff.
December 11
10:30 a.m. A Woodview Way caller reported an unwanted and unruly person on the property. Sgt. William Burchard and Officers Noah Buentello and Augusto Diaz responded and spoke with all parties involved and took a report.
8:42 p.m. A caller reported a tree leaning into the roadway on Briarcliff Drive. Officer Matthew LaTour responded, confirmed the hazard and notified the DPW.
8:59 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded along with the Fire De-
December 26
12:03 a.m. Multiple callers reported a white truck doing doughnuts on Proctor Street lawns. One resident reported the truck was stuck in his backyard. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officers Sean McKeon and Benjamin Vaz responded and arrested a 26-year-old Blackstone resident and charged him with OUI liquor, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, intoxicated licensee carrying a firearm, and malicious destruction of property worth more than $1,200. A tow truck attempted to remove the truck, which needed to be winched out.
5:32 p.m. On Wood Street, Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Nicholas Saletnik arrested a 25-year-old Milford resident on a warrant.
December 28
1:36 p.m. A Wood Street resident reported he saw on his security camera individuals breaking into his home via a basement entry. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Nicholas Walker responded and searched the home. Two individuals from Manchester, New Hampshire, were arrested and charged with trespassing, breaking and entering for misdemeanor, possession of burglarious instrument, and receiving stolen property worth more than $1,200.
partment to a report of water running through electrical outlets at a Lincoln Street residence.
11:46 p.m. A caller reported a tree branch was hanging on power lines on West Main Street and could be a hazard. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded, set up cones and contacted Eversource.
December 12
6:16 a.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Kyle Quinzani responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two cars on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.
1:35 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell in the roadway on East Main Street. Sgt. William Burchard and Officers Nicholas Walker and Noah Buentello responded and notified the DPW. The tree was removed.
3:29 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street. A crash report was taken.
3:54 p.m. An officer in Westchester County, New York, reported pulling over a rental vehicle that was listed as stolen out of California. The driver stated Hopkinton recovered the vehicle in October. Nothing was on record. The police departments in Milford and Framingham were contacted.
4:22 p.m. A North Mill Street resident reported electrical wires were on fire. Officers Matthew LaTour, Benjamin Vaz and Justin Cappuccio assisted the Fire Department in responding and reported smoke from the wires in a tree. Eversource responded.
December 13
4:03 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik took a report of a minor motor vehicle accident on Main Street.
5:44 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Main Street. A crash report was taken.
7:06 p.m. A caller reported a panhandler at Alltown Fresh. Officer Matthew LaTour responded, and the caller already had scared the person away.
10:04 p.m. Multiple callers reported a vehicle on Front Street that appeared to have been in an accident. The airbags were deployed, but no driver was on scene. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Sean McKeon, Benjamin Vaz and Matthew LaTour responded and made contact with the Milford Police Department, whom the driver had called. A tow truck removed the vehicle.
December 14
7:27 a.m. A Susan Drive caller reported seeing water running out of a neighbor’s house. Officer Noah Buentello assisted the Fire Department in responding and reported there was a pipe on the side of the house that was spraying water. He attempted to contact the homeowner.
10:14 a.m. A caller reported a loose dog in the roadway on Grove Street. She approached the house where she thought the dog lived and found all the doors wide open. Officer Noah Buentello responded and reported a neighbor was hanging on to the dog. The owner of the dog was in the hospital, and the daughter was contacted to get the dog.
10:45 a.m. A caller reported a hit-
and-run motor vehicle accident involving personal injury on Main Street. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Noah Buentello responded along with an ambulance. Security cameras showed a black Mercedes, but the vehicle could not be located. Officer Buentello took a report.
11:35 a.m. A walk-in stated while he was cleaning out his father’s attic, he found an old 12-gauge shotgun, and he wanted advice on how to dispose of it. Officer Noah Buentello spoke with him and assisted.
5:30 p.m. A Constitution Court caller reported an iPad was stolen from his vehicle. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.
8:22 p.m. A Blueberry Lane resident reported seeing a drone in the sky near his house. It was described as a large square shape with red, green and amber lights. The caller stated it looked like a traffic light in the sky, and it was loud and at an altitude where a helicopter or small plane flies. The caller wanted the suspicious incident logged. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find.
December 15
2:41 a.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Sean McKeon responded along with the Fire Department to Wood Street to a report of flames at the recycling center seen on a security camera. Smoke was found upon arrival but no flames. 8:59 a.m. Sgt. Gregg DeBoer re-
police log
Police log | from page 21 ported a caller was harassing one of the police officers.
