HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT
Building inspector clarifies yard sign removal issue
By Nick Schofield Staff Writer
After a week of confusion regarding the taking of anti-gas station yard signs on multiple streets, the town’s building inspector confirmed that it was his office behind the removal.
Christopher McWhite, Hopkinton’s director of municipal inspections, and Town Manager Elaine Lazarus spoke with the Independent about the issue on Oct. 15.
Residents had been looking for answers regarding the removal of yard signs from the Dicarlo Road, West Elm Street and Barbara Road neighborhoods one week earlier.
The signs reflect opposition to the
Concerns about school safety spark discussion
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
AHopkinton parent concerned about student safety in the Hopkinton Public Schools is planning on submitting an article for the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting to call for a safety assessment, potentially leading to the use of metal detectors in the schools to deter potential school shootings and other acts of violence.
“I’m quite passionate about safety,” said Sean Burtt, a parent of three HPS students, in a recent interview with the Independent.
Burtt and his wife, Andrea, are hoping to start a coalition of parents to discuss school safety. Andrea created a Change. org petition on Sept. 10 that garnered 157 signatures as of Oct. 23.
National issues prompt response
Sean Burtt, an actuary, is passionate about data. He analyzed a Washington Post database to determine the national
Signs taken by the Building Department sit next to a shed behind Town Hall on Oct. 14.
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Tales from a Townie: My most tragic night in the Navy
By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer
Thistale takes place a little farther from Hopkinton than my usual stories.
I was a third-class quartermaster aboard the SS Barry DD933. At sea, my duties while on watch consisted of helping the officers with navigation, keeping the bridge clean and keeping the ship’s log. The log was the legal record of everything that went on affecting the ship, like the direction and speed of the ship at all times, etc.
When the ship went on special details — going in and out of port, going alongside another ship at sea to refuel or replenish supplies, or battle stations — my job was steering the ship.
On the night of Jan. 15, 1961, we, along with another four destroyers, were on anti-submarine activities off the coast of Long Island, New York.
The weather was terrible. Winds were up to 80 mph, seas up to 70 feet, and there was a raging snowstorm.
We were in the Cold War period of our history. As a deterrent to a missile attack by Russia, the United States put up radar installations 70-100 miles off the East Coast. They were called “Texas Towers” because they resembled oil platforms off the coast of Texas.
Tower 4 was located about 70 miles east of Long Island. It was built on shore, towed out to sea and placed above the water on three steel legs that were anchored to the sea bottom.
Tower 4 had a history of structural damage and was known as “old shaky.” One leg had been damaged while being
towed to its location. The whole structure also was damaged by Hurricane Donna the previous fall. The damage was scheduled to be repaired but had not been done.
After Hurricane Donna, consideration was given to vacate the facility until repairs could be made, but the government had decided against it, instead cutting the normal complement of men at the station from 51 to 28.
Earlier in the day, while helicopters still could get to the platform, permission was asked to abandon the facility but was denied.
Around 3 p.m., a loud “boom” was heard by the men on the tower, which meant a structural support on the tower had broken, and the tower started coming apart. The captain again radioed for permission to abandon, and this time it was granted. However, because of the weather conditions, helicopters could not fly, and there was no way to get the men off the tower.
I had just come on the 4-8 watch at 3:45 p.m. when the radioman came onto the bridge with a message for all ships in the area to proceed to the Tower 4 location to assist.
At 6:45 p.m., as we were on our way, we got a radio message from the tower that it was breaking up. That was the last message ever received from the tower. We were about 20 miles away by then. We went to “special sea detail.” I went from on regular watch to steering the ship. We could do only 10-12 knots because of the conditions.
At 7:45 p.m., as we were nearing the tower, it disappeared from the radar. We got to the site within the hour and searched back and forth over where the tower had been. We searched for the rest of the night but never found anybody. In the morning, the storm had abated, the waves were down to about 15-20 feet, and visibility was decent as we continued searching. Only one body ever was found, by another ship.
Later in the day, we were ordered to resume our anti-submarine operation, but several other ships continued to search. For a while, I thought a lot about the 28 men on the tower in that maelstrom we all were in. I was in a “safe” place, and they were facing sure death, with no hope for rescue.
My bunk was on the starboard side of the ship, below the waterline. I could lay in my bunk, put my hand on the 3/8-inch steel side of the ship and feel and hear the water rush past. On stormy nights, I would pray that none of the men building my ship had taken any shortcuts, nor had anyone ever skimped on any construction inspections.
The SS Barry DD933, with Hopkinton’s Bill Hamilton aboard, played a role in a major tragedy in 1961.
Select Board votes for local meals tax to go before Town Meeting
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Select Board at its meeting Oct. 15 voted 4-0 for a proposed local option meals excise tax of 0.75% to be put on the warrant for the Nov. 18 Special Town Meeting.
SELECT BOARD ROUNDUP
Member Joe Clark recently attended a Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce meeting with Town Manager Elaine Lazarus where this option was proposed. He invited Paul Ostrander, a chamber member, to speak about the concept.
Ostrander noted that the chamber’s board of directors unanimously supported this tax “to specifically fund a full-time economic development officer.”
“In a small town, the path of economic resilience and growth often requires focused attention and strategic planning,” he said as he read from a statement. This full-time person’s role would be to create job opportunities and attract investors.
Julia Chun currently serves as the town’s sustainability, economic development and equity project manager. Massachusetts imposes a 6.25% sales tax on meals sold by or bought from restaurants or any restaurant part of a store. Cities and towns may add an additional 0.75%. Adoption of the local option meals excise tax would require a Town Meeting vote.
Ostrander noted that 73% of the communities in the state already have this tax.
“When the math comes down to it, it’s very inexpensive for the consumer,” he explained. A $100 food purchase would generate an additional 75-cent charge to the bill.
“I think it’s a great thing,” said Clark, adding that it would generate some revenue for the town. He saw it as “an opportunity to invest in economic development” because if it could not fund a full-time person, the money could be used for economic development programs.
Member Shahidul Mannan endorsed the idea of putting it on the warrant, saying that residents would benefit from the money instead of paying a similar tax in a neighboring town. More details on how the state allows the money to be allocated will be provided by Lazarus at a future meeting.
Draft of new Trails Committee structure discussed
Lazarus spoke about a draft she prepared for the structure for the new Trails Committee. It merged ideas from the former Upper Charles Trail Committee and the current Trails Committee (also referred to as the Trail Coordination and Management Committee).
The Select Board previously voted to disband both committees, but it is allowing the current Trails Committee to work on its ongoing projects until the new committee structure is approved. Lazarus said she incorporated comments from former UCTC and Trails Committee members in the draft
document, as well as input from Open Space Preservation Committee chair Ed Harrow.
The draft charter included information on the new committee’s mission to make the town more pedestrian friendly, provide connectivity to points of interest, and plan for new trails with “robust community input.” It also referenced creating an Upper Charles Trail that would link the town to Milford and Ashland.
The proposed composition of this committee included seven at-large members and three associate non-voting members. The initial at-large members would serve one-, two- or three-year terms to create a staggered system. After that, members would be appointed by the Select Board to three-year terms, and they would not be allowed to serve for more than three consecutive terms. The associate members could serve for an unlimited number of terms.
Lazarus explained that once the final language is approved, an administrative order under the charter would be created to allow for the transfer or appropriations from the two defunct committees to the new Trails Committee. There would be a public hearing on this, followed by a Select Board vote.
Board members debated the role of the associate members. Ritterbusch expressed concern that associate members would be non-voting members. On other town committees, the associate members can vote in the absence of a full member, she said. Her husband, Tim, was an associate member of the UCTC.
Mannan said there should be no associate members. He spoke with former UCTC associate members about their views on the limitations of that role, saying it felt to him like a “secondclass membership.”
He also said that there should be an odd number of members to prevent tie votes. The board eventually agreed on nine members.
Select Board vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere, who chaired the meeting in the absence of chair Brian Herr, said she preferred having associate members. This would provide opportunities for students to join or for residents to learn.
Ritterbusch also asked that the language regarding trail accessibility be “beefed up” so that trails would be accessible “in a variety of ways,” including for people with mobility, hearing, visual and neurodivergent disabilities.
“I would say the majority of the trails in town are not really fully accessible,” said Ritterbusch, who also serves on the Commission on Disability.
“So I just want to make sure that that does not get lost and that we’re not going to strive towards some accessible trails.”
Board welcomes new assistant town clerk
Town Clerk Connor Degan introduced William Lee, the town’s new assistant town clerk. Lee, who started two weeks ago, is a former civics teacher who has several years of experience helping in municipal elections in Ashland and Franklin.
“His background has already proven Select board roundup | 4
Police seek man said to show ‘aggressive behavior’ near day care center
The Hopkinton Police Department on Oct. 22 announced that an individual who allegedly “displayed aggressive behavior” near a day care center in the Wood Street area the weekend prior was identified and contacted.
In an email to the Independent later that night, van Raalten clarified that there is no certainty that the individual being sought is the one the police located.
“We did not positively ID the suspicious person we were alerted to,” he stated. “We believe it was him, but not 100%.”
Neighbors were notified about suspicious activity in the wooded area
next to Next Generation Children’s Center at 2 Wood Street via a flyer placed in their mailboxes by an anonymous source. The flyer contained an aerial view of the area and a blurry picture of what appeared to be a man in the woods.
The flyer said that this man “displayed aggressive behavior” and that “[he] charged at a woman before realizing there were more people with her.”
“He is average height, lightly brown skin, dark brown/black hair, Afro hairstyle, somewhat skinny, and he was wearing baggy pajama pants and a baggy T-shirt,” the flyer stated.
The flyer advised residents to check their security cameras and email or call Officer Justin Cappuccio, who was
stated to be “handling the case,” with any additional information.
“He does not live in any of the houses on this part of Wood Street, and has no reason to be here,” the flyer cautioned.
“We believe we have identified the individual involved and have already made contact with him,” Lt. Scott van Raalten shared in an email to the Independent. “Prior to this, we reached out to all the local day care centers to inform them of the reported suspicious activity.”
Officers have increased patrols in and around the area, he added. He urged anyone noticing suspicious activity to contact HPD by phone rather than by email, “as officers’ email is not monitored 24/7.”
Van Raalten did not release the name of the individual in question.
surveillance cameras.”