8:25 p.m. An employee at the Laborers’ Training Center on East Street reported a person keeps charging his electric vehicle on the Laborers’ property even though they have been spoken to multiple times. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Robert Ekross responded, but the owner of the vehicle was not on scene. Officer Ekross advised security personnel on how to handle the situation.
December 16
4:38 p.m. A walk-in from Jackson Street reported credit card fraud and ID theft and wanted it logged.
6:50 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio assisted the Fire Department in responding to a commercial fire alarm activation on Wood Street where a pipe burst and smoke was showing.
9:04 p.m. A North Mill Street resident reported a vehicle was parked near her driveway for an extended period of time. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and con-
ducted field sobriety tests. The male operator and the vehicle subsequently were picked up.
December 17
11:00 a.m. A caller reported a delivery truck pulled down some wires on Erins Way. Officer Noah Buentello responded along with the Fire Department. A crash report was taken.
11:13 a.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro took a report of a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street.
3:25 p.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on Main Street where a male exited his vehicle and was waving angrily. Multiple officers responded, and the driver and vehicle were gone upon their arrival.
December 18
6:38 a.m. A motorist reported she was rear-ended by another vehicle on West Main Street. Officers Tyler Staback and Kyle Quinzani responded and issued a written warning for failure to slow. A crash report was taken.
2:19 p.m. A walk-in reported he received a text message from Xfinity and bought cards from Target. He then realized it was fraudulent. Officer Nicholas Walker took a report.
9:46 p.m. A Woodview Way resident reported her downstairs neighbor knocked on her door to complain about noise coming from the caller’s apartment. The other neighbor also called to speak with an officer. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Benjamin Vaz responded, spoke with both parties and took a report.
December 19
10:00 a.m. A caller reported a loose dog on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded and reported the dog was returned home. The caller was advised about proper 911 usage.
5:54 p.m. A Lumber Street caller reported a vehicle in his driveway and a person screaming and crying. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officers Robert Ekross and Matthew LaTour responded and reported a vehicle struck a rock. No personal injuries were reported.
8:37 p.m. A Cedar Street restaurant employee reported a customer dined and dashed after his credit card was declined but left his bag and jacket behind. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Aline Matos responded.
December 20
Happy
7:44 a.m. A motorist on Main Street reported a male punched her window, then stormed off. Security footage showed the caller was stopped in the middle of the road prior to the road rage encounter. Officer Sean McKeon took a report.
1:51 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a guardrail on Whisper Way. Officers Noah Buentello and Justin Cappuccio responded along with an ambulance. A crash report was taken.
3:38 p.m. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Aline Matos responded to a motor vehicle crash on Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.
5:49 p.m. A DPW employee reported a vehicle drove off the roadway on Legacy Farms North and into drainage soil. Officer Nicholas Saletnik and Aline Matos responded, and a tow was en route.
December 21
8:20 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle slid off the roadway on Front Street and over a walk wall. Officers Brian Ziniti and Nicholas Walker and a tow truck responded. Verizon was contacted about pole damage. No personal injuries were reported.
11:43 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker took a crash report on Lumber Street.
December 22
3:11 a.m. A motorist reported he sneezed and hit a parked car on Whalen Road. Officers Sean McKeon and Kyle Quinzani responded and administered field sobriety tests, and all was OK. A crash report was taken.
3:20 a.m. Officer Sean McKeon responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on West Main Street where a Lyft driver’s vehicle was struck. A tow truck removed the vehicle.
10:32 a.m. A Wood Street caller reported FedEx dropped off a package, and it appeared to have been stolen from the front stairs. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and assisted.
2:25 p.m. A Huckleberry Road resident reported his mailbox was knocked over earlier in the day and wanted the incident logged.
9:37 p.m. A caller reported an unwanted guest at a Main Street location. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officers Robert Ekross and Justin Cappuccio responded and reported a verbal argument between parties was taking place. A report was taken.
December 23
4:32 a.m. A caller on Revolutionary Way reported he was kicked out of a friend’s house and had nowhere to go, and his car wouldn’t start. Officer Noah Buentello responded and gave the vehicle a jump-start.
9:00 p.m. A walk-in reported while he and his son were walking, a leashed dog ran after them. He and the dog’s owner got into a verbal argument. Sgt. Shannon Beloin assisted and took a report.
December 24
2:32 a.m. A caller reported a loose dog, possibly an Australian shepherd, on Hayden Rowe Street. Officers Tyler Staback and Kyle Quinzani responded and checked the area with a negative find.