According to an HPD Facebook post, the Hopkinton incidents occurred near the Holliston border, near Sterling Drive and Pendulum Pass.
“The initial investigation indicates that this is an active and organized theft ring,” the post stated.
It added that the Holliston Police Department has “taken reports of similar style break-ins in that area.”
HPD requested that “residents in the area review their home security cameras in attempts to identify potential suspects and suspect vehicles” to aid in the investigation. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.
In addition, HPD reminded residents not to leave valuables in their cars and to lock their vehicles.
The phone number for the crime tip line is 508-497-9785.
Auto break-ins lead police to suspect ‘theft ring’
A string of automobile break-ins early this month led the Hopkinton Police Department to suspect an “active and organized theft ring.”
“The vehicle thefts appear to have been committed by a group that targeted Hopkinton and Holliston,” stated HPD Lt. Scott van Raalten in an email to the Independent. “We had three vehicles broken into and one stolen.
“Holliston also had several vehicles broken into and one vehicle stolen,” he continued. “Both vehicles were recovered in Worcester [Oct. 10] mid-morning. At this time, we do not have any suspects but are working through neighborhood
DPW seeks water restrictions
The Department of Public Works is asking residents to “refrain from unnecessary water use” due to low groundwater levels.
DPW director Kerry Reed informed residents in a notice Oct. 22 that a continued lack of rain has caused a decline in available groundwater. This has forced the Water Department to cut back pumping capacity at the town’s well sources.
According to the notice, forecasts continue to predict dry and above normal temperatures through the end of October, keeping groundwater levels low.
Low groundwater levels put strain on the town’s water systems and cause water to be pulled from further out in the aquifers. This affects water quality, resulting in “more periodic discoloration.”
Select Board votes for local meals tax to go before Town Meeting
fantastic,” said Degan, adding that Lee is “quick to learn all the aspects” of the position and is “hitting the ground running” as the presidential and state election approaches on Nov. 5.
Ritterbusch welcomed Lee, saying that he came “in the nick of time” due to early voting for the election and Special Town Meeting on Nov. 12. The board later voted to approve the state election warrant 4-0.
In regard to early voting, Degan said that the ballots went out from his office
already. He received several calls that day from residents who have not received them. He explained that the post office may not have delivered them yet.
The board also voted 4-0 to confirm the appointment of several new employees by the town manager. They included Jess Nadeau as a heavy equipment operator, Erin Bartolini as the Drug Free Communities Coalition coordinator, Victor Visoni as the administrative assistant of the Land Use Department, and Nicholas Medeiros as a weekend custodial maintenance worker.
Planning Board gets overview of Hop Drug redevelopment plan
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Planning Board at its Oct. 21 meeting saw an overview of the mixed-use development proposed to replace the former Hopkinton Drug building at 48-52 Main Street and a neighboring home at 6 Cedar Street.
The development team presented an overview of Main Street Crossing, the three-story, 60-unit building that includes space for two or three businesses on the first floor of the 1.35-acre site. Neal Bingham, the counsel for the applicant, explained that this is an as-ofright project.
He also noted that the Historical Commission issued notices of release for both properties. In September, the Historical Commission rescinded its demolition delay for 6 Cedar Street, a historic home that was in significant disrepair, allowing the proposal to move forward.
“As local developers, we feel a tremendous sense of responsibility for the redevelopment of this site,” said Brendon Giblin, the chief executive officer of Brendon Properties in Southborough. “Our vision was for the design to fit with a lot of the architectural details and really kind of mesh in with the details from the streetscape.”
Architect Richard Rankin described how the building design would blend aspects of Hopkinton’s historic architecture while bringing a modern energy to the downtown area. Arched upper windows and brick at the corner of Main and Cedar streets would reflect Town Hall’s design. The building’s façade would be broken up into different style segments, alternating between arched windows and recessed portions with large windows and Juliet-style balconies. Brackets and lap siding resemble two former boot factories that “once were a driving force to the economy of the town.”
The development would have a courtyard for residents and patrons, according to Matt Murphy of Bohler Engineering. A green buffer of street
trees and ornamental vegetation would run along three sides of the building. The pedestrian walkway would remain level with retail shops despite the 15-foot drop in grade as the building reaches the Cedar Street corner.
There are two driveways proposed. The Main Street driveway would provide access to retail parking and public parking spaces as well as access to a residential parking garage at the far end of the lot. The current Cedar Street driveways will be consolidated into one driveway that leads to residential parking in the lower parking garage.
While 100 parking spaces are required, the development team decided to plan for 122 parking spaces to help ease the downtown parking crunch. A traffic study showed a minimal increase in traffic compared to the traffic generated by the former drug store.
Stormwater management will be improved because the water will be treated before being discharged. Other infrastructure improvements include a new water connection on Main Street and new electric, gas and sewer connections on Cedar Street.
Principal Planner John Gelcich reminded the board of the importance of this downtown corner and how its decision would shape development opportunities for decades and “potentially transform downtown.”
“What goes into this place is going to dictate what Hopkinton’s downtown looks and feels like into the future,” he said, noting that it would set the precedent for future development.
New businesses will add to the commercial tax base, while new residents will add additional shoppers and foot traffic, Gelcich added.
A site walk was planned for Oct. 26.
Chair Rob Benson explained that a peer review had not been completed for the project. He also talked about getting a shade analysis. He continued the hearing until Nov. 4.
“From my point of view, it looks good,” he said. “I think the town wants it to look really good.”
Conservation Commission welcomes new conservation
administrator
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
T
he Conservation Commission at its meeting Oct. 22 voted 5-0 to appoint Judy Day as the town’s new conservation administrator.
Day’s most recent position has been with the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, where she has managed its climate resilience and air quality programs for more than two years. Her focus has been on environmental planning in relation to transportation. She has a background in geoscience and environmental studies.
“I’m excited to broaden the scope of my work and have more of a local impact with Hopkinton and do work near where I live,” said Day, a Westborough resident.
Day is replacing Kim Ciaramicoli, who announced her resignation on Aug. 20 after more than three years in this role to take a position in the private sector. She has been helping the commission on a per
diem basis to help bridge the gap while the town searched for her successor.
Anna Rogers, the town’s environmental & inspectional services coordinator, noted that she was part of the first team that interviewed Day. Conservation Commission chair Melissa Recos participated in the second round of interviewers, along with Principal Planner John Gelcich and other members of town staff.
Added Rogers: “We are super happy that Judy decided to accept our request to become the new conservation administrator.”
Board members welcomed Day and praised Ciaramicoli at her final meeting for her work over the past few years. Ciaramicoli spoke about her “great respect” for the board for “volunteering to make your neighborhoods a better place.”
“I just wanted to say for the record that this board is amazingly talented and resilient,” said Ciaramicoli. “The work that Conservation Commission | 7
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Heat pumps are all the buzz now, but do they really work?
With the shift toward sustainable energy solutions, heat pumps have quickly gained popularity as an efficient way to heat and cool homes. However, the success of a heat pump installation relies not only on the technology but also on a thorough understanding of the home — or the “box” — in which it’s being installed. Factors like design, insulation and overall structure impact the system’s performance, efficiency and ability to deliver consistent comfort. Heat pumps are highly efficient because they move heat rather than generating it through
combustion. However, their heat output generally is lower than traditional fuelbased systems. For example, while a warmair furnace pushes air at temperatures between 130-160 degrees, a heat pump typically delivers air around 100-120 degrees. This lower output means a heat pump may take longer to heat a space, especially if the home isn’t properly sealed or insulated. A skilled installer should assess the home’s insulation and sealing before selecting and installing the right system.
Optimal comfort with a heat pump
Unlike systems that burn fuel to produce heat, heat pumps transfer heat through a refrigeration process, making them safer, cleaner and quieter. No combustion means no gases or residuals, while simpler maintenance avoids the soot and ash associated with traditional systems. Heat pumps also operate quietly, providing whisper-like comfort without the loud “shake and bake” of combustion. They’re the silent, reliable friend you didn’t know you had, consistently keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Heat pump plus ‘tight’ home a winning combo
Pairing a heat pump with a “tight” home — one that minimizes air leakage —
creates an ideal setup for peak efficiency. In a tightly sealed home, the heat pump can effectively maintain comfort by keeping conditioned air inside and outdoor air out. Achieving this level of efficiency goes beyond insulation; it requires detailed sealing of cracks around windows and doors, caulking and weatherproofing.
An installer with expertise in these elements can design a system that maximizes the benefits of both a tight home and a heat pump, ensuring the system operates efficiently without unnecessary strain. By pairing these two strategies, homeowners can enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient space yearround.
The ‘box’ as a critical factor
A home’s condition — especially insulation, air sealing and heat retention — directly affects how well a heat pump performs. In homes that are poorly sealed or under-insulated, a heat pump has to work harder to maintain comfort, which often reduces efficiency and increases energy use. Installing a heat pump goes beyond simply selecting a system; it involves tailoring it to the home’s unique “box.” This means understanding how air moves within the home, identifying areas of potential heat loss or gain, and selecting a system that meets the homeowner’s comfort goals and available rebates.
Heat pump design equals success
A successful heat pump installation depends as much on the home as it does on the equipment. A properly sealed and insulated home allows the heat pump to operate more efficiently, delivering steady comfort with reduced energy use. For homeowners considering a heat pump, knowing that a successful installation requires a comprehensive understanding of the home can make all the difference. The best results come when the installer has a “whole home” perspective, ensuring the system is perfectly suited to the home’s unique characteristics. For more information on heat pump systems, contact:
‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
Independent Photo Contest
This issue’s winner is Peter Smith for this photo of Kona the dog during a walk at a local trail on a September morning. 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.
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.
Conservation Commission welcomes new conservation administrator
Conservation Commission | from page 5
you do is so important and undervalued.”
She added that she “will be providing on-call advisement and review of legally binding documents” for the commission as Day transitions into the role.
Commission approves plan for replacement of trees
The commission approved of a plan to replace twice the amount of the trees that were cleared up to the 50-foot buffer area by a contractor for the Elmwood Farms III subdivision now known as Newbury Glen off Blueberry Lane.
At its Aug. 20 meeting, the commission chastised Ted Merchant, the director of land development for Toll Brothers, for allowing this to happen. Ciaramicoli and Merchant had agreed that the contractor could remove trees from a 15-foot work area to allow for the installation of a French drain, but the contractor removed trees from double that area.