December 25
3:54 p.m. A caller reported a person was walking in the middle of the roadway on East Main Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and spoke with the individual, who was walking on the sidewalk and not impeding traffic.
4:37 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour responded to a minor motor vehicle accident on West Main Street and issued a written warning to one operator.
December 26
1:51 a.m. A caller reported a fistfight between two people on Clinton Street. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officers Sean McKeon and Benjamin Vaz responded and reported a 21-year-old male was injured, no weapons were present and the parties had been separated. A report was taken.
9:49 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle crash on Wood Street. Multiple officers responded. Sgt. Cody Norman-
din reported a rollover, and all occupants were out of the vehicle. A tow truck was requested, and a crash report followed.
1:54 p.m. A caller reported a black box truck left Harvey’s on Wood Street. The driver did not close the back gate, and boxes were falling out of the back and onto the road. Officer Noah Buebntello responded, and the truck was gone upon his arrival.
2:35 p.m. A Jamie Lane resident reported his Apple watch that was stolen in Mexico was mapping in New Jersey. Sgt. William Burchard spoke with the caller and took a report.
4:11 p.m. A caller complained of a political sign on a telephone pole on Elm Street near the Elmwood School that read “Free Robert Rundo.” The caller was told that it was up to the town’s discretion to remove any inappropriate political signs. The complaint was logged.
December 27
9:52 a.m. A motorist reported he hit a deer on East Main Street. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and took a motor vehicle accident report.
9:56 p.m. A Cobblers Way caller reported there was someone with a flashlight in his backyard along his property line about 15 minutes earlier. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.
December 28
1:29 a.m. A caller reported her neighbor’s door was open, her car was not there and it appeared as if she left in a rush, as there was luggage, food and wine all over. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and spoke to the homeowner, who was pet sitting in a nearby town and stated nobody should be in the house. She asked officers to secure the door.
1:50 a.m. A person in a wheelchair reported an employee at the reception desk at a West Main Street facility would not let her back inside and she was locked out. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Sean McKeon responded and assisted the woman safely back inside. Management was advised.
6:17 a.m. An East Main Street caller reported there were two men in his room trying to steal his belongings. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and spoke with Fairview Estates staff, who stated the resident had been very confused lately. Officer Quinzani reported the apartment was clear, and he requested an ambulance.
11:42 a.m. A walk-in handed in a license plate found on Main Street. It belonged to a vehicle involved in an accident, and the Marlborough Police Department was notified that the front license plate was at the station.
1:12 p.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Brian Ziniti, Nicholas Walker and Augusto Diaz responded to a motor vehicle crash on Granite Street. A pole was struck and fell on wires. Eversource and Verizon were notified. Personal injuries were reported.
9:28 p.m. A caller reported suspicious activity on Deer Run where a vehicle parked, and two people got out and went through yards. Officers Justin Cappuccio, Augusto Diaz, Nicholas Saletnik and Aline Matos responded along with EMS, who searched for a person with a broken arm.
11:06 p.m. A Lakepoint Way caller reported credit card fraud. Officer Sean McKeon assisted and took a report.
December 29
11:19 a.m. A caller reported a male stumbling out of the woods on Mayhew Street. Sgt. Matthew McNeil and Officers Nicholas Walker and Augusto Diaz responded and checked the area with a negative find.
9:14 p.m. A Glen Road resident reported she left her car unlocked and believed someone went through it either overnight or earlier in the day. Officers Robert Ekross and Benjamin Vaz responded and spoke with the reporting person.
December 30
7:47 a.m. A caller reported suspicious activity on West Main Street where an employee put boxes not belonging to him in a car. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and took a report.
3:52 p.m. A Stoney Brook Road caller reported two young kids in a silver Mercedes parked on her street that then sped up to 50 mph headed toward
Wedgewood Drive. She was concerned because there were children playing outside and people walking dogs in the area. The caller was advised about the traffic complaint form should it occur again.
4:01 p.m. A Revolutionary Way resident reported his daughter possibly was threatened by an individual who stated he had a gun. Officers Robert Ekross and Benjamin Vaz responded and took a report.
5:17 p.m. An Alexander Road resident reported suspicious activity of her car starting on its own, causing carbon monoxide to build up in her garage. She was concerned, as her bedroom is above the garage. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.
5:45 p.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Justin Cappuccio and Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle accident involving three cars on Main Street and one driver experiencing a diabetic episode. A report was taken.