Merchant presented a replacement plan for the planting of 30 trees to replace 15 that were cut. Tree species proposed included tulip poplar, white oak, scarlet oak, pin oak and American linden. Ciaramicoli said the species were appropriate for the area.
Merchant also explained that the pipe will be installed within the next two weeks, which would delay the planting of these trees until the spring.
Recos questioned Merchant about the indication on the plan that the homeowners association would have a proposed 15-foot easement. Merchant explained that the pipe would be running behind the homes at Newbury Glen. All plantings would be
outside of the easement. The homeowners association would maintain the pipe, which also runs into land donated earlier this year to the Open Space Preservation Commission.
Conservation Commission member
Ed Harrow, who also serves as the OSPC chair, said he was pleased with the tree species selection, as it reflected what he remembered there. But he pointed out that he previously asked about four trees that were removed that were not within the Conservation Commission’s jurisdiction. Merchant said he is “open to” planting replacement trees there.
“I need to report back to the [OSPC] more than that you’re open to it,” Harrow said. “I need a commitment.”
At that point, Merchant said he was “happy to commit” to the replanting. He will adjust the plan and forward copies to the Conservation Commission and the OSPC.
Harrow added that the OSPC had been “a little antsy” about taking the land in the first place because of the pipe.
Said Harrow: “There’s some dissension in the ranks about this.”
Ciaramicoli noted that “the applicant has been cooperative with us.” A vote was not needed to confirm acceptance of the plan because it did not evolve into an enforcement status. She advised Rogers and Day to draft a memo to keep in the file to document the acceptance of the plan and forward it to the OSPC.
Recos and Merchant agreed to a June 1, 2025, deadline for the completion of the tree planting, although this may be modified if Merchant encounters problems in the spring.
Merchant added that a new contractor would be performing the wetland replication work on the site.
CPC kicks off application review process for FY 26 funding
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Community Preservation Committee at its meeting Oct. 17 began its review of applicants for fiscal year 2026 funding with an overview of the proposals received, focusing primarily on the Center School’s rehabilitation and the proposed adaptive playground.
[Center
School] is one where we’ve got to think about if we’re going to go through with it. … We might be the last chance for that building.
— CPC chair Ken Weismantel
Under the Community Preservation Act that was signed in 2000, Massachusetts communities may add a surcharge on top of their local property taxes to fund open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and affordable housing projects. At least 10% of CPA funding must be spent on each of these four categories, with the rest available for any category. The CPC administers the allocation of these funds based on submitted proposals.
Chair Ken Weismantel pointed out that this is the first time in several years when applicants will need to prioritize the projects for which they hope to receive funding. While unspent money is carried over from previous years to the current budget, he anticipated that approving the bulk of the applications, which total about $3.5 million so far, would drain the coffers significantly.
Center School, adaptive playground top list
The Permanent Building Committee and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts jointly applied for $600,000 for a design and feasibility study for Center School as well as construction documents. Once the building is restored, it has been proposed to be used as a shared resource between town departments and the HCA. The Parks & Recreation and Youth & Family Services departments are expected to move there. There would be space for indoor recreation programs for youth and adults, meeting space, and office and program space for
mental health programs. The HCA also would hold classes there.
“This is one where we’ve got to think about if we’re going to go through with it. … We might be the last chance for that building,” said Weismantel, noting the total project is expected to cost $10 million.
A plan would allow the town to apply for arts grants and for the HCA to fundraise. The applicants also plan on applying for additional state and local funding starting in January.
“The first thing is that people have to have a picture in their mind of what the heck we’re going to do with it,” Weismantel continued. “It’s a big commitment.”
Previous options were to sell the property for housing development or tear it down for open space or a parking lot.
Member Steve Levandosky noted that this project would take about half of the available $1.1 million in the historic preservation funding bucket.
The Hopkinton Public Schools and the Hopkinton Adaptive Playground Committee jointly requested between $1.6 million and $2.13 million to construct the town’s first adaptive playground. The committee has been meeting to guide the project with the goal of creating an inclusive space for children of all abilities to play together. The project was allocated $100,000 in FY 25 CPC funds for its design, which Town Meeting approved in May.
Weismantel said he expected the total project cost to be $1 million because that was the original request last year. Further discussion of options and features “the CPC | 9
CPC kicks off application review process for FY 26 funding
committee would be willing to give up” would be needed.
Added member Dan Terry: “This goes a long way toward depleting money for recreation projects.”
Parks & Rec puts in requests
Terry, the Parks & Recreation Commission chair, spoke about Parks & Rec requests for this cycle. They include $10,000 for a feasibility study for a splash pad, possibly at Sandy Beach.
A request for $18,000 would be used for a feasibility study for the layout and use of Reed Park. Weismantel suggested putting this on hold because the road access needed for the park likely would cost $1 million.
A $412,500 request for a driveway to be planned and constructed from Fruit Street to the proposed parking lot for the new Pyne Field cricket and baseball athletic fields is expected to draw negative feedback from abutters.
A proposal for three water fountain/ refill stations at the Town Common, the Sandy Beach bathhouse and the dog park was brought to Parks & Rec by the Sustainable Green Committee, Terry explained. Bottle refill stations potentially would reduce the use of plastic water bottles. The project would cost $24,300.
OSPC requests money to purchase properties
The Open Space Preservation Commission made three requests for
funds to acquire properties, with the amount to be determined. They include the Canty property on North Street, the Casucci property at 89 Saddle Hill Road and a portion of the Phipps land at 89 Winter Street. This would allow for trail connectivity and augments other area open space parcels near the properties.
Weismantel said he arranged with Town Manager Elaine Lazarus that for small land purchases, he could use the town assessor’s estimated property value determination rather than commissioning an assessor.
Smaller funding requests reviewed
The Commission on Disability, Hopkinton Public Library and Hopkinton Historic District Commission cosponsored a historical preservation request of $47,114 for the installation of a railing along the sloped walkway of the Main Street entrance and the installation of a pushbutton automatic door at the Main Street entrance. This would improve accessibility to the building for people with disabilities and parents with strollers.
Town Clerk Connor Degan requested $20,000 for the second phase of the digitization of town documents. The first phase was funded by an FY 24 grant. He explained that an error led to a pause in the project this year. The money he is requesting only could be applied to documents that were not restored previously.
Another request for $20,000 for headstone restoration came from the Cemetery Commission. Weismantel
expressed some concern with the application, as the commission has not spent two previous grants in a timely manner, taking two or three years to complete the work.
The Hopkinton Area Land Trust requested $8,000 to prepare the documents to place a conservation restriction on the Colella Farm property, which recently was acquired by the town.
The Historical Commission requested
$132,960 for Mount Auburn Cemetery building restoration. It also asked for an unspecified amount of money for floor restoration for the Ellsworth conference room at the library and $150,000 for the second phase of the restoration of the Historical Society location at 168 Hayden Rowe Street.
There will be a deeper review of the proposals at the CPC’s next meeting on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
DOG TIRED
Riordan and dog Duncan
accompany Meredith Robertson and Rosie down the homestretch of the Baypath Humane Society Paws & Claws 5K road race Oct. 20 at Hopkinton State Park.
Molly
(left)
Girl Scouts’ art display encourages community volunteering
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Can wire, gesso and acrylic paint make a difference in the community? For a group of Hopkinton Girl Scouts, the answer to that question is yes.
Girl Scout Cadettes from Troop 82358 completed a service project for Project Just Because (PJB) that involved the hanging of displays designed to encourage people to volunteer at the food pantry.
The displays are designed as hearts that feature inspiring quotes, catchphrases and visuals, along QR codes that direct viewers to PJB’s volunteer sign-up page. The project — entitled Follow Your Heart — is set up alongside the Art on the Trail exhibit on Center Trail.
As part of the Cadettes’ Take Action Project, Follow Your Heart is meant to address an issue in the community and enact positive change. This project will help the girls earn the Silver Award, one of Girl Scouts’ highest awards.
According to Jenna Gavula, one of the troop’s leaders, the idea came after the girls toured the PJB facility and connected with the organization’s president, Cherylann Lambert Walsh.
“There’s a dire need [for volunteers], especially in certain times of the year,” said Gavula. The girls saw an opportunity
To instill that in them now helps to build a foundation of the importance of being volunteers in their community.
— Jenna Gavula Troop leader
to benefit the pantry by helping enroll more volunteers, she added.
The group of 10 Scouts went through a design process with their project, starting with brainstorming and working all the way through prototyping until they reached a final product.
THANKSGIVING DINNER
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NOTE: All birds cooked fresh Thanksgiving Day
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• Apple pie & Pumpkin pie: $19.99/each
“They went through a special process where they learned about design thinking and learned about how scientists and engineers work in the real world,” Gavula said.
The girls even tested their designs, bringing them to groups at the Senior Center and Hopkinton High School — two populations they identified as ideal candidates to target with volunteering opportunities.
Once feedback was gathered, the group finalized the designs and constructed the final products.
The finished hearts have eyecatching, artistic elements and inspiring messages with simple calls to action.
“It’s a visual story about volunteering,” explained Vanessa Barker, another of the troop’s leaders.
The hearts were installed on Center Trail at the beginning of October, and are to remain there for the next few weeks.
Installing the signs on the trail was another important part of the project. The girls needed to put the hearts somewhere people would be able to interact with them.
In coordination with the Hopkinton Cultural Council, the group was able to share space on Center Trail during the annual Art on the Trail exhibit. Signs at the trailhead identify the difference between the girls’ projects and the art exhibits.
Barker says the ultimate goal of the project is “establishing a new relationship with volunteers, and [hoping] those relationships carry on.”
When it comes to measuring the impact of Follow Your Heart, Gavula and Barker intend to do a retrospective with their Scouts after the exhibit is over. They report the group already is beginning to think about where else the hearts can go to continue making a difference.
Gavula highlighted her Scouts’ creativity in both the artistic and problemsolving aspects of this project. She noted that while some of the messages on the hearts are famous lines or quotes from real volunteers, the girls also came up with their own messages.
“To see their raw creativity … they really understood what they were trying to do,” Gavula said.
She also talked about how the girls’ project helps them understand the importance of community engagement.
Said Gavula: “To instill that in them now helps to build a foundation of the importance of being volunteers in their community.”
Girls Scouts show off their service project on the Center Trail designed to help identify volunteers for local charity Project Just Because.
Building inspector cites complaint for yard sign removals
proposed gas station project at 290 West Main Street, which these neighborhoods abut. The signs’ removal came just before an important public hearing Oct. 9 regarding a use variance request to the Board of Appeals about the project.
McWhite explained his office completed “enforcement actions” related to the removal of yard signs on land designated as town property.
Said McWhite: “[We] did, as a municipality, properly receive requests that signs placed in the right of way be observed and responded to in accordance with the bylaw.”
He confirmed these actions were taken last week in response to a complaint, but he did not confirm where in town enforcement occurred, on what dates actions were taken or who submitted the complaint.
McWhite and Lazarus also confirmed that the building inspectors utilize townowned Ford Explorers — a type of vehicle similar to the one reported by residents during the time the yard signs were removed.
The two maintain the temporary yard signs were within the town’s rights of way, violating zoning bylaws.
According to an email received by the Independent from Lazarus on Oct. 11, “road rights of way extend beyond the pavement of a street for variable distances, but this is 4 to 6 feet back from the road pavement.”
In a conversation with the Independent, Lazarus elaborated further on the reasoning for the zoning enforcement. She claimed the presence of any signs on town property might send the wrong signal about the town’s opinion on a given matter.
“The town itself doesn’t take a position on these things,” she said. “The town isn’t issuing an opinion one way or another.”
The timeline of the sign removal has been a continuous question. Their removal came one day before a public comment hearing on the gas station project. Prior to that, the signs had been in place for almost two weeks.
As to the timing of the enforcement, McWhite explained the process for how his department handles resolving complaints.
“We respond to complaints within 24 hours of receiving [them],” he said.
The Building Department, McWhite explained, responds to specific complaints and determines whether they fall within the department’s jurisdiction.
If a violation has occurred, a zoning officer then is tasked with enforcement, which can include the removal of signs. Technically, the Building Department does not need to provide notice that it is removing signs found to be in violation of town bylaws.
McWhite claimed there was not “adequate time for town citizens to receive a reminder about the signs,” which is why the removed signs remain available for pickup next to the shed behind Town Hall.
Why the Building Department did not send a notice to residents after enforcement actions were taken remains unclear. When the Independent reached out to the department Oct. 10 for an explanation on what happened, a representative stated that the department could not comment on the matter, and the issue had been referred to the Hopkinton Police Department.
Pressed on the question of why the department did not affirm an action it had a legal right to do when contacted about the matter the previous week, McWhite
cited clarity of information as a mitigating factor.
“We didn’t want to give out information repeatedly,” said McWhite. “We wanted to make sure the [town] is getting the complete answer and the correct answer.”
Although an official response and explanation for the sign removal has been provided, residents still are expressing frustration over the issue.
John Gavula, a West Elm Street resident who had his signs removed, feels the enforcement was selective and prejudicial. He pointed to other yard signs along his street that were not removed while in clear violation of the same rules.
“It feels weird to enforce [the bylaws] on a particular sign and leave others in the same location,” said Gavula.
He also wishes there was better communication of the bylaw infraction and more of a goodwill effort by town officials to resolve the issue without removing the signs altogether.
“If [the zoning officer] were a good citizen, they could have just moved it over a few inches,” he said.
He and others would like to see a more comprehensive explanation about the bylaws and what is and is not permitted. Lazarus admitted the town could do more to educate residents about yard sign rules.
New director brings waves of change to Golden Pond
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
Marc Cohen, the new executive director of The Communities at Golden Pond, hopes to bring his decades of experience to help the assisted living facility overcome a series of challenges from last year.
Among the issues were a suspended certification — later resolved with the state — and the death of a resident who wandered off the property. Although the resident’s wife absolved Golden Pond of any fault, the incident brought some undesirable publicity.
Cohen, who started in August, has extensive knowledge of this field and of the area. He has worked in senior living management for about 18 years, including positions in Milford, Framingham and Natick. Before that, he spent 20 years working in hospital administration. His experience is varied, as he has worked for large national companies and family-owned facilities like Golden Pond.
“I could only provide the infrastructure for quality of care to happen,” he said in a recent interview with the Independent about his early experience. “I couldn’t actually put my hands on somebody and make a difference. Here, when I helped someone, I got a hug.”
Added Cohen: “That’s the kind of thing that gets you going to your job every day.”
Cohen decided to come out of retirement to fill this position and build a new management team. He had left his last role at Anthology Senior Living in Natick after having multiple eye surgeries.
“I couldn’t give the effort that the residents deserved and the company deserved,” he explained. “So I retired. But I’m not built for that.”
He took on the challenge of restoring the reputation of Golden Pond, which he noted is one of the largest assisted living facilities in Massachusetts with 173 apartments.
“I’ve known about Golden Pond forever because we’ve been around for about 35 years,” he said of his decision to work there. “They existed before I even came into the field.
“One of the things that is different about these jobs is that we get the honor of being welcomed into people’s homes every day,” Cohen continued. “It comes with a lot of responsibility, but a lot of joy, too.”
Asked about his decision to take on the role after last year’s failed compliance reviews and the certification suspension, Cohen was fervent about his desire to move forward and make significant changes.
“I knew what I was getting into,” he said. “We are in the process of reinventing Golden Pond. Clearly, we’ve had some issues in the past, but we’re past those.”
New staff and a hands-on approach
The first step Cohen took was hiring a new
management team. He also retained two people he did not name but whom he described as “really great assets for us.”
“We have a new resident care director and memory care director,” he said, “and I am interviewing for a new activities director. Dining is coming back in-house later this year.”
Cohen also moved his office so that it would be accessible for the residents. It offers a view of West Main Street, where he watches visitors and pharmacy and food trucks enter.
One of the biggest changes Cohen has planned is that he is working to decertify some of the apartments so they can become independent living apartments. The application is pending with the state’s Executive Office of Elderly Affairs, he explained.
“It’s an opportunity for people to move in who don’t need any services,” he said. “There are plenty of independent living places around, but it’s going to be quite a move for people for the most part. Here you’re a part of the community, and when it gets to the point that you need services, you can stay here.”
He added that the regulations will be changing in 2025 due to recently passed legislation, allowing nurses to be able to perform more services for residents.
“They will allow assisted living nurses to do some basic healthcare things,” he explained. “For example, without a license, nurses can’t give injections. With oxygen, right now we can’t set the flow, but we can tell a resident where it needs to be.”
Said Cohen: “It’s a lot more complicated than a lot of people think.”
How the pandemic affected assisted living facilities
Regarding the suspended certifications that happened last year, Cohen noted that “it happens much more often than people think.” He also explained the impact that the pandemic had on state reviews.
“COVID-19 changed things a lot,” explained Cohen, who has a doctorate in health policy and planning. “I got to see what was going on in Italy because one of the residents watched Italian TV. So I actually made a big order of PPE during the second week of February. The government’s emergency order wasn’t until March 20. So we were way ahead of the curve.
“I could have done part of my job from home,” he continued. “But how could I tell people you have to go to a place where you could die just by breathing, and I’m going to sit home in my slippers?”
He explained that assisted living facilities like Golden Pond have to go through a recertification process every two years. But this process was shut down during the pandemic.
“Where I was working at that time, they had to
With a new executive director in place, Golden Pond looks to bounce back after a challenging past year.
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.
Medication Disposal with Hopkinton Police
Monday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Those looking to clean up around the house before the holiday season can stop by for coffee with a Hopkinton Police officer and drop off expired or unwanted medications at the Senior Center. Sharps are not accepted during this event.
Thanksgiving Traditions in Boston
Monday, Nov. 4, 2 p.m.
Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789. Governors of Massachusetts would proclaim a local holiday of Thanksgiving, but it was Sarah J. Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, who promoted a national day of Thanksgiving. It was during the Civil War under the presidency of Abraham Lincoln that Thanksgiving became a federal holiday in 1863.
History of Beauty and Cosmetics
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2:30 p.m.
Those who wonder where cosmetics originated and how they evolved through the years can learn about the origins of makeup and the ways in which societal changes influenced the beauty industry’s development. As cosmetics became more acceptable in the early 20th century, ladies were able to choose from a variety of beautifying products they hoped would make their romantic dreams come true.
Our Time Memory Café at the Senior Center
Thursday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.
Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, along with their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, have social experiences with others going through similar changes and form friendships. A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call the Senior Center.
Holiday Scam Awareness
Friday, Nov. 8, 12:30 p.m.
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with all the festive cheer in the air comes the chill of holiday scammers getting ready to enjoy their holiday season at the public’s expense. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is hosting an important and free workshop about current and emerging scams, as well as tips for residents to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Museum of Flight Presents: Exploration of Mars
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2:30 p.m.
From the ancient civilizations and to the present, humans have been fascinated by the planet Mars. In this virtual program, attendees will explore the planet and learn about its characteristics as compared to Earth, and examine the discoveries made by early probes through the most recent exploring rover Perseverance and the helicopter Ingenuity. There also will be a look at future plans for human exploration and the obstacles complicating sending humans to Mars. Those interested should call for the Zoom link.
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look at 54 months of paperwork rather than 24,” he stressed. “And I was the fourth executive director within that time period.”
Golden Pond as a community resource
While Golden Pond has existed for more than three decades, “a lot of people don’t know what it is,” Cohen said.
“You may not be thinking about assisted living, but you’ve driven by here for 20 years,” he continued. “So stop in, and we’ll be happy to show you around.”
There is no pressure or “highpressure sales pitch” involved. People who are exploring Golden Pond are welcome to make multiple visits, dine there and consult with family members before making a decision. Cohen also tries to meet everyone touring Golden Pond personally.
“People should know who we are,” he said. “We have a positive community.
This is a place for someone you care for, and it’s got to be right.”
Added Cohen: “I’ve had family members move into an assisted living facility, so I’ve sat at both sides of that table.”
The facility includes studio apartments, companion apartments and more.
“The only thing that the residents have in common at first is that none of them expected to be here,” he said. Over time, activities, dining together and holiday gatherings allow them to grow into a close-knit community.
Added Cohen: “I tell everyone who works here that the residents are the boss.”
Cohen makes it a point to eat in the dining room with residents so he can experience the quality of the food firsthand. Once when someone made a comment about the meatloaf, he asked for her recipe. “Maria’s Meatloaf” became a menu special.