8:25 p.m. A Constitution Court caller reported a fight outside her door. She was unsure if the fight became physical. Multiple officers responded and spoke with the involved parties. The incident was related to a previous call.
December 31
9:53 a.m. A Greystone Lane resident reported fraud with his commercial banking. Officer Noah Buentello assisted, and the caller was to visit the station to show paperwork and other evidence.
11:35 a.m. A motorist reported she was rearended on Main Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded and assisted with paper exchange. No personal injuries were reported.
2:56 p.m. An employee from a Lumber Street business reported her car was scratched and keyed in the parking lot. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded and took a report.
January 1
5:49 p.m. A Rosewood Lane walk-in reported identity theft. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Aline Matos assisted.
11:53 p.m. A Benson Road resident reported ongoing harassment. Officers Tyler Staback and Adam Rowe spoke with her and took a report.
January 2
5:34 a.m. A caller reported a large tree fell on Pond Street and was blocking the majority of the road. Officer Sean McKeon responded and moved enough of the tree for cars to pass, and he notified the DPW.
6:11 a.m. A caller reported a wire was rubbing on a tree causing it to spark on Winter Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded along with the Fire Department.
9:51 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on wires on Clinton Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and contacted Eversource.
9:56 a.m. A caller at a West Main Street facility requested assistance and stated she did not want staff in her room. Officer Nicholas Walker responded to the citizen complaint and reported all was clear and no one was in her room.
10:05 a.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro notified the DPW of a fallen tree blocking half the roadway on Hayden Rowe Street.
11:50 a.m. Officer Brian Ziniti took a crash report on West Main Street, where a motorist struck a tree after interference caused by sun glare. The driver did not feel safe driving, so a tow truck was contacted.
1:34 p.m. A Blueberry Lane walk-in reported unwanted parties in her home. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted and took a report of suspicious activity.
3:32 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle was struck by a rollaway compactor on Wood Street. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and transported a person to the front of Harvey’s. A crash report was taken.
4:09 p.m. A caller reported a tree was hanging in the roadway on College Street. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Aline Matos responded along with Eversource.
January 3
6:59 a.m. Multiple callers reported a tractortrailer rollover on Wood Street. Sgt. William Burchard and Officers Nicholas Walker and Brian Ziniti
responded and reported the trailer part of an 18-wheeler rolled over with heavy equipment in it. The DPW responded along with the state truck team. Harvey’s sent a truck to assist with cleanup. A tow truck assisted. A citation for speeding and a verbal warning for marked lanes violation was issued to the driver.
7:53 a.m. A caller reported vandalism at the State Park. Plastic wrap was found on trees and rocks. A message was left with the Parks & Recreation Department.
11:06 a.m. Sgt. William Burchard and Officers Nicholas Walker and Brian Ziniti responded to a report of a tree falling on top of a truck on West Main Street. The occupants exited the vehicle and the driver sustained a bump on his head and was to be evaluated. The DPW was contacted to bring a loader. The tree was removed, and a tow truck was on scene. A report followed.
January 4
7:34 a.m. A Chadwick Way resident reported he lost luggage on his way to the airport. The two black, carryon suitcases could be in Hopkinton, Ashland or along the MassPike. The incident was logged.
10:42 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident and no personal injuries on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded and took a report.
10:53 p.m. A motorist reported a mattress in the roadway on West Main Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded and assisted the driver with securing the mattress onto the car.
January 5
8:17 a.m. A Constitution Court resident reported someone hacked her accounts and purchased items. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and took a report of fraud.
3:53 p.m. A maintenance worker on his way to work at Constitution Court reported a resident told him there was smoke on the fourth floor of the building. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Matthew LaTour responded along with the Fire Department and reported no smoke, just the smell of cooking.
January 6
2:47 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious incident on Lumber Street. Officers Noah Buentello, Kyle Quinzani and Brian Ziniti responded and attempted to check on the well-being of a person described at a repair shop but found no one matching the description or any activity described by the caller. The caller was advised to call his local police department. The caller was upset because he realized he had been scammed.
6:54 p.m. A caller complained of vehicles not stopping at the stop sign on Kimball Road. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Benjamin Vaz responded and subsequently issued a verbal warning to one motorist for failure to stop.
10:14 p.m. A Pinecrest Village resident reported she locked herself out of her home, so she contacted a locksmith, who was able to gain entry but damaged the door. The caller was refusing to pay for the locksmith’s service. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Adam Rowe responded and took a report of the civil dispute.
LOCAL EXPERTISE GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