“You only need to do it once or twice, and it becomes a lot more fun,” he said.
508.808.1149
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in
155 Lumber Street
64
How to minimize paying capital gains tax in real estate
Doesn’t it feel good to turn a healthy profit in a real estate transaction? Selling your property can be a lucrative move, but capital gains taxes can reduce your profits. Understanding how to reduce these taxes allows you to keep more money in your pocket. In general, the calculation to estimate capital gains on the profits of your primary residence
is: Sales price minus original cost minus capital improvements minus selling and
closing costs equals gain.
From this gain, homeowners may qualify to then deduct $250,000 for a single taxpayer or $500,000 for married couples filing taxes together if you lived in your home for at least two of the last five years prior to a sale.
Then you multiply this by your federal tax rate of a capital gain to determine what you owe based on income:
0% – Income up to $47,025 single, $94,050 joint
15% – Between $47,026-$518,900 single, between $94,051-$583,750 joint
20% – Above $518,900 single, $583,750 joint
General example for married couple with joint income below $583,750 with a $1.5 million sale:
$1.5M sale price - $750,000 original price - $100K improvements - $85K closing costs - $500K exemption for a
married couple = $65,000 gains x 15% tax = $9,750 in federal capital gains tax.
There also is an additional state capital gains tax rate. In Massachusetts, it is 5%.
Note that a long-term capital gain is a home owned for longer then a year, while a short-term capital gain would be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. Some exceptions can apply.
Save your receipts of capital improvements (roof, kitchen and bath remodels, additions) to your property to use toward capital gains deductions. Closing costs from the purchase of the property and the sale also can be deducted.
For rental properties, a 1031 exchange allows you to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the sale proceeds into a new property (or properties) equaling the same or higher value. While this doesn’t eliminate the tax, it allows you to postpone it until you eventually sell
the new property. In theory, you could defer the capital gains tax indefinitely by continuing to use 1031 exchanges each time you sell a rental property.
The rules for calculating capital gains and 1031 exchanges are complex, so consulting a financial advisor and tax professional is highly recommended. Capital gains tax rules are different for investments, vacation homes and inherited properties. More details and detailed worksheets to calculate your capital gains can be obtained by IRS Publications 523, 409 and 701.
Kim Foemmel Foemmel Fine Homes 1 Lumber Street, Suite 207C Hopkinton, MA (508) 808-1149 Kim.foemmel@gmail.com FoemmelFineHomes.com
SEPAC launches Little Library with resources for SPED parents
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
Located adjacent to the Marathon School playground is a new, free community resource called the Little Library.
It is the latest effort by Hopkinton’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) to create a welcoming space for parents and caregivers to pick up a diverse collection of books with subjects like disabilities, special education, neurodiversity and mental health, “topics that carry a lot of stigma,” noted Erica Seekell, SEPAC’s events coordinator.
“Our hope is that this library fosters understanding and makes our community a more inclusive place for everyone,” she said.
SEPAC funded and stocked the small weatherproof library cupboard on a post. It is their hope that parents take and/or leave a book that they find helpful or can be useful to others.
The Little Library’s offerings are books outlining special education rights, effective communication strategies, behavioral techniques, emotional well-being and more.
The collection also includes inspiring stories and memoirs from parents and educators, “offering encouragement and hope,” according to SEPAC.
Reference books and novels featuring SPED
topics are other options.
Dedicating the Little Library next to the Marathon School playground on Oct. 20 were (from left) Abby Hanscom, Erica Seekell, Lauren Dubeau, Jen Halliday and Sam, who created the design with with Eloise (last names not provided).
In addition to providing resources, the mission of the Little Library is to build a stronger, more connected community, according to Jennifer Halliday, SEPAC chair.
“This project represents our town’s commitment to inclusion,” Halliday stated in a press release. “Our goal is to create a welcoming space where parents can find support and information.”
The Little Library builds on a SEPAC initiative last year when the SPED parent group collected books for a special needs resource collection for students to check out at the school library, Seekell said.
Unmanned, the Little Library is relying on community members to contribute by donating books or suggesting titles they think may be helpful to others.
On Oct. 20, the Little Library’s official launch was acknowledged with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at the annual SEPAC Fall Festival.
Community members joined the celebration, met fellow supporters and explored the book collection. There also were children’s activities and refreshments.
For more information about the Little Library or how to get involved, Seekell can be reached at eseekell@gmail.com.
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 6-month-old Edgar.
Here is Baypath’s description of Edgar:
“Meet Edgar, an adorable puppy with a bright future ahead! This sweet boy is set to grow into a large, friendly dog with a playful spirit and a heart full of affection. Edgar already knows commands like ‘sit’ and ‘come,’ showing off his intelligence and eagerness to learn. He’s gentle, cuddly, and loves being close to his people, making him an ideal companion for cozy downtime.
“Edgar absolutely loves other dogs and enjoys his daily walks with volunteers and his doggy pals. Whether it’s fun outings with furry friends, adventurous walks or snuggling up after a day of play, Edgar is ready to bring joy and laughter to your life. If you’re looking for a loyal friend to grow with, Edgar might just be the perfect match for you!”
For more information about Edgar 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.
ScHoolS School Committee discusses MCAS results, safety protocols
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
Recentnews about Massachusetts
Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) results show a decline across the state post-COVID in English/language arts and flat rates in mathematics. In Hopkinton, however, most students maintained or improved over the prior year and continue to outperform statewide scores in achievement and growth, according to Jeffrey LaBroad, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development.
LaBroad outlined results to the School Committee on Oct. 24, noting most grade levels returned to pre-COVID levels and rank high in each subject when compared with other districts in Massachusetts.
He said the intent is not to boast and say, “ ‘Hey, look how great we are’ … because it is not a competition … but to highlight really good stuff is happening.”
LaBroad added Hopkinton uses several other assessments to monitor student progress.
The elementary level and high school students tested are in the “meeting or exceeding targets” category, while the middle school is “making substantial progress toward targets.”
The percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations is as follows:
For English/language arts (ELA): Grade 3, 73%; Grade 4, 70%; Grade 5, 79%; Grade 6, 77%; Grade 7, 64%; Grade 8, 76% and Grade 10, 90%.
In math, it is Grade 3, 76%; Grade 4, 80%; Grade 5, 81%; Grade 6, 80%; Grade 7, 78%; Grade 8, 83% and Grade 10, 86%.
LaBroad said 28 students in Grade 10 had perfect scores in math.
Grade 5, 8 and 10 also tested in STE (science, technology and engineering) and the results exceeding or meeting expectations were 84%, 72% and 87%, respectively.
The assistant superintendent also broke down where Hopkinton landed in state rankings. Examples in math included first in Grade 5 and second in Grade 8.
His presentation also looked at where improvement is needed, described as “opportunity for growth” by LaBroad.
For example, in ELA Grade 4, students meeting expectations went from 63% to
58%, and partially meeting was at 25%. In Grade 7 ELA, there was a drop in scores. Only 14% exceeded expectations, down from 30% the prior year. However, 50% met expectations, up from 45%, while partially meeting jumped from 19% last year to 28% this year.
While 6% of students last year did not meet expectations, this year, that went to 8%.
School Committee members pointed out that in ELA, about one-third of students in Grade 7 are in the partially met or did not meet categories.
Member Chris Masters asked if there is an identifiable cause. LaBroad replied that the results are “one snapshot in time,” and there are a lot of factors that can impact scores.
The assistant superintendent also showed data from subgroups — students who are English learners or former English learners, have disabilities or have low income.
“There is a lot of growth and movement forward in several grades,” LaBroad said.
“We’ve got work to do. Our work is never done,” LaBroad added, regarding the overall results.
Safety protocols described
In her report, Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh spent time describing the district’s training in safety during intruder incidents.
The information came following an episode earlier this month when a call was received claiming there was a school shooter in the building.
She noted the training is “developmentally appropriate,” and elementary students do not practice ALICE (alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate) drills.
Cavanaugh said in addition to a school safety task force in the community, each building has its own crisis response team. The team is comprised of employees with a higher participation practicing and planning for emergencies, she said.
Younger students have practice evacuating the building during fire drills. During an intruder drill at the middle school, teachers made decisions “based on the intruder’s location,” and those students evacuating did not have to leave with their hands raised, which would be the case in a real intruder emergency.
The superintendent said, “ALICE is not a fire drill, not just lockdown and not something that proceeds in the order of the acronym.” Instead, actions are taken based on the intruder’s location.
Sometimes, she said, immediate evacuation is better than “containing” students in a classroom.
Moving targets are more difficult to hit, she added.
No matter what method is used, the superintendent said, plain language is crucial whether over the public address system, text, email or an app called CrisisGo.
“We would never ask anyone to take on an intruder,” Cavanaugh said, but in “last-ditch worst case scenarios,” the protocol is to distract by throwing things, screaming, overturning desks, etc.
“In the face of danger, our instinct is to remove ourselves from the threat,” she added.
ScHoolS
School shooting concerns prompt proposal for safety assessment funding
trend in school shootings from 1999-2023. They spiked in 2018 to 30 from 15 the previous year. There also was an increase upon the return to school in 2021 during the pandemic. The number rose from 42 in 2021 to 46 in 2022.
“When we were growing up, there weren’t school shootings,” said Burtt. “The first big one was Columbine,” the 1999 incident in Colorado in which 12 students and a teacher were killed by two students who then shot themselves.
“I really started paying attention after the Georgia story,” Burtt said. News reports indicated in that Sept. 4 shooting, two teachers and two students were killed, and nine others were injured.
Burtt then went to HPS Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh with his concerns. He said she invited him to a late-September School Safety Task Force meeting, where he was allowed to speak for 30 minutes.
Swatting incident leads to action
The meeting Burtt attended preceded the swatting incident that occurred at Hopkinton High School on Oct. 1. Although it was deemed a hoax by police, it raised additional concerns for Burtt, who has a son who attends HHS and two sons who go to Hopkinton Middle School.
“It was scary for my kids,” he said. “People weren’t really sure what was happening.”
Burtt’s hope is that a Town Meeting article on funding for a safety assessment of the district’s schools would “get people talking about school safety.”
“We need to get some consultants in so that we know what our vulnerabilities are and the cost to implement something,” he said. “Consultants would give an objective perspective, not some fear-based one.”
Said Burtt: “Some people say, ‘We’re Hopkinton. We have an image to protect.’ But this is a national problem.”
Superintendent, HPD respond
In an Oct. 23 interview, Cavanaugh stressed that she takes “a very earnest approach” regarding the safety of the
district’s students. She explained that the School Department “works closely with the police” in developing safety plans. In addition, “There is a Crisis Response Team in every building.”
She added that HPD responded to the swatting incident “in under four minutes.” She stated that there is a “chasm of disparity between the actual danger and the level of response in a swatting incident.” While HPD highly suspected a hoax, “They still approached the situation as if it were ‘real.’ ”
On Oct. 23, the middle school had an ALICE drill, when, she said, “The students did not exit the building with their hands raised.” The acronym stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. ALICE drills are conducted periodically, although not for
elementary school students, according to Cavanaugh.
“Naturally, there are some things we do not share publicly, as to do so would compromise our ability to keep students and staff safe,” she explained via email. “There is a lot that happens, which I don’t believe townspeople are aware of.”
The superintendent said there are situations where a student with a potential mental health issue can be identified through social media posts and other activities that will alert staff of the need for the student to receive counseling.
Stressed Cavanaugh: “We are very good at providing support services.”
Regarding the Town Meeting article Burtt proposed, she explained that she “will wait to see if the resident brings an article forth to Town Meeting in May and
if the voters approve a feasibility study. It is only through a feasibility study that we can come to understand the costs.” Cavanaugh also invited concerned parents to attend the School Safety Task Force meetings, which happen four or five times per year.
Lt. Scott van Raalten in an Oct. 23 email gave the HPD’s perspective on school safety measures. He noted that the Sgt. Matthew Santoro, the school resource officer, teaches the ALICE program to all beginning HPS teachers.
Stated van Raalten: “School safety plans, generally, are ever-evolving, as they are updated based on information shared at School Safety Task Force Meetings, concerns raised by buildinglevel Crisis Response Teams, current research and consultation with the HPD.”
HHS Boys XC showcases talent to win TVL title
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
The Hopkinton High School boys cross country team might not have been expected to win the Tri-Valley League Showcase meet based on the head-to-head matchups, but the pre-meet prognostications did not matter once coach Laura McKenzie’s team started running.
“I think on paper, Ashland looked a little bit faster than us,” McKenzie said. “But the boys just raced. They raced hard, and that was the big difference.”
Hopkinton showed off its depth during that Oct. 19 meet in Wrentham, with all five runners turning in solid performances.
“I love when that happens,” McKenzie said. “It took all five of them, and we knew it would. They are mentally tough, you can’t really discount that.”
McKenzie admitted that the TVL Showcase was “nerve wracking.”
“You know they are giving it everything they have, and you hope it’s enough,” she said. “And it was.”
The win in the showcase meet is part of a strong fall campaign for the Hillers. Hopkinton captured the TVL title by winning its first four dual meets of the season, checking off one of the team’s major preseason goals.
Stephen Leighton and Sean Finnegan placed first and second in the showcase and have been two of the Hillers’ top runners all fall. Darian Leo and Cam Arnold are two more returning standouts who have been in Hopkinton’s top five throughout the season.
McKenzie figured she would have a strong team with so much experience coming back.
“You never know what you are going to get, but I think my team is strong and they are racing well,” she said. “Whenever I can get them to stop looking at their watches and just race, it comes together.”
This year’s team blends experience with young talent. Hopkinton has three freshmen — Matt Fitzgibbons, Lucas Arnold and Jack Cooper — in its top 10. Cooper won the freshman race at the showcase meet, and Avi Ghosh, another strong runner, captured first in the JV race.
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
Hopkinton High School once
again was celebrated for its commitment to inclusion, Special Olympics and unified sports with its second National Banner recognition.
Unified basketball co-coach Jay Golden said the school learned about the award at the start of the year. The recognition is given out once every four years, and Hopkinton also was a winner in 2020.
“We are just beyond fortunate for the support we have across the board,” Golden said. “It starts at the top with our administration. We just have so many people who we can turn to for support, and they are always there to help us out when we need it.”
Hopkinton placed sixth in the state divisional meet last fall, and a top-seven performance would land the Hillers back in the all-state meet. McKenzie said the team has exceeded even her lofty expectations and has focused on improving throughout the year.
“They want it, they want to win and do the best they can,” she said. “It’s been a good season. It’s been fun. But we still have more to do.”
Along with fellow coach Chip Collins, Golden helped bring the Best Buddies program to the school. Best Buddies pairs students with special needs with other students in the school to help form connections and friendships. That program, and the overall inclusive spirit within the high school, was at the center of Hopkinton’s award.
“It emphasizes what a school district does, not only for unified sports but inclusion in areas outside of sports,” Golden said.
The recognition comes in the midst of a highly successful unified basketball season. The Hillers have eight athletes and nearly 30 partners on this year’s team. The athletes, students with physical or intellectual disabilities, are led by captains Kelsey Carlson, Tanush Vuda and John Murray.
“They have all been with our program for a number of years,” Golden said. “They are three veteran leaders for our athletes.”
The other athletes are Jenny Zhang, Landon Rockhold, Kartik Sharma, Avery Schact and Jack Ruran.
Hopkinton has three partner captains in senior Nolan Hwang and juniors Alyssa Budden and Ella Tedstone.
“All three have been involved in many facets
of our unified programming here at HHS over the years,” Golden said. “They are wonderful kids and great ambassadors for our program.”
After an overtime loss in its first game, Hopkinton rattled off four straight victories.
“The wins and losses are inconsequential,” Golden said. “It’s really 100% about giving the kids a great experience and helping them build connections and friendships.”
The team’s last few weeks are filled with exciting competition. In addition to four Tri-Valley League games to close out the season, Hopkinton is competing in a tournament at Natick and in the TriValley League Jamboree on Nov. 13 at Holliston. Each of the schools that have unified teams will meet at the Holliston field house for several shorter games.
Golden said Hopkinton is fortunate to field one of the largest unified teams in the league, a sign of the interest in the program and the support from partners, the school and the fans who show up to the games.
“Our players, our partners and athletes are just good kids,” Golden said. “We are just so fortunate to have such a great school and great students who want to reach out and make a difference.”
Hillers runners (from left) Avi Ghosh, Jack Heaton. Gavin Scott and Lucas Arnold race up the road at Hopkinton State Park during a recent meet.
Unified basketball player John Murray unveils the school’s new banner Oct. 15 with (from left) referee Scott Mackin, coach Jay Golden and coach Chip Collins.
Hillers girls XC ready for new challenge at states
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
After a season that saw the Hopkinton High School girls cross country team compete for a league title, the Hillers are aiming to score a high finish in the state divisional meet at a course that is unfamiliar to all except their coach.
“Our goal is to qualify for allstates,” said coach Jean Cann. “The top seven qualify, so we will be looking for one of those slots.”
Cann said a spot in the top seven, or even the top five, is within reach for a team that is deep and talented. Hopkinton will have to tackle a new course at Northfield.
“I have run that course in high school and in college,” Cann said. “It’s a challenging course, and some people get intimidated by the hills, but I think I have run it enough that I can give them some good tactics.”
If the Hillers are going to place high in the state divisional meet, Elyse Srodawa figures to lead the way after posting an undefeated mark in the dual meet season.
Fellow seniors Bridgid Cavanaugh and Malia Grant frequently have battled it out for the second and third spots in the Hopkinton rotation.
The Hillers also have Avery Sawyer, Chloe Tumbleton and Meagan Burdulis,
who often run in a pack and switch off as to who ends up pulling it out.
“It’s nice to have the three of them working together,” Cann said. “Whoever has the strongest kick at the end wins.”
Cann said she expected her team to have a strong season, and the Hillers scored a measure of revenge by beating Holliston during the dual meet season for the first time since 2019. The Panthers were a bit shorthanded for the meet, but Hopkinton swept the top three
Silva, the team’s starting goalkeeper, recorded 10 shutouts last year and has remained a shot-stopping presence in front of the net this fall. “Owen stands out for his diligence, positive attitude and constant striving to get better,” shared coach Garrett Sawyer. “He works hard every time he steps on the field to be the best goalkeeper he can be. … Based on his strong performance and character, he is a role model for his teammates.” Silva has committed to play for Emmanuel College next year.
Sponsored
Pedroli, who had a team-leading five touchdowns through six games, is listed as a wide receiver on the roster but has filled in all over the field. “Due to injuries, Nick has had to learn and take reps at nearly every offensive position throughout the last few weeks, a testament to his versatility, athletic ability and willingness to fill any role needed of him by the team,” coach Mark Sanborn shared. A captain for the HHS baseball team, Pedroli plans to play baseball at Bentley University next year.
spots and won easily, and Cann said the Hillers likely would have taken the meet even if Holliston was at full strength.
Norwood and Ashland were stronger teams this fall compared to past years, but the Hillers handled them as well as a Dedham team that is new to the TriValley League Large School Division.
In addition to the strong dual meet campaign, Hopkinton placed second in
said. “We also have a lot of freshmen, which is nice because we did not have as many last year.”
In addition to trying to secure a top finish in the divisional meet and a spot at all-states, Cann is hoping the team will be able to crack the top 20 or even the top 15 if it gets to the final meet of the year. No matter how the season comes to an end, the coach has been pleased
HHS Athlete Spotlight
Owen Silva Boys soccer Senior
Nick Pedroli Football Senior
Laura Wauters REALTOR®
Runners from Hopkinton and Ashland take off at the start of a recent meet at Hopkinton State Park.
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
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.
Trail Volunteer Day at Center Trail Nov. 2
The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.noon. The next workday is Nov. 2 at the Center Trail’s Chamberlain extension. Volunteers will do trail clearing. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
Trails Club Monthly Meeting Nov. 13
The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month to plan activities and discuss trails-related matters. The meetings are open to all, and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
SACH ClamJam Diwali Gala at HCA Nov. 16
The South Asian Circle of Hopkinton presents ClamJam Diwali Gala at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Bollywood and bhangra. Program partners are Boston Bhangra and the Hopkinton High School South Asian Affinity Group. The event is cosponsored by the Mass Cultural Council. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit southasiancircleofhopkinton.org.
Trails Club Walk at Elmwood Farm Nov. 17
The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a group walk at Elmwood Farm on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. This is a neat area at the south end of a trail system that runs all the way up to Center School. There is limited parking at the farm (on Ash Street) and additional parking along the road on Blueberry Lane. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll Dec. 7
The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll is Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. People will race between businesses to get their Holiday Stroll passports stamped in order to be entered into one of 10 drawings for $300 each. Businesses will share holiday cheer with raffles and goodies like hot cider, coffee and chocolates or offer special deals and discounts. The event will culminate with Santa arriving by fire truck to the Town Common as well as holiday songs and the town tree lighting. For more information, visit hopchamber.com/holidaystrollcurrent.
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.
1 @ 8 p.m.
Calling all singers (and people who love to listen to people sing)! Open Mic is an excellent way for singers to put themselves in front of a very supportive and fun crowd and to learn by watching other singers. Our host, Sharon Broadley-Martin, is an associate professor in the Contemporary Writing and Production Department at Berklee College of Music. She is also an accomplished composer, arranger, and vocalist with numerous publications, performances, and recordings. Sharon is also the director of HCA’s community chorus, the Treblemakers, and a cappella group, Harmony.
An Evening with Garden of Hedon and Special Musical Guests Nov. 2 @ 7 p.m.
Garden of Hedon is vintage-style psychedelic blues rock with just a shot of punk rock attitude. The Stones’ swagger meets The Beatles’ sophistication, combined with Led Zeppelin’s power and the eclectic weirdness of early Bowie. See what’s growing in the Garden of Hedon! Special musical guests will be joining Garden of Hedon through out the night!
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, and on X, @ HopkintonPLMA.
Schedule Update
The library will be closed Saturday, Nov. 9, through Monday, Nov. 11, for the Veterans Day holiday and Thursday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 1, for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Sign Language
Residents who want to learn American Sign Language now have access to the library’s new offering, ASLDeafined. More information is available at the library’s resources page at hopkintonlibrary.org.
Monthly Music & Movement
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
This month’s children’s concert, supported by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, is with musician Stacey Peasley. It’s recommended for ages 0-5.
Trick or Treating at the Library
Thursday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Those who wear a costume will get a treat at each of the service desks throughout the library. Kids also can get their picture taken with the Mermaid Princess and the Spider Hero, who will visit the library from 4:30-6 p.m.
Friends Fundraiser: Photography Mini-Sessions
Saturdays, Nov. 2 and 9, and Sundays, Nov. 3 and 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
A 20-minute photo session can be booked, with the proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library. More information and available time slots can be found at hopkintonlibraryfriends.org.
Coffeehouse with Singer/ Songwriter Matt York
Saturday, Nov. 2, 1-4 p.m.
ESL Youth Production: We Are Monsters | Nov. 8 @ 7 p.m. Nov. 9 & 10 @ 3 p.m.
This hilarious musical follows human kids into a monster cabaret filled with quirky monster characters. The adventurous humans uncover vegetarian vampires and rock’ n’ roll werewolves, gradually realizing there may be more to these monsters than meets the eye! Most importantly, these monsters and kids discover the importance of friendship and celebrating the attributes that make us different and unique.
Age & Ementia Friendly Event
Senior Smilez | Nov. 17 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled hour of live theater performed by the Senior Smilez Theater Troupe. You’ll enjoy seeing four different original plays. This is a free event supported partly by a grant from the Hopkinton Cultural Council, a local agency that the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, supports.
AN HCA
Matt York will perform songs and tell stories about the great Willie Nelson, whose long and illustrious music career has spanned more than seven decades. In both 2022 and 2023, York was nominated for the Boston Music Award for Best Country Artist, and last year, his album “Gently Used” was named one of the top
albums by Worcester Magazine. Light refreshments will be served before the performance.
DCF Adoption Table
Sunday, Nov. 3, noon-4 p.m.
Individuals can learn about the importance of fostering and adopting from the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families. Staff members from the DCF will be available to answer questions, provide guidance and explain navigating the fostering and adoption systems.
Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga Classes
Monday, Nov. 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The traditional style of beginner and intermediate yoga is open to ages 18 and older. No prior yoga experience is needed. Classes will include asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), dhyana (meditation) and yoga nidra (relaxation techniques).
The Genealogist Is In
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2-3:30 p.m.
Attendees can join other amateur family historians in a casual atmosphere to share resources and brainstorm ideas for further investigation. Librarian Allison Keaney will be available to help with research, whether someone is just starting out or needs help knocking down a brick wall. Registration is not required.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1-6 p.m.
Registration can be found at rcblood. org/3AmuYsP.
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Narcan, the brand name of the generic drug naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. This free training from the Hopkinton Health Department will provide participants with brief instruction on how to recognize an opioid overdose, when and how to use Narcan, and a free kit to take home.
Women and Money Round Table
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 1-2 p.m. In this virtual program, individuals will learn all about today’s financial markets from two women who watch it closely: financial advisors Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone.
First Friday Open Mic with host Sharon Broadley-Martin | Nov.
Event Calendar Sponsored by HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
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.
John George
John K. George Jr., 77, died suddenly on Oct. 8. He was the husband of Kathleen M. (McCarthy) George, to whom he was married for 54 years. Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late John K. George Sr. and Eileen (Carpenter) George.
He graduated from Alfred G Berner High School in 1965 and earned his Bachelor’s of Science in electrical engineering at Northeastern University and his master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He worked as an electrical engineer for R.W. Beck and New England Electric for 30-plus years and ran his own consulting company, J.K. George & Associates, for 15-plus years.
He was a lifelong woodworker and served as treasurer for the Eastern Massachusetts Guild of Woodworkers. He enjoyed spending time with his family and coached Little League Baseball in Hopkinton for close to 10 years. He was also a staple in his wife’s third grade classroom at Elmwood School as a math tutor/guru.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Bryan of West Hartford, Connecticut, and Christopher of Alpharetta, Georgia; his grandchildren, Natalie, Nick and Nora; and his sister, Judith Bowman of Todd, North Carolina.
Memorial Visitation will take place Friday, Nov. 8, from 2-4 p.m. at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, Hopkinton.
Donations may be made to the Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
James Jordan
James J. Jordan, 87, of Hopkinton passed away Oct. 13. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Eleanor (Viennese) and James Jordan. He was the husband of 51 years to Christine (Collins) Jordan of Hopkinton.
Raised between Harvard and Central Square, Jim was a true Cambridge native. It was a place that shaped his love for life and joy of adventure. Jim was known for his sense of humor and his remarkable ability to find laughter in even the smallest moments. He cherished long car rides with no destination in mind, exploring the hidden corners of New England and finding beauty in winding back roads. Jim enjoyed reading and being outdoors, whether camping or just going for a walk. Nothing brought more joy to him than watching a good soccer match, especially when his kids were playing. Above all, Jim’s heart belonged to his family and friends. He was never happier than when surrounded by those he loved.
In addition to his wife, James is survived by his children, Kim Jordan (Marwan Sarwan) of Escondido, California, Lisa Jordan (Noel Madarang) of San Diego, Matt Jordan of Milford, New Hampshire, and Cara Fortin (Daniel) of Reading. He also leaves behind his siblings, Gary Jordan (Linda), Gail Howe (Steve), Wayne Jordan (Linda) — all of Missouri — and Cheryl Jordan (James
Cain) of Manchester, New Hampshire; his brotherin-law, Harry Hunt; five grandchildren and one step-grandchild. He is predeceased by son James Jordan, sisters Donna Tutein and Lynne Hunt, and his best friend, Ed Perkins.
Visitation was held Oct. 20 at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, with a brief prayer service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org).
Esther McKenzie
Esther G. McKenzie (Brown), 90, of Hopkinton passed away, peacefully, while surrounded by her family on Oct. 15. She was the daughter of the late Esther (Gibbs) and Ralph Brown. She was the beloved wife of the late Emery A. McKenzie. Esther graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1952. She enjoyed cooking for her family, gardening and bowling. She loved spending time with her husband and being a mother to her children, a grandmother to her grandchildren, and an aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by sons James and Thomas and son-in-law Frank, along with three brothers and two sisters. She is survived by children Sharon, Kim, Dianne (and Mark), Denise, Rob (and Annie), Bill and Patti (and Matt), as well as nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, sister Adelaide and sisters-in-law Irene and Helene.
A service was held Oct. 18 at Chesmore Funeral Home, Hopkinton, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Woodville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Esther’s giving nature to Project Just Because (projectjustbecause.org), 77 South Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748, or to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.
Philip Mercurio
Philip Joseph Mercurio Jr., 90, of Hopkinton passed away Oct. 20. He was born in Quincy, the son of Philip and Rose Mercurio. He graduated from Quincy High School in 1951 and went on to Northeastern University to earn a B.S. in electrical engineering in 1954. He started work at General Electric, then transitioned to Raytheon, where he worked for over 30 years.
Philip married Brenda Oakes on Oct. 12, 1963 in Pittsfield. They were married for 37 years before she passed away from cancer.
He was active in the Knights of Columbus and Sons of Italy.
Philip grew up by the ocean, and fishing was a lifelong passion. He was an avid and talented painter whose works fill the walls of friends and family. He was a scuba diver, fisherman, golfer and chess master. In his retirement, he spent hours walking around downtown Hopkinton and the State Park.
He was predeceased by his sister, Rose Marie Mercurio, a member of the Missionary Servants of the Blessed Trinity.
He is survived by his children, Debra Mercurio of Marlboro, Michelle Gray and husband Shawn of Clinton, and Michael Mercurio and wife Maura of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; and his grandchildren, Lilith Mercurio, Zachary Gray and wife Rachel, Mathew Gray and Francis Asher Mercurio.
Funeral services were held Oct. 26 at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home in Hopkinton.
57 Hayden Rowe Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-435-6444
854 Washington Street Holliston, MA 01746 508-429-2391
police log
ARRESTS
Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s new policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.
October 10
2:33 a.m. A motorist reported an unresponsive male in a running vehicle on Legacy Farms North Road. Sgt. Matthew McNeil and Officer Nicholas Walker responded. The vehicle struck the police cruiser. A 40-year-old Northbridge resident was arrested and charged with OUI liquor and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
October 13
6:47 p.m. A motorist on Wood Street reported a male side-swiped her vehicle and was trying to take off. The caller was screaming and beeping at him while on 911. Sgt. Matthew McNeil, Sgt. William Burchard and Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded and caught up with the suspect. A 27-year-old Westborough resident was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of property damage, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor.
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.
October 8
1:41 p.m. A caller reported a possibly abandoned vehicle in a Hayward Street parking lot for a few weeks. Sgt. William Burchard checked on the vehicle, found it secure and was to contact its owner.
4:07 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle was stuck behind a school bus while several children were taking their time getting off the bus. The driver of the vehicle grew impatient and honked aggressively, startling the children and parents. Officer Justin Cappuccio spoke with the reporting person.
5:21 p.m. A West Elm Street resident reported someone stole a sign from her lawn. She stated about 10 other signs were stolen from the area. The signs indicated a protest of the proposed gas station on School Street and West Main Street. She was advised to call back if more signs were stolen, and the incident was logged.
8:49 p.m. A caller reported a male was yelling “Help, help!” and flailing his arms on West Main Street. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil
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responded and located the individual, who ran out of gas and was trying to get assistance. AAA responded with a tow truck, and Sgt. O’Neil provided a courtesy transport.
October 9
9:05 a.m. Multiple callers reported a vehicle struck a parked landscaping truck on Ash Street. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Noah Buentello responded and requested a tow truck. A crash report was taken.
9:36 a.m. Officer Brian Ziniti found a tree limb leaning on primary wires on Saddle Hill Road and notified Eversource.
2:43 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti responded along with the Fire Department to a report of an inside odor of natural gas at a Chamberlain Street residence.
3:04 p.m. An Old Elm Way resident reported an attempted breaking and entering. The suspect was described as a female in a pink sweatshirt, jeans and white shoes. Multiple officers responded to investigate and took a report.
October 10
5:55 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell on Hill Street across the roadway. Officer Sean McKeon responded and moved most of the tree. The DPW was contacted to bring chainsaws.
7:35 a.m. A North Mill Street caller reported her husband’s vehicle was stolen the previous night and a firearm was inside it. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and took a report. OnStar tracked the vehicle to Worcester, and the Worcester Police Department was notified.
7:50 a.m. Officer Brian Ziniti found a dog in the middle of the roadway on Winter Street and returned it to its owner.
8:58 a.m. A Pendulum Pass caller reported multiple car break-ins in the area. 10:06 a.m. A Cole Drive resident reported a possible break-in from a few nights earlier. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and took a report of breaking and entering. 11:43 a.m. A Sterling Drive caller reported her car was broken into and wanted an officer to respond to her home because she was worried someone might be inside her house. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and took a report.
2:00 p.m. A caller reported his vehicle was hit on South Street, and the other vehicle did not stop. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and took a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident report.
4:24 p.m. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Justin Cappuccio responded to a motor vehicle accident on Legacy Farms North Road involving two cars. No personal injuries were reported.
7:19 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio checked on a vehicle on the side of the roadway on Wood Street and found the driver taking pictures of the sky. All was OK.
9:26 p.m. A Revolutionary Way caller reported his neighbor threatened to shoot him because he knocked on the wall to ask him to be quiet. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Justin Cappuccio responded, spoke to both parties and resolved the situation.
October 11
3:57 p.m. A Patriots Boulevard caller reported someone stole a bike from his garage. He wanted the incident logged. 4:59 p.m. A Main Street caller reported vandalism in her yard. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Justin Cappuccio responded and took a report.
5:12 p.m. A motorist reported a school bus that was speeding on Winter Street ran him off the road and knocked the side
mirror off his vehicle. It occurred about an hour earlier, and he wanted it logged.
5:23 p.m. A caller reported a green motorcycle crossed the double yellow line on South Street and passed three vehicles. Officers were advised to be on the lookout for the motorcycle.
5:26 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil responded to a motor vehicle accident on Lumber Street involving two cars. No personal injuries were reported.
October 12
2:00 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported a political sign was stolen from his yard. Officer Noah Buentello responded and took a report.
6:40 p.m. A caller who was walking her dog outside on Constitution Court reported hearing a female screaming for help. Sgt. William Burchard, Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and checked the area with a negative find.
8:49 p.m. Sgt. William Burchard checked on a vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street and found three juveniles who had been playing soccer. They were moved along.
October 13
2:00 p.m. A concerned caller reported a vehicle exited Interstate 495 and headed to West Main Street, and a child was not strapped into the car seat. Someone was holding the child up to the window. Officers Augusto Diaz and Noah Buentello responded and checked the area up to the town line with a negative find.
2:37 p.m. Officers Augusto Diaz and Noah Buentello assisted the Milford Police Department, which was in pursuit of a vehicle with stolen plates. Officers checked Hayden Rowe Street up to the town line with a negative find.
7:14 p.m. A Wild Road resident reported someone drove onto her lawn and ran over her political sign. Officer Matthew LaTour spoke to the caller about the vandalism.
7:34 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Elm Street.
8:50 p.m. A Norcross Drive resident reported someone damaged his mailbox. Sgt. Matthew McNeil responded, and it was determined that a DoorDash driver caused the damage. A report was taken.
October 14
8:38 a.m. A caller reported several 5-gallon paint buckets in the roadway on School Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and checked the area with a negative find.
4:22 p.m. A caller reported he believed he gave a scam website his name, date of birth, passport number and license number. He wanted the incident logged.
October 15
1:13 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield reported construction equipment on Chamberlain Street was vandalized. He was to check the area for possible security cameras.
1:32 p.m. A walk-in reported embezzlement and fraud. Sgt. Matthew McNeil assisted and took a report.
7:03 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil found a fallen tree on Lumber Street and moved it to the side of the road.
9:16 p.m. A motorist reported an erratic operator all over the road on Elm Street. Officers Matthew LaTour and Justin Cappuccio responded, observed and checked on the driver. All was OK.
October 16
4:19 a.m. An employee at a West Main Street business reported a package was stolen from his vehicle some time after 11 p.m. the previous night. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and took a report.
5:28 a.m. An employee at a West Main Street business reported his wallet was stolen from his vehicle. Sgt. Shannon Beloin responded and reported the vehicle had signs of forced entry. Sgt. Gregg DeBoer processed
the evidence.
9:36 a.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro reported a missing Apple Watch on Hayden Rowe Street.
2:53 p.m. A caller reported receiving a scam email purporting to be from Fidelity asking for her personal information in order to unblock her account. She provided some information before realizing it was a scam, but no money was lost. She wanted the incident logged.
10:15 p.m. A female was seen on camera stealing traffic cones at the Town Common. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officer Nicholas Saletnik caught up with the vehicle, issued her a citation and advised her not to take town property.
October 17
3:46 a.m. Officer Sean McKeon recovered a chicken on Legacy Farms North and relocated it to Baypath Humane Society for the night.
7:23 a.m. A caller reported a person trapped in a vehicle on Claflin Avenue with live wires on top. Officers Nicholas Walker and Brian Ziniti responded along with Eversource. The individual was safely removed from the vehicle.
8:41 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on West Main Street and took a report.
4:39 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil reported a low-hanging wire on Kruger Road.
5:28 p.m. Officer Augusto Diaz responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Cedar Street and took a report.
6:06 p.m. A caller reported a man, 60-70 years old, in need of help was exiting 1 Lumber Street. He headed toward the Windsor apartments. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and checked the area with a negative find.
6:38 p.m. A Chamberlain Street resident reported a monitor missing from the house. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil responded and took a report of stolen property.
October 18
1:18 p.m. An ambulance driver on East Main Street reported an erratic operator behind him. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and caught up with the vehicle just over the town line and in Ashland. The operator was issued a verbal warning for following too closely to an emergency vehicle.
2:09 p.m. The manager of a Main Street store waved down Officer Augusto Diaz and asked him to keep a presence in the store for a while. Officer Diaz stood by and assisted.
3:00 p.m. The owner of a Main Street business reported unwanted youths loitering on the premises. Officer Matthew LaTour and Sgt. Arthur Schofield checked the area, and the youths were gone upon their arrival.
5:21 p.m. A caller reported an owl stuck in a net on Michael Way. Sgt. William Burchard responded and reported it was a red tail hawk stuck in the net. The hawk was able to escape and fly away.
8:10 p.m. A librarian who left her phone and wallet inside the library requested an officer to stand by while she entered the library. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and assisted.
October 19
10:25 a.m. A caller reported Sunrun solicitors, and they had been suspended in Hopkinton. Officer Noah Buentello responded and advised the solicitor about not soliciting in town.
2:30 p.m. A caller reported a possible water main break on Thayer Heights Road. The on-call Water Department personnel was contacted.
4:09 p.m. A walk-in reported he lost his blue Samsung phone somewhere between Hop-Yo and the library on Main Street. The incident was logged.
4:54 p.m. A Wood Street resident reported a suspicious male was lying down on her property. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Justin Cappuccio and Matthew LaTour responded and checked the area with a negative find.
8:26 p.m. A caller complained of a group of teen drivers speeding and driving around the Fruit Street area erratically. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and checked the area with a negative find.
9:30 p.m. A Greenwood Road caller reported the past few weekends there were groups of teens gathered in the parking lot of Emerald Field after dark. The caller believes they were drinking. Officers Matthew LaTour and Justin Cappuccio and Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded and found four secured vehicles in the parking lot and no youths around.
October 20
3:09 p.m. A caller reported a disturbance on the boat ramp on Wood Street. A person was harassing and videoing him. Officers Matthew LaTour and Justin Cappuccio responded, and the man who was recording left prior to their arrival.
5:39 p.m. A caller reported her son was punched in the stomach at the Fruit Street fields, and she wanted a police report. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report.
7:00 p.m. A caller requested to speak to an officer about people trespassing on her property. Officers Matthew LaTour and Justin Cappuccio responded and took a report.
October 21
10:17 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle crash on Woodview Way. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Noah Buentello responded and took a report.
10:32 a.m. A caller reported a loose dog on Cedar Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded along with the animal control officer, and the dog was returned to its owner.
12:23 p.m. A caller complained of a bicyclist acting erratically and cutting off vehicles on Cedar Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded, located the individual and spoke with him about operation and behavior.
3:46 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officers Matthew LaTour and Justin Cappuccio responded to Gassett Road for a motor vehicle crash. No personal injuries were reported.
9:49 p.m. A Hayward Street resident reported the water in his house was brown. The incident was logged.
